bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutral Solution Low in Glucose Degradation Products is Associated with Less Peritoneal Fibrosis and Vascular Sclerosis in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kawanishi Kunio , Honda Kazuho , Tsukada Misao , Oda Hideaki , Nitta Kosaku 
Published: November 2012

Background The effects of novel biocompatible peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions on human peritoneal membrane pathology have yet to be determined. Quantitative evaluation of human peritoneal biopsy specimens may reveal the effects of the new solutions on peritoneal membrane pathology. Methods Peritoneal specimens from 24 PD patients being treated with either acidic solution containing high-glucose degradation products [GDPs ( n = 12)] or neutral solution with low GDPs ( n = 12) were investigated at the end of PD. As controls, pre-PD peritoneal specimens, obtained from 13 patients at PD catheter insertion, were also investigated. The extent of peritoneal fibrosis, vascular sclerosis, and advanced glycation end-product (AGE) accumulation were evaluated by quantitative or semi- quantitative methods. The average densities of CD31-positive vessels and podoplanin-positive lymphatic vessels were also determined. Results Peritoneal membrane fibrosis, vascular sclerosis, and AGE accumulation were significantly suppressed in the neutral group compared with the acidic group. The neutral group also showed lower peritoneal equilibration test scores and preserved ultrafiltration volume. The density of blood capillaries, but not of lymphatic capillaries, was significantly increased in the neutral group compared with the acidic and pre-PD groups. Conclusions Neutral solutions with low GDPs are associated with less peritoneal membrane fibrosis and vascular sclerosis through suppression of AGE accumulation. However, contrary to expectation, blood capillary density was increased in the neutral group. The altered contents of the new PD solutions modified peritoneal membrane morphology and function in patients undergoing PD.
Perspectives of Patients, Families, and Health Care Professionals on Decision-Making about Dialysis Modality—the Good, the Bad, and the Misunderstandings!
Authors: Griva Konstadina , Li Zhi Hui , Lai Alden Yuanhong , Choong Meng Chan , Foo Marjorie Wai Yin 
Published: November 2012

Objectives This study explored the factors influencing decision-making about dialysis modality, integrating the perspectives of patients, their families, and health care professionals within an Asian population. The study further sought to understand the low penetration rate of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Singapore. Methods A sample of 59 participants comprising pre-dialysis patients, dialysis patients, caregivers, and health care professionals (HCPs) participated in semi-structured interviews to explore the decision-making process and their views about various dialysis modalities. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo9 (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia) to explore barriers to and facilitators of various dialysis modalities and decisional support needs. Results Fear of infection, daily commitment to PD, and misperceptions of PD emerged as barriers to PD. Side effects, distance to dialysis centers, and fear of needling and pain were barriers to hemodialysis (HD). The experiences of other patients, communicated informally or opportunistically, influenced the preferences and choices of patients and family members for a dialysis modality. Patients and families value input from HCPs and yet express strong needs to discuss subjective experiences of life on dialysis (PD or HD) with other patients before making a decision about dialysis modality. Conclusions Pre-dialysis education should expand its focus on the family as the unit of care and should provide opportunities for interaction with dialysis patients and for peer-led learning. Barriers to PD, especially misperceptions and misunderstandings, can be targeted to improve PD uptake.
Longterm Effects of Endothelin Receptor Antagonism on Microvascular Damage Evaluated by Nailfold Capillaroscopic Analysis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: CUTOLO MAURIZIO , ZAMPOGNA GIUSEPPE , VREMIS LAURA , SMITH VANESSA , PIZZORNI CARMEN , SULLI ALBERTO 
Published: November 2012

