bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
L/I‐9 Adult living donor liver transplants: Niguarda experience in Milan
Authors: Giacomoni A. , Lauterio A. , Slim A. , Mangoni I. , Aseni P. , Pirotta V. , Boati S. , De Carlis L. 
Published: September 2006

Introduction: Adult living donor liver transplants (ALDLTs) have emerged as an option in the last few years.Materials and methods:  From March 2001 through February 2006, we performed 27 ALDLTs. Liver volume, vascular, and biliary anatomy were assessed by CT scan and magnetic resonance cholangiography. The graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio was always above 0.8. The recipients were United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status 2B or 3. The transplant was carried out grafting segments V‐VIII to the recipient without the MHV. In the recipient we have never used a venous‐venous bypass.Results:  With a mean follow‐up of 675 days (range, 8 to 1,804 days), 23 out of the 27 patients are alive. Three have undergone a retransplant: 2 as a consequence of an arterial thrombosis and 1 because of small‐for‐size‐syndrome.These data show an overall patient and graft survival rate of 85% and 74%. Four deaths were caused by massive pulmonary bleeding due to Rendù‐Osler syndrome, systemic aspergillosis, sepsis, and cardiac arrhythmia. Fourteen biliary complications (51.85%) occurred in 11 recipients (40.74%); 3 of these patients developed 2 consecutive and different biliary complications. All the donors are alive and well.Conclusion:  An expert surgical team and proper selection of both donor and recipient are mandatory. Overall results of ALDLTs are very satisfactory, even if we have to take into account a high rate of biliary complications.
Bayes factor for testing the genetic background of quantitative threshold traits
Authors: Casellas J. , Piedrafita J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe recent development of the Bayes factor methodology to test between nested competing models has allowed to evaluate the genetic component of continuous traits through a methodology based on the reparameterization of a variance component model in terms of intra‐class correlation. In this study, we present a modification of that procedure to compare between threshold models that only differ in a bounded variable. An extra data‐augmentation step is required to sample liability, an underlying continuous variable related with phenotypic records through an adequate number of thresholds. In this context, we describe a procedure to sample from a truncated multivariate normal distribution with non‐null covariances between records, taking as starting point the Cholesky factorization and the inclusion of linear restrictions. The method was tested by computer simulations with satisfactory results.
Effects of interleukin‐10 gene polymorphism on the development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer in Japanese subjects
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Furuta Takahisa , Shirai Naohito , Nakamura Akiko , Kajimura Masayoshi , Sugimura Haruhiko , Hishida Akira 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  Anti‐inflammatory cytokines play an important role in downregulation of inflammation and the prevention of neoplastic disorders. Genetic variations of anti‐inflammatory cytokines are assumed to influence such responses. The aim of the present study was to clarify the association between the IL‐10 polymorphism, one of the representative anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and susceptibility to gastric cancer and peptic ulcer in Japan.Methods:  The IL‐10‐1082 (A/G)/‐819 (T/C)/‐592 (A/C) polymorphisms were assessed in Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients with gastritis only (n = 162), gastric ulcers (n = 110), duodenal ulcers (n = 94), or gastric cancers (n = 105), and H. pylori‐negative controls (n = 168) by allele specific primer–polymerase chain reaction methods.Results:  The carriage of IL‐10‐592 C (age and sex‐adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.851, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.018–3.380) and IL‐10‐819 C (adjusted OR: 1.868, 95%CI: 1.023–3.411) allele were associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer development, not gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. The IL‐10‐1082 polymorphism had no association with development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcers. The presence of the ATA/GCC haplotype of IL‐10‐1082/‐819/‐592 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of gastric cancer development (adjusted OR: 2.805, 95%CI: 1.258–6.254) compared with presence of the ATA/ATA haplotype.Conclusions:  The IL‐10‐1082/‐819/‐592 genotype status and haplotype were associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer development, not peptic ulcer, in Japan. The genotyping test of this anti‐inflammatory cytokine would be useful for the detection of individuals with higher risk of gastric cancer development.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia in HIV‐infected patients without HCV antibodies detectable by third‐generation enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Hadlich Everton , Álvares‐Da‐Silva Mário Reis , Molin Rafaela Komorowski Dal , Zenker Raquel , Goldani Luciano Zubaran 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  The detection of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV) by enzyme immunoassay to screen HCV infection in HIV‐1‐infected individuals may yield false negative results, especially in patients with advanced immunossupression. In such cases, a diagnosis would be possible only by use of a viral RNA detection technique. Third‐generation anti‐HCV enzyme immunoassays seem to have superior performance compared to second‐generation immunoassays in this context.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted to ascertain the presence of HCV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 61 HIV‐1‐infected patients with CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm3, and no detectable HCV antibodies by a third‐generation enzyme immunoassay.Results:  Six (10%) of 61 patients tested HCV‐RNA positive by PCR assay. There was one patient who seroconverted during observation. Hence, there were five patients with HCV viremia without detectable antibodies to HCV throughout the study, which represents 8.2% (95% confidence interval: 2.8–18.4) of 61 HIV‐1‐infected patients. All five carriers of HCV viremia had CD4 counts <100 cells/mm3 and were diagnosed with an opportunistic disease at some stage.Conclusions:  The HCV viremia and no detectable HCV antibodies by third‐generation immunoassay were found only in individuals with a CD4 count of <100 cells/mm3. Molecular assays to detect HCV‐RNA should be considered as an important tool to diagnose hepatitis C in HIV‐1‐infected patients with advanced immunossupression.
Pharmacokinetic profile of once daily intravenous tobramycin in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Massie John , Cranswick Noel 
Published: September 2006

