bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of HBV in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Pol Stanislas 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is more frequent in immune deficient populations than in the general population with lower rates of spontaneous recovery in acute cases, thus explaining the high rate of chronic infection and the increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in increased morbidity‐mortality in these patients. The negative impact of immune deficiency on chronic HBV infection is related to two non‐exclusive factors: (i) high viral load enhances the progression of fibrosis and may result in a rare severe liver disease called fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, which reflects the direct toxicity of high levels of HBV proteins; (ii) The pathobiology of HBV infection is mainly immune‐mediated via HBV‐specific T lymphocytotoxicity. The reduction or discontinuation of immune deficiency may result in severe liver disease including fulminant hepatitis from immune restoration. Thus, immune deficiency enhances the hepatitis B viral load, which results in the progression of fibrosis and/or acute exacerbation of underlying liver disease (HBV reactivation) on one hand, whereas reduction in immune deficiency may also be harmful because of immune restoration on the other hand. This double‐edged sword explains why the diagnosis and evaluation of the impact of HBV infection on the liver must be especially rigorous in cases of immune deficiency whatever the cause: transplantation, oncology, haematology, internal medicine (rheumatology, gastroenterology …) or HIV infection, and why pre‐emptive therapy by HBV nucleos(t)ide analogues should be considered for all HBV‐infected patients.
Current management of delta hepatitis
Authors: Rizzetto Mario 
Published: January 2013

AbstractInterferon is the only therapy for chronic hepatitis D. Nucleos(t)ides are not effective against the helper hepatitis B virus. The current therapeutic recommendation is a weekly dose of pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)‐α, for 12–18 months. Serum HDV‐RNA only becomes undetectable after 6 months of therapy in about a quarter of the patients. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) may relapse in patients if they remain HBsAg positive. Although the end‐point of therapy is the clearance of the HBsAg, this is seldom achieved. Current management of HDV patients is based on standard practices which should be pragmatic and individualized.
How to optimize HCV therapy in genotype 1 patients: management of side‐effects
Authors: Chopra Angeli , Klein Patricia L. , Drinnan Thia , Lee Samuel S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAntiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C has dramatically changed with the advent of triple therapy incorporating direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) such as the protease inhibitors (PI) boceprevir and telaprevir. Such triple‐therapy is associated with a new spectrum of side‐effects which can hamper quality of life. These may lead to dosage reduction and sometimes discontinuation of therapy. This review presents practical tips to help manage adverse effects appropriately and efficiently. The main adverse effects causing discontinuation of therapy are varied. Although the most common adverse effects are the ‘flu’‐like symptoms of fatigue, myalgia, fever and lassitude, these are usually easily managed and do not lead to treatment discontinuation. Cytopaenia, particularly anaemia, has emerged as perhaps the most troublesome side‐effect. Cirrhotic patients are especially prone to moderate or severe anaemia with boceprevir and telaprevir triple‐therapy regimens. Aggressive ribavirin dosage reductions, erythropoietin and blood transfusions are effective for managing anaemia. Skin rash can be controlled with moisturization and corticosteroid ointment. Rarely, dermatology consultation is required for further management. Anal discomfort, with or without diarrhoea, sometimes responds to barrier creams and haemorrhoidal ointments. Dysgeusia is treated by sipping water frequently, oral ointments and mouth washes to maintain salivary flow and oral hygiene. Successful adherence to treatment can be enhanced by a strong support network for the patient, including specially‐trained hepatitis nurses and a multidisciplinary team incorporating pharmacists, counsellors and social workers.
Management of acute hepatitis B and reactivation of hepatitis B
Authors: Jindal Ankur , Kumar Manoj , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe natural course of hepatitis B virus infection and the resulting hepatic injury is determined by the degree of virus replication and the intensity of host immune response. Upon exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), individuals with a vigorous and broad immune response develop acute self‐limited infection, which may result in acute hepatitis. However, with stringent testing for HBV and universal precautions, acute HBV is rather rare. Reactivation of HBV most often presents as acute hepatitis B (AVH‐B) and clinically, it is difficult to differentiate AVH‐B from reactivation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and it requires a high index of suspicion. In the presence of high HBV DNA (>2 × 104 IU/ml) underlying liver disease should be investigated by liver biopsy, endoscopy and/or imaging. The degree of liver failure often depends on the severity of acute insult and the stage of underlying chronic liver disease. Mutations in the HBV genome, immunosuppressive therapy and viral or drug induced injury are common causes of reactivation. As most patients with AVH‐B resolve the infection spontaneously, antiviral therapy is not indicated in them. However, the use of a potent oral nucleoside(tide) analogue is necessary as soon as possible in patients with CHB reactivation. Liver transplantation should be considered in patients who develop liver failure secondary to severe acute exacerbation. If this is not feasible, supportive therapy with the addition of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) therapy could be beneficial.
Hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib: early detection of treatment response and major adverse events by contrast‐enhanced US
Authors: Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Moriyasu Fuminori , Saito Kazuhiro , Rognin Nicolas , Kamiyama Naohisa , Furuichi Yoshihiro , Imai Yasuharu 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsEarly prediction of tumour response and major adverse events (AEs), especially liver failure, in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential for maximizing the clinical benefits of sorafenib. To evaluate the usefulness of dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (DCE‐US) for the early prediction of tumour response and major AEs in HCC patients.MethodsThirty‐seven HCC patients were started on a reduced dosage of sorafenib, subsequently increased to the standard dosage. Tumour response at 1 month was assessed by CT using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Major AEs were defined as grade 3 or higher. DCE‐US was performed before treatment (day 0) and on days 7, 14 and 28. Changes in perfusion parameters in the tumour and liver parenchyma between day 0 and later time points were compared between treatment responders and nonresponders based on RECIST and between patients who experienced major AEs and those who did not. Tumour results were also compared with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsTumour perfusion parameters based on the area under the time‐intensity curve (AUC) were statistically significant, with AUC during washin on day 14, the most relevant for tumour response (P = 0.0016) and AUC during washin on day 7, the most relevant for both PFS (P = 0.009) and OS (P = 0.037). A decrease in total AUC between days 0 and 7 in the liver parenchyma was strongly correlated with major AEs (P = 0.0002).ConclusionDCE‐US may be useful for the early prediction of tumour response and major AEs in patients with HCC.
‘Big data’ from shrinking pathogen populations
Authors: Neafsey Daniel E. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractFalling costs for genome sequencing and genotyping mean that population genomic data sets are becoming commonplace for a wide variety of species. Once these data are used for the initial tasks of investigating population structure and demographic history, however, is there reason to go back for more? In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Nkhoma et al. (2013) explore the applications of longitudinal genomic diversity data for detecting changes in the prevalence and transmission of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite in South‐East Asia. While this study finds several genetic signatures indicative of reduced disease transmission, other measures, such as short‐term effective population size, geographical population structure and heterozygosity, were not informative. These results indicate the potential contribution of genomic data to the surveillance of small, dynamic populations, whether they are at risk of extinction or targeted for elimination. The interpretation of such data will require close consideration of biological context, however, at both the species and the population level.
Effects of oral administration of rotenone on gastrointestinal functions in mice
Authors: Tasselli M. , Chaumette T. , Paillusson S. , Monnet Y. , Lafoux A. , Huchet‐Cadiou C. , Aubert P. , Hunot S. , Derkinderen P. , Neunlist M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground  The systemic rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) accurately replicates many aspects of the pathology of human PD, especially neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra and lesions in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Nevertheless, the precise effects of oral rotenone on the ENS have not been addressed yet. This study was therefore designed to assess the effects of a chronic oral treatment by rotenone on enteric neurochemical phenotype, gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and intestinal epithelial barrier permeability.Methods  Male C57BL6N mice received once daily oral rotenone administration for 28 days. GI functions were analyzed 4 weeks after rotenone treatment. Gastrointestinal motility was assessed by measuring gastric emptying, total transit time, fecal pellet output, and bead latency. Intestinal barrier permeability was evaluated both in vivo and ex vivo. The number of enteric neurons and the enteric neurochemical phenotype were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra was performed in a subset of animals.Key Results  Mice treated orally with rotenone had a decrease in fecal pellet output and in jejunal alpha‐synuclein expression as compared with control animals. This was associated with a significant decrease in TH‐immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra. No change in gastric emptying, total transit time, intestinal epithelial barrier permeability, and enteric neurochemical phenotype was observed.Conclusions & Inferences  Chronic oral treatment with rotenone only induced minor changes in the ENS and did not recapitulate the GI abnormalities seen in PD, while it replicates neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra.
Pediatric kidney transplant practice patterns and outcome benchmarks, 1987–2010: A report of the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies
Authors: Smith Jodi M. , Martz Karen , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe NAPRTCS transplant registry has collected clinical information on children undergoing kidney transplantation since 1987 and now includes information on 11 603 kidney transplants in 10 632 patients. Since the first data analysis in 1989, NAPRTCS reports have documented marked improvements in outcome after kidney transplantation in addition to identifying factors associated with both favorable and poor outcomes. Patient demographics have changed over the course of the registry with a decrease in the percentage of white recipients from a high of 72% in 1987 to less than 43% in 2007. The percentage of living donors decreased to its lowest point in 2007 at 37%. Acute rejection rates continue to decline with improvements in short‐ and long‐term graft survival. Recently, NAPRTCS data have been used as a source of benchmark data for pediatric kidney transplant centers.
