bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tolerogenic dendritic cells: molecular and cellular mechanisms in transplantation
Authors: Švajger Urban , Rožman Primož 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTDuring the discovery of mechanisms that govern immune activation and suppression, immune tolerance always came second in the scientific timeline. This has subsequently shaped the advances in the clinical translation of DC therapy protocols used for immunostimulation or immunosuppression. With several hundred clinical trials already registered within the U.S. National Institutes of Health for the use of DCs in cancer vaccination, only a few involve TolDCs for use as negative vaccines. However, as a result of the strong scientific rationale from preclinical and clinical trials, the use of negative vaccination in organ transplantation is likely on its way to reach the extent of the use of positive cancer vaccines in the future. As the underlying mechanisms emerge, the role of DCs in the induction of transplant tolerance is recognized unambiguously as central in the bidirectional communication with various types of immune cells. This is achieved by a complex interplay of numerous tolerogenic signals involving regulatory cytokines and other surface-bound or soluble inhibitory molecules associated with corresponding inhibitory signaling cascades. A detailed understanding of these processes will accelerate the advances of clinical immunologists in translating their knowledge from bench to bedside. In this review, we present the role of TolDCs as well as the most recent findings concerning associated molecular and cellular mechanisms that shape the balance between regulatory and effector immune responses during organ transplantation.
Do Chronic Alcoholism Effect to The Cornea and Retina? (Alcohol and Eye)
Authors: Gunduz Abuzer , Cumurcu Tongabay , Cumurcu Birgul Elbozan , Demirel Ersin Ersan , Gül Isil Gögcegöz , Firat Pempegül 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To compare quantitative anterior and posterior segment data obtained with the Pentacam and OCT in individuals who are chronic users of alcohol (ethanol).
Methods: Our study was a prospective, case-control study conducted on two groups. The first group (Group 1) consisted of 30 male patients who had presented at the Psychiatry outpatient department of our hospital for the treatment of alcoholism. The second group (Group 2) consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched individuals as the control group. This group included the healthy persons accompanying their relatives who had come to the Eye Department for treatment. All cases underwent an ocular examination, measurement of the axial length, Pentacam examination and Spectral Domain Optic Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). The quantitative data from these measurements were compared between the two groups. The significance level for the tests was 0.05.
Results: The mean age was 45.0±8.03 (28-59) years in the group 1 and 41.83±8.5 (31-60) years in the control group. The mean alcohol use duration was 18.33±9.94 years in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for age or axial length. There was also no significant difference between the groups for the Pentacam K (keratometry), CCT (central corneal thickness), ACD (anterior chamber depth), ACA(anterior chamber angle), ACV(anterior chamber volume) and LT (lens thickness) data (p>0.05). There was also no difference between the groups for the SD-OCT FCT (Foveal 1 mm central ring thickness), S-GCC (Superior-hemiretinal ganglion cells complex), I-GCC (Inferior hemiretinal ganglion cells complex), G-RNFL (Global -Retinal nerve fiber layer), I-RNFL (Inferior -Retinal nerve fiber layer), S-RNFL (Superior-Retinal nerve fiber layer), N-RNFL (Nasal-Retinal nerve fiber layer) and T-RNFL (Temporal-Retinal nerve fiber layer) data (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study were not find a difference between measurements of the ocular structures of individuals with a history of chronic alcohol use and healthy individuals in this quantitative study.
Double-Dose Ranibizumab for Eyes with Refractory Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Modjtahedi Bobeck S. , Morse Lawrence S. , Rashid Saadia , Park Susanna S. 
Published: October 2013

In this retrospective chart review of the 10 eyes (8 subjects) with exudative age-related macular degeneration that had persistent macular fluid on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) [after at least 3 monthly intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5mg) or bevacizumab (1.25mg)], central macular thickness was significantly lower after 2 monthly double-dose intravitreal ranibizumab injections (0.1mg, DDR) (324 + 77µm at baseline vs 248 + 50µm, P=0.02).
Seven of 10 eyes that received DDR had some qualitative anatomic improvement on SD-OCT with the first 2 DDR, but no further OCT improvements were noted thereafter with additional DDR. The DDR treatment effect was transient in 3 of 7 eyes despite sustained DDR treatment.
Best corrected visual acuity remained stable in 7 of 10 eyes over the initial period of DDR (first 2-3 injections), 2 eyes improved > 2 lines and 1 eye had > 2 lines of worsening. The improvement in BCVA did not correlate with improvement noted on SD-OCT.
Paracentesis was performed frequently for acute intraocular pressure elevation or as prophylaxis in eyes receiving DDR due to the higher volume injected intravitreally but no other ocular or systemic adverse effect was noted with DDR.
What Follow-Up for Early Gastric Cancer Patients Radically Treated?
Authors: Luca Baiocchi Gian , Massimo Tiberio Guido Alberto , Portolani Nazario , Coniglio Arianna , Gheza Federico , Molfino Sarah , Morgagni Paolo , Saragoni Luca , De Manzoni Giovanni , Giulini Stefano Maria 
Published: October 2013

