bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agonist activation of the G protein‐coupled receptor GPR35 involves transmembrane domain III and is transduced via Gα13 and β‐arrestin‐2
Authors: Jenkins Laura , Alvarez‐Curto Elisa , Campbell Kate , de Munnik Sabrina , Canals Meritxell , Schlyer Sabine , Milligan Graeme 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEGPR35 is a poorly characterized G protein‐coupled receptor at which kynurenic acid has been suggested to be the endogenous ligand. We wished to test this and develop assays appropriate for the study of this receptor.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHHuman and rat orthologues of GPR35 were engineered and expressed and assays developed to assess interaction with β‐arrestin‐2, activation of Gα13 and agonist‐induced internalization.KEY RESULTSGPR35‐β‐arrestin‐2 interaction assays confirmed that both the endogenous tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid and the synthetic ligand zaprinast had agonist action at each orthologue. Zaprinast was substantially more potent than kynurenic acid at each and both agonists displayed substantially greater potency at rat GPR35. Two novel thiazolidinediones also displayed agonism and displayed similar potency at each GPR35 orthologue. The three ligand classes acted orthosterically with respect to each other, suggesting overlapping binding sites and, consistent with this, mutation to alanine of the conserved arginine at position 3.36 or tyrosine 3.32 in transmembrane domain III abolished β‐arrestin‐2 recruitment in response to each ligand at each orthologue.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese studies indicate that β‐arrestin‐2 interaction assays are highly appropriate to explore the pharmacology of GPR35 and that Gα13 activation is an alternative avenue of signal generation from GPR35. Arginine and tyrosine residues in transmembrane domain III are integral to agonist recognition and function of this receptor. The potency of kynurenic acid at human GPR35 is sufficiently low, however, to question whether it is likely to be the true endogenous ligand for this receptor.
Low‐molecular‐weight heparin in patients with advanced cirrhosis
Authors: Bechmann Lars P. , Sichau Matthias , Wichert Marc , Gerken Guido , Kröger Knut , Hilgard Philip 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground & aims: The use of low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWH) in patients with advanced liver diseases is frequently avoided because of the enhanced risk of bleeding complications. However, many patients with impaired liver function are at a high risk of thrombosis or have an indication for therapeutic anticoagulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LMWH in patients with cirrhosis.Methods: Eighty‐four consecutive patients with cirrhosis and a clinical indication for prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation were included. The LMWH doses were chosen according to current guidelines. Antifactor Xa activity (anti‐Xa) was assessed on two consecutive days, 4 h after drug administration. The severity of liver disease was quantified using Child–Turcotte–Pugh score, the MELD score and clinical features and was correlated with the anti‐Xa value and the occurrence of complications.Results: Antifactor Xa activity was negatively correlated with the severity of the liver disease, and a positive correlation was observed between antithrombin‐III (AT) levels and anti‐Xa value. AT itself was negatively correlated with the severity of liver disease. Seven patients had an episode of variceal bleeding. No patient died during the observation interval and no thromboembolic events occurred.Conclusion: Prophylactic use of LMWH in patients with cirrhosis appears to be safe. A decreased anti‐Xa value in cirrhotic patients and a negative correlation with liver function challenge the unconditional use of anti‐Xa assays in LMWH monitoring in cirrhotic patients and reveals a potential limitation of anti‐Xa analysis in these patients. Low levels of AT, because of reduced hepatic synthesis, are the most likely cause of this phenomenon.
