bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational exposures and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Canadian case-control study
Authors: Karunanayake Chandima P , McDuffie Helen H , Dosman James A , Spinelli John J , Pahwa Punam 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
The objective was to study the association between Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and occupational exposures related to long held occupations among males in six provinces of Canada.

Methods
A population based case-control study was conducted from 1991 to 1994. Males with newly diagnosed NHL (ICD-10) were stratified by province of residence and age group. A total of 513 incident cases and 1506 population based controls were included in the analysis. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to fit statistical models.

Results
Based on conditional logistic regression modeling, the following factors independently increased the risk of NHL: farmer and machinist as long held occupations; constant exposure to diesel exhaust fumes; constant exposure to ionizing radiation (radium); and personal history of another cancer. Men who had worked for 20 years or more as farmer and machinist were the most likely to develop NHL.

Conclusion
An increased risk of developing NHL is associated with the following: long held occupations of faer and machinist; exposure to diesel fumes; and exposure to ionizing radiation (radium). The risk of NHL increased with the duration of employment as a farmer or machinist.
Evaluation of prognostic markers for canine mast cell tumors treated with vinblastine and prednisone
Authors: Webster Joshua D , Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan Vilma , Thamm Douglas H , Hamilton Elizabeth , Kiupel Matti 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Canine cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) is a common neoplastic disease associated with a variable biologic behavior. Surgery remains the primary treatment for canine MCT; however, radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat aggressive MCT. The goals of this study were to evaluate the prognostic utility of histologic grade, c-KIT mutations, KIT staining patterns, and the proliferation markers Ki67 and AgNORs in dogs postoperatively treated with vinblastine and prednisone +/- RT, and to compare the outcome of dogs treated with post-operative chemotherapy +/- RT to that of a prognostically matched group treated with surgery alone. Associations between prognostic markers and survival were evaluated. Disease-free intervals (DFI) and overall survival times (OS) of dogs with similar pretreatment prognostic indices postoperatively treated with chemotherapy were compared to dogs treated with surgery alone.

Results
Histologic grade 3 MCTs, MCTs with c-KIT mutations, MCTs with increased cytoplasmic KIT, and MCTs with increased Ki67 and AgNOR values were associated with decreased DFI and OS. Dogs with histologic grade 3 MCT had significantly increased DFI and OS when treated with chemotherapy vs. surgery alone. Although not statistically significant due to small sample sizes, MCTs with c-KIT mutations had increased DFI and OS when treated with chemotherapy vs. surgery alone.

