bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic airway inflammation is increased in children with asthma and food allergies
Authors: Kulkarni Neeta , Ragazzo Vincenzo , Costella Silvia , Piacentini Giorgio , Boner Attilio , O’Callaghan Christopher , Fiocchi Alessandro , Kantar Ahmad 
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Kulkarni N, Ragazzo V, Costella S, Piacentini G, Boner A, O’Callaghan C, Fiocchi A, Kantar A. Eosinophilic airway inflammation is increased in children with asthma and food allergies. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 28–33.AbstractBackground:  Asthma is associated with food allergies in a significant number of children, with evidence linking allergies to asthma severity and morbidity. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that the eosinophilic lower airway inflammation is higher in asthmatic children with food allergies.Aims:  The aims of the study were to compare the eosinophilic inflammatory markers in asthmatic children with and without food allergies.Materials and Methods:  Children with asthma, with (n = 22) and (n = 53) without food allergies were included. All subjects were classified according to the GINA guidelines (2009) and had received at least 3 months of anti‐inflammatory therapy prior to testing. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and sputum differential counts were performed using standard techniques.Results:  Children with asthma and food allergies had significantly higher fractional exhaled nitric oxide median (range) [(22.4 (6.1–86.9) vs. 10.3 (2.7–38.7) (p = 0.01)] and sputum eosinophil percentage [15.5 (5.0–53.0) vs. 2.0 (0–20) (p < 0.001)] compared with asthmatic children without allergies.Conclusion:  These results suggest that the children with asthma and food allergies have increased eosinophilic inflammation of the airways.
The IgE repertoire in children and adolescents resolved at component level: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Melioli Giovanni , Marcomini Laura , Agazzi Alessia , Bazurro Gyada , Tosca Mariangela , Rossi Giovanni A. , Minale Paola , Rossi Renato , Reggiardo Giorgio , Canonica Giorgio W. , Passalacqua Giovanni 
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Melioli G, Marcomini L, Agazzi A, Bazurro G, Tosca M, Rossi GA, Minale P, Rossi R, Reggiardo G, Canonica GW, Passalacqua G. The IgE repertoire in children and adolescents resolved at component level: A cross‐sectional study.  Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 433–440.AbstractBackground:  It is well known that allergy evolves at clinical level from the birth to adulthood, and this has been clearly demonstrated also at a level of sensitization. However, little information is available on the evolution of the IgE repertoire directed to single allergenic components. In this cross‐sectional, observational study, the evolution of the IgE repertoire was analysed at component level.Methods:  Serum samples from 901 allergic patients, stratified in 6 groups according to age, were analysed by ImmunoCAP ISAC, a microarray chip that allows to identify the presence of specific IgE towards 103 different allergen components. Total IgE were also evaluated.Results:  The behaviour of total IgE according to age strictly paralleled that of the sum of specific IgE directed to molecular components. As expected, food‐related components (in particular those of milk and egg) were the most frequently recognized in the earliest ages, whereas specific IgE to plant allergens appeared invariably later. Nonetheless, IgE specific to mite components was the most represented in all age classes. Of note, specific IgE against cross‐reacting allergens was virtually absent in the first years and tended to appear only after the age of 6.Conclusion:  Despite this was not a study performed on a cohort of patients followed up from birth to adolescence, the molecular patterns of allergen recognition resulted modified according to age. These findings may support, at molecular level, the clinical features of the allergic march.
Exuberant Mucometra Associated with Atresia of the Cervix in a Queen
Authors: Batista‐Arteaga M , Santana M , Espinosa‐de‐los‐Monteros A , Déniz S , Alamo D , Herráez P 
Published: November 2011

ContentsThis short communication reports the clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in a cat with atresia of the uterine cervix and mucometra. After 6 months of continuous oestrous behaviour, a remarkable abdominal enlargement was observed in a 14‐year‐old queen. A presumptive diagnosis of mucometra was concluded after the ultrasound evaluation and based on clinical signs and blood analyses. Ovariohysterectomy revealed a notable symmetrical distension (4–5 cm in diameter) of both uterine horns that were filled with fluid (690 ml); microbiological analyses confirmed the aseptic nature of the uterine fluid. Ovarian follicular cysts and cystic subsurface epithelial structures, >1.5 cm in diameter, were present in both ovaries and no corpora lutea were observed. Gross and microscopic evaluation of the uterus confirmed the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia and the absence of an internal cervical os. The endometrial hyperplasia and mucometra could have developed as a consequence of repeated oestrogenic stimulation.