Protein extract of ultraviolet‐irradiated human skin keratinocytes promote the expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor‐3 in Langerhans cells via Toll‐like receptor 2 and 4
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yong , Tao Cheng‐Jun , Wu Qiao‐Yun , Yuan Cheng‐Da 
Published: January 2013

SummaryAimIn this study, we investigated whether the protein extract of ultraviolet‐irradiated human skin keratinocytes can activate Toll‐like receptor 2 and Toll‐like receptor 4 of Langerhans cells and induce the downstream gene expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor‐3.MethodsThe protein expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor‐3 in Langerhans cells and the protein expression of HSP60, HSP70 and β‐defensin 2 in keratinocytes were examined using Western blot analysis. Langerhans cells were pretreated with or without Toll‐like receptor 2 and Toll‐like receptor 4 siRNA.ResultsWe found that the protein extract of ultraviolet‐irradiated keratinocytes upregulated the expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinases, nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor‐3 in Langerhans cells via Toll‐like receptor 2 and Toll‐like receptor 4. We also found that ultraviolet radiation upregulated the expression HSP60, HSP70 and β‐defensin 2 in keratinocytes.ConclusionsOur previous study demonstrated that ultraviolet radiation upregulated Toll‐like receptor 2 and Toll‐like receptor 4 expression in Langerhans cells. Ultraviolet radiation also upregulated mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐κB/p65 expression via Toll‐like receptor 2 and Toll‐like receptor 4, and upregulated interferon regulatory factor‐3 expression partially via Toll‐like receptor 4. So we conclude that ultraviolet radiation can directly or indirectly activate keratinocytes to induce endogenous ligands which stimulate Toll‐like receptor 2‐ or Toll‐like receptor 4‐dependent signaling cascade in Langerhans cells, sequentially influence innate and adaptive immune responses.
Evaluation of apoptosis regulatory proteins in response to PUVA therapy for psoriasis
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Moftah Noha H. , Nasif Ghada A. , Abdel‐Wahab Hossam M. , Barakat Manal T. , Abdel‐Aziz Rasha T. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe histopathologic changes characteristic of psoriasis might be related to suppressed apoptosis. One of the actions of psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) in psoriasis could be exerted through induction of apoptosis of keratinocytes and lymphocytes; however, its exact molecular mechanism is still confusing.AimIn this study, we evaluated the expression of pro‐apoptotic (P53, Fas and Bax) and anti‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2) proteins correlating it with apoptotic index (AI) and epidermal thickness in psoriatic skin before and after PUVA therapy.MethodsLesional and non‐lesional skin biopsy specimens were obtained from 10 patients with generalized plaque psoriasis before and after 8 weeks of PUVA therapy. Histometric measurements of epidermal thickness as well as P53, Fas, Bax and Bcl‐2 expressions were evaluated using immunoperoxidase technique and apoptotic cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT) mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) method.ResultsAfter PUVA therapy, the epidermal thickness of psoriatic skin was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and keratinocytes of psoriatic skin showed significant increased expression of P53 (P < 0.001), Fas (P < 0.001) and Bcl‐2 (P < 0.001) with no significant change in Bax expression (P > 0.05). Apart from significant decrease of Bcl‐2 expression (P = 0.01), no significant difference in all previous markers were encountered in lymphocytes (P53, Fas and Bax; P > 0.05) after PUVA therapy. The AI was significantly increased (P = 0.008) after PUVA therapy especially in lymphocytes (P = 0.002).ConclusionThe present study suggests that one of the actions of PUVA therapy in psoriasis might be exerted through induction of apoptosis especially of lymphocytes by suppression of Bcl‐2 expression and of keratinocytes through P53 and Fas pathways leading to healing of psoriasis.
Severance Payment: Incentive or Lethargy Effect?
Authors: Gabuthy Yannick , Lambert Eve‐Angéline , Thomas Lionel 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe aim of the paper is to determine the impact of severance payment on the motivation of the worker to make an effort, when there is a risk for him to be dismissed once his effort was made. We highlight through a two‐stage model the various factors which influence the dismissal decision by the firm and the worker's effort, such as the initial wage, the litigation costs and the relative bargaining powers of the parties when the relationship ends or goes on. In this context, we show that the impact of the severance payment paid ex post in case of dismissal on the level of effort chosen by the worker ex ante may depend on such characteristics.
