bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of hepatic stellate cells with diverse types of immune cells: Foe or friend?
Authors: Yi Hyon‐Seung , Jeong Won‐Il 
Published: July 2013

AbstractgraphicActivated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been considered as a major type of cells in liver fibrosis by producing a huge amount of extracellular matrix, especially collagen fibers, and profibrotic mediators such as transforming growth factor‐beta, interleukin‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1. Recently, accumulated evidence suggests that the liver is an immunologic organ because of enrichment of diverse types of immune cells and that their interactions with HSCs are closely related with the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of interaction between HSCs and immune cells remain largely unknown. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that natural killer cells, M2 macrophages, regulatory T cells, and bone marrow derived CD11b+Gr1+ immature cells ameliorate liver fibrosis, whereas neutrophils, M1 macrophages, CD8 T cells, natural killer T cells and interleukin‐17‐producing cells accelerate liver fibrosis. However, there are still controversial issues about their functions during liver fibrogenesis. In this review, we summarize the diversity roles of immune cells (e.g. profibrotic/antifibrotic or both) in regulating the activation of HSCs during hepatic fibrogenesis, in which several producible mediators by HSCs play important roles in the interaction with them. Moreover, the current cell‐based therapies using immune cells against liver fibrosis are discussed.
Sterile inflammation in the liver and pancreas
Authors: Hoque Rafaz , Farooq Ahmad , Mehal Wajahat Z 
Published: July 2013

AbstractgraphicThe ability of tissue injury to result in inflammation is a well‐recognized phenomenon and is central to a number of common liver and pancreatic diseases including alcoholic steatohepatitis and pancreatitis, as well as drug‐induced liver injury, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, and pancreatitis from other causes. The requirements of extracellular damage‐associated molecules and a cytosolic machinery labeled the inflammasome have been established in in vitro culture systems and in vivo disease models. This has provided a generic insight into the pathways involved, and the challenge now is to understand the specifics of these mechanisms in relation to the particular insults and organs involved. One reason for the excitement in this field is that a number of therapeutic candidates such a toll‐like receptor antagonists and interleukin‐1R antagonists are either approved or in clinical trials for other indications.
A pilot study of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cell transfusion in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Li Jin , Liu Honghong , Li Yuanyuan , Fu Junliang , Sun Ying , Xu Ruonan , Lin Hu , Wang Siyu , Lv Sa , Chen Liming , Zou Zhengsheng , Li Baosen , Shi Ming , Zhang Zheng , Wang Fu‐Sheng 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimgraphicUrsodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment is an effective medical therapy for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC); however, 40% of PBC patients show an incomplete response to the UDCA therapy. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC‐MSC) transfusion in PBC patients with an incomplete response to UDCA.MethodsWe conducted a single‐arm trial that included seven PBC patients with a suboptimal response to UDCA treatment. UC‐MSCs were first cultured, and then 0.5 × 106 cells/kg body weights were infused through a peripheral vein. UC‐MSCs were given three times at 4‐week intervals, and patients were followed up for 48 weeks. Primary outcomes were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of UC‐MSC treatment, and secondary outcomes were to evaluate liver functions and patient's quality of life.ResultsNo obvious side‐effects were found in the patients treated with UC‐MSCs. Symptoms such as fatigue and pruritus were obviously alleviated in most patients after UC‐MSC treatment. There was a significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase and γ‐glutamyltransferase levels at the end of the follow‐up period as compared with baseline. No significant changes were observed in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time activity, international normalized ratio, or immunoglobulin M levels. The Mayo risk score, a prognostic index, was also stable during the treatment and follow‐up period.ConclusionsUC‐MSC transfusion is feasible and well tolerated in patients with PBC who respond only partially to UDCA treatment, thus representing a novel therapeutic approach for patients in this subgroup. A larger, randomized controlled cohort study is warranted to confirm the clinical efficacy of UC‐MSC transfusion.
Alcoholic liver disease and pancreatitis: Global health problems being addressed by the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Authors: Warren Kenneth R , Murray Margaret M 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe review article summarizes the mission of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) with focus on the NIAAA's current and future research version for alcoholic liver disease and alcoholic pancreatitis.
