bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toll-Like Receptor 2–Blocking Antibodies Promote Angiogenesis and Induce ERK1/2 and AKT Signaling via CXCR4 in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wagner Nana-Maria , Bierhansl Laura , Nöldge-Schomburg Gabriele , Vollmar Brigitte , Roesner Jan Patrick 
Published: May 2013

Objective—
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) inhibition by function blocking antibodies (ABs) is associated with enhanced preservation of endothelial cell function during vascular disease. In the present study, we investigated the capacity of TLR2-blocking ABs to modulate the angiogenic response of endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo.

Approach and Results—
Incubation of endothelial cells with mono- or polyclonal anti-TLR2 ABs resulted in increased tube formation, sprouting, and migration of endothelial cells compared with controls. In a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia, using TLR2-deficient or anti-TLR2 AB–treated wild-type mice resulted in increased new capillary formation and enhanced reperfusion. The effects of anti-TLR2 ABs were similar to those exerted by stromal cell–derived factor-1, and we show that anti-TLR2 ABs yet not TLR2 ligands lead to comparable activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase1/2 and AKT but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase as activation of the CXCR4 canonical signal transduction pathways by stromal cell–derived factor-1. Immunoprecipitation of TLR2 revealed that anti-TLR2 ABs initiate an association of TLR2 with CXCR4 and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. The proangiogenic properties of anti-TLR2 ABs were abolished by both G-protein inhibition and CXCR4 knockdown in endothelial cells.

Conclusions—
Our results provide evidence for a proangiogenic effect of TLR2-blocking ABs on endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. They identify a novel molecular mechanism linking TLR2 to angiogenic processes that is independent from the activation of inflammatory cascades and further support the concept of a beneficial effect of TLR2 inhibition for endothelial cell function in vascular disease.
Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, and Neuroimaging Findings of Neonatal Perforator Stroke
Authors: Ecury-Goossen Ginette M. , Raets Marlou M.A. , Lequin Maarten , Feijen-Roon Monique , Govaert Paul , Dudink Jeroen 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—
To date, studies on neonatal stroke have mainly focused on cortical stroke. We have focused on perforator strokes, noncortical strokes in the arterial vascular perforator area. We sought to identify risk factors and evaluate clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings for neonatal perforator stroke, which seems to be under-recognized.

Methods—
All infants admitted to our tertiary intensive care unit in ≈12 years, whose perforator stroke was diagnosed with postnatal brain imaging, were enrolled in this study. Demographic, perinatal, and postnatal data were evaluated.

Results—
Seventy-nine perforator strokes were detected in 55 patients (28 boys), with a median gestational age of 37 1/7 weeks (range 24 1/7 to 42 1/7 weeks, 25 preterm). Perforator stroke was asymptomatic in most patients (58%). Initial diagnosis was predominantly made with cranial ultrasound (80%) in the first week of life (60%). Risk factors for stroke were present in all cases: maternal, fetal, and perinatal. Likely pathogenic mechanisms were prolonged birth asphyxia (16%), hypoxia or hypotension (15%), embolism (15%), infection (15%), acute blood loss (9%), and birth trauma (9%).

Conclusions—
Previously described risk factors for developing neonatal main artery stroke are probably also associated with neonatal perforator stroke. Perforator stroke is often asymptomatic, but cranial ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic tool in diagnosing perforator stroke.
Stroke Patients Develop Antibodies That React With Components of
N
-Methyl-
d
-Aspartate Receptor Subunit 1 in Proportion to Lesion Size
Authors: Kalev-Zylinska Maggie L. , Symes Wymond , Little Kevin C.E. , Sun Peng , Wen Daying , Qiao Linzi , Young Deborah , During Matthew J. , Barber P. Alan 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

Antibodies against neuronal antigens develop in patients after stroke and some may serve as biomarkers of neuronal injury. We aimed to determine whether antibodies against subunit 1 (GluN1) of the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor also develop after stroke and if so, whether they correlate with stroke characteristics.

Methods—
Forty-eight patients with ischemic stroke and 96 healthy controls were tested for the presence of serum antibodies targeting GluN1. Testing was conducted using 20-kDa recombinant GluN1-S2 peptide (by ELISA and Western blotting) and on rat brain tissue (by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry). Clinical examinations and computed tomographic brain scans were performed to assess clinical state and infarct size and location.

Results—
Of the 48 patients with ischemic stroke, 21 (44%) had antibodies that reacted with the recombinant GluN1-S2. There was no evidence of antibody binding to intact GluN1 in brain tissue. Western blot appearances suggested reactivity with GluN1 degradation products. Patients with anti–GluN1-S2 antibodies were more likely to have higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, larger infarcts, and more frequent cortical involvement. Of the 96 controls, only 3 (3%), all aged >50 years, had antibodies that reacted with GluN1-S2 at low levels.

