bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gridded Aclar: preparation methods and use for correlative light and electron microscopy of cell monolayers, by TEM and FIB–SEM
Authors: JIMÉNEZ N. , VAN DONSELAAR E.G. , DE WINTER D.A.M. , VOCKING K. , VERKLEIJ A.J. , POST J.A. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryAclar, a copolymer film with properties very similar to those of tissue culture plastic, is a versatile substrate to grow cells for light (including fluorescence) and electron microscopic applications in combination with both chemical fixation and cryoimmobilization. In this paper, we describe complete procedures to perform correlative light and electron microscopy using Aclar as substrate for the culture of cell monolayers to be finally embedded in plastic. First, we developed straightforward, efficient and flexible ways to mark the surface of the Aclar to create substrates to locate cells first at the light microscopy and then the electron microscopy level. All the methods enable the user to self‐design gridded Aclar pieces, according to the purpose of the experiments, and create a large number of substrates in a short time. Second, we confirmed that marked Aclar supports the normal growth and morphology of cells. Third, we validated the correlative light and electron microscopy procedure using Aclar. This validation was done for the high‐resolution analysis of endothelial cells using transmission electron microscopy and focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy in combination with the use of fluorescence, phase contrast and/or bright field microscopy to map areas of interest at low resolution. The methods that we present are diverse, easy to implement and highly reproducible, and emphasize the versatility of Aclar as a cell growth substrate for diverse microscopic applications.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a multi‐centre, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Oanta A. , Bogacka E. , Medina I. , Wesel F. , Uhl P. , Antépara I. , Jáuregui I. , Valiente R. ,   The Bilastine International Working Group
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Zuberbier T, Oanta A, Bogacka E, Medina I, Wesel F, Uhl P, Antépara I, Jáuregui I, Valiente R, the Bilastine International Working Group. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a multi‐centre, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Allergy 2010; 65: 516–528.AbstractBackground:  Bilastine is a novel nonsedative H1‐receptor antagonist, which may be used for the symptomatic treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg and placebo in CU patients with moderate‐to‐severe symptoms.Methods:  Overall 525 male and female subjects aged 18–70 years were randomized to receive bilastine 20 mg, levocetirizine 5 mg or placebo, once daily for 28 days, in double‐blind manner, in 46 centres across Europe and Argentina. Patients rated symptoms of pruritus, number of wheals, and maximum size of wheals (on predefined scales) as reflective (over past 12 h) symptoms twice daily, for assessment of change from baseline in the total symptoms scores (TSS) over 28 days as the primary efficacy measure. Changes in reflective and instantaneous symptoms scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and CU‐associated discomfort and sleep disturbance were assessed as secondary outcomes. Safety was assessed according to adverse events, laboratory tests and electrocardiograms.Results:  Bilastine reduced patients’ mean reflective and instantaneous TSS from baseline to a significantly greater degree than placebo (P < 0.001); from day 2 onwards of treatment. The DLQI, general discomfort, and sleep disruption were also improved significantly in bilastine‐treated patients as compared with placebo‐treated patients (P < 0.001 for all parameters). Comparison with levocetirizine indicated both treatments to be equally efficacious as well as equally safe and well tolerated as compared with placebo.Conclusions:  Bilastine 20 mg is a novel effective and safe treatment option for the management of CU.
Predictive models for diagnosis of pleural effusions secondary to tuberculosis or cancer
Authors: SALES Roberta K.B. , VARGAS Francisco S. , CAPELOZZI Vera Luiza , SEISCENTO Márcia , GENOFRE Eduardo H. , TEIXEIRA Lisete R. , ANTONANGELO Leila 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Tuberculosis (TB) and cancer are two of the main causes of pleural effusions which frequently share similar clinical features and pleural fluid profiles. This study aimed to identify diagnostic models based on clinical and laboratory variables to differentiate tuberculous from malignant pleural effusions.Methods:  A retrospective study of 403 patients (200 with TB; 203 with cancer) was undertaken. Univariate analysis was used to select the clinical variables relevant to the models composition. Variables β coefficients were used to define a numerical score which presented a practical use. The performances of the most efficient models were tested in a sample of pleural exudates (64 new cases).Results:  Two models are proposed for the diagnosis of effusions associated with each disease. For TB: (i) adenosine deaminase (ADA), globulins and the absence of malignant cells in the pleural fluid; and (ii) ADA, globulins and fluid appearance. For cancer: (i) patient age, fluid appearance, macrophage percentage and presence of atypical cells in the pleural fluid; and (ii) as for (i) excluding atypical cells. Application of the models to the 64 pleural effusions showed accuracy higher than 85% for all models.Conclusions:  The proposed models were effective in suggesting pleural tuberculosis or cancer.
