bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic divergence of Central European and Australian populations of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei
Authors: Dreiseitl A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHosts and pathogens have adapted their response to each other through genetic changes that have arisen during the course of their co‐evolution. In developed countries the longevity of varieties is often short; new varieties frequently possess novel genes with specific resistance to pathogens. The latter must adapt to the resistance genes to maintain pathogenicity. To study this adaptation, 50 Central European and 50 Australian isolates of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) were tested on 50 barley differential varieties with different specific resistance genes. All the Central European isolates differed from each other in their virulence combinations and belonged to 50 various pathotypes, whereas Australian isolates comprised 37 pathotypes. None of the pathotypes detected in Central Europe was identical or similar to any of those in Australia. This can be attributed to the much higher number of virulences in Central European isolates that developed over a long period of contact with a range of host varieties containing specific resistance genes. This has led to a gradual divergence of the Australian and the European Bgh populations. In Europe, unlike Australia, new specific resistance genes are still widely used in breeding barley varieties and the divergence of both populations will continue.
Gene expression profiling of laser microdissected airway smooth muscle tissue in asthma and atopy
Authors: Yick C. Y. , Zwinderman A. H. , Kunst P. W. , Grünberg K. , Mauad T. , Chowdhury S. , Bel E. H. , Baas F. , Lutter R. , Sterk P. J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAsthma and atopy share common characteristics including type 2 helper‐T‐cell‐mediated inflammation. However, only asthma is associated with variable airways obstruction. The complex cellular and molecular pathways distinguishing asthma and atopy can now be captured by transcriptomic analysis (RNA‐Seq). We hypothesized that the transcriptomic profile of airway smooth muscle (ASM) distinguishes atopic asthma from atopic healthy controls. First, we compared the ASM transcriptomic profiles of endobronchial biopsies between glucocorticoid‐free, atopic asthma patients, and atopic and nonatopic healthy controls. Second, we investigated the association between ASM transcriptomic profiles and airway function.MethodsTwelve asthma patients and 12 control subjects (six atopic, six nonatopic) underwent bronchoscopy. RNA of laser‐dissected ASM from 96 bronchial biopsy specimens was sequenced with Roche GS FLX. Gene networks were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. RNA‐Seq reads were assumed to follow a negative binomial distribution. With the current sample size, the estimated false discovery rate was approximately 1%.ResultsOne hundred and seventy four ASM genes were differentially expressed between asthma patients and atopic controls, 108 between asthma patients and nonatopic controls, and 135 between atopic and nonatopic controls. A set of eight genes discriminated asthma patients from nonasthmatic controls, irrespective of atopy. Four of these genes (RPTOR, VANGL1, FAM129A, LEPREL1) were associated with airway hyper‐responsiveness (P < 0.05).ConclusionAirway smooth muscle from asthma patients can be distinguished from that of atopic and nonatopic control subjects by a specific gene expression profile, which is associated with airway hyper‐responsiveness.
Penthrox inhaler analgesia in transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Lee Chanyang , Woo Henry H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundPeriprostatic injection of local anaesthetic (PILA) has been shown to significantly reduce pain in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB). However, this method does not address pain that is associated with ultrasound probe insertion, and the injection of local anaesthetic itself causes pain. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of methoxyflurane delivered by a Penthrox inhaler as a novel method of pain relief during TRUSPB.MethodFrom July 2012 to July 2013, 64 patients were scheduled at a single centre to undergo TRUSPB while receiving analgesia via Penthrox inhaler. Fifteen minutes after the biopsy procedure, these patients were asked to complete a pain score survey using a 10‐cm visual analogue scale (VAS) to separately report the degree of pain experienced during digital rectal examination (DRE), ultrasound probe insertion and core biopsy.ResultsThe median pain scores on a 10‐cm VAS were 2.0, 2.4 and 3.0 during DRE, probe insertion and needle biopsy, respectively, while using the Penthrox inhaler. Of the 64 patients, 11 had undergone TRUSPB previously receiving PILA. In these patients, PILA was significantly better than the Penthrox inhaler for pain relief during needle biopsy (median pain score 2.0 versus 4.0; P = 0.012).ConclusionThe Penthrox inhaler appears to be a safe and effective method of analgesia for TRUSPB. Patients who had experienced both PILA and Penthrox reported pain scores that significantly favoured PILA over the Penthrox inhaler.
