bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testosterone concentrations in young pubertal and post‐pubertal obese males
Authors: Mogri Muniza , Dhindsa Sandeep , Quattrin Teresa , Ghanim Husam , Dandona Paresh 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveObesity in adult males is associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We evaluated the effect of obesity on plasma testosterone concentrations in pubertal and post‐pubertal young males.Design and methodsMorning fasting blood samples were obtained from 25 obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile] and 25 lean (BMI <85th percentile) males between the ages 14–20 years with Tanner staging ≥4. Total (TT) and free testosterone (FT) and estradiol concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis. Free testosterone was also calculated using SHBG and albumin. C‐reactive protein (CRP), insulin and glucose concentrations were measured and homoeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated.ResultsAfter controlling for age and Tanner staging, obese males had a significantly lower total testosterone (10·5 vs 21·44 nmol/l), free testosterone (0·22 vs 0·39 nmol/l) and calculated free testosterone (0·26 vs 0·44 nmol/l) concentrations as compared to lean males (P < 0·001 for all). Obese males had higher CRP concentrations (2·8 vs 0·8 mg/l; P < 0·001), and HOMA‐IR (3·8 vs 1·1; P < 0·001) than lean males. Free testosterone concentrations were positively related to age and negatively to BMI, HOMA‐IR and CRP concentrations. Total and free estradiol concentrations were significantly lower in males with subnormal testosterone concentrations.ConclusionTestosterone concentrations of young obese pubertal and post‐pubertal males are 40–50% lower than those with normal BMI. Obesity in young males is associated with low testosterone concentrations, which are not secondary to an increase in estradiol concentrations. Our results need to be confirmed in a larger number of subjects.
The prevalence and relevance of adrenal masses in patients with sporadic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP‐NET)
Authors: Kanakis George , Kamp Kimberly , Tsiveriotis Konstantinos , Feelders Richard A. , Zormpala Alexandra , de Herder Wouter W. , Kaltsas Gregory 
Published: September 2012

SummaryObjectiveThe widespread application of abdominal computerized tomography (CT) imaging has revealed that 0·98–4·0% of individuals harbour adrenal lesions (incidentalomas). There is, however, paucity of information regarding the prevalence of adrenal lesions in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP‐NETS). Purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of adrenal lesions in patients with GEP‐NETS and identify their radiological features and clinical significance.DesignThe prevalence of adrenal lesions was estimated retrospectively in 438 patients with GEP‐NETS who underwent abdominal imaging. Secretory status and changes in size were documented during subsequent follow‐up. MEN‐1 patients and ectopic ACTH‐secreting tumours were excluded.ResultsAdrenal lesions were detected in 32 (8·4%) of 383 patients included. The majority (22 patients – 69%) were located at the left adrenal gland and the mean size was 23·6 mm. In two patients, one with a well and another with a poorly differentiated tumour, clinicopathological features suggested adrenal metastases. During a mean follow‐up period of 69·5 months, no subsequent growth of any adrenal lesion was observed. Endocrine evaluation documented subclinical glucocorticoid hypersecretion in 4 cases (14%). The presence of adrenal lesions did not correlate to distant metastases, however, they were observed more frequently in patients with G3 tumours.ConclusionThe prevalence of adrenal lesions in patients with GEP‐NETs was found to be higher than the general population and mostly represent benign adrenal adenomas (except patients with G3 tumours). Nevertheless, individualized assessment of imaging characteristics should be still considered.
