bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative response of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and other transfusion‐dependent anaemias to deferasirox (ICL670): a 1‐yr prospective study
Authors: Porter John , Galanello Renzo , Saglio Giuseppe , Neufeld Ellis J. , Vichinsky Elliott , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Olivieri Nancy , Piga Antonio , Cunningham Melody J. , Soulières Denis , Gattermann Norbert , Tchernia Gilbert , Maertens Johan , Giardina Patricia , Kwiatkowski Janet , Quarta Giovanni , Jeng Michael , Forni Gian Luca , Stadler Michael , Cario Holger , Debusscher Louisette , Porta Matteo Della , Cazzola Mario , Greenberg Peter , Alimena Giuliana , Rabault Bertrand , Gathmann Insa , Ford John Malcolm , Alberti Daniele , Rose Christian 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectives/methods:  This 1‐yr prospective phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of deferasirox in regularly transfused patients aged 3–81 yrs with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS; n = 47), Diamond–Blackfan anaemia (DBA; n = 30), other rare anaemias (n = 22) or β‐thalassaemia (n = 85). Dosage was determined by baseline liver iron concentration (LIC).Results:  In patients with baseline LIC ≥7 mg Fe/g dry weight, deferasirox initiated at 20 or 30 mg/kg/d produced statistically significant decreases in LIC (P < 0.001); these decreases were greatest in MDS and least in DBA. As chelation efficiency and iron excretion did not differ significantly between disease groups, the differences in LIC changes are consistent with mean transfusional iron intake (least in MDS: 0.28 ± 0.14 mg/kg/d; greatest in DBA: 0.4 ± 0.11 mg/kg/d). Overall, LIC changes were dependent on dose (P < 0.001) and transfusional iron intake (P < 0.01), but not statistically different between disease groups. Changes in serum ferritin and LIC were correlated irrespective of disease group (r = 0.59), supporting the potential use of serum ferritin for monitoring deferasirox therapy. Deferasirox had a safety profile compatible with long‐term use. There were no disease‐specific safety/tolerability effects: the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rash and non‐progressive serum creatinine increases.Conclusions:  Deferasirox is effective for reducing iron burden with a defined, clinically manageable safety profile in patients with various transfusion‐dependent anaemias. There were no disease‐specific adverse events. Once differences in transfusional iron intake are accounted for, dose‐dependent changes in LIC or serum ferritin are similar in MDS and other disease groups.
The Use of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Donkers‐van Rossum A. B. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryComputed tomography (CT) has made its introduction in the diagnostic work‐up for pulmonary embolism (PE) since 1992. Initially only larger thrombi could be visualized, gradually smaller thrombi were also found. This is mainly due to technical development in CT and the introduction of the multidetector CT. Today CT is an integral part of the diagnostic work‐up for PE. In this article an overview is given from the literature from 1998 until 2006 about the performance of CT in the detection of PE, especially regarding the diagnostic accuracy and clinical value of CT in the diagnosis of PE.
Knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers attending a dental institute in India: a survey report
Authors: Shigli Kamal , Angadi Gangadhar Shivappa , Hebbal Mamata 
Published: November 2007

Objective:  Knowledge of subjects regarding prosthodontic treatment may play a role in their acceptance of the prostheses. The purpose of this survey was to assess the knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among the denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum.Methods:  A self‐designed closed‐ended questionnaire containing 14 questions was designed. Four‐hundred and nineteen subjects aged between 25 and 65 years were surveyed over a period of 2 months. Collected data were statistically analysed using chi‐squared test at a significance level of p < 0.05.Results:  From the 419 subjects surveyed, 140 subjects (33.4%) were dentate and 279 subjects (66.6%) were edentulous either in the maxillary, mandibular or both arches. Among the 279 edentulous subjects, 143 (51.3%) did not use any kind of prosthesis. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge regarding the replacement of teeth by artificial means, the number of visits required for the provision of a complete denture, problems with dentures among subjects using and not using them (p < 0.001) whereas no significant difference was found among the subjects regarding aesthetics with dentures and socializing with friends.Conclusion:  Attempts should be made to raise the level of knowledge of both denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute for any dental treatment.
