bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological changes in eosinophils are reliable markers of the severity of an acute asthma exacerbation in children
Authors: Muniz‐Junqueira M. I. , Barbosa‐Marques S. M. , Junqueira L. F. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundEarly identification of the severity of asthma exacerbation would be helpful for the management of patients. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of morphological change in activated eosinophils and the severity of an asthma exacerbation.MethodsBlood was collected from 55 asthmatic children: 40 of whom were having an exacerbation, 15 symptom‐free, and 15 healthy controls. The percentage of eosinophils with morphological changes (emission of single or multiple pseudopods, presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles, releasing a small, moderate, or large quantity of granules, spreading, eosinophil death, and presence of cluster of free eosinophil granules) was quantified after the adherence to a slide and compared using the Mann–Whitney test. The correlation between the severity of the asthma exacerbation and the percentage changed eosinophils was tested with Spearman's correlation.ResultsThe proportion of activated eosinophils was higher in asthmatic symptom‐free children than in the control group, and acute asthma exacerbation produced an additional increase in eosinophil activation (P < 0.01). More significantly increased morphological changes were emissions of multiple pseudopods, presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles, spreading, and presence of a cluster of free eosinophil granules (P < 0.001). The following were correlated with the severity of an asthma exacerbation: ≥14% of eosinophils emitting single pseudopod, 8% emitting multiple pseudopods, 17% with vacuoles, 28% eosinophils releasing a large quantity of granules, and 66% of spread eosinophils.ConclusionsQuantifying the morphological changes in eosinophils is a feasible, easy, and reliable manner to identify the severity of an asthma exacerbation and therefore might improve the clinical management of asthmatic children.
Clinical dehydration and glomerular filtration rate in acute paediatric gastroenteritis
Authors: Milani Gregorio P , Fossali Emilio F , Perri Alessandra , Vettori Arianna , Grillo Paolo , Agostoni Carlo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate changes in glomerular filtration rate in acute gastroenteritis.MethodsThe correlation between two clinical diagnostic scales and glomerular filtration rate has been investigated in 113 children with acute gastroenteritis in a paediatric emergency setting.ResultsA significant reduction of GFR was found in 10% children less than, and 5% children higher than, 2 years of age with acute gastroenteritis.ConclusionThe differences observed as for risk of renal hypoperfusion suggests to consider the age of children as an important determinant to consider the dehydration status in acute gastroenteritis.
A maternal diet of fatty fish reduces body fat of offspring compared with a maternal diet of beef and a post‐weaning diet of fish improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in adult C57BL/6 male mice
Authors: Hussain A. , Nookaew I. , Khoomrung S. , Andersson L. , Larsson I. , Hulthén L. , Jansson N. , Jakubowicz R. , Nilsson S. , Sandberg A.‐S. , Nielsen J. , Holmäng A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation may affect the long‐term health of the offspring. Our aim was to study how a fish or meat diet perinatal and after weaning affects body composition, insulin sensitivity and the profile of n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in breast milk, fat depots, skeletal muscle and liver in male adult mice offspring.MethodsDuring gestation and lactation, C57BL/6 dams were fed a herring‐ or beef‐based diet. Half of the pups in each group changed diets after weaning. In offspring, body composition measured by DEXA, plasma lipid profile and insulin sensitivity measured by euglycemic clamp or QUICKI were monitored to adulthood. Analysis of total FAs by GC‐MS were performed in the diet, breast milk and in different tissues.ResultsAt 9 week of age, offspring of herring‐fed dams had less body fat than offspring of beef‐fed dams. Mice fed herring after weaning had increased insulin sensitivity at 15 week of age, reduced total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and compared with beef‐fed mice, larger interscapular brown adipose tissue depots. The FA composition of the maternal diet was mirrored in breast milk, and the herring diet significantly affected the FA profile of different tissues, leading to an increased content of n‐3 PUFAs.ConclusionA herring‐based maternal diet reduces body fat in the offspring, but the insulin sensitivity, plasma lipids and amount of brown adipose tissue are affected by the offspring's own diet; the herring diet is more beneficial than the beef diet.
