bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Ameliorates Renal Prognosis of Cholesterol Crystal Embolism
Authors: Ishiyama Katsuya , Sato Toshinobu , Taguma Yoshio 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDrugs such as corticosteroids and statins have been used to treat cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE), but the prognosis remains poor. This study evaluated the efficacy of low‐density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL‐A) in patients with CCE. Patients with CCE who showed renal deterioration after vascular interventions were studied retrospectively. Information on demographic variables, clinical measurements, and medication use was collected. The outcomes were incidence of maintenance dialysis and mortality at 24 weeks. A total of 49 patients with CCE were included, among whom 37 (76%) were diagnosed pathologically and the remainder were diagnosed clinically. The median estimated GFR at baseline and at diagnosis were 40.5 and 13.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. Corticosteroids were used in 42 patients (86%), statins in 30 patients (61%), and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in 29 patients (59%). LDL‐A was performed in 25 patients (LDL‐A group), and not in 24 patients (control group). Smoking (100% vs. 72%, P = 0.02), white blood cell count (8900/mm3 vs. 7000/mm3) and corticosteroid use (96% vs. 75%) were higher in the LDL‐A group compared with the control group, but there were no differences in other demographic and clinical parameters between the groups. Patients in the LDL‐A group had a lower incidence of maintenance dialysis (2/25 (8%) vs. 8/24 (33%), P < 0.05), and a trend towards lower mortality (2/25 (8%) vs. 7/24 (29%), P = 0.074). These results suggest that LDL‐A decreases the risk of maintenance dialysis in severe renal CCE patients after vascular interventions.
Removal Characteristics of Immunoglobulin G Subclasses by Conventional Plasma Exchange and Selective Plasma Exchange
Authors: Ohkubo Atsushi , Okado Tomokazu , Kurashima Naoki , Maeda Takuma , Arai Shingo , Miyamoto Satoko , Itagaki Ayako , Seshima Hiroshi , Iimori Soichiro , Naito Shotaro , Sohara Eisei , Uchida Shinichi , Rai Tatemitsu 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSelective plasma exchange (SePE) using a selective membrane separator is a modified method of simple plasma exchange (PE). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass distribution is one of the important immunological characteristics of IgG. However, there is little information regarding the removal characteristics of IgG subclasses by SePE and conventional PE. Here, we investigated the removal ratio of IgG subclasses by PE and SePE in seven patients with immunological disorders. When the mean processed volume was 0.88 plasma volume (PV) (corresponding to 2.12 L), the mean percent reductions by PE were as follows: IgG, 63.2%; IgG1, 64.5%; IgG2, 64.0%; IgG3, 61.4%; and IgG4, 69.5%. When the mean processed volume was 1.18 PV (corresponding to 2.98 L), the mean percent reductions by SePE were as follows: IgG, 51.6%; IgG1, 55.3%; IgG2, 52.0%; IgG3, 53.7%; and IgG4, 64.6%. In both PE and SePE, using albumin solution as the supplementary fluid, IgG was effectively eliminated regardless of IgG subclasses.
Does the buck stop with the bugs?: an overview of microbial dysbiosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sandhya Pulukool , Danda Debashish , Sharma Disha , Scaria Vinod 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe human body is an environmental niche which is home to diverse co‐habiting microbes collectively referred as the human microbiome. Recent years have seen the in‐depth characterization of the human microbiome and associations with diseases. Linking of the composition or number of the human microbiota with diseases and traits date back to the original work of Elie Metchnikoff. Recent advances in genomic technologies have opened up finer details and dynamics of this new science with higher precision. Microbe‐rheumatoid arthritis connection, largely related to the gut and oral microbiomes, has showed up as a result – apart from several other earlier, well‐studied candidate autoimmune diseases. Although evidence favouring roles of specific microbial species, including Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Leptotricha, has become clearer, mechanistic insights still continue to be enigmatic. Manipulating the microbes by traditional dietary modifications, probiotics, and antibiotics and by currently employed disease‐modifying agents seems to modulate the disease process and its progression. In the present review, we appraise the existing information as well as the gaps in knowledge in this challenging field. We also discuss the future directions for potential clinical applications, including prevention and management of rheumatoid arthritis using microbial modifications.
