bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A highly sensitive and specific qPCR assay for quantification of the biomarker SOX11 in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Hamborg Kristiane Hornung , Bentzen Hans Herluf Nørregaard , Grubach Lykke , Hokland Peter , Nyvold Charlotte Guldborg 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectivesMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is one of the most heterogeneous lymphoid neoplasms with a variable course of disease. Although t(11;14)(q13;q32) is the hallmark of MCL resulting in cyclin D1 (CCND1) overexpression in 90% of patients, this is difficult to validate by immunohistochemistry. We hypothesised that SOX11 could be a robust molecular biomarker for MCL.MethodsWe have developed very sensitive and specific RT‐qPCR assay employing a poly‐A specific RT primer to circumvent contamination from gDNA caused by the intron‐less nature of SOX11.ResultsWe found a significant difference between the expression levels of SOX11 in patients with MCL at diagnosis (n = 21) and in healthy donors (n = 18) (blood: P < 0.0001; marrow: P = 0.0001). SOX11 expression of very low levels close to the assay sensitivity was detected in only 2 of 18 healthy donors, while low levels of CCND1 expression was observed in all blood and 12 of 13 marrow samples within the defined detection limit of Cq = 40. In spiking experiments of the GRANTA‐519 MCL cell line into mononuclear cells from normal donor, the sensitivity of the SOX11 assay was found to be 2 × 10−4, while the sensitivity of the CCND1 assay was estimated to 2 × 10−3 because of the normal background expression. In longitudinal sampling from patients with MCL the minimal residual disease (MRD) values based on the SOX11 expression mirrored the clinical disease development.ConclusionThis SOX11 RT‐qPCR assay could be a useful tool for MRD monitoring in patients with MCL.
Older people’s dependence on caregivers’ help in their own homes and their lived experiences of their opportunity to make independent decisions
Authors: Breitholtz Agneta , Snellman Ingrid , Fagerberg Ingegerd 
Published: July 2012

