bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil contamination with ascarid eggs in playgrounds in Kirikkale, Turkey
Authors: Aydenizöz Özkayhan M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractContamination of soil with feline and canine ascarid eggs in eight playgrounds in Kırıkkale, Turkey was investigated monthly from February 2003 to January 2004. Dog faeces were also collected and all samples were examined using the zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation method. Eggs ofToxocarawere observed in 5 of 8 (62.5%) of playgrounds examined and in 15.6% of 480 soil samples. The number of eggs varied from 1 to 11. Eggs were observed in soil samples collected in February, March to June, August and November, with embryonated eggs appearing in June and August. Eggs ofToxascaris leoninaandTaeniaspp. and oocysts ofIsosporaspp. were also found in 1.5%, 1.0% and 0.2% of soil samples, respectively. Of 26 samples of dog faeces collected, 7.7% were contaminated withToxocaraspp. and 11.5% withTaeniaspp. The presence ofToxocaraeggs in the city playgrounds and dog populations suggests a potential human health hazard due to toxocariasis.
Comparative study on DNA sequences of ribosomal DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 of mitochondrial DNA among five species of gnathostomes
Authors: Ando K. , Tsunemori M. , Akahane H. , Tesana S. , Hasegawa H. , Chinzei Y. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe nucleotide sequences of partial 18S, complete internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1), complete 5.8S, complete ITS2 and partial 28S of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 of mitochondrial DNA (MCOI) from five species of gnathostomes (G. spinigerum, G. doloresi, G. nipponicum, G. hispidum and G. binucleatum with the former four species being distributed in Japan and Asia) that cause human gnathostomiasis were compared by direct polymerase chain reaction cycle-sequencing. The nucleotide sequences of each region of the18S (613 bp), 5.8S (158 bp) and 28S (598 bp) rDNA from the five species were almost identical. The ITS1 region was different in length for the five species. The nucleotide sequences of each region of ITS2 and partial MCO1 regions were different among the five species. Therefore, these two regions can be used as genetic markers for identification of worms.
Diversity of Dilepididae (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) revealed by cytogenetic analysis
Authors: Petkevičiūtė R. , Binkienė R. , Komisarovas J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractKaryotypes of three dilepidid species: Molluscotaenia crassiscolex, Anomotaenia bacilligera and Dilepis undula, which have not been recorded previously, were studied using conventional Giemsa staining and comparative karyometric analysis. Twelve small biarmed chromosomes were observed in mitotic cells of M. crassiscolex, 16 biarmed chromosomes of gradually decreasing size were found in cells of A. bacilligera, while 18 elements were characteristic for D. undula. These data, together with information available in literature, prove the heterogeneity and possible polyphyletic nature of the family Dilepididae.
Sodium dodecyl sulphate as a rapid clearing agent for studying the hard parts of monogeneans and nematodes
Authors: Wong W.L. , Tan W.B. , Lim L.H.S. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractHard structures of helminths have often been used for taxonomic identification but are usually not clearly defined when treated with conventional methods such as ammonium picrate-glycerin for monogeneans and glycerin for nematodes. The present study reports a rapid and simple technique to better resolve the hard parts of selected monogeneans and nematodes using 5–10% alkaline sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). In comparison with established methods, SDS-treated worms become more transparent. In monogeneans treated with SDS, clear details of the hooks, hook filaments, anchors, bars and the sclerotized copulatory organs could be observed. In SDS-treated nematodes, spicules and ornamentations of the buccal capsules could be clearly seen.
Unusual finding of Trichobilharzia sp. in Motacilla alba in the Czech Republic
Authors: Rudolfová J. , Sitko J. , Horák P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAdult male worms of Trichobilharzia sp. recovered from a pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) in the Czech Republic were found to belong to a new species of the genus. The finding of Trichobilharzia sp. in a passeriform bird in Europe represents an important discovery, as only anseriform birds have thus far been reported as final hosts of the European Trichobilharzia species.
