bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An Update, Part II
Authors: Palmieri Beniamino , Sblendorio Valeriana 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Although the cloning of the dystrophin gene has led to major advances in the knowledge of the genetic, molecular basis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), and other muscular dystrophies, with mutations of genes encoding the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC), effective therapies are still lacking. This review reports some of the most promising pharmacological, molecular, and cellular approaches to DMD/BMD. Altogether, these exciting developments are just puzzling work hypotheses whose clinical developments are on the way.
Postoperative Sciatic Neuropathies: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Chuang Wen-Li , Kuo Hung-Chou , Huang Chin-Chang , Kau Yi-Chuan , Lee Yu-Hao 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

We report 2 patients with sciatic neuropathy immediately after hemorrhoidectomy and free gracilis muscle transfer operations, respectively. We compare the nerve conduction study and electromyography of the 2 patients and discuss the possible pathogenesis. We emphasize that postoperative sciatic neuropathies may occur in an inappropriate position and a prolonged duration of operation. The nerve conduction study and electromyography are useful in evaluating the severity and prognosis. The best way to avoid this complication is to prevent an inappropriate position and a prolonged duration under proper anesthesia.
The Prevalence of Depression in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Stewart Suzanne B , Robertson Kevin R , Johnson Kimberly M , Howard James F 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Conflicting results are reported regarding the prevalence of depression in myasthenia gravis (MG) compared to the general population. One suggestion is that the psychiatric instruments used to assess depression confounded symptoms of disease activity with common features of depression.

Objectives:
We investigated the prevalence of depression in MG using psychiatric instruments that allowed for delineation between a patient's medical and psychological state.

Methods:
Thirty-six patients with MG and 20 patients with neurologic and neuromuscular diseases (NNMD) were evaluated with 3 self-administered depression scales and a psychiatric interview.

Results:
Patients with MG had a similar prevalence of depression as that of patients with NNMD. Both groups showed a higher prevalence of depression compared to the general population, which was a frequency similar to a population with chronic illness. No difference was observed between the 2 groups in the physical symptoms of depression.

