bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High accuracy and cost‐effectiveness of a biopsy‐avoiding endoscopic approach in diagnosing coeliac disease
Authors: CAMMAROTA G. , CESARO P. , MARTINO A. , ZUCCALÀ G. , CIANCI R. , NISTA E. , LAROCCA L. M. , VECCHIO F. M. , GASBARRINI A. , GASBARRINI G. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackgroundThe ‘immersion’ technique during upper endoscopy allows the visualization of duodenal villi and the detection of total villous atrophy.AimTo evaluate the accuracy of the immersion technique in detecting total villous atrophy in suspected coeliac patients. The accuracy in diagnosing coeliac disease and the potential cost‐sparing of a biopsy‐avoiding approach, based on selection of individuals with coeliac disease‐related antibodies and on endoscopic detection of absence of villi, were also analysed.MethodsThe immersion technique was performed in 79 patients with positive antibodies and in 105 controls. Duodenal villi were evaluated as present or absent. As reference, results were compared with histology. Diagnostic approaches, including endoscopy with or without biopsy, were designed to investigate patients with coeliac disease‐related antibodies and total villous atrophy. A cost‐minimization analysis was performed.ResultsAll patients with positive antibodies had coeliac disease. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of endoscopy to detect total villous atrophy was always 100%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of biopsy‐avoiding or biopsy‐including strategies in diagnosing coeliac disease when villi were absent was always 100%. The biopsy‐avoiding strategy was cost‐sparing.ConclusionsUpper endoscopy is highly accurate in detecting total villous atrophy coeliac patients. A biopsy‐avoiding approach is both accurate and cost‐sparing to diagnose coeliac disease in subjects with marked duodenal villous atrophy.
Review article: updates in the pathogenesis and therapy of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: HELMY A. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryHepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is frequently linked to high‐dose chemotherapy/total‐body irradiation in recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, long‐term use of azathioprine after organ transplantation and other chemotherapeutic agents. The incidence of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome varies from 0% to 70%, and is decreasing.Disease risk is higher in patients with malignancies, hepatitis C virus infection, those who present late, when norethisterone is used to prevent menstruation, and when broad‐spectrum antibiotics and antifungals are used during and after the conditioning therapy. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome presents with tender hepatomegaly, hyperbilirubinaemia and ascites, and diagnosis is mainly clinical (Seattle and Baltimore Criteria). Imaging excludes biliary obstruction and malignancy, but cannot establish accurate diagnosis. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome may be prevented by avoiding the highest risk regimens, using non‐myeloablative regimens, and reducing total‐body irradiation dose.Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive, because 70–80% of patients recover spontaneously. Tissue plasminogen activator plus heparin improves outcome in <30% of cases. Defibrotide, a polydeoxyribonucleotide, is showing encouraging results. Transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt relieves ascites, but does not improve outcome.Liver transplantation may be an option in the absence of malignancy. Prognosis is variable and depends on disease severity, aetiology and associated conditions. Death is most commonly caused by renal or cardiopulmonary failure.
Systematic review: coxibs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or no cyclooxygenase inhibitors in gastroenterological high‐risk patients?
Authors: NIELSEN O. H. , AINSWORTH M. , CSILLAG C. , RASK‐MADSEN J. 
Published: December 2005

SummarySelective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors have been marketed as alternatives of conventional, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs with the purpose of reducing/eliminating the risk of ulcer complications. Unexpectedly, randomized‐controlled trials revealed that long‐term use of coxibs, such as rofecoxib, significantly increased the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, while the use of valdecoxib was associated with potentially life‐threatening skin reactions.Subsequently, rofecoxib and valdecoxib were withdrawn from the market. Although more strict precautions for other coxibs, such as celecoxib, etoricoxib, lumiracoxib and parecoxib, may be accepted/recommended by regulatory agencies, a critical review of published data suggests that their use may not be justified – even in high‐risk patients – taking benefits, costs and risks into consideration. Clinicians should, therefore, never prescribe coxibs to patients with cardiovascular risk factors, and should only reluctantly prescribe coxibs to patients with a history of ulcer disease or dyspepsia to overcome persistent pain due to, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.Instead, they should consider using conventional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in combination with a proton pump inhibitor or a prostaglandin analogue, especially for patients with increased cardiovascular risks, i.e. established ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and/or peripheral arterial disease, or alternatively acetaminophen. An evidence‐based algorithm for treatment of a chronic arthritis patient with one or more gastrointestinal risk factors is presented.
