bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathologic Fracture in Dogs with Suspected or Confirmed Osteosarcoma
Authors: Bhandal Jitender , Boston Sarah E. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:To evaluate clinical presentation of pathologic fractures associated with suspected or confirmed osteosarcoma in dogs and to assess treatment and survival times.Study design:Case series.Animals:Dogs (n=25) appendicular pathologic fracture.Methods:Medical records (January 1997–May 2008) of dogs with pathologic fracture associated with a suspected or confirmed osteosarcoma were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had radiographic evidence of a pathologic fracture and a presumptive or definitive diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Radiographic details, histopathology, and/or cytology findings were recorded. Overall median survival time (MST) and MST of treated dogs were calculated. Age, sex, breed, and other concurrent treatment were evaluated.Results:Rottweilers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Greyhounds were the most common breeds represented. Most dogs had minor trauma and 60% had lameness preceding the fracture. Most commonly, fractures were nondisplaced with minimal comminution. None of the dogs had radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastases at admission. Immediate (13 dogs; 52%) and delayed (4; 16%) euthanasia were performed. One dog was not treated and died 90 days after diagnosis. Three dogs (12%) were treated by amputation alone, 1 (4%) with amputation and chemotherapy, and 3 (12%) with internal fixation using an interlocking nail. Overall MST was 1 day (range, 0–623 days) and MST of treated dogs was 406.5 days. Histologic confirmation of osteosarcoma was available in all treated dogs and 6 euthanatized dogs.Conclusions:Treatment of pathologic fracture associated with presumptive osteosarcoma should be considered as an option to amputation or euthanasia if owners desire other options.
Health Outcomes and Costs among Employees with Fibromyalgia Treated with Pregabalin vs. Standard of Care
Authors: Kleinman Nathan L. , Sanchez Robert J. , Lynch Wendy D. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Beren Ian A. , Joshi Ashish V. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:  To compare comorbidities, drug use, benefit costs, absences, medication persistence/adherence between employees with fibromyalgia initiating treatment with pregabalin (PGB) vs. antidepressant Standard of Care ([SOC] amitriptyline, duloxetine, or venlafaxine).Methods:  Retrospective study of 240 adults initiating PGB or SOC after 7/1/2007. Multivariate regression models on propensity‐score‐matched cohorts compared postindex costs, absences, and adherence between cohorts.Results:  Pregabalin users had significantly more preindex muscle pain and dizziness and less depression than SOC (each P < 0.05). Use of some non‐PBG/SOC drugs differed. No differences were found in total medical, drug, or absenteeism cost. PGB had more sick leave (9.8 vs. 6.8 days, P = 0.04), but other absence types were similar. All adherence metrics were nonsignificantly greater for PGB vs. SOC.Conclusion:  Despite several comorbidity and drug use differences, most employee benefit outcomes and adherence did not differ between the cohorts.
Production risk, risk aversion and the determination of risk attitudes among Spanish rice producers
Authors: Picazo‐Tadeo Andrés J. , Wall Alan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAgricultural production is subject to risk and the attitudes of producers toward risk will influence input choices insofar as these affect production risk. Risk attitudes in turn may be affected by certain socioeconomic characteristics of producers. Using 2004 survey data from a cross‐section of 130 Spanish rice farms, we estimate risk‐aversion coefficients of farmers and investigate the influence of a series of socioeconomic variables on their risk attitudes. Our results show that farmers exhibit risk‐averse behavior and that risk attitudes are related to a series of socioeconomic characteristics. In particular, the belief that the farm will continue after the producer retires is found to increase the degree of risk aversion, while age is found to have nonlinear effects on risk aversion. Off‐farm income, especially from nonagricultural activities, is found to reduce risk aversion. Neither the educational level of the producer nor the presence of dependents on the household is found to have an effect on risk preferences. Regarding the production technology, we find that land, labor, and fitosanitary products are risk‐reducing inputs, whereas capital, seeds, and fertilizer all increase risk.
