bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term effects of radioiodine on thyrotrophin receptor antibodies in Graves' disease
Authors: Alzawa Yoshihiko , Yoshida Katsumi , Kaise Nobuko , Kaise Kazuro , Fukazawa Hiroshi , Kiso Yoshinori , Mori Kouki , Sayama Noriyo , Kikuchi Kyo , Abe Keishi 
Published: March 2008

SummaryOBJECTIVE Graves' disease is recognized as an organ‐specific autoimmune disorder caused by the presence of TSH receptor antibodies. The long‐term effects of 131I treatment for Graves' disease on TSH receptor antibodies have not previously been studied. We have measured the TSH‐binding Inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) Index and thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) activity in patients with Graves' disease following treatment with 131I.DESIGN A retrospective study.PATIENTS Two hundred and twenty‐five patients with Graves' disease who were treated with 131I 1–13 years earlier were studied (1 year: 27 patients; 2–5 years: 42 patients; 6–9 years: 79 patients; 10–13 years: 77 patients).MEASUREMENTS The TBII index was measured as the percentage 125I‐TSH bound to pig thyroid membranes and TSAb activity as the amount of cAMP produced by cultured FRTL‐5 cells.RESULTS TBII was detected in 78% of patients prior to 131I administration. Following 131I administration, the Incidence of positive TBII was 85% at the end of the first year decreasing to 40,19 and 17% at 2–5,6–9 and 10–13 years, respectively. The frequency of a positive TSAb was 74% at the end of the first year, and also decreased to 49, 27 and 29% at 2–5, 6–9 and 10–13 years, respectively. At more than 2 years after 131I therapy, the frequencies of hyperthyroidism In TBII and TSAb positive patients were 42% (19/45) and 30% (19/63), respectively, which were significantly higher than those In TBII and TSAb negative patients (8%: 12/153 and 8%:11/131, respectively). The frequency of hyperthyroidism after 131I treatment in patients with negative TBII before treatment (7%: 2/29) was significantly lower than that (29%: 30/102) In patients with positive TBII before treatment.CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that (1) the TBII Index and TSAb activity decreased over a period of more than 2 years after 131I therapy for Graves' disease, and (2) the TBII index before treatment may influence the long‐term outcome of 131I therapy.
The growth and cardiovascular effects of high dose growth hormone therapy in idiopathic short stature
Authors: Barton J. S. , Gardiner H. M. , Cullen S. , Hindmarsh P. C. , Brook C. G. D. , Preece M. A. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryOBJECTIVE It Is possible that high dose GH treatment may have beneficial effects on growth but important adverse effects on cardiac function. We have therefore Investigated the efficacy and cardiovascular effects of high dose biosynthetic human GH (r‐hGH) treatment in children with idiopathic short stature and a normal pretreatment height velocity.STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled study.PATIENTS Twenty‐nine short (height SDS <1.5), normally growing (height velocity SDS >−1.5), prepubertal children referred to two specialist growth clinics.INTERVENTIONS Children were randomly assigned to an observation group or to receive ‘standard’ (20IU/m2/ week) or ‘high’ (40 IU/m2/week) dose r‐hGH by dally subcutaneous injection. At the end of 1 year the observation group were randomly assigned to ‘standard’ or ‘high’ dose r‐hGH therapy for the second year of the study. Regular growth, biochemical and echocardiographic monitoring were performed throughout the study period.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change In height velocity, HtSDS for bone age (HtSDSBA), left ventricular mass Index (LVMI) and left ventricular function (fractional shortening) during 2 years treatment.RESULTS Twenty‐seven children completed the study. Ht velocity SDS Increased with r‐hGH therapy In a dose dependent fashion. First‐year height velocity SDS was +5.7 in the high dose r‐hGH group compared with +2.7 in the standard dose r‐hGH group and −0.5 In the observation group (P < 0.001). In those children treated for 2 years HtSDSBA was −0.5 In the high dose group but had not changed significantly In the standard dose group (−1.7) (P= 0.01).After one year r‐hGH treatment LVMI was 71g/m2 (observation group), 73g/m2 (20 IU/m2/week group) and 74g/m2 (40 IU7m2/week group) (P= 0.77). LVMI Increased significantly from baseline to 76 g/m2 after 2 years therapy with 40 IU/m2/week r‐hGH (P= 004) but nevertheless remained within the normal range. Fractional shortening did not change significantly over 2 years of r‐hGH therapy.CONCLUSIONS High dose (40 IU/m2/week) r‐hGH treatment of children with idiopathic short stature resulted in a greater short‐term acceleration In growth rate than ‘standard’ dose therapy without an excessive advance In skeletal maturity and probably represents the optimal growth promoting dose for short, normally growing children. Whether continued high dose r‐hGH therapy increases final height requires further study. Left ventricular morphology and function remained within the normal range during r‐hGH therapy but regular monitoring of cardiovascular status should continue In non‐GHD children receiving r‐hGH in high doses over a longer time period.
A single sleeping midnight cortisol has 100% sensitivity for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Newell‐Price John , Trainer Peter , Perry Les , Wass John , Grossman Ashley , Besser Michael 
Published: March 2008

