bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors for infections after liver transplant: single‐center experience at the University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Vera A. , Contreras F. , Guevara F. 
Published: July 2011

A. Vera, F. Contreras, F. Guevara. Incidence and risk factors for infections after liver transplant: single‐center experience at the University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 608–615. All rights reserved
Abstract: The incidence of infections in liver transplant patients is higher compared with recipients of other organs, and infections are one of the major complications after transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence, presentation and risk factors of infections in liver transplant recipients in a Latin‐American population, and to compare the results with data worldwide. We performed a retrospective analysis of 94 consecutive patients undergoing liver transplantation between 2004 and 2008 at the University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. The patients contributed a total of 64.4 person years (PY). Fifty‐two patients (55.3%) developed one or more infections, in total 83 events (128.9 infections/100 PY). Bacterial infections represented the most frequent event (71.1%), followed by viral (19.3%) and fungal infections (8.4%). In 1%, no causative organism was identified. More than one‐third of infections (37%) occurred during the first 30 days, whereas 83% of all events were seen during the first 6 months. The most common site of pathogen localization was the bloodstream (25.3%), followed by the urinary tract (15.7%), liver with bile tract (14.5%), abdomen (10.8%), surgical site (7.2%), and lungs (9.6%). The overall mortality after 1 year was 14.9%, and 57.1% of the deaths were attributed to infections. We found that risk factors significantly associated with increased incidence rate ratio for infection were prolonged stay at the intensive care unit, the need for parenteral nutrition, and blood transfusion requirement. Our data provide additional information about etiology and epidemiology of infections after liver transplantation.
Tobramycin pharmacokinetics in patients with cystic fibrosis before and after bilateral lung transplantation
Authors: Walsh K.A. , Davis G.A. , Hayes D. Jr , Kuhn R.J. , Weant K.A. , Flynn J.D. 
Published: July 2011

K.A. Walsh, G.A. Davis, D. Jr Hayes, R.J. Kuhn, K.A. Weant, J.D. Flynn. Tobramycin pharmacokinetics in patients with cystic fibrosis before and after bilateral lung transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 616–621. All rights reserved
Study objectives. To compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tobramycin in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) before and after bilateral lung transplantation, in order to evaluate optimal dosing practices post transplant.
Design. Retrospective, single‐center, chart review study, in which tobramycin concentrations from CF patients were used to calculate PK parameters, including elimination rate constant, half‐life, volume of distribution (Vd), area under the curve (AUC), and clearance before and after lung transplantation.
Setting. Medical school‐affiliated teaching hospital.
Patients. Eight patients with CF, who received a bilateral lung transplant from January 1, 2005 through August 1, 2009 (4 males, 4 females; mean age 26.3 years).
Interventions. None.
Main results. Sixty‐nine sets of pre‐ (n=52) and post transplant (n=17) tobramycin concentrations were available. PK parameters were significantly altered post transplant. Elimination rate constant decreased 38% from 0.26±0.1 to 0.16±0.1 h‐1 (P<0.001), with a related increase of 200% in half‐life from 2.8±0.8 to 8.4±8.7 h (P<0.001). Clearance decreased 25% post transplant from 67.3±32.3 to 50.2±15.9 mL/min (P=0.04). No statistically significant change occurred in AUC or Vd after transplant, although a trend was seen toward increased Vd. Dosage requirements after transplantation were significantly lower, 10.7±2.5 and 7.6±1.6 mg/kg/day, pre and post transplant, respectively (P<0.001). Concentrations were also evaluated in 2 time periods: 0–3 weeks and ≥6 weeks post transplant, based on available data. Clearance and Vd ≥6 weeks post transplant did not significantly differ from pre‐transplant values (P=0.28 and 0.54, respectively), suggesting that these changes may be temporary.
Conclusions. The results suggest that tobramycin PK are altered in patients with CF after bilateral lung transplantation, although no clear trend was seen owing to inter‐patient variability. We propose that PK parameters should be reassessed during each treatment course post transplant.
