bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with drug – resistant pulmonary tuberculosis: a pilot study
Authors: Suárez-Méndez Roberto , García-García Idrian , Fernández-Olivera Norma , Valdés-Quintana Magalys , Milanés-Virelles María T , Carbonell Dalia , Machado-Molina Delfina , Valenzuela-Silva Carmen M , López-Saura Pedro A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is increasing in the world and drug-resistant (DR) disease beckons new treatments.

Methods
To evaluate the action of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on pulmonary DR-TB patients, a pilot, open label clinical trial was carried out in the Cuban reference ward for the management of this disease. The eight subjects existing in the country at the moment received, as in-patients, 1 × 106 IU of recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to the indicated chemotherapy, according to their antibiograms and WHO guidelines. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as routine clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done monthly.

Results
Sputum smears and cultures became negative for acid-fast-bacilli before three months of treatment in all patients. Lesion size was reduced at the end of 6 months treatment; the lesions disappeared in one case. Clinical improvement was also evident; body mass index increased in general. Interferon gamma was well tolerated. Few adverse events were registered, mostly mild; fever and arthralgias prevailed.

Conclusions
These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy in patients with DR-TB. Further controlled clinical trials are encouraged.
Active collaboration with primary care providers increases specialist referral in chronic renal disease
Authors: Mondry Adrian , Zhu Ai-Ling , Loh Marie , Vo Thuy D , Hahn Kai 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Late referral to specialist nephrological care is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. Consequently, nephrologists' associations recommend early referral. The recommendations' effectiveness remains questionable: 22–51% of referrals need renal replacement therapy (RRT) within 3–4 months. This may be due to these recommendations addressing the specialist, rather than the primary care providers (PCP).
The potential of specialist intervention aiming at slowing progression of chronic renal failure was introduced individually to some 250 local PCPs, and referral strategies were discussed. To overcome the PCPs' most often expressed fears, every referred patient was asked to report back to his PCP immediately after the initial specialist examination, and new medications were prescribed directly, and thus allotted to the nephrologist's budget.

Methods
In retrospective analysis, the stage of renal disease in patients referred within three months before the introductory round (group A, n = 18), was compared to referrals two years later (group B, n = 50).

Results
Relative number of patients remained stable (28%) for mild/ moderate chronic kidney disease (MMCKD), while there was a noticeable shift from patients referred severe chronic kidney disease (SCKD) (group A: 44%, group B: 20%) to patients referred in moderate chronic kidney disease (MCKD) (group A: 28%, group B: 52%).

Conclusion
Individually addressing PCPs' ignorance and concerns noticeably decreased late referral. This stresses the importance of enhancing the PCPs' problem awareness and knowledge of available resources in order to ensure timely specialist referral.
Differential diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis from partially-treated pyogenic meningitis by cell ELISA
Authors: Kashyap Rajpal S , Kainthla Rani P , Satpute Ravindra M , Agarwal Neha P , Chandak Nitin H , Purohit Hemant J , Taori Girdhar M , Daginawala Hatim F 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a major global health problem, and it is sometimes difficult to perform a differential diagnosis of this disease from other diseases, particularly partially-treated pyogenic meningitis (PTPM). In an earlier study, we demonstrated the presence of a 30-kD protein antigen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of TBM patients. We have also shown that lymphocytes from CSF of TBM patients respond differently to this antigen than do those from PTPM patients. The purpose of this study was to develop an assay that can discriminate between TBM and PTPM.

Methods
We developed a cell enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (Cell ELISA) to quantitatively measure production of antibodies against the 30-kD protein in B cells from CSF of TBM and PTPM patients.

Results
The cell ELISA yielded 92% (11/12) sensitivity and 92% (11/12) specificity for the differential diagnosis of TBM from PTPM.

Conclusion
When induced with the 30-kD protein antigen, B cells derived from CSF of TBM patients respond to IgG production within 24 h while those derived from PTPM patients do not respond.
Image fusion for dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Twellmann Thorsten , Saalbach Axel , Gerstung Olaf , Leach Martin O , Nattkemper Tim W 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Multivariate imaging techniques such as dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) have been shown to provide valuable information for medical diagnosis. Even though these techniques provide new information, integrating and evaluating the much wider range of information is a challenging task for the human observer. This task may be assisted with the use of image fusion algorithms.

Methods
In this paper, image fusion based on Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) is proposed for the first time. It is demonstrated that a priori knowledge about the data domain can be easily incorporated into the parametrisation of the KPCA, leading to task-oriented visualisations of the multivariate data. The results of the fusion process are compared with those of the well-known and established standard linear Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by means of temporal sequences of 3D MRI volumes from six patients who took part in a breast cancer screening study.

