bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Avascular osteonecrosis after treatment of SARS: a 3‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Lv Hui , De Vlas Sake J. , Liu Wei , Wang Tian‐Bao , Cao Zhao‐Yang , Li Chun‐Peng , Cao Wu‐Chun , Richardus Jan Hendrik 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjective  To investigate the relationship between avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) and corticosteroid treatment given to patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).Methods  Longitudinal study of 71 former SARS patients (mainly health care workers) who had been treated with corticosteroids, with an observation time of 36 months. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) and X‐rays of hips, knees, shoulders, ankles and wrists were taken as part of the post‐SARS follow‐up assessments.Results  Thirty‐nine per cent developed AVN of the hips within 3–4 months after starting treatment. Two more cases of hip necrosis were seen after 1 year and another 11 cases of AVN were diagnosed after 3 years, one with hip necrosis and 10 with necrosis in other joints. In total, 58% of the cohort had developed AVN after 3 years of observation. The sole factor explaining AVN in the hip was the total dose of corticosteroids received.Conclusion  The use of corticosteroids in SARS has been debated; opinions conflict about whether the immediate benefits in terms of saving lives compensate for the adverse effects, including AVN.
High level of natural variation in a groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) germplasm collection assayed by selected informative SSR markers
Authors: Varshney R. K. , Mahendar T. , Aruna R. , Nigam S. N. , Neelima K. , Vadez V. , Hoisington D. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe ability to identify genetic variation is indispensable for effective management and use of genetic resources in crop breeding. Genetic variation among 189 groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions comprising landraces, cultivars, a mutant, advanced breeding lines and others (unknown genetic background) representing 29 countries and 10 geographical regions was assessed at 25 microsatellite or simple sequence repeat loci. A high number of alleles (265) were detected in the range of 3 (Ah1TC6G09) to 20 (Ah1TC11H06) with an average of 10.6 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content value at these loci varied from 0.38 (Ah1TC6G09) to 0.88 (Ah1TC11H06) with an average of 0.70. A total of 59 unique alleles and 127 rare alleles were detected at almost all the loci assayed. Cluster analysis grouped 189 accessions into four clusters. In general, genotypes of South America and South Asia showed high level of diversity. Extraordinary level of natural genetic variation reported here provides opportunities to the groundnut community to make better decisions and define suitable strategies for harnessing the genetic variation in groundnut breeding.
The relation of arterial stiffness with intrauterine growth retardation
Authors: Levent Ertürk , Atik Tahir , Darcan Şükran , Ülger Zülal , Gökşen Damla , Özyürek A. Ruhi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  Much epidemiological evidence has linked low birthweight with late cardiovascular risk. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adult life; it is unclear whether the relationship is present at younger ages. We evaluated whether abdominal aortic stiffness was altered in patients with IUGR (born at term with birthweight small for gestational age) in younger ages.Methods:  Thirty‐two (24 girls and eight boys) IUGR children aged 8.77 ± 2.05 years were enrolled in the study. The birthweight was traced from the medical records. Their gestational ages were 38.9 ± 0.85 weeks and birthweights 2130 ± 198 g, respectively. Thirty‐one healthy subjects who had normal gestational age and birthweight, matched for age and sex were recruited as a control group. Aortic strain, pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep), and normalized Ep and aortic distensibility were measured by a sphygmomanometer and transthoracic echocardiography in all subjects from the abdominal aorta.Results:  There was no statistically significant difference between the study and the control groups in sex, mean age, body mass index, lipid profile, leptin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 or insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3. In IUGR children, aortic strain (0.201 ± 0.027 vs 0.254 ± 0.031, P < 0.001) and aortic distensibility (1.08 ± 0.19 vs 1.42 ± 0.24, P < 0.001) were significantly lower compared with the control group. However Ep (188 ± 36.2 vs 146 ± 27.1, P < 0.001) and normalized Ep (2.97 ± 0.40 vs 2.1 ± 0.39, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in IUGR patients.Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that abdominal aortic stiffness is increased in IUGR patients. These data suggest that prenatal events could be related to cardiovascular risk in later life.
Effect of ezetimibe/simvastatin compared with atorvastatin on lipoprotein subclasses in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Tomassini J. E. , Mazzone T. , Goldberg R. B. , Guyton J. R. , Weinstock R. S. , Polis A. , Jensen E. , Tershakovec A. M. 
