bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐proxamol overdose is associated with a 10‐fold excess mortality compared with other paracetamol combination analgesics
Authors: Afshari R. , Good A.M. , Maxwell S.R.J. , Bateman D.N. 
Published: September 2005

AimsTo assess the relative toxicity of co‐proxamol in overdose in comparison to the 2 other paracetamol‐opioid combination products, co‐codamol and co‐dydramol.MethodsData collected over a 2‐year period (July 2000–June 2002) was used to estimate the frequency of overdose and death for the three most popular paracetamol‐opioid compound analgesics. Prescription data for Scotland and Edinburgh, the number of overdoses (derived from overdose admissions in Edinburgh) or Poisons Information Service contacts in Scotland, and national death records were used to calculate a series of indicators relating morbidity (admissions), surrogates of morbidity (poisons enquiries by telephone or internet) and mortality to prescriptions.ResultsWhen related to prescription volume overdoses involving co‐proxamol in Scotland were 10 times more likely to be fatal (24.6 (19.7, 30.4)) when compared with co‐codamol (2.0 (0.88, 4.0)) or co‐dydramol (2.4 (0.5, 7.2)). In contrast there was no difference in the presentation rate or enquiry rates for these analgesics when corrected for prescriptions.ConclusionsThe excess hazard from co‐proxamol is due to inherent toxicity rather than increased use in overdose. We estimate from this study that withdrawal of co‐proxamol would prevent 39 excess deaths per annum in Scotland alone.
Amplified‐fragment length polymorphism analysis of Propionibacterium isolates implicated in contamination of blood products
Authors: Mohammadi T. , Reesink H. W. , Pietersz R. N. I. , Vandenbroucke‐Grauls C. M. J. E. , Savelkoul P. H. M. 
Published: September 2005

Summary Propionibacterium acnes is implicated in most cases of bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs). To determine the source of contamination, amplified‐fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was applied. This DNA fingerprinting technique was used to study the molecular relationship of 44 isolates derived from 22 PCs and 22 corresponding red blood cells concentrates (RBCs) from the same whole blood donations. The AFLP results together with sequencing analysis of the 1200 bp of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed the existence of three main groups: two groups (groups 2 and 3) (55%) consisted of isolates that did not originate from skin flora and another group (group 1) (45%) comprised bacteria belonging to the skin flora. This latter group showed complete homology with reference strains of P. acnes. Therefore these isolates can be considered as P. acnes strains. In contrast, contaminants from groups 2 and 3 were shown to be molecularly unrelated to the P. acnes found on the skin surface. The AFLP is reproducible and gave invaluable information about the nature of Propionibacteria contaminating PCs. To gain more insights into the source of contamination, this technique could be exploited in further studies to determine the molecular relationship of different bacteria commonly found in blood products.
Activity and safety of combined rituximab with chlorambucil in patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Bauwens Deborah , Maerevoet Marie , Michaux Lucienne , Théate Ivan , Hagemeijer Anne , Stul Michel , Danse Etienne , Costantini Sabrina , Vannuffel Pascal , Straetmans Nicole , Vekemans Marie‐Christiane , Deneys Véronique , Ferrant Augustin , Van Den Neste Eric 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe evaluated the combination of rituximab with chlorambucil in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) not eligible for aggressive therapy. Fourteen patients (male/female: 9/5) were included (two newly diagnosed, 12 relapsed/refractory). The toxicities were neutropenia, thrombopenia and infection. Nine (64%) patients responded; five (36%) achieved complete remission and four (29%) achieved partial remission. The median progression‐free survival for responders was 26 months (95% CI, 4–48). Marrow polymerase chain reaction negativity was attained in seven responders. These results suggest that this schedule may have notable antitumour activity in patients with MCL, including patients in relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation.
