bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo confocal microscopy in a patient with conjunctival lymphoma
Authors: Pichierri Patrizia , Martone Gianluca , Loffredo Antonio , Traversi Claudio , Polito Ennio 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA case of primary conjunctival mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma studied by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) is described for the first time. Examination of the lower mediobulbar and forniceal conjunctiva of the left eye of a 37‐year‐old female patient showed a typical salmon‐pink patch. IVCM examination of the conjunctival lesion showed irregular, polygonal, conjunctival bulbar epithelial cells with blurred edges and without visible nucleus. Many small, roundish, hyper‐reflective cells were also seen. These cells were arranged diffusely or in nests in cyst‐like hypo‐reflective spaces. A few highly reflective cells were also visible among deep stromal collagen fibres. The IVCM picture recalled the histological profile of low‐grade mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, characterized by sheets of neoplastic cells around reactive follicles. IVCM enabled non‐invasive evaluation of the eye surface at high magnification and with good contrast, and could be useful for early differential diagnosis of conjunctival lesions.
Anterior chamber depth and primary angle‐closure glaucoma: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Casson Robert J 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAnterior chamber depth is an inheritable trait which is affected by age, gender and race. Over 30 years ago, Alsbirk proposed that the shallow anterior chamber, which was typical of the Greenlandic Inuit, and which brings the iris in proximity to the cornea, may have evolved as a thermoregulatory adaptation to resist corneal freezing. Here, this hypothesis is revisited. Recent population genetic data which provide evidence for migration patterns of early humans are discussed and the notions of natural selection and ocular adaptation to cold climates are considered. Problems with the hypothesis are examined, but the idea that the shallow anterior chamber has a thermoregulatory role appears sound and suggests that shallow anterior chambers may have evolved inHomo sapiensliving in north‐east Asia during the last Ice Age.
Citation analysis of the most influential authors and ophthalmology journals in the field of cataract and corneal refractive surgery 2000–2004
Authors: Fan Jennifer C , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To identify the most published authors on the topics of ‘cataract’ and ‘LASIK’, the journals in which they publish, and the citation patterns of the most‐cited articles by these authors over a 5‐year publication period.Methods:  Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI) was used to identify the 30 most‐published authors in ‘cataract’ and ‘laser in situ keratomileusis’ (LASIK) (2000–2004 inclusive). SCI was subsequently used to analyse the recorded articles for each author in terms of source journal, the most commonly cited articles and citation source.Results:  Of the 30 most‐published authors in the fields of cataract and LASIK, the USA was the most well‐represented source country, accounting for 33%; 20% were from Australia, and 17% from Austria. Germany and Japan each contributed 7%. Eighty per cent of the publications produced by these 30 authors (2000–2004) were in 10 journals, of which the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (JCRS) published more than one‐third. Of the three most‐cited articles for each author, the greatest number were published in JCRS (35.6%). The citation count of the articles had a weak correlation to the journal impact factor of the source journal; however, the self‐citation rate of these articles did not.Conclusions:  The USA and Australia together were the source of more than half of the most‐published authors on cataract and LASIK and the majority of articles published by the 30 most prolific authors were published in only 10 journals. The impact factors of the publication journals preferred by these authors are influenced by the article citation counts, not vice versa.
