bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the GerdQ questionnaire for the diagnosis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jonasson C. , Wernersson B. , Hoff D. A. L. , Hatlebakk J. G. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe diagnosis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a challenge as both invasive methods and symptom‐based strategies have limitations. The symptom‐based management of GERD in primary care may be further optimised with the use of a questionnaire.AimTo assess the diagnostic validity of the GerdQ questionnaire in patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD.MethodsPatients with symptoms suggestive of GERD without alarm features, underwent upper endoscopy, and if normal, pH‐metry. Patients were followed for 4 weeks and GerdQ was completed blinded to the investigator at both visits. Reflux oesophagitis or pathological acid exposure was used as diagnostic references for GERD. The diagnostic accuracy for GERD on symptom response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was assessed.ResultsAmong the 169 patients, a GerdQ cutoff ≥9 gave the best balance with regard to sensitivity, 66% (95% CI: 58–74), and specificity, 64% (95% CI: 41–83), for GERD. The high prevalence of reflux oesophagitis (81%) resulted in a high proportion of true positives, but at the same time a high proportion of false‐negatives. Consequently, GerdQ had a high positive predictive value, 92% (95% CI: 86–97), but a low negative predictive value, 22% (95% CI: 13–34), for GERD. Symptom resolution on PPI therapy had high sensitivity, 76% (95% CI: 66–84), but low specificity, 33% (95% CI: 17–53), for GERD.ConclusionsGerdQ is a useful complementary tool for the diagnosis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in primary care. The implementation of GerdQ could reduce the need for upper endoscopy and improve resource utilisation. Symptom resolution on proton pump inhibitor did not predict gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.
Skeletogenesis in anurans: cranial and postcranial development in metamorphic and postmetamorphic stages of Leptodactylus bufonius (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Vera Miriam Corina , Ponssa María Laura 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOsteological studies of anurans generally have focused on the descriptions of adults and larval chondrocrania, including developmental series of chondrocrania. Thus, the changes occurring during postmetamorphic stages have largely been overlooked. Herein, we describe cranial and postcranial skeletogenesis, and change in skull shape through the metamorphic and postmetamorphic development of Leptodactylus bufonius. Several elements, particularly those of the cranium, are already ossified at metamorphic climax; among these elements are the frontoparietals, prootics, premaxillae, maxillae, squamosals, pterygoids, neopalatines, angulosplenials, dentaries, mentomeckelians, and the mesosternum. Determining the exact timing of ossification of some elements is difficult because variation in their development may result from extrinsic factors. The otic region and that of the jaw closure undergo the greatest changes in shape, which may imply functional constraints. The development of many skeletal elements is still incomplete at metamorphosis; thus, the changes occurring postmetamorphically are crucial to achieving the configuration and function of an adult skeleton. María Laura Ponssa. CONICET. Instituto de Herpetología, Fundación Miguel Lillo. S. M. de Tucumán, c/p (4000), Argentina. E‐mail: mlponssa@hotmail.com.
Leukaemia relapse after allogeneic transplants for acute myeloid leukaemia: predictive role of WT1 expression
Authors: Pozzi Sarah , Geroldi Simona , Tedone Elisabetta , Luchetti Silvia , Grasso Raffaella , Colombo Nicoletta , Di Grazia Carmen , Lamparelli Teresa , Gualandi Francesca , Ibatici Adalberto , Bregante Stefania , Van Lint Maria Teresa , Raiola Anna Maria , Dominietto Alida , Varaldo Riccardo , Signori Alessio , Bacigalupo Andrea 
Published: January 2013

SummaryWe assessed WT1 expression (expressed as messenger copies/104 ABL1) from marrow cells of 122 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), before and after an unmanipulated allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The median age was 44 years (15–69), 59% were in first remission, 74% received a myeloablative conditioning regimen and the median follow up was 865 d (34–2833). Relapse was higher in 67 patients with WT1 expression, at any time post‐HSCT, exceeding 100 copies (54%), as compared to 16%, for 55 patients with post‐HSCT WT1 expression <100 copies (P < 0·0001). Similarly, actuarial 5‐year survival (OS) was 40% vs. 63%, respectively (P = 0·03). In multivariate Cox analysis, WT1 expression post‐HSCT was the strongest predictor of relapse (Hazard Ratio [HR] 4·5, P = 0·0001), independent of disease phase (HR 2·3, P = 0·002). Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) were given to 17 patients because of increasing WT1 levels: their OS was 44%, vs. 14% for 21 patients with increasing WT1 expression who did not receive DLI (P = 0·004). In conclusion, WT1 expression post‐HSCT is a strong predictor of leukaemia relapse and survival in AML; WT1 may be used as a marker for early interventional therapy.
