bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of immunosuppressive regimens on short‐term morbidity and mortality in heart transplantation
Authors: Aguero Jaime , Almenar Luis , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Moro Jose A , Rueda Joaquin , Raso Rafael , Chamorro Carlos , Sanchez Juan M , Salvador Antonio 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The goal of immunosuppressive therapy in heart transplantation is to maximize safety and efficacy while minimizing morbidity and mortality. We now have numerous drug combinations, but few have been compared with each other.Aim:  To compare various immunosuppressive regimens assessing morbidity and mortality at one yr.Methods:  A total of 351 patients transplanted between 1989 and 2005 were included and grouped by immunosuppressive regimen into group 1 (n = 52): Muronomab (OKT3) 10 d, cyclosporine (CSA), azathioprine (AZA), steroids; group 2 (n = 193): OKT3 seven d, CSA, AZA, steroids; group 3 (n = 22): OKT3 seven d, CSA, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), steroids; and group 4 (n = 84): interleukin‐2 antagonists (IL‐2), CSA, MMF, steroids.Results:  The incidence of acute graft failure and treated rejection was similar between groups (17% and 78% respectively). We found a statistically significant difference in the incidence of infections (p < 0.001), renal dysfunction (p = 0.011) and in diabetes mellitus (p = 0.023). There were no differences in survival at 30 d (97%), but differences were found at one yr (p = 0.011). The multivariate analysis showed a strong association between mortality and infection (p = 0.001) and between survival and the group 4 regimen (p < 0.001).Conclusion:  There are differences in survival at one yr of heart transplant patients depending on the immunosuppressive regimen used. The best combination was induction with IL‐2 antagonists, followed by CSA, MMF and steroids.
Polymorphism of interleukin‐18 promoter influences the onset of kidney graft function after transplantation
Authors: Kolesar L. , Novota P. , Krasna E. , Slavcev A. , Viklicky O. , Honsova E. , Striz I. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIt has been well recognized that the promoter polymorphisms of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) influence the level of cytokine expression. In our previously published data, we showed constitutive IL‐18 expression in the epithelium of renal distal tubules in patients after kidney transplantation and significantly elevated IL‐18 expression during acute rejection. In this study, we evaluated the clinical significance of two functional promoter polymorphisms of the IL‐18 gene at positions −607 A/C (rs1946518) and −137 C/G (rs187238) in patients after kidney transplantation and looked for associations with the onset of graft function and the incidence of rejection episodes. Promoter polymorphisms in 124 patients and 103 unrelated controls were evaluated by sequence‐specific primer polymerase chain reaction and the allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were statistically correlated. We found a statistically different distribution of the allele frequency of −607 A/C polymorphism between patients with immediate or delayed onset of kidney graft function. Data showed that the C allele, which contributes to higher IL‐18 expression, is more frequent in patients with delayed onset of function (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 1.93; 95% confidence interval  = 1.15–3.25). A/C single nucleotide polymorphisms of the IL‐18 promoter at position −607 may influence the onset of early kidney allograft function.