Diagnosis of red cell G6PD deficiency in rural Burkina Faso. Comparison of a rapid fluorescent enzyme test on filter paper with polymerase chain reaction based genotyping
Authors: Meissner Peter E. , Coulibaly Boubacar , Mandi Germain , Mansmann Ulrich , Witte Steffen , Schiek Wolfgang , Müller Olaf , Heiner Schirmer R. , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Bienzle Ulrich 
Published: September 2005

SummaryGlucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient individuals are at increased risk of developing haemolysis following treatment with various antimalarial drugs. Reliable field tests for G6PD deficiency are thus needed in chemotherapy studies and their validity has to be assessed. In two phase II clinical trials on methylene blue (MB) antimalarial therapy in rural Burkina Faso, paediatric and adult participants were tested for G6PD deficiency. The results of a haemoglobin‐adjusted nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) fluorescence test on paper (NFP test) were compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based G6PD genotyping also using blood samples on filter papers. This is the first study comparing sensitivity and specificity of the two methods. There was good agreement between the NFP test results and the PCR findings. The estimate of the sensitivity of the NFP test was 98·2% (95·8–99·6%) and the specificity was 97·1% (94·2–99·2%). In conclusion, the NFP assay is a reliable and inexpensive method for large‐scale G6PD deficiency screening in rural West Africa.
Immune responses following experimental human hookworm infection
Authors: Wright V , Bickle Q 
Published: September 2005

Summary
To characterize the immune response following primary human hookworm infection, an adult volunteer was infected with 50 L3 larvae of Necator americanus, reinfected 27 months later and followed for a further 6 months. Clinical signs, blood picture, ex-vivo peripheral blood cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10 to mitogen and hookworm antigen), acute phase proteins (APP) (C-reactive protein, CRP and α1-antitrypsin, α1-AT) and antibody levels were determined. Dermatitis, oedema, mild nausea and abdominal discomfort followed the primary infection. Eosinophil counts peaked early during both infections but remained elevated (∼18%) throughout. Transient production of IL-5, IL-13 and APP also followed infection but there were negligible levels of IFN-γ or IL-10. The onset of nausea, oedema and the initial rise in CRP, α1-AT, eosinophilia and IL-5 coincided (days 13–27) with the late larval migration and early establishment of the preadult worms in the intestine. Apart from the eosinophilia these responses declined to baseline levels within 4 months and were less pronounced on re-infection.
Adrenocortical insufficiency after pituitary surgery: an audit of the reliability of the conventional short synacthen test
Authors: Klose M. , Lange M. , Kosteljanetz M. , Poulsgaard L. , Feldt‐Rasmussen U. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground  Assessment of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis after pituitary surgery is important for appropriate decision making regarding replacement therapy. The synacthen test is often used but is questioned, as time has to elapse for adrenal atrophy to develop.Objective  To audit the use of the 250 µg synacthen test after transsphenoidal adenomectomy.Methods  A retrospective study of 110 patients submitted to first‐time transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Anterior pituitary testing was performed preoperatively, 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The adrenocortical function was tested by a synacthen test (250 µg synacthen i.v.).Results  Thirty‐two out of 71 patients with normal HPA function before surgery developed insufficiency postoperatively, seven patients presenting an insufficient test response after 1 week, 16 after 1 month and nine after 3 months, whereas none became insufficient during the remaining follow‐up. Three patients presented symptomatic adrenal insufficiency during the first postoperative week despite a normal test. All of these developed an insufficient test 1 month postoperatively. A 1‐week basal plasma cortisol > 400 nmol/l indicated HPA sufficiency, whereas a basal cortisol ≤ 100 nmol/l indicated insufficiency when related to the diagnosis based on the 3‐month synacthen test.Conclusion  This study confirms that the synacthen test is of limited use in the early postoperative phase, because out of 62 patients with normal 1‐week postoperative synacthen responses, 23 patients developed a test that was indicative of adrenal insufficiency over 1–3 months. Our results indicate that a large proportion of patients should be considered for hydrocortisone replacement therapy up to 3 months postoperatively followed by reassessment of the HPA axis.
