bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The oxidative stress induced in vivo by Shiga toxin-2 contributes to the pathogenicity of haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Gomez S A , Abrey-Recalde M J , Panek C A , Ferrarotti N F , Repetto M G , Mejías M P , Fernández G C , Vanzulli S , Isturiz M A , Palermo M S 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Typical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli infections and is characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy that leads to haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. Renal or neurological sequelae are consequences of irreversible tissue damage during the acute phase. Stx toxicity and the acute inflammatory response raised by the host determine the development of HUS. At present there is no specific therapy to control Stx damage. The pathogenic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on endothelial injury has been largely documented. In this study, we investigated the in-vivo effects of Stx on the oxidative balance and its contribution to the development of HUS in mice. In addition, we analysed the effect of anti-oxidant agents as therapeutic tools to counteract Stx toxicity. We demonstrated that Stx induced an oxidative imbalance, evidenced by renal glutathione depletion and increased lipid membrane peroxidation. The increased ROS production by neutrophils may be one of the major sources of oxidative stress during Stx intoxication. All these parameters were ameliorated by anti-oxidants reducing platelet activation, renal damage and increasing survival. To conclude, Stx generates a pro-oxidative state that contributes to kidney failure, and exogenous anti-oxidants could be beneficial to counteract this pathogenic pathway.
Miltefosine and polyhexamethylene biguanide: a new drug combination for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis
Authors: Polat Zubeyde A , Walochnik Julia , Obwaller Andreas , Vural Ayse , Dursun Ayhan , Arici Mustafa K 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, a series of compounds – miltefosine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorhexidine and propamidine isethionate – and combinations of the latter three agents with miltefosine were prepared and used in a rat model for the topical treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.MethodsThe corneas of rats were infected with Acanthamoeba hatchetti. On the fifth day, all corneas were microscopically examined in order to determine the grade of infections. Nine groups were then prepared: miltefosine (65.12 μg/mL); chlorhexidine (0.02%); polyhexamethylene biguanide (0.02%), propamidine isethionate (0.1%), miltefosine plus chlorhexidine, miltefosine plus polyhexamethylene biguanide; miltefosine plus propamidine isethionate; infected control; and a non‐infected control group. The treatment was continued for 28 days. After the treatment, the corneas were excised and used for Acanthamoeba culture to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba growth. For the determination of cytotoxicity of the drugs on L929 cells, colorimetric assays were performed.ResultsThe best treatment results were obtained from the polyhexamethylene biguanide plus miltefosine group; the ratio of fully recovered eyes was 28.4%. It was proven that the miltefosine–polyhexamethylene biguanide combination yielded the highest anti‐acanthamoebal activity in that approximately 86% of the eyes were cleared from amoebae. The cytotoxicity values of the miltefosine and the control groups were compared with other groups and found to be statistically different (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis in vivo study demonstrates that a miltefosine–polyhexamethylene biguanide combination is highly effective for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Outcomes of combined lens extraction and goniosynechialysis in angle closure
Authors: White Andrew JR , Orros Justo Manuel A , Healey Paul R 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of goniosynechialysis on intraocular pressure and medication requirement in patients with angle closure.DesignA retrospective chart review.Participants51 eyes from 42 patients were included in the study. 17 had documented evidence of acute angle closure while 34 had chronic angle closure.MethodsExamination of the medical records of patients with synechial primary angle closure who underwent combined phacoemulsification and goniosynechialysis from 2003–2011 at 3 centres.Main Outcome MeasuresIntraocular pressure and requirement for drops were the main outcome measures.ResultsMean follow‐up was 25.9 months for the acute group and 25.4 months for the chronic group. Mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 23.33 ± 14.41 mmHg on an average of 2.51 ± 1.3 medications. Mean postoperative intraocular pressure was lowered to 13.67 ± 2.41 (p ≤ 0.01) and medication usage was significantly lowered to 0.65 ± 0.87 (p ≤ 0.01). Subjects with documented acute symptomatic angle closure had higher preoperative intraocular pressure and a larger intraocular pressure fall post goniosynechialysis (from 30.41 mmHg ± 23 mmHg to 12.12 mmHg ± 2.32 mmHg) compared to those without such a documented episode (19.79 mmHg ± 4.37 mmHg to 14.44 mmHg ± 2.08 mmHg, p = 0.007). Both groups have similar postoperative need for glaucoma medication, 0.65 ± 0.93 vs 0.65 ± 0.85.ConclusionsCombined phacoemulsififcation and goniosynechialysis reduces intraocular pressure, medication requirements and need for further surgery in subjects with angle closure. The procedure is more effective in eyes with a previously documented acute symptomatic presentation of angle closure.
