bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum eosinophil granule proteins predict asthma risk in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Nielsen L. P. , Peterson C. G. B. , Dahl R.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Allergic rhinitis is a common disease, in which some patients will deteriorate or develop asthma. It is important to characterize these patients, thereby offering the possibility for prevention. This study evaluated eosinophil parameters as potential indicators of deteriorating allergic airway disease.

Methods:  The subjects of the study included all patients who suffered seasonal allergic rhinitis and had participated in a study 6 years earlier, in which blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) serum eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), nasal lavage ECP and nasal lavage EPO levels were measured. Patients in the present study were interviewed on occurrence of rhinitis symptoms during the last season, rhinitis outside season, asthma‐like symptoms and asthma diagnosis, and were skin‐prick tested for common aeroallergens. Eosinophil parameters from the study 6 years earlier were then tested for the ability to predict occurrence of new allergies, worsening of rhinitis and occurrence of asthma.

Results:  Forty‐four patients participated in the study. In four patients seasonal rhinitis symptoms had deteriorated, 10 had experienced perennial rhinitis symptoms, 14 reported asthma‐like symptoms and seven had been diagnosed with asthma. Thirteen had developed additional sensitization. Patients developing asthma‐like symptoms compared with patients with no such symptoms had significantly higher serum ECP (16.7 μg/l vs 8.2 μg/l; P ≤ 0.01) and serum EPO (17.9 μg/l vs 8.8 μg/l; P ≤ 0.05). Results were similar, considering patients diagnosed with asthma. Blood eosinophils and nasal lavage parameters were not related to development of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms. No eosinophil parameter was related to deterioration of rhinitis or additional sensitization.

Conclusion:  Serum ECP and EPO in patients with seasonal rhinitis demonstrated a high predictive ability for later development of asthma.
Urinary tract infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients – a two center risk factors study
Authors: Feber Janusz , Špatenka Jaroslav , Seeman Tomas , Matoušovic Karel , Zeman Lubos , Dušek Jiri , Morávek Jiri , Janda Jan , Barrowman Nicholas J. , Guerra Luis , Leonard Michael
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  UTI are common in renal Tx recipients and may significantly impact on the graft function. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and significance of UTI in Tx children. We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 76 Tx patients, median age at Tx was 13.4 yr. Twenty‐one of 76 (28%) patients developed at least one UTI during the mean follow‐up time of 3.3 ± 2.0 yr post‐Tx. The first UTI occurred at a median of 160 days post‐Tx. The RR of having UTI was significantly higher in patients with the primary diagnosis of obstructive uropathy (RR = 2.6, 95th CI = 1.1–6.0, p = 0.032), history of PN pre Tx (RR = 2.7, 95th CI = 1.3–5.4, p = 0.009) and pre Tx VUR (RR = 2.2, 95th CI = 1.1–4.5, p = 0.045). These three factors also significantly decreased the infection‐free survival time to the first UTI. Most UTI caused reversible acute allograft dysfunction, but the long‐term graft function could not be reliably assessed with SCr. In conclusion, UTI occurred in 28% of pediatric Tx recipients, mostly during the first year post‐Tx despite antibiotic prophylaxis. The diagnosis of obstructive uropathy, history of UTI and VUR prior to Tx were significant risk factors.
Effects of lidocaine aerosol on postoperative pain and wound tenderness following minor gynaecological laparotomy
Authors: Holst P. , Erichsen C. J. , Dahl J. B. , Hjortsø N.‐C. , Grinsted J. , Kehlet H.
Published: December 2008

Twenty‐four female patients undergoing sterilization through a minor lower laparotomy received, in a double‐blind, randomized study, either lidocaine spray 200 mg or placebo in the surgical wound. Postoperative pain intensity was evaluated on a verbal and a visual analogue scale and wound tenderness with an algometer. During mobilisation from the supine to the sitting position, VAS‐score was lower (P<0.05) in the lidocaine group 2 h postoperatively, but not 4, 6 and 8 h postoperatively (P>0.05). No significant differences were found in VAS‐scores at rest or during cough, or in verbal scale ratings during rest, cough or mobilisation, and postoperative consumption of morphine was similar in the two groups. Pressure pain thresholds were higher (P<0.05) 2 h postoperatively in the lidocaine group, but not 4, 6 and 8 h postoperatively. In conclusion, topically applied lidocaine aerosol in the surgical wound leads to very short and clinically insignificant relief of postoperative pain.
Effect of halothane equilibration kinetics on in vitro muscle contractures for malignant hyperthermia screening
Authors: Urwyler A. , Funk B. , Censier K. , Drewe J.
Published: December 2008

