bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of immunodiagnostics for toxocarosis in experimental porcine cysticercosis
Authors: García Hector H. , Cancrini Gabriella , Bartalesi Filippo , Rodriguez Silvia , Jimenez Juan A. , Roldan William , Mantella Antonia , Nicoletti Alessandra , Bartoloni Alessandro 
Published: November 2006

SummaryWe assessed whether immunodiagnostic tests for cysticercosis can cross‐react with the currently available immunodiagnostic tests for Toxocara canis in an established animal model for cysticercosis infection in pigs, known host for Toxocara. We examined by TES‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent test and immunoblot assay for toxocarosis and cysticercosis the baseline and final follow‐up sera of 10 pigs, before and after (3 months) infection with Taenia solium. After successful cysticercosis infection, the nine evaluable pigs became seropositive to T. solium (enzyme‐linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay), but did remain seronegative for Toxocara in both assays, documenting the lack of cross‐reactivity with anti‐T. solium antibodies in both T. canis assays. These findings should help clinicians better interpret serology for toxocariosis and cysticercosis in endemic areas for both helminth infections.
A stepwise approach to the laboratory diagnosis of Buruli ulcer disease
Authors: Bretzel G. , Siegmund V. , Nitschke J. , Herbinger K. H. , Thompson W. , Klutse E. , Crofts K. , Massavon W. , Etuaful S. , Thompson R. , Asamoah‐Opare K. , Racz P. , Vloten F. , Van Berberich C. , Kruppa T. , Ampadu E. , Fleischer B. , Adjei O. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryObjective  In view of technical and financial limitations in areas of endemicity, the current practice and recommendations for the laboratory diagnosis of Buruli ulcer disease (BUD) may have to be reconsidered. We reviewed diagnostic results in order to explore options for a modified, more practicable, cost‐effective and timely approach to the laboratory diagnosis of BUD.Methods  Diagnostic specimens from 161 clinically diagnosed BUD patients from four different treatment centres in Ghana were subjected to laboratory analysis. The positivity rates of the laboratory assays were compared.Results  The number of laboratory‐confirmed clinically diagnosed BUD cases with one positive confirmative test was 20% higher than that with two positive confirmative tests. The specificity of microscopy (MIC) and PCR was 96.6% and 100%, respectively. Subsequent analysis of specimens from surgically excised pre‐ulcerative tissue‐by‐tissue MIC and tissue PCR rendered 65% laboratory‐confirmed BUD cases. Subsequent analysis of diagnostic swabs from ulcerative lesions by swab smear MIC and swab PCR rendered 70% of laboratory‐confirmed BUD cases.Conclusions  The specificity of the diagnostic tests used in this study suggests that one positive diagnostic test may be considered sufficient for the laboratory confirmation of BUD. Subsequent application of different diagnostic tests rendered a laboratory confirmation of 65% pre‐ulcerative and of 70% ulcerative lesions. Implementation of a stepwise, subsequent analysis of diagnostic specimens will result in considerable cost saving compared with simultaneous testing of specimens by several diagnostic assays.