A comparison of nurses' perceptions of elective laparoscopic or elective open colorectal resections
Authors: Richardson Gillian , Whiteley Ian 
Published: November 2011

Richardson G, Whiteley I. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 621–627A comparison of nurses' perceptions of elective laparoscopic or elective open colorectal resectionsThe purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure the perceived benefits nurses observe in the recovery of patients who have undergone elective laparoscopic colorectal resections vs. traditional open elective colorectal resections. Secondly, to determine if there are perceived differences in the intensity of nursing required to care for these patients. A twenty‐three‐point questionnaire was developed and distributed to 23 colorectal nurses working in a single tertiary referral hospital. There was an 83.6% response rate. The findings demonstrate that the participants believe there are significantly better outcomes for the laparoscopic patients in the postoperative period. These benefits include more rapid resumption of independence, decreased pain and fewer complications. The nurses also perceived less time and effort was required when caring for these patients.
Effect of Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius, pod size and patch density on Exapion fuscirostre (Coleoptera, Apionidae) seed weevil oviposition
Authors: Rodriguez Erik , Peco Begoña , Gurrea M Pilar 
Published: November 2011

AbstractCytisus scoparius (L) Link (Fabaceae) is a broom species of European origin introduced both accidentally and as an ornamental plant to Australia, New Zealand and America, where it is classified as a noxious invasive species. One of its main seed predators is Exapion (Exapion) fuscirostre (Fabricius), a weevil with a Palearctic distribution and which has been introduced to United States and New Zealand as a biological control agent. Factors influencing the insect's choice of oviposition location are crucial for the plant's reproductive success. We examined E. fuscirostre oviposition on the host plant, C. scoparius, in the European Mediterranean region. We analysed the effect of pod size, seed abortion rate and host plant patch density on seed infestation rate. Oviposition was greater in patches with low‐medium plant densities. Oviposition was also negatively related with seed abortion rate per pod and the rate of infestation by other seed‐eating insects. Pod dimensions, particularly width, were positively related with E. fuscirostre oviposition.
Invasive colorectal cancer within 5 years of negative colonoscopy in a Japanese population
Authors: Horiuchi A. , Nakayama Y. , Kajiyama M. , Kamijima T. , Tanaka N. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim  Colonoscopy provides imperfect protection against colorectal cancer (CRC).In an attempt to improve cancer detection we evaluated the clinical features of invasive CRC detected within 5 years of a negative colonoscopy.Method  The details of colonoscopies performed in a rural hospital in Japan were prospectively recorded at the time of the examination. The patients were followed over 5 years for the subsequent occurrence of cancer.Results  In a 5‐year period, 10 148 patients underwent colonoscopy and 202 without previous colonoscopy were diagnosed with invasive CRC. Of 3212 patients with a colonoscopy negative for cancer, nine developed invasive cancer within 5 years. The ratios for invasive CRC detected without/with previous colonoscopy were 60:1 in the rectum, 54:1 in the sigmoid colon, 15:1 in the descending colon, 28:0 in the transverse colon, 31:5 in the ascending colon and 14:1 in the caecum (P = 0.041). The ratio between left‐ and right‐sided colonic cancer was also significantly different (129:3 and 45:6, P = 0.0078). Six (67%) of the invasive CRCs were in the ascending colon or caecum. Five of six patients with invasive CRC in the ascending colon and caecum had right‐sided small adenomas at prior colonoscopy.Conclusion  The majority of early/missed CRCs were right‐sided and associated with prior right‐sided colonic adenomas. Repeated colonoscopy of patients with right‐sided adenomas at a shorter surveillance interval deserves consideration.
