bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aortic Pathology Determines Midterm Outcome After Endovascular Repair of the Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Patterson Benjamin , Holt Peter , Nienaber Chrisoph , Cambria Richard , Fairman Ronald , Thompson Matt 
Published: January 2013

Background—
Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta has become an increasingly utilized therapy. Although the short-term mortality advantage over open surgery is well documented, late mortality and the impact of presenting pathology on long-term outcomes remain poorly reported.

Methods and Results—

A database was built from 5 prospective studies and a single institutional series. Rates of perioperative adverse events were calculated, as were midterm death and reintervention rates. Multivariate analysis was performed with the use of logistic regression modeling. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were drawn for midterm outcomes. The database contained 1010 patients: 670 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm, 195 with chronic type B aortic dissection, and 114 with acute type B aortic dissection. Lower elective mortality was observed in patients with chronic dissections (3%) compared with patients with aneurysms (5%). Multivariate analysis identified age, mode of admission, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and pathology as independent predictors of 30-day death (
P
< 0.05). In the midterm, the all-cause mortality rate was 8, 4.9, and 3.2 deaths per 100 patient-years for thoracic aortic aneurysm, acute type B aortic dissection, and chronic type B aortic dissection, respectively. The rates of aortic-related death were 0.6, 1.2, and 0.4 deaths per 100 patient-years for thoracic aortic aneurysm, acute type B aortic dissection, and chronic type B aortic dissection, respectively.

Conclusions—
This study indicated that the midterm outcomes of endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta are defined by presenting pathology, associated comorbidities, and mode of admission. Nonaortic mortality is high in the midterm for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm, and managing modifiable risk factors appears vital. Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta results in excellent midterm protection from aortic-related mortality, regardless of presenting pathology.
Safety Assessment of Trimoniums as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan 
Published: January 2013

Quaternary ammonium salts, including alkyl chain, alkanol, and polymer derivatives (trimoniums) are used in cosmetics mainly as surfactant-cleansing agents, hair-conditioning agents, and antistatic agents. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed the relevant animal and human data and noted gaps in the available safety data for some of the trimomiums. The available data on many of the trimoniums are sufficient, however, and similar structural activity relationships, functions in cosmetics, and cosmetic product usage supported extending these data to the entire group. These ingredients were determined to be safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating.
Effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker on bones in mice with type 1 diabetes induced by streptozotocin
Authors: Zhang Yan , Diao Teng-Yue , Gu Sa-Sa , Wu Shu-Yan , Gebru Yoseph A , Chen Xi , Wang Jing-Yu , Ran Shu , Wong Man-Sau 
Published: January 2013

Introduction: This study was performed to address the pathological roles of the skeletal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in type 1 diabetes-induced osteoporosis and the effects of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker losartan on bones in diabetic mice. Materials and methods: Bone histomorphology was detected by H&E staining, Safranin O staining and X-ray radiography. Micro-CT was performed for the analysis of bone parameters. Gene and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Results: Type 1 diabetic mice displayed osteopenia phenotype, and losartan treatment had no osteoprotective effects on diabetic mice as shown by the reduction of bone mineral density and microarchitectural parameters at the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. The mRNA expression of AGT, renin receptor and ACE, and protein expression of renin and AT1R were markedly up-regulated in the bones of vehicle-treated diabetic mice compared to those of non-diabetic mice. The treatment with losartan further significantly increased the expression of AGT, renin, angiotensin II and AT1R, and reduced the expression of AT2R receptor as compared to those of diabetic mice. Conclusion: Local bone RAS functionally played a role in the development of type 1 diabetic osteoporosis, and losartan had no bone-sparing function in diabetes mice because of enhance skeletal RAS activity.
Classification of human natural killer cells based on migration behavior and cytotoxic response
Authors: Vanherberghen Bruno , Olofsson Per E. , Forslund Elin , Sternberg-Simon Michal , Khorshidi Mohammad Ali , Pacouret Simon , Guldevall Karolin , Enqvist Monika , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Mehr Ramit , Önfelt Björn 
Published: January 2013

