bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of lipopolysaccharide in infectious bone resorption of periapical lesion
Authors: Hong Chi‐Yuan , Lin Sze‐Kwan , Kok Sang‐Heng , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Lee Ming‐Shu , Wang Tong‐Mei , Chen Chuan‐Shuo , Lin Li‐Deh , Wang Juo‐Song 
Published: February 2004

Background:  The role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in periapical lesion‐induced bone resorption was investigated. Polymyxin B (PMB), a specific inhibitor of LPS, was evaluated to treat the apical lesion.Methods:  Lipopolysaccharide isolated from two common endodontic pathogens, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas endodontalis, stimulated mouse macrophage (J774) to release interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a time‐dependent manner.Results:  Combination of LPS further enhanced the stimulation. PMB inhibited these effects significantly. LPS also stimulated matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) gene expression in J774, whereas anti‐IL‐1α and anti‐TNF‐α antibodies, as well as PMB, diminished this effect. A disease model of periapical lesion was established in Wistar rat. Administration of PMB reduced the extent of lesion‐associated bone resorption by 76% to approximately 80%, and simultaneously reduced the numbers of MMP‐1‐producing macrophages.Conclusions:  It is suggested that LPS released from the infected root canal triggers the synthesis of IL‐1α and TNF‐α from macrophages. These pro‐inflammatory cytokines up‐regulate the production of MMP‐1 by macrophages to promote periapical bone resorption.
The Th1/Th2 immune‐type response of the recurrent aphthous ulceration analyzed by cDNA microarray
Authors: Borra R. C. , Andrade P. M. , Silva I. D. C. G. , Morgun A. , Weckx L. L. M. , Smirnova A. S. , Franco M. 
Published: February 2004

Background:  The reduced ability to activate oral tolerance plays a role in the pathogenesis of some gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. This activation may reflect a preferential reduction of a T‐helper (Th)2‐ or Th3‐type response. In recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU), genetic and environmental factors may contribute to low tolerance, permitting a cytotoxic reaction against the oral epithelium. The cytokine profile has not permitted the definition of RAU as resulting from enhanced Th1 or Th2 responses. A cDNA microarray study would allow the identification of differentially expressed genes and provide a basis for classification of the immune response.Methods:  The cDNA from 29 samples of aphthae and from 11 samples of normal mucosa from aphthae‐free volunteers were hybridized on microarray membranes with 1176 genes.Results:  Forty‐one differentially expressed genes were identified, and a higher expression level of the Th1 gene cluster in RAU was found.Conclusions:  Microarrays permitted us definition of the gene expression profile of the lesion and identify an increased Th1 activity in RAU lesions.
Serum interleukin‐8 level is a more sensitive marker than serum interleukin‐6 level in monitoring the disease activity of recurrent aphthous ulcerations
Authors: Sun Andy , Chang Yu‐Fong , Chia Jean‐San , Chiang Chun‐Pin 
Published: February 2004

