bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical appraisal of meta-analyses: an introductory guide for the practicing surgeon
Authors: Lawrentschuk Nathan , McCall Jonathan , Güller Ulrich 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Meta-analyses are an essential tool of clinical research. Meta-analyses of individual randomized controlled trials frequently constitute the highest possible level of scientific evidence for a given research question and allow surgeons to rapidly gain a comprehensive understanding of an important clinical issue. Moreover, meta-analyses often serve as cornerstones for evidence-based surgery, treatment guidelines, and knowledge transfer. Given the importance of meta-analyses to the medical (and surgical) knowledge base, it is of cardinal importance that surgeons have a basic grasp of the principles that guide a high-quality meta-analysis, and be able to weigh objectively the advantages and potential pitfalls of this clinical research tool. Unfortunately, surgeons are often ill-prepared to successfully conduct, critically appraise, and correctly interpret meta-analyses. The objective of this educational review is to provide surgeons with a brief introductory overview of the knowledge and skills required for understanding and critically appraising surgical meta-analyses as well as assessing their implications for their own surgical practice.
Regulation of TGF-β signalling by Fbxo11, the gene mutated in the Jeff otitis media mouse mutant
Authors: Tateossian Hilda , Hardisty-Hughes Rachel E , Morse Susan , Romero Maria R , Hilton Helen , Dean Charlotte , Brown Steve DM 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundJeffis a dominant mouse mutant displaying chronic otitis media. The gene underlyingJeffisFbxo11, a member of the large F-box family, which are specificity factors for the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.Jeffhomozygotes die shortly after birth displaying a number of developmental abnormalities including cleft palate and eyes open at birth. TGF-β signalling is involved in a number of epithelial developmental processes and we have investigated the impact of theJeffmutation on the expression of this pathway.ResultsPhospho-Smad2 (pSmad2) is significantly upregulated in epithelia ofJeffhomozygotes. Moreover, there was a significant increase in nuclear localization of pSmad2 in contrast to wild type. Mice heterozygous for bothJeffandSmad2mutations recapitulate many of the features of theJeffhomozygous phenotype. However, tissue immunoprecipitations failed to detect any interaction betweenFbxo11andSmad2. Fbxo11 is known to neddylate p53, a co-factor of pSmad2, but we did not find any evidence of genetic interactions betweenJeffandp53mutants. Nevertheless, p53 levels are substantially reduced inJeffmice suggesting that Fbxo11 plays a role in stabilizing p53.ConclusionOverall, our findings support a model wherebyFbxo11, possibly via stabilization of p53, is required to limit the accumulation of pSmad2 in the nucleus of epithelial cells of palatal shelves, eyelids and airways of the lungs. The finding thatFbxo11impacts upon TGF-β signalling has important implications for our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms of middle ear inflammatory disease.
Prediction of acute multiple sclerosis relapses by transcription levels of peripheral blood cells
Authors: Gurevich Michael , Tuller Tamir , Rubinstein Udi , Or-Bach Rotem , Achiron Anat 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe ability to predict the spatial frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) would enable physicians to decide when to intervene more aggressively and to plan clinical trials more accurately.MethodsIn the current study our objective was to determine if subsets of genes can predict the time to the next acute relapse in patients with MS. Data-mining and predictive modeling tools were utilized to analyze a gene-expression dataset of 94 non-treated patients; 62 patients with definite MS and 32 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). The dataset included the expression levels of 10,594 genes and annotated sequences corresponding to 22,215 gene-transcripts that appear in the microarray.ResultsWe designed a two stage predictor. The first stage predictor was based on the expression level of 10 genes, and predicted the time to next relapse with a resolution of 500 days (error rate 0.079, p < 0.001). If the predicted relapse was to occur in less than 500 days, a second stage predictor based on an additional different set of 9 genes was used to give a more accurate estimation of the time till the next relapse (in resolution of 50 days). The error rate of the second stage predictor was 2.3 fold lower than the error rate of random predictions (error rate = 0.35, p < 0.001). The predictors were further evaluated and found effective both for untreated MS patients and for MS patients that subsequently received immunomodulatory treatments after the initial testing (the error rate of the first level predictor was < 0.18 with p < 0.001 for all the patient groups).ConclusionWe conclude that gene expression analysis is a valuable tool that can be used in clinical practice to predict future MS disease activity. Similar approach can be also useful for dealing with other autoimmune diseases that characterized by relapsing-remitting nature.
