bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects of synergetic combination of phenytoin and gastrodin on the convulsion induced by penicillin in mice
Authors: Zhou Ziqi , Lin Yanzhu , Zheng Hongyi , He Yuzhong , Xu Haohua , Zhang Siheng , Weng Wen , Li Wei , Zhu Linyan , Yang Haifeng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPhenytoin (PHT) is a commonly prescribed first‐line antiepileptic drug. However, long‐term administration of PHT can cause memory loss and balance disturbance. Gastrodin (GD) is the major bioactive component in Tianma and has sedative, anticonvulsive, memory strengthening, and neuroprotective effects. To combine the two drugs seems attractive; however, little was known about the efficacy of combination therapy. In this study, convulsive attack was successfully induced by penicillin. Isobolographic analysis, memory and balance behavior test, histopathological examination, and Western blot analysis were used to investigate whether the combination therapy of GD and PHT can enhance anticonvulsive effect and reduce the side effects associated with PHT. The GD alone (950.60 mg/kg) and the PHT alone (45.50 mg/kg) could produce an anticonvulsive effect, while comparable effect could be produced by PHT : GD = 1 : 50 (8.59 : 429.27 mg/kg), which reduce the dose of PHT by 81% and GD by 55%. After the chronic anticonvulsive experiments of 16 days, the balance disturbance and short‐/long‐term memory loss were observed in the PHT group, while the PHT + GD therapy can protect the normal balance and memory function. The neuron morphology of hippocampus was preserved, and the number of surviving neurons after combination therapy was more than the model group. The amount of NF‐κB (p65) expression was increased in combination group. All above suggested the potential of the combination of PHT and GD enhances the anticonvulsive effect and the neuroprotective effect and reduces the PHT‐associated memory and balance disturbance. The PHT + GD strategy would provide new possibilities as a novel promising methodology to treat epileptic patients.
Detecting metastatic prostate carcinoma in pelvic lymph nodes following neoadjuvant hormone therapy: the eyes have it!
Authors: Kehr Elizabeth , Masry Paul , Lis Rosina , Loda Massimo , Taplin Mary‐Ellen , Hirsch Michelle S 
Published: May 2015

AimsResidual cancer morphology in radical prostatectomies (RPs) after neoadjuvant hormone therapy includes inconspicuous cytology, and treated tumour cells can be difficult to identify in lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in identifying occult lymph node metastases following neoadjuvant hormone treatment of prostate cancer.Methods and resultsOne hundred and twenty‐eight lymph nodes from 24 patients treated with neoadjuvant hormone therapy, including abiraterone acetate alone or combined with leuprolide, were stained with antibodies against keratin AE1/AE3, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), prostate‐specific acid phosphatase (PrAP), androgen receptor (AR), and NKX3.1. IHC slides were scored ‘blind’, and then retrospectively compared with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides and pathology reports. IHC identified carcinoma in six lymph nodes from three patients. All metastases were positive for NKX3.1 and AR, five of six were positive for AE1/AE3, and three of six were positive for PSA; PrAP was negative in all metastatic foci. All six lymph node metastases had been identified by H&E staining at the time of RP.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that routine use of IHC on lymph nodes from neoadjuvant‐treated prostate carcinomas is not necessary. Nevertheless, for suspicious small foci of atypical cells in neoadjuvant‐treated lymph nodes, NKX3.1 and AR appear to have the greatest sensitivity.
