bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of endocytoscopic findings after per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in esophageal achalasia; does POEM reduce the risk of developing esophageal carcinoma? Per oral endoscopic myotomy, endocytoscopy and carcinogenesis
Authors: Minami Hitomi , Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Matsushima Kayoko , Akazawa Yuko , Ohnita Ken , Takeshima Fuminao , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Inoue Haruhiro , Nakao Kazuhiko , Isomoto Hajime 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been reported to be a new therapeutic option for esophageal achalasia. The possibility that POEM could reduce the risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was evaluated.

Methods
This was a single-centre, retrospective study. Fifteen consecutive patients with esophageal achalasia who underwent POEM in our institution between August 2010 and January 2012 were enrolled. Ultra-high magnification with endocytoscopy was performed, and both histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations for Ki-67 and p53 were assessed before and 3 months after POEM.

Results
POEM was successfully performed and effectively released the dysphagia symptom in all patients without severe complications. Subjective symptoms (mean Ekcardt score, before 7.4 vs. after 0.5, p<0.05) and manometric pressure studies (mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure), before 82.7 vs. after 22.9 mmHg, p<0.05) showed substantial improvement following POEM. The average numbers of esophageal epithelial nuclei before and after POEM on endocytoscopic images were 128.0 and 78.0, respectively (p<0.05). The mean Ki-67-positive ratio was 26.0 (median 25.4, range, 10.3-33.2) before and 20.7 (median 20.0, 13.1-29.9; p=0.07) after POEM, and the mean p53-positive ratio was 2.35 (median 2.61, 0.32-4.23) before and 0.97 (median 1.49, 0.32-1.56; p<0.05) after POEM. A significant positive correlation was seen between the number of nuclei and the Ki-67-positive ratio (p<0.05).

Conclusions
POEM appears to be an effective and less invasive treatment of choice against achalasia and may reduce the risk of esophageal carcinogenesis. Endocytoscopy can be useful for the assessment of esophageal cellular proliferation.
A cross sectional study of HPV type prevalence according to age and cytology
Authors: Argyri Elena , Papaspyridakos Stefanos , Tsimplaki Elpida , Michala Lina , Myriokefalitaki Evangelia , Papassideri Issidora , Daskalopoulou Dimitra , Tsiaoussi Ioanna , Magiakos George , Panotopoulou Efstathia 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
A cross sectional study to investigate HPV prevalence according to age and cytology.

Methods
Women presenting to a gynaecological outpatient clinic for a Pap smear test were included in the study (n=3177). All women had cervical cytology and HPV testing.

Results
Overall prevalence of any 24 HPV type analysed was 33.1% (95% CI 31.5% to 34.7%) and HPV 16 and HPV 42 were the most frequent (6.7% (95% CI 5.8% to 7.6%), 6.8% (95% CI 5.9% to 7.6%)), in total samples. Multiple HPV infection rate was 12.9% (95% CI 11.8% to 14.1%). High risk HPV (hrHPV) types were present in 27.4% (95% CI 25.8% to 28.9%) of the samples.
HPV prevalence was highest among 14 to 19 y.o (46.6% (95% CI 40.7%-52.4%)) and second highest among 30–34 y.o. (39.7%, 95% CI 35.4%–44%). HPV 16 was highest among 20–24 (9.0% (95% CI 6.4%–11.6%)) and second highest among 50 to 54 y.o. (6.3% (95% CI 2.9% to 9.8%).
In Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LgSIL) cytology samples, the most frequently detected hrHPV types were: 16 (14.5% (95% CI 12.1% to 16.9%)), 51 (13.0% (95% CI 10.7% to 15.3%)) and 53 (9.1% (95% CI 7.2% to 11.1%)) and in High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HgSIL) were: HPV 16 (37.2% (95% CI 26.5% to 47.9%)), HPV 51 (17.9% (95% CI 9.4% to 26.5%)) and HPV 18 (12.8% (95% CI 5.4% to 20.2%)).

