bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience in IVIg Therapy for Selected Women with Recurrent Reproductive Failure and NK Cell Expansion
Authors: Ramos‐Medina Rocio , García‐Segovia Aurea , Gil Juana , Carbone Javier , Aguarón de la Cruz Angel , Seyfferth Ansgar , Alonso Bárbara , Alonso Jorge , León Juan A. , Alecsandru Diana , Meliá Elena , Carrillo de Albornoz Elena , Ordoñez Daniel , Santillán Isabel , Verdú Victoria , Garcia Ruiz de Morales Jose Maria , López‐Hoyos Marcos , López Larios Arturo , Sampalo Almudena , Caballero Pedro , Ortiz Quintana Luis , Fernández‐Cruz Eduardo , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia 
Published: March 2014

ProblemRecurrent reproductive failure (RRF) has been associated with expansion of circulating NK cells, key cells for maternal tolerance, decidual vasculogenesis and embryo growth. This study reports our experience in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy of a large cohort of women with RRF with expanded circulating NK and/or NKT‐like cells (blood NKT cells are a heterogeneous subset of T cells that share properties of both T cells and NK cells).Method of studyObservational study of RRF women with NK or NKT‐like expansion (>12% or 10% cutoff levels of total lymphocytes, respectively), treated with IVIg for the next gestation.ResultsBy multivariant logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, NK cells subsets and other therapies, IVIg significantly improved the live birth rate to 96.3% in women with recurrent miscarriage (RM) compared with 30.6% in case not receiving IVIg (P < 0.0001). In women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), in comparison with women not receiving IVIg, treatment increased the pregnancy rate from 26.2 to 93.8% (P ≤ 0.0001) and the live birth rate from 17.9 to 80.0% in RIF (P ≤ 0.0001).ConclusionsImmunomodulation with IVIg in our selected group of RRF patients with immunologic alterations enhanced clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Our results may facilitate the design of future clinical trials of IVIg in this pathology.
Enhanced glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper in dendritic cells induces allergen‐specific regulatory CD4+T‐cells in respiratory allergies
Authors: Karaki S. , Garcia G. , Tcherakian C. , Capel F. , Tran T. , Pallardy M. , Humbert M. , Emilie D. , Godot V. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory allergies rely on a defect of IL‐10‐secreting regulatory CD4+T‐cells (IL‐10‐Tregs) leading to excessive Th2‐biased immune responses to allergens. According to clinical data, the restoration of allergen‐specific IL‐10‐Tregs is required to control respiratory allergies and cure patients. The discovery of mechanisms involved in the generation of IL‐10‐Tregs will thus help to provide effective treatments. We previously demonstrated that dendritic cells (DCs) expressing high levels of the glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper protein (GILZ) generate antigen‐specific IL‐10‐Tregs.ObjectiveWe suspect a defective expression of GILZ in the DCs of respiratory allergic patients and speculate that increasing its expression might restore immune tolerance against allergens through the induction of IL‐10‐Tregs.MethodsWe assessed GILZ expression in blood DCs of patients and healthy nonallergic donors by qPCR. We compared the ability of patients' DCs to induce allergen‐specific IL‐10‐Tregs before and after an in vivo up‐regulation of GILZ expression by steroid administration, steroids being inducers of GILZ.ResultsWe report lower levels of GILZ in DCs of respiratory allergic patients that return to normal levels after steroid administration. We show that patients' DCs with increased levels of GILZ generate allergen‐specific IL‐10‐Tregs again. We further confirm unequivocally that GILZ is required in patients' DCs to activate these IL‐10‐Tregs.ConclusionThis proof of concept study shows that the re‐establishment of GILZ expression in patients' DCs to normal levels restores their capacity to activate allergen‐specific IL‐10‐Tregs. We thus highlight the up‐regulation of GILZ in DCs as a new interventional approach to restore the immune tolerance to allergens.
