bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Vascular Perfusion Kinetics Using Contrast‐enhanced Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Prostatic Disease in Dogs
Authors: Vignoli M , Russo M , Catone G , Rossi F , Attanasi G , Terragni R , Saunders JH , England GCW 
Published: June 2010

ContentsVascular perfusion was assessed in 10 dogs without prostatic abnormalities and 26 dogs with prostatic disease using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound. The time to reach peak contrast intensity (TTP) and peak perfusion intensity (PPI) were measured, and histological biopsies were collected from each dog. Biopsies confirmed normal prostate (n = 10), benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 11), mixed benign pathology (n = 9), prostatitis (n = 1), prostatic malignancy [adenocarcinoma (n = 4); leiomyosarcoma (n = 1)]. In normal dogs, mean PPI was 16.8% ± 5.8 SD, and mean TTP was 33.6 ± 6.4 s. Benign conditions overall were not statistically different from normal dogs (p > 0.05); for benign prostatic hyperplasia, mean PPI was 16.9 ± 3.8%, and mean TTP was 26.2 ± 5.8 s; for mixed benign pathology mean PPI was 14.8 ± 7.8%, and mean TTP was 31.9 ± 9.7 s; for prostatitis, PPI was 14.2%, and TTP was 25.9 s. The malignant conditions overall had perfusion values that differed from the normal dogs (p < 0.05), although evaluation of the data for individual malignancies did not demonstrate a consistent trend; for adenocarcinomas, the PPI was numerically higher with a mean of 23.7 ± 1.9%, and the mean TTP was 26.9 ± 4.8 s, whilst for the dog with leiomyosarcoma values were numerically lower with a PPI of 14.1% and TTP of 41.3 s. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound appears to offer some ability to document differences in perfusion that may differentiate between malignant and benign lesions, although studies with larger numbers of animals are required to confirm this contention.
Inbreeding Depression on Semen Quality in Austrian Dual‐Purpose Simmental Bulls
Authors: Maximini L , Fuerst‐Waltl B , Gredler B , Baumung R 
Published: June 2010

ContentsUsing pedigree data, the inbreeding coefficients of 715 Austrian dual‐purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) bulls stationed in two artificial insemination (AI) centres in Upper and Lower Austria were calculated and incorporated in statistical models for the analysis of semen quality. Five semen quality parameters (volume, concentration, motility, number of spermatozoa per ejaculate and percentage of viable spermatozoa) of approximately 30 000 ejaculates, used in two separate data sets, were investigated. The mixed model included the fixed effects age class of the bull, bull handler, semen collector, month and year of collection, number of collection per bull and day, time interval since last collection, the linear continuous effect of the inbreeding coefficient of the bull, interactions between age class and month, and age class and interval since last collection, respectively, as well as the random effect of the bull and the random residual effect. Non‐linear effects of inbreeding were significant for motility only. Despite the quite low inbreeding coefficients (mean 1.3%), all semen quality traits showed inbreeding depression, in four of the five traits significantly in at least one of the data sets. The magnitude of inbreeding depression was small, which might partly be caused by the low inbreeding levels and a potential pre‐selection of the bulls in the AI centres. However, monitoring of inbreeding depression on fertility traits is recommended to avoid unrecognized deterioration of such traits.
Subhorizontal tectonic framework of the Horoman peridotite complex and enveloping crustal rocks, south‐central Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroshi , Nakamori Natsumi , Terabayashi Masaru , Rehman Hafiz Ur , Ishikawa Masahiro , Kaneko Yoshiyuki , Matsui Takashi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractGeological observations in the Horoman area, south‐central Hokkaido, show that the Horoman peridotite complex of the Hidaka metamorphic belt is a tectonic slice about 1200 m thick. The peridotite slab is intercalated into a gently east‐dipping structure. The underlying unit is a Cretaceous–Paleogene accretionary complex. Riedel shear planes in the sedimentary layers of the accretionary complex near the structural bottom of the peridotite slab indicate top‐to‐the‐west (thrust) displacement. The overlying unit is composed of felsic–pelitic gneisses and mafic–felsic intrusive rocks (the Hidaka metamorphic rocks). The boundary surface between the peridotite complex and metamorphic rocks forms a domal structure. Microstructures of sheared metamorphic rocks near the structural top of the peridotite slab indicate top‐to‐the‐east (normal) displacement. The results combined with previous studies suggest that the Horoman peridotite complex was emplaced onto the Asian margin (Northeast Japan) during the collision between the Asian margin and the Hidaka crustal block.
