bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central nervous system regulation of mammalian hibernation: implications for metabolic suppression and ischemia tolerance
Authors: Drew Kelly L. , Buck C. Loren , Barnes Brian M. , Christian Sherri L. , Rasley Brian T. , Harris Michael B. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTorpor during hibernation defines the nadir of mammalian metabolism where whole animal rates of metabolism are decreased to as low as 2% of basal metabolic rate. This capacity to decrease profoundly the metabolic demand of organs and tissues has the potential to translate into novel therapies for the treatment of ischemia associated with stroke, cardiac arrest or trauma where delivery of oxygen and nutrients fails to meet demand. If metabolic demand could be arrested in a regulated way, cell and tissue injury could be attenuated. Metabolic suppression achieved during hibernation is regulated, in part, by the central nervous system through indirect and possibly direct means. In this study, we review recent evidence for mechanisms of central nervous system control of torpor in hibernating rodents including evidence of a permissive, hibernation protein complex, a role for A1 adenosine receptors, mu opiate receptors, glutamate and thyrotropin‐releasing hormone. Central sites for regulation of torpor include the hippocampus, hypothalamus and nuclei of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, we discuss evidence that hibernation phenotypes can be translated to non‐hibernating species by H2S and 3‐iodothyronamine with the caveat that the hypothermia, bradycardia, and metabolic suppression induced by these compounds may or may not be identical to mechanisms employed in true hibernation.
Development of primers to characterize the mitochondrial control region of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia)
Authors: ZHANG F , JIANG Z. , ZENG Y. , MCCARTHY T 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a rare carnivore living above the snow line in central Asia. Using universal primers for the mitochondrial genome control region hypervariable region 1 (HVR1), we isolated a 411‐bp fragment of HVR1 and then designed specific primers near each end of this sequence in the conserved regions. These primers were shown to yield good polymerase chain reaction products and to be species specific. Of the 12 snow leopards studied, there were 11 segregating sites and six haplotypes. An identification case of snow leopard carcass (confiscated by the police) proved the primers to be a useful tool for forensic diagnosis in field and population genetics studies.
Detection and validation of EST‐derived SNPs for poplar leaf rust Melampsora medusae f. sp. deltoidae
Authors: FEAU NICOLAS , BERGERON MARIE‐JOSÉE , JOLY DAVID L. , ROUSSEL FABIEN , HAMELIN RICHARD C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe report the discovery, characterization and validation of 118 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for poplar leaf rust Melampsora medusae f. sp. deltoidae identified using a gene‐targeted approach in an expressed sequence tag (EST) library. We developed a genotyping assay using the iPLEX™ primer extension method for two multiplex assays of 28 and 22 SNPs.
Newly developed PCR primers for polymorphic microsatellite loci from the marine isopod Limnoria sp.
Authors: HAYE PILAR A. , MARCHANT SERGIO 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNine microsatellite loci are isolated and characterized for the marine isopod Limnoria sp., a model invertebrate species for the study of connectivity of marine brooders with high potential of dispersal through rafting. Analysis of 35 individuals of one population revealed a mean number of alleles of 12.66 and mean expected heterozygosity of 0.83, indicating a high level of variability at most loci. These polymorphic microsatellite loci should be useful to the study of the geographical distribution of the genetic diversity of this species of Limnoria.
Intelligent Information: A National System for Monitoring Clinical Performance
Authors: Bottle Alex , Aylin Paul 
Published: June 2007

Objective. To use statistical process control charts to monitor in‐hospital outcomes at the hospital level for a wide range of procedures and diagnoses.Data Sources. Routine English hospital admissions data.Study Design. Retrospective analysis using risk‐adjusted log‐likelihood cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts, comparing each hospital with the national average and its peers for in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, and emergency readmission within 28 days.Data Collection. Data were derived from the Department of Health administrative hospital admissions database, with monthly uploads from the clearing service.Principal Findings. The tool is currently being used by nearly 100 hospitals and also a number of primary care trusts responsible for purchasing hospital care. It monitors around 80 percent of admissions and in‐hospital deaths. Case‐mix adjustment gives values for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve between 0.60 and 0.86 for mortality, but the values were poorer for readmission.Conclusions. CUSUMs are a promising management tool for managers and clinicians for driving improvement in hospital performance for a range of outcomes, and interactive presentation via a web‐based front end has been well received by users. Our methods act as a focus for intelligently directed clinical audit with the real potential to improve outcomes, but wider availability and prospective monitoring are required to fully assess the method's utility.
