bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patch test results may vary depending on where testing is performed: a comparison of patch test results from three geographically distinct sites in the USA
Authors: Davis Mark D. P. , Yiannias James A. , Weaver Amy L. , Farmer Sara A. , Scalf Leigh Ann , Prakash Amy V. , Fett Debra D. , Richardson Donna M. , Connolly Suzanne M. , Keeling James H. , el‐Azhary Rokea A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Do patch test results vary from one part of the USA to another? Few reports directly compare the results of patch testing across centers within the USA.Objectives  Our objective was to compare results of patch testing from three geographically disparate Mayo Clinic sites in the USA to ascertain whether there are any differences in allergic patch test rates.Methods  We retrospectively reviewed patch test results for patients tested with a standard allergen series using our enterprise‐wide protocol for patch testing. We compared data collected from January 1, 2001, through to December 31, 2007, from our practice sites in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions of the USA.Results  In total, 5063 patients underwent patch testing. The mean (standard deviation) number of allergens tested per patient was 70.3 (3.8) (range: 10–87; interquartile range: 68–73). Analyses were conducted separately for 72 allergens with positive reactions from at least 20 patients. Risk‐adjusted positive reaction rates (RAPRRs) for 44 allergens differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the geographic sites; RAPRRs differed significantly across all three sites for 11 allergens and between two of the three sites for 33 allergens.Conclusions  Allergic patch test rates differed among our three practice sites for many allergens. It is likely that many factors contributed to these observed differences, including variations in the population undergoing patch testing, variations in allergen exposure, and variations in climate.
How useful is the Mantoux test in the diagnosis of doubtful cases of cutaneous tuberculosis?
Authors: Ramam M. , Malhotra Amit , Tejasvi Trilokraj , Manchanda Yashpal , Sharma Sandeep , Mittal Rashmi , Ramesh V. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Diagnostic tests are critical to management when the clinical picture is unclear. We analyzed the records of patients in whom the initial diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis was doubtful to evaluate the utility of the Mantoux test in this setting.Materials and methods  Of 375 patients with cutaneous tuberculosis seen in our department, the initial clinical diagnosis was doubtful in 90 patients. A Mantoux test was performed with 5 TU of purified protein derivative using standard techniques and read after two days. Patients also underwent skin biopsy and other laboratory tests and received treatment with antitubercular drugs. Patients who had case notes recording satisfactory improvement following antitubercular therapy were classified as having cutaneous tuberculosis; those with evidence of another diagnosis based on the laboratory tests and response to therapy were categorized as non‐tuberculosis cases. Patients with inadequate evidence for a diagnosis of either cutaneous tuberculosis or another disorder were classified as unresolved diagnosis.Results  Readings were available in 79 patients: 39 were categorized as tuberculosis; 16 as non‐tuberculosis; while a final diagnosis could not be reached in 24 cases. Readings ranged from 0 to 40 mm in the cases and from 0 to 30 mm in non‐cases. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was 0.66 (95% CI 0.55–0.81). Using a cut‐off of 10 mm, the sensitivity and specificity of the tests were 58.97 and 62.50%, respectively.Conclusion  The Mantoux test is of low accuracy in the diagnosis of doubtful cases of cutaneous tuberculosis.
Modified Jaipur block for the treatment of post‐herpetic neuralgia
Authors: Puri Neerja 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPost‐herpetic neuralgia means pain which occurs for longer than one to three months after the resolution of the rash of herpes zoster. We conducted a study of 30 patients having post herpetic neuralgia. All the patients were treated with modified Jaipur block consisting of local subcutaneous infiltration of 2% Xylocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine and methylprednisolone. In our study, it was seen that 20% patients had complete relief of pain after first injection, 60% patients had complete relief of pain after second injection, 10% patients had complete relief of pain after third injection, and only 10% patients did not respond to treatment. The non‐responders were either old (over 60 years) or had pain lasting for more than two years.
Enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium in de novo and maintenance kidney–pancreas transplant recipients
Authors: Ricart María J. , Oppenheimer Frederic , Andrés Amado , Morales José M. , Alonso Ángel , Fernández Constantino ,   on behalf of the Epi‐trasplante Study, MIDATA Kidney–Pancreas Sub‐study Group
Published: October 2011

Ricart MJ, Oppenheimer F, Andrés A, Morales JM, Alonso Á, Fernández C, on behalf of the Epi‐trasplante Study, MIDATA Kidney–Pancreas Sub‐study Group. Enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium in de novo and maintenance kidney–pancreas transplant recipients.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01526.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Our objective was to describe efficacy and safety of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS) in de novo and maintenance recipients of kidney–pancreas transplant in the clinical practice.Methods:  Observational, multicentre, prospective, 12‐month study.Results:  We included 24 de novo and 24 maintenance patients. EC‐MPS mean (±SD) doses at initiation in de novo patients were 1440 ± 0 vs. 1268 ± 263 mg/d at month 12 (M12). Patient and renal graft survival at one yr were 100%, and pancreatic graft survival was 83.3% (two losses owing to technical failure and two owing to rejection). In the maintenance cohort, EC‐MPS was introduced at a median (P25–P75) of 30 (6–71) months after transplant. Baseline doses were 585 ± 310 vs. 704 ± 243 mg/d at M12. In this group, a significant increase in creatinine clearance was observed (65 ± 22 at baseline vs. 74 ± 20 mL/min at M12, p = 0.011). Patient, renal, and pancreatic graft survival were 100%, 95.8%, and 100%, respectively (one kidney graft loss owing to rejection). During follow‐up, one patient from each group discontinued EC‐MPS.Conclusions:  The efficacy of EC‐MPS in the clinical practice of kidney–pancreas transplantation is good, with high patient and grafts survival at 12 months, and good safety profile. The maintenance group displayed an improvement in renal function.
Post‐reperfusion syndrome during isolated intestinal transplantation: outcome and predictors
Authors: Siniscalchi Antonio , Cucchetti Alessandro , Miklosova Zuzana , Lauro Augusto , Zanoni Andrea , Spedicato Salvatore , Bernardi Enrico , Aurini Lucia , Pinna Antonio D. , Faenza Stefano 
Published: October 2011

Siniscalchi A, Cucchetti A, Miklosova Z, Lauro A, Zanoni A, Spedicato S, Bernardi E, Aurini L, Pinna AD, Faenza S. Post‐reperfusion syndrome during isolated intestinal transplantation: outcome and predictors.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01530.x  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Post‐reperfusion syndrome (PRS) during isolated intestinal transplantation (ITx) is characterized by decreased systemic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and cardiac output and by a moderate increased pulmonary arterial pressure. We hypothesize that the more severe PRS causes a poorer long‐term outcome. The primary aim of this study was to determine the independent clinical predictors of intra‐operative PRS, as well as to investigate the link between the severity of PRS and the intra‐operative profiles and to examine the post‐operative complications and their relationship with transplant outcome.Methods:  This observational study was conducted on 27 patients undergoing isolated ITx in a single adult liver and multivisceral transplantation center. PRS was considered when the mean arterial blood pressure was 30% lower than the pre‐unclamping value and lasted for at least one min within 10 min after unclamping.Results and conclusions:  The main results of this study can be summarized in two findings: in patients undergoing ITx, the duration of cold ischemia and the pre‐operative glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of PRS and the occurrence of intra‐operative PRS was associated with significantly more frequent post‐operative renal failure and early post‐operative death.
Isolation and Culture of Preantral Follicles for Retrieving Oocytes for the Embryo Production: Present Status in Domestic Animals
Authors: Gupta PSP , Nandi S 
Published: October 2011

ContentsThe development of efficient ovarian preantral follicle (PF) isolation and culture systems provide a large number of oocytes for the manipulation and embryo production. It also helps for understanding the mechanisms of follicle and oocyte development. Isolation and culture protocols for PFs were developed for many domestic species like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, horse, camel, dog and cats; however, embryo production from oocytes derived from in vitro grown PFs was reported only in pigs, buffalo, sheep and goat. The rate of oocyte maturation from PFs grown in vitro is low and requires considerable research. This paper presents an overview of isolation and culture systems of PFs that have been developed for domestic species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pigs, horse, camel, dog and cat) along with the current status of progress achieved in the direction of producing embryos using PFs as the source of oocyte in these species.
