bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: Radical surgery and vascular reconstruction
Authors: Alexander Andrea , Rehders Alexander , Raffel Andreas , Poremba Christopher , Knoefel Wolfram T , Eisenberger Claus F 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Vascular leiomyosarcoma are rare tumors typically originating from the inferior vena cava (IVC). Due to nonspecific clinical signs most tumors are diagnosed at advanced stages. Complete surgical resection remains the only potential curative therapeutic option. Surgical strategy is particularly influenced by the level of the IVC affected. Due to the topographic relation to the renal veins level-II involvement of the IVC raises special surgical challenges with respect to the maintenance of venous outflow.

Case presentation
We herein report two cases of leiomyosarcoma of the IVC with successful en bloc resection and individualized caval reconstruction. One patient presented with a large intramural and intraluminal mass and received a complete circumferential resection. Reconstruction was performed by graft replacement of the caval segment affected. The other patient displayed a predominantly extraluminal tumor growth and underwent semicircumferential resection of the IVC including the confluence of the left renal vein. In this case vascular reconstruction was performed by cavoplasty and reinsertion of the left renal vein into the proximal portion of the IVC. Resection margins of both patients were tumor free and no clinical signs of venous insufficiency of the lower extremity occurred.

Conclusion
This paper presents two cases of successfully managed leiomyosarcomas of the vena cava and exemplifies two different options for vascular reconstruction in level II sarcomas and includes a thorough review of the literature.
Development and Validation of a HPV-32 Specific PCR Assay
Authors: Herrel Nicholas R , Johnson Nadia L , Cameron Jennifer E , Leigh Janet , Hagensee Michael E 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Human Papillomavirus-32 (HPV-32) has traditionally been associated with focal-epithelial-hyperplasia (FEH). It is also present in 58% of oral warts of HIV-positive individuals whose prevalence is increasing. Current methods for the detection of HPV-32 are labor-intensive and insensitive so the goal of this work was to develop a highly sensitive and easy to use specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

Materials and methods
An HPV-32 L1 specific PCR assay was developed and optimized. The sensitivity and specificity was compared to previous assays utilized for detection (PGMY and MY09/11 PCR with dot blot hybridization) using cloned HPV-32 L1, the closely related HPV-42 L1 as well as clinical samples (oral swabs and fluids from 89 HIV-positive subjects).

Results
The HPV-32 specific PCR assay showed improved sensitivity to 5 copies of HPV-32 as compared to the PGMY PCR, MY09/11 PCR and dot blot which had a limit of detection of approximately 3,000 copies. Using the HPV-32 dot blot hybridization assay as the gold standard, the HPV-32 specific PCR assay has a sensitivity of 95.8% and 88.9% by sample and subject, respectively, and specificity was 87.8% and 58.8% by sample and subject, respectively. The low sensitivity is due to the HPV-32 specific PCR assays ability to detect more HPV-32 positive samples and may be the new gold standard.

Conclusion
Due to the ease, sensitivity, and specificity the HPV-32 specific PCR assay is superior to previous assays and is ideal for detection of HPV-32 in large cohorts. This assay provides an excellent tool to study the natural history of HPV-32 infection and the development of oral warts.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters in Brain Regions in Interictal Migraine Patients
Authors: Prescot Andrew , Becerra Lino , Pendse Gautam , Tully Shannon , Jensen Eric , Hargreaves Richard , Renshaw Perry , Burstein Rami , Borsook David 
Published: July 2009

