bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic association between TNF‐α −308 G>A polymorphism and longitudinal weight change during clozapine treatment
Authors: Wang Ying‐Chieh , Bai Ya‐Mei , Chen Jen‐Yeu , Lin Chao‐Cheng , Lai I‐Ching , Liou Ying‐Jay 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the association between genetic variation in the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) gene and longitudinal weight change during long‐term clozapine treatment.MethodsFifty‐five patients with refractory schizophrenia treated with clozapine for 8 years were recruited. Gender, age, treatment response to clozapine in the first 14 months, baseline BMI, clozapine dose, concomitant use of mood stabilizers and other antipsychotics, and −308 G > A polymorphism in the human TNF‐α gene were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.ResultsIn addition to having a lower baseline BMI (p = 0.0013) and a longer treatment time (p = 0.050), the −308 GG carriers gained significantly more weight than the −308 A allele carriers (p = 0.0084) during 8 years of clozapine treatment, after controlling for other non‐genetic factors.ConclusionsThe −308 G > A genetic variant of the TNF‐α gene is associated with longitudinal weight change during clozapine treatment. Follow‐up duration is an important factor to consider when performing pharmacogenetic study of clozapine‐induced weight gain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Levels of organic and inorganic mercury in human blood predicted from measurements of total mercury
Authors: Halbach Stefan , Welzl Gerhard 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe toxicologically relevant mercury species inorganic and organic Hg in blood are frequently determined by separate measurements of total Hg and of inorganic Hg, with their difference indicating organic Hg. It is shown that the different partition of inorganic and organic Hg between erythrocytes and plasma (e/p ratio) can be used to calculate the concentrations of either Hg species in either blood constituent from measurement of total Hg only. This was tested on the blood of different groups of volunteers. The calculated concentrations of inorganic and organic Hg in cells and plasma were then compared by linear regression with their previously measured counterparts. An accurate prediction has been found for individual levels of inorganic Hg in plasma and organic Hg in cells. These calculated levels were little affected by variations of the e/p ratios. The coincidence between calculated and measured levels of inorganic Hg in cells and organic Hg in plasma was more sensitive to alterations of the e/p ratios. In conclusion, the relevant concentrations of inorganic Hg in plasma and organic Hg in cells can reliably be calculated from measurements of total Hg and from assumed e/p ratios. This means a sizeable reduction of analytical work, and also provides specific information in cases of low‐level coexposure to both Hg species. Besides the possibility to introduce automated analyses of total Hg in mercury speciation in blood, the proposed calculation scheme has the potential to easily enlarge the data base in epidemiological and toxicological surveys of mercury exposure.
Alzheimer's disease modifies progenitor cell expression of monoamine oxidase B in the subventricular zone
Authors: Pugliese Marco , Rodríguez Manuel J. , Gimeno‐Bayon Javier , Pujadas Lluís , Billett Ellen E. , Wells Cheryl , Mahy Nicole 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn the adult brain, progenitor cells remaining in the subventricular zone (SVZ) are frequently identified as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive cells that retain attributes reminiscent of radial glia. Because the very high expression of monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) in the subventricular area has been related to epithelial and astroglial expression, we sought to ascertain whether it was also expressed by progenitor cells of human control and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. In the SVZ, epithelial cells and astrocyte‐like cells presented rich MAO‐B activity and immunolabeling. Nestin‐positive cells were found in the same area, showing a radial glia‐like morphology. When coimmunostaining and confocal microscopy were performed, most nestin‐positive cells showed MAO‐B activity and labeling. The increased progenitor activity in SVZ proposed for AD patients was confirmed by the positive correlation between the SVZ nestin/MAO‐B ratio and the progression of the disease. Nestin/GFAP‐positive cells, devoid of MAO‐B, can represent a distinct subpopulation of an earlier phase of maturation. This would indicate that MAO‐B expression takes place in a further step of nestin/GFAP‐positive cell differentiation. In the early AD stages, the discrete MAO‐B reduction, different from the severe GFAP decrease, would reflect the capacity of this population of MAO‐B‐positive progenitor cells to adapt to the neurodegenerative process. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymptotic analysis, regularisation and stable numerical solutions for heavily loaded line EHL contacts
