bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced Glycation End Products Upregulate C‐reactive Protein Synthesis by Human Hepatocytes Through Stimulation of Monocyte IL‐6 and IL‐1β Production
Authors: Li J.‐T. , Hou F.‐F. , Guo Z.‐J. , Shan Y.‐X. , Zhang X. , Liu Z.‐Q. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPatients with chronic renal failure are characterized by increased plasma levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and advanced glycation end products (AGE). AGE have been identified as a class of proinflammator mediators. To investigate whether AGE can stimulate hepatocytes to produce CRP, primary human fetal hepatocytes (HFH) were incubated with AGE‐modified human serum albumin (AGE‐HSA) or conditioned medium from AGE‐HSA‐stimulated monocytes (AGE‐MCM). CRP concentrations in the supernatants were determined by an ELISA and CRP mRNA levels were determined by a quantitative RT‐PCR. Exposure of HFH with AGE‐HSA for 12–72 h did not change CRP concentrations in the supernatants. CRP protein and mRNA expression were significantly upregulated in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner when HFH were incubated with AGE‐MCM. This stimulating effect was partially inhibited when AGE‐MCM were preincubated with antibodies against interleukin‐6 (anti‐IL‐6), interleukin‐1β (anti‐IL‐1β), or soluble IL‐1 receptor and was completely inhibited when AGE‐MCM were preincubated with anti‐IL‐6 and anti‐IL‐1β simultaneously. The inhibiting effect did not occur when AGE‐MCM was preincubated with antibody of tumour necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNF‐α) and soluble TNF receptor. Exposure of HFH with exogenous IL‐6 and IL‐1β, at the same concentrations as contained in AGE‐MCM, also increased CRP production, but exogenous TNF‐α had no effect. These results suggest that AGE cannot directly stimulate hepatocytes to produce CRP, but rather indirectly enhance CRP expression via stimulation of IL‐6 and IL‐1β production by human monocytes.
Deformation of a pervasively molten middle crust: insights from the neoproterozoic Ribeira‐Araçuaí orogen (SE Brazil)
Authors: Vauchez Alain , Egydio‐Silva Marcos , Babinski Marly , Tommasi Andréa , Uhlein Alexandre , Liu Dunyi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPervasive melting of the middle crust, as inferred in Tibet and the Altiplano, probably influences the deformation of the lithosphere. To constrain strain distribution in a pervasively molten crust, we analysed the deformation in an eroded analogue of these orogens. The Ribeira‐Araçuaí orogen (SE Brazil) comprises a stack of allochthons containing large volumes of anatectic and magmatic rocks. The upper allochton (∼300 km long, 50–100 km wide and >10 km thick) involves peraluminous diatexites and leucogranites resulting from partial melting of the middle crust. It overlies another allochthon containing huge early‐ to syn‐collisional plutons intruding metasediments. Both anatexites and magmatic intrusions display a pervasive strain‐induced magmatic fabric. Homogeneous strain distribution suggests inefficient localization. U–Pb ages of ∼575 Ma imply that anatexite melting was synchronous to the early‐ to syn‐collisional magmatism. Similarity in ages magmatic and solid‐state fabrics indicates that intrusions and anatexites deformed coherently with solid‐state rocks while still molten, in response to a combination of gravity‐driven and collision‐driven deformation.
