bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening and detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) high-risk strains HPV16 and HPV18 in saliva samples from subjects under 18 years old in Nevada: a pilot study
Authors: Flake Colton , Arafa Jamal , Hall Alex , Ence Eryn , Howard Katherine , Kingsley Karl 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are oncogenic and mainly associated with cervical cancers. Recent evidence has demonstrated HPV infection in other tissues, including oral epithelia and mucosa. Although a recent pilot study provided new information about oral HPV status in healthy adults from Nevada, no information was obtained about oral HPV prevalence among children or teenagers, therefore, the goal of this study is to provide more detailed information about oral prevalence of high-risk HPV among children and teenagers in Nevada.

Methods
This retrospective study utilized previously collected saliva samples, obtained from pediatric dental clinic patients (aged 2 – 11) and local school district teenagers (aged 12-17) for high-risk HPV screening (n=118) using qPCR for quantification and confirmation of analytical sensitivity and specificity.

Results
A small subset of saliva samples were found to harbor high-risk HPV16 (n=2) and HPV18 (n=1), representing a 2.5% of the total. All three were obtained from teenage males, and two of these three samples were from White participants.

Conclusions
Although this retrospective study could not provide correlations with behavioral or socioeconomic data, this project successfully screened more than one hundred saliva samples for high-risk HPV, confirming both HPV16 and HPV18 strains were present in a small subset. With increasing evidence of oral HPV infection in children, this study provides critical information of significant value to other dental, medical, oral and public health professionals who seek to further an understanding of oral health and disease risk in pediatric populations.
Laxative effects and mechanism of action of Brazilian green propolis
Authors: Kakino Mamoru , Izuta Hiroshi , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Araki Yoko , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Ichihara Kenji , Hara Hideaki 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Brazilian green propolis is reported to have wide range of biological properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-influenza, and antioxidant activities. In the digestive system, a protective effect of propolis on gastric ulcer has been reported, but a laxative effect has not yet been reported. We investigated the effect and the mechanism of action of water and ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis.

Methods
We examined the laxative effect of propolis on stool frequency by administering orally an ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) or a water extract of propolis (WEP) at 10, 50, 100, or 500 mg/kg to normal mice. We then investigated the effects of propolis using constipation model mice induced by two types of drugs, loperamide (a μ opioid receptor agonist) and clonidine (an α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist). We also investigated the effects of WEP on gastrointestinal transit and contractional tension of the ileum to uncover the mechanism of action of WEP.

Results
Treatment with WEP, but not with EEP, significantly increased the weight of stools (p<0.01 at 500 mg/kg). WEP treatment significantly restored stool frequency and stool weight in clonidine-induced constipation model mice, but not in loperamide-induced constipation model mice. WEP treatment did not affect gastro-intestinal transit, but significantly increased the contractional tension of the isolated ileum of guinea pigs. This increase was inhibited by an acetylcholine receptor antagonist (atropine), but not by a 5-HT receptor antagonist (GR113808).

Conclusion
These findings indicate that WEP has laxative effects both in normal mice and in clonidine-induced constipation model mice. The laxative effects of WEP might be mediated by increased contractional tension of the ileum exerted at least in part via activation of an acetylcholine receptor.
Biocompatibility of crystalline opal nanoparticles
Authors: Hernández-Ortiz Marlen , Acosta-Torres Laura S , Hernández-Padrón Genoveva , Mendieta Alicia I , Bernal Rodolfo , Cruz-Vázquez Catalina , Castaño Victor M 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Silica nanoparticles are being developed as a host of biomedical and biotechnological applications. For this reason, there are more studies about biocompatibility of silica with amorphous and crystalline structure. Except hydrated silica (opal), despite is presents directly and indirectly in humans. Two sizes of crystalline opal nanoparticles were investigated in this work under criteria of toxicology.

Methods
In particular, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects caused by opal nanoparticles (80 and 120 nm) were evaluated in cultured mouse cells via a set of bioassays, methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium-bromide (MTT) and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU).

