bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgery of the external nasal valve: the correlation between subjective and objective measurements
Authors: Menger D.J. , Swart K.M.A. , Nolst Trenité G.J. , Georgalas C. , Grolman W. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives/hypothesisMinimum cross‐sectional area of the nasal passage on CT (CT‐MCA) is an objective computerised determination of the minimum cross‐sectional area of the nasal passage on CT. CT‐MCA was evaluated before and after surgery on the external nasal valve using the ‘lateral crus pull‐up’ procedure (LCPU). The outcomes of CT‐MCA were compared with other currently available objective tests for nasal valve patency.Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsThis study included 34 patients undergoing surgery on the external nasal valve with the use of the LCPU technique. CT‐MCA was performed before and after surgery and compared with the subjective perception of nasal passage using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and with objective tests such as acoustic rhinometry (A‐MCA), rhinomanometry (NAR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF).ResultsThis study showed a significant correlation between CT‐MCA and the NOSE scale, PNIF and NAR. Paired‐samples t‐tests showed significant improvement after surgery on CT‐MCA, PNIF and the NOSE scale. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PNIF, CT‐MCA and NAR were significantly associated with the NOSE scale.ConclusionCT‐MCA and PNIF were both significantly correlated and associated with the patient's subjective perception of nasal passage. The surgical procedure, the ‘lateral crus pull‐up’, showed a significant improvement in the postoperative result both subjectively and objectively.
Trefoil factor peptides in serum and sputum from subjects with asthma and COPD
Authors: Viby Niels‐Erik , Pedersen Lars , Lund Thomas Kromann , Kissow Hannelouise , Backer Vibeke , Nexø Ebba , Thim Lars , Poulsen Steen Seier 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTrefoil factor peptides (TFF) are secreted onto mucosal surfaces together with mucins and occur in high concentrations in pulmonary secretions from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present study, we aimed to explore the concentrations of the peptides in serum and sputum in patients with COPD.Materials and MethodsThirty‐five individuals were included in the study, including 11 healthy individuals, 13 indivials with asthma and 11 individuals with COPD. TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in sputum induced by hypertonic saline inhalation and in serum. Total protein content in sputum was also determined.ResultsIn the sputum samples from COPD patients, we observed an eightfold higher concentration of TFF1 and a fivefold higher concentration of TFF3 compared with controls. In the serum samples from COPD patients, we observed three‐, three‐ and twofold higher concentrations of TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 respectively compared with controls.ConclusionsThere is increased secretion of TFF peptides in the lungs of patients with COPD, as well as significant increases in serum levels. This suggests a role for TFF peptides in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases with mucus hypersecretion.
Expression of beclin 1 in non‐small cell lung cancer: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Lv Zhi‐qiang , Han Jing‐jing , Liu Ye‐qing , Wang Li‐li , Tang Qiong‐lan , Sun Qing , Li Hai‐gang 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundCigarette smoking causes a variety of adverse human health effects, including lung cancer. The molecular events associated with smoke‐induced carcinogenesis are thought to be related in part to autophagy. Beclin 1 is an important autophagy‐related protein involved in cell death and cell survival.AimThe purpose of this investigation was to determine the beclin 1 protein and its association with cigarette smoke and the mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Material and methodologyOur study included 108 cases of non‐small cell lung cancer who were admitted in our hospital. The beclin 1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry and EGFR mutation by direct sequencing.ResultsBeclin 1 expression could be detected in 15 (13.9%) of 108 specimens. These studies investigated that beclin 1 expression was associated with heavy smoking, the gender and the histological type of NSCLC (P = 0.023, 0.035 and 0.039). No association of beclin 1 with EGFR mutation was found (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe results from these experiments indicate that heavy smoking may induce the beclin 1 protein in NSCLC.
