bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bulk agent Plantago ovata after Milligan‐Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure™
Authors: Kecmanovic Dragutin M. , Pavlov Maja J. , Ceranic Miljan S. , Kerkez Mirko D. , Rankovic Vitomir I. , Masirevic Vesna P. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine usefulness of the bulk agent Plantago ovata in reducing postoperative pain and tenesmus after open hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan‐Morgan with Ligasure™). Ninety‐eight patients were randomized into two groups of 49 patients each. In both groups Milligan‐Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure™ was performed. The first group received postoperatively two sachets daily of 3.26 g of the bulk agent, Plantago ovata, for 20 days. The control group was treated postoperatively with glycerin oil. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender distribution and hemorrhoid grading, between the two groups. The pain score after first defecation (p < 0.001) and after 10 days (p < 0.01) and the global pain score (p < 0.001) was statistically significantly lower in the group treated with Plantago ovata, while there was no statistically significant difference in the pain level after 20 days (p > 0.05). The hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter in the group receiving Plantago ovata (2.6 ± 0.6 vs 3.9 ± 0.7 days, p < 0.001). The incidence of tenesmus was higher in the control group (40.8% vs 10.2%, p < 0.01). Treating patients with Plantago ovata after open hemorrhoidectomy, reduces pain, tenesmus rate and shortens postoperative hospital stay. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adenovirus: from foe to friend
Authors: Gonçalves Manuel A. F. V. , de Vries Antoine A. F. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractHuman adenoviruses (HAdVs) can cause mild respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and ocular disease. Knowledge about HAdVs has been expanding for more than five decades putting them amongst the most‐studied viruses. This continued interest stems, to a great extent, from the fact that these double‐stranded DNA viruses have proven to be a versatile tool to probe the basic phenomena of eukaryotic cells. HAdV research has led to the discovery of, for instance, RNA splicing and greatly contributed to our knowledge of processes as fundamental as replication, transcription and translation. Moreover, the transformation of rodent cells by HAdVs has provided a system to unravel the molecular pathways that control cell proliferation. As a result, the genetic organisation of these agents is known in great detail allowing the straightforward manipulation of their genomes. In addition, the virus itself became renowned for its ability to produce large amounts of progeny and to efficiently infect mammalian cells regardless of their cell cycle status. These features contributed to the broad use of recombinant HAdVs as gene carriers particularly in in vivo settings where the vast majority of target cells are post‐mitotic. The most advanced type of HAdV vectors can accommodate up to 37 kb of foreign DNA and are devoid of viral genes. With the aid of these high‐capacity HAdV vectors large physiologically responsive transcriptional elements and/or genes can be efficiently introduced into target cells while minimising adaptive immune responses against the transduced cells. This article provides information on HAdV especially on the aspects pertinent to the design, production and performance of its recombinant forms. The development and characteristics of the main HAdV‐based vector types are also briefly reviewed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kyasanur forest disease: an epidemiological view in India
Authors: Pattnaik Priyabrata 
Published: May 2006

AbstractKyasanur forest disease (KFD) was first recognised as a febrile illness in the Shimoga district of Karnataka state of India. The causative agent, KFD virus (KFDV), is a highly pathogenic member in the family Flaviviridae, producing a haemorrhagic disease in infected human beings. KFD is a zoonotic disease and has so far been localised only in a southern part of India. The exact cause of its emergence in the mid 1950s is not known. A variant of KFDV, characterised serologically and genetically as Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), has been recently identified in Saudi Arabia. KFDV and AHFV share 89% sequence homology, suggesting common ancestral origin. Homology modelling of KFDV envelope (E) protein exhibited a structure similar to those of other flaviviruses, suggesting a common mechanism of virus‐cell fusion. The possible mechanism of receptor‐ligand interaction involved in infection by KFDV may resemble that of other flavivirses. Present understanding is that KFDV may be persisting silently in several regions of India and that antigenic and structural differences from other tick borne viruses may be related to the unique host specificity and pathogenicity of KFDV. From January 1999 through January 2005, an increasing number of KFD cases have been detected in Karnataka state of Indian subcontinent despite routine vaccination, suggesting insufficient efficacy of the current vaccine protocol. However, the exact cause of the increase of KFD cases needs further investigation. Considering the requirement of safer and more effective vaccines in general, there is clearly a need for developing an alternative vaccine as well as a rapid diagnostic system for KFD. The changing ecology of the prime focus of the KFD also warrants attention, as it may lead to establishment of the disease in newer localities, never reported before. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of fetal position on amniotic fluid index and single deepest pocket