Safety evaluation of self‐expanding metallic biliary stents eluting gemcitabine in a porcine model
Authors: Chung Moon Jae , Kim Hyunki , Kim Kyung Sik , Park Sangsoo , Chung Jae Bock , Park Seung Woo 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Palliative biliary decompression by metal stent is the treatment of choice for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction; however, conventional stents provide only mechanical palliation and exert no anti‐tumor effects. Gemcitabine (GEM) has been reported to be more effective in unresectable pancreatic cancer and biliary cancer compared with other chemotherapeutic drugs. We evaluated the safety of a GEM‐eluting stent by analyzing histologic responses of the porcine bile duct.Methods:  Stents containing GEM (0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% [w/v]) were surgically inserted into bile ducts of pigs (each group, n = 2). The animals were euthanized after 4 weeks, and the stented bile duct segment underwent gross and microscopic examination. Laboratory assay was performed for aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GTP).Results:  Moderate to severe inflammation was observed in the bile ducts in contact with stents containing 15 and 20% GEM, compared with no inflammation with 0% GEM and mild inflammation with 10% GEM. Fibrous reactions observed in the submucosal layer did not differ among groups. Transmural necrosis and perforations were not observed in any animal. No abnormal laboratory test findings were directly caused by GEM.Conclusion:  Our newly developed GEM eluting stents can be used safely in normal bile ducts. Our results indicated that 10% GEM produced mild histologic changes in the stented segment and adjacent tissue; this concentration may be appropriate for clinical application.
Colorectal cancer screening practise is influenced by ethnicity of medical practitioner and patient
Authors: Koo Jenn Hian , You Matthew Yibin , Liu Ken , Athureliya Maneesha D , Tang Catherine W Y , Redmond Diane M , Connor Susan J , Leong Rupert W L 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening improves survival and requires appropriate recommendation by general practitioners (GPs). Screening practises may be influenced by barriers related to ethnicity and training.Methods:  A mail survey assessed GPs' practises and the barriers towards CRC screening. The association of screening practises and demography, including GP ethnicity, medical training and practise characteristics, were evaluated.Results:  Of 212 GPs (median age 54 years, 73% men, 27% Caucasian, 38% foreign graduates), 87% agreed that fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening improved survival in the average‐risk patient. Considerable variations existed in the starting age (40–49 years: 31%; 50 years: 65%) and frequency (1–2 years: 77%; 3–5 years: 22%) of screening. FOBT was used for indications other than screening: anemia (59%), altered bowel habits (54%), abdominal pain (24%), and rectal bleeding (23%), and these were significantly more frequent in Asian GPs independent of medical training. GPs were less likely to recommend screening to immigrants, and most reported that immigrants were less likely to participate. More Asian and Middle Eastern GPs reported a major barrier with FOBT inaccuracy compared with Caucasian GPs (22% vs 9%, P = 0.03; and 27% vs 9%, P = 0.03, respectively).Conclusions:  Considerable differences existed in GPs' CRC screening practises. Indications for use of FOBT and the subsequent investigation of a positive FOBT also varied according to GPs' ethnicity, independent of medical training. Patient's ethnicity and associated language and cultural barriers may affect screening uptake, which may negatively affect the health of immigrants. Resources and culture‐specific interventions are recommended to improve overall screening participation.
