bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of clot formation in fresh‐frozen plasma
Authors: Lawrie A. S. , Cardigan R. A. , Williamson L. M. , Machin S. J. , Mackie I. J. 
Published: February 2008

Background  Factor VIII (FVIII) levels are used as a quality marker of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP); however, other clotting factors are not routinely measured.Methods  We assessed additional haemostatic parameters and the dynamics of coagulation using Thrombelastography (TEG®) and a thrombin generation test (TGT). FFP was prepared on the day of donation (Day 0) or after overnight hold at 4°C (Day 1).Results  Factor VIII in Day 1 FFP was 18% lower than in Day 0. TEG® parameters in Day 1 FFP were consistent with increased coagulability and did not correlate with altered levels of clotting factors, but were consistent with the increased levels of microparticles seen in the Day 1 samples. TGT studies exhibited increased lag time, time to peak and reduced peak thrombin generation, but no change in endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) on Day 1. There was a weak association between FVIII level and both ETP and peak thrombin (ETP rs≥ 0·22, P≤ 0·003; peak thrombin rs≥ 0·48, P≤ 0·0001), which was influenced by ABO group, with the lowest levels in group O.Conclusion  We conclude that levels of FVIII do not predict the haemostatic potential of FFP and that there may be a role for alternative technologies in monitoring the quality of FFP.
Glycinebetaine Improves Chilling Tolerance in Hybrid Maize
Authors: Farooq M. , Aziz T. , Hussain M. , Rehman H. , Jabran K. , Khan M. B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPlant growth and development is hampered by various environmental stresses including chilling. We investigated the possibility of improving chilling tolerance in hybrid maize by glycinebetaine (GB) seed treatments. Maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1(p.p.m.) aerated solution of GB for 24 h and were dried back. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and at 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Germination and seedling growth was significantly hindered under chilling stress. Moreover, chilling stress significantly reduced the starch metabolism and relative water contents (RWC), and increased the membrane electrolyte leakage. However, activities of antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) were increased under stress conditions. Seed treatments with GB improved the germination rate, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weights, leaf and root scores, RWC, soluble sugars, α‐amylase activity and antioxidants significantly compared with untreated seeds under optimal and stress conditions. Induction of chilling tolerance was attributed to maintenance of high tissue water contents, reduced membrane electrolyte leakage, and higher antioxidant activities and carbohydrate metabolism. Seed treatment with 100 mg l−1GB was the best treatment for improving the performance of hybrid maize under normal and stress conditions compared with control and other levels used.
Respiratory infections and lung function in an Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: MUSK A.W. (Bill) , JAMES Alan L. , PALMER Lyle J. , RYAN Gerard F. , LAKE Fiona , GOLLEDGE Clayton L. , De KLERK Nicholas H. 
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:  To investigate the association between serological evidence of past infections with common respiratory pathogens and lung function in members of an isolated community of Aborigines from tropical coastal north‐western Australia.Methods:  FEV1 and FVC were assessed by dry bellows spirometer. Serum IgG titres to 11 common respiratory pathogens were assayed. Smoking history was assessed by questionnaire. Reciprocal positive IgG titres were taken as ≥10 for all pathogens with the exception of Legionella spp. (≥40) and Burkholderia pseudomallei (≥20). Linear regression analysis examined associations between titres and lung function after adjustment for age, height, gender and smoking, separately for adults (age > 17 years) and children.Results:  An increased total number of positive IgG titres was significantly associated with reduced FEV1 (P = 0.01) and FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 0.01) suggesting the presence of airflow obstruction. This association was independent of age, gender, height, weight and smoking status.Conclusions:  The burden of past respiratory infections may be an important determinant of airway function in this Aboriginal community.
Predictors for failed dose reduction of inhaled corticosteroids in childhood asthma
Authors: LI Albert M. , TSANG Tony W. T. , LAM Hugh S. , SUNG Rita Y. T. , CHANG Anne B. 
