bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropathology Training Worldwide—Evolution and Comparisons
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R. , Hainfellner Johannes A. , McLean Catriona A. , Powell Suzanne Z. , Sikorska Beata , Takahashi Hitoshi , Weis Joachim , Xuereb John H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTraining of neuropathologists varies worldwide. Systems range from highly organized specialist and subspecialist education with national certification, to regulated training with diploma recognition, to informal apprenticeships in neurological hospitals and no formal recognition. This overview compiles and summarizes the history of regulated training systems, the status of neuropathology within various countries' medical systems and the manner in which neuropathologists are trained. Anecdotal evidence suggests that countries with regulated systems of neuropathology training and an active professional organization are more likely to have an adequate supply of diagnostic specialists and a vibrant research community. The different training systems reflect the style of medical services delivery in the respective countries. In general, the existence of formal neuropathology training systems occurs only in countries with relatively high levels of per capita health expenditures, reflecting the development of medical specialization overall. Evolving diagnostic technologies and major international research endeavors, whose goals are to understand structure and function of the human brain, demand that neuropathology training is more than simply diagnostic histopathology.
Alcohol and psoriasis: sobering thoughts
Authors: Adamzik K. , McAleer M. A. , Kirby B. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
The association between psoriasis and alcohol consumption is complex. Epidemiological evidence suggests that patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have an increased incidence of alcohol-related diseases and mortality. This appears to be unique to psoriasis compared with other autoimmune diseases. Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to systemic inflammation and the comorbidities associated with psoriasis, including cardiovascular disease and depression. Screening for hazardous alcohol consumption and appropriate interventions may be useful in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Association of the tumour necrosis factor-α polymorphisms rs361525 and rs1800629 with susceptibility to psoriasis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Y. , Qin H. J. , Zhang J. X. , Liu X. L. , Li L. J. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Background
Evidence has suggested that tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α may be involved in the aetiology of psoriasis, but the underlying association of the TNF-α polymorphisms −238G/A (rs361525) and −308G/A (rs1800629) with the risk of psoriasis is still unconfirmed.
Aim
This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether the TNF-α −238G/A and −308G/A polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to psoriasis.
Methods
Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), CBM (Chinese biomedical literature database) and WANFANG databases within a range of published years from 1990 to August 2012. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the different associations.
Results
In total, 17 studies with 2847 cases and 2222 controls were found for −238G/A and 20 studies with 2975 cases and 2243 controls for −308G/A. The pooled results showed an overall increased risk of psoriasis for the −238G/A polymorphism (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.45–2.94, P &lt; 0.001 for AA/GA vs. GG) and a reduced psoriasis risk with the −308G/A polymorphism (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.59–0.79, P &lt; 0.001 for AA/GA vs. GG). This association was only present in early-onset psoriasis (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 2.17–6.24, P &lt; 0.001 for −238G/A; OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.43–0.72, P &lt; 0.001 for −308G/A), whereas there was no association (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.56–1.70, P = 0.92 for −238G/A) or a unreliable association (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.46–0.94, P = 0.02 for −308G/A) in late-onset psoriasis.
Conclusions
This meta-analysis suggests that the TNF-α –238 and –308 promoter polymorphisms may play different roles in conferring susceptibility to psoriasis. Functional and well-designed studies should be conducted to confirm these results.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin in the nail-matrix cells and in an onychomatricoma
Authors: Kim C.-R. , Shin H.-T. , Park J.-H. , Lee D.-Y. , Yang J.-M. , Kwon G. Y. , Jang K.-T. , Lee K.-H. , Shim J. S. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
β-catenin plays an important role in hair morphogenesis. Previously, the nuclear and cytoplasmic localizations of β-catenin were identified in hair-matrix cells. To evaluate β-catenin expression in the nail matrix, we obtained human nail units. Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin was used to evaluate sections of normal nail units and of sections from a single case of onychomatricoma. In the nail unit, β-catenin was expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the suprabasal nail-matrix cells. Of the other epithelial-cell types, only the cell membrane was β-catenin-positive. In the nail tissue from the onychomatricoma case, β-catenin was expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the upper epithelial layers. Our result suggests that β-catenin plays an important role in nail formation. In addition, β-catenin expression in onychomatricoma supports the presence of nail-matrix cells in this condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of β-catenin expression in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the nail matrix.