A sewing needle in liver: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Feng Quan Zhou , Wang Jie , Sun Hong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroductionHepatic foreign bodies are quite rare. A sewing needle as a hepatic foreign body in an old woman is very rare and the managements have been varied.Case presentationAn old woman was incidentally found to have a sewing needle in her liver on abdominal X-ray. The sewing needle was kept stable in her liver after two years of follow-up. Eleven cases of sewing needle in the liver were reviewed.ConclusionSewing needle as a foreign body in the liver is rare. In general, the sewing needle should be removed through laparotomy or laparoscopy, but a stable and uncomplicated sewing needle in the liver need not be removed.
Refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with oral contraceptives and factor V Leiden: a case report
Authors: Stylianou Kostas , Tsirakis George , Mantadakis Elpis , Xylouri Irini , Foudoulakis Andreas , Vardaki Eleftheria , Katsipi Irene , Daphnis Eugene , Samonis George 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Thrombotic microangiopathies constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases characterised by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopaenia associated with platelet aggregation in the microcirculation responsible for ischaemic manifestations. Classically, thrombotic microangiopathies are described as encompassing two main syndromes: thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura and the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome Many cases of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura have, to date, been associated with severe ADAMTS13 metalloprotease deficiency while haemolytic uraemic syndrome usually occurs in the context of normal protease activity. Oestrogens and factor V Leiden have rarely been implicated in the pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 17-year-old female with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura. The patient was receiving a new generation of oral contraceptives for dysmenorrhoea and had factor V Leiden. After undergoing prolonged and intense plasma exchange therapy for 40 days and high dose oral corticosteroids therapy for 90 days, our patient recovered fully.

Conclusion
Patients with refractory thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura should likely be evaluated for congenital thrombophilic disorders and for ingestion of drugs that have been associated with this rare form of thrombotic microangiopathy. Identification of these and as yet other unknown genetic and/or acquired risk factors may lead to more judicious treatment approaches.
Misdiagnosed esophageal perforation treated with endoscopic stent placement: a case report
Authors: Nigri Giuseppe R , Giaccaglia Valentina , Pezzoli Francesca , Aurello Paolo , D'Angelo Francesco , Di Giulio Emilio , Mercantini Paolo , Ramacciato Giovanni 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Esophageal perforation has a high rate of mortality. Many strategies have been advocated for its management. Therapeutic options are surgical repair or resection, endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents or, in selected cases, conservative management.
We describe a case of a 75-year-old man admitted to our hospital for forceful vomiting since 24 hours. The patient was treated with endoscopic placement of a covered self expandable metallic stent. Although the late diagnosis delayed the treatment, the patient survived the usually fatal condition. The stent removal was performed 8 weeks after implantation.
Immediate and correct diagnosis are the key elements in improving survival of patients with esophageal perforation. This has to be associated to the selection of the most appropriate treatment. Implantation of covered self-expandable metallic stents in compromised patients with esophageal perforation is a safe and feasible alternative to operative treatment.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism, an often delayed diagnosis: a case series
Authors: Donghi Valentina , Mora Stefano , Zamproni Ilaria , Chiumello Giuseppe , Weber Giovanna 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Pseudohypoparathyroidism refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is an uncommon sporadic or inherited genetic disorder subdivided into several distinct entities (type Ia, Ib, Ic, type II). We report cases of four children (aged 8 to 13 years) in the winter season 2007-'08. The present work highlights the variable mode of presentation of pseudohypoparathyroidism and the difficulty of an early diagnosis. We stress the importance of a complete biochemical investigation of the calcium-phosphate metabolism to recognize typical biochemical alterations associated with this condition (hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia with increased phosphate tubular reabsorption and elevated PTH levels) in spite of a phenotypic aspect that often lacks the presence of all the peculiar clinical features of Albright hereditary osteodistrophy.
