bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐31 does not induce immediate itch in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls after skin challenge
Authors: Hawro T. , Saluja R. , Weller K. , Altrichter S. , Metz M. , Maurer M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe most intriguing function attributed to interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) is its ability to induce pruritus in pathologic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). As of today, this feature of IL‐31 was tested in vivo only in animal models.MethodsTen patients with AD and 10 healthy controls were challenged with IL‐31 and NaCl (negative control) by skin prick testing. Twenty additional healthy controls were subjected to skin prick testing with histamine. Itch and local inflammatory responses of the skin were assessed for up to 72 h.ResultsAll of the histamine‐challenged subjects developed immediate pruritus (i.e. within the first 5 min). In contrast, only one IL‐31‐ and two of the NaCl‐challenged subjects reported immediate itch at the provocation site (short lasting, for 2–6 min). Nine subjects (five patients with AD) reported late itch responses to IL‐31 challenges with a mean delay of 143 min. No subject reported late itch responses to histamine or NaCl testing. There was no significant difference in IL‐31‐induced itch start time, duration and intensity between patients with AD and healthy volunteers.ConclusionIL‐31 does not induce immediate itch responses in humans. The late onset of IL‐31‐induced itch supports the notion that IL‐31 exerts its pruritic effect indirectly via keratinocytes and secondary mediators, rather than through its receptors on cutaneous nerves.
Initial axillary surgery: results from the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit
Authors: Chong Chilton , Walters David , de Silva Primali , Taylor Corey , Spillane Andrew , Kollias James , Pyke Chris , Campbell Ian , Maddern Guy 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to establish the preference and reasons for initial axillary surgery performed on women with invasive breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand using data from the Breast Surgeon's Society of Australia and New Zealand Quality Audit (BQA) according to whether sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or no axillary surgery was used.MethodsPatient data from 1999 to 2011 were categorized according to primary tumour size (≤3 cm or >3 cm) and analysed by year of diagnosis, type of initial axillary surgery and frequency of second axillary surgery following SLN biopsy. Patient age at diagnosis, health insurance status, surgeon caseload and hospital location were also examined as factors affecting the likelihood of performing different types of axillary surgery.ResultsSeventy thousand six hundred and eighty‐eight episodes of early breast cancer with axillary surgery data were reported to the BQA in the study period. The proportion of patients undergoing SLN biopsy as the first operation increased over this period in both tumour size groups with a concomitant decline in the use of ALND as the first operation over the same interval. Elderly women (>70 years old) were four times less likely to undergo axillary surgery for their initial management when compared with women aged 41–70 years old (P < 0.001). Factors favouring ALND as the initial surgery over SLN biopsy included larger tumour size, elderly age, uninsured status and having surgery in a regional centre.ConclusionsFrom 1999 to 2011, SLN biopsy as the initial axillary surgery has been widely adopted by surgeons reporting to the BQA. Future evaluation of the BQA data in the following 3–5 years will be performed to monitor this progression.
RIDGE ESTIMATORS FOR PROBIT REGRESSION: WITH AN APPLICATION TO LABOUR MARKET DATA
Authors: Locking Håkan , Månsson Kristofer , Shukur Ghazi 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn this paper we propose ridge regression estimators for probit models since the commonly applied maximum likelihood (ML) method is sensitive to multicollinearity. An extensive Monte Carlo study is conducted where the performance of the ML method and the probit ridge regression (PRR) is investigated when the data are collinear. In the simulation study we evaluate a number of methods of estimating the ridge parameter k that have recently been developed for use in linear regression analysis. The results from the simulation study show that there is at least one group of the estimators of k that regularly has a lower mean squared error than the ML method for all different situations that have been evaluated. Finally, we show the benefit of the new method using the classical Dehejia and Wahba dataset which is based on a labour market experiment.
