bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological Analysis of Persistent Hypercalcemia and Hyperparathyroidism After Kidney Transplantation in Long‐Term Dialysis Patients
Authors: Nakamura Michio , Tanaka Kiho , Marui Yuhji , Tomikawa Shinji 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDeceased donor kidney transplantation in long‐term dialysis patients in Japan has been increasing because of a severe lack of donors. Parathyroid glands of long‐term dialysis patients often show qualitative morphological changes from diffuse to nodular hyperplasia. Only a few studies have reported the clinicopathological analysis of persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation in long‐term (>10 years) dialysis patients. This study on consecutive deceased donor kidney transplantation performed from 2002 to 2010 measured biochemical parameters related to bone and mineral disorders and examined parathyroid tissues in parathyroidectomy cases. Thirty‐four subjects (22 males; mean age, 53.8 ± 7.9 years; mean dialysis period, 14.4 ± 4.3 years) were enrolled. Multivariate analysis of potential predictors for the hypercalcemia group at 12 months after transplantation showed that pre‐transplantation and early post‐transplantation calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were significant determinants. Pathological examination showed that a number of glands showed nodular hyperplasia, even in small glands weighing < 100 mg. In long‐term dialysis patients, hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia developed at an early stage after transplantation and persisted for a long period (>4 years), with nodular hyperplasia being found even in low‐weight parathyroid glands. Pre‐transplant high calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were the predictors for the prolonged hypercalcemia. Persistent hyperparathyroidism was considered to be caused by remaining nodular hyperplasia, even if the glands were small. Although the best treatment option is to perform a parathyroidectomy in the waiting period before transplantation, we suggest that it be performed in cases with prolonged hypercalcemia of >6 months after transplantation.
The insect molecular clock
Authors: Ho Simon Y W , Lo Nathan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEstimating the timescale of evolution forms an important component of many molecular studies of insects. By obtaining date estimates for significant evolutionary events, we can gain a better understanding of biological processes such as diversification and adaptation. Evolutionary timescales can be estimated from genetic sequence data using the molecular clock, which was proposed five decades ago and has subsequently undergone considerable development. In this article, we provide a summary of the theoretical basis of the molecular clock, including its relationship to the neutral and nearly neutral theories of molecular evolution. We explain how the clock can be used to estimate evolutionary timescales fromDNAand protein sequence data. Finally, we describe some of the key challenges facing users of the molecular clock in studies of insects, including the problems of rate variation among lineages and over time.
Minimum alveolar concentration: ongoing relevance and clinical utility
Authors: Aranake A. , Mashour G.A. , Avidan M.S. 
Published: February 2013

SummarySince its introduction in 1965, minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) has served as the standard measure of potency for volatile anaesthetic agents. It is defined as the minimum alveolar concentration of inhaled anaesthetic at which 50% of people do not move in response to a noxious stimulus. Within the last 20 years, it has been discovered that volatile anaesthetics inhibit mobility largely through action on the spinal cord, whereas the amnesic and hypnotic effects are mediated by the brain. Studies suggest that the concentration of volatile anaesthetic needed to prevent explicit memory from developing, and to produce unconsciousness, is usually substantially lower than the concentration required to prevent movement in response to surgery. This review highlights the contributions and limitations of MAC and its derivatives as metrics of anaesthetic potency with respect to particular behavioural outcomes. Recent evidence is presented suggesting that a protocol that alerts anaesthetists whenever MAC falls to < 0.5 or 0.7 has the potential to decrease intra‐operative awareness with explicit recall, possibly to a similar extent as does a protocol based on processed electroencephalography‐driven alerting.
Polymerase‐chain‐reaction‐based diagnosis of viral pulmonary infections in immunocompromised children
Authors: Kadmon Gili , Levy Itzhak , Mandelboim Michal , Nahum Elhanan , Stein Jerry , Dovrat Sara , Schonfeld Tommy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimViral pneumonia is a serious complication in immunocompromised children. Its aetiology is difficult to identify owing to the limitations of conventional microbiological tests. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for respiratory viruses increase the diagnostic yield of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in immunocompromised children.MethodsBAL samples obtained from immunocompromised children hospitalized with pneumonia were processed for respiratory viruses by viral culture, rapid antigen test and PCR (for CMV, adenovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, herpesvirus, RSV and hMPV).ResultsThe study group included 42 patients (mean age 7.2 ± 5.1 years) with 50 episodes of clinical pneumonia (50 BAL samples). Forty viral pathogens were identified in 30 episodes (60%). PCR increased the diagnostic rate by fourfold (75% identified by PCR alone, p < 0.0001). When viral culture and rapid antigen test were used as the gold standard, PCR was found to have high sensitivity (86–100% when assessed) and specificity (80–96%). The PCR results prompted the initiation of specific antiviral therapy and the avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic treatment in 17 (34%) episodes.ConclusionPCR‐based diagnosis from BAL may increase the rate of pathogen detection in immunocompromised children, decrease the time to diagnosis and spare patients unnecessary antimicrobial treatment.
