bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR Signaling Modulates Side Effects of Anticancer Therapy in the Small Intestine
Authors: Frank Magdalena , Hennenberg Eva Maria , Eyking Annette , Rünzi Michael , Gerken Guido , Scott Paul , Parkhill Julian , Walker Alan W. , Cario Elke 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Intestinal mucositis represents the most common complication of intensive chemotherapy, which has a severe adverse impact on quality of life of cancer patients. However, the precise pathophysiology remains to be clarified, and there is so far no successful therapeutic intervention. In this study, we investigated the role of innate immunity through TLR signaling in modulating genotoxic chemotherapy-induced small intestinal injury in vitro and in vivo. Genetic deletion of TLR2, but not MD-2, in mice resulted in severe chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis in the proximal jejunum with villous atrophy, accumulation of damaged DNA, CD11b+-myeloid cell infiltration, and significant gene alterations in xenobiotic metabolism, including a decrease in ABCB1/multidrug resistance (MDR)1 p-glycoprotein (p-gp) expression. Functionally, stimulation of TLR2 induced synthesis and drug efflux activity of ABCB1/MDR1 p-gp in murine and human CD11b+-myeloid cells, thus inhibiting chemotherapy-mediated cytotoxicity. Conversely, TLR2 activation failed to protect small intestinal tissues genetically deficient in MDR1A against DNA-damaging drug-induced apoptosis. Gut microbiota depletion by antibiotics led to increased susceptibility to chemotherapy-induced mucosal injury in wild-type mice, which was suppressed by administration of a TLR2 ligand, preserving ABCB1/MDR1 p-gp expression. Findings were confirmed in a preclinical model of human chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis using duodenal biopsies by demonstrating that TLR2 activation limited the toxic-inflammatory reaction and maintained assembly of the drug transporter p-gp. In conclusion, this study identifies a novel molecular link between innate immunity and xenobiotic metabolism. TLR2 acts as a central regulator of xenobiotic defense via the multidrug transporter ABCB1/MDR1 p-gp. Targeting TLR2 may represent a novel therapeutic approach in chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.
Indirect Taxation, Public Pricing and Price Cap Regulation: A Synthesis
Authors: Valentini Edilio 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
This paper provides a unified vision of a number of results that appeared in three separate streams of literature. The author emphasizes the strong parallelism between the results obtained in a number of papers that analyzed the relationships between price cap regulation, welfare maximization, welfare improvements, distributional preferences and poverty reduction and those originating from the well-established theories of optimal indirect taxation and tax reforms, as well as public pricing.
Pediatric Cataract Surgery in Buphthalmos
Authors: Sukhija Jaspreet , Kaur Savleen , Pandav Surinder S. , Kaushik Sushmita , Raj Srishti , Ram Jagat 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The pediatric eye offers many inherent surgical difficulties and when associated with a large buphthalmic eyeball, acts as a challenging ground for cataract surgeons. The purpose of our study is to describe the surgical outcome of cataract surgery in 6 children with buphthalmos. Methods Eight eyes of 6 children with congenital glaucoma (buphthalmos) underwent phacoaspiration with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Demographic data, history of glaucoma surgery, intraocular pressure, biometry, surgical steps, and intraoperative and surgical outcome were noted for all patients from medical records. Postoperative outcome in terms of IOL stability, centration, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure were evaluated. Results Pediatric cataract surgery was performed in 8 eyes with buphthalmos. Implantation of IOL was possible in 7/8 eyes. Primary posterior capsulorhexis (PPC) was done in 2/8 eyes. The IOL was implanted in the bag in 3 eyes and captured in 4 eyes. Decentration of IOL occurred in 100% of eyes where PPC was performed. Membranectomy for visual axis obscuration was done in 3 eyes. Conclusions Standard IOLs remain stable and centered with endocapsular implantation or rhexis fixation of IOL after pediatric cataract surgery in buphthalmos. However, PPC should not be attempted in the same sitting, as it leads to decentration.
Low-Flow Veno-Venous Extracorporeal CO2 Removal: First Clinical Experience in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ruberto Franco , Bergantino Bartolomeo , Testa Maria Cristina , D'Arena Carmen , Bernardinetti Mattia , Diso Daniele , De Giacomo Tiziano , Venuta Federico , Pugliese Francesco 
Published: January 2015