Occurrence of red complex microorganisms and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in patients with diabetes
Authors: Castrillon Cesar A. , Hincapie Juan P. , Yepes Fanny L. , Roldan Natalia , Moreno Sandra M. , Contreras Adolfo , Botero Javier E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to analyze the occurrence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Tannerella forsythia (T. forsythia), Treponema denticola (T. denticola), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) in patients with diabetes.MethodsPeriodontal and diabetic parameters and subgingival biofilm samples were obtained from 60 patients with diabetes and 62 patients without diabetes. By using polymerase chain reaction, the prevalence of red complex microorganisms (P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and T. denticola) and A. actinomycetemcomitans were determined. Descriptive and non‐parametric statistical analyses between groups were performed (Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Fisher's exact test).ResultsPatients with diabetes presented significantly higher periodontal attachment loss levels compared to patients without diabetes. Red complex microorganisms were detected in lower frequencies in patients with diabetes. The detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans was higher in patients with diabetes and periodontitis compared to systemically‐healthy patients without periodontitis (P < 0.05). P. gingivalis was associated with periodontitis in non‐diabetic patients (P < 0.05), whereas A. actinomycetemcomitans was associated with periodontitis in diabetic patients (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that there might be differences in the subgingival microbiota between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. In addition, P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were associated with periodontitis in patients without diabetes and patients with diabetes, respectively.
Effectiveness of Artocarpus lakoocha extract, poloxamer 407, on Enterococcus faecalis in vitro
Authors: Teanpaisan Rawee , Ruangkiatkul Phattharanan , Thammasitboon Kewalin , Puripattanavong Jindaporn , Faroongsarng Damrongsak 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe antiviral activities of Artocarpus lakoocha (A. lakoocha) extract have been reported in a number of studies; however, data regarding its antibacterial capability are limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of A. lakoocha extract, poloxamer 407, on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis).MethodsThe effect of the antimicrobial activity of A. lakoocha extract and A. lakoocha extract, poloxamer 407, against E. faecalis was investigated. The antibacterial efficacy of A. lakoocha extract, poloxamer 407, against E. faecalis was compared to calcium hydroxide in a tooth model.ResultsThe minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of A. lakoocha extract against E. faecalis were 0.39 ± 0 mg/mL and 3.12 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively; the MBC of calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis was 31.25 ± 0 mg/mL. In the tooth model, the E. faecalis count in all groups significantly decreased as the depth into the dentin increased compared to the control. There were no significant differences between 4% A. lakoocha extract poloxamer and UltraCal XS at any time period (P > 0.05) with one exception: at a depth of 0.6 mm on day 5, UltraCal XS had a significantly greater colonization than 4% A. lakoocha extract poloxamer.ConclusionA. lakoocha extract, poloxamer 407, might be a useful alternative for antimicrobial medication in endodontic treatment. However, controlled clinical studies to evaluate its efficacy are needed.
Relationship between self‐esteem and living conditions among stroke survivors at home
Authors: Shida Junko , Sugawara Kyoko , Goto Junko , Sekito Yoshiko 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo clarify the relationship between self‐esteem of stroke survivors at home and their living conditions.MethodsStudy participants were stroke survivors who lived at home and commuted to one of two medical facilities in the Tohoku region of Japan. Stroke survivors were recruited for the present study when they came to the hospital for a routine visit. The researcher or research assistant explained the study objective and methods to the stroke survivor, and the questionnaire survey was conducted. Survey contents included the Japanese version of the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSE) and questions designed to assess living conditions. A total of 65 participants with complete RSE data were included in the analysis.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 70.9 years (± 11.1), with a mean RSE score of 32.12 (± 8.32). Only a minor decrease in participant self‐esteem was observed, even after having experienced a stroke. Factors associated with self‐esteem, including “independent bathing” (standardized partial regression coefficient, β = 0.405, P < 0.001), “being needed by family members” (β = 0.389, P < 0.001), “independent grooming” (β = 0.292, P = 0.009), and “sleep satisfaction” (β = 0.237, P = 0.017), were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The multiple correlation coefficient adjusted for the degrees of freedom was 0.738 (P < 0.001).ConclusionOur analysis revealed that the maintenance of activities of daily living, and the presence of a suitable environment that enhances physical function recovery and promotes activity and participation, are necessary to improve self‐esteem in stroke survivors living at home.
Women's Decision Making and Experience of Subsequent Pregnancy Following Stillbirth
Authors: Lee Louise , McKenzie‐McHarg Kirstie , Horsch Antje 
Published: July 2013

IntroductionThis study sought to increase understanding of women's thoughts and feelings about decision making and the experience of subsequent pregnancy following stillbirth (intrauterine death after 24 weeks’ gestation).MethodsEleven women were interviewed, 8 of whom were pregnant at the time of the interview. Modified grounded theory was used to guide the research methodology and to analyze the data.ResultsA model was developed to illustrate women's experiences of decision making in relation to subsequent pregnancy and of subsequent pregnancy itself.DiscussionThe results of the current study have significant implications for women who have experienced stillbirth and the health professionals who work with them. Based on the model, women may find it helpful to discuss their beliefs in relation to healing and health professionals to provide support with this in mind. Women and their partners may also benefit from explanations and support about the potentially conflicting emotions they may experience during this time.
