bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current use of nitrous oxide in public hospitals in Scandinavian countries
Authors: HUSUM B. , STENQVIST O. , ALAHUHTA S. , SIGURDSSON G. H. , DALE O. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThe use of nitrous oxide in modern anaesthesia has been questioned. We surveyed changes in use of nitrous oxide in Scandinavia and its justifications during the last two decades.MethodsAll 191 departments of anaesthesia in the Scandinavian countries were requested by email to answer an electronic survey in SurveyMonkey.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐five (64%) of the departments responded; four were excluded. The 121 departments provided 807.520 general anaesthetics annually. The usage of nitrous oxide was reported in 11.9% of cases, ranging from 0.6% in Denmark to 38.6% in Iceland while volatile anaesthetics were employed in 48.9%, lowest in Denmark (22.6%) and highest in Iceland (91.9%). Nitrous oxide was co‐administered with volatile anaesthetics in 21.5% of general anaesthetics [2.4% (Denmark) −34.5% (Iceland)]. Use of nitrous oxide was unchanged in five departments (4%), decreasing in 75 (62%) and stopped in 41 (34%). Reasons for decreasing or stopping use of nitrous oxide were fairly uniform in the five countries, the most important being that other agents were ‘better’, whereas few put weight on its potential risk for increasing morbidity. Decision to stop using nitrous oxide was made by the departments except in four cases. Of 87 maternity wards, nitrous oxide was used in 72, whereas this was the case in 42 of 111 day‐surgery units.ConclusionThe use of nitrous oxide has decreased in the Scandinavian countries, apparently because many now prefer other agents. Difference in practices between the five countries were unexpected and apparently not justified on anticipated evidence only.
European Integration and Pension Policy Change: Variable Patterns of Europeanization in Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium
Authors: Anderson Karen M. , Kaeding Michael 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article investigates how European welfare states respond to reform pressures arising from European integration. We focus on the field of public pensions and examine the impact of two institutional variables that mediate the impact of reform pressures: the extent of public pension provision and the number of national political veto points. We argue that, all else equal, member‐states with few veto points and a relatively small public pension sector are the most likely cases of policy change in response to Europeanization, whereas member‐states with a high number of veto points and extensive public pension commitments are the least likely candidates for policy change. We test these arguments in four cases of Europeanization in three countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy).
Impact of early vs late postoperative radioiodine remnant ablation on final outcome in patients with low‐risk well‐differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Tsirona Sofia , Vlassopoulou Varvara , Tzanela Marinella , Rondogianni Phoebe , Ioannidis George , Vassilopoulos Charalambos , Botoula Efthimia , Trivizas Panagiotis , Datseris Ioannis , Tsagarakis Stylianos 
Published: July 2013

SummaryObjectivePostoperative radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) represents an adjunctive therapeutic modality in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The impact of late vs early RRA on the outcome of DTC is currently unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with DTC according to RRA timing.Design Retrospective study PatientsA total of 107 TNM stage 1 DTC patients were divided into two groups. In group A (n = 50), RRA was administered in less than 4·7 months median 3·0 (range 0·8–4·7), while in group B (n = 57) in more than 4·7 months median 6 (4·8–30·3) after thyroidectomy. Remission was achieved when stimulated serum Tg levels were undetectable, in the absence of local recurrence or cervical lymph node metastases on the neck ultrasound.ResultsAll patients underwent near‐total thyroidectomy. The mean age at diagnosis was 49·3 years (range: 18–79 years). There were no statistically significant differences in the histological subtype, the TNM stage, the dose of radioiodine and the time of follow‐up, between the two groups. After the RRA treatment, 44 group A patients (88%) were in remission and 6 (12%) in persistence; while in group B, 52 (91·2%) were in remission, 1 (1·8%) in persistence and 4 (7%) in recurrence. At their latest follow‐up median 87·3 (23·3–251·6 months), all patients were in remission, either as a result of further iodine radioiodine therapy (in 11 patients) or watchful monitoring.ConclusionsThe timing of RRA seems to have no effect on the long‐term outcome of the disease. Therefore, urgency for radioiodine ablation in patients with low‐risk thyroid cancer is not recommended.
Translating the ENCyclopedia Of DNA Elements Project findings to the clinic: ENCODE's implications for eye disease
Authors: Sanfilippo Paul G , Hewitt Alex W 
Published: July 2013

AbstractApproximately 10 years after the Human Genome Project unravelled the sequence of our DNA, the ENCyclopedia Of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project sought to interpret it. Data from the recently completed project have shed new light on the proportion of biologically active human DNA, assigning a biochemical role to much of the sequence previously considered to be ‘junk’. Many of these newly catalogued functional elements represent epigenetic mechanisms involved in regulation of gene expression. Analogous to an Ishihara plate, a gene‐coding region of DNA (target dots) only comes into context when the non‐coding DNA (surrounding dots) is appreciated. In this review we provide an overview of the ENCODE project, discussing the significance of these data for ophthalmic research and eye disease. The novel insights afforded by the ENCODE project will in time allow for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the management of common blinding disorders.
