bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated 18F‐FDG PET/CT for the initial evaluation of cervical node level of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: comparison with ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced CT
Authors: Jeong Han‐Sin , Baek Chung‐Hwan , Son Young‐Ik , Choi Joon‐Young , Kim Hyung‐Jin , Ko Young‐Hyeh , Chung Jae‐Hoon , Baek Hye‐Jin 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  To compare the diagnostic accuracy of integrated 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT with ultrasonography (US) and contrast enhanced CT (CECT) alone in the initial evaluation of cervical lymph node levels of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.Patients and measurements  From July 2004 to March 2005, 26 consecutive patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, confirmed by aspiration cytology analysis, underwent US, CECT and PET/CT. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the US, CECT and PET/CT studies for the final status of 312 cervical node levels (levels I–V: 260, level VI: 52) were compared by employing a generalized estimating equation test. The final status of cervical node levels was determined by the surgical pathology and follow‐up data.Results  At all lymph node levels (levels I–VI), PET/CT showed a sensitivity of 30·4%, a specificity of 96·2% and a diagnostic accuracy of 86·9%. The corresponding values for US and CECT were 41·3%, 97·4%, 89·1% (US) and 34·8%, 96·2%, 87·2% (CECT). Considering only the lateral cervical node group (levels I–V), PET/CT showed a sensitivity of 50·0%, a specificity of 97·0% and a diagnostic accuracy of 92·3%. The corresponding values for US and CECT were 53·9%, 97·9%, 93·5% (US) and 42·3%, 96·6%, 91·2% (CECT). The diagnostic results for US, CECT and PET/CT upon initial evaluation of the cervical lymph nodes did not differ significantly on a level‐by‐level basis.Conclusion  Our preliminary results suggest that integrated PET/CT does not provide any additional benefit when compared to US and CECT for the initial evaluation of cervical node levels in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Cancer immunosuppression and autoimmune disease: beyond immunosuppressive networks for tumour immunity
Authors: Kim Ryungsa , Emi Manabu , Tanabe Kazuaki 
Published: July 2006

SummaryCancer immunosuppression evolves by constitution of an immunosuppressive network extending from a primary tumour site to secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral vessels and is mediated by several tumour‐derived soluble factors (TDSFs) such as interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). TDSFs induce immature myeloid cells and regulatory T cells in accordance with tumour progression, resulting in the inhibition of dendritic cell maturation and T‐cell activation in a tumour‐specific immune response. Tumour cells grow by exploiting a pro‐inflammatory situation in the tumour microenvironment, whereas immune cells are regulated by TDSFs during anti‐inflammatory situations—mediated by impaired clearance of apoptotic cells—that cause the release of IL‐10, TGF‐β, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by macrophages. Accumulation of impaired apoptotic cells induces anti‐DNA antibodies directed against self antigens, which resembles a pseudo‐autoimmune status. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a prototype of autoimmune disease that is characterized by defective tolerance of self antigens, the presence of anti‐DNA antibodies and a pro‐inflammatory response. The anti‐DNA antibodies can be produced by impaired clearance of apoptotic cells, which is the result of a hereditary deficiency of complements C1q, C3 and C4, which are involved in the recognition of phagocytosis by macrophages. Thus, it is likely that impaired clearance of apoptotic cells is able to provoke different types of immune dysfunction in cancer and autoimmune disease in which some are similar and others are critically different. This review discusses a comparison of immunological dysfunctions in cancer and autoimmune disease with the aim of exploring new insights beyond cancer immunosuppression in tumour immunity.
Nickel–titanium rotary instrument fracture: a clinical practice assessment
Authors: Di Fiore P. M. , Genov K. A. , Komaroff E. , Li Y. , Lin L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim  To prospectively determine the incidence of nickel–titanium rotary instrument fracture in an endodontic clinical practice setting.Methodology  Eleven second year endodontic residents, using four nickel–titanium rotary instrument systems (ProFile, ProTaper, GTRotary and K3Endo) according to the recommendations of the manufacturers, instrumented 3181 canals in 1403 teeth of 1235 patients, in a dental school post‐graduate endodontic clinic, in 1 year. The incidence of instrument fracture was determined based on the number of instruments used. When fracture occurred, data were collected concerning the type, size, taper and prior use of the fractured instruments, the length and location of the fragment within the root canal and the curvature of the canal.Results  The overall incidence of instrument fracture was 0.39%. The incidence of fracture for ProFile, ProTaper, GTRotary and K3Endo files was 0.28%, 0.41%, 0.39% and 0.52%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between instrument systems. The percentage of teeth in which instruments fractured was 1.9% (0.28% for anterior teeth, 1.56% for pre‐molars and 2.74% for molars). A total of 26 instruments fractured, of which 23 had tapers of 0.06 or greater. Most of the fragments were located in the apical third of the root canal, and both the median and mode amongst the fragment lengths were 2 mm.Conclusions  The low incidence of nickel–titanium rotary instrument fracture supports the continued use of these instruments in root canal treatment.
