bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis After Intravenous Injection of Sublingual Buprenorphine in Acute Hepatitis C Carriers: Report of Two Cases of Disappearance of Viral Replication After Acute Hepatitis
Authors: Peyrière Hélène , Tatem Ludmilla , Bories Camille , Pageaux Georges-Philippe , Blayac Jean-Pierre , Larrey Dominique 
Published: April 2009

ObjectiveTo report 2 cases of acute hepatitis related to intravenous administration of buprenorphine in hepatitis C–infected patients.Case SummaryTwo patients, aged 33 and 50 years, respectively, who were hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers were treated with sublingual buprenorphine 8 mg/day for addiction. Several years after initiation of buprenorphine, they were hospitalized because of clinical hepatitis with jaundice that developed after intravenous injection of buprenorphine. Serum alanine aminotransferase rose to 100 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) in the first patient and to 21 times the ULN in the second. As cofactors, the first patient had consumed alcohol, and the second patient took aspirin 600 mg in addition to the injection of buprenorphine 20 mg 4 days before the onset of jaundice. After stopping the intravenous injections, both patients continued sublingual buprenorphine therapy, with no relapse of hepatitis. Interestingly, in these 2 patients, buprenorphine-induced hepatitis was followed by the disappearance of HCV RNA.DiscussionMost cases of hepatotoxicity related to buprenorphine have occurred in hepatitis C–infected patients. The main mechanism for buprenorphine-induced hepatitis is a mitochondrial defect, exacerbated by cofactors with additional potential to induce mitochondria dysfunction (eg, HCV, alcohol, concomitant medications). According to the Naranjo probability scale, buprenorphine was found to be the probable cause of acute hepatitis in both patients. In addition, we assessed the relationship between intravenous buprenorphine and acute hepatitis using 2 scales for causality assessment of hepatotoxicity (the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences scale and the Maria & Victorino scale). The diagnosis of intravenous buprenorphine-induced hepatitis was classified as probable in both cases. In addition, these 2 cases illustrate that acute hepatitis in a carrier of chronic HCV may occasionally facilitate the clearance of virus.ConclusionsAlthough buprenorphine is well tolerated when used at recommended sublingual doses, patients should be informed about the risk of acute hepatitis with misuse of the drug by the intravenous route. These cases illustrate that, in carriers of chronic HCV, acute hepatitis may modify the host's immunotolerance and facilitate clearance of the virus.
Der echte Historiker als richtiger Kerl. Neue Veröffentlichungen (nicht nur) zum 200. Geburtstag von Johann Gustav DroysenThe authentic historian as a true guy. Current publications (not only) on the occasion of the 200th birthday of Johann Gustav Droysen
Authors: Welskopp Thomas 
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung
Zugleich Besprechung von: Wilfried Nippel, Johann Gustav Droysen. Ein Leben zwischen Wissenschaft und Politik
Vitamin D therapy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and hypovitaminosis D
Authors: Tucci J R 
Published: April 2009

ObjectiveTo determine whether vitamin D repletion of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (hypovitaminosis D) has deleterious clinical and/or biochemical effects.DesignProspective audit of the effect of vitamin D repletion on biochemical data in 56 patients with PHPT. Patients were treated with 50 000 units of vitamin D2 weekly for 8 weeks with biochemical measurements at 5 and 10 weeks, and subsequently after 12 weeks on 800 units of vitamin D3 daily, and in those with hypovitaminosis D after 12 weeks of up to 100 000 units of vitamin D2 monthly.MethodsSerum calcium, albumin, phosphorus, 25-OHD, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and urine calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) ratios were measured before and during vitamin D therapy.ResultsPatients treated with 50 000 units of vitamin D2 weekly for 8 weeks resulted in a significant increase in serum 25-OHD levels from 36.4 to 89.4 nmol/l at 5 weeks (P<0.0001) and 88.6 nmol/l at 10 weeks (P<0.0001). There were no significant changes in serum calcium. At 10 weeks, there was a non-significant decrease in serum PTH and in urine Ca/Cr ratios. None of the patients developed any calcium-related adverse events. Subsequently, patients with subnormal 25-OHD levels on 800 units of vitamin D daily were treated for the next 12 weeks with up to 100 000 units of vitamin D2 monthly with normalization of serum 25-OHD in all but 4 patients.ConclusionThese data fail to demonstrate any adverse effects of vitamin D repletion in PHPT.
