bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for diabetic retinopathy in general practice using 35mm colour transparency fundal photographs
Authors: Gibbins RL , Kinsella F , Young S , Saunders J , Owens DR 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe objective of the study was to determine whether a general practitioner could effectively interpret fundal photographs obtained from clinics organised in a primary care setting ‐ in this case, a rural group general practice in Mid Wales. All patients registered with the practice and indentified as having diabetes were included into the study. The study was designed as a population‐based study and the GP diabetes register used to arrange photographic clinics in general practice. Comparison was made between the GP's and the ophthalmologist's (reference standard) interpretation of fundal photographs. Observers were unaware of the identity of the subjects and of each others results.Ascertainment rate for diabetes was 2.2% (166 patients). Photographs were obtained in 143 (86%); quality was sufficient for analysis in 137 (82.5%). Twenty‐three patients were identified by ophthalmologists as having retinopathy, eight (6% of whole sample) with sight‐threatening lesions. The GP's sensitivity for the presence of retinopathy was 87% (95% CI 66%‐97%), and specificity 77% (95% CI 70%‐85%). No sight‐threatening lesions were missed by the GP. Of 18 false positives with good picture quality, 10 (56%) had drusen; eight other false positives had photographic artefacts or poor picture quality.It was concluded that, given adequate training, GPs could act as first screeners for diabetic retinopathy by utilising fundal photographs taken in general practice. Analysis of the effectiveness of screening methods for diabetes should take into account ascertainment rate of diabetes in the study population.
Cutaneous allergy (urticaria) to insulin preparations
Authors: Brooks AP , Roseveare CD 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFive patients are described who experienced generalised cutaneous reactions, urticarla and itching, after Injecting varlous modern human insulln preparations. This allergy was not due to the Insulin, but to some of the non‐Insulin components of Insulin solutions. Prick‐skin testing Identified the specific allergen in each patient; In three cases, protamine. Change to another human insulin preparation without the allergen in its constltuents resolved the symptoms in each patient.
Relationship between insulin dose, body weight and glycaemic control in insulin‐dependent diabetes
Authors: Gill G , Hardy K , Lorains J 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe relationships between daily insulin dose, body weight, age, sex and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1) were explored in a group of 198 insulin‐dependent (IDDM) diabetics of at least five years' duration. Insulin dose was positively correlated with body weight (p<0.001), and negatiely related to age (p<0.005). Doses in units/kg were also higher in males when compared with females (0.76 ± 0.25 v 0.61 ± 0.20 ± u/kg, p<0.001). There was no correlation between insulin dose and HbA1.Higher insulin requirements in males, a positive relationship with body weight, together with declining requirements with age, suggests a possible dependence of insulin dose on lean body mass. The lack of relationship between insulin dose and HbA1 is perhaps disappointing, but may reflect the many factors affecting insulin absorption and action, as well as perhaps the destabilising effects of ‘over‐insulinisation’.
Use of computer simulator training in the education of diabetic teenagers
Authors: Hedbrant J , Ludvigsson J 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDiabetic patients learning to manage diabetes are often at the mercy of trial and error. To speed up and improve the learning process a computerised diabetes simulator may be used for experiments with food, insulin and exercise without risk of inconvenience.When measuring the impact of computer training, only 11 out of 58 diabetic teenagers wanted to participate in the study. These diabetic teenagers were educated in four computer lessons and evaluated with respect to metabolic control, emotional adjustment, locus of control, self‐esteem and ability to discuss treatment problems. It was not possible to recruit a control group.In a few individuals there were significant improvements in locus‐of‐control, self‐esteem, knowledge and diabetes related stress. Side‐effects were an increased level of guilt and an alienation from medical professionals.The computer training was considered to be enjoyable and of great value. Consistent with our hope, the participants regarded the computer simulator as a source of inspiration rather than as an instrument for calculating the optimal insulin regimen.We conclude that although young people get more and more used to computers, still only a minority are attracted by this type of education. On a group basis limited computer training has no significant influence, but for certain individuals computer simulation may be a good educational tool.