Objective To examine biochemical differences in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula during the interictal phase of migraine patients. We hypothesized that there may be differences in levels of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters and/or their derivatives in migraine group based on their increased sensitivity to pain. Methods 2D J-resolved proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) data were acquired at 4.0 Tesla (T) from the ACC and insula in 10 migraine patients (7 women, 3 men, age 43 ± 11 years) and 8 age gender matched controls (7 women, 3 men, age 41 ± 9 years). Results Standard statistical analyses including analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant metabolite differences between the two subject cohorts in the ACC nor the insula. However, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) introduced a clear separation between subject cohorts based on N-acetyl aspartylglutamate (NAAG) and glutamine (Gln) in the ACC and insula. Conclusion These results are consistent with glutamatergic abnormalities in the ACC and insula in migraine patients during their interictal period compared to healthy controls. An alteration in excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters and their derivatives may be a contributing factor for migraineurs for a decrease in sensitivity for migraine or a consequence of the chronic migraine state. Such findings, if extrapolated to other regions of the brain would offer new opportunities to modulate central system as interictal or preemptive medications in these patients.
Synaptically Evoked Glutamate Transporter Currents in Spinal Dorsal Horn Astrocytes
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Xin Wenjun , Dougherty Patrick M 
Published: July 2009

Background Removing and sequestering synaptically released glutamate from the extracellular space is carried out by specific plasma membrane transporters that are primarily located in astrocytes. Glial glutamate transporter function can be monitored by recording the currents that are produced by co-transportation of Na+ ions with the uptake of glutamate. The goal of this study was to characterize glutamate transporter function in astrocytes of the spinal cord dorsal horn in real time by recording synaptically evoked glutamate transporter currents. Results Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from astrocytes in the spinal substantia gelatinosa (SG) area in spinal slices of young adult rats. Glutamate transporter currents were evoked in these cells by electrical stimulation at the spinal dorsal root entry zone in the presence of bicuculline, strychnine, DNQX and D-AP5. Transporter currents were abolished when synaptic transmission was blocked by TTX or Cd2+. Pharmacological studies identified two subtypes of glutamate transporters in spinal astrocytes, GLAST and GLT-1. Glutamate transporter currents were graded with stimulus intensity, reaching peak responses at 4 to 5 times activation threshold, but were reduced following low-frequency (0.1 – 1 Hz) repetitive stimulation. Conclusion These results suggest that glutamate transporters of spinal astrocytes could be activated by synaptic activation, and recording glutamate transporter currents may provide a means of examining the real time physiological responses of glial cells in spinal sensory processing, sensitization, hyperalgesia and chronic pain.
CHOP5'UTR-c.279T>C and +nt30C>T variants are not associated with overweight condition or with tumors/cancer in Italians – a case-control study
Authors: Meenakshisundaram Ramachandran , Piumelli Nunzia , Pierpaoli Laura , Gragnoli Claudia 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with obesity and has been shown recently to be associated with tumors/cancer. HNF1-beta and JAZF1 genes are associated with T2D and prostate cancer. We have previously shown that CHOP 5'UTR-c.279T>C and +nt30C>T haplotype variants contribute to T2D. CHOP deficiency causes obesity in mice, thus CHOP gene variants may contribute to human obesity. Furthermore, CHOP mediates apoptosis and is implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Hence, we aimed at identifying any potential association of CHOP 5'UTR-c.279T>C and +nt30C>T genotypes and corresponding haplotypes with overweight condition/pre-obesity and tumors/cancer in an Italian dataset.

Methods
We recruited from Italy 45 overweight subjects (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25) and 44 control subjects (BMI < 25) as well as 54 cases with at least one cancer or at least one tumor and 43 control subjects without tumors/cancer from the general population. We excluded allelic departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in cases and control subjects, separately.

Results
We assessed the power to detect risk odds ratios by association tests in our datasets. We tested the hypothesis of association of CHOP 5'UTR-c.279T>C and +nt30C>T genotypes and haplotypes with tumors/cancer and, separately, with overweight condition. Both associations were not significant.

