bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a nanotechnology antimicrobial spray to prevent lower urinary tract infection: a multicenter urology trial
Authors: He Wei , Wang Dongmin , Ye Zhangqun , Qian Weihong , Tao Yan , Shi Xiaofeng , Liu Ling , Chen Jin , Qiu Ling , Wan Peng , Jia Xiaojun , Li Xia , Gao Caixia , Ma Xuexia , Wen Biyan , Chen Nianzhen , Li Ping , Ren Zhengzheng , Lan Li , Li Siyi , Zuo Yi , Zhang Hua , Ma Liming , Zhang Yueping , Li Zhicong , Su Weiping , Yang Qing , Chen Qingli , Wang Xuejing , Ye Zhenni , Chen JP , Loo Wings TY , Chow Louis WC , Yip Adrian YS , Ng Elizabeth LY , Cheung Mary NB , Wang Zhiping 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a common nosocomial device-associated infection. It is now recognized that the high infection rates were caused by the formation of biofilm on the surface of the catheters that decreases the susceptibility to antibiotics and results in anti-microbial resistance.
In this study, we performed an in vitro test to explore the mechanism of biofilm formation and subsequently conducted a multi-center clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of CAUTI prevention with the application of JUC, a nanotechnology antimicrobial spray.

Methods
Siliconized latex urinary catheters were cut into fragments and sterilized by autoclaving. The sterilized sample fragments were randomly divided into the therapy and control group, whereby they were sprayed with JUC and distilled water respectively and dried before use.
The experimental standard strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were isolated from the urine samples of patients. At 16 hours and 7 days of incubation, the samples were extracted for confocal laser scanning microscopy.
A total of 1,150 patients were accrued in the clinical study. Patients were randomized according to the order of surgical treatment. The odd array of patients was assigned as the therapy group (JUC), and the even array of patients was assigned as the control group (normal saline).

Results
After 16 hours of culture, bacterial biofilm formed on the surface of sample fragments from the control group. In the therapy group, no bacterial biofilm formation was observed on the sample fragments. No significant increase in bacterial colony count was observed in the therapy group after 7 days of incubation.
On the 7th day of catheterization, urine samples were collected for bacterial culture before extubation. Significant difference was observed in the incidence of bacteriuria between the therapy group and control group (4.52% vs. 13.04%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
In this study, the effectiveness of JUC in preventing CAUTI in a hospital setting was demonstrated in both in vitro and clinical studies.
Overexpression of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) predicts better response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Tang Yiqing , Zhu Li , Li Yafen , Ji Jun , Li Jianfang , Yuan Fei , Wang Dengbin , Chen Weiguo , Huang Ou , Chen Xiaosong , Wu Jiayi , Shen Kunwei , Loo Wings TY , Chow Louis WC 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) occurs in approximately 10% to 25% of all patients with breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy has been reported to produce a higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in TNBC. If pCR is achieved, patients with TNBC had a similar survival with non-TNBC patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the protein expression of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and clinical outcome in patients with TNBC compared with non-TNBC.

Methods
A total of 198 locally advanced breast cancer patients who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were studied. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out to detect the protein expression of EGFR in tumor samples. Clinical and pathological parameters, pCR rate and survival data were compared between 40 TNBCs and 158 non-TNBCs.