Diabetic neuropathy is associated with activation of the TNF‐α system in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: González‐Clemente J. M. , Mauricio D. , Richart C. , Broch M. , Caixàs A. , Megia A. , Giménez‐Palop O. , Simón I. , Martínez‐Riquelme A. , Giménez‐Pérez G. , Vendrell J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjective  The development of diabetic neuropathy (DN) is predicted by cardiovascular risk factors associated with insulin resistance. As inflammation seems to be implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, we investigated whether subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and DN have an increase in plasma concentrations of inflammatory proteins involved in insulin resistance.Design  Cross‐sectional.Patients  One hundred twenty subjects, all diagnosed with T1DM 14 years before.Measurements  (1) Sex, age, body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, smoking, alcohol intake, insulin dose, HbA1c and lipid profile; (2) DN (peripheral and cardiac autonomic), retinopathy and nephropathy; (3) plasma concentrations of soluble fractions of tumour necrosis factor α receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), interleukin‐6, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, adiponectin and leptin; and (4) insulin resistance (by way of a mathematical estimation of the glucose disposal rate – eGDR‐).Results  Thirty‐six subjects had DN and 84 did not. Subjects with DN received higher insulin doses (57·6 ± 16·7 vs. 49·2 ± 15·0 IU/day; P = 0·008) and had higher WHR (0·85 ± 0·07 vs. 0·81 ± 0·10; P = 0·007) and HbA1c values (8·5 (7·6–9·6) vs. 7·7 (7·3–8·9)%; P = 0·049) than subjects without DN. They also had higher values of sTNFR1 (2·42 ± 0·60 vs. 1·96 ± 0·66 µg/l; P = 0·001) and sTNFR2 (4·73 ± 1·33 vs. 4·14 ± 1·09 µg/l; P = 0·015), and were more insulin resistant (eGDR values: 7·28 (5·83–8·03) vs. 8·30 (7·17–9·03) mg kg−1 min−1; P = 0·003). The relationship between DN and either sTNFR1 or sTNFR2 remained essentially unchanged after adjusting for several confounders, including glycaemic control, WHR, lipid profile, blood pressure and other microvascular complications (OR for sTNFR1: 2·592 (1·222–5·498), P = 0·013; OR for sTNFR2: 2·124 (1·258–3·587), P = 0·005).Conclusions  The activity of the TNF‐α system is increased in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy, regardless of their glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors associated with insulin resistance. These results suggest that TNF‐α may play a pathogenic role in the development of diabetic neuropathy.
Instruments used in measuring symptoms, health status and quality of life in hypothyroidism: a systematic qualitative review
Authors: Razvi Salman , McMillan Carolyn V. , Weaver Jolanta U. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground  Symptoms of hypothyroidism are varied and nonspecific, thereby making clinical diagnosis impossible. Some patients report ongoing symptoms despite treatment. Measuring symptoms, health status and quality of life by using appropriate instruments, in addition to biochemical tests, is therefore vital to quantify disease severity and assess response to treatment. A number of instruments have been used in hypothyroidism, leading to lack of clarity about what exactly is being measured, and the rationale for the inclusion of particular measures is often uncertain.Objectives  To evaluate and compare instruments used in hypothyroidism in assessing patient‐reported outcomes.Data sources and study selection  All published literature on MEDLINE until March 2005 was searched using the keywords ‘hypothyroidism’, ‘symptoms’, ‘quality of life’ and ‘health status’. Articles reporting controlled trials or instrument design and development were analysed to assess the instruments used and to ascertain whether they were measuring the stated outcome.Data synthesis  Available tools to measure symptoms, health status and quality of life in diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism are discussed. We also describe how these tools have been described in published clinical trials along with the advantages and possible pitfalls of each of the commonly used tools.Conclusions  Some instruments reviewed have not been suited to the outcome being studied, thereby giving rise to questionable results. This review should be useful for clinicians, researchers and patient‐support groups in understanding the principles behind these tools and the results obtained from their use in clinical practice, and in selecting measures for their own use.
