bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycation of extracellular matrix proteins impairs migration of immune cells
Authors: Haucke Elisa , Navarrete‐Santos Alexander , Simm Andreas , Silber Rolf‐Edgar , Hofmann Britt 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe immune response during aging and diabetes is disturbed and may be due to the altered migration of immune cells in an aged tissue. Our study should prove the hypothesis that age and diabetes‐related advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have an impact on the migration and adhesion of human T‐cells. To achieve our purpose, we used in vitro AGE‐modified proteins (soluble albumin and fibronectin [FN]), as well as human collagen obtained from bypass graft. A Boyden chamber was used to study cell migration. Migrated Jurkat T‐cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and cell adhesion by crystal violet staining. Actin polymerization was determined by phalloidin‐Alexa‐fluor 488‐labeled antibody and fluorescence microscopy. We found that significantly fewer cells (50%, p = 0.003) migrated through methylglyoxal modified FN. The attachment to FN in the presence of AGE‐bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also reduced (p < 0.05). In ex vivo experiments, isolated collagen from human vein graft material negatively affected the migration of the cells depending on the grade of AGE modification of the collagen. Collagen with a low AGE level reduced the cell migration by 30%, and collagen with a high AGE level by 60%. Interaction of the cells with an AGE‐modified matrix, but not with soluble AGEs like BSA‐AGE per se, was responsible for a disturbed migration. The reduced migration was accompanied by an impaired actin polymerization. We conclude that AGEs‐modified matrix protein inhibits cell migration and adhesion of Jurkat T‐cells.
Clinical effect of bovine amniotic membrane and hydrocolloid on wound by laser treatment: Prospective comparative randomized clinical trial
Authors: Min Seonguk , Yoon Ji Young , Park Seon Yong , Kwon Hyuck Hoon , Suh Dae Hun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBovine amniotic membrane (BAM) has been regarded as an ideal dressing material because it accelerates epithelization and has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenic, and strong analgesic effects. To evaluate the clinical effects of BAM and compare them to that of hydrocolloid dressings on wounds created by ablative laser treatments, 49 subjects with nevi or scars requiring ablative laser treatment were evaluated. To compare efficacy, we divided the body into six areas and included patients with two or more similar skin lesions in the same body area. After ablative laser treatments, BAM and hydrocolloid dressing were applied to the wounds with random allocation. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13 days after treatment. Histologic changes were assessed by skin biopsy. BAM treatment induced faster epithelization than hydrocolloid treatment (6.7 vs. 9.2 days). Erythema and oozing faded more quickly, and the satisfaction score was higher in BAM‐treated sites than it was in hydrocolloid‐treated sites, without severe adverse effects. Histologic analysis confirmed epithelization and immunohistochemistry revealed different growth factor profiles between the two treatment modalities. BAM benefits wound healing following ablative laser treatment.
Time course of lewisite‐induced skin lesions and inflammatory response in the SKH‐1 hairless mouse model
Authors: Nguon Nina , Cléry‐Barraud Cécile , Vallet Virginie , Elbakdouri Nacéra , Wartelle Julien , Mouret Stéphane , Bertoni Marine , Dorandeu Frédéric , Boudry Isabelle 
Published: March 2014

AbstractData on the toxicity of lewisite (L), a vesicant chemical warfare agent, are scarce and conflicting, and the use of the specific antidote is not without drawbacks. This study was designed to evaluate if the SKH‐1 hairless mouse model was suitable to study the L‐induced skin injuries. We studied the progression of lesions following exposure to L vapors for 21 days using paraclinical parameters (color, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and biomechanical measurements), histological assessments, and biochemical indexes of inflammation. Some data were also obtained over 27 weeks. The development of lesions was similar to that reported in other models. The TEWL parameter appeared to be the most appropriate index to follow their progression. Histological analysis showed inflammatory cell infiltration and microvesications at day 1 and a complete wound closure by day 21. Biochemical studies indicated a deregulation of the levels of several cytokines and receptors involved in inflammation. An increase in the quantity of pro‐matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 was shown as observed in other models. This suggests that the SKH‐1 mouse model is relevant for the investigation of the physiopathological process of skin lesions induced by L and to screen new treatment candidates.
