bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of homocysteine on cortical perfusion and cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Huang C.‐W. , Chang W.‐N. , Huang S.‐H. , Lui C.‐C. , Chen N.‐C. , Chang Y.‐T. , Lee C.‐C. , Chang C.‐C. , Chang A. Y. W. 
Published: April 2013

Background and purposeElevated plasma total homocysteine level (tHcy) is associated with increased risk of dementia via increased white matter changes or reduction in cortical volume. Whether tHcy has an independent impact on regional perfusion and if it can predict a more rapid cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer dementia (AD) warrants investigation.MethodsEighty AD patients with a clinical dementia rating of 1 were enrolled. Their Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument (CASI) scores on enrolment and after 1 year of follow‐up as well as their perfusion index (PI) from single photon emission computed tomography upon enrolment were analyzed.ResultsIn cross‐sectional analysis, elevated tHcy was associated with lower frontal PI independent of cerebrovascular risk factors (β = −0.35, P = 0.009). The CASI scores correlated with temporo‐parietal PI (Pearson r range 0.3–0.39, P < 0.01) but not with tHcy or frontal PI. By longitudinal analysis, only tHcy level was related to a more rapid cognitive decline (odds ratio for executive function score 1.82; odds ratio for total CASI score 1.74).ConclusionsCognitive performance in mild AD can be reflected by hypo‐perfusion of the temporo‐parietal region while frontal hypo‐perfusion may be mediated by tHcy. tHcy level is an independent risk factor for rapid cognitive decline, especially in the executive function.
Designing a new scale to measure anxiety symptoms in Parkinson's disease: item selection based on canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Martinez‐Martin P. , Rojo‐Abuin J. M. , Dujardin K. , Pontone G. M. , Weintraub D. , Forjaz M. J. , Starkstein S. , Leentjens A. F. G. 
Published: April 2013

Background and purposeThe lack of appropriate measures has hindered the research on anxiety syndromes in Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of the present cross‐sectional, international study was to identify shared elements and grouping of components from anxiety scales as a basis for designing a new scale for use in PD.MethodsFor this purpose, 342 consecutive PD patients were assessed by means of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (depression and anxiety sections), the Clinical Global Impression of severity of the anxiety symptoms, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (section E), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS‐A).ResultsAs the HADS‐A showed a weak correlation with the HARS and BAI, it was not considered for more analyses. HARS and BAI exploratory factor analysis identified nine factors (62% of the variance), with only two of them combining items from both scales. Therefore, a canonical correlation model (a method to identify relations between components of two groups of variables) was built and it showed four factors grouping items from both scales: the first factor corresponded to ‘generalized anxiety’; the second factor included muscular, sensory and autonomic ‘non‐specific somatic symptoms’; the third factor was dominated by ‘respiratory symptoms’; and the fourth factor included ‘cardiovascular symptoms’.ConclusionsBAI is heavily focused on panic symptoms, whilst HARS is more focused towards generalized anxiety symptoms. The new scale should include additional components in order to assess both episodic and persistent anxiety as well as items for evaluation of avoidance behaviour.
Reflux dolomitization of the Upper Permian Changxing Formation and the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation, NE Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Jiang L. , Cai C. F. , Worden R. H. , Li K.‐K. , Xiang L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNatural gas is found in Upper Permian and Lower Triassic dolomite reservoirs of the NE Sichuan Basin, China. Studying the mechanisms for porosity‐modifying dolomitization and predicting its spatial distribution is of great importance for exploration and field appraisal. Subsurface core samples from the oolitic Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation and outcrop samples reef carbonate Upper Permian Changxing Formation were studied using cathodoluminescence (CL), electron microprobe, fluid inclusion and isotope studies (δ18O, δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr), in an attempt to determine the origin of the dolomitizing fluids. Trace element and isotope data show that Lower Triassic seawater was most likely responsible for dolomitization of both the Permian and Triassic rocks. Sr/Ca molar ratios, calculated for the diagenetic fluid, suggest seawater was involved in dolomitization. Strontium isotope data suggest that seawater 87Sr/86Sr during the Jialingjiang (Lower Triassic) reached 0.7078; this ratio is recorded ubiquitously in both Lower Triassic oolitic dolomite and the underlying Lower Permian reef dolomite. In the Permian Changxing Formation, elevated Triassic 87Sr/86Sr values have overprinted the significantly lower 87Sr/86Sr ratio characteristic of Upper Permian seawater. Fluid inclusion analysis led to the conclusion that dolomitization must have commenced at a temperature lower than about 50°C. Integrating the sedimentology, petrology and geochemistry data, we conclude that coeval Lower Triassic (Feixianguan or slightly younger) seawater caused dolomitization by a reflux‐seepage process for both the Lower Triassic and Upper Permian units. There is no evidence for deep burial or meteoric‐marine mixing‐zone dolomitization. It is likely that evaporating seawater initially flowed into the highly porous oolitic Feixianguan Formation in a sabkha/lagoonal setting and precipitated anhydrite nodules and beds. Concomitant dolomitization, in the underlying Permian reef carbonates, continued during seepage even after the supply of sulphate was exhausted, leading to an absence of anhydrite in Permian Changxing Formation.
