bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biology and diagnosis of aberrant crypt foci
Authors: Lopez‐Ceron M. , Pellise M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  Aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) are clusters of colonic crypts that can be identified after staining and that have a different behaviour than the surrounding crypts. They have been hypothesized to be the potential precursors of colonic neoplastic lesions. Since they are detectable in vivo with endoscopic stains, they have been proposed as early biomarkers for colonic carcinogenesis. Our aim was to examine the literature regarding the role of ACFs in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC).Method  An intensive PubMed search was performed with the following terms: aberrant crypt foci, colorectal cancer, biomarker, carcinogenesis.Results  Aberrant crypt foci have a variable prevalence and little is known about their natural history. They can be classified as hyperplastic or dysplastic. There is evidence that supports their role as preneoplastic lesions and features detectable by chromoendoscopy have been related to CRC risk. Moreover, ACFs have been shown to harbour genetic and epigenetic alterations common in adenomas and CRC. However, contradictory results have been obtained and difficulties in endoscopic detection and characterization have been described in large‐scale studies.Conclusion  Despite the inconsistencies in ACF detection and characterization, several genetic and epigenetic changes common in both ACFs and CRC have been verified throughout the studies. This evidence is increasingly strong and it grows along with progress in the knowledge of carcinogenesis molecular pathways. Clinical application of ACFs as an intermediate endpoint for colorectal carcinogenesis is under development and a deeper knowledge of cancer mechanisms is needed before it can be applied or discarded.
Going beyond limitations of plant functional types when predicting global ecosystem–atmosphere fluxes: exploring the merits of traits‐based approaches
Authors: Van Bodegom P. M. , Douma J. C. , Witte J. P. M. , Ordoñez J. C. , Bartholomeus R. P. , Aerts R. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAim  Despite their importance for predicting fluxes to and from terrestrial ecosystems, dynamic global vegetation models have insufficient realism because of their use of plant functional types (PFTs) with constant attributes. Based on recent advances in community ecology, we explore the merits of a traits‐based vegetation model to deal with current shortcomings.Location  Global.Methods  A research review of current concepts and information, providing a new perspective, supported by quantitative analysis of a global traits database.Results  Continuous and process‐based trait–environment relations are central to a traits‐based approach and allow us to directly calculate fluxes based on functional characteristics. By quantifying community assembly concepts, it is possible to predict trait values from environmental drivers, although these relations are still imperfect. Through the quantification of these relations, effects of adaptation and species replacement upon environmental changes are implicitly accounted for. Such functional links also allow direct calculation of fluxes, including those related to feedbacks through the nitrogen and water cycle. Finally, a traits‐based model allows the prediction of new trait combinations and no‐analogue ecosystem functions projected to arise in the near future, which is not feasible in current vegetation models. A separate calculation of ecosystem fluxes and PFT occurrences in traits‐based models allows for flexible vegetation classifications.Main conclusions  Given the advantages described above, we argue that traits‐based modelling deserves consideration (although it will not be easy) if one is to aim for better climate projections.
ARE FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND STABLE BALANCED GROWTH EQUILIBRIUM SIMULTANEOUSLY ATTAINABLE?
Authors: Kamiguchi Akira , Tamai Toshiki 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an examination of the sustainability of national debt and economic growth, and the growth effects of government debt and income taxation. Results show sustainability of national debt and economic growth under the primary surplus rule. Fiscal policy and balanced growth are compatibly sustainable if and only if the government sets a long‐run target debt/GDP (gross domestic product) ratio within a reasonable range. Results also show that a rise in the long‐run debt/GDP ratio reduces the balanced growth rate. Based on these two results, the long‐run debt/GDP ratio is greater than zero if the government aims to maximize the balanced growth rate.