Panarteritis cutanea benigna – an entity limited to the skin or cutaneous presentation of a systemic necrotizing vasculitis? Report of seven cases and review of the literature
Authors: Rogalski Christina , Sticherling Michael 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  In 1931 Lindberg described a limited and benign subcutaneous form of panarteritis nodosa, which, in contrast to systemic panarteritis, only affects the skin. The terms panarteritis nodosa cutanea benigna, cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, apoplexia cutanea Freund as well as livedo with nodules are used synonymously for this vasculitis which predominantly affects women in the fifth decade of life. Cutaneous lesions characteristically comprise painful subcutaneous nodules or vasculitis racemosa at the lower extremities. The cutaneous panarteritis may be regarded as its own entity or an isolated skin manifestation within systemic panarteritis nodosa.Methods  Seven patients (M = 3, F = 4) presented with subcutaneous, painful nodules (n = 2), erythema and edema (n = 2) or livedo racemosa (n = 3) on the lower extremities.Histological examination revealed perivascular lymphocyte inflammatory infiltrates with fibrinoid necrosis and bulging of endothelial cells. In a direct immunofluorescence examination neither immunoglobulin nor complement deposits could be found. Serological autoimmune parameters, abdominal ultrasound examination, and chest X‐rays showed no systemic manifestation. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was slightly raised, and hepatitis B/C serology was negative.Results  Topical corticosteroids under occlusion (n = 3), oral methyl‐prednisolone (n = 4) in combination with either azathioprine (n = 4) or mycophenolate mofetil (n = 2) showed no relapses [follow up 28.43 (6–82) months].Conclusion  The etiology of panarteritis nodosa cutanea is unknown in detail. Both focal infections and hypersensitivity reactions are discussed. Differential diagnosis includes systemic panarteritis, livedo reticularis, Sneddon's syndrome or erythema nodosum. Despite the prognostically favorable but prolonged chronic course of the disease over decades, patients should be regularly examined to exclude possible transition to systemic disease.
A true molluscum pendulum
Authors: Curtis Judith R. , Hurst Erik , Lee Michael , Sheehan Daniel J. 
Published: July 2007

A 45‐year‐old man with epilepsy and mental retardation presented to the dermatology clinic with a “mole” on his nose and a “skin tag” on his scrotum. On examination, the patient had multiple, 2–3‐mm, skin‐colored, shiny papules in clusters about the perinasal region, and a large, pedunculated, soft, red tumor extending from the inferior aspect of the scrotum (Fig. 1). A shave biopsy from a nasolabial fold lesion and an excision of the pedunculated tumor were performed. The shave biopsy of the nose showed multiple exophytic papules containing blood vessels and fibrous tissue consistent with angiofibroma. The excision biopsy of the groin showed a large skin polyp with a central fibrovascular core. In addition, it revealed papillomatosis of the epidermis and dilated blood vessels, suggesting that the tumor was a molluscum pendulum seen in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (Fig. 2). A Verhoff van Gieson stain demonstrated a lack of elastin fibers in the tumor (Fig. 3).Pedunculated tumor attached to the scrotumimageHistopathology of the tumor shows papillomatosis of the epidermis and a central fibrovascular core (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification, ×100)imageNegative Verhoff van Gieson stain shows a lack of elastic fibers (original magnification, ×500)image
Fusarium spp. as agents of onychomycosis in immunocompetent hosts
Authors: Guilhermetti Eliana , Takahachi Gisele , Shinobu Cristiane Suemi , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Fusarium spp. are nondermatophyte filamentous fungi, frequently reported as an etiologic agent of opportunistic infections in humans; however, their involvement in the etiology of cutaneous lesions is still debatable, especially in immunocompetent patients, where they are often considered as contaminant fungi.Objective  The aims of this study were to report the high prevalence of onychomycosis by Fusarium spp. in immunocompetent patients in the region of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, to establish clinical and laboratory criteria for this genus as a causal agent of onychomycosis, and to determine the susceptibility profile to the systemic antifungal drugs most frequently used in Brazil (itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B).Methods  The fungi were isolated and identified through the classical method, and sensitivity tests were carried out according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) M38‐A protocol.Results  Of the 360 confirmed cases of onychomycosis, 27 (7.5%) were attributed to the genus Fusarium, and F. oxysporum was the most commonly isolated species. Nail lesions with paronychia and pain, combined with direct suggestive microscopy and a high concentration of microorganisms, were predictive of onychomycosis by Fusarium spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration was high for itraconazole, ketoconazole, and terbinafine, but low for amphotericin B.Conclusions  It is recommended that more attention should be given to the interpretation and identification of species of the Fusarium genus in superficial clinical samples. This fungus may be considered as an agent of onychomycosis, even in immunocompetent individuals, by identifying criteria that separate situations of clinical significance from those of simple contamination.
