bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lower limb length measurement
Authors: Doyle Anthony J , Winsor Sandra 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAn MRI‐based method was developed to measure lower limb lengths. By comparison with direct measurement of a cadaver femur, the accuracy of the method was verified as over 99%. Reliability and inter‐observer agreement were excellent (correlation coefficients r > 0.99.). This method is accurate and reliable. It shows promise for reducing radiation dose to the paediatric population at large by replacing measurements based on radiographs or computed tomography.
Mediastinal nodal angiomatosis – an unusual mass lesion in the superior mediastinum
Authors: Steinke Karin , Sanadgol Babak , Singh Mahendra 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAlthough very rare, mediastinal nodal angiomatosis is an entity radiologists should be aware of to be a differential diagnosis for a hypervascular mediastinal mass lesion. The CT‐ and MR‐morphological features are non‐specific and only histopathology can reveal the definitive diagnosis.
Evaluation of image‐guidance strategies with helical tomotherapy for localised prostate cancer
Authors: Yeung Timothy PC , Yartsev Slav , Rodrigues George , Bauman Glenn 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Set‐up accuracy of different image‐guidance (IG) protocols using reduced imaging frequency was compared with daily IG. Anatomical characteristics were investigated for their potential to help select the suitable IG protocols for individual patients.Methods: Set‐up corrections from 26 prostate cancer patients treated with daily IG on helical tomotherapy were used to simulate IG protocols with reduced imaging frequency, where average set‐up corrections from a subset of initial IG sessions were used for subsequent fractions with no IG. Residual set‐up error, the difference between the average set‐up correction and the actual correction required, was used to evaluate the accuracy of each protocol. Adaptive treatment margins required to encompass these errors were calculated. Body mass index and daily bladder and rectum cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) were measured, and their correlations with set‐up corrections were evaluated. We also investigated the use of reduced imaging schedules to estimate changes in bladder and rectum CSAs.Results: As expected, residual set‐up errors and adaptive treatment margins were effectively reduced with frequent imaging. For the majority of patients (81%), 10 IG sessions were sufficient to reduce residual set‐up errors to within the adaptive treatment margins. Daily IG was more suitable than using a reduced IG protocol for a minority of patients (19%) with residual set‐up errors that consistently exceeded the margins for >10% of fractions. These patients could be identified with 10 imaging sessions via the analysis of anatomical variations.Conclusions: The accuracy of modified IG protocols should be validated in the context of institutional practice regarding patient set‐up and bowel/bladder preparation.
Five-Year outcomes of Arthroscopic Capsular Release for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder in Patients with Type I Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chye Yew Ng , Phillips Christine , McBirnie Julie , Nutton Richard W. 
Published: April 2011

Background We evaluated the medium-term functional outcome of patients with type I diabetes mellitus who have undergone arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis of their shoulders. Methods We identified 21 patients who were operated between 2000 and 2008. Fourteen (67%) patients completed the review. Eleven (79%) were male and three (21%) were female. Results The mean (range) duration of symptoms was 2.7 years (1 year to 5 years). Mean (range) age at the time of surgery was 50.6 years (38 years to 66 years). The mean (range) follow-up period was 59 months (22 months to 99 months). The mean ± SD ranges of movement of the operated shoulders at the final review were: forward flexion 138.8 ± 17.9°, abduction 138.1 ± 34.2° and external rotation 45.6 ± 10.3°, with internal rotation to T10 (±3 levels). The mean ± SD Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 20.8 ± 15.3, visual analogue scale for pain was 1.7 ± 2.1 and Constant score was 82.6 ± 11.9. All patients considered that the operation had offered them significant improvement. There was no perioperative neurovascular injury, infection or fracture. Conclusion Arthroscopic capsular release is a safe and effective treatment option for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder in patients with type I diabetes mellitus. Good pain relief and improved shoulder function were reported at a mean of 5 years postoperatively.
