bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of the AKT pathway inhibits metastasis in an orthotopic model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Knowles Joseph A. , Golden Blake , Yan Li , Carroll William R. , Helman Emily E. , Rosenthal Eben L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:MK‐2206 is an orally active, allosteric inhibitor of AKT, a component of the phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) pathway. The PI3K‐AKT pathway is a downstream signaling pathway that has recently been found to play an important role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The objective of this study is to examine the role AKT inhibition may play in treatment of HNSCC.Study Design:In vivo and in vitro study.Methods:Cell migration after 24‐hour treatment with subtherapeutic doses of MK‐2206 was assessed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in four HNSCC cell lines: CAL27, FaDu, SCC‐1, and SCC‐5. In vitro effect of MK‐2206 on cell migration was assessed by making linear scratches in culture plates after cell lines were grown to confluency. Images were taken at 8, 16, and 24 hours. In vivo analysis was performed on nude mice with human SCC1‐orthotopic tongue tumors. After tumors were allowed to grow for 7 days, mice were treated with oral dosing of 120 mg/kg of MK‐2206 every other day for 2 weeks. Tumor size was assessed after each treatment using a pair of digital calipers. At the end of the treatment period, mice were sacrificed and cervical lymph nodes were assessed for metastasis using fluorescent imaging of tumor cell markers.Results:Subtherapeutic doses of MK‐2206 were sufficient to significantly reduce cell migration in FaDu, SCC‐1, and SCC‐5 cell lines (P < .001) but not in Cal27 (P = .09). In vitro scratch test results in SCC‐1 cells yielded significant reduction in cell movement at 8, 16, and 14 hours (P < .001). In vivo orthotopic model yielded significant reduction in primary tumor size (P = .04) and reduction in positive cervical lymph nodes (P = .01) between treatment and control mice. In addition we found 100% survival of MK‐2206 treated mice after 2 weeks of treatment compared with 70% survival in our control group (P = .03).Conclusions:Treatment with MK‐2206 is sufficient to inhibit HNSCC chemotaxis and migration in vitro. In an orthotopic model, treatment with MK‐2206 reduces primary tumor size and cervical metastasis while improving survival. MK‐2206 currently is being used in phase II clinical trials for combination treatment of metastatic solid tumors and may be useful for treating HNSCC as well. Laryngoscope, 121:2359‐2365, 2011
Status epilepticus as a main manifestation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cordelli Duccio Maria , Masetti Riccardo , Bernardi Bruno , Barcia Giulia , Gentile Valentina , Biagi Carlotta , Prete Arcangelo , Pession Andrea , Franzoni Emilio 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundPosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a severe neurological complication after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Seizures are a common manifestation of PRES. Status epilepticus (SE) is a potentially life‐threatening event rarely described in this condition. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and electroencephalographic features of SE as a manifestation of PRES in children after allo‐HSCT.ProcedureWe retrospectively identified episodes of SE as a consequence of PRES out of 211 children who received allo‐HSCT in the period January 2000 to June 2008.ResultsPRES was diagnosed in 11 patients. We identified 12 episodes of SE associated to PRES in 10 patients. Nonconvulsive SE (NCSE) involving posterior regions of the brain (confirmed by EEG monitoring) was observed in four cases; convulsive SE (CSE) was observed in eight cases. Gaze deviation, oculoclonic movements, nystagmus, and altered mental status were the main clinical signs during NCSE and preceded CSE in 5/8 cases. Most patients needed intensive care management. A complete normalization of neurological examination and EEG pattern was observed in all patients after SE and withdrawal of causative agent. Follow‐up MRI showed complete resolution of brain edema in all patients.ConclusionsOur experience shows that SE is more frequent than previously reported and is often the main manifestation of PRES after pediatric allo‐HSCT. Looking for suggestive clinical signs as well as routine use of EEG monitoring may allow prompt recognition of SE and therapy of both SE and PRES. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 785–790. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical Properties of Individual Layers in a‐SiC:H Multilayer Film
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Trivedi Rutul , Skoda David 
Published: October 2011

AbstractHydrogenated amorphous carbon‐silicon (a‐SiC:H) multilayer film consisting of five soft bilayers (layer A: E = 15.4 GPa, H = 1.69 GPa; layer B: E = 9.63 GPa, H = 0.94 GPa) was deposited from tetravinylsilane monomer at two RF powers (10, 0.1 W) on silicon wafer by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The multilayer comprising ten layers of 0.13‐µm thickness was sectioned at a shallow angle of 4° by ultramicrotomy to reveal the individual layers. The layers in the multilayer film were distinguished by the surface topography mode of semicontact atomic force microscopy utilizing the step character in height corresponding to the stiffness of the individual layers and by atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM) utilizing the distribution of resonant frequencies corresponding to elastic anisotropy. The sectioned individual layers were sufficiently smooth (roughness: 0.001 µm) to make nanoindentation measurements for each layer. The Young's modulus E and hardness H were determined for individual layers, enabling us to distinguish a stiffer layer A from a more pliant layer B. An influence of the surrounding layers and substrate on the determined mechanical constants was discussed as well.magnified image
Retigabine: first‐in‐class AED for partial‐onset seizures
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Neligan Aidan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRetigabine (Trobalt) is a new antiepileptic drug with a novel mode of action and licensed as adjunctive treatment for partial‐onset seizures. In our New products review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse events and Dr Aidan Neligan discusses its place in the treatment of epilepsy. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Co‐prescription of a nitrate or nicorandil with a PDE‐5 inhibitor
