bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why is biologic therapy useful in spondyloarthritis? Knowledge from synovial immunopathologic studies of spondyloarthritis
Authors: Chou Chung‐Tei 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe pathogenesis of most rheumatic diseases remains unknown. It is believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a pivotal role in the development of synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and osteoarthritis (OA). In the last two decades, there have been many immunopathologic studies on RA, SpA and OA, and the findings revealed different types of arthritis may also present different pathologic patterns. These included higher vascularity and increased infiltration with CD163 macrophages and neutrophils, but relatively low values for lining cell (LL) hyperplasia in SpA synovium. However, the increased LL hyperplasia, as well as CD1a+ cells and the presence of intracellular citrullinated protein were more prominent in RA than in SpA synovitis. Anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti‐TNFα) therapy can significantly reduce synovial LL hyperplasia, vascularity and mononuclear cells infiltration in the majority of RA or SpA patients. This may explain why clinically, arthritis patients can get significant improvement after TNFα blocker treatment.
Lung ultrasound‐guided management of acute breathlessness during pregnancy
Authors: Zieleskiewicz L. , Lagier D. , Contargyris C. , Bourgoin A. , Gavage L. , Martin C. , Leone M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryLung ultrasonography is a standard tool in the intensive care unit and in emergency medicine, but has not been described in the particular setting of the labour ward. During pregnancy, acute respiratory failure and pulmonary oedema are not uncommon life‐threatening events. We present two case reports outlining the potential of lung ultrasonography in parturients. In case 1, lung ultrasonography allowed early diagnosis and treatment of acute dyspnoea in a parturient admitted for suspected asthma exacerbation. Lung ultrasonography revealed a ‘B‐pattern’ of vertical lines radiating into the lung tissue, indicating severe pulmonary oedema complicating previously undiagnosed pre‐eclampsia. In case 2, a pre‐eclamptic patient was managed with combined transthoracic echocardiography and lung ultrasonography. The accuracy of lung ultrasonography in detecting interstitial oedema at a pre‐clinical stage allowed adequate fluid resuscitation in this patient who had a high risk of alveolar pulmonary oedema. We believe that these cases strongly support the prospective validation of lung ultrasound for management of lung disorders in pregnant women.
Evaluation of point‐of‐care haemoglobin measuring devices: a comparison of Radical‐7™ pulse co‐oximetry, HemoCue® and laboratory haemoglobin measurements in obstetric patients*
Authors: Skelton V. A. , Wijayasinghe N. , Sharafudeen S. , Sange A. , Parry N. S. , Junghans C. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryWe prospectively compared two point‐of‐care haemoglobin concentration measuring devices with laboratory measurements to determine their accuracy in women undergoing caesarean section delivery. The two devices were the Masimo Rainbow SET® Radical ‐7™ pulse co‐oximeter and the HemoCue® HB 201+, which is a cuvette‐type system that uses photometry. Co‐oximeter readings and HemoCue measurements were taken before and after surgery, and compared with laboratory measurements of haemoglobin concentration taken at the same time. We analysed data from 137 patients using Bland–Altman plots. Limits of agreement for co‐oximeter readings were −4.20 to 2.02 g.dl−1 and for HemoCue were −1.49 to 1.48 g.dl−1. The bias (mean difference) for the co‐oximeter was −1.09 g.dl−1 (95% CI −1.28 to −0.91) and for the HemoCue was −0.001 g.dl−1 (95% CI −0.089 to 0.088). Overall, 110/274 (40%) co‐oximeter readings were within 1 g.dl−1 of laboratory values compared with 247/274 (90%) HemoCue measurements (p < 0.001 for difference). The co‐oximeter gave lower readings and was less accurate than the HemoCue system when compared with laboratory measurements.