Breitholtz A., Snellman I. & Fagerberg I. (2013) Older people’s dependence on caregivers’ help in their own homes and their lived experiences of their opportunity to make independent decisions. International Journal of Older People Nursing 8, 139–148 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00338.xAim.  The aim of this study was to illuminate the meaning of older people’s dependence on caregivers’ help, and of their opportunity to make independent decisions.Background.  Throughout the world, the older population is growing, and in Sweden, the system of care for older people is currently undergoing change. Older people in the need of care are expected to live at home for as long as possible.Design.  A qualitative and life world approach was used.Methods.  Audio‐taped interviews were conducted with twelve older persons living at home, dependent on daily municipal home help service. A phenomenological hermeneutic method was utilised to disclose the meanings of lived experiences.Finding.  The findings revealed three themes: being facilitated to make one’s own decisions, being hindered from making one’s own decisions, struggling for vs. resigning oneself to losing the opportunity to make one’s own decisions. The comprehensive understanding revealed that as older people become more dependent on caregivers’ help, their opportunity to self‐determine is challenged and this is stressful for them.Conclusion.  The older persons assess their opportunity to self‐determine differently, depending on who they are as a person. The caregivers need an awareness of this, and further research is needed to gain knowledge and understanding of how caregivers can improve the way they support and enhance older people’s opportunity to decide for themselves.Implications for practice.  The findings revealed older persons need to exercise more self‐determination and caregivers’ need for knowledge to enable this. Further, it indicates a move towards a person‐centred approach to focus on persons as individuals and see them as interdependent. The findings contribute to improvements in similar contexts worldwide.
Structure‐Dependent Demetalation Kinetics of Chlorophyll a Analogs under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Saga Yoshitaka , Hirai Yuki , Sadaoka Kana , Isaji Megumi , Tamiaki Hitoshi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDemetalation of chlorophyll (Chl) a and its analogs is an important reaction in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, which produces the primary electron acceptors in photosystem II reaction centers and is crucial in the Chl degradation. From these viewpoints, demetalation reactions of four Chl a analogs, 3,8‐divinyl‐Chl a (DV‐Chl a), 3‐devinyl‐3‐ethyl‐Chl a (mesoChl a), 132‐demethoxycarbonyl‐Chl a (pyroChl a) and protochlorophyll a (PChl a), were kinetically analyzed under weakly acidic conditions, and were compared with that of Chl a. DV‐Chl a exhibited slower demetalation kinetics than did Chl a, whereas demetalation of mesoChl a was faster than that of Chl a. The difference in demetalation kinetics of the three chlorophyllous pigments originates from the electron‐withdrawing ability of the vinyl group as the peripheral substituent compared with the ethyl group. Removal of the electron‐withdrawing and homoconjugating 132‐methoxycarbonyl group in Chl a (Chl a → pyroChl a) accelerated demetalation kinetics by two‐fold. PChl a possessing the porphyrin‐type skeleton exhibited slower demetalation kinetics than Chl a. The structure‐dependent demetalation properties of Chl a analogs will be useful for understanding in vivo Chl demetalation reactions in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms.
Guidance for storing blood samples in laboratories performing complete blood count with differential
Authors: Cornet E. , Behier C. , Troussard X. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIntroductionThe complete blood count (CBC) with differential leukocyte count (DIFF) is an important part of clinical laboratory analyses and provides crucial data for clinicians. Delivery time after blood collection and conditions of storage is known to affect the reliability of results of some hematologic parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the variations of hematologic parameters over time and the influence of storage temperature.MethodsBlood samples were randomly selected from hospitalized patients and stored at room temperature and at 4 °C. CBC and DIFF were performed on an automated hematology analyzer and the results between the two groups were compared.ResultsSamples stored at room temperature showed an important increase in mean corpuscular volume and hematocrit and a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Neutrophil counts tended to increase, whereas monocyte counts tended to decrease.ConclusionStoring samples at 4 °C improved reproducibility over time of all quantitative and qualitative parameters. We also observed that NEUT‐X, a routine parameter useful in detecting myelodysplastic syndrome, became unreliable when analyzed 24 h after sample collection. Our results led us to recommend that samples should be analyzed within 6 h, particularly if samples are transported at room temperature. We also recommend storing samples at 4 °C in case of remote CBC analysis, especially in the context of clinical trials.
Diagnostic overlap of depressive, anxiety, stress and somatoform disorders in primary care
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Al‐Kazaz Mohammed , Ftouni Darine , Al‐Harthy Munjid , Dafeeah Elnour E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of somatization, anxiety, depression and stress in a primary care population, explore their association to psychosocial stressors and determine the diagnostic overlap of these four mental disorders.MethodsThis is a prospective cross‐sectional study. A representative sample of 2,150 patients was approached, of whom 1,762 patients agreed to participate and responded to the questionnaire (81.9%). Anxiety was assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7). Depression was assessed with the depression module Patients Health Questionnaire‐8. Somatization was measured with the somatic symptom module PHQ‐15. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) instrument was used to identify the stress cases.ResultsOf the study sample, 23.8% of the total cases were identified as probable cases. The prevalence of somatization, depression, anxiety and stress was 11.7%, 11.3%, 8.3% and 18.6%, respectively. The specific gender prevalence of these four psychological disorders was very similar in men and women: depression (11.3% versus 11.3%), anxiety (7.7% versus 8.9%), somatization (12.5% versus 10.7%) and stress disorders (19.3% versus 17.8%). A significant difference was observed in nationality and marital status for depression and anxiety (P < 0.05). The age‐specific prevalence rate showed a higher prevalence in the age group 45–54 years: depression (13.3%), anxiety (9.5%), somatization (12.8%) and stress (20.4%). Unable to control worries (69.2%) was the worst symptom for anxiety disorders, while the majority of the depressed patients wanted to hurt themselves (71.9%). Stomach pain (46.1%) was the most common symptom in somatic patients. Most of the patients experiencing stress could not cope with their daily duties (65.9%). There was a high comorbidity rate of depression, anxiety, somatization and stress observed in the studied population (9.3%).ConclusionThe prevalence of somatization and depression was similar, but the prevalence of stress was higher in inpatient patients. Somatization, depression, anxiety and stress disorders co‐occurred at higher rate in the study sample.
Impact of Part D on previously uninsured Medicare beneficiaries with hypertension
Authors: Shoemaker J. Samantha , Stuart Bruce , Davidoff Amy , Zacker Christopher 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Objectives
US Medicare Part D began in January 2006, but beneficiaries could wait until May to sign up without being assessed a premium penalty. The availability of this penalty-free period offers a unique opportunity to study selection patterns and demand response to Part D coverage. The objective is to examine factors associated with early and late Part D enrolment and assess impact of enrolment timing on changes in drug use.

