bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, lipid and calcium aggregates reveal oxidative stress and inflammation in the conjunctiva of glaucoma patients
Authors: Helin‐Toiviainen Minna , Rönkkö Seppo , Kaarniranta Kai , Puustjärvi Tuomo , Rekonen Petri , Ollikainen Minna , Uusitalo Hannu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeConjunctival specimens from primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliation glaucoma (ExG) patients and controls were histologically analysed for oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), lipid and calcium aggregates. Our goal was to use them as biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation and to evaluate their correlation with glaucoma and impact on surgical outcome.MethodsConjunctival samples were obtained from POAG (n = 14) and ExG (n = 17) patients and from control subjects (n = 11) operated for macular hole, retinal detachment or strabismus. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the antibody against ox‐LDL. Lipids and calcium were analysed by histochemical stainings with Nile red and Alizarin red S, respectively.ResultsImmunoreaction for ox‐LDL was significantly increased in POAG (p = 0.049) and the number of lipid aggregates was significantly higher in ExG (p = 0.009) when compared to control. When POAG and ExG patients were grouped according to the outcome of deep sclerectomy (DS) surgery, the number of lipid (p < 0.001) and calcium aggregates (p = 0.014) were significantly higher in the conjunctival stroma of patients whose surgery failed within a three‐year follow‐up period.ConclusionsThe lipid‐mediated alterations suggested the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation in the conjunctiva of glaucoma patients. The present data further support the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the wound healing process leading to excessive scarring and failure in DS surgery.
Incorporating rosemary diterpenes in lamb diet to improve microbial quality of meat packed in different environments
Authors: Ortuño Jordi , Serrano Rafael , Bañón Sancho 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe dietary use of phytochemicals may contribute to improving lamb meat preservation under different packing atmospheres. The objective was to test the preservative potential of a dietary rosemary extract (RE) containing carnosic acid and carnosol (at 1:1 w:w) in chilled lamb patties packed in air, vacuum and 70/30 O2/CO2 modified atmosphere. Three experimental diets, (C) control, (RE) C plus 600 mg RE/kg feed and (E) C plus 600 mg vitamin E/kg, were given to fattening lambs. Unlike the C‐ and E‐diets, the RE‐diet had a double antimicrobial and antioxidant effect on the lamb patties packed in all the environments studied. The RE‐diet inhibited total viable and lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, but not Brochothrix thermosphacta and Pseudomonas spp. and also improved oxidative stability (measured as CIE Lab color and thiobarbituric reagent substances), appearance and odor. The E‐diet had a better antioxidant effect than the RE‐diet but had no antimicrobial effects. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were not detected. The dietary use of RE was most suitable for preserving vacuum‐packed meat, which is more exposed to spoilage by anaerobic bacteria, while the use of dietary vitamin E allowed better control of oxidation in the meat packed in a bacteriostatic and oxidizing environment.