Toxocara canis infections in a pig model: immunological, haematological and blood biochemistry responses
Authors: Sommerfelt I.E. , Santillán G. , Mira G. , Ribicich M. , Betti A. , De Torres R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe immunological, haematological and enzymatic responses to the inoculation in pigs of 100,000 embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis were studied. Fifteen females were inoculated and three remained as controls. Haematological values were analysed from day 7 p.i. until day 126 p.i. In the inoculated group, white blood cells were raised on day 14 p.i. and eosinophil values on days 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 p.i. showing significant differences compared with controls (P<0.05). Absolute eosinophil counts (per ml) presented two rises, the first on days 7, 14 and 21 p.i. and the second on days 35 and 49 p.i. Blood biochemistry was maintained within normal values. Serological examination by ELISA to determine antibody levels against Toxocara canis L2/L3 excretory–secretory (ES) antigens showed values higher than the positive cut-off (1:32) from day 7 p.i. and until the end of the study on day 126 p.i., presenting two peaks: one on day 28 p.i. and the second covering days 49 to 56 p.i. Western blots of sera of inoculated animals presented, from day 7 p.i., two polypeptide bands of 55 and 70 kDa MW and, from day 56 p.i., an additional band of 120 kDa MW, all of which persisted until the end of the study. Immunological responses were sustained over time. No direct correlation was observed between the rise in eosinophils and antibody titres. To validate the conclusions, more studies are required on the polypeptide bands.
Molecular identification of Anisakis species from Pleuronectiformes off the Portuguese coast
Authors: Marques J.F. , Cabral H.N. , Busi M. , D'Amelio S. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAnisakid nematodes belonging to the Anisakis simplex complex are highly prevalent in several fish species off the coast of Portugal and are an important zoonotic problem in the Iberian Peninsula. Two reproductively isolated sibling species of the Anisakis simplex complex were identified from Pleuronectiformes inhabiting the Portuguese coast using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Recombinant genotypes corresponding to presumptive Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Anisakis pegreffii hybrids were also detected by this technique, as well as the species Anisakis typica. Although 25 species of Pleuronectiformes were investigated, Anisakis spp. larvae were only found in seven: Arnoglossus imperialis, Arnoglossus laterna, Lepidorhombus boscii, Citharus linguatula, Platichthys flesus, Dicologlossa cuneata and Solea senegalensis. The occurrence of hybrids in relatively sedentary fishes such as the Pleuronectiformes suggests that the Portuguese coast may constitute an area of hybridization and, therefore, is of particular interest for the study of the process of hybridization and speciation for these anisakids.
Fertilization state of Ascaris suum determined by electrorotation
Authors: Dalton C. , Goater A.D. , Smith H.V. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractElectrorotation is a non-invasive technique that is capable of detecting changes in the morphology and physicochemical properties of microorganisms. The first detailed electrorotation study of the egg (ovum) of a parasitic nematode, namely Ascaris suum is described to show that electrorotation can rapidly differentiate between fertilized and non-fertilized eggs. Support for this conclusion is by optical microscopy of egg morphology, and also from modelling of the electrorotational response. Modelling was used to determine differences in the dielectric properties of the unfertilized and fertilized eggs, and also to investigate specific differences in the spectra of fertilized eggs only, potentially reflecting embryogenesis. The potential of electrorotation as an investigative tool is shown, as undamaged eggs can be subjected to further non-destructive and destructive techniques, which could provide further insight into parasite biology and epidemiology.
