bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a quality monitoring program for platelet components: a report of the first four years' experience at Canadian Blood Services
Authors: Levin Elena , Jenkins Craig , Culibrk Brankica , Gyöngyössy‐Issa Maria I.C. , Serrano Katherine , Devine Dana V. 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: A quality monitoring program (QMP) for platelet concentrates (PCs) was implemented at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to improve standards and to better understand platelet (PLT) products by supplementing routine quality control (QC).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Annual surveys of PCs from CBS production sites were conducted, with four completed to date (QMP Cycles 1‐4) spanning two different PC production methods: PLT‐rich plasma (PRP) and buffy coat (BC). Randomly selected PCs were sent to a central laboratory and tested 1 day after expiry. An expanded panel of tests including CD62P expression by flow cytometry, mean PLT volume, PLT count and morphology, extent of shape change, and PLT metabolic parameters, were applied.RESULTS: QMP data on the implementation of the BC production method across CBS indicated that BC PCs have less variable in vitro quality measures than PRP PCs. For the QC parameters pH and PLT count per unit, the range of mean values from each site for QMP 3 and 4 fell well within the range defined by regulatory standards, a first step in defining quality benchmarks for PCs. Of the extended panel of quality parameters, CD62P expression was the most sensitive indicator of change and identified an issue with the implementation of the BC PC production method at one site, which was subsequently remedied.CONCLUSION: A QMP was found to be useful to monitor production processes across sites and highlights best practice approaches while deepening understanding of the quality of PLT products at CBS.
Synthesis of Hollow Silica Fibers with Porous Walls by Coaxial Electrospinning Method
Authors: Katoch Akash , Kim Sang Sub 
Published: November 2011

Hollow Silica (SiO2) fibers with porous walls were synthesized by a coaxial electrospinning method. The SiO2 sol prepared by a sol–gel route was blended with polyvinylacetate to prepare precursor solutions for electrospinning. Electrospinning‐synthesized hollow SiO2 fibers were highly porous with pore diameters of ~45 nm. A slow heating rate <5°C/min during calcination was required to sustain the hollow and porous morphology. In addition, aligned hollow SiO2 fibers were successfully synthesized using a separate electrode configuration.
Phagocytic cell activity and periodontitis in Down syndrome
Authors: Khocht A , Russell B , Cannon JG , Turner B , Janal M 
Published: November 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 346–352Background:  This study investigated the phagocytic function of peripheral granulocytes and monocytes from adult individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and assessed the relation between phagocytic function and periodontal status.Methods:  Fifty‐five DS individuals (18–56 years old), 74 mentally retarded individuals, and 88 medically healthy controls (HC) participated in the study. Gingival inflammation index, plaque index, probing depth, periodontal attachment level (AL), and bleeding on probing were taken for each subject. Whole blood was collected for granulocyte/monocyte phagocytosis tests. Phagocytic function was determined by flow cytometry in terms of percentage of cells actively involved in phagocytosis, and phagocytic intensity (magnitude of the bacterial staining per cell).Results:  Phagocytic intensity of both granulocytes and monocytes was comparable in HC and DS subjects. While AL was directly related to phagocytic intensity of both granulocytes (r = 0.14, P = 0.03) and monocytes (r = 0.2, P = 0.003) in all subjects, this relationship was stronger in DS than in other subjects, even after controlling for known risk factors for periodontitis (P < 0.05). Monocyte phagocytic intensity was the only necessary predictor of AL (P = 0.003), indicating a similar relationship between AL and phagocytic activity in either cell type.Conclusions:  While granulocyte and monocyte phagocytic intensities are similar in Down and non‐DS individuals, phagocytic intensity was associated with more AL in DS than non‐DS individuals.
