bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asthma prediction in school children; the value of combined IgE‐antibodies and obstructive airways disease severity score*
Authors: Lødrup Carlsen K. C. , Söderström L. , Mowinckel P. , Håland G. , Pettersen M. , Munthe Kaas M. C. , Devulapalli C. S. , Buchmann M. , Ahlstedt S. , Carlsen K.‐H. 
Published: March 2010

To cite this article: Lødrup Carlsen KC, Söderström L, Mowinckel P, Håland G, Pettersen M, Munthe Kaas MC, Devulapalli CS, Buchmann M, Ahlstedt S, Carlsen K‐H. Asthma prediction in school children; the value of combined IgE‐antibodies and obstructive airways disease severity score. Allergy 2010; 65: 1134–1140.AbstractBackground:  Allergic sensitisation increases the risk for asthma development. In this prospective birth cohort (Environment and Childhood Asthma) study, we hypothesized that combining quantitative measures of IgE antibodies (Σ‐IgE) and Severity score of obstructive airways disease (OAD) at 2 years of age (Severity score) is superior to predict current asthma (CA) at 10 years than either measure alone. Secondarily, we assessed if gender modified the prediction of CA.Methods:  A follow‐up study at 10 years of age was performed in 371 2‐year‐old children with recurrent (n = 219) or no (n = 152) bronchial obstruction with available serum analysed for Σ‐IgE to common food and inhalant allergens through a panel test, Phadiatop Infant® (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). Clinical variables included allergic sensitisation and exercise testing to characterise children with CA vs not CA at 10 years and the Severity score (0–12, 0 indicating no OAD) was used to assess risk modification.Results:  Severity score alone explained 24% (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.24) of the variation in CA, whereas Σ‐IgE explained only 6% (R2 = 0.06). Combining the two increased the explanatory capacity to R2 = 0.30. Gender interacted significantly with Σ‐IgE; whereas Severity score predicted CA in both genders, the predictive capacity of Σ‐IgE for CA at 10 years was significant in boys only.Conclusion:  Combining Σ‐IgE to inhalant allergens and Severity score at 2 years was superior to predict asthma at 10 years than either alone. Severity score predicted CA in both genders, whereas Σ‐IgE significantly predicted CA in boys only.
Evaluation of living related kidney donors in China: policies and practices in a transplant center
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Yu , Zhang Lei , Han Shu , Zhu You‐Hua , Wang Li‐Ming , Zhou Mei‐Sheng , Zeng Li 
Published: March 2010

Zhao W‐Y, Zhang L, Han S, Zhu Y‐H, Wang L‐M, Zhou M‐S, Zeng L. Evaluation of living related kidney donors in China: policies and practices in a transplant center. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01229.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Rigorous donor evaluation is essential for living related donor kidney transplantation (LRDKT). However, guidelines for living kidney donor evaluation are absent in China. The aim of this study is to describe the initial experience in the living kidney donor evaluation process in a single transplant center in China.Methods:  The evaluation process of our center is sequentially divided into five steps: outpatient consultation and information, preliminary evaluation, comprehensive evaluation, final informed consent, and ethics committee oversight.Results:  Between June 2007 and March 2009, 124 potential living donors were evaluated in our center, of whom 82 (66.1%) became effective donors and the remaining 42 (33.9%) were excluded. The exclusion reasons were related to clinical problems in 27 cases, psychosocial problems in seven cases, and suspected organ trading in eight cases.Conclusion:  Although strongly forbidden by Chinese laws, organ trading remains a threat to the healthy development of LRDKT in China. To prohibit organ trading, the kinship between the donor and recipient should be carefully identified. Guidelines for living donor evaluation appropriate to the actual situation in China should be set up for the sake of safety and to protect the rights and interests of both donors and recipients.
Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case–control study
Authors: Montalti R. , Rompianesi G. , Di Benedetto F. , Ballarin R. , Gerring R. C. , Busani S. , De Pietri L. , De Ruvo N. , Iemmolo R. M. , Guerrini G. P. , Smerieri N. , Gerunda G. E. 
Published: March 2010

Montalti R, Rompianesi G, Di Benedetto F, Ballarin R, Gerring RC, Busani S, De Pietri L, De Ruvo N, Iemmolo RM, Guerrini GP, Smerieri N, Gerunda GE. Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case–control study. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01230.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Introduction:  The average age of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is consistently increasing. The aim of this case–control study is to evaluate survival and outcome of patients ≥65 yr compared to younger patients undergoing LT.Materials and methods:  From 10/00 to 4/08 we performed 330 primary LT, 31 (9.4%) of these were in patients aged 65–70. Following a case–control approach, we compared these patients with 31 patients aged between 41 and 64 yr and matched according to sex, LT indication, viral status, cadaveric/living donor, LT timing, and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.Results:  There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and surgical donor characteristics. The mean MELD score was under 18 in both groups. Post‐LT complications occurred with a similar incidence in the two groups. one‐, three‐, and five‐yr survival was 83.9%, 80.6%, and 80.6%, respectively, for the elderly group, and 80.6%, 73.8%, and 73.8%, respectively, for the young group (p = 0.61).Discussion:  Patients aged between 65 and 70 with low MELD score who undergo LT have the same short‐ and middle‐term survival expectancy, morbidity, and outcome quality as younger patients with the same indication and same pre‐LT pathology severity, whatever they might be. Thus, chronological age alone should not deter LT workup in patients >65 and <70.