Patient‐focused outcomes following detection in a hospital‐based screening programme for C282Y haemochromatosis
Authors: McCullen M. A. , Fletcher L. M. , Dimeski G. , Pink A. , Powell L. W. , Crawford D. H. G. , Hickman P. E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground:  Haemochromatosis is a common genetic disease in populations of a northern European origin. However, there is uncertainty as to whether it is a condition that should be screened for.Aims:  To determine the proportion of persons, in a public hospital setting, who were homozygous for the C282Y mutation for hereditary haemochromatosis and the proportion of these persons who would benefit from therapeutic phlebotomy.Methods:  All persons who had blood submitted for pathology testing, had total iron‐binding capacity and iron measured and transferrin saturation calculated, and where this result exceeded 40%, genotyping for the C282Y mutation was carried out.Results:  Of 18 779 patients screened, 887 (5.4%) were found to have transferrin saturation greater than 40%. Thirty‐five of these were homozygous for the C282Y mutation. Fourteen were previously known to be affected and six of these were non‐compliant with venesection. Venesection was commenced in 5 of the 21 newly diagnosed subjects.Conclusions:  The proportion of detected subjects who commenced venesection was significant. Results suggest that clinical penetrance is higher in Australia than other countries and that even in the environment of a large tertiary teaching hospital, phenotypic screening identifies cases of hereditary haemochromatosis, which are likely to benefit from treatment.
Risk factors for symptomatic hypocalcaemia complicating treatment with zoledronic acid
Authors: Chennuru S. , Koduri J. , Baumann M. A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground:  The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid is commonly prescribed to prevent skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma or metastatic cancer. Although symptomatic hypocalcaemia is a potential risk of treatment, it has been thought to be uncommon.Aims:  After seeing several episodes of symptomatic hypocalcaemia following zoledronic acid administration, we undertook a review to determine the incidence of this complication in our population and to attempt to identify risk factors.Methods:  We reviewed the records of all patients receiving zoledronic acid in two teaching hospitals over a 2‐year period. Findings collected included the indication for treatment, whether dosing was adjusted for creatinine clearance, coadministered medications, serum chemistries and clinical course.Results:  Of 120 patients who received a total of 546 zoledronic acid infusions, hypocalcaemia developed related to 55 infusions (10%) in 42 patients (35%). Symptomatic hypocalcaemia requiring i.v. supplementation occurred in 10 patients (8%), in spite of appropriate dose adjustment for creatinine clearance and despite prophylactic administration of oral calcium and vitamin D. More patients who became hypocalcaemic developed impairment of creatinine clearance during zoledronic acid treatment than in the group that remained normocalcaemic. Hypomagnesaemia was found in all patients who developed hypocalcaemia who had serum magnesium measured.Conclusions:  Hypocalcaemia was common in our patient group following zoledronic acid treatment. Because of the prolonged elimination half‐life of this agent (146 h), renal impairment occurring during a number of days after administration may increase risk. Hypomagnesaemia may further increase risk by blunting compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone secretion.
Outcome of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes – experience from a single institution in South Australia
Authors: Hui C‐H , Horvath N. , Lewis I. , To L.‐B. , Szabo F. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims:  To study disease characteristics of adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in South Australia and to analyse their outcome and survival.Methods:  One hundred and eight adult patients with confirmed MDS from marrow biopsies in the 76‐month period before April 2006 were retrospectively included in an MDS database.Results:  The median age at diagnosis of this cohort was 70 years, with skewing of refractory anaemia with excess blasts and refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia in the younger patients. Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities were present in 42% of patients. Median survival was 48 months, and secondary transformation to acute myeloid leukaemia was seen in 27%. Survival, according to the World Health Organization subtypes in ascending order, was refractory anaemia with excess blasts, refractory anaemia, refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblast, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and del(5q). The International Prognostic Scoring System score stratified MDS patients into different risk groups and effectively discriminated significantly different survivals, ranging from a median 4 months for high‐risk patients to 72 months for low‐risk patients.Conclusion:  An MDS database provides useful information regarding the disease characteristics and survival of MDS patients in South Australia and confirms the prognostic usefulness of the International Prognostic Scoring System. The future prospective collection of results will be invaluable in evaluating the effect of novel therapies on patient prognosis.