Results
The PCA and KPCA algorithms are able to integrate information from a sequence of MRI volumes into informative gray value or colour images. By incorporating a priori knowledge, the fusion process can be automated and optimised in order to visualise suspicious lesions with high contrast to normal tissue.

Conclusion
Our machine learning based image fusion approach maps the full signal space of a temporal DCE-MRI sequence to a single meaningful visualisation with good tissue/lesion contrast and thus supports the radiologist during manual image evaluation.
Atherosclerosis of the descending aorta predicts cardiovascular events: a transesophageal echocardiography study
Authors: Varga Albert , Gruber Noemi , Forster Tamás , Piros Györgyi , Havasi Kálmán , Jebelovszki Éva , Csanády Miklos 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies have shown that atherosclerosis of the descending aorta detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a good marker of coexisting coronary artery disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the presence of atherosclerosis on the descending aorta during TEE has any prognostic impact in predicting cardiovascular events.

Material and Methods
The study group consisted of 238 consecutive in-hospital patients referred for TEE testing (135 males, 103 females, mean age 58 +/- 11 years) with a follow up of 24 months. The atherosclerotic lesions of the descending aorta were scored from 0 (no atherosclerosis) to 3 (plaque >5 mm and/or "complex" plaque with ulcerated or mobile parts).

Results
Atherosclerosis was observed in 102 patients, (grade 3 in 16, and grade 2 in 86 patients) whereas 136 patients only had an intimal thickening or normal intimal surface. There were 57 cardiovascular events in the follow-up period. The number of events was higher in the 102 patients with (n = 34) than in the 136 patients without atherosclerosis (n = 23, p < 0.01). The frequency of events was in close correlation with the severity of the atherosclerosis of the descending aorta. Fifty percent of the patients with grade 3 experienced cardiovascular events. Excluding patients with subsequent revascularization, the multivariate analysis only left ventricular function with EF < 40% (HR 3.0, CI 1.3–7.1) and TEE atherosclerotic plaque >=2 (HR 2.4, CI 1.0–5.5) predicted hard cardiovascular events.

Conclusion
Atherosclerosis of the descending aorta observed during transesophageal echocardiography is a useful predictor of cardiovascular events.
Granzyme B; the chalk-mark of a cytotoxic lymphocyte
Authors: Waterhouse Nigel J , Sedelies Karin A , Clarke Chris JP 
Published: October 2004

AbstractDuring cytotoxic lymphocyte (CL) mediated killing of target cells, granzyme B is released from the CL into the immune synapse. Recent studies have found that ELISPOT-detection of granzyme B correlated well with conventional assays for CL mediated killing. In this way, the released granzyme B can be used to mark the spot where a target cell was murdered. We discuss the benefits and potential limitations of using this assay to measure CL mediated killing of target cells.
Acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy after intravascular angiography: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bagshaw Sean M , Ghali William A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Contrast-induced nephropathy is an important cause of acute renal failure. We assess the efficacy of acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy among patients undergoing intravascular angiography.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic acetylcysteine plus hydration versus hydration alone in patients undergoing intravascular angiography. Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. Our main outcome measures were the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and the difference in serum creatinine between acetylcysteine and control groups at 48 h.

Results
Fourteen studies involving 1261 patients were identified and included for analysis, and findings were heterogeneous across studies. Acetylcysteine was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in five studies, and no difference in the other nine (with a trend toward a higher incidence in six of the latter studies). The pooled odds ratio for contrast-induced nephropathy with acetylcysteine relative to control was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.32–0.91, p = 0.02) and the pooled estimate of difference in 48-h serum creatinine for acetylcysteine relative to control was -7.2 μmol/L (95% CI -19.7 to 5.3, p = 0.26). These pooled values need to be interpreted cautiously because of the heterogeneity across studies, and due to evidence of publication bias. Meta-regression suggested that the heterogeneity might be partially explained by whether the angiography was performed electively or as emergency.

Conclusion
These findings indicate that published studies of acetylcysteine for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy yield inconsistent results. The efficacy of acetylcysteine will remain uncertain unless a large well-designed multi-center trial is performed.
Uric acid: A new look at an old risk marker for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The urate redox shuttle
Authors: Hayden Melvin R , Tyagi Suresh C 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
The topical role of uric acid and its relation to cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and hypertension is rapidly evolving. Its important role both historically and currently in the clinical clustering phenomenon of the metabolic syndrome (MS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atheroscleropathy, and non-diabetic atherosclerosis is of great importance.

