bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morbidity and mortality following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with cirrhosis: a population‐based study
Authors: Shaheen Abdel Aziz M. , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Hubbard James N. , Myers Robert P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: The risk of cardiac surgery in patients with cirrhosis is poorly defined. Our objective was to describe outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in cirrhotic patients from a population‐based perspective.Methods: We analysed the 1998–2004 Nationwide In‐patient Sample to identify patients hospitalized for CABG surgery. The effect of cirrhosis on mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS) and charges was evaluated using logistic regression models.Results: Between 1998 and 2004, there were 403 094 CABG admissions; 711 patients (0.2%) had cirrhosis. The average annual number of surgeries increased 4.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–7.8] in cirrhotic patients, but decreased 5.5% (3.4–7.5) in non‐cirrhotic patients. Patients with cirrhosis had an increased risk of mortality [17 vs. 3%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.67; 95% CI 5.31–8.31], complications [43 vs. 28%; OR 1.99 (95% CI 1.72–2.30)] and greater LOS and charges (P<0.0001). Predictors of mortality included age over 60 (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.31–3.73), female gender (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.08–3.41), ascites (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.95–7.39) and congestive heart failure (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.08–2.84). Hospital volume and off‐pump CABG did not affect mortality.Conclusions: Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality following CABG surgery. Additional studies are necessary to refine risk stratification in this high‐risk patient population.
Seizure‐related injuries are underreported in pharmacoresistant localization‐related epilepsy
Authors: Friedman David E. , Gilliam Frank G. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To investigate and compare injury rates, associated risk factors, circumstances, and medical record documentation in patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE).Methods:  The study cohort consisted of fifty‐two consecutive adults with treatment‐resistant epilepsy and seizure classification confirmed by video‐electrocardiography (EEG) (28 with TLE and 24 with ETLE) who consented to participate. All subjects had their seizures classified with prior video‐EEG monitoring, were followed in a tertiary‐care center in northwest New York City, and received a semistructured phone interview regarding injuries experienced since being diagnosed with epilepsy.Results:  Injuries were reported in 16 (57%) of the patients with TLE and 4 (17%) of the patients with ETLE (p = 0.004 after controlling for duration of epilepsy and seizure burden); 83% of all injuries were designated by patients as seizure‐related. Most injuries (22 of 41; 54%) were classified as moderate or greater in severity. In addition, one motor vehicle accident (MVA) was reported in the TLE group and one episode of sudden unexpected death (SUDEP) was identified in the ETLE group. More than half (55%) of the injuries were not documented as seizure‐related in medical records.Conclusion:  A substantial number of potentially serious injuries are not documented as seizure related, even in a tertiary‐care setting. Patients with pharmacoresistant TLE may be at higher risk for experiencing an injury than patients with pharmacoresistant ETLE.
Beer‐Induced Pancreatic Enzyme Secretion: Characterization of Some Signaling Pathways and of the Responsible Nonalcoholic Compounds
Authors: Gerloff Andreas , Singer Manfred V. , Feick Peter 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Various alcoholic beverages have different effects on pancreatic enzyme secretion in vivo and in vitro. Recently we demonstrated that beer dose‐dependently induces amylase release of rat pancreatic acinar cells, whereas pure ethanol and other alcoholic beverages have no effect. The aims of this study were to: (1) investigate the involved signaling pathways in the beer‐induced enzyme secretion of rat pancreatic acinar cells and (2) characterize the responsible nonalcoholic compounds from beer.Methods:  Rat pancreatic AR4‐2J cells were differentiated by dexamethasone treatment for 72 hours. After incubation of cells with 1 to 10% (v/v) beer (containing 4.7% v/v ethanol) in the absence or presence of the maximal effective concentration of cholecystokinin (CCK) (100 nM) for 60 minutes, protein secretion was measured using amylase activity assay. To study the involved signaling pathways, cells were pretreated with selective inhibitors or the fluorescent dye Fura2/AM for 15 and 30 minutes, respectively. To characterize the responsible compounds, beer was distilled, lyophilized, dialyzed, or treated with proteases prior stimulation of the cells. Extract of barley was prepared by boiling the crop and subsequent filtration.Results:  Stimulation with 5% and 10% beer (v/v) significantly (p < 0.001) increased maximally CCK‐induced amylase by 55 ± 25% and 56 ± 37%, respectively. By using selective antagonists, we found that inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐receptor binding reduced beer‐induced amylase release, whereas inhibition of protein kinase C, adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A had no significant effect. Using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura‐2/AM revealed that beer induces an increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. Stimulation of AR4‐2J cells with preproducts of beer and fermented glucose indicated that the stimulatory substances from beer derived from barley and are not produced during alcoholic fermentation. Furthermore, the stimulants from beer are thermostable, nonvolatile substances with a molecular weight higher than 15 kDa.Conclusions:  Beer‐induced enzyme secretion of AR4‐2J cells is, at least in part, mediated by the activation of PLC and subsequent Ca2+ release from internal stores. However, the additive effect of beer on CCK‐induced amylase release suggests that additional signaling pathways are involved. The yet unknown stimulants of pancreatic enzyme secretion originate from barley and their stimulatory potential is maintained during the process of malting and brewing.
