bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between baseline allergens and polysensitization
Authors: Carlsen Berit Christina , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Identification of patients at risk of developing polysensitization is not possible at present. An association between weak sensitizers and polysensitization has been hypothesized.Objectives:  To examine associations of 21 allergens in the European baseline series to polysensitization.Patients/Methods:  From a database‐based study with 14 998 patients patch tested with the European baseline series between 1985 and 2005, a group of 759 (5.1%) patients were polysensitized. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the relative contribution of each allergen to polysensitization.Results:  Seven allergens – parabens mix, N‐isopropyl‐N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine, sesquiterpene lactone mix, wool alcohols, potassium dichromate, Myroxylon pereirae, and cobalt chloride – showed statistically significant positive associations to polysensitization. Five allergens p‐phenylenediamine, neomycin sulfate, epoxy resin, primin, and nickel sulfate showed statistically significant negative associations to polysensitization. For the allergens with the strongest associations, only every second individual with these particular allergies had two or more additional allergies.Conclusions:  No common denominator for the association between the allergens and the polysensitization was apparent, and any association, whether positive or negative, was relatively low. Based on these results, sensitization to specific baseline allergens cannot be used as risk indicators for polysensitization.
Current controversies in perinatal steroid therapy
Authors: Eventov‐Friedman S , Shinwell ES 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFew therapies in perinatal medicine have created as much controversy as corticosteroids. Despite five decades of extensive research and practice, major areas of uncertainty remain. In this article, we review the most current evidence on both antenatal and postnatal therapy.Conclusion: Overall, it is clear that we must continue to investigate the most appropriate doses of the ideal preparation in the most appropriate target populations before we can let the steroid issues rest.
Quality of care of VLBW neonates: relationship between unit volume and outcome is different between metropolitan and rural regions
Authors: Jochum F , Schmidt B , Schunk K , Hesse V , Distler B , Laske G , V.Moers A , Dombrowsky M , Elling D , Kentenich H , Mendling W , Untch M , Grüning T , Abou‐Dakn M 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: Recent studies from predominantly rural areas in Germany show that neonatal outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates is (on average) inferior with lower NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) volume. However, there are no data available which show that study results of one specific region can be transferred to other areas with possibly different medical infrastructure and needs.Aim: It was investigated whether a systematic difference of treatment quality between smaller (1000–2000 births/year; ≤20 neonatal beds) vs. larger neonatal centres in Berlin (>3000 births/year; >20 neonatal beds) exists. Furthermore, the results are compared to data from a rural region in order to discuss transferability between regions.Methods: Retrospectively, completely, and for the first time, the data of all centres which treat VLBW neonates (≤1500 g birth weight) in the city‐state of Berlin, Germany, from the years 2003/2004 were reviewed.Results: Our study showed no difference in the treatment quality of smaller vs. larger neonatal units in Berlin. This result differs from those of a study in Baden‐Württemberg, a predominately rural state, with different medical infrastructure than Berlin.Conclusion: The present study suggests that regional investigations on the infrastructure vs. treatment outcome are not transferable between areas. Patient volume/unit appears inadequate for predicting the future treatment quality of neonatal departments. Direct quality indicators are stable for the assessed departments and should be preferably used to organize medical infrastructure.
High maternal body mass index increases the risk of neonatal early onset group B streptococcal disease
Authors: Håkansson Stellan , Källen Karin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of neonatal early onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease relative to maternal body mass index (BMI).Method: A cohort of Swedish parturients with an early pregnancy BMI registered was investigated. Data were retrieved from population‐based registers during 1997–2001, (n = 344 127, elective caesarean section excluded). Medical records of all infants with a diagnosis of EOGBS septicaemia (P36.0) were scrutinized for verification of the diagnosis. There were 136 cases with blood culture‐positive septicaemia and 112 cases with clinical infection. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multiple logistic regression.Results: In obese parturients with BMI > 30, there was an 80% increased risk for verified neonatal EOGBS disease (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0). When cases with clinical sepsis were included a significant risk increment was also found in overweight women with BMI 25.0–29.9 (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0).Conclusion: Maternal obesity and overweight are risk factors associated with increased risk of neonatal EOGBS disease.