A 10‐year experience of total pelvic exenteration for primary advanced and locally recurrent rectal cancer based on a prospective database
Authors: Nielsen M. B. , Rasmussen P. C. , Lindegaard J. C. , Laurberg S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim  The study was conducted in a dedicated centre treating the majority of Danish patients with intended curative total pelvic exenteration for primary advanced (PARC) or locally recurrent (LRRC) rectal cancer. We compared PARC and LRRC and analysed postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long‐term outcome.Method  There were 90 consecutive patients (PARC/LRRC 50/40) treated between January 2001 and October 2010, recorded on a prospectively maintained database.Results  The median age was 63 (32–75) years with a gender ratio of 7 women to 83 men. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists level I or II. Sacral resection was performed in five patients with PARC and 15 with LRRC (P = 0.002). R0 resection was achieved in 33 (66%) patients with PARC and in 15 (38%) with LRRC, R1 resection in 17 (34%) with PARC and 20 (50%) with LRRC and R2 resection in five (13%) with LRRC. R0 resection was more frequent in PARC (P = 0.007). Forty‐four (49%) patients had no postoperative complications. Fifty‐five major complications were registered. Two (2.2%) patients died within 30 days, and the total in‐hospital mortality was 5.6%. The median follow‐up was 12 (0.4–91) months. The 5‐year survival was 46% for PARC and 17% for LRRC (P = 0.16).Conclusion  Pelvic exenteration is associated with considerable morbidity but low mortality in an experienced centre. Pelvic exenteration can improve long‐term survival, especially for patients with PARC. However, pelvic exenteration is also justified for patients with LRRC.
Local recurrence of rectal cancer: a population‐based cohort study of diagnosis, treatment and outcome
Authors: Kodeda K. , Derwinger K. , Gustavsson B. , Nordgren S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim  Local recurrence is an important endpoint of rectal cancer treatment, but details of this form of treatment failure are less well described. The aim of this study was to acquire deeper knowledge of local recurrence regarding symptoms, diagnostic work‐up, clinical management, health‐care utilization and outcome.Method  Of 671 patients with rectal cancer, 57 were diagnosed with local recurrence within 5 years after surgery. Their records were analysed.Results  At diagnosis of local recurrence 49 (86%) of 57 patients were symptomatic and 40 (70%) were diagnosed between scheduled follow‐up visits. The predominant symptom was pain. Forty‐five of the 57 (79%) had a palpable tumour. Most were deemed incurable at presentation and 10 (18%) were operated on with curative intent. Five years after the initial rectal cancer surgery, two patients were alive, with one free of disease. Despite the need for multiple interventions, including surgery, only four out of 40 patients were classified as being well‐palliated in the terminal stage.Conclusion  Follow‐up after rectal cancer surgery by annual clinical examination is not sufficient to detect local recurrence when it is asymptomatic. Local recurrence of rectal cancer is often associated with intractable symptoms. These patients require frequent interventions and can rarely be cured if diagnosed at an advanced stage. Strategies for early detection of local recurrence and the management thereof require improvement.