Analysis of fine structure and biochemical changes of retina during aging of Wistar albino rats
Authors: El‐Sayyad Hassan IH , Khalifa Soad A , El‐Sayyad Fawkia I , Mousa Shaker A , Mohammed Ezaldin AM 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundAging is a biological phenomenon that involves an increase of oxidative stress associated with gradual degradation of the structure and function of the retina. Gender differences and subsequent deterioration of retinal cell layers is an interesting topic, especially because there is no published work concerning it.MethodsOne hundred and twenty male and female Wistar albino rats ages 1, 6, 18, 30 and 42 months (n = 20 equal for male and female) were used. At the time interval, retinae were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy, assessments of neurotransmitters, anti‐oxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismustase and glutathione S transferase), caspase‐3 and ‐7, malonadialdhyde, and DNA fragmentation.ResultsLight and transmission electron microscopy observations of the older specimens (30 and 42 months) revealed apparent deterioration of retinal cell layers, especially ganglion and nerve fibres, nuclear, pigmented epithelium and stacked membranes of the photoreceptor's outer segments. Males were highly susceptible to aging processes. Retinal DNA fragmentation was remarked parallel with increase of apoptic markers caspase 3 and 7. Concomitantly, there was a marked reduction of neurotransmitters and anti‐oxidant enzymes, and an increase of lipid peroxidation.ConclusionsAging contributed to an increase of oxidative stress resulting from damage of mitochondria in retinal cells, a decrease of the anti‐oxidant enzyme system and an increase of markers of retinal cell death.
Inflammatory reaction – communication of cells
Authors: Terheyden Hendrik , Stadlinger Bernd , Sanz Mariano , Garbe Annette I. , Meyle Jörg 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis article presents scientific background information on the animated 3D film “Inflammatory Reactions – Communication of Cells” (Quintessence Publications, ISBN 978‐1‐85097‐231‐0). Gingivitis and periodontitis are understood as the result of a coordinated action of a few clearly identified cellular players who communicate with each other via cytokines. For didactic reasons, the course of a periodontal infection is described here in four phases: (1) bacterial biofilm formation and development of a host response in the marginal periodontium, (2) innate immune response leading to gingivitis, (3) role of the adaptive immune system in attachment loss and pocket formation, and (4) down‐regulation of inflammation and periodontal regeneration and repair following biofilm removal. The control of the cells is discussed as a cytokine network, which can be modulated in pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory direction depending on the control of the bacterial infection. Degradation of soft tissue structural proteins like collagen and proteoglycans by matrix metalloproteinases and degradation of hard tissue matrix by osteoclasts are explained as an interference of the immune system with the natural equilibrium of tissue remodeling. Five mechanisms of promotion of bone loss through the influence of the immune system are described. One example is bone resorption as a consequence of the shift of the RANKL/osteoprotegerin balance by soluble RANKL synthesized by CD4+Th1 cells as well as the interference with the coupling of osteoclasts and osteoblasts through dedifferentiation of osteoblasts by TNFα. Finally, the signaling required for down‐regulation of inflammatory reactions and the reasons for the incomplete regeneration after periodontal bone loss are discussed.
