bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative phylogeography and population structure of European Betula species, with particular focus on B. pendula and B. pubescens
Authors: Maliouchenko O. , Palmé A. E. , Buonamici A. , Vendramin G.G. , Lascoux M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim  To compare the population genetic structures of the haplotype‐sharing species Betula pendula and B. pubescens and to draw phylogeographic inferences using chloroplast DNA markers. In particular, we tested whether B. pendula and B. pubescens exhibited the same or different phylogeographic structures.Location  Western Europe and Russia.Methods  In this study we used both chloroplast DNA polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and microsatellites to genotype B. pendula, B. pubescens and, to a limited extent, B. nana, in 53 populations across Eurasia. A spatial amova (samova) was used to identify major clusters within each species.Results  The low level of phylogeographic structure previously observed in B. pendula was confirmed, and the samova analysis retrieved only two major clusters. In contrast, seven clusters were observed in B. pubescens, although the overall level of population differentiation was similar to that of B. pendula.Main conclusions  We detected a difference in the population genetic structure between the two species, despite extensive haplotype sharing. It is difficult to ascribe this finding to a single factor, but divergence in ecology between the two species may provide part of the explanation. For both species, the contribution of southern western populations to the recolonization after the Last Glacial Maximum seems to have been limited, and eastern and western European populations apparently had different histories.
Clinical evaluation of a new formulation of propofol in a medium‐chain and long‐chain triglycerides emulsion in dogs
Authors: REDONDO GARCÍA J. I. 
Published: May 2007

Propofol formulated in a mixed medium‐chain and long‐chain triglycerides emulsion has been recently introduced for clinical use as an alternative to the conventional long‐chain triglycerides formulation. This prospective multicentric study evaluated the clinical effectiveness and the complications associated with the use of this new formulation of propofol in dogs.Forty‐six Spanish veterinary clinics participated in this study. A total of 541 anaesthesias (118 ASA I, 290 ASA II, 101 ASA III and 32 ASA IV) performed for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes were evaluated. The anaesthetic protocol was not controlled, with the exception that propofol had to be used at least for induction of anaesthesia. The induction dose of propofol and the incidence of anaesthetic complications throughout the procedure were recorded. A chi‐square test compared the incidence of complications according to the maintenance agent used (propofol vs. inhalatory anaesthesia), anaesthetic risk (ASA classification) and the reason for the anaesthesia.The patients premedicated withα2agonists needed lower doses (mean ± SD, 2.9 ± 1.3 mg/kg i.v.) than the animals premedicated with phenothiazines (3.9 ± 1.4 mg/kg i.v.) or benzodiazepines (4.0 ± 1.4 mg/kg i.v.). The most frequent complications were difficult endotracheal intubation (1.3%), postinduction apnoea (11.3%), cyanosis (0.6%), bradypnoea (2.6%), tachypnoea (2.8%), bradycardia (2%), tachycardia (2.6%), hypotension (0.2%), shock (0.2%), vomiting (4.6%), epileptiform seizures (2.8%), premature awakening (7.4%) and delayed recovery (0.9%). There were no cases of pain on injection or aspiration pneumonia. Three dogs died (0.55%), one during induction and two during recovery from anaesthesia. This study demonstrates that the new formulation of propofol is an useful and effective drug to induce general anaesthesia in dogs.
North‐eastward subduction followed by slab detachment to explain ophiolite obduction and Early Miocene volcanism in Northland, New Zealand
Authors: Schellart W.P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractOligocene–Miocene models for northern New Zealand, involving south‐westward subduction to explain Early Miocene Northland volcanism, do not fit within the regional Southwest Pacific tectonic framework. A new model is proposed, which comprises a north‐east‐dipping South Loyalty basin slab that retreated south‐westward in the Eocene–earliest Miocene and was continuous with the north‐east‐dipping subduction zone of New Caledonia. In the latest Oligocene, the trench reached the Northland passive margin, which was pulled it into the mantle by the slab, resulting in obduction of the Northland allochthon. During and after obduction, the slab detached from the unsubductable continental lithosphere, inducing widespread calc‐alkaline volcanism in Northland. The new model further explains contemporaneous arc volcanism along the Northland Plateau Seamount Chain and sinking of the Northland basement, followed by uplift and extension in Northland.
