bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Pulmonary tuberculosis and immunological profile of HIV co-infected patients in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimeneh Yitayih , Muluye Dagnachew , Belyhun Yeshambel 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, as high as 2/3 of tuberculosis patients are HIV/AIDS co-infected and tuberculosis is the most common cause of death among HIV/AIDS patients worldwide. Tuberculosis and HIV co-infections are associated with special diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and constitute an immense burden on healthcare systems of heavily infected countries like Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and their immunologic profiles among HIV positive patients.

Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted among adult HIV-positive patients attending HIV/AIDS clinic of Gondar University Hospital. Clinical and laboratory investigations including chest x-ray and acid fast staining were used to identify tuberculosis cases. Blood samples were collected to determine CD4+ lymphocyte count. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics of study subjects. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 software.

Results
A total of 400 HIV positive study participants were enrolled. Thirty (7.5%, 95%CI: 5.2-10.6%) of the study participants were found to have pulmonary tuberculosis. In multivariate analysis, only CD4+ lymphocyte count (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.002-8.368) was found to be independently associated with tuberculosis-HIV co-infection. Individuals who had advanced WHO clinical stage were also statistically significant for co-infection. The mean CD4+ lymphocyte count of HIV mono-infected participants were 296 ± 192 Cells/mm3 and tuberculosis-HIV co-infected patients had mean CD4+ lymphocyte count of 199 ± 149 Cells/mm3 with p value of 0.007.

Conclusions
We found high prevalence of tuberculosis-HIV co-infection. Lower CD4+ lymphocyte count was found to be the only predicting factor for co-infection. Early detection of co-infection is very necessary to prolong their ART initiation time and by then strengthening their immune status.
Tongue nodules in canine leishmaniosis — a case report
Authors: Viegas Carlos , Requicha João , Albuquerque Carlos , Sargo Teresa , Machado João , Dias Isabel , Pires Maria A , Campino Lenea , Cardoso Luís 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic zoonosis in southern European countries. Infected dogs can present rare or atypical forms of the disease and diagnosis can be challenging. The present report describes a case of tongue nodules in a 3-year-old neutered female Labrador Retriever dog with leishmaniosis.

Findings
A fine needle aspiration of the lingual nodules revealed amastigote forms of Leishmania inside macrophages. Differential diagnosis ruled out neoplasia, calcinosis circumscripta, solar glossitis, vasculitis, amyloidosis, eosinophilic granulomas, chemical and electrical burns, uremic glossitis and autoimmune diseases. Combined therapy with antimoniate meglumine and allopurinol for 30 days resulted in the normalization of hematological and biochemical parameters. Two months after diagnosis and the beginning of treatment, a mild inflammatory infiltrate was observed by histopathology, but an anti-Leishmania immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was negative as well as a PCR on both tongue lesions and a bone marrow aspirate. Seven months after diagnosis, the dog’s general condition appeared good, there were no tongue lesions and a new IFAT was negative. Fifteen months after diagnosis this clinically favourable outcome continued.

Conclusions
The dog could have suffered a relapsing episode of CanL, but a new systemic or local infection cannot be excluded. Regular clinical re-evaluation should be maintained, as a future relapse can potentially occur. In conclusion, CanL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodular glossitis in dogs.
Initial Emergency Department Diagnosis and Management of Adult Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Perman Sarah M , Goyal Munish , Gaieski David F 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Severe sepsis is a medical emergency affecting up to 18 million individuals world wide, with an annual incidence of 750,000 in North America alone. Mortality ranges between 28-50% of those individuals stricken by severe sepsis. Sepsis is a time critical illness, requiring early identification and prompt intervention in order to improve outcomes. This observation has led to increased awareness and education in the field of Emergency Medicine; it has also led to the implementation of critical interventions early in the course of patient management, specifically Early-Goal Directed Therapy, and rapid administration of appropriate antimicrobials. This review begins with a brief summary of the pathophysiology of sepsis, and then addresses the fundamental clinical aspects of ED identification and resuscitation of the septic patient.
