bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary antioxidant biomarkers in non‐ferrous metals mine workers – a pilot study
Authors: Greabu Maria , Didilescu Andreea , Puiu Ligia , Miricescu Daniela , Totan Alexandra 
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 490–493Objective:  The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relationships between occupational exposure to mine dust, salivary antioxidants and their possible implications in the pathogenicity of different exposure diseases.Material and methods:  We studied 30 individuals with long‐term occupational exposure to non‐ferrous metal mine conditions and a control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. Salivary uric acid, gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured.Results:  Statistically significant differences in salivary GGT (P = 0.004), TAC (P < 0.001) and uric acid (P = 0.02) were noted between the two groups. A strong positive correlation between TAC and uric acid was recorded in controls (r = 0.76, P = 0.0002).Conclusions:  Saliva may provide an important line of antioxidant defense in humans exposed to oxidant threats. These components may also serve as convenient biomarkers to monitor oxidant exposure.
Involvement of toll‐like receptors in autoimmune sialoadenitis of the non‐obese diabetic mouse
Authors: Shimizu Shigeyoshi , Kurashige Yoshihito , Nishimura Michiko , Yamazaki Mami , Sato Jun , Saitoh Masato , Selimovic Denis , Abiko Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 517–523The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) during the development of sialoadenitis in the non‐obese diabetic mouse. Submandibular glands were dissected from non‐obese diabetic mice at 4, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks of age. The mRNA expression levels of TLR1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, MyD88, and TRIF was quantified using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA expression levels in 4‐week‐old non‐obese diabetic mice were used as controls. The expression levels of TLR1, 2, 4, and 9 were significantly higher at 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks than the levels in the controls. The expression level of TLR3 was significantly higher at 16 weeks than in the controls. A group of mice were given drinking water containing 4.75% chloroquine starting at 4 weeks. Chloroquine caused a significant decrease in the expression of TLR1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 at 16 weeks compared with control mice who did not receive chloroquine. The areas of lymphocyte infiltration seen on serial sections of submandibular glands in the mice receiving chloroquine were significantly smaller than the areas of infiltration in control glands. Increased expression of Toll‐like receptors may be involved in the development and/or progression of sialoadenitis in the non‐obese diabetic mouse. Toll‐like receptors may be a therapeutic target for autoimmune sialoadenitis.
Parents' management of children's pain at home after surgery
Authors: Vincent Catherine , Chiappetta Maria , Beach Abigail , Kiolbasa Carolyn , Latta Kelsey , Maloney Rebekah , Van Roeyen Linda Sue 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPurpose.  We tested home pain management for children for effects on pain intensity, analgesics administered, satisfaction, and use of healthcare services over 3 post‐discharge days.Design and Methods.  In this quasi‐experimental study with 108 children and their parents, we used the numeric rating scale or the Faces Pain Scale‐Revised, calculated percentages of analgesics administered, and asked questions about expectations, satisfaction, and services. Between‐group differences were tested with t‐tests and analysis of variance.Results:  After home pain management for children, children reported moderate pain, and parents administered more analgesics on study days. Parents and children were satisfied; parents used few services. Written instructions and a brief interactive session were not sufficient to change parents' analgesic administration practices to relieve their children's pain.Practice Implications.  Further research is needed to develop and test effective education interventions to facilitate relief of children's postoperative pain.
Perceptions of NPs and administrators in regard to the governing and supervision of NPs in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Hui‐Ling , Hsin Tung Heng , Guu Sy‐Ming , Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Chang Ching‐Fen 
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Purpose: To determine the perceptions of nurse practitioners (NPs) and administrators in regard to the governing and supervision of NPs, using a qualitative approach.Data sources: The study used a qualitative research design, with 14 participants recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a semi‐structured interview and were analyzed through content analysis to identify the concepts and themes.Conclusions: NPs in Taiwan are challenged by a number of barriers; however, they remain positive that their circumstances will improve.Implications for practice: The results indicated that clinicians and hospital managers, including NPs themselves, need to have a solid understanding of NP regulations. Communication with other disciplines and policymakers is key to success in the NP role. This study provides valuable information for NPs, other healthcare professionals, and administrators in terms of promoting the role of NPs.
