bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing genomic resources for the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): isolation and characterization of 153 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 53 genotyping assays
Authors: Vollmer N. L. , Rosel P. E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAlthough single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly used in human genetics, they have only recently been incorporated into genetic studies of non‐model organisms, including cetaceans. SNPs have several advantages over other molecular markers for studies of population genetics: they are quicker and more straightforward to score, cross‐laboratory comparisons of data are less complicated, and they can be used successfully with low‐quality DNA. We screened portions of the genome of one of the most abundant cetaceans in U.S. waters, the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and identified 153 SNPs resulting in an overall average of one SNP every 463 base pairs. Custom TaqMan® Assays were designed for 53 of these SNPs, and their performance was tested by genotyping a set of bottlenose dolphin samples, including some with low‐quality DNA. We found that in 19% of the loci examined, the minor allele frequency (MAF) estimated during initial SNP ascertainment using a DNA pool of 10 individuals differed significantly from the final MAF after genotyping over 100 individuals, suggesting caution when making inferences about MAF values based on small data sets. For two assays, we also characterized the basis for unusual clustering patterns to determine whether their data could still be utilized for further genetic studies. Overall results support the use of these SNPs for accurate analysis of both poor and good‐quality DNA. We report the first SNP markers and genotyping assays for use in population and conservation genetic studies of bottlenose dolphins.
Role of imbalance of eicosanoid pathways and staphylococcal superantigens in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Pezato R. , Świerczyńska‐Krępa M. , Niżankowska‐Mogilnicka E. , Derycke L. , Bachert C. , Pérez‐Novo C. A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial disease of the upper airways with a high prevalence (approximately 11%) in the general population. Different immune and inflammatory mechanisms are involved in its pathogenesis. Alterations in the arachidonic acid pathway (leading to an imbalanced production of eicosanoids) have been linked to the pathophysiology of different diseases especially nasal polyposis, asthma, and aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease. Furthermore, viral and bacterial infections have been identified as important factors amplifying the pro‐inflammatory reactions in these pathologies. This review summarizes the impact of an imbalance in the eicosanoid pathway and the effect of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins on the regulation of the pro‐inflammatory network in CRS and their translation into disease severity.
Feasibility and clinical effects of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage: an observational study
Authors: RIISKJAER MADS , PETERSEN OLAV B. , ULDBJERG NIELS , HVIDMAN LONE , HELMIG RIKKE B. , FORMAN AXEL 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage performed as an interval procedure in non‐pregnant women at high risk of second trimester spontaneous abortion and early preterm birth. Design. Observational study. Sample. Fifty‐two consecutive patients at high risk of preterm birth. Setting. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital. Methods. Patients were registered prospectively. Indications for surgery included classical cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) or two conizations/cervical amputation. Outcome of subsequent pregnancies was registered. Main outcome measures. Gestational age in subsequent pregnancies. Results. No operative or postoperative complications were observed. A total of 45 pregnancies were registered during the observation period. Among 36 pregnancies lasting beyond the 16th week of gestation, 30 women (83.3%) gave birth by cesarean section after 36 weeks of gestation and the overall mean gestational age was 37.4 weeks compared with a mean gestational age of 25.2 weeks of the pregnancies prior to the cerclage. The cesarean sections were uncomplicated in all but one patient, where a re‐laparotomy was needed six hours later due to atonic postpartum hemorrhage without evident bleeding through the cervix. Conclusion. Laparoscopic abdominal cerclage is a feasible and safe procedure. Obstetrical outcomes are encouraging but prospective studies are needed to define the effectiveness of the laparoscopic cerclage compared with the traditional transvaginal approach.
Systematic review: managing suboptimal treatment responses in autoimmune hepatitis with conventional and nonstandard drugs
Authors: Selvarajah V. , Montano‐Loza A. J. , Czaja A. J. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundCorticosteroid treatment for autoimmune hepatitis has been shown by randomised controlled clinical trials to ameliorate symptoms, normalise liver tests, improve histological findings and extend survival. Nevertheless, suboptimal responses to corticosteroid treatment still occur.AimTo describe the current definitions, frequencies, clinical relevance and treatment options for suboptimal responses, and to discuss alternative medications that have been used off‐label for these occurrences.MethodsLiterature search was made for full‐text papers published in English using the keyword ‘autoimmune hepatitis’. Authors' personal experience and investigational studies also helped to identify important contributions to the literature.ResultsSuboptimal responses to standard therapy include treatment failure (7%), incomplete response (14%), drug toxicity (13%) and relapse after drug withdrawal (50–86%). The probability of a suboptimal response prior to treatment is higher in young patients and in patients with a severe presentation, jaundice, high MELD score at diagnosis, multilobular necrosis or cirrhosis, antibodies to soluble liver antigen, or inability to improve by clinical indices within two weeks or by MELD score within 7 days of conventional corticosteroid treatment. Management strategies have been developed for the adverse responses and nonstandard drugs, including mycophenolate mofetil, budesonide, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus and rituximab, are emerging as rescue therapies or alternative frontline agents.ConclusionsOnce diagnosed, the suboptimal response should be treated by a highly individualised and well‐monitored regimen, preferentially using first‐line therapy. Nonstandard drugs warrant consideration as salvage or second‐line therapies.