Effects of in utero antiretroviral exposure on mitochondrial DNA levels, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress
Authors: Ross AC , Leong T , Avery A , Castillo‐Duran M , Bonilla H , Lebrecht D , Walker UA , Storer N , Labbato D , Khaitan A , Tomanova‐Soltys I , McComsey GA 
Published: November 2011

ObjectivesHIV and antiretroviral (ART) exposure in utero may have deleterious effects on the infant, but uncertainty still exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate aspects of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress simultaneously in placenta, umbilical cord blood and infant blood in HIV/ART‐exposed infants compared with uninfected controls.MethodsHIV‐1‐infected pregnant women and HIV‐1‐uninfected healthy pregnant controls were enrolled in the study prospectively. Placenta and umbilical cord blood were obtained at delivery and infant blood was obtained within 48 h of delivery. mtDNA content was determined for each specimen. Nuclear [subunit IV of cytochrome c‐oxidase (COX IV)]‐ and mitochondrial (COX II)‐encoded polypeptides of the oxidative phosphorylation enzyme cytochrome c‐oxidase were quantified in cord and infant blood. Placental mitochondria malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured as a marker of oxidative stress.ResultsTwenty HIV‐positive/HIV‐exposed and 26 control mother–infant pairs were enrolled in the study. All HIV‐infected women and their infants received ART. Placental MDA concentration and mtDNA content in placenta and cord blood were similar between groups. The cord blood COX II:IV ratio was lower in the HIV‐positive group than in the controls, whereas the infant peripheral blood mtDNA content was higher in the HIV‐exposed infants, but the infant peripheral blood COX II:IV ratio was similar. No infant had clinical evidence of mitochondrial disease or acquired HIV infection. In multivariable regression analyses, the significant findings in cord and infant blood were both most associated with HIV/ART exposure.ConclusionsHIV‐exposed infants showed reduced umbilical cord blood mitochondrial enzyme expression with increased infant peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA levels, the latter possibly reflecting a compensatory mechanism to overcome HIV/ART‐associated mitochondrial toxicity.
Incentivized recruitment of a population sample to a mobile HIV testing service increases the yield of newly diagnosed cases, including those in need of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Kranzer K , Govindasamy D , van Schaik N , Thebus E , Davies N , Zimmermann MA , Jeneker S , Lawn SD , Wood R , Bekker L‐G 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare the yields of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection and advanced immunodeficiency between individuals attending a mobile HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service as participants in a population‐based HIV seroprevalence survey and those accessing the same service as volunteers for routine testing.MethodsThe study was conducted in a peri‐urban township within the Cape Metropolitan Region, South Africa. Survey participants (recruited testers) were randomly selected, visited at home and invited to attend the mobile HCT service. They received 70 South African Rand food vouchers for participating in the survey, but could choose to test anonymously. The yield of HIV diagnoses was compared with that detected in members of the community who voluntarily attended the same HIV testing facility prior to the survey and did not receive incentives (voluntary testers).ResultsA total of 1813 individuals were included in the analysis (936 recruited and 877 voluntary testers). The prevalence of newly diagnosed HIV infection was 10.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.0–13.1%] among recruited testers and 5.0% (3.7–6.7%) among voluntary testers. The prevalence of severe immune deficiency (CD4 count ≤200 cells/μL) among recruited and voluntary testers was 17.8% (10.9–26.7%) and 4.6% (0.0–15.4%), respectively. Linkage to HIV care in recruited testers with CD4 counts ≤350 cells/μL was 78.8%.ConclusionCompared with routine voluntary HCT, selection and invitation in combination with incentives doubled the yield of newly diagnosed HIV infections and increased the yield almost fourfold of individuals needing antiretroviral therapy. This may be an important strategy to increase community‐based HIV diagnosis and access to care.
Cardiopulmonary effects of a new inspiratory impedance threshold device in acute hemorrhagic shock in dogs
Authors: Vigani Alessio , Shih Andre C. , Buckley Gareth J. , Londoño Leonel , Bandt Carsten 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo compare cardiovascular and respiratory effects of an inspiratory impedance threshold device (ITD) in dogs before and after induction of acute hemorrhagic shock.Study DesignProspective experimental randomized study.AnimalsEight healthy adult dogs.MethodsDogs were anesthetized and maintained on spontaneous ventilation. Tidal volume (VT), systolic, mean and diastolic arterial blood pressure (SAP, MAP, DAP), central venous pressure (CVP), gastric PCO2 (GBF) as an indicator of gastric perfusion, cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), oxygen delivery (DO2), and plasma lactate were monitored. To monitor respiratory compliance (RC) and respiratory resistance (ResR), animals were briefly placed on mechanical ventilation. Dogs were studied under 4 different conditions: (1) baseline (euvolemic state) (MAP > 60 mm Hg) with and without the ITD and (2) acute hemorrhagic shock (hypovolemic state) (target MAP of 40 mm Hg) with and without ITD. These 4 conditions were performed during one anesthetic period, allowing time for stabilization of parameters for each condition. Data were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measure mixed models.ResultsNo cardiovascular changes were detected between groups with and without use of ITD during euvolemic states. During acute hemorrhagic hypovolemic state, CI and DO2 were higher with the ITD (2.9 ± 0.6 L/min/m2) and (326.5 ± 86.8 mL/min) compared with no ITD (1.8 ± 0.6 L/min/m2) and (191.3 ± 58.1 mL/min), respectively. The use of ITD during hypovolemia also increased SAP and MAP. There was an increase in ResR and decreased RC with the ITD in both euvolemic and hypovolemic states.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe use of an ITD in dogs during acute hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock improved cardiovascular parameters but had negative effects on RC and ResR.