Spinal metastasis in head and neck cancer
Authors: Trilling Gregory M , Cho Hyongyu , Ugas Mohamed A , Saeed Samerah , Katunda Asia , Jerjes Waseem , Giannoudis Peter 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
The incidence of head and neck cancer is relatively low in developed countries and highest in South East Asia. Notwithstanding advances in surgery and radiotherapy over the past several decades, the 5-year survival rate for head and neck cancer has stagnated and remains at 50–55%. This is due, in large part, to both regional and distant disease spread, including spinal metastasis. Spinal metastasis from head and neck cancer is rare, has a poor prognosis and can significantly impede end-stage quality of life; normally only palliative care is given.
This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the evidence available on management of spinal metastasis from head and neck cancer and to use such evidence to draw up guiding principles in the management of the distant spread.

Methods
Systematic review of the electronic literature was conducted regarding the management of spinal metastasis of head and neck malignancies.

Results
Due to the exceptional rarity of head and neck cancers metastasizing to the spine, there is a paucity of good randomized controlled trials into the management of spinal metastasis. This review produced only 12 case studies/reports and 2 small retrospective cohort studies that lacked appropriate controls.

Conclusion
Management should aim to improve end-stage quality of life and maintain neurological function. This review has found that radiotherapy +/− medical adjuvant is considered the principle treatment of spinal metastasis of head and neck cancers.
There is an absence of a definitive treatment protocol for head and neck cancer spinal metastasis. Our failure to find and cite high-quality scientific evidence only serves to stress the need for good quality research in this area.
Peptidomic profiles of post myocardial infarction rats affinity depleted plasma using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI‐ToF) mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Bing Hui , Reisman Simone , Bailey Mark , Kompa Andrew , Ayhan Mustafa , Krum Henry , Rice Gregory 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundDespite major advances in drug development, effective cardiovascular therapies and suitable cardiovascular biomarkers remain limited. The aim of this study was to leverage mass spectrometry (MS) based peptide profiling strategies to identify changes that occur in peptidomic profiles of rat plasma following coronary artery ligation generated myocardial infarction (MI).MethodsOne week after MI, rats were randomized to receive either an ACE inhibitor (ramipril, Ram‐1 mg/kg/day), or vehicle (Veh) for 12 weeks. Echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements were made before sacrifice and plasma collection. High abundance proteins were depleted with affinity capture before MS profiling. Differentially expressed peptide ions were identified using proprietary software (ClinProtTools).ResultsMI increased heart/body weight (18%), lung/body weight (56%), and left ventricular (LV) end diastolic pressure (LVEDP, 247%); and significantly reduced percentage fractional shortening (FS, 75%) and rate of pressure rise in the LV (dP/dtmax, 20%). Ram treatment significantly attenuated the changes in LVEDP (61%) and FS (27%). Analysis of MALDI‐ToF generated mass spectra demonstrated that peptide ions 1271, 1878, 1955, 2041 and 2254 m/z were consistently decreased by Ram treatment (p < 0.001) and thus may be associated with the agent's therapeutic effects. Among peptides that were significantly changed, synapsin‐2, adenomatous polyposis coli protein and transcription factor jun‐D were identified as significantly reduced by Ram treatment.ConclusionsThis approach allows us to screen for potential biomarkers in a window of the blood proteome that previously has been difficult to access. The data obtained from such an approach may potentially useful in prognosis, diagnosis, and monitoring of treatment response.
