bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized, proof-of-principle clinical trial of active transcranial magnetic stimulation in chronic migraine
Authors: Conforto Adriana B , Amaro Edson , Gonçalves André L , Mercante Juliane PP , Guendler Vera Z , Ferreira Josione R , Kirschner Clara CFB , Peres Mario FP 
Published: December 2013

Background High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rTMS-DLPFC) is an effective treatment for depression. Preliminary studies indicated beneficial effects of rTMS-DLPFC on pain relief in patients treated for depression, and in patients with chronic migraine. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, single-center, proof-of-principle clinical trial, we tested the hypothesis that 23 sessions of active rTMS-DLPFC delivered over eight weeks would be feasible, safe and superior to sham rTMS to decrease the number of headache days in 18 patients with chronic migraine without severe depression. Per-protocol analysis was performed. Results rTMS-DLPFC applied over eight weeks was feasible and safe in patients with chronic migraine. Contrary to our primary hypothesis, the number of headache days decreased significantly more in the sham group than in the group treated with active rTMS-DLPFC at eight weeks. Average decrease in headache days was >50% in the sham group, indicating a powerful placebo response. Pain intensity improved in both groups to a similar extent. Conclusions Positive results of M1 stimulation in other studies, and the absence of significant benefits of active high-frequency rTMS of the DLPFC in the present study, point to M1 as a more promising target than the DLPFC, for larger trials of noninvasive brain stimulation in patients with chronic migraine.
Do nocturnal headaches matter? A prospective diary study on subjective sleep parameters in snorers and their bed partners
Authors: Seidel Stefan , Frantal Sophie , Salhofer-Polanyi Sabine , Lieba-Samal Doris , Zeitlhofer Josef , Wöber Christian 
Published: December 2013

Background The objective of this study was to assess the influence of nocturnal headaches (NH) on subjective sleep parameters prospectively in habitual snorers and their bed partners. Methods We recruited habitual snorers and their bed partners via newspaper articles. The participants completed a semistructured interview, filled in questionnaires about quality of sleep (PSQI), daytime sleepiness (ESS), depression (SDS) and anxiety (SAS) and they kept a 90-day headache and sleep diary. Results Seventy-six snorers (25 female) and 41 bed partners (31 female) completed the study recording a total of 6690 and 3497 diary days, respectively. NH were recorded on 222 (3.3%) and 79 (2.2%) days in 32 (42%) snorers and 17 (41%) bed partners, respectively. Snorers with NH showed significantly higher PSQI (5 ± 3 vs. 4 ± 2, p = 0.004), SAS (38 ± 11 vs. 31 ± 10, p = 0.011) and SDS scores (39 ± 12 vs. 34 ± 10, p = 0.048) than snorers without NH. For bed partners with NH we found a significant female predominance (sex ratio f:m = 16:1 vs. 12:12, p = 0.005) and significantly higher SAS scores (38 ± 6 vs. 33 ± 8, p = 0.030) compared with bed partners without NH. The subjective quality of sleep in habitual snorers ( p < 0.001) as well as their bed partners ( p = 0.017) was negatively influenced by NH, but not total sleep time. Discussion NH occurred in around 40% of snorers and their bed partners at least once during the 90-day observation period. Our results confirmed a negative impact on the subjective quality of sleep in both groups.
