bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vasectomy surgical techniques in South and South East Asia
Authors: Labrecque Michel , Pile John , Sokal David , Kaza Ramachandra CM , Rahman Mizanur , Bodh SS , Bhattarai Jeewan , Bhatt Ganesh D , Vaidya Tika Man 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Simple ligation of the vas with suture material and excision of a small vas segment is believed to be the most common vasectomy occlusion technique performed in low-resource settings. Ligation and excision (LE) is associated with a risk of occlusion and contraceptive failure which can be reduced by performing fascial interposition (FI) along with LE. Combining FI with intra luminal thermal cautery could be even more effective. The objective of this study was to determine the surgical vasectomy techniques currently used in five Asian countries and to evaluate the facilitating and limiting factors to introduction and assessment of FI and thermal cautery in these countries.

Methods
Between December 2003 and February 2004, 3 to 6 major vasectomy centers from Cambodia, Thailand, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were visited and interviews with 5 to 11 key informants in each country were conducted. Vasectomy techniques performed in each center were observed. Vasectomy techniques using hand-held, battery-driven cautery devices and FI were demonstrated and performed under supervision by local providers. Information about interest and open-mindedness regarding the use of thermal cautery and/or FI was gathered.

Results
The use of vasectomy was marginal in Thailand and Cambodia. In India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, vasectomy was supported by national reproductive health programs. Most vasectomies were performed using the No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) technique and simple LE. The addition of FI to LE, although largely known, was seldom performed. The main reasons reported were: 1) insufficient surgical skills, 2) time needed to perform the technique, and 3) technique not being mandatory according to country standards. Thermal cautery devices for vasectomy were not available in any selected countries. Pilot hands-on assessment showed that the technique could be safely and effectively performed by Asian providers. However, in addition to provision of supplies, introducing cautery with FI could be associated with the same barriers encountered when introducing FI in combination with LE.

Conclusion
Further studies assessing the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of implementation are needed before thermal cautery combined with FI is introduced in Asia on a large scale. Until thermal cautery is introduced in a country, vasectomy providers should practice LE with FI to maximize effectiveness of vasectomy procedure.
The effect of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on body weight and blood lipids of obese subjects in Cameroon
Authors: Ngondi Judith L , Oben Julius E , Minka Samuel R 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Dietary fibres are frequently used for the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Irvingia gabonensis seeds in the management of obesity. This was carried out as a double blind randomised study involving 40 subjects (mean age 42.4 years). Twenty-eight subjects received Irvingia gabonensis (IG) (1.05 g three time a day for one month) while 12 were on placebo (P) and the same schedule. During the one-month study period all subjects were on a normocaloric diet evaluated every week by a dietetic record book. At the end, the mean body weight of the IG group was decreased by 5.26 ± 2.37% (p < 0.0001) and that of the placebo group by 1.32 ± 0.41% (p < 0.02). The difference observed between the IG and the placebo groups was significant (p < 0.01). The obese patients under Irvingia gabonensis treatment also had a significant decrease of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase of HDL-cholesterol. On the other hand, the placebo group did not manifest any changes in blood lipid components. Irvingia gabonensis seed may find application in weight lose.
Ventricular metastasis resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: John Thomas , Davis Ian D 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) complicates up to 7% of malignancies, the commonest solid organ association being adenocarcinoma. Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) has rarely been associated with DIC.

Case presentation
A 74-year-old woman with TCC bladder and DIC was found to have a cardiac lesion suspicious for metastatic disease. The DIC improved with infusion of plasma and administration of Vitamin K, however the cardiac lesion was deemed inoperable and chemotherapy inappropriate; given the patients functional status. We postulate that direct activation of the coagulation cascade by the intraventricular metastasis probably triggered the coagulopathy in this patient.