Association between indicators of dementia and nutritional status in institutionalised older people
Authors: Galesi Lilian Fernanda , Leandro‐Merhi Vânia Aparecida , de Oliveira Maria Rita Marques 
Published: March 2012

Background and aims.  Dementia weakens older people and can lead to malnutrition; therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the association between indicators of dementia and biochemical indicators, anthropometric indicators and food intake in institutionalised older people.Methods.  A total of 150 older people of both genders participated in this study. Nutritional status was determined by body mass index and other anthropometric variables, and biochemical indicators were used to analyse the differences between individuals with and without dementia. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined by food records, and dementia was investigated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination. The data were analysed by the chi‐square test, Student’s t‐test and Mann–Whitney tests.Results.  Of the 150 individuals studied, 48% were men with a mean age of 73 ± 10 years and 52% were women with a mean age of 80 ± 9 years. Thirty‐six per cent had some degree of malnutrition and 48% presented dementia, which was more prevalent in women (59%). The nutritional status of men and women individuals with and without dementia differed significantly (P < 0.001 for men and women). The only variables that presented a significant difference between individuals with and without dementia were those associated with muscle mass in men. There were no differences in energy and nutrient intakes between individuals with and without dementia except for vitamin C intake, which differed among women (P = 0.032).Conclusion.  In the conditions of the present study, dementia was associated with nutritional status, but not with energy and nutrient intakes, suggesting that older people with dementia may have higher nutritional requirements.Implications for practice.  Investigation of dementia may contribute to the nutritional status assessment of older people and energy expenditure and immobility should be investigated for a more complete assessment.
Incidental Diagnosis in Healthy Clinical Trial Subjects
Authors: Duncan Christopher J.A. , Rowland Rosalind , Lillie Patrick J. , Meyer Joel , Sheehy Susanne H. , O’Hara Geraldine A. , Hamill Matthew , Donaldson Hannah , Dinsmore Laura , Poulton Ian D. , Gilbert Sarah C. , McShane Helen , Hill Adrian V.S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPreviously unrecognized medical conditions identified in volunteers for early phase clinical studies have significant clinical and ethical implications for the participant. It is therefore crucial that the potential for unexpected diagnosis is addressed during the informed consent process. But the frequency of incidental diagnosis in healthy volunteers who attend for clinical trial screening remains unclear. To assess this we retrospectively analyzed 1,131 independent screening visits for 990 volunteers at a single academic center over a 10‐year period to describe the frequency and nature of new clinical findings. Overall 23 of 990 volunteers (2.3%) were excluded at screening for a newly diagnosed medical abnormality. Some clinically important conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome and familial hypercholesterolemia were identified. The frequency of abnormalities was associated with increasing age in males (p= 0.02 χ2 for trend) but not females (p= 0.82). These data will assist those planning and conducting phase I/II vaccine trials in healthy volunteers, and importantly should strengthen the informed consent of future trial participants. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 348–350
Association of Sp1 Tandem Repeat Polymorphism of ALOX5 with Coronary Artery Disease in Indian Subjects
Authors: Todur Seema P. , Ashavaid Tester F. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLipoxygenases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) for its potent proinflammatory role. The Sp1 addition/deletion polymorphism in promoter region of the 5‐lipoxygenase gene (ALOX5) has been associated with increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. To determine the role of this polymorphism in our population we performed a case–control‐genetic association study on 117 healthy controls and 119 angiographically verified CAD patients. Biochemical analysis was performed using standard automated assays. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and LDL‐C subfraction levels were estimated using precipitation methods. Genotyping of polymorphism in the ALOX5 (Sp1 variants) was done using PCR‐based heteroduplex analysis and automated sequencing. The Sp1 promoter repeat variants were found to be associated with CAD (p < 0.0001, OR = 4.47, 95% confidence interval = 2.58–7.74). Furthermore, the 5/5 genotype of the ALOX5 polymorphism in the healthy subjects was found to be associated with elevated HDL‐C (p= 0.004), HDL3‐C (p= 0.04), apo A1 (p= 0.011) and sdLDL (p= 0.001). We conclude that this polymorphism influences LDL and HDL subfraction levels and is a risk factor for CAD in our population. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 408–411
Three decades of horseshoe crab rearing: a review of conditions for captive growth and survival
Authors: Carmichael Ruth H. , Brush Erik 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThreats to wild horseshoe crab populations and growing interest in their use for research, education and biomedical applications have prompted demand for improved techniques to rear and maintain crabs in captivity. Although numerous laboratory studies have been conducted to determine growth and survival of horseshoe crabs under various conditions, these data have not been compiled and summarized to inform culture practices. We surveyed the literature and analysed the range of available techniques to identify and define a consistent set of conditions for maximum growth and survival of horseshoe crabs in culture. We considered three age classes; embryo, juvenile and adult, and included all extant species (Limulus polyphemus, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Tachypleus gigas and Tachypleus tridentatus). We discovered relatively few published studies that clearly related husbandry conditions to growth and survival. Comparison among studies was complicated by inconsistent data collection and reporting techniques. Most published sources reported data for younger age classes, and more studies considered L. polyphemus than Asian species. The most commonly reported variables (temperature, salinity, enclosure maintenance and diet composition) showed size dependent and in some cases species‐specific effects on growth and survival that will be important in guiding culture efforts. We suggest that future studies give additional consideration to substrate type, water flow, dissolved oxygen concentrations, diet quality and the quantity and frequency of feeding. If laboratory‐reared stocks are to be used for propagation and restoration activities, future studies will benefit from closing these data gaps and promoting international data sharing.
