bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk Between Adrenergic and Toll-Like Receptors in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Keratinocytes: A Recipe for Impaired Wound Healing
Authors: Dasu Mohan R. , Ramirez Sandra R. , La Thi Dinh , Gorouhi Farzam , Nguyen Chuong , Lin Benjamin R. , Mashburn Chelcy , Stewart Heather , Peavy Thomas R. , Nolta Jan A. , Isseroff Roslyn R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPrevious studies demonstrate that skin wounds generate epinephrine (EPI) that can activate local adrenergic receptors (ARs), impairing healing. Bacterially derived activators of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) within the wound initiate inflammatory responses and can also impair healing. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that these two pathways crosstalk to one another, using EPI and macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP2) to activate ARs and TLR2, respectively, in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and neonatal keratinocytes (NHKs). BM-MSCs exposed to EPI significantly (p &lt; .05) increased TLR2 message (sevenfold BM-MSCs), TLR2 protein (twofold), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) (fourfold). Conversely, activation of TLR2 by MALP2 in these cells increased β2-AR message (twofold in BM-MSCs, 2.7-fold in NHKs), β2-AR protein (2.5-fold), phosphorylation of β-AR-activated kinase (p-BARK, twofold), and induced release of EPI from both cell types (twofold). Treating cells with EPI and MALP2 together, as would be encountered in a wound, increased β2-AR and p-BARK protein expression (sixfold), impaired cell migration (BM-MSCs- 21%↓ and NHKs- 60%↓, p &lt; .002), and resulted in a 10-fold (BM-MSCs) and 51-fold (NHKs) increase in release of IL-6 (p &lt; .001) responses that were remarkably reduced by pretreatment with β2-AR antagonists. In vivo, EPI-stressed animals exhibited impaired healing, with elevated levels of TLR2, MyD88, and IL-6 in the wounds (p &lt; .05) relative to nonstressed controls. Thus, our data describe a recipe for decreasing cell migration and exacerbating inflammation via novel crosstalk between the adrenergic and Toll-like receptor pathways in BM-MSCs and NHKs.
À quoi sert la conception institutionnelle de la corruption ?1
Authors: Néron Pierre-Yves 
Published: April 2014

Mon objectif dans cet article est de mieux cerner les contours d’une conception institutionnelle de la corruption. Je tenterai de contribuer à ce programme de recherches sur la corruption institutionnelle d’une double façon. Premièrement, j’essaierai de clarifier le concept de « corruption institutionnelle » en mettant en lumière quatre de ses principales caractéristiques et certains de ses avantages. Deuxièmement, je tenterai d’exposer trois problèmes auxquels sont confrontés ses partisans : les problèmes de la portée, du faux-diagnostic et de l’essentialisme. Malgré la sympathie que j’ai pour cette approche, j’espère montrer qu’elle recèle certains points problématiques. Je tenterai essentiellement de montrer que les « institutionnalistes » risquent de faire de la corruption un concept normativement surchargé.
Corruption de la démocratie et enjeu environnemental : la « crise des ordures » napolitaine
Authors: Larroque Claire 
Published: April 2014

Cet article se propose d’étudier la question de la corruption démocratique à partir d’un cas précis, celui de la crise du traitement des déchets à Naples, communément nommée « crise des ordures ». En analysant trois formes ou niveaux de corruption démocratique lors de cette crise, l’article souhaite souligner que le terme de corruption démocratique, loin de désigner un mécanisme précis, qualifie, au contraire, des actes, des pratiques et des phénomènes très divers.
La crise napolitaine est marquée, d’une part, par l’implication du réseau mafieux local – la Camorra – et, d’autre part, par de graves problèmes environnementaux. L’article analyse donc, dans un premier temps, le phénomène de corruption démocratique lié à la présence d’un réseau mafieux et s’attache ensuite à montrer que ce phénomène n’est pas uniquement lié à la présence de la Camorra. En montrant que la mise en place des commissariats extraordinaires est une réponse gouvernementale technocratique à la crise napolitaine, l’article met ensuite en exergue le lien peu évident existant entre corruption démocratique et environnement. Il démontre la difficulté pour nos démocraties libérales et représentatives de répondre démocratiquement à l’enjeu environnemental contemporain et soutient que cette difficulté relève d’une forme de corruption démocratique.
