bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allozyme analysis of Haemonchus contortus resistant and susceptible to anthelmintics, with an indication of dipeptidases associated with resistance
Authors: Šnábel V. , Königová A. , Dolinská M. , Wolstenholme A. , Várady M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In an attempt to investigate the genetic and biochemical causes underlying resistance to anthelmintics, the trichostrongylid nematode Haemonchus contortus was examined by an allozymic analysis of nine candidate geneenzyme systems. Two strains resistant to benzimidazoles, two multidrug-resistant strains, and three strains susceptible to anthelmintics isolated from three continents were examined by isoelectric focusing. Two enzymes (mannose phosphate isomerase and peptidase-D) had polymorphic patterns. The peptidase-D zymograms indicated an association with the selection for resistance. Susceptible isolates gave more complex patterns due to the formation of a heterodimer controlled by the two active loci, whereas in resistant isolates, only a single locus with one electromorph was responsible for the profiles. A possible link between dipeptidases and the acquisition of resistance through the turnover of proteinrich collagen, and changes in membrane-associated genes that influence drug efflux, are discussed.
The use of Nasal Epithelial Stem/progenitor Cells to Produce Functioning Ciliated Cells in vitro
Authors: Zhao Xuening , Yu Fenggang , Li Chunwei , Li Yingying , Chao Siew-Shuen , Loh Woei-Shyang , Pan Xinliang , Shi Li , Wang De-Yun 
Published: August 2012

Background Although epithelial stem/progenitor cells have been isolated from many parts of the human airway epithelium such as lung and trachea, there is limited information in regard to stem cells in nasal epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine if (1) human nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (hNESPCs) can be isolated and propagated in vitro and (2) allogeneic adult primary human fibroblasts can serve as a feeder layer for hNESPCs expansion under serum-free conditions. Methods Primary cells taken from inferior turbinate biopsy specimens (n = 3) were enzymically dissociated and plated on either allogeneic human fibroblasts or murine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, in a chemical-defined medium supplemented with growth factors. Self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation potential were compared. Results The optimized media were capable of supporting the undifferentiated growth and expansion of hNESPCs on both feeder cells. The doubling time and cloning efficiency of hNESPCs cultured on a human feeder layer were comparable with that cultured on 3T3 feeders. Significantly, the hNESPCs on both feeder layers could be cultured for four passages, and they can differentiate into ciliated columnar cells and goblet cells at the air–liquid interface, resembling the in vivo mucociliary airway epithelium. Conclusion Our results showed the feasibility of expanding hNESPCs for clinical purpose by using human feeder layer, avoiding components of animal source, while preserving their self-renewal and differentiation potential. This study represents an early step toward a better understanding of hNESPCs, and serum -free media plus human feeder potentially would be an ideal method for making clinical grade hNESPCs on a large scale.
Morphology and biology of the bedbug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Khan Humuayun Reza , Rahman Md Monsur 
Published: August 2012

Adult bedbugs collected from Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, University of Dhaka were identified as Cimex hemipterus Fabricius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). The bedbug species was reared and its morphology and biology were studied in the laboratory at room temperature 28 ± 4ºC and 70 ± 10% RH. The average incubation period of the eggs was 7.67 ± 2.08 days. Average nymphal duration was 53.67 ± 2.52 days. The five stadia (stage durations) of the five nymphs were 8.33 ± 0.58, 12.0 ± 1.0, 11.33 ± 0.58, 12.0 ± 1.0 and 10.0 ± 1.0 days, respectively. Average time required from egg laying to adult emergence was 61.67 ± 3.21 days.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i2.11510 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 21(2): 125-130, 2012 (July)
Renal Replacement Therapy in Congestive Heart Failure Requiring Left Ventricular Assist Device Augmentation
Authors: Thomas Bernadette A. , Logar Christine M. , Anderson Arthur E. 
Published: August 2012

“Cardiorenal syndrome” is a term used to describe a dysregulation of the heart affecting the kidneys, or vice versa, in an acute or chronic manner ( 1 , 2 ). Renal impairment can range from reversible ischemic damage to renal failure requiring short- or long-term renal replacement therapy ( 2 ). Patients who require mechanical circulatory support, such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), as definitive treatment for congestive heart failure or as a bridge to cardiac transplantation pose a unique challenge with respect to receiving dialysis, because they experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality from infection in the post-LVAD period ( 3 - 7 ). Acute dialysis access can pose an increased infection risk. In this article, we present a patient who required renal replacement therapy and a LVAD for management of acute-on-chronic cardiorenal syndrome while awaiting heart transplantation. A literature review to determine whether peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis is superior for patients with profound hemodynamic dysfunction and the need to minimize risk of infection did not offer clear guidance about which modality is superior in patients with advanced congestive heart failure. However, there is clear evidence of the superiority of peritoneal dialysis in reducing the risk of systemic infection secondary to acute dialysis access. Given the high risk of LVAD infection, we therefore conclude that, to decrease mortality secondary to systemic infection, peritoneal dialysis should strongly be considered in patients who require renal replacement therapy before or after LVAD placement.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Hyperaluminemia in a Peritoneal Dialysis Cohort
Authors: Lavergne Valery , Ghannoum Marc , Christie Megan , Vo Van , Tam Paul W. , Ting Robert , Sikaneta Tabo 
Published: August 2012