Comparative study between Hfe‐/‐ and β2m‐/‐ mice: progression with age of iron status and liver pathology
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro , Lopes Célia , Mascarenhas Claudia , Arosio Paolo , Porto Graça , Sousa Maria De 
Published: July 2006

SummaryHepatic iron overload in hemochomatosis patients can be highly variable but in general it develops in older patients. The purpose of this study was to compare development of iron load in of β2m‐/‐ and Hfe‐/‐ mice paying special attention to liver pathology in older age groups. Liver iron content of β2m‐/‐, Hfe‐/‐ and control B6 mice of different ages (varying from 3 weeks to 18 months) was examined. Additional parameters (haematology indices, histopathology, lipid content and ferritin expression) were also studied in 18‐month‐old mice. The β2m‐/‐ strain presents higher hepatic iron content, hepatocyte nuclear iron inclusions, mitochondria abnormalities. In addition, hepatic steatosis was a common observation in this strain. In the liver of Hfe‐/‐ mice, large mononuclear infiltrates positive for ferritin staining were commonly observed. The steatosis commonly observed the β2m‐/‐ mice may be a reflection of its higher hepatic iron content. The large hepatic mononuclear cell infiltrates seen in Hfe‐/‐ stained for ferritin, may point to the iron sequestration capacity of lymphocytes and contribute to the clarification of the differences found in the progression of hepatic iron overload and steatosis in older animals from the two strains.
Evidence for elective replacement of peripheral intravenous catheter to prevent thrombophlebitis: a systematic review
Authors: Idvall Ewa , Gunningberg Lena 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a review of the scientific evidence for elective replacement of peripheral intravenous catheters in adults in the absence of any clinical complications, with the aim being to reduce the incidence and severity of thrombophlebitis.Background.  The incidence of thrombophlebitis associated with peripheral intravenous catheters has been reported to range from 5·3% to 77·5%. Many factors that increase the risk for thrombophlebitis have been reported, of which time in situ is one. In Sweden, the recommended guideline is elective replacement of peripheral intravenous catheters every 12–24 hours.Method.  A systematic literature review was carried out in 2005 using the Cochrane Library, OvidMedline and CINAHL databases and hand searching of reference lists and with keywords catheterization, peripheral, thrombophlebitis and parenteral nutrition. The review included randomized controlled trials of elective replacement of peripheral intravenous catheters in adults. Three reviewers assessed the data found according to predetermined criteria.Finding.  Three randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria and were retrieved for critical appraisal. The samples in two of the trials included patients requiring total parenteral nutrition. Patients in the third trial were receiving crystalloid and drugs. Time intervals for elective replacement varied. Study quality and relevance were rated as ‘medium’ in two of the trials and as ‘low’ in the third trial.Conclusion.  Limited scientific evidence suggests that elective replacement of peripheral intravenous catheters reduces the incidence and severity of thrombophlebitis.
New Graduate Nurses’ Perceptions of Mentoring: six‐year programme evaluation
Authors: Beecroft Pauline C. , Santner Susan , Lacy Mary Lee , Kunzman Lucy , Dorey Frederick 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports data from an evaluation study to determine whether new graduate nurses: (1) were satisfactorily matched with mentors; (2) received guidance and support; (3) attained socialization into the nursing profession; (4) benefited from having a role model for acquisition of professional behaviours; (5) maintained contact with mentors; and (6) were satisfied with the mentorship.Background.  The literature indicates that mentorship facilitates transition of new graduate nurses into the workplace and social culture of the organization. In addition, mentoring increases staff retention by decreasing stress and promoting positive self‐esteem and confidence.Methods.  Data were generated from participant responses to survey items about mentoring from 1999 to 2005. Item responses were summarized with descriptive statistics, and then logistic regression was performed to see whether demographic variables predicted successful programme outcomes. In addition, content analysis was performed on respondents’ comments on survey items.Results.  For participants who met with their mentors on a regular basis (54%), the mentor provided guidance and support for more than 90% and facilitated stress reduction for the majority. On the other hand, comments raised several concerns that apparently contributed to lack of connection between mentor and mentee. These included possible lack of commitment and time, and scheduling constraints of mentor and mentee. Inadequacy of both mentor and mentee in their roles was also apparent, especially in relation to socialization/career advice. Diversity of new graduates, including educational level, age and choice of nursing unit, were shown to add or decrease stress and influence the mentoring relationship.Conclusion.  A successful relationship between mentor and resident‐mentee requires adequate time for the connection to grow through face‐to‐face meetings on a regular basis. Obstacles to meeting regularly and adequate role training of both mentors and mentees must be addressed in mentorship programmes for new graduate nurses.