Presenting D‐dimer and early symptom severity are independent predictors for post‐thrombotic syndrome following a first deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Roberts Lara N. , Patel Raj K. , Chitongo Paradzai B. , Bonner Lynda , Arya Roopen 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPost‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Current preventative strategies are limited to the daily wear of graduated compression stockings (GCS). The aim of this study was to evaluate early predictors of PTS. One hundred and twenty‐two consecutive patients with a first DVT were prospectively recruited from diagnosis and followed for up to 6 months post‐end of anticoagulation. D‐dimer was measured in 107 participants at presentation and Villalta scale was evaluated in 70 participants at a median of 2 weeks following diagnosis. PTS developed in 51·6% of participants. GCS were obtained by 78·1% of participants, with 33·7% reporting daily wear at the end of follow‐up. Mean early Villalta scale was significantly higher in those with PTS (8·1 ± 3·7) compared to those without (2·6 ± 2·7, P < 0·001). Median D‐dimer was significantly higher in those with PTS [3260 ng/ml, interquartile range (IQR) 820–8000 ng/ml] compared to those without (1540 ng/ml, IQR 810–2520 ng/ml, P < 0·001). The adjusted odds ratio for every one point increase in early Villalta scale was 1·78 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1·19–2·64; P = 0·005] and for D‐dimer >1910 ng/ml it was 2·71 (95% CI, 1·05–7·03; P = 0·04). These markers could enable targeted counselling regarding GCS for those at high risk of PTS.
How I manage priapism due to sickle cell disease
Authors: Olujohungbe Ade , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPriapism due to sickle cell disease is a common but less well characterized complication of the disorder. It represents a “medical emergency” with the key determinant of outcome being the duration of penile ischaemia and time to detumescence of <4 h associated with a successful treatment outcome. Management can be outpatient‐based and consists of pre‐emptive strategies for early stuttering attacks based on prior health education of the association between the 2 disorders, non pharmacological management, outpatient penile aspiration and irrigation with or without instillation of alpha and beta adrenergic agonists for acute episodes and secondary prophylaxis to prevent the high rates of recurrences. The evidence to recommend medical prophylaxis is sparse but based on a consensus of experts and small phase 2 or III clinical trials. A clearer understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) involving normal and dysregulated erectile physiology, scavenger haemolysis and nitric oxide pathway paves way for the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in medical prophylaxis of stuttering attacks. These agents will need to be studied in multi‐centre randomized phase III trials before they become standard of care. A multidisciplinary team approach is required to enhance “sexual wellness” and prevent erectile dysfunction in this sexually vulnerable group.
MLL‐rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukaemia stem cell interactions with bone marrow stroma promote survival and therapeutic resistance that can be overcome with CXCR4 antagonism
Authors: Sison Edward Allan R. , Rau Rachel E. , McIntyre Emily , Li Li , Small Donald , Brown Patrick 
Published: January 2013

SummaryInfants with MLL‐rearranged (MLL‐R) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have a dismal prognosis. While most patients achieve remission, approximately half of patients recur with a short latency to relapse. This suggests that chemotherapy‐resistant leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) survive and can recapitulate the leukaemia. We hypothesized that interactions between LSCs and the bone marrow microenvironment mediate survival and chemotherapy resistance in MLL‐R ALL. Using primary samples of infant MLL‐R ALL, we studied the influence of bone marrow stroma on apoptosis, proliferation, and cytotoxicity induced by the FLT3 inhibitor lestaurtinib. MLL‐R ALL were differentially protected by stroma from spontaneous apoptosis compared to non‐MLL‐R ALL. Co‐culture of bulk MLL‐R ALL in direct contact with stroma or with stroma‐produced soluble factors promoted proliferation and cell cycle entry. Stroma also protected bulk MLL‐R ALL cells and MLL‐R ALL LSCs from lestaurtinib‐mediated cytotoxicity. Previous studies have demonstrated that CXCR4 mediates bone marrow microenvironment signalling. Using a xenograft model of MLL‐R ALL, we demonstrated that CXCR4 inhibition with AMD3100 (plerixafor) led to markedly enhanced efficacy of lestaurtinib. Therefore, the bone marrow microenvironment is a mediator of chemotherapy resistance in MLL‐R ALL and targeting leukaemia‐stroma interactions with CXCR4 inhibitors may prove useful in this high‐risk subtype of paediatric ALL.
