bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteins with potential role in analgesic effect of spinal cord stimulation on neuropathic pain
Authors: Lind A. , Emami P. , Sjödin M. , Katila L. , Wetterhall M. , Kultima K. , Gordh T. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to find proteins of relevance to the prolonged analgesic effect of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with neuropathic pain.

Methods
The proteomes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 14 neuropathic pain patients using spinal cord stimulation (SCS) was compared to the CSF proteomes of the same patients when not using the stimulator. Samples were analyzed by dimethyl label and label free shotgun proteomics approach. Samples were prepared by immunoaffinity fractionation and then separated by reversed phase nanoliquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization source and analyzed by high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The proteins were comparatively quantified on the peptide level and ranked based on numbers of regulated peptides. Then the dimethyl and label free analysis results were combined. In order to group proteins by function and interactions, a functional enrichment network analysis was performed using the String (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins) database on all significantly differentially expressed proteins.

Results
We found 87 differentially expressed proteins. Network analysis showed a high level of enrichment in interactions between the proteins involved in platelet degranulation and wound healing with p-values 2.48E−11 and 4.58E−08. We also recognized two additional clusters related to complement and coagulation cascades and neuropeptides. None of these proteins have been implicated in SCS mechanism previously.

Conclusions
Up- and down-regulations of immunological proteins and neuropeptides may explain the prolonged relief of neuropathic pain obtained after SCS. These findings contribute a new basis for understanding of SCS analgesic mechanism in human neuropathic pain. Further verification studies of these initial findings are needed.
Placebo responses in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain
Authors: Lund Karen , Demant Dyveke T. , Vase Lene , Sindrup Søren H. , Jensen Troels S. , Finnerup Nanna B. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background and aim
Treatment responses during placebo periods in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are quite often substantial and may impede a positive outcome of the trial. It would therefore be beneficial to gain more knowledge on factors contributing to large placebo responses in RCTs. The aim of the current study was to identify predictors of placebo responses in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.

Hypotheses
We hypothesized that a high baseline pain intensity and variability will be predictive of large responses during placebo treatment. Furthermore, we hypothesized that expectation for pain relief, few prior treatments and side effects, low scores of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and the personality trait neuroticism and high levels of positive emotions will be predictors of placebo responses.

Methods
This study is part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with the anticonvulsant oxcarbazepine. Pain intensity was registered at baseline and during treatment periods on a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10) along with expectation for pain relief (NRS), psychological measures (scores for anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, neuroticism, and positive emotions), prior treatments, and side effects.

Results
Multiple regression analysis with pain reduction during placebo treatment as the dependent variable and baseline pain, age, gender, and pain duration as explanatory variables was highly significant (R-squared = 0.53, p < 0.001), while other explanatory variables did not reach statistical significance. Further analyses will be carried out.

Conclusions
Age and gender were not significant predictors of placebo responses in this study. Further results will be presented at the congress.

Acknowledgements
This study is part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative project EUROPAIN, www.imi.europa.eu.
Evaluation of spinal interventions in a single doctor private practice in Sweden
Authors: Måwe Leif. , Thorén Lena , Persson Jan 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the effect of spinal interventions following ISIS guidelines [1].

Methods
Data from all patients from April 2012 until February 2014 have been registered and followed up after 4–6 months. Patients were mainly referred from surgeons at the regional hospitals. Employment status, medication, VAS, EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS and pain reduction were gathered before and at the follow-up. Only patients receiving any kind of treatment were included.

Results
So far 419/823 patients have been followed-up. Here we present levels of medication and total pain reduction for all patients and, separately, for patients treated with radio frequency facet joint medial branch neurotomy (n = 76).
Opioids were reduced from 33% to 26% and no use of analgesics increased from 15% to 31% (p < 0.0159). Opioids in the RF group fell from 31% to 21%, and no use went from 2% to 31%. Of all the patients, 46% had pain reduction >50% and 9% were pain free. In the RF group the figures were 57% and 11%, respectively. No one in the RF group got worse.

Conclusion
It is important to follow-up your results, even if complete scientific RCT rigour cannot be upheld Our stringent, long-term follow-up can presumably deliver reasonably reliable effect information, a majority of our patients have reduced their medication significantly (p < 0.001) and more than 50% experience a greater than 50% pain reduction, indicating a significant effect.
The interleukin-1α gene C>T polymorphism rs1800587 is associated with increased pain intensity and decreased pressure pain thresholds in patients with lumbar radicular pain
Authors: Schistad Elina Iordanova , Jacobsen Line Melå , Røe Cecilie , Gjerstad Johannes 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Aims
Previous studies have suggested that many inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1α, may be associated with lumbar radicular pain after disc herniation. In the present study, we examined how variability of the IL-1α gene affects pain intensity and the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in patients with symptomatic disc herniation.

