bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases: II. Comparison of outcomes and exposures – a GA2LEN initiative
Authors: Keil T. , Kulig M. , Simpson A. , Custovic A. , Wickman M. , Kull I. , Lødrup Carlsen K. C. , Carlsen K. H. , Smit H. A. , Wijga A. H. , Schmid S. , Von Berg A. , Bollrath C. , Eller E. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Halken S. , Høst A. , Heinrich J. , Fantini M. P. , Brunekreef B. , Krämer U. , Willich S. N. , Wahn U. , Lau S. ,   the working group of GALEN‐WP 1.5 ‘Birth Cohorts’
Published: August 2006

Background:  The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) is a consortium of 26 leading European research centres committed to establish a European research area of excellence in the field of allergy and asthma.Aim:  One of the GA2LEN work packages was designed to identify and compare the existing European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases. The present review compares their subjective and objective outcomes as well as exposure variables.Methods:  A common database was established to assess study characteristics of observational birth cohort studies designed to examine asthma and atopic diseases. Data were collected by visiting most of the participating research teams and interviewing all relevant study personnel. For each study, the type of objective/subjective outcome parameters and potentially influential factors were recorded precisely for every time point during follow‐up.Results:  Eighteen birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases were identified in eight European countries. Thirteen studies collected data on specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to various inhalant and food allergens, whereas 12 performed skin prick tests (many at several time points during follow up). Several studies measured lung function, but across the cohorts no comparable standard procedures were used. For subjective evaluation of asthma and allergic rhinitis most studies applied the ISAAC questionnaire (sometimes modified), whereas the assessment of eczema was rather heterogeneous across the studies.Conclusion:  This GA2LEN initiative established a unique common database of 18 European birth cohorts on asthma and atopic diseases. For selected cohorts, it seems that pooling data and performing common analyses may be possible to examine associations between certain exposure variables (e.g. pet ownership, tobacco smoke exposure and day‐care) and selected outcome measures for atopy, asthma or allergic rhinitis (e.g. sensitization assessed by IgE or skin prick tests, doctor's diagnosis of asthma, parental perception regarding asthma/wheezing or hay fever symptoms).
Detection of novel leukocyte differentiation antigens on basophils and mast cells by HLDA8 antibodies
Authors: Florian S. , Sonneck K. , Czerny M. , Hennersdorf F. , Hauswirth A. W. , Bühring H.‐J. , Valent P. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Basophils (BA) and mast cells (MC) are important effector cells in allergic reactions. Development, growth and effector cell functions are regulated by a network of cytokines, other ligands, and respective cell surface antigens.Methods:  We examined the expression of novel CD antigens on human BA, lung MC, the BA cell line KU‐812, and the MC line HMC‐1. Expression of surface antigens was analyzed by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of the HLDA8 workshop and flow cytometry.Results:  Basophils were found to stain positive for CXCR1 (CD181), CCR1 (CD191), CCR2 (CD192), CCR7 (CD197), IL‐18Rα (CDw218a), IL‐18Rβ (CDw218b), TRAIL‐R1 (CD261), TRAIL‐R2 (CD262), TACI (CD267), TLR‐4 (CD284), LAIR1 (CD305), EMR‐2 (CD312), JAM1 (CD321), and JAM2 (CD322). Lung MC were found to react with mAb against EMR‐2 (CD312) and JAM1 (CD321). KU‐812 cells were found to stain positive for CXCR1 (CD181), TRAIL‐R2 (CD262), B7H2 (CD275), TLR‐4 (CD284), JAM1 (CD321), and E‐Cadherin (CD324). HMC‐1 cells were recognized by mAb against TRAIL‐R2 (CD262), B7H2 (CD275), LAIR1 (CD305), EMR‐2 (CD312), JAM1 (CD321), and Siglec‐6 (CDw327).Conclusions:  Extensive phenotyping with antibodies against novel CD antigens provides further evidence that BA and MC represent two separate hematopoietic cell lineages with unique phenotypic properties observed in mature cells as well as malignant immature cells. Further studies are required to define the functional role of these CD antigens expressed in BA and MC.