The palaeoenvironment of humans and marine birds of the Aleutian Islands: three millennia of change
Authors: CAUSEY DOUGLAS , CORBETT DEBRA G. , LEFÈVRE CHRISTINE , WEST DIXIE L. , SAVINETSKY ARKADY B. , KISELEVA NINA K. , KHASSANOV BULAT F. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractA unique window into the biological history of the Aleutian Islands is provided by the zooarchaeology of early human sites. We focus on the palaeoavifauna hunted by early Aleuts who inhabited Amchitka and Buldir islands (central Aleutians), and Shemya Island (western Aleutians) fromc.3500 yr ago to the present. Most of the seabird species recovered from these early sites varied widely in distribution and abundance through time and space. Pelagic procellariids such as short‐tailed albatrosses and short‐tailed shearwaters were present and abundant at most sites and at most times. During periods of increased temperatures and precipitation (e.g. 650–1100 yr bp), nearshore foragers such as cormorants and parakeet auklets increased in abundance, but during periods of cooling (e.g. 1800–2100 yr bp), piscivorous birds feeding offshore, such as murres and kittiwakes, predominated. Over three millennia, we found that marine bird populations were negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with precipitation. We detected hunter‐related depletions of populations breeding in accessible colonies at small scales of space and time, but we did not observe widespread or long‐term effects. We conclude that local oceanography and regional changes in prey bases caused by environmental and climate change in the past had a significant impact on the distribution and abundance of Aleutian marine birds.
Marine environment of the eastern and central Aleutian Islands
Authors: LADD CAROL , HUNT GEORGE L. , MORDY CALVIN W. , SALO SIGRID A. , STABENO PHYLLIS J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTo examine the marine habitat of the endangered western stock of the Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), two interdisciplinary research cruises (June 2001 and May to June 2002) measured water properties in the eastern and central Aleutian Passes. Unimak, Akutan, Amukta, and Seguam Passes were sampled in both years, and three additional passes (Umnak, Samalga, and Tanaga) were sampled in 2002. In the North Pacific (and to a lesser extent in the Bering Sea), a strong front in water properties was observed near Samalga Pass in June of both years, with significantly warmer, fresher, and more nitrate‐poor water east of Samalga Pass than west of the pass. These water properties reflect differences in source waters (Alaska Coastal Current versus Alaskan Stream), mixing depth, and Bering Sea influence. Strong cross‐Aleutian gradients were also observed with warmer, fresher water on the North Pacific side of the archipelago. The nutrient content of the waters flowing through the passes, combined with the effects of mixing within the passes, influences the transport of nutrients into the Bering Sea. As water moves away from the strong mixing of the passes and becomes more stratified, phytoplankton can take advantage of the enhanced nutrient concentrations. Thus, the northern side of the Aleutian Islands (especially in the lee of the islands) appears to be more productive. Combined with evidence of coincident changes in many ecosystem parameters near Samalga Pass, it is hypothesized that Samalga Pass forms a physical and biogeographic boundary between the eastern and central Aleutian marine ecosystems.
Hydrographic features and seabird foraging in Aleutian Passes
Authors: LADD CAROL , JAHNCKE JAIME , HUNT GEORGE L. , COYLE KENNETH O. , STABENO PHYLLIS J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractStrong tidal currents crossing over the abrupt topography of the Aleutian Passes result in regions with high horizontal property gradients. These frontal regions vary with the tidal cycle and form the boundary between vertically mixed and stratified regions. Concentrations of seabirds were associated with convergence zones in the mixed water (MW) and with the front between North Pacific (NP) water and MW. Species that were foraging by picking at prey from the surface were associated with surface convergences that appeared to be associated with Langmuir circulation cells or tidal features (all fulmar aggregations) in the central passes (Samalga, Seguam). In contrast, subsurface foraging puffins and small alcids were mostly observed in areas of turbulent, well‐mixed water near the shallow regions of the passes. Short‐tailed shearwater flocks that were plunge‐diving for prey were associated with the front between the NP water and MW in the passes. On our transects, we observed no significant aggregations of seabirds associated with Bering Sea water or NP water away from the frontal zones. The interaction of strong currents with bathymetric features results in zones of vertical advection, mixing, and surface convergences that make island passes attractive foraging regions for seabirds. Deep passes lacking these features, such as many of the passes in the western Aleutian Archipelago, are not as likely to facilitate trophic transfer to top predators as shallow passes, such as those found in the eastern Aleutian Islands.
Patterns of host use in two African mistletoes: the importance of mistletoe–host compatibility and avian disperser behaviour
Authors: ROXBURGH L. , NICOLSON S. W. 