Combined fluticasone furoate/vilanterol reduces decline in lung function following inhaled allergen 23 h after dosing in adult asthma: a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Oliver Amanda , Quinn Dean , Goldfrad Caroline , van Hecke Benjamin , Ayer Jonathan , Boyce Malcolm 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need for preventative asthma maintenance therapy that provides lasting bronchoprotection against allergen provocation. Fluticasone furoate (FF) is a novel inhaled once‐daily corticosteroid, being investigated as monotherapy for asthma and in combination with vilanterol (VI), a novel inhaled once‐daily long‐acting beta‐agonist, for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.MethodsIn a crossover study of 52 subjects with mild asthma, FF/VI 100/25mcg and FF 100 dosed once‐daily in the evening for 28 days were compared with placebo to evaluate their capacity to provide bronchoprotection against the early asthmatic response (EAR) stimulated by an inhaled allergen challenge. Bronchoprotection was assessed by change from post‐saline baseline in weighted mean (wm) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for the first 2 h post‐allergen challenge, which was on Day 29 (22–23 h post final dose on Day 28). The EAR was also assessed using maximum percent decrease from post‐saline baseline and minimum absolute FEV1; the incidence of adverse events was a secondary endpoint.ResultsFF/VI 100/25 and FF 100 both provided significant bronchoprotection against the EAR for all endpoints assessed. For wmFEV1 over the first 2 h post‐allergen challenge, a 162 mL (95% CI, 87 to 237 mL) difference was observed between placebo and FF 100, while a 145 mL (95% CI, 69 to 222 mL) difference was observed between placebo and FF/VI 100/25 treatment. No difference between active treatments was observed (−17 mL; 95% CI, –91 to 57 mL). Both treatments were well tolerated.ConclusionsFF 100 alone and in combination with VI 25 provides significant bronchoprotection against the EAR in subjects with mild asthma. That this protection is provided at the trough of dosing, i.e. 23 h post last dose, supports the utility of FF 100 and FF/VI 100/25 as viable once‐daily therapies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01128569, GSK Study number: HZA113090
Immunoglobulin genes and diversity: what we have learned from domestic animals
Authors: Sun Yi , Liu Zhancai , Ren Liming , Wei Zhiguo , Wang Ping , Li Ning , Zhao Yaofeng 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis review focuses on the diversity of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes and Ig isotypes that are expressed in domestic animals. Four livestock species—cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses—express a full range of Ig heavy chains (IgHs), including μ, δ, γ, ϵ, and α. Two poultry species (chickens and ducks) express three IgH isotypes, μ, υ, and α, but not δ. The κ and λ light chains are both utilized in the four livestock species, but only the λ chain is expressed in poultry. V(D)J recombination, somatic hypermutation (SHM), and gene conversion (GC) are three distinct mechanisms by which immunoglobulin variable region diversity is generated. Different domestic animals may use distinct means to diversify rearranged variable regions of Ig genes.
Systems modeling and simulation applications for critical care medicine
Authors: Dong Yue , Chbat Nicolas W , Gupta Ashish , Hadzikadic Mirsad , Gajic Ognjen 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Critical care delivery is a complex, expensive, error prone, medical specialty and remains the focal point of major improvement efforts in healthcare delivery. Various modeling and simulation techniques offer unique opportunities to better understand the interactions between clinical physiology and care delivery. The novel insights gained from the systems perspective can then be used to develop and test new treatment strategies and make critical care delivery more efficient and effective. However, modeling and simulation applications in critical care remain underutilized. This article provides an overview of major computer-based simulation techniques as applied to critical care medicine. We provide three application examples of different simulation techniques, including a) pathophysiological model of acute lung injury, b) process modeling of critical care delivery, and c) an agent-based model to study interaction between pathophysiology and healthcare delivery. Finally, we identify certain challenges to, and opportunities for, future research in the area.
