bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of stress‐induced NKG2D ligands in liver diseases
Authors: Kahraman Alisan , Fingas Christian D. , Syn Wing‐Kin , Gerken Guido , Canbay Ali 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCell death by apoptosis is a prominent feature in a variety of liver diseases. It is likely that apoptosis is the initial cellular response to hepatocyte and biliary injury, which then leads to the initiation of cellular and cytokine cascades culminating in hepatocyte death with subsequent fibrosis and cirrhosis. This sequence of events is of paramount clinical importance. Recently, soluble forms of the major histocompatibility complex class I‐related chains A and closely related B (MIC A and B) were reported to be increased in patients with a variety of liver diseases. MIC A and B are cell surface glycoproteins that function as indicators for cellular stress and thus activate circulating cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells. The interaction between MIC A and B with their cognate receptor natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) culminates in enhanced liver cell death, which is mediated in part by apoptotic mechanisms. The present overview focuses on the role of the stress‐induced NKG2D ligands MIC A and B in diverse liver diseases. Critical insights into these complex relations may help to promote rationally based therapies in liver diseases. Importantly, we hope that this overview will help to stimulate further studies into mechanisms by which stress ligands mediate cell death and its sequale.
Aquaporin‐1 associated with hepatic arterial capillary proliferation on hepatic sinusoid in human cirrhotic liver
Authors: Yokomori Hiroaki , Oda Masaya , Yoshimura Kazunori , Kaneko Fumihiko , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundAquaporins (AQPs) are key regulators not only of water transport in the cytoplasm but also of angiogenesis. Although AQPs in the normal hepatobiliary system have been studied in mammals, little is known about the localization and changes of AQPs in the hepatic microvascular system including sinusoids in cirrhotic liver, which might contribute to portal hypertension.AimsWe designed this study to examine the localization of AQP1 in human cirrhotic liver.MethodsSurgical wedge biopsy specimens were obtained from non‐cirrhotic portions of human livers (normal control) and from cirrhotic livers (LC) (Child A‐LC and Child C‐LC). Immunostaining, Western blotting, in situ hybridization (ISH) and laser‐captured microdissection (LCM) were conducted.ResultsIn control liver tissue, AQP1 was localized mainly in the portal venules, hepatic arterioles and bile ducts in the portal tract, although AQP1 was detected only slightly in the sinusoids. In cirrhotic liver tissue, AQP1 expression was evident, aberrantly observed on periportal sinusoidal endothelial cells corresponding to the capillarized sinusoids, on the proliferated arterial capillaries opening into the sinusoid in the generating hepatic nodule and on proliferated bile ductules at the peripheral edge of nodules and fibrotic septa. In cirrhotic liver, overexpression of AQP1 at protein and mRNA levels was demonstrated, respectively, using Western blot and ISH. AQP‐1 of mRNA level in sinusoid was confirmed using LCM.ConclusionsAberrant expressions of AQP1 in periportal sinusoidal regions in human cirrhotic liver indicate the proliferation of arterial capillaries directly connected to the sinusoids, contributing to microvascular resistance in cirrhosis.
