bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic Evidence of Superior Outcomes for Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Gerry Daniel , Lentsch Eric J. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo compare clinicopathologic data, epidemiologic factors, and survival outcomes between extramedullary plasmacytomas of the head and neck vs other body sites.Study DesignAnalysis of a national database.SettingExtramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare B‐cell neoplasm with a tendency to occur in the head and neck. Due to limited clinical data, few studies have conducted a thorough comparison between head and neck EMPs and those arising at other body sites.Subjects and MethodsWe compared 690 EMPs of the head and neck with 495 non–head and neck EMPs, evaluating disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) based on tumor type, location, grade, stage, and treatment.ResultsHead and neck EMPs more often affected men (P >. 001) and were typically located in the pharynx (21.5%), nasal cavity (19.3%), oral cavity (14.7%), and paranasal sinuses (13.0%). Non–head and neck EMPs were more often limited to only local disease at presentation (94.8% vs 82.1%‐86.7%, P <. 001). Patients with non–head and neck EMP more often received surgery alone, whereas those with head and neck EMP were more often treated with combination therapy or radiation alone (P <. 001). Head and neck EMPs had a significantly higher 5‐year DSS and OS than other plasmacytomas (P <. 001), and they had a higher 10‐year OS when treated with surgery or combination therapy than with radiation alone (P =. 003).ConclusionExtramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck represents a type of tumor unique from other plasmacytomas, with distinct epidemiologic characteristics and a superior prognosis. Evidence suggests that surgically based treatments may offer improved outcomes.
Effects of Topical Oxiconazole and Boric Acid in Alcohol Solutions to Rat Inner Ears
Authors: Özdemir Süleyman , Tuncer Ülkü , Tarkan Özgür , Akar Funda , Sürmelioğlu Özgür 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the ototoxicity of topical oxiconazole and boric acid in alcohol solutions.Study DesignProspective controlled animal study.SettingResearch laboratory.MethodFifty adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups consisting of 10 animals each. The right tympanic membranes were perforated, and baseline and posttreatment distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were performed.ResultsThe solutions were applied through the external ear canal to the middle ear twice a day for 14 days. The rats in group I and group II received 0.1 mL of oxiconazole‐containing solution drops and 4% boric acid in alcohol solution drops, respectively. Group III received gentamicin solution (40 mg/mL) (ototoxic control), group IV received saline solution, and group V was followed without any medication. The baseline DPOAE results of the right ears of all animals tested were normal. Animals in groups I, II, IV, and V showed no statistically significant change in the DPOAE amplitudes. The rats in the gentamicin group showed a significant decrease.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that topically used oxiconazole and boric acid in alcohol solutions to the middle ear appear to be safe on the inner ear of rats. The safety of these drugs has not yet been confirmed in humans. Caution should be taken when prescribing these drugs, especially to patients who had tympanic membrane perforation. Ear drops should be chosen more carefully in an external ear infection for patients with tympanic membrane perforation to avoid ototoxicity.
Immediate post-craniotomy headache
Authors: de Oliveira Ribeiro Maria do Carmo , Pereira Carlos U , Sallum Ana MC , Martins-Filho Paulo Ricardo S , DeSantana Josimari M , da Silva Nunes Mariangela , Hora Edilene C 
Published: March 2013

