bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delay from Symptom Onset Increases the Conversion Rate in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Hadad Sirwan M. , Vaidya Jayant S. , Baker Lee , Koh Hoey C. , Heron Timothy P. , Thompson Alastair M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundRandomized trials suggest that laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be performed on first admission for acute cholecystitis. However, this is not widely practiced, possibly because of a perceived high conversion rate. We hypothesized that delay from onset of symptoms may increase the conversion rate.MethodsWe performed a retrospective case note review of patients undergoing emergency cholecystectomy in a single institution between January 2002 and December 2005. We analyzed whether delay from onset of symptoms was related to the conversion rate in patients with a histopathological diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.ResultsOf patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our institution, 32.4% (197/608) had acute cholecystitis on histopathology. The conversion rate of those with acute cholecystitis was considerably higher (24.4%) than for those with other pathologies (6.3%). For patients with acute cholecystitis, the conversion rates increased with duration of symptoms: 9.5%, 16.1%, 38.9%, and 38.6% for delays of 0–2 days, 3–4 days, 5–6 days, and > 6 days from symptom onset, respectively (chi‐square for trend = 14.27, DF = 1, p = 0.00016). Most conversions were due to the presence of acute inflammatory adhesions.ConclusionsEarly intervention for acute cholecystitis (preferably within 2 days of onset of symptoms) is most likely to result in successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy; increasing delay is associated with conversion to open surgery.
Advanced chronic heart failure: A position statement from the Study Group on Advanced Heart Failure of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Dickstein Kenneth , McMurray John J.V. , Gavazzi Antonello , Bergh Claes‐Hakan , Fraser Alan G. , Jaarsma Tiny , Pitsis Antonis , Mohacsi Paul , Böhm Michael , Anker Stefan , Dargie Henry , Brutsaert Dirk , Komajda Michel ,   on behalf of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Published: May 2007

AbstractTherapy has improved the survival of heart failure (HF) patients. However, many patients progress to advanced chronic HF (ACHF). We propose a practical clinical definition and describe the characteristics of this condition.Patients that are generally recognised as ACHF often exhibit the following characteristics: 1) severe symptoms (NYHA class III to IV); 2) episodes with clinical signs of fluid retention and/or peripheral hypoperfusion; 3) objective evidence of severe cardiac dysfunction, shown by at least one of the following: left ventricular ejection fraction<30%, pseudonormal or restrictive mitral inflow pattern at Doppler‐echocardiography; high left and/or right ventricular filling pressures; elevated B‐type natriuretic peptides; 4) severe impairment of functional capacity demonstrated by either inability to exercise, a 6‐minute walk test distance<300 m or a peak oxygen uptake<12–14 ml/kg/min; 5) history of >1 HF hospitalisation in the past 6 months; 6) presence of all the previous features despite optimal therapy. This definition identifies a group of patients with compromised quality of life, poor prognosis, and a high risk of clinical events. These patients deserve effective therapeutic options and should be potential targets for future clinical research initiatives.
Clinical trials update from the American College of Cardiology 2007: ALPHA, EVEREST, FUSION II, VALIDD, PARR‐2, REMODEL, SPICE, COURAGE, COACH, REMADHE, pro‐BNP for the evaluation of dyspnoea and THIS‐diet
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Coletta Alison P. , Clark Andrew L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article provides information and a commentary on trials relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure, presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in March 2007. Unpublished reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication.The ALPHA study suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who have a negative T‐wave alternans test have a good prognosis and are unlikely to benefit from ICD therapy. EVEREST provides some evidence of short‐term symptom benefit of tolvaptan in patients with acute decompensated HF but no clinically important long‐term benefit. FUSION II failed to show a benefit of nesiritide in patients with chronic decompensated HF. Reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients improved diastolic dysfunction in VALIDD. Eplerenone did not improve left ventricular remodelling in mild to moderate chronic HF. Selecting HF patients for revascularisation using FDG‐PET imaging did not significantly improve outcome. Crataegus extract added to standard HF therapy did not reduce morbidity or mortality in SPICE. The COURAGE study, conducted in patients without HF or major cardiac dysfunction, showed that PCI did not reduce cardiac morbidity or mortality and can be safely deferred in patients with stable coronary disease on optimal medical therapy. The COACH study failed to show that HF nurse‐intervention could reduce hospitalisations but did show trends to lower mortality, especially amongst patients with reduced ejection fraction; however, the smaller REMADHE study suggested striking benefits on morbidity and mortality. A large study of BNP provided additional information on its ability to distinguish cardiac and pulmonary breathlessness. The importance of dietary intervention in post‐MI patients was highlighted by the findings of THIS‐diet study.