Key Points
Activated NK cells display heterogeneity in their cytotoxic responses that justifies grouping them into 5 distinct classes of NK cells. A subpopulation of particularly active “serial killer” NK cells deliver their lytic hits faster and release more perforin in each hit.
GATA-3 promotes T-cell specification by repressing B-cell potential in pro–T cells in mice
Authors: García-Ojeda Marcos E. , Klein Wolterink Roel G. J. , Lemaître Fabrice , Richard-Le Goff Odile , Hasan Milena , Hendriks Rudolf W. , Cumano Ana , Di Santo James P. 
Published: January 2013

Key Points
Gata3 is critical for the transition of “double-negative” (DN) thymocyte DN1 to DN2. Gata3 represses a latent B-cell potential in DN thymocytes.
Quantitative analysis of murine terminal erythroid differentiation in vivo: novel method to study normal and disordered erythropoiesis
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Jianhua , Ginzburg Yelena , Li Huihui , Xue Fumin , De Franceschi Lucia , Chasis Joel Anne , Mohandas Narla , An Xiuli 
Published: January 2013

Key Points
The study establishes a reliable method to quantify differentiating mouse erythroblasts and to monitor terminal mouse erythropoiesis in vivo. Quantitative analysis of erythropoiesis of thalassemia mice revealed stage-specific changes in terminal erythroid differentiation.
The improved disc theorems for the Schur complements of diagonally dominant matrices
Authors: Zhang Juan , Liu Jianzhou , Tu Gen 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
The theory of Schur complement is very important in many fields such as control theory and computational mathematics. In this paper, applying the properties of Schur complement, utilizing some inequality techniques, some new estimates of diagonally dominant degree on the Schur complement of matrices are obtained, which improve some relative results. Further, as an application of these derived results, we present some distributions for the eigenvalues of the Schur complements. Finally, the numerical example is given to show the advantages of our derived results.

MSC:15A45, 15A48.
Australian general practitioners’ perspectives on their role in well-child health care
Authors: Jeyendra Adrian , Rajadurai Jeremy , Chanmugam Joanna , Trieu Alan , Nair Suraj , Baskaran Radheshan , Schmied Virginia 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
In a General Practitioner (GP) setting, preventative medicine is reported as the predominant source of health care for the well-child. However, the role of the GP in well-child health care is not well understood in Australia. The aim of this study was to describe the role of the GP in providing services for well-children and families in Australia.

Methods
This was a qualitative descriptive study. Face-to-face interviews were held with 23 GPs to identify their role in the provision of well-child health care. Participants worked in a variety of general practice settings and 21 of the 23 GPs worked in the Greater Western Sydney area.

Results
Five main themes were identified in the analysis: ‘prevention is better than cure’, ‘health promotion: the key messages’, ‘working with families’, ‘working with other health professionals’, and ‘barriers to the delivery of well-child health services’.

Conclusions
Participating GPs had a predominantly preventative focus, but in the main well-child care was opportunistic rather than proactive. The capacity to take a primary preventative approach to the health of children and families by GPs is limited by the increasing demands to manage chronic disease. Serious consideration should be given to developing collaborative models of care where GPs are joined up with services funded by State and Territory governments in Australia, such as the universal maternal child and family health nursing services that have well children and families as their prime focus.
Differences in the symptom experience of older versus younger oncology outpatients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cataldo Janine K , Paul Steven , Cooper Bruce , Skerman Helen , Alexander Kimberly , Aouizerat Bradley , Blackman Virginia , Merriman John , Dunn Laura , Ritchie Christine , Yates Patsy , Miaskowski Christine 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Mortality rates for cancer are decreasing in patients under 60 and increasing in those over 60 years of age. The reasons for these differences in mortality rates remain poorly understood. One explanation may be that older patients received substandard treatment because of concerns about adverse effects. Given the paucity of research on the multiple dimensions of the symptom experience in older oncology patients, the purpose of this study was to evaluate for differences in ratings of symptom occurrence, severity, frequency, and distress between younger (< 60 years) and older ( ≥ 60 years) adults undergoing cancer treatment. We hypothesized that older patients would have significantly lower ratings on four symptom dimensions.

