bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and non‐digestible oligosaccharides reduce dermatitis in mice
Authors: Weise Christin , Ernst Dennis , van Tol Eric A. F. , Worm Margitta 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundOral administration of specific food ingredients can modify mucosal and systemic inflammatory processes. Such food components are fatty acids or carbohydrates. Nevertheless, little is known about the impact of oral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and non‐digestible oligosaccharides on allergen‐induced dermatitis.MethodIn this pilot study, skin inflammation was induced by serial epicutaneous OVA applications in OVA‐sensitized mice. In parallel, mice were fed with solid food containing arachidonic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (AA/DHA), galactooligosaccharide/polydextrose (GOS/PDX) or their combination. Skin lesions were assessed by clinical skin score, but also skin barrier parameters, immunohistochemical analyses, and local cytokine expression profile.ResultsBoth dietary AA/DHA and GOS/PDX significantly ameliorated the severity of allergen‐induced dermatitis. The clinical improvement upon oral AA/DHA and GOS/PDX supplementation was associated with a reduction in transepidermal water loss and reduced KI‐67 expression in the skin. Lesional CD8+ and mast cells were reduced in all treatment groups, but appeared to be most pronounced in combined AA/DHA/GOS/PDX‐treated mice. Moreover, in GOS/PDX‐treated mice, IFNγ and TGFβ expression was increased in skin lesions.ConclusionDietary supplementation with DHA/AA and GOS/PDX ameliorates symptoms of allergen‐induced dermatitis and may thus be beneficial in the dietary management of human atopic eczema.
Preemptive intravenous immunoglobulin allows safe and timely administration of antineoplastic therapies in patients with multiple myeloma and parvovirus B19 disease
Authors: Katragadda L. , Shahid Z. , Restrepo A. , Muzaffar J. , Alapat D. , Anaissie E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundParvovirus B19 (B19) disease is a rare cause of anemia in cancer patients and often goes unrecognized, causing delays in anticancer therapy.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out of the records of patients with multiple myeloma who underwent melphalan‐based autologous stem cell transplantation (MEL‐ASCT) and developed B19 infection (January 2009–December 2011). Cases were defined by the presence of clinical and laboratory findings consistent with B19 disease in patients with repeatedly positive plasma quantitative polymerase chain reaction for parvovirus.ResultsSix patients qualified as cases; 5 presented with trilineage cytopenias (chronic in 1) and 1 with anemia later progressing to pancytopenia. Transfusion‐dependent thrombocytopenia led to testing in 5 patients. Two of these patients also had manifestations of autoimmune disease. Therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resulted in clinical and hematologic response in all; however, 1 patient, whose white blood cell counts and serum hemoglobin levels improved, required splenectomy for persistent thrombocytopenia. All patients required additional IVIG for recurrent B19 disease. Although viral load at diagnosis did not correlate with the severity of cytopenia, its decrease was associated with response during 17 of 20 evaluable episodes (P = 0.02). Preemptive IVIG allowed the safe administration of chemotherapy in 3 patients, including MEL‐ASCT in 1.ConclusionParvovirus B19 can cause severe disease in myeloma patients including ASCT recipients. Thrombocytopenia – not anemia – was the leading presentation and may be associated with autoimmune conditions. Patients with unexplained cytopenias, particularly when prolonged, should undergo testing for circulating parvovirus. A reduction in viral load was associated with response to IVIG, although additional therapy was needed for recurrent disease. Most importantly, preemptive IVIG allowed for safe and timely administration of antineoplastic therapy in patients with ongoing B19 disease.
Ex Vivo Expansion of Highly Cytotoxic Human NK Cells by Cocultivation with Irradiated Tumor Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy
Authors: Lim Seon Ah , Kim Tae-Jin , Lee Jung Eun , Sonn Chung Hee , Kim Kwanghee , Kim Jiyoung , Choi Jong Gwon , Choi Il-Kyu , Yun Chae-Ok , Kim Jae-Hong , Yee Cassian , Kumar Vinay , Lee Kyung-Mi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Adoptive natural killer (NK) cell therapy may offer an effective treatment regimen for cancer patients whose disease is refractory to conventional therapy. NK cells can kill a wide range of tumor cells by patterned recognition of target ligands. We hypothesized that tumor targets sensitive to NK lysis would drive vigorous expansion of NK cells from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Here, we provide the basis for developing a novel ex vivo expansion process. By screening class I–negative or –mismatched tumor cell lines we identified a Jurkat T-lymphoblast subline termed KL-1, which was highly effective in specifically expanding NK cells. KL-1 addition to PBMC cultures achieved approximately 100-fold expansion of NK cells with nearly 90% purity, accompanied by reciprocal inhibition of T-cell growth. Marked elevations in expression of activation receptors, natural cytotoxicity receptors (NKp30, NKp44), and adhesion molecules (CD11a, ICAM-1) were associated with high tumor-lytic capacity, in both in vitro and in vivo models. KL-1–mediated expansion of NK cells was contact dependent and required interactions with CD16, the Fcγ receptor on NK cells, with ligands that are expressed on B cells. Indeed, B-cell depletion during culture abrogated selective NK cell expansion, while addition of EBV-transformed B cells further augmented NK expansion to approximately 740-fold. Together, our studies define a novel method for efficient activation of human NK cells that employs KL-1–lysed tumor cells and cocultured B cells, which drive a robust expansion of potent antitumor effector cells that will be useful for clinical evaluation. Cancer Res; 73(8); 2598–607. ©2012 AACR.
Hypoxia Results in Upregulation and De Novo Activation of Von Willebrand Factor Expression in Lung Endothelial Cells
Authors: Mojiri Anahita , Nakhaii-Nejad Maryam , Phan Wei-Lee , Kulak Stephen , Radziwon-Balicka Aneta , Jurasz Paul , Michelakis Evangelos , Jahroudi Nadia 
Published: April 2013

