bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel tool for the detection of allergic sensitization combining protein microarrays with human basophils
Authors: Lin J. , Renault N. , Haas H. , Schramm G. , Vieths S. , Vogel L. , Falcone F. H. , Alcocer M. J. C. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryBackground
Protein microarray (PM) is a powerful alternative to costly or labour‐intensive diagnostic for the large‐scale detection of allergen‐specific IgE. In this study, we established a proof‐of‐concept that coupling the diversity of protein array with the biological output of basophilic cells is a feasible proposition.Method
Human basophils purified from the peripheral blood of healthy donors were stripped, re‐sensitized with the serum or IgE preparation to be tested, and incubated with manually spotted protein array chips (FAST slides). The basophilic cell lines KU‐812 and RBL‐703/21 likewise sensitized were compared with peripheral blood basophils by the same approach. Purified basophils or other basophilic cells were incubated with FAST slides for various periods of time, washed, and cell binding was visualized by light microscopy. Basophil activation, indicating the effective cross‐linking of IgE by allergens, was monitored via up‐regulation of basophil activation surface marker (CD 63).Results
Purified stripped peripheral basophils, re‐sensitized with the serum of a grass pollen‐allergic patient, displayed strong binding to anti‐IgE antibody and grass pollen extract with relatively low unspecific binding. Similar results were obtained with RBL‐703/21, which may be a good replacement for peripheral basophils to avoid the costly, cumbersome and time‐consuming basophil purification.Conclusion
Our data suggest that coupling the diversity of a PM approach with the potential functionality and biological activity of a cell‐based test is feasible and may result in a new system to detect allergic sensitization.
Wide variation in surgical outcomes for acromegaly in the UK
Authors: Bates P. R. , Carson M. N. , Trainer P. J. , Wass J. A. H. ,   the UK National Acromegaly Register Study Group (UKAR‐2)
Published: September 2007

SummaryObjective  Unsuccessful surgery for acromegaly has major consequences for the patient as well as financial consequences for the National Health Service (NHS). Surgical expertise affects the outcome. We have used the UK National Acromegaly Register to assess surgical outcomes in different centres to investigate whether these match the previously published case series.Design  Retrospective and prospective observational study by analysis of anonymized national computer register records derived from individual clinical case records from 22 UK endocrine units and their associated pituitary surgical services.Patients  Cases of acromegaly, presenting in 1970–2004, with levels of GH or IGF‐1 (785 and 430 cases, respectively) recorded prior to transsphenoidal adenomectomy and in the 12 months postsurgery, before any subsequent pituitary surgery or radiotherapy. GH‐lowering pharmacological therapy was permitted only if suspended for biochemical testing.Measurements  Percentage of cases with ‘safe’ mean postoperative GH levels (< 5 mU/l) and/or IGF‐1 in the age‐ and sex‐adjusted normal range.Results  ‘Safe’ GH, normal IGF‐1, or both was achieved for 26%, 29% and 20% of extrasellar macroadenomas (> 1 cm), respectively, 39%, 39% and 29% of intrasellar macroadenomas, 56%, 51% and 37% of microadenomas (< 1 cm) and 39%, 39% and 28% of cases overall. In centres contributing more than 10 patients’ data, rates of safe GH levels ranged from 20% to 68% and IGF‐1 from 19% to 55%. Success rates in attaining safe postsurgical levels of GH improved only slightly in the UK between 1974 and 1999 but markedly thereafter.Conclusions  Surgical outcomes for acromegaly in UK centres vary widely and historically have not, except in a few centres, matched those of large published series, which mostly have a success rate around 60%. Results have, however, improved substantially since 2000 and in the most successful units match those of the best published series. Experience is an important determinant of surgical success in acromegaly and the very recent improvement in surgical results in the UK coincides with a trend to concentrate pituitary surgery in the hands of a smaller number of specialists. Therefore, patients should be offered surgery by a dedicated pituitary surgeon with a caseload sufficient to offer the prospect of safe postsurgical GH and IGF‐1 levels for the majority of cases.
Predictors of anterior pituitary insufficiency after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Schneider M. , Schneider H. J. , Yassouridis A. , Saller B. , Von Rosen F. , Stalla G. K. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryBackground  Several studies have reported a high prevalence of hypopituitarism after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Risk stratification is a prerequisite for cost‐effective hormonal screening of these patients. However, it is still unclear which risk factors predispose patients to develop anterior hypopituitarism after TBI.Objective  To assess clinical and radiological risk factors for post‐traumatic hypopituitarism.Patients and methods  Seventy‐eight consecutive patients (52 men, 26 women; mean age 36·0 years, range 18–65 years) with mild, moderate or severe TBI were studied. Endocrine and clinical parameters were assessed 3 and 12 months after TBI.Results  We found diffuse axonal injury, basal skull fracture and older age to be major risk factors of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism.Conclusions  We have defined specific risk factors for the development of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism that are consistent with pathophysiological considerations. These findings might help to identify at‐risk patients.