Typical or atypical pneumonia and severe acute respiratory symptoms in PICU
Authors: Hon Kam Lun , Leung Agnes S. Y. , Cheung Kam Lau , Fu Antony C. , Chu Winnie Chiu Wing , Ip Margaret , Chan Paul K. S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsMycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common childhood pathogen associated with atypical pneumonia (AP). It is often a mild disease and seldom results in paediatric intensive care (PICU) admission. In 2003, World Health Organization (WHO) coined the word SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in patients with severe acute respiratory symptoms (sars) for an outbreak of AP in Hong Kong due to a novel coronavirus. In 2012, another outbreak of coronavirus AP occurred in the Middle East. Confusing case definitions such as MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infections) were coined. This paper aims to present a case of MP with sars, ARDS, pneumonia and pleural effusion during the MERS epidemics, and review the incidence and mortality of severe AP with MP.MethodsWe presented a case of MP with sars, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia and pleural effusion during the MERS epidemics, and performed a literature review on the incidence and mortality of severe AP with MP requiring PICU care.ResultsIn early 2013, an 11‐year‐old girl presented with sars, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), right‐sided pneumonia and pleural effusion. She was treated with multiple antibiotics. Streptococcus pneumoniae was not isolated in this girl with ‘typical’ pneumonia by symptomatology and chest radiography, but tracheal aspirate identified MP instead. The respiratory equations are computed with PaO2/FiO2 consistent with severe lung injury. Literature on the incidence and mortality of severe AP with MP requiring PICU care is reviewed. Six, 165 and 293 articles were found when PubMed (a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine) was searched for the terms ‘mycoplasma’ and ‘ICU’, ‘mycoplasma’ and ‘mortality’, and ‘mycoplasma' and ‘severe’. Mortality and PICU admission associated with MP is general low and rarely reported. Experimental and clinical studies have suggested that the pathogenesis of lung injuries in MP infection is associated with a cell‐mediated immune reaction, and high responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy has been reported especially for severe disease. Management of severe mycoplasma infection in the PICU includes general cardiopulmonary support and specific antimicrobial treatment. Macrolide resistance genotypes have been detected.ConclusionWe urge health organizations to refrain from the temptation of coining unnecessary new terminology to describe essentially the same conditions each and every time when outbreaks of AP occur.
Dothistroma septosporum on firs (Abies spp.) in the northern Baltics
Authors: Drenkhan R. , Adamson K. , Jürimaa K. , Hanso M. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn the spring of 2008, Dothistroma septosporum, a damaging quarantine pathogen of pine foliage, was documented in Järvselja (southeastern Estonia), apparently for the first time, on white fir (Abies concolor). Thus, a new host species and genus for the fungus were recorded. Infection of white fir by D. septosporum, and also of some other fir species, was monitored annually on a transect proceeding from southeastern Estonia to northern Latvia. As a result, D. septosporum was detected also on silver fir (Abies alba). It is not clear why this fungus with a worldwide distribution appeared on this new host genus definitely in northern Europe.
Family‐focused therapy for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: treatment fidelity within a multisite randomized trial
Authors: Marvin Sarah E. , Miklowitz David J. , O'Brien Mary P. , Cannon Tyrone D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimFamily psychoeducation is an effective adjunct to pharmacotherapy in delaying relapse among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This study tested the treatment adherence and competence of newly trained clinicians to an adaptation of family‐focused therapy for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (FFT‐CHR).MethodsThe sample included 103 youth or young adults (ages 12–30 years) who had attenuated positive symptoms of psychosis. Families participated in a randomized trial comparing two psychosocial interventions: FFT‐CHR (18 sessions over 6 months) and enhanced care (EC; 3 sessions over 1 month). Following a 1.5‐day training seminar, 24 clinicians from eight study sites received teleconference supervision in both treatment protocols for the 2‐year study period. Treatment fidelity was rated with the 13‐item Therapy Competence and Adherence Scales, Revised.ResultsSupervisors classified 90% of treatment sessions as above acceptable fidelity thresholds (ratings of 5 or better on a 1–7 scale of overall fidelity). As expected, fidelity ratings indicated that FFT‐CHR included a greater emphasis on communication and problem‐solving skills training than EC, but ratings of non‐specific clinician skills, such as maintaining rapport and appropriately pacing sessions, did not differ between conditions. Treatment fidelity was not related to the severity of symptoms or family conflict at study entry.ConclusionsFFT‐CHR can be administered with high levels of fidelity by clinicians who receive training and supervision. Future studies should examine whether there are more cost‐effective methods for training, supervising and monitoring the fidelity of FFT‐CHR.