The Cortical Ring Sign: Clinical Results of Percutaneous Coracoclavicular Fixation
Authors: Garrigues Grant E. , Lewis Gemma C. , Gupta Anil K. , Singh Anshuman , Marchant Milford H. , Richard Marc J. , Higgins Laurence D. , Basamania Carl J. 
Published: April 2011

Background The coracoid cortical ring sign is a radiographical view that targets the coracoid base. We hypothesized that the use of this view to treat acromioclavicular separations would achieve desirable results with a rapid, percutaneous procedure. Methods Percutaneous coracoclavicular screws, guided by the cortical ring sign view, were used to treat acute, Rockwood grade III or greater acromioclavicular separations with instability to cross-body adduction. The anaesthesia database, clinical and radiographical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed for 41 cases (average age 35 years, range 18 years to 78 years). Average follow-up was 4.7 months (range 1 month to 23 months). Results There were six episodes of screw loosening (15%); three of six required an additional surgical procedure. The average residual joint subluxation at final follow-up was approximately 40%, which was significantly improved from the pre-operative displacement ( p < 0.01) and not statistically different from the reduction achieved with the screw in place. All patients had full range of motion and, using the modified UCLA score, 98% (40/41) achieved ‘Good to Excellent’ results. The procedure was rapid (average surgical time: 35 minutes), minimally invasive (average blood loss: 15 mL), and the coracoid cortical ring sign view averaged less than 5 minutes to localize. Conclusion When using the coracoid cortical ring sign to target a coracoclavicular screw, the procedure is rapid, minimally invasive, and clinically predictable. There is, however, a high rate of screw loosening and subluxation.
Distal Biceps Tendinopathy: Conservative Treatment
Authors: Maree Michelle N. , Vrettos Basil C. , Roche Stephen J. L , Osch Greg V. 
Published: April 2011

Background Non-traumatic distal biceps tendinopathy related to overuse, has not been previously reported in the literature. We describe the symptoms and signs, a novel injection technique onto the bicipital tuberosity of the radius and outcomes of this treatment. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes of 20 patients (24 elbows), in whom the diagnosis of distal biceps tendinopathy was made. Twenty-two of 24 elbows were treated with one or more cortisone injections. The patients were followed up via a telephonic questionnaire. Results Average duration of follow-up was 3 years and 4 months. Eighteen elbows returned to full function. Five elbows (four patients) had partial resolution of symptoms, and one had no relief. In these six elbows, symptoms had been ongoing for ≥ 8 months prior to injection. Conclusion Distal biceps tendinopathy is often misdiagnosed. The majority of cases respond well to steroid injections without the risk of rupture or neurological injury. Resolution of pain with restoration to previous function is more likely when symptoms have been present for less than 8 months.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic clinical trial of oral administration of the acyclic retinoid NIK‐333
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Ueno Hideki , Ikeda Masafumi , Morizane Chigusa 
Published: April 2011

Aim:  NIK‐333 (an acyclic retinoid) has been reported to prevent recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients after curative treatment. This study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose, dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) and pharmacokinetics of NIK‐333 administrated p.o. at doses ranging 300–900 mg/day.Methods:  Patients who were cancer‐free after percutaneous local ablation or surgical resection of HCC were enrolled. The total daily dose was administrated as a single dose (single‐dose stage) followed by a week of rest, and then in two equally divided doses administrated after breakfast and supper for 48 consecutive weeks (repeated‐dose stage).Results:  No patients at the dose levels of 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day developed any DLT. At the final dose level of 900 mg/day, three of the nine patients developed grade 3 hypertension as a DLT. There were no significant difference values of maximum drug concentration (Cmax) and log(Cmax) between fasting and postprandial condition. In the repeated‐dose stage, there was no significant difference between the start and week 24 of NIK‐333 administration within any dose cohort in either the mean area under the blood concentration time curve (0–6 h) or the Cmax. NIK‐333 was well‐tolerated when administrated p.o. at doses of up to 600 mg/day for 48 weeks.Conclusion:  Hypertension was noted as a DLT at the dose level of 900 mg/day, and this dose was considered to be inappropriate. The recommended dose for the phase II/III clinical trial is thought to be 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day.
