bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LycoRed as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy in lowering serum lipids and oxidative stress markers: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Misra Renu , Mangi Sonika , Joshi Sujata , Mittal Suneeta , Gupta Suresh K. , Pandey Ravindra M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim:  Menopause is a pro‐atherogenic state with a sharp rise in the incidence of coronary artery disease. This pilot study was designed as an equivalence randomized clinical trial to explore the potential of LycoRed (containing 2000 µg lycopene) as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the prevention of coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women.Methods:  Forty‐one healthy postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to receive either continuous combined HRT (n = 21) or LycoRed (n = 20) for six months. Serum lipid profile, marker of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), and the level of endogenous antioxidant (glutathione) were measured at the baseline, and 3 and 6 months after the intervention in both groups.Results:  At 6 months, HRT resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) level by 23.5%, low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) by 19.6%, and an increase in high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) by 38.9%. The LycoRed group showed similar changes in TC (−24.2%), LDL (−14.9%) and HDL (+26.1%). Triglyceride levels showed a smaller though significant increase at 6 months, but not at 3 months, in both groups. There was no significant change in the very LDL (VLDL) level in either group. Malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly by 16.3% and 13.3%, whereas glutathione levels increased significantly by 5.9% and 12.5% in HRT and LycoRed groups, respectively.Conclusion:  Both HRT and LycoRed had a favorable effect on serum lipids and oxidative stress markers which were comparable. LycoRed can be used as an alternative to HRT to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.
High prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormalities among HIV‐infected women with immunological AIDS‐defining illnesses†
Authors: Chalermchockcharoenkit Amphan , Sirimai Korakot , Chaisilwattana Pongsakdi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim:  To assess the results of Pap smear at postpartum scheduled visit, especially the prevalence of squamous cell abnormalities including association with CD4+ T‐lymphocyte count (CD4+ count) levels at delivery among HIV‐infected women between the years 1996 and 2004.Methods:  As part of the research and implementation programs of short course antiretroviral regimens for the prevention of mother to child perinatal HIV transmission in HIV‐infected pregnant women delivered at Siriraj hospital, CD4+ count at delivery and Pap smear at postpartum were evaluated.Results:  Among 636 women, 13.3% had squamous cell abnormalities. Seventy‐seven cases (90.6%) of squamous cell abnormalities were low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The prevalence of squamous epithelial cell abnormalities detected by Pap smear, was higher in women whose CD4+ count at delivery was < 200 cells/µL than in women whose CD4+ count at delivery was ≥ 200 cells/µL, with a significant difference (21.2%vs 12.2%).Conclusions:  All HIV‐infected pregnant women should be evaluated for clinical and immunological status during the antepartum period. Pelvic examination and Pap smear should be considered as a part of this evaluation. They should receive comprehensive health‐care services that continue after pregnancy, including postpartum gynecologic examination and Pap smear. Women with normal cervical cytological findings but low CD4+ count should be offered an antenatal Pap smear and long‐term follow‐up including a 6‐monthly Pap smear.
Transanal stent in anterior resection does not prevent anastomotic leakage
Authors: Bülow S. , Bulut O. , Christensen I. J. , Harling H. ,   The Rectal Stent Study Group
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective  A defunctioning transanal stent may theoretically reduce the leakage rate after anterior rectal resection. We present a randomized open study with the aim of comparing the leakage rate after anterior resection with a loop ileostomy, a transanal stent, both or neither.Patients and methods  Randomized open trial of 194 patients operated in 11 hospitals during September 2000 to September 2003 with anterior resection for a mobile rectal tumour, 115 men and 79 women, median age 68 years (range 37–90 years). The surgeon decided upon the use of a protective ileostomy, and after completion of the operation the patients were randomized in two groups with and without a transanal stent.Results  A clinically significant leakage was diagnosed in 25 patients (13%). No significant difference was found 17 of 98 patients with a stent and 8 of 96 without (P = 0.09), or in 9 of 44 ileostomy patients with a stent and in 3 of 45 without (P = 0.07). Several leaks over a short time led to an interim analysis after inclusion of 194 of 448 planned patients. The analysis showed no significant protective effect of the stent, and more leakages in the stent group, although not statistically significant. On this basis it was decided to discontinue the study prematurely for ethical reasons.Conclusion  Decompression of the anastomosis with a transanal stent does not reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection.
