bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effects of dual vascular endothelial growth factor receptor/fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor brivanib alaninate in cirrhotic portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Lin Han‐Chieh , Huang Yi‐Tsau , Yang Ying‐Ying , Lee Pei‐Chang , Hwang Lih‐Hwa , Lee Wei‐Ping , Kuo Ying‐Ju , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Liu Ren‐Shyan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimVascular endothelial (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐induced hepatic stellate (HSCs) and liver endothelial cells (LECs) activation accelerates hepatic fibrogenesis and angiogenesis, and hemodynamic dysarrangements in cirrhosis. VEGF targeting agents had been reported as potential drugs for cirrhosis. However, the evaluation of effects of dual VEGF/FGF targeting agent in cirrhosis is still limited.MethodsUsing hemodynamic parameters, blood chemistry, primary isolated HSCs and LECs, histology, and digital imaging, we assess the effects of 2‐week brivanib alaninate, a dual VEGFR/FGFR inhibitor, treatment in the pathophysiology of bile duct‐ligated‐cirrhotic rats.ResultsFibrogenic and angiogenic markers in the serum and liver of bile duct‐ligated‐cirrhotic rats, including hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor‐β1, angiopoietin‐1, VEGF, FGF‐2, endocan and phosphorylated‐VEGFR2/VEGFR2, and phosphorylated‐FGFR/FGFR together with hepatic CD31/angiopoietin‐1 expressions (immunohistochemistry staining), angiogenesis (micro‐computed tomography scan), microcirculatory dysfunction (in vivo miscroscopy and in situ liver perfusion study), portal hypertension, and hyperdynamic circulations (colored microsphere methods) were markedly suppressed and ameliorated by brivanib alaninate treatment. In in vitro study, acute brivanib alaninate incubation inhibited the transforming growth factor‐β1‐induced HSCs contraction/migration and VEGF‐induced LECs angiogenesis. Concomitantly, the overexpression of various fibrogenic and angiogenic markers in HSCs and LECs, and in their culture media, was increased in parallel and these changes were suppressed by acute brivanib alaninate incubation.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that brivanib alaninate targeting multiple mechanisms and working in the different pathogenic steps of the complications of cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension.
Safety and efficacy of a novel disposable sheathed gastroscopic system in clinical practice
Authors: Jin Peng , Wang Xin , Yu Dong‐liang , Li Ai‐qin , Wang Hai‐hong , Meng Ming‐ming , Li Shi‐rong , Liu Duan‐qi , Sheng Jian‐qiu , Cai Qiang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic examinations carry a potential risk of cross‐infection, and the traditional reprocessing method is time consuming. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel disposable sheathed gastroscope system in clinical practice in comparison with the conventional gastroscope.MethodsThere were two phases in the study. In phase 1, 20 patients with hepatitis B were randomized into two groups: the sheathed group was examined with the novel disposable sheathed gastroscope (n = 10) and the conventional group with the conventional gastroscope (n = 10). Microbiologic tests were performed on each endoscope afterwards. In the second phase, 1120 patients were randomized again into the same two groups with 568 and 552 patients in the sheathed group and the conventional group, respectively. The time duration of the endoscopic procedure and reprocessing were measured. The pathology detection rate of endoscopic examinations, the patients' subjective feelings, and problems occurred during procedures were also recorded.ResultsThe total instrument turn‐around time in the phase 2 sheathed group (9.9 ± 1.3 min) was significantly shorter than the conventional group (39.0 ± 1.4 min, P = 0.000). The mean procedural time was slightly longer in the sheathed group than in the conventional group (4.9 ± 1.4 vs 4.1 ± 1.3 min, P = 0.000). However, the duration of endoscopic reprocessing was much shorter (4.9 ± 0.2 vs 35 ± 0.2 min, P = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in patient discomfort, optical clarity, or pathology detection rate. There were no complications in either group, and no microbial contamination was detected in phase 1 of the study.ConclusionsCompared with the conventional gastroscope, the novel disposable sheathed gastroendoscope is safe and more efficient in clinical practice.
Efficacy of simethicone and N‐acetylcysteine as premedication in improving visibility during upper endoscopy
Authors: Chang Wei‐Kuo , Yeh Ming‐Kung , Hsu Hsuang‐Chun , Chen Hsuan‐Wei , Hu Ming‐Kuan 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackgroundSimethicone and N‐acetylcysteine have been widely used in improving endoscopic visibility. However, the optimal dose, volume, and dosing time for the premedication regimen are still unclear.AimOur aim was to assess the efficacy of premedication in improving endoscopic visibility and determine the contributions of dose, volume, and premedication time.MethodsA total of 1849 patients were prospectively treated in three groups: group A: 100‐mg simethicone suspension in 5 mL water; group B: 100‐mg simethicone suspension in 100 mL water; and group C: 100‐mg simethicone suspension in 100 mL water containing 200 mg N‐acetylcysteine. Mucosa visibility was assessed at seven sites of upper gastrointestinal tract. The sum of scores was considered as total mucosal visibility score (TMVS).ResultsThe upper body of stomach had the worst visibility score for all groups. TMVS of groups B and C were significantly lower than those of group A. Group C had a significantly fewer patients requiring endoscopic flushing than groups A and B. The TMVS for groups B and C were significantly lower than for group A within 30 min of beginning premedication. Beyond 30 min of premedication, there was no significant difference in the TMVS among groups.ConclusionsPremedication using 100 mg simethicone in 100 mL of water improves endoscopic visibility. Addition of N‐acetylcysteine to simethicone in 100 mL of water reduces the need for endoscopic flushing. For patients unable to tolerate a large fluid volume, a 5‐mL simethicone suspension administered more than 30 min prior to upper endoscopy is suggested.
Effects of Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Somatostatin‐14 on Peripheral Glucoregulation in Dogs
Authors: Yavropoulou M. P. , Kotsa K. , Pikilidou M. , Keisisoglou I. , Yovos J. G. 
Published: December 2013

