bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of bendamustine for the treatment of patients with recurring Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Corazzelli Gaetano , Angrilli Francesco , D'Arco Alfonso , Ferrara Felicetto , Musto Pellegrino , Guarini Attilio , Cox Maria Christina , Stelitano Caterina , Storti Sergio , Iannitto Emilio , Falorio Simona , Califano Catello , Amore Alfonso , Arcamone Manuela , De Filippi Rosaria , Pinto Antonio 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe management of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) recurring after stem cell transplantation (SCT) and multiply relapsed disease remains challenging. We report on 41 such patients who received bendamustine hydrochloride, a bifunctional mechlorethamine derivative mechanistically unrelated to traditional alkylators, after a median of four prior chemotherapy lines, including SCT in 85% of cases. Bendamustine was given at doses of 90–120 mg/m2 every 21 or 28 d. At first assessment (2–4 cycles), the overall response rate (ORR) was 78% with 12 (29%) complete (CR) and 20 (49%) partial responses (PR). Upon treatment prolongation to 6–8 courses, 40% of PRs progressed, yielding a final ORR of 58% with 31% of CRs. Eight patients (two CRs, six PRs) were subsequently allotransplanted. Median progression‐free and overall survival exceeded 11 and 21 months respectively; complete responders displayed a median disease‐free survival above 9 months with a relapse rate of only 30%. Outcomes were independent of disease chemosensitivity, previous transplant and bendamustine dose‐intensity. No life‐threatening or unexpected adverse events occurred. Within the limits of a retrospective analysis and schedule heterogeneity, these results appear very encouraging and prompt prospective trials to confirm bendamustine as a valuable option in the palliative setting and in cytoreductive strategies before allotransplantation.
Ascertaining the wishes and feelings of young children: social workers' perspectives on skills and training
Authors: Handley Gill , Doyle Celia 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe research was undertaken in the context of the ongoing debate about child care social work training and children's participation. Its aim was to explore the views of qualified child care social workers about their skills in eliciting the wishes and feelings of younger children and the relevance of social work training for this task. Questionnaires, focusing on their skills and training, were completed by 70UKchild care practitioners from theChildren andFamiliesCourtAdvisory andSupportService, voluntary agencies and local authorities. On average, practitioners felt able to ascertain the feelings and wishes of children as young as 4 years old. Nevertheless, at qualifying level, only 30% had training in communicating with young children, 16% in ascertaining children's feelings and wishes, and 66% in child development. Many had subsequently relied on in‐service training and their own initiatives to acquire further skills and understanding. In conclusion, most participants were experienced practitioners working in supportive organizations and had developed considerable communication skills. However, concerns remain because they identified deficits in child care social work qualifying and post‐qualifying training. Consequently, more effective training at all levels is required if social workers are to engage younger children successfully and facilitate their participation.
Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease as a chromosomal disorder
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Shimojima Keiko 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a congenital hypomyelination disorder caused by alterations affecting the proteolipid protein 1 gene (PLP1) located on Xq22.2. Generally, patients with PLP1 missense mutations show the most severe form of PMD (connatal form); however, two‐thirds of patients with PMD carry PLP1 duplications and present typical manifestations of the disorder, recognized as the classical form. Other rare PLP1 abnormalities have been also identified, including X‐chromosome translocations, triplications, and a partial duplication, all involving PLP1. The genomic structure of the distal end of the PLP1 locus, characterized by repeated genomic segments, contributes to the chromosomal rearrangements around PLP1 and the manifestation of PMD. Thus, PMD is recognized as a chromosomal disorder.
