bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquired but reversible loss of erythrocyte complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) and its longitudinal alteration in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: Wang F S , Chu F L , Jin L , Li Y G , Zhang Z , Xu D , Shi M , Wu H , Moulds J-M 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis longitudinal study investigates the change of erythrocyte complement receptor (E-CR1) expression in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Circulating E-CR1 expression was semiquantified by flow cytometric analyses in 54 SARS patients and in 212 healthy individuals as a control. Since E-CR1 expression is influenced by the genetic polymorphisms in the CR1 gene, a major genetic polymorphism located within intron 27 of the CR1 gene was simultaneously analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results showed that the expression level of E-CR1 (referred to as net fluorescence intensity values, NFI) was statistically correlated with the relevant genetic genotypes among the Chinese population including the healthy individuals (NFI: 5·14 ± 0·82, 3·57 ± 0·66 and 2·67 ± 0·32 for HH, HL and LL genotypes, respectively) and SARS patients (NFI: 3·52 ± 0·91 and 2·63 ± 0·70 for HH and HL genotypes, respectively). Interestingly, the expression density of E-CR1 was found to fall significantly during the initiation and progressive phases (weeks 1 and 2 after the disease onset) and gradually returned close to normal through their whole convalescent phase (beginning from weeks 2 or 3 to weeks 7 or 8) in SARS patients irrespective CR1 genotype. In conclusion, our findings, at least, suggest that E-CR1 is likely involved in immune pathogenesis of SARS disease.
Combining nonpathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum with sodium chloride to suppress fusarium crown rot of asparagus in replanted fields
Authors: Elmer W. H. 
Published: December 2004

Nonpathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum (NPFO) were tested alone, and in combination with rock salt (NaCl), for their ability to suppress fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus in replanted fields. Five NPFO strains were first screened with and without NaCl in the glasshouse using autoclaved asparagus soil mixed with potting mix. Asparagus roots were treated with NPFO suspensions or water, then inoculated 1 week later with pathogenic F. oxysporum; then after 1 week pots received 100 mL 1% NaCl or water. After 12 weeks the NPFO strain CS‐20 increased root weight when compared with controls. Rock salt did not affect root growth. Root lesions were reduced relative to the control by all NPFO strains and by NaCl applications, but there were no interactions between NPFO and NaCl. The NPFO strains CS‐20, CWB 314 and CWB 318 were compared with no treatment in two 4‐year replanted field studies in Hamden, and Windsor, CT, USA. Crowns were treated with NPFO at planting, and NaCl was broadcast at 280 kg ha−1, and at 560 kg ha−1 in later years. CWB 318 reduced disease at both sites and increased marketable yield in Hamden. Treatment with NaCl increased yield by 29% over controls in Windsor, but did not increase yield in Hamden. Recovered root isolates of F. oxysporum categorized by heterokaryon tests revealed that, in the glasshouse, CS‐20 colonized roots better than other strains, while CWB 318 was the only strain found on roots from field plots after 4 years. Applications of NaCl did not hinder the suppressive ability of the nonpathogenic strains. The perennial nature of asparagus may require that nonpathogenic strains possess superior survival traits along with biocontrol traits.
Assessment for the complicated occurrence of nuisance odours from phytoplankton and environmental factors in a eutrophic lake
Authors: Sugiura Norio , Utsumi Motoo , Wei Bin , Iwami Norio , Okano Kunihiro , Kawauchi Yukio , Maekawa Takaaki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOdours in waters used for various purposes, especially musty odours, is a worldwide problem. To establish an early warning system, the nuisance odour in an aquatic environment, the causative microorganisms and compounds, and the mechanism of odour in Lake Kasumigaura, the second biggest lake in Japan, were examined using in situ studies. In this study, the mechanism for the occurrence of musty odours was determined, and the level of musty odour was discriminated, based on 32 months of phytoplankton data from three sampling stations. The results indicate that the cell numbers of Phormidium tenue, Synedra and Ankistrodesmus were significantly related to the occurrence of 2‐methlisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin. Furthermore, the odour occurrence for both MIB and geosmin was effectively predicted and validated using environmental factors as explanatory variables, using multiple linear regression and artificial neural network technology.
