bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism in patients with acute leukemia: incidence, risk factors, and effect on survival
Authors: Ku Grace H. , White Richard H. , Chew Helen K. , Harvey Danielle J. , Zhou Hong , Wun Ted 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A population-based cohort was used to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among Californians diagnosed with acute leukemia between 1993 to 1999. Principal outcomes were deep vein thrombosis in both the lower and upper extremities, pulmonary embolism, and mortality. Among 5394 cases with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the 2-year cumulative incidence of VTE was 281 (5.2%). Sixty-four percent of the VTE events occurred within 3 months of AML diagnosis. In AML patients, female sex, older age, number of chronic comorbidities, and presence of a catheter were significant predictors of development of VTE within 1 year. A diagnosis of VTE was not associated with reduced survival in AML patients. Among 2482 cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the 2-year incidence of VTE in ALL was 4.5%. Risk factors for VTE were presence of a central venous catheter, older age, and number of chronic comorbidities. In the patients with ALL, development of VTE was associated with a 40% increase in the risk of dying within 1 year. The incidence of VTE in acute leukemia is appreciable, and is comparable with the incidence in many solid tumors.
Functional identification of HugZ, a heme oxygenase from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Guo Ying , Guo Gang , Mao Xuhu , Zhang Weijun , Xiao Jie , Tong Wende , Liu Tao , Xiao Bin , Liu Xiaofei , Feng Youjun , Zou Quanming 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Iron is recognized as an important trace element, essential for most organisms including pathogenic bacteria. HugZ, a protein related to heme iron utilization, is involved in bacterial acquisition of iron from the host. We previously observed that a hugZ homologue is correlated with the adaptive colonization of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a major gastro-enteric pathogen. However, its exact physiological role remains unclear.

Results
A gene homologous to hugZ, designated hp0318, identified in H. pylori ATCC 26695, exhibits 66% similarity to cj1613c of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 11168. Soluble 6 × His fused-HugZ protein was expressed in vitro. Hemin-agrose affinity analysis indicated that the recombinant HugZ protein can bind to hemin. Absorption spectroscopy at 411 nm further revealed a heme:HugZ binding ratio of 1:1. Enzymatic assays showed that purified recombinant HugZ protein can degrade hemin into biliverdin and carbon monoxide in the presence of either ascorbic acid or NADPH and cytochrome P450 reductase. The biochemical and enzymatic characteristics agreed closely with those of Campylobacter jejuni Cj1613c protein, implying that hp0318 is a functional member of the HugZ family. A hugZ deletion mutant was obtained by homologous recombination. This mutant strain showed poor growth when hemoglobin was provided as the source of iron, partly because of its failure to utilize hemoglobin efficiently. Real-time quantitative PCR also confirmed that the expression of hugZ was regulated by iron levels.

Conclusion
These findings provide biochemical and genetic evidence that hugZ (hp0318) encodes a heme oxygenase involved in iron release/uptake in H. pylori.
Development and evaluation of a real-time one step Reverse-Transcriptase PCR for quantitation of Chandipura Virus
Authors: Kumar Satyendra , Jadi Ramesh S , Anakkathil Sudeep B , Tandale Babasaheb V , Mishra Akhilesh Chandra , Arankalle Vidya A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Chandipura virus (CHPV), a member of family Rhabdoviridae was attributed to an explosive outbreak of acute encephalitis in children in Andhra Pradesh, India in 2003 and a small outbreak among tribal children from Gujarat, Western India in 2004. The case-fatality rate ranged from 55–75%. Considering the rapid progression of the disease and high mortality, a highly sensitive method for quantifying CHPV RNA by real-time one step reverse transcriptase PCR (real-time one step RT-PCR) using TaqMan technology was developed for rapid diagnosis.

Methods
Primers and probe for P gene were designed and used to standardize real-time one step RT-PCR assay for CHPV RNA quantitation. Standard RNA was prepared by PCR amplification, TA cloning and run off transcription. The optimized real-time one step RT-PCR assay was compared with the diagnostic nested RT-PCR and different virus isolation systems [in vivo (mice) in ovo (eggs), in vitro (Vero E6, PS, RD and Sand fly cell line)] for the detection of CHPV. Sensitivity and specificity of real-time one step RT-PCR assay was evaluated with diagnostic nested RT-PCR, which is considered as a gold standard.

