bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Spanish language version of the pain self-perception scale in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: García-Campayo J , Rodero B , del Hoyo Y López , Luciano JV , Alda M , Gili M 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe Pain Self-Perception Scale (PSPS) is a 24-item questionnaire used to assess mental defeat in chronic pain patients. The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish language version of the PSPS (PSPS-Spanish), to assess the instrument's psychometric properties in a sample of patients with fibromyalgia and to confirm a possible overlapping between mental defeat and pain catastrophizing.MethodsThe PSPS was translated into Spanish by three bilingual content and linguistic experts, and then back-translated into English to assess for equivalence. The final Spanish version was administered, along with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), to 250 Spanish patients with fibromyalgia.ResultsPSPS-Spanish was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.90 and the item-totalrcorrelation coefficients ranged between 0.68 and 0.86). Principal components analysis revealed a one-factor structure which explained 61.4% of the variance. The test-retest correlation assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient, over a 1-2 weeks interval, was 0.78. The total PSPS score was significantly correlated with all the questionnaires assessed (HADS, PVAS, PCS, and FIQ).ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the PSPS appears to be a valid tool in assessing mental defeat in patients with fibromyalgia. In patients with fibromyalgia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), PSPS-Spanish correlates more intensely with FIQ than in patients without PTSD. Mental defeat seems to be a psychological construct different to pain catastrophizing.
Measuring the efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in vivo: quantitative PCR measurement of parasite clearance
Authors: Beshir Khalid B , Hallett Rachel L , Eziefula Alice C , Bailey Robin , Watson Julie , Wright Stephen G , Chiodini Peter L , Polley Spencer D , Sutherland Colin J 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Artemisinin-based combination therapy, currently considered the therapy of choice for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic countries, may be under threat from newly emerging parasite resistance to the artemisinin family of drugs. Studies in Southeast Asia suggest some patients exhibit an extended parasite clearance time in the three days immediately following treatment with artesunate monotherapy. This phenotype is likely to become a more important trial endpoint in studies of anti-malarial drug efficacy, but currently requires frequent, closely spaced blood sampling in hospitalized study participants, followed by quantitation of parasite density by microscopy.

Methods
A simple duplex quantitative PCR method was developed in which distinct fluorescent signals are generated from the human and parasite DNA components in each blood sample. The human amplification target in this assay is the β tubulin gene, and the parasite target is the unique methionine tRNA gene (pgmet), which exhibits perfect sequence identity in all six Plasmodium species that naturally infect humans. In a small series of malaria cases treated as hospital in-patients, the abundance of pgmet DNA was estimated relative to the human DNA target in daily peripheral blood samples, and parasite clearance times calculated.

Results
The qPCR assay was reproducibly able to replicate parasite density estimates derived from microscopy, but provided additional data by quantification of parasite density 24 hours after the last positive blood film. Robust estimates of parasite clearance times were produced for a series of patients with clinical malaria.

Conclusions
Large studies, particularly in Africa where children represent a major proportion of treated cases, will require a simpler blood sample collection regime, and a method capable of high throughput. The duplex qPCR method tested may fulfil these criteria, and should now be evaluated in such field studies.
Prevention of Paclitaxel-Induced Allodynia by Minocycline: Effect on Loss of Peripheral Nerve Fibers and Infiltration of Macrophages in Rats
Authors: Liu Cui-Cui , Lu Ning , Cui Yu , Yang Tao , Zhao Zhi-Qi , Xin Wen-Jun , Liu Xian-Guo 
Published: November 2010