An efficient and cost‐effective method of running diabetes clinics
Authors: Preston FM , Young PM 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe traditional diabetes clinic at Bradford Royal Infirmary involves a consultant diabetologist, a junior doctor and a clinical assistant. Patients usually remain on the same doctor's list. A clinical audit revealed significant differences between the numbers of complication reviews performed by junior doctors and the consultant diabetologist, with the consultant performing significantly more tests than the junior doctors. The clinical assistant performed even fewer tests, which probably reflected his lack of time to review the tests. As junior doctors rotate jobs every six months and patients often attend clinic six monthly there was no real continuity of care for the patient.Our project aimed to substitute diabetes specialist nurses (DSN) for the junior doctors and to audit the result. We found that the number of complication reviews performed was significantly increased and that the DSN could effectively replace the junior doctors and clinical assistant in the diabetes clinic, with medical support when required.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture and moxibustion
Authors: Clark MH , Jowett NI 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSymptomatic peripheral neuropathy in diabetes can cause great distress to the patient. Acupuncture may be sought as an alternative therapy. Acupuncture associated with moxibustion (a form of heat stimulation) can be dangerous to the patient because of the lack of pain sensation. In this case, the patient sustained a large partial thickness burn.
Discussing diabetic retinopathy with NIDDM patients. An evaluation of varying the content of information given to patients and its impact on anxiety
Authors: McGill MJ , Molyneaux LM , O'Dea J A , Yue DK 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThere are no clear guidelines to assist health professionals in discussing diabetic complications with patients. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of anxiety‐provoking detailed content of complications information on NIDDM patients' levels of anxiety.Four videotapes with differing levels of anxiety‐provoking content and detail within the content were used. After becoming familiar with each patient, educators selected a videotape they considered suitable for the individual patient. Patients were then randomised to: (i) viewing a videotape of the educator's choice (n=55); (ii) viewing a videotape of their own choice (n=45). Using a 10cm LASA scale, patient anxiety was measured before and after viewing.Patient anxiety rose significantly after viewing videotapes with anxietyprovoking or detailed content, by 0.6 and 1.0 respectively. This increase was mainly due to the selection of one videotape which contained both anxiety‐provoking and detailed content, particularly when it was chosen by the educators. Factors which determined patient anxiety were, (A) before viewing of videotapes: (i) knowing others with complications; (ii) age; and (B) after viewing: (i) which videotape was viewed; (ii) age. Awareness of the term ‘retinopathy’ and previous consultation with an ophthalmologist were the best predictors for reduction in anxiety. Patients with NIDDM were prepared to learn about retinopathy, including the use of anxiety‐provoking materials. Less anxiety was generated when selection of information was made by the patients themselves rather than by the educators.
An assessment of perceived wellbeing in a diabetic population
Authors: Sturrock NDC , Moriarty KT 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPerceived wellbeing in a diabetes mellitus population was assessed using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) in a group of diabetic patients aged 30–40 years (n=300) and age‐matched healthy controls (n=143). The NHP grades wellbeing into six categories: emotional reaction (ER), social isolation (SI), energy (E), pain (P), sleep (S) and physical mobility (PM). The Kruskal‐Wallis H test was used to compare patients with the control scores for each category. In all categories, the scores of patients were significant greater than controls, indicating reduced perception of wellbeing: ER 13.3 versus 10.5*, SI 8.5 v 6.1*; E 21.2 v 12.4*; P 7.9 v 2.7*; S12.2 v 9.3*; PM 3.6 v 1.5*; (patients v controls; *p<0.05).Analysis of patient characteristics in relation to whether they scored positively or not on the NHP revealed a female preponderance, but no association with diabetes control, duration of diabetes, age at onset of diabetes or complications, except the presence of nephropathy.
