bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Component‐resolved diagnosis of wasp (yellow jacket) venom allergy
Authors: Ebo D. G. , Faber M. , Sabato V. , Leysen J. , Bridts C. H. , De Clerck L. S. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundWasp venom allergy is a potentially life‐threatening condition with serious consequences of diagnostic error.ObjectiveTo assess whether component‐resolved diagnosis, using non‐glycosylated recombinant allergen components from yellow jacket can add to the diagnosis of wasp venom allergy.MethodsIn total, 148 patients with a wasp (yellow jacket) allergy were included, 91 with unequivocal tests, 26 with double positivity of serum‐specific IgE (sIgE) to both venoms, 21 with discrepant sIgE and skin test results and finally 10 having their diagnosis only confirmed by basophil activation test (negative sIgE and skin test results). Specific IgE to recombinant species‐specific allergen components Ves v 1 and Ves v 5 from yellow jacket, Api m 1 from honeybee and Ves v 5 complemented wasp venom were tested by ImmunoCAP.ResultsOverall, combined use of sIgE to rVes v 1 and rVes v 5 allowed correct diagnosis in 139 of the 148 patients (94%) and rApi m 1 was demonstrable in only one patient. Supplementing the traditional yellow jacket allergosorbent with rVes v 5 allowed to correctly diagnose wasp allergy in patients sensitized to Ves v 5 but demonstrating a negative sIgE to wasp venom.ConclusionComponent‐resolved diagnoses with the wasp‐specific recombinant allergen components Ves v 1 and Ves v 5 is a reliable method to diagnose yellow jacket allergy and can help to take out the sting of difficult cases. However, as the number of patients with doubt after conventional tests is small, larger collaborative studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions. Whether the rVes v 5 supplemented yellow jacket allergosorbent constitutes an asset in the diagnostic management of wasp venom allergy remains to be further established.
Evaluation of exclusion prenatal and exclusion preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington's disease in the Netherlands
Authors: van Rij MC , de Die‐Smulders CEM , Bijlsma EK , de Wert GMWR , Geraedts JP , Roos RAC , Tibben A 
Published: November 2012

van Rij MC, de Die‐Smulders CEM, Bijlsma EK, de Wert GMWR, Geraedts JP, Roos RAC, Tibben A. Evaluation of exclusion prenatal and exclusion preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington's disease in the Netherlands.Individuals at 50% risk of Huntington's disease (HD) who prefer not to know their carrier status, might opt for exclusion prenatal diagnosis (ePND) or exclusion preimplantation genetic diagnosis (ePGD). This study aims to provide a better understanding of couples' motives for choosing ePND or ePND, and surveys couples' experiences in order to make recommendations for the improvement of counselling for exclusion testing. This qualitative retrospective interview study focussed on couples who underwent ePND or ePGD for HD in the period 1996–2010. Seventeen couples were included of which 13 had experienced ePND and 6 ePGD. Mean time‐interval since exclusion‐testing was 3.9 years. Couples' moral reservations regarding termination of pregnancy (TOP) or discarding healthy embryos were counterbalanced by the wish to protect their future child against HD. Seven couples had terminated a total of 11 pregnancies with a 50% HD risk, none showed regret. ePGD was used by couples who wanted to avoid (another) TOP. ePND and ePGD are acceptable reproductive options for a specific group of counsellees. To guarantee sound standards of care, it is imperative that candidate couples be given in‐depth non‐directive counselling about all possible scenarios, and adequate professional and psychological support prior to, during and after ePND/ePGD.
Biologic meshes in perineal reconstruction following extra‐levator abdominoperineal excision (elAPE)
Authors: Marshall M. J. , Smart N. J. , Daniels I. R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractRecent improvements in the outcome for low rectal cancer have focused on the reconstruction of the perineal defect following greater acceptance of the need for a wider perineal excision encompassing the levator ani complex. In this article we look at the use of biologic materials to close the perineal defect and compare this with the use of other techniques.
