bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of TRMM Precipitation Radar through Comparison of Its Multiyear Measurements with Ground-Based Radar
Authors: Liao Liang , Meneghini Robert 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
A procedure to accurately resample spaceborne and ground-based radar data is described and then is applied to the measurements taken from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) and the ground-based Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D or WSR) for the validation of the PR measurements and estimates. Through comparisons with the well-calibrated, nonattenuated WSR at Melbourne, Florida, for the period 1998–2007, the calibration of the PR aboard the TRMM satellite is checked using measurements near the storm top. Analysis of the results indicates that the PR, after taking into account differences in radar reflectivity factors between the PR and WSR, has a small positive bias of 0.8 dB relative to the WSR, implying a soundness of the PR calibration in view of the uncertainties involved in the comparisons. Comparisons between the PR and WSR reflectivities are also made near the surface for evaluation of the attenuation-correction procedures used in the PR algorithms. It is found that the PR attenuation is accurately corrected in stratiform rain but is underestimated in convective rain, particularly in heavy rain. Tests of the PR estimates of rainfall rate are conducted through comparisons in the overlap area between the TRMM overpass and WSR scan. Analyses of the data are made both on a conditional basis, in which the instantaneous rain rates are compared only at those pixels at which both the PR and WSR detect rain, and an unconditional basis, in which the area-averaged rain rates are estimated independently for the PR and WSR. Results of the conditional rain comparisons show that the PR-derived rain is about 9% greater and 19% less than the WSR estimates for stratiform and convective storms, respectively. Overall, the PR tends to underestimate the conditional mean rain rate by 8% for all rain categories, a finding that conforms to the results of the area-averaged rain (unconditional) comparisons.
Systemic leukocyte filtration during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Fabbri Alessandro , Manfredi Jacopo , Piccin Caterina , Soffiati Giuliano , Carta Maria Rosa , Gasparotto Edoardo , Nardon Giuseppe 
Published: October 2008

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces a whole body inflammatory response leading to postoperative lung dysfunction. Activated leukocytes may play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary dysfunction. We evaluated postoperative lung function after the use of leukocyte-depleting filters incorporated in the extracorporeal circuit during CPB. From November 1997 to March 2000, 40 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were randomly allocated to the leukocyte-depletion group (group F, 20 patients) or to the control group (group C, 20 patients). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, sex, weight, height, body surface area, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, cooling temperature, aortic crossclamping and CBP duration. Blood samples were drawn preoperatively, at aortic declamping, 60 min after CPB, after arriving at the intensive care unit (ICU) and 24 h after the operation. We analysed blood cell count, elastase, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels and continuous monitoring of arterial blood gases in the intensive care unit (ICU). The analysis of total circulating white blood cells (WBCs) showed a significant reduction of WBCs in both groups soon after aortic declamping [from the right atrium: 6.4 109/l ± 1.4×109/l in group F vs 10.3 ± 1.8×109/l in group C (p<0.05); from the left atrium: 5.8 ± 1.3×109/l in group F vs 8.4 ± 1.9×109/l in group C (p<0.05)] and after 60 min of CPB [7.1 ± 2.2×109/l in group F vs 10.4 ± 1.8×109/l in group C (p<0.05)]. The analysis of circulating neutrophils showed similar findings in both groups. Elastase levels increased during CPB in both groups with a peak at the end of CPB without significant difference between the two groups (group C: 260 ± 148 μg/l vs group F: 371 ± 68 μg/l). The decrease of plasmatic elestase levels was observed, for both groups, in the 24 h after CPB. There was no difference in intubation time between the two groups (16.4 h for group C vs 11.2 h for group F). Pulmonary function tested by pulmonary respiratory index [RI = partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2 x 100)] did not show significant difference between the two groups, either arriving in the ICU (group C RI 265 vs group F RI 322), or after 3 h (group RI 304 vs group F RI 305) or after 6 h (group C RI 292 vs group F RI 319). Leukocyte-depleting filters reduce with blood cells count during CPB, but, in this study, WBC depletion did not significantly improve clinical conditions or laboratory finding.
Filtration of malignant cells: tumour cell depletion in an ex vivo model using a leukocyte adhesion filter
Authors: Frühauf N R , Dumpich O , Kaudel C P , Kasimir-Bauer S , Oldhafer K J 
Published: October 2008