SummaryOBJECTIVE The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome remains a major challenge in clinical endocrinology. Various screening tests are commonly used to support a biochemical diagnosis in the context of clinical suspicion. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome of a single in‐patient sleeping midnight cortisol to a standard 48‐hour in‐patient low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) during the same admission.DESIGN A retrospective analysis was performed on 150 patients Investigated in our department between the years 1970 and 1994 with a confirmed diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.PATIENTS One hundred and fifty patients with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome were analysed: 110 with Cushing's disease; 12 with tumours with ectopic ACTH secretion; 8 with ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome of so far undetermined origin; 17 with cortisol secreting adrenal tumours; 3 with adrenocortical nodular hyper‐plasia. Twenty normal volunteers and nine patients with non‐endocrine conditions were also investigated as controls.MEASUREMENTS Plasma cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in the 122 patients presenting after 1980, and by fluorimetry prlor to this date.RESULTS In all the control subjects the sleeping midnight cortisol was < 50 nmol/l, below the lowest standard of the routine In‐house RIA. In every patient with Cushing's syndrome the sleeping midnight cortisol was detectable with a value greater than 50 nmol/l, with a range of 70–2000 nmol/l. In contrast, in three cases, all of whom had proven Cushing's disease on histology, there was uncharacteristic complete suppression of plasma cortisol to < 50 nmol/l following the LDDST.CONCLUSION In this series of 150 cases, a single in‐patient sleeping midnight cortisol above 50 nmol/l had a 100% sensitivity for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, clearly different from normal subjects. in contrast, the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test had a sensitivity of 98% even when the drug was administered as an in‐patient. We recommend that a low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test should not be used alone for confirmation of Cushing's syndrome since it may miss 2% of cases.
Classification of the spoilage flora offish, with special reference toShewanella putrefaciens
Authors: Stenström I.‐M. , Molin G. 
Published: March 2008

One hundred and fifty‐nine Gram‐negative strains isolated from refrigerated fish, taken from the Baltic Sea or Swedish inland waters, together with 32 reference strains ofShewanella, Pseudomonas, AeromonasandAlcaligenes, were phenotypically classified using 124 unit characters. Data were processed by the Simple Matching (SSM) and Jaccard (SJ) coefficients, and unweighted pair group algorithm with arithmetic averages. Fourteen clusters were defined at the 75% SJsimilarity level which correspond to the SSMlevel of 86%. SJ‐based clusters containing field strains were designatedPseudomonas fragi(cluster 1; 31% of the field strains),Ps. lundensis(cluster 2; 2% of the field strains),Ps. fluorescensbiovar III (cluster 4; 4% of the field strains),Ps. putidabiovar A (cluster 5; 3% of the field strains),Ps. fluorescens/putida(clusters 3 and 6; 6% of the field strains),Psychrobacter(clusters 8 and 9; 3% of the field strains),Shewanella putrefaciens(clusters 10, 11, 12 and 13; 44% of the field strains) andAer. sobria(cluster 14; 6% of the field strains, all isolated from fresh water fish). Each field strain represented the spoilage flora of refrigerated fish at a total aerobic count of about 108cfu/g.Phenotypic characteristics of major clusters are given. The fourS. putrefaciensclusters may be separated by key characteristics.Shewanella putrefaciensATCC 8071Tand reference strains from sources other than fish, did not group in any of the clusters. The mol % guanine + cytosine content was on average 47.6 for cluster 10, and 45.3 for cluster 13.
The presence of a showy invasive plant disrupts pollinator service and reproductive output in native alpine species only at high densities
Authors: Muñoz Alejandro A. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. 
Published: March 2008