Conclusion
Cardiac metastases should be considered in cancer patients with otherwise unexplained DIC. This may influence treatment choices.
Autoantigens act as tissue-specific chemoattractants
Authors: Oppenheim Joost J , Dong Hui Fang , Plotz Paul , Caspi Rachel R , Dykstra Michelle , Pierce Susan , Martin Roland , Carlos Casey , Finn Olivera , Koul Omanand , Howard O M Zack 
Published: May 2005

AbstractWe have investigated the chemoattractant properties of self-antigens associated with autoimmune diseases and solid tumors. Many autoantigens induced leukocyte migration, especially by immature dendritic cells (iDC) by interacting with various chemoattractant Gi-protein-coupled receptors (GiPCR). Our initial observation that myositis-associated autoantigens, histidyl-tRNA synthetase and asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase, were chemotactic for CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)- and CCR3-expressing leukocytes, while other nonautoantigenic aminoacyl-tRNA synthesases were not, suggested that only self-antigens capable of interacting with receptors on antigen-presenting cells were immunogenic. We next determined that self-antigens associated with autoimmune diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis or experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, type I diabetes, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune uveitis, or experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), were chemotactic for GiPCR expressed by iDC. The majority of autoantigens were DC chemoattractants at 10–100 ng/ml, but did not induce DC maturation until they reached 1000-fold higher concentrations. Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein and retinal arrestin (S-antigen) are targets of autoantibodies in human uveitis and are chemotactic for CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5)- and/or CXCR3-expressing iDC. However, although S-antigen does not induce EAU in wild-type mice, it is nevertheless a chemoattractant for murine iDC. These unexpected observations suggested that the chemotactic activity of these tissue-specific self-antigens could be involved in promotion of tissue repair and restoration. Thus, the primary role of autoantigens may be to alert the immune system to danger signals from invaded and damaged tissues to facilitate repair, and autoimmune responses subsequently develop only in subjects with impaired immunoregulatory function.
Effectiveness of whole brain radiotherapy in the treatment of brain metastases: a systematic review
Authors: Pease N J , Edwards A , Moss L J 
Published: May 2005

Background: Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumour in adults, estimated to occur in up to 40% of patients with cancer. Despite being used in clinical practice for 50 years, the effectiveness of whole brain radiotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases remains uncertain. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) on survival and quality of life. To identify whether patient performance status, number of brain metastases, extent of extracranial disease and primary site of cancer are important effect modifiers. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: Electronic searches of four databases, augmented by hand searches of the most frequently encountered journal and assessment of the reference lists of consensus statements and all retrieved papers. Included papers underwent structured data extraction, assessment and qualitative synthesis. Results: Thirty-two primary studies were included, with a range of study designs, methodological quality, pre-treatment variables, interventions and outcome measures. From the limited evidence available, survival appeared to increase when patients were selected by performance status (survival increasing from approximately three to seven months in high performance status groups, as defined by Karnofsky performance status or Recursive Partitioning Analysis classification). The evidence suggests no survival benefit when patients with poor performance status were treated with whole brain radiotherapy. No studies undertook direct measurement of patients’ quality of life. Surrogate measures of patients’ quality of life, such as improvement in neurological function or improvement/maintenance of KPS] 70, produced response rates ranging from 7 to 90%. Conclusion: The heterogeneity of study designs, quality and outcomes necessitates caution in interpreting the review findings. WBRT appears to be of benefit in higher performance status patients but not in low performance status patients. This suggests a basis for current practice, however further robust trial evidence is required.
The last days of life of nursing home patients with and without dementia assessed with the Palliative care Outcome Scale
Authors: Brandt Hella E , Deliens Luc , Steen Jenny T van der , Ooms Marcel E , Ribbe Miel W , Wal Gerrit vander 
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study was to assess the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS) for terminally ill nursing home (NH) patients in the Netherlands. Methods: A prospective observational study of patients with a life-expectancy of six weeks or less in 16 Dutch NHs. NH staff rated the patient characteristics and measured palliative care with the POS, including items on physical, psychosocial, informational, spiritual and practical aspects. Results: POS nonscores (not applicable; unknown) were mainly found in the psychosocial and spiritual domains, particularly in patients with dementia. Mean scores for non-demented patients and patients with dementia were favourable for the majority of the POS items. Conclusion: According to the NH staff, fairly good quality care was provided, but the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care need to be addressed more in the last days of the dying NH patient's life. The results indicate that the POS is an appropriate instrument to assess not only cancer patients, but also non-cancer and (moderately) severely demented patients.
Identifying palliative care patients with symptoms of depression: an algorithm
Authors: Robinson Julie A , Crawford Gregory B 
Published: May 2005