The clinical use of leukocyte adhesion filters is based on differentiated depletion of blood cells, although most of the mechanisms of filtration are still unclear. There is also evidence that leukocyte adhesion filters can remove disseminated tumour cells from patients’ blood. The following proves this observation and consists of three parts: in the first part we analysed the depletion capacity of the LeucotrapWB filter medium (Pall®) in an employed small-scale model for the cell line HT29 (colorectal origin) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. A depletion rate of more than 99.6% for HT29 cells was seen. In the second part of the study, samples of whole blood were spiked with HT29 cells in a similar setting, showing comparable results. In the last part, defined cell suspensions of various human primary tumours were admixed to whole blood samples and afterwards filtrated in a scale-up model. Again, a nearly complete tumour cell reduction was seen after filtration. Results show a significant tumour cell reduction and, for most cases, a complete depletion of tumour cells independently from quality and origin of the tumour tissue. These experiments and further investigation are supposed to help to reduce the risk of dissemination of tumour cells in patients undergoing oncological surgery.
Greater accrual damage in late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Appenzeller S , Pereira DA , Costallat LTL 
Published: October 2008

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical differences and the pattern and extent of organ damage in late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A nested case–control study was performed from patients with SLE followed in the Rheumatology Unit of the State University of Campinas between 1974 and 2005. Patients who developed SLE after the age of 49 were considered late-onset SLE. SLE patients with age <49 years, matched for sex, ethnicity, disease duration and organ damage at study entry were randomly chosen to compose the control group. Baseline and cumulative clinical manifestations, laboratory data, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology-damage index (SDI) and mortality were compared between groups. At diagnosis and follow-up, late-onset group had lower SLEDAI scores when compared with younger age onset. Clinically, they presented less frequently arthritis ( P = 0.0002) and malar rash ( P = 0.02) and more frequently Raynaud’s phenomenon ( P = 0.002) and arterial hypertension ( P = 0.02) when compared with young onset at diagnosis. Late-onset SLE received lower total corticosteroid dose ( P < 0.001) and less frequently cyclophosphamide ( P = 0.01). During the study period, late-onset SLE had always lower SLEDAI scores ( P = 0.001). At study endpoint, late-onset SLE patients had significantly higher SDI scores ( P = 0.001) and a higher mortality rate when compared with younger onset group ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, late-onset SLE is milder on presentation and during course of disease, but patients have more organ damage and a higher rate of mortality than young onset SLE. Patients with late onset should be followed with close monitoring and early identification of complications is mandatory in this subgroup of patients with SLE.
Detection of Francisella tularensis in ticks and identification of their genotypes using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis
Authors: Zhang Fang , Liu Wei , Wu Xiao-Ming , Xin Zhong-Tao , Zhao Qiu-Min , Yang Hong , Cao Wu-Chun 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Tularemia was reported in China over 50 years ago, however, many epidemical characteristics remain unclear. In the present study, the prevalence of Francisella tularensis in ticks was investigated during an epidemiological surveillance in China and then we measured their genetic diversity by conducting multiple-locus variable- number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA).

Results
1670 ticks from 2 endemic areas (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Heilongjiang Province) and 2 non-endemic areas (Jilin and Fujian Provinces) were collected and tested for evidence of tularemia by nested PCR. The prevalence of Francisella tularensis in ticks averaged 1.98%. The positive rates were significantly different among tick species, with Dermacentor silvarum and Ixodes persulatus responsible for all positive numbers. All F. tularensis that were detected in ticks belonged to F. tularensis subsp. holarctica and MLVA disclosed genetic diversity. One subtype was identified in 17 of 33 positive tick samples in three different study areas. Another subtype belonging to F. tularensis subsp. holarctica genotype was described for the first time in the current study.

