bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined surgical therapy of advanced peri‐implantitis lesions with concomitant soft tissue volume augmentation. A case series
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sahm Narja , Becker Juergen 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesMucosal recessions are a common finding following surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis, thus compromising the overall esthetic outcome of implant therapy. This case series aimed at evaluating the clinical outcome of a combined surgical therapy of advanced peri‐implantitis lesions with concomitant soft tissue volume augmentation.Material and methodsTen patients (n = 13 implants exhibiting combined supra‐ and intrabony defects) underwent access flap surgery, implantoplasty at bucally and supracrestally exposed implant parts, and augmentation of the intrabony components using a natural bone mineral and a native collagen membrane after surface decontamination. A subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested from the palate and adapted to the wound area to support transmucosal healing. Clinical parameters (i.e. bleeding on probing – BOP; probing depths – PD; mucosal recession – MR; clinical attachment level – CAL) were recorded at baseline and after 6 months.ResultsAt 6 months, the combined surgical procedure was associated with a significant reduction in mean BOP (74.39 ± 28.52%), PD (2.53 ± 1.80 mm), and CAL (2.07 ± 1.93 mm) values. Site‐level analysis has pointed to a slight increase in mean mucosal height (0.07 ± 0.5 mm) at the buccal aspects (i.e. mb, b, db).ConclusionThe combined surgical procedure investigated may be effective in controlling advanced peri‐implantitis lesions without compromising the overall esthetic outcome in the short term.
Phase IIa randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of inhaled apomorphine as acute challenge for rescuing ‘off’ periods in patients with established Parkinson's disease
Authors: Grosset K. A. , Malek N. , Morgan F. , Grosset D. G. 
Published: January 2013