Results
In 198 cases who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, significant differences exist in surgical therapy (P=0.005) and pCR rate (P=0.012) between patients with TNBCs and non-TNBCs. Overexpression of EGFR was significantly associated with pCR rate in patients with TNBCs (P < 0.001). Survival analysis revealed that patients with TNBCs had worse DFS and OS than those with non-TNBCs (P = 0.001, P < 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, for patients with non-TNBCs, those who acheived pCR had better DFS and OS than those who acheived RD (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our results suggested that patients with TNBCs had increased pCR rates compared with non-TNBC. Overexpression of EGFR predicted better response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with TNBCs.
A cluster randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Intermediate Care Clinics for Diabetes (ICCD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Armstrong Natalie , Baines Darrin , Baker Richard , Crossman Richard , Davies Melanie , Hardy Ainsley , Khunti Kamlesh , Kumar Sudhesh , O’Hare Joseph Paul , Raymond Neil , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Stallard Nigel , Szczepura Ala , Wilson Andrew 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundWorld-wide healthcare systems are faced with an epidemic of type 2 diabetes. In the United Kingdom, clinical care is primarily provided by general practitioners (GPs) rather than hospital specialists. Intermediate care clinics for diabetes (ICCD) potentially provide a model for supporting GPs in their care of people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and in their management of cardiovascular risk factors. This study aims to (1) compare patients with type 2 diabetes registered with practices that have access to an ICCD service with those that have access only to usual hospital care; (2) assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention; and (3) explore the views and experiences of patients, health professionals and other stakeholders.Methods/DesignThis two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial (with integral economic evaluation and qualitative study) is set in general practices in three UK Primary Care Trusts. Practices are randomized to one of two groups with patients referred to either an ICCD (intervention) or to hospital care (control).Intervention group:GP practices in the intervention arm have the opportunity to refer patients to an ICCD - a multidisciplinary team led by a specialist nurse and a diabetologist. Patients are reviewed and managed in the ICCD for a short period with a goal of improving diabetes and cardiovascular risk factor control and are then referred back to practice.orControl group:Standard GP care, with referral to secondary care as required, but no access to ICCD.Participants are adults aged 18 years or older who have type 2 diabetes that is difficult for their GPs to control. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants reaching three risk factor targets: HbA1c(≤7.0%); blood pressure (<140/80); and cholesterol (<4 mmol/l), at the end of the 18-month intervention period. The main secondary outcomes are the proportion of participants reaching individual risk factor targets and the overall 10-year risks for coronary heart disease(CHD) and stroke assessed by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine. Other secondary outcomes include body mass index and waist circumference, use of medication, reported smoking, emotional adjustment, patient satisfaction and views on continuity, costs and health related quality of life. We aimed to randomize 50 practices and recruit 2,555 patients.DiscussionForty-nine practices have been randomized, 1,997 patients have been recruited to the trial, and 20 patients have been recruited to the qualitative study. Results will be available late 2012.Trial registration[ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier NCT00945204]
Atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: risk analysis and long-term survival
Authors: Helgadottir Solveig , Sigurdsson Martin I , Ingvarsdottir Inga L , Arnar David O , Gudbjartsson Tomas 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
We studied potential risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in a large cohort of patients who underwent open-heart surgery, evaluating short- and long-term outcome, and we developed a risk-assessment model of POAF.

Methods
A retrospective study of 744 patients without prior history of AF who underwent CABG (n = 513), OPCAB (n = 207), and/or AVR (n = 156) at Landspitali Hospital in 2002–2006. Logistic regression analysis was used to study risk factors for POAF, comparing patients with and without POAF.

Results
The rate of POAF was 44%, and was higher following AVR (74%) than after CABG (44%) or OPCAB (35%). In general, patients with POAF were significantly older, were more often female, were less likely to be smokers, had a lower EF, and had a higher EuroSCORE. The use of antiarrythmics was similar in the groups but patients who experienced POAF were less likely to be taking statins. POAF patients also had longer hospital stay, higher rates of complications, and operative mortality (5% vs. 0.7%). In multivariate analysis, AVR (OR 4.4), a preoperative history of cardiac failure (OR 1.8), higher EuroSCORE (OR 1.1), and advanced age (OR 1.1) were independent prognostic factors for POAF. Overall five-year survival was 83% and 93% for patients with and without POAF (p <0.001).

