bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common variable immunodeficiency and the complement system; low mannose-binding lectin levels are associated with bronchiectasis
Authors: Fevang B , Mollnes T E , Holm A M , Ueland T , Heggelund L , Damås J K , Aukrust P , Frøland S S 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe importance of the innate immune system, including mannose-binding lectin and the complement system, in common variable immunodeficiency is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate mannose-binding lectin and the complement system in relation to clinical and immunological parameters in patients with common variable immunodeficiency. Circulating levels of mannose-binding lectin, complement components, complement activation products and functional capacity of complement pathways were correlated to clinical features within 71 patients and compared with 30 healthy controls. The main findings were; the patients had signs of increased complement activation significantly associated with signs of autoimmunity and immunological hyperactivity; there were no signs of deficiencies of the classical and alternative complement pathways in the patient group; the prevalence of lectin pathway deficiency was the same in patients and controls, but patients with increased frequency of lower respiratory tract infections or bronchiectasis had lower capacity of the lectin pathway than patients without these features (P = 0·002 and 0·004, respectively); the serum concentration of mannose-binding lectin was inversely correlated to the frequency of lower respiratory tract infections (P = 0·002) and bronchiectasis (P = 0·01). We conclude that patients with common variable immunodeficiency have no increased frequency of complement deficiencies but signs of increased complement activation. Our findings suggest that mannose-binding lectin and the lectin complement pathway may protect against lower respiratory tract infection and bronhiectasis in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.
The therapeutic dilemma: How to use tadalafil
Authors: CAROSA E. , LOMBARDO F. , MARTINI P. , BRANDETTI F. , JANNINI E. A. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryTadalafil, a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is a new and effective therapy for erectile dysfunction. It has unique pharmacokinetic properties in its drug class, which also includes sildenafil and vardenafil. It is also well tolerated with few side‐effects, and can be used in difficult patients such as neuropaths or diabetics.
The andrologist from medicine of reproduction to sexual medicine: the Italian experience
Authors: LENZI A. , JANNINI E. A. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe main andrological areas of interest, male reproductive and – more recently – sexual dysfunctions are most appropriately viewed as symptoms of the couple with medical, psychological and behavioural components that cannot be treated in a mechanical, purely medicinal manner (sexual medicine). The patient and his sexual partner must be active participants in a full continuum of care (medical sexology), the new challenge for the renewed and enriched field of andrology. In this field, the cooperation between basic researchers (such as geneticists, neurophysiologists, pharmacologists, ethologists) and a wide group of clinicians (such as endocrinologists, psychologists and psycho‐sexologists, psychiatrists, urologists and gynaecologists) is of paramount importance for the andrologist at the dawn of the new field of medical sexology, which will be full of scientific gratification in the years to come.
The impotent couple: low desire
Authors: CORONA G. , PETRONE L. , MANNUCCI E. , RICCA V. , BALERCIA G. , GIOMMI R. , FORTI G. , MAGGI M. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryHypoactive sexual desire (HSD) is the deficiency of sexual fantasies and desire that should be considered as a disorder if it causes distress to the couple. In the general population, it is the most widespread sexuality‐related problem. It is generally accepted that testosterone and prolactin regulate sexual desire. We recently reported that other psychobiological factors associate with HSD in a sample of almost 500 male patients attending our Outpatient Clinic for sexual dysfunction, by using SIEDY structured interview. We now originally extend investigation to a threefold broader patient sample. Considering marital parameters, perceived partner's libido and climax, patient's partner diseases, conflictual or even prolonged couple relationship were all significantly associated with an impairment of patients’ sexual desire. Moreover, other lifestyle factors as satisfaction at work and/or domestic inhabitant relationship were significantly correlated to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Among hormonal parameters, severe hyperprolactinaemia (>700 mU/L), although rarely diagnosed (<2.0%), seems to play a greater role than the more common (23%) endocrine disease hypogonadism (testosterone < 12 nm) to the pathogenesis of HSD (RR = 7.5 [2.5–22.4] vs. 1.5 [1.1–1.9], respectively). Both mental disorders and use of medication interfering with sexual function were also significantly associated with HSDD, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms. Finally, HSD was inversely correlated to sexual and masturbation frequency attempts. In conclusion, HSD is associated with several biological, psychological, and relational factors that can be simultaneously identified and quantified using the SIEDY structured interview.