The effect of local simvastatin application on critical size defects in the diabetic rats
Authors: Ezirganlı Şeref , Kazancıoğlu Hakkı O. , Mihmanlı Ahmet , Aydın Mehmet Ş. , Sharifov Rasul , Alkan Alpay 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate bone‐healing effects of local simvastatin application to critical size defects (CSDs) in the experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) rat model.Materials and MethodsA total of 35 male Sprague–Dawley rats with an average weight of 350 g and aged 3 months were used in this study. The rats were divided into five groups of seven animals each: passive control (group A), active control (group B), 0.5 mg simvastatin (group C), 1.0 mg simvastatin (group D), and 1.5 mg simvastatin (group E). Streptozotocin was used to induce Type 1 diabetes in all rats. Eight mmCSDs were created under anesthesia in each rat calvarium.CSDs were left empty in group A. Defects in group B were grafted alone with a gelatin sponge mixed with normal saline. Defects in the experimental groups (groups A, B, and C) were grafted with gelatin sponge mixed saline solutions contain 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg simvastatin. Rats were sacrificed after 1 month, and the defects were prepared for radiologic and histomorphometric assessment of regenerated bone.ResultsNone of the specimens exhibited complete closure of new bone across the 8‐mm defect. A correlation between computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis was not determined. Both amount of volume and area of regenerated bone were found higher in the experimental groups than in the control groups. However, these values were not found statistically significant degree (P < 0.05) for each groups. The density of regenerated bone in the region of interest was higher in the control groups in contrast to in the experimental groups. However, statistical significance was just found between groups C and A and between groups C and B (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe local simvastatin application enhanced healing of the bone defects in the diabetic rat modelCSDs.
Sensitization patterns in Compositae‐allergic patients with current or past atopic dermatitis
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Andersen Klaus E. 
Published: April 2013

Background. An association between Compositae sensitization and atopic dermatitis has been suggested on the basis of case reports and clinical studies.Objectives. To describe the characteristics of sensitization in Compositae‐allergic patients with current and/or past atopic dermatitis.Patients/materials/methods. Consecutive Compositae‐sensitive patients were selected for analysis if they had a history of (i) present and/or past atopic dermatitis or (ii) childhood flexural eczema or (iii) childhood eczema of any kind and a positive prick test result.Results. Fifty‐one persons (35 females and 16 males) were included. The mean age was lower and the percentage of males was slightly higher than in non‐atopics. Testing with sesquiterpene lactone mix, parthenolide and Compositae mix 6% or 5% detected 96% of the patients. Occupational sensitization occurred in 22%. The sensitizing pattern did not differ much from that of non‐atopics, except that dandelion was an important allergen in children. Cobalt allergy was the most frequent other contact allergy, occurring in 37%.Conclusions. Persons with current or past atopic dermatitis may become sensitized to Compositae at any age, both occupationally and non‐occupationally. They should be screened for Compositae allergy on equal terms with non‐atopics, except that dandelion extract should always be tested in children. Co‐sensitization to cobalt was frequent, but probably not related to the plant allergy.
Unexpected loss of contact allergy to aluminium induced by vaccine
Authors: Gente Lidholm Anette , Bergfors Elisabet , Inerot Annica , Blomgren Ulla , Gillstedt Martin , Trollfors Birger 
Published: April 2013

Background. In studies in Gothenburg, Sweden, in the 1990s of an aluminium hydroxide‐adsorbed pertussis toxoid vaccine, 745 of ∼76 000 vaccinated children developed long‐lasting itchy subcutaneous nodules at the vaccination site. Of 495 children with itchy nodules patch tested for aluminium allergy, 376 (76%) were positive.Objectives. To study the prognosis of the vaccine‐induced aluminium allergy.Patients and methods. Two hundred and forty‐one children with demonstrated aluminium allergy in the previous study were patch tested again 5–9 years after the initial test, with the same procedure as used previously.Results. Contact allergy to aluminium was no longer demonstrable in 186 of the retested 241 children (77%). A negative test result was more common in children who no longer had itching at the vaccination site; it was also related to the age of the child, the time after the first aluminium‐adsorbed vaccine dose, and the strength of the reaction in the first test.Conclusions. Patch test reactivity to aluminium seems to disappear or weaken with time.