♦ Background Widespread Al toxicity is unusual today. In 2005, Canadian peritoneal dialysis (PD) centers reported widespread hyperaluminemia in patients using dialysates from one specific manufacturer. Our objectives were to evaluate risk factors related to Al accumulation and to assess its clinical consequences in patients from 2 centers. ♦ Methods A retrospective closed cohort study was conducted in patients treated with PD in May 2005. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to identify variables associated with a higher serum Al level in the exposed group at the moment of solution change. Using appropriate statistical methods, anemia and bone metabolism parameters were compared between the exposed and unexposed groups. Time to first peritonitis was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. ♦ Results The study cohort included 87 Al-exposed patients and 95 unexposed patients. In the exposed group, serum Al at the moment of solution change was influenced by the length of exposure to Al-containing dialysates and by PD creatinine clearance; serum Al was inversely correlated with renal creatinine clearance. No consequences of Al accumulation were observed. No difference was observed in the time to first peritonitis between patients who switched manufacturers and those who remained with the original manufacturer. ♦ Conclusions Our results suggest that hyperaluminemia is directly related to the length and extent of exposure to Al-containing dialysates; residual renal function is protective against Al accumulation. Because the problem was detected rapidly, no clinical consequences of hyperaluminemia were observed in the study cohort.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of “Silent” and “Non-Silent” Peritonitis in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Dong Jie , Luo Suping , Xu Rong , Chen Yuan , Xu Ying 
Published: August 2012

♦Objectives We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of “silent” peritonitis (meaning episodes without fever and abdominal pain) and “non-silent” peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). ♦Methods Our cohort study collected data about all peritonitis episodes occurring between January 2008 and April 2010. Disease severity score, demographics, and biochemistry and nutrition data were recorded at baseline. Effluent cell counts were examined at regular intervals, and the organisms cultured were examined. Treatment failure was defined as peritonitis-associated death or transfer to hemodialysis. ♦Results Of 248 episodes of peritonitis occurring in 161 PD patients, 20.9% led to treatment failure. Of the 248 episodes, 51 (20.6%) were not accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. Patients with these silent peritonitis episodes tended to be older ( p = 0.003). The baseline values for body mass index, triglycerides, and daily energy intake were significantly lower before silent peritonitis episodes than before non-silent episodes ( p = 0.01, 0.003, and 0.001 respectively). Although silent peritonitis episodes were more often culture-negative and less often caused by gram-negative organisms, and although they presented with low effluent white cell counts on days 1 and 3, the risk for treatment failure in those episodes was not lower (adjusted odds ratio: 1.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.75 to 2.36; p = 0.33). ♦Conclusions Silent peritonitis is not a rare phenomenon, especially in older patients on PD. Although these episodes were more often culture-negative, silent presentation was not associated with a better outcome.
Bacteria on Catheters in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Pihl Maria , Davies Julia R. , Johansson Ann-Cathrine , Svensäter Gunnel 
Published: August 2012

♦Background Peritonitis is the leading cause of morbidity for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and microbial biofilms have previously been identified on catheters from infected patients. However, few studies of catheters from patients without clinical signs of infection have been undertaken. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extent to which bacteria are present on catheters from PD patients with no symptoms of infection. ♦Methods Microbiologic culturing under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to determine the distribution of bacteria on PD catheters from 15 patients without clinical signs of infection and on catheters from 2 infected patients. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique was used to identify cultured bacteria. ♦Results Bacteria were detected on 12 of the 15 catheters from patients without signs of infection and on the 2 catheters from infected patients. Single-species and mixed-microbial communities containing up to 5 species were present on both the inside and the outside along the whole length of the colonized catheters. The bacterial species most commonly found were the skin commensals Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes, followed by S. warneri and S. lugdunensis. The strains of these micro-organisms, particularly those of S. epidermidis, varied in phenotype with respect to their tolerance of the major classes of antibiotics. ♦Conclusions Bacteria were common on catheters from patients without symptoms of infection. Up to 4 different bacterial species were found in close association and may represent a risk factor for the future development of peritonitis in patients hosting such micro-organisms.
Peritoneal Dialysis in Children with Acute Kidney Injury: A Developing Country Experience
Authors: Mishra Om P. , Gupta Aditya K. , Pooniya Vishal , Prasad Rajniti , Tiwary Narendra K. , Schaefer Franz 
Published: August 2012