Conclusion
The study showed two tick species, D. silvarum and I. persulatus harboring the pathogen of tularemia in natural environment, indicating these two tick species might have a role in tularemia existence in China. MLVA results disclosed the genetic diversity F. tularensis and identified one genotype as the most prevalent among the investigated ticks in China.
Thrombocytopaenia in pregnant women with malaria on the Thai-Burmese border
Authors: Tan Saw Oo , McGready Rose , Zwang Julien , Pimanpanarak Mupawjay , Sriprawat Kanlaya , Thwai Kyaw Lai , Moo Yoe , Ashley Elizabeth A , Edwards Bridget , Singhasivanon Pratap , White Nicholas J , Nosten François 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Haematological changes associated with malaria in pregnancy are not well documented, and have focused predominantly on anaemia. Examined here is thrombocytopaenia in pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax in a low transmission area on the north-western border of Thailand.

Methods
In this observational study we reviewed the platelet counts from routine complete blood count (CBC) in a cohort of healthy and malaria infected Karen pregnant women attending weekly antenatal clinics. A platelet count of 75,000/μL was the threshold at 2 standard deviations below the mean for healthy pregnant women used to indicate thrombocytopenia. Differences in platelet counts in non-pregnant and pregnant women were compared after matching for age, symptoms, malaria species and parasitaemia.

Results
In total 974 pregnant women had 1,558 CBC measurements between February 2004 and September 2006. The median platelet counts (/μL) were significantly lower in patients with an episode of falciparum 134,000 [11,000–690,000] (N = 694) or vivax malaria 184,000 [23,000–891,000] (N = 523) compared to healthy pregnant women 256,000 [64,000–781,000] (N = 255), P < 0.05 for both comparisons. Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax caused a 34% (95% CI 24–47) and 22% (95% CI 8–36) reduction in platelet count, respectively. Pregnant compared to non pregnant women were at higher risk OR = 2.27 (95%CI 1.16–4.4) P = 0.017, for thrombocytopaenia. Platelets counts were higher in first compared with subsequent malaria infections within the same pregnancy. Malaria associated thrombocytopaenia had a median [range] time for recovery of 7 [2–14] days which did not differ by antimalarial treatment (P = 0.86), or species (P = 0.63) and was not associated with active bleeding.

Conclusion
Pregnant women become more thrombocytopenic than non-pregnant women with acute uncomplicated malaria. Uncomplicated malaria associated thrombocytopaenia is seldom severe. Prompt antimalarial treatment resulted in normalization of platelet counts within a week.
Human ESCs predisposition to karyotypic instability: Is a matter of culture adaptation or differential vulnerability among hESC lines due to inherent properties?
Authors: Catalina Puri , Montes Rosa , Ligero Gertru , Sanchez Laura , de la Cueva Teresa , Bueno Clara , Leone Paola E , Menendez Pablo 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in research is increasing and hESCs hold the promise for many biological, clinical and toxicological studies. Human ESCs are expected to be chromosomally stable since karyotypic changes represent a pitfall for potential future applications. Recently, several studies have analysed the genomic stability of several hESC lines maintained after prolonged in vitro culture but controversial data has been reported. Here, we prompted to compare the chromosomal stability of three hESC lines maintained in the same laboratory using identical culture conditions and passaging methods.

