bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of cardiovascular risk factors with partial biochemical control of acromegaly
Authors: Delaroudis Sideris P. , Efstathiadou Zoe A. , Koukoulis George N. , Kita Marina D. , Farmakiotis Dimitrios , Dara Ourania G. , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Makedou Areti , Makris Pantelis , Slavakis Aris , Avramides Avraam I. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryObjective Complete remission of acromegaly is associated with favourable changes in cardiovascular risk parameters. We evaluated the effects of suboptimal therapy on haemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory and coagulation cardiovascular risk indices.Design and methods Eighteen acromegalic patients on somatostatin analogues, with incomplete biochemical control, were evaluated at diagnosis and 6 months after treatment and compared to 15 healthy age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls. Measurements of blood pressure, GH, IGF‐I, glucose, insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apoB, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and circulating thrombomodulin were performed in all study participants, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Insulin sensitivity (IS) was expressed by the Matsuda index (OGTTISI).Results Partial control of acromegaly resulted in a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, total (T‐C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglyceride levels, and a significant increase in apoA1, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and OGTTISIcompared to pretreatment levels. Plasma fibrinogen and PAI‐1 levels fell significantly [respectively (mean ± SEM), 11·04 ± 0·41vs.10·12 ± 0·34 µmol/l,P = 0·003 and 9·6 ± 1·97vs.6·55 ± 1·89 µg/l,P < 0·001]. However, a marked reduction in tPA [median (IQR) 5·1 (2·5–15)vs.3·4 (2·4–8·6) µg/l,P = 0·031] and an increase in hs‐CRP [median (IQR) 0·05 (0·03–0·11)vs.0·1 (0·06–0·23) mg/l,P < 0·001] were also noted. On treatment, acromegalic patients were comparable to controls, except for OGTTISI, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], fibrinogen and tPA and HDL‐C levels. Thrombomodulin and apoB levels were not affected by treatment.Conclusions Partial control in disease activity following somatostatin analogues results in significant improvement in a considerable number of cardiovascular risk markers in acromegaly.
Do allelopathic compounds in invasive Solidago canadensis s.l. restrain the native European flora?
Authors: Abhilasha Dipti , Quintana Naira , Vivanco Jorge , Joshi Jasmin 
Published: July 2008

Summary

One mechanism explaining the success of invasive weeds may be the production and release of allelopathic compounds by the invader that, due to a lack of co‐evolutionary history, have harmful effects on plant neighbours in the introduced range.
We partially tested this hypothesis by growing seven competing native European plant species either with the introduced Solidago canadensis s.l., one of the most successful invasive plants in Europe or on soil pre‐cultivated with S. canadensis. We added activated carbon to the soil to neutralize organic chemical compounds with putative allelopathic effects. Furthermore, we added unsterilized soil inocula from the introduced (Switzerland) or native (USA) range to the soil to test potential confounding effects of soil microbes on invasion success. Untreated sterilized soil served as control.
Five out of the seven native species were more competitive against the invasive species in soils with activated carbon than without, supporting the allelopathy hypothesis. However, competitive outcomes were also influenced by the two sources of soil inoculum and by interactive effects of soil inoculum and Solidago origin suggesting that soil microbes alter allelopathic effects.
Achillea millefolium, the species least affected by the presence of S. canadensis and with no response to the activated carbon treatment is the only species used in this experiment reported to grow within Solidago stands in Europe, whereas the other European species tested tend to grow at the periphery of invasive Solidago stands.
Chemical analysis by LC‐MS of Solidago root extracts revealed four main secondary chemical compounds with potential allelopathic effects. Root exudates of Solidago showed a significant inhibitory effect on growth of the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. The magnitude of inhibition increased with increasing concentration of the extract.
Synthesis. Levels of the four compounds were lower in Solidago populations from the invasive range than in populations of the same ploidy level from the native range. This suggests lower investment of invasive plants into these secondary compounds, possibly because of a higher susceptibility of plant competitors in the invasive range to these substances.
A study of specialist dietetic input for patients requiring surgical resection for an oesophageal or gastric malignancy
Authors: Roberts H. 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Anorexia, weight loss and dysphagia are common symptoms in patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers. Research has shown that 80% of patients with UGI cancers will have a significant weight loss at the time of their diagnosis (Bruera, 1997). Actual dietetic input for this patient group has not been previously audited locally. The aim of this study was to compare the dietetic input received by patients with an oesophageal or gastric malignancy before and after appointment of a specialist upper gastrointestinal oncology (SUGO) dietitian.Methods:  A retrospective survey examined the dietetic input for all patients requiring surgical resection for an oesophageal or gastric malignancy. Information was collected from dietetic record cards for patients that were seen by a dietitian between 1st October 2005 and 30th September 2006, the year before the SUGO dietitian was appointed. Information was collected by the same method from 1st November 2006 until 31st October 2007 for the first year the SUGO dietitian was in post. This last group of patients was asked to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire approximately 8 weeks after surgery.Results:  The effect of intervention by a SUGO dietitian is shown in Table 1. Pre and post operative weight loss in these patients was reduced after consultation with a SUGO dietiatin.