Introduction Headache is the most common adverse event immediately following craniotomy and is due to the surgical procedure and meningeal irritation. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of headache during the first week after a craniotomy, as well as headache intensity, whether pain was registered in the patient's medical records, the use of analgesics and predictors of headache. Methods Ninety-one patients who underwent craniotomy were evaluated from the first to the seventh post-operative day. The variables analysed were gender, age, medical history, indication for craniotomy, surgery, occurrence of headache, pain registration in the medical records, length of hospital stay and analgesics consumption. Results On the second post-operative day, 29.2% of patients had a headache and there was under-reporting of this pain in the patients’ records. The analgesics used were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in 75% of cases. An age of <45 years (odds ratio = 3.0, p = 0.041) and surgery duration lasting >4 hours (odds ratio = 3.7, p = 0.019) were associated with the occurrence of immediate post-craniotomy headache. Conclusion Further training should be provided to professionals caring for patients undergoing craniotomy to better manage post-operative headache.
CD141+ dendritic cells produce prominent amounts of IFN-α after dsRNA recognition and can be targeted via DEC-205 in humanized mice
Authors: Meixlsperger Sonja , Leung Carol S. , Rämer Patrick C. , Pack Maggi , Vanoaica Liliana D. , Breton Gaëlle , Pascolo Steve , Salazar Andres M. , Dzionek Andrzej , Schmitz Jürgen , Steinman Ralph M. , Münz Christian 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
Human CD141+ cDCs not only produce IL-12 but also yield large amounts of IFN-α after TLR3 stimulation with synthetic dsRNA. Targeting of antigen to DEC-205 and synthetic dsRNA as adjuvant for CD141+ cDCs maturation induces CD4+ T cell responses in humanized mice.
Th17 cytokines induce pro-fibrotic cytokines release from human eosinophils
Authors: Al-Muhsen Saleh , Letuve Severine , Vazquez-Tello Alejandro , Pureza Mary Angeline , Al-Jahdali Hamdan , Bahammam Ahmed S , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundSubepithelial fibrosis is one of the most critical structural changes affecting bronchial airway function during asthma. Eosinophils have been shown to contribute to the production of pro-fibrotic cytokines, TGF-β and IL-11, however, the mechanism regulating this process is not fully understood.ObjectiveIn this report, we investigated whether cytokines associated with inflammation during asthma may induce eosinophils to produce pro-fibrotic cytokines.MethodsEosinophils were isolated from peripheral blood of 10 asthmatics and 10 normal control subjects. Eosinophils were stimulated with Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines and the production of TGF-β and IL-11 was determined using real time PCR and ELISA assays.ResultsThe basal expression levels of eosinophil derived TGF-β and IL-11 cytokines were comparable between asthmatic and healthy individuals. Stimulating eosinophils with Th1 and Th2 cytokines did not induce expression of pro-fibrotic cytokines. However, stimulating eosinophils with Th17 cytokines resulted in the enhancement of TGF-β and IL-11 expression in asthmatic but not healthy individuals. This effect of IL-17 on eosinophils was dependent on p38 MAPK activation as inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not other kinases, inhibited IL-17 induced pro-fibrotic cytokine release.ConclusionsTh17 cytokines might contribute to airway fibrosis during asthma by enhancing production of eosinophil derived pro-fibrotic cytokines. Preventing the release of pro-fibrotic cytokines by blocking the effect of Th17 cytokines on eosinophils may prove to be beneficial in controlling fibrosis for disorders with IL-17 driven inflammation such as allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Early evaluation predicts pain relief of irradiated bone metastases: a single-center prospective study
Authors: Truntzer Pierre , Atlani David , Pop Marius , Clavier Jean-Baptiste , Guihard Sébastien , Schumacher Catherine , Noel Georges 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundRadiation therapy is a well-recognized, effective modality used for palliative care. Most studies completed to date have endpoints of one month or greater after treatment completion. This study analyzed the response rates at different time points during the first month after treatment.MethodsFrom May 2010 to November 2011, 61 patients treated for 74 metastases were included in the study. The end points were defined as the completion of treatment (CT) and d8, d15 and d30 after the completion of treatment. The response rate was measured by the worst pain in the last 24 hours and the administered opioid dose. Patient assessment was performed during consultations and phone appointments.ResultsThe overall response rate significantly improved from the CT (38%) to d8 (53.8%), d15 (53.8%) and d30 (57.1%) (respectively p < 0.001; p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). The improvement peaked at d8. Patients responding to the treatment at d8 had a significative longer pain relapse free survival (PRFS) compared to patients not responding (3.38 weeks vs 0.3 weeks; p < 0.001). From the beginning of treatment to the CT and at d8 , d15 and d30, oral morphine equivalent dose (OMED) did not significantly differ. However, the pain decrease did not result in a performance status improvement, which declined over time (p < 0.001).ConclusionRadiation therapy is an efficient treatment method for providing pain relief. This relief peaked at d8 after treatment, and the response at d8 is predictive of the response at 4 weeks. Pain management alone is not enough to improve performance status; further studies are needed to evaluate a more global supportive care approach.
Moxibustion for treating knee osteoarthritis: study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Kim Kun Hyung , Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Jung-Eun , Kim Joo-Hee , Kang Jung Won , Kang Kyung-Won , Jung So-Young , Kim Ae-Ran , Park Hyo-Ju , Shin Mi-Suk , Hong Kwon-Eui , Song Ho-Sueb , Choi Jin-Bong , Kim Hyung-Jun , Choi Sun-Mi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The treatment of knee osteoarthritis, which is a major cause of disability among the elderly, is typically selected from multidisciplinary options, including complementary and alternative medicine. Moxibustion has been used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in Korea to reduce pain and improve physical activity. However, there is no sufficient evidence of its effectiveness, and it cannot therefore be widely recommended for treating knee osteoarthritis. We designed a randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, and qualitative characteristics of moxibustion treatment of knee osteoarthritis compared to usual care.

