bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of smoking on serum RANKL and OPG in sex, age and clinically matched supportive‐therapy periodontitis patients
Authors: Lappin David F. , Sherrabeh Sakhr , Jenkins William M. M. , Macpherson Lorna M. D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMethods: The serum concentrations of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in age‐ and sex‐matched groups of smokers and non‐smokers with almost identical levels of periodontal disease were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).We ensured that the 35 smokers were gender, age and clinically matched with a group of 35 non‐smokers (confirmed by cotinine immunoassay) from the same population of maintained patients with susceptibility to periodontitis.Results: Cigarette smoker patients tended to have lower serum concentrations of RANKL and OPG than non‐smoker patients. While no statistically significant difference was observed for RANKL, there were significant differences in the median serum concentration of OPG (smokers 23.76 pM, non‐smokers 59.28 pM) and the ratio of serum concentrations of RANKL and OPG. Concentrations of OPG in the smoker patients also had a statistically significant negative correlation with tobacco consumption.Conclusion: Bone loss in smoker‐related periodontitis patients may be partially explained by suppression of OPG production.
Invasive aspergillosis localised to the colon presenting as toxic megacolon
Authors: Mohite U. , Kell J. , Haj M. A. , O'Brien C. , Kundu S. , Rees J. , Burnett A. K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPrimary gut involvement by Aspergillus is an exceedingly rare and often a fatal complication of intensive chemotherapy in patients with acute leukaemia. We report a 46‐yr‐old patient with granulocytic sarcoma of the testis. He received acute myeloid leukaemia type treatment with ADE chemotherapy (Cytosine Arabinoside, Daunorubicin and Etoposide). While neutropenic he presented with pyrexia, abdominal pain and massive abdominal distention. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and antifungals according to our usual institutional protocol without any response. He was found to have toxic megacolon on plain X‐ray and subsequently underwent total colectomy and ileostomy. The colon histology showed Aspergillus fungal hyphae infiltrating the bowel wall. There was no any evidence of pulmonary, hepatic, splenic or renal lesions on the computerised tomography scan. Following colectomy, he was treated with 2 wk of antifungal treatment. He recovered well and was discharged home. The increased awareness, high degree of clinical suspicion of unusual presentation and early surgical intervention with aggressive antifungal treatment, has a key role in the management of these rare and often fatal cases.
Prolonged survival of patients with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma after high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. The GELTAMO experience
Authors: Rodríguez José , Conde Eulogio , Gutiérrez Antonio , Arranz Reyes , Gandarillas Marcos , Leon Angel , Ojanguren Jesus , Sureda Anna , Carrera Dolores , Bendandi Mauricio , Moraleda Jose , Ribera Jose Maria , Albo Carmen , Morales Alfonso , García Juan Carlos , Fernández Pascual , Cañigral Guillermo , Bergua Juan , Caballero María Dolores ,   On behalf of the Grupo Español de Linfomas/Trasplante Autólogo de Médula Ósea (GEL‐TAMO – Spanish lymphoma/autologous bone marrow transplant study group)
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives:  Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AIL) is a rare lymphoma with a poor prognosis and no standard treatment. Here, we report our experiences with 19 patients treated with high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT) within the GELTAMO co‐operative group between 1992 and 2004.Methods:  The median age at transplantation was 46 yr. Fifteen patients underwent the procedure as front‐line therapy and four patients as salvage therapy. Most patients received peripheral stem cells (90%) coupled with BEAM or BEAC as conditioning regimen (79%).Results:  A 79% of patients achieved complete response, 5% partial response and 16% failed the procedure. After a median follow‐up of 25 months, eight patients died (seven of progressive disease and secondary neoplasia), while actuarial overall survival and progression‐free survival at 3 yr was 60% and 55%. Prognostic factors associated with a poor outcome included bone marrow involvement, transplantation in refractory disease state, attributing more than one factor of the age‐adjusted‐International Prognostic Index, Pretransplant peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) Score or Prognostic Index for PTCL.Conclusions:  More than half of the patients with AIL that display unfavourable prognostic factors at diagnosis or relapse would be expected to be alive and disease‐free after 3 yr when treated with HDC/ASCT. Patients who are transplanted in a refractory disease state do not benefit from this procedure.