Endocrine causes of erectile dysfunction
Authors: SORAN H. , WU F. C. W. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryErectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the commonest disorders of male sexual function. Penile erection depends on a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular and endocrine factors. Testosterone has an important role in both central and peripheral domains of this process. In this article we discuss the role of testosterone in male sexual function and endocrine causes of ED.
A turanose‐insensitive mutant suggests a role for WOX5 in auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gonzali Silvia , Novi Giacomo , Loreti Elena , Paolicchi Fabio , Poggi Alessandra , Alpi Amedeo , Perata Pierdomenico 
Published: October 2005

SummarySugars acting as signalling molecules regulate many developmental processes in plants, including lateral and adventitious root production. Turanose, a non‐metabolizable sucrose analogue, profoundly affects the growth pattern of Arabidopsis seedlings. Turanose‐treated seedlings are characterized by a very short primary root and a short hypocotyl showing the production of adventitious roots. A turanose‐insensitive (tin) mutant was identified and characterized. Because of a T‐DNA insertion and a chromosomal translocation, tin expresses a chimeric form of WOX5, a gene known to be expressed in the root quiescent centre. The tin mutation can be complemented by overexpression of WOX5, suggesting it is a loss‐of‐function mutant. We found that WOX5 is both turanose‐ and auxin‐inducible. Moreover, turanose insensitivity is associated with altered auxin homeostasis, as demonstrated by the constitutive activation of indole acetic acid (IAA) conjugation and SUPERROOT2 expression in tin. On the basis of turanose effects on wild‐type seedlings and the tin molecular and hormonal phenotype, we propose a role for WOX5 in the root apical meristem as a negative trigger of IAA homeostatic mechanisms allowing the maintenance of a restricted area of auxin maximum, which is required for a correct root‐formation pattern.
Homologous protein import machineries in chloroplasts and cyanelles1
Authors: Steiner Jürgen M. , Yusa Fumie , Pompe Johannes A. , Löffelhardt Wolfgang 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe cyanelles of the glaucocystophyte alga Cyanophora paradoxa resemble endosymbiotic cyanobacteria, especially in the presence of a peptidoglycan wall between the inner and outer envelope membranes. However, it is now clear that cyanelles are in fact primitive plastids. Phylogenetic analyses of plastid, nuclear and mitochondrial genes support a single primary endosymbiotic event. In this scenario, cyanelles and all other plastid types are derived from an ancestral photosynthetic organelle combining the high gene content of rhodoplasts and the peptidoglycan wall of cyanelles. This means that the import apparatuses of all primary plastids, i.e. those from glaucocystophytes, red algae, green algae and higher plants, should be homologous. If this is the case, then transit sequences should be similar and heterologous import experiments feasible. Thus far, heterologous in vitro import has been shown in one direction only: precursors from C. paradoxa were imported into isolated pea or spinach chloroplasts. Cyanelle transit sequences differ from chloroplast stroma targeting peptides in containing in their N‐terminal domain an invariant phenylalanine residue which is shown here to be crucial for import. In addition, we now demonstrate that heterologous precursors are readily imported into isolated cyanelles, provided that the essential phenylalanine residue is engineered into the N‐terminal part of chloroplast transit peptides. The cyanelle and likely also the rhodoplast import apparatus can be envisaged as prototypes with a single receptor/channel showing this requirement for N‐terminal phenylalanine. In chloroplasts, multiple receptors with overlapping and less stringent specificities have evolved, explaining the efficient heterologous import of native precursors from C. paradoxa.
