bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating variations in infant mortality in England and Wales by mother's country of birth, 1983–2001
Authors: Collingwood Bakeo Aleks 
Published: February 2006

SummaryCollingwood Bakeo A. Investigating variations in infant mortality in England and Wales by mother's country of birth, 1983–2001. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2006; 20: 127–139.The aim of this study was to investigate variations in infant mortality from 1983 to 2001 by birthweight, registration status, father's social class, age of mother at birth and cause of death, among babies of mothers born in countries that represent the largest ethnic minority groups in England and Wales. A total of 70 208 infant death registration records linked to their corresponding birth registration records were used. The study focused on infant deaths of babies of mothers born in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. From 1983 to 2001 infant mortality rates decreased overall, and this was also apparent in the rates by mother's country of birth. Overall, babies of mothers born in Pakistan consistently had the highest infant mortality rates. Low‐birthweight babies of mothers born in West Africa had the highest infant, neonatal and postneonatal death rates. Differences were also seen by registration status, mother's age and between manual and non‐manual occupations for all countries from 1983 to 2001. For babies of mothers born in the UK, Caribbean and West Africa, immaturity‐related conditions were the most common cause of infant deaths. The leading cause of infant death among babies of mothers born in Pakistan and Bangladesh was congenital anomalies.
Sensitivity of indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA in detecting intercellular antibodies in endemic pemphigus foliaceus (Fogo Selvagem)
Authors: Cunha Paulo Rowilson , Bystryn Jean‐Claude , Medeiros Emerson Palmeira L. , De Oliveira Josenildo R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  Since 1967 dermatology has used the classic technique of indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) for the detection of autoantibodies against antigens of the skin in diseased people with endemic pemphigus foliaceus. Thirty years later enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays – ELISA (rDsg1 and rDsg3) appeared as a viable option. A group of highly recognized researchers have concluded that ELISA is a simple, sensitive and highly specific method, allowing for diagnostic differentiation between pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF). Scientific literature certifies that both ELISA and IIF bear high sensitivity in spite of the fact that a direct comparison between the ELISA and IIF tests has never been performed.Objectives  This study was conducted to compare the sensitivity of these tests in detecting antibodies in the EPF.Material and methods  Thirty‐two serum samples were collected from patients with EPF. The control serum of 15 healthy individuals was tested to detect the presence of antibodies of EPF by indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA (rDsg1 and rDsg3). The IIF was performed, taking human skin as a substrate.Results  Antibodies in patients with EPF were detected more commonly by the ELISA (rDsg1) (91%) compared with IIF (81%).Conclusions  The ELISA (rDsg1) is slightly more sensitive than IIF in detecting antibodies related to EPV. However, according to our results, we do not currently possess a test with 100% accuracy in differentiating EPF from PV. Although previous studies have associated Dsg3 with PV, the tests performed during this study showed that 12% (4/32) of patients with EPF (cutaneous diseases only) also had Dsg3 antibodies.