Avian growth and development rates and age‐specific mortality: the roles of nest predation and adult mortality
Authors: REMEŠ V. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that avian growth and development covary with juvenile mortality. Juveniles of birds under strong nest predation pressure grow rapidly, have short incubation and nestling periods, and leave the nest at low body mass. Life‐history theory predicts that parental investment increases with adult mortality rate. Thus, developmental traits that depend on the parental effort exerted (pre‐ and postnatal growth rate) should scale positively with adult mortality, in contrast to those that do not have a direct relationship with parental investment (timing of developmental events, e.g. nest leaving). I tested this prediction on a sample of 84 North American songbirds. Nestling growth rate scaled positively and incubation period duration negatively with annual adult mortality rates even when controlled for nest predation and other covariates, including phylogeny. On the contrary, neither the duration of the nestling period nor body mass at fledging showed any relationship. Proximate mechanisms generating the relationship of pre‐ and postnatal growth rates to adult mortality may include increased feeding, nest attentiveness during incubation and/or allocation of hormones, and deserve further attention.
Long day plants and the response to global warming: rapid evolutionary change in day length sensitivity is possible in wild beet
Authors: VAN DIJK H. , HAUTEKÈETE N. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractDay length is a key factor in flowering induction in many plant species in a seasonal environment with flowering induction usually happening at shorter day lengths in lower latitudes. Now, the climate changes systematically at a considerable speed due to global warming. As a consequence, earlier flowering will be selected for in long day plants by favouring a lower threshold for day length sensitivity, on the condition of available genetic variability. Here, we show that there is considerable genetic variation for day length sensitivity in our study species, the seabeetBeta vulgarissubsp.maritima. In the northernmost natural populations without vernalization requirement, in southwest France, the necessary day length for flowering induction could be reduced by artificial selection in <10 generations from >13 h to <11 h, the latter value corresponding to populations in theBeta‐species complex from Northern Africa and the eastern part of the Mediterranean tested under the same conditions. A quantitative genetic analysis provided evidence of a gradual change without detectable major genes. Additional experiments were carried out to separate the response to photoperiod from age and energy effects. A certain effect of energy availability has been found, whereas age effects could be excluded. These results indicate a considerable potential for evolutionary change in adjusting flowering time in a changing climate.
Tracheal responsiveness to both isoprenaline and beta2‐adrenoreceptor blockade by propranolol in cigarette smoke exposed and sensitized guinea pigs
Authors: BOSKABADY Mohammad Hossein , KIANI Sara , ASLANI Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2006

Objective:  Airway hyperresponsiveness is the main feature of asthma and also exists in cigarette smokers. In previous studies we have shown increased airway responsiveness to isoprenaline in asthmatic patients and smokers. In this study, tracheal responsiveness to isoprenaline and β‐adrenergic receptor blockade was investigated in animals exposed to cigarette smoke (AECS) with or without sensitization by ovalbumin (OA).Methodology:  Guinea pigs were exposed to cigarette smoke over a 3‐month period with or without sensitization by injection and inhalation of OA. Tracheal responses in AECS, AECS + sensitized and control animals (n = 7 for each group) to isoprenaline in the absence and presence of 20 nmol/L propranolol were measured and EC50 was established. The propranolol blockade (concentration ratio minus one (CR‐1)) was calculated (post‐propranolol EC50/EC50) − 1.Results:  The tracheal response of AECS and AECS + sensitized guinea pigs to isoprenaline was significantly higher than that of control animals (EC50: 4.24 ± 0.54, 3.66 ± 0.53 and 7.71 ± 0.68.79 µmol for AECS, AECS + sensitized and control animals, respectively) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in EC50 between AECS and AECS + sensitized. CR‐1 was also significantly higher in the trachea of AECS and AECS + sensitized compared with controls (13.39 ± 2.22 and 15.35 ± 2.95 vs. 3.10 ± 0.6, P < 0.05 in both cases). There was no significant difference in CR‐1 between AECS and AECS + sensitized. There was a significant correlation between the tracheal response to isoprenaline (EC50) and CR‐1 (r =−0.731, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in tracheal maximum response to isoprenaline between the three groups of animals.Conclusions:  The results of this study indicate an increased tracheal response to a β2‐adrenergic stimulating drug and enhanced β2‐adrenergic blockade by propranolol in both AECS and AECS + sensitized. These results suggest similar increase in airway responsiveness to β2‐adrenergic agonists and β2‐receptor blockade in AECS and AECS + sensitized guinea pigs.