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:  Studies of Western populations have shown that increased exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and/or sputum eosinophils (sp‐Eos) are predictive of asthma exacerbations. However, the utility of these measurements in different populations and settings is unknown. This study aimed to determine the predictors for failure of reduction of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) doses in children with stable asthma.Methods:  Fifty children (median age 11.8 years, interquartile range (IQR) 5.9 years) had their dose of ICS halved every 8 weeks until they reached the study end‐point (exacerbation or weaned off ICS). Spirometry, FeNO and induced sputum cells were measured at baseline and at each stage of ICS reduction.Results:  Eleven subjects suffered an asthma exacerbation and the remainder was successfully weaned off ICS. Subjects with an exacerbation were older (15.4 years (IQR 5.4) vs 11.4 years (IQR 3.9), P = 0.019) and more likely to be boys (P = 0.035). FeNO (median 156 p.p.b. (IQR 131) vs 76.1 p.p.b. (IQR 79.5), P = 0.013) and sp‐Eos (17.3% (IQR 33.8%) vs 7.1% (IQR 9.9%), P = 0.019) were significantly greater in those who had an exacerbation. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for FeNO (0.78, 95% CI: 0.59–0.97, P = 0.013) and sp‐Eos (0.76, 95% CI: 0.56–0.96, P = 0.016) were similar (P = 0.88) and both were significantly greater than that for FEV1% predicted (0.12, 95% CI: 0.08–0.56, P = 0.0013).Conclusions:  Older boys with raised FeNO and sp‐Eos are at higher risk of failure of reduction in their ICS dose. Monitoring airway inflammation in children with asthma using FeNO or sp‐Eos is clinically useful in guiding ICS dose reduction in a non‐Western outpatient setting.
Enhanced immediate inflammatory response to Streptococcus pneumoniae in the lungs of mice with pulmonary emphysema
Authors: TOKAIRIN Yoshikane , SHIBATA Yoko , SATA Makoto , ABE Shuichi , TAKABATAKE Noriaki , IGARASHI Akira , ISHIKAWA Tomomi , INOUE Sumito , KUBOTA Isao 
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:  Pulmonary emphysema is associated with frequent respiratory infections but little is known about the reasons for this susceptibility to bacterial infection. We previously demonstrated an impaired inflammatory response to Streptococcus pneumoniae in an experimental emphysema mouse model at 24 h, or longer following bacterial inoculation. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) have been recognized as regulators in the inflammatory response. We examined the expression of TLR on alveolar macrophages in experimental emphysema mice and evaluated the immediate inflammatory response of the emphysematous lung to streptococcal infection.Methods:  Elastase was administered once into mice trachea to induce pulmonary emphysema. Three weeks later, expression of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in the BAL cells was examined by immunostaining. Following the intratracheal inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae, pro‐inflammatory cytokine concentrations were measured in the BAL fluids of the control and emphysema mice.Results:  The expression of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 was significantly elevated in the alveolar macrophages of emphysema mice. Six hours after infection, neutrophils in the BAL fluid of emphysema mice were significantly increased, and the levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were significantly elevated, compared with the control mice. At 3 h post inoculation, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 levels were significantly elevated.Conclusions:  The immediate inflammatory response in the emphysematous lung is significantly enhanced in response to streptococcal infection. This may be partly attributed to the increased expression of TLR in the alveolar macrophages of emphysema mice.
Comparison of serological tests for detection of immunoglobulin M antibodies to Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Authors: MIYASHITA Naoyuki , OUCHI Kazunobu , KAWASAKI Kozo , KOMURA Hayashi , KAWAI Yasuhiro , TSUMURA Naoki , BANNAI Hisaichi , IWATA Satoshi , OKA Mikio 
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:  To evaluate an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (AniLab C. pneumoniae) for detecting anti‐Chlamydophila pneumoniae‐specific IgM antibody, by comparing it with an ELISA, Hitazyme C. pneumoniae, and a micro‐immunofluorescence (MIF) test.Methods:  Antibodies in sera from three groups of patients were measured: eight serum samples collected serially from a patient with acute C. pneumoniae pneumonia, 34 serum samples with Hitazyme‐ELISA false‐positive results, and 137 serum samples from patients with community‐acquired pneumonia.Results:  The IgM antibody titre in the patient with acute C. pneumoniae pneumonia showed almost identical variation with the EIA, ELISA and MIF tests. Among the 34 samples found to be false‐positive for IgM with ELISA, EIA revealed no positive cases. When a true positive case was defined as one for which a positive reaction was obtained with at least two tests, the sensitivities of the EIA, ELISA and MIF tests were 97.1%, 100% and 74.3%, with specificities of 100%, 37.3% and 100%, respectively.Conclusions:  EIA was highly sensitive and specific as compared with the MIF test, and the ELISA test showed the lowest specificity. Consequently, the AniLab‐EIA, rather than the Hitazyme‐ELISA, is recommended as the routine method for accurately diagnosing acute C. pneumoniae infection.