The role of biologics in pelvic floor surgery
Authors: Ahmad M. , Sileri P. , Franceschilli L. , Mercer‐Jones M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe advent of laparoscopic surgery and with it Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (LVMR) has revolutionised the management of internal/external rectal and vaginal vault prolapse. These procedures have traditionally been performed with synthetic meshes. Biologics have gained a prominent role over the last decade in LVMR as well as perineal procedures for rectocoele and cystocoele repair. We examine the existing literature on the use of biologics in pelvic floor surgery comparing this with literature on synthetic mesh for the key outcomes of infection rates, bowel/sexual function and recurrence.
Collagen matrix injection combined with flap repair for complex anal fistula
Authors: Sileri P. , Boehm G. , Franceschilli L. , Giorgi F. , Perrone F. , Stolfi C. , Monteleone G. , Gaspari A. L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSeveral biomaterials have been proposed to treat anal fistula alone or in combination with other surgical procedures aiming to reduce recurrence rates while minimizing continence impairment. More recently a porcine dermal matrix injection has been proposed as infill biomaterial to treat fistulae. We propose an approach consisting of non‐cutting seton positioning followed several weeks later by flap repair associated with dermal matrix injection into the fistula tracts. We report our experience with this two‐staged procedure on 24 consecutive patients with complex anal fistulae with a median follow up of > 12 months. In our experience this two‐stage approach seems to be safe and effective.
Initial metformin or sulphonylurea exposure and cancer occurrence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qiu H. , Rhoads G. G. , Berlin J. A. , Marcella S. W. , Demissie K. 
Published: November 2012

AimThis was a retrospective cohort study of type 2 diabetes patients, to evaluate the association between initial metformin or sulphonylurea treatment and cancer incidence.MethodsPatients identified in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), previously General Practice Research Database, during 1995–2008 who were initially stabilized on OHA monotherapy, including metformin, sulphonylurea, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or meglitinides, were included in the cohort. New diagnoses of cancer, including malignant solid tumours and haematological malignancies, occurring during the follow‐up were identified from the cohort. Age‐standardized incidence rates were estimated and compared between metformin and sulphonylurea exposure groups.ResultsThe age standardized incidences of cancer were 7.5 and 8.5 per 1000 person‐years for the metformin and sulphonylurea exposure groups, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratios (HR) for malignant solid tumours and haematological malignancies were 1.06 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.15) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.43) for sulphonylurea group as compared to the metformin group, respectively. For individual cancers, the HRs were 1.17 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.44), 1.04 (95% CI: 0.83, 1.31) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.11) for colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, respectively.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that cancer incidence in the first few years after starting metformin or sulphonylurea therapy in type 2 diabetes patients is not much affected by choice of hypoglycaemic drug class.
Demonstration of Right Ventricular Volume Assessment by Three‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in an Infant with Surgically Palliated Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (A Case from the MAGYAR‐Path Study)
Authors: Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Katona Márta , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila 
Published: November 2012

Mini‐AbstractHypoplastic left heart syndrome is one of the most severe forms of congenital heart disease, and despite surgical palliation, a major morbidity is progressive right ventricular failure. Three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography is a new, noninvasive method to measure global and regional left ventricular volumes and function through strain analysis in 4 dimensions. In the present case, three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography was feasible for the evaluation of right ventricular volumes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Diastolic Mitral Regurgitation in 2:1 Atrioventricular Block: Insight of the Diastolic Pressure
Authors: Kocabay Gonenc , Peluso Diletta , Muraru Denisa , Iliceto Sabino , Badano Luigi P. 
Published: November 2012

Mini‐AbstractWe present a 74‐year‐old man with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath and dizziness. A resting electrocardiogram showed 2:1 atrioventricular block with a wide QRS duration and a rhythm of 35 beats/min. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and color flow Doppler, color M‐mode, and continuous‐wave Doppler recordings of the transmitral flow revealed retrograde flow into the left atrium after the blocked P‐wave, which indicate holodiastolic mitral regurgitation.
