bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baseline left bundle branch block with right bundle branch escape complexes in a patient with coronary artery disease, presents like an alternating bundle branch block: a case report
Authors: Bhimaraj Arvind , Abusin Salaheldin , Margeta Bosko 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Alternating bundle branch block (ABBB) is a less commonly encountered phenomenon with the advent of re-perfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. ECGs simulating the appearance of an ABBB need to be carefully analysed. We present an ECG showing a baseline Left Bundle Branch Block(LBBB) progressing to a high grade AV block with escape complexes having a Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) morphology. Such an ECG can be mistaken for an ABBB if not analysed carefully.
Comparative genomics of mutualistic viruses of Glyptapantelesparasitic wasps
Authors: Desjardins Christopher A , Gundersen-Rindal Dawn E , Hostetler Jessica B , Tallon Luke J , Fadrosh Douglas W , Fuester Roger W , Pedroni Monica J , Haas Brian J , Schatz Michael C , Jones Kristine M , Crabtree Jonathan , Forberger Heather , Nene Vishvanath 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background
Polydnaviruses, double-stranded DNA viruses with segmented genomes, have evolved as obligate endosymbionts of parasitoid wasps. Virus particles are replication deficient and produced by female wasps from proviral sequences integrated into the wasp genome. These particles are co-injected with eggs into caterpillar hosts, where viral gene expression facilitates parasitoid survival and, thereby, survival of proviral DNA. Here we characterize and compare the encapsidated viral genome sequences of bracoviruses in the family Polydnaviridae associated with Glyptapanteles gypsy moth parasitoids, along with near complete proviral sequences from which both viral genomes are derived.

Results
The encapsidated Glyptapanteles indiensis and Glyptapanteles flavicoxis bracoviral genomes, each composed of 29 different size segments, total approximately 517 and 594 kbp, respectively. They are generated from a minimum of seven distinct loci in the wasp genome. Annotation of these sequences revealed numerous novel features for polydnaviruses, including insect-like sugar transporter genes and transposable elements. Evolutionary analyses suggest that positive selection is widespread among bracoviral genes.

Conclusions
The structure and organization of G. indiensis and G. flavicoxis bracovirus proviral segments as multiple loci containing one to many viral segments, flanked and separated by wasp gene-encoding DNA, is confirmed. Rapid evolution of bracovirus genes supports the hypothesis of bracovirus genes in an 'arms race' between bracovirus and caterpillar. Phylogenetic analyses of the bracoviral genes encoding sugar transporters provides the first robust evidence of a wasp origin for some polydnavirus genes. We hypothesize transposable elements, such as those described here, could facilitate transfer of genes between proviral segments and host DNA.
Dietary Patterns and Breast Cancer Recurrence and Survival Among Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Kwan Marilyn L. , Weltzien Erin , Kushi Lawrence H. , Castillo Adrienne , Slattery Martha L. , Caan Bette J. 
Published: December 2008

Purpose To determine the association of dietary patterns with cancer recurrence and mortality of early-stage breast cancer survivors. Patients and Methods Patients included 1,901 Life After Cancer Epidemiology Study participants diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 1997 and 2000 and recruited primarily from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Cancer Registry. Diet was assessed at cohort entry using a food frequency questionnaire. Two dietary patterns were identified: prudent (high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and poultry) and Western (high intakes of red and processed meats and refined grains). Two hundred sixty-eight breast cancer recurrences and 226 all-cause deaths (128 attributable to breast cancer) were ascertained. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Results Increasing adherence to a prudent dietary pattern was associated with a statistically significant decreasing risk of overall death (P trend = .02; HR for highest quartile = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.90) and death from non–breast cancer causes (P trend = .003; HR for highest quartile = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.73). In contrast, increasing consumption of a Western dietary pattern was related to an increasing risk of overall death (P trend = .05) and death from non–breast cancer causes (P = .02). Neither dietary pattern was associated with risk of breast cancer recurrence or death from breast cancer. These observations were generally not modified by physical activity, being overweight, or smoking. Conclusion Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer might improve overall prognosis and survival by adopting more healthful dietary patterns.
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and the Incidence of Non–AIDS-Defining Cancers in People With HIV Infection
Authors: Powles Thomas , Robinson David , Stebbing Justin , Shamash Jonathan , Nelson Mark , Gazzard Brian , Mandelia Sundhiya , Møller Henrik , Bower Mark 
Published: December 2008