Pelvic floor reconstruction with a biological mesh after extralevator abdominoperineal excision leads to few perineal hernias and acceptable wound complication rates with minor movement limitations: single‐centre experience including clinical examination and interview
Authors: Jensen K. K. , Rashid L. , Pilsgaard B. , Møller P. , Wille‐Jørgensen P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to describe long‐term subjective and objective results of pelvic floor reconstruction using an absorbable biological mesh after extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) for low rectal cancer.MethodRecords of 53 patients who had an ELAPE with reconstruction of the pelvic floor with a Permacol® mesh between August 2007 and August 2011 were reviewed. Thirty‐one of the patients were called for interview and clinical examination.ResultsThree (6%) patients developed perineal hernia, 11 had fistulae (nine of which were treated successfully), four patients had a perineal abscess and four patients had superficial wound infections. Removal of the mesh was necessary in one case, while another patient needed implantation of a new mesh. In 13 of the 31 interviewed patients, long‐term pain was present, but resolved after a median of 8 months (3–56). No major sitting or movement disabilities were encountered. Three‐year survival was 82%, and no local recurrences were found.ConclusionPelvic floor reconstruction with a biological mesh is a feasible solution when performing ELAPE for low rectal cancer, although long‐term pain is a frequent complication.
Diversion of prescribed opioids by people living with chronic pain: Results from an Australian community sample
Authors: Belcher Jessica , Nielsen Suzanne , Campbell Gabrielle , Bruno Raimondo , Hoban Bianca , Larance Briony , Lintzeris Nicholas , Degenhardt Louisa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThere has been an increase in prescription of opioids for chronic non‐cancer pain, and concern exists over possible diversion of prescription opioids to the illicit marketplace. Recent media coverage suggests that elderly patients sell their prescribed opioids for additional income. This study investigated the extent to which an Australian community sample of chronic pain patients prescribed opioids reported supplying their prescribed opioids to others.Design and MethodsParticipants living with chronic non‐cancer pain and prescribed opioids for their pain (n = 952) were recruited across Australia via advertisements at pharmacies. A telephone interview included questions about their pain condition and opioid medication.ResultsParticipants had been living with pain for a mean of 14.2 years; most common conditions included chronic back/neck problems and arthritis/rheumatism. Around half (43%) were currently prescribed one opioid, and 55% had been prescribed 2–5 opioids; the most common was oxycodone. Forty‐two participants (4%) reported ever supplying prescribed opioids to another person; one participant reported receiving payment. Participants who supplied opioids to others were younger (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.95–0.99) and engaged in a greater number of aberrant behaviours relating to their opioid medication (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.45–2.17), including tampering with doses, taking opioids by alternative routes, seeing doctors to obtain extra opioids and refilling prescriptions early.Discussion and ConclusionFew people with chronic non‐cancer pain divert their opioids to others. Media reports of elderly patients selling their opioids to supplement their income may be reflective of exceptional cases. Future studies may investigate the extent to which other patient groups divert prescription opioids to the illicit marketplace. [Belcher J, Nielsen S, Campbell G, Bruno R, Hoban B, Larance B, Lintzeris N, Degenhardt L. Diversion of prescribed opioids by people living with chronic pain: Results from an Australian community sample. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:27–32]
Fixation of chronic suture exostosis in a mature horse
Authors: Klein L. , Sacks M. , Fürst A. E. , Del Chicca F. , Grest P. , Jackson M. A. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThis case report describes the clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment of a 14‐year‐old Warmblood gelding with suture exostosis. The horse was referred to our clinic because of bilateral swelling in the region of the frontal and nasal bone junction and bilateral epiphora. Epiphora was the main concern for the owner and the reason for further investigation and treatment. Radiographic examination showed extensive bone proliferation on the dorsal frontal and nasal bones. Computed tomographic (CT) images further characterised the periosteal proliferation as new bone formation and localised it along the frontonasal and frontolacrimal suture lines. Computed tomographic images also showed pathological changes of both lacrimal ducts. A chronic fracture was suspected to be the cause of the periosteal proliferation, and surgical treatment using 2 small 2.4 Unilock plates was chosen to stabilise the suture between the frontal and nasal bones. The swelling decreased and the epiphora resolved by 6 months post operatively. A CT examination 2 years later showed complete healing.
