bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Younger age at presentation of acquired haemophilia A in Asian countries: a single‐centre study and systematic review
Authors: Chai‐Adisaksopha C. , Rattarittamrong E. , Norasetthada L. , Tantiworawit A. , Nawarawong W. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAcquired haemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder caused by autoantibodies against factor VIII (FVIII). There is a scarcity of acquired haemophilia A studies from Asian countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes of acquired haemophilia A among Asian populations. Data were collected from a retrospective case series and combined with a systematic review. The case series included all patients with acquired haemophilia A from 1999 to 2012 at Chiang Mai University Hospital. The systematic review searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for relevant keywords. A total of 111 patients were reviewed in this study (including 26 patients from the present series). There were 56 male (50.5%) and 55 female (49.5%) patients. We compared the demographic data with ECAH2 and UKHCDO studies. The weighted mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 58.10 (16.96) years compared with 75.70 (14.47) years in the European series (absolute difference 17.6 years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.20–20.99, P = 0.025). The mean (SD) FVIII activity was 2.97 (3.81) IU dL−1 and the mean (SD) FVIII inhibitor titre was 26.35 (399.16) BU mL−1. Fifty‐six per cent of the patients underwent immunosuppression with steroids alone. The pool complete remission rate was comparable to the European studies, at 67.2% vs. 66.6% respectively (absolute difference 0.7, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.22, P = 0.99). This study reveals a novel finding of younger age at diagnosis of acquired haemophilia A among Asian patients.
Enhanced expression of hemoglobin scavenger receptor and heme oxygenase‐1 is associated with aortic valve stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Inaba Mayumi , Sugioka Kenichi , Naruko Takahiko , Yunoki Kei , Kato Yasuyuki , Shibata Toshihiko , Inoue Takeshi , Ohsawa Masahiko , Yoshiyama Minoru , Ueda Makiko 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA high prevalence and a rapid progression of aortic valve stenosis (AS) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) has been reported. In these circumstances, intraleaflet hemorrhage of aortic valve may be related to the development of AS in HD patients. We immunohistochemically examined the relationship among intraleaflet hemorrhage, neovascularization, hemoglobin scavenger receptor (CD163), and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) using surgically resected aortic valve specimens from AS patients undergoing HD. The study population consisted of 26 HD patients and 25 non‐HD patients with severe AS who had undergone aortic valve replacement. Frozen aortic valve samples surgically obtained from AS patients were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against smooth muscle cells, macrophages, glycophorin‐A (a protein specific to erythrocyte membranes), CD31, CD163, and HO‐1. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that the CD163‐positive macrophage score, the number of CD31‐positive microvessels, and the percentage of glycophorin‐A and HO‐1‐positive area were significantly higher in HD patients than in non‐HD patients (CD163‐positive macrophage score, P < 0.0001; CD31‐positive microvessels, P < 0.0001; glycophorin‐A, P < 0.0001; HO‐1, P < 0.0001). Double immunostaining for CD163 or HO‐1 and macrophages revealed that the majority of CD163‐ or HO‐1‐positive cells were macrophages. Furthermore, CD163‐positive macrophage score was positively correlated with glycophorin‐A, HO‐1‐positive area, and the number of CD31‐positive microvessels (glycophorin‐A, R = 0.66, P < 0.0001; HO‐1, R = 0.50, P < 0.0005; microvessels, R = 0.38, P < 0.01). These findings suggest a positive association among intraleaflet hemorrhage, neovascularization, and enhanced expression of CD163 and HO‐1 as a response to intraleaflet hemorrhage in stenotic aortic valves in AS patients undergoing HD.