Methods
Nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with hypertension and no drug coverage in 2005 (n = 641).We used 2005 and 2006 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data with a multinomial logistic model to predict Part D enrolment and a difference-in-difference (DID) model to compare changes in monthly antihypertensive drug fills pre- and post-enrolment.

Key findings
Of the sample enrolled in Part D in 2006, 63.3% (23.5% by January and 39.8% late). Early enrolees had higher antihypertensive use prior to Part D (1.6 monthly fills) compared to late enrolees (1.2) and non-enrolees (0.9). Post-Part D monthly antihypertensive use averaged 2.2 fills for early enrolees, 1.4 for late enrolees and 1.0 for non-enrolees. The estimated DID programme effect was 0.54 additional monthly antihypertensive prescription fills for early enrolees (P &lt; 0.01) and 0.26 fills for late enrolees (P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
The estimated Part D demand response from early enrolees was unrealistically high suggesting selection bias. The price elasticity for late enrolees (−0.29 to −0.43) was consistent with best evidence in the literature. Failure to consider selection can lead to overestimating the impact of Part D on drug use.
Microvascular reconstruction of the mouth, face and jaws. Oromandibular reconstruction – free fibula flap
Authors: Hoffman GR , Islam S , Eisenberg RL 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDental surgeons may encounter in their clinical practice patients who present with aggressive pathologies that require early diagnosis and prompt treatment. This action may limit the extent of tissue damage and, where relevant, improve survival outcome. Clinicians should therefore be aware of the range of resective, reconstructive and rehabilitative options that are available in the management of these patients. We present our experience with the free fibula flap used for oromandibular reconstruction; this was undertaken in 21 patients following resective surgery for malignant pathology, cytologically benign but biologically aggressive odontogenic pathology and radiation induced osteonecrosis. We also review the history, surgical anatomy, surgical assessment and potential complications that are relevant to the free fibula flap.
Duodenal Endoscopic Findings and Histopathologic Confirmation of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia in Dogs
Authors: Larson R.N. , Ginn J.A. , Bell C.M. , Davis M.J. , Foy D.S. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundThe diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) has been associated with characteristic duodenal mucosal changes. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the endoscopic duodenal mucosal appearance for the diagnosis of IL are not reported.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the utility of endoscopic images of the duodenum for diagnosis of IL. Endoscopic appearance of the duodenal mucosal might predict histopathologic diagnosis of IL with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.Animals51 dogs that underwent upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and endoscopic biopsies.MethodsRetrospective review of images acquired during endoscopy. Dogs were included if adequate biopsies were obtained during upper GI endoscopy and digital images were saved during the procedure. Images were assessed for the presence and severity of IL. Using histopathology as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy for diagnosing IL were calculated.ResultsIntestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) was diagnosed in 25/51 dogs. Gross endoscopic appearance of the duodenal mucosa had a sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence interval) of 68% (46%, 84%) and 42% (24%, 63%), respectively for diagnosis of IL. Endoscopic images in cases with lymphopenia, hypocholesterolemia, and hypoalbuminemia had a sensitivity of 80%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceEndoscopic duodenal mucosa appearance alone lacks specificity and has only a moderate sensitivity for diagnosis of IL. Evaluation of biomarkers associated with PLE improved the sensitivity; however, poor specificity for diagnosis of IL supports the need for histopathologic confirmation.
Argirein alleviates corpus cavernosum dysfunction by suppressing pro-inflammatory factors p66Shc and ER stress chaperone Bip in diabetic rats
Authors: Cheng Yu-Si , Cong Xiao-Dong , Dai De-Zai , Zhang Yun , Dai Yin 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The aim was to investigate whether argirein, which releases rhein and l-arginine after medication, could improve erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetic rats through normalising the abnormalities of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), p66Shc and immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (Bip), in the corpus cavernosum (CC).

