bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of antibiotic therapy for SAPHO syndrome is lost after its discontinuation: an interventional study
Authors: Assmann Gunter , Kueck Olaf , Kirchhoff Timm , Rosenthal Herbert , Voswinkel Jan , Pfreundschuh Michael , Zeidler Henning , Wagner Annette D 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The acronym SAPHO was introduced in 1987 to unify the various descriptions of a seronegative arthritis associated with skin manifestations and to show synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis with and without sterile multifocal osteomyelitis. The etiology of SAPHO syndrome is unknown, but an association with infection by semipathogenic bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes has been suggested. We conducted an interventional study of SAPHO patients receiving antibiotics.

Methods
Thirty-seven patients met the clinical criteria of SAPHO syndrome, 21 of them underwent a needle biopsy of the osteitis lesion, and 14 of them showed positive bacteriological cultures for P. acnes. Thirty patients (14 bacteriological positive and 16 without biopsy) were treated with antibiotics for 16 weeks. The activity of skin disease and osteitis were assessed by a physician using a scoring model (from 0 to 6). In addition, patients completed a Health Assessment Score (HAS, from 0 to 6). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined and a MRI (of the osteitis lesion, radiologic activity score from 0 to 2) was performed in week 1 (W1), week 16 (W16), and week 28 (W28, 12 weeks after antibiotics).

Results
Twenty-seven patients continued the medication (azithromycin, n = 25, 500 mg twice a week; clindamycin, n = 1, 300 mg daily; or doxycycline, n = 1, 100 mg daily) for 16 weeks. After W16 the scores for MRI (1.5 to 1.1, P = 0.01), skin activity (3.2 to 1.2, P = 0.01), osteitis activity (4.0 to 2.1, P = 0.02), and HAS (3.3 to 2.1, P = 0.01) decreased significantly. However, this was followed by increasing values for MRI scores (1.2 to 1.4, P = 0.08), skin activity (1.2 to 1.7, P = 0.11), osteitis activity (1.9 to 2.7, P = 0.01), and HAS (2.2 to 3.3, P = 0.02) from W16 to W28. The comparison of the scores in W1 and W28 in these 12 patients showed no significant differences.

Conclusions
For the period of application, the antibiotic therapy seems to have controlled the disease. After antibiotic discontinuation, however, disease relapse was observed. SAPHO syndrome thus groups with other chronic inflammatory arthropathies with a need for permanent therapy.
The membrane mucin MUC4 is elevated in breast tumor lymph node metastases relative to matched primary tumors and confers aggressive properties to breast cancer cells
Authors: Workman Heather C , Miller Jamie K , Ingalla Ellen Q , Kaur Rouminder P , Yamamoto Diane I , Beckett Laurel A , Young Lawrence JT , Cardiff Robert D , Borowsky Alexander D , Carraway Kermit L , Sweeney Colleen , Carraway Kermit L 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Previous studies indicate that overexpression of the membrane-associated mucin MUC4 is potently anti-adhesive to cultured tumor cells, and suppresses cellular apoptotic response to a variety of insults. Such observations raise the possibility that MUC4 expression could contribute to tumor progression or metastasis, but the potential involvement of MUC4 in breast cancer has not been rigorously assessed. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of the membrane mucin MUC4 in normal breast tissue, primary breast tumors and lymph node metastases, and to evaluate the role of MUC4 in promoting the malignant properties of breast tumor cells.

Methods
MUC4 expression levels in patient-matched normal and tumor breast tissue was initially examined by immunoblotting lysates of fresh frozen tissue samples with a highly specific preparation of anti-MUC4 monoclonal antibody 1G8. Immunohistochemical analysis was then carried out using tissue microarrays encompassing patient-matched normal breast tissue and primary tumors, and patient-matched lymph node metastases and primary tumors. Finally, shRNA-mediated knockdown was employed to assess the contribution of MUC4 to the cellular growth and malignancy properties of JIMT-1 breast cancer cells.