Authors: Kudish Ilya I. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTo obtain stable solutions of asymptotic equations in the inlet and exit zones of a heavily loaded isothermal EHL contact we will employ a regularisation technique which follows from the asymptotic analysis conducted in Parts 1 and 2 of this paper. This regularisation provides stable numerical solutions in a very wide range of parameters which covers the whole practical range of EHL parameters. The success in regularisation of asymptotic equations is extended on the original equations of the isothermal EHL problem. The numerical scheme for regularised original equations of the isothermal EHL problem is developed. Some numerical examples of regularised solutions are presented. It is shown that the regularisation approach works well and produces stable numerical solutions for very large pressure viscosity coefficients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of pediatric myxopapillary ependymomas
Authors: Al‐Halabi Hani , Montes José L. , Atkinson Jeffrey , Farmer Jean‐Pierre , Freeman Carolyn R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectivesAssess the role of radiotherapy (RT) in the management of primary and recurrent myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE).Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients with MPE treated at the Montreal Children's Hospital/McGill University Health Centre between 1985 and 2008.ResultsSeven children under the age of 18 were diagnosed and treated for MPE. All patients were treated with surgery to the primary site. Three patients underwent subtotal resection (STR) and received adjuvant post‐operative RT. Only one patient who had spinal drop metastases received post‐operative RT to the lumbosacral region following complete resection of the primary tumor. After a median follow up of 78 months (range 24–180 months), all patients were alive with controlled disease. The single patient treated with gross total resection (GTR) and adjuvant local radiation remained recurrence free. One of the three patients treated with STR and adjuvant RT had disease progression that was controlled with re‐resection and further RT. Two of the three patients treated with surgery alone developed local and disseminated recurrent spinal disease that was controlled by salvage RT.ConclusionOur data support the evolving literature which suggests that GTR alone provides suboptimal disease control in MPE. In our patients, RT resulted in control of residual, metastatic and/or recurrent disease. Routine adjuvant RT may improve outcomes in pediatric MPE. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:639–643. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of delay in infusion of N‐acetylcysteine on appearance of adverse drug reactions after acetaminophen overdose: a retrospective study
Authors: Zyoud Sa'ed H. , Awang Rahmat , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Al‐Jabi Samah W. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship between different types of adverse drug reaction (ADR) and late time to N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion in patients presenting to the hospital with acetaminophen overdose.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients admitted to the hospital for acute acetaminophen overdose over a period of 5 years (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008). The primary outcome of interest was the relationship between ADR, if any, and late time to NAC infusion. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were used to test differences between groups depending on the normality of the data. SPSS 15 was used for data analysis.ResultsOf 305 patients with acetaminophen overdose, 146 (47.9%) were treated with intravenous NAC and 139 (45.6%) were included in this study. Different types of ADR were observed in 94 (67.6%) patients. Late time to NAC infusion was significantly associated with cutaneous anaphylactoid reactions when compared to patients without this type of ADR (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in time to NAC infusion between patients with and without the following ADR: gastrointestinal reactions (p = 0.11), respiratory reactions (p = 0.77), central nervous reactions (p = 0.64), and cardiovascular reactions (p = 0.63).ConclusionLate time to NAC infusion is a risk factor for developing cutaneous anaphylactoid reactions, suggesting, rather than proving, that early NAC infusion (≤8 hours) may be protective against this type of ADR. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How are antibacterials used in nursing homes? Results from a point‐prevalence prescription study in 44 Norwegian nursing homes
