bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraventricular rituximab and systemic chemotherapy for treatment of central nervous system post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after kidney transplantation
Authors: Twombley Katherine , Pokala Hanumantha , Ardura Monica I. , Harker‐Murray Paul , Johnson‐Welch Sarah F. , Weinberg Arthur , Seikaly Mouin 
Published: May 2012

Twombley K, Pokala H, Ardura MI, Harker‐Murray P, Johnson‐Welch SF, Weinberg A, Seikaly M. Intraventricular rituximab and systemic chemotherapy for treatment of central nervous system post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after kidney transplantation.Abstract:  PTLD of the CNS is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation, and there are only case reports/series available in the literature. Current literature suggests that CNS PTLD carries a worse prognosis than PTLD outside the CNS, and most are of B‐cell lineage, predominately monomorphic, and are associated with EBV infection. Because this disorder is so rare, there is no standard chemotherapy for pediatric patients with CNS PTLD and reported therapies for EBV‐associated CNS PTLD are heterogeneous with mixed results. Since outcomes of CNS PTLD are historically poor, we attempted to develop a novel therapeutic treatment regimen. Based on a review of the literature and with the help of a multidisciplinary team, we created a regimen of chemotherapy that included dexamethasone and high‐dose methotrexate in addition to intravenous and intraventricular Rituximab in two pediatric patients. The intraventricular chemotherapy succeeded in shrinking the tumor in both of our patients; however, as shown in the second case, the clinical outcome depends on the location of the tumor. Systemic and intraventricular therapies hold promise in the management of EBV‐associated CNS PTLD; however the rarity of this entity prevents the development of well‐designed studies necessary for the establishment of an evidence‐based treatment standard.
Progression of female reproductive stages associated with bipolar illness exacerbation
Authors: Marsh Wendy K , Ketter Terence A , Crawford Sybil L , Johnson Julia V , Kroll‐Desrosiers Aimee R , Rothschild Anthony J 
Published: May 2012

Marsh WK, Ketter TA, Crawford SL, Johnson JV, Kroll‐Desrosiers AR, Rothschild AJ. Progression of female reproductive stages associated with bipolar illness exacerbation. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 515–526. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objectives:  Late perimenopause and early postmenopause confer an increased risk of depression in the population, yet bipolar disorder mood course during these times remains unclear.Methods:  Clinic visits in 519 premenopausal, 116 perimenopausal (including 13 women transitioning from perimenopause to postmenopause), and 133 postmenopausal women with bipolar disorder who received naturalistic treatment in the multisite Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP‐BD) study over 19.8 ± 15.5 months were analyzed for mood state. History of postpartum and perimenstrual mood exacerbation and current hormone therapy were evaluated as potential mood predictors.Results:  A progression in female reproductive stage (premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause) was significantly associated with percent of visits decreasing in euthymia (29.3%, 27.0%, 25.0%, respectively, p < 0.05), decreasing in syndromal mood elevation (5.3%, 4.1%, and 3.0%, respectively, p < 0.001), and increasing in subsyndromal symptoms (47.3%, 50.7%, and 52.7%, respectively, p = 0.05). Thirteen women transitioning from peri‐ to postmenopause had a significantly greater proportion of visits in syndromal depression (24.4%, p < 0.0005) compared to premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, while depression in the latter three groups (18.1%, 18.1%, and 19.3%, respectively) did not differ. Perimenstrual and/or postpartum mood exacerbation, or hormone therapy did not significantly alter depression during perimenopause.Conclusions:  A progression in female reproductive stages was associated with bipolar illness exacerbation. A small number of women transitioning from perimenopause to postmenopause had significantly greater depression than other female reproductive groups. Euthymia and mood elevation decreased with progressing female reproductive stage. Menstrual cycle or postpartum mood exacerbation, or current hormone therapy use, was not associated with perimenopausal depression. Future studies, which include hormonal assessments, are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Control of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in greenhouse tomato crops using the mating disruption technique
Authors: Cocco A. , Deliperi S. , Delrio G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe effectiveness of mating disruption to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in greenhouse tomato crops was evaluated in four trials carried out in winter–spring and summer–winter growing seasons in Southwestern Sardinia (Italy). Pheromone dispensers loaded with 60 mg of the natural blend of the major and minor sex pheromone component (rate 90 : 10) were applied in disrupted greenhouses at a rate of 1000/ha (60 g of active ingredient/ha). Male captures in monitoring pheromone traps, percentage of tomato plants infested by T. absoluta and damage on leaves and fruits were monitored weekly and compared in disrupted and untreated (control) greenhouses. In greenhouses disrupted with 1000 dispensers/ha, a reduction of 93–97% in male trap captures was observed, compared with control. Leaf damage was significantly lower in greenhouses disrupted with 1000 dispensers/ha than in control ones, with a reduction of infestation throughout the growing season ranging from 57% to 85%. Pheromone dispensers applied at the density of 1000/ha significantly reduced the percentage of damaged fruits by 62–89%. In control greenhouses, the highest damage on leaves and fruits was generally observed in edge plants, while leaf and fruit infestation was uniformly distributed in pheromone‐treated greenhouses, indicating an even distribution of the pheromone cloud inside the greenhouse. Mating disruption showed to be an efficient strategy to control in greenhouse the tomato leafminer and can be included in the overall tomato integrated pest management programs.