A comparison of the symptomatic profile between two consecutive depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder type I
Authors: De Macedo-Soares Marcia B , Brietzke Elisa , Da Silva Dias Rodrigo , Mendonça Tiago , Moreira Camila , Lafer Beny 
Published: October 2010

de Macedo-Soares MB, Brietzke E, da Silva Dias R, Mendonca T, Moreira C, Lafer B. A comparison of the symptomatic profile between two consecutive depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder type I.Objective:To compare the variability of patterns of depressive symptoms between two consecutive depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder type I.Methods:Review of prospectively collected data from 136 subjects of an out-patient bipolar unit from 1997 to 2007. Binomial statistics was used for the analysis of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)-31 items of the first and second episodes, and the correlation of the HDRS-31 item scores of both episodes was determined using the Spearman coefficient.Results:Ten depressive symptoms showed a significant correlation between index and subsequent episodes: psychological anxiety, somatic anxiety, somatic symptoms, diurnal variation, paranoid symptoms, obsessive and compulsive symptoms, hypersomnia, loss of appetite and helplessness. Only four symptoms were stable in both statistical tests: paranoid symptoms, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, loss of appetite and hypersomnia.Conclusions:Paranoid and obsessive–compulsive symptoms, loss of appetite and hypersomnia tended to be found in successive episodes. However, the moderate correlations of the symptoms across two depressive recurrences suggested that clinical presentations in bipolar depression may not be predicted by symptom profiles presented in previous episodes.
Association between paternal smoking and nutritional status of under‐five children attending Diarrhoeal Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Fahmida , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Hossain Md Iqbal , Malek Mohammad Abdul , Salam Mohammed Abdus , Faruque Abu Syed Golam 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAim:  The study aimed at determining whether there is an association between paternal smoking and nutritional status of children aged 0–59 months. Furthermore, the study looked at the presence of any nutritional differentials within different socio‐economic groups.Methods:  Secondary analysis of data on children aged 0–59 months enrolled in the Hospital Surveillance System of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka Hospital, Bangladesh, during 1996–2006.Results:  Among 13,555 under‐five children, fathers of 49% were smokers. In multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders, fathers’ smoking was significantly associated with increased risk of moderate underweight (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.25), severe underweight (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.26), moderate stunting (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.23) and severe stunting (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.25). In middle and lower socio‐economic strata, risk of moderate and severe child malnutrition was found to be significantly increased in the group where the father was a smoker.Conclusion:  Results indicate that there is an association between fathers’ smoking and malnutrition of under‐five children particularly in lower socio‐economic group. A possible mechanism – if this association is causal – may be through a negative effect on family economy.
Equine influenza – surveillance and control
Authors: Cullinane Ann , Elton Debra , Mumford Jenny 
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Cullinane et al. (2010) Equine influenza – surveillance and control. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(6), 339–344.Equine influenza virus (EIV) is considered the most important respiratory virus of horses because it is highly contagious and has the potential to disrupt major equestrian events. Equine influenza (EI) can be controlled by vaccination but it has been demonstrated repeatedly in the field that antigenic drift impacts on vaccine efficacy. EI surveillance maintains awareness of emergence and international spread of antigenic variants. It not only serves as an early warning system for horse owners, trainers and veterinary clinicians but is fundamental to influenza control programmes based on vaccination. Data on outbreaks of EI and strain characterisation is reviewed annually by an Expert Surveillance Panel (ESP) including representatives from OIE and WHO. This panel makes recommendations on the need to update vaccines based on analysis of evidence of disease in well vaccinated horses, antigenic changes, genetic changes and when possible, experimental challenge data. However, the disparity in the level of surveillance and virus collection in different countries results in potentially biased information about the relative prevalence of different viruses. There is a need for increased surveillance on a global level and a greater awareness of the benefits of updating the vaccines. The vaccine companies have traditionally been slow to respond to the ESP recommendations. Veterinary clinicians have a major role to play in purchasing vaccines with epidemiologically relevant strains and promoting their benefits to their clients.
