bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic urticaria and coagulation: pathophysiological and clinical aspects
Authors: Tedeschi A. , Kolkhir P. , Asero R. , Pogorelov D. , Olisova O. , Kochergin N. , Cugno M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChronic urticaria (CU) is a widespread skin disease, characterized by the recurrence of transient wheals and itch for more than 6 weeks. Besides autoimmune mechanisms, coagulation factors, in particular tissue factor and thrombin, might also participate in the disease pathophysiology. Tissue factor expressed by eosinophils can induce activation of blood coagulation generating thrombin which in turn can increase vascular permeability both directly, acting on endothelial cells, and indirectly, inducing degranulation of mast cells with release of histamine, as demonstrated in experimental models. D‐dimer, a fibrin degradation product, generated following activation of the coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis, has been found to be increased during urticaria exacerbations; moreover, it has been proposed as a biomarker of severity and resistance to H1‐antihistamines in CU patients. The possible role of coagulation in CU is also supported by case reports, case series and a small controlled study showing the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in this disease. The purpose of this review was to summarize the available data on the possible contribution of coagulation to the pathophysiology of CU focusing on clinical aspects and possible future therapeutic developments.
Four‐dimensional computed tomography for parathyroid localization: a new imaging modality
Authors: Brown Sebastian J. , Lee James C. , Christie James , Maher Richard , Sidhu Stanley B. , Sywak Mark S. , Delbridge Leigh W. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionFour‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) is a new parathyroid localization technique not previously reported in Australia. It provides both functional and anatomical imaging in a single test, with superior sensitivity compared with sestamibi scintigraphy (SeS). This study examines the utility of 4DCT in defined clinical situations.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral hospital setting. One hundred consecutive operative cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (99 patients) undergoing both preoperative 4DCT and SeS. Localization studies were correlated with operative findings, histopathology and clinical outcomes. The utility of 4DCT was analysed in three common clinical settings: primary cases with positive SeS (Group A, n = 68), primary cases with negative SeS (Group B, n = 21) and re‐operative cases (Group C, n = 11).ResultsThe overall sensitivity of 4DCT was 92% compared with 70% for SeS. The sensitivity of 4DCT was superior to SeS in Groups B and C (76% versus 0% and 91% versus 46%, respectively). The overall cure rate was 98%, with 94% of cases completed as minimally invasive procedures. Up to 62% of Group B cases potentially avoided a bilateral neck exploration owing to a positive 4DCT.Conclusions4DCT is an accurate technique providing both functional and anatomical localization of abnormal parathyroid glands. However, the advantage of speed and simplicity in image acquisition needs to be balanced against the small risk of increased radiation exposure in the younger patient group.
What all physicians should know about the potential radiation risk that computed tomography poses for paediatric patients
Authors: Sodhi Kushaljit Singh , Lee Edward Y. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe repeated use of CT imaging raises a child's radiation exposure, overall radiation accrual and future cancer risks. However, our review suggests that these risks can be considerably reduced by physicians, radiologists and academic bodies, through proper justification, optimisation and dose limitation.ConclusionComputed tomography poses a potential risk of radiation‐induced cancer in children. The physician must weigh up the overall risks and benefits of CT before referring a child for imaging.