In vitro muscle contracture tests for malignant hyperthermia screening are routinely performed using standardized protocols. In the present study on‐line monitoring of halothane concentrations in the gas phase was demonstrated to be an improved test standard. The kinetics of halothane concentration and their effect on in vitro muscle contracture tests were evaluated in two test baths, I and II, which contained 3 and 18 ml Krebs‐Ringer solution, respectively. The equilibration kinetics for halothane was significantly faster in bath I (t1/2 = 8.2 s) compared with bath II (t1/2 = 25.6 s). Twenty‐one pairs of muscle bundles from 21 potentially malignant hyperthermia susceptible patients were investigated, each test bath receiving one bundle from each pair. The variance of muscle contractures was significantly increased in test bath I compared with test bath II. However, there was no influence on malignant hyperthermia diagnosis, suggesting that, within the ranges of t1/2 = 8.2 s‐25.6 s, the test bath volumes need not be standardized.
Effects of low‐dose propofol administration on central respiratory drive, gas exchanges and respiratory pattern
Authors: Rosa G. , Conti G. , Orsi P. , D'Alessandro F. , Rosa I. La , Giugno G. Di , Gasparetto A.
Published: December 2008

The effects of sedative‐hypnotic doses of propofol on respiratory drive and pattern have not yet been extensively described. Repeated small boluses of propofol (0.6–0.3 mg ?˙ k‐1) were administered to ten ASA I patients undergoing carpal tunnel release using regional anaesthesia. Airway pressure, capnography and pneumotachography were continuously recorded. With respect to basal values, no significant variations of respiratory rate, minute volume, tidal volume, inspiratory and expiratory time, total expiratory cycle, Ti/Ttot, TV/Ti, P0.1, Etco2 and blood gas analysis were observed. Low doses of propofol, to maintain conscious sedation or light sleep, have not been shown to cause respiratory depression.
Histopathology and evaluation of potentiation of morphine‐induced antinociception by intrathecal droperidol in the rat
Authors: GRIP G. , SVENSSON B. A. , GORDH T. , POST C. , HARTVIG P.
Published: December 2008

Clinical studies have indicated that a low dos of the dopamine DP‐receptor antagonistdroperidol given epidurally potentiate the antinociceptive effect of epidural morphine. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate this drug interaction in a rat model. Rats were given morphine and droperidol intrathecally in several combinations of doses. It was found that droperidol had no antinociceptive effect by itself, nor in combination with morphine. It was also shown that droperidol and morphine exert no histopathological

effects on the rat spinal cord. This discrepancy between clinical Endings and experimental pain studies suggests different modes of action of droperidol in the two situations.
High frequency of cough after intravenous bolus injection of Ketogan® (ketobemidone + N, N‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenyl‐1‐methylallylamine chloride) for postoperative pain relief
Authors: Karlsten R. , Hartvig P.
Published: December 2008

The frequency of cough 15–45 s after intravenous administration of a low dose of the opioid receptor agonist ketobemidone given for postoperative pain relief was assessed in 121 patients undergoing gynaecological or obstetrical operations. In patients subjected to caesarian section under spinal anaesthesia using bupivacaine, the frequency of an early cough reaction was 50.7%, whereas in patients previously exposed to opioids during the surgical procedure the frequency was 11.1%. This side‐effect of ketobemidone has not been reported before.
Acupuncture treatment of severe knee osteoarthrosis. A long‐term study
Authors: Christensen B. V. , Iuhl I. U. , Vilbek H. , Bülow H.‐H. , Dreijer N. C. , Rasmussen H. F.
Published: December 2008

Purpose: Acupuncture treatment of patients waiting for arthroplasty surgery. Methods: 29 patients with a total of 42 osteoarthritic knees were randomized to two groups. Group A was treated while Group B served as a no‐treatment control group. After 9 weeks Group B was treated too. Analgesic consumption, pain and objective measurements were registered. All objective measures were done by investigators who were “blinded” as to Group A & B. In the second part of the study 17 patients (26 knees) continued with treatments once a month. Registration of analgesic consumption, pain and objective measurements continued. Total study period 49 weeks. Results: Comparing Group A to B there was a significant reduction in pain, analgesic consumption and in most objective measures. In Group A + B combined there was an 80% subjective improvement, and a significantly increased knee range movement – an increase mainly in the worst knees. Results were significantly better in those who had not been ill for a long time. In the second part of the study, it was shown that it was possible to maintain the improvements. Conclusions: Acupuncture can ease the discomfort while waiting for an operation and perhaps even serve as an alternative to surgery. Seven patients have responded so well that at present they do not want an operation. (USD 9000 saved per operation).
Haemodynamic changes during spinal anaesthesia with slow continuous infusion or single dose of plain bupivacaine
Authors: Pitkänen M. , Rosenberg P. , Silvanto M. , Tuominen M.
Published: December 2008

Forty elderly patients, scheduled for orthopaedic surgery of the hip or knee were studied. Twenty patients received a single‐dose spinal anaesthesia with 3 ml of plain 0.5% bupivacaine (SDSA group). Twenty patients received continuous spinal anaesthesia using a 32‐ or 22‐gauge catheter. A bolus of 1.0 ml of plain 0.5% bupivacaine was given to ten patients and 0.5 ml to another ten, continued by an infusion at a rate of 2 ml/h. The spread of analgesia and haemodynamic changes (central venous pressure, arterial pressures, need for sympathomimetic medication) were registered. The mean dose of bupivacaine was 2.9 ml (range 1.5–5 ml) in the CSA group (3.0 ml in the SDSA group). Eight patients in the CSA group needed medication for pain during surgery compared to five patients in the SDSA group (n.s.). The median level of pinprick analgesia at 60 min was T11 in the CSA and T6.5 in the SDSA group (P<0.01). The mean maximum decreases in CVP and MAP were quite similar in the CSA and SDSA group (2.1 vs 2.8 mmHg (0.3 vs 0.4 kPa) and 17 vs 21 mmHg (2.3 vs 2.8 kPa), respectively) (n.s.). Six patients in the SDSA group and four patients in the CSA group needed sympathomimetic medication. It is concluded that titration of bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia caused only minor haemodynamic changes which were similar to those after single‐dose spinal bupivacaine.
Continuous coeliac plexus blockade plus intermittent wound infiltration with bupivacaine following upper abdominal surgery: a double‐blind randomised study
Authors: Hamid S. K. , Scott N. B. , Sutcliffe N. P. , Tighe S. Q. M. , Anderson J. R. , Cruikshank A. M. , Kehlet H.
Published: December 2008