Results
Real-time one step RT-PCR was optimized using in vitro transcribed (IVT) RNA. Standard curve showed linear relationship for wide range of 102-1010 (r2 = 0.99) with maximum Coefficient of variation (CV = 5.91%) for IVT RNA. The newly developed real-time RT-PCR was at par with nested RT-PCR in sensitivity and superior to cell lines and other living systems (embryonated eggs and infant mice) used for the isolation of the virus. Detection limit of real-time one step RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR was found to be 1.2 × 100 PFU/ml. RD cells, sand fly cells, infant mice, and embryonated eggs showed almost equal sensitivity (1.2 × 102 PFU/ml). Vero and PS cell-lines (1.2 × 103 PFU/ml) were least sensitive to CHPV infection. Specificity of the assay was found to be 100% when RNA from other viruses or healthy individual was used.

Conclusion
On account of the high sensitivity, reproducibility and specificity, the assay can be used for the rapid detection and quantitation of CHPV RNA from clinical samples during epidemics and from endemic areas. The assay may also find application in screening of antiviral compounds, understanding of pathogenesis as well as evaluation of vaccine.
Characterization of a murine model of monocrotaline pyrrole-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Dumitrascu Rio , Koebrich Silke , Dony Eva , Weissmann Norbert , Savai Rajkumar , Pullamsetti Soni S , Ghofrani Hossein A , Samidurai Arun , Traupe Horst , Seeger Werner , Grimminger Friedrich , Schermuly Ralph T 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
New animal models of chronic pulmonary hypertension in mice are needed. The injection of monocrotaline is an established model of pulmonary hypertension in rats. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of pulmonary hypertension by injection of the active metabolite, monocrotaline pyrrole.

Methods
Survival studies, computed tomographic scanning, histology, bronchoalveolar lavage were performed, and arterial blood gases and hemodynamics were measured in animals which received an intravenous injection of different doses of monocrotaline pyrrole.

Results
Monocrotaline pyrrole induced pulmonary hypertension in Sprague Dawley rats. When injected into mice, monocrotaline pyrrole induced dose-dependant mortality in C57Bl6/N and BALB/c mice (dose range 6–15 mg/kg bodyweight). At a dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight, mice developed a typical early-phase acute lung injury, characterized by lung edema, neutrophil influx, hypoxemia and reduced lung compliance. In the late phase, monocrotaline pyrrole injection resulted in limited lung fibrosis and no obvious pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion
Monocrotaline and monocrotaline pyrrole pneumotoxicity substantially differs between the animal species.
Costs and consequences of large-scale vector control for malaria
Authors: Yukich Joshua O , Lengeler Christian , Tediosi Fabrizio , Brown Nick , Mulligan Jo-Ann , Chavasse Des , Stevens Warren , Justino John , Conteh Lesong , Maharaj Rajendra , Erskine Marcy , Mueller Dirk H , Wiseman Virginia , Ghebremeskel Tewolde , Zerom Mehari , Goodman Catherine , McGuire David , Urrutia Juan Manuel , Sakho Fana , Hanson Kara , Sharp Brian 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Five large insecticide-treated net (ITN) programmes and two indoor residual spraying (IRS) programmes were compared using a standardized costing methodology.

Methods
Costs were measured locally or derived from existing studies and focused on the provider perspective, but included the direct costs of net purchases by users, and are reported in 2005 USD. Effectiveness was estimated by combining programme outputs with standard impact indicators.

