bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic delay amongst tuberculosis patients in Jogjakarta Province, Indonesia is related to the quality of services in DOTS facilities
Authors: Ahmad Riris Andono , Mahendradhata Yodi , Utarini Adi , de Vlas Sake J. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryObjectives  To understand determinants of care‐seeking patterns and diagnostic delay amongst tuberculosis (TB) patients diagnosed at direct observed treatment short course (DOTS) facilities in Jogjakarta, Indonesia.Methods  Cross‐sectional survey amongst newly diagnosed TB patients in 89 DOTS facilities whose history of care‐seeking was reconstructed through retrospective interviews gathering data on socio‐demographic determinants, onset of TB symptoms, type of health facilities visited, duration of each care‐seeking action were recorded.Results  Two hundred and fifty‐three TB patients were included in the study whose median duration of patients’ delay was 1 week and whose total duration of diagnostic delay was 5.4 weeks. The median number of visits was 4. Many of the patients’ socio‐demographic determinants were not associated with the care‐seeking patterns, and no socio‐demographic determinants were associated with the duration of diagnostic delay. More than 60% of TB patients started their care‐seeking processes outside DOTS facilities, but the number of visits in DOTS facilities was greater during the overall care‐seeking process. Surprisingly, patient’s immediate visits to a DOTS facility did not correspond to shorter diagnostic delay.Conclusion  Diagnostic delay in Jogjakarta province was not associated with patients’ socio demographic factors, but rather with the health system providing DOTS services. This suggests that strengthening the health system and improving diagnostic quality within DOTS services is now a more rational strategy than expanding the TB programme to engage more providers.
Value of liver stiffness measured by transient elastography in the liver transplant pre‐operative evaluation of the potential deceased liver donors: preliminary study
Authors: Pichon Nicolas , Loustaud‐Ratti Véronique , Clavel Marc , Carrier Paul , Amiel Jean Bernard , Labrousse François 
Published: December 2010

Pichon N, Loustaud‐Ratti V, Clavel M, Carrier P, Amiel JB, Labrousse F. Value of liver stiffness measured by transient elastography in the liver transplant pre‐operative evaluation of the potential deceased liver donors: preliminary study.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E205–E210. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The selection of a liver graft is crucial for the success of a transplantation. One of the determinant factors in the selection of a liver graft of quality is to assess the degree of steatosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a FibroScan® during the liver retrieval procedure and to determine the interest of measuring liver stiffness (LS) using the FibroScan® as a criterion of objective assessment in the pre‐donation selection of liver grafts. Of 16 FibroScan® performed on 16 livers of donors meeting conventional French criteria for the selection of liver grafts, the LS values were considered as abnormal in three donors (18.75%). The correspondence with the histologic analysis of the biopsies in terms of elevated steatosis was excellent. For 13 other liver grafts, the values of LS were normal as were the histologic analyses of the biopsies. A supplementary multicenter study is required in order to position the transient elastography as the objective examination in the pre‐operative selection of liver grafts.
Diplanetism and microcyclic sporulation in Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Moralejo E. , Descals E. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe zoosporic phase of the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum plays a crucial role in the process of plant infection, yet little is known about the fate of zoospores failing to target their hosts. Here, we describe new stages in the life cycle of P. ramorum concerning the in vitro development of monomorphic diplanetism and microcyclic sporulation in free water. Papillate cysts were formed after zoospore suspensions of isolates of the EU1 and NA1 clonal lineages were vortexed. Cysts usually germinated directly forming an emerging tube, or indirectly by releasing a secondary zoospore, which leaves behind an empty cyst with a short evacuation tube. Germinate cysts frequently developed either an appressorium or a microsporangium both terminally. We also observed microcyclic sporulation, i.e. sporangia indirectly germinated by forming a microsporangium, as in microcyclic conidiation of true fungi. Temporal progress of encysted zoospores in solution showed that percentage of germination varied significantly among and within isolates as well as between experiments, suggesting that germination is partly ruled by internal mechanisms. Diplanetism and microcyclic sporulation in P. ramorum may provide a second opportunity for host infection and may increase the chance of long dispersal in moving water.