Long‐term effect of interferon treatment on the progression of chronic hepatitis B: Bayesian meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Jin Hui , Pan Ning , Mou Yi , Wang Bei , Liu Pei 
Published: April 2011

Aim:  The long‐term effects of interferon treatment on the progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have been studied extensively, but its true clinical benefits and the predictors of its efficacy remain unclear.Methods:  A systematic published work search was undertaken. Eligible studies included those with interferon treatment and control groups, and with liver cirrhosis (LC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or death as main outcomes. Bayesian meta‐analysis and meta‐regression were performed to assess associations between interferon treatment and disease progression, and the impacts of potential covariates.Results:  Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. LC, HCC and death were end‐points in four, nine and six studies, respectively. In all studies, interferon was associated with significant preventive effects on HCC according to the DerSimonian–Laird method (relative risk [RR] = 0.470, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.260–0.850) and Bayesian method adjusting underlying risk (RR = 0.249, 95% Bayesian credible intervals [BCI] = 0.049–0.961), but not according to Bayesian meta‐analysis (RR = 0.274, 95% BCI = 0.059–1.031); and it showed similar effects in death but not in LC. However, most of the high‐quality studies never revealed protective benefits in these end‐points. Bayesian meta‐regression identified Asian ethnicity in death, higher hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rate or positivity rate, and length of follow up (≤5 years) in HCC as potentially protective against disease progression. Subgroup analysis confirmed similar effects from these factors in HCC and death.Conclusion:  Additional evidence is needed to support the role of interferon in delaying CHB progression.
Serum chemokine levels are associated with the outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Yoneda Suguru , Umemura Takeji , Joshita Satoru , Ichijo Tetsuya , Matsumoto Akihiro , Yoshizawa Kaname , Katsuyama Yoshihiko , Ota Masao , Tanaka Eiji ,   and the Nagano Interferon Treatment Research Group
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Serum chemokine levels and amino acid substitutions in the interferon‐sensitivity determining region (ISDR) and core region have been associated with treatment outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients. The present study was conducted to clarify the association between serum chemokines and treatment outcome in patients with chronic HCV‐1 infection in a Japanese cohort.Methods:  A total of six serum chemokines were quantified before, during and after pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment in 79 genotype 1 chronic HCV patients using a multiple bead array system. Viral ISDR and core region variants were determined by direct sequencing.Results:  The baseline serum levels of eotaxin, IP‐10 and RANTES were significantly higher in chronic HCV patients than in controls. High levels of eotaxin and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1β before therapy and more than two mutations in the ISDR were associated with a sustained virological response, and patients with more than two mutations in the ISDR also had significantly higher MIP‐1β levels. Receiver–operator curve analysis showed a 77% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting an SVR using MIP‐1β values.Conclusion:  Serum MIP‐1β levels may predict the response to HCV treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and are associated with amino acid substitutions in the ISDR.