Is early HIV testing of infants in poorly resourced prevention of mother to child transmission programmes unaffordable?
Authors: Sherman Gayle G. , Matsebula Thulani C. , Jones Stephanie A. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryObjectives  Paediatric HIV infection is predominantly vertically transmitted and 90% of the global burden is carried by Sub Saharan Africa. Diagnosis of HIV infection is important to ensure access to appropriate healthcare. Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in low resource settings fail to identify HIV‐infected children because of high lost to follow‐up rates by 12 months of age when HIV testing is performed. The cost of diagnosing HIV infection earlier in infancy was measured.Methods  A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted in a PMTCT clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa over an 18‐month period. From a total of 300 HIV exposed infants enrolled in an infant diagnostic study, a convenience sample of 30 was enrolled in a costing sub‐study. Patient and provider costs incurred in establishing the HIV status of an exposed infant were documented to determine the societal and provider cost of performing HIV testing at 6 weeks and 12 months of age.Results  The average societal cost of an earlier diagnosis of HIV is R158 less per patient than current practice as determined from 123 (82%) questionnaires. On average, early diagnosis would cost the provider R8 more per patient. PMTCT clinic attendance figures predict that earlier testing would increase the number of infants diagnosed by almost threefold.Conclusions  A marginal additional investment by government to access an earlier HIV diagnosis for infants could triple the efficacy of PMTCT programmes in identifying HIV‐infected children for medical management and improved quality and quantity of life. Early diagnosis offers societal benefits that extend beyond economic savings.
Analysis of evolutionary conservation in CD1d molecules among primates
Authors: Saito N. , Takahashi M. , Akahata W. , Ido E. , Hidaka C. , Ibuki K. , Miura T. , Hayami M. , Takahashi H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe hereditary conservation in the genetically encoded CD1D sequences of various primates was analyzed. Genomic CD1D sequences of 17 rhesus macaques with distinct origins, eight Indian and nine Chinese, were examined and differences of only one or two nucleotides were detected and the consensus sequence of rhesus CD1D was determined. CD1D consensus sequences of three African green monkeys (AGMs) and the rhesus monkeys were then compared to study the evolutionary differences among interspecies. The CD1D consensus sequence determined from AGMs apparently differed by seven nucleotides from the rhesus consensus sequence, and nucleotide difference induced only three amino acid changes within Exon3, corresponding to the α2 domain of CD1d having a hydrophobic ligand‐binding pocket. Such changes in the α2 domain may alter the characteristics of the SIV‐derived glycolipid/lipid antigens presented by each CD1d molecule to innate natural killer T cells. In addition, the CD1D genomic sequences of three chimpanzees (chimps) were determined. To our surprise, although Exon2 and Exon3 reflecting antigen‐binding α1 and α2 domains in chimps' CD1D were identical to that in humans except one amino acid, three amino acids within Exon4, reflecting α3 domain, were distinct from humans, and one of them was identical to those in rhesus and AGM CD1D. On the basis of the findings, the evolutionary relationship of the CD1d molecules among the various primates and their HIV‐1/SIV susceptibility will be discussed.
Polymorphisms of chemokine receptors and eNOS in Brazilian patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Vargas A. E. , Da Silva M. A. L. , Silla L. , Chies J. A. B. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractSickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder that presents extremely variable clinical manifestations. For the past few decades, it has been approached as an inflammatory disorder, and several researchers have tried to determine the factors involved in such characteristic. In order to contribute to the identification of the genetic differences underlying this phenotypic diversity in SCD, we proposed to study the distribution of polymorphic variants of the genes encoding the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5, as well as three polymorphisms in the NOS3 gene, in Brazilian SCD patients. These genes are involved in the development of inflammatory immune reactions, a feature believed to be of extreme importance in SCD pathology. Our results indicate that the polymorphisms studied here are not directly associated with severe clinical manifestations in SCD patients. Nevertheless, we observed a tendency for the development of a severe clinical course in carriers of the variant alleles CCR2‐64I and CCR5delta32 and in homozygotes for the −786C variant of the NOS3 gene. Further studies should be carried out in order to assess the role of such variants in the clinical picture of SCD.
