bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haematological support during peg‐interferon therapy for HCV‐infected haemophiliacs improves virological outcomes
Authors: KEVANS D. , FARRELL G. , HOPKINS S. , MAHMUD N. , WHITE B. , NORRIS S. , BERGIN C. 
Published: May 2007

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus‐infected haemophiliacs are traditionally under represented in international treatment studies thus data assessing response to pegylated‐interferon (peg‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) in HCV mono‐infected or HCV/HIV co‐infected haemophiliacs are few.Since 2001, 37 haemophiliac patients have received peg‐IFN and RBV according to centre‐based investigator initiated protocols. Primary end points were: early virological response (EVR); end of treatment response (EOTR) and sustained virological response (SVR). An intention‐to‐treat analysis was used. Secondary end points were adverse events, haemopoietic stem cell growth factor use, therapy discontinuations and dose reductions.Hepatitis C virus mono‐infection group (Mono‐I) numbered 20 (60% genotype 1). HCV/HIV co‐infected group (Co‐I) numbered 17 (59% genotype 1/4). Primary end points were: EVR 76%, EOTR 70% and SVR 43%. Comparison of Mono‐I to Co‐I demonstrated: EVR rates of 70% and 82%, respectively; EOTR rates of 65% and 76%, respectively, and SVR rates of 35% and 53%, respectively. SVR rates genotype 1/4 group – 17% (Mono‐I) vs. 30% (Co‐I); SVR rates genotype 2/3 group – 63% (Mono‐I) vs. 86% (Co‐I). Therapy discontinuations: six of 20 (30%) Mono‐I vs. three of 17 (18%) Co‐I. Dose reductions: two of 20 (10%) Mono‐I vs. zero of 17 Co‐I. Haematological support factor use: one of 20 (5%) Mono‐I vs. four of 17 (23.5%) Co‐I.Virological outcomes to peg‐IFN and RBV in HCV‐infected haemophiliacs are comparable to published data relating to other HCV‐infected cohorts. Good virological outcomes can be achieved in HIV co‐infected haemophiliacs particularly when growth factors are used to facilitate full dosing of peg‐IFN and RBV.
Multiple loss‐of‐function of Arabidopsis gibberellin receptor AtGID1s completely shuts down a gibberellin signal
Authors: Iuchi Satoshi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kim Young‐Cheon , Iuchi Atsuko , Kuromori Takashi , Ueguchi‐Tanaka Miyako , Asami Tadao , Yamaguchi Isomaro , Matsuoka Makoto , Kobayashi Masatomo , Nakajima Masatoshi 
Published: May 2007

SummaryArabidopsis carries three receptor genes for the phytohormone gibberellin (GA), AtGID1a, AtGID1b and AtGID1c. Expression of each gene in the rice gid1‐1 mutant for GA receptors causes reversion of its severely dwarfed phenotype and GA insensitivity to a normal level, even though each loss‐of‐function mutant shows no clear phenotype in Arabidopsis (Nakajima et al., 2006). In this paper, we report the functional redundancy and specificity of each AtGID1 by analyzing the multiple mutants for loss of function. Seeds of the double knockout mutants atgid1a atgid1b, atgid1a atgid1c and atgid1b atgid1c germinated normally. The double knockout mutant atgid1a atgid1c showed a dwarf phenotype, while other double mutants were of normal height compared to the wild‐type. The stamens of the double knockout mutant atgid1a atgid1b were significantly shorter than those of the wild‐type, and this leads to low fertility. A severe disarrangement of the pattern on its seed surface was also observed. The triple knockout mutant atgid1a atgid1b atgid1c did not germinate voluntarily, and only started to grow when the seed coat was peeled off after soaking. Seedlings of the triple knockout mutants were severe dwarfs, only a few millimeters high after growing for 1 month. Moreover, the triple knockout seedlings completely lost their ability to respond to exogenously applied GA. These results show that all AtGID1s function as GA receptors in Arabidopsis, but have specific role(s) for growth and development.
