bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new rapid molecular point-of-care assay forTrichomonas vaginalis: preliminary performance data
Authors: Pearce David M , Styles David N , Hardick Justin P , Gaydos Charlotte A 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTrichomonas vaginalisinfection is the most prevalent treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. An accurate point-of-care (PoC) molecular test would enable patients to be tested and treated forT vaginalisin a single visit to the genitourinary medicine clinic, community STI clinic, pharmacy or doctor's office. In this report, we describe a rapid prototype assay forT vaginalisdesigned for use in conjunction with the Atlas io PoC platform, and initial verification of its performance using 90 clinical samples.MethodsA rapid prototypeT vaginalisassay was designed. The test, featuring novel electrochemical end-point detection, used a multi-copy region of theT vaginalisgenome as the assay target. Ninety clinical vaginal swab samples were used to verify the performance of the prototype assay.ResultsThe assay demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 95.5% (42/44) and 95.7% (44/46), respectively, when tested using clinical samples. Assay inclusivity was demonstrated for a number of geographically diverseT vaginalisisolates, and the test showed no cross-reactivity with either human DNA or a panel of DNAs isolated from common cross-reactants.ConclusionsThe sensitivity and specificity achieved using this prototype assay is comparable with that achieved for existing central laboratory nucleic acid amplification tests used for screening patients forT vaginalis.
Survival ofTrichomonas vaginalisin wet preparation and on wet mount
Authors: Stoner Kevin A , Rabe Lorna K , Meyn Leslie A , Hillier Sharon L 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesMicroscopy is an insensitive method for detection ofTrichomonas vaginalis, but is widely used because it is both rapid and inexpensive. Diagnosis of trichomoniasis by microscopy requires that motile forms be identified in vaginal fluid samples. However, microscopy cannot always be performed immediately after sample collection. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of sample storage at room temperature on trichomonad motility.MethodsVaginal swab samples from 77 women positive forT vaginalisinfection were collected to determine the impact of storage on wet preparations (swabs in plastic tubes with saline) and wet mounts (samples placed onto a glass slide with a coverslip). Samples were read at 400× every 30 min for the first hour and then once per hour thereafter until there were no motile trichomonads observed.ResultsFor wet preparations, motility was 100% at 30 min, 99% at 60 min and decreased by 3%–15% each subsequent hour, with samples having a lower density of trichomonads losing motility more quickly. Trichomonad motility diminished more rapidly in wet mounts compared with wet preparations, with a 20% decrement in motility in 60 min.ConclusionsThese data suggest that vaginal fluid samples for diagnosis of trichomoniasis should be stored in saline rather than on microscope slides until they are examined under the microscope and samples should be evaluated by microscopy within an hour of collection. These findings also suggest that clinical sites which cannot perform microscopy within 1 h of sample collection should consider the use of other diagnostic tests.
Trichomoniasis and HIV interactions: a review
Authors: Kissinger Patricia , Adamski Alys 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo discuss the epidemiology ofTrichomonas vaginalis(TV) and HIV co-infections, the role of TV in acquisition and transmission of HIV, special treatment considerations for TV among women with HIV and the prevention of TV among HIV-infected persons.DesignSystematic review.Data sourceReview of literature of EMBASE and PubMed databases from January 1990 to February 2013. Search keywords included TV,HIV co-infections, HIV acquisition, HIV transmission, HIV shedding, TV treatment, HIV and couples studies.Review methodWe included studies of any design that contained the selected search words and were published during the specified time frame. We then searched the reference lists of included papers for additional papers and included these when relevant.ResultsThere is strong evidence that TV increases both transmission and acquisition of HIV among women, and that successful treatment for TV can reduce HIV genital shedding. Single dose metronidazole (MTZ) should no longer be used for HIV+ women with TV given the high rates of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis co-infections and other factors that may render MTZ less effective in HIV+ women. Prevention of TV among HIV+ persons is similar to among HIV, including promotion of condoms as well as regular screening and prompt treatment. There may be a role for expedited partner treatment for the prevention of repeat infections, but most repeat infections are clinical treatment failures. Diligence in screening and treating TV among both HIV- susceptible and HIV+ persons is an important public health strategy.
Opinions of Slovenian family physicians on medically unexplained symptoms: A qualitative study
Authors: Ivetić Vojislav , Kersnik Janko , Klemenc-Ketiš Zalika , Švab Igor , Kolšek Marko , Poplas-Susič Tonka 
Published: April 2013

