bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase in use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy during the last decade, a population‐based cohort study from the Netherlands
Authors: Bakker Marian K. , Kölling Pieternel , Van Den Berg Paul B. , De Walle Hermien E. K. , De Jong van den Berg Lolkje T. W. 
Published: October 2007

What is already known about this subject • Recently, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly paroxetine, in pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk on specific birth defects or other adverse pregnancy outcomes.• However, the extent of SSRI use in pregnancy is largely unknown. What this study adds • In the last decade the use of SSRIs in the year preceding delivery has increased twofold.• This increase runs parallel with the increase in use of SSRIs among women of fertile age.• Paroxetine is one of the most commonly used SSRIs.• Only recently have sufficient data become available on the use of paroxetine to detect moderate increased risks for specific malformations.• The safety of SSRIs which are less frequently used is not yet established.• Case–control birth defect‐monitoring systems may be helpful in providing safety and risk estimates that become more precise as data accumulate for these drugs.AimsRecent case–control studies suggest a relationship between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the occurrence of birth defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim was to determine the extent of the use of SSRIs before and during pregnancy and its trend over the years 1995–2004 in the Netherlands.MethodsThe study was performed with data from a population‐based prescription database. Within this database, women giving birth to a child between 1995 and 2004 were identified. The exposure rate and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated as the number of pregnancies per 1000 that were exposed to an SSRI in a defined period (per trimester or in the year preceding delivery). Exposure rates were calculated for 2‐year periods: 1995/1996, 1997/1998, 1999/2000, 2001/2002 and 2003/2004. Trends in exposure rates were analysed using the χ2 test for trend.ResultsIncluded were 14 902 pregnancies for which complete pharmacy records were available from 3 months before pregnancy until delivery. A total of 310 pregnancies were exposed to an SSRI in the year preceding delivery. The exposure rate increased from 12.2 (95% CI 7.0, 19.8) in 1995/1996 to 28.5 (95% CI 23.0, 34.9) in 2003/2004.ConclusionThere has been a significant increase in the use of SSRIs among pregnant women in the Netherlands over the last 10 years, parallel with the increase in exposure in women of fertile age. In light of the recent warnings about the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, healthcare professionals should be careful in prescribing SSRIs to women planning a pregnancy.
Characterization of glycans in the developmental stages of Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa), the causative agent of whirling disease
Authors: Kaltner H , Stippl M , Knaus M , El‐Matbouli M 
Published: October 2007

AbstractGlycans and sugar‐binding molecules (lectins) form an interactive recognition system, which may enable parasitic organisms to adhere to host cells and migrate into target tissues. The aim of the present study was to analyse surface‐associated glycans in the developmental stages of Myxobolus cerebralis (Hofer), the causative agent of whirling disease. A panel of biotin‐labelled plant lectins was used to detect a broad spectrum of glycan motifs with high specificity. Binding sites were detected histochemically in the tissue sections of infected rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and infected Tubifex tubifex (Müller), and were characterized by light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. With mannose‐specific lectins [Lens culinaris agglutinin, Pisum sativum agglutinin, Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin (LCA, PSA, CanA)] mannose‐containing glycans were detected in all the developmental stages and host tissues. No binding sites for galactose‐specific lectins were present in M. cerebralis spores but reactivity with host tissues occurred. Diversity in glycans was detected by N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine‐specific lectins in sporoplasm cells of M. cerebralis and triactinomyxon spores. In the group of lectins with monosaccharide‐specificity for N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine (GlcNAc), the reactivity of Datura stramonium agglutinin (DSA), Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin (LEA) and Solanum tuberosum agglutinin (STA) was restricted to polar capsules whereas Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin II (GSA II) also bound to sporoplasm cells of stages in the fish host but not in those present in infected T. tubifex. Moreover, Triticum vulgaris (wheat germ) agglutinin (WGA) and succinylated WGA indicated the presence of N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine polymers in polar capsules. No specificity for spores was observed concerning ‘bisected’N‐glycans and no reactivity in parasitic stages was observed with the fucose‐binding lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) I, Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) (specific for α2,6‐sialylated glycans) and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAAI) (specific for α2,3‐sialylated glycans). Arachis hypogaea (peanut) agglutinin (PNA), Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA), GSA I, Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) and GSA II detected reactive sites solely confined to the developmental stages of M. cerebralis and were not reactive in the fish host. These parasite‐specific glycans may play a role in the adhesion process of the parasite to fish epidermis prior to infection, but may provide protection to the host by activating the complement system, or stimulating an adaptive immune response as putative antigens.