Sdf‐1 (CXCL12) improves skeletal muscle regeneration via the mobilisation of Cxcr4 and CD34 expressing cells
Authors: Brzoska Edyta , Kowalewska Magdalena , Markowska‐Zagrajek Agnieszka , Kowalski Kamil , Archacka Karolina , Zimowska Małgorzata , Grabowska Iwona , Czerwińska Areta M. , Czarnecka‐Góra Magdalena , Stremińska Władysława , Jańczyk‐Ilach Katarzyna , Ciemerych Maria A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground informationThe regeneration of skeletal muscles involves satellite cells, which are muscle‐specific precursor cells. In muscles, injured either mechanically or as a consequence of a disease, such as muscular dystrophy, local release of the growth factors and cytokines leads to satellite cells activation, proliferation and differentiation of the resulting myoblasts, followed by the formation of new myofibres. Various cell types, such as stem and progenitor cells, originating from other tissues different than the muscle, are also able to follow a myogenic program. Participation of these cells in the repair process depends on their precise mobilisation to the site of the injury.ResultsIn this study, we showed that stromal‐derived factor‐1 (Sdf‐1) impacts on the mobilisation of CXC chemokine receptor (Cxcr)4‐positive cells and improves skeletal muscle regeneration. Analysis of isolated and in vitro cultured satellite cells showed that Sdf‐1 did not influence myoblasts proliferation and expression of myogenic regulatory transcription factors but induced migration of the myoblasts in Cxcr4‐dependent ways. This phenomenon was also associated with the increased activity of crucial extracellular matrix modifiers, i.e. metalloproteases Mmp‐2 and Mmp‐9.ConclusionsThus, positive impact of Sdf‐1 on muscle regeneration is related to the mobilisation of endogenous cells, that is satellite cells and myoblasts, as well as non‐muscle stem cells, expressing Cxcr4 and CD34.
Extraperitoneal resection of the right colon for locally advanced colon cancer
Authors: Taflampas P. , Moran B. J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim  Optimal colon cancer surgery correlates with a reduction in recurrence rate and improved overall prognosis. This technical note describes the extraperitoneal approach for locally advanced right colon cancer.Method  The retroperitoneal technique, mainly used in pseudomyxoma peritonei resectional surgery, is described in three surgical steps and it is compared with existing surgical approaches for right colon cancer.Results  This approach has the advantages of early entry in the retroperitoneal plane well away from the tumour, early recognition and protection of the ureter and minimal manipulation of the tumour‐bearing right colon.Conclusion  Extraperitoneal resection of the right colon for locally advanced colon cancer is technically feasible, safe and achieves tumour‐free retroperitoneal margins.
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum: A case report and review of the published work
Authors: Sakiyama Masayuki , Kobayashi Takashi , Nagata Yuiko , Fujimoto Norihiro , Satoh Takahiro , Tajima Shingo 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTPyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an ulcerative skin disorder characterized by neutrophilic infiltrations. PG is generally classified into four types: (i) ulcerative; (ii) pustular; (iii) bullous; and (iv) vegetative. Among them, bullous PG is known as a rare type. Herein, we report a case of bullous PG together with a summary of the 12 PG cases treated in our department over the previous 15 years, and we review 38 well‐documented bullous PG cases (65.8% female; aged 18–80 years [mean ± standard deviation, 51.6 ± 16.8]) in the published work, including the present case, from 1972–2011. Although the disease most frequently associated with PG is inflammatory bowel disease, bullous PG is most commonly associated with hematological disorders (25/38, 65.8%), which indicates the characteristic pathophysiology specific to bullous PG.