Helminth fauna of Talpa spp. in the Palaearctic Realm
Authors: Ribas A. , Casanova J.C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe helminth fauna of the genus Talpa in the Palaearctic Realm is reviewed. Several helminth species reported in Talpa spp. by a number of authors are discussed, with reference to host specificity, parasite biology, and host ethology, ecology and phylogeny. Twelve species of cestodes were found, two of which exhibit stenoxenous specificity (Staphylocystis bacillaris and Multitesticulata filamentosa). Only three species of trematodes, Ityogonimus lorum, Ityogonimus ocreatus and Combesia macrobursata, are exclusive parasites of Talpa spp. The largest group are nematodes, with 37 species. Species of Tricholinstowia are parasites of holarctic talpids and several species of distinct genera, such as Capillaria, Soboliphyme and Trichuris, are found only in Talpa spp. Only acanthocephalans of the genus Moniliformis have been reported in moles of the genus Talpa. On the basis of these helminthological findings, the close phylogenetic relationship between moles (Talpidae) and shrews (Soricidae) supports the separation of the ordinal levels Soricomorpha and Erinaceomorpha.
Influence of season and host age on wild boar parasites in Corsica using indicator species analysis
Authors: Foata J. , Mouillot D. , Culioli J.-L. , Marchand B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe indicator value (Ind Val) method which combines measures of fidelity and specificity has been used in a study on wild boar parasites in Corsica during 2001–2003. Because of its resilience to changes in abundance, IndVal is a particularly effective tool for ecological bioindication. The Ind Val method showed how season can influence the occurrence of parasite species in the wild boar, and also identified parasites as bioindicators relative to host age. The randomization test identified five parasite species having a significant indicator value for the season (the ticks, Hyalomma aegyptium and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the louse, Haematopinus suis and the nematodes Globocephalus urosubulatus and Ascaris suum and two indicator species of an age class (the nematodes G. urosubulatus and Metastrongylus sp.). Data on species composition and infection levels would help improve the monitoring and management of parasitism in Suidae populations.
Antitumor activity of sequence‐specific alkylating agents: Pyrolle‐imidazole CBI conjugates with indole linker
Authors: Shinohara Ken‐ichi , Bando Toshikazu , Sasaki Shunta , Sakakibara Yogo , Minoshima Masafumi , Sugiyama Hiroshi 
Published: February 2006

DNA‐targeting agents, including cisplatin, bleomycin and mitomycin C, are used routinely in cancer treatments. However, these drugs are extremely toxic, attacking normal cells and causing severe side effects. One important question to consider in designing anticancer agents is whether the introduction of sequence selectivity to DNA‐targeting agents can improve their efficacy as anticancer agents. In the present study, the growth inhibition activities of an indole‐seco 1,2,9,9a‐tetrahydrocyclopropa[1,2‐c]benz[1,2‐e]indol‐4‐one (CBI) (1) and five conjugates with hairpin pyrrole‐imidazole polyamides (2–6), which have different sequence specificities for DNA alkylation, were compared using 10 different cell lines. The average values of – log GI50 (50% growth inhibition concentration) for compounds 1–6 against the 10 cell lines were 8.33, 8.56, 8.29, 8.04, 8.23 and 8.83, showing that all of these compounds strongly inhibit cell growth. Interestingly, each alkylating agent caused significantly different growth inhibition patterns with each cell line. In particular, the correlation coefficients between the – log GI50 of compound 1 and its conjugates 2–6 showed extremely low values (R < 0). These results suggest that differences in the sequence specificity of DNA alkylation lead to marked differences in biological activity. Comparison of the correlation coefficients between compounds 6 and 7, with the same sequence specificity as 6, and MS‐247, with sequence specificity different from 6, when used against a panel of 37 human cancer cell lines further confirmed the above hypothesis. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 219–225)
Depression and survival in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer after curative resection: a preliminary study
Authors: Nakaya Naoki , Saito‐Nakaya Kumi , Akizuki Nobuya , Yoshikawa Eisho , Kobayakawa Makoto , Fujimori Maiko , Nagai Kanji , Nishiwaki Yutaka , Fukudo Shin , Tsubono Yoshitaka , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: February 2006

