bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-system effects of dysphagia treatment on dysphonia: a case report
Authors: LaGorio Lisa A , Carnaby-Mann Giselle D , Crary Michael A 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Traditionally, treatment of dysphagia and dysphonia has followed a specificity approach whereby treatment plans have focused on each dysfunction individually. Recently however, a therapeutic cross-system effect has been proposed between these two dysfunctions. At least one study has demonstrated swallowing improvement in subjects who completed a dysphonia treatment program. However, we are unaware of any evidence demonstrating the converse effect. In this paper, we present a case-report of a 74 year old male who demonstrated improvement in selected vocal parameters after completion of a dysphagia therapy program.
Dysphagia therapy resulted in improved laryngeal function in this subject. Results implicate improved vocal fold tension with increased glottal closure. Further investigation into the potential for this cross-system effect is warranted.
A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin®for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Sengupta Krishanu , Alluri Krishnaraju V , Satish Andey Rama , Mishra Simanchala , Golakoti Trimurtulu , Sarma Kadainti VS , Dey Dipak , Raychaudhuri Siba P 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
5-Loxin® is a novel Boswellia serrata extract enriched with 30% 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), which exhibits potential anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme. A 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin® in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods
Seventy-five OA patients were included in the study. The patients received either 100 mg (n = 25) or 250 mg (n = 25) of 5-Loxin® daily or a placebo (n = 25) for 90 days. Each patient was evaluated for pain and physical functions by using the standard tools (visual analog scale, Lequesne's Functional Index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) at the baseline (day 0), and at days 7, 30, 60 and 90. Additionally, the cartilage degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-3 was also evaluated in synovial fluid from OA patients. Measurement of a battery of biochemical parameters in serum and haematological parameters, and urine analysis were performed to evaluate the safety of 5-Loxin® in OA patients.

Results
Seventy patients completed the study. At the end of the study, both doses of 5-Loxin® conferred clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain scores and physical function scores in OA patients. Interestingly, significant improvements in pain score and functional ability were recorded in the treatment group supplemented with 250 mg 5-Loxin® as early as 7 days after the start of treatment. Corroborating the improvements in pain scores in treatment groups, we also noted significant reduction in synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-3. In comparison with placebo, the safety parameters were almost unchanged in the treatment groups.

Conclusion
5-Loxin® reduces pain and improves physical functioning significantly in OA patients; and it is safe for human consumption. 5-Loxin® may exert its beneficial effects by controlling inflammatory responses through reducing proinflammatory modulators, and it may improve joint health by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage in OA patients.

Trail Registration
(Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN05212803.)
The role of glucocorticoids and progestins in inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious disease
Authors: Tait A Sasha , Butts Cherie L , Sternberg Esther M 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA bidirectional communication exists between the CNS and the immune system. The autonomic nervous system, through neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, works in parallel with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through the actions of glucocorticoids to modulate inflammatory events. The immune system, through the action of cytokines and other factors, in turn, activates the CNS to orchestrate negative-feedback mechanisms that keep the immune response in check. Disruption of these interactions has been associated with a number of syndromes including inflammatory, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic and psychiatric disorders, and the development of shock. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis also plays an important part in regulating immunity through the secretion of sex hormones. Although numerous studies have established a role for immunomodulation by estrogen and testosterone, the role of progesterone is less well understood. Progesterone is crucial for reproductive organ development and maintenance of pregnancy, and more recent studies have clearly shown its role as an important immune regulator. The main focus of this review will be about the role of steroid hormones, specifically glucocorticoids and progesterone, in inflammatory responses and infectious diseases and how dysregulation of their actions may contribute to development of autoimmune and inflammatory disease.
Exercise training-induced lowering of inflammatory (CD14+CD16+) monocytes: a role in the anti-inflammatory influence of exercise?
Authors: Timmerman Kyle L , Flynn Michael G , Coen Paul M , Markofski Melissa M , Pence Brandt D 
Published: July 2008