Patient characteristics that influence efficacy of prophylaxis with rFVIII‐FS three times per week: a subgroup analysis of the LIPLONG study
Authors: Lalezari S. , COPPOLA A. , Lin J. , Enriquez M. M. , Tseneklidou‐Stoeter D. , Powell J. , Ingerslev J. ,   The LIPLONG Investigators
Published: November 2013

Summary
Prospective data on the efficacy of secondary prophylaxis in adults with haemophilia A are limited. To analyse bleeding outcomes in the sucrose‐formulated recombinant factor VIII [rFVIII‐FS (control)] arm of the LIPLONG study, a randomized, double‐blind, 52‐week trial was conducted in patients with severe haemophilia A receiving prophylaxis with the investigational product BAY 79‐4980 or rFVIII‐FS. The per‐protocol population of previously treated patients with severe haemophilia A without a history of inhibitors (n = 68 males; mean age, 34.4 years) received 25 IU kg−1 rFVIII‐FS three times per week for a median of 50.7 weeks. Annualized bleeding rates were assessed and analysed according to predefined target joint status at study start, prestudy treatment type (prophylaxis vs. on demand), age (<30 or ≥30 years), geographical region, bleeding frequency during the previous 6 months and physical activity status during the study using the Student t‐test. The annualized median (range) number of bleeds was 2.2 (0.0–23) bleeds per year. The median (range) number of bleeds per year was significantly lower in patient subgroups without vs. with target joints [0.5 (0.0–17.1) vs. 4.2 (0.0–22.8); P = 0.02] and in those with ≤9 vs. >9 bleeds during the previous 6 months [1.1 (0.0–19.2) vs. 5.3 (0.0–22.8); P = 0.01]. Following randomization to prophylaxis with rFVIII‐FS, bleeding frequency was effectively reduced. Absence of target joints and prestudy bleeding frequency were predictors of a low bleeding frequency during prophylaxis treatment.
Dengue virus infection: current concepts in immune mechanisms and lessons from murine models
Authors: Guabiraba Rodrigo , Ryffel Bernhard 
Published: November 2013

SummaryDengue viruses (DENV), a group of four serologically distinct but related flaviviruses, are responsible for one of the most important emerging viral diseases. This mosquito‐borne disease has a great impact in tropical and subtropical areas of the world in terms of illness, mortality and economic costs, mainly due to the lack of approved vaccine or antiviral drugs. Infections with one of the four serotypes of DENV (DENV‐1–4) result in symptoms ranging from an acute, self‐limiting febrile illness, dengue fever, to severe dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. We reviewed the existing mouse models of infection, including the DENV‐2‐adapted strain P23085. The role of CC chemokines, interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), IL‐22 and invariant natural killer T cells in mediating the exacerbation of disease in immune‐competent mice is highlighted. Investigations in both immune‐deficient and immune‐competent mouse models of DENV infection may help to identify key host–pathogen factors and devise novel therapies to restrain the systemic and local inflammatory responses associated with severe DENV infection.
Negative pressure wound therapy: past, present and future
Authors: Orgill Dennis P , Bayer Lauren R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), which was introduced as a commercial product (V.A.C.® Therapy, KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) less than 20 years ago, has revolutionised the treatment of complex wounds. Indicated for wide variety of wound types, NPWT is an adjunctive therapy that can be used safely in a range of care settings. Current research indicates that there are four primary NPWT mechanisms of action: macrodeformation, microdeformation, fluid removal and environmental control of the wound. The interaction of the primary mechanisms results in secondary effects through cell signalling (e.g. granulation tissue formation, cell proliferation and modulation of inflammation). Better understanding of the mechanisms of action also provides insight into future directions for NPWT research that could create better solutions for patients with complex wounds.