Effect of melatonin and misoprostol on bacterial translocation in portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Topuz Ömer , İlhan Yavuz Selim , Doğru Osman , Aygen Erhan , Sözen Selim 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and it is responsible for its most common complications. Bacterial translocation increases the morbidity and mortality rates in patients with portal hypertension. We aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin and misoprostol on bacterial translocation induced by portal hypertension.Methods:  We established four groups, each containing eight rats. Except for the control and sham groups, the animals in the other groups (treatment groups) received misoprostol or melatonin for 3 days after the first operation. In the sham group, a laparotomy was carried out and only the portal vein was dissected. Calibrated portal vein ligation was carried out in the other groups. All animals were given 1010Escherichia coli by orogastric intubation 12 h before sampling. Seventy‐two hours after the first operation, mesenteric lymph node and blood samples were obtained and cultured. Two cc blood samples were obtained for a polymerase chain reaction study. A piece of terminal ileum was also sampled for histopathologic examination.Results:  Mesenteric lymph node and blood cultures of all control animals were positive for microbiological growth, and polymerase chain reaction results were positive in seven of the eight rats. Histopathologically, edema, vasodilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were found to be less in the other groups in comparison to the control group. The incidence of bacterial translocation was decreased in all treatment groups as compared to the control group.Conclusions:  In this study, bacterial translocation occurred in portal hypertension. Melatonin and misoprostol reduced the incidence of bacterial translocation in portal hypertensive rats.
Immediate re‐transplantation following early kidney transplant thrombosis
Authors: PHELAN PAUL J , MAGEE COLM , O'KELLY PATRICK , J O'BRIEN FRANK , LITTLE DILLY , CONLON PETER J 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Allograft thrombosis is a devastating early complication of renal transplantation that ultimately leads to allograft loss. We report here on our experience of nine cases of immediate re‐transplantation following early kidney transplant thrombosis at a single centre between January 1990 and June 2009. The mean age was 42.9 years at time of transplant. For seven patients, the allograft thrombosis was their first kidney transplant and seven of the nine cases had a deceased donor transplant. The initial transplants functioned for a mean of 1.67 days and the patients received a second allograft at a mean of 3.1 days after graft failure. All of the re‐transplants worked immediately. Four allografts failed after a mean of 52.5 months (2–155 months). Two of these died with a functioning allograft, one failed owing to chronic allograft nephropathy and one owing to persistent acute cellular rejection. The remaining five patients still have a functioning allograft after a mean of 101.8 months (7–187 months). One year allograft and patient survival after re‐transplantation were 87.5% and 100% respectively (after 5 years, both were 57%). Immediate re‐transplantation following early kidney transplant thrombosis can be a success. It may be considered in selected cases after allograft thrombosis.
Pre‐vaccination epidemiology of human papillomavirus infections in Japanese women with abnormal cytology
Authors: Yamasaki Kentaro , Miura Kiyonori , Shimada Takako , Ikemoto Rie , Miura Shoko , Murakami Makoto , Sameshima Tetsuro , Fujishita Akira , Kotera Kouhei , Kinoshita Akira , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Masuzaki Hideaki 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate the pre‐vaccination epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and genotypes in women with abnormal cytology in Nagasaki, Japan.Material and Methods:  We performed Pap smear tests, biopsies and HPV genotype testing in Nagasaki Prefecture from August 2007 through November 2009.Results:  During the study period, serial samples of uterine cervical specimens were obtained from 539 subjects with abnormal cytology and/or squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) confirmed previously, or with clinically suspected invasive cervical cancer. In 119 HPV‐positive subjects with low‐grade SIL, the three most prevalent high‐risk HPV genotypes were HPV52 (21.8%; 26/119), HPV16 (20.2%; 24/119) and HPV56 (17.6%; 21/119). In 199 women, 127 HPV‐positive subjects with high‐grade SIL and 67 HPV‐positive subjects with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the three most prevalent high‐risk HPV genotypes were HPV16 (44.3%; 86/194), HPV52 (20.6%; 40/194) and HPV58 (16.0%; 31/194).Conclusion:  Compared with the distribution of high‐risk HPV genotypes in other countries, HPV52 was a more common genotype in Nagasaki. With disease progression to SCC, the distribution of high‐risk HPV56 belonging to the A6 HPV family decreased, while HPV16 and HPV52 belonging to the A9 HPV family persisted. Our data provide an important resource to address the case for vaccination against HPV genotypes other than HPV16 and HPV18 in Japan.