Application of stems cells in wound healing—An update
Authors: Teng Miao , Huang Yuesheng , Zhang Hengshu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWound healing is a complex but well‐orchestrated tissue repair process composed of a series of molecular and cellular events conducted by various types of cells and extracellular matrix. Despite a variety of therapeutic strategies proposed to accelerate the healing of acute and/or chronic wounds over the past few decades, effective treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds still remains a challenge. Due to the recent advances in stem cell research, a dramatic enthusiasm has been drawn to the application of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Both embryonic and adult stem cells have prolonged self‐renewal capacity and are able to differentiate into various tissue types. Nevertheless, use of embryonic stem cells is limited, owing to ethical concerns and legal restrictions. Adult stem cells, which could be isolated from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, skin and hair follicles,are being explored extensively to facilitate the healing of both acute and chronic wounds. The current article summarizes recent research on various types of stem cell‐based strategies applied to improve wound healing. In addition, future directions of stem cell‐based therapy in wound healing have also been discussed. Finally, despite its apparent advantages, limitations and challenges of stem cell therapy are discussed.
Effects of reduction in the alpha‐gal antigen on bony union: a model of xenobone graft using GalT knockout mouse
Authors: Park Moon Seok , Kim Tae Gyun , Lee Kyoung Min , Chung Chin Youb , Kwon Soon‐Sun , Yoon Il‐Hee , Park Chung‐Gyu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundAmong the bone graft sources used currently, the availability of autografts is limited and allografts are expensive. Therefore, xenobone grafts have drawn attention as a new source of bone grafts, although immunologic rejection issues are unresolved. This study used a GalT knockout mouse model to investigate the effects of reducing the alpha‐gal epitope using alpha‐galactosidase on the union of porcine xenobone grafts.MethodsSixty‐eight alpha‐gal knockout C57/BL6 mice and eight wild‐type mice were used. The mice were divided into five groups: In group 1 (26 alpha‐gal knockout mice), an alpha‐galactosidase‐treated porcine xenograft was transplanted into the mouse femur to reduce antigenicity, and intramedullary fixation was performed. In group 2 (26 alpha‐gal knockout mice), a non‐treated porcine xenobone graft was performed. In group 3 (eight alpha‐gal knockout C57/BL6 mice), syngenic bone grafts were performed. In group 4 (eight wild‐type C57/BL6 mice), syngenic bone grafts were performed. In group 5 (eight C57/BL6 alpha‐gal knockout mice), a bone defect model was obtained by maintaining the gap of the osteotomy site. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were used for positive and negative control groups. Qualitative immunohistochemical analysis of the porcine bone was performed to detect the presence of the alpha‐gal epitope in groups 1 and 2. The concentration of the anti‐alpha‐gal antibody was evaluated using a quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the time of sacrifice (3, 4, and 5 weeks after the operation). Histologic and radiologic results (Goldberg method) for the bone union were compared.ResultsThe qualitative immunohistochemical analysis showed that the alpha‐gal epitope was reduced when xenobone grafts were treated with alpha‐galactosidase. Compared with group 2, group 1 showed a low anti‐alpha‐gal antibody concentration in the ELISA results. In group 2, the anti‐alpha‐gal antibody concentration increased with time. Group 1 showed significantly better histologic union than group 2, but the amount of radiologic union was similar in the two groups.ConclusionsAlpha‐galactosidase treatment of a porcine xenobone graft can reduce the alpha‐gal epitope. This reduction in the antigen could significantly reduce the humoral immune response to the alpha‐gal antigen in C57/BL6 alpha‐gal knockout mice, leading to significant improvements in histologic union. This study provides a relevant GalT knockout mouse model for detecting the effects of alpha‐gal epitope reduction by alpha‐galactosidase on the union of porcine xenobone grafts.
