bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progressive decrease of N-acetylaspartate to total creatine ratio in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex in patients with major depressive disorder: longitudinal 1H-MR spectroscopy study
Authors: Tae Woo Suk , Kim Sam Soo , Lee Kang Uk , Nam Eui-Cheol , Koh Sung Hye 
Published: September 2013

Background Longitudinal metabolic changes of total choline (tCho), creatine + phosphocreatine (total creatine, tCr), and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have not been well evaluated. Purpose To evaluate the longitudinal changes of the metabolic levels of tCho, tCr, and NAA in the pACC of MDD patients and normal controls with the use of Single-voxel 1HMRS. Material and Methods Single-voxel 1HMRS was acquired in the pACC of 21 female patients with MDD and 26 age- and gender–matched controls. Follow-up scans were acquired in 10 patients with MDD and 15 controls after 9–10 months from baseline scans. Absolute concentrations of tCho, tCr, and NAA, and the ratios of NAA/tCr and tCho/tCr were calculated and compared between and within groups. Results The patient group showed slightly improved clinical symptoms, as measured by Beck’s Depression Inventory ( P = 0.035), after treatment with antidepressants. Comparison of baseline scans between the groups showed no differences in any of the absolute metabolite concentrations or ratios. The NAA/tCr ratio in the pACC of patients with MDD showed a significant decrease in the follow-up scan ( P = 0.032), and the NAA/tCr ratio of the baseline scan showed logarithmic negative association with illness duration ( P = 0.024). Conclusion A progressive decrease in the NAA/tCr ratio in the pACC of patients with MDD was demonstrated and the decrease in this ratio was at the highest rate in the early period after illness onset. These findings indicate the neuronal degeneration and dysfunction of the pACC, and the importance of early clinical intervention in female patients with MDD.
Comparison between ultrasound-guided sciatic–femoral nerve block and unilateral spinal anaesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy
Authors: Davarci Isil , Tuzcu Kasim , Karcioglu Murat , Hakimoglu Sedat , Özden Raif , Yengil Erhan , Akkurt Çagla Özbakis , Inanoğlu Kerem 
Published: September 2013

Objective To compare unilateral spinal anaesthesia (USA) and ultrasound-guided combined sciatic–femoral nerve block (USFB) in ambulatory arthroscopic knee surgeries in terms of haemodynamic stability, nerve block quality, bladder function, adverse events and time-to-readiness for discharge (TRD). Methods Patients undergoing ambulatory arthroscopic knee surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The USA group received 2 ml (10 mg) of 0.5% levobupivacaine and the USFB group received a 25 ml mixture consisting of 10 ml of 2.0% lidocaine, 10 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 5 ml of saline (15 ml for the femoral and 10 ml for the sciatic nerve block). Preparation time (PT), surgical anaesthesia time (SAT), operation time, total anaesthesia time, time-to-first spontaneous urination, time-to-first analgesia, TRD, adverse events and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study ( n = 20 per group). PT, SAT, total anaesthesia time and time-to-first analgesia were significantly shorter in the USA group than the USFB group; time-to-first spontaneous urination and TRD were significantly longer in the USA group than the USFB group. Conclusions USFB provided sufficient duration of sensory blockade and it reduced the TRD and the rate of adverse events.
Factors Associated With Meniscus Repair in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Wyatt Ronald W.B. , Inacio Maria C.S. , Liddle Kate D. , Maletis Gregory B. 
Published: September 2013