Aim:  Once‐daily tobramycin in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is a more convenient dosing regimen than thrice daily dosing. There are limited data on the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile for once‐daily tobramycin in patients with CF. The aim of this study was to define the PK parameters for once‐daily tobramycin in children with CF and develop an algorithm for therapeutic drug monitoring dosing.Methods:  CF patients admitted to hospital were commenced on once‐daily intravenous tobramycin (12 mg/kg/day) and ticarcillin/clavulinic acid. Serum tobramycin levels were taken at 30 min, 2–4 h and 12 h post dose. Data points for the PK model included: age, sex, weight, tobramycin dose, time of tobramycin doses and levels, tobramycin levels. WinNonMix was used to obtain the PK parameters.Results:  Forty‐four children with 86 admissions who were aged 9 months−20 years were included. A one‐compartment intravenous infusion model with first order elimination kinetics produced the best model. Population parameters were: volume of distribution (Vd) = 0.267 L/kg (95% confidence interval (CL) 0.260–0.272), clearance (CL) 0.103 L/kg/h (95% CI 0.098–0.107) and half‐life (t1/2) 1.82 (95% CI 1.77–1.88) h. Once the population model was established post hoc analysis was used to calculate individual subject predictions. Plots of individual prediction curves agreed well with observed values.Conclusion:  This study has established an algorithm for routine monitoring of once‐daily tobramycin in children with CF. Satisfactory serum levels of tobramycin were obtained with a dose of 12 mg/kg/day and a regimen algorithm that uses only one measurement to monitor the plasma concentration is suggested.
Safety and efficacy of blood glucose management practices at a diabetes camp
Authors: Gunasekera Hasantha , Ambler Geoffrey 
Published: September 2006