Somatostatin (SST) is an inhibitory hormone that regulates numerous biological processes and circulates in two bioactive isoforms: SST‐14 and SST‐28. SST‐14 is the predominant form in the hypothalamus and regulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH) (directly) and of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (indirectly). In the periphery, SST is a potent inhibitor of glucagon and insulin secretion. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of i.c.v. administration of SST‐14 on glucose metabolism. Twenty healthy adult dogs randomly received either a bolus i.c.v. infusion of 5, 25 or 50 μg of SST‐14 or an equivalent amount of artificial cerebrospinal fluid through an epicranial apparatus during fasting. The same experiment was repeated during concomitant intraduodenal infusion of glucose solution through a Mann–Bollman fistula. Serum levels of glucose, insulin and glucose‐dependent insulinotrophic peptide (GIP), plasma SST and serum GH levels were assayed. Circulating levels of SST and GH did not change significantly during i.c.v. infusions. Bolus infusion of 50 μg of SST‐14 produced an increase in serum glucose levels at 10 min (94 ± 2.5 mg/dl at baseline versus 101 ± 3 mg/dl, P = 0.04) and significantly suppressed insulin levels, reaching maximal suppression at 60 min after infusion (9 ± 1.3 μIU/ml at baseline versus 4.6 ± 0.5 μIU/ml P = 0.04) in fasting animals. Similar results were obtained during intraduodenal infusion of glucose through a Mann–Bollman fistula. GIP levels did not change significantly during i.c.v. administration of SST‐14. Intracerebroventricular infusion of SST‐14 increases glucose and suppresses insulin levels in the periphery independently of circulating SST levels.
The effectiveness of discharge planning on the knowledge, clinical symptoms and hospitalisation frequency of persons with schizophrenia: a longitudinal study in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Khaleghparast Shiva , Ghanbari Behrooz , Kahani Shamsoddin , Malakouti Kazem , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Sudhinaraset May 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of discharge planning on the knowledge, clinical symptoms and frequency of hospitalisation of persons with schizophrenia.BackgroundDischarge planning is associated with decreases in the duration of hospitalisation, readmission to hospitals and decreases in medical costs. Yet, there is little known about the effectiveness of discharge planning among persons with schizophrenia in Iran.DesignLongitudinal clinical trial.MethodsIn this longitudinal clinical trial, 46 persons with schizophrenia admitted to psychiatric hospitals were selected and classified into either intervention or control groups. For the intervention group, the discharge planning was designed using the nursing process model. The intervention was implemented across six sessions in the hospital and six sessions in patient's home (up to three months after discharge). Friedman test, independent t‐tests, chi‐squared test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Mc‐Nemar's test were used to analyse demographic characteristics, knowledge scores, clinical symptoms and the frequency of hospitalisation.ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated improved clinical symptoms between the time of discharge and three months after discharge and had higher knowledge levels compared with the control group. In addition, the frequency of patients’ hospitalisation preintervention and three months postintervention was statistically significantly lower in the intervention group, while no such differences were found among the control group during this same time period.ConclusionThis study suggests that there are a number of advantages to discharge planning including an increase in the knowledge of patients, a decline in clinical symptoms and a reduction in the frequency of admission to hospitals.Relevance to clinical practiceDue to high frequency of relapse, rehospitalisation and high remedial costs of persons with schizophrenia, it is important to consider discharge planning as a therapeutic approach for patients.
The recovery potential of intrinsically versus extrinsically motivated off‐job activities
Authors: ten Brummelhuis Lieke L. , Trougakos John P. 
Published: December 2013

