bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Garnett Matthew R , Puget Stéphanie , Grill Jacques , Sainte-Rose Christian 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCraniopharyngiomas are benign slow growing tumours that are located within the sellar and para sellar region of the central nervous system. The point prevalence of this tumour is approximately 2/100,000. The onset of symptoms is normally insidious with most patients at diagnosis having neurological (headaches, visual disturbances) and endocrine (growth retardation, delayed puberty) dysfunctions. Craniopharyngiomas are thought to arise from epithelial remnants of the craniopharyngeal duct or Rathke's pouch (adamantinomatous type) or from metaplasia of squamous epithelial cell rests that are remnants of the part of the stomadeum that contributed to the buccal mucosa (squamous papillary type). The neuroradiological diagnosis is mainly based on the three components of the tumour (cystic, solid and calcified) in the characteristic sellar/para sellar location. Definitive diagnosis is made following histological examination of a surgical specimen. The differential diagnosis includes other tumours in this region (pituitary adenoma), infectious or inflammatory processes (eosinophilic granuloma), vascular malformations (aneurysm) and congenital anomalies (Rathke's cleft cyst). The current treatment is gross total excision of the tumour, if there is no hypothalamic invasion or, in the presence of hypothalamic invasion, a sub-total resection with post-operative radiotherapy. Endocrine disturbances are normally permanent and need careful replacement. Overall, there is an 80% 5 year survival, though this can be associated with marked morbidity (hypothalamic dysfunction, altered neuropsychological profile).
Absolute quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the measurement of human papillomavirus E7 mRNA in cervical cytobrush specimens
Authors: Scheurer Michael E , Dillon Laura M , Chen Zhuo , Follen Michele , Adler-Storthz Karen 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Few reports of the utilization of an accurate, cost-effective means for measuring HPV oncogene transcripts have been published. Several papers have reported the use of relative quantitation or more expensive Taqman methods. Here, we report a method of absolute quantitative real-time PCR utilizing SYBR-green fluorescence for the measurement of HPV E7 expression in cervical cytobrush specimens.

Results
The construction of a standard curve based on the serial dilution of an E7-containing plasmid was the key for being able to accurately compare measurements between cervical samples. The assay was highly reproducible with an overall coefficient of variation of 10.4%.

Conclusion
The use of highly reproducible and accurate SYBR-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays instead of performing Taqman-type assays allows low-cost, high-throughput analysis of viral mRNA expression. The development of such assays will help in refining the current screening programs for HPV-related carcinomas.
Acute small bowel obstruction as a result of a Meckel's diverticulum encircling the terminal ileum: A case report
Authors: Thakor Avnesh S , Liau Siong S , o'Riordan Dermot C 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
In the developed world, small bowel obstruction accounts for 20% of all acute surgical admissions. The aetiology for majority of these cases includes postoperative adhesions and herniae. However, a relatively uncommon cause is a Meckel's diverticulum. Although this diagnosis is primarily reported in the adolescent population, it should also be considered in adults.

Case Presentation
In the present report, we present a rare case where a fit and healthy 74-year-old gentleman, with no previous history of abdominal surgery, presented with the cardinal symptoms and signs of small bowel obstruction as the result of a Meckel's diverticulum encircling his terminal ileum. Initial investigations included a supine abdominal x-ray showing dilated loops of small bowel and computerised tomographic imaging of the abdomen, which revealed a stricture in the terminal ileum of unknown aetiology. At laparotomy, multiple loops of distended small bowel were seen from the duodeno-jeujenal junction to the terminal ileum, which was encircled by a Meckel's diverticulum. The Meckel's diverticulum was then divided to release the obstruction, mobilised and subsequently removed. Finally, the small bowel contents were decompressed into the stomach and the nasogastric tube aspirated, before returning the loops of bowel into the abdomen in sequence. The patient made a good postoperative recovery and was discharged home 5 days later.

Conclusion
This report highlights the importance of considering a Meckel's diverticulum as a cause of small bowel obstruction in individuals from all age groups and especially in a person with no previous abdominal pathology or surgery.