Utilization of milk amino acids by the suckling Iberian piglet
Authors: Aguinaga M. A. , Gómez‐Carballar F. , Nieto R. , Aguilera J. F. 
Published: December 2010

SummarySixteen pure‐bred Iberian (IB) sows were used in two trials to determine the efficiency of utilization of milk protein and amino acid (AA) for growth in suckling piglets. It was hypothesized that there may be one or more strongly limiting essential AA (EAA) responsible for the slow rate of growth of the IB piglet. This AA will show the highest fractional retention. Daily milk yield and composition were determined weekly over a 34‐day lactation period. Within each litter, one piglet at birth and four piglets on d 35 of life were slaughtered. The protein content of the IB sow milk was similar to that reported for conventional breeds. However, branched‐chain AA, Thr, Pro, Asp and Ala were in concentrations somewhat below the range of literature values and Arg and Met, substantially above it. Milk intake per piglet tended to be greater in Trial 2 (832 vs. 893 g/day respectively; p = 0.066). However, the IB piglets grew at 168 ± 3.3 g/day, irrespective of the trial. The whole‐body protein of piglets at weaning and the protein deposited in their body during the lactating period showed very close AA pattern. Among EAA, His and Arg show the highest fractional retentions (g AA retained/g AA ingested) in whole‐body tissues (1.019 ± 0.025 and 0.913 ± 0.017 respectively) and also the highest body to milk ratios (1.50 and 1.41 respectively). Gly and Ala presented, among non essential AA, the highest efficiencies of utilization for tissue deposition (1.803 ± 0.057 and 1.375 ± 0.026 respectively) and body to milk ratios (2.75 and 2.12 respectively). These results suggest that the low efficiency of utilization of milk protein and the low rate of gain of the IB suckling piglet can be explained by a marked shortage in His supply, in addition to the suboptimal milk provision of Arg, Gly and Ala.
Plasma leptin and mRNA expression of lipogenesis and lipolysis‐related factors in bovine adipose tissue around parturition
Authors: Sadri H. , Mielenz M. , Morel I. , Bruckmaier R. M. , van Dorland H. A. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe objective was to study changes in plasma leptin concentration parallel to changes in the gene expression of lipogenic‐ and lipolytic‐related genes in adipose tissue of dairy cows around parturition. Subcutaneous fat biopsies were taken from 27 dairy cows in week 8 antepartum (a.p.), on day 1 postpartum (p.p.) and in week 5 p.p. Blood samples were assayed for concentrations of leptin and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was analysed for mRNA abundance by real‐time qRT‐PCR encoding for leptin, adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), hormones‐sensitive lipase (HSL), perilipin (PLIN), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), acyl‐CoA synthase long‐chain family member 1 (ACSL1), acetyl‐CoA carboxlyase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FASN) and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2). Body weight and body condition score of the cows were lower after parturition than before parturition. The calculated energy balance was negative in week 1 and 5 p.p., with higher negative energy balance in week 1 p.p. compared with that in week 5 p.p. On day 1 p.p., highest concentrations of NEFA (353.3 μmol/l) were detected compared with the other biopsy time‐points (210.6 and 107.7 μmol/l, in week 8 a.p., and week 5 p.p. respectively). Reduced plasma concentrations of leptin during p.p. when compared with a.p. would favour increasing metabolic efficiency and energy conservation for mammary function and reconstitution of body reserves. Lower mRNA abundance of ACC and FASN expression on day 1 p.p. compared with other biopsy time‐points suggests an attenuation of fatty acid synthesis in subcutaneous adipose tissue shortly after parturition. Gene expression of AdipoR1, AdipoR2, HSL, PLIN, LPL, ACSL1 and GPD2 was unchanged over time.