Authors: Fok W. Y. , Chan L. Y. , Lau T. K. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of fetal position on measurement of amniotic fluid index (AFI) and of the single deepest pocket (SDP).MethodsThis was a prospective observational study, in a university obstetric unit, of women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy with longitudinal lie and cephalic presentation at or beyond 28 weeks of gestation. AFI was calculated and SDP measured and the fetal position was characterized in terms of three parameters. These were: the side of the maternal abdomen on which the fetus lay; a numerical representation (laterality score) of the distance that the fetus was from the sagittal midline plane of the maternal abdomen; the orientation of the fetal trunk (ventral anterior, lateral or posterior).ResultsEighty‐one women were recruited into the study. There was a significant relationship between the laterality score and the AFI (P = 0.005) but not the SDP (P = 0.23): AFI was on average 4.35 cm higher in fetuses lying centrally compared with those lying laterally inside the uterus. There was no significant difference for either SDP (P = 0.8) or AFI (P = 0.3) between fetuses lying on the right or the left side of the maternal abdomen. Similarly, there was no significant difference in SDP (P = 0.9) or AFI (P = 1.0) for the different orientations of the fetal trunk.ConclusionFetal position affects the measurement of AFI but not that of SDP. Therefore, SDP may be a more consistent parameter for the estimation of amniotic fluid volume. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model estimated uncertainties in the calibration of a total reflection x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer using single‐element standards
Authors: Owoade O. K. , Olise F. S. , Olaniyi H. B. , Wegrzynek D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTotal reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) was used for the analysis of single‐element standards, Ca, Cr, Zn, Ga, Se, Rb, Sr and Y, at various concentrations. A triplicate analysis was carried out to determine the homogeneity of the samples and the reproducibility of the results. The average estimated uncertainty (model calculated) values was compared with the predicted uncertainties (systematic or equipment related). The estimated and the predicted uncertainties showed considerable agreement except at very low concentrations resulting from excessive dilution. The discrepancies decreased as the concentrations of the analytes increased. This work indicates a very reliable dependence on the systematic or predicted uncertainties from TXRF spectrometric analysis, especially at high concentrations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mak16p is required for the maturation of 25S and 5.8S rRNAs in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pellett Sabine , Tracy James W. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe nucleolar Mak16p protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been implicated in 60S ribosome biogenesis. To learn more about the role of Mak16p in this process, ribosomal RNA processing was examined in a mak16‐1 temperature‐sensitive yeast strain. Steady‐state levels of the 25S and 5.8S mature rRNA species dropped dramatically over a 4 h period in the mak16‐1 yeast after a shift to the non‐permissive temperature, while 18S and 5S rRNA levels decreased only moderately. Ribosomal RNA processing (rRNA) analyses showed that the most prominent defect at the non‐permissive temperature was a dramatic decrease in 27SB precursor RNA levels, with no significant increase in the levels of any precursor. These data indicate an essential role for Mak16p in the stability of the 27SB precursor rRNA. Association of Mak16p with the 66S preribosomal complex does not appear to be sufficient for its function, because the mutant Mak16‐1p protein was detected in sucrose density gradient fractions corresponding to the 66S pre‐RNP complex. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near‐infrared spectroscopic monitoring of biomass, glucose, ethanol and protein content in a high cell density baker's yeast fed‐batch bioprocess
