bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of renal replacement therapy after adult cardiac surgery
Authors: Muralidhar Kanchi , Bhagyashri Kakade , Guptha Ratan , Hegde Nitin , Ahmed Isthiaq , Vincent Lloyd 
Published: July 2013

Background: Acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy after cardiac surgery develops in 1%–5% of patients, and is strongly associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality. The prognostic risk factors for development acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy are identified in this study. Methods: 2585 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery during a 1-year period (November 2010 to October 2011) were studied. The patients who developed acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy were compared with matched controls. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors of acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy. Results: 44 patients developed acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy following cardiac surgery. On multivariate logistic analysis, the following factors independently predicted acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy ( p < 0.05): preoperative critical state, pre-existing renal dysfunction, preoperative diastolic dysfunction, and combined cardiac surgery. Conclusion: The risk of acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy can be fairly accurately predicted and quantified on the basis of available preoperative and intraoperative data. These predictors may be used by physicians to estimate the risk and target high-risk groups for interventions that prevent, reduce, or ameliorate the occurrence of renal failure needing acute renal replacement therapy.
External carotid-to-subclavian artery bypass in stent grafting of thoracic aorta
Authors: Shimura Shinichiro , Yamaguchi Masaomi , Cho Yasunori , Aki Akira , Furuya Hidekazu , Ueda Toshihiko 
Published: July 2013

Background A bypass between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery has been made in some patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair that covers the orifice of the left subclavian artery. However, complications associated with temporary occlusion of the left common carotid artery are reportedly not uncommon. Methods Between January 2009 and September 2011, left external carotid-to-left subclavian artery bypass was made using a polytetrafluoroethylene graft in 15 patients undergoing a thoracic endovascular aortic repair that covered the orifice of the left subclavian artery. Adverse effects associated with the procedure were assessed, and patency of the bypass graft was determined by contrast-enhanced computed tomography before discharge and at least once during follow-up. Results All patients were discharged without any brain complications. All 15 bypass grafts were patent prior to discharge and during the follow-up period. One patient suffered temporary left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy postoperatively. No other sequelae were associated with left external carotid-to-left subclavian artery bypass. Conclusion Left external carotid-to-left subclavian artery bypass is a promising procedure in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair that covers the orifice of the left subclavian artery.
Pulmonary metastasectomy and repeat metastasectomy for soft-tissue sarcoma
Authors: Toussi Mehdi Seilanian , Bagheri Reza , Dayani Mahdieh , Anvari Kazem , Sheibani Shima 
Published: July 2013

Background For patients with lung metastases from soft-tissue sarcoma, pulmonary metastasectomy is considered to be the only chance of possible cure. In this survey, we analyzed some potential prognostic factors affecting the outcome in these patients. Patients and methods 34 patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for soft-tissue sarcoma from April 1996 to April 2007, were enrolled in our study. The median follow-up period was 26 months. Survival curves, factors affecting the outcome, and treatment success rate were evaluated. Results Complete resection was achieved in 88.2% of patients. There was no perioperative mortality. The median overall survival and median disease-free survival were 42 and 27 months, respectively. Incomplete resection and bilateral lung metastases had significant adverse effects on overall survival. Shorter disease-free interval (<18 months) was a significant predictor of survival on multivariate analysis. Metastasectomy was attempted in 12 cases of whom 50% remained disease-free to the end of follow-up. Conclusion Complete resection is the most important defining factor of success rate and survival. Patients with bilateral lung metastases or a shorter disease-free interval have significantly lower success rates. Repeat metastasectomy is curative in many patients.
Cardiac echinococcosis
Authors: Birincioglu Cemal Levent , Kervan Umit , Tufekcioglu Omac , Ozen Anil , Bardakci Hasmet , Kucuker Seref Alp , Saritas Ahmet 
Published: July 2013