Validation of two ELISA assays for total ghrelin measurement in dogs
Authors: Tvarijonaviciute A. , Martínez‐Subiela S. , Ceron J. J. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to validate two commercially available ELISA assays for total ghrelin measurement in dogs: one canine‐specific and one originally designed for measuring human ghrelin. The two assays showed intra‐assay coefficient of variations (CVs) lower than 10%, while the inter‐assay CVs exceeded the 15% limit. Sample dilutions resulted in linear regression equations with correlation coefficients close to 1. In order to compare methods and verify ability of the ghrelin assays to differentiate between low and high levels, ghrelin concentrations were measured in plasma samples obtained before and at different times after glucose administration in five Beagle dogs. A statistically significant changes in ghrelin after glucose administration was recorded only with assay B. In conclusion, the human ELISA validated in this study showed a good intra‐assay precision, accuracy, and when applied to the glucose injection study, was better in distinguishing high and low canine ghrelin levels than the canine ELISA assay.
Glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to feeding hay with different non‐structural carbohydrate content in control and polysaccharide storage myopathy‐affected horses
Authors: Borgia L. , Valberg S. , McCue M. , Watts K. , Pagan J. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine whether the glycaemic/insulinaemic responses to hay with non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC, soluble carbohydrate) of 17% (HC), 10% (MC) or 4% (LC) differs in control horses and whether these responses differ between control and horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Five clinically normal control horses and seven PSSM horses, all unfit and of Quarter Horse breeding (age 9.4 ± 3.4 years, body condition score range: 4.5–6). A crossover design compared the HC and LC hay, with horses randomly assigned to hay type for 5 days, and all horses fed the MC hay during washout, after which the diets were switched. Horses were fed 1.5% BW (as fed) divided into 2 feeding per day, no grain. On morning of the fifth day of each block (seventh day for washout), horses were given 0.5% BW in hay, blood was drawn before and every 30 min for 5 h after feeding, and the rate of intake was measured. Whole blood glucose and plasma insulin were measured. The intake rate was significantly higher for HC. In control horses, the insulin area under the curve (6891.7 ± 3524.2 HC vs. 1185.4 ± 530.2 LC) was significantly higher than LC. Polysaccharide storage myopathy horses had significantly higher glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to HC vs. LC, however; the magnitude of insulin response was lower and glucose response higher in PSSM vs. control horses. Results suggest that insulin responses can differ significantly with the NSC content of hay. Feeding hay with 17% NSC produces elevations in insulin that could be detrimental for PSSM horses.
Behavioural responses by Rhagoletis indifferens (Dipt., Tephritidae) to sweet cherry treated with kaolin‐ and limestone‐based products
Authors: Yee W. L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractKaolin‐ and limestone‐based products were compared for their effects on two behavioural responses, landing and oviposition, to sweet cherry by Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Dipt., Tephritidae). Surround (95% calcined kaolin), Cocoon (100% hydrous kaolin), Eclipse (>97% limestone) and Purshade (62.5% limestone) were studied. Overall, in choice and no‐choice tests, Surround reduced landing and oviposition more than Cocoon, Eclipse and Purshade. However, all products significantly reduced landing and oviposition compared with untreated controls. In choice tests, high fly density increased the proportion of eggs laid in cherries treated with Surround, Cocoon, or Eclipse vs. cherries that were untreated when compared with low fly density. Applications of 3% followed by 6% Surround reduced landings and oviposition more than two applications of 10% Cocoon, Eclipse, or Purshade. Surround caused higher mortality than Cocoon and Eclipse. In the field, Surround reduced production of puparia from cherries by 32.3% to 100%, depending on the trees sprayed. Surround provided the best protection for cherries against R. indifferens, but limestone‐based products potentially might be modified to be oviposition deterrents. Consideration should be given to fly densities when using particle films to protect fruit.