Results
Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry revealed that MUC4 levels are suppressed in the majority (58%, p < 0.001) of primary tumors relative to patient-matched normal tissue. On the other hand, lymph node metastatic lesions from 37% (p < 0.05) of patients expressed higher MUC4 protein levels than patient-matched primary tumors. MUC4-positive tumor emboli were often found in lymphovascular spaces of lymph node metastatic lesions. shRNA-mediated MUC4 knockdown compromised the migration, proliferation and anoikis resistance of JIMT-1 cells, strongly suggesting that MUC4 expression actively contributes to cellular properties associated with breast tumor metastasis.

Conclusions
Our observations suggest that after an initial loss of MUC4 levels during the transition of normal breast tissue to primary tumor, the re-establishment of elevated MUC4 levels confers an advantage to metastasizing breast tumor cells by promoting the acquisition of cellular properties associated with malignancy.
Intra- and Interformat Competition Among Discounters and Supermarkets
Authors: Cleeren Kathleen , Verboven Frank , Dekimpe Marnik G. , Gielens Katrijn 
Published: September 2009

The price-aggressive discount format, popularized by chains such as Aldi and Lidl, is very successful in most Western economies. Its success is a major source of concern for traditional supermarkets. Discounters not only have a direct effect on supermarkets' market shares, but they also exert considerable pressure to improve operational efficiency and/or to decrease prices. We use an empirical entry model to study the degree of intra- and interformat competition between discounters and supermarkets. Information on the competitive impact of new entrants is derived from the observed entry decisions of supermarkets and discounters in a large cross section of local markets, after controlling for a number of local market characteristics. In our modeling framework, we endogenize the number of retailers and allow for asymmetric intra- and interformat competitive effects in a flexible way. We apply our modeling approach to the German grocery industry, where the discount format has stabilized after two decades of continued growth. We find evidence of intense competition within both the supermarket and discounter format, although competition between supermarkets is found to be more severe. Most importantly, discounters only start to affect the profitability of conventional supermarkets from the third entrant onwards. This may explain why many retailers rush to add a discount chain to their portfolio: early entrants may benefit from the growth of the discount-prone segment without cannibalizing the profits of their more conventional supermarket stores.
Does a neuropsychological index of hemispheric lateralization predict onset of upper respiratory tract infectious symptoms?
Authors: Gidron Yori , Hall Peter , Wesnes Keith A. , Bucks Romola S. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. Past studies demonstrate relationships between hemispheric lateralization (HL) and immunity. However, the relevance of HL–immune relationships to health and illness has rarely been investigated. This study tested whether a neuropsychological index of right‐hemispheric lateralization (right‐HL) predicts development of upper respiratory tract infectious (URTI) symptoms.Design. We used a prospective, matched, case‐control design.Methods. Initially, 80 URTI symptom free adults underwent neuropsychological assessment including right‐HL (picture vs. word recognition), and were then followed‐up during 10 weeks for development of URTI symptoms and objective signs of URTI. Participants reporting URTI symptoms (Ill; N =21) were matched on age, gender, and IQ with 21 participants remaining well.Results. At baseline, the right‐HL index was significantly higher in participants who later became ill (9.9%) compared to well participants (3.9%, p <.05). Health behaviour also predicted URTI symptoms. In a logistic regression, right‐HL significantly predicted self‐reported URTI, independent of health behaviour and neuroticism.Conclusions. Greater right‐HL predicted URTI symptom development during follow‐up, independent of important confounders. These findings expand previous HL–immune relationships to a common immune‐related illness.