In this double‐blind trial, we observed the effect of intermittent wound infiltration with local anaesthetic plus continuous coeliac plexus blockade on postoperative pain relief, pulmonary function, the neuroendocrine and acute phase protein response following upper abdominal surgery. In Group A (n = 10) patients received bupivacaine intermittently into the wound and continuously into the coeliac plexus following an initial bolus. A total of 862.5 mg of bupivacaine was used over 12 h with no observed toxicity. Group B (n = 10) received equal volumes of saline. Although pain relief was poor in both groups, the bupivacaine group used less morphine postoperatively and had lower pain scores than the saline group 4 h after operation (P<0.05). Pulmonary function was significantly reduced in both groups with no statistical difference between the two. Significant reductions in serum glucose and cortisol were achieved (P<0.05), suggesting that afferent neural blockade was partially effective in attenuating the neuroendocrine response. However, the postoperative rise in interleukin‐6 was not affected by this technique. It is concluded that total afferent neural blockade cannot be achieved with peripheral wound and coeliac plexus administration of relatively large doses of local anaesthetic during upper abdominal surgery.
A regression model for identifying patients at high risk of hypotension, bradycardia and nausea during spinal anesthesia
Authors: Tarkkila P. , Isola J.
Published: December 2008

We analyzed the predictive value of a number of demographic and anesthesiological variables with respect to the three most common complications during spinal anesthesia: hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea. A stepwise logistic regression model was created, using data from a prospective study of 1752 patients to combine the predictive value of all entry variables. The highest risk factors for hypotension were: age ≥50, a sensory level above Th6, receiving bupivacaine as a local anesthetic, body mass index ≥30, and receiving opiate as a premedication. An anesthetic level above Th6 and age below 50 were primarily associated with bradycardia. Females and those with a high sensory level or receiving opiate as a premedication were at significant risk of nausea. The model was also reliably predictive for a separate group of 200 consecutive spinal anesthesia patients. Thus, the risk model may be clinically useful in identifying high‐risk patients requiring additional attention.
Prilocaine in lumbosacral plexus block – general efficacy and comparison of nerve stimulation amplitude
Authors: Kaiser H. , Niesel H. C. , Klimpel L. , Bodenmueller M.
Published: December 2008

The significance of the threshold amperage of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for the efficacy and latency of sciatic block is shown in a controlled randomized study of stimulation amplitude. In all cases the block was complete within a short time when the threshold amperage was 0.3 mA or less. Incomplete motor and sensory blocks occurred with higher stimulation amplitudes of 0.5 and 1.0 mA. In view of these results a prospective study of the clinical efficacy of 852 combined sciatic/3‐in‐1 blocks using prilocaine, and performed by means of peripheral nerve stimulation was carried out. No CNS or cardiovascular complications, no problems resulting from methaemoglobinaemia and, above all, no nervous lesions were observed. The limiting factor for surgery of the lower limb with this method of anaesthesia is the tolerance of the femoral tourniquet which depends mainly on the efficacy of the 3‐in‐1 block. Ninety‐one per cent of the combined blockades were primarily successful when there was no tourniquet at all, and 87% when the tourniquet was placed on the lower leg. In the course of surgery with a femoral pneumatic tourniquet, only 55% of the blocks did not require supplement when 20 ml of 1% prilocaine was used for the 3‐in‐1 block, while 72% and 74% were efficacious with 30 ml and 35 ml, respectively. The efficacy of the sciatic block proved to be extremely high (>95%), its success depending on the dosage of the local anaesthetic and correct execution of the peripheral nerve stimulation.
Recommendations of the ISBT Working Party on Granulocyte Immunobiology for leucocyte antibody screening in the investigation and prevention of antibody‐mediated transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors:   ISBT Working Party on Granulocyte Immunobiology, Bierling P. , Bux J. , Curtis B. , Flesch B. , Fung L. , Lucas G. , Macek M. , Muniz‐Diaz E. , Porcelijn L. , Reil A. , Sachs U. , Schuller R. , Tsuno N. , Uhrynowska M. , Urbaniak S. , Valentin N. , Wikman A. , Zupanska B.
Published: December 2008

Background  Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is currently one of the most common causes of transfusion‐related major morbidity and death. Among the many TRALI mediators, leucocyte antibodies have been identified as important triggers of severe TRALI.

