bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine profile of patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia affects platelet count recovery after Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Rocha Andreia M. C. , Souza Cláudia , Melo Fabrício F. , Clementino Nelma C. D. , Marino Marília C. A. , Rocha Gifone A. , Queiroz Dulciene M. M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryHelicobacter pylori eradication induces platelet recovery in a subgroup of patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP), but the mechanisms involved are still not understood. We aimed to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on platelet response and to identify the associated serum cytokine profile in 95 patients with cITP. Serum cytokine concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay prior to and 6 months after H. pylori eradication. Remission of cITP was observed in 17 (28·8%) of 59 patients in whom the bacterium was eradicated. Six months after treatment, a significant reduction in the concentrations of T‐helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells and an increase in T regulatory (Treg) and Th2‐cell commitment cytokines were observed in patients who recovered, but not in those whose platelet count did not recover. Patients who had a platelet response to eradication of the bacteria had higher pre‐treatment serum levels of γ‐interferon (IFNG, IFN‐γ), transforming growth factor‐β (TGFB1, TGF‐β) and interleukin 17 (IL17A, IL‐17) than patients who did not respond, but only higher pre‐treatment TGFB1 levels was independently associated with platelet response. In conclusion, amelioration of cITP after eradication of H. pylori was linked to a more efficient suppression of Th1 and Th17 response and a more pronounced Treg cell response.
An automated image processing method to quantify collagen fibre organization within cutaneous scar tissue
Authors: Quinn Kyle P. , Golberg Alexander , Broelsch G. Felix , Khan Saiqa , Villiger Martin , Bouma Brett , Austen William G. , Sheridan Robert L. , Mihm Martin C. , Yarmush Martin L. , Georgakoudi Irene 
Published: September 2014

AbstractStandard approaches to evaluate scar formation within histological sections rely on qualitative evaluations and scoring, which limits our understanding of the remodelling process. We have recently developed an image analysis technique for the rapid quantification of fibre alignment at each pixel location. The goal of this study was to evaluate its application for quantitatively mapping scar formation in histological sections of cutaneous burns. To this end, we utilized directional statistics to define maps of fibre density and directional variance from Masson's trichrome‐stained sections for quantifying changes in collagen organization during scar remodelling. Significant increases in collagen fibre density are detectable soon after burn injury in a rat model. Decreased fibre directional variance in the scar was also detectable between 3 weeks and 6 months after injury, indicating increasing fibre alignment. This automated analysis of fibre organization can provide objective surrogate endpoints for evaluating cutaneous wound repair and regeneration.
H3 clipping activity of glutamate dehydrogenase is regulated by stefin B and chromatin structure
Authors: Mandal Papita , Chauhan Sakshi , Tomar Raghuvir S. 
Published: September 2014

Glutamate dehydrogenase has been recently identified as a tissue‐specific histone H3‐specific clipping enzyme. We have previously shown that it cleaves free as well as chromatin‐bound histone H3. However, the physiological significance of this enzyme is still not clear. The present study aimed to improve our understanding of its significance in vivo. Using biochemical and cell biological approaches, we show that glutamate dehydrogenase is primarily associated with euchromatin, and it re‐localizes from the nuclear periphery to the nucleolus upon DNA damage. The cysteine protease inhibitor stefin B regulates the H3 clipping activity of the enzyme. Chromatin structure and certain histone modifications influence H3 clipping activity. Interestingly, we also observed that an in vivo truncated form of H3 lacks H3K56 acetylation, which is a code for the DNA damage response. Together, these results suggest that glutamate dehydrogenase is a euchromatin‐associated enzyme, and its H3 clipping activity is regulated by chromatin structure, histone modifications and an in vivo inhibitor. In response to DNA damage, it re‐localizes to the nuclei, and hence may be involved in regulation of gene expression in vivo.
Medication use and fall‐risk assessment for falls in an acute care hospital
Authors: Chiu Ming‐Huang , Lee Hsin‐Dai , Hwang Hei‐Fen , Wang Shih‐Chieh , Lin Mau‐Roung 
Published: September 2014