Background: Meniscus injuries are common in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Patient demographics, surgeon characteristics, and concurrent diagnostic factors affecting the prevalence of meniscus repairs in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) by community-based orthopaedic surgeons have not been fully studied. Hypothesis: Patient (age, sex, race, and body mass index [BMI]), surgeon (sports medicine fellowship training status and case volume), and injury characteristics (1 or both menisci injured, injury location, and concurrent cartilage injury) and surgical venue (case volume) are associated with a higher likelihood of meniscus repair. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A cross-sectional study using data from a large community-based ACLR registry was performed. Patients with a meniscus injury and primary ACLR between February 2005 and June 2010 were included in the study. Meniscus repair rates by patient, surgeon, and injury characteristics were described. Associations were evaluated using generalized linear models. Results: During the study period, 5712 primary ACLRs with a meniscus tear diagnosis were registered. There was 1 torn meniscus in 4248 (74.4%) patients, and both menisci were torn in 1464 (25.6%) patients. Medial meniscus tears were repaired in 1192 (31.2%) of 3818 cases; the remaining 2626 (68.8%) tears were not repaired, underwent alternative treatment (meniscectomy, trephination, rasped), or were left in situ. Lateral meniscus tears were repaired in 893 (26.6%) of 3358 cases; the remaining 2465 (73.4%) tears underwent alternative treatment or were left in situ. Adjusted models showed that younger patient age ( P < .001), lower patient BMI ( P < .001), surgeon’s sports medicine fellowship training ( P < .001), higher surgeon case volume ( P < .001), higher surgical venue volume ( P = .019), and medial meniscus tears ( P < .001) were all associated with a higher likelihood of a meniscus repair. Conclusion: Younger patient age, lower patient BMI, surgeon’s sports medicine fellowship training, higher surgeon case volume, and higher site volume are associated with a higher likelihood of a meniscus repair in patients undergoing primary ACLR in a large cohort from a community-based ACLR registry.
Encapsulation of simvastatin in PLGA microspheres loaded into hydrogel loaded BCP porous spongy scaffold as a controlled drug delivery system for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Nath Subrata D , Linh Nguyen TB , Sadiasa Alexander , Lee Byong T 
Published: September 2013

The main objective of this study was to fabricate a controlled drug delivery which is simultaneously effective for bone regeneration. We have encapsulated simvastatin, which enhances osteoblastic activity, in the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres. Loading of these microspheres inside the spongy scaffold of biphasic calcium phosphate with the help of Gelatin (Gel) hydrogel controls the delivery of the drug, and ensures a more favorable drug release profile. As a result, some significant benefits have been achieved, such as higher mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility in in vitro experiments. For determining the characteristics of the composite scaffold, several analysis, such as scanning electron microscope, EDX, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, and porosity were carried out. The in vitro drug release profile clearly indicates that simvastatin release from the microsphere was more controlled and prolonged after loading in the scaffold. Biocompatibility was certainly higher for the final composite scaffold compared to drug unloaded scaffold, as assessed through MTT assay and Confocal imaging with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. Cell attachment and proliferation were certainly higher in the presence of drug loaded microspheres. Bone remodeling gene and protein expression were observed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot respectively. Simvastatin loaded scaffold exhibited the best results in every determination which was carried out.
The physical property evaluation of degradation thermoplastic polylactic acid net-reinforced dental filling material
Authors: Lu Chao-Tsang , Lin Jia-Horng 
Published: September 2013

Filling materials are used in root end surgery to seal the cavities of teeth and protecting teeth from saliva and bacterial leakage. This study fabricates nonwoven nets using low-melting point polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. Intermediate restorative material (IRM®, a temporary filling material) is made of zinc oxide powder and eugenol solvent with a 3:1 ratio. IRM is then added with PLA fibers or nets to form the fiber-reinforced composite filling material (FFM) or net-reinforced composite filling material (NFM), respectively. FFM and NFM are tested in terms of setting time, compressive strength, solubility, and microleakage to compare the difference between the addition of fibers or nets. The results show that FFM with 2% PLA fibers demonstrates an optimal reinforcing effectiveness and does not cause leaking beyond 40 days after being tested. In addition, it also has better compressive strength than IRM and thus provides greater reinforcement.
Comparison of mechanical properties of wood–plastic composites reinforced with continuous and noncontinuous glass fibers
Authors: Zolfaghari Abbas , Behravesh Amir Hossein , Shahi Peyman 
Published: September 2013

