bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effect of Ginsenoside Rd in Spinal Cord Injury Rats
Authors: Cong Lin , Chen Wenting 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn this study, the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rd (GS Rd) were evaluated in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats in SCI groups received a T8 laminectomy and a spinal contusion injury. GS Rd 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally 1 hr before the surgery and once daily for 14 days. Dexamethasone 1 mg/kg was administered as a positive control. Locomotor function was evaluated using the BBB score system. H&E staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe the histological changes in the spinal cord. The levels of MDA and GSH and the activity of SOD were assessed to reflect the oxidative stress state. The production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐1 was assessed using ELISA kits to examine the inflammatory responses in the spinal cord. TUNEL staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis in the spinal cord. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of apoptosis‐associated proteins and MAPK proteins. The results demonstrated that GS Rd 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly improved the locomotor function of rats after SCI, reduced tissue injury and increased neuron survival in the spinal cord. Mechanically, GS Rd decreased MDA level, increased GSH level and SOD activity, reduced the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and prevented cell apoptosis. The effects were equivalent to those of dexamethasone. In addition, GS Rd effectively inhibited the activation of MAPK signalling pathway induced by SCI, which might be involved in the protective effects of GS Rd against SCI. In conclusion, GS Rd attenuates SCI‐induced secondary injury through reversing the redox‐state imbalance, inhibiting the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the spinal cord tissue.
ATRX in Diffuse Gliomas With its Mosaic/Heterogeneous Expression in a Subset
Authors: Purkait Suvendu , Miller Christopher A. , Kumar Anupam , Sharma Vikas , Pathak Pankaj , Jha Prerana , Sharma Mehar Chand , Suri Vaishali , Suri Ashish , Sharma B.S. , Fulton Robert S. , Kale Shashank Sharad , Dahiya Sonika , Sarkar Chitra 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study aims (1) to evaluate ATRX expression in different grades and subtypes of gliomas and correlate with other hallmark genetic alterations, (2) to identify and characterize mosaic/heterogeneous staining in gliomas in terms of mutation status.One hundred seventy six cases of glioma were assessed for ATRX immunohistochemistry and subdivided into positive, negative and mosaic/heterogeneous staining patterns. Five cases with heterogeneous staining were further subjected to next generation sequencing.Higher frequency of ATRX immune‐negativity was detected in grade II/III astrocytic, oligoastrocytic tumors and secondary glioblastomas (GBMs), while infrequent in primary GBMs and rare in oligodendrogliomas. Loss of expression was significantly associated with IDH1 and/or TP53 mutation, while mutually exclusive with 1p/19q codeletion. Mosaic/heterogeneous staining was detected exclusively in GBMs (21.2%). Two different types of mosaic staining were identified (1) Admixture of positive and negative nuclei or intermixed mosaic and (2) Separate fragments with positive and negative/intermixed mosaic staining. ATRX mutation was identified in 2/5 (40%) cases with mosaic staining while one case showed DAXX mutation. All these cases were characterized by distinctly separate immune‐negative and positive/intermixed foci. Hence, it is suggested that cases with heterogeneous staining (especially those with distinctly negative fragments) should be subjected to mutation analysis.
Developmental status of preschool children receiving cART: a descriptive cohort study
Authors: Potterton J. , Hilburn N. , Strehlau R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundHIV is known to cause neurodevelopmental problems in infants and young children. The impact of HIV on the development of preschool‐age children has been less well described.MethodThe study was conducted at an urban paediatric HIV clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. A sample of convenience was used. Sixty‐eight medically stable children between the ages of 3 and 5 years were assessed with the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development. Children were excluded from the study if they had severe HIV encephalopathy, which made it impossible for them to participate in the items on the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development.ResultsThe children had started combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) at a mean age of 8.1 months. The majority of the children were virologically suppressed and did not present with wasting or stunting. Severe overall developmental delay (z‐scores < −2SD) was detected in 55.88% of children. Developmental facets related to speech, cognition and perception were the most severely affected. Personal–social development was the least affected with only 13.4% of the children demonstrating severe delay.ConclusionDespite having early access to cART, children infected with HIV are still at risk for severe developmental delay across a number of facets. Very early initiation of cART may help alleviate this problem. All preschool children infected with HIV should have routine developmental screening.
