bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feeding Tubes for Older People With Advanced Dementia Living in the Community in Israel
Authors: Bentur Netta , Sternberg Shelley , Shuldiner Jennifer , Dwolatzky Tzvi 
Published: June 2014

Background: Feeding tubes to address eating problems of older people with advanced dementia (OPAD) has been studied primarily in nursing homes. Objectives: To examine the prevalence of feeding tube use among OPAD living in the community; to evaluate the characteristics, quality of care, and the burden on caregivers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 117 caregivers of OPAD living in the community. Results: Of 117 patients, 26% had feeding tubes. Compared to nonusers, feeding tube users had more use of restraints, greater problems with swallowing, more emergency room visits, and were more likely to have a legal guardian. In addition, caregivers of feeding tube users were older and reported very heavy burden of care. Half of the caregivers reported that the medical team consulted them before insertion of the feeding tube. Conclusion: Feeding tube use in OPAD in the community is associated with negative outcomes and increased caregiver burden.
Open Versus Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Hughes Kakra , Guerrier Jean , Obirieze Augustine , Ngwang Dora , Rose David , Tran Daniel , Cornwell Edward , Obisesan Thomas , Preventza Ourania 
Published: June 2014

Purpose: Endovascular repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms has become an acceptable surgical option over the past decade. We sought to compare the results of open versus endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TEVAR) in the United States. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried to identify all patients undergoing elective repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm from 1998 to 2007 in the United States. Patient demographic data, preoperative comorbidities, and postoperative complications were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed comparing open versus endovascular repair. Multivariate analyses were conducted controlling for preoperative comorbidities including the presence of diabetes mellitus, cardiac, respiratory, and renal comorbidities as well as patient’s age, gender, and ethnicity. The primary end point was mortality. Secondary end points were postoperative neurologic, cardiac, and respiratory complications. Results: There were 8967 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 8255 (92%) had an open repair and 712 (8%) had an endovascular repair. The overall mortality was 4.5% (4.6% for open and 3.6% for endovascular). On multivariate analysis, the odds of death were reduced by 46% among patients undergoing endovascular repair when compared to open repair (odds ratio [OR]: 0.54; P = .016). There was also reduced odds of a postoperative neurologic complication (OR: 0.48; P = .015), cardiac complication (OR: 0.24; P < .001), and respiratory complication (OR: 0.38: P = .001) in the endovascular group. Conclusions: Nationwide data comparing open and TEVAR in the United States reveal decreased postoperative mortality and a decreased incidence of postoperative neurologic, cardiac, and respiratory complications for TEVAR.
Avoiding analgesic escalation and excessive healthcare utilization in severe irritable bowel syndrome: a role for intramuscular anticholinergics?
Authors: Pearson James S. , Pollard Christine , Whorwell Peter J. 
Published: June 2014

Objectives: In patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain can be the predominant symptom impacting on all aspects of their lives and resulting in excessive healthcare utilization. Furthermore, the use of analgesics can become excessive in this group of patients, sometimes leading to opiate dependency. Typically, the pain is often described as spastic in nature and we have speculated that parenteral anticholinergics might provide effective relief when all other measures have failed. For several years, we have therefore been asking general practitioners to consider teaching such patients to administer intramuscular hyoscine butylbromide for pain episodes and this study is an audit of this approach. Methods: Patients in whom the use of intramuscular hyoscine butylbromide had been recommended to their general practitioner in the last three years were interviewed over the telephone in order to document the efficacy of this approach as well as any potential disadvantages. Results: A total of 122 general practitioners were advised to try this approach, with 58 agreeing to teach the technique and prescribe the medication. Of the 58 patients who used the medication, 50 (86%) found it gave them pain relief, which was complete in six (10%), substantial in 36 (62%) and mild in eight (14%), with 15 (26%) decreasing the use of analgesics and 13 (32%) of the 41 taking opiates able to reduce or stop them completely. Side effects were few and largely consisted of those associated with anticholinergics. Only four patients stopped medication because of side effects and no major skin reactions were reported. Conclusions: The use of intramuscular hyoscine butylbromide shows promise in the management of IBS when severe unmanageable abdominal pain is a major problem. This approach appears to be safe and has the potential to reduce analgesic escalation, opiate dependency and attendances at accident and emergency departments.
Reversal of Peroneal Tenodesis With Allograft Reconstruction of the Peroneus Brevis and Longus
Authors: Pellegrini Manuel J. , Adams Samuel B. , Parekh Selene G. 
Published: June 2014