Authors: Finn Beverley , Harvey Linda M. , McNeil Brian 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe use of at‐line NIRS to monitor a high cell density fed‐batch baker's yeast bioprocess was investigated. Quantification of the key analytes (biomass, ethanol and glucose) and the product quality indicator (percentage protein content) was studied. Biomass was quantitatively modelled using whole matrix samples (as was percentage protein content). The dominance of the whole matrix spectrum by biomass, and its associated light scattering effects, were overcome by use of filtrate samples and adapted (semi‐synthetic) filtrate samples, which allowed successful ethanol and glucose modelling, respectively. Calibrations were rigorously challenged via external validation with large sample sets relative to the calibration sample size, ensuring model robustness and potential practical utility. The standard errors of calibration for biomass, glucose, ethanol and total intracellular protein were (g/l) 1.79, 0.19, 0.79 and 0.91, respectively, comparable to those of the primary assays. The calibration strategies necessary to generate quantitative models for this range of analytes in such a complex high cell density bioprocess fluid are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repression of CDC28 reduces the expression of the morphology‐related transcription factors, Efg1p, Nrg1p, Rbf1p, Rim101p, Fkh2p and Tec1p and induces cell elongation in Candida albicans
Authors: Umeyama Takashi , Kaneko Aki , Niimi Masakazu , Uehara Yoshimasa 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe ability of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans to transit its cell shape is important for its pathogenicity. To obtain additional evidence that the cell cycle of C. albicans is associated with its morphology, we generated and characterized a conditional mutant of C. albicans CDC28, a cyclin‐dependent kinase. In the constructed strain, the expression of CDC28 was regulated by the MET3 promoter and could be repressed in the presence of methionine and cysteine. Cdc28p‐depleted cells demonstrated highly polarized growth and wider filaments than serum‐induced hyphae. Hyphae‐specific genes, HWP1, RBT4 and ECE1, were activated in the elongated filaments caused by the Cdc28p depletion. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of the transcription factors involved in morphological transition, Efg1p, Nrg1p, Rbf1p, Rim101p, Fkh2p and Tec1p, decreased under conditions that repress CDC28 expression. Taken together, these data indicate that repression of CDC28 affected the protein levels of the morphology‐related transcription factors, the regulation of hyphae‐specific genes and cell shape in C. albicans. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annotation of unknown yeast ORFs by correlation analysis of microarray data and extensive literature searches
Authors: Pir Pınar , Ülgen Kutlu Ö. , Hayes Andrew , İlsen Önsan Z. , Kırdar Betül , Oliver Stephen G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractChanges in the expression of genes were used to elucidate the metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms that respond to environmental or genetic modifications. Results from previously published chemostat datasets were merged with novel data generated in the present study. ORFs displaying significant changes in expression that correlated with those of other ORFs were analysed using GO mapping tools and supplemented by literature information. The strategy developed was used to propose annotations for ORFs of unknown function. The following ORFs were assigned functions as a result of this study: YMR090w, YGL157w, YGR243w, YLR327c, YER121w, YFR017c, YGR067c, YKL187c, YGR236c (SPG1), YMR107w (SPG4), YMR206w, YER067w, YJL103c, YNL175C (NOP13) YJL200C, YDL070C (FMP16) and YGR173W. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Education of the Modern Surgical Resident: Novel Approaches to Learning in the Era of the 80‐Hour Workweek
Authors: Nguyen Liz , Brunicardi F. Charles , DiBardino Daniel J. , Scott Bradford G. , Awad Samir S. , Bush Ruth L. , Brandt Mary L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIntroductionImplementation of the 80‐hour work week has resulted in limitations on the hours available for resident education, creating a need for innovative approaches to teach surgical residents successfully. Herein we report the methods and results of an innovative didactic learning program at a large academic surgerical residency program.MethodsBetween 2004 and 2005, based on known principles of adult education and innovative learning techniques, a didactic learning program was instituted in a major academic surgery program. The course work consisted of a structured reading program using Schwartz’s Textbook of Surgery, with weekly testing and problem‐based learning (PBL) groups led by surgical faculty. The residents’ progress was assessed by American Board of Surgery In‐Training Examination (ABSITE) training scores before and after program implementation. A resident survey was also conduced to assess residents’ attitudes toward the new program. Results were reported as a mean, and categoric variables were compared using a paired Student’s t‐test.ResultsDuring the academic year of the structured reading program, the mean ABSITE score improved by 10% (P = 0.02) from the previous year. The postgraduate year 4 class had the largest change, with a score increase of 17% over the previous year’s performance (P = 0.02). Survey results demonstrated that 64% of the responders agreed that the small‐group PBL was preferable for achieving educational goals. Furthermore, 89% of residents responded that the PBL groups improved interaction between residents and faculty members.ConclusionsAn innovative formal learning program based on a major surgical textbook with weekly testing and small group sessions can significantly improve surgical training in the modern era of work‐hour restrictions. Furthermore, surgical trainees find this format to be innovative and useful for improving didactic teaching.