Host shift by the burying beetle,Nicrophorus pustulatus, a parasitoid of snake eggs
Authors: SMITH G. , TRUMBO S. T. , SIKES D. S. , SCOTT M. P. , SMITH R. L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRecent work [Ecoscience (2000) vol. 7, 395–397] suggests that the burying beetleNicrophorus pustulatusmay have undergone a remarkable host shift, exploiting snake eggs rather than carrion as resources for breeding. We conducted behavioural and physiological experiments to examine the hypothesis of a host shift and to formulate hypotheses on its origin. Two congeners ofN. pustulatus,Nicrophorus orbicollisandNicrophorus defodiensdid not respond to snake eggs with typical breeding behaviour. WhenN. pustulatusmale–female pairs (n = 14) were presented with clutches of snake eggs, the number of offspring but not the mean size of offspring varied with snake egg mass, indicating effective regulation of brood size. When breeding on turtle eggs,N. pustulatushad a more variable response than when exploiting snake eggs, suggesting that turtle eggs are not a primary resource for breeding.Nicrophorus pustulatuspresented with both snake eggs and a mouse carcass combined and exploited the two resources within the same nest (10 of 12 trials). Mouse carcasses and snake eggs were treated differently. Carcasses were moved, buried and stripped of hair in a manner characteristic of burying beetles, whereas snake eggs were not moved or buried. Females that discovered a mouse carcass also had a significantly greater juvenile hormone increase than did females discovering snake eggs. Some responses to the two resources, however, were similar. FemaleN. pustulatusoviposited rapidly in response to either a mouse carcass or snake eggs, and males elevated sex pheromone emission in response to either resource. The efficient use of snake eggs, the ability to regulate brood size and the different responses to snake eggs and carrion suggest thatN. pustulatusis well adapted to exploiting snake eggs for breeding. The use of snake eggs byN. pustulatushas potential implications for conservation of oviparous reptiles.
Why have meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials of the association between non‐white‐blood‐cell‐reduced allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection produced discordant results?
Authors: Vamvakas E. C. 
Published: August 2007

Intention‐to‐treat analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the association between non‐white‐blood‐cell (WBC)‐reduced allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) and postoperative infection were reported as the reason why meta‐analyses of RCTs of this association have produced discordant results. We examined three possible reasons for disagreements between meta‐analyses: (i) sources of medical heterogeneity and integration of RCTs despite extreme heterogeneity; (ii) reliance on as‐treated (vs. intention‐to‐treat) comparisons; and (iii) inclusion (or not) of the three most recent RCTs. When nine RCTs reported up to 2002 were combined despite extreme heterogeneity, both intention‐to‐treat and as‐treated comparisons found an association between non‐WBC‐reduced ABT and postoperative infection [summary odds ratio (OR) = 1·38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·03–1·85, P < 0·05; and summary OR = 1·56, 95% CI 1·06–2·31, P < 0·05, respectively]. When 12 RCTs reported up to 2005 were integrated despite extreme heterogeneity, both intention‐to‐treat and as‐treated comparisons found no association of non‐WBC‐reduced ABT with postoperative infection (summary OR = 1·24, 95% CI 0·98–1·56, P > 0·05; and summary OR = 1·31, 95% CI 0·98–1·75, P > 0·05, respectively). In both analyses, the separate integration of four RCTs transfusing red blood cells (RBCs) or whole blood filtered after storage showed an association between non‐WBC‐reduced ABT and postoperative infection, whereas the separate integration of six (or nine) RCTs, reported through 2002 or 2005, and transfusing prestorage‐filtered RBCs showed no association, whether intention‐to‐treat or as‐treated comparisons were used. Thus, the published meta‐analyses have produced discordant results because they did (or did not) investigate medical sources of heterogeneity and did (or did not) include the most recent RCTs. Intention‐to‐treat and as‐treated comparisons produced concordant results.