Background and purposeIn this first study of inhaled apomorphine (VR040) in patients with Parkinson's disease, the primary objective was to find the minimum efficacious dose of apomorphine that was useful in rescuing patients during ‘off’ periods. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of inhaled apomorphine were assessed during the study.MethodsA double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial of three escalating single doses of inhaled apomorphine (0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 mg fine particle dose) versus placebo (3 : 1 active:placebo) was performed. Parkinson's motor severity assessments by a clinician, and disease state assessment by the patient, were performed at baseline during an ‘off’ state, and at specified times after test drug administration. Safety assessments (including vital signs, electrocardiogram and forced expiratory volume) were performed, and plasma apomorphine levels measured.ResultsAll 24 patients completed the study, and considering the three dose levels together, inhaled apomorphine did not significantly increase the proportion of patients switching from ‘off’ to ‘on’ (0/6 at 0.2 mg, 3/6 at 0.5 mg and 2/6 at 0.8 mg vs. 1/6 for placebo), or decrease the time from ‘off’ to ‘on’ post‐treatment (10 min for 0.5 mg, 40 min for 0.8 mg, vs. 20 min for placebo). However, there was a suggestion of benefit at the higher doses (5/12 switched ‘on’ at the 0.5 or 0.8 mg doses, vs. 1/6 for placebo). There were no serious adverse events and treatment was well tolerated. Peak plasma concentration was 1–3 min post‐dose, and plasma level dose proportionality was observed.ConclusionsInhaled apomorphine was safe and well tolerated at the doses tested for an acute challenge to rescue ‘off’ periods, but efficacy at these doses was limited. A follow‐up study at higher doses is appropriate given these initial findings.
Effective fishing effort indicators and their application to spatial management of mixed demersal fisheries
Authors: Tidd A. N. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSince the Common Fisheries Policy reform in 2002, there have been various proposals for designing effective input‐management tools in the context of demersal multispecies and multimétier fisheries to augment quota management. The relationship between fishing mortality and effort exerted by the English beam trawl fleet is investigated for two stocks ofNorthSea demersal fish, plaice,Pleuronectes platessaL., and sole,Solea solea(L.). Catchability was adjusted by accounting for targeting by this gear, seasonal and area effects, and individual vessel variation, using results from a generalised linear mixed‐effects model (GLMM) that included random effects (in this case, vessel). Descriptors were standardised in relation to distinct submétiers and their impact on both species. Fishing efficiency was calculated as the ratio between relative nominal landings per unit effort derived from theGLMMand survey indices from a standard survey vessel. Fishing efficiency for sole increased (+0.6% annually) and for plaice decreased (−6.2%), likely because of changes in targeting, fuel costs and regulations.
Business and Social Profiles of Immigrant‐Owned Small Firms: The Case of Pakistani Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Greece
Authors: Halkias Daphne 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study examines Pakistani immigrant entrepreneurs in Greece in order to identify patterns of ethnic entrepreneurship and socio‐economic challenges faced by ethnic entrepreneurs. The research aims to enhance understanding of the characteristics and business profiles of Pakistani immigrant entrepreneurs in Greece's capital, Athens, and make recommendations for the development of a follow‐up three‐year longitudinal study of Pakistani immigrant businesses in Athens. A survey administered to 13 Pakistani immigrant entrepreneurs recorded a wide range of data from which frequency distributions were processed as well as cross‐tabulations and Chi‐square tests, to reveal strong associations. Findings of note reveal that Pakistani immigrant entrepreneurs set up enterprises with their own capital rather than turning to the private financial sector, are mostly well‐educated despite earlier research noting the opposite, Greece is the terminal migration destination of choice for Pakistani immigrant entrepreneurs, their market‐share of work permits is proportionately larger than their residence permit share, they differ from other ethnic groups by substantial preference for operation of call centers, and they are very much bound to their ethnic enclaves. This body of research offers a unique contribution to an area which has until now been largely ignored.
Fourteen‐year oncological and functional outcomes of high‐intensity focused ultrasound in localized prostate cancer
Authors: Ganzer Roman , Fritsche Hans‐Martin , Brandtner Andreas , Bründl Johannes , Koch Daniel , Wieland Wolf F. , Blana Andreas 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an alternative treatment option for localized prostate cancer (PCa), which is applied for over 15 years. There are conflicting recommendations for HIFU among urological societies, which can be explained by the lack of prospective controlled studies, reports on preselected patient populations and limited follow‐up providing little information on overall and cancer‐specific survival.
We report on a large, unselected consecutive patient series of patients who have undergone primary HIFU for clinically localized PCa with the longest follow‐up in current literature. Our results improve the understanding of the oncological efficacy, morbidity and side effects of primary HIFU.
Objective
To assess the safety, functional and oncological long‐term outcomes of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a primary treatment option for localized prostate cancer (PCa).
Patients and Methods
We conducted a retrospective single‐centre study on 538 consecutive patients who underwent primary HIFU for clinically localized PCa between November 1997 and September 2009.
Factors assessed were: biochemical disease‐free survival (BDFS) according to Phoenix criteria (prostate‐specific antigen nadir + 2 ng/mL); metastatic‐free, overall and PCa‐specific survival; salvage treatment; side effects; potency; and continence status.