This article presents an experimental investigation on the effect of glass fiber length on the mechanical properties of hybrid wood–plastic composites (HWPCs) manufactured via an extrusion process. There is a substantial interest in enhancing the mechanical performance of WPCs. Incorporation of glass fibers has been found to be an effective remedy in this regard. Theoretically, it is expected that mechanical properties can be improved via applying longer fibers. Three different lengths, 5, 15, and 25 mm of glass fibers were added to the WPC compounds to reinforce WPCs in an extrusion process. In addition, continuous glass fibers were also embedded into the extruded WPC with 70 wt% wood content, utilizing a special equipment in extrusion. Mechanical tests showed that applying noncontinuous glass fibers only marginally improved the mechanical strengths. In contrast, continuous fibers did significantly enhance the final properties of the produced profiles. The glass fiber size was also measured after extrusion, and it was observed that severe fiber breakages occurred during the process, which is the main reason for the inefficiency of noncontinuous fibers. The flexural, tensile, and impact strengths were improved up to 14%, 50%, and seven times in the continuously glass fibers reinforced WPC.
Analysis of the clonal growth and differentiation dynamics of primitive barcoded human cord blood cells in NSG mice
Authors: Cheung Alice M. S. , Nguyen Long V. , Carles Annaick , Beer Philip , Miller Paul H. , Knapp David J. H. F. , Dhillon Kiran , Hirst Martin , Eaves Connie J. 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
The use of barcoding to track lineages in 196 human CD34+ CB clones in serially sampled primary and secondary transplanted NSG mice is described. Detection of early transient clones with later, more stable clones and definitive evidence of sustained self-renewal of multipotency is presented.
Clinical and biological implications of driver mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Papaemmanuil Elli , Gerstung Moritz , Malcovati Luca , Tauro Sudhir , Gundem Gunes , Van Loo Peter , Yoon Chris J. , Ellis Peter , Wedge David C. , Pellagatti Andrea , Shlien Adam , Groves Michael John , Forbes Simon A. , Raine Keiran , Hinton Jon , Mudie Laura J. , McLaren Stuart , Hardy Claire , Latimer Calli , Della Porta Matteo G. , O’Meara Sarah , Ambaglio Ilaria , Galli Anna , Butler Adam P. , Walldin Gunilla , Teague Jon W. , Quek Lynn , Sternberg Alex , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Green Anthony R. , Boultwood Jacqueline , Vyas Paresh , Hellstrom-Lindberg Eva , Bowen David , Cazzola Mario , Stratton Michael R. , Campbell Peter J. 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
MDS is characterized by mutations in >40 genes, a complex structure of gene-gene interactions and extensive subclonal diversification. The total number of oncogenic mutations and early detection of subclonal mutations are significant prognostic variables in MDS.
Experience-dependent persistent expression of zif268during rest is preserved in the aged dentate gyrus
Authors: Gheidi Ali , Azzopardi Erin , Adams Allison A , Marrone Diano F 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Aging is typically accompanied by memory decline and changes in hippocampal function. Among these changes is a decline in the activity of the dentate gyrus (DG) during behavior. Lasting memory, however, is thought to also require recapitulation of recent memory traces during subsequent rest – a phenomenon, termed memory trace reactivation, which is compromised in hippocampal CA1 with progressive age. This process has yet to be assessed in the aged DG, despite its prominent role in age-related memory impairment. Using zif268 transcription to measure granule cell recruitment, DG activity in adult and aged animals was assessed both during spatial exploration and as animals remained at rest in the home cage in order to detect potential memory-related replay.

Results
Consistent with the observation of memory trace reactivation in DG, the probability that an individual granule cell transcribes zif268 during rest in the animal’s home cage is increased by recent experience in a novel environment. Surprisingly, a comparable increase was observed in the probability of granule cells in the aged DG expressing zif268 during rest. Moreover, no significant age-related difference was observed in the number of granule cells expressing zif268 during rest. Thus, the number and pattern of granule cell expression of zif268 during rest is preserved in aged animals, despite a significant decline in exploration-related zif268 expression.