Improving glucocorticoid replacement therapy using a novel modified-release hydrocortisone tablet: a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Johannsson Gudmundur , Bergthorsdottir Ragnhildur , Nilsson Anna G , Lennernas Hans , Hedner Thomas , Skrtic Stanko 
Published: April 2009

BackgroundEndogenous plasma cortisol levels have a well-defined circadian rhythm. The aim of this project is to develop a once daily oral dual-release formulation for cortisol replacement therapy that mimics the diurnal variation in the plasma cortisol profile.ObjectiveTo determine single-dose plasma pharmacokinetics and dose-proportionality of oral 5 and 20 mg dual-release hydrocortisone tablets in healthy volunteers. In addition, the effect of food intake was investigated for the 20 mg dose.DesignA randomised, controlled, two-way cross-over, double-blind, phase I study of oral hydrocortisone (modified (dual) release; 5 and 20 mg) with an open food-interaction arm.MethodsThe single dose pharmacokinetic studies were performed with betamethasone suppression. The two first study days were blinded and randomised between morning administration of 5 and 20 mg tablet in a fasting state. The third day was open with a 20 mg tablet taken 30 min after a high-calorie, high-fat meal. The plasma samples were assayed using both a validated LC–MS/MS and an immunoassay. The plasma pharmacokinetic variables were calculated using non-compartmental data analysis.ResultsThe time to reach a clinically significant plasma concentration of cortisol (>200 nmol/l) was within 20 min and a mean peak of 431 (s.d. 126) nmol/l was obtained within 50 min after administration of the 20 mg tablet. Plasma cortisol levels remained above 200 nmol/l for around 6 h thereafter and all plasma concentrations 18–24 h after intake were below 50 nmol/l. In the fed state the time to reach 200 nmol/l was delayed by 28 and 9 min based on LC–MS/MS and immunoassay, respectively. The 5 and 20 mg tablets produced an increase in plasma exposure of cortisol that was not fully dose proportional.ConclusionThe dual release hydrocortisone tablet with once-daily administration produced a diurnal plasma cortisol profile mimicking the physiological serum cortisol profile.
Scaling the effects of moose browsing on forage distribution, from the geometry of plant canopies to landscapes
Authors: Jager Nathan R. De , Pastor John , Hodgson Angela L. 
Published: April 2009

Landscape heterogeneity influences large herbivores by altering their feeding rates, but as herbivores attempt to maximize feeding rates they also create spatial heterogeneity by altering plant growth. Herbivore feeding rates thus provide a quantitative link between the causes and consequences of spatial heterogeneity in herbivore‐dominated ecosystems.The fractal geometry of plant canopies determines both the density and mass of twigs available to foraging herbivores. These properties determine a threshold distance between plants (d*) that distinguishes the mechanisms regulating herbivore intake rates. When d* is greater than the actual distance between plants (d), intake is regulated by the rate of food processing in the mouth. But when d* < d, intake is regulated by the rate at which the herbivore encounters new plants. Alterations to plant geometry due to past browsing could change the rate at which herbivores encounter and process bites of plant tissue, modify d* relative to d, and thus change intake rates and the distribution of mechanisms regulating it across landscapes.We measured changes in the geometry of aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) saplings along gradients of moose browsing from 2001 to 2005 at Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA. For aspen saplings, fractal dimension of bite density, bite mass, and forage biomass responded quadratically to increasing moose browsing and were greatest at ∼3–4 g·m−2·yr−1 consumption. For balsam fir, in contrast, these same measures declined steadily with increasing moose browsing.The different responses of plant canopies to increased browsing altered d* around plants. In summer, d* ≥ d for aspen saplings at all prior consumption levels. Food processing therefore regulated summer moose feeding rates across our landscapes. In winter, changes in bite mass due to past browsing were sufficient to cause d* < d for aspen and balsam fir. Therefore, travel velocity and food processing jointly regulated intake rate during winter. Browsing‐induced changes in the small‐scale geometry of plant canopies can determine intake rate at larger spatial scales by changing d* relative to d and, hence, which mechanisms determine intake rate, essentially altering how herbivores sense the distribution of their food resources.