Conclusion
POAF was detected in 44% of patients, which is high compared to other studies. In the future, our assessment score will hopefully be of use in identifying patients at high risk of POAF and lower complications related to POAF.
IκBα deficiency in brain leads to elevated basal neuroinflammation and attenuated response following traumatic brain injury: implications for functional recovery
Authors: Lian Hong , Shim David J , Gaddam Samson SK , Rodriguez-Rivera Jennifer , Bitner Brittany R , Pautler Robia G , Robertson Claudia S , Zheng Hui 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The transcription factor NFκB is an important mediator of cell survival and inflammation in the immune system. In the central nervous system (CNS), NFκB signaling has been implicated in regulating neuronal survival following acute pathologic damage such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. NFκB is normally bound by the principal inhibitory protein, IκBα, and sequestered in the cytoplasm. Activation of NFκB requires the degradation of IκBα, thereby freeing NFκB to translocate to the nucleus and activate the target genes. Mice deficient in IκBα display deregulated and sustained NFκB activation and early postnatal lethality, highlighting a critical role of IκBα in NFκB regulation.

Results
We investigated the role of IκBα in regulating NFκB activity in the brain and the effects of the NFκB/IκBα pathway in mediating neuroinflammation under both physiological and brain injury conditions. We report that astrocytes, but not neurons, exhibit prominent NFκB activity, and that basal NFκB activity in astrocytes is elevated in the absence of IκBα. By generating mice with brain-specific deletion of IκBα, we show that IκBα deficiency does not compromise normal brain development. However, basal neuroinflammation detected by GFAP and Iba1 immunoreactivity is elevated. This leads to impaired inflammatory responses following TBI and worsened brain damage including higher blood brain barrier permeability, increased injury volumes and enlarged ventricle volumes.

Conclusions
We conclude that, in the CNS, astrocyte is the primary cell type subject to NFκB regulation. We further demonstrate that IκBα plays an important role in regulating NFκB activity in the brain and a robust NFκB/IκBα-mediated neuroinflammatory response immediately following TBI is beneficial.
Low temperature oxidation of linseed oil: a review
Authors: Juita  , Dlugogorski Bogdan Z , Kennedy Eric M , Mackie John C 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This review analyses and summarises the previous investigations on the oxidation of linseed oil and the self-heating of cotton and other materials impregnated with the oil. It discusses the composition and chemical structure of linseed oil, including its drying properties. The review describes several experimental methods used to test the propensity of the oil to induce spontaneous heating and ignition of lignocellulosic materials soaked with the oil. It covers the thermal ignition of the lignocellulosic substrates impregnated with the oil and it critically evaluates the analytical methods applied to investigate the oxidation reactions of linseed oil.
Initiation of radical chains by singlet oxygen (1Δg), and their propagation underpin the mechanism of oxidation of linseed oil, leading to the self-heating and formation of volatile organic species and higher molecular weight compounds. The review also discusses the role of metal complexes of cobalt, iron and manganese in catalysing the oxidative drying of linseed oil, summarising some kinetic parameters such as the rate constants of the peroxidation reactions.
With respect to fire safety, the classical theory of self-ignition does not account for radical and catalytic reactions and appears to offer limited insights into the autoignition of lignocellulosic materials soaked with linseed oil. New theoretical and numerical treatments of oxidation of such materials need to be developed. The self-ignition induced by linseed oil is predicated on the presence of both a metal catalyst and a lignocellulosic substrate, and the absence of any prior thermal treatment of the oil, which destroys both peroxy radicals and singlet O2 sensitisers. An overview of peroxyl chemistry included in the article will be useful to those working in areas of fire science, paint drying, indoor air quality, biofuels and lipid oxidation.
Periovulatory Expression of Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Sulfiredoxin and Peroxiredoxin 2 in the Rat Ovary: Gonadotropin Regulation and Potential Modification
Authors: Park Jae-Il , Jeon Hye-Jeong , Jung Nak-Kyun , Jang You-Jee , Kim Jin-Seon , Seo Young-Woo , Jeong Moonkyung , Chae Ho Zoon , Chun Sang-Young 
Published: September 2012