Early steroid withdrawal therapy in renal transplant recipients: a steroid‐free sirolimus and CellCept‐based calcineurin inhibitor‐minimization protocol
Authors: Jaber James J , Feustel Paul J , Elbahloul Ossama , Conti Alexander D , Gallichio Michael H , Conti David J 
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Background: Maintenance steroid therapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. Elimination of the many long‐term side effects of corticosteroids, including those that impinge on cardiovascular risk, remains a laudable goal in designing immunosuppressive protocols. However, concern persists that prednisone‐free maintenance immunotherapy in kidney transplant recipients will result in an increase incidence of acute rejections, renal dysfunction and ultimate graft loss.Methods: From 24 March 2003 to 1 December 2004, 84 kidney transplant recipients (61 deceased donor, 23 living donors) discontinued prednisone on post‐operative day 6. Immunotherapy consisted of polyclonal antibody induction (thymoglobulin) for five d and prednisone intraoperatively with a rapid taper over the next six d. Maintenance therapy consisted of a sirolimus and CellCept‐based calcineurin inhibitor‐minimization protocol. Tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) were initiated on day 0. Sirolimus immunotherpay was started on post‐operative day 6 concomitant with the cessation of steroids. We compared outcomes with that of our historical controls, treated with sirolimus and tacrolimus, who did not discontinue steroids. In addition, we analyzed outcomes independently for recipients of living and deceased donors in the steroid‐free protocol.Results: The recipients on prednisone‐free maintenance immunosuppression had excellent 2.5‐yr actuarial patient survival (97%), graft survival (93%), and acceptable acute rejection‐free graft survival (89%). The mean serum creatinine level (±SD) at one yr was 1.5 ± 0.6 mg/dL and at two yr was 1.5 ± 0.6 mg/dL. We noted that 5% of recipients developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) syndrome; 1%, polyoma nephropathy; 1%, post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and 5% developed post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). In all, 91% of kidney recipients with functioning grafts remain steroid‐free as of 31 December 2005. When compared with historical controls, the recipients on the early steroid‐withdrawal (ESW) protocol had comparable graft survival, acute rejection‐free survival, graft function, but significantly better patient actuarial survival (p = 0.048). In addition, recipients on the steroid‐free protocol had decreased prevalence of four risk factors for cardiovascular disease when compared with historical controls: hypertension (p = 0.008), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.003), weight gain (p = 0.024), and incidence of PTDM (p = 0.015).Conclusion: Early steroid‐withdrawal in renal transplant recipients with a sirolimus and CellCept‐based calcineurin inhibitor‐minimimization protocol can effectively reduce many of the steroid‐related side effects, decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and is associated with improved recipient survival without compromising graft function.
Safe restraint of the child passenger
Authors: Cameron Leanne , Segedin Elizabeth , Nuthall Gabrielle , Thompson John 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to understand the need for, and use of, booster seats in the 4–12 years age group and to identify risk factors for booster seat‐non‐use.Method:  A cross‐sectional sample of 1101 children aged 4–12 years travelling in 663 privately owned vehicles was taken from the Auckland region. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest population centre, with a population of over 1.5 million. Information was gathered using a short questionnaire followed by direct inspection to identify those children using booster seats. The SafetyBeltSafe USA ‘5‐step rule’ was used to look at those children not using a booster seat to determine whether one was still required.Results:  While booster seat use has improved significantly in younger children since a similar study in 1992, only 40% of sampled children requiring a booster seat were using one. Booster seat use by children requiring them declined sharply as age increased. While 93% of 5‐ to 8‐year‐olds required a booster, only 30% were using one. The requirement for booster seats fell dramatically to 34% of 9‐ to 12‐year‐olds, but only 3% were using one.Conclusion:  The high rate of need for booster seats and the lack of use of booster seats in children aged 5–8 years is a strong argument for legislation and education programmes targeting this age group. While the proportion of 9‐ to 12‐year‐olds needing a booster drops sharply, there would likely be benefits from educating parents on the ‘5‐step rule’ or similar method to help identify the 30% of these older children that would continue to benefit from a booster seat. Rear seating should be promoted alongside booster seat use in the age group 4–12 years.