Authors: Spencer Rachel , Serumaga Brian 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this series we present a number of prescribing safety indicators developed as part of an RCGP project.1 The evidence base behind each of the indicators is given along with information to illustrate their clinical significance. We provide a ‘real‐life’ audit based on the indicator to show how practices could begin to analyse their own prescribing data. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
The performance of the modified Φ(ϱz) approach as compared to the love and scott, ruste and standard ZAF correction procedures in quantitative electron probe microanalysis
Authors: Bastin G. F. , Heijligers H. J. M. , van Loo F. J. J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe recently introduced modified Gaussian φ(ϱz) approach is compared with three other correction procedures for quantitative electronprobe microanalysis. On the basis of results obtained for 441 published microanalysis data it is concluded that the modified Φ(ϱz) approach and the Love‐Scott correction model perform equally well and are both superior to the Ruste and ZAF correction models. Special attention has been paid to the new atomic number correction proposed by Love et al. It was found to be only marginally better than that of the Φ(ϱz) approach.
Detectable resistance in electron beam testing of wiring networks
Authors: Brunner M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractElectron beam testing of wiring and packaging modules allows detection of high resistance shorts between networks up to resistances which may be well above 1 GΩ. The detection of low resistance defects is limited by electron beam currents, network capacitance, and testing time. The dependence of the smallest detectable resistance on technical parameters is discussed for three proposed test techniques employing one or two electron beams. The detection limit is estimated for a realistic case to be between 5MΩ and 10 MΩ.
Elective Global Surgery Rotations for Residents: A Call for Cooperation and Consortium
Authors: Mitchell Katrina B. , Tarpley Margaret J. , Tarpley John L. , Casey Kathleen M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundInternational elective experiences are becoming an increasingly important component of American general surgery education. In 2011, the Residency Review Committee (RRC) approved these electives for credit toward graduation requirements. Previous surveys of general surgery program directors have established strong interest in these electives but have not assessed the feasibility of creating a national and international database aimed at educational standardization. The present study was designed to gain in‐depth information from program directors about features of existing international electives at their institution and to ascertain interest in national collaboration.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study of 253 United States general surgery program directors was conducted using a web‐based questionnaire program.ResultsOf the program directors who responded to the survey, twelve percent had a formal international elective in place at their institution, though 80% of these did not have a formal associated curriculum for the rotation. Sixty percent of respondents reported that informal international electives existed for their residents. The location, length, and characteristics of these electives varied widely. Sixty‐eight percent of program directors would like to participate in a national and international database designed to facilitate standardization of electives and educational exchange.ConclusionsIn a world of increasing globalization, international electives are more important than ever to the education of surgery residents. However, a need for standardization of these electives exists. The creation of an educational consortium and database of international electives could improve the academic value of these electives, as well as provide increased opportunities for twinning and bidirectional exchange.
Contrast Dispersal Patterns as a Predictor of Clinical Outcome With Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbar Radiculopathy
Authors: Paidin Mark , Hansen Pamela , McFadden Molly , Kendall Richard 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between epidural contrast dispersal patterns from lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) and both immediate‐ and short‐term pain reduction. We also investigated the effect of the grade of nerve root compression on contrast dispersal pattern and pain reduction.DesignRetrospective review of data from a previous prospective study of outcomes after TFESI.SettingAcademic spine and musculoskeletal clinic.Patient SampleThirty‐eight subjects who underwent single‐level lumbar TFESI for unilateral lumbar radicular pain.MethodsA retrospective assessment of a digital database of TFESIs for unilateral lumbar radicular pain. Type of contrast pattern was analyzed by 2 physiatrists as type I (tubular appearance); type II (nerve root visible as a filling defect); or type III (cloudlike appearance). Grade of nerve root compression on magnetic resonance also was analyzed by 2 physiatrists as grade I abutment, grade II displacement, or grade III entrapment.Outcome MeasuresEffect of type of contrast pattern and grade of nerve root compression on change in Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at time of injection (T1), 2 weeks after (T2), and 2 months after (T3).ResultsMean decrease in NPRS at all time points was statistically significant with both types I and III contrast dispersal patterns. Groups with grades II and III nerve root compression had statistically significant reductions in NPRS at all time points.ConclusionsIn this retrospective review we found that TFESIs can have an immediate beneficial effect on pain regardless of contrast pattern type or grade of nerve root compression. Subjects with higher grades of nerve root compression and a type I or III contrast pattern have significantly greater reductions in pain at 15 minutes, 2 weeks, and 2 months. Our findings are limited by methodological restrictions, and further confirmation with a prospective trial to review other possible associated factors is recommended.