Assessing the relative importance of disturbance, herbivory, diversity, and propagule pressure in exotic plant invasion
Authors: Eschtruth Anne K. , Battles John J. 
Published: April 2009

The current rate of invasive species introductions is unprecedented, and the dramatic impacts of exotic invasive plants on community and ecosystem properties have been well documented. Despite the pressing management implications, the mechanisms that control exotic plant invasion remain poorly understood. Several factors, such as disturbance, propagule pressure, species diversity, and herbivory, are widely believed to play a critical role in exotic plant invasions. However, few studies have examined the relative importance of these factors, and little is known about how propagule pressure interacts with various mechanisms of ecological resistance to determine invasion success.We quantified the relative importance of canopy disturbance, propagule pressure, species diversity, and herbivory in determining exotic plant invasion in 10 eastern hemlock forests in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (USA). Use of a maximum‐likelihood estimation framework and information theoretics allowed us to quantify the strength of evidence for alternative models of the influence of these factors on changes in exotic plant abundance. In addition, we developed models to determine the importance of interactions between ecosystem properties and propagule pressure. These analyses were conducted for three abundant, aggressive exotic species that represent a range of life histories: Alliaria petiolata, Berberis thunbergii, and Microstegium vimineum.Of the four hypothesized determinants of exotic plant invasion considered in this study, canopy disturbance and propagule pressure appear to be the most important predictors of A. petiolata, B. thunbergii, and M. vimineum invasion. Herbivory was also found to be important in contributing to the invasion of some species. In addition, we found compelling evidence of an important interaction between propagule pressure and canopy disturbance. This is the first study to demonstrate the dominant role of the interaction between canopy disturbance and propagule pressure in determining forest invasibility relative to other potential controlling factors. The importance of the disturbance–propagule supply interaction, and its nonlinear functional form, has profound implications for the management of exotic plant species populations. Improving our ability to predict exotic plant invasions will require enhanced understanding of the interaction between propagule pressure and ecological resistance mechanisms.
Induction of dna strand breaks by genotoxicants in the algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: David Rhiannon M. , Winter Matthew J. , Chipman J. Kevin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe use of unicellular algae in ecotoxicity testing is well established, particularly regarding whole-organism and population-level end points such as lethality and population growth. Conflicting information exists, however, on the potential for genetic toxicity to be incorporated into the safety studies in this test organism. In the present study, DNA strand breaks (Comet assay) and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity were used as indicators of genetic toxicity and cytochrome P450 1A baseline xenobiotic metabolism, respectively, in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. DNA strand breaks were quantified following exposure to the direct-acting genotoxic agents 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO) and the N-hydroxy metabolite of 2-acetylamino-fluorene (N-OH-2-AAF) and the indirect-acting genotoxin chrysoidine. Following compound exposure, chrysoidine and N-OH-2-AAF produced statistically significant increases in DNA strand breaks at both 0.1 and 10 μM and 0.05 and 5 μM, respectively (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.01). Different light sources were also found to influence DNA strand breaks, the minimum response being observed using a source that omits the ultraviolet range. Compared to many mammalian cells, both DNA damage responses and EROD activity were relatively weak. EROD activity was 0.03 pmol/min/106 cells in control cells, and the maximum level of DNA strand breaks observed was 14.1% at a 5 nM concentration of NQO. The responses exhibited were not enhanced by the use of a cell wall-free mutant strain. In conclusion, C. reinhardtii responded, albeit weakly, to selected direct- and indirect-acting genotoxicants and also exhibited measurable EROD activity.