Improved procedure for implanting radiotransmitters in the coelomic cavity of snakes
Authors: Bryant GL , Eden P , De Tores P , Warren K 
Published: October 2010

Objective  To investigate the expulsion of radiotransmitters in snakes and modify the surgical technique for coelomic implantation to prevent its occurrence.Design  To enable monitoring of snakes for an ecological study, radiotransmitters were implanted in 23 south‐west carpet pythons (Morelia spilota imbricata) using the standard surgical technique. In a further 23 pythons we used a refinement of the technique, which anchored the tracking device, using non‐dissolvable sutures, to the snake's rib‐cage. We also investigated the potential mechanisms for expelling the radiotransmitters in one snake that underwent an exploratory coeliotomy.Results  Of the initial group of snakes, 12 (52%) expelled the radiotransmitter between 4 days and 3 years post implantation. In the later group, which underwent the refined technique of implantation, none of the radiotransmitters was expelled and no adverse responses were observed.Conclusion  An appropriately sized radiotransmitter anchored to the rib‐cage of the snake will prevent expulsion of the device and appears to be well tolerated. Non‐attachment of the tracking device enables it to migrate along the length of the body, particularly during feeding and reproduction. Caudal positioning of the transmitter's antenna provides a possible pathogenesis for expulsion into the cloaca.
Voice recognition versus transcriptionist: Error rates and productivity in MRI reporting
Authors: Strahan Rodney H , Schneider‐Kolsky Michal E 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPurpose: Despite the frequent introduction of voice recognition (VR) into radiology departments, little evidence still exists about its impact on workflow, error rates and costs. We designed a study to compare typographical errors, turnaround times (TAT) from reported to verified and productivity for VR‐generated reports versus transcriptionist‐generated reports in MRI.Methods: Fifty MRI reports generated by VR and 50 finalised MRI reports generated by the transcriptionist, of two radiologists, were sampled retrospectively. Two hundred reports were scrutinised for typographical errors and the average TAT from dictated to final approval. To assess productivity, the average MRI reports per hour for one of the radiologists was calculated using data from extra weekend reporting sessions.Results: Forty‐two % and 30% of the finalised VR reports for each of the radiologists investigated contained errors. Only 6% and 8% of the transcriptionist‐generated reports contained errors.The average TAT for VR was 0 h, and for the transcriptionist reports TAT was 89 and 38.9 h. Productivity was calculated at 8.6 MRI reports per hour using VR and 13.3 MRI reports using the transcriptionist, representing a 55% increase in productivity.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that VR is not an effective method of generating reports for MRI. Ideally, we would have the report error rate and productivity of a transcriptionist and the TAT of VR.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant focal liver lesions: A retrospective study
Authors: Ooi Chin‐Chin , Low Su‐Chong Albert , Schneider‐Kolsky Michal , Lombardo Paul , Lim Sze‐Ying , Abu Bakar Rafidah , Lo Richard Hoau‐Gong 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of our early experience with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the characterisation of focal liver lesions (FLLs) using histopathology, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other imaging follow‐up as the standard of reference.Materials and Methods: Seventy‐three patients with 82 FLLs who underwent liver CEUS from January 2006 to December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. CEUS was performed with up to 4.8 mL of SonoVue® (Bracco, Milan, Italy) using a low mechanical index mode. The CEUS findings were compared with histopathology, or where histopathology was not available, clinical and imaging follow‐up over at least 12 months was used as the standard of reference.Results: Of the 82 FLLs, 50 were malignant and 32 were benign at final diagnosis. CEUS correctly identified 43 malignant FLLs, with final diagnosis confirmed by histopathology in 13 lesions and clinico‐radiological follow‐up in 30 lesions. Twenty‐nine lesions were correctly identified as benign on CEUS, with all these lesions confirmed on clinico‐radiological follow‐up. CEUS demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.0% and a specificity of 90.6% in the characterisation of liver lesions as malignant, with an overall accuracy of 87.8% (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Our early experience has shown that CEUS can be accurate in differentiating malignant from benign FLLs and may become a useful first‐line imaging tool where CT or MRI are not available or contra‐indicated.