Evaluation of coagulation status in dogs with naturally occurring canine hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Klose Tyler C. , Creevy Kate E. , Brainard Benjamin M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether or not there are differences in coagulation parameters (eg, thrombelastography [TEG], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT], and fibrinogen) among dogs with naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), dogs withHACundergoing medical management, and dogs withoutHAC.DesignProspective, observational study.SettingVeterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsForty‐six client‐owned dogs undergoing adrenal function testing.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsNine dogs were diagnosed withHACde novo, 19 dogs were presented for therapeutic monitoring of previously diagnosedHAC, and 18 dogs did not haveHAC. Variables compared between groups were age, body weight, platelet count, mean platelet volume, serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, antithrombin,PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, andTEGparameters (eg, alpha angle,R,K, and maximum amplitude [MA]). Dogs withHACand dogs treated forHAChad higher serum cholesterol than dogs withoutHAC(P< 0.05). All groups had meanMAgreater than the institutional reference interval. There was a weak, positive correlation between hematocrit andMAthat was independent of diagnosis (r2= 0.266,P= 0.004).ConclusionsThe results of this study do not support the supposition that a significant difference exists in coagulation tendencies between dogs withHACprior to treatment, dogs withHACduring treatment, and dogs withoutHAC. This disagreement with the classically accepted notion thatHACleads to a hypercoagulable state could be due to a couple of possibilities. Namely, the link betweenHACand hypercoagulability may be relatively weak, or our findings may be the result of a typeIIerror either as a result of a small sample size or the use of coagulation assays that are insensitive to the effects ofHACon the hemostatic system.
YKL‐40 genetic polymorphisms and the risk of liver disease progression in patients with advanced fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Fontana Robert J. , Litman Heather J. , Dienstag Jules L. , Bonkovsky Herbert L. , Su Grace , Sterling Richard K. , Lok Anna S. ,   for the HALT‐C Trial Group
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground/AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the association of a functional YKL‐40 promoter polymorphism (rs4950928) with baseline disease stage, response to antiviral therapy and risk of liver disease progression in a group of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).MethodsYKL‐40 promoter polymorphisms were determined in 456 Hepatitis C Antiviral Long‐term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT‐C) Trial patients with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis entering a prerandomization lead‐in peginterferon/ribavirin 24‐week treatment phase and in 462 patients followed for a mean of 3.8 years after randomization to maintenance peginterferon or observation.ResultsMean patient age was 49.5 years, 70.4% were men and 71.2% were Caucasian. The 17% frequency of the YKL‐40 minor allele (T) was similar to that reported in the general population. YKL‐40 genotype was associated significantly with baseline serum YKL‐40 levels but was not associated with the likelihood of a virological response following 24–48 weeks of peginterferon/ribavirin therapy. Serum YKL‐40 levels remained significantly lower during follow‐up in the randomized TT homozygotes compared with CT heterozygotes and CC homozygotes (P < 0.001). Despite this association, YKL‐40 genotype was not associated with the risk of clinical or histological liver disease progression.ConclusionsA reduced frequency of the protective YKL‐40 promoter polymorphism was not observed in the HALT‐C Trial patient population. The absence of an association between YKL‐40 promoter polymorphisms and baseline liver disease severity as well as with the risk of liver disease progression over time suggests that this polymorphism is not associated with disease progression in CHC patients with established fibrosis.