Rectal sensation, pelvic floor function and symptom severity in Hispanic population with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Awad R. A. , Camacho S. , Martín J. , Ríos N. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective  In patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C, Rome II) we determined if pelvic floor function correlates with rectal sensitivity and tone, and if the pelvic and rectal measurements correlate with symptoms.Patients and methods  Sensory thresholds and tone in fasting and postprandial states were evaluated with an electronic barostat in 34 patients and 10 normal controls. The pelvic floor was assessed by defaecography.Results  Pain threshold to rectal distension was lower in IBS‐C patients (P = 0.007). Postprandially, IBS‐C patients showed lower values for sensation of gas, perception of urge, and pain threshold compared with controls. In IBS‐C the anorectal angle widened less and showed less perineal mobility during defecation; the rectal tone in fasting IBS‐C patients correlated with the angle at rest (P = 0.04) and with the perineal descent at rest (P = 0.01). The severity of abdominal discomfort or pain, and abdominal fullness correlated with the anorectal angle. The duration of symptoms and frequency of bowel movements correlated with perineal descent. Straining, mucus expulsion, and the feeling of incomplete evacuation correlated with rectal sensitivity variables.Conclusion  Patients with IBS‐C have lowered sensory thresholds for noxious and non‐noxious stimuli, increased visceral sensitivity after food, less perineal mobility during defecation, and symptoms that correlate with rectal sensitivity and pelvic floor parameters.
The importance of accurate pathological assessment of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer
Authors: Schofield J. B. , Mounter N. A. , Mallett R. , Haboubi N. Y. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis review presents an up‐to‐date analysis of the importance of accurate pathological lymph node staging in colorectal cancer. Lymph node staging is reliant on the technique of the surgeon and the pathologist as well as methods employed in the histopathology laboratory, and is vital for determining appropriate therapy. The significance of micrometastatic nodal disease is evaluated and new techniques for pathological evaluation are discussed. Recommendations for evaluation of lymph node status in colorectal cancer are provided based on current scientific evidence, and standardization of pathological dissection and laboratory handling is advocated.
From strategic planning to meaningful learning: diverse perspectives on the development of web‐based teaching and learning in higher education
Authors: Löfström Erika , Nevgi Anne 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper reports the results of a study on strategic planning and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and describes the level of quality awareness in web‐based teaching at the University of Helsinki. Questionnaire survey data obtained from deans and institutional leaders, ICT support staff, teachers and students (n = 333) at the University indicate that strategic planning has proceeded well, and all the faculties of the University have developed virtual university strategies in order to continue existing ICT initiatives, to further increase the use of ICT in teaching and to assure student information literacy. The data indicate that all the faculties and institutions have monitored and reported the use of ICT in teaching, but quality assurance or enhancement as tools for monitoring were mentioned less frequently. The available ICT training was found satisfactory to meet the actual training needs of the teachers, but their lack of time was judged to be the main obstacle to their participation in it. The teachers identified two basic functions of ICT in teaching: (1) distribution of course material via the web, and (2) the creation of interactive and collaborative learning opportunities. The male teachers and students consistently estimated that their ICT skills were stronger when compared with the judgements made by female teachers and students. The teachers generally felt that the greatest problems arose from students’ lack of time management skills and from deficiencies in the usability of the technology. The students did not perceive lack of time management as a problem. Rather, they experienced isolation, loneliness and the lack of practical ICT usability to be the main obstacles to learning. The teachers had a higher assessment of students’ learning than the students did. The greatest difference between teachers and students concerned the contextual nature of learning in a virtual environment. The fact that the teachers’ views were markedly more positive signals a distinct challenge for pedagogy.
Blending online learning with traditional approaches: changing practices
Authors: Condie Rae , Livingston Kay 
Published: June 2006

AbstractConsiderable claims have been made for the development of e‐learning, either as stand‐alone programmes or alongside more traditional approaches to teaching and learning, for students across school and tertiary education. National initiatives have improved the position of schools in terms of access to hardware and electronic networking, software and educational resources, and staff development. The potential of e‐learning to improve learning and teaching, and in turn, attainment, may be contested by academics but the policy makers are generally positive. Many countries across Europe and North America have adopted information and communication technology (ICT) as a central plank in school improvement and effectiveness planning. At the centre, however, remain the teacher and the learner. The impact of ICT on the learning experience will depend upon the roles adopted by each, the model of the learner held by the teacher and the pedagogy adopted. This paper considers the ways in which teachers and students responded to the implementation of one particular online programme and considers the approaches adopted and the attitudes to its use. The SCHOLAR programme is designed to complement rather than replace traditional teaching and learning approaches within schools and is aimed at students in the post‐compulsory years of secondary school working towards external certification. It has a number of features including course materials, revision exercises, self‐assessment facilities and a discussion forum. The independent evaluation of SCHOLAR looked at the impact that its use made on learning and teaching in the post‐16 classroom and the differing ways in which teachers and students used the various elements of the programme. While it did appear to have a positive impact on attainment, the evidence indicates that this might have been greater had the teachers modified their practice, blending learning through SCHOLAR with more traditional methods.