Background:  Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) are common oral inflammatory lesions. Interleukin (IL)‐8 is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine of host response to injury and inflammation. Our recent study has found that measurement of serum IL‐6 level can detect only 24% RAU patients with an abnormal serum level. In this study, we examined both the serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels in a group of RAU patients. The abilities of IL‐6 and IL‐8 to detect patients with an abnormal serum level were compared in order to find out whether IL‐8 was a more sensitive serum marker than IL‐6 in monitoring the disease activity of RAU.Methods:  In this study, we used a solid‐phase, two‐site sequential chemiluminescent immunometric assay to determine the baseline serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in 146 patients with RAU, 9 patients with traumatic ulcers (TU), and 54 normal control (NC) subjects. Eighty‐two RAU patients, with the serum IL‐6 or IL‐8 levels higher than the upper limit of normal serum concentration, were treated with levamisole for 0.5–3.5 months, and their serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were measured after treatment.Results:  We found that 25% (37/146) RAU patients, as well as 33% (20/61) major‐type, 19% (13/69) minor‐type, and 25% (4/16) herpetiform‐type RAU patients, had a serum level of IL‐6 greater than the upper normal limit of 4.7 pg/ml. In contrast, 60% (87/146) RAU patients, as well as 59% (36/61) major‐type, 59% (41/69) minor‐type, and 63% (10/16) herpetiform‐type RAU patients, had a serum level of IL‐8 greater than the upper normal limit of 8.7 pg/ml. In 82 RAU patients with the serum IL‐6 or IL‐8 levels higher than the upper limit of normal serum concentration, treatment with levamisole for a period of 0.5–3.5 months could significantly reduce the serum IL‐6 level from 12.0 ± 1.6 to 3.0 ± 0.5 pg/ml (P < 0.001), and could significantly lower the serum IL‐8 level from 70.9 ± 11.2 to 13.8 ± 3.1 pg/ml (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Because measurement of serum IL‐8 level can detect 60% RAU patients with an abnormal serum level, while measurement of serum IL‐6 level can detect only 25% RAU patients with an abnormal serum level, we conclude that serum IL‐8 level is a more sensitive marker than serum IL‐6 level in monitoring the disease activity of RAU. Levamisole can modulate both the serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels in RAU patients. IL‐8, like IL‐6, is also a useful serum marker in evaluating therapeutic effects of levamisole on RAU patients.
The use of innovative ICT in the active pursuit of literacy
Authors: Watts M. , Lloyd C. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper investigates classroom interventions using a particular form of multimedia information and communication technology (ICT), and looks to study gains in pupil learning that accrue from its use. The research takes place in eight UK schools with 219, 11‐year‐old children (eight Year 6 classes). Work within the Literacy Hour is detailed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimedia broadband educational communications system. The Literacy Hour is part of the UK Government's National Literacy Strategy: guideline requirements of schools to spend an hour a day on literacy to meet centrally established and monitored targets. The research data include pre‐ and post‐test assessments, along with 48 interviews with classroom teachers and pupils. The children are presented with a series of journalistic tasks and classroom activities that they resolve through the use of a compact and coordinated information system. The outcomes demonstrate that children can become self‐directive and very active – exploratory – learners in a very short period of time. They quickly enjoy the freedom and control that the system permits and through which they can be shown to enhance particular literacy skills. The lessons to be learned relate to the management and organisation of classroom teaching in the face of systems that promote rapid devolution of learning to the learner.
CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System: background and methodology
Authors: Paulozzi L J , Mercy J , Frazier L , Annest J L 
Published: February 2004

Objectives:This paper describes a new surveillance system called the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), initiated by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NVDRS’s mission is the collection of detailed, timely information on all violent deaths.Design:NVDRS is a population based, active surveillance system designed to obtain a complete census of all resident and occurrent violent deaths. Each state collects information on its own deaths from death certificates, medical examiner/coroner files, law enforcement records, and crime laboratories. Deaths occurring in the same incident are linked. Over 270 data elements can be collected on each incident.Setting:The 13 state health departments of Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.Subjects:Cases consist of violent deaths from suicide, homicide, undetermined intent, legal intervention, and unintentional firearm injury. Information is collected on suspects as well as victims.Interventions:None.Outcome measures:The quality of surveillance will be measured in terms of its acceptability, accuracy, sensitivity, timeliness, utility, and cost.Results:The system has just been started. There are no results as yet.Conclusions:NVDRS has achieved enough support to begin data collection efforts in selected states. This system will need to overcome the significant barriers to such a large data collection effort. Its success depends on the use of its data to inform and assess violence prevention efforts. If successful, it will open a new chapter in the use of empirical information to guide public policy around violence in the United States.
Do children’s intentions to risk take relate to actual risk taking?
Authors: Morrongiello B A 
Published: February 2004

