bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of cysteamine bitartrate following intraduodenal delivery
Authors: Dohil Ranjan , Cabrera Betty L. , Gangoiti Jon A. , Barshop Bruce A. , Rioux Patrice 
Published: November 2012

AbstractCysteamine is approved for the treatment of cystinosis and is being evaluated for Huntington's disease and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Little is known about the bioavailability and biodistribution of the drug. The aim was to determine plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tissue (liver, kidney, muscle) cysteamine levels following intraduodenal delivery of the drug in rats pretreated and naïve to cysteamine and to estimate the hepatic first‐pass effect on cysteamine. Healthy male rats (n = 66) underwent intraduodenal and portal (PV) or jugular (JVC) venous catheterization. Half were pretreated with cysteamine, and half were naïve. Following intraduodenal cysteamine (20 mg/kg), serial blood samples were collected from the PV or the JVC. Animals were sacrificed at specific time points, and CSF and tissue were collected. Cysteamine levels were determined in plasma, CSF, and tissue. The Cmax was achieved in 5–10 min from PV and 5–22.5 min from JVC. The PV‐Cmax (P = 0.08), PV‐AUC0–t (P = 0.16), JVC‐Cmax (P = 0.02) and JVC‐AUC0–t (P = 0.03) were higher in naive than in pretreated animals. Plasma cysteamine levels returned to baseline in ≤120 min. The hepatic first‐pass effect was estimated at 40%. Peak tissue and CSF cysteamine levels occurred ≤22.5 min, but returned to baseline levels ≤180 min. There was no difference in CSF and tissue cysteamine levels between naïve and pretreated groups, although cysteamine was more rapidly cleared in the pretreated group. Cysteamine is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine, undergoes significant hepatic first‐pass metabolism, crosses the blood brain barrier, and is almost undetectable in plasma, CSF, and body tissues 2 h after ingestion. Sustained‐release cysteamine may provide prolonged tissue exposure.
Existence of multiple units with different accretionary and metamorphic ages in the Sanbagawa Belt, Sakuma–Tenryu area, central Japan
Authors: Tsutsumi Yukiyasu , Miyashita Atsushi , Horie Kenji , Shiraishi Kazuyuki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractU–Pb ages of detrital zircons and white mica K–Ar ages are obtained from two psammitic schists from the western and eastern units of the Sanbagawa Metamorphic Belt located in the Sakuma–Tenryu area. The detrital zircons in the sample from the western unit (T1) show an age cluster around 95 Ma, and the youngest age in the detrital zircons is 94.0 ± 0.6 Ma. The detrital zircons in the sample from the eastern unit (T5) show a main age cluster in the Late Cretaceous with some older ages, and the youngest age in the detrital zircons is 72.8 ± 0.9 Ma. The youngest zircon ages restrict the older limit of the depositional ages of each sample. White mica K–Ar ages of T1 and T5 are 69.8 ± 1.5 Ma and 56.1 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively, which indicate the age of exhumation and restrict the younger limit on the depositional age of each sample. The results show that the western and eastern units were different in their depositional and exhumation ages, suggesting the episodic subduction and exhumation of the Sanbagawa Belt in the Sakuma–Tenryu area. These results also suggest simultaneous existence of subduction and exhumation paths of metamorphic rocks in the high‐P/T Sanbagawa Metamorphic Belt.
Does species‐level resolution matter? Taxonomic sufficiency in terrestrial arthropod biodiversity studies
Authors: Timms Laura L. , Bowden Joseph J. , Summerville Keith S. , Buddle Chris M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTaxonomic sufficiency, or the suitability of substituting higher level taxonomic designations as response variables in community ecology analyses, is important in biodiversity studies from practical and fundamental perspectives. While there are many studies of taxonomic sufficiency in aquatic systems, there are few studies with terrestrial arthropods that examine the effects of taxonomic resolution on the interpretation of multivariate community data.We analysed data sets from three major arthropod orders (Araneae,Coleoptera, andLepidoptera) using multivariate methods to determine whether altering the level of taxonomic resolution (species, genus, or family) affected patterns in community composition and beta diversity under various forest disturbance treatments.Overall patterns of community composition and beta diversity did not differ across taxonomic levels; however, patterns in group structure and significance of treatment effects were often stronger at species and/or genus level.The similarity between the outcomes of multivariate analyses at different levels of taxonomic resolution was related to within‐group taxonomic ratios; results were less consistent across levels of taxonomic resolution in groups with higher taxonomic ratios (i.e. more species per genus).We conclude that higher levels of taxonomic resolution will be sufficient for detecting the impacts of disturbance in lineages of terrestrial arthropods with higher levels of phylogenetic constraint, although this does not negate the necessity and importance of species‐level identifications in situations with sufficient resources and where study questions demand alpha taxonomy.