Comparative study of treatment efficacy and the incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation with different degrees of irradiation using two different quality‐switched lasers for removing solar lentigines on Asian skin
Authors: Negishi K. , Akita H. , Tanaka S. , Yokoyama Y. , Wakamatsu S. , Matsunaga K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Quality‐switched (QS) lasers are well‐known effective treatment for removing solar lentigines. However, the high incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) raises concern in darker skin types. This is the first study comparing efficacies and incidences of PIH in Asian skin with different degrees of irradiation between two QS lasers.Method  In total, 355 solar lentigines in 193 cases, skin types III–V, were randomly divided into four groups. All cases received single laser treatment. Clinical results were evaluated after 4 weeks. Groups 1 and 3 were treated ‘aggressively’ with endpoints of very obvious immediate whitening (IW) of the lesion. Groups 2 and 4 were treated ‘mildly’ with endpoints of slight IW of the lesion. Groups 1 and 2 were irradiated with the QS ruby, and groups 3 and 4 with the QS frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser.Results  There were no statistically significant differences in degrees of clearance among the four groups. However, PIH incidences were very different: 33.33%, 7.47%, 23.18% and 8.47% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The difference between aggressively and mildly irradiated groups (1 and 3 vs. 2 and 4) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, there was no statistical difference between the two aggressively or the two mildly irradiated groups. There were no significant differences between skin types.Conclusion  Aggressive irradiation using QS lasers resulted in a high PIH incidence, while having no advantage in efficacy. For darker skin types, mild irradiation reduces the PIH risk with no disadvantage in efficacy.
Intravenous fat emulsion as treatment for ivermectin toxicosis in three dogs homozygous for the ABCB1–1Δ gene mutation
Authors: Wright Heather M. , Chen Annie V. , Talcott Patricia A. , Poppenga Robert H. , Mealey Katrina L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the outcome of 3 cases of ivermectin toxicosis in dogs homozygous for the ABCB1–1Δ gene mutation treated with intravenous fat emulsion (IFE).Series SummaryOne Australian Shepherd and 2 Miniature Australian Shepherds were treated for naturally occurring ivermectin toxicosis with IFE. All 3 dogs were homozygous for the ABCB1–1Δ gene mutation. Serum ivermectin concentrations confirmed ivermectin exposure in each case. All 3 dogs exhibited tremors, ptyalism, and central nervous system depression, which progressed over several hours to stupor in 2 dogs, and to a comatose state requiring mechanical ventilation in the remaining dog. A 20% formulation of IFEa was administered as an IV bolus (1.5 mL/kg) followed by a slow IV infusion (7.5–15 mL/kg [0.25–0.5 mL/kg/m], over 30 minutes). No change was observed in the neurologic status of any patient. Lipemia visible upon blood sampling persisted for 36 hours in 1 dog however, no other adverse effects were noted. Flumazenil (0.01 mg/kg IV), followed by a constant rate infusion(CRI) of 0.01 mg/kg/h IV was administered in 1 case, without any apparent clinical benefit or adverse effect.New or Unique Information ProvidedIFE was ineffective in the treatment of ivermectin toxicosis in these ABCB1–1Δ homozygous mutant dogs. Further investigation is necessary to determine why IFE treatment was unsuccessful in these cases and whether its use can be optimized to yield better results.
Propylene glycol intoxication in a dog
Authors: Claus Melissa A. , Jandrey Karl E. , Poppenga Robert H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical course, treatment, and outcome of a dog with propylene glycol intoxication.Case SummaryAn adult castrated male Australian cattle dog presented to an emergency clinic for an acute onset of ataxia and disorientation after roaming a construction site unsupervised. He tested positive for ethylene glycol using a point‐of‐care test kit. Treatment for ethylene glycol intoxication included intermittent intravenous boluses of 20% ethanol and hemodialysis. Predialysis and postdialysis blood samples were submitted to the toxicology lab to assess for both ethylene and propylene glycol. The patient tested negative for ethylene glycol and positive for propylene glycol at 1100 mg/dL predialysis and 23 mg/dL postdialysis. The dog made a full recovery.New or Unique Information ProvidedTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of documented propylene glycol intoxication in a dog, as well as the first report to describe hemodialysis as treatment for propylene glycol intoxication in a dog.