Current Considerations for the Treatment of Severe Chronic Pain: The Potential for Tapentadol
Authors: Pergolizzi Joseph , Alegre Cayetano , Blake David , Alén Jaime Calvo , Caporali Roberto , Casser Hans‐Raimund , Correa‐Illanes Gerardo , Fernandes Pedro , Galilea Eugenio , Jany Richard , Jones Anthony , Mejjad Othmane , Morovic‐Vergles Jadranka , Oteo Álvaro Ángel , Radrigán Araya Francisco J. , Simões Maria Eugénia C. , Uomo Generoso 
Published: July 2011

Abstract  Studies suggest that around 20% of adults in Europe experience chronic pain, which not only has a considerable impact on their quality of life but also imposes a substantial economic burden on society. More than one‐third of these people feel that their pain is inadequately managed. A range of analgesic drugs is currently available, but recent guidelines recommend that NSAIDs and COX‐2 inhibitors should be prescribed cautiously. Although the short‐term efficacy of opioids is good, adverse events are common and doses are frequently limited by tolerability problems. There is a perceived need for improved pharmacological treatment options.Currently, many treatment decisions are based solely on pain intensity. However, chronic pain is multifactorial and this apaproach ignores the fact that different causative mechanisms may be involved. The presence of more than one causative mechanism means that chronic pain can seldom be controlled by a single agent. Therefore, combining drugs with different analgesic actions increases the probability of interrupting the pain signal, but is often associated with an increased risk of drug/drug interactions, low compliance and increased side effects.Tapentadol combines μ‐opioid receptor agonism and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition in a single molecule, with both mechanisms contributing to its analgesic effects. Preclinical testing has shown that μ‐opioid agonism is primarily responsible for analgesia in acute pain, whereas noradrenaline reuptake inhibition is more important in chronic pain. In clinical trials in patients with chronic pain, the efficacy of tapentadol was similar to that of oxycodone, but it produced significantly fewer gastrointestinal side‐effects and treatment discontinuations. Pain relief remained stable throughout a 1‐year safety study. Thus, tapentadol could possibly overcome some of the limitations of currently available analgesics for the treatment of chronic pain.
Measuring Functioning in People with Fibromyalgia (FM) Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)—A Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Prodinger Birgit , Salzberger Thomas , Stucki Gerold , Stamm Tanja , Cieza Alarcos 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectives:  Instruments to assess functioning in patients with FM vary considerably in their content and are often symptom‐specific. This study aimed to examine whether it is feasible to construct a psychometric‐sound clinical instrument to measure functioning in FM based on the Brief ICF‐Core‐Set for chronic widespread pain (CWP).Methods:  Two hundred and fifty six people with FM completed the Brief ICF‐Core‐Set. The Rasch model was used for analysis. Once ordering of response options of ICF categories was ensured, the following properties were studied: fit of the ICF categories to the Rasch model, the targeting between ICF categories and a person’s abilities, unidimensionality, and reliability.Results:  Six ICF categories were rescored due to disordered thresholds. Five ICF categories were removed due to high model‐misfit and differential item functioning (DIF) for gender. Scores from 46 participants were excluded due to extreme scores. The ICF categories included display consistency with an underlying unidimensional construct, are free of DIF for age, disease duration and gender, display excellent overall reliability, and cover a range of functioning difficulties.Conclusions:  This study illustrates that it is possible to measure functioning as a unidimensional construct based on selected ICF categories from the components body functions, as well as activities and participation of the Brief ICF‐Core‐Set for CWP in patients with FM.
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation an Effective Treatment Option for Discogenic Pain?
Authors: Vallejo Ricardo , Manuel Zevallos L. , Lowe Jessica , Benyamin Ramsin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntroduction:  In a prospective observational study conducted in an urban pain management center, we evaluated whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is effective in relieving discogenic pain of IDD origin.Methods:  Thirteen patients with intractable discogenic low back pain were enrolled. Four patients never underwent permanent implantation due to insurance denial, medical reasons or failed trial and served as a control group. Nine patients underwent SCS implantation (treatment group). All patients were followed for 12 months and assessed at each interval for pain (NRS), disability (ODI), and opioid use.Results:  Nine patients completed the SCS trial with > 50% pain relief. The pretrial NRS score was 7.8 ± 0.5 mm in treated patients vs. 6.5 ± 1.7 mm in control patients. At 3, 6 and 12 months, the NRS was reduced to 2.9 ± 0.7 mm, 1.7 ± 0.5 mm, and 2.9 ± 0.5 mm, respectively in treated patients. NRS was unchanged in the control patients (6.5 ± 1.9 mm). The ODI score prior to the SCS trial in treated patients was 53.1 ± 3.4% vs. 54.0 ± 20.5 in control patients. At 3, 6 and 12 months the ODI scores were 39.0 ± 8.0%, 38.7 ± 4.6%, and 41.1 ± 3.9%, respectively in the treated patients, and 48.5 ± 29.5 at 12 months in control patients. In 6 patients receiving opioids prior to the SCS trial, average consumption was reduced by 69% (P = 0.036) over 12 months of therapy as compared with a 54% increase in the control patients. SCS usage was stable over the 12‐month study.Conclusions:  The current study indicates that SCS may provide effective pain relief, improve disability, and reduce opioid usage in patients with discogenic pain.
