bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
R353Q polymorphism in the factor VII gene and cardiovascular risk in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: a case-control study
Authors: Criado-García Juan , Fuentes Francisco , Cruz-Teno Cristina , García-Rios Antonio , Jiménez-Morales Anabel , Delgado-Lista Javier , Mata Pedro , Alonso Rodrigo , López-Miranda José , Pérez-Jiménez Francisco ,   Spanish Group for the Study of Familiar Hypercholesterolemia
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Certain polymorphisms of the factor VII gene have been associated with the development of coronary artery disease and there is a known association between factor VII levels and polymorphic variants in this gene. To date, no study has evaluated the association between factor VII and coronary artery disease in patients with FH.

Results
This case-control study comprised 720 patients (546 with FH and 174 controls). We determined the prevalence and allele frequencies of the R353Q polymorphism of factor VII, the plasma levels of factor VII antigen (FVII Ag) and whether they could be predictive factors for cardiovascular risk. 75% (410) of the patients with FH were RR, 23% (127) RQ and 1.6% (9) QQ; in the control group 75.3% (131) were RR, 21.3% (37) RQ and 3.4% (6) QQ (p = 0.32). No statistically significant associations were observed in the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies between case (FH) and control groups. Nor did we find differences when we evaluated the relationship between the R353Q polymorphism and cardiovascular risk (including coronary disease, ischemic stroke and peripheral arterial disease), either in the univariate analysis or after adjustment for sex, age, arterial hypertension, body mass index, xanthomas, diabetes, smoking, HDLc and LDLc and lipid-lowering treatment. The FVII Ag concentrations behaved in a similar fashion, with no differences for the interaction between controls and those with FH (RR vs. RQ/QQ; p = 0.96). In the subgroup of patients with FH no association was found among cardiovascular disease, genotype and FVII Ag levels (RR vs. RQ/QQ; p = 0.97).

Conclusions
Our study did not find a direct relationship between cardiovascular risk in patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, the R353Q polymorphism of factor VII and FVII Ag levels.
Transnational telepathology consultations using a basic digital microscope: experience in the Italy-Slovenjia INTERREG project “Patient without borders”
Authors: Intersimone Donatella , Snoj Viviana , Riosa Franca , Bortolotti Nicola , Sverko Sandi , Beltrami Carlo A , Della Mea Vincenzo 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
In recent years, a number of technological advancements started to modify the long standing appearance and functionalities of traditional optical microscopes used in Pathology and other medical fields. In fact, at present many new tools for microscopical visualization exist that are based on digital imaging, robotization, and remote communication. Such tools are typically adopted in activities ranging from education to telediagnosis to remote consultation.
Present paper describes the features of a basic digital microscope that has been tested to verify its performance for occasional remote consultation inside an international project between Italy and Slovenija, funded by Interreg initiative of the European Regional Development Fund.

Methods
The system is composed by a pair of digital microscopes (Leica DMD108, Leitz Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) associated to a high resolution videoconferencing systems (Tandberg 990, Lysaker, Norway). The systems are connected through the Internet. Sixty histology and cytology cases have been collaboratively diagnosed between two Pathology Institutes to verify the diagnostic performance of the system, regarding the image quality point of view as well as time needed for diagnosis. The system has also been tested for compatibility with standard videoconferencing software.

Results
No discrepancies between local and remote diagnoses have been identified, with diagnosis time reasonably close to typical microscope observation times. Time needed for most operations is not far from that needed on a traditional microscope, except for startup.

Conclusions
The system can be considered usable as a standard microscope, and also for occasional remote consultations.
Itraconazole associated quadriparesis and edema: a case report
Authors: Karadi Rangaprasad L , Gow David , Kellett Mark , Denning David W , O'Driscoll Ronan B 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Itraconazole is an anti-fungal agent widely used to treat various forms of mycosis. It is particularly useful in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Mild neuropathy is noted to occur very rarely. We present an unusual and, to the best of our knowledge, as yet unreported case of severe neuropathy and peripheral edema due to itraconazole in the absence of a concomitant risk factor.

