bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Ellipticine
Authors: Calabrò Salvatrice , Alzoubi Kousi , Bissinger Rosi , Faggio Caterina , Lang Florian 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEllipticine is a potent antineoplastic alkaloid effective in part by triggering apoptosis. Mechanisms involved in ellipticine‐induced apoptosis include mitochondrial depolarization and DNA damage. Erythrocytes lack mitochondria and nuclei but may nevertheless enter suicidal death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), ceramide formation and oxidative stress. This study tested whether ellipticine stimulates eryptosis. Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin V binding, cell volume from forward scatter (FSC), [Ca2+]i from Fluo‐3 fluorescence, ceramide abundance from binding of specific antibodies and reactive oxygen species from 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. A 24‐hr exposure of human erythrocytes to ellipticine (5 μg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin V binding cells, ceramide abundance and oxidative stress. Ellipticine did not significantly modify [Ca2+]i, and the stimulation of annexin V binding by ellipticine (5 μg/ml) did not require the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Ellipticine (5 μg/ml) did not significantly modify FSC. Ionomycin (1 μM, 1 hr) decreased FSC, an effect slightly but significantly blunted by ellipticine (5 μg/ml). Ellipticine thus stimulates phosphatidylserine translocation in the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect at least partially due to stimulation of oxidative stress and ceramide formation.
Ethical Study on the Reform and Development of Medical and Health Services in China
Authors: Yang Tong‐wei , Li En‐chang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAt an early stage of its foundation, new China became clear about the nature of public welfare and quickly developed medical and health services, which was well received by the World Health Organization. The marketization and the reduction of input into medical and health services from the 1980s created severe adverse consequences. After the SARS' outbreak in 2003, China started to give serious consideration to its medical and health system, and to work at developing medical and health services. The new healthcare reform launched in 2009 re‐emphasizes fairness and public welfare, and China's achievements have been remarkable. Of course, there are still many problems to be solved in the reform, which also paves the way for increasing the reform in future.
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney: a detailed study of radiological, pathological and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kenney Patrick A. , Vikram Raghunandan , Prasad Srinivasa R. , Tamboli Pheroze , Matin Surena F. , Wood Christopher G. , Karam Jose A. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo characterise the clinical, radiological and histological features of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC), as well as oncological outcomes.Patients and methodsThis is a single institution retrospective analysis of all patients withMTSCCfrom 2002 to 2011. Patients were excluded ifMTSCCcould not be confirmed on pathology re‐review (four patients). Clinical characteristics, pathology, imaging, and outcomes were reviewed for the 19 included patients.ResultsThe median (range) age at diagnosis was 59 (17–71) years with a female predominance (78.9%). On contrast‐enhanced computed tomography,MTSCCenhanced less than the cortex during the corticomedullary phase. The mean (range) tumour attenuation was 36 (24–48), 67 (41–133), 89 (49–152), and 76 (52–106) Hounsfield units in the pre‐contrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phases, respectively. In all, 16 patients were treated with partial (five patients) or radical nephrectomy (11) forpT1 (62.5%),pT2 (31.3%), andpT3a disease (6.3%). One patient underwent active surveillance. Of three patients (13.0%) managed with energy ablation, there was one recurrence that was treated with salvage surgery. One patient (5.3%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis and died from disease 64.7 months later. A patient with apT2bN0M0MTSCCwith sarcomatoid dedifferentiation developed bone metastases 9.5 months after diagnosis and was alive at 19.0 months. The remainder were free of recurrence or progression.ConclusionMTSCCis a rare renal cell carcinoma (RCC) variant. In this largest series to date,MTSCCpresented at a broad range of ages and displayed a female predilection. Imaging and pathological features ofMTSCCdisplay some overlap with papillaryRCC.MTSCCis associated with excellent outcomes overall, but is not universally indolent.
Swedish National Penile Cancer Register: incidence, tumour characteristics, management and survival
Authors: Kirrander Peter , Sherif Amir , Friedrich Bengt , Lambe Mats , Håkansson Ulf ,   the Steering Committee of the Swedish National Penile Cancer Register
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo assess penile cancer incidence, stage distribution, adherence to guidelines and prognostic factors in a population‐based setting.Patients and MethodsThe population‐based Swedish National Penile Cancer Register (NPECR) contains detailed information on tumour characteristics and management patterns. A total of 1 678 men with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the penis identified in the NPECR between 2000 and 2012 were included in the study.ResultsThe mean age‐adjusted incidence of penile cancer was 2.1/100 000 men, remaining virtually unchanged during the study period. At diagnosis, 14 and 2% of the men had clinical N+ and M+ disease, respectively. Most men were staged pTis (34%), pT2 (19%), or pT1 (18%), while stage information was unavailable for 18% of the men. Organ‐preserving treatment was used in 71% of Tis–T1 tumours. Of men with cN0 and ≥pT1G2 disease, 50% underwent lymph node staging, while 74% of men with cN1–3 disease underwent lymph node dissection. The overall 5‐year relative survival rate was 82%. Men aged ≥40 years and those with pT2–3, G2–3 and N+ tumours had worse outcomes.ConclusionsThe incidence of penile cancer in Sweden is stable. Most men presented with localized disease, and the proportion of non‐invasive tumours was high. During the period under study, adherence to guidelines was suboptimum. The overall 5‐year relative survival rate was 82%. Older age, increasing tumour stage and grade, and increasing lymph node stage were associated with poorer survival.
