bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Steroid Unresponsive Relapse With Plasma Exchange in Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Habek Mario , Barun Barbara , Puretić Zvonimir , Brinar Vesna V 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe options for treating steroid unresponsive relapses in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are modest. We present a small series of patients with an aggressive course of RRMS whose steroid unresponsive relapses were treated with plasma exchange. In the period from January 2007 until February 2009 we identified four patients with steroid unresponsive relapses. All recorded relapses were treated with methylprednisolone, either with 500 mg for 5 days or 1000 mg for 3 days. If there was no improvement, patients were given five cycles of plasma exchange. If there was no recovery after the initial five cycles, five more were administered. Each patient's clinical status was monitored using the extended disability status scale. The median time from symptom onset until starting plasma exchange was 30 days (23–45 days). For four relapses, five cycles of plasma exchange were given with marked recovery in one, moderate in two, and mild in one case. In one patient, after five cycles there was no recovery, so five more cycles were administered, after which a moderate recovery ensued. This study further supports the efficacy of plasma exchange in the treatment of steroid unresponsive relapses in aggressive RRMS.
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis by Membrane Differential Filtration (Cascade Filtration) via Arteriovenous Fistula Performed in Children With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Gülle Saniye , Bak Mustafa , Serdaroglu Erkin , Can Demet , Karabay Ozalp 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMembrane differential filtration (cascade filtration) is an apheresis technique by which atherogenic lipoproteins can be eliminated from plasma on the basis of particle size. In this study, we aim to discuss the efficacy of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis performed by providing alternative vascular routes in two siblings with familial hypercholesterolemia who did not respond to medical treatment and diet. Of the two siblings, one was nine years old and the other one was three‐and‐a‐half years old. Of the total of 78 apheresis processes performed, 24 were done via a permanent subclavian catheter, 36 were done via a subsequently provided arteriovenous fistula, and 18 were done via an arteriovenous graft. We observed a mean reduction in the plasma levels of total cholesterol (61.6%), LDL cholesterol (65.5%), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (38.6%). We noted that cascade filtration apheresis was effective in decreasing the LDL cholesterol in plasma, and no serious complications were noted. The success of the apheresis program depends on well‐functioning blood access. An arteriovenous fistula may be the best route for the long‐term treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia, which requires complication‐free apheresis treatments.
Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients With Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Aghakhani Arezoo , Banifazl Mohammad , Kalantar Ebrahim , Eslamifar Ali , Ahmadi Farrokhlagha , Razeghi Effat , Atabak Shahnaz , Amini Manouchehr , Khadem‐Sadegh Akbar , Ramezani Amitis 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOccult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by presence of HBV infection with undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Occult HBV infection harbors potential risk of HBV transmission through hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to assess the occult HBV infection in hemodialysis patients with isolated hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc). A total of 289 HD patients from five dialysis units in Tehran, Iran, were included in this study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs), anti‐HBc, Hepatitis C antibody (anti‐HCV), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were tested in all subjects. The presence of HBV‐DNA was determined quantitatively in plasma samples of HD patients with isolated anti‐HBc (HBsAg negative, anti‐HBs negative and anti‐HBc positive) by real‐time PCR using the artus HBV RG PCR kit on the Rotor‐Gene 3000 real‐time thermal cycler. Of 289 patients enrolled in this study, 18 subjects (6.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.5%–8.9%) had isolated anti‐HBc. HBV‐DNA was detectable in 9 of 18 patients (50%, 95% CI, 27%–73%) who had isolated anti‐HBc. Plasma HBV‐DNA load was less than 50 IU/ml in all of these patients. Our study showed that detection of isolated anti‐HBc could reflect unrecognized occult HBV infection in HD patients. The majority of these infections are associated with low viral loads.
New Regionalism and Planning for Water Quality Improvement in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: PETERSON ANN , WALKER MICHELLE , MAHER MARY , HOVERMAN SUZANNE , EBERHARD RACHEL 
Published: January 2010

AbstractNew regionalism encompasses a diversity of approaches to address regional planning problems. Within Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan was developed to enhance water quality within the World Heritage‐listed Great Barrier Reef, and the plan gave responsibility to regional, natural resource management bodies to undertake several actions. This paper evaluates these initiatives in the light of the emerging theory of new regionalism and highlights six main lessons: up‐scaling of the catchment approach to a reef‐wide approach is essential in order to improve water quality, but must be complemented by cross‐regional collaboration; new governance and institutional arrangements and strengthened partnerships must be effectively integrated; culture and history are important in determining the most effective management approaches; pilot projects must move to comprehensive and strategic implementation; science is important but needs to incorporate other branches of knowledge; and economic incentives are important in encouraging the implementation of best practices, but delivery needs to be flexible. We conclude that the new regional approach is appropriate for addressing complex, multi‐scale problems such as water quality, and has incorporated several key principles of new regionalism, but that the process must move quickly to a higher level of commitment and application.