Job variation in Australian advanced training in neurology
Authors: Lueck C. J. , Morris J. , Pepper E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground:  Like training posts in other medical specialties, many of the 38 Australian core training posts in neurology have been criticized over a variety of issues relating to the quality of training provided. These issues include excessive hours of work (often related to understaffing), high inpatient workload and inadequate exposure to outpatients and/or specialist procedures. To examine these issues, we conducted an audit of Australian advanced training posts in neurology to obtain baseline data.Methods:  Two questionnaires were sent out, one to each head of department and another to the advanced trainees currently in post, requesting information about each of the training posts. The posts were compared with each other on an individual basis and by grouping them into three geographically related groups.Results:  There was complete ascertainment and a wide variation in most of the measures examined, including inpatient and ward consult numbers, staffing levels, general neurological and specialist outpatient clinic exposure and overtime requirements. Exposure to neurophysiology clinics and training in electroencephalogram was more uniform.Conclusion:  Core advanced training jobs in neurology vary considerably across Australia, largely for historical reasons. This situation is suboptimal for many reasons. Training jobs ideally need to be modified to take into account the changing needs of trainees rather than just the service requirements of the various departments, but there are many resource issues involved in achieving this.
Who will replace me? A renal physician’s lament
Authors: Agar J. W. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe nephrology workforce is in trouble. Like other consultative‐heavy specialties dealing with the chronically ill, it is increasingly difficult to attract and retain trainees. The reasons are multifactorial but include perceptions of a high workload, poor remuneration and, for regional or remote services, isolation. The rate at which new nephrologists are being added to the workforce is insufficient to replace the projected retirements by 2010 and do not allow for any increase in numbers of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, both CKD incidence and prevalence are inexorably rising, and the patients within this category bear increasingly complex comorbidities. Who will replace the retirees? Sadly, perhaps the answer is no one – an answer which places this challenging specialty under real and imminent threat.
Prevention of cardiac disease: lifestyle modification or pharmacotherapy?
Authors: Patel S. , Adams M. R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia. There have recently been significant advances in the management of acute coronary syndromes, as well as secondary prevention strategies; however, much of our resources are still directed towards treatment rather than prevention. Prevention of cardiovascular disease involves first, identifying patients at greatest risk of cardiovascular events and second, managing modifiable risk factors. Both pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modification are useful in modifying risk factors; however, the relative importance of each is often dictated by the risk factor profile of the individual. Although there is growing evidence that those at all levels of risk may benefit from lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy is likely to be most useful in those at higher risk.
Prevalence of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Northern Greece
Authors: Ntaios G. , Chatzinikolaou A. , Tomos C. , Manolopoulos C. , Karalazou P. , Nikolaidou A. , Alexiou‐Daniel S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractGlucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affects more than 400 million persons worldwide. Its distribution varies significantly among different geographic regions and different population groups. Purpose of our study was to estimate its prevalence in Northern Greece. The dataset comprised 5161 newborns and adults who were screened for G6PD deficiency between July 2001 and March 2007. G6PD deficiency was detected by the dye reduction method. In the screened group, 6.3% of subjects were G6PD deficient. Moderate enzyme deficiency was shown in 139 individuals (2.7%). Complete deficiency was identified in 3.7%. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Northern Greece is much higher compared with the general Greek population. Moreover, G6PD prevalence in the male sex is much higher – almost double – that in the female sex.
Sarcoidosis presenting with granulomatous uveitis induced by pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for hepatitis C
Authors: Yan K. K. L. , Dinihan I. , Freiman J. , Zekry A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that is triggered by an autoimmune process, and is now a well recognized but uncommon complication of antiviral therapy for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, likely related to its immunomodulatory effects. The clinical presentation of HCV related sarcoidosis is as varied as systemic sarcoidosis, but ocular presentation alone has not been reported previously. We present a 23 year‐old female who developed visual disturbances due to ocular sarcoidosis during the course of antiviral therapy for chronic HCV infection. Our case presentation is then followed by a review of the literature on the topic. We aim to stress the importance of screening for eye problems in following HCV patients undergoing antiviral therapy, and raise clinicians’ awareness of sarcoidosis as a possible cause for eye problems even in the absence of respiratory complaints.