Conclusions
In the population studied, HPV 16 and 51 were the most frequent detected hrHPV types. HPV positivity, hrHPV and multiple HPV types infections were higher in young women, while HPV prevalence declined with increasing age and presented two peaks a higher (14–19 y.o.) and a lower one (30–34 y.o.) These results may contribute to the creation of a national screening programme.
Disparities in attendance at diabetes self-management education programs after diagnosis in Ontario, Canada: a cohort study
Authors: Cauch-Dudek Karen , Victor J Charles , Sigmond Marianne , Shah Baiju R 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Patients newly-diagnosed with diabetes require self-management education to help them understand and manage the disease. The goals of the study were to determine the frequency of diabetes self-management education program utilization by newly-diagnosed patients, and to evaluate whether there were any demographic or clinical disparities in utilization.

Methods
Using population-level health care data, all 46,553 adults who were diagnosed with any type of non-gestational diabetes in Ontario, Canada between January and June 2006 were identified. They were linked with a diabetes self-management education program registry to identify those who attended within 6 months of diagnosis. The demographic and clinical characteristics of attendees and non-attendees were compared.

Results
A total of 9,568 (20.6%) patients attended a diabetes self-management education program within 6 months of diagnosis. Younger age, increasing socioeconomic status, and the absence of mental health conditions or other medical comorbidity were associated with attendance. Patients living in rural areas, where access to physicians may be limited, were markedly more likely to attend. Recent immigrants were 40% less likely to attend self-management education programs than longer-term immigrants or nonimmigrants.

Conclusion
Only one in five newly-diagnosed diabetes patients attended a diabetes self-management education program. Demographic and clinical disparities in utilization persisted despite a publicly-funded health care system where patients could access these services without direct charges. Primary care providers and education programs must ensure that more newly-diagnosed diabetes patients receive self-management education, particularly those who are older, poorer, sicker, or recent immigrants.
Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ is essential for multiple steps in malaria parasite egress from infected erythrocytes
Authors: Glushakova Svetlana , Lizunov Vladimir , Blank Paul S , Melikov Kamran , Humphrey Glen , Zimmerberg Joshua 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Egress of Plasmodium falciparum, from erythrocytes at the end of its asexual cycle and subsequent parasite invasion into new host cells, is responsible for parasite dissemination in the human body. The egress pathway is emerging as a coordinated multistep programme that extends in time for tens of minutes, ending with rapid parasite extrusion from erythrocytes. While the Ca2+ regulation of the invasion of P. falciparum in erythrocytes is well established, the role of Ca2+ in parasite egress is poorly understood. This study analysed the involvement of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ in infected erythrocytes during the multistep egress programme of malaria parasites.

Methods
Live-cell fluorescence microscopy was used to image parasite egress from infected erythrocytes, assessing the effect of drugs modulating Ca2+ homeostasis on the egress programme.

Results
A steady increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ is found to precede parasite egress. This increase is independent of extracellular Ca2+ for at least the last two hours of the cycle, but is dependent upon Ca2+ release from internal stores. Intracellular BAPTA chelation of Ca2+ within the last 45 minutes of the cycle inhibits egress prior to parasitophorous vacuole swelling and erythrocyte membrane poration, two characteristic morphological transformations preceding parasite egress. Inhibitors of the parasite endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-ATPase accelerate parasite egress, indicating that Ca2+ stores within the ER are sufficient in supporting egress. Markedly accelerated egress of apparently viable parasites was achieved in mature schizonts using Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Ionophore treatment overcomes the BAPTA-induced block of parasite egress, confirming that free Ca2+ is essential in egress initiation. Ionophore treatment of immature schizonts had an adverse effect inducing parasitophorous vacuole swelling and killing the parasites within the host cell.

Conclusions
The parasite egress programme requires intracellular free Ca2+ for egress initiation, vacuole swelling, and host cell cytoskeleton digestion. The evidence that parasitophorous vacuole swelling, a stage of unaffected egress, is dependent upon a rise in intracellular Ca2+ suggests a mechanism for ionophore-inducible egress and a new target for Ca2+ in the programme liberating parasites from the host cell. A regulatory pathway for egress that depends upon increases in intracellular free Ca2+ is proposed.
Utilization of a population health survey in policy and practice: a case study
Authors: Laws Rachel , King Lesley , Hardy Louise L , Milat Andrew , Rissel Chris , Newson Robyn , Rychetnik Lucie , Bauman Adrian E 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
There is growing interest by funding bodies and researchers in assessing the impact of research on real world policy and practice. Population health monitoring surveys provide an important source of data on the prevalence and patterns of health problems, but few empirical studies have explored if and how such data is used to influence policy or practice decisions. Here we provide a case study analysis of how the findings from an Australian population monitoring survey series of children’s weight and weight-related behaviors (Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS)) have been used, and the key facilitators and barriers to their utilization.