Objectives:Concerns about safety and rigorous ethic standards can make it very difficult to study children’s risk taking. The goal of this study was to determine how closelyintentionsto risk take relate toactualrisk taking among boys and girls 6–11 years of age.Methods:Children initially completed an “intentions to risk take” task. Following administration of several questionnaires they later participated in an actual risk taking task.Results:At all ages, for both boys and girls, intentions to risk take was highly positively correlated with actual risk taking. When discrepancies occurred these were usually of minimal magnitude.Conclusions:Tasks that tap children’s intentions to risk take can serve as proxy indicators of children’s actual risk taking.
Community based programs to prevent poisoning in children 0–15 years: Table 1
Authors: Nixon J , Spinks A , Turner C , McClure R 
Published: February 2004

Objective:Community based models for injury prevention have become an accepted part of the overall injury control strategy. This systematic review of the scientific literature examines the evidence for their effectiveness in preventing poisoning in children 0–15 years of age.Methods:A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using the following study selection criteria: community based intervention study; target population was children under 15 years; outcome measure was poisoning rates; and either a community control or an historical control was used in the study design. Quality assessment and data abstraction were guided by a standardized procedure and performed independently by two authors. Data synthesis was in tabular and text form with meta-analysis not being possible due to the discrepancy in methods and measures between the studies.Results:The review found only four studies, which met all the inclusion criteria. Only two studies used a trial design with a contemporary control and only one study provided convincing evidence of an effective community program for reducing poisoning in children.Conclusion:There is a paucity of research studies in the literature from which evidence regarding the effectiveness of community based childhood poisoning prevention programs can be obtained and hence a clear need to increase the effort on developing this evidence base.
How, and when, can I restrain a patient?
Authors: Horsburgh D 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
The need to restrain service users will vary according to the area of practice within which practitioners are employed. Many of the principles that relate to the issue of restraining service users are, however, applicable to all, or most, health and social care settings. While the emphasis should be on pre-emptive action, wherever possible, in order to prevent the need to restrain, there are some occasions on which the risks to the service user, or others, of inaction may outweigh those of taking action. Some of the key issues are discussed in this paper.
Audit on flexible sigmoidoscopy for rectal bleeding in a district general hospital: are we over-loading the resources?
Authors: Mathew J , Shankar P , Aldean I M 
Published: February 2004

Abstract

Objective
Patients with rectal bleeding are being over investigated because of the fear of missing colorectal cancers. This study aimed to identify the percentage of patients &lt;45 years of age who undergo flexible sigmoidoscopy for rectal bleeding, and to assess and compare the incidence of colorectal cancers and polyps above and below this age.

Methods
Patients who underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy for rectal bleeding between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2002 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of patients aged ⩾45 years and group 2 patients &lt;45 years. The histopathology of biopsy specimens taken was also studied.

Results
Altogether 18.9% of the patients who had flexible sigmoidoscopy for rectal bleeding were &lt;45 years. The incidence of colorectal cancers in group 1 was 3.5%; all these cases were confirmed on histopathology. Only one patient in group 2 was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on flexible sigmoidoscopy, but the histopathology disproved it. The incidence of polyps was 16.6% in group 1 and 7.9% in group 2. Following histopathology, the incidence of adenomatous polyps was 6.8% in group 1 and 2.1% in group 2. There was a significant difference between the two groups, with a p value of &lt;0.0001.