Purpose The effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the incidence of non–AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) is unclear. Methods We have investigated the occurrence of NADCs in a prospective cohort of 11,112 HIV-positive individuals, with 71,687 patient-years of follow-up. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using general population incidence data. We investigated the effect of calendar period, HIV parameters, and immunologic and treatment-related factors on the incidence of these cancers using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The SIR for all NADCs was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.66 to 2.29). There was no significant excess in incidence in the pre-HAART era (1983 to 1995; SIR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.47). However, the incidence increased in the early HAART period (1996 to 2001) and remains elevated in the most recent established HAART period (2002 to 2007; SIR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.72, and SIR 2.49; 95% CI, 2.00 to 3.07, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that use of HAART (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.39) and a nadir CD4 count less than 200/μL (HR = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.54) were associated with an increased risk. Only the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) were associated with a significantly increased risk of NADCs (HR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.08). Much of this association was attributable to an increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma with NNRTIs (HR = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.03 to 4.69). Conclusion Since the introduction of HAART, there has been a significantly increased risk of NADCs, which has now stabilized. A number of factors are associated with this increased risk, including HAART use. There may be an association between the use of NNRTIs and the development of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A Randomized Phase IIIB Trial of Chemotherapy, Bevacizumab, and Panitumumab Compared With Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab Alone for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hecht J. Randolph , Mitchell Edith , Chidiac Tarek , Scroggin Carroll , Hagenstad Christopher , Spigel David , Marshall John , Cohn Allen , McCollum David , Stella Philip , Deeter Robert , Shahin Seta , Amado Rafael G. 
Published: December 2008

Purpose Panitumumab, a fully human antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, is active in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This trial evaluated panitumumab added to bevacizumab and chemotherapy (oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based) as first-line treatment for mCRC. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned within each chemotherapy cohort to bevacizumab and chemotherapy with or without panitumumab 6 mg/kg every 2 weeks. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) within the oxaliplatin cohort. Tumor assessments were performed every 12 weeks and reviewed centrally. Results A total of 823 and 230 patients were randomly assigned to the oxaliplatin and irinotecan cohorts, respectively. Panitumumab was discontinued after a planned interim analysis of 812 oxaliplatin patients showed worse efficacy in the panitumumab arm. In the final analysis, median PFS was 10.0 and 11.4 months for the panitumumab and control arms, respectively (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.52); median survival was 19.4 months and 24.5 months for the panitumumab and control arms, respectively. Grade 3/4 adverse events in the oxaliplatin cohort (panitumumab v control) included skin toxicity (36% v 1%), diarrhea (24% v 13%), infections (19% v 10%), and pulmonary embolism (6% v 4%). Increased toxicity without evidence of improved efficacy was observed in the panitumumab arm of the irinotecan cohort. KRAS analyses showed adverse outcomes for the panitumumab arm in both wild-type and mutant groups. Conclusion The addition of panitumumab to bevacizumab and oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based chemotherapy results in increased toxicity and decreased PFS. These combinations are not recommended for the treatment of mCRC in clinical practice.
Urgent Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in a District General Hospital – Is it Feasible?
Authors: Khan MN , Nordon I , Ghauri Ask , Ranaboldo C , Carty N 
Published: December 2008