Least Squares Sparse Principal Component Analysis: A Backward Elimination Approach to Attain Large Loadings
Authors: Merola Giovanni Maria 
Published: September 2015

SummarySparse principal components analysis (SPCA) is a technique for finding principal components with a small number of non‐zero loadings. Our contribution to this methodology is twofold. First we derive the sparse solutions that minimise the least squares criterion subject to sparsity requirements. Second, recognising that sparsity is not the only requirement for achieving simplicity, we suggest a backward elimination algorithm that computes sparse solutions with large loadings. This algorithm can be run without specifying the number of non‐zero loadings in advance. It is also possible to impose the requirement that a minimum amount of variance be explained by the components. We give thorough comparisons with existing SPCA methods and present several examples using real datasets.
Face‐down or no face‐down posturing following macular hole surgery: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Zizhong , Xie Ping , Ding Yuzhi , Zheng Xinhua , Yuan Dongqing , Liu Qinghuai 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the impact of postoperative posturing with or without face‐down on the anatomical and functional outcomes of macular hole surgery.MethodsA literature‐based meta‐analysis was conducted to identify studies relevant to posturing following macular hole surgery (MHS). PubMed and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve articles up to 1 June 2015. The primary measures included MH closure and ideal vision acuity improvement. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated in Review Manager.ResultsFour randomized control trials (RCTs) comprising 251 cases were included in the final meta‐analysis. No face‐down posturing (FDP) after MHS revealed lower anatomic success rate compared to face‐down posturing (OR = 0.33, 95% CI [0.13, 0.81], p = 0.02). For holes smaller than 400 μm in size, the subgroup meta‐analysis indicated no significant effect of FDP on successful hole closure (OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.01, 7.34], p = 0.45). However, when holes were larger than 400 μm, it seemed less effective on MH closure following surgery in no FDP group (OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.07, 0.71]), and this was statistically significant (p = 0.01).ConclusionsOur work found that no FDP was not inferior to its face‐down counterpart for the success of MHS when macular holes were smaller than 400 μm in size. For macular holes larger than 400 μm, statistical analysis proved that FDP might be necessary. More well‐conducted randomized control trials are needed to verify our findings.
MalignantTFE3-rearranged perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (PEComa) presenting as a subcutaneous mass
Authors: Shon W. , Kim J. , Sukov W. , Reith J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPerivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) are a group of mesenchymal tumours with concurrent melanocytic and myogenic differentiation. Although many cases are sporadic, PEComas can be associated with tuberous sclerosis. A distinct subset of deep-seated PEComas has been shown to carry TFE3 fusions. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary subcutaneous malignant PEComa with molecular confirmation of TFE3 gene rearrangement.
Leadership and gender in groups: An experiment
Authors: Grossman Philip J. , Komai Mana , Jensen James E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe conduct a laboratory experiment to study gender differences in leadership. We strip the concept of leadership down to its most basic elements. Questions of style and evaluations of a leader based on style of leadership adopted are made irrelevant. Our leader is an average player who is distinguished merely by occupying the leadership position. Legitimacy is conferred on the leader by the special information possessed. Followers voluntarily choose whether or not to follow the better‐informed leader. The effectiveness of the leader is reduced to two simple factors: is the leader willing or not to voluntarily place him/herself in a vulnerable position to achieve an outcome beneficial to both the leader and his/her followers? Do followers trust their leaders to make the right choice? We provide experimental evidence that female leaders and followers are more cooperative than the males in most circumstances. Female leaders show a hesitation to lead in mixed‐gender environments with gender signalling in circumstances where followers' refusal to follow can significantly hurt them. The behaviour of the followers is the same toward the leaders regardless of their gender.