Results of patch testing with fragrance mix 1, fragrance mix 2, and their ingredients, and Myroxylon pereirae and colophonium, over a 21‐year period
Authors: Nardelli Andrea , Carbonez An , Drieghe Jacques , Goossens An 
Published: April 2013

Background.The frequency of fragrance contact allergy has shown a fluctuating trend over the years.Objectives.To describe the frequency of positive reactions to the baseline screening agents and fragrance mix (FM) 1 and 2 components, to determine trends of the latter over the years, and to evaluate simultaneous reactions.Patients and methodsThis was a cross‐sectional study on patch test results of 13 332 patients from January 1990 to December 2011.Results.Of the total population, 9.6% reacted positively to FM 1, and 6% of 3416 tested with FM 2 reacted positively. Of those tested with both, 30.4% of 349 FM 1‐positive patients reacted to FM 2, and 51.7% of 205 FM 2‐positive patients reacted to FM 1. Hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC) and FM 2 were tested simultaneously in 3401 patients: 6 reacted to HICC alone. Nine hundred and forty patients were tested with FM 1 ingredients and 205 with FM 2 ingredients; Evernia prunastri was the most frequent FM 1 allergen, and HICC was the most frequent FM 2 allergen. Simultaneous reactions were frequently observed.Conclusions.Fragrance‐allergic subjects often show multiple positive reactions, some of which are highly significantly associated. Recently, there has been a decreasing trend in positivity for both Evernia prunastri and HICC, whereas a slight increase for cinnamyl alcohol has been observed.
The ‘not so short‐bowel syndrome’: potential health problems in patients with an ileostomy
Authors: Ng D. H. L. , Pither C. A. R. , Wootton S. A. , Stroud M. A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimThe study aimed to determine whether an ileostomy compromises nutritional, hydration and electrolyte status and bone mineral density.MethodBody weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat and lean body mass (LBM) were measured in 60 patients with an ileostomy [14 small‐bowel resection (SBR); 46 non‐small‐bowel resection (NSBR)] and in 60 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls. Measurement of plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, urea and creatinine and 24‐h urinary output of water, Na, K, Ca and Mg was made in 45 NSBR and 14 SBR ileostomists and in all the controls. Forty‐six NSBR and 13 SBR ileostomists had bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN).ResultsThe body weight of ileostomists was less than controls [median 67.8 (36.4–115.1) vs 77.7 (48.0–103.3) kg; P < 0.05]. BMI was also less [25.0 (14.3–43.0) vs 27.3 (20.2–32.2) kg/m2; P < 0.05] with a lower LBM [47.8 (19.3–73.0) vs 52.9 (34.0–73.8) kg; P < 0.05]. The 24‐h urinary output of the ileostomists was lower than for controls [1380 (430–4690) vs 2000 (840–4440) ml/24 h; P < 0.05] suggesting some degree of dehydration. In 62.7% of ileostomists 24‐h urinary Na excretion was < 100 mmol/day vs 16.7% of controls, and ileostomists with lower urinary Na were more likely than ileostomists with normal Na excretion to have a low BMI [23.9 (14.3–33.0) vs 28.4 (16.6–43.0) kg/m2; P < 0.001] and LBM [44.1 (19.3–73.0) vs 59.5 (36.6–67.9) kg; P < 0.001]. The respective 24‐h output of Ca was [2.2 (0–6.1) vs 4.7 (0–13) mmol; P < 0.001] and Mg was [2.0 (0–13.7) vs 3.9 (1.2–5.4) mmol; P < 0.001], and BMD Z‐score LS was −0.15 (−2.0 to 5.2) vs 0.3 (−2.5 to 2.1), Z‐score FN −0.5 (−1.9 to 3.1) vs 0.2 (−1.2 to 1.4), both P < 0.05.ConclusionPatients with an ileostomy tend to have low body weight, BMI, LBM and BMD. They also tend to have low urine volumes, and some are depleted of Na, Ca and Mg. Abnormalities are greater in those with a lower urinary Na and measuring this will identify ileostomists at risk of Na depletion who will be benefitted by Na supplements.
Forearm–finger skin temperature gradient as an index of cutaneous perfusion during steady‐state exercise
Authors: Keramidas Michail E. , Geladas Nickos D. , Mekjavic Igor B. , Kounalakis Stylianos N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to examine whether the forearm–finger skin temperature gradient (Tforearm–finger), an index of vasomotor tone during resting conditions, can also be used during steady‐state exercise. Twelve healthy men performed three cycling trials at an intensity of ~60% of their maximal oxygen uptake for 75 min separated by at least 48 h. During exercise, forearm skin blood flow (BFF) was measured with a laser‐Doppler flowmeter, and finger skin blood flow (PPG) was recorded from the left index fingertip using a pulse plethysmogram. Tforearm–finger of the left arm was calculated from the values derived by two thermistors placed on the radial side of the forearm and on the tip of the middle finger. During exercise, PPG and BFF increased (P<0·001), and Tforearm–finger decreased (P<0·001) from their resting values, indicating a peripheral vasodilatation. There was a significant correlation between Tforearm–finger and both PPG (r = −0·68; P<0·001) and BFF (r = −0·50; P<0·001). It is concluded that Tforearm–finger is a valid qualitative index of cutaneous vasomotor tone during steady‐state exercise.
