bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prolyl Hydroxylase PHD3 Identifies Proinflammatory Macrophages and Its Expression Is Regulated by Activin A
Authors: Escribese María M. , Sierra-Filardi Elena , Nieto Concha , Samaniego Rafael , Sánchez-Torres Carmen , Matsuyama Takami , Calderon-Gómez Elisabeth , Vega Miguel A. , Salas Azucena , Sánchez-Mateos Paloma , Corbí Angel L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Modulation of macrophage polarization underlies the onset and resolution of inflammatory processes, with polarization-specific molecules being actively sought as potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Based on their cytokine profile upon exposure to pathogenic stimuli, human monocyte-derived macrophages generated in the presence of GM-CSF or M-CSF are considered as proinflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages, respectively. We report in this study that the prolyl hydroxylase PHD3-encoding EGLN3 gene is specifically expressed by in vitro-generated proinflammatory M1(GM-CSF) human macrophages at the mRNA and protein level. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of PHD3 in CD163+ lung macrophages under basal homeostatic conditions, whereas PHD3+ macrophages were abundantly found in tissues undergoing inflammatory responses (e.g., Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and in tumors. In the case of melanoma, PHD3 expression marked a subset of tumor-associated macrophages that exhibit a weak (e.g., CD163) or absent (e.g., FOLR2) expression of typical M2-polarization markers. EGLN3 gene expression in proinflammatory M1(GM-CSF) macrophages was found to be activin A dependent and could be prevented in the presence of an anti-activin A-blocking Ab or inhibitors of activin receptor-like kinase receptors. Moreover, EGLN3 gene expression was upregulated in response to hypoxia only in M2(M-CSF) macrophages, and the hypoxia-mediated upregulation of EGLN3 expression was significantly impaired by activin A neutralization. These results indicate that EGLN3 gene expression in macrophages is dependent on activin A both under basal and hypoxic conditions and that the expression of the EGLN3-encoded PHD3 prolyl hydroxylase identifies proinflammatory macrophages in vivo and in vitro.
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: Clinical and computed tomography findings in predicting in-hospital mortality in Central Africans
Authors: Tshikwela Michel Lelo , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) constitutes now 52% of all strokes. Despite of its deadly pattern, locally there is no clinical grading scale for ICH-related mortality prediction. The first objective of this study was to develop a risk stratification scale (Kinshasa ICH score) by assessing the strength of independent predictors and their association with in-hospital 30-day mortality. The second objective of the study was to create a specific local and African model for ICH prognosis. Materials and Methods: Age, sex, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), smoking, alcohol intake, and neuroimaging data from CT scan (ICH volume, Midline shift) of patients admitted with primary ICH and follow-upped in 33 hospitals of Kinshasa, DR Congo, from 2005 to 2008, were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: A total of 185 adults and known hypertensive patients (140 men and 45 women) were examined. 30-day mortality rate was 35% (n=65). ICH volume>25 mL (OR=8 95% CI: 3.1-20.2; P<0.0001), presence of coma (OR=6.8 95% CI 2.6-17.4; P<0.0001) and left hemispheric site of ICH (OR 2.6 95% CI: 1.1-6; P=0.027) were identified as significant and independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Midline shift > 7 mm, a consequence of ICH volume, was also a significant predictor of mortality. The Kinshasa ICH score was the sum of individual points assigned as follows: Presence of coma coded 2 (2 × 2 = 4), absence of coma coded 1 (1 × 2 = 2), ICH volume>25 mL coded 2 (2 × 2=4), ICH volume of ≤25 mL coded 1(1 × 2=2), left hemispheric site of ICH coded 2 (2 × 1=2), and right hemispheric site of hemorrhage coded 1(1 × 1 = 1). All patients with Kinshasa ICH score ≤7 survived and the patients with a score >7 died. In considering sex influence (Model 3), points were allowed as follows: Presence of coma (2 × 3 = 6), absence of coma (1 × 3 = 3), men (2 × 2 = 4), women (1 × 2 = 2), midline shift ≤7 mm (1 × 3 = 3), and midline shift >7 mm (2 × 3 = 6). Patients who died had the Kinshasa ICH score ≥16. Conclusion: In this study, the Kinshasa ICH score seems to be an accurate method for distinguishing those ICH patients who need continuous and special management. It needs to be validated among large African hypertensive populations with a high rate of 30-day in–hospital mortality.