Objective.Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by microvascular injury, fibrosis, and hypoxia of involved tissues. The vasoactive peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) seems to be implicated in these events. Using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), we evaluated longterm effects of ET-1 antagonist treatment on nailfold microvascular damage in patients with SSc, over a 3-year followup period.Methods.Thirty patients with SSc (mean age 64 ± 5 yrs, mean disease duration 8 ± 1 yrs) were recruited during their programmed standard treatment protocols. At baseline (T0), 15 patients with SSc (mean age 63 ± 15 yrs, mean disease duration 7 ± 3 yrs), already receiving cyclic intravenous infusion of iloprost (5 continuous days, average 80 μg/day, every 3 mo), continued the treatment for a further 3 years (ILO group). The remaining 15 patients with SSc (mean age 68 ± 13 yrs, mean disease duration 8 ± 4 yrs), although they continued the same cyclic intravenous iloprost treatment as the previous group, also received bosentan 125 mg twice a day for 3 years (ILO+BOS group). Qualitative analysis (scleroderma patterns) and semiquantitative scoring of the microvascular damage were performed by validated routine NVC methods.Results.During followup, a statistically significant increase of capillary number was observed in the ILO+BOS group (p < 0.02), with a significant and progressive increase of angiogenesis (p < 0.01). In contrast, the ILO group showed a statistically significant decrease of capillary number (p < 0.05). After 3 years the number of capillaries was significantly higher in the ILO+BOS group than in the ILO group (p < 0.05). The score for giant capillaries decreased significantly in both groups of patients with SSc (p < 0.05).Conclusion.In this open study, longterm treatment with ET-1 receptor antagonist in combination with iloprost was found to interfere with progression of nailfold microvascular damage in patients with SSc, as assessed by NVC over a 3-year followup period.
Safety and Efficacy of Infliximab and Adalimumab for Refractory Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: 1-year Followup Data from the Italian Registry
Authors: ZANNIN MARIA E. , BIROLO CAROLINA , GERLONI VALERIA M. , MISEROCCHI ELISABETTA , PONTIKAKI IRENE , PAROLI MARIA P. , BRACAGLIA CLAUDIA , SHARDLOW ALISON , PARENTIN FULVIO , CIMAZ ROLANDO , SIMONINI GABRIELE , FALCINI FERNANDA , CORONA FABRIZIA , VIOLA STEFANIA , DE MARCO RICCARDO , BREDA LUCIANA , LA TORRE FRANCESCO , VITTADELLO FABIO , MARTINI GIORGIA , ZULIAN FRANCESCO 
Published: November 2012

Objective.To evaluate safety and efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related anterior uveitis (JIA-AU).Methods.Starting January 2007, patients with JIA-AU treated with IFX and ADA were managed by a standard protocol and data were entered into the National Italian Registry (NIR). At baseline, all patients were refractory to standard immunosuppressive treatment and/or were corticosteroid-dependent. Data recorded every 3 months included uveitis course, number/type of ocular complications, drug-related adverse events (AE), treatment change or withdrawal, and laboratory measures. Data of patients treated for at least 1 year were retrieved from the NIR and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Treatment efficacy was based on change in uveitis course and in number of ocular complications.Results.Up to December 2009, data for 108 patients with JIA-AU treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents were recorded in the NIR and data from 91, with at least 12 months’ followup, were included in the study. Forty-eight patients were treated with IFX, 43 with ADA. Forty-seven patients (55.3%) achieved remission of AU, 28 (32.9%) had recurrent AU, and 10 (11.8%) maintained a chronic course. A higher remission rate was observed with ADA (67.4% vs 42.8% with IFX; p = 0.025). Ocular complications decreased from 0.47 to 0.32 per subject. Five patients experienced resolution of structural complications. No patient reported serious AE; 8 (8.8%) experienced 11 minor AE (9 with IFX, 2 with ADA).Conclusion.IFX and ADA appear to be effective and safe for treatment of refractory JIA-related uveitis, with a better performance of ADA in the medium-term period.
Fascin-expressing Dendritic Cells Dominate in Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
Authors: GENDEK-KUBIAK HANNA , GENDEK EWA G. 
Published: November 2012