Making headway with genetic diagnostics of intellectual disabilities
Authors: Willemsen M.H. , Kleefstra T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractUntil recently, the cause of intellectual disability (ID) remained unexplained in at least 50% of affected individuals. Recent advances in genetic technologies led to great new opportunities to elucidate genetic defects implicated in ID. The introduction of genome‐wide technologies that are able to detect small chromosomal copy number variations led to the identification of several microdeletion/duplication syndromes and to the subsequent identification of single causative genes. By the recent implementation of whole exome sequencing (WES) in research and diagnostics, with the potential to identify disease causing variants throughout the human exome at the base‐pair level, a new revolution has started. Several studies showed that WES is effective in the identification of ID genes. Here we provide an historical overview of the advances in diagnostics of ID and illustrate the high diagnostic potential of current technologies by presenting the diagnostic survey that we performed in a series of 253 individuals with previously unexplained ID. This is the first study that systematically evaluated the diagnostic yield of the currently available and rapidly developing genetic diagnostic arsenal. The results of our study indicate that application of present‐day genetic diagnostic technologies lead to a significant increase in the number of patients that can be diagnosed.
An Algorithm for Random Fractal Filling of Space
Authors: Shier John , Bourke Paul 
Published: July 2013

AbstractComputational experiments with a simple algorithm show that it is possible to fill any spatial region with a random fractalization of any shape, with a continuous range of pre‐specified fractal dimensions D. The algorithm is presented here in 1, 2 or 3 physical dimensions. The size power‐law exponent c or the fractal dimension D can be specified ab initio over a substantial range. The method creates an infinite set of shapes whose areas (lengths, volumes) obey a power law and sum to the area (length and volume) to be filled. The algorithm begins by randomly placing the largest shape and continues using random search to place each smaller shape where it does not overlap or touch any previously placed shape. The resulting gasket is a single connected object.
Influence of presence or absence of keratinized mucosa on the alveolar bony crest level as it relates to different buccal marginal bone thicknesses. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Bengazi Franco , Botticelli Daniele , Favero Vittorio , Perini Alessandro , Urbizo Velez Joaquin , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the influence of the presence or absence of keratinized mucosa on the alveolar bony crest level as it relates to different buccal marginal bone thicknesses.Material and methodsIn six beagle dogs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. In the right side of the mandible (test), flaps were elevated, and the buccal as well as part of the lingual masticatory mucosa was removed. The flap was released coronally to allow a primary wound closure. In the left side, the wounds were left unsutured with the keratinized mucosa remaining (control). After 3 months of healing, a complete absence of keratinized mucosa was found at the test sites. Two recipient sites were prepared at each side of the mandible, one in the premolar and one in the molar region. A buccal bony ridge width of approximately 1 and 2 mm was obtained at the premolar and molar region, respectively. Implants were installed with the shoulder flush with the buccal alveolar bony crest, and abutments were connected to allow a nonsubmerged healing. At least 2 mm of keratinized mucosa was surrounding the control sites, while at the test sites, the implants were bordered by alveolar mucosa. After 3 months, the animals were euthanized and ground sections obtained.ResultsA higher vertical bony crest resorption was observed at the test compared with the control sites both at the premolar and molar regions, the differences being statistically significant. The top of the peri‐implant mucosa was located more coronally at the control compared with the test sites. The horizontal resorption measured 1 mm below the implant shoulder was similar at the test and control sites. Only limited differences were found between premolar and molar sites, with the exclusion of the horizontal resorption that was higher at the test compared with the control sites.ConclusionsA higher alveolar buccal bony crest resorption and a more apical soft tissue marginal position should be expected, when implants are surrounded with thin alveolar mucosa at the time of installation, independently of the thickness of the buccal bony crest.
High immunohistochemical nestin expression is associated with greater depth of infiltration in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a study of 71 cases
Authors: Serra‐Guillén Carlos , Llombart Beatriz , Nagore Eduardo , Requena Celia , Traves Victor , Llorca David , Kindem Sabrina , Alcalá Rebeca , Guillén Carlos , Sanmartín Onofre 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) was recently shown to express nestin, a marker that has been associated with poorer prognosis when present in high levels in certain tumors. The objective of this study is to explore the association between high nestin expression and deep invasion.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, observational study in which we evaluated the degree of nestin expression in 71 DFSP. The odds of fascial involvement was calculated before and after adjusting for the following confounders: age, sex, tumor size, time to diagnosis, tumor site, the presence of fibrosarcomatous areas, pleomorphism, number of mitotic figures and predominant histopathologic pattern. We also calculated the Spearman Rho correlation coefficient between nestin staining intensity and depth of invasion.ResultsNestin immunopositivity was found in 98.6% of the tumors, and high expression levels were significantly associated with invasion of the fascia. The odds of fascial involvement in tumors with strong nestin staining was 6.56 (p = 0.001) before adjustment for confounders and 14.86 after adjustment (p = 0.007). The Spearman rho correlation coefficient between nestin expression and deep invasion was 0.287 (p = 0.015).ConclusionHigh inmunohistochemical nestin expression appears to be associated with deeper invasion in DFSP.