Objective—
Increased von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels in lungs are associated with diseases such as pulmonary hypertension. The objective of our study was to determine the mechanism of increased VWF levels in conditions, such as hypoxia, which contribute to pulmonary hypertension.

Approach and Results—
We have previously reported generation of transgenic mice that express LacZ transgene under the regulation of lung- and brain-specific transcriptional regulatory elements of the VWF gene. Hypoxia exposure of these transgenic mice resulted in increased VWF and LacZ mRNA levels as well as redistribution of their expression from primarily larger vessels in the lungs to microvessels. Exposure of cultured lung microvascular endothelial cells to hypoxia demonstrated that VWF upregulation was accompanied by increased platelet binding. Transcription upregulation was mediated through inhibition of the repressor nuclear factor-IB association with the VWF promoter, and increased nuclear translocation of the transcription factor YY1 and association with its cognate binding site on the VWF gene. Knockdown of YY1 expression abolished the hypoxia-induced upregulation and reduced basal level of VWF.

Conclusions—
These analyses demonstrate that hypoxia induces a phenotypic shift, accompanied by modulation of nuclear factor-IB and YY1 activities, in microvascular endothelial cells of the lungs to support VWF promoter activation.
Characterization of the Left Atrial Neural Network and its Impact on Autonomic Modification Procedures
Authors: Malcolme-Lawes Louisa C. , Lim Phang Boon , Wright Ian , Kojodjojo Pipin , Koa-Wing Michael , Jamil-Copley Shahnaz , Dehbi Hakim-Moulay , Francis Darrel P. , Davies D. Wyn , Peters Nicholas S. , Kanagaratnam Prapa 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Left atrial (LA) ganglionated plexi (GP) are part of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system and implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. High frequency stimulation is used to identify GP sites in humans. The effect of ablation on neural pathways connecting GPs in humans is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Thirty patients undergoing LA ablation with autonomic modification were recruited. In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, endocardial continuous high frequency stimulation identified GP sites producing AV block. After right lower GP ablation (N=5), 2 of 15 sites remained positive, whereas after ablation of other GPs (N=5), leaving right lower GP intact, all 19 sites remained positive (right lower GP versus other GP,
P
<0.005), indicating that neural pathways between LAGPs and the AV node are via the right lower GP. In 20 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, synchronized high frequency stimulation identified sites initiating pulmonary vein (PV) ectopy. After PV isolation (N=8), no sites remained positive. After local GP ablation (N=9), 3 of 14 sites remained positive, suggesting neural connections to the PV were disrupted by both PV isolation and GP ablation. Heart rate variability indices reduced significantly after right upper GP ablation alone, suggesting that neural pathways from the LA to the SA node travel via the right upper GP.

Conclusions—
We have demonstrated neural pathways connecting LA GPs with the PVs, AV node, and SA node. The effects of high frequency stimulation at GP sites can be prevented by ablating the GP site or the neural pathway. This further delineates the mechanism via which PV isolation prevents atrial fibrillation and highlights important caveats for autonomic modification end points.
Effects of Early, Late, and Long-term Nonselective β-Blockade on Left Ventricular Remodeling, Function, and Survival in Chronic Organic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Pu Min , Gao Zhaohui , Pu Daniel K. , Davidson William R. 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Mitral regurgitation (MR) produces sympathetic nervous system activation which is detrimental in other causes of heart failure. However, whether β-blockade is beneficial in MR has not been determined.

