bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient‐reported outcomes of maxillary implant‐supported overdentures compared with conventional dentures
Authors: Zembic Anja , Wismeijer Daniel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present prospective clinical study was to compare patient‐reported outcomes for maxillary conventional dentures and maxillary implant‐supported dentures.Material and methodsTwenty‐one patients (6 women and 15 men) being edentulous in the maxilla and encountering problems with their existing dentures were included. Twelve patients (4 women and 8 men) received a new set of conventional dentures, due to insufficient dentures. In nine patients (2 women and 7 men), the existing dentures were adjusted by means of relining or rebasing. All patients received implant‐supported dentures on two retentive anchors. In total, 42 implants were inserted in the anterior maxilla. The participants rated their satisfaction on their existing conventional dentures, 2 months after insertion of new conventional dentures and 2 months after insertion of implant‐supported dentures. Thereby, patients responded to questionnaires capturing the oral health impact profile (OHIP) using visual analog scales. Seven domains (functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical, psychological and social disability and handicap) were assessed. Higher scores implied poorer patient satisfaction. In addition, the questionnaire involved the evaluation of cleaning ability, general satisfaction, speech, comfort, esthetics, stability, and chewing ability. Higher scores implied higher patient satisfaction.ResultsPatient satisfaction significantly increased for implant‐supported dentures compared with old dentures in all seven OHIP subgroups, as well as for cleaning ability, general satisfaction, ability to speak, comfort, esthetics, and stability (P < 0.05). The comparison of new conventional dentures and implant‐supported dentures revealed a statistically significantly increased satisfaction for functional limitation (difference of 33.2 mm), psychological discomfort (difference of 36.7 mm), physical disability (difference of 36.3 mm), and social disability (difference of 23.5 mm), (P < 0.05). Additionally, general satisfaction, chewing ability, speech, and stability significantly improved in implant‐supported dentures (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWithin the limits of this study, maxillary dentures retained by two implants provided some significant short‐term improvements over conventional dentures in oral‐ and health‐related quality of life.
Zinc Promotes the Death of Hypoxic Astrocytes by Upregulating Hypoxia‐Induced Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1alpha Expression via Poly(ADP‐ribose) Polymerase‐1
Authors: Pan Rong , Chen Chen , Liu Wen‐Lan , Liu Ke‐Jian 
Published: April 2013

SummaryAimPathological release of excess zinc ions has been implicated in ischemic brain cell death. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In stroke, ischemia‐induced zinc release and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) accumulation concurrently occur in the ischemic tissue. The present study tests the hypothesis that the presence of high intracellular zinc concentration is a major cause of modifications to PARP‐1 and HIF‐1α during hypoxia, which significantly contributes to cell death during ischemia.MethodsPrimary cortical astrocytes and C8‐D1A cells were exposed to different concentrations of zinc chloride. Cell death rate and protein expression of HIF‐1 and Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1 were examined after 3‐h hypoxic treatment.ResultsAlthough 3‐h hypoxia or 100 μM of zinc alone did not induce noticeable cytotoxicity, their combination led to a dramatic increase in astrocytic cell death in a zinc‐concentration‐dependent manner. Exposure of astrocytes to hypoxia for 3 h remarkably increased the levels of intracellular zinc and HIF‐1α protein, which was further augmented by added exogenous zinc. Notably, HIF‐1α knockdown blocked zinc‐induced astrocyte death. Moreover, knockdown of PARP‐1, another important protein in the response of hypoxia, attenuated the overexpression of HIF‐1α and reduced the cell death rate.ConclusionsOur studies show that zinc promotes hypoxic cell death through overexpression of the hypoxia response factor HIF‐1α via the cell fate determine factor PARP‐1 modification, which provides a novel mechanism for zinc‐mediated ischemic brain injury.
