bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Von Willebrand factor, ADAMTS13, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Sadler J. Evan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Discoveries during the past decade have revolutionized our understanding of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Most cases in adults are caused by acquired autoantibodies that inhibit ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor within nascent platelet-rich thrombi to prevent hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and tissue infarction. Although approximately 80% of patients respond to plasma exchange, which removes autoantibody and replenishes ADAMTS13, one third to one half of survivors develop refractory or relapsing disease. Intensive immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab appears to be effective as salvage therapy, and ongoing clinical trials should determine whether adjuvant rituximab with plasma exchange also is beneficial at first diagnosis. A major unanswered question is whether plasma exchange is effective for the subset of patients with idiopathic TTP who do not have severe ADAMTS13 deficiency.
Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma: a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Argyriou Andreas A. , Iconomou Gregoris , Kalofonos Haralabos P. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBortezomib has demonstrated significant activity in clinical trials, mainly against recurrent or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Peripheral neuropathy is a significant toxicity of bortezomib, requiring dose modification and potential changes in the treatment plan when it occurs. The mechanism underlying bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is unknown. Metabolic changes resulting from the accumulation of bor-tezomib in the dorsal root ganglia cells, mitochondrial-mediated disregulation of Ca++ homeostasis, and disregulation of neurotrophins may contribute to the pathogenesis of BIPN. It is increasingly recognized that BIPN may be a proteasome inhibitor class effect, producing primarily a small fiber and painful, axonal, sensory distal neuropathy. Incidence of BIPN is mainly related to various risk factors, including cumulative dose and evidence of preexisting neuropathy. Assessment of BIPN is based primarily on neurologic clinical examination and neurophysiologic methods. To date, apart from the use of dose reduction and schedule change algorithm, there is no effective treatment with neuroprotective agents for BIPN. Analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and vitamin supplements have been used as symptomatic treatment against bortezomib-associated neuropathic pain with some success. This review looks critically at the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, characteristics, and management of BIPN, and highlights areas for future research.
The neovasculature homing motif NGR: more than meets the eye
Authors: Corti Angelo , Curnis Flavio , Arap Wadih , Pasqualini Renata 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA growing body of evidence suggests that peptides containing the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif can selectively recognize tumor neovasculature and can be used, therefore, for ligand-directed targeted delivery of various drugs and particles to tumors or to other tissues with an angiogenesis component. The neovasculature binding properties of these peptides rely on the interaction with an endothelium-associated form of aminopeptidase N (CD13), an enzyme that has been implicated in angiogenesis and tumor growth. Recent studies have shown that NGR can rapidly convert to isoaspartate-glycine-arginine (isoDGR) by asparagine deamidation, generating αvβ3 ligands capable of affecting endothelial cell functions and tumor growth. This review focuses on structural and functional properties of the NGR motif and its application in drug development for angiogenesis-dependent diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the time-dependent transition of NGR to isoDGR in natural proteins, such as fibronectins, and its potential role of as a “molecular timer” for generating new binding sites for integrins impli-cated in angiogenesis.
Complete nucleotide sequence of the Cryptomeria japonicaD. Don. chloroplast genome and comparative chloroplast genomics: diversified genomic structure of coniferous species
Authors: Hirao Tomonori , Watanabe Atsushi , Kurita Manabu , Kondo Teiji , Takata Katsuhiko 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The recent determination of complete chloroplast (cp) genomic sequences of various plant species has enabled numerous comparative analyses as well as advances in plant and genome evolutionary studies. In angiosperms, the complete cp genome sequences of about 70 species have been determined, whereas those of only three gymnosperm species, Cycas taitungensis, Pinus thunbergii, and Pinus koraiensis have been established. The lack of information regarding the gene content and genomic structure of gymnosperm cp genomes may severely hamper further progress of plant and cp genome evolutionary studies. To address this need, we report here the complete nucleotide sequence of the cp genome of Cryptomeria japonica, the first in the Cupressaceae sensu lato of gymnosperms, and provide a comparative analysis of their gene content and genomic structure that illustrates the unique genomic features of gymnosperms.