Plankton populations at the bifurcation of the North Pacific Current
Authors: BATTEN SONIA D. , FREELAND HOWARD J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAs the eastward‐flowing North Pacific Current approaches the North American continent it bifurcates into the southward‐flowing California Current and the northward‐flowing Alaska Current. This bifurcation occurs in the south‐eastern Gulf of Alaska and can vary in position. Dynamic height data from Project Argo floats have recently enabled the creation of surface circulation maps which show the likely position of the bifurcation; during 2002 it was relatively far north at ∼53°N then, during early 2003, it moved southwards to a more normal position at ∼45°N. Two ship‐of‐opportunity transects collecting plankton samples with a Continuous Plankton Recorder across the Gulf of Alaska were sampled seasonally during 2002 and 2003. Their position was dependent on the commercial ship’s operations; however, most transects sampled across the bifurcation. We show that the oceanic plankton differed in community composition according to the current system they occurred in during spring and fall of 2002 and 2003, although winter populations were more mixed. Displacement of the plankton communities could have impacts on the plankton’s reproduction and development if they use cues such as day length, and also on foraging of higher trophic‐level organisms that use particular regions of the ocean if the nutritional value of the communities is different. Although we identify some indicator taxa for the Alaska and California currents, functional differences in the plankton communities on either side of the bifurcation need to be better established to determine the impacts of bifurcation movement on the ecosystems of the north‐east Pacific.
Fine needle aspiration vs. mTESE in non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: El‐Haggar S. , Mostafa T. , Abdel Nasser T. , Hany R. , Abdel Hadi A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThis study was carried out on 100 patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) to compare between results and complications of fine needle aspiaartion (FNA) vs. microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) sperm retrieval. They underwent history taking, clinical examination, semen analysis, serum follicle stimulating hormone estimation and scrotal Duplex. One testis was subjected to FNA screening whereas the other testis was subjected to mTESE and histopathology. Follow‐up was by ultrasonography at 1, 3 and 6 months. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 54% by mTESE and 10% by FNA. Spermatozoa were retrieved by mTESE from all cases with hypospermatogenesis, severe hypospermatogenesis, 30% of Sertoli cell only (SCO), 16.7% of germ cell arrest and in 28.6% of tubular hyalinization. Sperms were retrieved by FNA in 33.3% of hypospermatogenesis, 9% in severe hypospermatogenesis, 5% in SCO, 16.7% in germ cell arrest, while no sperms were retrieved in the tubular hyalinization group. The total complication rate following mTESE was 10% in the early phase and none in the long‐term follow‐up compared to 24% of FNA side. It is concluded that mTESE is superior to FNA as regards sperm retrieval rate and lower incidence of complications in NOA patients.
Perceptions of psychiatric care among foreign‐ and Swedish‐born people with psychotic disorders
Authors: Hultsjö Sally , Berterö Carina , Hjelm Katarina 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTitle.  Perceptions of psychiatric care among foreign‐ and Swedish‐born people with psychotic disorders Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore different perceptions of psychiatric care among foreign‐ and Swedish‐born people with psychotic disorders.Background.  Research from different countries reports a high‐incidence of psychosis among migrants. The risk‐factors discussed are social disadvantages in the new country. To understand and meet the needs of people from different countries, their perspective of psychiatric care must be illuminated and taken into consideration.Method.  A phenomenographic study was conducted in 2005–2006 using semi‐structured interviews with a convenience sample of 12 foreign‐born people and 10 Swedish‐born people with psychosis.Findings.  Three categories were identified: personal and family involvement in care; relating to healthcare staff; and managing illness and everyday life. Foreign‐born people differed from Swedish‐born people in that they struggled to attain an everyday life in Sweden, relied on healthcare staff as experts in making decisions, and had religious beliefs about mental illness. Among Swedish‐born people, the need for more support to relatives and help to perform recreational activities was important.Conclusion.  It is important to identify individual perceptions and needs, which may be influenced by cultural origins, when caring for patients with psychosis. Previous experience of care, different ways of relating to staff, and individual needs should be identified and met with respect. Social needs should not be medicalized but taken into consideration when planning care, which illustrates the importance of multi‐professional co‐operation.