Early cleavage in Phoronis muelleri (Phoronida) displays spiral features
Authors: Pennerstorfer Markus , Scholtz Gerhard 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYThe view that early cleavage in Phoronida follows a radial pattern is widely accepted. However, data supporting this characterization are ambiguous. Studies have been repeatedly reporting variation between individual embryos, and the occurrence of embryos exhibiting oblique divisions or nonradial cell arrangements. Such embryos were often considered to represent variation within radial cleavage, or artificial appearances. Cleavage in Phoronis muelleri was previously characterized as “derived radial,” but also oblique spindles and cell elongations, and shifted cell arrangements were observed. We studied the early cleavage in P. muelleri applying 4D microscopy, fluorescent staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. To deal with the problem of variation we provide statistical evaluations of our data. These show that oblique divisions do not represent variational abnormalities. In fact, they reveal that most cells divide obliquely from the third cleavage onwards. What is more, in almost all cells the axis of the third cleavage is inclined dextrally. The fourth cleavage is even stronger sinistrally pronounced. Subsequently, the pattern of alternating cleavage orientation is largely restricted to animal and vegetal blastomeres. As a result of the obliqueness of divisions, four cells encircle the poles in most embryos. Cross furrows are occasionally present. We found no indications for radial cleavage in P. muelleri. In contrast, the observed cleavage displays several characters consistent with the pattern of spiral cleavage. A close relation of phoronid and spiralian cleavage is also suggested by molecular phylogenies, allying both groups in the Lophotrochozoa. We suggest our findings to represent morphological support for this lophotrochozoan/spiralian affinity of Phoronida.
GABAB receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition reverses inter‐columnar covariability of synaptic actions by intracortical axons in the rat barrel cortex
Authors: Sato Hajime , Toyoda Hiroki , Saito Mitsuru , Kobayashi Masayuki , Althof Daniel , Kulik Ákos , Kang Youngnam 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntracortical axons originating from pyramidal cells in layer 3 of the rat somatosensory cortex are shared between adjacent columns, and receive the presynaptic inhibition that is mediated by the GABAB receptor. Synaptic actions by intracortical axons of single layer 3 pyramidal cells covary between the two adjacent columns in response to stimulation of layer 3 of either column. We examined whether GABAB receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition affects the covariability of synaptic actions by intracortical axons between adjacent columns in slice preparations of the rat barrel cortex. Paired stimulations of superficial layer 3 evoked first and second excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of varying amplitudes, yielding varying paired‐pulse depression of EPSCs in layer 3 pyramidal cells that were located in the stimulated column, but not in its adjacent column. The amplitude of the second EPSC was inversely proportional to that of the first EPSC in layer 3 pyramidal cells in the stimulated column, yielding a negative correlation coefficient between the first and second EPSCs. Baclofen and CGP55845 attenuated paired‐pulse depression and abolished the inverse relationship. Simultaneous recordings from two layer 3 pyramidal cells in the stimulated and adjacent columns revealed a positive correlation between the paired first EPSC amplitudes and a negative correlation between the paired second EPSC amplitudes, which, respectively, indicate the positive and negative covariability of synaptic actions by intracortical axons between the two adjacent columns. These results suggest that GABAB receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition can reverse the positive covariability of inter‐columnar synaptic actions, which may serve as a basis for inter‐columnar desynchronisation.
Asymmetric and frequency‐dependent pollinator‐mediated interactions may influence competitive displacement in two vernal pool plants
Authors: Runquist Ryan Briscoe , Stanton Maureen L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA plant species immigrating into a community may experience a rarity disadvantage due to competition for the services of pollinators. These negative reproductive interactions have the potential to lead to competitive displacement or exclusion of a species from a site. In this study, we used one‐ and two‐species arrays of potted plants to test for density and frequency dependence in pollinator‐mediated and above‐ground intraspecific and interspecific competition between two species of Limnanthes that have overlapping ranges, but rarely occur in close sympatry. There were asymmetric competitive effects; the species responded differently to their frequency within 16‐plant replacement series arrays. Limnanthes douglasii rosea experienced stronger reductions in lifetime and per‐flower fertility, likely due to pollinator‐mediated competition with Limnanthes alba. This effect may be linked to asymmetrical competition through heterospecific pollen transfer. This study demonstrates that pollinator‐mediated competition may discourage establishment of L. d. rosea in sites already occupied by its congener.