Primary hyperoxaluria in an adult presenting with end‐stage renal failure together with hypercalcemia and hypothyroidism
Authors: KARADAG Serhat , GURSU Meltem , AYDIN Zeki , UZUN Sami , DOGAN Oner , OZTURK Savas , KAZANCIOGLU Rumeyza 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPrimary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by overproduction of oxalate due to specific enzyme deficiencies in glyoxylate metabolism. The primary clinical presentation is in the form of recurrent urolithiasis, progressive nephrocalcinosis, end‐stage renal disease, and systemic oxalosis. Herein, we present a case of PH who was diagnosed at 47 years of age after 6 years on hemodialysis. He presented with fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and was found to have cachexia, diffuse edema, hepatomegaly, ascites, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, low parathyroid hormone levels, lytic and resorptive areas in the vertebrae, diffusely increased echogenity of the liver, multiple renal stones, and bilateral nephrocalcinosis. Bone marrow biopsy showed calcium oxalate crystals and crystal granulomas. The liver biopsy could not be performed. The absence of an identifiable reason for secondary forms, the severity of the clinical presentation, and pathological findings led to the diagnosis of PH2. He died while waiting for a potential liver and kidney donor. The presented case is consistent with the literature as he had renal stone disease in the third decade and end‐stage renal disease in the fifth decade. Hypercalcemia was thought to be due to osteoclast‐stimulating activity of macrophages constituting the granuloma. Erythropoietin‐resistant anemia and hypothyroidism were thought to be due to accumulation of oxalate in the bone marrow and thyroid gland, respectively. It is very important to keep in mind the possibility of PH when faced with a patient with nephrocalcinosis and oxalate stone disease.
Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in the nose of patients on regular dialysis treatment using hemodialysis catheters
Authors: MAAMOUN Hoda Abdel Hamid , SOLIMAN Amin Roshdy , El SHERIF Rasha 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn the hemodialysis population, the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus colonization has been documented to be as high as 80%; effective prophylaxis of vascular access infection and bacteremia is a worthwhile goal in the management of hemodialysis population. Surveillance of 50 hemodialysis patients for S. aureus‐positive nasal cultures was performed by monthly nasal swabs over a 12‐month period. All patients were performing dialysis using hemodialysis catheters thrice weekly. All positive cultures were treated with a prophylactic antibiotic regimen. Thirty‐one patients (62%) had one or more positive cultures. The surveillance period was longer in the S. aureus nasal carriers (p < 0.01). The frequency of positive cultures correlated with the duration of surveillance (p < 0.05). The incidence of S. aureus bacteremia was greater in patients with three or more positive cultures (p < 0.05). This study suggests that continuous surveillance for S. aureus nasal colonization is essential to properly identify all hemodialysis patients using catheters at risk of developing S. aureus bacteremias.
Spark Plasma Joining of ZrB2–SiC Composites Using Zirconium–Boron Reactive Filler Layers
Authors: Pinc William Ross , Di Prima Matthew , Walker Luke Sky , Wing Zachary N. , Corral Erica L. 
Published: July 2011

Spark plasma joining is used to join ZrB2–SiC composites with seamless microstructures at the joint that results in retention of high‐temperature mechanical and oxidation properties after joining. Our approach uses a spark plasma sintering furnace and Zr–B powder filler layers to join the parts together. The joining processing parameters used to optimize the joint microstructure were filler composition, target temperature, hold time, and volume of filler. A filler of 1 mm3 and spark plasma joining conditions at 1800°C for 300 s resulted in the formation of a joint region that was indistinguishable from the bulk substrates. Room and high‐temperature (1350°C) shear strengths of joined substrates measured equal to baseline substrates and oxidation behavior for joined and baseline substrates were equivalent after static air oxidation at 1700°C. X‐Ray diffraction measurements show the joint is composed of ZrB2 and ZrC. We found the joining mechanism to be solid‐state bonding of ZrB2 that formed from the Zr–B filler and reaction bonding by the formation of ZrC. Spark plasma joining rapidly joins ZrB2–SiC and probably other conductive ultra high‐temperature ceramic composites, and has the potential to impact the rapid assembly and joining of complex thermal protection material systems.