Conclusion:
This suggests the physical symptoms of depression do not influence the depression rates in MG when compared to NNMD.
Birth weight is nongenetically associated with glucose intolerance in elderly twins, independent of adult obesity
Authors: Grunnet L. , Vielwerth S. , Vaag A. , Poulsen P. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.Objectives.  Using a unique twin approach, we examined the extent to which birth weight is determined by genetic and nongenetic factors and whether associations between birth weight and measures of glucose metabolism are of genetic or nongenetic origin.Setting/subjects.  An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in a population‐based cohort of twins including 138 same‐sex monozygotic (MZ) and 214 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs aged 55–73 years whose birth weight was known. Heritability of birth weight was determined and regression analyses with intra‐twin pair differences of birth weight and measures of glucose metabolism, with and without adjustment for adult obesity, were performed.Results.  The heritability of birth weight was estimated to be 38%. We demonstrated significant nongenetic associations between birth weight and measures of glucose homeostasis in MZ twins, with a reduction in fasting plasma glucose, 120 min post‐OGTT plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA‐IR index of 15.7%, 25.5%, 26.4% and 37.2%, respectively, for every 1 kg increase in birth weight. The nongenetic negative associations between birth weight and measures of glucose intolerance were independent of adult obesity, whereas the nongenetic association between birth weight and insulin resistance persisted, although not as strongly, after adjusting for current body size.Conclusions.  We demonstrated a genetic component to birth weight in elderly twins. When adjusting for this influence, we found a nongenetic negative association between birth weight and glucose tolerance as well as insulin resistance that was partially independent of adult obesity. This implies that the foetal environment influences glucose homeostasis in elderly twins.
Polymorphisms in cytokine genes influence long‐term survival differently in elderly male and female patients
Authors: Cederholm T. , Persson M. , Andersson P. , Stenvinkel P. , Nordfors L. , Madden J. , Vedin I. , Wretlind B. , Grimble R. F. , Palmblad J. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.Objectives.  We asked if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in inflammatory cytokine genes related to 3‐year survival in ill elderly subjects and if genotypes differed between the elderly and a younger control population.Design.  Prospective observational study.Setting.  Two geriatric departments at a university hospital.Subjects.  Eighty three acutely admitted geriatric patients (83 ± 7 year, 70% women) and 207 young healthy subjects (40 ± 1 year, 37% women) were included.Outcome measures.  Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α–308 G/A, interleukin (IL)‐1β–511 C/T, IL‐6–174 G/C and IL‐10–1082 A/G were analysed. In the geriatric patients SNP in lymphotoxin (LT)‐α +252 G/A and serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, soluble IL‐I receptor(R)II were also determined, as well as the 3‐year mortality.Results.  The allele distribution did not differ significantly between the elderly and the young. In the female elderly, 3‐year survival was doubled (P < 0.05) in those with the high‐producing genotypes of IL‐6 –174 GG and TNF‐α ‐308 GA compared with those with low‐producing alleles. In contrast, men with high‐producing LT‐α +252 AA and IL‐1β–511 CT&TT genotypes displayed halved 3‐year survival (P < 0.05) compared with those with low‐producing genotypes, whereas possession of the high‐producing IL‐10 –1082 GG genotype favoured survival. Serum IL‐10 was higher in the high‐producing IL‐10 genotype in females.Conclusion.  As high‐producing IL‐6 –174 genotype favoured 3‐year survival in women, whereas the likewise high‐producing LT‐α +252 and IL‐1β ‐511 genotypes were associated with poor survival in men, we conclude that the specific genotypes, in association with gender, may act as determinants for survival in elderly patients.
Intensive care of the elderly in Finland
Authors: Reinikainen M. , Uusaro A. , Niskanen M. , Ruokonen E. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  The ageing of the population will increase the demand for health care resources. The aim of this study was to determine how age affects resource consumption and outcome of intensive care in Finland.Methods:  Data on 79,361 admissions to 26 Finnish intensive care units (ICUs) during the years 1998–2004 were analysed. The severity of illness was measured using Simplified Acute Physiology II scores and the intensity of care using Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System scores.Results:  The median age was 62 years; 8.9% of patients were aged 80 years or over. The hospital mortality rate was 16.2% in the overall patient population, but 28.4% in patients aged 80 years or over. Old age was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. The mean intensity of care was at its highest in the age groups 60–69, 70–74 and 75–79 years. It was notably lower for patients aged 80 years or over. If the need for intensive care remains unchanged in each age group, the change in the age distribution of the Finnish population will increase the demand for ICU beds by 19% by the year 2020 and by 25% by the year 2030.Conclusion:  The hospital mortality rate increases with increasing age. The mean intensity of care is lower for the oldest patients than for patients aged less than 80 years. The ageing of the population will probably cause a remarkable increase in the need for intensive care in the near future.
Posaconazole susceptibility testing against Candida species: comparison of broth microdilution and E‐test methods
Authors: Sóczó G. , Kardos G. , McNicholas P. M. , Falusi E. , Gergely L. , Majoros L. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryPosaconazole (POS) is a newer triazole with activity against yeasts and moulds. POS and fluconazole were tested in vitro against 32 Candida albicans, 30 C. glabrata, 21 C. tropicalis, 29 C. krusei, 28 C. parapsilosis, 50 C. inconspicua, 13 C. kefyr and 5 C. famata isolates using CLSI broth microdilution method (BMD). We compared E‐test and a modified BMD using polyethylene–glycol (PEG) as solvent to the CLSI method. BMDs and E‐test were performed according to CLSI and the manufacturer's instructions respectively. Geometric means of POS MICs using BMD were 0.71, 0.22 and 0.21 μg ml−1 against C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. inconspicua, respectively, and remained below 0.1 μg ml−1 against all other species tested. One of two C. albicans and two of three C. glabrata isolates resistant to fluconazole showed MICs above 8 μg ml−1 to POS. The impact of using PEG instead of DMSO had only a minor effect (agreements above 95% with the exception of C. parapsilosis). E‐tests read after 24 h showed good agreement with the BMD. POS exhibited excellent in vitro activity against Hungarian Candida strains. E‐test showed good correlation with the CLSI method, but to facilitate the comparability of results we believe that DMSO should be used as solvent in the BMD.
Comparison between fluconazole and ketoconazole effectivity in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad , Azizi Hoda , Suizi Behnaz 
Published: March 2007