Investigation of the predictive validity of laser‐EPs in normal, UVB‐inflamed and capsaicin‐irritated skin with four analgesic compounds in healthy volunteers
Authors: Schaffler Klaus , Nicolas Laurent B. , Borta Andreas , Brand Tobias , Reitmeir Peter , Roebling Robert , Scholpp Joachim 
Published: January 2017

AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess the predictivity of laser‐(radiant‐heat)‐evoked potentials (LEPs) from the vertex electroencephalogram, using an algesimetric procedure, testing the anti‐nociceptive/anti‐hyperalgesic effects of single oral doses of four marketed analgesics (of different compound classes) vs. placebo, in healthy volunteers with three skin types.MethodsThis was a randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐blind, five‐way‐crossover trial. Twenty‐five healthy male/female Caucasians were included (receiving celecoxib 200 mg, pregabalin 150 mg, duloxetine 60 mg, lacosamide 100 mg or placebo) in a Williams design, with CO2 laser‐induced painful stimuli to normal, ultraviolet (UV) B‐inflamed and capsaicin‐irritated skin. LEPs and visual analogue scale ratings were taken at baseline and hourly for 6 h postdose from all three skin types.ResultsIn normal skin, the averaged postdose LEP peak‐to‐peak‐(PtP)‐amplitudes were reduced by pregabalin (−2.68 μV; 95% confidence interval (CI) −4.16, 1.19) and duloxetine (−1.73 μV; 95% CI −3.21, −0.26) but not by lacosamide and celecoxib vs. placebo. On UVB‐irradiated skin, reflecting inflammatory pain, celecoxib induced a pronounced reduction in LEP PtP amplitudes vs. placebo (−6.2 μV; 95% CI −7.88, −4.51), with a smaller reduction by duloxetine (−4.54 μV; 95% CI −6.21, −2.87) and pregabalin (−3.72 μV; 95% CI −5.40, −2.04), whereas lacosamide was inactive. LEP PtP amplitudes on capsaicin‐irritated skin, reflecting peripheral/spinal sensitization, as in neuropathic pain, were reduced by pregabalin (−3.78 μV; 95% CI −5.31, −2.25) and duloxetine (−2.32 μV; 95% CI −3.82, −0.82) but not by celecoxib or lacosamide vs. placebo, which was in agreement with known clinical profiles. Overall, PtP amplitude reductions were in agreement with subjective ratings.ConclusionsLEP algesimetry is sensitive to analgesics with different modes of action and may enable the effects of novel analgesics to be assessed during early clinical development.
Prostate cancer screening practices in a large, integrated health system: 2007–2014
Authors: Misra‐Hebert Anita D. , Hu Bo , Klein Eric A. , Stephenson Andrew , Taksler Glen B. , Kattan Michael W. , Rothberg Michael B. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo assess prostate cancer screening practices in primary care since the initial United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing for older men, and to assess primary provider variation associated with prostate cancer screening.Patients and MethodsOur study population included 160 211 men aged ≥40 years with at least one visit to a primary care clinic in any of the study years in a large, integrated health system. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical record data from January 2007 to December 2014. Yearly rates of screening PSA testing by primary care providers (PCPs), rates of re‐screening, and rates of prostate biopsies were assessed.ResultsAnnual PSA‐screening testing declined from 2007 to 2014 in all age groups, as did biennial and quadrennial screening. Yearly rates declined for men aged ≥70 years, from 22.8% to 8.9%; ages 50–69 years, from 39.2% to 20%; and ages 40–49 years, from 11% to 4.6%. Overall rates were lower for African‐American (A‐A) men vs non‐A‐A men; for men with a family history of prostate cancer, rates were similar or slightly higher than for those without a family history. PCP variation associated with ordering of PSA testing did not substantially change after the USPSTF recommendations. While the number of men screened and rates of follow‐up prostate cancer screening declined in 2011–2014 compared to 2007–2010, similar re‐screening rates were noted for men aged 45–75 years with initial PSA levels of <1 ng/mL or 1–3 ng/mL in both the earlier and later cohorts. For men aged >75 years with initial PSA levels of <3 ng/mL screened in both cohorts, follow‐up screening rates were similar. Rates of prostate biopsy declined for men aged ≥70 years in 2014 compared to 2007. For men who had PSA screening, rates of first prostate biopsy increased in later years for A‐A men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.ConclusionsProstate cancer screening declined from 2007 to 2014 even in higher‐risk groups and follow‐up screening rates were not related to previous PSA level. However, rates of first prostate biopsy in men who were screened with a PSA test were higher for men with an increased risk of prostate cancer in later years. Variation in PSA testing was noted among PCPs. Future work should further explore sources of variation in screening practices and implementation of risk‐based strategies for prostate cancer screening in primary care.
