bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Sonicate–Induced IFNγ, CXCL10 and IL10 can Differentiate Severity in Tuberculosis
Authors: Hasan Z. , Rao N. , Salahuddin N. , Islam M. , Ashraf M. , Rottenberg M. E. , Hussain R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractImproved tools are required to study immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen‐stimulated T cell‐based assays can detect TB but are less effective when responses are compromised such as in severe disease. We investigated immune responses to M. tuberculosis whole sonicate (MTBs), recombinant antigens ESAT6 and CFP10 in whole blood cells of healthy endemic controls (EC, n = 42) and patients with pulmonary (PTB, n = 36) or extrapulmonary (ETB, n = 41) disease. Biomarkers of T cell activation (IFNγ) or modulation (IL10) and chemokines, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CCL2, secretion were measured. MTBs, ESAT6 and CFP10 all induced IFNγ responses in TB. ESAT6‐induced IFNγ was elevated in TB as compared with EC. MTBs stimulated the highest IFNγ levels but did not differentiate between TB and EC. However, MTBs‐induced CXCL10 (P = 0.004) was reduced, while IL10 (P < 0.001) was raised in TB as compared with EC. Between sites, MTBs‐induced CCL2 (P = 0.001) and IL10 secretion was higher in PTB than ETB (P < 0.001). In comparison of disease severity, MTBs‐induced IFNγ (P = 0.014) and CXCL10 (P = 0.022) levels were raised in moderate as compared with far advanced PTB. In ETB, MTBs‐induced IL10 levels were greater in less‐severe (L‐ETB) than in severe disseminated (D‐ETB) cases, P = 0.035. Within the L‐ETB group, MTBs‐induced IFNγ was greater in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis than those with pleural TB (P = 0.002). As immune responses to MTBs were differentially activated in TB of different sites and severity, we propose the utility of MTBs‐induced IFNγ, CXCL10 and IL10 as biomarkers in TB.
Quality of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Mori Marcella , Ravinetto Raffaella , Jacobs Jan 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe phenomenon of poor‐quality medicines in resource‐limited settings is well documented, and field observations reveal similar problems with medical devices (MDs) and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs). In scientific literature, however, there are only scarce reports and documents providing evidence of quality problems of MDs or IVDs in resource‐limited settings. This discrepancy may be ascribed to (i) the poor regulatory oversight of MDs/IVDs in resource‐limited settings, (ii) a general lack of awareness of the problem of poor‐quality MDs/IVDs amongst the scientific community and decision‐makers, and (iii) poor quality assurance in diagnostic laboratories in resource‐poor settings, precluding tracing quality problems of IVDs from the other potential causes of diagnostic inaccuracy. The problem of poor‐quality MDs/IVDs in resource‐limited settings is a complex one to address. Firstly, operational definitions for substandard and counterfeit MDs/IVDs are required, as well as ad hoc field surveys, to ensure proper appraisal of the real extent of the problem. Investments are needed to reinforce the national regulatory oversights on MDs/IVDs in resource‐limited settings, and to encourage a proactive and transparent exchange of information between Northern and Southern regulatory authorities. Industrialized countries can play a role by expanding and strengthening their regulatory oversight and quality labels to those MDs/IVDs that are frequently used in resource‐poor settings. Hopefully, the combination of these measures will result in better protection of patients in resource‐poor countries from the effects of being exposed to poor‐quality MDs and IVDs.