‘Out of hours’ non‐contrast head CT scan interpretation by senior emergency department medical staff
Authors: Khoo Nee Chen , Duffy Martin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  To assess the accuracy of ‘out of hours’ (17.00–08.00 hours) non‐contrast head computed tomography (NCHCT) scan interpretation by senior ED medical staff.Methods:  The study was undertaken in an inner‐city tertiary hospital in Sydney. A sample of 315 consecutive ‘out of hours’ NCHCT scans was compiled from a log book in the Medical Imaging Department and randomized into 21 sets of 15 scans. The scans were reviewed by emergency physicians and registrars recruited for the study and their interpretations were compared with the formal radiologist report.Results:  Seven emergency physicians and 14 registrars took part in the study. Two hundred and eighty‐seven ED interpretations were used in the 2 × 2 table analysis. The overall observed agreement was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.72), sensitivity 0.57 (95% CI 0.45–0.69), specificity 0.70 (95% CI 0.64–0.76) and kappa 0.24 (95% CI 0.13–0.36). There were 32 false negative interpretations including three small contre coup contusions and three subdural haemorrhages.Conclusion:  ‘Out of hours’ NCHCT scan interpretation by senior ED medical staff is only correct two‐thirds of the time. Further education for all senior ED staff is indicated to improve our accuracy. The safety of NCHCT scan interpretation by senior ED medical staff needs further study.
Emergency department staff can effectively resuscitate in level C personal protective equipment
Authors: Udayasiri Ruwangi , Knott Jonathan , McD Taylor David , Papson Jonathan , Leow Fiona , Hassan Fariza A 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  ED staff are expected to perform resuscitation of trauma victims of chemical, biological and radiation incidents while wearing level C personal protective equipment (PPE). The present project assessed the subjective discomfort, physiological impact and performance of staff wearing PPE.Methods:  A paired intervention study of ED staff in a resuscitation scenario comparing task performance wearing gown and gloves with PPE. Data were collected using a structured self‐administered questionnaire and by objective and subjective measurements.Results:  Seven ED doctors and 11 ED nurses were enrolled. Nine had previous PPE training although only one had used PPE clinically. Overall, ED staff felt that PPE did not affect their ability to perform trauma resuscitation. For individual tasks, staff felt that PPE impaired assessment of pulse, i.v. cannulation, i.v. line attachment, use of a mini‐jet, bag and mask ventilation, and communication. However, the only objective difference in task performance was time to control haemorrhage (increase from 38 to 47 s, P = 0.02). PPE was well tolerated, with minimal physiological or psychological impact. Staff wore PPE for a median of 37 min (interquartile range: 33–38) and estimated that PPE could be worn for a further 30 min if required.Conclusions:  ED staff are able to perform resuscitation procedures in PPE without adverse physiological effects or impact on performance. Subjective concerns regarding task performance were not reflected in objective measurements. This might indicate that appropriate training and feedback could reduce the negative impression associated with activities undertaken while wearing PPE.