The comparative evaluation of the effects of tongue cleaning on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children
Authors: Rupesh S , Winnier JJ , Nayak UA , Rao AP , Reddy V , Peter J 
Published: July 2011

To cite this article:

Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 107–112  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00522.xRupesh S, Winnier JJ, Nayak UA, Rao AP, Reddy V, Peter J. The comparative evaluation of the effects of tongue cleaning on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children.Abstract:  Objectives:  The study compared and evaluated the effects of tongue scraping and tongue brushing on salivary mutans streptococci levels in children.Methods:  The investigation was a single‐blind, stratified comparison of three parallel groups of children who performed either tongue scraping or tongue brushing along with tooth brushing or only tooth brushing twice daily under professional supervision for a 21‐day period. A total of three saliva samples were taken from each individual, at baseline, on day 10 and on day 21, and colony counts of mutans streptococci were determined. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon’s signed‐ranks sum test and Mann–Whitney U‐test.Results and conclusions:  The results of the present study show that tongue scraping and tongue brushing demonstrated statistically significant reductions in salivary mutans streptococci counts after 10 days and also after 21 days. It was also noted that tongue scraping and tongue brushing were equally effective in reducing colony counts.
Cardiac troponin I concentrations in neonates with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Shastri Aravind T , Samarasekara Sujeevan , Muniraman Hemananda , Clarke Paul 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  Myocardial dysfunction is a frequent sequel of perinatal asphyxia. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a marker of myocardial injury and a surrogate marker of myocardial dysfunction in adults, but there are few data in neonates. Our aim was to compare serum cTnI concentrations with clinical severity of encephalopathy and with duration of inotropic support in asphyxiated neonates.Methods:  Retrospective study of 60 neonates admitted with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). cTnI concentrations measured within 36 h of birth were compared with clinical grade of HIE (Sarnat‐Sarnat classification) and with duration of inotropic support.Results:  Serum cTnI concentrations and duration of inotropic support were significantly greater with increasing severity of HIE. Median (95% CI) cTnI concentrations were 0.04 μg/L (0.02–0.07 μg/L) in grade 1 HIE, 0.12 μg/L (0.08–0.20 μg/L) in grade 2 HIE and 0.67 μg/L (0.41–1.35 μg/L) in grade 3 HIE. Median (95% CI) duration of inotropic support required was 0 h (0–24 h) in grade 1 HIE, 28 h (0–118 h) in grade 2 HIE and 48 h (0–140 h) in grade 3 HIE.Conclusion:  In asphyxiated neonates, cTnI concentrations within 36 h of birth correlate strongly with clinical grade of HIE and with duration of inotropic support. Early cTnI concentrations may provide a useful proxy marker for the anticipated severity of myocardial dysfunction.
Successful ageing: The case of Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yeong‐Tsyr , Lin Wan‐I 
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To investigate the conditions of successful ageing in Taiwan.Methods:  The respondents included two age groups, namely, 45–64 years (n = 1143), and 65 years and older (n = 1309), from a cross‐section national representative survey conducted in 2007.Results:  Older people faced more problems that cause depression than their counterparts. Eleven per cent of older people were in the labour market. Neither middle‐aged people nor older people were actively involved in volunteer services. Those who lived longer had less social support. Over 50% felt their financial preparations for later life were not adequate. Educational levels and family income were the significant factors affecting the levels of successful ageing.Conclusions:  Improvement in the four dimensions of successful ageing must be re‐emphasised for both age groups.