Conclusion
From our study, we may conclude that CHOP 5'UTR-c.279T>C and +nt30C>T genotypes and corresponding haplotypes are not associated with tumors/cancer and pre-obesity. However, more studies are warranted to establish the role of CHOP variants in tumor/cancer predisposition and in overweight condition.
Serotonin transporter genotype, morning cortisol and subsequent
depression in adolescents
Authors: Goodyer Ian M. , Bacon Alison , Ban Maria , Croudace Tim , Herbert Joe 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundThe short (s) allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter
(5-HTTLPR) may be associated with exposure to social adversities and the
subsequent onset of depressive illness in adulthood.AimsTo test in adolescents at high risk for depression whether the short ‘s’
allele is associated with levels of morning cortisol and the subsequent
onset of a depressive episode.MethodHigh-risk adolescents (n = 403) were genotyped for
5-HTTLPR. Salivary samples were obtained on four consecutive school days
within 1 h of waking from 393 (97.5%) individuals and 367 (91%) underwent
a mental state reassessment at 12 months.ResultsMultilevel analysis revealed higher levels of salivary cortisol in short
allele carriers (s/s>s/l>l/l). A subsequent episode of depression
was increased in those with higher cortisol and the ‘s’ allele, and
independently by depressive symptoms at entry, in both genders.ConclusionsThe short allele of 5-HTTLPR may moderate the association between morning
cortisol and the subsequent onset of a depressive episode.
Moderation of antidepressant response by the serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Huezo-Diaz Patricia , Uher Rudolf , Smith Rebecca , Rietschel Marcella , Henigsberg Neven , Marušiˇ Andrej , Mors Ole , Maier Wolfgang , Hauser Joanna , Souery Daniel , Placentino Anna , Zobel Astrid , Larsen Erik Roj , Czerski Piotr M. , Gupta Bhanu , Hoda Farzana , Perroud Nader , Farmer Anne , Craig Ian , Aitchison Katherine J. , McGuffin Peter 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundThere have been conflicting reports on whether the length polymorphism in the promoter of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) moderates the antidepressant effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We hypothesised that the pharmacogenetic effect of 5-HTTLPR is modulated by gender, age and other variants in the serotonin transporter gene.AimsTo test the hypothesis that the 5-HTTLPR differently influences response to escitalopram (an SSRI) compared with nortriptyline (a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).MethodThe 5-HTTLPR and 13 additional markers across the serotonin transporter gene were genotyped in 795 adults with moderate-to-severe depression treated with escitalopram or nortriptyline in the Genome Based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression (GENDEP) project.ResultsThe 5-HTTLPR moderated the response to escitalopram, with long-allele carriers improving more than short-allele homozygotes. A significant three-way interaction between 5-HTTLPR, drug and gender indicated that the effect was concentrated in males treated with escitalopram. The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2020933 also influenced outcome.ConclusionsThe effect of 5-HTTLPR on antidepressant response is SSRI specific conditional on gender and modulated by another polymorphism at the 5' end of the serotonin transporter gene.
OR FORUM–Rocket Science Retailing: The 2006 Philip McCord Morse Lecture
Authors: Fisher Marshall 
Published: June 2009

Retailing is a huge industry. In the United States, retail business represents about 40% of the economy and is the largest employer. Retail supply chain management is still more art than science, but this is changing rapidly as retailers begin to apply analytic models to the huge volume of data they are collecting on consumer purchases and preferences. This industry-wide movement resembles the transformation of Wall Street that occurred in the 1970s when physicists and other “rocket scientists” applied their analytic skills to investment decisions. The Consortium for Operational Excellence in Retailing (COER) (codirected by Ananth Raman, Harvard Business School, and myself) is a group of academics working with about 50 leading retailers to assess their progress towards rocket science retailing and to accelerate that progress through selected research projects. After some brief comments on the current state of industry practice in retail supply chain management, this paper will describe examples of COER research in four areas: assortment planning, pricing, inventory optimization, and store execution.
Evaluation of Hardness and Colour Change of Soft Liners after Accelerated Ageing
Authors: Mancuso Daniela Nardi , Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Zuccolotti Bruna Carolina Rossatti , Moreno Amália , Santos Daniela Micheline dos 
Published: June 2009