Conclusion and clinical importance
This study confirms the prognostic value of histologic grade, c-KIT mutations, KIT staining patterns, and proliferation analyses for canine MCT. Additionally, the results of this study further define the benefit of postoperative vinblastine and prednisone for histologic grade 3 MCTs.
The genome-scale metabolic model iIN800 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its validation: a scaffold to query lipid metabolism
Authors: Nookaew Intawat , Jewett Michael C , Meechai Asawin , Thammarongtham Chinae , Laoteng Kobkul , Cheevadhanarak Supapon , Nielsen Jens , Bhumiratana Sakarindr 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundUp to now, there have been three published versions of a yeast genome-scale metabolic model:iFF708,iND750andiLL672. All three models, however, lack a detailed description of lipid metabolism and thus are unable to be used as integrated scaffolds for gaining insights into lipid metabolism from multilevel omic measurement technologies (e.g. genome-wide mRNA levels). To overcome this limitation, we reconstructed a new version of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaegenome-scale model,iIN800that includes a more rigorous and detailed description of lipid metabolism.ResultsThe reconstructed metabolic model comprises 1446 reactions and 1013 metabolites. Beyond incorporating new reactions involved in lipid metabolism, we also present new biomass equations that improve the predictive power of flux balance analysis simulations. Predictions of both growth capability and large scalein silicosingle gene deletions byiIN800were consistent with experimental data. In addition,13C-labeling experiments validated the new biomass equations and calculated intracellular fluxes. To demonstrate the applicability ofiIN800, we show that the model can be used as a scaffold to reveal the regulatory importance of lipid metabolism precursors and intermediates that would have been missed in previous models from transcriptome datasets.ConclusionPerforming integrated analyses usingiIN800as a network scaffold is shown to be a valuable tool for elucidating the behavior of complex metabolic networks, particularly for identifying regulatory targets in lipid metabolism that can be used for industrial applications or for understanding lipid disease states.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging of the plantar forefoot in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: inter‐observer agreement between a podiatrist and a radiologist
Authors: Bowen Catherine J , Dewbury Keith , Sampson Madeline , Sawyer Sally , Burridge Jane , Edwards Christopher J , Arden Nigel K 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in the diagnosis and management of foot and ankle musculoskeletal pathology is increasing. Due to the wide use of MSUS and the depth and breadth of training required new proposals advocate tailored learning of the technique to discrete fields of practice. The aims of the study were to evaluate the inter‐observer agreement between a MSUS radiologist and a podiatrist, who had completed basic skills training in MSUS, in the MSUS assessment of the forefoot of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.MethodsA consecutive sample of thirty‐two patients with rheumatoid arthritis was assessed for presence of synovitis, erosions and bursitis within the forefoot using MSUS. All MSUS assessments were performed independently on the same day by a podiatrist and one of two Consultant Radiologists experienced in MSUS.ResultsModerate agreement on image acquisition and interpretation was achieved for bursitis (kappa 0.522; p < 0.01) and erosions (kappa 0.636; p < 0.01) and fair agreement for synovitis (kappa 0.216; p < 0.05) during the primary assessments. Following a further training session, substantial agreement (kappa 0.702) between the two investigators was recorded. The sensitivity of the podiatrist using MSUS was 82.4% for detection of bursitis, 83.0% for detection of erosion and 84.0% for detection of synovitis. Specificity of the podiatrist using MSUS was 88.9% for detection of bursitis, 80.7% for detection of erosion and 35.9% for detection of synovitis.ConclusionThis study demonstrated good inter‐observer agreement between a podiatrist and radiologist on MSUS assessment of the forefoot, particularly for bursitis and erosions, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There is scope to further evaluate and consider the role of podiatrists in the MSUS imaging of the foot following appropriate training and also in the development of reliable protocols for MSUS assessment of the foot.
Influence of early antioxidant supplements on clinical evolution and organ function in critically ill cardiac surgery, major trauma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Berger Mette M , Soguel Ludivine , Shenkin Alan , Revelly Jean-Pierre , Pinget Christophe , Baines Malcolm , Chioléro René L 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Oxidative stress is involved in the development of secondary tissue damage and organ failure. Micronutrients contributing to the antioxidant (AOX) defense exhibit low plasma levels during critical illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of early AOX micronutrients on clinical outcome in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with conditions characterized by oxidative stress.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial in patients admitted to a university hospital ICU with organ failure after complicated cardiac surgery, major trauma, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stratification by diagnosis was performed before randomization. The intervention was intravenous supplements for 5 days (selenium 270 μg, zinc 30 mg, vitamin C 1.1 g, and vitamin B1 100 mg) with a double-loading dose on days 1 and 2 or placebo.

Results
Two hundred patients were included (102 AOX and 98 placebo). While age and gender did not differ, brain injury was more severe in the AOX trauma group (P = 0.019). Organ function endpoints did not differ: incidence of acute kidney failure and sequential organ failure assessment score decrease were similar (-3.2 ± 3.2 versus -4.2 ± 2.3 over the course of 5 days). Plasma concentrations of selenium, zinc, and glutathione peroxidase, low on admission, increased significantly to within normal values in the AOX group. C-reactive protein decreased faster in the AOX group (P = 0.039). Infectious complications did not differ. Length of hospital stay did not differ (16.5 versus 20 days), being shorter only in surviving AOX trauma patients (-10 days; P = 0.045).

Conclusion
The AOX intervention did not reduce early organ dysfunction but significantly reduced the inflammatory response in cardiac surgery and trauma patients, which may prove beneficial in conditions with an intense inflammation.

Trials Registration
Clinical Trials.gov RCT Register: NCT00515736.
Erythrocyte-derived ectosomes have immunosuppressive properties
Authors: Sadallah Salima , Eken Ceylan , Schifferli Jürg A 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSeveral clinical studies have suggested that blood transfusions are immunosuppressive. Whereas there have been reports describing immunosuppression induced by leukocytes or fragments thereof, the possibility that microparticles, released by erythrocytes during storage, are also involved was not investigated. We present evidence here that such microparticles have all the properties of ectosomes including size, the presence of a lipid membrane, and the specific sorting of proteins. These erythrocyte-derived ectosomes (E-ecto) fixed C1q, which was followed by activation of the classical pathway of complement with binding of C3 fragments. Similarly to ectosomes released by PMN, they express phosphatidylserine on their surface membrane, suggesting that they may react with and down-regulate cells of the immune system. In vitro, they were taken up by macrophages, and they significantly inhibited the activation of these macrophages by zymosan A and LPS, as shown by a significant drop in TNF-α and IL-8 release (respectively, 80% and 76% inhibitions). In addition, the effect of E-ecto was not transient but lasted for at least 24 h. In sum, E-ecto may interfere with the innate immune system/inflammatory reaction. Therefore, E-ecto transfused with erythrocytes may account for some of the immunosuppressive properties attributed to blood transfusions.
Some Observations on the Supervision of Dangerous Offender Patients
Authors: Prins Herschel 
Published: August 2008

