bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compression of the Seventh Cervical Vertebra Following C6-7 and C7-T1 Discectomy, PEEK Cage Implantation in these Intervertebral Spaces, and Management of this Complication in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Gulsen Salih 
Published: October 2015

PatientsÂ Â with multiple myeloma suffer from bone pain, and spontaneous spinal and appendicular bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs as a result of the following 2 factors: 1. Plasma cells secrete macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, which induces osteoclastic activity; 2. Use of corticosteroids.Â The incidence of osteoporotic fractures and other complications of multiple myeloma are well described in the literature, but the management of cervical disc herniation and its associated complications has not been reported to date.Herein we present a case that we think exemplifies the management of cervical disc herniation and its complications. Consecutive multilevel cervical discectomy and placement of PEEK cages between the intervertebral cervical disc spaces may cause compression fracture of the vertebrae located between the PEEK cages in osteoporotic patients under continuous corticosteroid treatmentÂ¾whether or not theyÂ have MM; therefore, we recommend use of an anterior plate to prevent this complication.
Strengthening of the Blood Safety System in the National Blood Transfusion Service - Implementation of the European Union IPA Project - at the Institute for Transfusion Medicine of the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Grubovic Rada M. , Velkova Emilija , Rozman Primoz , Reesink Henk W. 
Published: October 2015

The Safety of the Blood Supply in any country is of utmost importance to safeguard patients from serious adverse events of blood transfusion. Implementation of a Quality System in the Blood Transfusion Service, with support of Government and Ministry of HealthÂ is a key element to guarantee safe blood. The IPA TAIB 2009 project - Strengthening of the Blood Safety System executed in 2013/14 provided theÂ means to start implementing a Quality System in the Institute for Transfusion Medicine of the Republic of Macedonia. This project aimed to ultimately bring the Blood Transfusion Service to European Union standards, allowing the exchange of blood components and all other types of collaboration with other European Union countries in future. The project put the basis for unification of blood transfusion standards and operating procedures in the whole country as well as set up essential education of blood transfusion personnel.
Lifestyle and Health Risk Behaviours among Elbasan Students
Authors: Cela Dashuri , Kuneshka Loreta , Pulluqi Polikron 
Published: October 2015

AIM: The purpose of this study is: (1) to help monitor the Albanian studentsâ€™ lifestyle, the way they spend their free time, the weight that studying, networks, screens and sports have in their life; (2) to assess their health risk behaviours, such as tobacco and drug use, weapon carrying and sports betting; (3) to identify differences in behaviour by gender, grade, socioeconomic and demographic status; (4) to understand the influence of parents on their children.METHOD:Â The study was conducted in May 2013, as a classroom survey of students in urban and rural schools of Elbasan. A questionnaire was distributed to the 8thÂ Â to 12th grade students to be completed by them anonymously.RESULT:Â There are a low number of the students that are interested to books and study and meantime, a large number of them spend their free time in front of a screen or hanging out in bars with friends. Moreover, a considerable number of them are engaged in health risk behaviours.CONCLUSION: In studentsâ€™ lifestyle exist serious problems and these data also provide inside into ways to shape a public health response. We need to change the way society views and treats these problems.
Breast Evaluation Findings in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ikpeme Anthonia , Akintomide Akintunde , Inah Grace , Oku Afiong 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Â X-ray and sonomammography constitute a significant option in the early detection and management of breast diseases in the developed world. Unfortunately these modalities became available in Nigeria, only in the past few decades.AIM: The aim of this audit is therefore to document the imaging findings, in the past three years in a developing facility in Nigeria relating them with the demograghic features.METHODS: We prospectively studied the x-ray and sonomammography in all patients, presenting over a three year period, for breast evaluation with the hope of discerning the epidemiologic pattern of breast lesions in this environment.RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five females and four males. Median was 38 years (IQR=30-48). The commonest reason for evaluation was screening. Patients that were below 38 years showed no significant difference in frequency and type of lesion compared with patients over 38 years. The commonest breast pattern was fatty replaced. The upper outer quadrant was the commonest site.CONCLUSION: Patients presenting for breast evaluation in Calabar do so for screening mainly. Patients below 38 are nearly equally affected by malignant breast disease as their older counterparts. The commonest breast pattern was fatty replaced. Digital mammography should be available in all tertiary institutions.
Increased Serum B Cell Activating Factor and a Proliferation-inducing Ligand Are Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Kobayashi Norimoto , Kobayashi Ichiro , Mori Masaaki , Sato Shinji , Iwata Naomi , Shigemura Tomonari , Agematsu Kazunaga , Yokota Shumpei , Koike Kenichi 
Published: October 2015