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred and convenient treatment modality for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children and hemodynamically unstable patients. Methods The outcome of acute PD was studied in 57 children (39 boys) with AKI, aged 1 month to 12 years, at a tertiary care center of a teaching hospital in India. Results Hemolytic uremic syndrome (36.8%) was the most common cause of AKI, followed by septicemia (24.6%) and acute tubular necrosis (19.3%). Treatment with PD was highly effective in lowering retention markers ( p < 0.001). Overall mortality was 36.8%. The risk of mortality by multivariate analysis was higher when patients were anuric [odds ratio (OR): 8.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3 to 49; p < 0.05], had septicemia (OR: 3.79; 95% CI: 1.55 to 25.8; p < 0.05), or severe infectious complications (OR: 8.2; 95% CI: 1.5 to 42.9; p < 001). Conclusions Because of its simplicity and feasibility, acute PD is still an appropriate treatment choice for children with AKI in resource-poor settings. Septicemia and severity of AKI are contributory factors to high mortality in pediatric acute kidney injury.
Comorbidities in Chronic Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Report of the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network
Authors: Neu Alicia M. , Sander Anja , Borzych–Dużałka Dagmara , Watson Alan R. , Vallés Patricia G. , Ha Il Soo , Patel Hiren , Askenazi David , Bałasz–Chmielewska Irena , Lauronen Jouni , Groothoff Jaap W. , Feber Janusz , Schaefer Franz , Warady Bradley A. 
Published: August 2012

Background, Objectives, and Methods Hospitalization and mortality rates in pediatric dialysis patients remain unacceptably high. Although studies have associated the presence of comorbidities with an increased risk for death in a relatively small number of pediatric dialysis patients, no large-scale study had set out to describe the comorbidities seen in pediatric dialysis patients or to evaluate the impact of those comorbidities on outcomes beyond the newborn period. In the present study, we evaluated the prevalence of comorbidities in a large international cohort of pediatric chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) patients from the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network registry and began to assess potential associations between those comorbidities and hospitalization rates and mortality. Results Information on comorbidities was available for 1830 patients 0 – 19 years of age at dialysis initiation. Median age at dialysis initiation was 9.1 years [interquartile range (IQR): 10.9], median follow-up for calculation of hospitalization rates was 15.2 months (range: 0.2 – 80.9 months), and total follow-up time in the registry was 2095 patient–years. At least 1 comorbidity had been reported for 602 of the patients (32.9%), with 283 (15.5%) having cognitive impairment; 230 (12.6%), motor impairment; 167 (9.1%), cardiac abnormality; 76 (4.2%), pulmonary abnormality; 212 (11.6%), ocular abnormality; and 101 (5.5%), hearing impairment. Of the 150 patients (8.2%) that had a defined syndrome, 85% had at least 1 nonrenal comorbidity, and 64% had multiple comorbidities. The presence of at least 1 comorbidity was associated with a higher hospitalization rate [hospital days per 100 observation days: 1.7 (IQR: 5.8) vs 1.2 (IQR: 3.9), p = 0.001] and decreased patient survival (4-year survival rate: 73% vs 90%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Nearly one third of pediatric CPD patients in a large international cohort had at least 1 comorbidity, and multiple comorbidities were frequently reported among patients with a defined syndrome. Preliminary analysis suggests an association between comorbidity and poor outcome in those patients. As this powerful international registry matures, further multivariate analyses will be important to more clearly define the impact of comorbidities on hospital-ization rates and mortality in pediatric CPD patients.
Impact of Global Economic Disparities on Practices and Outcomes of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis in Children: Insights from the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network Registry
Authors: Schaefer Franz , Borzych–Duzalka Dagmara , Azocar Marta , Munarriz Reyner Loza , Sever Lale , Aksu Nejat , Barbosa Lorena Sànchez , Galan Yajaira Silva , Xu Hong , Coccia Paula A. , Szabo Attila , Wong William , Salim Rosana , Vidal Enrico , Pottoore Stephen , Warady Bradley A. 
Published: August 2012