Conclusions
These data lead to the hypothesis that the input the aged DG receives from backprojections from CA3 (the region widely hypothesized to mediate reactivation) remains functionally intact despite loss of innervation from the perforant path.
Perception of soft mechanical stress in Arabidopsis leaves activates disease resistance
Authors: Benikhlef Lehcen , L’Haridon Floriane , Abou-Mansour Eliane , Serrano Mario , Binda Matteo , Costa Alex , Lehmann Silke , Métraux Jean-Pierre 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
In a previous study we have shown that wounding of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves induces a strong and transient immunity to Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of grey mould. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed within minutes after wounding and are required for wound–induced resistance to B. cinerea.

Results
In this study, we have further explored ROS and resistance to B. cinerea in leaves of A. thaliana exposed to a soft form of mechanical stimulation without overt tissue damage. After gentle mechanical sweeping of leaf surfaces, a strong resistance to B. cinerea was observed. This was preceded by a rapid change in calcium concentration and a release of ROS, accompanied by changes in cuticle permeability, induction of the expression of genes typically associated with mechanical stress and release of biologically active diffusates from the surface. This reaction to soft mechanical stress (SMS) was fully independent of jasmonate (JA signaling). In addition, leaves exposed soft mechanical stress released a biologically active product capable of inducing resistance to B. cinerea in wild type control leaves.

Conclusion
Arabidopsis can detect and convert gentle forms of mechanical stimulation into a strong activation of defense against the virulent fungus B. cinerea.
Increased urinary IgM excretion in patients with chest pain due to coronary artery disease
Authors: Tofik Rafid , Ekelund Ulf , Torffvit Ole , Swärd Per , Rippe Bengt , Bakoush Omran 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Micro-albuminuria is a recognized predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. We have previously reported, in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, that an increased urinary excretion of IgM is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of urinary IgM excretion in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its correlation to cardiovascular outcome.

Methods
Urine albumin, and IgM to creatinine concentration ratios were determined in 178 consecutive patients presenting with chest pain to the Department of Emergency Medicine (ED) at the University Hospital of Lund. Fifty eight (23 female) patients had ACS, 55 (19 female) patients had stable angina (SA), and 65 (35 female) patients were diagnosed as non-specific chest pain (NS).

Results
Urine albumin and IgM excretions were significantly higher in patients with ACS (p = 0.001, and p = 0.029, respectively) compared to patients with NS-chest pain. During the 2 years follow-up time, 40 (19 female) patients suffered a new major cardiovascular event (ACS, acute heart failure, stroke) and 5 (4 male/1 female) patients died of cardiovascular cause. A high degree of albuminuria and IgM-uria significantly predicted cardiovascular mortality and morbidity (HR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.48 - 5.66, p = 0.002). Microalbuminuric patients (≥3 mg/mmol) with high IgM-uria (≥0.005 mg/mmol) had a 3-fold higher risk for cardiovascular new events compared to patients with low IgM-uria (RR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1 - 9.9, p = 0.001).