Sudden oronasal bleeding in a young child
Authors: Hey Edmund 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSudden severe upper‐airway obstruction occurring in a hospital setting can sometimes precipitate an episode of acute haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema. A review of 197 published case reports shows that the presenting feature is almost always the sudden appearance of blood stained fluid coming up through the larynx or out through the mouth and nose of an adult or child in obvious respiratory distress. Such overt features are seen in 10–15% of cases of sudden severe, but sub‐lethal, upper‐airway obstruction. Signs normally appear within minutes once the obstruction is relieved but are occasionally only recognized after 1–4 h. All signs and symptoms usually resolve within 12–24 h. Other causes of acute pulmonary haemorrhage are rare in young children.Conclusion: If what looks like blood is seen in, or coming from, the mouth or nose of a previously healthy young child who has suddenly become distressed and started to struggle for breath, that child has most probably suffered an episode of acute pulmonary oedema, and the commonest precipitating cause is sudden upper‐airway obstruction.
Protective Effect of Extract from Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus against Liver Injury Induced by Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin and Lipopolysaccharide in Mice
Authors: Sun Wu‐Yi , Wei Wei , Gui Shuang‐Ying , Wu Li , Wang Hua 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus are two popular traditional Chinese medicines, commonly used in Chinese herb prescription to treat liver disease. The extract from the roots of P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus demonstrated better hepatoprotective activity than the herbs used individually as shown in our previous studies. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus extract on immunological liver injury in mice induced by Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin and lipopolysaccharide (BCG/LPS) and to explore a possible mechanism. After administration of P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg, intragastrically) daily for 10 days, the extract significantly reduced the degree of liver damage in BCG/LPS‐induced liver injury, as well as the elevation of serum transaminase activities and level of nitric oxide in live injury mice. The extract also restored the decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and inhibited the formation of lipid peroxidative products. Moreover, P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg, intragastrically) repressed high levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) from peritoneal macrophages. In the primary cultured Kupffer cells, P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus also significantly decreased the production of TNF‐α and IL‐1 in cells stimulated with LPS (5 µg/ml). These results suggest that P. lactiflora and A. membranaceus have a protective effect on BCG/LPS‐induced liver injury mice, which might be associated with the antioxidant properties, ability to reduce nitric oxide production and suppression of Kupffer cell activity and pro‐inflammatory mediator and cytokines production.
In vitroInhibition of CYP1A2 by Model Inhibitors, Anti‐Inflammatory Analgesics and Female Sex Steroids: Predictability ofin vivoInteractions
Authors: Karjalainen Marjo J. , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Backman Janne T. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract: The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2 is crucial for the metabolism of many drugs, for example, tizanidine. As the effects of several non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and female sex steroids on CYP1A2 activityin vitroare unknown, their effects on phenacetin O‐deethylation were studied and compared with the effects of model inhibitors in human liver microsomes, followed by prediction of their interaction potential with tizanidinein vivo.In vitro, fluvoxamine, tolfenamic acid, mefenamic acid and rofecoxib potently inhibited CYP1A2 [the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) < 10 µM]. Ethinyloestradiol, celecoxib, desogestrel and zolmitriptan were moderate (IC5020–200 µM), and etodolac, ciprofloxacin, etoricoxib and gestodene weak inhibitors of CYP1A2 (IC50 > 200 µM). At 100 µM, the other tested NSAIDs and steroids inhibited CYP1A2 less than 35%. Pre‐incubation increased the inhibitory effects of rofecoxib, progesterone and desogestrel. Using the free portal plasma inhibitor concentration and the competitive inhibition model, the effect of fluvoxamine and the lack of effects of tolfenamic acid and celecoxib on tizanidine pharmacokinetics in human beings were well predicted. However, the effects of ciprofloxacin, rofecoxib and oral contraceptives were greatly underestimated even when the predictions were based on their total portal plasma concentration. Besides rofecoxib, and possibly mefenamic acid, other NSAIDs were predicted not to significantly inhibit CYP1A2 in human beings. The type of enzyme inhibition, particularly metabolism‐dependent inhibition, free inhibitor concentration and accumulation of the inhibitor into the hepatocytes should be considered in extrapolations ofin vitroresults to human beings.