Addressing Ceiling Effects in Health Status Measures: A Comparison of Techniques Applied to Measures for People with HIV Disease
Authors: Huang I‐Chan , Frangakis Constantine , Atkinson Mark J. , Willke Richard J. , Leite Walter L. , Vogel W. Bruce , Wu Albert W. 
Published: June 2007

Objectives. To compare different approaches to address ceiling effects when predicting EQ‐5D index scores from the 10 subscales of the MOS‐HIV Health Survey.Study Design. Data were collected from an HIV treatment trial. Statistical methods included ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, the censored least absolute deviations (CLAD) approach, a standard two‐part model (TPM), a TPM with a log‐transformed EQ‐5D index, and a latent class model (LCM). Predictive accuracy was evaluated using percentage of absolute error (R1) and squared error (R2) predicted by statistical methods.Findings. A TPM with a log‐transformed EQ‐5D index performed best on R1; a LCM performed best on R2. In contrast, the CLAD was worst. Performance of the OLS and a standard TPM were intermediate. Values for R1 ranged from 0.33 (CLAD) to 0.42 (TPM‐L); R2 ranged from 0.37 (CLAD) to 0.53 (LCM).Conclusions. The LCM and TPM with a log‐transformed dependent variable are superior to other approaches in handling data with ceiling effects.
Oxycodone as a component of multimodal analgesia for lactating mothers after Caesarean section: Relationships between maternal plasma, breast milk and neonatal plasma levels
Authors: SEATON Suzette , REEVES Mark , McLEAN Stuart 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  Oxycodone has become popular for post‐Caesarean section (CS) analgesia yet it is not currently recommended for use in breast‐feeding mothers because of limited information on its excretion into breast milk.Aim:  To investigate the relationship between maternal ingestion of oxycodone after CS and the resultant maternal plasma, breast milk and neonatal plasma drug levels up to 72‐h post‐partum.Methods:  Fifty breast‐feeding mothers taking oxycodone had blood and breast milk samples analysed for oxycodone levels at 24 h intervals after CS. Forty‐one neonates had blood samples taken at 48 h.Results:  Oxycodone was detected in the milk of mothers who had taken any dose in a 24‐h period, with significant correlation between maternal plasma and milk levels (R2 = 0.81). The median milk:plasma (M:P) ratio for the same period was 3.2:1. Over the subsequent 48 h, the relationship between plasma and milk levels was less strong (R2 = 0.59) and there was a larger range of M:P levels with evidence of persistence of oxycodone in the breast milk of some mothers. Oxycodone levels up to 168 ng/mL were detected in breast milk (20% > 100 ng/mL). Oxycodone was detected in the plasma of one infant.Conclusions:  Oxycodone is concentrated in human breast milk up to 72‐h post‐partum. Breastfed infants may receive > 10% of a therapeutic infant dose. However, maternal oxycodone intake up to 72‐h post‐CS poses only minimal risk to the breast‐feeding infant as low volumes of breast milk are ingested during this period.
Laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy for patients with extensive pelvic adhesions: A strategy to minimise conversion to laparotomy
Authors: HSU Wen‐Chiung , CHANG Wen‐Chun , HUANG Su‐Cheng , SHEU Bor‐Ching , TORNG Pao‐Ling , CHANG Daw‐Yuan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim:  To evaluate a strategy for successful laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in patients with extensive pelvic adhesion.Methods:  Two hundred and thirty‐six patients who underwent LAVH at National Taiwan University Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. Twenty‐three patients (9.7%) had unexpected extensive pelvic adhesions. A special procedure of uterine artery preligation through retroperitoneal downstream ureter tracking was applied to overcome this problem. The clinical characteristics of the study group were analysed. The operative parameters and the outcome were compared between those with and without extensive pelvic adhesions.Results:  Having extensive adhesions, 17 patients were associated with endometriosis and the other six were secondary to previous Caesarean delivery or pelvic inflammation. The cul‐de‐sac was partially and totally obliterated in 10 and 13 patients, respectively. These 23 patients had longer operation time (184 vs 146 min, P < 0.05), more blood loss (146 vs 89 mL, P < 0.05), but smaller extirpated uteri (278 vs 372 g, P = 0.063), compared with the other 213 patients. The average hospital stay was comparable (3.2 vs 3.4 days) and there were no ureteral injuries or excessive bleeding. Most importantly, not a single case was converted to laparotomy.Conclusion:  Pelvic adhesions of various underlying diseases are associated with increased complication and conversion rates during LAVH. Although this technique is not new, we believe that the special procedure of uterine artery preligation through retroperitoneal downstream ureter tracking may provide a safe approach for general gynecologists to complete successful LAVH in patients with unexpected extensive pelvic adhesions.
Infracoccygeal sacropexy
Authors: FOOTE Andrew J. , RALPH Jennifer 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFifty‐two women with vault prolapse underwent infracoccygeal sacropexy. There was a mesh erosion incidence of 21.1% at a mean time of 20 weeks. This rate is higher than the rates for single‐filament meshes used for suburethral slings. This study suggests that multifilament meshes should no longer be used due to the unacceptably high erosion rate.
Editorial: Gadolinium Use in Patients with Kidney Disease: A Cause for Concern
Authors: Perazella Mark A. , Rodby Roger A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractGadolinium is widely used as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent and is considered to have a good overall safety profile. Recently, both renal and extra‐renal toxicities have been reported following exposure to gadolinium in patients with underlying kidney disease. Gadolinium‐related contrast‐induced nephropathy appears to be a risk in patients with advanced kidney disease and especially those with diabetic nephropathy. Even more concerning is the strong association of gadolinium with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a devastating fibrosing disorder of the skin and other systemic organs. Although cause and effect have not been proven for the NSF‐gadolinium link, the impaired renal elimination of gadolinium in patients with kidney disease and the instability of gadolinium‐chelate binding may expose tissues to toxic free Gd3+and promote this fibrosing disorder. Caution should be exercised when utilizing gadolinium as a contrast agent in patients with advanced CKD or ESRD.
Determinants of Antenatal Care Utilization in Three Rural Areas of Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Lieu Thi Thuy , Dibley Michael John , Byles Julie 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To identify factors associated with any use of antenatal care (ANC), gestational age at entry to ANC, number of visits, and overall ANC utilization in the three provinces of Long an, Ben tre, and Quang ngai.Data: The Vietnam‐Australia Primary Health Care Project conducted cross‐sectional surveys in 1998–1999. Data from 1,335 eligible women were available for analysis.Methods: Explanatory variables were selected using the Andersen Health Seeking Behavior Model and analyzed using multivariate regression techniques.Results: External environment, predisposing characteristics, and need, which existed before contact with ANC providers, were most related to using any ANC and gestational age at entry to ANC. However, ANC services provided to women and personal health care during pregnancy, which could have resulted from initial contact with ANC providers, were most related to continuation of ANC visits and overall ANC utilization. Significant variability in the use of ANC existed between provinces and between subsets of women in each province.Conclusion: To have more women who attend ANC and attend early, promotion should be targeted at high‐risk groups of women. However, to improve the number of ANC visits and overall utilization, the quality of ANC services should be improved.