Disease stage determines the efficacy of treatment of a paediatric neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Hassiotis Sofia , Beard Helen , Luck Amanda , Trim Paul J. , King Barbara , Snel Marten F. , Hopwood John J. , Hemsley Kim M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLysosomal storage disorders are a large group of inherited metabolic conditions resulting from the deficiency of proteins involved in lysosomal catabolism, with resulting accumulation of substrates inside the cell. Two‐thirds of these disorders are associated with a neurodegenerative phenotype and, although few therapeutic options are available to patients at present, clinical trials of several treatments including lysosomal enzyme replacement are underway. Although animal studies indicate the efficacy of pre‐symptomatic treatment, it is largely unknown whether symptomatic disease‐related pathology and functional deficits are reversible. To begin to address this, we used a naturally‐occurring mouse model with Sanfilippo syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA) to examine the effectiveness of intracisternal cerebrospinal fluid enzyme replacement in early, mid‐ and symptomatic disease stage mice. We observed a disease‐stage‐dependent treatment effect, with the most significant reductions in primary and secondary substrate accumulation, astrogliosis and protein aggregate accumulation seen in mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA mice treated very early in the disease course. Affected mice treated at a symptomatic age exhibited little change in these neuropathological markers in the time‐frame of the study. Microgliosis was refractory to treatment regardless of the age at which treatment was instigated. Although longer‐term studies are warranted, these findings indicate the importance of early intervention in this condition.
Role of ictal baseline shifts and ictal high‐frequency oscillations in stereo‐electroencephalography analysis of mesial temporal lobe seizures
Authors: Wu Shasha , Kunhi Veedu Hari Prasad , Lhatoo Samden D. , Koubeissi Mohamad Z. , Miller Jonathan P. , Lüders Hans O. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo assess the role of ictal baseline shifts (IBS) and ictal high‐frequency oscillations (iHFOs) in intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) presurgical evaluation by analysis of the spatial and temporal relationship of IBS, iHFOs with ictal conventional stereo‐electroencephalography (icEEG) in mesial temporal lobe seizures (MTLS).MethodsWe studied 15 adult patients with medically refractory MTLS who underwent monitoring with depth electrodes. Seventy‐five ictal EEG recordings at 1,000 Hz sampling rate were studied. Visual comparison of icEEG, IBS, and iHFOs were performed using Nihon‐Kohden Neurofax systems (acquisition range 0.016–300 Hz). Each recorded ictal EEG was analyzed with settings appropriate for displaying icEEG, IBS, and iHFOs.ResultsIBS and iHFOs were observed in all patients and in 91% and 81% of intracranial seizures, respectively. IBS occurred before (22%), at (57%), or after (21%) icEEG onset. In contrast, iHFOs occurred at (30%) or after (70%) icEEG onset. The onset of iHFOs was 11.5 s later than IBS onset (p < 0.0001). All of the earliest onset of IBS and 70% of the onset of iHFOs overlapped with the ictal onset zone (IOZ). Compared with iHFOs, interictal HFOs (itHFOs) were less correlated with IOZ. In contrast to icEEG, IBS and iHFOs had smaller spatial distributions in 70% and 100% of the seizures, respectively. An IBS dipole was observed in 66% of the seizures. Eighty‐seven percent of the dipoles had a negative pole at the anterior/medial part of amygdala/hippocampus complex (A‐H complex) and a positive pole at the posterior/lateral part of the A‐H complex.SignificanceThe results suggest that evaluation of IBS and iHFOs, in addition to routine icEEG, helps in more accurately defining the IOZ. This study also shows that the onset and the spatial distribution of icEEG, IBS, and iHFOs do not overlap, suggesting that they reflect different cellular or network dynamics.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
