bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Complex Case of Neuro-Behçet's Disease in a Patient Previously Diagnosed with multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Shamim Afroz , Budman Cathy L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) and Neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) have been associated with a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and other behavioral disturbances that are characterized by remissions and exacerbations at different points during the course of the disease. We present an interesting case of NBD in a 48-year-old female who had previously been diagnosed with MS. Exploration of this patient's various neuropsychiatric symptoms, their misattribution first to psychopathology and then subsequently to a variety of neurological problems exemplifies the potential pitfalls in diagnosis of a seemingly rare disorder. The role of psychosocial stress-related inflammatory changes in the patient's behavioral and neurological symptoms is explored as well as the potential psychological and medical effects of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Protection of cells from nitric oxide‐mediated apoptotic death by glutathione C60 derivative
Authors: Hu Zhen , Zhang Chunhua , Tang Peiyi , Li Cuiyun , Yao Yuhuan , Sun Shaofan , Zhang Li , Huang Yudong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe influence of the glutathione C60 derivative on the cytotoxicity of a highly reactive free radical NO (nitric oxide) has been investigated. Consistent with its cytoprotective abilities, the derivative scavenges ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) both in vitro and under cell‐free conditions. Moreover, the glutathione C60 derivative protected PC12 cells from the cytotoxic effect of the NO‐releasing compound, SNP (sodium nitroprusside). Addition of glutathione C60 derivative alone did not induce apoptosis and necrosis. The results suggest that the glutathione C60 derivative has the potential to prevent NO‐mediated cell death without evident toxicity.
High-Level Magnetic Activity on a Low-Mass Close Binary: GSC 02038-0293
Authors: Dal H. A. , Sipahi E. , Özdarcan O. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTaking into account results obtained from light-curve analysis and out-of-eclipse analyses, we discuss the nature of GSC 02038-00293 and also its magnetic activity behaviour.We obtained light curves of the system during observing seasons 2007, 2008 and 2011. We obtained its secondary minimum clearly in I-band observations in 2008 for the first time. Analysing this light curve, we found the physical parameters of the components. The light-curve analysis indicates that the possible mass ratio of the system is 0.35. We obtained the remaining V-band light curves, extracting the eclipses. We modelled these remaining curves using the SPOTMODEL program and found possible spot configurations of the magnetically active component for each observing season. The models demonstrated that there are two active longitudes for the active component. The models reveal that both active longitudes migrate in the direction of decreasing longitude. We also examined the light curves in out-of-eclipse phases with respect to minimum and maximum brightness, amplitude, etc. The amplitude of the curves during out-of-eclipse phases varies in a sinusoidal way with a period of ∼8.9 yr; the mean brightness of the system is dramatically decreasing. The phases of the deeper minimum during out-of-eclipse periods exhibit a migration toward decreasing phase.
Lowth’s Legacy in Teaching English to Foreigners
Authors: Rodríguez-Gil María E. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThis article sheds light on the influence exerted by Robert Lowth’s (1787–1710) English grammar (1762) overseas in the teaching of English as a foreign language, and more particularly, on the work of the Irish friar Thomas Connelly (1728–1800), author of the most popular English grammar for Spaniards published in Spain in 1784. After setting the context for both the life and work of this author, it examines the similarities in content and wording between Connelly and Lowth’s English grammars through a comparison of selected passages occurring in both works. This analysis will help us determine to what extent Connelly relied on Lowth and how faithful he was to his source.
‘Lowthian’ Linguistics across the North Sea
Authors: Rutten Gijsbert 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThis paper focuses on Dutch grammar-writing in the 18th century so as to put the linguistic works of Robert Lowth (1710–1787) in an international, comparative perspective. It demonstrates that certain characteristics of the “Lowthian” approach to grammar and of 18th-century English linguistics in general are parallelled by similar developments in the history of Dutch linguistics. The transition from normative grammar to prescriptive grammar which characterises the English late 18th century has a counterpart in the Dutch development from ‘civil’ to national grammar. Lowth’s recognition of different stylistic levels with corresponding levels of grammatical acceptability has a Dutch counterpart as well. The transition towards prescriptivism and the relevance of different stylistic levels are closely connected, which is exemplified by a case study on the treatment of adnominal inflection in 18th-century grammars of Dutch.