The effectiveness of secondary and tertiary care lifestyle intervention in morbidly obese patients: a 1‐year non‐randomized controlled pragmatic clinical trial
Authors: Gjevestad E. , Karlsen T. I. , Røislien J. , Mæhlum S. , Hjelmesæth J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIn this non‐randomized clinical pragmatic trial, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of an outpatient intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) programme conducted in a tertiary care obesity rehabilitation centre with an outpatient moderate lifestyle intervention (MLI) programme at a secondary care obesity centre. Effectiveness was measured in terms of the 1‐year effect each programme had on body weight, physical activity and health‐related quality of life (HRQL). A total of 232 morbidly obese subjects were recruited to the ILI group and 140 to the MLI group, with retention rates of 78% and 44%, respectively. The ILI group had a significantly larger mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) weight loss than the MLI group, 11% (9%, 12%) vs. 2% (1%, 6%), P < 0.001, and a larger proportion of completers attaining ≥5% weight loss (71% vs. 33%), P < 0.001. Compared with the MLI group, the ILI group achieved a significant larger mean (95% CI) increase in the physical dimension of HRQL 6.9 (4.4, 9.3), P < 0.001, the mental dimension of HRQL 4.4 (1.4, 7.4), P = 0.018 and in the emotional dimension of HRQL 17.8 (12.8, 22.6), P < 0.001. There were no significant differences in terms of changes in physical activity. Compared with MLI, ILI was associated with significantly larger weight loss and better HRQL.
The importance of lymph node retrieval and lymph node ratio following preoperative chemoradiation of rectal cancer
Authors: La Torre M. , Mazzuca F. , Ferri M. , Mari F. S. , Botticelli A. , Pilozzi E. , Lorenzon L. , Osti M. F. , Marchetti P. , Enrici R. M. , Ziparo V. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimPreoperative chemoradiation (CRT) for rectal cancer decreases the number of examined lymph nodes (NELN) found in the resected specimen. However, the prognostic role of lymph node evaluation including overall numbers and the lymph node ratio (LNR) in patients having preoperative CRT have not yet been defined. The study has assessed the influence of CRT on the NELN and on lymph node number and LNR on the survival of patients with rectal cancer.MethodBetween 2003 and 2011, 508 patients with nonmetastatic rectal cancer underwent mesorectal excision. Of these 123 (24.2%) received preoperative CRT. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to define the role of NELN and LNR as prognostic indicators of survival.ResultsNeoadjuvant CRT significantly reduced the NELN (P < 0.0001). Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with fewer or more than 12 nodes retrieved did not differ statistically. Node‐negative patients with six or fewer lymph nodes were significantly associated with a poor DFS and OS on univariate analysis (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03). LNR significantly influenced the DFS and OS on multivariate analysis [DFS, P = 0.0473, hazard ratio (HR) 2.4980, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2631–9.4097; OS, P = 0.0419, HR 1.1820, 95% CI 1.1812–10,710].ConclusionThe cut‐off of 12 lymph nodes does not influence survival and should not be considered for cancer‐specific prediction of patients having neoadjuvant CRT. In contrast LNR is an independent prognostic predictor of DFS and OS in such patients.
Bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection with and without neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bregendahl S. , Emmertsen K. J. , Lous J. , Laurberg S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimBowel dysfunction was assessed after low anterior resection with and without neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for rectal cancer using a novel symptom‐based scoring system correlated with quality of life.MethodWe identified all patients who underwent curative resection for rectal cancer in Denmark between 2001 and 2007. A questionnaire on bowel function and quality of life, including the recently validated low anterior resection syndrome score (LARS score; range 0–42) was administered to recurrence‐free patients in 2009. We used multivariate analysis to examine the association between major LARS (LARS score ≥ 30) and a number of patient and treatment‐related factors.ResultsOf 1087 eligible patients, 980 agreed to participate and, of these, 938 were included in the analysis. Major LARS was observed in 41%. The use of NT (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.73–3.55), long‐course chemoradiotherapy vs short‐course radiotherapy (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.44–1.87), total mesorectal excision (TME) vs partial mesorectal excision (PME) (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.69–3.16), anastomotic leakage (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 0.93–4.55), age ≤ 64 years at surgery (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.43–2.51) and female gender (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.02–1.79) were associated with major LARS. No association was found between major LARS and the time since surgery (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.59–1.04) or neorectal reconstruction (colonic pouch vs straight colorectal or side‐to‐end anastomosis (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.63–1.46).ConclusionSevere bowel dysfunction is a frequent long‐term outcome after resection for rectal cancer. Use of NT, regardless of a long‐ or short‐course protocol, and TME (compared with PME) are strong independent risk factors for major LARS.