Patency and clinical outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stents versus bare stents: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Zhiping , Han Guohong , Wu Qiong , Ye Xiaofei , Jin Zhichao , Yin Zhanxin , Qi Xingshun , Bai Ming , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with polytetrafluoroethylene‐(PTFE)‐covered stent has been increasingly used for patients with complications of portal hypertension. It is still debated whether the new endoprostheses will improve some clinical outcomes (except for shunt patency) compared to the bare stents. The aims of our meta‐analysis were to explore the patency and clinical outcomes of TIPS with PTFE‐covered stent‐grafts versus bare stents.Methods:  Pertinent studies were retrieved through PubMed (1950–2010), MEDLINE (1950–2010), and reference lists of key articles. Outcome measures were primary patency, risk of encephalopathy and survival. Time‐to‐event data analysis was used to calculate the overall hazard ratios (HR).Results:  Six studies were identified including a total of 1275 patients (346 TIPS with PTFE‐covered stent‐grafts and 929 TIPS with bare stents). Pooled shunt patency data from four eligible studies suggested a significant improvement of primary patency in patients who were treated with PTFE‐covered stent‐grafts (HR = 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20–0.35). Pooled encephalopathy data from three eligible studies suggested a significant reduction of risk in the PTFE‐covered group (HR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.45–0.86). Pooled survival data from four eligible studies also suggested a significant decrease of mortality in the PTFE‐covered group (HR = 0.76, 95%CI 0.58–0.94). No statistical heterogeneity was observed between studies for either outcome.Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis shows that the use of PTFE‐covered stent‐grafts clearly improves shunt patency without increasing the risk of hepatic encephalopathy and with a trend towards better survival.
Endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal lesions: Advancement in the application of endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Conlin Abby , Kaltenbach Tonya , Kusano Chika , Matsuda Takahisa , Oda Ichiro , Gotoda Takuji 
Published: June 2010

AbstractCurative endoscopic resection is now a viable option for a range of neoplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with low invasive potential. Risk of lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in selecting appropriate lesions for endoscopic therapy, and assessment of invasion depth is vital in this respect. To determine appropriate treatment, detailed endoscopic diagnosis and estimation of depth using magnifying chromoendoscopy is the gold standard in Japan. En bloc resection is the most desirable endoscopic therapy as risk of local recurrence is low and accurate histological diagnosis of invasion depth is possible. Endoscopic mucosal resection is established worldwide for the ablation of early neoplasms, but en bloc removal using this technique is limited to small lesions. Evidence suggests that a piecemeal resection technique has a higher local recurrence risk, therefore necessitating repeated surveillance endoscopy and further therapy. More advanced endoscopic techniques developed in Japan allow effective en bloc removal of early GIT neoplasms, regardless of size. This review discusses assessment of GIT lesions and options for endoscopic therapy with special reference to the introduction of endoscopic submucosal dissection into Western countries.
Economic evaluation of sorafenib in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Carr Brian I. , Carroll Stuart , Muszbek Noemi , Gondek Kathleen 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim: A double‐blind, randomized phase III trial of sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma demonstrated that sorafenib significantly prolonged overall survival compared to placebo (median overall survival = 10.7 monthsvs7.9 months,P < 0.001). Sorafenib is the first and only systemic agent demonstrating survival benefit in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of sorafenib versus best supportive care in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the USA.Methods: A Markov model was developed following time‐to‐progression and survival using phase III trial data. Health effects are expressed as life‐years gained. Resource utilization included drugs, physician visits, laboratory tests, scans, and hospitalizations. Unit costs, expressed in 2007 $US, came from diagnosis‐related groupings, fee schedules, and the Red Book. Costs and effects were evaluated over a patient's lifetime and discounted at 3%.Results: Results are presented as incremental cost/life‐year gained. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Life‐years gained were increased for sorafenib compared to best supportive care (mean ± standard deviation: 1.58 ± 0.17vs1.05 ± 0.10 life‐years gained/sorafenib patient and best supportive care, respectively). Lifetime total costs were $US40 639 ± $US3052 for sorafenib and $US7 804 ± $US1349 for best supportive care. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $US62 473/life‐year gained.Conclusions: The economic evaluation indicates that sorafenib is cost‐effective compared to best supportive care, with a cost‐effectiveness ratio within the established threshold that US society is willing to pay (i.e. $US50 000–$US100 000) and significantly lower than alternative thresholds suggested in recent years ($US183 000–$US264 000/life‐year gained, or $US300 000/quality‐adjusted life‐year) in oncology.
