bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Patients at Low Risk for Thyroidectomy‐Related Hypocalcemia by Intraoperative Quick PTH
Authors: Fabio Francesco Di , Casella Claudio , Bugari Giovanna , Iacobello Carmelo , Salerni Bruno 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundTransient hypoparathyroidism is a frequent and challenging complication following total thyroidectomy. The aim of the study was to identify patients at risk of developing thyroidectomy‐related hypocalcemia and symptoms by means of the intraoperative quick parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay.MethodsEighty‐one patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Quick PTH levels were measured at induction of anaesthesia and 10 minutes after total thyroidectomy. A sample of 10 patients who underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy was considered as a control group. The accuracy of intraoperative PTH decline in predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism was analysed.ResultsAfter total thyroidectomy, 27 patients (33.3%) developed postoperative hypocalcemia. Symptoms were reported by 21 patients (25.9%). The mean percentage decline of intraoperative quick PTH was 81% in hypocalcemic compared with 39% in normocalcemic patients (P < 0.001), and it was 83% in symptomatic compared with 42% in asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001). Mean proportion decline of quick PTH after unilateral lobectomy was 20%, significantly lower than the 53% registered after total thyroidectomy (P = 0.005). Analysis of variation of intraoperative quick PTH with the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve showed a 75.7% decline as the cut‐off value predicting postoperative hypocalcemia with the highest accuracy (91.4%) (sensitivity: 81.5% specificity: 96.3% positive likelihood ratio: 22; negative likelihood ratio: 0.2). Regarding the prediction of postoperative symptoms, a 79.5% decline was the most accurate (92.6%) cut‐off point (sensitivity: 76.2% specificity: 98.3% positive likelihood ratio: 46; negative likelihood ratio: 0.2).ConclusionsQuick PTH monitoring during total thyroidectomy is a useful means for identifying low‐risk patients for postoperative hypoparathyroidism and candidates for early, safe discharge. Furthermore, it is an objective method complementary to the surgeon’s judgement of the intraoperative function of parathyroid glands, which should be implanted in the event of a 75%–80% decline.
Adolescents’ views of helping professionals: A review of the literature
Authors: Freake Helen , Barley Val , Kent Gerry 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper reviews 54 papers exploring adolescents’ own views of their interactions with doctors, mental health workers and other ‘helping professionals’. Twelve global themes emerge repeatedly in the qualitative literature, where adolescents are asked to talk about their preferences or their experiences of receiving help from such professionals. The twelve themes are reported and illustrated with results of related quantitative studies, and implications of these themes for professionals offering services to this age group are considered. Methodological limitations of the literature are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
Effect of thoracoscopic splanchnic denervation on pain processing in chronic pancreatitis patients
Authors: Buscher H.C.J.L. , van Goor H. , Wilder‐Smith O.H.G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground: Central sensitisation due to visceral pancreatic nociceptive input may play an important role in chronic pancreatitis pain. Using quantitative sensory testing (QST), this first study investigates whether thoracoscopic splanchnic denervation (TSD), performed to reduce nociceptive visceral input, affects central sensitisation in chronic pancreatitis patients.Patients and methods: We studied 19 chronic pancreatitis patients (11 men, 8 women on stable opioid medication) and 18 healthy volunteers as preoperative controls. Preoperatively and 6 weeks after TSD, pain numeric rating scores, opioid medication, and thresholds to electric skin stimulation and pressure pain (measured in dermatomes T10 (pancreas), C5, T4, L1, L4) were documented. Treatment success was defined as cessation of opioids 6 weeks after TSD.Results: Six weeks after TSD, there was a trend towards lower pain scores, only 10 patients were still on opioids (P<0.05 vs. preoperatively) and thresholds overall were significantly higher than preoperatively (pressure pain: +25%, P<0.001; electric: sensation +55%, pain detection +34%, pain tolerance +21%, P<0.05). Gender‐specific differences in hypoalgesia patterns were seen. Preoperatively, TSD treatment successes consumed significantly less opioids than failures, without significant differences in preoperative patterns of neuroplasticity.Conclusions: TSD for chronic pancreatitis pain resulted in fewer patients on opioids and overall increases in pain thresholds. Our results suggest that TSD for reducing visceral nociceptive input may be effective in reducing resulting central sensitisation. Although patients benefiting from TSD consume less opioids preoperatively, we were unable to clearly link treatment success with specific perioperative patterns of neuroplasticity such as the presence or absence of hyperalgesia.
