bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 in anti‐bacterial and immunomodulatory effects of interferon‐γ on human neutrophils and monocytes
Authors: Shpacovitch Victoria M. , Feld Micha , Holzinger Dirk , Kido Makiko , Hollenberg Morley D. , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Vergnolle Nathalie , Ludwig Stephan , Roth Johannes , Luger Thomas , Steinhoff Martin 
Published: April 2011

SummaryRecent studies show that proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) contributes to the development of inflammatory responses. However, investigations into the precise role of PAR2 activation in the anti‐microbial defence of human leucocytes are just beginning. We therefore evaluated the contribution of PAR2 to the anti‐microbial response of isolated human innate immune cells. We found that PAR2 agonist, acting alone, enhances phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus and killing of Escherichia coli by human leucocytes, and that the magnitude of the effect is similar to that of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). However, co‐application of PAR2‐cAP and IFN‐γ did not enhance the phagocytic and bacteria‐killing activity of leucocytes beyond that triggered by either agonist alone. On the other hand, IFN‐γ enhances PAR2 agonist‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) secretion by human neutrophils and monocytes. Furthermore, phosphoinositide‐3 kinase and janus kinase molecules are involved in the synergistic effect of PAR2 agonist and IFN‐γ on MCP‐1 secretion. Our findings suggest a potentially protective role of PAR2 agonists in the anti‐microbial defence established by human monocytes and neutrophils.
Validation of the Chinese version of the Functional Performance Inventory Short Form in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Guo Ai‐Min , Han Jiang‐Na , Kline Leidy Nancy , Wu Zheng‐Lai , Wang Ping , Lin Ying‐Xiang 
Published: April 2011

Aims and objective.  To determine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Functional Performance Inventory Short Form (FPI‐SF‐C) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing, China.Background.  The Functional Performance Inventory Short Form (FPI‐SF) is a 32‐item instrument designed to measure self‐reported functional performance of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This instrument had not been translated into Mandarin Chinese and tested for use in mainland China.Design.  Cross‐sectional validation study with a two‐week test of reproducibility.Method.  The FPI‐SF was translated using forward and backward translation procedures and administered to 108 stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients from outpatient clinics of three hospitals in Beijing, China. Pulmonary function and six‐minute walking distance (6‐MWD) tests were performed on the same day or within one week before the FPI‐SF‐C completion. Thirty of the patients participated in the reproducibility assessment.Results.  Cronbach’s alpha for the FPI‐SF‐C total score was 0·89; subscales ranged from 0·70 (Body Care)–0·89 (Spiritual activities). Test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was 0·93 with subscales ranging from 0·73 (Body Care)–0·96 (Household Maintenance). No ceiling or floor effects were observed for total FPI‐SF‐C score. Total scores correlated significantly (p < 0·05) with 6‐MWD (r = 0·56), modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MMRC) (r = −0·55), BODE index (r = −0·47), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (r = 0·41) and FEV1% of predicted (r = 0·26) and differentiated patients based on GOLD rating of COPD severity (χ2 = 16·22, p < 0·001).Conclusions.  Results suggest the FPI‐SF‐C is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring functional performance in mainland Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Further psychometric testing in a wide range of subjects and an evaluation of its utility in clinical practice are warranted.Relevance to practice.  The FPI‐SF‐C may be useful for understanding difficulties in functional performance and evaluating the effect of treatment in Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A Dutch version of the Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale: factorial structure, reliability and validity
Authors: Boudrez Hedwig , De Bacquer Dirk 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAims  The Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale (MRSS) is a widely accepted scale that measures psychological functions of smoking. The scale has been translated in Dutch and has been validated, in order to be used in clinical smoking cessation practice in the Dutch‐speaking part of Belgium. This study examined the factorial structure, reliability and validity of the scale in a sample of smokers, who are characterized by a high level of dependence and an explicit motivation to stop smoking.Method  The participants were 383 smokers, who volunteered at the stop‐smoking clinic of a Belgian university hospital, and completed the translated scale. They were administered the translated MRSS, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Through a clinical interview, smoking behaviour and smoking history was assessed (daily smoking consumption, years smoking, number of quit attempts, weeks stopped, alcohol and coffee consumption, CO level). Exploratory factor analysis was performed. Internal consistency was studied in order to examine the reliability. The concurrent validity was assessed by means of manova, anova and correlation analysis.Results  Factor analysis identified four factors, named stimulation, pleasure of smoking, social smoking and automatism of smoking. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.65 (automatism) to 0.72 (stimulation). manova indicated the influence of the variables age, sex, daily consumption and the FTND (the latter two variables showed a dose‐dependent association with each subscale). Regression analysis revealed a relationship with dependence indicators, namely: the daily consumption, the number and duration of previous quit attempts, FTND, CO level and daily coffee intake.Conclusions  The Dutch translation of the MRSS identified four factors and revealed acceptable validity and reliability. The adapted version of the translated scale as a component of the psychological assessment procedure in a smoking cessation treatment in Dutch‐speaking areas should be implemented.
