bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Desloratadine on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A Multicenter, Practice‐based Study
Authors: Kim Harold , Lynde Charles 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTBackground.  Controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antihistamines in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Second‐generation antihistamines are recommended as first‐line therapy for chronic idiopathic urticaria. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of desloratadine, a newer, nonsedating, second‐generation antihistamine, on symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria, disease severity, and quality of life (QoL).Methods.  In an open‐label, observational, multicenter study, 348 subjects with chronic idiopathic urticaria were given 5 mg of desloratadine once daily for 2 weeks. Outcome measures included change from baseline at Day 14 using the Aerius Quality of Life Questionnaire (AEQLQ); change from baseline in pruritus score, number and maximum size of hives, sleep quality, and activity impairment; and subjects' response to therapy.Results.  Desloratadine significantly decreased subjects' overall condition and symptom scores from baseline to Day 14 (2.19 ± [SD] 0.66 and 1.14 ± 0.89, respectively; P < 0.0001). Desloratadine treatment significantly improved all 10 AEQLQ domain scores from baseline to Day 7 and Day 14 (P < 0.0001). Sleep disturbance scores decreased 40% from baseline to Day 7 (1.42 ± 1.03 to 0.85 ± 0.89, respectively), and interference with daily outdoor activity scores showed a 41% decrease from baseline to Day 7 (1.11 ± 0.98 to 0.66 ± 0.90) (P < 0.0001 for both). There were significant reductions in itching, size of hives, and hive score at both Days 7 and 14. Treatment resulted in moderate, marked, or complete relief of symptoms in 76.2% of subjects. Desloratadine was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported.Conclusion.  In an open‐label, observational study, desloratadine 5 mg once daily significantly decreased symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and improved subject QoL.
Orthodontic treatment of a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a case report
Authors: Pacheco Wellington , Marques de Sousa Araugio Rafael 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) represents a heterogeneous group of hereditary, chronic, non‐inflammatory skin pathologies. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is characterized by sub‐lamina dura separation, due to blistering below the lamina densa of the basement membrane zone, and is associated with the absence of Type VII collagen fibers. The mouth, pharyngeal, and esophageal mucosa are compromised by scarring and tissue contraction. The purpose of this article was to present a case report on an orthodontic patient with RDEB.
Meta‐analysis: an introduction into a research process
Authors: Livingston Mark , Messura Judith , Dellinger Tracy , Holder Ray , Hyde John 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTVarious methods for statistical analysis of data are available to clinicians and researchers. Meta‐analysis is a tool by which small, related studies are identified and, through systematic review, are combined into a common data pool for a single, larger population analysis. As with all statistical methods, there are indications and contraindications for the use of meta‐analysis. Additionally, meta‐analysis is dependent upon the quality of data applied, the bias of the test itself, and the interpretation of the results. This article will discuss these aspects of meta‐analysis, including the history of its development and usage in the scientific community, basic terminology, and a relevant literature review.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for eastern foxsnakes (Elaphe gloydi)
Authors: ROW JEFFREY R. , SUN ZHENGXIN , CLIFFE CHRISTINA , LOUGHEED STEPHEN C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNew statistical techniques and software have improved our ability to quantify fine‐scale population structure. We isolated 11 microsatellite markers for eastern foxsnakes (Elaphe gloydi) and surveyed the variability of each using 115–136 individuals from one population in southwestern Ontario. We determined that all loci were variable and conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations and that no locus demonstrated linkage disequilibrium. We are using these markers to quantify the scale of gene flow, and to assess the effect of variable landscapes on connectivity and genetic diversity of three disjunct regional populations in the northern portion of the species’ range.
Microsatellite loci for the invasive colonial hydrozoan Cordylophora caspia
Authors: SCHABLE NANCY A. , KUENZI ASHLEY M. , DRAKE CARRIE A. , FOLINO‐ROREM NADINE C. , DARLING JOHN A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Cordylophora caspia, a colonial hydrozoan native to the Ponto‐Caspian region, has become a common invader of both fresh and brackish water ecosystems of North America and Europe. We describe 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci for this species. Preliminary analyses indicate that population substructure may contribute to departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, new loci failed to consistently amplify Cordylophora samples known to be genetically distant from those utilized in this study, indicating the presence of cryptic diversity within the taxon.