Association of cerebrospinal fluid anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hirohata Shunsei , Arinuma Yoshiyuki , Takayama Maki , Yoshio Taku 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe explored the relationship of antibodies to the whole ribosomal P proteins (P0, P1, and P2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CSF samples were obtained from 71 SLE patients (52 patients with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes [diffuse NP-SLE] and 19 patients with neurological syndromes or peripheral neuropathy [focal NP-SLE]) as well as from 24 patients with non-inflammatory neurological disease. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the C-terminal 22-amino acid ribosomal P synthetic peptide (anti-PC22) and those to purified bovine ribosomal P proteins (P0, P1, and P2) (anti-whole P) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; affinity-purified IgG anti-PC22 were used as the standard. The concentrations of antibodies to epitopes other than the C-terminal 22 amino acids of ribosomal P proteins were calculated by subtracting anti-PC22 from anti-whole P (anti-PEX.C22). CSF anti-whole P levels were significantly elevated in diffuse NP-SLE compared with focal NP-SLE or control patients. By contrast, there were no significant differences in CSF anti-PC22 levels among the three groups. Of note, CSF anti-PEX.C22 levels were significantly elevated in diffuse NP-SLE compared with the other two groups. CSF anti-PEX.C22 levels were not significantly correlated with CSF anti-PC22 levels, but with CSF antibodies against the recombinant ribosomal P0 protein lacking the C-terminal 22 amino acids (C22-depleted rP0). Moreover, levels of CSF anti-PEX.C22 or CSF anti-C22-depleted rP0, but not CSF anti-PC22, were significantly correlated with CSF anti-neuronal cell antibodies (anti-N). These results indicate that CSF IgG antibodies to the epitopes other than the C-terminal 22 amino acids of ribosomal P proteins, which might contain one of the major targets of CSF anti-N, are associated with the development of diffuse NP-SLE.
Early Pituitary-Gonadal Activation before Clinical Signs of Puberty in 5- to 8-Year-Old Adopted Girls: A Study of 99 Foreign Adopted Girls and 93 Controls
Authors: Teilmann Grete , Boas Malene , Petersen Jørgen H. , Main Katharina M. , Gormsen Magdalena , Damgaard Karen , Brocks Vibeke , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Jensen Tina Kold 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Context: Recent studies have indicated that internationally adopted girls are at high risk of developing precocious puberty. Clinical studies including a contemporary control group are lacking.
Objective: The objective was to study clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic markers of pituitary-gonadal activation in prepubertal adopted girls and a control group in the same age categories.
Setting: The study took place at University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Design and Participants: The study included randomly selected internationally adopted girls [(n = 99; mean age, 6.9 (5.1–8.5) yr] and controls of Danish origin [n = 93; mean age, 6.8 (5.2–8.5) yr] who were studied cross-sectionally.
Methods: Height, weight, and pubertal stage were assessed with serum levels of reproductive hormones. Size and morphology of internal genitals were evaluated by ultrasonography. Bone age was evaluated by x-ray of the left hand.
Results: Serum values of FSH were significantly higher in prepubertal adopted girls compared with controls [median, 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.4–3.6) vs. 1.0 (0.4–2.4) IU/liter; P &lt;0.001]. Serum estradiol was above detection limit (&gt;18 pmol/liter) in 46.5% of prepubertal adopted girls and 20.7% of controls (P = 0.001). In prepubertal adopted girls, the proportion of measurable samples increased significantly with age [odds ratio, 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.3–5.0; P = 0.009]. In controls, the odds ratio was 1.0 (0.6–1.7) (P = 0.9). Serum SHBG levels were significantly lower in prepubertal adopted girls compared with controls [99.0 (50.4–153.0) vs. 115.0 (53.1–202.1); P &lt; 0.001].
Conclusion: Five- to 8-yr-old adopted girls showed signs of increased pituitary as well as gonadal activity despite prepubertal phenotype in the majority of girls. Our findings suggest that early onset of puberty in adopted girls is centrally driven.