Authors: Blix Hege Salvesen , Bergman Jenny , Schjøtt Jan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurposeTo describe the use of antibacterials among nursing home residents in Norway according to diagnosis, therapy choice, doses and expected duration of treatment.MethodsA one‐day point‐prevalence study was carried out in 44 Norwegian nursing homes, spring 2006. Use of systemic antibacterials was recorded by indication, antibiotic name, dose and expected length of treatment.ResultsOf the 1473 nursing home residents, 224 (15%) were prescribed antibiotics. 149 (10%) were given antibiotics as prophylaxis, while 85 residents (6%) were treated with an antibiotic for an infection. 10 residents received both prophylaxis and treatment simultaneously. Antibiotics for treatment were in 66% of the cases for urinary tract infections (UTI) and in 20% for respiratory tract infections (RTI) with pivmecillinam and phenoxymethylpenicillin most frequently used, respectively.ConclusionsAntibiotics are often used in nursing homes, both as treatment and prophylaxis. The most common infections treated with antibiotics were UTIs, followed by RTIs. Choice of antibacterial, dosage and duration of treatment were in accordance with recommendations in guidelines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Ca2+/Mg2+ selectivity in α‐lactalbumin and Ca2+‐binding lysozyme reveals a distinct Mg2+‐specific site in lysozyme
Authors: Permyakov Sergei E. , Khokhlova Tatyana I. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Permyakov Eugene A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe triggering of Ca2+ signaling pathways relies on Ca2+/Mg2+ specificity of proteins mediating these pathways. Two homologous milk Ca2+‐binding proteins, bovine α‐lactalbumin (bLA) and equine lysozyme (EQL), were analyzed using the simplest “four‐state” scheme of metal‐ and temperature‐induced structural changes in a protein. The association of Ca2+/Mg2+ by native proteins is entropy‐driven. Both proteins exhibit strong temperature dependences of apparent affinities to Ca2+ and Mg2+, due to low thermal stabilities of their apo‐forms and relatively high unfavorable enthalpies of Mg2+ association. The ratios of their apparent affinities to Ca2+ and Mg2+, being unusually high at low temperatures (5.3–6.5 orders of magnitude), reach the values inherent to classical EF‐hand motifs at physiological temperatures. The comparison of phase diagrams predicted within the model of competitive Ca2+ and Mg2+ binding with experimental data strongly suggests that the association of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions with bLA is a competitive process, whereas the primary Mg2+ site of EQL is different from its Ca2+‐binding site. The later conclusion is corroborated by qualitatively different molar ellipticity changes in near‐UV region accompanying Mg2+ and Ca2+ association. The Ca2+/Mg2+ selectivity of Mg2+‐site of EQL is below an order of magnitude. EQL exhibits a distinct Mg2+‐specific site, probably arising as an adaptation to the extracellular environment. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The expanding range of parvoviruses which infect humans
Authors: Brown Kevin E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe first human parvoviruses to be described (1960s) were the adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs, now classed as dependoviruses), originally identified as contaminants of cell cultures, followed by parvovirus B19 (B19V) in 1974, the first parvovirus to be definitively shown to be pathogenic. More recently two new groups of parvoviruses, the human bocaviruses (HuBoV) and the Parv4 viruses have been identified. These four groups of human viruses are all members of different genera within the Parvovirus family, and have very different biology, epidemiology and disease associations from each other. This review will provide an overview of the virological, pathogenic and clinical features of the different human paroviruses, and how these new viruses and their variants fit into the current understanding of parvovirus infection. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilization stress responses in adult rats exposed in utero to immobilization
Authors: Mayer Nora , Greco Cecilia , Bertuzzi Mabel , Rodriguez Nancy , Vivas Adriana , Gauna Hector 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe present study investigated the influence of immobilization prenatal stress on adult male rats, with the same postnatal stress, on the immune parameters and its relation with plasma corticosterone (COR) and glucose levels. To study the immunity parameters, profiles of the leucocytes, size of spleen and number of the mononuclear cells of this organ were determined. Basal levels of COR and glucose were higher in prenatally stressed animals. When the adult animals were exposed to immobilization stress, COR increased but the increase was less than that for the control group, and glucose was equal in both groups. Although postnatal acute stress decreased the number of leucocytes and lymphocytes and increased the number of neutrophils, the effect was lower in prenatally stressed animals; for that reason, the ratio neutrophil/lymphocyte increased less. The number of mononuclear cells were higher in the spleen of prenatally stressed animals. This effect was probably due to retention of blood lymphocytes in the spleen. There seemed to be an alteration in the redistribution of leucocytes, both in basal conditions and under postnatal stress. The alteration of the immunological function may be partly due to an alteration in the functionality of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which was hyperactive in basal conditions but appeared to suffer habituation to the same stress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence‐Guided Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: Clinical Experience with a Novel Intraoperative Detection Technique for Parathyroid Glands
