bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of macrophage marker in hyperhaemolytic transfusion reaction: a case report
Authors: Win N. , Lee E. , Needs M. , Chia L.‐W. , Stasi R. 
Published: January 2012

Background: Hyperhaemolytic transfusion reaction (HHTR) has been well described in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It is characterised by a decrease in haemoglobin concentration to levels below those before transfusion and a fall in the absolute reticulocyte count. As red blood cells (RBC) alloantibodies are typically not detected in post‐transfusion samples in acute forms of HHTR, we have previously proposed that both the transfused and autologous RBCs cells (HbSS/reticulocytes) are destroyed by activated macrophages.Case reports: We report a patient with SCD who presented with vaso‐occlusive sickle cell crisis and developed a severe HHTR attributable to anti‐Fy3. In addition to the usual supportive measures, the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroids. Serum ferritin levels were measured as an aspecific marker of macrophage activation.Results: Steroids and IVIG were effective in managing HHTR. Ferritin levels were high at the time of haemolysis, (>10000 µg L−1) whereas recovery and cessation of haemolysis correlated with a decrease in ferritin levels.Conclusion: Serum ferritin values >10 000 µg L−1 are considered pathognomic for conditions characterised by abnormal macrophage activation. In our case, serum ferritin levels correlate well with the disease activity and clinical response. This further supports our previous proposal that the activated macrophages play an important role in HHTR. Serum ferritin is a nonspecific marker of inflammation. A rapid specific bio‐marker to measure the activity of macrophages in SCD in HHTR is desirable, and this area warrants further investigation.
The Distribution of Phytoplasmas in Myanmar
Authors: Win Nang Kyu Kyu , Jung Hee‐Young 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPhytoplasma‐infected plants with symptoms of general yellowing, stunting, little leaves, white leaves, virescence, phyllody and witches’ broom growth of axillary shoots were collected from various plant species in Myanmar during 2010 and 2011. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), sequence analysis of the PCR‐amplified 16S ribosomal RNA gene and phylogenetic analyses were used to identify and classify the phytoplasmas. Based on RFLP and sequence analyses, 13 isolates were identified and classified into one subgroup of 16SrI‐B, two subgroups of 16SrII‐A and 16SrII‐C, and one of 16SrXI group phytoplasmas. Phylogenetic analyses also supported the relationship of Myanmar isolates with the three 16Sr groups. This study showed that at least three 16Sr groups exist and 16SrII group phytoplasmas are widely distributed in Myanmar.
Identification of mutations in OASA1 gene from a gamma‐irradiated rice mutant population
Authors: Chun Jae Buhm , Ha Bo‐Keun , Jang Duk‐Soo , Song Mira , Lee Kyung Jun , Kim Jin‐Baek , Kim Sang Hoon , Kang Si‐Yong , Lee Geung‐Joo , Seo Yong Weon , Kim Dong Sub 
Published: January 2012

