bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endotoxins and inflammation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: El‐Koraie Ahmed F. , Naga Yasmine S. , Saaran Amina M. , Farahat Nahla G. , Hazzah Walaa A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLong‐term endotoxin challenge may promote frequent complications in dialysis patients, namely malnutrition, chronic inflammation, and atherosclerosis, which are recognized as the so‐called MIA syndrome. Circulating soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) levels may be used to determine the stage of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to assess endotoxin level in hemodialysis (HD) patients and its role in inducing inflammation. The study was conducted on 50 HD patients, chosen from four dialysis centers in Alexandria. Serum blood samples were collected for the determination of albumin and C‐reactive protein (CRP), and whole blood samples were used for the measurement of hemoglobin level. A heparinized whole blood sample was taken postdialysis for endotoxin assay by limulus amebocyte lysate test, and in addition to sVCAM‐1 was estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The mean endotoxin level was 76.30 pg/mL;80% exhibited values higher than 60 pg/mL. Half the studied patients had CRP values that exceeded the upper limit of the laboratory reference range (<6.0 mg/L). A statistically significant correlation was found between endotoxin and CRP levels (r = 0.47, P = 0.001). The mean pre‐HD level of VCAM was 1851.00 ng/mL, while the mean post‐HD level was 2829.00 ng/mL with statistically significant correlation (r = 0.354, P = 0.012) and it also correlated significantly with endotoxin as well as CRP levels. Endotoxemia may play an important role in the aggravation of endothelial dysfunction in HD patients as indicated by the post‐HD rise in sVCAM‐1.
Chymase inhibitor ameliorates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis on established non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in hamsters fed a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet
Authors: Masubuchi Shinsuke , Takai Shinji , Jin Denan , Tashiro Keitaro , Komeda Koji , Li Zhong‐Lian , Otsuki Yoshinori , Okamura Haruki , Hayashi Michihiro , Uchiyama Kazuhisa 
Published: December 2012

AimChymase plays a role in the augmentation of angiotensin II formation, which is involved in liver fibrosis. The therapeutic effects of a chymase inhibitor, TY‐51469, on established hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were investigated in a model of developed non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.MethodsHamsters were fed a normal diet or methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet for 12 weeks. Then, treatment with TY‐51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo was initiated, and the treatment was continued concurrently with the MCD diet for an additional 12 weeks.ResultsAt 12 weeks after initiating the MCD diet, marked hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were observed in MCD diet‐fed hamsters. Malondialdehyde and gene expression levels of collagen I, collagen III, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Rac‐1 in liver extracts were also increased in the MCD‐diet‐fed hamsters at 12 weeks. At 24 weeks, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were more prominent in the placebo‐treated hamsters that were fed the MCD‐diet for 24 weeks versus 12 weeks. Hamsters treated with TY‐51469 for 12 weeks after being on a 12‐week MCD diet had significant ameliorations in both hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, and there were no significant differences compared to normal diet‐fed hamsters. There were significant augmentations in angiotensin II and malondialdehyde, and gene expressions of collagen I, collagen III, α‐SMA and Rac‐1 in the placebo‐treated hamsters at 24 weeks; however, these levels were reduced to normal levels in the TY‐51469‐treated hamsters.ConclusionTY‐51469 not only prevented the progression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, but also ameliorated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
Interaction between chlorhexidine‐impregnated gutta‐percha points and several chlorine‐containing endodontic irrigating solutions
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele G. , Doğramacı E. J. , Steier L. , de Figueiredo J. A. P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate if the immersion of chlorhexidine‐impregnated gutta‐percha points in chlorine‐containing endodontic irrigants causes colour changes and precipitate formation.MethodologyEighty‐one size 25 chlorhexidine medicated (Activ Points, Roeko, Langenau, Germany) and 27 size 25 standard gutta‐percha points (Roeko) were immersed in microtubes, containing the following solutions: 0.5 and 5.25% NaOCl or Aquatine (Optident, Ilkley, UK). The samples were visually assessed, by two independent observers, at regular intervals over 3 weeks, to detect colour changes and precipitate formation. A score system was used to grade the precipitate intensity. To compare the number of days required for a precipitate to form mean and standard differences were calculated; the means between the groups were compared using a one‐way analysis of variance test. Mean intensity scores were calculated and compared between groups using Kruskal–Wallis procedure followed by the Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThe groups containing 5.25% NaOCl started to produce a visible precipitate after fourteen days (16.48 ± 0.98) for the Activ points; this process was first noticed with the standard gutta‐percha group on day 17 (18.33 ± 1.22 days), with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.002). When looking at the intensity scores from day 17 onwards, these two groups differed statistically, with a greater amount for the AP group (P < 0.001). No other test group presented with changes.ConclusionThe placement of impregnated gutta‐percha points, in 5.25% NaOCl for a 2‐week period, caused the formation of a precipitate in the experimental conditions of this study.