SummaryTopical drugs are often effective in limited lesions of pityriasis versicolor; but in extensive cases, systemic drugs are more suitable. Previous studies have shown that ketoconazole and fluconazole are effective in 42–97% and 74–100% of lesions respectively. Our purpose was to compare the effectiveness of a single dose of 400 mg ketoconazole with two doses of 300 mg of fluconazole with 2 weeks interval. Ninety patients with extensive pityriasis versicolor (body involved area ≥25%) were randomly assigned to treatment with either a single dose of 400 mg of ketoconazole or with two doses of 300 mg of fluconazole with 2 weeks interval. One month after the treatment, the improvement rate and side effects were evaluated by clinical examination and questionnaire. Sixty cases (66.7%) completed the study. They were 51 males and nine females, with a mean age of 30 years. At the follow‐up visit (1 month after the end of treatment), the improvement rate for ketoconazole (87.9%) was not significantly different from fluconazole (81.5%), (Fisher test: P = 0.37). Due to the hepatotoxicity of ketoconazole, fluconazole appears to be more suitable in the treatment of extensive pityriasis versicolor.
Identification of Microsporum canis from dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in paraffin‐embedded veterinary specimens using a common PCR protocol
Authors: Nardoni Simona , Franceschi Alberto , Mancianti Francesca 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe effectiveness of a simple PCR protocol performed on paraffin‐embedded tissues, obtained from histopathologically and culturally diagnosed cases of dermatophytic pseudomycetoma DPM was tested. The specimens were investigated using previously described primers (DH1L and DH1R) targeting the 18S rDNA gene and amplifying a 183‐bp fragment. Microsporum canis was identified from all samples. The PCR protocol described in the present work demonstrated a 100% concordant result comparing the molecular characterisation with phenotypic characterisation of dermatophytes. Molecular biology could represent a valid identification tool in dermatophytic deep infections, when diagnosis cannot be achieved by cultural methods.
Numerical simulation of fatigue crack propagation in compressive residual stress fields of notched round bars
Authors: GARDIN C. , COURTIN S. , BÉZINE G. , BERTHEAU D. , HAMOUDA H. BEN HADJ 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the influence of the residual compressive stresses induced by roller burnishing on fatigue crack propagation in the fillet of notched round bar is investigated. A 3D finite element simulation model of rolling has allowed to introduce a residual stress profile as an initial condition. After the rolling process, fatigue loading has been applied to three‐point bending specimens in which an initial crack has been introduced. A numerical predictive method of crack propagation in roller burnished specimens has also been implemented. It is based on a step‐by‐step process of stress intensity factor calculations by elastic finite element analyses. These stress intensity factor results are combined with the Paris law to estimate the fatigue crack growth rate. In the case of roller burnished specimens, a numerical modification concerning experimental crack closure has to be considered. This method is applied to three specimens: without roller burnishing, and with two levels of roller burnishing (type A and type B). In all these cases, the computational finite element predictions of fatigue crack growth rate agree well with the experimental measurements. The developed model can be easily extended to crankshafts in real operating conditions.
Plasma adipocyte and epidermal fatty acid binding protein is reduced after weight loss in obesity
Authors: Haider D. G. , Schindler K. , Bohdjalian A. , Prager G. , Luger A. , Wolzt M. , Ludvik B. 
Published: March 2007

Aim:  Plasma adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A‐FABP) and epidermal fatty acid binding protein (E‐FABP) concentrations have been linked to obesity and the metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated whether plasma A‐FABP and E‐FABP concentrations are altered by weight loss in obese patients.Methods:  In a prospective study, fasting plasma A‐FABP and E‐FABP concentrations were measured before and 6 months after gastric banding in 33 morbidly obese patients, with a body mass index (BMI) of 46 ± 5 kg/m2. Eleven healthy subjects with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 served as controls.Results:  A‐FABP and E‐FABP plasma concentrations were higher in obese subjects (36.7 ± 6.7 and 3.7 ± 0.7 ng/ml, respectively) than in controls (18.1 ± 0.6 and 2.6 ± 0.5, respectively, p < 0.01). Gastric banding reduced BMI to 40 ± 5 kg/m2, A‐FABP to 32.6 ± 5.4 ng/ml and E‐FABP to 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml (all p < 0.05) after 6 months. Insulin sensitivity as estimated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment insulin resistance index was unchanged. A‐FABP concentrations were significantly associated with BMI before and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05, r = 0.42 and r = 0.37 respectively).Conclusions:  Elevated plasma A‐FABP and E‐FABP concentrations in morbidly obese subjects are reduced after gastric banding–induced weight loss. This suggests that FABP may be associated with improvement of metabolic conditions over time.
A longitudinal observational study of preference for elective caesarean section among nulliparous Hong Kong Chinese women
Authors: Pang MW , Lee TS , Leung AKL , Leung TY , Lau TK , Leung TN 
Published: March 2007