Summary

Alien invasive plants possessing attractive flowers can affect the interactions between native plants and their pollinators. The few studies conducted so far have reported positive, negative and neutral effects of the presence of an invasive species on the pollinator visitation rates and seed output of native species. However, the role played by the density of the alien species has been seldom explored.
While high densities of the invasive species can negatively effect the pollinator visitation rates and seed output of the native species, due to sequestration of pollinators by the invasive species, at lower densities the invasive can attract pollinators that otherwise would not visit patches of native species, positively affecting their reproduction.
Using observations and pollinator exclusions at a site at 2800 m altitude in the central Chilean Andes, we show that the alien herb Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), possessing showy floral capitula, shares pollinators to a high degree (> 90%) with two co‐occurring native Asteraceae: Hypochaeris thrincioides and Perezia carthamoides. Pollinator exclusion indicated that both natives are highly dependent on insect visitation to produce seeds.
Using manipulative supplemental hand‐pollination and experiments, where we varied the density of T. officinale, we determined that seed output in H. thrincioides and P. carthamoides is pollen‐limited and that its magnitude is not affected by the presence of the exotic. Further, while the presence of one individual of T. officinale around focal native individuals showed neutral or facilitative effects on pollinator service or seed output in the two native species, the presence of five individuals of T. officinale negatively affected these reproductive variables.
Synthesis. Our results suggest that the effects of the presence of alien invasive plant species with attractive flowers vary with their density. This demonstrates the need to experimentally test for the potential impacts of introduced species at different densities before prematurely coming to conclusions regarding their assumed negative or positive effects in native ecosystems.
ON THE CEREBRAL METABOLISM OF HEXOSAMINE IN NORMAL ADULTS AND SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
Authors: Ejima T. , Tanaka Z. , Kikuchi J. , Yoshida T. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe experimental results described hitherto are summirized as follows:1. In 17 normal healthy persons and 47 schizophrenic patients, the serum hesosamine content in the blood samples drawn from A. carocis int., V. jugularis int. and V. mediana cubiti was measured spectrophotometrically by the modified method of Elson and Morgan by Blix.2. In the normal male subjects the hexosamine content averaged 85.4 mg% in the serum from A. carotis int., 87.8 mg% in the serum from V. jugularis int. and 93.6 mg% in the serum from V. mediana cubiti, while in the normal female subjects it averaged 88.1, 90.4 and 96.2 mg%, respectively. The average value of the hexosamine content in each serum was always larger in the female subjects than in the male.3. In 35 acute cases of the schizophrenic patients, the hexosmine content averaged 96.3 mg% in the serum from A. carotis int., 95.5mg% in the same from V. jugularis int. and 95.3 mg% in that from V. mediana cubiti, while in 12 chronic cases it averaged 92.7, 93.1 and 94.9 mg%, respectively. In all the schizophrenic subjects it averaged 95.7, 95.6 and 95.5 mg%, respectively. In the schizophrenic subjects as well as in the normal subjects, the average value of the hexosamine content in each of three kinds of sera was larger in the female cases than in the male.4. All the average values of the hexosamine content in the schizophrenic subjects, inclusive of the acute and the chronic cases, fell within the range of distribution of it in the normal subjects. In the schizophrenic subjects, however, the hexosamine content in the serum from A. carotis int., that in the serum from V. jugularis int. and that in the serum from V. mediana cubiti were nearly equal to each other, unlike those in the normal subjects and, therefore, their correlaton was horizontal. This horizontal correlation formed a striking contrast to that in the normal subjects, which showed a tendency increasing step by step. This point was thought to be a pathological finding characteristic of schizophrenina. This fact stood firm as well, though, Hambur ger's phenomenon was taken into consideration.
UBER DIE HISTOCHEMISCHEN UNTERSUCHUNG DFS VITAMIN B1 IM ZENTRALEN NERVENSYSTEM (II) VERTEILUNG BEI INSULINKOMA
Authors: Iizuka Von Reiji , Takeda Tamotu , Tanabe Masskazu , Suwa Nozomi 
Published: March 2008

