bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audit of the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in nasal surgery at a specialist Australian hospital
Authors: Colgan Stephen J. , Mc Mullan Celene , Davies Geoffrey E. , Sizeland Andrew M. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  In 2002−03 a retrospective audit of the use of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) for elective nasal surgery was undertaken at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH). The RVEEH is a publicly funded teaching hospital that provides specialist eye, nose and throat medicine in Victoria, Australia. The aim of the audit was to determine the extent to which the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in the hospital was consistent with Australian and international evidence‐based guidelines and if there was a need for the hospital to develop internal guidelines for the use of AMP.Methods:  The histories of 500 consecutive patients who had undergone nasal surgery within the study period of August 2001 and July 2002 were examined. The data collected from these histories included information such as the patients’ age, gender, diagnosis, surgical procedure performed, antimicrobial agents used, and the length of follow up and a range of factors shown in previous studies to increase the risk of surgical site infection.Results:  A total of 306 (72.86%) patients were found to have received antimicrobial agents either prior to admission, during admission or on discharge. Only 24 patients (5.71%) were administered antimicrobials immediately prior to surgery and at no other time.Conclusions:  The findings of this study support the need for further research to examine the appropriateness of the use of AMP at the RVEEH and the need for internal guidelines for its use.
Marsupialization of fistulotomy and fistulectomy wounds improves healing and decreases bleeding: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pescatori M. , Ayabaca S. M. , Cafaro D. , Iannello A. , Magrini S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground  Marsupialization of anal fistulotomy/fistulectomy wound leaves less raw unepithelialized tissue. The suture results in a more rapid healing and is likely to reduce the risk of bleeding but at the cost of an increased pain and infection. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the outcomes of marsupialization and open wound.Methods  Forty‐six consecutive patients with anal fistulae were recruited in a randomized controlled trial. Fistula tracks were treated by fistulotomy and/or fistulectomy. The resulting wounds were marsupialized to the skin edges with locking continuous absorbable sutures (M group) or left open (O group). The clinical outcome was then evaluated. The intra‐operative effect of the suture on wound size was recorded as well as the postoperative pain using a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) and the occurrence of both wound bleeding and infection.Results  Twenty‐two patients were randomized to the M group and 24 to the O group. There were no differences in the age, sex and fistula type between the groups. Mean follow‐up times were 10.5 and 13.8 months, respectively. No significant difference was observed in postoperative pain, the VAS being 3.5 ± 1.5 in the M group and 3.4 ± 1.6 in the O group at 12 h (mean ± s.e.m.; n.s). The marsupialization nearly halved the size of the wound intra‐operatively from an area of 1749 ± 66 mm2 to 819 ± 38 mm2 (P < 0.001), which subsequently decreased to 217 ± 15 mm2 after 4 weeks (P < 0.01). No significant reduction of wound size was observed in the O group (from 1171 ± 31 mm2 to 543 ± 19; n.s). Bleeding occurred less frequently in M group than in O group (36%vs 46%, P < 0.05), whereas the difference in the postoperative sepsis rate was not significant, being 14% in M vs 21% in the O group. Three reinterventions were needed in both groups due to wound sepsis.Conclusion  Marsupialization after fistulotomy/fistulectomy significantly reduces the size of the wound and the risk of bleeding, without increasing postoperative pain and sepsis.