Acyclovir‐induced neuropsychosis successfully recovered after immediate hemodialysis in an end‐stage renal disease patient
Authors: Yang Hung‐Hsu , Hsiao Yu‐Ping , Shih Hung‐Chun , Yang Jen‐Hung 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA 70‐year‐old man developed herpes zoster over the right L5–S2 region for 3 days and was admitted for acyclovir therapy. He had a medical history of rectal cancer status post‐colostomy and end‐stage renal disease undergoing thrice weekly hemodialysis. Without a prior loading dose, acyclovir 500 mg (7.7 mg/kg) daily was given intravenously in two divided doses. On the third dosage, the patient became confused and agitated and developed insomnia. Within the following 24 h, delirium, visual and auditory hallucinations, disorientation to place and time, as well as impaired recent memory occurred. At the same time, a transient low grade fever (38 °C) was noted but resolved spontaneously after ice pillow (Fig. 1).The clinical and treatment course of the patientimageThe etiology was vigorously explored. He had no history of any neurological or psychiatric disorders. Drug history was reviewed, but no other medications besides acyclovir were currently being used. Physical examination revealed neither meningeal signs nor focal neurological deficits. Serum blood urea nitrogen, glucose, and electrolytes were within normal limits except for an elevated creatinine level at 6.2 and 5.7 mg/dl (before and after neuropsychotic symptoms, respectively). Complete blood count with differentiation was also unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was not possible as the patient's family refused the lumbar puncture. Moreover, an electroencephalograph study and head computed tomography scan disclosed no abnormalities.Acyclovir‐induced neurotoxicity was suspected. Therefore, acyclovir was discontinued. Subsequently, serum acyclovir and CMMG were checked by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum acyclovir level was 1.6 mg/l (normal therapeutic level, 0.12–10.8 mg/l) and CMMG level was 5 mg/l. Emergent hemodialysis (4‐h/session) was given; the neuropsychotic symptoms, including agitation, delirium, and visual and auditory hallucinations, greatly abated after the second session. The patient fully recovered after three consecutive days of hemodialysis; the serum was rechecked and revealed that the acyclovir level was below 0.5 mg/l and the CMMG level was undetectable. At the same time, his herpetic skin lesions resolved well.
Bayesian inference in a piecewise Weibull proportional hazards model with unknown change points
Authors: Casellas J. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe main difference between parametric and non‐parametric survival analyses relies on model flexibility. Parametric models have been suggested as preferable because of their lower programming needs although they generally suffer from a reduced flexibility to fit field data. In this sense, parametric survival functions can be redefined as piecewise survival functions whose slopes change at given points. It substantially increases the flexibility of the parametric survival model. Unfortunately, we lack accurate methods to establish a required number of change points and their position within the time space. In this study, a Weibull survival model with a piecewise baseline hazard function was developed, with change points included as unknown parameters in the model. Concretely, a Weibull log‐normal animal frailty model was assumed, and it was solved with a Bayesian approach. The required fully conditional posterior distributions were derived. During the sampling process, all the parameters in the model were updated using a Metropolis–Hastings step, with the exception of the genetic variance that was updated with a standard Gibbs sampler. This methodology was tested with simulated data sets, each one analysed through several models with different number of change points. The models were compared with the Deviance Information Criterion, with appealing results. Simulation results showed that the estimated marginal posterior distributions covered well and placed high density to the true parameter values used in the simulation data. Moreover, results showed that the piecewise baseline hazard function could appropriately fit survival data, as well as other smooth distributions, with a reduced number of change points.
Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation for behavioural responses by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: Oki H. , Kusunose R. , Nakaoka H. , Nishiura A. , Miyake T. , Sasaki Y. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryGenetic variation of the behaviour of racehorses is one of the major concerns for racehorse breeders. In this study, the heritabilities of behavioural responses to the inspections of conjunctiva, auscultation and blood sampling and the genetic correlations among them were estimated in the Thoroughbred racehorse. The estimation was done with Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling based on the univariate or bivariate threshold animal models. The behavioural responses were scored with four categories at the first entrance quarantine in Miho Training Center of Japan Racing Association from 1993 to 1995. The behavioural responses were treated as categorical or binary traits, with both showing similar results. The estimated heritabilities were in the range of 0.23–0.28, suggesting a genetic component in the variation on these traits. The estimated genetic correlations among the traits were very high (approximately 0.9), suggesting that these behavioural responses may be measures of the same trait. Because of the high genetic correlations, repeatability threshold model was applied assuming the responses to be a genetically identical trait measured with three different tests. The estimated heritabilities (approximately 0.23) were at the lower bound of the former estimates. The revealed high repeatabilities (0.97–0.98) suggest a strong contribution of the individual temperament on the behaviour of racehorses.
Effects of Serum Deprivation and Cycloheximide on Cell Cycle of Low and High Passage Porcine Fetal Fibroblasts
Authors: Goissis MD , Caetano HVA , Marques MG , De Barros FRO , Feitosa WB , Milazzotto MP , Binelli M , Assumpção MEOA , Visintin JA 
Published: July 2007

ContentsArrest of cells in G0/G1 cell cycle phase is desired for nuclear transfer procedures. Serum starvation and cell cycle inhibitors are different ways to induce synchronization of the cell cycle. This study investigated the effects of serum starvation and cycloheximide (CHX) on the cell cycle of low (5th) and high (15th) passages fetal porcine fibroblasts. Cell cycle phases were determined using fluorescent activated cell sorting. Fifth passage fibroblast cultures had higher (p < 0.05) proportion of cells in G0/G1 only after 72 h of serum starvation (77.60 ± 0.65) when compared with non‐starved cells (71.44 ± 1.88). Serum starvation for all periods tested induced an increase (p < 0.05) on proportion of cells in G0/G1 on the 15th passage. No significant differences were observed on the 5th passage cultures exposed to CHX, although, on the 15th passage an increase on proportion of cells was observed after all periods of exposure (p < 0.05). These data indicates that high passage cells in vitro are more susceptible to serum starvation and CHX G0/G1 synchronization.
Collection of Oocytes Through Transvaginal Ovum Pick‐up for In Vitro Embryo Production in Nanyang Yellow Cattle
Authors: Li F , Chen X , Pi W , Liu C , Shi Z 
Published: July 2007

ContentsThe objectives of this study were to use ultrasound‐guided transvaginal follicular aspiration to develop a technique for preservation of Nanyang Yellow cattle germ plasm. In Nanyang Yellow heifers, aspiration twice per week yielded a higher mean numbers of aspirated follicles, recovered oocytes and viable oocytes per session than once‐weekly aspiration. Intriguingly, twice‐weekly aspiration from Holstein heifers yielded a higher mean numbers of aspirated follicles, recovered oocytes and viable oocytes per session than in Nanyang Yellow heifers. Moreover, the oocyte recovery rate was significantly higher in Holstein heifers than in Nanyang Yellow heifers. Importantly, similar rates of embryos undergoing cleavage division were observed in Nanyang Yellow and Holstein, as was the number of viable day 8 blastocysts. These observations demonstrate that twice‐weekly aspiration harvested the similar proportions of viable oocytes from Nanyang Yellow and Holstein follicles, and that twice‐weekly aspiration yields a higher number of viable oocytes than once‐weekly aspiration in Nanyang Yellow heifers. The results also suggest that the combination of ultrasound‐guided transvaginal follicular aspiration and in vitro production is an effective and practical strategy for establishment of a germ plasm preservation programme for Nanyang Yellow cattle.
Prothrombotic risk factors in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: ŞENBIL NESRIN , YÜKSEL DENIZ , YILMAZ DENIZ , GÜRER Y. K. YAVUZ 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the prevalence of prothrombotic risk factors associated with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: Twenty‐three hemiplegic CP patients were tested for inherited and acquired prothrombotic risk factors, except methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTFR) polymorphism.Results: A total of 56.5% of patients had at least one coagulation abnormality and 13% of them had two. Four patients (8.7%) had infection and congenital heart disease, who also had additional coagulopathy risk factors. Obstetric problems were detected in 56.5%. Coagulopathy risk factors were factor V Leiden mutation (21.7%), protein C deficiency (21.7%), elevated lipoprotein‐a (13%), G20210A mutation of prothrombin (8.7%), and protein S deficiency (4.3%).Conclusion: Children with hemiplegic CP need to be evaluated for coagulopathic abnormalities.