Methods/designs
This is a protocol for a multicentre, pragmatic, randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled, parallel-group study. A total of 212 participants will be assigned to the moxibustion group (n = 106) and the usual care group (n = 106) at 4 clinical research centres. The participants assigned to the moxibustion group will receive moxibustion treatment of the affected knee(s) at 6 standard acupuncture points (ST36, ST35, ST34, SP9, Ex-LE04, and SP10) 3 times per week for 4 weeks (a total of 12 sessions). Participants in the usual care group will not receive moxibustion treatment during the study period. Follow-up will be performed on the 5th and 13th weeks after random allocation. Both groups will be allowed to use any type of treatment, including surgery, conventional medication, physical treatment, acupuncture, herbal medicine, over-the-counter drugs, and other active treatments. Educational material that explains knee osteoarthritis, the current management options, and self-exercise will be provided to each group. The global scale of the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC) will be the primary outcome measurement used in this study. Other subscales (pain, stiffness, and function) of the K-WOMAC, the Short-Form 36v2 Health Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Physical Function test, Patient Global Assessment, and the Pain Numerical Rating Scale will be used as outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of moxibustion. Safety will be assessed at every visit. In addition, an economic evaluation and a qualitative study will be conducted as a mixed-methods approach.

Discussion
This trial may contribute to developing evidence for the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for treating knee osteoarthritis.

Trial registration
Trial registration number:KCT0000130
Betaine supplement alleviates hepatic triglyceride accumulation of apolipoprotein E deficient mice via reducing methylation of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha promoter
Authors: Wang Lijun , Chen Li , Tan Yaozong , Wei Jun , Chang Ying , Jin Tianru , Zhu Huilian 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Betaine is a methyl donor and has been considered as a lipotropic effect substance. But its mechanism remains unclear. Hepatic steatosis is associated with abnormal expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. DNA methylation contributes to the disregulation of gene expression. Here we hypothesized that betaine supplement and subsequent DNA methylation modifications alter the expression of genes that are involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and hence alleviate hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

Methods
Male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice (n = 6) were fed with the AIN-93 G diet. ApoE

−/−
mice (n = 12), weight-matched with the WT mice, were divided into two groups (n = 6 per group), and fed with the AIN-93 G diet and AIN-93 G supplemented with 2% betaine/100 g diet. Seven weeks after the intervention, mice were sacrificed. Liver betaine, choline, homocysteine concentration were measured by HPLC. Liver oxidants activity and triglyceride level were assessed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Finally, hepatic PPAR alpha gene and its target genes expression levels and the methylation status of the PPAR alpha gene were determined.

Results

ApoE

−/−
mice had higher hepatic triglyceride and lower GSH-Px activity when compared with the WT mice. Betaine intervention reversed triglyceride deposit, enhanced SOD and GSH-Px activity in the liver. Interestingly, mice fed on betaine-supplemented diet showed a dramatic increase of hepatic choline concentration and a decrease of betaine and homocysteine concentration relative to the WT mice and the ApoE

−/−
mice absent with betaine intervention. Expression of PPAR alpha and CPT1 were decreased and expression of FAS was markedly increased in ApoE

−/−
mice. In parallel, PPAR alpha promoter methylation level were slightly increased in ApoE