Published: June 2009

Aim: To evaluate the effects of the usual starting and next higher doses of ezetimibe/simvastatin and atorvastatin on the cholesterol content of lipoprotein subclasses in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia.Methods: This post hoc analysis compared the effects of treatment with ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 mg vs. atorvastatin 10 and 20 mg/day and ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg/day vs. atorvastatin 40 mg/day on the cholesterol content of lipoprotein subclasses in the modified intent‐to‐treat (mITT) population (n = 1013) and in subgroups of patients with triglyceride (TG) levels <200 mg/dl (n = 600) and ≥200 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/l) (n = 413).Results: Ezetimibe/simvastatin significantly reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) subclasses LDL1‐C, LDL2‐C and LDL3‐C; real LDL‐C (LDL‐Cr); intermediate‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (IDL‐C), IDL1‐C, IDL2‐C; very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C), VLDL3‐C; and remnant‐like lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP‐C) from baseline more than atorvastatin at all dose comparisons (p < 0.01) in the mITT population. Significant improvements were also observed in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) subclass HDL3‐C at the ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 mg vs. atorvastatin 20 mg and highest dose comparisons (p < 0.001) and in VLDL1 + 2‐C at the lowest and highest dose comparisons (p < 0.001). Changes in LDL4‐C and LDL‐C subclass patterns (A, B and I) were comparable for both treatments. Generally, similar results were observed for patients with TG levels <200 and ≥200 mg/dl (2.3 mmol). For both treatments, notable differences between TG subgroups were that patients with elevated TGs had smaller reductions in LDL2‐C, slightly smaller decreases in all IDL subclasses and greater decreases in all VLDL‐C subclasses than those with lower TG levels. Frequency of pattern B was also reduced more in patients with higher TGs for both treatments.Conclusions: Ezetimibe/simvastatin reduced the cholesterol content of most lipoprotein subclasses from baseline with generally similar efficacy in patients with low and high TGs. Despite the different mechanism of action of ezetimibe, the response to ezetimibe/simvastatin and atorvastatin treatment related to these lipoprotein subclasses was generally consistent with the overall effects of these therapies on the major lipid/lipoprotein classes. The clinical significance of these results awaits further study.
Temporal changes to spatially stratified waterbird communities of the Coorong, South Australia: implications for the management of heterogenous wetlands
Authors: Paton D. C. , Rogers D. J. , Hill B. M. , Bailey C. P. , Ziembicki M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe Coorong, South Australia, is a globally significant wetland system, listed in the Ramsar Convention under a number of different criteria, including its importance to waterbird populations. Based on annual waterbird censuses conducted between 2000 and 2007, spatiotemporal analyses revealed that significant differences in waterbird community structure exist along the length of the Coorong. This spatial diversity in community structure was also found to be temporally consistent over this 8‐year period. The abundance of the most numerically dominant bird species, such as red‐necked stint Calidris ruficollis and grey teal Anas gracilis, explained much of this spatial variation. However, comparisons between data collected for the Coorong south lagoon in 1985 and 2000–2007 show that dramatic changes in these waterbird communities have occurred over longer periods of time, with 23 of the 27 most common species having declined in this period by at least 30%. The Coorong still regularly supports globally important populations (>1% of global population) of nine waterbird taxa, including three Palearctic shorebirds, confirming its Ramsar status. The functional links between the overutilized Murray‐Darling basin river system and the Coorong are discussed.
Degeneration of cultured cortical neurons following prolonged inactivation: molecular mechanisms
Authors: Schonfeld‐Dado Eldi , Fishbein Ianai , Segal Menahem 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNetworks of neurons express persistent spontaneous network activity when maintained in dissociated cultures. Prolonged blockade of the spontaneous activity with tetrodotoxin (TTX) causes the eventual death of the neurons. In this study, we investigated some molecular mechanisms that may underlie the activity‐suppressed slow degeneration of cortical neurons in culture. Already after 3–4 days of exposure to TTX, well before the neurons die, they began to express markers that lead to their eventual death, 7–10 days later. There was a reduction in glutamate receptor (GluR2) expression, a persistent increase in intracellular calcium concentration, activation of calpain, and an increase in spectrin breakdown products. At this point, blockade of GluR2‐lacking GluR1 or calpain (either with a selective antagonist or through the natural regulator of calpain, calpastatin), protected cells from the toxic action of TTX. Subsequently, mitochondria lost their normal elongated shape as well as their membrane potential. Eventually, neurons activated caspase 3 and PUMA (p53 up‐regulated modulator ofapoptosis), hallmarks of neuronal apoptosis, and died. These experiments will lead to a better understanding of slow neuronal death, typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
Transition novelty moderates daters' cortisol responses when talking about marriage
Authors: LOVING TIMOTHY J. , GLEASON MARCI E. J. , POPE MARK T. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNonmarital couples' salivary cortisol responses during a likelihood of marriage discussion were assessed. Sixty‐eight couple members (34 couples) in the United States independently indicated the extent to which they had experience thinking about and talking about marriage to their current partners (i.e., marriage novelty). Couples subsequently jointly graphed their chance of marriage to each other over the course of their relationship histories. Increased levels of marriage novelty predicted heightened cortisol reactivity to the joint discussion relative to cortisol responses of couple members for whom the idea of marriage was less novel. These results highlight the impact simply discussing transitions can have on individuals' physiological responses, and add to the expanding literature concerning the link between nonmarital romances and biological outcomes.