Randomised clinical trial: mesalazine (Salofalk granules) for uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon – a placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Kruis W. , Meier E. , Schumacher M. , Mickisch O. , Greinwald R. , Mueller R. ,   the German SAG‐20 Study Group
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundRobust evidence regarding medical intervention for symptomatic uncomplicated colonic diverticular disease (DD) is sparse.AimTo investigate mesalazine (Salofalk granules) in this setting.MethodsIn a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre, 6‐week trial, patients were randomised to mesalazine 1000 mg three times daily or placebo. Primary efficacy endpoint was change in lower abdominal pain to week 4 (baseline defined using pain score from 7 days pre‐treatment).ResultsMedian change in lower abdominal pain with mesalazine vs. placebo was −37 (n = 56) vs. −33 (n = 61) [P = 0.374; 95% CI (−11; 4)] in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population, and −41 (n = 40) vs. −33 (n = 51) [P = 0.053; 95% CI (−18; 0)] in the per‐protocol (PP) population, i.e. the primary endpoint was not significantly different. Post hoc adjustment for confounding factors (‘baseline pain intensity’, ‘baseline symptom score (Brodribb)’, and ‘localisation of diverticula in the descending colon’) resulted in P = 0.111 [ITT, 95% CI (−15.4; 1.6)] and P = 0.005 [PP, 95% CI (−19.7; −3.5)]. Between‐group differences increased using pain score on day 1 as baseline, and reached significance for the PP population [mesalazine −42, placebo −26, P = 0.010; 95% CI (−25; −3)]. Median change in combined symptom score from baseline to week 4 was 257 mm with mesalazine vs. 198 mm with placebo [P = 0.064; 95% CI (−3; 105)]. More placebo‐treated patients received analgesic/spasmolytic concomitant medication (34.4% vs. mesalazine 21.4%), indicating improved pain relief with mesalazine (P = 0.119). Safety was comparable.ConclusionsA daily dose of 3.0 g mesalazine may relieve pain during a symptomatic flare of uncomplicated DD. In this, the first placebo‐controlled double‐blind trial in acute uncomplicated DD, mesalazine showed promising therapeutic efficacy.
Sulforaphane protects against ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in neural crest cells by the induction of Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response
Authors: Chen X , Liu J , Chen S‐Y 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeNuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that up‐regulates a diverse array of antioxidant genes and protects cells from oxidative damage. This study is designed to determine whether D‐L‐sulforaphane (SFN) can protect neural crest cells (NCCs), an ethanol‐sensitive cell population implicated in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, against ethanol‐induced apoptosis and whether protective effects of SFN are mediated by the induction of Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response.Experimental ApproachControl, SFN‐treated or Nrf2‐siRNA transfected NCCs were exposed to ethanol. Nrf2 activation, the expression and activities of Nrf2 downstream antioxidant proteins, reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis were determined in control and ethanol‐exposed NCCs.Key ResultsExposure of NCCs to SFN alone significantly increased Nrf2 activation and the expression of Nrf2 downstream antioxidants as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of NCCs with SFN along with ethanol significantly decreased ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of Nrf2 by siRNA significantly increased the sensitivity of NCCs to ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Suppression of Nrf2 signalling in NCCs also significantly diminished SFN‐mediated antioxidant response and abolished the protective effects of SFN on ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results demonstrated that Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response plays an important role in the susceptibility of NCCs to ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and that the protection of SFN against ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in NCCs is mediated by the induction of Nrf2 signalling.
Genetic variation in C‐reactive protein in ethnic Chinese population in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chin‐Chou , Chung Chia‐Min , Leu Hsin‐Bang , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Hung Shuen‐Iu , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Huang Po‐Hsun , Lin Shing‐Jong , Pan Wen‐Harn , Chen Jaw‐Wen 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is a sensitive inflammatory marker suggested for cardiovascular risk stratification. This study aimed to assess the potential genetic determinants for serum hs‐CRP levels in a cohort with well‐controlled nondiabetic hypertension.Materials and methodsEthnic Chinese nondiabetic hypertensive patients were enrolled in Taiwan. They received comprehensive evaluation including history taking, physical check‐up, blood pressure (BP) measurement, 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring and blood sampling. Serum hs‐CRP levels were determined. CRP genotyping was performed in two stages. In the first stage, 4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CRP including rs1572970, rs2794520, rs3093077 and rs2808630 were investigated in the 400 participants. In the second stage, only SNPs significant in the first stage were selected for complete genotyping in the whole population.ResultsTotal 915 consecutive patients (40·9 ± 7·3 years, 68·3% male) completed the study. Two of the 4 SNPs including rs1572970 and rs3093077 were correlated to hs‐CRP levels in the whole population. Stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that age (P = 0·001), body mass index (P < 0·001), waist–hip ratio (P = 0·032), smoking habits (P = 0·001), night‐time systolic BP (P = 0·040), total cholesterol (P = 0·005) and CRP rs3093077 polymorphism (P < 0·001) were independently associated with serum hs‐CRP levels. Overall, genetic correlates explained 2·4%, BMI explained 11·9% and all other clinical correlates explained 4·8% of interindividual variability in serum hs‐CRP level.ConclusionC‐reactive protein genotype contributed limitedly to serum hs‐CRP levels in subjects with well‐controlled hypertension, suggesting the impacts of clinical rather than genetic determinants to serum hs‐CRP levels for cardiovascular risk stratification in this intermediate‐risk Taiwanese cohort.
