bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
YSPSL (rPSGL‐Ig) for improvement of early renal allograft function: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐center Phase IIa study1,2,3
Authors: Osama Gaber A. , Mulgaonkar Shamkant , Kahan Barry D. , Steve Woodle E. , Alloway Rita , Bajjoka Iman , Jensik Stephen , Klintmalm Goran B. , Patton Pamela R. , Wiseman Alexander , Lipshutz Gerald , Kupiec‐Weglinski Jerzy , Gaber Lilian W. , Katz Eliezer , Irish William , Squiers Elizabeth C. , Hemmerich Stefan 
Published: June 2010

Gaber AO, Mulgaonkar S, Kahan BD, Woodle ES, Alloway R, Bajjoka I, Jensik S, Klintmalm GB, Patton PR, Wiseman A, Lipshutz G, Kupiec‐Weglinski J, Gaber LW, Katz E, Irish W, Squiers EC, Hemmerich S. YSPSL (rPSGL‐Ig) for improvement of early renal allograft function: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐center Phase IIa study.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 523–533. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Introduction: Recombinant P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand IgG fusion protein, rPSGL‐Ig (YSPSL), a fusion protein of human P‐selectin ligand and IgG1‐Fc, blocks leukocyte adhesion and protects against ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in animal models.Patients and Methods: This randomized 15‐center, double‐blind, 59‐patient Ph2a study assessed YSPSL’s safety in recipients of deceased‐donor kidney allografts and its potential efficacy in improving early graft function. Two doses and two dosing modalities were evaluated.Results: No drug‐specific toxicities or increased adverse event rates were noted. Two YSPSL‐treated patients died of causes determined as unrelated to study drug. YSPSL did not reduce the incidence of dialysis within the first week post‐transplant (41% in treated vs. 20% in placebo patients). Renal function endpoints scored at post‐operative days 1 & 2 were also not impacted by YSPSL. However, at day 5, the fraction of patients with serum creatinine above 6 mg/dL was lower in the YSPSL vs. placebo group (26% vs. 55%, p = 0.043). Large variations in the dialysis‐delayed graft function (DGF) rates were observed between centers, independently of treatment assignment, indicating subjectivity of this endpoint.Conclusion: In this first Ph2a study in kidney transplantation, YSPSL was safe but did not impact the dialysis‐DGF rate. Further studies with more objective efficacy endpoints are required to define the impact of YSPSL on early renal allograft function.
Non‐target risk assessment of Bt crops – Cry protein uptake by aphids
Authors: Romeis J. , Meissle M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOne of the main concerns regarding the use of insect‐resistant transgenic crops is their potential detrimental effect on non‐target organisms that fulfil important ecological functions. The potential effects on desirable non‐target organisms are thus assessed as part of the environmental risk assessment prior to the commercial release of any novel transgenic crop. Aphids are abundant herbivores in most crops and are attacked by a range of specialist predators and parasitoids. We here show that aphids do not ingest considerable amounts of insecticidal proteins when feeding on Bt‐transgenic crops. We argue that occasional reports of low concentrations of Bt Cry proteins in aphids can be explained by contamination of the samples. Consequently, antagonists that are specifically or predominantly attacking aphids are unlikely to be at risk because of limited exposure. Studies to support the environmental risk assessment should thus focus on species that are more likely to be exposed to the insecticidal compounds.
Adverse effects of isotretinoin: A retrospective review of 1743 patients started on isotretinoin
Authors: Rademaker Marius 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives:  Isotretinoin has revolutionized the management of acne vulgaris. However, concerns continue regarding the adverse effect profile of isotretinoin. This study aims to review the adverse effects experienced by patients started on isotretinoin by a single dermatologist.Methods:  Retrospective chart review of 1743 patients started on isotretinoin for various dermatological conditions over a 6‐year period. Details of the dose of isotretinoin used, concomitant medications, adverse effects and outcome were recorded.Results:  One‐fifth (18.5%) of patients reported no adverse effects during the study period. Cheilitis was the most commonly reported adverse effect, affecting 78% of users, followed by eczema and tiredness, seen in 12% each. However, these were clearly dose‐dependent, as the group treated with doses of isotretinoin under 0.25 mg/kg/day only reported cheilitis in 47%, eczema in 7% and tiredness in 5%, compared with 96%, 16% and 18%, respectively, in those treated with more than 0.75 mg/gm/day. Twenty‐four patients (1.4%) stopped isotretinoin because of adverse effects; a further three patients complained of severe adverse effects on at least one occasion, but continued taking the medication. The adverse effect(s) that led to patients stopping isotretinoin were cheilitis (22 patients), mood change (13), tiredness (12), eczema (6) and pregnancy (2). There were no reported instances of suicidal ideation or attempted suicide.Conclusions:  Other than the two oral contraceptive failures, there were no serious adverse events recorded during this review period. Isotretinoin is a very effective medication with a low adverse‐effect profile when used at lower doses.