Normative visual acuity in infants and preschool‐aged children inSydney
Authors: Leone Jody F. , Mitchell Paul , Kifley Annette , Rose Kathryn A. ,   Sydney Childhood Eye Studies
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposeTo provide population‐based normative visual acuity (VA) by age, in children participating in theSydneyPaediatricEyeDiseaseStudy aged 6 to <72 months.MethodsMonocularVAwas measured using the Amblyopia Treatment Study (ATS HOTV) protocol (24 to <72 months). Some children were also tested using linearETDRSorHOTVlogMAR VAcharts (30 to <72 months). If unable to perform recognition acuity, the Teller Acuity CardsII(TAC II) was performed (6 to <42 months). Children with significant refractive error or ocular disease were excluded.ResultsImprovement inVAwith age was shown on all three vision tests (all p < 0.0001). MeanVAusingATS HOTV(n = 836) was 0.13 logMAR(6/8) at <36 months, which improved to −0.01 (6/6) at 66 to <72 months. MeanETDRS/HOTV(n = 399)VAwas 0.26 logMAR(6/11) at <36 months, which improved to 0.1 (6/7.5) at 66 to <72 months. Mean monocularTAC II(n = 442) was 5.7 cycles/degree (0.72 logMAR) at 6 to <9 months and improved to 12.4 cycles/degree (0.38 logMAR) at age 30 to <33 months. Associations withATS HOTV VAincluded prematurity (p = 0.027) and socio economic status (SES) factors such as home ownership (p = 0.039) and employment of one (p = 0.019) or both parents (p = 0.003).ConclusionsVAnorms in children improved with age and were different according to theVAtest used. LowSESwas associated with poorerVA, supporting the need for test specificVAnorms to be established for different populations. TheATS HOTVappears to be the best test to use for vision screening due to its lower false positive referral rate.
Pure laparoscopic right‐sided hepatectomy in the semi‐prone position for synchronous colorectal cancer with liver metastases
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Oki Eiji , Ando Koji , Kimura Yasue , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Saeki Hiroshi , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Watanabe Masayuki , Morita Masaru , Shirabe Ken , Kusumoto Tetsuya , Ikeda Tetsuo , Baba Hideo , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionSimultaneous resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCRLM) has been found to be safe and effective. However, pure laparoscopic simultaneous resection (PULSAR) for primary colorectal cancer and SCRLM is usually difficult, especially in the right lobe of the liver. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of PULSAR for patients with primary colorectal cancer and SCRLM.MethodsFrom January 2008 to December 2012, a total of 10 patients (9 men and 1woman; mean age, 64 years) underwent PULSAR for a primary tumor and SCRLM.ResultsSeven patients (70%) with lesions in the right lobe (segments 6, 7, and 8) successfully underwent resection with a pure laparoscopic procedure while in the left semi‐prone position. No patient was converted to conventional open surgery. The mean operative duration, volume of bleeding, and postoperative hospital stay were 606 ± 46 min, 585 ± 145 mL, and 18 ± 3.5 days, respectively. Although a liver abscess developed in one patient, no colonic complications or perioperative death occurred.ConclusionPULSAR for primary colorectal cancer and SCRLM is a feasible multidisciplinary treatment. Moreover, PULSAR can be safely and effectively performed with the patient in the semi‐prone position, even when SCRLM exists in the right lobe of the liver.
Innovations in Practice: ‘Go‐to’ Educator Training on the mental health competencies of educators in the secondary school setting: a program evaluation
Authors: Wei Yifeng , Kutcher Stan 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundEducators can play an important role in early identification and triage of youth with mental disorders. This paper reports findings of a program evaluation of the ‘Go‐To’ Educator Training in a secondary school setting.MethodsPre‐ and posttests were administered.ResultsParticipant mean scores on mental health competencies changed from 12 (40%) (standard deviation [SD] = 4.3) pretraining to 21 (70%) (SD = 3.3) posttraining, t(119) = 25.6, p < .0001, d = 2.3. Participant attitude mean scores improved from 49.9 (SD = 4.6) pretraining, to 51.5 (SD = 4.2), t(115) = 4.3, p < .0001, d = 0.36.ConclusionsThis training is a useful intervention to help educators identify youth with mental disorders and link them to appropriate services.