Fungal foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus – results of two independent investigations
Authors: Eckhard M. , Lengler A. , Liersch J. , Bretzel R. G. , Mayser P. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIn diabetic patients, mycotic infections may increase the risk of developing diabetic foot syndrome. However, little data are available on the prevalence of fungal foot infections in patients with diabetes. In a first study published using data obtained during a conference attended by patients with long‐term diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), 78/95 patients (82.1%) showed probable pedal fungal infections, of which 84.6% (66/78) were mycologically confirmed by direct microscopy and/or culture. The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum was the most common (69.2% of isolates). Significant correlation was found between infection and the gender (men more frequently affected) and the age of the patients. Marked mycoses on the soles of the feet were often considered to be dry skin by the patients. In a second study, 174 [31 DM1, 112 DM2 and 29 healthy accompanying persons (HAP), family members without DM] participants at a regional patients’ symposium on diabetes took part in an examination for fungal infections and neuropathy of the feet. In addition to the items of the first study, we gathered data on the quality of blood glucose control (HbA1c), peripheral neuropathy (neuropathy symptome and deficit score) and measurement of sudomotoric activity by Neuropad™. Mean duration of disease was 23.6 (DM1) and 11.2 (DM2) years, mean HbA1c 7.56% (DM1) and 6.89% (DM2) and fungal foot infections were confirmed at 35.5% (DM1), 53.1% (DM2) and 37.9% (HAP) respectively. In DM2, the prevalence of positive fungal samples is significantly higher for participants with less controlled blood glucose (higher HbA1c) (P = 0.04). Mycotic foot infection is also correlated with age, gender and duration of diabetes disease. Of special interest is the finding of relatively high numbers of black fungi (‘Dematiaceae’) (n = 10), Phialophora europea (n = 3) being the most common one. The sudomotoric activity was impaired in a very high number of participants [107/171 (61.5%)], and was found positively correlated with the prevalence of fungal foot infection in DM2 but not in DM1 and HAP. The high prevalence of fungal infections detected in DM1 as well as in DM2 diabetics is remarkable, especially considering this highly motivated collective. Therefore, it appears that the feet of diabetics require more diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive care in terms of mycotic infections and sudomotoric dysfunction than previously thought.
Atypical manifestations of tinea corporis
Authors: Ziemer Mirjana , Seyfarth Florian , Elsner Peter , Hipler Uta‐Christina 
Published: August 2007

SummaryTinea corporis classically presents as an erythematous annular plaque with a scaly, centrifugally advancing border. However, sometimes vesicles and pustules are observed. Occasionally, even frank bullae appear secondary to severe inflammation. Diagnostic difficulties arise when atypical manifestations mimic other inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic or seborrheic dermatitis, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, or vesicular diseases. We report five cases of atypical tinea corporis, where the initial clinical diagnosis was different from dermatophytosis. The differential diagnoses and the diagnostic difficulties related to atypical manifestations of fungal infections are discussed. Moreover, our cases emphasise the importance of conventional histological examination, which enables a fast, correct diagnosis.
Consequences of a decentralized participatory barley breeding programme on changes in SSR allele frequency and diversity in one cycle of selection
Authors: Fufa F. , Baum M. , Grando S. , Kafawin O. , Ceccarelli S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractChanges in allele type, allele frequency and genetic diversity because of selection by individual farmers and breeders were assessed using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) during one cycle of selection in a decentralized participatory barley breeding programme. Selection by both breeders and farmers resulted in the loss of a number of alleles in the majority of the locations, with more alleles lost in the heterogeneous breeding materials than in the fixed genotypes, indicating selection against undesirable traits uncovered in the heterogeneous breeding materials that are presumably linked to SSR alleles. After selection, significant allelic frequency changes were observed at several loci in both the germplasm groups. As the selection was conducted independently in each location, an allele had a chance of being selected in more than one location, and therefore considering the whole study area the allelic composition and diversity of the original genetic materials was maintained after the selection. The study showed the importance of decentralized participatory plant breeding in maintaining genetic diversity that helps stabilize and sustain production in unpredictable production conditions.
Spermatozoal RNA as Reservoir, Marker and Carrier of Epigenetic Information: Implications for Cloning
Authors: Miller D 
Published: August 2007

ContentsThe mammalian male gamete is transcriptionally silent as a consequence of the highly condensed architecture of its chromatin and there is also little or no cytoplasm capable of supporting translation; however, we now understand that under certain conditions, spermatozoa can translate their mRNAs de novo and that spermatozoal RNA can potentially affect phenotypic traits in offspring. This epigenetic phenomenon may involve the transmission of extra‐chromosomal episomal elements. Recent evidence indicates that spermatozoal RNA may play a role in the progressive shutdown of transcription during spermiogenesis. The presence of RNA in the sperm nucleus and its potential as a carrier of eipgenetic information to the egg may prove insightful with regard to the abysmal success rates for cloning of domestic species by somatic nuclear transfer procedures.