Introduction Soft liners have been developed to offer comfort to denture wearers. However, this comfort is compromised when there is a change in the properties of the material, causing colour change, solubility, absorption and hardening. These characteristics can compromise the longevity of soft liners. Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of ageing on both the hardness and colour change of two soft liners following accelerated ageing. Methods Two denture liners, one resin based (Trusoft, Bosworth, Illinois, USA) and one silicone based (Ufi Gel P, Voco GMBH, Cuxhaven, Germany), were tested in this study for both hardness (using the Shore A scale) and colour change (using the CIE L*a*b* colour scale), initially and after 1008 hours (6 weeks) of accelerated ageing. Statistical analysis was performed using the unpaired t-test with the Welch correction. Results These indicated that both materials increased in hardness and underwent colour change after accelerated ageing. The initial hardness of Trusoft was far lower than that of Ufi Gel P (18.2 Shore A units vs 34.8 Shore A units). However, for Trusoft the changes for both hardness (from 18.2 to 52.1 Shore A units) and colour change (16.85 on the CIE L*a*b* colour scale) were greater than those for Ufi Gel P, for which hardness changed from 34.8 to 36.5 Shore A units and the colour change was 5.19 on the CIE L*a*b* colour scale. Conclusions Ufi Gel P underwent less hardness and colour change after accelerated ageing than Trusoft. On the other hand, the use of Trusoft may be preferable in cases where initial softness is a major consideration, such as when relining an immediate denture after implant surgery.
An Investigation of the Attitudes and Fears of Vocational Dental Practitioners in England and Wales in 2007
Authors: Willett Jane A , Palmer Nikolaus OA 
Published: June 2009

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether recent changes in the National Health Service (NHS) dental contract may have caused increased anxiety and concern among vocational dental practitioners (VDPs). Method A total of 606 questionnaires, which had previously been piloted, were distributed to VDPs across England and Wales at the end of the vocational training (VT) year in 2007. The questionnaires contained a range of questions about VDPs’ attitudes and fears, the influence that they perceived the new dental contract for the General Dental Services of the NHS had on their VT training experience, and their expectations for the future. Results A 71% response rate was achieved. The results reflected changes in opinion about the dental profession among VDPs between when they applied for university and six years later on their completion of VT. During this period, they reported that their feelings of job security had declined from 93.1% (n=390) to 34.1% (n=145) and financial security from 94.8% (n=405) to 51.5% (n=219). Anxiety about the potential lack of funding in the NHS was felt by 77.6% (n=330). The effect of increasing numbers of dental graduates on employment prospects produced anxiety in 72.5% (n=305) of VDPs. On completion of VT, 19.4% (n=83) of VDPs did not have employment for the following year. Conclusion At present, the future is more uncertain for new dental graduates than in the past. The dental profession needs to become more aware of the pressures that graduates are facing and further research is needed to investigate them and the effects that they are having on the future of dentistry.
Homeless who Accessed a Healthy Living Centre in Swansea, South Wales: An Assessment of the Impact of Oral Ill-Health
Authors: Richards Wayne , Keauffling Janet 
Published: June 2009

Aim To quantify the way that oral diseases affect the lives of homeless and vulnerable people in Swansea, using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Method A convenience sample of people using the services of a healthy living centre for the homeless was surveyed using a questionnaire and the short-form OHIP-14. Results One hundred subjects were recruited to the study. The mean score for the OHIP-14 was 21.8 (SD 17.0). The most commonly reported impacts experienced were problems with toothache, discomfort, ability to relax, and feeling ashamed regarding the appearance of teeth. Of the different categories of homeless people, rough sleepers experienced higher levels of impact ( P=0.004). Those having more than 20 teeth were more likely to experience lower levels of impact ( P=0.001). Conclusion The survey highlighted an increased prevalence of oral health impacts in this special needs group. In addition to physical factors, psychosocial factors must be considered, particularly with regard to appearance and psychological disability and discomfort, in the development of services.
Audit of Dental Practice Record-Keeping: A PCT-Coordinated Clinical Audit by Worcestershire Dentists
Authors: Cole Andrew , McMichael Alan 
Published: June 2009