18F‐FDG‐PET and 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT in the detection of recurrent or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Xu , Bao Lihua , Xu Zhaoqiang , Li Dianfu , Wang Jie , Li Yongjun 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate diagnostic performance of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose position emission tomography (FDG‐PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detection of recurrent or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in patients after surgery with a meta‐analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Two investigators independently extracted the data about study characteristics and examination results. Pooled estimates of sensitivity of FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT were obtained. Fifteen studies met all inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of FDG‐PET ranged from 0.47 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.21–0.73) to 0.96 (95%CI: 0.86–0.99), the sensitivity of FDG‐PET/CT ranger from 0.47 (95% CI: 0.31–0.64) to 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65–0.90). The pooled sensitivities of FDG‐PET and PET/CT were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.64–0.72) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.64–0.74), respectively. There was no statistic significant between FDG‐PET and PET/CT. Our results indicate that FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT has reasonable sensitivity in detecting recurrent or metastatic MTC after primary surgery. However, no single diagnostic technique is able to reliably demonstrate the full extent of disease in patients with recurrent or metastatic MTC, the combination of cross‐sectional radiography with FDG‐PET or PET/CT is recommended.
Plant DNA barcodes and the influence of gene flow
Authors: NACIRI YAMAMA , CAETANO SOFIA , SALAMIN NICOLAS 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSuccess of species assignment using DNA barcodes has been shown to vary among plant lineages because of a wide range of different factors. In this study, we confirm the theoretical prediction that gene flow influences species assignment with simulations and a literature survey. We show that the genome experiencing the highest gene flow is, in the majority of the cases, the best suited for species delimitation. Our results clearly suggest that, for most angiosperm groups, plastid markers will not be the most appropriate for use as DNA barcodes. We therefore advocate shifting the focus from plastid to nuclear markers to achieve an overall higher success using DNA barcodes.
Plasma Inflammatory Mediator Concentrations at ICU Admission in Dogs with Naturally Developing Sepsis
Authors: DeClue A.E. , Sharp C.R. , Harmon M. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundIdentifying biomarkers to aide in the diagnosis and prognostication of sepsis in dogs would be valuable to veterinarians.ObjectiveTo compare plasma inflammatory mediator concentrations among dogs with sepsis, noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NSIRS), and healthy dogs.AnimalsDogs with sepsis (n = 22), NSIRS (n = 23), and healthy dogs (n = 13) presenting to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a veterinary teaching hospital.MethodsProspective observational study. Clinical parameters were recorded for each dog and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) bioactivity and concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)‐8 and IL‐10 were determined at ICU presentation.ResultsDogs with sepsis and NSIRS were significantly more likely to have measurable TNF activity (sepsis 20/22; NSIRS 19/20; healthy 0/13) and IL‐6 concentration (sepsis 12/22; NSIRS 15/23; healthy 2/13), than healthy dogs. Healthy dogs (9/13) were significantly more likely to have measurable plasma IL‐10 concentrations than dogs with sepsis (4/19), but not NSIRS (7/20). None of the inflammatory mediators evaluated had optimal sensitivity or specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis. Twelve of 22 dogs with sepsis and 15/23 dogs with NSIRS survived to discharge; none of the measured biomarkers correlated with survival to discharge.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSepsis and NSIRS are associated with increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL‐6. In addition, sepsis is associated with decreased production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Despite this, plasma TNF, IL‐6, CXCL‐8, and IL‐10 measured at ICU presentation do not appear to be valuable biomarkers to differentiate sepsis from NSIRS, or predict hospital outcome.