With 5 figures and 1 tableAbstractOne thousand three hundred and fifty homologous rice M8 mutant lines resistant to 5‐methyltryptophan, a tryptophan analogue, were selected from embryogenic calli irradiated with 30–120 Gy of gamma rays. The mutant rice would be compromised in tryptophan homoeostasis in the cell if a negative feedback by anthranilate synthase (AS) in tryptophan biosynthesis was altered by gamma irradiation, consequently causing tryptophan over‐accumulation. Therefore, the correlation between traits of over‐accumulated tryptophan and the alteration of AS by mutagenesis including single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) would enable the visualization and selection of over‐accumulated mutant lines from the rice mutant population. Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genome analysis with five fluorescent‐labelled primer sets covering the OASA1 locus resulted in the selection of three rice mutant lines, MRVII‐9, MRVII‐33 and MRVII‐37. The tryptophan contents in the seed storage protein of the three mutant lines were elevated when compared with the wild‐type cv. ‘Dongan’. Genomic DNA of OASA1 was re‐sequenced and validated at the SNP and other polymorphism sites. Three mutant lines (MRVII‐9, MRVII‐33 and MRVII‐37) not only contained more than five SNP sites in the total regions of OASA1 gene, but also contained SNPs in coding regions that resulted in amino acid changes such as E241G, A560G and V495F/S496F, respectively. The SNPs, which resulted in amino acid changes, may affect the enhanced tryptophan content in the seed storage protein. These different features could utilize the selection of mutant lines with over‐accumulated tryptophan from large rice mutant populations.
Differences in outcomes between cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol supplementation in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Youssef Dima , Bailey Beth , Atia Antwan , El‐Abbassi Adel , Manning Todd , Peiris Alan N 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue associated with increased health‐care costs, and could play a role in the pathogenesis and management of inflammatory bowel disease. Prior studies show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to examine the outcome differences in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, comparing treatment with ergocalciferol to cholecalciferol.Methods:  A retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with inflammatory bowel disease at a Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in the Southeastern United States was carried out. Those with at least one serum 25(OH) vitamin D level were included. Initial and follow‐up vitamin D values were recorded. The type of vitamin D supplementation, whether cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol, was documented. Costs in the year after measurement of vitamin D were divided into separate inpatient and outpatient categories.Results:  Veterans (n = 108) with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and an available 25(OH) vitamin D level were studied. There were differences in follow‐up vitamin D levels; those who received weekly ergocalciferol had higher subsequent levels than those who received cholecalciferol, especially at a second follow up, although differences did not achieve statistical significance. However, those who received vitamin D3 were less likely to use laboratory, pharmacy, radiology and fee‐based services, and had lower laboratory and pharmacy costs.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that cholecalciferol replacement might improve outcomes to a greater extent than ergocalciferol, and might be better in limiting health‐care costs and expenses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 475–480.
Connection between hyperemesis gravidarum, jaundice or liver dysfunction, and biliary sludge
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Kamozawa Chihiro , Sakamoto Yuki , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Tamada Kiichi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractJaundice in hyperemesis gravidarum may cause physicians to suspect several underlying diseases. Jaundice appeared in a woman with hyperemesis gravidarum and an ultrasound revealed biliary sludge. Hydration concomitantly ameliorated the symptoms, jaundice and the biliary sludge. Another woman with hyperemesis gravidarum showed elevated aminotransferases, with biliary sludge also being present. Hydration ameliorated the symptoms and liver dysfunction, and reduced the total bilirubin level. Biliary sludge appeared, but was ameliorated according to the symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Mucinous borderline‐like tumor of the gastrointestinal type arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary and its immunohistochemical cytokeratin and mucin phenotype
Authors: Nakatsuka Shin‐ichi , Wakimoto Tetsu , Ozaki Kimiaki , Nagano Teruaki , Kimura Hayato , Nakajo Kazuya , Ito Kimihiko 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMalignant transformation is rarely seen in the disease course of mature cystic teratoma (MCT) of the ovary. Adenocarcinoma arising from MCT is especially rare. We herein present the case of a premenopausal woman with a mucinous borderline‐like tumor arising from a MCT. Based on the histological transition between the borderline‐like tumor and gastrointestinal elements of the MCT, we consider that the tumor derived from teratomatous gastrointestinal epithelium. Immunohistochemistry showed that the proliferating mucinous cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 20 and partially positive for cytokeratin 7. MUC5AC was partially positive, whereas MUC2 and MUC6 were positive in a small number of tumor cells. The immunophenotype of cytokeratins and mucins in the present case was compatible with malignant transformation of the teratomatous gastrointestinal epithelium.
Incidental appendectomy – standard or unnecessary additional trauma in surgery for colorectal cancer? A retrospective analysis of histological findings in 380 specimens
Authors: Exner R. , Sachsenmaier M. , Horvath Z. , Stift A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Incidental appendectomy is a frequent but non‐standard procedure during surgery for colorectal cancer. Incidental appendectomy during colorectal resections is performed at the discretion of the operating surgeon.Method  This retrospective study used data from 1352 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between 1993 and 2009 at the Medical University of Vienna. The authors evaluated histopathological results of appendices removed incidentally. In addition, complications and costs of the additional intervention were analyzed.Results  Appendectomy had been performed in 314 (23.22%) patients because of appendicitis. Incidental appendectomy had been performed in 380 (28.11%) patients: 86 (22.63%) had a histologically completely normal appendix, a pathologic alteration was found in 289 (76.05%) and a neoplasm was found in seven (1.84%). No complications occurred from the additional surgical procedure. The costs and time effort were negligible.Conclusion  Incidental appendectomy is a safe procedure and can be integrated into surgery for colorectal carcinoma to avoid future complications. Pathological findings of the appendix, including neoplasm, are frequent but the clinical relevance remains questionable.
An exploratory randomized controlled trial comparing telephone and hospital follow‐up after treatment for colorectal cancer
Authors: Beaver K. , Campbell M. , Williamson S. , Procter D. , Sheridan J. , Heath J. , Susnerwala S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim Following treatment for colorectal cancer it is common practice for patients to attend hospital clinics at regular intervals for routine monitoring, although debate persists on the benefits of this approach. Nurse‐led telephone follow‐up is effective in meeting information and psycho‐social needs in other patient groups. We explored the potential benefits of nurse‐led telephone follow‐up for colorectal cancer patients.Method Sixty‐five patients were randomized to either telephone or hospital follow‐up in an exploratory randomized trial.Results The telephone intervention was deliverable in clinical practice and acceptable to patients and health professionals. Seventy‐five per cent of eligible patients agreed to randomization. High levels of satisfaction were evident in both study groups. Appointments in the hospital group were shorter (median 14.0 min, range 2.3–58.0) than appointments in the telephone group (median 28.9 min, range 6.1–48.3). Patients in the telephone arm were more likely to raise concerns during consultations.Conclusion Historical approaches to follow‐up unsupported by evidence of effectiveness and efficiency are not sustainable. Telephone follow‐up by specialist nurses may be a feasible option. A main trial comparing hospital and telephone follow‐up is justified, although consideration needs to be given to trial design and practical issues related to the availability of specialist nurses at study locations.
Capital Is Not Enough: Innovation in Developing Economies
Authors: Bradley Steven W. , McMullen Jeffery S. , Artz Kendall , Simiyu Edward M. 
Published: January 2012