Background Low-flow extracorporeal CO2 removal devices are easy to setup and manage and may provide valuable ventilation support. Methods We employed a new device (ProLUNG) recently introduced into the clinical arsenal that exploits a simple hemoperfusion technique sustained by blood flows lower than 500 ml/min to remove CO2 from the venous blood. It was used as an adjunctive support to mechanical ventilation during and after four lung transplantations in our center. Results Two patients with cystic fibrosis, one with pulmonary fibrosis, and one with emphysema were included. They underwent lung transplantation and presented hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis before, during, or after the surgical procedure. After 1 h of treatment with the ProLUNG circuit, all patients showed reduced CO2 levels and increased pH; these variables remained stable until the end of treatment. Conclusions Our data suggest that this new device is effective in removing CO2 and stabilizing the pH.
Peripheral Nerve Regeneration inside Collagen-Based Artificial Nerve Guides in Humans
Authors: Merolli Antonio , Rocchi Lorenzo , Wang Xiu-Mei , Cui Fu-Zhai 
Published: January 2015

Purpose Nerve gap injuries may be associated with lesions in other structures, like tendons or bones; in these cases, it is common to plan a second surgery to improve functional recovery. Since macroscopic observations of nerve regeneration in humans are rare, we exploited these second surgeries for the purpose of studying nerve regeneration in humans. Methods We assessed the clinical outcomes of 50 implants of collagen-based nerve guides in the upper limb. We performed a second look at 20, assessing macroscopically both nerve regeneration and collagen degradation. Results and Conclusions Pain was never recorded in these patients. An adequate sensory recovery took place whenever nerve regeneration was found inside the guide. Motor recovery seemed to occur only when the gap lesion was shorter than 10 mm. The degree of degradation appeared to be variable and was not directly correlated with time; we hypothesize that it could be associated with the site of implantation. Such a large number of second looks in humans has never been previously reported in the literature.
Evaluation of HEMA Released from Four Different Adhesive Systems by HPLC
Authors: Altunsoy Mustafa , Selim Botsali Murat , Ulker Hayriye Esra 
Published: January 2015

Purpose This study evaluated the elution of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) from 4 different adhesives, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Materials and Methods The adhesives were applied on a bovine dentin surface and polymerized using an LED curing unit (n=5). After polymerization, specimens were stored in 75% ethanol solution (6 mL). Residual HEMA that was eluted from adhesives (after 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days and 30 days) was analyzed using HPLC. Statistical analyses were performed using 1-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD test and paired 2-sample t-test. Results There were statistically significant differences among adhesive systems for the cumulative released HEMA and among the time periods (p<0.05). Clearfil SE Bond showed the highest amount of HEMA released, while Easy Bond showed the lowest. Among the time periods, the highest eluted HEMA value was detected in 10 minutes for all adhesives, and elution continued for up to 30 days. Conclusions The HEMA eluted from adhesives was in different amounts, and the elution continued for a long time. The amount of eluted HEMA from adhesives used in this study was not viewed as critical for toxic reactions in biological tissues.
Microleakage of Bacteria in Different Implant-Abutment Assemblies: An in Vitro Study
Authors: D'Ercole Simonetta , Tripodi Domenico , Marzo Giuseppe , Bernardi Sara , Continenza Maria Adelaide , Piattelli Adriano , Iaculli Flavia , Mummolo Stefano 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the leakage observed for 2 different microbial species at the level of the implant–abutment (I-A) interface, and the marginal fit and size of microgap at the I-A interface in 2 different implant connections. Methods Ten specimens of each group were tested. The inner parts of 5 implants per group were inoculated with 0.1 μL of a viable Enterococcus faecalis suspension and 5 implants per group with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. All of the vials containing the control specimens were incubated at 37°C under aerobic condition for E. faecalis and 37°C in presence of 5% CO2 for A. actinomycetemcomitans. They were maintained for 14 days, and the possible penetration of bacterial suspension into the surrounding solution was determined by the observation of turbidity of the broth. The I-A interface was evaluated for size of microgap and measured under SEM. Five implants of each group were evaluated. The marginal fit between implant and abutment was measured at 8 random locations in each assembly, under different magnifications at the interface. Results No leakages through the I-A interface were demonstrated for either type of connection evaluated. The microgap values of all I-A interfaces ranged from 0.008 to 2.009 μm; the differences between the 2 systems were statistically significant. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that a good marginal fit of implant components seemed to be able to prevent bacterial leakage.
Nano/Micro Hybrid Scaffold of PCL or P3HB Nanofibers Combined with Silk Fibroin for Tendon and Ligament Tissue Engineering
Authors: Naghashzargar Elham , Farè Silvia , Catto Valentina , Bertoldi Serena , Semnani Dariush , Karbasi Saeed , Tanzi Maria Cristina 
Published: January 2015