Lymph node and circulating T cell characteristics are strongly correlated in end-stage renal disease patients, but highly differentiated T cells reside within the circulation
Authors: Dedeoglu B , de Weerd A E , Huang L , Langerak A W , Dor F J , Klepper M , Verschoor W , Reijerkerk D , Baan C C , Litjens N H R , Betjes M G H 
Published: January 2017

SummaryAgeing is associated with changes in the peripheral T cell immune system, which can be influenced significantly by latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. To what extent changes in circulating T cell populations correlate with T cell composition of the lymph node (LN) is unclear, but is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the T cell system. T cells from peripheral blood (PB) and LN of end-stage renal disease patients were analysed for frequency of recent thymic emigrants using CD31 expression and T cell receptor excision circle content, relative telomere length and expression of differentiation markers. Compared with PB, LN contained relatively more CD4+ than CD8+ T cells (P &lt; 0·001). The percentage of naive and central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and thymic output parameters showed a strong linear correlation between PB and LN. Highly differentiated CD28null T cells, being CD27–, CD57+ or programmed death 1 (PD-1+), were found almost exclusively in the circulation but not in LN. An age-related decline in naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell frequency was observed (P = 0·035 and P = 0·002, respectively) within LN, concomitant with an increase in central memory CD8+ T cells (P = 0·033). Latent CMV infection increased dramatically the frequency of circulating terminally differentiated T cells, but did not alter T cell composition and ageing parameters of LN significantly. Overall T cell composition and measures of thymic function in PB and LN are correlated strongly. However, highly differentiated CD28null T cells, which may comprise a large part of circulating T cells in CMV-seropositive individuals, are found almost exclusively within the circulation.
Sickle cell trait is associated with controlled levels of haem and mild proinflammatory response during acute malaria infection
Authors: Ademolue T W , Amodu O K , Awandare G A 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe controlled induction of haemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that catabolizes haem, has been shown to reduce haem, preventing pathologies associated with haem toxicity. The hemoglobin genotype HbAS confers reduced susceptibility to severe complications of malaria by a mechanism that is not well understood. Using a longitudinal approach, we investigated the effect of baseline concentrations of HO-1 on the accumulation of haem during acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria in HbAS and HbAA genotypes. Plasma concentrations of haem, HO-1 and cytokines were quantified in venous blood obtained from children (9 months–5 years of age) during malaria infection, and at convalescence (baseline levels). Parasitaemia was determined during malaria infection. In patients with the HbAA genotype, there was a significant elevation in the plasma concentration of haem (P = 0.002), and a consequent increased induction of HO-1 (P &lt; 0.001) during falciparum malaria compared with levels at convalescence. Contrary to HbAA, plasma concentration of haem did not change in the HbAS genotypical group (P = 0·110), and the induction of HO-1 was reduced during malaria compared with levels at convalescence (P = 0·006). Higher plasma levels of haem were observed in HbAS compared with HbAA at convalescence (P = 0·010), but this difference did not affect the levels of HO-1 within each genotype (P = 0·450). Relatively milder proinflammatory responses were observed in HbAS children during malaria infection compared to HbAA children. Our findings suggest that a mechanism of reduced susceptibility to severe malaria pathologies by the HbAS genotype may involve the control of haem, leading to controlled levels of HO-1 and milder proinflammatory responses during acute malaria.
Treatment options for pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Quist Sven R. , Kraas Luise 
Published: January 2017

SummaryPyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an orphan disease. While research on such disorders is based on only few randomized multicenter as well as retrospective studies, most of the data comes from case series of small patient groups. Apart from topical and intralesional therapeutic options for early stages and mild disease courses, treatment predominantly involves systemic therapeutic agents. Besides systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine A (CsA), options also include intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and biologics such as the TNFα inhibitors infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept; the interleukin (IL) 12/23 antibody ustekinumab; the IL‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra; and the IL‐1β antibody canakinumab. The best evidence‐based study data is available for CsA, prednisolone, and infliximab; the latter especially in patients with concomitant ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. A response to IVIG and canakinumab has been reported in smaller case series. First described by Brocq almost 100 years ago, it was soon recognized that PG did in fact require treatment. To this day, however, such treatment remains a clinical challenge. Despite the severe – albeit rare –clinical picture, improvement in therapeutic options may be expected in the future, primarily due to further clinical studies – especially with a greater number of patients, a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis, as well as the use of modern targeted therapies with higher efficacy and a lower rate of side effects than conventional immunosuppressants such as prednisolone and CsA.
