bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lenalidomide in patients with chemotherapy‐induced polyneuropathy and relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: results from a single‐centre prospective study
Authors: Briani Chiara , Torre Chiara Dalla , Campagnolo Marta , Lucchetta Marta , Berno Tamara , Candiotto Laura , Padua Luca , Ermani Mario , Cavaletti Guido , Zambello Renato 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug used in myeloma therapy, has been claimed to be less neurotoxic than thalidomide, but evidence is still weak. We prospectively assessed lenalidomide safety in myeloma patients to evaluate whether it would induce or modify a previously ensued chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Thirty consecutive patients (17 men, mean age 63.7 ± 9.4) previously treated with bortezomib and/or thalidomide and starting on lenalidomide (25 mg/day for 21‐day cycles) for relapsed or refractory myeloma were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months from the beginning of lenalidomide with Total Neuropathy Score clinical version (TNSc), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain. TNSc >2 was considered significant for CIPN. TNSc changes of at least 4 points from baseline value were considered clinically relevant. At baseline 16 of the 30 patients (53.3%) had CIPN (mean TNSc 5.8, range 3–15). After 6 months, 13 patients were unchanged, 1 improved, and 2 worsened. After 12 months the patient who had improved persisted stable, and the two who had worsened returned to TNSc baseline value. The 14 patients without CIPN at baseline did not develop neuropathy. NRS and ECOG performance status persisted unchanged. Our results demonstrate lenalidomide safety and very low neurotoxicity also in patients with pre‐existing CIPN treated for 1 year.
C3 exoenzyme lacks effects on peripheral axon regeneration in vivo
Authors: Auer Maria , Allodi Ilary , Barham Mohammed , Udina Esther , Neiss Wolfram F. , Navarro Xavier , Klimaschewski Lars 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPeripheral nerve injury triggers the activation of the small GTPase RhoA in spinal motor and peripheral sensory neurons. C3 transferase, an exoenzyme produced by Clostridium botulinum that inactivates RhoA by ADP‐ribosylation, has been successfully applied in central nervous system (CNS) lesion models to facilitate regeneration functionally and morphologically. Until now it has not been demonstrated if C3bot exerts positive effects on peripheral axon regeneration as well. In organotypic spinal cord preparations, C3bot reduced axonal growth of motoneurons, while no effect on sensory axon outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants was observed. Enzymatically inactive C3E174Q was ineffective in both culture models. Spinal cord slices exhibited a significant increase in microglia/macrophages after treatment with C3bot suggesting an inflammatory component in the inhibition of axon growth. C3bot or C3E174Q were then applied into conduits implanted after transection of the sciatic nerve in rats. Functional evaluation by electrophysiology, nociception, and walking track tests did not show any significant difference between groups with active or mutant C3E174Q. Transmission electron microscopy of the regenerated nerves revealed no significant differences in the number of myelinated and unmyelinated axons 6 weeks after surgery. Compared to the CNS, the functional significance of RhoA may be limited during nerve regeneration in a growth‐promoting environment.
Association of social support with quality of life in patients with polyneuropathy
Authors: Maxwell Sarah K. , Barnett Carolina , Kokokyi Seint , Leung Joanne C. , Yu Jingjie J. , Bril Vera , Katzberg Hans D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of social support on quality of life (QoL) in patients with polyneuropathy. One hundred and fifty‐four patients with polyneuropathy were enrolled from a neuromuscular clinic. The QoL Instrument and the Medical Outcome Study‐Social Support Survey (MOS‐SSS) were used to assess QoL and social support, respectively. Disease severity and clinical factors were also assessed. Neuropathy patients had a lower QoL compared to a previously published normative sample (p < 0.0001) and an MOS‐SSS comparable to other patients with chronic disease. Social support correlated weakly with the self esteem and emotional well being mental health dimensions (rs:0.20–0.38) but not the physical health QoL (PH‐QoL) domains. Physical and mental QoL also correlated significantly with presence of pain (rs: −0.39 and −0.42, respectively) and number of autonomic symptoms (rs: −0.39 and −0.30, respectively). Social support independently predicts MH‐QoL when controlling for age, gender, pain, and the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS; p < 0.0001). TCNS and gender are independently related to PH‐QoL (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that improved social support serves as an independent predictor of MH‐QoL when controlling for age, gender, pain, and severity of neuropathy. Future studies examining the effects of improving social support on QoL in patients with polyneuropathy are recommended.
