bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium hydroxide partial pulpotomy is an alternative to formocresol pulpotomy based on a 3‐year randomized trial
Authors: TRAIRATVORAKUL CHUTIMA , KOOTHIRATRAKARN AREERAT 
Published: December 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 382–389
Background.  Considering formocresol’s toxicity, Ca(OH)2 partial pulpotomy (PP) was studied as a treatment alternative.Aim.  To compare success rates of Ca(OH)2 PP versus formocresol pulpotomy (FP) treatment of pulpally exposed lower primary molars.Design.  A total of 84 lower primary molars, which met study criteria, from 56 child patients were randomly assigned for each treatment. After treatment, blinded clinical and radiographic evaluation with 96.9% and 90% reliability was performed at 6‐month intervals to determine treatment success/failure. Chi‐squared test was used to compare success rates between the two treatments.Results.  The success rates from 6 to 36 months for PP ranged from 95.03% to 75%, whereas for FP, it was 92.7–74.2%. The success rates for the two treatments at each 6‐month interval were not different (P ≥ 0.05). The most frequent failure was internal resorption, affecting five FP teeth and three PP teeth. The resorption was arrested in five of the teeth and was replaced by a radiopaque calcified tissue in one case.Conclusion.  Considering the favourable clinical and radiographic success rate of PP and the potentially toxic effects of formocresol leads us to recommend the use of PP instead of FP in primary teeth with deep carious lesions.
Assessing quality of life of older people with dementia: a comparison of quantitative self‐report and proxy accounts
Authors: Moyle Wendy , Murfield Jenny E. , Griffiths Susan G. , Venturato Lorraine 
Published: December 2011

moyle w., murfield j.e., griffiths s.g. & venturato l. (2012) Assessing quality of life of older people with dementia: a comparison of quantitative self‐report and proxy accounts. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2237–2246.AbstractAims.  This article reports on a study of quality of life of older people with dementia, as assessed by the person with dementia, family carer and care staff.Background.  People with dementia can give meaningful assessments of their quality of life, but these often differ from proxy ratings. In understanding this discrepancy, the influence of age, extent of cognitive impairment and activity limitation has been investigated. A lack of conclusive associations between quality of life ratings and these variables indicates a need for further research.Methods.  Fifty‐eight triads comprising the person with dementia, family carer and member of care staff from four long‐term care facilities were surveyed on the Quality of Life‐Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire between August and December 2007.Results.  There was an important difference in the Quality of Life‐Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire total mean scores between groups, with the person with dementia providing the highest ratings. Level of impairment in Activities of Daily Living had an important effect on quality of life ratings, with proxies, particularly care staff, providing lower ratings when there was greater activity limitation. This was not replicated for assessments made by the person with dementia. Age or level of cognitive impairment did not influence any ratings.Conclusion.  People with dementia can give assessments of their quality of life. However, discrepancy in ratings, with greater activity limitation affecting proxy ratings but not those made by the person with dementia, indicates the importance of including both self‐report and proxy measures in research and care planning.
The nurses’ role in the prevention of Solanum infection: dealing with a zombie epidemic
Authors: Stanley David 
Published: December 2011

Aims.  To outline the background and nursing interventions for Solanum infection in the event of a zombie epidemic.Background.  Literature and feature film evidence supports the theoretical probability for an outbreak of a Solanum infection which could result in a zombie epidemic. This paper discusses the causative agent, history of zombiism, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and nursing interventions.Design.  Review.Methods.  Academic and general literature and web sites were searched up to February 2011 for the key words, ‘zombie’, ‘zombie nurses’, ‘zombie epidemic’ and ‘zombie nursing interventions’. Limited academic literature was sourced pointing to a serious knowledge deficit in this area.Results.  If nurses are to respond successfully to a potential Solanum epidemic they need to be prepared and able to recognise Solanum infection, prevent its spread and care appropriately for sufferers and victims of a zombie attack. Advice is offered on prevention, initial nursing management and secondary nursing interventions including dealing with reanimation, palliative care and psychological support.Conclusion.  History offers numerous examples of the sudden appearance of a serious disease that has impacted on man kind’s survival. While difficult to conceive, a zombie epidemic is theoretically possible and nurses have a responsibility to be as prepared as possible to support and care for victims.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses are likely to be the front line staff faced with initiating most primary and secondary care interventions, including isolation and infection control, wound care, pain relief, documentation observations, support for activities of daily living, nutrition and fluid support, medication administration and other interventions.
Chlamydia pneumoniae induces a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in murine vascular smooth muscle cells independently of elevating reactive oxygen species
Authors: Rivera Jennifer , Walduck Anna K , Strugnell Richard A , Sobey Christopher G , Drummond Grant R 
Published: December 2011