Hemodialysis‐induced changes in the blood composition affect function of the endothelium
Authors: Oleśkowska‐Florek Weronika , Połubinska Alicja , Baum Ewa , Matecka Monika , Pyda Małgorzata , Pawlaczyk Krzysztof , Bręborowicz Andrzej 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHemodialysis induces oxidative stress causing intravascular inflammation, which may cause endothelial dysfunction. We evaluated how hemodialysis‐induced changes in blood affect the function of endothelial cells in in vitro culture. Serum samples were collected from 42 uremic patients treated with hemodialysis, one before the start of dialysis and the other one at the end of session. All patients were dialysed with polysulfone dialyzer. Concentrations of the inflammatory molecules carbonyl protein and metabolites of NO synthesis were measured in blood. Additionally, the effect of the serum obtained before and after dialysis on the function of endothelial cells in in vitro culture was studied. Hemodialysis caused increase of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 (+17%), hepatocyte growth factor (+91%), and pentraxin‐3 (+30%) concentration in serum. Concentration of carbonyl protein was decreased by 30%. Decrease of blood level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (−25%) and nitrate/nitrites (−62%) was observed. Serum obtained after hemodialysis stimulated proliferation of endothelial cells (+10%) and synthesis of MCP‐1(+11%) in these cells. Hemodialysis‐induced intravascular inflammation changes the function of endothelial cells, which may lead to acceleration of atherosclerosis.
Transcriptional changes in organoculture of full‐thickness human skin following topical application of all‐trans retinoic acid
Authors: Gillbro J. M. , Al‐Bader T. , Westman M. , Olsson M. J. , Mavon A. 
Published: February 2014

SynopsisObjectiveRetinoids are used as therapeutic agents for numerous skin diseases, for example, psoriasis, acne and keratinization disorders. The same substances have also been recognized in the treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma.Other studies on photo‐damaged skin have shown that retinoids reduce wrinkles, surface roughness, mottled pigmentation, and visual skin appearance as a whole. We tested the hypothesis that an organoculture of full‐thickness human skin could be used as a preclinical model to investigate the retinoid transcriptional profile in human skin in vitro.MethodsFull‐thickness skin explants were exposed to topically applied all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) for 24 h. The gene expression profile was analysed using oligonucleotide microarrays, and data were validated with real‐time (RT) PCR.ResultsWe showed that the expression of 93 genes was significantly altered more than twofold. Several of the altered genes, for example, KRT4, CYP26 and LCN2, have previously been shown to be affected by RA in keratinocyte monocultures, reconstructed epidermis and skin biopsies from patients treated topically or orally with RA. In addition, genes, such as SCEL, NRIP1, DGAT2, RDH12 EfnB2, MAPK14, SAMD9 and CEACAM6 not previously reported to be affected by RA in human skin, were identified for the first time in this study.ConclusionThe results in the present study show that full‐thickness human explants represent a valuable pre‐clinical model for studying the effects of retinoids in skin.
Techniques for restoring enlarged canals: an evaluation of fracture resistance and bond strength
Authors: Latempa A. M. A. , Almeida S. A. , Nunes N. F. , da Silva E. M. , Guimarães J. G. A. , Poskus L. T. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo verify the influence of fibreglass post diameter, as well as use of accessory posts on fracture resistance and bond strength, when used for restoring enlarged root canals.MethodologyOne hundred maxillary single‐rooted canine human teeth were decoronated and root canals were prepared using a No.4 drill (White Post, FGM, Joinville, SC, Brazil). The roots were assigned to five groups: (EC1) post No.1 (Exacto Cônico, Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil); (EC2) post No.2 (Exacto Cônico, Angelus); (EC3) post No.3 (Exacto Cônico, Angelus); (ECA) post No.1 (Exacto Cônico, Angelus) plus two accessory posts (Reforpin, Angelus); (WP) post No.4 (White Post, FGM). Posts 1–4 have a crescent diameter. Posts were luted (Rely X‐Arc, 3M ESPE, USA) and composite resin filling cores were prepared for the fracture resistance test (n = 10). For the push‐out test (n = 10), roots were sectioned into 1 mm thick slices. Both tests were performed in a universal testing machine. Data were analysed using anova and Tukey's test.ResultsGroups WP and EC3 had higher fracture resistance than the other groups (P < 0.05), which were statistically similar. Root fractures occurred in 14% of the specimens. Groups EC1 and EC2 had lower bond strength values than Groups EC3 and ECA which were lower than the WP Group (P < 0.05). Bond strength was lower in the apical and middle third than in the cervical third of root canals (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThicker posts were associated with higher resistance to fracture and bond strength to root canals. Using a post plus two accessory posts improved the bond strength but not the fracture resistance.