Hepatitis C virus infection causes hypolipidemia regardless of hepatic damage or nutritional state: An epidemiological survey of a large Japanese cohort
Authors: Miyazaki Teruo , Honda Akira , Ikegami Tadashi , Saitoh Yoshifumi , Hirayama Takeshi , Hara Takashi , Doy Mikio , Matsuzaki Yasushi 
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis that develops into hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous studies have shown in vitro that lipids within hepatocytes are crucially important for a series of HCV infection–proliferation–release processes. On the other hand, in the patients with HCV, the serum total cholesterol (Total‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels have been reported to be lower. We conducted an epidemiological survey of a large cohort and investigated whether the lower serum lipid levels were caused by a direct or the secondary effects of HCV infection (i.e. hepatic damage or nutritional disorder).Methods:  Among 146 857 participants (male, 34%; female, 66%) undergoing public health examinations between 2002 and 2007 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the HCV positive rates determined by HCV antibody/antigen and/or RNA tests were 1.37% and 0.67% in males and females, respectively.Results:  In addition to Total‐C and LDL‐C, serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were also significantly lower in the HCV positive subjects compared with the negative subjects, regardless of sex, age or nutritional state evaluated by body mass index. Multivariate analysis showed that HCV infection was the strongest among the factors to be significantly associated with the lower level of these lipids. Particularly, the hypolipidemia was also confirmed in the HCV positive subjects with normal aminotransferase levels (alanine aminotransferase ≤30 and aspartate aminotransferase ≤30).Conclusion:  This epidemiological survey in a large Japanese cohort suggests that the HCV infection itself might directly cause hypolipidemia, irrespective of host factors including age, hepatic damage and nutritional state.
Precise Null Deletion Mutations of the Mycothiol Synthesis Genes Reveal Their Role in Isoniazid and Ethionamide Resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Xu Xia , Vilchèze Catherine , Av-Gay Yossef , Gómez-Velasco Anaximandro , Jacobs William R. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Mycothiol (MSH; AcCys-GlcN-Ins) is the glutathione analogue for mycobacteria. Mutations in MSH biosynthetic genes have been associated with resistance to isoniazid (INH) and ethionamide (ETH) in mycobacteria, but rigorous genetic studies are lacking, and those that have been conducted have yielded different results. In this study, we constructed independent null deletion mutants for all four genes involved in the MSH biosynthesis pathway (
mshA
,
mshB
,
mshC
, and
mshD
) in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
and made complementing constructs in integrating plasmids. The resulting set of strains was analyzed for levels of MSH, INH resistance, and ETH resistance. The
mshA
and
mshC
single deletion mutants were devoid of MSH production and resistant to INH, whereas the
mshB
deletion mutant produced decreased levels of MSH yet was sensitive to INH, suggesting that MSH biosynthesis is essential for INH susceptibility in
M. smegmatis
. Further evidence supporting this conclusion was generated by deleting the gene encoding the MSH S-conjugate amidase (
mca
) from the Δ
mshB
null mutant. This double mutant, Δ
mshB
Δ
mca
, completely abolished MSH production and was resistant to INH. The
mshA
,
mshC
, and
mshB
single deletion mutants were also resistant to ETH, indicating that ETH resistance is modulated by the level of MSH in
M. smegmatis
. Surprisingly, the
mshD
deletion mutant lacked MSH production but was sensitive to both INH and ETH. The drug sensitivity was likely mediated by the compensated synthesis of
N
-formyl-Cys-GlcN-Ins, previously demonstrated to substitute for MSH in an
mshD
mutant of
M. smegmatis
. We conclude that MSH or
N
-formyl-Cys-GlcN-Ins is required for susceptibility to INH or ETH in
M. smegmatis
.
Danoprevir Monotherapy Decreases Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Schaefer Caralee J. , Kossen Karl , Lim Sharlene R. , Lin Jiing-Huey , Pan Lin , Bradford Williamson , Smith Patrick F. , Seiwert Scott D. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTDanoprevir is a potent and selective direct-acting antiviral agent that targets the protease activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A. This agent results in a significant rapid decline in HCV RNA levels when it is used in monotherapy. The present study evaluated whether plasma concentrations of the inflammatory markers gamma interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and neopterin or the interferon-stimulated gene product 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS-1) were correlated with the plasma HCV RNA concentration before or during 14-day danoprevir monotherapy. In contrast to pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment, a higher baseline IP-10 concentration was positively correlated with a greater first-phase HCV RNA decline upon danoprevir administration. Changes in the IP-10 plasma concentration during danoprevir administration were also associated with categorical changes in HCV RNA concentration at days 7 and 14. The neopterin concentration appeared to be moderately decreased during danoprevir administration, although these changes were not statistically significant. However, changes in neopterin concentration showed a statistically significant correlation with changes in IP-10 concentration. Considerable variation in the OAS-1 concentration was observed before and during treatment, including in patients treated with placebo and/or patients with minimal virologic response. Overall, these results suggest that effective treatment with a direct-acting antiviral agent may reduce hepatic inflammation and that first-phase HCV RNA decline during treatment with an NS3/4A protease inhibitor is more robust in patients with high baseline IP-10 concentrations.