Cost‐effectiveness of tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate elderly: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: McKenna Gerald , Allen Finbarr , Woods Noel , O'Mahony Denis , Cronin Michael , DaMata Cristiane , Normand Charles 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing two different tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate older patients, namely partial removable dental prostheses (RDP) and functionally orientated treatment based on the shortened dental arch concept (SDA).MethodsNinety‐two partially dentate older patients completed a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: the RDP group and the SDA group. Treatment effect was measured using impact on oral health–related quality of life (OHrQOL), and the costs involved in providing and maintaining care were recorded for all patients. Patients were followed for 12 months after treatment intervention. All treatment was provided by a single operator.ResultsThe total cost of achieving the minimally important clinical difference (MID) in OHrQOL for an average patient in the RDP group was €464.64. For the SDA group, the cost of achieving the MID for an average patient was €252.00. The cost‐effectiveness ratio was therefore 1:1.84 in favour of SDA treatment.ConclusionWith an increasingly ageing population, many patients will continue to benefit from removable prostheses to replace their missing natural teeth. From a purely economic standpoint, the results from this analysis suggest that the treatment of partially dentate older adults should be focused on functionally orientated treatment because it is simply more cost‐effective.
Role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase isoforms in the cellular activity of melanoma cell lines
Authors: Kogushi-Nishi H. , Jinnin M. , Kobayashi Y. , Muchemwa F. C. , Hirano A. , Makino T. , Fukushima S. , Masuguchi S. , Ishihara T. , Inoue Y. , Ihn H. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Background
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is thought to be involved in inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis.
Aim
To examine the role of JNK isoforms in metastasis, proliferation, migration and invasion of the malignant melanoma (MM) cell lines SK-MEL-28, SK-MEL-3 and WM164, using a kinase-specific inhibitor or isoform-specific small interfering (si)RNAs.
Results
SK-MEL-3, a cell line established from metastatic MM, showed slightly increased phosphorylation of both JNK1 and JNK2, whereas WM164, a cell line derived from primary MM, showed significant phosphorylation of JNK1. A JNK inhibitor, SP600125, inhibited cell proliferation of SK-MEL-3 but not SK-MEL-28 or WM164. Transfection of JNK1-specific siRNA reduced the migratory activity of WM164 cells, while silencing of either JNK1 or JNK2 strongly suppressed the invasive activity of SK-MEL-3.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that JNK isoforms have different roles in MM. Metastasis of MM may be regulated by JNK2, while invasion is regulated by both JNK1 and JNK2. JNK1 and JNK2 respectively mediate cell migration and cell proliferation. Further understanding of the specific roles of JNK isoforms in the pathogenesis of MM may lead to the development of therapies targeting specific isoforms.
Exercise practices in individuals at clinical high risk of developing psychosis
Authors: Deighton Stephanie , Addington Jean 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimRecent research suggests aerobic exercise has a positive impact on symptoms and cognition in psychosis. Because individuals with psychosis are at risk of weight gain and the resultant metabolic side‐effects, developing effective exercise programmes is of interest. Furthermore, this may be a useful intervention for those who are at risk of developing psychosis, that is, those at clinical high risk (CHR). The aim of this initial exploratory project was to examine the role of exercise in participants at CHR for psychosis.MethodsA comprehensive questionnaire was developed to assess current physical activity involvement; exercise levels in terms of frequency, intensity and duration; and perceived fitness levels. Reported barriers to exercise and reasons for exercising were also considered. Eighty participants, 40 CHR and 40 healthy controls, were assessed with this questionnaire.ResultsOverall, both groups were involved in a wide range of physical activity. Healthy controls reported higher levels of participation in indoor/outdoor activities and strength and/or flexibility training. They also exercised more frequently, more intensely and reported higher perceived fitness levels than CHR participants. Levels of exercise were unrelated to clinical symptoms and functioning in CHR participants. CHR youth reported more barriers to exercise and less positive reasons for exercising that were related to self‐perception.ConclusionThe results suggest that exercise should be investigated further in the CHR population as it may have treatment implications.