Description of two new HLA‐C alleles: C*08:63 and C*14:44
Authors: Mantovani M. , Longhi E. , Frison S. , Lazzari R. , Espadas De Arias A. , Piccolo G. , Poli F. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryHere, we present two new HLA allelic variants at C locus: HLA‐C*08:63 and HLA‐C*14:44 detected by sequence‐based typing. In both cases, a single‐nucleotide mutation in exon 3 is responsible for a change in aminoacid translation. The extremely high polymorphism of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system in human genome is responsible for the capability to recognize different antigens, including non‐self‐MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) molecules. This very high polymorphism and the improving accuracy of genomic HLA typing methods lead to an exponential increasing of known HLA alleles. Here, we describe the characterization of two new HLA‐C alleles identified by sequence‐based typing (SBT): HLA‐C*08:63 and HLA‐C*14:44.
Consensus recommendations for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas in Gorlin syndrome with topical methylaminolaevulinate‐photodynamic therapy
Authors: Basset‐Seguin N. , Bissonnette R. , Girard C. , Haedersdal M. , Lear J.T. , Paul C. , Piaserico S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients with Gorlin syndrome develop multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCC), for which treatment is often difficult. Methylaminolevulinate‐photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) is approved for the treatment of superficial and nodular BCCs in Canada and several European countries.ObjectivesTo establish consensus recommendations for the use of MAL‐PDT in patients with Gorlin syndrome.MethodsThe Gorlin consensus panel was comprised of 7 dermatologists who had treated a total of 83 patients with Gorlin syndrome using MAL‐PDT. Consensus was developed based on the personal experience of the expert and results of literature review (on PUBMED using the keywords ‘MAL’ and ‘PDT’ and ‘Gorlin’ or ‘naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome’).ResultsConsensus was reached among the experts and the literature review identified 9 relevant reports. The experts considered MAL‐PDT a generally effective and safe therapy for treatment of BCC in Gorlin syndrome. For superficial BCC (sBCC), all sizes can be treated, and in nodular BCC (nBCC), better efficacy can be achieved in thinner lesions (<2 mm in thickness). MAL‐PDT treatment schedule should be performed according to labelling although in individual cases, it may be adapted and performed on a monthly basis based on clinical assessment. Follow‐up should be related to frequency of recurrence, and severity, number and location of lesions. Multiple lesions and large areas may be treated during the same session; however, adequate pain management should be considered.ConclusionsMAL‐PDT is safe and effective in patients with Gorlin syndrome. Utilization of these recommendations may improve efficacy and clearance rates in this population.
Treatment of bullous pemphigoid with low‐dose oral cyclophosphamide: a case series of 20 patients
Authors: Gual A. , Iranzo P. , Mascaró Jr J.M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundCyclophosphamide has been commonly used for the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris and mucous membrane pemphigoid with satisfactory results. Published data of this therapeutic approach for bullous pemphigoid are scant and showed significant morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy and safety of low‐dose oral cyclophosphamide (CFM) (50–100 mg/day) in patients with refractory bullous pemphigoid.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study including patients with bullous pemphigoid treated with CFM in the department of Dermatology in the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Spain.ResultsComplete response was observed in 11 (58%) over 19 evaluable patients. Cyclophosphamide at 50 mg/day was enough to achieve clinical remission in eight of these patients. Partial response was observed in four (21%) more patients. Bone marrow suppression appeared in 12 (60%) patients, but treatment discontinuation was only required in three (15%) cases. Gastrointestinal intolerance occurred in one (5%) patient. One patient died during therapy from heart failure (not attributed to CFM) and another patient developed acute myeloid leukaemia 1.5 years after CFM therapy.ConclusionsIn our series, CFM had a marked therapeutic effect in bullous pemphigoid. These results of efficacy are similar to those described in other autoimmune blistering skin diseases. Only a few patients had to discontinue their treatment due to adverse effects. Therefore, we consider that low‐dose oral CFM can be valuable therapeutic alternative in elderly patients with moderate‐to‐severe bullous pemphigoid.