Results
Molecular cytogenetic analyses performed in three different hESC lines maintained in parallel in identical culture conditions revealed significant differences among them in regard to their chromosomal integrity. In feeders, the HS181, SHEF-1 and SHEF-3 hESC lines were chromosomally stable up to 185 passages using either mechanical or enzymatic dissection methods. Despite the three hESC lines were maintained under identical conditions, each hESC line behaved differently upon being transferred to a feeder-free culture system. The two younger hESC lines, HS181 (71 passages) and SHEF-3 (51 passages) became chromosomally unstable shortly after being cultured in feeder-free conditions. The HS181 line gained a chromosome 12 by passage 17 and a marker by passage 21, characterized as a gain of chromosome 20 by SKY. Importantly, the mosaicism for trisomy 12 gradually increased up to 89% by passage 30, suggesting that this karyotypic abnormality provides a selective advantage. Similarly, the SHEF-3 line also acquired a trisomy of chromosome 14 as early as passage 10. However, this karyotypic aberration did not confer selective advantage to the genetically abnormal cells within the bulk culture and the level of mosaicism for the trisomy 14 remained overtime between 15%–36%. Strikingly, however, a much older hESC line, SHEF-1, which was maintained for 185 passages in feeders did not undergo any numerical or structural chromosomal change after 30 passages in feeder-free culture and over 215 passages in total.

Conclusion
These results support the concept that feeder-free conditions may partially contribute to hESC chromosomal changes but also confirm the hypothesis that regardless of the culture conditions, culture duration or splitting methods, some hESC lines are inherently more prone than others to karyotypic instability.
Hematopoietic cell activation in the subventricular zone after Theiler's virus infection
Authors: Goings Gwendolyn E , Greisman Adriana , James Rachel E , Abram Leanne KF , Begolka Wendy Smith , Miller Stephen D , Szele Francis G 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
The periventricular subventricular zone (SVZ) contains stem cells and is an area of active neurogenesis and migration. Since inflammation can reduce neurogenesis, we tested whether Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces inflammation and reduces neurogenesis in the SVZ.

Methods
We performed immmunohistochemistry for the hematopoietic cell marker CD45 throughout the central nervous system and then examined neuroblasts in the SVZ.

Results
CD45+ activation (inflammation) occurred early in the forebrain and preceded cerebellar and spinal cord inflammation. Inflammation in the brain was regionally stochastic except for the SVZ and surrounding periventricular regions where it was remarkably pronounced and consistent. In preclinical mice, SVZ neuroblasts emigrated into inflamed periventricular regions. The number of proliferating phoshpohistone3+ cells and Doublecortin+ (Dcx) SVZ neuroblasts was overall unaffected during the periods of greatest inflammation. However the number of Dcx+ and polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM+) SVZ neuroblasts decreased only after periventricular inflammation abated.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that after TMEV infection, the SVZ may mount an attempt at neuronal repair via emigration, a process dampened by decreases in neuroblast numbers.
Organic Manic Syndrome Associated with Advanced Uraemia due to Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Thomas Christopher S. , Neale T. James 
Published: October 2008

Mania secondary to advanced uraemia caused by polycystic disease of the kidneys in a 62–year-old woman involved a complex interplay of physical, psychological and social factors. Psychotherapy and thioridazine led to full recovery.British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 119–121
Psychosis Following Hydatidiform Mole in a Patient with Recurrent Puerperal Psychosis
Authors: Hopker S. W. , Brockington I. F. 
Published: October 2008

The association of a puerperal psychosis with the removal of a trophoblastic tumour supports the hormonal hypothesis for the aetiology of puerperal psychosis and suggests new lines of investigation into this disorder.British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 122–123
A Steroid Stupor in a Surgical Ward
Authors: Doherty M. , Garstin I. , McClelland R. J. , Rowlands B. J. , Collins B. J. 
Published: October 2008

In the development and management of a steroid-induced stupor, in a 17–year-old man, the dose and route of administration of steroid medication were felt to be important aetioiogical factors. A co-ordinated plan of management involving the physician, surgeon and psychiatrist is needed in such cases.British Journal of Psychiatry (1991), 158, 125–127
Role of General Practitioners in Care of Long-Term Mentally Ill Patients
Authors: Poynton Amanda , Higgins Peter 
Published: October 2008