Efficacy comparison of ustekinumab between anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α drug‐naïve and anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α drug‐resistant Japanese psoriasis cases
Authors: Takahashi Naomi , Noda Shinji , Taniguchi Takashi , Adachi Makoto 
Published: May 2015

AbstractUstekinumab is highly efficacious for psoriasis; however, it has not been fully clarified whether previous failure in anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) therapy affects the treatment response with ustekinumab. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of ustekinumab in anti‐TNF‐α‐naïve and anti‐TNF‐α‐resistant cases and compared the clinical efficacies of adalimumab and ustekinumab in biologic naïve cases. Thirty‐five patients with plaque psoriasis who showed resistance to conventional therapies were enrolled; 26 patients, who had never been treated with biologics, were allocated to ustekinumab or adalimumab; nine patients who failed to achieve psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 50 at week 16 with one or two TNF‐α antagonists were switched to ustekinumab. The end of the study was defined as 52 weeks after starting the first biologic for anti‐TNF‐α‐naïve patients and after switching to ustekinumab for anti‐TNF‐α‐resistant patients. The primary outcome measurement was the percentage of patients achieving PASI75 at week 16. In patients treated with ustekinumab, 87.5% of anti‐TNF‐α‐naïve and 77.8% of anti‐TNF‐α‐resistant cases achieved a PASI75 response at week 16, and no statistically significant difference was found between the treatment response rates (P = 0.60). When comparing the treatment efficacy of ustekinumab and adalimumab among anti‐TNF‐α‐naïve patients, there was also no statistically significant difference in PASI75 achievement rates (87.5 vs. 83.3%, P = 0.79). Our study suggests that ustekinumab can be considered as a first‐line biologic for psoriasis and a rescue therapy for anti‐TNF‐α‐resistant cases.
Comparison of postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate between kidney donors and radical nephrectomy patients, and risk factors for postoperative chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Dong Soo , Cho Seok , Kim Sang Jin , Kang Seok Ho , Park Jinsung , Park Sung Yul , Chang Sung‐Goo , Jeon Seung Hyun 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo compare post‐nephrectomy renal function between kidney donors and renal cell carcinoma patients, to evaluate trends in recovery, and to identify factors relevant to renal failure.MethodsPatients who had radical or donor nephrectomy from four different institutions between 2003 and 2012 were reviewed. Propensity score matching was carried out and 79 patients were selected for each group. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was compared, and the difference between preoperative values and each preceding date was calculated. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent factors for a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.ResultsThe donor nephrectomy group showed a trend of improved estimated glomerular filtration rate recovery at 24 months and 36 months compared with the radical nephrectomy group, which was statistically significant (P = 0.028, P = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression showed that renal cell carcinoma (odds ratio 4.605, 95% confidence interval 1.626–13.040, P = 0.004), a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate lower than 110 (odds ratio 4.477, 95% confidence interval 1.360–14.742, P = 0.014) and age older than 40 years (odds ratio 21.616, 95% confidence interval 2.761–169.222, P = 0.003) were predictive factors for a decrease in renal function.ConclusionsRenal cell carcinoma is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease after nephrectomy. In addition, age older than 40 years and a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate of 110 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less seem to represent risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease after nephrectomy.
Pressures toward Uniformity in Groups: A Dynamic Structural Equation Model
Authors: Anderson James G. , Triplett Mark 
Published: May 2015

In this paper a dynamic structural equation model consisting of a set of difference equations has been constructed in order to examine the process by which groups generate pressures toward uniformity. The model is based on Festinger's hypotheses about communication resulting from such pressures. Parameters of the model have been estimated from a consideration of one of the equilibrium conditions of the model. Hypothetical time paths that describe the dynamic behaviour of the system have been generated by a series of computer simulation runs. These graphs describe the process by which group cohesiveness and discrepancy in opinions among group members adjust to each other over time. The model has lead to a number of major insights into this dynamic process. The results of the simulation indicate the existence of multiple equilibrium points for the system and that the relevance of the issue for the group's functioning is a critical factor in determining the rate at which a new equilibrium is reached once the initial equilibrium is disturbed. Groups can and do attempt to influence members in order to achieve uniformity of opinions, beliefs, values and behaviour (Asch, 1951; Deutsch and Gerard, 1955; Scott 1965). Cartwrght and Zander (1968) in reviewing the theoretical explanations of why groups attempt to achieve uniformity point out four functions that such pressure serves; namely goal attainment (Festinger, 1950), group maintenance (Stock, Whitman and Lieberman, 1958), the development of social reality through consensus (Festinger, 1954; Schachter, 1959), and achievement of consensus concerning group relations with its social surroundings (Burns, 1955; Cohen, 1955; Yinger, 1950). As a result discrepancies in opinions, beliefs, values and behaviour, give rise to pressures on members to communicate with one another. Festinger (1950) in his investigations of informal social communications has enumerated a set of hypotheses concerning such communication that results from group pressures to achieve uniformity. Several of his hypotheses are concerned with members of the group as a whole and form the basis of one model by Simon and Guetzkow (1955) involving a set of differential equations. In the following section of this paper Festinger's verbal theory will be recast as a causal model (Blalock, 1969). A dynamic structural equation model will be developed consisting of a set of difference equations. This structural model will form the basis of a computer simulation model which will be validated with data from studies by Festinger, Schachter and Back (1950), Festinger and Thibaut (1951) and Back (1951).