Results
The mean (sd; range) follow‐up was 8.1 (2.9; 2.1–14.0) years.
The actuarial BDFS rates at 5 and 10 years were 81 and 61%, respectively. The 5‐year BDFS rates for low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients were 88, 83 and 48%, while the 10‐year BDFS rates were 71, 63 and 32%, respectively.
Metastatic disease was reported in 0.4, 5.7 and 15.4% of low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients, respectively.
The salvage treatment rate was 18%.
Seventy‐five (13.9%) patients died. PCa‐specific death was registered in 18 (3.3%) patients (0, 3.8 and 11% in the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups, respectively).
Side effects included bladder outlet obstruction (28.3%), Grade I, II and III stress urinary incontinence (13.8, 2.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and recto‐urethral fistula (0.7%). Preserved potency was 25.4% (in previously potent patients).
Conclusions
The study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of HIFU for localized PCa.
HIFU is a therapeutic option for patients of advanced age, in the low‐ or intermediate‐risk groups, and with a life expectancy of ∼10 years.
Effect of Ozone on the Antioxidant Capacity of “Qiushui” Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Qiushui) during Postharvest Storage
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Xu Gangming , Han Zhinan , Li Qingqing , Chen Yilun , Li Dapeng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe aims of this study are to investigate the effect of different concentrations of ozone (O3) on pear fruit quality. “Qiushui” Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. “Qiushui”) were treated with various concentrations of O3 (2.14, 6.42 and 21.4 mg/m3) at room temperature everyday for 1 h. The pear fruit firmness, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and the antioxidant composition contents (total phenolics and total flavonoids) were investigated every 8 days. Results indicated that O3 treatment maintained high level of firmness and total soluble solids and also increased the antioxidant enzymes activity of pear fruit during storage. The moderate O3 (6.42 mg/m3) treatment could significantly induce higher POD activity, inhibit PPO activity and keep high contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids. These results suggest that postharvest application of suitable O3 treatment (6.42 mg/m3) could enhance antioxidant capacity and keep pear fruit quality.Practical ApplicationsThe presented study showed that treatment with suitable concentration of O3 (6.42 mg/m3) could delay the decrease of fruit quality, induce higher antioxidant enzyme activities, and keep a higher antioxidant capability of the “Qiushui” pear fruit during storage at room temperature. These results suggest that suitable O3 treatment is a useful method for maintaining “Qiushui” pear fruit quality and extending their postharvest life; it might have potential application in pear fruit preservation.
Effect of Pasta Cooking Time on the Content and Fractional Composition of Dietary Fiber
Authors: Sobota Aldona , Zarzycki Piotr 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of pasta cooking time on changes in the content of selected components in dry matter, including changes in the content of total dietary fiber (TDF) and of its insoluble (IDF) and soluble fractions. Longer time of cooking resulted in greater cooking loss. After 16‐min, cooking loss was at 7% d.m. As a result of the application of extended cooking time, a significant increase was observed in the content of TDF, including the IDF fraction, in dry matter. There was slight change in the content of the soluble fiber fraction.Practical ApplicationsIn the era of civilization diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and colorectal cancer, properly balanced diet is of very high importance. Cereal products rich in dietary fiber should be an inseparable element of such a diet. Numerous studies have been devoted to the content of dietary fiber in raw food. However, most food, for example pasta is not eaten raw but cooked. Many processes can cause changes in the content and fractional composition of dietary fiber. In this work, the effect of pasta cooking time on the content and fractional composition of dietary fiber was analyzed. The presented studies are important especially from the nutritional point of view.
Compounding Pharmacies: Who is in Charge?
Authors: Pergolizzi Joseph V. , Labhsetwar Sumedha , LeQuang Jo Ann 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCompounding pharmacies play an increasing and increasingly important role in our healthcare system, but recent media attention has exposed limited regulatory control over these organizations at the same time their role is expanding. Compounding pharmacies are not regulated in the same manner as pharmaceutical companies and are governed largely by Chapter <797>, a monograph on the pharmaceutical compounding of sterile products, issued but not enforced by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. Not all states require adherence to Chapter <797>, and those that do may choose not to enforce it stringently. Furthermore, Chapter <797> is not a strong standard—for example, it does not require documentation of drug lot numbers or cross‐references for patient identification. Thus, there have long been many potential quality issues associated with compounding pharmacies. As these compounding pharmacies provide important products and services, better regulation is urgently needed. Moreover, clinicians should be better aware that some injectable products they use may have been prepared by a compounding pharmacy.
Atopy is a risk factor for respiratory symptoms in COPD patients: results from the EUROSCOP study
Authors: Fattahi Fatemeh , ten Hacken Nick H T , Löfdahl Claes-Göran , Hylkema Machteld N , Timens Wim , Postma Dirkje S , Vonk Judith M 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The pathogenesis of COPD is complex and remains poorly understood. The European Respiratory Society Study on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (EUROSCOP) investigated long-term effects of budesonide; 18% of the COPD participants were atopic. So far effects of atopy on the long-term course of COPD have not been elucidated.