Comparison of the single‐use Ambu® aScope™ 2 vs the conventional fibrescope for tracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilisation by a semirigid collar*
Authors: Krugel V. , Bathory I. , Frascarolo P. , Schoettker P. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryFibreoptic intubation remains a key technique for the management of difficult intubation. We randomly compared the second generation single‐use Ambu® aScope™ 2 videoscope with a standard re‐usable flexible intubating fibrescope in 50 tracheal intubations in patients with a difficult airway simulated by a semirigid collar. All patients’ tracheas were intubated successfully with the aScope 2 or the re‐usable fibrescope. The median (IQR [range]) time to intubate was significantly longer with the aScope 2 70 (55–97 [41?–226]) s vs 50 (40–59 [27–175]) s, p = 0.0003) due to an increased time to see the carina. Quality of vision was significantly lower with the aScope 2 (excellent 24 (48%) vs 49 (98%), p = 0.0001; good 22 (44%) vs 1 (2%), p = 0.0001; poor 4 (8%) vs 0, p = 0.12) but with no difference in the subjective ease to intubate (easy score of 31 (62%) vs 38 (76%), p = 0.19; intermediate 12 (24%) vs 7 (14%), p = 0.31; difficult 7 (14%) vs 5 (5%), p = 0.76). The longer times to intubate and the poorer scores for quality of vision do not support the use of the single‐use aScope 2 videoscope as an alternative to the re‐usable fibrescope.
Factors associated with maternal visitation and participation in skin‐to‐skin care in an all referral level IIIc NICU
Authors: Gonya Jenn , Nelin Leif D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo identify variables associated with maternal visitation and participation in skin‐to‐skin care (SSC) with their extremely premature (<27 weeks) neonate.MethodsIn an all referral level IIIc, 32 extremely premature neonates and their mothers were studied. Standardized instruments were the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU and the Parent–Staff Communication Rating Scale. Unstandardized Tools included a self‐report demographics sheet and a self‐report parent SSC log.ResultsUsing regression analysis, two factors were identified that were significantly associated with the amount of time that mothers visit and participate in SSC: the amount and type of stress that mothers experience and their perceived level of communication with medical staff.ConclusionFuture interventions for increasing SSC should involve education about the NICU environment and neonatal behaviour along with methods for enhancing communication between mothers and healthcare providers.
Resistance rates of metronidazole and other antibacterials in Helicobacter pylori from previously untreated patients in Norway
Authors: Larsen Astri L. , Ragnhildstveit Eivind , Moayeri Berouz , Eliassen Lisbeth , Melby Kjetil K. 
Published: October 2012

The aim of the study was to describe the antimicrobial resistance rate of Helicobacter pylori isolated from previously untreated patients in Norway, including the application of two different methods for the determination of metronidazole susceptibility. Altogether 102 isolates obtained in 2008 and 2009 from previously untreated patients suspected of H. pylori related disease, were examined applying a standardized European study protocol. The activity of amoxicillin, tetracycline, clarithromycin, metronidazole, rifabutin and levofloxacin was recorded after an incubation period of 72–96 h in a microaerobic atmosphere. Strains resistant to metronidazole were re‐examined for metronidazole resistance applying anaerobic conditions for the first 24 h. None of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin or tetracycline, whereas 5, 9% were resistant to clarithromycin and 22, 5% resistant to metronidazole tested conventionally. Applying local standards the metronidazole resistance rate fell to 7, 8%, highlighting the importance of the methodology applied for metronidazole susceptibility testing.
Dysregulation of toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 expression on monocytes and upregulation of the frequency of T cells expressing TLR2 in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Ronit Andreas , Salem Mohammad , Hartling Hans J. , Gaardbo Julie C. , Ullum Henrik , Gerstoft Jan , Nielsen Susanne D. 