abstractEconomic development and social entrepreneurship often conceive of poverty as a resource allocation problem in which a lack of capital prevents the poor from increasing their income through entrepreneurship. This allocative view, however, represents only one possible approach to conceptualizing entrepreneurial opportunity. The alternative discovery‐ and creativity‐based views place a greater emphasis on innovation which implies that superior ideas are also needed if poverty is to be reduced through firm performance. Drawing from a survey of 201 small business owners involved in a microcredit programme in Nairobi, Kenya, we find that the financial, social, human capital–performance relationships are mediated in part by innovation. Further, we find that differentiation‐related innovations lead to better firm performance than novelty‐related innovations.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Base of the Pyramid: A Recipe for Inclusive Growth or Social Exclusion?
Authors: Hall Jeremy , Matos Stelvia , Sheehan Lorn , Silvestre Bruno 
Published: January 2012

abstractPolicy makers often see entrepreneurship as a panacea for inclusive growth in underdeveloped ‘Base of the Pyramid’ (BOP) regions, but it may also lead to unanticipated negative outcomes such as crime and social exclusion. Our objective is to improve the understanding of how entrepreneurship policies can lead to socially inclusive growth at the BOP. Drawing on data collected from Brazilian tourism destinations with varying entrepreneurship, innovation, and social inclusion policies, we argue that weak institutions coupled with alert entrepreneurs encourage destructive outcomes, especially if entrepreneurship policies are based solely on economic indicators. Policies addressing both economic and social perspectives may foster more productive entrepreneurial outcomes, albeit at a more constrained economic pace. The study extends the related BOP, entrepreneurship, global value chain, and sustainable tourism literatures by examining the poor as entrepreneurs, the role of local innovation, and how entrepreneurship policies generate different social impacts within poor communities.
CAG repeat length in androgen receptor gene is not associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bruson A. , Sambataro F. , Querin G. , D’Ascenzo C. , Palmieri A. , Agostini J. , Gaiani A. , Angelini C. , Galbiati M. , Poletti A. , Pennuto M. , Pegoraro E. , Clementi M. , Soraru G. 
Published: January 2012