−/−
mice though without significance. Betaine supplement upregulated expression of PPAR alpha and its target genes (CPT1, CYP2E1) and reversed hypermethylation of PPAR alpha promoter of ApoE

−/−
mice. Furthermore, PPAR alpha methylation was positively correlated with hepatic betaine concentration.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that betaine supplement could alleviate hepatic triglyceride accumulation and improve antioxidant capacity by decreasing PPAR alpha promoter methylation and upregulating PPAR alpha and its target genes mRNA expression.
Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on postoperative liver regeneration following hepatic resection as estimated by liver volume
Authors: Takeda Daiki , Nitta Hiroyuki , Takahara Takeshi , Hasegawa Yasushi , Itou Naoko , Wakabayashi Go 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
In order to analyze postoperative liver regeneration following hepatic resection after chemotherapy, we retrospectively investigated the differences in liver regeneration by comparing changes of residual liver volume in three groups: a living liver donor group and two groups of patients with colorectal liver metastases who did and did not undergo preoperative chemotherapy.

Methods
This study included 32 patients who had at least segmental anatomical hepatic resection. Residual liver volume, early postoperative liver volume, and late postoperative liver volume were calculated to study the changes over time. From the histopathological analysis of chemotherapy-induced liver disorders, the effect on liver regeneration according to the histopathology of noncancerous liver tissue was also compared between the two colorectal cancer groups using Kleiner’s score for steatohepatitis grading {Hepatology, 41(6):1313–1321, 2005} and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) grading for sinusoidal obstructions {Ann Oncol, 15(3):460–466, 2004}.

Results
Assuming a preoperative liver volume of 100%, mean late postoperative liver volumes in the three groups (the living liver donor group and the colorectal cancer groups with or without chemotherapy) were 91.1%, 80.8%, and 81.3%, respectively, with about the same rate of liver regeneration among the three groups. Histopathological analysis revealed no correlation between either the Kleiner’s scores or the SOS grading and liver regeneration.

Conclusions
As estimated by liver volume, the level of liver regeneration was the same in normal livers, tumor-bearing livers, and post-chemotherapy tumor-bearing livers. Liver regeneration was not adversely affected by the extent to which steatosis or sinusoidal dilatation was induced in noncancerous tissue by chemotherapy in patients scheduled for surgery.
Relationships between fixed points and eigenvectors in the group "Equation missing"
Authors: Demir Bilal , Yılmaz Özgür Nihal , Koruoğlu Özden 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

P
S
L
(
2
,
R
)

is the most frequently studied subgroup of the Möbius transformations. By adding anti-automorphisms

G
′

=

{

a
′

z
+

b
′

c
′

z
+

d
′

:

a
′

,

b
′

,

c
′

,

d
′

∈
R
,

a
′

d
′

−

b
′

c
′

=
−
1
}

to the group

P
S
L
(
2
,
R
)

, the group

G
=
P
S
L
(
2
,
R
)
∪

G
′

is obtained. The elements of this group correspond to matrices of

G
L
(
2
,
R
)

. In this study, we consider the relationships between fixed points of the elements of the group G and eigenvectors of matrices corresponding to the elements of this group.

MSC:20H10, 15A18.
Frequent detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA in sera of HIV-1-positive patients
Authors: Fukumoto Hitomi , Sato Yuko , Hasegawa Hideki , Katano Harutaka 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundMerkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human polyomavirus-6 (HPyV6), and human polyomavirus-7 (HPyV7) were identified as viruses shed from the skin. Serological analysis revealed that these viruses are common among the general population. However, there is little information about the presence of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 in the sera and tissues of immunocompromised individuals. The aims of this study are to know if immune status affects the presence of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 in the serum, and to reveal the presence of these viruses in diseased tissues of unknown etiology.MethodsSera from HIV-1-positive and -negative patients were examined by real-time PCR and nested PCR detecting MCPyV, HPyV6 and HPyV7. In addition, diseased tissue samples of unknown etiology were examined.ResultsNine out of 23 serum samples (39.1%) from HIV-1-positive patients who had not received anti-retroviral therapy were positive for MCPyV, which is significantly higher than HIV-1-negative patients (6/110, 5.5%, P < 0.01, Chi-square test). MCPyV DNA was detected in tissue samples of Merkel cell carcinoma (22/30 [73%]), encephalitis (4/19 [21%]), pneumonia (3/17 [18%]), and myocarditis (8/14 [57%]). With the exception of Merkel cell carcinoma samples, MCPyV-positive tissues showed low copy numbers of MCPyV DNA by real-time PCR and no expression of the MCPyV large T antigen by immunohistochemistry. HPyV6 and HPyV7 were rarely detected in serum and tissue samples.ConclusionsThese results suggest that MCPyV viremia is associated with host immunity, and that circulation of HPyV6 and HPyV7 in the serum is rare.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis: a case report
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Kasai Misato , Kurano Kaori , Sasaki Daisuke , Ikeda Katsuhisa 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objective
To report a rare case of unilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis.

