bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Patient Evaluation of Completed Orthodontic Esthetics after Dental Bleaching
Authors: KRUG ARI Y. , GREEN CYNTHIA 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAs dental professionals, we tend to assess separately different treatment modalities; our patients, however, may only be aware of the total outcome, not discerning the contribution from each treatment. Orthodontists focus on dentoskeletal positioning, usually leaving other areas of esthetics such as tooth shade to other dental colleagues. Laypeople may not see the same differentiation. We suggested that patients would be more pleased with their orthodontic outcomes when cosmetic bleaching was done afterwards, not discriminating between the benefits derived from orthodontics alone and those derived from bleaching. Seventy‐five orthodontic patients were selected for the study. Two experimental groups underwent different bleaching protocols, while the third control group received no bleaching. A visual analog scale questionnaire evaluating different aspects of their orthodontic outcome was given to each participant 2 days after treatment and again 1 month later. The first survey was filled out prior to the bleaching procedure, while the second survey was post bleaching. None of the participants were informed that the questionnaire was related to the bleaching. A calibrated photospectrometer was used to measure the dental shade prior to bleaching and again at 1‐month follow‐up. The two bleached groups had significant shade improvement and a significant overall increase in their orthodontic evaluation, while the patients in the control group displayed a decrease in their assessment of their orthodontic treatment. Altering smile esthetics through bleaching does not change any of the parameters that orthodontists strive to correct, yet it has a positive effect on the patients’ perception of previous orthodontic treatment.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPatients are more satisfied with previous orthodontic treatment when it is coupled with cosmetic bleaching. When providing multidisciplinary treatment, we dental professionals may tend to assess the outcome of each segment separately. To patients, however, there is an additive effect, and their opinion is based on the overall composition of the outcome.
Correlation between Braden Scale and Palliative Performance Scale in advanced illness
Authors: Maida Vincent , Lau Francis , Downing Michael , Yang Ju 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis study describes the significant correlation between the Braden Scale (BS) and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) in patients with advanced illness that has not been previously reported. The analysis was based on a prospective sequential case series of 664 patients suffering from advanced illness who were referred to a regional palliative medicine programme in Toronto, Canada. Baseline BS and PPS scores assessed within 24 hours of referral were considered for analysis. After controlling for age, gender, consult site and diagnosis (cancer versus non cancer), we observed a significant positive correlation between baseline PPS and BS scores (r = 0·885, P < 0·001). These findings suggest that for patients with advanced illness where BS is not routinely used, PPS could be considered as a proxy for pressure ulcer risk assessment.
Chitin membrane for wound dressing application – preparation, characterisation and toxicological evaluation
Authors: Singh Rita , Chacharkar Madhukar Parashuram , Mathur Adesh Kumar 
Published: October 2008

AbstractChitin, a unique biopolymer based on the N‐acetyl‐glucosamine monomer is envisioned to promote rapid dermal regeneration and accelerate wound healing. It has many useful and advantageous biological properties for its application as a wound dressing. Chitin membranes were prepared using lithium chloride/dimethylacetamide solvent system and evaluated for use as a wound dressing. Swelling behaviour, moisture vapour transmission rate, microbial impermeability and antimicrobial efficacy of the dressings was evaluated. The chitin dressing provided an effective barrier to microbial penetration and exerted a broad bacteriostatic action against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms. Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy was found suitable for sterilisation of the dressings. The thermal decomposition of unirradiated and irradiated chitin membranes was investigated. No significant change in the thermal behaviour because of irradiation at 25 kGy was observed. In vitro biodegradation of unirradiated and irradiated chitin membranes showed the susceptibility of the chitin dressing to lysozyme. Irritant effect of the chitin membrane dressings on skin was tested. Subcutaneous and scarification test in guinea pigs showed no signs of inflammation. This was further supported by the Finkelstein’s test performed in rabbits. The chitin membranes were found to have optimal performance characteristics of a wound dressing and showed no toxicity or possible adverse reactions. The study shows the chitin dressings as useful adjunct in wound care.