Passive transfer and rate of decay of maternal antibody againstAfrican horse sickness virus inSouthAfricanThoroughbred foals
Authors: Crafford J. E. , Lourens C. W. , Gardner I. A. , Maclachlan N. J. , Guthrie A. J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyAfrican horse sickness is an insect‐transmitted, noncontagious disease of equids caused byAfrican horse sickness virus (AHSV). Mortality can exceed 90% in fully susceptible horse populations. A live‐attenuated (modified live) cell‐culture‐adapted (MLV) polyvalentAHSVvaccine is widely used to controlAfrican horse sickness in endemic areas in southernAfrica. Field studies detailing antibody responses of vaccinated horses are lacking.ObjectivesTo determine antibody titres to the 9 known serotypes ofAHSVin a cohort of broodmares that were regularly vaccinated with theMLV AHSVvaccine and to measure the passive transfer and rate of decay of maternal antibody to the individual virus serotypes in foals.MethodsSerum was collected from 15 mares before foaling and from their foals after foaling and monthly thereafter for 6 months. Antibody titres to each of the 9AHSVserotypes were determined by serum virus neutralisation assay.ResultsThere was marked variation in the antibody response of the mares to individualAHSVserotypes even after repeated vaccination, with consistently higher titre responses to some virus serotypes. Likewise, the duration of maternally derived antibodies in foals differed among serotypes.ConclusionsData from this study confirm variation of the neutralising antibody response of individual mares to repeated vaccination with polyvalentAHSVvaccine. Virus strains of individualAHSVserotypes included in the vaccine may vary in their inherent immunogenicity. Passively acquired maternal antibodies toAHSVvary markedly among foals born to vaccinated mares, with further variation in the duration of passive immunity to individualAHSVserotypes.Potential relevanceThese data are relevant to the effective utilisation of live‐attenuatedAHSVvaccines in endemic regions, and potentially to the use of vaccines in response to future incursions ofAHSVinto previously free regions. Further studies involving a larger population will be required to determine the optimal time for vaccinating foals.
Complementary and alternative medicine for Alzheimer's disease: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Posadzki Paul , Ernst Edzard , Lee Myeong Soo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this overview was to critically evaluate the literature on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for Alzheimer's disease.MethodFour electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant systematic reviews of effectiveness of CAM for Alzheimer's disease. Reviews were defined as systematic if they included explicit and repeatable criteria for the selection of primary studies. The methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the Oxman criteria for systematic reviews.ResultsSix systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Most reviews were of high quality. Three reviews arrived at ambiguous conclusions, two arrived at positive conclusions and one reached a negative conclusion.ConclusionsEvidence supporting the effectiveness of CAM for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is ambiguous. Since some herbal medicines show promise in the management of Alzheimer's disease, future research seems justified.
Regulation of glycogen synthase from mammalian skeletal muscle – a unifying view of allosteric and covalent regulation
Authors: Palm Daniel C. , Rohwer Johann M. , Hofmeyr Jan‐Hendrik S. 