Results
The C. japonica cp genome is 131,810 bp in length, with 112 single copy genes and two duplicated (trnI-CAU, trnQ-UUG) genes that give a total of 116 genes. Compared to other land plant cp genomes, the C. japonica cp has lost one of the relevant large inverted repeats (IRs) found in angiosperms, fern, liverwort, and gymnosperms, such as Cycas and Gingko, and additionally has completely lost its trnR-CCG, partially lost its trnT-GGU, and shows diversification of accD. The genomic structure of the C. japonica cp genome also differs significantly from those of other plant species. For example, we estimate that a minimum of 15 inversions would be required to transform the gene organization of the Pinus thunbergii cp genome into that of C. japonica. In the C. japonica cp genome, direct repeat and inverted repeat sequences are observed at the inversion and translocation endpoints, and these sequences may be associated with the genomic rearrangements.

Conclusion
The observed differences in genomic structure between C. japonica and other land plants, including pines, strongly support the theory that the large IRs stabilize the cp genome. Furthermore, the deleted large IR and the numerous genomic rearrangements that have occurred in the C. japonica cp genome provide new insights into both the evolutionary lineage of coniferous species in gymnosperm and the evolution of the cp genome.
The Anal Fistula Plug versus the mucosal advancement flap for the treatment of Anorectal Fistula (PLUG trial)
Authors: van Koperen Paul J , Bemelman Willem A , Bossuyt Patrick MM , Gerhards Michael F , Eijsbouts Quirijn AJ , van Tets Willem F , Janssen Lucas WM , Dijkstra F Robert , van Dalsen Annette D , Slors J Frederik M 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Low transsphincteric fistulas less than 1/3 of the sphincter complex are easy to treat by fistulotomy with a high success rate. High transsphincteric fistulas remain a surgical challenge. Various surgical procedures are available, but recurrence rates of these techniques are disappointingly high. The mucosal flap advancement is considered the gold standard for the treatment of high perianal fistula of cryptoglandular origin by most colorectal surgeons. In the literature a recurrence rate between 0 and 63% is reported for the mucosal flap advancement. Recently Armstrong and colleagues reported on a new biologic anal fistula plug, a bioabsorbable xenograft made of lyophilized porcine intestinal submucosa. Their prospective series of 15 patients with high perianal fistula treated with the anal fistula plug showed promising results.
The anal fistula plug trial is designed to compare the anal fistula plug with the mucosal flap advancement in the treatment of high perianal fistula in terms of success rate, continence, postoperative pain, and quality of life.

Methods/design
The PLUG trial is a randomized controlled multicenter trial. Sixty patients with high perianal fistulas of cryptoglandular origin will be randomized to either the fistula plug or the mucosal advancement flap. Study parameters will be anorectal fistula closure-rate, continence, post-operative pain, and quality of life. Patients will be followed-up at two weeks, four weeks, and 16 weeks. At the final follow-up closure rate is determined by clinical examination by a surgeon blinded for the intervention.

Discussion
Before broadly implementing the anal fistula plug results of randomized trials using the plug should be awaited. This randomized controlled trial comparing the anal fistula plug and the mucosal advancement flap should provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the anal fistula plug in the treatment of high perianal fistulas.

Trial registration

ISRCTN: 97376902
Double vs single internal thoracic artery harvesting in diabetic patients: role in perioperative infection rate
Authors: Agrifoglio Marco , Trezzi Matteo , Barili Fabio , Dainese Luca , Cheema Faisal H , Topkara Veli K , Ghislandi Chiara , Parolari Alessandro , Polvani Gianluca , Alamanni Francesco , Biglioli Paolo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the role in the onset of surgical site infections of bilateral internal thoracic arteries harvesting in patients with decompensated preoperative glycemia.

Methods
81 consecutive patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus underwent elective CABG harvesting single or double internal thoracic arteries. Single left ITA was harvested in 41 patients (Group 1, 50.6%), BITAs were harvested in 40 (Group 2, 49.4%). The major clinical end points analyzed in this study were infection rate, type of infection, duration of infection, infection relapse rate and total hospital length of stay.