Objective Cardiac echinococcosis is an extremely rare disease, seen worldwide. Some clinical characteristics are unknown, and treatment modalities are unclear. Methods 41 patients diagnosed with cardiac or pericardial echinococcosis underwent surgery. We evaluated the patients echocardiographically in 8 different categories: cardiac echinococcosis lesions located within the heart, imaging appearance of each lesion, activity of the cysts, mode of cardiac echinococcosis, and number of cardiac lesions per patient. The surgical technique was reevaluated according to the intraoperative echocardiographic findings, especially according to the mode of the lesion. Results The hydatid cysts were located in the ventricular wall in 34 cases, the right atrium in 2, the noncoronary sinus Valsalva of the aorta in 1, between the aorta and the pulmonary bifurcation in 1, and in the pericardium alone in 4 cases. In 1 case, septal rupture occurred and the patient died. Relapse was seen in 1 patient who was operated on due to multiple ventricular and pericardial cysts; this patient underwent a second operation 6 years and 8 months after the initial surgery. Conclusion Recent echocardiographic developments and application of intraoperative echocardiography enables a detailed classification for extirpation, and allows successful treatment.
Palliative care for Parkinson’s disease: A summary of the evidence and future directions
Authors: Richfield Edward W , Jones Edward JS , Alty Jane E 
Published: July 2013

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a common, life-limiting, neurodegenerative condition. Despite calls for improved access to palliative care for people with Parkinson’s disease, services have been slow in developing. Obstacles include poor understanding and recognition of palliative care needs, the role for specialist palliative care services and an agreed structure for sustainable palliative care provision. Aim: To summarise the evidence base for palliative care in Parkinson’s disease, linking current understanding with implications for clinical practice and identifying areas for future research. What is known: Convention recognises a final ‘palliative phase’ in Parkinson’s disease, while qualitative studies suggest the presence of palliative care need in Parkinson’s disease from diagnosis. Clinical tools to quantify palliative symptom burden exist and have helped to identify targets for intervention. Dementia is highly prevalent and influences many aspects of palliative care in Parkinson’s disease, with particular implications for end-of-life care and advance care planning. Implications for clinical practice: The ‘palliative phase’ represents a poor entry point for consideration of palliative care need in Parkinson’s disease. An alternative, integrated model of care, promoting collaboration between specialist palliative and neurological services, is discussed, along with some specific palliative interventions. What is unknown: Limited evidence exists regarding timing of palliative interventions, triggers for specialist referral and management of terminal care. Implications for future research: Research examining access to palliative care and management of terminal symptoms will assist development of sustainable, integrated palliative care services for Parkinson’s disease.
Antiproliferative effects of γ-secretase inhibitor, a Notch signalling inhibitor, in multiple myeloma cells and its molecular mechanism of action
Authors: Hu Jiasheng , Zhu Xiongpeng , Lu Quanyi 
Published: July 2013

Objectives To investigate the effects of γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), a Notch signalling inhibitor, on the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells in vitro and its molecular mechanism of action. Methods RPMI 8226 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of GSI (0–20 µmol/l) for 24–72 h. Proliferation was measured using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed on RPMI 8226 cells treated with 0–10 µmol/l GSI for 48 h using flow cytometry. Expression of Notch signalling proteins (Notch1, Jagged 1 and Jagged 2), Bcl-2 and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was determined using Western blotting in RPMI 8226 cells treated with various concentrations of GSI for various time periods. Results GSI inhibited proliferation of RPMI 8226 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by inducing G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest. GSI-mediated antiproliferative effects were associated with significant reductions in the expression of Notch1, Jagged1, Jagged2, p-Akt and Bcl-2. Conclusion Inhibition of the Notch signalling pathway by GSI may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Encephalitis in primary HIV infection: challenges in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Helleberg M , Kirk O 
Published: July 2013

Summary We report a case of primary HIV encephalitis, which initially presented as acute psychosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was suggestive of vasculitis and multiple infarctions, whereas a brain biopsy after six weeks of symptoms showed HIV encephalitis with microglial nodules, but no signs of vasculitis. We review previous reported cases and radiological findings in HIV encephalitis and discuss the role of antiretroviral therapy and steroids in its management.
Meta-analysis and meta-regression of telehealth programmes for patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Xiang Rui , Li Lin , Liu Sheena Xin 
Published: July 2013

