bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strongyloides stercoralis: a cause of morbidity and mortality for indigenous people in Central Australia
Authors: Einsiedel L. , Fernandes L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  Strongyloides stercoralis may cause a complicated infection in immunocompromised patients, which has a high case fatality rate. Death generally results from sepsis with enteric pathogens. Globally, infection with the human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is a major risk factor for this syndrome. Both S. stercoralis and HTLV‐1 are endemic to Central Australia.Aims:  The aim of the study was to determine whether complicated strongyloidiasis occurs in association with HTLV‐1 infection in Central Australia.Methods:  A retrospective audit of all cases of complicated strongyloidiasis presenting to Alice Springs Hospital between January 2000 and December 2006 was carried out. Diagnosis was defined as definite or probable according to whether diagnosis was made by faecal studies or serology respectively. The medical records, investigations and outcomes of patients who met predetermined criteria for a diagnosis of complicated strongyloidiasis were reviewed.Results:  Eighteen indigenous patients met the criteria for complicated strongyloidiasis (definite 9, probable 9). Seven of 11 patients tested were HTLV‐1 seropositive. At diagnosis, no treatment was documented for nine patients (definite 4, probable 5), three received a single dose of ivermectin and one a single dose of albendazole. Fifteen patients (83%) died because of sepsis (definite 7, probable 8). Pathogens isolated and their foci of infection included Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia (4), bloodstream infection with Enterococcus spp. (2), K. pneumoniae peritonitis (1) and streptococcal meningitis (1).Conclusion:  Complicated strongyloidiasis occurs in association with HTLV‐1 infection in central Australia. This finding has significant implications for the management of S. stercoralis in the region.
Abortion in Four Asian Countries* Patient Characteristics, Morbidity and Contraceptive Acceptance
Authors: Brenner William E. , Chi Cheng , Bernard Roger P. , Brinton Louise A. 
Published: September 2010

To determine the characteristics, complications, and post operative contraceptive acceptance among patients undergoing abortion in Asia, the data on 5, 951 patients from nine Asian centers were analyzed. Patients with pre‐existing medical conditions (PEMC), most of whom had incomplete or inevitable abortions, were analyzed separately from patients artificially aborted and having no pre‐existing medical conditions (NPEMC). Most of the patients with NPEMC were married, multiparous, of urban residence, and ranging in median age from 29–32 years. Their rate of potentially serious complications was higher with second trimester procedures than with first trimester procedures (and highest with hysterotomy), and higher in India where increased artificial abortion has recently been initiated than in Singapore where the data were collected at least 2 years after the law was changed to increase the indications for abortion. Complication rates in patients with NPEMC were highest in patients less than 20 years of age, nulliparous, and more than 12 weeks' gestation. Concurrent sterilization appeared to increase the complication rate. There appeared to be no benefit to hospitalizing patients after first trimester abortion with dilatation and suction curetlage (Suction), unless complications were suspected. Abortion during the second trimester with intra‐amniotic saline and hysterotomy was not only associated with higher complication rates, but with longer operative and hospitalization times than those associated with first trimester abortions with D&C and Suction. Not only did the frequency of women using contraceptives increase, but the use of more effective methods increased after artificial abortion in India and Singapore. Patients with PEMC had different frequencies of specific patient characteristics, different management, and generally higher complication rates than patients with NPEMC. These results imply that in order to decrease the morbidity associated with artificial abortion:

Every effort must be made to abort pregnancies in the first trimester.
Physicians must be trained to perform artificial abortion, and not to rely on their past training in managing patients with incomplete and inevitable abortions.
Improved abortion techniques, especially in the second trimester, and sterilization techniques concurrent to abortion must be devised tested, evaluated and implemented.
The association between the spatial QRS‐T angle with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Voulgari C. , Moyssakis I. , Perrea D. , Kyriaki D. , Katsilambros N. , Tentolouris N. 
Published: September 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1420–1429 (2010)AbstractAims  To examine differences in the spatial QRS‐T angle in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without cardiac autonomic neuropathy.Methods  Two hundred and thirty‐two patients with diabetes mellitus (105 with cardiac autonomic neuropathy and 127 without cardiac autonomic neuropathy) and 232 control subjects, matched by gender and age, were studied. Diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy was based on the classic autonomic function tests. All subjects underwent a digital electrocardiographic recording. Electrocardiographic parameters were measured using the Modular Electrocardiographic Analysis (MEANS) program. Left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and global myocardial performance index (Tei index) of the left ventricle were assessed by ultrasonography.Results  The spatial QRS‐T angle was higher in the patients with diabetes in comparison with the control subjects (24.5 ± 10.7 vs. 9.7 ± 4.5°, P < 0.001) and in the patients with diabetes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy than in those without cardiac autonomic neuropathy (30.1 ± 11.3 vs. 19.5 ± 7.1, P < 0.001). No differences were found in the QT interval between the studied groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis in subjects with diabetes after controlling for age, gender, BMI, blood pressure, diabetes duration, HbA1c, lipids, microalbuminuria and insulin resistance, demonstrated significant and independent associations between the spatial QRS‐T angle with presence and severity of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, all parameters of heart rate variability, LVMi and Tei index.Conclusions  The spatial QRS‐T angle is increased in patients with Type 2 diabetes who have cardiac autonomic neuropathy, suggesting increased ventricular arrhythmogenicity, and is associated with the structural and functional properties of the myocardium. Further research is warranted to evaluate its role in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with diabetes.
Belongingness as a Core Personality Trait: How Social Exclusion Influences Social Functioning and Personality Expression
Authors: DeWall C. Nathan , Deckman Timothy , Pond Richard S. , Bonser Ian 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPeople have a fundamental need for positive and lasting relationships. This need to belong is rooted in evolutionary history and gave rise to the development of traits that enable individuals to gain acceptance and to avoid rejection. Because belongingness is a core component of human functioning, social exclusion should influence many cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes and personality expression. This article summarizes recent evidence that social exclusion causes an assortment of outcomes, many of which depend on whether the excluded can gain acceptance or forestall possible distress. It highlights common overlap in physical and social pain systems and how a physical painkiller can reduce the pain of social exclusion. Finally, it shows how social exclusion moderates the effects of traits on cognition, emotion, and behavior. To appreciate personality processes in social contexts, scientists should consider how people respond to social exclusion and how the need to belong influences personality expression.
Hydrogen sulphide induces mouse paw oedema through activation of phospholipase A2
Authors: di Villa Bianca Roberta d'Emmanuele , Coletta Ciro , Mitidieri Emma , De Dominicis Gianfranco , Rossi Antonietta , Sautebin Lidia , Cirino Giuseppe , Bucci Mariarosaria , Sorrentino Raffaella 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), considered as a novel gas transmitter, is produced endogenously in mammalian tissue from L‐cysteine by two enzymes, cystathionine β‐synthase and cystathionine γ‐lyase. Recently, it has been reported that H2S contributes to the local and systemic inflammation in several experimental animal models. We conducted this study to investigate on the signalling involved in H2S‐induced inflammation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH L‐cysteine or sodium hydrogen sulphide (NaHS) was injected into the mouse hind paw and oedema formation was evaluated for 60 min. In order to investigate H2S‐induced oedema formation, we used 5‐HT and histamine receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of KATP channels or arachidonic acid cascade. Prostaglandin levels were determined in hind paw exudates by radioimmunoassay. Paws injected with L‐cysteine or NaHS were examined by histological methods.KEY RESULTS Both NaHS and L‐cysteine caused oedema characterized by a fast onset which peaked at 30 min. This oedematogenic action was not associated with histamine or 5‐HT release or KATP channel activation. However, oedema formation was significantly inhibited by the inhibition of cyclooxygenases and selective inhibition of phospholipase A2. Prostaglandin levels were significantly increased in exudates of hind paw injected with NaHS or L‐cysteine. The histological examination clearly showed an inflammatory state with a loss of tissue organization following NaHS or L‐cysteine injection.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Phospholipase A2 and prostaglandin production are involved in pro‐inflammatory effects of H2S in mouse hind paws. The present study contributes to the understanding of the role of L‐cysteine/H2S pathway in inflammatory disease.
Methylglyoxal scavengers attenuate endothelial dysfunction induced by methylglyoxal and high concentrations of glucose
Authors: Dhar Arti , Dhar Indu , Desai Kaushik M , Wu Lingyun 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEEndothelial dysfunction is a feature of hypertension and diabetes. Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite of glucose and its levels are elevated in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in diabetic patients. We investigated if MG induces endothelial dysfunction and whether MG scavengers can prevent endothelial dysfunction induced by MG and high glucose concentrations.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHEndothelium‐dependent relaxation was studied in aortic rings from Sprague‐Dawley rats. We also used cultured rat aortic and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The MG was measured by HPLC and Western blotting and assay kits were used.KEY RESULTSIncubation of aortic rings with MG (30 µM) or high glucose (25 mM) attenuated endothelium‐dependent, acetylcholine‐induced relaxation, which was restored by two different MG scavengers, aminoguanidine (100 µM) and N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) (600 µM). Treatment of cultured endothelial cells with MG or high glucose increased cellular MG levels, effects prevented by aminoguanidine and NAC. In cultured endothelial cells, MG and high glucose reduced basal and bradykinin‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production, cGMP levels, and serine‐1177 phosphorylation and activity of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), without affecting threonine‐495 and Akt phosphorylation or total eNOS protein. These effects of MG and high glucose were attenuated by aminoguanidine or NAC.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur results show for the first time that MG reduced serine‐1177 phosphorylation, activity of eNOS and NO production. MG caused endothelial dysfunction similar to that induced by high glucose. Specific and safe MG scavengers have potential to prevent endothelial dysfunction induced by MG and high glucose concentrations.
Nausea and vomiting in health‐related quality of life among Chinese pregnant women
Authors: CHAN Oi Ka , SAHOTA Daljit S. , LEUNG Tak Yeung , CHAN Lin Wai , FUNG Tak Yuen , LAU Tze Kin 
Published: September 2010

