bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silent Information Regulator 1 Protects the Brain Against Cerebral Ischemic Damage
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Macarena , Hurtado Olivia , Cuartero María I. , Ballesteros Iván , Moraga Ana , Pradillo Jesús M. , McBurney Michael W. , Lizasoain Ignacio , Moro María A. 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a member of NAD
+
-dependent protein deacetylases implicated in a wide range of cellular functions and has beneficial properties in pathologies including ischemia/reperfusion processes and neurodegeneration. However, no direct evidence has been reported on the direct implication of SIRT1 in ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to establish the role of SIRT1 in stroke using an experimental model in mice.

Methods—

Wild-type and
Sirt1
−/−
mice were subjected to permanent focal ischemia by permanent ligature. In another set of experiments, wild-type mice were treated intraperitoneally with vehicle, activator 3 (SIRT1 activator, 10 mg/kg), or sirtinol (SIRT1 inhibitor, 10 mg/kg) for 10 minutes, 24 hours, and 40 hours after ischemia. Brains were removed 48 hours after ischemia for determining the infarct volume. Neurological outcome was evaluated using the modified neurological severity score.

Results—

Exposure to middle cerebral artery occlusion increased SIRT1 expression in neurons of the ipsilesional mouse brain cortex. Treatment of mice with activator 3 reduced infarct volume, whereas sirtinol increased ischemic injury.
Sirt1
−/−
mice displayed larger infarct volumes after ischemia than their wild-type counterparts. In addition, SIRT1 inhibition/deletion was concomitant with increased acetylation of p53 and nuclear factor κB (p65).

Conclusions—
These results support the idea that SIRT1 plays an important role in neuroprotection against brain ischemia by deacetylation and subsequent inhibition of p53-induced and nuclear factor κB-induced inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
Multiplex PCR testing requires a robust multi-disciplinary strategy to effectively manage identified cases of chlamydial conjunctivitis
Authors: Lockington D , MacDonald R , King S , Weir C , Winter A , Aitken C 
Published: May 2013

Introduction Implementation of an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex assay by West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre to improve sample processing means all viral eye swabs are now routinely tested for Adenovirus, Herpes simplex, Varicella and Chlamydia. Concern was raised regarding subsequent management and sexual health attendance for Chlamydia-positive patients identified in eye casualty. Methods A retrospective review of virology results identified 76 Chlamydia-positive patients from 1914 eye swabs (4%) from May 2007 to April 2008. Of these results, 12 originated from Glasgow eye casualty and available clinical notes were cross-referenced with the sexual health network (Sandyford). Results Identified issues included no documentation of implications of testing, poor communication of positive results and poor referral pathways to sexual health for assessment; all leading to inadequate management. A shared care network was created to address these issues. A designated sexual health advisor was identified to improve sexual health referral, specialist assessment, standardised management and contact tracing. Re-audit showed more consistent follow-up. Conclusion New PCR technology has resulted in a shared care approach to address corresponding implications of testing. Effective communication with a structured protocol and a central point of contact has improved follow-up and ensures appropriate best practice management of chlamydial conjunctivitis.
A case of sebaceous carcinoma arising in a benign cystic teratoma of the ovary and review of the literature
Authors: Moghaddam Y , Lindsay R , Tolhurst J , Millan D , Siddiqui N 
Published: May 2013

Objective: To present an extremely rare case of sebaceous carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary. Clinical presentation and intervention: A 66-year-old woman presented with abdominal discomfort and a pelvic mass. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, as well as CT scan, revealed a 27 cm complex right pelvic mass, which was diagnosed histologically as a sebaceous carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma. The patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, peritoneal washings, appendicectomy and infracolic omentectomy. Conclusion: This case adds to the rare reports in the literature of sebaceous carcinoma occurring in a mature cystic teratoma. The clinical behaviour and optimal management of this entity are not well established. The patient has been well for 32 months following surgery with no evidence of recurrent disease clinically.
Urological complications of inguinal hernia surgery
Authors: Shah S , Marsh H , Khan MS , Shah A , Madaan S 
Published: May 2013

