bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The synergistic effects of fibroblast growth factor‐2 and mineral trioxide aggregate on an osteogenic accelerator in vitro
Authors: Liu C.‐H. , Huang T.‐H. , Hung C.‐J. , Lai W.‐Y. , Kao C.‐T. , Shie M.‐Y. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo examine the effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)/fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) on material properties and in vitro human dental pulp cell (hDPCs) behaviour.MethodologyThe setting time and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of MTA and MTA/FGF‐2 were measured. The structure of specimens before and after soaking in DMEM was examined under a scanning electron microscope. Alamar Blue was used for evaluating hDPCs proliferation. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine ALP and osteocalcin (OC) expression in hDPCs cultured on cements. The effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) was also evaluated. One‐way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of the differences between the mean values.ResultsSetting time and DTS data were not found to be significant (P > 0.05) between MTA with and without FGF‐2. Cell proliferation and differentiation increased significantly (P < 0.05) with FGF‐2 mixed MTA. After siRNA transfection with FGFR, the proliferation and differentiation behaviour of the hDPCs appreciably decreased when cultured on an MTA/FGF‐2 composite. In contrast, no significant amounts (P > 0.05) of ALP and OC were secreted by hDPCs seeded on MTA.ConclusionsMineral trioxide aggregate with FGF‐2 content enhanced the higher expression of hDPCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation as compared to pure MTA cement.
Histopathological study of cutaneous manifestations in HIV and AIDS patients
Authors: Rane Sharada R. , Agrawal Preeti B. , Kadgi Nalini V. , Jadhav Meenal V. , Puranik Shaila C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesMost human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients develop various skin diseases. These skin manifestations not only act as markers but also reflect the patient's underlying immune status. Investigating CD4 counts is costly and not always possible. Thus, the potential value to be gained by using skin manifestations as predictors of low CD4 counts and disease progression should be explored. The present study attempted to correlate the association of various cutaneous disorders found in HIV patients with CD4 and CD8 counts, the CD4 : CD8 ratio and stage of HIV infection.MethodsThis was a prospective study involving 61 patients who were HIV‐positive and demonstrated skin lesions. Punch biopsies of skin were taken for histopathological diagnosis. CD4 and CD8 T cell counts were performed.ResultsThe study sample included a majority of male patients, most of whom were aged 21–40 years. Pruritic papular dermatitis was the most common skin manifestation, followed by molluscum contagiosum, eosinophilic folliculitis, and Hansen's disease. Most of the lesions were associated with CD4 counts of <220/μl (n = 38). All skin lesions associated with HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) showed a CD4 : CD8 ratio of <0.50.ConclusionsThe study findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between CD4 counts and the occurrence of skin lesions. The majority of lesions were associated with stage 3 or stage 4 infection. Thus, specific cutaneous manifestations can be considered as good clinical indicators for predicting underlying immune status in resource‐poor countries.
Systemic medication and the inflammatory cascade
Authors: Alani Aws , Seymour Robin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPeriodontal disease is caused by inflammatory processes initiated by the presence of a biofilm. The management of this disease process is largely achieved by disrupting the biofilm to allow regression of inflammation and healing. As our patients are living for longer they are likely to have been exposed to systemic medications that aim to reduce inflammation. These drugs have been shown to decrease inflammation within the periodontal tissues despite not being a primary function of their use. This paper aims to review the relative effects of common systemic medications on the periodontal tissues by analyzing their modes of action and discussing current research and the implications for periodontal treatment.
Which Patients Are Not Suitable for a Subcutaneous ICD: Incidence and Predictors of Failed QRS‐T‐Wave Morphology Screening
Authors: OLDE NORDKAMP LOUISE R.A. , WARNAARS JOPPE L.F. , KOOIMAN KIRSTEN M. , de GROOT JORIS R. , ROSENMÖLLER BOUDEWIJN R.A.M. , WILDE ARTHUR A.M. , KNOPS REINOUD E. 
Published: December 2013