Effects of releasing recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for repair of the rat degenerated intervertebral disc
Authors: Yan Jihong , Yang Shu , Sun Huaimei , Guo Duo , Wu Bo , Ji Fengqing , Zhou Deshan 
Published: December 2013

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres loaded with recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 (rhGDF-5) on the disc degeneration induced by needle puncture in a rat caudal disc model. Methods: The rhGDF-5-loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by the water-oil-water double-emulsion solvent evaporation method, and release kinetics was determined over 42 days. Rats that underwent 21-G needle puncture at rat tail discs were injected with rhGDF-5/PLGA microspheres at four weeks after needle injury. At eight weeks after the injection, disc height, glycosaminoglycans content, and DNA content of the discs were evaluated. In addition, gene expression analysis of aggrecan, collagen type I, and collagen type II in the rat nucleus pulposus was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Rat discs were also assessed by histology using hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results: Encapsulation of rhGDF-5 in PLGA microspheres guaranteed a sustained release of active rhGDF-5 for more than 42 days. The injection of GDF-5/PLGA microspheres resulted in a statistically significant restoration of disc height ( p < 0.01), improvement of sulfated glycosaminoglycan ( p < 0.05), DNA content ( p < 0.05), and significantly increased mRNA levels of collagen type II ( p < 0.01), and the differentiation index (the ratio of collagen type II to collagen type I, p < 0.01). In addition, rhGDF-5/PLGA microspheres treatment also improved histological changes induced by needle puncture. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that injection of rhGDF-5 loaded in PLGA microspheres into rat tail discs may be as a promising therapy strategy to regenerate or repair the degenerative disc.
A scalable approach to obtain mesenchymal stem cells with osteogenic potency on apatite microcarriers
Authors: Feng Jason , Chong Mark , Chan Jerry , Zhang Zhiyong , Teoh Swee Hin , Thian Eng San 
Published: December 2013

Bone tissue engineering, which relies on the interactions between stem cells and suitable scaffold materials, represents a highly desirable alternative to currently used allograft or autograft strategies for the treatment of bone defects caused by injury or disease, with one of the major challenges being to generate sufficient quantities of stem cells to bring about the intended therapeutic effect. However, conventional cell culture to achieve sufficient cell numbers faces limitations of low efficiency and diminished efficacy of stem cells due to repeated passaging. Furthermore, current microcarriers available may not be suitable for therapeutic implantation. Here, the authors featured an apatite-based microcarrier intended for bone tissue engineering applications. These apatite microcarriers have a diameter of ∼230 µm, and exhibited porous and rough surface morphology. Peaks obtained from X-ray diffractometry (XRD) corresponded to hydroxyapatite (HA) with high crystallinity. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) showed that no residues of alginate remained, and all bands observed belong to phosphate and hydroxyl groups of HA. To evaluate the cytocompatibility of these microcarriers, in vitro proliferation studies were conducted and compared with conventional monolayer as well as Cytodex 3. The authors found that human foetal mesenchymal stem cells (hfMSCs) cultured on apatite microcarriers exhibited comparable growth characteristics, achieving 1.4-fold higher live cells than Cytodex 3 over a 9-day culture period. As these microcarriers were hypothesised to offer enhanced osteogenic potency over conventional monolayer culture, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen and osteocalcin expression of hfMSCs cultured on the apatite microcarriers were evaluated over a 12-day period. ALP expression for hfMSCs seeded on apatite microcarriers was 2.7-fold higher than that of adherent monolayer culture ( p < 0.001). Additionally, type I collagen and osteocalcin expression were 1.8- and 1.5-fold higher than that of adherent monolayer culture on day 12, respectively ( p < 0.001).
Intensive Care Unit Delirium
Authors: Kalabalik Julie , Brunetti Luigi , El-Srougy Radwa 
Published: December 2013

Purpose: The recent literature regarding intensive care unit (ICU) delirium and updated clinical practice guidelines are reviewed. Summary: Recent studies show that ICU delirium in critically ill patients is an independent predictor of higher mortality, longer ICU and hospital stay, and is associated with multiple clinical complications. Delirium has been reported to occur in greater than 80% of hospitalized critically ill patients, yet it remains an underdiagnosed condition. Several subtypes of delirium have been identified including hypoactive, hyperactive, and mixed presentation. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, several factors are thought to interact to cause delirium. Multiple risk factors related to medications, acute illness, the environment, and patient characteristics may contribute to the development of delirium. Practical bedside screening tools have been validated and are recommended to identify ICU patients with delirium. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as early mobilization have resulted in better functional outcomes, decreased incidence and duration of delirium, and more ventilator-free days. Data supporting pharmacologic treatments are limited. Conclusion: Clinicians should become familiar with tools to identify delirium in order to initiate treatment and remove mitigating factors early in hospitalization to prevent delirium. Pharmacists are in a unique position to reduce delirium through minimization of medication-related risk factors and development of protocols.