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic gall stone disease. However, its place remains controversial in the management of acute cholecystitis due to a high reported incidence of bile leaks and conversion rate. Tertiary referral centres have reported good results. We present a series of cases after the introduction of an urgent cholecystectomy pathway in a district general hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS A practice of urgent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was introduced by three consultant general surgeons. All prospective patients having an urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, over an 8-month period were entered into a database. A dedicated ultrasound service was instituted to provide prompt diagnosis in these patients. Their demographic details, operative findings, laboratory results were recorded in a prospective database. Timing of ERCP, postoperative complications and conversion rate and hospital stay were also noted. RESULTS There were 64 patients in the study with a median age of 51 years (range, 21–84 years). There were 21 males and 43 females. All patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the index admission. Eleven patients had pre-operative ERCP and 12 patients had on-table cholangiogram. There were no conversions. Postoperative ERCP was required in six patients. The median time interval between admission and operation was 3 days (range, 2–7 days). There were two bile leaks but no common bile duct injury. There were two cases of superficial wound infection. One patient required re-operation for smail bowel obstruction secondary to a port site hernia. CONCLUSIONS Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is a feasible treatment option in a district general hospital. A safe practice can be ensured by adherence to a care pathway and a multidisciplinary, consultant-delivered service. Urgent cholecystectomy service can be provided safely in a district general hospital with outcomes comparable to previously published literature.
C-Reactive Protein and Coronary Heart Disease: Predictive Test or Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Hingorani Aroon D , Shah Tina , Casas Juan P , Humphries Steve E , Talmud Philippa J 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: The hepatocyte-derived acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) has been the subject of intense research over the last 2 decades for its possible role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This research has spawned interest in the use of the blood concentration of CRP for predicting a first coronary heart disease (CHD) event, which has been made possible with the development of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) assays that can measure the typically low concentrations of CRP that circulate in the absence of an overt infective or inflammatory episode, and as a potential causal factor that might be targeted therapeutically. The research has encompassed observational and genetic epidemiology, basic science studies with cells and tissues, experiments with animal models and humans, and randomized trials (although not of specific CRP-lowering therapies as yet).Content: We focus on investigations of the potential role of small differences in basal hsCRP concentration seen in healthy individuals and the relationship of such differences to the long-term risk of a first CHD event, rather than on research devoted to the high acute-phase CRP concentrations, which occur after acute atherothrombotic events and can influence the severity of ischemic tissue damage and the subsequent prognosis. We concentrate mainly on research findings at the translational interface and draw on evidence from human observational and genetic epidemiology, as well as from randomized trials.Conclusions: As the field matures from one of discovery to an evaluative science, the development of possible clinical applications requires a sharpening of focus on and a critical appraisal of the strengths and deficiencies of the accumulated evidence. Such assessments require attention to both the current state of affairs and the design of future research, so that the existing uncertainties about the utility of CRP in predicting CHD and its role in causing this disease can be resolved.
Assessment of Risks Associated with Enteric Viruses in Contaminated Drinking Water
Authors: Gerba CP , Haas CN 
Published: December 2008

It is now well established that enteric viruses, such as hepatitis A, Norwalk, rotavirus, and so forth, can be transmitted by sewage-contaminated water and food. Standards for viruses in water have been suggested by the World Health Organization and several other organizations. Few attempts have been made to assess the risks associated with exposure to low numbers of enteric viruses in the environment.
To determine the risks that may be associated with exposure to human enteric viruses, the literature on minimum infectious dose, incidence of clinical illness, and mortality was reviewed. This information was then used to assess the probability of infection, illness, and mortality for individuals consuming drinking water containing various concentrations of enteric viruses. Risks were determined on a daily, annual, and lifetime basis. This analysis suggested that significant risks of illness (&gt;1:10 000) and mortality (&gt;1:1 000 000) may arise from the exposure to low levels of the enteric virus.
Decrease of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in female subclinical hypothyroid patients during normalization of thyroid function: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Nagasaki Toshiki , Inaba Masaaki , Yamada Shinsuke , Shirakawa Kumi , Nagata Yuki , Kumeda Yasuro , Hiura Yoshikazu , Tahara Hideki , Ishimura Eiji , Nishizawa Yoshiki 
Published: December 2008