The role of Variovorax and other Comamonadaceae in sulfur transformations by microbial wheat rhizosphere communities exposed to different sulfur fertilization regimes
Authors: Schmalenberger Achim , Hodge Sarah , Bryant Anna , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Singh Brajesh K. , Kertesz Michael A. 
Published: February 2008

SummarySulfonates are a key component of the sulfur present in agricultural soils. Their mobilization as part of the soil sulfur cycle is mediated by rhizobacteria, and involves the oxidoreductase AsfA. In this study, the effect of fertilization regime on rhizosphere bacterial asfA distribution was examined at the Broadbalk long‐term wheat experiment, Rothamsted, UK, which was established in 1843, and has included a sulfur‐free treatment since 2001. Direct isolation of desulfonating rhizobacteria from the wheat rhizospheres led to the identification of several Variovorax and Polaromonas strains, all of which contained the asfA gene. Rhizosphere DNA was isolated from wheat rhizospheres in plots fertilized with inorganic fertilizer with and without sulfur, with farmyard manure or from unfertilized plots. Genetic profiling of 16S rRNA gene fragments [denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)] from the wheat rhizospheres revealed that the level of inorganic sulfate in the inorganic fertilizer was correlated with changes in the general bacterial community structure and the betaproteobacterial community structure in particular. Community analysis at the functional gene level (asfA) showed that 40% of clones in asfAB clone libraries were affiliated to the genus Variovorax. Analysis of asfAB‐based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) fingerprints showed considerable differences between sulfate‐free treatments and those where sulfate was applied. The results suggest the occurrence of desulfonating bacterial communities that are specific to the fertilization regime chosen and that arylsulfonates play an important role in rhizobacterial sulfur nutrition.
Non‐linear increase in GLP‐1 levels in response to DPP‐IV inhibition in healthy adult subjects
Authors: Dai Haiqinq , Gustavson Stephanie M. , Preston Gregory M. , Eskra James D. , Calle Roberto , Hirshberg Boaz 
Published: February 2008

Aim:  Dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitors represent a new promising therapeutic intervention for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DPP‐IV inhibition by PF‐00734200, a potent competitive DPP‐IV inhibitor, on the dynamics of DPP‐IV activity and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) kinetics in healthy adult subjects.Methods:  This was a prospective randomized, crossover, placebo‐controlled, ascending, single, oral dose study conducted at a clinical research centre. Twenty‐seven healthy adult subjects were randomized to receive placebo or PF‐00734200 with doses ranging from 0.3 to 300 mg (n = 9 per dose group). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic end points (DPP‐IV activity and GLP‐1) were measured prior to, and various times after, dosing.Results:  PF‐00734200 was well tolerated in all subjects. Pharmacokinetics (PK) data indicate that the drug was rapidly absorbed and declined in a biphasic fashion. Mean maximum concentration and area under concentration curve appeared to increase with doses proportionally. DPP‐IV inhibition increased with PF‐00734200 concentrations, which can be described by an Emax model with EC50 approximately being 14 ng/ml. DPP‐IV inhibition led to greater GLP‐1 level accumulation compared with placebo. Plasma GLP‐1 levels stimulated by meals were augmented by DPP‐IV inhibition. However, the increase in GLP‐1 with DPP‐IV inhibition was non‐linear and maximized at 10 mg, a dose which resulted in about 75% weighted average DPP‐IV inhibition over 24 h and a 2.3‐fold increase in GLP‐1 over placebo. Moreover, even with near complete inhibition of DPP‐IV for over 24 h at the highest PF‐00734200 dose levels, the GLP‐1 levels actually declined during the night compared with postdinner levels.Conclusion:  DPP‐IV inhibition by PF‐00734200 resulted in a non‐linear increase in plasma GLP‐1 level, suggesting GLP‐1 levels may be limited by meal stimulus or by production capacity. In addition, GLP‐1 level declined even during maximal DPP‐IV inhibition, suggesting that there may be additional pathways of GLP‐1 elimination other than DPP‐IV enzymatic breakdown.