Introduction: At the present state of knowledge, submitting patients radically operated for Early Gastric Cancer (EGC) to an imaging-based oncological follow-up doesn't improve survival.
Materials and Methods: The present study was performed consulting the available Literature in PubMed and Embase. Manuscripts published in the period 1990-2012 were selected. A research inboard the Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer (IRGGC) was also managed.
Results: After radical resection for EGC, the 5-years risk of recurrence is 1.7%-6.8%; the risk of another tumor is 1.2%- 4.8%, so follow-up could be useless in almost 90% of cases. However, a lot of patients actually require to be followed over time after the intervention; furthermore, follow up is the only practice that should provide reliable data about time and mode of recurrence. Indeed, many high quality and high volume centers all around the world, and 100% of the 8 IRGGC Centers involved in this survey keep their patients currently under control. Looking for a rational approach, follow-up has to be especially considered for N+ patients, it has to last 5 years long and it must be based on CT with i.v. contrast medium injection alternating to abdominal ultrasonography.
Conclusions: Despite the absence of a clear survival advantage, the practice of follow-up after radical gastrectomy for EGC should be supported.
Azathioprine and Aspirin in Childhood Primary Arterial Stroke
Authors: Malik Muhammad Akbar , Naseer Muhammad , Malik Hamza 
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the complications of anticoagulants in acute phase, and of low dose Aspirin with and without Azathioprine in remission and maintenance phases in patients with arterial ischemic strokes (AIS).
Study Type: observational and analytic.
Place: The department of the Neurology of the Children’s Hospital Lahore-Pakistan.
Setting and Duration: The study was conducted at the department of the Neurology of the Children's Hospital from 1st Jan 2009 to 31st December 2010.
Methods: Over the period of 2 years, 68 patients with acute ischemic strokes were admitted, who presented within 14 days of onset of the symptoms. Patients with AIS were treated with anticoagulants at least for 04 weeks and this was followed by long term use of Aspirin. Patients ais due to progressive arteriopathy were treated with Azathioprine. Patient were followed in Hospital based cohort study at single center and were systemically assessed for clinical presentation, classification of choldhood primary ischaemic stroke (cPIS), adverse effects of anticoagulants, aspirin and azathioprine.
Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12.0 (Chicago, IL). Frequencies were calculated for categorical data including gender, final outcome and complications of anticoagulation therapy.
Result: 68 children with cPIS (boys 62%, girls 38%) with mean age of 8.5 years (median age 7.4 + 3.5 years), were enrolled in this study.The mean time-interval between the symptoms onset and the patients’ admission to the hospital was 5.6 days (range 1 to 14 days). Motor deficit (70%); headache (64%) and fever (20%) were the commonest symptoms, whereas, hemiparesis (60%); seizure 55 % (focal 35%, generalized 20%); and decreased conscious level (30%), were the commonest neurological findings. Neuroradiological findings of head revealed; ischemic strokes 50 (73.5%); hemorrhagic strokes 10 (14.7%) and ischaemic- haemorrhagic lesions 8(11.8%). Conventional angiography and/or MRA revealed that at the time of admission 51 (51/68, 75%) of the cohort had non-progressive (obliterative) and 17 (17/68,25%) had evidence of progressive arteriopathy. No secondary hemorrhagic was documented among infarcts strokes, who were treated with heparin and anticoagulants. Hospital outcome was as; survivors 56 (81.5%) and deaths 12 (18.5%). 40patints discharged on long term oral aspirin, and 14 children of these were commenced also on Azathioprine and are on follow-up. The Neurological findings among 56 survivors were; normal 20%; minor disabilities 25%; moderate disabilities 20% and severe disabilities 35%.
Conclusions and Recommendations: The spectrum of cPIS in children includes both progressive and nonprogressive forms. Characteristic features at diagnosis can be used to predict later progression, and to guide selection of patients for immunosuppressive therapy. Further studies are required to substantiate our findings.
Vulnerability of point-of-care test reagents and instruments to environmental stresses: implications for health professionals and developers
Authors: Louie Richard F. , Ferguson William J. , Curtis Corbin M. , Vy John H. , Kost Gerald J. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Strategic integration of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools during crisis response can accelerate triage and improve management of victims. Timely differential diagnosis is essential wherever care is provided to rule out or rule in disease, expedite life-saving treatment, and improve utilization of limited resources. POC testing needs to be accurate in any environment in which it is used. Devices are exposed to potentially adverse storage and operating conditions, such as high/low temperature and humidity during emergencies and field rescues. Therefore, characterizing environmental conditions allows technology developers, operators, and responders to understand the broad operational requirements of test reagents, instruments, and equipment in order to improve the quality and delivery of care in complex emergencies, disasters, and austere environmental settings. This review aims to describe the effects of environmental stress on POC testing performance and its impact on decision-making, to describe how to study the effects, and to summarize ways to mitigate the effects of environmental stresses through good laboratory practice, development of robust reagents, and novel thermal packaging solutions.
Comparison of two immunoassays for measurement of faecal calprotectin in detection of inflammatory bowel disease: (pre)-analytical and diagnostic performance characteristics
Authors: Oyaert Matthijs , Trouvé Charlotte , Baert Filip , De Smet Dieter , Langlois Michel , Vanpoucke Hilde 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background: Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can overlap. Faecal calprotectin has recently been established to be a non-invasive marker for neutrophilic intestinal inflammation. We compared two devices for extraction of faecal calprotectin. Based on these results, two immunoassays for measurement of faecal calprotectin were evaluated.