Neurogenesis of GABAergic cells in the retina of malnourished rats
Authors: Silveira A.C.D. , Gardino P.F. , Bevilaqua M.C.N. , Hokoç J.N. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe present study investigated how prenatal protein malnutrition affects the neurogenesis of GABAergic cells in the retina. Rats were treated with a multi‐deficient diet, with only 8% of protein that was administered during the gestational and suckling periods. Pregnant mothers and pups from malnourished and control (fed with 22% protein) groups received a single intra‐peritoneal injection of [3H]‐thymidine at six developmental ages, from E14 to PN4, and the pups were sacrificed at PN18. Eyes were enucleated and cryosections of the retina were double labeled for GABA‐immunocytochemistry and for autoradiography. The percentage of double labeled cells, in the retinal inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers, was determined for both groups. Qualitative and quantitative results showed that double labeled cells [GABA(+)/thymidine(+)] were present since E14, when mitotic activity for GABAergic cells starts, in both GCL and INL layers. The peak rate of GABAergic cell generation was reached in control animals injected with [3H]‐thymidine at E18 in both central and peripheral sectors of the retina, but only at E20 in the malnourished group. The generation of cells of GABA phenotype showed a significant delay in both layers of the retina in the malnourished group. At PN4, close to the age that GABAergic mitotic activity ends in the control group, double labeled cells were significantly higher in the malnourished group. Our data showed a delay in GABAergic cell generation in the malnourished group when compared to the control group that might result in significant functional consequences in the developing retina.
Comparison of a new modified laparoscopic presacral neurectomy and conventional laparoscopic presacral neurectomy in the treatment of midline dysmenorrhea
Authors: Chang C.Y.Y. , Chang W.C. , Hung Y.C. , Ho M. , Yeh L.S. , Lin W.C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective: To describe a newly modified laparoscopic presacral neurectomy procedure and to evaluate the long‐term benefits of the surgery as a treatment for midline dysmenorrhea. Method: Eighty‐eight reproductive female patients with midline dysmenorrhea were enrolled in the non‐randomized prospective study. There were fifty‐five patients in the modified laparoscopic presacral neurectomy (MLPSN) group and thirty‐three patients in the conventional laparoscopic presacral neurectomy (LPSN) group. All patients received post‐surgery follow‐up of more than eight years for evaluation with respect to pain relief, recurrence, and complications. Results: Upon receipt of surgery, the MLPSN and the LPSN groups both demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the mean pain score when compared to the pre‐surgery mean pain scores. However, the probability of recurrence during the eight years of follow‐up was 81.8% (27 patients) in the LPSN group, compared to 43.6% (24 patients) in the MLPSN group, resulting in a significantly lower long‐term recurrence rate in the MLPSN group, compared to the LPSN group (P < 0.05). No patients in the MLPSN group had long‐term complications and one patient had constipation after surgery in the LPSN group. Conclusion: The modified laparoscopic presacral neurectomy procedure provides an alternative for those patients who suffer intractable midline dysmenorrhea. This surgery is relatively simple and safe and could result in a satisfactory long‐term outcome in the intervention of midline dysmenorrhea.