Methods
SD rats were randomly divided into six groups. Except for the control group, rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg, i.p.) once. During weeks 5–8 following STZ injection, except for STZ-injected untreated rats, others were treated with aminoguanidine (AMG; 100 mg/kg/day, i.g.), or argirein at three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, i.g.). The vascular activity and biomarkers of the cavernosum were examined.

Key findings
Constrictive and dilative activity was abnormal in the CC, associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) in serum in the diabetic (DM) group. Increased expression of p66Shc, Bip and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the CC were significant in DM rats. Argirein and AMG improved these abnormities significantly.

Conclusions
We concluded that vascular activity of the cavernosal tissue was impaired due to upregulated p66Shc and Bip in the diabetic CC. Argirein alleviates the vascular dysfunction of the CC by suppressing these upregulated pro-inflammatory proteins caused by diabetic lesions.
Long‐term facilitation of ventilation following acute continuous hypoxia in awake humans during sustained hypercapnia
Authors: Griffin Harry S. , Pugh Keith , Kumar Prem , Balanos George M. 
Published: July 2012

Key points
In awake humans, when CO2 is maintained above normal levels, exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia causes a sustained elevation in ventilation that persists when normoxic breathing is resumed.
In this study we have demonstrated that when CO2 is maintained above normal levels, exposure to acute continuous hypoxia also causes a sustained elevation in ventilation when normoxic breathing is resumed.
This sustained elevation in ventilation following both acute intermittent hypoxia and acute continuous hypoxia is maintained by mechanisms other than increased activity of the carotid body.
These results help develop our understanding of respiratory control in humans and may aid future development of treatments for respiratory control disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea.
Abstract  In awake humans, long‐term facilitation of ventilation (vLTF) following acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is only expressed if CO2 is maintained above normocapnic levels. vLTF has not been reported following acute continuous hypoxia (ACH) and it is not known whether this might be unmasked by elevated CO2. Twelve healthy participants completed three trials. In all trials end‐tidal pressure of CO2 was elevated 4–5 mmHg above normocapnic levels. During Trial 1 (AIH) participants were exposed to eight 4 min episodes of hypoxia. During Trial 2 (ACH) participants were exposed to continuous hypoxia for 32 min. In Trial 3 (Control) participants were exposed to euoxia throughout. To assess the contribution of the carotid body (CB) in observed ventilatory responses, CB afferent discharge before and after each trial was transiently inhibited with hyperoxia. Minute ventilation () increased following all trials, but was significantly greater in Trials 1 and 2 when compared with Trial 3 (Trial 1: 4.96 ± 0.87, Trial 2: 5.07 ± 0.7, Trial 3: 2.55 ± 0.98 l min−1, P < 0.05). Hyperoxia attenuated to a similar extent in baseline and recovery in all trials (Trial 1: 3.0 ± 0.57 vs. 3.27 ± 0.68, Trial 2: 1.97 ± 0.62 vs. 2.56 ± 0.62, Trial 3: 2.23 ± 0.49 vs. 2.15 ± 0.55 l min−1, P > 0.05). Data are means ± SEM. In awake humans with elevated CO2, ACH evokes a sustained increase in ventilation that is comparable to that evoked by AIH. However, a gradual positive drift in ventilation in response to elevated CO2 accounts for approximately half of this apparent vLTF. Additionally, our data support the view that the CB is not directly involved in maintaining vLTF.
DrosophilaDosage Compensation Involves Enhanced Pol II Recruitment to Male X-Linked Promoters
Authors: Conrad Thomas , Cavalli Florence M. G. , Vaquerizas Juan M. , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Akhtar Asifa 
Published: July 2012