Difficulties in the dissemination and implementation of clinical guidelines in government Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Brazil: how managers, medical and nursing, position themselves
Authors: Magluta Cynthia , de Sousa Mendes Gomes Maria A , Wuillaume Susana M 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Clinical guidelines are tools that systematize scientific evidence and help to achieve proper care. Several difficulties are reported regarding the effective use, such as the shortcomings in the level of knowledge and attitudes by the professionals, the service structure and the preferences appointed by patients. An analysis of these difficulties was the objective of this study in the context of government Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in Brazil.Method  A semi‐structured survey was carried out with 53 managers (medical and nursing) of the 15 NICU in a convenient sample of two groups of government units in Brazil. The managers chose their answers from a list of difficulties to implement the guidelines based on the analytical model of Cabana and graded the difficulties found on a 5‐point scale with no reference to quality.Results  Respondents have reported several difficulties with the following priority: lack of professionals to provide care, being perceived as more critical within the nursing and physiotherapy crews, minor participation of professionals in the discussion process and inadequate infrastructure. The lack of acquaintance with the guidelines by the professionals has been reported by few of the surveyed.Conclusion  These findings show some common ground to literature pointing the importance of adequate infrastructure. Managers showed a low valuation of both the level of knowledge and the professionals' adhesion to the guidelines.
Effects of anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibody on PlGF, VEGF and sVEGFR1 production from cultured choriocarcinoma cell line
Authors: Ichikawa Go , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Chishima Fumihisa , Nakamura Akikazu , Kuno Souichirou , Murase Takayuki , Suzuki Manami 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  Anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (anti‐β2‐GPI) antibody has been detected in cases of recurrent abortion and intrauterine death. Placenta growth factor (PlGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are growth factors that accelerate villous proliferation. Soluble VEGF receptor‐1 (sVEGFR1) is a soluble receptor for PlGF and suppresses the function of PlGF. In order to study the pathological mechanism of anti‐β2‐GPI antibody, we evaluated the effects of anti‐β2‐GPI antibody on PlGF, VEGF and sVEGFR1 production from cultured choriocarcinoma cells.Methods:  The sera were taken from six anti‐β2‐GPI antibody‐positive and six anti‐β2‐GPI antibody‐negative patients with recurrent miscarriages. Choriocarcinoma cells (JEG‐3) were cultured in 24‐well plates. After each serum and isolated immunoglobulin G (IgG) were added to the culture medium, the PlGF, VEGF and sVEGFR1 in the culture medium were measured by ELISA 24 h later. When the isolated IgG was added to culture medium, only the levels of PlGF were measured.Results:  The anti‐β2‐GPI antibody‐positive sera and isolated IgG significantly suppressed the production of PlGF from JEG‐3 cells more strongly than the anti‐β2‐GPI antibody‐negative sera. The suppressive effects were not changed by serum inactivation. There was no significant difference in the values of the XTT assay and the production of VEGF and sVEGFR1 between the antibody‐positive and antibody‐negative sera.Conclusions:  Anti‐β2‐GPI antibody‐positive sera and IgG suppress the production of PlGF from JEG‐3 cells. We suggest that the anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies may suppress PlGF production from trophoblasts and cause the failure of placenta formation and function.
Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy with palmoplantar involvement that developed after delivery
Authors: Özcan Deren , Özçakmak Bülent , Aydoğan Filiz Çevlik 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPolymorphic eruption of pregnancy is the most common specific dermatosis of pregnancy. It usually develops in the third trimester and rapidly resolves in the first weeks postpartum. Intensely pruritic urticarial papules and plaques initially occur on the abdomen and/or proximal thighs, particularly within or adjacent to striae distensae with periumbilical sparing, and usually tend to spread to affect the peripheral limbs, buttocks, chest and back. The face, palmoplantar regions and mucosal surfaces are generally spared. Here, we report a case of polymorphic eruption of pregnancy associated with palmoplantar involvement that developed in the postpartum period.
Angiomyofibroblastoma of the vulva during pregnancy
Authors: Cetinkaya Kadir , Al Ragıp Atakan , Gursan Nesrin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAngiomyofibroblastoma is a rare, benign and recently defined soft tissue tumor. It generally arises from superficial soft tissues, especially from mesenchymal cells in the subepithelial myxoid stromal zone of the vulvovaginal region. The tumor is usually positive for estrogen and progesterone receptor. We report a pregnant woman who developed vulvar angiomyofibroblastoma within 2 months. The tumor was negative for estrogen and progesterone receptor.
Histologic evaluation of the immediate effects of diamond burr debridement in experimental superficial corneal wounds in dogs
Authors: da Silva Enry Garcia , Powell Cynthia C , Gionfriddo Juliet R , Ehrhart EJ , Hill Ashley E 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPurpose  To evaluate the corneal changes immediately after diamond burr debridement of superficial corneal wounds in dogs. Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) are the most common form of canine recurrent corneal ulcers. The diamond burr has been used in the management of corneal lesions in humans since 1983. Recently, it has been successfully used in the treatment of SCCEDs in dogs; however, little has been documented as to its mechanism of action.Methods  Five adult female research dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study were included, providing 10 normal eyes. An excimer laser spatula was used for epithelial removal after delineation with an 8 mm punch biopsy trephine. Diamond burr debridement was performed for 30 and 45 s in five eyes each (groups 1 and 2 respectively). The procedure was performed on the ventral half of the experimental defect as well as ventral normal cornea, immediately after euthanasia, and prior to enucleation. Samples were processed routinely for histologic evaluation and stained with periodic acid–Schiff.Results  No stromal defects could be identified under light microscopy. In experimental corneal wounds, multi‐focal areas remained covered by the epithelial basement membrane (BM) after diamond burr treatment in both groups (group 1 = 48%±16SD, group 2 = 26%±12SD). Removal of BM on group 2 was significantly higher than group 1 (P < 0.05).Conclusions  The diamond burr allows a safe method of debridement and does not create defects beyond the epithelial BM in corneal wounds in normal dogs. Evaluation of the diamond burr debridement in cases of SCCEDs is warranted.
Schirmer tear tests and intraocular pressures in conscious and anesthetized koalas (Phascolarctus cinereus)
Authors: Grundon Rachael A. , Anderson Gary A. , Lynch Michael , Hardman Chlöe , O’Reilly Anu , Stanley Robin G. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To estimate mean Schirmer tear test (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) values in healthy koalas both conscious and anesthetized.Methods Data were gathered from koalas in Victoria, Australia. Conscious examinations were performed on captive koalas. Free‐ranging (wild) koalas were examined under anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced using alfaxalone, and animals were maintained on oxygen and isoflurane if required. All animals were healthy and had no surface ocular pathology detectable during slit lamp biomicroscopy. STT I tests were performed using commercial STT test strips placed in the lower fornix for 1 min. IOP was measured using an applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia. The higher value of the two eyes for both STT and IOP was analyzed. STT was measured in 53 koalas (34 conscious, 19 anesthetized) and IOP was measured in 43 koalas (30 conscious, 13 anesthetized). A two‐samplet‐test was used to compare means. AP‐value <0.05 was regarded as significant. Mean ± SD is presented.Results The mean higher STT in conscious koalas was 10.3 ± 3.6 mm wetting/min and in anesthetized koalas it decreased to 3.8 ± 4.0 mm wetting/min (P < 0.0001). The mean higher IOP in conscious koalas was 15.3 ± 5.1 mmHg, and in anesthetized koalas it was 13.8 ± 3.4 mmHg (P = 0.32). There was no effect of sex on either STT or IOP.Conclusions The mean and SD of STT and IOP values for koalas both conscious and anesthetized were reported. The mean STT was significantly reduced by alfaxalone anesthesia.