The relationship of obesity to the complications of diverticular disease
Authors: Dobbins C. , DeFontgalland D. , Duthie G. , Wattchow D. A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  Diverticular disease is common in our community. Most patients remain asymptomatic and the development of diverticular complications is rare. A common clinical observation is that patients presenting with complications of diverticular disease are obese. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of obesity to the complications of diverticular disease.Methods  The study was based on a retrospective case note review conducted at the Flinders Medical Centre between 1/7/1998 and 30/6/2003. Patients were identified using ICD codes and their body mass index (BMI) calculated. Controls were taken randomly from the colonoscopy database at The Flinders Medical Centre. Patients were divided into four groups, those admitted with diverticular perforation or abscess, recurrent diverticulitis, a single episode of diverticulitis and a control group of patients with uncomplicated diverticulosis. The mean BMI for each group was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by one way anova test with significance set at P < 0.05.Results  Sixty‐one patients were studied, including 16 patients with perforated diverticular disease, 11 randomly selected with recurrent diverticulitis, 16 patients with a single episode of diverticulitis and 18 controls. The control group had a significantly lower BMI than patients presenting with perforation (P = 0.001) or recurrent diverticulitis (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the control group and patients with a single episode of diverticulitis (P = 1.0).Conclusion  The study showed that patients with perforations and recurrent diverticulitis are significantly more obese than those who remain asymptomatic or have one episode. The aetiological relationship between obesity and diverticular complications remain unclear.
Does gum chewing reduce postoperative ileus following open colectomy for left‐sided colon and rectal cancer? – a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Quah H. M. , Samad A. , Neathey A. J. , Hay D. J. , Maw A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  Postoperative ileus is common after colorectal resection and can prolong hospital stay. Gum chewing, a type of sham feeding, may to stimulate gut motility via cephalic‐vagal stimulation, and thereby reduce the length of ileus. This study aimed to determine whether gum chewing in the immediate postoperative period facilitated recovery from ileus following resection for left‐sided colorectal cancer.Methods  In a prospective randomized control trial, 38 patients undergoing open surgery for left‐sided colorectal cancer were allocated to standard postoperative care (control group, n = 19) or to standard postoperative care plus the immediate use of chewing gum (treatment group, n = 19).Result  Control patients passed flatus by mean of 2.7 days (SD 1.0) and faeces by 3.9 days (SD 1.5); for the treatment group, this was 2.4 days (SD 1.0) and 3.2 days (SD 1.5) respectively, (NS, P = 0.56 and P = 0.38). Length of hospital stay was 11.1 days (SD 7.3) in control group and 9.4 days (SD 2.5) in the treatment group (NS, P = 0.75).Conclusion  The addition of gum chewing to a standardized postoperative regimen did not reduce the period of postoperative ileus or shorten length of stay following open surgery for left‐sided colorectal cancer.
Nuclear microsatellite DNA markers for New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.)
Authors: SHEPHERD L. D. , LAMBERT D. M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractKiwi (Apterygidae) is an endemic New Zealand avian family comprising five species whose conservation is actively managed. We present five polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci isolated from North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). In addition, we demonstrate cross‐amplification, and in some cases, polymorphism, of these microsatellite DNA loci in four other kiwi species. Therefore, these markers may be broadly applicable to conservation genetic studies within this family.
Characterization and PCR multiplexing of polymorphic microsatellite loci in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) and their cross‐species utilization
Authors: CROXFORD A. E. , ROBSON M. , WILKINSON M. J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is the most economically important tropical nut crop in the world, and yet there are no sequence tagged site (STS) markers available for its study. Here we use an automated, high‐throughput system to isolate cashew microsatellites from a non‐enriched genomic library blotted onto membranes at high density for screening. Sixty‐five sequences contained a microsatellite array, of which 21 proved polymorphic among a closely related seed garden population of 49 genotypes. Twelve markers were suitable for multiplex analysis. Of these, 10 amplified in all three related tropical tree species tested: Anacardium microcarpum, Anacardium pumilum and Anacardium nanum.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Gastrodia elata
Authors: XU YANQIN , WANG YING , LI ZUOZHOU , BAO ZHAOXIA , ZHOU JIANFENG , HUANG HONGWEN 
Published: December 2005

AbstractGenetic characterization of germplasm resource is essential for the conservation and efficient utilization of a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Gastrodia elata. Thirty‐two primer pairs flanking microsatellite repeats were designed and tested using 32 individuals from eight wild populations. A total of 13 microsatellite loci were found highly polymorphic, with three to 10 alleles per locus and gene diversity ranging from 0.400 to 0.841. These microsatellites have been directly applied to the ongoing population and conservation genetics studies.