Relationships between fetal growth and maternal body mass indices, plasma glucose level, and plasma insulin level in Japanese women with mildly impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Yamada Takashi , Yamada Takahiro , Shono Rina , Koyama Takahiro , Takeda Masamitsu , Nishida Ryutaro , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To identify variables which are strongly associated with fetal growth.Material and Methods:  The study subjects were 203 Japanese women who had a plasma glucose level ≥140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) on a 50‐g glucose challenge test but were normoglycemic when challenged with a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) according to the criteria previously used in Japan. All the subjects subsequently gave birth to singleton infants. The correlations between the standard deviation for birthweight (birthweight SD) and 15 other variables, including the maternal body mass index (BMI), plasma levels of glucose and insulin on the GTT, and various indices calculated using data from the GTT, were then examined. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.Results:  Univariate analyses revealed significant correlations between the birthweight SD and the fasting plasma glucose level (P = 0.0063), the pre‐pregnancy BMI (P = 0.0001), and the BMI at delivery (P < 0.0001). Only the BMI at delivery remained as a significant factor that was independently correlated with the birthweight SD after a multivariate regression analysis.Conclusion:  The suppression of maternal weight gain, rather than the suppression of the plasma glucose level, may be effective for avoiding infants with overgrowth among Japanese women with mildly impaired glucose tolerance.
Evaluation of visual inspection with acetic acid as a feasible screening test for cervical neoplasia
Authors: Hasanzadeh Malihe , Esmaeili Habibollah , Tabaee Samane , Samadi Fariba 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  Alternative methods for cervical cancer screening have been sought. One method, direct visualization with acetic acid (VIA), has proven itself in many clinical trials as an adequate alternative to Pap‐smears in developing countries. This study was designed to assess if visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA test) could be an appropriate alternative method for cervical cancer screening. Therefore, we compared VIA, as a stand‐alone test, with the gold standard test (colposcopy) in detecting significant cervical pathology in our setting.Materials and Methods:  The study population consisted of the women who attended the Gynecological Clinic in Ghaem Hospital from April 2008 to April 2009. All of them were tested with VIA. Then, 100 test‐positive women and 100 test‐negative women were randomly selected and underwent cytology and colposcopy. Cervical biopsies were conducted for the women with abnormal colposcopic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for each test and then were compared.Results:  Sixty‐nine women in the VIA‐positive group and 61 women in the VIA‐negative group had abnormal cytology. After studying the biopsies, 58 women with positive VIA, and two women with negative VIA had a final diagnosis of dysplasia. Positive predictive value for VIA and cytology were 58% and 33%, respectively.Conclusion:  The results of this study indicate that VIA may be a useful and feasible alternative screening test for cervical precancerous and cancerous lesions.
SOFT BUDGET CONSTRAINT RECONSIDERED
Authors: Vahabi Mehrdad 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper demonstrates that Kornai's original concept of the soft budget constraint (SBC) as a theoretical innovation in micro‐theory disguises income redistributions that are essentially macroeconomic relationships. The SBC also postulates a competitive market economy as the benchmark of hard budget constraint (HBC) and efficiency. A recent formal theory explains the SBC as a component of profit‐maximizing strategic behaviour. From this perspective, the SBC can be integrated into the new microeconomics, but it loses its specific institutional connotation and its macroeconomic dimension. The SBC is thus included in ubiquitous market‐type relationships, particularly complete (optimal) contractual arrangements.
Chemotherapy and targeted agents for colorectal cancer in a real‐life setting anticipate guidelines: the COLCHIC cohort study
Authors: Smith Denis , Terrebonne Eric , Rouyer Magali , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Breilh Dominique , Pedeboscq Stéphane , Le Monies Alise , Lecomte Coralie , Lassalle Régis , Moore Nicholas , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntroduction of new agents for the treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) has been accompanied by the publication of guidelines. The COLCHIC cohort was set up to evaluate CRC treatment practices and the use of these innovative and expensive agents. Patients initiating CRC treatment at the Bordeaux teaching hospital between 1 March 2005 and 1 March 2006 were identified, and treatment courses from 1 March 2005 to 31 December 2006 were studied; 192 patients were included, 188 with analysable data: 43 patients initiated 51 courses for non‐metastatic cancer, 153 initiated 366 courses for metastatic cancer, eight patients initiated courses for both non‐metastatic and metastatic cancer. Most treatments were used for indications found in guidelines published during the study (83.9%). Of the others, nearly half were approved in guidelines published subsequently. In this teaching hospital, prescribing practice was generally in line with recommendations, with an anticipation of future guidelines. This mostly concerned monoclonal antibodies, which were new at the time of the study.