Safety of efalizumab in adults with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: A phase IIIb, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Papp Kim A. , Bressinck Reni , Fretzin Scott , Goffe Bernard , Kempers Steven , Gordon Kenneth B. , Caro Ivor , Walicke Patricia A. , Wang Xiaolin , Menter Alan ,   the Efalizumab Study Group
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  To provide safety data for efalizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody, in adults with chronic plaque psoriasis.Methods  A 12‐week, Phase IIIb, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial. At 58 study sites in the USA and Canada, 686 patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis received an initial conditioning dose of efalizumab 0.7 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) followed by either 11 weekly doses of efalizumab 1 mg/kg SC or matching placebo. Main outcome measures were safety and tolerability outcomes (primary) and efficacy outcomes (secondary).Results  During 12 weeks of therapy with efalizumab or placebo, the incidence of clinical adverse events was 82.2% and 72.9%, respectively; the incidence of serious adverse events was 1.8% and 3.4%, respectively; and the incidence of nonserious adverse events leading to withdrawal was 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively. In the efalizumab group, there were no clinically significant changes in vital signs or laboratory parameters and no evidence of end‐organ toxicities. A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving efalizumab than those receiving placebo achieved ≥ 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (P < 0.001), ≥ 50% improvement in PASI (P < 0.001), and a static Physician's Global Assessment rating of Minimal or Clear (P < 0.001). The mean improvement in the Psoriasis Symptom Assessment was significantly greater in the efalizumab group (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Efalizumab treatment SC for 12 weeks was safe, well tolerated, and effective in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
Peripheral T‐cell lymphoma presenting as lipoatrophy and nodules
Authors: Yiannias James A. , DiCaudo David J. , Maskin Erik 
Published: February 2006

Background  Cutaneous lymphomas have many morphologic forms and clinical features. Lymphoma presents rarely with a constellation of nodules, panniculitis, and localized lipoatrophy. The histopathologic similarities of lymphoma and connective tissue disease panniculitis may create a diagnostic challenge.Methods  We retrospectively reviewed the case of a 47‐year‐old man who presented 15 years earlier with recurrent fevers, fatigue, tender subcutaneous nodules, and facial, trunk, and extremity lipoatrophy.Results  Initial biopsy of a cutaneous nodule showed lymphohistiocytic panniculitis without atypical inflammatory cells. Serologic tests showed negative connective tissue serologies, yet the initial clinical impression was most consistent with lupus panniculitis. Initially, the patient was treated with oral prednisone; later, steroid‐sparing agents were used with modest improvement evidenced by resolution of his systemic symptoms and stabilization of the cutaneous findings. A decade later, more pronounced facial lipoatrophy, new facial nodules, and posterior thigh pain developed. Laboratory testing showed leukopenia, elevated liver and muscle enzymes, hypertriglyceridemia, and a low level of high‐density lipoprotein. Biopsy of a new chin nodule indicated peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, whereas an evaluation for systemic malignant involvement was negative. The patient was started on chemotherapy, which resulted in stabilization of the lipoatrophy and decreasing size and frequency of the cutaneous nodules, but the posterior thigh pain persisted.Conclusions  We report a rare case of lymphoma presenting as nodules and profound lipoatrophy, which exemplifies the complexity of lymphomas. Profound lipoatrophy and panniculitis may be an unusual and diagnostically challenging presentation of cutaneous lymphoma.
JTP‐426467 acts as a selective antagonist for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γin vitro and in vivo
Authors: Nishiu J. , Ito M. , Ishida Y. , Kakutani M. , Shibata T. , Matsushita M. , Shindo M. 
Published: February 2006

Aim:  JTP‐426467 was identified as a result of screening in search of selective antagonist for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ). We examined whether JTP‐426467 functioned as a PPARγ antagonist in vitro and in vivo and investigated physiological effects of JTP‐426467.Methods:  The effect of JTP‐426467 as a PPARγ antagonist was studied in a cell‐based reporter assay and an adipocyte differentiation assay. Target mRNA expression levels were determined by branched DNA (bDNA) assay. To examine the effects as a PPARγ antagonist in vivo, a competitive study between JTP‐426467 and BRL49653 (rosiglitazone), a PPARγ agonist, was performed using KK‐Ay mice. The effects of JTP‐426467 alone after administration to KK‐Ay mice were also explored.Results:  JTP‐426467 antagonized PPARγ activity in a reporter assay system, but not PPARα. JTP‐426467 inhibited the expression of hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA, an adipocyte‐abundant gene, but not PPARγ itself or cyclophilin mRNA (as constitutive mRNA), and also suppressed triglyceride accumulation in differentiated stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs). JTP‐426467 antagonized PPARγ agonistic action by BRL49653 in KK‐Ay mice on high‐fat diet, in terms of plasma glucose, body weight gain and interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) weight. JTP‐426467 alone inhibited body weight gain and decreased plasma leptin level in KK‐Ay mice.Conclusions:  JTP‐426467 acted as a pure and potent PPARγ antagonist in vitro. Interestingly, JTP‐426467 completely antagonized the effects of PPARγ agonist BRL49653 in an obese diabetic model. JTP‐426467 may be a useful tool for the study of PPARγ in biological and physiological function.
