bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inaccuracies in estimated glomerular filtration rate in one Australian renal centre
Authors: BROWN MARK A , PIRABHAHAR SAIYINI , KELLY JOHN J , MANGOS GEORGE J , MACKENZIE CALLIE , MCCONACHIE PETER , JANSSEN JULIA , SMART RICHARD C 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTBackground:  Early identification of true renal disease (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min) results in better patient outcomes. There is now routine reporting in Australia of estimated GFR (eGFR) in all patients over age 18 who have serum creatinine measured, calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula, which was validated in an American Caucasian cohort. Significant clinical decisions and prognosis are often made on the basis of this calculation.Aim:  To assess the accuracy of three estimates of GFR in an Australian population by comparing eGFR obtained by the abbreviated MDRD (aMDRD), Cockcroft–Gault corrected for body surface area (BSA) (CG) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD‐Epi) formulae with a gold standard, isotopic 51Cr‐ethylenediaminetetra‐acetic acid (51Cr‐EDTA) GFR.Methods:  Patients referred with an eGFR of <60 mL/min reported by the aMDRD formula underwent isotopic measurement of GFR (over 4 h) and had eGFR calculated using CG corrected for BSA, aMDRD and CKD‐Epi formulae. Data were analysed using Bland–Altman plots and regression analysis to compare methods; bias, precision and the proportion of patients correctly stratified by stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) were also compared according to the three estimates of GFR, using 51Cr‐EDTA GFR as the gold standard.Results:  A total of 139 patients were recruited (female 45%), mean age 64 years and mean serum creatinine 212 µmol/L. The mean GFR (SD) (mL/min per m2) for isotopic, CG, aMDRD and CKD‐Epi were 47 (28), 37 (20), 32 (17) and 33 (18) (P = 0.001). CG (57%) was more likely to correctly stage CKD than aMDRD (37%) or CKD‐Epi (37%), and absolute bias was significantly lower using CG than either other method (P = 0.001).Conclusion:  In this small Australian population the CG formula corrected for BSA agreed more closely with isotopic GFR and correctly staged patients with CKD more often than the aMDRD or CKD‐Epi formulae. It is important that each renal Unit considers the accuracy of estimates of GFR according to their population demographics.
Smaller low‐density lipoprotein size as a possible risk factor for the prevalence of coronary artery diseases in haemodialysis patients: Associations of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and the hepatic lipase gene polymorphism with low‐density lipoprotein size
Authors: KIMURA HIDEKI , MIYAZAKI RYOICHI , IMURA TOSHIO , MASUNAGA SHINYA , SHIMADA AKIHIRO , MIKAMI DAISUKE , KASUNO KENJI , TAKAHASHI NAOKI , HIRANO TSUTOMU , YOSHIDA HARUYOSHI 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Smaller low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) size has recently been reported as a non‐traditional lipid risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and the C/T hepatic lipase (HL) gene polymorphism may promote LDL size reduction via the CETP‐mediated exchange of CE for triglyceride (TG) and subsequent HL‐mediated TG hydrolysis in LDL. However, little is known about LDL size status and its relationship with CAD prevalence in haemodialysis (HD) patients who are at high risk for atherosclerosis.Methods:  CETP levels, HL genotypes and LDL size were determined, and the determinants of LDL size and its association with CAD prevalence in HD patients (n = 236) aged over 30 years were investigated.Results:  The HD patients had a similar LDL size to the healthy subjects. In the HD group, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was an independent positive determinant of LDL size, while log10 (TG) was an independent negative determinant in the high (≥2.1 µg/mL) but not low (<2.1 µg/mL) CETP group. In the patients with hypertriglyceridemia, the high CETP group had a significantly smaller LDL size than the low CETP group. Among the patients with above‐median TG levels, the CC genotype and CETP were independent negative determinants of LDL size. In the whole group and the high CETP group, the patients with CAD had a significantly smaller LDL size than those without CAD. Finally, DM and smaller LDL size were identified as independent risk factors for CAD prevalence.Conclusion:  These suggest that a smaller LDL size, which is associated with higher levels of TG and CETP and the HL/CC genotype, may serve as a risk factor for CAD in HD patients.
Rituximab‐induced serum sickness in refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Le Guenno G. , Ruivard M. , Charra L. , Philippe P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSerum sickness may occur in patients treated with chimeric monoclonal antibody. Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody, is used with increasing frequency in chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Rituximab is relatively safe; however, serum sickness is reported in 1‐20% of patients, more commonly among those with autoimmune conditions. We describe a case of serum sickness in a patient with ITP and review the literature of rituximab‐induced serum sickness.