Stress‐induced anhedonia is associated with an increase in Alzheimer's disease‐related markers
Authors: Briones A , Gagno S , Martisova E , Dobarro M , Aisa B , Solas M , Tordera R , Ramírez MJ 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stress is believed to be associated with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have studied mechanisms implicated in vulnerability to stress and the relationship with changes in AD‐related markers.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Anhedonia induced by a chronic mild stress (CMS) procedure, applied for 6 weeks, was used to select rats vulnerable or resistant to stress. Sucrose intake, the Porsolt forced swimming test and cognitive deficits in the novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to characterize vulnerable and resilient rats. The antidepressant venlafaxine (20 mg·kg−1 p.o.) or saline was administered daily during the last 2 weeks of CMS. Biochemical markers affected by stress, PKB, ERK and synaptophysin, and those associated with AD, amyloid β‐protein (Aβ), β‐secretase (BACE1) and τ phosphorylation, were measured in the hippocampus.KEY RESULTS After CMS, 40% of rats were resistant to the development of anhedonia (CMS‐resistant to stress), whereas the remaining were responsive [CMS‐anhedonic (CMSA)]. Only CMSA rats displayed significant increases in immobility time in the forced swimming test and cognitive deficits in the NORT, and significant decreases in synaptophysin, phosphorylated PKB and phosphorylated ERK1/2 expression in the hippocampus. Increased levels of Aβ40, BACE1 and τ phosphorylation were also found only in CMSA rats. All these effects in CMSA rats were reverted by treatment with venlafaxine.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Vulnerability to stress might constitute a risk factor for the development of AD, and pharmacological treatment with venlafaxine may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stress‐related disorders, including AD.
Cardamonin sensitizes tumour cells to TRAIL through ROS‐ and CHOP‐mediated up‐regulation of death receptors and down‐regulation of survival proteins
Authors: Yadav Vivek R , Prasad Sahdeo , Aggarwal Bharat B 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is currently in clinical trials as a treatment for cancer, but development of resistance is a major drawback. Thus agents that can overcome resistance to TRAIL are urgently needed. Cardamonin (2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐6′‐methoxychalcone) has been shown to affect cell growth by modulating various cell signalling pathways. Hence, we investigated the effect of cardamonin on the actions of TRAIL.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of cardamonin on TRAIL was measured by plasma membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial activity, and activation of caspase‐8, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3 in human colon cancer cells.KEY RESULTS Cardamonin potentiated TRAIL‐induced apoptosis and this correlated with up‐regulation of both the TRAIL death receptor (DR) 4, 5 at mRNA and protein levels. TRAIL‐decoy receptor DcR1 was down‐regulated by cardamonin. Induction of DRs by cardamonin occurred in a variety of cell types. Gene silencing of the DRs by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the effect of cardamonin on TRAIL‐induced apoptosis, suggesting that sensitization was mediated through the DR. Induction of the DR by cardamonin was p53‐independent but required CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP); cardamonin induced CHOP, and its silencing by siRNA eliminated the induction of DR5. Cardamonin increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and quenching ROS abolished its induction of receptors and enhancement of TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Cardamonin also decreased the expression of various cell survival proteins.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cardamonin potentiates TRAIL‐induced apoptosis through ROS‐CHOP‐mediated up‐regulation of DRs, decreased expression of decoy receptor and cell survival proteins. Thus, cardamonin has the potential to make TRAIL more effective as an anticancer therapy.