Increase in allergen‐specific IgE and ex vivo Th2 responses after a single bronchial challenge with house dust mite in allergic asthmatics
Authors: van de Pol M. A. , Lutter R. , van Ree R. , van der Zee J. S. 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: van de Pol MA, Lutter R, van Ree R, van der Zee JS. Increase in allergen‐specific IgE and ex vivo Th2 responses after a single bronchial challenge with house dust mite in allergic asthmatics.Allergy 2012; 67: 67–73.AbstractBackground:  Airway responsiveness to allergen in patients with allergic asthma is studied by bronchial allergen challenge. Although the typical features of the early and late responses on lung function and bronchial inflammation after allergen challenge are well known, little has been reported as yet on any changes in systemic allergic and immunologic parameters after 4–6 weeks.Methods:  In a clinical study, 27 subjects with allergic asthma and house dust mite (HDM) allergy underwent a bronchial allergen challenge with HDM. Blood samples were collected before and 5 weeks after allergen challenge. Serum levels of total IgE and allergen‐specific IgE were measured, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and stimulated ex vivo with HDM to determine the allergen‐specific T‐cell cytokine response.Results:  Five weeks after bronchial allergen challenge with HDM, the amount of circulating IgE against HDM and the major allergenic components Der p1 and Der p2 was significantly increased (10.8% and 8.8%, respectively). IgE antibodies against other environmental allergens decreased (grass pollen) or remained unchanged (cat dander). Allergen‐induced Th2‐cytokine production was also significantly increased (P < 0.001, P = 0.014, and P = 0.006 for IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13, respectively). The increase in Der p1‐ and Der p2‐specific IgE in serum correlated with increased numbers of Th2‐cytokine‐producing cells (Rs = 0.56, P = 0.002 and Rs = 0.54, P = 0.004 for IL‐4 and IL‐13, respectively).Conclusions:  A single bronchial allergen challenge with HDM is accompanied by increased levels of allergen‐specific IgE for HDM in serum and an enhanced Th2 response to HDM still detectable 5 weeks after challenge.
Superiority of virtual microscopy versus light microscopy in transplantation pathology
Authors: Ozluk Yasemin , Blanco Paula L. , Mengel Michael , Solez Kim , Halloran Philip F. , Sis Banu 
Published: September 2011

Ozluk Y, Blanco PL, Mengel M, Solez K, Halloran PF, Sis B. Superiority of virtual microscopy versus light microscopy in transplantation pathology.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01506.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Virtual microscopy has begun to change conventional pathology practice. We tested the reliability of this new technology in transplantation pathology. We studied 40 kidney transplant biopsies for cause and compared reproducibility of Banff scores using virtual slides versus glass slides. Three glass slides per biopsy were scanned as high‐resolution digital slides using Aperio ScanScope. Three pathologists independently reviewed the biopsies: twice by glass slides and twice by virtual slides. Eleven histopathological lesions were scored and used to construct diagnosis according to Banff criteria. The intra‐observer reproducibility of Banff scores was substantially good using either virtual slides or glass slides (mean κ: 0.69 vs. 0.64, p > 0.05). The inter‐observer reproducibility of Banff scores was better in virtual slides than in glass slides (mean κ: 0.42 vs. 0.28, p < 0.001). Among the lesions, transplant glomerulopathy scoring by virtual slides showed the highest inter‐observer reproducibility, with a similar accuracy to glass slides. The agreement for acute rejection between virtual and glass slides was not different from the agreement between two readings of glass slides. Thus, virtual microscopy is a reliable and more reproducible technology and has several advantages over glass slides, e.g., accessibility via internet, no fading. We recommend virtual microscopy for transplant diagnostics, including utilization for clinical trials.
Multivariate analysis of antibody induction therapy and their associated outcomes in live donor kidney transplantation in the recent era
Authors: Emami Sina , Huang Edmund , Kuo Hung‐Tien , Kamgar Mohammad , Bunnapradist Suphamai 
Published: September 2011

Emami S, Huang E, Kuo H‐T, Kamgar M, Bunnapradist S. Multivariate analysis of antibody induction therapy and their associated outcomes in live donor kidney transplantation in the recent era.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01517.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The majority of kidney transplant recipients in the United States receive antibody induction, but its impact on outcomes in living donor transplant is not well‐described. We used Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) data as of November 2009 to compare acute rejection (AR) and graft survival among all primary adult living donor kidney recipients of no antibody induction, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and interleukin‐2 receptor antagonists (IL‐2RA) in an earlier era (1998–2002; n = 21 919) and a later era (2003–2008, n = 26 837). The incidence of AR in the overall cohort decreased from 18.5% in 1998 to 8% in 2008. From 1998 to 2002, antibody induction was associated with a decreased risk of acute rejection at six months (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.62–0.72) and one yr (RR 0.71, 0.65–0.76), while in the recent era, induction was not associated with acute rejection at six months (RR 0.97, 0.88–1.07) or one yr (RR 1.01, 0.91–1.10). There was no difference in graft survival over five yr with antibody induction in either era. Although antibody induction was associated with a decreased risk of AR from 1998 to 2002, it was not associated with a decreased risk of acute rejection from 2003 to 2008, nor was it associated with a difference in graft survival in either era.