Efficacy and acceptability of sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate vs low‐volume polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid for colon cleansing: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Manes G. , Amato A. , Arena M. , Pallotta S. , Radaelli F. , Masci E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimThe study compared the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a low‐volume picosulphate/magnesium citrate preparation with that of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid (PEG + ASC) in a randomized clinical trial (RCT).MethodA multicentre randomized, single‐blinded study was designed. Adult outpatients undergoing colonoscopy received either picosulphate/magnesium citrate (Group 1) or PEG + ASC (Group 2). Bowel cleansing was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and rated as adequate if ≥ 2 in each segment. Patient acceptance, satisfaction and related symptoms were recorded.ResultsTwo‐hundred and eighty‐five patients were included. Preparation was adequate in 75.7% of patients in Group 1 and in 76.5% of patients in Group 2. The mean BBPS scores for the entire colon and for the right colon were comparable between groups. In addition, 97.1% patients in Group 1 and 84.8% in Group 2 reported no or mild discomfort (P < 0.0003) and 97.8% and 83.4% expressed their willingness to repeat the preparation (P < 0.0001). Palatability was better in Group 1, whereas related symptoms occurred more frequently in Group 2. Regardless of which preparation was used, the split regimen was associated with better cleansing compared with the same‐day method (OR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.1–10.4; P = 0.03). Other predictors of poor cleansing were comorbidity, discomfort during preparation and incomplete (< 75%) preparation.ConclusionBoth picosulphate/magnesium citrate and PEG + ASC are effective for bowel preparation. Tolerability and palatability are better for picosulphate/magnesium citrate. A split schedule is associated with higher cleansing quality also for low‐volume regimens.
Specific analysis of KIT and PDGFR‐alpha expression and mutational status in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Swick Brian L. , Srikantha Rupasree , Messingham Kelly N. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the immunohistochemical and mutational status of the tyrosine kinases KIT and platelet derived growth receptor‐alpha (PDGFRA) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Specifically, we examined the mutated exons in gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors that may confer a treatment response to imatinib mesylate.MethodsWe evaluated KIT and PDGFRA immunostaining in 23 examples of MCC utilizing laser capture microdissection to obtain pure samples of tumor genomic DNA from 18 of 23 examples of MCC. PCR amplification and sequencing of KIT exons 9, 11, 13 and 17, and PDGFRA exons 10, 12, 14 and 18 for mutations was performed.ResultsFifteen of 23 tumors (65%) demonstrated CD117 expression and 22 of 23 tumors (95%) demonstrated PDGFRA expression. A single heterozygous KIT exon 11 base change resulting in an E583K mutation was discovered in 12 of 18 (66%) examples of MCC. In addition, a single nucleotide polymorphism was detected in eight of 18 tumors (44%) in exon 18 of PDGFRA (codon 824; GTC > GTT).ConclusionsWe discovered a novel somatic KIT exon 11 E583K mutation in 66% of tumors. This mutation has been previously described in a human with piebaldism and appears to represent an inactivating mutation. Therefore, despite expression of CD117 and PDGFRA, the absence of activating mutations in these tyrosine kinases makes KIT and PDGFRA unlikely candidates of MCC oncogenesis.