Background and aims A systematic review of the literature is presented with regard to urological complications resulting from inguinal hernia surgery. Considering the amount of inguinal hernia operations performed, the resulting complications, which may be urological in presentation, have potential late irreversible and medico-legal implications. Methods and results A Pubmed search of ‘urological’ ‘complications’ and ‘inguinal hernia surgery’ was carried out and clinical practice was also taken into consideration. Discussion Approximately 75% of hernias occur in the groin; two-third of these are indirect and about one-third direct. Most of these repairs are carried out by the general surgeons and any complication, including urological, are often initially managed by the operating general surgeon. Often a urological opinion is sought late for conditions which may be reversible. We present potential urological complications, their presenting features and management. Conclusion Recognition, timely referral and appropriate treatment of urological complications after hernia surgery are necessary to avoid potential consequences and long-term morbidity.
Faecal calprotectin concentrations in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Wang Shaodong , Wang Zhenkai , Shi Hui , Heng Lu , Juan Wei , Yuan Boshi , Wu Xiaochen , Wang Fangyu 
Published: May 2013

Objective To quantify faecal calprotectin concentrations in a variety of gastrointestinal disorders in order to determine its diagnostic value. Methods Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms undergoing upper or lower endoscopy and healthy control subjects provided stool samples. Calprotectin was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The study recruited 210 patients with definitively diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases and 50 control subjects. Calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease compared with controls, or patients with colorectal polyps or irritable bowel syndrome. The faecal calprotectin concentration significantly differentiated between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and non-IBD (area under ROC curve 0.949). Calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with oesophageal polyps or gastric neoplasms than in those with chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers or acute pancreatitis. Conclusion Calprotectin may be a useful noninvasive marker for the diagnosis of IBD.
Comparative studies on the accumulation of strain and recovery ratio of Veriflex®, a shape-memory polymer
Authors: Chowdhury A. M. Sarwaruddin , Schmidt Christina , Neuking Klaus , Eggeler Gunther 
Published: May 2013

A comparative investigation on thermomechanical cycles including programming, cooling, unloading and heating to trigger the one-way effect (1-WE) was carried out for Veriflex® between temperature ( T) and glass transition temperature ( Tg) at 62°C ( T < Tg) and 72°C ( T > Tg) for 140% strains and 10 min recovery time. Accumulation of strain and recovery ratios was estimated during the treatments. It turns out that the process causes an increase in irreversible strain and is associated with a corresponding decrease in intensity of the 1-WE in particular during the first thermomechanical cycle. The confocal laser scanning microscopic study shows a very little wavy surface structure evolved at 72°C. Infrared study features the chemical nature of Veriflex.
Economic Growth, Tourism and Selected Macroeconomic Variables: A Triangular Causal Relationship in Malaysia
Authors: Li Cheam Chai , Mahmood Rosli , Abdullah Hussin , Chuan Ong Soon 
Published: May 2013

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world, which makes it a potential strategic factor for economic growth. This adds to the strong interest in the role of tourism in Malaysia’s economic growth as it is the second-largest contributor to foreign exchange earnings after manufacturing. In addition, empirical results associated with Granger causality among economic growth, tourism and exports within the neoclassical framework are inconsistent. The objectives of this study, thus, are to determine: the long-run relationship; the long-run and short-run Granger causality; and the long-run triangular Granger causality between economic growth and tourism receipts corresponding to selected macroeconomic variables such as government tourism expenditure, physical capital, education, health and exports as control variables. The long-run Granger causality in vector error correction model (VECM) shows economic growth, tourism receipts and health complement each other (bidirectional causality), while unidirectional causalities are found between government tourism expenditure, physical capital, education and exports to economic growth. In addition, enhancing physical capital, education, health, exports and government tourism expenditure precede tourism receipts; all these in turn indirectly lead to economic growth, thus witnessing triangular relationships among them. JEL Classification: C01, C32, L83, 047, O53
Trade Openness and Manufacturing Sector Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Umoh Okon J. , Effiong Ekpeno L. 
Published: May 2013

How important is trade openness as a vehicle for driving productivity in developing countries? We offer a sector-specific analysis with focus on the manufacturing sector for meaningful policy insights. Using a modern econometric technique—the autoregressive distributed lag approach to cointegration—this article attempts to establish the relationship between openness to trade and manufacturing performance in Nigeria for the period 1970–2008. The results suggest that trade openness has a significant positive impact on manufacturing productivity in Nigeria both in the short and long run. These coefficient estimates are robust and stable over the time. Therefore, the policy direction for the manufacturing sector in Nigeria should focus more on open policies through trade liberalisation as a long-term plan. Reduction in trade restrictions and implementation of appropriate incentives are vital for resuscitating the performance of the sector. In this aspect, policy-makers should leverage the benefits of openness to the comparative advantages in the liberalised sector. JEL Classification: F41, C22, O55
Interleukin-12p40 in the spinal fluid as a biomarker for clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Orbach Rotem , Gurevich Michael , Achiron Anat 
Published: May 2013