Case presentation
A 72-year-old Caucasian man was started on itraconazole following diagnosis of severe asthma with fungal sensitization. One month later he presented with severe bilateral ankle edema with an elevated serum itraconazole level. The itraconazole dose was reduced but his ankle edema persisted and he developed weakness of all four limbs. Itraconazole was completely stopped leading to improvement in his leg edema but he became bed bound due to weakness. He gradually improved with supportive care and neurorehabilitation. On review at six months, our patient was able to mobilize with the aid of two elbow crutches and power had returned to 5/5 in distal extremities and 4+/5 in proximal extremities. The diagnosis was established based on the classical presentation of drug-induced neuropathy and negative investigatory findings for any alternative diagnoses.

Conclusion
We report the case of a patient presenting with an unusual complication of severe neuropathy and peripheral edema due to itraconazole. Clinicians should be alert to this association when encountered with neuropathy and/or edema in an itraconazole therapy recipient.
Indeterminate and discrepant rapid HIV test results in couples' HIV testing and counselling centres in Africa
Authors: Boeras Debrah I , Luisi Nicole , Karita Etienne , McKinney Shila , Sharkey Tyronza , Keeling Michelle , Chomba Elwyn , Kraft Colleen , Wall Kristin , Bizimana Jean , Kilembe William , Tichacek Amanda , Caliendo Angela M , Hunter Eric , Allen Susan 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundMany HIV voluntary testing and counselling centres in Africa use rapid antibody tests, in parallel or in sequence, to establish same‐day HIV status. The interpretation of indeterminate or discrepant results between different rapid tests on one sample poses a challenge. We investigated the use of an algorithm using three serial rapid HIV tests in cohabiting couples to resolve unclear serostatuses.MethodsHeterosexual couples visited the Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group testing centres in Kigali, Rwanda, and Lusaka, Zambia, to assess HIV infection status. Individuals with unclear HIV rapid antibody test results (indeterminate) or discrepant results were asked to return for repeat testing to resolve HIV status. If either partner of a couple tested positive or indeterminate with the screening test, both partners were tested with a confirmatory test. Individuals with indeterminate or discrepant results were further tested with a tie‐breaker and monthly retesting. HIV‐RNA viral load was determined when HIV status was not resolved by follow‐up rapid testing. Individuals were classified based on two of three initial tests as “Positive”, “Negative” or “Other”. Follow‐up testing and/or HIV‐RNA viral load testing determined them as “Infected”, “Uninfected” or “Unresolved”.ResultsOf 45,820 individuals tested as couples, 2.3% (4.1% of couples) had at least one discrepant or indeterminate rapid result. A total of 65% of those individuals had follow‐up testing and of those individuals initially classified as “Negative” by three initial rapid tests, less than 1% were resolved as “Infected”. In contrast, of those individuals with at least one discrepant or indeterminate result who were initially classified as “Positive”, only 46% were resolved as “Infected”, while the remainder was resolved as “Uninfected” (46%) or “Unresolved” (8%). A positive HIV serostatus of one of the partners was a strong predictor of infection in the other partner as 48% of individuals who resolved as “Infected” had an HIV‐infected spouse.ConclusionsIn more than 45,000 individuals counselled and tested as couples, only 5% of individuals with indeterminate or discrepant rapid HIV test results were HIV infected. This represented only 0.1% of all individuals tested. Thus, algorithms using screening, confirmatory and tie‐breaker rapid tests are reliable with two of three tests negative, but not when two of three tests are positive. False positive antibody tests may persist. HIV‐positive partner serostatus should prompt repeat testing.
