bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CME Information:Surrogate Partner Therapy: Ethical Considerations in Sexual Medicine
Authors: Rosenbaum Talli , Aloni Ronit , Heruti Rafi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Surrogate partner therapy (SPT) is a controversial and often misunderstood practice.

Aim
The aim of this study was to review the history and evidence-based literature regarding SPT, describe and provide a model for ethical SPT practice, and present two case examples illustrating ethical concerns.

Methods
Literature review and report of clinical experience were the methods used.

Main Outcome Measure
Results of literature review and clinical experience were assessed for this study.

Results
Sex therapy pioneers Masters and Johnson introduced surrogacy in sex therapy; however, there is a lack of published evidence supporting treatment efficacy and ethico-legal questions have limited the practice from becoming a common intervention. SPT can be an effective intervention that may enhance sexual medicine practice. However, SPT must be offered according to legal, professional, and ethical standards.

Conclusions
Sexual medicine practitioners should consider SPT based on the ethical paradigms offered, and sex therapy practices utilizing SPT should collect and publish outcome data.
Variation in genes encoding for interferon λ‐3 and λ‐4 in the prediction of HCV‐1 treatment‐induced viral clearance
Authors: Palmieri Orazio , Ippolito Antonio M. , Margaglione Maurizio , Valvano Maria R. , Gioffreda Domenica , Fasano Massimo , D'Andrea Giovanna , Corritore Giuseppe , Milella Michele , Andriulli Nicola , Morisco Filomena , Giannitrapani Lydia , Latiano Anna , Fontana Rosanna , Gatti Pietro , Tundo Paolo , Barone Michele , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Santantonio Teresa , Andriulli Angelo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsIn patients with chronic HCV‐1 infection, recent evidences indicate that determination of a dinucleotide polymorphism (ss469415590, ΔG/TT) of a new gene, designated IFN λ‐4, might be more accurate than the 12979860CC type of the IL28B locus in predicting sustained virological response (SVR) following peg‐interferon and ribavirin. In addition, combined genotyping of different SNPs of the IL28B locus was shown to help dissect patients most prone to SVR among those with rs12979860CT.We examined whether single or combined genotyping of two IL28B SNPs, rs12979860 and rs8099917, and ss469415590 variation might improve the prediction of SVR.ResultsIn the study cohort of 539 patients, 38% had SVR. The SNPs 12979860CC, rs8099917TT, and rs469415590TT/TT correlated significantly with SVR (68%, 50%, and 67%). Carriers of either the triplotype rs12979860CC_ss469415590TT/TT_rs8099917TT or the diplotype rs12979860CC_ss469415590TT/TT had the highest SVR rate (72%). In carriers of the rs12979860 T allele, neither the rs8099917 nor the ss469415590 improved the response prediction. After pooling this finding with data from previous studies, in rs12979860 T heterozygous individuals the co‐presence of the rs8099917TT SNP was associated with improved response prediction.ConclusionIn HCV‐1 patients, the rs12979860 polymorphism appeared as the hit SNP better predicting response following peg‐interferon and ribavirin treatment. Additional ss469415590 or rs8099917 genotyping had no added benefit for response prediction. In the subset of carriers of the rs12979860 T allele, genotyping of the rs8099917 SNP was unhelpful in the present investigation, but may inform clinical prediction of treatment response when our data were pooled with previous investigations.