Cytoprotective Effect of Mangiferin on Benzo(a)pyrene‐Induced Lung Carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Rajendran Peramaiyan , Ekambaram Ganapathy , Sakthisekaran Dhanapal 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Antioxidants are one of the key players in tumourigenesis, and several natural and synthetic antioxidants have been shown to have anticancer effects. In the present investigation, the efficacy of mangiferin on the antioxidant status of benzo(a)pyrene‐induced lung carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice was assessed. The animals were divided into five groups. The animals in groups I and V were normal control and mangiferin control, respectively. Groups II, III and IV were administered with benzo(a)pyrene (50 mg/kg body weight, orally) for 4 weeks (twice a week) to induced lung carcinogenesis. Starting 1 week prior to benzo(a)pyrene administration, group III animals were treated with mangiferin (100 mg/kg body weight) in the diet for 18 weeks; 12 weeks after benzo(a)pyrene administration, group III animals were treated with mangiferin that continued until the end of the experiment period (18 weeks). At the end of the experiment period, the reactive oxygen species, glutathione and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were assessed in both lung and liver tissues. The levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, vitamin E and vitamin C were decreased in group II animals. However, in the mangiferin + benzo(a)pyrene‐treated groups III and IV, the levels of GSH and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in both lung and liver were improved when compared with benzo(a)pyrene‐induced group II animals. In addition, the finding that mangiferin decreased reactive oxygen species levels and enhanced antioxidant status suggests that this polyphenol might also be of value in the prevention of benzo(a)pyrene‐induced lung carcinogenesis.
Effects of Short‐Term Exposure to Manganese on the Adult Rat Brain Antioxidant Status and the Activities of Acetylcholinesterase, (Na+,K+)‐ATPase and Mg2+‐ATPase: Modulation by l‐Cysteine
Authors: Liapi Charis , Zarros Apostolos , Galanopoulou Panagiota , Theocharis Stamatios , Skandali Nikolina , Al‐Humadi Hussam , Anifantaki Foteini , Gkrouzman Elena , Mellios Zois , Tsakiris Stylianos 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Manganese (Mn) is an essential metalloenzyme component that in high doses can exert serious oxidative and neurotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of the antioxidant l‐cysteine (Cys, 7 mg/kg) on the adult rat brain total antioxidant status (TAS) and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na+,K+‐ATPase and Mg2+‐ATPase induced by short‐term Mn administration (as Mn chloride, 50 mg/kg). Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: A (saline‐treated control), B (Mn), C (Cys) and D (Mn and Cys). All rats were treated once daily, for 1 week with intraperitoneal injections of the tested compounds. Rats were killed by decapitation and mentioned parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. Rats treated with Mn exhibited a significant reduction in brain TAS (−39%, P < 0.001, B versus A) that was partially reversed by Cys co‐administration (−13%, P < 0.01, D versus A), while Cys (group C) had no effect on TAS. The rat brain AChE activity was found significantly increased by both Mn (+21%, P < 0.001, B versus A) and Cys (+61%, P < 0.001, C versus A), while it was adjusted into the control levels by the co‐administration of Mn and Cys. The activity of rat brain Na+,K+‐ATPase was not affected by Mn administration, while Mg2+‐ATPase exhibited a slight but statistically significant reduction in its activity (−9%, P < 0.01, B versus A) due to Mn, which was further reduced by Cys co‐administration. The above findings suggest that short‐term Mn in vivo administration causes a statistically significant decrease in the rat brain TAS and an increase in AChE activity. Both effects can be, partially or totally, reversed into the control levels by Cys co‐administration (which could thus be considered for future applications as a neuroprotective agent against chronic exposure to Mn and the treatment of manganism). The activity of Na+,K+‐ATPase is not affected by Mn, while Mg2+‐ATPase activity is slightly (but significantly) inhibited by Mn, possibly due to Mg replacement.