Methods
Data from two studies in the United States and one study in Australia were combined to conduct this analysis. All three studies used the MSAS to evaluate the occurrence, severity, frequency, and distress of 32 symptoms.

Results
Data from 593 oncology outpatients receiving active treatment for their cancer (i.e., 44.4% were < 60 years and 55.6% were ≥ 60 years of age) were evaluated. Of the 32 MSAS symptoms, after controlling for significant covariates, older patients reported significantly lower occurrence rates for 15 (46.9%) symptoms, lower severity ratings for 6 (18.9%) symptoms, lower frequency ratings for 4 (12.5%) symptoms, and lower distress ratings for 14 (43.8%) symptoms.

Conclusions
This study is the first to evaluate for differences in multiple dimensions of symptom experience in older oncology patients. For almost 50% of the MSAS symptoms, older patients reported significantly lower occurrence rates. While fewer age-related differences were found in ratings of symptom severity, frequency, and distress, a similar pattern was found across all three dimensions. Future research needs to focus on a detailed evaluation of patient and clinical characteristics (i.e., type and dose of treatment) that explain the differences in symptom experience identified in this study.
Paraptosis and NF-κB activation are associated with protopanaxadiol-induced cancer chemoprevention
Authors: Wang Chong-Zhi , Li Binghui , Wen Xiao-Dong , Zhang Zhiyu , Yu Chunhao , Calway Tyler D , He Tong-Chuan , Du Wei , Yuan Chun-Su 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Protopanaxadiol (PPD) is a triterpenoid that can be prepared from steamed ginseng. PPD possesses anticancer potential via caspase-dependent apoptosis. Whether paraptosis, a type of the caspase-independent cell death, is also induced by PPD has not been evaluated.

Methods
Cell death, the cell cycle and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by flow cytometry after staining with annexin V/PI, PI/RNase or H2DCFDA. We observed morphological changes by crystal violet staining assay. Mitochondrial swelling was measured by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The activation of NF-κB was measured by luciferase reporter assay.

Results
At comparable concentrations of 5-fluorouracil, PPD induced more cell death in human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and SW-480. We demonstrated that PPD induced paraptosis in these cancer cells. PPD treatment significantly increased the percentage of cancer cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles. After the cells were treated with PPD and cycloheximides, cytoplasmic vacuole generation was inhibited. The paraptotic induction effect of PPD was also supported by the results of the mitochondrial swelling assay. PPD induced ROS production in cancer cells, which activated the NF-κB pathway. Blockage of ROS by NAC or PS-1145 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling.

Conclusions
PPD induces colorectal cancer cell death in part by induction of paraptosis. The anticancer activity of PPD may be enhanced by antioxidants such as green tea, which also inhibit the activation of NF-κB signaling.
Photodeposition of Ag2S on TiO2 nanorod arrays for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Ding Jianning , Zhang Shuai , Li Yan , Bai Li , Yuan Ningyi 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Ag2S quantum dots were deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanorod arrays by a two-step photodeposition. The prepared TiO2 nanorod arrays as well as the Ag2S deposited electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope, suggesting a large coverage of Ag2S quantum dots on the ordered TiO2 nanorod arrays. UV–vis absorption spectra of Ag2S deposited electrodes show a broad absorption range of the visible light. The quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) based on these electrodes were fabricated, and the photoelectrochemical properties were examined. A high photocurrent density of 10.25 mA/cm2 with a conversion efficiency of 0.98% at AM 1.5 solar light of 100 mW/cm2 was obtained with an optimal photodeposition time. The performance of the QDSSC at different incident light intensities was also investigated. The results display a better performance at a lower incident light level with a conversion efficiency of 1.25% at 47 mW/cm2.
A new system for parallel drug screening against multiple-resistant HIV mutants based on lentiviral self-inactivating (SIN) vectors and multi-colour analyses
Authors: Prokofjeva Maria M , Riecken Kristoffer , Spirin Pavel V , Yanvarév Dimitriy V , Düsedau Arne , Ellinger Bernhard , Fehse Boris , Stocking Carol , Prassolov Vladimir S 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite progress in the development of combined antiretroviral therapies (cART), HIV infection remains a significant challenge for human health. Current problems of cART include multi-drug-resistant virus variants, long-term toxicity and enormous treatment costs. Therefore, the identification of novel effective drugs is urgently needed.