Qualitative content analysis of online news media coverage of weight loss surgery and related reader comments
Authors: Glenn N. M. , Champion C. C. , Spence J. C. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe media has the ability to affect public opinion and policy direction. Prevalence of morbid obesity in Canada is increasing; as is the only effective long‐term treatment, weight loss surgery (WLS). Limited research has explored media re/presentations of WLS. The purpose of this study was to examine national online news coverage (and reader comments) of WLS using content analysis. We sought to understand the dominant messages being conveyed within the news texts and reader comments, specifically whose voice was represented, who was the intended audience and what was the overall tone. Articles and comments were retrieved from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news web site and analysed using line‐by‐line techniques. Articles were predominantly ‘positive/supportive’ (63%) in tone and frequently presented the voices and opinions of ‘experts’ conveying a biomedical perspective. Comments were overwhelmingly ‘negative’ (56%) and often derogatory including such language as ‘piggy’ and ‘fatty’. Comments were almost exclusively anonymous (99%) and were frequently directed at other commenters (33%) and ‘fat’ people (6%). The potentially problematic nature of media framing and reader comments, particularly as they could relate to weight‐based stigmatization and discrimination is discussed.
Environmental contributions to preschoolers' semantic fluency
Authors: Kavé Gitit , Shalmon Moran , Knafo Ariel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSemantic fluency was examined in Hebrew‐speaking 5‐year‐old monozygotic and dizygotic twins (N = 396, 198 pairs), 22% of them with mother‐reported speech‐related problems. There were positive correlations of similar magnitudes among monozygotic, same‐sex dizygotic, and opposite‐sex dizygotic twins. Analyses showed no genetic effects, alongside significant shared (39%) and non‐shared environmental (61%) effects on fluency scores. The presence of speech‐related problems in one twin affected the fluency score of the co‐twin. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that parental education and length of stay at daycare significantly predicted fluency scores. We suggest that semantic fluency performance is highly affected by environmental factors at age 5 although genetic effects might emerge later on.
The clinical utility of an SCN1A genetic diagnosis in infantile‐onset epilepsy
Authors: BRUNKLAUS ANDREAS , DORRIS LIAM , ELLIS RACHAEL , REAVEY ELEANOR , LEE ELIZABETH , FORBES GORDON , APPLETON RICHARD , CROSS J HELEN , FERRIE COLIN , HUGHES IMELDA , JOLLANDS ALICE , KING MARY D , LIVINGSTON JOHN , LYNCH BRYAN , PHILIP SUNNY , SCHEFFER INGRID E , WILLIAMS RUTH , ZUBERI SAMEER M 
Published: November 2012

Aim  Genetic testing in the epilepsies is becoming an increasingly accessible clinical tool. Mutations in the sodium channel alpha 1 subunit (SCN1A) gene are most notably associated with Dravet syndrome. This is the first study to assess the impact of SCN1A testing on patient management from both carer and physician perspectives.Method  Participants were identified prospectively from referrals to the Epilepsy Genetics Service in Glasgow and contacted via their referring clinicians. Questionnaires exploring the consequences of SCN1A genetic testing for each case were sent to carers and physicians.Results  Of the 244 individuals contacted, 182 (75%) carried a SCN1A mutation. Carers of 187 (77%) patients responded (90 females, 97 males; mean age at referral 4y 10mo; interquartile range 9y 1mo). Of those participants whose children tested positive for a mutation, 87% reported that genetic testing was helpful, leading to treatment changes resulting in fewer seizures and improved access to therapies and respite care. Out of 187 physicians, 163 responded (87%), of whom 48% reported that a positive test facilitated diagnosis earlier than with clinical and electroencephalography data alone. It prevented additional investigations in 67% of patients, altered treatment approach in 69%, influenced medication choice in 74%, and, through medication change, improved seizure control in 42%.Interpretation  In addition to confirming a clinical diagnosis, a positive SCN1A test result influenced treatment choice and assisted in accessing additional therapies, especially in the very young.