Sequential biphasic changes in claudin1 and claudin4 expression are correlated to colorectal cancer progression and liver metastasis
Authors: Georges Rania , Bergmann Frank , Hamdi Hadjar , Zepp Michael , Eyol Ergül , Hielscher Thomas , Berger Martin R. , Adwan Hassan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTerminal progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) culminates in liver metastasis. To identify genes that are involved in the metastatic phenotype, cDNA microarrays were used to analyse mRNA expression profiles of colorectal carcinoma (CC)531 rat colon adenocarcinoma cells for changes related to their homing into the liver. Briefly, CC531 cells were intraportally implanted into the liver of Wag‐Rij rats and re‐isolated after 3, 6, 9, 14 and 21 days. Compared to control CC531 cells, claudin1 and claudin4 were among the ≥8‐fold initially down‐regulated genes. The co‐culture of tumour cells with isolated rat hepatocytes and Kupffer cells did not induce down‐regulation of either claudin1 or 4. When the environment effective on circulating tumour cells was simulated by cell culture conditions favouring their adhesion, only claudin4 showed augmented expression. Knockdown of claudin1 and claudin4 mediated by small interfering RNA caused significantly increased migration and decreased clonogenic growth of tumour cells (P < 0.05), but had no effect on their proliferation. These experimental results were paralleled by increased claudin1 and claudin4 expression in human CRC samples in Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stages I–III, as evaluated by real‐time PCR. Increased claudin4 levels were correlated with significantly reduced overall survival (log‐rank test, P= 0.018). Further, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced expression of claudin1 and claudin4 was observed in stage IV and liver metastasis by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, sequential biphasic changes in claudin1 and claudin4 expression occur during the homing of rat CC531 CRC cells to the liver. This modulation is reflected by significant changes in claudin expression in human primary and metastatic CRC.
Current sunscreen controversies: a critical review
Authors: Burnett Mark E. , Wang Steven Q. 
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose: Sunscreens are believed to be a valuable tool in providing photoprotection against the detrimental effects of UV radiation, a known carcinogen. However, a number of controversies have developed regarding their safety and efficacy. This review summarizes the relevant studies surrounding these controversies.Methods: Evidence of the prevention of skin cancer, an oft‐cited reason for sunscreen use, was examined as it pertains to squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. We also reviewed studies examining the effects of sunscreen on the synthesis of vitamin D, an essential nutrient whose role in health and disease continues to grow. Lastly, we analyzed studies surrounding the safety and toxicity of oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2).Results: The overwhelming majority of available data is drawn from studies conducted using antiquated sunscreen formulations. Nonetheless, our research revealed that topical use of sunscreen protects against squamous cell carcinoma, does not cause vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in practice and has not been demonstrated to adversely affect the health of humans.Conclusion: Given the established benefits of UV protection, the use of sunscreens remains an important part of an overall photoprotective strategy. Future sunscreens with improved formulation should ideally offer superior protection. With increased usage of sunscreen by the public, continuous and vigilant monitoring of the overall safety of future products is also needed.
Psoralen and ultraviolet A in the treatment of granuloma annulare
Authors: Browne Fiona , Turner David , Goulden Victoria 
Published: March 2011

Background: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign, usually self‐limiting disease. Lesions may be localized or generalized with a tendency for generalized disease to follow a chronic course. There is evidence to support psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) in the treatment of GA, but little data on long‐term benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PUVA in the treatment of GA, and to establish clearance and remission rates.Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of patients with generalized GA treated with PUVA over 13 years. Data were collected from case notes and a phototherapy database. On completion of treatment, outcome was assessed as clear, good improvement, moderate improvement and poor outcome. Follow‐up data were obtained for patients who had cleared using a postal questionnaire in addition to clinic notes.Results: Fifty per cent of courses resulted in clearance of disease, 16% in good improvement, 25% had moderate benefit and 9% had a poor outcome. Of the patients that cleared, 79% remained in remission at 6 months but only 32% were still clear 12 months following treatment.Conclusion: Our findings show clearance or good improvement of generalized GA in 66% of cases. Prolonged remission, however, occurred in less than a third of patients.
Effect of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether‐mediated photodynamic therapy on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts
Authors: Cai Hong , Gu Ying , Sun Qiang , Zeng Jing , Dong Ning , Zhao Guang 
Published: March 2011

Background: Clinical studies have demonstrated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) for hyperplastic dermatosis results in a beneficial outcome. Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a pathological process characterized by fibroblastic hyperproliferation. However, it is unclear whether photochemical interactions between PDT and fibroblasts contribute to a beneficial outcome. To investigate the primary photochemical effects of PDT, we studied the efficacy of 630 nm PDT on human fibroblasts from HS using hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as a photosensitizer.Methods: Fibroblasts were cultured from nontreated HSs, and cells at passage 4–6 were used for the experiments. Morphological and biochemical changes in fibroblasts were assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V‐FITC/PI flow cytometry (FCM). Caspase‐3 activity assay and immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate caspase‐3 expression in fibroblasts.Results: The morphological features of cell apoptosis were viewed under a fluorescent microscope by Hoechst 33258 staining. FCM indicated that the apoptotic rate was significantly increased after HMME–PDT, and caspase‐3 activity was observed.Conclusions: Low‐level exposure to 630 nm PDT mediated by HMME appears to induce fibroblast apoptosis and stimulate caspase‐3 activation. However, the effect of HMME–PDT on fibroblasts needs further investigation to determine its therapeutic potential for HS.
