bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of diabetes on the clinical manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel , Range Nyagosya , PrayGod George , Jeremiah Kidola , Faurholt‐Jepsen Maria , Aabye Martine G. , Changalucha John , Christensen Dirk L. , Krarup Henrik , Witte Daniel R. , Andersen Aase B. , Friis Henrik 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective  Diabetes is associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), possibly due to impaired immunity, and diabetes may exacerbate the clinical manifestations of TB. Our aim was to assess the role of diabetes in the clinical manifestations of TB.Methods  We studied 1250 patients with pulmonary TB in an urban population in a cross‐sectional study in Tanzania. All participants were tested for diabetes and HIV co‐infection, and TB culture intensity was assessed. Levels of white blood cells, haemoglobin, acute phase reactants, CD4 count and HIV viral load were measured, and a qualitative morbidity questionnaire was used to identify the prevalence of disease‐related symptoms.Results  Tuberculosis patients with diabetes had a higher neutrophil count (B 0.5 × 109 cells/l, 95% CI 0.2; 0.9, P = 0.001) than non‐diabetic TB patients. Serum C‐reactive protein (B 18.8 mg/l, CI 95% 8.2; 29.4, P = 0.001) and alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (B 0.2 g/l, CI 95% 0.03; 0.3, P = 0.02) were similarly higher in patients with diabetes. Diabetes did not affect culture intensity or HIV status, but self‐reported fever was three times higher among participants with diabetes than in those without diabetes (OR 2.9, CI 95% 1.5; 5.7, P = 0.002).Conclusion  Diabetes is associated with small changes in the manifestations of TB, but may have little clinical significance.
Dust mite species in the households of mite‐sensitive dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Farmaki Rania , Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Leontides Leonidas , Papazahariadou Margarita G. , Gioulekas Dimitrios , Koutinas Alexander F. 
Published: May 2012

Background –  The presence of important house dust and storage mite species in the microenvironment of atopic dogs has not been thoroughly investigated.Objectives –  To compare the presence and population of five dust mite species (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Lepidoglyphus destructor) among households with mite‐sensitive atopic dogs (Group A), households with clinically healthy dogs (Group B) and households without pets (Group C, n = 25) in Greece.Animals –  Twenty mite‐sensitive atopic dogs and 20 clinically healthy dogs.Methods –  Dust samples were collected with a vacuum cleaner from owners’ mattresses (all groups) and from dogs’ sleeping areas (Groups A and B) or living room couch (Group C), once every season of the year. Following dust flotation, mites were counted and identified.Results –  Dermatophagoides farinae was the most prevalent (60, 40 and 64% in Groups A, B and C, respectively), followed by D. pteronyssinus (45, 35 and 48%, respectively), whereas the three storage mites were found in fewer households. No major differences could be found between Groups A and B or between households with (Groups A and B) and without dogs (Group C) regarding the presence or numbers of the five dust mite species.Conclusions and clinical importance –  The presence and population of five common house dust and storage mite species does not differ among Greek households with mite‐sensitive atopic dogs, households with healthy dogs and households without pets.
Are transepidermal water loss and clinical signs correlated in canine atopic dermatitis? A compilation of studies
Authors: Marsella Rosanna 
Published: May 2012

Background –  Cutaneous impairment plays a crucial role in atopic dermatitis (AD). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement is an indirect assessment of skin barrier function and correlates with disease severity in humans. Skin impairment also exists in canine AD; however, concerns exist regarding variability and reliability of TEWL measurements in dogs.Hypothesis/Objectives –  The purposes of this retrospective study were twofold: first, to investigate the correlation between severity of dermatitis [measured by Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)] and TEWL; and second, to evaluate whether increased TEWL at a young age correlates with disease severity later in life.Methods –  Data from atopic beagles and dogs with natural AD were analysed. Transepidermal water loss was measured in atopic beagles (n = 24) with an open chamber and in dogs with naturally occurring AD with a closed chamber device (two studies, with n = 14 and n = 18). Pearson product–moment correlation was used for analyses. Transepidermal water loss of the inguinal region, axilla, antebrachial flexure and pinna was analysed. Correlations were investigated for each study, separately first and then jointly. They included CADESI and TEWL of individual regions, total CADESI and total TEWL of all measured regions, and total CADESI and TEWL of key regions.Results –  In atopic beagles, TEWL measured at 1 year of age pre‐ and post‐allergen challenge was correlated with CADESI at 1, 3 and 6 years of age. Overall, low correlation coefficients were found; therefore, a biologically relevant connection could not be demonstrated. The main significant positive correlation was found between TEWL in the pinna and total CADESI.Conclusions and clinical importance –  It is concluded that TEWL does not correlate with disease severity.