Thus far, studies on employee recovery have produced mixed findings about which off‐job activities contribute or impede recovery. We suggest that the recovery potential of an off‐job activity depends on the employee's motivation for the activity. Based on Self‐Determination theory, we expect that leisure activities (social, low‐effort, physical activities), particularly lead to next morning recovery when one has intrinsic, as opposed to extrinsic, motivational tendencies for the activity. Likewise, the harmful effects of high‐duty off‐job activities (work‐related tasks, household chores, care tasks) are expected to be less severe when one is intrinsically, and not extrinsically, motivated for the tasks. During five consecutive days, 74 employees (356 data points) recorded the hours spent on six off‐job activities before going to sleep, and their feelings of exhaustion and recovery the next morning, while overall motivation for each of the six activities was measured by a general questionnaire. As predicted, the positive relationship between leisure activities and next morning recovery was more pronounced among employees with greater inherent intrinsic, in comparison with extrinsic motivation for the activity. Moreover, intrinsic motivation attenuated the positive relationship between high‐duty tasks and next morning exhaustion. Our findings highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation for the recovery potential of off‐job activities.Practitioner points

Engaging in leisure activities after work contributes most to recovery when the employee is intrinsically motivated for those activities.

Work‐related off‐job activities are less harmful for recovery when the employee has a general intrinsic, as opposed to an extrinsic, motivation for work‐related activities.

Organizations may facilitate employee well‐being by discouraging employees to work beyond regular work hours during leisure time.

Organizations may facilitate employee well‐being by creating a work climate in which intrinsic work motives are encouraged.
Left Hemispheric Lateral Preference and High Neuroticism Predict Disinhibition in Two Go/No‐Go Experiments
Authors: Gardiner Elliroma , Jackson Chris J. , Loxton Natalie J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAlthough disinhibition is widely implicated in impulse‐control‐related psychopathologies, debate remains regarding the underlying approach and avoidance processes of this construct. In two studies, we simultaneously tested three competing models in which varying levels of extraversion, neuroticism, and hemispheric lateral preference are associated with disinhibition. In both studies (Study 1, N = 92; Study 2, N = 124), undergraduate students were randomly allocated to one of two versions of the go/no‐go task: one where participants were primed through reward to make more “go” responses and another where no such priming occurred. Neuroticism, extraversion, and hemispheric lateral preference measures were also collected. Across both studies, disinhibition was greatest in individuals who reported both a left hemispheric lateral preference and high neuroticism. This pattern was only found for those who were primed through reward to make more “go” responses. There was no association with extraversion. Contrary to previous research, our results suggest that left hemispheric asymmetry and neuroticism and not extraversion drive disinhibited approach, following the establishment of a prepotent approach response set. This has salient implications for the theoretical understanding of disinhibited behavior, as well as for the study of continued maladaptive approach behavior.
Preliminary study of video imaging of blood vessels in tissues lining the gingival sulcus in periodontally healthy individuals
Authors: Townsend D. , D'Aiuto F. , Deanfield J. 
Published: December 2013