The cognitive profile of occipital lobe epilepsy and the selective association of left temporal lobe hypometabolism with verbal memory impairment
Authors: Knopman Alex A. , Wong Chong H. , Stevenson Richard J. , Homewood Judi , Mohamed Armin , Somerville Ernest , Eberl Stefan , Wen Lingfeng , Fulham Michael , Bleasel Andrew F. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryWe investigated the cognitive profile of structural occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) and whether verbal memory impairment is selectively associated with left temporal lobe hypometabolism on [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET). Nine patients with OLE, ages 8–29 years, completed presurgical neuropsychological assessment. Composite measures were calculated for intelligence quotient (IQ), speed, attention, verbal memory, nonverbal memory, and executive functioning. In addition, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used as a specific measure of frontal lobe functioning. Presurgical FDG‐PET was analyzed with statistical parametric mapping in 8 patients relative to 16 healthy volunteers. Mild impairments were evident for IQ, speed, attention, and executive functioning. Four patients demonstrated moderate or severe verbal memory impairment. Temporal lobe hypometabolism was found in seven of eight patients. Poorer verbal memory was associated with left temporal lobe hypometabolism (p = 0.002), which was stronger (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively) than the association of left temporal lobe hypometabolism with executive functioning or with performance on the WCST. OLE is associated with widespread cognitive comorbidity, suggesting cortical dysfunction beyond the occipital lobe. Verbal memory impairment is selectively associated with left temporal lobe hypometabolism in OLE, supporting a link between neuropsychological dysfunction and remote hypometabolism in focal epilepsy.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Impact of paralarvae and juveniles feeding environment on the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) winter–spring cohort stock
Authors: Nishikawa Haruka , Igarashi Hiromichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Sakai Mitsuo , Kato Yoshiki , Ebina Masahito , Usui Norihisa , Kamachi Masafumi , Awaji Toshiyuki 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn this study, we found that there were significant positive correlations between the catch per unit effort (CPUE, a squid abundance index) for the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) winter–spring cohort and the satellite‐derived chlorophyll a concentrations in their spawning grounds located at 140–160°E where 21°C < sea surface temperature < 25°C from February to May. The spawning grounds of the winter–spring cohort are located in a quiet stream region, and a particle tracking experiment, based on the velocity field obtained from an ocean data assimilation system, showed that paralarvae and juveniles aged <90 days remained in their spawning grounds and the chlorophyll a concentration in their habitat had a significant positive correlation with the CPUE. A backward particle tracking experiment also showed that the chlorophyll a concentration in the spawning grounds had a significant positive correlation with the autumn–winter mixed layer depth. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the CPUE interannual variability is caused by variations in the feeding environment of the paralarvae and juveniles, which may be linked to autumn–winter mixed layer depth variations.