Isolation of a cyprinid herpesvirus 2 from goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), in the UK
Authors: Jeffery K R , Bateman K , Bayley A , Feist S W , Hulland J , Longshaw C , Stone D , Woolford G , Way K 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHaematopoietic necrosis virus [cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2)] was isolated during disease outbreaks in goldfish, Carassius auratus, at an ornamental fish retail site in southern England in 2004. Signs of disease included lethargy and inappetence and were first seen after water temperatures increased from 14–15 to 19–21 °C. External gross pathology included pale patches on the gills and skin and internally the spleen was enlarged, often with distinctive white nodules. The most prominent histopathological changes observed were necrotic lesions in the spleen and kidney and focal patches of necrosis in the gill lamellae. Necrotic cells often contained nuclei with marginated chromatin and pale intranuclear inclusions. Ultrastructural examination of the spleen tissue revealed typical herpesvirus‐like particles measuring 100 nm in diameter. The virus was isolated from extracts of gill tissue in KF‐1 cells at 20 °C and oligonucleotide primer sets were designed based on conserved gene sequences and used to amplify viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR assays were then used to detect the virus in DNA extracted from tissues sampled during earlier disease investigations at the retail site owner’s holding facility in 2002 and 2003 and stored at −70 °C since then. Polymerase gene‐specific PCR amplification products obtained from tissue samples and from the virus isolated in cell culture shared 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the published sequence for CyHV‐2.
Phenotypic, serological and genetic characterization of Pseudomonas anguilliseptica strains isolated from cod, Gadus morhua L., in northern Europe
Authors: Balboa S , Ferguson H W , Romalde J L 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe biochemical, serological and genetic characteristics of six strains of Pseudomonas anguilliseptica isolated from cod, Gadus morhua, in Scotland were compared to well characterized isolates of this same bacterial species but of different origin. Biochemical and physiological analyses showed that this group of isolates was highly homogeneous, their characteristics matching previous descriptions of the pathogen. Similar results were obtained for the six cod isolates in the serological assays, all of them belonging to the serotype O1. Marked homogeneity was observed also in the genetic study, analysed by means of RAPD, ERIC‐PCR and REP‐PCR procedures, showing that they were similar to isolates from gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, black spot seabream, Pagellus bogaraveo, and turbot, Psetta maxima. Virulence assays demonstrated that the cod isolates were highly pathogenic for turbot and sole, Solea senegalensis, with LD50 between 7.6 × 104 and 5 × 107 bacterial cells per fish.
Cloning and characterization of Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida phospholipase: an enzyme that shows haemolytic activity
Authors: Naka H , Hirono I , Aoki T 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA phospholipase gene of Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida (ppp) was cloned from a genomic library and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The open reading frame consisted of 1218 bp encoding a protein of 405 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 46 kDa. The PPP had identities (53–55%) with phospholipase and haemolysin of Vibrio spp., while it showed low identities (23–26%) with glycerophospholipid cholesterol acyltransferase of Aeromonas spp. A recombinant PPP (rPPP) with a His tag at the C‐terminus expressed in Escherichia coli and purified showed phospholipase activity. The rPPP also showed lecithin‐dependent haemolytic activity against mammalian erythrocytes and direct haemolytic activity against fish erythrocytes. The culture supernatant of wild‐type P. damselae ssp. piscicida showed phospholipase activity, while that of a PPP gene knockout mutant did not.
A new role for P2 receptors: talking with calcium‐activated potassium channels
Authors: Bertrand P. P. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purinergic fast synaptic transmission may play a very subtle role in regulating the excitability of enteric circuits. That is one of the important findings in a new paper by Ren and Galligan in the current issue of this Journal. They first provide compelling evidence that P2X3 receptors (ionotropic purine receptors) are expressed by guinea‐pig motor and interneurons and that these subtypes mediate the purinergic fast excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). They also found that the P2X3‐mediated depolarization was often followed by a hyperpolarization. This is an intriguing finding because if the purinergic fast EPSPs are also followed by a hyperpolarization, then it could play a role in truncating bursts of synaptic potentials or in shaping periodic synaptic input. The hyperpolarization is caused by calcium entry through the P2X3 receptor which then activates a calcium‐activated potassium (KCa) channel. Surprisingly, the hyperpolarization was not affected by any of the standard blockers of calcium‐ or voltage‐activated K+ channels suggesting that a novel KCa channel is present in the enteric neurons. Such a wide‐spread channel could well have an important physiological role and could be an important new drug target for regulating reflex activity in the enteric nervous system.