The implications of introducing a large piscivore (Lates calcarifer) into a regulated northern Australian river (Lake Kununurra, Western Australia)
Authors: Morgan David L. , Rowland Andrew J. , Gill Howard S. , Doupé Rob G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe potential impacts of introducing barramundi (Lates calcarifer) for the purpose of recreational fishing into Lake Kununurra, a tropical impoundment in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, are predicted by dietary comparisons with the resident fishes of the lake. Classification of the pooled dietary data identified five major feeding groups based on similarities in food items consumed. There was no significant dietary overlap between L. calcarifer and all species within the lake. The current study demonstrates that adult L. calcarifer fed primarily on teleosts and decopods, and are known to prey on the majority of the fish species found in Lake Kununurra. Although the introduction of L. calcarifer to Lake Kununurra has the potential to influence the resident fish community through competition (for food and habitat) and predation, it is likely that its effects will be minor. However, the lack of any data that would allow estimation of the likely survival of stocked L. calcarifer fry and fingerlings in the reservoir needs to be addressed. Such data are mandatory if a successful fishery is to be developed in the reservoir.
The management lessons learned from sediment remediation in the Detroit River – western Lake Erie watershed
Authors: Hartig John H. , Heidtke Thomas M. , Zarull Michael A. , Yu Bonnie 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDuring the 1970s−1990s, considerable emphasis was placed on minimizing the inputs of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from active sources. In addition, between 1993 and 2001, ≈ $US130 × 106 was spent for sediment remediation within the western Lake Erie – Detroit River basin. In general, although PCB contamination of the Detroit River and Lake Erie declined significantly between the 1970s and mid‐1990s, it has remained fairly stable over the past 10 years. Control of PCBs and other contaminants at their source remains a primary imperative for action. Remediation of contaminated sediments is growing in importance, however, as greater levels of source control are achieved. From a sediment management perspective, it is estimated that between 1993 and 2001 a substantially higher mass of PCBs (over two orders of magnitude higher) was removed as a result of contaminated sediment remediation, as compared to navigational dredging of shipping channels. In addition, there is a strong and compelling rationale for moving expeditiously to remediate severely contaminated sediment while it is still relatively contained in a small geographical area. The cost of not acting in a timely manner might be to exacerbate environmental problems including increased deformities and reproductive problems in wildlife, delayed ecosystem recovery and increased costs, or even preclusion of future sediment remediation. Based on discussions at a United States of America–Canada workshop held in 2002, key management advice includes continued emphasis to be placed on remediating contaminated sediment hot spots (including evaluating the effectiveness of projects), integrated monitoring efforts to be focused on beneficial use restoration and a high priority to be placed on sustaining and building upon modelling efforts, in order to be able to accurately predict and evaluate ecosystem responses to remedial and preventive actions.
Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Great Britain and Ireland – Where are we now?
Authors: Harinath G. , Shah P. R. , Haray P. N. , Foster M. E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  We aimed to gather information from the members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) to assess trends in the current practice of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Methods  A postal questionnaire survey of the members of ACPGBI.Results  The response rate was 37% (200/540). Only 45 surgeons currently perform laparoscopic colorectal work in Great Britain and Ireland mainly right hemicolectomy and laparoscopic stoma formation, of these about one third practiced laparoscopy for benign colorectal conditions only. The majority (68%) of surgeons had enough resources at their place of work, but further training seemed to be a major issue. Nearly 22% of surgeons had not had any formal training. Only 50% of surgeons trained their specialist registrars. The incidence of conversion rate was not different for benign or malignant conditions and also did not appear to be related to the duration of experience. Only four surgeons had noted port a site recurrence during the past 10 years. Seventy‐five percent (150/200) felt that laparoscopic colorectal work could be carried out safely in a District General Hospital.Conclusion  Laparoscopic colorectal surgery was being performed by a small minority of members of the ACPGBI although more surgeons had started to work in this field in recent years. The main areas of concern appeared to be a wide variation in the range of experience as indicated by the number of operations performed and limited formal training for consultants.