Increase of bioavailable testosterone is associated with gain in bone mineral density after cure of primary hyperparathyroidism in postmenopausal women
Authors: Almqvist Erik G. , Becker Charlotte , Bondeson Anne‐Greth , Bondeson Lennart , Svensson Johan 
Published: December 2005

SummaryObjective  The recovery of bone mineral density (BMD) after surgical cure of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) seems to be multifactorial and not just dependent on declining PTH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of sex steroids in this context.Design and patients  Thirty‐six postmenopausal women with PHPT were examined before and 1 year after curative parathyroidectomy. Their mean age at inclusion in the study was 71·7 ± 1·1 years (range 54–83). BMD was measured in hip and lumbar spine using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. No patient received any replacement therapy with sex hormones or treatment with corticosteroids, oestrogen receptor modulators or bisphosphonates.Measurements  Serum concentrations of oestradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, SHBG, PTH and calcium.Results  Postoperative increase of free (bioavailable) testosterone was positively correlated to the change of BMD in the hip (P < 0·01), whereas the change of PTH in serum correlated to the change of BMD in the lumbar spine (P < 0·05). Multiple regression analysis showed that bioavailable testosterone was the most important determinant of change in BMD in both spine and hip (femoral neck: P < 0·05; Ward's triangle: P < 0·001; trochanter: P < 0·01; lumbar spine: P < 0·05). The increase of bioavailable testosterone after curative parathyroidectomy was related to declining SHBG.Conclusions  An increase of bioavailable testosterone following surgical cure of PHPT is related to improvement of hip and lumbar spine BMD in postmenopausal women. This previously unknown hormonal interaction may also be important to other aspects of hyperparathyroidism.
Low normal TSH levels are associated with low bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal women
Authors: Kim Duk Jae , Khang Young Ho , Koh Jung‐Min , Shong Young Kee , Kim Ghi Su 
Published: December 2005

SummaryObjective  Hyperthyroidism is accompanied by low bone mass. Because the reference range of TSH levels is defined statistically, some individuals with low normal TSH levels may have mild hyperthyroidism and reduced bone mass. We therefore determined whether serum TSH levels correlate with bone mineral density (BMD).Design  A cross‐sectional hospital‐based survey.Participants  Nine hundred and fifty‐nine healthy postmenopausal women.Measurements  We measured BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and serum TSH concentrations using immunoluminometry.Results  BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck increased with TSH level (P for trend < 0·001 at both sites). Even after adjustment for age, years since menopause and body mass index, subjects with low normal TSH levels (0·5–1·1 mU/l) had significantly lower BMDs at the lumbar spine (0·863 ± 0·009 g/cm2vs 0·900 ± 0·009 g/cm2, P = 0·004) and femoral neck (0·660 ± 0·006 g/cm2vs 0·683 ± 0·006 g/cm2, P = 0·006) than those with high normal TSH levels (2·8–5·0 mU/l), as well as a 2·2‐fold increased risk of osteoporosis (95% confidence interval: 1·2–4·0).Conclusion  These results suggest that low normal TSH levels may not be physiological for postmenopausal women and, during treatment of hypothyroidism, may not be adequate for avoiding osteoporosis.
Does the prevalence of gsp mutations in GH‐secreting pituitary adenomas differ geographically or racially? Prevalence of gsp mutations in Japanese patients revisited
Authors: Yasufuku‐Takano Junko , Takano Koji , Morita Koji , Takakura Kintomo , Teramoto Akira , Fujita Toshiro 
Published: December 2005

SummaryObjective   The prevalence of gsp mutations in GH‐secreting pituitary adenomas was thought to differ geographically or racially, given its exceptionally lower incidence among Japanese patients (4·4–9·3%) compared to other regions (30–50%). However, this notion is now being challenged after a recent paper reported a 53·3% incidence among Japanese with acromegaly. We have since re‐evaluated the prevalence of gsp mutations on a larger scale.Patients   One hundred Japanese acromegaly patients with surgically confirmed GH‐secreting pituitary adenomas were enrolled.Methods   mRNAs from primary cultured adenomas were used for reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the Gsα subunit. Patient data were reviewed from medical charts.Results   There were 53 gsp mutations (53%), consisting of 42 Arg201Cys, one Arg201His, one Arg201Ser, 8 Gln227Leu, and one Gln227Arg mutation. Age at operation, sex ratio, basal serum GH and IGF‐I levels were no different with or without the mutations. In contrast, patients responded differently to most dynamic tests with statistical significance: serum GH levels in gsp‐positive patients had blunted response to GHRH, were well suppressed by bromocriptine, and had higher rates of paradoxical response to TRH. Notably, paradoxical response to LHRH was observed exclusively in gsp‐negative patients. Octreotide suppressed GH levels strongly regardless of gsp status. These clinical characteristics are similar to those of Caucasian patients.Conclusion   We conclude that the prevalence of gsp mutations in Japanese acromegaly patients is comparable to those of other reports from various regions. Therefore, Japanese patients do not stand as an example for geographical or racial difference in the prevalence of gsp mutations in GH‐secreting pituitary adenomas.
