bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Endoscopic Nasal and Sinus Surgery
Authors: Stankiewicz James A. 
Published: November 2005

A total of 83 children and teenagers underwent endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery. Six patients had surgery for choanal atresia (4) and adenoid hypertrophy (2) and will only be briefly mentioned. Seventy‐seven children and teenagers underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for acute and chronic sinusitis, choanal polyposis, and nasal polyposis with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up. One hundred thirty‐three ethmoidectomies, 37 sphenoidotomies, and 119 maxillary antrostomies were performed. Subjective evaluation of the sinus surgery patients indicated that 38% of patients were cured and 55% improved during an average of 3.5 years of follow‐up. The number cured and number improved are lower and higher, respectively, than in other reports of results because of the longer follow‐up and patient selection. In addition, objective data were obtained on 34 patients with a second‐ or third‐look procedure 2 weeks to 2 months after surgery. These examinations found significant granulation tissue, and almost 50% of patients had at least one maxillary ostia closed. Long‐term objective results, however, are not available to determine whether the ostia remained closed. Problems with healing in children's endoscopic sinus surgery are unpredictable compared those in adult surgery because postoperative debridement and examination are often difficult to perform, thus allowing tissue to heal without control. In this series, other factors such as the increased risks of cystic fibrosis, allergy, and immunodeficiency were also more prevalent and compromised healing. The best way to achieve good results in pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery requires appropriate patient selection, careful techniques, spacers or stents that don't cover the antrostomy, appropriate second‐ or third‐look procedures for debridement and examination, and judicious postoperative medical therapy.
Tracheostomal Stenosis after Laryngectomy: Incidence and Predisposing Factors
Authors: Wax Mark K. , Touma B. Joseph , Ramadan Hassan H. 
Published: November 2005

Laryngectomy for carcinoma of the larynx has been performed since it was first described in 1880. Since that time the complication of tracheostomal stenosis has plagued both surgeons and patients. The reported incidence of tracheostomal stenosis ranges from 4% to 42%. At West Virginia University Hospitals from 1976 to 1994, 106 patients undergoing laryngectomies on the head and neck oncology service were analyzed. The charts of patients treated before 1991 were reviewed retrospectively; a prospective analysis was initiated in 1991. Only patients with a minimum of 6 months of follow‐up were included in this study. The male‐to‐female ratio was 3:1, with an age range of 28 to 86 years (mean, 58 years). The overall rate of stenosis was 28.4%. The incidence of tracheostomal stenosis was higher in women (46.4%) than in men (21.6%) (p< 0.05). Since 1991 a plastic type of closure was used in 25 patients. The stenosis rate was 0% in these patients. Before 1991 a bevel or circle technique was used, with stenosis rates of 33% and 75%, respectively (p< 0.05). Infection at the site of the stoma, fistula, steroid use, neck dissection, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap usage, primary tracheoesophageal puncture, and radiotherapy did not correlate with an increased incidence of stenosis. The most important factor in prevention of stomal stenosis after laryngectomy is attention to detail while forming the stoma. With good technique and a plastic‐type closure to break up the suture line, a minimal rate of stenosis should be encountered.
Relationship of insulin sensitivity to aerobic capacity in Standardbred mares and geldings
Authors: Pratt SE , Geor RJ , McCutcheon LJ 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the relationship between insulin sensitivity and aerobic capacity and serum adipocytokine (leptin, adiponectin) concentrations in 14 mature, unconditioned Standardbred horses (eight mares, six geldings). Each horse underwent a euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) and a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) for assessment of insulin sensitivity. Aerobic capacity was determined by measurement of the peak rate of oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) during an incremental exercise test (IET). Serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured in baseline samples obtained before tests of insulin sensitivity. Mean body weight, condition score, V˙O2peak and run time during the IET did not differ between the sex groups. However, minimal model analysis of the FSIGT showed that insulin sensitivity (SI, ×10−4 l mU−1 min−1) was higher (P = 0.002) in geldings (4.21±0.78) than in mares (2.43±0.95), while the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) and glucose utilization independent of insulin (SG) were significantly higher in mares. Similarly, glucose uptake (M) per unit of serum insulin (I) during the EHC (M/I ratio) tended (P = 0.08) to be higher in geldings than in mares (×10−2 mg kg−1 min−1 per μU ml−1: 2.41±0.64 vs. 1.80±0.51). There was no significant relationship between V˙O2peak and measures of insulin sensitivity. Stepwise multiple linear regression modelling determined that sex (65%) and leptin concentrations (13.7%) accounted for 78.7% of the variance in SI, while 46% of the variance in M/I could be attributed to sex. It was concluded that aerobic capacity is not an important determinant of insulin-mediated glucose disposal in mature, untrained Standardbred horses. Further studies are needed to examine the influence of gender on insulin sensitivity in horses.
Effects of ‘warm-up’ exercise on energy provision and exercise performance in horses and humans: a comparative review
Authors: Burnley Mark , Jones Andrew M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractEquine and human athletic endeavour often requires near-maximal rates of aerobic metabolism. It, therefore, follows that any practical method of increasing the aerobic contribution to exercise should be of benefit to athletic performance. Prior ‘warm-up’ exercise is widely advocated before exercise performance in order to ‘prime’ the physiological mechanisms of power generation and energy supply. In the present review, we examine evidence that prior exercise, in both the horse and the human, results in marked increases in O2supply and utilization during subsequent intense exercise. Much of this evidence stems from the study of pulmonary oxygen uptake dynamics and the related concepts of oxygen deficit and critical power. We, therefore, also review the effect of prior exercise in light of the exercise intensity domains in which the prior and subsequent exercise performances take place. Recent evidence suggests that both moderate and heavy exercise should improve subsequent severe exercise performance in both species by ∼2–3%, although much work remains to be done to establish the ‘optimal’ warm-up regime(s).
COMPAM :visualization of combining pairwise alignments for multiple genomes
Authors: Lee DoHoon , Choi Jeong-Hyeon , Dalkilic Mehmet M. , Kim Sun 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Summary: COMPAM is a tool for visualizing relationships among multiple whole genomes by combining all pairwise genome alignments. It displays shared conserved regions (blocks) and where these blocks occur (edges) as block relation graphs which can be explored interactively. An unannotated genome, e.g. can then be explored using information from well-annotated genomes, COG-based genome annotation and genes. COMPAM can run either as a stand-alone application or through an applet that is provided as service to PLATCOM, a toolset for whole genome comparative analysis, where a wide variety of genomes can be easily selected. Features provided by COMPAM include the ability to export genome relationship information into file formats that can be used by other existing tools.
Availability:
Contact: dohhlee@indiana.edu; sunkim2@indiana.edu
Characterization of human NSCLC cell line with innate etoposide‐resistance mediated by cytoplasmic localization of topoisomerase II alpha
Authors: de Lucio Bautista , Manuel Victor , Barrera‐Rodríguez Raul 
Published: November 2005

