bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STEM CELL TREATMENTS IN CHINA: RETHINKING THE PATIENT ROLE IN THE GLOBAL BIO‐ECONOMY
Authors: CHEN HAIDAN , GOTTWEIS HERBERT 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe paper looks in detail at patients that were treated at one of the most discussed companies operating in the field of untried stem cell treatments, Beike Biotech of Shenzhen, China. Our data show that patients who had been treated at Beike Biotech view themselves as proactively pursuing treatment choices that are not available in their home countries. These patients typically come from a broad variety of countries: China, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa and Australia. Among the patients we interviewed there seemed to be both an awareness of the general risks involved in such experimental treatments and a readiness to accept those risks weighed against the possible benefits. We interpret this evidence as possibly reflecting the emergence of risk‐taking patients as ‘consumers’ of medical options as well as the drive of patients to seek treatment options in the global arena, rather than being hindered by the ethical and regulatory constraints of their home countries. Further, we found that these patients tend to operate in more or less stable networks and groups in which they interact and cooperate closely and develop opinions and assessments of available treatment options for their ailments. These patients also perform a multiple role as patients, research subjects, and research funders because they are required to pay their way into treatment and research activities. This new social dynamics of patienthood has important implications for the ethical governance of stem cell treatments.
Optical Analysis of Strength Tests Based on Block‐Matching Techniques
Authors: Rodriguez Alvaro , Rabuñal Juan R. , Pérez Juan L. , Martínez‐Abella Fernando 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  One of the main issues in civil engineering is to analyze the behavior of materials in strength tests. Traditionally, information about displacements and strains in the materials is carried out from these tests using physical devices such as strain gauges or other transducers.Although these devices provide accurate and robust measurements in a wide range of situations, they are limited to obtaining measurements in a single point of the material and in a single direction of the movement, thus, the global behavior of the material cannot be analyzed.The proposed technique consists of the integration of a calibration process with a block‐matching algorithm to measure displacements from images. This algorithm uses the similarity between regions in the images to extract the 2D vector displacement field from each point, and to quantify the strain on the surface of the material.The proposed algorithm has been designed to measure displacements from real images of material surfaces taken during strength tests, and it has the advantages of being robust with long‐range displacements, of performing the analysis on the image space domain (avoiding the problems related to the use of Fourier Transforms), and of measurements in long sequences related to a real point of the material and not to a pixel position.
Molecular heterogeneity in the choroid plexus epithelium: the 22‐member γ‐protocadherin family is differentially expressed, apically localized, and implicated in CSF regulation
Authors: Lobas Mark A. , Helsper Lindsey , Vernon Claire G. , Schreiner Dietmar , Zhang Yong , Holtzman Michael J. , Thedens Daniel R. , Weiner Joshua A. 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 913–927.AbstractThe choroid plexus (CP) epithelium develops from the ependyma that lines the ventricular system, and plays a critical role in the development and function of the brain. In addition to being the primary site of CSF production, the CP maintains the blood–CSF barrier via apical tight junctions between epithelial cells. Here we show that the 22‐member γ‐protocadherin (γ‐Pcdh) family of cell adhesion molecules, which we have implicated previously in synaptogenesis and neuronal survival, is highly expressed by both CP epithelial and ependymal cells, in which γ‐Pcdh protein localization is, surprisingly, tightly restricted to the apical membrane. Multi‐label immunostaining demonstrates that γ‐Pcdhs are excluded from tight junctions, basolateral adherens junctions, and apical cilia tufts. RT‐PCR analysis indicates that, as a whole, the CP expresses most members of the Pcdh‐γ gene family. Immunostaining using novel monoclonal antibodies specific for single γ‐Pcdh proteins shows that individual epithelial cells differ in their apically localized γ‐Pcdh repertoire. Restricted mutation of the Pcdh‐γ locus in the choroid plexus and ependyma leads to significant reductions in ventricular volume, without obvious disruptions of epithelial apical‐basal polarity. Together, these results suggest an unsuspected role for the γ‐Pcdhs in CSF production and demonstrate a surprising molecular heterogeneity in the CP epithelium.