Long‐term renal function and survival of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Arulkumaran Nishkantha , West Stephen , Chan Kakit , Templeton Maie , Taube David , Brett Stephen J. 
Published: September 2011

Arulkumaran N, West S, Chan K, Templeton M, Taube D, Brett SJ. Long‐term renal function and survival of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E24–E31.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Introduction:  We determined the long‐term mortality and renal allograft function of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:  A single institution retrospective observational cohort study of all renal transplant patients admitted to the ICU was performed. Serum creatinine was recorded up to one yr after hospital discharge and survival data were collected for three yr.Results:  Chest sepsis was the commonest reason for ICU admission. ICU and hospital mortality were 32% and 19% respectively. Predictors of hospital mortality included the presence of sepsis and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Of the patients who were discharged from ICU, three‐yr mortality was 50%. Renal function at one yr was worse than that at hospital discharge and at baseline, though not statistically significant. Death‐censored allograft loss was 11% over the three‐yr follow up period.Conclusions:  Sepsis and requirement for MV are independent predictors of mortality in renal transplant recipients admitted to ICU. Renal transplant recipients with chest sepsis may warrant earlier ICU admission. Any loss of renal allograft function during an episode of critical illness appears to have a lasting effect, and longterm patient and allograft survival is poor.
Ochroconis gallopava: a dematiaceous mold causing infections in transplant recipients
Authors: Qureshi Zubair A. , Kwak Eun J. , Nguyen M. Hong , Silveira Fernanda P. 
Published: September 2011

Qureshi ZA, Kwak EJ, Nguyen MH, Silveira FP. Ochroconis gallopava: a dematiaceous mold causing infections in transplant recipients.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E17–E23.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The dematiaceous mold Ochroconis gallopava is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen. Infection is almost always associated with immunosuppression. We describe a case with a unique presentation in a kidney transplant recipient and retrospectively review all 10 cases of O. gallopava at our institution over 18 yr, all in organ transplant recipients. Sixty percent of infections at our institution occurred in the last five yr studied. Infection generally occurred late after transplantation, and pulmonary infection was the most common manifestation. Use of almetuzumab for induction was associated with infection in the first six months post‐transplant (p = 0.03). Attributable mortality at six months was 20%. Ochroconis gallopava is a rare but important pathogen in immunosuppressed individuals and organ transplantation is the most common underlying condition. Pulmonary involvement is the most common manifestation among patients with organ transplant. Optimal therapy remains undefined. Prognosis in organ transplant recipients is good if infection is diagnosed prior to dissemination.
Scedosporium apiospermum atrial mycetomas after lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Miraldi F. , Anile M. , Ruberto F. , Tritapepe L. , Puglese F. , Quattrucci S. , Messina T. , Vitolo D. , Venuta F. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract:A 37‐year‐old patient with cystic fibrosis underwent double lung transplantation. She developed disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum infection 2 months after surgery. Along with multiple brain abscesses, lung infection, and chorioretinitis, a cardiac echo revealed 2 large intra‐atrial mycetomas floating close to the right upper pulmonary vein orifice. The mycetomas were removed through a trans‐atrial approach under cardiopulmonary by pass; histology and cultures confirmed the diagnosis. Despite intensive treatment, the patient succumbed from massive brain hemorrhage on the 10th postoperative day.