Results
Five patients developed sternal SSI in the perioperative period, 2 in group 1 and 3 in group 2 without significant difference. All sternal SSIs were superficial with no sternal dehiscence. The development of infection from the time of surgery took 18.5 ± 2.1 and 7.3 ± 3.0 days for Groups 1 and 2 respectively. The infections were treated with wound irrigation and debridement, and with VAC therapy as well as with antibiotics. The VAC system was removed after a mean of 12.8 ± 5.1 days, when sterilization was achieved. The overall survival estimate at 1 year was 98.7%. Only BMI was a significant predictor of SSI using multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis (Odds Ratio: 1.34; 95%Conficdence Interval: 1.02–1.83; p value: 0.04). In the model, the use of BITA was not an independent predictor of SSI.

Conclusion
CABG with bilateral pedicled ITAs grafting could be performed safely even in diabetics with poor preoperative glycaemic control.
Influence of the Work Function of Chemically Modified Indium–Tin–Oxide Electrodes on the Open-circuit Voltage of Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Sarangerel Khayankhyarvaa , Ganzorig Chimed , Fujihira Masamichi , Sakomura Masaru , Ueda Kazuyoshi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
To understand the origin of the open-circuit voltage of heterojunction photovoltaic (HJ-PV) cells with small-molecular-weight organic thin films, HJ-PV cells with ITO/donor (20 nm)/fullerene (40 nm)/bathocuproine (10 nm)/Al were studied using three kinds of donors and four types ITOs with different work functions.
Photoreduction of 1,2-Diarylcyclopropanes by Hydroxide Ion
Authors: Yoshimi Yasuharu , Wada Naohisa , Sasamoto Koichi , Itou Tatsuya , Hatanaka Minoru 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The photoreduction of 1,2-diarylcyclopropanes 1 by NaOH yielded the corresponding 1,3-diarylpropanes 2 in i-PrOH. The efficiency of the photoreduction was dependent on the electron deficiency of 1 and the excitation wavelength, solvent, and additive. This is a rare example of a cyclopropane serving as an electron acceptor to afford a reduction product.
Extended Pummerer Reaction of Arylketene Dithioacetal Monoxides with Aromatic Compounds by Means of Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride
Authors: Yoshida Suguru , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Extended Pummerer reaction of arylketene dithioacetal monoxides with aromatic compounds by means of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride proceeded in moderate to good yields. In the case of intramolecular cyclization of (2-arylphenyl)ketene dithioacetal monoxides, phenanthrenes were obtained via ring-closure and skeletal rearrangement.
Continuous Supercritical Low-temperature Methanol Synthesis with n-Butane as a Supercritical Fluid
Authors: Reubroycharoen Prasert , Bao Jun , Zhang Yi , Tsubaki Noritatsu 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A process of supercritical low-temperature methanol synthesis from syngas containing CO2 was carried out at 443 K and 60 bar. The 2-butanol and n-butane was used as catalytic solvent and supercritical medium, respectively. The results showed that the total carbon conversion, especially the CO2 conversion of the methanol synthesis was increased significantly under the supercritical condition.
Iron Salt-cataltzed Multipoint Alkylation of Pyrrole with Vinyl Ketones
Authors: Kawatsura Motoi , Fujiwara Masamune , Uehara Hiroyuki , Nomura Shun , Hayase Shuichi , Itoh Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Pyrrole reacted with vinyl ketones in the presence of 3 mol % of iron(II) tetrafluoroborate or alumina-supported iron(III) perchlorate to give multipoint-alkylated products in good yield. Most notably, 4,5-dialkylated 2-acetylpyrrole was obtained in good yield when 2-acetylpyrrole was allowed to react with an excess amount of vinyl ketones.
High Electroconductivity of Wood Char Obtained by Iron-catalyzed Carbonization
Authors: Suzuki Tsutomu , Matsuzaki Hiroshi , Suzuki Kyoko , Saito Yukie , Yasui Sei-ichi , Okazaki Noriyasu , Yamada Tetsuo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A disk specimen prepared from char obtained by carbonizing 3 wt % iron-loaded larch at 850 °C was superior and comparable to those from acetylene black and Ketjenblack, respectively, in electroconductivity. Subsequent soaking of the wood char in a diluted acid for removal of the metal led to improvement in the quality to surpass the level of Ketjenblack. Also, the carbonization with 3 wt % iron at 850 °C was more effective than that with 2 wt % nickel at 900 °C for enhancing the conductivity. The more favorable catalysis of iron can be elucidated by the formation of finer nanocarbon particles with higher mesoporosity to compensate for the less crystallinity.
Iron(II) Chloride-mediated Addition of Dialkylmagnesium to Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Sada Mutsumi , Matsubara Seijiro 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Addition reactions to carbonyl compounds with a complex reagent, prepared from organomagnesium and iron(II) chloride, were examined. The reagent works as effective nucleophile to an easily enolizable ketone such as β-tetralone; it also added to keto ester chemoselectively.
Being seen within 48 hours – what do patients think?
Authors: Handy Pauline , White Jill , Sankar K N 
Published: June 2008