A novel biodegradable nano/micro hybrid structure was obtained by electrospinning P3HB or PCL nanofibers onto a twisted silk fibroin (SF) structure, with the aim of fabricating a suitable scaffold for tendon and ligament tissue engineering. The electrospinning (ES) processing parameters for P3HB and PCL were optimized on 2D samples, and applied to produce two different nano/micro hybrid constructs (SF/ES-PCL and SF/ES-P3HB). Morphological, chemico-physical and mechanical properties of the novel hybrid scaffolds were evaluated by SEM, ATR FT-IR, DSC, tensile and thermodynamic mechanical tests. The results demonstrated that the nanofibers were tightly wrapped around the silk filaments, and the crystallinity of the SF twisted yarns was not influenced by the presence of the electrospun polymers. The slightly higher mechanical properties of the hybrid constructs confirmed an increase of internal forces due to the interaction between nano and micro components. Cell culture tests with L929 fibroblasts, in the presence of the sample eluates or in direct contact with the hybrid structures, showed no cytotoxic effects and a good level of cytocompatibility of the nano/micro hybrid structures in term of cell viability, particularly at day 1. Cell viability onto the nano/micro hybrid structures decreased from the first to the third day of culture when compared with the control culture plastic, but appeared to be higher when compared with the uncoated SF yarns. Although additional in vitro and in vivo tests are needed, the original fabrication method here described appears promising for scaffolds suitable for tendon and ligament tissue engineering.
Local Blood Flow Patterns in Stented Coronary Bifurcations: An Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Raben Jaime S. , Morlacchi Stefano , Burzotta Francesco , Migliavacca Francesco , Vlachos Pavlos P. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose Despite the atheroprone environment of blood flow in coronary bifurcations, limited quantitative information is available on the hemodynamics occurring in these geometries, both before and after their treatment with endovascular stents. Previous studies have focused on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses and have bypassed the challenges associated with experimentally representing the flow environment, providing no means for validation. This study analyzed steady flow conditions in 3 bifurcation angles and 4 different single- and double-stenting procedures, which are used clinically in coronary bifurcations. Methods The numerical aspect of this study utilized geometries derived from CAD models (nonstented cases) and finite element simulations (stented cases). Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) testing was conducted within compliant bifurcating models for which an uncertainty analysis was performed at each measurement location for CFD validation purposes. Results were analyzed in terms of velocity magnitude contour maps and axial velocity profiles at several locations in the bifurcated vessels. Results and Conclusions Qualitatively, the 2 approaches showed agreement in the bulk flow patterns. However, the velocity computed with CFD was outside the DPIV uncertainty estimates, which can be attributed to the intrinsic difference and modeling assumptions of the 2 approaches. The findings reveal that wider bifurcation angles and double-stenting procedures are both characterized by increased areas of low flow and recirculation. Additionally, inferior performance in terms of viscous and wall shear stresses was observed in double-stented cases.
The Relation between CA 19-9 level and Early-Phase Insulin Secretion in Normoglycemic and Prediabetic Subjects
Authors: Shimodaira Masanori , Niwa Tomohiro , Nakajima Koji , Kobayashi Mutsuhiro , Hanyu Norinao , Nakayama Tomohiro 
Published: January 2015