Objective.Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is an intractable and fatal complication of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). This study evaluated serum levels of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) in JDM patients with complicating ILD, and their association with ILD phenotypes, clinical variables, and anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5).Methods.We measured the levels of BAFF, APRIL, and anti-MDA5 in the sera of 23 JDM patients with ILD [8 in the RP-ILD group and 15 in the chronic ILD (C-ILD) group], 17 JDM patients without ILD (non-ILD group), and 10 age-matched controls, using the ELISA method. ILD was identified by high-resolution computed tomography.Results.Serum BAFF titers were significantly higher in the JDM patients with RP-ILD versus those with C-ILD (p = 0.011) and in healthy controls (p = 0.0004). The C-ILD group had significantly higher levels of BAFF versus controls (p ≤ 0.0001). Serum APRIL was markedly elevated in the RP-ILD group as compared with the C-ILD group (p = 0.003) and controls (p = 0.006). In patients with ILD, both BAFF and APRIL levels were correlated with serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 and interleukin 18. Subjects with high titer anti-MDA5 (> 200 U) had higher levels of BAFF and APRIL than those with low titer anti-MDA5 (< 100 U; p = 0.019 and p = 0.0029, respectively), which may have been due to a relationship between RP-ILD and high anti-MDA5 titer.Conclusion.Our findings of markedly elevated levels of BAFF and APRIL in patients with RP-ILD JDM suggest the potential importance of these cytokines in the diagnosis and treatment of RP-ILD accompanying JDM.
Applying the ACR/EULAR Systemic Sclerosis Classification Criteria to the Spanish Scleroderma Registry Cohort
Authors: Sáez-Comet Luis , Simeón-Aznar Carmen Pilar , Pérez-Conesa Mercedes , Vallejo-Rodríguez Carmen , Tolosa-Vilella Carles , Iniesta-Arandia Nerea , Colunga-Argüelles Dolores , Egurbide-Arberas Maria Victoria , Ortego-Centeno Norberto , Vargas-Hitos José Antonio , Freire-Dapena Mayka , Rubio-Rivas Manuel , Ríos-Blanco Juan José , Trapiella-Martínez Luis , Fonollosa-Pla Vicent ,   The RESCLE Investigators
Published: October 2015

Objective.To compare American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) with previous American Rheumatology Association (ARA) criteria.Methods.This was a cross-sectional multicenter study comparing sensitivity of both criteria in the cutaneous subsets in the Spanish scleroderma registry (RESCLE) cohort.Results.In 1222 patients with SSc, the most prevalent items were Raynaud phenomenon (95%), skin thickening (91%), and abnormal capillaroscopy (89%). ARA criteria classified as SSc 63.5% of all patients, and 63%, 100%, 11.2%, and 0% in the limited, diffuse, sine, and pre-SSc subsets, respectively. ACR/EULAR criteria classified 87.5% of all patients and 98.5%, 100%, 41.8%, and 15.9% in the same subsets, respectively.Conclusion.ACR/EULAR criteria are more sensitive than ARA criteria, especially in limited, sine, and pre-SSc subsets.
Assessing Elementary Lesions in Gout by Ultrasound: Results of an OMERACT Patient-based Agreement and Reliability Exercise
Authors: Terslev Lene , Gutierrez Marwin , Christensen Robin , Balint Peter V. , Bruyn George A. , Delle Sedie Andrea , Filippucci Emilio , Garrido Jesus , Hammer Hilde B. , Iagnocco Annamaria , Kane David , Kaeley Gurjit S. , Keen Helen , Mandl Peter , Naredo Esperanza , Pineda Carlos , Schicke Bernd , Thiele Ralf , D’Agostino Maria Antonietta , Schmidt Wolfgang A. 
Published: October 2015