Investigation of a prolonged APTT. Different approaches taken by laboratories to achieve the same diagnosis
Authors: Jennings I. , Kitchen D. P. , Kitchen S. , Woods T. A. L. , Walker I. D. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryIntroductionThe APTT is widely employed as part of a coagulation screening panel, used as a pre‐operative assessment of bleeding risk, to detect hereditary and acquired haemostatic defects and to monitor anticoagulant therapy. External quality assessment (EQA) exercises assess laboratory performance of individual tests, but rarely assess the approach to investigation of an abnormal result.MethodsA multicentre exercise was carried out to investigate the ability of laboratories to identify the cause of a prolonged APTT. A sample was distributed with a request to carry out whichever tests were considered necessary to achieve a probable diagnosis.ResultsOne hundred and ten centres in the UK NEQAS programme took part, and all 104 centres providing an interpretation correctly identified deficiency of FVIII in the sample. However, of these, 10 centres reported additional defects, including lupus anticoagulant, FIX deficiency, FXII deficiency and a FVIII inhibitor.ConclusionsA markedly varied approach to investigation of a prolonged APTT was observed, although a lack of clinical information may have contributed to this finding.
Dissemination of Panton–Valentine leukocidin‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Mine Yoshiko , Nakasone Isamu , Yamamoto Yuichi , Utani Atsushi , Yamane Nobuhisa , Uezato Hiroshi , Takahashi Kenzo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPanton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a pore‐forming cytotoxin that is produced by Staphylococcus aureus closely associated with skin and soft‐tissue infections (SSTI). PVL‐positive S. aureus strains have been identified worldwide, including in the USA; however, few studies have reported the presence of these strains in Japan. In this study, we prospectively investigated the prevalence of PVL in S. aureus strains from outpatients presenting with SSTI in Okinawa and characterized the PVL‐positive S. aureus strains by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). From 2008–2010, 499 clinical samples were obtained from 497 people. S. aureus was identified in 274 samples, and 36% (99 of 274) were methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Seventeen (6.2%) PVL‐positive S. aureus strains were detected by PCR, and 12 of the 17 PVL‐positive strains were MRSA. Most PVL‐positive S. aureus caused furuncles or carbuncles. Nine of the 17 PVL‐positive isolates had an ST8 MRSA genotype and most harbored SCCmec type IVa and the arcA gene of the arginine catabolic mobile element, which is identical to the USA300 clone prevalent in the USA. PVL‐positive S. aureus strains were more likely to be resistant to erythromycin (65%) and levofloxacin (53%). PVL‐positive S. aureus strains have emerged and are spreading as a causative pathogen for SSTI in Okinawa.
Evaluation of a programme to increase referrals to stop‐smoking services using Children's Centres and smoke‐free families schemes
Authors: McEwen Andy , Hackshaw Lucy , Jones Laura , Laverty Louise , Amos Amanda , Robinson Jude 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimsTo assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a new service using referral liaison advisers to increase the number of referrals of parents/carers at selected Children's Centres to National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Services (SSS) and/or smoke‐free families schemes (SFS).DesignThis mixed‐methods pilot study collected numerical data on indicators of smoking behaviours and carried out face‐to‐face and telephone interviews.SettingsThirteen Children's Centres in Liverpool and Nottingham using local providers of smoking cessation services, from September 2010 to April 2011.ParticipantsParents and carers registered with, and staff working for, Children's Centres.MeasuresNumber of smokers referred to smoking cessation services and/or smoke‐free family schemes and the views of service providers and users on the new service.FindingsIn Liverpool, 181 referrals to NHS SSS were made from 331 identified smokers (54.7%); extrapolated to 12 months, this represents a 182% increase in referrals from baseline and a similar extrapolation indicates a 643% increase from baseline of referrals to smoke‐free families schemes. There were no reliable baseline data for Nottingham; 31 referrals were made (30.7% of smokers) to SSS and 44 referrals to SFS from 52 contacts (84.6%). The interviews highlighted the need for sustained personal contact with parents/carers to discuss smoking behaviours and concerns and their willingness to be referred to SFS as part of caring for their child.ConclusionsRoutine recording of smoking status and appropriate follow‐up by trained staff in Children's Centres can lead to significant numbers of clients attending stop‐smoking services, although relatively few stop smoking.