Quality assessment of online patient education resources for peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Hansberry David R. , Suresh Ragha , Agarwal Nitin , Heary Robert F. , Goldstein Ira M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGiven its practicality, the internet is a primary resource for patients afflicted with diseases like peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, it is important that the readily available online resources on peripheral neuropathy are tailored to the general public, particularly concerning readability. Patient education resources were downloaded from the US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Neuropathy.org, GBS/CIDP Foundation International, Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation, Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth Association, Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, and Neuropathy Action Foundation websites. All patient education material related to peripheral neuropathy was evaluated for its level of readability using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level. The FRE scores averaged 43.4 with only the US National Library of Medicine scoring above 60 (76.5). The Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level scores averaged 11.0. All scores were above a seventh‐grade level except the US National Library of Medicine, which had a score of a fifth‐grade reading level. Most Americans may not fully benefit from patient education resources concerning peripheral neuropathy education on many of the websites. Only the US National Library of Medicine, which is written at a fifth‐grade level, is likely to benefit the average American.
Corneal confocal microscopy is efficient, well‐tolerated, and reproducible
Authors: Smith Albert Gordon , Kim Gene , Porzio Michael , Allen Blaine , Koach Margaret , Mifflin Mark , Digre Kathleen , Keung Bonnie M. , Singleton John Robinson 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn order to develop an efficient, reproducible, and well‐tolerated protocol for assessing corneal innervation, 11 normal subjects underwent corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) using a Heidelberg Retinal Tomography III microscope. Five standardized locations were sampled in the left eye and one centrally in the right. The protocol was repeated 1–4 weeks later. A blinded technician measured nerve fiber length (NFL) and tortuosity coefficient (TC). The relationship between image location and NFL and TC was assessed using one‐way analysis of variance, and reproducibility determined using relative intertrial variability and intraclass correlation coefficients. NFL reproducibility was maximized by averaging four or more images from the left eye, or one central image from both eyes. TC was less reproducible. CCM is a rapid, well‐tolerated, and reproducible method for assessing corneal innervation.
Incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in adult patients with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Whittaker Roger G. , Hall Elizabeth , Mansoor Muhammad K. , Taylor Robert W. , Turnbull Douglass M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSymmetrical polyneuropathy is a common feature of mitochondrial disease. Both axonal and demyelinating types are described, with Schwann cell abnormalities demonstrated on nerve biopsy. Some authors have also suggested an increased incidence of entrapment neuropathy. We identified 738 adult patients with proven mitochondrial disease seen in our centre in the past 25 years. One‐hundred sixty seven of these patients had undergone nerve conduction studies as part of their routine clinical care, and the results of these studies were reviewed. We found an incidence rate of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of 50.7 per 100,000 person‐years; 32.5 per 100,000 person‐years for men and 65.3 per 100,000 person‐years for women. One other patient had evidence of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. The incidence of CTS in mitochondrial disease is similar to published rates for the UK general population. We found no evidence that mitochondrial disease per se increases the risk of entrapment neuropathy. We suggest that the pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of polyneuropathy in mitochondrial disease are quite distinct from the pathophysiology of CTS. Furthermore, it is essential that patients with mitochondrial disease who present with upper limb paraesthesia be referred for neurophysiological testing, so that treatable CTS is not missed.