Deconstruction of a complex tailored intervention to assess and treat discomfort of people with advanced dementia
Authors: Kovach Christine R. , Cashin Jeffrey R. , Sauer Linda 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper describes the use of components of the Serial Trial Intervention (STI), which is designed to address problems of physical and affective discomfort in people with late‐stage dementia.Background.  Nursing intervention studies frequently test the efficacy of tailored interventions that contain multidimensional assessment and diverse treatment components. Describing differences in the intervention as planned in the research design and as delivered under study conditions increases understanding of what really contributed to outcomes achievement, Type III error and improves the validity of conclusions regarding intervention effectiveness.Method.  Data from 57 participants in the treatment arm of a randomized experiment testing the intervention are used to describe the assessments and treatments actually delivered, to evaluate the effectiveness of specific components, and to compare differences between those receiving and not receiving the intervention.Discussion.  While targeted treatment in response to positive physical assessment was effective for 86% of those receiving treatment, 70% of participants with a positive assessment finding did not receive treatment during this step of the STI. Trials of non‐pharmacological treatments were effective for 62% and trials of analgesics were effective for 75% of participants. Those treated at the not‐for‐profit facilities received a higher dose of the intervention and had statistically significant less discomfort after treatment than those at for‐profit facilities (effect size of 0·963).Conclusion.  Components of the STI were effective for many participants and this supports the use of a multidimensional approach to resolve the unmet needs of people with dementia who no longer communicate their needs through spoken language. Treating the intervention as both a categorical and continuous variable in experimental studies allows the effect of group assignment as well as dosage delivered to be examined.
Profilin tyrosine phosphorylation in poly‐l‐proline‐binding regions inhibits binding to phosphoinositide 3‐kinase in Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Aparicio‐Fabre Rosaura , Guillén Gabriel , Estrada Georgina , Olivares‐Grajales Juan , Gurrola Georgina , Sánchez Federico 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe profilin family consists of a group of ubiquitous highly conserved 12–15 kDa eukaryotic proteins that bind actin, phosphoinositides, poly‐l‐proline (PLP) and proteins with proline‐rich motifs. Some proteins with proline‐rich motifs form complexes that have been implicated in the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and processes such as vesicular trafficking. A major unanswered question in the field is how profilin achieves the required specificity to bind such an array of proteins. It is now becoming clear that profilin isoforms are subject to differential regulation and that they may play distinct roles within the cell. Considerable evidence suggests that these isoforms have different functional roles in the sorting of diverse proteins with proline‐rich motifs. All profilins contain highly conserved aromatic residues involved in PLP binding which are presumably implicated in the interaction with proline‐rich motif proteins. We have previously shown that profilin is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. Here, we show that profilin can bind directly to Phaseolus vulgaris phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) type III. We demonstrate that a new region around Y72 of profilin, as well as the N‐ and C‐terminal PLP‐binding domain, recognizes and binds PLP and PI3K. In vitro binding assays indicate that PI3K type III forms a complex with profilin in a manner that depends on the tyrosine phosphorylation status within the proline‐rich‐binding domain in profilin. Profilin–PI3K type III interaction suggests that profilin may be involved in membrane trafficking and in linking the endocytic pathway with actin reorganization dynamics.
The effect of altitude on parasite density case definitions for malaria in northeastern Tanzania
Authors: Chandler Clare I. R. , Drakeley Chris J. , Reyburn Hugh , Carneiro Ilona 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjectives  Malaria clinical trials need precise endpoints to measure efficacy. In endemic areas where asymptomatic parasitaemia is common, ‘fever plus parasitaemia’ may not differentiate between malaria cases and non‐cases. Case definitions based on parasite cut‐off densities may be more appropriate but may vary with age and transmission intensity. This study examines appropriate case definitions from parasitological surveys conducted over a broad range of transmission intensities, using altitude as a proxy for transmission intensity.Methods  Cross‐sectional data collected from 24 villages at different altitudes in an endemic area of northeastern Tanzania were used to calculate malaria‐attributable fractions using a modified Poisson regression method. We modelled fever as a function of parasite density and determined the optimum cut‐off densities of parasites to cause fever using sensitivity and specificity analyses.Results  The optimum cut‐off density varied by altitude in children aged under 5 years: a case definition of 4000 parasites per μl at altitudes <600 m (high transmission intensity) was most appropriate, compared with 1000 parasites per μl at altitudes >600 m (low transmission intensity). In children aged over 5 years and adults, there was little variation by altitude and a case definition of any parasites plus fever was the most appropriate.Conclusions  Locally appropriate case definitions of malaria should be used for research purposes. In our setting, these varied independently with age and transmission intensity.