Survey ofAustralian equine veterinarians evaluating their biosecurity training and perceptions and opinions about the management of the 2007 equine influenza outbreak
Authors: Schemann K , Toribio J‐ALML , Taylor MR , Ward MP , Dhand NK 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the level of biosecurity training amongAustralian equine veterinarians and to assess their perceptions of biosecurity and infectious disease risk and their opinions about the management of the 2007 equine influenza (EI) outbreak.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA survey was conducted among equine veterinarians attending the 2010 annual conference of theEquineVeterinariansAustralia (EVA) inNewSouthWales, Australia. Data were collected using a self‐completed questionnaire and analysed usingFisher's exact tests to assess veterinarians' levels of biosecurity training, their perceptions of infectious disease and views regarding the 2007EIoutbreak management.ResultsA total of 46 of the 196 (23.5%) attending veterinarians completed the questionnaire. Significantly greater proportions of recently graduated veterinarians received theoretical and practical biosecurity training at veterinary schools than their older counterparts. The majority of respondents considered their likelihood of spreading infectious diseases from one client's horse to another to be low (84%). More than half (58%) of the veterinarians considered that hand‐washing/wearing gloves was very effective in preventing disease spread. However, around one‐quarter (27%) reported a degree of reservation about the practicality of performing general biosecurity practices in everyday working life. Overall, veterinarians were satisfied with theEIoutbreak response, but had mixed opinions about the control measures and communications used.ConclusionLevels of biosecurity training and the frequency of biosecurity advice provided by veterinarians have increased over time, although the practicality of biosecurity practices is a concern for some veterinarians. Further investigations of the barriers to the use of various biosecurity practices are required in order to inform training programs.
Anticonvulsant Effects of N‐Arachidonoyl‐Serotonin, a Dual Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Enzyme and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type‐1 (TRPV1) Channel Blocker, on Experimental Seizures: The Roles of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors and TRPV1 Channels
Authors: Vilela Luciano R. , Medeiros Daniel C. , de Oliveira Antonio Carlos P. , Moraes Marcio F. , Moreira Fabricio A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSelective blockade of anandamide hydrolysis, through the inhibition of the FAAH enzyme, has anticonvulsant effects, which are mediated by CB1 receptors. Anandamide, however, also activates TRPV1 channels, generally with an opposite outcome on neuronal modulation. Thus, we suggested that the dual FAAH and TRPV1 blockade with N‐arachidonoyl‐serotonin (AA‐5‐HT) would be efficacious in inhibiting pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced seizures in mice. We also investigated the contribution of CB1 activation and TRPV1 blockade to the overt effect of AA‐5‐HT. In the first experiment, injection of AA‐5‐HT (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) delayed the onset and reduced the duration of PTZ (60 mg)‐induced seizures in mice. These effects were reversed by pre‐treatment with the CB1 antagonist, AM251 (1.0–3.0 mg/kg). Finally, we observed that administration of the selective TRPV1 antagonist, SB366791 (0.1–1 mg/kg), did not entirely mimic AA‐5‐HT effects. In conclusion, AA‐5‐HT alleviates seizures in mice, an effect inhibited by CB1 antagonism, but not completely mimicked by TRPV1 blockage, indicating that the overall effect of AA‐5‐HT seems to depend mainly on CB1 receptors. This may represent a new strategy for the development of drugs against seizures, epilepsies and related syndromes.
Peripheral Antinociception and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Sulphated Polysaccharides from the Alga Caulerpa mexicana
Authors: Carneiro José Gerardo , Rodrigues José Ariévilo Gurgel , de Sousa Oliveira Vanderlei Edfranck , Souza Ricardo Basto , Quinderé Ana Luíza Gomes , Coura Chistiane Oliveira , de Araújo Ianna Wivianne Fernandes , Chaves Hellíada Vasconcelos , Bezerra Mirna Marques , Benevides Norma Maria Barros 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSulphated polysaccharides from marine algae are widely used in biotechnological and pharmaceutical areas. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sulphated polysaccharides from the green marine alga Caulerpa mexicana (Cm‐SPs) in nociceptive and inflammatory models in rodents. Cm‐SPs (10 or 20 mg/kg), administered i.v. in Swiss mice, significantly reduced nociceptive responses, as measured by the number of writhes in response to acetic acid. Cm‐SPs (10 or 20 mg/kg) also reduced second‐phase responses in the formalin test, but did not exhibit a significant antinociceptive effect in the hot plate test, suggesting that its antinociceptive action occurs through a peripheral mechanism. Cm‐SPs (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), administered s.c. in wistar rats 1 hr before carrageenan, dextran, histamine or serotonin, were tested in paw oedema models. Cm‐SPs (10 or 20 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and myeloperoxidase activity in the paw. In addition, Cm‐SPs (20 mg/kg) inhibited dextran‐ or histamine‐induced paw oedema, but not serotonin‐induced oedema, suggesting that histamine is the major target of Cm‐SPs anti‐oedematogenic activity. Finally, Cm‐SPs (20 mg/kg) administered in mice did not show significant signs of toxicity. In conclusion, Cm‐SPs appear to be promising natural modulatory agents for pain and inflammatory conditions.
