bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of vitamin E in children with immunotolerant‐phase chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: DIKICI BUNYAMIN , DAGLI ABDULLAH , UCMAK HASAN , BILICI MEKI , ECE AYDIN 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the efficacy of vitamin E in children with immunotolerant‐phase chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection.Methods: Fifty‐eight immunotolerant children were prospectively and randomly recruited into two groups. Group 1 (study group) included 30 patients who received vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/day throughout 3 months; group 2 (control group) contained 28 patients who did not receive any medication. Comparison of serological, virologic, and biochemical response ratios were done at the end of the therapy and after 6 months of vitamin E discontinuation.Results: Mean alanine transaminase (ALT) values in group 1 at the beginning of the therapy, 3 months after the therapy initiation and 6 months after discontinuation were 30.4 ± 7.3 IU/L, 31.3 ± 7.8 IU/L and 32.1 ± 8.5 IU/L, respectively. The mean hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA load of group 1 at onset, and at the third and ninth months of the treatment were 3106 ± 718 pg/mL, 3530 ± 137 pg/mL and 3364 ± 1246 pg/mL, respectively. These changes in both ALT and HBV‐DNA values did not reach significant levels (P > 0.05). In group 2, mean ALT values at the beginning of therapy, and at the third and ninth months were 28.0 ± 1.8 IU/L, 34.6 ± 8.1 IU/L, and 34.1 ± 7.0 IU/L, respectively (P > 0.05), and mean viral load of HBV‐DNA was 4227 ± 1435 pg/mL, 3368 ± 2673 pg/mL, and 3018 ± 2814 pg/mL, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 at the third and ninth months in the mean ALT values and viral load of HBV‐DNA (P > 0.05). Hepatitis B s antigen and hepatitis B e antigen clearance or hepatitis B s antibody and hepatitis B e antibody seroconversion were not observed in either group.Conclusion: As a first study investigating the effect of vitamin E in children with immunotolerant CHB infection, no beneficial effect could be demonstrated. Different immunomodulator protocols should be considered for future investigations.
Bevacizumab inhibits corneal neovascularization in an alkali burn induced model of corneal angiogenesis
Authors: Hosseini Hamid , Nejabat Mahmood , Mehryar Morsal , Yazdchi Taher , Sedaghat Ahad , Noori Farajollah 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:  New and uncontrolled blood vessel development in the cornea is a pivotal process in the pathogenesis of several corneal diseases. These corneal diseases may finally cause blindness and managing them therapeutically is problematic. The data supporting a causal role for vascular endothelial growth factor in corneal neovascularization are extensive. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of subconjunctival bevacizumab (Avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularization in rabbits.Methods:  Chemical cauterization of the cornea was performed by touching central cornea with a 5‐mm‐diameter NaOH‐soaked cotton applicator for 10 s in 20 eyes of 20 White New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were then divided randomly into two equal groups. Bevacizumab (2.5 mg) was administered to 10 eyes (group 1) by a subconjunctival injection immediately after chemical cauterization of corneal surface. As a control, 10 eyes (group 2) received an injection of distilled water. Rabbits were examined daily for detection of the first signs of neovascularization. Three weeks later, the extent of corneal neovascularization was evaluated by direct examination and photograph analyses. Total corneal neovascularization area, degree of circumference involved and longest neovascular pedicle length were assessed.Results:  Bevacizumab significantly decreased the total neovascularization area (P < 0.009), the circumference involved (P < 0.011) and the longest neovascular pedicle length (P < 0.023).Conclusion:  Local injection of bevacizumab has a significant effect on inhibition of alkali burn‐induced corneal neovascularization. This shows the potential value of bevacizumab in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.