Identifying potential kidney donors using social networking web sites
Authors: Chang Alexander , Anderson Emily E. , Turner Hang T. , Shoham David , Hou Susan H. , Grams Morgan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSocial networking sites like Facebook may be a powerful tool for increasing rates of live kidney donation. They allow for wide dissemination of information and discussion and could lessen anxiety associated with a face‐to‐face request for donation. However, sparse data exist on the use of social media for this purpose. We searched Facebook, the most popular social networking site, for publicly available English‐language pages seeking kidney donors for a specific individual, abstracting information on the potential recipient, characteristics of the page itself, and whether potential donors were tested. In the 91 pages meeting inclusion criteria, the mean age of potential recipients was 37 (range: 2–69); 88% were US residents. Other posted information included the individual's photograph (76%), blood type (64%), cause of kidney disease (43%), and location (71%). Thirty‐two percent of pages reported having potential donors tested, and 10% reported receiving a live‐donor kidney transplant. Those reporting donor testing shared more potential recipient characteristics, provided more information about transplantation, and had higher page traffic. Facebook is already being used to identify potential kidney donors. Future studies should focus on how to safely, ethically, and effectively use social networking sites to inform potential donors and potentially expand live kidney donation.
Detection and genetic variability of European mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus (EMARaV) in Sweden
Authors: von Bargen S. , Arndt N. , Robel J. , Jalkanen R. , Büttner C. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryEuropean mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus (EMARaV) is a plant virus inducing characteristic ringspots and mottling in Sorbus aucuparia L. For the first time, EMARaV was detected in mountain ash in Sweden. All four genomic segments of the virus were detectable by RT‐PCR after total RNA extraction from leaves showing chlorotic ringspots, mottling or necrotic lesions. The samples originated from southern and northern Sweden. Sequence analyses of amplified fragments revealed low genetic variability of the virus at nucleotide as well as protein level. All investigated coding regions of EMARaV were under strong purifying selection pressure.
The influence of a clinical rural placement programme on the work location of new dental graduates from the University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Authors: Johnson G. , Blinkhorn A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionIn Australia, as in many other countries there is a disparity in the number of dentists working in rural locations compared with metropolitan areas, and this is a growing problem. The aim of the research was to monitor the location of recent graduates who undertook a rural clinical placement whilst in the final year of Sydney Dental School, to determine whether it influenced their choice of job location.Materials and MethodsStudents who graduated in 2008 and 2009 were followed up to ascertain their working location. Forty per cent of the 2009 graduates participated in a rural placement during their undergraduate degree and 60% did not. In 2008, none of the students went on a rural placement as the scheme had not been implemented. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) internet website was used to find the working location of the graduates. The rural, remote and metropolitan areas (RRMA) classification system was used to classify which areas of Australia were metropolitan, regional, rural and remote zones.ResultsThe graduates of 2008 and 2009 were followed up in 2011 and 2012 to ascertain their working location. In 2011, 12.7% of the 2008 graduates were employed in a rural location compared to 27.6% of the entire 2009 graduating class. In 2011, of those 2009 graduates who participated in the rural placement programme, 44.8% were working in a rural or remote region compared to 17% of the graduates who did not participate. In 2012, the second follow‐up found that 18.6% of the 2008 graduates were working in a rural location compared to 25.9% of all the 2009 graduates. In 2012, 43.3% of the 2009 rural placement participants were found to be working in a rural location compared to 14.9% of the non‐participants.ConclusionsThe study followed up recent dental graduates' working locations to provide longitudinal evidence of the influence of an undergraduate rural placement programme on their work choices. It was found that a higher proportion of graduates who participated in the rural placement programme were working in a rural location when compared with those who had not been offered a placement.