Psychological depression is thought to be a predictor of poor survival among cancer patients. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between depression and survival in surgically treated Japanese patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). From June 1996 through April 1999, a total of 229 patients with postoperative lung cancer were enrolled. Three months after the patients’ surgery, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐III‐R (SCID) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were used to assess the patient for depression, based on the interviewers’ rating and a self‐report, respectively. The follow‐up period consisted of a total of 14 342 person‐months (median = 69 months). As of January 2004, 55 deaths had occurred within the follow‐up period. A Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of mortality adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, occasion of diagnosis, pathological stage and preoperative percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 s. The depression‐dejection subscale on the POMS was divided into three score levels. The multivariate HR of survival for individuals with depression, as diagnosed by the SCID, was 2.2 (95% confidence interval 0.8–6.0) (P‐value = 0.14), compared with individuals without depression. The multivariate HR of survival for subjects in the highest level of the POMS Depression–Dejection subscale was 1.4 (0.7–2.6), compared with in the lowest level (trend P‐value = 0.0502). This prospective cohort study in Japan does not support the hypothesis that depression is associated with survival among NSCLC patients after curative resection, but further analysis involving a long‐term follow‐up period is needed. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 199–205)
A survey of oesophageal cancer: pathology, stage and clinical presentation
Authors: SCHLANSKY B. , DIMARINO A. J. , LOREN D. , INFANTOLINO A. , KOWALSKI T. , COHEN S. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryBackground  Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Previously, oesophageal cancer was mainly squamous cell, presenting late with dysphagia and weight loss.Aims  To examine the distribution of oesophageal cancer histopathology at a large, urban hospital; to determine the tumour stage and symptoms at presentation; and to evaluate the impact of endoscopic surveillance in Barrett's oesophagus.Methods  From 1999 to 2004, all patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer were evaluated retrospectively for demographics and tumour stage at presentation using endoscopic ultrasonography and computerized tomography.Results  A total of 131 patients were included. 81% of tumours were adenocarcinomas; most localized to the distal oesophagus (97%). Patients presented with dysphagia (56%), pain (30%) and/or weight loss (16%). Irrespective of histology, locally advanced lesions accounted for most cases. Thirteen patients had lesions detected in Barrett's surveillance; these were early or intermediate stage in nine patients, but late stage in four patients.Conclusions  Adenocarcinoma has become the dominant histologic subtype, comprising 81% of proven malignancies. Despite a change in histopathology, most cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, presenting with dysphagia, pain and/or weight loss. Endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus allows earlier diagnosis of cancer in most, but not all, patients.
Despite high satisfaction, majority of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease patients continue to use proton pump inhibitors after antireflux surgery
Authors: MADAN A. , MINOCHA A. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryBackground  While antireflux surgery is effective in controlling symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux, its role in eliminating the use of antireflux medicines after surgery and as such its long‐term cost‐effectiveness remains controversial.Aim  To assess the patient satisfaction and the continued medication use following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication at a tertiary level community hospital.Methods  Adult patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication at our institution over a period of over 3 years were asked to complete a questionnaire recording their demographic information, date and reason for the surgery, preprocedure and postprocedure symptoms, smoking and alcohol use, and medication use preoperatively and post‐operatively. Patients were also asked about their satisfaction with surgery.Results  One hundred patients participated in the study. Overall, 90% patients experienced satisfaction with their surgery. Eighty percentage patients were willing to undergo surgery again, if needed. Over two‐thirds (67%) patients had decrease in the severity of their symptoms. None of the patients had worsening of symptoms post‐operatively. However, 80% patients were still taking antireflux medications including proton pump inhibitors (53%).Conclusions  Most patients continue to use antireflux medications including after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication despite high satisfaction with surgery.