The effect of accelerated ageing on colour stability of visible light–cured (VLC) chairside denture liners
Authors: Kostoulas Ioannis , Polyzois Gregory , Mitsoudis Anastasios , Kavoura Victoria , Frangou Maria 
Published: March 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00458.x

The effect of accelerated ageing on colour stability of visible light–cured (VLC) chairside denture linersObjective:  The purpose of this study was to assess the colour stability of seven visible light–cured (VLC) hard and soft denture liners by an in vitro accelerated ageing test and compare them with two autopolymerised hard and soft liners.Materials and methods:  Ten specimens of each material were fabricated. The initial colour was measured with a tri‐stimulus colorimeter. One set of five specimens was placed in distilled water at 37°C in the dark for 15 days, while the remaining were subjected to UV/visible light‐accelerated ageing initially for 24 h and then for 144 h. Colour change (ΔΕ) was calculated. Data were statistically analysed by anova, Tukey and t‐tests at α = 0.05.Results:  All the liners showed clinically acceptable colour change (ΔΕ ≤ 6.8) in distilled water. The colour changes after ageing for Triad DuaLine, Lightdon U, Ufi Gel H and Light Liner Hard were clinically unacceptable (ΔΕ ≥ 6.8), whereas LightLiner Soft, Astron LC Soft, Triad Resiline and Flexacryl Soft presented slighter and clinically acceptable colour change (ΔΕ ≤ 6.8).Conclusion:  Accelerated ageing affected significantly the colour stability of all denture liners tested except Astron LC Soft. Soft VLC denture liners were more colour‐stable than hard VLC liners.
VARIATIONS OF FLAVOR SUBSTANCES IN DISTILLATION PROCESS OF CHINESE LUZHOU‐FLAVOR LIQUOR
Authors: LI HAILONG , WANG CHUN , ZHU LI , HUANG WEIXING , YI BIN , ZHANG LIANG , SHEN CAIHONG , ZHANG SUYI , XU DEFU 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTTo investigate the variations of flavor substances in distillation process of Chinese Luzhou‐flavor liquor, systematic experiments were carried out in an industrial‐scale experimental distiller. Distillate samples were collected continuously throughout the whole distillation process and analyzed by gas chromatography and sensory evaluation. The results show that the compositions and variations of flavor substances mainly depend on their physical and chemical properties. The flavor substances with low boiling point, such as ethanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl format and ethyl acetate, are vaporized quickly and therefore have high contents in the distillate obtained in the early stage of distillation. The flavor substances with high boiling points enter into distillate mainly by extraction and, hence, their variations depend on the dissolving properties. The alcohol‐soluble substances, such as ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butanoic and so on, are distilled out mainly in the early stage of distillation, and their extraction rates decrease as the distillation process proceeds, while the water‐soluble substances, such as organic acids, ethyl lactate and so on, are mainly present in the latter‐stage distillate and the extraction rates increase as the process proceeds. Variations of methanol and furfural were found irregular and the reasons for this irregularity were analyzed. Sensory quality of distillate declines as the distillation process proceeds.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSChinese liquor has been a traditional art continuing for thousands of years, but the distillation operation almost holds its way of ancient time and few studies about it have been conducted, so that the understanding of distillation process is largely limited to intuition. Variations of flavor substances during distillation process will certainly contribute to the understanding of distillation mechanism and the optimization of distillation operation. The remarkable differences of distillate qualities found in different distillation stages provide an experimental base for collecting liquors with different distillate qualities. The findings that the high quality distillate is produced in early distillation stage indicate the necessity to overcome the vapor‐overflow phenomenon, which occurs usually in the early stage of distillation and causes a lot of loss of high quality liquor. Theoretically, this work will provide the experimental base and testifying data for the modeling of multicomponents mass transfer in liquor distillation process through a packed bed.
Receipt of Cancer Screening Services: Surprising Results for Some Rural Minorities
Authors: Bennett Kevin J. , Probst Janice C. , Bellinger Jessica D. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground: Evidence suggests that rural minority populations experience disparities in cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes. It is unknown how race/ethnicity and rurality intersect in these disparities. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the cancer screening rates among minorities in rural areas.Methods: We utilized the 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine rates of screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Bivariate analysis estimated screening rates by rurality and sociodemographics. Multivariate analysis estimated the factors that contributed to the odds of screening.Results: Rural residents were less likely to obtain screenings than urban residents. African Americans were more likely to be screened than whites or Hispanics. Race/ethnicity and rurality interacted, showing that African American women continued to be more likely than whites to be screened for breast or cervical cancer, but the odds decreased with rurality.Conclusions: This analysis confirmed previous research which found that rural residents were less likely to obtain cancer screenings than other residents. We further found that the pattern of disparity differed according to race/ethnicity, with African Americans having favorable odds of receipt of service regardless of rurality. These results have the potential to create better targeted interventions to those groups that continue to be underserved.
