bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of complement‐fixing and non‐fixing antibodies specific for endothelial precursor cells and lymphocytes using flow cytometry
Authors: AlMahri A. , Holgersson J. , Alheim M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDonor human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐specific antibodies (Abs) with the ability to activate complement are associated with an increased risk of early Ab‐mediated rejection (AMR) of kidney allografts. In recent years, also non‐HLA Abs‐binding endothelial cells have been shown to elicit early AMR. Donor‐specific anti‐endothelial cell Abs escape detection in the pre‐transplant evaluation if only lymphocytes are used as target cells in crossmatch tests. We addressed whether endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) could be used for detection of complement‐fixing as well as non‐fixing Abs and if complement factor and immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposition on co‐purified T and B cells correlated to the outcome of the T‐ and B‐cell complement‐dependent cytotoxicity assay. Deposition of complement factors C3c and C3d, but not C1q nor C4d, were detected on EPCs and lymphocytes upon incubation with HLA Ab‐positive sera. There was a correlation between the amount of C3c deposition and IgG binding on EPCs (R2 = 0.71, P = 0.0012) and T cells (R2 = 0.74, P = 0.0006) but not for B cells (R2 = 0.34, P = 0.059). The specificity and sensitivity for C3d deposition on endothelial precursor cell crossmatch (EPCXM) T cells vs the T complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay were 69% and 72%, respectively. The EPCXM B‐cell C3d assay had considerably lower sensitivity (39%) than the B CDC assay. Altogether, this novel assay based on the detection of complements factors on EPCs and lymphocytes by flow cytometry may widen the diagnostic repertoire and thereby improve the clinical management of patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
Subcutaneous IgG replacement after pediatric SCT
Authors: Sundin Mikael , Nordin Karin , Jostemyr Yvonne , Winiarski Jacek 
Published: August 2012

Sundin M, Nordin K, Jostemyr Y, Winiarski J. Subcutaneous IgG replacement after pediatric SCT.Abstract:  Hypogammaglobulinemia is common after pediatric SCT and IgG replacement is recommended. Some children will have a prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia but may have poor venous access which impedes further iv IgG replacement. In primary antibody deficiencies, sc IgG replacement, performed by parents at home, has been shown to be efficient and to improve life quality. In this study prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia post‐SCT was observed in 58 of 158 (37%) children transplanted 2003–2010. Iv IgG (n = 46) and sc IgG (n = 12) replacement was compared and in 32 of 35 surviving children, it was possible to assess family attitudes to the treatment. There was no significant difference in numbers of patients reaching IgG ≥4 g/L (64–96%) or IgG trough levels between the two groups. However, the levels were less variable in the sc IgG group. Side effects associated with the IgG replacement occurred more frequently in the iv IgG group (67.4% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.003). The frequency of clinical infections was equal in the groups. No family in the sc IgG group desired change of route of administration in contrast to the iv IgG group. To conclude, sc IgG replacement is a convenient and safe alternative to iv IgG replacement which should be offered to children undergoing SCT.
First global forum on education on organ donation and transplantation for schools
Authors: Cantarovich M. , Birk P. , Ekbeg H. , Delmonico F. , Schoenberg R. , Garcia C. , Manyalich M. , Wall W. , Arbogast H. , Sherry W. , Young‐Kipp S. , Cantarovich F. 
Published: August 2012

Cantarovich M, Birk P, Ekbeg H, Delmonico F, Schoenberg R, Garcia C, Manyalich M, Wall W, Arbogast H, Sherry W, Young‐Kipp S, Cantarovich F. First global forum on education on organ donation and transplantation for schools.Abstract:  The Transplantation Society, in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, organized a forum on education on ODT for schools. The forum included participants from around the world, school boards, and representatives from different religions. Participants presented on their countries’ experience in the area of education on ODT. Working groups discussed about technologies for education, principles for sharing of resources globally, and relationships between education, and health authorities and non‐governmental organizations. The forum concluded with a discussion about how to best help existing programs and those wishing to start educational programs on ODT.
Small bowel obstruction caused by inflammatory cytomegalovirus tumor in a renal transplant recipient: report of a rare case and review of the literature
Authors: Papadimitriou G. , Koukoulaki M. , Vardas K. , Florou E. , Argyrakos T. , Lakiotis G. , Apostolou T. , Drakopoulos S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in renal transplant recipients can present as asymptomatic viremia or CMV syndrome or, in more severe cases, as tissue‐invasive disease. CMV enteritis, a common manifestation of CMV invasive disease, usually presents with fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, and diarrhea, and can be rarely complicated by colon perforation, hemorrhage, or megacolon. CMV infection occurs primarily in the first 6 months post transplantation, when immunosuppression is more intense.We describe the case of a female renal transplant recipient with small bowel obstruction caused by CMV disease 7 years post renal transplantation. The patient presented with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Because of elevated CMV viral load, she was initially treated with antiviral therapy with transient response. Endoscopy and imaging tests showed obstruction of the terminal ileum and, subsequently, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy when a right hemicolectomy was performed. Biopsy results confirmed the diagnosis of CMV enteritis. Epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, therapeutic options, and morbidity–mortality rates of CMV infection/disease, in renal transplant recipients, are reviewed.