Objectives To determine the views of Slovenian family physicians on medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and learn more about potential types of treatment for such patients. Methods Five focus groups, comprising 24 family medicine physicians (FMPs) from two Slovenian University centres, were convened. Conversations were led towards the research objectives by professionally trained researchers and followed a preliminarily established protocol. Qualitative content analysis of audio and transcripts of the discussions was performed using ATLAS.ti software to establish categories (‘codes’) relevant to issues regarding MUS. Results Slovenian FMPs emphasized the importance of good communication and trust between physicians and patients with MUS. Systemic barriers to effective management of MUS arising from the Slovenian health system were highlighted. FMPs stressed the need for more education in the recognition and treatment of MUS in primary care. From the discussions, 64 codes comprising broader research fields of MUS were developed, then grouped into a further eight categories: communication; doctor–patient relationship; causes of MUS; patient characteristics; physician characteristics; courses of action so far; positive relationship with patients; proposals for treatment. Conclusions The results are valuable in terms of investigating the treatment of patients with MUS in Slovenia, thereby opening new avenues of research on the subject of MUS.
Clinical Outcomes for Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner and Posterior Cruciate Ligament in Injuries With Mild Grade 2 or Less Posterior Translation
Authors: Kim Sung-Jae , Lee Su-Keon , Kim Sung-Hwan , Kim Seong-Hun , Jung Min 
Published: April 2013

Background: There have been no previous studies showing clinical outcomes according to treatment options of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury with mild grade 2 or less posterior translation (<7 mm) combined with posterolateral rotatory instability. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction with or without simultaneous PCL reconstruction in PCL injuries with mild posterior translation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 46 patients with a PCL injury with mild posterior translation combined with posterolateral rotatory instability were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two patients had undergone isolated PLC reconstruction (group A), and 24 patients had undergone simultaneous reconstruction of the PCL and PLC (group B). Each patient was assessed for knee instability with the dial test at 30° and 90° as well as with varus and posterior stress radiography and were evaluated with the Lysholm knee score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective grading. Results: In all cases, the minimum follow-up period was 24 months. At the final follow-up evaluation, no significant side-to-side difference was found on varus stress radiography (group A, 1.55 ± 0.78 mm vs group B, 1.35 ± 1.00 mm; P = .458) or the dial test (at 30°: group A, 4.00° ± 1.83° vs group B, 4.04° ± 1.30°; P = .929; at 90°: group A, 3.64° ± 1.18° vs group B, 3.67° ± 1.37°; P = .937). However, group B showed a significant improvement compared with group A on posterior stress radiography (group A, 0.16 ± 0.44 mm vs group B, –1.44 ± 0.74 mm; P < .001), Lysholm knee score (group A, 18.36 ± 8.73 vs group B, 23.42 ± 7.44; P = .040), IKDC subjective score (group A, 25.51 ± 7.11 vs group B, 33.08 ± 5.89; P < .001), and IKDC objective score (group A preoperatively: grade C = 19 patients, grade D = 3; group B preoperatively: grade C = 20, grade D = 4; group A postoperatively: grade B = 11, grade C = 11; group B postoperatively: grade A = 12, grade B = 9, grade C = 3) ( P < .001). Conclusion: Simultaneous reconstruction of the PCL and PLC is recommended when addressing PCL injuries with mild grade 2 or less posterior translation combined with posterolateral rotary instability.
Urinary CXCL-10/IP-10 and MCP-1 as markers to assess activity of lupus nephritis
Authors: Abujam B , Cheekatla SS , Aggarwal A 
Published: April 2013