Changing our view of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: A review of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery and a report on new approaches
Authors: Ichikawa Masao , Ono Shuichi , Mine Katsuya , Akira Shigeo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe recent emergence of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) has had a great impact on gynecology. As LESS grows in popularity, attention has been paid to the procedure's cosmetic benefits. Although in theory LESS is an ideal approach that leaves no visible scars and improves patients' quality of life, the outcomes are not always ideal according to recently published data. Therefore, alternative approaches, such as mini‐laparoscopy, are also becoming more popular. Herein, we review randomized trials studying the benefits of LESS in gynecology and discuss alternative approaches. Finally, we propose the mimic approach as the next generation for non‐visible scar surgery.
Patient selection and pathological outcomes using currently available active surveillance criteria
Authors: El Hajj Albert , Ploussard Guillaume , de la Taille Alexandre , Allory Yves , Vordos Dimitri , Hoznek Andras , Abbou Claude Clément , Salomon Laurent 
Published: June 2013

Objectives
To establish the rate of higher risk criteria in various definitions of an active surveillance population.
Patients and Methods
Over a period of 10 years, 1161 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution.
Statistical analysis was performed comparing the rates of upgrading, extracapsular extension, seminal vesical involvment and unfavourable disease (Gleason score upgrading >6 and/or T3 disease) for six groups of patients eligible for the University of Toronto, Royal Marsden, John Hopkins, University of California San Francisco, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Prospective Randomized International Active Surveillance.
Results
Active surveillance protocols including patients with biopsy Gleason score 3+4 (Royal Marsden) had significantly higher rates of extracapsular extension (P = 0.009), upgrading to pathological Gleason >3+4 (P = 0.004) and unfavourable disease (P = 0.001) compared to the most stringent John Hopkins criteria.
Unfavourable disease was found in more than 40% of patients in all series with no significant difference between the Gleason 6 protocols.
Biochemical recurrence‐free survival at 5 and 10 years was 76.7% and 63.3% for the entire cohort.
Positive margins (P < 0.001), pT3 tumours (P = 0.006) and unfavourable disease (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of biochemical recurrence.
Conclusions
Active surveillance in patients with Gleason 3+4 presents a risk of missing unfavourable disease and should be limited to older patients with comorbidities.
The differences in inclusion criteria between Gleason 6 protocols did not have a significant impact on the pathological results.
Severity of hydronephrosis correlates with tumour invasiveness and urinary bladder recurrence of ureteric cancer
Authors: Luo Hao Lun , Kang Chih Hsiung , Chen Yen Ta , Chuang Yao Chi , Lee Wei Ching , Cheng Yuan Tso , Chiang Po Hui 
Published: June 2013

Objectives
To explore the prognostic role of hydronephrosis grade in patients with pure ureteric cancer.
Patients and Methods
The study included 162 patients with pure ureteric cancer who were treated between January 2005 and December 2010 at a single tertiary referral centre.
The association between hydronephrosis grade with pathological findings and oncological outcomes was assessed using multivariate Cox regression analysis.
Results
Hydronephrosis grade >2 was independently associated with non‐organ‐confined ureteric cancer (P = 0.003).
Hydronephrosis grade <2 was highly prevalent in organ‐confined disease.
Hydronephrosis grade >2 and bladder cancer history independently predict bladder cancer recurrence (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002, respectively)
Hydronephrosis of grade >2 was found to be associated with local and distant recurrence only in univariate analysis; non‐organ‐confined pathology independently predicted local and distant oncological failure (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively).
Conclusions
Hydronephrosis grade >2 is associated with non‐organ‐confined ureteric cancer and with bladder cancer recurrence.
Non‐organ‐confined pathology is still the most important predictor for local and distant oncological failure.