Published: October 2012

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) initiate inflammatory responses that may play a role in disease progression in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). TLR2 and TLR4 surface expression were assessed on CD14+ monocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in treatment naïve patients with chronic HCV infection with fibrosis, without fibrosis, co‐infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and in healthy controls. Increased expression of TLR2 was found on monocytes in HCV‐infected patients with fibrosis (p < 0.01), co‐infected with HIV (p = 0.03), and possibly in patients without fibrosis (p = 0.07) when compared to controls. TLR2 positive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were upregulated in patients with fibrosis only (p < 0.01). However, expression of TLR2 was not associated with T cell activation. TLR4 expression was similar in patients and healthy controls. In conclusion, TLR2 expression on monocytes and the frequency of T cells expressing TLR2 may contribute to disease progression in chronic HCV infection.
Achievement goals in adult learners: Evidence from distance education
Authors: Remedios Richard , Richardson John T. E. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThere is evidence that learners may adopt different kinds of achievement goals: mastery approach, mastery avoidance, performance approach, and performance avoidance. In higher education, this evidence has mainly come from young people who have recently gone straight from secondary education to higher education. However, higher education is increasingly populated by older students, and it has been theorised that the relationship between goals and achievement might be very different for adult learners.AimsThe aim of the present study was to examine whether the relationships between achievement, drop‐out rate, and goal orientation observed for non‐adult populations are mirrored in adult learners.MethodThe Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AGQ) was administered to adult learners taking courses by distance learning.SampleRespondents were 195 men and 586 women between the ages of 19 and 87.ResultsThe results confirmed the reliability of the 2 × 2 version of the AGQ for this distinctive population. As in previous studies of younger students, mastery‐approach goals were unrelated to attainment, performance‐approach goals tended to facilitate attainment, and performance‐avoidance goals tended to impair attainment. In addition, mastery‐avoidance goals tended to impair students' attainment and also increased the likelihood that they would drop out of their course altogether.ConclusionThe achievement‐goal framework is as appropriate for understanding influences on attainment in adult learners as it is in younger students. Adult learners may be more sensitive to the deleterious effects of adopting mastery‐avoidance achievement goals.
N‐acyl amines of docosahexaenoic acid and other n–3 polyunsatured fatty acids – from fishy endocannabinoids to potential leads
Authors: Meijerink Jocelijn , Balvers Michiel , Witkamp Renger 
Published: October 2012

N–3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n–3 LC‐PUFAs), in particular α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3) are receiving much attention because of their presumed beneficial health effects. To explain these, a variety of mechanisms have been proposed, but their interactions with the endocannabinoid system have received relatively little attention so far. However, it has already been shown some time ago that consumption of n–3 LC‐PUFAs not only affects the synthesis of prototypic endocannabinoids like anandamide but also stimulates the formation of specific n–3 LC‐PUFA‐derived conjugates with ethanolamine, dopamine, serotonin or other amines. Some of these fatty amides show overlapping biological activities with those of typical endocannabinoids, whereas others possess distinct and sometimes largely unknown receptor affinities and other properties. The ethanolamine and dopamine conjugates of DHA have been the most investigated thus far. These mediators may provide promising new leads to the field of inflammatory and neurological disorders and for other pharmacological applications, including their use as carrier molecules for neurotransmitters to target the brain. Furthermore, combinations of n–3 LC‐PUFA‐derived fatty acid amides, their precursors and FAAH inhibitors offer possibilities to optimise their effects in health and disease.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue‐4 & http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8
Novel NMNAT1 mutations causing Leber congenital amaurosis identified
Authors: Kaur A 
Published: October 2012

NMNAT1 mutations cause Leber congenital amaurosisFalk et al. (2012)Nature Genetics 44: 1040–1045Mutations in NMNAT1 cause Leber congenital amaurosis and identify a new disease pathway for retinal degenerationKoenekoop et al. (2012)Nature Genetics 44: 1035–1039
The value of inflammation markers and body temperature in acute diverticulitis