Assigning Integration: A Framework for Intellectual, Personal, and Professional Development in Seminary Courses
Authors: Kanarek Jane , Lehman Marjorie 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis article explores assignments as a core teaching practice essential to integrating the cognitive, personal, and professional identities of seminary students. These core practices emerge in seminary curricula where there is a strong focus on the teaching of canonical texts and a goal of achieving textual mastery. We propose that carefully chosen and constructive assignments achieve the kind of integration necessary for building content knowledge and the professional, spiritual, and religious identities of our students. While the difference between the educational goals of clergy‐training in a seminary and training graduate students in the academy can be sharp, we argue here for ways to make that contrast both productive and generative.
Using Bible Commentaries in the Classroom
Authors: Phillips Gary , Patte Daniel , Kittredge Cynthia , Yang Seung Ai , Ngwa Kenneth 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis discussion of the goals and methods of teaching biblical literature is an edited transcription of a panel recorded at the 2010 Society for Biblical Literature conference. The panelists were asked to reflect on William Placher's recently published theological commentary on Mark as an example or test case of how one might use a biblical commentary as a classroom resource. Karl Barth wrote that insofar as their usefulness to pastors goes, most modern commentaries are “no commentary at all, but merely the first step toward a commentary.” What value might commentaries have for our students, whether future pastors or undergraduates in the liberal arts? While the panel consisted of teachers of undergraduates as well as theological students, the emphasis of the presentations and subsequent discussion focused mostly on theological formation.
Actinomyces endogenous endophthalmitis in a cat following multiple dental extractions
Authors: Westermeyer Hans D. , Ward Daniel A. , Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Lyons Jeremiah A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old, brachycephalic, mixed breed cat underwent full mouth tooth extractions for the treatment of tooth root abscessation. Subsequently, the cat developed anterior uveitis refractory to topical therapy that eventually necessitated enucleation. Actinomyces species were isolated from both the tooth root abscesses and the anterior chamber after enucleation. Histopathology of the enucleated eye revealed panophthalmitis with abundant intralesional bacteria morphologically consistent with Actinomyces. Between the time of tooth root extraction and enucleation (20 weeks), the cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and treated with oral steroids for inflammatory bowel syndrome. We believe this report represents a rare case of endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to dental disease, possibly precipitated by concurrent immunosuppression.
Twitch interpolation: superimposed twitches decline progressively during a tetanic contraction of human adductor pollicis
Authors: Gandevia S. C. , McNeil C. J. , Carroll T. J. , Taylor J. L. 
Published: January 2013

Key points
The size of an interpolated muscle twitch during a voluntary muscle contraction is used to assess the extra force that the central nervous system can harness from the muscle with volition. During human exercise, this interpolated twitch commonly increases in size and this reduced voluntary activation of the muscle is termed ‘central’ fatigue.
Recent work on isolated mouse muscle fibres suggests an alternative ‘peripheral’ explanation for the increased twitch based on altered sensitivity to intracellular calcium. We tested this possibility with tetanic stimulation of the ulnar nerve while measuring thumb adductor force.
During maximal tetani lasting 1 min at 30 Hz (or 3 min at 15 Hz), muscle force declined (i.e. peripheral fatigue developed) but the relative and absolute size of superimposed twitches declined progressively. They did not increase as predicted from the mouse study.
Twitch interpolation can reveal central fatigue during voluntary muscle contractions.
Abstract  The assessment of voluntary activation of human muscles usually depends on measurement of the size of the twitch produced by an interpolated nerve or cortical stimulus. In many forms of fatiguing exercise the superimposed twitch increases and thus voluntary activation appears to decline. This is termed ‘central’ fatigue. Recent studies on isolated mouse muscle suggest that a peripheral mechanism related to intracellular calcium sensitivity increases interpolated twitches. To test whether this problem developed with human voluntary contractions we delivered maximal tetanic stimulation to the ulnar nerve (≥60 s at physiological motoneuronal frequencies, 30 and 15 Hz). During the tetani (at 30 Hz) in which the force declined by 42%, the absolute size of the twitches evoked by interpolated stimuli (delivered regularly or only in the last second of the tetanus) diminished progressively to less than 1%. With stimulation at 30 Hz, there was also a marked reduction in size and area of the interpolated compound muscle action potential (M wave). With a 15 Hz tetanus, a progressive decline in the interpolated twitch force also occurred (to ∼10%) but did so before the area of the interpolated M wave diminished. These results indicate that the increase in interpolated twitch size predicted from the mouse studies does not occur. Diminution in superimposed twitches occurred whether or not the M wave indicated marked impairment at sarcolemmal/t‐tubular levels. Consequently, the increase in superimposed twitch, which is used to denote central fatigue in human fatiguing exercise, is likely to reflect low volitional drive to high‐threshold motor units, which stop firing or are discharging at low frequencies.