Using a GnRH agonist to obtain an index of testosterone secretory capacity in the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and sulphur‐crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
Authors: Lovas EM , Johnston SD , Filippich LJ 
Published: January 2010

Objective  Validation of a stimulation test for determining the steroidogenic capacity of the parrot testis. The major aim was to characterise testosterone secretion after injection of a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), then use the test to investigate seasonal reproduction in the male cockatiel.Procedure  A synthetic GnRHa (buserelin; 8.0 µg of peptide/kg bodyweight) was injected IM into male cockatiels (n = 7) and sulphur‐crested cockatoos (n = 3) and serial blood samples collected at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after administration. Once validated, the technique was subsequently used to examine seasonal changes (23 months) in the testosterone profile of a captive cockatiel population.Results  Injection of buserelin resulted in a significant increase in the testosterone concentration of cockatiel plasma, with maximal concentrations occurring at approximately 60 (1.33 ± 0.08 ng/mL) to 90 min (1.22 ± 0.08 ng/mL) after injection. Although no clear pattern of seasonal variation in testosterone secretion was detected in cockatiel plasma, samples taken 60 and 90 min after administration showed a significant increase in all seasons. Injection of buserelin in the sulphur‐crested cockatoo also resulted in increased testosterone secretion, with maximal concentrations obtained after 90 min.Conclusion  Buserelin can be used to obtain a reliable index of the prevailing testosterone capacity of the cockatiel and cockatoo testis. With further studies, this test may be incorporated into clinical assessment of reproductive status.
Single‐port laparoscopic splenectomy: The first three cases
Authors: You Y.K. , Lee S.K. , Hong T.H. , Kim J.G. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn the past two decades, laparoscopic surgery has replaced open surgery in most abdominal surgeries, including splenectomies for which it has become the standard. Single‐port laparoscopic surgery is a newly emerging surgical technique that decreases postoperative scarring and parietal trauma. Herein we report on three cases of splenectomy in which single‐port laparoscopic surgery technique was applied. Between October 2008 and January 2009, a 13‐year‐old male suffering from grade‐III splenic trauma and two females, aged 33 and 61, respectively, and both diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, underwent single‐port laparoscopic splenectomies. Preoperative and postoperative management, including vaccination, was performed in a routine manner. A 3.5 cm transverse incision at the anterior axillary line at umbilicus level was used as a single‐port entry point. The entire procedure took 195, 125 and 133 minutes, respectively. All patients recovered and were discharged without any complications.
Laparoscopic treatment of primary omental torsion: Case report and literature review
Authors: Portillo GR. , Salgado Cruz LE , Franklin ME 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOmental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. The diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively. The treatment has been classically open. We present a case of omental torsion laparoscopically.A 63‐year‐old man was admitted to the emergency department. The patient had a right upper quadrant pain that started 3 d before his admission.The omentum was freed in a blunt fashion by identifying a point of torsion in the base of the mass. Partial omentectomy was performed with the assistance of a harmonic scalpel. The specimen was retrieved in a bag through a 3 cm left flank incision extended from a 10 mm port site.The pathology evaluation revealed an infarcted omentum. The patient had instant relief of pain, and the recovery was uneventful, with the patient beings discharged 2 d postoperative.The laparoscopic treatment of omental torsion is a safe, feasible and effective alternative.
Indocyanine green‐fluorescent imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma during laparoscopic hepatectomy: An initial experience
Authors: Ishizawa T , Bandai Y , Harada N , Muraoka A , Ijichi M , Kusaka K , Shibasaki M , Kokudo N 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has disadvantages in intraoperative diagnosis, because it offers limited visualization and palpability of the liver surface. Recently, we developed a novel fluorescent imaging technique using indocyanine green (ICG), which would enable identification of liver cancers during open hepatectomy. However, this technique has not yet been applied to laparoscopic hepatectomy.Materials and Surgical Technique: A patient with a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in Couinaud's segment II was administered ICG (0.5 mg per kg body weight) intravenous injection 5 d before surgery, as a routine liver function test. The prototype fluorescent imaging system was composed of a xenon light source and a laparoscope with a charge‐coupled device camera that could filter out light with wavelengths below 810 nm. Intraoperatively, fluorescent imaging of the HCC was performed by changing color images to fluorescent images with a foot switch. Then, the fluorescing tumor was clearly identified on the visceral surface of segment II during mobilization of the left liver for resection of segments II and III. On the cut surface of the specimen, the tumor showed uniform fluorescence and was microscopically diagnosed as a well‐differentiated HCC.Discussion: Laparoscopic fluorescent imaging using preoperative injection of ICG enabled real‐time identification of HCC. This technique may be an easy and reliable tool to enhance the accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis during laparoscopic hepatectomy.
