bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of Clinical Trials of Topical Glucocorticosteroids
Authors: Fredriksson Torsten , Lassus Allan , Salde Lars 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:Clinical trials of topical glucocorticosteroids employ a variety of evaluating methods. This makes it difficult to assess the relative strengths of the products without resorting to direct comparative trials between them. We propose a standardized evaluation system for this class of pharmaceuticals that can easily be adopted by any competent dermatologist. Its use would facilitate evaluation of new topical glucocorticosteroids.
The Effect of Antihistamines on Ultraviolet‐Light–Induced Erythema
Authors: Edwards E. K. , Edwards E. K. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:Because of the possible role of histamine as an early mediator of ultraviolet light induced erythema, we studied a group of volunteers treated with both HI and H2 blockers, alone and in combination, before and at various time intervals after, UVL irradiation. No difference was found in the degree of erythema produced by any of the antihistamines used, whether alone or in combination, when compared with the saline control.
Quantitative Culture of Pityrosporon Orbiculare
Authors: Faergemann Jan 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:The author describes for the first time a method to culture Pityrosporon orbiculare quantitatively. Different nonionic detergents were studied for their in vitro effect to minimize aggregation of P. orbiculare. Triton X‐100 0.1% had only a slight inhibitory effect when the organism was held less than 2 hours. A critical point in quantitative culturing of P. orbiculare seems to be the medium. With this medium, solitary colonies and optimal growth are achieved. No statistically significant differences were found in quantitative cultures from lesions and normal skin in patients with tinea versicolor, but this was observed when quantitative cultures from lesions and normal skin in patients with tinea versicolor were compared with healthy controls.
Treatment of Leprosy with Weekly Intravenous, Infusion of Leukocytes
Authors: Martinez Maria I. , Sánchez Jorge L. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:Two patients with lepromatous leprosy were treated with weekly intra‐venous intuitions of leukocyte concentrates for A period of 12 consecutive weeks. A reversal reaction was induced in one of the patients, and it was possible to control chronic erythema nodosum leprosum in the other subject. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the induction of these changes include the action of transfer factor, interactions between B‐and T‐lymphocytes or the mediation of lymphokine necessary for the effective function of the cell‐mediated immunity. Immunotherapy for chronic infections, such as leprosy, still has not become a reality.
A high‐affinity monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody for depletion of IgE and IgE‐bearing cells
Authors: Laffer S. , Lupinek C. , Rauter I. , Kneidinger M. , Drescher A. , Jordan J.‐H. , Krauth M.‐T. , Valent P. , Kricek F. , Spitzauer S. , Englund H. , Valenta R. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  We have identified a monoclonal anti‐human immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which recognizes FcepsilonRI‐bound IgE and prevents binding of IgE to FcepsilonRI. In this study, we assessed the binding kinetics and affinity of monoclonal antibody 12 (mAb12) for IgE and investigated whether mAb12 can be used for depletion of IgE and isolation of IgE‐bearing cells from peripheral blood.Methods:  Binding kinetics and affinity for IgE were studied using Biacore surface plasmon resonance technique experiments. IgE antibodies were depleted from serum using sepharose‐coupled mAb12 and IgE‐bearing cells were enriched from heparinized blood samples with mAb12. The extent and biological relevance of IgE depletion were studied by quantitative IgE measurements and basophil histamine release experiments. Specific binding of mAb12 to IgE‐bearing cells (basophils, mast cells, IgE‐secreting plasma cells) was demonstrated by FACS.Results:  Monoclonal antibody 12 shows rapid association (ka = 5.46e5/Ms) with IgE, almost no dissociation (kd = 8.8e−5/s) and an affinity for IgE (KD = 1.61e−10 M), which is as high as that of FcepsilonRI. Immobilized mAb12 could be used to deplete IgE antibodies and isolate IgE‐bearing cells from peripheral blood in a single‐step procedure.Conclusions:  Monoclonal antibody 12 is a high affinity anti‐human IgE antibody, which efficiently removes IgE and IgE‐bearing cells from peripheral blood and may thus be used for extracorporeal depletion of IgE and IgE‐bearing cells.
Addressing the health disadvantage of rural populations: How does epidemiological evidence inform rural health policies and research?