Prediction of Postnatal Outcomes in Fetuses With Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias Using Different Lung‐to‐Head Ratio Measurements
Authors: Kehl Sven , Siemer Jörn , Brunnemer Suna , Weiss Christel , Eckert Sven , Schaible Thomas , Sütterlin Marc 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare different methods for measuring the fetal lung area‐to‐head circumference ratio and to investigate their prediction of postpartum survival and the need for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in fetuses with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernias.MethodsThis prospective study included 118 fetuses of at least 20 weeks' gestation with isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias. The lung‐to‐head ratio was measured with 3 different methods (longest diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and tracing). To eliminate the influence of gestational age, the observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for the statistical prediction of survival and need for ECMO therapy by the observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio measured with the different methods.ResultsFor survival and ECMO necessity 118 and 102 cases (16 neonates were not eligible for ECMO) were assessed, respectively. For prediction of postpartum survival and ECMO necessity, the areas under the ROC curves and 95% confidence intervals showed very similar results for the 3 methods for prediction of survival (tracing, 0.8445 [0.7553–0.9336]; longest diameter, 0.8248 [0.7360–0.9136]; and anteroposterior diameter, 0.8002 [0.7075–0.8928]) and for ECMO necessity (tracing, 0.7344 [0.6297–0.8391]; longest diameter, 0.7128 [0.6027–0.8228]; and anteroposterior diameter, 0.7212 [0.6142–0.8281]). Comparisons between the areas under the ROC curves showed that the tracing method was superior to the anteroposterior diameter method in predicting postpartum survival (P = .0300).ConclusionsLung‐to‐head ratio and observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio measurements were shown to accurately predict postnatal survival and the need for ECMO therapy in fetuses with left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias. Tracing the limits of the lungs seems to be the favorable method for calculating the fetal lung area.
Prediction of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulas After Pancreatectomy
Authors: Lee Tae Kil , Kang Chang Moo , Park Mi-Suk , Choi Sung Hoon , Chung Yong-Eun , Choi Jin Young , Kim Myeong-Jin 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the usefulness of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of the pancreas for predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula occurrence after pancreatic resection.MethodsTwenty‐five patients underwent ARFI elastography of the pancreas before pancreatic resection (11 men and 14 women; mean age, 59.1 years; range, 28–76 years). In each patient, 3 valid ARFI measurements (meters per second) were performed at the head of the pancreas, and the median values were calculated. Patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 18) or distal pancreatectomy (n = 7). Clinically relevant fistulas (grade B or higher) were determined according to the standard criteria used by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. Preoperative ARFI values were compared between the fistula and nonfistula groups (Mann‐Whitney test).ResultsClinically relevant fistulas (grade B or higher) were observed in 8 patients (32%; fistula group), including 5 of 18 patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy (28%) and 3 of 7 patients with distal pancreatectomy (43%). The ARFI values in the fistula group (median, 1.45 m/s; range, 0.80–1.98 m/s) were lower than in the nonfistula group (median, 1.54 m/s; range, 0.98–3.40 m/s), but there was no statistical significance (P = .1374). When confining the results to only patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy, the ARFI values were significantly lower in the patients with fistulas (median, 0.98 m/s; range, 0.80–1.94 m/s) than in those without fistulas (median, 1.60 m/s; range, 1.08–3.40 m/s; P = .0460).ConclusionsThis preliminary study showed the potential feasibility of a clinical application of ARFI elastography in preoperatively predicting postoperative pancreatic fistulas after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Investigation of this method in larger studies is needed.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography of the Kidneys