Acute encephalopathy in children with Dravet syndrome
Authors: Okumura Akihisa , Uematsu Mitsugu , Imataka George , Tanaka Manabu , Okanishi Tohru , Kubota Tetsuo , Sudo Akira , Tohyama Jun , Tsuji Megumi , Ohmori Iori , Naiki Misako , Hiraiwa‐Sofue Ayako , Sato Hitoshi , Saitoh Shinji , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: November 2011

SummaryPurpose:  The occurrence of acute encephalopathy in children with Dravet syndrome has been reported sporadically. This study clarified the features of acute encephalopathy in children with Dravet syndrome.Methods:  Through the mailing list of the Annual Zao Conference on Pediatric Neurology, we collected 15 patients with clinically diagnosed Dravet syndrome, who had acute encephalopathy, defined as a condition with decreased consciousness with or without other neurologic symptoms, such as seizures, lasting for >24 h in association with infectious symptoms.Key Findings:  There were seven boys and eight girls. A mutation of the SCN1A gene was present in nine (truncation in six and missense in three). The frequency of seizures during the 3 months before the onset of acute encephalopathy was monthly in seven children and none in three. The median age at the onset of acute encephalopathy was 44 months (range 8–184 months). All children had status epilepticus followed by coma as the initial manifestation. Two different distributions of brain lesions were observed on diffusion‐weighted images during the acute phase: cerebral cortex–dominant lesions with or without deep gray matter involvement and subcortical‐dominant lesions. Four children died; nine survived with severe sequelae, and two had moderate sequelae.Significance:  We must be aware that acute encephalopathy is an important complication in children with Dravet syndrome, and associated with fulminant clinical manifestations and a poor outcome.
Methodology of photic stimulation revisited: Updated European algorithm for visual stimulation in the EEG laboratory
Authors: Kasteleijn‐Nolst Trenité Dorothée , Rubboli Guido , Hirsch Edouard , Martins da Silva Antonio , Seri Stefano , Wilkins Arnold , Parra Jaime , Covanis Athanasios , Elia Maurizio , Capovilla Giuseppe , Stephani Ulrich , Harding Graham 
Published: November 2011

SummaryIntermittent photic stimulation (IPS) is a common procedure performed in the electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory in children and adults to detect abnormal epileptogenic sensitivity to flickering light (i.e., photosensitivity). In practice, substantial variability in outcome is anecdotally found due to the many different methods used per laboratory and country. We believe that standardization of procedure, based on scientific and clinical data, should permit reproducible identification and quantification of photosensitivity. We hope that the use of our new algorithm will help in standardizing the IPS procedure, which in turn may more clearly identify and assist monitoring of patients with epilepsy and photosensitivity. Our algorithm goes far beyond that published in 1999 (Epilepsia, 1999a, 40, 75; Neurophysiol Clin, 1999b, 29, 318): it has substantially increased content, detailing technical and logistical aspects of IPS testing and the rationale for many of the steps in the IPS procedure. Furthermore, our latest algorithm incorporates the consensus of repeated scientific meetings of European experts in this field over a period of 6 years with feedback from general neurologists and epileptologists to improve its validity and utility. Accordingly, our European group has provided herein updated algorithms for two different levels of methodology: (1) requirements for defining photosensitivity in patients and in family members of known photosensitive patients and (2) requirements for tailored studies in patients with a clear history of visually induced seizures or complaints, and in those already known to be photosensitive.
Use of Fraction Flow Reserve to Predict Changes over Time in Management of Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: LOTFI A.S. , SIVALINGAM S.K. , GIUGLIANO G.R. , ASHRAF J. , VISINTAINER P. 