Pharmacokinetic comparison of inhaled fixed combination vs. the free combination of beclomethasone and formoterol pMDIs in asthmatic children
Authors: Chawes Bo L. K. , Piccinno Annalisa , Kreiner‐Møller Eskil , Vissing Nadja H. , Poorisrisak Porntiva , Mortensen Li , Nilson Erik , Bisgaard Amalie , Dossing Anna , Deleuran Maja , Skytt Nanna L. , Samandari Nasim , Sergio Francesco , Ciurlia Giorgia , Poli Gianluigi , Acerbi Daniela , Bisgaard Hans 
Published: September 2012

AimThe fixed combination of beclomethasone (BDP) and formoterol pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) (Foster®, Chiesi Farmaceutici) is being developed in the lower strength (BDP/formoterol: 50/6 μg) to provide an appropriate dosage for children with asthma. The aim of this work was to investigate the systemic bioavailability of beclomethasone‐17‐monoproprionate (B17MP, the active metabolite of BDP) and formoterol after single inhalation of Foster® pMDI 50/6 μg vs. the free combination of BDP and formoterol pMDIs in asthmatic children.MethodsChildren aged 5–11 years old inhaled BDP 200 μg and formoterol 24 μg as fixed vs. free combination in an open label, randomized, two way crossover single dose study. Blood was collected pre‐dose up to 8 h post‐dose for pharmacokinetic evaluation (AUC(0,t), AUC(0,∞), AUC(0,0.5 h, Cmax, tmax, t1/2). Pharmacodynamics included heart rate, plasma potassium, urinary glucose and cortisol excretion. Peak expiratory flow and adverse events were monitored.ResultsTwenty subjects were evaluable. The systemic exposure of B17MP and formoterol administered as fixed combination did not exceed the free combination: B17MP AUC(0,t) (pg ml−1 h) ratio test : reference (90% CI), 0.81 (0.697, 0.948) and formoterol AUC(0,t) (pg ml−1 h) ratio test : reference 0.97 (0.85, 1.10). All pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic end points showed non‐superiority in favour of the test drug. One adverse event (vertigo) occurred but was not considered treatment‐related.ConclusionBDP and formoterol pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects are non‐superior after administration of the two actives as fixed vs. the free combination in 5–11‐year‐old asthmatic children.
Effects of previous growth hormone excess and current medical treatment for acromegaly on cognition
Authors: Brummelman Pauline , Koerts Janneke , Dullaart Robin P. F. , van den Berg Gerrit , Tucha Oliver , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , van Beek André P. 
Published: September 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (12): 1317–1324AbstractBackground  In untreated acromegaly patients, decreased cognitive functioning is reported to be associated with the degree of growth hormone (GH) and IGF‐1 excess. Whether previous GH excess or current medical treatment for acromegaly specifically affects cognition remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare cognitive functioning of patients who are treated for acromegaly with patients with non‐functioning pituitary adenomas (NFA). In addition, we assessed the influence of prolonged medical treatment after initial transsphenoidal surgery on cognition.Design  In this cross‐sectional study, 74 patients participated, who were treated for acromegaly (n = 50; median [interquartile range] age: 53 [45–65] years) or NFA (n = 24; age: 63 [59–70] years). The NFA patients were selected for a high likelihood of normal GH secretion based on an IGF‐1 z‐score within the normal range (> −2) and zero or one axis substituted. Of the acromegaly patients, 28 had achieved remission, while 22 were biochemically controlled with long‐acting somatostatin analogues and/or pegvisomant. Memory and executive functioning were assessed by the 15 Words Test and the Ruff Figural Fluency Test, and reported as z‐scores.Results  The total patient group scored significantly poorer than the reference population on memory and executive functioning (P < 0·001). However, cognitive test performance was not significantly different between acromegaly patients with a persistent disease, acromegaly patients in remission and NFA patients.Conclusion  The total patient group scored worse compared with reference populations. We found no association between previous GH excess and cognition. In addition, current medical treatment for GH excess in acromegaly was not related to memory and executive functioning.
Interventions for preventing and reducing the use of physical restraints in long‐term geriatric care – a Cochrane review
Authors: Möhler Ralph , Richter Tanja , Köpke Sascha , Meyer Gabriele 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and reduce the use of physical restraints in older people requiring long‐term nursing care.Background.  Physical restraints are commonly used in geriatric long‐term care. However, they are associated with adverse outcomes. Therefore, freedom from physical restraints should be the aim of high‐quality nursing care.Design.  Systematic review of randomised controlled trials.Methods.  This review followed the methods of the Cochrane Handbook of systematic reviews of interventions. The systematic search (September 2009) covered the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group’s Specialized Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and LILACS.Results.  Six cluster‐randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. All studies investigated educational approaches targeting nursing staff. In addition, two studies offered consultation, two guidance and one support and free access to technical aids. Five studies examined nursing home residents and one study residents in group dwelling units. No studies in community settings were included. Overall, the methodological quality of studies was low. Their results were inconsistent. One study with good methodological quality in the nursing home setting documented an increase in physical restraints use in both groups, while the other four studies with lower quality found reduced use of physical restraints in the intervention group. The single study in group dwelling units found no change in physical restraints use in the intervention group but a significant increase in the control group.Conclusions.  There is insufficient evidence supporting the effectiveness of educational interventions targeting nursing staff for preventing or reducing the use of physical restraints in geriatric long‐term care.Relevance to clinical practice.  Our findings indicate that educational programmes targeting nursing staff might not be effective in reducing the use of physical restraints in geriatric long‐term care. It remains unclear which components should be included in educational programmes aiming to reduce physical restraints.