Depolarization‐induced suppression of a glycinergic synapse in the superior olivary complex by endocannabinoids
Authors: Trattner Barbara , Berner Sarah , Grothe Benedikt , Kunz Lars 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe neuronal endocannabinoid system is known to depress synaptic inputs retrogradely in an activity‐dependent manner. This mechanism has been generally described for excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic synapses. Here, we report that neurones in the auditory brainstem of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) retrogradely regulate the strength of their inputs via the endocannabinoid system. By means of whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, we found that retrograde endocannabinoid signalling attenuates both glycinergic and glutamatergic post‐synaptic currents in the same types of neurones. Accordingly, we detected the cannabinoid receptor 1 in excitatory and inhibitory pre‐synapses as well as the endocannabinoid‐synthesising enzymes (diacylglycerol lipase α/β, DAGLα/β) post‐synaptically through immunohistochemical stainings. Our study was performed with animals aged 10–15 days, that is, in the time window around the onset of hearing. Therefore, we suggest that retrograde endocannabinoid signalling has a role in adapting inputs during the functionally important switch from spontaneously generated to sound‐related signals.
imageWe report retrograde endocannabinoid modulation of synaptic strength in auditory brainstem nuclei of the Mongolian gerbil. Utilising electrophysiological recordings and immunohistochemistry, we found endocannabinoid‐dependent suppression of excitatory and inhibitory glycinergic currents in the same neurone types. We propose that retrograde endocannabinoid signalling contributes to adapting inputs to sound environment in the time period around the onset of functional hearing.
The Triple Challenge of Recruiting Older Adults With Dementia and High Medical Acuity in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Kolanowski Ann , Mulhall Paula , Yevchak Andrea , Hill Nikki , Fick Donna 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeTo describe strategies, culled from experience, for responding to several recruitment challenges in an ongoing randomized clinical trial of delirium in persons with dementia.Organizing ConstructDelirium in people with dementia is common across all cultures. Little research supports the use of specific interventions for delirium. Recruitment of an adequate sample is critical to the validity of findings from intervention studies that form the foundation for evidence‐based practice.MethodsThe trial referenced in this article tests the efficacy of cognitive stimulation for resolving delirium in people with dementia. Participants are recruited at the time of admission to one of eight community‐based skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Eligible participants are 65 years of age or older and community dwelling, and have a diagnosis of dementia and delirium. Recruitment challenges and strategies were identified during weekly team meetings over a 2‐year period.FindingsRecruitment challenges include factors in the external and internal environment and the participants and their families. Strategies that address these challenges include early site evaluation and strong communication approaches with staff, participants, and families.ConclusionsThe recruitment of an adequate sample of acutely ill older adults with dementia in SNFs can pose a challenge to investigators and threaten the validity of findings. Recruitment strategies that help improve the validity of future studies are described.Clinical RelevanceWorldwide, over 100 million people will have dementia by 2050, placing them at increased risk for delirium. Recruitment strategies that improve the quality of nursing research and, by extension, the care and prevention of delirium in older adults with dementia during rehabilitation in SNFs are greatly needed.
Ovarian transposition before pelvic irradiation: Indications and functional outcome
Authors: Barahmeh Samer , Al masri Mahmoud , Badran Osama , Masarweh Ma'in , El‐Ghanem Mohammad , Jaradat Imad , Lataifeh Isam 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the indications and effectiveness of ovarian transposition before pelvic irradiation.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of patients with malignancies who underwent ovarian transposition before pelvic irradiation. The collected data included age of patient, type and stage of cancer, details of irradiation treatment, and clinical and biochemical parameters of ovarian function during the period of follow‐up.ResultsFourteen adult and four pediatric patients with different types of cancers underwent ovarian transposition during the study period. The common tumor types for the adult patients were cervical cancer (n = 4), rectal cancer (n = 4) and medulloblastoma (n = 3), and for pediatric patients was medulloblastoma (n = 2). The mean age for adult patients was 31 years (range, 21–40) and for pediatric patients was 7 years (range, 4–10). Of the adult patients, 10 had adjuvant chemotherapy and four had neoadjuvant chemotherapy added to their radiotherapy program. All pediatric patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Thirteen of 14 (92.85%) adult patients had normal serum level of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH; ≤12 IU/L) and E2 (>50 pg/mL). Only one patient had premature menopause. All pediatric patients demonstrated a normal serum level of FSH (<12) and E2 for their age at 3 and 6 months after completion of their treatment. The mean follow‐up was 42 months (range, 34–50).ConclusionOvarian transposition is an effective procedure for the preservation of ovarian function. Young patients with non‐hormone‐dependent pelvic tumors should be offered a laparoscopic ovarian transposition before the start of pelvic radiotherapy.