Physical inactivity as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy? A review
Authors: Dirani Mohamed , Crowston Jonathan G , van Wijngaarden Peter 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPhysical inactivity and sedentary behaviour have been identified as modifiable risk factors for diabetes. However, little is known of the associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and diabetic retinopathy. The development of diabetic retinopathy is associated with longer duration of diabetes, elevated blood pressure and poor glycaemic control. However these factors only explain a proportion of the risk of retinopathy in individuals with diabetes. Several studies have suggested a protective role for physical activity in diabetic retinopathy. Other work has shown that the time spent watching television is independently associated with abnormal retinal vascular signs. Limitations of the existing studies, such as the absence of objective measures of physical activity, a lack of sedentary behaviour measures, the inclusion of only those with type 1 diabetes and a lack of longitudinal data, make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the strength of these associations.
Physicochemical investigation and spectral properties of Sunset Yellow dye in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide micellar solution under different pH conditions
Authors: Nazar Muhammad F , Murtaza Shahzad 
Published: March 2014

To mimic binding to biological membranes, the extent of interaction of the efficient food dye Sunset Yellow with a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, was probed by quantifying its absorption and fluorescence emission spectra as a function of premicellar to post‐micellar surfactant concentration. The characteristics of the partition behaviour and spectral‐luminescent properties of Sunset Yellow–surfactant have been evaluated qualitatively as well as quantitatively for various cetyltrimethylammonium bromide concentrations. With the help of mathematical models, the water–micelle partition coefficient, the Sunset Yellow–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide binding constant, the binding capacity, and the degree of counterion binding were calculated at 25 °C under various pH conditions. The solubilisation of Sunset Yellow is also discussed from the thermodynamics viewpoint by considering the standard free energy change of dye solubilisation and the Sunset Yellow–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide binding energy. The high values of all these interactions indicate that the dye, being organic in nature, is partitioned largely from the aqueous environment to the palisade layer of the micelle. The solubilisation of the dye is enhanced by switching the pH to suppress the self‐aggregation of dye molecules. Combined with electrostatic forces, the hydrophobic interactions also play a promising role in the solubilisation of Sunset Yellow in the outer core of the micellar interior.
Allergens, germs and asthma
Authors: Scadding Glenis Kathleen 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo explore asthma pathogenesis using data from upper and lower airways.Data SourceEnglish‐language papers on human asthma and nasal polyp subjects from 1990 onwards.Study SelectionHigh‐quality studies in established journals.ResultsThe recognition of its inflammatory nature led to a quantum leap in the understanding and treatment of asthma, with lives saved by inhaled corticosteroids. Further work at genetic, molecular, histological and clinical levels has shown that asthma is polymorphic and rarely involves isolated Th2 bronchial inflammation.Viral infections may act as an initiating event in children and adults, showing synergy with atopy. Chronic staphylococcal colonization of the mucosa may act as a promoter, as in atopic dermatitis. These two observations may be linked, with viruses providing an entry for bacteria into the mucosal epithelium.ConclusionsMost asthma begins in the nose and involves allergy and infection: both viral and bacterial. The combination of atopy and infection suggests new possibilities for therapy.
Species responses of colonising beetles to variation in patch quality, number, and context in experimental aquatic landscapes
Authors: RESETARITS WILLIAM J. , BINCKLEY CHRISTOPHER A. 
Published: March 2014

Increased diversity with increasing habitat area is a well‐established ecological pattern. However, habitat selection theory suggests that patch quality rivals area in determining rates of colonisation and resulting community structure.
Colonisation by natural populations of aquatic beetles was quantified along gradients of increasing patch number and patch quality. Four circular experimental landscapes, each containing six unique locality types (combinations of number and type of patch), were established using 84 cattle tanks (volume 1000 litres) as patches. Patch quality varied in terms of the presence/absence and spatial proximity of predatory fish, and patch number varied from one to eight patches in each locality.