Isolation and characterization of 21 microsatellite markers in the barn owl (Tyto alba)
Authors: BURRI R. , ANTONIAZZA S. , SIVERIO F. , KLEIN Á. , ROULIN A. , FUMAGALLI L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe report 21 new polymorphic microsatellite markers in the European barn owl (Tyto alba). The polymorphism of the reported markers was evaluated in a population situated in western Switzerland and in another from Tenerife, Canary Islands. The number of alleles per locus varies between two and 31, and expected heterozygosity per population ranges from 0.16 to 0.95. All loci are in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no linkage disequilibrium was detected. Two loci exhibit a null allele in the Tenerife population.
Molecular markers to determine the ecological fate of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki
Authors: SHRINIVAS K. , KESTER K. , MARTIN P. A. W. , BROWN B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA set of DNA markers was developed that successfully identifies Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk) when screened against other Bacillus species and subspecies. These subspecies‐specific primer sets allowed detection and characterization of Btk within an environmental background that contained many Bacillus species. Because Btk is used as an active ingredient in many commercial formulations, yet is not naturally widely distributed in North America or Europe, these markers will prove useful in investigations on the environmental persistence and ecological fate of Btk.
Isolation and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the three‐toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
Authors: VÄLIMÄKI K. , JAARI S. , PIHA M. , PAKKALA T. , MERILÄ J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 17 di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the three‐toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus). The primers were tested on 26 to 30 individuals from a single population breeding in southern Finland. The developed primer pairs yielded an average of 7.6 alleles per locus (range two to 15), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.69 (range 0.07 to 0.97), and an average polymorphic information content of 0.68 (range 0.06 to 0.90).
Can a rheumatologist be a procedural specialist? The experience of an Australian rheumatologist
Authors: SMITH Malcolm D 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  To describe the operating theatre‐based procedural experience of a rheumatologist in a teaching hospital environment and patient satisfaction with the procedures offered.Methods:  All patients who underwent operating theatre‐based procedures by the author were surveyed by postal questionnaire asking about their satisfaction with the procedures performed (graded on a five‐point Likert scale) and how long the benefits from the procedures lasted.Results:  Patient satisfaction with organization of the procedures varied from a mean of 4.7–4.9, patient satisfaction with the procedure ranged from 4.3 to 4.7 and likelihood of having the procedure again if medically indicated ranged from 3.9 to 4.3. For the manipulation under anaesthetic shoulder group, the benefit occurred within a mean of 7.4 days (range: 2–18) and lasted for a mean of 12.3 months (range: 1–24) with five patients still having an ongoing benefit from the procedure at the time of the survey. For the multiple small joint injections group, the benefit occurred within 3.7 (0–14) days and lasted for 8.1 (0–36) months with six patients still having an ongoing benefit from the procedure at the time of the survey. For the arthroscopy group, the benefit occurred within 7.4 (0–28) days and lasted for 15.6 (0–60) months with 10 patients still having an ongoing benefit from the procedure at the time of the survey.Conclusion:  A rheumatologist can provide a limited range of procedures in an operating theatre environment with a high level of patient satisfaction.
Antiendothelial cell antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: GHOSH Kanjaksha , PRADHAN Vandana D. , PATWARDHAN Manisha, M. , GUPTA Maya R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective:  Anti‐endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) are a heterogeneous group of antibodies against a variety of antigenic determinants on endothelial cells (EC). AECAs are known to play an immunopathogenic role in triggering EC activation, leading to vascular damage. The purpose of this study was to assess: (i) the incidence of AECAs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with nephritis (LN) and to compare this with SLE patients without clinical evidence of nephritis; and (ii) to understand the association of AECAs with disease severity based on renal histopathological findings.Method:  Fifty‐three clinically and histopathologically proven cases of LN were studied along with 20 patients without evidence of nephritis. AECAs were detected by immunofluorescence using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The titres and immunoglobulin subclass of AECAs were also identified. Other autoantibodies were also detected.Results:  In the LN group, 21 (39.6%) were AECA positive and 19 (35.8%) were antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive. Autoantibodies to double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) were present in 49 (92.4%) cases. In patients without nephritis, seven (35%) tested positive for AECA, five for ANCA and all were antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive. Anti‐dsDNA was detected in 16 patients (80%), higher incidence of AECAs was noted in diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (41.2%) as compared to focal proliferative glomerulonephritis (37.5%) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (33.3%). IgG‐AECA subclass was noted in 85.7% patients, IgM‐AECA and IgG + M AECA subclasses of AECA were detected in 7.1% cases. AECAs were also found to be associated with other autoantibodies such as ANA, anti‐dsDNA and ANCA.Conclusion:  No significant differences in AECA positivity was found between SLE with and without nephritis.