Effect of alcohol use on the course of bipolar disorder: one‐year follow‐up study using the daily prospective Life Chart method
Authors: van Zaane Jan , van de Ven Peter M , Draisma Stasja , Smit Johannes H , Nolen Willem A , van den Brink Wim 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesRelatively little is known about the temporal relationship between alcohol use and subsequent mood changes in patients with bipolar disorder, and the available findings are inconsistent. The present study was a fine‐grained analysis of the temporal relationship between alcohol use and short‐term mood‐switching probabilities.MethodsThe study included 137 patients with bipolar disorder who performed daily self‐ratings of their mood symptoms and the number of alcohol units consumed for a period of up to 52 weeks by using the National Institute of Mental Health self‐rated prospective Life Chart Method. At baseline, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV was administered and demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were obtained. Multi‐state models were used to assess the impact of the number of alcoholic drinks on patients' transition through different states of mood (depression, euthymia, and mania).ResultsThe effect of alcohol use on the change in mood states was limited. For women in a depressive state, higher alcohol use was associated with a shorter time before entering the euthymic state [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.36, p < 0.05], whereas, for men in an euthymic state, higher alcohol use was associated with a longer time before entering a manic state (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71–0.92, p < 0.05). The correlation between the consumed number of drinks per week and the average mood severity score of the following week was −0.01 (p < 0.001), indicating that only 0.01% of the variance in mood severity in this population is explained by alcohol use. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.ConclusionsThe current study, using a fine‐grained analysis, suggests that alcohol use does not have a direct effect on the course of bipolar disorder in patients using mood stabilizers.
DNA copy number alterations mark disease progression in paediatric chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: van der Sligte Naomi E. , Krumbholz Manuela , Pastorczak Agata , Scheijen Blanca , Tauer Josephine T. , Nowasz Christina , Sonneveld Edwin , de Bock Geertruida H. , Meeuwsen‐de Boer Tiny G. J. , van Reijmersdal Simon , Kuiper Roland P. , Bradtke Jutta , Metzler Markus , Suttorp Meinolf , de Bont Evelina S. J. M. , van Leeuwen Frank N. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryEarly recognition of children with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML‐CP) at risk for developing a lymphoid blast crisis (LyBC) is desirable, because therapy options in CML‐LyBC are limited. We used Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification to determine whether B‐cell lymphoid leukaemia‐specific copy number alterations (CNAs) (e.g. IKZF1, PAX5, CDKN2A deletions) could be detected in CML‐CP and may be used to predict disease progression to LyBC. CNAs were detected in all patients with CML‐LyBC, but in none of the 77 patients with CML‐CP. Based on this study we conclude that CNAs remain a hallmark of disease progression.