Background: Although paclitaxel is a frontline antineoplastic agent for treatment of solid tumors, the paclitaxel-evoked pain syndrome is a serious problem for patients. There is currently no valid drug to prevent or treat the paclitaxel-induced allodynia, partly due to lack of understanding regarding the cellular mechanism. Studies have shown that minocycline, an inhibitor of microglia/macrophage, prevented neuropathic pain and promoted neuronal survival in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Recently, Cata et al also reported that minocycline inhibited allodynia induced by low-dose paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) in rats, but the mechanism is still unclear. Results: Here, we investigate by immunohistochemistry the change of intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) in the hind paw glabrous skin, expression of macrophage and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in DRG at different time points after moderate-dose paclitaxel treatment (cumulative dose 24 mg/kg; 3 × 8 mg/kg) in rats. Moreover, we observe the effect of minocycline on the IENF, macrophages and ATF3. The results showed that moderate-dose paclitaxel induced a persisted, gradual mechanical allodynia, which was accompanied by the loss of IENF in the hind paw glabrous skin and up-regulation of macrophages and ATF3 in DRG in rats. The expressions of ATF3 mainly focus on the NF200-positive cells. More importantly, we observed that pretreatment of minocycline at dose of 30 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg, but not 5 mg/kg, prevented paclitaxel-evoked allodynia. The evidence from immunohistochemistry showed that 30 mg/kg minocycline rescued the degeneration of IENF, attenuated infiltration of macrophages and up-regulation of ATF3 induced by paclitaxel treatment in rats. Conclusions: Minocycline prevents paclitaxel-evoked allodynia, likely due to its inhibition on loss of IENF, infiltration of macrophages and up-regulation of ATF3 in rats. The finding might provide potential target for preventing paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
Effects of alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide on osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand expression in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells exposed to polyethylene particles
Authors: Xu Jie , Kauther Max D , Hartl Julia , Wedemeyer Christian ,   Study was performed at the University of Duisburg - Essen, Germany
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Recent studies demonstrated an impact of the nervous system on particle-induced osteolysis, the major cause of aseptic loosening of joint replacements.

Methods
In this study of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells we analyzed the influence of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles and the neurotransmitter alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factorκB (OPG/RANKL/RANK) system. MG-63 cells were stimulated by different UHMWPE particle concentrations (1:100, 1:500) and different doses of alpha-CGRP (10-7 M, 10-9 M, 10-11 M). RANKL and OPG mRNA expression and protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot.

Results
Increasing particle concentrations caused an up-regulation of RANKL after 72 hours. Alpha-CGRP showed a dose-independent depressive effect on particle-induced expression of RANKL mRNA in both cell-particle ratios. RANKL gene transcripts were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by alpha-CGRP treatment after 48 and 72 hours. OPG mRNA was significantly down-regulated in a cell-particle ratio of 1:500 after 72 hours. Alpha-CGRP concentrations of 10-7 M lead to an up-regulation of OPG protein.

Conclusion
In conclusion, a possible osteoprotective influence of the neurotransmitter alpha-CGRP on particle stimulated osteoblast-like cells could be shown. Alpha-CGRP might be important for bone metabolism under conditions of particle-induced osteolysis.
Sex differences in renal angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity are 17β-oestradiol-dependent and sex chromosome-independent
Authors: Liu Jun , Ji Hong , Zheng Wei , Wu Xie , Zhu Janet J , Arnold Arthur P , Sandberg Kathryn 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Angotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a newly discovered monocarboxypeptidase that counteracts the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) by converting Ang II to Ang-(1-7) in the kidney and other tissues.

Methods
ACE2 activity from renal homogenates was investigated by using the fluorogenic peptide substrate Mca-YVADAPK(Dnp)-OH, where Mca is (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)-acetyl and Dnp is 2,4-dinitrophenyl.

Results
We found that ACE2 activity expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU) in the MF1 mouse is higher in the male (M) compared to the female (F) kidney [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): M 18.1 ± 1.0 versus F 11.1 ± 0.39; P < 0.0001; n = 6]. Substrate concentration curves revealed that the higher ACE2 activity in the male was due to increased ACE2 enzyme velocity (Vmax) rather than increased substrate affinity (Km). We used the four core genotypes mouse model in which gonadal sex (ovaries versus testes) is separated from the sex chromosome complement enabling comparisons among XX and XY gonadal females and XX and XY gonadal males. Renal ACE2 activity was greater in the male than the female kidney, regardless of the sex chromosome complement [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): intact-XX-F, 7.59 ± 0.37; intact-XY-F, 7.43 ± 0.53; intact-XX-M, 12.1 ± 0.62; intact-XY-M, 12.7 ± 1.5; n = 4-6/group; P < 0.0001, F versus M, by two-way ANOVA]. Enzyme activity was increased in gonadectomized (GDX) female mice regardless of the sex chromosome complement whereas no effect of gonadectomy was observed in the males [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): GDX-XX-F, 12.4 ± 1.2; GDX-XY-F, 11.1 ± 0.76; GDX-XX-M, 13.2 ± 0.97; GDX-XY-M, 11.6 ± 0.81; n = 6/group]. 17β-oestradiol (E2) treatment of GDX mice resulted in ACE2 activity that was only 40% of the activity found in the GDX mice, regardless of their being male or female, and was independent of the sex chromosome complement [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): GDX+E2-XX-F, 5.56 ± 1.0; GDX+E2-XY-F, 4.60 ± 0.52; GDX+E2-XX-M, 5.35 ± 0.70; GDX+E2-XY-M, 5.12 ± 0.47; n = 6/group].