A collaborative audit of clinical record-keeping standards was performed among Worcestershire dentists. Aims Its aims were to improve the quality of National Health Service (NHS) patient care and to assist dentists to perform well during Dental Reference Service practice visits. Methods Worcestershire dentists with NHS contracts were invited to take part in this audit. Each dentist audited a random selection of 30 of their dental clinical records against a common framework comprising eight domains. Record-keeping, and the presence or absence of key diagnostic and treatment planning details were recorded. Grading was applied in four categories, in which grades 1 and 2 were good (1) and adequate (2), captured on data-collection sheets and centrally analysed for frequency of each grade. Results Out of a total of 184 Worcestershire general dental practitioners, 161 (87.5%) submitted usable responses. The audit revealed wide variation between dentists in clinical record-keeping. The recording of soft tissues (36% below grade 2), periodontal status (30%), radiographic review (27%), and note-taking (25%) all fell below the standard that had been set (brackets show proportion not meeting the standard). Conclusions The results provided baseline information about the standard of record-keeping in NHS dental practices in Worcestershire. The collaborative nature of the audit enabled dissemination of individual results to participants, to facilitate comparison (anonymously) against their peers. The audit provided impetus for the Primary Care Trust (PCT) to arrange postgraduate education on record-keeping and to raise awareness among local dentists about record-keeping. The subsequent report to dentists explored the record-keeping standards expected during practice inspections undertaken by the Dental Reference Service. Worcestershire PCT's method of collaborative dental audit could potentially replace the previous national programme of dental audit, formerly coordinated locally.
A Pilot Study of the Prevalence of Orofacial and Head Injuries in Schoolboy Cricketers at Eight Private Schools in England and Australia
Authors: Jagger Robert G , Vaithianathan Vinny , Jagger Daryll C 
Published: June 2009

Aims The aims of this pilot study were to determine the prevalence of head, face and dental injuries sustained by schoolboys while playing cricket and to compare the prevalence of those injuries in England and Australia. Methods A questionnaire that determined distribution and prevalence of orofacial injuries sustained when playing cricket was distributed to all players (n=411) who played cricket in four private schools in England and four private schools in Australia. There was a 100% response rate. Results Fifty subjects (24.1%) from English schools and 52 subjects (25.5%) from Australian schools reported injury/injuries to the head, face and teeth. Australian cricketers reported more injuries per player. The distribution of injuries between the two countries was similar. Sixteen players had sustained loosened or broken teeth. Two players reported avulsed teeth. Conclusion It was concluded that there was a high prevalence of head and orofacial injuries among the schoolboy cricketers but relatively few dental injuries. The distribution of types of head, face and dental injury in England and Australia were similar.
Impact of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Postoperative Mortality Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Paciullo Christopher A , Short Marintha R , Steinke Douglas T , Jennings Heath R 
Published: July 2009

Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has recently been associated with increased mortality in patients in medical intensive care units (ICUs). Although NRT is frequently used in cardiothoracic surgery patients, no safety data exist for use in this population. Objectives: To ascertain the impact of NRT on in-hospital mortality following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective matched cohort pilot study in a 22-bed cardiothoracic surgery ICU. Patients prescribed transdermal NRT after CABG were randomly selected and matched to current smokers not prescribed NRT according to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (N = 134). Data on comorbid conditions and pack-year history were also obtained. To compare these patients with nonsmoking patients, a larger unmatched population was also evaluated. The total number of patients prescribed NRT, current smokers not prescribed NRT, and nonsmokers who were evaluated in our study was 2057. Results: Sixty-seven NRT patients were well matched with 67 current smokers in terms of baseline demographics and procedures. Mortality was nonsignificantly higher in the NRT group versus the non-NRT smoker group (4.5% vs 0.0%; p = 0.080). In an evaluation of a larger population controlled for differences in baseline characteristics, an increase in mortality due to NRT was found (OR 6.06; 95% CI 1.65 to 22.21). In an a priori subgroup of the overall population, mortality was significantly higher in patients receiving NRT after off-pump CABG versus smokers not receiving NRT (OR 6.49; 95% CI 1.29 to 32.56). Conclusions: The use of NRT in a postoperative CABG surgery population resulted in a significant increase in mortality when adjusted for baseline characteristics. Patients receiving NRT after off-pump cardiac surgery may be particularly susceptible. Additional evaluation in large patient cohorts with prospective controls is warranted.