Findings
Conventional ITNs: The cost per treated net-year of protection ranged from USD 1.21 in Eritrea to USD 6.05 in Senegal. The cost per child death averted ranged from USD 438 to USD 2,199 when targeting to children was successful.
Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) of five years duration: The cost per treated-net year of protection ranged from USD 1.38 in Eritrea to USD 1.90 in Togo. The cost per child death averted ranged from USD 502 to USD 692.
IRS: The costs per person-year of protection for all ages were USD 3.27 in KwaZulu Natal and USD 3.90 in Mozambique. If only children under five years of age were included in the denominator the cost per person-year of protection was higher: USD 23.96 and USD 21.63. As a result, the cost per child death averted was higher than for ITNs: USD 3,933–4,357.

Conclusion
Both ITNs and IRS are highly cost-effective vector control strategies. Integrated ITN free distribution campaigns appeared to be the most efficient way to rapidly increase ITN coverage. Other approaches were as or more cost-effective, and appeared better suited to "keep-up" coverage levels. ITNs are more cost-effective than IRS for highly endemic settings, especially if high ITN coverage can be achieved with some demographic targeting.
Long-Term Actions of Interleukin-1β on Delay and Tonic Firing Neurons in Rat Superficial Dorsal Horn and Their Relevance to Central Sensitization
Authors: Gustafson-Vickers Sabrina L , Van Lu B , Lai Aaron Y , Todd Kathryn G , Ballanyi Klaus , Smith Peter A 
Published: December 2008

Background:Cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β) have been implicated in the development of central sensitization that is characteristic of neuropathic pain. To examine its long-term effect on nociceptive processing, defined medium organotypic cultures of rat spinal cord were exposed to 100 pM IL-1β for 6–8 d. Interleukin effects in the dorsal horn were examined by whole-cell patch-clamp recording and Ca2+imaging techniques.Results:Examination of the cultures with confocal Fluo-4 AM imaging showed that IL-1β increased the change in intracellular Ca2+produced by exposure to 35–50 mM K+. This is consistent with a modest increase in overall dorsal horn excitability. Despite this, IL-1β did not have a direct effect on rheobase or resting membrane potential nor did it selectively destroy any specific neuronal population. All effects were instead confined to changes in synaptic transmission. A variety of pre-and postsynaptic actions of IL-1β were seen in five different electrophysiologically-defined neuronal phenotypes. In putative excitatory ‘delay’ neurons, cytokine treatment increased the amplitude of spontaneous EPSC's (sEPSC) and decreased the frequency of spontaneous IPSC's (sIPSC). These effects would be expected to increase dorsal horn excitability and to facilitate the transfer of nociceptive information. However, other actions of IL-1β included disinhibition of putative inhibitory ‘tonic’ neurons and an increase in the amplitude of sIPSC's in ‘delay’ neurons.Conclusion:Since spinal microglial activation peaks between 3 and 7 days after the initiation of chronic peripheral nerve injury and these cells release IL-1β at this time, our findings define some of the neurophysiological mechanisms whereby nerve-injury induced release of IL-1β may contribute to the central sensitization associated with chronic neuropathic pain.
Erratum to: An unusual and difficult diagnosis of intestinal obstruction: The abdominal cocoon. Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Devay Ali O , Gomceli Ismail , Korukluoglu Birol , Kusdemir Ahmet 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Since publication of our article, "An unusual and difficult diagnosis of intestinal obstruction: The abdominal cocoon. Case report and review of the literature." World J Emerg Surg. 2006, 1: 8 we believe that the case mentioned should have been described as a 'peritoneal encapsulation' rather than 'abdominal cocoon' as concluded in the original publication.
Sclerosing mesenteritis affecting the small and the large intestine in a male patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Hiridis Savvas , Hadgigeorgiou Renos , Karakitsos Dimitrios , Karabinis Andreas 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare disease resembling a mesenteric tumour. We present here a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that affected both the large and the small intestine of the patient. Therapeutic and diagnostic issues are discussed.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented with fatigue, a palpable tender abdominal mass and clinical signs of progressing intestinal obstruction. The preoperative evaluation failed to prove recurrence of the lymphoma or any other definite diagnosis. A laparotomy was performed through a midline incision. The mesentery resembled a tumour-like thickened and fibrotic mass. Abundant, rigid intestinal loop adhesions were observed. Diffuse fibrotic infiltration of the ileum and of the sigmoid colon, which obviously affected the intestinal vascular supply, were identified. A right colectomy and partial sigmoidectomy were performed. Pathological evaluation revealed extensive myofibroblastic reaction of the mesentery with accompanying loci of fat necrosis and areas of inflammation. A diffuse fibrotic infiltration that focally showed a ground-glass appearance was observed. The post-operative course was complicated by respiratory insufficiency and infections and the patient died 2 months after the operation.