Background:  Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is the most common pregnancy complication affecting women during the first trimester of pregnancy. The cause of NVP remains unknown and factors associated with the occurrence of NVP are contradictory. There is currently little information on its effects of NVP in general and specifically in the Chinese population.Aims:  To assess the prevalence of NVP with different degree of severity and identify their relationship with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine its association with the sociodemographic and obstetric factors.Methods:  In a prospective cross‐sectional study, 396 women who attended the antenatal clinic between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation were invited to complete a structured questionnaire covering maternal characteristics, severity of NVP and their HRQoL. The status of NVP and HRQoL was measured by the frequency of symptoms and the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form‐36 (SF‐36) respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to delineate the factors associated with NVP.Results:  The prevalence of NVP was 90.9%. Almost all domains and dimensions of SF‐36 were affected by the presence of NVP and its severity. Factors associated with the presence and severity of NVP were non‐smoking, younger age and history of NVP in previous pregnancy.Conclusions:  The various degrees of severity of NVP significantly impair both physical and mental HRQoL in Hong Kong Chinese women. Awareness and care should be given to women with symptoms of nausea or retching alone, as well as vomiting.
Improved detection methods for infected hip joint prostheses
Authors: HØGDALL DAN , HVOLRIS JØRGEN JESPER , CHRISTENSEN LISE 
Published: September 2010