Isolated left brachiocephalic vein aneurysm presenting as a symptomatic mediastinal mass
Authors: Bansal Krati , Deshmukh Hemant , Popat Bhavesh , Rathod Krantikumar 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThoracic venous aneurysms arising from the mediastinal systemic veins are very rare conditions. We report a case of a 42‐year‐old female who presented with dull aching pain in the left infraclavicular region, dyspnea and palpitation since 4–5 month. Chest roentgenogram revealed superior mediastinal widening secondary to a mass. Contrast enhanced CT scan revealed a homogenously enhancing superior mediastinal mass. Selective left brachiocephalic vein venography confirmed the diagnosis of an isolated large left brachiocephalic vein saccular aneurysm. The patient is being followed up without surgical treatment. Although rare a diagnosis of innominate vein aneurysm should be considered when a uniformly attenuating mediastinal mass is seen on CT so that unnecessary biopsy and surgery can be avoided.
The implementation of diagnostic reference levels to Australian radiology practice
Authors: Wallace Anthony B 
Published: October 2010

SummaryAt the present time, there is no national surveillance of the increasing ionising radiation dose to the population from diagnostic imaging procedures. As the number of procedures undertaken is increasing, it is expected that the population dose will also increase. A substantial component of that contribution is from multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) systems. The Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) estimates that the growth in MDCT scans, based on Medicare Benefits Schedule data, is increasing at approximately 9% per annum, with over 2 million MDCT scans being performed in 2009. The caput effective dose (mSv) from this modality is expected to be approaching 1.2 mSv per annum. If current dose‐detriment models are accurate, the risk of induction of carcinogenic detriment from current MDCT scanning patterns is a significant public health issue that requires a concerted and ongoing response.For the application of ionising radiation in medicine, the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends the conservative philosophy of Justification and Optimisation via the measurement of ‘Diagnostic Reference Levels’ to limit the potential overexposure of patients and decrease the overall population burden. The Australian government has commissioned ARPANSA to survey, calculate and construct representative national diagnostic reference levels for diagnostic imaging modalities that use ionising radiation. This will be achieved in close consultation with the professional organisations who represent the professionals responsible for the use of ionising radiation in diagnostic imaging.
Radiotherapy in treatment of carcinoma of the parotid gland, an approach for the medically or technically inoperable patient
Authors: Matthiesen Chance , Thompson Spencer , Steele Alisha , Thompson David , Ahmad Salahuddin , Bogardus Jr Carl 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Initial surgical resection is considered the standard of care for patients diagnosed with tumours involving the salivary glands. We reviewed our institutional outcomes of patients treated with initial radiation therapy (RT) for diagnosed carcinoma of the parotid gland.Methods: This review examined seventeen patients that received RT as initial therapy for tumours involving the parotid gland. Fifteen patients had primary salivary gland cancer, and two patients had metastatic carcinoma to the parotid gland. Sixteen patients (94.1%) following surgical evaluation had operative risk of facial nerve impairment or sacrifice with initial surgery, four (23.5%) had clinical objective evidence of nerve involvement at evaluation, five (29.4%) were poor surgical candidates and three (17.6%) refused initial surgery. Primary tumour stages ranged T2‐T4b, and disease stages ranged II‐IVb. RT median dose was 70 Gy, and median follow‐up was 12 months.Results: Eleven patients (64.7%) achieved a clinical complete response (CR) to therapy. Of these CR patients eight (72.7%) received definitive RT and three (27.3%) underwent surgery following RT. Two surgical patients avoided facial nerve impairment while one required nerve sacrifice. The other six patients (35.3%) achieved an unfavourable response to RT and had unresectable or metastatic disease at follow‐up. No long‐term complications were reported.Conclusion: Initial radiation therapy for tumours involving the parotid gland is effective to achieve clinical CR, eliminate surgical resection for many patients, and decrease risk of facial nerve impairment or sacrifice for those patients requiring surgery following RT.