Unrecognised hypoglycaemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using the continuous glucose monitoring system: Prevalence and contributors
Authors: Wiltshire Esko J , Newton Kirsty , McTavish Lindsay 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To determine prevalence of hypoglycaemia, and contributing factors, in children with type 1 diabetes, using the Medtronic MiniMed continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).Methods:  Fifty‐one children and adolescents with diabetes were studied with the CGMS. The studies were analysed for frequency and duration of hypoglycaemia (below 3.5 and 2.5 mmol/L). Contributing clinical factors were determined. Occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia was related to bedtime and fasting home glucose recording.Results:  Hypoglycaemia was common, with 1 (0–4.2) (median (range)) episode per patient per 24 hours, and 0.33 (0–2) episodes per patient per night. Nocturnal episodes were longer than daytime episodes [97.5 (5–720) versus 35 (5–295) minutes for episodes below 3.5 mmol/L, P < 0.001; and 75 (10–640) versus 25 (5–200) minutes for episodes below 2.5 mmol/L, P < 0.001], and less likely to be recognised by the subject (P < 0.001 for episodes below both 3.5 and 2.5 mmol/L). Nocturnal hypoglycaemia was more common with a bedtime glucose recording <6 mmol/L, but also occurred frequently in subjects with glucose recordings >10 mmol/L. No bedtime glucose value reduced the risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia to <10%.Conclusion:  Hypoglycaemia, assessed using the CGMS, is common in children with type 1 diabetes and can be prolonged (although is predominantly mild). Bedtime home glucose recordings are poorly predictive of hypoglycaemia during the following night. Continuous glucose monitoring has proven very useful in management of individual patients, particularly adolescents experiencing difficulties with adherence to diabetes management.
Growth of infant communication between 8 and 12 months: A population study
Authors: Reilly Sheena , Eadie Patricia , Bavin Edith L , Wake Melissa , Prior Margot , Williams Joanne , Bretherton Lesley , Barrett Yin , Ukoumunne Obioha C 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To describe changes in infant prelinguistic communication skills between 8 and 12 months, and identify factors associated with those skills.Methods:  Design: Parent questionnaire data for a prospective population‐based cohort of infants in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Participants: 1911 infants born November 2002‐August 2003. Outcome: Infant communication (Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales (CSBS)) at 8 and 12 months. Potential risk factors: sex; prematurity; multiple birth; sociodemographic indicators; maternal mental health, vocabulary and education; non‐English speaking background; and family history of speech‐language difficulties. Linear regression models were fitted to total standardised CSBS scores at 8 and 12 months.Results:  Social communication, especially the use of gesture, developed rapidly from 8 to 12 months. Female sex, twin birth, and family history were strongly associated with CSBS scores. The combined model accounted for 5% and 6% of the total variation at 8 and 12 months, respectively. CSBS score at 8 months strongly predicted CSBS score at 12 months (coefficient = 0.56, partial R2 = 37.0).Conclusions:  There is a dramatic increase in communication skills between 8 and 12 months, particularly the development of gesture, which (as in previous studies) predates and predicts future language development. Risk factors explained little variation in early communication trajectories and therefore, based on our findings, this developmental course is more likely to be biologically predetermined. Rather than focusing on risk factors, we suggest that language promotion activities in otherwise healthy young infants should either be universal or, if targeted, be based on the level of communication skills displayed.
Rotavirus outbreak in a remote Aboriginal community: The burden of disease
Authors: Gelbart Ben , Hansen‐Knarhoi Meredith , Binns Philippa , Krause Vicki 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To document the burden of disease caused by an outbreak of rotavirus (RV) gastroenteritis in a remote Aboriginal community.Methods:  During an outbreak of RV gastroenteritis, data were collected from patients notes, hospital and laboratory data. Age, date of presentation, severity of illness, number of total presentations, presentations per patient, total clinic hours per presentation, stool analysis, treatment and outcomes were measured. These data were compared with a time period of equal duration in order to establish a baseline burden of gastroenteritis.Results:  In a remote Aboriginal community 26 patients were managed for acute diarrhoea between 19 September 2005 and 5 October 2005. Gastroenteritis was the diagnosis in 24 cases for which there were 55 presentations. Stool specimens were analysed in 14 (58%) cases. RV was identified in eight (57%) of these specimens. The majority (80%) had mild disease. Moderate disease was noted in 15% and 5% were follow‐up reviews. There were no severe cases of gastroenteritis. Four patients required evacuation to hospital. From a total of 607 presentations to the clinic during this time period, 55 (9%) were managed for acute diarrhoea. In the comparative time period there were five (0.9%) cases of acute diarrhoea from a total of 571 presentations.Conclusion:  Rotavirus gastroenteritis places a large burden on remote Aboriginal communities and health‐care centres in the form of morbidity, overworked clinic staff, economic cost and reduced capacity for primary health‐care duties.