Promoting the Male X ChromosomeIn mammals and fruit flies, females have a double dose of the X chromosome compared to males, and to compensate for this imbalance, in fruit flies, transcription from across most of the male X chromosome is boosted by twofold.Conradet al.(p.742, published online 19 July) measured the binding of RNA polymerase II, responsible for the majority of the transcription on the X chromosome, and found a consistent increase at the promoters of genes on the male X chromosome. Thus, the increase in transcription on the male X chromosome is not driven by increased rates of transcriptional elongation, as has been suggested previously, but must involve up-regulation of transcription initiation.
Overcoming Drug Resistance with Alginate Oligosaccharides Able To Potentiate the Action of Selected Antibiotics
Authors: Khan Saira , Tøndervik Anne , Sletta Håvard , Klinkenberg Geir , Emanuel Charlotte , Onsøyen Edvar , Myrvold Rolf , Howe Robin A. , Walsh Timothy R. , Hill Katja E. , Thomas David W. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

The uncontrolled, often inappropriate use of antibiotics has resulted in the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, with major cost implications for both United States and European health care systems. We describe the utilization of a low-molecular-weight oligosaccharide nanomedicine (OligoG), based on the biopolymer alginate, which is able to perturb multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria by modulating biofilm formation and persistence and reducing resistance to antibiotic treatment, as evident using conventional and robotic MIC screening and microscopic analyses of biofilm structure. OligoG increased (up to 512-fold) the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against important MDR pathogens, including
Pseudomonas
,
Acinetobacter
, and
Burkholderia
spp., appearing to be effective with several classes of antibiotic (i.e., macrolides, β-lactams, and tetracyclines). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), increasing concentrations (2%, 6%, and 10%) of alginate oligomer were shown to have a direct effect on the quality of the biofilms produced and on the health of the cells within that biofilm. Biofilm growth was visibly weakened in the presence of 10% OligoG, as seen by decreased biomass and increased intercellular spaces, with the bacterial cells themselves becoming distorted and uneven due to apparently damaged cell membranes. This report demonstrates the feasibility of reducing the tolerance of wound biofilms to antibiotics with the use of specific alginate preparations.
Effect of Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility on Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Han Jennifer H. , Mascitti Kara B. , Edelstein Paul H. , Bilker Warren B. , Lautenbach Ebbing 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS) may lead to poor clinical outcomes in
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of RVS in patients with bacteremia due to
S. aureus
. A cohort study of patients who were hospitalized from December 2007 to May 2009 with
S. aureus
bacteremia was conducted within a university health system. Multivariable logistic regression and zero-truncated negative binomial regression models were developed to evaluate the association of RVS with 30-day in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges. One hundred thirty-four (34.2%) of a total of 392 patients had bacteremia due to
S. aureus
with RVS as defined by a vancomycin Etest MIC of >1.0 μg/ml. Adjusted risk factors for 30-day in-hospital mortality included the all patient refined-diagnosis related group (APRDRG) risk-of-mortality score (odds ratio [OR], 7.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04 to 16.6), neutropenia (OR, 13.4; 95% CI, 2.46 to 73.1), white blood cell count (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09), immunosuppression (OR, 6.31; 95% CI, 1.74 to 22.9), and intensive care unit location (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.65 to 7.49). In multivariable analyses, RVS was significantly associated with increased mortality in patients with
S. aureus
bacteremia as a result of methicillin-susceptible (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.07 to 14.2) but not methicillin-resistant (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.46) isolates. RVS was associated with greater 30-day in-hospital mortality in patients with bacteremia due to methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
but not methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
. Further research is needed to identify optimal treatment strategies to reduce mortality associated with RVS in
S. aureus
bacteremia.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Biological Activities of Iron Chelators and Gallium Nitrate against Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: de Léséleuc Louis , Harris Greg , KuoLee Rhonda , Chen Wangxue 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We investigated the ability of compounds interfering with iron metabolism to inhibit the growth of
Acinetobacter baumannii
. Iron restriction with transferrin or 2,2-bipyridyl significantly inhibited
A. baumannii
growth
in vitro
. Gallium nitrate alone was moderately effective at reducing
A. baumannii
growth but became bacteriostatic in the presence of serum or transferrin. More importantly, gallium nitrate treatment reduced lung bacterial burdens in mice. The use of gallium-based therapies shows promise for the control of multidrug-resistant
A. baumannii
.