Summary

NADPH oxidases (Nox) are reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐generating enzymes that play important physiological roles in host defence and redox signalling. However, Nox activity is upregulated in the vascular wall during atherosclerosis and contributes to plaque formation by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation.
The bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae has been detected in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of human atheroma. We hypothesized that C. pneumoniae infection of VSMC causes Nox activation, which initially limits infection but ultimately causes oxidative stress, activation of pro‐inflammatory pathways and an atherogenic phenotype.
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection of mouse cultured VSMC significantly increased ROS production by twofold but did not upregulate mRNA expression of Nox1 or Nox4. Chlamydia pneumoniae did increase Nox2 mRNA levels significantly by threefold, but this did not translate to elevated Nox2 protein expression.
The Nox inhibitor gp91ds‐tat had no effect on C. pneumoniae‐induced ROS production. In contrast, apocynin significantly reduced ROS levels by 75% in C. pneumoniae‐infected VSMC, an effect most likely attributable to its direct anti‐oxidant action.
Although apocynin had no effect on C. pneumoniae‐induced expression of inflammatory markers, bacteria recovered from apocynin‐treated VSMC displayed a higher degree of infectivity in HEp‐2 cells.
In conclusion, C. pneumoniae infection increases ROS production in VSMC independently of Nox activity. Although elevated ROS production appears to serve a protective role by limiting the spread of infection, we speculate that this response will be detrimental over the long term by causing oxidative stress and a smouldering inflammatory response by maintaining C. pneumoniae persistence within the cell.
Going It Together: Persistence of Older Adults’ Accompaniment to Physician Visits by a Family Companion
Authors: Wolff Jennifer L. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Gitlin Laura N. , Bruce Martha L. , Roter Debra L. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesAlthough older adults are often accompanied to routine physician visits and commonly receive disability‐related task assistance, the overlap and persistence of this help is not well understood. This study investigates whether older adults who are accompanied to routine physician visits (1) also receive task assistance and (2) continue to be accompanied at 12‐months by the same family companion.DesignObservational study.SettingNationally representative survey.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older who responded to the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) in 2006 (n = 11,582) and a subset (n = 7,510) who responded in 2005 and 2006.MeasurementsAccompaniment to physician visits by a family companion and receipt of task assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Persistent accompaniment and consistent family companion involvement was ascertained from 2005 and 2006 survey responses.ResultsAmong community‐dwelling older adults, 18.6% were accompanied to physician visits only, and 12.7% were accompanied to physician visits and received task assistance. Accompanied older adults who received task assistance were older, less educated, and had worse self‐rated health than their counterparts who were accompanied only. Family companions who provided task assistance (vs those who did not) were more actively engaged in physician visit processes and more often identified as always present. Three‐fourths (74.5%) of accompanied older adults were persistently accompanied to physician visits at 12 months, nearly always (87.9%) by the same family companion. Receipt of task assistance was strongly associated with persistent accompaniment (aOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.93–3.29).ConclusionsOlder adults’ accompaniment to physician visits typically persists, most often by consistently involved family companions. Findings have implications for the patient–physician partnership and the patient‐centered medical home.
DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitor, Zebularine, Delays Tumor Growth and Induces Apoptosis in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Min , Shabashvili Daniel , Nawab Akbar , Yang Sherry X. , Dyer Lisa M. , Brown Kevin D. , Hollingshead Melinda , Hunter Kent W. , Kaye Frederic J. , Hochwald Steven N. , Marquez Victor E. , Steeg Patricia , Zajac-Kaye Maria 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Zebularine is a novel potent inhibitor of both cytidine deaminase and DNA methylation. We examined the effect of zebularine on mammary tumor growth in genetically engineered MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice that develop mammary tumors at 60 days of age with 100% penetrance. The MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice were randomized at 46 days of age into control (n = 25) and zebularine (n = 25) treatment groups and monitored for parameters of tumor growth. Zebularine was administered at 5 mg/mL in drinking water. We observed a significant delay in the growth of mammary tumors in zebularine-treated mice with a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.0135) in total tumor burden at 94 days of age when the mice were sacrificed. After 48 days of zebularine treatment, the tumors were predominantly necrotic compared with untreated animals. In addition, a high apoptotic index by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay was observed as early as 13 days following treatment. Immunoblot analysis showed depletion of DNMT1 and partial depletion of DNMT3b after zebularine treatment. Microarray analyses of global gene expression identified upregulation of twelve methylation-regulated genes as well as a set of candidate cancer genes that participate in cell growth and apoptosis. In summary, zebularine inhibits the growth of spontaneous mammary tumors and causes early onset of tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis in a genetically engineered mouse model of breast cancer. Defining the parameters of zebularine-mediated tumor inhibition may advance the future development of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors as an effective cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(2); 370–82. ©2011 AACR.
Dual Combination Therapy Targeting DR5 and EMMPRIN in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyunki , Zhai Guihua , Samuel Sharon L. , Rigell Christopher J. , Umphrey Heidi R. , Rana Samir , Stockard Cecil R. , Fineberg Naomi S. , Zinn Kurt R. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The goal of the study was to assess the efficacy of combined extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer (EMMPRIN)- and death receptor 5 (DR5)-targeted therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in orthotopic mouse models with multimodal imaging. Cytotoxicity of anti-EMMPRIN antibody and anti-DR5 antibody (TRA-8) in MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cell lines was measured by ATPlite assay in vitro. The distributions of Cy5.5-labeled TRA-8 and Cy3-labeled anti-EMMPRIN antibody in the 2 cell lines were analyzed by fluorescence imaging in vitro. Groups 1 to 12 of severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing orthotopic MIA PaCa-2 (groups 1–8) or PANC-1 (groups 9–12) tumors were used for in vivo studies. Dynamic contrast-enhanced–MRI was applied in group 1 (untreated) or group 2 (anti-EMMPRIN antibody). The tumor uptake of Tc-99m-labeled TRA-8 was measured in group 3 (untreated) and group 4 (anti-EMMPRIN antibody). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging with 18F-FDG was applied in groups 5 to 12. Groups 5 to 8 (or groups 9 to 12) were untreated or treated with anti-EMMPRIN antibody, TRA-8, and combination, respectively. TRA-8 showed high killing efficacy for both MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells in vitro, but additional anti-EMMPRIN treatment did not improve the cytotoxicity. Cy5.5–TRA-8 formed cellular caps in both the cell lines, whereas the maximum signal intensity was correlated with TRA-8 cytotoxicity. Anti-EMMPRIN therapy significantly enhanced the tumor delivery of the MR contrast agent, but not Tc-99m–TRA-8. Tumor growth was significantly suppressed by the combination therapy, and the additive effect of the combination was shown in both MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 tumor models. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(2); 405–15. ©2011 AACR.
Predictors of Tonsillectomy after Previous Adenoidectomy for Upper Airway Obstruction
Authors: Gov‐Ari Eliav , Mills Jonathan C. , Basler Keith J. 
Published: December 2011