Pregnancy Rate Obtained with Short‐term Protocol for Timed Artificial Insemination in Goats
Authors: Menchaca A , Rubianes E 
Published: May 2007

ContentsRecent studies demonstrated that the Short‐term Protocol of 5 days of progestogen treatment plus one dose of prostaglandin F2α and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) resulted in a close synchronized ovulation (60 h after the end of treatment approximately). In addition, oestradiol benzoate (ODB) is effective in synchronizing ovulation in goats and could be an alternative to eCG. This study was performed to determine the pregnancy rate using the Short‐term Protocol comparing: (i) two different moments of timed artificial insemination (TAI) after eCG treatment (trial 1) and (ii) ODB as an alternative to eCG treatment (trial 2). In trial 1, 250 IU of eCG was given at the end of progestogen exposure, and cervical TAI with fresh semen was performed 48 h (n = 156) or 54 h (n = 168) later. In trial 2, 250 IU of eCG was given at sponge withdrawal (eCG group, n = 154) or 200 μg of ODB was given 24 h later (ODB group, n = 119). TAI was performed 54 h after the end of progestogen treatment. Pregnancy rate was determined by transrectal ultrasonography. In trial 1, the pregnancy rate for goats with TAI performed at 54 h (107/168, 63.7%) was higher than for those with TAI performed 48 h (77/156, 49.4%; p < 0.05) after sponge withdrawal. In trial 2, pregnancy rate was higher in eCG (94/154, 61.0%) than in ODB (49/119, 40.3%; p < 0.05) treated goats. In conclusion, the highest pregnancy rate was achieved using Short‐term Protocol associated with eCG and TAI performed 54 h after treatment.
Comparison of Different Extenders with Defined Protein Composition for Storage of Stallion Spermatozoa at 5°C
Authors: Aurich C , Seeber P , Müller‐Schlösser F 
Published: May 2007

ContentsTo maintain the fertility of stallion spermatozoa during cooled storage, extender media are added to semen. In this study, three semen extenders were compared: EquiPro which contains defined caseinates and whey proteins instead of dried skim milk. The extender is provided in dry form and dissolved in distilled water prior to use. EquiPro TM has the same composition as EquiPro but is provided in a sterilized ready‐to‐use liquid form. AndroMed‐E contains soybean lecithin as protein source. Semen was collected from seven stallions. Ejaculates were divided into three aliquots, diluted with the different extenders and stored at 5°C for 4 days. Total motility, membrane integrity, average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear‐velocity (VCL), straight‐line velocity (VSL), distance average path (DAP), distance curved line (DCL) and distance straight line (DSL) were determined by computer‐assisted analysis. Total motility decreased in all extenders during storage. The parameters VAP, VCL, VSL, DAP, DCL and DSL in semen diluted in EquiPro TM at most times and in semen diluted in AndroMed‐E at some times were lower than in semen diluted in EquiPro (p < 0.05). Viability on days 0 and 4 was lowest in semen diluted in AndroMed‐E (p < 0.05). Velocity decreased faster when semen had been diluted in the sterilized liquid extender EquiPro TM or in AndroMed‐E compared with the dry formula of EquiPro. Therefore the liquid sterilized EquiPro despite no difference in its chemical composition differs from the dry, non‐sterilized EquiPro extender. Heat sterilization apparently changes effects of the extender on spermatozoa.
Practice variation in initial management and transfer thresholds for infants with respiratory distress in Australian hospitals. Who should write the guidelines?
Authors: Buckmaster Adam G , Wright Ian MR , Arnolda Gaston , Henderson‐Smart David J 
Published: May 2007

Aim:  In Australian hospitals: (i) to identify current practices in the initial oxygen management of infants with respiratory distress; (ii) to identify factors important in deciding to transfer an infant; and (iii) to identify thresholds for transfer.Methods:  All Australian hospitals with: >200 registered deliveries, a special care unit (SCU) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and at least one paediatrician were surveyed in 2004 (n = 176). The questionnaire sought information on the initial oxygen management and factors important in deciding to transfer. Three scenarios were also used to identify thresholds for pH, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels at which transfer should occur. Responses from SCU were compared with those from NICU.Results:  15/19 (79%) NICUs and 118/157 (75%) SCUs responded. Initial oxygen management varies widely among SCUs and NICUs. NICUs set significantly lower saturation (SaO2) targets in two of the three scenarios. NICUs are statistically significantly more likely to regard ‘Medical Staff Experience’ and ‘Time to Nearest NICU’ as important compared with SCUs (P < 0.05). NICUs would ‘Probably’ and ‘Definitely Transfer’ infants at significantly lower oxygen levels in all three cases (P < 0.05). SCUs are significantly less likely to transfer babies with pH of <7.25 compared with NICUs. There was no difference between the centres for CO2 level.Conclusion:  The wide variation that exists between nurseries in the initial management of infants with respiratory distress and in the thresholds for transfer strongly suggests the need for the development of practice guidelines.