Thyrotropin Activates Guanosine 5′-Diphosphate/Guanosine 5′-Triphosphate Exchange on the Rate-Limiting Endocytic Catalyst, Rab5a, in Human Thyrocytes in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: van den Hove Marie-France , Croizet-Berger Karine , Tyteca Donatienne , Selvais Charlotte , de Diesbach Philippe , Courtoy Pierre J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractContext: We have previously reported that the TSH receptor/cAMP cascade enhances the coordinate expression of the rate-limiting endocytic catalysts, Rab5a and Rab7, which respectively promote thyroglobulin (Tg) internalization and transfer to lysosomes, thereby accelerating thyroid hormone secretion.Objective: We address whether TSH further controls Rab5a activity by promoting its GTP-bound state.Design: We compared Rab5a activation in seven pairs of hyperactive and corresponding quiescent thyroid tissues; TSH effect was reproduced on polarized cultures of normal human thyrocytes.Patients: We studied seven euthyroid patients bearing hyperactive autonomous adenomas; normal thyroid tissue for culture.Main Outcome Measurements: Rab5a GDP/GTP exchange factor activity [Rab5a-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)], expression of Rabex-5 (a Rab5a-GEF), and function of thyrocytes in vitro were the main outcome measures.Results: In autonomous adenomas, constitutive activation increased both total activity and sedimentability (membrane recruitment) of Rab5a-GEF, compared with perinodular tissues. Increased Rab5a-GEF activity correlated with increased expression of Rabex-5 and Rab5a, as well as with Tg store depletion. In polarized human thyrocyte monolayers, TSH did not affect total Rab5a-GEF activity after 2 h but promoted its membrane recruitment; after 4 d, TSH increased both Rab5a-GEF activity and Rabex-5 expression and recruitment onto membranes where Rabex-5 coimmunoprecipitated with Rabaptin-5 and Rab5a. Sedimentable Rab5a-GEF perfectly correlated with apical endocytosis and lysosomal transfer of 125I-Tg, and with basolateral secretion of 125I-derived hormones.Conclusion: This study provides the first clinical and experimental evidence that regulation of the activity of a rate-limiting endocytic catalyst finely tunes a tightly controlled cellular function that ultimately governs whole body metabolism.
Health Status, Mood, and Cognition in Experimentally Induced Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Samuels M. H. , Schuff K. G. , Carlson N. E. , Carello P. , Janowsky J. S. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether subclinical hypothyroidism causes decrements in health status, mood, and/or cognitive function.
Design: This was a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study of usual dose l-thyroxine (L-T4) (euthyroid arm) vs. lower dose L-T4 (subclinical hypothyroid arm) in hypothyroid subjects.
Patients: Nineteen subjects on L-T4 therapy for primary hypothyroidism participated in the study.
Measurements: Subjects underwent measurements of health status, mood, and cognition using validated instruments: Short Form 36, Profile of Mood States, and tests of declarative memory (paragraph recall, complex figure), working memory (N-back, subject ordered pointing, digit span backward), and motor learning (pursuit rotor). The same measures were repeated after 12 wk on each of the study arms.
Results: Mean TSH levels increased to 17 mU/liter on the subclinical hypothyroid arm (P &lt; 0.0001). Mean free T4 and free T3 levels remained within the normal range. The Profile of Mood States fatigue subscale and Short Form 36 general health subscale were slightly worse during the subclinical hypothyroid arm. Measures of working memory (N-back, subject ordered pointing) were worse during the subclinical hypothyroid arm. These differences did not depend on mood or health status but were related to changes in free T4 or free T3 levels. There were no decrements in declarative memory or motor learning.
Conclusions: We found mild decrements in health status and mood in L-T4-treated hypothyroid subjects when subclinical hypothyroidism was induced in a blinded, randomized fashion. More importantly, there were independent decrements in working memory, which suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism specifically impacts brain areas responsible for working memory.
Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel Mutation in the Calcium-Sensing Receptor Gene in Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia: Modulation of Clinical Severity by Vitamin D Status
Authors: Zajickova Katerina , Vrbikova Jana , Canaff Lucie , Pawelek Peter D. , Goltzman David , Hendy Geoffrey N. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractContext: Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a benign condition associated with heterogeneous inactivating mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene.Objective: The objective of the study was to identify and characterize a CASR mutation in a moderately hypercalcemic, hyperparathyroid individual and his family and assess the influence of vitamin D status on the clinical expression of the defect.Subjects: We studied a kindred with FHH, in which the proband (a 34-yr-old male) was initially diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism due to frankly elevated serum PTH levels.Methods: CASR gene mutation analysis was performed on genomic DNA of the proband and family members. The mutant CASR was functionally characterized by transient transfection studies in kidney cells in vitro.Results: A novel heterozygous mutation (F180C, TTC&gt;TGC) in exon 4 of the CASR gene was identified. Although the mutant receptor was expressed normally at the cell surface, it was unresponsive with respect to intracellular signaling (MAPK activation) to increases in extracellular calcium concentrations. The baby daughter of the proband presented with neonatal hyperparathyroidism with markedly elevated PTH. Vitamin D supplementation of both the proband and the baby resulted in reduction of serum PTH levels to the normal range. The serum calcium level remained at a constant and moderately elevated level.Conclusion: The identification of a novel CASR gene mutation established the basis of the hypercalcemia in the kindred. Concomitant vitamin D deficiency modulates the severity of the presentation of FHH.
Total Inhibin Is a Potential Serum Marker for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tsigkou Anastasia , Marrelli Daniele , Reis Fernando M. , Luisi Stefano , Silva-Filho Agnaldo L. , Roviello Franco , Triginelli Sérgio A. , Petraglia Felice 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Context: Total inhibin is the sum of precursors, subunits, and mature molecules of inhibin, which the normal ovary nearly stops to produce after menopause, whereas ovarian tumors still release.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the serum concentration of total inhibin has the sensitivity/specificity characteristics to become a diagnostic test for epithelial ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.
Design: This was a controlled, cross-sectional study.
Setting: The study was conducted at the University of Siena.
Patients: Blood specimens were collected from postmenopausal women with: 1) epithelial ovarian cancer, stage II-III (n = 89); 2) benign ovarian tumors (n = 25); 3) breast (n = 10), colon (n = 10), and stomach (n = 10) cancers; and 4) controls (n = 95). In the group of women with epithelial ovarian cancer, blood specimens were also collected after surgical removal of the tumor. In four cases of women with stage IIC mucinous tumor, blood specimens were collected during the follow-up time.
Intervention: Total inhibin was measured by a new double-antibody ELISA.
Results: Women with epithelial ovarian cancers showed serum total inhibin levels significantly higher than those with benign tumor or with nonovarian tumors or controls (P &lt; 0.001). Patients with serous (n = 40) or mucinous tumors (n = 17) showed the highest total inhibin levels (P &lt; 0.001). At 95% specificity, the total inhibin assay detected 37 of 40 (93%) serous tumors and 16 of 17 (94%) mucinous tumors. When total inhibin was combined with CA-125, all cases of serous and mucinous tumors were detected, and the overall sensitivity for epithelial ovarian cancers was 99% at 95% specificity. A significant decrease of total inhibin levels was shown in women with serous and mucinous carcinoma as result of surgery (P &lt; 0.001). In the four women who were followed up, recurrence was associated to an increase of total inhibin levels.
Conclusions: The present data show that total inhibin is a sensitive and specific marker of epithelial ovarian cancers in postmenopausal women. Total inhibin may therefore be combined with CA-125 for noninvasive diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer and may also be a useful serum marker to monitor disease-free intervals.