Repeat participation in colorectal cancer screening utilizing fecal occult blood testing: A community‐based project in a rural setting
Authors: Janda Monika , Hughes Karen L , Auster Josephine F , Leggett Barbara A , Newman Beth M 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To investigate participation in a second round of colorectal cancer screening using a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in an Australian rural community, and to assess the demographic characteristics and individual perspectives associated with repeat screening.Methods:  Potential participants from round 1 (50–74 years of age) were sent an intervention package and asked to return a completed FOBT (n = 3406). Doctors of participants testing positive referred to colonoscopy as appropriate. Following screening, 119 participants completed qualitative telephone interviews. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association between round‐2 participation and other variables.Results:  Round‐2 participation was 34.7%; the strongest predictor was participation in round 1. Repeat participants were more likely to be female; inconsistent screeners were more likely to be younger (aged 50–59 years). The proportion of positive FOBT was 12.7%, that of colonoscopy compliance was 98.6%, and the positive predictive value for cancer or adenoma of advanced pathology was 23.9%. Reasons for participation included testing as a precautionary measure or having family history/friends with colorectal cancer; reasons for non‐participation included apathy or doctors' advice against screening.Conclusion:  Participation was relatively low and consistent across rounds. Unless suitable strategies are identified to overcome behavioral trends and/or to screen out ineligible participants, little change in overall participation rates can be expected across rounds.
Serious infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving anti‐tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐alpha therapy: An Australian and New Zealand experience
Authors: Lawrance Ian C , Radford‐Smith Graham L , Bampton Peter A , Andrews Jane M , Tan Pok‐Kern , Croft Anthony , Gearry Richard B , Florin Timothy H J 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Anti‐tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐alpha (anti‐TNF‐α) medications are effective in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but have an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) and serious infections. The aim of this study was to examine the Australian/New Zealand experience of serious infections and TB in IBD patients receiving anti‐TNF‐α therapy from 1999–2009.Methods:  Serious infections, defined as ‘requiring hospital admission’ and TB cases in patients receiving, or within 3 months following, anti‐TNF‐α therapy were analyzed across Australia and New Zealand. Patient demographics, IBD medications, duration of anti‐TNF‐α therapy, and infection details were collected.Results:  A total of 5562 IBD patients were managed across the centers. Of these, 489 (16.8%) Crohn's disease and 137 (5.2%) ulcerative colitis patients received anti‐TNF‐α therapy. There were three cases of latent TB that received prophylaxis prior to anti‐TNF‐α therapy. No cases of active TB were reported. Fourteen (2.2%) serious infections occurred. Seven occurred in patients receiving anti‐TNF‐α therapy for less than 6 months, including two cases of primary Varicella zoster (VZV), two cases of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, two cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, and one severe flu‐like illness. Six patients were taking additional immunosuppressive medications. The other seven infections occurred after 6 months (mean 32.6 ± 24.3 months) and included one case of primary VZV, one flu‐like illness, and five bacterial infections. All infections resolved with treatment.Conclusion:  TB is a very rare complication of anti‐TNF‐α therapy in Australia and New Zealand. Serious infections are uncommon but early opportunistic infections with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia suggest a need for vigilance in patients on multiple immunosuppressive medications. VZV vaccination prior to immunosuppressive therapy should be considered in VZV‐naïve patients.
Triptolide attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: YUAN XIAO‐PENG , HE XIAO‐SHUN , WANG CHANG‐XI , LIU LONG‐SHAN , FU QIAN 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTAim: Extracts ofTripterygium wilfordiiHook F. have been used to treat glomerulonephritis for more than 30 years in China. Most of the anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities of these extracts can be attributed to triptolide (Trip). The present study was to investigate the effect of Trip on renal interstitial fibrosis in a model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).Methods: UUO or sham‐operated rats were randomly assigned to receive mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Trip or vehicle and were killed on days 7 and 14 after UUO or sham operation. Kidney specimens were fixed for immunohistochemistry for myofibroblasts (α‐smooth muscle actin, α‐SMA), macrophages (ED‐1), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and osteopontin. Interstitial collagen deposition and amounts of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) were determined by Sirius red staining and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The mRNA expression of TGF‐β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), MCP‐1 and osteopontin were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results: The scores for the density of α‐SMA‐ and ED‐1‐positive cells, the staining of MCP‐1 and osteopontin, interstitial collagen deposition and amounts of TGF‐β1 were significantly reduced by MMF or Trip. MMF or Trip significantly reduced the mRNA expression of TGF‐β1, CTGF, MCP‐1 and osteopontin.Conclusion: Trip significantly attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a rat UUO model and the effect of Trip on renal fibrosis was similar to that of MMF. Trip may be useful as a potential candidate in the treatment of renal fibrosis.
Cut‐off values for serum matrix metalloproteinase‐9: Is there a threshold to predict renal involvement for Henoch–Schonlein purpura in children?