Conclusion
The incidence of colorectal cancers and adenomatous polyps in patients aged &lt;45 years with rectal bleeding is very low. A flexible sigmoidoscopy costs approximately £330. If new guidelines are implemented considering the age of the patient, considerable cost savings could be made, and the available resources could be appropriately used in groups with high incidences of colorectal cancers.
Aberrant quantity and localization of Aurora-B/AIM-1 and survivin during megakaryocyte polyploidization and the consequences of Aurora-B/AIM-1–deregulated expression
Authors: Zhang Ying , Nagata Yuka , Yu Guangyao , Nguyen Hao G. , Jones Matthew R. , Toselli Paul , Jackson Carl W. , Tatsuka Masaaki , Todokoro Kazuo , Ravid Katya 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMegakaryocytes skip late anaphase and cytokinesis during endomitosis. We found normal expression and localization of a fundamental regulator of mitosis, Aurora-B/AIM-1, during prophase in polyploidizing mouse bone marrow megakaryocytes. At late anaphase, however, Aurora-B/AIM-1 is absent or mislocalized. Megakaryocytes treated with a proteasome inhibitor display Aurora-B/AIM-1 properly expressed and localized to the midzone, suggesting that protein degradation contributes to this atypical appearance. In contrast, survivin, an Aurora-B/AIM-1 coregulator of mitosis, is not detected at any stage of the endomitotic cell cycle, and in most megakaryocytes proteasome inhibition does not rescue this phenotype. To further explore the importance of reduced Aurora-B/AIM-1 for polyploidization, it was overexpressed in megakaryocytes of transgenic mice. The phenotype includes increased transgenic mRNA, but not protein, in polyploidy megakaryocytes, further suggesting that Aurora-B/AIM-1 is regulated at the protein level. Aurora-B/AIM-1 protein is, however, elevated in diploid transgenic megakaryocytes. Transgenic mice also exhibit enhanced numbers of megakaryocytes with increased proliferative potential, and some mice exhibit mild decreases in ploidy level. Hence, the molecular programming involved in endomitosis is characterized by the mislocalization or absence of at least 2 critical mitotic regulators, Aurora-B/AIM-1 and survivin. Future studies will examine the impact of survivin restoration on mouse megakaryocyte polyploidization.
Smallpox: Clinical Features, Prevention, and Management
Authors: Guharoy Roy , Panzik Robert , Noviasky John A , Krenzelok Edward P , Blair Donald C 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVE To describe a general overview of smallpox, clinical presentation, diagnosis, adverse events, and management of both pre- and postexposure vaccination. DATA SOURCES Literature was identified by search of MEDLINE (1966–June 2003) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1966–May 2003) databases using the key terms smallpox, bioterrorism, biological warfare, and smallpox vaccine. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Articles identified from data sources were evaluated, and relevant information was included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS Smallpox is spread by human-to-human contact with an infected host and therefore can be contagious. The mortality rate for smallpox is approximately 30%. While the disease was completely eradicated by 1980 with successful use of smallpox vaccine, concern has been raised that smallpox may emerge as a tool of bioterrorism. This concern, combined with the reality of current smallpox vaccination programs in the military and selected civilian populations, mandates a clear understanding of vaccination-related adverse events and contraindications by all healthcare professionals. The vaccine may cause moderate to severe adverse events such as eczema vaccinatum, progressive vaccinia, and generalized vaccinia. CONCLUSION The balance between the risks and benefits of mass vaccination in prevention of an epidemic is not clear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a guideline for appropriate use of smallpox vaccine in the civilian population.
Performance of Bilirubin Determinations in US Laboratories—Revisited
Authors: Lo Stanley F , Doumas Basil T , Ashwood Edward R 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: The diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn requires accurate and precise bilirubin determinations. We evaluated the current status of bilirubin measurements in US laboratories by examining data submitted by laboratories participating in the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Neonatal Bilirubin (NB) and Chemistry (C) Surveys.Methods: We analyzed specimens from the CAP NB and C Surveys by the reference method for total bilirubin in three laboratories. The reference method bilirubin values were compared with bilirubin values reported by Survey participants.Results: The imprecision (CV) for all instruments combined (CAP-All Instruments) ranged from 4.7% to 5.6% at