Identification and Characterization of Pig Embryo MicroRNAs by Solexa Sequencing
Authors: Zhou Y , Tang X , Song Q , Ji Y , Wang H , Wang H , Jiao H , Ouyang H , Pang D 
Published: May 2012

ContentsMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non‐coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′‐untranslated regions of target mRNAs. It is now clear that miRNAs are involved in many biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation and regulation of gene expression during early embryonic development. The miRBase 16.0 (2010) shows that there are 175, 673, 408 and 1048 annotated miRNAs for Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus and Homo sapiens, respectively. However, there are only 211 miRNAs described for Sus scrofa. In particular, the full set of miRNAs and their expression patterns are still poorly understood in the embryo. Therefore, we combined Solexa sequencing with computational techniques to analyse the sequences and relative expression levels of S. scrofa miRNAs at embryonic day 33 (E33). Of the distinct miRNAs identified, 76 previously known miRNAs and 194 candidate miRNAs were identified in head, and 77 known miRNAs and 130 predicted candidate miRNAs were identified in organ region. Furthermore, we performed additional investigation for identifying the potential target mRNAs using PicTar and TargetScan. Concurrent function analysis suggested that highly expressed miRNAs are mostly involved in the development of nerves, cerebrum, muscle and organs. Our results provide useful information for the investigation into embryonic miRNAs of pig and provide a valuable resource for investigators interested in the regulation of embryonic development in pigs and other animals.
Interleukin‐37 reduces liver inflammatory injury via effects on hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cells
Authors: Sakai Nozomu , Van Sweringen Heather L , Belizaire Ritha M , Quillin Ralph Cutler , Schuster Rebecca , Blanchard John , Burns Justin M , Tevar Amit D , Edwards Michael J , Lentsch Alex B 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of interleukin‐37 (IL‐37) on liver cells and on liver inflammation induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).Methods:  Mice were subjected to I/R. Some mice received recombinant IL‐37 (IL‐37) at the time of reperfusion. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, and liver myeloperoxidase content were assessed. Serum and liver tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and keratinocyte chemokine (KC) were also assessed. Hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed. For in vitro experiments, isolated hepatocytes and Kupffer cells were treated with IL‐37 and inflammatory stimulants. Cytokine and chemokine production by these cells were assessed. Primary hepatocytes underwent induced cell injury and were treated with IL‐37 concurrently. Hepatocyte cytotoxicity and Bcl‐2 expression were determined. Isolated neutrophils were treated with TNF‐α and IL‐37 and neutrophil activation and respiratory burst were assessed.Results:  IL‐37 reduced hepatocyte injury and neutrophil accumulation in the liver after I/R. These effects were accompanied by reduced serum levels of TNF‐α and MIP‐2 and hepatic ROS levels. IL‐37 significantly reduced MIP‐2 and KC productions from lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. IL‐37 significantly reduced cell death and increased Bcl‐2 expression in hepatocytes. IL‐37 significantly suppressed TNF‐α‐induced neutrophil activation.Conclusions:  IL‐37 is protective against hepatic I/R injury. These effects are related to the ability of IL‐37 to reduce proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production by hepatocytes and Kupffer cells as well as having a direct protective effect on hepatocytes. In addition, IL‐37 contributes to reduce liver injury through suppression of neutrophil activity.