Background: The cerebrospinal (CSF) constitutes a specific immune micro-environment to the central nervous system, thus it may contain specific biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: We aimed to study a large array of inflammatory CSF biomarkers in patients with suspected MS to recognize potential early diagnostic markers. Methods: CSF samples were obtained from 115 patients who presented with neurological symptomatology suggestive of MS as follows: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) = 49, relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) = 29, and other neurologic disorders (OND) = 37. Protein expression profiles of 30 inflammatory biomarkers were measured by multiplex Luminex bead assay and further analyzed by group comparison statistics, correlation studies and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Interleukin-12 subunit p40 (IL12p40) demonstrated a significant differential expression pattern between the groups (CIS vs OND: p = 1.17*10−7; RRMS vs OND: p = 4.98*10−5), with higher levels in CIS and RRMS patients. ROC analysis demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance of IL12p40 for discrimination between CIS and OND patients (area under the curve = 0.87 (95% CI 0.78–0.93), p = 0.0001). No associations were found with disease activity or severity measures. Conclusions: An increased IL12p40 level characterizes the CSF of MS patients and appears to be helpful in identifying CIS and OND patients early in the process of clinical diagnostic assessment.
The Incidence and Natural History of Forefoot Scar Pain Following Open Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Ieong Edmund , Afolayan John , Little Nicholas , Solan Matthew , Pearce Christopher 
Published: May 2013

Background. Scar symptoms are a recognized complication of forefoot surgery. The aim of our study was to quantify and qualify these symptoms following open Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. Methods. A total of 125 consecutive patients with a minimum of 1 year’s follow-up were questioned, with a response rate of 82%. Four patients were excluded because of superficial wound infections, leaving 98 patients in the study. Results. In all, 30 patients (31%) reported scar symptoms. In this symptomatic group, 8 patients (21%) undertook noninvasive intervention for their symptoms, and the remaining 22 symptomatic patients (79%) did not use any form of intervention for their symptoms. Patients who undertook some sort of intervention had a significantly shorter duration of symptoms (mean = 19 vs 44 weeks; P = .01). The mean duration of symptoms was 27.9 weeks, and mean symptom score was 3 out of 10. At the 1-year follow-up, 95% of patients had no scar symptoms. There was no significant difference in either the preoperative severity of the deformity or the degree of correction achieved between the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion. These results can be used to obtain consent, educate, and reassure patients. We recommend simple noninvasive interventions should patients experience postoperative scar symptoms. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Psychosocial Functioning in Adolescents with Perinatal HIV Infection Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Louthrenoo Orawan , Oberdorfer Peninnah , Sirisanthana Virat 
Published: May 2013

Background: With effective highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), perinatally HIV-infected children are living longer through adolescence. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents, aged 11 to 18 years. Demographically matched controls were also enrolled. The adolescents completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR), while the caregivers filled out the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), to determine emotional and behavioral problems. Results: The sample included 50 HIV-infected adolescents and 56 controls. The internalizing problem scores from the YSR were significantly higher in the HIV-infected group than those in the control group (13.76 versus 9.95, P = .02). The total competence scores, from both the self-report and the caregiver report in the HIV-infected group, were significantly lower than those of the control group ( P = .005 and .001). Conclusion: Although HAART has prolonged the survival of HIV-infected children, they remain at increased risk of psychosocial problems as well as impaired social functioning.
Naturally secreted immunoglobulins limit B1 and MZ B-cell numbers through a microbiota-independent mechanism
Authors: Lino Andreia C. , Mohr Elodie , Demengeot Jocelyne 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsThe study of AID−/−µS−/− mice reveals a microbiota-independent negative feedback control of MZ and B1 cell numbers by naturally secreted Ig.
High prevalence of red blood cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease despite transfusion from Rh-matched minority donors
Authors: Chou Stella T. , Jackson Tannoa , Vege Sunitha , Smith-Whitley Kim , Friedman David F. , Westhoff Connie M. 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsRh serologic phenotype–matched transfusions from minority donors do not prevent all Rh alloimmunization in patients with SCD. Variant RH genes are common in patients with SCD and contribute to Rh alloimmunization and transfusion reactions.
New onset migraine with aura after treatment initiation with ivabradine
Authors: Sprenger Till , Supronsinchai Weera , Goadsby Peter J 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Migraine with aura is a complex neurological disorder modeled in animals by cortical spreading depression. It is less usual to find complete animal models for the disease so any opportunity to test a human effect back at the bench is welcome.