Healing of ischemic skin ulcers in patients with connective tissue diseases with oral anticoagulant treatment
Authors: BALBIR‐GURMAN Alexandra , NAHIR Abraham Menachem , ROZIN Alexander , MARKOVITS Doron , SCHAPIRA Daniel , BRAUN‐MOSCOVICI Yolanda 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective:  Ischemic skin ulcers (ISU) are a well‐known complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and are often refractory to conventional therapy. The influence of treatment with oral anticoagulants (OAC) on ISU healing in SSc patients was analysed.Methods:  The medical records of SSc patients with ISU who were treated with OAC for at least 4 months between the years 2002–06 were reviewed.Results:  Fifteen patients with SSc and ISU were treated with OAC. The mean achieved International Normalized Ratio was 2.2 (± 0.35). Treatment with OAC significantly reduced the pain visual analogue scale (P < 0.001), as well as the number of existing ISU (P < 0.0001). Five (35.6%) patients developed new ISU. There were no related major bleeding episodes.Conclusion:  Treatment of ISU remains a challenge, especially in the setting of SSc. Underlying occlusive phenomena may be responsible for the failure of ISU healing. We suggest that OAC may be safe and well tolerated and, as a part of complex therapy, may contribute to ISU healing and the reduction of new ISU formation. The usefulness of fixed low‐dose OAC in patients with SSc and ISU in the absence of known coagulation abnormalities needs further evaluation.
Risk factors for avascular necrosis among Filipino patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: HAMIJOYO Laniyati , LLAMADO Lyndon J. Q. , NAVARRA Sandra V. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  To describe the clinical features and risk factors for avascular necrosis (AVN) in a cohort of Filipino patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of SLE patients with a diagnosis of AVN, seen at the University of Santo Tomas (Manila, Philippines) Section of Rheumatology, from 1995 to 2005. The diagnosis of AVN was based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by plain radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging. Possible risk factors for the development of AVN were identified. The clinical data of SLE patients without AVN were also obtained and served as controls.Results:  Of the 540 patient charts reviewed, 43 (8.0%) patients (41 female, 2 male) with AVN were included. Out of a total of 66 joints involved, the hip was the most frequently involved. We included 93 SLE patients without AVN who were matched for age, sex and disease duration as the control group. Mean daily prednisone dose (11.9 ± 7.2 vs 9.3 ± 6.6 mg, P = 0.023), mean cumulative prednisone‐equivalent dose in first month of SLE diagnosis (1.5 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 0.8 g, P = 0.011), and total cumulative prednisone‐equivalent dose (30.0 ± 2.7 vs 20.3 ± 1.9 g, P = 0.023) were higher in the AVN group than in the controls. Clinical variables significantly associated with AVN included the presence of vasculitis (OR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.65–12.18, P = 0.0007), the use of intravenous pulse steroids (OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.21–7.08, P = 0.008), and the mean total cumulative prednisone‐equivalent dose ≥ 23.4 g (OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.3–6.6, P = 0.007).Conclusion:  Corticosteroid use and vasculitis were consistent risk factors seen among Filipino SLE patients who developed AVN during the course of their disease.
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography: to keep pace with progress or be left behind?