Tubercular infection in the sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus – a case report
Authors: Gupta Pravin Jaiprakash 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe report a case of multiple pus discharging sinuses in the sacrococcygeal region in a 22‐year‐old man, who had a history of episodes of pain and pus discharge since 8 months. The patient underwent radiofrequency sinotomy using a Ellman radiofrequency device and was treated with antitubercular treatment, which resulted in complete resolution, and healing of the wound.
The effects of education and training on clinical practice in wound healing
Authors: Seeley Michael A , Harding Keith G 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis article considers the effects of two different types of educational programme on community nurse clinical practice in venous ulceration. One group of nurses (the experimental group) attended an educational programme designed to take account of training needs and learning styles. A second group of nurses (the control group) attended a standardised educational programme. A multiple‐choice question examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination were used to measure knowledge and skills. Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory was used to measure learning styles. Findings were that experimental nurses failed to show improved post‐intervention clinical practice compared with the control group.
A comparative study of the in vitro permeation characteristic of sulphadiazine across synthetic membranes and eschar tissue
Authors: Zadeh Behzad Sharif Makhmal , Moghimi Hamidreza , Santos Paulo , Hadgraft Jonathan , Lane Majella E 
Published: October 2008

AbstractInfections of burn wounds are the source of significant problems in burn patients. Early excision of eschar tissue is an ideal solution to avoid sepsis. When early excision is not feasible, the application of topical antimicrobial formulations may be used to control burn wound sepsis. An understanding of the barrier properties of eschar tissue is essential for optimal design of topical antimicrobial formulations. To date, little research has been conducted on the permeability of eschar. Silver sulphadiazine (SSD) is the most frequently used topical agent in burn management. In this study, the permeation of sulphadiazine from aqueous saturated solutions of SSD through human full‐thickness burn eschar tissue was studied and compared with permeability through silicone and Carbosil as model membranes. The permeation of sulphadiazine through eschar tissue was significantly higher than that through silicone and Carbosil membranes (P < 0·05). Deconvolution of the data showed that the apparent sulphadiazine diffusion coefficient was much higher in eschar tissue and was comparable to transport through an aqueous protein gel. Further studies on a greater number of compounds are suggested to elucidate the utility of such membranes as predictive models of drug permeability through eschar tissue.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy suppresses the early proinflammatory immune response to a severe cutaneous burn injury*
Authors: Davis Thomas A , Stojadinovic Alexander , Anam Khairul , Amare Mihret , Naik Shruti , Peoples George E , Tadaki Douglas , Elster Eric A 
Published: October 2008

AbstractFollowing severe burn injury, persistent inflammation perpetuated by surface eschar, bacterial colonisation and neutrophil proteolytic activity can impede normal healing and result in further tissue damage. Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) has been shown in the clinical setting to promote the healing of burn and difficult‐to‐heal wounds; however, the mechanism is unclear. We investigated the role of ESWT on the early proinflammatory response using a severe, full‐thickness and highly inflammatory cutaneous burn wound in a murine model. Various wound‐healing parameters were measured and leukocyte infiltration quantitated. A panel of 188 candidate genes known to be involved in acute inflammation and wound healing was screened. We show that ESWT of burn wounds 1 hour postwounding significantly blunts polymorphonuclear neutrophil and macrophage infiltration into the wound. ESWT treatment potently attenuates both CC‐ and CXC‐chemokine expression, acute proinflammatory cytokine expression and extracellular matrix proteolytic activity at the wound margin. Given these findings and the clinical success of ESWT, we speculate that ESWT may be a potential therapeutic modality to treat severe wounds wherein excessive inflammatory responses involving increased levels of inflammatory cells, proinflammatory cytokines and proteases may become self‐resolving allowing wound healing to progresses by way of normal physiological repair processes.