Høgdall D, Hvolris JJ, Christensen L. Improved detection methods for infected hip joint prostheses. APMIS 2010; 118: 815–23.Awareness of the role of bacterial biofilm in the pathogenesis of low‐grade or chronic infections diagnosed in hip arthroplasty has been on the rise in recent years. The importance of bacterial biofilm for the development of prosthesis failure is probably underestimated, and terms like aseptic loosening, sterile pus and aseptic necrosis are up for revision. The diagnosis of biofilm has been, and still is, difficult, but new molecular biological techniques, alone or in combination with older established ones, have further helped us to uncover lesions, where biofilm is part of the pathology. This article based on a literature search and own observations is primarily focused on newer methods that help us identify the pathology behind infection‐based prosthesis failure. We suggest that the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique on carefully selected biopsy material is used in the future to identify live as well as dead bacteria within their environment. The method is quick and sensitive and provides a reliable result with optimal detection rate.
Distribution of viral RNA, sialic acid receptor, and pathology in H5N1 avian influenza patients
Authors: PIWPANKAEW YOTTHACHAI , MONTEERARAT YUWARAT , SUPTAWIWAT ORNPREYA , PUTHAVATHANA PILAIPAN , UIPRESERTKUL MONGKOL , AUEWARAKUL PRASERT 
Published: September 2010

Piwpankaew Y, Monteerarat Y, Suptawiwat O, Puthavathana P, Uipresertkul M, Auewarakul P. Distribution of viral RNA, sialic acid receptor, and pathology in H5N1 avian influenza patients. APMIS 2010; 118: 895–902.Avian influenza virus H5N1 infects and causes severe disease in humans. Despite the increasing number of fatal cases in 15 countries and the threat of influenza pandemic, detailed pathologic and virologic findings in humans are limited. In this study, we describe histopathologic findings, distributions of viral RNA and the Neu5Acα2‐3Galβ1‐4 sialic acid receptor in human tissues from three fatal avian influenza cases. Many of our findings are in agreement with previously published autopsy studies, that is, viral RNA and receptor were detected in type II pneumocytes, tracheal epithelium, intestinal epithelium, spleen, lymph nodes, and Kupffer’s cells. In addition, we detected the viral RNA in glomeruli and renal tubules. There was a good correlation between viral RNA distribution and the presence of the sialic acid receptor. Despite the wide distribution of viral RNA, tissue damage and inflammation were mainly limited to pulmonary tissue.
Highlights from the History of Sexual Medicine
Authors: Schultheiss Dirk , Glina Sidney 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Today, we have a clear concept of sexual medicine and how to define this medical discipline. But historically, the unification of sexuality and medicine was not a given condition. Medicine was mainly focused on human reproduction and how to prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases. Hardly any other aspect would have met the interest of medical doctors for centuries.

Methods
Historical review that can only highlight developments and milestones of sexual medicine and is not intended to be encyclopedic.

Results
Perhaps, the first true medicalization of sexuality was the dreadful anti-masturbation campaign led by doctors, beginning with Tissot, since the middle of the 18th century. In the 2nd half of the 19th century, first pioneers like the physician Paolo Mantagazza were systematically addressing issues related to human sexuality. This highly developing scientific field and medical community were destroyed after 1933 by the political influence of the national socialists in Europe. After World War II, a new era started with the works of Alfred Kinsey and other sexologists mainly in the United States of America.