Background:  Epidemiological and clinical studies show higher prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in males than in females and more severe lesions in androgen receptor (AR)‐expressing tissues. The AR gene contains a polymorphic CAG trinucleotide repeat, whose expansion over a certain threshold is toxic to motor neurons, causing spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA).Purpose and methods:  We tested the hypothesis that the AR CAG repeat linked to SBMA is a risk factor for ALS. We analyzed AR CAG expansions in 336 patients with ALS and 100 controls.Results:  We found a negative association of AR CAG expansions with ALS susceptibility, clinical presentation, and survival.Conclusions:  Our findings do not support a role of the AR CAG repeat length in ALS.
Blockade of the high‐affinity noradrenaline transporter (NET) by the selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor escitalopram: an in vivo microdialysis study in mice
Authors: Nguyen Hai T , Guiard Bruno P , Bacq Alexandre , David Denis J , David Indira , Quesseveur Gaël , Gautron Sophie , Sanchez Connie , Gardier Alain M 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Escitalopram, the S(+)‐enantiomer of citalopram is the most selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor approved. Although all 5‐HT selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase extracellular levels of 5‐HT ([5‐HT]ext). some also enhance, to a lesser extent, extracellular levels of noradrenaline ([NA]ext). However, the mechanisms by which SSRIs activate noradrenergic transmission in the brain remain to be determined.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH This study examined the effects of escitalopram, on both [5‐HT]ext and [NA]ext in the frontal cortex (FCx) of freely moving wild‐type (WT) and mutant mice lacking the 5‐HT transporter (SERT−/−) by using intracerebral microdialysis. We explored the possibilities that escitalopram enhances [NA]ext, either by a direct mechanism involving the inhibition of the low‐ or high‐affinity noradrenaline transporters, or by an indirect mechanism promoted by [5‐HT]ext elevation. The forced swim test (FST) was used to investigate whether enhancing cortical [5‐HT]ext and/or [NA]ext affected the antidepressant‐like activity of escitalopram.KEY RESULTS In WT mice, a single systemic administration of escitalopram produced a significant increase in cortical [5‐HT]ext and [NA]ext. As expected, escitalopram failed to increase cortical [5‐HT]ext in SERT−/− mice, whereas its neurochemical effects on [NA]ext persisted in these mutants. In WT mice subjected to the FST, escitalopram increased swimming parameters without affecting climbing behaviour. Finally, escitalopram, at relevant concentrations, failed to inhibit cortical noradrenaline and 5‐HT uptake mediated by low‐affinity monoamine transporters.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These experiments suggest that escitalopram enhances, although moderately, cortical [NA]extin vivo by a direct mechanism involving the inhibition of the high‐affinity noradrenaline transporter (NET).
Critical care patients' experience of the helmet continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Dimech Andrew 
Published: January 2012

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment modality for acute respiratory failure (ARF) in critical care. Historically, a tight‐fitting mask is used to provide respiratory support. This however is not without risks to the patient. The helmet CPAP is a new product that provides the same treatment with a different method of delivery. There is minimal evidence to date explaining the patient's experience of the new helmet modality.Aims and objectives: The aim of this research study is to explore critical care patient's experience of helmet CPAP.Design: A qualitative approach was taken utilizing descriptive phenomenological methodology. In order to obtain rich data, six interviews with cues provided the platform for data generation and collection. A thematic framework was utilized with emergent themes manually analysed using a constant comparative technique to express the experiences or phenomena of a particular event or experiences.Findings/results: The overall experience was unique to each patient. The patients entrusted the health care team which made the experience more tolerable. Paradoxical themes were experienced during treatment. The themes included entrapment, confusion, helping me breathe, liberation, challenges, apprehension, relief, trust and endurance. The desire to survive the acute illness proved to be a driving factor.Conclusion: The study has provided an insight into the patient's experience of helmet CPAP in the critical care setting. The findings have provided a basis for policy and guideline development. It will also assist in developing future patient focused care.
Effects of the Iron Content and Redox State on the Structure of Sodium Borosilicate Glasses: A Raman, Mössbauer and Boron K‐Edge XANES Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Cochain B. , Neuville D. R. , Henderson G. S. , McCammon C. A. , Pinet O. , Richet P. 
Published: January 2012