Prospective model‐based comparison of different laryngoscopes for difficult intubation in infants
Authors: Kalbhenn Johannes , Boelke Anike K. , Steinmann Daniel 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackground:  Difficult intubation in infants is uncommon but may be a challenge for the anesthesiologist. Many optical‐assisted techniques are available to ease endotracheal placement of tube but have not been systemically evaluated for pediatric practice.Aim:  The study was performed to compare conventional pediatric Macintosh – with different optical laryngoscopes in difficult endotracheal intubation in infants. We hypothesized that inexperienced anesthetists would perform more successful with optical devices and that differences between the devices would be found.Methods/Materials:  In this randomized controlled study, 30 anesthesia residents performed endotracheal intubation in an infant model of difficult airway presenting with airway obstruction and neck immobilization. Primary endpoints were intubation success rate and intubation time. Beyond that glottis view, dental trauma and difficulty of technique were evaluated and measured by a study observer. Macintosh, Airtraq®, Storz DCI®‐, and Gyrus Infant Bullard® laryngoscopes were used in random order. After standardized briefing every resident had three attempts of at most 120 s with every device to place a 3‐mm tube into the trachea. Glottis view and difficulty of technique were rated by the residents using classification of Cormack/Lehane and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0 = easy to 10 = very difficult).Results:  Success rate was 41% with conventional Macintosh, 43% with Airtraq®, 62% with Storz DCI®, and 100% with Bullard® laryngoscopes. Median time from passing the lips to first ventilation was 67 s (Storz DCI® laryngoscope), 54 s (Macintosh laryngoscope), 45 s (Airtraq® laryngoscope), and 21 s (Bullard® laryngoscope), respectively. Dental trauma did not occur with Bullard® laryngoscope and was frequent with Storz DCI® laryngoscope (39%) and Macintosh laryngoscope (42%). Glottis view was best with Bullard® laryngoscope (Grade 1 in 100%) and worst with Macintosh laryngoscope (Grade 1 in 2%). Difficulty of technique was rated with a VAS score of 2 (Bullard® laryngoscope), 4.5 (Storz DCI® laryngoscope) and 6 (Airtraq®‐ and Macintosh laryngoscopes).Conclusions:  Inexperienced anesthetists have higher success rates and shorter intubation times with optical‐assisted laryngoscopes compared with conventional Macintosh laryngoscope. Gyrus Infant Bullard® laryngoscope significantly undertakes best success rate and shortest intubation time with mildest impact to maxillary dents and easiest technique. Our findings support the hypothesis that optical laryngoscopes can be used successfully by inexperienced anesthetists in simulated difficult pediatric airway conditions.
The role of GlpR repressor in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 growth and PHA production from glycerol
Authors: Escapa I. F. , del Cerro C. , García J. L. , Prieto M. A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryPseudomonas putida KT2440 has evolved a tightly regulated system for metabolizing glycerol implying a prolonged growth lag‐phase. We have learnt that this fact can be avoided by the addition of small amounts of some growth precursors. The addition of 1 mM octanoic acid as co‐feeder completely eliminated the lag‐phase, resulting in an improvement, in terms of invested time, of both growth and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation. To investigate this phenomenon, we have followed co‐metabolic approaches combined with mutations of the specific and global regulatory networks that connect glycerol catabolism and PHA synthesis. By using mutant strains in metabolic genes from the PHA and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles, we have demonstrated that the co‐feeding effect is independent of PHA accumulation, but driven on active glyoxylate shunt and Entner–Doudoroff (ED) routes. These findings suggested that the effect of octanoate on glycerol metabolism could rely, either on a global activation of the cell energy state, or on the generation of specific metabolites or cofactors needed for the activation of glycerol metabolism. Our results addressed GlpR as the key factor controlling the efficient utilization of glycerol as growth precursor in P. putida KT2440. Accordingly, a glpR knockout mutant of P. putida KT2440 showed an elimination of the lag‐phase when cultured on glycerol in the absence of co‐feeder. Besides, the production of PHA in this strain was increased near twofold, resulting in a higher final yield in terms of PHA accumulation. The repressor activity of the GlpR protein over the glp genes in the absence of glycerol was finally demonstrated by qRT‐PCR. This work contributed to unravel the physiological causes of the long lag‐phase produced by glycerol in the model strain P. putida KT2440 that hinders its use as carbon source in biotechnological applications for generating valuable products.
Colorectal smartphone apps: opportunities and risks
Authors: O’Neill S. , Brady R. R. W. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  The increased utilization of smartphones within the clinical environment together with connected applications (apps) provides opportunity for doctors, including coloproctologists, to integrate such technology into clinical practice. However, the reliability of unregulated medical apps has recently been called into question. Here, we review contemporary medical apps specifically themed towards colorectal diseases and assess levels of medical professional involvement in their design and content.Method  The most popular smartphone app stores (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows and Samsung) were searched for colorectal disease themed apps, using the disease terms colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, anal fissure, bowel incontinence and irritable bowel syndrome.Results  A total of 68 individual colorectal themed apps were identified, amongst which there were five duplicates. Only 29% of colorectal apps had had customer satisfaction ratings and 32% had named medical professional involvement in their development or content.Conclusion  The benefits of apps are offset by lack of colorectal specification. There is little medical professional involvement in their design. Increased regulation is required to improve accountability of app content.