The phagocytic fitness of leucopatches may impact the healing of chronic wounds
Authors: Thomsen K , Trøstrup H , Christophersen L , Lundquist R , Høiby N , Moser C 
Published: February 2016

Summary
Chronic non-healing wounds are significantly bothersome to patients and can result in severe complications. In addition, they are increasing in numbers, and a challenging problem to the health-care system. Handling of chronic, non-healing wounds can be discouraging due to lack of improvement, and a recent explanation can be the involvement of biofilm infections in the pathogenesis of non-healing wounds. Therefore, new treatment alternatives to improve outcome are continuously sought-after. Autologous leucopatches are such a new, adjunctive treatment option, showing promising clinical effects. However, the beneficial effect of the patches are not understood fully, although a major contribution is believed to be from the release of stimulating growth factors from activated thrombocytes within the leucopatch. Because the leucopatches also contain substantial numbers of leucocytes, the aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) within the leucopatch. By means of burst assay, phagocytosis assay, migration assay, biofilm killing assay and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay we showed significant respiratory burst in PMNs, active phagocytosis and killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the leucopatch. In addition, bacterial-induced migration of PMNs from the leucopatch was shown, as well as uptake of P. aeruginosa by PMNs within the leucopatch. The present study substantiated that at least part of the beneficial clinical effect in chronic wounds by leucopatches is attributed to the activity of the PMNs in the leucopatch.
Predictors for papillary thyroid cancer persistence and recurrence: a retrospective analysis with a 10‐year follow‐up cohort study
Authors: de Castro Taciana Padilha , Waissmann William , Simões Taynãna César , de Mello Rossana Corbo R. , Carvalho Denise P. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to determine outcome predictors of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) persistence and recurrence, separately.ContextThe factors contributing to either persistence or recurrence of PTC are poorly defined, as both outcomes are usually evaluated together.Design and patientsIn this 10‐year follow‐up cohort study, 190 PTC patients were evaluated (18–85 years old; registered from 1 January 1990 to31 December 1999 at a Brazilian Cancer Care referral Hospital). After initial surgery, we examined persistence (disease detected up to 1 year), recurrence (disease detected after 1 year) and PTC‐free status (disease absence during follow‐up).MeasurementsOutcome predictors were modelled using multinomial logit regression analysis.ResultsThe univariate analysis showed that persistence and recurrence were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 12·33; OR = 2·84, respectively), local aggressiveness (OR = 5·22; OR = 3·35) and extrathyroidal extension (OR = 5·07; OR = 7·11). Persistence was associated with male sex (OR = 3·49), age above 45 years old at diagnosis (OR = 1·03), macroscopic lymph node metastasis (OR = 5·85), local aggressiveness (OR = 5·22), each 1‐cm tumour size increase (OR = 1·34), a cancer care referral hospital as the place of initial surgery (OR = 2·3), thyroidectomy or near total thyroidectomy(OR = 3·03) and neck dissection (OR = 3·19). Recurrence was associated with the time of radioactive iodine (131I) therapy (OR = 3·71). After data modelling, persistence was associated with macroscopic lymph node metastasis (OR = 6·17), 1‐cm increases in tumour size (OR = 1·30) and thyroidectomy or near total thyroidectomy (OR = 3·82), while recurrence was associated with surgery at referral hospital (OR = 3·79).ConclusionsThe best predictors of persistence were tumour size and macroscopic lymph node metastasis; when the initial surgery is of quality, the recurrence depends more on tumour's biology aspects.
Exposure–response analyses of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management
Authors: Wilding J. P. H. , Overgaard R. V. , Jacobsen L. V. , Jensen C. B. , le Roux C. W. 
Published: February 2016

AimsLiraglutide 3.0 mg, an acylated GLP‐1 analogue approved for weight management, lowers body weight through decreased energy intake. We conducted exposure‐response analyses to provide important information on individual responses to given drug doses, reflecting inter‐individual variations in drug metabolism, absorption and excretion.MethodsWe report efficacy and safety responses across a wide range of exposure levels, using data from one phase II (liraglutide doses 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 mg), and two phase IIIa [SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (3.0 mg); SCALE Diabetes (1.8; 3.0 mg)] randomized, placebo‐controlled trials (n = 4372).ResultsThere was a clear exposure–weight loss response. Weight loss increased with greater exposure and appeared to level off at the highest exposures associated with liraglutide 3.0 mg in most individuals, but did not fully plateau in men. In individuals with overweight/obesity and comorbid type 2 diabetes, there was a clear exposure–glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) relationship. HbA1c reduction increased with higher plasma liraglutide concentration (plateauing at ∼21 nM); however, for individuals with baseline HbA1c >8.5%, HbA1c reduction did not fully plateau. No exposure–response relationship was identified for any safety outcome, with the exception of gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs). Individuals with gallbladder AEs, acute pancreatitis or malignant/breast/benign colorectal neoplasms did not have higher liraglutide exposure compared with the overall population.ConclusionsThese analyses support the use of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management in all subgroups investigated; weight loss increased with higher drug exposure, with no concomitant deterioration in safety/tolerability besides previously known gastrointestinal side effects.