Conclusions—
Antibodies that bind recombinant GluN1-S2 peptides (but not the intact GluN1 protein) develop transiently in patients after stroke in proportion to infarct size, suggesting that these antibodies are raised secondarily to neuronal damage. The anti–GluN1-S2 antibodies may provide useful information about the presence and severity of cerebral infarction. This will require confirmation in larger studies.
Cathayan Arrows and Meteors: The Origins of Chinese Rocketry
Authors: Haw Stephen G. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Although it is now generally accepted that the rocket was invented in China, there is little agreement about exactly when this occurred. Various conflicting claims have been made, usually on the basis of dubious evidence. This article examines these claims and rejects all of them. It also discounts the hypothesis that the rocket developed from a kind of firework called a “fire-rat.” Instead, it suggests that the rocket very probably developed from Chinese fire-arrows, which carried charges of incendiary gunpowder. These became rocket-assisted arrows, fired from bows or, very often, arbalests. They achieved great ranges, of the order of two miles. They were used by the Mongols during their conquests in the mid-thirteenth century and may have formed part of the weaponry of the Chinese Song dynasty at an earlier period. The earliest reference to what were very probably true rockets, launched by their own propulsion, dates from 1272. It occurs in an account of events that took place during the siege of Xiangyang by Mongol forces. These rockets were used for signaling. There is no evidence that self-launching rockets were utilized as weapons in the mid-thirteenth century. Rockets as weapons are unlikely to have been developed any earlier than the late 1200s.
A War Within a War: The Road to the New Fourth Army Incident in January 1941
Authors: Lai Sherman Xiaogang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The New Fourth Army (N4A) Incident is the name given to the destruction by the Chinese Nationalist government of the headquarters of the N4A, one of the two legal armies under the command of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during the Sino-Japanese War, in southern Anhui province in January 1941, together with the killing of about nine thousand CCP soldiers. It was the largest and the last armed conflict between the Nationalists and the CCP during the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). This article argues that this tragedy came from Joseph Stalin’s paranoia toward the West and Mao’s resulting limited pre-emptive offensives against the Nationalist government, as well as their misreading of Chiang Kai-shek during 1939-1940.
Substance use in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia or related disorders and co-morbid obsessive–compulsive symptoms
Authors: Dekker Nienke , Swets Marije ,   GROUP Investigators*, Kahn René S , Cahn Wiepke , Linszen Don H , de Haan Lieuwe , van Os Jim , Krabbendam Lydia , Myin-Germeys Inez , Wiersma Durk , Bruggeman Richard 
Published: May 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) and substance use in patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder. Method: The data were derived from the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis study. Using the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, three groups of in- and outpatients with non-affective psychotic disorder (76.6% male, mean age 27.7 years, mean duration of illness 4.5 years) were distinguished: patients without OCS ( N = 777), patients with mild OCS ( N = 143) and patients with more severe OCS ( N = 85). These three groups were compared using various substance use variables, including quantitative substance use variables and severity of substance use [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) misuse disorders]. Results: We found no statistically significant differences in smoking and other substance use variables between the three patients groups according to the severity of OCS. Conclusions: Our large study sample and detailed comparison of substance use rates strongly adds to the evidence that schizophrenia patients with OCS do not differ in prevalence of substance use compared to patients without OCS. This suggests that in clinical practice, enquiring into (problematic) substance use is relevant in both schizophrenia patients with co-morbid OCS and patients without OCS.
Co-occurring mental disorder and intellectual disability in a large sample of Australian prisoners
Authors: Dias Shannon , Ware Robert S , Kinner Stuart A , Lennox Nicholas G 
Published: May 2013