AimA nested case–control study was carried out to examine relationships of a fall‐risk score and the use of single medications and polypharmacy with falls among hospitalized patients aged 50 years and older in Taiwan.MethodsThere were 83 patients who experienced a fall during hospitalization in an acute‐care hospital. Matched by age and sex, five control patients for each case were randomly selected from all other inpatients who had not experienced any fall at the time of the index fall.ResultsPatients who took tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics, and narcotics were 3.36‐, 1.83‐ and 2.09‐fold, respectively, more likely to experience a fall than their counterparts. Conversely, patients who took beta‐blockers were 0.34‐fold more likely than those who did not take them to experience a fall. Patients taking ≥6 medications were 3.08‐fold more likely than those taking fewer medications to experience a fall, whereas those with anxiety were 4.72‐fold more likely to experience a fall than those without. A high fall‐risk score was not significantly associated with the occurrence of falls.ConclusionsAmong older hospitalized patients, tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics, narcotics, and polypharmacy should be mindfully prescribed and reviewed on a regular basis. A fall‐risk scale developed from community‐dwelling older people might not accurately predict falls in hospitalized patients. Further research to validate the negative effect of beta‐blocker use on falls is required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 856–863.
Portuguese version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator: Transcultural adaptation and psychometric validation
Authors: Coelho Tiago , Santos Rubim , Paúl Constança , Gobbens Robbert JJ , Fernandes Lia 
Published: September 2014