Mechanisms underlying transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)‐mediated hyperalgesia and edema
Authors: Perin‐Martins Andressa , Teixeira Juliana Maia , Tambeli Claudia H. , Parada Carlos Amílcar , Fischer Luana 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that contribute to hyperalgesia and edema induced by TRPA1 activation. The injection of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, 50, 100, or 300 µg/paw) into the rat's hind paw induced dose and time‐dependent hyperalgesia and edema, which were blocked by the selective TRPA1 antagonist, HC 030031 (1,200 µg/paw), or by treatment with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (four daily intrathecal injections of 5 nmol). These results demonstrate that the hyperalgesia and edema induced by AITC depend on TRPA1 activation. AITC‐induced hyperalgesia and edema were significantly reduced by treatment with neurokinin 1 (L‐703,606, 38 µg/paw) or calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP8‐37, 5 µg/paw) receptor antagonists, with a mast cell degranulator (compound 48/80, four daily injections of 1, 3, 10, and 10 µg/paw) or with H1 (pyrilamine, 400 µg/paw), 5‐HT1A (wAy‐100,135, 450 µg/paw) or 5‐HT3 (tropisetron, 450 µg/paw) receptor antagonists. Pre‐treatment with a selectin inhibitor (fucoidan, 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced AITC‐induced hyperalgesia, edema, and neutrophil migration. Finally, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin, 100 µg/paw), a β1 (atenolol, 6 µg/paw) or a β2 (ICI 118, 551, 1.5 µg/paw) adrenoceptor antagonist also significantly reduced AITC‐induced hyperalgesia and edema. Together, these results demonstrate that TRPA1 mediates some of the key inflammatory mechanisms, suggesting a key role of this receptor in pain and inflammation.
Anti‐GM2 ganglioside antibodies are a biomarker for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis
Authors: Rupp Angie , Galban‐Horcajo Francesc , Bianchi Ezio , Dondi Maurizio , Penderis Jacques , Cappell Joanna , Burgess Karl , Matiasek Kaspar , McGonigal Rhona , Willison Hugh J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAcute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP) is considered to be the canine equivalent of the human peripheral nerve disorder Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS); an aetiological relationship, however, remains to be demonstrated. In GBS, anti‐glycolipid antibodies (Abs) are considered as important disease mediators. To address the possibility of common Ab biomarkers, the sera of 25 ACP dogs, 19 non‐neurological, and 15 epileptic control dogs were screened for IgG Abs to 10 glycolipids and their 1 : 1 heteromeric complexes using combinatorial glycoarrays. Anti‐GM2 ganglioside Abs were detected in 14/25 ACP dogs, and anti‐GA1 Abs in one further dog. All controls except for one were negative for anti‐glycolipid Abs. In this cohort of cases and controls, the glycoarray screen reached a diagnostic sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 97%; a lower sensitivity (32%) was reported using a conventional glycolipid ELISA. To address the possible pathogenic role for anti‐GM2 Abs in ACP, we identified GM2 in canine sciatic nerve by both mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography overlay. In immunohistological studies, GM2 was localized predominantly to the abaxonal Schwann cell membrane. The presence of anti‐GM2 Abs in ACP suggests that it may share a similar pathophysiology with GBS, for which it could thus be considered a naturally occurring animal model.
Expression of Toll‐like receptor 9 in mouse and human lungs
Authors: Schneberger David , Caldwell Sarah , Kanthan Rani , Singh Baljit 
Published: March 2013

AbstractToll‐like receptors (TLR) recognize conserved molecular motifs of microorganisms, and constitute an important part of the innate immune system. Numerous studies have shown the importance of these receptors, including TLR9, in establishing effective immune responses to a broad range of infections, and in disorders such as COPD. TLR9 detects unmethylated DNA and is expressed in a wide range of immune cells in mice and humans, as well as other species. Most TLR9 expression studies have been done on cultured or isolated cells, but none that we know of on intact lung. Because cell‐specific expression of TLR9 is important to understand its precise role in lung physiology, we tested mouse and human lung tissues for expression of TLR9 mRNA and protein with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. We found TLR9 mRNA and protein expression in bronchial epithelium, vascular endothelium, alveolar septal cells and alveolar macrophages in both species. Immuno‐electron microscopy delineated TLR9 expression in plasma membrane, cytoplasm and the nucleus of various lung cells. Lungs from human cases of COPD had significantly increased numbers of TLR9‐positive cells. These are the first data showing TLR9 mRNA and protein expression in intact human and mouse lungs. The data may be useful for clarifying the role of TLR9 in the contributions of specific cells to lung physiology.