Mitochondrial function in sepsis
Authors: Jeger Victor , Djafarzadeh Siamak , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction as to pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction and failure in sepsis is controversial. This focused review evaluates the evidence for impaired mitochondrial function in sepsis.DesignReview of original studies in experimental sepsis animal models and clinical studies on mitochondrial function in sepsis. In vitro studies solely on cells and tissues were excluded. PubMed was searched for articles published between 1964 and July 2012.ResultsData from animal experiments (rodents and pigs) and from clinical studies of septic critically ill patients and human volunteers were included. A clear pattern of sepsis‐related changes in mitochondrial function is missing in all species. The wide range of sepsis models, length of experiments, presence or absence of fluid resuscitation and methods to measure mitochondrial function may contribute to the contradictory findings. A consistent finding was the high variability of mitochondrial function also in control conditions and between organs.ConclusionMitochondrial function in sepsis is highly variable, organ specific and changes over the course of sepsis. Patients who will die from sepsis may be more affected than survivors. Nevertheless, the current data from mostly young and otherwise healthy animals does not support the view that mitochondrial dysfunction is the general denominator for multiple organ failure in severe sepsis and septic shock. Whether this is true if underlying comorbidities are present, especially in older patients, should be addressed in further studies.
Superior transplantation outcomes of 8/8‐matched unrelated donors as well as matched siblings to autologous transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia with intermediate cytogenetics in first remission
Authors: Cho Byung‐Sik , Kim Jung‐Ho , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Shin Seung‐Hwan , Yahng Seung‐Ah , Lee Sung‐Eun , Eom Ki‐Seong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Min Chang‐Ki , Cho Seok‐Goo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jong‐Wook , Min Woo‐Sung , Park Chong‐Won , Kim Hee‐Je 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesFor patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission (AML CR1) lacking HLA‐matched sibling donors (MSD), 8/8‐matched unrelated donors (URD) are mostly used in cases with poor‐risk features. For AML CR1 with intermediate cytogenetics, however, the benefit of 8/8‐matched URD should be compared with non‐allogeneic therapies as well as MSD.MethodsTo address this issue, we assessed the transplantation outcomes of 8/8‐matched URD (n = 54) compared with MSD (n = 145) or autologous transplantation (n = 89) for AML CR1 with intermediate cytogenetics.ResultsIn multivariate analyses, 8/8‐matched URD had comparable 6‐yr overall survival (OS, P = 0.997), disease‐free survival (DFS, P = 0.951), and relapse (P = 0.672) to MSD, whereas 8/8‐matched URD had a higher OS (P = 0.070) and DFS (P = 0.035) with lower relapse (P = 0.009) than autologous transplantation. No difference in non‐relapse mortality was observed according to donor type. Notably, these equivalent or superior outcomes of 8/8‐matched URD compared with MSD or autologous transplantation, respectively, were particularly evident in patients without poor‐risk features (n = 200), such as older age, hyperleukocytosis at diagnosis, and myelodysplasia‐related changes, who are not usual candidates for URD transplantation.ConclusionsThese results indicate that 8/8‐matched URD are feasible next option in AML CR1 with intermediate cytogenetics, when lacking MSD, even in patients without poor‐risk features.
Do American Crows Pay Attention to Human Gaze and Facial Expressions?