Analysis of the melt phase of a rotating polymer disc supporting a diffusion flame
Authors: Nayagam Vedha , Williams F. A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWhen a laminar diffusion flame is established over a spinning, thermoplastic, polymer fuel disc in a quiescent, oxidizing environment, the polymer melts and flows radially outwards, causing some fuel to be lost and not transported to the diffusion flame. The viscosity of the liquid in the melt layer retards the radial flow, thereby determining the amount of fuel lost. The melt layer is analysed here for two limiting cases, namely one in which the liquid viscosity depends strongly on temperature, leading to an asymptotic analysis involving two zones in the liquid, and one in which the liquid viscosity is constant, independent of temperature, so that there is only one zone in the liquid. The utility of these two limits is assessed by comparing their predictions with those of full numerical integrations for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) discs burning in air at atmospheric pressure.
Maternal undernutrition during critical windows of development results in differential and sex-specific effects on postnatal adiposity and related metabolic profiles in adult rat offspring
Authors: Howie G. J. , Sloboda D. M. , Vickers M. H. 
Published: October 2011

It is well established that altered maternal nutrition may induce long-term metabolic consequences in offspring. However, the effects of maternal undernutrition during different developmental windows on sex-specific growth and metabolism in offspring are not well defined. We investigated the effect of moderate maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation on postnatal growth and metabolic outcomes in offspring. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control (CONT) dams fed a standard diet throughout pregnancy and lactation; (2) dams undernourished to 50 % of CONT during pregnancy (UNP); (3) dams fed at 50 % of CONT throughout lactation (UNL); (4) dams fed at 50 % of CONT throughout pregnancy and lactation (UNPL). UNP and UNPL offspring were lighter at birth compared to CONT and UNL. UNL and UNPL offspring were growth restricted at weaning and remained smaller into adulthood. UNP males and females developed increased adiposity and hyperleptinaemia in adulthood compared to all other groups. Adiposity in UNL and UNPL males was similar to CONT offspring. In UNL and UNPL females, adiposity was lower than for CONT females. Markers of bone mass, lipid metabolism and hepatic function were altered in UNP offspring but were similar in UNL and UNPL offspring compared to CONT. Lack of catch-up growth during lactation in offspring of undernourished mothers prevented development of adiposity and related metabolic disorders in later life. These data highlight that the timing and duration of undernutrition during critical windows of development exert differential effects on postnatal outcomes in a sex-specific manner.
EFFECT OF REDUCED TILLAGE AND MINERAL FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON MAIZE AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: KIHARA J. , BATIONO A. , WASWA B. , KIMETU J. M. , VANLAUWE B. , OKEYO J. , MUKALAMA J. , MARTIUS C. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYReduced tillage is said to be one of the potential ways to reverse land degradation and ultimately increase the productivity of degrading soils of Africa. We hypothesised that crop yield following a modest application of 2 t ha−1 of crop residue in a reduced tillage system is similar to the yield obtained from a conventional tillage system, and that incorporation of legumes in a cropping system leads to greater economic benefits as opposed to a cropping system involving continuous maize. Three cropping systems (continuous maize monocropping, legume/maize intercropping and rotation) under different tillage and residue management systems were tested in sub-humid western Kenya over 10 seasons. While soybean performed equally well in both tillage systems throughout, maize yield was lower in reduced than conventional tillage during the first five seasons but no significant differences were observed after season 6. Likewise, with crop residue application, yields in conventional and reduced tillage systems are comparable after season 6. Nitrogen and phosphorus increased yield by up to 100% compared with control. Gross margins were not significantly different among the cropping systems being only 6 to 39% more in the legume–cereal systems relative to similar treatments in continuous cereal monocropping system. After 10 seasons of reduced tillage production, the economic benefits for our cropping systems are still not attractive for a switch from the conventional to reduced tillage.