Objective.Dendritic cells (DC) have been reported among inflammatory infiltrating cells in muscle tissue in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), but to our knowledge no studies concerning the expression of langerin (CD207) or fascin (markers of immature and mature DC, respectively) in IIM have been published.Methods.Immunohistochemical analyses of langerin and fascin expression were performed on specimens from normal muscles, as well as those affected by polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). The results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test.Results.In PM and DM, fascin-positive cells were numerous in the majority of the studied samples in perimysial, endomysial, and perivascular cellular infiltrates. Sporadic langerin-positive cells were detected.Conclusion.Fascin-positive DC predominance in inflammatory infiltrates in myositic muscles confirms the prevalence of mature forms and indicates that there are conditions stimulating DC maturation in both PM and DM. The induction of immunological tolerance by inhibiting DC maturation may be a promising direction for studies of myositis treatment.
Methotrexate and Injectable Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor Adherence and Persistence in Children with Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: RINGOLD SARAH , GRANT SHANNON , GIRDISH CHARMAINE , WALLACE CAROL A. , SULLIVAN SEAN D. 
Published: November 2012

Objective.To measure adherence and persistence with methotrexate (MTX) and injectable tumor necrosis factor-α (iTNF-α) inhibitors (etanercept, adalimumab) among children prescribed these medications by a rheumatologist.Methods.Data were obtained from a US pharmacy benefits management firm. Children were included if they were < 18 years of age, had ≥ 1 prescription claim between January 2009 and December 2010 for MTX or an iTNF-α inhibitor that was prescribed by an adult or pediatric rheumatologist. The medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated for each medication, with MPR ≥ 80% indicating good adherence. MPR were compared by route of administration, age, and by new users versus continuing users. Persistence was measured for new users of each medication from initiation until discontinuation, or for a maximum of 1 year.Results.A total of 1964 children were included. The majority of children had MPR < 80%. Children taking subcutaneous MTX had the lowest mean MPR [46.9%; median 44.9%; interquartile range (IQR) 23%–69.6%] and the lowest persistence, with 26% of children continuing the medication at 1 year. Mean MPR was highest for iTNF-α (65.7%; median 70.1%; IQR 46%–89.3%), as was persistence, with 52% of children continuing the medication at 1 year. Children age < 13 years tended to have higher MPR, but this was statistically significant only for oral MTX (61.1% vs 54.9% in children age ≥ 13 yrs; p = 0.02).Conclusion.Adherence and persistence in this cohort varied by medication and route of administration. Both outcomes are important considerations for physicians prescribing these medications in routine clinical care and for the assessment of treatment effectiveness in the research setting.
Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation Surgery According to Lich-Gregoir
Authors: Corona Andrea , Serra Simona , De Lisa Antonello 
Published: November 2012