Oral amoxicillin vs. oral erythromycin in the treatment of pyoderma in Bamako, Mali: an open randomized trial
Authors: Faye Ousmane , Hay Roderick J. , Diawara Ismaila , Mahé Antoine 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Pyoderma (bacterial superficial skin infection) is an extremely common disorder in tropical developing countries. In these settings, Streptococcus pyogenes is considered to be the main etiological agent. Apart from epidemics of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis where mass treatment with intramuscular benzathine‐penicillin is recommended, no recommendation exists for the treatment of pyoderma in this setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral amoxicillin in the treatment of pyoderma in Mali, by comparison with oral erythromycin.Methods  In Bamako, 132 patients with pyoderma, diagnosed and graded as “severe” on clinical grounds, were randomly assigned to an oral treatment by either amoxicillin (50 mg/kg per day) or erythromycin; infections of the follicular appendage were excluded. Both drugs were associated with the topical application of povidone iodine. The patients were evaluated openly at the seventh day of treatment for cure or marked improvement of the clinical features, indicating successful treatment.Results  Three patients were lost to follow‐up. Treatment was successful in 57 of 64 patients treated with amoxicillin vs. 58 of 65 patients treated with erythromycin (P = 0.00).Conclusions  Amoxicillin was as efficacious as erythromycin in the treatment of severe pyoderma in Mali. Owing to its efficacy, added to high availability and low cost, this compound should be considered a first‐line treatment of this disorder in this country, and perhaps in other countries where this condition presents in a similar way.
Poverty, health and development in dermatology
Authors: Morrone Aldo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe WHO Constitution states that “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political, economic or social condition.”The right to health means that governments must generate conditions in which everyone can be as healthy as possible. Such conditions range from ensuring availability of health services, healthy and safe working conditions, adequate housing and nutritious food.In this report the author analyzes the relationship among health, dermatology and development and tries to find out what the scientific world, including dermatologists, could do for the improvement of health systems.
Nonclinical challenges of Indian dermatology – cities vs. villages, poverty, and lack of awareness
Authors: Verma Shyam 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAs India shines in its enviable achievements, one after the other in rapid succession, it also invites criticism from visitors for what they witness. It is imperative to delve deeper to fathom the realities of the predominantly rural India with its poverty and lack of awareness which are stumbling blocks and are major pitfalls in the practice of dermatology. The urban–rural divide, the phenomenon of migration, poverty, lack of awareness all affect practice of dermatology in this country. These are battles that have no ready answers. However a deeper understanding of the ground reality is a worthwhile exercise for the increasing tribe of international dermatologists who like to explore “cross cultural dermatology”.
Effects of the Reproductive Status on Morphological Oocyte Quality and Developmental Competence of Oocytes after In Vitro Fertilization and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Cat
Authors: Naoi H , Agung B , Karja NWK , Wongsrikeao P , Shimizu R , Taniguchi M , Otoi T 
Published: October 2007

ContentsThis study was conducted to examine the effects of the reproductive cycle of donor cat on the quality of oocytes at recovery and developmental competence of oocytes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT). Based on the presence or absence of follicles and corpora lutea, the ovarian pairs collected were classified into inactive, follicular or luteal stages. After collection of oocytes, the oocytes were classified into four grades according to the morphological condition of oocyte cytoplasm and cumulus cells. A total of 16 558 oocytes were obtained from 198 ovarian pairs. The total mean numbers of oocytes and the mean numbers of oocytes with high quality (grade I) were significantly higher in ovarian pairs at the inactive stage (111.1 and 19.0 oocytes, respectively) than in ovarian pairs at the follicular stage (67.1 and 11.4 oocytes, respectively). A significant difference in the proportions of oocytes with grade I out of the total examined oocytes was observed between the follicular and luteal stages of ovaries (14.9% vs 20.2%, p < 0.05). The proportions of IVF embryos cleaved and developed to blastocysts significantly decreased with decreased quality of oocytes at recovery, irrespective of the reproductive status of ovaries. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the proportions of cleavage and development to the blastocyst stage of IVF and NT embryos among three oestrous stages of ovaries. These results indicate that the reproductive cycle stage of donor cat ovaries has no apparent effects on the in vitro development of oocytes after IVF and NT, but the quality of oocytes at recovery influences the development of IVF embryos.
Electrolytes Changes in Mammary Secretions Before Foaling in Jennies
Authors: Carluccio A , De Amicis I , Panzani S , Tosi U , Faustini M , Veronesi MC 
Published: October 2007

ContentsNo knowledge regarding the peripartum changes in mammary secretions in the jenny are presently available in literature. In the mare, instead, several studies report the role of these changes as indicators of foetal readiness for birth and impending parturition. This experiment was designed to determine calcium, sodium, potassium concentrations, and the value of sodium/potassium ratio in mammary fluids during prepartum in the jenny. Samples were daily collected by hand milking, after mammary gland size increased noticeably, from 17 Martina Franca jennies. Prepartum mammary secretions were analysed every other day between day 10 and day 2 antepartum, and then once a day from the day before to the day of parturition. Calcium concentration showed a significant increase between day 10 and day 6 antepartum and then between day 6 and days 4 and 2. Afterwards, another statistical significant increase was observed at parturition. Sodium concentration significantly decreased from day 10 to day 2 prepartum. Potassium concentration significantly increased between day 10 and day 8 before parturition, then showed a further increase at day 4, followed by none significant changes until foaling. All jennies showed a reversal in sodium/potassium ratio between 2 days antepartum and the day before. In conclusion, the evaluation of mammary fluid calcium concentrations and the reversal of sodium/potassium ratio could be used as good indicators of foetal maturity in the jenny. As far as the prediction of parturition is concerned, the reversal of sodium/potassium ratio is the best parameter, since it was detected 48–24 h before parturition in all considered animals.