Efficacy of Various “Classic” Echocardiographic and Laboratory Indices in Distinguishing the “Gray Zone” between Athlete's Heart and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pagourelias Efstathios D. , Efthimiadis Georgios K. , Kouidi Evangelia , Zorou Paraskevi , Giannoglou Georgios , Deligiannis Asterios , Athyros Vasilis G , Karagiannis Asterios , Geleris Paraschos 
Published: November 2012

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with intraventricular septum thickness (IVST) between 1.2 and 1.5 cm in athletes represents a “gray zone” between physiologic adaptation and mild hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Various echo and laboratory parameters have been reported till now in the literature to discriminate the “gray zone” entities. Aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of these “classic” parameters in differentiating physiologic LVH in athletes from mild HCM in a highly selected population. Nine highly trained athletes with IVST (1.28 ± 0.07 cm), 9 patients with mild HCM (1.38 ± 0.11 cm), and 26 athletes without LVH (1.06 ± 0.09 cm; P < 0.0005) underwent echocardiographic study, cardiopulmonary treadmill exercise stress test, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement before and after exercise. Among all parameters tested, 7 were found to significantly differ between “gray zone” groups. After bootstrapping analysis, it was found that athletes with left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter <4.74 cm, mitral deceleration time >200 ms, isovolumic relaxation time >94 ms, tricuspid E/A < 1.63, septum Em < 9.5 cm/sec, relative wall thickness >0.445, and a BNP value at rest >9.84 pg/mL had a greater possibility for having underlying cardiomyopathy. A 10‐point score based on these parameters showed accuracy (area under the curve = 0.958 [95%CI: 0.738–1.0; P = 0.00005, standard error = 0.0342]) for revealing HCM in a gray zone athletic population. Differentiation of adaptive LVH versus HCM in a gray zone population could be facilitated by recognition of certain features referring to LV dimensions, diastolic function, and BNP.
Fracture resistance of simulated immature maxillary anterior teeth restored with fiber posts and composite to varying depths
Authors: Seto Brandon , Chung Kwok‐Hung , Johnson James , Paranjpe Avina 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundTraumatized immature teeth present a unique challenge during treatment, both endodontically as well as restoratively. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the type and depth of restoration that would be effective in simulated immature maxillary anterior teeth in terms of fracture resistance and mode of failure.Materials and methodsSeventy‐five extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were used in this study that was standardized to a length of 13 mm. Instrumentation of the canals was performed after which a Peezo no. 6 was taken 1 mm past the apex to simulate an incompletely formed root. MTA apexification was simulated after which all the teeth were mounted and a 3‐mm‐diameter engineering twist drill extended the preparation 3 and 7 mm below the facial cemento–enamel junction (CEJ) to simulate Cvek's stage 3. These teeth were divided into seven different groups: Group 1: Negative control: intact teeth; Group 2: Positive control: 3 mm, no restoration; Group 3: Positive control: 7 mm, no restoration; Group 4: 3‐mm composite; Group 5: 3‐mm quartz fiber post; Group 6: 7‐mm composite; Group 7: 7‐mm quartz fiber post. Fracture resistance was performed at 130° to the long axis of the tooth with a chisel‐shaped tip at the cingulum with a cross‐head speed of 5 mm min−1, and the maximum load at which the fracture occurred was recorded.ResultsGroup 1 that was the negative control showed the highest fracture resistance. Among the experimental groups, 4 and 5 showed the highest fracture resistance, which were significantly different from groups 6 and 7, respectively.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that using either dual‐cure composite or a quartz fiber post with composite resin to a depth of 3 mm would significantly strengthen the roots in immature teeth.
Characteristics of effective clinical teachers identified by dental students: a qualitative study
Authors: Jahangiri L. , McAndrew M. , Muzaffar A. , Mucciolo T. W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis qualitative research study identified criteria for clinical teacher quality preferences as perceived by dental students. Third and fourth year dental students at New York University College of Dentistry were given a two question, open‐ended survey asking what qualities they liked most and least in a clinical teacher. Responses were collected until data saturation was achieved. A total of 157 respondents provided a total of 995 written comments. Descriptive words within the responses were coded and grouped into key words, according to similar relationships, and further refined into 17 defined categories. Three core themes, Character, Competence and Communication, emerged from these 17 categories, which were validated according to specific references found in the existing educational literature. ‘Character’ comprised nine of the 17 defined categories: (caring, motivation, empathy, patience, professionalism, available, fairness, happiness, patient‐centred) and yielded 59.1% of total student responses; ‘Competence’ consisted of five categories: knowledgeable, expertise, efficient, skilful, effective (29.2%); and ‘Communication’ represented the remaining three categories: feedback, approachable and interpersonal communication (11.7%). Positive and negative responses related to the defined category of caring were cited by 59.2% of all students. Motivation was the next highest category, cited by 45.9% of students. Non‐cognitive attributes, especially those in the Character theme, comprised the majority of student comments. Because students' perceptions are so critical to understanding clinical teaching effectiveness in dental education, these findings can be used to develop assessments to measure clinical teaching effectiveness, to create criteria for the hiring and promotion of clinical faculty and to plan faculty development programming.
