bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical use of high‐efficiency hemodialysis treatments: Long‐term assessment
Authors: BOSCH Juan P. , LEW Susie Q. , BARLEE Viroj , MISHKIN Gary J. , von ALBERTINI Beat 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSignificant technological changes in blood flow rate, dialyzer membrane permeability, bicarbonate dialysate, and ultrafiltration‐controlled delivery systems permitted the implementation of 3 modifications to conventional hemodialysis as follows: high‐efficiency hemodialysis (HEHD), high‐flux hemodialysis (HFHD), and double‐high‐flux hemodiafiltration (HDF). The impact of these techniques on the quantity of the treatment administered and treatment time were assessed. One hundred and eighty‐three patients were enrolled over 6 years. Monthly Kt/Vurea and dialysis treatment time were compared among the treatment techniques. In vivo extracorporeal clearances were measured for the dialyzers used. In vivo kinetically derived effective dialyzer clearances were calculated from Kt/V. Patient survival and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) were determined for each treatment modality. Treatment time averaged 192±28, 176±29, and 159±32 min, Kt/Vurea averaged 1.33±.34, 1.29±.30, 1.41±.32, and in vivo delivered urea clearance averaged 222±51, 272±34, and 333±43 mL/min for HEHD, HFHD, and HDF, respectively. These results were achieved even in patients with body weights in excess of 80 kgs. Net ultrafiltration rate during the treatment reached 20–30 mL/min, without clinical untoward effects. Blood flow rate ranged between 450–650 mL/min in all patients. Kaplan‐Meier Survival analysis yielded a significant difference when high‐efficiency treatments were compared with USRDS outcomes. Standardized mortality ratio analysis showed significance for only HDF vs. USRDS. High‐efficiency treatments can provide the same quantity of treatment in a shorter period of time without affecting mortality. The increased spectrum of solutes removal provided by HFHD and HDF may be a further advantage of these treatments.
HCO3 increment in arterial line can reveal significant vascular access recirculation in high‐flux hemodialysis: A preliminary report
Authors: SOMBOLOS Kostas I. , CHRISTIDOU Fotini N. , BAMICHAS Gerasimos I. , GIONANLIS Lazaros D. , KARAGIANNI Anna C. , ANAGNOSTOPOULOS Theodoros C. , NATSE Taïsir A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe report a new and simple way that can reveal the presence of vascular access recirculation (VAR) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Acid‐base and blood gas parameters (pH, pO2, pCO2, and HCO3) were measured in blood samples drawn from an arterial fistula needle before the initiation of HD and from arterial and venous lines simultaneously 5 min later, in 31 patients (group A). Vascular access recirculation was measured using the glucose infusion test (GIT) immediately after the withdrawal of the 5‐min samples. The same study was repeated in 30 patients in whom HD lines were reversed (group B). A comparison with baseline (predialysis) values of an analysis of the arterial line in group A at 5 min revealed that pCO2 increased by 1.14±2.5 mmHg and HCO3 by 0.6±0.6 mM/L (p<0.02 and p<0.00001, respectively). The corresponding pO2 and pH values did not show significant differences. Glucose infusion test at 5 min (GITa) was −0.058±0.03%. A comparison with baseline (predialysis) values of an analysis of the arterial line in group B at 5 min revealed that pCO2 increased by 7.7±3.5 mmHg and HCO3 by 2.9±1.0 mM/L (p<0.000001 in each case). The pH level was significantly lower in comparison with baseline values (p<0.00001), while pO2 did not show a significant difference. Glucose infusion test at 5 min (GITb) was 12.0±6.1% (p<0.000001 in comparison with GITa values). Clinically significant VAR was defined as HCO3 increment >1.8 mM/L, based on the receiver‐operating characteristics curve, which showed a threshold value of HCO3 increment >1.8 mmol/L as a predictor of GIT recirculation. Five minutes after the initiation of high‐flux HD with a 0 ultrafiltration rate, there is a small increment in arterial HCO3 values relative to predialysis values. Clinically significant VAR is present when this increment is higher than 1.8 mM/L.