Authors: Prosst Ruediger L. , Weiss Johannes , Hupp Linus , Willeke Frank , Post Stefan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackgroundDetection of normal and pathologic parathyroid glands often is difficult due to their variability in number and location. We have implemented photosensitizer‐induced fluorescence for the routine intraoperative identification of parathyroids for the surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2007, 25 patients suffering from primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism underwent minimally invasive videoscopic‐assisted parathyroidectomy after oral photosensitization with aminolevulinic acid (ALA).ResultsFluorescence was sufficiently strong in 48% of patients to aid faster detection of the glands in situ. In an additional 44%, the fluorescence behavior supported the identification of the glands in situ and after excision, yielding a total of 92% of glands whose identity could be confirmed by the fluorescence technique.ConclusionsFluorescence‐guided minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is technically feasible and may support the surgeon in detecting and confirming the parathyroid glands. As the fluorescence method requires only moderate additional technical efforts and clinical expenditure, it is a valuable add‐on component in parathyroid surgery to facilitate the operation.
Factors Predicting the Hospital Mortality of Patients with Corrosive Gastrointestinal Injuries Receiving Esophagogastrectomy in the Acute Stage
Authors: Chou Shah‐Hwa , Chang Yu‐Tang , Li Hsien‐Pin , Huang Meei‐Feng , Lee Chia‐Hua , Lee Ka‐Wo 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the preoperative factors that affect the survival of patients who undergo esophagogastrectomy after corrosive ingestion, using analysis of their physiological condition, associated diseases, physical examination, and laboratory data.MethodsBetween January 1995 and December 2005, 71 consecutive patients who underwent esophagogastrectomy for corrosive ingestion injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 41 survived and 30 (42.3%) died during the perioperative period. Logistic regression analyses were used to model markers for postoperative mortality, including descriptive data, clinical symptoms/signs, and laboratory data.ResultsThere were 35 males and 36 females included in the study, with an average age of 54.7 ± 14.9 years. After adjustments in the logistic regression model, age of over 65 years (p = 0.021), presence of gross hematuria (p = 0.016), twofold level of serum AST (p = 0.012), blood pH level below 7.2 (p = 0.017), and deficit of blood base over 16 (p = 0.007) were found to be independent risk factors for patient mortality.ConclusionsWe consider age over 65 years, preoperative pH < 7.2, base deficit >16, twofold level of serum AST, and presence of gross hematuria to be the important factors predicting postoperative hospital mortality in patients presenting with corrosive ingestion injuries who require emergency surgery.
Misunderstandings Concerning Genetics Among Patients Confronting Genetic Disease
Authors: Klitzman Robert L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCritical questions arise about misunderstandings of genetics. We interviewed for 2 h each, 64 individuals who had or were at risk for Huntington's disease (HD), breast cancer or Alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency. These individuals revealed various misunderstandings that can affect coping, and testing, treatment and reproductive decisions. A therapeutic misconception about testing appeared: that testing would be helpful in and of itself. Many believed they could control genetic disorders (even HD), yet these beliefs were often incorrect, and could impede coping, testing, and treatment. Misunderstandings about statistics and genetics often fueled each other, and reflected denial, and desires for hope and control. Emotional needs can thus outweigh understandings of genetics and statistics, and providers’ input. Individuals often maintained non‐scientific beliefs, though embarrassed by these. These data have implications for care, and public and professional education. Misunderstandings’ persistence, despite realization of their inaccuracy, suggests that providers need to address not just cognitive facts, but underlying emotional issues.