MHC class II deficiency cured by unrelated mismatched umbilical cord blood transplantation: Case report and review of 68 cases in the literature
Authors: Siepermann M. , Gudowius S. , Beltz K. , Strier U. , Feyen O. , Troeger A. , Göbel U. , Laws H. J. , Kögler G. , Meisel R. , Dilloo D. , Niehues T. 
Published: March 2010

Siepermann M, Gudowius S, Beltz K, Strier U, Feyen O, Troeger A, Göbel U, Laws HJ, Kögler G, Meisel R, Dilloo D, Niehues T. MHC class II deficiency cured by unrelated mismatched umbilical cord blood transplantation: Case report and review of 68 cases in the literature. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E80–E86. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  MHC class II deficiency is a rare and fatal form of primary combined immunodeficiency caused by a lack of T‐cell‐dependent humoral and cellular immune response to foreign antigens, which can only be cured by allogenic stem cell transplantation. In the literature search, we identified 68 cases of HSCT in MHC class II deficiency in the last 14 yr. Pre‐ and post‐transplant MHC class II deficiency is complicated by overwhelming viral infections, a high incidence of GvHD, and graft failure with a poor overall survival rate below 50%. We report an eight‐month‐old boy presenting with severe respiratory infections and chronic diarrhea, whose sister died at the age of four yr from septicemia. MHC II deficiency was caused by an RFXANK‐mutation and treated successfully by 4/6 mismatched unrelated CBT after a myeloablative conditioning regimen based on anti‐thymocyte globulin, busulfane, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide. At present, our patient is well with full immune reconstitution 3 yr after CBT. CB may represent an alternative source of stem cells for children with MHC class II deficiency without a suitable donor.
The outcome of sperm competition is affected by behavioural and anatomical reproductive traits in a simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail
Authors: GAREFALAKI M.‐E. , TRIANTAFYLLIDIS A. , ABATZOPOULOS T. J. , STAIKOU A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSperm competition is important in species with reproductive strategies that involve multiple mating and prolonged sperm storage such as the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail Cornu aspersum. Double mating trials in this species have revealed that mating order and courtship behaviour affect paternity success. We investigated the effect of behavioural and anatomical reproductive traits on paternity success from triple mating trials. Triple mating resulted in triple fertilization in 58% of the cases whereas zero paternity was observed in 16% of sperm donors. Third sperm donors achieved higher paternity followed by first and second sperm donors. Snails with a longer epiphallus, the spermatophore forming organ, sired more offspring regardless of their mating order. Genetic compatibility between sperm donor and recipient did not influence paternity success. The results of the present study identified mating order and epiphallus length, as traits affecting the outcome of sperm competition in this species.
Identification of a molecular marker linked to apomixis in Brachiaria humidicola (Poaceae)
Authors: Zorzatto C. , Chiari L. , De Araújo Bitencourt G. , Do Valle C. B. , De Campos Leguizamón G. O. , Schuster I. , Pagliarini M. S. 
Published: March 2010

With 1 figure and 1 table AbstractA bulked segregant analysis using RAPD technique was carried out to identify molecular markers linked to apomixis in a Brachiaria humidicola F1 population that segregated 1 : 1 for the mode of reproduction (apomixis and sexual). A marker related to the apo‐locus was found. Segregation data, together with this marker were used to generate a map of the region. This marker was located at 4.61 cM of the target locus, and it can be used in deploying marker‐assisted selection for mode of reproduction in the hybrid progenies of this species.