AbstractReactive oxygen species are involved in ovulation. The aim of this study was to examine gonadotropin regulation of antioxidant enzyme sulfiredoxin (Srx) and peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) expressions and modification during the ovulatory process in rats. Administration of antioxidants in vivo reduced ovulation rate and cumulus expansion. LH treatment increased H2O2 levels within 15 min, which, in turn, induced Srx gene expression in cultured preovulatory follicles. Treatment of preovulatory follicles with catalase suppressed the stimulatory effect of LH on Akt phosphorylation. LH- or H2O2-stimulated Srx mRNA levels were suppressed by inhibitors of antioxidant agents and MAPK kinase. An in vivo injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulated Srx mRNA within 1 h in granulosa but not thecal cells of preovulatory follicles. Srx protein levels were stimulated from 3 h post-hCG injection. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that oocytes expressed the Srx protein. Furthermore, hCG treatment increased Srx expression in mural granulosa, theca and cumulus cells, but the Srx protein was not detected in corpora lutea. Gene expression of PRDX2, identified as an Srx-dependent modified enzyme, was stimulated by gonadotropins. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that PRDX2 mRNA was detected in oocytes and theca cells as well as granulosa cells of some antral and preovulatory follicles. High levels of PRDX2 mRNA were detected in corpora lutea. Total levels of PRDX2 protein were not changed by gonadotropins. However, levels of hyperoxidized PRDX2 increased within 2–3 h after the hCG injection. Taken together, gonadotropin stimulation of Srx expression and PRDX2 modification in the ovary suggest the existence of an antioxidant system to maintain H2O2 production and elimination during the periovulatory period.
Perceived Versus Actual Sedation Practices in Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Gill Kimberly Varney , Voils Stacy A , Chenault Gregory A , Brophy Gretchen M 
Published: September 2012

Background: With drug shortages, newer sedative medications, and updates in research, management of sedation and delirium in patients receiving mechanical ventilation continues to evolve. Objective: To compare perceived and actual sedation practices for adults receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: This was a multicenter, 2-part study conducted in adult ICUs in US hospitals, It included a sedation practice survey completed by ICU pharmacists and an observational study evaluating actual sedation practices over a 24-hour period. Results: Surveys were completed for 85 ICUs; observational data for 496 patients were collected. Preferred sedatives from the survey data were propofol (short-term); propofol, midazolam, or lorazepam (intermediate); and lorazepam (long-term). Propofol was the most commonly used agent overall during the observational period (primarily for short-term and intermediate-length sedation); midazolam was the most commonly used for long-term sedation. Fentanyl was the preferred analgesic, and Haloperidol and quetiapine were the preferred antipsychotics. Sedation treatment algorithms were used in only 50% of observed ICUs. Use of daily interruption of sedation was perceived to be 66% but was only observed in 36% of patients. Monitoring for delirium was reported among 25% of those surveyed but was observed in only 10% of patients. Targeted sedation goals were most frequently achieved when a treatment algorithm was used or when an opiate infusion was the single agent used for sedative management Conclusions: These data suggest differences in perceived and actual sedation practice in the US, as well as underutilization of evidence-based interventions. Most notable was the limited use of sedation treatment algorithms, daily interruption of sedation, and monitoring for delirium. Individual sedation and delirium protocols should be evaluated and updated based on evidence-based recommendations.
Treatment of Levator Ani Syndrome with Cyclobenzaprine
Authors: Sheikh Maheen , Kunka Crystal A , Ota Ken S 
Published: September 2012

