bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland: a case report with a review of the literature
Authors: Veena G , Shon G M , Usha K , Nayar R C 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective:A case of solitary extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland is reported. A discussion concerning the clinical features, imaging modalities, diagnostic methods and management of cysticercosis, along with a review of relevant literature is also presented.Case report:A young female patient presented with features resembling acute parotitis. Solitary cysticercosis of the parotid gland was diagnosed, based on fine needle aspiration cytology and radiological investigations. Medical therapy was effective, consequently surgery was deferred.Conclusion:This is the first report of solitary extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland. A high index of suspicion for such parasitic infestations is essential even in non-endemic areas due to the ease of worldwide travel.
Cost-efficiency of endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Anari S , Ainsworth G , Robson A K 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground:In most centres in the United Kingdom, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is currently undertaken as a joint operation between ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. The addition of an extra surgeon, the use of endoscopic equipment and the relatively lower success rate of this procedure made us compare endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and external dacryocystorhinostomy with regards to costs and income for our hospital.Methods:All 38 primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy cases performed in our centre in 2001–2003 were retrospectively compared with the 49 external dacryocystorhinostomy cases performed in 1993–2000. Cost–income calculations were made based on: rate of local anaesthesia, success rate, rate of day case admission, hospital reference cost for dacryocystorhinostomy, and the income per case extracted from national tariffs (based on the Health Resources Group). Also, the average number of cases per session was used to calculate the income gained per session for each method.Results:The following rates between the endoscopic and the external dacryocystorhinostomy were found: local anaesthesia, 29 vs 6 per cent, respectively; day-case operation, 95 vs 12 per cent, respectively; and success rate, 87 vs 94 per cent, respectively. The average number of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy cases conducted in a single theatre session was twice that of external dacryocystorhinostomy cases. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy generated approximately twice the income of external dacryocystorhinostomy (£6585 vs £3292, respectively).Conclusion:Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is more cost-effective than external dacryocystorhinostomy, despite having a lower success rate and greater usage of resources, as the endoscopic procedure generates more income. This is mainly due to the higher number of cases per session and the higher rates of local anaesthesia and day case operations possible.
An echocardiographic study of diagnostic accuracy, prediction of surgical approach, and outcome for fetuses diagnosed with discordant ventriculo-arterial connections
Authors: Pascal Cécile J. , Huggon Ian , Sharland Gurleen K. , Simpson John M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOur aims were to examine the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo-arterial connections, the accuracy of predictions made concerning the postnatal surgical approach, and a description of the different subtypes related to outcome. All fetuses were evaluated at a tertiary centre for fetal cardiology between January, 1994, and December, 2003. In this period, we identified congenitally malformed hearts in 1,835 fetuses, of whom 56 (3%) met the criterions of inclusion. Of the total, 30 (54%) had an intact ventricular septum, 9 (16%) had an associated ventricular septal defect, 7 (13%) had a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis, 1 (2%) had pulmonary stenosis and an intact ventricular septum, 8 (14%) had a ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation, and 1 (2%) had coarctation of the aorta with an intact ventricular septum. All the discordant ventriculo-arterial connections were correctly identified. For associated ventricular septal defects, the diagnostic sensitivity was 96%, with specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 85%, and negative predictive value of 97%. For aortic coarctation, the sensitivity was 100%, specificity 96%, positive predictive value 82%, and negative predictive value 100%. The prediction of the surgical approach was accurate in 41 of 48 cases (85%). For those fetuses with pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect, the ratio of the diameters of the pulmonary trunk was shown to be helpful in predicting the possibility of an arterial switch as opposed to the Rastelli type of repair. Of the 49 liveborn infants, 46 were alive at 30 days (94%, with 95% confidence intervals from 83 to 99%), and 43 at one year (88%, 95% confidence intervals from 75 to 95%). Deaths were mainly related to the anatomy of the coronary arteries, and associated cardiac lesions.