Authors: QIN YUAN‐HAN , ZHOU TIAN‐BIAO , LEI FENG‐YING , HUANG WEI‐FANG , ZHAO YAN‐JUN , LIN FA‐QUAN , SU LI‐NA 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  To clarify whether the level of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) or the ratio of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 was associated with the renal involvement in Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP); and to explore whether there existed early diagnostic measure for HSP nephritis (HSPN).Methods:  Sixty‐six patients with HSPN, 68 patients with HSP and 60 healthy children (control group) were enrolled into our study. Serum and urine samples before treatment were collected for detection.Results:  Compared with the HSP group and control group, serum MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and ratio of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 in the HSPN group were significantly higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Urine MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and ratio of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 in the HSPN group were obviously higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05) and the HSP group (P < 0.05). Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed to obtain the area under the curve (AUC) and the AUC and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of serum MMP‐9 were 0.97 and 0.95–0.99, respectively. The optimal cut‐off point (sensitivity; specificity) of serum MMP‐9 for diagnosing HSPN was 179.79 mg/L (0.96; 0.88).Conclusion:  Levels of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and ratio of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 in serum and urine were remarkably high in the patients with HSPN, but the serum MMP‐9 was more sensitive. Serum MMP‐9 may be associated with the occurrence and development of renal involvement in HSPN and become an important indicator for early diagnosis of HSPN.
Intra‐dialytic hypotension and blood volume and blood temperature monitoring
Authors: DAMASIEWICZ MATTHEW J , POLKINGHORNE KEVAN R 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTIntra‐dialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common problem affecting haemodialysis patients. Its aetiology is complex and influenced by multiple patient and dialysis factors. IDH occurs when the normal cardiovascular response cannot compensate for volume loss associated with ultrafiltration, and is exacerbated by a myriad of factors including intra‐dialytic fluid gains, cardiovascular disease, antihypertensive medications and the physiological demands placed on patients by conventional haemodialysis. The use of blood volume monitoring and blood temperature monitoring technologies is advocated as a tool to predict and therefore prevent episodes of IDH. We review the clinical utility of these technologies and summarize the current evidence of their effect on reducing the incidence of IDH in haemodialysis population.
Review: The role of microRNAs in kidney disease
Authors: LI JORDAN YZ , YONG TUCK Y , MICHAEL MICHAEL Z , GLEADLE JONATHAN M 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNAs that modulate physiological and pathological processes by inhibiting target gene expression via blockade of protein translation or by inducing mRNA degradation. These miRNAs potentially regulate the expression of thousands of proteins. As a result, miRNAs have emerged rapidly as a major new area of biomedical research with relevance to kidney disease. MiRNA expression has been shown to differ between the kidney and other organs as well as between different kidney regions. Furthermore, miRNAs have been found to be functionally important in models of podocyte development, diabetic nephropathy and polycystic kidney disease. Of particular interest, podocyte‐specific deletion of Dicer, a key enzyme in the biogenesis of miRNA, results in proteinuria and severe renal impairment in mice. One miRNA (miR‐192) can also act as an effector of transforming growth factor‐β activity in the high‐glucose environment of diabetic nephropathy. Differential expression of miRNAs has been reported in kidney allograft rejection. It is anticipated that future studies involving miRNAs will generate new insights into the complex pathophysiology underlying various kidney diseases, generate diagnostic biomarkers and might be of value as therapeutic targets for progressive kidney diseases. The purpose of this review is to highlight key miRNA developments in kidney diseases and how this might influence the diagnosis and management of patients with kidney disease in the future.
Combined diode laser cyclophotocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Ghosh Sudipta , Singh Dalveer , Ruddle Jonathan B , Shiu Michael , Coote Michael A , Crowston Jonathan G 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) in eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) has recently been shown to induce rapid regression of anterior segment neovascularization and has promise as adjunct treatment to diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) to control intraocular pressure (IOP). This study presents the outcome of concomitant treatment with CPC and intravitreal bevacizumab in painful poor visual potential eyes in a case series of consecutively diagnosed NVG.Methods:  Twelve patients (14 eyes) were treated with CPC and concurrent intravitreal bevacizumab 0.05 mL (1.25 mg) and study end‐points were IOP lowering, regression of anterior segment neovascularization and resolution of pain.Results:  The mean preoperative IOP was 42.1 ± 11.4 and was lowered to 16.6 ± 7.1 mmHg at 1‐month postoperatively. Anterior segment neovascularization regressed dramatically within 1 week of intravitreal bevacizumab in 12 eyes. Thirteen eyes reported persistent relief of ocular pain at 6 months following treatment.Conclusions:  Combined intravitreal bevacizumab and CPC treatment for NVG provides rapid control of anterior segment neovascularization and may lead to improved symptomatic relief and IOP control.