Emergency department deaths despite active management: Experience from a tertiary care centre in a low‐income country
Authors: Khan Nadeem U , Razzak Junaid A , Alam Syed MH , Ahmad Humaid 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  To determine the frequency and causes of ED deaths despite active management, in a tertiary care centre of a low‐income country.Methods:  We conducted a retrospective chart review over a 2 year period (January 2001–December 2002) for all patients who died despite active management in an ED in Karachi, Pakistan.Results:  Of the 78 418 patient visits, 601 patients (0.7%) were pronounced dead. Of these, 577 patients had complete records. Seventy per cent of these were dead‐on‐arrival, 1% had do‐not‐resuscitate orders and 29% (n = 166; 95% confidence interval [CI] 25–32%) died despite active management. Initial vital signs were found to be abnormal in almost all cases (98%). The leading causes of death were sepsis (23%; 95% CI 19–26%), myocardial infarction (19.7%; 95% CI 16–22%), cerebrovascular accident (10.7%; 95% CI 8–13%) and pneumonia (8.2%; 95% CI 6–10%) among adults and sepsis (36.4%; 95% CI 32–40%), myocarditis (15.9%; 95% CI 13–18%) and pneumonia (9.1%; 95% CI 6–11%) among children.Conclusion:  Sepsis is the leading cause of death in patients of all age groups in the ED of this hospital.
Self‐rated health in the unwell elderly presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Wong Daniel D , Wong Reginald PC , Caplan Gideon A 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  Self‐rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a reliable predictor of functional decline and mortality. These studies, however, have largely focused on well community‐dwelling elderly. We assessed whether the predictive value of SRH would still be valid for the acutely unwell older person presenting to the ED.Methods:  The present study was a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Discharge of Elderly from Emergency Department (DEED II) study. The sample consisted of 741 older people sent home from an ED. On enrolment, patients were asked the SRH question, ‘In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, fair or poor?’ Phone interviews were conducted at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Functional status was assessed using the Barthel index of activities of daily living (ADL), modified instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (MSQ).Results:  An SRH of fair/poor produced a hazard ratio of 3.1 (95% confidence interval 1.3–7.2, P = 0.010) for predicting mortality after controlling for confounders. The rate of decline in ADL and IADL (but not MSQ) over time was also more pronounced for those with an SRH of fair/poor (P < 0.001 for both ADL and IADL). An SRH of fair/poor had a relative risk of 3.4 for predicting decline in ADL at 18 months (95% confidence interval 1.7–7.1, P = 0.001). The effects of SRH on IADL and MSQ were not statistically significant.Conclusions:  The ability of SRH to predict functional decline and mortality persists for the acutely unwell elderly presenting to the ED. SRH is a simple and valuable tool to assess the elderly in the ED and to identify high‐risk patients who would benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment aimed at delaying such outcomes.
Site Variation in Spatial Aggregation and Phorophyte Preference in Psychilis monensis (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Otero J. Tupac , Aragón Susan , Ackerman James D. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAggregation patterns of plants vary according to spatial scale and developmental stage, and are dependent on vegetation dynamics and species composition. We describe the aggregation patterns of the epiphytic orchid Psychilis monensis from two sites with different vegetation structure and composition on Mona Island, Puerto Rico. We analyzed spatial variation for seedlings, juveniles, and adults using the density‐independent, standardized Morisita index (IMS). We censused a total of 879 plants. Strong preferences for some phorophyte species were evident, including dead trees, but association with bark roughness was equivocal. The highest densities occurred in the site with the lowest fruit and seed production, suggesting that the best sites for pollination and seedling establishment were not the same. Seedlings at one site were significantly aggregated, but all other stages were indistinguishable from a random distribution. Nevertheless, adults at both sites had the lowest IMS values indicating that they tend to be the least aggregated of the three life history stages. The abundance and age structure of P. monensis were clearly affected by the frequency of their preferred hosts, but site‐specific factors affecting seedling survival probably play a major role in site differences.