Kinetic analysis of experimental rabbit tumour and inflammation model with 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Huang G. , Dong S. , Wan L. , Liu P. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryNon-specific accumulation of 18F-FDG by both tumour and inflammatory lesions can make diagnostic analysis difficult. Our aim was to explore the difference in 18F-FDG uptake kinetics between tumour and inflammatory cells. To this end, we investigated VX2 tumour lesions and inflammatory lesions in rabbits. Methods: Six rabbits with VX2 tumour cells transplanted into one forelimb muscle and inflammatory lesions induced by turpentine oil in the contralateral forelimb were scanned for 60 minutes post 18F-FDG injection. Imaging data was analyzed with the standard 2-tissue-compartment model. Parameters, VB, Ki, K1, k2, k3, k4, were compared between tumour and inflammatory lesions. SUV and dual time scan methods were also compared in the experiment. Results: Time activity curves of VX2 tumour lesions showed a characteristic pattern of gradually increasing 18F-FDG uptake up to 60 min, whereas, 18F-FDG uptake in inflammatory lesions increased more slowly than in tumours. Parameters estimated from the uptake process showed that forward transport constant, K1, and influx constant, Ki, values in VX2 tumour lesions (0.186 ± 0.053 and 0.048 ± 0.014, respectively) was significantly higher than that in inflammatory lesions (0.129 ± 0.024 and 0.022 ± 0.007, respectively) (p < 0.05). In contrast, mean values of VB, k2, k3 and k4 derived from VX2 tumours were not significantly different from that of inflammatory lesions. SUVs at 60 minutes post 18F-FDG injection were also significantly higher in the VX2 tumor lesions than in the inflammatory lesions. Retention index (RI) was not significantly different between VX2 tumours and inflammatory lesions (1.134 ± 0.076 vs. 1.060 ± 0.058, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Different kinetic parameters (Ki, K1, k3) exist between inflammatory and tumour lesions.
The success of 131I ablation in thyroid cancer patients is significantly reduced after a diagnostic activity of 40 MBq 131I
Authors: Verkooijen R. B. T. , Stokkel M. P. M. , van Isselt J. W. , Verburg F. A. 
Published: April 2009

Summary
Objective: Dosimetry studies have shown that activities of 131I as small as 10-20 MBq may cause a stunning effect. A result of this stunning effect may be a lower success rate of the ablative 131I therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-therapeutic uptake measurement with 40 MBq 131I causes a lower success rate of ablation. Design: retrospective chart review study. Patients, methods: In two hospitals the ablation protocols differed in one respect only: in the one hospital no diagnostic 131I was applied before ablation (group 1, n = 48), whereas in the other hospital a 24-h uptake-measurement with 40 MBq 131I was performed (group 2, n = 51). Included were all DTC patients without distant metastases who had undergone 131I ablation between July 2002 and December 2005, and who had returned for 131I follow-up. Successful ablation was defined as absence of pathological 131I uptake on diagnostic whole-body scintigraphy and undetectable thyroglobulin-levels under TSH stimulation. Results: Overall, ablation was successful in 31/48 patients (65%) in group 1 and in 17/51 patients (33%) in group 2 (p=0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-therapeutic uptake measurement using 40 MBq 131I was an independant determinant for success of ablation (p = 0.002). Conclusions: After applying a diagnostic activity of 40 MBq 131I before ablation, the success rate of ablation is severely reduced. Consequently, the routine application of 131I for diagnostic scintigraphy or uptake measurement prior to 131I ablation is best avoided.
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy 2007 in Germany
Authors: Burchert W. , Bengel F. M. , Zimmermann R. , vom Dahl J. , Schäfer W. , Schober O. , Schäfers M. , Lindner O. 