Objective: Prisoners with intellectual disability who have a coexisting mental health issue often have unmet health needs and are more likely to reoffend than those with intellectual disability alone. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of co-occurring mental disorder among prisoners with intellectual disability and to explore the association between intellectual disability and mental disorder. Methods: Cross-sectional study of adult prisoners within 6 weeks of release from custody in seven prisons in Queensland, Australia between August 2008 and July 2010. Intellectual disability was assessed using a practical composite screening tool. Prisoners who scored <85 on the Hayes Ability Screening Index and reported either having attended a special school or having been diagnosed with intellectual disability were identified as having an intellectual disability. Mental health was assessed using self-reported psychiatric diagnoses, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), and the Mental Component Summary score of the Short-Form-36 health survey version 2. The association between intellectual disability and mental health was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Overall, 1279 prisoners completed the HASI: 316 (24%) scored below the recommended cut off for further diagnostic assessment of intellectual disability, 181 (14%) reported attending a special school, and 56 (4%) reported that they had been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. On our composite measure, 115 (9%) participants were identified as having an intellectual disability. Among prisoners with intellectual disability, the estimated lifetime and current prevalence of co-occurring mental disorders was 52.5% (95% CI 43.3–61.5) and 37.2% (95% CI 28.8–46.5), respectively. Of those with intellectual disability, 13.5% (95% CI 8.3–21.1) reported very high psychological distress, as measured by the K10. Prisoners with intellectual disability were significantly more likely than their non-disabled peers to report a current diagnosis of depression [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.2] or substance dependence (AOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6–8.4], after adjusting for potentially confounding variables. Prisoners with intellectual disability were also significantly more likely than their non-disabled peers to use antipsychotic medication (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.8). Conclusions: Prisoners with an intellectual disability were more likely than their non-disabled peers to have elevated rates of psychiatric comorbidity and unmet treatment needs. There is a need for enhanced collaboration between specialist intellectual disability psychiatric services and mainstream prison mental health services, to ensure coordinated service delivery for this dually disadvantaged group.
There are calls for a national screening programme for prostate cancer: what is the evidence to justify such a national screening programme?
Authors: Green A , Tait C , Aboumarzouk O , Somani BK , Cohen NP 
Published: May 2013

Introduction Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men and a major health issue worldwide. Screening for early disease has been available for many years, but there is still no national screening programme established in the United Kingdom. Objective To assess the latest evidence regarding prostate cancer screening and whether it meets the necessary requirements to be established as a national programme for all men. Methods Electronic databases and library catalogues were searched electronically and manual retrieval was performed. Only primary research results were used for the analysis. Results In recent years, several important randomised controlled trials have produced varied outcomes. In Europe the largest study thus far concluded that screening reduced prostate cancer mortality by 20%. On the contrary, a large American trial found no reduction in mortality after 7–10 years follow-up. Most studies comment on the adverse effects of screening – principally those of overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment. Discussion Further information about the natural history of prostate cancer and accuracy of screening is needed before a screening programme can be truly justified. In the interim, doctors and patients should discuss the risks, benefits and sequelae of taking part in voluntary screening for prostate cancer.
Monitoring and adverse events in relation to ACE inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker initiation in people with diabetes in general practice: a population database study
Authors: Mathieson L , Severn A , Guthrie B 
Published: May 2013

Background and aim To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) initiation in people with diabetes is monitored as recommended by recent guidelines and the incidence of associated adverse renal events. Design Retrospective population database analysis of 4056 people in Tayside, Scotland with type 2 diabetes prescribed an ACEI/ARB between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2009. Method Measurement of urea and electrolytes (U&Es) before and after ACEI/ARB initiation and renal adverse events; defined as a ≥30% rise in serum creatinine and post-initiation potassium of ≥5.6 mmol/L. Associations of adverse events with patient demographics or co-prescription of drugs with known renal effects were examined. Results Overall, 89% of initiations were with an ACE inhibitor. A total of 18.84% (CI 95% 18.82–18.86) of patients initiating ACE inhibitor or ARB had U&Es measured in the 90 days before initiation and within 5–14 days after initiation. Only 1.7% of patients had an adverse renal event. Patients prescribed with an ARB were less likely to be monitored than those prescribed with an ACE inhibitor, but no less likely to suffer harm. Conclusions Current clinical practice of biochemical monitoring of ACE inhibitor/ARB is poor, but adverse events are rare. Further studies with serial U&Es are needed to establish the critical time window for adverse renal events and evaluate whether intensive biochemical monitoring recommended is required in low-risk groups.
Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma: outcomes from the West of Scotland
Authors: Crane EOT , Ritchie D , Jane MJ , Mahendra A 
Published: May 2013

Background Osteoid osteoma is a classically described benign bone tumour. Traditionally, the surgical treatment of choice was excision, but this can have significant morbidity. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has grown in popularity as an alternative treatment. This study reports the outcomes using this technique in our regional bone tumour unit. Methods Between May 2003 and October 2007, 14 patients underwent CT-guided RFA. All patients were subsequently offered follow-up in the out-patient clinic. Outcomes were taken from the Scottish Bone Tumour Registry database. Results Eleven patients (78.6%) had complete resolution of symptoms after one RFA. Three (21.4%) cases were unsuccessful but one of these was due to technical failure. All three of the above patients had complete relief of symptoms after one further RFA. One (7.1%) patient initially had complete relief of symptoms, but suffered recurrence after 9 months. This patient also had a second curative treatment. Conclusion Percutaneous RFA for osteoid osteoma is an attractive treatment due to its efficacy and low morbidity. Our results showed a primary success rate of 78.6%, a secondary success rate of 100% (after one additional procedure). Our results add to the growing literature supporting RFA as the preferred treatment for osteoid osteoma.
Oral fluid testing as an alternative to urine testing for drugs of abuse in inpatient forensic settings: giving patients choice
Authors: MacCall CA , Ritchie G , Sood M 
Published: May 2013