Cerebral Ischemia Probably Related to Isotretinoin
Authors: Laroche Marie-Laure , Macian-Montoro Francisco , Merle Louis , Vallat Jean-Michel 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cerebral ischemia in a patient receiving oral isotretinoin for severe acne. CASE SUMMARY: A 30-year-old right-handed man was admitted for left facial paralysis and dysarthria. He had received oral isotretinoin 45 mg/day for 3 months for treatment of severe acne. A cerebral computed tomography scan showed hypodensity in the right middle cerebral territory corresponding to cerebral ischemia. The patient reported having experienced a similar episode 7 years before, after 3 months' treatment with oral isotretinoin. No risk factors were identified. Isotretinoin was discontinued on admission and the disorders resolved. DISCUSSION: Our patient did not present thrombotic risk factors and was not being treated with any drug other than isotretinoin; however, he developed 2 episodes of cerebral ischemia following 2 episodes of oral isotretinoin treatment. According to the Naranjo probability scale, the relationship of cerebral ischemia to administration of isotretinoin was probable. Other reports of thrombotic accidents, as well as some cases of hemorrhage in patients receiving isotretinoin, have been published. This drug seems to act on the coagulation process by a still unexplained mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Given that isotretinoin is a treatment prescribed most frequently for adolescents and young adults and that cerebral ischemia can produce serious handicaps, an evaluation of vascular risk should be made prior to treatment with this drug.
Treatment of Serratia marcescens Meningitis with Prolonged Infusion of Meropenem
Authors: Nicasio Anthony M , Quintiliani Richard , DeRyke C Andrew , Kuti Joseph L , Nicolau David P 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) penetration o a prolonged infusion meropenem regimen in a patient with Serratia marcescen meningitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old female was diagnosed with S. marcescen meningitis associated with an epidural abscess 57 days after surgery for a herniated spinal disk. Meropenem 2000 mg every 8 hours was administered as a prolonged (3 h) infusion for the purpose of optimizing pharmacodynamic exposure Meropenem concentrations were measured from the patient's blood and CSF (via a lumbar drain). The prolonged infusion regimen resulted in concentrations in both serum and CSF above the meropenem minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) o 0.047 μg/mL for 100% of the dosing interval. After 6 days of therapy, the patien showed no further signs of infection and was subsequently discharged to a rehabilitation facility. At follow-up, she had completed a 4 week course of the prolonged infused therapy without relapse or adverse events. DISCUSSION: Gram-negative infections of the central nervous system result in high morbidity and mortality. These infections are often difficult to treat because o poor antibiotic penetration coupled with increasing antibiotic resistance. Although there are 2 other case reports that describe the use of prolonged infusion o meropenem, our patient had a lumbar drain in place, thereby allowing us to collect multiple CSF samples and more accurately assess meropenem exposure at the site of infection. CSF penetration was 6.4% in this patient, resulting in 100% time above the MIC throughout the dosing interval. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient with meropenem-susceptible S. marcescensmenin gitis, the use of a high-dose prolonged infusion of meropenem resulted in adequate exposure at the site of infection and a successful clinical response.
Comparison of Obstetric and Birthweight Characteristics Between the Two Largest Databases of Japanese Twins Measured in Childhood
Authors: Ooki Syuichi , Asaka Akio 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to compare obstetric and birthweight data of twin children from the two largest databases in Japan to estimate the difference between them in sample collection. The first group consisted of 1131 twin-pair school applicants, and the second group consisted of members' children from several maternal associations devoted to twins and included 951 pairs. All data were gathered by questionnaire. The mean birth years of the twins in these two databases were 1979 and 1995 respectively. The percentage of mothers treated with ovulation-stimulating drugs or in-vitro fertilization was markedly higher in the maternal associations group. Gestational age was around 1 week less in the maternal associations group, whereas birthweight according to gestational weeks and intrapair relative birth weight difference as a percentage according to zygosity showed little difference between both groups. We conclude that the obstetric and birthweight feature data from both groups should be considered to construct twin growth charts based on the methods of sample selection.
The First ‘Classical’ Twin Study? Analysis of Refractive Error Using Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins Published in 1922
Authors: Liew Shiao Hui M. , Elsner Hanno , Spector Tim D. , Hammond Christopher J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe first classical twin studies, recognizing the potential of comparing findings in identical twins, have previously been reported to be those by Siemens and by Merriman, both published in 1924. However, we would like to bring to attention a study performed by Walter Jablonski, 2 years earlier (1922), investigating the contribution of heredity to refraction in human eyes. Jablonski examined the eyes of 52 twin pairs and by comparing the size of within-pair differences between identical and non- identical twins was able to infer the heritability of a trait. Therefore, this is likely to be the first reported classical twin study.