Telemedicine and Electronic Health Information for Clinical Continuity in a Mobile Surgery Program
Authors: Mora Francisco , Cone Stephen , Rodas Edgar , Merrell Ronald C. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIntroductionAn intermittent surgical services program in rural Ecuador was able to benefit from close collaboration between surgeons and primary care physicians through the use of telemedicine technologies.MethodsInexpensive telemedicine workstations capable of patient documentation, imaging, and video‐conferencing at extremely low bandwidth were established in collaborative primary care sites in rural Ecuador. Patients were screened for intermittent surgical services by primary caregivers according to the surgeons’ guidelines. Real‐time and store‐and‐forward telemedicine allowed appropriate collaborative, informed decision‐making. Surgery was performed, and postoperative care was similarly handled by on‐site, familiar primary caregivers.ResultsTo date, this system has been used in more than 124 patient encounters (74 preoperative and 50 postoperative visits). The system allowed advance screening of patients on the part of the surgeons, leading to cancellations for 9 patients. Postoperatively, the system allowed 100% concurrence in postoperative diagnoses between the primary caregivers and the surgeons.ConclusionsInexpensive, low‐bandwidth telemedicine solutions can support intermittent surgical services by providing patients to have contact with specialist care through their familiar, local primary caregivers.
A New Technique in Closure of Burst Abdomen: TI, TIE and TIES Incisions
Authors: Esmat M. Emad 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundBurst abdomen is a continuing problem for the general surgeon as the incidence of such complication may reach 3% with a mortality rate exceeding 25%.MethodsNew technique: A lateral incision is done from inside the abdomen along a line between the costal margin above to the iliac crest below in the area between the mid and anterior axillary line. According to the depth of the incision, the incision may either involve the transversus abdominus and internal oblique muscles (TI incision), or include in addition the external oblique muscle (TIE incision), or it may also involve the Scarpa’s fascia (TIES incision). Such incisions would give an extra length on each side towards medial advancement. Eight patients, 5 men and 3 women aged 34–67 years, with burst abdomen after major gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery failed to close primarily were managed using this technique. Long‐term follow‐up patients was done for development of complications. Electromyogram (EMG) for the rectus muscle and sensory loss for the abdominal wall were also tested. The distance between the 2 cut edges of the different release incisions was measured clinically (TIES incisions) or using ultrasound device (TI and TIE incisions). Scarpa’s fascia biopsy was taken from 1 patient of the TIE group for histopathological study 6 years after surgery.ResultsOne patient died on the third postoperative day (mortality 12.5%), and 2 patients developed subincisional abscesses (25%). No single case of reburst occurred. Long‐term follow‐up showed no single case of incisional hernia in the site of the midline surgical incision, but incisional hernia did occur in all the sites of TIES incisions. Incisional hernia did not occur in the TI incision and, more strangely, neither did it occur in any of the TIE incisions. Follow‐up of the incisions width showed a significant increase in width of the TIES with time while there was no significant increase in that of the TI or TIE. There was a sensory loss at and below the level of umbilicus in the TIES group. EMG showed evidence of motor affection to the rectus muscle at and below the level of the umbilicus in all groups. Scarpa’s fascia biopsy was taken to try to find an explanation for the absence of incisional hernia in TIE incisions and was found to be 3 times as thick and the type I collagen was replaced by collagen type III.ConclusionThe new method described is simple, straightforward and tension free, with a comparable mortality and morbidity. The Scarpa’s fascia adaptation and its ability to change have enormous applications in general and reconstructive surgery, but further evaluation of such phenomenon is needed.