Concordance of Shape Risk Scale, a new pressure ulcer risk tool, with Braden Scale
Authors: Soppi Esa T. , Iivanainen Ansa K. , Korhonen Pasi A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe occurrence of pressure ulcers was examined in a cross‐sectional study in 23 health care facilities and in home care involving 548 patients. The screening of pressure ulcer risk was assessed simultaneously using the Braden Scale and the new Shape Risk Scale (SRS), and the results were compared. The overall prevalence of pressure ulcers in the study population was 15·5% (85/548). The Braden Scale was performed as described in the literature. The direct concordance of the Braden and SRS scales was 46%. In more than 90% of cases, the SRS classified patients as well as or better than the Braden Scale. The SRS allocates patients significantly different from the Braden Scale into the risk categories, especially the difference is significant between the low and medium‐risk categories. The greatest advantage of SRS to Braden Scale is that it correctly identifies patients with low risk of pressure ulcers. It is interesting that the two risk scores, taking into consideration the basically different pathophysiological factors, can still give rather similar results. The users considered that both scales are easy to use.
Introduction: Crisis, policy responses and widening inequalities in the EU
Authors: LESCHKE Janine , JEPSEN Maria 
Published: December 2012

Abstract.Introducing the contributions to this special issue of the International Labour Review, this article reviews the broad phases of the economic crisis in the EU since 2008 and highlights the critical role of social policy in mitigating its initial impact on Europeans. However, the crisis and governments' policy responses have also been widening labour market inequalities between different groups within countries, the authors argue, as illustrated by the disproportionate growth of youth employment and their specific focus on gender inequality. Cross‐national variations in the content and structure of stimulus and austerity countermeasures are also found to be exacerbating divergence between EU countries.
Financing social security in the EU: Business as usual?
Authors: WAGNER Norman 
Published: December 2012

Abstract.This article assesses how well welfare models with different financing mechanisms cope with a major financial crisis. It focuses on five EU countries, which represent different welfare models. It also analyses how the crisis and the associated stimulus or austerity measures changed financing, revealing a regressive impact. It demonstrates that, in the short‐ or medium‐term, contribution‐based social systems have more stable public finances during a recession than tax‐based systems. That said, the corporatist/continental welfare model seems most likely to remain stable in the long run, in so far as it focuses on keeping employment – the system's main source of revenue – stable.
La crisis y la política social: el papel de los convenios colectivos
Authors: GLASSNER Vera , KEUNE Maarten 
Published: December 2012

Resumen.Los autores analizan los convenios colectivos concluidos en la Unión Europea de 2008 a 2011 y su contribución a la política social (desempleo parcial, formación, moderación y flexibilización salarial y organización flexible del trabajo). En el sector público, el clima de déficit creciente y austeridad ha cerrado el espacio de la negociación colectiva; en el privado, esta ha logrado (inicialmente) compaginar las exigencias de la competitividad con la protección del empleo y de los salarios en países con sistemas de negociación múltiple y coordinada, los únicos aptos, según los autores, para defender objetivos de política social. Sin ellos, las perspectivas parecen poco halagüeñas.