The use of a balloon catheter to improve evaluation in anorectal manometry
Authors: Bright T. , Kapoor R. , Voyvodich F. , Schloithe A. , Wattchow D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe squeeze pressure in the anal canal reflects the contribution of the external anal sphincter and is normally assessed manometrically by asking patients to contract their anal muscles. However, this is an artificial situation as normally the external sphincter contracts to retain rectal content. Some patients with normal anal sphincter anatomy and innervation record low squeeze pressures suggesting that the concept of voluntary squeeze is foreign. The aim of this study was to examine whether squeezing to retain a balloon mimics the physiology of defaecation more accurately.Patients undergoing routine anorectal manometry testing had in addition the inflation of a balloon catheter to the volume of the first and sustained sensation to simulate a faecal bolus within the rectum. The patient was asked to retain it when the balloon was subjected to gentle traction, thus contracting their anal sphincter to prevent passage of the balloon. Squeeze pressure was measured in response to voluntary contraction, the pressure generated to retain the balloon, then voluntary contraction again.Eighteen women and 2 men were tested. The median maximal squeeze pressures with the routine assessment was 131.0cmH2O. This increased to 210.0cmH2O when the patients attempted to retain the balloon and fell to 165.4cmH2O when patients were reassessed with voluntary squeeze postintervention. 15 of the patients improved their squeeze pressures with traction on the balloon.External anal sphincter contraction is difficult for some patients to perform on request. With traction on a balloon catheter anal squeeze pressures improved in most patients. This indicates that many patients perform maximal anal squeeze pressures better once that muscle group has been tested in a more normal physiological function. This simple technique could improve the accuracy of anorectal manometry results and evaluation in a larger popluation of symptomatic patients is warranted.
Colorectal foreign bodies
Authors: Clarke D. L. , Buccimazza I. , Anderson F. A. , Thomson S. R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  A pictorial review of colorectal foreign bodies and their extraction.Methods  A prospective data‐base and photographic record of patients who presented with retained colorectal foreign bodies at our institution has been maintained since 1995. Information regarding the foreign body, clinical presentation and extraction technique were documented.Results  All 13 patients were male: age range 2–66 years. Seven were Caucasian, 4 African and 1 Asian. The foreign bodies included a penknife, an aerosol deodorant spray can, a blue plastic tumbler, a plastic bag containing two bank‐notes and some marijuana, a plastic packet containing fish hooks, a penlight torch, a broomstick, a battery powered vibrator, a primus stove, a cap of an aerosol can, a piece of wire, a piece of hosepipe wrapped with wire and an iron bar. They entered the alimentary tract for a variety of reasons; anal autoeroticism (3), concealment (2), attention seeking behaviour (3), accidental (1), assault (2) and to alleviate constipation (2). Plain radiographs accurately demonstrated the site of the foreign body in 8 patients. Extraction was at laparotomy in 2 patients with peritonitis and in 3 who required extraction by colotomy. In 7 patients who had transanal extraction, four required general anaesthesia to facilitate extraction and extraction was possible under conscious sedation in the emergency room in three. The remaining patient extracted the foreign body himself and presented to hospital with a rectal perforation.Conclusion  The emergency room physician must confirm the presence of a rectal foreign body. Extraction in the emergency room is usually not possible and patient's with retained rectal foreign bodies should be referred to a colorectal surgeon.
The future of coloproctology in the UK: The trainees view
Authors: Goodfellow P. B. , Buchanan G. N. ,   the DUKES club
Published: December 2004

AbstractIntroduction  Major changes are imminent in the mode of surgical training and the manner both ‘‘general’’ and ‘‘specialist’’ surgeons provide services. This is the first interactive survey of UK Coloproctology trainees.Methods  At the 2004 DUKES Club (colorectal trainees) meeting an interactive digital‐media voting system enabled blinded assessment of members regarding training and organisational issues in Coloproctology.Results  78% of trainees intended to be colorectal specialists. 92% thought a specialist qualification necessary, 90% believed it should be administered at the time of certificate of completion of training (CCT). Overall, 40%, 40% and 20% would pay £1000<, £1000–3000 and >£5000 respectively per year for adequate training. Over 80% thought low anterior resection, APER, major lower GI‐bleeding, pelvic floor, IBD and rectal cancer surgery should only be performed by specialists, and many thought colonic cancer surgery (46%), diverticular surgery (52%), and perianal sepsis (38%) management was a specialist necessity.Conclusion  UK Colorectal trainees believe a specialist exam necessary, colorectal specialists should treat a defined group of conditions/cases and would pay for adequate training.