Summary To assess the effectiveness of telehealth used for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, we searched for peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials published between 2001 and 2012. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. There were 26 studies (79%) which concerned tele-monitoring and 7 (21%) which concerned case management or nurse administered telephone-based management. There were 7530 patients in all, with an average age of 69 years. A meta-analysis showed that telehealth programmes had significant overall effectiveness in reducing all-cause mortality (Fixed effect model risk ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88), CHF-related hospitalization (Random effect model risk ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.85) and CHF-related length of stay (Random effect model mean difference -1.41 days, 95% CI -2.43 to -0.39). In addition, telehealth programmes showed significantly greater effectiveness in reducing mortality and hospitalizations among patients with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) categories. With age and NYHA held constant, recording questionnaire (symptoms) data could reduce the mortality risk by 34% and the risk of CHF-related hospitalization by 15%; adding a pulse (heart rate) detector could reduce the mortality risk by 40% and the risk of CHF-related hospitalization by 43%. Finally, telehealth programmes showed a tapering effect on mortality reduction: the longer the follow-up period, the less effective they were on decreasing mortality. In conclusion, telehealth programmes demonstrated clinical effectiveness in patients with CHF compared with usual care.
Multiple major morbidities and increased mortality during long-term follow-up after recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Deford Cassandra C. , Reese Jessica A. , Schwartz Lauren H. , Perdue Jedidiah J. , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Lämmle Bernhard , Terrell Deirdra R. , Vesely Sara K. , George James N. 
Published: July 2013

Key PointsAfter recovering from TTP, the prevalence of hypertension, depression, and systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of death are increased. TTP may be a more chronic disorder rather than a disorder of acute episodes and complete recovery.
A randomised controlled trial of the use of aromatherapy and hand massage to reduce disruptive behaviour in people with dementia
Authors: Fu Chieh-Yu , Moyle Wendy , Cooke Marie 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Aromatherapy and hand massage therapies have been reported to have some benefit for people with dementia who display behavioural symptoms; however there are a number of limitations of reported studies. The aim is to investigate the effect of aromatherapy (3% lavender oil spray) with and without hand massage on disruptive behaviour in people with dementia living in long-term care.

Methods
In a single blinded randomised controlled trial 67 people with a diagnosis of dementia and a history of disruptive behaviour, from three long-term care facilities were recruited and randomised using a random number table into three groups: (1) Combination (aromatherapy and hand massage) (n = 22), (2) Aromatherapy (n = 23), (3) Placebo control (water spray) (n = 22). The intervention was given twice daily for six weeks. Data on residents’ behaviour (CMAI) and cognition (MMSE) were collected before, during and after the intervention.

Results
Despite a downward trend in behaviours displayed not one of the interventions significantly reduced disruptive behaviour.

Conclusions
Further large-scale placebo controlled studies are required where antipsychotic medication is controlled and a comparison of the methods of application of aromatherapy are investigated.

Trial registration

ACTRN12612000917831
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using reducing agents obtained from natural sources (Rumex hymenosepalus extracts)
Authors: Rodríguez-León Ericka , Iñiguez-Palomares Ramón , Navarro Rosa Elena , Herrera-Urbina Ronaldo , Tánori Judith , Iñiguez-Palomares Claudia , Maldonado Amir 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe have synthesized silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate solutions using extracts ofRumex hymenosepalus, a plant widely found in a large region in North America, as reducing agent. This plant is known to be rich in antioxidant molecules which we use as reducing agents. Silver nanoparticles grow in a single-step method, at room temperature, and with no addition of external energy. The nanoparticles have been characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, as a function of the ratio of silver ions to reducing agent molecules. The nanoparticle diameters are in the range of 2 to 40 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and fast Fourier transform analysis show that two kinds of crystal structures are obtained: face-centered cubic and hexagonal.
Carnitine supplementation to obese Zucker rats prevents obesity-induced type I to type II muscle fiber transition and favors an oxidative phenotype of skeletal muscle
Authors: Couturier Aline , Ringseis Robert , Mooren Frank-Christoph , Krüger Karsten , Most Erika , Eder Klaus 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that carnitine supplementation counteracts obesity-induced muscle fiber transition from type I to type II.

Methods
24 obese Zucker rats were randomly divided into two groups of 12 rats each (obese control, obese carnitine) and 12 lean Zucker rats were selected for lean control group. A control diet was given to both control groups and a carnitine supplemented diet (3 g/kg diet) was given to obese carnitine group for 4 wk. Components of the muscle fiber transformation in skeletal muscle were examined.