Six polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Japanese Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus niphonius
Authors: YOKOYAMA EMI , SAKAMOTO TAKASHI , SUGAYA TAKUMA , KITADA SHUICHI 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSix polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated for genetic structure studies of the Japanese Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus niphonius, a severely exploited marine fish species. The number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from seven to 41, and the values of expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.546–0.946 and 0.602–1.000, respectively. These microsatellite markers should prove to be a useful tool for estimating the population genetic structure and genetic variability of Japanese Spanish mackerel.
Severity of spoilage storage rots of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.)
Authors: Aboagye‐Nuamah F. , Offei S.K. , Cornelius E.W. , Bancroft R.D. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSeverity of storage rots in different sections of white yam tubers (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) was investigated. Yam samples with rots were collected from a yam barn and from selected markets in Accra, Ghana, to identify the most predominant pathogens associated with the rots. Nine fungal spoilage microorganisms, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporium, Fusarium sp., Penicillium brevi‐compactum, Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer and a bacterium species Erwinia carotovora were identified. The mean incidence of occurrence of the organisms on rotten tissues ranged from 1.2% to 28.5%. Of the 10 microorganisms isolated, B. theobromae, F. oxysporium and R. stolonifer were the most frequently encountered spoilage microorganisms in the markets. E. carotovora, Fusarium solani and Penicillium sp. were relatively sparse (incidence not exceeding 3%) compared to the other yam spoilage microorganisms. The surface area and weight of necrotic tissue induced by the spoilage fungi in the various zones of the tubers over a 28‐day storage period were assessed. All the spoilage microorganisms produced rots in the yams, although to different degrees. The severity of the rots increased in weight and area over the period when the tubers were in store but were normally not significantly different in the zones of tubers. There was, however, a linear progression of rots in the various zones of the yam tubers. Although there was generally no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference in the severity of rots induced by the different microorganisms in the tubers, R. stolonifer commonly induced more rot in the zones of the tubers compared to B. theobromae and F. oxysporium.
RAPID ENUMERATION OF ENTEROBACTER SAKAZAKII IN RECONSTITUTED MILK FORMULA BY FLUOROGENIC MOST‐PROBABLE‐NUMBER ASSAY USING 96‐WELL MICROTITER PLATE
Authors: OH SE‐WOOK , KANG DONG‐HYUN 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT A new method was developed to rapidly monitor the Enterobacter sakazakii viable counts in reconstituted infant milk formula. Ninety six–well microtiter plates were used to perform a miniaturized 10‐tube most‐probable‐number (MPN) enumeration protocol for E. sakazakii. This procedure is based on fluorogenic detection as a result of the growth and α‐glucosidase production from E. sakazakii in broth containing 4‐methylumbelliferyl‐α‐D‐glucoside (OK medium). The correlation between E. sakazakii counts by conventional plating and microtiter MPN methods was highly agreeable in 0.2% peptone water (R2 = 0.94) and reconstituted infant milk formula (R2 = 0.91). From these results, the new rapid method can quickly monitor E. sakazakii counts in infant milk formula with a high correlation with the conventional plating method. The results indicate that the microtiter MPN method required much shorter incubation times (<10 h) than the conventional plating method (<24 h) and provided a more economical way to monitor E. sakazakii, using selective and differential medium in end point determinations.