Intraoperative dialysis during liver transplantation with citrate dialysate
Authors: WINROW Robert M. , DAVIS Connie , HALLDORSON Jeffrey B. , AHMAD Suhail 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLiver transplantation for acutely ill patients with fulminant liver failure carries high intraoperative and immediate postoperative risks. These are increased with the presence of concomitant acute kidney injury (AKI) and intraoperative dialysis is sometimes required to allow the transplant to proceed. The derangements in the procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways during fulminant liver failure can lead to difficulties with anticoagulation during dialysis, especially when continued in the operating room. Systemic anticoagulation is unsafe and regional citrate anticoagulation in the absence of a functional liver carries the risk of citrate toxicity. Citrate dialysate, a new dialysate with citric acid can be used for anticoagulation in patients who cannot tolerate heparin or regional citrate. We report a case of a 40‐year‐old female with acetaminophen‐induced fulminant liver failure with associated AKI who underwent intraoperative dialytic support during liver transplantation anticoagulated with citrate dialysate during the entire procedure. The patient tolerated the procedure well without any signs of citrate toxicity and maintained adequate anticoagulation for patency of the dialysis circuit. Citrate dialysate is a safe alternative for intradialytic support of liver transplantation in fulminant liver failure.
Acellular dermal matrix as a barrier in guided bone regeneration: a clinical, radiographic and histomorphometric study in dogs
Authors: Borges Germana Jayme , Novaes Arthur Belém , De Moraes Grisi Márcio Fernando , Palioto Daniela Bazan , Taba Mário , De Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR), in comparison with a bioabsorbable membrane.Material and methods: In seven dogs, the mandibular pre‐molars were extracted. After 8 weeks, one bone defect was surgically created bilaterally and the GBR was performed. Each side was randomly assigned to the control group (CG: bioabsorbable membrane made of glycolide and lactide copolymer) or the test group (TG: ADM as a membrane). Immediately following GBR, standardized digital X‐ray radiographs were taken, and were repeated at 8 and 16 weeks post‐operatively. Before the GBR and euthanasia, clinical measurements of the width and thickness of the keratinized tissue (WKT and TKT, respectively) were performed. One animal was excluded from the study due to complications in the TG during wound healing; therefore, six dogs remained in the sample. The dogs were sacrificed 16 weeks following GBR, and a histomorphometric analysis was performed. Area measurements of new tissue and new bone, and linear measurements of bone height were performed.Results: Post‐operative healing of the CG was uneventful. In the TG membrane was exposed in two animals, and one of them was excluded from the sample. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for any histomorphometric measurement. Clinically, both groups showed an increase in the TKT and a reduction in the WKT. Radiographically, an image suggestive of new bone formation could be observed in both groups at 8 and 16 weeks following GBR.Conclusion: ADM acted as a barrier in GBR, with clinical, radiographic and histomorphometric results similar to those obtained with the bioabsorbable membrane.