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Long‐term Outcome in Patients with Distant Metastases from Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Benbassat Carlos A. , Mechlis‐Frish Sara , Hirsch Dania 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundDistant metastases are seen in a minority of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) but account for most of its disease‐specific mortality. Studies on the long‐term outcome of patients with distant metastases are controversial.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 660 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma followed at our institution from 1994 to 2004. Forty‐four patients (6.7%) had distant metastases, with a prevalence of 4.8% for papillary thyroid cancer, 21% for follicular thyroid cancer, and 10% for Hurthle cell cancer. Primary near‐total thyroidectomy followed by I131 radiation was performed in 97% of patients with metastases (86% operated on in 1980–2003). Mean age at thyroidectomy was 49 ± 19 years, and the female‐to‐male ratio was 1.9:1.ResultsThe distant metastasis occurred synchronously with the primary tumor in 45.5% and after a median follow‐up of 9 years in the others. Affected sites were lungs (n = 24), bones (n = 11), lungs and bones (n = 9), brain (n = 3), and uterus (n = 1). Median duration of follow‐up was 12 years (range: 1–42 years) from thyroidectomy and 5.5 years (range: 1–24 years) from diagnosis of distant metastases. The 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates (all causes) after diagnosis of distant metastases were 88% and 77%, respectively. No significant differences in survival curves were found by age, sex, metastasis site, histopathology, or interval to distant metastasis.ConclusionsWe conclude that complete resection of the thyroid gland at diagnosis and high‐dose adjuvant radioactive iodine are associated with improved survival in patients with metastatic DTC.
Hemoglobin‐Based Oxygen Carriers in Trauma Care: Scientific Rationale for the US Multicenter Prehosptial Trial
Authors: Moore Ernest E. , Cheng Aaron M. , Moore Hunter B. , Masuno Tomohiko , Johnson Jeffrey L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe greatest need for blood substitutes worldwide is in patients with unanticipated acute blood loss, and trauma is the most likely scenario. The blood substitutes reaching advanced clinical trials today are red blood cell (RBC) substitutes derived from hemoglobin. The hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) tested currently in advanced clinical trials are polymerized hemoglobin solutions.MethodsIn the USA, the standard approach to restoring oxygen delivery for hemorrhagic shock has been crystalloid administration to expand intravascular volume, followed by stored RBCs for critical anemia. Allogeneic RBCs, however, may have adverse immunoinflammatory effects that increase the risk of postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF). Phase II in hospital clinical trials, as well as in vitro and in vivo work, suggest that resuscitation with an HBOC—in lieu of stored RBCs—attenuates the systemic inflammatory response invoked in the pathogenesis of MOF. Specifically, an HBOC has been shown to obviate stored RBC‐provoked polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) priming, endothelial activation, and systemic release of interleukins (IL) 6, 8, and 10. In a 2‐event rodent study of shock‐induced PMN‐mediated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the simulated prehospital administration of an HBOC markedly attenuated lung injury.ResultsBased on this background and work by others, we have initiated a US multicenter prehospital trial in which severely injured patients with major blood loss [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤90 mmHg] are randomized to initial field resuscitation with crystalloid versus HBOC. During the hospital phase, the control group is further resuscitated with stored RBCs whereas the study group receives HBOC (up to 6 units) in the first 12 hours. The primary study endpoint is decreased 30‐day mortality, and secondary endpoints include reductions in administration of allogeneic RBCs and uncrossmatched RBCs; avoiding circulating hemoglobin levels <5 g/dl; and decreased ARDS and MOF.ConclusionsTo date, >500 injured patients have been enrolled in this multicenter trial, and the final interim analyses support the original target of 720.