Perspectives of US Direct Care Workers on the Grief Process of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Implications for Practice
Authors: Gray Jennifer A. , Abendroth Maryann 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe study explored the grief process of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDDs) as perceived by direct care workers (DCWs) and how such workers can guide and support PWIDDs experiencing grief.Materials and MethodsA thematic analysis approach was used to examine data from nine focus groups with 60 DCWs from five community‐based organizations.ResultsFindings were supported in the context of seminal grief and bereavement theories. Three themes (i.e. reactions to loss, processing the loss and incorporating the loss) and related subthemes emerged from the data.ConclusionsPWIDDs are susceptible to traumatic grief, and DCWs are often key witnesses to such experiences. DCWs’ perspectives can guide the development of grief and bereavement training which can lead to more tailored support systems.
A genomewide association mapping study using ultrasound‐scanned information identifies potential genomic regions and candidate genes affecting carcass traits in Nellore cattle
Authors: Santana M.H.A. , Ventura R.V. , Utsunomiya Y.T. , Neves H.H.R. , Alexandre P.A. , Oliveira Junior G.A. , Gomes R.C. , Bonin M.N. , Coutinho L.L. , Garcia J.F. , Silva S.L. , Fukumasu H. , Leme P.R. , Ferraz J.B.S. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to identify candidate genes and genomic regions associated with ultrasound‐derived measurements of the rib‐eye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT) and rumpfat thickness (RFT) in Nellore cattle. Data from 640 Nellore steers and young bulls with genotypes for 290 863 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for genomewide association mapping. Significant SNP associations were explored to find possible candidate genes related to physiological processes. Several of the significant markers detected were mapped onto functional candidate genes including ARFGAP3, CLSTN2 and DPYD for REA; OSBPL3 and SUDS3 for BFT; and RARRES1 and VEPH1 for RFT. The physiological pathway related to lipid metabolism (CLSTN2, OSBPL3, RARRES1 and VEPH1) was identified. The significant markers within previously reported QTLs reinforce the importance of the genomic regions, and the other loci offer candidate genes that have not been related to carcass traits in previous investigations.
Sonographic features of congenital infantile fibrosarcoma that appeared as a sacrococcygeal teratoma during pregnancy
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Murakoshi Takeshi , Tanaka Kei , Ogasawara Aiko , Torii Yuichi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe experienced an extremely rare case of congenital infantile fibrosarcoma originating from the fetal sacrococcygeal region in pregnancy. At first, we suspected fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma; however, the following ultrasonography findings of the tumor complicated this diagnosis: (i) laterality; (ii) no cystic component; (iii) hypervascularity, with the feeding vessels not derived from the middle sacral artery; and (iv) a skin covering. The pathological findings indicated that the tumor was an infantile fibrosarcoma, not a teratoma. Thus, we believe that these sonographic features may aid the prenatal diagnosis of congenital infantile fibrosarcoma, which, in turn, may contribute to a better prognosis and may be useful for parental counseling.
Exploring the compatibility of mental health nursing, recovery‐focused practice and the welfare state
Authors: Conlon M. M. M. , Bush C. J. , Ariyaratnam M. I. , Brennan G. K. , Owtram R. 
Published: May 2015

Accessible summary
Mental health nurses are expected to adhere to a range of professional values.
