bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Primes the Airway for Increased Interleukin‐13 Signaling
Authors: Mitchell Patrick O. , Jensen J. Spencer , Ritzenthaler Jeffrey D. , Roman Jesse , Pelaez Andres , Guidot David M. 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Using an experimental model of airway fibrosis following lung transplantation, we recently showed that chronic alcohol ingestion by donor rats amplifies airway fibrosis in the recipient. Associated with alcohol‐mediated amplification of airway fibrosis is increased transforming growth factor β‐1(TGFβ1) and α‐smooth muscle actin expression. Other studies have shown that interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) modulates TGFβ1 signaling during experimentally‐induced airway fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that IL‐13 is a component of alcohol‐mediated amplification of pro‐fibrotic mediators in the alcoholic lung.Methods:  To test this hypothesis, we analyzed tracheal epithelial cells and type II alveolar cells from control‐ or alcohol‐fed rats, alcohol‐treated mouse lung fibroblasts, and human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro for expression of various components of the IL‐13 signaling pathway. Signaling via the IL‐13 pathway was assessed by measuring levels of phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription‐6 (STAT6). In addition, we performed heterotopic tracheal transplantation using control‐fed and alcohol‐fed donor rats and analyzed tracheal allografts for expression of components of the IL‐13 signaling pathway by RT‐PCR and immunocytochemical analyses.Results:  Interleukin‐13 expression was detected in type II alveolar epithelial cells and human bronchial epithelial cells, but not in lung fibroblasts. IL‐13 expression was decreased in whole lung and type II cells in response to alcohol exposure. In all cell types analyzed, expression of IL‐13 signaling receptor (IL‐13Rα1) mRNA was markedly increased. In contrast, mRNA and protein expression of the IL‐13 decoy receptor (IL‐13Rα2) were decreased in all cells analyzed. Exposure to alcohol also increased STAT6 phosphorylation in response to IL‐13 and lipopolysaccharide.Conclusions:  Data from multiple cell types in the pulmonary system suggest that IL‐13 and its receptors play a role in alcohol‐mediated activation of pro‐fibrotic pathways. Taken together, these data suggest that alcohol primes the airway for increased IL‐13 signaling and subsequent tissue remodeling upon injury such as transplantation.
The Use of Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Benign Pancreatitis Pain
Authors: Brennan Louise , Fitzgerald Joseph , McCrory Connail 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCurrent analgesic strategies for the management of pain caused by chronic benign pancreatitis are poorly defined and frequently unsuccessful. Strategies have included pharmacotherapy, surgery, and interventional pain techniques such as celiac plexus blockade. Persistent quality analgesia with acceptable side effect profiles is difficult to achieve. Pulsed radiofrequency treatment is a minimally neurodestructive technique that may alter nerve conduction and offer a reduction in pain perception. We describe our experience with this technique in two patients with pain secondary to chronic benign pancreatitis.
Delayed Onset of Brown–Sequard Syndrome Involving Upper Extremity Pain
Authors: Tang Nelson , Stickevers Susan , Awan Gulle 
Published: December 2008

AbstractReport of a case: A 60‐year‐old white male with a history of C3–C4 spinal cord injury with subsequent C3–C4 fusion complained of right upper extremity painful spasms of 2 years duration with associated hyperspasticity, motor weakness and poor positional and vibrational sense. The patient was diagnosed with Brown–Sequard syndrome (BSS) and treated with botulinum toxin type A injections distributed into the affected muscle groups that provided substantial and lasting relief. This case is unique in that the patient's trauma occurred 28 years before the development of the BSS suggesting a slow evolution of the condition.