Objective IP-10 and MCP-1 are pro-inflammatory chemokines which are involved in the immunopathogenesis of lupus nephritis and may thus be useful biomarkers. Methods SLE patients fulfilling ACR 1997 criteria were included. SLEDAI was calculated and blood and urine samples collected. Active lupus was defined as SLEDAI ≥4. Active patients were divided into active renal (proteinuria ≥ 500 mg/day or active sediment in urine) and active non-renal lupus. Patients with active renal lupus were followed until the nephritis became inactive, when a second sample was collected. Serum and urinary levels of MCP-1 and IP-10 (pg/ml) were measured by ELISA. Urinary values were normalized for urinary spot creatinine (in mg/dL. Thus the values were expressed as pg/mg creatinine × 100 creatinine). Results A total of 136 patients with SLE including 78 active (46 active renal and 32 active non-renal) were included. Median age was 25 (10–55) years and SLE duration was 23 (six to 48) months. Both serum (data not shown) and urinary levels of MCP-1 (35.2 (12.7–71.7), 9.4 (4.4–17), p < 0.001) and IP-10 (9.5 (4.4–17.9), 3.9 (1.9–9.3), p < 0.001) were higher in active compared to inactive SLE. However, in active renal compared to active non-renal SLE, there was no difference in serum levels; only urinary levels of MCP-1 (46.2 (19.9–125), 12.7 (5.8–43.9), p < 0.001) and IP-10 (12.5 (5.6–22.7), 5.2 (2.3–12.2), p < 0.05) were higher. On longitudinal follow-up of active renal patients ( n = 24), there was a decrease in urinary levels of MCP-1 and IP-10 ( p = 0.005). On ROC analysis, urinary MCP-1 outperformed C4 and urinary IP-10, but was similar to dsDNA and C3 in differentiating active renal from non-renal SLE. Conclusions Urinary and serum IP-10 and MCP-1 are potentially useful markers of lupus activity; however, only the urinary levels are indicative of renal activity. However, on ROC analysis, they are not better than conventional markers.
Retracted Article: Coupled fixed point theorems without continuity and mixed monotone property
Authors: Vats Ramesh Kumar , Sihag Vizender , Cho Yeol Je 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we generalize some coupled fixed point theorems for the mixed monotone operators

F
:
X
×
X
→
X

obtained in (Choudhury and Maity in Math. Comput. Model., 2011, doi:10.1016/j.mcm.2011.01.036) by significantly weakening the contractive condition involved and by replacing the mixed monotone property with another property which is automatically satisfied in the case of a totally ordered space. The proof follows a different and more natural new technique recently introduced by Berinde (Nonlinear Anal. 74:7347-7355, 2011). The example demonstrates that our main result is an actual improvement over the results which are generalized.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Predictors of persistent symptoms and reduced quality of life in treated coeliac disease patients: a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Paarlahti Pilvi , Kurppa Kalle , Ukkola Anniina , Collin Pekka , Huhtala Heini , Mäki Markku , Kaukinen Katri 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that many coeliac disease patients suffer from persistent clinical symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life despite a strict gluten-free diet. We aimed to find predictors for these continuous health concerns in long-term treated adult coeliac patients.

Methods
In a nationwide study, 596 patients filled validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Psychological General Well-Being questionnaires and were interviewed regarding demographic data, clinical presentation and treatment of coeliac disease, time and place of diagnosis and presence of coeliac disease-associated or other co-morbidities. Dietary adherence was assessed by a combination of self-reported adherence and serological tests. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by binary logistic regression.

Results
Diagnosis at working age, long duration and severity of symptoms before diagnosis and presence of thyroidal disease, non-coeliac food intolerance or gastrointestinal co-morbidity increased the risk of persistent symptoms. Patients with extraintestinal presentation at diagnosis had fewer current symptoms than subjects with gastrointestinal manifestations. Impaired quality of life was seen in patients with long duration of symptoms before diagnosis and in those with psychiatric, neurologic or gastrointestinal co-morbidities. Patients with persistent symptoms were more likely to have reduced quality of life.