Authors: Asano Kenichiro , Ogata Ai , Tanaka Keiko , Ide Yoko , Sankoda Akiko , Kawakita Chieko , Nishikawa Mana , Ohmori Kazuyoshi , Kinomura Masaru , Shimada Noriaki , Fukushima Masaki 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the main influencing factor of the shear wave velocity (SWV) of the kidneys measured by acoustic radiation force impulse elastography.MethodsThe SWV was measured in the kidneys of 14 healthy volunteers and 319 patients with chronic kidney disease. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated by the serum creatinine concentration and age. As an indicator of arteriosclerosis of large vessels, the brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity was measured in 183 patients.ResultsCompared to the degree of interobserver and intraobserver deviation, a large variance of SWV values was observed in the kidneys of the patients with chronic kidney disease. Shear wave velocity values in the right and left kidneys of each patient correlated well, with high correlation coefficients (r = 0.580–0.732). The SWV decreased concurrently with a decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. A low SWV was obtained in patients with a high brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity. Despite progression of renal fibrosis in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, these results were in contrast to findings for chronic liver disease, in which progression of hepatic fibrosis results in an increase in the SWV. Considering that a high brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity represents the progression of arteriosclerosis in the large vessels, the reduction of elasticity succeeding diminution of blood flow was suspected to be the main influencing factor of the SWV in the kidneys.ConclusionsThis study indicates that diminution of blood flow may affect SWV values in the kidneys more than the progression of tissue fibrosis. Future studies for reducing data variance are needed for effective use of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Changes in the Diameter and Valve Closure Time of Leg Veins Across the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M. , Al-Enezi Maitha , Al-Sharifi Noura M. , Almajran Abdullah , Cameron James D. , McGrath Barry P. , Asfar Sami K. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the changes (if any) in the diameter and valve closure time of the lower limb veins in healthy young nulliparous women at different phases of the menstrual cycle.MethodsFifty‐three young nulliparous women were asked to undergo clinical evaluations and duplex ultrasound examinations of both lower limb veins to monitor changes in the vein diameter and valve closure time at different phases of their menstrual cycles. The vein diameter on B‐mode imaging and valve closure time on pulsed Doppler tracing were calculated at days 1 to 4, 14 to 16, and 25 to 28 of the menstrual cycle. Freidman and related samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine time‐related changes in venous function.ResultsThe volunteers' mean age ± SD was 20.60 ± 1.90 years, and their mean body mass index was 23.90 ± 4.90 kg/m2. There was a gradual increase in the vein diameter and valve closure time at the specified phases of the menstrual cycle. Friedman and related samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests for venous segment diameter and valve closure time changes between the different phases of the menstrual cycle were performed and showed statistical significance for each venous segment within each limb (P = .003–.025). Also, when adjusted for body mass index, statistical significance existed for the same venous segments in the same limbs (P =.001–.049). There was no statistical significance for the same venous segments at the same phase of the menstrual cycle between limbs (related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test: P =.079–.97).ConclusionsDuring the menstrual cycle, the lower limb veins show an increase in their diameter and valve closure time. These changes are probably mediated by the female sex hormones.