What drives disease in multiple sclerosis: Inflammation or neurodegeneration?
Authors: Lassmann Hans 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which leads to focal inflammatory demyelinated lesions with secondary neurodegeneration. However, this concept has recently been challenged by several observations suggesting that in this disease neurodegeneration might occur independently of inflammation. Here, these new findings are critically discussed and evidence that active neurodegeneration in MS is invariably associated with inflammation is provided. The present review shows, however, that the inflammatory reaction is much more complex, as thought before, and that in the progressive stage of the disease it might become trapped in the central nervous system behind a repaired blood–brain barrier. Future therapeutic options for this disease are discussed on the basis of recent knowledge of the mechanisms of inflammation and neurodegeneration. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/ j.1759‐1961.2009.00003.x, January 2010)
Effect of Phenylpropanolamine and Pseudoephedrine on the Urethral Pressure Profile and Continence Scores of Incontinent Female Dogs
Authors: Byron Julie K. , March Philip A. , Chew Dennis J. , DiBartola Stephen P. 
Published: January 2010

Background: Traditionally, treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs has been to increase urethral sphincter tone with estrogen compounds or α‐agonists. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is the most frequently used α‐agonist for this condition, but increased cost and decreased availability of PPA as an over‐the‐counter medication have prompted interest in alternative therapies that may provide the same degree of efficacy. Pseudoephedrine (PD), an α‐agonist and stereoisomer of ephedrine, is more cost‐effective and available without a prescription.Hypothesis: PD will not differ from PPA in its effects on urodynamic variables and owner‐reported continence scores or in observed adverse effects.Animals: Nine spayed female dogs with a history of urinary incontinence drawn from the clinical patient population at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at The Ohio State University.Methods: A randomized, double‐blind crossover study evaluating changes in urodynamic variables, owner‐reported continence score, and adverse effects in dogs treated with 1.5 mg/kg PO q8h PPA or PD.Results: Changes in maximum urethral closure pressure and functional area after PPA therapy were significantly higher than after PD therapy. There was no change in the functional profile length after either treatment. There was a significant increase in the continence score after PPA therapy, but not after PD therapy. More adverse effects were observed in dogs treated with PD than with PPA.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Although some dogs clinically improved, lack of statistically significant changes in urodynamic variables and owner perception of continence as well as the increased incidence of adverse effects make PD a less satisfactory alternative to PPA for the treatment of urinary incontinence in female dogs.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Expresses Antimicrobial Activity by Interfering withl-Norepinephrine-Mediated Bacterial Iron Acquisition
Authors: Miethke Marcus , Skerra Arne 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTl-norepinephrine (NE) is a neuroendocrine catecholamine that supports bacterial growth by mobilizing iron from a primary source such as holotransferrin to increase its bioavailability for cellular uptake. Iron complexes of NE resemble those of bacterial siderophores that are scavenged by human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as part of the innate immune defense. Here, we show that NGAL binds iron-complexed NE, indicating physiological relevance for both bacterial and human iron metabolism. The fluorescence titration of purified recombinant NGAL with the FeIII·(NE)3iron complex revealed high affinity for this ligand, with aKDof 50.6 nM. In contrast, the binding protein FeuA ofBacillus subtilis, which is involved in the bacterial uptake of triscatecholate iron complexes, has aKDfor FeIII·(NE)3of 1.6 μM, indicating that NGAL is an efficient competitor. Furthermore, NGAL was shown to inhibit the NE-mediated growth of bothE. coliandB. subtilisstrains that either are capable or incapable of producing their native siderophores enterobactin and bacillibactin, respectively. These experiments suggest that iron-complexed NE directly serves as an iron source for bacterial uptake systems, and that NGAL can function as an antagonist of this iron acquisition process. Interestingly, a functional FeuABC uptake system was shown to be necessary for NE-mediated growth stimulation as well as its NGAL-dependent inhibition. This study demonstrates for the first time that human NGAL not only neutralizes pathogen-derived virulence factors but also can effectively scavenge an iron-chelate complex abundant in the host.