Epidural steroid injection in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Kawu Ahidjo A 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
Objective: This prospective-controlled observational study looked at well-matched patients with spinal pain and radicular symptoms, caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation to compare the short-term clinical outcome of transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ESI) in a resource challenged tertiary institution in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: 49 patients with radicular symptoms who were matched for age, symptom duration, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and pre-injection revised Oswentry Disability Index (ODI) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were assigned into ESI technique. The ODI and VAS score were analyzed immediately after an injection and upon follow-up (average 178.5 days), also with the need for repeated injections and surgical interventions over a 1-year follow-up interval. Result: In the transforaminal group (25 patients), there was a statistically significant improvement in the ODI scores from before the injection (ODI mean 62.4) to immediately after the injection (ODI mean 24.4, P < 0.01), and upon follow-up (ODI mean 20.8, P < 0.01). 9 patients (18.4%) required 1 or 2 repeated injections, 3 (6.1%) patients underwent surgery and 2 (4%) patients lost to follow-up. In the interlaminar group (24 patients), there was a statistically significant improvement in the ODI scores from before the injection (ODI mean 60.7) to immediately after the injection (ODI mean 30.1, P < 0.01), but not upon follow-up (ODI mean 43.2, P = 0.09). 11 (22.4%) patients required 1 or 2 repeated injection, 4 (8%) patients underwent surgery and 3 (6.1%) patients were lost to follow-up. There is an average of 2 fold improvement of transforaminal ESI over interlaminar ESI in a 40 point scale of ODI score on follow-up, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The VAS showed similar pattern with the ODI scores in the study. Conclusion: Transforaminal ESI to treat symptomatic lumbar disc herniation resulted in better short-term pain improvement and fewer long-term surgical interventions compared to interlaminar ESI.
Lamotrigine effects sensorimotor gating in WAG/Rij rats
Authors: Celikyurt Ipek Komsuoglu , Ulak Guner , Mutlu Oguz , Akar Furuzan Yildiz , Erden Faruk , Komsuoglu Sezer Sener 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is a measurable form of sensorimotor gating. Disruption of PPI reflects the impairment in the neural filtering process of mental functions that are related to the transformation of an external stimuli to a response. Impairment of PPI is reported in neuropsychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s diseases, Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, and temporal lobe epilepsy with psychosis. Absence epilepsy is the most common type of primary generalized epilepsy. Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic drug that is preferred in absence epilepsy and acts by stabilizing the voltage-gated sodium channels. Aim: In this study, we have compared WAG-Rij rats (genetically absence epileptic rats) with Wistar rats, in order to clarify if there is a deficient sensorimotor gating in absence epilepsy, and have examined the effects of lamotrigine (15, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) on this phenomenon. Materials and Methods: Depletion in PPI percent value is accepted as a disruption in sensory-motor filtration function. The difference between the Wistar and WAG/Rij rats has been evaluated with the student t test and the effects of lamotrigine on the PPI percent have been evaluated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) post-hoc Dunnett’s test. Results: The PPI percent was low in the WAG/Rij rats compared to the controls (P<0.0001, t:9,612). Although the PPI percent value of the control rats was not influenced by lamotrigine, the PPI percent value of the WAG/Rij rats was raised by lamotrigine treatment (P<0.0001, F:861,24). Conclusions: As a result of our study, PPI was disrupted in the WAG/Rij rats and this disruption could be reversed by an antiepileptic lamotrigine.
