bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant bacteriuria in outpatient diabetic and non‐diabetic persons
Authors: Matteucci E. , Troilo A. , Leonetti P. , Giampietro O. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAims  The prevalence of significant bacteriuria (SB) in diabetes mellitus has not been clearly established. Having previously investigated SB frequency in inpatient diabetic women, we now screened for SB (both asymptomatic and symptomatic forms) in outpatients.Methods  We examined 511 consecutive outpatients with Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and 98 non‐diabetic subjects. At least one uncontaminated midstream urine sample was available from 602 subjects: 64 T1D (37 female, age 49 ± 13 years, diabetes duration 23 ± 15 years), 441 T2D (212 female, 66 ± 10 years, 12 ± 10 years), and 97 healthy control subjects (39 female, 57 ± 12 years). On the same day, we determined: blood cell count, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma creatinine, urinary creatinine, and urinary albumin excretion (UAE; µg/mg urinary creatinine).Results  The rate of SB was 14.1% in T1D, 9.3% in T2D and 6.2% in control subjects (P = NS). The 50 diabetic patients with SB differed from the 455 diabetic patients without SB in gender (43 male vs. 206 female, P < 0.001), FPG (10.2 ± 3.6 vs. 9.2 ± 2.9 mmol/l, P < 0.05), HbA1c (7.8 ± 1.1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.3%, P < 0.05), and UAE (median 15.6 vs. 7.6 µg/mg, P < 0.01). Eleven diabetic patients with SB had symptoms (vs. 48 without SB, P < 0.05); UAE levels were higher in the 39 asymptomatic diabetic patients with SB than in the 11 symptomatic patients.Conclusions  The prevalence of SB is similar in outpatient diabetic individuals and in non‐diabetic subjects. The main risk factors for SB in diabetic patients were female gender and UAE. The likelihood of asymptomatic SB increased with UAE levels, i.e. with the presence of established microangiopathy. Poor glycaemic control is associated with bacteriuria, either as a cause or consequence of bacteriuria.
Anatomy and cytology of the thymus in juvenile Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri
Authors: Mohammad M. G. , Chilmonczyk S. , Birch D. , Aladaileh S. , Raftos D. , Joss J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe anatomy, histology and ultrastructure of the thymus of a dipnoan, the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. The thymic tissue showed clear demarcation into a cortex and medulla with ample vascularization. Large cells including foamy and giant multinucleated cells with periodic acid Schiff/Alcian blue positive staining properties were localized mainly in the medulla. The major cellular components were epithelial cells and lymphoid cells. The epithelial cells were classified by location and ultrastructure into six sub‐populations: capsular cells, cortical and medullary reticular cells, perivascular endothelial cells, intermediate cells, nurse‐like cells and Hassall‐like corpuscles. Myoid cells were found mainly in the cortico‐medullary boundary and medulla. Macrophages and secretory‐like cells were also present. These findings will provide a base of knowledge about the cellular immune system of lungfish.
Skeletal histology of the dermal armor of Placodontia: the occurrence of ‘postcranial fibro‐cartilaginous bone’ and its developmental implications
Authors: Scheyer Torsten M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPlacodontia (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) is a group of enigmatic armored marine reptiles restricted to the Triassic time period. Only a single row of osteoderms dorsal to the spine is present in the basal placodontoid Placodus gigas, whereas derived cyamodontoids superficially resemble turtles in enclosing their body in an armor shell. Despite the extensive occurrence of the dermal armor in the derived cyamodontoid group, little research has focused on its bone histology and development. Here, I present an overview of the bone microstructures that reveals the unique presence of cartilaginous tissue in the postcranial armor plates. Placodont armor plates stand in contrast to osteoderms of other tetrapods that develop intramembraneously or through metaplastic ossification without cartilaginous preformation. The different developmental pathways leading to this ‘postcranial fibro‐cartilaginous bone’ tissue found in placodont plates compared to the dermal bone tissues of most other tetrapod osteoderms indicate the non‐homology of these structures. A resulting morphogenetic model of histogenesis is given to exemplify how the derived armor morphologies (i.e. spiked, flat polygonal and hexagonal, and rhomboidal shapes) together with the peculiar bone histologies could have developed through differential growth. In accordance with the pachyostotic limb bones of placodonts, the presence of the compact ‘postcranial fibro‐cartilaginous bone’ is interpreted as an osteosclerotic trend in the armor plates which aids in buoyancy control and affects maneuverability and swimming speed.