Association of Maternal Chronic Disease and Negative Birth Outcomes in a Non‐Hispanic Black‐White Mississippi Birth Cohort
Authors: Graham Juanita , Zhang Lei , Schwalberg Renee 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the impact of selected maternal chronic medical conditions, race, and age on preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and infant mortality among Mississippi mothers from 1999 to 2003.Design: A retrospective cohort analysis of linked birth and death certificates.Sample: The 1999–2003 Mississippi birth cohort comprising 202,931 singleton infants born to African American and White women.Measurements: The relationship between maternal chronic conditions and the dependent variables of PTB, LBW, and infant mortality were investigated using logistic regression analysis.Results: PTB, LBW, and infant mortality were more prevalent among African American women, very young women (≤15 years), and women with certain chronic medical conditions. Among White mothers, maternal chronic hypertension was significantly associated with PTB and LBW, and maternal diabetes with PTB and infant mortality. Among African American mothers, maternal cardiac disease was significantly associated with PTB and LBW; maternal chronic hypertension was significantly associated with LBW and infant mortality; and maternal diabetes with PTB.Conclusions: Maternal chronic hypertension and diabetes were significantly associated with negative birth outcomes regardless of maternal race. Maternal cardiac disease was only significantly associated with PTB and LBW among African Americans.
Reversible Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Reproductive Endocrine Function in Men and Women with Epilepsy—A Prospective Randomized Double‐Blind Withdrawal Study
Authors: Lossius Morten I. , Taubøll Erik , Mowinckel Petter , Mørkrid Lars , Gjerstad Leif 
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and reproductive endocrine function have complex interactions. In this study, we wanted to investigate the effects of AEDs on reproductive endocrine function after withdrawal of AEDs and look for reversible endocrine effects. Methods: The study was prospective, randomized, and double‐blinded. A total of 160 patients were included and randomized to withdrawal or not and 150 (80 females, 53%) patients went through the intervention and was included in the study for 12 months. Complete serum samples from before and 4 months after completed withdrawal/no withdrawal were obtained from 130 patients (63 females, 48%). Results: The main finding was that reversible endocrine changes in sex steroid hormone levels could be observed in both sexes after withdrawal of AEDs. For CBZ, which was the drug used by the majority of the patients, withdrawal led to significant increases in serum testosterone concentrations and free androgen index (FAI) in both men (n = 19) and women (n = 19). Mean differences in change in FAI between the withdrawal group and nonwithdrawal group were in men 17.49 (CI 10.16–24.81, p ≤ 0.001), and in women 1.61 (CI 0.62–2.61, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings provide further evidence of the potentially negative effects of CBZ treatment on reproductive endocrine functions in men and women, but also show that some of these changes may be reversible, even after years on treatment.
The Role of Cognitive Functioning and Distress in Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults
Authors: Ayalon Liat , Mackin Scott , Arean Patricia A. , Chen Hongtu , McDonel Herr Elizabeth C. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of cognitive functioning and other clinical and demographic characteristics as potential predictors of suicidal ideation in older primary care patients.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Primary care clinics at three Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, three community health centers, and two hospital networks.PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen thousand five hundred ninety older adults without dementia who were receiving primary care (mean age±standard deviation 74.0±6.4; 62.8% men).MEASUREMENTS: Hierarchical logistic regressions were conducted with passive (e.g., thoughts of being better off dead) and active (e.g., thoughts of hurting one self) suicidal ideation as outcome variables. All demographic variables (age, sex, marital status, and ethnicity) were entered in the first block. All clinical variables (distress, cognitive functioning, alcohol consumption, and perceived health) were entered in the second block.RESULTS: In addition to the typical demographic predictors of late‐life suicide (age, martial status, and ethnicity), having poorer cognitive functioning, poorer health, and greater mental distress were associated with passive suicidal ideation (chi‐square (χ2) (14, n=14,618)=1,192.12, P<.001). Younger age, female sex, poorer cognitive functioning, and greater mental distress were associated with active suicidal ideation (χ2(14, n=14,605)=205.35, P<.001).CONCLUSION: Distress and cognitive impairment are the only two variables that consistently predicted passive and active suicidal ideation. Primary care providers who work with older adults need to take both into consideration when evaluating suicidal ideation.