Development of Hordeum chilense 4Hch introgression lines in durum wheat: a tool for breeders and complex trait analysis
Authors: CALDERÓN MARÍA DEL CARMEN , RAMÍREZ MARÍA DEL CARMEN , MARTÍN ANTONIO , PRIETO PILAR 
Published: August 2012

With 3 figures and 2 tables
AbstractThe wild species Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult is a valuable genetic resource for durum wheat breeding and genomic research. In this study, an interspecific cross, advanced backcrosses and consecutive selfing strategies were used to develop introgression lines of H. chilense chromosome 4Hch into durum wheat. It is the first time that H. chilense genomic introgressions were obtained in durum background. Substitutions and addition lines for H. chilense chromosome 4 into durum were generated. Alien chromosome segments were reduced in size by further spontaneous translocations between wheat and chromosome 4Hch. Hordeum chilense introgressions were identified in the durum background through several plant generations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Development of these H. chilense introgression lines constitutes an important advance in durum breeding, proof of concept for the development of new H. chilense introgression lines in durum, and is a valuable tool for plant breeding.
The use of botulinum toxin type A in the management of adult‐onset focal spasticity: A survey of Australian allied health professionals
Authors: Williams Gavin , Olver John , de Graaff Stephen , Singer Barbara J. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundRecently, the European Journal of Neurology published international consensus statements for the assessment, treatment and aftercare associated with the use of botulinum neurotoxin type A. This survey examined current allied health practice in relation to botulinum neurotoxin type A use in Australia in the light of these guidelines.MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was distributed to members of neurology groups of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Occupational Therapy Australia. The questionnaire explored assessment processes used, familiarity with pharmaceutical benefits scheme indications for botulinum neurotoxin type A use, goal setting and outcome measurement, follow‐up therapy and access to spasticity management services.ResultsThe 123 survey respondents (81 from the Australian Physiotherapy Association – response rate 16.2%, 42 from Occupational Therapy Australia – response rate 6.4%) reported that focal spasticity was a major problem for which botulinum neurotoxin type A was a primary intervention. The Tardieu scale was more frequently used than the modified Ashworth scale (82% vs. 48%). Most therapists (76.3%) reported being confident diagnosing spasticity and its functional implications (84.2%), but fewer were confident discussing referral for botulinum neurotoxin type A with doctors (56.1%). Goals were set in conjunction with the client (93.6%). Barriers to injection and adjunctive therapy (motor training etc.) included waiting times for botulinum neurotoxin type A injection, access to specialist adjunctive therapists and referral for treatment.ConclusionsAllied health practitioners in Australia report clinical practice to be closely aligned with international guidelines for the use of botulinum neurotoxin type A in adult spasticity. Therapist confidence in advocating for botulinum neurotoxin type A injection, consistent use of objective measures of spasticity and treatment outcomes and barriers to providing adjunctive therapy need to be addressed.
Quality‐of‐life assessment in the treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injuries: hepaticojejunostomy versus end‐to‐end biliary reconstructions
Authors: Jabłońska Beata , Olakowski Marek , Lampe Paweł , Górka Zygmunt , Bułdak Łukasz 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAssessment and comparison of quality of life (QOL) in patients treated for iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or end‐to‐end ductal anastomosis (EE).MethodsThe Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36v2 (SF‐36v2) Health Survey and the Karnofsky score were used. Comparative analysis of QOL was performed in 41 patients following reconstructive surgery for IBDI between 1990 and 2005: 22 – HJ and 21 – EE.ResultsSeven of eight values were comparable in both analysed groups: role‐physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role‐emotional and mental health index. Physical functioning was significantly better in patients following EE (P = 0.04). Physical component summary (P = 0.11) and mental component summary (P = 0.92) in both groups were comparable. QOL according to the Karnofsky scale was comparable in both groups (P = 0.294).ConclusionsPhysical functioning was significantly better in patients after EE. Other values of QOF according to the SF‐36v2 and the Karnofsky score were comparable in both groups.