Patch quality significantly affected the colonisation rate of most aquatic beetle species in both major families (Dyticidae and Hydrophilidae), as species avoided patches containing fish and also showed spatial contagion of predation risk by avoiding fishless patches in close proximity to these predators. Effects of patch number were passive, resulting in linear increases in abundance, with rates highly dependent on patch quality.
Patch quality may equal or exceed landscape characteristics such as patch number in determining colonisation rate and abundance of colonising beetles, and in generating resulting patterns of species diversity.
Optimal foraging by an aphid parasitoid affects the outcome of apparent competition
Authors: PRADO SARA G. , FRANK STEVEN 
Published: March 2014

Apparent competition is an indirect, negative interaction occurring between two or more host species, mediated by a shared parasitoid. Host species' population growth rates, parasitoid attack rates, and parasitoid population size can mediate the outcomes of apparent competition. It has also been suggested that optimal foraging by a natural enemy can influence the outcome of apparent competition, resulting in increased suppression of the optimal host.
While this has been shown in theory, to date no studies have empirically tested the link between parasitoid optimal foraging behaviour and the outcome of apparent competition.
The present study examined how optimal foraging behaviour influences the outcome of apparent competition in an aphid banker plant system. First, Aphidius colemani Viereck's preference for Myzus persicae Sulzer or Rhopalosiphum padi L., the non‐pest host on the banker plant, was examined, and then the difference in M. persicae suppression in the presence and absence of R. padi was assessed.
It was found that optimal foraging behaviour led female A. colemani to prefer M. persicae over R. padi, due to increased offspring survival and female size. Consequently, optimally foraging A. colemani parasitised significantly more M. persicae in the presence of both aphid hosts than in the presence of M. persicae alone.
Understanding the interaction between optimal foraging and apparent competition has important implications for biological control of arthropod pests and could help to predict the outcome of biological control programmes.
Oxygenation, oxygen delivery and anaesthesia in the horse
Authors: Hubbell J. A. E. , Muir W. W. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryHorses are the most difficult of the common companion animals to anaesthetise. Hypoxaemia or inadequate oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues during anaesthesia would seem a potential cause of increased mortality, but no direct link has been established. A number of methods of increasing oxygenation and oxygen delivery have been reported, with varying results and potential applicability. The purpose of this article is to review the literature with regard to oxygenation, oxygen delivery and methods to improve each and to make recommendations for clinical application.
Human skin engages different epidermal layers to provide distinct innate defense mechanisms
Authors: Simanski Maren , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen 
Published: March 2014

AbstractKeratinocytes are able to sense bacteria or bacterial products leading to a rapid defense reaction by the increased expression of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines. Recent data by Percoco and collaborators published in Experimental Dermatology indicate that bacteria colonizing the skin surface induce a differential spatial expression pattern of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines. Using laser capture microdissection followed by real‐time PCR as well as immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy, the authors provide evidence that antimicrobial peptides such as human beta‐defensin (hBD)‐2 and ‐3 were more strongly induced in the uppermost epidermal layers, whereas the main induction of cytokines such as IL‐1beta and IL‐6 occurred in the lower parts of the epidermis.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 haplodeficiency impairs social behavior in mice
Authors: Sandhu K. V. , Lang D. , Müller B. , Nullmeier S. , Yanagawa Y. , Schwegler H. , Stork O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractReduced glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67 expression may be causally involved in the development of social withdrawal in neuropsychiatric states such as autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In this study, we report disturbance of social behavior in male GAD67 haplodeficient mice. GAD67+/− mice, compared to GAD67+/+ littermates, show reduced sociability and decreased intermale aggression, but normal nest building and urine marking behavior, as well as unchanged locomotor activity and anxiety‐like behavior. Moreover, the mutants display a reduced sensitivity to both social and non‐social odors, indicating a disturbance in the detection and/or processing of socially relevant olfactory stimuli. Indeed, we observed reduced activation of the lateral septum, medial preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial and cortical amygdala upon exposure of GAD67+/− mice to social interaction paradigm, as indicated by c‐Fos immunohistochemistry. These data suggest a disturbance of stimulus processing in the brain circuitry controlling social behavior in GAD67+/− mice, which may provide a useful model for studying the impact of a reduced GAD67 expression on alterations of social behavior related to neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Influence of Streambed Heterogeneity on Hyporheic Flow in Gravelly Rivers
