bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain
Authors: Liu Cai-Yue , Lu Zhan-Ying , Li Na , Yu Li-Hua , Zhao Yun-Fu , Ma Bei 
Published: May 2014

Background Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of paroxysmal and severely disabling facial pain and continues to be a real therapeutic challenge. At present there are few effective drugs. Here the aim of this study was to investigate the role of BKCa channels in trigeminal neuropathic pain. Methods Rats were divided into two groups: a sham and a chronic constriction injury of infraorbital branch of trigeminal nerve (ION-CCI) group. Nociceptive behavior testing, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Western blotting and whole-cell patch clamp recording were used. Results Relative to the sham group, rats with ION-CCI consistently displayed lower mechanical pain thresholds in the vibrissal pad region from day 6 to 42 after ION-CCI operation. ION-CCI induced a significant down-regulation of BKCa channels both in mRNA and protein levels in the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion (TG), a lower threshold intensity of action potential, and decreased total BKCa currents in cultured TG neurons. TG target injection of NS1619 (20–100 µg), an opener of BKCa channels, dose-dependently increased the mechanical pain threshold, which was blocked by the BKCa channel inhibitor iberiotoxin (IbTX, 20 µg). NS1619 (10 µM) significantly increased the mean threshold intensities of action potentials in ION-CCI rats, while failing to affect those in the sham rats. The levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in TG were significantly increased after ION-CCI operation. The ERK1/2 antagonist U0126, p38 antagonist SB203580 and JNK antagonist SP600125 significantly reversed the facial mechanical allodynia in ION-CCI rats. However, the ERK1/2 antagonist U0126, p38 antagonist SB203580 but not JNK antagonist SP600125 significantly increased BKCa currents in ION-CCI TG neurons. Conclusions Our results indicate the important involvement of mainly ERK and p38 MAPK pathways in modulating BKCa channels in ION-CCI TG neurons. BKCa channels represent a new therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain.
Work autonomy, work pressure, and job satisfaction: An analysis of European Union countries
Authors: Lopes Helena , Lagoa Sérgio , Calapez Teresa 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBased on European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) micro-data, we show that, on average, work autonomy has declined and work pressure has increased in most European Union countries since 1995. Since such evolution is substantially detrimental for workers, we examine whether workers of varied skill levels in different countries have been equally impacted. Descriptive analysis shows that low-skill clerical workers are the most affected and that Scandinavian countries fare better. Econometric results show that the decline in job satisfaction is due mainly to the increase in work pressure—which might be reaching a limit for high-skill workers—and that job satisfaction is most affected by an increase in work pressure when this is not accompanied by greater work autonomy.
Psychosis in paratyphoid fever – a case report from Australia
Authors: Sadhu Raja , Pourzehad Gilani Amin , Lanteri Marc , Kumar Manoj 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Neuropsychiatric presentation in paratyphoid fever is not a well-known entity. In countries such as Australia, where the prevalence of enteric fever is one of the lowest, this presentation seems to be unlikely. Method: We present a case that demonstrates the importance of considering this possibility in Australian context in returned travellers. Results: A young male, who recently returned to Australia from his home country in South East Asia, presented with abnormal behaviour in the context of febrile illness. His behaviour was characterised by grandiosity, aggression, hallucinatory behaviour and paranoia, along with disturbed biological functions. Detailed inpatient assessment revealed him to be suffering from Salmonella Paratyphi A infection and psychotic illness because of his general medical condition. Although his fever and inflammatory markers responded to antibiotics, antipsychotics were required for treatment of his mental health problems. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that paratyphoid fever, which is considered to be a less common variant of enteric fever, can present with neuropsychiatric manifestations.
Introduction of vincristine mini-bags and an assessment of the subsequent risk of extravasation
Authors: Nurgat ZA , Smythe M , Al-Jedai A , Ewing S , Rasheed W , Belgaumi A , Ahmed SO , Ashour M , Agil A Al , Siddiqui K , Aljurf M 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Numerous international organisations have advocated the preparation of vincristine in small volume intravenous bags in order to eliminate inadvertent intrathecal administration. However, the risk of extravasation is a significant deterrent, and adoption of this practice has been variable and only hesitantly accepted in the clinical setting. Purpose We carried out a study with the aims of establishing the incidence of reported extravasation of vincristine administration to paediatric and adult patients in mini-bags; here we describe motivating factors and barriers faced by clinical staff. The secondary aim was to support the need for change and implementation of the international recommendations. Methods Chemotherapy-certified nurses completed a survey spanning August 2009 to August 2011, to ascertain the incidence of extravasation associated with the administration of vincristine in mini-bags. Results This period captured 421 occasions of vincristine administration in 25-ml or 50-ml mini-bags (in 0.9% sodium chloride). The median age of patients was 13 years (range 2.5 months to 99 years). Vincristine was administered through peripheral lines (26.4%), portacath (52.0%), PICC line (15.9%) and Hickman line (5.7%). The majority of infusions were over at least 10 minutes (50.1%). There were no cases of extravasation reported. Conclusions The administration of vincristine in small volume intravenous bags was safe, practical, and feasible in all patient groups. The successful implementation of the international recommendations for vincristine administration in mini-bags to eliminate potential inadvertent intrathecal administration was dependent on stakeholder buy-in.
Awareness and use of a new urgent care telephone service, NHS 111: cross-sectional population survey
Authors: Knowles Emma , O'Cathain Alicia , Turner Janette , Nicholl Jon 
Published: May 2014