A summary of the main differences in patient management before and after appointment of a SUGO dietitian

1 year pre‐appointment of SUGO dietitian
1 year post‐appointment of SUGO dietitian

Pre‐operative weight loss
7.3 (%) (average time 3.5 months)
3.2 (%) (average time 5.5 months)

Number of patients seen by a dietitian prior to having a tumour resection (2–12 weeks before surgery)
1 (2.6%)
42 (67.7%)

Post‐operative weight loss
14.4 (%) (average time 5.1 months)
7.6 (%) (average time 3.3 months)

Percentage of patients who received dietary advice for home
60 (%)
100 (%)

Percentage of patients seen as an inpatient by a dietitian following tumour resection
86 (%)
100 (%)

Percentage of patients reviewed by a dietitian following discharge for a tumour resection
17.5 (%)
100 (%)

Discussion:  Appointing a SUGO dietitian has contributed to a 115% increase in the number of referrals for this patient group. Dietetic input with a SUGO dietitian before and after tumour resection has reduced percentage weight loss. This input included advice on a high energy and high protein diet, use of supplements and jejunostomy feeding. A SUGO dietitian helped to coordinate the dietetic input ensuring all patients receive the appropriate dietary advice.Conclusions:  This showed that since appointing a SUGO dietitian patients with an oesophageal or gastric malignancy have better access to a specialist dietitian as well as the appropriate dietary advice throughout their treatment pathway.Reference  Bruera, E. (1997) ABC of palliative care: anorexia, cachexia and nutrition. BMJ315, 1219–1222.
An audit to evaluate the effect of staff training on the use of Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
Authors: Wong S. , Gandy J. 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Malnutrition is common in hospitalized adults and it is associated with adverse hospital outcomes. Patients admitted to hospital should be routinely screened and monitored regularly (NICE, 2006). The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) (Elia, 2003) has been used for nutrition screening since 2004. A survey conducted 2005 showed that 54% of patient's records contained a completed MUST form. As a result regular training on nutritional screening for ward staff by dietitians was introduced. The aims of the present audit were to assess the current use of MUST in district general hospitals and to evaluate the effect of regular training for clinical staff on the use of the MUST tool.Methods:  This audit was conducted during May and June 2007, at three hospital sites. The medical and dietetic notes of 432 patients, who had been admitted not <72 h previously, on 30 adult wards from all specialties, apart from a spinal injuries unit, were examined by dietitians and the presence of a correctly completed MUST form recorded. A Chi‐squared test was used to compare the number of completed tools in 2005 with the number completed in 2007.Results:  A completed MUST form was present in 67% (288) of patient's records. This was a significant (P < 0.001) increase compared with the audit conducted in 2005. The audit in 2005 found that 54% (212/392) of patient's records had a correctly completed MUST form.Discussion:  There has been a significant improvementin the use of the MUST tool for malnutrition screening on adult wards in this trust. The introduction of training on the use of MUST for all clinical staff appears to have been effective in increasing the use of the MUST tool. Training is now included as a part of the trust mandatory training.Conclusions:  Training of clinical staff in the use of the MUST tool is an effective method of increasing the tool's use.References  Elia, M. (2003) Screening for Malnutrition: A multidisciplinary Responsibility. Development and Use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for adults. BAPEN.NICE. (2006) Nutrition Support in Adults: Oral nutrition support, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition. Available at http://www.nice.nhs.uk (accessed on 17 January 2008).