Methods
Data collection included semi-structured interviews with the chief investigators (n = 3) and end-users (n = 9) of SPANS data to explore if, how and under what circumstances the survey findings had been used, bibliometric analysis and verification using documentary evidence. Data analysis involved thematic coding of interview data and triangulation with other data sources to produce case summaries of policy and practice impacts for each of the three survey years (1997, 2004, 2010). Case summaries were then reviewed and discussed by the authors to distil key themes on if, how and why the SPANS findings had been used to guide policy and practice.

Results
We found that the survey findings were used for agenda setting (raising awareness of issues), identifying areas and target groups for interventions, informing new policies, and supporting and justifying existing policies and programs across a range of sectors. Reported factors influencing use of the findings were: i) the perceived credibility of survey findings; ii) dissemination strategies used; and, iii) a range of contextual factors.

Conclusions
Using a novel approach, our case study provides important new insights into how and under what circumstances population health monitoring data can be used to influence real world policy and practice. The findings highlight the importance of population monitoring programs being conducted by independent credible agencies, researchers engaging end-users from the inception of survey programs and utilizing existing policy networks and structures, and using a range of strategies to disseminate the findings that go beyond traditional peer review publications.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma emerging radiation treatment techniques: trade-offs between late radio-induced toxicities and secondary malignant neoplasms
Authors: Cella Laura , Conson Manuel , Pressello Maria Cristina , Molinelli Silvia , Schneider Uwe , Donato Vittorio , Orecchia Roberto , Salvatore Marco , Pacelli Roberto 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Purpose of this study is to explore the trade-offs between radio-induced toxicities and second malignant neoplasm (SMN) induction risk of different emerging radiotherapy techniques for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) through a comprehensive dosimetric analysis on a representative clinical model.

Methods
Three different planning target volume (PTVi) scenarios of a female patient with supradiaphragmatic HL were used as models for the purpose of this study. Five treatment radiation techniques were simulated: an anterior-posterior parallel-opposed (AP-PA), a forward intensity modulated (FIMRT), an inverse intensity modulated (IMRT), a Tomotherapy (TOMO), a proton (PRO) technique. A radiation dose of 30 Gy or CGE was prescribed. Dose-volume histograms of PTVs and organs-at-risk (OARs) were calculated and related to available dose-volume constraints. SMN risk for breasts, thyroid, and lungs was estimated through the Organ Equivalent Dose model considering cell repopulation and inhomogeneous organ doses.

Results
With similar level of PTVi coverage, IMRT, TOMO and PRO plans generally reduced the OARs’ dose and accordingly the related radio-induced toxicities. However, only TOMO and PRO plans were compliant with all constraints in all scenarios. For the IMRT and TOMO plans an increased risk of development of breast, and lung SMN compared with AP-PA and FIMRT techniques was estimated. Only PRO plans seemed to reduce the risk of predicted SMN compared with AP-PA technique.

Conclusions
Our model–based study supports the use of advanced RT techniques to successfully spare OARs and to reduce the risk of radio-induced toxicities in HL patients. However, the estimated increase of SMNs’ risk inherent to TOMO and IMRT techniques should be carefully considered in the evaluation of a risk-adapted therapeutic strategy.
Characterisation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from a murine model of joint inflammation
Authors: Hardy Rowan S , Hülso Claudia , Liu Yingling , Gasparini Sylvia J , Fong-Yee Colette , Tu Jinwen , Stoner Shihani , Stewart Paul M , Raza Karim , Cooper Mark S , Seibel Markus J , Zhou Hong 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a central role in defining the stromal environment in inflammatory joint diseases. Despite a growing use of FLS isolated from murine inflammatory models, a detailed characterisation of these cells has not been performed.