Identification of a gene on chromosome 12q22 uniquely overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Buhl Anne Mette , Jurlander Jesper , Jørgensen Flemming S. , Ottesen Anne Marie , Cowland Jack B. , Gjerdrum Lise Mette , Hansen Brian V. , Leffers Henrik 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown but may involve aberrant activation of signaling pathways. Somatic hypermutations in rearranged immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgVH) genes allow a division of CLL patients into 2 categories: mutated IgVH genes are associated with an indolent disease, whereas unmutated IgVH genes define an aggressive form. Using differential display to compare gene expression in CLL cells with and without IgVH hypermutations, we identified a novel gene, CLL up-regulated gene 1 (CLLU1), that was highly up-regulated in CLL cells without IgVH hypermutations. CLLU1 mapped to chromosome 12q22, within a cluster of genes that are active in germinal center B cells. However, appreciable levels of CLLU1 were detectable only in CLL cells and not in a panel of normal tissue extracts or in any other tested hematologic malignancy. High expression of CLLU1 in CLL samples occurred irrespective of trisomy 12 or large chromosomal rearrangements. CLLU1 encodes 6 mRNAs with no sequence homology to any known gene, and most transcripts appear to be noncoding. Two transcripts, however, potentially encode a peptide with remarkable structural similarity to human interleukin 4. These data, in particular the unique and restricted expression pattern, suggest that CLLU1 is the first disease-specific gene identified in CLL.
Evidence for incorporation of bone marrow–derived endothelial cells into perfused blood vessels in tumors
Authors: Duda Dan G. , Cohen Kenneth S. , Kozin Sergey V. , Perentes Jean Y. , Fukumura Dai , Scadden David T. , Jain Rakesh K. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated that the cellular contribution of the bone marrow to tumor neovascularization is highly complex. In this context, the extent to which bone marrow–derived cells incorporate as bona fide endothelial (nonhematopoietic) cells into perfused tumor vessels, or any new vessels formed postnatally (vasculogenesis), is unclear. To this end, we developed models to characterize local vessel–derived and bone marrow–derived endothelial cells (BMD-ECs). Then, we characterized the BMD-ECs based on a set of endothelial markers and morphology. Finally, we quantified their contribution to perfused blood vessels in tumors using transplanted as well as spontaneous primary and metastatic tumor models. We demonstrate that BMD-ECs incorporate in perfused tumor vessels, and that this contribution varies with organ site and mouse strain.
Flow cytometric detection of circulating myeloma cells before transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: a simple risk stratification system
Authors: Dingli David , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Greipp Philip R. , Litzow Mark R. , Gastineau Dennis A. , Witzig Thomas E. , Gertz Morie A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDetection of circulating myeloma cells (CMCs) by flow cytometry in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) indicates active disease. We hypothesized that detection of CMCs at the time of stem-cell collection prior to autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) identifies patients at high risk of rapid progression. A cohort of patients undergoing ASCT was identified. CMCs were determined by gating on CD38+/CD45- cells using flow cytometry. The impact of CMCs on overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) was evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Of 246 patients undergoing ASCT, 95 had CMCs. Complete response (CR) rates after transplantation were 32% and 36% for patients with and without CMCs, respectively (P = .50). OSs were 33.2 and 58.6 months (P = .01) whereas TTPs were 14.1 and 22 months, respectively (P = .001). On multivariate analysis, CMCs remained independent of cytogenetics and disease status at time of transplantation (P = .03). CMCs and cytogenetics were combined in a new scoring system. Patients with neither, one, or both parameters had a median OS of 55, 48, and 21.5 months and a median TTP of 22, 15.4, and 6.5 months, respectively. CMCs at the time of ASCT is an independent prognostic factor and in combination with cytogenetics provides a powerful scoring system that stratifies patients and guides management.