Altered Frequencies of Dendritic Cells and IFN‐γ‐secreting T Cells with Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor (G‐CSF) Therapy in Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Khanam Arshi , Trehanpati Nirupama , Garg Vishal , Kumar Chandan , Garg Hitendra , Sharma Barjesh C. , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a serious hepatic ailment with impaired immunity and poor treatment options resulting high mortality. Treatment with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) mobilizes CD34+ cells in ACLF patients; however its effect on impaired immune responses remains to be elucidated. To analyse the effect of G‐CSF in immune modulation in ACLF.MethodsWe have analysed the frequencies of circulating and intrahepatic myeloid (mDCs) and plasmacytoid (pDCs) dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells in ACLF patients treated with G‐CSF (Group A; n = 23) and placebo (Group B; n = 24) using flow cytometry. IFN‐γ production was compared in both groups following stimulation of PBMCs with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA).ResultsIn Group A, circulating and intrahepatic mDCs, pDCs (P < 0.04, P < 0.02) and T cells (CD3, CD4 and CD8) increased significantly post‐G‐CSF treatment in comparison to placebo group. Importantly in Group A, IFN‐γ‐producing CD8 T cells were significantly decreased (P > 0.05) along with decreased serum bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR). Intrahepatic DCs and IFN‐γ level were compared in survivor and non‐survivor. Non‐survivors from both groups, showed decreased DCs, high IFN‐γ level and no improvement in clinical parameters including s‐bilirubin and INR.ConclusionsG‐CSF therapy increased the frequencies of dendritic cells and reduced IFN‐γ secreting CD8 T cells with improved clinical severity indices. Decreased IFN‐ γ production may contribute to reduced hepatocellular damage in ACLF patients. Our observations support the basis for further use of G‐CSF therapy as immune modulator in these patients.
Fibrosis progression in maintenance liver transplant patients with hepatitis C recurrence: a randomised study of everolimus vs. calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Villamil Federico G. , Gadano Adrian C. , Zingale Fernanda , Perez Roberto , Gil Octavio , Yantorno Silvina , Mastai Ricardo , Cairo Fernando O. , Otero Alcira B. , Dong Gaohong , Lopez Patricia ,   the REVERT Study Group
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsRobust clinical data evaluating fibrosis progression in hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver transplant patients receiving an mTOR inhibitor vs. calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) are lacking. To evaluate fibrosis progression in maintenance liver transplant patients receiving everolimus‐ or CNI‐based immunosuppression.MethodsIn a randomised, multicentre, open‐label study, 43 maintenance liver transplant patients with recurrent HCV infection were randomised to continue CNI‐based immunosuppression or switch to everolimus.ResultsFor patients with biopsy data at month 12, mean Ishak–Knodell fibrosis score at baseline was 2.6 ± 0.9 (n = 14) with everolimus vs. 1.9 ± 1.1 (n = 18) with CNI (P = 0.043), and 1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 2.2 ± 1.3 at month 12. Ishak–Knodell fibrosis score decreased from baseline to month 12 by a mean of −0.7 ± 1.1 with everolimus, but increased by 0.2 ± 1.2 with CNI (P = 0.046). No acute rejection or graft losses occurred up to month 12. Estimated GFR at month 12 was 65.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 with everolimus and 62.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 with CNI [mean difference 3.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 compared to CNI control group, 95% CI −4.9, 11.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.411 (analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline GFR)]. Adverse events occurred in 95.5% of everolimus patients and 71.4% of CNI patients (serious adverse events 31.8% and 0.0%, respectively). Adverse events led to everolimus discontinuation in five patients (22.7%).ConclusionsThis exploratory study suggests that conversion from CNI to everolimus reduces progression of liver fibrosis, and preserves renal function without jeopardising efficacy in liver transplant recipients with recurrent HCV, but is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events. These preliminary findings merit examination in a larger trial.