Conclusions
Our findings suggest sex differences in renal ACE2 activity in intact mice are due, at least in part, to the presence of E2 in the ovarian hormone milieu and not to the testicular milieu or to differences in sex chromosome dosage (2X versus 1X; 0Y versus 1Y). E2 regulation of renal ACE2 has particular implications for women across their life span since this hormone changes radically during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
Role of selective V2-receptor-antagonism in septic shock: a randomized, controlled, experimental study
Authors: Rehberg Sebastian , Ertmer Christian , Lange Matthias , Morelli Andrea , Whorton Elbert , Dünser Martin , Strohhäcker Anne-Katrin , Lipke Erik , Kampmeier Tim G , Van Aken Hugo , Traber Daniel L , Westphal Martin 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Introduction
V2-receptor (V2R) stimulation potentially aggravates sepsis-induced vasodilation, fluid accumulation and microvascular thrombosis. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine the effects of a first-line therapy with the selective V2R-antagonist (Propionyl1-D-Tyr(Et)2-Val4-Abu6-Arg8,9)-Vasopressin on cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and organ function vs. the mixed V1aR/V2R-agonist arginine vasopressin (AVP) or placebo in an established ovine model of septic shock.

Methods
After the onset of septic shock, chronically instrumented sheep were randomly assigned to receive first-line treatment with the selective V2R-antagonist (1 μg/kg per hour), AVP (0.05 μg/kg per hour), or normal saline (placebo, each n = 7). In all groups, open-label norepinephrine was additionally titrated up to 1 μg/kg per minute to maintain mean arterial pressure at 70 ± 5 mmHg, if necessary.

Results
Compared to AVP- and placebo-treated animals, the selective V2R-antagonist stabilized cardiopulmonary hemodynamics (mean arterial and pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac index) as effectively and increased intravascular volume as suggested by higher cardiac filling pressures. Furthermore, left ventricular stroke work index was higher in the V2R-antagonist group than in the AVP group. Notably, metabolic (pH, base excess, lactate concentrations), liver (transaminases, bilirubin) and renal (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen plasma levels, urinary output, creatinine clearance) dysfunctions were attenuated by the V2R-antagonist when compared with AVP and placebo. The onset of septic shock was associated with an increase in AVP plasma levels as compared to baseline in all groups. Whereas AVP plasma levels remained constant in the placebo group, infusion of AVP increased AVP plasma levels up to 149 ± 21 pg/mL. Notably, treatment with the selective V2R-antagonist led to a significant decrease of AVP plasma levels as compared to shock time (P < 0.001) and to both other groups (P < 0.05 vs. placebo; P < 0.001 vs. AVP). Immunohistochemical analyses of lung tissue revealed higher hemeoxygenase-1 (vs. placebo) and lower 3-nitrotyrosine concentrations (vs. AVP) in the V2R-antagonist group. In addition, the selective V2R-antagonist slightly prolonged survival (14 ± 1 hour) when compared to AVP (11 ± 1 hour, P = 0.007) and placebo (11 ± 1 hour, P = 0.025).