Relapsed or refractory gestational trophoblastic neoplasia treated with the etoposide and cisplatin/etoposide, methotrexate, and actinomycin D (EP‐EMA) regimen
Authors: Mao Yuyan , Wan Xiaoyun , Lv Weiguo , Xie Xing 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective To evaluate the effectiveness of the etoposide and cisplatin/etoposide, methotrexate and actinomycin D (EP‐EMA) regimen in patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia who had been successfully treated with the etoposide, methotrexate, and actinomycin D/cyclophosphamide and vincristine (EMA‐CO) regimen but experienced a relapse, or who became refractory to EMA−CO treatment. Methods From January 1999 to December 2005, 18 patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia who had been successfully treated with the EMA‐CO regimen but sustained a relapse (n = 7) or who became refractory to it (n = 11) were treated with the EP‐EMA regimen. The effectiveness, adverse effects, and tolerated dose intensity of the EP‐EMA regimen were retrospectively analyzed. Results The 18 patients received a total of 74 cycles of the EP‐EMA regimen and 12 (66.7%) achieved complete remission. Nine of the 11 patients (81.8%) apparently resistant to the EMA‐CO regimen achieved complete remission. However, only 3 of the 7 patients (42.9%) who experienced a relapse after treatment with the EMA‐CO regimen achieved complete remission. The main adverse effects of the EP‐EMA regimen were myelosuppression and gastrointestinal problems. Because of myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity, only 56.8% of the patients could be treated with the planned dose intensity. Conclusion EP‐EMA may be an effective option for the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in patients resistant to treatment with the EMA‐CO regimen. However, it does not seem to benefit all the patients who experienced a relapse after treatment with the EMA‐CO regimen.
The joint influence of technology uncertainty and interorganizational interaction on external technology integration success
Authors: Stock Gregory N. , Tatikonda Mohan V. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper empirically examines the acquisition of a technology from a source outside the firm and its incorporation into a new or existing operational process. We refer to this key activity in process innovation as external technology integration. This paper develops a conceptual framework of external technology integration based on organizational information processing theory and technology management literature. The primary hypothesis underlying the conceptual framework is that external technology integration will be most successful when the level of interaction between the source of the technology and recipient of the technology is appropriately matched, or fit, to the characteristics of the technology to be integrated. The conceptual framework also develops other hypotheses relating to contextual factors that may also influence the success of external technology integration. A cross‐sectional survey methodology is employed to test the four hypotheses of the conceptual framework, with the results indicating strong support for the fit hypothesis and general support for the contextual hypotheses. The paper closes with a discussion of the implications of this study for both theory and practice.
Genome-Wide Gene Expression Analysis Reveals a Critical Role for CRYPTOCHROME1 in the Response of Arabidopsis to High Irradiance
Authors: Kleine Tatjana , Kindgren Peter , Benedict Catherine , Hendrickson Luke , Strand Åsa 
Published: May 2007

AbstractExposure to high irradiance results in dramatic changes in nuclear gene expression in plants. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which changes in irradiance are sensed and how the information is transduced to the nucleus to initiate the genetic response. To investigate whether the photoreceptors are involved in the response to high irradiance, we analyzed expression of EARLY LIGHT-INDUCIBLE PROTEIN1 (ELIP1), ELIP2, ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE2 (APX2), and LIGHT-HARVESTING CHLOROPHYLL A/B-BINDING PROTEIN2.4 (LHCB2.4) in the phytochrome A (phyA), phyB, cryptochrome1 (cry1), and cry2 photoreceptor mutants and long hypocotyl5 (hy5) and HY5 homolog (hyh) transcription factor mutants. Following exposure to high intensity white light for 3 h (1,000 μmol quanta m−2 s−1) expression of ELIP1/2 and APX2 was strongly induced and LHCB2.4 expression repressed in wild type. The cry1 and hy5 mutants showed specific misregulation of ELIP1/2, and we show that the induction of ELIP1/2 expression is mediated via CRY1 in a blue light intensity-dependent manner. Furthermore, using the Affymetrix Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) 24 K Gene-Chip, we showed that 77 of the high light-responsive genes are regulated via CRY1, and 26 of those genes were also HY5 dependent. As a consequence of the misregulation of these genes, the cry1 mutant displayed a high irradiance-sensitive phenotype with significant photoinactivation of photosystem II, indicated by reduced maximal fluorescence ratio. Thus, we describe a novel function of CRY1 in mediating plant responses to high irradiances that is essential to the induction of photoprotective mechanisms. This indicates that high irradiance can be sensed in a chloroplast-independent manner by a cytosolic/nucleic component.