MUC5AC expression correlates with invasiveness and progression of extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Hata H. , Abe R. , Hoshina D. , Saito N. , Homma E. , Aoyagi S. , Shimizu H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients with in situ extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) tend to have a good prognosis, although dermal invasion and metastasis are associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have addressed mechanisms underlying the EMPD pathogenesis; however, no molecular markers that reflect invasiveness or progression have been established.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify a reliable marker for predicting the risk of invasion and metastasis in EMPD.MethodsWe performed an initial microarray screening for in situ, invasive or metastatic lymph node lesions of EMPD. We analysed 44 specimens from 38 primary EMPD cases by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsWe found that expressions of MUC5AC directly correlate with invasion and prognosis. Labelling rates of tumour cells were scored by staining intensity on a four‐tiered scale (− to 3+) to investigate the correlation between the expression score of these molecular markers and the type of EMPD lesion. All the specimens scored positive (3+) for MUC1 and negative (−) for MUC6. MUC5AC expression was detected in 19 of 44 (43.2%) specimens. Invasive lesions and metastatic lymph nodes tended to express MUC5AC significantly higher than in situ lesions (P < 0.01). MUC2 was positive in 10 specimens (22.7%). There was no significant difference between the degree of MUC2 expression and invasiveness.ConclusionThe degree of MUC5AC expression may correlate with the invasiveness and progression of EMPD, and may be a useful marker for identifying high‐risk EMPD cases.
Troglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, decreases tau phosphorylation through the inhibition of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 activity in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and primary neurons
Authors: Cho Du‐Hyong , Lee Eun Joo , Kwon Kyoung Ja , Shin Chan Young , Song Kee‐Ho , Park Jung‐Hyun , Jo Inho , Han Seol‐Heui 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, it has been reported that TZDs have a beneficial effect on neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether and how troglitazone, a parent TZD drug, inhibits tau phosphorylation. Treatment with troglitazone decreased tau‐Thr231 phosphorylation and p35, the specific activator of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Troglitazone also decreased CDK5 enzymatic activity, and ectopic expression of p25, the cleaved and more active form of p35, restored the troglitazone‐induced decrease in tau‐Thr231 phosphorylation. Treatment with either MG‐132, a reversible proteasome inhibitor, or lactacystin, a specific and irreversible 26S proteasome inhibitor, significantly reversed the observed inhibitory effects of troglitazone. However, GW9662, a specific and irreversible PPARγ antagonist, did not alter the observed inhibitory effects. Similar results were also found when other TZD drugs, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, were used. Treatment with various inhibitors revealed that troglitazone‐induced inhibitions of tau‐Thr231 phosphorylation and p35 expression were not mediated by glycogen synthase kinase 3β, protein kinase A, and protein phosphatase 2A signaling pathways. Finally, we also found that the same observed inhibitory effects of troglitazone hold true for the use of primary cortical neurons. Taken together, we demonstrated that TZDs repressed tau‐Thr231 phosphorylation via the inhibition of CDK5 activity, which was mediated by the proteasomal degradation of p35 and a PPARγ‐independent signaling pathway.
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Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) decrease tau‐Thr231 phosphorylation via the inhibition of CDK5 enzymatic activity, which is mediated by the enhanced proteasomal degradation of p35 and a PPARγ‐independent signaling pathway. This molecular mechanism implies a role for TZD drugs in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Multimodal interventions (chewing gum, early oral hydration and early mobilisation) on the intestinal motility following abdominal gynaecologic surgery
Authors: Terzioglu Fusun , Şimsek Sevgi , Karaca Kubra , Sariince Nilay , Altunsoy Pinar , Salman Mehmet Coskun 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine the effects of chewing gum, early oral hydration and early mobilisation on the time of first bowel sounds, first passage of flatus and first defecation following abdominal gynaecologic surgery.BackgroundA major complication of abdominal surgical procedures is paralytic ileus which results in patient discomfort, prolonged length of hospital stay and increased cost of treatment.DesignProspective randomised case–control study.MethodsWomen who underwent abdominal gynaecological surgery for benign disorders under general anaesthesia were randomised into eight groups according to different combinations of interventions consisting of chewing gum, early oral hydration and early mobilisation. The effects of these interventions on the time of first bowel sounds, first passage of flatus and first defecation following abdominal gynaecologic surgery were investigated. The data were analysed using chi‐square tests, t‐test for independent samples, Tukey's HSD test, pairwise comparison test, one‐way analysis of variance.ResultsIt was found that the time when bowel sounds were heard was shorter, the time first passage of flatus was shorter and first defecation occurred earlier in the 1st group of women who chew gum, were hydrated orally and were mobilised early after surgery than the other groups. It was also determined that these periods were longest in the women who did not receive any intervention and received the routine hospital care when compared with other groups. Duration of hospital stay was shorter in the women who chew gum, were hydrated orally and were mobilised early than the other groups.ConclusionsEarly oral feeding, early mobilisation and chewing gum are effective methods in terms of preventing paralytic ileus following abdominal gynaecological surgery, improving patient comfort and shortening the duration of hospitalisation.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses may cause early recovery, improve the patient comfort, prevent paralytic ileus and shorten the duration of hospitalisation after gynaecologic abdominal surgery by recommending gum chewing, early mobilisation and early hydration.