ObjectiveSubclinical hypothyroidism affects 5–15% of the general population, is especially prevalent in females, and may be associated with increased morbidity from cardiovascular disease, although it remains controversial. We recently reported a significant increase in the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a parameter of arterial stiffening and an independent predictor of cardiovascular events, in subclinical hypothyroidism without thyroiditis. The current study was performed to assess changes in baPWV in female subclinical hypothyroidism with autoimmune chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) after restoration of normal thyroid function.MethodsIn a randomized placebo-controlled study, 95 female subclinical hypothyroid patients were monitored for changes in baPWV before and after levothyroxine (l-T4) replacement therapy. Changes in baPWV were also measured in 42 age-matched normal female subjects.ResultsThe baseline baPWV values in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were significantly higher than in normal subjects. With attainment of euthyroidism, baPWV showed a significant decrease from 1776.7±86.0 to 1674.3±79.2 cm/s (P=0.006) in patients treated withl-T4, but the changes in baPWV and TSH were not correlated. The change in baPWV was significantly and negatively correlated with age and baseline pulse pressure, but multiple regression analysis revealed that these parameters failed to be associated with the change in baPWV.ConclusionsSustained normalization of thyroid function duringl-T4replacement therapy significantly decreases baPWV in female subclinical hypothyroid patients with autoimmune chronic thyroiditis, suggesting the improvement of arterial stiffening and, consequently, possible prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A Mutant Plasma Membrane Protein Is Stabilized Upon Loss of Yvh1, a Novel Ribosome Assembly Factor
Authors: Liu Yu , Chang Amy 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPma1-10 is a mutant plasma membrane ATPase defective at the restrictive temperature in stability at the cell surface. At 37°, Pma1-10 is ubiquitinated and internalized from the plasma membrane for degradation in the vacuole. YVH1, encoding a tyrosine phosphatase, is a mutant suppressor of pma1-10; in the absence of Yvh1, Pma1-10 remains stable at the plasma membrane, thereby permitting cells to grow. The RING finger domain of Yvh1, but not its phosphatase domain, is required for removal of mutant Pma1-10 from the plasma membrane. Yvh1 is a novel ribosome assembly factor: in yvh1Δ cells, free 60S and 80S ribosomal subunits are decreased, free 40S subunits are increased, and half-mer polysomes are accumulated. Pma1-10 is also stabilized by deletion of 60S ribosomal proteins Rpl19a and Rpl35a. We propose that changes in ribosome biogenesis caused by loss of Yvh1 or specific ribosomal proteins have effects on the plasma membrane, perhaps by producing specific translational changes.
Characterization of a Local Renin‐Angiotensin System in Rat Gingival Tissue
Authors: Santos C.F. , Akashi A.E. , Dionísio T.J. , Sipert C.R. , Didier D.N. , Greene A.S. , Oliveira S.H.P. , Pereira H.J.V. , Becari C. , Oliveira E.B. , Salgado M.C.O. 
Published: December 2008