Results
Uric acid is a marker of risk and it remains controversial as to its importance as a risk factor (causative role). In this review we will attempt to justify its important role as one of the many risk factors in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis and discuss its importance of being one of the multiple injurious stimuli to the endothelium, the arterial vessel wall, and capillaries. The role of uric acid, oxidative – redox stress, reactive oxygen species, and decreased endothelial nitric oxide and endothelial dysfunction cannot be over emphasized.
In the atherosclerotic prooxidative environmental milieu the original antioxidant properties of uric acid paradoxically becomes prooxidant, thus contributing to the oxidation of lipoproteins within atherosclerotic plaques, regardless of their origins in the MS, T2DM, accelerated atherosclerosis (atheroscleropathy), or non-diabetic vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. In this milieu there exists an antioxidant – prooxidant urate redox shuttle.

Conclusion
Elevations of uric acid > 4 mg/dl should be considered a "red flag" in those patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and should alert the clinician to strive to utilize a global risk reduction program in a team effort to reduce the complications of the atherogenic process resulting in the morbid – mortal outcomes of cardiovascular disease.
Truncated TrkB receptor-induced outgrowth of dendritic filopodia involves the p75 neurotrophin receptor
Authors: Hartmann Matthias , Brigadski Tanja , Erdmann Kai S. , Holtmann Bettina , Sendtner Michael , Narz Frank , Leßmann Volkmar 
Published: October 2004

The Trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases and the p75 receptor (p75NTR) mediate the effects of neurotrophins on neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity. The neurotrophin BDNF and its cognate receptor tyrosine kinase, TrkB.FL, are highly expressed in neurons of the central nervous system. At later stages in postnatal development the truncated TrkB splice variants (TrkB.T1, TrkB.T2) become abundant. However, the signalling and function of these truncated receptors remained largely elusive.We show that overexpression of TrkB.T1 in hippocampal neurons induces the formation of dendritic filopodia, which are known precursors of synaptic spines. The induction of filopodia by TrkB.T1 occurs independently of neurotrophin binding and of kinase activity of endogenous TrkB.FL. Coexpression of a p75NTR lacking an intracellular domain inhibits the TrkB.T1-induced effect in a dominant negative manner. Steric hindrance of extracellular p75NTR interactions with a specific antibody, or absence of p75NTR with an intact extracellular domain also inhibit this TrkB.T1-induced effect.We thus propose a novel signalling pathway initiated by neurotrophin-independent extracellular or intramembrane interaction of TrkB.T1 with the p75NTR receptor, which modulates dendritic growth via p75NTR signalling cascades.
Thiacrownether-mediated Size-controlled Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: In Insik , Jun Young-Wook , Kim Yun Jun , Kim Sang Youl 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Thiacrownether-mediated self-assembly of Au nanoparticles produced a larger sized aggregation of which grain size was controlled by the relative concentration and the structure of thiacrownethers. The thiacrownethers at the surface of self-assembled nanoparticles have further complexation ability to some metal ions, which can be used to build new metal/semiconductor–metal ion nanocomposite materials.
Sedative Drug Use in the Home-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Linjakumpu Tarja A , Hartikainen Sirpa A , Klaukka Timo J , Koponen Hannu J , Hakko Helinä H , Viilo Kaisa M , Haapea Marianne , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Isoaho Raimo E 
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND The elderly use more sedatives than other populations. Reports on the sedative load of drugs and their associations with health items are scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of sedatives and drugs with sedative properties and the associations between those drugs and demographic or health items in the home-dwelling elderly in a cross-sectional community survey. METHODS Information was obtained from 1197 persons (43% men) aged 64 years in the Finnish municipality of Lieto in 1998–1999. The brand names of the prescription drugs taken by each interviewee during one week prior to the interview were recorded. The classification created in a previous study, where the drugs used in Finland were divided into 4 groups by their sedative properties, was utilized to determine associations with health items. RESULTS A total of 88% (n = 1056) of the participants used some drug. Forty percent (n = 422 persons) of the drug users took sedatives or drugs with sedative properties. The oldest individuals (80 y), women, those with low education, smokers, those with poor self-perceived health, people with dementia and mobility problems, and especially those with depression had an independent association with the simultaneous use of many (2) sedatives or drugs with sedative properties. CONCLUSIONS In a population of home-dwelling elderly patients, abundant sedative drug use was common and especially associated with high age, female gender, poor basic education, poor health habits (eg, smoking), depression, dementia, or impaired mobility. Users also had poor self-perceived health. The need to further develop the classification will be a major challenge, and the classification needs to be updated every year. More studies are needed in this field.
Osteonecrosis in Six HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Molia Aurélie C , Strady Christophe , Rouger Christine , Beguinot Isabelle M , Berger Jean-Luc , Trenque Thierry C 
Published: October 2004