Authors: AGRAWAL Sumeet , DASGUPTA Bhaskar 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRheumatology has been witnessing dramatic developments. Improvement in our understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases and advancements in therapeutics has forced us to re‐look at our approach to the disease. The emphasis is on early recognition, proper assessment and regular follow‐up. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) has emerged as a promising tool in fulfilling most of these requirements. It has proved to be of significant utility in a variety of rheumatic diseases and has been in regular use in several European countries. In this review we have discussed in detail its use in various rheumatic diseases, the upcoming developments in the field of MSUS and various issues related to its incorporation into routine care of rheumatic patients. In our opinion MSUS is the future of rheumatology and we shouldn't be left behind just because of our reluctance to understand and appreciate this fascinating technology.
Autochthonous Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens Infection in Dogs in Kuwait
Authors: Tarello W. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryHuman dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens is a rare but increasingly reported zoonosis in the Middle East. However, eligible animal reservoirs seldom have been investigated in the area until now. Seven (1.8 percent) out of 381 dogs examined in Kuwait carried D. repens microfilariae showing compatible cutaneous clinical signs and positive response to the adulticide and microfilaricide therapies. This study indicates that dogs from Kuwait are natural hosts of D. repens and therefore act as an animal reservoir for the zoonotic condition.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Free‐Ranging Mithuns (Bos frontalis) from India
Authors: Rajkhowa S. , Rajkhowa C. , Chamuah J. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryStudies conducted on free‐ranging mithuns of Nagaland, India revealed that the overall seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in mithun was 42% (95% CI = 33–51) when detected by modified direct agglutination test. Highest (prevalence = 57%, 95% CI = 43–71) seroprevalence was found in mithuns above 3 years of age and the lowest (prevalence = 18%, 95% CI =4–32) in mithuns of 1–2 years old. No statistically significant difference was observed between male (prevalence = 40%, 95% CI = 26–54) and female (prevalence = 44%, 95% CI = 31–57) seroprevalences. The study also revealed that the maximum number (57%) of animals with the highest titre (1 : 3200) were above 3 years of age. This is the first serological survey for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free‐ranging mithuns from India.
Stability of Colistin Methanesulfonate in Pharmaceutical Products and Solutions for Administration to Patients
Authors: Wallace Stephanie J. , Li Jian , Rayner Craig. R. , Coulthard Kingsley , Nation Roger L. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) has the potential to hydrolyze in aqueous solution to liberate colistin, its microbiologically active and more toxic parent compound. While conversion of CMS to colistin in vivo is important for bactericidal activity, liberation of colistin during storage and/or use of pharmaceutical formulations may potentiate the toxicity of CMS. To date, there has been no information available regarding the stability of CMS in pharmaceutical preparations. Two commercial CMS formulations were investigated for stability with respect to colistin content, which was measured by a specific high-performance liquid chromatography method. Coly-Mycin M Parenteral (colistimethate lyophilized powder) was stable (<0.1% of CMS present as colistin) for at least 20 weeks at 4°C and 25°C at 60% relative humidity. When Coly-Mycin M was reconstituted with 2 ml of water to a CMS concentration of 200 mg/ml for injection, Coly-Mycin M was stable (<0.1% colistin formed) for at least 7 days at both 4°C and 25°C. When further diluted to 4 mg/ml in a glucose (5%) or saline (0.9%) infusion solution as directed, CMS hydrolyzed faster at 25°C (<4% colistin formed after 48 h) than at 4°C (0.3% colistin formed). The second formulation, CMS Solution for Inhalation (77.5 mg/ml), was stable at 4°C and 25°C for at least 12 months, as determined based on colistin content (<0.1%). This study demonstrated the concentration- and temperature-dependent hydrolysis of CMS. The information provided by this study has important implications for the formulation and clinical use of CMS products.
Clinical Isolates of
Aspergillus
Species Remain Fully Susceptible to Voriconazole in the Post-Voriconazole Era
Authors: Guinea Jesús , Recio Sandra , Peláez Teresa , Torres-Narbona Marta , Bouza Emilio 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

We studied the activity of voriconazole against 400 clinical strains of
Aspergillus
from the pre-voriconazole (1999 to 2002) and post-voriconazole (2003 to 2007) periods. Although the mean MICs of strains from the post-voriconazole period were slightly higher (0.39 versus 0.57 μg/ml;
P
< 0.001), all strains were susceptible to voriconazole and presented an MIC of ≤2 μg/ml.