Leichhardt’s maps: 100 years of change in vegetation structure in inland Queensland
Authors: Fensham R. J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAim  To address the hypothesis that there has been a substantial increase in woody vegetation cover (‘vegetation thickening’) during the 100 years after the burning practices of aboriginal hunter‐gatherers were abruptly replaced by the management activities associated with pastoralism in north‐east Australia.Location  Three hundred and eighty‐three sites on 3000 km transect, inland Queensland, Australia.Methods  Vegetation structure descriptions from the route notes of the first European exploration of the location by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1844–45 were georeferenced and compiled. Leichhardt’s application of structural descriptors (e.g. ‘scrub’, ‘open forest’, ‘plain’) was interpreted as domains within a matrix of tall stratum and low stratum woody cover. Woody cover was also interpreted for the same locations using aerial photography that largely pre‐dates extensive land clearing (1940s–1970s) and compared with their structural domain in 1844–45. The fire‐sensitive tree, cypress‐pine (Callitris glaucophylla) was singled out for case study because it has been widely proposed that the density of this tree has substantially increased under European pastoral management.Results  The coarse resolution of this analysis indicates that the structure of the vegetation has been stable over the first 100 years of pastoralism. For example treeless or sparsely treed plains described by Leichhardt (1844–45) had the same character on the aerial photography (1945–78). Leichhardt typically described vegetation that includes cypress‐pine as having a ‘thicket’ structure suggesting dense regenerating stands of small trees, consistent with the signature typical on the aerial photography.Main conclusions  A large data set of geographically located descriptions of vegetation structure from the first European traverse of inland Australia compared with vegetation structure determined from aerial photography does not support the hypothesis that vegetation thickening has been extensive and substantial. On the contrary the study suggests that the structure of the vegetation has been relatively stable for the first 100 years of European settlement and pastoralism except for those areas that have been affected by broad‐scale clearing.
Home enteral tube feeding in children following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: perceptions of parents, paediatric dietitians and paediatric nurses
Authors: Brotherton A. , Abbott J. , Hurley M. , Aggett P. J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: The perceptions of parents and professionals are important in deciding to feed children by gastrostomy, yet there are few published studies in this field. This study explored and compared the perceptions of parents to those of paediatric outreach nurses and paediatric dietitians.Methods: A cross‐sectional mixed‐method study with purposive sampling was undertaken using structured interviews and questionnaires to explore perceptions of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement and feeding. Binomial regression was used to investigate differences in perceptions across the groups of participants.Results: Parents, paediatric outreach nurses and dietitians shared similar perceptions regarding success of feeding, support for gastrostomy reinsertion and the acceptability of the child’s quality of life. Much greater differences in perceptions were evident regarding the parents’ involvement in the decision‐making process for PEG placement and the adequacy of the support received from healthcare professionals.Conclusions: A high level of support for feeding was demonstrated together with strong perceptions across all groups that feeding was successful. It is important for healthcare professionals to consider the perceptions of the parents throughout decision making and provision of care following PEG placement because it is highly likely there will be differences in the perceptions between parents and healthcare professionals.
ADP/ATP carrier is required for mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release in yeast apoptosis
Authors: Pereira Clara , Camougrand Nadine , Manon Stéphen , Sousa Maria João , Côrte‐Real Manuela 
Published: September 2007

SummaryAdenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) is a mitochondrial inner membrane protein involved in the ADP/ATP exchange and is a component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP). In mammalian apoptosis, the PTP can mediate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), which is suspected to be responsible for the release of apoptogenic factors, including cytochrome c. Although release of cytochrome c in yeast apoptosis has previously been reported, it is not known how it occurs. Herein we used yeast genetics to investigate whether depletion of proteins putatively involved in MOMP and cytochrome c release affects these processes in yeast. While deletion of POR1 (yeast voltage‐dependent anion channel) enhances apoptosis triggered by acetic acid, H2O2 and diamide, CPR3 (mitochondrial cyclophilin) deletion had no effect. Absence of ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) proteins, yeast orthologues of ANT, protects cells exposed to acetic acid and diamide but not to H2O2. Expression of a mutated form of Aac2p (op1) exhibiting very low ADP/ATP translocase activity indicates that AAC's pro‐death role does not require translocase activity. Absence of AAC proteins impairs MOMP and release of cytochrome c, which, together with other mitochondrial inner membrane proteins, is degraded. Our findings point to a crucial role of AAC in yeast apoptosis.