Digestibility for dogs and cats of meat and bone meal processed at two different temperature and pressure levels*
Authors: de‐Oliveira L. D. , de Carvalho Picinato M. A. , Kawauchi I. M. , Sakomura N. K. , Carciofi A. C. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThis study evaluated the effect of two rendering processes applied to meat and bone meal (MBM) production, associated or not with extrusion, by measuring diet apparent total tract digestibility of dogs and cats, and true digestibility of amino acids (AA) by cecectomized roosters. Four diets were evaluated, with the main protein source as follows: conventional and extruded MBM; high temperature and pressure (HPT; 135 °C, 3 bar, 20 min) and extruded MBM; conventional non‐extruded MBM; HPT non‐extruded MBM. Nutrient digestibility and food metabolizable energy content were evaluated with dogs and cats by the method of total collection of faeces. True AA digestibility was evaluated by a precision‐fed assay with cecectomized roosters. The evaluated MBM had high‐ash content. The HPT process of MBM increased the digestibility of crude protein of the diets by cats, and the true digestibility of several AA by cecectomized roosters. The extrusion process did not modify the apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of MBM by dogs and their amino acid digestibility by roosters, but increased the digestibility of the dietary protein by cats. Dogs fed HPT MBM presented a higher urea post‐prandial response, suggesting reductions in bioavailability and protein synthesis from absorbed AA.
Assessment of the effects of the Gpc‐B1 allele on senescence rate, grain protein concentration and mineral content in hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from the Pacific Northwest Region of the USA
Authors: Carter Arron H. , Santra Dipak K. , Kidwell Kimberlee K. 
Published: September 2011

With 1 figure and 4 tablesAbstractGrain protein concentration (GPC) impacts the end‐use quality of products made from flour extracted from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain; therefore, it is a high priority in wheat improvement efforts. Recently, researchers determined that the Gpc‐B1 gene increases the rate of senescence in wheat, consequently increasing GPC. The objective of this study was to incorporate the Gpc‐B1 gene into regionally adapted hard red spring wheat cultivars ‘Tara 2002’ and ‘Scarlet’ to evaluate the impact of this gene under irrigated and rainfed production conditions. Three isogenic derivates with and three without Gpc‐B1 were evaluated in replicated field trials in Pullman, WA, in 2006 and 2007 in a split‐plot design, with genotype and production system as the main‐ and subplot factors, respectively. Increased senescence rates (1.8 days earlier; P = 0.03) were only detected for Tara 2002 isolines with the Gpc‐B1 gene in 2007 when averaged across irrigation conditions. Increased GPC (0.5%; P = 0.01) was only detected in Tara 2002 isolines with the gene in 2006, although no increases in senescence were detected. Significant (P < 0.01) decreases in grain weight were detected in both years for all isolines, whereas grain yields of the isolines did not differ significantly (P = 0.14). Significant (P < 0.02) differences in mineral content in Scarlet isolines also were identified. Differences in environmental conditions appear to impact the expression of the Gpc‐B1 gene, which may limit its utility as a breeding strategy for increasing GPC for spring wheat cultivars produced in regions with short growing seasons.
Morphological traits of phytomers and shoots in the first year of growth as markers for predicting apple tree canopy architecture
Authors: Bendokas Vidmantas , Gelvonauskiene Dalia , Siksnianas Tadeusas , Staniene Grazina , Siksnianiene Jurate B. , Gelvonauskis Bronislovas , Stanys Vidmantas 
Published: September 2011

With 1 figure and 7 tablesAbstractApple tree canopy architecture is very important for productivity, fruit quality and ripening. Our objective was to evaluate inheritance traits of an apple tree canopy and to identify morphological phytomer or shoot parameters, which could be used as a marker for selection of apple trees with desired canopy architecture. Crosses between apple trees with different canopy architecture using top‐cross scheme were performed. Combining ability of parental cultivars and clones was evaluated. Progeny of columnar and spur ideotype apple trees will have the shortest internodes according to general combining ability effects. Offspring of standard and weeping apple trees will have moderate and long internodes. Data show that apple phytomer parameters, such as internode length and lamina angle to shoot, are inherited and related to future plant canopy architecture. These phytomer traits are easily detected in the first year of growth of apple hybrid. It was shown that short internode is directly related to columnar tree canopy, and high lamina angle to shoot in the juvenile phase is a morphological marker of weeping apple tree canopy.
