bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Our experience in eight cases with urinary hydatid disease: A series of 372 cases held in nine different clinics
Authors: YİLMAZ Y , KÖSEM M , CEYLAN K , KÖSEOGLU B , YALÇİNKAYA I , ARSLAN H , GÜNEŞ M , SÖYLEMEZ Ö 
Published: September 2006

Objectives: Hydatid disease, a parasitic infestation caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is diagnosed commonly in the east and south‐east regions of Turkey. The aim of this study is to emphasize the relatively frequent occurrences of echinococcosis in our region, and to discuss therapeutic options and treatment results according to current literature.Methods: A retrospective 10‐year review of nine different clinics’ records of the Research Hospital of the Medical School of Yüzüncü Yıl University revealed 372 hydatid disease cases that were localized in various organs and treated surgically (271 cases) or drained percutaneously (99 cases). Hydatid disease was diagnosed by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography scans (CT) and confirmed histopathologically.Results: The involved organ was lung in 203 cases (131 adults, 72 children), liver in 150, spleen in 9, brain in 2, kidneys in 7 cases and the retrovesical area in 1 case. The urogenital system is involved at a rate of 2.15%. Two hundred and seventy‐one cases were treated surgically and 99 percutaneously. Two cases with renal hydatid cyst refused the surgical procedure (one had a solitary kidney with hydatid cyst). Albendazole was administered to 192 patients; 93 patients had open surgical procedure and 99 patients underwent percutaneous procedure. Cysts were excised totally in the open surgical procedure; however, involved kidneys were removed totally (four cases) except one. Cystectomy and omentoplasty was performed in one case. Complications were as follows: in six cases, cystic material was spilled into the bronchial cavity during the dissection and a renal hydatid cyst ruptured and spilled retroperitoneally.Conclusion: Hydatid disease is a serious health problem in Turkey. The mainly affected organs are liver and lung. It can be treated surgical or by percutaneous aspiration.
General versus spinal anesthesia with different forms of sedation in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy: Results of a prospective, randomized study
Authors: SALONIA ANDREA , SUARDI NAZARENO , CRESCENTI ANTONELLA , COLOMBO RENZO , RIGATTI PATRIZIO , MONTORSI FRANCESCO 
Published: September 2006

Aim: To assess the impact of spinal anesthesia (SpA) combined with three different forms of conscious sedation on intraoperative and postoperative outcome in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for organ confined prostate cancer (pCa).Methods: A total of 121 consecutive patients with pCa undergoing RRP were randomized into four groups. They were randomized as follows: group 1 (general anesthesia: 34 patients), group 2 (lumbar 2 to lumbar 3 interspace SpA with diazepam as sedative agent: 28), group 3 (SpA with propofol: 30), and group 4 (SpA with midazolam: 29). Intraoperative and perioperative parameters were collected.Results: The present study showed that muscle relaxation throughout RRP was not different in the four groups; bleeding was significantly (P = 0.04) lower with SpA, regardless of the form of sedation. Group 3 patients reported the best postoperative oxygen saturation percentage by pulse oximetry and sedation score (P = 0.02; d.f. = 3 and P < 0.0001; d.f. = 3, respectively), the shortest waiting time in the postoperative holding area (P < 0.001; d.f. = 3), the lowest pain on postoperative day 1 (P = 0.0004; d.f. = 3), and the highest frequency of first flatus passage (P = 0.0001; d.f. = 3). A higher number of group 4 patients were able to carry out unassisted ambulation (P < 0.0001; d.f. = 3).Conclusions: Conscious sedation coupled with SpA is a safe, reliable and effective procedure for patients undergoing RRP. The use of propofol as sedative agent offers several advantages both over other types of conscious sedation and general anesthesia.