AbstractExercise training or higher levels of physical activity are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects. CD14+CD16+ monocytes are potent producers of inflammatory proteins, and elevated levels of these “inflammatory” monocytes have been implicated in disease development. Little is known about the influence of exercise training on this cell population. On the basis of their physical activity pattern, male and female subjects, 65–80 years old, were assigned to a physically active (PA; n=15) or inactive (PI; n=15) group. The PI group performed 12 weeks (3 days/week) of endurance (20 min at 70–80% heart-rate reserve) and resistance exercise training (eight exercises, two sets at 70–80% of one repetition maximum). Subjects in the PA group maintained their habitual activity level. Flow cytometry was used to determine monocyte phenotype and monocyte TLR4 expression. ELISAs were used to measure whole blood, LPS-stimulated TNF-α production, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). At baseline, the PA group had a lower percentage of CD14+CD16+ monocytes and lower unstimulated production of TNF-α than the PI group. CD14+CD16+ monocyte percentage and 1 ng/ml LPS-stimulated TNF-α production were reduced after the PI group underwent 12 weeks of exercise training. PI subjects also had higher TLR4 expression on classical monocytes, but there were no significant exercise training-induced changes in monocyte TLR4 expression. The PA group had significantly lower serum CRP than the PI group. Physical activity was associated with lower CD14+CD16+ monocyte percentage and LPS-stimulated TNF-α production. Exercise training-induced reductions in CD14+CD16+ monocytes may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training.
Short Telomeres, Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Gene Amplification, and Increased Telomerase Activity in the Blood of Familial Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Capezzone Marco , Cantara Silvia , Marchisotta Stefania , Filetti Sebastiano , De Santi Maria Margherita , Rossi Benedetta , Ronga Giuseppe , Durante Cosimo , Pacini Furio 
Published: July 2008

Background: Differentiated papillary thyroid cancer is mostly sporadic, but the recurrence of the familial form has been reported. Short or dysfunctional telomeres have been associated with familial benign diseases and familial breast cancer.
Objective: The aim of our work was to study the telomere-telomerase complex in the peripheral blood of patients with familial papillary thyroid cancer (FPTC), including the measurement of relative telomere length (RTL), telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene amplification, hTERT mRNA expression, telomerase protein activity, and search of hTERT or telomerase RNA component gene mutations.
Patients: Cumulating a series of patients seen at the University of Siena and a series at the University of Rome, the experiments were conducted in 47 FPTC patients, 75 sporadic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients, 20 patients with nodular goiter, 19 healthy subjects, and 20 unaffected siblings of FPTC patients.
Results: RTL, measured by quantitative PCR, was significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) shorter in the blood of FPTC patients, compared with sporadic PTCs, healthy subjects, nodular goiter subjects, and unaffected siblings. Also by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, the results confirmed shorter telomere lengths in FPTC patients (P = 0.01). hTERT gene amplification was significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) higher in FPTC patients, compared with the other groups, and in particular, it was significantly (P = 0.03) greater in offspring with respect to parents. hTERT mRNA expression, as well as telomerase activity, was significantly higher (P = 0.0003 and P &lt; 0.0001, respectively) in FPTC patients, compared with sporadic PTCs. RTL, measured in cancer tissues, was shorter (P &lt; 0.0001) in FPTC patients, compared with sporadic PTCs. No mutations of the telomerase RNA component and hTERT genes were found.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that patients with FPTC display an imbalance of the telomere-telomerase complex in the peripheral blood, characterized by short telomeres, hTERT gene amplification, and expression. These features may be implicated in the inherited predisposition to develop FPTC.
Increased Interleukin (IL)-1β Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in β-Cells of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Regulation of IL-1β in Human Islets by Glucose and Autostimulation
Authors: Böni-Schnetzler Marianne , Thorne Jeffrey , Parnaud Géraldine , Marselli Lorella , Ehses Jan A. , Kerr-Conte Julie , Pattou Francois , Halban Philippe A. , Weir Gordon C. , Donath Marc Y. 
Published: July 2008

Context: Elevated glucose levels impair islet function and survival, and it has been proposed that intraislet expression of IL-1β contributes to glucotoxicity.Objective: The objective was to investigate IL-1β mRNA expression in near-pure β-cells of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and study the regulation of IL-1β by glucose in isolated human islets.Methods: Laser capture microdissection was performed to isolate β-cells from pancreas sections of 10 type 2 diabetic donors and nine controls, and IL-1β mRNA expression was analyzed using gene arrays and PCR. Cultured human islets and fluorescence-activated cell sorter-purified human β-cells were used to study the regulation of IL-1β expression by glucose and IL-1β.Results: Gene array analysis of RNA from β-cells of individuals with T2DM revealed increased expression of IL-1β mRNA. Real-time PCR confirmed increased IL-1β expression in six of 10 T2DM samples, with minimal or no expression in nine control samples. In cultured human islets, IL-1β mRNA and protein expression was induced by high glucose and IL-1β autostimulation and decreased by the IL-1 receptor antagonist IL-1Ra. The glucose response was negatively correlated with basal IL-1β expression levels. Autostimulation was transient and nuclear factor-κB dependent. Glucose-induced IL-1β was biologically active and stimulated IL-8 release. Low picogram per milliliter concentrations of IL-1β up-regulated inflammatory factors IL-8 and IL-6.Conclusion: Evidence that IL-1β mRNA expression is up-regulated in β-cells of patients with T2DM is presented, and glucose-promoted IL-1β autostimulation may be a possible contributor.
Postdischarge Oral Versus Injectable Anticoagulation Following Major Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Shorr Andrew F , Nutescu Edith A , Farrelly Eileen , Horblyuk Ruslan , Happe Laura E , Franklin Meg 
Published: July 2008

