bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VEGF concentration from plasma‐activated platelets rich correlates with microvascular density and grading in canine mast cell tumour spontaneous model
Authors: Patruno R. , Arpaia N. , Gadaleta C.D. , Passantino L. , Zizzo N. , Misino A. , Lucarelli N.M. , Catino A. , Valerio P. , Ribatti D. , Ranieri G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCanine cutaneous mast cell tumour (CMCT) is a common cutaneous tumour in dog, with a higher incidence than in human. CMCT is classified in three subgroups, well and intermediately differentiated (G1 and G2), corresponding to a benign disease, and poorly differentiated (G3), corresponding to a malignant disease, which metastasize to lymph nodes, liver, spleen and bone marrow. In this study, we have evaluated serum (S), platelet‐poor plasma (P‐PP), plasma‐activated platelet rich (P‐APR) and cytosol vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations, microvascular density (MVD) and mast cell density (MCD) in a series of 86 CMCTs and we have correlated these parameters with each other, by means of ELISA detection of VEGF and immunohistochemistry. Results show that VEGF level from cytosol P‐APR and MVD were significantly higher in G3 CMCTs as compared to G1 or G2 subgroups. Moreover, a significantly strong correlation among VEGF levels from P‐PAR and cytosol, MVD and MCD was found in G3 subgroup. Because VEGF levels from P‐APR well correlated with MVD and malignancy grade in CMCT, we suggest that VEGF might be secreted from MCs and it may be a suitable surrogate inter‐species angiogenetic markers of tumour progression in CMCT. Finally, CMCT seems to be a useful model to study the role of MCs in tumour angiogenesis and inhibition of MCs degranulation or activation might be a new anti‐angiogenic strategy worthy to further investigations.
Behaviour of human osteoblastic cells cultured on plasma‐sprayed titanium implants in the presence of nicotine
Authors: Pereira Maria Lurdes , Carvalho João Costa , Peres Fernando , Gutierres Manuel , Fernandes Maria Helena 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this work was to analyse the behaviour of human bone marrow osteoblastic cells cultured on the surface of routinely used plasma‐sprayed titanium implants in the presence of plasmatic and salivary nicotine levels reported in smokers.Material and methods: Human bone marrow cells (first subculture) were seeded on titanium implants and cultured for 35 days in α‐minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum, 50 μg/ml ascorbic acid, 10 mM β‐glycerophosphate and 10 nM dexamethasone. Seeded implants were exposed to nicotine, 10–1 mg/ml, from days 1 to 35, and characterized for cell morphology, viability/proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization.Results: Low levels of nicotine, 10 and 50 ng/ml, representative of the plasma concentrations reported in smokers, did not cause significant effects in the cell behaviour, although a small induction in cell growth and functional activity appeared to occur. Higher nicotine levels, 0.01–1 mg/ml, within those attained in saliva through tobacco use, caused evident dose‐dependent effects in osteoblastic cell behaviour, i.e., a stimulatory effect in cell growth, ALP activity and matrix mineralization, at concentrations up to 0.2 mg/ml, and a deleterious effect at higher levels.Conclusions: Considering the high tissue diffusion potential of nicotine, the results suggest the possibility of a direct modulation of the osteoblast activity as a contributing factor to the overall effect of nicotine in the bone microenvironment around dental implants.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on bone regeneration in dentistry: a systematic review
Authors: Plachokova Adelina S. , Nikolidakis Dimitris , Mulder Jan , Jansen John A. , Creugers Nico H. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To review systematically the reported effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on bone regeneration.Material and methods: Up to June 2006, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were explored with different combinations of three search terms: ‘PRP’, ‘bone regeneration’, ‘dentistry’ and their synonyms. Inclusion criteria: human controlled clinical trials designed to treat maxillofacial bony defects with application of PRP (test) or without PRP (control), including at least five patients with a follow‐up period of more than 3 months and using clinical assessment, radiography, histology and/or histomorphometry for evaluation. Literature search, selection of eligible articles and data extraction were carried out independently by two readers.Results: The literature search revealed 108 references, of which 17 were selected for further analysis. Finally, nine articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for systematically review. Owing the substantial heterogeneity of the studies it was not possible to analyze the data statistically. An attempt was made to compare results from studies that used similar outcome measures by calculating and adding confidence intervals to the data presented in the original papers. Differences in treatment effects for periodontal defects in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) were significant (ranging from 0.8 to 3.2 mm). The reported effects of PRP in sinus elevation (compared with their controls) were <10%.Conclusion: We found evidence for beneficial effects of PRP in the treatment of periodontal defects. Evidence for beneficial effects of PRP in sinus elevation appeared to be weak. No conclusions can be drawn about other applications of PRP in dentistry.