Toward the identification of a tolerogenic signature in IDO-competent dendritic cells
Authors: Orabona Ciriana , Puccetti Paolo , Vacca Carmine , Bicciato Silvio , Luchini Alessandra , Fallarino Francesca , Bianchi Roberta , Velardi Enrico , Perruccio Katia , Velardi Andrea , Bronte Vincenzo , Fioretti Maria Cristina , Grohmann Ursula 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAlthough much is known about the transcriptional profiles of dendritic cells (DCs) during maturation, the molecular switches critical for the induction of a tolerogenic program in DC subsets are still obscure. We examined the gene-expression profiles of murine splenic CD8+ DCs rendered highly tolerogenic by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which activates the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO, encoded by Indo) and thus initiates the immunosuppressive pathway of tryptophan catabolism. By examining the expression of a series of relevant genes in IDO+ compared with IDO- DCs, we found consistent and selective association of the IDO-competent phenotype with down-modulation of the Tyrobp gene, encoding the signaling adapter DAP12, which typically associates with activating receptors. Down-modulation of Tyrobp involved IFN consensus sequence binding protein (ICSBP), a transcription factor also known as IRF-8. In murine and human monocyte-derived DCs, silencing DAP12 expression imparted IDO functional competence to IDO- cells, whereas silencing IRF-8 in IDO+ counterparts abolished IDO expression and function. Thus, IRF-8 is required in tolerogenic DCs for the positive regulation of Indo and the negative regulation of Tyrobp. Overall, these studies reveal the occurrence of a simple and evolutionarily conserved code in the control of tolerance by an ancestral metabolic enzyme.
The safety and efficacy of inhaled dry powder mannitol as a bronchial provocation test for airway hyperresponsiveness: a phase 3 comparison study with hypertonic (4.5%) saline
Authors: Brannan John D , Anderson Sandra D , Perry Clare P , Freed-Martens Ruth , Lassig Anna R , Charlton Brett ,   the Aridol Study Group
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundInhaled mannitol is a new bronchial provocation test (BPT) developed to improve portability and standardisation of osmotic challenge testing. Osmotic challenge tests have an advantage over the traditional methods of measuring airway hyperresponsiveness using methacholine as they demonstrate higher specificity to identify asthma and thus the need for treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The safety and the efficacy of mannitol (M) as a BPT to measure airway hyperresponsiveness were compared to hypertonic (4.5%) saline (HS) in people both with and without signs and symptoms of asthma.MethodsA phase III, multi-centre, open label, operator-blinded, crossover design, randomised trial, with follow-up. Asthmatics and non-asthmatics (6–83 yr) were recruited and 592 subjects completed the study. Mannitol was delivered using a low resistance dry powder inhaler and HS was delivered using an ultrasonic nebuliser. The FEV1was measured 60 seconds after each dose of mannitol (5,10,20,40,80,160,160,160 mg) and after each exposure to HS (0.5,1.0,2.0,4.0,8.0 minutes). A 15% fall in FEV1defined a positive test. Adverse events were monitored and diaries kept for 7 days following the tests.ResultsMean pre-test FEV1 (mean ± SD) was 95.5 ± 14% predicted. 296 were positive to mannitol (M+) and 322 positive to HS (HS+). A post study physician conducted clinical assessment identified 82.3% asthmatic (44% classified mild) and 17.7% non-asthmatic. Of those M+, 70.1% were taking ICS and of those mannitol negative (M-), 81.1 % were taking ICS. The % fall in FEV1 for mannitol in asthmatics was 21.0% ± 5.7 and for the non-asthmatics, 5.5% ± 4.8. The median PD15 M was 148 mg and PD15 HS 6.2 ml. The sensitivity of M to identify HS+ was 80.7% and the specificity 86.7%. The sensitivity of M compared with the clinical assessment was 59.8% and specificity 95.2% and increased to 88.7% and 95.0% respectively when the M- subjects taking ICS were excluded. Cough was common during testing. There were no serious adverse events. The diarised events were similar for mannitol and HS, the most common being headache (17.2%M, 19%HS), pharyngolaryngeal pain (5.1%M, 3%HS), nausea (4.3%M, 3%HS), and cough (2.2%M, 2.4%HS).ConclusionThe efficacy and safety of mannitol was demonstrated in non-asthmatic and clinically diagnosed asthmatic adults and children.