Use of outcome events in surgical trials: a systematic review
Authors: Hall Jane L. , Hall John C. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundSurgical trials sometimes fail to clearly identify the primary outcome events of interest. This results in trials that are diffuse and difficult to interpret.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to systematically review the use of outcome events in surgical trials.Data sourcesSurgical trials published between 1 January 2007 and 30 June 2010 in 26 peer‐reviewed journals representing a wide range of specialty interests were used in this study.Review methodsCopies of all potentially relevant articles were scrutinized to identify the admissible surgical trials. Two investigators experienced in health research methods used a standardized form to extract discrete information (i.e. it was an ‘identifying and counting’ exercise that did not require subjective evaluations). All forms were double‐checked.ResultsTwenty‐four per cent (130 out of 531) of the trials failed to declare the primary outcome events – 11% (56 out of 531) of the trials indicated the primary outcome events in the abstract, but not in the body of the article. The compliant trials used a median of three primary outcome events (interquartile range: 2–5, absolute range: 1–17), and a median of 19 statistical comparisons (interquartile range: 9–32, absolute range: 1–130). Only 2% (11 out of 531) of the trials made an adjustment for the multiple testing of statistical significance (9 of these trials declared a single primary outcome event). Composite outcome events appeared in 9% (48 out of 531) of the trials and these studies contained a median of 24 statistical comparisons.ConclusionsMany surgical trials fail to clearly define the specific outcome events of interest, and this is often accompanied by a subversive number of statistical comparisons.
Telerheumatology: an idea whose time has come
Authors: Roberts L. J. , LaMont E. G. , Lim I. , Sabesan S. , Barrett C. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAustralia is a vast country with one‐third of the population living outside capital cities. Providing specialist rheumatologist services to regional, rural and remote Australians has generally required expensive and time‐consuming travel for the patient and/or specialist. As a result, access to specialist care for remote Australians is poor. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease, but like many rheumatic diseases, it is complex to treat. Time‐dependent joint damage and disability occur unless best evidence care is implemented. The relatively poor access to rheumatologist care allotted to nonmetropolitan Australians therefore represents a significant cause of potentially preventable disability in Australia. Telehealth has the potential to improve access to specialist rheumatologists for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, thereby decreasing the burden of disability caused by these diseases. Advances in videoconferencing technology, the national broadband rollout and recent Federal government financial incentives have led to a heightened interest in exploring the use of this technology in Australian rheumatology practice. This review summarises the current evidence base, outlines telehealth's strengths and weaknesses in managing rheumatic disease, and discusses the technological, medicolegal and financial aspects of this model of care. A mixed model offering both face‐to‐face and virtual consultations appears to be the best option, as it can overcome the barriers to accessing care posed by distance while also mitigating the risks of virtual consultation.
Testing the metabolic theory of ecology
Authors: Price Charles A. , Weitz Joshua S , Savage Van M. , Stegen James , Clarke Andrew , Coomes David A. , Dodds Peter S. , Etienne Rampal S. , Kerkhoff Andrew J. , McCulloh Katherine , Niklas Karl J. , Olff Han , Swenson Nathan G. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) predicts the effects of body size and temperature on metabolism through considerations of vascular distribution networks and biochemical kinetics. MTE has also been extended to characterise processes from cellular to global levels. MTE has generated both enthusiasm and controversy across a broad range of research areas. However, most efforts that claim to validate or invalidate MTE have focused on testing predictions. We argue that critical evaluation of MTE also requires strong tests of both its theoretical foundations and simplifying assumptions. To this end, we synthesise available information and find that MTE's original derivations require additional assumptions to obtain the full scope of attendant predictions. Moreover, although some of MTE's simplifying assumptions are well supported by data, others are inconsistent with empirical tests and even more remain untested. Further, although many predictions are empirically supported on average, work remains to explain the often large variability in data. We suggest that greater effort be focused on evaluating MTE's underlying theory and simplifying assumptions to help delineate the scope of MTE, generate new theory and shed light on fundamental aspects of biological form and function.
Chemolithoautotrophic denitrification of epsilonproteobacteria in marine pelagic redox gradients
Authors: Bruckner Christian G. , Mammitzsch Kerstin , Jost Günter , Wendt Juliane , Labrenz Matthias , Jürgens Klaus 
Published: August 2012

SummaryPelagic marine oxygen‐depleted zones often exhibit a redox gradient, caused by oxygen depletion due to biological demand exceeding ventilation, and the accumulation of reduced chemical species, such as hydrogen sulfide. These redox gradients harbour a distinct assemblage of epsilonproteobacteria capable of fixing carbon dioxide autotrophically in the dark and potentially of utilizing hydrogen sulfide chemolithotrophically by oxidation with nitrate. Together, these two processes are referred to as chemolithoautotrophic denitrification. The focus of this study was the recently isolated and cultivated representative strain of pelagic epsilonproteobacteria, ‘Sulfurimonas gotlandica’ strain GD1, specifically dark carbon dioxide fixation and its substrate turnovers during chemolithotrophic denitrification. By connecting these processes stoichiometrically and comparing the results with those obtained for dark carbon dioxide fixation and nutrient concentrations measured in pelagic redox gradients of the Baltic Sea, we were able to estimate the role of chemolithoautotrophic denitrification in the environment. Evidence is provided for a defined zone where chemolithoautotrophic denitrification of these epsilonproteobacteria allows the complete removal of nitrate and hydrogen sulfide from the water column. This water layer is roughly equivalent in thickness to the average overlapping region of the two substrates, but slightly larger. Such a difference may be explained by a variety of reasons, including, e.g. utilization of substrates present at concentrations below the detection limit, alternative usage of other substrates as thiosulfate or nitrous oxide, or comparable activities of other microbes. However, the combined results of in vitro and in situ studies strongly suggest that epsilonproteobacteria are primarily responsible for hydrogen sulfide and nitrate removal from pelagic Baltic Sea redox gradients.