Objectives Telephone-accessed health care plays a significant part in the delivery of urgent care internationally. NHS 111 is a telephone service set up to improve and simplify access to non-emergency National Health Service health care in England. The first aim of this research was to describe population awareness and use of this new service, overall and within different sub-groups. In doing so, the second aim was to identify any inequity in awareness or use of telephone-accessed health care. Methods We undertook a telephone survey to assess awareness and use of NHS 111 in four sites. Random digit dialing was undertaken to identify 2000 respondents in each site. The survey was undertaken in 2011, approximately 9–10 months after the launch of NHS 111 in each site. Eight thousand and ten members of the general population completed a questionnaire. Results Fifty-nine percent of respondents had heard of NHS 111 and 9% reported ever using NHS 111. Respondents were less likely to have used NHS 111 if they were older (p ≤ 0.001), male (p ≤ 0.001), and did not have a disability/limiting long-term illness (p ≤ 0.001) or own their home (p = 0.039). Conclusions The use of the telephone as an important means of access to urgent care may be problematic if some groups in the population are less likely to use it. Policy makers and service providers may need to consider other ways of offering access to care or deliver targeted publicity campaigns to encourage the use of telephone-accessed health care amongst specific groups within a population.
A longitudinal VBM study monitoring treatment with erythropoietin in patients with Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Santner Wolfram , Schocke Michael , Boesch Sylvia , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Egger Karl 
Published: May 2014

Background Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) has received considerable attention because of its neuroprotective properties. It has recently been reported that rhuEPO increases frataxin levels in combination with clinical improvement in rhuEPO treated patients with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). Purpose To determine possible therapy dependent intracranial volume changes after treatment with rhuEPO using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Material and Methods Nine FRDA patients were scanned on the same 1.5-Tesla MRI scanner before and after treatment with rhuEPO. FRDA patients received 5000 IU rhuEPO thrice weekly subcutaneously for a time period of 8 weeks followed by 2000 IU thrice weekly over 6 months. To test for re-test reliability a control group of 12 healthy volunteers were scanned twice on the same scanner without rhuEPO treatment. Neurological state was defined by the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Statistical parametric mapping software was used for image processing and statistical analysis. Results When comparing follow-up scans after rhuEPO treatment with baseline scans ( P <0.001 uncorrected) an increase of gray matter volume was observed bilaterally in the Pulvinar and the posterior parietal cortex. Moreover, clinical improvement detected using specific Ataxia scores correlated with VBM results in the pulvinar. Conclusion Given the limitation of a small sample size, our study confirms previous findings that MRI may serve as reliable biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases as well as in monitoring of microstructural changes representing disease progression and/or therapy effects.
Loss of Stat1 decreases megakaryopoiesis and favors erythropoiesis in a JAK2-V617F–driven mouse model of MPNs
Authors: Duek Adrian , Lundberg Pontus , Shimizu Takafumi , Grisouard Jean , Karow Axel , Kubovcakova Lucia , Hao-Shen Hui , Dirnhofer Stephan , Skoda Radek C. 
Published: May 2014