Authors: Zhou YaoQuan , Ritzi Robert W. , Soltanian Mohamad Reza , Dominic David F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDeposits of open‐framework gravel occurring in gravelly streambeds can exert a significant influence on hyporheic flow. The influence was quantified using a numerical model of the hyporheic zone. The model included open‐framework gravel stratasets represented with commonly observed characteristics including a volume fraction of about one‐third of the streambed sediment, a hydraulic conductivity two orders of magnitude greater than other strata present, and a spatial connectivity forming preferential‐flow pathways. The influence of open‐framework gravel stratasets on hyporheic flow was much greater than the influence of the channel morphology including meanders, point bars, dunes, and ripples. Seventy percent of the total hyporheic exchange occurred across 30% of the channel boundary at locations of open‐framework gravel stratasets. The maximum local interfacial flux rates occurred at these locations, and were orders of magnitude greater than those at other locations. The local flux rates varied by six orders of magnitude over the channel boundary. The composite flow rate through the model with open‐framework gravel stratsets was an order of magnitude greater than that through an equivalent but homogeneous model.
Groundwater Availability as Constrained by Hydrogeology and Environmental Flows
Authors: Watson Katelyn A. , Mayer Alex S. , Reeves Howard W. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGroundwater pumping from aquifers in hydraulic connection with nearby streams has the potential to cause adverse impacts by decreasing flows to levels below those necessary to maintain aquatic ecosystems. The recent passage of the Great Lakes‐St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact has brought attention to this issue in the Great Lakes region. In particular, the legislation requires the Great Lakes states to enact measures for limiting water withdrawals that can cause adverse ecosystem impacts. This study explores how both hydrogeologic and environmental flow limitations may constrain groundwater availability in the Great Lakes Basin. A methodology for calculating maximum allowable pumping rates is presented. Groundwater availability across the basin may be constrained by a combination of hydrogeologic yield and environmental flow limitations varying over both local and regional scales. The results are sensitive to factors such as pumping time, regional and local hydrogeology, streambed conductance, and streamflow depletion limits. Understanding how these restrictions constrain groundwater usage and which hydrogeologic characteristics and spatial variables have the most influence on potential streamflow depletions has important water resources policy and management implications.
Management of orthopaedic surgery in rare bleeding disorders
Authors: Siboni S. M. , Biguzzi E. , Pasta G. , Mannucci P. M. , Mistretta C. , Fantini N. N. , Solimeno L. P. , Peyvandi F. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryKnowledge regarding the management of orthopaedic surgery in patients with rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) is limited. Retrospective data collection and analysis of 35 orthopaedic procedures (6 minor and 29 major) carried out in 22 patients with RBD between 1982 and 2013. These surgeries were performed using heterogeneous regimens of hemostatic therapy, except for seven procedures performed with no hemostatic treatment in four patients with mild factor deficiency. Of the 28 procedures carried out with hemostatic treatment, nine (32%) were performed using replacement therapy with dosages of concentrates of the deficient factor aimed to achieve perioperative plasma levels judged to be compatible with hemostasis; three (11%) using factor replacement therapy associated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP); four (14%) using recombinant activated factor VII; four (14%) using virus inactivated plasma alone; three (11%) using virus inactivated plasma associated with desmopressin; one (4%) using FFP alone; and four (14%) procedures using tranexamic acid alone. Bleeding complications occurred in 7 of 35 procedures (20%) involving five patients. Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism was performed only in one case with no excessive bleeding, but two patients not on thromboprophylaxis developed superficial thrombophlebitis. A satisfactory control of hemostasis was achieved in most patients. In some of those characterized by mild factor deficiency (FVII, FXI) hemostatic treatment could be avoided in some instances. The control of hemostasis combined with an adequate surgical technique is needed for the successful outcome of orthopaedic surgery in RBDs that requires the involvement of specialized haemophilia centres.