Conclusions
Selective V2R-antagonism may represent an innovative therapeutic approach to attenuate multiple organ dysfunction in early septic shock.
Attacker Models for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Benenson Zinaida , Blaß Erik-Oliver , Freiling Felix C. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Assumptions about attackers critically influence security and efficiency of protocols. Without precisely defined attacker models, proving security of protocols becomes impossible. Especially the area of sensor network security lacks well-established and precise attacker models. We present a general framework for attacker models in wireless sensor networks that structures and orders typical assumptions about attackers.
Ein Plädoyer für ein Ende der Ausgrenzung der digitalen Welt
Authors: Maier Ronald 
Published: November 2010

Zusammenfassung
“Virtuell” steht seit geraumer Zeit für Phänomene menschlichen Handelns, die durch vernetzte Computer erst entstanden. Dieser neue Begriff mit langer Tradition in Latein und Französisch lenkte die Aufmerksamkeit von Entscheidungsträgern in Unternehmen, Organisationen und der Gesellschaft erfolgreich auf dieses neue Gestaltungsfeld. Virtuell aber von real abzugrenzen, hat den Kern des Neuen und seiner Konsequenzen völlig verfehlt. “Digital Natives” finden einerseits vollkommen natürlich, dass die virtuelle ein untrennbarer Teil der realen Welt ist, eingewebt oder, um einen Web 2.0 Begriff zu gebrauchen, vermascht mit beinahe allen Aktivitäten mitten im Leben. Skeptischere Individuen ignoriereren andererseits das Virtuelle und konzentrieren sich auf ihre Realität. Nur allmählich realisieren sie, dass Aktivitäten aus dem Virtuellen ganz real in unserer Welt wirken. Dieser Essay fordert auf die Konnotation von virtuell mit unreal als gefährlich zu erkennen. Der Autor steht ein für einen Wandel in der Art und Weise wie wir (die) virtuelle Welt(en) betrachten. Hören wir auf virtuell als Gegenteil von real zu behandeln, das Virtuelle zu diskriminieren, auszugrenzen oder zu ignorieren. Lassen Sie uns stattdessen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien in modernen Gesellschaften mit geringem Anteil digitaler Anaphabeten als selbstverständlichen Teil unserer persönlichen, sozialen und organisatorischen Lebenswelten akzeptieren und gemeinsam die Folgen des Faktischen gestalten.
Nachrichten aus der Forschung
Authors: Melber Takuma , von Salisch Marcus , Pöhlmann Markus , Scharfschütze Daniel , Labourdette Patrick Marc 
Published: November 2010

Zusammenfassung
Takuma Melber: Tagungsbericht. Kolloquium zur Militärgeschichte für Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und -wissenschaftler, veranstaltet vom Wissenschaftlichen Beirat zur Verleihung des Werner-Hahlweg-Preises, dem Deutschen Komitee für die Geschichte des Zweiten Weltkrieges, dem Arbeitskreis Militärgeschichte und dem Arbeitskreis Militär und Gesellschaft in der Frühen Neuzeit, 17. bis 19. Mai 2010, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Marcus von Salisch: Johann Gottlieb Tielke (1731-1787) und der »Unterricht für die Feldingenieurs«. Anmerkungen zur Edition der Handschrift von 1769
Markus Pöhlmann: Anonyme und pseudonyme Militärliteratur im deutschsprachigen Raum 1848-2000. Zum mediengeschichtlichen Phänomen und zur Forschungsproblematik
Daniel Scharfschütze und Patrick Marc Labourdette: Les militaires et l′information, en Allemagne et en France, au XXe siècle. Militärgeschichtliches Forschungsamt (MGFA); Centre d´étude d´histoire de la défense (CEHD); Deutsches Historisches Institut Paris (DHIP), 24.11.2009, Paris
Theory and Developments in an Unobtrusive Cardiovascular System Representation: Ballistocardiography
Authors: Pinheiro Eduardo , Postolache Octavian , Girão Pedro 
Published: November 2010

Due to recent technological improvements, namely in the field of piezoelectric sensors, ballistocardiography – an almost forgotten physiological measurement – is now being object of a renewed scientific interest.Transcending the initial purposes of its development, ballistocardiography has revealed itself to be a useful informative signal about the cardiovascular system status, since it is a non-intrusive technique which is able to assess the body’s vibrations due to its cardiac, and respiratory physiological signatures.Apart from representing the outcome of the electrical stimulus to the myocardium – which may be obtained by electrocardiography – the ballistocardiograph has additional advantages, as it can be embedded in objects of common use, such as a bed or a chair. Moreover, it enables measurements without the presence of medical staff, factor which avoids the stress caused by medical examinations and reduces the patient’s involuntary psychophysiological responses.Given these attributes, and the crescent number of systems developed in recent years, it is therefore pertinent to revise all the information available on the ballistocardiogram’s physiological interpretation, its typical waveform information, its features and distortions, as well as the state of the art in device implementations.
Evidence-Based Dentistry in a Developing Economy – the Nigerian Example
Authors: Oladimeji Adeniyi Akadiri , Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo 
Published: November 2010