Published: September 2005

Summary

Mistletoe infection prevalence typically differs between host tree species. Differences in infection prevalence between hosts are probably the product of mistletoe–host compatibility and frequency of seed deposition on that host by dispersers.
We recorded patterns of infection prevalence of two mistletoes, Phragmanthera dschallensis Engl. and Plicosepalus kalachariensis Schinz (Loranthaceae), on different host species. We then tested the importance of mistletoe–host compatibility mechanisms and disperser preferences in determining infection prevalence patterns among different host species.
Mistletoe–host compatibility was tested by planting mistletoe seeds on different hosts and recording germination and establishment up to 1 year after planting. There were no significant differences in seed germination, but seedling survival was significantly different among hosts. However, seedling survival was not correlated with infection prevalence among hosts.
Disperser preferences were calculated from observations of birds that disperse mistletoe fruits. Both the duration and frequency of disperser visits to trees were greater among parasitized trees. Dispersers did not visit unparasitized trees in proportion to their abundance, but showed preferences for certain tree species. Disperser preferences for trees were correlated with infection prevalence.
Mistletoe–host compatibility mechanisms could not explain patterns of prevalence among hosts in this study. In contrast, disperser preferences were related to prevalence of mistletoe infections among different host tree species.
Short‐term energy regulation in nectar‐feeding birds: the response of Whitebellied Sunbirds (Nectarinia talatala) to a midday fast
Authors: NICOLSON S. W. , HOFFMANN D. , FLEMING P. A. 
Published: September 2005

Summary

Small nectar‐feeding birds have high energy turnover and must respond rapidly to changes in food concentration or feeding opportunities. A previous study showed that Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) were unable to adjust their intake rates after a midday fast and thus ended the day with energy deficits that necessitated the use of torpor.
We examined the ability of Whitebellied Sunbirds (Nectarinia talatala) to cope with a similar loss of foraging time (lights out from 10.00 h to 12.00 h). During the experiment, birds were kept at 10 °C and fed 20% w/w sucrose solution.
In contrast to hummingbirds, sunbirds increased their rate of afternoon feeding following the fast, consuming 14·3 ± SD 10·0% (n = 8) more than on the afternoon of the control day, and maintaining evening body mass at control levels. However, morning body mass on the third day was significantly lower than on the previous 2 days, indicating that compensation for reduced feeding time was probably incomplete. Nectar‐feeding birds show varied and flexible responses to energy challenges.
Immunohistochemical localization of substance P NK1 receptor in guinea pig distal colon
Authors: Harrington A. M. , Hutson J. M. , Southwell B. R. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Background:  Neurokinin receptors facilitate tachykinin mediated intestinal motility and secretion. Distribution of Substance P (SP) neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1r) immunoreactivity (IR) has been previously characterized in guinea pig ileum, but not colon. This study localizes NK1rs in guinea pig distal colon.Methods:  Neurons were double labelled for NK1r and either acetylcholine transferase (ChAT), calbindin (calb), neuropeptide Y (NPY), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) or SP. The NK1r endocytosis was induced by 10−5 mol L−1 SP, septide, [SarMet] SP or neurokinin A.Results:  In guinea pig distal colon, NK1r–IR was present on 70% of submucosal neurons. Sixty‐threepercent of the NK1r–IR submucosal neurons were ChAT–IR, 16% calb/SP–IR, 19% NPY–IR and 14% NOS–IR neurons. The NK1r–IR was present on 5% of myenteric neurons. Of these 63% were ChAT–IR, 16% calb–IR neurons and 25% NOS–IR. The NK1rs were also on myenteric plexus interstitial cells of Cajal and on circular muscle.Conclusion:  In guinea pig distal colon, NK1rs were on 70% of submucosal neurons including all three secretomotor neuron subtypes and sensory neurons, suggesting NK1rs have a major role in neuronal control of mucosal reflexes. The NK1rs were on few myenteric neurons but were dense on muscle cells, suggesting NK1rs affect motility through neuro‐muscular rather than neuro‐neuronal transmission.