Feasibility and Safety of Endoscopic Ultrasound‐Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of the Pancreas in Dogs
Authors: Kook P.H. , Baloi P. , Ruetten M. , Pantchev N. , Reusch C.E. , Kircher P. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has proven a useful and safe diagnostic tool for assessing pancreatic disease in human medicine. No information about pancreaticEUS‐FNAis available in dogs.ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and safety of pancreatic EUS‐FNA in healthy dogs.AnimalsThirteen beagles with a median body weight of 13.4 kg.MethodsExperimental study. An ultrasound endoscope (insertion tube outer diameter 11.8 mm) was used, andFNAwas carried out with 19 G needles. The optimal puncture site was chosen with the aid of Doppler imaging. Complete clinicopathologic assessments including pain scoring and pancreas‐specific lipase measurements were obtained beforeEUSas well as on day 1 and day 2 afterEUS‐FNA.ResultsThe pancreatic body was identified in all dogs, the left lobe was clearly identified in 9/13 and appeared indistinctly marginated in 4/13 dogs, and the distal third of the right lobe could not be identified in 7/13 dogs.EUS‐FNAwas carried out in 12/13 dogs. Cellularity of smears was adequate for evaluation in 8/12 cases, in which samples were obtained transgastrically (n = 4) or transduodenally (n = 4). All dogs recovered uneventfully and no clinical and laboratory abnormalities occurred during the 48 hour monitoring period after the procedure.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAlthough the healthy canine pancreas is difficult to visualize in its entirety withEUS, pancreaticEUS‐FNAwith a 19 G needle is feasible in medium‐sized dogs and can be considered a safe procedure. Its diagnostic usefulness should be evaluated in dogs with pancreatic disease.
Local Response to Microneedle-Based Influenza Immunization in the Skin
Authors: del Pilar Martin Maria , Weldon William C. , Zarnitsyn Vladimir G. , Koutsonanos Dimitrios G. , Akbari Hamed , Skountzou Ioanna , Jacob Joshy , Prausnitz Mark R. , Compans Richard W. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTMicroneedle patches (MN) provide a novel method of vaccine delivery to the skin with the objective of targeting the large network of resident antigen-presenting cells to induce an efficient immune response. Our previous reports demonstrated that cutaneous delivery of inactivated influenza virus-coated MN to mice protects against lethal infection. Protection is correlated with sustained levels of anti-influenza virus serum antibodies, hemagglutination inhibition titers, and robust cellular responses that are often stronger than those generated by intramuscular vaccination. Here we dissect the early events occurring in murine skin after microneedle delivery of inactivated influenza virus. We demonstrate correlation of immunization against influenza virus with a local increase of cytokines important for recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells at the site of immunization. We also observed prolonged antigen deposition, and migration of matured dendritic cells bearing influenza virus antigen from the skin.IMPORTANCEThe immunological mechanisms by which MN vaccination confers protective immunity are not well understood. The present study provides a first analysis of the early immune events after microneedle-based vaccination.
Working Safely with H5N1 Viruses
Authors: García-Sastre Adolfo 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
Research on H5N1 influenza viruses has received much attention recently due to the possible dangers associated with newly developed avian H5N1 viruses that were derived from highly pathogenic avian viruses and are now transmissible among ferrets via respiratory droplets. An appropriate discussion, based on scientific facts about the risks that such viruses pose and on the biocontainment facilities and practices necessary for working safely with these viruses, is needed. Selecting the right level of biocontainment is critical for minimizing the risks associated with H5N1 research while simultaneously allowing an appropriately fast pace of discovery. Rational countermeasures for preventing the spread of influenza can be developed only by gaining a thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms at work in host specificity and transmission.
A systematic review with meta-analysis of comprehensive interventions for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol: Figure 1
Authors: Tachibana Yoshiyuki , Green Jonathan , Hwang Yeonhee , Emsley Richard 
Published: March 2012

IntroductionThe aims of this study are to (1) conduct a systematic review of the intervention literature in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including types of interventions that are tested and the classification of outcome measures used and (2) to undertake a meta-analysis of the studies, allowing for the first time the comparison of different approaches to intervention using comparative outcomes. There are a number of alternative modalities of intervention for preschool children with ASD in use with different theoretical background and orientation, each of which tend to use different trial designs and outcome measures. There is at this time an urgent need for comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses of intervention studies for preschool children with ASD, covering studies of adequate quality across different intervention types and measurement methods, with a view to identifying the best current evidence for preschool interventions in the disorder.Methods and analysisThe authors will perform a systematic review of randomised controlled trials for preschool children with ASD aged 0–6 years, along with a meta-analysis of qualifying studies across intervention modality. The authors will classify the interventions for preschool children with ASD under three models: behaviour, multimodal developmental and communication focused. First, the authors will perform a systematic review. Then, the authors will conduct a meta-analysis by comparing the three models with various outcomes using an inverse variance method in a random effect model. The authors will synthesise each outcome of the studies for the three models using standardised mean differences.Dissemination and ethicsThis study will identify each intervention's strengths and weaknesses. This study may also suggest what kinds of elements future intervention programmes for children with ASD should have. The authors strongly believe those findings will be able to translated into the clinical practices and patients and their family benefits. Review registration: PROSPERO CRD42011001349.