Impact of hyponatremia on nerve conduction and muscle strength
Authors: Vandergheynst Frédéric , Gombeir Yannick , Bellante Flavio , Perrotta Gaetano , Remiche Gauthier , Mélot Christian , Mavroudakis Nicolas , Decaux Guy 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundHyponatremia is associated with unstable gait and propensity to falls. The potential contribution of peripheral nervous system dysfunction induced by hyponatremia has not yet been addressed by prospective studies.DesignIn the first part of this prospective study, we performed two tests evaluating muscle strength (grip test and quadriceps isometric contraction test) together with a timed up and go (TUG) test in 11 patients with chronic mild‐to‐moderate hyponatremia before and after the normalization of natremia. In the second part, we measured nerve conduction velocities and F‐wave latencies in nine patients with profound hyponatremia (< 125 mmol/L) before and after the normalization of natremia.ResultsNo significant change in muscle strength was observed when natremia was corrected from 127·7 ± 2·5 to 136·1 ± 1·8 mmol/L, contrary to a significant improvement in TUG from 14·9 ± 5·1 to 12·5 ± 4·7 s (P = 0·006). Nerve conduction velocities and F‐wave latencies showed significant improvement in most of the studied nerves when natremia was corrected from 121·9 ± 2·4 to 135·5 ± 3·4 mmol/L (e.g. mean increase of 14·3% for motor nerve conduction and mean decrease of 21·6% for F‐wave latency of left peroneal nerve).ConclusionWhereas chronic mild‐to‐moderate hyponatremia has no impact on muscle strength, we demonstrate for the first time an impact of profound hyponatremia on nerve conduction studies. Further studies are needed to ascertain the contribution of these latter results on gait disturbances, propensity to falls and attention deficits associated with hyponatremia.
Population‐based assessment of chronic myeloid leukemia in Sweden: striking increase in survival and prevalence
Authors: Gunnarsson Niklas , Sandin Fredrik , Höglund Martin , Stenke Leif , Björkholm Magnus , Lambe Mats , Olsson‐Strömberg Ulla , Richter Johan , Själander Anders 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe clinical outcome for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has improved dramatically following the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. An improved survival, combined with a constant incidence, is expected to increase the prevalence of CML. However, data on the prevalence of CML remain scarce. We examined the overall and relative (age and gender matched) survival and assessed the past, present, and projected future prevalence of CML in Sweden. Data on all patients diagnosed with CML between 1970 and 2012 were retrieved from the Swedish Cancer Register and the Swedish Cause of Death Register. The 5‐year overall survival increased from 0.18 to 0.82, during the observed time period. Between 2006 and 2012, the 5‐year relative survival was close to normal for 40‐year‐old, but considerably lower for 80‐year‐old CML patients. The observed prevalence tripled from 1985 to 2012, from 3.9 to 11.9 per 100 000 inhabitants. Assuming no further improvements in relative survival, the prevalence is projected to further increase by 2060 to 22.0 per 100 000 inhabitants (2587 persons in Sweden). The projected dramatic increase in CML prevalence has major medical and health economic implications and needs to be considered in planning how to organize future care of CML patients.
A review of recent developments in the clinical application of prosthetic laryngoplasty for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy: Indications, complications and outcome
Authors: Biasutti S. , Dart A. J. , Jeffcott L. B. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryRecurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) has been recognised for two centuries in horses. Surveys undertaken in Europe and the United States have reported that prosthetic laryngoplasty is the most common treatment forRLN, particularly for advanced cases. Despite widespread adoption of this surgical technique for treatment ofRLN, reported success rates still vary widely, particularly in horses used for high intensity exercise where outcomes are often considered moderate, at best. Studies evaluating the outcome of the procedure are complicated by the use of variable criteria for measuring success, various modifications in the procedure, differing athletic demands in horses used in different equine disciplines and horses lost to follow‐up. Furthermore, post operative complications appear to be common, in particular, the effects of the surgery on airway dynamics which are not completely understood. Proposed modifications to the technique may provide a means of improving success rates; however, standardised objective measurements taken before and after surgery are required to effectively evaluate the potential benefits and outcomes of the procedure.
Can underwater refuges protect fish populations against cormorant predation? Evidence from a large‐scale multiple pond experiment
Authors: Lemmens P. , De Meester L. , Declerck S. A. J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractArtificial structures can protect fish against predation by cormorants (Phalacocorax spp.). However, their effectiveness in larger water bodies with different fish communities in the presence of natural vegetation still needs to be explored. Using a large‐scale field experiment with 24 ponds stocked with differently composed fish communities, the present study investigates the extent to which the effect of artificial refuges on fish is species‐specific and determined by the characteristics of the fish community. This study provides strong experimental evidence for artificial refuges protecting fish against predation from cormorants, even in the presence of submerged vegetation. The effect of refuges was, however, highly species‐specific and depended on the composition of the fish community. Strong positive effects of refuges on rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.), and roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), populations were observed, especially in ponds where these species dominated. Overall, the total biomass of young‐of‐the‐year, 1‐year‐old and adult rudd and roach was on average 500, 7 and 15 times lower in ponds without than in ponds with refuges, respectively. No effect of artificial refuges on other fish species was found. This study indicates that artificial refuges can facilitate the coexistence of predation vulnerable fish populations with cormorants in lakes and ponds.