Role of the sodium channel SCN9A in genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and Dravet syndrome
Authors: Mulley John C. , Hodgson Bree , McMahon Jacinta M. , Iona Xenia , Bellows Susannah , Mullen Saul A , Farrell Kevin , Mackay Mark , Sadleir Lynette , Bleasel Andrew , Gill Deepak , Webster Richard , Wirrell Elaine C. , Harbord Michael , Sisodiya Sanyjay , Andermann Eva , Kivity Sara , Berkovic Samuel F. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Dibbens Leanne M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryMutations of the SCN1A subunit of the sodium channel is a cause of genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) in multiplex families and accounts for 70–80% of Dravet syndrome (DS). DS cases without SCN1A mutation inherited have predicted SCN9A susceptibility variants, which may contribute to complex inheritance for these unexplained cases of DS. Compared with controls, DS cases were significantly enriched for rare SCN9A genetic variants. None of the multiplex febrile seizure or GEFS+ families could be explained by highly penetrant SCN9A mutations.
Economic evaluation ofHLA‐B*15:02 screening for carbamazepine‐induced severe adverse drug reactions inThailand
Authors: Rattanavipapong Waranya , Koopitakkajorn Tanunya , Praditsitthikorn Naiyana , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Teerawattananon Yot 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeThere is strong evidence of an association between the presence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*15:02 and two severe adverse drug reactions—Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)—in patients taking carbamazepine (CBZ), a common treatment for patients with epilepsy and neuropathic pain. As a result, there are calls for all patients that are due to undergoCBZtherapy to be screened for this genetic marker before commencing their therapy. This study aims to determine the value for money ofHLA‐B*15:02 screening compared to the following: (1) administeringCBZtherapy without conducting patient screening, and (2) not prescribingCBZbut alternative drugs that are less likely to result in severe reactions, but that come at a higher cost.MethodAn economic evaluation was carried out by using a decision tree and Markov models to examine the cost‐utility of providingHLA‐B*15:02 screening for all patients with either newly diagnosed epilepsy or neuropathic pain in the Thai setting. All transitional probabilities were derived from the national and international literature. The majority of the data on direct medical care costs were collected from 10 community, provincial, and regional hospitals throughout Thailand. Direct non‐medical cost and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) data were obtained from interviews that were conducted with 33 patients, some of whom had experienced severe drug reactions.Key FindingsThe incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of adopting a universalHLA‐B*15:02 screening policy was estimated at 222,000Thai baht, THB/quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained for epilepsy patients and 130,000THB/QALYgained for patients with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we found that 343 patients need to be tested forHLA‐B*15:02 allele to prevent one case ofSJS/TEN.SignificanceUniversalHLA‐B*15:02 screening represents good value for the money in terms of preventingSJS/TENinCBZ‐treated patients with neuropathic pain at the Thai ceiling ratio of 120,000THB/QALYgained. However, the prevalence ofCBZ‐inducedSJS/TENin the Thai population and the positive predictive value (PPV) are major factors that influence the cost‐effectiveness ofHLA‐B*15:02 screening. Therefore, an active surveillance system to make a more accurate assessment of the prevalenceCBZ‐inducedSJS/TENin the Thai population would enhance the generalizability of the results.
Procainamide and lidocaine produce dissimilar changes in ventricular repolarization and arrhythmogenicity in guinea‐pig
Authors: Osadchii Oleg E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractProcainamide is class Ia Na+ channel blocker that may prolong ventricular repolarization secondary to inhibition of IKr, the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current. In contrast to selective INa blockers such as lidocaine, procainamide was shown to produce arrhythmogenic effects in the clinical setting. This study examined whether pro‐arrhythmic responses to procainamide may be accounted for by drug‐induced repolarization abnormalities including impaired electrical restitution kinetics, spatial gradients in action potential duration (APD), and activation‐to‐repolarization coupling. In perfused guinea‐pig hearts, procainamide was found to prolong the QT interval on ECG and left ventricular (LV) epicardial monophasic APD, increased the maximum slope of electrical restitution, enhanced transepicardial APD variability, and eliminated the inverse correlation between the local APD and activation time values determined at distinct epicardial recording sites prior to drug infusion. In contrast, lidocaine had no effect on electrical restitution, the degree of transepicardial repolarization heterogeneities, and activation‐to‐repolarization coupling. Spontaneous episodes of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia were observed in 57% of procainamide‐treated heart preparations. No arrhythmia was induced by lidocaine. In summary, this study suggests that abnormal changes in repolarization may contribute to pro‐arrhythmic effects of procainamide.