Nurses' discharge planning and risk assessment: behaviours, understanding and barriers
Authors: Graham Jane , Gallagher Robyn , Bothe Janine 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine nurses' discharge planning understanding, adherence and barriers.BackgroundDischarge planning commenced at admission by nurses plays a key role in improving patient outcomes,but policies in place to maintain effective discharge planning are often not followed by nurses.DesignThis is a descriptive study.MethodsNurses (n = 64) working in acute wards undertook a self‐report survey of discharge planning understanding, adherence and barriers.ResultsAdherence to discharge planning policy is low (23%), despite a general awareness of the reduced quality of patient outcomes that may result. The most common barriers to discharge planning identified were lack of time and patient factors. Further contradictions occurred in that nurses understood the importance of discharge planning, yet did not comply with discharge planning policies.ConclusionsNurses require additional encouragement and support in complying with discharge planning policies, and discharge planning policies should be adapted to better handle unpredictable illness trajectories.Relevance to clinical practiceCompletion of discharge planning is important for the safe transition of patients from one care setting to the next. Before a systematic approach to discharge planning can be implemented, a greater understanding of nurses' discharge planning practice in acute care wards is required. Greater incorporation of discharge planning activities into nurses' daily practice may also occur if nurses are involved in the development and implementation of the discharge processes and then provided with education and regular feedback on monthly audit results.
Utility of the theory of planned behavior to predict nursing staff blood pressure monitoring behaviours
Authors: Nelson Joan M , Cook Paul F , Ingram Jennifer C 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate constructs from the theory of planned behavior (TPB, Ajzen 2002) – attitudes, sense of control, subjective norms and intentions – as predictors of accuracy in blood pressure monitoring.BackgroundDespite numerous initiatives aimed at teaching blood pressure measurement techniques, many healthcare providers measure blood pressures incorrectly.DesignDescriptive, cohort design.MethodsMedical assistants and licensed practical nurses were asked to complete a questionnaire on TPB variables. These nursing staff's patients had their blood pressures measured and completed a survey about techniques used to measure their blood pressure. We correlated nursing staff's responses on the TBP questionnaire with their intention to measure an accurate blood pressure and with the difference between their actual blood pressure measurement and a second measurement taken by a researcher immediately after the clinic visit. Patients' perceptions of MAs' and LPNs' blood pressure measurement techniques were examined descriptively.ResultsPerceived control and social norm predicted intention to measure an accurate blood pressure, with a negative relationship between knowledge and intention. Consistent with the TPB, intention was the only significant predictor of blood pressure measurement accuracy.ConclusionsTheory of planned behavior constructs predicted the healthcare providers' intention to measure blood pressure accurately and intention predicted the actual accuracy of systolic blood pressure measurement. However, participants' knowledge about blood pressure measurement had an unexpected negative relationship with their intentions.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings have important implications for nursing education departments and organisations which traditionally invest significant time and effort in annual competency training focused on knowledge enhancement by staff. This study suggests that a better strategy might involve efforts to enhance providers' intention to change, particularly by changing social norms or increasing perceived control of the behaviour by nursing staff.
Secondary c‐Kit mutations confer acquired resistance to RTK inhibitors in c‐Kit mutant melanoma cells
Authors: Todd Jason R. , Becker Therese M. , Kefford Richard F. , Rizos Helen 
Published: April 2013

SummaryActivation of the c‐Kit receptor tyrosine kinase is rare in melanoma, but occurs in 20‐40% of melanoma arising on mucosal membranes, acral skin and skin with chronic sun‐induced damage. Many activating c‐Kit mutations have been shown to be highly sensitive to imatinib mesylate, although the majority of patients with c‐Kit mutant melanoma eventually progress on this inhibitor. We examined acquired resistance to imatinib and the newer generation inhibitor nilotinib in resistant c‐kit mutant melanoma sublines. Four imatinib‐resistant and six nilotinib‐resistant sublines had acquired additional, secondary c‐Kit mutations. The secondary A829P c‐Kit mutation rendered cells resistant to imatinib, but did not suppress the activity of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors nilotinib and dasatinib. Sublines with an additional T670I c‐Kit mutation showed resistance to imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib, but responded to sunitinib. The concurrent inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K pathways was also effective at promoting apoptosis in the parent and derived resistant sublines. Our data provide a rationale for treating patients with melanoma progressing on imatinib or nilotinib with alternative RTK inhibitors or inhibitors targeting the MAPK and PI3K signalling cascades.