Co‐administration of salbutamol and fluticasone for emergency treatment of children with moderate acute asthma*
Authors: Estrada‐Reyes Elizabeth , E. Del Río‐Navarro Blanca , Rosas‐Vargas Miguel Angel , Nava‐Ocampo Alejandro A. 
Published: October 2005

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of nebulized therapy with salbutamol alone or in combination with fluticasone. In a randomized, double‐blind clinical trial, 150 children with moderate acute asthma were randomly assigned to receive by nebulizations either (i) three doses of salbutamol 30 μl/kg per dose, each dose administered every 15 min, (ii) three doses of salbutamol plus two doses of fluticasone 500 μg/dose at 15 and 30 min after first dose of salbutamol, or (iii) three doses of salbutamol/fluticasone 500 μg/dose, each combined dose administered every 15 min. Pulse oxymetry (SaO2), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and Wood et al. (Am J Dis Child, 123, 1972, 123) clinical scale were evaluated at baseline, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after the first nebulization. Patients in the three groups significantly improved since 15 min after the first nebulization. We did not observe differences in the recovery of SaO2 and PEF among the three groups of treatment (p > 0.10). In group 3, children showed better clinical response at 120 min than the other two groups (p < 0.05). No significant adverse effects were observed with any treatment. To summarize, in children with acute moderate asthma, nebulized salbutamol at an accumulated dose of 90 μl/kg plus fluticasone at an accumulated dose of 1500 μg produced better clinical relief after 2 h. However, similar PEF and SaO2 responses were observed with salbutamol alone or in combination with different doses of fluticasone.
Ileostomy carcinomas a review: the latent risk after colectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Quah H. M. , Samad A. , Maw A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground  Ileostomy carcinoma after colectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis is rare.Methods  Forty‐three case reports from the literature and a case of ours are reviewed.Results  The risk of malignancy following ileostomy formation appears to be increased compared to the very low incidence of primary small bowel carcinoma. Chronic physical or chemical irritation of the stoma may predispose the ileal mucosa to colonic metaplasia with subsequent adenoma formation, dysplasia and invasive malignant change. This is particularly so where ileostomies are fashioned for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis.Conclusion  Routine surveillance of patients who have had an ileostomy for 15 years or longer may lead to earlier detection of this complication.
Diverticulosis of the colon is rare amongst immigrants living in the Zaanstreek region in the Netherlands
Authors: Loffeld R. J. L. F. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground  Data on prevalence of diverticulosis related to ethnicity or race in the Western world are very sparse. A cross‐sectional study was done in patients undergoing endoscopy of the colon in order to assess the prevalence of diverticulosis and relate the presence to ethnicity.Methods  An analysis was undertaken of the endoscopy reports from all consecutive patients undergoing endoscopy of the colon. As a reference group all patients in whom no abnormalities were detected were used. In the Zaanstreek region a large population of immigrants, mostly of Turkish descent, is present. These immigrants were studied separately.Results  In a period of 12 years 3004 patients were diagnosed with diverticulosis. Of these 2975 were authentic Dutch. The remainder 29 patients were immigrants. Diverticulosis was diagnosed significantly more often in immigrant men (P < 0.0001). Immigrants with diverticulosis were significantly younger than the authentic Dutch, P < 0.001. There was no major difference in representation of immigrants with diverticular disease in different age cohorts. The reference group consisted of 3356 patients. In this group 2998 patients were authentic Dutch, while 358 patients were immigrants. There was no difference in numbers of men and women amongst the immigrants. Of the patients with a normal colon and rectum 11% is immigrant. In the group of patients with diverticulosis only 0.9% was immigrant.Conclusion  This study clearly shows that prevalence of diverticular disease is very low in immigrants. The majority of these immigrants are of Turkish descent. In addition, the majority of immigrants with diverticulosis was male.