Sinus augmentation analysis revised: the gradient of graft consolidation
Authors: Busenlechner Dieter , Huber Christian D. , Vasak Christoph , Dobsak Antonia , Gruber Reinhard , Watzek Georg 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjective: Graft consolidation follows a gradient that reflects the properties of bone substitutes at sites of sinus augmentation. Here we present an analytical method to investigate the process of graft consolidation taking the distance from the maxillary host bone into account.Material and methods: We therefore evaluated histological specimens, 6 and 12 weeks after the sinus of minipigs was augmented with Bio‐Oss®, a deproteinized bovine bone mineral, and Ostim®, an aqueous paste of synthetic nanoparticular hydroxyapatite. A curve was drawn that represents the changes in histomorphometric parameters within a given distance from the maxillary host bone.Results: Based on this curve, three regions of interest were defined: R1 (0–1 mm) the bridging distance where new bone is laid onto the host bone, R2 (2–3 mm) a region of osteoconduction where new bone exclusively grows on the biomaterial, R3 (4–5 mm) and a region of osteoconduction where bone formation has reached its maximal extension. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the three regions can reveal differences in graft consolidation, depending on the bone substitutes and the observation period [Bone volume (BV) per tissue volume after 6 weeks: R1: 19±8.4% for Bio‐Oss® and 42.9±13.2% for Ostim® (P=0.03), R2: 3±2.4% for Bio‐Oss® and 14.7±9.5% for Ostim® (P=0.03), R3: 5±4.1% for Bio‐Oss® and 5.3±5.3% for Ostim® (P=0.86). BV per tissue volume after 12 weeks: R1: 38.0±13.3% for Bio‐Oss® and 53.3±6.6 for Ostim® (P=0.04), R2: 14±12.2 for Bio‐Oss® and 26.4±11 for Ostim® (P=0.18), R3: 6.6±7 for Bio‐Oss® and 10.7±5.8 for Ostim® (P=0.32) after 12 weeks].Conclusion: Based on the graft consolidation gradient, the impact of bone substitutes to modulate the process of bone formation and the kinetic of degradation within a distinct region of the augmented sinus can be investigated.
Oral health disparities and food insecurity in working poor Canadians
Authors: Muirhead Vanessa , Quiñonez Carlos , Figueiredo Rafael , Locker David 
Published: June 2009

Abstract – Objectives:  This study explored oral health disparities associated with food insecurity in working poor Canadians.Methods:  We used a cross‐sectional stratified study design and telephone survey methodology to obtain data from 1049 working poor persons aged between 18 and 64 years. The survey instrument contained sociodemographic items, self‐reported oral health measures, access to dental care indicators (dental visiting behaviour and insurance coverage) and questions about competing financial demands. Food‐insecure persons gave ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ responses to any of the three food insecurity indicators used in the Canadian Community Health Survey (2003) assessing ‘worry’ about not having enough food, not eating enough food and not having the desired quality of food because of insufficient finances in the previous 12 months.Results:  Food‐insecure working poor persons had poor oral health compared with food‐secure working poor persons indicated by a higher percentage of denture wearers (P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of toothache, pain and functional impacts related to chewing, speaking, sleeping and work difficulties (P < 0.001). Fewer food‐insecure persons rated their oral health as good or very good (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that oral health disparities between food‐insecure and food‐secure persons related to denture wearing, having a toothache, reporting poor/very poor self‐rated oral health or experiencing an oral health impact persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and access to dental care factors (P < 0.05). Food‐insecure working poor persons reported relinquishing goods or services in order to pay for necessary dental care.Conclusions:  This study identified oral health disparities within an already marginalized group not alleviated by access to professional dental care. Working poor persons regarded professional dental care as a competing financial demand.