Topoisomerase (topo) II alpha is a target for many chemotherapeutic agents in clinical use. In tumor cells resistant to topo II poisons, there have been descriptions of quantitative and qualitative alterations involved in this enzyme. More recently, the cytoplasmic localization of topo II alpha has been described as a mechanism to confer drug resistance. Here, we report the characterization of a human non‐small‐cell lung cancer cell line, INER‐37, which shows an innate resistance to etoposide. In this cell line, etoposide resistance was directly associated with the expression of topo II alpha resident mainly in the cytoplasmic region. At the molecular level, INER‐37 cells carry on a heterozygous gene deletion, transcribing two different topo II alpha mRNAs: 4.8 kb and 2.0 kb. The bigger 4.8 kb mRNA (missing 1.3 kb of 3′ mRNA and including the untranslated region) is translated into a truncated cytoplasmic protein of approximately 160 kDa. The protein truncation affects at least 96 amino acids in the COOH‐terminal region where the more proximal bipartite nuclear localization signal is located. The INER‐37 cell line is the first cancer cell line reported with an innate mutation affecting the 3′‐end region of the topo II alpha gene that confers a cytoplasmic localization of the enzyme and therefore an increased resistance to etoposide. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 774–783)
Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced inflammatory mediator profile in anex vivohuman whole blood model
Authors: Bodet C , Chandad F , Grenier D 
Published: November 2005

SummaryPeriodontitis is characterized by an accumulation of inflammatory cells in periodontal tissue and subgingival sites. Leukocytes play a major role in the host response to Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major aetiological agent of chronic periodontitis. Secretion of high levels of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and prostaglandins, by leucocytes is believed to contribute to periodontal tissue destruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammatory response of an ex vivo whole blood model to P. gingivalis stimulation. The production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Regulated on Activation Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. P. gingivalis induced the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ, the chemokines IL-8, RANTES and MCP-1 and the inflammatory mediator PGE2 in an ex vivo human whole blood model. The secretion levels were dependent on the strain and the infectious dose used. While the mediator profiles were comparable between six healthy subjects, a high interindividual variability in the levels of secreted mediators was observed. This study supports the view that P. gingivalis, by inducing high levels of inflammatory mediators from a mixed leucocyte population, can contribute to the progression of periodontitis.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced immune activation in human endothelial cells
Authors: Equils O , Naiki Y , Shapiro A M , Michelsen K , Lu D , Adams J , Jordan S 
Published: November 2005