Introduction: Even though depression has serious and wide-ranging effects on outcomes in palliative care, errors in the identification of depressed patients are common. Objectives: To examine the clinical validity of widely publicised one-and two-question screening tools for depression in two palliative care settings. Also, to examine the construct validity and acceptability of a new empirically derived algorithm. Method: Participants were Australian palliative care patients in an inpatient hospice (n–22) or the community (n –69). Patients completed an unstructured interview about their feelings, questions relevant to three reference standards, two screening questions for depression and questions about the acceptability of the screening questions. Results: The clinical validity of the one-and two-question screening tools did not generalise across the two care settings. In contrast, the algorithm met stringent criteria for clinical validity for two reference standards in both settings. The algorithm also selectively identified patients whose unstructured interviews referred to themes consistent with depression. The algorithm includes potentially sensitive questions about anhedonia and depressed affect. However, almost all patients and staff reported that asking such questions soon after referral was acceptable. Conclusions:A four-question algorithm designed to identify patients who warrant follow-up for depression showed clinical validity, generalizability and construct validity, and the content was acceptable to patients and clinicians.
Plasma Adiponectin in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Is Related to Hepatic Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Fat Content, Not to Liver Disease Severity
Authors: Bugianesi Elisabetta , Pagotto Uberto , Manini Rita , Vanni Ester , Gastaldelli Amalia , de Iasio Rosaria , Gentilcore Elena , Natale Stefania , Cassader Maurizio , Rizzetto Mario , Pasquali Renato , Marchesini Giulio 
Published: May 2005

Plasma levels of adiponectin are decreased in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the relationship among plasma adiponectin, insulin sensitivity, and histological features is unclear. In 174 NAFLD patients and 42 controls, we examined plasma adiponectin concentrations in relation to 1) lipid profile, indices of insulin resistance, and features of the metabolic syndrome (n = 174); 2) hepatic insulin resistance (clamp technique with tracer infusion) (10 patients); and 3) histological features at liver biopsy (n = 116).
When the data from all subjects were combined, plasma adiponectin levels were positively associated with increased age, female gender, and plasma high-density lipoprotein levels, and negatively associated with waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, indices of insulin resistance, and aminotransferase levels, and also predicted the presence of the metabolic syndrome. In step-wise regression, increased age, female gender, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and homeostasis model assessment independently associated with adiponectin (adjusted R2, 0.329). In NAFLD, adiponectin was only associated with increased age, female gender, and triglycerides (adjusted R2, 0.245). When the measured histological parameters were included in the model, plasma adiponectin levels were also inversely proportional to the percentage of hepatic fat content (adjusted R2, 0.221), whereas necroinflammation and fibrosis did not fit in the model. Adiponectin was negatively correlated with insulin-suppressed endogenous glucose production during the clamp (P = 0.011).
The results demonstrate that decreased levels of circulating adiponectin in NAFLD are related to hepatic insulin sensitivity and to the amount of hepatic fat content. Hypoadiponectinemia in NAFLD is part of a metabolic disturbance characterized by ectopic fat accumulation in the central compartment.
Insulin-Like Factor 3 Serum Levels in 135 Normal Men and 85 Men with Testicular Disorders: Relationship to the Luteinizing Hormone-Testosterone Axis
Authors: Bay K. , Hartung S. , Ivell R. , Schumacher M. , Jürgensen D. , Jorgensen N. , Holm M. , Skakkebaek N. E. , Andersson A.-M. 
Published: May 2005