Oxytocin in schizophrenia: a review of evidence for its therapeutic effects
Authors: MacDonald Kai , Feifel David 
Published: November 2011

Background:The suggestion that the neurohormone oxytocin may have clinical application in the treatment of schizophrenia was first published in 1972. Since then, a considerable body of research on a variety of fronts – including several recent double-blind treatment trials – has buttressed these early reports, providing support for the assertion that the oxytocin system is a promising and novel therapeutic target for this devastating malady. Herein, we review the diverse, convergent lines of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of oxytocin in psychotic illness.Methods:We performed a systematic review of preclinical and clinical literature pertaining to oxytocin's role in schizophrenia.Results:Multiple lines of evidence converge to support the antipsychotic potential of oxytocin. These include several animal models of schizophrenia, pharmacological studies examining the impact of antipsychotics on the oxytocin system, human trials in patients examining the aspects of the oxytocin system and several double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical treatment trials.Conclusions:There exists considerable, convergent evidence that oxytocin has potential as a novel antipsychotic with a unique mechanism of action. Auspiciously, based on the few chronic trials to date, its safety profile and tolerability appear very good. That said, several critical clinical questions await investigation before widespread use is clinically warranted.
Decompression of large cystic lesions of the jaw: a case series
Authors: Sammut S. , Morrison A. , Lopes V. , Malden N. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim:  To present a series of clinical cases of large odontogenic cysts of the jaw treated with surgical decompression and insertion of a drainage stent.Materials and methods:  Fourteen patients with jaw cysts of odontogenic origin were followed up from time of presentation until there was clinical and radiographic resolution of the cystic lesion. The cysts were all treated with surgical decompression and insertion of a stent.Results:  In all cases, there was radiographic evidence of bony infill and complete resolution of the radiolucent area. In those cysts associated with an unerupted tooth, there was also evidence of spontaneous eruption. None of the patients suffered any serious post‐operative consequences.Conclusions:  Decompression is a viable alternative to more aggressive techniques in the management of large cysts of the jaw. There is minimal post‐operative morbidity, and the technique may reduce the need for general anaesthesia.
An evaluation of a novel instrument for measuring macular pigment optical density: the MPS 9000
Authors: Loughman James , Scanlon Grainne , Nolan John M. , O’Dwyer Veronica , Beatty Stephen 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  Of the antioxidants found in the human retina, only the macular carotenoid quantities can be estimated noninvasively (albeit in a collective fashion), thus facilitating study of their role in that tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate concordance between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) values recorded on a commercially available instrument, the MPS 9000, with those of an already validated heterochromatic flicker photometry instrument. Also, we assessed and compared test–retest variability for each instrument.Methods:  Macular pigment optical density at 0.5 retinal eccentricity was measured using two different heterochromatic flicker photometers, the MPS 9000 and the Macular DensitometerTM, in 39 healthy subjects. Test–retest variability was evaluated separately for each instrument by taking three readings over a 1‐week period in 25 subjects.Results:  There was a moderate positive correlation for MPOD at 0.5° of retinal eccentricity between the MPS 9000 and the Macular Densitometer described by the linear equation y = 0.763x + 0.172 (r = 0.68, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.46); however, a paired‐samples t‐test showed a significant difference in terms of mean values, with a bias of lower MPOD values being yielded by the MPS 9000 (t = −4.103, p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis indicated only moderate agreement between the two instruments, reflected in 95% limits of agreement of 0.1 ± 0.27. Inter‐sessional repeatability, expressed as a coefficient of repeatability, ranged from 0.18 to 0.21 [mean (±SD): 0.19 (0.02)] for the MPS 9000 and from 0.11 to 0.12 [mean (±SD): 0.12 (0.01)] for the Macular Densitometer.Conclusion:  The results demonstrate that the MPS 9000 consistently yields MPOD readings, which are lower than that found with the Macular Densitometer, and exhibits substantial test–retest variability.