Objective.To test the reliability of the consensus-based ultrasound (US) definitions of elementary gout lesions in patients.Methods.Eight patients with microscopically proven gout were evaluated by 16 sonographers for signs of double contour (DC), aggregates, erosions, and tophi in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the knee bilaterally. The patients were examined twice using B-mode US to test agreement and inter- and intraobserver reliability of the elementary components.Results.The prevalence of the lesions were DC 52.8%, tophus 61.1%, aggregates 29.8%, and erosions 32.4%. The intraobserver reliability was good for all lesions except DC, where it was moderate. The best reliability per lesion was seen for tophus (κ 0.73, 95% CI 0.61–0.85) and lowest for DC (κ 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.67). The interobserver reliability was good for tophus and erosions, but fair to moderate for aggregates and DC, respectively. The best reliability was seen for erosions (κ 0.74, 95% CI 0.65–0.81) and lowest for aggregates (κ 0.21, 95% CI 0.04–0.37).Conclusion.This is the first step to test consensus-based US definitions on elementary lesions in patients with gout. High intraobserver reliability was found when applying the definition in patients on all elementary lesions while interobserver reliability was moderate to low. Further studies are needed to improve the interobserver reliability, particularly for DC and aggregates.
Two-Year Anatomical and Functional Outcomes After Macular Hole Surgery: A Prospective, Controlled Study
Authors: Thinda Sumeer , Shah Rohan J. , Kim Stephen J. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To determine 2-year anatomical and functional outcomes after macular hole (MH) surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
The surgical eye (SE) and fellow eye (FE) of 10 patients undergoing MH surgery were examined preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), external limiting membrane (ELM), inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction, cone outer-segment tips (COST) line, and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness were analyzed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS:

Inferior peripapillary RNFL was thinner in the SE at 110 ± 12.2 versus 123 ± 9.82 for FE (
P
< .05). Defect size in ELM (r = 0.61;
P
< .001), IS/ OS (r = 0.67;
P
< .001) junction, and COST (r = .67;
P
< .001) line correlated with visual recovery. Average GCIPL was thinner in SE compared to FE (
P
< .05).

CONCLUSION:
Eyes after MH repair demonstrated inferior RNFL and GCIPL thinning. Defect size in ELM, IS/OS junction, and COST line predicted visual recovery.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Imaging Lasers Retina
. 2015;46:926–934.]
Retinal Disease in Marfan Syndrome: From the Marfan Eye Consortium of Chicago
Authors: Rahmani Safa , Lyon Alice T. , Fawzi Amani A. , Maumenee Irene H. , Mets Marilyn B. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To study the prevalence of peripheral retinal disease in patients with Marfan Syndrome (MFS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
In this observational, cross-sectional case series, patients with MFS were recruited by the Marfan Eye Consortium of Chicago during the National Marfan Foundation’s annual conference. Patients underwent a fully dilated exam by vitreoretinal specialists in addition to ultra-widefield fundus photography using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (Optos 200Tx; Optos PLC, Dunfermline, Scotland, United Kingdom).

RESULTS:
Clinical examination revealed posterior segment pathology in 18% of eyes with increased incidence to 70% in patients with a subluxed lens. In six out of 10 subjects in whom the clinical exam was suboptimal (young age, small pupil, and limited cooperation), the Optos provided a superior view of the peripheral retina compared to clinical exam alone.