Consequences, control and appraisal: cues and barriers to engaging in self‐management among people affected by colorectal cancer – a secondary analysis of qualitative data
Authors: Kidd Lisa A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  Little is known about peoples’ self‐management experiences and their desires or expectations to engage in self‐management. As such, there is little understanding about individuals’ perceived cues and barriers to engagement in self‐management, particularly in people affected by cancer.Objective  To understand cues and barriers to people’s engagement in self‐management during chemotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer.Design  Secondary analysis of qualitative data from mixed methods, longitudinal study.Setting and participants  Eleven participants undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted twice with each participant, at the start and end of a 6‐month course of chemotherapy treatment in a Scottish cancer centre.Results  Cues and barriers to engagement in self‐management appeared to stem from perceptions of the impact and associated severity of side effects experiences as well as the perceptions about the efficacy of chosen self‐management activities and perceptions of control in minimizing the consequences of cancer treatment. Severe, episodic or unexpected side effects coupled with perceptions of uncertainty, lack of control and lack of adequate preparation to engage in self‐management were identified as key barriers to engagement.Discussion and conclusion  Participants’ reflection on, or appraisal of, their treatment‐related experiences and personal abilities, confidence and preferences to manage the impact of these shaped their subsequent engagement in self‐management. The findings highlight the importance of understanding individual’s self‐management experiences, perceptions, preferences, priorities and needs to help support, prepare and enable them to feel capable and confident to engage actively and effectively in self‐management.
Glycemic management in living donor liver transplantation for patients with glycogen storage disease type 1b
Authors: Karaki Chiaki , Kasahara Mureo , Sakamoto Seisuke , Shigeta Takanobu , Uchida Hajime , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Fukuda Akinari , Nakazawa Atsuko , Horikawa Reiko , Suzuki Yasuyuki 
Published: May 2012

Karaki C, Kasahara M, Sakamoto S, Shigeta T, Uchida H, Kanazawa H, Kakiuchi T, Fukuda A, Nakazawa A, Horikawa R, Suzuki Y. Glycemic management in living donor liver transplantation for patients with glycogen storage disease type 1b.Abstract:  GSD type 1b is an autosomal recessive inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism caused by defects of the G6Pase translocase (G6PT). Patients with GSD1b have severe hypoglycemia with several clinical manifestations of hepatomegaly, obesity, a doll‐like face, and neutropenia. LT has been indicated for severe glucose intolerance. This study retrospectively reviewed glycemic management of eight children with a diagnosis of GSD1b who underwent liver transplantation (LDLT). Between November 2005 and September 2011, 172 children underwent LDLT, of which eight (4.7%) were indicated for GSD1b. Glucose‐rich solution was placed in all children when preoperative fasting started to prevent preoperative hypoglycemia. During the reperfusion of graft, the glucose administration could significantly be reduced to maintain the proper blood glucose level, while the dosage of glucose administration prior to reperfusion of graft was significantly higher in the patients with GSD1b in comparison with patients with BA. The current series also showed significantly high incidence of infectious complications in the patients with GSD1b owing to persistent neutropenia after LDLT. All patients are doing well with an excellent quality of life owing to the stabilization of glucose intolerance. This current study clearly documented drastic change in glycemic management in LDLT. Cautious perioperative management to prevent hypoglycemia and infection is crucial for successful LT.
Transmission of clear cell tumor in a graft liver from cadaveric donor: Case report
Authors: Backes Ariane N. , Tannuri Ana Cristina A. , de Mello Evandro Sobroza , Gibelli Nelson Elias M. , de Castro Andrade Wagner , Tannuri Uenis 
Published: May 2012

Backes AN, Tannuri ACA, de Mello ES, Gibelli NEM, de Castro Andrade W, Tannuri U. Transmission of clear cell tumor in a graft liver from cadaveric donor: Case report.Abstract:  Neoplasms in children after organ transplantation are related to the type and intensity of immunosuppression and the donor–recipient serostatus, especially in relation to the Epstein–Barr virus. The patient was a two‐yr‐old female child with biliary atresia who underwent a liver transplantation from a female cadaver donor. Two adults received kidney transplants from the same donor. Nine months after transplantation, one of the adult recipients developed an urothelial tumor in the kidney graft. Imaging tests were repeated monthly in the liver‐transplanted child and revealed no abnormalities. However, one yr and two months after the transplantation, the patient developed episodes of fever. At that time, imaging and liver biopsy showed a clear cell tumor of urothelial origin in the graft and the disease was limited to the liver. The patient underwent liver retransplantation, and she is currently free of tumor recurrence. Although rare, the occurrence of tumors in the post‐transplant period from cadaver donors, without previously diagnosed tumors, is one of the many problems encountered in the complex world of organ transplantation.