Summary A questionnaire survey of 1000 patients was carried out to determine the proportion of patients attending a large genitourinary medicine department in Newcastle upon Tyne who wish to be seen within 48 hours. The Department of Health target for patients offered an appointment within 48 hours is 100%. Its target for the proportion of patients seen within 48 hours is 95%. Patients were surveyed to ascertain their preference about waiting times for appointments within the clinic. In total, only 33% stated that they wished always to be seen within the government's target of 48 hours.
Patient-delivered partner therapy in the UK: what do patients think?
Authors: Shivasankar Sivapatham , Challenor Rachel , Ekanayaka Ratna 
Published: June 2008

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of genitourinary (GU) medicine patients attending a mixed urban/rural clinic who would welcome patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) as a partner management option. Five hundred patients completed the questionnaire. Acceptability of traditional partner referral was 87% (435), partner referral with infection specific guidance was 82% (411) and PDPT was 81% (405). Significantly fewer patients, 71% (354) would find a partner home sampling kit acceptable and provider referral was the least popular option at 23% (117). PDPT is not used in the UK mainly due to concerns of health professionals regarding the legal status of PDPT and the lack of UK evidence. The outcome of the Medical Research Council randomized controlled trial on accelerated partner therapy (which fits in with General Medical Council advice on remote prescribing) is eagerly awaited as professionals would welcome evidence-based guidance and our study suggests that patients are willing to consider this form of partner management as an additional treatment option.
Genital piercing in association with gonorrhoea, chlamydia and warts
Authors: Hounsfield Victoria , Davies Stephen C 
Published: June 2008

Summary A 26-year-old heterosexual man presented with urethral discharge and penile oedema, two days after having a Reverse Prince Albert penile ring replaced. Clinically, he also had genital warts at the piercing tract openings. Investigations revealed positive chlamydial and gonococcal infection of the urethra. The gonococcal isolate was found to be highly resistant to antibiotics and the genotype matched an isolate only once previously recorded in the international database. We discuss how the genital piercing might have affected this patient's multiple infections, the possible contribution of genital piercing to the penile oedema, as well as potential anatomical spread of warts associated with a genital piercing.
Management of survivors of sexual assault within genitourinary medicine
Authors: Forbes K M , Day M , Vaze U , Sampson K , Forster G 
Published: June 2008