Does taking vitamin, mineral and fatty acid supplements prevent cognitive decline? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jia X. , McNeill G. , Avenell A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Observational studies have shown associations between nutritional status and cognition in later life but evidence from intervention studies is unclear. The present study systematically reviewed the evidence on the effect of nutrient supplementation on cognitive function in people aged ≥65 years.Methods  Databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to 1 September 2006. Randomized controlled trials using at least one kind of vitamin, mineral or omega‐3 fatty acid, evaluating standardized neuropsychological test(s), were included. There were no restrictions on participants’ baseline nutritional status or cognitive function. Quality assessment and data abstraction were conducted by one author and checked by another.Results  Of 4229 articles retrieved, 22 trials (3442 participants) were identified. Many were small, short duration and of poor methodology. Only 16 out of 122 cognitive tests were significantly different between groups. A meta‐analysis showed no significant effect of taking B vitamins or antioxidant vitamins on global cognitive function. There was insufficient evidence to evaluate the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on any cognitive domains.Conclusion  There was little evidence of a beneficial effect from taking B vitamins or antioxidant supplements on global cognitive function in later life. Larger‐scale randomized controlled trials of longer duration in selected age groups are needed.
The Spx paralogue MgsR (YqgZ) controls a subregulon within the general stress response of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Reder Alexander , Höper Dirk , Weinberg Christin , Gerth Ulf , Fraunholz Martin , Hecker Michael 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe alternative sigma factor σB of Bacillus subtilis is responsible for the induction of the large general stress regulon comprising approximately 150–200 genes. YqgZ, a member of the σB regulon, resembles the global regulator Spx of the diamide stress regulon in B. subtilis. In this work we conducted a comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analysis of the B. subtilis wild‐type 168 and its isogenic ΔsigB and ΔyqgZ mutants following exposure to 4% (v/v) ethanol stress, which led to the characterization of a ‘subregulon’ within the general stress response that is regulated by YqgZ. Activation and induction of σB are necessary but not sufficient for a full expression of all general stress genes. Expression of 53 genes was found to be positively regulated and the expression of 18 genes was negatively affected by YqgZ. The identification of the negatively regulated group represents a so far uncharacterized regulatory phenomenon observed in the ΔsigB mutant background that can now be attributed to the function of YqgZ. Due to the strict σB‐dependent expression of YqgZ it was renamed to MgsR (modulator of the general stress response).
Positive association of HLA‐DRB1*15 with Dupuytren’s disease in Caucasians
Authors: Brown J. J. , Ollier W. , Thomson W. , Bayat A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDupuytren’s disease (DD) is a permanent nodular condition affecting the palms and digits of the hands, leading to progressive shortening and contractures of the digits often resulting in diminished function and severe deformity. DD is thought to be one of the most common hereditary connective tissue disorders in Caucasians. To elucidate further the aetiology of DD, we compared the HLA‐DRB1 phenotype frequencies of DD patients (n = 67) against the HLA‐DRB1 phenotype frequencies observed in a control population (n = 537). HLA‐DRB1*15 phenotype frequency was higher in DD positive Caucasoids (37.3%) when compared with control data (20.9%) (corrected P = 0.029): we conclude that in Caucasoids of European origin, HLA‐DRB1*15 is associated with risk of developing DD.
Calbindin D‐28k, Parvalbumin and Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Immunoreactivity in the Canine Spinal Cord
Authors: Chang I. Y. , Kim S. W. , Lee K. J. , Yoon S. P. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThis study was conducted as a comparative analysis of the immunohistochemical localization of calbindin D‐28k, parvalbumin and the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the cervical through the sacral spinal cord of mongrel dogs, to reveal any distinct patterns of distribution and possible involvement in spinal processing. In laminae I and II of the substantia gelatinosa, both calbindin D‐28k and CGRP showed strong immunoreactivity, with calbindin D‐28k being positive in both cells and fibres, while CGRP was positive in fibres only. Parvalbumin and CGRP immunoreactive cells were widely distributed in various nuclei and lower motor neurones in the ventromedial horn. In addition, the lower motor neurones expressed CGRP as well as parvalbumin, but not calbindin D‐28k. These results are generally consistent with previous reports, and the co‐localization of parvalbumin and CGRP may explain the functional improvement of lower motor neuron disease.
Identification of 30‐kDa heat shock protein gene inTrichophyton rubrum
Authors: Behzadi Elham , Behzadi Payam , Sirmatel Fatma 
Published: July 2008