Six‐month mortality risks in long‐term care residents with chronic ulcers
Authors: Takahashi Paul Y , Cha Stephen S , Kiemele Lester J 
Published: October 2008

AbstractChronic ulcers are a common problem in long‐term care. Residents with ongoing ulcers are often frail and at risk for mortality. This study evaluated the relationship between wound characteristics and other health predictors with 6‐month mortality in nursing home residents. The subjects included were nursing home residents seen by the wound consult service from 1998 to 2007 with an ongoing chronic ulcer. This was a retrospective cohort study. Data were manually and electronically abstracted for each resident. Six‐month mortality was collected as the primary outcome. Statistical comparisons were made using logistic regression with a final multivariant model. Four hundred and forty residents were seen with 411 records reviewed. Ulcer area was not associated with mortality; however, chronic ulcer number was associated with 6‐month mortality with an odds ratio of 1·32 (95% CI 1·07–1·63). Other significant risk factors included heart failure, dementia, cancer, depression and blindness with all factors having an odds ratio greater than 1·75. Higher haemoglobin and venous insufficiency were protective of 6‐month mortality. Ulcer number is an important predictor for 6‐month mortality. The presence of multiple ulcers and comorbid health concerns may influence discussion of prognosis for healing and for potential end of life discussions.
Pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity has diagnostic significance in dogs with immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Warman S. M. , Murray J. K. , Ridyard A. , Eastwood J. , Silva S. , Day M. J. 
Published: October 2008

Objectives:To investigate the clinical significance of the pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity in dogs with immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia.Methods:Sixty‐five anaemic dogs with a positive Coombs’ test were included. Coombs’ testing was performed at 4 and 37°C with polyvalent canine Coombs’ reagent and antisera specific for each of canine immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M and complement factor C3. The impact of performing testing with only polyvalent antiserum at 37°C was assessed. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare Coombs’ test reactivity in dogs with primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia (group A) and in dogs with concurrent/underlying disease (group B). Following Bonferroni correction, significance was set at P≤0·003.Results:Eleven dogs would have been regarded as Coombs’ negative had they been tested with polyvalent antiserum at 37°C alone. Group A dogs were significantly more likely to be positive with polyvalent antiserum and/or anti‐dog immunoglobulin G at 4 and/or 37°C (P≤0·001) and tended to be less likely to be positive with anti‐dog immunoglobulin M at 4°C (P=0·040).ClinicalSignificance:Testing of anaemic dogs with polyvalent Coombs’ reagent at 37°C was less sensitive than testing with monovalent reagents at 4 and 37°C. The pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity differed significantly between dogs with primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia and those with concurrent/underlying disease.
CDKN2A mutations and MC1R variants in Italian patients with single or multiple primary melanoma
Authors: Pastorino L. , Bonelli L. , Ghiorzo P. , Queirolo P. , Battistuzzi L. , Balleari E. , Nasti S. , Gargiulo S. , Gliori S. , Savoia P. , Abate Osella S. , Bernengo M. G. , Bianchi Scarrà G. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryWe evaluated the contribution of germline CDKN2A mutations and MC1R variants to the development of melanoma in a hospital‐based study of single (SPM, n = 398) and multiple primary melanoma (MPM, n = 95). The overall frequency of CDKN2A mutations was 15.2%, and four‐fold higher in MPM than in SPM cases (OR = 4.27; 95% CI 2.43–7.53). The likelihood of identifying a CDKN2A mutation increased with family history of melanoma and younger age at diagnosis in MPM cases. Compared to SPM patients, the risk of harboring a CDKN2A mutation rose as the number of primary melanomas increased and was not influenced by family history. The G101W and E27X founder mutations were the most common. Several other mutations (W15X, Q50X, R58X, A68L, A127P and H142R) were detected for the first time in Italian patients. One novel mutation, T77A, was identified. Several non‐coding variants with unknown functional significance were also found (5′UTR −25C > T, −21C > T, −67G > C, IVS1 +37G > C); the novel 5′UTR −21C > T variant was not detected in controls. The CDKN2A A148T polymorphism was more frequent in MPM patients than in the control population (15.7% versus 6.6%). Compared to the SPM patients, MPM cases had a 2‐fold increased probability of being MC1R variant carriers and a higher probability of carrying two or more variants. No specific association was observed between the type of variant and the number of melanomas, suggesting that the number rather than the type of MC1R variant increases the risk of MPM. We observed no interaction between CDKN2A status and the presence of MC1R variants. The high frequency of CDKN2A mutations in our MPM cases, independent of their family history, is of relevance to genetic counseling and testing in our population.