Study Design and Methods  These recommendations were compiled by experts of the ISBT Working Party on Granulocyte Immunobiology, based on the results obtained in eight international granulocyte immunology workshops, their personal experiences and on published study results.

Results  Leucocyte antibody screening has to include the detection of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I, class II and human neutrophil alloantigen antibodies using established and validated techniques. HLA class I antibody detection should be restricted to antibodies clinically relevant for TRALI. To avoid unnecessary workload, TRALI diagnosis should be assessed by consultation with the reporting clinician and thorough exclusion of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload/cardiac insufficiency. In patients diagnosed with TRALI having donors with detectable leucocyte antibodies, evidence of leucocyte incompatibility should be provided by either cross‐matching or typing of patient for cognate antigen.

Conclusion  Leucocyte antibody screening for the immunological clarification of TRALI cases as well as for identification of potentially alloimmunized blood donors is feasible and can be performed in a reasonable and quality assured manner. This practice can contribute to the prevention of antibody‐mediated TRALI.
Bacteria–diet interactions affect longevity in the medfly –Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Ben‐Yosef M. , Behar A. , Jurkevitch E. , Yuval B.
Published: December 2008

Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, Dipt.: Tephritidae) harbour a diverse community of bacteria in their digestive system. This microbiota may have important functions impacting on the fly’s fitness. Recently, we described the effect of eliminating intestinal bacteria on the reproductive success of C. capitata males and females. Here, we expand the view on the nature of fly–bacteria interactions by examining the effect of bacteria on male and female longevity. Antibiotics were used to suppress the gut bacterial community and mortality rates were compared between antibiotic‐treated and non‐treated flies when either nutritionally stressed (maintained on sugar) or provided with a full diet. These tests revealed that eliminating the gut bacterial population prolonged longevity, but only when flies were nutritionally stressed, indicating that the effect of bacteria on lifespan was diet dependent. Considering these results in light of other known effects of bacteria on fitness components of the fly demonstrates a cost‐benefit relationship between C. capitata and its gut microbiota.
Insect transgenesis applied to tephritid pest control
Authors: Scolari F. , Schetelig M. F. , Gabrieli P. , Siciliano P. , Gomulski L. M. , Karam N. , Wimmer E. A. , Malacrida A. R. , Gasperi G.
Published: December 2008

Tephritid fruit fly species cause major economical losses in crops worldwide. Genetic transformation of insect pests, which are targets of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a key component of area‐wide pest management, has been achieved for several years. For the medfly Ceratitis capitata as well as several Bactrocera and Anastrepha species, germline transformation can now be used to bioengineer strains that should increase the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of the SIT. Novel transformation vectors, robust genetic markers and diverse promoters to drive stage‐ and tissue‐specific gene expression provide powerful tools to test the contribution that these technologies can make to current SIT programmes.
Rapid assessment of the sex of codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) eggs and larvae
Authors: Fuková I. , Neven L. G. , Bárcenas N. M. , Gund N. A. , Dalíková M. , Marec F.
Published: December 2008

Two different methods were tested to identify the sex of the early developmental stages of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with a WZ/ZZ (female/male) sex chromosome system. First, it was shown that the sex of all larval stages can be easily determined by the presence or absence of sex chromatin, which is formed by the female‐specific W chromosome in interphase nuclei. This trait can also be used to identify the sex of newly hatched larvae but it does require care and accuracy. Secondly, a new sexing technique was developed based on a molecular marker of the codling moth W chromosome. Flanking regions of an earlier described W‐specific sequence (CpW2) were isolated and sequenced and a 2.74 kb sequence (CpW2‐EcoRI), specific for the W chromosome, was obtained. Several PCR tests were conducted, which confirmed that the CpW2‐EcoRI sequence is a reliable marker for the sex identification in codling moth samples of different geographical origin. In addition, a fragment of a codling moth gene, period (Cpper) was isolated and sequenced. Results of southern hybridization of the Cpper probe with female and male genomic DNA suggested that the Cpper gene is located on the Z chromosome. Then a multiplex PCR assay was developed, which co‐amplified the CpW2‐EcoRI sequence to identify the W chromosome and the Z‐linked Cpper sequence, which served as a positive control of accurate processing of tested samples. The multiplex PCR provides an easy and rapid identification of the sex of embryos and early larval instars of the codling moth.
Mitochondria in Mammalian Sperm Physiology and Pathology: A Review
Authors: Peña FJ , Rodríguez Martínez H , Tapia JA , Ortega Ferrusola C , González Fernández L , Macías García B
Published: December 2008

Contents

While, for a long time, the role of mitochondria in sperm physiology and pathology has been largely ignored, recent research points out the mitochondria as a major organelle with key roles in sperm function both under physiological and biotechnological conditions. This paper briefly reviews these novel findings regarding the role of mitochondria in sperm, paying special attention to the most practical, readily applicable, aspects of the topic such as their role as a major source of the sublethal damage that sperm experiments after cryopreservation.
Clinical impact of altered immunoglobulin levels in Henoch–Schönlein purpura
Authors: Fretzayas Andrew , Sionti Irene , Moustaki Maria , Nicolaidou Polyxeni
Published: December 2008

Background:  The aim of the present study was the identification of immunological features, present at the time of diagnosis, that would predict the severity of Henoch–Schönlein purpura and its outcome.