Conclusions
There were a variety of factors predisposing to increased symptoms and impaired quality of life in coeliac disease. Based on our results, early diagnosis of the condition and consideration of co-morbidities may help in resolving long-lasting health problems in coeliac disease.
What is the easier and more reliable dose calculation for ivPhenytoin in children at risk of developing convulsive status epilepticus, 18 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg?
Authors: Prasad Manish , Shenton Priya , Dietz Sanne , Saroha Vivek , Whitehouse William P 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundWith the Convulsive Status Guidelines due for renewal, we wondered if a phenytoin dose of ‘20 mg/kg’ would be easier to calculate correctly and therefore safer than the current ‘18 mg/kg’. An educational exercise in dose calculation was therefore undertaken to assess ease of calculation.MethodA standard question paper was prepared, comprising five clinical scenarios with children of varying ages and estimated body weights. Medical students, trainee doctors at registrar and senior house officer level, and consultant paediatricians were asked to complete the exercise, in private, by one of two medical students (SD, PS). Calculations were done with and without a calculator, for 18 mg/kg and for 20 mg/kg in randomised order. Speed and errors (greater than 10%) were determined. The data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18.ResultsAll answered all 20 scenarios, giving a total of 300 answers per doctor/student group, and 300 answers per type of calculation. When comparing the 2 doses, the numbers of errors more than 10% were significantly less in 20 mg/kg dose (0.33%) as compared to the 18 mg/kg dose (9.3%) (p<0.0001). Speed off calculation was significantly decreased in 20 mg/kg dose when compared with 18 mg/kg dose, with (p<0.001) or without (p<0.0001) the calculator. Speed was more than halved and errors were much less frequent by using a calculator, for the 18 mg/kg dose but no difference with or without the calculator for 20 mg/kg dose.ConclusionWe recommend that the future guidelines should suggest iv Phenytoin at 20 mg/kg rather than 18 mg/kg. This will make the calculation easier and reduce the risk of significant errors.
A rapid stability-indicating, fused-core HPLC method for simultaneous determination of β-artemether and lumefantrine in anti-malarial fixed dose combination products
Authors: Suleman Sultan , Vandercruyssen Kirsten , Wynendaele Evelien , D’Hondt Matthias , Bracke Nathalie , Duchateau Luc , Burvenich Christian , Peremans Kathelijne , De Spiegeleer Bart 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Artemisinin-based fixed dose combination (FDC) products are recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) as a first-line treatment. However, the current artemisinin FDC products, such as β-artemether and lumefantrine, are inherently unstable and require controlled distribution and storage conditions, which are not always available in resource-limited settings. Moreover, quality control is hampered by lack of suitable analytical methods. Thus, there is a need for a rapid and simple, but stability-indicating method for the simultaneous assay of β-artemether and lumefantrine FDC products.

Methods
Three reversed-phase fused-core HPLC columns (Halo RP-Amide, Halo C18 and Halo Phenyl-hexyl), all thermostated at 30°C, were evaluated. β-artemether and lumefantrine (unstressed and stressed), and reference-related impurities were injected and chromatographic parameters were assessed. Optimal chromatographic parameters were obtained using Halo RP-Amide column and an isocratic mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 1mM phosphate buffer pH 3.0 (52:48; V/V) at a flow of 1.0 ml/min and 3 μl injection volume. Quantification was performed at 210 nm and 335 nm for β-artemether and for lumefantrine, respectively. In-silico toxicological evaluation of the related impurities was made using Derek Nexus v2.0®.

Results
Both β-artemether and lumefantrine were separated from each other as well as from the specified and unspecified related impurities including degradants. A complete chromatographic run only took four minutes. Evaluation of the method, including a Plackett-Burman robustness verification within analytical QbD-principles, and real-life samples showed the method is suitable for quantitative assay purposes of both active pharmaceutical ingredients, with a mean recovery relative standard deviation (± RSD) of 99.7 % (± 0.7%) for β-artemether and 99.7 % (± 0.6%) for lumefantrine. All identified β-artemether-related impurities were predicted in Derek Nexus v2.0® to have toxicity risks similar to β-artemether active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) itself.

Conclusions
A rapid, robust, precise and accurate stability-indicating, quantitative fused-core isocratic HPLC method was developed for simultaneous assay of β-artemether and lumefantrine. This method can be applied in the routine regulatory quality control of FDC products. The in-silico toxicological investigation using Derek Nexus® indicated that the overall toxicity risk for β-artemether-related impurities is comparable to that of β-artemether API.
The microtubule stabilizer patupilone counteracts ionizing radiation-induced matrix metalloproteinase activity and tumor cell invasion
Authors: Furmanova-Hollenstein Polina , Broggini-Tenzer Angela , Eggel Matthias , Millard Anne-Laure , Pruschy Martin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Ionizing radiation (IR) in combination with microtubule stabilizing agents (MSA) is a promising combined treatment modality. Supra-additive treatment responses might result from direct tumor cell killing and cooperative indirect, tumor cell-mediated effects on the tumor microenvironment. Here we investigated deregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, as an important component of the tumor microenvironment, by the combined treatment modality of IR with the clinically relevant MSA patupilone.