Effect of acute intraocular pressure elevation on blood flow velocity and resistance in the rabbit ophthalmic artery
Authors: Yang Qiang , Shen Jiying , Guo Wenyi , Wen Jiexian , Wang Zhongfeng , Yu Daoyi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective  To determine the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on blood flow velocity and resistance in the rabbit ophthalmic artery.Animals  Ten adult New Zealand White rabbits were used.Procedures  Right eyes were cannulated and the IOP was raised in a stepwise manner from 20 to 70 mmHg. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) in the ophthalmic artery were measured by color Doppler imaging. Values of PSV, EDV and RI were compared at various IOPs via the analysis of variance (anova) of a randomized block design with post hoc Bonferroni test.Results  Significant differences of PSV, EDV and RI at different IOP points (all P < 0.001) were observed. Over the entire IOP range, linear regression showed a negative correlation between IOP and both PSV and EDV (β = −0.07434, P = 0.0020 and β = −0.07829, P < 0.001, respectively), as well as a positive correlation between the RI and IOP (β = 0.00221, P < 0.001). Moreover, line plots identified a point with IOP = 40 mmHg, splitting the IOP range with different regression slopes. Piecewise linear regression indicated no correlation between PSV, EDV, RI and IOP when the IOP was elevated from 20 to 40 mmHg (P = 0.1832, P = 0.5932 and P = 0.5819, respectively). However, piecewise linear regression detected a stronger negative correlation between PSV, EDV and IOP (β = −0.15760, P = 0.0011 and β = −0.11872, P = 0.001, respectively) and a stronger positive correlation between RI and IOP (β = 0.00273, P = 0.0015) during the stage from 40 to 70 mmHg.Conclusions  The ophthalmic artery in the rabbits was capable of maintaining normal blood velocity and resistance when IOP was below 40 mmHg. However, the autoregulatory capacity was greatly limited when IOP was over 40 mmHg.
Comparison of the pig and feline models for full thickness corneal transplantation
Authors: Brunette Isabelle , Rosolen Serge G. , Carrier Michel , Abderrahman Mona , Nada Ossama , Germain Lucie , Proulx Stéphanie 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPurpose  The goal of this study was to report on the advantages and limitations of the pig and feline models for experimental in vivo corneal transplantation.Methods  Ten healthy domestic pigs and ten healthy cats were used. Full thickness penetrating keratoplasty was performed using autologous (eight cases), allogeneic (seven cases) or human xenogeneic (three cases) tissue. In two other cases, the inflammatory response to partial thickness trephination (without transplantation) was evaluated. Eyes were assessed daily before and after surgery by slit‐lamp, pachymetry, and tonometry. A transparency score ranging from 0 (opaque graft) to 4 (clear graft) was used, based on the slit‐lamp examination. Optical coherence tomography, histology, and electron microscopy were performed postmortem.Results  In the pig, the mean (±SD) transparency score for the eight full thickness grafts was 0.88 ± 0.99, ranging from 0 to 3. In the feline model, the mean transparency score for the seven uncomplicated grafts was 3.93 ± 0.19, ranging from 3.5 to 4. Both negative controls without endothelium remained opaque at all time. Intraoperative tendency for iris incarceration into the wound, rapid corneal swelling, suture cheese wiring, and postoperative intraocular inflammation were the main factors jeopardizing the functional success of the corneal transplant in the pig model.Conclusion  Suboptimal functional results were obtained after full thickness corneal transplantation in the pig model, while in the feline model, the same protocol yielded uneventful surgeries and clear transplants, with functional results similar to those achieved in human subjects.