Published: November 2011

Background:

Peripheral arterial disease is a condition characterized by progressive arterial narrowing, which affects patients’ quality of life. The purposes of this study were to (1) establish the feasibility of obtaining peripheral fractional flow reserve (pFFR) in the peripheral vascular circulation, (2) demonstrate an association between baseline pFFR and peak systolic velocity (PSV) measured by duplex ultrasound, and (3) correlate postintervention pFFR with future restenosis using the change in PSV over time as a surrogate.
Methods:

Twenty patients underwent baseline ankle brachial index (ABI) and PSV testing. Pre‐ and postintervention pFFR was performed. Patients were followed with three ABI and PSV recordings during the 1 year follow‐up period. The association between baseline PSV, ABI, and pFFR with changes in PSV over time were explored. Predictors of postprocedural PSV over time were determined.
Results:

The baseline translesional‐resting ratio was significantly different from the pFFR using adenosine (0.79 ± 0.08 vs. 0.71 ± 0.09, P = 0.01). Baseline PSV was significantly associated with preintervention pFFR (–0.77, P < 0.001). Compared to patients with a postprocedure pFFR > 0.95, patients with a postprocedure pFFR < 0.95 had a significantly more rapid rise in PSV over time (P = 0.009).
Conclusion:

This is the first study to demonstrate that the peripheral vascular bed does respond to vasodilatation thereby supporting the use of pFFR for this procedure. In our study, postintervention pFFR < 0.95 predicted a more rapid increase in PSV over time, which is a reasonably accepted surrogate for restenosis. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:71–77)
Topical pimecrolimus effect on Fas inducing apoptosis in oral lichen planus: a clinical immunohistochemical study
Authors: Ibrahim Suzan S. , Hazzaa Hala H. 
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 315–321Objective:  To investigate the effectiveness of pimecrolimus treatment in patients not responding to corticosteroid treatment and to investigate its effect on Fas expression on keratinocytes in oral lichen planus (OLP).Subjects and Methods:  Twenty patients with OLP were recruited from the Oral Medicine Clinic at the School of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt. Pimecrolimus 1% cream with a hydrophilic adhesive gel base was applied to the oral lesions, four times daily, for a total of 2 months. A marker lesion was identified and assessed by clinical scoring (CS). The symptomatology score was obtained using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pre‐treatment and post‐treatment specimens were immunohistochemically stained for detecting Fas.Results:  The results of clinical scores showed statistically high significant improvement (P = 0.0001). The mean VAS decreased significantly over time as well as the mean of Fas expression (P < 0.05). The overall percentage of reduction from baseline to week 8 was 87%, 93%, and 67% for clinical scores, visual analog score, and Fas expression, respectively.Conclusions:  Topical pimecrolimus reduced Fas expression, and it appears to be a promising alternative treatment for OLP.
Comminuted mandibular fracture in child victim of dog bite
Authors: de Carvalho Matheus Furtado , Hardtke Luiz Augusto Paixão , de Souza Max Filipe Cota , de Oliveira Araujo Vasco 
Published: November 2011

Abstract – Dog bites represent lesions commonly found in Hospital Emergency Clinic. This type of lesion may cause severe harm to patients, but it rarely affects the underlying bone structure causes facial fracture. This study aims to illustrate a rare clinical case in which a pediatric patient presented a comminuted fracture in the mandible which evolved into a unilateral avulsion of the mandibular condyle, body fractures as well as a mandibular ramus and hemiface that had been deformed, with multiple lacerations and loss of soft‐tissue mass. Intermaxillary fixation was performed using the Ivy method, followed by internal rigid fixation using miniplates and screws in attempt to reconstruct the child’s mandible. After 2 years of follow‐up, a satisfactory esthetics and functional results could be observed.