OBJECTIVE To report 6 cases of osteonecrosis in HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and compare the observed risk factors with those of published cases. CASE SUMMARIES Osteonecrosis was diagnosed between 1999 and 2002 in 6 of 417 HIV-infected patients in our department of infectious diseases. At the time of diagnosis, mean patient age was 42 years, and 5 patients had developed AIDS. Mean CD4+ lymphocyte count was 563.5 cells/mm3 and viral load was undetectable (<50 copies/mL) in 5 patients. The patients’ mean body mass index was 22.5 kg/m 2 . Four had lipodystrophy. All were receiving HAART, including a protease inhibitor in 4 patients; the remaining 2 patients had a history of protease inhibitor treatment. Median time from the first antiretroviral therapy to osteonecrosis diagnosis was 46.5 months. Established risk factors were the use of corticosteroids in 2 patients and dyslipidemia in all patients. All of the patients developed pain and functional impotence of the hip or ankle joints. Osteonecrosis of the hip was bilateral in 4 cases. Three patients required surgical intervention, all of whom had favorable outcomes. DISCUSSION HIV-infected patients are at a higher risk for the development of osteonecrosis and are more likely to be exposed to predisposing factors to its development. The HAART implication as a predisposing factor remains controversial. CONCLUSIONS The pathogenesis of osteonecrosis in HIV-infected individuals may be multifactorial; the reasonable approach for clinicians consists of treating concomitant predisposing conditions that might further cause osteonecrosis.
Informational Content of Official Pharmaceutical Industry Web Sites about Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Waack Katherine E , Ernst Michael E , Graber Mark A 
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND In the last 5 years, several treatments have become available for erectile dysfunction (ED). During this same period, consumer use of the Internet for health information has increased rapidly. In traditional direct-to-consumer advertisements, viewers are often referred to a pharmaceutical company Web site for further information. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accessibility and informational content of 5 pharmaceutical company Web sites about ED treatments. METHODS Using 10 popular search engines and 1 specialized search engine, the accessibility of the official pharmaceutical company–sponsored Web site was determined by searching under brand and generic names. One company also manufactures an ED device; this site was also included. A structured, explicit review of information found on these sites was conducted. RESULTS Of 110 searches (1 for each treatment, including corresponding generic drug name, using each search engine), 68 yielded the official pharmaceutical company Web site within the first 10 links. Removal of outliers (for both brand and generic name searches) resulted in 68 of 77 searches producing the pharmaceutical company Web site for the brand-name drug in the top 10 links. Although all pharmaceutical company Web sites contained general information on adverse effects and contraindications to use, only 2 sites gave actual percentages. Three sites provided references for their materials or discussed other treatment or drug options, while 4 of the sites contained profound advertising or emotive content. None mentioned cost of the therapy. CONCLUSIONS The information contained on pharmaceutical company Web sites for ED treatments is superficial and aimed primarily at consumers. It is largely promotional and provides only limited information needed to effectively compare treatment options.
Tenofovir Therapy for Lamivudine Resistance Following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Neff Guy W , Nery Jose , Lau Daryl TY , O'Brien Christopher B , Duncan Robert , Shire Norah J , Ruiz Phillip , Nery Caio , Montalbano Marzia , Muslu Halim , Safdar Kamran , Schiff Eugene R , Tzakis Andreas G , Madariaga Juan R 
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND Resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains develop in 30% of liver transplant recipients treated with lamivudine within 2 years from the time of transplantation. OBJECTIVE To assess safety and outcomes of tenofovir salvage therapy for patients with lamivudine resistance in a retrospective cohort of liver-transplanted patients. METHODS Medical records were retrospectively evaluated for patients who received tenofovir. Data collected included demographics, HBV serologic information prior to and during tenofovir therapy, drug-related complications, and creatinine clearance. Criteria for lamivudine resistance included elevation of liver chemistries along with reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis Be antigen, and/or HBV DNA. RESULTS Sixteen patients showed resistance to lamivudine at 10–85 months (median 26) following liver transplantation. Tenofovir 300 mg/day orally was added in 8 patients 1–66 months after the development of viral lamivudine resistance and continued for 14–26 months (median 19.3). All 8 patients experienced HBV DNA viral suppression, with 7 currently nondetectable. No adverse events were reported, and creatinine clearance was not impaired. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that tenofovir safely and markedly decreases replication of lamivudine-resistant HBV variants after liver transplantation and is another potential option for the treatment of HBV lamivudine resistance.