Epstein–Barr virus DNA load and seroconversion in pediatric renal transplantation with tacrolimus immunosuppression
Authors: Suzuki Toshiaki , Ikezumi Yohei , Okubo Soichiro , Uchiyama Makoto , Takahashi Kota , Shiraga Hiroshi , Hattori Motoshi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: EBV infection is one of major complications arising in pediatric patients who have undergone renal transplantation. A strong correlation between the grade of immunosuppression and the development of PTLD, one of the most severe EBV‐associated diseases, has been recognized. In this study, we monitored the serologic profile in conjunction with peripheral blood EBV‐DNA load of 32 children who underwent renal transplantation with tacrolimus as an immunosuppressant. Six patients were EBV‐seronegative (EBV−) before the transplantation, and the mean DNA load in the EBV− group was significantly higher than that in the EBV‐seropositive (EBV+) group. Seroconversion occurred in five of these patients in a mean period of 22 weeks after the transplantation. The EBV‐DNA load in the EBV+ group was maintained at a low level for a year, whereas it increased rapidly to over 1 × 105 copies/mL in two patients in the EBV− group three to seven months after the transplantation, which corresponds to the timing of seroconversion, and one of them developed PTLD. These observations suggest that the close monitoring of the EBV‐DNA load, along with longitudinal observation of seroconversion, is essential in pediatric renal transplantation, particularly for younger children who are more likely to be EVB−.
Benefits and challenges of providing transitional rehabilitation services to people with spinal cord injury from regional, rural and remote locations
Authors: Booth Susan , Kendall Melissa 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:  To identify the factors influencing participation and outline the benefits and challenges of providing transitional rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) from rural and regional locations. Design:  Grounded Theory analysis of service records and policy documents. Setting:  One transitional rehabilitation service for people with SCI. Participants:  Service records of 40 individuals with SCI from non‐metropolitan locations who participated in transitional rehabilitation and 29 individuals with SCI who declined transitional rehabilitation over a two‐year period. Interventions:  Home‐based transitional rehabilitation programs offered by a multidisciplinary team including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and social work. Measures:  Participation was measured using the percentage of people from non‐metropolitan locations who decline transitional rehabilitation. The benefits and challenges of transitional rehabilitation were identified using open, axial and selective coding of service records. Results:  People with SCI from non‐metropolitan areas were underrepresented among transitional rehabilitation participants, with 69% of those declining transitional rehabilitation coming from regional or rural areas. The study identified five functions of transitional rehabilitation that presented both benefits and challenges of this model in assisting people from non‐metropolitan locations. These included: (1) the identification, education, coordination and funding of local care providers; (2) family involvement in rehabilitation; (3) contact with social and community supports; (4) specialist support to problem‐solve discharge needs; and (5) skill acquisition and transfer in a community environment. Conclusions:  The transitional rehabilitation model offers many advantages over traditional hospital‐based rehabilitation but still faces challenges in offering an equitable model for people with SCI from non‐metropolitan locations.
Tumor necrosis factor signaling in hepatocyte apoptosis
Authors: Hatano Etsuro 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDeath receptor‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis is implicated in a wide range of liver diseases including viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, fulminant hepatic failure, cholestatic liver injury, and cancer. Our aim was to clarify the protective pathway in death receptor‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis and the significance of apoptosis in liver injury. In vitro: AdIκBsr plus tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α/Jo2 rapidly induced apoptosis in mouse hepatocyte, whereas TNF‐α/Jo2 alone produced little cytotoxicity. The combination of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) inhibitors, cyclosporine A and trifluoperazine, protected AdIκBsr‐infected hepatocytes from TNF‐α‐ but not Fas‐mediated apoptosis. The TNF‐α and Jo2 induced iNOS through NF‐κB. Nitric oxide donor (S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine) inhibited Bid cleavage, the MPT, and caspase activation and reduced TNF‐α‐ and Fas‐mediated cell killing. Inhibition of PI3K by LY294002 and a dominant‐negative Akt, which attenuated NF‐κB activation by TNF‐α or Jo2, sensitized hepatocytes to TNF‐ or Jo2. In vivo: apoptosis as well as necrosis may play an important role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adenoviral gene transfer of myrAkt could inhibit apoptotic cell death and subsequent hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat, through Bad not NF‐κB. Bile acids cause liver injury during cholestasis by inducing hepatocyte apoptosis. Hepatocyte apoptosis has a major role in hepatic injury by bile duct ligation. At least, early hepatic injury by bile duct ligation involved Fas‐mediated and Bcl‐xL insensitive apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, the role of apoptosis in various liver diseases may suggest possible treatments.