Summary Survivors of sexual assault can access treatment and care within genitourinary (GU) medicine services by attending walk-in, booked or a dedicated clinic. Haven Whitechapel the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides a forensic and aftercare service. A team was set up to ensure efficient communication and clear referral pathways between the centres. This service was audited after eight months of joint working. A retrospective case note review of women attending between August and March 2007 was undertaken. Sixty-nine women were referred to the dedicated clinic. Vaginal rape was reported by 80% of the women. Offer of forensic medical examination documented in 71% presenting within the forensic timeframe. Emergency contraception was offered to 75% of the women. HIV-acquisition risk was documented in 70%. Seventy-eight percent had a sexually transmitted infection screen at their first visit. An HIV test was done to 41% of the women; all were found to be negative. Sixty-two percent women attended follow-up. GU medicine staff should receive specific training in sexual assault. We recommend that GU medicine services and SARC work in partnership to improve the care of victims of sexual assault who access general GU medicine services.
UK National Audit of Chlamydial Infection Management in Sexual Health Clinics. Case notes audit: demography, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: McClean Hugo , Carne Chris , Bunting Paul , Bhaduri Sumit , Fernandes Arnold , Dhar Jyoti , Estreich Steve , Daniels David 
Published: June 2008

Summary The case notes of cases of genital chlamydial infection were audited against the UK National Guideline. This was the first web-based and the largest national audit to date, with 193 clinics in all UK Regions contributing data. About half of all cases had no symptoms, with about one-third attending for routine or asymptomatic screens; suggesting significant provision of screening by clinics that might be managed differently to reduce workload. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are now well established for chlamydial detection in UK clinics, with 93% of cases having genital NAATs. Azithromycin is now more commonly used than doxycycline (54% vs. 37%). Of 26 pregnant women, 20 were treated with azithromycin, suggesting that most prescribers treating pregnant women consider that erythromycin is not an adequate alternative to azithromycin. Most women had NAATs obtained from sites recommended by the Guideline, with 93% of women who had genital NAATs having these from the cervix or vulvovaginal area.
The Penrose hypothesis in 2004: Patient and prisoner numbers are positively correlated in low‐and‐middle income countries but are unrelated in high‐income countries
Authors: Large Matthew M. , Nielssen Olav. 
Published: June 2008

Objective. To examine the relationship between the numbers of psychiatric hospital beds and prisoners using recent statistics.Design. An analysis of published data from 158 countries.Methods. Multiple linear regression techniques were used to examine the relationship between per capita measures of income and numbers of psychiatric hospital beds and the dependant variable of per capita prison populations, in high and low‐and‐middle‐income countries.Results. Prison and psychiatric populations were positively correlated in low‐and‐middle‐income countries. There was no relationship between the number of psychiatric hospital beds and prison populations in high‐income countries.Conclusions. In low‐and‐middle income countries the association between prison and psychiatric hospital populations may depend on the ability of governments to pay for custodial institutions as well as differences in cultural attitudes towards abnormal and criminal behaviour. In high‐income (HI) countries psychiatric and prison populations are not related and probably determined by separate social and political factors.
Characterization of the humoral immune response to islet antigen 2 in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Authors: Mäkinen Anna , Härkönen Taina , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , _ _ 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveTo characterize the humoral immune response to islet antigen 2 (IA-2) in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D), we compared the profile of epitope- and isotype-specific IA-2 antibodies (IA-2A) between children with a humoral immune response restricted to IA-2 and children with a broad response including insulin autoantibodies (IAA) and antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) in addition to IA-2A.MethodsThe study subjects (n=100) were derived from a consecutive series of 1108 patients from the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register (investigators listed in the Appendix). Islet cell antibodies, IAA, GADA, total IA-2A levels, IA-2/IA-2β epitopes, and isotypes were measured, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes were analyzed.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in the frequency or levels of epitope-specific IA-2A. Those with an IA-2-restrictive response tested positive more frequently for IgA-IA-2A (P=0.001), had higher titers of IgE-IA-2A (P=0.025), tested positive for more IA-2A isotypes than the broad responders (P=0.04), and carried the high-riskHLA-(DR4)-DQB1*0302haplotype more frequently than those with a broad antibody response (P=0.019).ConclusionsThese data show that children with newly diagnosed T1D, who test positive only for IA-2A out of the three molecular antibodies predictive of T1D, have a broader IA-2-specific isotype response and stronger association with the high-risk HLA haplotype than those testing positive for all three molecular antibodies. This may be indicative of a different pathogenetic mechanism in those with their humoral immune response restricted to IA-2 at the time of diagnosis.