Chronic peroneal tendinopathy and tears represent a challenging clinical situation. Traditionally, tenodesis of the torn tendon to the remaining healthy tendon has been advocated if more than half of the tendon is compromised. Allograft reconstructions have been reserved for patients with functional muscles and both peroneal tendons extensively compromised. We report a unique case of a peroneal tenodesis takedown and reconstruction of both peroneal tendons using semitendinosus allograft. A description of the surgical technique and tips are provided. Peroneal tendon function is crucial to maintain a balanced hindfoot. To the best of our knowledge, reconstruction of both peroneal tendons after a tenodesis has not been previously reported. Allograft reconstruction of the peroneal tendons arises as a feasible alternative in patients with residual pain and weakness after a failed tenodesis surgery Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV, case study
Continuous Infragluteal Sciatic Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Control After Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Young Diana Starr , Cota Adam , Chaytor Ruth 
Published: June 2014

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) for postoperative pain control are being used more frequently for total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of opioid analgesia used in patients with an infragluteal CPNB to that of patients with no CPNB for postoperative pain management after total ankle replacement. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 78 consecutive patients who had a total ankle arthroplasty from October 2006 to June 2013. The primary outcome measure was opioid analgesia use in the first 48 hours postoperatively. The mean postoperative narcotic use in oral morphine equivalents was 64.6 mg in the CPNB group compared to 129.6 mg in the no CPNB group ( P < .001). Using an infragluteal CPNB as a means of postoperative pain control in patients undergoing a total ankle replacement is associated with significantly decreased opioid use compared to patients receiving no CPNB. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, case series
Wild-type macrophages reverse disease in heme oxygenase 1-deficient mice
Authors: Kovtunovych Gennadiy , Ghosh Manik C. , Ollivierre Wade , Weitzel R. Patrick , Eckhaus Michael A. , Tisdale John F. , Yachie Akihiro , Rouault Tracey A. 
Published: June 2014

Key PointsTransient BM transplant reverses disease in Hmox1−/− mouse by repopulating tissues with wild-type macrophages capable of recycling heme. Established donor macrophage populations remain functionally and quantitatively persistent without additional input from hematopoietic tissue.
The ethics of a proposed study of hematopoietic stem cell transplant for children with “less severe” sickle cell disease
Authors: Nickel Robert S. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Haight Ann E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only cure for sickle cell disease (SCD). HSCT using an HLA-identical sibling donor is currently an acceptable treatment option for children with severe SCD, with expected HSCT survival >95% and event-free survival >85%. HSCT for children with less severe SCD (children who have not yet suffered overt disease complications or only had mild problems) is controversial. It is important to consider the ethical issues of a proposed study comparing HLA-identical sibling HSCT to best supportive care for children with less severe SCD. In evaluating the principles of nonmaleficence, respect for individual autonomy, and justice, we conclude that a study of HLA-identical sibling HSCT for all children with SCD, particularly hemoglobin SS and Sβ0-thalassemia disease, is ethically sound. Future work should explore the implementation of a large trial to help determine whether HSCT is a beneficial treatment of children with less severe SCD.
Bibliometric analysis of regional Latin America's scientific output in Public Health through SCImago Journal & Country Rank
Authors: Zacca-González Grisel , Chinchilla-Rodríguez Zaida , Vargas-Quesada Benjamín , de Moya-Anegón Félix 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
In the greater framework of the essential functions of Public Health, our focus is on a systematic, objective, external evaluation of Latin American scientific output, to compare its publications in the area of Public Health with those of other major geographic zones. We aim to describe the regional distribution of output in Public Health, and the level of visibility and specialization, for Latin America; it can then be characterized and compared in the international context.

Methods
The primary source of information was the Scopus database, using the category “Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health”, in the period 1996–2011. Data were obtained through the portal of SCImago Journal and Country Rank. Using a set of qualitative (citation-based), quantitative (document recount) and collaborative (authors from more than one country) indicators, we derived complementary data. The methodology serves as an analytical tool for researchers and scientific policy-makers.

Results
The contribution of Latin America to the arsenal of world science lies more or less midway on the international scale in terms of its output and visibility. Revealed as its greatest strengths are the high level of specialization in Public Health and the sustained growth of output. The main limitations identified were a relative decrease in collaboration and low visibility.