The structure of iron‐bearing sodium borosilicate glasses with up to 10 mol% “FeO” has been investigated in the range 0.15 < Fe3+/ΣFe < 0.95. According to Mössbauer spectroscopy, Fe3+ and Fe2+ are mainly in tetrahedral and octahedral coordination, respectively, although other coordination states exist for both cations. From XANES experiments, we conclude that increasing Fe content and varying redox states have only a minor effect on the relative proportions of BO3 and BO4 units. In Raman spectra, a decrease of the proportion of BO4 species present in danburite‐like units (Na2O·B2O3·2SiO2) is found upon increasing iron content and oxidizing state. Whereas the insensitivity of the overall boron speciation to iron content and redox state points to weak interactions between boron and iron, the changes affecting BO4 species do indicate a more subtle interplay between Fe3+ and the other tetrahedrally coordinated cations (Si,B) because of the competition between tetrahedral Fe3+ and B3+ for charge compensation by Na+.
2‐2 Structured Magnetoelectric Composites by Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Oh Nam‐Kun , Han Guifang , Yoon Woon‐Ha , Choi Jong‐Jin , Hahn Byung‐Dong , Kim Jong‐Woo , Ahn Cheol‐Woo , Choi Joon Hwan , Park Dong‐Soo , Kim Jeong‐Joo , Ryu Jungho 
Published: January 2012

Using aerosol deposition, 2‐2 layered structured magnetoelectric (ME) composites were fabricated. Almost fully dense, polycrystalline Pb(Zr,Ti)O3‐based piezoelectric thick films with thickness of over 20 μm were fabricated on the sintered CoFe2O4 (CFO) magnetostrictive ceramics. Although the sintered CFO ceramics were not fully dense, the aerosol deposited piezoelectric films showed good adhesion and there were no noticeable cracks. The piezoelectric films thus obtained showed not only dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties, but also superior ME characteristics with a voltage coefficient of over 130 mV/cm·Oe, especially the PZT–PZN films.
Is chorioamnionitis harmful for the brain of preterm infants? A clinical overview
Authors: YLIJOKI MILLA , EKHOLM EEVA , HAATAJA LEENA , LEHTONEN LIISA ,   the PIPARI study group
Published: January 2012

Abstract Background.Chorioamnionitis is an important risk factor underlying preterm delivery, and it has also been suggested that it is associated with brain lesions and deviant neurological development in prematurely born infants.Objective. To evaluate the possible effects of chorioamnionitis on the brain of preterm infants.Design. A systematic review.Methods. A systematic database search was performed to identify all original articles published until 5 October 2011 evaluating the association between histological and/or clinical chorioamnionitis and brain lesions and/or neurological development in preterm infants. Altogether, 609 potentially relevant articles were identified, of which 84 original articles were included.Results. The majority of the articles do not support the hypothesis that chorioamnionitis poses a direct risk on the central nervous system of preterm infants. The full course of antenatal steroids seems to further reduce the adverse effects of inflammation on the developing nervous system.Conclusions. It seems that there are both benefits and risks with regard to the effects of chorioamnionitis on the brain development of preterm infants. It is plausible that inflammation enhances maturation of the preterm infant and therefore has protective effects balancing its potential harmful effects. We conclude that chorioamnionitis does not carry higher risks for the brain of preterm infants than other underlying pathologies behind preterm delivery.