Phase I study of BCX1777 (forodesine) in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T/natural killer‐cell malignancies
Authors: Ogura Michinori , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Nagai Hirokazu , Uchida Toshiki , Oyama Takashi , Suzuki Tatsuya , Taguchi Jun , Maruyama Dai , Hotta Tomomitsu , Tobinai Kensei 
Published: March 2012

BCX1777 (forodesine), a novel purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitor, induces apoptosis, mainly in T cells. To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of BCX1777, we conducted a phase I study in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T/natural killer‐cell malignancies. Eligible patients had relapsed or refractory peripheral T/natural killer‐cell malignancies without any major organ dysfunction. BCX1777 was administered orally once daily (dose escalation: 100, 200, and 300 mg) until disease progression requiring new therapy or unacceptable adverse events occurred. A total of 13 patients were enrolled and treated in three dose cohorts (100 mg/day, five patients; 200 mg/day, three patients; 300 mg/day, five patients). Although none of the patients developed dose‐limiting toxicities, further dose escalation was not performed based on data from overseas. Therefore, the maximum tolerated dose was not determined. Adverse events of grade 3 or greater (≥2 patients) included lymphopenia (62%), anemia (15%), leukopenia (8%), and pyrexia (8%). Plasma pharmacokinetics parameter of BCX1777 (area under the plasma concentration‐time curve) at day 1 in each cohort was 1948 ± 884, 4608 ± 1030, and 4596 ± 939 ng•h/mL, respectively. Disease control was achieved in approximately half of patients. One patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which was negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase, achieved a complete response, and two patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma achieved partial responses. BCX1777 was well tolerated at doses up to 300 mg once daily and showed preliminary evidence of activity in relapsed or refractory peripheral T/natural killer‐cell malignancies, warranting further investigation. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1290–1295)
Randomised clinical trial: the benefit of combination therapy with adefovir and lamivudine for chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Ghany M. G. , Feld J. J. , Zhao X. , Heller T. , Doo E. , Rotman Y. , Nagabhyru P. , Koh C. , Kleiner D. E. , Wright E. C. , Liang T. J. , Hoofnagle J. H. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundCombination antiviral therapy holds the promise of increasing response rates while decreasing antiviral resistance, but has yet to be shown to be beneficial or necessary in chronic hepatitis B.AimTo evaluate the benefit of combination therapy with adefovir and lamivudine versus adefovir alone in maintaining virological, biochemical and histological responses.MethodsPatients with chronic hepatitis B with and without previous lamivudine therapy were randomised to receive adefovir alone (10 mg/daily) or adefovir and lamivudine (100 mg/daily) for up to 192 weeks. Study endpoints were (i) maintained virological (HBV DNA <500 copies/mL), biochemical and histological response, (ii) loss of HBeAg and (iii) loss of HBsAg.ResultsA total of 41 patients were enrolled, including 31 HBeAg ‐positive and 31 treatment‐naïve subjects. 30 patients remained on assigned therapy at 192 weeks. The percentage of patients achieving a combined maintained response was higher in the combination than the monotherapy arm, both at week 48 (59% vs. 26%, P = 0.06) and 192 (68% vs. 31%, P = 0.03). At week 192, 76% of the combination vs. 36% of the monotherapy group had loss of HBeAg (P = 0.03). One patient receiving adefovir cleared HBsAg. Adefovir resistance developed in 6 of 19 (32%) monotherapy but none of 22 combination treated patients (P = 0.03).ConclusionsExtended combination therapy with lamivudine and adefovir is associated with a high rate of long‐term virological and biochemical response. Adefovir monotherapy appears to be less effective mainly because of poor initial response and the ultimate development of antiviral resistance (www.Clinical. Trials.gov NCT00023309).
Meta‐analysis: banding ligation and medical interventions for the prevention of rebleeding from oesophageal varices
Authors: Thiele M. , Krag A. , Rohde U. , Gluud L. L. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundIn patients with oesophageal varices, the combination of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and medical therapy is recommended as standard of care for prevention of rebleeding. The results of previous meta‐analyses on this topic are equivocal.AimTo assess the effects of EVL plus medical therapy vs. monotherapy (EVL or medical therapy alone) for secondary prevention in oesophageal varices.MethodsElectronic and manual searches were combined. The primary outcome measures were overall rebleeding (variceal and nonvariceal) and mortality. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed with subgroup, sensitivity, regression and sequential analyses to identify sources of intertrial heterogeneity and the robustness of the results.ResultsNine randomised trials were included. In total, 442 patients were randomised to combination therapy and 513 to monotherapy. Combination therapy reduced rebleeding (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.54–0.85; number needed to treat eight patients). The result was confirmed in sequential and regression analyses, but not when limiting the analysis to trials with adequate selection bias control. No effect on overall mortality was identified (RR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.65–1.21). Combination therapy reduced bleeding‐related mortality (RR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.27–0.99; number needed to treat 33 patients) and the risk of rebleeding from oesophageal varices. Combination therapy increased the risk of serious adverse events in fixed, but not in random‐effects meta‐analyses.ConclusionsThe combination of endoscopic variceal ligation and medical therapy reduce the risk of rebleeding, but not overall mortality. Additional research is needed to determine why reduced rebleeding rates do not lead to reduced mortality.