Background and ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to obtain in vivo images of the microcirculation in tissues lining the gingival crevice in periodontally healthy volunteers and to assess the repeatability of the parameters measured.Material and MethodsVideo microscopy images of the microcirculation of tissues lining the gingival crevice were obtained from 20 periodontally healthy volunteers. Images were obtained with a single 1 mm diameter 1 pitch gradient index lens with a high numerical aperture and with a plain glass lens and illumination with a green 525 nm light‐emitting diode and recorded using a video microscope.ResultsThe morphological features of the vessels (including vessel diameter, vessel density, loops, branches, dilated vessels) were similar to those described previously in other mammals. The Kappa values for the assessment of morphology of the vessels using the gradient index lens range from 0.83 for branching to 0.91 for dilated and using the glass lens 0.47 for branching and 0.38 for dilated.ConclusionsThis novel system allowed for a consistent and repeatable assessment of the gingival microvasculature. However, there was some evidence of possible pressure artefacts in those cases where the measurements of separation between vessels exceeded 150 μm.
Novel method for proliferation of oral keratinocyte stem cells
Authors: Calenic B. , Paun I. A. , van Staden R. I. , Didilescu A. , Petre A. , Dinescu M. , Greabu M. 
Published: December 2013

Background and ObjectiveStem cell‐based tissue engineering offers clear advantages over conventional normal cell approaches. Owing to their specific characteristics, oral keratinocyte stem cells represent an attractive solution for therapeutic applications. However, when cultured in vitro, these cells lose their unique properties, acquiring a limited capacity for self‐renewal, and differentiate rapidly into normal functional keratinocytes.The main aim of the present study was to develop an in‐vitro method for the expansion of oral keratinocyte stem cells using a biomaterial approach.Material and MethodsOral keratinocyte stem cells were isolated based on the identification of two surface markers – integrin α6β4 and CD71 – using a magnetic method. The cells were cultured on specific substrates formed from blends of polymers: poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA); poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) + polyurethane (PLGA + PU); and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) + extracellular matrix (PLGA + ECM). The polymers were deposited using a laser‐based technique – matrix‐assisted pulsed laser evaporation. The cells were analyzed for cell size, cell proliferation, colony‐forming efficiency, cell adhesion markers (such as E‐cadherin and beta 1 integrin), keratinocyte stem cells and differentiation markers. The methods included ELISAs, immunofluorescence and atomic force microscopy imaging.ResultsAfter 14 d in culture, cells seeded on PLGA + PU stained positive for p63, cd44H, cytokeratin 19 and integrin α6β4 and negative for involucrin, cytokeratin 14 and cytokeratin 10. The levels of adhesion molecules were significantly increased in cells grown on PLGA + PU: at 14 d the E‐cadherin levels were 5.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL (for cells grown on PLGA + PU) vs. 4.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL (for cells grown on control medium) (n = 5, p < 0.05 Bonferroni). Oral keratinocyte stem cells grown on PLGA + PU had the highest colony‐forming efficiency and proliferation rate, together with the smallest cell size, compared with cells grown on control medium or other polymeric substrates.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that by culturing oral keratinocyte stem cells on PLGA blended with PU it is possible to preserve their phenotype in vitro and to guide their short‐term expansion and proliferation. Certain stem‐cell characteristics are preserved and their short‐term expansion may be enhanced.
Use of preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of recurrent draining tracts
Authors: Bouabdallah R. , Moissonnier P. , Delisle F. , De Fornel P. , Manassero M. , Maaoui M. , Fayolle P. , Viateau V. 