Thermal histories of Cretaceous basins in Korea: Implications for response of the East Asian continental margin to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate
Authors: CHOI TAEJIN , LEE YONG IL 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThermal histories of Cretaceous sedimentary basins in the Korean peninsula have been assessed to understand the response of the East Asian continental margin to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific (Izanagi) Plate. The Izanagi Plate subducted obliquely beneath the East Asian continent during the Early Cretaceous and orthogonally in the Late Cretaceous. First, the Jinan Basin, a pull‐apart basin, was studied by illite crystallinity and apatite fission‐track analyses. Analytical results indicate that Jinan Basin sediment was heated to a maximum temperature of approximately 287°C by burial. The sediment experienced two cooling episodes during ca 95–80 Ma and after ca 30 Ma, with a quiescent period between them. A similar cooling pattern is recognized in the Gyeongsang Basin, the largest Cretaceous basin in Korea. The Jinan and Gyeongsang Basins were cooled mainly by exhumation between ca 95 and 80 Ma, but the former was exhumed slightly earlier than the latter by transpressional force due to the subduction direction change of the Izanagi Plate. Comparison of thermal history of Korean Cretaceous basins with those of granitoids in northeastern China and the accretionary complexes in southwestern Japan reveals that the Upper Cretaceous regional exhumation of the East Asian continental margin including the Korean peninsula during ca 95–80 Ma was facilitated by the subduction of the Izanagi–Pacific ridge, which migrated northeastwards with time, resulting in the end of regional exhumation at ca 80 Ma in this region.
Post‐uptake metabolism affects quantification of amino acid uptake
Authors: Warren Charles R. 
Published: October 2011

Summary
The quantitative significance of amino acids to plant nutrition remains controversial. This experiment determined whether post‐uptake metabolism and root to shoot export differ between glycine and glutamine, and examined implications for estimation of amino acid uptake.
Field soil containing a Eucalyptus pauciflora seedling was injected with uniformly 13C‐ and 15N‐labelled glycine or glutamine. I quantified 15N and 13C excess in leaves and roots and intact labelled amino acids in leaves, roots and stem xylem sap. A tunable diode laser quantified fluxes of 12CO2 and 13CO2 from leaves and soil.
60–360 min after addition of amino acid, intact molecules of U‐13C,15N glutamine were < 5% of 15N excess in roots, whereas U‐13C,15N glycine was 30–100% of 15N excess in roots. Intact molecules of glutamine, but not glycine, were exported from roots to shoots.
Post‐uptake metabolism and transport complicate interpretation of isotope labelling such that root and shoot contents of intact amino acid, 13C and 15N may not reflect rates of uptake. Future experiments should focus on reconciling discrepancies between intact amino acid, 13C and 15N by determining the turnover of amino acids within roots. Alternatively, post‐uptake metabolism and transport could be minimized by harvesting plants within minutes of isotope addition.
Caveolin‐1 regulates nitric oxide‐mediated matrix metalloproteinases activity and blood–brain barrier permeability in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury
Authors: Gu Yong , Zheng Guoqing , Xu Mingjing , Li Yue , Chen Xingmiao , Zhu Wenzong , Tong Yao , Chung Sookja K. , Liu Ke Jian , Shen Jiangang 
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 147–156.AbstractThe roles of caveolin‐1 (cav‐1) in regulating blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability are unclear yet. We previously reported that cav‐1 was down‐regulated and the production of nitric oxide (NO) induced the loss of cav‐1 in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The present study aims to address whether the loss of cav‐1 impacts on BBB permeability and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity during cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury. We found that focal cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion down‐regulated the expression of cav‐1 in isolated cortex microvessels, hippocampus, and cortex of ischemic brain. The down‐regulation of cav‐1 was correlated with the increased MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities, decreased tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 expression and enhanced BBB permeability. Treatment of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester [l‐NAME, a non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor] reserved the expression of cav‐1, inhibited MMPs activity, and reduced BBB permeability. To elucidate the roles of cav‐1 in regulating MMPs and BBB permeability, we used two approaches including cav‐1 knockdown in cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) in vitro and cav‐1 knockout (KO) mice in vivo. Cav‐1 knockdown remarkably increased MMPs activity in BMECs. Meanwhile, with focal cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion, cav‐1 deficiency mice displayed higher MMPs activities and BBB permeability than wild‐type mice. Interestingly, the effects of l‐NAME on MMPs activity and BBB permeability was partly reversed in cav‐1 deficiency mice. These results, when taken together, suggest that cav‐1 plays important roles in regulating MMPs activity and BBB permeability in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. The effects of l‐NAME on MMPs activity and BBB permeability are partly mediated by preservation of cav‐1.