Authors: Clucas Barbara , Marzluff John M. , Mackovjak David , Palmquist Ila 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInteractions between species can lead to the evolution of interspecific communication. Non‐verbal communication by humans, both intentional and unintentional, can be interpreted by other species. We tested whether American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) were sensitive to human facial features under field conditions by comparing flight initiation distances and urgency of escape behavior to human approaches varying in eye contact and facial expression. We first examined whether crows distinguish between an approaching human who is directly gazing at them and a human approaching them with an averted gaze. In a second experiment, we tested whether crows differentiate a smiling from scowling human approaching them with direct or averted gaze. In the first experiment, we found that crows fled sooner and more urgently when humans were directly gazing at them. Similarly, in the second experiment, crows responded sooner to a direct vs. averted gaze; however, they did not react differently to varying human facial expressions. We suggest that crows use human gaze as a reliable visual cue compared with facial expressions when making decisions about responding to approaching humans. This is the first study to show that a wild corvid species changes its behavior based on human gaze, possibly representing an adaptation to living in human‐dominated urban areas and suggesting crows might perceive human intention by this visual cue.
Environmentally sustainable textile and apparel consumption: the role of consumer knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance
Authors: Kang Jiyun , Liu Chuanlan , Kim Sang‐Hoon 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive understanding of young consumers' attitudes, perceptions and behavioural intentions towards the consumption of environmentally sustainable textile and apparel products. A total of 701 responses were collected from students attending large universities in the US, South Korea and China. An extended model of planned behaviour was developed and tested based on structural equation modeling approach. The results indicate that consumers' product knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance significantly affect young consumers' attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, thereby affecting purchase intentions for environmentally sustainable textiles and apparel. The research findings will benefit both environmental and economic enhancement efforts among policymakers, educators and industry professionals, enabling them to formulate strategies to ensure better communication with consumers to promote desirable consumption behaviour.
Negative impact of papillary histological subtype in patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava: Single‐center experience
Authors: Kondo Tsunenori , Ikezawa Eri , Takagi Toshio , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Iizuka Junpei , Omae Kenji , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of histological subtypes on the survival of patients presenting with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava.MethodsFrom January 1985 until October 2011, 68 patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava underwent radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy at Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. Their clinical and pathological parameters were reviewed from the medical charts.ResultsThe median follow up was 19 months (range 0.1–144 months). The tumor thrombus level was I in four patients (6%), II in 38 patients (56%), III in 12 patients (18%) and IV in 14 patients (20%). Papillary histological subtype was found in seven patients (10%), and clear cell in 61 patients (90%). Patients with a papillary subtype had a significantly worse survival outcome than the patients with the clear cell subtype (median survival time 9.0 vs 36.1 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis also showed that the papillary subtype was the only independent prognostic factor for unfavorable cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.03). When the patients presented with metastases to lymph nodes or distant metastases, the median survival of the patients with a papillary subtype was extremely short, at just 5.2 months compared with those with a clear cell subtype (24.0 months, P = 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava with a papillary subtype show a considerably shorter survival compared with those with a clear cell subtype. The papillary renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava patient might be an inappropriate candidate for extensive surgery when metastases to nodes or distant organs are found.
Metabolic control of the Treg/Th17 axis
Authors: Barbi Joseph , Pardoll Drew , Pan Fan 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe interplay of the immune system with other aspects of physiology is continually being revealed and in some cases studied in considerable mechanistic detail. A prime example is the influence of metabolic cues on immune responses. It is well appreciated that upon activation, T cells take on a metabolic profile profoundly distinct from that of their quiescent and anergic counterparts; however, a number of recent breakthroughs have greatly expanded our knowledge of how aspects of cellular metabolism can shape a T‐cell response. Particularly important are findings that certain environmental cues can tilt the delicate balance between inflammation and immune tolerance by skewing T‐cell fate decisions toward either the T‐helper 17 (Th17) or T‐regulatory (Treg) cell lineage. Recognizing the unappreciated immune‐modifying potential of metabolic factors and particularly those involved in the generation of these functionally opposing T‐cell subsets will likely add new and potent therapies to our repertoire for treating immune mediated pathologies. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent findings linking certain metabolic pathways, enzymes, and by‐products to shifts in the balance between Th17 and Treg cell populations. These advances highlight numerous opportunities for immune modulation.
Transcriptional regulation of follicular T‐helper (Tfh) cells
Authors: Liu Xindong , Nurieva Roza I. , Dong Chen 
Published: February 2013

SummaryT‐follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a new subset of effector CD4+ T cells that are specialized in helping B cells in the germinal center reaction. Tfh cells are distinct from other established CD4+ T‐cell lineages, Th1, Th2, Th17, and T‐regulatory cells, in their gene expression profiles. Tfh cell differentiation results from a network of transcriptional regulation by a master transcriptional factor Bcl6 as well as IRF4, c‐Maf, Batf, and STAT3/5. During Tfh cell ontogeny, increased CXCR5 expression directs activated T‐cell migration to the follicles, and their interaction with B cells leads to Bcl6 upregulation, which helps establish effector and memory Tfh cell program. This review summarizes the recent progress in molecular mechanisms underlying Tfh differentiation and discusses the future perspectives for this important area of research.