Tooth loss and associated factors in long‐term institutionalised elderly patients
Authors: Tramini Paul , Montal Sylvie , Valcarcel Jean 
Published: November 2007

Objective:  To compare partial and total tooth loss in dependent institutionalised elderly patients and identify any associated factors.Background:  A poor oral health status, together with a reduction of autonomy can seriously affect the general health and increase the risk of death in elderly people. Those with total tooth loss and in need of assistance are the most at risk.Materials and methods:  In 2004, a cross‐sectional study of 321 elderly patients was conducted in long‐term hospital services provided in Montpellier, France. Socio‐demographic, behavioural, medical and oral health information was recorded for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to test the relationship between those covariates and partial or total tooth loss. Pearson chi‐squared tests were used for bivariate analyses.Results:  The proportion of edentulousness was 26.9%; among these12.6% had no dentures. The factors significantly associated with edentulism were: an age ‘older than 87 years’ [odds ratio (OR) = 9.4], the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 6.8), and inadequate oral hygiene (OR = 0.1). The factors most significantly associated with partial tooth loss (at least 21 missing teeth) were ‘cancerous disease’ (OR = 9.9), the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 5.6) and the presence of a neurological disease (OR = 4.1). The factors significantly related to dentate status (20 or more natural teeth retained) were ‘hypertension treatment’ (OR = 2.4), and ‘cortisone treatment’ (OR = 0.2).Conclusion:  General health problems as well as a poor oral condition were significant risk indicators for tooth loss among the long‐term institutionalised elderly. This suggests that the number of remaining teeth has a strong effect on oral health‐related quality of life.
The Influence ofArtemiaand Algal Supplements during the Nursery Phase of Rearing Pacific White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Zelaya Oscar , Davis D. Allen , Rouse David B. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractA 21‐d nursery trial was conducted to evaluate various food supplements on growth and survival of postlarval (PL)Litopenaeus vannamei.Each of four treatments was provided with an equal quantity of a dried commercial feed throughout the study. Three treatments received algae paste (Thalassiosira weissflogii) supplemented every 3 d. These include F, commercial feed plus algae; FAr3, commercial feed plus algae plusArtemiaevery other day during the first 7 d; and FAr7, commercial feed plus algae plusArtemiaevery day during the first 7 d. The fourth treatment served as control (FNA); it relied only on the commercial feed plus naturally occurring algae. At the conclusion of the nursery period, there were no significant differences in survival or feed conversion ration for PL nursed in the various treatments.Artemiadid have some effect in that PL receivingArtemiasupplement for 3 d (FAr3) were significantly larger than those that did not. Algal paste in itself had no significant effect. Overall, results suggest an advantage to supplementing dried feed withArtemiafor at least 3 d during the first week of nursery culture but little advantage to the use of a diatom paste as a food supplement.
Performance of Different Types of Commercial Feeds on the Growth of Juvenile Silver Pomfret, Pampus argenteus, under Tank Culture Conditions
Authors: Almatar Sulaiman M. , James Charles M. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract The present study was carried out using juveniles of silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus, produced in the hatchery by stripping eggs from spawners collected from the wild during 2004 and 2005 culture period. The experiments carried out during 2004 investigated the efficiency of using salmon feed mixed with cyclopeeze, salmon feed mixed with shrimp meat, salmon feed alone, and shrimp meat alone in the diet using 1 m3 capacity round fiberglass tanks in three replicates for each treatment with flow‐through seawater. The results showed that inclusion of shrimp meat in the diet either with salmon feed or alone give significantly high (P < 0.01) weight gain of up to 1.10 ± 0.06 g/fish/d and significantly lower (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio compared to that of feeds without shrimp meat. The experiments carried out during 2005 investigated the use of commercially available feeds with feed additives. The results showed that feeding with “Gemma” feed with 54.0% crude protein and 19.0% crude fat or salmon feed with 41.4% crude protein and 23.9% crude fat give significantly high (P < 0.01) growth rates compared to that of pompano feed with 43.0% crude protein and 6.0% crude fat. The results of these investigations although show high growth rate of the fish compared to that of previous observations; there is yet an urgent need to formulate a suitable feed for this fish species for commercial ventures.