Key Points
Stat1 deletion in the presence of JAK2-V617F alters phenotypic manifestations by reducing megakaryopoiesis and favoring erythropoiesis. IFNγ is elevated in serum of mice with thrombocytosis and in patients with essential thrombocythemia and may drive Stat1 activation.
A fuzzy characterization of QF rings
Authors: Li Wenxi , Chen Jianlong , Shen Liang 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Let R be a ring. R is called a quasi-Frobenius (QF) ring if R is right artinian and

R
R

is an injective right R-module. In this article, we introduce (weak) fuzzy homomorphisms of modules to obtain a fuzzy characterization of QF rings. We also obtain some fuzzy characterizations of right artinian rings and right CF rings. These results throw new light on the research of QF rings and the related CF conjecture.

MSC:03E72, 16L60.
The synergistic effect of homocysteine and lipopolysaccharide on the differentiation and conversion of raw264.7 macrophages
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Wang Lijun , Liu Weimin , Wu Yue , Yuan Zuyi 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Macrophages play pivotal roles in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and their heterogeneous differentiation patterns have been studied extensively. The classical subtype of activated macrophage, M1, promotes the progression of AS. Conversely, the alternative subtype of activated macrophage, M2, is regarded as a repressor of AS. Homocysteine (Hcy) may influence macrophage subtype polarization both in vivo and in vitro. Homocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor in coronary heart disease and the effect of Hcy on macrophage differentiation has not been studied until now.

Methods
Different concentrations of Hcy in combination with a fixed concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 ng/mL) were used to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Real-time PCR was used to detect and quantify RNA transcripts indicative of M1 and M2 differentiation. The efficacy and specificity for each chemical stimulant in inducing macrophage differentiation were also investigated. The M2 macrophages (anti-inflammatory subtype) induced using classical methods (IL-4, 10 ng/mL) were also treated with different concentrations of Hcy complemented with LPS. The synergistic effect of Hcy and LPS in the converting the M2 subtype to M1 was also studied.

Results
Macrophages can be induced to differentiate towards M1 by a combination of Hcy with LPS, with the strongest effect observed at an Hcy concentration of 50 μmol/L. After inducing macrophages to the M2 subtype using IL-4, treatment with both Hcy and LPS could elicit conversion from the M2 to M1 subtype.