Open cap splint with circummandibular wiring for management of pediatric mandibular parasymphysis/symphysis fracture as a definitive treatment modality; a case series
Authors: Kale Tejraj P. , Urologin Sarvesh B. , Kapoor Abhishek , Lingaraj J. B. , Kotrashetti Sharadindu M. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract – Management of pediatric maxillofacial injuries is mainly governed by their psychological, physiological, developmental, and anatomical characteristics. Pediatric mandibular fractures can have variable etiologies but have similar manifestations as those in adult patients. There are various treatment modalities to treat mandibular parasymphysis/symphysis fractures in children, which have their own limitations and complications. We currently describe our experience with open cap splint as a treatment modality which involves fewer risks in treating 10 pediatric parasymphysis/symphysis mandibular fractures.
Serum metabolites, ghrelin and leptin are modified by age and/or diet in weanling kittens fed either a high‐ or moderate‐protein diet
Authors: VESTER Brittany M. , BELSITO Katherine R. , SWANSON Kelly S. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of in utero and postnatal exposure of a high‐protein (HP; n = 9) or moderate‐protein (MP; n = 16) diet on growth, and serum metabolite, ghrelin and leptin concentrations during the first 4 months of life in kittens. It was hypothesized that blood indices would be modified due to diet. Blood samples were collected from kittens at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Kittens were weaned at 8 weeks of age onto the same diet as the dam. Body weight was measured weekly from birth and daily food intake for each litter was recorded post‐weaning. Serum concentrations of urea nitrogen, total protein and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.05) in kittens fed the HP diet. Serum cholesterol concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in MP‐fed kittens at 4 weeks of age. Moderate‐protein fed kittens tended to have greater (P < 0.10) serum ghrelin concentrations. Leptin concentrations were not affected by diet, but changed over time (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that diet and age of kittens affect circulating concentrations of peptides important in appetite regulation. Further research testing the effects of in utero and early postnatal nutrient exposure on feline obesity risk in adulthood is needed.
Immunological characteristics and response to lipopolysaccharide of mouse lines selectively bred with natural and acquired immunities
Authors: NARAHARA Hiroki , SAKAI Eri , KATAYAMA Masafumi , OHTOMO Yukiko , YAMAMOTO Kanako , TAKEMOTO Miki , ASO Hisashi , OHWADA Shyuichi , MOHRI Yasuaki , NISHIMORI Katsuhiko , ISOGAI Emiko , YAMAGUCHI Takahiro , FUKUDA Tomokazu 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTGenetic improvement of resistance to infectious diseases is a challenging goal in animal breeding. Infection resistance involves multiple immunological characteristics, including natural and acquired immunity. In the present study, we developed an experimental model based on genetic selection, to improve immunological phenotypes. We selectively established three mouse lines based on phagocytic activity, antibody production and the combination of these two phenotypes. We analyzed the immunological characteristics of these lines using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is one of the main components of Gram‐negative bacteria. An intense immunological reaction was induced in each of the three mouse lines. Severe loss of body weight and liver damage were observed, and a high level of cytokine messenger RNA was detected in the liver tissue. The mouse line established using a combination of the two selection standards showed unique characteristics relative to the mouse lines selected on the basis of a single phenotype. Our results indicate that genetic selection and breeding is effective, even for immunological phenotypes with a relatively low heritability. Thus, it may be possible to improve resistance to infectious diseases by means of genetic selection.
EFFECTS OF PARTIAL AND COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF SODIUM CHLORIDE WITH POTASSIUM CHLORIDE ON THE TEXTURE, FLAVOR AND WATER‐HOLDING CAPACITY OF MARINATED BROILER BREAST FILLETS
Authors: LEE Y.S. , ZHEKOV Z.G. , OWENS C.M. , KIM M. , MEULLENET J.F. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTExperiments were conducted to investigate the effects of varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) on the quality of marinated broiler breast fillets. Fillets were deboned at 2‐h postmortem and marinated with a 15% solution containing water, different concentrations of NaCl or KCl and 0.45% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Fillets were vacuum marinated in different NaCl or KCl concentrations. The tenderness of marinated fillets was instrumentally assessed by the Meullenet–Owens razor shear. Water‐holding capacity, including marinade uptake, retention, thaw loss and cook loss, was also evaluated. Significant improvements in tenderness, thaw loss and cook loss were observed as the amounts of NaCl increased compared with the control (STPP only). Replacing greater than 50% of NaCl with KCl resulted in significant decreases in tenderness; however, no significant changes were observed for all instrumental and sensory characteristics below this level. Replacement levels did not significantly decrease retention and thaw loss, while cook loss increased with the increase in KCl concentrations.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis research would be of benefit to poultry processors who would like to know the optimal level of potassium chloride (KCl) in an effort to reduce the amount of sodium for marinating broiler breast meat. It is concluded that a maximum of 50% of KCl could be used with a minimal change of qualities in marinating broiler breast meat.