Establishing an oral anticoagulant monitoring service in a multiethnic developing country
Authors: CASIMIRE T. , CARTER R. , PETERS S. , TWEEDLE J. , CHARLES K. S. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryWe describe the establishment of an International Normalized Ratio (INR)‐based system for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy in a multiethnic developing country. There was significant variation in geometric mean normal prothrombin time among ethnic groups: 12.7 s for Indians, 13.4 s for Africans and 13.7 s for subjects of mixed ancestry. About 4129 INR measurements were performed in the first 2 years. The majority (55.2%) of achieved INRs were subtherapeutic. We found 31 (0.8%) instances of severe overanticoagulation (INR > 8.0). There were no bleeding manifestations in 24 (77%) of them. Only two experienced life‐threatening haemorrhage. The management of bleeding and excessive anticoagulation was not always in accordance with international recommendations. The high incidence of underanticoagulation in Trinidad and Tobago may be due to genetically determined warfarin resistance or underdosing. Oral anticoagulant monitoring in Trinidad and Tobago could benefit from the centralization of such services to designated clinics with specialized staff and computer‐assisted dosing which adopt internationally accepted guidelines for practice.
Heat
Transfer and Fluid Flow Characteristics of Separated Flows Encountered in a Backward-Facing Step
Under the Effect of Suction and Blowing
Authors: Abu-Nada E. , Al-Sarkhi A. , Akash B. , Al-Hinti I. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Numerical investigation of heat transfer and fluid flow over a backward-facing step (BFS), under the effect of suction and blowing, is presented. Here, suction/blowing is implemented on the bottom wall (adjacent to the step). The finite volume technique is used. The distribution of the modified coefficient of friction and Nusselt number at the top and bottom walls of the BFS are obtained. On the bottom wall, and inside the primary recirculation bubble, suction increases the modified coefficient of friction and blowing reduces it. However, after the point of reattachment, mass augmentation causes an increase in the modified coefficient of friction and mass reduction causes a decrease in modified coefficient of friction. On the top wall, suction decreases the modified coefficient of friction and blowing increases it. Local Nusselt number on the bottom wall is increased by suction and is decreased by blowing, and the contrary occurs on the top wall. The maximum local Nusselt number on the bottom wall coincides with the point of reattachment. High values of average Nusselt number on the bottom wall are identified at high Reynolds numbers and high suction bleed rates. However, the low values correspond to high blowing rates. The reattachment length and the length of the top secondary recirculation bubble are computed under the effect of suction and blowing. The reattachment length is increased by increasing blowing bleed rate and is decreased by increasing suction bleed rate. The spots of high Nusselt number, and low coefficient of friction, are identified by using contour maps.