T‐Wave Analysis for the Subcutaneous ICDBackgroundThe subcutaneous cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) relies on a pre‐implantation QRS‐T morphology screening (TMS) of the ECG to assure that it reliably detects the QRS complexes and T waves. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of the patients who fail this TMS is unknown.Methods and ResultsQRS‐TMS was done in 230 consecutive ICD outpatients (75% male, age 57 ± 15 years) without an indication for cardiac pacing, using an ECG simulating the 3 sensing vectors of the S‐ICD (TMS‐ECG). Patients were defined suitable when at least 1 sensing vector was considered appropriate in both supine and standing position. In total, 7.4% of patients, who were all male, were considered not suitable for a S‐ICD according to the TMS‐ECG. Independent predictors for TMS failure were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; odds ratio [OR] 12.6), a heavy weight (OR 1.5), a prolonged QRS duration (OR 1.5) and a R:T ratio <3 in the lead with the largest T wave on a standard 12‐lead surface ECG (OR 14.6).ConclusionIn patients without an indication for pacing, 7.4% would have been not suitable for a S‐ICD according to the TMS. HCM, a heavy weight, a prolonged QRS duration and a R:T ratio <3 in the ECG lead with the largest T wave were independently associated with TMS failure. These data might alert physicians that selection of patients for a S‐ICD should be considered with special caution in certain patient groups, because they may not satisfy ECG criteria for adequate sensing.
Confocal microscopy for healthy and pathological nail
Authors: Cinotti E. , Fouilloux B. , Perrot J. L. , Labeille B. , Douchet C. , Cambazard F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNail diseases are often annoying for the patient and diagnostically challenging for dermatologists. New imaging techniques are of high interest in the diagnosis of nail disorders to reduce the number of nail biopsies. Confocal microscopy is a high‐resolution emerging imaging technique that can be used to explore the entire body surface, including skin, mucosa, hair and nails. A systematic review of the literature concerning the use of confocal microscopy for the study of either healthy or pathological nail has been performed to evaluate the current use of this technique and possible future applications. Confocal microscopy is particularly suitable for nails because it allows a non‐invasive in vivo examination of this sensitive body area, and nail plate transparency permits to image up to the nail bed with an easy identification of corneocytes. Confocal microscopy can play a role in the diagnosis of onychomycosis and melanonichia, and in the study of drug penetration through the nail plate. It could be used in the future as a non‐invasive procedure for the investigation of different nail diseases, such as psoriasis and lichen planus. Further application could be the intra‐operative ex vivo examination of nail specimens to outline tumour margins to assist surgery.
Criterion and Convergent Validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment with Screening and Standardized Neuropsychological Testing
Authors: Lam Benjamin , Middleton Laura E. , Masellis Mario , Stuss Donald T. , Harry Robin D. , Kiss Alex , Black Sandra E. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo compare the validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with the criterion standard of standardized neuropsychological testing and to compare the convergent validity of the MoCA with that of existing screening tools and global measures of cognition.DesignCross‐sectional observational study.SettingTertiary care hospital‐based cognitive neurology subspecialty clinic.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 107 individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 75) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 32) from the Sunnybrook Dementia Study.MeasurementsIn addition to the MoCA, all participants completed the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), and detailed neuropsychological testing.ResultsConvergent validity was supported, with MoCA scores correlating well with the MMSE (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.66, P < .001) and the DRS (r = 0.77, P < .001) and the MoCA better associated with the DRS than did the MMSE. Criterion validity was supported, with MoCA subscores according to cognitive domain correlating well with analogous neuropsychological tests and, in the case of memory (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.86), executive (AUC = 0.79), and visuospatial function (AUC = 0.79), being reasonably sensitive to impairment in those domains.ConclusionThe MoCA is a valid assessment of cognition that shows good agreement with existing screening tools and global measures (convergent validity) and was superior to the MMSE in this regard. The MoCA domain‐specific subscores align with performance on more‐detailed neuropsychological tests, suggesting not only good criterion validity for the MoCA, but also that it may be useful in guiding further neuropsychological testing.
Tramadol versus fentanyl during propofol‐based deep sedation for uterine dilatation and curettage: A prospective study
Authors: Tas Ayca , Mıstanoglu Veli , Darcın Sevtap , Kececioglu Melahat 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimDilatation and curettage (D&C) is a common day‐care procedure in obstetrics and gynecology, with patients discharged after a brief hospital stay on the same day of the surgery. Although it has a short duration, severe pain occurs during the procedure. Therefore, this surgical procedure requires an anesthetic to provide adequate analgesia, rapid onset, and rapid recovery. The main objective of the present study was to compare the analgesic effectiveness and safety of tramadol with those of fentanyl during D&C.MethodsThe study comprised 100 women with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I–II who were scheduled for a D&C procedure. Baseline anesthesia was maintained with 1 mg/kg propofol, and the patients were then randomly allocated to receive tramadol 1 mg/kg (Group T, n = 50) or fentanyl 1 μg/kg (Group F, n = 50). Hemodynamic variables, sedation, pain, the Aldrete recovery score, and side‐effects were recorded.ResultsSpO2 levels in Group F in the 5th min and at the end of the procedure were significantly lower than those in Group T (P = 0.024 and 0.021, respectively).ConclusionTramadol provides similar analgesic efficacy to fentanyl. Furthermore, tramadol may provide better respiratory stability in patients undergoing a D&C procedure.
Effects of fumaric acid on rumen fermentation, milk composition and metabolic parameters in lactating cows
Authors: Remling N. , Riede S. , Lebzien P. , Meyer U. , Höltershinken M. , Kersten S. , Breves G. , Flachowsky G. , Dänicke S. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the influence of fumaric acid (FA) on ruminal fermentation and its effects on the acid‐base balance of seven ruminally and duodenally fistulated multiparous German Holstein cows. The experiment was conducted in a change‐over design with three periods in which the animals were randomly arranged in one of three treatments: Control (C; without FA), 300 or 600 g FA per day. The diets consisted of 7.4 kg DM grass silage, 4.2 kg concentrate mixture and 0, 300 or 600 g FA or wheat starch as isocaloric compensation per day and cow. FA supplementation decreased the rumen pH, acetic acid and butyric acid and increased propionic acid in rumen fluid. The results of the single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) did not show an influence of FA on the microbial population in the rumen. The beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in blood and the pH of the urine decreased, while the blood gases were unaffected by supplementation of the acid. The microbial protein per MJ ME decreased in the duodenum with FA supplementation. The milk fat concentration decreased after addition of FA. We conclude that in this study feeding of up to 600 g FA per day did not result in an acidosis. It seems that up to 600 g FA per day did not have a significant influence on the acid‐base balance of dairy cows.
Health-Related Characteristics and Unmet Needs of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Survey in Five European Countries
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Sternbach Nikoletta , Limoncin Erika , Ciocca Giacomo , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Tripodi Francesca , Petruccelli Irene , Keijzer Sylvia , Isherwood Gina , Wiedemann Britta , Simonelli Chiara 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Data suggest that ED is still an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. In addition, it seems that men with ED are unsatisfied about their relationship with their physician and with the available drugs.