The values of social integration that mental health nurses practise are somewhat at odds with the values of the British welfare state.
Alternative systems of welfare support are demonstrated in other countries.
Mental health nurses must consider models of practice, such as that described by Clifton et al. (2013b), to manage the disconnection between what is expected and what can be achieved.
AbstractThis discussion paper considers the implications for mental health nursing practice when working alongside individuals in receipt of state benefits. There is arguably a profound impact on an individual's recovery from mental ill health when that individual is also dependent on financial support from the government. Access to welfare benefits can have a significant impact on the recovery journey of that individual. This discussion paper will consider the practice implications for mental health nurses whose professional values include maxims such as ‘challenging inequality’ and ‘respecting diversity’, and will seek to examine the implications for practice when such values are divergent from those demonstrated in government policy. The paper will make comparisons with international welfare systems to demonstrate the way in which alternative configurations of state welfare can promote a system of social justice that is in greater equilibrium with the professional values of mental health nurses. Finally, the discussion will focus on the options for mental health nurses to either subscribe to government policy or to find compromise solutions that enable attention to remain focused and active on a strong value base of social justice and recovery‐focused practice.
Increased Pygo2 expression in liver of patients with hepatitis B virus‐related fibrosis
Authors: Li Wenting , Zhu Chuanlong , Wu Yuanbo , Wang Zheng , Zhu Chuanwu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsIt has been reported that Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway played a key role in liver fibrosis and that Pygo2 was an important mediator in β‐catenin induced pathway. However, the role of Pygo2 in liver fibrogenesis was unknown. Our study was to investigate the expression of Pygo2 and its diagnostic value in patients with HBV‐related liver fibrosis.MethodsHundred and sixty‐four patients with HBV infection underwent liver biopsy and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (Fibroscan®; Echosens). Liver function was tested by routine biochemical examinations. Liver condition was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of Pygo2 in liver tissue was measured by Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, while the serum levels of Pygo2 were detected by ELISA. The relationship between degree of liver fibrosis and Pygo2 expression was assessed by correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of serum Pygo2, LSM and their combination.ResultsThe mRNA and protein levels of Pygo2 in HBV‐infected patients were all higher than in normal persons (P < 0.05 respectively). Moreover, Pygo2 expression increased along with the progression of liver fibrosis (P < 0.05 respectively). The trend of serum Pygo2 agreed with its expression in liver tissue. The combination of serum Pygo2 and LSM had a significantly higher area under the curve than Pygo2 or LSM alone (P < 0.05 respectively).ConclusionsThis study suggested that Pygo2 was involved in HBV‐induced liver fibrogenesis. Pygo2 is a valuable biomarker for the evaluation of fibrosis in HBV‐infected patients.
The Impact of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae on Therapeutic Outcomes of Transforaminal Epidural Injection in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Son Kang‐Min , Lee Sun‐Mi , Lee Gun Woo , Ahn Myun‐Hwan , Son Jung‐Hwan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlthough some studies have evaluated the clinical impact of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), few have attempted to determine an effective conservative treatment method for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) presenting concurrently with LSTV.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 291 consecutive patients who were followed‐up for at least one year after transforaminal epidural injection (TFEI) for LDH. We confirmed the presence of LSTV with Paik et al.'s method, the Castellvi classification, and the Southworth and Bersack method. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional status.ResultsOf the 291 patients, 47 (16.2%) had LSTV, including 33 with sacralization and 14 with lumbarization, while 244 (83.8%) did not have LSTV. Patients in both groups improved significantly after TFEI in terms of the VAS (P < 0.001) and ODI (P < 0.001) scores. However, LDH patients with LSTV had a worse clinical outcome after six months of TFEI than did those without LSTV, with a significant difference between groups for both the VAS (P < 0.01) and ODI (P = 0.01) scores. LDH patients with sacralization had worse post‐treatment clinical outcomes than LDH patients with lumbarization (P < 0.001) or LDH patients without LSTV (P < 0.001).ConclusionsSacralization can reduce the improvement after TFEI among LDH patients, while lumbarization appears to have no direct effect on TFEI outcomes. The presence of sacralization should be identified before TFEI, and if present, patients should be informed that the outcomes of TFEI may not be as good as they would be if sacralization was not present.