Severe community‐acquired Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia: An emerging highly lethal infectious disease in the Asia–Pacific
Authors: ONG Catherine W.M. , LYE David C.B. , KHOO Kay Leong , CHUA Gerald Seng Wee , YEOH Siang Fei , LEO Yee Sin , TAMBYAH Paul Ananth , CHUA Arlene Christine 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Patients with community‐acquired Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) pneumonia have been reported from subtropical countries. We investigated the epidemiology, clinical and microbiological characteristics of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to AB in Singapore.Method:  A retrospective case series was performed over a 21‐month period at two institutions.Results:  From 1 January 2007 to 30 September 2008, eight patients were diagnosed with CAP due to AB. Seven had bacteraemia and five were sputum culture‐positive. The median age at presentation was 58.5 years (range 45–76 years). Five patients (71.4%) acquired the pneumonia in the warmer months of June to September. Presentation was acute, with a median duration of 2.5 days (range 1–7 days). The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 28.5 (range 6–36). Six patients presented with septic shock, lactic acidosis, acute kidney injury and respiratory failure, necessitating ICU care; five of thesepatients eventually died. All patients received empirical antibiotics, including third‐generation cephalosporins, which were inactive against the organism. All isolates were susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam, ciprofloxacin, co‐trimoxazole, aminoglycosides and imipenem.Conclusions:  Community‐acquired AB pneumonia have a fulminant course. In a region endemic for melioidosis and severe community‐acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae, the challenge lies in rapid identification and initiation of appropriate empirical antibiotics to improve the survival of patients with AB CAP.
The effects of antifungal therapy on severe asthma with fungal sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: PASQUALOTTO Alessandro C. , POWELL Georgina , NIVEN Robert , DENNING David W. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Very little is known about the response rates to or appropriateness of treatment for patients with allergic fungal diseases of the lung. This study assessed the effect of antifungal therapy in patients with severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).Methods:  A retrospective cohort study of 33 adult patients who fulfilled the criteria for either SAFS (n = 22) or ABPA (n = 11) was conducted. All patients had received antifungal therapy for at least 6 months. The primary study end point was the effect of antifungal therapy on patients' lung function.Results:  Overall, total IgE values and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) for A. fumigatus markedly decreased after 6 months of therapy in both SAFS and ABPA patients (P = 0.004 and P = 0.005, respectively). Reduction was seen in the eosinophil count (P = 0.037), dose of oral steroids (P = 0.043) and courses of systemic steroids required (P = 0.041). Lung function also improved (P = 0.016). Four of 10 patients discontinued oral steroids after 6 months of therapy. Reduction in IgE levels (P = 0.015) and RAST for A. fumigatus was also observed (P = 0.006) for those patients treated for at least 1 year with antifungal drugs.Conclusions:  Both ABPA and SAFS patients benefited from oral antifungal therapy. The antifungal therapy may act by reducing the antigenic load, interacting with corticosteroids or by a direct immunological effect.
ICU procedures of the critically ill
Authors: PHUA Ghee Chee , WAHIDI Momen M. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTIntensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often require urgent, high‐risk diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, they are particularly vulnerable to procedural complications due to the severity and instability of their illnesses. We discuss the complications associated with bronchoscopy, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, pleural interventions for example thoracentesis and chest tube placement, central venous catheterization and pulmonary artery catheterization. Invasive procedures are frequently performed in critically ill patients. It is important for the operator to be familiar with the specific complications of each procedure, as well as steps to take in order to enhance safety and reduce adverse events. High standards of training and credentialing are crucial to ensure that the ICU physicians are proficient in performing these procedures.
How useful is traditional herbal medicine for pulmonary fibrosis?
Authors: YANG Jiao , CUI Ye , KOLB Martin 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTIPF, despite considerable advances in clinical management and understanding of its complex pathophysiology, is still a fatal disease without effective treatment. Herbal medicine has been used for more than 5000 years and is the central component of medical practice in many parts of Asia. Not surprisingly, traditional and herbal medicine is also widely applied for treatment of IPF. This review describes the most important herbal medicines that are used for IPF treatment. The relevant experimental studies investigating potential mechanisms of these drugs are discussed. The best conducted clinical studies which have reported beneficial effects of some herbal medications in the management of IPF are also evaluated. Overall, there is considerable experimental support from preclinical studies for some of these herbal medicines, but the translation into clinical practice appears difficult. The clinical trials evaluating their anti‐fibrotic potential are not fulfilling the standards expected from ‘Western’ medicines. Systematic clinical research in this field is still in its infancy, and as such, the routine use of traditional and herbal medicine cannot be recommended for patients suffering from IPF.