Challenges for genetic research in European eel management
Authors: Maes Gregory E. , Volckaert Filip A. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMaes, G. E., and Volckaert, F. A. M. 2007. Challenges for genetic research in European eel management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: –. Marine organisms experience a broad range of intrinsic and extrinsic influences during their lives, which impact their population dynamics and genetic structure. Subtle interpopulation differences reflect the continuity of the marine environment, but also pose challenges to those wishing to define management units. The catadromous European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is no exception. Its spawning habitat in the Sargasso Sea and long migration across the North Atlantic qualify it as marine. However, the synergy between hydrographic variability, changing climate, and the impacts of habitat degradation and overfishing in continental waters has negatively affected stock sizes. Its protracted spawning period, variance in age-at-maturity, parental contribution and reproductive success, and the difficulty in sampling the spawning region together may mask a weak geographical genetic differentiation. Recent molecular data report evidence for spatial as well as temporal differences between populations, with the temporal heterogeneity between intra-annual recruitment and annual cohorts exceeding the spatial differences. Despite its common name of “fresh-water eel”, the European eel should really be managed on a North Atlantic scale. The fishery may have to be curtailed, migration routes kept open and water quality restored if it is to survive. Eel aquaculture has to focus on efficient rearing in the short term and controlled breeding in the long term. Future research on eel genetics should focus on (i) sampling and analysing spawning populations and recruitment waves to detect spatio-temporally discrete groups, and establishing a biological baseline from pre-decline historical collections for critical long-term monitoring and modelling of its genetic composition; (ii) the analysis of adaptive genetic polymorphism (genes under selection) to detect adaptive divergence between populations, perhaps requiring separate management strategies; and (iii) improving artificial reproduction to protect natural stocks from heavy exploitation, especially now the species has been categorized as endangered.
Behavioral Changes in Children With Mild Sleep‐Disordered Breathing or Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Mitchell Ron B. , Kelly James 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective: To compare changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy in children with either mild sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study Design: Prospective cohort study.Methods: Children at the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Albuquerque with mild SDB or OSA were included in the study. All children underwent preoperative polysomnography before adenotonsillectomy. Mild SDB was defined as an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) less than 5 or an apnea index (AI) less than 1. OSA was defined as an AHI 5 or greater or an AI 1 or greater. Pre‐ and postoperative scores from the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) survey were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance.Results: The mean preoperative AHI for children with mild SDB (n = 17) was 3.1 (range, 1.7–4.7), and for children with OSA (n = 23) it was 25.3 (range, 10.0–48.0). The mean preoperative BASC scores for children with mild SDB were not significantly different from the scores for children with OSA. The demographics in the two groups of children were similar. The behavior symptom index, a global measure of behavior, showed significant improvement after surgery for both groups of children (P < .01). Children also showed significant improvement after adenotonsillectomy in the BASC scales of atypicality, depression, hyperactivity, and somatization. Mean changes in BASC scores after adenotonsillectomy were not significantly different in the two groups of children.Conclusions: Behavioral problems are prevalent in children with either mild SDB or OSA, and both groups of children show significant improvements in behavior after adenotonsillectomy.
Viscum album agglutinin‐I induces degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in leukaemia PLB‐985 cells differentiated toward neutrophils: cleavage of non‐muscle myosin heavy chain‐IIA by caspases
Authors: Lavastre Valérie , Binet François , Moisan Éliane , Chiasson Sonia , Girard Denis 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe role of the anti‐cancer agent Viscum album agglutinin‐I (VAA‐I) in leukaemia PLB‐985 cells differentiated toward a neutrophil‐like phenotype by dimethylsulphoxide (PLB‐985D) has never been studied. This study investigated whether or not VAA‐I can induce cytoskeletal breakdown in PLB‐985D cells, as previously observed in undifferentiated PLB‐985 cells. VAA‐I was found to induce apoptosis in PLB‐985D cells, as assessed by cytology and by degradation of gelsolin, an event known to occur via caspase‐3 activation. VAA‐I induced cytoskeletal breakdown based on the disruption of the F‐actin network and cleavage of paxillin, vimentin and lamin B1. In addition, we demonstrated, for the first time, that non‐muscle myosin heavy chain IIA (NMHC‐IIA) was cleaved by VAA‐I treatment. Degradation of NMHC‐IIA was reversed by the pan caspase inhibitor z‐VAD‐fmk in PLB‐985D cells and neutrophils. However, unlike lamin B1, no NMHC‐IIA was detected on the cell surface of apoptotic neutrophils. In conclusion, PLB‐985D cells responded in a similar manner to neutrophils regarding the degradation of the tested cytoskeletal. Therefore, PLB‐985D cells may provide a suitable substitute for neutrophils in screening experiments, preventing extensive neutrophil cell isolation.