Long‐term survival in elderly patients with stable coronary disease
Authors: Ruiz Ortiz Martín , Ogayar Cristina , Romo Elías , Mesa Dolores , Delgado Mónica , Anguita Manuel , Castillo Juan C. , Arizón José M. , Suárez de Lezo José 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to assess long‐term prognosis of stable coronary artery disease (sCAD) in patients aged ≥ 75 years and to identify clinical predictors of cardiovascular and overall mortality.Materials and MethodsFrom February 2000 to January 2007, 391 outpatients aged ≥ 75 years (median 78 years, interquartile range [IQR] 76–81 years, 66% male) with sCAD were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Associations of baseline variables with long‐term cardiovascular and all‐cause death were investigated.ResultsAfter up to 11 years of follow‐up (median 4 years, IQR 2–6 years), 89 patients died (23%, 5·45%/year), 35 from cardiovascular causes (9%, 2·14%/year). Multivariate analysis identified family history of coronary disease (HR 4·28, 95% CI 1·22–15·02, P = 0·02), baseline atrial fibrillation (HR 3·18, 95% CI 1·37–7·39, P = 0·007), age (HR 1·61 per 5 year increase, 95% CI 1·04–2·50, P = 0·03), resting heart rate (HR 1·26 per 5 bpm increase, 95% CI 1·09–1·47, P = 0·003) and previous revascularization (HR 0·17, 95% CI 0·04–0·77, P = 0·02) as independent predictors of cardiovascular death, and previous acute coronary syndrome (HR 4·93, 95% CI 1·49–16·30, P = 0·009), baseline atrial fibrillation (HR 1·96, 95% CI 1·12–3·43, P = 0·02), tobacco use (HR 1·69, 95% CI 1·00–2·84, P = 0·049 for ex‐smoking and HR 6·78, 95% CI 0·89–51·47, P = 0·06 for active smoking), age (HR 1·58 per 5 year increase, 95% CI 1·18–2·11, P = 0·002), resting heart rate (HR 1·10 per 5 bpm increase, 95% CI 1·00–1·22, P = 0·05) and diastolic blood pressure (HR 0·97, 95% CI 0·94–0·99, P = 0·01) as independent predictors of overall mortality.ConclusionsIn this study, 4‐years overall mortality was 23% among elderly patients with sCAD. Simple clinical variables can identify patients at higher risk of mortality.
A review of continuing professional development for dentists in Europe*
Authors: Barnes E. , Bullock A. D. , Bailey S. E. R. , Cowpe J. G. , Karaharju‐Suvanto T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAim:  To summarise findings from a literature review of dentists’ engagement in continuing professional development (CPD) and its effects on improving oral health care for patients.Method:  The search strategy used key terms in a range of databases and an academic literature search engine, complemented by hand searching and citation follow‐up.Results:  One hundred and fourteen papers were reviewed. The majority of dentists engaged in CPD. Factors affecting participation included time since graduation, costs, work and home commitments, postgraduate qualification, interest and convenience. Learning needs identification and reflection on practice were rarely evidenced. Common modes of CPD were courses and journal reading; no one delivery method proved more effective. Few papers directly explored recommendations for topics although suggestions related to common areas of error and gaps in knowledge or skill. Studies of CPD effectiveness and impact‐on‐practice suggested that courses can result in widespread new learning and considerable self‐reported change in practice. However, significant barriers to implementing change in workplace practice were noted and included availability of materials, resources and support from colleagues.Conclusion:  To ensure high standards of care, alongside recommending core or mandatory topics, more attention should be given to reflection on learning needs, the learner’s readiness to engage with education and training and the influence of the workplace environment.
Acquisition of t(11;14) in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia carrying both t(14;19)(q32;q13.1) and +12
Authors: Nishida Yuhki , Takeuchi Kengo , Tsuda Kenji , Ugai Tomotaka , Sugihara Hiroki , Yamakura Masayuki , Takeuchi Masami , Matsue Kosei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA rare recurrent chromosomal translocation, t(14;19)(q32;q13), has been identified in a variety of B‐cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We report a unique case of CLL in a patient carrying both trisomy 12 and t(14;19) (q32;q13.1), in whom t(11;14)(q13;q32) developed at relapse. The patient was a 77‐yr‐old woman, and her lymphoma cells at presentation showed CD5+, CD10−, CD19+, CD20+(dim), CD23+, CD38+, and CD11c+. At relapse, the patient's lymphoma cells showed positive staining for cyclin D1 in addition to CD5, CD20, and CD23. Lymphoma cells in specimens at both presentation and relapse were positive for lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) and negative for sex‐determining region Y‐box 11 (SOX11). IGH‐BCL1 FISH became positive at relapse. Split FISH assay using BCL1, BCL3, IGH, and CCND1 probes on lymph node specimens obtained at presentation and at autopsy confirmed that the translocation of BCL3 was solely detected in the lymph node at presentation and detected BCL3 and CCND1 translocations in the specimen at autopsy. These observations indicated that IGH‐BCL3 and IGH‐CCND1 had occurred in the same clone after treatment of the disease. In line with immunohistochemical and cytogenetic studies, additional PCR analysis of the FR3‐JH region showed the same sequence derived from IGHV4‐34 in specimens obtained at disease onset and relapse.