Desmocollin expression in oral atrophic lichen planus correlates with clinical behavior and DNA content
Authors: Mattila Riikka , Alanen Kalle , Syrjänen Stina 
Published: April 2008

Background:  Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease, with some tendency toward malignant transformation. Markers are needed to identify the lesions at risk.Methods:  A series of 82 biopsies from 70 patients with atrophic OLP was analyzed for desmocollin‐1, E‐cadherin, cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (cdk‐1) and Rad‐51 expression using immunohistochemistry and static DNA cytometry, with particular reference to clinical outcome.Results:  Desmocollin‐1 and E‐cadherin expression were each detected in 24.4% (20/82) of the samples. Of the positive samples, only eight specimens expressed both desmocollin‐1 and E‐cadherin. Strong desmocollin‐1 and E‐cadherin expression was found in 8.5% and 3.7% of OLP biopsies, respectively. Desmocollin‐1 expression increased the risk of dysplasia 31.8‐fold (95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.6–280.9; p = 0.0001), while E‐cadherin was significantly related to cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 5.13; 95% CI 3.3–8.1; p = 0.001). In univariate survival analysis, desmocollin‐1 was a significant predictor of both cancer (log‐rank test; p = 0.033) and dysplasia (p = 0.0001), while E‐cadherin predicted the development of cancer (p = 0.0001). Neither cdk‐1 nor Rad‐51 had any predictive value. Importantly, desmocollin‐1 retained its value as the only independent predictor of dysplasia in the multivariate (Cox) model (adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) = 44.13; 95% CI 3.7–525.6).Conclusions:  In atrophic OLP, desmocollin‐1 is a powerful predictor of an important intermediate endpoint marker (dysplasia) in the causal pathway toward oral cancer.
Distribution of muscarinic receptor subtype M3 in melanomas and their metastases
Authors: Oppitz Matthias , Busch Christian , Garbe Claus , Drews Ulrich 
Published: April 2008

Background:  Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mR) are involved in the regulation of cancer cell motility and cancer progression. mR have been shown in melanoma cell lines and cryostat sections of melanomas. To substantiate the experimental data, here the correlation of mR‐expression with invasive growth was studied on the cellular level by comparison with HMB‐45 immunoreactivity.Methods:  mR were detected by a M3 subtype‐specific polyclonal antibody in normal skin, benign compound nevi, primary melanomas [nodular type, nodular malignant melanoma (NMM)] and metastases, and were compared with HMB‐45 staining in parallel paraffin sections.Results:  The general staining pattern of anti‐M3 and HMB‐45 was similar with accentuation of zones with infiltrative growth. On the cellular level, only a subpopulation of the HMB‐45 positive melanoma cells expressed mR. Immunoreactivity was encountered in 3 of 15 nevi, in 9 of 14 NMM and in 10 of 14 melanoma metastases. Polymorphonuclear granulocytes also exhibited strong reactivity for anti‐M3.Conclusion:  mR‐expression is associated with invasive migration of melanomas.
Brief Report: Personal emergency alarms: What impact do they have on older people's lives?