Prognostic significance of age in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Dhandapani S S , Manju D , Sharma B S , Mahapatra A K 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
Background: Age is a strong prognostic factor following traumatic brain injury (TBI), with discrepancies defining the critical prognostic age threshold. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of various age thresholds on outcome after TBI. Materials and Methods: The ages of patients admitted with TBI were prospectively studied in relation to mode of injury, Glasgow coma score (GCS), CT category and surgical intervention. Mortality was assessed at 1 month, and neurological outcome was assessed at 6 months. Appropriate statistical analyzes (details in article) were performed. Results: Of the total 244 patients enrolled, 144 patients had severe, 38 patients had moderate and 62 patients had mild TBI, respectively. Age had significant association with grade of injury, CT category and surgical intervention (P < 0.01). Mortality at 1 month was significantly associated with increasing age with patients dead at 1 month being 15% for age < 18, 44% for age between 18 and 59 years, and 52% in the age group > 59 years respectively (P < 0.001). Unfavorable outcome showed significant association with an increase in age, every decade (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, there was stepwise increase in the odds of unfavorable outcome across age groups centered on 40 years, independent of confounding factors. The adjusted odds ratios for unfavorable outcome with regard to age thresholds 30, 40 and 50 years were 11.3, 53.3 and 1171, respectively (P < 0.005). Moreover, there was significant association of unfavorable outcome with age > 40 years in all subgroups, based on GCS and surgical intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In patients with TBI, age demonstrates independent association with unfavorable outcome at 6 months, in stepwise manner centered on a threshold of 40 years.
Effect of fluoride exposure on the intelligence of school children in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Saxena Sudhanshu , Sahay Anjali , Goel Pankaj 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTObjective: To assess the relationship between exposure to different drinking water fluoride levels and children’s intelligence in Madhya Pradesh state, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 12-year-old school children of Madhya Pradesh state, India. The children were selected from low (< 1.5 parts per million) and high (≥1.5 parts per million) fluoride areas. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the children’s personal characteristics, residential history, medical history, educational level of the head of the family, and socioeconomic status of the family. Levels of lead, arsenic, and iodine in the urine and the levels of fluoride in the water and urine were analyzed. The children’s intelligence was measured using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Data analysis was done using the chi-square, one way analysis of variance, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression tests. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Differences in participant’s sociodemographic characteristics, urinary iodine, urinary lead, and urinary arsenic levels were statistically not significant (P>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the urinary fluoride levels (P 0.000). Reduction in intelligence was observed with an increased water fluoride level (P 0.000). The urinary fluoride level was a significant predictor for intelligence (P 0.000). Conclusion: Children in endemic areas of fluorosis are at risk for impaired development of intelligence.
Cervical disc herniation manifesting as a Brown-Sequard syndrome
Authors: Yokoyama Kunio , Kawanishi Masahiro , Yamada Makoto , Kuroiwa Toshihiko 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBrown-Sequard syndrome is commonly seen in the setting of spinal trauma or an extramedullary spinal neoplasm. The clinical picture reflects hemisection of the spinal cord. We report a rare case of Brown-Sequard syndrome caused by a large cervical herniated disc. A 63-year-old man presented with progressive right hemiparesis and disruption of pain and temperature sensation on the left side of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging showed large C3-C4 disc herniation compressing the spinal cord at that level, with severe canal stenosis from C4 through C7. Decompressive cervical laminoplasty was performed. After surgery, complete sensory function was restored and a marked improvement in motor power was obtained.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Gene Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Risk among Arab Omani Women: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Al-Ajmi Kawthar , Ganguly Shyam S. , Al-Ajmi Adil , Mandhari Zahid Al , Al-Moundhri Mansour S. 