Conclusions
Collaboration is a key factor behind the development of scientific activity in Latin America. Although this finding can be useful for formulating research policy in Latin American countries, it also underlines the need for further research into patterns of scientific communication in this region, to arrive at more specific recommendations.
1-D nanoporous anodic alumina rugate filters by means of small current variations for real-time sensing applications
Authors: Macias Gerard , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Pallarès Josep , Marsal Lluís F 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A rugate filter based on nanoporous anodic alumina was fabricated using an innovative sinusoidal current profile with small current variation. The resulting structure consisted of highly parallel pores with modulations of the pore diameter along the pore axis and with no branching. The effect of the period time and the pore widening post-treatment was studied. From reflectance measurements, it was seen that the position of the reflection band can be tuned by adjusting the period time and the width by pore-widening post-treatments. We tested one of the rugate filters by infiltrating the structure with EtOH and water in order to evaluate its sensing capabilities. This method allows the fabrication of complex in-depth modulated nanoporous anodic alumina structures that open up the possibility of new kinds of alumina-based optical sensing devices.
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of Photosan-loaded hollow silica nanoparticles on liver cancer
Authors: Liu Zhong-Tao , Xiong Li , Liu Zhi-Peng , Miao Xiong-Ying , Lin Liang-Wu , Wen Yu 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This study aimed to compare the inhibitory effects of photosensitizers loaded in hollow silica nanoparticles and conventional photosensitizers on HepG2 human hepatoma cell proliferation and determine the underlying mechanisms. Photosensitizers (conventional Photosan-II or nanoscale Photosan-II) were administered to in vitro cultured HepG2 hepatoma cells and treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) with various levels of light exposure. To assess photosensitizers' effects, cell viability was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In addition, apoptotic and necrotic cells were measured by flow cytometry and the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 evaluated by western blot. Finally, the in vivo effects of nanoscale and conventional photosensitizers on liver cancer were assessed in nude mice. Nanoscale Photosan-II significantly inhibited hepatoma cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and this effect was more pronounced with high laser doses. Moreover, nanoscale photosensitizers performed better than the conventional ones under the same experimental conditions (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry data demonstrated that laser-induced cell death was markedly increased after treatment with nanoscale Photosan-II in comparison with free Photosan-II (p < 0.05). Activated caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels were significantly higher in cells treated with Photosan-II loaded in silica nanoparticles than free Photosan-II (p < 0.05). Accordingly, treatment with nanoscale photosensitizers resulted in improved outcomes (tumor volume) in a mouse model of liver cancer, in comparison with conventional photosensitizers. Hollow silica nanoparticles containing photosensitizer more efficiently inhibited hepatoma cells than photosensitizer alone, through induction of apoptosis, both in vivo and in vitro.
CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor Signaling Mediates Pain in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Menichella Daniela Maria , Abdelhak Belmadani , Ren Dongjun , Shum Andrew , Frietag Caroline , Miller Richard J 
Published: June 2014

Background: Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN) is a debilitating syndrome present in a quarter of diabetic patients that has a substantial impact on their quality of life. Despite this significant prevalence and impact, current therapies for PDN are only partially effective. Moreover, the cellular mechanisms underlying PDN are not well understood. Neuropathic pain is caused by a variety of phenomena including sustained excitability in sensory neurons that reduces the pain threshold so that pain is produced in the absence of appropriate stimuli. Chemokine signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain in a variety of animal models. We therefore tested the hypothesis that chemokine signaling mediates DRG neuronal hyperexcitability in association with PDN. Results: We demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of the specific CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 reversed PDN in two animal models of type II diabetes. Furthermore DRG sensory neurons acutely isolated from diabetic mice displayed enhanced SDF-1 induced calcium responses. Moreover, we demonstrated that CXCR4 receptors are expressed by a subset of DRG sensory neurons. Finally, we observed numerous CXCR4 expressing inflammatory cells infiltrating into the DRG of diabetic mice. Conclusions: These data suggest that CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling mediates enhanced calcium influx and excitability in DRG neurons responsible for PDN. Simultaneously, CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling may coordinate inflammation in diabetic DRG that could contribute to the development of pain in diabetes. Therefore, targeting CXCR4 chemokine receptors may represent a novel intervention for treating PDN.
Prevalence of HBsAg and knowledge about hepatitis B in pregnancy in the Buea Health District, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Frambo Andreas A Besong , Atashili Julius , Fon Peter Nde , Ndumbe Peter Martins 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a global public health problem, little is known about its epidemiology in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to determine the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity among pregnant women in the Buea Health District (BHD) in rural Cameroon. We also assessed pregnant women’s knowledge about hepatitis B.MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive study was undertaken. Participants were evaluated using a structured questionnaire with clinical examination and were then screened for HBsAg using a commercial rapid diagnostic test. Assessment of knowledge was done using a hepatitis B basic knowledge summary score.ResultsOf the 176 pregnant women studied, 9.7% (95% CI: 5.7%, 15%) tested positive for HBsAg. None of the risk factors assessed was significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. The hepatitis B knowledge summary score ranged from 0 to 12 with a mean of 1.5 (SD = 3.14, median = 0, IQR = 0 to 0). Only 16% of participants had scores greater than 6/12. The knowledge summary score of the participants was associated with the educational level (p-value = 0.0037).ConclusionThe high prevalence of HBsAg (9.7%) among women of child bearing age suggests that vertical transmission of HBV may be a public health problem in Buea Health District. Knowledge of HBV among pregnant women was poor. We recommend that all pregnant women ought to be routinely screened for HBV and that health education on HBV should be provided to pregnant women especially during antenatal visits.
Biomechanical evaluation of a biomimetic spinal construct
Authors: Wang Tian , Ball Jonathon R , Pelletier Mattew H , Walsh William R 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Laboratory spinal biomechanical tests using human cadaveric or animal spines have limitations in terms of disease transmission, high sample variability, decay and fatigue during extended testing protocols. Therefore, a synthetic biomimetic spine model may be an acceptable substitute. The goal of current study is to evaluate the properties of a synthetic biomimetic spine model; also to assess the mechanical performance of lateral plating following lateral interbody fusion.