Pig‐to‐baboon liver xenoperfusion utilizing GalTKO.hCD46 pigs and glycoprotein Ib blockade
Authors: LaMattina John C. , Burdorf Lars , Zhang Tianshu , Rybak Elana , Cheng Xiangfei , Munivenkatappa Raghava , Salles Isabelle I. , Broos Katleen , Sievert Evelyn , McCormick Brian , Decarlo Marc , Ayares David , Deckmyn Hans , Azimzadeh Agnes M. , Pierson Richard N. , Barth Rolf N. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough transplantation of genetically modified porcine livers into baboons has yielded recipient survival for up to 7 days, survival is limited by profound thrombocytopenia, which becomes manifest almost immediately after revascularization, and by subsequent coagulopathy. Porcine von Willebrand's factor (VWF), a glycoprotein that adheres to activated platelets to initiate thrombus formation, has been shown to constitutively activate human platelets via their glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) receptors. Here, we report our pig‐to‐primate liver xenoperfusion model and evaluate whether targeting the GPIb‐VWF axis prevents platelet sequestration.MethodsTwelve baboons underwent cross‐circulation with the following extracorporeal livers: one allogeneic control with a baboon liver, 4 xenogeneic controls with a GalTKO.hCD46 pig liver, 3 GalTKO.hCD46 pig livers in recipients treated with αGPIb antibody during perfusion, and 4 GalTKO.hCD46 pig livers pre‐treated with D‐arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) in recipients treated with αGPIb antibody during perfusion.ResultsAll perfused livers appeared grossly and macroscopically normal and produced bile. Xenograft liver perfusion experiments treated with αGPIb antibody may show less platelet sequestration during the initial 2 h of perfusion. Portal venous resistance remained constant in all perfusion experiments. Platelet activation studies demonstrated platelet activation in all xenoperfusions, but not in the allogeneic perfusion.ConclusionThese observations suggest that primate platelet sequestration by porcine liver and the associated thrombocytopenia are multifactorial and perhaps partially mediated by a constitutive interaction between porcine VWF and the primate GPIb receptor. Control of platelet sequestration and consumptive coagulopathy in liver xenotransplantation will likely require a multifaceted approach in our clinically relevant perfusion model.
Anti‐non‐Gal‐specific combination treatment with an anti‐idiotypic Ab and an inhibitory small molecule mitigates the xenoantibody response
Authors: Stewart John M. , Tarantal Alice F. , Chen Yan , Appleby Nancy C. , Fuentes Tania I. , Lee C. Chang I. , Salvaris Evelyn J. , d'Apice Anthony J. F. , Cowan Peter J. , Kearns‐Jonker Mary 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundB‐cell depletion significantly extends survival of α‐1,3‐galactosyltranferase knockout (GTKO) porcine organs in pig‐to‐primate models. Our previous work demonstrated that the anti‐non‐Gal xenoantibody response is structurally restricted. Selective inhibition of xenoantigen/xenoantibody interactions could prolong xenograft survival while preserving B‐cell‐mediated immune surveillance.MethodsThe anti‐idiotypic antibody, B4N190, was selected from a synthetic human phage display library after enrichment against a recombinant anti‐non‐Gal xenoantibody followed by functional testing in vitro. The inhibitory small molecule, JMS022, was selected from the NCI diversity set III using virtual screening based on predicted xenoantibody structure. Three rhesus monkeys were pre‐treated with anti‐non‐Gal‐specific single‐chain anti‐idiotypic antibody, B4N190. A total of five monkeys, including two untreated controls, were then immunized with GTKO porcine endothelial cells to initiate an anti‐non‐α‐1,3‐Gal (non‐Gal) xenoantibody response. The efficacy of the inhibitory small molecule specific for anti‐non‐Gal xenoantibody, JMS022, was tested in vitro.ResultsAfter the combination of in vivo anti‐id and in vitro small molecule treatments, IgM xenoantibody binding to GTKO cells was reduced to pre‐immunization levels in two‐thirds of animals; however, some xenoantibodies remained in the third animal. Furthermore, when treated with anti‐id alone, all three experimental animals displayed a lower anti‐non‐Gal IgG xenoantibody response compared with controls. Treatment with anti‐idiotypic antibody alone reduced IgM xenoantibody response intensity in only one of three monkeys injected with GTKO pig endothelial cells. In the one experimental animal, which displayed reduced IgM and IgG responses, select B‐cell subsets were also reduced by anti‐id therapy alone. Furthermore, natural antibody responses, including anti‐laminin, anti‐ssDNA, and anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies were intact despite targeted depletion of anti‐non‐Gal xenoantibodies in vivo indicating that selective reduction of xenoantibodies can be accomplished without total B‐cell depletion.ConclusionsThis preliminary study demonstrates the strength of approaches designed to selectively inhibit anti‐non‐Gal xenoantibody. Both anti‐non‐Gal‐specific anti‐idiotypic antibody and small molecules can be used to selectively limit xenoantibody responses.