Maternal and infant predictors of attendance at Neonatal Follow‐Up programmes
Authors: Ballantyne M. , Stevens B. , Guttmann A. , Willan A. R. , Rosenbaum P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundNeonatal Follow‐Up (NFU) programmes provide health services for families of infants at high risk of developmental problems following difficult or extremely premature birth: yet, up to 30% of families do not attend these programmes with their infants.MethodsThe study objective was to determine maternal and infant factors that predicted attendance at NFU programmes. Utilizing Andersen's Behavioural Model of Health Services Use, a prospective two‐phase multi‐site descriptive cohort study was conducted in three Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) that refer to two affiliated NFU programmes. In Phase 1, 357 mothers completed standardized questionnaires that addressed maternal and infant factors, prior to their infants’ NICU discharge. In Phase 2, attendance at NFU was followed at three time points over a 12‐month period. Factors of interest included predisposing factors (e.g. demographic characteristics and social context); enabling factors (e.g. social support, travel distance, and income); and infant illness severity (i.e. needs factors). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio for each independent factor.ResultsMothers parenting alone, experiencing higher levels of worry about maternal alcohol or drug use, or at greater distances from NFU were less likely to attend. Mothers experiencing higher maternal stress at the time of the infant's NICU hospitalization were more likely to attend NFU. No infant factors were predictive of NFU attendance.ConclusionsMothers at risk of not attending NFU programmes with their infants require better identification, triage, referral and additional support to promote engagement with NFU programmes and improved quality of life for their high‐risk infants.
Functioning and post‐school transition outcomes for young people with Down syndrome
Authors: Foley K.‐R. , Jacoby P. , Girdler S. , Bourke J. , Pikora T. , Lennox N. , Einfeld S. , Llewellyn G. , Parmenter T. R. , Leonard H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship between functioning and post‐school day occupation for young adults with Down syndrome.MethodsFamilies of young people with Down syndrome (n = 269) aged 15–30 years in 2009 were recruited from the population‐based Down syndrome ‘Needs Opinion Wishes’ database in Western Australia. Questionnaires were mailed to participating families and involved two parts, young person characteristics and family functioning; 203 were returned (75%). Of those families who returned questionnaires, 164 (80.8%) of their young adults had left school. Participation in post‐school day occupations was the main outcome and included; open employment, training, sheltered employment or alternatives to employment (ATE).ResultsYoung adults were reported as participating in open employment (n = 42), training (n = 17), sheltered employment (n = 64) or ATE (n = 41) post‐school. Those who reported better functioning in self‐care, community and communication skills were more likely to be in open employment and/or attending Technical and Further Education compared with those attending sheltered employment and/or ATE after adjusting for age, gender and rural/metropolitan regions. Current health as measured by visits to a general practitioner (GP) and hospitalizations revealed a weak relationship with post‐school day occupations, with increasing likelihood of participating in open employment or training with increasing hospitalizations and GP visits.ConclusionsOur analysis shows that functioning in activities of daily living was related to post‐school day occupation. Current health status and behaviour were found to have a weak relationship with post‐school day occupation adjusting for functioning in the final model.