Methods
We developed a straightforward screening approach for simultaneously evaluating the sensitivity of multiple HIV gag-pol mutants to antiviral drugs in one assay. Our technique is based on multi-colour lentiviral self-inactivating (SIN) LeGO vector technology.

Results
We demonstrated the successful use of this approach for screening compounds against up to four HIV gag-pol variants (wild-type and three mutants) simultaneously. Importantly, the technique was adapted to Biosafety Level 1 conditions by utilising ecotropic pseudotypes. This allowed upscaling to a large-scale screening protocol exploited by pharmaceutical companies in a successful proof-of-concept experiment.

Conclusions
The technology developed here facilitates fast screening for anti-HIV activity of individual agents from large compound libraries. Although drugs targeting gag-pol variants were used here, our approach permits screening compounds that target several different, key cellular and viral functions of the HIV life-cycle. The modular principle of the method also allows the easy exchange of various mutations in HIV sequences. In conclusion, the methodology presented here provides a valuable new approach for the identification of novel anti-HIV drugs.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for the treatment of early-stage minimally invasive adenocarcinoma or adenocarcnioma in situ (formerly bronchioloalveolar carcinoma): a patterns of failure analysis
Authors: Badiyan Shahed N , Bierhals Andrew J , Olsen Jeffrey R , Creach Kimberly M , Garsa Adam A , DeWees Todd , Bradley Jeffrey D , Robinson Clifford G 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Ongoing prospective trials exploring stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often exclude minimally invasive adenocarcinoma or adenocarcnioma in situ, formerly bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), due to concerns for accurate target delineation on CT. We performed a patterns of failure analysis to compare outcomes between BAC and other NSCLC subtypes.

Methods
One hundred twenty patients with early stage NSCLC were treated with SBRT from 2004–2009. Pathologic confirmation of NSCLC was obtained in 97 patients. Radiotherapy was delivered according to RTOG guidelines. The log-rank test was used to compare outcomes between BAC and other NSCLC.

Results
Median follow-up was 29 months. The median SBRT dose was 5400 cGy. Thirteen patients had radiographically diagnosed BAC and five patients had biopsy confirmed BAC, of which two had both. The three-year local control was 100% for biopsy-proven or radiographically diagnosed BAC (n = 18) and 86% for all other NSCLC subtypes (n = 102) (p = 0.13). Likewise, no significant difference was detected between BAC and other NSCLC for 3-year regional failure (12% vs. 20%, p = 0.45), progression-free survival (57.6% vs. 53.5%, p = 0.84) or overall survival (35% vs. 47%, p = 0.66). There was a trend towards lower three-year rates of freedom from distant failure in patients with any diagnosis of BAC compared to those without (26% vs. 38%, p = 0.053).

Conclusions
Compared to other NSCLC subtypes, BAC appears to have similar patterns of failure and survival after treatment with SBRT, however there may be an increased risk of distant metastases with BAC. RTOG guideline-based target delineation provides encouraging local control rates for patients with BAC.
New eco-friendly animal bone meal catalysts for preparation of chalcones and aza-Michael adducts
Authors: Riadi Yassine , Abrouki Younes , Mamouni Rachid , El Haddad Mohammadine , Routier Sylvain , Guillaumet Gérald , Lazar Saïd 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Two efficient reactions were successfully carried out using Animal Bone Meal (ABM) and potassium fluoride or sodium nitrate doped ABMs as new heterogeneous catalysts under very mild conditions. After preparation and characterization of the catalysts, we first report their use in a simple and convenient synthesis of various chalcones by Claisen–Schmidt condensation and then in an aza-Michael addition involving several synthesized chalcones with aromatic amines. All the reactions were carried out at room temperature in methanol; the chalcone synthesis was also achieved in water environment under microwave irradiation. Doping ABM enhances the rate and yield at each reaction. Catalytic activities are discussed and the ability to re-use the ABM is demonstrated.