Valproic Acid Modifies Synaptic Structure and Accelerates Neurite Outgrowth Via the Glycogen Synthase Kinase‐3β Signaling Pathway in an Alzheimer's Disease Model
Authors: Long Zhi‐Min , Zhao Lei , Jiang Rong , Wang Ke‐Jian , Luo Shi‐Fang , Zheng Min , Li Xiao‐Feng , He Gui‐Qiong 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAimTau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid β‐peptide overproduction, caused by altered localization or abnormal activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), is a pathogenic mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Valproic acid (VPA) attenuates senile plaques and neuronal loss. Here, we confirmed that VPA treatment improved spatial memory in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS 1) double‐transgenic mice and investigated the effect of VPA on synaptic structure and neurite outgrowth.MethodsWe used ultrastructural analysis, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis to assess the effect of VPA treatment in mice.ResultsVPA treatment thickened the postsynaptic density, increased the number of presynaptic vesicles, and upregulated the expression of synaptic markers PSD‐95 and GAP43. VPA increased neurite length of hippocampal neurons in vivo and in vitro. In VPA‐treated AD mouse brain, inactivated GSK‐3β (pSer9‐GSK‐3β) was markedly increased, while hyperphosphorylation of tau at Ser396 and Ser262 was decreased; total tau levels remained similar. VPA treatment notably improved pSer133‐cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which are associated with synaptic function and neurite outgrowth.ConclusionVPA improves behavioral deficits in AD, modifies synaptic structure, and accelerates neurite outgrowth, by inhibiting the activity of GSK‐3β, decreasing hyperphosphorylated tau, enhancing CREB and BDNF expression.
Synaptic Plasticity and Signal Transduction Gene Polymorphisms and Vulnerability to Drug Addictions in Populations of European or African Ancestry
Authors: Levran Orna , Peles Einat , Randesi Matthew , Correa da Rosa Joel , Ott Jurg , Rotrosen John , Adelson Miriam , Kreek Mary Jeanne 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAimDrug addiction is characterized, in part, by deregulation of synaptic plasticity in circuits involved in reward, stress, cue learning, and memory. This study was designed to assess whether 185 variants in 32 genes central to synaptic plasticity and signal transduction contribute to vulnerability to develop heroin and/or cocaine addiction.MethodsAnalyses were conducted in a sample of 1860 subjects divided according to ancestry (African and European) and drug of abuse (heroin or cocaine).ResultsEighteen SNPs in 11 genes (CDK5R1, EPHA4, EPHA6, FOSL2, MAPK3, MBP, MPDZ, NFKB1, NTRK2, NTSR1, and PRKCE) showed significant associations (P < 0.01), but the signals did not survive correction for multiple testing. SNP rs230530 in the NFKB1 gene, encoding the transcription regulator NF‐kappa‐B, was the only SNP indicated in both ancestry groups and both addictions. This SNP was previously identified in association with alcohol addiction. SNP rs3915568 in NTSR1, which encodes neurotensin receptor, and SNP rs1389752 in MPDZ, which encodes the multiple PDZ domain protein, were previously associated with heroin addiction or alcohol addiction, respectively.ConclusionsThe study supports the involvement of genetic variation in signal transduction pathways in heroin and cocaine addiction and provides preliminary evidence suggesting several new risk or protective loci that may be relevant for diagnosis and treatment success.