From inventory to functional mechanisms
Authors: Gerbeth Carolin , Mikropoulou Despina , Meisinger Chris 
Published: July 2013

For decades, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the mitochondrial matrix was considered as a rare example of how protein kinases and phosphatases can regulate important functions within this organelle. During the last decade, several proteomic studies revealed that a large fraction of mitochondrial proteins are indeed phosphorylated. A surprisingly high number of phosphorylation sites was found at the preprotein import machinery, TOM, in the outer membrane that provides the central protein import gate for most mitochondrial precursors synthesized in the cytosol. This review describes current knowledge of the mitochondrial phosphoproteome and introduces the first regulatory mechanisms of protein import dynamics by reversible phosphorylation, which have been uncovered mainly in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Investigating the long‐term legacy of drought and warming on the soil microbial community across five European shrubland ecosystems
Authors: Rousk Johannes , Smith Andrew R. , Jones Davey L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe investigated how the legacy of warming and summer drought affected microbial communities in five different replicated long‐term (>10 years) field experiments across Europe (EU‐FP7 INCREASE infrastructure). To focus explicitly on legacy effects (i.e., indirect rather than direct effects of the environmental factors), we measured microbial variables under the same moisture and temperature in a brief screening, and following a pre‐incubation at stable conditions. Specifically, we investigated the size and composition of the soil microbial community (PLFA) alongside measurements of bacterial (leucine incorporation) and fungal (acetate in ergosterol incorporation) growth rates, previously shown to be highly responsive to changes in environmental factors, and microbial respiration. We found no legacy effects on the microbial community size, composition, growth rates, or basal respiration rates at the effect sizes used in our experimental setup (0.6 °C, about 30% precipitation reduction). Our findings support previous reports from single short‐term ecosystem studies thereby providing a clear evidence base to allow long‐term, broad‐scale generalizations to be made. The implication of our study is that warming and summer drought will not result in legacy effects on the microbial community and their processes within the effect sizes here studied. While legacy effects on microbial processes during perturbation cycles, such as drying–rewetting, and on tolerance to drought and warming remain to be studied, our results suggest that any effects on overall ecosystem processes will be rather limited. Thus, the legacies of warming and drought should not be prioritized factors to consider when modeling contemporary rates of biogeochemical processes in soil.
Primary prevention of dental erosion by calcium and fluoride: a systematic review
Authors: Zini A , Krivoroutski Y , Vered Y 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundOverviews of the current literature only provide summaries of existing relevant preventive strategies for dental erosion.ObjectivesTo perform a systematic review according to the quantitative meta‐analysis method of the scientific literature on prevention of dental erosion. The focused question will address primary prevention of dental erosion by calcium and fluoride.Materials and methodsRandomized clinical trials (RCTs) regarding dental erosion prevention. The search included five databases: Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, PubMed (MEDLINE), FDA publication and Berman medical library of the Hebrew University. The search included data in the English language, with effect on preventing dental erosion always presented as mean enamel loss and measured by profilometer. Statistical meta‐analysis was performed by StatsDirect program and PEPI statistical software. Fixed‐ and random‐effect models were used to analyse the data. Heterogeneity tests were employed to validate the fixed‐effect model assumption.ResultsA total of 475 articles on dental erosion prevention were located. A four‐stage selection process was employed, and 10 RCT articles were found to be suitable for meta‐analysis.ConclusionsThe number of studies on prevention of dental erosion maintaining standards of evidence‐based dentistry remains insufficient to reach any definite conclusions. The focused questions of this review cannot be addressed according to the existing literature.
Optimisation of convective drying of carrots using selected processing and quality indicators
Authors: Gamboa‐Santos Juliana , Soria Ana C. , Fornari Tiziana , Villamiel Mar , Montilla Antonia 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe effect of drying temperature (40–65 °C) and air rate (2–6 m s−1) on the formation of Maillard reaction indicators and vitamins content of carrots dehydrated by convection has been investigated. The range of assayed processing conditions, based on a previous central composite face design (CCD), led to moderate changes in the studied parameters, even under the most severe conditions. In addition, the drying kinetic of the process was studied taking into account the experimental quantitation of shrinkage, which allowed the determination of a first drying period with a constant rate of water evaporation per unit of exchange surface. The slope of the first drying period, the moisture loss during the first hour of drying and the level of quality parameters (Maillard reaction indicators and vitamins) were correlated with processing conditions with high accuracy. For the prototype here used, the optima temperature and air rate to maximise the desirability function (0.77) were 46 °C and 4.9 m s−1.