Published: November 2012

It is widely accepted that insufficient insulin‐stimulated activation of muscle glycogen synthesis is one of the major components of non‐insulin‐dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus. Glycogen synthase, a key enzyme in muscle glycogen synthesis, is extensively regulated, both allosterically (by glucose‐6‐phosphate, ATP, and others) and covalently (by phosphorylation). Although glycogen synthase has been a topic of intense study for more than 50 years, its kinetic characterization has been confounded by its large number of phosphorylation states. Questions remain regarding the function of glycogen synthase regulation and the relative importance of allosteric and covalent modification in fulfilling this function. In this review, we consider both earlier kinetic studies and more recent site‐directed mutagenesis and crystal structure studies in a detailed qualitative discussion of the effects of regulation on the kinetics of glycogen synthase. We propose that both allosteric and covalent modification of glycogen synthase may be described by a Monod–Wyman–Changeux model in terms of apparent changes to L, the equilibrium constant for transition between the T and R conformers. As, with the exception of L, all parameters of this model are independent of the glycogen synthase phosphorylation state, the need to determine kinetic parameters for all possible states is eliminated; only the relationship between a particular state and L must be established. We conclude by suggesting that renewed efforts to characterize the relationship between phosphorylation and the kinetics of glycogen synthase are essential in order to obtain a better quantitative understanding of the function of glycogen synthesis regulation. The model we propose may prove useful in this regard.
Does seasonal flooding give a native species an edge over a global invader?
Authors: HO SUSIE S. , BOND NICK R. , THOMPSON ROSS M. 
Published: November 2012

Summary1. The factors that promote coexistence of global invaders and native species are poorly understood. The role of abiotic factors in determining the dominance of invasive species is also an area of increasing interest. Gambusia holbrooki (Eastern Mosquitofish) is an important global invader, displacing endemic fish and frogs on four continents. However, Gambusia co‐occurs with a similar‐sized fish (Hypseleotris spp.) in dynamic floodplain wetland pools of south‐eastern Australia.2. We examined the relative abundance of Gambusia and Hypseleotris in regularly flooded and irregularly flooded pools to determine whether seasonal hydrological disturbance may be advantageous to the native species. We aimed to determine whether Gambusia and Hypseleotris populations respond differently to regular seasonal flooding and whether this could reduce the ability of Gambusia to dominate numerically the native species. We tested this by sampling fish bi‐monthly in 15 floodplain pools over 2.5 years.3. We found that the relative abundance of the two species differed between regularly and irregularly flooded pools, while both pool types persisted (over a period of a year). Hypseleotris were numerically dominant in regularly flooded pools from spring through to autumn, following a major spring flood. In contrast, Gambusia were more abundant than Hypseleotris in irregularly flooded pools from summer until pools dried completely.4. Due to the higher reproductive response of Hypseleotris to a spring flood, and the timing of its breeding season, we suggest that Hypseleotris may have a reproductive advantage over Gambusia during productive post‐flood spring/summer conditions. While the abundances of both species were usually within a similar range, variation in hydrologic habitats and the inter‐play between life‐history traits and hydrologic disturbance may nonetheless give the native fish an edge.
Caregivers’ attitudes regarding oral health in a long‐term care institution in Brazil
Authors: Junges Roger , Portella Fernando Freitas , Hugo Fernando Neves , Padilha Dalva Maria Pereira , Samuel Susana Maria Werner 
Published: November 2012

Background and objectiveThe number of elderly living in long‐term care (LTC) institutions has been increasing in many countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the caregivers’ attitudes and considerations regarding oral health and oral health practices in an LTC institution in Porto Alegre, Brazil.Materials and methodsThe population comprised the caregivers (n = 27) at an LTC in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire assessing the time of work at the LTC, number of elderly under their responsibility, their previous training to perform general and oral healthcare, availability of oral hygiene supplies and oral hygiene tasks they performed.ResultsA total of eighteen (75%) and 23 (95.8%) of the caregivers answered they performed teeth and denture brushing as part of their routine. When asked about performing hygiene of the mucosa with gauze, 21 (87.5%) participants stated that they did so. However, when asked if they would motivate the independent elderly to perform oral hygiene, only 10 (41.7%) of the caregivers responded positively.ConclusionCaregivers’ oral health practices are in accordance with good oral health methods and are not associated with difficulties in performing oral hygiene. However, the high number of elderly people in their care could possibly overwhelm caregivers’ practices. Future qualitative assessment of these issues is needed.