Possible flexural accommodation on the eastern edge of the Altiplano in relation to focussed erosion in the Rio La Paz drainage system
Authors: Zeilinger Gerold , Schlunegger Fritz 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIt has been proposed that erosional unloading by focused incision can be accommodated by flexural rebound, which in turn, potentially exerts a positive feedback on erosion. This paper presents morphometric data from the La Paz drainage basin in the Bolivian Andes to illustrate the effects of such a feedback mechanism between erosion and crustal bending. The Rio La Paz is a prominent system with the headwaters on the Altiplano and a trunk stream segment that cuts across the Cordillera Real thereby connecting large portions of the Altiplano with the Amazon Basin. The flexural feedback model explains why all drainages beyond the watershed disperse their waters to the Altiplano. It also provides an explanation for the presence of the highest peaks just next to the location where the La Paz River cuts into the bedrock across the Cordillera Real.
Pemphigus foliaceus‐like drug reaction in a 3‐month‐old crossbreed dog treated for juvenile cellulitis
Authors: Horvath Christa , Neuber Ariane , Litschauer Barbara 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTwo weeks after administration of routine vaccinations, a 3‐month‐old, male crossbreed dog developed cutaneous lesions that were clinically and histopathologically consistent with a diagnosis of juvenile cellulitis. The patient was treated with systemic antibacterial, antibacterial ophthalmic ointment and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Within 1 week, new skin lesions that were clinically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically consistent with pemphigus foliaceus developed. The latter completely resolved following drug withdrawal, suggesting a pemphigus foliaceus‐like drug reaction. However, the initial lesions persisted and required glucocorticoid therapy to effect resolution. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a puppy developing juvenile cellulitis followed by a pemphigus foliaceus‐like reaction shortly thereafter, in response to drug therapy.
Clinical, pathologic, and immunopathologic features of dermatitis herpetiformis: review of the Mayo Clinic experience*,†
Authors: Alonso‐Llamazares Javier , Gibson Lawrence E. , Rogers Roy S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a cutaneous manifestation of gluten sensitivity, occasionally associated with other autoimmune disorders, and reportedly associated with an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders. We describe a series of patients with DH, focusing on associated disorders (particularly celiac disease), incidence of lymphoma, histopathology, and sensitivity of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) testing and serologic testing with antiendomysium antibodies for the diagnosis of DH.Methods  The medical records of 264 patients with DH diagnosed between 1970 and 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. In addition, the records of six patients evaluated before the advent of DIF testing between 1932 and 1969 were reviewed.Results  Established celiac disease was present in 12.6% of patients with DH, autoimmune systemic disorders in 22.2%, malignant neoplasms in 10.4%, sarcoidosis in four patients, and ulcerative colitis in six patients. Lymphoproliferative disorders were found in seven patients. The histopathologic examinations showed a marked predominance of neutrophils in the inflammatory infiltrate. DIF testing was positive in 92.4% of the patients tested. Indirect immunofluorescence assay indicated circulating antiendomysial antibodies in the sera of 40 of the 63 patients tested (63.5%).Conclusions  In this large series of patients with DH from a single institution, patients had a low incidence of symptomatic gluten‐sensitive enteropathy, low risk of lymphoproliferative disorders, and associations with other systemic autoimmune disorders. The value of DIF testing in the diagnosis of DH was confirmed. The detection of antiendomysial antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence was less sensitive than indicated by other reports.
Look who’s taking notes in your clinic: mystery shoppers as evaluators in sexual health services
Authors: Baraitser Paula , Pearce Vikki , Walsh Nathalie , Cooper Richard , Brown Kirsty Collander , Holmes Jo , Smith Lovelle , Boynton Petra 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectives  To test the feasibility of professional patients as a tool for sexual health service evaluation. Professional patients are paid to use services specifically for audit or evaluation purposes without disclosing their identity as evaluators.Methods  Professional patients visited five large sexual health departments used by 3000 clients per week in two inner London Boroughs with very high rates of sexual ill health. They recorded their experience on a structured evaluation form. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were completed with seven service providers to document their experience of the programme.Results  Recruitment and training for professional patients is described. Forty professional patients made 105 visits during two rounds of visits 9 months apart. After 47% (round 1) and 62% (round 2) of visits, the professional patients felt that they would recommend the service to a friend. The professional patients provided detailed and specific feedback on all aspects of service provision. This information was highly valued by service providers who reported few objections from staff to the visits. A small number of examples of very poor care were documented.Conclusions  Professional patients are a useful tool for sexual health service evaluation. They provide high quality feedback because they are both ‘experts’ on sexual health service provision and users of sexual health services. This method of evaluation raises ethical issues about the acceptability of deception as part of the evaluation process, the right of staff to anonymity and to refuse to be visited. Professional patient programmes provide an opportunity for regular cycles of user feedback to monitor quality improvement.