Teaching, learning and new technology: a review for teachers
Authors: Hartley James 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews the effects of new technology on teaching and learning by considering examples of studies carried out with five kinds of teaching in five contexts. The five teaching situations are direct instruction, adjunct instruction, facilitating the skills of learning, facilitating social skills and widening learners’ horizons. The five contexts are primary schools, secondary schools, higher education, special education and out of school. The aim of the paper is primarily to inform teachers about current work in these different areas.
Expression of β‐defensin‐2 in human gingival epithelial cells in response to challenge with Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro
Authors: Taguchi Y. , Imai H. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2) is an antimicrobial peptide that is produced by epithelial cells after stimulation with microorganisms and inflammatory mediators. Compared with gram‐positive bacteria, gram‐negative bacteria, which are typically detected in the periodontal pockets in periodontitis, elicit a stronger antibacterial peptide response of hBD‐2 by epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of hBD‐2 and relationships between it and inflammatory mediators in human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) in response to challenge with Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro.Material and Methods:  mRNA expression of hBD‐2 in HGEC stimulated with or without P. gingivalis was assessed using a semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Primary cultured HGEC were activated by live P. gingivalis, and inflammatory cytokine production was examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The level of hBD‐2 mRNA in HGEC treated with P. gingivalis increased with exposure time. After 48 h, the mRNA in P. gingivalis was significantly increased compared with that in control HGEC. The interleukin‐8 production rate was much greater in stimulated HGEC than in the control HGEC, almost always showing a significant difference after 3 h. The production of interleukin‐1β was not increased as much as that of interleukin‐8.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the expression of hBD‐2 in HGEC is P. gingivalis‐dependently induced and is likely to be connected with the initial stage of the inflammatory response.
A Reduced-Order Model
for Transient Analysis of Bladed Disk Forced
Response
Authors: Ayers J. P. , Feiner D. M. , Griffin J. H. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A method for predicting the vibratory response of bladed disks under high engine acceleration rates is developed. The method is based on the Fundamental Mistuning Model, an existing reduced order model for predicting the steady-state vibratory response. In addition, a criterion is developed for a critical engine acceleration rate, above which transient effects play a large role in the response. It is shown that military engines operate at acceleration rates above this critical value and therefore transient effects are important in practice.
Accuracy and clinical utility of the CoaguChek XS portable international normalised ratio monitor in a pilot study of warfarin home-monitoring
Authors: Bereznicki Luke R , Jackson Shane L , Peterson Gregory M , Jeffrey Ella C , Marsden Katherine A , Jupe David M 
Published: June 2006

Aim:To evaluate the accuracy of the CoaguChek XS international normalised ratio (INR) monitor compared with the laboratory method.Methods:The accuracy and ease of use of the recently marketed CoaguChek XS portable INR monitor was evaluated in 17 patients involved in a trial of warfarin home monitoring. INR results from the monitor were compared with those from the laboratory method. Clinical applicability was measured by discrepant INR values, defined in the literature by expanded and narrow agreement criteria, and by the proportion of INR values differing by >15% and by >20% from those derived by the laboratory method.Results:Participants provided 59 comparison INR measurements for analysis. The paired results were highly correlated (r = 0.91). Expanded and narrow agreement between paired INR values occurred 100% of the time. Only three CoaguChek XS (5.1%) results differed by >15% compared with the laboratory method; no results differed by >20% or were discrepant by >0.5 INR units.Conclusions:In the hands of patients the CoaguChek XS showed good correlation with laboratory determination of INR and compared well with expanded and narrow clinical agreement criteria. Both patients and doctors were highly satisfied with the accuracy and ease of use of the CoaguChek XS.
Simultaneous evaluation of maspin and CXCR4 in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Tsoli Efthimia , Tsantoulis Petros K , Papalambros Alexandros , Perunovic Branko , England David , Rawlands David A , Reynolds Gary M , Vlachodimitropoulos Dimitrios , Morgan Susan L , Spiliopoulou Chara A , Athanasiou Thanos , Gorgoulis Vassilis G 
Published: June 2006

Aim:To study simultaneously the actions of maspin and CXCR4, which share several similar pathways in cancer, including apoptosis and angiogenesis.Methods:Our material consisted of 151 invasive breast carcinomas arranged in a tissue microarray setting. Maspin and CXCR4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density was assessed by CD34 immunodetection and apoptosis by the Tdt-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay.Results:Maspin expression was related to CXCR4 expression, apoptosis, patient age and the Nottingham prognostic index. The expression of both maspin and CXCR4 progressively increased in high-grade tumours. In patients with lymph node negative breast cancer, maspin overexpression was associated with increased risk of death. High CXCR4 expression was associated with prolonged survival of patients with high maspin expression.Conclusions:Our results show that maspin overexpression could prove to be a potentially useful marker, especially for the clinically important group of patients with lymph node negative breast cancer. The expression of CXCR4 is of less significance in our study, but may be informative for specific patient subsets or in a longer time frame.