Gene flow and the maintenance of species boundaries
Authors: Larson Erica L. , White Thomas A. , Ross Charles L. , Harrison Richard G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHybrid zones are regions where individuals from genetically differentiated populations meet and mate, resulting in at least some offspring of mixed ancestry. Patterns of gene flow (introgression) in hybrid zones vary across the genome, allowing assessment of the role of individual genes or genome regions in reproductive isolation. Here, we document patterns of introgression between two recently diverged species of field crickets. We sampled at a very fine spatial scale and genotyped crickets for 110 highly differentiated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through transcriptome scans. Using both genomic and geographic cline analysis, we document remarkably abrupt transitions (<100 m) in allele frequencies for 50 loci, despite high levels of gene flow at other loci. These are among the steepest clines documented for any hybridizing taxa. Furthermore, the cricket hybrid zone provides one of the clearest examples of the semi‐permeability of species boundaries. Comparisons between data from the fine‐scale transect and data (for the same set of markers) from sampling a much larger area in a different region of the cricket hybrid zone reveal consistent patterns of introgression for individual loci. The consistency in patterns of introgression between these two distant and distinct regions of the hybrid zone suggests that strong selection is acting to maintain abrupt discontinuities within the hybrid zone and that genomic regions with restricted introgression likely include genes that contribute to nonecological prezygotic barriers.
Targeting Pericytes for Angiogenic Therapies
Authors: Kelly‐Goss Molly R. , Sweat Rick S. , Stapor Peter C. , Peirce Shayn M. , Murfee Walter L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn pathological scenarios, such as tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy, blocking angiogenesis would be beneficial. In others, such as myocardial infarction and hypertension, promoting angiogenesis might be desirable. Due to their putative influence on endothelial cells, vascular pericytes have become a topic of growing interest and are increasingly being evaluated as a potential target for angioregulatory therapies. The strategy of manipulating pericyte recruitment to capillaries could result in anti‐ or proangiogenic effects. Our current understanding of pericytes, however, is limited by knowledge gaps regarding pericyte identity and lineage. To use a music analogy, this review is a “mash‐up” that attempts to integrate what we know about pericyte functionality and expression with what is beginning to be elucidated regarding their regenerative potential. We explore the lingering questions regarding pericyte phenotypic identity and lineage. The expression of different pericyte markers (e.g.,SMA, Desmin,NG2, andPDGFR‐β) varies for different subpopulations and tissues. Previous use of these markers to identify pericytes has suggested potential phenotypic overlaps and plasticity toward other cell phenotypes. Our review chronicles the state of the literature, identifies critical unanswered questions, and motivates future research aimed at understanding this intriguing cell type and harnessing its therapeutic potential.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy: exposing the dark (venous) side of the circulation
Authors: Scott John P. , Hoffman George M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe safety of anesthesia has improved greatly in the past three decades. Standard perioperative monitoring, including pulse oximetry, has practically eliminated unrecognized arterial hypoxia as a cause for perioperative injury. However, most anesthesia‐related cardiac arrests in children are now cardiovascular in origin, and standard monitoring is unable to detect many circulatory abnormalities. Near‐infrared spectroscopy provides noninvasive continuous access to the venous side of regional circulations that can approximate organ‐specific and global measures to facilitate the detection of circulatory abnormalities and drive goal‐directed interventions to reduce end‐organ ischemic injury.
Expression of the Arabidopsis vacuolar H+‐pyrophosphatase gene (AVP1) improves the shoot biomass of transgenic barley and increases grain yield in a saline field
Authors: Schilling Rhiannon K. , Marschner Petra , Shavrukov Yuri , Berger Bettina , Tester Mark , Roy Stuart J. , Plett Darren C. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryCereal varieties with improved salinity tolerance are needed to achieve profitable grain yields in saline soils. The expression of AVP1, an Arabidopsis gene encoding a vacuolar proton pumping pyrophosphatase (H+‐PPase), has been shown to improve the salinity tolerance of transgenic plants in greenhouse conditions. However, the potential for this gene to improve the grain yield of cereal crops in a saline field has yet to be evaluated. Recent advances in high‐throughput nondestructive phenotyping technologies also offer an opportunity to quantitatively evaluate the growth of transgenic plants under abiotic stress through time. In this study, the growth of transgenic barley expressing AVP1 was evaluated under saline conditions in a pot experiment using nondestructive plant imaging and in a saline field trial. Greenhouse‐grown transgenic barley expressing AVP1 produced a larger shoot biomass compared to null segregants, as determined by an increase in projected shoot area, when grown in soil with 150 mm NaCl. This increase in shoot biomass of transgenic AVP1 barley occurred from an early growth stage and also in nonsaline conditions. In a saline field, the transgenic barley expressing AVP1 also showed an increase in shoot biomass and, importantly, produced a greater grain yield per plant compared to wild‐type plants. Interestingly, the expression of AVP1 did not alter barley leaf sodium concentrations in either greenhouse‐ or field‐grown plants. This study validates our greenhouse‐based experiments and indicates that transgenic barley expressing AVP1 is a promising option for increasing cereal crop productivity in saline fields.