Positive benefits of theophylline in a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled study of low‐dose, slow‐release theophylline in the treatment of COPD for 1 year
Authors: ZHOU Yumin , WANG Xiaoping , ZENG Xiangyi , QIU Rong , XIE Junfeng , LIU Shengming , ZHENG Jingping , ZHONG Nanshan , RAN Pixin 
Published: August 2006

Objective and background:  Increasing evidence suggests that low‐dose theophylline has anti‐inflammatory benefits and is safe in the treatment of COPD. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐dose, slow‐release oral theophylline administered over a 1‐year period in patients with COPD.Methods:  A randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial was carried out. In total, 110 participants with COPD were randomly assigned to receive slow‐release theophylline (100 mg b.i.d.) or placebo for 1 year. Use of medicine and symptoms recorded by diary cards; pulmonary function, exacerbations of COPD, quality of life and the use of rescue medicine were evaluated. Superiority test was used to estimate the efficacy.Results:  Of 110 participants, 85 (77.3%) complied with the protocol, with 42 subjects in theophylline and 43 subjects on placebo. In both intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol population analysis, greater improvement in pre‐bronchodilator FEV1 (P = 0.038 and P = 0.070, respectively), lower frequency of COPD exacerbations (P = 0.047 and P = 0.035, respectively), fewer days of COPD exacerbations (P = 0.045 and P = 0.046, respectively), lower frequency of clinical visits (P = 0.017 and P = 0.039, respectively), greater improvement in satisfaction with treatment (P = 0.014 and P = 0.004, respectively) were found in the theophylline group than in the placebo group. In per‐protocol population, greater improvements in quality of life (P = 0.047) were also observed in the theophylline group and the mean time to the first exacerbation was delayed in theophylline group in comparison with placebo group (P = 0.047). Drug‐related adverse events such as stomach discomfort (3.51%), headache (3.51%), insomnia (1.75%) and palpitation (1.75%) were found in the theophylline group.Conclusions:  Low‐dose, slow‐release oral theophylline is effective and well‐tolerated in the long term treatment of stable COPD, although it does not improve post‐bronchodilator lung function.
SURGICAL ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN SMALLER HOSPITALS
Authors: Bennett Noleen J. , Bull Ann L. , Dunt David R. , Russo Philip L. , Spelman Denis W. , Richards Michael J. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  In 2004, The Victorian Hospital Acquired Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre established a smaller hospital (<100 beds) surveillance programme that included an optional ‘surgical antibiotic prophylaxis’ (SAP) module. Appropriate SAP is believed to be one of the most effective strategies to reduce surgical site infections after certain surgical procedures.Methods:  Trained infection control nurses in the participating hospitals were asked to collect SAP data for the first 50 consecutive procedures that could be classified into 1 of 12 surgical groups. The choice, timing and duration of antibiotics were compared against the Australian Therapeutic Antibiotic version 12 Guidelines and the US National Surgical Infection Prevention Project Advisory Statement.Results:  Fifty‐one of the 87 smaller hospitals that participated in the surveillance programme of The Victorian Hospital Acquired Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre carried out surgery. Over 20 months, 25 of these hospitals contributed data on 1872 procedures. Antibiotic choice, timing and duration were 52.6, 54.7 and 76.1%, respectively, concordant with published recommendations. For antibiotic choice in five surgical groups (appendectomy, colon surgery, gastric surgery and abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies), less than half of the procedures were concordant with the Australian Therapeutic Antibiotic Guidelines.Conclusions:  Substantial opportunities exist in smaller hospitals to improve compliance with published SAP recommendations. Further studies are required to determine the reasons for poor compliance with these recommendations.