Leptin and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Hou Ning , Luo Jian‐Dong 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Leptin is a 16‐kDa hormone, synthesized primarily by adipocyte, which acts as a key factor for maintenance of energy homeostasis in central and peripheral tissues. In most obese individuals, serum leptin levels are increased and correlate with the individual’s body mass index.2. Abundant investigations ranging from clinical and animal model studies to in vitro analyses show that leptin plays a pivotal role in obesity‐related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hyperleptinaemia has been confirmed to be a predictor of acute cardiovascular events. However, some studies have shown that leptin has a cardioprotective effect in leptin‐deficient models. These data suggest the influences of leptin on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases are complex and not completely understood.3. In the present review, we summarize the major leptin signalling pathways, including Janus‐activated kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak/STAT), mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI‐3K) signalling pathways, and analyse the probable mechanisms of selective leptin resistance. We then provide a detailed review of the effects of leptin on the cardiovascular system, including sympathoactivation, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, vascular cell proliferation, cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, as well as fatty acid metabolism, all of which contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (e.g. ischaemic heart disease). The central premise of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms by which leptin affects the cardiovascular function and provide insight into obesity‐related CVD.
Economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: TEO W.‐S. KELVIN , TAN WOAN‐SHIN , CHONG WAI‐FUNG , ABISHEGANADEN JOHN , LEW YII‐JEN , LIM TOW‐KEANG , HENG BEE‐HOON 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of this study was to estimate the direct medical costs of COPD in two public health clusters in Singapore from 2005 to 2009.Methods:  Patients aged 40 years and over, who had been diagnosed with COPD, were identified in a Chronic Disease Management Data‐mart. Annual utilization of health services in inpatient, specialist outpatient, emergency department and primary care settings was extracted from the Chronic Disease Management Data‐mart. Trends in attributable costs, proportions of costs and health‐care utilization were analyzed across each level of care. A weighted attribution approach was used to allocate costs to each health‐care utilization episode, depending on the relevance of co‐morbidities.Results:  The mean total cost was approximately $9.9 million per year. Inpatient admissions were the major cost driver, contributing an average of $7.2 million per year. The proportion of hospitalization costs declined from 75% in 2005 to 68% in 2009. Based on the 5‐year average, attendances at primary care clinics, emergency department and specialist clinics contributed 3%, 5% and 17%, respectively, of overall COPD costs. On average, 42% of the total cost burden was incurred for the medical management of COPD. The share of cost incurred for the treatment of conditions related and unrelated to COPD were 29% and 26%, respectively, of the total average costs.Conclusions:  COPD is likely to represent a significant burden to the public health system in most countries. The findings are particularly relevant to understanding the allocation of health‐care resources and informing appropriate cost containment strategies.
Surgical outcome in children undergoing hypospadias repair under caudal epidural vs penile block
Authors: Kundra Pankaj , Yuvaraj Kotteeswaran , Agrawal Karoon , Krishnappa Sudeep , Kumar Lalla T. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryAim and Objective:  To evaluate the effect of penile block vs caudal epidural on the quality of analgesia and surgical outcome following hypospadias repair.Background:  Intraoperative penile engorgement because of caudal epidural may result in tension on surgical sutures and alter surgical outcome.Methods:  Fifty‐four ASA I and II children were randomly allocated to group P (penile block, 0.25% bupivacaine, 0.5 mg·kg−1; n = 27) and group C (caudal epidural, 0.25% bupivacaine, 0.5 ml·kg−1; n = 27), respectively. Quality of analgesia was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) score recorded at 0, 0.5, 3, 6, 12, 24 h, and once a day for the next 4 days. Duration of analgesia was calculated from the institution of block to the first analgesic demand by child or VAS > 5. Total morphine consumption in the first 48 h and oral paracetamol consumption till 5th day were recorded. Children were regularly followed up in their respective outpatient clinic for early or late complications.Results:  In group P, lower mean VAS scores were seen from 0.5 h after surgery till day 3 and analgesia lasted for significantly longer duration (82 min) when compared with caudal epidural, P < 0.001. Incidence of urethral fistula formation after primary hypospadias repair was 19.2%, and all had received caudal epidural. An increase of 27% in penile volume from baseline value was observed 10 min after caudal epidural placement, P < 0.05.Conclusion:  Penile block provided better analgesia when compared with caudal epidural in children undergoing primary hypospadias repair. Postoperative urethral fistula formation was more likely in children who received caudal epidural.