Introduction Terminal ureteral stenosis can occur as a consequence of gynecological diseases or surgical treatment of simple or radical hysterectomy and pelvic endometriosis. Materials and Methods We evaluated 5 patients aged between 30 and 52 years, who underwent ureterocystoneostomy for ureteral stenosis due to several factors: 2 cases of pelvic endometriosis; 2 cases of surgery treatment of pelvic endometriosis, and 1 case of simple hysterectomy. Patients were placed supine in Trendelemburg position of about 30°. After pneumoperitoneum induction, the following equipment was introduced through four different laparoscopic accesses: the optic tool into the umbilicus access, 5-mm operative accesses on the lesion side, and one of 10–11mm in the contralateral site. Once we incised the peritoneum and isolated the distal ureter until the stenotic tract, we proceeded with the dissection, performing a 2cm serum-muscle incision of the bladder, showing the mucosa after previous distension with 200mL of saline. A little operculum in the mucosa was created by a spatula. After applying a DJ ureteral catheter with the distal end introduced into the bladder, the direct ureteral-vesical anastomosis was made. The application of serum-detrusor sutures next to the ureter created the antireflux barrier. The peritoneum was closed. Results Surgery was performed by laparoscopy without conversion into open surgery. Average performing time was 205min. Clinical stay was 5 days and DJ ureteral catheter was removed after 3 weeks following cystography and absence of spillage around the bladder. The ultrasound controls performed after three and six months did not show any complication. Conclusions Laparoscopy is a valid alternative to open surgery, also yielding better esthetic results, particularly in cases where the classical approach is difficult to perform, as for example in obese patients.
Biocompatibility Evaluation of Ionic‐ and Photo‐Crosslinked Methacrylated Gellan Gum Hydrogels: In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Silva‐Correia Joana , Zavan Barbara , Vindigni Vincenzo , Silva Tiago H. , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Abatangelo Giovanni , Reis Rui L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this study, the stability and biocompatibility of methacrylated gellan gum hydrogels, obtained either by ionic‐ (iGG‐MA) or photo‐crosslinking (phGG‐MA), were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Size exclusion chromatography analysis of the methacrylated gellan gum (GG‐MA) powder revealed that molecular weight is lower as compared to the non‐modified material, i.e., low acyl gellan gum. The water uptake and swelling of iGG‐MA and phGG‐MA hydrogels were investigated in phosphate‐buffered saline solution (pH 7.4). The biocompatibility of the hydrogels was firstly evaluated by producing cell‐laden hydrogels. The in vitro cells encapsulation study showed that lung fibroblast cells (L929 cells) and human intervertebral disc (hIVD) cells are viable when cultured within both hydrogels, up to 21 days of culturing. The iGG‐MA and phGG‐MA hydrogels were also subcutaneously implanted in Lewis rats for 10 and 18 days. Tissue response to the hydrogels implantation was determined by histological analysis (haematoxylin‐eosin staining). A thin fibrous capsule was observed around the implanted hydrogels. No necrosis, calcification, and acute inflammatory reaction were observed. The results presented in this study demonstrate that iGG‐MA and phGG‐MA hydrogels are stable in vitro and in vivo, support L929 and hIVD cells’ encapsulation and viability, and were found to be well‐tolerated and non‐toxic in vivo.
Nutritional composition of actual and potential insect prey for the Kasekela chimpanzees of Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Authors: O'Malley Robert C. , Power Michael L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHumans, all great ape species, and some lesser apes consume insects. Insects can provide comparable nutritional yields to meat on a gram‐for‐gram basis and may serve as an important source of energy, fat, protein, minerals, and vitamins for hominoids. Although potential insect prey are abundant in ape habitats, patterns of insectivory are not consistent across species or populations. Efforts to understand these patterns are complicated by a lack of nutritional data. We collected samples of insects consumed by the Kasekela chimpanzee community of Gombe National Park, Tanzania, as well as of some insects found within the community range and ignored by these chimpanzees but known to be preyed upon byPanelsewhere. We determined the gross energy (GE), estimated metabolizable energy (ME), fat, protein, fiber, and ash content of these samples following standard methodologies. We use these data to test the hypothesis that Kasekela chimpanzees choose insect prey (at least in part) based on energy and/or macronutrient content. On a fresh‐weight, per‐gram basis, the insect prey consumed by Kasekela chimpanzees had significantly higher fat and lower ash content than other assayed insects, and on a fresh‐weight, per‐foraging‐unit (“per‐insect,” “per‐dip,” or “per‐nest”) basis were significantly higher in GE, fat, and protein. On a per‐gram basis, the assayed insects were generally comparable in energy and macronutrients to wild vertebrate meat. We conclude that Kasekela chimpanzees do favor insects that are high in energy, fat, and protein, and that the potential macronutrient yields from some forms of insectivory are not trivial. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation
Authors: Thomas G P , Dudding T C , Rahbour G , Nicholls R J , Vaizey C J 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
For over 10 years sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been used for patients with constipation resistant to conservative treatment. A review of the literature is presented.

Methods
PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies demonstrating the use of SNS for the treatment of constipation.

Results
Thirteen studies have been published describing the results of SNS for chronic constipation. Of these, three were in children and ten in adults. Test stimulation was successful in 42–100 per cent of patients. In those who proceeded to permanent SNS, up to 87 per cent showed an improvement in symptoms at a median follow-up of 28 months. The success of stimulation varied depending on the outcome measure being used. Symptom improvement correlated with improvement in quality of life and patient satisfaction scores.