SummarySmall heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are chaperones that are crucial in the heat shock response but also have important non‐stress roles within the cell. HSP70 inTrichophyton rubrumis already detected and carefully characterised; however, no study was carried out for HSP30 in this pathogenic fungus. In the present study,T. rubrumwas obtained from patients with dermatophytosis and cultured in appropriate conditions. High‐molecular‐weight DNA was extracted using standard extraction methods. Pairs of 21 nt primers were designed from highly conserved regions of the similar genes in other eukaryotic cells. Mentioned primers were utilised in PCR using isolated genomic DNA and extracted RNA templates ofT. rubrum. The PCR fragments were then sequenced and 415 nucleotides of HSP30 in this pathogenic fungus were detected; the open reading frame had 156 nucleotides and was coding 51 amino acids. This gene (calledTrHSP30) is registered in GenBank at National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH, USA) database. Detection ofTrHSP30gene may open the way to determination of its possible role in the pathogenesis of dermatophyte infections due toT. rubrum.
Rapid detection of common pathogenic Aspergillus species by a novel real‐time PCR approach
Authors: Faber Joerg , Moritz Nikola , Henninger Nicole , Zepp Fred , Knuf Markus 
Published: July 2008

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Standard culture based methods for the diagnosis of Aspergillus infections have limited sensitivity and specificity and are time consuming. The recent availability of novel molecular based diagnostic techniques offers the potential of rapid, highly sensitive and specific pathogen detection. In this study, we aimed to develop a diagnostic assay to detect simultaneously common pathogenic Aspergillus species including Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus in whole blood specimen. A real‐time PCR/probe set assay was designed to amplify the 18sRNA genomic region of Aspergillus. In addition to a previously probe set validated for the detection of A. fumigatus (‘Asp.fum’), two other probe sets (‘Asp.ter’; ‘Asp.nig’) were synthesised with 100% sequence homology to A. terreus or A. niger. Specificity testing demonstrated amplification of Aspergillus DNA, but not DNA from a panel of other common pathogenic fungi and bacteria and/or human DNA. Sensitivity testing in serial dilution assays revealed a lower detection limit of 1–5 CFU ml−1 whole blood. However, no single probe set was most sensitive for all Aspergillus species tested and a combination of all three probe sets was necessary to achieve maximal overall assay sensitivity. Furthermore, inclusion of a subsequent probe melting temperature (Tm) analysis demonstrated species‐specific Tm‐patterns, useful to differentiate simultaneously between the different Aspergillus species detected. We describe a highly specific and sensitive real‐time PCR approach to detect and differentiate the most common pathogenic Aspergillus species in a rapid ‘same day’ assay.
Persisting onychomycosis caused by Fusarium solani in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Brasch J. , Köppl G. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryWe present a patient with a Fusarium solani infection of both distal thumbnails. She suffered from Basedow’s disease but had no signs of reduced immunity. The patient declined antimycotic treatment and the infection was still verifiable after 5 years. Our observation shows that a superficial F. solani infection may persist in immunocompetent patients without causing noteworthy discomfort. Because a superficial F. solani infection may give origin to a systemic infection it should always be treated if host defence is reduced.
Successful therapy with ABLC, surgery and posaconazole for Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis liver eumycetoma in a child with acute leukaemia
Authors: Sedlacek Petr , Vavra Vladimir , Masova Ivana , Codl Daniel , Laznickova Tana , Malaskova Ludmila , Nyc Otakar , Stary Jan 
Published: July 2008