Postglacial vegetation, climate, and fire history along the east side of the Andes (lat 41–42.5°S), Argentina
Authors: Whitlock Cathy , Bianchi Maria Martha , Bartlein Patrick J. , Markgraf Vera , Marlon Jennifer , Walsh Megan , McCoy Neil 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe history of the low-elevation forest and forest-steppe ecotone on the east side of the Andes is revealed in pollen and charcoal records obtained from mid-latitude lakes. Prior to 15,000 cal yr BP, the vegetation was characterized by steppe vegetation with isolated stands of Nothofagus. The climate was generally dry, and the sparse vegetation apparently lacked sufficient fuels to burn extensively. After 15,000 cal yr BP, a mixture of Nothofagus forest and shrubland/steppe developed. Fire activity increased between 13,250 and 11,400 cal yr BP, contemporaneous with a regionally defined cold dry period (Huelmo/Mascardi Cold Reversal). The early-Holocene period was characterized by an open Nothofagus forest/shrubland mosaic, and fire frequency was high in dry sites and low in wet sites; the data suggest a sharp decrease in moisture eastward from the Andes. A shift to a surface-fire regime occurred at 7500 cal yr BP at the wet site and at 4400 cal yr BP at the dry site, preceding the expansion of Austrocedrus by 1000–1500 yr. The spread of Austrocedrus is explained by a shift towards a cooler and wetter climate in the middle and late Holocene. The change to a surface-fire regime is consistent with increased interannual climate variability and the onset or strengthening of ENSO. The present-day mixed forest dominated by Nothofagus and Austrocedrus was established in the last few millennia.
Establishing a baseline for the monitoring of medicines availability for children in the UK: 1998–2002
Authors: Balakrishnan Komathi , Tordoff June , Norris Pauline , Reith David 
Published: July 2006

AimTo determine changes in the availability, in terms of licensing and formulations, of medicines for children in the UK between 1998 and 2002.MethodsUsing the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Compendium of Data Sheets and Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPC) 1998 and the Medicines Compendium 2002, licensed medicines available in the UK in the calendar years 1998 and 2002 were examined.ResultsIn 1998, 61% of chemical entities/fixed‐dose combinations were licensed in some form for children compared with 64% in 2002. Of the chemical entities/fixed‐dose combinations with oral formulations, 250 (33%) in 1998 had an oral formulation suitable for use by children and in 2002 there were 284 (34%). Of the 129 new chemical entities registered in the UK between 1998 and 2002, only 30 (23%) were licensed for under the age of 12 years and 19 (15%) for the neonatal age group. A total of 480 medicines licensed for children were withdrawn from marketing but only cisapride and primidone had no generic or therapeutic alternatives.ConclusionAlthough there was improvement in the availability of medicines for children in the UK over the 5‐year period (1998–2002), considerable inequities still existed between children and adults.