The Horse Genome Project – Sequence Based Insights into Male Reproductive Mechanisms
Authors: Leeb T 
Published: August 2007

ContentsThe growing knowledge on physiology, cell biology and biochemistry of the reproductive organs has provided many insights into molecular mechanisms that are required for successful reproduction. Research directed at the investigation of reproduction physiology in domestic animals was hampered in the past by a lack of species‐specific genomic information. The genome sequences of dog, cattle and horse have become publicly available in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Although the gene content of mammalian genomes is generally very similar, genes involved in reproduction tend to be less conserved than the average mammalian gene. The availability of genome sequences provides a valuable resource to check whether any protein that may be known from human or mouse research is present in cattle and/or horse as well. Currently there are more than 200 genes known that are involved in the production of fertile sperm cells. Great progress has been made in the understanding of genetic aberrations that lead to male infertility. Additionally, the first genetic mechanisms are being discovered that contribute to the quantitative variation of fertility traits in fertile male animals. Here, I will review some selected aspects of genetic research in male fertility and offer some perspectives for the use of genomic sequence information.
Application of Doppler Ultrasonography in Cattle Reproduction
Authors: Herzog K , Bollwein H 
Published: August 2007

ContentsThe development of Doppler processing extended the scope of sonographic imaging from an anatomical to a physiological basis. This technique became established as a clinical tool in human gynaecology. For example, it has been discussed that the implantation of an embryo is influenced by the uterine blood flow. In cows, this uterine blood flow was investigated, using surgically implanted Doppler ultrasonic or electromagnetic blood flow probes prior to the introduction of colour Doppler sonography in bovine medicine. Therefore, the aims of our studies were to use transrectal Doppler sonography for the non‐invasive measurement of uterine and ovarian blood flow in cows and to determine changes in genital perfusion during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and puerperium, respectively. The results of our studies show that transrectal flow imaging can be used to obtain blood flow velocity waveforms from the uterine arteries at any time during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and puerperium. During all these phases, characteristic changes in the uterine blood flow could be observed. This uterine blood flow was low during diestrus and high during proestrus and oestrus. During pregnancy, an exponential rise in uterine blood supply could be detected. There was a positive relationship between the uterine blood flow volume (BFV) at the end of gestation and the birth weight of calves. During puerperium, the uterine BFV declined tremendously, especially during the first week after birth. In cows, with pathological disturbances of the pueperium a delayed decrease in the uterine BFV was observed. Characteristic alterations occurred also in the luteal blood flow during the oestrous cycle, which were highly related to those of the progesterone levels. Furthermore, it has been detected by the colour Doppler technique that there is no decrease, but an increase of the luteal blood flow at the beginning of luteolysis in cows. Another group has found that there are close relationships between the LH‐surge and the follicular blood flow before ovulation. In conclusion, these studies show that transrectal colour Doppler sonography is a useful technique for the investigation of the genital blood flow and provides new information about physiological changes of the genital organs during, all reproductive phases. The influence of the genital blood flow on fertility in cows needs to be examined further in future studies.
Transforming growth factor‐α accelerates hepatocyte repopulation after hepatocyte transplantation
Authors: Kosone Takashi , Takagi Hitoshi , Horiguchi Norio , Kakizaki Satoru , Sato Ken , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Mori Masatomo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although hepatocyte transplantation could be an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation, many problems, such as rejection, location, required volume, and hepatocyte activity are currently unresolved. We previously demonstrated an anti‐apoptotic effect in transgenic mice overexpressing transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α. We herein present the details of a successful hepatocyte transplantation using TGF‐α transgenic mice.Methods:  We used transgenic (TG) mice which overexpressed human TGF‐α controlled by the metallothionein promoter. Wild‐type mice were used as the controls (WT). Parenchymal hepatocytes were isolated from an adult mouse by the modified in situ perfusion method. The proliferation and resistance to Fas‐induced apoptosis were examined in vitro. In addition, we transplanted the parenchymal hepatocytes into the peritoneal cavity of the WT mice.Results:  The TG hepatocytes showed higher proliferative activity and more resistance to Fas‐induced apoptosis in comparison to the WT hepatocytes. Moreover, an immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the transplanted TG hepatocytes increased more in size and showed a higher expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in comparison to the WT hepatocytes. We also observed that albumin was expressed in equal amounts in both types of transplanted hepatocytes.Conclusion:  Cell transplantation with TGF‐α overexpressing hepatocytes could preserve hepatocyte function.