Incidence and predictive factors of depression among patients with HIV infection in Guadeloupe: 1988–2009
Authors: Elenga Narcisse , Georger-Sow Marie-Thérèse , Messiaen Thierry , Lamaury Isabelle , Favre Isabelle , Nacher Mathieu , Beaucaire Gilles 
Published: December 2013

Summary A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence and the predictive factors of depression in a cohort of 2737 HIV/AIDS-infected patients in Guadeloupe followed for a total of 8402 patient-years. The incidence rate of first observed depression was 2.2 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–2.6). A single failure Cox proportional hazards model showed that the 1997–2000 inclusion period (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.10–2.40; p = 0.01), the 2001–2009 inclusion period (HR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.02–2.40; p = 0.04), the more advanced CDC stage (HR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.30–3.10; p = 0.000) and the annual frequency of visits > 10 (HR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.70–3.30; p = 0.000) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Incidence of depression in this HIV cohort was high and the hazard function showed three peaks of depression (2, 7 and 12 years). Physicians should be vigilant to psychological distress throughout life with HIV.
Annular erythema in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: description of 43 non-Asian cases
Authors: Brito-Zerón P , Retamozo S , Akasbi M , Gandía M , Perez-De-Lis M , Soto-Cardenas M-J , Diaz-Lagares C , Kostov B , Bove A , Bosch X , Perez-Alvarez R , Siso A , Ramos-Casals M 
Published: December 2013

Objective The objective of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence and characterize the main epidemiological, clinical and immunological features of annular erythema (AE) in non-Asian patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Methods We carried out a retrospective study searching for AE in 377 Spanish patients with primary SS fulfilling the 2002 American-European criteria. In addition, we searched PubMed (1994–2012) using the MeSH terms “annular erythema” and “primary Sjögren’s syndrome” for additional cases. All cases with AE reported in patients with SS associated with systemic lupus erythematosus were excluded. Results In our Spanish cohort, we found 35 (9%) patients diagnosed with AE. All were white females, with a mean age of 47 years at diagnosis of AE. AE preceded diagnosis of SS in 27 (77%) patients. Cutaneous AE lesions involved principally the face and upper extremities. All patients reported photosensitivity, with cutaneous flares being reported during the warmest months in 93% of patients. Immunological markers consisted of anti-Ro/La antibodies in 31 (89%) patients. In the literature search, we identified eight additional non-Asian patients with primary SS diagnosed with AE. In comparison with 52 Asian patients, the 43 non-Asian patients with AE related to primary SS were more frequently women (100% vs 78%, p = 0.008), and cutaneous lesions were less frequently reported in the face (55% vs 81%, p = 0.045) and more frequently in the neck (40% vs 14%, p = 0.041). Immunologically, non-Asian patients had a lower frequency of anti-Ro antibodies and a higher frequency of negative Ro/La antibodies, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion AE is not an exclusive cutaneous feature of Asian patients with primary SS. In addition to the characteristic cutaneous expression, AE has a very specific clinical and immunological profile: often presenting before the fulfillment of SS criteria, overwhelmingly associated with anti-Ro antibodies but weakly associated with other immunological markers and the main systemic SS-related features.