Preparation of Cu2O‐Cu Cermets by In Situ Reduction Method
Authors: Feng Lichao , Yu Xuemei , Zhang Yuanliang 
Published: February 2014

Cu2O‐Cu cermets were prepared with sintering the mixture of graphite and Cu2O powders. The sintering process, microstructures, mechanical property, and sintering kinetics were investigated. The results show that the Cu was mainly derived from the graphite reduced Cu2O. Meanwhile, small amount of polyvinyl butyral addition will lead to a higher Cu content than calculated value. The sintering parameters were optimized with temperature of 1050°C and soaking for 5 h. The relative density and compressive strength of the cermets increase with increasing Cu content because of the lubricating effect of graphite and high temperature plastic deformation of Cu.
Comparison of physicochemical properties, antioxidant and metal‐chelating activities of protein hydrolysates from Phaseolus lunatus and hard‐to‐cook Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Guzmán‐Méndez Beatriz , Jaramillo‐Flores Maria Eugenia , Chel‐Guerrero Luis , Betancur‐Ancona David 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLimited and extensive hydrolysates were obtained from Phaseolus lunatus (LHl and EHl) and hard‐to‐cook Phaseolus vulgaris (LHv and EHv) using the enzymes Flavourzyme®, Alcalase®, Pancreatin® and a sequential Pepsin®–Pancreatin® system. Degrees of hydrolysis varied from 8.32% to 31.60%. SDS‐PAGE of extensive hydrolysates showed molecular weights smaller than limited hydrolysates. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis of LHl and EHl revealed the presence of two endothermic transitions; LHv and EHv had only one. LHv presented a higher content of hydrophobic amino acids whose surface hydrophobicity was 12.17. Functional properties such as nitrogen solubility, foaming capacity and emulsifying activity index in LHv were better than LHl at different pH evaluated. However, the latter showed better foaming stabilities. Amino acids such as His, Tyr, Trp and Arg were observed in greater amounts in both extensive hydrolysates. 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging and metal‐chelating activities in EHv and EHl increased significantly compared to the source material.
‘In a perfect world it would be great if they didn't exist’: How Australians experience payday loans
Authors: Banks Marcus , Marston Gregory , Russell Roslyn , Karger Howard 
Published: February 2014

In the last few decades, payday lending has mushroomed in many developed countries. The arguments for and against an industry which provides small, short‐term loans at very high interest rates have also blossomed. This article presents findings from an Australian study to contribute to the international policy and practice debate about a sector which orients to those on a low income. At the heart of this debate lies a conundrum: Borrowing from payday lenders exacerbates poverty, yet many low‐income households rely on these loans. We argue that the key problem is the restricted framework within which the debate currently oscillates.Key Practitioner Message: ● Framing payday borrowing as a problem of market failure leads to one‐sided and ineffective regulatory responses; ● Until governments instigate real alternatives for cheap and readily available credit, and broader anti‐poverty measures, curbing access to payday lenders can have the perverse effect of increasing privation; ● For practitioners seeking to abolish payday lending, campaigns for higher wages and a liveable social welfare income are central.
Buccal mucosal graft in reconstructive urology: Uses beyond urethral stricture
Authors: Pandey Abhishek , Dican Razvan , Beier Jörn , Keller Hansjörg 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe use of buccal mucosal grafts for the reconstruction of urethral strictures is an established procedure. Because of its robustness, the buccal mucosal graft could also potentially provide an alternative for other indications in reconstructive urology. We report here six consecutive patients who received a buccal mucosal graft for ureteral strictures, glans reconstruction and stoma stenosis. The follow up for all patients ranged from 26 to 50 months. The buccal mucosal graft showed excellent functional results for the ureteral strictures and stenosis from ureterocutaneostomy. For glans reconstructions, the buccal mucosal grafts delivered excellent cosmetic and functional results without causing meatal stenosis. We conclude the buccal mucosal graft can be used in reconstructive surgery beyond the reconstruction of urethral strictures.