Results
3T3-NIH cells were incubated for 24 and 72 h in contact with nanocrystalline opal particles, not presented significant statistically difference in the results of cytotoxicity. Genotoxicity tests of crystalline opal nanoparticles were performed by the BrdU assay on the same cultured cells for 24 h incubation. The reduction of BrdU-incorporated cells indicates that nanocrystalline opal exposure did not caused unrepairable damage DNA.

Conclusions
There is no relationship between that particles size and MTT reduction, as well as BrdU incorporation, such that the opal particles did not induce cytotoxic effect and genotoxicity in cultured mouse cells.
In vivo gene transfer targeting in pancreatic adenocarcinoma with cell surface antigens
Authors: Lafitte Marie , Rousseau Benoit , Moranvillier Isabelle , Taillepierre Miguel , Peuchant Evelyne , Guyonnet-Dupérat Véronique , Bedel Aurélie , Dubus Pierre , de Verneuil Hubert , Moreau-Gaudry François , Dabernat Sandrine 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a deadly malignancy resistant to current therapies. It is critical to test new strategies, including tumor-targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. This study tested the possibility to target the transfer of a suicide gene in tumor cells using an oncotropic lentiviral vector.

Results
Three cell surface markers were evaluated to target the transduction of cells by lentiviruses pseudotyped with a modified glycoprotein from Sindbis virus. Only Mucin-4 and the Claudin-18 proteins were found efficient for targeted lentivirus transductions in vitro. In subcutaneous xenografts of human pancreatic cancer cells models, Claudin-18 failed to achieve efficient gene transfer but Mucin-4 was found very potent. Human pancreatic tumor cells were modified to express a fluorescent protein detectable in live animals by bioimaging, to perform a direct non invasive and costless follow up of the tumor growth. Targeted gene transfer of a bicistronic transgene bearing a luciferase gene and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene into orthotopic grafts was carried out with Mucin-4 oncotropic lentiviruses. By contrast to the broad tropism VSV-G carrying lentivirus, this oncotropic lentivirus was found to transduce specifically tumor cells, sparing normal pancreatic cells in vivo. Transduced cells disappeared after ganciclovir treatment while the orthotopic tumor growth was slowed down.

Conclusion
This work considered for the first time three aspect of pancreatic adenocarcinoma targeted therapy. First, lentiviral transduction of human pancreatic tumor cells was possible when cells were grafted orthotopically. Second, we used a system targeting the tumor cells with cell surface antigens and sparing the normal cells. Finally, the TK/GCV anticancer system showed promising results in vivo. Importantly, the approach presented here appeared to be a safer, much more specific and an as efficient way to perform gene delivery in pancreatic tumors, in comparison with a broad tropism lentivirus. This study will be useful in future designing of targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer.
Synthesis and characterization of polysaccharide-maghemite composite nanoparticles and their antibacterial properties
Authors: Iconaru Simona Liliana , Prodan Alina Mihaela , Motelica-Heino Mikael , Sizaret Stanislas , Predoi Daniela 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was to obtain saccharide (dextran and sucrose)-coated maghemite nanoparticles with antibacterial activity. The polysaccharide-coated maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized by an adapted coprecipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies demonstrate that the obtained polysaccharide-coated maghemite nanoparticles can be indexed into the spinel cubic lattice with a lattice parameter of 8.35 Å. The refinement of XRD spectra indicated that no other phases except the maghemite are detectable. The characterization of the polysaccharide-coated maghemite nanoparticles by various techniques is described. The antibacterial activity of these polysaccharide-coated maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1397, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Candida krusei 963, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and was found to be dependent on the polysaccharide type. The antibacterial activity of dextran-coated maghemite was significantly higher than that of sucrose-coated maghemite. The antibacterial studies showed the potential of dextran-coated iron oxide NPs to be used in a wide range of medical infections.
Continuous controllable balloon dilation: a novel approach for cervix dilation
Authors: Arsenijevic Slobodan , Vukcevic-Globarevic Gordana , Volarevic Vladislav , Macuzic Ivan , Todorovic Petar , Tanaskovic Irena , Mijailovic Milan , Raicevic Sasa , Jeremic Branislav 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Cervical dilation using mechanical dilators is associated with various complications, such as uterine perforation, cervical laceration, infections and intraperitoneal hemorrhage. To achieve safe and painless cervical dilation, we constructed a new medical device to achieve confident mechanical cervical dilation: a continuous controllable balloon dilator (CCBD).