The additional ACh binding site at the α4(+)/α4(−) interface of the (α4β2)2α4 nicotinic ACh receptor contributes to desensitization
Authors: Benallegue N , Mazzaferro S , Alcaino C , Bermudez I 
Published: June 2013

Background and PurposeNicotinic ACh (α4β2)2α4 receptors are highly prone to desensitization by prolonged exposure to low concentrations of agonist. Here, we report on the sensitivity of the three agonist sites of the (α4β2)2α4 to desensitization induced by prolonged exposure to ACh. We present electrophysiological data that show that the agonist sites of the (α4β2)2α4 receptor have different sensitivity to desensitization and that full receptor occupation decreases sensitivity to desensitization.Experimental ApproachTwo‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology was used to study the desensitization of concatenated (α4β2)2α4 receptors expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes. Desensitization was assessed by measuring the degree of functional inhibition caused by prolonged exposure to ACh, as measured under equilibrium conditions. We used the single‐point mutation α4W182A to measure the contribution of individual agonist sites to desensitization.Key Results(α4β2)2α4 receptors are less sensitive to activation and desensitization by ACh than (α4β2)2β2 receptors. Incorporation of α4W182A into any of the agonist sites of concatenated (α4β2)2α4 receptors decreased sensitivity to activation and desensitization but the effects were more pronounced when the mutation was introduced into the α4(+)/α4(−) interface.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe findings suggest that the agonist sites in (α4β2)2α4 receptors are not functionally equivalent. The agonist site at the α4(+)/α4(−) interface defines the sensitivity of (α4β2)2α4 receptors to agonist‐induced activation and desensitization. Functional differences between (α4β2)2α4 and (α4β2)2β2 receptors might shape the physiological and behavioural responses to nicotinic ligands when the receptors are exposed to nicotinic ligands for prolonged periods of times.
Gene expression signature‐based prognostic risk score in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsushi , Yajima Naoki , Tsuchiya Naoto , Homma Jumpei , Sano Masakazu , Natsumeda Manabu , Takahashi Hitoshi , Fujii Yukihiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Yamanaka Ryuya 
Published: June 2013

The present study aimed to identify genes associated with patient survival to improve our understanding of the underlying biology of gliomas. We investigated whether the expression of genes selected using random survival forests models could be used to define glioma subgroups more objectively than standard pathology. The RNA from 32 non‐treated grade 4 gliomas were analyzed using the GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Expression array (which contains approximately 47 000 genes). Twenty‐five genes whose expressions were strongly and consistently related to patient survival were identified. The prognosis prediction score of these genes was most significant among several variables and survival analyses. The prognosis prediction score of three genes and age classifiers also revealed a strong prognostic value among grade 4 gliomas. These results were validated in an independent samples set (n = 488). Our method was effective for objectively classifying grade 4 gliomas and was a more accurate prognosis predictor than histological grading.
A comparison of cardiovascular risk indices in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome with and without coexisting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Dawson Alison J. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Smithson Jacqueline A. J. , Vince Rebecca V. , Coady Anne‐Marie , Ajjan Ramzi , Kilpatrick Eric S. , Atkin Stephen L. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an adverse cardiovascular risk profile and an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is also associated with an adverse cardiovascular risk profile.ObjectiveTo compare the cardiovascular risk profile of women with PCOS alone and women with PCOS and NAFLD.Design, Setting and ParticipantsTwenty‐five oligoanovulatory women with PCOS were screened for NAFLD (including liver biopsy if appropriate) and had their cardiovascular risk factors measured which included the inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (CRP), endothelial function {measured using endoPAT 2000 and serum markers [intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), E‐selectin and P‐selectin]}, clot structure and function [maximum absorbance (MA) and lysis potential (LT)].ResultsTwelve patients had confirmed PCOS without evidence of NAFLD, and 13 patients had confirmed PCOS with evidence of NAFLD. The PCOS and NAFLD group were heavier (BMI 43·9 ± 2·2 kg/m2) compared with the PCOS alone group (BMI 37·6 ± 1·4 kg/m2 P = 0·03). There was no difference in CRP (7·57 ± 0·95 vs 6·59 ± 1·87 mm P = 0·62) or endothelial function (RH‐PAT 1·96 ± 0·1 vs 1·74 ± 0·16 P = 0·25), ICAM‐1 (221 ± 48 vs 250 ± 60 ng/ml P = 0·19), VCAM‐1 (2124 ± 78 vs 2314 ± 91 ng/ml P = 0·13), E‐selectin (33·9 ± 3·3 vs 39·5 ± 15·5 ng/ml P = 0·31) and P‐selectin (101·0 ± 6·6 vs 95·9 ± 10·2 ng/ml P = 0·69). There was no difference in clot formation or lysis.ConclusionThe patients with PCOS and NAFLD were heavier compared with patients with PCOS alone. Despite this, we were unable to demonstrate differences in inflammatory markers, endothelial function or clot structure and function, suggesting that severity of steatosis is not the most important determinant of cardiovascular risk in PCOS.