Methods and Results—

Eighty-seven rats with significant organic MR were randomized to the β-blockade group (n=43) or the control group (n=44). Carvedilol was started in week 2 post MR induction and given for 23 to 35 weeks in the β-blockade group. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and at weeks 2, 6, 12, 24, 30, and 36 after MR induction. After 23 weeks of β-blockade, heart rates were significantly reduced by carvedilol (308±25 versus 351±31 beats per minute;
P
<0.001). Left ventricular end-diastolic (2.2±0.7 versus 1.59±0.6 mL;
P
<0.001), end-systolic volumes (0.72±0.42 versus 0.40±0.19 mL;
P
<0.001), and mass index (2.40±0.55 versus 2.06±0.62 g/kg;
P
<0.001) were significantly higher, and left ventricular fraction shortening (33±7% versus 38±7%;
P
<0.001) and ejection fraction (69±11% versus 75±7%;
P
<0.001) were significantly lower in the β-blockade group than in the control group. Systolic blood pressure was lower in the β-blockade group than in the control group (114±10 versus 93±12 mm Hg;
P
<0.005). Survival probability was significantly lower in the early β-blockade group than in the control group (88% versus 96%;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—
Early and long-term nonselective β-blockade was associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling, systolic dysfunction, and a reduction in survival in the experimental rat model of organic MR.
Death with dignity from the perspective of the surviving family: A survey study among family caregivers of deceased older adults
Authors: van Gennip Isis E , Roeline H , Pasman W , Kaspers Pam J , Oosterveld-Vlug Mariska G , Willems Dick L , Deeg Dorly JH , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D 
Published: April 2013

Background: Death with dignity has been identified as important both to patients and their surviving family. While research results have been published on what patients themselves believe may affect the dignity of their deaths, little is known about what family caregivers consider to be a dignified death. Aim: (1) To assess the prevalence of death with dignity in older adults from the perspective of family caregivers, (2) to determine factors that diminish dignity during the dying phase according to family caregivers, and (3) to identify physical, psychosocial, and care factors associated with death with dignity. Design: A survey study with a self-administered questionnaire. Participants: Family caregivers of 163 deceased older (>55 years of age) adults (“patients”) who had participated in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Results: Of the family caregivers, 69% reported that their relative had died with dignity. Factors associated with a dignified death in a multivariate regression model were patients feeling peaceful and ready to die, absence of anxiety and depressive mood, presence of fatigue, and a clear explanation by the physician of treatment options during the final months of life. Conclusions: The physical and psychosocial condition of the patient in combination with care factors contributed to death with dignity from the perspective of the family caregiver. The patient’s state of mind during the last phase of life and clear communication on the part of the physician both seem to be of particular importance.
Provision of palliative and end-of-life care in stroke units: A qualitative study
Authors: Gardiner Clare , Harrison Madeleine , Ryan Tony , Jones Amanda 
Published: April 2013

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death; between 20% and 30% of people die within 30 days of a stroke. High-quality palliative and end-of-life care are advocated for patients not expected to recover from stroke. Aim: To explore the perspectives of health professionals regarding the provision of palliative and end-of-life care in UK stroke units. Design and setting: Qualitative focus groups and individual interviews were held with 66 health professionals working in UK specialist stroke units. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Three themes emerged from the data. Palliative care was recognised as an important component of stroke care; however, there was uncertainty when initiating transitions to palliative care in stroke, and issues were identified with the integration of acute stroke care and palliative care. Conclusions: The findings provide encouraging evidence that palliative and end-of-life care have been adopted as key components of specialist stroke care in UK stroke units. However, many patients stand to benefit from earlier identification of palliative care need and a consideration of quality-of-life approaches during active care. Encouraging collaboration and partnership when working with specialist palliative care services would optimise palliative care service delivery and may provide patients and their families with greater opportunities for documenting and achieving preferences for care and achieving a better quality of death.
Traces of Objectivity: Causality and Probabilities in Quantum Physics
Authors: Bitbol Michel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUnlike a widespread opinion, the constitution of objectivity (in Kant’s sense) does not require a strict, determinist, application of the category of causality to phenomena manifested in space-time. Some stochastic theories, using probabilities at their fundamental level, are just as able to constitute a domain of objects as determinist theories. In this paper, the conditions to be fulfilled for numbers to be considered as probabilities of intrinsic properties of an object of experience are displayed. These conditions, that synthesize George Boole’s relations and John Bell’s inequalities, are discussed in detail. Where they are not fulfilled, they make us suspect that it is impossible to achieve the detachment of an object from the instruments that give access to it.
Total Knee Replacement as a Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome
Authors: Raynauld Jean-Pierre , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Dorais Marc , Haraoui Boulos , Choquette Denis , Abram François , Beaulieu André , Bessette Louis , Morin Frédéric , Wildi Lukas M. , Pelletier Jean-Pierre 
Published: April 2013