Atypical clinical presentation of pigmented purpuric dermatosis
Authors: Zalaudek Iris , Ferrara Gerardo , Brongo Sergio , Giorgio Caterina M. , Argenziano Giuseppe 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe term pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPD) is used for a group of mainly asymptomatic, sometimes pruritic dermatoses that are clinically characterized by an eruption of pinpoint purpuric lesions along with yellow, orange, red and/or brown, often patchy pigmented areas. Traditionally five subtypes have been distinguished, but atypical clinical patterns may also occur. Because of the variable clinical spectrum and the similar histopathologic findings, a strict nosological classification is sometimes difficult or even impossible to achieve. We report a case of PPD with atypical clinical features in a young woman, underlining the difficulties in the clinical classification of this spectrum of diseases.
Treatment of actinic keratoses with birch bark extract: a pilot study
Authors: Huyke Constance , Laszczyk Melanie , Scheffler Armin , Ernst Reinhard , Schempp Christoph M. 
Published: January 2006

Summary Background: Birch bark contains a variety of apoptosis‐inducing and anti‐inflammatory substances such as betulinic acid, betulin, oleanolic acid and lupeol. Therefore, birch bark extract may be effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. To address this issue, a pilot study using a standardized birch bark ointment was performed. Methods: Twenty‐eight patients with actinic keratoses were enrolled in this prospective, non‐randomized pilot study. Fourteen patients were treated with birch bark ointment only; fourteen patients received a combination therapy with cryotherapy and birch bark ointment. Treatment response was assessed clinically after two months. Results: Clearing of more than 75 % of the lesions was seen in 79 % of the patients treated with birch bark ointment monotherapy. The response rate of the combined treatment modality was 93 %. Therapy with birch bark ointment was well tolerated. Conclusion: In this pilot study, a standardized birch bark extract was effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. This therapy is easy to perform and it has no side effects. Birch bark ointment may be a new therapeutic option for actinic keratoses.
ADDITION OF SORBITOL WITH KMnO4 IMPROVES BROCCOLI QUALITY RETENTION IN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGES
Authors: DeELL J.R. , TOIVONEN P.M.A. , CORNUT F. , ROGER C. , VIGNEAULT C. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of sorbitol (a water absorbent) to packages containing potassium permanganate (KMnO

4

) on an inert carrier (a volatile adsorber) could be used to enhance the removal of volatiles associated with off‐odors in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., Italica group) during storage in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Broccoli heads were held in PD‐961EZ bags (five per bag), to allow CO2 to accumulate above the recommended 5–10%. Six treatments within MAP were investigated: (1) control − 0‐g sorbitol + 0 g‐KMnO4; (2) 0‐g sorbitol + 20.0‐g KMnO4; (3) 2.5‐g sorbitol + 20.0‐g KMnO4; (4) 5.0‐g sorbitol + 20.0‐g KMnO4; (5) 10.0‐g sorbitol + 20.0‐g KMnO4; and (6) 20.0‐g sorbitol + 20.0‐g KMnO4. Broccoli heads in MAP with sorbitol had better appearance, firmness and odor ratings after 29 days of storage at 0–1C, compared to the controls. Furthermore, the odor rating was higher (less off‐odor) as the amount of sorbitol was increased (1.9 control versus 3.9 for 20‐g sorbitol). Slight increases in weight loss (≤1.3%) of the broccoli were also noted with the addition of sorbitol, although not near an amount that would affect marketability. Acetaldehyde concentrations were higher in the control bags with no sorbitol or KMnO4 after 29 days of storage at 0–1C (0.21 versus 0.00–0.02 μL/L with KMnO4 and/or sorbitol), while ethanol content was greater in both control bags and those with only KMnO4 (0.12–0.13 versus 0.00–0.06 μL/L with sorbitol). Chlorophyll fluorescence (ΦPSII) began to decrease more rapidly in the control broccoli, as the ethanol and acetaldehyde began to accumulate. Overall, the use of sorbitol (≥2.5 g) with KMnO4 in MAP could enhance the removal of volatiles that are responsible for off‐odors and off‐flavors in broccoli, and thus maintain the quality and marketability longer.