Cloning and expression of the gene encoding an extracellular alkaline serine protease fromVibrio alginolyticusstrain HY9901, the causative agent of vibriosis inLutjanus erythopterus(Bloch)
Authors: Cai S H , Wu Z H , Jian J C , Lu Y S 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA 750‐bp internal fragment of the alkaline serine protease gene (asp) from theVibrio alginolyticusstrain HY9901 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The flanking sequences of the 5′‐ and 3′‐ ends of theaspgene were characterized by reverse and nested PCR. Sequence analysis showed that theaspgene contained an 1893‐bp ORF encoding 630 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of the ASP (alkaline serine protease) precursor showed significant homology with several bacterial alkaline serine proteases. Expression of theaspgene inEscherichia coliand activity tests of the ASP indicated that the N‐signal peptide of the ASP precursor was essential to autocatalyse and fold correctly the enzyme to obtain activity. The purified ASP was lethal forLutjanus erythopteruswith an LD50of 0.25 μg protein g−1body weight.
The yeast penta‐EF protein Pef1p is involved in cation‐dependent budding and cell polarization
Authors: Vernarecci Stefano , Colotti Gianni , Ornaghi Prisca , Schiebel Elmar , Chiancone Emilia , Filetici Patrizia 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPenta‐EF‐hand (PEF) proteins bind calcium and participate in a variety of calcium‐dependent processes in vertebrates. In yeast, intracellular cations regulate processes like cell division and polarized growth. This study reports the identification of a unique PEF protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encoded by the uncharacterized open reading frame YGR058w. Pef1p has a long and unstructured N‐terminal domain conserved in ascomycetes, and a highly conserved C‐terminal calcium binding domain homologous to human ALG‐2 and sorcin. Pef1p binds calcium and zinc and homodimerizes in vitro and in vivo like vertebrate homologues. Disruption of PEF1 induces defective growth in SDS and cation depletion conditions. Significantly, a critical substitution in the second EF hand (E218A) lowers the in vitro affinity for zinc and phenocopies growth defects. The dissection of protein–protein interactions and the cellular localization of Pef1p analogous to that of RAM pathway components controlling daughter‐specific gene expression at the site of bud emergence bring out the importance of this novel protein. Our data suggest that cation homeostasis is involved in the control of polarized growth and in stress response in budding yeast.
A Staphylococcus aureus ypfP mutant with strongly reduced lipoteichoic acid (LTA) content: LTA governs bacterial surface properties and autolysin activity
Authors: Fedtke Iris , Mader Diana , Kohler Thomas , Moll Hermann , Nicholson Graeme , Biswas Raja , Henseler Katja , Götz Friedrich , Zähringer Ulrich , Peschel Andreas 
Published: July 2007

SummaryMany Gram‐positive bacteria produce lipoteichoic acid (LTA) polymers whose physiological roles have remained a matter of debate because of the lack of LTA‐deficient mutants. The ypfP gene responsible for biosynthesis of a glycolipid found in LTA was deleted in Staphylococcus aureus SA113, causing 87% reduction of the LTA content. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the mutant LTA contained a diacylglycerol anchor instead of the glycolipid, whereas the remaining part was similar to the wild‐type polymer except that it was shorter. The LTA mutant strain revealed no major changes in patterns of cell wall proteins or autolytic enzymes compared with the parental strain indicating that LTA may be less important in S. aureus protein attachment than previously thought. However, the autolytic activity of the mutant was strongly reduced demonstrating a role of LTA in controlling autolysin activity. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of the LTA mutant was altered and its ability to form biofilms on plastic was completely abrogated indicating a profound impact of LTA on physicochemical properties of bacterial surfaces. We propose to consider LTA and its biosynthetic enzymes as targets for new antibiofilm strategies.
