bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum eosinophil granule proteins predict asthma risk in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Nielsen L. P. , Peterson C. G. B. , Dahl R. 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Allergic rhinitis is a common disease, in which some patients will deteriorate or develop asthma. It is important to characterize these patients, thereby offering the possibility for prevention. This study evaluated eosinophil parameters as potential indicators of deteriorating allergic airway disease.Methods:  The subjects of the study included all patients who suffered seasonal allergic rhinitis and had participated in a study 6 years earlier, in which blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) serum eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), nasal lavage ECP and nasal lavage EPO levels were measured. Patients in the present study were interviewed on occurrence of rhinitis symptoms during the last season, rhinitis outside season, asthma‐like symptoms and asthma diagnosis, and were skin‐prick tested for common aeroallergens. Eosinophil parameters from the study 6 years earlier were then tested for the ability to predict occurrence of new allergies, worsening of rhinitis and occurrence of asthma.Results:  Forty‐four patients participated in the study. In four patients seasonal rhinitis symptoms had deteriorated, 10 had experienced perennial rhinitis symptoms, 14 reported asthma‐like symptoms and seven had been diagnosed with asthma. Thirteen had developed additional sensitization. Patients developing asthma‐like symptoms compared with patients with no such symptoms had significantly higher serum ECP (16.7 μg/l vs 8.2 μg/l; P ≤ 0.01) and serum EPO (17.9 μg/l vs 8.8 μg/l; P ≤ 0.05). Results were similar, considering patients diagnosed with asthma. Blood eosinophils and nasal lavage parameters were not related to development of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms. No eosinophil parameter was related to deterioration of rhinitis or additional sensitization.Conclusion:  Serum ECP and EPO in patients with seasonal rhinitis demonstrated a high predictive ability for later development of asthma.
Histopathology and evaluation of potentiation of morphine‐induced antinociception by intrathecal droperidol in the rat
Authors: GRIP G. , SVENSSON B. A. , GORDH T. , POST C. , HARTVIG P. 
Published: December 2008

Clinical studies have indicated that a low dos of the dopamine DP‐receptor antagonistdroperidol given epidurally potentiate the antinociceptive effect of epidural morphine. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate this drug interaction in a rat model. Rats were given morphine and droperidol intrathecally in several combinations of doses. It was found that droperidol had no antinociceptive effect by itself, nor in combination with morphine. It was also shown that droperidol and morphine exert no histopathologicaleffects on the rat spinal cord. This discrepancy between clinical Endings and experimental pain studies suggests different modes of action of droperidol in the two situations.
Recommendations of the ISBT Working Party on Granulocyte Immunobiology for leucocyte antibody screening in the investigation and prevention of antibody‐mediated transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors:   ISBT Working Party on Granulocyte Immunobiology, Bierling P. , Bux J. , Curtis B. , Flesch B. , Fung L. , Lucas G. , Macek M. , Muniz‐Diaz E. , Porcelijn L. , Reil A. , Sachs U. , Schuller R. , Tsuno N. , Uhrynowska M. , Urbaniak S. , Valentin N. , Wikman A. , Zupanska B. 
Published: December 2008

Background  Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is currently one of the most common causes of transfusion‐related major morbidity and death. Among the many TRALI mediators, leucocyte antibodies have been identified as important triggers of severe TRALI.Study Design and Methods  These recommendations were compiled by experts of the ISBT Working Party on Granulocyte Immunobiology, based on the results obtained in eight international granulocyte immunology workshops, their personal experiences and on published study results.Results  Leucocyte antibody screening has to include the detection of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I, class II and human neutrophil alloantigen antibodies using established and validated techniques. HLA class I antibody detection should be restricted to antibodies clinically relevant for TRALI. To avoid unnecessary workload, TRALI diagnosis should be assessed by consultation with the reporting clinician and thorough exclusion of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload/cardiac insufficiency. In patients diagnosed with TRALI having donors with detectable leucocyte antibodies, evidence of leucocyte incompatibility should be provided by either cross‐matching or typing of patient for cognate antigen.Conclusion  Leucocyte antibody screening for the immunological clarification of TRALI cases as well as for identification of potentially alloimmunized blood donors is feasible and can be performed in a reasonable and quality assured manner. This practice can contribute to the prevention of antibody‐mediated TRALI.