Self‐perceived health among early adolescents: Role of psychosocial factors
Authors: PIKO BETTINA F , KERESZTES NOEMI 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: The authors examined self‐perceived health and psychosocial health in 10–15 year old children and the relationship between children’s self‐perceived health and a set of psychosocial health status measurements.Methods: Data were collected from middle school students (n = 548; age range, 10–15 years of age; mean, 12.2 years; SD, 1.2 years) using randomly selected classes from four schools in different school districts in Szeged, Hungary. The self‐administered questionnaires contained items on sociodemographics; school achievement; height and weight (body mass index); self‐perceived health and fitness; health behaviors; and anger and psychosomatic health. The self‐perceived health variable was dichotomized and expressed with poor/fair or good/excellent perceptions of one’s own health.Results: Most of the children evaluated their own health as excellent or good. Logistic regression analyses revealed that poor academic achievement, socioeconomic status self‐assessment, smoking, alcohol use, sports activity, self‐perceived fitness, and high levels of anger and psychosomatic symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of reported poor/fair perceptions of health.Conclusions: Findings reflect that psychosocial factors are important influences of self‐perceived health in an early adolescent population.
Prevalence of metabolic complications in children with severe obesity
Authors: SEI MASAKO , NAKATSU TADANORI , YUASA KYOKO , TANAKA HISAKO , INDRIANI  , MUNAKATA HOKUMA , NAKAHORI YUTAKA 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: The purpose of the present paper was to clarify the prevalence of metabolic complications in severely obese children.Methods: The subjects of the present study were 367 severely obese Japanese children in Tokushima, who were more than 150% of the standard weight for their sex and height (school grades 1–9; age range, 6–16 years). Data concerning anthropometric and metabolic parameters (body fat %, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, blood glucose, serum insulin, alanine aminotransferase, and blood pressure) were analyzed.Results: The prevalence of each abnormality in obese children was high compared with that in the general population. Metabolic variables were correlated with each other. A total of 80.4% of severely obese children had at least one complication.Conclusion: Severely obese children have various metabolic abnormalities even during their early school years. Intervention by primary physicians in cooperation with schools is needed for the prevention of lifestyle‐related diseases.
Improving patient satisfaction through information provision
Authors: Billing Kathryn , Newland Henry , Selva Dinesh 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground:  This study aims to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, to ascertain satisfaction levels with aspects of care, and determine if patient satisfaction levels can be increased by the provision of information letters prior to appointment.Methods:  New patients attending Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic were surveyed regarding sociodemographic information and satisfaction levels. Participants received an introductory letter prior to their clinic appointment, and were compared with controls. Responses were analysed using Mann–Whitney U‐tests. Satisfaction scores regarding waiting times, clinic environment, doctors, nurses, clerical staff and general satisfaction were correlated with demographic data using Spearman correlation coefficient analysis and chi‐squared statistics. Ordinal logistic regression and non‐parametric rack testing determined differences between the two groups.Results:  Positive correlations were identified between patient‐estimated actual waiting time, ratings of waiting times, booking efficiency, information given, intention to return to, recommend the clinic, to comply with advice given, and higher ratings of the overall quality of the service, and satisfaction levels. Negative qualitative comments correlated with lower ratings of satisfaction and quality of the service. The intervention group showed statistically significantly higher ratings of the wait in clinic and the overall quality of the service. Satisfaction ratings of the clinic staff were also higher in the intervention group.Conclusions:  Ophthalmology outpatients are more likely to be happy with their health care if they are satisfied with waiting times, and are more likely to return to the service and comply with advice, thus improving health outcomes. Provision of information regarding the outpatient clinic structure and estimated waiting times is a simple, cost‐effective method of improving patient satisfaction levels and altering perceptions of waiting times.