ONLINE REPORT IN REAL TIME FROM THE NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER REGISTER (NPCR) OF SWEDEN, A NEW AND EFFICIENT TOOL FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
Authors: Stattin Pär , Sandin Fredrik , Örtqvist David , Damber Lena , Holmberg Erik , Cederberg Håkan , Lambe Mats 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionTraditionally data in The Swedish Cancer register, The Patient Register and other health care registers have been characterized by a very high capture rate but a very long time between date of reported event and final report. However for quality assurance a rapid ascertainment and reporting is crucial.MethodsWe developed an online report in real time in INCA, a software for Internet Based Cancer Registration, with graphical views, developed in R, exactly identical to those used in the NPCR annual report (www.npcr.se/rapporter).ResultsThe user can assess data for his/her own department, and compare with all 21 counties in Sweden, and mean for the nation for procedures and outcomes in real time. These data include waiting times between referral and first consultation, time between biopsy procedure and cancer information (Figure 1), selection of treatment, surgical outcome (positive margins) and many other pertinent aspects of cancer care. Data were made available in October 2013 for clinicians.DiscussionThese online data can be used for quality assurance, quality improvement and bench marking. The real time reporting system increases the need for rapid registration of data in NPCR in order to make optimal use of the system.Figure 1Waiting times in own hospital (red) and all counties (blue) and mean for nation (“riket” yellow)Declaration of competing interestsThis research was funded by the Swedish Research Council.
DOES PAY FOR PERFORMANCE IN HOSPITALS SAVE LIVES?
Authors: Roland Martin , Sutton Matt , Boaden Ruth , Macdonald Ruth 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionPay for performance is increasingly used as a way of improving the quality of medical care. We previously showed that a pay for performance scheme targeting a range of processes measures in hospitals in the North West of England was associated with a substantial reduction in mortality for pneumonia, myocardial infarction and heart failure equivalent to 890 fewer deaths (Sutton et al. Reduced Mortality with Hospital Pay for Performance in England. New England Journal of Medicine 2012;367:1821–28). This analysis only assessed mortality in the first 18 months after introduction of the scheme. We now report mortality outcomes at 42 months to see whether the effect was sustained.MethodsDifference-in-differences regression analysis based on mortality for 230,985 patients admitted with pneumonia, myocardial infarction and heart failure to incentivised hospitals 18 months before and 42 months after the introduction of the program. These were compared with mortality in the following control groups: 1,260,545 patients admitted for the same three conditions to all 132 other hospitals in England, 50,400 patients admitted for six non-incentivised conditions to the incentivised group of hospitals and 285,301 patients admitted for non-incentivised conditions to all other hospitals in England. Analyses were adjusted for differences in age, gender, primary diagnosis, co-morbidities, type of admission, and location from which the patient was admitted.ResultsPreliminary analyses suggest that the gains in mortality seen 18 months after the introduction of the pay for performance programme were not sustained at 42 months.DiscussionPay for performance schemes remain controversial, and there are many unanswered questions about how and when they work. Our previous analyses were important because the incentive scheme that was introduced (Premier HQID) had no impact on mortality when introduced in the US, but appeared to have a substantial impact on mortality when introduced in the UK. However, our long term analyses suggest that these improvements were not sustained. We will comment on a number of possible reasons for the observed effects. One factor is that during the study period, the financial incentives changed from being bonuses to penalties for hospitals in the scheme.Declaration of competing interestsNone.
