bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Greek Version of the DN4 Diagnostic Questionnaire for Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Sykioti Panagiota , Zis Panagiotis , Vadalouca Athina , Siafaka Ioanna , Argyra Eriphili , Bouhassira Didier , Stavropoulou Evmorfia , Karandreas Nikolaos 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4) was developed by the French Neuropathic Pain Group and is a simple and objective tool, primarily designed to screen for neuropathic pain. The aim of our study is to validate the DN4 in the Greek language.MethodsThe study was set up as a prospective observational study. Two pain specialists independently examined patients and diagnosed them with neuropathic, nociceptive, or mixed pain, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) definitions. A third and a fourth physician administered the DN4 questionnaire to the patients.ResultsOut of the 237 patients who met our inclusion criteria and had identical diagnoses regarding the type of pain, 123 were diagnosed with neuropathic, 59 with nociceptive, and 55 with mixed pain. Among patients with identical diagnoses of neuropathic or nociceptive pain, using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.92. A cutoff point of equal or greater than 4 resulted in a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 78%. Among patients suffering from pain with neuropathic element (neuropathic or mixed pain) or pain with no neuropathic element (nociceptive pain), using a ROC curve analysis, the AUC was 0.89. A cutoff point of equal or greater than 4 resulted in a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 78%.ConclusionThe Greek version of DN4 is a valid tool for discriminating between neuropathic and nociceptive pain conditions in daily practice.
Evaluation of three herbicide resistance genes for use in genetic transformations and for potential crop protection in algae production
Authors: Bruggeman Andrew J. , Kuehler Daniel , Weeks Donald P. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryGenes conferring resistance to the herbicides glyphosate, oxyfluorfen and norflurazon were developed and tested for use as dominant selectable markers in genetic transformation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and as potential tools for the protection of commercial‐scale algal production facilities against contamination by organisms sensitive to these broad‐spectrum herbicides. A synthetic glyphosate acetyltransferase (GAT) gene, when fitted with a strong Chlamydomonas promoter, conferred a 2.7×‐fold increase in tolerance to the EPSPS inhibitor, glyphosate, in transgenic cells compared with progenitor WT cells. A mutant Chlamydomonas protoporphyrinogen oxidase (protox, PPO) gene previously shown to produce an enzyme insensitive to PPO‐inhibiting herbicides, when genetically engineered, generated transgenic cells able to tolerate up to 136× higher levels of the PPO inhibitor, oxyfluorfen, than nontransformed cells. Genetic modification of the Chlamydomonas phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene‐based gene sequences found in various norflurazon‐resistant organisms allowed production of transgenic cells tolerant to 40× higher levels of norflurazon than nontransgenic cells. The high efficiency of all three herbicide resistance genes in producing transgenic cells demonstrated their suitability as dominant selectable markers for genetic transformation of Chlamydomonas and, potentially, other eukaryotic algae. However, the requirement for high concentrations of glyphosate and its associated negative effects on cell growth rates preclude its consideration for use in large‐scale production facilities. In contrast, only low doses of norflurazon and oxyfluorfen (~1.5 μm and ~0.1 μm, respectively) are required for inhibition of cell growth, suggesting that these two herbicides may prove effective in large‐scale algal production facilities in suppressing growth of organisms sensitive to these herbicides.
Protothecosis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: case report and review of previous cases
Authors: Macesic N. , Fleming S. , Kidd S. , Madigan V. , Chean R. , Ritchie D. , Slavin M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPrototheca species are achlorophyllus algae. Prototheca wickerhamii and Prototheca zopfii cause human disease. In immunocompetent individuals, they cause soft tissue infections and olecranon bursitis, but in transplant recipients, these organisms can cause disseminated disease. We report a fatal case of disseminated P. zopfii infection in an hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipient with bloodstream infection and involvement of multiple soft tissue sites. We review all previous cases of protothecosis in HSCT reported in the literature. Protothecosis is uncommon after HSCT, but has a disseminated presentation that is frequently fatal. It is commonly misidentified as a yeast. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors and contamination of central venous catheters may contribute to development of protothecosis. Optimal treatment approaches are yet to be defined. New agents such as miltefosine may be possible future therapies.
Leukoreduced blood transfusion does not increase circulating soluble markers of inflammation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiwaji Zoeb , Nunn Kieran P. , Conway‐Morris Andrew , Simpson A. John , Wyncoll Duncan , Rossi Adriano G. , Walsh Timothy S. ,   RELIEVE Trial Investigators
Published: May 2014