Consequences of inhibition of bumetanide metabolism in rodents on brain penetration and effects of bumetanide in chronic models of epilepsy
Authors: Töpfer Manuel , Töllner Kathrin , Brandt Claudia , Twele Friederike , Bröer Sonja , Löscher Wolfgang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe diuretic bumetanide, which acts by blocking the Na–K–Cl cotransporter (NKCC), is widely used to inhibit neuronal NKCC1, particularly when NKCC1 expression is abnormally increased in brain diseases such as epilepsy. However, bumetanide poorly penetrates into the brain and, in rodents, is rapidly eliminated because of extensive oxidation of its N‐butyl sidechain, reducing the translational value of rodent experiments. Inhibition of oxidation by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) has previously been reported to increase the half‐life and diuretic activity of bumetanide in rats. Here we studied whether inhibition of bumetanide metabolism by PBO also increases brain levels of bumetanide in rats, and whether this alters pharmacodynamic effects in the kindling model of epilepsy. Furthermore, we studied the effects of PBO in mice. Mice eliminated bumetanide less rapidly than rats (elimination half‐life 47 min vs. 13 min). Pretreatment with PBO increased the half‐life in mice to average values (70 min) previously determined in humans, and markedly elevated brain levels of bumetanide. In rats, the increase in plasma and brain levels of bumetanide by PBO was less marked than in mice. PBO significantly increased the diuretic activity of bumetanide in rats and, less effectively, in mice. In epileptic mice, bumetanide (with PBO) did not suppress spontaneous seizures. In the rat kindling model, bumetanide (with or without PBO) did not exert anticonvulsant effects on fully kindled seizures, but dose‐dependently altered kindling development. These data indicate that PBO offers a simple means to enhance the translational properties of rodent experiments with bumetanide, particularly when using mice.
Breakthrough ideas leading to new futures: prologue
Authors: Willy Christian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSince commercialisation almost 20 years ago, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT; V.A.C.® Therapy; KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) has been used to treat a wide variety of wound types and continues to evolve as research expands understanding of the mechanisms of action that enable this adjunct therapy to facilitate wound closure. In 2010, the educational International Surgical Wound Forum (ISWF) was created to facilitate discussion among experts from all over the world regarding modern wound treatment challenges and techniques. This is the first of two supplements, which are based on the 2012 and 2013 ISWF presentations and demonstrate the evolution of the role of NPWT in wound care. This first supplement provides an overview of current health care challenges and clinical practice and reviews evidence and experience using NPWT with instillation, which combines NPWT with computer‐controlled delivery and removal of topical solutions and suspensions to cleanse and/or treat wounds.
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the host resistance to mycobacteria of distinct virulence
Authors: APPELBERG R , SARMENTO A , CASTRO A G 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYThe relative virulence of different isolates of Mycobacterium avium has been linked to their capacity to trigger the secretion of TNF from the macrophages they infect. Smooth opaque (SmOp) variants of Myco. avium have been shown to trigger higher expression of TNF-α by macrophages in vitro than the smooth transparent (SmTr) variants. To analyse the role of TNF in resistance to infection by Myco. avium, we studied the infection by two different morphotypes of strain 2.151 of Myco. avium both in vitro and in vivo in the presence or absence of neutralizing antibodies to TNF. No effects were found in vitro regarding the growth of either isolate of Myco. avium. In vivo, only the virulent SmTr morphotype showed enhanced growth in the presence of the neutralizing antibodies. This enhancement occurred relatively late when priming for TNF secretion in vivo was evident. Among four isolates of Myco. avium, three virulent ones induced a marked priming for TNF release and one avirulent strain did not. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra, which is very active in inducing TNF release due to its lipoarabinomannan moiety, was used to compare with the previous results. The growth of H37Ra in macrophages was increased in vitro by the neutralization of TNF and neutralization of either TNF and/or interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) enhanced the in vivo proliferation of this microbe in the spleen and liver of infected animals, whereas only the combination of both anti-TNF and anti-IFN-γ enhanced bacterial proliferation in the lung. We conclude that resistance to the avirulent strains of Myco. avium did not involve TNF, but rather antimicrobial mechanisms expressed consitutively in the mononuclear phagocytes. In contrast, TNF plays an important role in the control of Myco. tuberculosis H37Ra infection.