The Relationship of Bipolar Left Ventricular Pacing Stimulus Intensity to Cardiac Depolarization and Repolarization in Humans with Cardiac Resynchronization Devices
Authors: THEIS CATHRIN , BAVIKATI VENKATA V. , LANGBERG JONATHAN J. , LLOYD MICHAEL S. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Myocardial depolarization can be altered by varying pacing stimulus output. This may have implications on response rates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The purpose of our study was to determine the relationship of left ventricular (LV) pacing stimulus intensity to measures of depolarization and repolarization in humans with CRT devices.Methods:In 37 patients with a CRT device and bipolar LV leads, bipolar LV‐only pacing from maximum output to threshold was performed. The presence of changes in depolarization was defined by predetermined changes in ECG morphology that accompanied a change in bipolar stimulus amplitude. ECG parameters and the EGMs were analyzed at various LV pacing stimulus intensities.Results:Changes in ECG morphology were apparent in 70% of patients. These occurred at a mean LV stimulus amplitude of greater than 2.7 ± 0.8 V at 1 ms. Of the patients with changes in surface ECG, the transventricular conduction time decreased from 155 ± 41 ms at low output to 141 ± 39 ms at high output (P < 0.01). Despite a significant reduction in QRS duration with high output, mean QTc and JTc interval increased with increasing LV stimulus strength (539 ± 45 vs 559 ± 46 ms (P < 0.01) and 353 ± 31 ms vs 377 ± 32 (P < 0.01)).Conclusion:Increased LV stimulus intensity, independent of RV anodal capture, is associated with faster transventricular conduction time, changes in myocardial depolarization, and longer QT intervals. These findings have important implications on the relationship of programmed LV pacing output to pacing‐induced proarrhythmia and clinical CRT response rates.
Early cortical bone healing around loaded titanium implants: a histological study in the rabbit
Authors: Slaets Elke , Naert Ignace , Carmeliet Geert , Duyck Joke 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives: To identify the role of immediate implant loading on the early phases of the bone healing responses.Material and methods: Implants were placed in rabbit tibial diaphyses and left to heal for 3, 7, 14, 28 or 42 days. Half of the animals received an immediate loading protocol of 2.2 N at 3 Hz for 1800 cycles and 5 days/week, whereas the others served as unloaded controls. Histological assessment was combined with histomorphometrical measurements.Results: At early time‐points, an endosteal and periosteal new bone formation was found, while the cortex itself contained damaged osteocytes. At later time‐points, new bone formation was also found at the cortical level itself. Differences between groups were found mainly in this new bone formation process, with larger reactions for the endosteal and periosteal bone in the loaded group after 28 and 42 days, respectively. At the end‐point of the experiment, bone formation at the cortical level was reduced in the loaded group compared with the control group.Conclusions: These results show that the immediate loading protocol caused no differences in the sequential events leading to osseointegration in cortical bone. However, the processes of new bone formation originating from the endosteum and the periosteum lasted longer compared with the unloaded controls.
A feasibility study evaluating an in situ formed synthetic biodegradable membrane for guided bone regeneration in dogs
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Lecloux Geoffrey , Rompen Eric , Ramel Christian F. , Buser Daniel , Hammerle Christoph H. F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPurpose: The aim was (1) to evaluate the soft‐tissue reaction of a synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel used as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) compared with a collagen membrane and (2) to test whether or not the application of this in situ formed membrane will result in a similar amount of bone regeneration as the use of a collagen membrane.Material and methods: Tooth extraction and preparation of osseous defects were performed in the mandibles of 11 beagle dogs. After 3 months, 44 cylindrical implants were placed within healed dehiscence‐type bone defects resulting in approximately 6 mm exposed implant surface. The following four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: PEG+autogenous bone chips, PEG+hydroxyapatite (HA)/tricalcium phosphate (TCP) granules, bioresorbable collagen membrane+autogenous bone chips and autogenous bone chips without a membrane. After 2 and 6 months, six and five dogs were sacrificed, respectively. A semi‐quantitative evaluation of the local tolerance and a histomorphometric analysis were performed. For statistical analysis, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and subsequent pairwise Student's t‐test were applied (P<0.05).Results: No local adverse effects in association with the PEG compared with the collagen membrane was observed clinically and histologically at any time‐point. Healing was uneventful and all implants were histologically integrated. Four out of 22 PEG membrane sites revealed a soft‐tissue dehiscence after 1–2 weeks that subsequently healed uneventful. Histomorphometric measurement of the vertical bone gain showed after 2 months values between 31% and 45% and after 6 months between 31% and 38%. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) within the former defect area was similarly high in all groups ranging from 71% to 82% after 2 months and 49% to 91% after 6 months. However, with regard to all evaluated parameters, the PEG and the collagen membranes did not show any statistically significant difference compared with sites treated with autogenous bone without a membrane.Conclusion: The in situ forming synthetic membrane made of PEG was safely used in the present study, revealing no biologically significant abnormal soft‐tissue reaction and demonstrated similar amounts of newly formed bone for defects treated with the PEG membrane compared with defects treated with a standard collagen membrane.