Translation and validation of the Chinese‐Cantonese version of the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale in Hong Kong adolescent girls
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Ip Wan Yim , Choi Kai Chow , Shiu Tak Ying 
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectivesTo translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese‐Cantonese version of the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale.BackgroundAdolescent girls prefer engaging in self‐care activities for dysmenorrhoea. The Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale is a reliable and valid scale for measuring the self‐care behaviour of adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoea. However, it has not been validated in Hong Kong population.DesignA cross‐sectional design.MethodsIn phase one, the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale was translated into Chinese‐Cantonese and was reviewed by an expert panel for the semantic equivalence and content validity. In phase two, the Chinese‐Cantonese version of Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale was administered to 396 girls with dysmenorrhoea. The construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis and correlated with the Chinese version of the Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale. The reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and test–retest reliability.ResultsItem 13 related to school nurses was deleted because of its poor relevance to the Hong Kong situation. Four items (items 26–29) related to the medical‐orientated behaviours were considered by the expert panel as not relevant to the self‐care construct in Hong Kong population. Therefore, confirmatory factor analyses were carried out to 39‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale (deletion of item 13) and the 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale (with further deletion of items 26–29). Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the 39‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale, but the results showed the goodness of fit in the 35‐item of Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale (root‐mean‐square error of approximation = 0·075, standardised root‐mean‐square residual = 0·078, normed fit index = 0·95, non‐normed fit index = 0·96, comparative fit index = 0·96). Significant correlations with Chinese version of the Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale (r = 0·46, p < 0·01) were identified. The Cronbach's alpha of 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale was 0·94. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0·93.ConclusionThe 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale had satisfactory validity and reliability.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses may use the 35‐item Chinese‐Cantonese‐Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self‐Care Scale in assessing the self‐care behaviour of adolescent girls with dysmenorrhoea, so that girls with a low level of self‐care behaviour can be identified and appropriate intervention can be provided.
Silencing of GLUT‐1 inhibits sensitization of oral cancer cells to cisplatin during hypoxia
Authors: Shimanishi Makoto , Ogi Kazuhiro , Sogabe Yohei , Kaneko Takeshi , Dehari Hironari , Miyazaki Akihiro , Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundDuring tumor development, cells are exposed to a hypoxic microenvironment. Tumor hypoxia also has a profound influence on the sensitivity of cancer chemotherapy.The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of cisplatin (CDDP) resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells under hypoxia by analyzing gene expression profiles to identify key genes and factors involved.MethodsCell viability was measured following culture of the cells in the presence or absence of CDDP, under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, using a CCK‐8 assay. Analysis of the expression of HIF target genes in hypoxia‐treated cells was performed using an HIF‐regulated cDNA plate array. Changes in the mRNA expression of selected HIF target genes were analyzed using RT‐PCR, and changes in the protein levels of these genes were analyzed by Western blotting. Tumor cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.ResultsThe OSCC cell lines responded differently to CDDP under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The expression of glucose transporter protein‐1 (GLUT‐1) was up‐regulated in human squamous cell carcinoma of mouth (HSC‐2) cells under hypoxia. Furthermore, there was little correlation between the cisplatin sensitivity of human squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (SAS) in normoxia and hypoxia. After GLUT‐1 knockdown, CDDP treatment resulted in increased rates of apoptosis under hypoxia as compared with normoxia in cell lines HSC‐2, Ca9‐22, and SAS (P = 0.025).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that knockdown of GLUT‐1 inhibits sensitization of oral squamous cells to CDDP during hypoxia in HSC‐2, Ca9‐22, and SAS cells.