Background Multiple clinical studies have shown postdischarge anticoagulation to bo beneficial following major orthopedic surgery (MOS); however, outpatient prophylaxis is not widely practiced. Objective To quantify, from a third-party payer perspective, real-world clinical and economic outcomes tor patients receiving injectable or oral anticoagulation as prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) following discharge after MOS. Methods A retrospective database analysis was conducted using outpatient medical and pharmacy data from the PharMetrics Patient-Centric Database (January 1, 2002, to March 31, 2006). Patients greater than 18 years of age with 9 months of continuous eligibility who received an anticoagulant in the outpatient setting following MOS were eligible. Patients were stratified into 2 cohorts; injectable (dalteparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux) and oral (warfarin), and were matched 1:1 on demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 12,724 patients were included (injectable, 6362; oral, 6362). At 90 days, patients receiving oral anticoagulation were 20% more likely to experience a VTE than were those receiving an injectable agent (7.4% vs 6.3%; p = 0.02, OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.36). No significant differences in bleeding were observed (<0.4%). The average adjusted total 6-month costs were significantly (p < 0.001) higher for the oral versus injectable cohort ($18,039 vs $16,429). Medical costs in the oral cohort offset the higher pharmacy costs in the injectable cohort. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the risk of VTE extends to the outpatient setting following MOS, even with postdischarge anticoagulation. Injectable agents used in the outpatient setting may result in fewer clinical VTEs without increasing the risk for major bleeding. These findings support 1he data from controlled clinical studies and expand the evidence to the real-world setting. Despite higher pharmacy acquisition costs for injectable anticoagulants, injectable agents may offer significant per patient savings to third party payers.
Candesartan Cilexetil Effectively Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Children
Authors: Franks Amy M , O'Brien Catherine E , Stowe Cindy D , Wells Thomas G , Gardner Stephanie F 
Published: July 2008