Daily Intragroup Contact in Diverse Settings: Implications for Asian Adolescents' Ethnic Identity
Authors: Yip Tiffany , Douglass Sara , Shelton J. Nicole 
Published: January 2013

This study examined the daily‐level association between contact with same‐ethnic others and ethnic private regard among 132 Asian adolescents (mean age = 14 years) attending four high schools ranging in ethnic composition diversity. The data suggest a positive daily‐level association between contact with same‐ethnic others and ethnic private regard for adolescents, who were highly identified with their ethnic group and who attended predominantly White or ethnically heterogeneous schools. In addition, using time lag analyses, contact with same‐ethnic others yesterday was positively related to ethnic private regard today, but ethnic private regard yesterday was unrelated to contact with same‐ethnic others today, suggesting that adolescents' identity is responsive to their environments. The implications of these findings for the development of ethnic identity are discussed.
Specialist‐based treatment reduces the severity of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Mullol J. , Bartra J. , del Cuvillo A. , Izquierdo I. , Muñoz‐Cano R. , Valero A. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundAlthough the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) is now well established, its impact on severity has not yet been evaluated.ObjectiveThe aim was to analyse specialist‐based treatment on AR severity, nasal symptoms and quality of life.MethodsA longitudinal observational, prospective, multi‐centre study with 4 weeks of follow‐up was carried out by 141 allergologists and ENT specialists in Spain. Selection criteria were adult patients with AR, clinically diagnosed at least 2 years before, with a total nasal symptom score (TNSS) ≥5, not receiving either antihistamines within the previous week or nasal corticosteroids during the 2 previous weeks. Disease severity using both original Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (o‐ARIA) and modified (m‐ARIA) classifications, nasal symptoms, and Quality of Life (ESPRINT‐15), were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.ResultsAmong the recruited AR patients (n = 707, 58% women), 39.3% were intermittent and 60.7% persistent, 40.2% had asthma and 61.4% conjunctivitis. Most patients were treated with second generation antihistamines in monotherapy (63.2%) or in combination with intranasal corticosteroids (31.5%). While using o‐ARIA, 96.9% of patients had ‘moderate/severe’ AR, the m‐ARIA discriminated between ‘moderate’ (55.4%) and severe (41.5%) AR, at baseline. After 4 weeks of treatment, improvement was found on disease severity (P < 0.0001), TNSS (8.2 ± 1.8 vs. 3.5 ± 2.3, P < 0.0001) and Quality of Life (ESPRINT‐15 global score: 3.0 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 1.0, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsSpecialist‐based treatment reduces AR severity, evaluated using the m‐ARIA classification for the first time, in addition to the improvement of nasal symptoms and quality of life.Clinical relevanceSpecialist‐based treatment improves AR severity, in addition to nasal symptoms and quality of life. However, no matter the treatment option some AR patients remain severe and need further follow‐up.
Lack of Concordance in Defining Worsening Renal Function by Rise in Creatinine vs Rise in Cystatin C
Authors: Dupont Matthias , Shrestha Kevin , Singh Dhssraj , Finucan Michael , Tang W. H. Wilson 
Published: January 2013

Worsening renal function (WRF) during treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is generally associated with adverse outcomes. An increase ≥0.3 mg/dL in creatinine level is widely used as the definition of WRF. The authors sought to determine the level of agreement between WRF based on changes in creatinine and changes in cystatin C (CysC) by analyzing data from 121 ADHF patients with available admission and day 3 creatinine and CysC levels. Admission creatinine and CysC levels were 1.39 (0.98–2.11) mg/dL and 1.95 (1.42–2.69) mg/L, respectively, and correlated well (r=0.81). On average, creatinine (−0.04±0.40 mg/dL) and CysC (0.001±0.34 mg/L) changed minimally from admission to day 3. Although the correlation between both markers on day 3 was still good (r=0.79), the correlation between changes therein was only modest (r=0.43). From the 14 and 15 patients who had WRF based on a ≥0.3 mg/dL increase in creatinine and ≥0.3 mg/L increase in CysC, respectively, only four (about 30%) met both definitions. These observations, together with recent insights in the inconsistencies of creatinine‐defined concept of worsening renal function and outcomes, raises the need to research more reliable measures of renal function during treatment of ADHF.