Alterations in ocular surface and corneal thickness in relation to metabolic control in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: AKTAŞ ZEYNEP , ÖZDEK ŞENGÜL , ASLI DINÇ UMUT , AKYÜREK NALAN , ATALAY VELI , GÜZ GALIP , HASANREISOGLU BERATI 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  Ocular surface changes and ocular symptoms may be encountered in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing haemodialysis. The ocular surface changes and its relationship with metabolic control in CRF patients were aimed to be emphasized in this study.Methods:  Thirty‐eight CRF patients (75 eyes) undergoing haemodialysis were enrolled. Patients underwent a complete ocular examination together with Schirmer, tear break‐up time tests, pachymetric measurements and conjunctival impression cytologies. Blood calcium, phosphate levels and total body volume changes after haemodialysis were recorded.Results:  The most common findings were conjunctival calcification with red eye (81.3%) and dry eye (62.7%, according to tear break‐up time test) in 75 eyes of 38 patients. Impression cytologies were graded as 0 in 57.3% of eyes and 2–3 in 40% of eyes showing positive correlation with the extent of conjunctival calcification (R = 0.486, P = 0.0001). Serum calcium and phosphate levels were also positively correlated with the degree of conjunctival calcification (R = 0.684, P = 0.0001 and R = 0.428, P = 0.0001, respectively) as well as with the grades of impression cytology (R = 0.587, P = 0.0001 and R = 0.385, P = 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, the mean corneal thickness decreased significantly (9.31 ± 26.9 μm) following haemodialysis (Paired t‐test, P = 0.002).Conclusion:  Dry eye and irritational symptoms are major ocular symptoms in CRF patients. Serum calcium and phosphate levels seem to have a prognostic importance for the ocular findings and symptoms in patients with CRF.
RNA interference‐mediated knock‐down of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 prevents forepaw inflammatory hyperalgesia in rat
Authors: Kasama Susumu , Kawakubo Masatomo , Suzuki Takefumi , Nishizawa Tomoko , Ishida Akiko , Nakayama Jun 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTransient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)1 is a ligand‐gated cation channel expressed by primary sensory neurons, including those in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). TRPV1 plays an essential role in development of inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia after tissue injury and its expression in rat lumbar DRG is increased after hindpaw inflammation. However, the identity of factors mediating forepaw inflammatory hyperalgesia has remained elusive. Here, we examined behavioral responses to noxious thermal stimuli after forepaw inflammation in rats and found that inflammation induced by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant significantly reduced hot‐plate latency (HPL) at 50 °C. TRPV1 expression levels in the ipsilateral cervical DRG were also elevated after forepaw inflammation. By contrast, HPL at 56 °C was not shortened after forepaw inflammation and expression of TRPV2, a TRPV1 homolog, in the DRG was not increased. Paratracheal injection of short interfering RNA targeting TRPV1 blocked TRPV1 up‐regulation in cervical DRG and abolished inflammation‐mediated HPL reductions seen at 50 °C. However, thermal hyperalgesia previously established by inflammation was not reversed by short interfering RNA injection. These results indicate that: (i) enhanced TRPV1 expression in cervical DRG is closely associated with development of inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia in the forepaw after tissue injury and (ii) RNA interference targeting TRPV1 prevents inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia after forepaw injuries but does not ameliorate it when already established in a rat model of nociceptive pain representing upper limb injury in humans.