Methods: Samples were extracted using the Thermo Fisher extraction device (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and Smart Pep extraction device (Roche Diagnostics) and measured with the EliA Calprotectin immunoassay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) on ImmunoCAP 250. The performance of both assays was investigated by enrolling 183 consecutive patients (79 males, 104 females; median age 32 years) with clinical suspicion of IBD. Faecal calprotectin was measured using a recently launched immunoassay, EliA Calprotectin in comparison with an established immunochomatographic point-of-care-test (POCT, Quantum Blue Calprotectin; Bühlmann). Results were compared with endoscopic and histological findings.

Results: The use of the Thermo Fisher extraction device resulted in an underestimation of faecal calprotectin concentrations, especially in liquid stool samples. IBD was diagnosed in 51/183 patients (27.9%) [Crohn’s disease (CD, n=37), ulcerative colitis (UC, n=14)]. After adjusting the optimal cut-off for detection of IBD using receiver operating curve analysis, a sensitivity of 94.1% and 90.2% and specificity of 87.9% and 90.9% for the EliA and POCT assay, respectively, were obtained.

Conclusions: The Thermo Fisher device is not reliable for extraction of faecal calprotectin. The performance characteristics of the EliA Calprotectin assay are statistically equivalent to the Bühlmann POCT.
Placental abruption in an adolescent with liver cirrhosis and severe thrombocytopenia
Authors: Farshchi Annahita , Stohl Hindi E. , Lee Richard H. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Pregnancy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver poses significant risks to both the mother and her fetus. Little is known about the occurrence of thrombocytopenia or placental abruption in pregnant women with cirrhosis. We present an 18-year-old primigravida who was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver during evaluation of severe thrombocytopenia at 20 weeks’ gestation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed large esophageal varices, and β-blocker therapy was initiated for primary prophylaxis of esophageal bleeding. She delivered via emergent cesarean section at 24 and 6/7 weeks for fetal heart rate decelerations and placental abruption. This case demonstrates how cirrhosis of the liver, especially in association with thrombocytopenia, may be associated with an increased risk for placental abruption. Hypersplenism should be considered in a pregnant woman with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.
Hope, Quality of Life, and Benefit From Treatment in Women Having Chemotherapy for Platinum-Resistant/Refractory Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: The Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup Symptom Benefit Study
Authors: Sjoquist Katrin M. , Friedlander Michael L. , O'Connell Rachel L. , Voysey Merryn , King Madeleine T. , Stockler Martin R. , Oza Amit M. , Gillies Kim , Martyn Julie K. , Butow Phyllis N. 
Published: October 2013

Learning Objectives
Explain the connection between depression and unrealistic expectations of the benefits of palliative therapy. Distinguish the trait of general hopefulness from hope for a specific favorable outcome.
Treatment of Dexamethasone-Induced Hiccup in Chemotherapy Patients by Methylprednisolone Rotation
Authors: Lee Gyeong-Won , Oh Sung Yong , Kang Myoung Hee , Kang Jung Hun , Park Se Hoon , Hwang In Gyu , Yi Seong Yoon , Choi Young Jin , Ji Jun Ho , Lee Ha Yeon , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background.
Dexamethasone-induced hiccup (DIH) is an underrecognized symptom in patients with cancer, and little information is available about its treatment. The aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility of methylprednisolone rotation as treatment and to confirm the male predominance among those with cancer who experienced DIH during chemotherapy.

Methods.
Persons with cancer who experienced hiccups during chemotherapy treatment and who were receiving treatment with dexamethasone were presumed to have DIH. The following algorithmic practice was implemented for antiemetic corticosteroid use: rotation from dexamethasone to methylprednisolone in the next cycle and dexamethasone re-administration in the second cycle of chemotherapy after recognition of hiccups to confirm DIH. All other antiemetics except corticosteroid remained unchanged. Patients (n = 40) were recruited from eight cancer centers in Korea from September 2012 to April 2013. Data were collected retrospectively.