Ischemic preconditioning in liver pathophysiology
Authors: Arai Masahiro , Tejima Kazuaki , Ikeda Hitoshi , Tomiya Tomoaki , Yanase Mikio , Inoue Yukiko , Nagashima Kayo , Nishikawa Takako , Watanabe Naoko , Omata Masao , Fujiwara Kenji 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBrief periods of tissue ischemia produced tissue resistance to prolonged ischemia and reperfusion, a phenomenon called ischemic preconditioning. The mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning were examined in a rat warm ischemia–reperfusion model as well as the effect of ischemic preconditioning on liver regeneration. Ischemic preconditioning decreased liver injury after warm ischemia–reperfusion, which was reversed by Kupffer cell depletion. Ischemic preconditioning stimulated Kupffer cells to produce reactive oxygen species. Scavengers of reactive oxygen species reversed the effect of ischemic preconditioning, and pretreatment with sublethal dose of hydrogen peroxide mimicked ischemic preconditioning effect. Rat livers were preconditioned by ischemia and subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was then evaluated serially. Ischemic preconditioning promoted liver regeneration, which was reversed by adenosine A2 receptor antagonism and mimicked by adenosine A2 receptor agonism. Promotion of liver regeneration by ischemic preconditioning and adenosine A2 receptor agonism were reversed by Kupffer cell depletion. In conclusion, ischemic preconditioning stimulates Kupffer cells to produce reactive oxygen species, leading to hepatocyte protection against warm ischemia–reperfusion injury; and ischemic preconditioning promoted liver regeneration via adenosine A2 receptor pathway in Kupffer cells.
Hepatitis C virus contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating metabolic and intracellular signaling pathways
Authors: Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPersistent infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it remains controversial in the pathogenesis of HCC associated with HCV as to whether the virus plays a direct or an indirect role. The studies using transgenic mouse models, in which the core protein of HCV has an oncogenic potential, indicate that HCV is directly involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, albeit other factors such as continued cell death and regeneration associated with inflammation would also play a role. The downstream events of the core protein are segregated into two components. One is the augmented production of oxidative stress along with the activation of scavenging system, including catalase and glutathione, in the putative pre‐neoplastic stage with steatosis in the liver. Thus, oxidative stress production in the absence of inflammation by the core protein would partly contribute to the development of HCC. The generation of oxidative stress is estimated to originate from mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes by HCV infection. The other component is the alteration of intracellular signaling cascade of mitogen‐activated protein kinase and activating factor (AP)‐1, leading to the activation of cell cycle control. The combination of these pathways, collective with HCV‐associated alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism, would lead to the frequent development of HCC in persistent HCV infection. These results suggest that there would be a mechanism for hepatocarcinogenesis in persistent HCV infection that is distinct from those for the other cancers. Similar to the pathogenesis of other cancers, the accumulation of a set of genetic aberrations may also be necessary for a multistage development of HCC. However, HCV core protein, to which an oncogenic potential is ascribed, may allow some of the multiple steps to be bypassed in hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore unlike for other cancers, HCV infection may be able to cause HCC in the absence of a complete set of genetic aberrations. Such a scenario, ‘non‐Vogelstein‐type’ carcinogenesis, would explain the rare feature of hepatocarcinogenesis in HCV infection, the extraordinarily high incidence and the multicentric nature of HCC development.