The prevalence of HFE C282Y gene mutation is increased in Spanish patients with porphyria cutanea tarda without hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Toll A , Celis R , Ozalla MD , Bruguera M , Herrero C , Ercilla MG 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectives  To investigate the role of C282Y and H63D mutations, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the pathogenesis of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT).Design  Prospective case‐control study.Setting  A large clinical and research institute for the study and treatment of cutaneous diseases in Barcelona, Spain.Patients  Ninety‐nine consecutive patients with PCT and one hundred and twenty‐six control patients (76 healthy subjects and 50 patients chronically infected with HCV), were recruited.Main outcome measures  The frequency of the C282Y and H63D mutations in patients with PCT vs. controls and the relationship of these mutations with HCV infection, and iron status, as judged by serum iron, liver iron and ferritin levels.Results  C282Y mutation was significantly increased in PCT patients. This mutation was more frequent among non‐HCV‐infected patients. Increased ferritin levels and hepatic iron overload were also observed in PCT patients with heterozygous C282Y state. H63D mutation was only significantly increased among PCT patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. No significant iron overload was observed in patients with H63D mutation.Conclusions  This study confirms the high frequency of C282Y mutation in patients with PCT and its relationship with iron overload. The C282Y mutation has a relevant role in Spanish patients with PCT not associated with HCV chronic infection. On the other hand, the prevalence of the H63D mutation seems not to be increased in patients with PCT. The possibility of an association between HCV infection and H63D mutation in inducing PCT can be hypothesized.
The age‐related attenuation in long‐term potentiation is associated with microglial activation
Authors: Griffin Rebecca , Nally Rachel , Nolan Yvonne , McCartney Yvonne , Linden James , Lynch Marina A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIt is well established that inflammatory changes contribute to brain ageing, and an increased concentration of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), has been reported in the aged brain associated with a deficit in long‐term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampus. The precise age at which changes are initiated is unclear. In this study, we investigate parallel changes in markers of inflammation and LTP in 3‐, 9‐ and 15‐month‐old rats. We report evidence of increased hippocampal concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1α, IL‐18 and interferon‐γ (IFNγ), which are accompanied by deficits in LTP in the older rats. We also show an increase in expression of markers of microglial activation, CD86, CD40 and intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM). Associated with these changes, we observed a significant impairment of hippocampal LTP in the same rats. The importance of microglial activation in the attenuation of long‐term potentiation (LTP) was demonstrated using an inhibitor of microglial activation, minocycline; partial restoration of LTP in 15‐month‐old rats was observed following administration of minocycline. We propose that signs of neuroinflammation are observed in middle age and that these changes, which are characterized by microglial activation, may be triggered by IL‐18.
Bayesian Clustering of Farm Types Using the Mixtures Model
Authors: Tiffin Richard 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA Bayesian method of classifying observations that are assumed to come from a number of distinct subpopulations is outlined. The method is illustrated with simulated data and applied to the classification of farms according to their level and variability of income. The resultant classification shows a greater diversity of technical charactersitics within farm types than is conventionally the case. The range of mean farm income between groups in the new classification is wider than that of the conventional method and the variability of income within groups is narrower. Results show that the highest income group in 2000 included large specialist dairy farmers and pig and poultry producers, whilst in 2001 it included large and small specialist dairy farms and large mixed dairy and arable farms. In both years the lowest income group is dominated by non‐milk producing livestock farms.
The War onTerroir: Geographical Indications as a Transatlantic Trade Conflict
Authors: Josling Tim 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTerroir, the concept of an essential link between location of production and a specific quality attribute, is emerging as a contentious issue in trade negotiations and disputes. This issue is manifest through disputes and disagreements about appropriate protection of ‘geographical indications’ (GIs). This paper explores the differences in approach taken by the EU and the US towards GI protection, and illustrates the nature of the legal and economic arguments. The transatlantic dispute is spreading to other countries through the inclusion of GI protection in regional and bilateral trade pacts. It also has implications for the eventual conclusion of the WTO Doha Round negotiations, as the terroir issue arises in both the agricultural and the Trade‐Related Intellectual Property (TRIPS) agendas, once again pitting the US and EU as protagonists. But there are signs of change in these positions as the GI system in the EU comes under review and producers in the US reconsider the possible advantages of location‐based identifiers. These issues are important in a number of food sectors, and are likely to be persistent. They deserve more attention from practising applied economists than they have yet received.