Bortezomib plus dexamethasone is highly effective in relapsed and refractory myeloma patients but responses are short‐lived
Authors: Corso Alessandro , Varettoni Marzia , Mangiacavalli Silvia , Zappasodi Patrizia , Pica Gian Matteo , Algarotti Alessandra , Pascutto Cristiana , Lazzarino Mario 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Bortezomib has proven to be effective as single agent in myeloma patients. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone in a cohort of multiple myeloma (MM) relapsed/refractory patients treated in a single center.Patients and Methods:  In this single center study, 70 patients were treated with bortezomib alone (9) or in combination with dexamethasone (61).Results:  Forty‐one patients (59%) achieved at least a partial response (PR), including 7% complete response (CR), 36% very good partial response (VGPR) reaching the best response within four cycles. The duration of response was significantly longer for patients achieving CR/VGPR than for those achieving PR (7.3 vs. 3.8 months, P = 0.03). Likewise, time to progression, time to alternative treatment, and treatment free interval were significantly better for patients obtaining CR/VGPR (6.8, 9.4, 6.5 months respectively) as compared with PR (4.9, 6.3, 2 months respectively). The only dose‐limiting toxicity was peripheral neuropathy (PN), which occurred in 38/70 patients (55%) and was of grade 3–4 in 12 (17%). PN led to a dose reduction or treatment discontinuation in 17 (24%) patients. Complete resolution or improvement of PN occurred in 29/38 (76%) after a median time of 100 d (range: 17–202).Conclusions:  Bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone is highly effective in relapsed/refractory MM producing an impressive rate of CR/VGPR, but responses are short‐lived.
Use of various models for in vitro percutaneous absorption studies of ultraviolet filters
Authors: Huong Srei Pisei , Bun Hot , Fourneron Jean‐Dominique , Reynier Jean‐Pierre , Andrieu Véronique 
Published: June 2009

Background: The percutaneous absorption test aims to estimate the passage of a substance across the skin. The absorption process can be described in three steps: (a) penetration of a substance into the skin layer, followed by (b) penetration from one layer into another (permeation) and finally (c) resorption into the vascular system. In vivo and in vitro models are available but owing to ethical reasons as well as the latter providing greater feasibility, in vitro models are preferred.Aims: This present study reviews the natural membranes (human skin and animal models: pig, rabbit, rat, hairless mouse, guinea‐pig and mouse), artificial skin equivalents and synthetic membranes that are currently being used for in vitro percutaneous absorption studies of UV filters, in order to provide the researcher with a greater insight when selecting membrane models for given experimental conditions.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Activating Killer Cell Immunoglobulin‐Like Receptor Genes’ Association with Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Vargas Rafael Gustavo , Bompeixe Eni Picchioni , França Patrícia Pinhode , Moraes Marcio Marques de , Bicalho Maria da Graça 
Published: June 2009

Problem  Natural killer (NK) cells are regulated through NK cell receptors such as killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs). KIRs are suspected of being involved in the causes of recurrent miscarriage (RM) as a higher proportion of activated NK cells were observed in women with RM when compared with that in controls. The aim of this study was to investigate if KIR genes coding for receptors known to have as ligands HLA class I molecules are correlated with RM.Method of study A matched case–control study was carried out in 68 south Brazilian Caucasian patient couples with RM and 68 control fertile couples. KIR genes were typed by PCR‐Reverse SSO method.Results The rate of possession of an elevated number of activating KIR genes (positive for five or six activating KIR genes out of six different activating KIR genes analyzed) in RM patient women was significantly higher (P = 0.0201) when compared with that in control fertile women. These data suggest that women carrying a high content of activating KIR genes have about threefold increased probability to develop RM [OR = 2.71; 95% CI (1.23–6.01)].Conclusion Our results indicate that RM could be associated with NK cell activation mediated by a profile rich in activating KIR genes.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: CCL20/MIP3α is a Novel Anti‐HIV‐1 Molecule of the Human Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Ghosh Mimi , Shen Zheng , Schaefer Todd M. , Fahey John V. , Gupta Phalguni , Wira Charles R. 