Role of leptin in the cardiovascular and endocrine complications of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Correia Marcelo L. G. , Rahmouni Kamal 
Published: February 2006

Aim:  To review the potential role of leptin, hyperleptinaemia and leptin resistance in the cardiovascular and endocrine complications of metabolic syndrome.Methods:  Review of literature listed in Medline.Results:  Hyperleptinaemia is common in obesity and reflects increased adiposity and leptin resistance. Nevertheless, leptin resistance may not be complete as several actions of leptin, such as cardiovascular sympatho‐activation, might be preserved in obese subjects known to be resistant to the metabolic effects of leptin (i.e. selective leptin resistance). Notably, the renal and sympathetic actions of leptin may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the lipotoxic effect of leptin resistance may cause insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Leptin has also been shown to possess proliferative, pro‐inflammatory, pro‐thrombotic, and pro‐oxidative actions.Conclusion:  Hyperleptinaemia and leptin resistance may contribute to hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and pro‐atherogenic state in obesity and metabolic syndrome.
University Choice: What Influences the Decisions of Academically Successful Post‐16 Students?
Authors: Whitehead Joan M. , Raffan John , Deaney Rosemary 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe questionnaire survey reported in this paper is part of an ongoing evaluation of the effect of a bursary scheme on recruitment to Cambridge University. It sought to identify factors that encouraged or discouraged highly successful A Level students from applying to Cambridge. Findings reveal three main dimensions associated with the decision to apply to Cambridge, the nature of the courses, the prestige of the university and anxiety about the application process combined with fear of failure. Further analyses showed that there were complex interactions between these three dimensions which governed the decision to apply to Cambridge. These findings are relevant to other prestigious universities. The availability of a bursary did appear to influence the decisions of those who were eligible, but its influence was not as great as some of the other factors.
A comparison of auricular, rectal and pulmonary artery thermometry in dogs with anesthesia‐induced hypothermia
Authors: Southward Emily S. , Mann F. A. , Dodam John , Wagner‐Mann Colette C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective: To determine if a correlation exists among auricular, rectal and pulmonary artery (PA) temperatures in hypothermic dogs.Design: Prospective study.Setting: Angiography suite at a college of veterinary medicine.Animals: Sexually intact female research hounds (13.9–25.4 kg; n=8).Measurements and main results: Dogs were anesthetized for instrumentation with a percutaneously placed, thermistor‐tipped, PA catheter. Anesthesia was maintained until the core body temperature decreased to 36.6°C (97.8°F). Anesthesia was discontinued, and auricular and rectal temperatures were obtained every 15 minutes until the PA temperature reached 38.3°C (100.9°F). A strong correlation was noted among the 3 methods of temperature measurement (P<0.001; R≥0.846). No statistical difference was detected among measurement methods at baseline, the minimum temperature attained, nor the median temperature attained. However, at the maximum temperature attained, auricular measurements (37.7±0.4°C or 99.8±0.7°F) were lower than either the rectal (38.3±0.3°C or 100.9±0.5°F) or PA (38.3±0.3°C or 100.9±0.5°F) temperature measurements (P=0.001).Conclusion: There is a strong correlation among rectal, auricular and PA temperatures. Auricular temperature may be used to monitor core body temperature during postoperative rewarming; however, it might be slightly lower than core temperature as normothermia is reached.