Transfusion‐transmitted virus DNA in serum, tear and aqueous humour of patients undergoing cataract operation
Authors: Emre Sinan , Otlu Baris , Çankaya Cem , Doganay Selim , Durmaz Rıza 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose: Transfusion‐transmitted virus (TTV) is a novel non‐enveloped, single‐stranded DNA virus with unclear pathogenesis throughout the world. Many studies were conducted to determine this virus in various body fluids and different primer sets have been tested for accurate diagnosis. This study aimed to collect data on the prevalence of TTV in serum, tear and aqueous humour of patients undergoing planned cataract surgery and to determine efficacy of three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.Methods: A total of 72 specimens (24 each of serum, tear and aqueous humour specimens) were collected from 24 patients (11 male and 13 female) having age‐related cataract. The patients did not have any other ocular pathology. TTV DNA was investigated by three different PCR methods: a seminested PCR performed with Okamato's primers, a one‐step PCR performed with degenerative Takashi's primers and a commercial real‐time PCR system.Results: TTV DNA was detected in 20 (83.3%) of the 24 serum specimens by the one‐step PCR and real‐time PCR system. However, seminested PCR yielded a positivity rate of 25%. TTV DNA positivities of the one‐step PCR and the real‐time PCR system were 33.3% and 66.6% of the 24 tear specimens, respectively. Seminested PCR did not yield positive result in these specimens. From aqueous humour specimens, TTV DNA was detected in 3 (12.5%) of the 24 specimens only by the real‐time PCR. TTV DNA positivity of seminested PCR was significantly low in all specimens.Conclusions: TTV DNA was detected in serum, tear and aqueous humour of patients undergoing cataract surgery, supporting the idea that this virus can be detected almost all of the body fluids but at different rates under various PCR conditions and primer sets. Using commercial real‐time PCR significantly increased the TTV DNA positivity.
Victorian orthoptists' performance in the photo evaluation of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Georgievski Zoran , Koklanis Konstandina , Fenton Adam , Koukouras Ignatios 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of orthoptists in detecting various grades of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinal pathology not directly associated with diabetes and to identify factors associated with best performance.Methods:  Forty‐five orthoptists completed a survey comprising questions regarding their workplace experiences, plus a photo evaluation task with 36 digital fundus images.Results:  We found that orthoptists' overall performance in detecting the presence of abnormality in a series of DR images was high, the mean sensitivity being 86% and specificity 91%. The sensitivity was lower for images with minimal non‐proliferative DR, but higher for those with mild–moderate and severe grades of DR. No factors were predictive of performance on the screening task.Conclusions:  Orthoptists performed extremely well, meeting the guidelines for DR screening recommended by National Health and Medical Research Council. The results indicate that orthoptists could potentially be used in DR screening models in Australia.
Intravitreal and posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide in idiopathic bilateral uveitic macular oedema
Authors: Choudhry Surbhit , Ghosh Sudipta 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To study the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) versus posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) in bilateral macular oedema secondary to idiopathic intermediate uveitis.Methods:  In a prospective, interventional case series, 10 patients (20 eyes) with bilateral uveitic macular oedema were included. Patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography, record of visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP). Patients received IVTA 4 mg/0.1 mL in one eye and PSTA 20 mg/0.5 mL in the fellow eye at an interval of ≥4 weeks. The outcome measures were record of IOP, best corrected visual acuity and angiographic resolution of cystoid macular oedema at 3 and 6 months.Results:  The mean pre‐intervention IOP at baseline between the IVTA and the PSTA group was comparable. At 1 week, the mean IOP recorded was greater in the eyes that received IVTA than those that received PSTA (P < 0.001). However, at 1‐ and 3‐month follow up, the mean IOP between the two groups was similar. Best corrected visual acuity of ≥6/12 achieved at 3 and 6 months in the IVTA and PSTA group was comparable (77.8% vs. 44.4% [P = 0.14] and 88.9% vs. 77.8% [P = 0.53]). There was also no significant difference in angiographic resolution of cystoid macular oedema at 3 (P = 0.32) and 6 months (P = 0.53) between the two groups. Recurrence of macular oedema was seen in one and two eyes that received IVTA and PSTA, respectively, at 6 months.Conclusion:  Triamcinolone acetonide injection, whether administered intravitreally or via posterior subtenon route, is an effective treatment option in achieving complete anatomic and functional improvement in cases treated for macular oedema secondary to idiopathic intermediate uveitis.
