bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antivascular endothelial growth factors in the treatment of macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Shuangwen , Gao Jianping , Xu Xun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMacular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion is a major cause of vision loss. Intraocuclar anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injection is a promising treatment but lacks clinical evidence of its safety and efficacy.DesignMeta‐analysis.ParticipantsPatients from previously reported randomized, controlled trials comparing intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor versus sham injections.MethodsA comprehensive search in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE was conducted for reports published by April 2013. A meta‐analysis of the retrieved data was conducted in RevMan 5.2 software.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures were changes in best‐corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of eyes changing 15 or more letters on the Early Treatment in Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, the proportion with neovascularization and changes in the 25‐item Visual Function Questionnaire. Severe adverse events were summarized to assess safety.ResultsSix trials involving a total of 940 eyes were included in the meta‐analysis. The mean difference in 6‐month changes in best‐corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness for the anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor group were 15.2 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (P < 0.00001) and −242.2 μm (P < 0.00001), respectively. Severe adverse event incidence was similar between the groups.ConclusionsIntravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injections were safe and effective for macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. The efficacy was rapid and robust. Further trials are needed to determine the detailed indications and therapeutic regimens of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatments.
Human diseases caused by germline and somatic abnormalities in microRNA and microRNA‐related genes
Authors: Kawahara Yukio 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe human genome harbors approximately 2000 genes that encode microRNAs (miRNAs), small non‐coding RNAs of approximately 20–22 nt that mediate post‐transcriptional gene silencing. MiRNAs are generated from long transcripts through stepwise processing by the Drosha/DGCR8, Exportin‐5/RanGTP and Dicer/TRBP complexes. Given that the expression of each individual miRNA is tightly regulated, the altered expression of certain miRNAs plays a pivotal role in human diseases. For instance, germline and somatic mutations in the genes encoding the miRNA processing machinery have been reported in different cancers. Furthermore, certain miRNA genes are encoded within regions that are deleted or duplicated in individuals with chromosomal abnormalities, and the fact that the knockout of these miRNAs in animal models results in lethality or the abnormal development of certain tissues indicates that these miRNA genes contribute to the disease phenotypes. It has also been reported that mutations in miRNA genes or in miRNA‐binding sites, which result in the impairment of tight regulation of target mRNA expression, cause human genetic diseases, although these cases are rare. This is in contrast to the aberrant expression of certain miRNAs that results from the impairment of transcriptional or post‐transcriptional regulation, which has been reported frequently in various human diseases. The present review focuses on human diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding miRNAs and the miRNA processing machinery as well as in miRNA‐binding sites. Furthermore, human diseases caused by chromosomal abnormalities that involve the deletion or duplication of regions harboring genes that encode miRNAs or the miRNA processing machinery are also introduced.
Conversion of stable ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients from mycophenolate mofetil with standard exposure calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to everolimus with very low exposure CNIs–a short‐term pilot study
Authors: Uchida Junji , Machida Yuichi , Iwai Tomoaki , Kuwabara Nobuyuki , Kabei Kazuya , Naganuma Toshihide , Kumada Norihiko , Kawashima Hidenori , Nakatani Tatsuya 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundA recent report has demonstrated that as with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), everolimus is capable of inhibiting human B‐lymphocyte function and activation including B‐lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and immunoglobulin production in vitro. Everolimus may therefore be used as an immunosuppressant in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation.MethodsA three‐month pilot study was performed to examine the efficacy and safety of conversion of stable ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients from MMF with standard exposure calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) to everolimus with very low exposure CNIs. Sixteen recipients were enrolled in the study. The patients without acute rejection by graft biopsy were switched from MMF to everolimus with CNI minimization. At three months after conversion, graft biopsies were performed to check for acute rejection and C4d deposition.ResultsConversion to everolimus with CNI minimization for three months did not induce acute rejection and C4d deposition in all of the ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients. A slight elevation of anti‐A/B antibody titer occurred in our present study. Everolimus was associated with hyperlipidemia and edema.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that short‐term conversion from MMF to everolimus after one yr post‐transplant may be a safe and effective alternate for ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant recipients requiring temporary discontinuation of MMF.