Tuberculosis in cattle: the results of the four-area project
Authors: Griffin John M. , More Simon J. , Clegg Tracy A. , Collins John D. , O'Boyle Ian , Williams David H. , Kelly Gabrielle E. , Costello Eamon , Sleeman D. Paddy , O'Shea Finbarr , Duggan Murt , Murphy James , Lavin Desmond P.T. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The four-area project was undertaken to further assess the impact of badger removal on the control of tuberculosis in cattle herds in Ireland. It was conducted between 1997 and 2002 in matched removal and reference areas in four counties, namely Cork, Donegal, Kilkenny and Monaghan, representing a wide range of Irish farming environments. In the removal areas, a proactive programme of badger removal was conducted, on two or three occasions each year, whereas in the reference areas, badger removal was entirely reactive following severe outbreaks of tuberculosis amongst cattle. A detailed statistical analysis of this study has already been presented by Griffin et al. [13]; this paper presents further, mainly descriptive, findings from the study. In total, 2,360 badgers were captured in the removal areas of which 450 (19.5%) were considered positive for tuberculosis and 258 badgers were captured in the reference areas, with 57 (26.1%) positive for tuberculosis. The annual incidence of confirmed herd restrictions was lower in the removal area compared to the reference area in every year of the study period in each of the four counties. These empirical findings were consistent with the hazard ratios found by Griffin et al. [13]. Further, the effect of proactive badger removal on cattle tuberculosis in the four-area project and in the earlier east-Offaly project, as measured using the number of reactors per 1,000 cattle tested, were very similar, providing compelling evidence of the role of badgers in the epidemiology of tuberculosis in Irish cattle herds. The validity of the four-area project was discussed in detail. Efforts to minimise badger-to-cattle transmission in Ireland must be undertaken in association with the current comprehensive control programme, which has effectively minimised opportunities for cattle-to-cattle transmission.
Non-accidental injury in companion animals in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: McGuinness Kristina , Allen Mary , Jones Boyd R. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Non-accidental injury (NAI), animal abuse and "battered pet" syndrome are terms used to identify "the intentional harm of an animal". The terms include, but are not limited to, wilful neglect, inflicting injury, pain or distress, or malicious killing of an animal. Three categories of abuse are recognised: physical, sexual and neglect.
A postal survey was conducted to determine the extent to which NAI was recognised by veterinary surgeons in urban, semi-rural and rural veterinary practices in the Republic of Ireland. The questionnaire was sent to 600 veterinarians; completed submissions were received from 115 respondents (19.2%).
The occurrence of NAI was acknowledged by 106 (92.2%) of the respondents and cases had been seen by 50 (43.3%) of them, comprised of 36.2% of urban veterinary surgeons from rural towns and of 82% of urban practitioners. In 59% of cases the client indicated the injury was non-accidental; 39 (67.2%) of the 58 reported cases involved a single event. Signs that made veterinary surgeons suspicious of NAI included inconsistent history, untreated injuries, recurring injuries, meekness of the animal, suspicious behaviour of the owner and injuries consistent with abuse. The types of injuries observed included burns, lacerations, gunshot wounds, poisoning, injury to genitalia, bruising and fractures.