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate a rational decision‐making approach based on preoperative computed tomography for surgical planning in dogs and cats with recurrent draining tracts.METHODSRetrospective evaluation of case records of animals that underwent preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of thoracic/abdominal recurrent draining tracts. Cases were classified according to whether a source of inflammation and/or infection, in particular foreign bodies, was identified (group 1), suspected (group 2) or neither identified nor suspected (group 3) at computed tomography. Surgery consisted of removal of the source of inflammation and/or infection (group 1), debridement or abscess drainage (group 2) or en bloc resection of diseased tissues (group 3). Clinical outcome was evaluated at least 12 months after surgery.RESULTSA source of inflammation and/or infection was found in 100% (8 of 8), 41% (7 of 17) and 25% (3 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Recurrent draining tracts resolved in 100% (8 of 8), 94% (16 of 17) and 92% (11 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe proposed strategy provided a 95% (35 of 37) cure rate, after a single procedure in 81% (30 of 37) of cases. Recovery of a foreign body at surgery was not a prerequisite for the resolution of the recurrent draining tracts.
Maternal ABO and rhesus blood group phenotypes and hepatitis B surface antigen carriage
Authors: Lao T. T. , Sahota D. S. , Chung M.‐K. , Cheung T. K. W. , Cheng Y. K. Y. , Leung T. Y. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn view of a persistently high prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriage in our obstetric population, we examined the association between HBsAg carriage with maternal ABO and rhesus (Rh) blood group phenotypes determined at routine antenatal screening. In a retrospective study, the antenatal screening results of women booked for confinement between 1998 and 2011 in our hospital were examined for the relationship between HBsAg carriage with the ABO and rhesus blood groups, taking into account also the effects of advanced maternal age (≥35 years) and parity status (nulliparous or multiparous), and year of birth before or following the availability of the hepatitis B vaccine (1984). HBsAg carriage was found in 9.9%, 9.6%, 9.1% and 10.2% (P = 0.037) for group‐A (n = 20 581 or 26.1%), ‐B (n = 20 744 or 26.4%), ‐AB (n = 5138 or 6.5%) and ‐O (n = 32 242 or 41.0%) among the 78 705 women in the study cohort. Rhesus negativity was found in 0.6%, and HBsAg carriage was 12.3% and 9.8%, respectively, for the Rh‐negative and Rh‐positive women (P = 0.071). Carriage rate between group‐O and non‐O was influenced by nulliparity, age ≥35 years and Rh‐positive status. Regression analysis indicated that group‐B (P = 0.044, aOR = 1.062, 95% CI 1.002–1.127) and group‐AB (P = 0.016, aOR = 1.134, 95% CI 1.024–1.256) were associated with HBsAg carriage. Blood groups‐B and ‐AB are associated with increased hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in our population, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the implications of this on the sequelae of HBV infection.
The pharmacokinetics of glycopyrrolate in Standardbred horses
Authors: Rumpler M. J. , Colahan P. , Sams R. A. 
Published: December 2013

The disposition of plasma glycopyrrolate (GLY) is characterized by a three‐compartment pharmacokinetic model after a 1‐mg bolus intravenous dose to Standardbred horses. The median (range) plasma clearance (Clp), volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1), volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vss), and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0‐inf) were 16.7 (13.6–21.7) mL/min/kg, 0.167 (0.103–0.215) L/kg, 3.69 (0.640–38.73) L/kg, and 2.58 (2.28–2.88) ng*h/mL, respectively. Renal clearance of GLY was characterized by a median (range) of 2.65 (1.92–3.59) mL/min/kg and represented approximately 11.3–24.7% of the total plasma clearance. As a result of these studies, we conclude that the majority ofGLYis cleared through hepatic mechanisms because of the limited extent of renal clearance ofGLYand absence of plasma esterase activity onGLYmetabolism. Although the disposition ofGLYafter intravenous administration to Standardbred horses was similar to that in Thoroughbred horses, differences in some pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were evident. Such differences could be attributed to breed differences or study conditions. The research could provide valuable data to support regulatory guidelines forGLYin Standardbred horses.