Conclusion
Combined treatment with Hcy and LPS can induce the polarization of cultured RAW264.7 macrophages into the pro-inflammatory subtype, as well as promote subtype conversion from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory.
Effects of Al interlayer coating and thermal treatment on electron emission characteristics of carbon nanotubes deposited by electrophoretic method
Authors: Kim Bu-Jong , Kim Jong-Pil , Park Jin-Seok 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The effects of aluminum (Al) interlayer coating and thermal post-treatment on the electron emission characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated. These CNTs were deposited on conical-shaped tungsten (W) substrates using an electrophoretic method. The Al interlayers were coated on the W substrates via magnetron sputtering prior to the deposition of CNTs. Compared with the as-deposited CNTs, the thermally treated CNTs revealed significantly improved electron emission characteristics, such as the decrease of turn-on electric fields and the increase of emission currents. The observations of Raman spectra confirmed that the improved emission characteristics of the thermally treated CNTs were ascribed to their enhanced crystal qualities. The coating of Al interlayers played a role in enhancing the long-term emission stabilities of the CNTs. The thermally treated CNTs with Al interlayers sustained stable emission currents without any significant degradation even after continuous operation of 20 h. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study suggested that the cohesive forces between the CNTs and the underlying substrates were strengthened by the coating of Al interlayers.
Detection and identification of Legionella species in hospital water supplies through Polymerase Chain Reaction (16S rRNA)
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad , Jahangiri-rad Mahsa , Hajjaran Homa , Mesdaghinia Alireza , Hajaghazadeh Mohammad 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Legionella spp. are important waterborne pathogens that are normally transmitted through aerosols. The present work was conducted to investigate the presence of Legionella spp. and its common species in hospital water supplies. Considering the limitations of culture method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed to detect the gene 16S rRNA irrespective of the bacterial serotype. Four well-established DNA extraction protocols (freeze & thaw and phenol-chloroform as two manual protocols and two commercial kits) were tested and evaluated to release DNA from bacterial cells. A total of 45 samples were collected from seven distinct hospitals’ sites during a period of 10 months. The PCR assay was used to amplify a 654-bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. Legionella were detected in 13 samples (28.9%) by all of the methods applied for DNA extraction. Significant differences were noted in the yield of extracted nucleic acids. Legionella were not detected in any of the samples when DNA extraction by freeze & thaw was used. Excluding this method and comparing manual protocol with commercial kits, Kappa coefficient was calculated as 0.619 with p < 0.05. Although no meaningful differences were found between the kits, DNA extraction with Bioneer kit exhibited a higher sensitivity than classical Qiagen. Showerheads and cold-water taps were the most and least contaminated sources with 55.5 and 9 percent positive samples, respectively. Moreover two positive samples were identified for species by DNA sequencing and submitted to the Gene Bank database with accession Nos. FJ480932 and FJ480933. The results obtained showed that despite the advantages of molecular assays in Legionella tracing in environmental sources, the use of optimised DNA extraction methods is critical.
Initial Presentation and Late Results of Treatment of Post-Chernobyl Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents of Belarus
Authors: Fridman Mikhail , Savva Natallia , Krasko Olga , Mankovskaya Svetlana , Branovan Daniel I. , Schmid Kurt W. , Demidchik Yuri 
Published: May 2014

Background:
The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics and outcome of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) that have arisen in the Belarusian childhood population exposed to the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl accident within a long-term period.

Patients and Methods:
The long-term treatment results were investigated in 1078 children and adolescents (&lt;19 years old) with PTC who were surgically treated during the years 1990 through 2005.

Results:
Patients had high rates of metastatic PTC at presentation, with 73.8% of cases having lymph node involvement and 11.1% having distant spread. The most influential factor for lymph node metastases at initial treatment was lymphatic vessel invasion (P &lt; .0001) and for distant metastases, lateral lymph node involvement (P &lt; .0001). The overall survival was 96.9% ± 0.9% with a median follow-up of 16.21 years, and 20-year event-free survival and relapse-free survival were 87.8% ± 1.6% and 92.3% ± 0.9%, respectively. Patients had significantly lower probability of both loco-regional (P &lt; .001) and distant relapses (P = .005) after total thyroidectomy (TT) and radioactive iodine therapy (RAI). For loco-regional relapses after TT, only RAI influenced the prognosis significantly (P &lt; .001). For distant relapses after TT, the refusal to treat with RAI (hazard ratio [HR] = 9.26), vascular invasion (HR = 8.68), and age at presentation (HR = 6.13) were significant risk factors. For loco-regional relapses after non-TT, the principal risk factors were age less than 15 years old at presentation (HR = 5.34) and multifocal growth of tumor (HR = 5.19). For distant relapses after non-TT, the lateral neck metastases were the only unfavorable factor (HR = 9.26).

Conclusion:
The outcome of PTC both in children and in adolescents exposed to the post-Chernobyl radioiodine fallout was rather favorable. TT with RAI is recommended for minimizing loco-regional or distant relapses.
IGF-1 and Growth Response to Adult Height in a Randomized GH Treatment Trial in Short Non-GH-Deficient Children
Authors: Kriström Berit , Lundberg Elena , Jonsson Björn , Albertsson-Wikland Kerstin ,   on behalf of the study group
Published: May 2014

Context:
GH treatment significantly increased adult height (AH) in a dose-dependent manner in short non-GH-deficient children in a randomized, controlled, clinical trial; the mean gain in height SD score (heightSDS) was 1.3 (range 0–3), compared with 0.2 in the untreated group.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between IGF-1SDS, IGF binding protein-3 SDS (IGFBP3SDS), and their ratioSDS with a gain in the heightSDS until AH in non-GH-deficient short children.