Graft loss due to recurrent disease in pediatric kidney transplant recipients on a rapid prednisone discontinuation protocol
Authors: Chavers Blanche M. , Rheault Michelle N. , Gillingham Kristen J. , Matas Arthur J. 
Published: May 2012

Chavers BM, Rheault MN, Gillingham KJ, Matas AJ. Graft loss due to recurrent disease in pediatric kidney transplant recipients on a rapid prednisone discontinuation protocol.Abstract:  Recurrent disease is the fourth most common cause of graft loss (GL) in pediatric KTx recipients. We studied the incidence of recurrent disease and GL due to recurrent disease in pediatric KTx recipients on a RDP protocol. Between 2002 and 2010, we performed 74 KTxs in patients aged 5–18 yr using an RDP protocol, 25 (34%) were at risk of recurrence of primary disease. Outcomes were compared to 69 historical controls (18 [26%] at risk of recurrence), KTx between 1996 and 2000. Follow‐up period was 39 ± 25 months in RDP and 124 ± 38 months in controls. The incidence of recurrent disease at three yr post‐KTx was 16% in RDP and 28% in controls (p = NS). Mean time to recurrent disease was 22 ± 26 months in RDP and 46 ± 48 months in controls (p = 0.54). Nine (12%) grafts were lost in the RDP group (1‐recurrence) and 32 (46%) in the control group (4‐recurrence). Time to GL was 85 months in the RDP recipient and 46 ± 21 months in controls. An RDP protocol in pediatric KTx recipients may not be associated with increased risk of graft loss due to recurrent disease.
Corticosterone, Avoidance of Novelty, Risk‐Taking and Aggression in a Wild Bird: No Evidence for Pleiotropic Effects
Authors: Garamszegi László Zsolt , Rosivall Balázs , Rettenbacher Sophie , Markó Gábor , Zsebők Sándor , Szöllősi Eszter , Eens Marcel , Potti Jaime , Török János 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCertain inherent characteristics of individuals can determine both physiological and behavioural responses to environmental challenges, which could drive a correlation between levels of corticosterone (CORT), the most important stress hormone and behavioural profiles. Therefore, CORT level may mediate consistent behaviours along the shy/bold continuum, and thus, it could serve as a pleiotropic basis for behavioural syndromes. Moreover, behavioural responses to environmental challenges may have consequences for CORT concentrations, which would also result in a correlation between physiology and behaviours even without requiring pleiotropic mechanisms. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between CORT and behaviour in free‐living male collared flycatchers, Ficedula albicollis, using recently developed field assays. More specifically, we characterised novel object avoidance, intraspecific aggression and risk‐taking in males and related these correlated behaviours to the concentration of CORT metabolites in droppings measured by enzyme immunoassay. Individuals with higher levels of excreted CORT metabolites had no consistently higher or lower behavioural scores along the shy/bold spectrum, as avoidance of novelty, aggression and risk‐taking were not systematically related to CORT metabolite concentrations in the same direction. Moreover, environmental challenges owing to the presence of a novel object, territorial intruder and a potential predator caused no elevation in the level of CORT metabolites. Therefore, we did not find correlative evidence for CORT driving correlated behaviours through pleiotropic effects or for particular behaviours during courtship causing elevation in CORT levels.
Practical considerations on current guidelines for the management of non‐neutropenic adult patients with candidaemia
Authors: Glöckner A. , Cornely O. A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryRecent guideline recommendations on the management of candidaemia provide valuable treatment guidance for routine clinical practice, but need to be interpreted in the light of the actual situation of the patient and the local epidemiology of fungal infections. Echinocandins emerge as the generally preferred primary treatment. Treatment should be initiated immediately after notification of a Candida‐positive blood culture in all patients. Ambiguous issues include the definition of optimum duration of treatment, the indication and time point to step down to oral azoles, catheter management, and the appropriate approach in critically ill patients at high risk for candidaemia in the absence of definitive proof of infection. Patients with clinical suspicion of antifungal treatment failure need prompt workup for adequacy of treatment, focal sources of sustained infection and potential superinfection.