Reliability and validity of a novel Haemophilia‐specific Self‐Efficacy Scale
Authors: Lock J. , Raat H. , Peters M. , Tamminga R. Y. J. , Leebeek F. W. G. , Moll H. A. , Cnossen M. H. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryHigher self‐efficacy in chronic disease patients is associated with higher development of self‐management skills and increased quality‐of‐life. Quantification and monitoring of self‐efficacy is therefore of importance. Self‐efficacy in haemophilia patients has received little attention due to lack of standardized scales. To validate the novel Haemophilia‐specific Self‐Efficacy Scale (HSES) in haemophilia patients on prophylactic home treatment, haemophilia patients aged 1–18 years on prophylactic treatment ≥1 year were included from three Dutch Haemophilia Treatment Centres. The HSES consists of 12 items, relating to perceptions of the ability to function on a day‐to‐day basis with regard to patient's disease. Retest was performed in a subsample. Validity was proven by the General Self‐Efficacy Scale and by the health‐related quality‐of‐life assessment tool Haemo‐QoL. Data were analysed from 53 children (response 75%), with a mean age of 9.8 years (SD 4.0). Mean total scale score of HSES was 55.5 (SD 4.7; range 38–60), with a ceiling effect of 17%. The HSES showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.72) and good test–retest reliability (Intra‐Class‐Correlation coefficient 0.75; P < 0.01; n = 37). The convergent validity was adequate as haemophilia‐specific self‐efficacy correlated significantly with general self‐efficacy (r = 0.38; P < 0.01). High HSES scores correlated significantly with quality‐of‐life as measured by the Haemo‐QoL (r = −0.42; P ≤ 0.01). The novel HSES is a reliable and valid tool to assess self‐efficacy in paediatric haemophilia patients on prophylactic home treatment. High self‐efficacy correlated with higher quality‐of‐life, further underlining the importance to standardly assess, monitor and improve self‐efficacy.
Low expression of BARX2 in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with metastasis and predicts poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Jia‐Xing , Huang Lin‐Lin , He Long‐Jun , Liao Yi‐Ji , Lai Ying‐Rong , Deng Hai‐Xia , Tian Xiao‐Peng , Kung Hsiang Fu , Xie Dan , Zhu Sen‐Lin 
Published: April 2014

AimThe homeobox gene Barx2 was recently identified as a regulator of ovarian and breast cancer; however, the expression level of BARX2 and its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown.MethodsProtein and mRNA expression levels of Barx2 were examined using Western blotting and real‐time PCR respectively, in paired HCC tissue and matched adjacent non‐cancerous tissue from 12 patients. The expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were also detected in relation to BARX2 expression. Lastly, immunohistochemistry for BARX2 was also performed on a tissue microarray containing 231 HCC tissue samples.ResultsWe observed that BARX2 expression was lower in HCC tissues compared to matching adjacent non‐cancerous tissue. The low expression level of BARX2 was significantly correlated with metrics of tumor size, tumor differentiation, clinical stage, metastasis and relapse. Furthermore, the patients with low BARX2 expression had adverse survival outcomes. Importantly, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that low BARX2 expression was an independent marker for lower overall survival (P = 0.007). Moreover, a significant negative relationship was observed between the expression of BARX2 and markers of EMT.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that the low expression level of BARX2 in HCC is significantly correlated with tumor metastasis, and that BARX2 may be an independent prognostic biomarker for patients with HCC.
Decreased expression of P54nrb/NonO correlates with collagen deposition and fibrosis in human aortic dissection
Authors: Ren Zongli , Wang Zhiwei , Hu Zhipeng , Hu Xiaoping , Zhang Hao , Wu Hongbing , Hu Rui , Liu Huan 
Published: April 2014

AimsAortic dissection (AD) is characterized by changes in the extracellular matrix, including fibrosis with collagen production. P54nrb/NonO is known to be involved in collagen formation. In this study, we examined whether AD is associated with abnormal P54nrb/NonO expression.Methods and resultsAortic specimens and serum were obtained from 10 patients with AD and 10 controls. In‐vitro cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) were obtained from organ donors. P54nrb/NonO protein and mRNA levels were determined by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (quantitative real‐time RT–PCR). To evaluate collagen expression, we stained tissue sections with Masson's trichrome. Serum concentration of TNF‐α was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Aortic P54nrb/NonO protein and mRNA were decreased in AD patients, compared with controls. Decreased P54nrb/NonO mRNA correlated significantly with increased collagen deposition and fibrosis in AD aortas. In VSMCs and AFs from normal human aortas, P54nrb/NonO was expressed strongly and localized to the nucleus.ConclusionsPatients with AD exhibited significantly decreased expression of P54nrb/NonO. The significant correlation between P54nrb/NonO and collagen may point to novel thinking about collagen metabolism research in AD aorta.