Trends in systemic lupus erythematosus mortality in Spain from 1981 to 2010
Authors: Ruiz E , Ramalle-Gómara E , Elena Á , Quiñones C , Alonso V , Posada M ,   and on behalf of the Spain RDR Working group
Published: December 2013

Background Incidence and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) seem to be increasing in the last few decades, in contrast to the survival rate that has improved over time. The objective of this study was to examine the trends in the SLE mortality in Spain over a 30-year period (1981–2010). Methods Data on SLE deaths were drawn from the National Statistics Institute of Spain. Crude and overall age-standardized SLE mortality rates were calculated and joinpoint regression models were used to describe trend changes. Mean age of deaths by SLE each year was also assessed. Results The overall age-standardized SLE mortality rate was 1.82 per million in 1981 and 2.24 in 2010. It was higher in women, 1.39 vs 0.43 in 1981 and 1.96 vs 0.28 in 2010. There was a statistically significant change in 1999. The overall age-standardized mortality rate increased from 1981 to 1999 and stabilized from 2000 to 2010. Only male rates decreased from 2000 to 2010. The mean age at death increased with time, from 42 years in 1981 to 61 years in 2010. Conclusions In conclusion, a slight decrease in SLE mortality has been observed in Spain over the last decade and future studies would be needed to explain the factors contributing to the improvement in the mortality rates.
Microbial fingerprinting detects intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in Zebrafish models with chemically-induced enterocolitis
Authors: He Qi , Wang Lin , Wang Fan , Wang Chenyang , Tang Chun , Li Qiurong , Li Jieshou , Zhao Qingshun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves a breakdown in interactions between the host immune response and the resident commensal microbiota. Recent studies have suggested gut physiology and pathology relevant to human IBD can be rapidly modeled in zebrafish larvae. The aim of this study was to investigate the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in zebrafish models with IBD-like enterocolitis using culture-independent techniques.ResultsIBD-like enterocolitis was induced by exposing larval zebrafish to trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Pathology was assessed by histology and immunofluorescence. Changes in intestinal microbiota were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and the predominant bacterial composition was determined with DNA sequencing and BLAST and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Larval zebrafish exposed to TNBS displayed intestinal-fold architecture disruption and inflammation reminiscent of human IBD. In this study, we defined a reduced biodiversity of gut bacterial community in TNBS-induced coliitis. The intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in zebrafish larvae with IBD-like colitis was characterized by an increased proportion ofProteobacteria(especiallyBurkholderia) and a decreased of Firmicutes(Lactobacillus group), which were significantly correlated with enterocolitis severity(Pearson correlationp< 0.01).ConclusionsThis is the first description of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in zebrafish IBD-like models, and these changes correlate with TNBS-induced enterocolitis. Prevention or reversal of this dysbiosis may be a viable option for reducing the incidence and severity of human IBD.
The association of marital relationship and perceived social support with mental health of women in Pakistan
Authors: Qadir Farah , Khalid Amna , Haqqani Sabahat , Zill-e-Huma  , Medhin Girmay 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMarital circumstances have been indicated to be a salient risk factor for disproportionately high prevalence of depression and anxiety among Pakistani women. Although social support is a known buffer of psychological distress, there is no clear evidence as to how different aspects of marital relations interact and associate with depression and anxiety in the lives of Pakistani married women and the role of social supports in the context of their marriage.MethodsTwo hundred seventy seven married women were recruited from Rawalpindi district of Pakistan using a door knocking approach to psychometrically evaluate five scales for use in the Pakistani context. A confirmatory factor analysis approach was used to investigate the underlying factor structure of Couple satisfaction Index (CSI-4), Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (LWMAT), Relationship Dynamic Scale (RDS), Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The interplay of the constructs underlying the three aspects of marital relations, and the role of social support on the mental health of married Pakistani women were examined using the Structural Equation Model.ResultsThe factor structures of MSPSS, CSI-4, LWMAT, RDS and HADS were similar to the findings reported in the developed and developing countries. Perceived higher social support reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety by enhancing positive relationship as reflected by a low score on the relationship dynamics scale which decreases CMD symptoms. Moreover, perceived higher social support is positively associated with marital adjustment directly and indirectly through relationship dynamics which is associated with the reduced risk of depression through the increased level of reported marital satisfaction. Nuclear family structure, low level of education and higher socio-economic status were significantly associated with increased risk of mental illness among married women.ConclusionFindings of this study support the importance of considering elements of marital relationship: satisfaction, adjustment and negative interactions which can be prioritized to increase the efficiency of marital interventions. It also highlights the role of social support in the context of marital relationships among Pakistani women. Furthermore, the study presents the etiological models of depression and anxiety with reference to the above.