BackgroundTransfused blood may have immunomodulatory and proinflammatory effects. We report the first randomized study exploring whether leukoreduced red blood cell (RBC) transfusion increases circulating proinflammatory mediators, markers of neutrophil activation, and the acute‐phase response in critically ill adults.Study Design and MethodsEighty‐four patients were recruited from six general intensive care units in the United Kingdom as part of a laboratory study nested within a parallel‐group randomized trial comparing restrictive and liberal leukoreduced RBC transfusion strategies in critically ill patients aged more than 55 years with measured hemoglobin concentrations of not more than 90 g/L (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00944112). Forty‐one patients received transfusion and 43 did not receive transfusion. Plasma was sampled at baseline, 6 hours, and 24 hours after randomization or transfusion, and concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12‐p70, interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, human neutrophil elastase, soluble L‐selectin, and C‐reactive protein were measured using cytokine bead array analysis and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPatients who received transfusion did not have significantly different inflammatory biomarker plasma concentrations at the time points compared to those who did not receive transfusion, with the exception of IL‐8 concentrations at 24 hours, which were reduced in the transfused group (p = 0.02). After adjustment for baseline inflammatory biomarker concentrations, there were no significant differences between patients who received transfusion and those who did not.ConclusionConcentrations of measured biomarkers were not significantly increased during the first 24 hours after leukoreduced RBC transfusion. These data do not support the contention that leukoreduced RBC transfusion is associated with a proinflammatory response in the general adult critically ill population.
Evaluation of standardized endodontic paper point tear test in New Zealand white rabbits and comparison between corneal sensitivity followed tear tests
Authors: Lima Leandro , Lange Rogério Ribas , Turner‐Giannico Amália , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate endodontic paper point tear test (PPTT) in rabbits and compare changes in corneal touch threshold (CTT) induced by Schirmer tear test (STT) andPPTT. Normal corneal sensitivity recovery time after both tear tests was also measured. Also, meanPPTTandSTTvalues were obtained.MethodsTear production of 20 eyes, from 10 rabbits, was evaluated usingSTTand thePPTT. Central corneal touch threshold was measured by a Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer before any tear test was performed (zero time), immediately after the test (1 min), and consecutively at 6, 11, 16, and 26 min. Tests were conducted on three consecutive days: Day 1 – control condition, no tear tests performed only theCTT; Day 2 –CTTbefore and afterPPTT; and Day 3 –CTTbefore and afterSTT.CTTvalues were compared using repeated measuresANOVA.ResultsCorneal touch threshold was significantly increased for at least 16 min afterSTT, indicatingSTTcauses corneal discomfort. No difference was found betweenCTTfollowingPPTTand controls, indicatingPPTTcaused minimal corneal discomfort. The mean (±SD) value forSTTwas 5.2 ± 1.0 mm/min and forPPTTwas 13.8 ± 1.5 mm/min.DiscussionThe aqueous fraction of rabbit's tears can be successfully measured byPPTT. This report established reference values forPPTTin rabbits. Additionally, the absence of a significant difference inCTTafterPPTTcompared with controls shows thatPPTTis well tolerated by rabbits. Considering the improved comfort (compared withSTT), accuracy, and low cost,PPTTis a bona fide method of measuring aqueous tear production in rabbits.
Potential risk of alpha-glucosidase inhibitor administration in prostate cancer external radiotherapy by exceptional rectal gas production: a case report
Authors: Nishimura Takuya , Yamazaki Hideya , Iwama Kazuki , Oota Yoshitaka , Aibe Norihiro , Nakamura Satoaki , Yoshida Ken , Okabe Haruumi , Yamada Kei 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Radiotherapy is a standard treatment for prostate cancer, and image-guided radiotherapy is increasingly being used to aid precision of dose delivery to targeted tissues. However, precision during radiotherapy cannot be maintained when unexpected intrafraction organ motion occurs.