Chronic pancreatitis in primary hyperparathyroidism: Comparison with alcoholic and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Bhadada Sanjay K , Udawat Harsh P , Bhansali Anil , Rana Surinder S , Sinha Saroj K , Bhasin Deepak K 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:  Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare cause of chronic pancreatitis and there is a paucity of data on this interesting association. There is also no data comparing the clinical profile of chronic pancreatitis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism with that of alcohol related and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.Methods:  The clinical and biochemical spectrum of chronic pancreatitis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism was evaluated retrospectively and compared with nine age‐matched patients with alcohol related and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.Results:  Renal colic, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, bone disease, palpable neck nodule, and psychiatric abnormality were significantly more common in chronic pancreatitis due to hyperparathyroidism in comparison to alcoholic and idiopathic groups. The corrected calcium (10.8 ± 0.9 vs 9.3 ± 0.6 vs 9.2 ± 0.8 mg/dL; P = 0.001) and intact parathormone (425 ± 130 [SE]vs 22.2 ± 14.3 [SE]vs 30 ± 27.3 [SE] pg/mL; P = 0.009) levels were significantly elevated, while levels of serum phosphate were significantly less (3.1 ± 0.4 vs 3.9 ± 0.5 vs 3.4 ± 0.7 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.04) in chronic pancreatitis due to hyperparathyroidism in comparison to the alcoholic and idiopathic groups. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of steatorrea, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic calcification, and pseudocyst between the three groups. Six out of nine patients underwent parathyroidectomy and none had recurrence of pancreatic pain over 14.3 ± 13.8 months.Conclusions:  Chronic pancreatitis due to hyperparathyroidism has important characteristics in its biochemical and clinical manifestations. Parathyroidectomy relieves pancreatic pain in majority of patients.
Cost‐effectiveness of the surveillance program of hepatocellular carcinoma depends on the medical circumstances
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Tanaka Hironori , Uematsu Shuji , Shiraga Kunihiro , Okamoto Ryoichi , Onishi Hideki , Nakamura Shin‐ichiro , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Araki Yasuyuki , Aoki Noriaki , Shiratori Yasushi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the medical environment are diverse in different geographic areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of the surveillance of HCC in different medical circumstances.Methods:  The Markov model focused on variables that differ from country to country and may change in the future, especially in regards to the proportion of small HCC detected incidentally. The target population was 45‐year‐old patients with Child‐Pugh class A cirrhosis, and the intervention was surveillance with ultrasonography every 6 months.Results:  The additional cost of the surveillance was $US15 100, the gain in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0.50 years, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $US29 900/QALY in a base‐case analysis (annual incidence of HCC = 4%). If 40% of small HCC were detected incidentally without surveillance, the gain in QALY decreased to 0.15 and the ICER increased to $US47 900/QALY. The increase in the annual incidence of HCC to 8% resulted in the increase of QALYs to 0.81, and the decrease of the ICER to $US25 400/QALY. The adoption of liver transplantation increased the gain in QALYs and the ICER to 0.84 and $US59 900/QALY, respectively.Conclusions:  The gain in QALYs and the ICER due to the surveillance of HCC varies between different patient subgroups and it critically depends on the rate of small HCC detected incidentally without surveillance, as well as the annual incidence of HCC and the adoption of liver transplantation.