ULTRASOUND‐ASSISTED OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION OF CRANBERRIES: EFFECT OF FINISH DRYING METHODS AND ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY ON TEXTURAL PROPERTIES
Authors: SHAMAEI SAMIRA , EMAM‐DJOMEH ZAHRA , MOINI SOHRAB 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTIn this study, the effect of osmotic pretreatments (with or without ultrasound) in combination with hot‐air or microwave‐assisted hot‐air drying methods on the texture, microstructure, color and water activity of dried cranberries were investigated. Osmotic pretreatments were done in a ternary solution (sucrose–NaCl–water) under three different temperatures: 30, 40 and 50C. The concentrations of osmotic solutions were 40, 50 and 60% of sucrose and 0, 4 and 8% of NaCl. Also, the influence of the two levels of frequency of ultrasound (35 and 130 kHz) on the quality properties was investigated. Our results showed lower hardness and water activity (aw) when higher temperature, sucrose and salt were used. Applying ultrasound reduced the hardness and aw of samples. With increasing the frequency of ultrasound, hardness (N) and aw were decreased. Microwave energy reduced drying time and can modify the structure, texture strength and color of the final product.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCranberry contains high levels of phytochemicals, which have health‐promoting properties. Some of these phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins, act as an antioxidant, reducing the oxidative damage to cells, which can lead to cancer, heart disease and other degenerative diseases. Recently, cranberry products have been used with the hope of preventing or treating urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections, which can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque. Osmotic dehydration is a suitable way to produce shelf‐stable products or partially dehydrated foods without enduring heat damage. The osmotically dehydrated cranberries can be consumed as healthy snacks or can be suited to a wide range of food formulations, including jams or sweets.
RHEOLOGICAL STUDY OF BREAKFAST REPLACING RECIPES USED IN THE TREATMENT OF DYSPHAGIA
Authors: CLAES JOHAN E. , DE MAESSCHALCK LIEVEN , HUYSMANS VEERLE , VAN EYCK HANNE , SCHITTECAT SOPHIE , PASTUER MIEKE , MOLDENAERS PAULA 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe rheological properties of a new breakfast concept for demented elderly are evaluated. Seven different recipes are compared, mainly consisting of milk, pudding, soft cheese, rusks and a taste ingredient. These recipes have a well‐balanced nutritional profile and show an improved swallowing act for the patients.The rheological characteristics can be summarized as thixotropic, shear thinning and having gel‐like behaviour. The thixotropic behaviour and the viscosity range are comparable with those of commercially available fluid thickeners. Although the seven recipes do not differ in the swallowing act of the patients, their characteristic viscosities are within a range of one order of magnitude. In addition, the same recipe prepared several times may yield statistically different viscosities as well. This is probably due to the high volume fraction of particles in the products. Standardization of the recipe preparation with respect to viscosity is therefore very difficult.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe present work describes the rheological properties of breakfast recipes that are suitable for demented elderly with dysphagia. The practical applications are twofold. Scientists will gain more insight into the required rheological characteristics of the food products for demented elderly who encounter swallowing problems. This enhances further research to develop food‐based solutions for dysphagia. It will also assist in the development of new recipes (for breakfasts or other meals). On the other hand, the food industry can use this research in the development of food products that are intended for this population.