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) serum levels were measured in 135 andrologically well-characterized normal men and 85 patients with testicular disorders to investigate how the hormone, which is a major secretory product of human Leydig cells, is related to testosterone (T), LH, and semen quality. INSL3 was measured by using a newly developed fluorescence immunoassay.Median (2.5–97.5 percentiles) INSL3 serum levels were as follows: normal men (n = 135), 0.99 (0.55–1.73) ng/ml; infertile men (n = 23), 1.11 (0.60–2.07) ng/ml; anorchid men (n = 21), nondetectable (ND); patients with 47, XXY, Klinefelter syndrome (n = 21), 0.12 (ND–0.78) ng/ml; men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and T substitution (n = 11), ND; and men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment (n = 5), 0.36 (0.13–0.73) ng/ml. Before testicular biopsy, two infertile men had blood samples drawn directly from vena spermatica. Here, the serum INSL3 levels were 15-fold higher than in serum from peripheral blood samples (13.84 and 14.00 ng/ml, respectively). In two unilaterally orchiectomized former testis cancer patients, who underwent hCG stimulation test, INSL3 serum levels were unchanged 72 and 96 h after hCG stimulation. In conclusion, we provide a normal range for INSL3 serum levels in adult men and show that the majority, if not all, circulating INSL3 derives from the testes. Furthermore, our data strongly indicate that INSL3 secretion is dependent on the differentiating effect of LH on Leydig cells but independent of the steroidogenic LH-mediated action. Thus, even though T and INSL3 are both dependent on LH, these two Leydig cell hormones are regulated differently.
Transition Metal-complexed Catenanes and Rotaxanes as Light-driven Molecular Machines Prototypes
Authors: Collin Jean-Paul , Sauvage Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In the course of the last decade, many dynamic molecular systems, for which the movements are controlled from the outside, have been elaborated. These compounds are generally referred to as “molecular machines.” Our group has made and studied catenanes and rotaxanes since the early 80s. An important class of molecular machines is based on these interlocking or threaded ring compounds. Although a “molecular muscle” is briefly discussed in the present review article, we mostly focus on light-driven machines, consisting of ruthenium(II)-complexed rotaxanes or catenanes. The synthetic approach is based on the template effect of an octahedral ruthenium(II) centres. Two 1,10-phenanthroline ligands are incorporated in an axis or in a ring, affording the precursor to the rotaxane or the catenane, respectively. Ru(diimine)32+ complexes display the universally used 3MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited state and, another interesting excited state, the 3LF (ligand field) state, which is strongly dissociative. In the past, the 3LF state has mostly been considered as detrimental and thus, its reactivity has not been frequently utilised. By taking advantage of this latter state, it has been possible to propose a new family of molecular machines, which are set in motion by populating the dissociative 3LF state, thus leading to ligand exchange in the coordination sphere of the ruthenium(II) centre.
Systematics of Stability Constants of Fulvate Complexes with Rare Earth Ions
Authors: Yamamoto Yuhei , Takahashi Yoshio , Shimizu Hiroshi 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Stability constants of all rare earth ions (REE) with fulvic acid were determined using solvent extraction coupled with ICP-MS detection. REE pattern of the stability constant of REE fulvates shows a similar pattern to REE–carboxylate complex, suggesting that carboxylic group is the main binding site of REE in humic substances. The stability constants for all REE are indispensable for the understanding of REE patterns in natural aquifer.
Low-temperature Benzene-thermal Synthesis of Photoluminescent Turbostratic Boron Nitride Powders
Authors: Guo Qixun , Xie Yi , Zhu Lei , Yi Chengqi , Hou Hongwei 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Photoluminescent turbostratic boron nitride (t-BN) powders can be easily synthesized from NaBF4 and NaNH2 via a facile benzene-thermal process at 260 °C. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, FTIR, PL, TEM, and HRTEM. The possible active intermediates (BF3 and Na3N) are believed to be responsible for the growth of t-BN under mild conditions.
Using Bucket Brigades to Migrate from Craft Manufacturing to Assembly Lines
Authors: Bartholdi John J. , Eisenstein Donald D. 
Published: May 2005