Predictors of academic performance of first year dental undergraduates in Sri Lanka: a re‐evaluation following curriculum changes
Authors: Ariyasinghe S. , Pallegama R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe dentistry course in Sri Lanka is conducted in English, a second language for its students. A decade ago, English language proficiency was the key factor in predicting the academic performance of first year dental undergraduates. Since then, changes have been introduced to the teaching programme and examination format to minimise the effect of language proficiency on their performance. This study aimed at re‐evaluating the factors influencing academic performance in a similar academic cohort. A total of 306 first year students in five consecutive academic years ranging in age from 20 to 24 years (77% of the total number registered, 36.3% men) were recruited, and a questionnaire was used to collect data regarding demographics, previous academic ability and perceived levels of difficulty of the first year course, English language and its sub‐skills. Performances of the English language test and cumulative GPA of the first year course were used as objective indicators of language competency and academic performance respectively. The data were analysed using SPSS 11.5. Hierarchical Regression Analysis revealed that English language proficiency, gender and previous academic ability were the significant predictors of GPA. Students who received a lower GPA perceived English as considerably more difficult compared to the academic course itself; however, students who obtained a higher GPA perceived the opposite. Students' language competency remains the major predictor of academic performance, although previous academic ability and gender emerge as significant predictors. The perceived difficulty, however, of the dental course and of studying in English may also be predictors of student academic performance.
Tensile stimuli increase nerve growth factor in human dermal fibroblasts independent of tension‐induced TGFβ production
Authors: Kim Mina , Shin Dong Wook , Shin Hyunjun , Noh Minsoo , Shin Jennifer H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHuman dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) regulate wound‐healing processes in human skin, including the regeneration of skin sensory fibres, in response to various mechanical stimuli. Because nerve growth factor (NGF) has an essential role in sensory regeneration, we evaluated the possible association of NGF with mechanical stimulus‐dependent cellular responses in HDFs. A cyclic tensile stimulus increased both NGF and transforming growth factor (TGF) β2 production, yet with different gene transcription and signal desensitization profiles. Neutralizing TGFβ with antibodies did not affect the tension‐induced NGF upregulation, with significant inhibition of endogenous TGFβ2 transcription. The treatment with LY294002, SP600125 or U0126 hindered the tension‐induced TGFβ2 upregulation, although the increase in NGF was regulated only by SP600125 or U0126, indicating the involvement of three signalling kinase pathways in the upregulation of TGFβ2. However, the upregulation of NGF was shown to be independent of PI3K, demonstrating the independent regulation of tension‐induced NGF and TGFβ production in HDFs.
Prevalence of torus mandibularis among a group of elderly Japanese and its relationship with occlusal force
Authors: Yoshinaka Masaki , Ikebe Kazunori , Furuya‐Yoshinaka Masako , Maeda Yoshinobu 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of torus mandibularis (TM) and identify clinical factors associated with its presence.Materials and methodsA total of 664 Japanese adults over age 60 were studied by means of a questionnaire and clinical examination.ResultsIn all, 197 subjects (29.7%) had TM. We found a significant association between the presence of TM and torus palatinus (TP; 45.1% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.001). Moreover, occlusal force with TM was significantly higher than without TM (p < 0.05). Logistic regression adjusted for age and occlusal force revealed a significant relationship between TM and occlusal force and TP [p = 0.005, odds ratio (OR) = 2.44; p < 0.001, OR = 2.66, respectively].ConclusionThis study suggests that there is a relationship between TM and factors related to occlusal factor.