Design and Setting:
This was a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial.

Intervention:
The intervention included GH treatment: 33 or 67 μg/kg · d plus untreated controls.

Subjects:
One hundred fifty-one non-GH-deficient short children were included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and 108 in the per-protocol (PP) population; 112 children in the ITT and 68 children in the PP populations had idiopathic short stature (ISS).

Main Outcome Measures:
Increments from baseline to on-treatment study mean IGF-1SDS (ΔIGF-1SDS), IGFBP3SDS, and IGF-1 to IGFBP3 ratioSDS were assessed in relationship to the gain in heightSDS.

Results:
Sixty-two percent of the variance in the gain in heightSDS in children on GH treatment could be explained by four variables: ΔIGF-1SDS (explaining 28%), bone age delay, birth length (the taller the better), and GH dose (the higher the better). The lower IGF-1SDS was at baseline, the higher was its increment during treatment. For both the AllPP- and the ISSPP-treated groups, the attained IGF-1SDS study level did not correlate with height gain.

Conclusion:
In short non-GH-deficient children, the GH dose-related increment in IGF-1SDS from baseline to mean study level was the most important explanatory variable for long-term growth response from the peripubertal period until AH, when IGF-1SDS, IGFBP3SDS, and their ratioSDS were compared concurrently.
CDC73 Intragenic Deletion in Familial Primary Hyperparathyroidism Associated With Parathyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Korpi-Hyövälti Eeva , Cranston Treena , Ryhänen Eeva , Arola Johanna , Aittomäki Kristiina , Sane Timo , Thakker Rajesh V. , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla 
Published: May 2014

Context:
CDC73 mutations frequently underlie the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP), and parathyroid carcinoma. It has also been suggested that CDC73 deletion analysis should be performed in those patients without CDC73 mutations.

Objective:
To investigate for CDC73 deletion in a family with FIHP previously reported not to have CDC73 mutations.

Patients and Methods:
Eleven members (six affected with primary hyperparathyroidism and five unaffected) were ascertained from the family, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to detect CDC73 deletion using leukocyte DNA.

Results:
A previously unreported deletion of CDC73 involving exons 1–10 was detected in five affected members and two unaffected members who were 26 and 39 years of age. Two affected members had parathyroid carcinomas at the ages of 18 and 32 years, and they had Ki-67 proliferation indices of 5 and 14.5% and did not express parafibromin, encoded by CDC73. Primary hyperparathyroidism in the other affected members was due to adenomas and atypical adenomas, and none had jaw tumors. Two affected members had thoracic aortic aneurysms, which in one member occurred with parathyroid carcinoma and renal cysts.

Conclusion:
A previously unreported intragenic deletion of exons 1 to 10 of CDC73 was detected in a three-generation family with FIHP, due to adenomas, atypical adenomas, and parathyroid carcinomas. In addition, two affected males had thoracic aortic aneurysms, which may represent another associated clinical feature of this disorder.
Estimating the surface area of birds: using the homing pigeon (Columba livia) as a model
Authors: Perez Cristina R. , Moye John K. , Pritsos Chris A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Estimation of the surface area of the avian body is valuable for thermoregulation and metabolism studies as well as for assessing exposure to oil and other surface-active organic pollutants from a spill. The use of frozen carcasses for surface area estimations prevents the ability to modify the posture of the bird. The surface area of six live homing pigeons in the fully extended flight position was estimated using a noninvasive method. An equation was derived to estimate the total surface area of a pigeon based on its body weight. A pigeon's surface area in the fully extended flight position is approximately 4 times larger than the surface area of a pigeon in the perching position. The surface area of a bird is dependent on its physical position, and, therefore, the fully extended flight position exhibits the maximum area of a bird and should be considered the true surface area of a bird.