Enhanced and prolonged cross‐presentation following endosomal escape of exogenous antigens encapsulated in biodegradable nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Hong , Ackerman Anne L. , Cody Virginia , Giodini Alessandra , Hinson Ella R. , Cresswell Peter , Edelson Richard L. , Saltzman W. Mark , Hanlon Douglas J. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryCD8+ T‐cell responses are critical in the immunological control of tumours and infectious diseases. To prime CD8+ T cells against these cell‐associated antigens, exogenous antigens must be cross‐presented by professional antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). While cross‐presentation of soluble antigens by dendritic cells is detectable in vivo, the efficiency is low, limiting the clinical utility of protein‐based vaccinations. To enhance the efficiency of presentation, we generated nanoparticles from a biodegradable polymer, poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), to deliver antigen into the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation pathway. In primary mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), the MHC class I presentation of PLGA‐encapsulated ovalbumin (OVA) stimulated T cell interleukin‐2 secretion at 1000‐fold lower concentration than soluble antigen and 10‐fold lower than antigen‐coated latex beads. The microparticles also served as an intracellular antigen reservoir, leading to sustained MHC class I presentation of OVA for 72 hr, decreasing by only 20% after 96 hr, a time at which the presentation of soluble and latex bead‐associated antigens was undetectable. Cytosol extraction demonstrated that antigen delivery via PLGA particles increased the amount of protein that escaped from endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the access of exogenous antigen to the classic MHC class I loading pathway. These data indicate that the unique properties of PLGA particle‐mediated antigen delivery dramatically enhance and sustain exogenous antigen presentation by MHC class I, potentially facilitating the clinical use of these particles in vaccination.
DNA repair, a novel antibacterial target: Holliday junction‐trapping peptides induce DNA damage and chromosome segregation defects
Authors: Gunderson Carl W. , Segall Anca M. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryHolliday junction intermediates arise in several central pathways of DNA repair, replication fork restart, and site‐specific recombination catalysed by tyrosine recombinases. Previously identified hexapeptide inhibitors of phage lambda integrase‐mediated recombination block the resolution of Holliday junction intermediates in vitro and thereby inhibit recombination, but have no DNA cleavage activity themselves. The most potent peptides are specific for the branched DNA structure itself, as opposed to the integrase complex. Based on this activity, the peptides inhibit several unrelated Holliday junction‐processing enzymes in vitro, including the RecG helicase and RuvABC junction resolvase complex. We have found that some of these hexapeptides are potent bactericidal antimicrobials, effective against both Gm+ and Gm– bacteria. Using epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, we have characterized extensively the physiology of bacterial cells treated with these peptides. The hexapeptides cause DNA segregation abnormalities, filamentation and DNA damage. Damage caused by the peptides induces the SOS response, and is synergistic with damage caused by UV and mitomycin C. Our results are consistent with the model that the hexapeptides affect DNA targets that arise during recombination‐dependent repair. We propose that the peptides trap intermediates in the repair of collapsed replication forks, preventing repair and resulting in bacterial death. Inhibition of DNA repair constitutes a novel target of antibiotic therapy. The peptides affect targets that arise in multiple pathways, and as expected, are quite resistant to the development of spontaneous antibiotic resistance.
Relative migration rates and local adaptation in a mosquito-protozoan interaction
Authors: Ganz H. H. , Washburn J. O. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Theory predicts that the direction of local adaptation depends on the relative migration rates of hosts and parasites. Here we measured relative migration rates and tested for local adaptation in the interaction between a tree hole mosquito (Ochlerotatus sierrensis) and a protozoan parasite (Lambornella clarki). We found strong support for the hypothesis that the host migrates more than its parasite. Hosts colonized artificial tree holes in the field at a much higher rate than the parasite. Field releases of the parasite demonstrated that it colonizes and persists in natural tree holes where it was previously absent, suggesting that parasite distribution is limited by its migratory ability. Although the host migrates more than its parasite, we found no evidence for local adaptation by hosts and some evidence for local adaptation by parasites. Other life history traits of the host and parasite may also influence patterns in local adaptation, particularly parasite virulence and host dormancy.