Association of polymorphisms within the transforming growth factor‐β1 gene with diabetic nephropathy and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations
Authors: VALLADARES‐SALGADO ADÁN , ANGELES‐MARTÍNEZ JAVIER , ROSAS MARISOL , GARCÍA‐MENA JAIME , UTRERA‐BARILLAS DOLORES , GÓMEZ‐DÍAZ RITA , ESCOBEDO‐DE LA PEÑA JORGE , PARRA ESTEBAN J , CRUZ MIGUEL 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  The TGF‐β gene participates in the development of chronic kidney disease. We investigated whether the 869 T > C, 915 G > C and −800 G > A polymorphisms of TGF‐β1 are associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods:  Polymorphisms were genotyped in 439 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 233 with diabetic nephropathy (DN+) and 206 without (DN–). The sample was characterized for relevant clinical and biochemical parameters.Results:  The 869 T > C (P = 0.016; odds ratio (OR) = 1.818, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.128–2.930) and the 915 G > C polymorphisms (P = 0.008, OR = 4.073, 95% CI = 1.355–12.249) were associated with diabetic nephropathy. The 869 T > C variant was associated with total cholesterol levels: CC + CT genotypes had a mean cholesterol concentration of 5.62 ± 1.40 mmol/L vs a mean concentration of 5.15 ± 1.40 mmol/L for the TT genotype (P = 0.011). Triglycerides were also higher in CC + CT genotypes (2.49 ± 1.56 mmol/L) in comparison with TT homozygotes (2.1 ± 1.22 mmol/L, P = 0.042). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the polymorphisms 869 T > C and 915 G > C were independent predictors for DN (P = 0.049 and 0.046, respectively).Conclusion:  The 869 T > C and 915 G > C polymorphisms within the TGF‐β1 gene were associated with DN+. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels were observed in TT homozygotes for the 869 T > C polymorphism. The TGF‐β1 869 T allele seems to confer protection against DN+.
Management of spleen injuries: the current profile
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Beevor Harriet C. , Gabbe Belinda , Gruen Russell L. , Winnett Jason , Cameron Peter 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  There has been a shift from operative to conservative management of splenic injuries in the last two decades, but the current practice in Australia is not known. This study aims to determine the profile of splenic injury in major trauma victims and the approach to treatment in Victoria for the last 2 years.Methods:  A review of prospectively collected data from the Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR) from July 2005 to June 2007 was conducted. Demographic data, details of the event, clinical observations, management and associated outcomes were extracted from the database. The patients were categorized into four groups according to management (conservative, splenectomy, embolization and repair) and were compared accordingly. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of treatment (conservative versus splenectomy) on arrival.Results:  Of the 318 major trauma patients with splenic injuries, 186 (59%) were treated conservatively, 103 (32%) with splenectomy, 17 (5%) with arterial embolization and 12 (4%) with repair. Of these, 14 (14%) splenectomy cases and 2 (12%) embolization cases did not receive their respective treatments within 24 h. The severity of the spleen injury (as measured by the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)) and age were identified as significant independent predictors of the form of treatment provided.Conclusion:  In Victoria, conservative management is the preferred approach in patients with minor (AIS = 2) to moderate (AIS = 3) splenic injuries. The low rates of embolization warrant further research into whether splenectomy is overused.
Surgical history of ancient China: part 2
Authors: Fu Louis 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this second part of ancient Chinese surgical history, the practice of bone setting in China began around 3000 years ago. Throughout this period, significant progress was made, some highlights of which are cited. These methods, comparable with Western orthopaedic technique, are still being practised today. In conclusion, the possible reasons for the lack of advancement in operative surgery are discussed, within context of the cultural, social and religious background of ancient China.
Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma
Authors: Wall Christopher J. , Lynch Joan , Harris Ian A. , Richardson Martin D. , Brand Caroline , Lowe Adrian J. , Sugrue Michael 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. There is variation in management of acute limb compartment syndrome in Australia.Methods:  Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma were developed in accordance with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. The guidelines were based on critically appraised literature evidence and the consensus opinion of a multidisciplinary team involved in trauma management who met in a nominal panel process.Results:  Recommendations were developed for key decision nodes in the patient care pathway, including methods of diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, appropriate assessment of compartment pressure, timing and technique of fasciotomy, fasciotomy wound management, and prevention of compartment syndrome in patients with limb injuries. The recommendations were largely consensus based in the absence of well‐designed clinical trial evidence.Conclusions:  Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma have been developed that will support consistency in management and optimize patient health outcomes.
Making sense of emergency surgery in New South Wales: a position statement
Authors: Deane Stephen A. , MacLellan Donald G. , Meredith Gavin L. , Cregan Patrick C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Emergency surgery is a major component of the provision of surgical services and makes up a substantial volume of the workload of surgeons in many hospitals. It is often more complex and surgically challenging than elective surgery. However, little attention has been concentrated on the management or resource requirements of emergency surgery.Method:  This article identifies principles for models of emergency surgery care and describes how they can be incorporated into a redesign of emergency surgery. They have been developed and are endorsed by experienced surgical staff routinely coping with the challenges of emergency surgery.Results:  The benefits of redesigning emergency surgery will be realized by an active partnership between managers, surgeons and surgical teams. The anticipated clinical benefits include improved patient outcomes, enhanced patient and surgical team satisfaction, and increased trainee supervision in emergency surgery. Significant management benefits will ensue from high rates of emergency operating theatre utilization, reduced patient cancellations and reduction in after‐hours costs. This unplanned but predictable workload will be managed in a planned and predictable fashion.Conclusion:  Reform of emergency surgery services is a necessity and not a choice. The development of the emergency surgery guidelines for New South Wales is a step in the right direction. The principles identified in the guidelines should be adapted and implemented across Australia if sustainable, safe and efficient emergency surgery services are to be provided. Patients will expect nothing less.