Objective(1) Characterize risk factors for subsequent tonsillectomy in pediatric patients undergoing primary adenoidectomy for upper airway obstruction. (2) Compare rates of subsequent tonsillectomy between adenoidectomy patients with and without upper airway obstruction.Study DesignHistorical cohort study with a nested case‐control study. Cohort data were analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier plots and a multiple regression model. Case‐control data were analyzed using logistic regression.Subjects and MethodsPatients undergoing adenoidectomy without tonsillectomy at the University of Missouri between 1995 and 2010 were identified using billing records and selected chart review. A nested case‐control study with detailed chart review was conducted to determine predictors of subsequent tonsillectomy in patients with upper airway obstruction.ResultsOf 1291 patients identified in the historical cohort, 7.8% later underwent tonsillectomy. Age younger than 3 years (P =. 027), female sex (P <. 0001), and upper airway obstruction (P =. 001) were found to be significant predictors of subsequent tonsillectomy. In the nested case‐control study, potential predictors investigated included adenoidectomy indications, symptoms, smoke exposure, weight, comorbidities, and tonsil size at the time of adenoidectomy. Of these, only tonsil size was significant, with an increased odds of future tonsillectomy of 2.5 (P =. 01) for each unit increase in tonsil size.ConclusionPatients undergoing adenoidectomy for upper airway obstruction are likely to be at an increased risk of subsequent tonsillectomy when compared with those with other indications. Within this subgroup of patients with upper airway obstruction, young age, female sex, and large tonsil size may further increase the risk of subsequent tonsillectomy.
Novel features of ARS selection in budding yeast Lachancea kluyveri
Authors: Liachko Ivan , Tanaka Emi , Cox Katherine , Chung Shau Chee Claire , Yang Lu , Seher Arael , Hallas Lindsay , Cha Eugene , Kang Gina , Pace Heather , Barrow Jasmine , Inada Maki , Tye Bik-Kwoon , Keich Uri 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The characterization of DNA replication origins in yeast has shed much light on the mechanisms of initiation of DNA replication. However, very little is known about the evolution of origins or the evolution of mechanisms through which origins are recognized by the initiation machinery. This lack of understanding is largely due to the vast evolutionary distances between model organisms in which origins have been examined.

Results
In this study we have isolated and characterized autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs) in Lachancea kluyveri - a pre-whole genome duplication (WGD) budding yeast. Through a combination of experimental work and rigorous computational analysis, we show that L. kluyveri ARSs require a sequence that is similar but much longer than the ARS Consensus Sequence well defined in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, compared with S. cerevisiae and K. lactis, the replication licensing machinery in L. kluyveri seems more tolerant to variations in the ARS sequence composition. It is able to initiate replication from almost all S. cerevisiae ARSs tested and most Kluyveromyces lactis ARSs. In contrast, only about half of the L. kluyveri ARSs function in S. cerevisiae and less than 10% function in K. lactis.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate a replication initiation system with novel features and underscore the functional diversity within the budding yeasts. Furthermore, we have developed new approaches for analyzing biologically functional DNA sequences with ill-defined motifs.
The effect of systematic pediatric care on neonatal mortality and hospitalizations of infants born with oral clefts
Authors: Wehby George L , Castilla Eduardo E , Goco Norman , Rittler Monica , Cosentino Viviana , Javois Lorette , Kindem Mark , Chakraborty Hrishikesh , Dutra Graca , López-Camelo Jorge S , Orioli Iêda M , Murray Jeffrey C 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) increase mortality and morbidity risks for affected infants especially in less developed countries. This study aimed at assessing the effects of systematic pediatric care on neonatal mortality and hospitalizations of infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in South America.

Methods
The intervention group included live-born infants with isolated or associated CL/P in 47 hospitals between 2003 and 2005. The control group included live-born infants with CL/P between 2001 and 2002 in the same hospitals. The intervention group received systematic pediatric care between the 7th and 28th day of life. The primary outcomes were mortality between the 7th and 28th day of life and hospitalization days in this period among survivors adjusted for relevant baseline covariates.