ZuummenfueungDie Verändexungen der Verteilungen der Vitamin B1‐Pyrophosphoxäure, d k bei den vom Insulinkoma hervorgebrachten Stoffwecheelstiirungen entstanden sind, wurden histochemisch untersucht. Die f i r die Experimente ausgewtihlten Hunde wurden unter verschiedener Dauer und Zahl des Komas in den Insulinshockzustand versetzt.Vitamin B1‐PyrophosphoISure im Gehirn. teilweise in den Grosshimrindennerveellen, vermehrt sich im Friihstadium des in sulinkomas, um sich danach mit der Zeit allmiihlich zu vermindern.Die Neigung zu dieser letzten Versnderung ist nicht nur bei den Grosshirnrindennervenzellen, sondern auch an den Purkin jexhen Zellen und an Nervenzellen der Basalganglien erkennbar aus diesen Erscheinungen kann man an die Moglichkeit denken, dass eine gewisse Anzahl von Nervenzellen in der Grosshirnrinde beim Initialstadium des Insulinkomas voriibergehend irgendeinen erhohten Kohlenhydratstoff wechselprozess zeigte. Infolge der wiederholten Insulinkoma kann eine Ver2Lnderung von Verbrauch oder der Zufuhr an Vitamin B1‐Pyrophosphorslure im Gehirn auftreten.Die Verteilung des Vitamin BI‐Pyrophosphors2ure in den Grosshirnrindennervenzellen und Pwrk in jeschen Zellen konnten den Gedanken recht haben lassen, dass die Funktionszustiinde oder Aktivitiitszusande der Fermentsysteme keinesfalls gleich sind dagegen die Nervenzellen in diesen Gehirnteilen ihre verschiedenen Stoffwechselprozesse durchmachenwarden.
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF 4‐HYDROXYBUTYRATE SODIUM AND 4‐BUTYROLACTONE IN NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS
Authors: Tanaka Zenryu , Mukai Akira , Takayanagi Yoshiji , Muto Akira , Mikami Yoshihiko , Miyakoshi Takashi , Araya Michimi , Ohdaira Tsunemoto , Aizawa Hirokuni 
Published: March 2008

Summary4‐hydroxybutyrate sodium (HB) and/or 4‐butyrolactone (BL) were applied orally or intravenously to 288 neuropsychiatric patients and 9 normal adults.The results obtained were as follows:1. In 9 normal adults to whom 1 to 8 gm of the drugs were administered, no serious changes were observed in respiration, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. However, when more than 5 gm were given, there were somniferous, muscle relaxing and sedative effects.2. These compounds showed remarkable sedative, somniferous, muscle relaxing, anesthetic effects and had a regulating effect on psychosis in neuropsychiatric patients.3. The relationship between the somniferous effect and dosage was studied in patients aged from 1.5 to 71 years.4. A wide spectrum of their clinical application was emphasized and future clinical application was suggested. The side‐effects of these compounds were also discussed.
Eye Movement as an Indicator of Brain Function
Authors: Kojima Takuya , Shimazono Yasuo , Ichise Kunihiro , Atsumi Yoshikata , Ando Harunobu , Ando Katsumi 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The level of consciousness between the alert and drowsy states was classified into four stages (Alert, Resting I, Resting II, Drowsy) by studying three factors of the EEG patterns on 23 normal subjects. The eye movements recorded by electro‐oculograph were divided into two groups, i.e. rapid eye movements (R type, r type) and slow eye movements (S type, s type). The occurrence of each type of eye movements was confirmed to change in close correspondence to the stages of consciousness.The eye movements on 43 cases with a disturbance of consciousness by metabolic disease were recorded longitudinally according to clinical states. The S type movements were predominantly observed in a state of clouding of consciousness, while the R type and R‐S type were observed in a delirious state.
The Diurnal Variation and Response to Dexamethasone Suppression Test of Saliva Cortisol Level in Autistic Children
Authors: Hoshino Yoshihiko , Yokoyama Fujio , Watanabe Makoto , Murata Shigeo , Kaneko Motohisa , Kumashiro Hisashi 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: In order to examine the function of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA‐axis) in autistic children, the diurnal rhythm of saliva Cortisol and the response of Cortisol to the DST was investigated using saliva samples.