Methods
A total of 121 patients with lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniation were recruited from Oslo University Hospital, Norway, and followed up at 6 weeks and 12 months. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity scores for the lower back and legs using a visual analog pain scale (VAS) and PPT for the gluteal muscles. Genotyping was carried out using a predesigned TaqMan assay for IL-1α rs1800587. The effect of the IL-1α genotype on the VAS and PPT was analyzed by repeated measure analyses of variance.

Results
The IL-1α gene C>T polymorphism rs1800587 affected VAS and PPT scores in patients with symptomatic disc herniation. Patients with the CT/TT genotype reported a higher VAS leg pain intensity (p = 0.002) and also a lower PPT in the gluteal muscles (left p = 0.016; right p = 0.016) compared to patients with the CC genotype during 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusions
The present data show that the IL-1α CT/TT genotype rs1800587 may be associated with increased pain intensity, and corresponding reduced PPT during the first year after disc herniation.
Levels of N-acylethanolamines in the interstitium of trapezius muscle during the tissue trauma: A microdialysis study on women with chronic widespread pain
Authors: Stensson N. , Ghafouri N. , Gerdle B. , Ghafouri B. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Aims
Since the insertion of MD probes causes an acute tissue trauma, analyses of microdialysates during this period has previously been disregarded in favour of waiting until stable baselines are achieved. The aim of this study is to compare the levels of NAEs in women with chronic widespread pain (CWP) to the healthy controls (CON) during the tissue trauma period.

Methods
18 women with CWP were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were female sex, age range 20–65 years, and widespread pain according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification. 20 CON were recruited. Inclusion criteria were female sex age range 20–65 years, and pain-free. All participants were examined by a standard and validated clinical examination of the upper extremities. MD was conducted in trapezius muscle and dialysate were sampled every 20 min, and the samples of interest in this study were collected in the two first hour after catheter insertion. CMA 63 (catheter: membrane 30 mm length, 0.5 mm diameter, 20 kDa cut-off, flow rate: 5 μl/min) was used. The levels of NAEs were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Results
Oleoylethanolamine (OEA) and Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) levels were significantly higher in CWP compered to CON during tissue trauma period (Mann–Whitney U-test: P > 0.001 for OEA and P ≤ 0.05 for PEA).