Inhibitory effects ofN‐acetylcysteine on the functional responses of human eosinophilsin vitro
Authors: Martinez‐Losa M. , Cortijo J. , Juan G. , O'Connor J. E. , Sanz M. J. , Santangelo F. , Morcillo E. J. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackgroundOxidative stress appears to be relevant in the pathogenesis of inflammation in allergic diseases like bronchial asthma. Eosinophils are oxidant‐sensitive cells considered as key effectors in allergic inflammation.ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to study the effects of the clinically used antioxidantN‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) on the functional responses of human‐isolated eosinophils.MethodsHuman eosinophils were purified from the blood of healthy donors by a magnetic bead separation system. The effects of NAC were investigated on the generation of reactive oxygen species (chemiluminescence and flow cytometry), Ca2+signal (fluorimetry), intracellular glutathione (GSH; flow cytometry), p47phox–p67phoxtranslocation (Western blot) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) release (radioimmunoassay).ResultsNAC (0.1–1 mm) inhibited the extracellular generation of oxygen species induced byN‐formyl‐l‐methionyl‐l‐leucyl‐l‐phenylalanine (fMLP) and eotaxin (in the presence of IL‐5) with −logIC50values of 3.61±0.03 and 3.36±0.09, respectively. Also, the intracellular generation of hydrogen peroxide was virtually abolished by NAC (0.5–1 mm). NAC (1 mm) did not alter the fMLP‐induced Ca2+signal but augmented the eosinophil content of reduced GSH and inhibited p47phox–p67phoxtranslocation. NAC inhibited the release of ECP (∼90% inhibition at 1 mm) from fMLP‐activated eosinophils.ConclusionInhibition by NAC of human eosinophil functionsin vitrois potentially useful in the treatment of allergic inflammation.
Interference of methysergide, a specific 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, with airway chronic allergic inflammation and remodelling in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Lima C. , Souza V. M. O. , Soares A. L. , Macedo M. S. , Tavares‐de‐Lima W. , Vargaftig B. B. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Airway remodelling encompasses the structural changes observed in asthmatic airways. Mast cells, through the release of histamine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), are implicated in early asthmatic reactions, bronchoconstriction and mucosal oedema, and in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. However, the association between serotonin and remodelling processes in murine model of airways inflammation remains to be elucidated.Objective
As serotonin is released by murine mast cells upon antigen challenge, we tested the hypothesis of its involvement in the development of inflammatory and remodelling processes in a murine model of chronic airway inflammation following prolonged allergen challenge.Methods
BALB/c mice were exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin for 20 min 2 days a week, for 4 consecutive weeks. Two hours before each challenge, they were treated with methysergide (intranasally, 40 μg/kg). Forty‐eight hours after the last aerosol challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue were collected for analysis.Results
Methysergide inhibited the allergen‐induced increase in airway eosinophilia, reduced T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines in lung, spleen or thoracic lymph nodes, and specific IgE levels. The extravasation of plasma and fibronectin production in the lung, and collagen deposition in the lung were also inhibited after methysergide treatment. Although methysergide treatment induced an increase in IFN‐γ levels, experiments with neutralizing antibody suggest that this is not responsible for inhibition. In addition, instillation of serotonin to immunized mice induced eosinophil recruitment to BAL, Th2 cytokine production and fibronectin release in lung as well as collagen deposition.Conclusion
Serotonin may contribute to the development and maintenance of remodelling through the release of cytokines and of fibrogenic mediators. Serotonin should therefore be considered as relevant for the development and maintenance of airway remodelling.