The treatment of 65 women with imperforate hymen by a central incision and application of Foley catheter
Authors: Acar A , Balci O , Karatayli R , Capar M , Colakoglu MC 
Published: October 2007

Objective  To determine the surgical outcome of 65 women with imperforate hymen treated with a central surgical incision and insertion of a Foley catheter.Design  A prospective study.Setting  The study was carried out at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Meram Medicine, Selcuk University, between 1 January 1996 and 30 June 2006.Population  A total of 65 women diagnosed as imperforate hymen.Methods  A central oval incision was performed to imperforate hymenal membrane, then 16F Foley catheter was protruded and the balloon was insufflated. Catheter was removed after 2 weeks duration. Estrogen cream was prescribed to all women for application onto hymenal structure for 2 weeks.Main outcome measures  Efficacy of procedure in treatment of imperforate hymen, preserving hymenal structural integrity that is accepted as important for virginity in some societies.Results  After the procedure, hymenal orifice created remained open and intact in all women except two women. Closure of artificially created hymenal orifice in these two women was believed to be related to inappropriate administration of estrogen cream. Subsequent treatment with local estrogen treatment results in the hymenal orifice remaining opened in these two women.Conclusions  We have previously reported the technique in 2002, but now we are able to demonstrate results of our technique in an expanded number of women. This technique is less invasive than other methods and prevents many social problems related to virginity by preventing destruction of the integrity of the hymenal structure and providing an annular‐intact hymenal ring.
Learning from adverse clinical outcomes: major obstetric haemorrhage in Scotland, 2003–05
Authors: Brace V , Kernaghan D , Penney G 
Published: October 2007

Objective  To describe a system for learning from cases of major obstetric haemorrhage.Design  Prospective critical incident audit.Setting  All consultant‐led maternity units in Scotland, between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2005.Population  Women suffering from major obstetric haemorrhage (estimated blood loss ≥2500 ml or transfused ≥5 units of blood or received treatment for coagulopathy during the acute event).Methods  Hospital clinical risk management teams reviewed local cases using a standard, national assessment pro forma.Main outcome measures  Standard of care provided and learning points identified.Results  Rate of major haemorrhage was 3.7 (3.4–4.0) per 1000 births. Pro formas returned for 517 of 581 reported cases (89%); 41% were delivered by emergency caesarean section (compared with 15% of all Scottish births). Uterine atony was the most common cause (250 women, 48%); 32% had multiple causes. A consultant obstetrician gave hands‐on care to 368 (71%) and a consultant anaesthetist to 262 (50%). Placenta praevia as a cause was independently associated with consultant presence. Central venous pressure monitoring was used in 164 (31%) women, and 108 (21%) women were admitted to intensive care. Parity, blood loss, and placenta praevia as a cause were independently associated with peripartum hysterectomy (performed in 62 women, 12%). Balloon tamponade and haemostatic uterine suturing were successful in 92 of 116 women (79%). Most cases were assessed as well managed, with ‘major suboptimal’ care identified in only 14 cases (3%).Conclusions  It is feasible to identify and assess cases of major obstetric haemorrhage prospectively on a national basis. Most women received appropriate care, but many learning points and action plans were identified.
Neurotoxic species in prion disease: a role for PrP isoforms?
Authors: Harrison Christopher F. , Barnham Kevin J. , Hill Andrew F. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPrion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans are associated with the misfolding and accumulation of an abnormal conformation of the host‐encoded prion protein (PrP). Despite intensive research efforts conducted on PrP, the toxic agent involved in neurodegeneration is as yet unidentified. Several potential candidates have been proposed, each of which may be relevant to subsets of the broad array of prion diseases. In this study, we review current knowledge on neurotoxic PrP species, including the importance of a central hydrophobic domain for mediating neurotoxicty.