Aim:  Camps are an important part of diabetic management in children yet data on the safety and efficacy of camps are limited. We assessed the safety and efficacy of blood glucose management guidelines at summer camps for diabetic children.Methods:  Consistent management guidelines were implemented during 10 consecutive diabetes camps held in the same facility between 1998 and 2002. Using the entire sample of campers aged 9–13 years, we analysed insulin dosage alterations, the frequency of hypoglycaemia (<4 mmol/L), hyperglycaemia (>15 mmol/L) and ketosis and evaluated our overnight management guidelines. The effects of sex, year, age, insulin regimen and duration of diagnosis on hypoglycaemia frequency were determined.Results:  Mean insulin doses decreased 19.2% (95% confidence interval 16.9–21.6%) by the last day of camp (day 6) relative to the day prior to camp. Mean blood glucose levels were 11.4 mmol/L before breakfast and the main evening meal, 11.3 mmol/L before bed, 10.8 mmol/L at midnight and 9.4 mmol/L at 3 am. Of the 10 839 readings analysed, 984 (9.1%) were below 4 mmol/L (0.5 per camper/day) with no clinical grade 3 (seizure or coma) hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia frequency was independent of sex, year, age, insulin regimen and duration of diagnosis (all P > 0.05). There were 2570 (23.7%) readings above 15 mmol/L (1.4 per camper/day) but only 42 (0.4%) were associated with significant ketosis.Conclusion:  Children at diabetes camps experience considerable blood glucose variability; however, the careful application of monitoring and management guidelines can avoid serious adverse events.
Electrical coupling underlies theta rhythm in freely moving cats
Authors: Gołębiewski Henryk , Eckersdorf Barbara , Konopacki Jan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe role of gap junction coupling in the generation of theta rhythms in freely moving cats was investigated in a present study. Two gap junction blockers, carbenoxolone and quinine, were administered intraperitoneally and intrahippocampally; both gap junction blockers abolished or diminished (respectively) hippocampal formation theta. The inhibitory effect developed approximately 30 min after drug administration. This effect was found to be reversible. Our results provide the first direct in vivo evidence for the contribution of gap junction communication in mechanisms of neural synchrony, underlying the production of theta in in vivo conditions.
Heterogeneity in low voltage‐activated Ca2+ channel‐evoked Ca2+ responses within neurons of the thalamic paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Richter Trevor A. , Kolaj Miloslav , Renaud Leo P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractLow voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels (LVA or T‐type Ca2+ channels) are crucial to burst firing and oscillations in thalamocortical relay cells and are exhibited by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of thalamus (PVT), a dorsal midline nucleus deemed important in the neural representation of motivational behaviours. We used a functional approach (whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy) to analyse the spatial distribution of LVA Ca2+ channel‐evoked Ca2+ transients in PVT neurons. We observed that the magnitude of LVA Ca2+ channel‐evoked Ca2+ transients was significantly greater in proximal dendrites (located up to 20 µm from the soma) than in the soma. In addition, the magnitudes of these Ca2+ transients varied significantly not only among different dendrites of the same cell but also within individual dendrites. These findings suggest that LVA Ca2+ channels are expressed (i) predominantly on the proximal dendrites and (ii) heterogeneously within individual dendrites of PVT neurons. The spatial characteristics of dendritic LVA Ca2+ channels in PVT neurons suggest that these channels may regulate burst firing by modulating dendritic afferent inputs.
Changes of spine density and dendritic complexity in the prefrontal cortex in offspring of mothers exposed to stress during pregnancy