Autosomal Dominant Early‐onset Cortical Myoclonus, Photic‐induced Myoclonus, and Epilepsy in a Large Pedigree
Authors: Gardella Elena , Tinuper Paolo , Marini Carla , Guerrini Renzo , Parrini Elena , Bisulli Francesca , Liguori Rocco , Montagna Pasquale , Lugaresi Elio 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Cortical tremor, a form of rhythmic cortical myoclonus (rhythmic CM), and epilepsy have been described in families with autosomal dominant inheritance. Linkage analyses revealed two putative loci on chromosome 2p and 8q. Clinical photosensitivity was not a prominent feature in such families. We describe a large Italian family with rhythmic CM, photosensitivity, and epilepsy. Methods: Twenty‐three individuals of a five‐generation family were studied. Linkage analyses for the loci on chromosome 2p11.1 and 8q23.3 were performed. Results: Of the 23 studied family members, 16 were affected. Rhythmic CM of childhood onset was present in all 16 individuals (onset ranging from 3 to 12 years), was associated with photic‐induced myoclonic jerks in seven, and with epileptic seizures in six (onset ranging from 23 to 34 years). Five children of the V generation manifested also episodes of arousal with generalized tremor in early infancy (“tremulous arousals”). Jerk‐locked back‐averaging of rhythmic CM of six affected individuals, documented a premyoclonic EEG correlate. C‐reflex at rest was present in two affected adults. Linkage analyses excluded mapping to the 2p11.1 and 8q23.3 loci. Conclusions: Clinical variability and severity of the phenotypes in this family are in line with those of previously described pedigrees with autosomal dominant cortical myoclonus and epilepsy. In this family, a progression of symptoms was found: rhythmic CM and tremulous arousals occurred in childhood, whereas visually induced manifestations and epileptic seizures occurred during adolescence–adulthood. Exclusion of linkage to the two known loci is consistent with genetic heterogeneity of such familial clustering of symptoms.
Increased GABAA‐Receptor α1‐Subunit Expression in Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus after Early‐life Status Epilepticus
Authors: Raol YogendraSinh H. , Zhang Guojun , Lund Ingrid V. , Porter Brenda E. , Maronski Margaret A. , Brooks‐Kayal Amy R. 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Previous studies in neonatal (postnatal day 10) and adult rats suggest that status epilepticus (SE) induces changes in the α1 subunit of the GABAA receptor (GABRA1) in dentate granule neurons (DGNs) that are age dependent and vary inversely with the likelihood of epilepsy development. In the present study, we examined GABRA1 expression after SE at postnatal day 20 (P20), an intermediate age when only a subset of SE‐exposed animals develop epilepsy. Methods: SE was induced with lithium‐pilocarpine or kainate at P20. Animals were video‐EEG monitored after SE to determine the presence or absence of spontaneous seizures. GABRA1 mRNA and protein levels were determined 7 days or 3 months later in SE‐exposed and control animals by using a combination of aRNA amplification, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry techniques. Results: GABRA1 mRNA levels in DGNs of SE‐exposed rats that did not become epileptic were higher than those in control rats, but were not different from DGNs in epileptic SE‐exposed rats. GABRA1 protein levels in dentate gyrus were significantly increased in both epileptic and nonepileptic SE‐exposed rats compared with controls. GABRA1 mRNA changes were region specific and did not occur in CA1 or CA3 areas of hippocampus. GABRA1 alterations were present by 1 week after P20 SE and were similar whether pilocarpine or kainate was used to induced SE. Conclusions: P20 SE results in persistent increases in GABRA1 levels selectively in dentate gyrus. These changes preceded the onset of epilepsy, were not model specific, and occurred in both epileptic and nonepileptic animals.