Methods
Factors related to the presence of atopy (positive phadiatop) in 1277 mild-to-moderate COPD patients participating in EUROSCOP were analysed using regression analysis. Incidence and remission of respiratory symptoms during 3-year follow-up were analysed using generalised estimating equations models, and association of atopy with lung function decline using linear mixed effects models.

Results
Independent predisposing factors associated with the presence of atopy were: male gender (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.47–3.34), overweight/obese (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.04–1.92) and lower age (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99). Atopy was associated with a higher prevalence of cough (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.26–2.34) and phlegm (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.10–2.03), but not with lung function levels or FEV1 decline. Atopic COPD patients not treated with budesonide had an increased incidence of cough over time (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03–3.08, p = 0.038), while those treated with budesonide had increased remission of cough (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.11–3.37, p = 0.02) compared to non-atopic COPD patients.

Conclusions
Atopic COPD patients are more likely male, have overweight/obesity and are younger as compared with non-atopic COPD patients. Atopy in COPD is associated with an increased incidence and prevalence of respiratory symptoms. If atopic COPD patients are treated with budesonide, they more often show remission of symptoms compared to non-atopic COPD patients who are treated with budesonide. We recommend including atopy in the diagnostic work-up and management of COPD.
Apoptosis-associated biomarkers in tuberculosis: promising for diagnosis and prognosis prediction
Authors: Shu Chin-Chung , Wu Ming-Fang , Hsu Chia-Lin , Huang Chun-Ta , Wang Jann-Yuan , Hsieh Shie-Liang , Yu Chong-Jen , Lee Li-Na , Yang Pan-Chyr 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Apoptosis-associated biomarkers are rarely studied, especially their role in predicting the development of tuberculosis (TB) from latent TB infection and in prognostication.

Methods
Patients with TB and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)-positive and IGRA-negative family contacts were evaluated to analyze changes in apoptosis-associated serum biomarkers, which included decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), prostaglandin 2 (PGE2), and lipoxin. The prognostic implications of these serum biomarkers were also analyzed.

Results
One hundred TB patients and 92 IGRA-negative and 91 IGRA-positive family contacts were recruited. The DcR3 and PGE2 levels decreased from the IGRA-negative group to the IGRA-positive group, and peaked in the TB group. Lipoxin decreased to trough in the TB group. The three apoptosis serum markers and age were independent factors discriminating active TB from latent TB infection. In active TB, older age, co-morbidity, and higher serum DcR3 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 were independently associated with poorer six-month survival.

Conclusion
Apoptosis-associated serum biomarkers change along with the status of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In close contacts with positive IGRA, high DcR3 and PGE2 and low lipoxin may increase the probability of active TB. Older age, co-morbidity, and high DcR3 and MCP-1 levels might be important prognostic factors that warrant further investigation.
Comparison of survival of patients with metastases from known versus unknown primaries: survival in metastatic cancer
Authors: Riihimäki Matias , Thomsen Hauke , Hemminki Akseli , Sundquist Kristina , Hemminki Kari 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundCancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is considered an aggressive metastatic disease but whether the prognosis differs from metastatic cancers of known primary site is not known. Such data may give insight into the biology of CUP and the metastatic process in general.Methods6,745 cancer patients, with primary metastatic cancer at diagnosis, were identified from the Swedish Cancer Registry, and were compared with 2,881 patients with CUP. Patients were diagnosed and died between 2002 and 2008. The influence of the primary site, known or unknown, on survival in patients with metastases at specific locations was investigated. Hazard ratios (HRs) of death were estimated for several sites of metastasis, where patients with known primary sites were compared with CUP patients.ResultsOverall, patients with metastatic cancers with known primary sites had decreased hazards of death compared to CUP patients (HR = 0.69 [95% CI = 0.66–0.72]). The exceptions were cancer of the pancreas (1.71 [1.54–1.90]), liver (1.58 [1.36–1.85]), and stomach (1.16 [1.02–1.31]). For individual metastatic sites, patients with liver or bone metastases of known origin had better survival than those with CUP of the liver and bone. Patients with liver metastases of pancreatic origin had an increased risk of death compared with patients with CUP of the liver (1.25 [1.06–1.46]). The median survival time of CUP patients was three months.ConclusionsPatients with CUP have poorer survival than patients with known primaries, except those with brain and respiratory system metastases. Of CUP sites, liver metastases had the worst prognosis. Survival in CUP was comparable to that in metastatic lung cancer. The aggressive behavior of CUP may be due to initial immunosuppression and immunoediting which may allow accumulation of mutations. Upon escape from the suppressed state an unstoppable tumor spread ensues. These novel data on the epidemiology of the metastatic process at the population level demonstrated large survival differences in organ defined metastases depending on the original cancer.
Electroacupuncture preconditioning reduces cerebral ischemic injury via BDNF and SDF-1α in mice
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Choi Kyung Ha , Jang Young Jung , Kim Ha Neui , Bae Sun Sik , Choi Byung Tae , Shin Hwa Kyoung 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was designed to determine if electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning improves tissue outcome and functional outcome following experimentally induced cerebral ischemia in mice. In addition, we investigated whether the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and infarct volume were related with improvement in neurological and motor function by interventions in this study.