Urbanization and Mismatch with Protected Areas Place the Conservation of a Threatened Species at Risk
Authors: Uehara‐Prado Marcio , Fonseca Rafael Luís 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTIn this work, we report the predicted distribution of the threatened fluminense swallowtail butterfly, Parides ascanius (Cramer 1775), and correlate it to the presence of urban and protected areas within its range. The distribution was modeled using a genetic algorithm. The predicted distribution of the fluminense swallowtail shows high agreement within Rio de Janeiro state, in a near‐continuous strip of 2,038,253 ha along the coastal lowlands, 17.8 percent of which is within urban areas. Only 8.7 percent (178,187 ha) of the remaining (nonurban) predicted model overlapped at least partially with protected areas (19 in all). Almost half of these protected areas also overlapped with urban areas, resulting in an additional loss of 58,751 ha. In seven of 19 protected areas, the distribution of P. ascanius was predicted by less than 50 percent of the models; five of the remaining protected areas are less restrictive reserves. Despite the wide distribution predicted by the models, only two of the observed occurrence points matched the predicted distribution within protected areas. Modeling threatened species distribution is a useful tool for highlighting gaps in networks of protected areas and should aid in planning to fill these gaps. However, in several developing countries with high biodiversity, there is insufficient basic biological information for many threatened species. In these cases, prospecting field studies are urgently needed.
Arthropod Assemblages in Epiphyte Mats of Costa Rican Cloud Forests
Authors: Yanoviak Stephen P. , Nadkarni Nalini M. , Solano J. Rodrigo 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTTropical cloud forests are functionally important ecosystems, but are severely threatened due to deforestation and fragmentation. Epiphyte mats, accumulations of live vegetation and dead organic matter on tree trunks and branches, are a conspicuous component of cloud forests and harbor diverse assemblages of meso‐ and microarthropods. We compared the morphospecies richness, composition, and abundance of arthropods in epiphyte mats between primary and secondary forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, and at two nearby replicate sites. Epiphyte mats were thinner and less structurally diverse in secondary forest. We collected ca 36,000 micro‐ and mesoarthropods from epiphyte mats in the 2‐yr study. Whereas arthropod morphospecies richness did not differ among forest types, arthropod abundance was significantly higher in secondary forest due to larger numbers of ants, especially Solenopsis spp. Arthropod assemblages showed a high degree of taxonomic overlap both within and between primary and secondary forests (Jaccard abundance‐based similarity = 0.93–0.96). Although characteristics of the arthropod fauna proved to be similar among sites and between forest types, there was a significant temporal effect: arthropod morphospecies richness in epiphyte mats generally was lower in the dry season (February–May), when many taxa probably became dormant or sought shelter against desiccation in deeper portions of mats.
Exploring parents’ perceptions of television food advertising directed at children: A South Australian study
Authors: IP Joyce , MEHTA Kaye P. , COVENEY John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  To increase our understanding of parents’ perceptions of the influence of television food advertising on children’s food choices.Design:  Five focus group discussions.Subjects:  Thirty‐two parents (24 women and eight men) of children attending primary school.Setting: Adelaide, South Australia.Data analyses:  The focus group discussions were taped and transcribed and coded as themes. Transcripts were verified and coding was audited. All researchers met regularly to analyse data and reach consensus on emergent themes (researcher triangulation).Results:  Parents who participated in the study indicated that television is a powerful source of information for children’s food choices. Parents expressed concern about the negative influence of television food advertising on children’s food preferences. They suggested that the current regulations governing television food advertising were not adequately enforced. Parents wanted to see an overall reduction in the volume of food advertisements directed at children, and an increase in advertisements promoting healthy foods. Parents expressed mixed views about banning food advertisements directed at children.Conclusion:  In order for television food advertising to be health‐enhancing for children, parents in the study suggested the need for restrictions on advertising practices, tighter enforcement of existing regulations and an increase in healthy food advertisements. The present research shows that parents want to see changes in the current arrangements governing television food advertising to children.