MiR-92b inhibitor promoted glioma cell apoptosis via targeting DKK3 and blocking the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Li Qifeng , Shen Ke , Zhao Yang , Ma Chenkai , Liu Jianwen , Ma Jie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMiR-92b was upregulated in gliomas. However, the association of miR-92b with glioma cell apoptosis and survival remains unknown.MethodsProliferation capability of glioma cells upon tranfection with miR-92b mimics or inhibitors was detected by mutiple analyses, including MTT assays, colony formation assay. Apoptosis abilities of glioma cells were detected by flow cytometric analysis. The target of miR-92b was determined by luciferase reporter and western blot. The association of miR-92b with outcome was examined in twenty glioma patients.ResultsMiR-92b expression was significantly increased in high-grade gliomas compared with low-grade gliomas, and positively correlated with the degree of glioma infiltration. Over-expression of miR-92b increased cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of miR-92b decreased cell proliferation via modulating the levels of the target, Target prediction analysis and a dual luciferase reporting assay confirmed that the inhibitory protein-coding Dickkopf-3 gene (DKK3) was a direct target of miR-92b. Furthermore, miR-92b could regulate the expression of downstream genes of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, such as Bcl2, c-myc and p-c-Jun, in glioma cells. Finally, the increased level of miR-92b expression in high-grade gliomas confers poorer overall survival.ConclusionsThe present data indicates that miR-92b directly regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis by targetingDKK3and act as prognostic factors for glioma patients.
Basic research and clinical applications of bisphosphonates in bone disease: what have we learned over the last 40 years?
Authors: Xu Xiao-Long , Gou Wen-Long , Wang Ai-Yuan , Wang Yu , Guo Quan-Yi , Lu Qiang , Lu Shi-Bi , Peng Jiang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIt is now 40 years since bisphosphonates (BPs) were first used in the clinic. So, it is timely to provide a brief review of what we have learned about these agents in bone disease. BPs are bone-specific and have been classified into two major groups on the basis of their distinct molecular modes of action: amino-BPs and non-amino-BPs. The amino-BPs are more potent and they inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme of the mavalonate/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, while the non-amino-BPs inhibit osteoclast activity, by incorporation into non-hydrolyzable analogs of ATP. Both amino-BPs and non-amino-BPs can protect osteoblasts and osteocytes against apoptosis. The BPs are widely used in the clinic to treat various diseases characterized by excessive bone resorption, including osteoporosis, myeloma, bone metastasis, Legg-Perthes disease, malignant hyperparathyroidism, and other conditions featuring bone fragility. This review provides insights into some of the adverse effects of BPs, such as gastric irritation, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fractures, esophageal cancer, atrial fibrillation, and ocular inflammation. In conclusion, this review covers the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of BPs in bone, particularly the discovery that BPs have direct anti-apoptotic effects on osteoblasts and osteocytes, and the current situation of BP use in the clinic.
An efficient magnetically modified microbial cell biocomposite for carbazole biodegradation
Authors: Li Yufei , Du Xiaoyu , Wu Chao , Liu Xueying , Wang Xia , Xu Ping 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Magnetic modification of microbial cells enables to prepare smart biocomposites in bioremediation. In this study, we constructed an efficient biocomposite by assembling Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto the surface of Sphingomonas sp. XLDN2-5 cells. The average particle size of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was about 20 nm with 45.5 emu g-1 saturation magnetization. The morphology of Sphingomonas sp. XLDN2-5 cells before and after Fe3O4 nanoparticle loading was verified by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Compared with free cells, the microbial cell/Fe3O4 biocomposite had the same biodegradation activity but exhibited remarkable reusability. The degradation activity of the microbial cell/Fe3O4 biocomposite increased gradually during recycling processes. Additionally, the microbial cell/Fe3O4 biocomposite could be easily separated and recycled by an external magnetic field due to the super-paramagnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticle coating. These results indicated that magnetically modified microbial cells provide a promising technique for improving biocatalysts used in the biodegradation of hazardous compounds.