Disposition of a CYP2C9 Phenotyping Agent, Losartan, Is Not Influenced by the Common 3435C > T Variation of the Drug Transporter Gene ABCB1 (MDR1)
Authors: Yasar Umit , Babaoglu Melih O. , Bozkurt Atila 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Losartan is oxidized to E3174 by cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9); it has been suggested as a useful probe drug for CYP2C9 activity. It has also been shown to be a substrate for the drug‐efflux transporter ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family B member 1 (ABCB1, MDR1). Both CYP2C9 and ABCB1 genes are polymorphic. The aim of the study was to determine if losartan disposition was influenced by the 3435C > T polymorphism of ABCB1 in healthy persons. These participants (n = 58) whose CYP2C9 genotypes and phenotypes were determined previously were genotyped for 3435C > T polymorphism in ABCB1. The concentrations of losartan and E3174 were compared across genotypes for ABCB1 3435C > T variation. For persons with the ABCB1 3435 CC, CT, TT genotypes, the concentrations (µM, means ± S.D.) of neither losartan (1.76 ± 0.87, 1.68 ± 0.84 and 1.80 ± 0.85, respectively, P = 0.70) nor E3174 (2.97 ± 2.49, 2.53 ± 2.09 and 3.18 ± 2.75, respectively, P = 0.65) were significantly different. These results suggest that ABCB1 3435C > T polymorphism does not have any influence on losartan disposition. Therefore, ABCB1 3435C > T polymorphism is probably not a confounding factor in the prediction of CYP2C9 activity by using losartan as a probe agent.
CONTAMINATION OF PATULIN IN CLEAR APPLE JUICE IN MASHHAD, IRAN
Authors: KARIMI GHOLAMREZA , HASSANZADEH MOHAMMAD , YAZDANPANAH HASSAN , NAZARI FIRUZEH , IRANSHAHI MEHRDAD , NILI AMIR 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Patulin is a frequent contaminant of moldy and rotten apples and apple products. The aim of this study was to evaluate patulin contamination in 58 apple juices collected from a retail market in Mashhad during winter and spring of 2006. Samples were assayed for patulin by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Fifty‐four samples were positive for patulin at levels that ranged from 10.5 to 121.8 µg/L, and six samples had patulin levels higher than 50 µg/L. The overall mean of patulin concentration was 29.2 ± 19.5 µg/L. Forty‐eight samples had patulin concentration between 5 and 50 µg/L. Although the mean concentration of patulin samples was lower than Iranian maximum tolerated level of 50 µg/L, contamination of 10% of the samples at levels higher than 50 µg/L indicated the need for improving production techniques by the industry.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSStudies have shown that the concentration of patulin may exceed the determined limits in apple juice and in other fruit products. Its presence can be a potential threat to the health of consumers, particularly children. The results may help us in understanding what should be the level of patulin in apple juice. The awareness of the apple industry of patulin contamination in fruit and the implementation of improved techniques for the production of apple products with reduced patulin concentrations have contributed to the quality of apple juice that are available on the Iranian market.