Early impairment of trabecular microarchitecture assessed with HR-pQCT in patients with stage II-IV chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bacchetta Justine , Boutroy Stéphanie , Vilayphiou Nicolas , Juillard Laurent , Guebre-Egziabher Fitsum , Rognant Nicolas , Sornay-Rendu Elisabeth , Szulc Pawel , Laville Maurice , Delmas Pierre D , Fouque Denis , Chapurlat Roland 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Bone fragility is a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess whether volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and microarchitecture could be impaired early in the course of CKD. Bone microarchitecture was examined with a noninvasive 3D imaging technique [high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT)] at the tibia and radius in 70 stage II-IV CKD patients older than 50 years of age; controls belonged to two cohorts of healthy subjects comparable for age and gender (OFELY cohort in women and STRAMBO cohort in men). We examined 46 men and 24 women; 19 patients were diabetic. Mean age was 70.8 ± 8.5 years, mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 34 ± 12 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 87 ± 59 pg/mL. Both CKD men and women experienced a moderate but significant trabecular (Tb) impairment, positioning CKD patient values between those of normal and osteopenic controls (e.g., CKD men versus healthy controls: Tb vBMD 172 ± 35 versus 188 ± 34 mg HA/cm3; Tb number 1.75 ± 0.27 versus 1.86 ± 0.26 mm−1, and Tb separation 503 ± 94 versus 465 ± 78 µm; p &lt; .05). Cortical thickness (Ct.Th) in men also was significantly decreased compared with healthy controls (e.g., CKD men versus healthy controls: tibial Ct.Th 1171 ± 331 versus 1288 ± 283 µm; p &lt; .05). In conclusion, this study, using a noninvasive bone-imaging device, shows for the first time an early impairment of trabecular microarchitecture in stage II-IV CKD patients. Further longitudinal studies should be performed to validate HR-pQCT as a tool for predicting the fracture risk in CKD. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Communicative strategies in the Italian of Igbo-Nigerian immigrants in Italy: a contact-linguistic approach
Authors: Goglia Francesco 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper reports on communicative strategies employed by Igbo-Nigerian immigrants living in the city of Padova (North-Eastern Italy). It proposes a new approach to the analysis of non-guided Second Language Acquisition (henceforth SLA). This approach treats immigrant speakers qua effective communication achievers. It focuses on communicative interaction, treating individual linguistic strategies as language innovations potentially initiating language change. It also sees non-guided SLA as a contact phenomenon and adopts a unified contact approach which puts all contact phenomena under the same umbrella.
Synthesis and structure of N-ferrocenoyl-labeled tripeptide: N-Fc-L-Pro-L-Leu-Gly-OMe
Authors: Xiang Jin , Peng Yong , Schatte Gabriele , Yang Qiaoqin , Liu You-Nian 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of the title compound, N-ferrocenoyl-L-Pro-L-Leu-Gly-OMe (Fc-PLG), were reported in this paper. The title compound crystallized in a monoclinic system, space group C2 with Z = 4, a = 20.803(3) Å, b = 6.4428(4) Å, c = 20.557(2) Å, α = 90°, β = 115.498(5)°, γ = 90°; R = 0.0451. The Cp rings in the ferrocenoyl group are nearly coplanar, making a dihedral angle of 178.2 (4)°, while the substituted cyclopentadienyl ring and the proline ring are virtually coplanar with a very small twist angle of 14.0°. Strong hydrogen bonds between the Gly amide group N13 and the Pro carbonyl group O11 (d (N … O) = 2.835 Å) make the molecules fold into a β-turn conformation.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Lines in the Behavioral Health Client: A Perspective
Authors: Deacon Vera , Oliver Susan 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are used in many different patient populations. The indications for use vary and include infusions of hyperalimentation, chemotherapeutic agents, hyperosmolar solutions, antibiotics, or long-term rehydration. However, on occasion, there are clients who do not fit the typical criteria for PICC insertion. This includes, but is not limited to, those individuals who are receiving frequent intravenous (IV) “sticks” or even short-term infusions of irritating drugs. The behavioral health client is one who may not be the typical PICC or IV patient but who may benefit from the placement of a PICC for certain treatment modalities.
Catheter-Related Central Venous Thrombosis: The Development of a Nationwide Consensus Paper in Italy
Authors: Campisi Costantino , Biffi Roberto , Pittiruti Mauro ,   on behalf of the GAVeCeLT Committee for the Consensus
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a serious complication in patients who need long-term venous access. Though scientific data and clinical experience are steadily increasing, many uncertainties still exist about several aspects of this complication, including etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prevention of this complication. The GAVeCeLT (the Italian Study Group for Long Term Central Venous Access) promoted a nationwide consensus, and 12 experts reviewed systematically all the available literature. A preliminary document was presented and discussed during a specific Consensus Meeting, in front of a panel of more than 80 experts (representing different health professions and disciplines). This led to a prefinal document, which was presented to more than 800 health professionals. After peer review by an external board of experts, the final document was prepared. In this article, methodology and results of the consensus are presented.