The findings of this study are comparable with those from other countries. Most but not all veterinary surgeons in Ireland recognise NAI and animal abuse is of significant concern in rural and urban communities as evidenced by this survey of practising veterinary surgeons.
Measurements of the acid-binding capacity of ingredients used in pig diets
Authors: Lawlor Peadar G. , Lynch P. Brendan , Caffrey Patrick J. , O'Reilly James J. , O'Connell M. Karen 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Some feed ingredients bind more acid in the stomach than others and for this reason may be best omitted from pig starter foods if gastric acidity is to be promoted. The objective of this study was to measure the acid-binding capacity (ABC) of ingredients commonly used in pig starter foods. Ingredients were categorised as follows: (i) milk products (n = 6), (ii) cereals (n = 10), (iii) root and pulp products (n = 5), (iv) vegetable proteins (n = 11), (v) meat and fish meal (n = 2), (vi) medication (n = 3), (vii) amino acids (n = 4), (viii) minerals (n = 16), (ix) acid salts (n = 4), (x) acids (n = 10). A 0.5 g sample of food was suspended in 50 ml distilled de-ionised water with continuous stirring. This suspension was titrated with 0.1 mol/L HCl or 0.1 mol/L NaOH so that approximately 10 additions of titrant was required to reach pH 3.0. The pH readings after each addition were recorded following equilibration for three minutes. ABC was calculated as the amount of acid in milliequivalents (meq) required to lower the pH of 1 kg food to (a) pH 4.0 (ABC-4) and (b) pH 3.0 (ABC-3). Categories of food had significantly different (P < 0.01) ABC values. Mean ABC-4 and ABC-3 values of the ten categories were: (i) 623 (s.d. 367.0) and 936 (s.d. 460.2), (ii) 142 (s.d. 79.2) and 324 (s.d. 146.4), (iii) 368 (s.d. 65.3) and 804 (s.d. 126.7), (iv) 381 (s.d. 186.1) and 746 (s.d. 227.0), (v) 749 (s.d. 211.6) and 1508 (s.d. 360.8), (vi) 120 (s.d. 95.6) and 261 (s.d. 163.2), (vii) 177 (s.d. 60.7) and 1078 (s.d. 359.0), (viii) 5064 (s.d. 5525.1) and 7051 (s.d. 5911.6), (ix) 5057 (s.d. 1336.6) and 8945 (s.d. 2654.1) and (x) -5883 (s.d. 4220.5) and -2591 (s.d. 2245.4) meq HCl per kg, respectively. Within category, ABC-3 and ABC- 4 values were highly correlated: R2 values of 0.80 and greater for food categories i, iv, v, vi, vii and viii. The correlation between predicted and observed ABC values of 34 mixed diets was 0.83 for ABC-4 and 0.71 for ABC-3. It was concluded that complete diets with low ABC values may be formulated through careful selection of ingredients. The final pH to which ABC is measured should matter little as ABC-3 and ABC-4 are highly correlated.
A folate receptor beta-specific human monoclonal antibody recognizes activated macrophage of rheumatoid patients and mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Feng Yang , Shen Jiayin , Streaker Emily D , Lockwood Michael , Zhu Zhongyu , Low Philip S , Dimitrov Dimiter S 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Folate receptor beta (FRβ) is only detectable in placenta and limited to some hematopoietic cells of myeloid lineage in healthy people. Studies have indicated that FRβ is over-expressed in activated macrophages in autoimmune diseases and some cancer cells. In this study we aimed to develop an FRβ-specific human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that could be used as a therapeutic agent to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, as well as FRβ positive cancers.