Published: June 2009

Problem  CCL20/MIP3α is a chemokine for immature dendritic cells as well as an antibacterial against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The role of CCL20/MIP3α as an antiviral is unknown. In this study, we have examined the production of CCL20/MIP3α by epithelial cells from the upper female reproductive tract as well as its activity as an antiviral molecule.Method of study  Primary uterine and Fallopian tube epithelial cells were treated with Poly(I:C) and CCL20/MIP3α mRNA and protein was measured by Realtime RT‐PCR and ELISA assays. Anti‐HIV activity was determined using an indicator cell line TZM‐bl and quantified by using a luminometer.Results  Primary uterine and Fallopian tube epithelial cells produce CCL20/MIP3α constitutively and the production is enhanced following stimulation with viral double‐stranded RNA mimic Poly(I:C). Recombinant CCL20/MIP3α was able to inhibit both T‐cell‐tropic X4/IIIB and macrophage‐tropic R5/BaL HIV‐1 when virus was directly incubated with CCL20/MIP3α but not when CCL20/MIP3α was added to cells either prior to infection or post‐infection. This suggests that the mechanism of inhibition is likely to be a direct interaction between HIV‐1 and CCL20/MIP3α.Conclusion  This study demonstrates that CCL20/MIP3α is an important endogenous anti‐HIV‐1 microbicide of the female reproductive tract.
The expression of heat shock protein 70 in the dental pulp following trauma
Authors: Pileggi Roberta , Holland Graham Rex 
Published: June 2009

Abstract –  Background/Aim:  Traumatic dental injuries vary in severity from mild concussion to avulsion. All organisms respond to stress by inducing the synthesis of a group of proteins known generically as heat shock proteins. The activation of these proteins is an essential cellular mechanism designed to protect against a variety of environmental stresses. It is probable that the production of these proteins is increased in the cells of the traumatized dental pulp, however, this has not as yet been demonstrated. The degree of heat shock proteins expression may be related to the severity of the trauma such that estimating the extent of heat shock proteins expression may provide a practicable way of quantifying these injuries.Materials and Methods:  Twenty adult male ferrets were divided into four groups. Each maxillary and mandibular right canine was traumatized with the contralateral canines acting as undamaged controls. The trauma was a simulated concussion injury applied using a uniform force. Animals were killed at 24, 48, 72 and 168 h after the injury. The canines were extracted, sectioned and processed for immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for Hsp70.Results:  There was a statistically significant difference in Hsp70 staining between traumatized and non‐traumatized teeth only in the group observed 24 h after the trauma. The expression of heat shock proteins form part of the early pulpal response to trauma.
Serum of patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris impairs keratinocyte wound repair in vitro: a time‐lapse study on the efficacy of methylprednisolone and pyridostigmine bromide
Authors: Lanza A , Stellavato A , Heulfe I , Landi C , Gombos F , Cirillo N 
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting primarily oral mucosa and skin. Among the drugs used for the therapy of pemphigus, both methylprednisolone (MP) and pyridostigmine bromide (PBr) can prevent acantholysis in vitro. However, their putative therapeutic properties in regenerating PV‐like lesions and promoting the healing process still remain to be demonstrated. To address this issue, here we have developed a model for studying the process of epithelial cleft regeneration in PV by artificially wounding keratinocyte monolayers.Materials and methods:  The experimental model was established by scratching confluent monolayers to simulate the epithelial cleft; then, wound regeneration in the presence of submaximal concentrations of PV sera was studied by time‐lapse microscopy, with or without the addition of MP and PBr in the culture medium.Results:  Pemphigus vulgaris serum inhibited epithelial cleft repair of wounded monolayers. Indeed, in the presence of 10% (v/v) PV serum, keratinocytes reached only 2% confluence within 72 h vs an almost complete healing of controls. When administered together with PV sera, MP significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced wound fill by 30% after 72 h. PV‐associated wound repair was significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated by PBr by 24 h and keratinocytes reached 20% confluence after 72 h. Interestingly, neither MP nor PBr could accelerate wound healing when compared with untreated control monolayers.Conclusions:  In PV, MP and PBr exert their curative effects in part by enhancing the regeneration properties of keratinocytes. Indeed, our data suggest that both drugs can specifically counterbalance the detrimental effects of PV serum on keratinocyte wound healing. These findings provide an explanation for the efficacy of MP and PBr in the treatment of PV lesions in human skin and oral mucosa.