Dual blockade of angiotensin‐II and aldosterone suppresses the progression of a non‐diabetic rat model of steatohepatitis
Authors: Noguchi Ryuichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Ikenaka Yasuhide , Kaji Kosuke , Aihara Yosuke , Shirai Yusaku , Namisaki Tadashi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Douhara Akitoshi , Moriya Kei , Fukui Hiroshi 
Published: November 2012

AimBoth angiotensin‐II (AT‐II) and aldosterone (Ald) play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of diseases in several organs including the liver. We previously reported that suppression of AT‐II and Ald with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I) and selective Ald blocker (SAB), respectively, attenuated the rat liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. The aim of our current study was to elucidate the combined effects of ACE‐I and SAB in the progression of a non‐diabetic rat model of steatohepatitis, and the possible mechanisms involved.MethodsIn the choline‐deficient L‐amino acid‐defined (CDAA) diet‐induced model, the effects of ACE‐I and SAB on liver fibrosis development and hepatocarcinogenesis were elucidated, especially in conjunction with neovascularization.ResultsTreatment with both ACE‐I and SAB suppressed the development of liver fibrosis and glutathione‐S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P) positive pre‐neoplastic lesions. The combined treatment with both agents exerted more inhibitory effects as compared with either a single agent along with suppression of the activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac‐HSC) and neovascularization, both of which play important roles in these processes. Our in vitro study showed that AT‐II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) and SAB inhibited Ac‐HSC proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis along with suppression of the in vivo studies.ConclusionDual blockade of AT‐II and Ald suppresses the progression of a non‐diabetic rat model of steatohepatitis. Because both agents are widely and safely used in clinical practice, this combination therapy could be an effective new strategy against steatohepatitis in the future.
Adaptation and clonal selection models of castration‐resistant prostate cancer: Current perspective
Authors: Ahmed Muhammed , Li Long‐Cheng 
Published: November 2012

AbstractProstate cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in men worldwide. Management of the disease has remained a great challenge and even more so is the aggressive advanced stage with castration‐resistant behavior. The mechanisms and timing of development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer are unclear and remain debatable. Progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer is undoubtedly multifactorial, with a number of molecular‐genetic aberrations implicated. However, a key question that remains unanswered is: when in the evolution of prostate cancer do the changes that confer castration resistance occur? Earlier attempts to address this question led to two proposed models: the “adaptation” and the “clonal selection” models. Although the prevailing hypothesis is the adaptation model, there is recent evidence in favor of the clonal selection model. Clarification of the model development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer might significantly alter our diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and potentially lead to improved outcome of management of this daunting condition. Here we review existing knowledge and current research findings addressing the timing of events in the course of prostate cancer progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer.
An exploratory study investigating children's perceptions of dental behavioural management techniques
Authors: Davies E. Bethan , Buchanan Heather 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundBehaviour management techniques (BMTs) are utilised by dentists to aid children's dental anxiety (DA). Children's perceptions of these have been underexplored, and their feedback could help inform paediatric dentistry.AimTo explore children's acceptability and perceptions of dental communication and BMTs and to compare these by age, gender, and DA.DesignA total of sixty‐two 9‐ to 11‐year‐old school children participated in the study. Children's acceptability of BMTs was quantified using a newly developed Likert scale, alongside exploration of children's experiences and perceptions through interviews. anova and t‐tests explored BMT acceptability ratings by age, gender, and DA. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews.FindingsStatistical analyses showed no effect of age, gender, or DA upon BMT acceptability. Children generally perceived the BMTs as acceptable or neutral; stop signals were the most acceptable, and voice control the least acceptable BMT. Beneficial experiences of distraction and positive reinforcement were common. Children described the positive nature of their dentist's communication and BMT utilisation.ConclusionDental anxiety did not affect children's perceptions of BMTs. Children were generally positive about dentist's communication and established BMTs. Children's coping styles may impact perceptions and effectiveness of BMTs and should be explored in future investigations.