Methods:  A cohort study was carried out in a tertiary pediatric hospital of 69 children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura, in whom serum complement components C3, C4 and IgA, IgM, IgG were repeatedly determined.

Results:  During the acute phase of the disease in 54/69 patients (78.3%) immunological imbalances were observed. In 24/54 cases (44.4%) certain complications involving the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract were noted as opposed to in 3/15 children (20%) without immunologic abnormalities. In 50/69 children (72.5%), elevated serum IgA was detected and 16 of them (32%) developed renal involvement while only 1/19 children (5.3%) with normal IgA concentration had renal involvement. Considering separately the group of 9/69 children (13%) with increased IgM and those with normal IgM levels (53/69; 76.8%), irrespective of IgA and IgG concentration, we found a comparable percentage of children who had both renal and intestinal involvement without, however, developing severe complications, which were exclusively seen in patients with increased IgA (5/7 children) and reduced IgM levels. Serum C3 fraction was elevated in 26 children (37.7%) and in 73% of cases it was associated with increased serum IgA values.

Conclusion:  Renal involvement was seen in 32% of children with increased IgA values. Most importantly, elevated IgA concentration along with reduced IgM levels was associated with higher prevalence of severe complications.
Renal ischemia time in laparoscopic surgery: an experimental study in a porcine model
Authors: Humphreys Mitchell R , Castle Erik P , Lohse Christine M , Sebo Thomas J , Leslie Kevin O , Andrews Paul E
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery is becoming more common, only limited by experience of the surgeon and the renal ischemia time. It is currently unknown if laparoscopic surgery alters the accepted 30 min threshold for renal ischemia. The purpose of this study was to define the normothermic ischemic threshold in the laparoscopic setting.

Methods:  Twenty‐four domestic female pigs underwent a laparoscopic transperitoneal procedure after randomization to one of five treatment groups: 30, 60, 75, 90, and 120 min of unilateral renal ischemia. One animal was used as a control specimen and was not exposed to any surgery or pneumoperitoneum. The contralateral kidney in each animal was used as an individual control for the corresponding time of pneumoperitoneum. The animals were euthanized after 3 weeks, when both renal units were harvested and data were analyzed.

Results:  Three animals died secondary to complications from their procedure and were replaced. There was no association between urine volume and ischemic time, but urine creatinine and creatinine clearance decreased significantly as ischemic time increased. The control animal and 30 min ischemic group had similar results. Functional renal parameters decreased in those animals exposed to greater than 75 min of ischemia. The histologic analysis did not show any significant differences among the experimental groups.

Conclusion:  Renal function begins to deteriorate between 75 and 90 min of renal vascular occlusion in this two‐renal unit laparoscopic porcine model.
Neuroendocrine differentiation in the progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Komiya Akira , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Imamoto Takashi , Kamiya Naoto , Nihei Naoki , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Fuse Hideki
Published: December 2008

Neuroendocrine (NE) cells originally exist in the normal prostate acini and duct, regulating prostatic growth, differentiation and secretion. Clusters of malignant NE cells are found in most prostate cancer (PCa) cases. NE differentiation (NED) is the basic character of the prostate, either benign or malignant. NE cells hold certain peptide hormones or pro‐hormones, which affect the target cells by endocrine, paracrine, autocrine and neuroendocrine transmission in an androgen‐independent fashion due to the lack of androgen receptor. NED is accessed by immunohistochemical staining or measurement of serum levels of NE markers. The extent of NED is associated with progression and prognosis of PCa. Chromogranin A (CGA) is the most important NE marker. In metastatic PCa, pretreatment serum CGA levels can be a predictor for progression and survival after endocrine therapy. It is recommended to measure longitudinal change in serum CGA. The NE pathway can also be a therapeutic target.
Fungal keratitis in far north Queensland, Australia
Authors: Thew Michael RJ , Todd Brian
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background:  Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders form a significant proportion of the population in far north Queensland and are at increased risk for many eye conditions. This study describes the pattern of fungal keratitis seen at Cairns Base Hospital, far north Queensland, Australia.

Methods:  A retrospective review of all cases of culture positive fungal keratitis presenting between 1998 and 2008. The records of 17 patients were reviewed for epidemiological, risk factor, microbiological, treatment and outcome data.

Results:  The study included 16 eyes from 16 patients. Five (31.25%) patients were of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Pre‐disposing factors were ocular trauma (n = 7) and contact lens wear (n = 3). No patients were on topical steroids at presentation. All patients grew filamentous fungi with Fusarium the most common isolate (50%). Aspergillus, Curvularia and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were the next most common accounting for two cases each. Two patients developed corneal perforations, whereas two required penetrating keratoplasty and one required evisceration. Eight patients had a visual acuity of 6/18 or better at presentation and this increased to 13 patients at final follow up.

Conclusions:  A significant proportion of the patients presenting to Cairns Base Hospital with fungal keratitis are Indigenous. The very high percentage of cases due to filamentous fungi is similar to other tropical regions of the world. The very low rates of Candida infection and steroid use prior to presentation are in contrast to studies from temperate areas such as Melbourne and Philadelphia.
Blood flow in the peripapillary retina in exfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Harju Mika , Kurvinen Leena , Saari Jukka , Vesti Eija
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  The aim of this article is to study peripapillary retinal blood flow in patients with progressive and stable exfoliation glaucoma (ExG).