Predicting mortality among older adults hospitalized for community‐acquired pneumonia: An enhanced Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate and Blood pressure score compared with Pneumonia Severity Index
Authors: ABISHEGANADEN JOHN , DING YEW YOONG , CHONG WAI‐FUNG , HENG BEE‐HOON , LIM TOW KEANG 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) predicts mortality better than Confusion, Urea >7 mmol/L, Respiratory rate >30/min, low Blood pressure: diastolic blood pressure <60 mm Hg or systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, and age >65 years (CURB‐65) for community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) but is more cumbersome. The objective was to determine whether CURB enhanced with a small number of additional variables can predict mortality with at least the same accuracy as PSI.Methods:  Retrospective review of medical records and administrative data of adults aged 55 years or older hospitalized for CAP over 1 year from three hospitals.Results:  For 1052 hospital admissions of unique patients, 30‐day mortality was 17.2%. PSI class and CURB‐65 predicted 30‐day mortality with area under curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–0.80) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66–0.74) respectively. When age and three co‐morbid conditions (metastatic cancer, solid tumours without metastases and stroke) were added to CURB, the AUC improved to 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77–0.83). Bootstrap validation obtained an AUC estimate of 0.78, indicating negligible overfitting of the model. Based on this model, a clinical score (enhanced CURB score) was developed that had possible values from 5 to 25. Its AUC was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76–0.83) and remained similar to that of PSI class.Conclusions:  An enhanced CURB score predicted 30‐day mortality with at least the same accuracy as PSI class did among older adults hospitalized for CAP. External validation of this score in other populations is the next step to determine whether it can be used more widely.
SU6668, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits progression of human malignant pleural mesothelioma in an orthotopic model
Authors: VAN TRUNG THE , HANIBUCHI MASAKI , GOTO HISATSUGU , KURAMOTO TAKUYA , YUKISHIGE SAWAKA , KAKIUCHI SOJI , SATO SEIDAI , SAKAGUCHI SATOSHI , DAT LE TAN , NISHIOKA YASUHIKO , AKIYAMA SHIN‐ICHI , SONE SABURO 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm of the mesothelium with high chemotherapeutic resistance. In this study, the preclinical therapeutic activity of the multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, SU6668, against MPM was examined.Methods:  Two human MPM cell lines with different pro‐angiogenic cytokine expression, Y‐MESO‐14 cells that express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and MSTO‐211H cells that express high levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), were orthotopically inoculated into the thoracic cavities of mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. The mice with MPM were treated or not treated with SU6668 (200 mg/kg/day).Results:  SU6668 abrogated the proliferation of endothelial cells stimulated by VEGF or bFGF, but did not directly affect the growth of human MPM cells in vitro. In this orthotopic implantation model, treatment with SU6668 effectively reduced tumour weight and pleural effusion volumes, in association with inhibition of the growth of tumour vasculature. More importantly, treatment with SU6668 significantly prolonged survival time in mice with MPM.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that SU6668 has a promising therapeutic effect on the progression of MPM in vivo through its anti‐angiogenic effects.
Evisceration occurred 1 year after vaginal vault repair for relapsed pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Muraoka Mitsue , Nagano Hiroaki , Takagi Koichiro 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis report describes the case of an 81‐year‐old woman with sudden evisceration of the small intestine through the vagina. It occurred one year after repair of a vaginal vault prolapse, which was initially treated by vaginal hysterectomy and colporrhaphy three years prior to the repair. On examination, we found a 70–80‐cm loop of bowel prolapsing through a 3‐cm oval defect in the vaginal vault. The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy under general anesthesia. After careful reduction of the eviscerated small intestine, the hernia hiatus was closed and the widened cul‐de‐sac was obliterated by performing a Moschcowitz culdoplasty. Rapid intervention by abdominovaginal surgery may enable smooth repositioning of the eviscerated intestine, thus preventing subsequent morbidity.
Current status of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Gohil Rishma , Ahmed Kamran , Kooiman Gordon , Khan Mohammed Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar , Challacombe Ben 
Published: May 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The use of robotic assistance for the partial nephrectomy procedure has emerged as an alternative that may help some of the technical challenges of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The main concerns in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy relates to a steeper ‘learning curve’, prolonged warm ischaemia times and the potential for postoperative haemorrhage.The article delineates the dynamics of patient preparation, the surgical team, surgical technique & post‐operative care to conclude that robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy is a viable alternative to both open and laparoscopic techniques.Partial nephrectomy has shown both improved overall patient survival and more effective preservation of renal function, when compared with radical nephrectomy. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy has several potential advantages over the laparoscopic approach. Robotic assistance allows urologists to perform this complex reconstructive procedure more quickly, with improved precision and dexterity, tremor elimination and improved visualization. The present article aims to delineate the dynamics of patient preparation and surgical team, surgical technique and postoperative care. The oncological outcomes and disease‐free survival of partial nephrectomy have been found to be equivalent to open partial nephrectomy [1–4].