“All tragedy is the failure of communication”(Wilson, 1956)From time to time, general psychiatrists are asked to supervise offender patients who have been conditionally discharged into the community either by direction of the Home Secretary or by a Mental Health Review Tribunal (Mental Health Act 1983, sections 42(2) and 73(2)(4b)). In addition, they may be asked occasionally to provide psychiatric management for offenders released by the Home Secretary on life licence (Criminal Justice Act 1967, section 61). The effect of a conditional discharge following compulsory admission to hospital care by a court under a restriction order (Mental Health Act 1983, sections 37/41) is similar to that of a life licence.
Modelling the impact of tolerances on swept envelope using Monte Carlo analysis
Authors: O'Neill H , Garner R T , Wood S 
Published: August 2008

Rail Safety and Standards Board commissioned project T670 to investigate the industry's understanding of vehicle tolerances as applied to the gauging process, with the aim of ensuring that the processes used to calculate clearance may enable better use of the capacity of the existing railway infrastructure, and ultimately larger trains. Modern vehicle construction methods and maintenance regimes provide different tolerances to those traditionally assumed. The research project indicates what they are, their magnitude, their life cycle, credible failure modes, and their effect on gauge. The project does not provide detailed vehicle-by-vehicle parameter lists, but gives a general guideline against which suppliers of new vehicles can indicate differences that may affect the swept envelope of their particular vehicle. This paper focuses on the application of Monte Carlo analysis techniques in order to combine tolerances and variations, present in the vehicle swept envelope, in a realistic manner. The resultant envelope is compared with a benchmark envelope calculated using conventional methods of aggregating tolerances. The difference between the two may represent unused space which may be released at low risk.
Topiramate for Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Olmsted Christina L , Kockler Denise R 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for the use of topiramate for alcohol dependence. Data Sources: MEDLINE (l 966-June 2008) and Cochrane Database (2008, Issue 1) searches were conducted using the search terms alcohol dependence and topiramate. Bibliographies of selected articles were examined for additional data sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language, randomized, controlled trials evaluating topiramate for treatment of alcohol dependence in humans were selected for review. Three randomized controlled trials and 2 re-analyses were identified. Findings pertaining to efficacy and safety were extracted. Data Synthesis: Evidence suggests that topiramate antagonizes excitatory glutamate receptors, inhibits dopamine release, and enhances inhibitory y-amino-butyric add function. These mechanisms may be significant in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Controlled trials have described the use of topiramate, titrated up to 300 mg daily, tor alcohol dependence, and have reported decreases in drinking behavior and improvements in quality of life. Adverse effects associated with topiramate included abnormal skin sensation, dizziness, taste perversion, anorexia, pruritus, and difficulty with memory and concentration. In one of the reviewed trials, adverse effects did not account for an Increased withdrawal rate. However, in another, when topiramate was titrated over a shortened time period, an increased withdrawal rate was seen. Recently, topiramate has been reported to increase suicide risk, primarily In patients with epilepsy. Mo cases of suicide were recorded in the alcohol dependence trials. Conclusions: Results of published trials are promising, showing efficacy for drinking outcomes and quality of life as well as general safety. However, additional larger, longer-term trials are needed to establish the optimal patient type that would benefit most from topiramate treatment in addition to dosing, duration of treatment, and tolerability of topiramate for alcohol dependence. At this time, data are insufficient to support using topiramate in conjunction with brief weekly compliance counseling as a first-line agent for alcohol dependence.
A Novel Henneguya Species from Channel Catfish Described by Morphological, Histological, and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Griffin M. J. , Pote L. M. , Wise D. J. , Greenway T. E. , Mauel M. J. , Camus A. C. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus from a commercial farming operation in the Mississippi Delta were submitted for examination for the presence of infection by the trematode Bolbophorus damnificus. The fish were instead found to possess skin nodules suggestive of Henneguya pellis, a species previously described in the blue catfish I. furcatus. Despite the dermal location and distribution of lesions, morphological characteristics of the myxospores were inconsistent with H. pellis. Spores possessed a lanceolate spore body 15.4 ± 1.5 μm (mean ± SD; range = 12.2–19.3 μm) in length and 5.5 ± 0.6 μm (range = 4.5–6.8 μm) in width in valvular view, and 4.7 ± 0.2 μm (range = 4.2–5.0 μm) in width in sutural view. Polar capsules were pyriform and unequal in both length and width and contained polar filaments with six coils. Polar capsules measured 6.1 ± 0.8 μm (range = 4.0–7.9 μm) long and 1.7 ± 0.3 μm (range = 1.0–2.2 μm) wide. The caudal appendages were 50.5 ± 8.3 μm (range = 34.8–71.4 μm) long and the total length of the spore was 65.9 ± 8.6 μm (range = 48.2–90.0 μm). The “blisterlike” plasmodia were round or ovoid, up to 2 mm in diameter, and randomly distributed throughout the epidermis of the fish. Histologically, plasmodia were confined to the dermis and elicited no inflammatory reaction from the fish. A blast search of the 18S small subunit rDNA sequence obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification resulted in no identical sequence matches but indicated a close relationship to H. gurlei, H. ictaluri, and H. exilis. The unique host record, spore morphology, and novel genetic sequence derived from this isolate lead us to propose this isolate as a novel species, H. sutherlandi.
Detection of Salmonellae from Fish in a Natural River System
Authors: Gaertner James , Wheeler Phil E. , Obafemi Shola , Valdez Jessica , Forstner Michael R. J. , Bonner Timothy H. , Hahn Dittmar 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Sediment, water, and fish gut samples taken at three sites near the headwaters of the San Marcos River, Texas, were analyzed for salmonellae Salmonella spp. by culture and molecular techniques. While enrichment cultures from sediment and water samples from the two uppermost sites were negative for salmonellae in polymerase chain reaction analyses, both sediment and water samples were positive at the downstream site. At all sites, salmonellae were present in the guts of different fishes (e.g., largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, common carp Cyprinus carpio, and suckermouth catfish Hypostomus plecostomus). The highest percentage of detection (33% of analyzed fish) occurred at the downstream site, whereas detection percentages at the upper two sites were 18% and 17%. Detection of salmonellae was usually limited to one segment of the gut (i.e., upper or lower part). Serovars were highly variable among individuals and differed between the upper and lower gut in the only individual (a common carp) that had salmonellae in both gut segments. In situ hybridization demonstrated that salmonellae were normally associated with particulate material in the gut and occurred in highly variable numbers ranging from an occasional organism to a majority of the gut microbe population. These results demonstrate the presence of different serovars of potentially human pathogenic salmonellae among four ecologically distinct fishes within natural environments. They also suggest that salmonellae are not components of the indigenous microbial community in fish intestines but rather are ingested with particulate material.
FIRE SEVERITY AND ECOSYTEM RESPONSES FOLLOWING CROWN FIRES IN CALIFORNIA SHRUBLANDS
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Brennan Teresa , Pfaff Anne H. 
Published: August 2008