Osmotic stress at the barley root affects expression of circadian clock genes in the shoot
Authors: HABTE ERMIAS , MÜLLER LUKAS M. , SHTAYA MUNQEZ , DAVIS SETH J. , VON KORFF MARIA 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe circadian clock is an important timing system that controls physiological responses to abiotic stresses in plants. However, there is little information on the effects of the clock on stress adaptation in important crops, like barley. In addition, we do not know how osmotic stress perceived at the roots affect the shoot circadian clock. Barley genotypes, carrying natural variation at the photoperiod response and clock genesPpd‐H1andHvELF3, were grown under control and osmotic stress conditions to record changes in the diurnal expression of clock and stress‐response genes and in physiological traits. Variation atHvELF3affected the expression phase and shape of clock and stress‐response genes, while variation atPpd‐H1only affected the expression levels of stress genes. Osmotic stress up‐regulated expression of clock and stress‐response genes and advanced their expression peaks. Clock genes controlled the expression of stress‐response genes, but had minor effects on gas exchange and leaf transpiration. This study demonstrated that osmotic stress at the barley root altered clock gene expression in the shoot and acted as a spatial input signal into the clock. Unlike inArabidopsis, barley primary assimilation was less controlled by the clock and more responsive to environmental perturbations, such as osmotic stress.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in pediatric kidney transplant: A possible role of Epstein‐Barr virus
Authors: Giordano M. , Santangelo L. , Scarasciulli M. L. , Calvario A. , Miragliotta G. , Giordano P. , Cecinati V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMG is a common event of hematologic malignancies. There are many papers regarding kidney transplantation patients with MGUS in adults, while data in pediatrics are scarce. The etiology and clinical significance of MGUS are unclear both in adults and children. Immunosuppressive drugs, graft antigenicity, and viral infection could play a possible role. The viruses most frequently implicated seem to be EBV or CMV in particular, but their role has to be defined better. However, many investigators have emphasized an impaired balance between an adequate immune response and reactivation of viral infection.
Hepatic venous reconstruction using the superficial femoral vein in a right‐lobe living donor liver transplant patient with interrupted inferior vena cava
Authors: Sato Kazushige , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Kawagishi Naoki , Akamatsu Yorihiro , Miyagi Shigeto , Yamaya Hideyuki , Takeda Ikuo , Fukushima Daizo , Sato Akira , Ohuchi Noriaki , Satomi Susumu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAnatomical abnormalities in patients with BA often include polysplenia, preduodenal portal vein, interrupted retrohepatic IVC, cardiac abnormalities, and situs inversus. In LDLT patients who had congenital vascular anomalies, additional surgical modifications for the reconstruction of hepatic venous branches are sometimes necessary to prevent venous parenchymal congestion. We report a 12‐yr‐old female with post‐Kasai BA with interrupted retrohepatic IVC who underwent right‐lobe LDLT because the left liver graft volume was insufficient. The donor right liver graft had three major hepatic branches, including the RHV, IRHV, and MHV tributary (V8). We performed hepatic venous reconstruction by creating a large, wide triple orifice consisting of the RHV and two SFVs, which were anastomosed to the V8 and IRHV using the donor's SFV as an interposition graft. In conclusion, the reconstruction of venous orifices for right‐lobe LDLT patients with the absent retrohepatic IVC is can be carried out using an SFV graft derived from the living donor or the recipient.