Effect of Discontinuation of Tamsulosin in Korean Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride: An Open‐Label, Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: LEE Joo Yong , KANG Dong Hyuk , PARK Sung Yul , LEE Seung Wook , KIM Yong Tae , CHOI Hong Yong , MOON Hong Sang 
Published: November 2011

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effect of discontinuing tamsulosin in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who had been receiving combination therapy with tamsulosin and dutasteride.Methods: The study sample consisted of 108 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms who visited our urology clinics between April 2008 and December 2010. All were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The patients had IPSS of 8–19 and prostate volumes ≥25 mL by transrectal ultrasonography. They were put on tamsulosin and dutasteride, and the efficacy of this regimen was assessed every 12 weeks. After 48 weeks, patients were divided at random into a group continuing to take the same drug combination (group 1) and a group taking only dutasteride 0.5 mg (group 2).Results: Sixty‐nine of the original 108 patients completed the study, 36 (52%) in group 1 and 33 (48%) in group 2. The mean age of all patients was 67.96 ± 7.88 years and mean prostatic volume was 40.45 ± 12.81 mL. Mean prostate‐specific antigen was 3.31 (0.4–9.9) ng/mL at the outset. The IPSS scores of the two groups at first visit, 48 and 72 weeks were, respectively, 14.69 versus 15.85 (P = 0.322), 12.08 versus 12.85 (P = 0.582) and 10.89 versus 11.06 (P = 0.897.) There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and 72‐week IPSS scores in both groups (group 1: P < 0.001, group 2: P < 0.001).Conclusion: In patients with moderate IPSS, discontinuing tamsulosin after 48 weeks of combined tamsulosin and dutasteride therapy has no significant effect on outcome.
Augmented reduction of islet β‐cell mass in Goto‐Kakizaki rats fed high‐fat diet and its suppression by pitavastatin treatment
Authors: Mizukami Hiroki , Inaba Wataru , Takahashi Kazunori , Inoue Keisuke , Sawanobori Kimio , Yagihashi Soroku 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAims/Introduction:  High fat diet (HFD) is known to be a risk for development of type 2 diabetes. It is unclear, however, how it affects the glucose tolerance or the islet structure in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is: (i) to examine the effects of HFD on the islet in GK rats, non‐obese type 2 diabetic model; and (ii) to explore if pitavastatin treatment influences the change.Materials and Methods:  To see the effects of HFD on islet changes in type 2 diabetes, 4‐week old male GK and Wistar rats were fed HFD for 16 weeks and subjected to glucose tolerance tests and pathological studies of the islet. The effects of pitavastatin (3 mg/kg/day for 16 weeks, oral), one of the lipophilc statins, were also examined in both GK and Wistrar rats fed with or without HFD.Results:  The HFD induced hyperlipidemia and aggravated glucose intolerance in both GK and Wistar rats. Pitavastatin treatment did not influence the glucose tolerance in HFD‐fed animals. HFD caused an increase in hepatic lipid contents in all the animals, which was partially suppressed by pitavastatin treatment. GK rats showed reduced β‐cell mass, and fibrosis and macrophage migration in the islets. HFD feeding in GK rats augmented these changes which were associated with enhanced expression of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine and an increase in apoptotic cells. Pitavastatin treatment improved the HFD‐induced islet pathology, and pancreatic insulin contents paralleled the structural changes.Conclusions:  HFD feeding worsened the islet pathology in GK rats which was suppressed by pitavastatin treatment. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00173.x, 2011)
Is acupressure an effective and low‐cost self‐administered treatment for dysmenorrhoea?
Authors: Melchart D , Eustachi A 
Published: November 2011

Bazarganipour F, Lamyian M, Heshmat R, Abadi MA, Taghavi A.A randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of applying a simple acupressure protocol to the Taichong point in relieving dysmenorrhea.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2010; 111: 105–9.
Home Medicines Reviews: a quantitative study of the views of recipients and eligible non-recipients
Authors: Carter Stephen R , Chen Timothy F , White Lesle 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objective
There is a lack of knowledge regarding recipients' experiences with, perceptions of, and willingness to reuse the Home Medicines Review (HMR) programme in Australia. In addition, little is known about eligible non-recipients' awareness of and willingness to use the HMR service. The aim of the study was therefore to explore perceptions of, and willingness to use, HMRs.

Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted with recipients and eligible non-recipients of HMRs. Eligible non-recipients were defined as those who had not had an HMR and were at risk of medication misadventure. The questionnaire was distributed by 264 practising pharmacists throughout Australia.

Results
A total of 595 out of 1893 (31%) HMR recipients and 293 out of 1829 (16%) eligible non-recipients completed the questionnaires. Overall, 91% of recipients were satisfied with the service. Compared with eligible non-recipients, recipients were more willing to have an HMR if their general practitioner (GP) suggested it (91% versus 71%, P &lt; 0.001) and more willing to ask for an HMR if they were having concerns about their medicines (82% versus 63%, P &lt; 0.001). Among eligible non-recipients, 23% were aware of HMRs. Predominantly pharmacists (68%) and GPs (36%) provided awareness of HMRs, which was associated with increased willingness to have an HMR if their GP suggested it (83% versus 67%, P &lt; 0.014).

Conclusions
An overwhelming majority of patients were satisfied with the HMR programme. Experience with HMR, and to a lesser extent, prior awareness, increased willingness to use HMR. Therefore, pharmacists and GPs who introduce HMR to eligible non-recipients may increase their willingness to use this service.
Repeated Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Results in CD4+T Cell-Dependent and -Independent Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling in a Mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 Microenvironment That Requires Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10
Authors: Shreiner Andrew B. , Murdock Benjamin J. , Sadighi Akha Amir A. , Falkowski Nicole R. , Christensen Paul J. , White Eric S. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Huffnagle Gary B. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTPulmonary arterial remodeling is a pathological process seen in a number of clinical disease states, driven by inflammatory cells and mediators in the remodeled artery microenvironment. In murine models, Th2 cell-mediated immune responses to inhaled antigens, such as purifiedAspergillusallergen, have been reported to induce remodeling of pulmonary arteries. We have previously shown that repeated intranasal exposure of healthy C57BL/6 mice to viable, restingAspergillus fumigatusconidia leads to the development of chronic pulmonary inflammation and the coevolution of Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses in the lungs. Our objective was to determine whether repeated intranasal exposure toAspergillusconidia would induce pulmonary arterial remodeling in this mixed Th inflammatory microenvironment. Using weekly intranasal conidial challenges, mice developed robust pulmonary arterial remodeling after eight exposures (but not after two or four). The process was partially mediated by CD4+T cells and by interleukin-4 (IL-4) production, did not require eosinophils, and was independent of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-17. Furthermore, remodeling could occur even in the presence of strong Th1 and Th17 responses. Rather than serving an anti-inflammatory function, IL-10 was required for the development of the Th2 response toA. fumigatusconidia. However, in contrast to previous studies of pulmonary arterial remodeling driven by theA. fumigatusallergen, viable conidia also stimulated pulmonary arterial remodeling in the absence of CD4+T cells. Remodeling was completely abrogated in IL-10−/−mice, suggesting that a second, CD4+T cell-independent, IL-10-dependent pathway was also driving pulmonary arterial remodeling in response to repeated conidial exposure.
Defining the Roles of Human Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cellular Adhesion Molecules during Neutrophil Responses to Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Sarantis Helen , Gray-Owen Scott D. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTSymptomatic infection of humans withNeisseria gonorrhoeaeis characterized by a neutrophil-rich cervical or urethral exudate, suggesting that neutrophils are important both for the clearance of these bacteria and for the pathogenesis of gonorrhea.Neisseriainteracts with neutrophils through ligation of human carcinoembryonic antigen related-cellular adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) by their surface-expressed Opa proteins, resulting in bacterial binding, engulfment, and neutrophil activation. Multiple CEACAMs are expressed by human neutrophils, and yet their coexpression has precluded understanding of the relative contribution of each CEACAM to functional responses of neutrophils during neisserial infection. In this work, we directly address the role of each CEACAM during infection by introducing individual human CEACAMs into a differentiated murine MPRO cell line-derived neutrophil model. Murine neutrophils cannot bind the human-restrictedNeisseria; however, we show that introducing any of the Opa-binding CEACAMs of human neutrophils (CEACAM1, CEACAM3, and CEACAM6) allows binding and entry ofNeisseriainto murine neutrophils. While CEACAM1- and CEACAM6-expressing neutrophils bind more bacteria, neisserial uptake via these two receptors unexpectedly proceeds without appreciable neutrophil activation. In stark contrast, neisserial engulfment via CEACAM3 recapitulates the oxidative burst and intracellular granule release seen during human neutrophil infection. Finally, by coexpressing multiple CEACAMs in our model, we show that the expression of CEACAM1 and CEACAM6 potentiate, rather than hinder, CEACAM3-dependent responses of neutrophils, exposing a cooperative role for this family of proteins during neisserial infection of neutrophils. These observations illustrate a divergence in function of CEACAMs in neutrophils and implicate the human-restricted CEACAM3 in the neutrophil innate response to neisserial infection.