Antiplasmodial Activity of [(Aryl)arylsulfanylmethyl]Pyridine
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Das Sajal Kumar , Dey Sumanta , Maity Pallab , Guha Mithu , Choubey Vinay , Panda Gautam , Bandyopadhyay Uday 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

A series of [(aryl)arylsufanylmethyl]pyridines (AASMP) have been synthesized. These compounds inhibited hemozoin formation, formed complexes (

K
D

= 12 to 20 μM) with free heme (ferriprotoporphyrin IX) at a pH close to the pH of the parasite food vacuole, and exhibited antimalarial activity in vitro. The inhibition of hemozoin formation may develop oxidative stress in
Plasmodium falciparum
due to the accumulation of free heme. Interestingly, AASMP developed oxidative stress in the parasite, as evident from the decreased level of glutathione and increased formation of lipid peroxide, H
2
O
2
, and hydroxyl radical (·OH) in
P. falciparum
. AASMP also caused mitochondrial dysfunction by decreasing mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) in malaria parasite, as measured by both flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the generation of ·OH may be mainly responsible for the antimalarial effect of AASMP since ·OH scavengers such as mannitol, as well as spin trap α-phenyl-
n
-tertbutylnitrone, significantly protected
P. falciparum
from AASMP-mediated growth inhibition. Cytotoxicity testing of the active compounds showed selective activity against malaria parasite with selectivity indices greater than 100. AASMP also exhibited profound antimalarial activity in vivo against chloroquine resistant
P. yoelii
. Thus, AASMP represents a novel class of antimalarial.
Decline in Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine-Resistant Alleles after Change in Drug Policy in the Amazon Region of Peru
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Griffing Sean M. , de Oliveira Alexandre Macedo , McCollum Andrea M. , Quezada Wilmer Marquino , Arrospide Nancy , Escalante Ananias A. , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

The frequency of alleles with triple mutations conferring sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in the Peruvian Amazon Basin has declined (16.9% for
dhfr
and 0% for
dhps
compared to 47% for both alleles in 1997) 5 years after SP was replaced as the first-line treatment for
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria. Microsatellite analysis showed that the
dhfr
and
dhps
alleles are of common origin.
Usefulness of Alternate Prognostic Serum and Plasma Markers for Antiretroviral Therapy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection
Authors: Kannangai R. , Kandathil A. J. , Ebenezer D. L. , Mathai E. , Prakash A. J. , Abraham O. C. , Sudarsanam T. D. , Pulimood S. A. , Selvakumar R. , Job V. , Sridharan G. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn developing countries, the usability of peripheral blood constituents that are low-cost alternatives to CD4-positive (CD4+) T-cell and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA estimation should be evaluated as prognostic markers. The aim of our study was to investigate the use of plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) as alternate prognostic markers for antiretroviral treatment (ART) response in place of HIV-1 load measurements. Paired blood samples were collected from 30 HIV-infected individuals before and after initiation of ART, 13 HIV-infected individuals before and after completion of antituberculosis therapy (ATT), and 10 HIV-infected individuals not on either ATT or ART. Because of the nonavailability of samples, the CRP estimation was done for samples from only 19, 9, and 8 individuals in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The measurements of all three markers, i.e., DHEAS, albumin, and CRP, were carried out with commercial assays. The differences in the albumin levels before and after ART or ATT were significant (P< 0.05), while the differences in DHEAS and CRP levels were not significant (P> 0.05). When levels of DHEAS among the individuals who were followed up were analyzed, 13 (44.8%) in the ART group and 9 (69%) in the ATT group showed an increase following treatment. Prior to treatment of HIV-infected individuals, there was a significant positive correlation of CD4+T-cell counts and a negative correlation of viral load with albumin and DHEAS levels (P< 0.01). Among the three plasma markers we tested, plasma albumin and, to some extent, DHEAS show promise as prognostic markers in monitoring HIV infection.
Simultaneous Detection of Eight Analytes in Human Serum by Two Commercially Available Platforms for Multiplex Cytokine Analysis
Authors: Toedter Gary , Hayden Karen , Wagner Carrie , Brodmerkel Carrie 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT
The accurate detection and quantitation of cytokines in serum are important in the study of disease mechanisms, pathogenesis, and treatment. Serum cytokines can reflect processes that are occurring at the cellular or tissue level and thus provide a means of indirectly monitoring these processes. Multiplex detection of cytokines allows the simultaneous measurement of multiple cytokines in a sample, increasing the efficiency of measuring the cytokines while reducing the serum sample volumes required for the testing. Two commercially available multiplex platforms were evaluated (Pierce SearchLight and Meso Scale Discovery), using multiplexes capable of simultaneously detecting eight cytokines. The cytokines analyzed in this study were gamma interferon, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage inflammatory protein 1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, IL-12p40, and IL-4. The range of quantitation of the platforms, the recovery of spiked cytokines, and the detection of the cytokines in serum samples from subjects with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis were examined. The findings showed that the detection of the cytokines was highly dependent upon the platform, with the consistency of the detection of cytokines across platforms being dependent upon the cytokine being analyzed. A careful examination of platform assay performance must be made prior to utilizing multiplex platforms in a study. While some cytokines will give similar patterns of results across platforms, others will be highly variable. The use of the same platform within a study or across studies where data will be compared is advised.
