bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TWO‐STAGE BRACHIOBASILIC ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA FOR CHRONIC HAEMODIALYSIS ACCESS
Authors: Francis David M. A. , Lu Yufan , Robertson Amanda J. , Millar Robert J. , Amy Jayne 
Published: February 2007

Background: Many haemodialysis patients are unable to have or maintain distal upper limb arteriovenous (AV) fistulas because of inadequate veins or arteries and therefore require more proximal access. We have reviewed our experience with a two‐stage brachiobasilic AV haemodialysis fistula fashioned in the arm.Methods: Ninety‐one brachiobasilic AV fistulas were fashioned in 87 patients between August 1999 and October 2004. Four AV fistulas failed because of early thrombosis. The second stage ‘superficialization’ was carried out at a median (range) of 73 days (32–1827 days) after fistula formation and involved mobilizing the arterialized basilic vein through a curved longitudinal incision on the anteromedial aspect of the arm and transposing it beneath the skin incision.Results: Primary and secondary patency rates were 87 and 89%, respectively, at 1 year and 78 and 84%, respectively, at 2 years. Early complications included infection (3%) and haemorrhage (4%) and late complications included thrombosis (15%) and stenosis (14%).Conclusion: The two‐stage superficialized brachiobasilic AV fistula described in this article has good patency. The operative techniques are straightforward, have relatively low complication rates and result in a large‐diameter fistula on the anteromedial aspect of the arm allowing easy and painless cannulation for haemodialysis.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SUSPECTED LARGE BOWEL OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Beattie Garth C. , Peters Robert T. , Guy Susanne , Mendelson Richard M. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scanning in the diagnosis of acute large bowel obstruction.Methods:  Forty‐four patients (22 men; 22 women, ages 39–94 years, mean 71 years) with clinical features and abdominal radiographic findings suggesting acute large bowel obstruction (LBO) or pseudo‐obstruction were examined with CT. Supine scans were obtained with i.v. contrast medium (unless contraindicated), but (in the majority) without oral contrast. Additional prone and/or decubitus scans were obtained in 33 patients when clarification of a possible transition point on the supine scan was required. CT diagnosis of LBO was made by finding a transition point ± mass. Final diagnosis was confirmed by surgery, further imaging and/or clinical course.Results:  Twenty‐two patients had proven mechanical acute LBO of whom 18 had an obstructing carcinoma; 22 patients had no mechanical obstruction. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value of CT for diagnosis of mechanical LBO were each 91%. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 10.1 and 0.1, respectively. There were two false‐negative CT scans, although one of these was reported as showing segmental mural thickening. A mass was identified on 14 of 17 patients with true‐positive CT, subsequently found to have carcinoma.Conclusion:  Computed tomography with additional selective prone and/or decubitus scanning is highly effective in the diagnosis of mechanical LBO. It is suggested that it replace contrast enema as the initial imaging method.
N‐ACETYLCYSTEINE IMPROVES INTESTINAL BARRIER IN PARTIALLY HEPATECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Oz Sarpkaya , Okay Erdem , Karadenizli Aynur , Cekmen Mustafa B. , Ozdogan Haci K. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  Translocating enteric bacteria play an important role in the development of infections following partial hepatectomy. The intestine itself is the first line of defence against bacterial translocation (BT). We investigated the effect of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on BT and the intestinal wall.Methods:  We compared four groups of Sprague–Dawley male rats (eight in each group): sham, sham plus preoperative single dose of NAC, partial hepatectomy and partial hepatectomy plus preoperative single dose of NAC. Microorganism count in the tissues and the glutathione and malondialdehyte contents of the intestinal wall were studied at the end of the 24th hour.Results:  Bacterial growth was observed in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes in the sham group. There was bacterial growth in all the samples of the partial hepatectomy group. Differences were significant except in atrial and portal blood counts. In the partial hepatectomy plus NAC treatment group, counts were significantly low in all, except atrial and portal blood samples. The malondialdehyte level in the intestinal wall was 35.38 ± 10.27 in the sham group, increasing significantly in the partial hepatectomy group (69.50 ± 21.48), and decreasing in the partial hepatectomy plus NAC treatment group (35.63 ± 14.12). Glutathione levels decreased significantly in the partial hepatectomy group and increased with preoperative single‐dose NAC.Conclusion:  Partial hepatectomy resulted in oxidative disturbances in intestinal wall, which in turn gave rise to BT. Parenteral NAC protects the intestinal wall from oxidative injury and attenuates BT.