Mycobacterium abscessus infection complicating a professional tattoo
Authors: Ricciardo Bernadette , Weedon David , Butler Gregory 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTA healthy 23‐year‐old man presented with a tender papular eruption confined to the grey pigment of a recently acquired professional tattoo. Atypical mycobacterial infection was suspected and culture of a tissue specimen grew Mycobacterium abscessus. He was successfully treated with minocycline and subsequently, clarithromycin. We present a brief review of M. abscessus infection, with a particular focus on its role in nosocomial infections and in the post‐tattoo setting.
Lack of therapeutic effects of gabexate mesilate on the hepatic encephalopathy in rats with acute and chronic hepatic failure
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Yang , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Huo Teh‐Ia , Chan Cho‐Yu , Huang Hui‐Chun , Lin Han‐Chih , Chang Ching‐Chih , Teng Tzu‐Hua , Wang Sun‐Sang , Lee Shou‐Dong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim: Inflammation plays a pivotal role in liver injury. Gabexate mesilate (GM, a protease inhibitor) inhibits inflammation by blocking various serine proteases. This study examined the effects of GM on hepatic encephalopathy in rats with acute and chronic liver failure.Methods: Acute and chronic liver failure (cirrhosis) were induced by intraperitoneal TAA administration (350 mg/kg/day for 3 days) and common bile duct ligation, respectively, in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Rats were randomized to receive either GM (50 mg/10 mL/kg) or saline intraperitoneally for 5 days. Severity of encephalopathy was assessed by the Opto‐Varimex animal activity meter and hemodynamic parameters, mean arterial pressure and portal pressure, were measured (only in chronic liver failure rats). Plasma levels of liver biochemistry, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, interleukins (IL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were determined.Results: In rats with acute liver failure, GM treatment significantly decreased the plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.02), but no significant difference of motor activity, plasma levels of ammonia, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and TNF‐α or survival was found. In chronic liver failure rats, GM significantly lowered the plasma TNF‐α levels (P = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference of motor activity, other biochemical tests or survival found. GM‐treated chronic liver failure rats had higher portal pressure (P = 0.04) but similar mean arterial pressure in comparison with saline‐treated rats.Conclusions: Chronic GM treatment does not have a major effect on hepatic encephalopathy in rats with TAA‐induced acute liver failure and rats with chronic liver failure induced by common bile duct ligation.
Ulceration and antihypertensive use are risk factors for infection after skin lesion excision
Authors: Penington Anthony 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  A prospective audit was performed of wound complications of skin lesion excision in a private practice setting.Methods:  For 924 consecutive skin lesion excisions performed by a single surgeon, information was collected on tumour size and site, closure method and on risk factors of age, known diabetes, use of steroids, antihypertensives or anticoagulants and ulceration of the lesion. Patients were given written instructions to wet the wound in the shower after one or two days. A wound ‘infection’ event was recorded if the wound appeared inflamed or if the patient had been treated with antibiotics by any practitioner. Wound bleeding was recorded if the patient returned or attended elsewhere for management of bleeding.Results:  Sixty‐seven wounds (7.25%) met the broad definition of ‘infection’ and 18 (1.9%) wounds suffered bleeding. Ulceration (odds ratio (OR) 3.15, P= 0.008) and use of antihypertensives (OR 2.5, P= 0.006) were independent risk factors for infection along with site and closure method. The patients who did not wet their wounds post‐operatively were also at an increased risk of infection (OR 2.1, P= 0.018). Aspirin caused a slight, non‐statistically significant increase in bleeding rate, and warfarin caused a larger, but still not statistically significant, increase in bleeding. Use of other anticoagulants caused a significant increase in bleeding (OR 10.9, P= 0.006).Conclusion:  Ulceration of the skin lesion and use of antihypertensives are significant risk factors for wound infection. Wetting surgical wounds with clean tap water does not increase, and may even reduce, wound infection rate.