Conclusions
The term sexual medicine was established around 1970, most likely in Europe, and subsequently resulted in a new worldwide academic and clinical speciality.
Formation of Elastic Whey Protein Gels at Low pH by Acid Equilibration
Authors: Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh , Khayankan Worarat , Foegeding E. Allen 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Whey protein gels have a weak/brittle texture when formed at pH ≤ 4.5, yet this pH is required to produce a high‐protein, shelf‐stable product. We investigated if gels could be made under conditions that produced strong/elastic textural properties then adjusted to pH ≤ 4.5 and maintain textural properties. Gels were initially formed at 15% w/w protein (pH 7.5). Equilibration in acid solutions caused gel swelling and lowered pH because of the diffusion of water and H+ into the gels. The type and concentration of acid, and presence of other ions, in the equilibrating solutions influenced pH, swelling ratio, and fracture properties of the gels. Swelling of gels decreased fracture stress (because of decreased protein network density) but caused little change to fracture strain, thus maintaining a desirable strong/elastic fracture pattern. We have shown that whey protein isolate gels can be made at pH ≤ 4.5 with a strong/elastic fracture pattern and the magnitude of this pattern can be altered by varying the acid type, acid concentration, pH of equilibrating solution, and equilibrating time.Practical Application:  Low‐pH shelf‐stable whey protein gels having the strong/elastic texture can be made by forming gels at high pH and equilibrating in acid solutions. Acid equilibration causes the gel to swell and lower the gel pH. Moreover, gel properties can be altered by varying the acid type, acid concentration, pH of equilibrating solution, and equilibrating time.
FT‐NIR Spectroscopy for the Quality Characterization of Apricots (Prunus Armeniaca L.)
Authors: Berardinelli Annachiara , Cevoli Chiara , Silaghi Florina Aurelia , Fabbri Angelo , Ragni Luigi , Giunchi Alessandro , Bassi Daniele 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  The nondestructive assessment of apricot fruit quality (Bora cultivar) was carried out by means of FT‐NIR reflectance spectroscopy in the wavenumber range 12000 to 4000 cm−1. Samples were harvested at four different ripening stages and scanned by a fiber optical probe immediately after harvesting and after a storage of 3 d (2 d at 4 °C and 1 d at 18 °C); the flesh firmness (FF), the soluble solids content (SSC), the acidity (A), and the titratable acidity (malic and citric acids) were then measured by destructive methods. Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) analysis was used to classify spectra according to the ripening stage and the storage: partial least squares regression (PLS) models to predict FF, SSC, A, and the titratable acidity were also set‐up for both just harvested and stored apricots. Spectral pretreatments and wavenumber selections were conducted on the basis of explorative principal component analysis (PCA). Apricot spectra were correctly classified in the right class with a mean classification rate of 87% (range: 80% to 100%). Test set validations of PLS models showed R2 values up to 0.620, 0.863, 0.842, and 0.369 for FF, SSC, A, and the titratable acidity, respectively. The best models were obtained for the SSC and A and are suitable for rough screening; a lower power prediction emerged for the other maturity indices and the relative predictive models are not recommended. Practical Application: The results of the study could be used as a tool for the assessment of the ripening stage during the harvest and the quality during the postharvest storage of apricot fruits.
Assessment of the risks of communicable disease transmission through the movement of poultry exhibited at agricultural shows in New South Wales
Authors: Dusan F , Toribio J‐A , East IJ 
Published: September 2010

Objective To assess biosecurity practices in the fancy poultry show sector that would influence the establishment and spread of exotic diseases in poultry in New South Wales.Design A cross‐sectional survey of 105 fancy poultry exhibitors at seven agricultural shows.Procedure Exhibitors were interviewed about biosecurity practices on their farms and their knowledge of exotic diseases. Poultry stewards at 18 shows were interviewed about biosecurity practices at their shows.Results Although many exhibitors travelled only short distances to attend shows, some exhibitors attended up to 30 shows per year and travelled interstate to exhibit poultry. A network diagram revealed extensive connections and interactions of poultry throughout the eastern half of NSW. Five of 18 shows included cash sales without any record of purchasers; 46% of exhibitors reintroduced exhibited birds back into their flocks without a quarantine period; and 16% failed to wash cages used to transport the birds. There was a general awareness that exhibition of birds posed a risk to flock health, but knowledge of avian influenza and practices that could be adopted to minimise the risk of disease introduction was limited.Conclusions The factors that could assist the establishment and spread of exotic diseases in poultry in NSW include the mixing of birds at shows, inadequate recording of exhibitor details at shows, inadequate biosecurity practices when reintroducing exhibited poultry back into flocks, cash sales associated with shows that did not include the collection of purchaser details, and inadequate identification of birds.