Methods
Controlled pumping of incompressible fluid into the CCBD increases the pressure and outer diameter of the CCBD, continuously dilating the cervical canal. The reliability of the CCBD was confirmed in vitro (testing for consistency and endurance, with no detected risk for breakage) and in vivo. A multi-center clinical study was conducted,with 120 pregnant women randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group I,control group, no dilation;Group II,mechanical dilation, Hegar dilator (HeD); and Group III,CCBD. The tissue material for histological evaluation was obtained from the endocervical mucosa before and after dilation using the HeD or CCBD.

Results
The CCBD dilations were successful and had no complications in all 40 patients of Group III. The cervical tissue was markedly less damaged after CCBD dilation compared with HeD dilation (epithelium damage: 95% (HeD) vs. 45% (CCBD), P <0.001; basal membrane damage: 82.5% (HeD) vs. 27.5% (CCBD), P <0.001; stromal damage: 62.5% (HeD) vs. 37.5% (CCBD), P <0.01). Cervical hemorrhagia was observed in 90% of the patients after HeD dilation versus in 32.5% of the patients after CCBD dilation.

Conclusions
The CCBD should be used as a replacement for mechanical dilators to prevent uterine and cervical injury during cervical dilation.

Trial registration
ISRCTN54007498
Outcome and patterns of failure after postoperative intensity modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced or high-risk oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Geretschläger Andreas , Bojaxhiu Beat , Crowe Susanne , Arnold Andreas , Manser Peter , Hallermann Wock , Aebersold Daniel M , Ghadjar Pirus 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
To determine the outcome and patterns of failure in oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients after postoperative intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with concomitant systemic therapy.

Methods
All patients with locally advanced (AJCC stage III/IV) or high-risk OCC (AJCC stage II) who underwent postoperative IMRT at our institution between December 2006 and July 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS). Secondary endpoints included distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), acute and late toxicities.

Results
Overall 53 patients were analyzed. Twenty-three patients (43%) underwent concomitant chemotherapy with cisplatin, two patients with carboplatin (4%) and four patients were treated with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab (8%).
At a median follow-up of 2.3 (range, 1.1–4.6) years the 3-year LRRFS, DMFS and OS estimates were 79%, 90%, and 73% respectively. Twelve patients experienced a locoregional recurrence. Eight patients, 5 of which had both a flap reconstruction and extracapsular extension (ECE), showed an unusual multifocal pattern of recurrence. Ten locoregional recurrences occurred marginally or outside of the high-risk target volumes. Acute toxicity grades of 2 (27%) and 3 (66%) and late toxicity grades of 2 (34%) and 3 (11%) were observed.

Conclusion
LRRFS after postoperative IMRT is satisfying and toxicity is acceptable. The majority of locoregional recurrences occurred marginally or outside of the high-risk target volumes. Improvement of high-risk target volume definition especially in patients with flap reconstruction and ECE might transfer into better locoregional control.
Temporary epicardial left ventricular and biventricular pacing improves cardiac output after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: García-Bengochea Jose B , Fernández Angel L , Calvelo Daniel Sánchez , Escudero Julian Alvarez , Gude Francisco , Juanatey José R González 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
To evaluate, with different pacing modes, acute changes in left ventricular systolic function, obtained by continuous cardiac output thermodilution in various subsets of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Increments of mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were considered the end point.

Methods
Fifty cases electively submitted to cardiac surgery were analyzed. Isolated valve surgery 62%, coronary revascularization 30% and 8% mixed disease. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in 50%,36% had moderate depression,(EF 36%-50%) whereas 14% had severe depression (EF < 35%). Left bundle branch block occurred in 18%. Preoperatively 84% were in sinus rhythm and 16% in atrial fibrillation. The different subgroups were analyzed for comparisons. Right atrial-right ventricular and right atrial-left ventricular pacing were employed in sinus rhytm. Biventricular pacing was also used in atrial fibrillation.