Impact of different synthetic bone fillers on healing of extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Hong Ji‐Youn , Lee Jung‐Seok , Pang Eun‐Kyoung , Jung Ui‐Won , Choi Seong‐Ho , Kim Chong‐Kwan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to elucidate the socket healing process and biodegradation of incorporating synthetic bone fillers followed by grafting of the fresh extraction socket.Materials and methodsThird premolars in four quadrants of eight beagle dogs were extracted and randomly treated with either one of hydroxyapatite (HA), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), or no graft (C). Histologic observations and histomorphometric analysis at three zones (apical, middle, and coronal) of the socket were performed. Socket area (S) and the proportions of newly formed bone (%NB), residual biomaterials (%RB), and fibrovascular connective tissue (%FCT) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks were measured. The numbers of osteoclast‐like multinucleated cells (No.OC) were also determined at the three zones.Results%NB was significantly higher in control group compared with the grafted groups at all healing periods. %NB of HA and BCP increased with time, whereas %RB showed different patterns that decreased in BCP, unlike the minimal change observed in HA. %NB of β‐TCP showed smallest portion compared with other grafted groups at 2 and 4 weeks, however, significantly increased at 8 weeks. %RB of β‐TCP was less than HA and BCP at all healing periods. Numbers of multinucleated cells were greater in BCP and β‐TCP, followed by HA and smallest in control group.ConclusionsWithin the limit of this study, bone formation of the extraction socket was delayed in the sockets grafted with synthetic bone fillers and showed different healing process according to the biodegradation patterns.
Prognostic factors determining survival in patients with node positive differentiated thyroid cancer: a retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gulcelik M.A. , Ozdemir Y. , Kadri Colakoglu M. , Camlibel M. , Alagol H. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveThe prognostic factors for the disease‐free status and overall survival among patients who had differentiated thyroid cancer with cervical lymph node metastasis were evaluated to develop a better understanding of the possible effects of lymph node metastasis on the disease process.DesignThe data from 101 patients who underwent modified radical neck dissection to determine the presence of cervical node positive differentiated thyroid cancer was evaluated and disease‐free survival and overall survival rates were calculated. Prognostic factors predicting these survival rates were evaluated.SettingThis research took place between July of 1994 and December of 2006 in the Department of General Surgery at Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital.ParticipantsOne hundred and one patients underwent a modified radical neck dissection after the cervical nodes were assessed as positive for the presence of cancer.Main Outcome MeasuresTen‐year disease‐free survival and overall survival rates were measured.ResultsWe calculated the 10‐year disease‐free survival rate at 67.3% and the overall survival rate at 86.1%. Age, thyroidal extracapsular invasion, vascular invasion, metastasis, age, completeness of resection, size score and TNM staging were found to be relevant to disease‐free survival and overall survival in both the univariate and the multivariate analyses. While the age, metastasis, extent of disease score was relevant to disease‐free survival and overall survival in the univariate analysis, this association is not found in the multivariate analysis. The histological type of the tumour was not predictive of disease‐free survival, but the follicular type was closely related to the prognosis for overall survival.ConclusionCervical node metastasis in thyroid carcinoma slightly reduces overall survival. Prognostic factors can help identify high‐risk patients and point towards an adequate therapeutic approach.
Clinicopathological risk factors of Stage II colon cancer: results of a prospective study
Authors: Santos C. , López‐Doriga A. , Navarro M. , Mateo J. , Biondo S. , Martínez Villacampa M. , Soler G. , Sanjuan X. , Paules M. J. , Laquente B. , Guinó E. , Kreisler E. , Frago R. , Germà J. R. , Moreno V. , Salazar R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim  Adjuvant 5‐fluorouracil based chemotherapy has demonstrated benefit in Stage III colon cancer but still remains controversial in Stage II. The aim of this study was to analyse the prognostic impact of clinicopathological factors that may help guide treatment decisions in Stage II colon cancer.Method  Between 1996 and 2006 data from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and its referral comprehensive cancer centre Institut Català d′Oncologia/L’Hospitalet were prospectively included in a database. We identified 432 patients with Stage II colon cancer operated on at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge. The 5‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) and colon‐cancer‐specific survival (CCSS) were determined.Results  The 5‐year RFS and CCSS were 83% and 88%, respectively. Lymphovascular or perineural invasion was associated with RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84; 95% CI 1.01–3.35]. Gender (women, HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23–1) and lymphovascular or perineural invasion (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.86–6.64) together with pT4 (HR 2.79; 95% CI 1.44–5.41) influenced CCSS. In multivariate analysis pT4 and lymphovascular or perineural invasion remained significantly associated with CCSS. We performed a risk index with these factors with prognostic impact. Patients with pT4 tumours and lymphovascular or perineural invasion had a 5‐year CCSS of 61%vs the 93% (HR 5.87; 95 CI 2.46–13.97) of those without any of these factors.Conclusion  pT4 and lymphatic, venous or perineural invasion are confirmed as significant prognostic factors in Stage II colon cancer and should be taken into account in the clinical validation process of new molecular prognostic factors.
Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract in low transsphincteric fistulae: a new technique to avoid fistulotomy
Authors: van Onkelen R. S. , Gosselink M. P. , Schouten W. R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim  To date fistulotomy is still the treatment of choice for patients with a transsphincteric fistula passing through the lower third of the external anal sphincter, because it is a simple, effective and safe procedure with a minimal risk of incontinence. However, data suggest that the risk of impaired continence following division of the lower third of the external anal sphincter is not insignificant, especially in female patients with an anterior fistula and patients with diminished anal sphincter function. It has been shown that ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a promising sphincter‐preserving technique. Therefore, we questioned whether LIFT could replace fistulotomy in patients with a low transsphincteric fistula.Method  A consecutive series of 22 patients with a low transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin underwent LIFT. Continence scores were determined using the Rockwood Fecal Incontinence Severity Index.Results  Median follow‐up was 19.5 months. Primary healing was observed in 18 (82%) patients. In the four patients without primary healing, the transsphincteric fistula was converted into an intersphincteric fistula. These patients underwent subsequent fistulotomy with preservation of the external anal sphincter. The overall healing rate was 100%. Six months after surgery, the median incontinence score was not changed significantly.Conclusion  Low transsphincteric fistulae can be treated successfully by LIFT, without affecting faecal continence. Division of the lower part of the external anal sphincter is no longer necessary in the treatment of low transsphincteric fistulae, which is essential for patients with compromised anal sphincters.
Periodontal healing complications following extrusive and lateral luxation in the permanent dentition: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Hermann Nuno Vibe , Lauridsen Eva , Ahrensburg Søren Steno , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Andreasen Jens Ove 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurposeTo analyze the risk of tooth loss and complications in periodontal ligament (PDL) healing following extrusive and lateral luxation in the permanent dentition.Materials and methodsEighty‐two permanent teeth (78 patients) with extrusive luxation and 179 teeth (149 patients) with lateral luxation were included in the study. All teeth were examined according to a standardized protocol including clinical, photographic, and radiographic registration. Follow‐up controls were performed at regular intervals (3, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1, 5, and 10 years).Statistics: The risk of repair‐related resorption (surface resorption), infection‐related resorption (inflammatory resorption), ankylosis‐related resorption (replacement resorption), marginal bone loss, and tooth loss was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Differences among subgroups were analyzed with log‐rank test and Cox regression.ResultsThe risk of periodontal healing complications was estimated after 3 years.Extrusive luxation: For immature root development, infection‐related resorption was 2.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0–6.9%). For mature root development, repair‐related resorption was 15.6% (95% CI: 4.4–26.7%), infection‐related resorption was 5.1% (95% CI: 0–11.7%), and marginal bone loss was 17.5% (95% CI: 6.2–28.8%). No teeth showed ankylosis‐related resorption, and no teeth were lost in the observation period.Lateral luxation: For immature root development, repair‐related resorption was 2.1% (95% CI: 0–6.1%), infection‐related resorption was 2.1% (95% CI: 0–6.1%). For mature root development, repair‐related resorption was 29.5% (95% CI: 20.5–38.5%), infection‐related resorption was 2.6% (95% CI: 0–6.4%), ankylosis‐related resorption was 0.8% (95% CI: 0–2.3%), marginal bone loss was 6.9% (95% CI: 2.2–11.6%).ConclusionThe risk of severe periodontal healing complications in teeth with extrusive and lateral luxation injuries is generally low. Marginal bone loss and repair‐related resorption occurred significantly more often in teeth with mature rather than immature root development. Marginal bone loss was associated with injuries involving multiple teeth.