Authors: Murmu Meena Sriti , Salomon Shiri , Biala Yaarit , Weinstock Marta , Braun Katharina , Bock Jörg 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBoth chronic stress in adulthood and episodes of stress in the early postnatal period have been shown to interfere with neuronal development in limbic prefrontal cortical regions. The present study in rats showed for the first time that the development of layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the dorsal anterior cingulate (ACd) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is significantly affected in offspring of mothers exposed to stress during pregnancy. In prenatally stressed (PS) male rat pups the ACd and OFC showed significantly lower spine densities on the apical dendrite (ACd, −20%; OFC, −25%), on basal dendrites reduced spine densities where found only in the OFC (−20% in PS males). Moreover, in both cortical areas a significant reduction of dendritic length was observed in PS males compared to control offspring, which was confined to the apical dendrites (ACd, −30%, OFC, −26%). Sholl analysis revealed that these alterations were accompanied by a significantly reduced complexity of the dendritic trees in both cortical regions. PS females displayed reductions of dendritic spine densities in the ACd and OFC on both the basal (ACd, −21%; OFC, −20%) and apical dendrites (ACd, −21%; OFC, −21%), however, in contrast to the findings in PS males, no dendritic atrophy was detected in the PS females. These findings demonstrate that gestational stress leads to significant alterations of prefrontal neuronal structure in the offspring of the stressed mothers in a sex‐specific manner.
Consumer impact of an interactive decision aid for rectal cancer patients offered adjuvant therapy
Authors: Butow P. N. , Solomon M. , Young J. M. , Whelan T. , Salkeld G. , Wilson K. , Harrison J. D. , Hruby G. , Mansour O. , Kennedy N. , Tattersall M. H. N. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective  There is increasing interest in the use of decision aids (DAs) to facilitate patient involvement in clinical decisions. This study explored the views of patients with colorectal cancer and participants in a community bowel screening service regarding an interactive DA concerning adjuvant treatment for rectal cancer, and the impact of the aid on knowledge, anxiety, attitudes and preferences for treatment options.Method  Fourteen patients with colorectal cancer participated in four focus groups. Eighty‐nine participants in a community bowel screening service completed a questionnaire before and 1 week after viewing the DA. Thirty were randomly selected to participate in a telephone interview to obtain qualitative feedback about the DA.Results  Focus group participants reported using information to evaluate their doctor's care and expertise, or to prepare themselves for future symptoms and side‐effects. Most supported the use of a DA and preferred pie charts to convey risk information. Within the community sample, anxiety remained stable and knowledge increased after exposure to the DA. Almost all participants found the DA useful and easy to understand, and felt it would make the process of decision making easier.Conclusion  A DA regarding adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer appears to be valued and to produce positive outcomes. A randomized controlled trial of this intervention is now required.
Curative resection for low rectal adenocarcinoma: abdomino‐perineal vs anterior resection
Authors: Okaro A. C. , Worthington T. , Stebbing J. F. , Broughton M. , Caffarey S. , Marks C. G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective  Local recurrence after abdomino‐perineal excision of the rectum for tumours has been reported to occur in up to a third of patients in contrast to 4% after restorative anterior resection.Method  Low rectal tumours were defined as tumours within 8 cm of the anal verge and were treated by either stapled low anterior resection (SLAR) or abdomino‐perineal excision of the rectum (APER). One hundred and seventy‐eight patients with tumours in the lower third of the rectum (30% of 591 rectal cancers) underwent surgical resection between 1980 and 2001. Data were collected prospectively; 68 (38%) had SLAR and 110 (62%) had APER with median follow up of approximately 12 years; 54 SLAR (79%) and 76 APER (69%) had curative procedures on clinical and pathological criteria.Results  Local and distant recurrence occurred in seven (13%) and eight (15%) patients in the SLAR group and six (8%) and 14 (18%) patients in the APER group, respectively. Overall 5‐year survival was 63% and 60% in the SLAR and APER groups, respectivelyConclusion  For rectal cancers within 8 cm of the anal verge, both procedures achieved equivalent results measured by low local recurrence rates and overall survival.
Evacuation proctography – should it be part of the assessment of all patients with faecal incontinence?
Authors: Dench J. E. , Gooneratne M. , Hickey F. , Williams N. S. , Lunniss P. J. , Scott M. 
Published: September 2006