Aim
The study aims to identify health-related characteristics and unmet needs of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) in big 5 European Union (EU) nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK).

Methods
Data were collected from the 2011 5EU National Health and Wellness-Survey on a population of 28,511 adult men (mean age: 47.18; SD 16.07) and was focused on men (5,184) who self-reported ED in the past 6 months. In addition, the quality of life (QoL) and work productivity/activity were explored.

Main Outcome Measures
Health-related QoL (HRQoL) and work productivity were measured with SF-12v2 and WPAI validated psychometric tools.

Results
One in every 20 young men (age 18–39) across 5EU experienced ED in the past 6 months. About half of men (2,702/5,184; [52%]) with ED across all ages did not discuss their condition with their physician. Interestingly, among those men who did discuss their condition with their physician, 68% (1,668/2,465) do not currently use medication. These findings were more evident in the age group of 18–39 years. Only 48% (2,465/5,184) had a closer relationship with their physician, suggesting that this quality of relationship may be unsatisfactory. Compared with controls, ED patients have a significantly higher intrapsychic and relational psychopathological comorbid burden and relevant decreasing in HRQoL, with a significantly higher impairment on work productivity/activity.

Conclusion
Data suggest that there is a need for a new therapeutic paradigm in ED treatment which images the achievement of a new alliance between physician and patient. Hence, alternative drug delivery strategies may reduce the psychological and social impact of this disease.
The impact of obesity on patient survival in liver transplant recipients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Saab Sammy , Lalezari David , Pruthi Paridhima , Alper Theodore , Tong Myron J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsIt is controversial if obesity has an impact on overall survival after liver transplantation (LT). The goal of this study was to determine if obesity impacts liver transplant recipient survival. Through subgroup analysis, we also evaluated different body mass index (BMI) thresholds and the confounding effect of ascites on survival.MethodsA systematic literature search from 1990 until July 2013. The main outcome was to evaluate the impact of obesity on survival in adult LT recipients. Dochotomous outcomes were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThirteen studies with a total 2275 obese and 72 212 non obese patients were included in the analysis. The combined analysis showed no difference in mortality between control and increased weight patients (RR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.82, 1.13], P = 0.66) at last follow‐up. Moreover, no differences in mortality were noted in subgroup analysis comparing different BMI thresholds. There was also no differences in survival when BMI was adjusted for ascites or in studies where the liver disease severity was similar. Obese patients had worse survival than nonobese patients in pooled analysis of studies which had similar causes of liver disease (RR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.52, 0.92], P = 0.01).ConclusionThe results of our pools analysis suggest that BMI does not specifically impact patient survival. However, obese patients have worse survival when analysis was performed in studies whose cohorts of obese and nonobese patients had similar causes of liver disease.
The role of glucosinolates and the jasmonic acid pathway in resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana against molluscan herbivores
Authors: Falk Kimberly L. , Kästner Julia , Bodenhausen Natacha , Schramm Katharina , Paetz Christian , Vassão Daniel G. , Reichelt Michael , von Knorre Dietrich , Bergelson Joy , Erb Matthias , Gershenzon Jonathan , Meldau Stefan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAlthough slugs and snails play important roles in terrestrial ecosystems and cause considerable damage on a variety of crop plants, knowledge about the mechanisms of plant immunity to molluscs is limited. We found slugs to be natural herbivores of Arabidopsis thaliana and therefore investigated possible resistance mechanisms of this species against several molluscan herbivores. Treating wounded leaves with the mucus residue (‘slime trail’) of the Spanish slug Arion lusitanicus increased wound‐induced jasmonate levels, suggesting the presence of defence elicitors in the mucus. Plants deficient in jasmonate biosynthesis and signalling suffered more damage by molluscan herbivores in the laboratory and in the field, demonstrating that JA‐mediated defences protect A. thaliana against slugs and snails. Furthermore, experiments using A. thaliana mutants with altered levels of specific glucosinolate classes revealed the importance of aliphatic glucosinolates in defending leaves and reproductive structures against molluscs. The presence in mollusc faeces of known and novel metabolites arising from glutathione conjugation with glucosinolate hydrolysis products suggests that molluscan herbivores actively detoxify glucosinolates. Higher levels of aliphatic glucosinolates were found in plants during the night compared to the day, which correlated well with the nocturnal activity rhythms of slugs and snails. Our data highlight the function of well‐known antiherbivore defence pathways in resistance against slugs and snails and suggest an important role for the diurnal regulation of defence metabolites against nocturnal molluscan herbivores.