Background: The angiotensin-receptor blocker candesartan cilexetil is a well-toleraled antihypertensive agent with demonstrated benefits in adults with hypertension. However, there are few data supporting its use in children with hypertension. Objective: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of candesartan cilexetil in the treatment of pediatric hypertension. Methods: In an open-label, uncontrolled pilot study, hypertensive pediatric patients were eligible tor participation if untreated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP) exceeded the 95th percentile for sex, age, and height. Patients underwent a 7-day washout period prior to initiation of weight-based dosing of candesartan cilexetil (2-8 mg daily). The dose was doubled after 7 days of therapy if inadequate antihypertensive response was determined by clinic-measured casual BP monitoring (CBPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM). Three methods of BP measurement were compared before and after 2 weeks of treatment with the final dose of candesartan cilexetil: CBPM, HBPM, and 24-hour continuous ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Self-reported adverse effects and clinical laboratory analyses were used to determine tolerability. Results: Eleven patients (mean age 14.2 y) received a final candesartan cilexetil median daily dose of 8 mg (0.13 mg/kg, range 2-16 mg). Study treatment resulted in significant reductions in systolic and diastolic BP as measured by CBPM (-7.4%, p = 0,03 and -5.9%, p = 0.01, respectively) and by ABPM (-6.0%, p = 0.03 and -10.8%, p = 0.006, respectively), but no significant reductions as measured by HBPM. No clinically significant changes in laboratory measures were observed, and patients reported nonspecific mild adverse effects. Conclusions: Candesartan cilexetil effectively reduced BP as demonstrated by CBPM and ABPM measurements and was well tolerated in this group of hypertensive children.
Acidizing Wells with Acetic/HF Acid Mixtures to Minimize Cement Dissolution
Authors: da Motta E. P. , Miranda C. R. , Anjos S. M. C. , Ribeiro J. A. , Chaves E. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Cement attack by acid during matrix acidizing operations has created severe zonal isolation problems in wells with multiple adjacent permeable zones, operated by PETROBRAS. This effect was observed in several wells treated with conventional HC1-HF acid mixtures, even when cement bond logs prior to the acid job were excellent. This paper presents a series of lab experiments showing that acetic acid, alone or mixed with HF, dissolves much less cement than HCl and HC1-HF mixtures with the same carbonate dissolving power. The reaction of acetic acid with cement fonns a protective skin that inhibits further acid attack. The organic formulations were tested in an acidizing simulator, before being used in the field. The paper also presents field test results which confirmed that the acetic acid mixtures did not break zonal isolation (cement consumption was restrained to the perforated interval) and were able to generate 6- to 40-fold increases in the injectivity and productivity of the wells.
The Effect of FDI on Job Security
Authors: Becker Sascha O , Muendler Marc-Andreas 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Novel linked employer-employee data for multinational enterprises and their global workforces show that multinational enterprises that expand abroad retain more domestic jobs than competitors without foreign expansions. Propensity-score estimation demonstrates that the foreign expansion itself is a dominant explanatory factor for reduced worker separation rates. Bounding, concomitant variable tests, and further robustness checks show competing hypotheses to be less plausible. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis that, given global wage differences, a prevention of enterprises from outward FDI would lead to more domestic job losses. FDI raises domestic-worker retention more pronouncedly among highly educated workers.
Strategic Behavior and Social Norms in Tipped Service Industries
Authors: Azar Ofer H 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Tipping is a multi-billion-dollar phenomenon that traditional economic theory finds hard to explain. Why do people leave money as tips when service has already been provided? Two main potential reasons are that tipping is a social norm, and a strategic behavior aimed to assure good future service. A game-theoretical model is developed which allows the analysis of how tipping behavior should depend on patronage frequency if strategic motivations affect tipping. Thus, the model provides predictions that can be combined with empirical data on tipping behavior to answer the fundamental question, why do people tip?
Compatibilization of regenerated low density polyethylene/poly(vinyl chloride) blends
Authors: Kabdi Soumia‐Amina , Belhaneche‐Bensemra Naima 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe aim of this work is to study the valorization of regenerated low density polyethylene (rLDPE) by blending with PVC in the presence of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) as compatibilizer. For this purpose, four rLDPE samples coming from neat or dirty wastes were used. They were obtained after milling, washing, and extrusion in a conventional recycling plant. They were first characterized in terms of physicochemical (density, melt flow index, water absorption, and level of oxidation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and mechanical (tensile and shore D hardness) properties. The effect of the ratio of PVC on these physical and mechanical properties was then investigated. These binary blends exhibited lower properties than those of the separated polymers. The addition of CPE to the binary blend with weight proportion of 50/50 leads to a substantial improvement of the considered properties which is due to a better interfacial adhesion between rLDPE and PVC as evidenced by the analysis of the morphology of the blends by scanning electron microscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Minimal aberrant behavioral phenotypes of neuroligin‐3 R451C knockin mice
Authors: Chadman Kathryn K. , Gong Shiaoching , Scattoni Maria L. , Boltuck Sarah E. , Gandhy Shruti U. , Heintz Nathaniel , Crawley Jacqueline N. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNeuroligin‐3 is a member of the class of cell adhesion proteins that mediate synapse development and have been implicated in autism. Mice with the human R451C mutation (NL3), identical to the point mutation found in two brothers with autism spectrum disorders, were generated and phenotyped in multiple behavioral assays with face validity to the diagnostic symptoms of autism. No differences between NL3 and their wildtype (WT) littermate controls were detected on measures of juvenile reciprocal social interaction, adult social approach, cognitive abilities, and resistance to change in a spatial habit, findings which were replicated in several cohorts of males and females. Physical and procedural abilities were similar across genotypes on measures of general health, sensory abilities, sensorimotor gating, motor functions, and anxiety‐related traits. Minor developmental differences were detected between NL3 and WT, including slightly different rates of somatic growth, slower righting reflexes at postnatal days 2–6, faster homing reflexes in females, and less vocalizations on postnatal day 8 in males. Significant differences in NL3 adults included somewhat longer latencies to fall from the rotarod, less vertical activity in the open field, and less acoustic startle to high decibel tones. The humanized R451C mutation in mice did not result in apparent autism‐like phenotypes, but produced detectable functional consequences that may be interpreted in terms of physical development and/or reduced sensitivity to stimuli.
What does client satisfaction tell us about effectiveness?
Authors: Trotter Chris 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIt is common in child protection research to undertake studies of client satisfaction with services. Although these studies have their own intrinsic value, it has been argued that they tell us little if anything about effectiveness—high levels of client satisfaction mean little if child abuse continues to occur. This study, undertaken in a statutory child protection service in Australia, considers the relationship between client satisfaction and other outcome measures, including worker estimates of client progress, further notifications of abuse and whether or not children have been removed. The results show strong correlations between different measures of client satisfaction and strong correlations between different measures of worker estimates of client progress. They show weaker but statistically significant correlations between client satisfaction and worker estimates of client progress, and between client satisfaction and further notifications. There is also a significant relationship between client satisfaction and children remaining at home. However, this applies only to parents, relatives and carers, not to the primary clients themselves. It is concluded that client satisfaction studies may have value beyond simply measuring client satisfaction. However, the study also supports an argument for using more than one outcome measure if the aim is to measure effectiveness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.