Cell-mediated immune responses of lambs to challenge with bovine respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: SHARMA A K , WOLDEHIWET Z 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYThe lamb is a good model to study the pathogenesis and immune responses to infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as lambs experimentally infected with bovine or human RSV may develop overt clinical disease. In the present study the development of cellular cytotoxic responses was studied in splenic, pulmonary and peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from lambs after primary and secondary infection with bovine RSV. Infection with bovine RSV was followed by the appearance of cytotoxic cells in the peripheral blood, the spleen and lung lavage fluids. These effector cells lysed virus-infected targets in a self-restricted manner. Depletion techniques revealed that cytotoxic activity was largely due to OvCD8+ cells. When effector cells obtained from primed lambs were stimulated with inactivated bovine RSV or with virus-infected cells in vitro, virus-specific cytotoxicity was significantly increased.
Comparison of two types of intravenous immunoglobulins in the treatment of neonatal sepsis
Authors: HAQUE K N , REMO C , BAHAKIM H 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARY
In a prospective double-blind study, standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was compared with an IgM-enriched IVIG in the treatment of neonatal sepsis. The two treatment groups were also compared with matched controls. One hundred and thirty babies (65 in each group) ranging from 0 to 24 days old, 480 to 4200 g in weight and born between 24 and 42 weeks of gestation who had, or were suspected of having, sepsis were given either standard IVIG or IgM-enriched IVIG (250 mg/kg per day) for 4 days in addition to supportive and antibiotic therapy. A further 65 babies who received similar supportive, antibiotic and fluids but not IVIG were used as matched controls. Mortality from infection in ‘culture proven sepsis’ was 3/44 (6·8%) in the IgM-enriched IVIG group, 6/42 (14·2%) in the standard IVIG group, and 11/43 (25·5%) in the control group (P = 0·017, IgM versus control, P = 019 standard IVIG versus control). There was no statistical difference in the outcome between the two immunoglobulin therapy groups (P = 0·25). The study indicates that IVIG improves outcome in neonatal sepsis when used as an adjunct to supportive and antibiotic therapy, but larger studies are required to confirm this.
Production of immunoglobulins by human sIgD+ and sIgD− human blood B lymphocytes in response to stimulation with activated T cells and agonistic antibodies; effect of IL-10, IL-2 and mode of activation of T cells
Authors: LING N R , BROWN B , HARDIE D 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYProduction of IgM, IgG and IgA was induced from human blood B lymphocytes by culturing with a CD40 MoAb and IL-2 for 9 days. Replacement of IL-2 by IL-10 markedly enhanced production of all three isotypes. High levels of immunoglobulin production also occurred when activated irradiated autologous T cells replaced the CD40 MoAb, and when IL-10 replaced IL-2 in these cultures a spectacular increase in IgG production occurred. The effectiveness of the T cell stimulus depended on the mode of purification of the T cells and the nature of the stimulant used to activate them. Differences in the kinetics and level of expression of CD40L on the various T cell preparations were observed, but did not account for variations in immunoglobulin-inducing efficiency. Immunoglobulin production from sIgD+ and sIgD− B cells was investigated. IgG and IgA were found in sIgD+ cultures, indicating that some isotype switching had occurred, but the major part of the IgG and IgA secreted was from cells already committed to these isotypes. Anti-IgD or anti-IgM MoAbs enhanced the proliferation of B cells induced by anti-CD40 antibody, but immunoglobulin production was not enhanced. Factors affecting the balance of proliferation and differentiation are discussed.
Ibandronate and Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk
Authors: BONILLA INGRID M. , VARGAS‐PINTO PEDRO , NISHIJIMA YOSHINORI , PEDRAZA‐TOSCANO ADRIANA , HO HSIANG‐TING , LONG VICTOR P. , BELEVYCH ANDRIY E. , GLYNN PATRIC , HOUMSSE MAHMOUD , RHODES TROY , WEISS RAUL , HUND THOMAS J. , HAMLIN ROBERT L. , GYÖRKE SANDOR , CARNES CYNTHIA A. 