20‐year survival after radical prostatectomy as initial treatment for cT3 prostate cancer
Authors: Mitchell Christopher R. , Boorjian Stephen A. , Umbreit Eric C. , Rangel Laureano J. , Carlson Rachel E. , Karnes R. Jeffrey 
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Despite a lack of randomised controlled trials, most men with locally advanced prostate cancer are recommended to undergo external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), often combined with long‐term androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT). Many of these men are not offered radical prostatectomy (RP) by their treating urologist. Additionally, it is know that EBRT with long‐term ADT does provide good cancer control (88% at 10 years). We have previously published intermediate‐term follow‐up of a large series of men treatment with RP for cT3 prostate cancer.We report long‐term follow‐up of a large series of men treated with RP as primary treatment for cT3 prostate cancer. Our study shows that with long‐term follow‐up RP provides excellent oncological outcomes even at 20 years. While most men do require a multimodal treatment approach, many men can be managed successfully with RP alone.OBJECTIVE
To present long‐term survival outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) for patients with cT3 prostate cancer, as the optimal treatment for patients with clinical T3 prostate cancer is debated.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified 843 men who underwent RP for cT3 tumours between 1987 and 1997.
Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association of clinicopathological features with outcome
RESULTS
The median (range) postoperative follow‐up was 14.3 (0.1–23.5) years.
Down‐staging to pT2 disease occurred in 26% (223/843) at surgery.
Local recurrence‐free, systemic progression‐free and cancer‐specific survival for men with cT3 prostate cancer after RP was 76%, 72%, and 81%, respectively, at 20 years.
On multivariate analysis, increasing RP Gleason score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8; P= 0.01), non‐diploid chromatin content (HR 1.8; P= 0.01), positive surgical margins (HR 2.1; P= 0.007), and seminal vesicle invasion (HR 2.1; P= 0.005) were associated with a significant risk of prostate cancer death, while a more recent year of surgery was associated with a decreased risk of cancer‐specific mortality (HR 0.88; P= 0.01)
CONCLUSIONS
RP affords accurate pathological staging and may be associated with durable cancer control for cT3 prostate cancer, with 20 years of follow‐up presented here.
RP as part of a multimodal treatment strategy therefore remains a viable treatment option for patients with cT3 tumours.
Association between chronic kidney disease and urinary calculus by stone location: a population‐based study
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi‐Kuang , Lin Herng‐Ching 
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Disease prevalence study (cohort design)Level of Evidence 2aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Several studies have estimated the potential association of urinary calculus (UC) with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, previous literature focusing on this issue tended to evaluate the impact of kidney stones alone on incident CKD, with no studies having been conducted investigating the association between CKD and stone formation in other portions of the urological system.We found that patients with CKD were consistently more likely than comparison subjects to have been previously diagnosed with kidney calculus (odds ratio [OR] 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95–2.27), ureter calculus (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.51–1.85), bladder calculus (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.13–1.98), and unspecified calculus (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.74–2.06). We concluded that there was an association between CKD and UC regardless of stone location.OBJECTIVE
To explore the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with prior kidney calculus, ureter calculus, and bladder calculus using a population‐based dataset in Taiwan. Several studies have estimated the potential association of urinary calculus (UC) with CKD. However, previous literature focusing on this issue tended to evaluate the impact of kidney stones alone on incident CKD, with no studies having been conducted investigating the association between CKD and stone formation in other portions of the urological system.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified 21 474 patients who received their first‐time diagnosis of CKD between 2001 and 2009.
The 21 474 controls were frequency‐matched with cases for sex, age group, and index year.
We used conditional logistic regression analyses to compute the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) as an estimation of association between CKD and having been previously diagnosed with UC.
RESULTS
The results show that compared with controls, the OR of prior UC for cases was 1.91 (95% CI 1.81–2.01, P < 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders.
Furthermore, cases were consistently more likely than controls to have been previously diagnosed with kidney calculus (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.95–2.27), ureter calculus (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.51–1.85), bladder calculus (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.13–1.98), and unspecified UC (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.74–2.06).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that there was an association between ckd and UC regardless of stone location.