Being informed and involved in treatment: what do psychiatric patients think? A review
Authors: Paccaloni Monica , Pozzan Tecla , Zimmermann Christa 
Published: October 2011

SummaryAims – A narrative review of studies on the information needs of psychiatric patients, the knowledge of their diagnosis and treatment expectations. Methods – A literature review, limited to studies between 1980 to 2003, was carried out using Medline and Psychlnfo databases. Results – Sixty five studies of interest were identified. Less than half of the psychiatric patients know their diagnosis and patients affected by schizophrenia are the least informed. Notions about aetiology and treatment are patchy, and the concept of ‘multifactorial cause’ seems unknown. Little knowledge emerged about drugs and side effects, expecially in the long term. Patients want to be informed, involved in decisions and their treatment programme. They feel that their psychiatrists are more interested in pharmacological aspects than in their personal problems. Conclusions – A better quality of communication, the involvement of patients in decision processes and meeting patients' information needs is necessary to improve therapeutic relationships, to encourage greater compliance with treatment programs and to reduce the stigma of psychiatric illness.Declaration of Interest: none of the three authors has had any interest or received any form of support, including that from drug companies and honoraria for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work.
Attuned Practice: a service user study of specialist child and adolescent mental health, UK
Authors: Hart Angie , Saunders Alex , Thomas Helen 
Published: October 2011

SummaryAims – Best practice emphasises user involvement. This exploratory study addresses the views of teenage clients and their parents on service delivery in a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) serving a population of 250,000. It aims to explore some of the complexities inherent in children's services when parents are integral to modes of treatment. Methods — Twenty-seven teenage clients from specialist CAMHS were recruited with their parents (n=30). All were white British, 11 boys and 16 girls, from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Focus groups were employed using a series of structured interactive technique to elicit information, preceded by home visits. Analysis of interview data followed standard approaches to qualitative data analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated from both home interview data and focus groups. Results – Three themes emerged: the core values implicated in establishing a therapeutic alliance; the style of therapy and mode of practice (i.e. its inclusiveness of different family members). Practice implications – Core therapeutic skills are of fundamental importance. Our paper supplements a model of organisational user involvement with a model of therapeutic user involvement for use in negotiating mode of practice. Conclusions – This exploratory study was a collaboration between service users, researchers and health professionals exploring three important themes of therapy and the complexities inherent in children's services. The process of eliciting views was therapeutic in itself leading to the formation of a parent-led self-help group. The design can be replicated in other specialist CAMHS to achieve attuned practice.Declaration of Interest: none.
Costs and outcome of care in subjects with a severe mental disorder
Authors: Percudani Mauro , Gerzeli Simone , Massagrandi Raffaella , Jommi Claudio , Fattore Giovanni , Cerati Giorgio , Contini Agostino 
Published: October 2011

SummaryObjective – The objectives of the paper are the following: i) to describe the activities and the costs of care for patients with severe mental disorders; ii) to evaluate the association between costs, clients' characteristics and outcome measures. Methods – Patients were administered the following instruments twice a year: BPRS, GAF, HoNOS, DAS II, VSSS-54, QPF. Use of psychiatric services and other resources were collected for each patient over a two-year period. Results – The average yearly cost per patient is Euro 3,300. First-contact patients cost twice as much as patients already in treatment. Service costs are associated to patients' age, marital status and working condition. Annual costs are also associated with the initial score of BPRS, GAF, DAS and HoNOS. In multiple regression analysis age, initial BPRS and DAS scores, as well as being a first-contact patient, are strongly positively associated to annual costs. Conclusions – These results highlight the importance of monitoring routine activities of psychiatric services and the flow of funds for psychiatric care in the Italian public health system.Declaration of Interest: the research project was funded by a grant from the Lombardy Region Health Authority.
Social economic inequalities and mental health II. Methodological aspects and literature review
Authors: Tello Juan Eduardo , Bonizzato Paola 
Published: October 2011

SummaryObjective- This study provides a framework for mental health inequalities beginners. It describes the methods used to measure socio economic inequalities and the inter-relations with different aspects of mental health: residence, mental health services organisation and main diagnostic categories.Method- Literature electronic-search on Medline, Psyclit, Econlit, Social Science Index and SocioSearch usingand relating the key-words inequalities, deprivation, poverty, socio-economic status, social class, occupational class, mental health for the period 1965-2002 (June). The articles selected were integrated with manual search (publications of the same authors, cross-references, working documents and reports of international andregional organisations).Results- Inequality is not an absolute concept and, mainly, it has been changing during the last years. For example, the integration and re-definition of variables that capture, in simple indices, a complex reality; the accent on social more than on economic aspects; the geo-validity and time-reference of the inequality's indices. Moreover, the inequalities could be the result of individual preferences, in this case, the social selectionand social causation issues will raise the suitability for a public intervention.Conclusions- Up to now, research has been mainly concentrated in describing and measuring health inequalities. For designing effective interventions, policy makers need to ground decisions on health-socioeconomic inequalities explanatory models.Declaration of Interestthis work was partly funded by the Department of the Public Health Sciences “G. Sanarelli” of the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and the Department of Medicine and Public Health of the University of Verona.