Vitamin B12 deficiency following restorative proctocolectomy1
Authors: Coull D. B. , Tait R. C. , Anderson J. H. , McKee R. F. , Finlay I. G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective  Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) involves terminal ileal resection and formation of a small bowel reservoir that predisposes to bacterial overgrowth. It was anticipated that these patients would be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.Method  Vitamin B12 levels were measured sequentially in 171 patients who underwent RP. Prospective results were obtained from all 20 patients undergoing pouch formation after the commencement of the study. Further results were obtained retrospectively from case notes and computerized laboratory records of the 151 patients who underwent RP prior to the commencement of the study and these were correlated with the results of follow‐up samples taken prospectively from the same patients after the commencement of the study. The median age of the patients was 40 years (range: 13–67) and the median duration of follow up was 5.4 years (range: 1–12). Patients with an abnormally low serum B12 level underwent both a Schilling and a hydrogen breath test. Eight of these patients were then treated with oral vitamin B12.Results  Abnormally low serum B12 levels were found in 25% of patients. Forty per cent of our patient group had three or more sequential B12 measurements and of these, 66% showed steadily declining B12 levels. Ninety‐four per cent of patients with low B12 had a normal Schilling test and were negative for bacterial overgrowth.Conclusion  Subnormal vitamin B12 levels develop in almost one‐quarter of patients after pouch surgery. The exact mechanism for B12 deficiency in these patients is uncertain. In the majority of patients undergoing RP, vitamin B12 levels fall on sequential measurement. Serum B12 levels should be measured during follow up and pouch patients with subnormal B12 levels, should see them successfully restored to a normal value after treatment with oral B12 replacement therapy.
Normal ranges for anorectal manometry and sensation in women of reproductive age
Authors: Chaliha C. , Sultan A. H. , Emmanuel A. V. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective  To derive a range of normal values for anal sphincter resting and squeeze pressure, and anorectal sensation in healthy women without anorectal disease before and after their first childbirth.Method  Nulliparous women undergoing anal physiology testing in the third trimester of pregnancy and 12 weeks after delivery. All were asked to undergo anal manometry and anorectal electrosensation testing. Maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure and anal thresholds to electrical current were assessed at 1 cm intervals down the anal canal. Rectal electrosensitivity thresholds were assessed 10 cm from the anal verge.Results  A total of 286 women attended for antenatal investigations and 161 (56%) returned postpartum. The anal canal length was 3.9 ± 0.6 cm antenatally and 3.9 ± 0.6 cm postnatally. During pregnancy the 95% normal range for anal resting and squeeze pressures, anal and rectal sensation were 29–90 mmHg, 50–163 mmHg, 2–31 mA and 3–33 mA respectively. Post delivery the 95% normal ranges were 27–98 mmHg, 43–156, 2–12 mA and 0.1–34 mA respectively. Both antenatally and postnatally the manometry and sensitivity values were similar in women with and without bowel symptoms.Conclusion  This study is the largest series of normative data for anal manometry, and anorectal sensation in women before and after their first delivery. The antenatal values can serve to represent ranges for nulliparous women and the postnatal values ranges in primiparous women.
Prospective non‐randomized evaluation of four mediators of the systemic response after extraperitoneal laparoscopic and open retropubic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Jurczok Andreas , Zacharias Mario , Wagner Sigrid , Hamza Amir , Fornara Paolo 
Published: May 2007

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVETo report a prospective, controlled, non‐randomized patient study to determine the systemic response to extraperitoneal laparoscopic (eLRP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 403 patients who had eLRP (163) or open RRP (240) were recruited; patients in both groups had similar preoperative staging. In addition to peri‐operative variables (operative duration, complications, blood loss, transfusion rate, hospitalization, catheterization), oncological data (Gleason score, pathological stage, positive margins) were also compared. The extent of the systemic response to surgery‐induced tissue trauma was measured in all patients, by assessing the levels of acute‐phase markers C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐10 before, during and after RP.RESULTSThe duration of surgery, transfusion rate, hospital stay and duration of catheterization were comparable with those in previous studies. There was an increase in IL‐6, CRP and SAA but no change in IL‐10, and no differences between eLRP and RRP over the entire period assessed.CONCLUSIONThe invasiveness of eLRP could not be substantiated objectively based on the variables measured in this study. The surgical trauma and associated invasiveness of both methods were equivalent.