The wealth of species: ecological communities, complex systems and the legacy of Frank Preston
Authors: Nekola Jeffrey C. , Brown James H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractGeneral statistical patterns in community ecology have attracted considerable recent debate. Difficulties in discriminating among mathematical models and the ecological mechanisms underlying them are likely related to a phenomenon first described by Frank Preston. He noted that the frequency distribution of abundances among species was uncannily similar to the Boltzmann distribution of kinetic energies among gas molecules and the Pareto distribution of incomes among wage earners. We provide additional examples to show that four different ‘distributions of wealth’ (species abundance distributions, species–area and species–time relations, and distance decay of compositional similarity) are not unique to ecology, but have analogues in other physical, geological, economic and cultural systems. Because these appear to be general statistical patterns characteristic of many complex dynamical systems they are likely not generated by uniquely ecological mechanistic processes.
Eating yourself sick: transmission of disease as a function of foraging ecology
Authors: Hall Spencer R. , Sivars‐Becker Lena , Becker Claes , Duffy Meghan A. , Tessier Alan J. , Cáceres Carla E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSpecies interactions may profoundly influence disease outbreaks. However, disease ecology has only begun to integrate interactions between hosts and their food resources (foraging ecology) despite that hosts often encounter their parasites while feeding. A zooplankton–fungal system illustrated this central connection between foraging and transmission. Using experiments that varied food density forDaphniahosts, density of fungal spores and body size ofDaphnia, we produced mechanistic yet general models for disease transmission rate based on broadly applicable components of feeding biology. Best performing models could explain why prevalence of infection declined at high food density and rose sharply as host size increased (a pattern echoed in nature). In comparison, the classic mass‐action model for transmission performed quite poorly. These foraging‐based models should broadly apply to systems in which hosts encounter parasites while eating, and they will catalyse future integration of the roles ofDaphniaas grazer and host.
A reply to Baldwin: critique does not weaken major conclusions
Authors: Adler Lynn S. , Wink Michael , Distl Melanie , Lentz Amanda J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBaldwin's critique raises some valid points. However, none invalidates our main findings of correlations between leaf and floral defences, and induction of nectar alkaloids. We believe our study successfully demonstrated linkages between leaf and floral traits, and we hope it inspires further research in multiple systems and settings.
Technical comment on Adler et al. (2006): experimental design compromises conclusions
Authors: Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe conclusion that herbivory induces ‘alkaloids’ in nectar but not in leaves, is likely an artefact of using pot‐bound plants and analytical procedures that only measure anabasine, a minor alkaloid representing 0.3% of the total alkaloids produced by Nicotiana tabacum.
A 10‐year retrospective analysis of pregnancy outcome in pregestational Type 2 diabetes: comparison of insulin and oral glucose‐lowering agents
Authors: Ekpebegh C. O. , Coetzee E. J. , Van Der Merwe L. , Levitt N. S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAims  To review the use of oral glucose‐lowering agents (OGLA) in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods  Retrospective analysis of outcomes and their predictors in singleton pregnancies ≥ 24 weeks managed at Groote Schuur hospital, Cape Town, South Africa from 1991 to 2000. There were 379 pregnancies, subdivided into three groups according to therapy: OGLA alone, converted from OGLA to insulin, insulin alone or converted from diet alone to insulin. The OGLA used were metformin and glibenclamide.Results  Mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was similar at booking and throughout pregnancy in all groups. In the OGLA alone, converted from OGLA to insulin and insulin alone/converted from diet alone to insulin groups, fetal anomaly rates were comparable: 5.7%, 2.0% and 0.0%, P = 0.2, respectively; whereas perinatal mortality rates (per 1000 births) were: 125, 28, 33, P = 0.003, respectively. Booking HbA1c was independently associated with fetal anomaly [odds ratio (OR) 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 1.97; P = 0.006]. The specific OGLA used in the first trimester was not associated with the occurrence of fetal anomaly. Last HbA1c (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.16, 2.42; P = 0.005) and fetal anomaly (OR 15.18; 95% CI 2.43, 93.37; P = 0.005) were independently associated with perinatal mortality. Conversion from OGLA to insulin was protective for perinatal mortality compared with OGLA alone treatment (OR 0.220; 95% CI 0.061, 0.756; P = 0.024). No perinatal mortality was observed in women on metformin alone.Conclusions  These data suggest that metformin and glibenclamide are not teratogenic but that it is advisable to replace OGLA, in particular glibenclamide, with insulin when women book for pregnancy care to reduce perinatal mortality rates.