The analgesic efficacy and safety of neuraxial magnesium sulphate: a quantitative review
Authors: Albrecht E. , Kirkham K. R. , Liu S. S. , Brull R. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryEighteen published trials have examined the use of neuraxial magnesium as a peri‐operative adjunctive analgesic since 2002, with encouraging results. However, concurrent animal studies have reported clinical and histological evidence of neurological complications with similar weight‐adjusted doses. The objectives of this quantitative systematic review were to assess both the analgesic efficacy and the safety of neuraxial magnesium. Eighteen trials comparing magnesium with placebo were identified. The time to first analgesic request increased by 11.1% after intrathecal magnesium administration (mean difference: 39.6 min; 95% CI 16.3–63.0 min; p = 0.0009), and by 72.2% after epidural administration (mean difference: 109.5 min; 95% CI 19.6–199.3 min; p = 0.02) with doses of between 50 and 100 mg. Four trials monitored for neurological complications: of the 140 patients included, only a 4‐day persistent headache was recorded. Despite promising peri‐operative analgesic effect, the risk of neurological complications resulting from neuraxial magnesium has not yet been adequately defined.
Glacial survival and post‐glacial recolonization of an arctic–alpine freshwater insect (Arcynopteryx dichroa, Plecoptera, Perlodidae) in Europe
Authors: Theissinger Kathrin , Bálint Miklós , Feldheim Kevin A. , Haase Peter , Johannesen Jes , Laube Irina , Pauls Steffen U. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimGeneral models for understanding the climate‐driven processes of post‐glacial colonization in European arctic–alpine species are mainly derived from studies on temperate terrestrial taxa. However, cold‐adapted freshwater species may tolerate or even thrive under colder climatic conditions as flowing water habitats are thermally buffered against freezing and extremely cold temperatures. Here, we investigate the European Pleistocene and Holocene history of the arctic–alpine stonefly Arcynopteryx dichroa.LocationEurope.MethodsWe used two genetic data sets (mitochondrial sequence data and nuclear microsatellite data) to investigate the glacial survival and post‐glacial recolonization routes of A. dichroa. We used species distribution models to critically evaluate our genetic data and phylogeographical interpretations.ResultsAmong 344 sequenced individuals from eight European mountain ranges, 80 unique haplotypes were detected. Of these, 77 haplotypes were endemic to a single mountain range, indicating almost complete lineage sorting. Both sequence and microsatellite data suggested strong population differentiation between mountain ranges. The genetic hotspots were found in the Carpathians, the Balkans and the eastern Alps. The Black Forest and Fennoscandian populations exhibited shared and closely related haplotypes, indicating ancestral polymorphism in two populations that became disjunct due to vicariance or resulting from rare long‐distance dispersal among disjunct northern and southern periglacial populations.Main conclusionsArcynopteryx dichroa is a glacial relict that survived glacial cycles through elevation shifts in isolated periglacial populations in the Pyrenees, the central European highlands, the Carpathians, the Balkans and the eastern Alps. The species probably recolonized the formerly glaciated Fennoscandian range from a refugium in the central European highlands, following the retreat of the ice sheet. This study suggests that aquatic organisms may have reacted differently to Pleistocene climate change compared with terrestrial species.