Authors: De San Miguel Kristen , Lewin Gill 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  To determine if, how often and in what types of situations older people use personal alarms and to explore the impact of personal alarm technology on older people's lives. Methods:  This study was retrospective and involved a mail‐out survey to 2610 users of the Silver Chain CareLink Personal Alarm Service. Results:  Clients wear their alarm consistently around their home and in the garden; however, use is low in the shower/bath and in bed at night. Clients reported positive impacts in terms of: gaining faster assistance in an emergency, extending the time they are able to remain living at home, increasing their sense of security, reducing anxiety about falling and increasing confidence in performing everyday activities. Conclusions:  Personal alarms have many positive impacts on the lives of older people.
Research: Issues of active ageing: Perceptions of older people with lifelong intellectual disability
Authors: Buys Laurie , Boulton‐Lewis Gillian , Tedman‐Jones Jan , Edwards Helen , Knox Marie , Bigby Christine 
Published: April 2008

Objective(s):  The study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of older people with lifelong intellectual disability and to explore the meaning of active ageing for this group. Methods:  Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 16 service users (people with lifelong intellectual disability aged 50+ years); 16 service providers and 16 key informal network members from regional/rural and urban areas in Queensland and Victoria. Results:  Themes identified: being empowered, being actively involved, having a sense of security, maintaining skills and learning, having congenial living arrangements, having optimal health and fitness, being safe and feeling safe and having satisfying relationships and support. Conclusions:  Service users wanted to ‘keep on keeping‐on’ in areas of life that gave them pleasure rather than discontinuing them because of age. They wanted more control over issues affecting their lives and to be given meaningful roles. Mental stimulation, companionship, reliable support and safety were valued by this group.
Research: Perceptions of personal safety among older Australians
Authors: Quine Susan , Morrell Stephen 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  There is public perception, partly attributable to the media, that older people are disproportionately the victims of crime and are greatly concerned for their personal safety. Objectives:  To identify at a population level older people's perceptions of their personal safety in their home and separately in their neighbourhood, and the predictors of feeling safe in each setting. Methods:  Logistic regression analysis of responses from randomly selected older Australians (65+ years) living independently in the community (n= 8881) to a cross‐sectional telephone general health survey.Results:  The vast majority of respondents, although higher in men, reported feeling safe in their home (96%) and neighbourhood (92%) ‘all’ or ‘most’ of the time. Feeling safe did not decline with age. Significant predictors of feeling safe ‘all’ the time were identified and some gender differences were noted. Conclusions:  The perception that older people are greatly concerned with their personal safety is not supported by these findings.
Research: Influence of different health‐care systems on health of older adults: A comparison of Hong Kong, Beijing urban and rural cohorts aged 70 years and older
Authors: Woo Jean , Zhang Xin Hua , Ho Suzanne , Sham Aprille , Tang Zhe , Fang Xiang Hua 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  To explore the hypothesis that better health status of elderly populations is primarily determined by the provision of freely accessible health service at low or no cost to the user and a social welfare system. Method:  Information was collected by questionnaire from surveys of three cohorts of elderly (70 years and older) Chinese. Data from two health‐care systems were compared: the low‐cost or free government‐subsidised system in Hong Kong, and the market‐orientated user‐pays system in urban (Beijing), and rural China. Results:  The Beijing rural cohort had the best health profile, whereas the Hong Kong cohort had the worst, despite the better lifestyle practices in the Hong Kong and Beijing urban cohorts compared with the Beijing rural cohort, and higher socioeconomic status in the Beijing urban and Hong Kong cohorts. However, the Beijing rural cohort had the highest prevalence of functional limitations. Conclusion:  While health‐care systems may affect life expectancy at birth, psychosocial, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors influence subsequent health status of elderly people in a complex manner.