High Incidence of Vertebral Fractures in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia 12 Months After the Initiation of Therapy
Authors: Alos Nathalie , Grant Ronald M. , Ramsay Timothy , Halton Jacqueline , Cummings Elizabeth A. , Miettunen Paivi M. , Abish Sharon , Atkinson Stephanie , Barr Ronald , Cabral David A. , Cairney Elizabeth , Couch Robert , Dix David B. , Fernandez Conrad V. , Hay John , Israels Sara , Laverdière Caroline , Lentle Brian , Lewis Victor , Matzinger MaryAnn , Rodd Celia , Shenouda Nazih , Stein Robert , Stephure David , Taback Shayne , Wilson Beverly , Williams Kathryn , Rauch Frank , Siminoski Kerry , Ward Leanne M. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose Vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis are a potential complication of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To date, the incidence of vertebral fractures during ALL treatment has not been reported. Patient and Methods We prospectively evaluated 155 children with ALL during the first 12 months of leukemia therapy. Lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs were obtained at baseline and 12 months. Vertebral bodies were assessed for incident vertebral fractures using the Genant semiquantitative method, and relevant clinical indices such as spine bone mineral density (BMD), back pain, and the presence of vertebral fractures at baseline were analyzed for association with incident vertebral fractures. Results Of the 155 children, 25 (16%; 95% CI, 11% to 23%) had a total of 61 incident vertebral fractures, of which 32 (52%) were moderate or severe. Thirteen (52%) of the 25 children with incident vertebral fractures also had fractures at baseline. Vertebral fractures at baseline increased the odds of an incident fracture at 12 months by an odds ratio of 7.3 (95% CI, 2.3 to 23.1; P = .001). In addition, for every one standard deviation reduction in spine BMD Z-score at baseline, there was 1.8-fold increased odds of incident vertebral fracture at 12 months (95% CI, 1.2 to 2.7; P = .006). Conclusion Children with ALL have a high incidence of vertebral fractures after 12 months of chemotherapy, and the presence of vertebral fractures and reductions in spine BMD Z-scores at baseline are highly associated clinical features.
Pilot Study of Nelarabine in Combination With Intensive Chemotherapy in High-Risk T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Dunsmore Kimberly P. , Devidas Meenakshi , Linda Stephen B. , Borowitz Michael J. , Winick Naomi , Hunger Stephen P. , Carroll William L. , Camitta Bruce M. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose Children's Oncology Group study AALL00P2 was designed to assess the feasibility and safety of adding nelarabine to a BFM 86–based chemotherapy regimen in children with newly diagnosed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Patients and Methods In stage one of the study, eight patients with a slow early response (SER) by prednisone poor response (PPR; ≥ 1,000 peripheral blood blasts on day 8 of prednisone prephase) received chemotherapy plus six courses of nelarabine 400 mg/m2 once per day; four patients with SER by high minimal residual disease (MRD; ≥ 1% at day 36 of induction) received chemotherapy plus five courses of nelarabine; 16 patients with a rapid early response (RER) received chemotherapy without nelarabine. In stage two, all patients received six 5-day courses of nelarabine at 650 mg/m2 once per day (10 SER patients [one by MRD, nine by PPR]) or 400 mg/m2 once per day (38 RER patients; 12 SER patients [three by MRD, nine by PPR]). Results The only significant difference in toxicities was decreased neutropenic infections in patients treated with nelarabine (42% with v 81% without nelarabine). Five-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 73% for 11 stage one SER patients and 67% for 22 stage two SER patients treated with nelarabine versus 69% for 16 stage one RER patients treated without nelarabine and 74% for 38 stage two RER patients treated with nelarabine. Five-year EFS for all patients receiving nelarabine (n = 70) was 73% versus 69% for those treated without nelarabine (n = 16). Conclusion Addition of nelarabine to a BFM 86–based chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated and produced encouraging results in pediatric patients with T-ALL, particularly those with a SER, who have historically fared poorly.
Nomogram to Predict the Benefit of Radiation for Older Patients With Breast Cancer Treated With Conservative Surgery
Authors: Albert Jeffrey M. , Liu Diane D. , Shen Yu , Pan I-Wen , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Hoffman Karen E. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Giordano Sharon H. , Smith Benjamin D. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose The role of radiation therapy (RT) after conservative surgery (CS) remains controversial for older patients with breast cancer. Guidelines based on recent clinical trials have suggested that RT may be omitted in selected patients with favorable disease. However, it is not known whether this recommendation should extend to other older women. Accordingly, we developed a nomogram to predict the likelihood of long-term breast preservation with and without RT. Methods We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data to identify 16,092 women age 66 to 79 years treated with CS between 1992 and 2002, using claims to identify receipt of RT and subsequent mastectomy. Time to mastectomy was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models determined the effect of covariates on mastectomy-free survival (MFS). A nomogram was developed to predict 5- and 10-year MFS, given associated risk factors, and bootstrap validation was performed. Results With a median follow-up of 7.2 years, the overall 5- and 10-year MFS rates were 98.1% (95% CI, 97.8% to 98.3%) and 95.4% (95% CI, 94.9% to 95.8%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, age, race, tumor size, estrogen receptor status, and receipt of RT were predictive of time to mastectomy and were incorporated into the nomogram. Nodal status was also included given a significant interaction with RT. The resulting nomogram demonstrated good accuracy in predicting MFS, with a bootstrap-corrected concordance index of 0.66. Conclusion This clinically useful tool predicts 5- and 10-year MFS among older women with early breast cancer using readily available clinicopathologic factors and can aid individualized clinical decision making by estimating predicted benefit from RT.