Maternal diet and its influence on the development of allergic disease
Authors: Miles E. A. , Calder P. C. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe early presentation of childhood allergies and the rise in their prevalence suggest that changes in early‐life exposures may increase the predisposition. Very early‐life exposures may act upon the developing foetal immune system and include infection, environmental tobacco smoke, other pollutants and nutrients provided via the mother. Three nutrients have come under close scrutiny: vitamin D, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and folate (or the synthetic form, folic acid). Much of the data on these nutrients are observational although some randomised, placebo‐controlled trials have been conducted with omega 3 PUFAs and one with vitamin D. Some studies with omega 3 PUFA supplements in pregnancy have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects on the neonate and a reduction in risk of early sensitisation to allergens. A few studies with omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements in pregnancy have shown a reduction in proportion of children affected by allergic symptoms (food allergy) or in symptom severity (atopic dermatitis). Observational studies investigating the association of maternal vitamin D intake or maternal or neonatal vitamin D status have been inconsistent. One randomised, controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy did not show any significant effect on allergic outcome in the offspring. Studies investigating the association between maternal folic acid or folate intake or maternal or neonatal folate status and offspring risk of allergic disease have been equivocal. Further evidence is required to clarify whether increased intake of these nutrients during pregnancy influences allergic disease in the offspring. In the light of current evidence, mothers should not either increase or avoid consuming these nutrients to prevent or ameliorate allergic disease in their offspring. However, these essential nutrients each have important roles in foetal development. This is reflected in current government recommendations for intake of these nutrients by pregnant women.
The analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath and biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate in children – clinical tools or scientific toys?
Authors: van Mastrigt E. , de Jongste J. C. , Pijnenburg M. W. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCurrent monitoring strategies for respiratory diseases are mainly based on clinical features, lung function and imaging. As airway inflammation is the hallmark of many respiratory diseases in childhood, noninvasive methods to assess the presence and severity of airway inflammation might be helpful in both diagnosing and monitoring paediatric respiratory diseases. At present, the measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide is the only noninvasive method available to assess eosinophilic airway inflammation in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate whether the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath (EB) and biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is helpful in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory diseases in children. An extensive literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase and PubMed on the analysis and applications of VOCs in EB and EBC in children. We retrieved 1165 papers, of which nine contained original data on VOCs in EB and 84 on biomarkers in EBC. These were included in this review. We give an overview of the clinical applications in childhood and summarize the methodological issues. Several VOCs in EB and biomarkers in EBC have the potential to distinguish patients from healthy controls and to monitor treatment responses. Lack of standardization of collection methods and analysis techniques hampers the introduction in clinical practice. The measurement of metabolomic profiles may have important advantages over detecting single markers. There is a lack of longitudinal studies and external validation to reveal whether EB and EBC analysis have added value in the diagnostic process and follow‐up of children with respiratory diseases. In conclusion, the use of VOCs in EB and biomarkers in EBC as markers of inflammatory airway diseases in children is still a research tool and not validated for clinical use.
Clinical and diagnostic features of perioperative hypersensitivity to cefuroxime
Authors: Christiansen I. S. , Krøigaard M. , Mosbech H. , Skov P. S. , Poulsen L. K. , Garvey L. H. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe Danish Anaesthesia Allergy Centre (DAAC) investigated 89 adult patients with suspected perioperative cefuroxime‐associated hypersensitivity reactions between 2004 and 2013. The goals were to determine whether the time to index reaction after cefuroxime exposure could be used to implicate cefuroxime as the cause of the reactions and explore different test modalities in diagnosing cefuroxime hypersensitivity.MethodSkin tests,in vitrotests, and titrated provocations were used to determine cefuroxime hypersensitivity. Patients were deemed cefuroxime positive on the basis of at least two positive tests and/or a positive provocation.ResultsOne or more tests were positive for cefuroxime in 24 of 89 (27.0%) patients. One was only specific IgE positive and was deemed cefuroxime negative. Twenty‐three (25.8%) were deemed cefuroxime positive. There were four specific IgE‐, 4 histamine release test‐, 13 skin test‐, and 14 provocation positive patients. There were eight (34.8%) patients who were only provocation positive. Data on time to index reaction after cefuroxime exposure were available for 80 patients (22 in the positive group and 58 in the negative group), 22 of 22 (100%) of positive patients reacted in <15 min vs. only 38 of 58 (65.5%) of negative patients.ConclusionAll patients with confirmed hypersensitivity to cefuroxime reacted within 15 min of administration, but so did 65.5% of Cefuroxime negative patients, making timing of administration an unreliable predictor of causation in the perioperative setting. Provocations were always positive when carried out in skin test positive patients; however, eight patients had positive provocations only, highlighting the need for provocation in skin test negative patients.