Resilience to Economic Shocks: Reflections from Zambia's Copperbelt
Authors: Nel Etienne , Smart Jessie , Binns Tony 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Copperbelt region in Zambia experienced significant economic destabilization after the 1970s which led to massive job losses in the mining and manufacturing sectors, forcing the local population into a range of informal sector activities and food self‐provisioning. Resilience thinking and the concepts of adaptation and adaptability in particular provide a lense through which to understand how the mining industry was re‐established, albeit in a radical altered form and how local individuals and households have had to cope through creative local responses. The practice of urban agriculture serves as a case‐study of how, in the absence of formal sector employment opportunities, households have had to strengthen their food security through their own actions.
From Coal Mining to Coal Chemicals? Unpacking New Path Creation in an Old Industrial Region of Transitional China
Authors: Hu Xiaohui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the path‐creation mechanism of the coal‐chemical industry and its relatedness to the old path of the coal mining industry in an old industrial region of China. It reveals that the rise of the new path benefits from the old path to a limited extent. The strong multi‐scalar structured path dependence upon the coal industry fundamentally constrained local actors to mobilize resources from the old path for new industrial options. The findings show that on the basis of local (pre)existing fertilizer production assets, the new path was created by a combination of market‐oriented state‐owned enterprise ownership reforms, market induced trans‐local entrepreneurship and local state‐led developmental strategies. This form of path creation contributes to the extant literature, presenting a complex, multi‐scalar, and multi‐actor manner of industrial restructuring involving dynamic agencies that is not merely historically conditioned by place‐specific assets and structures but also affected by the changing extra‐regional political‐institutional environment.
The Effectiveness of a Shade‐Matching Training Program on the Dentists' Ability to Match Teeth Color
Authors: Alkhudairy Reem , Tashkandi Esam 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTAim of the studyTo study the effectiveness of a structured shade‐match training program on dentists' ability to match teeth colors.MethodsForty dentists were selected by convenient sampling with normal color vision. The training program is based on visual attention concept and was divided into two parts (educational and training module). Level of knowledge of color was assessed pre and post using a questionnaire. Shade‐matching ability was assessed pre and post by using four tabs of the VITA Linearguide 3D‐MASTER shade guide (4R1.5, 5M1, 2L.15, 3L1.5). Statistical analysis used pair t test, Wilcoxon test.ResultsAbout 52.5% (n = 21) were female and 47.5% (n = 19) were male. The subjects were advanced general practitioners/GP and restorative dentists (40%, n = 16), and prosthodontists (20%, n = 8). The mean level of knowledge pre and post the training program showed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05). Shade‐match ability was significant in the mean value between pre‐test and post‐test (p ≤ 0.05). The mean of ΔE for the shade‐matching tabs was highest in 5M1 Tab (3.55 ± 2.91) followed by 4R1.5 (2.00 ± 1.30) and 2L1.5 (1.55 ± 1.40). The least ΔE was in 3L1.5 (1.54 ± 1.45).ConclusionThe training program that is based on visual attention was effective. The training program has increased self‐assessment level of knowledge for all subjects and improved the final shade‐matching performance.Clinical SignificanceVisual shade matching is currently the most frequently applied clinical method for shade matching. Assessing colors and matching shades are vital steps in aesthetic dentistry. In the absence of knowledge, shade‐matching skills cannot be mastered effectively. Clinicians can improve their ability to differentiate colors through a short training regimen. Being aware of the whole process of assessing color and the factors affecting shade‐matching practice will lead to a significant improvement in the ability to match dental shades. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:E33–E43, 2017)
Characterization of moaC and a nontarget gene fragments of food‐borne pathogen Alcaligenes sp. JG3 using degenerate colony and arbitrary PCRs