Conclusions
Previous biochemical studies of patients with CWP have often focused on sensitizing substances. Here we investigated the levels of lipid signaling molecules, with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, during acute tissue trauma. The results demonstrate that the levels of OEA and PEA differ significantly between CWP and CON. A better understanding of the interplay between these lipids and peripheral pain signaling might provide new therapeutic opportunities for patients with CWP.
The value of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of residual or recurrent middle-ear cholesteatoma
Authors: Velthuis S , van Everdingen K J , Quak J J , Colnot D R 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjective:To determine the value of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for detection of residual and recurrent middle-ear cholesteatoma after combined-approach tympanoplasty.Method:The magnetic resonance imaging findings after primary surgery for cholesteatoma were compared with intra-operative findings at ‘second-look’ surgery or with clinical follow-up findings.Results:Forty-eight magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in 38 patients. Second-look surgery was performed 21 times in 18 patients. The remaining patients were followed up at the out-patient clinic. There were no false-positive findings with non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; however, there were four false-negative findings. The mean maximum diameter of recurrent cholesteatoma, as assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, was 11.7 mm (range, 4.4–25.3 mm). The sensitivity of non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for detecting cholesteatoma prior to second-look surgery was 0.76, with a specificity of 1.00. When clinical follow up of the non-operated ears was included in the analysis, sensitivity was 0.81 and specificity was 1.00.Conclusion:Recurrent cholesteatoma can be accurately detected using non echo planar, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Our study, however, also showed some false-negative results. Therefore, strict out-patient follow up is mandatory for those considering using this technique instead of standard second-look surgery.
New species and interesting records ofArthonialesfrom the Amazon, Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva , APTROOT André , ERTZ Damien 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe following new species ofArthonialesare described from Rondônia:Alyxoria fuscosporawith 3-septate clavate ascospores of 20–23×4·5–5·5 µm having a gelatinous layer soon appearing evenly brown (also known from other tropical countries).Chiodecton complexumwith discrete soralia, immersed apothecia in branched lines and 3-septate ascospores (26–)33–40×2·5–3·5 µm.Coniarthonia rosea,similar toC. pulcherrimabut with the apothecia pink and more irregular in outline and the ascospores 13–16×5·5–6·5 µm.Cresponea flavosorediatawith yellow-olive soralia, apothecia with yellow pruina and 7–9-septate ascospores, 26–38(–50)×5·0–6·5 µm.Cresponea lichenicola, lichenicolous on aPyrenula, with 0·1–0·3 mm wide apothecia with yellow pruina.Eremothecella helicellawith helicoid curvedc.17–29-septate conidiac.70–95×2 µm long if uncoiled, with septa 3–6 µm apart. TheArthonialesare a speciose component of the lowland rainforest of Rondônia. A key is provided to the corticolous species of most groups ofArthonialesfound in Rondônia. The foliicolous species found so far are listed. Most are new records for Rondônia.Chrysothrix occidentalisis new to the Neotropics.
SUM THEOREMS FOR MAXIMALLY MONOTONE OPERATORS OF TYPE (FPV)
Authors: BORWEIN JONATHAN M. , YAO LIANGJIN 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe most important open problem in monotone operator theory concerns the maximal monotonicity of the sum of two maximally monotone operators provided that the classical Rockafellar’s constraint qualification holds. In this paper, we establish the maximal monotonicity of $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}A+B$ provided that $A$ and $B$ are maximally monotone operators such that ${\rm star}({\rm dom}\ A)\cap {\rm int}\, {\rm dom}\, B\neq \varnothing $, and $A$ is of type (FPV). We show that when also ${\rm dom}\ A$ is convex, the sum operator $A+B$ is also of type (FPV). Our result generalizes and unifies several recent sum theorems.
What constitutes quality of family experience at the end of life? Perspectives from family members of patients who died in the hospital
Authors: Steinhauser Karen E. , Voils Corrine I. , Bosworth Hayden , Tulsky James A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjective:Most palliative care efforts focus on assessing and improving the quality of life and quality of care for patients. Palliative care views the family as the unit of care; therefore, excellent comprehensive palliative care should also address the needs of the family and the caregiver(s). While the recent literature has offered detailed descriptions of caregiving needs in the home setting, it is crucial to describe the needs of family members who provide care for patients with advanced illness in an inpatient setting, where family members serve as the key intermediaries and decision makers. Therefore, we sought to define the relevant aspects of quality of experience for families of hospitalized patients.Method:We convened a series of focus groups to identify the domains important for the quality of experience of dying patients' family members. Participants included bereaved family members of patients who had died at a Veterans Administration (VA) or private academic medical center. We conducted four in-depth follow-up interviews to probe for additional details and validate our interpretation of the focus group findings.Results:Participants (n = 14) ranged in age from 46 to 83, with a mean of 62. All were female; 64% were Caucasian, 21% African American, and 14% did not report their ethnicity. Content analysis yielded 64 attributes of quality of family experience constituting eight domains: completion, symptom impact, decision making, preparation, relationship with healthcare providers, affirmation of the whole person, post-death care, and supportive services.Significance of results:Our data have implications for clinical guidance in assisting family members in the inpatient palliative setting, which often includes patient incapacity for communication and decision making. They suggest the importance of developing corresponding methods to assist families with the tasks involved with life completion, being prepared for a crisis and imminent death, and post-death care. Provider communications and relationships are central to the processes of meeting the clinical needs of family members. Our findings should inform the development of measures to assess family experience.
Sonic hedgehog-expressing cells in the developing limb measure time by an intrinsic cell cycle clock
Authors: Chinnaiya Kavitha , Tickle Cheryll , Towers Matthew 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHow time is measured is an enduring issue in developmental biology. Classical models of somitogenesis and limb development implicated intrinsic cell cycle clocks, but their existence remains controversial. Here we show that an intrinsic cell cycle clock in polarizing region cells of the chick limb bud times the duration of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression, which encodes the morphogen specifying digit pattern across the antero-posterior axis (thumb to little finger). Timing by this clock starts when polarizing region cells fall out of range of retinoic acid signalling. We found that timing of Shh transcription by the cell cycle clock can be reset, thus revealing an embryonic form of self-renewal. In contrast, antero-posterior positional values cannot be reset, suggesting that this may be an important constraint on digit regeneration. Our findings provide the first evidence for an intrinsic cell cycle timer controlling duration and patterning activity of a major embryonic signalling centre.
Novel Hydrogen Hydrate Structures under Pressure
Authors: Qian Guang-Rui , Lyakhov Andriy O. , Zhu Qiang , Oganov Artem R. , Dong Xiao 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGas hydrates are systems of prime importance. In particular, hydrogen hydrates are potential materials of icy satellites and comets and may be used for hydrogen storage. We explore the H2O–H2system at pressures in the range 0–100 GPa withab initiovariable-composition evolutionary simulations. According to our calculation and previous experiments, the H2O–H2system undergoes a series of transformations with pressure and adopts the known open-network clathrate structures (sII, C0), dense “filled ice” structures (C1, C2) and two novel hydrate phases. One of these is based on the hexagonal ice framework and has the same H2O:H2ratio (2:1) as the C0phase at low pressures and similar enthalpy (we name this phaseIh-C0). The other newly predicted hydrate phase has a 1:2 H2O:H2ratio and structure based on cubic ice. This phase (which we name C3) is predicted to be thermodynamically stable above 38 GPa when including van der Waals interactions and zero-point vibrational energy and explains previously mysterious experimental X-ray diffraction and Raman measurements. This is the hydrogen-richest hydrate and this phase has a remarkable gravimetric density (18 wt.%) of easily extractable hydrogen.
Precision analysis of single‐element ultrasound sensor for kinematic analysis of knee joints
Authors: Masum M.A. , Pickering M.R. , Lambert A.J. , Scarvell J.N. , Smith P.N. 
Published: July 2014