Lipidomic Analysis of Porcine Olfactory Epithelial Membranes and Cilia
Authors: Lobasso Simona , Lopalco Patrizia , Angelini Roberto , Baronio Maristella , Fanizzi Francesco P. , Babudri Francesco , Corcelli Angela 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe use of the matrix 9‐aminoacridine has been recently introduced in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry analysis of both anionic and cationic phospholipids. In the present study, we take advantage of this technique to analyze the lipids of porcine olfactory mucosa and a membrane fraction enriched in cilia. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and 31P‐NMR analyses of the lipid extracts were also performed in parallel. MALDI‐TOF‐MS allowed the identification of lipid classes in the total lipid extract and individual lipids present in the main TLC bands. The comparison between the composition of the two lipid extracts showed that: (1) cardiolipin, present in small amount in the whole olfactory mucosa lipid extract, was absent in the extract of membranes enriched in olfactory cilia, (2) phosphatidylethanolamine species were less abundant in ciliary than in whole epithelial membranes, (3) sulfoglycosphingolipids were detected in the lipid extract of ciliary membranes, but not in that of epithelial membranes. Our results indicate that the lipid pattern of ciliary membranes is different from that of whole‐tissue membranes and suggest that olfactory receptors require a specific lipid environment for their functioning.
Sitosterol Thermo‐oxidative Degradation Leads to the Formation of Dimers, Trimers and Oligomers: A Study Using Combined Size Exclusion Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Rudzinska Magdalena , Przybylski Roman , Zhao Yuan Yuan , Curtis Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPhytosterols are recognized as functional food components with cholesterol reducing properties in humans. The formation of phytosterol oligomers as a result of the thermo‐oxidative degradation of sitosterol is shown to occur. The existence of oligomers is demonstrated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and confirmed by combined SEC‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (SEC/APCI‐MS). A speculative structure for the sitosterol dimer with 3,7′ linkage is proposed consistent with data from tandem mass spectrometry and exact mass measurements. Higher molecular weight species arising from the formation of trimers or higher oligomers are seen in the mass spectra. Fragments of sitosterol formed by thermo‐oxidative processes are also shown to oligomerize and their common structural characteristics are demonstrated by tandem mass spectrometry. The results presented provide evidence for the possible formation of oligomeric species involving sterols in addition to those known for acylglycerides in vegetable oils subjected to extreme oxidative stress such as in frying.
Breast Cancer Close to the Nipple: Does This Increase the Risk of Nodal Metastasis at Diagnosis?
Authors: Lewis Erin I. , Ozonoff Al , Nguyen Cheri P. , Kim Michael , Slanetz Priscilla J. 
Published: May 2010

Background Previous studies of patients with invasive breast cancer examined, with mixed results, tumour location as a predictor of axillary lymph node metastasis. This study assessed whether tumour location in relation to the nipple impacts the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of the medical records and available imaging of 285 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 2001 to June 2007 at Boston University Medical Center. The incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis was correlated with tumour location in relation to the posterior nipple line to control for variation in breast size. Bivariate analysis identified significant variables that were applied to a multiple logistic regression model. Results Axillary lymph node metastasis was not significantly associated with tumour proximity to the nipple. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, known prognostic factors for axillary metastasis, such as surgical size, lymphovascular invasion, and age of diagnosis, were significant, whereas breast density, palpability, and histologic grade were no longer significant. Conclusions Our study found that there was no evidence that correlates intramammary tumour proximity to the nipple with the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. However, known prognostic factors, such as lymphovascular invasion, surgical size, and younger age at diagnosis, are strong independent predictors for axillary lymph node involvement.