Clinical effectiveness in everyday practice: improving outcomes for all patients through a national acute coronary syndrome data collaborative
Authors: Astley C. M. , Tonkin A. M. , Mahar L. J. , Davidson P. M. , Boyden A. N. , Brieger D. B. , Pradhan M. , George M. , Mattschoss S. F. , Chew D. P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has an extensive and impressive evidence‐base with which to guide clinical practice. Despite this, translation to the clinical environment has proved to be challenging and incomplete and can be attributed to patient, provider and system factors. Causes of suboptimal guideline adherence relate to diverse issues, including patient complexity, barriers in knowledge translation of guideline recommendations and a limited capacity within health services. Addressing these factors may enable more effective guideline implementation. In Australia, the infrastructure for clinical data management is fragmented, uncoordinated and often administratively driven, compromising access to important information, which might improve clinical effectiveness. An integrated approach is required to improve clinical effectiveness in ACS care in Australia. Greater access to information both to assist in clinical decision‐making and monitoring outcomes may help direct the focus towards understudied populations and improve performance and clinically relevant outcomes. A peer‐led initiative based on common datasets, providing rapid feedback, while developing and disseminating a ‘toolbox’ of proven and sustainable interventions, could improve clinical effectiveness in the Australian management of ACS and provides a rationale for a national ACS registry.
Bilateral adnexal torsion due to postmenopausal hydatidiform mole
Authors: Özdemir Suna , Balcı Osman , Görkemli Hüseyin , Koyuncu Tuba , Turan Gülay 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOccurrence of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and adnexal torsion is rare in postmenopause. We report a 58‐year‐old postmenopausal woman with adnexal torsion caused by hydatidiform mole. The patient was admitted to our clinic complaining of acute abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting lasting one day. Ultrasonography showed an enlarged uterus including hypo/hyperechogenous cystic areas in the endometrial cavity and bilateral adnexal masses. β‐HCG level was investigated and determined as 157.000 IU/l, because of the suspicion of GTN in ultrasonography. Doppler sonography revealed enlarged left adnexa with absence of vascular flow. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy. β‐HCG decreased to normal ranges in the fourth postoperative week. The resected uterus contained an endometrial, cystic, grapelike tumor. The ovaries were enlarged bilaterally with necrotic appearance. Histopathology revealed complete hydatidiform mole and theca lutein cysts. To our knowledge, the present case is the first hydatidiform mole associated with bilateral adnexal torsion caused by theca lutein cysts in postmenopausal period.
Human papillomavirus in cervical cancers of Malaysians
Authors: Cheah Phaik‐Leng , Looi Lai‐Meng , Sivanesaratnam Vallipuram 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  With cervical carcinoma remaining the second leading cancer among Malaysian women, it is imperative to clarify the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in this respect, considering the dearth of local information.Material and Methods:  Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FP) tissues of 29 invasive cervical carcinoma cases, diagnosed between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1992, fresh, frozen (FF) and paired FP tissues of 43 cases diagnosed between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2000, and 21 FF normal control cervices were subjected to polymerase chain amplification (PCR) for HPV following successful amplification of a 268 bp β‐globin fragment using primers specific for HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and consensus L1 ORF (MY09/11).Results:  HPV was detected in 69.0% of the cases diagnosed in the earlier, 88.4% of those in the later period and 4.8% of the normal control cervices. HPV 16 formed 80.0% of the HPV types in the earlier and 55.3% in the later period, while HPV 18 formed 5% in the earlier and 13.2% in the later. HPV 16 was more common in squamous (56.4%) than adeno/adenosquamous carcinomas (35.3%), while HPV 18 was detected in 17.6% of adeno/adenosquamous and 5.5% squamous carcinomas.Conclusion:  HPV prevalence in invasive cervical carcinoma of Malaysians is similar to that observed worldwide. Together, HPV 16 and 18 constituted 85% of the HPV types responsible for cervical carcinogenesis in Malaysians in the earlier and 68% in the later period. Thus, the use of current vaccines should lower cervical carcinoma rate significantly.
Effectiveness of screening for gestational diabetes during the late gestational period among pregnant Turkish women
Authors: Kurtbas Handan , Keskin H. Levent , Avsar A. Filiz 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  To assess the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) beyond 30 gestational weeks (GW) in pregnant Turkish women and to determine the criteria for repeating the test during the late period of gestation when the results were normal after the initial screen.Materials and Methods:  Two hundred pregnant women were enrolled. Maternal age, gravidity, parity and presence of other risk factors (family history of diabetes mellitus, habitual abortions, prior fetal macrosomia, obesity, gestational hypertension history) were collected. First, GDM was evaluated between the 24th and 28th GW by screening (50‐g glucose challenge test) and diagnostic tests. This protocol was repeated again at least 1 month from the first screen at the 30th–34th GW in all patients, except those diagnosed with GDM due to an abnormal 3‐h test. The results were compared with the clinical risk factors.Results:  In total, 19.5% of the cases had positive results in the first screening test. Six patients were diagnosed with GDM. Among the remaining 194 pregnancies, another 10 cases were diagnosed as having GDM with repeated tests, and the incidence of newly diagnosed GDM was 5.2%. Only the mean age (34.2 years) (P = 0.010) and a history of delivering a macrosomic infant (P < 0.010) were significantly high in the late‐gestation GDM‐positive cases.Conclusions:  Even when early screening tests are negative, pregnancies with advanced maternal ages and those with a history of delivering a macrosomic infant should be re‐evaluated for GDM during the late gestational period with screening and diagnostic tests.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe in women over 70 years old with benign gynecological disease?