Early surgical intervention in severe acute pancreatitis: Central Australian experience
Authors: Jacob Abraham O. , Stewart Penny , Jacob Ollapallil 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a disease associated with a high mortality and morbidity; however, many patients survive due to better understanding of the disease and multidisciplinary care. Those who do not respond to intensive care management with persistent multi‐organ dysfunction still have a high mortality. There is a role for early surgical intervention in two subsets of critically ill patients: the first, with acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the abdomen with persisting organ dysfunction despite medical measures to control intra‐abdominal pressure; the second, being early infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) with the presence of gas in the retroperitoneum.MethodsThe current analysis is an 8‐year (2005–2012) study. The data were collected prospectively by the Surgical Department in Alice Springs Hospital. Intensive care data were also sourced from ANZICS CORE (Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society and Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation) for ICU (intensive care unit) mortality comparison between ICUs of Australia and New Zealand with Alice Springs.ResultsThere were 1163 episodes of acute pancreatitis with an annual incidence of 275 per 100 000. Of importance, 114 patients had SAP of whom 42 developed pancreatic necrosis. Eleven patients required surgical intervention. Five patients had decompressive laparotomies for ACS and six patients had laparotomies for IPN. The mortality of patients with SAP was 0%.ConclusionsThe two subsets of patients with either ACS or early IPN require early surgical intervention either by decompressive laparotomy or open necrosectomy with laparostomy. The authors attribute improved survival in this cohort due to these interventions.
Epidemiology and outcomes in refractive lens exchange surgery
Authors: Westin Oscar , Koskela Timo , Behndig Anders 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeTo assess demographics and refractive outcomes in patients undergoing refractive lens exchange surgery (RLE), with a population of cataract patients as a reference.MethodsA RLE cohort from a private eye clinic (n = 675) and a cataract cohort from the outcome registration of the Swedish National Cataract Register were studied and compared from an epidemiological perspective regarding age, gender, preoperative refraction and postoperative refractive outcome.ResultsThe RLE patients were younger (52.1 ± 7.7 versus 73.84 ± 9.32 years) with a smaller percentage of women (45.28% versus 60.46%; p < 0.001) and were more often myopic than the cataract patients. Astigmatism and hyperopia did not differ between the cohorts. Uncorrected visual acuity after RLE equalled the best corrected visual acuity in best cases after cataract surgery. The absolute biometry prediction was more accurate in RLE (0.17 ± 0.27 D versus 0.40 ± 0.58 D; p < 0.001), particularly in patients given a customized toric IOL (0.12 ± 0.27 D; p < 0.05). In cataracts, the Haigis' formula showed higher accuracy than the SRK/T formula (0.39 ± 0.53 D versus 0.43 ± 0.61 D; p < 0.01). Postoperatively after RLE, Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis was performed in 9.04% and Yttrium Aluminium Garnet capsulotomy in 7.41% of the eyes. Other reoperations were performed in three cases, and five postoperative retinal detachments occurred after RLE.ConclusionCompared with patients undergoing cataract surgery, we see many similarities, but also many interesting differences in patients undergoing RLE. Basic information about the growing population choosing to undergo RLE can help us plan future ophthalmic care.
How the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score can identify treatment failure and avoid overusing antibiotics in ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Authors: da Silva Paulo Sérgio Lucas , de Aguiar Vânia Euzébio , Fonseca Marcelo Cunio Machado 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimAlthough the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) has been used to guide treatment decisions in adults with ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP), paediatric studies are lacking. We assessed a modified CPIS tool to define VAP resolution and identify treatment failure at an early stage.MethodsWe identified 70 mechanically ventilated children with VAP according to the Center for Disease Control criteria. Modified CPIS was initially measured at VAP onset and then three and five days afterwards. Children were defined as low risk or high risk based on a cut‐off score of six.ResultsThere were 50 high‐risk and 20 low‐risk patients. Culture results were positive in 64% of the high‐risk patients and just 10% of the low‐risk patients. Patients on adequate therapy significantly improved their CPIS scores by day three, regardless of the likelihood of VAP. A lack of score improvement demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83% when it came to detecting treatment failure. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.92.ConclusionSerial modified CPIS measurements showed that low‐risk patients with negative cultures at day three should be considered for a short course of antibiotics. In contrast, high‐risk patients with no score improvement were potentially failing their treatment.