Methods
Three L3/4 synthetic spinal motion segments were examined using a validated pure moment testing system. Moments (±7.5 Nm) were applied in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB) and axial rotation (AR) at 1Hz for total 10000 cycles in MTS Bionix. An additional test was performed 12 hours after 10000 cycles. A ±10 Nm cycle was also performed to allow provide comparison to the literature. For implantation evaluation, each model was tested in the 4 following conditions: 1) intact, 2) lateral cage alone, 3) lateral cage and plate 4) anterior cage and plate. Results were analysed using ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey’s HSD test.

Results
Range of motion (ROM) exhibited logarithmic growth with cycle number (increases of 16%, 37.5% and 24.3% in AR, FE and LB respectively). No signification difference (p > 0.1) was detected between 4 cycles, 10000 cycles and 12 hour rest stages. All measured parameters were comparable to that of reported cadaveric values. The ROM for a lateral cage and plate construct was not significantly different to the anterior lumbar interbody construct for FE (p = 1.00), LB (p = 0.995) and AR (p = 0.837).

Conclusions
Based on anatomical and biomechanical similarities, the synthetic spine tested here provides a reasonable model to represent the human lumbar spine. Repeated testing did not dramatically alter biomechanics which may allow non-destructive testing between many different procedures and devices without the worry of carry over effects. Small intra-specimen variability and lack of biohazard makes this an attractive alternative for in vitro spine biomechanical testing. It also proved an acceptable surrogate for biomechanical testing, confirming that a lateral lumbar interbody cage and plate construct reduces ROM to a similar degree as anterior lumbar interbody cage and plate constructs.
Smed-dynA-1 is a planarian nervous system specific dynamin 1 homolog required for normal locomotion
Authors: Talbot Jared A. , Currie Ko W. , Pearson Bret J. , Collins Eva-Maria S. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Dynamins are GTPases that are required for separation of vesicles from the plasma membrane and thus are key regulators of endocytosis in eukaryotic cells. This role for dynamin proteins is especially crucial for the proper function of neurons, where they ensure that synaptic vesicles and their neurotransmitter cargo are recycled in the presynaptic cell. Here we have characterized the dynamin protein family in the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea and showed that it possesses six dynamins with tissue specific expression profiles. Of these six planarian homologs, two are necessary for normal tissue homeostasis, and the loss of another, Smed-dynA-1, leads to an abnormal behavioral phenotype, which we have quantified using automated center of mass tracking. Smed-dynA-1 is primarily expressed in the planarian nervous system and is a functional homolog of the mammalian Dynamin I. The distinct expression profiles of the six dynamin genes makes planarians an interesting new system to reveal novel dynamin functions, which may be determined by their differential tissue localization. The observed complexity of neurotransmitter regulation combined with the tools of quantitative behavioral assays as a functional readout for neuronal activity, renders planarians an ideal system for studying how the nervous system controls behavior.