Attitudes toward stress and coping among primary caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis: A Q‐methodology study
Authors: Yeun Eun Ja , Bang Ho Yoon , Kim Eun Jung , Jeon Misoon , Jang Eun Sil , Ham Eunmi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroduction Hemodialysis (HD) causes many life changes, not only for patients undergoing it but also for their families by allowing them to rely on this lifesaving equipment unless they receive a kidney transplant. The stress of the primary caregivers, who spends the most time in the family taking care of the patient undergoing HD, is quite high. This study was to identify attitudes about stress and coping among primary caregivers of HD patients. Methods Q‐methodology was undertaken because it integrates quantitative and qualitative research methods. A convenience sample of 33 primary caregivers of HD patients participated. Forty selected Q‐samples were obtained from each participant and were classified into a forced normal distribution using a nine‐point grid. Data was analyzed using a pc‐QUANL program. Findings Three discrete factors emerged as follows: Factor I (they reduced their stress by participating in religious activities; religious sublimation), Factor II (they always worried about the caregiving situations and about the patients' conditions; nervousness), and Factor III (they thought it better to accept their stressful situations; leading handler). Three factors accounted for 44.5% of all the variance, including Factor I (26.0%), Factor II (10.1%), and Factor III (8.4%). The eigenvalues were 8.58, 3.34, and 2.79, respectively. Discussion The subjectivities of the three factors that were identified can be applied during the planning stages of effective interventions for stress and coping. Healthcare workers in clinical practices should consider assesses primary caregivers' attitudes about stress and coping and approaches their situation to cope with it and to adapt to lifestyle changes.
Efficacy evaluation of D‐dimer and modified criteria in overt and nonovert disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnosis
Authors: Li W. J. , Sha M. , Ma W. , Zhang Z. P. , Wu Y. J. , Shi D. M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryIntroductionD‐dimer (D‐D) was shown to be an important indicator for the diagnosis of overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and nonovert DIC. However, its diagnostic cutoff value in the clinic is not clearly defined.MethodsD‐D, fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fg), thrombin time (TT), antithrombin (AT), and blood platelet count (PLT) of 360 cases were used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of D‐D (InnovanceR reagent) for the diagnosis of DIC and nonovert DIC, compared to, or combined with, other DIC coagulation indicators.ResultsWhen D‐D > 3.0 μg/mL was used as the cutoff, the sum of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity reached maximum values for DIC and nonovert DIC, whereas the sum of misdiagnoses and missed diagnosis rate was minimal. Excluding D‐D, AT, or Fg, but not TT, from the test combination reduced the diagnostic sensitivity of DIC or nonovert DIC by various degrees. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve of D‐D for diagnosing DIC and nonovert DIC was 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. Combining two factors, D‐D > 3.0 μg/mL and FDP > 10 mg/L, increased the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of DIC and nonovert DIC.ConclusionThe cutoff value of D‐D is >3.0 μg/mL; combined testing of D‐D and FDP could be used as primary screening for diagnosing DIC and nonovert DIC in clinical practice.
Nursing education in Bangladesh: a social business model
Authors: Parfitt Barbara , Nahar Niru Shamsun 
Published: February 2016

Introduction and aimThe aim of this project was to develop a quality nurse education programme in Bangladesh. A sustainable social business financial model was used. The project is a collaboration between Glasgow Caledonian University and the Grameen Health Care Trust. It contributes to the UN development agenda, eradication of poverty, sustainability and the development of global partnerships.BackgroundThere is an acute shortage of nurses in Bangladesh but many young women who wish to become nurses are unable to do so. Women are discriminated against, have few leadership opportunities and poverty affects large proportions of rural society.DevelopmentThe collaboration between the University and the Trust provides the necessary input to ensure a quality nursing programme. A business plan was developed, competency‐based teaching introduced, infrastructure and financial management processes were set‐up and an evaluation framework was put in place.EvaluationThe systems evaluation framework monitors the financial status of the College and the effects of the programme on students. The social business model, providing access to educational loans, has enabled 118 students to graduate into employment. The College is currently on target to be financially sustainable by 2016.DiscussionThis project outlines a business model that tackles poverty, gender equality and contributes to the human resource deficit. Young women are equipped as change agents and leaders.Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policyThe social business model provides a mechanism for releasing funds for education to those who are impoverished. It provides a viable option for increasing the number of well‐educated nurse leaders in developing countries.