Too Big to Jail? Company Status and Judicial Bias in an Emerging Market
Authors: Choi Hansoo , Kang Hyung‐Goo , Kim Woojin , Lee Changmin , Park Jongsik 
Published: September 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper examines prosecutorial and judicial decisions to incarcerate the suspect upon indictment or conviction of embezzlement or breach of fiduciary duty in Korean firms. Our aim is to evaluate whether the judicial system is biased in favor of large business groups or chaebols in criminal cases.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a sample of 84 indictments and 78 convictions for embezzlement or breach of duty against managers of publicly traded firms in Korea between 2004 and 2008, we find that the probability of incarceration is much smaller if the indicted are associated with large business groups or large firms. In non‐large business group firms, initial disclosure of such accusation results in an average loss of a quarter of market value, and three quarters of convicted individuals are eventually removed from managerial positions. However, we observe neither such a loss nor turnover in large business group member firms.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe identify a new determinant of judicial bias, namely the status of the company, in addition to individual‐level social status or class that has been examined in the previous literature. Such bias may reflect potential future career concerns of the prosecutors and judges who later become lawyers. The results also suggest that an additional motivation behind empire building or size‐maximizing behavior of top management is to effectively implement a legal strategy, a form of non‐market strategy.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsCorporate managers may apply our findings to manage legal risks and to formulate nonmarket strategies. However, biases in individual sentences may create system risk and economy‐wide inefficiencies. In order to reform the legal system, policymakers should take into account the externalities in individual sentencing decisions.
Proposal for an algorithm for liver transplantation in Caroli's disease and syndrome: putting an uncommon effort into a common task
Authors: Lai Quirino , Lerut Jan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) represents an uncommon indication for Caroli's disease (CD) or syndrome (CS). Excellent results of LT have been reported as shown by recent multicentric European and American registry reports. Clear therapeutic flowcharts to adopt in these diseases are still lacking. This review aims at analyzing highlighting recent transplant experiences in this field and also at focusing on the role of LT in case‐specific comorbidities such as development of cholangiocellular cancer or renal failure are present.
Digital pathology: elementary, rapid and reliable automated image analysis
Authors: Bouzin Caroline , Saini Monika L , Khaing Kyi‐Kyi , Ambroise Jérôme , Marbaix Etienne , Grégoire Vincent , Bol Vanesa 
Published: September 2015

AimsSlide digitalization has brought pathology to a new era, including powerful image analysis possibilities. However, while being a powerful prognostic tool, immunostaining automated analysis on digital images is still not implemented worldwide in routine clinical practice.Methods and resultsDigitalized biopsy sections from two independent cohorts of patients, immunostained for membrane or nuclear markers, were quantified with two automated methods. The first was based on stained cell counting through tissue segmentation, while the second relied upon stained area proportion within tissue sections. Different steps of image preparation, such as automated tissue detection, folds exclusion and scanning magnification, were also assessed and validated. Quantification of either stained cells or the stained area was found to be correlated highly for all tested markers. Both methods were also correlated with visual scoring performed by a pathologist. For an equivalent reliability, quantification of the stained area is, however, faster and easier to fine‐tune and is therefore more compatible with time constraints for prognosis.ConclusionsThis work provides an incentive for the implementation of automated immunostaining analysis with a stained area method in routine laboratory practice.
Profile of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor and its human leucocyte antigen ligands in dengue‐infected patients from Western India
Authors: Alagarasu K. , Bachal R. V. , Shah P. S. , Cecilia D. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryKiller cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) regulate the activation of natural killer cells (NKs). Qualitative and quantitative differences in the type and the number of KIRs expressed on NK cells affect its activation which would influence the outcome of the disease. In this study, 114 hospitalized cases of dengue [82 dengue fever (DF) and 32 dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases] and 104 healthy controls (HC) without no known history of hospitalization for dengue‐like illness were investigated for their KIR gene profile to find out the association of KIR genes with dengue disease severity. KIR gene profile was investigated using duplex sequence‐specific priming polymerase chain reaction‐based typing system. The results revealed a higher frequency of KIR3DL1 gene [P = 0.0225; odds ratio (OR) 4.1 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–14.8] and lower frequency of KIR3DS1/3DS1 genotype [P = 0.0225; OR 0.24 95% CI (0.068–0.88)] in DF cases compared to HC. Immunoglobulin‐like receptor gene frequencies were not different between DHF and DF or HC. The results suggest that KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 locus might be associated with the risk of developing DF.
Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Captive Wildlife at Zhengzhou Zoo, China
Authors: Li Junqiang , Qi Meng , Chang Yankai , Wang Rongjun , Li Tongyi , Dong Haiju , Zhang Longxian 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common gastrointestinal protists in humans and animals. Two hundred and three fecal specimens from 80 wildlife species were collected in Zhengzhou Zoo and their genomic DNA extracted. Three intestinal pathogens were characterized with a DNA sequence analysis of different loci. Cryptosporidium felis, C. baileyi, and avian genotype III were identified in three specimens (1.5%), the manul, red‐crowned crane, and cockatiel, respectively. Giardia duodenalis was also found in five specimens (2.5%) firstly: assemblage B in a white‐cheeked gibbon and beaver, and assemblage F in a Chinese leopard and two Siberian tigers, respectively. Thirteen genotypes of E. bieneusi (seven previously reported genotypes and six new genotypes) were detected in 32 specimens (15.8%), of which most were reported for the first time. A phylogenetic analysis of E. bieneusi showed that five genotypes (three known and two new) clustered in group 1; three known genotypes clustered in group 2; one known genotype clustered in group 4; and the remaining four genotypes clustered in a new group. In conclusion, zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi are maintained in wildlife and transmitted between them. Zoonotic disease outbreaks of these infectious agents possibly originate in wildlife reservoirs.
Strategic Choices at Entry and Relative Survival Advantage of Cooperatives versus Corporations in the US Bio‐Ethanol Industry, 1978‐2015
Authors: Boone Christophe , Özcan Serden 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe sustainability of cooperatives versus corporations is hotly contested. We propose that strategic choices at entry can help to explain the endurance of these two governance modes. We hypothesize that cooperatives have a survival advantage if their major drawback – high coordination costs – is curbed by high levels of member engagement at founding. Our analysis of survival rates in the US bio‐ethanol industry shows that cooperatives outlive corporations (1) if investment size at founding is large (strong financial engagement), (2) if they enter de novo instead of de alio (strong product‐market engagement) and (3) if the cooperative venture has been carefully planned from the start (greenfield entry) instead of built upon the acquisition of an existing plant (strong venture‐building engagement). These findings caution against the view that a particular mode of governance is superior or inferior to another in all circumstances.
Rapid leaf development drives the seasonal pattern of volatile organic compound (VOC) fluxes in a ‘coppiced’ bioenergy poplar plantation
Authors: Brilli Federico , Gioli Beniamino , Fares Silvano , Terenzio Zenone , Zona Donatella , Gielen Bert , Loreto Francesco , Janssens Ivan A. , Ceulemans Reinhart 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLeaves of fast‐growing, woody bioenergy crops often emit volatile organic compounds (VOC). Some reactive VOC (especially isoprene) play a key role in climate forcing and may negatively affect local air quality. We monitored the seasonal exchange of VOC using the eddy covariance technique in a ‘coppiced’ poplar plantation. The complex interactions of VOC fluxes with climatic and physiological variables were also explored by using an artificial neural network (Self Organizing Map). Isoprene and methanol were the most abundant VOC emitted by the plantation. Rapid development of the canopy (and thus of the leaf area index, LAI) was associated with high methanol emissions and high rates of gross primary production (GPP) since the beginning of the growing season, while the onset of isoprene emission was delayed. The highest emissions of isoprene, and of isoprene photo‐oxidation products (Methyl Vinyl Ketone and Methacrolein, iox), occurred on the hottest and sunniest days, when GPP and evapotranspiration were highest, and formaldehyde was significantly deposited. Canopy senescence enhanced the exchange of oxygenated VOC. The accuracy of methanol and isoprene emission simulations with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature increased by applying a function to modify their basal emission factors, accounting for seasonality of GPP or LAI.