Methods:  Fifty‐eight eyes with ExG were included; 25 of them had progressive and 33 stable glaucoma. Retinal blood flow in the peripapillary retina was measured with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. Acquired flow maps were analysed with the automatic full‐field perfusion image analyser. Multiple logistic regression was used to model progression of glaucoma.

Results:  Mean retinal flow (MF; correlation coefficient, P‐value; R = 0.36, P = 0.006) and retinal minimum diastolic flow (R = 0.33, P = 0.011) were positively correlated with visual field mean defect (MD). Factors associated with progressive glaucoma were mean intraocular pressure (OR = 1.198 for each mmHg; P = 0.050) and visual field MD (OR = 1.134 for each dB; P = 0.013). Age (P = 0.35), MF (P = 0.58), or presence of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.17) were not associated with glaucoma progression.

Conclusion:  No difference in peripapillary retinal blood flow between progressive and stable ExG could be found.
Life‐threatening conjunctival presentation of myeloid sarcoma
Authors: Alexander Cathryn , Lee Graham A , Whitehead Kevin , Bashford John , Jefferies Peter D
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Myeloid sarcoma is a life‐threatening condition that can present rarely as a conjunctival lesion. This case report describes a 48‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed after conjunctival biopsy, subsequently systemically investigated and then treated with chemotherapy. Collaboration of the ophthalmologist, pathologist and oncologist was critical in the successful management of this patient.
Clinicopathological features of ocular cystinosis
Authors: Kocabora Mehmet Selim , Ozbilen Kemal Turgay , Altunsoy Muhsin , Ahishali Bulent , Taskapili Muhittin
Published: December 2008

Abstract

A 31‐year‐old woman who presented with photophobia was found to have bilateral corneal and conjunctival crystal deposition. Ocular cystinosis was diagnosed upon observation of typical crystals and lack of systemic involvement. In vivo confocal microscopy confirmed crystal deposition of the corneas and conjunctivae bilaterally. Optical coherence tomography showed stromal hyper‐reflectivity due to crystals within the corneal stroma. Transmission electron microscopy of the conjunctiva demonstrated pathognomonic intralysosomal cystine crystals inside fibroblasts and macrophages. Clinicopathological characteristics of ocular cystinosis are well described by this exceptional case.
Acanthamoeba keratitis cluster: an increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis in Australia
Authors: Ku Jae Yee , Chan Fiona M , Beckingsale Peter
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background:  This study was undertaken in response to an increase in the number of patients treated for Acanthamoeba keratitis at a tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Incidence and patient characteristics were investigated over a 4‐year period.

Methods:  A retrospective consecutive case series study was performed on patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis presenting to the Princess Alexandra Hospital between January 2003 and March 2007.

Results:  Nine cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis were identified over 12 months from March 2006 to March 2007 compared with four cases over the previous 37 months from January 2003 to February 2006. This was an increase from 0.07 cases per 1000 outpatient visits to 0.42 per 1000 (P = 0.003). Of the 13 cases, 11 patients used soft contact lenses of which two used monthly extended overnight wear silicone hydrogel lenses. Of the five patients who specified the type of contact lens solution they had used, three reported using AMO Complete Moistureplus Multipurpose solution, one reported using the AMO Complete Comfortplus Multipurpose solution and one was unsure which type of AMO Complete solution they were using.

Conclusions:  There has been a significant increase in incidence of cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis presenting to our institution. The type of contact lens solution and the use of silicon hydrogel lenses combined with extended overnight wear may play a role; however, the significance is unclear given the small numbers for analysis. Further study of incidence and patient characteristics is warranted to identify risk factors and causes for the rising incidence.
Laser corneal biofilm disruption for infectious crystalline keratopathy
Authors: Masselos Katherine , Tsang Hughie HC , Ooi Ju‐Lee , Sharma Neil S , Coroneo Minas T
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Crystalline keratopathy can be successfully treated by the Nd:YAG laser. We present two cases of crystalline keratopathy managed this way. A 36‐year‐old female contact lens wearer presented with crystalline keratopathy following recent treatment with topical steroids and antibiotics for a corneal abscess. In this case crystalline keratopathy developed despite the intensive topical antibiotic treatment. A 55‐year‐old man with a history of acne rosacea, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, asthma and Crohn's disease presented with crystalline keratopathy following an episode of infectious keratitis. Treatment with the Nd:YAG laser to the area of involvement was instituted in both cases. Noticeable resolution occurred within days, with subsequent full recovery. No side‐effects from the use of the Nd:YAG laser were noted. There have been only two cases previously reported using this treatment modality.
Arterial stiffness is associated with raised levels of the inflammatory marker erythrocyte sedimentation rate among ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: De Silva D. A. , Woon F.‐P. , Gan H.‐Y. , Chen C. , Chang H.‐M. , Cameron J. , Kingwell B. , Wong M.‐C.
Published: December 2008