Methods
After treatment with EA at the acupoints ‘Baihui (GV20)’ and ‘Dazhui (GV14)’ for 20 min, BDNF was assessed in the cortical tissues based on Western blot and the SDF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the plasma determined by ELISA. To assess the protective effects of EA against ischemic injury, the mice received once a day 20 min EA preconditioning for three days prior to the ischemic event. Focal cerebral ischemia was then induced by photothrombotic cortical ischemia. Infarct volumes, neurobehavioral deficit and motor deficit were evaluated 24 h after focal cerebral ischemia.

Results
The expression of BDNF protein increased significantly from 6 h, reaching a plateau at 12 h after the end of EA treatment in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, SDF-1α, not VEGF, increased singnificantly from 12 h to 48 h after EA stimulation in the plasma. Moreover, EA preconditioning reduced the infarct volume by 43.5% when compared to control mice at 24 h after photothrombotic cortical ischemia. Consistent with a smaller infarct size, EA preconditioning showed prominent improvement of neurological function and motor function such as vestibule-motor function, sensori-motor function and asymmetric forelimb use. The expression of BDNF colocalized within neurons and SDF-1α colocalized within the cerebral vascular endothelium was observed throughout the ischemic cortex by EA.

Conclusions
Pretreatment with EA increased the production of BDNF and SDF-1α, which elicited protective effects against focal cerebral ischemia. These results suggest a novel mechanism of EA pretreatment-induced tolerance against cerebral ischemic injury.
Silencing of mutant p53 by siRNA induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Hai-Bin , Yang Kai , Xie Yan-Qi , Lin Yi-Wei , Mao Qi-Qi , Xie Li-Ping 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
p53 is the most frequently mutated tumor-suppressor gene in human cancers. It has been reported that mutations in p53 result not only in the loss of its ability as a tumor suppressor, but also in the gain of novel cancer-related functions that contribute to oncogenesis. The present study evaluated the potential of silencing of mutant p53 by small interfering RNA in the treatment of bladder cancer cells in vitro.

Methods
We used the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess cell viability and flow cytometry to detect cell cycle alterations and apoptosis. The related molecular mechanisms were assessed by western blotting. We also used the MTT assay and flow cytometry to investigate if silencing of mutant p53 by knockdown with small interfering (si)RNA would change the sensitivity to cisplatin treatment.

Results
Using 5637 and T24 human bladder cancer cell lines characterized by mutations in p53, we found that silencing of the mutant p53 by RNA interference induced evident inhibition of cell proliferation and viability, which was related to the induction of G2 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, our study also showed that the p53-targeting siRNA cooperated with cisplatin in the inhibition of bladder cancer cells.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that RNA interference targeting mutant p53 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of bladder cancer.