Perioperative and renal functional outcomes of elective robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal tumours with high surgical complexity
Authors: Volpe Alessandro , Garrou Diletta , Amparore Daniele , De Naeyer Geert , Porpiglia Francesco , Ficarra Vincenzo , Mottrie Alexandre 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the perioperative, postoperative and functional outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal tumours with high surgical complexity at a large volume centre.Patients and MethodsPerioperative and functional outcomes of RAPNs for renal tumours with a Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score of ≥10 performed at our institution between September 2006 and December 2012 were collected in a prospectively maintained database and analysed. Surgical complications were graded according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed at the third postoperative day and 3–6 months after RAPN.ResultsIn all, 44 RAPNs for renal tumours with PADUA scores of ≥10 were included in the analysis; 23 tumours (52.3%) were cT1b. The median (interquartile range; range) operative time, estimated blood loss and warm ischaemia time (WIT) were 120 (94, 132; 60–230) min, 150 (80, 200; 25–1200) mL and 16 (13.8, 18; 5–35) min, respectively. Two intraoperative complications occurred (4.5%): one inferior vena caval injury and one bleed from the renal bed, which were both managed robotically. There were postoperative complications in 10 patients (22.7%), of whom four (9.1%) were high Clavien grade, including two bleeds that required percutaneous embolisation, one urinoma that resolved with ureteric stenting and one bowel occlusion managed with laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Two patients (4.5%) had positive surgical margins (PSMs) and were followed expectantly with no radiological recurrence at a mean follow‐up of 23 months. The mean serum creatinine levels were significantly increased after surgery (121.1 vs 89.3 μmol/L; P = 0.001), but decreased over time, with no significant differences from the preoperative values at the 6‐month follow‐up (96.4 vs 89.3 μmol/L; P = 0.09). The same trend was seen for eGFR.ConclusionIn experienced hands RAPN for renal tumours with a PADUA score of ≥10 is feasible with short WIT, acceptable major complication rate and good long‐term renal functional outcomes. A slightly higher risk of PSMs can be expected due to the high surgical complexity of these lesions. The robotic technology allows a safe expansion of the indications of minimally invasive PN to anatomically very challenging renal lesions in referral centres.
Technical and biological complications of single‐molar implant restorations
Authors: Rinke Sven , Roediger Matthias , Eickholz Peter , Lange Katharina , Ziebolz Dirk 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesRetrospective evaluation of the biological and technical complications in implant‐supported single‐tooth molar restorations performed in a private practice after functional periods of ≥4 years.Material and MethodsSixty‐five patients (34 females, age 51.7 ± 10.6 years) with 112 implants received annual follow‐up examinations and participated in a maintenance program. The survival (in situ) and success (complication‐free) rates of implants and superstructures were evaluated. Time‐dependent peri‐implantitis rates were calculated, and the influencing factors were identified using a multiple Cox regression.ResultsThe implant survival rate was 100%. Three of 112 crowns required replacement (prosthetic survival rate = 98.1%). Thirty technical complications were observed: loss of retention (16), ceramic fracture (10), and screw loosening (4). The success rate of the superstructures was 79.0% after 7 years. Overall, 9.2% of the patients developed peri‐implantitis (probing depth ≥5 mm, BOP, suppuration, bone loss ≥3.5 mm); (smokers: 41.6%, non‐smokers: 1.8%). After 7 years, the time‐dependent implant success rate (free of peri‐implantitis) was 100% for non‐smokers and 58.6% for smokers. Multiple analysis showed a significant effect of smoking (hazard ratio, 19.5; P = 0.008) on peri‐implantitis.ConclusionsImplants with cemented single‐tooth restorations in the molar region constitute a reliable treatment in private practice. Smokers have a significantly increased peri‐implantitis rate.
Offsetting the Impacts of Mining to Achieve No Net Loss of Native Vegetation