Methods
In this study, FLS were isolated from inflamed joints of mice expressing both the T cell receptor transgene KRN and the MHC class II molecule Ag7 (K/BxN mice) and their purity in culture determined by immunofluorescence and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). Basal expression of proinflammatory genes was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Secreted interleukin 6 (IL-6) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its regulation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α and corticosterone (the major glucocorticoid in rodents) measured relative to other mesenchymal cell populations.

Results
Purity of FLS culture was identified by positive expression of fibronectin, prolyl 4-hydroxylase, cluster of differentiation 90.2 (CD90.2) and 248 (CD248) in greater than 98% of the population. Cultured FLS were able to migrate and invade through matrigel, a process enhanced in the presence of TNF-α. FLS isolated from K/BxN mice possessed significantly greater basal expression of the inflammatory markers IL-6, chemokine ligand 2 (CCL-2) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) when compared to FLS isolated from non-inflamed tissue (IL-6, 3.6 fold; CCL-2, 11.2 fold; VCAM-1, 9 fold; P < 0.05). This elevated expression was abrogated in the presence of corticosterone at 100 nmol/l. TNF-α significantly increased expression of all inflammatory markers to a much greater degree in K/BxN FLS relative to other mesenchymal cell lines (K/BxN; IL-6, 40.8 fold; CCL-2, 1343.2 fold; VCAM-1, 17.8 fold; ICAM-1, 13.8 fold; P < 0.05), with secreted IL-6 mirroring these results (K/BxN; con, 169 ± 29.7 versus TNF-α, 923 ± 378.8 pg/ml/1 × 105 cells; P < 0.05). Dose response experiments confirmed effective concentrations between 10 and 100 nmol/l for corticosterone and 1 and 10 ng/ml for TNF-α, whilst inflammatory gene expression in FLS was shown to be stable between passages four and seven.

Conclusions
This study has established a well characterised set of key inflammatory genes for in vitro FLS culture, isolated from K/BxN mice and non-inflamed wild-type controls. Their response to both pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling has been assessed and shown to strongly resemble that which is seen in human FLS culture. Additionally, this study provides guidelines for the effective characterisation, duration and treatment of murine FLS culture.
Comparative analysis of tandem repeats from hundreds of species reveals unique insights into centromere evolution
Authors: Melters Daniël P , Bradnam Keith R , Young Hugh A , Telis Natalie , May Michael R , Ruby J Graham , Sebra Robert , Peluso Paul , Eid John , Rank David , Garcia José Fernando , DeRisi Joseph L , Smith Timothy , Tobias Christian , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Korf Ian , Chan Simon WL 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Background
Centromeres are essential for chromosome segregation, yet their DNA sequences evolve rapidly. In most animals and plants that have been studied, centromeres contain megabase-scale arrays of tandem repeats. Despite their importance, very little is known about the degree to which centromere tandem repeats share common properties between different species across different phyla. We used bioinformatic methods to identify high-copy tandem repeats from 282 species using publicly available genomic sequence and our own data.

Results
Our methods are compatible with all current sequencing technologies. Long Pacific Biosciences sequence reads allowed us to find tandem repeat monomers up to 1,419 bp. We assumed that the most abundant tandem repeat is the centromere DNA, which was true for most species whose centromeres have been previously characterized, suggesting this is a general property of genomes. High-copy centromere tandem repeats were found in almost all animal and plant genomes, but repeat monomers were highly variable in sequence composition and length. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of sequence homology showed little evidence of sequence conservation beyond approximately 50 million years of divergence. We find that despite an overall lack of sequence conservation, centromere tandem repeats from diverse species showed similar modes of evolution.