Findings
We report the case of a 24 year old woman who developed new onset episodic migraine with visual aura shortly after treatment initiation with the If ion channel blocker ivabradine for frequency control in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We studied whether ivabradine could alter cortical spreading depression in a suitable animal model. Sixteen rats received either ivabradine or saline, and the number of depolarization shifts and blood flow changes induced by cortical spreading depression were measured in both groups. No significant differences between the ivabradine and saline group were detected.

Conclusions
Ivabradine is an interesting substance since it is known to produce migraine-like phosphenes frequently and the patient we report developed de novo migraine with aura. However, we were unable to demonstrate that the drug influences the susceptibility of the brain to cortical spreading depression with acute administration. The combined data show the relationship of migraine aura to cortical spreading depression may have some nuances yet to be identified.
B-type natriuretic peptide versus amino terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide: selecting the optimal heart failure marker in patients with impaired kidney function
Authors: Jafri Lena , Kashif Waqar , Tai Javed , Siddiqui Imran , Azam Iqbal , Shahzad Hira , Ghani Farooq 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The effect of impaired kidney function on B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) is vague. This study was performed to examine the effect of kidney dysfunction on the afore-mentioned markers and determine appropriate cutoffs for systolic heart failure (SHF).

Methods
In this cross sectional study adults with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min for ≥3 months were identified in consulting clinics from June 2009 to March 2010. SHF was defined as documented by a cardiologist with ejection fraction of < 40% and assessed by New York Heart Association classification (NYHA). Plasma was assayed for creatinine (Cr), BNP and NT-proBNP.

Results
A total of 190 subjects were enrolled in the study, 95 with and 95 without SHF. The mean age of patients was 58 (±15) years, 67.4% being males. Mean BNP levels showed a 2.5 fold and 1.5 fold increase from chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 to stage 5 in patients with and without SHF respectively. NT-proBNP levels in non-heart failure group were 3 fold higher in CKD stage 5 compared to stage 3. Mean NT-proBNP levels were 4 fold higher in CKD stage 5 compared to stage 3 in patients with SHF. Optimal BNP and NT-proBNP cutoffs of SHF diagnosis for the entire CKD group were 300 pg/ml and 4502 pg/ml respectively.

Conclusion
BNP and NT-proBNP were elevated in kidney dysfunction even in the absence of SHF; however the magnitude of increase in NT-proBNP was greater than that of BNP. BNP and NT-proBNP can be useful in diagnosing SHF, nonetheless, by using higher cutoffs stratified according to kidney dysfunction. NT-proBNP appears to predict heart failure better than BNP.
Single dose of gentamicin in combination with metronidazole versus multiple doses for prevention of post-caesarean infection at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania: a randomized, equivalence, controlled trial
Authors: Lyimo Fadhili M , Massinde Anthony N , Kidenya Benson R , Konje Eveline T , Mshana Stephen E 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Caesarean section(C/S) has been found to increase rates of maternal infectious morbidities five times more than vaginal delivery. The provision of intravenous prophylactic antibiotics 30 to 60 minutes prior to C/S has been found to substantially reduce post-caesarean infection. At Bugando Medical Centre, there is no consistent protocol for the administration of antibiotic prophylaxis to patients who are undergoing emergency C/S. Providing repeated dosages of antibiotic prophylaxis after C/S is the common practice. This study aimed to determine the comparative efficacy of a single dose of gentamicin in combination with metronidazole versus multiple doses for prevention of post-caesarean infection.

Methods
From October 2011 to May 2012, a randomized, equivalence, non-blinding clinical trial was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. A total of 500 eligible participants were enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated into two study arms -- “A” and “B”. Participants in “A” received a single dose of gentamicin in combination with metronidazole 30 to 60 minutes prior to the operation, and participants in “B” received the same drugs prior to the operation but continued with for 24 hours. Both groups had 30 days of follow-up and were assessed for signs and symptoms of surgical-site infection as the primary outcome. The equivalence margin was set at 5%. The two-tailed equivalence was analyzed based on intention- to-treat analysis.

Results
The randomization was proper, as the distribution of various demographic and other baseline characteristics had a p-value of > 0.05. All 500 participants were included in our analysis; of these, no participants were lost to follow-up. Surgical-site infection occurred in 12 out of the 250 (4.8%) receiving single dose compared to 16 out of the 250 (6.4%) receiving multiple doses. There is an absolute proportion difference of 1.6% (95% Confidence interval: -2.4 – 5.6%) which lies outside the pre-specified 5% equivalence margin.

Conclusion
We recommend the administration of pre-operative single dose antibiotic prophylaxis for emergency caesarean as this intervention proved to be not equivalent to multiple doses antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing surgical site infection. Single dose therapy also reduces staff workload along with medication costs.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN44462542