Order and disorder in the river continuum: the contribution of continuity and connectivity to floodplain meadow biodiversity
Authors: Looy Kris Van , Honnay Olivier , Pedroli Bas , Muller Serge 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim  Aspects of connectivity and continuity operating in the River Meuse were analysed for their contribution to the biodiversity of the floodplain. From this analysis of the diversity and composition of the meadow communities, we aimed to derive effective biodiversity conservation strategies.Location  The River Meuse is one of the larger rivers in the European Western Plains ecoregion. The alluvial plains of the river have a long history of cultivation, and for these plains the floodplain meadow vegetation is a highly appreciated and valuable nature conservation asset.Method  We sampled floodplain meadows from 400 km of the six geomorphic reaches of the middle to lower course of the River Meuse. For each, 50 vascular plant relevés were recorded, representing the spectrum of floodplain meadow communities of that reach. Beta diversity was calculated to quantify similarity in species pools between the reaches. A dissimilarity formula was used to determine the turnover between the reaches, and these dissimilarities were compared with a Mantel test to detect whether species composition of the floodplain meadows exhibited connectivity and continuity between the reaches. Species richness for the floodplain vegetation data of the reaches was compared with data for riparian invertebrate communities. The vegetation data sets were ordinated using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) to reveal patterns in the floodplain meadow species composition, and the DCA axes were related to plant functional groups and population strategies. The axis scores of the species and plots were linked to river and plant species traits.Results  We did not observe an overall continuity trend in similarity, nor one in diversity in a downstream direction. Lateral connectivity was highlighted by the dissimilarity between the reaches and in the influxes of species from adjacent ecoregions. The DCA ordination showed statistically significant separations between reaches and between the plant functional groups. The second DCA axis related to the longitudinal gradient of the river, whereas the first axis showed stronger correlations with river and plant species traits. We termed this axis the ‘disorder axis’. Plant invaders and avoiders are located at the left side of the disorder axis, whereas the true river‐adapted categories of resisters and endurers are at the right extremity. Contributions to the disorder were identified in terms of connectivity with adjacent ecoregions and the physical disturbance regime of natural and anthropogenic perturbations, resulting in community changes between the reaches.Main conclusions  We concluded that a single overall strategy for biodiversity conservation of the river or its floodplains is not feasible. Strategies can, however, be derived for separate river reaches based on functional groups in the communities, the disorder characteristics of the reach, and the influence of surrounding ecoregions.
The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy amongst women with osteoporosis: an international epidemiological investigation
Authors: LIPS P. , HOSKING D. , LIPPUNER K. , NORQUIST J. M. , WEHREN L. , MAALOUF G. , RAGI‐EIS S. , CHANDLER J. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract.Introduction.  Vitamin D is essential for calcium metabolism as well as for fracture prevention, and a recent review suggested that the optimal serum 25(OH)D lies in the region of 50–80 nmol L−1 (20–32 ng mL−1). A high prevalence of inadequacy has been reported in many studies but the prevalence of inadequacy amongst women with osteoporosis in different regions of the world has not been well characterized.Setting and subjects.  A multinational study of 18 countries at various latitudes (range 64N–38S) was conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the average levels of serum 25(OH)D and the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy. A total of 2606 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (low bone mineral density, history of fragility fracture) seeking routine medical care were enrolled and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured at a single laboratory visit.Results.  Mean serum 25(OH)D level was 26.8 ng mL−1 (SE 0.3) and ranged from 7 to 243 ng mL−1. Regional mean values were highest in Latin America (29.6 ng mL−1, SE 0.6) and lowest in the Middle East (20.4 ng mL−1, SE 0.5). Overall, 64% of women had serum levels <30 ng mL−1. Serum parathyroid hormone reached a nadir at serum 25(OH)D levels >35 ng mL−1. In nonequatorial countries, women recruited during the winter months had somewhat lower serum 25(OH)D levels than those recruited during the summer months in some, but not all, countries.Conclusions.  Low levels of serum 25(OH)D are common amongst women with osteoporosis. The results underscore the value of assuring vitamin D adequacy in these women.