Background and aims The abuse of illicit substances is very common amongst forensic psychiatry populations and is known to be one of the most potent risk factors for interpersonal violence. Forensic psychiatry units hence strive to keep themselves as free as possible from illicit substances and in Scotland drugs of abuse have traditionally been screened for by means of urine testing. The aim of this study is to examine patients’ preferences for drug testing methods and to compare the acceptability of urine testing versus oral fluid testing (OFT) within a secure hospital setting. Methods Patients in three continuing care wards at the State Hospital, Carstairs were offered the choice of either urine or oral fluid testing. We developed protocols and recording forms and trained staff in the administration of the OFT. We recorded the sampling time for OFT and urine, and the views of patients and staff on the testing procedures over a six month period. Results Sixty-two samples were taken, with 53 (85%) opting for OFT and nine (15%) opting for urine sampling. The average time taken for OFT was 13 minutes, while the average time taken for urine sampling was 33 minutes. The majority of patients and staff rated oral fluid and urine testing as comfortable and easy. Patients recorded comments on 46 (87%) of OFT samples, only two of which were negative. In general they preferred the OFT because it was quicker and easier and they commented on it being more dignified and private. Patients recorded comments on five (55%) of urine samples, with one of the primary reasons for opting for urine sampling appearing to be a reluctance to try new things, though a few said they did not want to have anything in their mouths. Staff returned comments on 24 (45%) of OFT samples and one (11%) of urine samples. Comments on the OFT were overwhelmingly positive and pointed out the relative speed and ease of this sampling method. Conclusions We concluded that the pilot study was successful. OFT was found to be generally preferred by patients and staff. Although there was an additional financial cost, this was considered to be outweighed by the significant benefits arising from offering patients choice, the preservation of patient dignity and staff time savings. The option of OFT has now been extended to all patients within the State Hospital. Practitioners will wish to consider the value of OFT in forensic psychiatry inpatient settings given the benefits identified within this study.
Evaluation of the utility of hospital databases to provide data in assessing the quality of strabismus surgery
Authors: Heng SJ , Low L , MacKinnon JR , Lavy T , Dutton GN 
Published: May 2013

Aims and background Rates of re-operation, which may be related to an unsatisfactory surgical outcome, can provide a long-term index of the quality of strabismus surgery. This study aims to evaluate the utility of the Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR1) in determining nature and rates of re-operation for strabismus at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC), Glasgow. Methods SMR1 data on strabismus surgery performed on children aged between 0 and 17 years at the RHSC, Glasgow, between January 2000 and March 2009 were analysed. Results In total, 1376 strabismus procedures were carried out on 1274 individuals. The median time between first and subsequent procedures was 19 months; the commonest reasons being under-correction or recurrence. The Kaplan–Meier rate of undergoing re-operation was 7.4% after 9 years with a 95% confidence interval of 5.4–9.9%. Conclusions The SMR1 is a useful source of hospital-based and population data. With supplementation from parallel databases, routine administrative databases like the SMR1 can provide better quality data to inform practice.
Cracking the code: the accuracy of coding shoulder procedures and the repercussions
Authors: Clement ND , Murray IR , Nie YX , McBirnie JM 
Published: May 2013

Background Coding of patients' diagnosis and surgical procedures is subject to error levels of up to 40% with consequences on distribution of resources and financial recompense. Our aim was to explore and address reasons behind coding errors of shoulder diagnosis and surgical procedures and to evaluate a potential solution. Methods A retrospective review of 100 patients who had undergone surgery was carried out. Coding errors were identified and the reasons explored. A coding proforma was designed to address these errors and was prospectively evaluated for 100 patients. The financial implications were also considered. Results Retrospective analysis revealed the correct primary diagnosis was assigned in 54 patients (54%) had an entirely correct diagnosis, and only 7 (7%) patients had a correct procedure code assigned. Coders identified indistinct clinical notes and poor clarity of procedure codes as reasons for errors. The proforma was significantly more likely to assign the correct diagnosis (odds ratio 18.2, p < 0.0001) and the correct procedure code (odds ratio 310.0, p < 0.0001). Using the proforma resulted in a £28,562 increase in revenue for the 100 patients evaluated relative to the income generated from the coding department. Conclusion High error levels for coding are due to misinterpretation of notes and ambiguity of procedure codes. This can be addressed by allowing surgeons to assign the diagnosis and procedure using a simplified list that is passed directly to coding.