Flows of People and Knowledge between Italy and Australia
Authors: Tani Massimiliano 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article analyses 20 years of bilateral peoples' flows between Italy and Australia using a unique set of data collected by Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship. This period has witnessed substantial changes in the composition of migration between the two countries. Against a historical background where migration is mostly composed of unskilled Italians relocating to Australia, the past two decades have seen a progressive increase in the arrival of young and highly skilled/qualified Italians on a short‐term basis. Conversely, there has been an increase in older Australians moving to or visiting Italy for work. Such changes have affected the bilateral skill flows, whose relevance has increased as globalization forces have made international transport easier and cheaper. Australia remains a “magnet” for Italians, and, unlike the historical origin of Italy's early immigrants, it now enjoys a net inflow of highly skilled labour.
Smoking behaviours of adolescents, influenced by smoking of teachers, family and friends
Authors: Huang H.‐W. , Lu C.‐C. , Yang Y.‐H. , Huang C.‐L. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundSmoking tobacco is a global health problem, and this study highlights adolescent smoking in Taiwan. Smoking was completely banned on campuses under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and School Health Regulations. Few have investigated the association between personnel smoking/school smoking policies and adolescent smoking in Taiwan. The smoking rate has gradually increased for senior high school students in Taiwan from 10.7% in 1994 to 14.7% in 2011.AimThis study examined the influence of family and friends' smoking on the association between the presence of teachers smoking and each stage of adolescents' smoking behaviour.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in nine high schools (n = 921). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between smoking stage, father smoking, mother smoking, sibling smoking, friends smoking and the presence of smoking teachers.ResultsAfter adjusting for gender, school type and grade, fathers', siblings' and friends' smoking were significantly associated with adolescents' ever and current smoking behaviours, but mothers' smoking was only associated with adolescents' current smoking behaviours. Friends' smoking was strongly associated with being a smoker. While there was an interaction between friends' smoking and the presence of smoking teachers on current smoking behaviours indicating the effect of the presence of smoking teachers was increased when friends did not smoke.DiscussionThe results suggest that teachers smoking on school may increase the likelihood of being a current smoker as their friends do not smoke. Family and friends smoking are associated with adolescent smoking.ConclusionThe Taiwanese government has regulated a comprehensive smoking ban in schools to prohibit both student and staff smoking on all school premises. To achieve this, schools should make tobacco control communication efforts. Nurses could address the combined influence of family and friends as well as the effect of school smoking restrictions to help prevent adolescents from smoking.
Numerical Maximisation of Likelihood: A Neglected Alternative to EM?
Authors: MacDonald Iain L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere is by now a long tradition of using the EM algorithm to find maximum‐likelihood estimates (MLEs) when the data are incomplete in any of a wide range of ways, even when the observed‐data likelihood can easily be evaluated and numerical maximisation of that likelihood is available as a conceptually simple route to the MLEs. It is rare in the literature to see numerical maximisation employed if EM is possible. But with excellent general‐purpose numerical optimisers now available free, there is no longer any reason, as a matter of course, to avoid direct numerical maximisation of likelihood. In this tutorial, I present seven examples of models in which numerical maximisation of likelihood appears to have some advantages over the use of EM as a route to MLEs. The mathematical and coding effort is minimal, as there is no need to derive and code the E and M steps, only a likelihood evaluator. In all the examples, the unconstrained optimiser nlm available in R is used, and transformations are used to impose constraints on parameters.I suggest therefore that the following question be asked of proposed new applications of EM: Can the MLEs be found more simply and directly by using a general‐purpose numerical optimiser?