Decreased high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin in gestational diabetes: implications for the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Retnakaran R. , Connelly P. W. , Maguire G. , Sermer M. , Zinman B. , Hanley A. J. G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAims  Low serum concentrations of the insulin‐sensitizing protein adiponectin predict the development of incident Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It has recently emerged that the anti‐diabetic activity of adiponectin may be mediated by its high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) isoform, circulating levels of which are decreased in T2DM. The relevance of decreased HMW adiponectin to incident T2DM, however, has not been assessed. Since gestational diabetes (GDM) identifies a population of young women at high risk of future T2DM (i.e. representing an early stage in the natural history of the disease), we sought to determine if decreased HMW adiponectin is a feature of GDM.Methods  HMW and total adiponectin were measured in 121 women at the time of oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) in late pregnancy, following an abnormal glucose challenge test. Based on the OGTT, there were 41 women with and 80 without GDM.Results  Median HMW adiponectin concentration was lower in women with GDM (3.5 µg/ml) than in those without GDM (5.5 µg/ml) (P < 0.0001). After full adjustment for covariates, mean HMW adiponectin remained significantly lower in women with GDM compared with their peers (3.6 vs. 5.3 µg/ml, P = 0.0035). HMW adiponectin was positively associated with insulin sensitivity (ISOGTT) (r = 0.38, P < 0.0001) and pancreatic B‐cell function [insulin secretion‐sensitivity index (ISSI)] (r = 0.33, P = 0.0002) and inversely related to blood glucose levels, including area‐under‐the‐glucose‐curve during the OGTT (AUCglucose) (r = −0.31, P = 0.0007). On separate multiple linear regression analyses, HMW adiponectin emerged as an independent determinant of AUCglucose, ISOGTT and ISSI, respectively, mirroring the relationships of total adiponectin.Conclusions  HMW adiponectin is significantly decreased in women with GDM. Deficiency of HMW adiponectin may be an early event in the natural history of T2DM.
Secular trends, disease maps and ecological analyses of the incidence of childhood onset Type 1 diabetes in Northern Ireland, 1989–2003
Authors: Cardwell C. R. , Carson D. J. , Patterson C. C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAims  To investigate secular trends in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Northern Ireland over the period 1989–2003. To highlight geographical variations in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes by producing disease maps and to compare incidence rates by relevant area characteristics.Methods  New cases of Type 1 diabetes in children aged 0–14 years in Northern Ireland were prospectively registered from 1989 to 2003. Standardized incidence rates were calculated and secular trends investigated. Bayesian methodology was used to produce maps of disease incidence using small geographical areas (582 electoral wards). Ecological analyses were conducted using Poisson regression to investigate incidence rates by area characteristics at a finer geographical subdivision (5022 census output areas).Results  In Northern Ireland during 1989–2003, there were 1433 new cases, giving a directly standardized incidence rate of 24.7 per 100 000 person‐years. This incidence rate increased by a mean of 4.2% per annum. Disease maps highlighted higher incidence rates in the predominately rural north‐east of the province and lower incidence rates in the urban areas around Belfast in the east and Derry in the north‐west of the province. Ecological analysis identified higher incidence in rural areas (P < 0.001), areas with low migration rates (P = 0.002), affluent areas (P < 0.0001), sparsely populated areas (P = 0.0001) and remote areas (P = 0.005).Conclusions  In Northern Ireland the incidence of Type 1 diabetes is increasing. The observed higher incidence in rural, affluent, sparsely populated and remote areas may reflect a reduced or delayed exposure to infections in these areas.