Cost of hospitalizing asthma patients in a regional hospital in Thailand
Authors: CHUESAKOOLVANICH Kittisak 
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  The hospitalization of asthma patients accounts for substantial costs in any health‐care system. However, the utilization of medical resources and the cost of hospitalizing asthma patients in Thailand have never been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of health‐care resources and itemize the cost of hospitalizing asthma patients in a regional hospital in north‐east Thailand.Methods:  A cross‐sectional, retrospective study was conducted at Surin Hospital, a 697‐bed, regional hospital in north‐east Thailand. The study included 183 adults (≥15 years of age) who were admitted with acute asthma. Demographic data, resource‐utilization parameters and itemized costs were recorded.Results:  The average hospital cost was TH5809.3 ± 6587.4 (US$134.5 ± 152.5) per patient (range, TH740–57 980 or US$17.1–1342.1). Medications were the primary hospital expense (47.2%), followed by hospital charges (13.5%), nursing care (13.0%) and respiratory therapy (12.2%). Fifteen per cent of patients accounted for 45% of total hospital costs. Significant predictors of increased total hospital cost were: (i) age ≥60 years; (ii) presence of comorbid conditions; (iii) admission to the intensive care unit; and/or (iv) prolonged hospital stay.Conclusion:  Despite the low unit costs for inpatient care in Thailand, the cost of hospitalizing asthma patients (especially the elderly) constitutes a substantial burden to the health‐care system.
Pneumoconiosis and liver cirrhosis are not risk factors for tuberculosis in patients with pulmonary infection
Authors: WU Huang‐Pin , PAN Yu‐Huei , HUA Chung‐Ching , SHIEH Wen‐Bin , JIANG Bor‐Yiing , YU Teng‐Jen 
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  It is unclear whether patients with liver cirrhosis and coal miners with pneumoconiosis are at increased risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Furthermore, little is known of the likelihood of pneumonia in patients with bronchiectasis, haemodialysis, diabetes mellitus or advanced lung cancer being due to TB. To answer these questions, patients with these clinical comorbidities were analysed.Methods:  The study was retrospective and included 264 TB patients, 478 non‐TB pneumonia patients, and as negative controls, 438 subjects without pneumonia. The parameters analysed were age, gender and the presence of pneumoconiosis, bronchiectasis, liver cirrhosis, haemodialysis, diabetes mellitus and advanced lung cancer.Results:  Male gender was the only significant factor increasing the risk of pulmonary TB. When compared with non‐TB pneumonia and control patients, the odds ratios were 1.862 and 2.182, respectively. Patients with liver cirrhosis did not show an increased risk of pulmonary TB after regression analysis. Pneumoconiosis resulted in a 2.260 (P = 0.003) odds ratio for pulmonary TB, compared with the controls. However, there was no difference in pneumoconiosis between TB and non‐TB pneumonia patients. Patients with bronchiectasis, lung cancer and those receiving haemodialysis had a lower risk for pulmonary TB in lower respiratory tract infection, with odds ratios of 0.342, 0.311 and 0.182, respectively.Conclusion:  Physicians should first consider non‐TB bacterial infection rather than Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in pneumonia in patients with bronchiectasis, lung cancer or those receiving haemodialysis.
Elevated α‐defensin levels in plasma of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: ASHITANI Jun‐ichi , MATSUMOTO Nobuhiro , NAKAZATO Masamitsu 
Published: May 2007

Background and objectives:  Pathogens such as mycobacteria and proprionibacterium have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. α‐Defensins (DF) are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. The aim of the present study was to assess whether DF are increased in the airway and/or systemic circulation in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and whether DF levels are related to sarcoidosis disease activity.Methods:  DF levels in plasma and BAL fluid (BALF) were measured in 30 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and in 10 controls. Plasma and BALF DF levels were compared according to disease activity. Molecular forms were analysed using reverse‐phase (RP) HPLC to confirm plasma and BALF DF kinetics in pulmonary sarcoidosis.Results:  DF concentrations in plasma and BALF were higher in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis than in the controls. Plasma DF levels correlated with lysozyme but not with angiotensin‐converting enzyme. These levels were high in patients in whom more organs were involved, whereas BALF DF levels were higher in patients at stage II or III than with those at sarcoidosis I. RP‐HPLC showed high plasma levels of pro‐defensins, DF precursors from the bone marrow, in sarcoidosis, although DF in peripheral neutrophils and BALF were the mature type.Conclusions:  High plasma DF concentrations resulted from bone marrow stimulation and seemed to be associated with disease activity, whereas BALF DF were released from accumulated neutrophils in the lungs and may contribute to parenchymal involvement in sarcoidosis.