Activation of post‐synaptic dopamine D1 receptors promotes the release of tissue plasminogen activator in the nucleus accumbens via PKA signaling
Authors: Ito Mina , Nagai Taku , Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Sato Kosuke , Hayase Minoru , Otsuka Noboru , Fukakusa Ayumi , Kumagai Nozomi , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Takuma Kazuhiro , Yamada Kiyofumi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) plays an important role through the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin in the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) evoked by depolarization or the systemic administration of drugs of abuse such as morphine and nicotine. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms by which drugs of abuse increase extracellular tPA activity in the NAc in vivo using in situ zymography. The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) agonist SKF38393, but not D2 receptor agonist quinpirole, significantly increased extracellular tPA activity in the NAc. The effect of SKF38393 was blocked by pre‐treatment with the dopamine D1R antagonist SCH23390. Microinjection of Rp‐cAMPs, a protein kinase A inhibitor, into the NAc completely blocked the effect of SKF38393. Systemic administration of morphine and methamphetamine increased extracellular tPA activity in the NAc, and these effects were completely blocked by pre‐treatment with SCH23390 and raclopride. The results suggest that activation of post‐synaptic dopamine D1Rs in the NAc leads to an increase in extracellular tPA activity via protein kinase A signaling. Furthermore, dopamine D2 receptors are also involved in the release of tPA induced by morphine and methamphetamine.
Manipulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase functional activity alters sensitivity and dependence to ethanol
Authors: Vinod K. Yaragudri , Sanguino Elena , Yalamanchili Ratnakumar , Manzanares Jorge , Hungund Basalingappa L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the role of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) on ethanol sensitivity, preference, and dependence. The deletion of FAAH gene or the inhibition of FAAH by carbamoyl‐biphenyl‐3‐yl‐cyclohexylcarbamate (URB597) (0.1 mg/kg) markedly increased the preference for ethanol. The study further reveals that URB597 specifically acts through FAAH and that cannabinoid‐1 (CB1) receptor is critical forN‐arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) mediated ethanol‐reinforced behavior as revealed by lack of URB597 effect in both FAAH and CB1−/− mice compared with vehicle‐treated −/− mice. The FAAH −/− mice displayed a lower sensitivity to hypothermic and sedative effects to acute ethanol challenge. The FAAH −/− mice also exhibited a reduction in the severity of handling‐induced convulsions following withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure. The CB1receptor and proenkephalin gene expressions, and CB1receptor and μ‐opioid (MO) receptor‐mediated G‐protein activation were found to be significantly lower in the caudate‐putamen, nucleus accumbens core and shell of FAAH −/− than +/+ mice. Interestingly, the MO receptor‐stimulated G‐protein signaling was greater in the striatum of FAAH −/− than +/+ mice following voluntary ethanol consumption. These findings suggest that an elevation in the AEA content and its action on the limbic CB1receptor and MO receptor might contribute to ethanol‐reinforced behavior. Treatment with drugs that decrease AEA tone might prove useful in reducing excessive ethanol consumption.
Association between alloantibody specificity and autoantibodies to red blood cells
Authors: Ahrens Norbert , Pruss Axel , Mayer Beate , Genth Ramona , Kiesewetter Holger , Salama Abdulgabar 
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Alloantibodies (ALLOs) to red blood cells (RBCs) are frequently associated with autoantibodies (AABs). An association between ALLO specificity and AABs has not yet been described.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All patients and healthy blood donors screened for RBC antibodies between 2000 and 2006 were included. The odds ratio (OR) for ALLOs in patients with AABs compared to those without AABs was correlated with the OR of general ALLO prevalence in patients with AABs (normalized OR).RESULTS: ALLOs were found in 4,626 of 204,330 patients and healthy blood donors (2.3%). The ALLOs were associated with AABs in 413 cases (8.9%). Among the specificities, anti‐S with a normalized OR of 2.9 was overrepresented. This was most evident in pregnant women who showed a normalized OR of 15.1 for anti‐S and AABs. The normalized OR revealed an additional association between Rh antibodies and AABs. No association was found between ALLOs to the Kell glycoprotein, Duffy protein, Lewis, or glycophorin A (M/N) and AABs.CONCLUSION: The majority of associated ALLOs and AABs are directed against neighboring antigens of the Rh complex and glycophorin B.