Background Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 is used as a clinical tumor marker of pancreatic cancer; recent studies report that CA 19-9 is also associated with changes in blood glucose levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum CA 19-9 levels and early-phase insulin secretion in nondiabetic individuals. Methods We enrolled 269 normoglycemic participants and 172 prediabetic participants who had undergone the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test during their annual health examination. Insulin secretion was estimated using the disposition index (DI) [(Δinsulin(0-30 min)/Δglucose(0-30 min) × (1/HOMA-IR)], which is an adjusted measure of relationship between β-cell sensitivity and insulin sensitivity. Results Serum CA 19-9 level was significantly higher in the prediabetic participants than in the normoglycemic participants. Simple linear regression analysis showed a negative correlation between CA 19-9 levels and DI for all participants and prediabetic participants (r = -0.126, p = 0.009, and r = -0.189, p = 0.002, respectively). However, in the normoglycemic participants, CA 19-9 levels did not correlate with DI. For all participants, and prediabetic subjects, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that serum CA 19-9 levels were one of the independent predictors of DI (adjusted β = -0.098, p = 0.025, and adjusted β = -0.177, p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions Serum CA 19-9 levels significantly correlate with early-phase insulin secretion in the prediabetic individuals. Our results indicate that CA 19-9 may be involved in the endocrine function of pancreas.
Androgen Receptor and Enzymes in Lymph Node Metastasis and Cancer Reoccurrence in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: McNamara Keely May , Yoda Tomomi , Miki Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Suzuki Takashi , Nemoto Noriko , Miyashita Minoru , Nishimura Reiki , Arima Nobuyuki , Tamaki Kentaro , Ishida Takanori , Ohuchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: January 2015

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2. TNBCs are a diverse subgroup, but one promising marker and therapeutic target of this breast cancer is the androgen receptor (AR). Previously we demonstrated that AR and cognate intracrine pathways are associated with decreased proliferation in invasive ductal carcinoma with their decrease also detected between organ-confined and invasive diseases. Therefore, in this study, we examined the status of AR and androgen-producing enzymes during the process of metastasis to lymph nodes and cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods We studied 2 series of patients with TNBC, one from Kumamoto University Hospital composed of 16 matched cases of primary and locally or distal recurrences and the other from Tohoku University Hospital examining 46 lymph node metastasis from 23 patients. In addition to studying concordance in AR expression, we also examined the interactions between AR and Ki-67 labeling index and AR and site of distal metastasis. Results In both series, AR status was concordant between primary and recurrent/metastatic disease, but coordinated expression of AR and androgenic enzymes was lost during the process. The inverse association between AR and Ki-67, previously reported in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), was markedly potentiated in both lymph node and recurrent cancers. In addition, AR expression appeared to have little effect on visceral metastasis but was associated directly with bone metastasis and inversely with brain metastasis. Conclusions The results of our present study demonstrated that AR remained in the majority of metastatic samples from AR-positive primary TNBCs and that AR manipulation could be exploited in the metastatic settings of TNBC.
Urinary Incontinence and Neuropathy after Radical Prostatectomy: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Ventimiglia Bernardo , Sigona Matilde , Di Dio Agata , Puglisi Tiziana , Costantino Giuseppe 
Published: January 2015