Research Resource: dkCOIN, the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Consortium Interconnectivity Network: A Pilot Program to Aggregate Research Resources Generated by Multiple Research Consortia
Authors: McKenna Neil J. , Howard Christopher L. , Aufiero Michael , Easton-Marks Jeremy , Steffen David L. , Becnel Lauren B. , Magnuson Mark A. , McIndoe Richard A. , Cartailler Jean-Philippe 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports multiple basic science consortia that generate high-content datasets, reagent resources, and methodologies, in the fields of kidney, urology, hematology, digestive, and endocrine diseases, as well as metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. These currently include the Beta Cell Biology Consortium, the Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas, the Diabetic Complications Consortium, and the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers. Recognizing the synergy that would accrue from aggregating information generated and curated by these initiatives in a contiguous informatics network, we created the NIDDK Consortium Interconnectivity Network (dkCOIN; www.dkcoin.org). The goal of this pilot project, organized by the NIDDK, was to establish a single point of access to a toolkit of interconnected resources (datasets, reagents, and protocols) generated from individual consortia that could be readily accessed by biologists of diverse backgrounds and research interests. During the pilot phase of this activity dkCOIN collected nearly 2000 consortium-curated resources, including datasets (functional genomics) and reagents (mouse strains, antibodies, and adenoviral constructs) and built nearly 3000 resource-to-resource connections, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of further extending this database in the future. Thus, dkCOIN promises to be a useful informatics solution for rapidly identifying useful resources generated by participating research consortia.
Research Resource: Whole Transcriptome RNA Sequencing Detects Multiple 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Sensitive Metabolic Pathways in Developing Zebrafish
Authors: Craig Theodore A. , Zhang Yuji , McNulty Melissa S. , Middha Sumit , Ketha Hemamalini , Singh Ravinder J. , Magis Andrew T. , Funk Cory , Price Nathan D. , Ekker Stephen C. , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe biological role of vitamin D receptors (VDR), which are abundantly expressed in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) as early as 48 h after fertilization, and before the development of a mineralized skeleton and mature intestine and kidney, is unknown. We probed the role of VDR in developing zebrafish biology by examining changes in expression of RNA by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) in fish treated with picomolar concentrations of the VDR ligand and hormonal form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3)].We observed significant changes in RNAs of transcription factors, leptin, peptide hormones, and RNAs encoding proteins of fatty acid, amino acid, xenobiotic metabolism, receptor-activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL), and calcitonin-like ligand receptor pathways. Early highly restricted, and subsequent massive changes in more than 10% of expressed cellular RNA were observed. At days post fertilization (dpf) 2 [24 h 1α,25(OH)2D3-treatment], only four RNAs were differentially expressed (hormone vs. vehicle). On dpf 4 (72 h treatment), 77 RNAs; on dpf 6 (120 h treatment) 1039 RNAs; and on dpf 7 (144 h treatment), 2407 RNAs were differentially expressed in response to 1α,25(OH)2D3. Fewer RNAs (n = 481) were altered in dpf 7 larvae treated for 24 h with 1α,25(OH)2D3vs. those treated with hormone for 144 h. At dpf 7, in 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated larvae, pharyngeal cartilage was larger and mineralization was greater. Changes in expression of RNAs for transcription factors, peptide hormones, and RNAs encoding proteins integral to fatty acid, amino acid, leptin, calcitonin-like ligand receptor, RANKL, and xenobiotic metabolism pathways, demonstrate heretofore unrecognized mechanisms by which 1α,25(OH)2D3 functions in vivo in developing eukaryotes.