Effect of splenectomy on iron balance in patients with β‐thalassemia major: a long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Casale Maddalena , Cinque Patrizia , Ricchi Paolo , Costantini Silvia , Spasiano Anna , Prossomariti Luciano , Minelli Salvatore , Frega Valeria , Filosa Aldo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveA retrospective study was performed to explore the effect of splenectomy on iron balance in thalassemia major (TM).MethodsTwenty two TM patients treated with splenectomy were compared with a control group (non‐splenectomized patients) matched for sex, age, pretransfusional Hb, chelation therapy, and duration of follow‐up in a retrospective study to evaluate blood consumption, iron intake, and serum ferritin during an overall observation period of 6 yrs before and 10 yrs after splenectomy.ResultsSplenectomy improved parameters of iron balance, determining a significant reduction in blood consumption (P < 0.01), iron intake (P < 0.01), and serum ferritin (P < 0.01). Comparing the two groups, blood consumption and iron intake were similar in presplenectomy period (P > 0.05), but serum ferritin was significantly higher in splenectomized patients (P < 0.01). After splenectomy, blood consumption and iron intake were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in splenectomized group while serum ferritin did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between two groups, except for the first year (P < 0.05).ConclusionSplenectomy determines immediate drop in blood consumption and iron intake but slow downtrend of ferritin; direct measurements of iron overload, such as magnetic resonance studies, are needed to better understand the effect of splenectomy on iron balance parameters. Tailoring chelation therapy and eventually its intensification seem more efficient measures to manage iron accumulation in TM and to lower iron level to safety threshold.
Serum hepcidin levels and muscle iron proteins in humans injected with low‐ or high‐dose erythropoietin
Authors: Robach Paul , Recalcati Stefania , Girelli Domenico , Campostrini Natascia , Kempf Tibor , Wollert Kai C. , Corbella Michela , Santambrogio Paolo , Perbellini Luigi , Brasse‐Lagnel Carole , Christensen Britt , Moutereau Stéphane , Lundby Carsten , Cairo Gaetano 
Published: April 2013

AbstractInhibition of hepcidin expression by erythropoietic signals is of great physiological importance; however, the inhibitory pathways remain poorly understood. To investigate (i) the direct effect of erythropoietin (Epo) and (ii) the contribution of putative mediators on hepcidin repression, healthy volunteers were injected with a single dose of Epo, either low (63 IU/kg, n = 8) or high (400 IU/kg, n = 6). Low‐dose Epo provoked hepcidin down‐modulation within 24 h; the effect was not immediate as hepcidin circadian variations were still present following injection. High‐dose Epo induced no additional effect on the hepcidin response, that is hepcidin diurnal fluctuations were not abolished in spite of extremely high Epo levels. We did not find significant changes in putative mediators of hepcidin repression, such as transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor, or growth differentiation factor 15. Furthermore, the potential hepcidin inhibitor, soluble hemojuvelin, was found unaltered by Epo stimulation. This finding was consistent with the absence of signs of iron deficiency observed at the level of skeletal muscle tissue. Our data suggest that hepcidin repression by erythropoietic signals in humans may not be controlled directly by Epo, but mediated by a still undefined factor.
Clarifying Ethical Intuitionism
Authors: Cowan Robert 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn recent years there has been a resurgence of interest inEthicalIntuitionism, whose core claim is thatnormal ethical agents can and do have non‐inferentially justified first‐order ethical beliefs. Although this is the standard formulation, there are two senses in which it is importantly incomplete. Firstly, ethical intuitionism claims that there are non‐inferentially justified ethical beliefs, but there is a worrying lack of consensus in the ethical literature as to what non‐inferentially justified belief is. Secondly, it has been overlooked that there are plausibly differenttypesof non‐inferential justification, and that accounting for the existence of a specific sort of non‐inferential justification is crucial for any adequate ethical intuitionist epistemology. In this context, it is the purpose of this paper to provide an account of non‐inferentially justified belief which is superior to extant accounts, and, to give a refined statement of the core claim of ethical intuitionism which focuses on the type of non‐inferential justification vital for a plausible intuitionist epistemology. Finally, it will be shown that the clarifications made in this paper make it far from obvious that two intuitionist accounts, which have received much recent attention, make good on intuitionism's core claim.