Summary
In addition to its well-known role in mineral and skeletal homeostasis, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25-(OH)2, D3] regulates the differentiation, growth and function of a broad range of immune system cells, including monocytes, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes. Vascular endothelial cells play a major role in the innate immune activation during infections, sepsis and transplant rejection; however, currently there are no data on the effect of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 on microbial antigen-induced endothelial cell activation. Here we show that 1,25-(OH)2 D3 pretreatment of human microvessel endothelial cells (HMEC) inhibited the enteric Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation of transcription factor NF-κB and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and regulated upon activation normal T cell exposed and secreted (RANTES) release. The effect of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was not due to increased cell death or inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation. 1,25-(OH)2 D3 pretreatment of HMEC did not block MyD88-independent LPS-induced interferon (IFN)-β promoter activation. 1,25-(OH)2 D3 pretreatment of HMEC did not modulate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or MD-2 expression. These data suggest that 1,25-(OH)2 D3 may play a role in LPS-induced immune activation of endothelial cells during Gram-negative bacterial infections, and a suggest a potential role for 1,25-(OH)2 D3 and its analogues as an adjuvant in the treatment of Gram-negative sepsis.
Differential regulation of interleukin-12 and tumour necrosis factor-α by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and ERK 1/2 pathways duringMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection
Authors: Yang C-S , Lee J-S , Jung S-B , Oh J-H , Song C-H , Kim H-J , Park J-K , Paik T-H , Jo E-K 
Published: November 2005

SummaryInterleukin (IL)-12 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are both thought to be critical factors in the defence against mycobacteria but are known to play different roles. In this study, we investigated the regulatory pathways for IL-12 and TNF-α expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) after treatment with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv or the Triton X-100 solubilized proteins (TSP) purified from M. tuberculosis. We found a rapid phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), albeit with differential activation kinetics, in human MDMs treated with M. tuberculosis or TSP. Studies using inhibitors selective for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) and ERK 1/2 show that both pathway plays an essential role in the induction of TNF-α at both the transcriptional and translational levels in human MDMs. In contrast, blockade of the PI 3-K/Akt or ERK 1/2 pathways significantly increased M. tuberculosis- or TSP-induced IL-12 p40 and p35 mRNA and bioactive p70 protein. The enhancement of IL-12 levels by inhibition of PI 3-K and ERK 1/2 was not reversed by neutralization of TNF-α or addition of rhTNF-α, suggesting that the negative regulation of IL-12 is not mediated by concomitant TNF-α suppression. Further, PI 3-K activity is required for the M. tuberculosis- or TSP-induced phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 activation. TSP from M. tuberculosis shows a similar dependency on the PI 3-K and ERK 1/2 pathways to those by M. tuberculosis. Collectively, these data suggest that the Th1-driving cytokine IL-12 and proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α are differentially regulated by PI 3-K and ERK 1/2 pathways in human MDMs during mycobacterial infection. These results may provide therapeutic targets for precise and specific fine-tuning of cytokine responses.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Rubus vestitus Weihe
Authors: TAYLOR K. 
Published: November 2005