Conclusion
Sclerosing mesenteritis that affects both the small and the large intestine is extremely rare. The disease is characterized by myofibroblastic reaction, fat necrosis and diffuse fibrosis of the mesentery. Pathological confirmation may be required for definite diagnosis. If the disease is characterized by severe and diffuse fibrosis, then the application of surgical therapy may be problematic.
Lack of association between glucocorticoid use and presence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Toms Tracey E , Panoulas Vasileios F , Douglas Karen MJ , Griffiths Helen R , Kitas George D 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) associates with excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, attributed to both traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors. The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of classical cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidaemia, is highly prevalent in RA. Reports suggest that long-term glucocorticoid (GC) use may exacerbate individual cardiovascular risk factors, but there have been no studies in RA to assess whether it associates with the metabolic syndrome. We examined whether GC exposure associates with the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with RA.MethodsRA patients (n = 398) with detailed clinical and laboratory assessments were categorised into three groups according to GC exposure: no/limited (<3 months) exposure (NE), low-dose (<7.5 mg/day) long-term exposure (LE), and medium-dose (greater than or equal to 7.5 mg to 30 mg/day) long-term exposure (ME). The metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Programme III guidelines. The association of GC exposure with the metabolic syndrome was evaluated using binary logistic regression.ResultsThe metabolic syndrome was present in 40.1% of this population and its prevalence did not differ significantly between the GC exposure groups (NE 37.9% versus LE 40.7% versus ME 50%,P= 0.241). Binary logistic regression did not demonstrate any increased odds for the metabolic syndrome when comparing ME with LE (odds ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 2.92,P= 0.094) and remained non significant after adjusting for multiple potential confounders.ConclusionsLong-term GC exposure does not appear to associate with a higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with RA. The components of the metabolic syndrome may already be extensively modified by other processes in RA (including chronic inflammation and treatments other than GCs), leaving little scope for additive effects of GCs.
Neutrophil elastase activity compensates for a genetic lack of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in leukocyte infiltration in a model of experimental peritonitis
Authors: Kolaczkowska Elzbieta , Grzybek Weronika , van Rooijen Nico , Piccard Helene , Plytycz Barbara , Arnold Bernd , Opdenakker Ghislain 
Published: December 2008