How we do it: Laser reduction of peri‐tubal adenoids in selected patients with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Smith W. , Yung M. 
Published: January 2006

Keypoints• The literature supports the benefit of adenoidectomy in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME).• It is difficult to clear adenoid tissue from around the Eustachian tubes using curettes and this conventional method of adenoidectomy is contra‐indicated in patients with cleft palates.• Laser reduction of peri‐Eustachian adenoid tissue without myringotomies or grommet insertion was performed in three patients with OME. Two patients had previous adenoidectomies performed with curettes and one patient had a cleft palate.• In all three patients, the OME resolved and all had closure of the air‐bone gap that was maintained during long‐term follow‐up (14 months–4 years).• This technique resolved OME without the need for myringotomies or grommet insertion and should be considered particularly in patients who have peri‐tubal recurrence of adenoidal tissue following conventional adenoidectomy or in patients with cleft palate where there is concern with regards to palatal incompetence.
Tonsil size and body mass index are important factors for efficacy of simple tonsillectomy in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Nakata S. , Noda A. , Yanagi E. , Suzuki K. , Yamamoto H. , Nakashima T. 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy of simple tonsillectomy to treat obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in adults.Design:  Prospective study.Setting:  Tertiary referral centre.Participants:  Thirty patients (28 males) underwent simple tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia. The patients’ mean age was 33.2 ± 6.8 years and body mass index was 30.7 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Seven patients (23%) were classified with grade 4, 16 patients (53%) with grade 3, and seven patients (23%) with grade 2 according to the tonsil size of Friedman's classification.Main outcome measures:  The number of apnoea episodes per hour (apnoea index), the number of apnoea and hypopnoea episodes per hour (apnoea‐hypopnoea index), lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation and oxygen desaturation time were measured during overnight polysomnography before and after surgery. A successful tonsillectomy was defined as an apnoea–hypopnoea index improvement ratio of ≥50% and an apnoea–hypopnoea index <20 after operation.Results:  Apnoea–hypopnoea index decreased from 69.0 ± 28.4/h to 30.1 ± 24.0/h (P < 0.0001). Simple tonsillectomy was successful in all six patients with body mass index <25 kg/m2. Concerning success rate of simple tonsillectomy with tonsil, size 2 was lowest (42.9%). Eight of the 13 patients who used continuous positive airway pressure before simple tonsillectomy did not use continuous positive airway pressure after simple tonsillectomy because of a significant reduction of excessive daytime sleepiness. Continuous positive airway pressure decreased significantly after simple tonsillectomy from 13.6 ± 2.5 cmH2O preoperatively to 10.6 ± 1.3 cmH2O postoperatively (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  These data suggest that simple tonsillectomy is a beneficial modality to treat OSAS in selected patients (larger tonsil, low body mass index), even in adults.
A systematic review of the role of proton pump inhibitors for symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Sen P. , Georgalas C. , Bhattacharyya A.K. 