Chemotherapy‐induced reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Han C. H. , Findlay M. P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractReversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome is a neurological condition seen in various areas of acute medicine, including the administration of antineoplastic therapies used in haemato‐oncology patients. It is a rare complication that has been increasingly recognized. It is characterized by altered mental status, visual disturbance, headache and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging typically shows vasogenic oedema in the posterior regions of the brain. Although its name suggests reversibility, it may result in an irreversible brain injury without prompt treatment. Therefore, it is vital for treating clinicians to recognize this syndrome. We describe the case of a 55‐year‐old woman with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who developed clinical and radiological manifestations consistent with this syndrome as a complication of gemcitabine monotherapy.
Fly ash concrete subjected to thermal cyclic loads
Authors: KHAN M. S. , PRASAD J. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThe present study describes the behaviour of concrete as well as fly ash concrete when subjected to varying number of high temperature heating cycles. A Concrete mix (1:2.37:2.98) with 340 kg/m3 cement and w/cm ratio 0.45 was prepared. Cement was replaced by varying percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 50% and 60%) of fly ash by weight of cement. The concrete was subjected to a constant temperature of 200°C for 7, 14, 21 and 28 heating cycles. One heating cycle corresponds to 8 h heating and subsequent cooling in 24 h. Subsequently the effect of temperature on the properties of the concrete was investigated and compared with that of the properties of unheated concrete. The compressive strength of plain as well as fly ash concrete increased when it was subjected to thermal cyclic loads. Moreover, the compressive strength increased with an increase in number of heating cycles. Thermal conductivity of concrete was found to decrease with an increase in the fly ash content.
On crack tip shielding due to plasticity‐induced closure during an overload
Authors: COLOMBO C. , DU Y. , JAMES M. N. , PATTERSON E. A. , VERGANI L. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThe mechanisms underlying the plasticity‐induced shielding of a crack tip during fatigue are investigated at both constant amplitude loading and in a case with a substantial single‐cycle overload. A recently developed mathematical model of the stress field around the crack was fitted to maps of isochromatic fringe data obtained from phase‐stepped photoelastic images captured during crack opening and closing in a polycarbonate compact tension specimen. The model is derived using Muskhelishvili's approach and contains additional terms to describe the interfacial shear at the elastic–plastic boundary around the crack and the normal stresses retarding crack growth. These stress fields are characterized by stress intensity factors, KS and KR, respectively, which during and after the overload exhibited substantial changes in behaviour that can be explained in terms of the development of an enlarged plastic zone.
Study of the fatigue lifetimes and crack propagation behaviour of a high speed steel as a function of the R value
Authors: ISHIHARA S. , YOSHIFUJI S. , MCEVILY A. J. , KAWAMOTO M. , SAWAI M. , TAKATA M. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTHigh speed steels, such as the alloy H‐13, when used as forging dies are subjected to both wear and cyclic loading, and both of these factors can affect the useful life of such dies. It follows that it is of some importance to determine the fatigue characteristics of such steels. However, fatigue studies of such alloys are limited, especially with respect to fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behaviour as a function of mean stress, and therefore more detailed studies are necessary.In the present study, the fatigue lifetimes and the crack propagation behaviour of a high speed steel were experimentally investigated in laboratory air under different stress ratios, R. A modified linear‐elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) approach was applied to analyze the experimentally‐obtained FCP behaviour. The predicted S–N curves and crack growth behaviour for a wide range of R ratios agree well with the experimental data, and the modified LEFM approach is therefore considered to be useful for evaluation of the fatigue behaviour of this class of high strength steels.
Fatigue life determination of plasma nitrided medical grade CoCrMo alloy
Authors: BAYRAK Ö. , YETİM A. F. , ALSARAN A. , ÇELİK A. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the fatigue behaviour of plasma nitrided medical grade forged CoCrMo alloy was studied. Since metallic biomaterials are used for implant applications where high and/or cyclic stresses along with corrosive effects of human body are of concern, enhancing mechanical and surface properties of implant alloys is crucial. Plasma nitriding was implemented at three different temperatures as 600, 700 and 800 °C for time intervals of 1 and 4 h. S–N curves of untreated and nitrided specimens were obtained via axial tension compression fatigue tests. It was found that plasma nitriding treatment reduces the fatigue resistance of forged CoCrMo alloy by the ratios of 7–23% depending on the surface roughness, phase structure and hardness of the modified layer which are determined by the treatment parameters.