SummaryInvasive fungal infection negatively influences the morbidity and mortality in heavily immuno‐incompetent patients. Diagnosis of non‐Aspergillus mould infections remains challenging despite application of a wide spectrum of non‐culture‐based microbiological techniques. Invasive diagnostic procedures are often essential. In this article, we present the case of a 15‐month‐old boy diagnosed with Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis liver mycetoma during induction chemotherapy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Following surgery, he was effectively treated with a combination of ABLC and posaconazole during ongoing intensive chemotherapy. Posaconazole was also used as long‐term secondary prophylaxis.
Lifestyle risk factors for intrahepatic stone: Findings from a case–control study in an endemic area, Taiwan
Authors: Momiyama Masato , Wakai Kenji , Oda Koji , Kamiya Junichi , Ohno Yoshiyuki , Hamaguchi Michinari , Nakanuma Yasuni , Hsieh Ling‐Ling , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Chen Tse‐Ching , Jan Yi‐Yi , Chen Miin‐Fu , Nimura Yuji 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To examine associations between lifestyle risk factors and intrahepatic stone (IHS), we conducted a case–control study in Taiwan, which has the highest incidence of IHS in the world.Methods:  Study subjects were 151 patients newly diagnosed with IHS at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 1999 and December 2001. Two control subjects per case were selected randomly from patients who underwent minor surgery at the same hospital and from family members or neighbors of the hospital staff. Controls were matched to each case by age and gender. Information on lifestyle factors was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Strength of associations was assessed using odds ratios derived from conditional logistic models.Results:  Female patients were significantly shorter than female controls. Compared to subjects with two or fewer children, odds ratios for those with six or more children were 20.4 in men (95% confidence interval, 1.89–221) and 2.82 (0.97–8.22) in women. Increasing level of education lowered the risk of intrahepatic stone (trend P = 0.004 for men and < 0.0001 for women). Women who had consumed ground‐surface water for a long period had a somewhat increased risk (trend P = 0.05).Conclusion:  Lower socioeconomic status and poor hygiene may be involved in the development of intrahepatic stones.
Anatomic variations in intrahepatic bile ducts in a north Indian population
Authors: Sharma Vijay , Saraswat Vivek Anand , Baijal Sanjay Saran , Choudhuri Gourdas 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim: In the present study, we described the anatomical variations in the branching patterns of intrahepatic bile ducts (IHD) and determined the frequency of each variation in north Indian patients. There are no data from India.Methods: The study group consisted of 253 consecutive patients (131 women) undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiograms for different indications. Anatomical variations in IHD were classified according to the branching pattern of the right anterior segmental duct (RASD) and the right posterior segmental duct (RPSD), presence or absence of first‐order branch of left hepatic duct (LHD) and of an accessory hepatic duct.Results: Anatomy of the IHD was typical in 52.9% of cases (n = 134), showing triple confluence in 11.46% (n = 29), anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the LHD in 18.2% (n = 46), anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the common hepatic duct (CHD) in 7.1% (n = 18), drainage of the right hepatic duct (RHD) into the cystic duct 0.4% (n = 1), presence of an accessory duct leading to the CHD or RHD in 4.7% (n = 12), individual drainage of the LHD into the RHD or CHD in 2.4% (n = 6), and unclassified or complex variations in 2.7% (n = 7). None had anomalous drainage of RPSD into the cystic ductConclusion: The branching pattern of IHD was atypical in 47% patients. The two most common variations were drainage of the RPSD into the LHD (18.2%) and triple confluence of the RASD, RPSD, and LHD (11.5%).