Authors: Jeon Seung Wook , Choi Joong Sub , Lee Jung Hun , Son Chang Eop , Bae Jong Woon , Hong Jin Hwa , Lee Yong Seung 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecological disease in women over 70 years old.Materials and Methods:  Fifty‐four women over 70 years old underwent surgery for benign gynecological disease from January 2003 to December 2009. Each woman was matched with two subjects of 30–50 years old in the younger group; the matching with patients undergoing a similar surgical technique was retrospective from December 2009. We evaluated body mass index, comorbidities, number of previous abdominal surgeries, operating time, hemoglobin change, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and return of bowel activity. The χ2‐test and t‐test were used to compare the results of the elderly group and the younger group.Results:  There were no significant differences between the elderly group (over 70 years old) and a matched younger group (aged 30–50 years old) in body mass index, number of previous abdominal surgeries, operating time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.Conclusion:  Laparoscopic surgery in elderly women for benign gynecological disease is feasible, efficient, and safe. However, a large prospective randomized study is needed to confirm the conclusion.
Clinical significance of incidental focal colorectal 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake: our experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Treglia G. , Calcagni M. L. , Rufini V. , Leccisotti L. , Meduri G. M. , Spitilli M. G. , Dambra D. P. , De Gaetano A. M. , Giordano A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  The aims of the present study were: (i) to evaluate the focal incidental colorectal uptake of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) and to correlate it with colonoscopy and histological findings; (ii) to evaluate the relationship between the presence/absence of neoplastic disease and clinical data and the anatomical site of [18F]FDG uptake; and (iii) to compare our results with those reported for incidental colorectal uptake of [18F]FDG in the literature and those obtained from various screening programmes for colorectal cancer.Method  The database of 6000 patients referred for [18F]FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET‐CT) to our centre was retrospectively reviewed for incidental colorectal uptake of [18F]FDG. Patients with focal uptake were selected and the aetiology of PET findings was verified with a subsequent colonoscopy and histopathological analysis when available.Results  Incidental colorectal uptake of [18F]FDG was seen in 144 (2.4%) patients, of whom 64 (1.1%) had focal uptake; 48 out of these 64 patients underwent colonoscopy, which showed malignant tumours in 12 (25%), premalignant lesions in 19 (40%), non‐neoplastic lesions in six (12%) and lesions not confirmed by colonoscopy in 11 (23%). Our data agreed with previously published data. Statistical analysis did not show any significant relationship between the presence/absence of neoplastic disease and patient sex or age, type of primary disease and anatomical site of [18F]FDG uptake. Comparing our data with various screening programmes, a significant difference was found only with series in which colonoscopy was performed in patients at high risk for colorectal cancer.Conclusion  Focal incidental colorectal uptake of [18F]FDG is observed in about 1% of PET/CT studies and carries a high risk of neoplastic disease. A PET‐CT report should suggest colonoscopy when abnormal findings are reported.
Bacillus thuringiensis: a century of research, development and commercial applications
Authors: Sanahuja Georgina , Banakar Raviraj , Twyman Richard M. , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul 
Published: February 2011

Summary Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil bacterium that forms spores during the stationary phase of its growth cycle. The spores contain crystals, predominantly comprising one or more Cry and/or Cyt proteins (also known as δ‐endotoxins) that have potent and specific insecticidal activity. Different strains of Bt produce different types of toxin, each of which affects a narrow taxonomic group of insects. Therefore, Bt toxins have been used as topical pesticides to protect crops, and more recently the proteins have been expressed in transgenic plants to confer inherent pest resistance. Bt transgenic crops have been overwhelmingly successful and beneficial, leading to higher yields and reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fossil fuels. However, their deployment has attracted some criticism particularly with regard to the potential evolution of pest‐resistant insect strains. Here, we review recent progress in the development of Bt technology and the countermeasures that have been introduced to prevent the evolution of resistant insect populations.