Conclusions
While centromere position in most eukaryotes is epigenetically determined, our results indicate that tandem repeats are highly prevalent at centromeres of both animal and plant genomes. This suggests a functional role for such repeats, perhaps in promoting concerted evolution of centromere DNA across chromosomes.
Reduction of indoxyl sulfate by AST-120 attenuates monocyte inflammation related to chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ito Shunsuke , Higuchi Yusuke , Yagi Yoko , Nishijima Fuyuhiko , Yamato Hideyuki , Ishii Hideto , Osaka Mizuko , Yoshida Masayuki 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Indoxyl sulfate induced Mac-1 expression and ROS production via p38 MAPK- and NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent pathways.
Accelerated cardiovascular disease is a frequent complication of CKD. Monocyte-mediated inflammation and adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelium are key events in atherogenesis. An oral adsorbent, AST-120, retards renal function deterioration by lowering IS, which is known to accumulate in CKD patients. However, the effect of AST-120 on CKD-related monocyte activation is unknown. We aimed to determine whether AST-120 improves monocyte-mediated inflammation through IS reduction. Flow cytometric analysis showed that Mac-1 expression and ROS production were significantly higher in peripheral blood monocytes of subtotal Nx CKD mice than in sham-operated mice. AST-120 treatment significantly decreased Mac-1 expression and ROS production in CKD model mice. Furthermore, administration of IS induced monocyte-mediated inflammation and ROS generation. In vitro studies indicated that IS dose-dependently increased THP-1 monocytic cell adhesion to IL-1β-activated HUVECs under physiological flow conditions. IS also induced monocyte-mediated inflammation and ROS production in THP-1 cells. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and membrane translocation of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit p47phox in THP-1 cells were induced by IS. Both SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) and apocynin [NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor] reduced THP-1 cell adhesion to HUVECs. Apocynin also inhibited IS-induced ROS production in THP-1 cells. IS induced monocyte-driven inflammation through NAD(P)H oxidase- and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways in monocytes. The main finding of this study was that AST-120 inhibited monocyte activation by reducing IS in vivo. This provides new insights on how AST-120 attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis in CKD.
Cooperation of Hydrogen-Bond and Charge-Transfer Interactions in Molecular Complexes in the Solid State
Authors: Morita Yasushi , Murata Tsuyoshi , Nakasuji Kazuhiro 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Our recent studies for the development of conducting charge-transfer complexes with well-defined assembled structures based on the cooperation of hydrogen-bond and charge-transfer interactions are described. We have designed and synthesized hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer complexes based on (1) tetrathiafulvalene derivatives having nucleobases, aminobenzo and imidazole moieties, and (2) tetracyanoquinodimethane radical anion salts with hydrogen-bond-functionalized phenalenyl and protonated oligo(imidazole) cations. The directional and site-selective hydrogen-bonds formed various supramolecular network structures, constructing segregated columns as the conduction path. Furthermore, the high polarity of hydrogen-bonds caused strong donor–acceptor or cation–anion electrostatic interactions modulating the ionicity of component molecules and the electronic structure of conduction columns. Such electronic modulation effects in addition to controlling the molecular arrangement realized the first purely organic molecular metal based on a hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer complex in the p-chloranil complex of an imidazole-functionalized tetrathiafulvalene derivative. The proton-donating/accepting ability of the hydrogen-bonding sites afforded the simultaneous proton- and charge-transfer complexes, demonstrating an important prompt for the realization of cooperative proton–electron-transfer systems.
Surface finish of the Exeter Trauma Stem
Authors: Petheram T. G. , Bone M. , Joyce T. J. , Serrano-Pedraza I. , Reed M. R. , Partington P. F. 
Published: January 2013

Recent guidance recommends the use of a well-proven cemented femoral stem for hemiarthroplasty in the management of fractures of the femoral neck, and the Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) has been suggested as an example of such an implant. The design of this stem was based on the well-proven Exeter Total Hip Replacement stem (ETHRS). This study assessed the surface finish of the ETS in comparison with the ETHRS. Two ETSs and two ETHRSs were examined using a profilometer with a precision of 1 nm and compared with an explanted Exeter Matt stem. The mean roughness average (RA) of the ETSs was approximately ten times higher than that of the ETHRSs (0.235 μm (0.095 to 0.452) versus 0.025 μm (0.011 to 0.059); p < 0.001). The historical Exeter Matt stem roughness measured a mean RA of 0.973 μm (0.658 to 1.159). The change of the polished Exeter stem to a matt surface finish in 1976 resulted in a high stem failure rate. We do not yet know whether the surface differences between ETS and ETHRS will be clinically significant. We propose the inclusion of hemiarthroplasty stems in national joint registries.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:173–6.