Modified technique for improving tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy by Ariyoshi method
Authors: Wada Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Ken , Imamura Takahisa , Suenaga Takatoshi , Matsumoto Koichiro , Kodama Kodo 
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  The cutaneous ureterostomy is the simplest urinary diversion method; however, it often causes stomal stenosis, requiring sustained catheterization with regular catheter exchange. In an attempt to prevent stomal stenosis after surgery, the fascia (S‐U fascia) between the spermatic cords and the ureters, which is usually cut off, was preserved. The remaining capillaries in the fascia could supply blood to the ureters, which is one of the most important factors for ureter patency.Methods:  In 58 patients (93 renal units) undergoing cutaneous ureterostomy, 36 patients (66 renal units) were treated by the modified technique.Results:  The surgeries carried out with the modified technique were significantly different in the type of operation, the side relationship, and the catheter‐free rate using the univariate analysis by means of the predicted tests, in comparison with 22 patients (27 renal units) that were treated with the conventional technique. Multivariate analysis for the type of operation determined that of the side relationship and the method, only the latter was a significant factor. The modified method allowed ∼90% of the patients to have a catheter‐free life; otherwise 74% of the patients had stomal stenosis, followed by catheterization.Conclusion:  The presented cutaneous ureterostomy technique to preserve the fascia is useful not only to prevent stomal stenosis and maintaining good quality of life without catheterization, but also to apply to other types of ureter surgery.
Ten year trend in prostate cancer screening with high prostate‐specific antigen exposure rate in Japan
Authors: Okihara Koji , Kitamura Koji , Okada Koichi , Mikami Kazuya , Ukimura Osamu , Miki Tsuneharu 
Published: February 2008

Background:  The tendency of the results and quality control of prostate cancer screening serially performed for 10 years in an area of Japan were evaluated.Methods:  A total of 39 213 men over 55 years of age have participated in the mass screening of prostate cancer in the Otokuni District, since 1995. Men whose prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were more than 4.1 ng/mL were indicated for the second screening. In the second screening, prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) was calculated in men whose PSA levels ranged from 4.1 to 10.0 ng/mL.Results:  Secondary screening was indicated in a total of 2428 subjects, of whom 1633 underwent it. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 267 men. As a result of the evaluation of the indication of prostate biopsy according to the PSAD in 894 who underwent secondary screening for the first time, the procedure was judged to be unnecessary in 269 (35%) of 765 cases. Of these 269 subjects, 23 (8.5%) were found to have cancer. Clinically localized prostate cancer increased by 17%, and locally advanced and metastatic cancers decreased by 12% in the second compared with the first five years of the ten‐year period. The exposure rate of PSA screening in the Otokuni District was 65% with the application for the rate of screenees whose PSA level was 4.1 ng/mL or above.Conclusions:  The Japanese basic health screening system allows the determination of high‐PSA exposure areas. Serial prostate cancer screening showed a tendency of stage migration in the screened cancer patients. The use of PSAD in secondary screening substantially reduces the necessity of prostate biopsy; however, the encouragement of PSA‐positive individuals to periodically receive prostate cancer screening is essential to maintain the quality of the screening system.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis and typing of renal tuberculosis
Authors: Rui Xuefang , Li Xin‐De , Cai SongLiang , Chen Geming , Cai Baisen 
Published: February 2008

Aim:  To evaluate the clinical value of sonography in the diagnosis and typing of renal tuberculosis.Methods:  A total of 258 cases of renal tuberculosis with complete sonographic data were reviewed. The distinguishing features of the ultrasound images of these cases were retrospectively analyzed.Results:  The coincidence rate of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal tuberculosis was 58.9% (152/258). According to the distinguishing features of the ultrasound images, renal tuberculosis could be classified under six types. Type I: nephrectasia type, 23 cases; type II: hydrops type, 21 cases; type III: empyema type, 13 cases; type IV: inflammatory and atrophy type, 15 cases; type V: calcification type, 34 cases; type VI: mixed type, 46 cases.Conclusion:  Ultrasonographic examination has convenient, low‐priced and non‐invasive advantages. The typing of renal tuberculosis based on the distinguishing features of the ultrasound images provides important and reliable information for the clinical diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of renal tuberculosis.
LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: A SMALL‐VOLUME UNIT EXPERIENCE
Authors: Nieuwenhuijs Vincent B. , Chen John W. , John Libby , Ring John , Harley Hugh , Dolan Paul M. , Padbury Robert T. A. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Results of liver transplantation have improved significantly over the last three decades. Hospital volume has been cited as an important outcome factor. The South Australian (SA) programme commenced in 1992 as the fourth centre in Australia.Methods:  Patient and graft survival curves were computed from the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) Liver Transplant Registry. SA results were compared with the rest of ANZ. All recipients of a cadaveric liver from the start of the SA programme in 1992 until the 100th case in 2005 were included and compared with recipients from ANZ in the same period.Results:  In SA, 100 recipients received 104 grafts (average 8.0/year). In the same period 1438 recipients received 1530 grafts in ANZ (mean 23.4/year per unit). The median follow up was 6.2 years. Patient and graft survival curves were similar (P = 0.51, log‐rank test.) Survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 0.93, 0.83, 0.61 and 0.88, 0.80, 0.72 for SA and ANZ, respectively (P = NS). There was trend towards a higher mortality rate of recurrent hepatitis C in SA patients when compared with the rest of ANZ (4.0 vs 1.3% respectively, P = 0.06). Recipient variables, such as age and primary liver disease did not differ between SA and ANZ. For the SA patients the biliary anastomotic stricture rate was 20%, primary non‐function rate was 2%, hepatic artery thrombosis 1% and portal vein thrombosis 1%.Conclusion:  Good results are possible in a small‐volume unit for cadaveric adult liver transplant.
HURTHLE CELL NEOPLASM OF THE THYROID GLAND
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Yousef Hussam Bin , Greer William , Faraz Haroon , Al Sobhi Saif , Al Zahrani Ali , Raef Hussein , Al Ghamdi Abduallah , Al Kadhi Yusuf , Al Dayel Fouad 
Published: February 2008

Background:  A clinicopathological analysis and long‐term follow up of 32 patients with Hurthle cell neoplasm (HCN) was undertaken to contrast the clinical and histological features between benign versus malignant HCN of thyroid and to examine the effect of treatment on the outcome.Methods:  This is a retrospective study of 32 patients with HCN who were identified out of an archival clinical/pathological/imaging database of 3752 thyroid cancer patients seen between 1976 and June 2006. All patients underwent thyroid surgery. Data for the non‐surgical treatment along with follow up were also analysed.Results:  Seventeen patients were classified as malignant HCN (MHCN) and 15 as benign HCN (BHCN). Among the MHCN, there were 11 women and 6 men, whereas among BHCN there were 14 women and 1 man. Three patients designated MHCN presented with metastases, one with pulmonary metastases and two others with skeletal metastases who developed lung metastases 9–19 months later. The mean tumour size was 4.43 ± 0.66 cm for MHCN, and 2.57 ± 0.32 cm for BHCN (P = 0.03). Multicentric tumour foci were evident in five cases (29%) of MHCN but none among the BHCN (P = 0.03). At neck exploration cervical lymph node dissection was carried out in nine MHCN patients with findings of tumour metastases in 33%. Postoperatively, three MHCN patients had no thyroid remnant on ultrasound and computed tomography of neck and undetectable serum thyroglobulin; these were considered to be in remission. Fourteen other MHCN patients with postoperative thyroid remnant and/or distant metastases received 131I treatment. Eight of these patients had negative whole‐body scans after 131I treatment and undetectable thyroglobulin. Accordingly, 11 MHCN patients (64.7%) showed evidence of remission and 6 patients did not respond to 131I treatment. After a mean follow up of 35 months, all BHCN patients are alive with no evidence of disease. Of the MHCN, 11 (64.7%) were in remission and 35% had evidence of persistence/recurrence. One patient who had recurrence is dead. A lack of effectiveness of 131I therapy in two patients with distant metastases is an important finding.Conclusion:  Features of MHCN consisted of a large tumour size, unequivocal capsular and vascular invasion, multicentric tumour foci, metastatic lymph node deposits in one‐third of patients and presence of distant metastasis in a few. Findings of dominant Hurthle cell cytology in a fine‐needle aspiration biopsy from a thyroid nodule should prompt surgical resection of the lesion to assess malignancy.
OSTEOLYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH A METAL‐ON‐METAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Carr Ashley M. , DeSteiger Richard 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Despite design and manufacturing improvements in contemporary metal‐on‐metal hip replacements, the problem of wear particles persists. The local and systemic biological consequences of this ionic debris have been the subject of much investigation and it has become clear that cell‐mediated delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions are a discrete mode of osteolysis in susceptible patients.Methods:  We have carried out a consecutive series of 125 primary hip replacements using the Metasul (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) bearing couple. The radiographs, periprosthetic tissue and retrieved implants of patients undergoing revision for osteolysis were analysed.Results:  Three patients underwent revision procedures during a follow‐up period of 3–9 years. Histological analysis showed a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate of the pseudocapsule. Infection was excluded in each patient, there was no implant loosening and no evidence of impingement between trunion and acetabular component.Conclusion:  We report a prevalence of 2.6% of patients displaying femoral osteolysis associated with characteristic clinical and histological findings.
SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY IN LARGER OR MULTIFOCAL BREAST CANCERS: TO DO OR NOT TO DO
Authors: Behm Eirene C. , Buckingham John M. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  The use of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in breast cancer patients with large and/or multifocal tumours is controversial.Methods:  A review of clinical records was undertaken for 213 consecutive patients undergoing SNB for invasive breast cancer from September 2000 to February 2006. The results of SNB and axillary dissection were compared for patients with unifocal or multifocal tumours less than 3 cm and 3 cm or larger. Patient outcomes were also assessed.Results:  The mean number of sentinel nodes removed per patient increased from 2.33 in 2000 to 4.17 in 2006. For patients with unifocal tumours less than 3 cm, 47 of 147 (32.0%) were sentinel node positive compared with 15 of 30 (50%) for multifocal tumours less than 3 cm (P = 0.04), 19 of 28 (67.9%) for unifocal tumours 3 cm or larger (P < 0.001) and 7 of 8 (87.5%) for multifocal tumours 3 cm or larger (P = 0.003). Following axillary dissection, 20 of 48 (41.7%) patients with sentinel node macrometastases were found to have positive non‐sentinel nodes, compared with 4 of 20 (20.0%) and 1 of 8 (12.5%) for patients with sentinel node micrometastases and isolated tumour cells. The mean total number of positive nodes was 1.74 compared with 4.21 for unifocal tumours less than or greater than 3 cm, respectively (P = 0.004). No axillary recurrences were detected during the follow‐up period.Conclusion:  Although patients with large and/or multifocal tumours were more likely to have a positive sentinel node, the findings provide some indication that SNB may be reliable for staging the axilla in these patients.
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF SEBACEOUS CARCINOMA: AN AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Dowd Michael B. , Kumar Rohit J. , Sharma Raghwa , Murali Rajmohan 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Cutaneous sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignancy derived from adnexal epithelium of sebaceous glands. Periorbital SC is approximately three times more common than extraorbital SC. To date, there are few data from an Australian source to document the prevalence or clinical outcome of this tumour.Methods:  A retrospective review was undertaken of the cases from the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research using their histopathology database for patients with a diagnosis of SC. Patients were identified over a period of 34 years from 1971–2005 and their management and follow up are reported.Results:  There were 25 patients in all. Seventeen were men and eight were women. Of the 25 cases, 12 were extraorbital and 13 were periorbital. Three metastases and one tumour showed extensive local invasion. There were nine cases of incomplete excisions and 13 patients were reoperated on for either incomplete excisions, to obtain a wider margin or for local recurrences. Adjuvant radiotherapy was used on five patients, three of whom had lymph node deposits.Conclusion:  Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare tumour. Extraorbital SC is an aggressive and invasive malignancy. Excision margins may need to be wider than previously thought. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) may play a role in the aetiology. Wide excision and selective use of radiotherapy remain the treatment of choice.