AbstractExtracellular proteolysis of basement membranes and matrix is required for leukocyte diapedesis and migration to the inflammatory focus. Neutrophil elastase (NE) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are among the enzymes involved in these processes, as shown in mice genetically deprived of such enzymes. However, studies with MMP-9−/− mice revealed that albeit neutrophil influx is impaired initially in these animals versus controls, neutrophilia is subsequently augmented during later stages of zymosan peritonitis. MMP-9 as a MMP and NE as a serine protease belong to different enzyme classes. As MMP-9 and NE are produced by neutrophils and have similar biological effects on matrix remodeling, it was evaluated whether enhanced NE activity might compensate for the lack of MMP-9. In genetically uncompromised mice, two waves of NE expression and activity during zymosan peritonitis were observed in inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages at the time of influx of the respective cell populations into the peritoneum. Additionally, NE expression was associated with the activity of resident peritoneal mast cells and macrophages, as their depletion reduced NE activity. Most importantly, the NE mRNA and protein expression and activity were enhanced significantly in MMP-9−/− mice during late stages of zymosan peritonitis. In addition, the application of a selective NE inhibitor restrained enhanced neutrophil accumulation significantly. In conclusion, during acute peritoneal inflammation, NE expression and activity increase gradually, facilitating leukocyte influx. Moreover, increased NE activity might compensate for a genetic lack of MMP-9 (as detected in MMP-9−/− mice), resulting in delayed accumulation of neutrophils during late zymosan peritonitis.
Leukocyte trafficking in primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Notarangelo Luigi D , Badolato Raffaele 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLeukocyte recirculation through central and peripheral lymphoid organs and peripheral tissues is essential to maintain immune homeostasis. Some of the genetically determined, primary immunodeficiencies compromise leukocyte trafficking. Here, we review the mechanisms and consequences of impaired leukocyte trafficking in leukocyte adhesion-deficiency syndromes, Warts-Hypo-γ-globulinemia-Infections-Myelokathexis syndrome and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Hepatic Lipase, Genetically Elevated High-Density Lipoprotein, and Risk of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Johannsen Trine Holm , Kamstrup Pia R. , Andersen Rolf V. , Jensen Gorm B. , Sillesen Henrik , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractContext: Hepatic lipase influences metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a risk factor for ischemic cardiovascular disease (ICD: ischemic heart disease and ischemic cerebrovascular disease).Objective: We tested the hypothesis that genetic variation in the hepatic lipase genetic variants V73M, N193S, S267F, L334F, T383M, and −480c&gt;t influence levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins and risk of ICD.Design: For the cross-sectional study, we genotyped 9003 individuals from the Copenhagen City Heart Study; hereof were 8971 individuals included in the prospective study, 1747 of whom had incident ICD during 28 yr of follow-up. For the case-control studies, 2110 ischemic heart disease patients vs. 4899 controls and 769 ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients vs. 2836 controls, respectively, were genotyped. Follow-up was 100% complete.Results: HDL cholesterol was higher by 0.21 mmol/liter in S267F heterozygotes, by 0.06 mmol/liter in −480c&gt;t heterozygotes, and by 0.13 mmol/liter in −480c&gt;t homozygotes, as compared with noncarriers. These HDL increases theoretically predicted hazard ratios for ICD of 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.90], 0.96 (95% CI 0.95–0.97), and 0.91 (95% CI 0.89–0.94), respectively; this calculation assumes that genetically elevated HDL levels confer decreased risk similar to common HDL elevations. In contrast, when all cases and controls were combined, the observed odds ratios for ICD for these three genetic variants vs. noncarriers were 1.19 (0.76–1.88), 1.04 (0.96–1.13), and 1.08 (0.89–1.30), respectively. Hazard/odds ratios for ICD in carriers vs. noncarriers of the four remaining hepatic lipase genetic variants did not differ consistently from 1.0.Conclusion: Hepatic lipase genetic variants with elevated levels of HDL cholesterol did not associate with risk of ICD.
Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon
Authors: Bhutta Mahmood F , Maxwell Harold 
Published: December 2008

Summary We describe a hitherto under-recognized curious response in some individuals: of sneezing in response either to sexual ideation or in response to orgasm. Our review suggests that it may be much more common than expected. We surmise that an indiscrete stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system may be an underlying mechanism to explain this and other reported unusual triggers of sneezing.
The long-term outcome of the cemented Weber acetabular component in total hip replacement using a second-generation cementing technique
Authors: de Jong P. T. , de Man F. H. R. , Haverkamp D. , Marti R. K. 
Published: December 2008

We report the long-term outcome of a modified second-generation cementing technique for fixation of the acetabular component of total hip replacement. An earlier report has shown the superiority of this technique assessed by improved survival compared with first-generation cementing. The acetabular preparation involved reaming only to the subchondral plate, followed by impaction of the bone in the anchorage holes. Between 1978 and 1993, 287 total hip replacements were undertaken in 244 patients with a mean age of 65.3 years (21 to 90) using a hemispherical Weber acetabular component with this modified technique for cementing and a cemented femoral component. The survival with acetabular revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 99.1% (95% confidence interval 97.9 to 100 after ten years and 85.5% (95% confidence interval 74.7 to 96.2) at 20 years. Apart from contributing to a long-lasting fixation of the component, this technique also preserved bone, facilitating revision surgery when necessary.