Prone position in mechanically ventilated patients with reduced intracranial compliance
Authors: Thelandersson A. , Cider Å , Nellgård B. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Prone position has been used for several years to treat acute lung insufficiency, but in previous studies patients with unstable intracranial pressure (ICP) are mostly excluded. The aim of this study was to investigate if prone position is a safe and useful treatment in patients with reduced intracranial compliance.Methods:  A consecutive, prospective pilot study of 11 patients admitted to the neuro intensive care unit (NICU) due to traumatic brain injury or intracerebral haemorrhage. ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and respiratory system compliance were measured before, three times during and two times after the patients were placed in the prone position.Results:  No significant changes were demonstrated in ICP, CPP or MABP. PaO2 and SaO2 were significantly increased in the prone position. HR was significantly increased in the prone position and after 10 min in the supine post‐prone position and the respiratory system compliance was increased after 1 h in the supine post‐prone position.Conclusion:  Turning NICU patients from the supine to the prone position did not influence ICP, CPP or MABP, but significantly improved patient PaO2, SaO2 and respiratory system compliance.
The effect of the lateral decubitus position on the intraocular pressure in anesthetized patients undergoing lung surgery
Authors: Hwang J.‐W. , Jeon Y.‐T. , Kim J.‐H. , Oh Y.‐S. , Park H.‐P. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Changing the body position alters the intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration in IOP of the eyes after a positional change from a supine position to a lateral decubitus position in anesthetized patients, in order to detect differences in IOP between the two eyes, possibly due to a gravity effect, in the lateral decubitus position.Methods:  IOP was measured in 20 patients undergoing lung surgery. IOP in both eyes was recorded prior to anesthesia in the supine position (baseline), after anesthetic induction but before tracheal intubation in the supine position, at the end of central venous catheterization in the Trendelenburg position, 5 min after a positional change to the lateral decubitus position, once every 30 min until the end of surgery in the lateral decubitus position, and 5 min after changing back to the supine position.Results:  The median IOP (16.3 mmHg; 25–75% percentile, 13–20 mmHg) in the dependent eye 5 min after changing to the lateral decubitus position increased significantly from the baseline median IOP (14.3 mmHg; 13–17.3 mmHg; P < 0.05). The increase in median IOP in the dependent eye persisted until the end of surgery in the lateral decubitus position (19 mmHg; 16.5–22.3 mmHg; P < 0.01 vs. baseline). The median IOP in the dependent eye was significantly higher than that in the non‐dependent eye when anesthetized patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position (P < 0.01), and the mean differences in IOP between the eyes in the lateral decubitus position ranged from 2.9 to 4.1 mmHg.Conclusion:  The IOP was higher in the dependent eye than in the non‐dependent eye in anesthetized patients in the lateral decubitus position, and the IOP in the dependent eye increased in anesthetized patients compared with that in awakened and supine‐positioned patients.
Regional differences in nitric oxide‐mediated vasorelaxation in porcine pulmonary arteries
Authors: Rimeika D , Wiklund N. P. , Lindahl S. G. E. , Wiklund C. U. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Several previous investigations have shown improved oxygenation when ventilator‐treated patients with acute lung injury are turned prone. In a previous human study, we demonstrated higher Ca2+‐dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in dorsal than in ventral parts of the lung. The current investigation was designed to determine whether Ca2+‐dependent NOS activity was different in dorsal and ventral porcine lung regions. In addition, possible differences in vascular responses to nitroprusside or secondary to acetylcholine‐ or bradykinin‐stimulated NO production were studied in dorsal and ventral pulmonary arteries.Methods:  In the study, 20 pigs were used. Lung biopsies and pulmonary arterial rings were harvested from ventral and dorsal lung regions. NOS activity was determined by citrulline assay in the presence and absence of the calcium chelator ethyleneglycol‐bis(β‐aminoethylether)‐N,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EDTA) to discriminate between Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent NOS activity. In organ baths, in submaximally contracted arterial rings, vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine, bradykinin and nitroprusside was measured.Results:  Ca2+‐dependent NOS activity was higher in dorsal parts (87.2 ± 9.1 citrulline units) than in ventral parts (62.2 ± 10.1 citrulline units, P < 0.05) of porcine lung. There was a greater relaxation in dorsal than in ventral pulmonary arterial rings induced by both acetylcholine and bradykinin. Nitroprusside relaxed both sites equally.Conclusions:  Our results show that endothelial‐derived NO is an important factor influencing the differences between dorsal and ventral lung regions in vasorelaxing activity in porcine pulmonary arteries. This finding provides an explanation for the improved oxygenation when patients with severe acute lung insufficiency are turned prone.