Adjuvant Anticholinesterase Therapy for the Management of Epilepsy‐Induced Memory Deficit: A Critical Pre‐clinical Study
Authors: Mishra Awanish , Goel Rajesh Kumar 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEpilepsy is one of the major neurological disorders still awaiting safer drugs with improved antiepileptic effect and lesser side effects. Apart from epilepsy itself, AEDs also have been shown to induce cognitive impairment in patients with epilepsy. There are limited data for the treatment of this menace. As cholinergic approach has widely been practiced for the restoration of memory in various neurodegenerative disorders, this study was envisaged to evaluate add on effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (tacrine) with phenytoin in pentylenetetrazole‐kindling‐induced learning and memory deficit in mice. In this study, mice were kindled using subconvulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (35 mg/kg, i.p.; at interval of 48 ± 2 hr) and successfully kindled animals were divided into different groups and treated with vehicle, phenytoin and phenytoinin in combination with tacrine (0.3 mg/kg), atropine (1 mg/kg) and tacrine + atropine. Effect of different interventions on learning and memory was evaluated using elevated plus maze and passive shock avoidance on days 5, 10, 15 and 20. Phenytoin‐treated kindled animals were associated with learning and memory deficit, while tacrine supplementation improved memory deficit with increased seizure severity score. Atropine treatment significantly reversed the protective effect of tacrine. Neurochemical findings also support the behavioural finding of the study. Our results suggest the use of anticholinesterases, with better seizure tolerance, for the management of cognitive impairment of epilepsy, as adjunct therapy.
Combining biomarkers to optimize patient treatment recommendations
Authors: Kang Chaeryon , Janes Holly , Huang Ying 
Published: May 2014

SummaryMarkers that predict treatment effect have the potential to improve patient outcomes. For example, the has some ability to predict the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy over and above hormone therapy for the treatment of estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer, facilitating the provision of chemotherapy to women most likely to benefit from it. Given that the score was originally developed for predicting outcome given hormone therapy alone, it is of interest to develop alternative combinations of the genes comprising the score that are optimized for treatment selection. However, most methodology for combining markers is useful when predicting outcome under a single treatment. We propose a method for combining markers for treatment selection which requires modeling the treatment effect as a function of markers. Multiple models of treatment effect are fit iteratively by upweighting or “boosting” subjects potentially misclassified according to treatment benefit at the previous stage. The boosting approach is compared to existing methods in a simulation study based on the change in expected outcome under marker‐based treatment. The approach improves upon methods in some settings and has comparable performance in others. Our simulation study also provides insights as to the relative merits of the existing methods. Application of the boosting approach to the breast cancer data, using scaled versions of the original markers, produces marker combinations that may have improved performance for treatment selection.
Silver deposition on titanium surface by electrochemical anodizing process reduces bacterial adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus salivarius
Authors: Godoy‐Gallardo Maria , Rodríguez‐Hernández Ana G. , Delgado Luis M. , Manero José M. , Javier Gil F. , Rodríguez Daniel 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial properties of silver‐doped titanium surfaces prepared with a novel electrochemical anodizing process.Material and methodsTitanium samples were anodized with a pulsed process in a solution of silver nitrate and sodium thiosulphate at room temperature with stirring. Samples were processed with different electrolyte concentrations and treatment cycles to improve silver deposition. Physicochemical properties were determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, white‐light interferometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Cellular cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was studied with lactate dehydrogenase assays. The in vitro effect of treated surfaces on two oral bacteria strains (Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus salivarius) was studied with viable bacterial adhesion measurements and growth curve assays. Nonparametric statistical Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used for multiple and paired comparisons, respectively. Post hoc Spearman's correlation tests were calculated to check the dependence between bacteria adhesion and surface properties.ResultsX‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of silver on treated samples and showed that treatments with higher silver nitrate concentration and more cycles increased the silver deposition on titanium surface. No negative effects in fibroblast cell viability were detected and a significant reduction on bacterial adhesion in vitro was achieved in silver‐treated samples compared with control titanium.ConclusionsSilver deposition on titanium with a novel electrochemical anodizing process produced surfaces with significant antibacterial properties in vitro without negative effects on cell viability.
Methamphetamine self‐administration results in persistent dopaminergic pathology: implications for Parkinson's disease risk and reward‐seeking
Authors: Kousik Sharanya M. , Carvey Paul M. , Napier T. Celeste 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMethamphetamine (Meth) abuse may be a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD); a problematic event as approximately 33 million people abuse Meth worldwide. The current study determined if a mild form of PD‐like nigrostriatal pathology occurred following forced abstinence in Meth self‐administering rats. The average daily intake of self‐administered Meth was 3.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg/3 h over 14 sessions. Subsequently, animals were killed and the brains harvested at 1, 7, 28 or 56 days of abstinence. Post mortem, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining in the dorsal striatum progressively decreased throughout abstinence, reaching a 50% loss at 56 days. In the substantia nigra, there was marked reduction of TH+ cells, and Fluorogold (retrograde tracer) transport from the striatum to the nigra, at 28 and 56 days after Meth. Thus, Meth‐induced progressive nigrostriatal damage occurred retrogradely, similar to PD pathology. The mesolimbic dopamine pathway [i.e. ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)], critical for Meth‐induced reward, was also evaluated. TH immunostaining was decreased in the NAc‐core at 28 and 56 days of forced abstinence, while staining in the dorsomedial NAc‐shell was preserved. Accordingly, TH+ cell loss was evident in the lateral VTA, the origin of projections to the NAc‐core, but not the medial VTA where NAc‐shell projections originate. Thus, after Meth‐taking ceased, a time‐dependent, progressive degeneration occurred within nigrostriatal projections that eventually engulfed lateral mesolimbic projections. This pathological pattern is consistent with a trajectory for developing PD; therefore, these findings provide preclinical support for Meth abuse to increase vulnerability to developing PD.