Nasal mucosal melanoma presenting as central type vertigo: a case report
Authors: Nellas Konstantinos , Konstantinidis Iordanis , Zevgaridis Alexandros , Printza Athanasia , Efstratiou Ioannis 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Nasal mucosal melanoma presents usually with epistaxis, nasal obstruction and facial pain. However melanoma tends to give distant metastases at an early stage, having rare clinical presentations.
We present a 74-year old female patient with symptoms of central type vertigo caused by brain metastases. Clinical assessment for the detection of the primary site revealed a nasal mucosal melanoma originating from the posterior end of the left inferior turbinate. The patient received a combination of radio and chemotherapy being in relatively good condition 8 months later. This is the first reported case of a nasal mucosal melanoma with vertigo as the first presenting symptom.
Combined anomalous origin of a left inferior thyroid artery and a left vertebral artery: a case report
Authors: Natsis Konstantinos , Didagelos Matthaios , Noussios Georgios , Adamopoulou Aspasia , Nikolaidou Elisavet , Paraskevas Georgios 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAn abnormal origin of a left inferior thyroid artery from the left vertebral artery that in turn originated from the aortic arch was observed on a 72-year-old Caucasian male cadaver during a dissection anatomy practice. We describe in detail the morphology of this extremely rare anatomical variation and refer to its clinical importance.
Massive intestinal ischemia, a rare complication of oral contraceptive-induced mesenteric venous thrombosis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Efremidou Eleni I , Kouklakis George , Tsirogianni Olga , Courcoutsakis Nikolaos , Manolas Konstantinos J , Liratzopoulos Nikolaos 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Intestinal necrosis and perforation is a clinical and pathological presentation of the infrequently seen mesenteric venous thrombosis in women using oral contraceptives.
We report a case of a previously healthy 31-year-old female patient, who presented with a 3-day history of abdominal pain.
Although chest and abdomen radiographs showed small bowel obstruction, conservative treatment failed and the patient developed peritonism. Contrast-enhanced Tomography of the abdomen revealed free air associated with dilated and thickened small bowel. A laparotomy was performed and segmental resection of both small and large bowel was required. The pathological examination showed intestinal ischemia and mesenteric venous thrombosis. There were no further predisposing factors and mesenteric venous thrombosis was ascribed to oral contraceptives.
Curing tinnitus with a Cochlear Implant in a patient with unilateral sudden deafness: a case report
Authors: Kleinjung Tobias , Steffens Thomas , Strutz Juergen , Langguth Berthold 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Cochlear implantation is a routine procedure for patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. Some reports demonstrated a suppression of tinnitus as a side-effect after implantation. We describe the case of a 55-year-old man suffering from severe right-sided tinnitus in consequence of sudden right-sided deafness. Multiple therapeutic efforts including intravenous steroids and tympanoscopy with grafting of the round window remained unsuccessful. One year after onset of symptoms right-sided cochlear implantation was performed, which resulted in a complete abolishment of tinnitus after activating the implant. Severe unilateral tinnitus after sudden deafness might represent a new indication for cochlear implantation.