Sleep aid toxicosis in dogs: 317 cases (2004–2010)
Authors: Lancaster Adam R. , Lee Justine A. , Hovda Lynn R. , Hardy Brian T. , Miyahara Lee X. , Martin Elizabeth P. , Whelan Megan F. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize the signalment, clinical signs observed, time to onset of clinical signs, duration of clinical signs, and the outcome in a large case series of nonbenzodiazepine sleep aid ingestions in dogs, including 2 sleep aids that have not been previously described in the veterinary literature.DesignRetrospective study conducted between 2004 and 2010.SettingAn animal poison control center based out of Bloomington, MN.AnimalsDuring this time frame, 453 cases were identified involving 467 dogs. Of these cases, 150 cases were excluded due to incomplete medical records, multipet households, or the inability to calculate a dose exposure. A total of 317 dogs with presumed sleep aid medication toxicosis were included.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsRecords of dogs with sleep aid medication toxicosis identified by a review of an animal poison control center electronic database were evaluated. The most common sleep aid medications ingested were zolpidem (240/317 [75.7%]), eszopiclone (62/317 [19.5%]), and zaleplon (15/317 [4.7%]). Overall, clinical signs developed in 36% of patients (115/317), while 64% (202/317) remained asymptomatic. The most common organ systems affected and clinical signs seen involved the central nervous system (eg, agitation, sedation) and gastrointestinal tract (eg, anorexia, hypersalivation, vomiting).ConclusionsOverall, the prognosis for dogs with sleep aid medication toxicosis was excellent, and no fatalities were reported in this clinical population. As significant clinical signs can still be seen with ingestion, appropriate decontamination is warranted in asymptomatic patients via emesis or gastric lavage, followed by activated charcoal administration. Symptomatic patients should be hospitalized for monitoring and supportive care for a minimum of 12 hours or until clinical signs resolve.
Access of inhibitory neurosteroids to the NMDA receptor
Authors: Borovska Jirina , Vyklicky Vojtech , Stastna Eva , Kapras Vojtech , Slavikova Barbora , Horak Martin , Chodounska Hana , Vyklicky Jr Ladislav 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSENMDA receptors are glutamatergic ionotropic receptors involved in excitatory neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and excitotoxic cell death. Many allosteric modulators can influence the activity of these receptors positively or negatively, with behavioural consequences. 20‐Oxo‐5β‐pregnan‐3α‐yl sulphate (pregnanolone sulphate; PA‐6) is an endogenous neurosteroid that inhibits NMDA receptors and is neuroprotective. We tested the hypothesis that the interaction of PA‐6 with the plasma membrane is critical for its inhibitory effect at NMDA receptors.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHElectrophysiological recordings and live microscopy were performed on heterologous HEK293 cells expressing GluN1/GluN2B receptors and cultured rat hippocampal neurons.KEY RESULTSOur experiments showed that the kinetics of the steroid inhibition were slow and not typical of drug‐receptor interaction in an aqueous solution. In addition, the recovery from steroid inhibition was accelerated by β‐ and γ‐cyclodextrin. Values of IC50 assessed for novel synthetic C3 analogues of PA‐6 differed by more than 30‐fold and were positively correlated with the lipophilicity of the PA‐6 analogues. Finally, the onset of inhibition induced by C3 analogues of PA‐6 ranged from use‐dependent to use‐independent. The onset and offset of cell staining by fluorescent analogues of PA‐6 were slower than those of steroid‐induced inhibition of current responses mediated by NMDA receptors.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSWe conclude that steroid accumulation in the plasma membrane is the route by which it accesses a binding site on the NMDA receptor. Thus, our results provide a possible structural framework for pharmacologically targeting the transmembrane domains of the receptor.
Verapamil as an antiarrhythmic agent in congestive heart failure: hopping from rabbit to human?