Emergence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis due to enterococci – risk factors and outcome in a 12‐year retrospective study
Authors: Reuken P. A. , Pletz M. W. , Baier M. , Pfister W. , Stallmach A. , Bruns T. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundThird‐generation cephalosporins (TGC) constitute the empirical first‐line therapy for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Hospitalisation, invasive procedures and use of antibiotics may challenge this concept due to an increase in enterococci and other TGC‐resistant microorganisms.AimTo determine prevalence, risk factors and outcome of ascitic fluid infections caused by enterococci.MethodsAll independent episodes of culture‐positive ascitic fluid between 2000 and 2011 in a German tertiary centre were analysed retrospectively.ResultsOut of 244 positive ascitic fluid cultures, 90 episodes of monomicrobial SBP and 25 episodes of monomicrobial bacterascites (BA) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis were identified. Enterococcus spp. were isolated in 32 (28%) episodes. We noticed a profound increase in the frequency of enterococcal infection over the study period from 11% to 35% (P = 0.007). Univariate risk factors for enterococcal SBP/BA included nosocomial infection (OR = 4.56; 95% CI 1.90–10.97), previous use of antibiotics (OR = 5.63; 95% CI 1.81–17.49) and recent gastrointestinal endoscopy (OR = 3.17; 95% CI 1.33–7.54). Nosocomial infection (OR = 3.29; P = 0.011) and recent antibiotic therapy (OR = 3.88; P = 0.025) remained independent risk factors for enterococcal infection in multivariate logistic regression and these factors contributed also to the model when only SBP cases were considered. In subjects with monomicrobial SBP who were treated with TGC or ciprofloxacin, the probability of 90‐day survival was 12% in enterococcal infection compared to 50% in non‐enterococcal SBP (P = 0.022 in log‐rank test).ConclusionBecause of the increasing prevalence of enterococcal spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and its poor prognosis when treated inappropriately, clinicians should consider empirical therapy with anti‐enterococcal antibiotics for patients with risk factors.
Soil organic carbon stocks in southeast Germany (Bavaria) as affected by land use, soil type and sampling depth
Authors: Wiesmeier Martin , Spörlein Peter , Geuß Uwe , Hangen Edzard , Haug Stephan , Reischl Arthur , Schilling Bernd , von Lützow Margit , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPrecise estimations of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks are of decided importance for the detection of C sequestration or emission potential induced by land use changes. For Germany, a comprehensive, land use–specificSOCdata set has not yet been compiled. We evaluated a unique data set of 1460 soil profiles in southeast Germany in order to calculate representativeSOCstocks to a depth of 1 m for the main land use types. The results showed that grassland soils stored the highest amount ofSOC, with a median value of 11.8 kg m−2, whereas considerably lower stocks of 9.8 and 9.0 kg m−2were found for forest and cropland soils, respectively. However, the differences between extensively used land (grassland, forest) and cropland were much lower compared with results from other studies in central European countries. The depth distribution ofSOCshowed that despite lowSOCconcentrations in A horizons of cropland soils, their stocks were not considerably lower compared with other land uses. This was due to a deepening of the topsoil compared with grassland soils. Higher grasslandSOCstocks were caused by an accumulation ofSOCin the B horizon which was attributable to a high proportion of C‐rich Gleysols within grassland soils. This demonstrates the relevance of pedogeneticSOCinventories instead of solely land use–based approaches. Our study indicated that cultivation‐inducedSOCdepletion was probably often overestimated since most studies use fixed depth increments. Moreover, the application of modelled parameters inSOCinventories is questioned because a calculation ofSOCstocks using different pedotransfer functions revealed considerably biased results. We recommendSOCstocks be determined by horizon for the entire soil profile in order to estimate the impact of land use changes precisely and to evaluate C sequestration potentials more accurately.
Species vulnerability to climate change: impacts on spatial conservation priorities and species representation
Authors: Summers David M. , Bryan Brett A. , Crossman Neville D. , Meyer Wayne S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractClimate change may shrink and/or shift plant species ranges thereby increasing their vulnerability and requiring targeted conservation to facilitate adaptation. We quantified the vulnerability to climate change of plant species based on exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity and assessed the effects of including these components in complementarity‐based spatial conservation prioritisation. We modelled the vulnerability of 584 native plant species under three climate change scenarios in an 11.9 million hectare fragmented agricultural region in southern Australia. We represented exposure as species' geographical range under each climate change scenario as quantified using species distribution models. We calculated sensitivity as a function of the impact of climate change on species' geographical ranges. Using a dispersal kernel, we quantified adaptive capacity as species' ability to migrate to new geographical ranges under each climate change scenario. Using Zonation, we assessed the impact of individual components of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity) on spatial conservation priorities and levels of species representation in priority areas under each climate change scenario. The full vulnerability framework proved an effective basis for identifying spatial conservation priorities under climate change. Including different dimensions of vulnerability had significant implications for spatial conservation priorities. Incorporating adaptive capacity increased the level of representation of most species. However, prioritising sensitive species reduced the representation of other species. We conclude that whilst taking an integrated approach to mitigating species vulnerability to climate change can ensure sensitive species are well‐represented in a conservation network, this can come at the cost of reduced representation of other species. Conservation planning decisions aimed at reducing species vulnerability to climate change need to be made in full cognisance of the sensitivity of spatial conservation priorities to individual components of vulnerability, and the trade‐offs associated with focussing on sensitive species.