Establishment of an optimized ex vivo system for artificial root canal infection evaluated by use of sodium hypochlorite and the photodynamic therapy
Authors: Hecker S. , Hiller K.‐A. , Galler K. M. , Erb S. , Mader T. , Schmalz G. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo establish a refined model of artificially infected root canals and confirm its suitability as a sensitive ex vivo method to assess the efficacy of disinfecting agents. Disinfection was evaluated using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), either blocked or unblocked by sodium thiosulphate, and a recently promoted method of disinfection, the antibacterial photodynamic therapy (PDT).MethodologyThe roots of bovine incisors were sectioned into three parts, the canals of coronal and middle regions were filled with a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis and the apical region with culture medium. After 7 days, coronal sections were disinfected using NaOCl (0.5%, 1.0% and 3.0% for 30, 60 and 600 s) or a system for photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT; Cumdente, Tübingen, Germany) for antibacterial PDT. Apical sections served as sterile controls and middle sections as bacterial growth controls. In half of the NaOCl‐treated specimens, disinfection was arrested. Dentine chips from biopsies at different depths from the central canal towards the periphery were plated and assessed for colony‐forming units (CFU). Disinfection was considered biologically relevant if the reduction of CFU was at least three log10 orders of magnitude.ResultsColony‐forming units of 103–104 in growth controls indicated effective artificial infection. A biologically relevant reduction of CFU was accomplished with unblocked NaOCl, but not after blocking with NaOCl nor with PDT.ConclusionsThe system reliably detected disinfection of the root canal and dentinal tubules and proved suitable for ex vivo testing of root canal disinfection. The effect of NaOCl depended on the duration of impact. Under the present experimental conditions, the antibacterial PDT system did not achieve sufficient disinfection.
A Meta‐analysis of intradermal versus intramuscular influenza vaccines: Immunogenicity and Adverse Events
Authors: Marra Fawziah , Young Flora , Richardson Kathryn , Marra Carlo A. 
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Marra et al. (2012) A Meta‐analysis of intradermal versus intramuscular influenza vaccines: immunogenicity and adverse events. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 584–603.Objective  To determine immunogenicity and safety of intradermal (ID) influenza vaccines compared with intramuscular (IM) administration and effect of dose and age.Design  Meta‐anlysis.Setting  Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on influenza vaccines.Sample  Randomized, controlled trials comparing ID seasonal split‐virus influenza vaccines with 15 μg IM control in subjects 18 years of age or older and assessed antibody response at 21–28 days post‐vaccination were considered for inclusion.Results  A total of 13 trials were included. The pooled immunogenicity outcomes did not differ significantly between the IM and ID vaccine groups for the H1N1 (ratio of GMTR: 0·92, 95% confidence interval 0·77–1·09; seroconversion: 0·94, 0·86–1·02; seroprotection: 0·97, 0·94–1·00) and B strains (GMTR: 0·93, 0·80–1·08; seroconversion: 0·91, 0·80–1·04; seroprotection: 0·97, 0·91–1·03). For the H3N2 strain, there was no significant difference in GMTR (0·97, 0·80–1·18); however, there was a lower pooled seroconversion (0·89, 0·80–0·99) and seroprotection rate (0·98, 0·96–0·99) for ID recipients. There was a statistically significant association between increasing doses of the ID vaccination with increasing immunogenicity response (P = 0·01). There were no differences in adverse event rates within 3 days post‐vaccination for ID versus IM. But for adverse events occurring 7 days post‐vaccination, ID vaccination was associated with a greater incidence of local events but not systemic events.Conclusions  There was no significant difference in immunologic response when comparing ID with IM administration of the influenza vaccination in the overall population, but higher doses of ID vaccine in the older adult population produced a better response.