Measuring the relative motion of the femur and tibia in a knee joint currently requires tantalum beads to be implanted into the bones. These beads appear as high‐intensity features in radiographs and can be used for precise kinematic measurements. This procedure imposes a strong coupling between accuracy and invasiveness. Advances in ultrasound (US) sensor technology and the availability of micro‐drives mean that it is now possible to construct a small and lightweight US sensor which can be placed on the skin above the tibia and femur. Such a sensor could determine the relative movement of the underlying bone with respect to the sensor. This would then allow the position of the femur and tibia to be measured more accurately than with an optical tracking system that does not take into account the movement of the marker with respect to the bone. For satisfactory performance, the precision of the US sensor should be in the order of 1 mm or less. The experimental results prove that this sub‐millimetre precision is achievable.
Metamaterial absorber‐based sensor embedded into X‐band waveguide
Authors: Sabah C. , Turkmen‐Kucuksari O. , Turhan‐Sayan G. 
Published: July 2014

A novel metamaterial sensor, integrated with an X‐band waveguide, is proposed for high‐resolution measurements of variations in the dielectric constant and/or the thickness of a superstrate layer that covers a pair of absorber unit cells. Variations in superstrate parameters are potentially caused by physical, chemical or biological factors, and can be detected by measuring the corresponding shifts in the resonance frequency of the metamaterial sensor. It is estimated by simulation results that resolution levels as good as 1.1 μm change in thickness or 0.023 absolute change in relative permittivity of the sensing layer are feasible for a 10 MHz measurable shift in resonance frequency. Simulation results obtained for the fabricated prototype are verified experimentally with good agreement.
Flight performance of the largest volant bird
Authors: Ksepka Daniel T. 
Published: July 2014

Significance
A fossil species of pelagornithid bird exhibits the largest known avian wingspan. Pelagornithids are an extinct group of birds known for bony tooth-like beak projections, large size, and highly modified wing bones that raise many questions about their ecology. At 6.4 m, the wingspan of this species was approximately two times that of the living Royal Albatross. Modeling of flight parameters in this species indicates that it was capable of highly efficient gliding and suggests that pelagornithids exploited a long-range marine soaring strategy similar, in some ways, to that of extant albatrosses.
G-CSF Induces Membrane Expression of a Myeloperoxidase Glycovariant that Operates as an E-selectin Ligand on Human Myeloid Cells
Authors: Silvescu Cristina I. , Sackstein Robert 
Published: July 2014

Significance
Leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation involves “braking” and attachment of blood-borne leukocytes onto target endothelium (vessel surfaces), a process mediated principally by the endothelial molecule E-selectin binding to leukocyte E-selectin ligands. We report here that the cytokine granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) induces expression of a novel E-selectin ligand on human leukocytes, a glycovariant of the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), which we call “MPO–E-selectin ligand” (MPO–EL). MPO is normally found in lysosomes, but G-CSF triggers both MPO-EL production and its presentation on the leukocyte surface. MPO–EL is catalytically active. The production of toxic oxidizing agents by MPO–EL in apposition to E-selectin–bearing endothelium kills the cell. This previously unrecognized function of G-CSF and MPO raises additional insights into the biology of vascular injury during inflammatory reactions.
Modulation of frustration in folding by sequence permutation
Authors: Nobrega R. Paul , Arora Karunesh , Kathuria Sagar V. , Graceffa Rita , Barrea Raul A. , Guo Liang , Chakravarthy Srinivas , Bilsel Osman , Irving Thomas C. , Brooks Charles L. , Matthews C. Robert 
Published: July 2014

Significance
Folding mechanisms of large proteins are often complicated by the existence of kinetic traps that impede progress toward the native conformation. We have tested the role of chain connectivity in creating such traps by permuting the sequence of a small α/β/α sandwich protein, the chemotaxis response regulator Y. An approach combining experimental and native-centric simulations reveals that chain entropy and aliphatic-rich sequences conspire to create frustrated species whose structures and stabilities vary with connectivity. The initial events in folding reflect not a random collapse driven by the hydrophobic effect but rather the accumulation of substructures favored by low-contact-order nonpolar interactions in the polypeptide. The conserved global free-energy minimum of the native conformation ultimately resolves these early frustrations in folding.