Methods
Expression, secretion and activity of MMPs and related tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were determined in cell extracts and conditioned media derived from human fibrosarcoma HT1080 and human glioblastoma U251 tumor cells in response to treatment with IR and the MSA patupilone. Treatment-dependent changes of the invasive capacities of these tumor cell lines were analysed using a Transwell invasion assay. Control experiments were performed using TIMP-directed siRNA and TIMP-directed inhibitory antibodies.

Results
Enzymatic activity of secreted MMPs was determined after treatment with patupilone and irradiation in the human fibrosarcoma HT1080 and the human glioblastoma U251 tumor cell line. IR enhanced the activity of secreted MMPs up to 2-fold and cellular pretreatment with low dose patupilone (0.05-0.2 nM) counteracted specifically the IR-induced MMP activity. The cell invasive capacity of HT1080 and U251 cells was increased after irradiation with 2 Gy by 30% and 50%, respectively, and patupilone treatment completely abrogated IR-induced cell invasion. Patupilone did not alter the level of MMP expression, but interestingly, the protein level of secreted TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was lower after combined treatment than after irradiation treatment alone. Furthermore, siRNA depletion of TIMP-1 or TIMP-2 prevented IR-mediated induction of MMP activity and cell invasion.

Conclusions
These results indicate that patupilone counteracts an IR-induced MMP activation process by the reduction of secreted TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 proteins, which are required for activation of MMPs. Since IR-induced MMP activity could contribute to tumor progression, treatment combination of IR with patupilone might be of great clinical benefit for tumor therapy.
Clinicopathological study of glomerular diseases associated with sarcoidosis: a multicenter study
Authors: Stehlé Thomas , Joly Dominique , Vanhille Philippe , Boffa Jean-Jacques , Rémy Philippe , Mesnard Laurent , Hoffmann Maxime , Grimbert Philippe , Choukroun Gabriel , Vrtovsnik François , Verine Jérôme , Desvaux Dominique , Walker Francine , Lang Philippe , Mahevas Matthieu , Sahali Dil , Audard Vincent 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The association between sarcoidosis and glomerular diseases has not been extensively investigated in a large series and the potential features of this uncommon association remain to be determined.

Methods
We retrospectively identified 26 patients with biopsy-proven glomerular lesions that occurred in a sarcoidosis context. Potential remission of glomerular disease and sarcoidosis under specific treatment (steroid and/or immunosuppressive agents) was recorded for all patients. Demographic, clinical and biological characteristics were assessed at the time of kidney biopsy for each patient. Therapeutic data were analyzed for all patients.

Results
Glomerular disease occurred after the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in 11 of 26 cases (42%) (mean delay of 9.7 years). In six patients (23%), the glomerulopathy preceded the sarcoidosis diagnosis (mean delay 8 years). In the last nine patients (35%), both conditions occurred simultaneously. The most frequent glomerular disease occurring in sarcoidosis patients was membranous nephropathy in eleven cases. Other glomerular lesions included IgA nephropathy in six cases, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in four patients, minimal change nephrotic syndrome for three patients and proliferative lupus nephritis in two patients. Granulomatous interstitial nephritis was associated with glomerular disease in six patients and was exclusively found in patients in whom the both disease occurred simultaneously. In nine patients with simultaneous glomerular and sarcoidosis diseases, we observed a strong dissociation between glomerular disease and sarcoidosis in terms of steroid responsiveness. At the end of the follow-up (mean of 8.4 years), six patients had reached end-stage renal disease and three patients had died.

Conclusions
A wide spectrum of glomerular lesions is associated with sarcoidosis. The close temporal relationship observed in some patients suggests common causative molecular mechanisms of glomerular injury but complete remission of both diseases in response to exclusive steroid therapy is infrequent.