Postoperative pulmonary complications in dogs undergoing laparotomy: frequency, characterization and disease‐related risk factors
Authors: Alwood Amy J. , Brainard Benjamin M. , LaFond Elizabeth , Drobatz Kenneth J. , King Lesley G. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To determine the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in dogs following laparotomy, characterize the nature of PPCs, and identify disease‐related risk factors for PPCs in dogs.Design:Retrospective clinical study.Setting:University‐affiliated small animal teaching hospital.Animals:One hundred and sixty‐two dogs without preoperative pulmonary pathology that underwent laparotomy surgery.Interventions:None.Measurements and main results:Cases were evaluated for factors including patient signalment, preexisting disease, primary and ancillary surgical procedure(s), development of postoperative pulmonary disease, characteristics of perioperative hospitalization and therapy, and survival. Twenty‐two percent of dogs in the study developed PPCs. PPCs included respiratory arrest (n=4), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n=3), pneumonia (n=8), hypoventilation (n=13), and transient hypoxemia (n=8). Dogs that developed PPCs had a significantly longer duration of oxygen therapy, longer duration of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), and decreased survival. Dogs with perioperative vomiting or regurgitation were more likely to develop PPCs. Animals that underwent exploratory laparotomy for biliary or septic peritonitis were also more likely to develop PPCs.Conclusions:PPCs occur in dogs following laparotomy and contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of these surgical patients. In this patient population, animals with vomiting, regurgitation, or peritonitis may be at a higher risk of developing PPCs. Animals with the identified risk factors should be monitored carefully postoperatively for development of pulmonary complications.
Successful management of severe generalized tetanus in two dogs
Authors: Low Rochelle M. , Lambert Ruth J. , Pesillo S. Anna 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective: To describe the clinical course and successful outcome of severe generalized tetanus in 2 dogs.Case series summary: Two dogs presenting with severe muscle rigidity, opisthotonus, and trismus were diagnosed with tetanus. In both cases, generalized convulsions, respiratory compromise, and autonomic dysfunction necessitated emergent interventions followed by intensive treatment and monitoring. In the second case, transient mechanical ventilation was required. Both dogs survived and were discharged after 19 days (first case) and 18 days (second case) of hospitalization. Although costly and time‐consuming, treatment for severe generalized tetanus was successful in these 2 dogs.New information provided: Severe generalized tetanus with convulsions, respiratory compromise, and autonomic dysfunction can have a successful outcome with intensive care and appropriate treatment.
Relationships between glucose, sodium and effective osmolality in diabetic dogs and cats
Authors: Schermerhorn Thomas , Barr Stephen C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To examine the relative contributions of sodium and glucose to serum effective osmolality and the presence of abnormalities of sodium and osmolality in diabetic dogs and cats.Design:Retrospective study.Setting:A university‐based referral hospital.Animals:Diabetic dogs (n=14) and cats (n=13) consecutively admitted to the hospital over a 6‐month period.Interventions:NoneMeasurements:Serum biochemistry assessments.Main results:The mean glucose concentration was higher in diabetic dogs than in diabetic cats. Total osmolality (OsmT), effective osmolality (OsmE), and the concentrations of sodium, potassium, blood urea notrogen, bicarbonate, and creatinine did not differ between species. Sodium abnormalities and hyperosmolality affected 44% and 81%, respectively, of the study group. However, marked hyperosmolality (OsmE>330 mOsm/L) was found in only 33% of the study group. Serum sodium correlated closely with OsmEin dogs and cats but serum glucose did not correlate with the OsmEin either species. Subsets of dogs (n=10) and cats (n=7) with diabetic ketosis (DK) were examined separately. DK dogs had significantly lower sodium concentrations than DK cats and the proportion of DK dogs with hyponatremia was nearly 3 times greater than DK cats. Severe hyperosmolality (OsmE>330 mOsm/L) was more common in DK cats than DK dogs.Conclusions:In diabetic dogs and cats, sodium, not glucose, was correlated with serum OsmEand marked elevation in pretreatment OsmEis uncommon. Compensatory reduction in serum sodium may be 1 mechanism for blunting changes in OsmEin the presence of marked hyperglycemia.
Nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance in critical care medicine
Authors: Ogeer‐Gyles Jennifer S. , Mathews Karol A. , Boerlin Patrick 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To review the human and companion animal veterinary literature on nosocomial infections and antimicrobial drug resistance as they pertain to the critically ill patient.Data sources:Data from human and veterinary sources were reviewed using PubMed and CAB.Human data synthesis:There is a large amount of published data on nosocomially‐acquired bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and surgical site infections, and strategies to minimize the frequency of these infections, in human medicine. Nosocomial infections caused by multi‐drug‐resistant (MDR) pathogens are a leading cause of increased patient morbidity and mortality, medical treatment costs, and prolonged hospital stay. Epidemiology and risk factor analyses have shown that the major risk factor for the development of antimicrobial resistance in critically ill human patients is heavy antibiotic usage.Veterinary data synthesis:There is a paucity of information on the development of antimicrobial drug resistance and nosocomially‐acquired infections in critically ill small animal veterinary patients. Mechanisms of antimicrobial drug resistance are universal, although the selection effects created by antibiotic usage may be less significant in veterinary patients. Future studies on the development of antimicrobial drug resistance in critically ill animals may benefit from research that has been conducted in humans.Conclusions:Antimicrobial use in critically ill patients selects for antimicrobial drug resistance and MDR nosocomial pathogens. The choice of antimicrobials should be prudent and based on regular surveillance studies and accurate microbiological diagnostics. Antimicrobial drug resistance is becoming an increasing problem in veterinary medicine, particularly in the critical care setting, and institution‐specific strategies should be developed to prevent the emergence of MDR infections. The collation of data from tertiary‐care veterinary hospitals may identify trends in antimicrobial drug resistance patterns in nosocomial pathogens and aid in formulating guidelines for antimicrobial use.
Resolution of severe thrombocytopenia in two standard Poodles with surgical correction of splenic torsion
Authors: Stoneham Anne E. , Henderson Alicia K. , O'Toole Therese E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective:To describe the diagnosis and treatment of 2 cases of severe thrombocytopenia associated with splenic torsion and to discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the thrombocytopenia.Summary:We report 2 cases of severe thrombocytopenia associated with splenic torsion. Each dog presented with non‐specific clinical signs, radiographic evidence of an intra‐abdominal mass, and platelet counts of less than 25,000 platelets/μL. The diagnosis of splenic torsion was made with abdominal ultrasonography and was confirmed during exploratory laparotomy. Both dogs recovered rapidly following splenectomy. The cause of thrombocytopenia associated with splenic torsion is not fully elucidated, but may be because of either platelet sequestration within the torsed spleen, platelet consumption in disseminated intravascular coagulation, or a combination of both.New information provided:This report provides previously unreported evidence that the degree of thrombocytopenia associated with splenic torsion may be of a severity at which primary hemostasis is compromised, and resolution of thrombocytopenia occurs after splenectomy.
Stability analysis of low‐cost digital cameras for aerial mapping using different georeferencing techniques
Authors: Habib Ayman , Pullivelli Anoop , Mitishita Edson , Ghanma Mwafag , Kim Eui‐Myoung 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIncreasing resolution and lower cost of off‐the‐shelf digital cameras are giving rise to their use in traditional and new photogrammetric activities such as aerial mapping, transportation and surveillance as well as archaeological, industrial and medical applications. For most, if not all, photogrammetric applications, the interior orientation parameters (IOP) of the camera need to be determined and analysed. The derivation of these parameters is usually achieved through a bundle adjustment with self‐calibration procedure. Prior to using a camera in photogrammetric applications, the IOP should be estimated and their stability should be checked. Camera stability has been rarely addressed when dealing with analogue metric cameras since they have been carefully designed and built to assure the utmost stability of their internal characteristics. However, the stability of low‐cost digital cameras needs to be investigated since these cameras are not built with photogrammetric applications in mind. This paper introduces three quantitative methods for testing camera stability, where the degree of similarity between reconstructed bundles from two sets of IOP is evaluated. Each of these methods limits the position and orientation of the bundles in a different way. Hence, each method is applicable for a specific georeferencing methodology depending on similar constraints imposed by the stability measures and different georeferencing techniques. The paper will test this hypothesis on the basis of reconstruction results obtained from the use of a low‐cost digital camera in an aerial mapping project.