Effect of levofloxacin on lithium – a pharmacokinetic study in rabbits
Authors: Rajagopalan Sujit , Shafiq Nusrat , Pandhi Promila , Malhotra Samir 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate potential drug–drug interaction between lithium and levofloxacin. The study was conducted on New Zealand white rabbits with three groups having two subgroups each (n = 12). The first group compared the pharmacokinetic (Pk) parameters of lithium when lithium was given as a single dose (56 mg/kg) and when lithium was co‐administered with levofloxacin (35 mg/kg). The second group compared the Pk parameters of lithium when lithium was given for 6 days alone and when levofloxacin was given on the sixth day after lithium steady‐state levels were achieved. The third group compared the Pk parameters of lithium when lithium was given alone for 8 days and levofloxacin was given on days 6, 7, and 8 along with lithium. Apart from this, creatinine levels were also measured to detect nephrotoxicity effects because of this co‐administration. It was found that there was increase in lithium levels in all three groups. The increase was significant when a single dose of levofloxacin was administered with steady‐state level of lithium (Cmax of lithium: 2.54 ± 0.15 vs 2.79 ± 0.12 mm, P < 0.001 and AUC0‐α of lithium: 24.36 ± 3.68 vs 31.88 ± 4.83 mmol/mL h, P < 0.001). The increase in lithium levels was also significant when levofloxacin was coprescribed for 3 days after lithium steady‐state levels were achieved (Cmax increased from 2.72 ± 0.29 to 3.96 ± 0.29 mm, P < 0.001 and AUC0‐α increased from 27.1 ± 4.96 to 42.64 ± 4.94 mmol/mL h). Levofloxacin increases lithium levels when they are co‐administered, and this interaction might be clinically significant as they may be coprescribed.
The value of population pharmacokinetics and simulation for postmarketing safety evaluation of dosing guidelines for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index: buflomedil as a case study
Authors: Bourguignon Laurent , Ducher Michel , Matanza David , Bleyzac Nathalie , Uhart Mathieu , Odouard Emmanuel , Maire Pascal , Goutelle Sylvain 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPopulation pharmacokinetics and simulation techniques currently play an important role in new drug development. This paper illustrates the potential value of those methods in postmarketing safety assessment, using buflomedil in elderly patients as an example. We retrospectively assessed the risk of buflomedil overdosing associated with the latest dosing recommendations of the French Drug Agency (AFSSAPS). First, buflomedil concentrations measured in 24 elderly patients were analysed with a nonparametric population approach. Then, the pharmacokinetic model was used to perform a 1000‐patient Monte Carlo simulation for the two recommended buflomedil dosage regimens. The maximum concentrations calculated after 10 days of therapy were compared with levels observed in reported cases of toxicity to assess the probability of overdosing. A three‐compartment model best fit concentration data. Population predictions showed little bias (−0.14 mg/L) and good precision (8.73 mg2/L2). Overall results of the simulation study showed that the application of the two recommended dosage regimens of buflomedil was associated with overdosing (Cmax > 10 mg/L) and potential toxicity in 2.9% of geriatric patients. In patients with mild renal impairment, who may receive the higher‐dosage regimen by therapeutic error, the probability of overdosing was 6.2%. Despite specific dosing recommendations in case of renal impairment, this study shows that the use of buflomedil could be associated with significant risk of overdosing in geriatric patients. Such results might have enhanced decision‐making when buflomedil safety was reassessed by AFSSAPS in 2006. The retrospective case of buflomedil illustrates how these methods may be valuable in postmarketing safety evaluation of potentially toxic drugs.