Resolving the phylogenetic affinities of Kappaphycus inermis within the genus Kappaphycus (Gigartinales, Solieriaceae) using mitochondrial and plastid markers
Authors: Dumilag Richard Verano , Lluisma Arturo 
Published: March 2014

Although the phylogeny of the genus Kappaphycus has been the subject of a number of published studies, the phylogenetic placement of Kappaphycus inermis within the genus has remained unresolved. In this study, we sought to determine the phylogenetic affinities of K. inermis with the other congeneric species using mitochondrial (cox1 and cox2–3 spacer) and plastid (rbcL and RuBisCo spacer) markers, using specimens collected from northwestern Philippines. Morphological observations of the collected materials confirmed the presence of key morphological features that distinguish K. inermis from the other members of Kappaphycus. Molecular analyses based on the organellar genetic markers revealed that K. inermis is indeed phylogenetically distinct from K. alvarezii, K. striatus, K. cottonii and K. malesianus, a species which was recently erected based on specimens from Malaysia. The Philippine K. inermis specimens formed a sister clade to K. malesianus (also referred to as “Aring-aring” in Malaysia) in phylogenetic trees inferred from cox1, cox2–3 spacer and rbcL, but not the RuBisCo spacer whose sequence is identical in both K. inermis and K. malesianus. The analysis also revealed that specimens of unidentified Kappaphycus species collected from two other sites in the Philippines and referred to as “Aring-aring” by local farmers/traders were varieties of K. alvarezii and K. striatus.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 49. On Lejeunea huctumalcensis Lindenb. &amp; Gottsche and the resurrection of Otigoniolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn., an older name for Physantholejeunea R.M.Schust. (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae)
Authors: WEI YU-MEI , Zhu Rui-Liang , GRADSTEIN S. ROBBERT 
Published: March 2014

Lejeunea huctumalcensis Lindenb. & Gottsche in Gottsche et al. (1847: 762), a widespread neotropical species, is one of the most unusual taxa in Lejeunea Libert (1820: 372) owing to the variable gynoecial innovation type which may be lejeuneoid or pycnolejeuneoid, the presence of ocelli in leaf lobes and the perianth keels usually with bifid or more ramified laciniae (Reiner-Drehwald & Ilkiu-Borges 2007). In other species of this large genus, innovations are invariably lejeuneoid, ocelli are lacking and perianth keels do not produce bifid or more ramified laciniae. The generic position of Lejeunea huctumalcensis has long been controversial and the species has been assigned to at least six different genera, including Ceratolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 77) Jack & Stephani (1892: 16), Hygrolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 77) Schiffner (1893: 124), Lejeunea, Otigoniolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 77) Schiffner (1893: 125), Pycnolejeunea (Spruce 1884: 246) Schiffner (1893: 124), and Trachylejeunea (Spruce 1884: 180) Schiffner (1893: 126) (Reiner-Drehwald & Ilkiu-Borges 2007). The latter authors showed that L. huctumalcensis is an older name for L. xiphotis Spruce (1884: 227), the type species of Lejeunea subg. Otigoniolejeunea Spruce (º Otigoniolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn.), and thus L. huctumalcensis automatically becomes a member of this group. Otigoniolejeunea was provisionally accepted by Reiner-Drehwald & Ilkiu-Borges (2007) as a subgenus of Lejeunea, with L. huctumalcensis as its only species. Other recent authors, however, have treated Otigoniolejeunea as a mere synonym of Lejeunea (e.g., Grolle 1983; Singh 2013).
Evaluation of the Reanalysis Products for the Monsoon Season Droughts in India
Authors: Shah Reepal , Mishra Vimal 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Drought monitoring in near–real time is essential for management of water resources, irrigation planning, and food security. However, lack of availability of quality real-time observations leads to slow decision making and relatively poor natural resources management, especially during and after severe and prolonged droughts. The global reanalysis products that are available in near–real time could be valuable for drought monitoring and assessment. Three high-resolution reanalysis products—the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), and the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR)—are examined for their effectiveness in reproducing retrospective droughts during the period 1980–2005. All the selected reanalysis products show biases in the monsoon season precipitation and temperature. MERRA, ERA-Interim, and CFSR showed median bias in the monsoon season precipitation (temperature) of 10% (−0.39°C), 34% (−0.21°C), and 11% (−0.44°C), respectively. The reanalysis products largely fail to reproduce the observed trends in the monsoon season precipitation and temperature over India. All-India median changes in the monsoon season precipitation (temperature) shown by the observations and by MERRA, ERA-Interim, and CFSR were −0.2% (0.13°C), 26% (−0.42°C), 7% (0.24°C), and −8% (0.54°C), respectively, during the period 1980–2005. Despite the differences in the observed areal extent and severity of drought from those obtained from the individual reanalysis products, ensemble mean drought indices of different reanalysis products showed better performance for drought assessment during the monsoon season in India.