Objective TO report a case of levator ani syndrome (LAS) that was successfully treated with cyclobenzaprine. Case Summary A 26-year-old male presented with a 3-week history of severe, intermittent, aching anorectal pain that would last for 30–60 minutes per episode and occurred between 1 and 3 times per day. The pain was aggravated by squatting, with no alleviating factors. Physical examination revealed no prostate tenderness, lesions, hemorrhoids, or fissures and rectal tone was intact. The patient had moderate posterior rectal tenderness. After a standard workup, he was diagnosed with LAS and treated with oral cyclobenzaprine 5 mg 3 times daily for 7 days. The patient experienced resolution of his symptoms after 3 days of treatment and remained symptom-free 6 months after completion of therapy. The only reported adverse effect was mild drowsiness, which resolved after discontinuation of the cyclobenzaprine. Discussion A review of the literature via StatRef (April 1965-December 2011), Ovid (April 1965-December 2011), and MEDLINE (April 1965-December 2011) reveals that existing treatment options for LAS have been limited to levator massage, sitz baths, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, diazepam, biofeedback, botulinum toxin, steroid injections, and electrogalvanic stimulation, all of which offer minimal support. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant; however, its mechanism of action is unclear. It is thought to influence the α and γ motor neurons in the central nervous system, which leads to the attenuation of muscle spasm. To our knowledge, cyclobenzaprine has not been reported as a treatment for LAS. In our patient, however, the clinical efficacy of cyclobenzaprine was clearly apparent. Conclusions Cyclobenzaprine effectively treated our patient's LAS. Given that cyclobenzaprine is safe, inexpensive, and shown to be effective in our case study, we believe it warrants further investigation as a first-line treatment option for LAS.
Effect of drying on the color of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) leaves
Authors: Chenarbon Hossein Ahmadi , Minaei Saeid , Bassiri Ali Reza , Almassi Morteza , Arabhosseini Akbar , Motevali Ali 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The effect of drying on color changes of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) leaves was investigated. The samples were dried at drying air temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70°C, air velocities of 0.3, 0.7, and 1 m/s and bed depths of 1, 2, and 3cm with factorial experimental design based on completely randomized design. All treatments were tested in three replications. The total color difference (ΔE) and saturation index or chroma (SI) was evaluated as the important quality parameters. The Duncan’s multiple range tests was used to compare the treatment means. Regarding to SI and ΔE indices the most suitable quality was found for the samples dried at temperature of 40°C, air velocity of 0.3 m/s and bed depth of 3 cm.
Human epididymis protein 4 as a serum marker for diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma and prediction of clinical outcome
Authors: Zanotti Laura , Bignotti Eliana , Calza Stefano , Bandiera Elisabetta , Ruggeri Giuseppina , Galli Claudio , Tognon Germana , Ragnoli Monica , Romani Chiara , Tassi Renata A. , Caimi Luigi , Odicino Franco E. , Sartori Enrico , Pecorelli Sergio , Ravaggi Antonella 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic impact of preoperative serum determination of human epididymis protein 4 (sHE4), and to investigate its potential correlation with clinicopathological features and survival endpoints in endometrial cancer patients.

Methods: Preoperative serum samples from 193 endometrial cancer patients and 125 women with normal endometrium were measured for sHE4 and serum CA125 (sCA125) concentrations by quantitative chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays on the automated Architect instrument.

Results: sHE4 concentrations were significantly higher in endometrial cancer patients regardless of tumour stage and grade compared with normal controls. Setting the specificity at 95%, the sensitivities in detecting endometrial cancer patients were 66% for HE4, 33% for CA125 and 64% for the combination of the two markers. High concentrations of both HE4 and CA125 significantly correlated with all clinicopathological features characterising a more aggressive tumour phenotype. In multivariate analysis, only high preoperative sHE4 concentrations, but not sCA125, were independent prognostic factors for shorter Overall Survival, Disease-Free Survival and Progression-Free Survival.

Conclusions: HE4 is more sensitive and specific than CA125 in distinguishing endometrial cancer patients from women with normal endometrium, regardless of tumour stage and grade. sHE4 appears to be associated with a more aggressive tumour variant and it could be clinically useful, in identifying high-risk endometrial cancer patients, for a tailored surgical and postoperative therapy. HE4 significant correlation with decreased Overall Survival, Disease Free Survival and Progression Free Survival suggests its potential role as a novel prognostic marker for endometrial cancer.