Effect of mydriasis induced by topical instillations of 0.5% tropicamide on the anterior segment in normotensive dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Dulaurent Thomas , Goulle Frédéric , Dulaurent Alice , Mentek Marielle , Peiffer Robert Louis , Isard Pierre‐François 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To determine the effect of 0.5% tropicamide and the resultant mydriasis on the anterior segment in normotensive dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy.Procedure Twenty‐four dogs without ocular disease underwent ultrasound biomicroscopic examination of both the eyes under general anesthesia. Pharmacologic mydriasis was induced in the right eye of each dog by the topical instillation of 0.5% tropicamide. Ultrasound biomicroscopic examinations were performed and the anatomical parameters of the anterior segment were evaluated including the geometric iridocorneal angle (ICA) – formed by the plane of the iris root and the internal corneoscleral limbus – the width of the opening of the ciliary cleft (CC), the width of the mid‐CC, the length of the CC, and the anterior chamber (AC) depth (distance between the corneal endothelium and the anterior lens capsule).Results Mydriasis resulting from the topical use of 0.5% tropicamide is associated with an increase in the geometric ICA and a decrease in the opening of the CC, without any effect on the width of the mid‐CC, or on the length of the CC, or on the AC depth.Conclusions Mydriasis induced by topical 0.5% tropicamide results in modification of the anterior segment which may influence the drainage of aqueous humor.
Family factors affecting perceived income adequacy among older adults in urban China
Authors: Li Chao , Chi Iris , Xu Ling 
Published: April 2011

Li C, Chi I, Xu L. Family factors affecting perceived income adequacy among older adults in urban ChinaInt J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: S86–S98 © 2011 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.This article examined how family‐related factors affect perceived income adequacy among older adults in urban China when socio‐demographic, income, and health factors are controlled. The data were derived from the 2006 Sample Survey on the Aged Population in Urban/Rural China. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to identify various factors affecting perceived income adequacy. The results showed that older adults who received more monetary or instrumental support from their children, who provided monetary support to their children, and who perceived their children as high in filial piety were more likely to report having adequate income. Respondents who were older, female, married, retired with pensions or still working, or who had higher actual income, more education, and better health status were also more likely to report adequate income. Programs and policies that can enhance or maintain intergenerational support should be developed to improve perceptions of income adequacy and general well‐being among Chinese older adults.
PNPLA3 rs738409C/G polymorphism in cirrhosis: relationship with the aetiology of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence
Authors: Falleti Edmondo , Fabris Carlo , Cmet Sara , Cussigh Annarosa , Bitetto Davide , Fontanini Elisabetta , Fornasiere Ezio , Bignulin Sara , Fumolo Elisa , Bignulin Eleonora , Pirisi Mario , Toniutto Pierluigi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground and aim: The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G polymorphism has been found to be strongly associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and with alcoholic liver disease. Whether the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism could be a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis patients is unknown.Methods: This study included 483 (344 males) consecutive Italian patients of Caucasian ethnicity affected by cirrhosis, of whom 279 had undergone transplantation for end‐stage liver disease while 204 had been referred to our liver and transplant unit for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. The aetiologies were hepatitis C virus=209, hepatitis B virus=76, alcohol=166, metabolic=32. Ile148Met rs738409 transversion was genotyped using an restriction fragment length polymorphism‐based assay.Results: The genotype frequencies of the rs738409 polymorphism were distributed differently in patients with cirrhosis C/C=168, C/G=220, G/G=95 vs controls C/C=218, C/G=175, G/G=35 (P<0.0001). Among cirrhotics, the G allele was over‐represented in alcoholic/metabolic (0.505) vs viral (0.368, P<0.001) liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis complicated by HCC were more likely to be G/G homozygotes (38/141) than the remaining patients (57/342, P<0.02). At multivariate analysis, the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism was confirmed to be an independent predictor of HCC occurrence (odds ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.92, P<0.05). HCC rates increased from 13/116 (11.2%; female C/* carriers), to 97/295 (32.9%; male C/*carriers and female G/G homozygotes), to 31/72 (43.1%; male G/G homozygotes) (P<0.0001).Conclusions: The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G polymorphism is associated with cirrhosis. In synergy with gender, this polymorphism is a strong predictor of HCC occurrence among patients with cirrhosis.