Fully automated dual‐color dual‐hapten silver in situ hybridization staining for MYC amplification: a diagnostic tool for discriminating secondary angiosarcoma
Authors: Ko Jennifer S. , Billings Steven D. , Lanigan Christopher P. , Buehler Darya , Fernandez Anthony P. , Tubbs Raymond R. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundMYC amplification occurs in post‐radiation and chronic lymphedema‐associated secondary angiosarcoma and some primary angiosarcomas. In this study, we tested the ability of automated dual‐color dual‐hapten in situ hybridization (DISH) staining to discriminate secondary angiosarcoma from radiation‐associated atypical vascular lesions (AVL), and to correlate with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for MYC amplification.MethodsCases of secondary angiosarcoma, including 11 biopsies and 3 excisions from 11 patients, and 5 AVL biopsies from 5 patients, were examined by FISH and DISH. DISH staining was performed using the Dual Color Open Probe software on a Ventana Benchmark XT automated slide stainer. Metallic black silver (MYC) and reference CHR8 red signals were qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively enumerated for tumor nuclei. Small and large clusters of silver signals were recorded as 6 or 12 signals, respectively. MYC amplification was defined as MYC/CHR8 ratio >2.0.ResultsWhere tissue was available for both DISH and FISH, all secondary angiosarcoma cases showed MYC amplification (11/11 = 100%) by both DISH and FISH. All AVL were negative for MYC amplification by both techniques (0/5 = 0%).ConclusionIn the current cohort, use of DISH identified all MYC amplified cases, and distinguished secondary angiosarcoma from AVL. DISH staining may be useful in distinguishing secondary angiosarcoma from AVL in challenging cases.
Bio‐Theoacoustics: Prayer Outdoors and the Reality of the Natural World
Authors: Dahill Lisa E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWhat does it mean to pray when the Earth—the fabric of our bodies’ lives, and indeed of the incarnation itself—is profoundly endangered from human action? What would Christian prayer look like that was not “losing track of nature” but following its tracks, physically and spiritually immersed in the actual, present, threatened and wild life of the more‐than‐human world? Using categories outlined by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his Ethics, this essay asserts that prayer and worship that take place entirely within the wall‐, speech‐, and screen‐mediated bubble of anthropocentrism risk becoming an abstraction. The essay explores this assertion in three moves: first, it delineates Bonhoeffer's assertion of the “abstraction” created by forms of Christian life in which God is conceived in separation from the world. Next, it shows how these categories—“God” and “world”—come together in prayer outdoors, understood both literally and metaphorically. And finally, it proposes how prayer outdoors might take shape for individuals or communities: a bio‐theoacoustics of prayer for the life of the world.
Provision of dental care in aged care facilities NSW Australia‐ Part 2 as perceived by the carers (care providers)
Authors: Webb Bettine C , Whittle Terry , Schwarz Eli 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate carers' perception of the provision of dental care in aged care facilities (ACFs) New South Wales (NSW), Australia.BackgroundCarers are responsible for ‘hands‐on, day‐to‐day' care of residents, including dental care, yet there were no specific figures available concerning their role in NSW ACFs.Materials and MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed to 406 NSW directors of nursing (DONs) requesting completion by a carer who was proficient in English and without the influence of the DON. The 23‐item questionnaire was presented in 4 sections, and the data qualitatively analysed.Results211 questionnaires were completed and returned, giving a response rate of 52%. Carers were mostly female (91.9%) in the 40–50 and >50 age groups. Oral health training had been received by 66.7% of carers, and although 73.2% thought that their training was adequate, carers in general requested further training. Long waiting periods for government dental services (69.4%) and resident unable to communicate oral health problems (69.2%) were seen as the most frequent barriers to dental care. Almost all carers reported the availability of electric tooth brushes, fluoride gel, disclosing tablets/gel, interdental brushes and the use of a foam mouth prop, while few reported the use of other dental care products.ConclusionAs carers provided almost all of oral health care for residents, emphasis should be placed on training in geriatric dental care techniques and use of dental products.
Distal renal tubular acidosis associated with Sjogren syndrome
Authors: Lim A. K. H. , Choi M. J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRenal tubular acidosis is a common cause of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis but these disorders can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. We highlight the approach to assessing renal tubular acidosis by discussing a case study with a temporal data set collected over more than 5 weeks. We highlight the principles and the necessary information required for a diagnosis of classic distal renal tubular acidosis. We also briefly review several aspects of type 1 renal tubular acidosis related to autoimmune disease, drugs and thyroid disorders.
Advances in the management of hepatitis C
Authors: Croagh C.M. , Lubel J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSignificant advances have recently been made in the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with many of the changes now part of routine clinical practice. These include the use of non‐invasive methods to assess liver fibrosis, interleukin 28B genotype testing to predict interferon responsiveness and the use of new anti‐viral regimens for HCV genotype 1. Two new antiviral agents (boceprevir and telaprevir) have recently become available in Australia. These protease inhibitors are used in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin as triple therapy for genotype 1 HCV. This combination increases sustained virological response from approximately 45–50% to 66–75% in treatment naïve patients. However, these new regimens present novel challenges including complicated treatment algorithms based on virological response, numerous drug interactions and additional side effects especially in patients with advanced fibrosis. The protease inhibitors are the first of many antiviral drugs to become available to treat HCV, heralding the arrival of new agents that will offer greater chances of cure with improved safety and tolerability compared with current therapies.