Apolipoprotein B as a long‐term predictor of mortality in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a 15‐year follow up
Authors: STETTLER C. , SUTER Y. , ALLEMANN S. , ZWAHLEN M. , CHRIST E. R. , DIEM P. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  To evaluate the association of apolipoprotein B (apo B) with mortality due to all causes, to cardiac disease and to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus.Subjects.  165 subjects with type 1 diabetes included in the Swiss Cohort of the WHO Multinational Study of Vascular Disease in Diabetes were followed for 14.7 ± 0.45 years.Methods.  Causes of death were obtained from death certificates, hospital records and postmortem reports. Using a parametric proportional hazards model the association of apo B with mortality rates was assessed by time‐to‐event analysis, including the absolute cumulative mortality risk over time for various apo B levels at baseline.Results.  Apo B was positively associated with all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.65 per g L−1 increase of apo B, 95% CI: 1.11–6.36, P = 0.029], cardiac mortality (HR 11.64, 1.03–131.11, P = 0.047) and IHD mortality (HR 9.36, 1.26–69.66, P = 0.029). An apo B ≥0.96 g L−1 translated into a duplication of overall mortality hazard (HR 1.93, 1.00–3.72, P = 0.050), and a sevenfold increase of mortality because of cardiac disease or IHD (HR 7.44, 1.44–38.42, P = 0.017 and HR 7.38, 0.78–69.82, P = 0.081). A baseline apo B of 1.5 g L−1 predicted an absolute cumulative risk to die over the next 10 years of 12.1% (5.2–31.7) for male and of 10.4% (4.7–26.1) for female subjects whereas risks were 6.3% (1.8–21.4) and 5.4% (0.8–15.8) for an apo B of 0.8 g L−1.Conclusion.  Apo B is consistently associated with an increased mortality in type 1 diabetes.
Substantial changes in the genetic basis of tadpole morphology of Rana lessonae in the presence of predators
Authors: Kraft P. G. , Wilson R. S. , Franklin C. E. , Blows M. W. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Predator-induced morphological plasticity is a model system for investigating phenotypic plasticity in an ecological context. We investigated the genetic basis of the predator-induced plasticity in Rana lessonae by determining the pattern of genetic covariation of three morphological traits that were found to be induced in a predatory environment. Body size decreased and tail dimensions increased when reared in the presence of preying dragonfly larvae. Genetic variance in body size increased by almost an order of magnitude in the predator environment, and the first genetic principal component was found to be highly significantly different between the two environments. The across environment genetic correlation for body size was significantly below 1 indicating that different genes contributed to this trait in the two environments. Body size may therefore be able to respond to selection independently in the two environments to some extent.
Shedding of Porcine Circovirus into Colostrum of Sows
Authors: Shibata I. , Okuda Y. , Kitajima K. , Asai T. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe purpose of the present study was to investigate porcine circovirus (PCV) shedding into the milk of sows. Colostrum was collected from 33 sows. PCV1 was isolated from four of 33 milk whey samples. PCV1 DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in three of these samples and in three of 10 milk cell samples. PCV2 was also isolated and detected from every single milk whey sample. These results showed that PCV1 and PCV2 were shed into the milk of sows and suggest that PCV can be transmitted to offspring by an oral route through milk.
Canine Distemper Virus Induces Apoptosis Through Caspase‐3 and ‐8 Activation in Vero Cells
Authors: Kajita M. , Katayama H. , Murata T. , Kai C. , Hori M. , Ozaki H. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe investigated the signal‐transduction pathway of canine distemper virus‐Onderstepoort (CDV‐Ond) vaccine strain‐mediated apoptosis in Vero cells. Canine distemper virus‐Onderstepoort at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1 induced DNA fragmentation 48 h after infection. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that 57% ± 4% of the CDV‐N‐protein‐positive cells were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive, and all TUNEL‐positive cells were CDV‐N‐protein‐positive, indicating that CDV‐Ond induced apoptosis only in the infected cells. We also found that CDV‐Ond infection induced activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8. In the semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assay for apoptosis‐related genes, the expression of mRNA of the death receptor, Fas, was also increased in CDV‐Ond‐infected cells. In contrast, the expressions of Bcl‐2 and Bax, regulators for intrinsic apoptotic signaling through the mitochondria, did not change. These results suggest that CDV‐Ond induced apoptosis by activating caspase‐3, possibly through caspase‐8 signaling rather than through p53/Bax‐mediated, mitochondrial signaling in the infected cells.