MICROBIAL QUALITY OF FRESH‐CUT ICEBERG LETTUCE WASHED IN WARM OR COLD WATER AND IRRADIATED IN A MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGE*
Authors: RAJKOWSKI KATHLEEN T. , FAN XUETONG 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT The microbial keeping quality of fresh‐cut iceberg lettuce was determined after being washed in either cold water (5C) for 3 min or warm water (47C) for 2 min followed by a cold water rinse (5C) and packaged in a modified atmosphere film bag. The lettuce samples were treated with gamma radiation to 0, 1 or 2 kGy while maintaining a refrigerated temperature (4C). The samples were analyzed for total aerobic, total coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts after refrigerated storage up to 12 days. No difference in aerobic counts was observed between the hot‐ and cold‐washed samples immediately after washing. The coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced by 2 log after the warm water wash and no difference for the cold water‐washed sample. The irradiation treatment at 1 kGy reduced the aerobic, coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts by 2 log for the warm‐washed samples. At the 2‐kGy treatment level, the aerobic and coliform counts were reduced by 3 log for the cold‐washed lettuce, whereas the Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced by only 2 log. The observed log reductions in bacterial counts after irradiation were maintained for 12 days when stored at 4C. The combination of a cold water wash and irradiation to 2 kGy had the best microbial keeping quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFresh‐cut lettuce, when washed in either cold or warm water, shows neither an appreciable removal of the microbial load nor a significant increase in the keeping quality when compared with unwashed fresh‐cut controls. Placing the washed lettuce into modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) did not lessen the overall bacteriologic load, and after 12 days of storage at 4C, the microbial counts increased. However, gamma irradiation of the washed, MAP‐stored lettuce to a dose of 2 kGy significantly reduces the overall microbe count, thereby increasing both the shelf life and the safety of the produce. A 2‐kGy dose of gamma irradiation provides a pathogen‐free, long shelf life, fresh‐cut lettuce that is bacteriologically safer and sensorially indistinguishable from bagged, nonirradiated, fresh‐cut lettuce.
A REVIEW OF FOODBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAKS FROM 1996 TO 2005 IN HONG KONG AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON FOOD SAFETY PROMOTION
Authors: CHAN S.F. , CHAN Z.C.Y. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT Foodborne diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and are a growing global concern. A series of recent food safety problems has raised much public concern in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
*
. Despite the fact that many resources have been spent on food safety promotion, there has been no noticeable impact on the rising trend of local foodborne disease outbreaks. This quantitative research study aimed to identify what should be targeted in the current local food safety promotion. It presented a descriptive analysis of local official statistics from 1996 to 2005, followed by a comparison of foodborne disease outbreaks and food safety measures in some Asian places. Results found that about 72% of total local confirmed outbreaks were caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella spp., while around 46% of the total outbreaks were due to inadequate cooking and contamination by raw food. It suggests that food safety promotion targeted on these factors may greatly reduce local foodborne disease outbreaks. Further elaboration could have been given if detailed breakdown in each outbreak had been provided.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBased on the official figures, the annual incidence of local foodborne disease outbreaks and the number of victims affected are generally increasing despite the fact that many resources and much manpower have been spent on food safety promotion and on investigating each foodborne disease outbreak in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Official statistics for the past decade indicate that the majority of foodborne disease outbreaks has been dominated by some causative agents and contributing factors. Under limited resources, instead of providing some general food safety promotion programs, it suggests that the local food safety promotion should be targeted on these dominant factors. This may greatly reduce the number of outbreaks and victims affected. If this were carried out, not only could the economic burden in this health sector be reduced, but the public health campaigns could also be conducted more efficiently, and more resources could be released to prepare for combating other newly emerging diseases.
A new mode of river basin management in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seungho , Kim Sung 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis study aims to explore a new mode of river basin management in South Korea by evaluating the current river basin management system and taking lessons from the British and French cases. This research is based on literature reviews and interviews in the United Kingdom, France and South Korea. The British case emphasizes the importance of regulatory framework and limitations of public participation. The French experience epitomizes the empowerment of river basin organizations. The new system in South Korea includes an enactment of water law, a set‐up of the National Water Council, the River Basin Authorities and the River Basin Committees. The new model will not be established soon but needs to take a step‐by‐step approach to minimize social conflicts, accommodate diverse opinions in society and satisfy a variety of demands.