Reduced content of chloroatranol and atranol in oak moss absolute significantly reduces the elicitation potential of this fragrance material
Authors: Andersen Flemming , Andersen Kirsten H. , Bernois Armand , Brault Christophe , Bruze Magnus , Eudes Hervé , Gadras Catherine , Signoret Anne‐Cécile J. , Mose Kristian F. , Müller Boris P. , Toulemonde Bernard , Andersen Klaus Ejner 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundOak moss absolute, an extract from the lichen Evernia prunastri, is a valued perfume ingredient but contains extreme allergens.ObjectivesTo compare the elicitation properties of two preparations of oak moss absolute: ‘classic oak moss’, the historically used preparation, and ‘new oak moss’, with reduced contents of the major allergens atranol and chloroatranol.Patients/materials/methodsThe two preparations were compared in randomized double‐blinded repeated open application tests and serial dilution patch tests in 30 oak moss‐sensitive volunteers and 30 non‐allergic control subjects.ResultsIn both test models, new oak moss elicited significantly less allergic contact dermatitis in oak moss‐sensitive subjects than classic oak moss. The control subjects did not react to either of the preparations.ConclusionsNew oak moss is still a fragrance allergen, but elicits less allergic contact dermatitis in previously oak moss‐sensitized individuals, suggesting that new oak moss is less allergenic to non‐sensitized individuals.
The efficacy and safety of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in preventing the recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a meta‐analysis and systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang F.‐C. , Wang Y.‐J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimWe report a meta‐analysis and systematic review of randomized trials assessing the impact of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing recurrence of colorectal adenoma.MethodPubMed/Medicine, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for relevant randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials published before March 2014. Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. stata software was used to investigate heterogeneity between studies, and analysis was performed using a fixed‐effects model to calculate and merge data.ResultsNine studies, with 8521 subjects, were included. Results were categorized by the duration of follow‐up. The relative risks of any recurrence of adenoma in patients receiving NSAIDs compared with the placebo group were 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.73, P = 0.001] for patients with a 1‐year follow‐up, 0.75 (95% CI 0.68–0.83, P = 0.246) with 3 years and 1.43 (95% CI 1.14–1.79, P = 0.127) with follow‐up of over 3 years. Using pooled risk ratios, NSAIDs were associated with a significant decrease in adenoma recurrence at 1 and 3 years, although this association was lost beyond 3 years of follow‐up. For secondary prevention of advanced adenomas, the pooled risk ratios (compared with placebo) were 0.51 (95% CI 0.43–0.60, P = 0.026) after 1 year, 0.61 (95% CI 0.50–0.76, P = 0.887) at 3 years and 1.39 (95% CI 0.89–2.16, P = 0.829) after 3 years.ConclusionThe meta‐analysis indicated that oral NSAIDs may be effective in the early prevention of secondary occurrence of adenomas.