Published: January 2006

Keypoints• Proton pump inhibitors are currently used widely for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux.• This systematic review assessed the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux.• Outcome measures used to assess efficacy of proton pump inhibitors included endoscopic laryngeal signs and pH recordings.• Only two small randomized‐controlled trials included patients with objective evidence of reflux in the 24‐h ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring.• Pooled analysis of these two randomized‐controlled trials failed to show any effect in favour of treatment with proton pump inhibitors.• Further randomized‐controlled trials are required to ascertain the role of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Respiratory Viruses Augment the Adhesion of Bacterial Pathogens to Respiratory Epithelium in a Viral Species- and Cell Type-Dependent Manner
Authors: Avadhanula Vasanthi , Rodriguez Carina A. , DeVincenzo John P. , Wang Yan , Webby Richard J. , Ulett Glen C. , Adderson Elisabeth E. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Secondary bacterial infections often complicate respiratory viral infections, but the mechanisms whereby viruses predispose to bacterial disease are not completely understood. We determined the effects of infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV-3), and influenza virus on the abilities of nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
and S
treptococcus pneumoniae
to adhere to respiratory epithelial cells and how these viruses alter the expression of known receptors for these bacteria. All viruses enhanced bacterial adhesion to primary and immortalized cell lines. RSV and HPIV-3 infection increased the expression of several known receptors for pathogenic bacteria by primary bronchial epithelial cells and A549 cells but not by primary small airway epithelial cells. Influenza virus infection did not alter receptor expression. Paramyxoviruses augmented bacterial adherence to primary bronchial epithelial cells and immortalized cell lines by up-regulating eukaryotic cell receptors for these pathogens, whereas this mechanism was less significant in primary small airway epithelial cells and in influenza virus infections. Respiratory viruses promote bacterial adhesion to respiratory epithelial cells, a process that may increase bacterial colonization and contribute to disease. These studies highlight the distinct responses of different cell types to viral infection and the need to consider this variation when interpreting studies of the interactions between respiratory cells and viral pathogens.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1envEvolves toward Ancestral States upon Transmission to a New Host
Authors: Herbeck Joshua T. , Nickle David C. , Learn Gerald H. , Gottlieb Geoffrey S. , Curlin Marcel E. , Heath Laura , Mullins James I. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTSelecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sequences for inclusion within vaccines has been a difficult problem, as circulating HIV strains evolve relentlessly and become increasingly divergent over time. We report an assessment of this divergence from three perspectives: (i) across different hosts as a function of time of infection, (ii) between donors and recipients in known transmission pairs, and (iii) within individual hosts over time in relation to the initially replicating virus and to the deduced ancestral sequence of the intrahost viral population. Surprisingly, we consistently found less divergence between viruses from different individuals sampled in primary infection than in individuals sampled at more advanced stages of illness. Furthermore, longitudinal analysis of intrahost divergence revealed a 2- to 3-year period of evolution toward a common ancestral sequence at the start of infection, indicating that HIV recovers certain ancestral features when infecting a new host. These results have important implications for the study of HIV population genetics and rational vaccine design, including favoring the inclusion of viral gene sequences taken early in infection.
Generation of CD8+T-Cell Responses by a Recombinant NonpathogenicMycobacterium smegmatisVaccine Vector Expressing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Env
Authors: Cayabyab Mark J. , Hovav Avi-Hai , Hsu Tsungda , Krivulka Georgia R. , Lifton Michelle A. , Gorgone Darci A. , Fennelly Glenn J. , Haynes Barton F. , Jacobs William R. , Letvin Norman L. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTBecause the vaccine vectors currently being evaluated in human populations all have significant limitations in their immunogenicity, novel vaccine strategies are needed for the elicitation of cell-mediated immunity. The nonpathogenic, rapidly growing mycobacteriumMycobacterium smegmatiswas engineered as a vector expressing full-length human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) HXBc2 envelope protein. Immunization of mice with recombinantM. smegmatisled to the expansion of major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted HIV-1 epitope-specific CD8+T cells that were cytolytic and secreted gamma interferon. Effector and memory T lymphocytes were elicited, and repeated immunization generated a stable central memory pool of virus-specific cells. Importantly, preexisting immunity toMycobacterium bovisBCG had only a marginal effect on the immunogenicity of recombinantM. smegmatis. This mycobacterium may therefore be a useful vaccine vector.