Recent accomplishments in wound healing
Authors: Mudge Elizabeth J 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe challenge to balance limited resources with infinite demand has encouraged an evolution in the way health care services are managed and operated. Chronic wound management is complex and prolonged, and places a considerable financial burden on health services. A typical driver of cost includes the necessity to change dressings on a regular basis. Over the last few decades, several scientific and biological advances have furthered the development of wound care products and facilitated wound management. This article investigates some of the major advancements that have occurred within the wound‐care arena during the last 5 years and how these advancements are being translated to provide better delivery of clinical care to patients.
Penile reconstruction with dermal template and vacuum therapy in severe skin and soft tissue defects caused by Fournier's gangrene and hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Ludolph Ingo , Titel Torsten , Beier Justus P. , Dragu Adrian , Schmitz Marweh , Wullich Bernd , Horch Raymund E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe aim of this article is to improve the treatment of patients with complete skin loss of the penile shaft after Fournier's gangrene or hidradenitis suppurativa using modern biomatrices and topical negative pressure therapy.From January 2010 to December 2011, three patients with Fournier's gangrene or hidradenitis suppurativa were treated. After initial radical debridements, topical negative pressure therapy was applied for wound stabilisation. After that dermal templates (acellular dermal matrix) were used to achieve early healing and topical negative pressure‐dressing in a special setting or a special foam compression bandage was used together with a urinary catheter. After integration of the dermal template, a split‐thickness skin graft is used for coverage and again secured with a circular total negative pressure‐dressing.In all cases, the split‐thickness skin grafts healed very well applying this therapy concept. The patients were very satisfied with the functional as well as with the aesthetic outcome.We suggest a new method of staged reconstruction to successfully preserve the functionality of the penis after complete loss of the skin and soft tissue of the penile shaft using modern biomatrices and topical negative pressure therapy.
Cost‐effectiveness of treating vascular leg ulcers withUrgoStart®andUrgoCell®Contact
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Herberger Katharina , Kroeger Knut , Muenter Karl C. , Goepel Lisa , Rychlik Reinhard 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAlthough chronic wounds have a high socio‐economic impact, data on comparative effectiveness of treatments are rare.UrgoStart®is a hydroactive dressing containing a nano‐oligosaccharide factor (NOSF). This study aimed at evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of this NOSF‐containing wound dressing in vascular leg ulcers compared with a similar neutral foam dressing (UrgoCell®Contact) without NOSF.Cost‐effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the German statutory health care system was performed using a decision tree model for a period of 8 weeks. Cost and outcome data were derived from the clinical study ‘Challenge’ suggesting a response rate (≥40% wound size reduction) ofUrgoStart®of 65·6% versus 39·4% for the comparator.In the treatment model, effect‐adjusted costs of €849·86 were generated after 8 weeks for treatment withUrgoStart®versus €1335·51 for the comparator resulting in an effect‐adjusted cost advantage of €485·64 forUrgoStart®. In linear sensitivity analyses, the outcomes were stable for varying assumptions on prices and response rates.In an 8‐week period of treatment for vascular leg ulcers,UrgoStart®shows superior cost‐effectiveness when compared with the similar neutral foam dressing without any active component (NOSF). As demonstrated within a randomised, double‐blind clinical trial,UrgoStart®is also more effective in wound area reduction than the neutral foam dressing. Wound healing was not addressed in this clinical trial. Follow‐up data of 12 months to allow for reulceration assessment were not generated.
A Novel Glass‐Ceramic with Ultra‐Low Sintering Temperature for LTCC Application
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Ju Kui , Wang Keming 
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the phase compositions and the dielectric properties of 3ZnO–2B2O3 glass‐ceramic prepared by solid‐state method were investigated. The X‐ray diffraction patterns show that all sintered samples consist of Zn3B2O6 and α‐Zn(BO2)2. The dielectric properties changed significantly with the sintering temperature. After sintering at 650°C for 30 min, the glass‐ceramic exhibits optimum dielectric properties: a dielectric constant of 7.5 and a dielectric loss of 0.6 × 10−3 at 10 MHz. The chemical compatibility with Ag electrode under the co‐fired process illustrates a potential application in low temperature co‐fired ceramic field for the glass‐ceramic.