Case presentation
We report our experience of internal organ motion caused by persistent gas production in a patient taking an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. A 68-year-old Japanese man with prostate cancer visited our institution for treatment with helical tomotherapy. He suffered from diabetes mellitus and took an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. Routine treatment planning computed tomography showed a large volume of rectal gas; an enema was given to void the rectum. Subsequent treatment planning computed tomography again showed a large volume of gas. After exercise (walking) to remove the intestinal gas, a third scan was performed as a test scan without tight fixation, which showed a sufficiently empty rectum for planning. However, after only a few minutes, treatment planning computed tomography again showed extreme accumulation of gas. Therefore, we postponed treatment planning computed tomography and consulted his doctor to suspend the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which was the expected cause of his persistent gas. Four days after the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor regimen was suspended, we took a fourth treatment planning computed tomography and made a treatment plan without gas accumulation. Thereafter, the absence of rectal gas accumulation was confirmed using daily megavolt computed tomography before treatment, and the patient received 37 fractions of intensity-modified radiotherapy at 74Gy without rectal gas complications. In this case study, the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor induced the accumulation of intestinal gas, which may have caused unexpected organ motion, untoward reactions, and insufficient doses to clinical targets.

Conclusions
We suggest that patients who are taking an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor for diabetes should discontinue use of that particular medicine prior to beginning radiotherapy.
Epidermal growth factor-receptor activation modulates Src-dependent resistance to lapatinib in breast cancer models
Authors: Formisano Luigi , Nappi Lucia , Rosa Roberta , Marciano Roberta , D’Amato Claudia , D’Amato Valentina , Damiano Vincenzo , Raimondo Lucia , Iommelli Francesca , Scorziello Antonella , Troncone Giancarlo , Veneziani Bianca Maria , Parsons Sarah J , De Placido Sabino , Bianco Roberto 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Src tyrosine kinase overactivation has been correlated with a poor response to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitors in breast cancer. To identify the mechanism by which Src overexpression sustains this resistance, we tested a panel of breast cancer cell lines either sensitive or resistant to lapatinib.

Methods
To determine the role of Src in lapatinib resistance, we evaluated the effects of Src inhibition/silencing in vitro on survival, migration, and invasion of lapatinib-resistant cells. In vivo experiments were performed in JIMT-1 lapatinib-resistant cells orthotopically implanted in nude mice. We used artificial metastasis assays to evaluate the effect of Src inhibition on the invasiveness of lapatinib-resistant cells. Src-dependent signal transduction was investigated with Western blot and ELISA analyses.

Results
Src activation was higher in lapatinib-resistant than in lapatinib-sensitive cells. The selective small-molecule Src inhibitor saracatinib combined with lapatinib synergistically inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lapatinib-resistant cells. Saracatinib combined with lapatinib significantly prolonged survival of JIMT-1-xenografted mice compared with saracatinib alone, and impaired the formation of lung metastases. Unexpectedly, in lapatinib-resistant cells, Src preferentially interacted with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) rather than with HER2. Moreover, EGFR targeting and lapatinib synergistically inhibited survival, migration, and invasion of resistant cells, thereby counteracting Src-mediated resistance. These findings demonstrate that Src activation in lapatinib-resistant cells depends on EGFR-dependent rather than on HER2-dependent signaling.

Conclusions
Complete pharmacologic EGFR/HER2 inhibition is required to reverse Src-dependent resistance to lapatinib in breast cancer.
CONTAMINAÇÃO AMBIENTAL POR LARVAS E OVOS DE HELMINTOS EM AMOSTRAS DE AREIA DE PRAIAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE FORTALEZA-CEARÁ.
Authors: Pedrosa Ésio Fortaleza Nascimento Chaves , Cabral Bruno Leite , De Almeida Paulo Ricardo Souza Frota , Madeira Mayara Ponte , De Carvalho Barbara Duarte , Bastos Kelma Maria Souza , Vale Josias Martins 
Published: May 2014