TOXICITY AND ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF MACE OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANS USED IN MOROCCAN GASTRONOMY: BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL IMPACT
Authors: EL MALTI JAZILA , BOURHIM NOUREDDINE , AMAROUCH HAMID 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT The aril of the plant Myristica fragrans is one of the most broadly used spices in Moroccan gastronomy. This research demonstrated its antimicrobial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacterial species. Likewise, its toxicity was investigated on Swiss albino mice. Mice were treated orally with 0.003 and 0.3 mg/day during 7 days. Plasmatic markers and antioxidant defense systems were assessed and histological alterations evaluated. Our results showed a significant increase in creatine phosphokinase level. The microscopic evaluation showed that mace induces morphological perturbation in mice's liver. The results also showed an inhibitory effect of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and an important increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, succinate dehydrogenase activities and no change in catalase activities. All of these results show that M. fragrans at 0.3 mg/g in mice affects energy metabolism and oxidative stress.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMace can be used as a natural antioxidant and preservative in the food industry to increase the shelf life of foodstuffs.
The Lingering Effects of the Recruitment Experience on the Long‐Term Employment Relationship
Authors: Ferguson Merideth , Moye Neta , Friedman Ray 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTwo studies (one cross‐sectional and one longitudinal) examine the effects that job negotiation interactional justice perceptions created in the recruitment process have on an employee’s turnover intentions. The findings indicate a long‐term impact of the interactional justice perceptions experienced in the recruitment negotiation on employees’ intent to leave their organization. Specifically, job negotiation interactional justice perceptions have a lingering effect on an individual’s turnover intentions beyond the effects of distributive justice and supportive human resource practices.
Early detection of psychosis: finding those at clinical high risk
Authors: Addington Jean , Epstein Irvin , Reynolds Andrea , Furimsky Ivana , Rudy Laura , Mancini Barbara , McMillan Simone , Kirsopp Diane , Zipursky Robert B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: In early detection work, recruiting individuals who meet the prodromal criteria is difficult. The aim of this paper was to describe the development of a research clinic for individuals who appear to be at risk of developing a psychosis and the process for educating the community and obtaining referrals.Methods: The outcome of all referrals to the clinic over a 4‐year period was examined.Results: Following an ongoing education campaign that was over inclusive in order to aid recruitment, approximately 27% of all referrals met the criteria for being at clinical high risk of psychosis.Conclusions: We are seeing only a small proportion of those in the community who eventually go on to develop a psychotic illness. This raises two important issues, namely how to remedy the situation, and second, the impact of this on current research in terms of sampling bias and generalizability of research findings.
SU‐DD‐A2‐06: TG‐43 Parameterization of a Novel Brachytherapy Source Design of Multi‐Radioisotope
Authors: Dini S , Warren G , Meigooni A 
Published: July 2008

Purpose: Applications of I‐125 and Pd‐103 sources in brachytherapy treatment of prostate cancers, with long and short doubling time, respectively, are well established. However, for treatment of prostate cancer composed of cells with different doubling time, a brachytherapy source with mixture of I‐125 and Pd‐103 radioisotopes might be more desirable. In this project, dosimetric characteristics of a novel brachytherapy source, composed of a mixture of I‐125 and Pd‐103 radioisotopes, has been determined following AAPM TG‐43U1 protocol. Method and Materials: A new brachytherapy source model, ADVANTAGE™ HYBRID PdI, has been designed by IsoAid™, LLC for treatment of prostate cancer. A dose calculation model was developed to determine the dosimetric characteristics of this source design. In this model, the Monte Carlo simulated parameters from each isotope of the source were individually determined assuming 50% dose contribution from each isotope. These values were then utilized for determination of the parameters of the mixed source. The outcomes of these investigations have been incorporated in the VariSeed planning system for the evaluation of an actual clinical case. Results: The results of these investigations indicated that the dose rate constant of a source with 50% dose contribution from each isotope is 0.699 cGy/hr/U. The radial dose function, 2D‐ and 1D‐ anisotropy function of the new source design have been tabulated for clinical applications. The tolerance of each parameter was evaluated for isotope variation within the source. The percent variation of V100 and D90 were found to be less than 1% and 4%, respectively, which are within the acceptable range. Conclusion: The TG‐43 dosimetric parameters of a multi‐isotope source have been determined for clinical applications in the treatment of prostate cancer with tumors composed of cells with variety of potential doubling times.This project is partially sponsored by IsoAid™, LLC.