Contribution of Ara h 2 to peanut‐specific, immunoglobulin E‐mediated, cell activation
Authors: McDermott R. A. , Porterfield H. S. , El Mezayen R. , Burks A. W. , Pons L. , Schlichting D. G. , Solomon B. , Redzic J. S. , Harbeck R. J. , Duncan M. W. , Hansen K. C. , Dreskin S. C. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Ara h 2 is a potent peanut allergen but its contribution to the ability of a crude peanut extract (CPE) to cross‐link IgE and activate mast cells has not been rigorously evaluated.Objective
To measure the contribution that Ara h 2 makes to the effector function of a CPE.Methods
Ara h 2 was specifically removed from a CPE as demonstrated by immunoblots, 2D gels, and an inhibitory ELISA. Functional assays of sham‐treated and Ara h 2‐depleted CPEs were performed with RBL SX‐38 cells sensitized with IgE from highly peanut‐allergic subjects and with naturally sensitized basophils.Results
Depletion of ∼99% of the Ara h 2 from the CPE led to an increase in the concentration of the CPE necessary to give 50% of maximal degranulation (EC50) of the SX‐38 cells following sensitization with sera that contain anti‐Ara h 2 IgE. Assays with a pool of 10 sera showed a small but significant increase in the EC50 following depletion of Ara h 2 (1.65±0.15‐fold; P<0.05) and assays of seven individual sera showed a similar increase in the average EC50 (1.7±0.2‐fold; P<0.02). The percent of the anti‐peanut IgE that binds Ara h 2 correlated with an increase in the EC50 of the CPE following depletion of Ara h 2 (r=0.83; P<0.02). On the other hand, data from three of these patients studied with a basophil histamine release assay did not show a significant effect of depletion of Ara h 2.Conclusion
Based on its ability to cross‐link IgE effectively, Ara h 2 is clearly an important peanut allergen. Its ability to cross‐link IgE effectively from a specific serum is related to the proportion of anti‐Ara h 2 in that serum but Ara h 2 does not account for a majority of the effector activity of the CPE for any of the sera studied.
Allergic rhinitis and asthma ad hoc survey: clinical and psychological perspectives
Authors: Braido F. , Baiardini I. , Brandi S. , Porcu A. , Canonica G. W. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Several studies have provided evidence of a strong association between asthma and rhinitis, with consequences in terms of therapy and disease management.Objectives
The aims of our study were to evaluate physicians' knowledge about rhinitis/asthma comorbidity, to note the patients' management behaviour and to assess the patients' experience about symptoms and expectations, and to investigate the clinical and psychological meaning of general practitioners' and patients' awareness.Methods
One hundred and one general practitioners and 504 asthmatic patients participated in the study. General practitioners and patients filled in two different multiple choice questionnaires concerning asthma–rhinitis link and impact.Results
34.7% of general practitioners are aware of the link between asthma and rhinitis, and 43.6% of them hypothesize the comorbidity on the basis of their clinical experience. 21.8% of physicians make the diagnosis autonomously. 27.8% of asthmatic patients experience three or less rhinitic symptoms, 41% from four to six symptoms and 31.2 more than six symptoms. These symptoms deeply interfere with daily life, causing sleep problems (87.3%), lack of concentration (78.9%), difficulties in spare time (71.8%) and sport (71.7%). Rhinitis symptoms are responsible for the worsening of asthma, with an increase in dyspnoea (86.3%), cough (73.9%), and wheezing (59%). Ninety‐three percent of patients expressed an interest in a combination therapy approach.Conclusions
Asthma and rhinitis interact in the development of clinical burden and impact on quality of life. The survey results showed different perspectives when evaluated from clinical and psychological points of view.