A randomized trial evaluating a cognitive simulator for laparoscopic appendectomy
Authors: Loveday Benjamin P. T. , Oosthuizen George V. , Diener B. Scott , Windsor John A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  The Integrated Cognitive Simulator (ICS) is a software application that integrates text, anatomy, video and simulation for training clinical procedures. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the usability of the ICS laparoscopic appendectomy module, and to determine its effectiveness in training the cognitive skills required for the procedure.Methods:  Junior surgical trainees were randomized into control and intervention groups. The latter had access to the ICS. Participants had three assessments: a pre‐study questionnaire to determine demographics, 20 multiple choice questions to assess procedural knowledge (training effectiveness) after 2 weeks, and a questionnaire to assess usability after 4 months.Results:  Fifty‐eight trainees were randomized. The overall response rate was 57%. The median scores for interface, functionality, usefulness and likelihood of utilization (usability) were 5/7 or higher. In the multiple choice questions (training effectiveness), first‐year trainees in the intervention group scored higher than the control group (14.9 versus 12.1, P= 0.04), but second‐year trainees did not. Use of the ICS did not alter the participants' perceived need for intra‐operative guidance.Conclusions:  The ICS is considered highly usable by trainees. The ICS is effective for training cognitive skills for laparoscopic appendectomy among first‐year surgical trainees. Training cognitive skills alone does not increase confidence in the ability to perform motor tasks.
A systematic review of dermal fillers for age‐related lines and wrinkles
Authors: Sturm Lana P. , Cooter Rodney D. , Mutimer Keith L. , Graham John C. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Dermal fillers are gaining popularity for rapid aesthetic improvement. Long‐term efficacy and safety have not been well documented. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the safety and efficacy of injectable dermal fillers compared with other facial augmentation techniques for the management of age‐related lines and wrinkles.Methods:  Studies including patients receiving injectable semi‐permanent or permanent dermal fillers for age‐related lines and wrinkles were included in this review. Efficacy outcomes (including changes in skin thickness and patient satisfaction) and safety outcomes (including mortality, lumps and infections) were examined.Results:  Three randomized control trials and six case series were included. Permanent and semi‐permanent dermal fillers improved subjective ratings of appearance and resulted in higher patient satisfaction than temporary fillers. Long‐term efficacy appeared good in the few studies that reported it. Short‐term safety appeared favourable. Lumps were reported in all but one study but received little follow‐up. Long‐term safety data were limited.Conclusions:  The treatment of age‐related lines and wrinkles with permanent and semi‐permanent dermal fillers is more efficacious compared with temporary fillers in those studies that compared them. Case series evidence suggests that these fillers achieve their objective, which is to decrease the visible effects of age‐related changes. These fillers appear at least as safe as temporary fillers in the short term in those studies that compared them. Long‐term safety could not be determined.
Effects of central administration of insulin or l‐NMMA on rat skeletal muscle microvascular perfusion
Authors: Bradley E. A. , Willson K. J. , Choi‐Lundberg D. , Clark M. G. , Rattigan S. 
Published: June 2010

Aim: Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor to rats has been reported to raise blood pressure (BP) and cause insulin resistance, suggestive of a central effect of insulin that is NO dependent. Herein we test whether ICV insulin has peripheral haemodynamic and metabolic effects and whether peripheral effects of systemic insulin are affected by the ICV administration of the NOS inhibitor NG‐methyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA). Methods: Anaesthetized rats were fitted with an ICV cannula for insulin, artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or l‐NMMA infusion. Rats receiving ICV l‐NMMA (500 µg) underwent systemic insulin clamp (10 mU/min/kg) or saline treatment for 70 min and were compared with animals receiving an equal amount of l‐NMMA infused systemically. Results: ICV aCSF or insulin (135 mU/min/kg brain) for 70 min or systemic l‐NMMA (500 µg) had no effect on BP, heart rate (HR), femoral blood flow (FBF), glucose infusion rate, muscle 2‐deoxyglucose uptake, microvascular perfusion or plasma insulin. However, ICV l‐NMMA reduced systemic insulin‐mediated increases in FBF (2.05 ± 0.08 to 1.55 ± 0.15 ml/min), 2‐deoxyglucose uptake (17.7 ± 0.15 to 10.0 ± 0.03 µg/g/min) and microvascular perfusion (10.5 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 1.1 mol/min) (each mean ± SE, p < 0.05); plasma insulin, HR and BP were unaffected. Conclusions: Central insulin administration had no effect on skeletal muscle haemodynamics or glucose metabolism. However, systemic insulin‐mediated increases in limb blood flow, muscle microvascular perfusion and glucose uptake may be regulated by a central pathway that is NO dependent.
Melanin and melanogenesis in adipose tissue: possible mechanisms for abating oxidative stress and inflammation?