Specific expression of Gsta4 in mouse cochlear melanocytes: a novel role for hearing and melanocyte differentiation
Authors: Uehara Shigeyuki , Izumi Yoshiko , Kubo Yuko , Wang Chi Chiu , Mineta Katsuhiko , Ikeo Kazuho , Gojobori Takashi , Tachibana Masayoshi , Kikuchi Toshihiko , Kobayashi Toshimitsu , Shibahara Shigeki , Taya Choji , Yonekawa Hiromichi , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Yamamoto Hiroaki 
Published: October 2008

SummaryMammalian pigment cells produce melanin as the main pigment. Melanocytes, one of the two types of mammalian pigment cells, differentiate from the neural crest and migrate to a variety of organs during development. Melanocytes exist not only in the skin but also in other sites such as the cochlea where they are essential for hearing. Mitfmi‐bw is one of the known recessive alleles of the mouse microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (Mitf) locus, which is essential for the development of pigment cells. Homozygous Mitfmi‐bw/Mitfmi‐bw mice have a completely white coat with black eyes and are deaf due to the lack of melanocytes. By comparing gene expression profiles in cochleae of wild‐type and Mitfmi‐bw/Mitfmi‐bw mice, we now demonstrate the specific expression of glutathione S‐transferase alpha 4 (Gsta4) in the stria vascularis. Gsta4 encodes one of the cytosolic glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) which participate in detoxification processes of many tissues. This gene is specifically expressed in intermediate cells of the stria vascularis, suggesting a novel function for cochlear melanocytes. Moreover, among mammalian pigment cells, expression of Gsta4 was restricted to cochlear melanocytes, suggesting that melanocytes in various tissues differentiate from one another depending on their location.
Evaluation of a Commercial Immunoblot, Helicoblot 2.1, for Diagnosis of
Helicobacter pylori
Infection
Authors: Veijola Lea , Oksanen Aino , Sipponen Pentti , Rautelin Hilpi 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

The best method to diagnose
Helicobacter pylori
infection in different clinical situations is controversial. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of a commercial immunoblot, Helicoblot 2.1. The study comprised 215 patients, who were grouped according to the presence of
H. pylori
infection (assessed by two gastroscopies including histology with a median interval of 7.1 years, enzyme immunoassay [EIA]-based serology, and history of previous
H. pylori
infections and eradication therapies) into four categories: no
H. pylori
infection ever, previous infection, ongoing infection, and EIA seropositivity as the only marker of a possible previous infection. The sensitivity of Helicoblot 2.1 to show an ongoing or previous
H. pylori
infection was 100% and 92%, respectively. Helicoblot 2.1 was negative in only 80% of individuals with no evidence of present or previous infection but in 96% of patients 50 years of age or younger. The current infection marker of the immunoblot was positive in 49% of patients with successful
H. pylori
eradication therapy. After successful eradication therapy, Helicoblot 2.1 sustained positive results in 87% of patients, and CagA positivity was detected in 87% of patients with follow-up samples for more than 10 years after therapy. Helicoblot 2.1 is a sensitive and, among patients of ages 50 years or younger, a specific test in the primary diagnosis of
H. pylori
infection. However, it does not discriminate between past and current infections. It can be used in epidemiological studies assessing the role of
H. pylori
in different late sequelae.