Fundamental ratios and logarithmic periodicity in human limb bones
Authors: Pietak Alexis , Ma Siyan , Beck Caroline W. , Stringer Mark D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFundamental mathematical relationships are widespread in biology yet there is little information on this topic with regard to human limb bone lengths and none related to human limb bone volumes. Forty‐six sets of ipsilateral upper and lower limb long bones and third digit short bones were imaged by computed tomography. Maximum bone lengths were measured manually and individual bone volumes calculated from computed tomography images using a stereologic method. Length ratios of femur : tibia and humerus : ulna were remarkably similar (1.21 and 1.22, respectively) and varied little (<7%) between individuals. The volume ratio of femur : tibia was approximately half that of humerus : ulna (1.58 and 3.28, respectively; P < 0.0001). Lower limb bone volume ratios varied much more than upper limb ratios. The relationship between bone length and volume was found to be well described by power laws, with R2 values ranging from 0.983 to 0.995. The most striking finding was a logarithmic periodicity in bone length moving from distal to proximal up the limb (upper limb λ = 0.72, lower limb λ = 0.93). These novel data suggest that human limb bone lengths and volumes follow fundamental and highly conserved mathematical relationships, which may contribute to our understanding of normal and disordered growth, stature estimation, and biomechanics.
Natural course of temporomandibular disorders with low pain‐related impairment: a 2‐to‐3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Manfredini D. , Favero L. , Gregorini G. , Cocilovo F. , Guarda‐Nardini L. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryTo describe the natural course of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with low levels of pain‐related impairment, independently by the physical diagnoses they received. Amongst all patients who attended the TMD Clinic, University of Padova, Italy, during the year 2009, those who: (i) had Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) axis II Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) grade 0 or 1 scores, (ii) received counselling on their signs and symptoms at the time of their first visit and suggestions on how to self‐manage their symptoms, (iii) did not attend the Clinic since the time of their last visit and (iv) were visited by the same resident, were recalled for a follow‐up assessment during the period from September to December 2011. Sixty‐nine patients (79% females; mean age 47.4 ± 11.3 years; range 26–77) of 86 who were potentially eligible accepted to enter the study. The time span since the first visit ranged from 23 to 36 months. At the follow‐up assessment, the percentage of patients with muscle disorders decreased from 68.1% to 23.1%; disc displacement with reduction remained unchanged (52.1%), whilst the 5.7% of patients who had disc displacement without reduction with limited opening then showed absence of limitation; diagnoses related to other joint disorders decreased from 30.4% to 14.4% for arthralgia and from 27.5% to 24.6% for osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis. In a sample of patients TMD with low pain‐related impairment followed up with a single recall assessment at 2‐to‐3 years, the natural course of disease was generally favourable.