We studied the relationship of arterial stiffness, measured by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and inflammation, measured by serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate among 334 ischaemic stroke patients. There was a significant correlation between carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.001), a relationship independent of age, hypertension, diabetes and smoking. Arterial stiffness and inflammation are associated among ischaemic stroke patients and are independent of established vascular risk factors.
Isotopic evidence for the provenance and turnover of organic carbon by soil microorganisms in the Antarctic dry valleys
Authors: Hopkins D. W. , Sparrow A. D. , Gregorich E. G. , Elberling B. , Novis P. , Fraser F. , Scrimgeour C. , Dennis P. G. , Meier‐Augenstein W. , Greenfield L. G.
Published: December 2008

The extremely cold and arid Antarctic dry valleys are one of the most environmentally harsh terrestrial ecosystems supporting organisms in which the biogeochemical transformations of carbon are exclusively driven by microorganisms. The natural abundance of 13C and 15N in source organic materials and soils have been examined to obtain evidence for the provenance of the soil organic matter and the C loss as CO2 during extended incubation (approximately 1200 days at 10°C under moist conditions) has been used to determine the potential decay of soil organic C. The organic matter in soils remote from sources of liquid water or where lacustrine productivity was low had isotope signatures characteristic of endolithic (lichen) sources, whereas at more sheltered and productive sites, the organic matter in the soils that was a mixture mainly lacustrine detritus and moss‐derived organic matter. Soil organic C declined by up to 42% during extended incubation under laboratory conditions (equivalent to 50–73 years in the field on a thermal time basis), indicating relatively fast turnover, consistent with previous studies indicating mean residence times for soil organic C in dry valley soils in the range 52–123 years and also with recent inputs of relatively labile source materials.
Methanogenic community composition and anaerobic carbon turnover in submarine permafrost sediments of the Siberian Laptev Sea
Authors: Koch Katharina , Knoblauch Christian , Wagner Dirk
Published: December 2008

The Siberian Laptev Sea shelf contains submarine permafrost, which was formed by flooding of terrestrial permafrost with ocean water during the Holocene sea level rise. This flooding resulted in a warming of the permafrost to temperatures close below 0°C. The impact of these environmental changes on methanogenic communities and carbon dynamics in the permafrost was studied in a submarine permafrost core of the Siberian Laptev Sea shelf. Total organic carbon (TOC) content varied between 0.03% and 8.7% with highest values between 53 and 62 m depth below sea floor. In the same depth, maximum methane concentrations (284 nmol CH4 g−1) and lowest carbon isotope values of methane (−72.2‰ VPDB) were measured, latter indicating microbial formation of methane under in situ conditions. The archaeal community structure was assessed by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for DGGE, followed by sequencing of reamplified bands. Submarine permafrost samples showed a different archaeal community than the nearby terrestrial permafrost. Samples with high methane concentrations were dominated by sequences affiliated rather to the methylotrophic genera Methanosarcina and Methanococcoides as well as to uncultured archaea. The presented results give the first insights into the archaeal community in submarine permafrost and the first evidence for their activity at in situ conditions.
Fifty‐two‐week efficacy and safety of vildagliptin vs. glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy
Authors: Ferrannini E. , Fonseca V. , Zinman B. , Matthews D. , Ahrén B. , Byiers S. , Shao Q. , Dejager S.
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To examine the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin vs. glimepiride as add‐on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a 52‐week interim analysis of a large, randomized, double‐blind, multicentre study. The primary objective was to demonstrate non‐inferiority of vildagliptin vs. glimepiride in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction at week 52.

Methods:  Patients inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy (HbA1c 6.5–8.5%) and receiving a stable dose of metformin (mean dose 1898 mg/day; mean duration of use 36 months) were randomized 1:1 to receive vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily, n = 1396) or glimepiride (titrated up to 6 mg/day; mean dose 4.5 mg/day, n = 1393).

Results:  Non‐inferiority of vildagliptin was demonstrated (97.5% confidence interval 0.02%, 0.16%) with a mean (SE) change from baseline HbA1c (7.3% in both groups) to week 52 endpoint of −0.44% (0.02%) with vildagliptin and −0.53% (0.02%) with glimepiride. Although a similar proportion of patients reached a target HbA1c level of <7% with vildagliptin and glimepiride (54.1 and 55.5%, respectively), a greater proportion of patients reached this target without hypoglycaemia in the vildagliptin group (50.9 vs. 44.3%; p < 0.01). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) reductions were comparable between groups (mean [SE] −1.01 [0.06] mmol/l and −1.14 [0.06] mmol/l respectively). Vildagliptin significantly reduced body weight relative to glimepiride (mean [SE] change from baseline −0.23 [0.11] kg; between‐group difference −1.79 kg; p < 0.001) and resulted in a 10‐fold lower incidence of hypoglycaemia than glimepiride (1.7 vs. 16.2% of patients presenting at least one hypoglycaemic event; 39 vs. 554 hypoglycaemic events, p < 0.01). No severe hypoglycaemia occurred with vildagliptin compared with 10 episodes with glimepiride (p < 0.01), and no patient in the vildagliptin group discontinued because of hypoglycaemia compared with 11 patients in the glimepiride group. The incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and adjudicated cardiovascular events was 74.5, 7.1 and 0.9%, respectively, in patients receiving vildagliptin, and 81.1, 9.5 and 1.6%, respectively, in patients receiving glimepiride.