Introdução: As praias são importantes focos de infecção humana por microrganismos, tanto através da água quanto do solo, sendo esta última um excelente meio de veiculação de várias espécies de parasitos, entre eles S. stercoralis, Toxocara canis, A. lumbricoides, Ancilostomídeos, entre outros. Objetivo do estudo: avaliar a contaminação das praias de Fortaleza (Praia do Futuro, Barra do Ceará e Beira Mar) por parasitas de importância médica.Materiais e Métodos: Foram selecionados seis pontos de cada praia onde foi colhido material (100 g de areia) em três amostras (uma superficial, uma com 10 cm de profundidade e outra com 20 cm), totalizando 54 amostras, que foram transportadas imediatamente ao laboratório para a análise. Resultados: Dentre as 54 amostras de areia analisadas, em 39 (72,2%) foram encontradas larvas, das quais 35 (64,8%) foram positivas para Ancylostoma sp , 3 (5,5%) para Strongyloides stercoralis e 4 (7,4%) com ovos de Trichuris trichiura. Discussão: Os resultados apresentados comprovam a contaminação do solo da praia do Futuro, Beira Mar e Barra do Ceará, assim como a possibilidade de ocorrência de infecções humanas por enteroparasitas através do solo. Conclusão: Conclui-se que as praias da Barra do Ceará, Praia do Futuro e Beira Mar da cidade de Fortaleza encontram-se em situação precária de saneamento, visto que foram encontrados ovos e larvas de parasitas potencialmente infectantes em 72,2% das amostras, tornando-se necessário apoio e suporte de medidas da vigilância sanitária nestas praias imediatamente.
Diagnóstico de oportunidades escolares de egresados y egresadas del nivel medio superior del municipio de Tlalnepantla del Estado de México
Authors: Briseño Hurtado Fernando , Cardoso Espinosa Edgar Oliver , Mejía Bricaire Jorge 
Published: May 2014

Recibido 10 de setiembre de 2013 • Corregido 21 de marzo de 2014 • Aceptado 2 de abril de 2014Actualmente es vital que el sistema escolar promueva que las oportunidades educativas se distribuyan equitativamente entre todos los sectores sociales e impulsar que los egresados y las egresadas tengan la oportunidad de desempeñar ocupaciones en las que puedan aprovechar cabalmente la escolaridad que hayan adquirido. Por tanto, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo diagnosticar las oportunidades escolares que han tenido los egresados y las egresadas en el nivel medio superior, con respecto a la formación académica y su relación con el desempeño profesional y laboral. Se realizó una investigación de tipo exploratorio, al determinar las oportunidades escolares de los egresados y las egresadas; descriptiva porque se identificaron los medios de inserción laboral, su continuidad en la educación superior y el grado de satisfacción del servicio educativo recibido. El diseño fue de carácter transversal, ya que se recolectaron los datos en un tiempo único, aplicando un cuestionario de 44 preguntas, a 65 egresados (36) y egresadas(29), los resultados mostraron que los puestos donde se desempeñan son semejantes a los de sus padres o madres: empleados 36.9% y obreros 13.8% y solo el 41.5% logró continuar sus estudios superiores en instituciones públicas, lo cual refleja que los estudiantes pobres se encuentran en desventaja debido a sus antecedentes socioeconómicos y culturales.
Tinnitus in patients on therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and in PPI non-users
Authors: Pirodda Antonio , Raimondi Maria Chiara , Cicero Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe , Rosticci Martina , Rinaldi Elisa Rebecca , Bellacosa Lara , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Borghi Claudio 
Published: May 2014

Objective:
We wished to observe the prevalence of tinnitus in subjects on therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). A possible favourable effect of the commercially available proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on inner ear disorders was recently outlined. In order to investigate this possibility the prevalence of tinnitus (an indicator of labyrinthine sufferance in general terms) among PPI users and non-users was analysed.

Study design:
An observational study on the prevalence of tinnitus among PPI users and non-users was carried out. Between June 2012 and March 2013 a cohort of consecutive patients who were referred to S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna for various non-audiological disorders was included in the study. Each patient was instructed to complete an anonymous validated questionnaire on hearing problems. The Ethics Committee of S. Orsola Malpighi Hospital had been informed about collection of the data.

Results:
In the age class 60–69 years there was a statistically significant lower prevalence of non-specified tinnitus in PPI users, compared to non-users.