OsWS1 involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis is regulated by osa‐miR1848
Authors: Xia Kuaifei , Ou Xiaojin , Gao Chunzhi , Tang Huadan , Jia Yongxia , Deng Rufang , Xu Xinlan , Zhang Mingyong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCuticular wax forms a hydrophobic layer covering aerial plant organs and acting as a protective barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses. Compared with well‐known wax biosynthetic pathway, molecular regulation of wax biosynthesis is less known. Here, we show that rice OsWS1, a member of the membrane‐bound O‐acyl transferase gene family, involved in wax biosynthesis and was regulated by an osa‐miR1848. OsWS1‐tagged green fluorescent protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Compared with wild‐type rice, OsWS1 overexpression plants displayed a 3% increase in total wax, especially a 35% increase in very long‐chain fatty acids, denser wax papillae around the stoma, more cuticular wax crystals formed on leaf and stem surfaces, pollen coats were thicker and more seedlings survived after water‐deficit treatment. In contrast, OsWS1‐RNAi and osa‐miR1848 overexpression plants exhibited opposing changes. Gene expression analysis showed that overexpression of osa‐miR1848 down‐regulated OsWS1 transcripts; furthermore, expression profiles of OsWS1 and osa‐miR1848 were inversely correlated in the leaf, panicle and stem, and upon water‐deficit treatment. These results suggest that OsWS1 is regulated by osa‐miR1848 and participates in cuticular wax formation.
Hydrogen isotope response to changing salinity and rainfall in Australian mangroves
Authors: Ladd S. Nemiah , Sachs Julian P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHydrogen isotope ratios (2H/1H, δ2H) of leaf waxes covary with those in precipitation and are therefore a useful paleohydrologic proxy. Mangroves are an exception to this relationship because their δ2H values are also influenced by salinity. The mechanisms underlying this response were investigated by measuring leaf lipid δ2H and leaf and xylem water δ2H and δ18O values from three mangrove species over 9.5 months in a subtropical Australian estuary. Net 2H/1H fractionation between surface water and leaf lipids decreased by 0.5–1.0‰ ppt−1 for n‐alkanes and 0.4–0.8‰ ppt−1 for isoprenoids. Xylem water was 2H depleted relative to surface water, reflecting 2H discrimination of 4–10‰ during water uptake at all salinities and opportunistic uptake of freshwater at high salinity. However, leaf water 2H enrichment relative to estuary water was insensitive to salinity and identical for all species. Therefore, variations in leaf and xylem water δ2H values cannot explain the salinity‐dependent 2H depletion in leaf lipids, nor the 30‰ range in leaf lipid δ2H values among species. Biochemical changes in direct response to salt stress, such as increased compatible solute production or preferential use of stored carbohydrates, and/or the timing of lipid production and subsequent turnover rates, are more likely causes.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for breath‐holding spells followed by cardiac arrest due to left main coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Ozyilmaz Isa , Altin Husnu Fırat , Yildiz Okan , Erek Ersin , Ergul Yakup , Guzeltas Alper 
Published: May 2015

AbstractNon‐syndromic congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) leads to ventricular hypertrophy and increased oxygen consumption, and when combined with other factors reduces coronary blood flow, potentially resulting in myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac death. While the anatomic obstruction of coronary circulation is as common in non‐syndromic SVAS as in Williams syndrome, it often remains unacknowledged. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an elective procedure that can be used to support patients with cardiac arrest during diagnosis as a way to reduce cardiopulmonary load in preparation for surgery or further treatment. In this report, we describe the rare case of an infant with severe SVAS and mild valvular pulmonary and left main coronary artery stenosis, as well as breath‐holding spells. After multiple cardiac arrests, the infant underwent diagnostic catheter angiography on ECMO and had the pathology surgically corrected.