Coelomic fluid: a noninvasive source of DNA in earthworms
Authors: MINAMIYA YUKIO , OHGA KYOHEI , HAYAKAWA HIROSHI , ITO KATSURA , FUKUDA TATSUYA 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTo investigate whether coelomic fluid secreted by earthworms can be a noninvasive source of DNA, we amplified and sequenced DNA extracted from the coelomic fluid and muscle tissue of eight worms. The sequences obtained using DNA extracted from both sources were identical. All cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial DNA sequences, including those retrieved from GenBank, formed a monophyletic group of Metaphire sieboldi. The results indicate that we successfully extracted total DNA from coelomic fluid secreted by earthworm.
Autologous conditioned serum: The comparative cytokine profiles of two commercial methods (IRAP and IRAP II) using equine blood
Authors: HRAHA T. H. , DOREMUS K. M. , McILWRAITH C. W. , FRISBIE D. D. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating conditions affecting the horse. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS), commercially available as IRAP and IRAP II, is a recently developed treatment for OA in which plasma is prepared from venous blood by incubation with glass beads for 24 h. This product has been shown to increase anti‐inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in human blood. However, data for equine ACS preparations are lacking.Objectives: To characterise the protein profiles produced by commercially available ACS systems in equine blood.Methods: Blood was drawn from 5 horses into 6 groups: red top vacutainer (control), IRAP and IRAP II, with and without heparin. Samples were collected 1 or 24 h post draw and analysed for IL‐1ra, IL‐10, IGF‐1, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and IL‐1β using ELISAs.Results: Twenty‐four hour IRAP and IRAP II samples contained significantly higher levels of all cytokines relative to 1 h serum controls. At 24 h, IRAP II contained significantly higher levels of IL‐1ra and IRAP contained significantly higher levels of TNF‐α, compared to 24 h controls. In addition, TGF‐β, IL‐10 and IL‐1β in IRAP and IRAP II sera were similar to 24 h serum controls. The addition of heparin significantly reduced levels of IGF‐1, TNF‐α and TGF‐β, and significantly elevated levels of IL‐1ra.Conclusions: The cytokine profile that IRAP II produced is modestly better than IRAP. Incubation of whole blood in glass tubes stimulated cytokine synthesis, although not as efficiently as IRAP II.Potential relevance: Although high levels of IL‐1ra were found in ACS, elevation of other factors suggests these cytokines play a previously understated role in clinical improvements. Because ACS has been shown to alleviate clinical symptoms of OA, the present study suggests that factors other than IL‐1ra alone might be involved in its clinical efficacy. Species‐dependent elevations of cytokines warrant further investigation and optimisation of the systems appears to be necessary based on the differences between human and equine blood.
Decreased expression of p63, a regulator of epidermal stem cells, in the chronic laminitic equine hoof
Authors: CARTER R. A. , ENGILES J. B. , MEGEE S. O. , SENOO M. , GALANTINO‐HOMER H. L. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Abnormal epidermal stem cell regulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of equine chronic laminitis.Objective: To analyse the involvement of p63, a regulator of epidermal stem cell proliferative potential, in chronic laminitis.Methods: Epidermal tissues from skin, coronet and lamellae of the dorsal foot were harvested from 5 horses with chronic laminitis and 5 control horses. Tissues were analysed using histopathology, immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative immunoblottingResults: Hoof lamellae of laminitic horses had a lower frequency of p63 positive cells than control lamellae, particularly in the distal region. Quantitative immunoblotting confirmed reduced p63 expression in the laminitic distal lamellar region. The decreased p63 expression in laminitic epidermal lamellae was most apparent in the abaxial region adjacent to the hoof wall and highly associated with the formation of terminally differentiated, dysplastic and hyperkeratotic epidermis in this region, whereas lamellae from control horses maintained high p63 expression throughout the axial‐abaxial axis.Conclusions: Expression of p63 in equine skin resembles that reported in other species, including man and rodents, suggesting that p63 can serve as a marker for the proliferative potential of equine epidermal stem cells. p63 expression was significantly lower in the chronic laminitic hoof than in that of control horses, suggesting laminitic hoof epithelium has more limited proliferative potential with a shift towards differentiation. This may reflect reduced activity of epidermal stem cells in laminitic hoof. It is proposed that p63 contributes to the maintenance of hoof lamellae and that misregulation of p63 expression may lead to epidermal dysplasia during lamellar wedge formation.Potential relevance: This study suggests that loss of epidermal stem cells contributes to the pathogenesis of equine laminitis. Autologous transplantation of p63‐positive epidermal stem cells from unaffected regions may have regenerative therapeutic potential for laminitic horses.