Management Strategies for Pain in Breast Carcinoma Patients: Current Opinions and Future Perspectives
Authors: Saxena Ashok KR. , Kumar Sanjeev 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBreast cancer is the most frequently encountered carcinoma in women worldwide. Pain is the most distressing symptom in patients with breast carcinoma and can occur at all stages of the disease due to the cancer per se as well as due to various diagnostic and treatment modalities. A proper pain assessment helps in identification of pain syndromes and guides in formulating analgesic strategies. Primary therapies of breast carcinoma like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for bony metastases can cause substantial pain relief. However, multimodal analgesic approaches incorporating pharmacological, interventional as well as non‐conventional techniques should be employed prior to, in conjunction with, and after primary therapies of breast cancer. The prevalence of chronic neuropathic pain following breast cancer surgery may exceed 50% by current estimates, and with the increase in life expectancy of these patients, providing adequate pain relief is of paramount importance to improve their quality of life. In this review, we discuss prevailing methods of evaluation and management of pain in patients of breast carcinoma and the new techniques that may become the mainstay of pain management protocols in future.
A DOB allele encoding an amino acid substitution (Phe62Ser) resulting in a Dombrock null phenotype
Authors: Westhoff Connie , Vege Sunitha , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Wylie Dwane , Razib Mohammad , Hue‐Roye Kim , Halverson Gregory , Read Sandy , Whiteoak Elizabeth , Nickle Pam , Maurer Joan , Kavitsky Donna , Nance Sandra , Reid Marion E. 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The gene polymorphisms responsible for the antigens Doa, Dob, Hy, and Joa in the Dombrock (Do) blood group system have been identified. Four different mutations have been reported to cause the Dombrock null [Gy(a–)] phenotype. These include splice mutations, an eight‐nucleotide deletion, and insertion of a stop codon. Here a Dombrock null caused by a single‐amino‐acid substitution in the full‐length protein is reported.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: DOA and DOB were determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DO (ART4) exons and flanking regions were sequenced from genomic DNA. Expression analysis was performed by transfection of wild‐type and mutant cDNAs into HEK 293T cells followed by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Homology modeling was used to map the mutation on the protein structure.RESULTS: The patient's sample carried nt 793G/G, indicating a DOB/DOB background. Exon 2 sequencing showed the sample carried a new mutation, nt 185T>C, causing a Phe62Ser substitution. This variant Do was not expressed on the surface of transfected HEK 293T cells. The mutation maps to a highly conserved FDDQY motif located between the β1‐strand and α1‐helix near the COOH terminus in the native molecule.CONCLUSIONS: The Dombrock null reported here is due to a single Phe62Ser mutation. The expression data confirmed that 62Ser is responsible for lack of cell surface Do, and protein modeling suggests the mutation disrupts important aromatic side chain interactions between Phe62 and His160. Production of an antibody to a high prevalence Dombrock antigen (anti‐Gya) in this patient was consistent with complete absence of Dombrock/ART4 protein.
Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease in immunocompetent patients: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Agbaht Kemal , Altintas Neriman Defne , Topeli Arzu , Gokoz Ozay , Ozcebe Osman 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a fatal complication of transfusion of blood products that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Articles reporting this condition in immunocompetent recipients are usually from countries that still have problems in irradiation of blood products.CASE REPORTS: This report presents fatal TA‐GVHD in four immunocompetent patients referred from rural areas where blood irradiation is still not the routine procedure to our tertiary‐care center between July 2004 and July 2005. A similar history and chronological order of events were observed: fresh whole‐blood transfusion from relatives, fever, rash, liver dysfunction, diarrhea, and pancytopenia. Skin biopsies demonstrated Grade II to III GVHD involvement. Marrow biopsies showed hypoplasia. In two cases, HLA typing studies were performed. Donors were homozygous for a shared HLA haplotype in the patients. All cases were admitted to the intensive care unit within 3 weeks after transfusions with the diagnosis of sepsis, which rapidly progressed to septic shock and multiorgan failure. Another common observation was Candida albicans growth in blood cultures. Unfortunately, all died despite prompt and appropriate sepsis treatment, along with immunomodulatory therapy.CONCLUSION: TA‐GVHD is probably more prevalent than reported in the literature. It must be considered in the differential diagnosis, if the patient with a recent transfusion history admits with fever, skin rash, abnormal liver function tests, and pancytopenia associated with hypoplastic marrow. In rural areas where gamma irradiation is not possible, the overall policy of transfusion (e.g., restriction of transfusion indications and alternative methods for pathogen inactivation) should be reassessed.