Case report
A 33-year-old female visited our hospital for severe, right-sided, temporal headache, chemosis, periorbital edema, and proptosis. These signs were associated with congested erythematous nasal mucosa with purulent discharge from the right superior nasal meatus. Contrast enhanced CT showed dilated left superior ophthalmic vein, suggestive of thrombosis, contrast enhancement of the left cavernous sinuses, and dilation of cavernous sinus, indicating cavernous sinus inflammation. The right maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses showed mucosal thickening and retention of purulent material. She was diagnosed with cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by contralateral sphenoid sinusitis. All clinical symptoms and signs improved after endoscopic sphenoidotomy and appropriate medical treatment.

Conclusions
Sphenoiditis can cause contralateral cavernous sinus thrombosis. Early surgical sphenoidotomy and aggressive medical treatment are the cornerstones of successful management of this life-threatening complication.
Meta-analysis of effect of vernakalant on conversion of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yan He , Aung Thi Thi , Guoqiang Zhong , Zhengnan Zhang , Lan Ji , Zhiyu Zeng 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
In recent years, there has been a large amount of studies about the efficacy and safety of vernakalant or RSD1235, an antiarrhythmic agent, in treating the atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of vernakalant in the treatment of AF.

Results
A total of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n= 1153) met our inclusion criteria. Vernakalant was superior in achieving sinus rhythm (SR) for AF comparing to placebo or alternative anti-arrhythmic agents (relative risk [RR] = 11.56, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 7.12 – 18.75). There was no heterogeneity among the trials (X2 =0.59, P = 0.96). In analysing the adverse effects of cardiac origin, there was no significant difference between the two groups (RR= 0.90, 95% CI = 0.52 – 1.57).

Methods
The Cochrane library, Pubmed NCBI, EMBASE and MEDLINE were systematically searched to identify all interventional trials of vernakalant with placebo or other antiarrhythmic drug in converting AF to SR. The primary outcome was rate of converting to SR, and the secondary outcome was the rate of adverse effects of cardiac origin due to vernakalant and the placebo or amiodarone. Meta-analyses were carried out using Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects or random-effects models and heterogeneity was by the X2 test.

Conclusion
In the conversion of AF to SR, vernakalant is highly effective without obviously raised side effects. Owing to only one study comparing vernakalant with amiodarone included in this study, the efficacy of vernakalant comparing to other antiarrhythmic agents needing more well-designed double-blinded RCTs to be confirmed.
DDIG-in: discriminating between disease-associated and neutral non-frameshifting micro-indels
Authors: Zhao Huiying , Yang Yuedong , Lin Hai , Zhang Xinjun , Mort Matthew , Cooper David N , Liu Yunlong , Zhou Yaoqi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMicro-indels (insertions or deletions shorter than 21 bps) constitute the second most frequent class of human gene mutation after single nucleotide variants. Despite the relative abundance of non-frameshifting indels, their damaging effect on protein structure and function has gone largely unstudied. We have developed a support vector machine-based method named DDIG-in (Detecting disease-causing genetic variations due to indels) to prioritize non-frameshifting indels by comparing disease-associated mutations with putatively neutral mutations from the 1,000 Genomes Project. The final model gives good discrimination for indels and is robust against annotation errors. A webserver implementing DDIG-in is available at http://sparks-lab.org/ddig.