Atopy in children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Cakir Murat , Karakas Taner , Orhan Fazil , Okten Aysenur , Gedik Yusuf 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: To investigate whether immune responses against chronic HBV infection in children have an effect on prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy.Methods: Children with chronic HBV infection [HBV carriage (group 1) and chronic hepatitis (group 2)] were screened for allergic diseases. The results were compared with age‐matched controls (group 3).Results: The frequencies of doctor‐diagnosed ‘asthma’, ‘allergic rhinitis’ and ‘eczema’ were 29.4%, 7.8% and 7.8% in group 1; 7.8%, 5.2% and 5.2% in group 2 and 12.4%, 9% and 2.8% in group 3, respectively. ‘History of ever wheezing’, doctor‐diagnosed ‘asthma’ and ‘eczema’ were more common in group 1 than group 3 (p < 0.05 for all parameters), and ‘history of ever wheezing’ and ‘doctor‐diagnosed asthma’ were more common in group 1 than group 2 (p < 0.05 for al parameters). Atopy was more common in group 1 (35.2%) than both groups 2 (15.7%) and 3 (18%) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Vertical transmission was more common in patients with versus without atopy in HBV carrier group (33.3% vs. 9%, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Immune responses in chronic HBV infection associated with carrier state may also lead to allergic diseases, which suggests the necessity of following these patients for the allergic diseases along with their viral reactivation.
Differential trends in breastfeeding according to maternal and hospital characteristics: results from the French National Perinatal Surveys
Authors: Bonet Mercedes , Kaminski Monique , Blondel Béatrice 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: To assess breastfeeding trends in hospital, between 1998 and 2003, according to several characteristics of mothers and maternity units.Methods: Two representative national samples of births, comprising 13,600 live births in 1998 and 14,580 in 2003 were used. Data were collected during hospital stay. All newborns fed entirely or partly on breast milk were considered ‘breastfed’. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the results for the 2 years.Results: Breastfeeding increased in all groups, but this increase varied slightly according to maternal age and the size of the maternity unit. For example, high rates of breastfeeding tended to be concentrated in large maternity units (≥1500 deliveries per year) in 1998, but were also found in middle‐size units (1000–1499 deliveries per year) in 2003. In 2003, women were more likely to breastfeed if they were at least 25 years old, primiparous, non‐French or from a highly qualified occupational group, or if they gave birth in a university hospital or in a maternity unit with more than 1000 deliveries per year.Conclusion: Despite recent efforts to increase the breastfeeding rate, clear social disparities persist and further efforts are required, targeting particular groups of mothers less likely to breastfeed.
Peak expiratory flow in Afro‐Caribbean children with and without sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Sylvester KP , Patey RA , Rafferty GF , Rees D , Thein SL , Greenough A 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAims: To create a reference range of peak expiratory flow (PEF) results of Afro‐Caribbean children and determine whether interpretation of PEF results in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) differed according to whether comparison was made of results obtained from children of similar age or height.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in two specialist sickle cell disease clinics. Seventy‐eight nonasthmatic African and Caribbean (AC) controls (age range 2.6–17.8 years), and 99 nonasthmatic SCA children (age range 3.4–17.3 years) were recruited. PEF was measured using a dry rolling sealed spirometer before and after bronchodilator therapy.Results: PEF results in the AC controls correlated with height (r = 0.88, p< 0.0001). Comparison of similarly aged children demonstrated that pre‐ (p = 0.02) and post‐ (p = 0.04) bronchodilator PEF results were lower in the SCA children, but comparison of children of similar height revealed no statistically significant differences in PEF results between children with SCA and controls. The SCA children tended to be shorter than the controls.Conclusion: The results suggest PEF measurements are not a useful method of monitoring the respiratory status of children with sickle cell disease.