Nutrient induced thermogenesis during major colorectal excision – a pilot study
Authors: Chandrasekaran T. V. , Morgan R. N. W. , Mason R. A. , Mangat P. S. , Watkins A. J. , Carr N. D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  Hypothermia may occur during general anaesthesia and is associated with postoperative coagulopathy, ischaemic cardiac events, wound infections and increased metabolic expenditure due to shivering. The purpose of the present pilot study was to determine whether the administration of certain amino acids (Vamin 18) during general anaesthesia could prevent postoperative hypothermia.Patients and methods  Two groups of patients were studied. The study group comprised 10 patients who underwent complex major colorectal operations. In this group an infusion of 500 mls of Vamin 18 (Fresenius Kabi Ltd) was commenced immediately after induction of anaesthesia but prior to the skin incision. In a control group (n = 10) who underwent similar surgical procedures Vamin 18 was not administered. In both groups core body temperature, using an oesophageal probe was recorded during the procedure and recovery period. Ambient theatre and recovery room temperature and other body warming techniques were standardized for all patients. Statistical analysis was performed using t‐test for comparison of linear temperature changes at different times during the procedure for both groups of patients.Results  The body temperature was statistically significantly reduced in both groups at skin incision when compared with temperature prior to induction of anaesthesia. (Study group: mean 0.74°C, SD = 0.38, P =<0.001; Control group: mean 0.54°C, SD = 0.43, P = 0.003]. The increase in body temperature between the time of skin incision and recovery period was statistically significant (P = 0.012) in the study group but not so in the control group (P = 0.730).Conclusion  The results of the present pilot study demonstrate that complex colorectal operations are associated with a decrease in body temperature which is most marked immediately after the induction of anaesthesia. The perioperative administration of Vamin 18 appears to increase the rate of recovery of body temperature. The impact of this thermogenic effect on perioperative morbidity and mortality should be studied in a prospective randomised clinical trial.
Soluble transferrin receptors and ferritin in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Hernández C. , Lecube A. , Carrera A. , Simó R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim To determine circulating transferrin receptor levels (sTfR) in Type 2 diabetic patients to evaluate whether serum ferritin reflects iron body stores or inflammation in diabetic population.Methods A total of 84 consecutive Type 2 diabetic patients and 60 healthy subjects matched by age and gender were included in this case‐control study. Ferritin concentration was measured by a turbidimetric method and sTfR concentration were determined by nephelometry.Results Diabetic patients have higher serum ferritin levels than control subjects [114 ng/ml (12–831) vs. 74 ng/ml (11–697);P = 0.006]. However, no differences in sTfR concentrations were observed between both groups [1.27 mg/l (0.69–2.47) vs. 1.24 mg/l (0.77–2.80);P = NS]. A negative correlation between ferritin and sTfR concentration was detected in control subjects but not in diabetic patients.Conclusions Serum ferritin levels are increased in Type 2 diabetic patients in the absence of a reciprocal decrease of sTfR. This finding suggests that elevated ferritin levels in Type 2 diabetes are mainly as a result of inflammatory mechanisms rather than iron overload.