Results
The plasma level of carnitine were lower in the obese control group compared to the lean control group and higher in the obese carnitine group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids were increased in obese animals compared to lean animals and the obese carnitine group had lower level compared to the obese control group (P < 0.05). The obese carnitine group had an increased number of type I muscle fibers and higher mRNA levels of type I fiber-specific myosin heavy chain, regulators of muscle fiber transition and of genes involved in carnitine uptake, fatty acid transport, β-oxidation, angiogenesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and thermo genesis in M. rectus femoris compared to the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The results demonstrate that carnitine supplementation to obese Zucker a rat counteracts the obesity-induced muscle fiber transition and restores the muscle oxidative metabolic phenotype. Carnitine supplementation is supposed to be beneficial for the treatment of elevated levels of plasma lipids during obesity or diabetes.
Transient oscillatory dynamics of interferon beta signaling in macrophages
Authors: Pertsovskaya Inna , Abad Elena , Domedel-Puig Núria , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi , Villoslada Pablo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundInterferon-beta (IFN-beta) activates the immune response through the type I IFN signaling pathway. IFN-beta is important in the response to pathogen infections and is used as a therapy for Multiple Sclerosis. The mechanisms of self-regulation and control of this pathway allow precise and environment-dependent response of the cells in different conditions. Here we analyzed type I IFN signaling in response to IFN-beta in the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 by RT-PCR, ELISA and xMAP assays. The experimental results were interpreted by means of a theoretical model of the pathway.ResultsPhosphorylation of the STAT1 protein (pSTAT1) and mRNA levels of the pSTAT1 inhibitor SOCS1 displayed an attenuated oscillatory behavior after IFN-beta activation. In turn, mRNA levels of the interferon regulatory factor IRF1 grew rapidly in the first 50–90 minutes after stimulation until a maximum value, and started to decrease slowly around 200–250 min. The analysis of our kinetic model identified a significant role of the negative feedback from SOCS1 in driving the observed damped oscillatory dynamics, and of the positive feedback from IRF1 in increasing STAT1 basal levels. Our study shows that the system works as a biological damped relaxation oscillator based on a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation network centered on STAT1. Moreover, a bifurcation analysis identified translocation of pSTAT1 dimers to the nucleus as a critical step for regulating the dynamics of type I IFN pathway in the first steps, which may be important in defining the response to IFN-beta therapy.ConclusionsThe immunomodulatory effect of IFN-beta signaling in macrophages takes the form of transient oscillatory dynamics of the JAK-STAT pathway, whose specific relaxation properties determine the lifetime of the cellular response to the cytokine.
Signal transduction inhibitors in treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Bachegowda Lohith , Gligich Oleg , Mantzaris Ionnis , Schinke Carolina , Wyville Dale , Carrillo Tatiana , Braunschweig Ira , Steidl Ulrich , Verma Amit 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis that results in reduced blood counts. Although MDS can transform into leukemia, most of the morbidity experienced by these patients is due to chronically low blood counts. Conventional cytotoxic agents used to treat MDS have yielded some encouraging results but are characterized by many adverse effects in the predominantly elderly patient population. Targeted interventions aimed at reversing the bone marrow failure and increasing the peripheral blood counts would be advantageous in this cohort of patients. Studies have demonstrated over-activated signaling of myelo-suppressive cytokines such as TGF-β, TNF-α and Interferons in MDS hematopoietic stem cells. Targeting these signaling cascades could be potentially therapeutic in MDS. The p38 MAP kinase pathway, which is constitutively activated in MDS, is an example of cytokine stimulated kinase that promotes aberrant apoptosis of stem and progenitor cells in MDS. ARRY-614 and SCIO-469 are p38 MAPK inhibitors that have been used in clinical trials and have shown activity in a subset of MDS patients. TGF-β signaling has been therapeutically targeted by small molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor kinase, LY-2157299, with encouraging preclinical results. Apart from TGF-β receptor kinase inhibition, members of TGF-β super family and BMP ligands have also been targeted by ligand trap compounds like Sotatercept (ACE-011) and ACE-536. The multikinase inhibitor, ON-01910.Na (Rigosertib) has demonstrated early signs of efficacy in reducing the percentage of leukemic blasts and is in advanced stages of clinical testing. Temsirolimus, Deforolimus and other mTOR inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials and have shown preclinical efficacy in CMML. EGF receptor inhibitors, Erlotinib and Gefitinib have shown efficacy in small trials that may be related to off target effects. Cell cycle regulator inhibitors such as Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (Tipifarnib, Lonafarnib) and MEK inhibitor (GSK1120212) have shown acceptable toxicity profiles in small studies and efforts are underway to select mutational subgroups of MDS and AML that may benefit from these inhibitors. Altogether, these studies show that targeting various signal transduction pathways that regulate hematopoiesis offers promising therapeutic potential in this disease. Future studies in combination with high resolution correlative studies will clarify the subgroup specific efficacies of these agents.