The heritability of circulating testosterone, oestradiol, oestrone and sex hormone binding globulin concentrations in men: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Travison T. G. , Zhuang W. V. , Lunetta K. L. , Karasik D. , Bhasin S. , Kiel D. P. , Coviello A. D. , Murabito J. M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryObjectiveCirculating testosterone, oestradiol and oestrone concentrations vary considerably between men. Although a substantial proportion of this variation may be attributed to morbidity and behavioural factors, these cannot account for its entirety, suggesting genetic inheritance as a potential additional determinant. The analysis described here was intended to estimate the heritability of male circulating total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), along with the genetic correlation between these factors.DesignCross‐sectional, observational analysis of data from male members of the Offspring and Generation 3 cohorts of the Framingham Heart Study. Data were collected in the years 1998–2005.ParticipantsA total of 3367 community‐dwelling men contributed to the analysis, including 1066 father/son and 1284 brother pairs among other family relationships.MeasurementsLevels of serum sex steroids (TT, E1 and E2) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, SHBG by immunofluorometric assay and cFT by mass action equation. Heritability was obtained using variance components analysis with adjustment for covariates including age, diabetes mellitus, body mass index and smoking status.ResultsAge‐adjusted heritability estimates were 0·19, 0·40, 0·40, 0·30 and 0·41 for cFT, TT, E1, E2 and SHBG, respectively. Adjustment for covariates did not substantially attenuate these estimates; SHBG‐adjusted TT results were similar to those obtained for cFT. Genetic correlation coefficients (ρG) indicated substantial genetic association between TT and cFT (ρG = 0·68), between TT and SHBG (pG = 0·87), between E1 and E2 (ρG = 0·46) and between TT and E2 (ρG = 0·48).ConclusionCirculating testosterone, oestradiol and oestrone concentrations exhibit substantial heritability in adult men. Significant genetic association between testosterone and oestrogen levels suggests shared genetic pathways.
Metabolic syndrome is strictly associated with parental obesity beginning from childhood
Authors: Monzani Alice , Rapa Anna , Fuiano Nicola , Diddi Giuliana , Prodam Flavia , Bellone Simonetta , Bona Gianni 
Published: June 2013

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to identify potential correlates or risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a cohort of schoolchildren. We quantified the prevalence of MetS, analysed the clustering of MetS components and described the distribution of metabolic parameters not included in MetS definition.DesignPopulation‐based, cross‐sectional study.Patients and measurementsA total of 489 children (6·7–13 years) representing the 92·6% of the whole school population between the 1st year of primary school and the 2nd year of junior high school living in a centre of southern Italy. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), laboratory parameters (indexes of glucose metabolism, lipid profile and uric acid), anamnestic and parental information, lifestyle and dietary habits were collected. Dietary habits data were available only for 353 children.ResultsMetS prevalence was 9·8%. Of 48 children with MetS, 38 (79·2%) were simultaneously positive for abdominal obesity and elevated BP. In children with MetS, the prevalence of insulin resistance, high insulin, high non‐HDL(high‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol and high uric acid was higher than in children without MetS. In 6·7–10‐year‐old children, only the presence of parental history of obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 4·3, 95% CI = 1·8–10·2] was higher in those with MetS than in those without. In 10·1–13‐year‐old children, the presence of parental history of obesity, the habits of no walking/cycling to school, long screen time and no breakfast consumption were higher in children with MetS than in those without, but only parental history of obesity (adjusted OR = 3·8, 95% CI = 1·7–8·4) remained significantly related to MetS in multivariate logistic regression.ConclusionsParental obesity was strictly associated with MetS in all children and should be considered in clinical practice. In older children, wrong lifestyle and dietary habits were related to parental obesity.