Recombinant Multiepitope Protein for Diagnosis of Leptospirosis
Authors: Lin Xu'ai , Chen Yin , Yan Jie 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease and is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. It can be misdiagnosed because manifestations of this febrile disease vary from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness involving vital organs such as the liver and lungs. Therefore, accurate diagnosis for differentiation of leptospirosis from other pyrogenic infections prevailing in the same locality is imperative for proper treatment. Here, we report a customized recombinant leptospirosis multiepitope protein (r-LMP) that can specifically detect the immunoglobulin class of anti-leptospirosis antibodies in patient sera. Immunodominant epitopes from leptospire outer membrane proteins OmpL1, LipL21, and LipL32 were predicted and confirmed using phage display and immunity reaction. On the basis of the sequences of the identified epitopes, five major immunodominant epitopes were selected to construct a synthetic gene, recombinant
lmp
. The recombinant
lmp
gene was doubled and expressed in
Escherichia coli.
The recombinant protein was purified and used as an antigen to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of special immunoglobulin M (IgM) or IgG in sera from patients with leptospirosis or other febrile illnesses and healthy subjects. The results showed that the r-LMP protein recognized IgG and IgM in all the sera that were microscope agglutination test positive, and there were no cross-reactions with other patient sera. This approach of creating customized antigens coupled to overexpression and simple purification offers a promising alternative option for leptospirosis diagnosis, with the potential to circumvent the drawbacks of whole-leptospirosis-antigen-based assays.
Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides in Cecal Tonsils of Chickens Treated with Probiotics and Infected with
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Akbari Mohammad Reza , Haghighi Hamid Reza , Chambers James R. , Brisbin Jennifer , Read Leah R. , Sharif Shayan 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Several strategies currently exist for control of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium colonization in the chicken intestine, among which the use of probiotics is of note. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms of probiotic-mediated reduction of
Salmonella
colonization. In this study, we asked whether the effect of probiotics is mediated by antimicrobial peptides, including avian beta-defensins (also called gallinacins) and cathelicidins. Four treatment groups were included in this study: a negative-control group, a probiotic-treated group, a
Salmonella
-infected group, and a probiotic-treated and
Salmonella
-infected group. On days 1, 3, and 5 postinfection (p.i.), the cecal tonsils were removed, and RNA was extracted and used for measurement of avian beta-defensin 1 (AvBD1), AvBD2, AvBD4, AvBD6, and cathelicidin gene expression by real-time PCR. The expressions of all avian beta-defensins and cathelicidin were detectable in all groups, irrespective of treatment and time point. Probiotic treatment and
Salmonella
infection did not affect the expression of any of the investigated genes on day 1 p.i. Furthermore, probiotic treatment had no significant effect on the expression of the genes at either 3 or 5 days p.i. However, the expression levels of all five genes were significantly increased (
P
< 0.05) in response to
Salmonella
infection at 3 and 5 days p.i. However, administration of probiotics eliminated the effect of
Salmonella
infection on the expression of antimicrobial genes. These findings indicate that the expression of antimicrobial peptides may be repressed by probiotics in combination with
Salmonella
infection or, alternatively, point to the possibility that, due to a reduction in
Salmonella
load in the intestine, these genes may not be induced.
Enhanced Gamma Interferon Responses of Mouse Spleen Cells following Immunotherapy for Tuberculosis Relapse
Authors: Gil Olga , Vilaplana Cristina , Guirado Evelyn , Díaz Jorge , Cáceres Neus , Singh Mahavir , Cardona Pere-Joan 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
Gamma interferon responses of spleen cells in mice were examined during postchemotherapy relapse of intraperitoneally induced latent tuberculous infection. The mycobacterial extract RUTI, which prevented the relapse, significantly enhanced the immune responses to secreted and structural recombinant mycobacterial antigens, suggesting that RUTI-mediated protection was mediated by activated T cells.