The plasma and saliva Cortisol levels showed a positive correlation in normal healthy adults. Moreover, the saliva Cortisol level exhibited a similar diurnal rhythm and DST response as did the plasma Cortisol level.
The saliva Cortisol level in normal children showed a similar diurnal rhythm and DST response as that in normal healthy adults.
Some children with infantile autism showed an abnormal diurnal rhythm or DST response for saliva Cortisol. Moreover, the latter abnormality was observed more frequently in poorly‐developed cases than in highly‐developed cases.
These results suggest that the negative feedback mechanism of the HPA‐axis may be disturbed in autistic children, especially the poorly‐developed cases, owing to a disorder inthe regulation by serotonin metabolism.
Diagnostic use of daytime polysomnography versus nocturnal polysomnography in sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: MIZUMA HIKARI , SONNENSCHEIN WIELAND , MEIER‐EWERT KARLHEINZ 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe usefulness of daytime polysomnography (DPSG) in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is examined. Diagnostic use was investigated by conducting DPSG of two different time periods (Group M, 11.00–14.00 h, and Group A, 15.00–18.00 h). The subjects were 30 patients (28 men and two women; mean age, 54.0 years). Nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) and DPSG were investigated by comparing indices of sleep, apnea index (AI) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). There was no significant difference among these indices but there was a significant positive correlation between NPSG and DPSG in all variables related to sleep apnea. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the frequency of each type of apnea between NPSG and DPSG in either group. These findings suggest that DPSG is useful not only in diagnosing SAS but in evaluating its severity.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND AUSTRALIAN ENGAGEMENT WITH ASIA
Authors: Turner Mark 
Published: March 2008

Public Administration in Asia and the Pacific: Survey of Teaching and Research in Twelve Countries. Edited by Ledivina Caring Administrative Reform Towards Productivity in Bureaucratic Performance. Edited by Zhang Zhijian, Raul P. De Guzman And Mila A. Reforma Politics and Administration in Changing Societies: Essays in Honour of Professor Fred W. Riggs. Edited by Ramesh K. Arora
Computer‐Based Performance Information for Executives in Local Government
Authors: Hasan Helen , Hasan Suzanne 
Published: March 2008

Performance information is crucial to effective management. Computer‐based information systems (CBIS) now play a significant role in the effective delivery of information to senior managers. Executive information systems (EIS) are emerging as popular tools to assist organisations in their strategic decision‐making processes. This trend has spread from the private to the public sector, and is now evident in Australian government organizationsThis article draws on the findings of a survey into the uses and benefits of CBIS and EIS, from a sample of Australian local government organisations. The study shows that lessons from the private sector are being heeded by system developers in public organisations, leading to successful EIS projects, or at least improved CBIS. The study indicates that EIS, which were originally developed for profit‐oriented private companies, are now seen as appropriate for many public sector organisations, providing effective delivery of information to senior managers. Survey results indicate that improved information systems give executives a more accurate picture of their organisation's performance and so provide support for improved strategic decision‐making. In addition, EIS are seen by respondents as offering significant benefits not only to managers but also to the rest of the organization.
Viability of AS‐3 and SAG‐M red cells stored in plastic syringes for pediatric transfusion
Authors: Podlosky Linda , Poirier Amanda , Nahirniak Susan , Clarke Gwen , Acker Jason P. 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients may require small‐volume transfusions necessitating splitting of red cell (RBC) units. This process usually involves temporary storage of aliquots in pediatric blood bags or, in some cases, plastic syringes, until they are transfused. While many studies have been published on the efficacy of storage in blood bags, there is little evidence to show that RBCs are safe and effective for transfusion after separation into plastic syringe aliquots.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donor RBC units, stored in either SAG‐M (n = 10) or AS‐3 additive (n = 11), were split into transfer bags and plastic syringes and stored at either 4°C or room temperature (RT). Half of the aliquots were also irradiated at 25 Gy. RBCs were monitored after 0, 4, and 24 hours of storage with the following variables to assess cellular function and viability: adenosine triphosphate, percent hemolysis, hematocrit, pH, lactate dehydrogenase, extracellular potassium, sodium, and RBC indices.RESULTS: There was no difference found between irradiated and nonirradiated aliquots or aliquots stored in the refrigerator versus those stored at RT. Significant differences between aliquots stored in approved transfer bags and those stored in syringes were not identified.CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation and storage of aliquoted RBCs demonstrated expected but not significant changes in the in vitro variables. Storage for up to 24 hours in syringes does not have a greater detrimental effect on RBCs than storage in transfer bags, making products stored in either container safe for transfusion to pediatric patients.