CONCLUSION:
Clinical exam of MFS patients revealed similar posterior segment pathology as noted in previous literature, with improved detection of peripheral retinal disease with the use of ultra-widefield imaging.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:936–941.]
Lipopolysaccharide Regulation of Intestinal Tight Junction Permeability Is Mediated by TLR4 Signal Transduction Pathway Activation of FAK and MyD88
Authors: Guo Shuhong , Nighot Meghali , Al-Sadi Rana , Alhmoud Tarik , Nighot Prashant , Ma Thomas Y. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Gut-derived bacterial LPS plays an essential role in inducing intestinal and systemic inflammatory responses and have been implicated as a pathogenic factor in necrotizing enterocolitis and inflammatory bowel disease. The defective intestinal tight junction barrier was shown to be an important factor contributing to the development of intestinal inflammation. LPS, at physiological concentrations, causes an increase in intestinal tight junction permeability (TJP) via a TLR4-dependent process; however, the intracellular mechanisms that mediate LPS regulation of intestinal TJP remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptor proteins and the signaling interactions that mediate LPS modulation of intestinal tight junction barrier using in vitro and in vivo model systems. LPS caused a TLR4-dependent activation of membrane-associated adaptor protein focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in Caco-2 monolayers. LPS caused an activation of both MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways. Small interfering RNA silencing of MyD88 prevented an LPS-induced increase in TJP. LPS caused MyD88-dependent activation of IL-1R–associated kinase 4. TLR4, FAK, and MyD88 were colocalized. Small interfering silencing of TLR4 inhibited TLR4-associated FAK activation, and FAK knockdown prevented MyD88 activation. In vivo studies also confirmed that the LPS-induced increase in mouse intestinal permeability was associated with FAK and MyD88 activation; knockdown of intestinal epithelial FAK prevented an LPS-induced increase in intestinal permeability. Additionally, high-dose LPS–induced intestinal inflammation was dependent on the TLR4/FAK/MyD88 signal transduction axis. To our knowledge, our data show for the first time that the LPS-induced increases in intestinal TJP and intestinal inflammation were regulated by TLR4-dependent activation of the FAK/MyD88/IL-1R–associated kinase 4 signaling pathway.
Cholesterol-Independent Suppression of Lymphocyte Activation, Autoimmunity, and Glomerulonephritis by Apolipoprotein A-I in Normocholesterolemic Lupus-Prone Mice
Authors: Black Leland L. , Srivastava Roshni , Schoeb Trenton R. , Moore Ray D. , Barnes Stephen , Kabarowski Janusz H. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Apolipoprotein (Apo)A-I, the major lipid-binding protein of high-density lipoprotein, can prevent autoimmunity and suppress inflammation in hypercholesterolemic mice by attenuating lymphocyte cholesterol accumulation and removing tissue-oxidized lipids. However, whether ApoA-I mediates immune-suppressive or anti-inflammatory effects under normocholesterolemic conditions and the mechanisms involved remain unresolved. We transferred bone marrow from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-prone Sle123 mice into normal, ApoA-I–knockout (ApoA-I−/−) and ApoA-I–transgenic (ApoA-Itg) mice. Increased ApoA-I in ApoA-Itg mice suppressed CD4+ T and B cell activation without changing lymphocyte cholesterol levels or reducing major ApoA-I–binding oxidized fatty acids. Unexpectedly, oxidized fatty acid peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ ligands 13- and 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid were increased in lymphocytes of autoimmune ApoA-Itg mice. ApoA-I reduced Th1 cells independently of changes in CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells or CD11c+ dendritic cell activation and migration. Follicular helper T cells, germinal center B cells, and autoantibodies were also lower in ApoA-Itg mice. Transgenic ApoA-I also improved SLE-mediated glomerulonephritis. However, ApoA-I deficiency did not have the opposite effects on autoimmunity or glomerulonephritis, possibly as the result of compensatory increases in ApoE on high-density lipoprotein. We conclude that, although compensatory mechanisms prevent the proinflammatory effects of ApoA-I deficiency in normocholesterolemic mice, increasing ApoA-I can attenuate lymphocyte activation and autoimmunity in SLE independently of cholesterol transport, possibly through oxidized fatty acid peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligands, and it can reduce renal inflammation in glomerulonephritis.
LRRC59 Regulates Trafficking of Nucleic Acid–Sensing TLRs from the Endoplasmic Reticulum via Association with UNC93B1