Authors: Smith Karly B. , Humphreys John S. , Wilson Murray G. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract We reviewed evidence of any apparently significant ‘rural‐urban’ health status differentials in developed countries, to determine whether such differentials are generic or nation‐specific, and to explore the nature and policy implications of determinants underpinning rural‐urban health variations. A comprehensive literature review of rural‐urban health status differentials within Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK, and a variety of other western European nations was undertaken to understand the differences in life expectancy and cause‐specific morbidity and mortality. While rural location plays a major role in determining the nature and level of access to and provision of health services, it does not always translate into health disadvantage. When controlling for major risk determinants, rurality per se does not necessarily lead to rural‐urban disparities, but may exacerbate the effects of socio‐economic disadvantage, ethnicity, poorer service availability, higher levels of personal risk and more hazardous environmental, occupational and transportation conditions. Programs to improve rural health will be most effective when based on policies which target all risk determinants collectively contributing to poor rural health outcomes. Focusing solely on ‘area‐based’ explanations and responses to rural health problems may divert attention from more fundamental social and structural processes operating in the broader context to the detriment of rural health policy formulation and remedial effort.
Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins
Authors: Chitturi Shivakumar , Farrell Geoffrey C 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPerceptions of safety and/or cultural mores prompt individuals to seek herbal slimming aids in preference to conventional dietary, physical activity and medication‐based protocols. In recent years, terpenoid‐containing dietary supplements have been implicated in causing severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity. Teucrium polium (germander) was the first of these herbal products to be clearly linked to cases of acute liver failure. Subsequently, similar hepatotoxicity has been observed with other members of the Teucrium genus. While diterpenoid‐derived reactive metabolites are central to germander hepatotoxicity, it may also be that the hepatic effects of compounds such as Sho‐saiko‐to, Centella asiatica and Black cohosh are linked to their triterpenoid content. Other non‐terpenoid‐containing herbal remedies marketed for weight reduction have been causally associated with significant liver injury. Important among these are preparations containing N‐nitrosofenfluramine, usnic acid and ephedra alkaloids. Finally, we review recent data on known and emerging hepatotoxins such as Boh‐Gol‐Zhee, Kava, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and Shou‐Wu‐Pian. Better public and physician awareness through health education, early recognition and management of herbal toxicity and tighter regulation of complementary/alternative medicine systems are required to minimize the dangers of herbal product use.
Virological and clinical implication of core promoter C1752/V1753 and T1764/G1766 mutations in hepatitis B virus genotype D infection in Mongolia
Authors: Elkady Abeer , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kurbanov Fuat , Oynsuren Tsendsuren , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to reveal virological and clinical features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype D infection.Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐two Mongolian chronic liver disease (CLD) patients infected with HBV were subjected for serological HBV‐markers screening and HBV‐enzyme immunoassay (EIA) genotyping. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed for 48 HBV/D strains (23 isolated from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 25 from CLD patients).Results:  Prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity was low (25.9%) in young patients (≤30 years old) indicating early HBeAg seroclearance in HBV/D carriers. The T1764/G1766 double mutation was the most common basal core promoter (BCP) mutation (29.2%) and was frequent in HBeAg‐negative patients (39.3%). Patients harboring T1764/G1766 mutants exhibited lower HBV‐DNA and HBV core antigen (HBcAg) levels than those with wild‐type BCP strains (P = 0.024, 0.049, respectively). C1752 and/or V (not T) 1753 mutation was significantly prevalent in HCC patients (HCC vs CLD; 52.2% vs 20%, P = 0.033). T1762/A1764 mutation was detected in 75.0% of HCC patients with high viral load (≥5 log copies/mL). Precore stop codon mutation A1896 was detected in (70.8%) of HBV/D‐infected patients.Conclusions:  In Mongolians infected with HBV/D, C1752 and/or V1753 mutation was associated with HCC.
Scientific publications in gastroenterology and hepatology journals from Chinese authors in various parts of North Asia: 10‐year survey of literature
Authors: Gao Rui , Liao Zhuan , Li Zhao‐Shen 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  People of Chinese ethnicity are one of the groups at most risk of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in the world. The research status in gastroenterology and hepatology (gastrointestinal [GI]) among Chinese individuals in the three major regions of China—the mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW)—are unknown. The outputs of articles published in international GI journals from the three regions were compared in this study.Methods:  Articles published in 52 journals related to GI originating from the ML, TW, and HK from1996–2005 were retrieved from the PubMed database. The numbers of total articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, case reports, impact factors (IF), citation reports, and articles published in the top general medical journals were conducted for quantity and quality comparisons.Results:  The number of articles from the three regions increased significantly from 1996 to 2005. There were 5170 articles from the ML (2969), TW (1551), and HK (650). However, nearly 90% of articles from the ML were published in World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG), a controversial Chinese journal. Following the exclusion of WJG, the ML had published the least number of articles and had the least total citations. The accumulated IF of the articles from TW (3747.893) was much higher than the ML (775.084) and HK (2272.972). HK had the highest average IF of articles in GI journals and the most articles published in the top, general medical journals among the three regions.Conclusion:  The difference between the number of GI research articles published in the ML, TW, and HK still appears to be considerable, particularly when assessed by IF, although the gap appears to be narrowing.