Pediatric hereditary angioedema
Authors: MacGinnitie Andrew J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a lifelong illness characterized by recurrent swelling of the skin, intestinal tract, and, ominously, the upper airway. It is caused by inadequate activity of the protein C1‐inhibitor, with dysfunction in the kallikrein/bradykinin pathway underlying the clinical symptoms. In addition to the physical symptoms, patients experience significant decrements in vocational and school achievement as well as in overall quality of life. Symptoms often begin in childhood and occur by age 20 in most patients, but life‐threatening attacks are uncommon in the pediatric population. The availability of new therapies has transformed the management of HAE.
Invasive Techniques for Pain Management in Palliative Care: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Canser Enrique , Martínez‐Serrano Blanca , Sancho Azahara , Alonso‐Babarro Alberto , Vilches Yolanda , Alonso‐Yanci Eduardo , Gredilla Elena , Gilsanz Fernando 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTo achieve a successful pain control, interventional techniques are required in approximately 15% of the patients admitted to the Palliative Care Service (PCS).ObjectivesTo evaluate the frequency and effectiveness of the invasive procedures performed in the PCS of our health area. Other matters studied included complications associated with these procedures, the effects on morphine consumption, and functional status, survival rate, as well as the type and location of pain.MethodsA descriptive, observational, retrospective study was performed between January 2009 and December 2011. Patients included were considered difficult to manage and required the assistance of the PCS of the University Hospital La Paz (Madrid).ResultsPatients were divided into 3 groups according to the technique used: sympathetic blocks (group S), epidural catheters (group C), and series of plexus, peripheral nerve, or epidural infiltrations (group I). Ninety‐four procedures in 45 patients were performed (3.6% of patients admitted by the PCS). The average mean value of pain intensity before and after procedures decreased significantly (8.6 vs. 3.1, respectively, P < 0.01). The need for strong opioids was reduced (275.5 mg/day previously and 212.8 mg/day after the technique, P < 0.01). The overall complication rate was 16%.ConclusionThe analgesic efficacy of these techniques has been adequate in all groups. Patients who required epidural catheters had a higher rate of complications.
Relationship between blood levels of propofol and recovery of memory in electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Imashuku Yasuhiko , Kanemoto Kousuke , Senda Masanori , Matsubara Momoyo 
Published: December 2013

AimMemory impairment is a potential major adverse effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some reports have suggested that propofol, an intravenous anesthetic widely used for general anesthesia in ECT, can minimize adverse effects on memory and cognitive function following ECT. The relation between propofol blood level during ECT and memory impairment after the procedure is unknown. We aimed to determine the relation between predicted blood level of propofol administered by target‐controlled infusion during ECT and memory impairment after the procedure.MethodsThirty‐six patients who underwent a total of 260 series of ECT were enrolled as subjects. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous injection of propofol with a target‐controlled infusion pump for predicting blood levels. Orientation and memory testing were performed after completion of ECT. In a subsequent analysis, subjects were divided into early memory recovery (n = 195) and late memory recovery (n = 65) groups. Likewise, for orientation testing,subjects were divided into early recovery (n = 193) and late recovery (n = 67) groups. In both groups, predicted blood propofol levels, total propofol dose, and other variables, such as number of ECT treatments, stimulus energy volume, and spike and slow wave time, were determined for comparison.ResultsPredicted blood propofol levels and propofol total dose were significantly higher in the early memory recovery group, while no significant differences were observed for the other variables. As for orientation, there were no significant differences between the early and late orientation recovery groups.ConclusionsOur data shows that the predicted blood propofol levels and the total dose influences memory impairment after the ECT.