Introdution and Objective The urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is secondary to neuropathy with various degrees from neurapraxia to neurotmesis. We propose to apply therapeutic and rehabilitative models appropriate to the diagnosis and to evaluate the results. Materials and Methods We examined 79 homogeneous patients with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. After having defined the diagnosis by a urodynamic examination, the study of pudendal nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) and perineal electromyography (EMG), patients were divided into four groups (A; B; C; D) and submitted to different clinical drug protocols and rehabilitation. After 3 months, patients were reevaluated. Results Twenty-eight patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (Group A) have been treated with anticholinergics: two unchanged (7%); 14 improved (50%); and 12 recovered (43%). Sixteen patients with overactive bladder and sphincter incompetence (Group B) have practiced physiokinesis therapy (FKT) of pelvic floor and anticholinergic therapy: one unchanged (6%); eight improved (50%); and seven recovered (44%). Fourteen patients with perineal incompetence to continence (Group C) have been treated with FES, FKT of pelvic floor, and Biofeedback: three patients were unchanged (21%); five improved (36%); and six recovered (43%). Twenty-one patients with sphincter denervation (Group D) performed FES, FKT of pelvic floor, and Biofeedback: 16 unchanged (76%); five improved (24%); and zero recovered (0%). Of these 16 patients, six non-responders have placed a transobturator tape (TOT) sling and four an artificial sphincter. Conclusions A therapy adherent to the diagnosis increases success rate.
Topical EMLA Cream as a Pretreatment for Facial Lacerations
Authors: Park Sung Woo , Oh Tae Suk , Choi Jong Woo , Eom Jin Sup , Hong Joon Pio , Koh Kyung S , Lee Taik Jong , Kim Eun Key 
Published: January 2015

Background Topical anesthetics, such as eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream, can be applied to reduce pain before minor procedure. This trial evaluated EMLA as pretreatment for facial lacerations and compared pain, discomfort and overall satisfaction.Methods This trial included consecutive emergency department patients ≥16 years of age who presented with simple facial lacerations. At triage, lacerations were allotted to either the routine processing group or EMLA pretreatment group according to date of admission. Initially, the emergency department doctors inspected each laceration, which were dressed with saline-soaked gauze. In the pretreatment group, EMLA cream was applied during wound inspection. The plastic surgeon then completed primary closure following the local injection of an anesthetic. After the procedure, all patients were given a questionnaire assessing pain using the 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) ("no pain" to "worst pain"). All questionnaires were collected by the emergency department nurse before discharge.Results Fifty patients were included in the routine processing group, and fifty patients were included in the EMLA pretreatment group. Median age was 39.9 years, 66% were male, and the average laceration was 2.67 cm in length. The EMLA pretreatment group reported lower pain scores in comparison with the routine processing group (2.4 vs. 4.5 on VAS, P<0.05), and lower discomfort scores during the procedure (2.0 vs. 3.3, P=0.60). Overall satisfaction was significantly higher in the EMLA pretreatment group (7.8 vs. 6.1, P<0.05).Conclusions Pretreating facial lacerations with EMLA topical cream aids patients by reducing pain and further enhancing overall satisfaction during laceration treatment.
Medial and Lateral Canthal Reconstruction with an Orbicularis Oculi Myocutaneous Island Flap
Authors: Han Jihyeon , Kwon Sung Tack , Kim Suk Wha , Jeong Eui Cheol 
Published: January 2015

Background The eyelid and canthal areas are common locations for cutaneous tumors. The medial canthus includes, among many other apparatuses, the canthal tendon and lacrimal canaliculi, and its characteristic thin and supple skin is hard to mimic and restore using tissue from other regions. Accordingly, reconstruction of the canthal area can prove challenging for surgeons. Although various methods, such as skin grafts and local flaps from adjacent regions, have been utilized for reconstructive purposes, they present known disadvantages. However, we were able to successfully reconstruct both lateral and medial canthal area defects by using orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps.
Methods Our study included seven patients who underwent medial or lateral canthal region reconstruction, using orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps, between 2011 and 2014, following either cutaneous tumor excision or traumatic avulsion injury.
Results Five patients had basal cell carcinoma, one had squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid, and one had sustained a traumatic avulsion injury of the eyelid and canthal area. Entire flap loss was not observed in any patient, but one-a heavy smoker-showed partial flap loss, which healed with secondary intention and yielded acceptable results. Donor site morbidity was not observed, and all patients were satisfied with their surgical outcomes.
Conclusions The canthal regions can be successfully reconstructed with orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps. These flaps offer several key advantages, including similarity in texture, color, and thickness to the recipient site and a negligible incidence of donor site morbidity.