A Single Polymorphism in HIV-1 Subtype C SP1 Is Sufficient To Confer Natural Resistance to the Maturation Inhibitor Bevirimat
Authors: Lu Wuxun , Salzwedel Karl , Wang Dan , Chakravarty Suvobrata , Freed Eric O. , Wild Carl T. , Li Feng 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

3-
O
-(3′,3′-Dimethylsuccinyl) betulinic acid (DSB), also known as PA-457, bevirimat (BVM), or MPC-4326, is a novel HIV-1 maturation inhibitor. Unlike protease inhibitors, BVM blocks the cleavage of the Gag capsid precursor (CA-SP1) to mature capsid (CA) protein, resulting in the release of immature, noninfectious viral particles. Despite the novel mechanism of action and initial progress made in small-scale clinical trials, further development of bevirimat has encountered unexpected challenges, because patients whose viruses contain genetic polymorphisms in the Gag SP1 (positions 6 to 8) protein do not generally respond well to BVM treatment. To better define the role of amino acid residues in the HIV-1 Gag SP1 protein that are involved in natural polymorphisms to confer resistance to the HIV-1 maturation inhibitor BVM, a series of Gag SP1 chimeras involving BVM-sensitive (subtype B) and BVM-resistant (subtype C) viruses was generated and characterized for sensitivity to BVM. We show that SP1 residue 7 of the Gag protein is a primary determinant of SP1 polymorphism-associated drug resistance to BVM.
Disseminated Candidiasis Caused by Candida albicans with Amino Acid Substitutions in Fks1 at Position Ser645 Cannot Be Successfully Treated with Micafungin
Authors: Slater J. L. , Howard S. J. , Sharp A. , Goodwin J. , Gregson L. M. , Alastruey-Izquierdo A. , Arendrup M. C. , Warn P. A. , Perlin D. S. , Hope W. W. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

The clinical utility of the echinocandins is potentially compromised by the emergence of drug resistance. We investigated whether
Candida albicans
with amino acid substitutions at position Ser645 in Fks1 can be treated with either a conventional or an elevated dosage of micafungin. We studied
Candida albicans
(wild-type SC5314; MIC, 0.06 mg/liter) and four
fks1
mutants (one
FKS1
/
fks1
heterozygote mutant [MIC, 0.5 mg/liter] and three
fks1
/
fks1
homozygous mutants [MICs for all, 2 mg/liter]) with a variety of amino acid substitutions at Ser645. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships were characterized in a persistently neutropenic murine model of disseminated candidiasis. A mathematical model was fitted to all pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data. This mathematical model was then used to “humanize” the murine pharmacokinetics, and the predicted antifungal effect was determined. The estimated maximal rate of growth and ultimate fungal densities in the kidney for each of the strains were similar. The administration of micafungin at 1 mg/kg of body weight to the wild type resulted in moderate antifungal activity, whereas the administration of 5 and 20 mg/kg resulted in rapid fungicidal activity. In contrast, the
FKS1
/
fks
heterozygote was killed only with 20 mg/kg, and the homozygous
fks1
mutants failed to respond to any dosage. The bridging study revealed that human dosages of 100 and 400 mg/day were active only against the wild type, with no activity against either the heterozygote or the homozygote mutants. Ser645 Fks1
Candida albicans
mutants cannot be treated with either conventional or elevated dosages of micafungin and should be deemed resistant.