An fMRI investigation of detection of semantic incongruities in autistic spectrum conditions
Authors: Catarino Ana , Luke Lydia , Waldman Sarah , Andrade Alexandre , Fletcher Paul C. , Ring Howard 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate differences in the brain’s haemodynamic response to semantically incongruent and congruent sentences in adults with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC) and a typically developing Control group. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure regional variations in neural activity during detection of semantic incongruities within written sentences. Whilst the 12 controls showed a pattern of activity extending from posterior cingulate cortices bilaterally and the left occipitotemporal region to the left superior and inferior temporal lobes, right anterior cingulate and right inferior frontal gyrus, the 12 participants with an ASC presented a more spatially restricted activation pattern, including the left inferior frontal gyrus, left anterior cingulate cortex and right middle frontal gyrus. These results are coherent with the hypothesis that impaired integration of multiple neural networks in people with an ASC is related to previous observations that this group have difficulties in the use of context to predict the final word of sentences.
Vascular endothelial growth factor up‐regulation in the mouse hippocampus and its role in the control of epileptiform activity
Authors: Cammalleri Maurizio , Martini Davide , Ristori Chiara , Timperio Anna Maria , Bagnoli Paola 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway may represent an endogenous anti‐convulsant in the rodent hippocampus although its exact contribution requires some clarification. In mouse hippocampal slices, the potassium channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) in the absence of external Mg2+(0 Mg2+) produces both ictal and interictal activity followed by a prolonged period of repetitive interictal activity. In this model, we demonstrated that exogenous VEGF has clear effects on ictal and interictal activity as it reduces the duration of ictal‐like events, but decreases the frequency and intensity of interictal discharges. VEGF affects epileptiform activity through its receptor VEGFR‐2. We also demonstrated for the first time that the synaptic action of VEGF in the hippocampus is through VEGFR‐2‐mediated effects on NMDA and GABAB receptors and that VEGF does not affect the NMDA excytatory postsynaptic potential paired‐pulse facilitation ratio. Exogenous VEGF does not affect the AMPA‐mediated responses and the dendritic or the somatic GABAA inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. In addition, VEGF drastically reduces 0 Mg2+/4‐AP‐induced glutamate release through VEGFR‐2 activation. In vitro epileptiform activity is sufficient to increase hippocampal expression of VEGF and VEGFR‐2, and this up‐regulation may serve a neuroprotective and/or anti‐convulsant role. VEGFR‐2 up‐regulation has been localized to the CA1 region, which suggests that VEGF signalling may protect CA1 pyramidal cells from hyperexcitability. These results indicate that VEGF controls epileptic activity by influencing both glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission and further advance our understanding of the conditions required for endogenous VEGF up‐regulation, and the mechanisms by which VEGF achieves an anti‐convulsant effect.
Who needs an IV? Retrospective service analysis in a tertiary pediatric hospital
Authors: Wilson Graham , Engelhardt Thomas 
Published: December 2010

SummaryAims:  The question if it is possible and safe to anesthetize children for short procedures without intravenous (IV) access provokes strong opinions among pediatric anesthetists. However, only limited data are available to support either side of the arguments. This pediatric university hospital provides anesthesia to a community dental service, led by staff anesthesiologists. A rapid turnover system based on inhalational induction and maintenance of anesthesia without mandatory IV access has been employed since 2005.Methods:  A retrospective service analysis was performed to identify the incidence of adverse anesthesia events.Results:  A total of 6440 children with an average (±sd) age of 8.1 (±4.1) years and weight of 29.6 (±13.5) kg were cared for over the 5‐year period. The total number of children refusing to undergo inhalational induction was 81 (1.26%) and 19 (0.3%) elected for an IV induction. One‐third received cannulation for delivery of IV analgesia. There were no adverse anesthesia events requiring emergency cannulation and/or intubation over the 5‐year period.Conclusions:  This service review indicates that general anesthesia for outpatient dental anesthesia may be safely performed without mandatory IV access. The technique employed in this center emphasizes the need for the clinician to primarily concentrate on pediatric airway management in a safe environment with experienced assistance. It supports the hypothesis that instrumentation of the airway (insertion of laryngeal mask airway) can be satisfactorily achieved without prior IV access.