A proteome study of the proliferation of cultured Medicago truncatula protoplasts
Authors: de Jong Femke , Mathesius Ulrike , Imin Nijat , Rolfe Barry G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA proteome study of the first five days of Medicago truncatula protoplast cultures was done to investigate molecular changes taking place during protoplast proliferation. A total of 1556 protein spots were analysed, of which 886 protein spots showed significant (p<0.005) changes in abundance at some time during the first five days of protoplast culture. Of the 886 significantly changing protein spots, 89 proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. The majority of the identified proteins were part of four main cellular processes that may be involved in protoplast proliferation: energy metabolism, defence or stress response, secondary metabolism and protein synthesis and folding. The accumulation pattern of these proteins indicates extensive changes in the energy metabolism of the cells, accompanied by the activation of stress response pathways and modifications of the cell wall. In addition, seven PR10‐like (pathogenesis related) proteins were identified. The accumulation pattern of these seven PR10‐like proteins suggests that they could have a developmental role during protoplast proliferation.
Proteomic analysis of dimorphic transition in the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Böhmer Maik , Colby Thomas , Böhmer Christian , Bräutigam Anne , Schmidt Jürgen , Bölker Michael 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis, the dimorphic transition from budding to filamentous growth is intrinsically associated with the switch from a saprophytic to a pathogenic lifestyle. Both pathogenicity and filament formation are triggered by a heterodimeric homeodomain transcription factor encoded by the b mating type locus. Here, we present a reference map of the proteome of this dimorphic phytopathogenic fungus. Using 2‐DE in combination with MALDI‐TOF‐MS and ESI‐MS/MS, we were able to identify 250 distinct proteins obtained from soluble protein samples. In addition, we determined the abundance of cytosolic proteins in filamentous U. maydis cells and compared it with that of budding cells. Filamentous growth was induced by two independent regimes, either by overexpression of the bW2/bE1‐heterodimer or by overexpression of the small GTP binding protein Rac1. By comparison of expression profiles, we have identified 13 protein spots that were significantly enhanced during filamentous growth induced by bW2/bE1. Rac1 only up‐regulates a subset of four of these protein spots. None of these proteins have previously been associated with filamentous growth. Comparison of Rac1‐ and b‐regulated protein sets supports the hypothesis that filament formation during pathogenic development occurs via stimulation of a Rac1‐containing signalling module.
Crystallographic, thermodynamic, and molecular modeling studies of the mode of binding of oligosaccharides to the potent antiviral protein griffithsin
Authors: Ziółkowska Natasza E. , Shenoy Shilpa R. , O'Keefe Barry R. , McMahon James B. , Palmer Kenneth E. , Dwek Raymond A. , Wormald Mark R. , Wlodawer Alexander 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe mode of binding of oligosaccharides to griffithsin, an antiviral lectin from the red alga Griffithsia sp., was investigated by a combination of X‐ray crystallography, isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular modeling. The structures of complexes of griffithsin with 1→6α‐mannobiose and with maltose were solved and refined at the resolution of 2.0 and 1.5 Å, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters of binding of 1→6α‐mannobiose, maltose, and mannose to griffithsin were determined. Binding profiles of 1→6α‐mannobiose and mannose were similar with Kd values of 83.3 μM and 102 μM, respectively. The binding of maltose to griffithsin was significantly weaker, with a fourfold lower affinity (Kd = 394 μM). In all cases the binding at 30°C was entropically rather than enthalpically driven. On the basis of the experimental crystal structures, as well as on previously determined structures of complexes with monosaccharides, it was possible to create a model of a tridentate complex of griffithsin with Man9GlcNAc2, a high mannose oligosaccharide commonly found on the surface of viral glycoproteins. All shorter oligomannoses could be modeled only as bidentate or monodentate complexes with griffithsin. The ability to mediate tight multivalent and multisite interactions with high‐mannose oligosaccharides helps to explain the potent antiviral activity of griffithsin. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrolytic activation/decomposition pathways of herbicidally active ethyl 5‐[N‐(5,7‐dimethoxy‐2H‐1,2,4‐ thiadiazolo[2,3‐a] pyrimidin‐2‐ylidene)sulfamoyl]‐1,3‐ dimethylpyrazole‐4‐carboxylate