Introduction:  Evacuation Proctography (EP) is rarely incorporated into the assessment of patients with faecal incontinence (FI). Continence‐restoring surgery (e.g. sphincteroplasty, ESGN) may result in the worsening or unmasking of a pre‐existing rectal evacuatory disorder (RED), or precipitate a new‐onset RED. This study compared the incidence of RED, diagnosed on EP, between patients with FI, with or without symptoms of RED.Method:  A retrospective study of 250 patients with FI (mean age 53 years; range 21–83 years, F = 213), +/­ symptoms of RED, referred for comprehensive physiological investigation. Proctographic diagnoses were classified as: normal;functional i.e. no clear anatomical cause (e.g. pelvic floor dyssynergia); mechanical (e.g. rectocoele, intussusception; deemed to obstruct evacuation) or mechanicaland functional.Results:  Seventy‐three patients (29%) had isolated FI; the remaining 177 (71%) had FI combined with symptoms of RED.

Proctographic results.

Diagnosis
FI (%)
FI & RED (%)

Normal
22 (30)
36 (20)

Abnormal

Mechanical
33 (45)
99 (56)

Functional
16 (22)
24 (14)

Mechanical & Functional
2 (3)
18 (10)

Normal vs abnormal: P = 0.10, 2, df = 1.

Conclusion:  There is no significant difference in the incidence of proctographic abnormalities between those patients who do, and those who do not volunteer symptoms of RED. Seventy percent of patients with FI, who deny symptoms of RED, have evidence of abnormal evacuation on proctography. Within the limitations of a retrospective study, these data suggest that proctography should be routinely performed in patients with FI.
A comparison of segmental vs subtotal/total colectomy for colonic Crohn's disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Purkayastha S. , Tekkis P. P. , Lanitis S. , Athanasiou T. , Heriot A. G. , Darzi A. W. , Orchard T. R. , Nicholls R. J. 
Published: September 2006

Purpose:  To evaluate differences in short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients with colonic Crohn's disease (CD) undergoing either subtotal/total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or segmental colectomy(SC).Method:  Comparative studies from 1988 to 2002, of subtotal/total colectomy and IRA vs SC, were used. The study end points included surgical and overall recurrence, time to recurrence, postoperative morbidity and incidence of permanent stoma. Meta‐analytical tools were used to evaluate the study outcomes.Results:  Six studies, consisting of a total of 488 patients (223‐IRA and 265‐SC) were included. Meta‐analysis suggested no significant difference between IRA and SC in recurrence of CD. Time to recurrence was longer in the IRA group by 4.4 years (95%CI, 3.1–5.8), P < 0.001. There was no difference in postoperative complications (OR = 1.4, 95%CI, 0.16–12.74) or the need for a permanent stoma between the two groups (OR = 2.75, 95%CI, 0.78–9.71). Patients with two or more colonic segments involved were associated with lower re‐operation rate in the IRA group, a difference which did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.177).Conclusions:  Both procedures were equally effective as treatment options for colonic CD, however, patients in the SC group exhibited recurrence earlier than those in the IRA group. The choice of operation is dependent on the extent of colonic disease, with a trend towards better outcomes with IRA for two or more colonic segments involved.
Increase of Plasma Fibrinogen Levels and Variability with Age in a Sample of Middle Aged Healthy Men
Authors: Drenos F. , Miller G. J. , Humphries S. E. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryAccording to predictions from the current theoretical models for ageing the heterogeneity of the population is increasing with increasing age. Although the direct observation of such changes in humans is extremely difficult, supporting evidence should be identifiable in key biomarkers associated with health and mortality. Using data from the Northwick Park Heart Study II of 3052 healthy middle‐aged men (mean 56 years of age, range 49–69 years), with 5 annual measures of CHD risk factors, ageing effects were tested for plasma fibrinogen, cholesterol and triglycerides. Fibrinogen levels increased with age (p < 0.0001), while cholesterol showed a decrease, and triglycerides did not show any change with age. There was a significant increase in the variance of fibrinogen with age (p < 0.0007) but not for cholesterol or triglycerides. The raising effect on fibrinogen levels associated with the A allele of the FIBB−455G>A promoter variant also decreased with age (p = 0.005). The age‐associated changes observed in the fibrinogen variability and the association of phenotype to genotype are discussed in light of the evolutionary theory, and their implications are considered.
Biomechanics of the vertebrae and associated osteoderms of the Early Permian amphibian Cacops aspidephorus
Authors: Dilkes D. , Brown L. E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTwo series of osteoderms associated with the anterior three‐quarters of the presacral vertebral column of the Early Permian temnospondylous amphibian Cacops aspidephorus have important implications for biomechanics of the axial skeleton. An internal series consists of an osteoderm fused to the distal tip of each neural spine. Lying dorsal to the internal series and overlapping each internal osteoderm is a second external series. The orientation of the zygapophyseal facets implies modest lateral flexion with limited coupled axial rotation of the column. However, the osteoderms restricted any possible lateral flexion through their inverted V‐shape, strongly angled overlap between each external osteoderm and its neighbouring internal osteoderms, and the presence of a midsagittal flange on the ventral surface of each external osteoderm that fits into grooves on the anterior and posterior edges of the neighbouring internal osteoderms. This configuration allowed vertical flexion of the vertebral column with little lateral flexion. The rod‐like nature of osteoderms with the anterior three‐quarters of the presacral vertebrae suggests a restricted form of forward movement for Cacops unlike that of other early tetrapods.