Summary

This account reviews information on all aspects of the biology of Rubus vestitus that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, hervbivores and disease, history, and conservation.
Rubus vestitus is a widespread member of the series Vestiti, one of 11 rather ill‐defined series of largely apomictic microspecies in the section Glandulosus of Rubus subg. Rubus. Each of the series represents a main node in the spectrum of variation within this section. Its species (usually with those from sections Rubus and Corylifolii) are commonly included in the Rubus fruticosus L. aggregate (brambles or blackberries). More than 320 microspecies have been recognized in this aggregate in Britain.
Rubus vestitus is typical of shady woodlands, wood margins, scrub and hedgebanks. Often abundant on calcareous or clay soils, it is rarer on acid soils of heaths and moors.
Rubus vestitus is placed in its ecological context, relative to the other widespread and important bramble species in Britain. Where possible, information specific to R. vestitus is provided but much of the relevant literature does not distinguish it within the broader R. fruticosus agg. As this is the first account of a bramble in the Biological Flora of the British Isles, an inclusive approach incorporates data for the species aggregate where appropriate (e.g. in lists of pollinators and phytophagous insects).
A feeling of well‐being accompanied by a period of prosperity and birthweight in Chile: a possible link?
Authors: Amigo Hugo , Vargas Claudio , Rona Roberto J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe aims of the study were to describe the trend in birthweight from 1985 to 2000 in Chile and ascertain the possible factors that may explain the changes in birthweight during the period. We used time series of birthweight and length at birth of all live births (n > 4 000 000). Multivariable regression analyses were carried out to assess whether the gender of the newborn, maternal education, maternal age and marital status could explain the trend in the total time series and by period. Birthweight adjusted for gestational age was analysed in terms of grams and Z scores. There was an increase in birthweight of 100 g between 1989 and 1994 that coincided with the re‐establishment of democracy and economic growth in Chile. The changes in birthweight were not explained by the available independent variables and trends of caesarean section, maternal obesity and post‐mature deliveries over the period. The birthweight difference between mothers with university education and those with primary education was 0.2 Z scores (equivalent to 110 g) in 1985 and was greatly reduced by 2000 (equivalent to 40 g). A positive sense of social well‐being and economic growth may have influenced an increase in birthweight between 1989 and 1994 as socio‐economic growth preceded and continued after the period of increasing birthweight. Our study showed a remarkable decrease in the differences in birthweight by educational level not shown in other countries of similar wealth.
Hypospadias and maternal exposures to cigarette smoke
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Shaw Gary M. , Laurent Cecile , Lammer Edward J. , Olney Richard S. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe few previous studies of hypospadias and smoking have suggested either no association or a reduced risk. This study, which uses data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multi‐state, population‐based case–control study, includes data on males born with severe hypospadias (i.e. the urethra opens at the penile shaft, scrotum or perineum) from 1997 to 2000. Non‐malformed, liveborn male controls were selected randomly from birth certificates or from birth hospitals. Maternal interviews were completed by telephone with 453 case mothers and 1267 control mothers. Maternal smoking was not associated with hypospadias risk. For example, during the third month of pregnancy, smoking < 0.5 pack/day had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.1 [95% CI 0.6, 1.9]; 0.5 pack/day, 0.6 [0.4, 1.1]; and ≥ 1 pack/day, 0.8 [0.4, 1.6]. Exposure to any secondhand smoke at home during the third month of pregnancy showed an OR of 0.6 [95% CI 0.4, 1.0], and exposure at work or school, an OR of 0.7 [0.5, 1.1]. Similar risks were observed for other months during the periconceptional period, and adjustment for several potential confounders did not substantially alter results. This analysis does not confirm a recent report suggesting that maternal smoking is associated with a reduced risk of having offspring with hypospadias.
Food allergy in children
Authors: Baral V R , O’B Hourihane J 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Food allergy is being increasingly recognised with the highest prevalence being in preschool children. Pathogenesis varies so diagnosis rests on careful history and clinical examination, appropriate use of skin prick and serum-specific IgE testing, food challenge, and supervised elimination diets. A double blind placebo controlled food challenge is the gold standard diagnostic test. Avoidance of the allergenic food is the key towards successful management. IgE mediated food allergy may present as a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction, and management consists of the appropriate use of adrenaline (epinephrine) and supportive measures. Sensitisation remains a key target for intervention. Disease modifying agents are currently under trial for managing difficult allergies. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach and follow up.
Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management of adults referred to a teaching hospital first seizure clinic
Authors: Breen D P , Dunn M J G , Davenport R J , Gray A J 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
There are scarce data describing the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management of adults who suffer a suspected first seizure.

Aim
To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and management of adults with a suspected first seizure who are referred to a teaching hospital first seizure clinic over a one year period.

Design
Prospective descriptive study.

Methods
Data were collected on consecutive adults referred to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between 4 February 2003 and 10 February 2004.

Results
232 patients were referred to the first seizure clinic. Median age was 32 years; 53% of patients were male. Lower socioeconomic groups were more likely to present with a suspected first seizure. Nineteen per cent of patients were admitted to hospital after their suspected seizure episode. Appropriate driving advice was reported in 64% of cases. Seventy two per cent of patients were offered a first seizure clinic appointment within six weeks of referral. Nine per cent of patients had a subsequent seizure while awaiting review. Fifty two per cent of patients were confirmed as having a first seizure at the clinic, of which 56% were provoked by alcohol, recreational drugs, or sleep deprivation. Electroencephalography and computed tomography of the brain were the most common investigations ordered at the first seizure clinic (22% and 22% of patients respectively).

Conclusion
Adults who suffer a suspected first seizure, and who make a full neurological recovery, can be safely managed as an outpatient. Around half of these patients will have a specialist diagnosis of first seizure and alcohol will be a common precipitating factor.
Is antibiotic resistance a problem? A practical guide for hospital clinicians
Authors: Barlow G , Nathwani D 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an important concern for patients, physicians, healthcare managers, and policymakers. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing fuels the evolution of resistance, while poor basic hygiene facilitates the spread of resistant microbes between patients and healthcare staff. The development of infection with a resistant pathogen may lead to poorer health and economic outcomes. The problem for the frontline clinician, however, is how to balance the responsibility of prudent prescribing with the risk of sub-optimally treating a patient who may be infected with a resistant pathogen. This article discusses how hospital physicians can use severity and risk factor assessment, and knowledge of local microbial epidemiology, to guide empiric antibiotic prescribing. Most patients hospitalised with a community acquired bacterial infection in the UK can still be managed with a traditional first line antibiotic(s). In contrast, regimens that account for resistance are often required in patients with hospital acquired infections, particularly if the patient is critically ill.