Liver stiffness measurement using FibroScan® is influenced by serum total bilirubin in acute hepatitis
Authors: Kim Seung Up , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Park Jun Yong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Chung Moon Jae , Chon Chae Yoon , Choi Eun Hee , Kim Do Young 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using FibroScan® is accepted as a highly reproducible and accurate technique for assessment of liver fibrosis. However, several studies have indicated that the LSM value can be significantly influenced by major changes in aminotransferases in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and LSM is unreliable for diagnosing underlying liver cirrhosis in patients with acute liver damage. We aimed to determine biochemical factors influencing the LSM value in patients with acute hepatitis.Methods: From July to December 2007, a total of 60 patients with acute hepatitis of varying aetiologies were recruited prospectively. LSM and biochemical tests were performed at diagnosis and recovery from acute hepatitis.Results: The mean age of the patients (38 men and 22 women) was 40.7±15.4 years. The aetiology of acute hepatitis included hepatitis A virus in 31 patients, drug induced in 19 and hepatitis B virus in 10. The mean LSM value was 19.6 kPa at diagnosis and 15.9 kPa at recovery. Correlation analysis showed that the LSM value at diagnosis was significantly associated with platelet count (P=0.023), alanine aminotransferase (P=0.045), albumin (P<0.001), total bilirubin (P=0.004) and prothrombin time (P=0.005). However, additional correlation analysis between the changes in LSM value and biochemical factors from diagnosis to recovery showed that the change in total bilirubin was found to be the only factor associated with the change in the LSM value (P<0.001).Conclusions: Our data suggest that the LSM value might be influenced by serum total bilirubin in patients with acute hepatitis without pre‐existing underlying chronic liver disease.
Experimental models of hepatic encephalopathy: ISHEN guidelines
Authors: Butterworth Roger F. , Norenberg Michael D. , Felipo Vicente , Ferenci Peter , Albrecht Jan , Blei Andres T. ,   Members of the ISHEN Commission on Experimental Models of HE]
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives of the International Society for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism Commission were to identify well‐characterized animal models of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and to highlight areas of animal modelling of the disorder that are in need of development. Features essential to HE modelling were identified. The best‐characterized animal models of HE in acute liver failure, the so‐called Type A HE, were found to be the hepatic devascularized rat and the rat with thioacetamide‐induced toxic liver injury. In case of chronic liver failure, surgical models in the rat involving end‐to‐side portacaval anastomosis or bile duct ligation were considered to best model minimal/mild (Type B) HE. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no satisfactory animal models of Type C HE resulting from end‐stage alcoholic liver disease or viral hepatitis, the most common aetiologies encountered in patients. The commission highlighted the urgent need for such models and of improved models of HE in chronic liver failure in general as well as a need for models of post‐transplant neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies of HE pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular level continue to benefit from in vitro and or ex vivo models involving brain slices or exposure of cultured cells (principally cultured astrocytes) to toxins such as ammonia, manganese and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. More attention could be paid in the future to in vitro models involving the neurovascular unit, microglia and neuronal co‐cultures in relation to HE pathogenesis.
Current Status of Hemofiltration
Authors: Henderson Lee W. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTHemofiltration is reviewed from the standpoint of the technical and clinical state of the art. It is a new technique and, at present, commercially available equipment is limited. Clinical experience suggests that hemofiltration results in easier attainment of salt and water balance and that control of hypertension is improved. The nomenclature used to describe convective solute and water removal alone and in conjunction with dialysis is outlined.
Dialysis of Schizophrenics Weird and Novel Applications of Dialysis, Hemofiltration, Hemoperfusion and Peritoneal Dialysis: Witchcraft?