Authors: SONTER L. J. , BARRETT D. J. , SOARES‐FILHO B. S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOffsets are a novel conservation tool, yet using them to achieve no net loss of biodiversity is challenging. This is especially true when using conservation offsets (i.e., protected areas) because achieving no net loss requires avoiding equivalent loss. Our objective was to determine if offsetting the impacts of mining achieves no net loss of native vegetation in Brazil's largest iron mining region. We used a land‐use change model to simulate deforestation by mining to 2020; developed a model to allocate conservation offsets to the landscape under 3 scenarios (baseline, no new offsets; current practice, like‐for‐like [by vegetation type] conservation offsetting near the impact site; and threat scenario, like‐for‐like conservation offsetting of highly threatened vegetation); and simulated nonmining deforestation to 2020 for each scenario to quantify avoided deforestation achieved with offsets. Mines cleared 3570 ha of native vegetation by 2020. Under a 1:4 offset ratio, mining companies would be required to conserve >14,200 ha of native vegetation, doubling the current extent of protected areas in the region. Allocating offsets under current practice avoided deforestation equivalent to 3% of that caused by mining, whereas allocating under the threat scenario avoided 9%. Current practice failed to achieve no net loss because offsets did not conserve threatened vegetation. Explicit allocation of offsets to threatened vegetation also failed because the most threatened vegetation was widely dispersed across the landscape, making conservation logistically difficult. To achieve no net loss with conservation offsets requires information on regional deforestation trajectories and the distribution of threatened vegetation. However, in some regions achieving no net loss through conservation may be impossible. In these cases, other offsetting activities, such as revegetation, will be required.Compensación de los Impactos de la Minería para Obtener Ninguna Pérdida Neta de la Vegetación Nativa
SOCIAL DRINKING VERSUS ADMINISTERING ALCOHOL
Authors: FRANK BJÖRN , HAUCAP JUSTUS , HERR ANNIKA 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAlcohol consumption tends to make some people (unwillingly) tell the truth, hence social drinking can serve as a signal in social contact games. We provide empirical evidence which shows that social drinking can serve as a trust facilitating mechanism. Liver cirrhosis mortality and the rate of abstainers are used to construct a novel index of moderate alcohol consumption, which correlates with trust levels in a cross‐country analysis.(JEL L14, D82, D71)
GABAergic transmission in rat pontine reticular formation regulates the induction phase of anesthesia and modulates hyperalgesia caused by sleep deprivation
Authors: Vanini Giancarlo , Nemanis Kriste , Baghdoyan Helen A. , Lydic Ralph 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe oral part of the pontine reticular formation (PnO) contributes to the regulation of sleep, anesthesia and pain. The role of PnO γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in modulating these states remains incompletely understood. The present study used time to loss and time to resumption of righting response (LoRR and RoRR) as surrogate measures of loss and resumption of consciousness. This study tested three hypotheses: (i) pharmacologically manipulating GABA levels in rat PnO alters LoRR, RoRR and nociception; (ii) propofol decreases GABA levels in the PnO; and (iii) inhibiting GABA synthesis in the PnO blocks hyperalgesia caused by sleep deprivation. Administering a GABA synthesis inhibitor [3‐mercaptopropionic acid (3‐MPA)] or a GABA uptake inhibitor [nipecotic acid (NPA)] into rat PnO significantly altered LoRR caused by propofol. 3‐MPA significantly decreased LoRR for propofol (−18%). NPA significantly increased LoRR during administration of propofol (36%). Neither 3‐MPA nor NPA altered RoRR following cessation of propofol or isoflurane delivery. The finding that LoRR was decreased by 3‐MPA and increased by NPA is consistent with measures showing that extracellular GABA levels in the PnO were decreased (41%) by propofol. Thermal nociception was significantly decreased by 3‐MPA and increased by NPA, and 3‐MPA blocked the hyperalgesia caused by sleep deprivation. The results demonstrate that GABA levels in the PnO regulate the time for loss of consciousness caused by propofol, extend the concept that anesthetic induction and emergence are not inverse processes, and suggest that GABAergic transmission in the PnO mediates hyperalgesia caused by sleep loss.
Contemporary evolution of an invasive grass in response to elevated atmospheric CO2 at a Mojave Desert FACE site
Authors: Grossman Judah D. , Rice Kevin J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractElevated atmospheric CO2 has been shown to rapidly alter plant physiology and ecosystem productivity, but contemporary evolutionary responses to increased CO2 have yet to be demonstrated in the field. At a Mojave Desert FACE (free‐air CO2 enrichment) facility, we tested whether an annual grass weed (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens) has evolved in response to elevated atmospheric CO2. Within 7 years, field populations exposed to elevated CO2 evolved lower rates of leaf stomatal conductance; a physiological adaptation known to conserve water in other desert or water‐limited ecosystems. Evolution of lower conductance was accompanied by reduced plasticity in upregulating conductance when CO2 was more limiting; this reduction in conductance plasticity suggests that genetic assimilation may be ongoing. Reproductive fitness costs associated with this reduction in phenotypic plasticity were demonstrated under ambient levels of CO2. Our findings suggest that contemporary evolution may facilitate this invasive species' spread in this desert ecosystem.