Inhibition of PTEN by peroxynitrite activates the phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase/Akt neuroprotective signaling pathway
Authors: Delgado‐Esteban Maria , Martin‐Zanca Dionisio , Andres‐Martin Laura , Almeida Angeles , Bolaños Juan P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPeroxynitrite is usually considered as a neurotoxic nitric oxide‐derivative. However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that, at low concentrations, peroxynitrite affords transient cytoprotection, both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we addressed the signaling mechanism responsible for this effect, and found that rat cortical neurons in primary culture acutely exposed to peroxynitrite (0.1 mmol/L) rapidly elicited Akt‐Ser473 phosphorylation. Inhibition of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway with wortmannin or Akt small hairpin RNA (shRNA) abolished the ability of peroxynitrite to prevent etoposide‐induced apoptotic death. Endogenous peroxynitrite formation by short‐term incubation of neurons with glutamate stimulated Akt‐Ser473 phosphorylation, whereas Akt shRNA enhanced the vulnerability of neurons against glutamate. We further show that Akt‐Ser473 phosphorylation was consequence of the oxidizing, but not the nitrating properties of peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite failed to nitrate or phosphorylate neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptors (Trks), and it did not modify the ability of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), to phosphorylate its cognate receptor, TrkB; however, peroxynitrite enhanced BDNF‐mediated Akt‐Ser473 phosphorylation. Finally, we found that peroxynitrite‐stimulated Akt‐Ser473 phosphorylation was associated with an increased proportion of oxidized phosphoinositide phosphatase, PTEN, in neurons. Moreover, peroxynitrite prevented the increase of apoptotic neuronal death caused by over‐expression of PTEN. Thus, peroxynitrite exerts neuroprotection by inhibiting PTEN, hence activating the anti‐apoptotic PI3K/Akt pathway in primary neurons.
NSF binds calcium to regulate its interaction with AMPA receptor subunit GluR2
Authors: Hanley Jonathan G. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion protein (NSF) is essential for numerous Ca2+‐triggered vesicle trafficking events. It functions as a molecular chaperone to regulate trafficking protein complexes such as the soluble NSF attachment protein (SNAP) receptor complex and the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)‐protein interacting with C‐kinase (PICK1) complex. AMPAR trafficking is fundamental to processes of synaptic plasticity, which may underlie learning and memory. Changes in synaptic strength brought about by AMPAR trafficking are triggered by a post‐synaptic influx of Ca2+, which may have numerous molecular targets including PICK1. NSF binds AMPAR subunit glutamate receptor subunit 2 (GluR2) and functions to maintain receptors at the synapse. In this study, it was showed that NSF is a Ca2+‐binding protein and that GluR2–NSF interactions are inhibited by the presence of 15 μmol/L Ca2+. NSF Ca2+‐binding is reciprocally inhibited by the presence of GluR2 C‐terminus. Mutant of NSF that binds Ca2+ with reduced affinity and binds GluR2 with reduced sensitivity to Ca2+ was identied. In addition, the interaction of βSNAP with PICK1 is sensitive to Ca2+. This study demonstrates that the GluR2‐NSF‐βSNAP‐PICK1 complex is regulated directly by Ca2+, allowing for the transduction of Ca2+ signals into concerted alterations in protein–protein interactions to bring about changes in AMPAR trafficking during synaptic plasticity.