Willingness to pay for potential enhancements to a low‐cost cataract surgical package in rural southern China
Authors: Ko Fang , Frick Kevin D. , Tzu Jonathan , He Mingguang , Congdon Nathan 
Published: July 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess determinants of patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for potential components of a multi‐tiered cataract surgical package offered by a non‐governmental organization (NGO) in rural China.Design:  Cross‐sectional study.Methods:  Demographic and clinical data were collected from 505 patients presenting for cataract screening or surgery in Yangjiang, China. Willingness to pay for potential enhancements to the current surgery package was assessed using a bidding format with random payment cards.Results:  Among 426 subjects (84.4%) completing interviews, the mean age was 73.9 ± 7.3 years, 67.6% were women and 73% (n = 310) would pay for at least one offering, with 33–38% WTP for each item. Among those who would pay, the mean WTP for food was US$1.68 ± 0.13, transportation US$3.24 ± 0.25, senior surgeon US$50.0 ± 3.36 and US$89.4 ± 4.19 for an imported intra‐ocular lens (IOL). The estimated total recovery from these enhancements under various assumptions would be US$20‐50 (compared to the current programme price of US$65). In multivariate models, WTP for the senior surgeon increased with knowledge of a person previously operated for cataract (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.42–3.18, p < 0.001). Willingness to pay for the imported IOL increased with knowledge of a previously operated person (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.24–2.75, p < 0.01) and decreased with age >75 years (OR = 0.61, 0.40–0.93, p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Opportunities exist to increase cataract programme revenues through multi‐tiered offerings in this setting, allowing greater subsidization of low‐income patients. Personal familiarity with cataract surgery is important in determining WTP.
Changes of saccadic eye movements in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Schworm Hermann Dieter , Bolzani Roberto , Benassi Mariagrazia , Tallstedt Leif , Rydberg Agneta , Lennerstrand Gunnar , Ygge Jan 
Published: July 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To establish whether or not the dynamics of saccadic eye movements are significantly changed in patients with different stages of thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and, subsequently, if analysis of saccades could serve as an additional diagnostic tool for early detection of inflammatory activity in TAO.Methods:  Thirty‐seven patients with TAO and 10 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects were investigated. The patients were divided into four groups according to the stage of the disease: (i) early mild disease (n = 10), (ii) early severe disease (n = 11), (iii) long‐standing restrictive disease (n = 10) and (iv) proven auto‐immune hyperthyroidism without any signs of TAO (n = 6). Horizontal and vertical saccades with amplitudes of 10°, 20°, 30° and 40° were recorded binocularly using the induction scleral search coil technique. The two main sequence constants Vmax and C were calculated for each eye. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was carried out to test for differences between different gaze directions, eyes and groups.Results:  In horizontal saccades, significant differences were found between groups but not between abduction and adduction. In vertical saccades, differences between groups and the interaction between groups and up‐ and down‐gaze saccades were significant. Compared with the control group, analysis of the main sequence curves revealed larger differences in patients of group 3 and 4 than in those of group 1 and 2. Whereas in the control group down‐gaze saccades were faster than up‐gaze saccades, the opposite behaviour was found in all patient groups. The largest differences were detected among those patients who had no signs of TAO (group 4).Conclusions:  In this study, significant saccade differences were detected in all patients with TAO. In contrast to our earlier studies where evaluation of multiple individual saccade parameters did not reveal significant differences, analysis of the main sequence constants and mathematical reconstruction of the main sequence curves turned out to be a sensitive technique for reliable detection of subtle ocular motility changes. Significant differences were detected even in patients with auto‐immune thyroiditis where no clinical signs of TAO were apparent.
Directed terminal restriction analysis tool (DRAT): an aid to enzyme selection for directed terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms
Authors: Roberts David M. , Schofield Pietà G. , Donn Suzanne , Daniell Tim J. 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. T‐RFLP is an established tool for high‐throughput studies of microbial communities, which can, with care and practical validation, be enhanced to aid identification of specific organisms in a community by associating T‐RFs from experimental runs with predicted T‐RFs from a set of existing sequences. A barrier to this approach is the laborious process of selecting diagnostic restriction enzyme(s) for further validation.2. Here, we describe directed terminal restriction analysis tool (DRAT), a software tool that aids the design of directed terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (DT‐RFLP) strategies, to separate DNA targets based on restriction enzyme polymorphisms. The software assesses multiple user‐supplied DNA sequences, ranks optimal restriction endonucleases for separating targets and provides summary information including the length of diagnostic terminal restriction fragments. A worked example suggesting enzymes uniquely separating selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal groups is presented.3. This tool greatly facilitates identification of diagnostic restriction enzymes for user‐designated groups within complex populations and provides expected product sizes for all designated groups.