Conclusions:  When metformin alone fails to maintain sufficient glycaemic control, the addition of vildagliptin provides comparable efficacy to that of glimepiride after 52 weeks and displays a favourable AE profile, with no weight gain and a significant reduction in hypoglycaemia compared with glimepiride.
Parent training for young Norwegian children with ODD and CD problems: Predictors and mediators of treatment outcome
Authors: FOSSUM STURLA , MØRCH WILLY‐TORE , HANDEGÅRD BJØRN H. , DRUGLI MAY B. , LARSSON BO
Published: December 2008

Participants were 121 children, aged 4–8 years referred for conduct problems, and their mothers. A parent training intervention was implemented in two outpatient clinics in Norway. Treatment responders were defined as children scoring below a cut‐off on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, a score below an optimal cut‐off for children in day‐care and school as reported by teachers, in addition to a 30% reduction or greater in observed negative parenting. Self‐reported parenting practices were explored as potential mediators. The results of logistic regression analyses showed that high levels of maternal stress, clinical levels of ADHD, and being a girl predicted a poorer outcome in conduct problems at home, while pretreatment clinical levels of ADHD predicted a poorer outcome as perceived by the teachers. Harsh and inconsistent parental disciplining emerged as significant partial mediators of changes in conduct problems, highlighting the importance of altering parenting practices to modify young children's conduct problems.
Career maturity: A latent means and covariance structure analysis of Daidalos
Authors: DYBWAD TOM‐ERIK
Published: December 2008

A latent means and covariance structure analysis was conducted to assess the construct validity and construct comparability in the measuring of career maturity across boys and girls. The career maturity inventory has been coined Daidalos. The sample consisted of 2,443 high school students recruited from one county in Norway. Of these, 1,132 were males, and 1,311 were females. The mean age of the participants was 17 years of age. Goodness‐of‐fit statistics provided support for a five‐factor first‐order model in which the factor loadings, factor covariances and item intercepts were invariant across groups. Additionally, ΔS‐B χ2 was shown to be non‐significant for the testing of invariance of the measurement model. Three significant differences in latent means were detected, with boys scoring higher on negative attitudes toward school or dropout intentions, and girls scoring higher on career uncertainty and need for world‐of‐work information.
Efficient order selection algorithms for integer‐valued ARMA processes
Authors: Enciso‐Mora Víctor , Neal Peter , Subba Rao T.
Published: December 2008

Abstract. We consider the problem of model (order) selection for integer‐valued autoregressive moving‐average (INARMA) processes. A very efficient reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) algorithm is constructed for moving between INARMA processes of different orders. An alternative in the form of the EM algorithm is given for determining the order of an integer‐valued autoregressive (INAR) process. Both algorithms are successfully applied to both simulated and real data sets.
Transformations and seasonal adjustment
Authors: Proietti Tommaso , Riani Marco
Published: December 2008

Abstract. We address the problem of seasonal adjustment of a nonlinear transformation of the original time series, measured on a ratio scale, which aims at enforcing two essential features: additivity and orthogonality of the components. The posterior mean and variance of the seasonally adjusted series admit an analytic finite representation only for particular values of the transformation parameter, e.g. for a fractional Box–Cox transformation parameter. Even if available, the analytical derivation can be tedious and difficult. As an alternative we propose to compute the two conditional moments of the seasonally adjusted series by means of numerical and Monte Carlo integration. The former is both fast and reliable in univariate applications. The latter uses the algorithm known as the ‘simulation smoother’ and it is most useful in multivariate applications. We present two case studies dealing with robust seasonal adjustment under the square root and the fourth root transformation. Our overall conclusion is that robust seasonal adjustment under transformations is feasible from the computational standpoint and that the possibility of transforming the scale ought to be considered as a further option for improving the quality of seasonal adjustment.
On stationarity and ergodicity of the bilinear model with applications to GARCH models
Authors: Kristensen Dennis
Published: December 2008

We establish sufficient conditions for the bilinear time‐series model to be strictly stationary and ergodic in terms of its associated Lyapunov exponent. In two special cases, we verify that the conditions are also necessary. We then use these results to give necessary and sufficient conditions for stationarity of specific generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (GARCH) models which can be written as a bilinear model, including linear GARCH, Power GARCH, EGARCH among others. These results generalize the ones found in the studies of, among others, Bougerol and Picard [Journal of Econometrics 52 (1992) 115], Duan [Journal of Econometrics 79 (1997) 97] and Nelson [Econometric Theory 6 (1990) 318]. In many cases, the conditions are weaker than the ones found elsewhere in the literature.
The Size and Structure of the World Mutual Fund Industry
Authors: Ramos Sofia B.
Published: December 2008

This paper analyses the mutual fund industry for 20 countries using a new database of more than 50,000 mutual funds. The results suggest that more developed industries provide more benefits to investors as they diversify more internationally, charge lower annual charges and present more product sophistication. The results also have important policy implications by emphasising the role of competition and contestability in industry development. Fewer barriers to entry are positively associated with a larger industry, and concomitantly with more efficiency in terms of returns and fees.