Fasting Increases Tobramycin Oral Absorption in Mice
Authors: De Leo Luigina , Di Toro Nicola , Decorti Giuliana , Malusà Noelia , Ventura Alessandro , Not Tarcisio 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe pharmacokinetics of the aminoglycoside tobramycin was evaluated after oral administration to fed or fasting (15 h) mice. As expected, under normal feeding conditions, oral absorption was negligible; however, fasting induced a dramatic increase in tobramycin bioavailability. The dual-sugar test with lactulose andl-rhamnose confirmed increased small bowel permeability via the paracellular route in fasting animals. When experiments aimed at increasing the oral bioavailability of hydrophilic compounds are performed, timing of fasting should be extremely accurate.
Delineation of a Bacterial Starvation Stress Response Network Which Can Mediate Antibiotic Tolerance Development
Authors: Fung Danny K. C. , Chan Edward W. C. , Chin Miu L. , Chan Raphael C. Y. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at elucidating the physiological basis of bacterial antibiotic tolerance. By use of a combined phenotypic and gene knockout approach, exogenous nutrient composition was identified as a crucial environmental factor which could mediate progressive development of tolerance with markedly varied drug specificity and sustainability. Deprivation of amino acids was a prerequisite for tolerance formation, conferring condition-specific phenotypes against inhibitors of cell wall synthesis and DNA replication (ampicillin and ofloxacin, respectively), according to the relative abundances of ammonium salts, phosphate, and nucleobases. Upon further depletion of glucose, this variable phase consistently evolved into a sustainable mode, along with enhanced capacity to withstand the effect of the protein synthesis inhibitor gentamicin. Nevertheless, all phenotypes produced during spontaneous nutrient depletion lacked the sustainable, multidrug-tolerant features exhibited by the stationary-phase population and were attributed to complex interaction between starvation-mediated metabolic and stress protection responses on the basis of the following reasons: (i) the nutrition-dependent tolerance characteristics observed suggested that adaptive biosynthetic mechanisms could suppress but not fully avert tolerance under transient starvation conditions; (ii) formation of specific phenotypes could be inhibited by suppressing protein synthesis prior to nutrient depletion; (iii) bacteriostatic drugs produced only weak tolerance in the absence of starvation signals; and (iv) the attenuation of the stringent and SOS responses, as well as the functionality of other putative tolerance determinants, including
rpoS
,
hipA
,
glpD
, and
phoU
, could alter the induction requirement and drug specificity of the resultant phenotypes. These data reveal the common physiological grounds characteristic of starvation responses and the onset of antibiotic tolerance in bacteria.
Pharmacokinetics of Liposomal Amphotericin B in Pleural Fluid
Authors: Moriyama Brad , Torabi-Parizi Parizad , Pratt Alexandra K. , Henning Stacey A. , Pennick Gennethel , Shea Yvonne R. , Roy Chowdhuri Sinchita , Rinaldi Michael G. , Barrett A. John , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

We report the penetration of liposomal amphotericin B into the pleural fluid of a patient with pulmonary zygomycosis and empyema. The ratio of area under the concentration-versus-time curve in pleural fluid (AUC
pleural fluid
) to that in serum (AUC
serum
) for liposomal amphotericin B over 24 h was 9.4%, with pleural fluid concentrations of 2.12 to 4.91 μg/ml. Given the relatively low level of intrapleural penetration of liposomal amphotericin B, chest tube drainage may be warranted for successful treatment of zygomycotic empyema.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by Triciribine Involves the Accessory Protein Nef
Authors: Ptak Roger G. , Gentry Brian G. , Hartman Tracy L. , Watson Karen M. , Osterling M. Clayton , Buckheit Robert W. , Townsend Leroy B. , Drach John C. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTTriciribine (TCN) is a tricyclic nucleoside that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by a unique mechanism not involving the inhibition of enzymes directly involved in viral replication. This activity requires the phosphorylation of TCN to its 5′ monophosphate by intracellular adenosine kinase. New testing with a panel of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus isolates, including low-passage-number clinical isolates and selected subgroups of HIV-1, multidrug resistant HIV-1, and HIV-2, has demonstrated that TCN has broad antiretroviral activity. It was active in cell lines chronically infected with HIV-1 in which the provirus was integrated into chromosomal DNA, thereby indicating that TCN inhibits a late process in virus replication. The selection of TCN-resistant HIV-1 isolates resulted in up to a 750-fold increase in the level of resistance to the drug. DNA sequence analysis of highly resistant isolate HIV-1H10found five point mutations in the HIV-1 genenef, resulting in five different amino acid changes. DNA sequencing of the other TCN-resistant isolates identified at least one and up to three of the same mutations observed in isolate HIV-1H10. Transfer of the mutations from TCN-resistant isolate HIV-1H10to wild-type virus and subsequent viral growth experiments with increasing concentrations of TCN demonstrated resistance to the drug. We conclude that TCN is a late-phase inhibitor of HIV-1 replication and that mutations innefare necessary and sufficient for TCN resistance.