Methods
Functional recombinant FRβ protein was produced in insect cells and used as antigen to isolate a mAb, m909, from a human naïve Fab phage display library. Binding of Fab and IgG1 m909 to FRβ was measured by ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, immune fluorescence staining, and flow cytometry. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) was evaluated with FRβ positive CHO cells as target cells and isolated peripheral blood monocytes as effector cells in an in vitro assay.

Results
Fab m909 bound with relatively high affinity (equilibrium dissociation constant 57 nM) to FRβ. The IgG1 m909 showed much higher (femtomolar) avidity as measured by ELISA, and it bound to FRβ positive cells in a dose-dependent manner, but not to parental FRβ negative cells. m909 did not compete with folate for the binding to FRβ on cells. m909 was not only able to select FRβ positive, activated macrophages from synovial fluid cells of arthritis patients as efficiently as folate, but also able to mediate ADCC in FRβ positive cells.

Conclusions
Unlike folate-drug conjugates, m909 selectively binds to FRβ, does not recognize FRα, and has at least one effector function. m909 alone has potential to eliminate FRβ positive cells. Because m909 does not compete with folate for receptor binding, it can be used with folate-drug conjugates in a combination therapy. m909 can also be a valuable research reagent.
Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents
Authors: Kong Alice P S , Choi Kai-Chow , Wong Gary W K , Ko Gary T C , Ho Chung-Shun , Chan Michael H M , Ozaki Risa , Ma Ronald C W , Lau Joseph T F , Chan Juliana C N 
Published: April 2011

Background The risk association between the insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) system and cardiovascular risk is inconclusive in adults and under-explored in adolescents. We aimed to investigate the associations between serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional, population-based, observational study in a school setting with 2102 Hong Kong Chinese adolescents aged 12–19 years. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassays. Anthropometric indices and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Results After excluding participants with abnormal thyroid and liver test results, 765 boys and 877 girls, mean (±SD) age of 15.3 (±2.0) and 15.7 (±2.0) years, respectively, were included in the analysis. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were independently associated with waist circumference, fasting insulin and haemoglobin concentrations in boys (all P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, fasting insulin and haemoglobin concentrations in girls (all P < 0.05). In girls, IGF-I was also associated with C-reactive protein concentration ( P < 0.001) and IGFBP-3 was associated with fasting triglyceride concentration ( P < 0.001). Compared with adolescents with the lowest tertile, the top tertile of both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were associated with increased odds of having overweight/obesity, top tertiles of insulin and haemoglobin in both boys and girls ( P for trend, all <0.05). Conclusions The associations between serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3, obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, insulin and haemoglobin suggest that dysregulation of the IGF system may play a linking role for the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.
High production of endothelin after foam sclerotherapy: a new pathogenetic hypothesis for neurological and visual disturbances after sclerotherapy
Authors: Frullini A , Felice F , Burchielli S , Di Stefano R 
Published: April 2011

Background Visual and neurological disturbances have always been reported following liquid sclerotherapy (LS) for venous insufficiency. In 1993 Cabrera introduced foam sclerotherapy (FS) using a detergent sclerosant as Lauromacrogol 400 or sodium tetradecyl sulphate. Several authors have reported with FS an increased incidence of such transient visual disturbances and neurological complications. This has been associated with gas or air used to generate the sclerosing foam. The frequent association of the presence of a patent foramen ovale, a common condition in normal population, and such complications has led several authors to consider neurological and visual disturbances as paradoxical gas embolism. Objective We are introducing a new pathogenetic hypothesis for sclerotherapy complications. Medical literature shows evidence of a clear relationship among cerebral and retinal vasospasm, migraine and intimal irritation. We think that the irritating sclerosant agent may stimulate a significant release of vasoactive substances from the venous wall, specifically endothelin 1 (ET-1), the most powerful vasoconstricting agent. Method We have studied systemic ET-1 levels after LS and FS with Lauromacrogol 400 in a group of 13 rats at one and five minutes after injection. Results While ET-1 levels did not change significantly in control and in the LS group, a significant increase was detected after FS at one and five minutes. Conclusion We conclude that should the same results be found in patients treated using sclerosing foam (SF), ET-1 levels may closely correlate to the onset of visual or cerebral complications. Due to the bronchoconstrictor activity of ET-1, a relationship with post-treatment cough can be also postulated.
Development of a device to determine the stiffness of elastic garments and bandages
Authors: Hirai M , Niimi K , Miyazaki K , Iwata H , Sugimoto I , Ishibashi H , Ota T , Kominami Y 
Published: April 2011

Objective To evaluate the reliability of a newly developed stiffness-determining device, composed of a leg mannequin and air-pack type analyser, for measuring the interface pressure. Method The correlation of stiffness values obtained employing the Hohenstein method and this new method was investigated using 17 different brands of medical elastic compression stocking. Results A significant correlation in stiffness values using the two methods was obtained ( P < 0.01). When this new method was applied to the bandages, the stiffness was significantly correlated with the initial pressure when assessing both short-stretch and long-stretch bandages. On the comparison of stiffness values between elastic stockings and bandages with the same initial pressure, the short-stretch bandages showed a predominantly higher value than long-stretch bandages and stockings ( P < 0.01). Conclusion The reliability of this new method, which can be easily applied to not only elastic stockings but also elastic bandages, was verified. In clinical practice, the compression pressure should be selected in consideration of the prospective stiffness.