One way to organize workers that lies between traditional assembly lines, where workers are specialists, and craft assembly, where workers are generalists, are “bucket brigades.” We describe how one firm used bucket brigades as an intermediate strategy to migrate from craft assembly to assembly lines. The adoption of bucket brigades led to a narrowing of tasks for each worker and thus accelerated learning. The increased production more than compensated for the time lost when workers walk back to get more work, which was significant in this implementation. To understand the trade-offs in migrating from craft to assembly lines, we extend the standard model of bucket brigades to capture hand-off and walk-back times.
Thrombocytosis During Antifungal Therapy of Candidemia
Authors: Saathoff Angela D , Elkins Stephanie L , Chapman Stanley W , McAllister Susan Fleming , Cleary John D 
Published: May 2005

BACKGROUND Secondary, “reactive,” thrombocytosis has been attributed to bacterial infection and treatment with multiple pharmaceuticals and may be associated with an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal tract bleeding and thrombotic events (eg, stroke). OBJECTIVE To characterize the dynamics of thrombocytosis in patients with candidemia receiving antifungal therapy. METHODS We initiated a retrospective observational description of patients with candidemia who were treated with antifungal agents. A total of 108 patients diagnosed with candidemia between August 1995 and September 2003 at our teaching hospital were enrolled. Three groups (candidemia with antifungal therapy, candidemia without antifungal therapy, antifungal therapy without candidemia) of patients >18 years of age were evaluated for the resence of thrombocytosis. Platelet administration, pharmacologic or pathologic contributors to thrombocytosis, and other pertinent details related to an elevation of platelet counts were scrutinized. RESULTS Reactive thrombocytosis was observed in approximately 10% of treated patients with candidemia. Within the subgroup developing reactive thrombocytosis, life-threatening thrombotic complications were uncommon. Mean baseline platelet counts were 393 × 103/mm3, with a mean peak (695 × 103/mm3) occurring an average of 13 days after initiation of therapy. All patients had resolution within 7 days after therapy. The maximum peak (1056 × 103/mm3) was observed in a patient after 14 days of antifungal therapy. The onset of thrombocytosis in this patient was 4 days and lasted 4 days after therapy. CONCLUSIONS Reactive thrombocytosis occurs during treatment of candidemia. The causative agent (drug vs disease), the risk associated with this reaction, and evaluation of treatment need to be elucidated by a larger epidemiologic study or controlled, prospective clinical trial.
Breakthrough Candida Infections in Patients Receiving Voriconazole
Authors: Gerzenshtein Lana , Patel Shilpa M , Scarsi Kimberly K , Postelnick Michael J , Flaherty John P 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE To describe 2 instances of breakthrough Candida infection in 2 patients on treatment doses of voriconazole. CASE SUMMARIES A 27-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus was receiving high-dose voriconazole (400 mg twice daily) for central nervous system lesions of unknown origin and developed oral thrush. The patient was receiving concomitant therapy with phenytoin 400 mg/day. The voriconazole dose was increased to 400 mg 3 times daily, and the thrush resolved. A 50-year-old man with HIV infection was receiving enfuvirtide, lamivudine, tenofovir, and efavirenz 600 mg/day, as well as prophylactic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin. He was started on voriconazole 200 mg twice daily for pulmonary aspergillosis and developed esophageal candidiasis. The voriconazole dose was increased to 350 mg twice daily, and the thrush eventually resolved. DISCUSSION Both reactions were probable according to the Naranjo probability scale. Significant drug interactions may have played a role in the development of breakthrough infections in these patients, specifically with phenytoin and efavirenz. Voriconazole is metabolized primarily by CYP2C19, as well as CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. Voriconazole is also known to inhibit these enzymes, and the manufacturer reports an extensive list of drugs that interact with voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS Although requiring systematic evaluation, there may be a role for voriconazole serum concentration monitoring to ensure therapeutic efficacy when significant drug interactions are suspected.