Clinical Performance of a New Transparent Chlorhexidine Gluconate Central Venous Catheter Dressing
Authors: Olson Carol , Heilman James M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAs the sciences of vascular access and infection prevention rapidly advance healthcare professionals are often faced with new technologies designed to help, but which are often so complicated to use that they cause unforeseen problems. As a vascular access team at a major mid-western hospital, we evaluated the ease-of-use and the performance characteristics of a new transparent catheter dressing, 3M Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) containing the antimicrobial chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), with a variety of central venous catheters insertion sites in comparison to a standard non-antimicrobial dressing Tegaderm® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN). Following IRB approval, sixty-three consenting patients were enrolled and randomized; 33 in the CHG antimicrobial dressing group and 30 in the standard dressing group. Thirty six patients had peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), 20 had intrajugular insertions (IJ), and 7 had subclavian insertions. The new 3M Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) was evaluated for its ability to permit visualization of the insertion site, ease of use, ease of using correctly, ability to secure the catheter and absorb exudates and remain transparent.The new 3M Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) was found to be as easy to use in central venous catheter care clinical practice as the standard of care non-antimicrobial transparent adhesive dressing. No additional training or education was required to properly use it. This dressing was applied and removed like standard transparent adhesive dressings, but offered many advantages over standard dressings. Advantages include that it is antimicrobial, handles moderate bleeding, remains transparent and appears to offer greater catheter securement than the Tegaderm® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) standard dressing. The CHG gel pad also conformed well to the catheter.
The Effectiveness of Nurse Led 2-D Ultrasound Guided Insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Krstenic Wendy Joanne , Brealey Stephen , Gaikwad Susimala , Maraveyas Anthony 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
To conduct a systematic review that compares the effectiveness of nurses using 2-D ultrasound guided insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) with the landmark method in adult patients. Nine electronic databases were searched, the reference lists of studies were screened, the Internet was searched, and contact was made with experts. A quality assessment checklist was used to assess study validity. Dichotomous outcome data on the failure rate to insert PICCs were calculated as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Data were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model. From 156 studies, four eligible non-randomised studies were identified. Three studies originated from the United States and RR of failure to insert PICCs was significantly lower in the ultrasound group: 0.26 (0.10 to 0.64), 0.47 (0.38 to 0.59) and 0.28 (0.20 to 0.41). One study from the United Kingdom did not find a statistically significant difference in failure to insert PICCs between landmark and ultrasound groups: single centre RR was 0.60 (0.23 to 1.57) and multi centre RR was 0.42 (0.16 to 1.09). The pooled RR for all studies was 0.40 (0.33 to 0.48) showing that ultrasound significantly reduces failure rates by 60%. The presence of bias is evident in all studies. There is evidence to support the use of 2-D ultrasound by nurses to insert PICC lines. Further more rigorous research is required, such as a multi-centre randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation, before the widespread uptake of this technology can be recommended.
No Going Back: Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Upper Arm PICC Placement
Authors: Simcock Liz 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground, Method and Purpose: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in the UK has been steadily increasing since they were first introduced in 1995. Ultrasound-guided upper arm placement - which has become prevalent in the USA over the last few years - is gradually attracting interest amongst PICC placers in the UK. The literature shows that upper arm placement improves insertion success rate (Hockley, Hamilton, Young, Chapman, Taylor, Creed et al, 2007; Hunter, 2007; Krstenic, Brealey, Gaikwad & Maraveyas, 2008) and patient satisfaction (Polak, Anderson, Hagspiel, & Mungovan, 1998; Sansivero, 2000; McMahon, 2002). Following a switch to upper arm placement at her institution, the author examined audit data from before and after the change in practice to see if there were other measurable clinical improvements.Results: Comparison of data from a four-year period shows that upper arm placement in our patient population increased insertion success rate and line longevity, while reducing exit site infection, thrombosis and catheter migration.Implications for Practice: This data shows that ultrasound-guided upper-arm placement improves patient outcomes. PICC placers still using the more traditional antecubital approach should consider a change in practice.