Background, Objectives, and Methods The number of patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) is increasing rapidly on a global scale. We analyzed the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network (IPPN) registry, a global database active in 33 countries spanning a wide range in gross national income (GNI), to identify the impact of economic conditions on CPD practices and outcomes in children and adolescents. Results We observed close associations of GNI with the fraction of very young patients on dialysis, the presence and number of comorbidities, the prevalence of patients with unexplained causes of end-stage kidney disease, and the rate of culture-negative peritonitis. The prevalence of automated PD increased with GNI, but was 46% even in the lowest GNI stratum. The GNI stratum also affected the use of biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluids, enteral tube feeding, calcium-free phosphate binders, active vitamin D analogs, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Patient mortality was strongly affected by GNI (hazard ratio per $10 000: 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.0 to 5.5) independently of young patient age and the number of comorbidities present. Patients from low-income countries tended to die more often from infections unrelated to CPD (5 of 9 vs 15 of 61, p = 0.1). The GNI was also a strong independent predictor of standardized height ( p < 0.0001), adding to the impact of congenital renal disease, anuria, age at PD start, and dialysis vintage. Patients from the lower economic strata (GNI < $18 000) had higher serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and lower serum calcium, and achieved lower hemoglobin concentrations. No impact of GNI was observed with regard to CPD technique survival or peritonitis incidence. Conclusions We conclude that CPD is practiced successfully, albeit with major regional variation related to economic differences, in children around the globe. The variations encompass the acceptance of very young patients and those with associated comorbidities to chronic dialysis programs, the use of automated PD and expensive drugs, and the diagnostic management of peritonitis. These variations in practice related to economic difference do not appear to affect PD technique survival; however, economic conditions seem to affect mortality on dialysis and standardized height, a marker of global child morbidity.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Celecoxib in the Treatment of Acute Gouty Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: SCHUMACHER H. RALPH , BERGER MANUELA F. , LI-YU JULIE , PEREZ-RUIZ FERNANDO , BURGOS-VARGAS RUBÉN , LI CHUNMING 
Published: August 2012

Objective.To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of high-dose celecoxib in the treatment of moderate to extreme pain and inflammation associated with acute gouty arthritis.Methods.A multinational, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled trial was done with patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with acute gouty monoarthritis or oligoarthritis (onset of pain ≤ 48 h before enrollment). Patients were treated for 8 days with 1 week followup and were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive celecoxib 50 mg bid, celecoxib 400 mg (followed by 200 mg later on Day 1 and then 200 mg bid for 7 days), celecoxib 800 mg (followed by 400 mg later on Day 1 and then 400 mg bid for 7 days), or indomethacin 50 mg tid.Results.Of 443 patients screened, 402 were randomized and 400 received treatment. Baseline demographics were comparable among treatments. Patients receiving high-dose celecoxib (800/400 mg) experienced a significantly greater reduction in pain intensity on Day 2 compared with low-dose celecoxib 50 mg bid [least squares (LS) mean difference −0.46; p = 0.0014]. For high-dose celecoxib 800/400 mg, the change in pain scores from baseline to Day 2 was comparable with indomethacin 50 mg tid (LS mean difference 0.11; p = 0.4331). There were significant differences in adverse events when the combined celecoxib groups (29.5%) were compared with patients taking indomethacin (43.1%; p = 0.0116). There was no change in median serum creatinine levels for any treatment. There were more discontinuations due to adverse events (8.8% vs 3%; p = 0.0147) with indomethacin than with the combined celecoxib groups.Conclusion.High-dose celecoxib (800/400 mg) was significantly more effective than low-dose celecoxib (50 mg bid) and comparable to indomethacin in the treatment of moderate to extreme pain in patients with acute gouty arthritis. Further, celecoxib was well tolerated.
Access to Biologic Therapies in Canada for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: LEBLANC CLAIRE M.A. , LANG BIANCA , BENCIVENGA ALMA , CHETAILLE ANNE-LAURE , DANCEY PAUL , DENT PETER , MIETTUNEN PAIVI , OEN KIEM , ROSENBERG ALAN , ROTH JOHANNES , SCUCCIMARRI ROSIE , TSE SHIRLEY M.L. , BENSELER SUSANNE , CABRAL DAVID A. , CAMPILLO SARAH , CHÉDEVILLE GAËLLE , DUFFY CIARAN M. , DUFFY KAREN WATANABE , HADDAD ELIE , HUBER ADAM M. , LAXER RONALD , LEVY DEBORAH , JOHNSON NICOLE , RAMSEY SUZANNE , SHIFF NATALIE , SCHMELING HEINRIKE , SCHNEIDER RAYFEL , STRINGER ELIZABETH , YEUNG RAE S.M. , TUCKER LORI B. 
Published: August 2012

Objective.To compare access to biologic therapies for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) across Canada, and to identify differences in provincial regulations and criteria for access.Methods.Between June and August 2010, we compiled the provincial guidelines for reimbursement of biologic drugs for children with JIA and conducted a multicenter Canada-wide survey of pediatric rheumatologists to determine their experience with accessing biologic therapies for their patients.Results.There were significant difficulties accessing biologic treatments other than etanercept and abatacept for children. There were large discrepancies in the access criteria and coverage of biologic agents across provinces, notably with age restrictions for younger children.Conclusion.Canadian children with JIA may not receive optimal internationally recognized “standard” care because pediatric coverage for biologic drugs through provincial formularies is limited and inconsistent across the country. There is urgent need for public policy to improve access to biologic therapies for these children to ensure optimal short-term and longterm health outcomes.