Results
There were no significant mortality differences between the intervention and control groups. However, surviving infants with associated CL/P in the intervention group had fewer hospitalization days by about six days compared to the associated control group.

Conclusions
Early systematic pediatric care may significantly reduce neonatal hospitalizations of infants with CL/P and additional birth defects in South America. Given the large healthcare and financial burden of CL/P on affected families and the relatively low cost of systematic pediatric care, improving access to such care may be a cost-effective public policy intervention.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00097149
The association between delusional-like experiences, and tobacco, alcohol or cannabis use: a nationwide population-based survey
Authors: Saha Sukanta , Scott James G , Varghese Daniel , Degenhardt Louisa , Slade Tim , McGrath John J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Previous population-based studies have found that delusional-like experiences (DLE) are prevalent in the community, and are associated with a wide range of mental health disorders including substance use. The aim of the study was to explore the association between DLE and three commonly used substances - tobacco, alcohol and cannabis.

Methods
Subjects were drawn from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to identify DLE, common psychiatric disorders, and substance use. We examined the relationship between the variables of interest using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results
Of 8 773 participants, 8.4% (n = 776) subjects endorsed one or more DLE. With respect to tobacco use, compared to nonusers, DLE were more common in those who (a) had daily use, (b) commenced usage aged 15 years or less, and (c) those who smoked heavily (23 or more cigarettes per day). Participants with cannabis use disorders were more likely to endorse DLE; this association was most prominent in those with an onset of 16 years or younger. In contrast, the pattern of association between DLE versus alcohol use or dependence was less consistent, however those with early onset alcohol use disorders were more likely to endorse DLE probe items.

Conclusions
While cannabis use disorders have been previously linked with DLE, our findings linking alcohol and tobacco use and DLE suggest that the influence of these substances on psychosis-related outcomes warrants closer scrutiny in longitudinal prospective studies.
Heterogeneity reduces sensitivity of cell death for TNF-Stimuli
Authors: Schliemann Monica , Bullinger Eric , Borchers Steffen , Allgöwer Frank , Findeisen Rolf , Scheurich Peter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundApoptosis is a form of programmed cell death essential for the maintenance of homeostasis and the removal of potentially damaged cells in multicellular organisms. By binding its cognate membrane receptor, TNF receptor type 1 (TNF-R1), the proinflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) activates pro-apoptotic signaling via caspase activation, but at the same time also stimulates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-mediated survival pathways. Differential dose-response relationships of these two major TNF signaling pathways have been described experimentally and using mathematical modeling. However, the quantitative analysis of the complex interplay between pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways is an open question as it is challenging for several reasons: the overall signaling network is complex, various time scales are present, and cells respond quantitatively and qualitatively in a heterogeneous manner.ResultsThis study analyzes the complex interplay of the crosstalk of TNF-R1 induced pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways based on an experimentally validated mathematical model. The mathematical model describes the temporal responses on both the single cell level as well as the level of a heterogeneous cell population, as observed in the respective quantitative experiments using TNF-R1 stimuli of different strengths and durations. Global sensitivity of the heterogeneous population was quantified by measuring the average gradient of time of death versus each population parameter. This global sensitivity analysis uncovers the concentrations of Caspase-8 and Caspase-3, and their respective inhibitors BAR and XIAP, as key elements for deciding the cell's fate. A simulated knockout of the NF-κB-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling reveals the importance of this pathway for delaying the time of death, reducing the death rate in the case of pulse stimulation and significantly increasing cell-to-cell variability.ConclusionsCell ensemble modeling of a heterogeneous cell population including a global sensitivity analysis presented here allowed us to illuminate the role of the different elements and parameters on apoptotic signaling. The receptors serve to transmit the external stimulus; procaspases and their inhibitors control the switching from life to death, while NF-κB enhances the heterogeneity of the cell population. The global sensitivity analysis of the cell population model further revealed an unexpected impact of heterogeneity, i.e. the reduction of parametric sensitivity.