Quantitative Measurement of C
6
Antibody following Antibiotic Treatment of
Borrelia burgdorferi
Antibody-Positive Nonclinical Dogs
Authors: Levy Steven A. , O'Connor Thomas P. , Hanscom Jancy L. , Shields Paulette , Lorentzen Leif , DiMarco Anthony A. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

The detection of antibody to the
Borrelia burgdorferi
C
6
peptide by use of enzyme-linked immunoassays is a widely accepted method for the diagnosis of Lyme disease spirochete infection in dogs and in humans. Antibody to the C
6
peptide is highly specific for
B. burgdorferi
and declines following treatment of dogs and humans exposed to
B. burgdorferi
. A quantitative assay for determining C
6
antibody levels was developed and used to measure changes in antibody levels following antibiotic treatment of
B. burgdorferi
antibody-positive nonclinical dogs. One hundred thirty-two client-owned dogs were used in the study; 64 were negative, 53 of 68 positive animals received treatment, and 15 were untreated controls. Test sera were collected at 3, 6, and 12 months from seropositive dogs receiving treatment and untreated controls. Dogs in the treated group were assigned to moderate-to-high (≥29 U/ml)- and low (<29 U/ml)-C
6
-level groups because the change in the C
6
level after treatment was dependent on the level prior to treatment. There were significant declines in the 30 dogs with moderate-to-high initial C
6
levels that exceeded the maximal declines of the untreated control dogs in all cases at 6 months (16 data points) and 12 months (29 data points) posttreatment. There was little change in C
6
level following antibiotic therapy in the 23 dogs with low initial C
6
levels. The quantitative C
6
antibody test can be used to measure changes in C
6
antibody levels following treatment of antibody-positive nonclinical dogs.
Gingipains fromPorphyromonas gingivalisIncrease the Chemotactic and Respiratory Burst-Priming Properties of the 77-Amino-Acid Interleukin-8 Variant
Authors: Dias Irundika H. K. , Marshall Lindsay , Lambert Peter A. , Chapple Iain L. C. , Matthews John B. , Griffiths Helen R. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTPorphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative anaerobe which is implicated in the etiology of active periodontitis, secretes degradative enzymes (gingipains) and sheds proinflammatory mediators (e.g., lipopolysaccharides [LPS]). LPS triggers the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from immune (72-amino-acid [aa] variant [IL-872aa]) and nonimmune (IL-877aa) cells. IL-877aahas low chemotactic and respiratory burst-inducing activity but is susceptible to cleavage by gingipains. This study shows that both R- and K-gingipain treatments of IL-877aasignificantly enhance burst activation by fMLP and chemotactic activity (P< 0.05) but decrease burst activation and chemotactic activity of IL-872aatoward neutrophil-like HL60 cells and primary neutrophils (P< 0.05). Using tandem mass spectrometry, we have demonstrated that R-gingipain cleaves 5- and 11-aa peptides from the N-terminal portion of IL-877aaand the resultant peptides are biologically active, while K-gingipain removes an 8-aa N-terminal peptide yielding a 69-aa isoform of IL-8 that shows enhanced biological activity. During periodontitis, secreted gingipains may differentially affect neutrophil chemotaxis and activation in response to IL-8 according to the cellular source of the chemokine.