Fibronectin (FN) decreases glomerular lesions and synthesis of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), platelet-activating factor (PAF) and FN in proliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: ORTÍZ A , ALONSO J , GÓMEZ-CHIARRI M , LERMA J L , SERON D , CONDOM E , GONZÁLEZ E , EGIDO J 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYWe have studied the effect of therapy with plasma FN on glomerular synthesis of PAF, TNF-α and FN, in experimental proliferative glomerulonephritis. Glomerular PAF, TNF-α and FN production were increased in rats with nephritis. Peak glomerular PAF production preceded, while peak glomerular TNF-α bioactivity coincided with maximal proteinuria. Rats treated with FN (5 mg/kg per 48 h) for 15 days had less proteinuria, glomerular and interstitial cell infiltration and glomerular PAF, TNF-α and FN synthesis than non-treated rats. In order to characterize further the mechanisms of action of FN, healthy rats were injected with either FN or saline. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils from healthy rats injected with FN secreted less TNF-α and PAF, respectively, than those obtained from saline-treated rats. Our data suggest that the beneficial effect of FN may be related to decreased number of glomerular leucocytes and decreased synthesis of inflammatory mediators and extracellular matrix.
Strain variation in susceptibility to the development of monoclonal antibody 5-1-6-induced proteinuria in rats
Authors: GOLLNER D , KAWACHI H , OITE T , OKA M , NAGASE M , SHIMIZU F 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYSusceptibility to the development of MoAb 5-1-6-induced proteinuria was investigated in four different rat strains, i.e. Brown-Norway (BN), Lewis (LEW), Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Wistar. An intravenous injection of 5 mg of MoAb 5-1-6 to female 7-week-old rats of a given strain induced massive proteinuria in BN, LEW and Wistar rats. However, SD rats developed almost no proteinuria. A similar tendency was observed in the second experiment, in which the injected dose of MoAb was adjusted according to the body weight of each rat (3 mg/100 g body weight). Immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) revealed no differences between the binding patterns of the MoAbs to normal rat kidneys derived from each strain. Quantitative study using 125I-labelled MoAb showed that there was no significant difference in the amount of antibody bound to the kidney 1 h and 5 days after injection between two rat strains, LEW and SD. Localization of 5-1-6 in vivo and its kinetics were investigated. In IF a linear-like pattern along capillary walls was observed 2 h after injection in both LEW and SD strains. This linear-like pattern was shifted to a granular pattern in proteinuric LEW rats 6 days after injection, whereas it remained linear-like in non-proteinuric SD rats. IEM confirmed this difference in the localization of injected MoAb 6 days after injection to LEW and SD rats also at the ultrastructural level. We conclude that there is a clear-cut strain difference in the development of proteinuria induced by MoAb 5-1-6. SD rats were less susceptible to MoAb-induced glomerular injury than BN, LEW and Wistar rats. Although the exact reason for strain variation in susceptibility to MoAb-induced proteinuria remains to be clarified, the movement of bound MoAb, presumably together with corresponding antigenic molecule along the glomerular epithelial cell surface followed by endocytosis into the epithelial cell, seems to be closely related to the induction of proteinuria.
Human recombinant IL-4 decreases the emergence of non-specific cytolytic cells and favours the appearance of memory cells (CD4+CD45RO+) in the IL-2-driven development of cytotoxic T lymphocytes against autologous ovarian tumour cells
Authors: ROTH A D , DUPUIS S , ALBERTO P 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYAs IL-4 and IL-6 have also been reported to promote the development of T lymphocytes such as IL-2, we investigated their role in the development of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against autologous ovarian tumours in mixed lymphocyte tumour cultures (MLTC). Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from five ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients were incubated with autologous OC cells at a PBL:OC cell ratio of 20:1 in IL-2 alone (50 U/ml for the first week and 200 U/ml thereafter) or with IL-4 (100 U/ml) and/or IL-6 (5 U/ml). Neither IL-4 nor IL-6 improved lymphocyte proliferation consistently. In contrast, IL-4 reduced significantly the development of LAK activity as assayed against Daudi cell line, and decreased modestly the emergence of natural killer (NK) activity as assayed against K562. This property was not shared by IL-6. The prevention of the development of non-specific cytolytic activity (LAK and NK activities) was much stronger when the MLTC was started with IL-4 in the absence of IL-2 during the first week in culture. A concomitant drop in NKH-1 expression (CD56) was observed. By inhibiting the emergence of non-specific cytotoxicity, IL-4 provided better evidence of the specific cytolytic activity directed at ovarian cells. In parallel, a significant increase in the generation of memory cells (CD4+CD45RO+) was observed with IL-4. In conclusion, in this model, IL-4 added before IL-2 decreases significantly the emergence of non-specific cytotoxic cells, and promotes the generation of memory cells. These properties may be of interest in the design of strategies aimed at obtaining tumour-specific cells for investigational and immunotherapeutic purposes.