Effects of vildagliptin on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with a sulphonylurea*
Authors: Garber A. J. , Foley J. E. , Banerji M. A. , Ebeling P. , Gudbjörnsdottir S. , Camisasca R.‐P. , Couturier A. , Baron M. A. 
Published: February 2008

Aim:  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are inadequately controlled [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.5 to 11%] with prior sulphonylurea (SU) monotherapy.Methods:  This 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study assessed the effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor vildagliptin (50 mg given once or twice daily) vs. placebo added to glimepiride (4 mg once daily) in 515 patients with T2DM. Adjusted mean changes from baseline to end‐point (AMΔ) in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, fasting lipids and body weight were compared by analysis of covariance.Results:  The between‐group difference (vildagliptin − placebo) in AMΔ HbA1c was −0.6 ± 0.1% in patients receiving vildagliptin 50 mg daily and −0.7 ± 0.1% in those receiving 100 mg daily (p < 0.001 vs. placebo for both). Greater efficacy was seen in patients ≥65 years of age (−0.7 ± 0.1% and −0.8 ± 0.2% for 50 and 100 mg daily respectively) and in patients with baseline HbA1c > 9% (Δ = −1.0 ± 0.2% and −0.9 ± 0.2% for 50 and 100 mg daily respectively). Relative to placebo, patients receiving vildagliptin also had improvements in β‐cell function and postprandial glucose, with small changes in fasting lipids and body weight. The incidences of adverse events (AEs) (67.1, 66.3 and 64.2%) and serious AEs (2.9, 2.4 and 5.1%) were similar in patients receiving 50 mg vildagliptin, 100 mg vildagliptin or placebo respectively. The incidence of hypoglycaemic events was low but slightly higher in the group receiving vildagliptin 100 mg (3.6%) than in the group receiving vildagliptin 50 mg (1.2%) or placebo (0.6%).Conclusions:  In patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with prior SU monotherapy, addition of vildagliptin (50 or 100 mg daily) to glimepiride (4 mg once daily) improves glycaemic control and is well tolerated. Addition of vildagliptin 50 mg daily to SU monotherapy may be a particularly attractive therapy in elderly patients.
How should patients with an overactive bladder manipulate their fluid intake?
Authors: Hashim Hashim , Abrams Paul 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess how the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in adults are affected by decreasing or increasing fluid input, and the effect of fluid manipulation on quality of life.PATIENTS AND METHODSAdults with symptoms of OAB were randomized in a two‐group, prospective, cross‐over trial following a 4‐day screening period (to establish baseline values) using frequency/volume charts, if they had a mean of eight or more voids and one or more urgency and/or urgency incontinence episodes in 24‐h. Patients were asked to either increase or decrease their fluid intake, from baseline, as follows: group 1, 4 days drinking 25% less than baseline, and 2 days normal, then 4 days at 50% less than baseline, and 2 days normal, then 4 days at 25% more than baseline, and 2 days normal, and then 4 days at 50% more than baseline. Group 2 did the reverse. The primary endpoint was the change in the frequency of unwanted events during a 24‐h period.RESULTSIn all, 67 patients were contacted, 40 recruited and 24 were eligible. There was a significant reduction in frequency, urgency and nocturia when patients decreased their fluid input by 25%. Increasing fluid input by 25% and 50% resulted in a worsening of daytime frequency. Overall there was no statistically significant improvement in quality of life but there was some subjective improvement in urgency and nocturia, as measured by a validated instrument, in the group that decreased their fluid input by 25%; ≈300 mL of daily fluid came from water‐containing foods.CONCLUSIONSFluid manipulation is a cheap, noninvasive and easy way to help control the symptoms of OAB. Patients have difficulty in either decreasing or increasing their fluid input by 50%. Patients can now be told to expect a significant improvement in urgency, frequency and nocturia episodes if they reduce their fluid input by 25%.