Results
Right atrium-right ventricular pacing, decreased significantly mean arterial pressure and cardiac output (2.3%) in the overall population and in the subgroups studied. Right atrium-left ventricle, increased mean arterial pressure and cardiac output in 79% of patients and yielded cardiac output increments of 7.5% (0.40 l/m) in the low ejection fraction subgroup and 7.3% (0.43 l/m) in the left bundle branch block subset. In atrial fibrillation patients, left ventricular and biventricular pacing produced a significant increase in cardiac output 8.5% (0.39 l/min) and 11.6% (0.53 l/min) respectively. The dP/dt max increased significantly with both modes (p = 0.021,p = 0.028).

Conclusion
Right atrial-right ventricular pacing generated adverse hemodynamic effects. Right atrium-left ventricular pacing produced significant CO improvement particularly in cases with depressed ventricular function and left bundle branch block. The greatest increments were observed with left ventricular or biventricular pacing in atrial fibrillation with depressed ejection fraction.
Optimal glycemic control in neurocritical care patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kramer Andreas H , Roberts Derek J , Zygun David A 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Hyper- and hypoglycemia are strongly associated with adverse outcomes in critical care. Neurologically injured patients are a unique subgroup, where optimal glycemic targets may differ, such that the findings of clinical trials involving heterogeneous critically ill patients may not apply.

Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intensive insulin therapy with conventional glycemic control among patients with traumatic brain injury, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, anoxic encephalopathy, central nervous system infections or spinal cord injury.

Results
Sixteen RCTs, involving 1248 neurocritical care patients, were included. Glycemic targets with intensive insulin ranged from 70-140 mg/dl (3.9-7.8 mmol/L), while conventional protocols aimed to keep glucose levels below 144-300 mg/dl (8.0-16.7 mmol/L). Tight glycemic control had no impact on mortality (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.83-1.17; p = 0.88), but did result in fewer unfavorable neurological outcomes (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-1.00; p = 0.04). However, improved outcomes were only observed when glucose levels in the conventional glycemic control group were permitted to be relatively high [threshold for insulin administration > 200 mg/dl (> 11.1 mmol/L)], but not with more intermediate glycemic targets [threshold for insulin administration 140-180 mg/dl (7.8-10.0 mmol/L)]. Hypoglycemia was far more common with intensive therapy (RR 3.10; 95% CI 1.54-6.23; p = 0.002), but there was a large degree of heterogeneity in the results of individual trials (Q = 47.9; p<0.0001; I2 = 75%). Mortality was non-significantly higher with intensive insulin in studies where the proportion of patients developing hypoglycemia was large (> 33%) (RR 1.17; 95% CI 0.79-1.75; p = 0.44).

Conclusions
Intensive insulin therapy significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia and does not influence mortality among neurocritical care patients. Very loose glucose control is associated with worse neurological recovery and should be avoided. These results suggest that intermediate glycemic goals may be most appropriate.
Pressure Effect on the Reorientational Correlation Time of Water in N,N-Dimethylformamide–Water Mixtures at 25 °C
Authors: Okada Masaki , Ibuki Kazuyasu , Ueno Masakatsu 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
NMR spin–lattice relaxation times (T1) for nucleus D of D2O in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)–D2O mixtures were measured up to 80 mol % of DMF at 25 °C under high pressure up to 196.1 MPa. To discuss the pressure effect on the dynamic behavior of water molecules in the mixtures, the reorientational correlation times (τc) of D2O molecules were estimated from the quadrupole coupling equation. τc in neat D2O decreased monotonously with increasing pressure and the negative pressure coefficient of τc (∂τc/∂P &lt; 0) was still observed at 5 mol % of DMF, while ∂τc/∂P became positive at more than 10 mol % of DMF as in the cases of ordinary liquids and larger with increasing DMF content. These results would be ascribed to the diminishing of the effect of pressure-induced distortion of the hydrogen-bonded network of water. In order to investigate the pressure effect on the liquid structure and the reorientational dynamics of water molecules in detail, we performed the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations paying attention to the pressure effect on hydrogen-bonding, hydrophobic hydration, and dipole interaction.
Organic Single-Crystal Transistors Based on π-Extended Heteroheptacene Microribbons
Authors: Yang Yu Seok , Yasuda Takuma , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Facile synthesis of a new series of π-extended thienoacenes has been described. Their electronic structures have been elucidated by UV–vis absorption and photoelectron spectra. Well-defined single-crystal microribbons composed of self-organized thienoacene molecules have been fabricated using physical vapor transport, and have been applied to field-effect transistors. The organic transistors employing the single-crystal microribbons exhibit mobilities as high as 0.47 cm2 V s−1 with on/off ratios of ca. 106.
“Black bone” MRI: a potential alternative to CT when imaging the head and neck: report of eight clinical cases and review of the Oxford experience
Authors: Eley K A , Watt-Smith S R , Golding S J 
Published: October 2012