the bilirubin concentrations tested. The CVs of the four most commonly used instruments were smaller, ranging from 1.9% to 4.5%. Differences between bilirubin values by the reference method and mean values from the four most common instruments ranged from −21.6% to 10.9%. When the same specimens from the NB Surveys were used in the C Surveys, the Vitros values were strikingly different from those of the NB Surveys. The use of different methods in the NB and C Surveys coupled with the presence of a nonhuman protein base and ditaurobilirubin (DTB) in the Survey specimens accounted for the discrepant results.Conclusions: The evaluation of accuracy is impossible from the CAP Surveys because the specimens consist of bovine serum containing a mixture of unconjugated bilirubin and DTB. For the evaluation of accuracy, we recommend that Survey specimens consist of human serum enriched with unconjugated bilirubin.
N-Acetylated Metabolites in Urine: Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study on Patients with Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Engelke Udo F H , Liebrand-van Sambeek Maria L F , de Jong Jan G N , Leroy Jules G , Morava Éva , Smeitink Jan A M , Wevers Ron A 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: There is no comprehensive analytical technique to analyze N-acetylated metabolites in urine. Many of these compounds are involved in inborn errors of metabolism. In the present study, we examined the potential of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy as a tool to identify and quantify N-acetylated metabolites in urine of patients with various inborn errors of metabolism.Methods: We performed 1H-NMR spectroscopy on a 500 MHz spectrometer. Using a combination of one- and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (COSY) 1H-NMR spectra, we were able to assign and quantify resonances of characteristic N-acetylated compounds products in urine of patients with 13 inborn errors of metabolism.Results: The disease-specific N-acetylated metabolites were excreted at concentrations &gt;100 μmol/mmol of creatinine in the patients’ urine. In control urine samples, the concentration of individual N-acetyl-containing compounds was &lt;40 μmol/mmol of creatinine. The combination of one- and two-dimensional COSY NMR spectroscopy led to the correct diagnosis of nine different inborn errors of metabolism. No abnormalities were observed in the spectra of urine from patients with GM1- or GM2-gangliosidosis. We also determined the 1H-NMR characteristics of N-acetylated metabolites that may be relevant to human metabolism.Conclusion: 1H-NMR spectroscopy may be used to identify and quantify N-acetylated metabolites of diagnostic importance for the field of inborn errors of metabolism.
Improved Accuracy of Detection of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Combined Application of Circulating Epstein–Barr Virus DNA and Anti-Epstein–Barr Viral Capsid Antigen IgA Antibody
Authors: Leung Sing-fai , Tam John S , Chan Anthony T C , Zee Benny , Chan Lisa Y S , Huang Dolly P , Van Hasselt Andrew , Johnson Philip J , Lo Y M Dennis 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: Circulating Epstein–Barr viral (EBV) DNA and anti-EBV capsid antigen IgA (IgA VCA) represent two of the most sensitive peripheral blood markers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but direct comparative studies of these two markers are lacking.Methods: The sensitivities and specificities of IgA-VCA and EBV DNA for diagnosis of NPC were determined in 139 new cases of NPC and 178 healthy individuals, respectively. EBV DNA was also assessed in 36 healthy family members identified as having false-positive IgA-VCA results at a screening clinic. EBV DNA was measured by a real-time quantitative PCR assay with a detection limit of 60 copies/mL. IgA-VCA was measured by semiquantitative indirect immunofluorescent method; a titer ≥1/10 was taken as positive.Results: The sensitivities of EBV DNA and IgA-VCA for diagnosis of NPC were 95% (95% confidence interval, 91–98%) and 81% (73–87%), respectively. The combined marker panel had an overall sensitivity (positive result by either marker) of 99%. The concentrations of both markers showed dependence on cancer stage. The specificities of EBV DNA and IgA-VCA were 98% (96–99%) and 96% (91–98%), respectively. Among 36 healthy family members with false-positive IgA-VCA results, three-fourths had undetectable EBV DNA, whereas the others had increased EBV DNA concentrations that were significantly lower than in NPC patients.Conclusions: For diagnosis of NPC, EBV DNA identifies almost all false-negative IgA-VCA cases and gives a 99% diagnostic sensitivity when combined with IgA-VCA. In the screening setting, EBV DNA identifies three-fourths of false-positive IgA-VCA cases. The selective application of EBV DNA in an IgA-VCA-based screening protocol could improve screening accuracy with only moderate increases in cost.