A characterization of anaerobic colonization and associated mucosal adaptations in the undiseased ileal pouch
Authors: Smith F. M. , Coffey J. C. , Kell M. R. , O'Sullivan M. , Redmond H. P. , Kirwan W. O. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIntroduction  The resolution of pouchitis with metronidazole points to an anaerobic aetiology. Pouchitis is mainly seen in patients with ulcerative colitis pouches (UCP). We have recently found that sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB), a species of strict anaerobe, colonize UCP exclusively. Herein, we aimed to correlate levels of different bacterial species (including SRB) with mucosal inflammation and morphology.Methods  Following ethical approval, fresh faecal samples and mucosal biopsies were taken from 9 patients with UCP and 5 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis pouches (FAPP). For the purposes of comparison, faecal samples and mucosal biopsies were also taken from the stomas of 7 of the 9 patients with UC (UCS). Colonization by four types of strict anaerobes (SRB, Clostridium perfringens, Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides) as well as by three types of facultative anaerobes (Enterococci, Coliforms and Lactobacilli) was evaluated. Inflammatory scores and mucosal morphology were assessed histologically in a blinded fashion by a pathologist.Results  In general, strict anaerobes predominated over facultative in the UCP (P = 0.041). SRB were present in UCP exclusively. Even after exclusion of SRB from total bacterial counts, strict anaerobes still predominated. In the UCS, facultative anaerobes predominated. Strict and facultative anaerobes were present at similar levels in the FAPP. Enterococci were present at significantly reduced levels in the UCP when compared with the UCS (P = 0.031). When levels of SRB and other anaerobic species were individually correlated with mucosal inflammation and morphology, no trends were observed.Conclusion  We have previously identified that SRB exclusively colonize UCP. In addition we have now identified a novel increase in the strict/facultative anaerobic ratio within the UCP compared to UCS. These stark differences in bacterial colonization, however, appear to have limited impact on mucosal inflammation or morphology.
Evaluation of the end colostomy complications and the risk factors influencing them in Iranian patients
Authors: Mahjoubi B. , Moghimi A. , Mirzaei R. , Bijari A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIntroduction  The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of end colostomy complications and the evaluation of factors influencing outcome.Patients and methods . Three hundred and thirty patients with end colostomy were studied. All patient were recalled for examination for recent complications. Early complications included stoma site pain, early dermal irritation (during the first month after surgery), mucosal bleeding, stomal prolapse and psychosocial complications. Late complications included peristomal hernia, stomal stenosis, late dermal irritation (after the first month), stomal retraction, stomal necrosis and other stoma complications (perforation, fistula etc.). Probable underlying factors were studied. To evaluate risk factors affecting complications, univariable analysis and then multivariable analysis by binary logistic regression was performed.Results  One hundred and one (30.6%) patients had no complications and the remainder had at least one of early or late complications. Overall, psychosocial complications, 56.4%; mucosal bleeding, 34.5%; early dermal irritation, 23.5% were the most frequent complications. Peristomal hernia (11.2%) was the most common late complication. Those aged > 40 years had significant associations with psychosocial problem (OR = 2.77), mucosal haemorrhage (OR = 2.19), and early dermal irritation (OR = 3.14). The risks of peristomal hernia and early dermal irritation are greater in the patients with BMI > 25 kg/m2 (OR = 2.08 and 2.55, respectively).Conclusion  The risk of most prevalent complications of colostomy construction increases in elder patients. The high prevalence of psychosocial and skin problems in patients with a colostomy, needs special attention especially from the viewpoint of education by trained stoma nurses and preparation of standard equipment.