Heterogeneity at the JME 6p11–12 Locus: Absence of Mutations in the EFHC1 Gene in Linked Dutch Families
Authors: Pinto Dalila , Louwaars Sandrien , Westland Birgit , Volkers Linda , De Haan Gerrit‐Jan , Trenité Dorothée G.A. Kasteleijn‐Nolst , Lindhout Dick , Koeleman Bobby P.C. 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The EFHC1 gene, encoding a protein with a Ca2+‐sensing EF‐hand motif, is localized at 6p12 and was recently reported as mutated in six Mexican juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) families linked to this region. We had previously confirmed linkage between JME and 6p11‐12 in 18 Dutch families, and shown exclusionary lod scores at 6p21.3. We therefore evaluated the relevance of EFHC1 in our set of 6p11‐12–linked families. Methods: We screened all coding and regulatory regions of EFHC1 by direct sequencing, and the detected variants were tested in a case–control association study. Results: We found none of the five mutations previously reported in the Mexican families, but identified nine variants, three of which are novel: 5′ upstream region (c.‐146_147delGC), nonsynonymous (R159W, R182H, M448T, I619L), intronic (IVS3 + 10A>G, IVS8 + 175_176delTT, IVS10 + 59C>T), and 3′ UTR (c.+121C>A). These variants did not cosegregate with JME and did not account for the observed linkage at the 6p11‐12 locus. Furthermore, no significant association was detected between JME and these variants in 112 unrelated patients and 180 controls. Finally, none of the mutations reported in Mexican families was found in 100 unrelated patients. Conclusions: We found no evidence that EFHC1 is a major genetic risk factor for JME susceptibility in Dutch patients. The EFHC1 variants reported in Mexican families may be mendelian variants specific for those families, suggesting that for Dutch patients and possibly many other populations, the main disease variant at the 6p11‐12 is yet to be identified.
Exploration of the Genetic Architecture of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies
Authors: Hempelmann Anne , Taylor Kirsten P. , Heils Armin , Lorenz Susanne , Prud'Homme Jean‐Francois , Nabbout Rima , Dulac Olivier , Rudolf Gabrielle , Zara Federico , Bianchi Amedeo , Robinson Robert , Gardiner R. Mark , Covanis Athanasios , Lindhout Dick , Stephani Ulrich , Elger Christian E. , Weber Yvonne G. , Lerche Holger , Nürnberg Peter , Kron Katherine L. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Mulley John C. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Sander Thomas 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) accounts for ∼20% of all epilepsies and affects about 0.2% of the general population. The etiology of IGE is genetically determined, but the complex pattern of inheritance suggests an involvement of a large number of susceptibility genes. The objective of the present study was to explore the genetic architecture of common IGE syndromes and to dissect out susceptibility loci predisposing to absence or myoclonic seizures. Methods: Genome‐wide linkage scans were performed in 126 IGE‐multiplex families of European origin ascertained through a proband with idiopathic absence epilepsy or juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Each family had at least two siblings affected by IGE. To search for seizure type–related susceptibility loci, linkage analyses were carried out in family subgroups segregating either typical absence seizures or myoclonic and generalized tonic–clonic seizures on awakening. Results: Nonparametric linkage scans revealed evidence for complex and heterogeneous genetic architectures involving linkage signals at 5q34, 6p12, 11q13, 13q22‐q31, and 19q13. The signal patterns differed in their composition, depending on the predominant seizure type in the families. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with heterogeneous configurations of susceptibility loci associated with different IGE subtypes. Genetic determinants on 11q13 and 13q22‐q31 seem to predispose preferentially to absence seizures, whereas loci on 5q34, 6p12, and 19q13 confer susceptibility to myoclonic and generalized tonic–clonic seizures on awakening.
Rapid Detection and Successful Treatment of Esophageal Perforation After Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Lessons from Five Cases
Authors: DAGRES NIKOLAOS , KOTTKAMP HANS , PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , DOLL NICOLAS , MOHR FRIEDRICH , HORLITZ MARC , KREMASTINOS DIMITRIOS TH. , HINDRICKS GERHARD 
Published: September 2006

Introduction: The aim of the study was to identify criteria for rapid recognition and successful treatment of esophageal perforation after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: Esophageal perforation occurred in five patients after intraoperative (n = 4) or percutaneous (n = 1) AF ablation. Patients presented with high fever (n = 3) or severe chest/epigastric pain (n = 2) 8–28 days after ablation. WBC count was elevated at presentation in all patients (15,460 ± 2,910/μL), CRP showed a delayed rise. Thoracic CT detected free air in all. Neurologic complications occurred in three cases (60%) with a delay of 5–40 hours after first symptoms. Only one (20%) developed neurologic complications within the first 24 hours. Two patients (40%) died before surgery could be performed. In both, time from symptom onset to diagnosis was significant (24 and 36 hours). Three patients (60%) underwent esophageal resection and survived. In two of them, treatment was rapid with time from symptoms to surgery of 24 hours; they had favorable outcome. In the third surviving patient, surgery was late (5 days after first symptoms); permanent neurologic residues remained. Conclusion: The leading symptom of esophageal perforation is high fever or severe chest/epigastric pain. Fever is not necessarily present. Leukocytosis is the earliest and most sensitive laboratory marker, thoracic CT the most valuable diagnostic examination. The dramatic neurologic complications occur with a delay of at least a few hours after first symptoms. Immediate surgery may prevent neurologic complications and could possibly result in a high survival rate without residues. Delay of treatment seems to have devastating results.