Chaparral shrublands burn in large high‐intensity crown fires. Managers interested in how these wildfires affect ecosystem processes generally rely on surrogate measures of fire intensity known as fire severity metrics. In shrublands burned in the autumn of 2003, a study of 250 sites investigated factors determining fire severity and ecosystem responses.Using structural equation modeling we show that stand age, prefire shrub density, and the shortest interval of the prior fire history had significant direct effects on fire severity, explaining >50% of the variation in severity.Fire severity per se is of interest to resource managers primarily because it is presumed to be an indicator of important ecosystem processes such as vegetative regeneration, community recovery, and erosion. Fire severity contributed relatively little to explaining patterns of regeneration after fire. Two generalizations can be drawn: fire severity effects are mostly short‐lived, i.e., by the second year they are greatly diminished, and fire severity may have opposite effects on different functional types.Species richness exhibited a negative relationship to fire severity in the first year, but fire severity impacts were substantially less in the second postfire year and varied by functional type. Much of this relationship was due to alien plants that are sensitive to high fire severity; at all scales from 1 to 1000 m2, the percentage of alien species in the postfire flora declined with increased fire severity. Other aspects of disturbance history are also important determinants of alien cover and richness as both increased with the number of times the site had burned and decreased with time since last fire.A substantial number of studies have shown that remote‐sensing indices are correlated with field measurements of fire severity. Across our sites, absolute differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR) was strongly correlated with field measures of fire severity and with fire history at a site but relative dNBR was not. Despite being correlated with fire severity, absolute dNBR showed little or no relationship with important ecosystem responses to wildfire such as shrub resprouting or total vegetative regeneration. These findings point to a critical need for further research on interpreting remote sensing indices as applied to postfire management of these shrublands.