CLEFT SURGERY IN EAST TIMOR: THE FIRST FOUR YEARS
Authors: Moore Mark H. , Fernandes Antonio E. L. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Following the vote for independence in 1999, this team commenced the first coherent reconstructive surgical service in East Timor. The aim of this paper is to report the cleft lip and palate surgical experience during the 4 years since independence.Methods:  From June 2000, a record of all cleft surgical procedures carried out by our team in East Timor has been maintained. This has been reviewed to identify the clinical experience, procedures carried out and the outcomes of the cleft population in this, the poorest and newest, nation in Asia.Results:  From the 519 reconstructive surgical procedures carried out by this team in East Timor during the first 4 years, 267 were for cleft lip and palate deformity. Cleft lip and nose repairs were most commonly undertaken, although over the period of the study increasing numbers of cleft palate repairs were evident, reflecting the developing confidence in the service by the local population.Conclusion:  The establishment of a regular, consistent cleft lip and palate surgical team in East Timor has not only seen the successful correction of a large number of untreated cleft patients, but has also contributed to a restoration of trust in the newly developing health system in East Timor.
MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CHRONIC ULCERS OF THE LOWER LIMB: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY
Authors: Lim Tao S. , Mwipatayi Bibombe P. , Murray Ronan , Sieunarine Kishore , Abbas Manzoor , Angel Donna 
Published: August 2006

Background:  The aim of the study was to determine the microbiological profile of chronic lower‐limb ulcers in a tertiary outpatient setting.Methods:  A prospective observational cohort study of 39 patients with lower‐limb ulcers of more than 1 month duration, presenting to the leg ulcer clinic. Superficial swab and punch biopsy samples were taken from each ulcer.Results:  Mean age was 68.7 years. Venous ulcers were most common (51%) followed by arterial ulcers (13%), ulcers inpeople with diabetes having arterial disease (13%), unspecified ulcers (13%) and ulcers in people with diabetes (10%). The most common organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (38–44%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26–28%). Biopsy and swab results were concordant in 18 (46%), had at least one organism in common in 10 (26%) and had no concordance in 11 (28%). Histological analysis did not show any cases of malignancy. Ulcer area was significantly lower after 2 months of treatment (P = 0.047). Venous ulcers had the best outcome at 2 months, whereas people with diabetes with arterial disease fared poorly.Conclusion:  The microbiological profile of chronic leg ulcers has application to general treatment principles as well in guiding the necessity and choice of antibiotic therapy. Concordance between swab and biopsy results was poor; we recommend biopsy in the tertiary setting.
SELECTIVE INTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY WITH 90Y MICROSPHERES FOR COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES: SINGLE‐CENTRE EXPERIENCE WITH 100 PATIENTS
Authors: Stubbs Richard S. , O’Brien Inga , Correia Mauro M. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Many patients with colorectal liver metastases die from liver‐only disease. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is an evolving method suitable for treating patients with non‐resectable metastatic liver disease.Methods:  One hundred patients with advanced colorectal liver metastases were treated with SIRT. A single dose of between 2.0 and 3.0 GBq of 90Y microspheres was given into the hepatic artery either by a surgically implanted portacath or a percutaneous femoral catheter. When a port was used (n = 87), SIRT was followed by hepatic arterial chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil.Results:  Treatment‐related morbidity occurred in 11 patients. Responses to SIRT were assessed by serial computed tomography scans and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurement. Median CEA level 3 months after SIRT (expressed as percentage of initial CEA) was 18%. Only 5 of 80 patients (6.25%) scanned at 3 months showed disease progression. Survival was significantly more in those who experienced a good tumour marker response and in those who were slow to develop extrahepatic disease. Survival was independently influenced by the use of ongoing hepatic arterial chemotherapy, the extent of liver involvement and the lymph node status of the original primary tumour.Conclusion:  Selective internal radiation therapy is a very effective and well‐tolerated regional treatment for colorectal liver metastases, which should be considered for those with liver‐only metastatic disease.