A systematic review on the critical size defect model
Authors: Vajgel André , Mardas Nikos , Farias Bruna Carvalho , Petrie Aviva , Cimões Renata , Donos Nikolaos 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo systematically review the literature data regarding the critical size defect (CSD) in adult rat calvaria and to determine which defect dimensions could be considered as being critical size.Material and methodsA literature search was conducted at Ovid Medline and Embase up to July 2012. Studies presenting with at least one of the primary outcomes of interest (number of defects with complete closure and the percentage of new bone formation (%NBF) in rat calvaria) were included. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate.ResultsFrom 1461 citations, 257 full‐text papers were screened and 61 papers were included in the analysis. Fourteen of 937 evaluated defects presented complete closure. Only 7 and 6 untreated sites in 5.0‐ and 6.0‐mm‐diameter defects, respectively, showed complete closure. A great variability among the preclinical models was seen, and the meta‐analysis result showed a high heterogeneity regarding the mean %NBF. The mean %NBFaccording to the defect dimension was as follows: 18.29% and 21.44% for 5.0 mm central single defects at 1 and 3 months, respectively; 17.55%, 20.24% and 22.65% for 5.0 mm bilateral defects; 9.81%, 12.56% and 7.96% for 8.0 mm single defect; 11.18%, 9.48% and 26.24% for 9.0 mm single defects at 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively.ConclusionCalvarial defects with a diameter of 5.0 mm could be considered as aCSD. However, there is a necessity for further standardization of the rat calvaria model to enable more accurate comparison among future studies.
Six‐Month Ischemic Mice Show Sensorimotor and Cognitive Deficits Associated with Brain Atrophy and Axonal Disorganization
Authors: Zanier Elisa R. , Pischiutta Francesca , Villa Pia , Paladini Alessandra , Montinaro Mery , Micotti Edoardo , Orrù Alessandro , Cervo Luigi , De Simoni Maria Grazia 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAimsTo identify long‐term sensorimotor and cognitive deficits and to evaluate structural alterations in brain ischemic mice.MethodsC57Bl/6J male mice were subjected to 30 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) or sham surgery. Sensorimotor deficits, exploratory behavior, and cognitive functions were evaluated up to 6 months. Cortical and subcortical damage were analyzed by MRI multiparameter analysis and histopathology.ResultstMCAo mice showed significant sensorimotor deficits in the rotarod, negative geotaxis, neuroscore, and beam walk tests. They also showed impairment in exploratory behavior in the open field test and in spatial learning in the Morris water maze. T2‐weighted MRI revealed a volume reduction in injured brain areas at 12 and 24 weeks postinjury. Brain atrophy was shown by MRI and conventional postmortem analysis. Diffusion tensor imaging on the external capsule showed increased values of axial and radial diffusivity. Fiber tracking revealed a reduction in the number and length of ipsilateral fibers.ConclusionstMCAo in mice induces sensorimotor and cognitive impairments detectable at least up to 6 months postinjury, associated with brain atrophy, and axonal and myelin damage of the external capsule. These behavioral tests and anatomical investigations may represent important tools in translational studies in cerebral ischemia.
License to Kill: Reforming Federal Wildlife Control to Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function
Authors: Bergstrom Bradley J. , Arias Lily C. , Davidson Ana D. , Ferguson Adam W. , Randa Lynda A. , Sheffield Steven R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractFor more than 100 years, the US government has conducted lethal control of native wildlife, to benefit livestock producers and to enhance game populations, especially in the western states. Since 2000, Wildlife Services (WS), an agency of the US Department of Agriculture, has killed 2 million native mammals, predominantly 20 species of carnivores, beavers, and several species of ground‐dwelling squirrels, but also many nontarget species. Many are important species in their native ecosystems (e.g., ecosystem engineers such as prairie dogs and beavers, and apex predators such as gray wolves). Reducing their populations, locally or globally, risks cascading negative consequences including impoverishment of biodiversity, loss of resilience to biotic invasions, destabilization of populations at lower trophic levels, and loss of many ecosystem services that benefit human society directly and indirectly. Lethal predator control is not effective at reducing depredation in the long term. Instead, we recommend that WS and its government partners involved in wildlife conflict management emphasize training livestock producers in methods of nonlethal control, with sparing use of lethal control by methods that are species‐specific, and cease all lethal control in federal wilderness areas and for the purpose of enhancing populations of common game species.