Towards evidence‐based pharmacotherapy in children
Authors: Kemper Elles Marleen , Merkus Maruschka , Wierenga Peter C. , Van Rijn Petra C. , Van der Werff Desirée , Lie‐A‐Huen Loraine , Offringa Martin 
Published: December 2010

SummaryIn daily practice, it is difficult to find a registered drug for children, because about 70% of the drugs prescribed in children are not studied, off‐label or unlicensed in this age group. Clinical trials have usually been performed in adults, and then in daily practice dosages are adjusted for children without proper studies in that age group. In some countries, national formularies are being established to overcome the existing variance in prescribing between physicians. Complicating factors in finding the correct dosage for children include the heterogeneity between different age groups in the developmental stages of the organs influencing the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as differences in body composition during growth. Growth may also influence the effects and adverse effects of a drug used in a child. For oral administration of drugs in children, the bioavailability, the taste, the composition, and the absence of toxic ingredients for that age group are additional important factors. The EU has recently introduced legislation to stimulate the pharmaceutical industry to investigate the pharmacological effect and safety of new medicines in children. In response to this legislation, research networks are being established to provide the optimal infrastructure for pediatric drug investigation. The goals of this paper are to review the current problems in daily practice and to address the needs for evidence based pharmacotherapy in children.
Pediatric regional anesthesia: what is the current safety record?
Authors: Polaner David M. , Drescher Jessica 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe use of regional anesthetics, whether as adjuncts, primary anesthetics or postoperative analgesia, is increasingly common in pediatric practice. Data on safety remain limited because of the paucity of very large‐scale prospective studies that are necessary to detect low incidence events, although several studies either have been published or have reported preliminary results. This paper will review the data on complications and risk in pediatric regional anesthesia. Information currently available suggests that regional blockade, when performed properly, carries a very low risk of morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected infants and children.
Illicit ketamine induced frequency of micturition in a young Malay woman
Authors: NOORZURANI ROBSON , VICKNASINGAM BALASINGAM , NARAYANAN SURESH 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Issues. The growing use of illicit ketamine among young adults poses a public health concern in Malaysia. In contrast to medical use of ketamine, illicit use has been reported to produce adverse effects on the urinary tract and, in particular the bladder. Approach and Key Findings. This case report describes a young Malay woman who developed severe bladder symptoms (urinary frequency) after consuming illicit ketamine. A history of illicit ketamine use was initially missed, and she was consequently diagnosed and treated for a urinary tract infection. Her symptoms persisted despite several courses of antibiotics. The patient was subsequently referred to an urologist where cystoscopic examination and biopsy of the bladder found changes consistent with interstitial cystitis. This was despite the absence of haematuria. Renal function was normal. Implication. The patient's ketamine use was the most likely cause for the urinary symptoms and bladder changes. Conclusion. Illicit ketamine use may lead to severe urinary tract problems that can be irreversible even after ketamine has ceased. Early diagnosis is critical although difficult when ketamine use is not divulged during the consultation with the physician. Physician consideration of this new clinical entity is important, particularly in cases where the symptoms do not resolve with usual treatment.[Robson N, Vicknasingam B, Narayanan S. Illicit ketamine induced frequency of micturition in a young Malay woman. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010;29;334–336]
Comparing unemployment protection and social assistance in 14 European countries. Four worlds of protection for people of working age
Authors: Pfeifer Michaela 
Published: December 2010

Pfeifer, M. Comparing unemployment protection and social assistance in 14 European countries. Four worlds of protection for people of working ageThis article aims to show which policy responses 14 Western European countries have adopted to deal with rising unemployment levels and increased need for benefits during working age. In contrast to earlier studies, both components of unemployment benefits (UB), i.e. unemployment insurance and unemployment assistance, were taken into account in a social rights indicator that depicts the legal entitlements of the unemployed. In total, there were eight indicators of both UB and social assistance representing expenditure, generosity, problem pressure and benefit entitlements. The following cluster analysis groups countries using these indicators. The resulting typology consisted of four ways of protecting the working‐aged: anextensive safety nets typeoperating well with functioning labour markets; aliberal protection typedealing with low levels of unemployment; atargeted protection typecombined with an insider–outsider divide on the labour market; and lastly, apatchy safety nets typefacing high unemployment levels.