Background: The systemic renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) promotes the plasmatic production of angiotensin (Ang) II, which acts through interaction with specific receptors. There is growing evidence that local systems in various tissues and organs are capable of generating angiotensins independently of circulating RAS. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression and localization of RAS components in rat gingival tissue and evaluate the in vitro production of Ang II and other peptides catalyzed by rat gingival tissue homogenates incubated with different Ang II precursors.Methods: Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assessed mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical analysis aimed to detect and localize renin. A standardized fluorimetric method with tripeptide hippuryl‐histidyl‐leucine was used to measure tissue angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, whereas high performance liquid chromatography showed products formed after the incubation of tissue homogenates with Ang I or tetradecapeptide renin substrate (TDP).Results: mRNA for renin, angiotensinogen, ACE, and Ang II receptors (AT1a, AT1b, and AT2) was detected in gingival tissue; cultured gingival fibroblasts expressed renin, angiotensinogen, and AT1a receptor. Renin was present in the vascular endothelium and was intensely expressed in the epithelial basal layer of periodontally affected gingival tissue. ACE activity was detected (4.95 ± 0.89 nmol histidyl‐leucine/g/minute). When Ang I was used as substrate, Ang 1‐9 (0.576 ± 0.128 nmol/mg/minute), Ang II (0.066 ± 0.008 nmol/mg/minute), and Ang 1‐7 (0.111 ± 0.017 nmol/mg/minute) were formed, whereas these same peptides (0.139 ± 0.031, 0.206 ± 0.046, and 0.039 ± 0.007 nmol/mg/minute, respectively) and Ang I (0.973 ± 0.139 nmol/mg/minute) were formed when TDP was the substrate.Conclusion: Local RAS exists in rat gingival tissue and is capable of generating Ang II and other vasoactive peptides in vitro.
In Vivo Validation of a Three‐Dimensional Optical Method to Document Volumetric Soft Tissue Changes of the Interdental Papilla
Authors: Strebel Jan , Ender Andreas , Paqué Frank , Krähenmann Michael , Attin Thomas , Schmidlin Patrick R. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Non‐surgical and surgical periodontal treatment may cause volumetric changes in the gingival contour. Many techniques have been suggested to minimize soft tissue shrinkage; however, there is a lack of three‐dimensional (3D) quantitative data comparing different treatment approaches. The aim of the present study was to clinically validate an easy‐to‐use chair‐side procedure to document volumetric changes in the interdental papilla region.Methods: Nine volunteers participated in the study. A thin layer of a flowable composite resin material was applied on a papilla and volumetrically analyzed using the clinical chair‐side computer‐aided design/computer‐aided machining (CAD/CAM) 3D method. To accurately measure the applied volumes, the composite resin volume was also determined using microcomputed tomography (μ‐CT) and weight measurements. In addition, inter‐ and intraexaminer differences were evaluated in the same manner using a dental training unit (phantom head) to simulate clinical conditions.Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the results obtained by μ‐CT and the weight measurements. The CAD/CAM 3D method showed a significant underestimation of the composite resin volume (P = 0.0047) compared to μ‐CT, although the two methods correlated well (R2 = 0.991). High accuracy was found when inter‐ and intraexaminer differences were evaluated, showing a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.99.Conclusion: CAD/CAM 3D device and software are an easy‐to‐use chair‐side method to document changes in soft tissues.
Prevalence of Halitosis in Young Male Adults: A Study in Swiss Army Recruits Comparing Self‐Reported and Clinical Data
Authors: Bornstein Michael M. , Stocker Bruce L. , Seemann Rainer , Bürgin Walter B. , Lussi Adrian 
Published: December 2008

Background: Sound epidemiologic data on halitosis are rare. We evaluated the prevalence of halitosis in a young male adult population in Switzerland using a standardized questionnaire and clinical examination.Methods: Six hundred twenty‐six Swiss Army recruits aged 18 to 25 years (mean: 20.3 years) were selected as study subjects. First, a standardized questionnaire focusing on dental hygiene, self‐reported halitosis, smoking, and alcohol consumption was filled out by all participants. In the clinical examination, objective values for the presence of halitosis were gathered through an organoleptic assessment of the breath odor and the measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Additionally, tongue coating, plaque index, and probing depths were evaluated for each recruit.Results: The questionnaire revealed that only 17% of all included recruits had never experienced halitosis. The organoleptic evaluation (grades 0 to 3) identified eight persons with grade 3, 148 persons with grade 2, and 424 persons with grade 1 or 0. The calculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationship among the three methods of assessing halitosis revealed little to no correlation. The organoleptic score showed high reproducibility (kappa = 0.79). Tongue coating was the only influencing factor found to contribute to higher organoleptic scores and higher VSC values.Conclusions: Oral malodor seemed to pose an oral health problem for about one‐fifth of 20‐year‐old Swiss males questioned. No correlation between self‐reported halitosis and organoleptic or VSC measurements could be detected. Although the organoleptic method described here offers a high reproducibility, the lack of correlation between VSC values and organoleptic scores has to be critically addressed. For further studies assessing new organoleptic scores, a validated index should always be included as a direct control.