Species’ traits predict the effects of disturbance and productivity on diversity
Authors: Haddad Nick M. , Holyoak Marcel , Mata Tawny M. , Davies Kendi F. , Melbourne Brett A. , Preston Kim 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDisturbance is an important factor influencing diversity patterns. Ecological theory predicts that diversity peaks at intermediate levels of disturbance, but this pattern is not present in a majority of empirical tests and can be influenced by the level of ecosystem productivity. We experimentally tested the effects of disturbance on diversity and show that species’ autecological traits and community relations predicted species loss. We found that – alone or in concert – increasing disturbance intensity or frequency, or decreasing productivity, reduced diversity. Our species did not exhibit a clear competition‐colonization trade‐off, and intrinsic growth rate was a more important predictor of response to disturbance and productivity than measures of competitive ability. Furthermore, competitive ability was more important in predicting responses when, in addition to killing individuals, disturbance returned nutrients to the ecosystem. Our results demonstrate that species’ traits can help resolve conflicting patterns in the response of diversity to disturbance and productivity.
Growth, activity and temperature responses of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and bacteria in soil microcosms
Authors: Tourna Maria , Freitag Thomas E. , Nicol Graeme W. , Prosser James I. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryAmmonia oxidation, as the first step in the nitrification process, plays a central role in the global cycling of nitrogen. Although bacteria are traditionally considered to be responsible for ammonia oxidation, a role for archaea has been suggested by data from metagenomic studies and by the isolation of a marine, autotrophic, ammonia‐oxidizing, non‐thermophilic crenarchaeon. Evidence for ammonia oxidation by non‐thermophilic crenarchaea in marine and terrestrial environments is largely based on abundance of bacterial and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase (amo) genes, rather than activity. In this study, we have determined the influence of temperature on the response of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and archaea in nitrifying soil microcosms using two approaches, involving analysis of transcriptional activity of 16S rRNA genes and of a key functional gene, amoA, which encodes ammonia monooxygenase subunit A. There was little evidence of changes in relative abundance or transcriptional activity of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria during nitrification. In contrast, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of crenarchaeal 16S rRNA and crenarchaeal amoA genes provided strong evidence of changes in community structure of active archaeal ammonia oxidizers. Community structure changes were similar during incubation at different temperatures and much of the activity was due to a group of non‐thermophilic crenarchaea associated with subsurface and marine environments, rather than soil. The findings suggest a role for crenarchaea in soil nitrification and that further information is required on their biogeography.
Circulating endothelial cells as a therapeutic marker for thalidomide in combined therapy with chemotherapy drugs in a human prostate cancer model
Authors: Li Haiqing , Raia Valentina , Bertolini Francesco , Price Douglas K. , Figg William D. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate how thalidomide confers its survival benefit in prostate cancer, by assessing its effect on circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and progenitors (CEPs) in a combined therapy of thalidomide and chemotherapy drugs in a human prostate cancer xenograft model, as in clinical trials patients treated with both thalidomide and docetaxel had a >50% decrease in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and longer median overall survival than those treated with docetaxel monotherapy.MATERIALS AND METHODSA human prostate cancer xenograft model was used to evaluate the effect of either thalidomide, docetaxel or a combination of the two drugs on circulating ECs. Drug treatment was continued for 17 days, and tumours were measured two or three times a week. Blood samples were taken at three different time points: before the treatments, 4 days and 17 days into the treatments, and CECs and CEPs were measured by flow cytometry analysis.RESULTSThere was an increased level of apoptotic/dead CECs shortly after the intravenous injection of docetaxel, and the addition of thalidomide further increased the apoptotic/dead CEC level, showing that thalidomide enhances the cytotoxicity of docetaxel against tumour vascular ECs.CONCLUSIONThalidomide increased the apoptotic/dead CEC level and enhanced the cytotoxicity of docetaxel against tumour vascular ECs, confirming its antiangiogenic property in vivo in combined anticancer treatments. In addition, there was a correlation between the increased apoptotic/dead CEC levels early in the treatment and antitumour efficacy later, suggesting that the apoptotic/dead CEC level could be used as a marker, at an early stage, to predict tumour response to antiangiogenic therapies.