Bacteria–diet interactions affect longevity in the medfly –Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Ben‐Yosef M. , Behar A. , Jurkevitch E. , Yuval B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, Dipt.: Tephritidae) harbour a diverse community of bacteria in their digestive system. This microbiota may have important functions impacting on the fly’s fitness. Recently, we described the effect of eliminating intestinal bacteria on the reproductive success of C. capitata males and females. Here, we expand the view on the nature of fly–bacteria interactions by examining the effect of bacteria on male and female longevity. Antibiotics were used to suppress the gut bacterial community and mortality rates were compared between antibiotic‐treated and non‐treated flies when either nutritionally stressed (maintained on sugar) or provided with a full diet. These tests revealed that eliminating the gut bacterial population prolonged longevity, but only when flies were nutritionally stressed, indicating that the effect of bacteria on lifespan was diet dependent. Considering these results in light of other known effects of bacteria on fitness components of the fly demonstrates a cost‐benefit relationship between C. capitata and its gut microbiota.
Insect transgenesis applied to tephritid pest control
Authors: Scolari F. , Schetelig M. F. , Gabrieli P. , Siciliano P. , Gomulski L. M. , Karam N. , Wimmer E. A. , Malacrida A. R. , Gasperi G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTephritid fruit fly species cause major economical losses in crops worldwide. Genetic transformation of insect pests, which are targets of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a key component of area‐wide pest management, has been achieved for several years. For the medfly Ceratitis capitata as well as several Bactrocera and Anastrepha species, germline transformation can now be used to bioengineer strains that should increase the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of the SIT. Novel transformation vectors, robust genetic markers and diverse promoters to drive stage‐ and tissue‐specific gene expression provide powerful tools to test the contribution that these technologies can make to current SIT programmes.
Rapid assessment of the sex of codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) eggs and larvae
Authors: Fuková I. , Neven L. G. , Bárcenas N. M. , Gund N. A. , Dalíková M. , Marec F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTwo different methods were tested to identify the sex of the early developmental stages of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with a WZ/ZZ (female/male) sex chromosome system. First, it was shown that the sex of all larval stages can be easily determined by the presence or absence of sex chromatin, which is formed by the female‐specific W chromosome in interphase nuclei. This trait can also be used to identify the sex of newly hatched larvae but it does require care and accuracy. Secondly, a new sexing technique was developed based on a molecular marker of the codling moth W chromosome. Flanking regions of an earlier described W‐specific sequence (CpW2) were isolated and sequenced and a 2.74 kb sequence (CpW2‐EcoRI), specific for the W chromosome, was obtained. Several PCR tests were conducted, which confirmed that the CpW2‐EcoRI sequence is a reliable marker for the sex identification in codling moth samples of different geographical origin. In addition, a fragment of a codling moth gene, period (Cpper) was isolated and sequenced. Results of southern hybridization of the Cpper probe with female and male genomic DNA suggested that the Cpper gene is located on the Z chromosome. Then a multiplex PCR assay was developed, which co‐amplified the CpW2‐EcoRI sequence to identify the W chromosome and the Z‐linked Cpper sequence, which served as a positive control of accurate processing of tested samples. The multiplex PCR provides an easy and rapid identification of the sex of embryos and early larval instars of the codling moth.
Mitochondria in Mammalian Sperm Physiology and Pathology: A Review
Authors: Peña FJ , Rodríguez Martínez H , Tapia JA , Ortega Ferrusola C , González Fernández L , Macías García B 
Published: December 2008

ContentsWhile, for a long time, the role of mitochondria in sperm physiology and pathology has been largely ignored, recent research points out the mitochondria as a major organelle with key roles in sperm function both under physiological and biotechnological conditions. This paper briefly reviews these novel findings regarding the role of mitochondria in sperm, paying special attention to the most practical, readily applicable, aspects of the topic such as their role as a major source of the sublethal damage that sperm experiments after cryopreservation.
Clinical impact of altered immunoglobulin levels in Henoch–Schönlein purpura
Authors: Fretzayas Andrew , Sionti Irene , Moustaki Maria , Nicolaidou Polyxeni 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was the identification of immunological features, present at the time of diagnosis, that would predict the severity of Henoch–Schönlein purpura and its outcome.Methods:  A cohort study was carried out in a tertiary pediatric hospital of 69 children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura, in whom serum complement components C3, C4 and IgA, IgM, IgG were repeatedly determined.Results:  During the acute phase of the disease in 54/69 patients (78.3%) immunological imbalances were observed. In 24/54 cases (44.4%) certain complications involving the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract were noted as opposed to in 3/15 children (20%) without immunologic abnormalities. In 50/69 children (72.5%), elevated serum IgA was detected and 16 of them (32%) developed renal involvement while only 1/19 children (5.3%) with normal IgA concentration had renal involvement. Considering separately the group of 9/69 children (13%) with increased IgM and those with normal IgM levels (53/69; 76.8%), irrespective of IgA and IgG concentration, we found a comparable percentage of children who had both renal and intestinal involvement without, however, developing severe complications, which were exclusively seen in patients with increased IgA (5/7 children) and reduced IgM levels. Serum C3 fraction was elevated in 26 children (37.7%) and in 73% of cases it was associated with increased serum IgA values.Conclusion:  Renal involvement was seen in 32% of children with increased IgA values. Most importantly, elevated IgA concentration along with reduced IgM levels was associated with higher prevalence of severe complications.