Variations in cone beam CT numbers as a function of patient size: In vivo demonstration in bladder cancer patients
Authors: Mullen Ajit , Kron Tomas , Thomas Jessica , Foroudi Farshad 
Published: October 2010

SummaryWe determined Hounsfield numbers, using cone beam CT (CBCT), in the bladder of 27 muscle invasive bladder cancer patients treated with online adaptive radiotherapy using a Varian linear accelerator. The CBCT number of urine was found to increase by 130 from the thinnest to the largest patient (249 mm to 346 mm average diameter) demonstrating the effect of patient size on Hounsfield number in CBCT in vivo.
Percutaneous cystic duct stent placement in the treatment of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Comin Jules M , Cade Richard J , Little Andrew F 
Published: October 2010

SummaryPercutaneous cholecystostomy is well established as a temporising treatment option in selected patients presenting with acute cholecystitis. However, some patients who undergo cholecystostomy will have persistent discharge, which precludes catheter removal, or may not be medically suitable for future cholecystectomy. In these circumstances, percutaneous cystic duct stenting is a novel treatment option. It may delay or avoid the need for cholecystectomy, and thereby provide definitive treatment in a subset of patients who have acute cholecystitis and a high anaesthetic risk or limited life expectancy. Current application has been limited largely to patients with pre‐existing malignant common bile duct strictures, but there is potential for the application to be broadened to include other subsets of patients.In this paper, we describe the technique used for percutaneous cystic duct stenting in a patient and report on its effectiveness. We also explore the technical considerations and consider the application of the procedure on other groups of patients.
Histone Deacetylases and Mood Disorders: Epigenetic Programming in Gene‐Environment Interactions
Authors: Machado‐Vieira Rodrigo , Ibrahim Lobna , Zarate, Jr. Carlos A. 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYEpigenetics involves molecular mechanisms related to gene expression independent of DNA sequence, mostly mediated by modification of chromatin histones. It has recently been suggested that these transcriptional changes may be implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. In addition, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to control epigenetic programming associated with the regulation of cognition and behavior, and may reverse dysfunctional epigenetic regulation associated with early life events in preclinical models. In this context, the active and continuous adaptation of chromatin, and the access of gene promoters to transcription factor mechanisms may represent a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Notably, the standard mood stabilizer valproate (VPA) has been shown to modulate the epigenome by inhibiting HDACs. However, several potential limitations are associated with this class of agents, including lack of selectivity for specific HDAC isoforms as well as risk of potentially serious side effects. Further studies regarding the potential role of chromatin remodeling in the mechanism of action of antidepressants and mood stabilizers are necessary to clarify the potential role of this class of agents as therapeutics for mood disorders.
Elbow Dislocations in a Canadian Metropolitan Health Region: A 3-Year Population-Based Incidence Study
Authors: Sheps David M. , Kemp Kyle A. R. , Hildebrand Kevin A. 
Published: October 2010

Background There are no current North American population-based incidence studies of elbow dislocations. This creates further challenges in assessing associated outcomes and complication rates. The present study aimed to determine the population-based incidence of elbow dislocations in a large Canadian city. Methods From April 2002 to March, 2005, consecutive cases of elbow dislocation were documented. Age-specific, gender-specific and age-adjusted rates for simple and complex dislocations were calculated according to patient demographic and 2001 Canadian census data. All rates were reported per 10,000 persons per year. Results One hundred thirty-seven dislocations (53 simple and 84 complex) were identified. Simple dislocations occurred at a rate of 0.262 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.191 to 0.332). Fracture-dislocations occurred at a rate of 0.415 (95% CI = 0.326 to 0.504). The overall age-adjusted incidence was 0.671 (95% CI = 0.638 to 0.704). With the exception of the 18 years to 29 years (rate = 0.916, 95% CI = 0.648 to 1.183) and ≥80 years groups (rate = 0.906, 95% CI = 0.112 to 1.700), all age groups had an approximate rate of 0.600. Discussion The results obtained in the present study are similar to those obtained in a previous European study. True population-based estimates of elbow dislocation incidence are provided, which may facilitate the assessment of outcomes and complication rates of such injuries.