A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and acceptability of phospo‐soda buffered saline (Fleet®) with sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate (Picoprep®) in the preparation of patients for colonoscopy
Authors: Renaut A. J. , Raniga S. , Frizelle F. A. , Perry R. E. , Guilford L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  Small‐volume bowel preparations for colonoscopy has become increasingly popular due to improved tolerance by patients and equivalent efficacy compared with the larger volume preparations. Comparative studies, however, between small volume preparations are lacking. This randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the efficacy and acceptability of phospo‐soda buffered saline (Fleet®) with sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate (Picoprep®) in the preparation of patients for colonoscopy.Method  A randomized prospective trial designed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of Fleet® with Picoprep® in patients undergoing colonoscopy.Results  Seventy‐three patients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized to receive either Fleet® or Picoprep® as bowel preparation. Patients were asked to score the acceptability and to comment specifically on adverse events, namely headache, nausea and vomiting. The efficacy of the preparation was also assessed. The results showed no difference in efficacy (P = 0.06, χ2 test), but there was a significant difference in acceptability (P = 0.01, χ2 test). and side effects of patients suffering nausea (P = 0.003, χ2 test), in favour of Picoprep®.Conclusion  Whilst there was no difference in efficacy, there was a significant difference in acceptability and side effects in favour of Picoprep®.
Total or partial prostate sparing cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer: long‐term implications on erectile function
Authors: Davila Hugo H. , Weber Timothy , Burday David , Thurman Scott , Carrion Rafael , Salup Raoul , Lockhart Jorge L. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo review the long‐term results in patients treated with either total or partial prostate‐sparing cystectomy, focusing on erectile function (EF), as en‐bloc radical cystectomy (RC) with or without urethrectomy has been the method of choice for managing invasive bladder carcinoma, but has inherent risks of subsequent urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, with a marked effect on quality of life, especially in younger patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 2003 and 2005 we assessed 21 men (mean age 56 years) who had either a prostate apex‐sparing cystectomy (PASC, 15) or total prostate‐sparing cystectomy (TPSC, six). The mean follow‐up was 30 months for PASC and 24 months for TPSC. The evaluation before surgery included standard bladder cancer staging, prostate specific antigen level, a digital rectal examination and a complete medical history, with attention to self‐reported EF before surgery and the EF domain of the International Index of EF (IIEF) after surgery.RESULTSThe EF domain score was 20 after PASC and 30 after TPSC; this correlates with mild to moderate ED in the PASC group vs normal erectile function in the TPSC group. After transurethral resection of the bladder tumours (TURBT) 10 of 14 in the PASC group were T1 or T2a, and in the TPSC group, five of six were T2a and one patient was T2b. From the cystectomy specimen, in the PASC group eight were understaged compared with the TURBT specimen (T2b/T4a vs T1/T2a), while in the TPSC group there was understaging two (T3a vs T2a/T2b); this was significantly different (P < 0.05). There was recurrence of urothelial carcinoma in one of 15 and one of six after PASC and TPSC, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe EF domain score after PASC was 10 points lower than after TPSC, representing a 30% increase in EF by preserving the entire prostate. We conclude that in patients with invasive bladder cancer, EF can be significantly preserved by prostate‐sparing cystectomy. If adequate selection criteria are applied, EF can be preserved without compromising cancer control.
A randomized comparison of conventional vs articulating laparoscopic needle‐drivers for performing standardized suturing tasks by laparoscopy‐naive subjects
Authors: Tuncel Altug , Lucas Steven , Bensalah Karim , Zeltser Ilia S. , Jenkins Adam , Saeedi Osamah , Park Sangtae , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. 