Authors: van de Wall B. J. M. , Draaisma W. A. , van der Kaaij R. T. , Consten E. C. J. , Wiezer M. J. , Broeders I. A. M. J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo determine the diagnostic value of serological infection markers and body temperature in discriminating complicated from uncomplicated diverticulitis.MethodsPatients in whom diverticulitis was pathologically or radiologically proven at presentation were included. Patients were classified as either complicated (Hinchey Ib, II, III and IV) or uncomplicated (Hinchey Ia) diverticulitis. The discriminative value of C‐reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count and body temperature at presentation was tested.ResultsA total of 426 patients were included in this study of which 364 (85%) presented with uncomplicated and 62 (15%) with complicated diverticulitis. Only CRP was of sufficient diagnostic value (area under the curve 0.715). The median CRP in patients with complicated diverticulitis was significantly higher than in patients with uncomplicated disease (224 mg/l, range 99–284 vs 87 mg/l, range 48–151). Patients with a CRP of 25 mg/l had a 15% chance of having complicated diverticulitis. This increased from 23% at a CRP value of 100 mg/l to 47% for 250 mg/l or higher. The optimal threshold was reached at 175 mg/l with a positive predictive value of 36%, negative predictive value of 92%, sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 82%.ConclusionWBC count and body temperature are of no value in discriminating complicated from uncomplicated diverticulitis. Only CRP can be used as an indicator for the presence of complications, but a low CRP does not mean that complicated disease can safely be excluded. Therefore, radiological examination remains central in the diagnostic work‐up of patients presenting with diverticulitis.
Computed tomography (CT) colonography with CT arteriography and venography for the workup of intestinal transplant candidates
Authors: Swerdlow D. R. , Trotter A. , Girlanda R. , Matsumoto C. , Fenelly E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPrior to intestinal transplantation, prospective candidates must undergo a series of radiologic examinations to address a variety of clinical issues. To date, little literature exists to guide physicians in this preoperative assessment. Multiple imaging studies can provide overlapping information. We have developed a simple two‐ or three‐test protocol to streamline the workup. Sixteen adult patients presented as potential intestinal transplant candidates to Georgetown University Hospital. All but two patients underwent the full protocol of a biphasic IV contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with rectal carbon dioxide, an upper gastrointestinal study with small bowel follow through, and fistulogram when appropriate. Three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstructions of the vascular anatomy as well as the colon were also generated. A telephone survey to other transplant centers was additionally conducted to compare radiographic evaluations. Overall, 15 of the 16 scans were diagnostic. One patient required a barium enema. Mean examinations per patient was 2.4. Only one of seven other centers was performing CT colonography in prospective intestinal transplant candidates. Our protocol provided all the necessary anatomic information needed to evaluate prospective transplant candidates. CT colonography with angiography is a suitable alternative to more time‐consuming radiological studies.
Higher heart rate increases risk of diabetes among men: The Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study
Authors: Grantham N. M. , Magliano D. J. , Tanamas S. K. , Söderberg S. , Schlaich M. P. , Shaw J. E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsA very limited number of prospective studies have reported conflicting data on the relation between heart rate and diabetes risk. Our aim therefore was to determine in a large, national, population‐based cohort if heart rate predicts the development of diabetes.MethodsThe Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle study followed up 6537 people over 5 years. Baseline measurements included questionnaires, anthropometrics and blood and urine collection. Heart rate was recorded in beats per min (Dinamap). An oral glucose tolerance test was performed at baseline and follow‐up, and diabetes was defined using World Health Organization criteria.ResultsA total of 5817 participants were eligible for analysis, 221 of whom developed diabetes. Compared with participants with a heart rate < 60 b min–1, those with a heart rate ≥ 80 b min–1 were more likely to develop diabetes (odds ratio 1.89, 95% CI 1.07–3.35) over 5 years, independent of traditional risk factors. This relationship was highly significant, particularly in non‐obese men (odds ratio 5.61, 95% CI 1.75–17.98), but not in their obese counterparts or in women.ConclusionsResting heart rate is associated with an increased risk of diabetes over a 5‐year period, particularly among non‐obese men. This suggests that sympathetic overactivity may be a contributing factor to the development of diabetes, and that resting heart rate may be useful in predicting risk of Type 2 diabetes in non‐obese men.