OUTCOME AFTER PANCREATIC NECROSECTOMY: TRENDS OVER 12 YEARS AT AN INDIAN CENTRE
Authors: Reddy Mettu S. , Jindal Ravul , Gupta Rajesh , Yadav Thakur D. , Wig Jai Dev 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Pancreatic necrosectomy for necrotizing pancreatitis is a formidable operation. There are limited data from the Indian subcontinent regarding outcome and recent trends in management.Methods:  Patients undergoing pancreatic necrosectomy over a 12‐year period were identified from a prospective database. Data regarding the hospital course, complications and outcome were extracted by case file review. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. An attempt was made to identify trends in management and outcome over the study period.Results:  One hundred and eighteen patients underwent necrosectomy. The median age was 39.5 years (interquartile range, 32–46). Median Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II score at admission was 8 (interquartile range, 6–10). Thirty‐nine patients (33%) had organ failure at admission. Patients underwent surgery a median of 23 days (interquartile range, 14–34) after onset of illness. There was high incidence of loco‐regional complications (68/118, 58%) and organ failure (88/118, 75%) in the postoperative period. The mortality rate was 38%. There was an increase in the median onset to surgery interval (17 vs 25.5 days; P = 0.001), increased use of percutaneous interventions (20 vs 36%; P = 0.05) and decreased mortality (47 vs 29%; P = 0.052) in the later half of the study period.Conclusion:  Pancreatic necrosectomy continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality in India. A trend towards increased use of percutaneous interventions and delayed surgery is evident.
HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND TREATMENT OUTCOME IN AN URBAN AUSTRALIAN POPULATION
Authors: Lam Vincent W. T. , Trinh Linh K. , Wilson Robert B. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  To examine the rate of Helicobacter pylori infection in a group of symptomatic patients using rapid urease test and antral histology and report on their treatment outcomes.Methods:  From a single‐surgeon series in a tertiary teaching hospital, 200 consecutive symptomatic patients undergoing their first diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during 2003–2004 were included in this retrospective audit. Campylobacter‐like organism (CLO) test results were compared with the results of conventional histological examination plus Giemsa staining. Eradication rates and demographic data were collected.Results:  One hundred and seventy‐nine of 200 (89.5%) patients had antral biopsies for histology and for CLOtest. The CLOtest was positive in 31% (56/179) of patients. Thirty‐two of 56 (57%) patients had an early‐positive CLOtest (<24 h). The remaining 43% (24/56) of patients had a late‐positive CLOtest (>24 h). Histological examination of the antral biopsy showed evidence of H. pylori in 28/56 (50%) patients with a positive CLOtest. H. pylori eradication therapy was prescribed in 51/56 (91%) patients with a positive CLOtest. Forty‐five of 51 (88%) of these patients had a subsequent urea breath test. Urea breath test was positive in 17/45 (29%) patients after H. pylori eradication therapy was prescribed.Conclusion:  Rate of H. pylori in this series of symptomatic patients was 31%. As nearly half of the CLOtests became positive after 24 h, we suggest that the CLOtest should be re‐examined 24 h after gastroscopy. Standard antral histology and CLOtest were in agreement in only 50% of cases, suggesting that the CLOtest is a more sensitive test. The failure rate of 29% for initial H. pylori eradication therapy reinforces the need for follow up after treatment.
RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED STUDY COMPARING SITZ‐BATH AND NO‐SITZ‐BATH TREATMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ANAL FISSURES
Authors: Gupta Pravin J. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  To determine the efficacy and safety of sitz baths in the management of acute anal fissures.Methods:  Individual patients were randomized to either receive sitz baths or no sitz baths for 4 weeks in addition to oral psyllium husk. Patients were asked to soak their hips and buttocks in a tub containing plain lukewarm water for 10 min, once after defecation in the morning and again at bedtime. Each week, the patients were called to assess pain scores and healing of fissures, whereas the level of satisfaction was recorded at the end of 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were validated pain scores and levels of satisfaction.Results:  Fifty‐eight subjects were recruited for this study. In all, 52 of them completed the trial (27 in the sitz bath group and 25 in the control group). Although the pain score was lesser in the sitz bath group than in the control group, it failed to reach statistical significance. There were no significant differences in fissure healing between the two groups over the 4‐week study period. However, patients in the sitz bath group reported better satisfaction levels than the control group (P < 0.01). Although no serious adverse effects were observed, two patients from sitz bath group developed perianal skin rash.Conclusion:  This study suggests that sitz baths improve patient satisfaction in acute anal fissures. However, the healing and overall pain relief was not significant enough to attract attention. It was also found to be associated with adverse effects in few patients.