Analysis of the importance of genotypic variation, metabolic rate, morphology, sex and development time on immune function in the cricket, Gryllus firmus
Authors: Rantala M. J. , Roff D. A. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Immune defence is hypothesized to be a trait that bears significant fitness costs as well as benefits in that mounting a defence depreciates the value of other life-history traits. Thus the cost of mounting an immune response could affect the evolution of both the immune system and correlated life history traits. In this study we examined, by means of a diallel cross of four inbred lines, the genetic basis of two measures of immune function, metabolic rate and several traits in the sand cricket, Gryllus firmus. We specifically addressed the following questions: (1) is immune function determined primarily by genetic constitution or correlations with phenotypic traits that could reduce the effectiveness of the immune response; (2) do the two measures of immune function covary; (3) What are the contributions of additive, nonadditive and maternal effects to the immune function? As estimates of immune function, we used lytic activity and encapsulation rate. We found that inbred crickets were smaller than individuals from the crossed lines and took longer to develop. However, inbred lines did not differ from the crossed lines in immune function nor metabolic rates, suggesting that increased homozygosity has little or no effect on these traits in G. firmus. We found that both immune parameters showed significant genetic variation but no consistent relationships with the other phenotypic traits (metabolic rate, head width, body mass, development time and activity). There was significant additive genetic variation only in encapsulation rate, but, with the exception of the activity measure, significant nonadditive and reciprocal variances were found in all traits. Metabolic rate of crickets was heritable, but there was neither phenotypic nor genetic association between metabolic rate and the two parameters of immune function. Further, there was no correlation between these two measures. Females showed a higher encapsulation response than males, but there was no sex differences in lytic activity. Our study indicates that genetic variation in immune parameters can be a very significant contributor to phenotypic variation in immune function.
Mineralogical and geochemical investigation of sediment in the Snake River arm of the Dillon Reservoir, Summit County, Colorado, USA
Authors: Conaway Christopher H. , Pride D. E. , Faure Gunter , Tettenhorst R. T. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMineralogical and chemical analyses of sediment in the Snake River arm of the Dillon Reservoir provided insight into the transport and fate of trace metals in this system, which provides potable water to the city of Denver in Colorado. The sediments contain metal hydroxide precipitates and sorbed trace metals that formed upstream in the Snake River and in Deer Creek, Peru Creek and other tributaries. Iron and trace metal concentrations in the sediments reach a maximum about halfway down the 3.3 km arm, with their distribution probably controlled by physical processes acting on the settling of precipitates entering the arm from the mouth of the Snake River. The concentration of molybdenum is at background concentration near the mouth of the Snake River, increasing towards the centre of the reservoir, where values are 10 times greater, owing to contamination from the Ten Mile Creek and Blue River arms of the reservoir. The results of a sediment‐leaching experiment demonstrated that the relative ease of extraction with a decreasing pH value in the sediments is zinc > cobalt > copper > nickel > lead. Although most of the trace metals are low in concentration, or are strongly sorbed in the sediments, the relatively high concentration of zinc and its relatively high mobility make it a metal of potential concern in the reservoir.
Pesticide residues in Volta Lake, Ghana
Authors: Ntow William Joseph 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe Volta River basin comprises ≈ 70% of mainland Ghana, being inhabited by a majority of the country's population. The purpose of this study was to analyse water and sediment samples at six locations in Volta Lake for residues of persistent organochlorine pesticides. Residues were extracted by use of two types of extractions, including a standardized solid phase extraction procedure for water samples and a Soxhlet extraction procedure for sediment samples. All samples were analysed by gas chromatography. Lindane and endosulfan were identified in concentrations ≤ 0.008 p.p.b. and 0.036 p.p.b., respectively, in water, and ≤ 2.3 p.p.b. and 0.36 p.p.b., respectively, in sediments. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene were also found in sediment samples (in concentrations ≤ 9.0 p.p.b. and 52.3 p.p.b., respectively). No significant contamination was noted in the lake. The distribution of pesticide residues in water and neighbouring sediment are briefly discussed. Different bioconcentration factors obtained in this study allowed the confirmation of the complex processes already reported in the literature regarding the partitioning of chemicals between sediment and water.
Limnological characteristics, eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms in an inland reservoir, Australia
Authors: Rahman A. K. M. , Al Bakri Dhia , Ford Phillip , Church Tony 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBen Chifley Reservoir, the only potable water supply for Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, has been experiencing recurrent cyanobacterial bloom problems since 1991. A study was undertaken from June 1998 to July 1999 to assess the limnological characteristics pertinent to eutrophication and the associated cyanobacterial blooms. From January–May 1999, the reservoir exhibited significant numbers of cyanobacterial cells, totalling > 9000 cells mL−1. The highest number of cells (> 27 000 cells mL−1) was recorded during April 1999. The water quality characteristics of the reservoir, and the river inflow and climatic data, were grouped into three distinct periods; before, during and after cyanobacterial blooms. High water temperature (15–22°C), thermal stratification (ΔT = 2.7–2.8°C), depletion of dissolved oxygen and high nutrient concentrations, all of which are conducive to enhanced cyanobacterial blooms, were evident before and during the bloom periods. Based on its nitrogen to phosphorus molar ratio, Ben Chifley Reservoir can be considered as being phosphorus‐deficient, in contrast to nitrogen, which is readily available from a number of sources in its drainage basin, including atmospheric fixation. Thus, it is recommended that adopting management strategies to reduce the quantity of bioavailable phosphorus in the reservoir would be the most effective way to minimize the occurrence of algal blooms.