Delirium in older patients: a diagnostic study of NEECHAM Confusion Scale in surgical intensive care unit
Authors: Matarese Maria , Generoso Stefano , Ivziku Dhurata , Pedone Claudio , De Marinis Maria Grazia 
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectivesTo estimate the diagnostic value and determine the feasibility of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale on critically ill older patients.BackgroundDelirium is a common syndrome in hospitalised older patients, especially in surgical intensive care units, and the consequences of under‐detection can be very serious for older people. Therefore, assessment of the cognitive status of older patients using a valid instrument is important in intensive care units.DesignA descriptive prospective design was used.MethodsConsecutive nonintubated patients aged 65 and older, admitted to a surgical intensive care unit of an Italian hospital during a seven months period, were assessed for delirium using the NEECHAM scale and the Confusion Assessment Method for intensive care unit, once per shift, for 48 hours after admission. Cohen's kappa coefficient, ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity were estimated. An open ended questionnaire was used to assess user‐friendliness of the scale.ResultsA sample of 41 older patients with a mean age of 78·3 years was studied. The kappa coefficient was 0·95. The sensitivity was 99·19%, specificity 95% at cut‐off of 25, and the area under the curve was 0·99 (CI 0·99–1·00). Nurses evaluated positively the scale as they were able to collect data during care process in maximum 10 minutes, but experienced problems in rating the appearance behaviour and physiological control items of the scale.ConclusionsFindings from this study confirm the good diagnostic value and ease of application of the NEECHAM scale with nonventilated intensive care patients.Relevance to clinical practiceThe NEECHAM scale can be used to detect delirium during the routine nursing assessment of nonintubated older patients as it requires minimal demand and stress on the patient as well as on the bedside nurse.
Organizing a dermatology service mission
Authors: Ramirez‐Fort Marigdalia K. , Lastra‐Vicente Rosana , Levitt Jacob O. , Sanchez Jorge L. , Reizner George T. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere are few published guidelines that describe the forethought and logistical considerations needed to create a dermatology‐specific medical mission.ObjectiveTo report the experience of planning and executing a successful medical mission to an underserved community in Puerto Rico.MethodsWe identified an area of need and projected the volume of patients and diseases to be treated. After recruiting medical staff, pharmaceutical and surgical supplies were collected. Important concerns included establishing the scope of medical and educational services to be rendered, advertising the clinic, arranging for biopsy processing, ensuring follow‐up, and selecting a method for medical documentation. We tracked the number of patients seen, diagnoses made, and materials used to prepare for future missions.ResultsWe recruited 12 physicians and 25 ancillary (i.e. nonlicensed physician) staff members, including: six dermatologists, four internists, one pathologist, one psychiatrist, 23 medical students, and two medical assistants. We secured 12 examination rooms in an existing medical facility. Two pharmaceutical companies and two pathology companies provided the medications and surgical supplies with the remainder coming from the volunteer physicians' offices. Three thousand dollars were raised and used toward purchasing additional supplies. Advertising via public announcements resulted in the attendance of 166 patients during the 1‐day clinic. A total of 41 procedures were performed, including 14 biopsies, five excisions, three incisions and drainage, and 19 electrodessications and curettage.ConclusionProper planning is critical in creating a successful dermatology mission. Documenting the care given and supplies used helps to identify needs and optimize limited resources for future missions. The goal of a self‐sustaining public health service starts with patient education and coordination with the local healthcare providers.
Biweekly sunitinib regimen reduces toxicity and retains efficacy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A single‐center experience with 31 patients
Authors: Neri Bruno , Vannini Agnese , Brugia Marco , Muto Andrea , Rangan Sheila , Rediti Mattia , Tassi Renato , Cerullo Carmine 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesSunitinib is the standard care for first‐line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine whether a sunitinib regimen of 50 mg/day 2‐weeks on/1‐week off could maintain the same dose‐intensity as the standard 4‐weeks on/2‐weeks off schedule, and provide the same efficacy in terms of objective response, progression‐free survival and overall survival, while reducing drug‐related toxicity.MethodsA total of 31 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma received sunitinib orally at the dose of 50 mg/day in a 2‐weeks on/1‐week off regimen until disease progression or intolerable toxicities occurred.ResultsAll enrolled patients were assessable in terms of toxicity and response. They received treatment for a median of 16 months (range 2.0–36.0+ months). A total of 13 patients (42%) obtained an objective response; disease stabilization was achieved in 10 patients (32%), whereas eight patients (26%) experienced disease progression. The most important toxicities were anemia, gastrointestinal effects, fatigue and hypertension, but they were all controlled.ConclusionsSunitinib 50 mg given orally in a 2‐weeks on/1‐week off regimen can provide a high response rate and avoid drug‐related toxicities, achieving the same dose intensity as the standard schedule, and probably longer disease control.