Authors: Kolff Willem J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTDialysis resulted in a remarkable cure of 17 out of 24 patients treated in Gainesville, Florida and Louisville, Kentucky. The diagnosis of these patients was schizophrenia. However, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is often controversial. It is also very difficult to eliminate the placebo effect. Leucine5‐endorphin was found in the dialyzing fluid of ten of these patients. Its concentration was Reported to be parallel to the clinical improvement. The finding of leucine5‐endorphin has, as yet, not been confirmed in other laboratories. Cats injected with concentrate of the dialysate into the ventricles of their brains exhibited symptoms reminiscent of schizophrenia. Cats injected with a synthetic preparation of leucine5‐endorphin exhibited the same symptoms. As yet, these experiments have not been repeated in other laboratories. If, indeed, leucine5‐endorphin or a similar substance is removed with dialysis, then it can be calculated that ultrafiltration would be more effective than dialysis and peritoneal lavage might be quite effective for its removal. The double blind studies which have been started will be fraught with difficulties and will be very time consuming. On the other hand, verification of the finding of endorphin or another substance would be relatively quick since a large number of patients could be given one diagnostic ultrafiltration each. The ultrafiltrate might be tested chemically and biologically. If, indeed, a substance were found but not in normal people, then the presence of such a substance might, in turn, help to establish the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Low‐Dose Heparin in Routine Hemodialysis Monitored by Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
Authors: Shapiro Warren B. , Faubert Pierre F. , Porush Jerome G. , Chou Shyan‐yih 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTTo evaluate the use of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), as measured by the Coag‐A‐Mate semi‐automatic unit, in lowering the dosage of heparin in stable chronic hemodialysis patients, four protocols for anticoagulation were utilized. Ten patients were dialyzed five times with each protocol. In protocol I, clotting time was performed baseline, 2 and 4 hours and in protocol II, baseline and every 30 minutes, with heparin administered by bolus to keep the clotting time at 2–2% times normal. In protocols III and IV the APTT was performed every 30 minutes, with heparin given by bolus in protocol III and infusion in protocol IV, to keep the APTT 11/2‐‐2 times normal. Protocol I required 6000±543 U of heparin with the dose decreasing significantly to 3694 ± 158 U in protocol II, 2634 ± 139 U in protocol III and 2013±117 U in protocol IV (P<0.05 ‐<0.001). Three episodes of clotting occurred, one in protocol III and two in protocol IV. There was no bleeding, and clearances of urea, creatinine, phosphate and uric acid at 1 and 5 hours were similar in all protocols. APTT, as measured by the Coag‐A‐Mate unit, provides a simple means of lowering heparin requirements in routine dialysis patients.
Immediate restoration/loading of immediately placed single implants: is it an effective bimodal approach?
Authors: Atieh Momen A. , Payne Alan G. T. , Duncan Warwick J. , Cullinan Mary P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjective: To compare systematically the survival and radiographic marginal bone level changes of two immediate implant protocols in the aesthetic region; immediate single implant restoration/loading in extraction sockets (the bimodal approach) compared with the same in healed sites.Material and methods: A literature search of electronic databases, Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, National Research Register, conference proceedings and abstracts was performed without language restriction up to 1 August 2008. Hand searching included several dental journals and authors were contacted for missing information. Controlled trials that compared immediate restoration/loading of single implants placed in extraction sites with those placed in healed sites were selected. The meta‐analysis was prepared according to the guidelines of the Quality of Reporting of Meta‐analyses statement. The data were analysed using RevMan version 5.0 software. A fixed effects model was chosen with standardized mean differences for continuous data, and risk ratios for dichotomous data with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Ten studies with 629 implants were included. Immediate single implant restoration/loading in extraction sockets in the aesthetic zone was associated with significantly higher risk of implant failure (risk ratio of 3.62, 95% confidence interval 1.15–11.45, P=0.03). However, the bimodal approach showed favourable marginal bone changes after 1 year.Conclusion: The review and meta‐analysis supported the potential advantages offered by this bimodal approach, but indicated a higher risk when compared with immediate restoration/loading in healed ridges. Further long‐term, well‐conducted, randomized‐controlled studies are needed to confirm the validity of this treatment option.
Transport of Benzo[α]pyrene in the Dually Perfused Human Placenta Perfusion Model: Effect of Albumin in the Perfusion Medium
Authors: Mathiesen Line , Rytting Erik , Mose Tina , Knudsen Lisbeth E. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Transport of benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) across the placenta was examined because it is a ubiquitous and highly carcinogenic substance found in tobacco smoke, polluted air and certain foods. Foetal exposure to this substance is highly relevant but is difficult to estimate. The human placenta is unique compared to other species; since it is available without major ethical obstacles, we have used the human placenta perfusion model to study transport from mother to foetus. Placentas were donated after births at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen from pregnant mothers who signed an informed consent. BaP is lipophilic and studies using cell culture medium in 6‐hr placenta perfusions showed minimal transport through the placenta. To increase the solubility of BaP in perfusion medium and to increase physiological relevance, perfusions were also performed with albumin added to the perfusion medium [2 and 30 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 30 mg/ml human serum albumin (HSA)]. The addition of albumin resulted in increased transfer of BaP from maternal to foetal reservoirs. The transfer was even higher in the presence of an HSA formulation containing acetyltryptophanate and caprylate, resulting in a foetal–maternal concentration (FM) ratio of 0.71 ± 0.10 after 3 hr and 0.78 ± 0.11 after 6 hr, whereas the FM ratio in perfusions without albumin was only 0.05 ± 0.03 after 6 hr of perfusion. Less BaP accumulated in placental tissue in perfusions with added albumin. This shows that transplacental transport of the pro‐carcinogenic substance BaP occurs, and emphasizes the importance of adding physiological concentrations of albumin when studying the transport of lipophilic substances.