Developing the image interpretation skills of South Pacific radiographers: A joint WHO/RANZCR/ISRRT project
Authors: Cowan I , Smith T , Nakabea P , Ajibulu O , Hennessy O 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThere is a shortage of radiologists in the Pacific Island nations. To help ‘fill the gap’, a project was conducted between 2004 and 2006 aimed at upskilling radiographers from South Pacific countries in basic radiological interpretation of plain film radiographs. It was intended that the radiographers would act as a resource, identifying and describing abnormalities to the local doctors and nurses, thus reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. A total of 23 participants, including one doctor and three health‐care assistants, attended a 2‐week course in 2004 or 2005. The course covered common abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system, chest and abdomen. Although they found the course challenging, most participants performed satisfactorily. Follow‐up visits to the radiographers and their nominated, medically qualified mentors emphasized interprofessional, sociocultural and workload challenges experienced by some of the radiographers in implementing their extended role. Most of them, however, had found ways to integrate their new knowledge and skills into their clinical practice. Thirteen radiographers attended a further 1‐week refresher course in 2006, showing their commitment to continued learning.
Fire‐eating: Hazards of hydrocarbon aspiration
Authors: Guandalini M , Steinke K 
Published: October 2007

SummaryA 30‐year‐old male fire eater presented following aspiration of hydrocarbon fuel during a performance. A plain chest radiograph carried out 2 h after aspiration showed left lower lobe consolidation. The patient subsequently developed worsening shortness of breath, haemoptysis, fever and myalgia and a repeat plain chest radiograph showed extensive bilateral pulmonary consolidation with mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography showed features consistent with necrotizing pneumonia. The clinical course was complicated by the development of large pleural effusions, pneumatocoeles and a spontaneous pneumothorax. Early abnormalities on a plain chest radiograph following suspected hydrocarbon aspiration require close monitoring for the development of further life‐threatening complications.
Late rectal and urinary toxicity from conformal, dose‐escalated radiation therapy for prostate cancer: A prospective study of 402 patients
Authors: Lin C , Turner S , Mai T , Kneebone A , Gebski V 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThis study investigates the rate of late rectal and urinary toxicity from three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) for localized prostate cancer. The influence of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (AD) on toxicity rates was also examined. A total of 402 men at Liverpool and Westmead hospitals received radical 3DCRT for localized prostate cancer between 1999 and 2003. Patients received either 70 Gy or 74 Gy, according to their prognostic risk grouping and or date of commencing radiation therapy (RT). Late rectal and urinary toxicity data were collected prospectively using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. The median follow up of this cohort was 43.5 months. At 36 months, the cumulative incidence of ≥grade 2 rectal and urinary toxicities was 6.7 and 17.5%, respectively. Peak prevalence of late urinary toxicity occurred at 36 months (9.5%), although late rectal toxicity was highest at 12 months (2.9%) from completion of 3DCRT. The use of AD did not cause additional late toxicities. Patients receiving 74 Gy did not experience significantly worse toxicities than the group receiving 70 Gy.
Palliative radiation therapy for localized prostate symptoms in hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Hindson B , Turner S , Do V 
Published: October 2007

SummaryHormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPCa) can cause debilitating local pelvic symptoms including urinary obstruction, pelvic pain, haematuria and obstructive rectal symptoms. High‐dose palliative radiation therapy (RT) is used in many centres to relieve these symptoms despite limited published evidence for its efficacy. This study aimed to assess if RT provides effective and durable palliation for local prostate symptoms in HRPCa. Thirty‐five HRPCa patients received RT to the prostate for local symptoms between November 2002 and March 2006. The median dose was 60 Gy in 30 fractions (range 30–70 Gy). Response around a 6‐month time point was scored as complete resolution, partial resolution, no change or local progression. Time to progression (defined as new or recurrent symptoms) or persistence of symptoms was recorded. Factors influencing outcome, such as dose, type and number of symptoms and previous transurethral resection, were examined. Twenty‐one (60%) patients had a complete (n = 3) or partial improvement (n = 18) in symptoms. All three complete responders had haematuria as their only symptom. In the eight (23%) patients with local progression, half progressed during treatment and all had done so within 3 months. This series represents a bigger cohort than any reported in published works examining this issue. It suggests that radiation is effective in palliating the local pelvic symptoms in HRPCa.