BackgroundEvidence-based dentistry (EBD) is becoming popular all over the world with the increasing global involvement of dental practitioners in the debates on the relevance or otherwise of EBD. However, very little has been known on the evolutionary trend of EBD in the developing countries of the world.Aims and ObjectivesThis pilot study was designed to assess the state of EBD in the accredited dental schools in Nigeria as an example of a developing economy.MethodologyAn electronic search was conducted for articles on the subject of EBD emanating into the world dental literature from Nigeria as a measure of activities in the field of EBD in the country. Further investigation was done by way of interviews of faculty members and resident doctors in the four fully accredited dental schools in Nigeria. The subject of the interview was premised around the evaluation of activities in the field of EBD.ResultsOnly 6 relevant articles were found in the search. The interviews however revealed an increasing awareness but low level of knowledge of the principles of EBD in the dental schools. Major obstacles were infrastructural limitations and lack of personal motivations. The enthusiasm of the younger faculties and resident doctors was notable.ConclusionIt was obvious that EBD is yet to assume the desired momentum in the 21stcentury in Nigeria. It is however gladdening that there is a promising future for EBD with the rising enthusiasm noted among the younger generation of clinicians.
“Evidence-Based Dentistry in Oral Surgery: Could We Do Better?”
Authors: Nocini Pier Francesco , Verlato Giuseppe , Frustaci Andrea , de Gemmis Antonio , Rigoni Giovanni , De Santis Daniele 
Published: November 2010

Evidence-based Dentistry (EBD), like Evidence-based Medicine (EBM), was born in order to seek the “best available research evidence” in the field of dentistry both in research and clinical routine.But evidence is not clearly measurable in all fields of healthcare: in particular, while drug effect is rather independent from clinician’s characteristics, the effectiveness of surgical procedures is strictly related to surgeon’s expertise, which is difficult to quantify. The research problems of dentistry have a lot in common with other surgical fields, where at the moment the best therapeutic recommendations and guidelines originates from an integration of evidence-based medicine and data from consensus conferences.To cope with these problems, new instruments have been developed, aimed at standardizing clinical procedures (CAD-CAM technology) and at integrating EBM achievements with the opinions of expert clinicians (GRADE System).One thing we have to remember however: it is necessary to use the instruments developed by evidence-based medicine but is impossible to produce sound knowledge without considering clinical expertise and quality of surgical procedures simultaneously. Only in this way we will obtain an evidence-based dentistry both in dental research and clinical practice, which is up to third millennium standards.
Complex and Unstable Simple Elbow Dislocations: A Review and Quantitative Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Authors: de Haan Jeroen , Schep Niels , Tuinebreijer Wim , den Hartog Dennis 
Published: November 2010

Objective: The primary objective of this review of the literature with quantitative analysis of individual patient data was to identify the results of available treatments for complex elbow dislocations and unstable simple elbow dislocations. The secondary objective was to compare the results of patients with complex elbow dislocations and unstable elbow joints after repositioning of simple elbow dislocations, which were treated with an external fixator versus without an external fixator.

Search Strategy: Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Selection Criteria: Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included individual patient data of patients with complex elbow dislocations and unstable simple elbow dislocations.

Data Analysis: The different outcome measures (MEPI, Broberg and Morrey, ASES, DASH, ROM, arthritis grading) are presented with mean and confidence intervals.

Main Results: The outcome measures show an acceptable range of motion with good functional scores of the different questionnaires and a low mean arthritis score. Thus, treatment of complex elbow dislocations with ORIF led to a moderate to good result. Treatment of unstable simple elbow dislocations with repair of the collateral ligaments with or without the combination of an external fixator is also a good option.
The physician-rated (MEPI, Broberg and Morrey), patient-rated (DASH) and physician- and patient-rated (ASES) questionnaires showed good intercorrelations.
Arthritis classification by x-ray is only fairly correlated with range of motion.
Elbow dislocations are mainly on the non-dominant side.