Authors: Stams Thom RG , Bourgonje Vincent JA , Vos Marc A , van der Heyden Marcel AG 
Published: December 2011

Repolarization‐dependent cardiac arrhythmias only arise in hearts facing multiple ‘challenges’ affecting its so‐called repolarization reserve. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one such challenge frequently observed in humans and is accompanied by altered calcium handling within the contractile heart cell. This raises the question as to whether or not the well‐known calcium channel antagonist verapamil acts as an antiarrhythmic drug in this setting, as seen in arrhythmia models without CHF. According to the study of Milberg et al. in this issue of BJP, the answer is yes. The results of this study, using a rabbit CHF model, raise important questions. First, given that the model combines CHF with a number of other interventions that predispose towards arrhythmia, will similar conclusions be reached in a setting where CHF is a more prominent proarrhythmic challenge; second, what is the extent to which other effects of calcium channel block would limit the clinical viability of this pharmacological approach in CHF? In vivo studies in large animal CHF models are now required to further explore this interesting, but complex, approach to the treatment of arrhythmia.LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Milberg et al., pp. 557–568 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01721.x
Surveying and modelling the main spire of Milan Cathedral using multiple data sources
Authors: Fassi Francesco , Achille Cristiana , Fregonese Luigi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a possible way of surveying and modelling very complex architecture, integrating different instrumentation and modelling methods. In particular, it aims to draw attention to a possible measurement and data processing procedure allowing the rapid collection and post‐processing of data in order to extract classical architectural products such as sections and profiles, and to build complete, accurate 3D models. The need is to structure a multiple data source procedure within a five‐year project (still in progress) to survey and model the main spire of Milan Cathedral three‐dimensionally. The spire is a very complex object and, for this reason, provides a really useful, challenging field test for new 3D survey technologies and, in particular, for integrating a variety of modelling methodologies. The paper describes survey workflow and processing steps, focusing on problems and justifying key choices.
Review of Geometric and Radiometric Analyses of Paintings
Authors: Remondino Fabio , Rizzi Alessandro , Barazzetti Luigi , Scaioni Marco , Fassi Francesco , Brumana Raffaella , Pelagotti Anna 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of a number of diagnostic campaigns carried out to assess the conservation state of paintings. The specific characteristics required in cultural heritage applications have been investigated and are reported, where two main fields are considered: radiometric analyses using multispectral images and 3D surveying for geometric deformation analysis by means of photogrammetry and laser scanning. The activities described were accomplished in interdisciplinary teams, composed of photogrammetrists, art‐historians, restorers and experts of non‐destructive diagnostic techniques.
Ethical issues: The multi‐centre low‐risk ethics/governance review process and AMOSS
Authors: Vaughan Geraldine , Pollock Wendy , Peek Michael J. , Knight Marian , Ellwood David , Homer Caroline S. , Pulver Lisa Jackson , McLintock Claire , Ho Maria T. , Sullivan Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  The Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS) conducts surveillance and research of rare and serious conditions in pregnancy. This multi‐centre population health study is considered low risk with minimal ethical impact.
Objective:  To describe the ethics/governance review pathway undertaken by AMOSS.
Method:  Prospective, descriptive study during 2009–2011 of the governance/ethical review processes required to gain approval for Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) maternity units with more than 50 births per year (n = 303) to participate in AMOSS.
Results:  Review processes ranged from a single application for 24 NZ sites, a single application for eligible hospitals in two Australian states, full Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC) applications for individual hospitals, through simple letters of support. As of September 2011, 46 full/expedited ethics applications, 131 site governance applications and 136 letters of support requests were made over 33 months, involving an estimated 3261 hours by AMOSS staff/investigators, and an associated resource burden by participating sites, to obtain approval to receive nonidentifiable data from 291 hospitals.