Objective To predict, using clinical and qMRI data, the incidence of total knee replacement (TKR) during the long-term follow-up of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients who formerly received chondroitin sulfate (CS) or placebo treatment. Design A post hoc intention-to-treat analysis to evaluate the incidence of TKR was done on knee OA patients who had participated in a 12-month trial evaluating the impact of CS (800 mg/d) versus placebo for 6 months, followed by a 6-month open-phase in which all patients received CS. Additionally, the clinical and qMRI predictors of TKR were determined. Results Thirteen TKRs were performed in the population after a 4-year follow-up. More TKRs were performed in the placebo group than in the CS group (69% vs. 31%, P = 0.150, logistic regression). The statistically significant predictors of TKRs were, at baseline, higher WOMAC pain and function scores, presence of bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and higher C-reactive protein levels. Loss of medial cartilage volume and increase in WOMAC pain and function at one-year were also predictors of TKR. Multivariate analyses revealed that baseline presence of BML and higher WOMAC pain score were independent predictors. Time to occurrence of the TKR also favored the CS group versus placebo (log-rank, P = 0.094). Conclusion Symptoms such as knee pain and function, presence of BML, and cartilage volume loss predict the long-term occurrence of a “hard” outcome such as TKR.
Integrating specialist advice following reforms: an interview-based survey
Authors: Naik Yannish Jones , Anderton Caroline , Fell Greg 
Published: April 2013

Objectives To investigate the importance of incorporating secondary care input to aid commissioning following National Health Service reforms which will see the replacement of Primary Care Trusts with Clinical Commissioning Groups; to determine barriers that might arise given that this issue had been raised during public consultations and to explore ways to improve this input. Design Qualitative project with semistructured one-to-one interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis by two investigators. The findings were discussed and organized into a framework. Setting Bradford and Airedale, UK. Participants We interviewed 19 participants from primary care, the medical directorship and a range of specialties. Main outcome measures One-to-one semistructured interviews allowed a flexible dialogue to discuss planned questions and any other themes which participants brought up. This elicited a variety of experiences and ideas which provided the basis for in depth theoretical analysis required for our objectives. Results There was an almost universal agreement that the integration of secondary care advice is important in commissioning. The main perceived barriers were obstacles to good communication and relationships, conflicts of interest and financial pressures. Participants suggested varied and innovative ways to improve communication and integration, and suggestions for organisations. Conclusions Our results support the importance of secondary care input and highlight communication, organisation and integration as three goals for organisations to work towards. Successful achievement of these objectives could have financial implications for organisations as well as benefits for patient care.
Autoantigenic targets of B-cell receptors derived from chronic lymphocytic leukemias bind to and induce proliferation of leukemic cells
Authors: Zwick Carsten , Fadle Natalie , Regitz Evi , Kemele Maria , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Bühler Andreas , Pfreundschuh Michael , Preuss Klaus-Dieter 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
Autoantigens bind to and induce proliferation of CLL cells, supporting chronic antigenic stimulation as an important pathomechanism in CLL.
Mental health status among Burmese adolescent students living in boarding houses in Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akiyama Takeshi , Win Thar , Maung Cynthia , Ray Paw , Sakisaka Kayako , Tanabe Aya , Kobayashi Jun , Jimba Masamine 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
In Tak province of Thailand, a number of adolescent students who migrated from Burma have resided in the boarding houses of migrant schools. This study investigated mental health status and its relationship with perceived social support among such students.

Methods
This cross-sectional study surveyed 428 students, aged 12–18 years, who lived in boarding houses. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL)-37 A, Stressful Life Events (SLE) and Reactions of Adolescents to Traumatic Stress (RATS) questionnaires were used to assess participants’ mental health status and experience of traumatic events. The Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support Survey Scale was used to measure their perceived level of social support. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the distribution of sociodemographic characteristics, trauma experiences, and mental health status. Further, multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between such characteristics and participants’ mental health status.

Results
In total, 771 students were invited to participate in the study and 428 students chose to take part. Of these students, 304 completed the questionnaire. A large proportion (62.8%) indicated that both of their parents lived in Myanmar, while only 11.8% answered that both of their parents lived in Thailand. The mean total number of traumatic events experienced was 5.7 (standard deviation [SD] 2.9), mean total score on the HSCL-37A was 63.1 (SD 11.4), and mean total score on the RATS was 41.4 (SD 9.9). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that higher number of traumatic events was associated with more mental health problems.

Conclusions
Many students residing in boarding houses suffered from poor mental health in Thailand’s Tak province. The number of traumatic experiences reported was higher than expected. Furthermore, these traumatic experiences were associated with poorer mental health status. Rather than making a generalized assumption on the mental health status of migrants or refugees, more detailed observation is necessary to elucidate the unique nature and vulnerabilities of this mobile population.