Oceanographic drivers of offspring abundance may increase or decrease reproductive variance in a temperate marine fish
Authors: Lotterhos Katie E. , Markel Russell W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn species that reproduce into uncertain environments, the relationship between mean reproductive success (the abundance of new recruits) and the variance in reproductive success (whether adults contribute disproportionally more offspring) may not be straightforward because of stochastic environmental processes that create high variance in reproductive success among adults. In this study, we investigated the relationships between oceanography, reproductive success and reproductive variance in the black rockfish, Sebastes melanops, a long‐lived temperate reef fish with pelagic larvae. We quantified black rockfish recruitment, genetic diversity and growth rates from otolith microstructure over 5 years (2005–2009) during which oceanographic conditions differed. We used cross‐correlations to determine windows of time during which oceanographic variables were significantly correlated with the resulting abundance or genetic diversity of recruits. We found that warmer ocean temperatures were positively correlated with the abundance of recruits, as well as the effective number of breeders. In contrast, the strength of coastal upwelling during settlement was positively correlated with the annual abundance of new recruits, but was negatively correlated with the effective number of breeders. Larval growth rates were explained substantially more by temperature than by upwelling and suggested that temperature affected survival through growth, while upwelling affected survival through transport. Our results indicated that cold ocean temperatures and intense upwelling caused sweepstakes‐like processes to operate on black rockfish populations, despite high abundances of recruits. We propose that a decoupling of the mean and variance in reproductive success may be characteristic of organisms that reproduce into uncertain environments.
Adult deaths and the future: a cause‐specific analysis of adult deaths from a longitudinal study in rural Tanzania 2003–2007
Authors: Narh‐Bana S. A. , Chirwa T. F. , Mwanyangala M. A. , Nathan R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives  To determine patterns and risk factors for cause‐specific adult mortality in rural southern Tanzania.Methods  The study was a longitudinal open cohort and focused on adults aged 15–59 years between 2003 and 2007. Causes of deaths were ascertained by verbal autopsy (VA). Cox proportion hazards regression model was used to determine factors associated with cause‐specific mortality over the 5‐year period.Results  Thousand three hundred and fifty‐two of 65 548 adults died, representing a crude adult mortality rate (AMR) of 7.3 per 1000 person years of observation (PYO). VA was performed for 1132 (84%) deaths. HIV/AIDS [231 (20.4%)] was the leading cause of death followed by malaria [150 (13.2%)]. AMR for communicable disease (CD) causes was 2.49 per 1000 PYO, 1.21 per 1000 PYO for non‐communicable diseases (NCD) and 0.53 per 1000 PYO for accidents/injury causes. NCD deaths increased from 16% in 2003 to 24% in 2007. High level of education was associated with a reduction in the risk of dying from NCDs. Those with primary education (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.92) and with education beyond primary school (HR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.40) had lower mortality than those who had no formal education. Compared with local residents, in‐migrants were 1.7 (95% CI: 1.37, 2.11) times more likely to die from communicable disease causes.Conclusion  NCDs are increasing as a result of demographic and epidemiological transitions taking place in most African countries including Tanzania and require attention to prevent increased triple disease burden of CD, NCD and accident/injuries.
Indicators of quality use of medicines in South‐East Asian countries: a systematic review
Authors: Nguyen H. T. , Wirtz V. J. , Haaijer‐Ruskamp F. M. , Taxis K. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives  To identify indicators of quality use of medicines used in South‐East Asian region.Methods  A systematic review was conducted searching MEDLINE, Embase and The International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) and The World Health Organization (WHO) website. Original studies or reports carried out in the South‐East Asian region, explicitly using indicators to measure quality use of medicines, and published between January 2000 and July 2011 were included.Results  A total of 17 studies conducted in 7 of 11 countries in South‐East Asia were included. WHO indicators focusing on general medication use in health facilities were most widely used (10 studies). Twelve studies used non‐WHO indicators for measuring quality use of medicines in clinical areas (geriatrics and obstetrics) or specific diseases, such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. In five studies, WHO indicators were used along with non‐WHO indicators. There was little information available about validity, reliability and feasibility of the non‐WHO indicators. The majority of indicators measured process rather than structure or outcome. There were very few indicators addressing non‐communicable diseases.Conclusions  A limited number of studies have been published explicitly using indicators of quality use of medicines across South‐East Asia. Importantly, existing indicators need to be complemented with valid, reliable and feasible indicators related to non‐communicable diseases, particularly those with a high financial burden to meet the current medical challenges in the region.