p45, an ATPase subunit of the 19S proteasome, targets the polyglutamine disease protein ataxin‐3 to the proteasome
Authors: Wang Hongfeng , Jia Nali , Fei Erkang , Wang Zhiming , Liu Chao , Zhang Tao , Fan Jun , Wu Mian , Chen Lin , Nukina Nobuyuki , Zhou Jiangning , Wang Guanghui 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMachado–Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the polyglutamine tract near the C‐terminus of the MJD‐1 gene product, ataxin‐3. Ataxin‐3 is degraded by the proteasome. However, the precise mechanism of ataxin‐3 degradation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we show direct links between ataxin‐3 and the proteasome. p45, an ATPase subunit of the 19S proteasome, interacts with ataxin‐3 in vitro and stimulates the degradation of ataxin‐3 in an in vitro reconstituted degradation assay system. The effect of p45 on ataxin‐3 degradation is blocked by MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. In N2a or 293 cells, overexpression of p45 strikingly enhances the clearance of both normal and expanded ataxin‐3, but not alpha synuclein or SOD1, implying a functional specificity of p45 in this proteolytic process. The N‐terminus of ataxin‐3, which serves as a recognition site by p45, is necessary for the proteolytic process of ataxin‐3. We also show that other three ATPases of the 19S proteasome, MSS1, p48, and p56 have no effect on ataxin‐3 degradation. These data provide evidence that p45 plays an important role in regulating ataxin‐3 degradation by the proteasome.
Comments on a commentary: statistical evaluation of split mouth caries trials
Authors: Væth Michael , Poulsen Sven 
Published: February 2007

Abstract –When results of split mouth caries trials are reported, the most frequently used outcome measures are “effectiveness” and “net gain”. In a recent review by Riordan & FitzGerald (Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1994;22:192–7) of the statistical analysis of data from such trials, the close connection between effectiveness and the traditional epidemiological outcome measure, relative risk, was pointed out and the latter measure was recommended. The condence intervals for these parameters were, however, incorrect. This note provides valid condence intervals for net gain, effectiveness and relative risk based on data from split mouth trials and presents examples of the calculations.
Impact of diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of dental caries in Norwegian children aged 5, 12 and 18 years
Authors: Amarante Eliana , Raadal Magne , Espelid Ivar 
Published: February 2007

Abstract –The study aimed to investigate caries prevalence in children using a severity grading diagnostic system, and to evaluate the influence of different diagnostic thresholds on the caries data. A group of 513 children, aged 5, 12 and 18 years, were examined clinically, and with available bitewing radiographs, by four calibrated examiners. The inter‐ and intra‐examiner reliability, assessed by a weighted kappa, varied between 0.80 and 0.95. The mean dmft/DMFT values were 3.8, 5.8 and 11.0 for the three age groups respectively, and the corresponding dmfs/DMFS values were 5.4, 9.9 and 22.6. The d/D‐component constituted the major part of the dmf/DMF index in all age groups, and enamel lesions accounted for 59%, 89% and 86% of the d/D‐component in the three age groups respectively. It is concluded that enamel or initial caries lesions contributed substantially to the total caries prevalence, illustrating the importance of using diagnostic criteria that include all stages of clinical caries if a total picture of the caries situation is needed.
Tooth and tooth surface survival rates in birth cohorts from 1965, 1970, 1975, and 1980 in Lahti, Finland
Authors: Suni Jorma , Helenius Hans , Alanen Pentti 
Published: February 2007

Abstract –Differences in the tooth and tooth surface survival rates between four cohorts born in 1965, 1970, 1975, and 1980 were analysed in a historical cohort study including data on the permanent teeth of children aged 5–7 years at base‐line and 19 years at the end of the study. A statistically signicant reduction in caries occurrence inssured surfaces in the three oldest cohorts was seen during the 3 years after the eruption of the teeth. Caries occurrence in the cohorts born in 1975 and 1980 did not differ from each other. The occurrence of caries in smooth surfaces was low in all age cohorts. Therefore, despite a systematic decrease in caries occurrence towards the younger cohorts, no signicant differences were found between the cohorts in smooth surface decay. After the 3 first posteruptive years, practically no differences in survival rates between the cohorts were observed. In the two youngest cohorts, thegures during the 3 first years after eruption did not differ from thegures for the later years. Throughout the study, caries occurrence was symmetric and no gender differences were observed. No postponement of decay was found by the end of the follow‐up time.