Risk factors for preterm and small‐for‐gestational‐age babies: A cohort from the Pacific Islands Families Study
Authors: Gao Wanzhen , Paterson Janis , Carter Sarnia , Percival Teuila 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To explore risk factors that are associated with preterm birth and full‐term small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) birth for a Pacific population.Methods:  Data were gathered from the Pacific Islands Families Study. Mothers of a cohort of 1398 Pacific infants born in South Auckland, New Zealand during 2000 were interviewed when their infants were 6 weeks old. Mothers were questioned regarding maternal health, antenatal care and life‐style behaviours. Data regarding birth outcomes were obtained from hospital records. Analyses focused on 1324 biological mothers who gave birth to a singleton and had valid data for birth outcomes.Results:  Of 1324 singleton infants, the mean birthweight was 3.60 kg with standard deviation of 0.60 kg. Fifty‐two (3.9%) had birthweight less than 2500 g. Ninety‐four (7.1%) were born at less than 37 weeks of gestation. Most socio‐demographic factors were not associated with poor birth outcomes. Primiparous birth, less frequent attendance of antenatal care and mother’s history of high blood pressure were associated with preterm birth and SGA. Smoking during pregnancy increased the odds of having an SGA but not preterm birth. On the other hand, unplanned/unsure pregnancy and prior early pregnancy loss were associated with preterm birth but not SGA.Conclusion:  Corroborating research conducted with other populations, most of the internationally and nationally recognised risk factors for preterm birth and SGA are also important for Pacific people. Smoking seems to explain more poor birth outcomes in Pacific Islands than in the New Zealand population as a whole.
Abnormal glucose metabolism and features of the metabolic syndrome are common in patients presenting for elective cardiac catheterization
Authors: Harding S. A. , Anscombe R. , Weatherall M. , Prasad S. , Lever N. , Krebs J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground: Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and the metabolic syndrome, including excess bodyweight, are potentially modifiable risk factors for cardiac morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these in a group of patients presenting for elective cardiac catheterization or percutaneous intervention.Methods: Data were prospectively collected on 297 consecutive patients presenting for elective cardiac catheterization or percutaneous intervention at a single tertiary referral centre. Demographic data, risk factors, medications and coronary angiogram results were recorded. Fasting lipids, fasting glucose, HbA1c levels were measured and if necessary an oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Logistic regression and contingency table analysis examined associations of these with ethnicity.Results: Impaired glucose metabolism (diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose) was present in 46.1% with our screening programme detecting previously unknown impaired glucose metabolism in 22.9%. Impaired glucose metabolism was strongly associated with non‐European ethnicity (P < 0.0001). The metabolic syndrome was present in 49.2%. When defined by ethnic specific cut‐offs, overweight or obesity was present in >80% of patients in all ethnic groups.Conclusion: There is a very high prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism and the metabolic syndrome in patients presenting for cardiac catheterization. Impaired glucose metabolism is particularly prevalent in the Polynesian and the Indian and the Sri Lankan ethnic groups. Screening of patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization identifies a significant number of patients with undiagnosed impaired glucose metabolism and should be carried out routinely.
Current status of new drugs for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Kenealy M. , Prince H. M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMultiple myeloma, a malignant disorder of plasma cells, is the second most common haematological malignancy. Although treatable, multiple myeloma remains incurable in virtually all cases, with a median survival of 3–4 years. Fortunately for patients with this disease, traditional treatment paradigms have been challenged with the emergence of a number of new therapies entering clinical practice over the last 6 years. In this review, we focus on the use of thalidomide (Thalidomide Pharmion; Boulder, CO, USA), lenalidomide (Revlimid; Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ, USA) and bortezomib (Velcade; Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Belgium) in the treatment of myeloma. We present the current clinical experience with respect to efficacy and toxicity of these promising new agents and how the incorporation of these drugs with traditional therapies may improve the outcome for patients with multiple myeloma.