Rolling Circle Amplification, a Powerful Tool for Genetic and Functional Studies of Complete Hepatitis B Virus Genomes from Low-Level Infections and for Directly Probing Covalently Closed Circular DNA
Authors: Margeridon Séverine , Carrouée-Durantel Sandra , Chemin Isabelle , Barraud Luc , Zoulim Fabien , Trépo Christian , Kay Alan 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Complete characterization of the biological properties of hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants requires the generation of full-length genomes. The aim of this study was to develop new tools for the efficient full-length genome amplification of virus from samples with low viral loads. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) was used to amplify full-length HBV genomes from both sera and liver biopsy samples from chronic HBV carriers. Serum-derived relaxed circular HBV DNA could be amplified only after completion and ligation of plus-strand DNA. Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from liver biopsies could be amplified directly from as few as 13 copies, using RCA, followed by a full-length HBV PCR. Three serial liver biopsy samples were obtained from a lamivudine-resistant patient who cleared detectable serum HBV after adefovir dipivoxil was added to the lamivudine therapy and then seroconverted to anti-HBs. Only the genomes from the last biopsy specimen obtained after the emergence of lamivudine resistance contained the lamivudine resistance-associated mutations rtL180M and rtM204V (“rt” indicates reverse transcriptase domain). Defective genomes were also found in this biopsy sample. Genomes cloned from the liver biopsy specimens were transfected into HuH7 cells to study their replication competence and their susceptibility to lamivudine. RCA is a powerful tool for amplifying full-length HBV genomes and will be especially useful for the study of occult or inactive HBV infections and patients undergoing antiviral treatment. It can also be used to probe HBV cccDNA, the crucial intermediate in viral persistence and the archive of resistance mutations.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of
Bartonella
Species Isolated from Wild Rodents in Japan
Authors: Inoue Kai , Maruyama Soichi , Kabeya Hidenori , Yamada Naoyuki , Ohashi Norio , Sato Yukita , Yukawa Masayoshi , Masuzawa Toshiyuki , Kawamori Fumihiko , Kadosaka Teruki , Takada Nobuhiro , Fujita Hiromi , Kawabata Hiroki 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

Here, we describe for the first time the prevalence and genetic properties of
Bartonella
organisms in wild rodents in Japan. We captured 685 wild rodents throughout Japan (in 12 prefectures) and successfully isolated
Bartonella
organisms from 176 of the 685 rodents (isolation rate, 25.7%). Those
Bartonella
isolates were all obtained from the rodents captured in suburban areas (rate, 51.8%), but no organism was isolated from the animals captured in city areas. Sequence analysis of
rpoB
and
gltA
revealed that the
Bartonella
isolates obtained were classified into eight genetic groups, comprising isolates closely related to
B. grahamii
(A-I group),
B. tribocorum
and
B. elizabethae
(B-J group),
B. tribocorum
and
B. rattimassiliensis
(C-K group),
B. rattimassiliensis
(D-L group),
B. phoceensis
(F-N group),
B. taylorii
(G-O group), and probably two additional novel
Bartonella
species groups (E-M and H-P).
B. grahamii
, which is one of the potential causative agents of human neuroretinitis, was found to be predominant in Japanese rodents. In terms of the relationships between these
Bartonella
genetic groups and their rodent species, (i) the A-I, E-M, and H-P groups appear to be associated with
Apodemus speciosus
and
Apodemus argenteus
; (ii) the C-K, D-L, and F-N groups are likely implicated in
Rattus rattus
; (iii) the B-J group seems to be involved in
Apodemus
mice and
R. rattus
; and (iv) the G-O group is probably associated with
A. speciosus
and
Clethrionomys
voles. Furthermore, dual infections with two different genetic groups of bartonellae were found in
A. speciosus
and
R. rattus
. These findings suggest that the rodent in Japan might serve as a reservoir of zoonotic
Bartonella
infection.