Laparoscopic partial cystectomy for various bladder pathologies
Authors: Tai Huai‐Ching , Chung Shiu‐Dong , Wang So‐Mon , Chueh Shih‐Chieh , Yu Hong‐Jeng 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo present our initial experience with laparoscopic partial cystectomy (LPC) in selected patients with various bladder pathologies.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween December 2004 and April 2006, four patients had LPC at our centre (mean age 52 years, range 35–70); the transperitoneal approach was used for three and a pre‐peritoneal approach for one. The surgical procedures used sequentially included transurethral incision around the lesion, laparoscopic excision of the lesion (partial cystectomy) and intracorporeal suturing. Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was also used for the two patients with malignancy.RESULTSAll operations proceeded smoothly; the bladder pathologies included one bladder endometriosis, one bladder leiomyoma, one urothelial carcinoma within the bladder diverticulum and one urachal adenocarcinoma. The mean (range) operative duration was 197.5 (120–300) min, the estimated blood loss 70 (50–100) mL, the hospital stay 6.75 (5–9) days, and duration of Foley catheterization 7.25 (6–9) days. No open conversion was required and no patient had peri‐operative complications. The surgical margins were free of cancer and the dissected lymph nodes were negative in those two patients with bladder malignancy.CONCLUSIONSLPC is safe and feasible in selected patients with various bladder pathologies.
Effects of structured hospital‐based care compared with standard care for Type 2 diabetes—The Asker and Baerum Cardiovascular Diabetes Study, a randomized trial
Authors: Johansen O. E. , Gullestad L. , Blaasaas K. G. , Orvik E. , Birkeland K. I. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAims  Few studies have compared structured vs. standard care on the effects of modifying several cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in subjects with Type 2 diabetes. Because of the complexity of the disease, we hypothesized that structured care with a multi‐interventional approach is necessary to effectively reach treatment goals and to reduce CV risk.Methods  An open 2‐year parallel‐group study in 120 patients (age 59 ± 10 years, 31 females) with Type 2 diabetes (median duration 4 years) was conducted. The patients were randomized to standard care (follow‐up by their general practitioner) or to structured care at a hospital outpatient clinic consisting of an initial 6 months’ lifestyle programme followed by targeted intensified pharmacological treatment to reach prespecified goals for glycaemic, lipid and blood pressure (BP) control. The primary outcome was change in the estimated10‐year absolute risk for fatal coronary heart disease (CHD).Results  One hundred and six patients completed the study. Improvements were greater among patients receiving structured rather than standard care for systolic BP, triglycerides, glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (P < 0.05), as well as for the estimated 10‐year CHD‐risk (17.9% to 14.5% vs. 18.3% to 19.6%) and the prevalence of a CHD risk ≥ 20% (38% to 22% vs. 39% to 45%). Most of the reduction in estimated CHD risk (77%) in the structured care group was obtained during the period (6–24 months) with intensified pharmacological treatment (P < 0.01).Conclusions  This study shows that 2 years of structured care combining lifestyle and pharmacological interventions improved several CV risk factors and reduced the estimated 10‐year absolute risk for CHD in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Interaction of ultraviolet light, chemicals and cultured mammalian cells: photobiological reactions of halogenated antiseptics, drugs and dyes
Authors: LOCK STEPHEN O. , FRIEND JOHN V. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisWe have successfully demonstrated that cells in culture are sensitive to damage produced by a variety of phototoxic agents. Differences in the apparent sensitivity of the three cell systems employed (photohaemolysis, phototoxicity to macrophages and to Chinese hamster CHV79 cells) have been exploited to reflect the mechanism of action of the phototoxic materials. Overall four distinct patterns of phototoxic response were observed which indicate specific sites of action of the phototoxic materials within the cell. Of the two halogenated antiseptics tested 3,3′,4′,5‐tetrachlorosalicylanilide (T4CS) was phototoxic and 3,4,4′‐trichlorocarbanilide (TCC) was not; of the drugs both 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and chlorpromazine (CP) were phototoxic; and of the three dyes rose bengal (RB) and Blankophor (FB) were phototoxic and Tinapol (EMS) was not. Phototoxic cellular damage produced by CP, RB and FB could be totally prevented by continuous gassing with O2‐free, 5% CO2 in N2. T4CS and 8‐MOP phototoxic cellular damage was found to proceed independently of the presence or absence of O2.