Objective  To establish whether women’s preference for elective caesarean section (ELCS) changes as gestation advances.Design  A prospective longitudinal observational study.Setting  Two units providing obstetric care in Hong Kong, one public and one private.Sample  Five hundred and one nulliparous Chinese pregnant women attending their routine fetal anomaly scan in either unit.Methods  Consented subjects had two interviews using a structured questionnaire at 18–22 weeks and 35–37 weeks of gestation, respectively. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify determinants for preferring ELCS at the two gestational ages.Main outcome measure  The preferences for the mode of delivery at the two gestational ages.Results  The prevalence of maternal preference for ELCS in the study cohort was 17.2% (95% CI 13.9–20.5) and 12.7% (95% CI 9.6–15.8) at mid‐trimester and at term, respectively. Significantly more women who preferred ELCS at mid‐trimester changed to a trial of vaginal delivery (VD) at term than vice versa (42.0 versus 3.8%). The partner’s preference for ELCS was a significant determinant for women preferring ELCS throughout the antenatal period. Among the women booked in the public sector, more women who preferred ELCS at term changed to deliver in private hospitals than those who preferred VD (46.2 versus 9.7%).Conclusions  Many women changed from preferring ELCS to preferring VD as their pregnancy approached term. The partner’s preference was a significant determinant for the women’s choice. If a decrease in the proportion of women preferring ELCS is desired, the intervention programme should target the women and their partners who hold such a preference at 20 weeks.
Cost‐effectiveness of antenatal screening for neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Killie MK , Kjeldsen‐Kragh J , Husebekk A , Skogen B , Olsen JA , Kristiansen IS 
Published: March 2007

Objectives  To estimate the costs and health consequences of three different screening strategies for neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT).Design  Cost–utility analysis on the basis of a decision tree that incorporates the relevant strategies and outcomes.Setting  Three health regions in Norway encompassing a 2.78 million population.Population  Pregnant women (n= 100,448) screened for human platelet antigen (HPA) 1a and anti‐HPA 1a antibodies, and their babies.Method  Decision tree analysis. In three branches of the decision tree, pregnant women entered a programme while in one no screening was performed. The three different screening strategies included all HPA 1a negative women, only HPA 1a negative, HLA DRB3*0101 positive women or only HPA 1a negative women with high level of anti‐HPA 1a antibodies. Included women underwent ultrasound examination and elective caesarean section 2–4 weeks before term. Severely thrombocytopenic newborn were transfused immediately with compatible platelets.Main outcome measurements  Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs.Results  Compared with no screening, a programme of screening and subsequent treatment would generate between 210 and 230 additional QALYs among 100 000 pregnant women, and at the same time, reduce health care costs by approximately €1.7 million. The sensitivity analyses indicate that screening is cost effective or even cost saving within a wide range of probabilities and costs.Conclusion  Our calculations indicate that it is possible to establish an antenatal screening programme for NAIT that is cost effective.
Biosynthesis of Wdr16, a marker protein for kinocilia‐bearing cells, starts at the time of kinocilia formation in rat, andwdr16gene knockdown causes hydrocephalus in zebrafish1
Authors: Hirschner Wolfgang , Pogoda Hans‐Martin , Kramer Carina , Thiess Ulrike , Hamprecht Bernd , Wiesmüller Karl‐Heinz , Lautner Matthias , Verleysdonk Stephan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe rat ortholog of the WD40 repeat protein Wdr16 is abundantly expressed in testis and cultured ependymal cells. Low levels are found in lung and brain, respectively, while it is absent from kinocilia‐free tissues. In testis and ependymal primary cultures, Wdr16 messenger RNA appears concomitantly with the messages for sperm‐associated antigen 6, a kinocilia marker, and for hydin, a protein linked to ciliary function and hydrocephalus. In testis, ependyma and respiratory epithelium, the Wdr16 protein is up‐regulated together with kinocilia formation. Thewdr16gene is restricted to genera in possession of kinocilia, and it is strongly conserved during evolution. The human and zebrafish proteins are identical in 62% of their aligned amino acids. On the message level, the zebrafish Wdr16 ortholog was found exclusively in kinocilia‐bearing tissues byin situhybridisation. Gene knockdown in zebrafish embryos by antisense morpholino injection resulted in severe hydrocephalus formation with unaltered ependymal morphology or ciliary beat. Wdr16 can be considered a differentiation marker of kinocilia‐bearing cells. In the brain, it appears to be functionally related to water homeostasis or osmoregulation.
Treating hepatitis C in African Americans
Authors: Jeffers Lennox J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground:The epidemiology, natural history and response to therapy of chronic hepatitis C differs significantly between African Americans and other ethnic populations. The reasons for these differences are not entirely clear but include mode of transmission, viral kinetics, immune responsiveness, and demographics.Objective:Review of the peer‐reviewed literature and expert opinion from 1990 to 2005 regarding features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in African Americans, differences in presentation and response to therapy, and treatment recommendations.Results:The epidemiology of HCV infection in African Americans appears to be predominantly associated with socio‐economic status and high‐risk behaviors. However, disease course, response to treatment, and virologic outcome may be a function of race. African Americans may clear HCV less efficiently than other ethnic groups, although impaired immune responsivity may also lead to decreased necro‐inflammatory activity and progression to cirrhosis. Therapy‐naive African Americans have lower sustained virologic response rates to this treatment than other populations.Conclusions:Strategies to improve outcomes in African Americans include higher doses of current medications, medications with fewer adverse events, and new experimental molecular therapies.