AimTo present the translation and validation process of the Portuguese version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was designed using a non‐probability sample of 252 community‐dwelling older adults. Preliminary studies were carried out for face and content validity assessment. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct (convergent/divergent) and criterion validity were subsequently analyzed.ResultsThe sample was mainly women (75.8%), with a mean age of 79.2 ± 7.3 years. TFI internal consistency was good (KR‐20 = 0.78). Test–retest reliability for the total was also good (r = 0.91), with kappa coefficients showing substantial agreement for most items. TFI physical and social domains correlated as expected with concurrent measures, whereas the TFI psychological domain showed similar correlations with other psychological and physical measures. The TFI showed a good to excellent discrimination ability in regard to frailty criteria, and fair to good ability to predict adverse outcomes.ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of the TFI seem to be consistently good. These findings provide initial evidence that the Portuguese version is a valid and reliable measure for assessing frailty in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 951–960.
Evaluation of nurses' perceptions of the impact of targeted depression education and a screening and referral tool in an acute cardiac setting
Authors: Ski Chantal F , Munian Sam , Rolley John X , Thompson David R 
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate nurses' perceptions of an education programme and screening and referral tool designed for cardiac nurses to facilitate depression screening and referral procedures for patients with coronary heart disease.BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of depression in patients with coronary heart disease that is often undetected. It is important therefore that nurses working with cardiac patients are equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognise the signs and symptoms of depression and refer appropriately.DesignA qualitative approach with purposive sampling and semi‐structural interviews was implemented within the Donabedian ‘Structure‐Process‐Outcome’ evaluation framework.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 cardiac nurses working in a major metropolitan hospital six weeks post‐attending an education programme on depression and coronary heart disease. Thematic data analysis was implemented, specifically adhering to Halcomb and Davidson's (2006) pragmatic data analysis, to examine nurse knowledge and experience of depression assessment and referral in an acute cardiac ward.ResultsThe key findings of this study were that the education programme: (1) increased the knowledge base of nurses working with cardiac patients on comorbid depression and coronary heart disease, and (2) assisted in the identification of depression and the referral of ‘at risk’ patients.ConclusionsEmphasis was placed on the translational significance of educating cardiac nurses about depression via the introduction of a depression screening and referral instrument designed specifically for use in the cardiac ward. As a result, participants found they were better equipped to identify depressive symptoms and, guided by the screening instrument, to confidently instigate referral procedures.Relevance to clinical practiceMuch complexity lies in caring for cardiac patients with depression, including issues such as misdiagnosis. Targeted education, including use of appropriate instruments, has the potential to facilitate early recognition of the signs and symptoms of depression in the acute cardiac setting.
Hearing loss: An unknown complication of pre‐eclampsia?
Authors: Terzi Hasan , Kale Ahmet , Hasdemir Pinar Solmaz , Selcuk Adin , Yavuz Arzu , Genc Selahattin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine whether pre‐eclampsia is a risk factor for cochlear damage and sensorineural hearing impairment.Material and MethodsThis prospective case–control study consisted of 33 patients with pre‐eclampsia and 32 normotensive pregnant patients as controls. All of the subjects underwent otoscopic examinations – pure tone audiometry (0.25–16 kHz) and transient evoked otoacoustic emission (1–4 kHz) tests – during their third trimester of pregnancy.ResultsThe mean ages of the patients with pre‐eclampsia and the control subjects were 29.6 ± 5.7 and 28.6 ± 5.3 years, respectively. The baseline demographic characteristics, including age, gravidity, parity number, and gestational week, were similar between the two patient groups. Hearing thresholds in the right ear at 1, 4, 8, and 10 kHz and in the left ear at 8 and 10 kHz were significantly higher in the patients with pre‐eclampsia compared to the control subjects. The degree of systolic blood pressure measured at the time of diagnosis had a deteriorating effect on hearing at 8, 10, and 12 kHz in the right ear and at 10 kHz in the left ear.ConclusionsPre‐eclampsia is a potential risk factor for cochlear damage and sensorineural hearing loss. Further studies that include routine audiological examinations are needed in these patients.
Cost assessment of robotics in gynecologic surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Iavazzo Christos , Papadopoulou Eleni K. , Gkegkes Ioannis D. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe application of robotics is an innovation in the field of gynecologic surgery. Our objective was to evaluate the currently available literature on the cost assessment of robotic surgery of various operations in the field of gynecologic surgery.Material and MethodsPubMed and Scopus databases were systematically searched in order to retrieve the included studies in our review.ResultsWe retrieved 23 studies on a variety of gynecologic operations. The mean cost for robotic, open and laparoscopic surgery ranged from 1731 to 48 769, 894 to 20 277 and 411 to 41 836 Euros, respectively. Operative charges, in hysterectomy, for robotic, open and laparoscopic technique ranged from 936 to 33 920, 684 to 25 616 and 858 to 25 578 Euros, respectively. In sacrocolpopexy, these costs ranged from 2067 to 7275, 2904 to 69 792 and 1482 to 2000 Euros, respectively. Non‐operative charges ranged from 467 to 39 121 Euros. The mean total costs for myomectomy ranged from 27 342 to 42 497 and 13 709 to 20 277 Euros, respectively, for the robotic and open methods, while the mean total cost of the laparoscopic technique was 26 181 Euros. Conversions to laparotomy were present in 79/36 185 (0.2%) cases of laparoscopic surgery and in 21/3345 (0.62%) cases of robotic technique. Duration of robotic, open and laparoscopic surgery ranged from 50 to 445, 83.7 to 701 and 74 to 330 min, respectively.ConclusionRobotic surgery has the potential to become cost‐effective in centers with many patients while industry competition could reduce the cost of the robotic instrumentation, making robotic technology more affordable and cost‐effective.
Case of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma: Possible clinical link to lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia as its origin
Authors: Sugihara Takeru , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Sasajima Yuko , Matsumoto Yasuhiro , Takeshita Shigeki , Ayabe Takuya 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMinimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) is defined as an extremely well differentiated variant of endocervical adenocarcinoma. Several reports have stated that MDA associates with lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH). It is difficult to distinguish LEGH from MDA based on clinical and histologic similarities. There is no definite evidence proving that LEGH is a precursor lesion of MDA. A 45‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital for minute investigation of her neurological disorder. The multiple‐cystic lesion at the uterine cervix was identified by magnetic resonance imaging. Based on her normal histological findings and severe underlying conditions, a careful follow‐up strategy was adapted. Two years later, atypical glandular cells were observed and the multiple‐cystic lesion had increased. Pathological diagnosis of a conization specimen was MDA. Radical hysterectomy was carried out. Pathological examination revealed coexistence of LEGH and MDA. Her clinical course and histological findings suggested the possibility that LEGH might be a precursor lesion of MDA.
The Brucella abortus virulence regulator, LovhK, is a sensor kinase in the general stress response signalling pathway
Authors: Kim Hye‐Sook , Willett Jonathan W. , Jain‐Gupta Neeta , Fiebig Aretha , Crosson Sean 
Published: September 2014