Authors: Okajima Nobuyuki , Aoki Isao , Okada Yoshiyuki , Fujita Toshio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPotent herbicidal ethyl 5‐[N‐(5,7‐dimethoxy2H‐1,2,4‐thiadiazolo‐[2,3‐a] pyrimidin‐2‐ylidene)sulfamoyl]‐1,3‐dimethylpyrazole‐4‐carboxylate (I) was hydrolyzed under weakly basic conditions to afford a sulfonylurea (VII), a 2‐pyrimidylcyanamide (IV) and a mercaptopyrazole (VI). The formation of these products was explained by nucleophilic attack at the 1 and 2‐positions of the 1,2,4‐thiadiazolo[2,3‐alpyrimidine ring. This is believed to mimic the process which occurs on application to the plant. I appears to be a pro‐pesticide for the sulfonylurea, VII.
Interactions of insecticides with biological membranes
Authors: Lee Anthony G. , Malcolm East J. , Balgavy Paul 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMany insecticides (e.g. DDT, lindane, pyrethroids) are hydrophobic molecules which bind extensively to biological membranes. Binding of insecticides to phospholipid bilayers frequently shows saturation, with binding increasing with increasing insecticide concentration up to some limit, beyond which no further insecticide is incorporated into the bilayer. For lindane, this limit has been shown to correspond to the concentration at which the aqueous phase becomes saturated. Simple alkanes show similar saturation phenomena, and binding of halogenated alkanes can be followed by fluorescence quenching methods. It is shown that effects of hydrophobic molecules on bilayer fluidity are small. Effects of alkanes and insecticides on the activity of the (Ca2+‐Mg2+)‐ATPase purified from sarcoplasmic reticulum follow from direct binding to the ATPase, at sites which are not at the lipid‐protein interface of the ATPase.
Properties and functions of proton pumps in higher plants
Authors: Hall J. L. , Williams Lorraine E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe properties of the major H+‐pumps in higher plant cells are described: these are the H+‐ATPase of the plasma membrane and the H+‐ATPase and the H+‐pyrophosphatase of the tonoplast. They are distinguished by their structure, mechanism of action, kinetic properties, and location within the cell. The uses and value of isolated and purified membrane vesicles in transport studies are discussed. A particular example is given by the use of plasma membrane vesicles, purified by phase partition, to study proton/ sucrose co‐transport in Ricinus cotyledons. Current evidence for the interference with these pumps by growth regulators, toxins and xenobiotics is outlined.
Increasing the use of trichogrammatids in insect pest management: A case study from the forests of canada
Authors: Newton Philip J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPractical uses of trichogrammatid egg parasites occur world‐wide against many lepidopterous pests on several key crops. Although several million hectares are treated annually, most of these remain at research and plantation scale, and there are relatively few commercial insectaries producing these organisms as crop protection agents. With few exceptions, trichogrammatids are produced by small, specialized industries with low technology and high labour inputs.Increases in the commercial uses of these naturally occurring ovicides, particularly in intensive agricultural systems with high per‐capita output, have been limited by problems in the scale and economy of production, together with variability in control effect. To become more widely acceptable as plant protection products, trichogrammatids should compete with established methods in cost, availability, efficacy and reliability.Using a specific example from the forest resources of Canada, this paper focuses on an industrial approach to developing a Trichogrammma sp. as a viable component for insect pest management. In particular, it addresses the problems of production economy and scale, quality control, storage, and application technology.