The construction of meaning by experts and would‐be parents in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Silva Susana , Machado Helena 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis article explores the construction of meaning regarding assisted reproductive technology by legal framers, medical practitioners and would‐be parents, through the concept of ecology of knowledge. It is argued that these inter‐relationships between experts and lay people can be understood in terms of the formation of a social structure of ecology of knowledge, which depends on local and emotional knowledge co‐produced by medical doctors, jurists and lay people in dynamic ways without compromising the autonomy of medical, legal and lay knowledge and skills. The assessment of the benefits and risks of assisted reproductive technology partially represents negotiations of knowledge between these social and professional groups, aiming to reproduce existing relations and practices, particularly the social power of medicine and technology, the dominant perceptions about women’s and men’s bodies and the geneticisation of genealogy. These negotiations of knowledge generate new rights, new social actors, new scientific fields and new ways of thinking and talking about individual and institutional responsibilities. Ecology of knowledge comes imbued with hope, trust, power, credibility of institutions and moralisation whereby some citizens’ rights may be weakened.
Identity, language, and ethnic relations in the Bilingual Autonomous Communities of Spain1
Authors: Montaruli Elisa , Bourhis Richard Y. , Azurmendi Maria‐Jose 
Published: February 2011

This study surveyed 2446 undergraduates from five Bilingual Autonomous Communities (BAC) of Spain. We propose that the creation of the BAC of Spain in 1978 allowed the development of differing prototypic identities ranging from Spanish only identity, Autonomous only identity, and various permutations of dual Spanish/Autonomous identities. Based on their linguistic and ethnic self‐identifications, the percentage of participants endorsing each prototypic identity was monitored along with their key sociopsychological correlates. Six prototypic identity profiles were obtained. Results indicate that individuals endorsing the Autonomous only (11%) and Spanish only (13%) identities were more likely to engage in problematic intergroup relations. Strong Dual identifiers (9%) are the most likely to act as cultural and linguistic brokers and to foster intergroup harmony. Pro‐Spanish (15%) and Moderate Dual (7%) identifiers are more likely to benefit from language learning in the Autonomous language and emerge as cultural brokers.Esta investigación sondeó 2446 estudiantes de pregrado de cinco Comunidades Autónomas Bilingües (CAB) de España. Proponemos que la creación de las CAB de España en 1978 permitió el desarrollo de diferentes identidades prototípicas que van desde identidades solamente españolas, identidades solamente autónomas hasta varias permutaciones de identidades dobles españolas/autónomas. Basado en sus auto‐identificaciones lingüística y étnica, se observó el porcentaje de participantes que corresponden a cada identidad prototípica y sus correlacionados socio‐psicológicos claves. Se obtuvieron seis perfiles de identidad prototípicos. Los resultados indican que los individuos que asumen una identidad solamente autónoma (11%) y solamente española (13%) tienen más probabilidades de entablar relaciones intergrupales problemáticas. Los que tienen más probabilidades de comportarse como conciliador cultural y lingüístico, y de fomentar armonía intergrupal son los que asumen una fuerte identidad doble (9%). Los que asumen una identidad pro‐española (15%) o una identidad doble moderada (7%) tienen más probabilidades de beneficiar del aprendizaje de la lengua autónoma y se revelaron como conciliador cultural.
Effectiveness and satisfaction with imiquimod for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma in daily dermatological practice
Authors: Daudén E. ,   on behalf of the BASALE Study Group
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  The use of imiquimod for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) in actual conditions of the daily practice has been poorly studied.Objective  A prospective, observational and multicentre study was designed to gather information on the effectiveness and safety of imiquimod therapy in patients with sBCC in daily practice. Patient’s satisfaction with imiquimod was also assessed.Methods  A total of 370 adult patients with sBCC were included in the study. Patients were treated with imiquimod 5% cream five times per week for 6 weeks. A maximum of three lesions per patient were treated. Patients were requested to complete diary cards to register treatment‐related events and had a final visit within 16 weeks after the end of treatment.Results  Target sBCCs included 471 tumours, with a mean (SD) 1.3 (0.6) lesions per patient. Most sBCC were primary tumours (92.6%). Tumours were clinically diagnosed in 63.2% of cases and histologically confirmed in 36.8%. Previous sBCC had occurred in 42% of the patients. The mean number of daily applications of imiquimod was 1.0 (0.1) for a mean of 4.9 (0.5) days per week. The mean duration of treatment was 6.0 (1.0) weeks. In 13 patients (14 target sBCCs), rest periods were indicated with a mean of 5.0 (2.8) rest days. The clearance rate was 83.2%. Clearance rate was independent of the tumour size. Local skin reactions (mostly erythema) occurred in 85% of cases (mild 37%, moderate 39% and severe 24%). Nine patients discontinued imiquimod treatment because of severity of application site reactions. Most patients (82.1%) were very satisfied or satisfied with imiquimod.Conclusions  The present data from a prospective study carried out in a community setting adds evidence of the usefulness and favourable clinical profile of imiquimod 5% cream when administered for treating sBCC.