BK virus nephropathy in simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant: a potentially preventable cause of kidney allograft loss
Authors: Mujtaba Muhammad , Fridell Jonathan , Sharfuddin Asif , Kandula Praveen , Yaqub Muhammad S. , Phillips Carrie L. , Mishler Dennis , Taber Tim 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMore than half of the simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant (SPK) patients afflicted with BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) lose their kidney allograft. Fear of pancreatic rejection limits the ability to reduce immunosuppression; this may result in inadequate treatment of BKVN.This single‐center retrospective review included 138 SPK patients who underwent periodic BKV screening and were managed with IS reduction alone as a treatment of choice for BKVN.All patients underwent rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction and were maintained on tacrolimus/sirolimus or mycophenolate. The incidence of BKVN was 4.4%. BKVN was diagnosed at a median of 11 months; mean serum creatinine 2.1 mg/dL and the geometric mean BK serum viral load at diagnosis 1 758 000 DNA copies/mL. Median time to BKV clearance was 5.6 months; there was 96% reduction in the mycophenolate dose, 100% reduction in sirolimus, and 40% reduction in the tacrolimus blood level at BKVN clearance. No BKVN‐related kidney failure was noted, and patients retained excellent kidney and pancreatic allograft function till last follow‐up (43 months).BKVN in SPK is a potentially preventable cause of end‐stage kidney disease, and IS reduction alone is an acceptable treatment modality in SPK without a higher risk of kidney/pancreas allograft loss as long as close monitoring can be ensured.
Nine‐yr experience of 700 hand‐assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies in Japan
Authors: Nakajima Ichiro , Iwadoh Kazuhiro , Koyama Ichiro , Tojimbara Tamotsu , Teraoka Satoshi , Fuchinoue Shohei 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveWe reviewed the introduction of a new, minimally invasive, live kidney donation program in our department.MethodsThe operating times of 700 consecutive hand‐assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (HALDN) conducted from February 2001 to April 2010 were examined. The risk factors for prolonging operating times were analyzed and major surgical barriers in HALDN investigated.ResultsAll procedures were successfully performed without the requirement for conversion to open surgery or blood transfusion. The overall prevalence of perioperative complications was 3.0%, with no mortality, in this non‐obese donor population with mean body mass index (BMI) as low as 23.2 ± 3.2 kg/m2. After the initial learning curve, a second learning plateau was detected until around case 300. Multivariate analyses showed that the significant risk factors were male sex, graft weight, number of renal arteries, right nephrectomy, and previous epigastric surgery (p < 0.05). HALDN provided direct handling of the surgical field, secure vascular control, safe manipulation of adhesive tissues, and served to maintain surgical safety. Mean values of the BMI of donors had a significant positive correlation with the prevalence of complications between large studies (p = 0.042).ConclusionsLaparoscopic donor nephrectomy was safely introduced and established in a single institution with the help of the hand‐assistance method.
Developing best practice for fungal specimen submission – fungal audit of general practice
Authors: Lasseter G. , McNulty C. A. M. , Palmer M. , Yoxall H. , Kibbler C. ,   on behalf of the Health Protection Agency GP Microbiology Laboratory Use Group
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the management of suspected fungal nail infections by general practitioners (GPs) and determine whether guidance is sought when submitting specimens for investigation or treating cases. Questionnaires were sent to all GPs (n = 2420) served by five Health Protection Agency (HPA) collaborating laboratories in the South West of England. A total of 769 GPs responded – topical and oral antifungals were never used by 29% and 16% of GPs respectively. When antifungals were prescribed, topicals were normally given because of the severity of infection (32%); Amorolofine (53%) was the preferred choice. Oral antifungals were most often prescribed after receipt of a laboratory report (77%); Terbinafine was the preferred choice (86%). Seventy percent of GPs would only treat a suspected nail infection with oral antifungals after sending a sample for investigation, yet 27% never waited for a microscopy report before prescribing oral antifungal treatment. GPs routinely send specimens from suspected fungal nail infections for microbiological investigation, yet treatment is often prescribed before a result is received. With clinical signs of fungal infections often non‐specific, GPs should rely on laboratory results before prescribing expensive and lengthy antifungal treatments. Laboratories could further reduce antifungal use by including guidance on microscopy and culture reports.