Published: April 2009

Summary
Aim: This third survey of the working group Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine of the German Society of Nuclear Medicine in cooperation with the working group Nuclear Cardiology of the German Cardiac Society was to deliver information on the procedures and in particular on the development of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) from 2005 to 2007. Method: 370 questionnaires (222 private practices (PP), 117 hospitals (HO), 31 university hospitals (UH)) were evaluated. Results: MPS of 114,374 patients were reported, 83% were investigated with 99mTc-perfusion tracers. 76% [2006=74%] were performed in PP, 15% [2006=17%] in HO and 9% [2006=9%] in UH. Diabetics represented 21% of all MPS patients in 2007. Data of 215 institutions which participated all from 2005 to 2007 showed an increase in MPS of 2.3% (PP +6.8%, HO −4.5%, UH −18.2%). The type of stress was pharmacological in 27% [2006 = 27%]; 67% adenosine (of these 25% with exercise), 31% dipyridamole (of these 55% with exercise), and 2% dobutamine. Gated SPECT was performed in 47% [2006 = 42%] of all rest and in 44% [2006 = 39%] of all stress MPS. 61% [2006 = 83%] of all institutions did not apply perfusion scores. 20% [2006 = 24%] of the institutions reported changes in the use of MPS by competing methods. Conclusion: There is a small increase of MPS between 2005 and 2007 despite competing methods. Gated SPECT has experienced more acceptance, but is still underrepresented. As compared to the European average and general standards of MPS a considerable backlog accounts to pharmacological stress tests, gated SPECT and perfusion scores.
Microwave Circuits
Authors: Gupta K. C. , Cebi Haki , Cho Choonsik , Feng Zhiping 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe sections in this article areTypes of Microwave CircuitsLumped and Distributed CircuitsEvolution of Microwave CircuitsWaveguide CircuitsCoaxial Line CircuitsStripline CircuitsMicrostrip CircuitsCoplanar Waveguide CircuitsLumped‐Element CircuitsMultilayer Microwave CircuitsDesign of Microwave CircuitsEmerging Trends In Microwave Circuits
Soft Langmuir–Blodgett Technique for Hard Nanomaterials
Authors: Acharya Somobrata , Hill Jonathan P. , Ariga Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMaterials and their assemblies of dimensions down to a few nanometers have attracted considerable scientific interest in physical, chemical, and biological sciences because of unique properties not available in their bulk counterparts. The Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique allows rigid nanomaterials to be aligned in particular structures through a flexible assembly process at liquid interfaces. In this review, we summarize the development of assembly of hard nanomaterials using soft LB techniques. An initial summary of the basic features of nanomaterials will include dimension‐related effects, synthesis, characterization, and analysis, and will be followed by examples of LB assemblies of nanomaterials described according to their morphology: nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanosheets. Some of the nanomaterials have been fabricated in orientation‐controlled morphologies, and have been incorporated into prototype devices for gas sensing and photocurrent transport. In the final part of this review, the challenges remaining for LB techniques of hard nanomaterials will be overviewed, and will include a comparison with the widely‐used LB technique involving soft materials.
Carbon fiber composites cured by γ‐radiation‐induced polymerization of an epoxy resin matrix
Authors: Dispenza C. , Alessi S. , Spadaro G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe use of ionizing radiation in order to initiate polymerization of suitable monomers has found increased interest in the last two decades due to its several advantages. In this work, carbon fiber composites through gamma radiation polymerization of epoxy matrices have been produced for aerospace and advanced automotive applications. Composite samples were produced by irradiation at room temperature using different radiation doses and, as reference, thermal curing of the same epoxy resin formulations was also carried out. Furthermore, some irradiated samples were subjected to postirradiation thermal curing to complete the polymerization reactions. The properties of the cured materials were studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and mechanical flexural tests. Also the effect of moisture absorption on the thermal properties was investigated. The results indicate that irradiation at room temperature gives rise to different cross‐link densities of the epoxy matrix depending on the total absorbed dose. Postirradiation thermal treatment makes the materials more “homogeneous,” resulting also in a higher glass transition temperature. Moreover, thermal analysis performed on irradiated samples, cut in both parallel and perpendicular directions to the fibers, has shown fiber‐‐matrix interactions that are less intensive in comparison to thermally cured samples. The water absorption data show a plasticization effect of moisture on the epoxy matrix, causing a significant reduction of Tg. Flexural tests reveal a marked effect of postirradiation thermal curing on the less cross‐linked samples, reflecting the higher efficiency of the thermal treatment on more mobile reactive species. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 27:163–171, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20127