Histologic mimics of perineural invasion
Authors: Dunn Martin , Morgan Michael B. , Beer Trevor W. , Chen Karl T. K. , Acker Scott M. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Perineural invasion (PNI) by primary cutaneous cancers is an important adverse risk factor. Certain benign conditions may mimic microscopic PNI. Mohs surgery is being performed more frequently on smaller primary cutaneous malignancies. While PNI may be present in these cases, it is likely to be microscopic and asymptomatic, affecting as little as one cutaneous nerve branch.Methods: Review of the literature base regarding PNI as well as contribution of original findings.Results: Four benign entities that could easily be confused with microscopic PNI are presented.Conclusion: At least four benign mimics of microscopic PNI exist, important in the differential diagnosis of microscopic PNI. Knowledge of these entities should help dermatopathologists to correctly distinguish them from PNI and avoid unnecessary additional treatment.
Efficacy and safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas and comparison with the commonly used therapies
Authors: Pulini Stefano , Rupoli Serena , Goteri Gaia , Pimpinelli Nicola , Alterini Renato , Bettacchi Alberta , Mulattieri Simonetta , Picardi Paola , Tassetti Angela , Scortechini Anna Rita , Fioritoni Giuseppe , Leoni Pietro 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives:  The therapy of advanced, relapsed or refractory primary cutaneous lymphomas is often unsatisfactory. Recent data indicate a favourable pharmacokynetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicity profile of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Peg‐Doxo) in primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, while in primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (PCBCLs), the drug efficacy has never been assessed so far.Methods:  We performed a prospective phase II pilot clinical trial of Peg‐Doxo monotherapy (20 mg/m2) in PCBCLs. One patient had a marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma and four were affected by diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma‐leg type, all with widespread nodular lesions.Results:  All the patients achieved a complete response (CR = 100%) in a short period of time (median 3 months), even when pretreated with radio‐chemotherapy. Two experienced a relapse. At follow‐up, one patient died for progressive disease; four are in CR after 5, 52, 63 and 69 months. As concerning the toxicity profile, the treatment was well‐tolerated, no one decreased or delayed the dose. The haematological toxicity was mild with only one case of grade III neutropenia; a patient showed a grade I neurotoxicity. Dermatological toxicity, in particular the palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia, did not occurred, probably because of both the low dosages of Peg‐Doxo monotherapy and the oral prophylaxis with pyridoxine.Conclusions:  In spite of the small number of patients, it emerges that monochemotherapy with Peg‐Doxo has a significantly high clinical activity and a good safety profile in PCBCLs, even in aggressive forms, compared with other therapeutic regimens, which are completely reviewed. It suggests the need of further investigations in this field.