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Nidovirus Replicative Endoribonuclease NendoU Exerts Pleiotropic Effects on the Arterivirus Life Cycle
Authors: Posthuma Clara C. , Nedialkova Danny D. , Zevenhoven-Dobbe Jessika C. , Blokhuis Jeroen H. , Gorbalenya Alexander E. , Snijder Eric J. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

The highly conserved NendoU replicative domain of nidoviruses (arteriviruses, coronaviruses, and roniviruses) belongs to a small protein family whose cellular branch is prototyped by XendoU, a
Xenopus laevis
endoribonuclease involved in nucleolar RNA processing. Recently, sequence-specific in vitro endoribonuclease activity was demonstrated for the NendoU-containing nonstructural protein (nsp) 15 of several coronaviruses. To investigate the biological role of this novel enzymatic activity, we have characterized a comprehensive set of arterivirus NendoU mutants. Deleting parts of the NendoU domain from nsp11 of equine arteritis virus was lethal. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved residues exerted pleiotropic effects. In a first-cycle analysis, replacement of two conserved Asp residues in the C-terminal part of NendoU rendered viral RNA synthesis and virus production undetectable. In contrast, mutagenesis of other conserved residues, including two putative catalytic His residues that are absolutely conserved in NendoU and cellular homologs, produced viable mutants displaying reduced plaque sizes (20 to 80% reduction) and reduced yields of infectious progeny of up to 5 log units. A more detailed analysis of these mutants revealed a moderate reduction in RNA synthesis, with subgenomic RNA synthesis consistently being more strongly affected than genome replication. Our data suggest that the arterivirus nsp11 is a multifunctional protein with a key role in viral RNA synthesis and additional functions in the viral life cycle that are as yet poorly defined.
Poliovirus Protein 3AB Displays Nucleic Acid Chaperone and Helix-Destabilizing Activities
Authors: DeStefano Jeffrey J. , Titilope Oduyebo 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Poliovirus protein 3AB displayed nucleic acid chaperone activity in promoting the hybridization of complementary nucleic acids and destabilizing secondary structure. Hybridization reactions at 30°C between 20- and 40-nucleotide RNA oligonucleotides and 179- or 765-nucleotide RNAs that contained a complementary region were greatly enhanced in the presence of 3AB. The effect was nonspecific as reactions between DNA oligonucleotides and RNA or DNA templates were also enhanced. Reactions were optimal with 1 mM MgCl
2
and 20 mM KCl. Analysis of the reactions with various 3AB and template concentrations indicated that enhancement required a critical amount of 3AB that increased as the concentration of nucleic acid increased. This was consistent with a requirement for 3AB to “coat” the nucleic acids for enhancement. The helix-destabilizing activity of 3AB was tested in an assay with two 42-nucleotide completely complementary DNAs. Each complement formed a strong stem-loop (Δ
G
= −7.2 kcal/mol) that required unwinding for hybridization to occur. DNAs were modified at the 3′ or 5′ end with fluorescent probes such that hybridization resulted in quenching of the fluorescent signal. Under optimal conditions at 30°C, 3AB stimulated hybridization in a concentration-dependent manner, as did human immunodeficiency virus nucleocapsid protein, an established chaperone. The results are discussed with respect to the role of 3AB in viral replication and recombination.
Efficient Site-Specific Integration of Large Transgenes by an Enhanced Herpes Simplex Virus/Adeno-Associated Virus Hybrid Amplicon Vector
Authors: Liu Qiang , Perez Claudio F. , Wang Yaming 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

We previously demonstrated that a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)/adeno-associated virus (AAV) hybrid amplicon vector constructed by inserting the sequences of regulatory protein (
rep
) and inverted terminal repeats of AAV into an HSV amplicon vector resulted in the enhanced stability of transgene expression compared to the original HSV-1 amplicon vector. However, problems related to the expression of Rep compromised its therapeutic applications. We report here a new HSV/AAV hybrid amplicon vector system that not only solved problems associated with Rep expression but also markedly improved the stable transduction efficiency of this vector. This new HSV/AAV vector is designed in a way that little or no Rep would be expressed in packaging cells, but it can be expressed in transduced cells if Cre recombinase is provided. Furthermore, Rep expression will be automatically suppressed as a consequence of Rep-mediated integration. Our results showed that the new hybrid amplicon vector yielded titers comparable to those of standard amplicon vectors. When Cre-expressing 293 cells were transduced, a low level of Rep expression was detected, and stable transduction was achieved in ∼22% of transduced cells; of those cells, ∼70% transduction was achieved by Rep-mediated site-specific integration. In the majority of the stably transduced cells, Rep expression was no longer observed. Our results also proved that this vector system is capable of efficiently accommodating and site-specifically integrating large transgenes, such as the full-length dystrophin expression cassette. Thus, the new HSV/AAV vector demonstrated unique advantages in safe and effective delivery of long-lasting transgene expression into human cells.