Renal ischemia time in laparoscopic surgery: an experimental study in a porcine model
Authors: Humphreys Mitchell R , Castle Erik P , Lohse Christine M , Sebo Thomas J , Leslie Kevin O , Andrews Paul E 
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery is becoming more common, only limited by experience of the surgeon and the renal ischemia time. It is currently unknown if laparoscopic surgery alters the accepted 30 min threshold for renal ischemia. The purpose of this study was to define the normothermic ischemic threshold in the laparoscopic setting.Methods:  Twenty‐four domestic female pigs underwent a laparoscopic transperitoneal procedure after randomization to one of five treatment groups: 30, 60, 75, 90, and 120 min of unilateral renal ischemia. One animal was used as a control specimen and was not exposed to any surgery or pneumoperitoneum. The contralateral kidney in each animal was used as an individual control for the corresponding time of pneumoperitoneum. The animals were euthanized after 3 weeks, when both renal units were harvested and data were analyzed.Results:  Three animals died secondary to complications from their procedure and were replaced. There was no association between urine volume and ischemic time, but urine creatinine and creatinine clearance decreased significantly as ischemic time increased. The control animal and 30 min ischemic group had similar results. Functional renal parameters decreased in those animals exposed to greater than 75 min of ischemia. The histologic analysis did not show any significant differences among the experimental groups.Conclusion:  Renal function begins to deteriorate between 75 and 90 min of renal vascular occlusion in this two‐renal unit laparoscopic porcine model.
Neuroendocrine differentiation in the progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Komiya Akira , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Imamoto Takashi , Kamiya Naoto , Nihei Naoki , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Fuse Hideki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractNeuroendocrine (NE) cells originally exist in the normal prostate acini and duct, regulating prostatic growth, differentiation and secretion. Clusters of malignant NE cells are found in most prostate cancer (PCa) cases. NE differentiation (NED) is the basic character of the prostate, either benign or malignant. NE cells hold certain peptide hormones or pro‐hormones, which affect the target cells by endocrine, paracrine, autocrine and neuroendocrine transmission in an androgen‐independent fashion due to the lack of androgen receptor. NED is accessed by immunohistochemical staining or measurement of serum levels of NE markers. The extent of NED is associated with progression and prognosis of PCa. Chromogranin A (CGA) is the most important NE marker. In metastatic PCa, pretreatment serum CGA levels can be a predictor for progression and survival after endocrine therapy. It is recommended to measure longitudinal change in serum CGA. The NE pathway can also be a therapeutic target.
Fungal keratitis in far north Queensland, Australia
Authors: Thew Michael RJ , Todd Brian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders form a significant proportion of the population in far north Queensland and are at increased risk for many eye conditions. This study describes the pattern of fungal keratitis seen at Cairns Base Hospital, far north Queensland, Australia.Methods:  A retrospective review of all cases of culture positive fungal keratitis presenting between 1998 and 2008. The records of 17 patients were reviewed for epidemiological, risk factor, microbiological, treatment and outcome data.Results:  The study included 16 eyes from 16 patients. Five (31.25%) patients were of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Pre‐disposing factors were ocular trauma (n = 7) and contact lens wear (n = 3). No patients were on topical steroids at presentation. All patients grew filamentous fungi with Fusarium the most common isolate (50%). Aspergillus, Curvularia and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were the next most common accounting for two cases each. Two patients developed corneal perforations, whereas two required penetrating keratoplasty and one required evisceration. Eight patients had a visual acuity of 6/18 or better at presentation and this increased to 13 patients at final follow up.Conclusions:  A significant proportion of the patients presenting to Cairns Base Hospital with fungal keratitis are Indigenous. The very high percentage of cases due to filamentous fungi is similar to other tropical regions of the world. The very low rates of Candida infection and steroid use prior to presentation are in contrast to studies from temperate areas such as Melbourne and Philadelphia.
Blood flow in the peripapillary retina in exfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Harju Mika , Kurvinen Leena , Saari Jukka , Vesti Eija 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this article is to study peripapillary retinal blood flow in patients with progressive and stable exfoliation glaucoma (ExG).Methods:  Fifty‐eight eyes with ExG were included; 25 of them had progressive and 33 stable glaucoma. Retinal blood flow in the peripapillary retina was measured with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. Acquired flow maps were analysed with the automatic full‐field perfusion image analyser. Multiple logistic regression was used to model progression of glaucoma.Results:  Mean retinal flow (MF; correlation coefficient, P‐value; R = 0.36, P = 0.006) and retinal minimum diastolic flow (R = 0.33, P = 0.011) were positively correlated with visual field mean defect (MD). Factors associated with progressive glaucoma were mean intraocular pressure (OR = 1.198 for each mmHg; P = 0.050) and visual field MD (OR = 1.134 for each dB; P = 0.013). Age (P = 0.35), MF (P = 0.58), or presence of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.17) were not associated with glaucoma progression.Conclusion:  No difference in peripapillary retinal blood flow between progressive and stable ExG could be found.