Simultaneous determination of gemcitabine, taxol, cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide in wipe samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: protocol of validation and uncertainty of measurement
Authors: Sottani Cristina , Turci Roberta , Schierl Rudolf , Gaggeri Raffaella , Barbieri Anna , Violante Francesco Saverio , Minoia Claudio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMeasurable levels of anticancer agents are still detected on work surfaces in health‐care settings. However, application of recent guidelines for the protection of workers' safety and health has resulted in lowered contamination levels. To assess occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents, very sensitive and specific procedures for environmental sampling and analysis are therefore needed. In the present study an assay for simultaneous determination of gemcitabine, taxol, cyclophosphamide, and ifosfamide in wipe samples, using two internal standards (trofosfamide and cephalomannine), was developed and validated by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) was used for sample concentration and cleanup. The assay was found to be linear up to 1000 ng/wipe, with limits of quantitation of 25.0 ng/wipe for gemcitabine and taxol, and 12.5 ng/wipe for cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the surface sampling, removal efficiency tests were repeated on different types of surfaces. Recovery rates of between 62 and 81% were obtained at two contamination levels (50.0 and 250 ng/100 cm2). Precision and trueness were determined on three different days. The within‐day precision was found to be always less than 12.1% for all the analytes. The overall precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), was always less than 9.4%. Recoveries varying from 75.0 (gemcitabine) to 95.0% (taxol) were obtained at three levels. In order to obtain a quantitative indication of the quality of the result, the overall uncertainty of measurement (UOM) was evaluated according to the EURACHEM/CITAC guide. The relative combined uncertainty was found to be always less than 9.5%. The relative expanded uncertainty was also calculated, at three contamination levels. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid measurement of sphingolipids from Arabidopsis thaliana by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Markham Jonathan E. , Jaworski Jan G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractChanges in sphingolipids have been associated with profound effects in cell fate and development in both plants and animals. Sphingolipids as a group consist of a large number of different compound classes of which numerous individual species may vary in response to environmental stimuli to affect cellular responses. The ability to measure all sphingolipids simultaneously is, therefore, essential to an understanding of the biochemical regulation of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling molecules derived from it. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the major sphingolipid classes are glycosylinositolphosphoceramides, glucosylceramides, hydroxyceramides and ceramides. Other minor but potentially important sphingolipids are free long‐chain bases and their phosphorylated derivates. By using a single solvent system with reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry detection we have been able to separate and measure 168 sphingolipids from a crude sample. This greatly speeds up and simplifies the analysis of plant sphingolipids and should pave the way for a better understanding of their role in plant performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human sapoviruses: genetic diversity, recombination, and classification
Authors: Hansman Grant S. , Oka Tomoichiro , Katayama Kazuhiko , Takeda Naokazu 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe familyCaliciviridaecontains four generaSapovirus,Norovirus,LagovirusandVesivirus, which includeSapporo virus(SaV),Norwalk virus(NoV),Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus(RHDV) andFeline calicivirus(FCV), respectively. SaV is a causative agent of gastroenteritis in children and adults. SaV can be divided into five genogroups (GI–GV), among which GI, GII, GIV and GV are known to infect humans, whereas SaV GIII infects porcine species. Detection methods include ELISA, RT‐PCR and real‐time RT‐PCR. Since few SaV studies have been conducted, it is difficult to draw correlations between or conclusions about rates of incidence, detection and overall prevalence. Nevertheless, most studies agree that SaV infection is more frequent in young children than adults and that infection in children almost always occurs by 5 years of age. In addition, children at day‐care centres and institutions are at greatest risk of SaV‐associated infection and transmission. Recently, a number of important findings concerning human SaV were discovered. SaV strains were detected in water samples, which included untreated wastewater specimens, treated wastewater samples and river samples. SaV strains were also detected in shellfish samples destined for human consumption, and recombinant SaV strains were identified in a number of different countries. The purpose of this review was to highlight the current knowledge of human SaV, which appears to be an increasingly important virus causing gastroenteritis in humans. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.