SummaryIn the intracellular pathogen Brucella abortus, the general stress response (GSR) signalling system determines survival under acute stress conditions in vitro, and is required for long‐term residence in a mammalian host. To date, the identity of the Brucella sensor kinase(s) that function to perceive stress and directly activate GSR signalling have remained undefined. We demonstrate that the flavin‐binding sensor histidine kinase, LovhK (bab2_0652), functions as a primary B. abortus GSR sensor. LovhK rapidly and specifically phosphorylates the central GSR regulator, PhyR, and activates transcription of a set of genes that closely overlaps the known B. abortus GSR regulon. Deletion of lovhK severely compromises cell survival under defined oxidative and acid stress conditions. We further show that lovhK is required for cell survival during the early phase of mammalian cell infection and for establishment of long‐term residence in a mouse infection model. Finally, we present evidence that particular regions of primary structure within the two N‐terminal PAS domains of LovhK have distinct sensory roles under specific environmental conditions. This study elucidates new molecular components of a conserved signalling pathway that regulates B. abortus stress physiology and infection biology.
Genome‐Wide Association Study for Sperm Concentration in Holstein‐Friesian Bulls
Authors: Hering DM , Olenski K , Kaminski S 
Published: September 2014

ContentsThe aim of the study was to screen the entire bull genome to identify markers and candidate genes underlying sperm concentration. The analysed data set originates from a population of 877 Polish Holstein‐Friesian bulls. Based on sperm concentration value, two extreme groups of bulls were created: Low (L, n = 126) and High (H, n = 140). Each bull was genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Genome‐wide association analysis was performed with the use of GoldenHelix SVS7 software. An additive model with a Cohran–Armitage test, Correlation/Trend adjusted by a Bonferroni test, was used to estimate the effect of SNP marker for sperm concentration. Thirteen markers reached genome‐wide significance. The most significant SNPs were located on chromosome 3 (rs109154964 and rs108965556), 14 (rs41621145) and 18 (rs41615539), in the close vicinity of protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6), Sel1 repeat containing 1 (SELRC1), triple QxxK/R motif containing (TRIQK) and zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3) genes, respectively. For three other candidate genes located close to significant markers (within a distance of ca 1 Mb), namely histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9), an inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2) and glutathione S‐transferase theta 1 (GSTT1), their potential role in the production of male germ cells was confirmed in earlier studies. Six additional candidate genes (Vav3, GSTM1, CDK5, NOS3, PDP1 and GAL3ST1) were suspected of being significantly associated with sperm concentration or semen biochemistry. Our results indicate the genetic complexity of sperm concentration but also open the possibility for finding causal polymorphism useful in marker‐assisted selection.
Poster — Thur Eve — 18: Cherenkov Emission By High‐Energy Radiation Therapy Beams: A Characterization Study
Authors: Zlateva Y. , Quitoriano N. , El Naqa I. 
Published: September 2014