Results

For Claisen–Schmidt the use of ABM alone, yields never exceeded 17%. In each entry, KF/ABM and NaNO3/ABM (79-97%) gave higher yields than using ABM alone under thermic condition. Also the reaction proceeded under microwave irradiation in good yields (72-94% for KF/ABM and 81-97% for NaNO3/ABM) and high purity. For aza-Michael addition the use of ABM doped with KF or NaNO3 increased the catalytic activity remarkably. The very high yields could be noted (84-95% for KF/ABM and 81-94% for NaNO3/ABM).

Conclusion

The present method is an efficient and selective procedure for the synthesis of chalcones an aza-Michael adducts. The ABM and doped ABMs are a new, inexpensive and attractive solid supports which can contribute to the development of catalytic processes and reduced environmental problems.
Influence of compensation status on time off work after carpal tunnel release and rotator cuff surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: de Moraes Vinícius Ynoe , Godin Katelyn , dos Santos João Baptista Gomes , Faloppa Flávio , Bhandari Mohit , Belloti João Carlos 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The assessment of post-surgical outcomes among patients with Workers’ Compensation is challenging as their results are typically worse compared to those who do not receive this compensation. These patients’ time to return to work is a relevant outcome measure as it illustrates the economic and social implications of this phenomenon. In this meta-analysis we aimed to assess the influence of this factor, comparing compensated and non-compensated patients.

Findings
Two authors independently searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Google Scholar, LILACS and the Cochrane Library and also searched for references from the retrieved studies. We aimed to find prospective studies that compared carpal tunnel release and elective rotator cuff surgery outcomes for Workers’ Compensation patients versus their non-compensated counterparts. We assessed the studies’ quality using the Guyatt & Busse Risk of Bias Tool. Data collection was performed to depict included studies characteristics and meta-analysis. Three studies were included in the review. Two of these studies assessed the outcomes following carpal tunnel release while the other focused on rotator cuff repair. The results demonstrated that time to return to work was longer for patients that were compensated and that there was a strong association between this outcome and compensation status - Standard Mean Difference, 1.35 (IC 95%; 0.91-1.80, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that compensated patients have a longer return to work time following carpal tunnel release and elective rotator cuff surgery, compared to patients who did not receive compensation. Surgeons and health providers should be mindful of this phenomenon when evaluating the prognosis of a surgery for a patient receiving compensation for their condition.

Type of study/level of evidence
Meta-analysis of prospective Studies/ Level III
Upregulation of excitatory neurons and downregulation of inhibitory neurons in barrel cortex are associated with loss of whisker inputs
Authors: Zhang Guanjun , Gao Zilong , Guan Sudong , Zhu Yan , Wang Jin-Hui 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLoss of a sensory input causes the hypersensitivity in other modalities. In addition to cross-modal plasticity, the sensory cortices without receiving inputs undergo the plastic changes. It is not clear how the different types of neurons and synapses in the sensory cortex coordinately change after input deficits in order to prevent loss of their functions and to be used for other modalities. We studied this subject in the barrel cortices from whiskers-trimmed mice vs. controls. After whisker trimming for a week, the intrinsic properties of pyramidal neurons and the transmission of excitatory synapses were upregulated in the barrel cortex, but inhibitory neurons and GABAergic synapses were downregulated. The morphological analyses indicated that the number of processes and spines in pyramidal neurons increased, whereas the processes of GABAergic neurons decreased in the barrel cortex. The upregulation of excitatory neurons and the downregulation of inhibitory neurons boost the activity of network neurons in the barrel cortex to be high levels, which prevent the loss of their functions and enhances their sensitivity to sensory inputs. These changes may prepare for attracting the innervations from sensory cortices and/or peripheral nerves for other modalities during cross-modal plasticity.