Published: November 2013

Ibandronate‐Induced ProarrhythmiaIntroductionBisphosphonates, including ibandronate, are used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.Methods and ResultsWe report a case of suspected ibandronate‐associated arrhythmia, following a single dose of ibandronate in a 55‐year‐old female. ECG at presentation revealed frequent ectopy and QT/QTc interval prolongation; at follow‐up 9 months later the QT/QTc intervals were normalized. Proarrhythmic potential of ibandronate was assessed with a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches in canines and canine ventricular myocytes. We observed late onset in vivo repolarization instability after ibandronate treatment. Myocytes superfused with ibandronate exhibited action potential duration (APD) prolongation and variability, increased early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and reduced Ito (P < 0.05), with no change in IKr. Ibandronate‐induced APD changes and EADs were prevented by inhibition of intracellular calcium cycling. Ibandronate increased sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium load; during washout there was an increase in calcium spark frequency and spontaneous calcium waves. Computational modeling was used to examine the observed effects of ibandronate. While reductions in Ito alone had modest effects on APD, when combined with altered RyR inactivation kinetics, the model predicted effects on APD and SR Ca2+ load consistent with observed experimental results.ConclusionIbandronate may increase the susceptibility to ventricular ectopy and arrhythmias. Collectively these data suggest that reduced Ito combined with abnormal RyR calcium handling may result in a previously unrecognized form of drug‐induced proarrhythmia.
Females suffer a reduction in the viability of stored sperm following an immune challenge
Authors: McNamara K. B. , van Lieshout E. , Simmons L. W. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDespite the ubiquitous nature of sperm storage in invertebrates, relatively little is known about its costs, or the impact that immune activation can have on a female's ability to maintain viable sperm stores. We explored the effects of an immune challenge on sperm storage under food‐limited and ad libitum conditions in the field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus, by injecting mated adult females with either a LD5 dose of live bacteria or a nonpathogenic immune elicitor [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and then scoring the viability of their stored sperm. Females that were infected with bacteria showed a reduction in the viability of stored sperm 48 h after infection; interestingly, this pattern was not evident when females were injected with LPS. Reduction in sperm viability post‐infection may reflect a reproductive trade‐off between immune function and sperm store maintenance, as only females injected with bacteria showed an elevated antibacterial immune (lytic) response. Alternatively, bacteria may act directly on sperm quality. Dietary manipulations showed that lytic activity in females is condition dependent, irrespective of their immune challenge treatment. Diet affected the ability of females to maintain the viability of stored sperm, suggesting that sperm storage is condition dependent. That bacterial infection associated with a reduction in stored sperm quality has potentially important implications for the outcomes of sperm competition in T. oceanicus and in other species in which females store sperm between matings.
Safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in high‐risk patients
Authors: Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a minimally invasive procedure. However, failure to transilluminate the anterior wall of the stomach or visualize the indentation of the physician's finger represents the most frequent obstacles encountered by the endoscopist in safely completing PEG tube placement. We described several methods to safely assess PEG placement in high‐risk patients. An abdominal plain film after gastric insufflated with 500 mL of air is obtained before PEG in patients. The body of the stomach near the angularis, equidistant from the greater and lesser curves, was defined as the optimal gastric puncture point. The location of the puncture points varied greatly, being situated over the right upper quadrant in 31% of patients, left upper in 59%, left lower in 5%, and right lower quadrant in 5% of patients. If there is any question of safe puncture site selection, safe track technique can be used to provide the information of depth and angle of the puncture tract. Computed tomography can provide detailed anatomy and orientation along the PEG tube and show detailed anatomical images along the PEG tract. Computed tomography‐guided PEG tube placement is used when there is difficulty either insufflating the stomach, or the patients had previous surgery, or anatomical problems. Full assessment of the position of the stomach and adjacent organs prior to gastric puncture may help minimize the risk for potential complications and provide safety for the high‐risk patients.