Authors: Ethica Stalis Norma , Semiarti Endang , Widada Jaka , Oedjijono Oedjijono , Joko Raharjo Tri 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlcaligenes faecalis, is an opportunistic, pathogenic, Gram‐negative, food‐borne bacterium appearing to be of public health importance due to its resistance to common antibiotics and frequent involvement in nosocomial infections and water contamination. Yet, the Betaproteobacterium showed potential benefit in fat degradation of food waste. It is suggested that pterin‐based Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) biosynthesis involving moa gene is related with the pathogenesis of several Gram‐negative bacteria, while in addition to lipase genes, glycerol coding genes including glpD are involved in effective degradation of fat waste. In this study, a degenerate colony and an arbitrary PCR‐based methods were involved in gene isolation steps. We designed a pair of degenerate primers to detect moaC (GMF: 5′‐ATCGGCATCACCAACCAGC‐3′ and GMR: 5′‐TGTCGATGGTGCCGAAGC‐3′) and two gene specific primers to amplify 5′ (5′‐TGATGAATGTTCCGTTGCGCTGCC‐3′) and 3′ (5′‐GACCTGCAGGCATGCAAGCTCGGC‐3′) ends of glpD of strain JG3 using degenerate colony and arbitrary PCR methods, respectively. The developed degenerate colony PCR resulted amplification of targeted 421‐bp DNA, while the set arbitrary PCR resulted in non‐targeted 436‐bp DNA. Deduced amino acid analysis showed that both sequences shared 94% amino acid similarity with molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis (MoaC) of Pseudomonas stutzeri and benzoate membrane transporter (BenE) of A. faecalis, respectively.Practical applicationsIt is suggested that pterin‐based Molybdenum cofactor (Moco) biosynthesis involving moa gene is related with the pathogenesis of several Gram‐negative bacteria, while in addition to lipase genes, glycerol coding genes including glpD are involved in effective degradation of fat waste. However, information about these genes in pathogenic, food‐borne, Gram‐negative Alcaligenes sp. JG3 bacterium originated from root of Zea mays is barely found. A pair of degenerate primers (GMF: 5′‐ATCGGCATCACCAACCAGC‐3′ and GMR: 5′‐TGTCGATGGTGCCGAAGC‐3′) designed in this study could detect 421‐bp moaC gene fragment using degenerate colony PCR, while another pair of gene specific primers 5′ (5′‐TGATGAATGTTCCGTTGCGCTGCC‐3′) and 3′ (5′‐GACCTGCAGGCATGCAAGCTCGGC‐3′) aiming to amplify ends of glpD of Alcaligenes sp. JG3 detected a nontargeted, 436‐bp benE gene of the strain using an arbitrary PCR method.
Cerebral High‐Intensity Transient Signals during Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization: A Pilot Study Using Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: LaRovere Kerri L. , Kapur Kush , McElhinney Doff B. , Razumovsky Alexander , Kussman Barry D. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSECerebral emboli are one potential cause of acute brain injury in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiac catheterization. In this pilot study using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography, we sought to evaluate the incidence, burden, and circumstances of cerebral high‐intensity transient signals (HITS), presumably representing emboli, during pediatric cardiac catheterization.METHODSEmboli monitoring of the right middle cerebral artery was performed in five children. HITS, counted offline, were defined as unidirectional signals associated with audible “chirp” and sinusoidal correlation. HITS were grouped as single, >10 HITS (“cluster”), or HITS “with curtain effect” per 3–5 cardiac cycles. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and pulsatility index (PI) were recorded after anesthetic induction (baseline).RESULTSTotal HITS in the cohort was 1,697 (790 single HITS, 606 HITS within clusters, and 301 HITS within curtains). HITS in clusters and curtains comprised 53% (907/1,697) of total HITS, and occurred in 44 clusters/curtains. Events associated with clusters/curtains included left ventricular angiography (39%; 17/44), right ventricular angiography (16%; 7/44), device placement (16%; 7/44), heparin bolus (9%; 4/44), pulmonary artery angiography (9%; 4/44), venous access (5%; 2/44), right atrial angiography (2%; 1/44), arterial access (2%; 1/44), and hemodynamic measurements (2%; 1/44). No patient had clinically detectable neurologic injury.CONCLUSIONSHITS are common during pediatric cardiac catheterization, and associated with procedural factors. Whether curtains/clusters are worse than single, repetitive HITS is unknown. Larger studies are needed to determine whether HITS are a marker of risk of neurologic injury from emboli during pediatric cardiac catheterization.