Evaluation of Vertebral Artery Involvement by Doppler Sonography in Patients With Behçet Disease
Authors: Taşolar Sevgi , Doğan Metin , Taşolar Hakan , Kahraman Ayşegül , Kamışlı Suat , Doğan Adil , Yıldırım Okan , Kapıcıoğlu Yelda 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesNeurologic lesions in Behçet disease are most frequently observed in areas supplied by the vertebrobasilar system. We aimed to evaluate possible vertebral artery involvement by Doppler sonography in patients with Behçet disease.MethodsForty‐five patients with Behçet disease and 29 healthy volunteers had Doppler sonography of the vertebral arteries. Patients were grouped according to neurologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings as follows: group 1, Behçet disease without neurologic involvement; group 2, neuro‐Behçet disease; and group 3, control. Results were assessed with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe main findings of our study were as follows: (1) total vertebral artery volume flow was significantly lower in the patient groups than the control group (P< .05); (2) total volume flow was lower in group 2 than group 1, although the difference was not statistically significant; (3) peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocity values were significantly lower in the patient groups than the control group; (4) right and left mean volume values were lower in group 2; and (5) resistive and pulsatility index values for the left vertebral artery were significantly higher in group 2, but no statistically significant differences were found in the resistive and pulsatility index values for the right vertebral artery.ConclusionsDoppler sonography of the vertebral arteries in Behçet disease shows alterations that may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Three‐Dimensional Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography in the Assessment of Breast Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Man , Wang Wen-ping , Jia Wan-ru , Tang Lei , Wang Yi , Zhan Wei-wei , Fei Xiao-chun 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to differentiate perfusion and vascular characteristics between benign and malignant breast lesions by 3‐dimensional contrast‐enhanced sonography and evaluate their correlation with microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression for further clinical exploration.MethodsThree‐dimensional contrast‐enhanced sonography was performed in 183 patients with breast lesions, and sonographic characteristics were carefully observed for further analysis. The mean microvessel density and VEGF expression were measured by immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsPathologic results showed 35 benign and 148 malignant cases. Malignancy and benignity differed significantly in peripheral vessel characteristics (number, distribution, course, degree of dilatation, and penetrating vessels), rim perfusion and coarseness degree, intratumoral perfusion type, and intratumoral vessel dilatation (P< .05) but not the presence of peripheral and intratumoral vessels and intratumoral perfusion (P > .05). The specificity of penetrating vessels was 88.6% for diagnosing malignancy. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of rim perfusion coarseness were 90.2%, 70.4%, and 85.3% respectively. The sensitivity of the intratumoral perfusion type was 77.8%, whereas the specificity of intratumoral vessel dilatation was 88.9%. Microvessel density and VEGF expression were significantly correlated with perfusion and vascular characteristics (P < .05), except the presence of peripheral vessels, rim perfusion, and intratumoral perfusion (P> .05). The presence of intratumoral vessels was related to VEGF (P< .05) but not microvessel density (P > .05).ConclusionsThree‐dimensional contrast‐enhanced sonographic characteristics were statistically different between benign and malignant breast lesions. Some of them also correlated significantly with microvessel density and VEGF expression and therefore have potential for objective evaluation of tumor angiogenesis.
Three‐Dimensional Doppler Sonography in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Women After Medical Termination of Pregnancy
Authors: Napolitano Raffaele , Ghosh Madhu , Gillott David J. , Ojha Kamal 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo characterize the 3D Doppler sonographic appearance of the uterine cavity in asymptomatic and symptomatic women after administration of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy.MethodsA prospective observational study was performed. Women admitted for medical termination of pregnancy underwent transvaginal sonography 15 days after the procedure. Volumes were acquired, and offline analyses of the 3D vascularization indices were performed. Outcomes were collected at the follow‐up scan and by telephone after the termination. Women were subclassified as asymptomatic or symptomatic according to the presence/absence of fever, vaginal bleeding, abdominal/pelvic pain, and infections. Spotting was defined as any episodic vaginal bleeding that was less than an expected menstruation and not regarded as a symptom.ResultsA total of 104 women who underwent medical termination of pregnancy between 6 and 9 weeks' gestation were enrolled in the study. The termination procedure was successful in 98% of cases; among them, 9 women (8.6%) were symptomatic due to bleeding. Two asymptomatic women required surgery; 1 had sonographic evidence of suspected retained products of conception (endometrial thickness ≥15 mm or power Doppler vascularization presence). Fifty‐seven women (55%) presented with retained products of conception. All the women with suspected retained products regained normal menses; of these, 3 symptomatic women with retained products (2.9%) underwent a 1‐month sonographic follow‐up. The symptomatic status was not associated with endometrial thickness, 3D intrauterine mass volume, or 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3D power Doppler appearances.ConclusionsThe necessity of surgery after medical termination of pregnancy cannot be predicted by sonography. In cases with sonographic evidence of suspected retained products of conception, endometrial thickness, 2D Doppler findings, and the 3D vascularization indices correlated poorly with bleeding symptoms. Long‐term follow‐up should be considered in symptomatic women, and it can avoid any unnecessary surgical intervention.