Incidences of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area of Southern Italy
Authors: Paradies P. , Capelli G. , Cafarchia C. , De Caprariis D. , Sasanelli M. , Otranto D. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryCanine leishmaniasis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is widely distributed in many Mediterranean countries and is considered endemic in southern and central Italy with prevalence reaching up to 48.4%. Determination of the incidence would be useful as a measure of the risk of infection, then to evaluate the usefulness of control measures and to estimate whether a new focus is autochthonous or imported. This study was performed on two sites in the Apulia region of southern Italy, namely sites A and B. A total of 262 dogs were included in the evaluation of incidence, 94 farm dogs from site A and 168 dogs (92 farm and 76 kennel dogs) from site B. The incidence of infection was determined by using two different approaches: in site A by means of incidence density rate (IDR); in site B by the yearly seroconversion rate. In site A, the IDR was calculated at 4.25% dog‐years; in site B the yearly incidence rate was of 9.52% (6.5% and 13.1% in farm and kennel dogs, respectively). The strength and weakness of the two different approaches (i.e. annual monitoring or monthly interval monitoring) for calculating the incidence of CanL in an endemic area have been discussed.
Direct association of a promoter polymorphism in the CD36/FAT fatty acid transporter gene with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance
Authors: Corpeleijn E. , Van Der Kallen C. J. H. , Kruijshoop M. , Magagnin M. G. P. , De Bruin T. W. A. , Feskens E. J. M. , Saris W. H. M. , Blaak E. E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims  The membrane‐bound fatty acid transporter CD36/FAT may play a role in disturbed fatty acid handling as observed in the metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Genetic variation in the CD36 gene may contribute to the aetiology of diabetes.Methods  A population‐based cohort in the Netherlands [age > 40 years and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2] of 675 subjects was phenotyped with respect to glucose metabolism with an oral glucose tolerance test and was genotyped for a known 478C→T substitution and a C/T snp in the upstream promoter region (rs1527479) in the CD36 gene.Results  T2DM was more prevalent in the TT genotype than in the CC genotype. This was most pronounced in women and in subjects with a high BMI (BMI > 27 kg/m2). In addition, within the group of diabetic patients, the TT genotype was commoner in subjects with increased homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index for insulin resistance. The 478C→T substitution, previously found in the Japanese population, was not found in our caucasian population.Conclusions  This is the first study to show a direct association of a CD36 snp with T2DM. Moreover, within the diabetic subjects, this CD36 snp was associated with insulin resistance (HOMA index).
Do people with diabetes who need to talk want to talk?
Authors: Davies M. , Dempster M. , Malone A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim  Our objective was to determine whether people with diabetes who ask for psychological support are those who are experiencing clinically significant levels of psychological distress.Method  Three hundred people with diabetes were asked to complete psychometrically validated questionnaires that assessed subjective need and objective psychological distress.Results  High levels of psychological distress were reported: 25% reported depressive symptomatology, 41% reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and 51% reported some binge eating behaviour. Participants also indicated a desire to talk to diabetes professionals about various problem areas in diabetes. Those reporting psychological distress, especially depression, were most likely to indicate a desire to talk to someone about living with diabetes.Conclusions  Those who want to talk are those who need to talk. Future service development issues should acknowledge the needs and expressed wishes of service users.
Growth of functional cranial components in rats submitted to intergenerational undernutrition
Authors: Cesani María F. , Orden Alicia B. , Oyhenart Evelia E. , Zucchi Mariel , Muñe María C. , Pucciarelli Héctor M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to discover how intergenerational undernutrition affects the growth of major and minor functional cranial components in two generations of rats. Control animals constituted the parental generation (P). The undernourished generations (F1 and F2) were fed 75% of the control diet. Animals were X‐rayed every 10 days from 20 to 100 days of age. The length, width and height of the major (neurocranium and splanchnocranium) and minor (anterior‐neural, middle‐neural, posterior‐neural, otic, respiratory, masticatory and alveolar) cranial components were measured on each radiograph. Volumetric indices were calculated to estimate size variations of these components. Data were processed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for two samples. Impairment in splanchnocranial and neurocranial growth was found, the latter being more affected than the former in F1. Comparison between F2 and F1 animals showed cumulative effects of undernutrition in both major and minor components (anterior‐neural, respiratory, masticatory and alveolar in males, and middle‐neural and respiratory in females). Such differential effects on minor components may reflect a residual mechanical strain resulting from the linkage between components. This phenomenon was clearly observed in the neurocranium and could be understood as an adaptive response to the demands of the associated functional matrices.