The Sterility of Dental Burs Directly from the Manufacturer
Authors: Hauptman Joel M. , Golberg Marvin B. , Rewkowski Carrie Ann 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTBackground:  The purpose of this research was to assess the sterility of burs directly from manufacturers. The authors wished to determine the types of bacteria, if any, found on nonsterilized burs.Methods:  The authors used burs from a major manufacturer. Sterilized and nonsterilized burs were cultured for bacteria. Any burs found to be contaminated were further cultured on agar plates. The bacteria on the plates were identified by a commercial laboratory.Results:  Of the 100 sterilized and nonsterilized burs, the authors found none of the sterilized burs to be contaminated. Eight of the nonsterilized burs showed growth of bacteria after 24 hours. Seven of the eight bacteria identified on the burs belonged to the genus Bacillus.Conclusions:  The Bacillus genus is encountered in daily living and is not considered to be pathogenic; however, there have been documented cases of infection in humans in which these bacteria dominate. They should never be introduced into the bloodstream.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe dentist must consider that soft tissue exposure may be unavoidable with subgingival restorations or even those close to the gingiva. Therefore, it is imperative that the dentist use sterile burs during dental procedures. This article will prove the necessity for sterile burs and leave the rest to the manufacturers.
Investigating Gata3 as a positional candidate gene for allergic asthma in a murine model
Authors: Li X. , Wills‐Karp M. , Ewart S. 
Published: September 2006

Summary Gata3 is a positional candidate gene for allergic asthma. We determined allergen‐induced GATA‐3 mRNA and protein expression in asthma susceptible and resistant mice and generated Gata3 sequence data. Our data indicate that the Gata3 gene in isolation is not a causative agent of asthma susceptibility in our model.
Th‐1 cytokines gene polymorphism in human brucellosis
Authors: Davoudi S. , Amirzargar A. A. , Hajiabdolbaghi M. , Rasoolinejad M. , Soodbakhsh A. , Jafari S. , Piri H. , Maleknejad P. , Bagherian H. , Madadi N. , Nikbin B. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBrucellosis is a worldwide zoonosis. Infection with Brucella species results in the activation of cell‐mediated immune response. The interaction between Th1and Th2 cytokines determines the outcome of disease. Production of each cytokine is in turn affected by genetic factors. In this study, we investigated the possible association between Th1 cytokines gene polymorphism and brucellosis. Different genotypes of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐2 were determined by polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer in 47 patients with brucellosis and in 166 healthy controls. Allele frequencies of these genotypes were compared using the χ2 test. The results showed a significant difference in the TNF‐α genotype GG/GG in patients in comparison with controls (76.7% vs. 21%) (P = 0.001, OR = 12.42, 95%CI 5.7–27.7). There was no significant difference in the frequency distribution of the IFN‐γ genotypes between two groups. IL‐2 GG genotype at position −330 was about two times more common in cases than in controls, but the difference was not significant (10.6 vs. 4.6 P value = 0.09).This study shows that genetically low producers of TNF‐α are possibly susceptible to brucellosis and raise doubt about the role of gene polymorphism of INF‐γ in brucellosis which was demonstrated in previous studies. It seems that patients with brucellosis did not have a defect in producing IL‐2 with even a trend towards producing higher amounts of this cytokine.
SNPs in human β‐defensin 1 gene (DEFB1): frequencies in a Mexican population and new PCR–RFLPs assays
Authors: Prado‐Montes de Oca E. , Rangel‐Villalobos H. , Gallegos‐Arreola M. P. , Sandoval L. , Figuera L. E. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPolymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assays for two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human β‐defensin 1 gene have been validated with real‐time PCR in 101 healthy individuals from western Mexico. Allele frequencies were 52.5% (692‐A) and 98.5% (1836‐A). These assays can be confidently used as a cheaper alternative genotyping method for these sites.