Issues and Best Practices Related to Ethical Writing and Publishing
Authors: King Cynthia R. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
For decades there have been several common ethical issues in writing and publishing that have plagued nurse authors and editors. These have included authorship, duplicate or redundant publication, conflicts of interest (including financial), misconduct, and peer review. These topics have been discussed independently and together, but it has not been until recently that appropriate guidelines or best practices have emerged. Nursing and other scientific journals have struggled with these issues continuously and now organizations (e.g., International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and Office of Integrity) have developed guidelines and best practices to help authors and editors.
High temperature mechanical spectroscopy of fine-grained ceramics
Authors: Schaller Robert , Ionascu Claudia 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Mechanical loss measurements were performed at high temperature in fine-grained ceramics, such as zirconia and alumina. At high temperature, the mechanical loss increases exponentially with temperature, which accounts for material creep. The results are analyzed with a model of grain-boundary sliding lubricated by an intergranular glassy phase. When the amount of the intergranular glassy phase is higher, the mechanical loss level is globally higher and so is the creep rate. On the other hand, doping fine-grained ceramics with nano-sized reinforcements such as multiwall carbon nanotubes results in a decrease in the high-temperature mechanical loss. In this case grain-boundary sliding is more difficult and as a consequence better creep resistance is observed.
Are RENiAl hydrides metallic?
Authors: Eichinger Karl , Havela Ladislav , Prokleška Jan , Stelmakhovych Olha , Daniš Stanislav , Šantavá Eva , Miliyanchuk Khrystyna 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Due to hydrogenation, the crystal structure of GdNiAl distorts from hexagonal to orthorhombic. The magnetic ordering temperature decreases dramatically and the magnetic entropy of this phase transition is in good agreement with theory. LuNiAl does not change its structure type, but it was found that the electronic contribution to specific heat decreases dramatically. None of the two phases loses its metallic character.
Electronic structure and electric field gradient calculations for the Zr2Ni intermetallic compound
Authors: Umićević A. , Belošević-Čavor J. , Koteski V. , Cekić B. , Ivanovski V. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A detailed theoretical study of the structure and electric field gradients (EFG) of the Zr2Ni compound is presented. Using all-electron augmented plane waves plus local orbitals formalism, the equilibrium volume, bulk modulus, and EFGs at both non-equivalent crystallographic positions, Zr and Ni, are calculated. The possible mechanism of formation of the EFGs at both sites are analyzed and discussed. We have also performed supercell calculations with Cd and Ta impurities. Through the comparison of theoretical and experimental EFGs in these cases, we elucidate the role played by the Cd and Ta probe atoms in the time-differential perturbed angular correlation measurements of this compound.
Solution growth of the Gd–Cu–Al systems in the low-gadolinium concentration range
Authors: Uhlířová Klára , Sechovský Vladimír 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Solution growth of Gd–Cu–Al resulted in the formation of single crystals of GdCu4Al8 with tetragonal ThMn12-type structure (a = 8.751 Å, c = 5.148 Å), Gd2Cu9.4 – 6.7Al7.6 – 10.3 with hexagonal Th2Zn17-type structure (a = 8.83 Å, c = 1.28 Å), and Gd(Cu, Al)4 with orthorhombic CeNi2+x
Sb2 – x
-type structure. An antiferromagnetic ordering of GdCu4Al8 was found below 35 K, which is in agreement with the previously reported TN = 35 K and TN = 32 K measured on polycrystalline samples. In the temperature range 50 – 320 K the magnetic susceptibility χ follows the Curie–Weiss law with μeff = 7.8 μB/f. u. and θp = – 17 K for B c, μeff = 7.9 μB/f. u. and θp = – 18 K for B ⊥ c. The a-axis is the easy magnetization direction. The Gd(Cu, Al)4 and Gd(Cu, Al)4 compounds order antiferromagnetically below TN = 35 K and TN = 31 K, respectively.