Introducción: El papel de los pisos nacionales de protección social en la extensión de la seguridad social para todos
Authors: Hagemejer Krzysztof , McKinnon Roddy 
Published: December 2013

ResumenEn junio de 2011 la Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo (CIT) adoptó una resolución y conclusiones relativas a la nueva estrategia de seguridad social de la Organización, que busca respaldar a sus Miembros en la construcción y el mantenimiento de sistemas de seguridad social integrales sobre la base de un enfoque de dos dimensiones: a) la dimensión horizontal que establece, prioritariamente, garantías básicas de seguridad social definidas a escala nacional para ofrecer un piso de protección a todas las personas que lo necesitan lo antes posible, y b) la dimensión vertical que extiende el alcance y el nivel de cobertura de la seguridad social siguiendo las líneas de orientación del Convenio sobre la seguridad social (norma mínima), 1952 (núm. 102), y otras normas de seguridad social para la cobertura del mayor número de personas posible en el plazo más breve posible. En junio de 2012 la CIT concluyó esta estrategia con una nueva norma de trabajo internacional, la Recomendación sobre los pisos de protección social, 2012 (núm. 202). Esta recomendación se considera un avance en materia de política social mundial. El establecimiento de pisos nacionales de protección social podría colmar las brechas presentes en la cobertura de seguridad social y ayudar a los países a luchar con eficacia contra la pobreza y la vulnerabilidad. Este número doble especial ofrece un análisis del proceso que culminó con la adopción de dicha recomendación y aborda las cuestiones prácticas fiscales, legales, políticas e institucionales que deben resolverse para implementar con éxito los objetivos de dicha recomendación.
El Piso de protección social y la gobernanza social mundial: hacia una sinergia de políticas y la cooperación entre las organizaciones internacionales
Authors: Deacon Bob 
Published: December 2013

ResumenEste artículo analiza la influencia de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) sobre otras organizaciones y organismos internacionales que condujo a la aprobación del concepto de piso de protección social (PPS). En 2012 dicho concepto había sido aprobado por las Naciones Unidas como la Iniciativa PPS de la Junta de Jefes Ejecutivos de las Naciones Unidas, el Banco Mundial en su nueva Estrategia en materia de protección social y trabajo, y por el Grupo de los Veinte (G‐20) en la Cumbre de Cannes. Además, el Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) había acordado trabajar con la OIT para explorar las opciones de crear un espacio fiscal en los países para financiar los PPS. Los Relatores Especiales del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas también habían solicitado en 2012 la creación de un fondo mundial para la protección social que permitiera a los países más pobres desarrollar sus pisos. En 2012 se creó una nueva autoridad de coordinación, la Junta interinstitucional de cooperación en materia de protección social (SPIAC‐B), para facilitar la cooperación entre organismos. Este artículo describe y explica cómo llegaron a producirse estos acontecimientos. Se pregunta si la realidad de una mayor cooperación en la gobernanza social mundial en el ámbito de la protección social es tan efectiva como parece o si hay nuevas contradicciones, mandatos que se superponen y compiten y desacuerdos en políticas a escala mundial.
Una definición de la suficiencia de múltiples variables: desafíos y oportunidades
Authors: Brimblecombe Simon 
Published: December 2013

ResumenLa adopción de la Recomendación sobre los pisos de protección social, 2012 (núm. 202), de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo recalca la importancia de la extensión de la cobertura de seguridad social en todo el mundo. Para que la extensión de la cobertura potencie sus repercusiones positivas, las prestaciones y los servicios, además de cubrir al mayor número posible de personas y de riesgos, deben ser suficientes. Si bien no es fácil, el nivel de cobertura puede definirse y evaluarse. Sin embargo, la definición de una prestación suficiente es aún más difícil y suele basarse en el índice de sustitución que refleja la suficiencia de las prestaciones en efectivo. Habida cuenta de los numerosos objetivos de los regímenes de seguridad social, es necesario –y no sólo adecuado– recurrir a un indicador de la suficiencia que no se limite al nivel de prestaciones en efectivo. En un contexto de restricciones financieras sin precedentes, este artículo examina la importancia de la suficiencia y las razones por las que es necesario un criterio más amplio para evaluar los demás aspectos del suministro de prestaciones y servicios. El artículo explica cómo podrían construirse estos análisis de múltiples variables y cuáles son las dificultades que pueden presentarse. El artículo pretende ampliar el debate evaluando si se cumplen otros objetivos del suministro de prestaciones, como la calidad del servicio, los objetivos del mercado laboral, la seguridad de las prestaciones y la interacción con otras partes interesadas.