Facial expression recognition and emotional regulation in narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Bayard Sophie , Croisier Langenier Muriel , Dauvilliers Yves 
Published: December 2012

SummaryCataplexy is pathognomonic of narcolepsy with cataplexy, and defined by a transient loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions. Recent researches suggest abnormal amygdala function in narcolepsy with cataplexy. Emotion treatment and emotional regulation strategies are complex functions involving cortical and limbic structures, like the amygdala. As the amygdala has been shown to play a role in facial emotion recognition, we tested the hypothesis that patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy would have impaired recognition of facial emotional expressions compared with patients affected with central hypersomnia without cataplexy and healthy controls. We also aimed to determine whether cataplexy modulates emotional regulation strategies. Emotional intensity, arousal and valence ratings on Ekman faces displaying happiness, surprise, fear, anger, disgust, sadness and neutral expressions of 21 drug‐free patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy were compared with 23 drug‐free sex‐, age‐ and intellectual level‐matched adult patients with hypersomnia without cataplexy and 21 healthy controls. All participants underwent polysomnography recording and multiple sleep latency tests, and completed depression, anxiety and emotional regulation questionnaires. Performance of patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy did not differ from patients with hypersomnia without cataplexy or healthy controls on both intensity rating of each emotion on its prototypical label and mean ratings for valence and arousal. Moreover, patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy did not use different emotional regulation strategies. The level of depressive and anxious symptoms in narcolepsy with cataplexy did not differ from the other groups. Our results demonstrate that narcolepsy with cataplexy accurately perceives and discriminates facial emotions, and regulates emotions normally. The absence of alteration of perceived affective valence remains a major clinical interest in narcolepsy with cataplexy, and it supports the argument for optimal behaviour and social functioning in narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Low‐grade albuminuria in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Varlami Vasiliki , Malakasioti Georgia , Alexopoulos Emmanouel I. , Theologi Vasiliki , Theophanous Eleni , Liakos Nikolaos , Daskalopoulou Euphemia , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Kaditis Athanasios G. 
Published: December 2012

SummarySmall urinary protein loss (low‐grade albuminuria or microalbuminuria) may reflect altered permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. In the present study, it was hypothesized that children with obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of microalbuminuria compared with control subjects without sleep‐disordered breathing. Albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio was measured in morning spot urine specimens collected from consecutive children with or without snoring who were referred for polysomnography. Three groups were studied: (i) control subjects (no snoring, apnea–hypopnea index < 1 episode h−1; n = 31); (ii) mild obstructive sleep apnea (snoring, apnea–hypopnea index = 1–5 episodes h−1; n = 71); and (iii) moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (snoring, apnea–hypopnea index > 5 episodes∙h−1; n = 27). Indications for polysomnography in control subjects included nightmares, somnambulism and morning headaches. An albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio > median value in the control group (1.85 mg of albumin per g of creatinine) was defined as elevated. Logistic regression analysis revealed that children with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea, but not those with mild obstructive sleep apnea, had increased risk of elevated albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio relative to controls (reference) after adjustment for age, gender and presence of obesity: odds ratio 3.8 (95% confidence interval 1.1–12.6); P = 0.04 and 1.5 (0.6–3.7); P > 0.05, respectively. Oxygen desaturation of hemoglobin and respiratory arousal indices were significant predictors of albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (r = 0.31, P = 0.01; and r = 0.43, P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, children with moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea are at significantly higher risk of increased low‐grade excretion of albumin in the morning urine as compared with control subjects without obstructive sleep apnea. These findings may reflect altered permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier related to nocturnal hypoxemia and sympathetic activation which are induced by obstructive sleep apnea.
Lack of unique neuropathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with p.K54E angiogenin (ANG) mutation
Authors: Kirby J. , Highley J. R. , Cox L. , Goodall E. F. , Hewitt C. , Hartley J. A. , Hollinger H. C. , Fox M. , Ince P. G. , McDermott C. J. , Shaw P. J. 