Transient Elastography and Sonography for Prediction of Liver Fibrosis in Infants With Biliary Atresia
Authors: Shin Na-Young , Kim Myung-Joon , Lee Mi-Jung , Han Seok Joo , Koh Hong , Namgung Ran , Park Young Nyun 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of transient elastography and sonography for noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis in infants with biliary atresia.MethodsForty‐seven infants with biliary atresia who underwent both transient elastography and sonography before surgery were included in this study. Two types of transient elastographic probes were used: an M probe, which is used for the general adult population; and an S probe, which is specific to children. Transient elastographic measurements and sonographic findings such as triangular cord thickness and hepatic artery and portal vein diameters were compared with the METAVIR histopathologic fibrosis scoring system.ResultsOnly transient elastography (ρ = 0.63; P < .001) was significantly correlated with METAVIR fibrosis stages. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for transient elastography were 0.86 and 0.96 for diagnosis of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. The cutoff value of transient elastography for diagnosis of severe fibrosis was greater than 9.6 kPa, with sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 75%. The cutoff value of transient elastography for diagnosis of cirrhosis was greater than 18.1 kPa, with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90.5%. The success rate for the S probe (100%) was significantly higher than that for the M probe (77%; P < .001).ConclusionsTransient elastography may be a useful noninvasive method for diagnosis of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis and may help predict outcomes before surgery or invasive liver biopsy in infants with biliary atresia. The success rate of transient elastography in infants was improved by using the S probe.
Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Induces Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Through Activation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein–Smad Signaling
Authors: Yang Zun , Ren Leixi , Deng Feng , Wang Zhibiao , Song Jinlin 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesLow‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (US) can accelerate fracture healing and osteogenic differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic effect of low‐intensity pulsed US on human periodontal ligament cells and to determine whether bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐Smad signaling was involved.MethodsHuman periodontal ligament cells were exposed to low‐intensity pulsed US at a frequency of 1.5 MHz and intensity of 90 mW/cm2 for 20 min/d. Osteogenic differentiation was determined by assaying alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium deposition. Expression of BMP‐2, BMP‐6, and BMP‐9 was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Phosphorylated Smad was detected by western blotting; Smad in the cells was labeled by an immunofluorescent antibody and observed by laser‐scanning confocal microscopy.ResultsThe optical density of ALP stimulated by US at 1.5 MHz and 90 mW/cm2 for 20 min/d was significantly higher than in other groups (P < .01); therefore, this dosage was considered optimal for promoting osteogenic differentiation. After 13 days of US exposure, ALP increased gradually after 5 days, peaked at 11 days, and decreased at 13 days, with a significant difference compared with the control group (P < .05). Osteocalcin production increased from 9 to 13 days and peaked at 15 days, with a significant difference compared with the control group (P < .05). BMP‐2 and BMP‐6 increased dynamically after exposure for 13 days. BMP‐2 increased 6.07‐fold at 3 days, 6.39‐fold at 11 days, and 5.97‐fold at 13 days. BMP‐6 expression increased 6.82‐fold at 1 day and 51.5‐fold at 3 days and decreased thereafter. BMP‐9 was not expressed. Phospho‐Smad1/5/8 expression was significantly increased after exposure (P< .05) and transferred from the cytoplasm into the nuclei.ConclusionsLow‐intensity pulsed US effectively induced osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells, and the BMP‐Smad signaling pathway was involved in the mechanism.