The effect of tongue position and resulting vertical dimension on masticatory muscle activity. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Valdés C. , Gutiérrez M. , Falace D. , Astaburuaga F. , Manns A. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to: (a) compare the tonic electromyographic (EMG) activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles between two tongue positions, (b) compare the vertical dimension (VD) resulting from each tongue position and (c) determine the influence of the VD on the tonic EMG activity for each tongue position. Thirty‐three healthy dental students with natural dentition and bilateral molar support, between the ages of 18 and 22 years, with no prior history of oro‐facial injury, or current or past pain in the jaw, mouth, or tongue participated in the study. Tonic masseteric and temporalis EMG activities were recorded using surface electrodes. Subjects were instructed to passively place the tongue either on the anterior hard palate or in the floor of the mouth. At each tongue position, the resulting EMG and VD were recorded. No significant difference in EMG activity was found for either the masseter (P‐value = 0·5376) or temporalis muscle (P‐value = 0·7410), between the two tongue positions. However, there was a significant difference in the VD resulting from the two different tongue positions, being greater with the tongue placed in the floor of the mouth. There was no statistically significant correlation between VD and EMG activity for both tongue positions. In spite of the lack of difference in the effect of both tongue positions on the masseteric and temporalis EMG activity, an increment of the VD was registered for the floor of mouth–tongue position. However, VD was not correlated with EMG activity for both tongue positions.
A functional natural dentition for all – and for life? The oral healthcare system needs revision
Authors: Fejerskov O. , Escobar G. , Jøssing M. , Baelum V. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe cost of dental care adds to the costs of the already overburdened health sector. Do we – as patients and as society –receive oral health care that is both aligned with the actual disease experience and also, critically based on up‐to‐date scientific knowledge about the major oral diseases? In many places, the practice of dentistry reflects a response to disease patterns that once existed and is based on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that are no longer valid. Instead, a new cadre of dental professionals is needed, one that is capable of meeting the actual health needs of our populations. This cadre should ensure that patients maintain a functioning dentition from cradle to grave based on cost‐effective disease control principles. There is an urgent need to: (i) reconsider the roles of the different oral health cadres involved in the provision of oral health care; (ii) integrate oral health into general healthcare services; and (iii) restructure the training of oral health personnel. We advocate a radical reform of the oral healthcare system involving the training of two new types of professionals integrated with the general healthcare system: The oral healthcare provider – a highly skilled professional specialised in the diagnosis and control of oral diseases and with a profound understanding of oral health as part of general health – and the oral clinical specialist – whose role is the provision of advanced oral rehabilitation, able also to treat people with complex chronic diseases and multiple medications.
Swallowing frequency in elderly people during daily life
Authors: Tanaka N. , Nohara K. , Kotani Y. , Matsumura M. , Sakai T. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryDisuse atrophy of swallowing‐related organs due to an excessive decrease in swallowing frequency is suspected to occur in patients with poor oral intake, especially elderly people. However, swallowing frequency in daily life has not previously been examined in the elderly. This study examined swallowing frequency in elderly people and compared these findings to those in a younger population and differences in the degree of activity in daily life. (i) We compared swallowing frequency in 20 elderly people (82·0 ± 8·3 year) and 15 healthy young people (26·5 ± 3·5 year). (ii) 20 elderly people were divided into two groups according to the degree of activity in daily life: a semi‐bedridden group and bedridden group; the swallowing frequency was compared between these groups. (i) The swallowing frequency in the elderly people was 2–19 times per hour and the mean was 9·4 ± 4·9, and that in the healthy young people was 16–76 times per hour and the mean was 40·7 ± 19·5. Swallowing frequency in elderly people was significantly lower than that in young healthy people (P < 0·0001). (ii) The swallowing frequency in bedridden group was 2–11 times per hour and the mean was 6·8 ± 3·3, and that in semi‐bedridden group was 3–19 times per hour and the mean was 11·9 ± 5·1. Swallowing frequency in bedridden group was significantly lower than that in semi‐bedridden group (P < 0·05). These results indicate that in daily life, elderly people tend to swallow less frequently than young people. In addition, swallowing frequency was lower in elderly subjects with a low degree of activity in daily life.