Hospital in‐patients with diabetes: increasing prevalence and management problems
Authors: Wallymahmed M. E. , Dawes S. , Clarke G. , Saunders S. , Younis N. , MacFarlane I. A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAims  To re‐assess the prevalence, management problems, clinical outcomes and discharge summaries of hospital in‐patients with diabetes.Methods  Case records of all patients occupying in‐patient beds were audited on a single weekday in 2003 in a large urban hospital and repeated after 3 months. Data was compared with an identical audit 12 years previously.Results  Over 12 years the number of beds available for admission (1191) had reduced by 25% with a bed occupancy of 97%. Diabetes prevalence had increased from 7.0% to 11.1% (P < 0.01) (97% Type 2). Diabetes management was considered inappropriate in 29%, more than in 1991 (20%). After 3 months, discharge summaries had been completed on 75% of patients but diabetes was mentioned in only 53%.Conclusion  The prevalence of in‐patient diabetes (11.1%) was over 50% greater and diabetes management was suboptimal in more patients than in 1991. In many length of stay was prolonged and almost half of the discharge summaries did not mention diabetes. These findings have major implications for service delivery and resource planning.
Insulin pump therapy in children and adolescents: improvements in key parameters of diabetes management including quality of life
Authors: McMahon S. K. , Airey F. L. , Marangou D. A. , McElwee K. J. , Carne C. L. , Clarey A. J. , Davis E. A. , Jones T. W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAims  To determine the impact of insulin pump therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion) on key parameters of diabetes management including quality of life in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods  All patients started on insulin pump therapy were prospectively followed before and after institution of insulin pump therapy. Data collected included age, duration of diabetes, glycated haemoglobin levels (HbA1c), anthropometric data and episodes of severe hypoglycaemia defined as hypoglycaemia resulting in coma or convulsion. A subset of patients also completed the Diabetes Quality of Life Instrument (DQOL) and Self‐Efficacy for Diabetes Scale (SED) questionnaires to assess quality of life.Results  At the time of analysis, 100 patients had been managed with insulin pump therapy. The mean age when starting pump therapy was 12.5 (3.9–19.6) years. Duration of therapy ranged from 0.2 to 4.0 years (mean 1.4 years, median 1.5 years). HbA1c decreased from 8.3 ± 0.1% prior to pump therapy to 7.8 ± 0.1% (P < 0.0001). Episodes of severe hypoglycaemia decreased from 32.9 to 11.4 per 100 patient years. Components of quality of life measures showed improvement on pump treatment. BMI standard deviation scores (z scores) did not increase.Conclusions  Pump therapy is proving an effective means of insulin therapy in the young patient that shows promise to improve glycaemic control with a reduction in hypoglycaemia frequency. Quality of Life measures suggest that psychosocial outcomes may be improved.
Lifetime glycaemic exposure predicts reduced coronary vasoreactivity in Type 1 diabetic subjects
Authors: Sundell J. , Janatuinen T. , Rönnemaa T. , Naum A. , Laine H. , Luotolahti M. , Nuutila P. , Raitakari O. T. , Knuuti J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAims  Subjects with Type 1 diabetes have impaired coronary vasoreactivity but the independent role of glycaemic control on myocardial perfusion is less clear. We examined the effect of lifetime glycaemic exposure on coronary vasoreactivity in 43 otherwise healthy Type 1 diabetic subjects.Methods  Myocardial blood flow was calculated basally and during pharmacologically induced hyperaemia in the fasting state and during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (at an insulin infusion rate of 1 mU/kg per min for 60 min) using positron emission tomography and 15O‐water. Glycaemic exposure was estimated as glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) months.Results  Hyperaemic myocardial blood flow was inversely associated with log HbA1c months in the fasting state (r = −0.72, P < 0.01) and during clamp (r = −0.35, P < 0.05). These correlations remained significant after adjustment for lipid values, blood pressures, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI) and age (r = −0.70, P < 0.05 and r = −0.35, P < 0.05, respectively). No significant correlation was detected between hyperaemic flow and HbA1c or plasma glucose values measured immediately preceding the PET study.Conclusions  The present study demonstrates that the lifetime glycaemic exposure appears to be a better predictor of reduced coronary vasoreactivity than recent glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetic subjects. Reduced coronary vasoreactivity in diabetic subjects with poor glycaemic control and/or long duration of diabetes may represent an early precursor of coronary artery disease.