Authors: Tatematsu Megumi , Funami Kenji , Ishii Noriko , Seya Tsukasa , Obuse Chikashi , Matsumoto Misako 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Compartmentalization of nucleic acid (NA)–sensing TLR3, 7, 8, and 9 is strictly regulated to direct optimal response against microbial infection and evade recognition of host-derived NAs. Uncoordinated 93 homolog B1 (UNC93B1) is indispensable for trafficking of NA-sensing TLRs from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to endosomes/lysosomes. UNC93B1 controls loading of the TLRs into COPII vesicles to exit from the ER and traffics with the TLRs in the steady state. Ligand-induced translocation also happens on NA-sensing TLRs. However, the molecular mechanism for ligand-dependent trafficking of TLRs from the ER to endosomes/lysosomes remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that leucine-rich repeat containing protein (LRRC) 59, an ER membrane protein, participated in trafficking of NA-sensing TLRs from the ER. Knockdown of LRRC59 reduced TLR3-, 8-, and 9-mediated, but not TLR4-mediated, signaling. Upon ligand stimulation, LRRC59 associated with UNC93B1 in a TLR-independent manner, which required signals induced by ligand internalization. Endosomal localization of endogenous TLR3 was decreased by silencing of LRRC59, suggesting that LRRC59 promotes UNC93B1-mediated translocation of NA-sensing TLRs from the ER upon infection. These findings help us understand how NA-sensing TLRs control their proper distribution in the infection/inflammatory state.
Enhancing the Quality of Antibodies to HIV-1 Envelope by GagPol-Specific Th Cells
Authors: Storcksdieck genannt Bonsmann Michael , Niezold Thomas , Temchura Vladimir , Pissani Franco , Ehrhardt Katrin , Brown Eric P. , Osei-Owusu Nana Yaw , Hannaman Drew , Hengel Hartmut , Ackerman Margaret E. , Streeck Hendrik , Nabi Ghulam , Tenbusch Matthias , Überla Klaus 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The importance of Fc-dependent effector functions of Abs induced by vaccination is increasingly recognized. However, vaccination of mice against HIV envelope (Env) induced a skewed Th cell response leading to Env-specific Abs with reduced effector function. To overcome this bias, GagPol-specific Th cells were harnessed to provide intrastructural help for Env-specific B cells after immunization with virus-like particles containing GagPol and Env. This led to a balanced Env-specific humoral immune response with a more inflammatory Fc glycan profile. The increased quality in the Ab response against Env was confirmed by FcγR activation assays. Because the Env-specific Th cell response was also biased in human vaccinees, intrastructural help is an attractive novel approach to increase the efficacy of prophylactic HIV Env-based vaccines and may also be applicable to other particulate vaccines.
Cytosolic Low Molecular Weight FGF2 Orchestrates RIG-I–Mediated Innate Immune Response
Authors: Liu Xin , Luo Deyan , Yang Ning 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2,which is one of the 22 members of the FGF family, functions as an extracellular molecule involved in canonical receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. It has been implicated in angiogenesis and the development of the CNS. In this article, we reveal that cytosolic low m.w. isoform (LMW) FGF2 (18 kDa), not its secreted form, plays an unexpected role in the innate immune response. Cytosolic LMW FGF2 directly associated with inactivated RIG-I under physiological conditions, which enhanced RIG-I protein stability, thereby maintaining basal RIG-I levels. However, during RIG-I activation induced by viral RNA, cytosolic FGF2 bound to the caspase recruitment domains of activated RIG-I, which blocked RIG-I–MAVS complex formation. LMW FGF2 deficiency increased type I IFN production, whereas the overexpression of LMW FGF2 exerted the opposite effect. Cytosolic LMW FGF2 functions as a negative regulator in RIG-I–mediated antiviral signaling. This work provides insight into the role of FGF2 in innate immune response.
Direct-Forcing Immersed Boundary Method for Mixed Heat Transfer
Authors: Chern Ming-Jyh , Noor Dedy Zulhidayat , Liao Ching-Biao , Horng Tzyy-Leng 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA direct-forcing immersed boundary method (DFIB) with both virtual force and heat source is developed here to solve Navier-Stokes and the associated energy transport equations to study some thermal flow problems caused by a moving rigid solid object within. The key point of this novel numerical method is that the solid object, stationary or moving, is first treated as fluid governed by Navier-Stokes equations for velocity and pressure, and by energy transport equation for temperature in every time step. An additional virtual force term is then introduced on the right hand side of momentum equations in the solid object region to make it act exactly as if it were a solid rigid body immersed in the fluid. Likewise, an additional virtual heat source term is applied to the right hand side of energy equation at the solid object region to maintain the solid object at the prescribed temperature all the time. The current method was validated by some benchmark forced and natural convection problems such as a uniform flow past a heated circular cylinder, and a heated circular cylinder inside a square enclosure. We further demonstrated this method by studying a mixed convection problem involving a heated circular cylinder moving inside a square enclosure. Our current method avoids the otherwise requested dynamic grid generation in traditional method and shows great efficiency in the computation of thermal and flow fields caused by fluid-structure interaction.