Life‐threatening conjunctival presentation of myeloid sarcoma
Authors: Alexander Cathryn , Lee Graham A , Whitehead Kevin , Bashford John , Jefferies Peter D 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMyeloid sarcoma is a life‐threatening condition that can present rarely as a conjunctival lesion. This case report describes a 48‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed after conjunctival biopsy, subsequently systemically investigated and then treated with chemotherapy. Collaboration of the ophthalmologist, pathologist and oncologist was critical in the successful management of this patient.
Clinicopathological features of ocular cystinosis
Authors: Kocabora Mehmet Selim , Ozbilen Kemal Turgay , Altunsoy Muhsin , Ahishali Bulent , Taskapili Muhittin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA 31‐year‐old woman who presented with photophobia was found to have bilateral corneal and conjunctival crystal deposition. Ocular cystinosis was diagnosed upon observation of typical crystals and lack of systemic involvement. In vivo confocal microscopy confirmed crystal deposition of the corneas and conjunctivae bilaterally. Optical coherence tomography showed stromal hyper‐reflectivity due to crystals within the corneal stroma. Transmission electron microscopy of the conjunctiva demonstrated pathognomonic intralysosomal cystine crystals inside fibroblasts and macrophages. Clinicopathological characteristics of ocular cystinosis are well described by this exceptional case.
Acanthamoeba keratitis cluster: an increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis in Australia
Authors: Ku Jae Yee , Chan Fiona M , Beckingsale Peter 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  This study was undertaken in response to an increase in the number of patients treated for Acanthamoeba keratitis at a tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Incidence and patient characteristics were investigated over a 4‐year period.Methods:  A retrospective consecutive case series study was performed on patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis presenting to the Princess Alexandra Hospital between January 2003 and March 2007.Results:  Nine cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis were identified over 12 months from March 2006 to March 2007 compared with four cases over the previous 37 months from January 2003 to February 2006. This was an increase from 0.07 cases per 1000 outpatient visits to 0.42 per 1000 (P = 0.003). Of the 13 cases, 11 patients used soft contact lenses of which two used monthly extended overnight wear silicone hydrogel lenses. Of the five patients who specified the type of contact lens solution they had used, three reported using AMO Complete Moistureplus Multipurpose solution, one reported using the AMO Complete Comfortplus Multipurpose solution and one was unsure which type of AMO Complete solution they were using.Conclusions:  There has been a significant increase in incidence of cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis presenting to our institution. The type of contact lens solution and the use of silicon hydrogel lenses combined with extended overnight wear may play a role; however, the significance is unclear given the small numbers for analysis. Further study of incidence and patient characteristics is warranted to identify risk factors and causes for the rising incidence.
Laser corneal biofilm disruption for infectious crystalline keratopathy
Authors: Masselos Katherine , Tsang Hughie HC , Ooi Ju‐Lee , Sharma Neil S , Coroneo Minas T 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCrystalline keratopathy can be successfully treated by the Nd:YAG laser. We present two cases of crystalline keratopathy managed this way. A 36‐year‐old female contact lens wearer presented with crystalline keratopathy following recent treatment with topical steroids and antibiotics for a corneal abscess. In this case crystalline keratopathy developed despite the intensive topical antibiotic treatment. A 55‐year‐old man with a history of acne rosacea, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, asthma and Crohn's disease presented with crystalline keratopathy following an episode of infectious keratitis. Treatment with the Nd:YAG laser to the area of involvement was instituted in both cases. Noticeable resolution occurred within days, with subsequent full recovery. No side‐effects from the use of the Nd:YAG laser were noted. There have been only two cases previously reported using this treatment modality.
Arterial stiffness is associated with raised levels of the inflammatory marker erythrocyte sedimentation rate among ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: De Silva D. A. , Woon F.‐P. , Gan H.‐Y. , Chen C. , Chang H.‐M. , Cameron J. , Kingwell B. , Wong M.‐C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe studied the relationship of arterial stiffness, measured by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and inflammation, measured by serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate among 334 ischaemic stroke patients. There was a significant correlation between carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.001), a relationship independent of age, hypertension, diabetes and smoking. Arterial stiffness and inflammation are associated among ischaemic stroke patients and are independent of established vascular risk factors.