Determinants of the Choice of Migration Destination*
Authors: Fafchamps Marcel , Shilpi Forhad 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis paper examines migrants’ choice of destination conditional on migration. The study uses data from two rounds of Nepal Living Standard Surveys and a Population Census and examine how the choice of a migration destination is influenced by various covariates, including income differentials across possible destinations. We find that migrants move primarily to nearby, high population density areas where many people share their language and ethnic background. Better access to amenities is significant as well. Differentials in average income across destination districts are significant in univariate comparisons but not once we control for other covariates. Differentials in consumption expenditures are statistically significant but smaller in magnitude than other determinants. It is differentials in absolute, not relative, consumption between destination districts that are correlated with the destination of work migrants. Except for the latter, results are robust to different specifications and datasets.
The future for Meals on Wheels? Reviewing innovative approaches to meal provision for ageing populations
Authors: Winterton Rachel , Warburton Jeni , Oppenheimer Melanie 
Published: May 2012

Winterton R, Warburton J, Oppenheimer M. The future for Meals on Wheels? Reviewing innovative approaches to meal provision for ageing populationsThe global phenomenon of population ageing is impacting on how community care is delivered, and a key component of health and social care services for the frail elderly is Meals on Wheels (MOW), a service that has traditionally encompassed delivering meals to older people in their homes. However, aspects of this conceptualisation of MOW are being redefined in order to address challenges posed by tightening global financial contexts, a reliance on volunteers and increasing social isolation among ageing populations. Through a review of the literature and websites from selected countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia), this article explores and critically evaluates models of MOW delivery addressing these challenges. Findings suggest that MOW services are utilising a marketised approach, moving outside of the home and incorporating diverse volunteer roles. These findings demonstrate how services such as MOW can develop sustainable approaches to service delivery in a contemporary context.Key Practitioner Message:•A review of innovative MOW highlights service models of broader applicability;•Varied delivery models and more diverse volunteer roles appeal to new sources of volunteers;•Research into the development of sustainable models with positive client social outcomes is now required.
OX40 ligand and OX40 are increased in atopic dermatitis lesions but do not correlate with clinical severity
Authors: Ilves T. , Harvima I.T. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  The interaction between the OX40 ligand (OX40L) and OX40 has been suggested to have pathogenetic significance in atopic dermatitis (AD).Objective  The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and relevance of OX40L and OX40 in AD skin.Methods  OX40L and OX40 were stained immunohistochemically on the cryosections of the lesional and non‐lesional skin of 17 subjects with moderate‐to‐severe AD and of 10 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated keratinocytes and cell membrane preparations from PMA‐stimulated keratinocytes or LAD‐2 mast cells were incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence or absence of blocking monoclonal antibodies to OX40L, CD30L or ICAM‐1.Results  We show for the first time that the staining intensity of OX40L and the number of OX40+ cells are significantly greater in the lesional dermis than in the healthy‐looking dermis in AD (P < 0.001 in both comparisons) and also in psoriasis (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively), but neither molecule correlate significantly with the clinical severity of AD. Living keratinocytes and cell membranes from LAD‐2 mast cells and keratinocytes increased the PBMC proliferation response. Anti‐OX40L antibody inhibited, in a similar fashion as anti‐ICAM‐1 and anti‐CD30L, PBMC proliferation induced by LAD‐2 membranes, but stimulated that induced by keratinocytes.Conclusion  Our findings provide evidence for the involvement of OX40 and OX40L in the pathogenesis of AD though they are not specific to AD and in vitro results suggest complex interaction.
The effect of fractional carbon dioxide lasers on idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: a preliminary study
Authors: Shin J. , Kim M. , Park S.H. , Oh S.H. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a commonly acquired leucoderma that is characterized by discrete, round or oval porcelain‐white macules ∼2–5 mm in diameter that increases in number with age. A variety of therapies with variable success rates, including cryotherapy, superficial abrasion and topical retinoids are currently being used.Objectives  The effects of fractional CO2 laser therapy on IGH were investigated in this pilot study.Patients and methods  A total of 40 patients with IGH were enrolled. The hypopigmented lesions were treated using a 10 600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional laser (CO2FL). Two months after a single treatment, physicians’ clinical assessments were performed and the patients’ overall satisfaction was evaluated.Results  The mean age of enrolled patients was 57.5 ± 10.9 years and the gender ratio was 7 : 33. The face was the most commonly treated area, although the extremities are epidemiologically the most frequently affected areas. Two months after treatment, objective assessments performed by two independent dermatologists indicated more than 50% improvement in 36 patients (90%), compared with baseline. In addition, 33 patients (82.5%) were very satisfied or satisfied with just one session of CO2FL treatment. Although a few patients complained of long‐standing erythema and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, these problems spontaneously resolved within 2 months after the assessments. No other noticeable side effects were observed.Conclusion  CO2FL might be a very convenient and effective modality for treating IGH without significant side effects.