Published: July 2012

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide with significant global burden. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is an important regulator of cellular growth, differentiation, and apoptosis and mitogenic and antiapoptotic activities. Some studies suggested an association between cytosine adenine (CA) repeats gene polymorphisms of IGF1 and the risk of developing breast cancer while other studies did not find such an association. This study aims investigate the role of IGF1 (CA) repeats gene polymorphisms in the risk of developing breast cancer among Omani women. Methods We analyzed (CA) repeats gene polymorphisms of IGF1 by extraction of genomic DNA from the peripheral blood of 147 patients with breast cancer and 134 control participants and performed genotyping using DNA sequencing. Results Approximately 46% of patients carried the IGF (CA)19 repeat allele, with 31.3% carrying two copies of this allele and 50% of controls carried the IGF (CA)19 repeat allele with 30.1% carrying two copies of this allele. The difference of the IGF CA repeat groups was significant between cases and controls with ( P = 0.02). In contrast, there was no difference in the distribution of (CA)19 repeat allele, (CA)18 repeat allele and (CA)19 repeat allele between cases and controls. The difference of the CA groups was significant between cases and controls among postmenopausal women with ( P = 0.026), whereas no difference was observed among postmenopausal subjects ( P = 0.429). In both pre- and postmenopausal groups there was no difference in the distribution of (CA)19 repeat allele, (CA)18 repeat allele and (CA)20 repeat allele between patients and control subjects. On further IGF1 genotypes classification, we found an association between progesterone receptor status and the genotypes group where the non carrier of (CA)19 repeat group was compared to (CA)19 repeat carrier group (OR = 2.482; 95% CI = 1.119–5.503; P value = 0.023). Conclusion Overall there was no association between the IGF (CA)19 repeat and breast cancer in Omani females.
On Minimal and Maximal p-operator Space Structures
Authors: Öztop Serap , Spronk Nico 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe show that L∞(µ), in its capacity as multiplication operators on Lp(µ), is minimal as a p-operator space for a decomposable measure μ. We conclude that L1(μ) has a certain maximal type p-operator space structure that facilitates computations with L1(μ) and the projective tensor product.
Product Placement and Brand Equity
Authors: Corniani Margherita 
Published: July 2012

Product placement is the planned insertion of a brand within a movie, a fiction, etc. It can be used with other communication tools (i.e. advertising, sales promotions, etc.) in order to disseminate brand awareness and characterize brand image, developing brand equity. In global markets, product placement is particularly useful for improving brand equity of brands with a well established brand awareness.
Governance and Management in the Business of Sport
Authors: Cafferata Roberto 
Published: July 2012

Sport activities and the environment around them are widely considered as being important examples of the emerging service economy, which cultivates strong ties with both the financial and the industrial sectors. Sports are social economic activities where developments indicate the existence of a dynamic process. In the global competitive context, sport organisations no longer require generalist managers who can turn their hands to everything, but rather they need managers with the ability to co-ordinate and control complex administration, delegate functions and motivate people. The role of marketing is steadily growing within a sport organisation’s business strategies.
Students Evaluation & Teachers Trust: A Fear of Insignificance
Authors: Manzoor Sheikh Raheel , Shah Syed Habib , Ullah Hafiz , Ahmad Zulqarnain Muhammad , Ullah Inam 
Published: July 2012

This research study analyzes the teacher trust on student’s evaluation about the staff members of Peshawar University and Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Province of Pakistan. Total 250 sets of questionnaires were personally delivered on random basis to the lecturers, assistant professors and professors of KUST and Peshawar University. The collected information was regarding teacher’s perception on student’s evaluation. Results of the study were interpreted through simple bar chart and frequency distribution table to analyze the different responses of the respondents. There is clear evidence that the respondents highly trust on student’s evaluation. Keywords: Teacher Grade, Teacher Leniency, Teacher Evaluation
The Effects of Different Adhesive Agents on the Shear Bond Strength of a Self-Adhesive Resin Cement
Authors: Pekperdahci Tolga , Turkoz Yuksel , Ozan Oguz , Seker Emre 
Published: July 2012

Purpose To compare the clinical success of a self-adhesive resin cement used in combination with different adhesive bonding systems with that of a conventional dual-cure resin cement. Methods The study was performed with 136 freshly extracted molars embedded in acrylic resin blocks and 136 IPS e.max Press discs. Teeth and discs were randomly divided into four equal groups and cemented together using either RelyX ARC (ARC), RelyX Unicem (Unicem), RelyX Unicem+Adper-Prompt L-pop (L-pop), or RelyX and Unicem+Total-etch (Total-etch). Shear bond strength measurements were obtained before and after thermocycling. Following bond testing, the surfaces of one sample per subgroup (thermocycled and non-thermocycled), were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Among the non-thermocylced subgroups, ARC exhibited the highest bond strength values, followed by Total Etch, Unicem and L-pop. ARC also exhibited the highest bond strength values among the thermocycled subgroups, followed by Unicem, Total-etch, and L-pop. SEM analysis clearly revealed the negative effects of thermo-cycling on the mechanical properties of adhesive agents. Conclusions RelyX Unicem may be preferable in many cases because of its simplified application and reduced technique-sensitivity.