“Objective – To assess general practitioners' involvement with long term mentally ill patients and attitudes towards their care.Design – Postal questionnaire survey.Setting – General practices in South West Thames region.Subjects – 507 general practitioners, 369 (73%) of whom returned the questionnaire.Main outcome measures – The number of adult long term mentally ill patients whom general practitioners estimate they have on their lists and general practitioners' willingness to take responsibility for them.Results – 110 respondents had noticed an effect of the discharge of adult long term mentally ill patients on their practices. Most (225) respondents estimated that they had 10 or fewer such patients each on their lists. Having higher numbers was significantly associated with practising in Greater London or within three miles of a large mental hospital and having contact with a psychiatrist visiting the practice. 333 general practitioners would agree to share the care of long term mentally ill patients with the psychiatrist by taking responsibility for the patients' physical problems. Only 59 would agree to act as a key worker, 308 preferring the community psychiatric nurse to do it. Only nine had specific practice policies for looking after long term mentally ill patients and 287 agreed that such patients often come to their general practitioner's attention only when there is a crisis.Conclusions – The uneven distribution of long term mentally ill patients suggests that community psychiatric resources might be better targeted at those practices with higher numbers of such patients. Most general practitioners seem to be receptive to a shared care plan where the consultant takes responsibility for monitoring psychiatric health with the community nurse as key worker. The lack of practice policies for reviewing the care of long term mentally ill patients must limit general practitioners' ability to prevent crises developing in their care.”
The Association Between Triple X and Psychosis
Authors: Woodhouse Wendy J. , Holland Anthony J. , McLean Greg , Reveley Adrianne M. 
Published: October 2008

Two cases of psychotic illness in association with the karyotype triple X showed specific diagnostic and management problems as well as obstetric complications, EEG abnormalities, and lack of a family history of psychiatric disorder. Routine karyotyping during the investigation of psychosis is becoming relevant to psychiatric practice as research reports increasingly feature genetic and chromosome anomalies in association with schizophrenic psychoses.British Journal of Psychiatry (1992), 160, 554–557
Familial Cosegregation of Affective Disorder and Hailey-Hailey Disease
Authors: Körner Judith , Rietschel Marcella , Nöthen Markus M. , Wilk Carl M. , Bauer Ralf , Propping Peter , Möller Hans-Jürgen 
Published: October 2008

We report on a family with co-occurrence of affective disorder and Hailey-Hailey disease in two brothers and the mother. The putative chromosomal locus of Hailey-Hailey disease, which is a rare dominantly inherited dermatosis, may be a promising candidate region for genetic studies in affective disorder.British Journal of Psychiatry (1993), 163, 109–110
Secondary Prevention of Non-fatal Deliberate Self-harm
Authors: Morgan H. G. , Jones E. M. , Owen J. H. 
Published: October 2008

In an attempt to address the low compliance with offers of treatment shown by patients after episodes of non-fatal deliberate self-harm (DSH), patients who had harmed themselves for the first time were offered rapid, easy access to on-call trainee psychiatrists in the event of further difficulties, and they were encouraged to seek help at an early stage should such problems arise. The follow-up data obtained after one year showed a significant reduction of actual or seriously threatened DSH in the experimental group, who also made considerably less demands on medical and psychiatric services, when compared with controls.British Journal of Psychiatry (1993), 163, 111–112
Dosage of Haloperidol for Mania
Authors: Rifkin Arthur , Doddi Seshagiri , Karajgi Basawaraj , Borenstein Michael , Munne Ralph 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundWe compared three doses of a neuroleptic as a treatment for mania.MethodForty-seven newly admitted in-patients with mania were randomised to receive 10, 30, or 80 mg a day of oral haloperidol, under double-blind conditions for up to six weeks. All subjects received prophylactic benztropine.ResultsRepeated-measures analysis of variance and survival analysis showed no difference in outcome by the different doses. Excluding drop-outs (38%), most of whom left the study during the first two weeks, 72% of the subjects responded. Side-effects were minimal; there were no differences among the three doses. Non-responders received more adjunctive lorazepam than responders.ConclusionsThe limited data suggest that more than 10 mg a day of haloperidol offers no advantage in mania.