Published: December 2012

AimsFive to 10% of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are familial, with the most common genetic causes being mutations in the C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS genes. Mutations in the angiogenin gene, ANG, have been identified in both familial and sporadic patients in several populations within Europe and North America. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of ANG mutations in a large cohort of 517 patients from Northern England and establish the neuropathology associated with these cases.MethodsThe single exon ANG gene was amplified, sequenced and analysed for mutations. Pathological examination of brain, spinal cord and skeletal muscle included conventional histology and immunohistochemistry.ResultsMutation screening identified a single sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis case with a p.K54E mutation, which is absent from 278 neurologically normal control samples. The clinical presentation was of limb onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, with rapid disease progression and no evidence of cognitive impairment. Neuropathological examination established the presence of characteristic ubiquitinated and TDP‐43‐positive neuronal and glial inclusions, but no abnormality in the distribution of angiogenin protein.DiscussionThere is only one previous report describing the neuropathology in a single case with a p.K17I ANG mutation which highlighted the presence of eosinophilic neuronal intranuclear inclusions in the hippocampus. The absence of this feature in the present case indicates that patients with ANG mutations do not always have pathological changes distinguishable from those of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Prescription Patterns of Pain Medicine Physicians
Authors: Benzon Honorio T. , Kendall Mark C. , Katz Jeffrey A. , Benzon Hubert A. , Malik Khalid , Cox Paul , Dean Kathryn , Avram Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesOur study surveyed physician members of 3 American pain societies to determine prescription patterns and whether these practices reflect current expert opinion.MethodsWe sent 3 mailings to 2938 physicians from January 2010 to January 2011. The questionnaire contained 49 questions on topics related to opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and preferences for the different pain syndromes.ResultsA total of 474 physicians responded, representing a 16% return. Seventy‐two percent ask patients to sign an opioid agreement, 59% order random urine drug testing, 13% wait until the dose of methadone is between 100 and 150 mg before converting the drug to another opioid, and 85% do not think there is a maximum dose of opioids with respect to driving. Most responders prescribe codeine to Caucasians and Asians. While 42% stated that the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 3000 mg, 75% would decrease the dose in patients who are moderate or heavy drinkers. Fifty‐four percent do not order an ECG at all when prescribing tricyclic antidepressants.ConclusionsThe responses pertaining to opioid agreements, urine drug testing, acetaminophen, and treatment for neuropathic pain are reassuring in that they prevent misuse and abuse of opioids, prevent acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity, and reflect evidence‐based treatments. However, we identified gaps in knowledge, including the prescription of codeine in certain populations and the use of electrocardiogram in patients on antidepressants. Further education of physicians who treat chronic pain pharmacologically is warranted.
Clinical effectiveness of early treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe late‐onset hemorrhagic cystitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients
Authors: Zama Daniele , Masetti Riccardo , Vendemini Francesca , Di Donato Ferruccio , Morelli Alessandra , Prete Arcangelo , Pession Andrea 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHC is a possible cause of morbidity and extended hospitalization after HSCT. Recent studies have reported the efficiency of HOT in adult patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT, but data in children are scarce. We report our single center experience with HOT in late‐onset HC after HSCT. Treatment with HOT consisted of daily sessions of breathing 100% O2 for a total of 75 min in the hyperbaric chamber with a minimum of eight sessions. HOT had been associated with a concomitant treatment with oral oxybutynin, hyperhydration and/or irrigation of the bladder through the catheter. Cidofovir had been administered based on the demonstration of viral infection. Between 2004 and 2011, 10 patients developed severe HC after a median of 26 days after HSCT. HOT was started after a median of six days since the clinical diagnosis of HC. After a median of 10 sessions of HOT, seven of 10 patients were in complete remission. HOT is a well‐tolerated procedure also in the pediatric setting. The early start of HOT might be effective in the treatment of HC offering advantages in terms of duration of symptoms and hospitalization.