Cardiopulmonary adaptation in large for gestational age infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers
Authors: Vela‐Huerta M , Aguilera‐López A , Alarcón‐Santos S , Amador N , Aldana‐Valenzuela C , Heredia A 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: To compare cardiopulmonary adaptation in large for gestational age infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers.Methods: Color Doppler echocardiography was performed in 113 (22 large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers, 21 of nondiabetic mothers and 70 adequate for gestational age newborns) full‐term infants.Results: Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly higher in infants of diabetic mothers than in those of nondiabetic mothers and normal infants at 24 h (38.5 vs. 32.5, and 35.5 mmHg, respectively). However, slow fall in this parameter was shown in all large for gestational age infants. Open ductus arteriosus was frequent in all large for gestational age infants, but its closure was significantly delayed in infants of diabetic mothers. Septal hypertrophy was higher in infants of diabetic mothers than in large for gestational age infants of nondiabetic mothers.Conclusion: Large for gestational age infants born from nondiabetic mothers showed delayed fall in pulmonary arterial pressure similar to those born from diabetic mothers but showed lower proportion of septal hypertrophy. Patent ductus arteriosus persisted for longer period of time in all large for gestational age infants than in normal infants, but its closure was significantly delayed in infants of diabetic mothers.
Efficiency of oxygen cost during exercise in patients with symptoms of fatigue during physical activities
Authors: Reybrouck T , Vangesselen S , Mertens L , Gewillig M 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground: With growing age, values for oxygen uptake decrease for the same level of exercise. However, some children with normal heart and normal maximal oxygen uptake complain of exertional fatigue.Aim: To evaluate the energy expenditure during submaximal treadmill exercise.Subjects and Methods: In 20 children with exertional fatigue (mean age at testing: 7.9 ± 1.8 years), oxygen uptake and respiratory gas exchange were assessed breath by breath. A graded exercise test was performed until exhaustion. Patients were compared to an age‐ and gender‐matched control group (8.4 ± 1.9 years, p = 0.45).Results: Maximal oxygen uptake in patients (48.6 ± 7.1 mL O2/min/kg) was similar to normal controls (47.4 ± 5.2 mL/min/kg, p > 0.25). The inclination of the treadmill at maximal exercise was significantly (p = 0.02) lower in patients (12.6 ± 4.9%) versus controls (16.0 ± 3.5%). During submaximal exercise, oxygen uptake (expressed as mL/min/kg or as a percent of maximal oxygen uptake) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients compared to normal controls.Conclusion: Children with exertional fatigue as compared to healthy controls, have a higher oxygen uptake for the same level of exercise and therefore perform at each level of exercise closer to their maximal exercise capacity. This may in part explain subjective complaints of poor exercise tolerance.
Acute child poisonings in Oslo: a 2‐year prospective study
Authors: Rajka Thomas , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Hovda Knut Erik , Stiksrud Birgitte , Jacobsen Dag 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: To study the current epidemiology, clinical course and outcome of poisonings among children in Oslo and compare findings to a similar study from 1980.Methods: Observational study with prospective inclusion of all children (<15 years of age) with a main diagnosis of acute poisoning treated in hospital or outpatient clinic in Oslo for 2 years.Results: One hundred seventy‐five episodes of acute poisoning were included at the outpatient clinic only (n = 65), the paediatric department only (n = 82) or both (n = 28 referrals). Annual incidence was 97 per 100 000, significantly lower than in 1980 (230 per 100 000). Highest incidence was in 1‐year‐old males (576 per 100 000). In children <8 years of age, the most common toxic agents were pharmaceuticals (39%) and household products (32%); children ≥8 years ingested mainly ethanol (46%) or pharmaceuticals (36%). Five percent of all children were comatose, and complications were seen in 13%. All children survived without sequelae. Half of the admissions needed treatment; most commonly used treatments were activated charcoal (33%), gastric lavage (9%) and emetics (9%).Conclusion: The incidence of child poisonings in Oslo has significantly reduced since 1980. Only half of the poisonings needed treatment, most of the poisonings were mild and the clinical outcome was good.