Conclusion:
Even if a favourable effect on this symptom derived from the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux cannot be excluded, a direct regulatory effect on inner ear homeostasis, through the action of PPI on the gastric type proton pump of the inner ear, cannot be ruled out. Another possible effect could depend upon vasomotor activity enabling better peripheral perfusion without significantly modifying blood pressure values, thus contributing to the stabilization of inner ear oxygenation. Additionally, a certain degree of anti-inflammatory effect could yield another kind of non-specific favourable influx. In conclusion, even if the supposed benefit deriving from the use of PPI in treating inner ear affections of unknown origin is still unclear with regard to its significance and limits, the reported results demonstrate that longitudinal studies could be useful in order to verify the possibility of a new therapeutic perspective.
Whiplash injury and neuro-otological sequelae
Authors: Samji Alim , Thiagarajan Venkataramana , Yeoh Robin 
Published: May 2014

Objective:
Epidemiological data showing an association between whiplash and neuro-otological symptoms have existed for many years; however, despite growing evidence a causal relationship has not been forthcoming. This review aims to identify whether evidence exists to substantiate a pathophysiological link between whiplash and its presumed neuro-otological consequences.

Study design:
A literature search was performed in accordance with ‘the literature search process: guidance for NHS researchers’, using the search terms ‘whiplash’, ‘vertigo’, ‘hearing loss’, ‘dizziness’, ‘tinnitus’, ‘hyperacusis’. This was augmented using citation linking.

Results:
No evidence was found that satisfactorily proved a pathophysiological link, but there was evidence to support several plausible theories. For hearing loss and tinnitus/hyperacusis these include auditory processing disorders (APD) secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion due to stimulation of cervical nociceptive afferents; and Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. For vertigo/dizziness they include ‘cervical dizziness’ secondary to damage to vestibulocollic/cervicocollic reflexes, osteoarticular tendon sensors/cervical neuromuscular spindles with resulting proprioceptive dysfunction and discordance with visual input; central or peripheral vestibular pathology; and psychosocial factors.

Conclusions:
The results highlight the multifactorial, biopsychosocial nature of whiplash. Although the largest contributors to neuro-otological symptoms appear to be psychosocial, the results identify promising, if largely theoretical, pathophysiological mechanisms. Unfortunately, much of the work is underpowered and often lacks controls. It therefore creates a need for further research and forms a basis for that research.
The SPARC Data Initiative: Comparison of upper troposphere/lower stratosphere ozone climatologies from limb‐viewing instruments and the nadir‐viewing Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer
Authors: Neu J. L. , Hegglin M. I. , Tegtmeier S. , Bourassa A. , Degenstein D. , Froidevaux L. , Fuller R. , Funke B. , Gille J. , Jones A. , Rozanov A. , Toohey M. , von Clarmann T. , Walker K. A. , Worden J. R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present the first comprehensive intercomparison of currently available satellite ozone climatologies in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS) (300–70 hPa) as part of the Stratosphere‐troposphere Processes and their Role in Climate (SPARC) Data Initiative. The Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) instrument is the only nadir‐viewing instrument in this initiative, as well as the only instrument with a focus on tropospheric composition. We apply the TES observational operator to ozone climatologies from the more highly vertically resolved limb‐viewing instruments. This minimizes the impact of differences in vertical resolution among the instruments and allows identification of systematic differences in the large‐scale structure and variability of UTLS ozone. We find that the climatologies from most of the limb‐viewing instruments show positive differences (ranging from 5 to 75%) with respect to TES in the tropical UTLS, and comparison to a “zonal mean” ozonesonde climatology indicates that these differences likely represent a positive bias for p ≤ 100 hPa. In the extratropics, there is good agreement among the climatologies regarding the timing and magnitude of the ozone seasonal cycle (differences in the peak‐to‐peak amplitude of <15%) when the TES observational operator is applied, as well as very consistent midlatitude interannual variability. The discrepancies in ozone temporal variability are larger in the tropics, with differences between the data sets of up to 55% in the seasonal cycle amplitude. However, the differences among the climatologies are everywhere much smaller than the range produced by current chemistry‐climate models, indicating that the multiple‐instrument ensemble is useful for quantitatively evaluating these models.