Results.
Hiccup intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]: 5.38 vs. 0.53) and duration (68.44 minutes vs. 1.79 minutes) were significantly decreased after rotation to methylprednisolone, while intensity of emesis was not increased (NRS: 2.63 vs. 2.08). Median dose of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone were 10 mg and 50 mg, respectively. Thirty-four (85%) of 40 patients showed complete resolution of hiccups after methylprednisolone rotation in the next cycle. Of these 34 patients, 25 (73.5%) had recurrence of hiccups after dexamethasone re-administration. Compared with baseline values, hiccup intensity (NRS: 5.24 vs. 2.44) and duration (66.43 minutes vs. 22.00 minutes) were significantly attenuated after dexamethasone re-administration. Of the 40 eligible patients, 38 (95%) were male.

Conclusion.
DIH during chemotherapy could be controlled without losing antiemetic potential by replacing dexamethasone with methylprednisolone. We also identified a male predominance of DIH. Further prospective studies are warranted.
The Prevalence of Four Types of Childhood Maltreatment in Denmark
Authors: Christoffersen Mogens N , Armour Cherie , Lasgaard Mathias , Andersen Tonny E , Elklit Ask 
Published: October 2013

Objectives:
To estimate the prevalence of four types of childhood maltreatment in Denmark while taking into considerations how each of the types of maltreatment vary as a function of gender or child-protection status.

Methods:
Data were collected from a Danish national study conducted by The Danish National Centre for Social Research in 2008 and 2009. The study used a stratified random probability sample of young people aged 24 years. A sample of 4718 young adults were randomly selected by Statistics Denmark using the total birth cohort of all children born in 1984. The response rate was 63% leaving a total effective sample size of 2980. A structured residential or telephone interview enquired about a range of respondents maltreatment experiences.

Results:
Maltreatment is experienced by a significant proportion of Danish children. The reported prevalence rates were; physical neglect (3.0%), emotional abuse (5.2%), physical abuse (5.4%) and sexual abuse (3.4%). All trauma types were experienced by a greater percentage of females compared to males with the exception of physical abuse and all trauma types were experienced by a greater percentage of children given child-protection status.

Conclusions:
Female children and children who are given child protection status are those most at risk for experiencing maltreatment in Denmark. However, variability in prevalence rates of maltreatment across studies is problematic. Methodological variations and variation in abuse definitions may be partly attributable.
Ordinal ultrafilters versus P-hierarchy
Authors: Starosolski Andrzej 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn earlier paper [Starosolski A., P-hierarchy on βω, J. Symbolic Logic, 2008, 73(4), 1202–1214] investigated the relations between ordinal ultrafilters and the so-called P-hierarchy. The present paper focuses on the aspects of characterization of classes of ultrafilters of finite index, existence, generic existence and the Rudin-Keisler-order.
Approximation of solutions to second order nonlinear Picard problems with Carathéodory right-hand side
Authors: Gulgowski Jacek 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe present an approximation method for Picard second order boundary value problems with Carathéodory righthand side. The method is based on the idea of replacing a measurable function in the right-hand side of the problem with its Kantorovich polynomial. We will show that this approximation scheme recovers essential solutions to the original BVP. We also consider the corresponding finite dimensional problem. We suggest a suitable mapping of solutions to finite dimensional problems to piecewise constant functions so that the later approximate a solution to the original BVP. That is why the presented idea may be used in numerical computations.
High-resolution bed topography mapping of Russell Glacier, Greenland, inferred from Operation IceBridge data
Authors: Morlighem M. , Rignot E. , Mouginot J. , Wu X. , Seroussi H. , Larour E. , Paden J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDetailed maps of bed elevation and ice thickness are essential for understanding and projecting the evolution of the ice sheets. Such maps are traditionally obtained using airborne radar-sounding profiler data interpolated onto regular grids using geostatistical tools such as kriging. Here we compare three mapping techniques applied to a dense radar survey of Russell Glacier, West Greenland, by NASA Operation IceBridge: (1) radar tomography (RT) processing of the radar data to map the bed elevation, (2) interpolation of radar-derived thickness by ordinary kriging (KR) and (3) reconstruction of ice thickness based on the principles of mass conservation (MC) combining radar-sounding profiler and ice motion data. RT eliminates ambiguities caused by off-nadir reflections, but is spatially limited. KR yields a standard error in bed elevation of 35 m, but large errors (>300 m a−1) in flux divergence when combined with ice motion data. MC yields a comparable performance in bed elevation mapping, and errors smaller than 1 m a−1in flux divergence. When the number of radar-sounding tracks is reduced, the performance of KR decreases more rapidly than for MC. Our study site shows that MC is capable of maintaining precision levels of 60 m at 400 m posting with flight tracks separated by 5 km.