Comparison of the guideline development processes used for type 2 diabetes dietetic practice guidelines
Authors: KNIGHTS Sallyanne , TAPSELL Linda 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective:  To compare procedures used for the development of three sets of dietetic practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes: the Queensland Best Practice Guidelines (Queensland Guidelines), New Zealand Standards of Care (New Zealand Guidelines) (unpublished, 2003) and American Nutrition Practice Guidelines (American Guidelines) against National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) standards for development of clinical practice guidelines.Design:  The Queensland, New Zealand and American guidelines were audited against a checklist based on the NHMRC clinical practice guideline development standards, accounting for the recommended tasks and the order in which they should be completed. Additional information regarding the development processes was obtained from development coordinators of the existing dietetic practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes.Results:  The American guidelines addressed more of the components of development recommended by the NHMRC than the Queensland and New Zealand guidelines. Most importantly the American guidelines were tested for clinical and cost effectiveness.Conclusion or application:  The data presented show that the American Guidelines came closest to meeting the NHMRC criteria. These results suggest that the American Guidelines may best suit Australian requirements.
Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against Dengue Virus Type 1 for Epitope Mapping and Serological Detection by Epitope-Based Peptide Antigens
Authors: Chen Yun-Ching , Huang Hsien-Neng , Lin Chin-Tarng , Chen Yi-Fang , King Chwan-Chuen , Wu Han-Chung 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTDengue virus (DEN), the pathogen behind dengue hemorrhagic fever, remains a public health problem in Asia and South America. In this study, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against DEN serotype 1 (DEN-1) were generated by fusing NSI/1-Ag4-1 mouse myeloma cells with lymphocytes from BALB/c mice immunized with DEN-1. Twelve MAbs were found to react specifically to the DENs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence analysis, and immunoblotting analysis. Five MAbs, namely, DA4-7, DA6-7, DA9-5, DA10-2, and DA11-13, were found to react with envelope proteins of DEN-1. Two serotype-specific MAbs of DEN-1, DA6-7 and DA11-13, were further shown to neutralize DEN-1 infection by a plaque reduction neutralization test. The neutralizing epitopes of these MAbs were further identified from a random peptide library displayed on phage. Immunopositive phage clones reacted specifically with these MAbs and did not react with normal mouse serum. Epitope-based peptide antigens were proved able to detect antibodies in serum samples collected from DEN-1-infected patients but not in those taken from DEN-2-infected patients or healthy controls. We believe that these MAbs and neutralizing epitopes will provide information that will lead to the development of DEN-1 serotype-specific diagnostic reagents and vaccines.
An Immunomagnetic Single-Platform Image Cytometer for Cell Enumeration Based on Antibody Specificity
Authors: Li Xiao , Tibbe Arjan G. J. , Droog Erik , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Greve Jan 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTSimplification of cell enumeration technologies is necessary, especially for resource-poor countries, where reliable and affordable enumeration systems are greatly needed. In this paper, an immunomagnetic single-platform image cytometer (SP ICM) for cell enumeration based on antibody specificity is reported. A chamber/magnet assembly was designed such that the immunomagnetically labeled, acridine orange-stained cells in a blood sample moved to the surface of the chamber, where a fluorescent image was captured and analyzed for cell enumeration. The system was evaluated by applying one kind of antibody to count leukocytes and one kind for each leukocyte subpopulation: CD45 for leukocytes, CD3 for T lymphocytes, and CD19 for B lymphocytes. Excellent precision and linearity were achieved. Moreover, these cell counts, each from blood specimens of 42 to 52 randomly selected patients, were compared with those obtained by SP (TruCount) and dual-platform (DP) flow cytometry (FCM) technologies. The cell counts obtained by our system were in between those obtained from the TruCount and DP FCM methods; and good correlations were achieved (R≥ 0.95). For CD4+counts, as we expected, the cell count by our system was significantly higher than the CD4+T-lymphocyte counts obtained by SP and DP FCM methods. Immunophenotyping of the immunomagnetically selected CD4+cells showed that, besides CD4+T lymphocytes, a proportion of the CD4+dim monocytes was also selected. Our system is a simple immunomagnetic SP ICM, which can potentially be used for enumeration of CD3+CD4+T lymphocytes in resource-poor countries if an additional CD3 immunofluorescent label is applied.