Authors: Page S. , Chandhoke V. , Baranova A. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryObesity has become a worldwide epidemic and can lead to multiple chronic diseases. Adipose tissue is increasingly thought to play an active role in obesity‐related pathologies such as insulin resistance and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity has been strongly associated with systemic inflammation and, to a lesser degree, with oxidative stress, although the causal relationships among these factors are unclear. A recent study demonstrating an expression of the components of the melanogenic pathway and the presence of melanin in visceral adipose has raised questions regarding the possible role of melanogenesis in adipose tissue. As this study also found larger amounts of melanin in the adipose tissue of obese patients relative to lean ones, we hypothesize that melanin, a pigment known for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, may scavenge reactive oxygen species and abate oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue. This review considers the evidence to support such a hypothesis, and speculates on the role of melanin within adipocytes. Furthermore, we consider whether the α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone or its synthetic analogues could be used to stimulate melanin production in adipocytes, should the hypothesis be supported in future experiments.
Antecedents of Shareholder Activism in Target Firms: Evidence from a Multi‐Country Study
Authors: Judge William Q. , Gaur Ajai , Muller‐Kahle Maureen I. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: This study seeks to better understand the antecedents of shareholder activism targeted at firms located in three common law countries (i.e., USA, UK, and Australia) and three civil law countries (Japan, Germany, and South Korea) during the 2003–07 time period.Research Findings/Insights: Our findings suggest that the antecedents of shareholder activism vary by the motivation of the activist. We demonstrate that activists target firms with two motives (a) to improve the financial performance, and (b) to improve the social performance of the firm. With respect to the target firm level antecedents, we find that firm size is unrelated to financial activism, but positively related to social activism; ownership concentration is negatively related to both financial and social activism; and prior profitability is negatively related to financial activism, but positively related to social activism. Further, these relationships in the case of financial activism are generally stronger in common law legal systems, whereas those in the case of social activism are generally stronger in environments with a greater level of income inequality.Theoretical/Academic Implications: Our findings suggest that future research should differentiate between the motivations of the activism event. Further, we find that while agency logic works well for financial activism, institutional theory provides stronger explanations for social activism. Overall, we demonstrate the complementary nature of these two theories in explaining shareholder activism.Practitioner/Policy Implications: We found that the “exposure” to shareholder activism varies by the motivation of the activist, and the nature of the firm and its national context. An understanding of these issues would help firms develop proper response strategies to activism events.
Perceived Internet health literacy of HIV‐positive people through the provision of a computer and Internet health education intervention
Authors: Robinson Christie , Graham Joy 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective:  The objective of this study was to assess perceived Internet health literacy of HIV‐positive people before and after an Internet health information educational intervention.Methods:  We developed a 50‐min educational intervention on basic computer skills and online health information evaluation. We administered a demographic survey and a validated health literacy survey (eHEALS) at baseline, immediately after, and 3 months the class. Changes in scores between the surveys were analysed.Results:  Eighteen HIV‐positive participants were included in the final analysis. Before the intervention, most respondents’ assessment of their ability to access Internet health information was unfavourable. Post‐intervention, the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they were able to access and identify Internet health information resources. The increase in self‐assessed skill level was statistically significant for all eight items eHEALS (P < 0.05). Scores for the 3‐month follow‐up survey remained higher than pre‐intervention scores for most items.Conclusions:  Providing an interdisciplinary brief introductory Internet health information educational intervention HIV‐positive people with baseline low perceived Internet health literacy significantly improves confidence in finding and using Internet health information resources. Studies with larger numbers of participants should be undertaken to determine if brief interventions improve self‐care, patient outcomes and use of emergency services.
Can Agitated Behavior of Nursing Home Residents with Dementia Be Prevented with the Use of Standardized Stimuli?
Authors: Cohen‐Mansfield Jiska , Marx Marcia S. , Dakheel‐Ali Maha , Regier Natalie G. , Thein Khin , Freedman Laurence 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relative effect of different types of stimuli on agitated behaviors of nursing home residents with dementia.DESIGN: Repeated‐measures design with randomized assignment of conditions.SETTING: Seven Maryland nursing homes.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eleven nursing home residents with a diagnosis of dementia who exhibited agitation.INTERVENTION: Different types of stimuli (music, social stimuli, simulated social stimuli, and individualized stimuli based on the person's self‐identity) were presented.MEASUREMENTS: Agitation was directly observed and recorded using the Agitation Behavior Mapping Instrument.RESULTS: All stimulus categories were associated with significantly less physical agitation than baseline observations, and all except for manipulative stimuli were associated with significantly less total agitation. Live social stimuli were associated with less agitation than music, self‐identity, work, simulated social, and manipulative stimulus categories. Task and reading stimulus categories were each associated with significantly less agitation than work, simulated social, and manipulative stimulus categories. Music and self‐identity stimuli were associated with less agitation than simulated social and manipulative stimuli.CONCLUSION: Providing stimuli offers a proactive approach to preventing agitation in persons with dementia, with live social stimuli being the most successful.