Objective
The potential risks associated with ionising radiation are well documented. We have previously reported the “black bone” MRI sequence, useful when imaging cortical bone. The objective of this paper is to report our initial experience of this technique in patients undergoing imaging of the head and neck region.

Methods
Using the departmental database those patients having had “black bone” sequences of the head and neck performed as part of their MRI examination in the preceding 5 years were identified. The radiological reports were reviewed to identify those cases where “black bone” or conventional MRI sequences had been performed in place of the requested CT, and the patient medical records for these cases were reviewed. Medical record review was also conducted for those cases where it was considered that the pathological condition requiring imaging would ordinarily be investigated with CT.

Results
The “black bone” sequence had been performed in 69 patients as part of routine MRI of the head and neck. Of these, 67% (n=46) were performed in combination with CT imaging, the majority of cases being primary tumours. In four cases, an MRI was performed in place of the requested CT scan. We present eight clinical cases illustrating the potential benefits of the “black bone” sequence.

Conclusions
“Black bone” MRI offers a radiation-free method of imaging the head and neck, and has been successfully utilised in a range of benign and malignant conditions affecting this region.

Advances in knowledge
Adoption of this approach, where feasible, would be a significant advance in radiation protection.
Dosimetric advantages of generalised equivalent uniform dose-based optimisation on dose–volume objectives in intensity-modulated radiotherapy planning for bilateral breast cancer
Authors: Lee T-F , Ting H-M , Chao P-J , Wang H-Y , Shieh C-S , Horng M-F , Wu J-M , Yeh S-A , Cho M-Y , Huang E-Y , Huang Y-J , Chen H-C , Fang F-M 
Published: October 2012

Objective
We compared and evaluated the differences between two models for treating bilateral breast cancer (BBC): (i) dose–volume-based intensity-modulated radiation treatment (DV plan), and (ii) dose–volume-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy with generalised equivalent uniform dose-based optimisation (DV-gEUD plan).

Methods
The quality and performance of the DV plan and DV-gEUD plan using the Pinnacle3® system (Philips, Fitchburg, WI) were evaluated and compared in 10 patients with stage T2–T4 BBC. The plans were delivered on a Varian 21EX linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems, Milpitas, CA) equipped with a Millennium 120 leaf multileaf collimator (Varian Medical Systems). The parameters analysed included the conformity index, homogeneity index, tumour control probability of the planning target volume (PTV), the volumes V 20 Gy and V 30 Gy of the organs at risk (OAR, including the heart and lungs), mean dose and the normal tissue complication probability.

Results
Both plans met the requirements for the coverage of PTV with similar conformity and homogeneity indices. However, the DV-gEUD plan had the advantage of dose sparing for OAR: the mean doses of the heart and lungs, lung V 20 Gy, and heart V 30 Gy in the DV-gEUD plan were lower than those in the DV plan (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions
A better result can be obtained by starting with a DV-generated plan and then improving it by adding gEUD-based improvements to reduce the number of iterations and to improve the optimum dose distribution.

Advances to knowledge
The DV-gEUD plan provided superior dosimetric results for treating BBC in terms of PTV coverage and OAR sparing than the DV plan, without sacrificing the homogeneity of dose distribution in the PTV.