CO2‐Tolerant Ceramic Membrane Driven by Electrical Current for Oxygen Production at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Kun , Meng Bo , Tan Xiaoyao , Liu Lihong , Wang Shaobin , Liu Shaomin 
Published: December 2013

In this work, an electrochemical oxygen pump ceramic membrane based on Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) electrolyte and La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ (LSF) electrode was prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDX. The area specific resistance of the membranes was measured by impedance spectroscopy. The oxygen electrical permeation behavior of SDC/LSF membrane was investigated under different operating conditions. In consistent with the theoretical prediction from Faraday law, the oxygen flux value observed is closely correlated in quantity with the applied current density. The permeation (or Faraday) efficiency of SDC/LSF membrane could reach above 95% at lower temperatures (600°C–700°C). At 700°C, the oxygen flux through SDC/LSF membrane with 3000 mA/cm2 current density could reach ~9.97 mL/cm2/min. In addition, the prepared SDC/LSF membrane electrical performance was also tested under the presence of CO2. It was found that SDC/LSF membrane has excellent structure and permeation stability against CO2 gas, reflecting its potential applications like oxyfuel technologies and hydrocarbon oxidations.
Moisturizing treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris improves dry skin, but has a modest effect on gene expression regardless of FLG genotype
Authors: Hoppe T. , Winge M.C.G. , Bradley M. , Nordenskjöld M. , Vahlquist A. , Törmä H. , Berne B. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundLoss‐of‐function mutations in FLG (encoding filaggrin) are a predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and cause ichthyosis vulgaris (IV). Patients with AD and IV display impaired skin barrier and dry skin, and altered epidermal expression of genes in pro‐inflammatory and lipid metabolic pathways are often evident.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of three different moisturizers on skin barrier function and epidermal gene expression in patients with AD/IV in relation to FLG mutation status.MethodsPatients (n = 43) were classified according to their FLG status: AD with FLG+/+ (n = 14), AD with FLG+/− (n = 14), and AD/IV with FLG−/− (n = 15). Dryness score and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were monitored on volar forearms, and punch biopsies were taken for analysis of gene expression. Measurements were repeated after 4 weeks of treatment with either of two moisturizers on each forearm.ResultsTreatment with any of the three moisturizers significantly reduced dryness score and TEWL in the group as a whole. FLG−/− patients displayed the largest reduction in dryness score. Only minute changes occurred in the mRNA expression of 15 selected epidermal genes.ConclusionsMoisturizing treatment improves dry skin and certain aspects of abnormal skin barrier function, especially in patients with AD/IV and dual FLG mutations, but does not normalize the epidermal gene expression profile.
Full‐length cloning and phylogenetic analyses of translationally controlled tumour protein and ferritin genes from the Indian white prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus (H. Milne Edwards)
Authors: Nayak S , Ramaiah N , Meena R M , Sreepada R A 
Published: December 2013

AbstractElucidation, through molecular analyses, of bacterial afflictions in commercially important aquaculture‐reared shrimps is pivotal for the prevention and/or control of disease outbreaks. In this study, we examined the phylogenetic relatedness and compared the possible immune‐related functional roles of both translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) and ferritin genes with previous studies. Both TCTP and ferritin genes were substantially upregulated in the Indian white prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus (H. Milne Edwards), post‐larvae following bath challenge with the virulent strain of bacteria, Vibrio harveyi D3. Full‐length cloning of these genes by rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends ‐polymerase chain reaction (RACE‐PCR) yielded 727‐base pair (bp)‐long TCTP and 1212‐bp‐long ferritin gene sequences. Their open reading frames (ORFs) were 507 and 510 bp, respectively. The TCTP‐ORF coded for 168 amino acids with three substitutions at positions 37, 141, 155, and the ferritin ORF coded for 170 amino acids with no species‐specific substitutions. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the closest relatedness of both TCTP and ferritin from F. indicus to Chinese white prawn, Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck). In addition to reporting the full‐length sequences of these immune‐relevant genes, this study highlighted their conserved natures, which perhaps make them important defence‐related proteins in the innate immune system of F. indicus.