Published: September 2007

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVESTo compare the efficacy of conventional and articulating laparoscopic needle‐drivers for performing standardized laparoscopic tasks by medical students with no previous surgical experience.SUBJECTS AND METHODSTwenty medical students with no surgical experience were randomly assigned to two equal groups, one using a conventional laparoscopic needle‐holder (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) and the other using a first‐generation articulating laparoscopic needle‐holder (Cambridge Endo, Framingham, MA, USA). Each student performed a series of four standardized laparoscopic tasks, during which speed and accuracy were assessed. The tasks tested needle passage through rings (1), an oblique running suture model (2), a urethrovesical anastomosis model (3) and a model simulating renal parenchymal reconstruction following partial nephrectomy (4).RESULTSTasks 1 and 3 were completed significantly more quickly by those using the conventional instruments (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference for task 2 and 4 (P > 0.05). Those using conventional instruments were significantly more accurate in all of the tasks than those using the articulated instruments (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThe conventional laparoscopic needle‐driver allowed laparoscopy‐naive medical students to complete a series of standardized suturing tasks more rapidly and accurately than with the novel articulating needle‐driver. Laparoscopic suturing with first‐generation articulating needle‐drivers might be more difficult to learn, secondary to the complexity of physical manoeuvres required for their use.
Portfolio construction incorporating asymmetric dependence structures: a user's guide
Authors: Hatherley Anthony , Alcock Jamie 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe outline a method of portfolio selection incorporating asymmetric dependency structures using copula functions. Assuming normally distributed marginal returns, we illustrate how asymmetric return correlations affect the efficient frontier and subsequent portfolio performance under a dynamic rebalancing framework. Implementing this methodology within the context of tactically allocating a small set of market indices, we demonstrate several key findings. First, we establish the manner by which the efficient frontier constructed under asymmetric dependence differs from a mean‐variance frontier. By establishing a paper portfolio based on these differences, we find that asymmetric correlation structures do have real economic value. The primary source of this economic value is the ability to better protect portfolio value and reduce the size of any erosion in return relative to the normal portfolio when asymmetric return correlations are accounted for.
The impact of obesity on female reproductive function
Authors: Metwally M. , Li T. C. , Ledger W. L. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryObesity may be described as the new worldwide epidemic, and its serious impact on morbidity and mortality are well known. As more and more women become obese, the reproductive problems associated with obesity present an ever‐growing challenge to physicians involved in their fertility care. The spectrum of reproductive problems associated with obesity encompasses a wide range of disorders including infertility problems, miscarriage and pregnancy complications. In this review, we aim to discuss the impact of obesity on the various aspects of female reproductive function with focus on the clinical aspects of fertility problems in obese women. We finally comment on the available therapeutic options available to this group of women.
Altered cerebral glucose and acetate metabolism in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase‐deficient mice: evidence for glial dysfunction and reduced glutamate/glutamine cycling
Authors: Chowdhury G. M. I. , Gupta M. , Gibson K. M. , Patel A. B. , Behar K. L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSuccinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) catalyzes the NADP‐dependent oxidation of succinic semialdehyde to succinate, the final step of the GABA shunt pathway. SSADH deficiency in humans is associated with excessive elevation of GABA and γ‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Recent studies of SSADH‐null mice show that elevated GABA and GHB are accompanied by reduced glutamine, a known precursor of the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA. In this study, cerebral metabolism was investigated in urethane‐anesthetized SSADH‐null and wild‐type 17‐day‐old mice by intraperitoneal infusion of [1,6‐13C2]glucose or [2‐13C]acetate for different periods. Cortical extracts were prepared and measured using high‐resolution 1H‐[13C] NMR spectroscopy. Compared with wild‐type, levels of GABA, GHB, aspartate, and alanine were significantly higher in SSADH‐null cortex, whereas glutamate, glutamine, and taurine were lower. 13C Labeling from [1,6‐13C2]glucose, which is metabolized in neurons and glia, was significantly lower (expressed as μmol of 13C incorporated per gram of brain tissue) for glutamate‐(C4,C3), glutamine‐C4, succinate‐(C3/2), and aspartate‐C3 in SSADH‐null cortex, whereas Ala‐C3 was higher and GABA‐C2 unchanged. 13C Labeling from [2‐13C]acetate, a glial substrate, was lower mainly in glutamine‐C4 and glutamate‐(C4,C3). GHB was labeled by both substrates in SSADH‐null mice consistent with GABA as precursor. Our findings indicate that SSADH deficiency is associated with major alterations in glutamate and glutamine metabolism in glia and neurons with surprisingly lesser effects on GABA synthesis.