Macrophages Are Critical for Cross-Protective Immunity Conferred by Babesia microti against Babesia rodhaini Infection in Mice
Authors: Li Yan , Terkawi Mohamad Alaa , Nishikawa Yoshifumi , Aboge Gabriel Oluga , Luo Yuzi , Ooka Hideo , Goo Youn-Kyoung , Yu Longzheng , Cao Shinuo , Sun Yongfeng , Yamagishi Junya , Masatani Tatsunori , Yokoyama Naoaki , Igarashi Ikuo , Xuan Xuenan 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTAlthough primary infection of mice withBabesia microtihas been shown to protect mice against subsequent lethal infection byBabesia rodhaini, the mechanism behind the cross-protection is unknown. To unravel this mechanism, we investigated the influence of primary infection of mice with nonlethalB. microtiusing different time courses on the outcome of subsequent lethalB. rodhainiinfection. Simultaneous infections of mice with these parasites resulted in rapid increases in parasitemia, with 100% mortality in BALB/c mice, as observed with control mice infected withB. rodhainialone. In contrast, mice with acute, resolving, and chronic-phaseB. microtiinfections were completely protected againstB. rodhaini, resulting in low parasitemia and no mortalities. Mice immunized with deadB. microtiwere not protected fromB. rodhainiinfection, although high antibody responses were induced. Interestingly, the protected mice had significantly decreased levels of antibody response, cytokines (including gamma interferon [IFN-γ], interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12), and nitric oxide levels after infection withB. rodhaini. SCID mice and IFN-γ-deficient mice with chronicB. microtiinfections demonstrated protective responses comparable to those of immunocompetent mice. Likewise,in vivoNK cell depletion did not significantly impair the protective responses. Conversely, macrophage depletion resulted in increased susceptibility toB. rodhainiinfection associated with changes in their antibody and cytokines profiles, indicating that macrophages contribute to the protection against this challenge infection. We conclude that future development of vaccines againstBabesiashould include a strategy that enhances the appropriate activation of macrophages.
Use of genetic markers to aid in re-establishing migratory connectivity in a fragmented metapopulation of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Authors: DeHaan Patrick W. , Bernall Shana R. , DosSantos Joseph M. , Lockard Lawrence L. , Ardren William R. 
Published: November 2011

Dams and other barriers fragment important migratory corridors for bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) across the species range. Three dams constructed without fish passage facilities prevented migratory bull trout in the Lake Pend Oreille and Clark Fork River system in Idaho and Montana, USA, from returning to their natal spawning tributaries for nearly 100 years. We genotyped bull trout from 39 spawning tributaries to assemble a baseline data set that we used to develop a real-time genotyping and analysis protocol to assist with upstream fish transport decisions. Self-assignment tests and analysis of blind samples indicated that unknown individuals could be assigned to their region of origin with a high degree of confidence. From 2004 to 2010, genetic assignments were conducted for 259 adult bull trout collected below mainstem dams. Based on genetic assignments, 203 fish were transported upstream above one or more dams. This protocol has helped re-establish connectivity in a fragmented system, providing increased numbers of spawning adults for numerically depressed populations above the dams. We discuss the utility of genetic data for assisting with upstream passage decisions.