A randomised controlled trial comparing fresh, dried, and dried‐then‐rehydrated temporalis fascia in myringoplasty
Authors: Loock J.W. , Naude N. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  To determine whether the way in which temporalis fascia is treated during myringoplasty affects the rate of successful perforation closure.Design:  A randomised controlled trial.Setting:  A tertiary ENT Department within the Tygerberg Academic Hospital.Participants:  One hundred and fifty patients with perforations between 30% and 70% of the surface area of the eardrum undergoing elective myringoplasty were randomised into three groups by the way in which the temporalis fascia used was treated prior to insertion: fresh fascia; dried fascia; and fascia which was dried and then rehydrated.Main outcome measures:  The outcome measure was intactness of the tympanic membrane 6 weeks after surgery. Preoperative and follow‐up audiometry was obtained, but was not evaluated as an outcome measure.Results:  Successful closure of the perforation was achieved in 89% in the dried fascia group (42 of 47 patients), 84% in the fresh fascia group (37 of 44 patients), and 85% in the dried and rehydrated group (39 of 46 patients). The study showed no statistically significant difference between the three groups (P = 0.728). The study would have to had more than 800 patients in each group to have the power to show a 5% difference in take rates.Conclusions:  While the dessication of temporalis fascia prior to use in myringoplasy results in degeneration of cellular and stromal elements histologically, this does not affect the successful closure of perforations. Clinicians should feel free to prepare the fascia in whichever way they find easiest to work with.
The association of psycho‐social factors and survival in head and neck cancer
Authors: Mehanna H.M. , De Boer M.F. , Morton R.P. 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  Update a previous review examining associations between psycho‐social factors and survival in head and neck cancer patients.Data sources:  Searched Cochrane, Psych info and Embase for the period from 1 January 1995 to 1 June 2007, as well as personal and article reference lists and article archives.Study selection:  Identified articles assessed by consensus for eligibility using following criteria: survival as outcome measure; psycho‐social factors as prognostic indicators; results specifically for head and neck cancer patients, not including oesophageal or thyroid cancer. Seven of 64 articles fulfilled criteria.Data extraction:  Data abstracted independently by two reviewers using pre‐determined proformas. Quality also rated using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 50 tool.Data synthesis:  At baseline, expression of intense psycho‐social complaints, higher self‐perceived physical ability and self‐reported high physical functioning were significantly associated with increased survival.Uncertainty about the diagnosis and treatment was found to be a negative prognostic indicator, as was being single, poor cognitive function, baseline fatigue and alcoholism.Overall quality of life and head and neck pain 12 months after date of diagnosis were found to be significantly associated with survival in one study. However, overall quality of life and depression at the time of diagnosis were not.Conclusions:  There appears to be some association between selected psycho‐social factors and long‐term survival from head and neck cancer. However this relationship is currently neither strong nor proven, requiring examination by multi centred trials with standardisation of research definitions and methodologies, and examination of post‐treatment psycho‐social factors.
A new technique during septoplasty to prevent saddle nose
Authors: Raeessi M.A. , Farhadi M. , Shirazi A. , Ajalloueyan M. , Karimi Yazdi A.R. 
Published: April 2008

Keypoints

During septoplasty, especially in patients with severe deviation of the nasal septum, there is the risk of septal instability, which may result in a saddle nose deformity. Therefore, prevention of this unwanted outcome is very important and removes surgeon’s anxieties.
This article describes a simple technique during septoplasty to prevent the development of this serious complication.
In this surgical technique, the dislocated nasal septum is lifted and stabilised with a temporary traction suture. This traction suture holds the mobile septal cartilage in the proper position to restore and support the nasal dorsum and provides it with a normal contour.
The advantages of this technique are that it is (i) easy to perform, (ii) not time‐consuming, (iii) is less traumatic compared to other methods, (iv) is comfortable for the patient and (v) provides long‐term stability.
Nurse‐led adult ENT pre‐operative assessment
Authors: Bhutta M.F. , Boutchier B.J. , Latif M.A. 
Published: April 2008

Keypoints

Pre‐operative assessment in some ENT departments is now nurse‐led rather than doctor‐led.
Appropriately trained nursing staff can perform medical aspects of pre‐operative assessment to the same or a better standard than a doctor.
Almost all patients are satisfied with a nurse‐led pre‐operative assessment, and in some cases they prefer it.