Routine culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis from bronchoscopy in Taiwan
Authors: YANG Chih‐Jen , CHEN Tun‐Chieh , HUNG Jen‐Yu , LU Po‐Liang , SHEU Chau‐Chyun , TSAI Jong‐Rung , CHONG Inn‐Wen , HWANG Jhi‐Jhu , HUANG Ming‐Shyan 
Published: May 2007

Background and objective:  The value of routine culture for mycobacterium from bronchoscopic washings and the cost‐effectiveness is still uncertain in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. This study examined the epidemiology of positive cultures for M. tuberculosis obtained by bronchoscopy to determine the health benefit and cost of a policy of routine culture and smear.Methods:  All positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bronchial washings and the corresponding CXR features were analysed.Results:  The incidence of tuberculosis in routine bronchoscopy was 3.71%, and in patients who presented with typical tuberculosis features on CXR was 6.5%. Up to 10.6% of culture‐proven pulmonary tuberculosis relied on bronchoscopy for diagnosis. The total cost of routine mycobacterium culture and acid‐fast bacillus smear during the 2‐year period was approximately USD 24 800.Conclusion:  Routine mycobacterium culture and acid‐fast staining from bronchoscopic specimens appears to be valuable in countries where tuberculosis is prevalent.
Sarcoidosis in Singapore: Epidemiology, clinical presentation and ethnic differences
Authors: ANANTHAM Devanand , ONG Sin Jen , CHUAH Khoon Leong , FOOK‐CHONG Stephanie , Hsu Ann , ENG Philip 
Published: May 2007

Background and objectives:  The aim of this study is to better understand the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with sarcoidosis in Singapore and to ascertain if ethnic differences exist.Methods:  A review of hospital medical records from June 1998 to May 2004 to identify patients with sarcoidosis.Results:  There were 59 patients with sarcoidosis identified (19 Chinese, 29 Asian Indian and 11 Malay). The estimated annual incidence of sarcoidosis in Singapore was 0.56 per 100 000. There was a significant difference between the observed and expected disease frequency in Chinese (32.2% vs 78.7%) and Indians (49.2% vs 6.0%, P < 0.005). A bimodal distribution of age at diagnosis was seen with peaks in the 30–39 years and 50–59 years age groups; 38.9% of cases were over the age of 50. Chinese patients were more likely to be asymptomatic (57.9%, P = 0.015) and less likely to have impaired spirometry (P = 0.013). Pulmonary sarcoid presented largely as stage 0 or stage 1 disease (74.4%). Overall mean spirometry was unimpaired and prognosis was good with 79.2% showing no radiological deterioration. There were no significant differences in organ involvement or treatment between ethnic groups.Conclusion:  Sarcoidosis in Singapore is rare and the incidence differs between ethnic groups. Chinese appear to have a lower incidence and a less symptomatic presentation; Indians have a higher incidence and poorer clinical course.
Late‐onset post‐traumatic Phaeoacremonium parasiticum endophthalmitis
Authors: Huynh Tu Khai , Lee Lawrence R , Ellis David 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis is the first documented case of Phaeoacremonium parasiticum endophthalmitis to the authors' knowledge. P. parasiticum has been described in the literature causing various skin, subcutaneous and joint infections and one case of infective endocarditis, but has never been documented as an ocular infectious agent. The most likely source of inoculation in this case was a penetrating injury caused by a stick 5 years prior to the presentation. An enucleation was avoided through treatment with intravitreal antibiotics and amphotericin and oral voriconazole, and the patient's vision stabilized at 6/18. Microbiological studies were delayed but confirmed the mould's sensitivity to amphotericin B and voriconazole.