Outcomes of surgical treatment of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: An institutional experience 1983–2004
Authors: Tibballs James , Kawahira Yoichi , Carter Bradley G , Donath Susan , Brizard Christian , Wilkinson Jim 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To determine outcomes of surgical treatment of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).Methods:  Retrospective analysis of medical records of infants with HLHS.Results:  129 of 206 (63%) infants with HLHS were managed surgically over the period 1983–2004. Survival from all stages of surgical repair was 52 (40%) patients with significantly different (P < 0.001) survival according to surgical techniques and post‐operative intensive care management recognisable in three eras. During 1983–1995 a classical Norwood stage 1 operation with a systemic‐pulmonary shunt was performed for 61 infants with 13 (21%) survivors. From 1996 to 2002, pulmonary vasoconstriction and systemic vasodilatation after stage 1 operation were used to optimise systemic blood flow yielding a survival of 22 of 46 (48%) infants. From 2002 to 2004 a ventricular‐pulmonary conduit was used with survival of 17 of 22 (77%) infants. Survival at 1, 6, 12 months and at 5, 10 and 15 years was 65%, 53%, 48%, 38%, 38% and 25%, respectively. The mean ± SD number of surgical procedures was 4.5 ± 3.7; duration of hospitalisation 53 ± 52 days (median 38); number of hospital admissions 3.0 ± 3.5; duration in intensive care 18 ± 20 days (median 11); hours of mechanical ventilation 278 ± 398 (median 151).Conclusion:  Short‐term survival of HLHS has improved substantially over recent years with a ventricular‐pulmonary conduit while long‐term survival has been mediocre after arterial systemic‐pulmonary shunts. Irrespective of type of primary surgery, infants undergo many operations and spend long periods in hospital and intensive care.
Thrombotic microangiopathy from Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming
Authors: Isbister G. K. , Little M. , Cull G. , McCoubrie D. , Lawton P. , Szabo F. , Kennedy J. , Trethewy C. , Luxton G. , Brown S. G. A. , Currie B. J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: Australian brown snake (genus Pseudonaja) envenoming causes a venom‐induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC). A proportion of cases go on to develop thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) and acute renal failure (ARF).Aim: The aim of the study was to define better the natural history and empirical treatments for thrombotic microangiopathy in brown snake envenoming.Methods: A review of brown snake bites recruited to the Australian Snakebite Project (ASP), a national multicentre study of snake envenoming was undertaken. Serial data are recorded on clinical effects and laboratory results, including measurement of venom concentrations. We describe cases of thrombotic microangiopathy and compare these to cases without thrombotic microangiopathy.Results: From 32 cases of brown snake envenoming with severe VICC, four (13%) developed thrombotic microangiopathy, we also included two cases of thrombotic microangiopathy from prior to ASP. All six developed severe thrombocytopenia (<20 × 10−9/L), worst 3 days after the bite and resolving over a week, MAHA with fragmented red blood cells on the blood film and five developed anuric ARF requiring dialysis and lasting 2–8 weeks. All six received antivenom, which was delayed compared with other brown snake‐envenoming cases. Four were treated with plasmapheresis. The severity and recovery of the thrombocytopenia, anaemia and renal function were similar with and without plasmapheresis. The median length of stay for MAHA cases was 14 days (interquartile range (IQR) 12–14) compared to 1.8 days (IQR 1.3–2) for all other cases.Conclusion:  Thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from brown snake bite appears to have a good prognosis and management should focus on early antivenom therapy and supportive care including dialysis. The role of plasmapheresis is yet to be defined.