Characterization of the Mechanical and Biological Properties of a New Alumina Scaffold
Authors: Batista Patrícia SP. , Rodrigues Miguel AA. , Silva Daniela Mr. , Morgado Patrícia IC. , Henriques Joaquim P. , Almeida Maria O. , Silva Abílio P. , Correia Ilídio J 
Published: July 2012

Purpose In this work, an alumina scaffold was produced through a new method to be used in a near future as a bone substitute. Methods In vitro and in vivo studies were performed in order to characterize the mechanical and biological properties of the scaffold. Results The results obtained showed that this scaffold has high mechanical resistance and a porous surface that allows human osteoblast cells to adhere and proliferate. The in vivo studies revealed no systemic reaction. Conclusions The alumina scaffold produced herein has the mechanical and biological properties that are compatible with its application in bone therapy.
Characterization of Thermal Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Some Biomedical Implant Materials
Authors: Singh Tejinder Pal , Singh Harpreet , Singh Hazoor 
Published: July 2012

Purpose To characterize two thermal sprayed coatings of different particle-sized hydroxyapatite on some biomedical implant materials. Methods Characterization of the as-sprayed coatings was performed using x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray mapping techniques. Bond strength of the sprayed coatings measured as per ASTM-C633 standard and cell culture studies were performed to assess the biocompatibility of the coatings. Results The results indicated that, HA coatings of 10 μm particle sized powder were completely amorphous, while that of 30 μm sized powder consisted of crystalline HA with minor tetracalcium phosphate and tricalcium phosphate phases. This flame spray HA-A and HA-B coatings exhibited higher bond strength (67.8 and 49.3 MPa respectively) in comparison with other thermal spray HA coating techniques reported in literature. In vitro biocompatibility studies revealed that HA-B coated specimens had good biocompatibility with a human osteosarcoma cell line KHOSNP (R-970-5). Conclusions These observations show that particle size of HA powders have a significant effect on the phase composition, microstructure, roughness and biocompatibility of deposited coatings. HA-B coatings were found to be metallurgically better than the HA-A coating from the point of view of biomedical applications.
Enhanced Bone Screw Fixation with Biodegradable Bone Cement in Osteoporotic Bone Model
Authors: Juvonen Tiina , Koistinen Arto , Kröger Heikki , Lappalainen Reijo 
Published: July 2012

Purpose The purpose of this study was to study the potential of novel biodegradable PCL bone cement to improve bone screw fixation strength in osteoporotic bone. Methods The biomechanical properties of bone cement (ε-polycaprolactone, PCL) and fixation strength were studied using biomechanical tests and bone screws fixed in an osteoporotic bone model. Removal torques and pullout strengths were assessed for cortical, self-tapping, and cancellous screws inserted in the osteoporotic bone model (polyurethane foam blocks with polycarbonate plate) with and without PCL bone cement. Open cell and cellular rigid foam blocks with a density of 0.12 g/cm3 were used in this model. Results Removal torques were significantly (more than six-fold) improved with bone cement for cancellous screws. Furthermore, the bone cement improved pullout strengths three to 12 times over depending on the screw and model material. Conclusions Biodegradable bone cement turned out to be a very potential material to stabilize screw fixation in osteoporotic bone. The results warrant further research before safe clinical use, especially to clarify clinically relevant factors using real osteoporotic bone under human body conditions and dynamic fatigue testing for long-term performance.