In vitro comparison of V‐Loc™ versus Biosyn™ in a one‐layer end‐to‐end anastomosis of equine jejunum
Authors: Nelson Brad B. , Hassel Diana M. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo compare a unidirectional barbed suture (V‐Loc™) to its suture material equivalent (Biosyn™) in a single‐layer end‐to‐end anastomosis of equine jejunum.Study DesignExperimental in vitro study.AnimalsJejunal sections from adult horses (n = 5) without gastrointestinal disease.MethodsJejunal end‐to‐end anastomoses (n = 9) were performed for each group (V‐Loc™, Biosyn™) with a continuous Lembert pattern with an interruption every 120°. Anastomosis construction time, luminal diameter, and number of suture bites were recorded. Anastomosis constructs were distended with fluid at 1 L/min until failure. Location and intraluminal pressure at failure were recorded and all measurements were compared between groups.ResultsV‐Loc™ anastomoses were significantly faster to perform (13.1 ± 0.35 minutes) when compared to the Biosyn™ group (15.6 ± 0.72 minutes; P = .0004). No differences were observed for anastomotic index or number of suture bites. V‐Loc™ anastomosis constructs had a significantly decreased bursting pressure (160 ± 11.6 mmHg) compared to Biosyn™ constructs (184 ± 16.9 mmHg; P = .01).ConclusionsV‐Loc™ allowed faster construction time and did not cause a decreased anastomosis luminal diameter when compared with Biosyn™. V‐Loc™ had a decreased bursting strength compared with Biosyn™, albeit well above pathologic pressures encountered clinically. Use of V‐Loc™ may be beneficial for decreasing the amount of exposed suture material because of the absence of knots after construction and has the potential to result in decreased adhesions.
Impact of serving method on the consumption of nutritional supplement drinks: randomized trial in older adults with cognitive impairment
Authors: Allen Victoria J. , Methven Lisa , Gosney Margot 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo analyse the influence of serving method on compliance and consumption of nutritional supplement drinks in older adults with cognitive impairment.BackgroundOral nutritional supplement drinks have positive benefits on increasing nutritional status in undernourished older people leading to weight gain. However, consumption of these drinks is low and therefore limits their effectiveness.DesignThis study was a non‐blind randomized control trial where participants either consumed nutritional supplement drinks in a glass/beaker or consumed them through a straw inserted directly into the container.MethodParticipants with long‐standing cognitive impairment were recruited from nursing homes (n = 31) and hospitals (n = 14). Participants were randomized to serving method. Nursing and care staff were instructed to give the supplement drinks three times per day on alternate days over a week by the allocated serving method. The researcher weighed the amount of supplement drink remaining after consumption. Data were collected over 12 months in 2011–2012.ResultsForty‐five people participated in this study, mean age 86·7 (sd 7·5) years. After randomization, there was no significant difference between the baseline characteristics of the two groups. Participants randomized to consume nutritional drinks from a glass/beaker drank statistically significantly more than those who consumed them via a straw inserted directly into the container. However, supplements allocated to be given in a glass/beaker were more frequently omitted.ConclusionNutritional supplement drinks should be given to people with dementia who are able to feed themselves in a glass or a beaker if staffing resources allow (NIHR CSP ref 31101).