Incipient primary biliary cirrhosis/autoimmune hepatitis overlap or hepatitic form of primary biliary cirrhosis: a case report
Authors: Minz Ranjana W , Chhabra Seema , Aggarwal Ritu , Das Ashim , Saikia Biman , Chawla Yogesh K 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A 42 year old asymptomatic female detected as incipient Primary Biliary Cirrhosis/Autoimmune Hepatitis overlap during routine checkup. The biochemical profile showed evolution from a mildly deranged liver function test in 2004 along with increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate to a 4 times elevation of alkaline phosphatase in 2006 with mildly deranged alanine transaminase. Autoimmune markers demonstrable were Anti mitochondrial antibody M2 and sp100. Histopathology showed dual features, dominant findings were of autoimmune heptatitis. Features consistent with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis were minimal with an occasional portal tract showing paucity of bile ducts and occasional bile duct proliferation. Human leucocyte antigen DR/DQ genotype was as follows: DRB1*03, DRB1*07, DQB1*02, DQB1*04.
Dissociation of mobile-bearing patellar component in low contact stress patellofemoral arthroplasty, its mechanism and management: two case reports
Authors: van Jonbergen Hans-Peter W , Werkman Dirk M , Barnaart Alexander FW 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroductionIsolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis can be treated with patellofemoral arthroplasty.Case presentationWe present two cases of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis treated with Low Contact Stress patellofemoral arthroplasty; in both cases the polyethylene mobile-bearing of the patellar component dissociated from the metal backing. One patient had a revision to a Richards patellofemoral prosthesis, and in the second patient the arthroplasty was converted to a total knee prosthesis because of clinically important femorotibial osteoarthritis.ConclusionThe possible failure mechanisms are described. We suggest avoiding the use of a metal-backed mobile-bearing patellar component due to the risk of dissociation.
Association of Hematological Parameters with Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction in Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Hanley Anthony J. G. , Retnakaran Ravi , Qi Ying , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Perkins Bruce , Raboud Janet , Harris Stewart B. , Zinman Bernard 
Published: July 2009

Objective: Previous studies reported independent associations of hematological parameters with risk of incident type 2 diabetes, although limited data are available on associations of these parameters with insulin resistance (IR) and (especially) pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in large epidemiological studies. Our objective was to evaluate the associations of hematological parameters, including hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hgb), red blood cell count (RBC), and white blood cell count with IR and β-cell dysfunction in a cohort of nondiabetic subjects at high metabolic risk.
Methods: Nondiabetic subjects (n = 712) were recruited in Toronto and London, Ontario, Canada, between 2004 and 2006, based on the presence of one or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus including obesity, hypertension, a family history of diabetes, and/or a history of gestational diabetes. Fasting blood samples were collected and oral glucose tolerance tests administered, with additional samples for glucose and insulin drawn at 30 and 120 min. Measures of IR included the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda’s insulin sensitivity index, whereas measures of β-cell dysfunction included the insulinogenic index divided by HOMA-IR as well as the insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2. Associations of hematological parameters with IR and β-cell dysfunction were assessed using multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance with adjustments for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference.
Results: HOMA-IR increased across quartiles of HCT, Hgb, RBC, and white blood cell count after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, and smoking (all P (trend) &lt;0.0001). Similarly, there was a strong stepwise decrease in the Matsuda’s insulin sensitivity index across increasing quartiles of these hematological measures (all P (trend) &lt;0.0001). The associations remained significant after further adjustment for previous cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and waist circumference (all P (trend) &lt;0.0001). Similarly, there was a strong pattern of decreasing β-cell function across increasing quartiles of all hematological patterns (all P (trend) &lt;0.0001). The findings for HCT, Hgb, and RBC were attenuated slightly after full multivariate adjustment, although the trend across quartiles remained highly significant.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that standard, clinically relevant hematological variables may be related to the underlying pathophysiological changes associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In a large sample of non-diabetic subjects with metabolic risk factors, hematological parameters were significantly associated with insulin sensitivity and β-cell dysfunction, the main physiological disorders underlying type 2 diabetes.