Initial clinical experience with real‐time transrectal ultrasonography‐magnetic resonance imaging fusion‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Singh Anurag K. , Kruecker Jochen , Xu Sheng , Glossop Neil , Guion Peter , Ullman Karen , Choyke Peter L. , Wood Bradford J. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and utility of registration and fusion of real‐time transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and previously acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide prostate biopsies.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwo National Cancer Institute trials allowed MRI‐guided (with or with no US fusion) prostate biopsies during placement of fiducial markers. Fiducial markers were used to guide patient set‐up for daily external beam radiation therapy. The eligible patients had biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer that was visible on MRI. A high‐field (3T) MRI was performed with an endorectal coil in place. After moving to an US suite, the patient then underwent TRUS to visualize the prostate. The US transducer was equipped with a commercial needle guide and custom modified with two embedded miniature orthogonal five‐degrees of freedom sensors to enable spatial tracking and registration with MR images in six degrees of freedom. The MRI sequence of choice was registered manually to the US using custom software for real‐time navigation and feedback. The interface displayed the actual and projected needle pathways superimposed upon the real‐time US blended with the prior MR images, with position data updating in real time at 10 frames per second. The registered MRI information blended to the real‐time US was available to the physician who performed targeted biopsies of highly suspicious areas.RESULTSFive patients underwent limited focal biopsy and fiducial marker placement with real‐time TRUS‐MRI fusion. The Gleason scores at the time of enrolment on study were 8, 7, 9, 9, and 6. Of the 11 targeted biopsies, eight showed prostate cancer. Positive biopsies were found in all patients. The entire TRUS procedure, with fusion, took ≈10 min.CONCLUSIONThe fusion of real‐time TRUS and prior MR images of the prostate is feasible and enables MRI‐guided interventions (like prostate biopsy) outside of the MRI suite. The technique allows for navigation within dynamic contrast‐enhanced maps, or T2‐weighted or MR spectroscopy images. This technique is a rapid way to facilitate MRI‐guided prostate therapies such as external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, cryoablation, high‐intensity focused ultrasound ablation, or direct injection of agents, without the cost, throughput, or equipment compatibility issues that might arise with MRI‐guided interventions inside the MRI suite.
Laparoscopic renal surgery in the octogenarian
Authors: Pareek Gyan , Yates Jennifer , Hedican Sean , Moon Timothy , Nakada Stephen 
Published: March 2008

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVETo describe our experience with laparoscopic renal surgery (LRS) in the octogenarian. Octogenarians are generally suboptimal surgical candidates but the recent upsurge of minimally invasive options for the management of kidney lesions, such as laparoscopic excision, cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have changed that perception.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 26 patients aged ≥80 years underwent LRS at Brown University and the University of Wisconsin between 2000 and 2006. Demographic information, anatomical location, tumour stage, comorbidities, type of laparoscopic approach, management and outcomes were assessed. Complications during and after LRS, hospital stay, analgesia requirements and return to normal activity were analysed.RESULTThe mean age of the patients was 81 years. The procedures performed included hand‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (three patients), hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (10), hand‐assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (four), laparoscopic‐assisted cryoablation (seven), laparoscopic RFA (one), and laparoscopic unroofing of a renal cyst (one). The mean (range) follow‐up was 40 (8–84) months. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.5. The average hospital stay was 5.6 days and the mean time to normal activity after discharge was 19 days. There were two major and five minor complications. Nineteen of 22 patients evaluable had no evidence of disease at the last follow‐up. The three deceased patients died of unrelated causes.CONCLUSIONLRS in the octogenarian is safe to perform in patients with multiple comorbidities. The major and minor complication rates were 7% and 19%, respectively. Recent trends show that ablative procedures are being performed more commonly than surgical excision in this age group.
En bloc stapler ligation of the renal vascular pedicle during laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Buse Stephan , Gilfrich Christian , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Bedke Jens , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate, in a prospective series of laparoscopic nephrectomies (LNs), the safety and feasibility of en bloc stapling for resection and occlusion of the vascular renal pedicle.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween October 2003 and March 2006, we investigated the intra‐ and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing planned en bloc stapling of the renal vein and artery during LN. We also assessed complications at 6 and 12 months.RESULTSIn all, 57 patients, with a mean (range) age of 59.8 (10–83) years, were enrolled. The indications for LN were: renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in different stages in 66.7%, transitional cell carcinoma in 3.5% and oncocytoma in 5.2%. In a further 19.2% the patients presented with nontumoral lesions and the remaining 5.4% consisted of several rarer entities. The mean (sd) tumour size was 4.7 (1.75) cm. In one case (1.8%) a conversion to open nephrectomy was necessary because of a stapling device failure. Three patients (5.4%) underwent revision for bleeding. The median (range) blood loss was 100 (50–1000) mL. The median operating duration was 145 (95–410) min; in 19.3% this included additional surgical or diagnostic procedures. At 6 and 12 months after LN, there were no complications related to the surgical technique, in particular there was no arterio‐venous fistula.CONCLUSIONSWe conclude that in our prospective series, en bloc stapling of the renal vascular pedicle during LN was a safe technique and that it was feasible in a time at the lower limit of the range of reported durations for similar procedures.