Conclusion
In patients with chest pain, an increased urine IgM excretion, is associated with coronary artery disease and long-term cardiovascular complications. Measuring urine IgM concentration could have a clinical value in risk stratification of patients with ACS.
MR-guided focused ultrasound for the novel and innovative management of osteoarthritic knee pain
Authors: Izumi Masashi , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Kawasaki Motohiro , Ushida Takahiro , Morio Kazuo , Namba Hirofumi , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Tani Toshikazu 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundSevere knee pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and troublesome symptoms in the elderly. Recently, local bone denervation by MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has been demonstrated as a promising tool for pain palliation of bone metastases. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel treatment for knee OA using MRgFUS, and to validate its safety and efficacy.MethodsEight patients with medial knee pain and eligible for total knee arthroplasty were included. MR-guided focused sonication treatments were applied to bone surface just below the rim osteophyte of medial tibia plateau with real-time monitoring of the temperature in the target sites. The pain intensity during walking was assessed on a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) before and after treatment. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were also evaluated over several test sites adjacent to the sonication area and control sites one month after treatment.ResultsSix patients (75%) showed immediate pain alleviation after treatment, and four of them demonstrated long-lasting effect at 6-month follow up (mean VAS reduction; 72.6%). In responders, PPTs in medial knee were significantly increased after treatment (Median; pre- 358 kpa vs post- 534 kpa, p?<?0.0001). There were no adverse side effects or complications during and after treatment.ConclusionsThese initial results illustrate the safety and efficacy of the newly developing MRgFUS treatment. Significant increase of PPTs on treated area showed successful denervation effect on the nociceptive nerve terminals. MRgFUS is a promising and innovative procedure for noninvasive pain management of knee OA.Trial registrationTrial Registration:UMIN000010193
Neurosurgical interventions for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a single institution experience
Authors: Sai Ke , Mou Yong-gao , Zeng Jing , Lv Yan-chun , Xi Shao-yan , Guan Su , Zhang Xiang-heng , Wang Jian , Ke Chao , Guo Jian-gui , Chen Yin-sheng , Chen Zhong-ping 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a frequent head and neck cancer in southern China and Southeast Asia. The majority of NPC patients are managed by radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and head and neck surgeons. Actually, neurosurgical interventions are warranted under specific circumstances. In this article, we described our experience as neurosurgeons in the management of NPC patients.

Methods
Medical records of NPC patients who received neurosurgical procedure at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were reviewed.

Results
Twenty-seven patients were identified. Among 27 cases, neurosurgical procedures were performed in 18 (66.7%) with radiation-induced temporal necrosis, 2 (7.4%) with radiation-induced sarcoma, 4 (14.8%) with synchronous NPC with primary brain tumors, 2 (7.4%) with recurrent NPC involving skull base, and 1 (3.7%) with metachronous skull eosinophilic granuloma, respectively. The diagnosis is challenging in specific cases and initial misdiagnoses were found in 6 (22.2%) patients.

Conclusions
For NPC patients with intracranial or skull lesions, the initial diagnosis can be occasionally difficult because of the presence or a history of NPC and related treatment. Unawareness of these entities can result in misdiagnosis and subsequent improper treatment. Neurosurgical interventions are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment for these patients.
Short-term psychotherapeutic treatment in adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fischer Gloria , Brunner Romuald , Parzer Peter , Resch Franz , Kaess Michael 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Worldwide, prevalence rates of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) range between 13 and 45%. In Germany, lifetime prevalence of NSSI is around 25% in non-clinical samples, and the one-year prevalence for repetitive NSSI is 4%. NSSI is present in the context of several axis I and II disorders (for example, affective disorders or borderline personality disorder); however, preliminary evidence suggests that it would be justified to consider NSSI as its own diagnostic category. Despite the large impact of this behavior, there is still a lack of evidence-based, specific, and effective manualized treatment approaches for adolescents with NSSI.

Methods/Design
The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a new cognitive-behavioral treatment manual for self-harming adolescents - the ‘Cutting-Down-Programme’ (CDP). A total of 80 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years from a region in Southern Germany who have engaged in repetitive NSSI (≥5 incidents) in the last 6 months will be randomized into a treatment group (CDP) or a control group that will receive treatment as usual (TAU). The adolescents will be assessed by means of structured interviews and questionnaires at three time points (before treatment, directly after treatment and six months after treatment). Primary outcome criterion is a significant reduction (or remission) in the frequency of NSSI. Secondary outcome criteria are depressivity as well as general well-being and self-worth. Additionally, comorbid psychiatric disorders and childhood adversity will be evaluated as predictors of therapeutic outcome.

Discussion
Recently, a pilot study in the United Kingdom showed significant reductions in self-harming behavior, depressive symptoms and trait anxiety. This is the first RCT to test the effectiveness of a short-term psychotherapeutic intervention in outpatients engaging in NSSI.

Trial registration
The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00003605.