Potential tumor markers of renal cell carcinoma: α‐Enolase for postoperative follow up, and galectin‐1 and galectin‐3 for primary detection
Authors: Kaneko Naoki , Gotoh Akinobu , Okamura Noboru , Matsuo Ei‐ichi , Terao Shuji , Watanabe Makoto , Yamada Yuji , Hamami Gaku , Nakamura Tsutomu , Ikekita Masahiko , Okumura Katsuhiko , Nishimura Osamu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma is currently based on imaging techniques, mainly because there is no blood marker available for its detection. Thus, there is still the need for the development of novel tumor markers. We examined plasma levels of eight proteins in 15 renal cell carcinoma patients before and after surgery, and in 51 healthy controls using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels of α‐enolase, calnexin, galectin‐1, galectin‐3 and lectin mannose‐binding 2 were significantly higher in renal cell carcinoma patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Among these proteins, the sensitivities for galectin‐1 and galectin‐3 were higher than those for calnexin and lectin mannose‐binding 2 in the specificity range from 80% to 100%. A combined use of galectin‐1 and galectin‐3 showed 98% specificity and 47% sensitivity. In addition, the assays showed that plasma α‐enolase levels decreased significantly 4 weeks after nephrectomy (P = 0.0034), and this tendency continued until 12 weeks after nephrectomy (P = 0.0156). These findings suggest that α‐enolase could be used in the postoperative follow up of renal cell carcinoma patients, whereas the combined use of galectin‐1 and galectin‐3 might represent a useful tool for primary detection.
Histological chronic prostatitis and high‐grade prostate intra‐epithelial neoplasia do not influence urinary prostate cancer gene 3 score
Authors: De Luca Stefano , Passera Roberto , Milillo Angela , Coda Renato , Randone Donato Franco 
Published: November 2012

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series)Level of Evidence 4
What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?While the relationship between PCA3 score and clinical or histological prostatitis was quite proven even in small patient groups, conversely the relationship between PCA3 score and HG‐PIN is still under debate.We demonstrated in a large series (432 patients) that histologically documented chronic prostatitis and HG‐PIN have similar PCA3 scores to patients with BPH and/or normal parenchyma at biopsy.Objective
To determine whether histological chronic prostatitis and high‐grade prostate intra‐epithelial neoplasia (HG‐PIN) influence the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) score in Italian patients with an elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and a negative digital rectal examination (DRE) who were undergoing a first or repeat prostate biopsy.
Patients and Methods
A urinary PCA3 test was prospectively performed in 432 consecutive patients who were admitted to Gradenigo Hospital (Turin, Italy) between January and December 2011 and scheduled for first or repeat prostate biopsy as a result of an elevated PSA level and negative DRE.
A comparison of the PCA3 score and patients with a negative biopsy (normal parenchyma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic prostatitis, HG‐PIN) or positive biopsy was performed.
Results
PCA3 median (range) scores varied significantly (P < 0.001) in men with a negative vs positive biopsy: 33 (2–212) and 66 (5–324), respectively.
By contrast, men with chronic prostatitis and HG‐PIN showed no significant difference with respect to PCA3 score compared to other negative biopsy patients.
No correlation was found between the number of positive cores for chronic prostatitis, HG‐PIN and PCA3 score.
Of all patients with a positive biopsy, 23 (20%) of 114 men had a PCA3 score ≤35.
In total, 79 (40%) of 197 men with a negative biopsy (normal parenchyma and benign prostatic hyperplasia), 24 (37.5%) of 64 men with chronic prostatitis and 19 (39.6%) of 48 men with HG‐PIN had a PCA3 score >35.
Conclusion
At this early stage of clinical evaluation, cancer specificity of the urinary PCA3 test appears to be maintained in the face of chronic prostatitis and HG‐PIN.