Patient involvement in research programming and implementation
Authors: Abma Tineke A. , Pittens Carina A.C.M. , Visse Merel , Elberse Janneke E. , Broerse Jacqueline E.W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe Dialogue Model for research agenda‐setting, involving multiple stakeholders including patients, was developed and validated in the Netherlands. However, there is little insight into whether and how patient involvement is sustained during the programming and implementation of research agendas.AimTo understand how the Dialogue Model can be optimised by focusing on programming and implementation, in order to stimulate the inclusion of (the perspectives of) patients in research.MethodsA responsive evaluation of the programming and implementation phases of nine agenda‐setting projects that had used the Dialogue Model for agenda‐setting was conducted. Fifty‐four semi‐structured interviews were held with different stakeholders (patients, researchers, funding agencies). Three focus groups with patients, funding agencies and researchers (16 participants) were organized to validate the findings.ResultsPatient involvement in programming and implementation of the research agendas was limited. This was partly related to poor programming and implementation, partly to pitfalls in earlier phases of the agenda‐setting. Optimization of the Dialogue Model is possible by attending to the nature of the agenda and its intended use in earlier phases. Attention should also be given to the ambassadors and intended users of agenda topics. Support is needed during programming and implementation to organize patient involvement and adapt organizational structures like review procedures. In all phases the attitude to patient involvement, stakeholder participation, especially of researchers, and formal and informal relationships between parties need to be addressed to build a strong relationship with a shared goal.ConclusionPatient involvement in agenda‐setting is not automatically followed by patient involvement in programming and implementation. More attention should be paid, in earlier stages, to the attitude and engagement of researchers and funding agencies.
Spectrum of histopathological changes encountered in stented colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Fryer Eve , Gorissen Kim J , Wang Lai Mun , Guy Richard , Chetty Runjan 
Published: May 2014

AimsSelf‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are increasingly being used in obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC) as a ‘bridge to surgery’, allowing conversion of potentially high‐risk emergency resections to elective procedures. Stenting may cause a wide array of histological changes. We present the largest series to date of stented CRC, performed and reported at a single institution.Methods and resultsStented CRC specimens received in January 2006 to December 2011 were identified from our pathology database. Slides for each case were independently reviewed by two pathologists, and a consensus was reached. A total of 72 CRCs were identified, 15 at or proximal to the splenic flexure, and 57 left‐sided. Thirty‐six were stage pT3 and 36 were stage pT4. Perforation was observed in 14 cases. The effects of stenting on the tumour included tumour necrosis (100%) and flat ulceration (77.8%). The spectrum of changes in the background bowel included mimics of inflammatory bowel disease, tumour regression post‐neoadjuvant therapy, and ischaemia.ConclusionsGiven the inclusion of stenting of CRC as a bridge to surgery in the current NICE guidelines, we expect to see increasing numbers of such cases. In our study, a range of changes were encountered that mimic other bowel diseases, from simple fissuring to chronic inflammatory bowel disease and neoadjuvant regression change.
Effects of MgO on Crystallization and Microwave Dielectric Properties of MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐TiO2‐La2O3 Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Wang Hui‐Juan , Li Bo‐Tao , Lin Hui‐Xing , Chen Wei , Luo Lan 
Published: May 2014

A new glass‐ceramic material with dielectric constant εr~9–12 and optimum quality factor Q × f~29000 GHz was fabricated from xMgO‐1.2Al2O3‐2.8SiO2‐1.2TiO2‐0.4La2O3 (x = 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2) system. The effects of MgO on crystallization, microstructure, and dielectric properties of the material were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter(DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and network analyzer. The results show that the glass‐ceramic consists of multicrystalline phases, including perrierite, cordierite, magnesium aluminotitanate (MAT), rutile, and spinel (MgAl2O4). Rising MgO content promotes the formation of MAT with compositions richer in magnesia, stabilizes spinel at high temperature, and at the same time suppresses the existence of rutile in the material. Quality factor Q × f value of the material is significantly improved with increasing MgO, which is mainly attributed to the existence of more MAT and spinel, while the drop of dielectric constant is related to the decrease in rutile.