AKR‐501 (YM477) a novel orally‐active thrombopoietin receptor agonist
Authors: Fukushima‐Shintani Mari , Suzuki Ken‐ichi , Iwatsuki Yoshiyuki , Abe Masaki , Sugasawa Keizo , Hirayama Fukushi , Kawasaki Tomihisa , Nakahata Tatsutoshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThrombopoietin (TPO) is the principal physiologic regulator of platelet production. We have searched for small molecule compounds that mimic the action of TPO by using human TPO receptor‐expressed in Ba/F3 cells, resulting in the discovery of AKR‐501 (YM477). AKR‐501 specifically targeted the TPO receptor and stimulated megakaryocytopoiesis throughout the development and maturation of megakaryocytes just as rhTPO did. AKR‐501, however, was shown to be effective only in humans and chimpanzees with high species specificity. Therefore, we examined the in vivo platelet‐increasing effect of AKR‐501 in human platelet producing non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice transplanted with human fetal liver CD34+ cells. Daily oral administration of AKR‐501 dose‐dependently increased the number of human platelets in these mice, with significance achieved at doses of 1 mg/kg and above. The peak unbound plasma concentrations of AKR‐501 after administration at 1 mg/kg in NOD/SCID mice were similar to those observed following administration of an active oral dose in human subjects. These results suggest that AKR‐501 is an orally‐active TPO receptor agonist that may be useful in the treatment of patients with thrombocytopenia.
Specific assessment of BCR–ABL transcript overexpression and imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Bianchini Michele , Brasi Carlos De , Gargallo Patricia , Gonzalez Mariana , Bengió Raquel , Larripa Irene 
Published: December 2008

AbstractImatinib mesylate has proven to be the most effective treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia. Nevertheless, imatinib resistance has raised concern and prompted interest in additional strategies to achieve disease eradication. Resistance to imatinib is mainly associated with three mechanisms: acquired mutations in the kinase domain of BCR–ABL protein, genetic amplification, and transcript overexpression of BCR–ABL rearrangement. Therefore an accurate assessment of resistance mechanism is particularly important to improve strategies to overcome resistance. In order to determine overexpression of BCR–ABL, we propose a method that correlates quantitative real time PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization data from the same peripheral blood sample. The ratio between both methodologies permits to calculate the expression index (EI) for each patient. EI estimates the rate of BCR–ABL transcription per rearrangement. The median EI value, including all cases (n = 123), was 0.288; those cases (n = 13) included in percentile 90 showed an increment of EI above 1 Log (>2.88) with respect to the median value and were considered as cases with overexpression. We also evaluated the EIs using receiver operating characteristics curve; choosing an EI cutoff of 1.836 we obtained a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 61%. Using this EI cutoff value, more patients (n = 17) were included in the overexpression group. Patients within this group were resistant to imatinib and also showed a worse overall survival if compared with the remaining.
Effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of exclusively breastfed infants
Authors: Saadi Hussein F. , Dawodu Adekunle , Afandi Bachar , Zayed Reem , Benedict Sheela , Nagelkerke Nicolaas , Hollis Bruce W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSevere vitamin D deficiency in mothers and their breastfed infants is a significant health problem in the Middle East. Supplementation of the breastfed infant alone with the recommended dose of vitamin D may be insufficient in high‐risk population. We investigated the effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of the breastfed infant. We examined also the effect of supplementation on vitamin D antirachitic activity of breast milk in a subset of mothers. Healthy breastfeeding mothers (n = 90) were randomly assigned to 2000 IU daily (group 1) or 60 000 IU monthly (group 2) of vitamin D2, and all their infants (n = 92) received 400 IU daily of vitamin D2 for 3 months. Most infants had vitamin D deficiency – 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤ 37.5 nmol L−1– at study entry. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations at 3 months increased significantly from baseline in infants of mothers in group 1 (13.9 ± 8.6 vs. 49.6 ± 18.5 nmol L−1, P < 0.0001) and group 2 (13.7 ± 12.1 vs. 44.6 ± 15.0 nmol L−1, P < 0.0001). Maternal and infant serum 25(OH)D concentrations correlated positively at baseline (r = 0.36, P = 0.01) and 3 months (r = 0.46, P = 0.002). Milk antirachitic activity increased from undetectable (<20 IU L−1) to a median of 50.9 IU L−1. In conclusion, combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation was associated with a threefold increase in infants’ serum 25(OH)D concentrations and a 64% reduction in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency without causing hypervitaminosis D.