Obesity and asthma at school entry: Co‐morbidities and temporal trends
Authors: James Santhamma , Pezic Angela , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Lafferty Antony , Glasgow Nicholas , Ciszek Karen , Kljakovic Marjan , Douglas Kirsty 
Published: March 2013

AimA decline in asthma prevalence from 2000 to 2005 was reported previously. The objective is to examine the temporal trends for the prevalence of obesity and other childhood disorders and consider the extent to which associations between asthma and other co‐morbidities can be accounted for by body mass index.MethodsSerial cross‐sectional surveys of primary school entrants (n = 18 999) in the Australian Capital Territory between 2001 and 2005 were used. Asthma, recent respiratory symptoms and diabetes data were extracted from parental reports. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from health assessments by school nurses. Child obesity was defined using the age and sex‐specific Cole criteria. Time trends for the prevalence of obesity and other disorders, and the association between ‘current asthma’ and co‐morbidities were analysed using multiple logistic regression and other analyses.ResultsObesity prevalence was 5.24% in 2001 decreasing to 3.60% in 2005 (test of linear trend P = 0.02). Overweight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 1.46), P < 0.001) and obese (AOR 1.36 (95% CI 1.13, 1.62), P = 0.001) children were more likely to report ‘asthma ever’. Children with diabetes (AOR 9.35 (95% CI 3.11, 28.12, P < 0.001)) and attention deficit (AOR 3.39 (95% CI 2.04, 5.64), P < 0.001) were more likely to report ‘current asthma’.ConclusionsThe pattern of association with co‐morbidities was different for asthma and obesity. The temporal decline/plateau effect in ‘current asthma’ could not be explained by concurrent body mass index changes. The decline in obesity was largely driven by the 2005 findings. Longer term trends need to be evaluated further.
Self‐reported oral cancer screening by smoking status in Maryland: trends over time
Authors: Viswanath Archana , Kerns Timothy J. , Sorkin John D. , Dwyer Diane M. , Groves Carmela , Steinberger Eileen K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe study aims to examine whether a higher proportion of current and former smokers reported having an oral cancer screening (OCS) exam in the past year compared with never smokers in Maryland between 2002 and 2008.MethodsSecondary analysis of the Maryland Cancer Surveys (conducted in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008), population‐based, random‐digit‐dial surveys on cancer screening among adults age 40 years and older. Of 20,197 individuals who responded to the surveys, 19,054 answered questions on OCS and smoking. Results are weighted to the Maryland population.ResultsSelf‐reported OCS in the past year increased from 33 percent in 2002 to 40 percent in 2008. Screening among never and former smokers increased from about 35 percent to 42 percent and from 35 percent to 43 percent, respectively; screening among current smokers remained between 23 percent and 25 percent. In the adjusted analysis, current smokers had decreased odds of screening compared with never smokers; no significant difference was observed between former and never smokers. When the variable dental visit in the last year was included in the adjusted analysis, it became the strongest predictor of OCS.ConclusionsBetween 2002 and 2008, self‐reported OCS in the last year increased among former and never smokers, but remained unchanged for current smokers. A visit to a dental professional attenuated the difference in OCS between current and never smokers. Dental visit in the last year was the strongest predictor of OCS.
Leading determinants of efficient dental care delivery
Authors: Jurasic M. Marianne , Gibson Gretchen , Rich Sharron , O'Toole Terry G. , Bestgen Susan , Arola Patricia E. , Jones Judith A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveIdentify structure and process variables that significantly contributed to dentist productivity across VA Dental Service clinics using multiple VA national datasets from fiscal year 2010.MethodsA retrospective, longitudinal analysis with the primary outcome of care provided, as measured by relative value units per clinically mapped full‐time employee equivalent dentist, per year. Predictor variables included physical plant variables, staffing variables, complexity of the patient population, workplace climate, and environment of care. Predictor variables were initially assessed in a bivariate analysis with the primary outcome and those significant at P < 0.2 were entered into an ordinary least squares regression model.ResultsDentist productivity and several predictor variables were significantly different between sites with and without resident training programs; therefore, two explanatory models were constructed. In both models, increasing the assistant‐to‐dentist ratio was the most important driver for increasing productivity. Additional drivers include the resident‐to‐dentist ratio, use of technology, and connectedness and engagement with the medical center as demonstrated by participation in various committees and/or boards. Final models explained over 50 percent of the variance in productivity.ConclusionsIn multiprovider settings, predictors of dentist clinical productivity differ for sites with and without residency training programs. Although the assistant‐to‐dentist ratio is the most explanatory for each type of setting, other variables such as the resident‐to‐dentist ratio, use of technology, and connectedness/engagement with the medical center are uniquely significant to the two types of service sites and should also be considered to maximize productivity.