Treating IPF—all or nothing? A PRO‐CON debate
Authors: BEHR Jürgen , KOLB Martin , COX Gerard 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThe Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis. It is distinct from other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias by its histopathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia which is characterized by accumulation of fibroblasts, extracellular matrix and honeycombing. Inflammation is only scarce in true IPF. The use of anti‐inflammatory therapy is still part of guidelines for IPF management, although not specifically recommended, because convincing evidence showing beneficial effects of this approach is lacking. This review provides a summary of important arguments PRO and CON using anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant therapy for patients with IPF in form of a debate with a concluding statement of both positions at the end.
Game‐based peripheral biofeedback for stress assessment in children
Authors: Pop‐Jordanova Nada , Gucev Zoran 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground: Peripheral biofeedback is considered to be an efficient method for assessment and stress mitigation in children. The aim of the present study was to assess the levels of stress and stress mitigation in healthy school children (HSC), in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), general anxiety (GA) and attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods: Each investigated group (HSC, CF, GA, ADHD) consisted of 30 school‐aged children from both sexes. Psychological characteristics were evaluated on Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). The lie scale was used to determine participant honesty. Four biofeedback games using a pulls detector were applied for assessment of the stress levels as well as to evaluate ability to relax.Results: EPQ found more psychopathological traits (P< 0.001) and less extroversion (P< 0.001) in children with GA and ADHD. In addition, high neurotic tendencies were found in children with CF (P< 0.01) and GA (P< 0.01). Unexpectedly, the lie scale was lower in ADHD children (P< 0.01) than in all other groups (HSC, CF, GA). The Magic blocks score was significantly different in relaxation levels between control and CF children (P< 0.05). Speed in the game Canal was significantly different in relaxation levels between healthy controls and all other groups, but no changes in pulls, as a relaxation measure, were found during the game. The CF group had much more commissions stemming from impulsivity (t= 5.71,P< 0.01), while the GA and ADHD children had more inattention omissions (P< 0.05). Strong negative correlation between age and pulls (r= 0.49,P= 0.003) and strong negative correlation between age and omissions (r=−0.86,P= 0.029) were found among all groups analyzed.Conclusions: The ability to learn stress mediation is correlated with age. All three groups of children had significantly lower relaxation levels when compared to healthy controls. Relaxation was more difficult for children with GA or ADHD, and easier for children with CF.
Reality of the G‐spot and its relation to female circumcision and vaginal surgery
Authors: Thabet Saeed Mohamad Ahmad 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  To clarify the reality of the G‐spot anatomically, functionally and histologically, and to determine the possible effect of female circumcision and anterior vaginal wall surgery on the integrity and function of the G‐spot.Methods:  A controlled descriptive and comparative cohort prospective study was conducted at Kasr El Aini School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, of 50 uncircumcised and 125 circumcised women with small to moderate anterior vaginal wall descent. Preoperative sexual examination was performed to map the site of the G‐spot and other anatomical landmarks on the anterior vaginal wa11 and to verify the associated circumcision state. Pre‐ and postoperative sexual assessment and histological examination of different mapped sites in the anterior vagina were also conducted.Results:  Histological findings, results of the anatomical and sexual mapping of the anterior vaginal wall and sexual scores were recorded. The G‐spot was proved functionally in 144 (82.3%) of women and anatomically in 95 (65.9%). The latter appeared as two small flaccid balloon‐like masses on either side of the lower third of the urethra and were named ‘the sexual bodies of the G‐spot’. These bodies were significantly detected in all histo‐positive cases in the circumcised women and in the uncircumcised women who had small or average clitorises. The G‐spot was also proved histologically in 47.4% of all cases and was formed of epithelial, glandular and erectile tissue. Sex scores were significantly higher in the histo‐positive cases with sexual bodies but significantly dropped after anterior vaginal wall surgery. In contrast, female circumcision rarely alters the scores.Conclusion:  The G‐spot is functional reality in 82.3% of women, an anatomical reality in 54.3% and a histological reality in 47.4%. Anterior vaginal wall surgery usually affects the G‐spot and female sexuality, but female circumcision rarely affects them.
Treatment of clomiphene citrate‐related ovarian cysts in a prospective randomized study. A single center experience
Authors: Altinkaya Sunduz Ozlem , Talas Betul Bayir , Gungor Tayfun , Gulerman Cavidan 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of placebo, low dose and very low dose oral contraceptives (OC) in the treatment of clomiphene citrate (CC)‐related ovarian cysts.Methods:  A prospective randomized placebo controlled study was undertaken at the Infertility Department of Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital. A total of 3250 primary infertile patients were administered CC for ovulation induction because of ovulatory dysfunction and/or unexplained infertility. One hundred and eighty‐six women who were diagnosed with CC‐related ovarian cysts greater than 20 mm on the third day of the following menstrual cycle, were eligible for the study. Group 1 (n = 62) was treated with very low dose OC (100 µg levonorgestrel + 20 µg ethinyl estradiol [EE]), group 2 (n = 62) with low dose OC (150 µg desogestrel + 30 µg EE) and group 3 (n = 62) with a placebo. The first control was 4 weeks later. Women with persistent cysts (n = 57) were called in 4 weeks later to continue the same treatment.Results:  Demographic data were similar among the groups. At the first month, the regression rates of ovarian cysts were 64.5, 61.3 and 66.1% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.849). Among the 57 women (20, 19 and 18 from groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) with persistent cysts, the regression rates were 65.0, 63.2 and 55.6%, respectively at the second month (P = 0.821). Persistence of ovarian cysts was significantly higher in women with a longer duration of CC treatment than in women with a shorter duration (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Any treatment might be appropriate for patients with a CC‐related ovarian cyst. However, there is no evidence to administer OC for treating CC‐related ovarian cysts. Expectant management may also achieve similar success rates.
Constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Min Hao , Wei‐hong Zhao 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  To investigate the expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and tyrosine‐activated Stat3 (p‐Stat3) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and their relationships with clinical pathological parameters or prognosis.Methods:  Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expressions of Stat3 and p‐Stat3 in EOC, benign ovarian tumors and normal ovarian tissues, after which an analysis of results with clinical pathological or prognosis was given.Results:  The expressions of Stat3 and p‐Stat3 in EOC were significantly higher than in normal ovarian epithelial tissues or benign ovarian tumor tissues (P < 0.0125) and the expression of Stat3 protein was highly correlated with the expression of p‐Stat3 protein (P < 0.01). The positive rate of Stat3 in stages of III and IV (96.9%) was significantly higher than in stages of I and II (72.2%) (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, p‐Stat3 expression was significantly correlated with disease stage, degree of differentiation and lymph node metastasis. Along with higher clinical stage (P < 0.05), p‐Stat3 expression was gradually increased. The p‐Stat3 expression was negatively correlated with the prognosis of EOC patients (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Overexpression and overactivation of Stat3 was found in EOC tissues, and the constitutive activation of Stat3 signaling pathway may play an important role in the invasion and prognosis of EOC.
Microarray profile of micro‐ribonucleic acid in tumor tissue from cervical squamous cell carcinoma without human papillomavirus
Authors: Zhang YanLiang , Dai Yong , Huang YuanShuai , Ma Liguo , Yin Yibing , Tang Min , Hu Chengxiao 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAims:  Micro‐ribonucleic acid (miRNA) are noncoding RNA molecules of 21 to 24 nt that regulate the expression of target genes in a post‐transcriptional manner. Evidence indicates that miRNA play essential roles in embryogenesis, cell differentiation and pathogenesis of human diseases. This study describes a comparison between the microRNA profile of human‐papillomavirus‐negative cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients and controls, in order to develop further understanding of the pathogenesis of cervical squamous cell carcinomas.Methods:  MiRNA were isolated from tumor tissues of five human‐papillomavirus‐negative cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients and five healthy controls in order to perform miRNA microarray chip analysis. The chip results were then confirmed by northern blot analysis.Results:  A total of 27 miRNA differentially expressed between the squamous cell carcinoma patients and the healthy controls were identified.Conclusion:  This work indicates that these miRNA may be potential diagnosis biomarkers and probable factors involved in the pathogenesis of cervical squamous cell carcinomas.
Uterine artery flow velocity waveforms during uterine contractions: Differences between oxytocin‐induced contractions and spontaneous labor contractions
Authors: Tahara Mie , Nakai Yuichiro , Yasui Tomoyo , Nishimoto Sachiyo , Nakano Akemi , Matsumoto Makiko , Nobeyama Hiroyuki , Nishihara Rika , Iwanaga Naoko , Ishiko Osamu 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  To clarify the effects on uterine arterial flow velocity waveforms of uterine contractions following oxytocin infusion and during spontaneous labor.Methods:  Uterine arterial flow velocity waveforms were obtained by pulsed Doppler methods from 22 women during an oxytocin challenge test (OCT), 26 women during oxytocin‐induced labor, and 40 women during spontaneous labor. Mean resistance index (RI) for bilateral arteries was used for analyses. After the onset of labor, flow velocity waveforms were assessed according to cervical dilatation. During OCT, Doppler flow velocimetry was performed when three uterine contractions occurred per 10‐min period.Results:  RI values did not differ significantly between induced and spontaneous labor during relaxations at any level of cervical dilatation. However, during contractions, RI was significantly higher for induced labor than for spontaneous labor. Absence or reversal of flow was more frequent in the OCT group than in the induced labor group (P < 0.0001). However, no significant differences were found between spontaneous and induced labor groups.Conclusion:  Interactions between the contracting uterine body and the relaxing lower segment in oxytocin‐induced labor might be associated with differences in uterine arterial flow during contraction between oxytocin‐induced and spontaneous labor. However, changes in the intensity of uterine contractions during labor progression might differ between oxytocin‐induced and spontaneous labor.