The importance of sub‐peat carbon storage as shown by data from Dartmoor, UK
Authors: Fyfe R. M. , Coombe R. , Davies H. , Parry L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPeatlands are highly valued for their range of ecosystem services, including distinctive biodiversity, agricultural uses, recreational amenities, water provision, river flow regulation and their capacity to store carbon. There have been a range of estimates of carbon stored in peatlands in the United Kingdom, but uncertainties remain, in particular with regard to depth and bulk density of peat. In addition, very few studies consider the full profile with depth in carbon auditing. The importance of sub‐peat soils within peatland carbon stores has been recognized, but remains poorly understood and is included rarely within peatland carbon audits. This study examines the importance of the carbon store based on a study of blanket peat on Dartmoor, UK, by estimating peat depths in a 4 × 1 km survey area using ground penetrating radar (GPR), extraction of 43 cores across a range of peat depth, and estimation of carbon densities based on measures of loss‐on‐ignition and bulk density. Comparison of GPR estimates of peat depth with core depths shows excellent agreement, to provide the basis for a detailed understanding of the distribution of peat depths within the survey area. Carbon densities of the sub‐peat soils are on average 78 and 53 kg C/m3 for the overlying blanket peat. There is considerable spatial variability in the estimates of total carbon from each core across the survey area, with values ranging between 56.5 kg C/m2 (1.01 m total depth of peat and soil) and 524 kg C/m2 (6.63 m total depth). Sub‐peat soil carbon represents between 4 and 28 per cent (mean 13.5) of the total carbon stored, with greater values for shallower peat. The results indicate a significant and previously unaccounted store of carbon within blanket peat regions which should be included in future calculations of overall carbon storage. It is argued that this store needs to be considered in carbon audits.
Emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka 2008–2011
Authors: Sandanayaka Rohana , Kahawita Indra , Gamage Ajith , Siribaddana Sisira , Agampodi Suneth 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo report cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.MethodsThe study population included all patients with CL reported from Polonnaruwa district from January 2008 through April 2012. Data were collected in the dermatology unit of Polonnaruwa General Hospital and the regional epidemiology unit of Polonnaruwa.ResultsFour hundred and forty six patients with leishmaniasis were detected; clinical details were available for 362. Mean annual incidence of leishmaniasis between 2008 and 2012 in Polonnaruwa district was 26.2 per 100 000. The case incidence steadily increased during the study period. Case distribution by month peaked between August and November. Cases were geographically clustered in three administrative divisions with a mean annual incidence ranging from 94.7 to 54.1 per 100 000 population. Significantly more (n = 294, 65.9%) males than females were affected (χ2 for goodness of fit = 48.4, P < 0.001). The commonest type of lesion was nodules (n = 157, 43.4%) followed by crust (n = 116, 32.0%). The majority of patients had lesions on upper limbs (n = 144, 39.8%) or the face (n = 117, 32.3%).ConclusionCutaneous leishmaniasis is increasing in Polonnaruwa, with clear spatial and temporal clustering. Sri Lanka needs more vigilant leishmaniasis surveillance.
Carotenoid oxidation products as stress signals in plants
Authors: Havaux Michel 
Published: November 2013

SummaryCarotenoids are known to play important roles in plants as antioxidants, accessory light‐harvesting pigments, and attractants for pollinators and seed dispersers. A new function for carotenoids has recently emerged, which relates to the response of plants to environmental stresses. Reactive oxygen species, especially singlet oxygen, produced in the chloroplasts under stress conditions, can oxidize carotenoids leading to a variety of oxidized products, including aldehydes, ketones, endoperoxides and lactones. Some of those carotenoid derivatives, such as volatile β–cyclocitral, derived from the oxidation of β–carotene, are reactive electrophile species that are bioactive and can induce changes in gene expression leading to acclimation to stress conditions. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the non‐enzymatic oxidation of carotenoids, the bioactivity of the resulting cleavage compounds and their functions as stress signals in plants.