Thickness and fit of mouthguards according to a vacuum‐forming process
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the difference in the thickness and the fit of mouthguards fabricated with a vacuum‐forming method of the mouthguard sheet material. The material used in this study was Sports Mouthguard (3.8 mm thickness). Two forming conditions were performed. In the first condition, the sheet was lowered over the working model after the vacuum was applied, and in the other trial, the sheet was lowered over the working model before the vacuum was applied. The sheets were formed using a vacuum former when the heated sheets hung 1.5 cm from the baseline. We measured the thickness and the fit of the mouthguard at the areas of the central incisor and first molar in both conditions. The difference of the thickness at the areas of the central incisor and first molar and the forming condition was analyzed by Two‐way anova. The difference of the fit according to the forming conditions was analyzed by the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed that the thickness of the mouthguard differed at the areas of the central incisor and first molar, but the thickness of the mouthguard did not differ according to the forming conditions. The fit of the mouthguard at the central incisor and first molar was significantly different between the forming conditions (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). These results suggested that the fit of the mouthguard was the best without any deficiency of thickness when the vacuum was applied first and then the sheet was pressed onto the working model. These results may be useful in fabricating proper mouthguards.
Limited Inter‐Annual Song Variation in the Serin (Serinus serinus)
Authors: Mamede Ana T. , Mota Paulo G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPatterns of song plasticity in passerine birds beyond the first year are poorly studied. In general, songbirds are divided into two categories: open‐ended learners and closed‐ended learners, depending on the pattern of age‐related vocal plasticity. However, recent work based on longitudinal studies revealed a broader range of flexibility of song changes in adulthood. Serins sing very complex songs with large repertoires which are delivered in a very rigid way with little structural modification. However, there is little information on how serin song changes with age. We studied vocal plasticity in wild adult serins by recording male song over 2 years. The analyses show that male songs have only limited variation between years, with no increase in repertoire size and relatively small changes in their structural characteristics. Syllable production was very consistent within and between years with very little structural variation. New syllables represented only 8% of the repertoire, and they appeared to emerge from fusion or splitting of pre‐existing syllables. We conclude that serin song while structurally complex has a very limited age‐related plasticity after the first year. We hypothesise that this structural stability is a consequence of selection for performance consistency.
Hydrolytic enzymes of the interfollicular epidermis differ in expression and correlate with the phenotypic difference observed between light and dark skin
Authors: Ebanks Jody P. , Koshoffer Amy , Wickett R. Randall , Hakozaki Tomohiro , Boissy Raymond E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDegradation of melanosomes in light skin (LS, i.e. phototype I/II) appears to occur more rapidly than dark skin (DS, i.e. phototype IV/V). Hydrolytic enzymes known to reside and be expressed in a differential pattern within the interfollicular epidermis are implicated in playing a role in epidermal differentiation and potentially melanosome degradation. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the differential expression of hydrolytic enzymes that may correlate with physiological and phenotypic differences seen between DS and LS. Expression of six hydrolytic enzymes was confirmed by microarray analysis of the suprabasal epidermis from LS and DS. Specific lysosomal hydrolases identified by microarray analysis were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and immunoblot analysis. Immunogold electron microscopy (IEM) was completed to visualize cellular expression of the hydrolytic enzyme cathepsin L2 (Cath L2) and biochemical assay was performed to ascertain Cath L2 activity. Immunoblotting of light and dark epidermal lysates demonstrated that of the six enzymes initially analyzed, both prostatic acid phosphatase (ACPP) and Cath L2 were reproducibly upregulated in DS and LS, respectively. IIF and IEM analyses of Cath L2 in tissue confirmed this differential expression. Biochemical analysis of Cath L2 in light and dark epidermal lysates displays increased activity of Cath L2 in LS. The results of this study confirm differential expression of ACPP and Cath L2 in DS and LS at gene and protein level. Additionally, Cath L2 displays increased activity in LS‐derived epidermal lysates. This study indentified two acid hydrolases that may play a role in melanosome degradation and pigment processing.