Mazaedium evolution in the Ascomycota (Fungi) and the classification of mazaediate groups of formerly unclear relationship
Authors: Prieto Maria , Baloch Elisabeth , Tehler Anders , Wedin Mats 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCalicioid or mazaediate fungi constitute a heterogeneous assemblage of fungi sharing the presence of a mazaedium. These fungi were once treated as an order (Caliciales) of the Ascomycota but many are now known to be nested within the Arthoniomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Lecanoromycetes and Leotiomycetes. In this study we employ multigene phylogenetic analyses of main mazaediate groups (based on nuclear 18S, 28S, 5.8S rDNA, mitochondrial 16S, and the protein coding RPB1 and Mcm7) of 116 taxa corresponding to most major groups of the inoperculate ascomycetes (“Leotiomyceta”) and a selection of Pezizomycetes, to trace the evolution of the mazaedium in the Pezizomycotina (the “Euascomycetes”). In particular, we studied the placement of three calicioid groups of uncertain position, Calycidiaceae, Coniocybaceae and Microcaliciaceae. Here, we show that the Calycidiaceae is closely related to the Sphaerophoraceae in the Lecanoromycetidae (Lecanoromycetes), as supported by overall morphology and the production of sphaerophorin. The Coniocybaceae constitute an early divergent line in the inoperculate ascomycetes and here we propose to recognize this group formally as the new class and order Coniocybomycetes, Coniocybales. The Microcaliciaceae is nested within the Ostropomycetidae (Lecanoromycetes). Both Coniocybaceae and Microcaliciaceae, although highly distinctive, lack morphological similarities to related main fungal groups. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that the ancestor of all inoperculate ascomycetes and the ancestor of all main inoperculate ascomycete groups, with the exception of the Coniocybomycetes, was non‐mazediate, and thus confirms the large amount of parallel evolution and independent gains of the mazaedium in the history of the Ascomycota.
Methyljasmonate displays in vitro and in vivo activity against multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Klippel Steffen , Jakubikova Jana , Delmore Jake , Ooi Melissa , McMillin Douglas , Kastritis Efstathios , Laubach Jacob , Richardson Paul G. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Mitsiades Constantine S. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryJasmonates, plant stress hormones, have been demonstrated to be effective in killing various types of cancer cells. We therefore tested if methyljasmonate (MJ) has activity against multiple myeloma (MM) in vitro and in vivo. MM cell lines and primary MM tumour cells responded to MJ in vitro at concentrations that did not significantly affect normal haematopoietic cells, without stroma‐mediated resistance. Brief MJ exposures of MM cells caused release of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) from mitochondria, rapid ATP depletion, perturbation of major intracellular signalling pathways, and ensuing mainly apoptotic cell death. Sensitivity to MJ correlated with lower cellular glucose consumption and lactate production, as well as lower intracellular protein levels of HK2, phosphorylated Voltage‐dependent anion channel 2/3 (pVDAC2/3) and Aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1), which represent potential biomarkers of responsiveness to MJ treatment, especially as AKR1C1 transcript levels also correlate with clinical outcome in bortezomib‐ or dexamethasone‐treated MM patients. Interestingly, MJ synergized with bortezomib in vitro and prolonged survival of immunocompromised mice harbouring diffuse lesions of MM.1S cells compared to vehicle‐treated mice (P = 0·0046). These studies indicate that jasmonates represent a new, promising strategy to treat MM.
Exploring the underlying factors influencing e‐learning adoption in nurse education
Authors: Petit dit Dariel Odessa , Wharrad Heather , Windle Richard 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo report a study undertaken to explore the underlying factors influencing e‐learning adoption in nurse education.BackgroundDespite e‐learning's high profile it has not been readily integrated into teaching practice in nurse education. Previous research has identified generic, cross‐disciplinary factors but has left out ‘soft’ factors.DesignThe study adopted an exploratory descriptive design.MethodsQ‐methodology was used to explore e‐learning adoption in a Division of Nursing located in an institution of Higher Education in the UK. Between September–December 2009, 38 participants were recruited to participate in Q‐sorts and post‐sort interviews. The Q‐sort data were factor analysed and the interviews were coded to their respective factors to develop in‐depth narratives.FindingsFour factors were identified: ‘E‐learning advocates’ saw e‐learning's potential to improve nurse education and prepare future nurses for their evolving role; the ‘Humanists’ had avoided e‐learning because they valued human interaction; the ‘Sceptics’ doubted that technology could improve learning outcomes; and the ‘Pragmatics,’ only used e‐learning as a tool to post lecture notes online to supplement what they covered in class.ConclusionThe findings point to the variety of responses existing among nurse academics faced with integrating e‐learning into their teaching. Moving beyond the binary labels commonly attributed to those considered either ‘early adopters’ or ‘laggards,’ the findings contribute to the literature by revealing a wider breadth of views and responses towards technology. Acknowledging these views can inform future e‐learning strategies and lead to improvement in e‐learning use in nurse education.