Reconfiguring insufficient breast milk as a sociosomatic problem: mothers of premature babies using the kangaroo method in Brazil
Authors: Groleau Danielle , Cabral Ivone Evangelista 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study focuses on Brazilian mothers who gave birth to premature babies who were discharged from hospital using the Kangaroo Mother Care Method. While mothers left the hospital breastfeeding exclusively, once back at home, they abandoned exclusive breastfeeding because of insufficient breast milk (IBM). In this project we explored how IBM was interpreted by mothers within their social context. Participatory research using the Creative Sensitive Method was done in the homes of mothers with family members and neighbours. We described the conflicting social discourse that influenced the mothers' perception of IBM and explored their sources of distress. At the hospital and Kangaroo ward, mothers considered that clinicians recognized they were experiencing IBM and thus supported them to overcome this problem. Back at home and in their community, other sources of stress generated anxiety such as: the lack of outpatient clinical support, and conflicting local norms to care and feed premature babies. These difficulties combined with economic constraints and discontinuity in models of health care led mothers to lose confidence in their breastfeeding capacity. Mothers, thus, rapidly replaced exclusive breastfeeding by mixed feeding or formula feeding. Our analysis suggests that IBM in our sample was the result of a socio‐somatic process. Recommendations are proposed to help overcome IBM and corresponding contextual barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.
Delayed introduction of lumpy foods to children during the complementary feeding period affects child's food acceptance and feeding at 7 years of age
Authors: Coulthard Helen , Harris Gillian , Emmett Pauline 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe study aimed to follow up children who had been introduced to lumpy solids (chewy foods) at different ages, and to assess their dietary intake and feeding difficulties at seven years of age. Information was collected from a geographically defined population of 7821 mothers of children born in 1991/92, part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Self‐report questionnaires were completed by the mother about her child at 6 months, 15 months, and 7 years postpartum about food foods eaten and feeding difficulties. Children were divided into three groups based on the age at which they were first introduced to ‘lumpy’ solids: 12.1% were introduced before 6 months of age, 69.8% were introduced between 6 and 9 months of age and 18.1% were introduced after 9 months. Children introduced to lumpy solids after the age of 9 months ate less of many of the food groups at seven years, including all 10 categories of fruit and vegetables, than those introduced to lumpy foods between 6–9 months (P < 0.05–0.001). In addition they were reported as having significantly more feeding problems at seven years (P < 0.05–0.001). The long‐term feeding problems and reduced consumption of important food groups such as fruit and vegetables in children who are introduced to lumpy foods after the age of 9 months is a cause for concern. Health professionals must encourage the progression from purees and exposure to important food groups.
Reconsidering childhood undernutrition: can birth spacing make a difference? An analysis of the 2002–2003 El Salvador National Family Health Survey
Authors: Gribble James N. , Murray Nancy J. , Menotti Elaine P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIt is well understood that undernutrition underpins much of child morbidity and mortality in less developed countries, but the causes of undernutrition are complex and interrelated, requiring a multipronged approach for intervention. This paper uses a subsample of 3853 children under age 5 from the most recent family health survey in El Salvador to examine the relationship between birth spacing and childhood undernutrition (stunting and underweight). While recent research and guidance suggest that birth spacing of three to five years contributes to lower levels of infant and childhood mortality, little attention has been given to the possibility that short birth intervals have longer‐term effects on childhood nutrition status. The analysis controls for clustering effects arising from siblings being included in the subsample, as well as variables that are associated with household resources, household structure, reproductive history and outcomes, and household social environment. The results of the multiple regression analyses find that in comparison to intervals of 36–59 months, birth intervals of less than 24 months and intervals of 24–35 months significantly increase the odds of stunting (<24 months Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–1.92; 25–36 months OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.05–1.64). Other factors related to stunting and underweight include standard of living index quintile, child's age, mother's education, low birthweight, use of prenatal care, and region of the country where the child lives. Policy and program implications include more effective use of health services and outreach programs to counsel mothers on family planning, breastfeeding, and well child care.