New Specifications for Exponential Random Graph Models
Authors: Snijders Tom A. B. , Pattison Philippa E. , Robins Garry L. , Handcock Mark S. 
Published: November 2006

The most promising class of statistical models for expressing structural properties of social networks observed at one moment in time is the class of exponential random graph models (ERGMs), also known as p* models. The strong point of these models is that they can represent a variety of structural tendencies, such as transitivity, that define complicated dependence patterns not easily modeled by more basic probability models. Recently, Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms have been developed that produce approximate maximum likelihood estimators. Applying these models in their traditional specification to observed network data often has led to problems, however, which can be traced back to the fact that important parts of the parameter space correspond to nearly degenerate distributions, which may lead to convergence problems of estimation algorithms, and a poor fit to empirical data. This paper proposes new specifications of exponential random graph models. These specifications represent structural properties such as transitivity and heterogeneity of degrees by more complicated graph statistics than the traditional star and triangle counts. Three kinds of statistics are proposed: geometrically weighted degree distributions, alternating k-triangles, and alternating independent two-paths. Examples are presented both of modeling graphs and digraphs, in which the new specifications lead to much better results than the earlier existing specifications of the ERGM. It is concluded that the new specifications increase the range and applicability of the ERGM as a tool for the statistical analysis of social networks.
Ecological consumer behaviour: an empirical analysis
Authors: Fraj Elena , Martinez Eva 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIncreasingly, consumers choose ecological products when they do the shopping, not only because it is a healthier option but also because it helps to sustain the environment for future generations. They are prepared to switch products for ecological reasons and stop buying products from companies that cause pollution. Firms and other economic institutions are aware of the importance of reflecting these attitudes towards the environment in developing their products. This paper is focused on environmental attitudes as meaningful predictor of ecological behaviour. A three‐dimensional approach to this variable has been developed, which addresses its emotional, cognitive and conative components. A random sample survey of 573 individuals was used to verify the conceptual model and framework. This model was assessed initially by principal factor analysis and subsequently, by structural equation modelling. Findings of this study showed that environmental attitudes have a significant effect on ecological behaviour. This research improves our understanding of how consumers feel and what attitudes best define their way of behaving in relation to environmental problems.
Isolation and characterization of 20 microsatellite marker loci from the Indri (Indri indri) genome
Authors: ZAONARIVELO JOHN R. , SOMMER JULIE A. , SHORE GARY E. , MCGUIRE SUSIE M. , ENGBERG SHANNON E. , BRENNEMAN RICK A. , LOUIS EDWARD E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTwenty novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the Indri, Indri indri, genome. Along with sequence data, this marker suite will be used in future studies to establish population structure throughout its range and to verify the proposed subspecific nomenclature. Gene diversity (0.760 and 0.783) and allelic richness (5.8 and 6.43) were estimated in the Betampona and Andasibe populations, respectively.
genclone: a computer program to analyse genotypic data, test for clonality and describe spatial clonal organization
Authors: ARNAUD‐HAOND SOPHIE , BELKHIR KHALID 
Published: November 2006

Abstract genclone 1.0 is designed for studying clonality and its spatial components using genotype data with molecular markers from haploid or diploid organisms. genclone 1.0 performs the following tasks. (i) discriminates distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs), and uses permutation and resampling approaches to test for the reliability of sets of loci and sampling units for estimating genotypic and genetic diversity (a procedure also useful for nonclonal organisms); (ii) computes statistics to test for clonal propagation or clonal identity of replicates; (iii) computes various indices describing genotypic diversity; and (iv) summarizes the spatial organization of MLGs with adapted spatial autocorrelation methods and clonal subrange estimates.