The effect of over‐the‐counter ranitidine 75 mg on night‐time heartburn in patients with erosive oesophagitis on daily proton pump inhibitor maintenance therapy
Authors: VAKIL N. , GUDA N. , PARTINGTON S. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryBackground  H2‐receptor antagonists are widely used with proton pump inhibitors.Aim  To determine if H2‐receptor antagonists used in conjunction with proton pump inhibitors were effective for nocturnal heartburn in patients taking proton pump inhibitors.Methods  We evaluated 386 patients with erosive oesophagitis documented at endoscopy who were receiving single daily maintenance proton pump inhibitor therapy to determine if they had symptoms of nocturnal heartburn. Patients with two or more episodes of night‐time a week were invited to participate in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a single dose of an over‐the‐counter preparation of ranitidine 75 mg at bedtime or matching placebo for 14 days.Results  The prevalence of nocturnal symptoms was 10.6%. Mean symptom scores on the first day of the trial (baseline) were similar between the treatment group (1.1 ± 0.9) and the placebo group (1.1 ± 1.1). On day 3, symptom scores were significantly lower in the ranitidine group (0.71 ± 0.69) compared with the control group (1.4 ± 1.2; P = 0.045). On day 14, mean symptom scores were similar in the ranitidine group (0.82 ± 0.95) and the control group (1 ± 0.84).Conclusions  Nocturnal heartburn is uncommon on proton pump inhibitor therapy; the addition of ranitidine at bedtime resulted in a decrease in symptom scores on day 3 but there were no differences on day 14.
Haemodynamic instability during thyroid surgery: a baroreflex‐mediated neurogenic phenomenon?
Authors: Nouraei S. A. R. , Davies M. R. , Obholzer R. , Sandhu G. S. , Porter F. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryWe present a case of marked intra‐operative blood pressure instability in a euthyroid, fit 33‐year‐old female undergoing elective hemithyroidectomy. This led to significant haemodynamic compromise, cardiac failure and end‐organ damage. There was no evidence of a vasoactive endocrine cause, and the nature and timing of the event strongly pointed towards baroreflex‐mediated neurogenic sympathetic dysfunction. This can occur during carotid surgery and neck dissection. Although haemodynamic fluctuations may happen during thyroid surgery, their severity in this case was unusual. We believe this could have been a rebound phenomenon in response to acute decompression of the carotid artery which had been compressed by an enlarging cyst. We suggest that in similar cases blockade of the carotid sinus could attenuate such responses.
Impact of introducing a sedation management guideline in intensive care
Authors: Adam C. , Rosser D. , Manji M. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryTo ensure that sedative agents in the intensive care unit are used for maximum benefit, a guideline that promotes the accurate and continuous assessment of patients' needs is indicated. This observational 24‐month prospective study investigated the effect of introducing a sedation management guideline into a 10‐bedded multidisciplinary intensive care unit on length of stay, severity of illness, mortality and the number of bed days provided. Costs for all sedative drugs were calculated as cost per bed day. Intensive care unit mortality remained constant before and after guideline introduction. The length of stay of non‐cardiac surgery patients was mean (SD) 4.6 (4.4) and 5.1 (4.3) days, respectively (p = 0.2). Monthly sedative cost before guideline introduction was £6285 compared to £3629 afterwards (p≤0.0001), representing a real saving of £63 759 in sedative costs over the 2 years following introduction of the guideline.Guideline‐directed management for sedation significantly reduces the cost of sedative drugs per bed day without any negative effect on length of ICU stay and outcome.
A study of codispensing with sodium alendronate in Australia
Authors: Boyd Ian W. , McEwen John , Calcino Lisa J. 
Published: February 2006

AimTo estimate the percentage of patients dispensed alendronate who were also dispensed another drug for treatment of an upper gastrointestinal disorder (‘GI’ drug).MethodsThe Australian Health Insurance Commission (HIC) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) database was searched to identify a cohort of patients for whom alendronate or calcitriol had been dispensed and had also been dispensed a GI drug.ResultsThe number of patients dispensed a GI drug were 6.7% for alendronate and 7.5% for calcitriol with H2‐receptor antagonists accounting for the majority of usage. This difference of − 0.8% (95% confidence interval −1.6, 0.1) is not significant.ConclusionThere was no excess use of GI drugs in patients taking alendronate compared with those taking calcitriol and the Australian HIC PBS database is useful for identifying large numbers of patients who have been dispensed combinations of drugs.