Physical activity consultation for people with Type 2 diabetes. Evidence and guidelines
Authors: Kirk A. F. , Barnett J. , Mutrie N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPhysical activity is an important, but often underused, therapeutic strategy within diabetes care. To date, little is known about the best way to promote physical activity in diabetes care. Physical activity consultation is an intervention designed to promote physical activity behaviour change. This article provides guidelines on how to conduct a physical activity consultation with people who have Type 2 diabetes, and reviews the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of this intervention in this population. The trans‐theoretical model is the underlying theory of behaviour change for the physical activity consultation intervention. The review identifies research which supports the use of this model for understanding physical activity behaviour in people with Type 2 diabetes. The review outlines a number of modifiable variables associated with physical activity behaviour change in this population. How each of these variables is addressed within the guidelines for conducting a physical activity consultation is identified. Finally, limited but consistent research highlights the effectiveness of physical activity consultation for promoting physical activity in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Poverty, Social Exclusion and the Politics of Disability: Care as a Social Good and the Expenditure of Social Capital in Chuadanga, Bangladesh
Authors: Foley Dermot , Chowdhury Jahan 
Published: July 2007

Abstract People labelled with disabilities in Chuadanga, Bangladesh, are denied equitable access to social networks and formal services. In terms both of funding future formal service programmes and of designing community‐based outreach programmes, this lack of access is not a simple reflection of one's impairment but a facet of the social exclusion and stigma that is culturally ascribed to disability in Chuadanga. We utilize a social model to focus on the cultural processes initiated by the onset of illness or impairment. Our participants are drawn from four types of diagnosed disability: blindness, orthopaedic impairment, hearing impairment and mental disorder. Although this inquiry is in line with Daly's focus on how future spending on formal services to promote care and equity in Europe can be helped by searching out information that is often ignored, the particular focus of this study is Chuadanga and the research questions incorporate a disability studies perspective. The authors consider care as a social good and an expenditure of social capital, in reviewing findings from a recent empirical study of disability and employment in the Bangladesh district of Chuadanga. Regardless of disability, poverty can be a morally and socially devastating ordeal. However, the authors conclude that the added loss of social solidarity and equitable access, due to the social exclusion and stigma of disability for the families concerned, make it statistically far less likely that they will access formal services or be able to escape poverty.
The Impact of BRCA1 on Spina Bifida Meningomyelocele Lesions
Authors: King Terri M. , Au Kit‐Sing , Kirkpatrick Timothy J. , Davidson Christina , Fletcher Jack M. , Townsend Irene , Tyerman Gayle H. , Shimmin Lawrence C. , Northrup Hope 
Published: July 2007

SummaryWe examined the BRCA1 gene in 268 patients, and their parents, with a specific diagnosis of spina bifida meningomyelocele (SBMM). We genotyped two intragenic microsatellite markers (BRCA1 D17S1323, BRCA1 D17S1322) and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (A1186G, A4956G) in our patients. Transmission disequilibrium testing (TDT) showed significant association with A4956G, but not with A1186G. Extended TDT demonstrated over‐transmission of the 17GT allele in BRCA1 D17S1323 and the 14GTT allele in BRCA1 D17S1322, and under‐transmission of the 20GT allele in BRCA1 D17S1323 and the 16GTT allele in BRCA1 D17S1322. Our data included location of the rostral edge of the lesion. Individuals homozygous for the 17GT allele for BRCA1 D17S1323 were more likely to have SB lesions located caudally, while heterozygotes with the 17GT allele for BRCA1 D17S1323 had a more rostral lesion. Individuals heterozygous for the 16GTT allele of BRCA1 D17S1322 were more likely to have rostral lesions. We measured gene expression in CEPH members and demonstrated differential expression levels of BRCA1 associated with these polymorphisms. Integrating our data with HapMap findings showed that the polymorphic markers are associated with distinct haplotypes. We conclude that the BRCA1 gene is associated with SBMM and participates in the phenotypic variability seen in SBMM.