We investigate Cherenkov emission (CE) by radiotherapy beams via radiation dose‐versus‐CE correlation analyses, CE detection optimization by means of a spectral shift towards the near‐infrared (NIR) window of biological tissue, and comparison of CE to on‐board MV imaging. Dose‐CE correlation was investigated via simulation and experiment. A Monte Carlo (MC) CE simulator was designed using Geant4. Experimental phantoms include: water; tissue‐simulating phantom composed of water, Intralipid®, and beef blood; plastic phantom with solid water insert. The detector system comprises an optical fiber and diffraction‐grating spectrometer incorporating a front/back‐illuminated CCD. The NIR shift was carried out with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), emitting at (650±10) nm. CE and MV images were acquired with a CMOS camera and electronic portal imaging device.MC and experimental studies indicate a strong linear dose‐CE correlation (Pearson coefficient > 0.99). CE by an 18‐MeV beam was effectively NIR‐shifted in water and a tissue‐simulating phantom, exhibiting a significant increase at 650 nm for QD depths up to 10 mm. CE images exhibited relative contrast superior to MV images by a factor of 30. Our work supports the potential for application of CE in radiotherapy online imaging for patient setup and treatment verification, since CE is intrinsic to the beam and non‐ionizing and QDs can be used to improve CE detectability, potentially yielding image quality superior to MV imaging for the case of low‐density‐variability, low‐optical‐attenuation materials (ex: breast/oropharynx). Ongoing work involves microenvironment functionalization of QDs and application of multi‐channel spectrometry for simultaneous acquisition of dosimetric and tumor oxygenation signals.
Poster — Thur Eve — 20: CTDI Measurements using a Radiochromic Film‐based clinical protocol
Authors: Quintero C. , Tomic N. , Bekerat H. , DeBlois F. , Seuntjens J. , Devic S. 
Published: September 2014

The purpose of the study was evaluating accuracy and reproducibility of a radiochromic film‐based protocol to measure computer tomography dose index (CTDI) as a part of annual QA on CT scanners and kV‐CBCT systems attached to linear accelerators.Energy dependence of Gafchromic XR‐QA2 ® film model was tested over imaging beam qualities (50 – 140 kVp). Film pieces were irradiated in air to known values of air‐kerma (up to 10 cGy). Calibration curves for each beam quality were created (Film reflectance change Vs. Air‐kerma in air). Film responses for same air‐kerma values were compared. Film strips were placed into holes of a CTDI phantom and irradiated for several clinical scanning protocols. Film reflectance change was converted into dose to water and used to calculate CTDIvol values. Measured and tabulated CTDIvol values were compared.Average variations of ±5.2% in the mean film reflectance change were observed in the energy range of 80 to 140 keV, and 11.1% between 50 and 140 keV. Measured CTDI values were in average 10% lower than tabulated CTDI values for CT‐simulators, and 44% higher for CBCT systems. Results presented a mean variation for the same machine and protocol of 2.6%. Variation of film response is within ±5% resulting in ±15% systematic error in dose estimation if a single calibration curve is used. Relatively large discrepancy between measured and tabulated CTDI values strongly support the trend towards replacing CTDI value with equilibrium dose measurement in the center of cylindrical phantom, as suggested by TG‐ 111.
Poster — Thur Eve — 25: Sensitivity to inhomogeneities for an in‐vivo EPID dosimetry method
Authors: Peca Stefano , Brown Derek 
Published: September 2014

Introduction:The electronic portal imaging device (EPID) has the potential to be used for in vivo dosimetry during radiotherapy as an additional dose delivery check. We recently proposed a simple method of using the EPID for 2D‐IVD based on correlation ratios. In this work we have investigated the sensitivity of our EPID‐IVD to inhomogeneities.Methods:We used slab phantoms that simulate water, bone, and lung, arranged in various geometries. To simulate body contours non‐orthogonal to the field, we used a water wedge. CT data of these phantoms was imported into MATLAB, in conjunction with EPID images acquired during irradiation, to calculate dose inside the phantom in isocenter plane. Each phantom was irradiated using a linear accelerator while images were acquired with the EPID (cine mode). Comparisons between EPID‐calculated and TPS dose maps were: pixel‐by‐pixel dose difference, and 3%,3mm gamma evaluation.Results:In the homogeneous case, CAX dose difference was <1%, and 3%,3mm gamma analysis yielded 99% of points with gamma<1. For the inhomogeneous phantoms, agreement decreased with increasing inhomogeneity reaching up to 10% CAX dose difference with 10cm of lung. Results from the water wedge phantom suggest that the EPID‐calculated dose can account for surface irregularities of approximately ±3cm.Conclusions:The EPID‐based IVD investigated has limitations in the presence of large inhomogeneities. Nonetheless, CAX doses never differed by >15% from the TPS. This suggests that this EPID‐IVD is capable of detecting gross dose delivery errors even in the presence of inhomogeneities, supporting its utility as an additional patient safety device.