Selective Methanation of Carbon Monoxide in Hydrogen-rich Reformate Using Microstructured Reactor
Authors: Men Yong , Kolb Gunther , Zapf Ralf , O’Connell Martin , Hessel Volker 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Selective methanation of CO in a H2-rich stream performed over different supported-nickel catalysts showed that Ni–CeO2 and Ni–Cr2O3 were the most effective catalysts for complete removal of CO through selective methanation to decrease a concentration of CO from 1.6 vol % to ppm level (&lt;50 ppm) in a microchannel reactor, and among them a nickel catalyst promoted by Cr2O3 proved to be robust for over 180 h without any degradation in performance of selective CO methanation.
New Simple Synthesis of Cu–TiO2 Nanocomposite: Highly Enhanced Photocatalytic Killing of Epithelia Carcinoma (HeLa) Cells
Authors: Abdulla-Al-Mamun Md , Kusumoto Yoshihumi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Cu–TiO2 nanocomposites with different Cu/TiO2 molar ratios were synthesized by a new simple chemical reduction method. The morphological structure and the surface species of Cu–TiO2 nanocomposites were determined by using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, TEM, XPS, XRD, and EDX techniques. The photocatalytic cytotoxicity of Cu–TiO2 nanocomposites was investigated under UV–vis light irradiation. The cytotoxicity depends on the molar ratio of Cu to TiO2, ranging from 0.2 to 5.
Incorporation of TiO2 Nanoparticles, Formed via Sol–Gel Process in Micelle of Block Copolymer, into Poly(methyl methacrylate) to Fabricate High Refractive and Transparent Hybrid Materials
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Wang Zhifeng , Yoshinaga Kohji 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Tiatanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, of around 20 nm in diameter, were synthesized within the hydrophilic core of micelles, formed using poly(acrylic acid-block-methyl methacrylate) in toluene solution, via sol–gel process using titanium isopropoxide. Hybrid films of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit high transparency in the visible light region even at 30 wt % TiO2. The refractive index of the hybrid films at 633 nm linearly increased with TiO2 to attain 1.579.
Efficient Alkenation of Aldehydes and Ketones to α,β-Unsaturated Esters Using α,α-Bis(dimethylsilyl)-substituted Esters
Authors: Miura Katsukiyo , Ebine Masaru , Ootsuka Kazunori , Ichikawa Junji , Hosomi Akira 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
α,α-Bis(dimethylsilyl)-substituted esters 1 were found to be quite valuable for alkenation of various aldehydes and ketones to α,β-unsaturated esters. The reaction of aldehydes with 1 proceeded spontaneously in DMSO at 30 °C to give α,β-unsaturated esters with good to high E selectivity. Under the same conditions, ketones were insensitive to 1; however, Li2SO4 and CaCl2 effectively accelerated their alkenation.
Teacher expectations and perceptions of student attributes: Is there a relationship?
Authors: Rubie‐Davies Christine M. 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundTeacher expectations have been a fruitful area of psychological research for 40 years. Researchers have concentrated on expectations at the individual level (i.e. expectations for individual students), rather than at the class level. Studies of class level expectations have begun to identify specific teacher factors that make a difference for students.AimsThis study aimed to compare how teachers with very high (or very low) expectations for all their students would rate their students' personal attributes. Teacher ratings of attributes in relation to achievement was also of interest.SampleParticipants were six high expectation (HiEx) teachers and three low expectation (LoEx) teachers and their 220 students.MethodsParticipants were asked to rate their students on characteristics related to attitudes to schoolwork, relationships with others, and home support for school.ResultsContrasting patterns were found for HiEx and LoEx teachers. For HiEx teachers correlations between expectations and all student factors were significant and positive while for LoEx teachers the correlations that were significant were negative. Correlations between student achievement and all student factors were also positive and significant for HiEx teachers while for LoEx teachers only one positive correlation was found.ConclusionsThis study adds weight to the argument that class level expectations are important for student learning. Teacher moderators appear to relate to differing teacher beliefs and attributes (mediators) and hence may lead to variance in the instructional and socio‐emotional climate of the classroom.