Physician Practices and Readiness for Medical Home Reforms: Policy, Pitfalls, and Possibilities
Authors: Hollingsworth John M. , Saint Sanjay , Sakshaug Joseph W. , Hayward Rodney A. , Zhang Lingling , Miller David C. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.To determine the proportion of physician practices in the United States that currently meets medical home criteria.Data Source/Study Setting.2007 and 2008 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.Study Design.We mapped survey items to the National Committee on Quality Assurance's (NCQA's) medical home standards. After awarding points for each “passed” element, we calculated a practice's infrastructure score, dividing its cumulative total by the number of available points. We identified practices that would be recognized as a medical home (Level 1 [25–49 percent], Level 2 [50–74 percent], or Level 3 [infrastructure score ≥75 percent]) and examined characteristics associated with NCQA recognition.Results.Forty‐six percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 42.5–50.2) of all practices lack sufficient medical home infrastructure. While 72.3 percent (95 percent CI, 64.0–80.7 percent) of multi‐specialty groups would achieve recognition, only 49.8 percent (95 percent CI, 45.2–54.5 percent) of solo/partnership practices meet NCQA standards. Although better prepared than specialists, 40 percent of primary care practices would not qualify as a medical home under present criteria.Conclusion.Almost half of all practices fail to meet NCQA standards for medical home recognition.
European Long‐Term Care Programs: Lessons for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports?
Authors: Nadash Pamela , Doty Pamela , Mahoney Kevin J. , Von Schwanenflugel Matthias 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo uncover lessons from abroad for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS), a federally run voluntary public long‐term care (LTC) insurance program created under the Accountable Care Act of 2010.Data SourcesProgram administrators and policy researchers from Austria, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.Study DesignQualitative methods focused on key parameters of cash for care: how programs set benefit levels; project expenditures; control administrative costs; regulate the use of benefits; and protect workers.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsStructured discussions were conducted during an international conference of LTC experts, followed by personal meetings and individual correspondence.Principal FindingsGermany's self‐financing mandate and tight targeting of benefits have resulted in a solvent program with low premiums. Black markets for care are likely in the absence of regulation; France addresses this via a unique system ensuing legal payment of workers.ConclusionsPrograms in the five countries studied have lessons, both positive and negative, relevant to CLASS design.
Caveman Politics: Evolutionary Leadership Preferences and Physical Stature
Authors: Murray Gregg R. , Schmitz J. David 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveFollowing evolutionary psychology, we argue that physical stature matters in preferences regarding political leadership. Particularly, a preference for physically formidable leaders evolved to promote survivability in the violent human ancestral history.MethodsWe present two studies of original data to assess individual attitudes regarding the association between physical stature and political leadership. Analytical methods include ordered probit regression.ResultsThe findings are consistent with the evolutionary theory presented here. Study 1 indicates that individuals tend to prefer leaders with greater physical stature, while Study 2 indicates that males with greater physical stature are more likely to think of themselves as qualified to be a leader and, through this increased sense of efficacy, they are more likely to demonstrate interest in pursuing a leadership position.ConclusionConsistent with emerging evidence from other research perspectives, political behavior, in this case preferences regarding political leadership, is shaped by both environmental and evolutionary forces.
Liquid Desiccant Solvent Extraction of Alumina‐Filled Thermoreversible Gels
Authors: Shanti N. O. , DeNolf G. C. , Shull K. R. , Faber K. T. 
Published: October 2011

A liquid desiccant solvent extraction technique is introduced to significantly reduce the amount of warping during drying in thermoreversibly gelcast alumina samples by eliminating capillary stresses during the initial solvent removal stage. This process is combined with a secondary drying step in a vacuum oven with an in‐line solvent trap, allowing for the complete recovery of the alcohol solvent used in producing gels. Optimal concentrations and immersion times for poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐based and water‐based liquid desiccants are determined, along with the osmotic stresses and equilibrium solvent concentrations of gels immersed in these desiccants. Solvent loss during the liquid desiccant solvent extraction step, volumetric shrinkage during drying and sintering, and sintered porosity are measured. It is determined that a ~10 wt% poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)/90 wt% isopropyl alcohol liquid desiccant is optimal.