Conclusion
SNS appears to be an effective treatment for constipation, but this needs to be confirmed in larger prospective studies with longer follow-up. Improved outcome measures need to be adopted given the multiple symptoms that constipation may be associated with. Comparison with other established surgical therapies also needs consideration.
Multicentre European study of preoperative biliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Farges O , Regimbeau J M , Fuks D , Le Treut Y P , Cherqui D , Bachellier P , Mabrut J Y , Adham M , Pruvot F R , Gigot J F 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Indications for preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in the context of hepatectomy for hilar malignancies are still debated. The aim of this study was to investigate current European practice regarding biliary drainage before hepatectomy for Klatskin tumours.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent formal or extended right or left hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 1997 and 2008 at 11 European teaching hospitals, and for whom details of serum bilirubin levels at admission and at the time of surgery were available. PBD was performed at the physicians' discretion. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were morbidity and cause of death. The association of PBD and of preoperative serum bilirubin levels with postoperative mortality was assessed by logistic regression, in the entire population as well as separately in the right- and left-sided hepatectomy groups, and was adjusted for confounding factors.

Results
A total of 366 patients were enrolled; PBD was performed in 180 patients. The overall mortality rate was 10·7 per cent and was higher after right- than left-sided hepatectomy (14·7 versus 6·6 per cent; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3·16, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·50 to 6·65; P = 0·001). PBD did not affect overall postoperative mortality, but was associated with a decreased mortality rate after right hepatectomy (adjusted OR 0·29, 0·11 to 0·77; P = 0·013) and an increased mortality rate after left hepatectomy (adjusted OR 4·06, 1·01 to 16·30; P = 0·035). A preoperative serum bilirubin level greater than 50 µmol/l was also associated with increased mortality, but only after right hepatectomy (adjusted OR 7·02, 1·73 to 28·52; P = 0·002).

Conclusion
PBD does not affect overall mortality in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, but there may be a difference between patients undergoing right-sided versus left-sided hepatectomy.
Enhancement of Turbulent Flow Heat Transfer in a Tube with Modified Twisted Tapes
Authors: Lei Y. G. , Zhao C. H. , Song C. F. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNumerical simulations were performed to study the fluid flow and heat transfer in a tube with staggered twisted tapes with central holes. In the range of Reynolds numbers between 6000 and 28 000, the modified twisted tapes increased the Nusselt number by 76.2 ∼ 149.7 % and the friction factor by 380.2 ∼ 443.8 % compared to the smooth tube. Compared to the typical twisted tapes, the modified twisted tapes produced an acceleration flow through the triangle regions leading to the enhancement of heat transfer, and the holes in the modified tapes reduced the severe pressure loss. It was found that the modified twisted tapes decreased the friction factor by 8.0 ∼ 16.1 % and enhanced the heat transfer by 34.1 ∼ 46.8 % in comparison with the typical tapes. These results indicated that the performance ratio values of the tube with modified twisted tapes were higher than 1.0 in the range of Reynolds numbers studied. The computed performance ratios of the tube with modified twisted tapes were much higher than those of the tube with typical twisted tapes. This means that the integrated performance of the tube with staggered twisted tapes with central holes is superior to that of the tube with typical twisted tapes.
A Concise Domino Synthesis of Benzo‐1,4‐heterocycle Compounds via a Piancatelli/C–N Coupling/Michael Addition Process Promoted by La(OTf)3
Authors: Liu Jinqian , Shen Qiang , Yu Jianjun , Zhu Mengyun , Han Jianwei , Wang Limin 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA La(OTf)3‐catalyzed domino method has been developed to synthesize the cis‐1,4‐benzoxazine derivatives from 2‐furylcarbinols 1 and o‐aminophenol derivatives, by a Piancatelli/C–N coupling/Michael addition process. A wide array of substrates could be used to give the desired products in good yields. Since this method involves simple reaction conditions and short reaction times, and has a broad substrate scope, it is particularly attractive for the efficient development of libraries of biologically relevant 1,4‐benzoxazine derivatives. Furthermore, a similar strategy was also successfully applied to form 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline derivatives from 1 and N‐substituted o‐diaminobenzenes.