Bone Healing with or without Platelet‐Rich Plasma around Four Different Dental Implant Surfaces in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Streckbein Philipp , Kleis Wilfried , Buch Rainer S. R. , Hansen Torsten , Weibrich Gernot 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeSurface development is one of the major aims in dental implant engineering. Additive application of substances could possibly improve the new bone formation around dental implants. The present study evaluated the bone reaction on four different implant surfaces with or without platelet‐rich plasma (PRP).Materials and MethodsFour self‐tapping titanium screw implants (Brånemark MK III [Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden], Osseotite [3i, Miami, FL, USA], Xive [Densply Friadent, Mannheim, Germany], and Compress [IGfZ eG, Diez, Germany]) with different surfaces were inserted in each hemimandible of 12 female beagle dogs; the implant positions and the application of PRP were randomized. After intravital fluorochrome staining, sacrifices and biopsies harvesting were performed after 6 weeks (five dogs; one dog died before) and 12 weeks (six dogs) and the respective specimens were analyzed.ResultsThe only significant difference in bone remodeling was found for the Compress implants with increased bone formation compared with the Brånemark implants at 12 weeks (sign test, p = .03). Comparing the histological and histomorphometric specimens of all other implant surfaces with respect to peri‐implant bone remodeling and the resulting bone‐implant contact rates (BICRs), no statistically significant differences were seen in the PRP or non‐PRP groups (sign test, all p values ≥ .063).ConclusionsThis study found no significant differences in the BICR for roughened implant surfaces compared with machined surfaces. In this animal model, the addition of PRP did not demonstrate evidence of faster bone formation or the resulting BICR.
How Accurate Is CBCT in Measuring Bone Density? A Comparative CBCT‐CT In Vitro Study
Authors: Cassetta Michele , Stefanelli Luigi Vito , Pacifici Andrea , Pacifici Luciano , Barbato Ersilia 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeRecently, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become widely used for oral and maxillofacial imaging. Twenty dry mandibles were CBCT and conventional multislice CT scanned to evaluate if there is a statistically significant difference between the bone density values they produce, defined as gray density values, and to determine any correlation between them.Materials and MethodsUsing software and a radiographic template, the CT and CBCT scan images were overlapped, and two data sets were created, each one giving the respective gray values (voxel value [VV] or Hounsfield unit [HU]) of the same area with the same spatial coordinates. For the statistical analysis, t‐test, Pearson's correlation, and Pearson's r were used.ResultsThe differences between the CBCT (VV) and CT (HU) gray density values were statistically significant (p ≤ .05), whereas the Pearson's correlation coefficients and Pearson's r‐values demonstrated a statistically significant linear correlation between VV and HU gray density values.ConclusionThe lower radiation dose and reduced costs of CBCT make this a useful substitute for CT; however, this study has shown that, in order to more accurately define the bone density with CBCT, a conversion ratio needs to be applied to the VV.
Autogenous bone combined with anorganic bovine bone for maxillary sinus augmentation: analysis of the osteogenic potential of cells derived from the donor and the grafted sites
Authors: de Melo Willian M. , de Oliveira Fabiola S. , Marcantonio Élcio , Beloti Marcio M. , de Oliveira Paulo T. , Rosa Adalberto L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to comparatively evaluate the in vitro osteogenic potential of cells obtained from the mandibular ramus (MR, autogenous bone donor site) and from the maxillary sinus (MS) bone grafted with a mixture of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) and MR prior to titanium implant placement (MS, grafted implant site).Material and methodsCells were obtained from three patients subjected to MS floor augmentation with a 1 : 1 mixture of ABB (GenOx Inorg®) and MR. At the time of the sinus lift procedure and after 8 months, prior to implant placement, bone fragments were taken from MR and MS, respectively, and subjected to trypsin–collagenase digestion for primary cell culturing. Subcultured cells were grown under osteogenic condition for up to 21 days and assayed for proliferation/viability, osteoblast marker mRNA levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content/Alizarin red staining. ALP activity was also determined in primary explant cultures exposed to GenOx Inorg® (1 : 1 with MR) for 7 days. Data were compared using either the Mann–Whitney U‐test or the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsMS cultures exhibited a significantly lower osteogenic potential compared with MR cultures, with a progressive increase in cell proliferation together with a decrease in osteoblast markers, reduced ALP activity and calcium content. Exposure of MR‐derived primary cultures to GenOx Inorg® inhibited ALP activity.ConclusionThese results suggest that the use of GenOx Inorg® in combination with MR fragments for MS floor augmentation inhibits the osteoblast cell differentiation at the implant site in the long term.