Neuroprotective actions of noradrenaline: effects on glutathione synthesis and activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta
Authors: Madrigal Jose L. M. , Kalinin Sergey , Richardson Jill C. , Feinstein Douglas L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe endogenous neurotransmitter noradrenaline (NA) can protect neurons from the toxic consequences of various inflammatory stimuli, however the exact mechanisms of neuroprotection are not well known. In the current study, we examined neuroprotective effects of NA in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. Exposure to oligomeric amyloid beta (Aβ) 1‐42 peptide induced neuronal damage revealed by increased staining with fluorojade, and toxicity assessed by LDH release. Aβ‐dependent neuronal death did not involve neuronal expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), since Aβ did not induce nitrite production from neurons, LDH release was not reduced by co‐incubation with NOS2 inhibitors, and neurotoxicity was similar in wildtype and NOS2 deficient neurons. Co‐incubation with NA partially reduced Aβ‐induced neuronal LDH release, and completely abrogated the increase in fluorojade staining. Treatment of neurons with NA increased expression of γ‐glutamylcysteine ligase, reduced levels of GSH peroxidase, and increased neuronal GSH levels. The neuroprotective effects of NA were partially blocked by co‐treatment with an antagonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), and replicated by incubation with a selective PPARdelta (PPARδ) agonist. NA also increased expression and activation of PPARδ. Together these data demonstrate that NA can protect neurons from Aβ‐induced damage, and suggest that its actions may involve activation of PPARδ and increases in GSH production.
Minocycline decreases in vitro microglial motility, β1‐integrin, and Kv1.3 channel expression
Authors: Nutile‐McMenemy Nancy , Elfenbein Arye , DeLeo Joyce A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMinocycline is a semisynthetic, tetracycline derivative that exerts anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects unrelated to its anti‐microbial action. We have previously shown that minocycline prevented peripheral nerve injury‐induced mechanical allodynia. Minocycline’s mechanisms of action as a neuroprotective and anti‐allodynic agent are unknown. In response to injury, microglia become activated, proliferate, and migrate. Resting microglia express voltage‐dependent inward K+ currents and blocking Kv1.3 channels has been shown to inhibit microglial‐mediated neuronal death. We investigated the effect of minocycline on the expression of Kv channels, cell motility, and β‐integrin expression using primary rat cortical microglia, transwell assays, and by flow cytometry. Minocycline significantly reduced microglial migration to cellular debris, astrocyte‐conditioned medium, ADP, and algesic mediators and significantly reduced the expression of CD29 (β1‐integrin) but not CD18 (β2‐integrin). Minocycline reduced the effect of extracellular potassium and later decreased microglial Kv1.3 expression. In summary, we uncovered a novel effect of minocycline that demonstrates this agent decreases microglial β1‐integrin expression, which leads to inhibition of motility. We propose an in vivo model whereby reduced microglial trafficking to injured neurons following nerve injury decreases the release of proinflammatory mediators into the synaptic milieu, preventing neuronal sensitization, the pathological correlate to chronic pain.