Robin Room and cannabis policy: Dangerous comparisons
Authors: Hall Wayne 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper describes Robin Room's contribution to cannabis policy debates over the period 1993–2010. It focuses on a controversy that erupted over a review that Room and the author undertook for the World Health Organization in the mid‐1990s on the comparative harms of cannabis, alcohol, opiates and tobacco. It also briefly describes Room's recent work on global cannabis policy and ends with a brief appreciation of the character of his scholarly contributions to this field. [Hall W. Robin Room and cannabis policy: Dangerous comparisons. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014]
Impact of tubulointerstitial lesions on anaemia in patients with biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Mise K. , Hoshino J. , Ueno T. , Imafuku A. , Kawada M. , Sumida K. , Hiramatsu R. , Hasegawa E. , Yamanouchi M. , Hayami N. , Suwabe T. , Sawa N. , Fujii T. , Hara S. , Ohashi K. , Takaichi K. , Ubara Y. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationship between the progression of anaemia and renal pathological findings in patients with diabetic nephropathy.MethodsA total of 223 patients with diabetes underwent renal biopsy from 1985 to 2010 and were confirmed to have pure diabetic nephropathy according to the recent classification, of whom 113 (baseline haemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl) were enrolled in the study. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the changes in haemoglobin levels during the follow‐up period.ResultsIn a multivariate model adjusted for clinical and histopathological variables, higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores were more strongly associated with a decrease in haemoglobin levels than were lower scores. Compared with an interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy score of 0, the standardized coefficients for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores of 1, 2 and 3 were 0.20 (95% CI −0.31 to 0.93), 0.34 (95% CI −0.22 to 1.34) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.96), respectively, whereas a higher glomerular class, a higher vascular lesion score and the presence of exudative lesions were not strongly correlated with the decrease in haemoglobin.ConclusionsTubulointerstitial lesions that are more advanced are significantly associated with the progression of anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for numerous covariates. This finding suggests that tubulointerstitial lesions may be a useful prognostic indicator for anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and that decreased erythropoietin production attributable to the progression of tubulointerstitial lesions is a major cause of anaemia in these patients.
Regional Blocks and Imperial Legacies: Mapping the Global Offshore FDI Network
Authors: Haberly Daniel , Wójcik Dariusz 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWhile foreign direct investment (FDI) is generally assumed to represent long‐term investments within the real economy, approximately 30–50 percent of global FDI is accounted for by networks of offshore shell companies created by corporations and individuals for tax and other purposes. To date, there has been limited systematic research on the global structure of these networks. Here we address this gap by employing principal component analysis to decompose the global bilateral FDI anomaly matrix into its primary constituent subnetworks. We find that the global offshore FDI network is highly globalized, with a centralized core of jurisdictions in Northwest Europe and the Caribbean exercising a largely homogenous worldwide influence. To the extent that the network is internally differentiated, this appears to primarily reflect a historic layering of social and political relationships. We identify four primary offshore FDI subnetworks, bearing the imprint of four key processes and events: European, particularly UK colonialism, the post–WWII hegemonic alliance between the United States and Western Europe, the fall of Soviet communism, and the rise of Chinese capitalism. We also find evidence of qualitative, but not quantitative, variation in offshore FDI based on national rule of law and communist history.
Major metropolis rail system access to dental care for the retired and elderly: a high‐resolution geographic study of Sydney, Australia
Authors: Zainab Uswa‐I , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveThis study examined the spatial accessibility of the Sydney Dental Hospital, to the people of metropolitan Sydney, using a geographic information systems approach.BackgroundSydney, Australia's largest city and the state capital of New South Wales, has 4.6 million people, with one‐fifth of the Australian population (4.6 million people). Public dental services exist, but accessibility is limited to some specific population groups, who meet specific eligibility criteria.MethodsAll adults (those older than 15 years) were included in the study, and two subsets of this population, retirees (older than 65 years) and elderly (older than 85 years), were also examined according to their proximity to the Sydney Dental Hospital, which is located immediately adjacent to the central train station. Census data (population data) and train station geo‐coding data were integrated with high‐resolution geographic information systems to analyse population spatial accessibility.ResultsIrrespective of the socioeconomic status, it was found that 43% of all the adults, 42.5% of the retirees and 41.6% of elders lived 2 km away from the nearest train station. Two‐thirds of those in lower socioeconomic status lived within 2 km of a train station, whilst half of those in the higher socioeconomic status groups lived within 2 km from a train station.ConclusionMetropolitan Sydney is an example of good urban planning where train stations are appropriately placed in high population density and low socioeconomic areas. The same should be investigated in other major metropolises, especially those still in growth and planning transportation systems.
Trigger Factors and Premonitory Features of Migraine Attacks: Summary of Studies
Authors: Pavlovic Jelena M. , Buse Dawn C. , Sollars C. Mark , Haut Sheryl , Lipton Richard B. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveIn this second of a 2‐part series, we review the available literature on trigger factors and premonitory features in migraine.BackgroundIn the absence of biological markers of preceding attacks of migraine, trigger factors and premonitory symptoms are valuable though methodologically challenging phenomena to study.Design/MethodsWe focus on selected studies of retrospective surveys, diary studies, and clinical trials. We review the heterogeneity of selected studies and their conclusions performed to date and highlight that prospective electronic diary studies provide most reliable information that can be used for future development of preemptive therapy.ConclusionWe conclude that trigger factors and premonitory symptoms are very common, but that the frequency estimates vary widely based on the study approach and population. We recommend that multimodal approaches are necessary for the comprehensive study of predictive biophenotypes as determined by triggers and premonitory symptoms, including retrospective and prospective cohort studies and case‐crossover studies.