Localised breast cancers may have systemic influences on skin and hair
Authors: Lawson James S , Tran Dinh D 
Published: June 2006

Hypothesis:Biomarkers, commonly expressed in breast cancer cells, may be correlated with their expression in breast skin of the same subjects.Methods:The expression of biomarkers in specimens from 33 breast tumours and breast skin from the same subject and from 32 normal controls was studied using immunohistochemical techniques.Results:(1) In normal women, there are significant correlations between the levels of expression of cyclin D1, bcl-2 and p53 in normal breast epithelial cells and breast skin epithelial cells. (2) These patterns of biomarker expression in normal women are similar in breast cancer and breast skin epithelial cells of women with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but are at significantly higher levels in both breast cancer cells and skin from the same subjects. (3) In normal women, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is not expressed in either breast epithelial cells or skin epithelial cells. (4) HER-2 is expressed in the breast skin of some subjects with HER-2-positive breast cancer. (5) Positive oestrogen receptor alpha expression occurs significantly more frequently in the breast skin of women with IDC and DCIS than in normal controls.Conclusion:The influence of localised breast cancer seems to be systemic, and leads to changes in skin and hair.
Histopathological reporting of paediatric cutaneous vascular anomalies in relation to proposed multidisciplinary classification system
Authors: Al-Adnani M , Williams S , Rampling D , Ashworth M , Malone M , Sebire N J 
Published: June 2006

Background:The terminology applied to vascular anomalies has been variable in previously published literature making interpretation suboptimal. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) has proposed a revised classification based on clinical features and histopathological findings. This classification is increasingly being accepted as clinically useful and a platform for future studies.Aims:To examine the extent to which the ISSVA classification can be practically applied to diagnostic histopathological specimens.Methods:Cutaneous vascular lesions received in a single paediatric pathology unit during a 2-year period (2004–5) were reviewed, including glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1) immunostaining where required, and lesions were reclassified according to the ISSVA classification.Results:144 specimens were identified. Appropriate full clinical information was provided in only 17% of cases at submission. Infantile haemangiomas comprised 46% of cases, 18% of which were regressive type, initially inaccurately identified as vascular malformations before GLUT1 immunostaining. 30% of lymphatic malformations and all lymphovenous malformations were previously classified as vascular malformations, not otherwise specified.Conclusions:The ISSVA classification of vascular anomalies provides a useful framework for histopathologists to classify vascular anomalies. However, meaningful and appropriate use of such a system is dependent on the adequacy of clinical information provided and routine use of immunohistochemical markers.
Immunohistochemical and quantitative mRNA assessment of ghrelin expression in gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mottershead Marcus , Karteris Emmanuel , Barclay Jill Y , Suortamo Saira , Newbold Mark , Randeva Harpal , Nwokolo Chuka U 
Published: June 2006

Background:Ghrelin is an orexigenic gut peptide produced predominantly by the stomach. Gastric mucosal ghrelin production could be compromised by an infiltrating adenocarcinoma.Aims:To assess the expression of ghrelin mRNA and peptide in oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa.Methods:10 gastric and 22 oesophageal adenocarcinoma archival samples were randomly selected from a database. The presence of ghrelin-positive cells was assessed in cancer and corresponding non-neoplastic mucosa by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ghrelin mRNA was also performed on 24 gastric and 8 oesophageal adenocarcinoma specimens and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa.Results:Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase PCR confirm a negligible expression of ghrelin in adenocarcinoma specimens. By contrast, non-neoplastic gastric mucosa was rich in ghrelin-positive cells and ghrelin mRNA. The number (median and range) of ghrelin-positive cells per 2 mm section of non-neoplastic mucosa was 73 (45–215) in the corpus; this was significantly higher than in cardia mucosa (9 (0–64), p<0.001) and antral mucosa (5 (0–14), p<0.001).Conclusions:Gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinomas have no ghrelin-producing cells. The highest level of ghrelin expression was noted in the non-neoplastic mucosa of the gastric corpus. Disruption of the gastric ghrelin-producing mechanism may occur during oesophagogastric malignancy.