Conclusion:  The AMOSS research system provides an important resource to enhance knowledge of conditions that cause rare and serious maternal morbidity. Yet the highly variable ethical approval processes required to implement this study have been excessively repetitive and burdensome. This process jeopardises timely, efficient research project implementation, without corresponding benefits to research participants. The resource burden to establish research governance for AMOSS confirms the urgent need for the Harmonisation of Multi‐centre Ethical Review (HoMER) to further streamline ethics/governance review processes for multi‐centre research.
Social Characteristics and Health Status of Exceptionally Long‐Lived Americans in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Ailshire Jennifer A. , Beltrán‐Sánchez Hiram , Crimmins Eileen M. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo characterize the social characteristics and physical, functional, mental, and cognitive health of exceptional survivors in the United States and how the experience of exceptional longevity differs according to social status.DesignNationally representative longitudinal study of older Americans.SettingUnited States.ParticipantsOne thousand six hundred forty‐nine men and women born from 1900 to 1911 from the Health and Retirement Study: 1,424 nonsurvivors who died before reaching the age of 97 and 225 exceptional survivors who survived to age 97 and older.MeasurementsSelf‐reported data on sociodemographic characteristics, social environment, physical and mental health, and physical and cognitive function.ResultsAt baseline, exceptional survivors were more likely to live independently and had fewer diseases, better mental health, and better physical and cognitive function than those who did not survive to age 97. Exceptional survivors experienced declines from baseline in all health domains upon reaching 97 years of age, but between one‐fifth and one‐third of exceptional survivors remained disease free, with no functional limitations or depressive symptoms, and one‐fifth retained high cognitive function. Of exceptional survivors, men were healthier than women, and whites were generally healthier than nonwhites. Highly educated exceptional survivors had better cognitive function than their less‐educated counterparts.ConclusionOn average, exceptional survivors are relatively healthy and high functioning for most of their lives and experience health declines only upon reaching maximum longevity. Heterogeneity in the population of exceptionally old adults indicates that, although many individuals reach maximum longevity in a state of poor health and functioning, a considerable portion of exceptional survivors remain healthy and high‐functioning even in very old age.
Inflammatory Cytokine Levels and Depressive Symptoms in Older Women in the Year After Hip Fracture: Findings from the Baltimore Hip Studies
Authors: Matheny Maya E. , Miller Ram R. , Shardell Michelle D. , Hawkes William G. , Lenze Eric J. , Magaziner Jay , Orwig Denise L. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo determine whether interleukin (IL)‐6 or soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 (sTNF‐αR1) is associated with depressive symptoms in the year after hip fracture.DesignProspective cohort.SettingThree Baltimore‐area hospitals.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling women aged 65 and older admitted with a new, nonpathological fracture of the proximal femur (N = 134).MeasurementsTwo, 6, and 12 months after fracture, serum was analyzed for IL‐6 and sTNF‐αR1, and depressive symptoms were measured using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Generalized estimating equations were used to model the longitudinal relationship between IL‐6, sTNF‐αR1, and GDS score. Whether lower extremity function, as measured according to the Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS), explained the relationship between IL‐6, sTNF‐αR1, and GDS score was also examined.ResultsParticipants in the highest categories of IL‐6 (≥5.14 pg/mL) and sTNF‐αR1 (≥2,421 pg/mL) had the highest GDS scores in the year after fracture (P = .09 for both). Twelve months after fracture, those in the highest IL‐6 and sTNF‐αR1 categories had GDS scores that were on average 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4–3.4, P = .01) and 1.4 (95% CI = −0.1–3.0, P = .07) points higher than those in the lowest category, respectively. Adjusting for LEGS score, the mean difference in GDS scores for highest versus lowest IL‐6 categories was 1.6 (95% CI = 0.2–3.0, P = .02) points at 12 months.ConclusionResults from these exploratory analyses support a role for inflammation in the pathophysiology of depressive symptoms after hip fracture. Depressive symptoms in the context of high cytokine levels may represent a sickness syndrome that is chronic in some individuals. Further research should establish the cause and effect of this relationship, as well as long‐term correlates.