bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metastatic lung and pleural malignancy presenting as bilateral acute anterior uveitis
Authors: Idris Iskandar , Lim Chea S , Johnston Ian D , Mansell Peter 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAnterior uveitis is associated with a variety of underlying systemic diseases but the association between bilateral acute anterior uveitis (BAAU) and lung and pleural malignancy is not widely recognized. The case is described here of a 61‐year‐old woman presenting to an eye clinic with BAAU. A routine chest radiograph performed principally to exclude pulmonary sarcoidosis revealed an intrapulmonary mass and she was subsequently found to have widespread lung and pleural malignancies. Evidence is discussed that suggests a link and potential aetiology between BAAU and lung and pleural malignancies. The present case shows the virtue of requesting a chest radiograph in patients presenting with BAAU, even in the absence of other symptoms or clinical findings.
Management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a full‐term pregnancy
Authors: Kent‐Smith Brian T , Wilson Graham A 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAlthough exudative retinal detachments have been well documented to occur during pregnancy, reports of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments occurring during pregnancy are rare. A case is presented herein of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment occurring during pregnancy. Some of the challenges arising from this uncommon clinical scenario are discussed.
In vivo confocal microscopy of megalocornea with central mosaic dystrophy
Authors: Uçakhan Ömür Ö , Kanpolat Ayfer , Yilmaz Nurgül 
Published: January 2005

Abstract In vivo confocal microscopy was performed on the central cornea of both eyes of a patient with megalocornea and central mosaic dystrophy. In the stroma, starting just below Bowman's membrane, polygonal, moderately reflective areas of opacification separated by diagonal hyporeflective striations were observed. The opaque areas appeared smaller in the anterior stromal layers and seemed to get larger towards the posterior stroma. The epithelium, Bowman's membrane and endothelium appeared normal. In vivo confocal microscopy is helpful in evaluating the morphological characteristics of corneal dystrophies, degenerations or developmental abnormalities of the cornea, and may prove to be helpful in understanding their pathophysiology.
Tachycardia and myocardial ischaemia following subconjunctival injection of mydricaine (number 02) for vitrectomy procedure
Authors: Keembiyage Ranasiri Dayawansa , Newland Henry Simpson , Lai Choong 
Published: January 2005

AbstractMydricaine is a mydriatic agent used routinely at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in subconjunctival injections that are given prior to all vitreoretinal surgery. The drug is manufactured by the hospital pharmacy and each vial of 0.4 mL mydricaine number 02 consists of a mixture of 1.3 mg atropine sulphate, 0.12 mg adrenaline and 8.4 mg procaine hydrochloride. Mydricaine is routinely used by many vitreoretinal units, even though the drug is not listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) or Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS). Therefore, published case reports provide the main forum for reporting side‐effects. The case presented is of a patient with no previous ischaemic heart disease who developed transient myocardial ischaemia with tachycardia following the administration of subconjunctival mydricaine number 02. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first case report documenting myocardial ischaemia in a patient with no previous ischaemic heart disease following mydricaine administration.
Low expression of XIAP‐associated factor 1 in human colorectal cancers
Authors: MA Tian Le , NI Pei Hua , ZHONG Jie , TAN Ji Hong , QIAO Min Min , JIANG Shi Hu 
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE:  Eight cellular homologs of the inhibitors‐of‐apoptosis proteins (IAP) have been identified in humans and of them, the X‐linked IAP (XIAP) is the most potent. XIAP‐associated factor 1 (XAF1) is a newly discovered XIAP‐binding protein that negatively regulates the caspase‐inhibiting activity of XIAP. It is either not expressed or present at extremely low levels in many cancer cell lines. The aims of the present study were: (i) to investigate the expression of XAF1 in human colorectal cancers (CRC) both in vitro and in vivo, and (ii) to evaluate the possibility of XAF1 as a new tumor marker.METHODS:  The expression of XAF1 in four human colon cancer cell lines (Colo205, Colo320, SW1116, LoVo) and in samples from 70 patients with CRC was analyzed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. XAF1 concentrations were also detected in the peripheral circulation of the 70 patients, as well as three traditional circulating cancer‐associated antigens.RESULTS:  A low concentration of XAF1 mRNA was detectable in the three colon cancer cell lines other than Colo205, which showed the strongest expression of XAF1. The expression of XAF1 in tissue was relatively lower in primary CRC compared with a relatively higher level in benign colorectal tumors (P < 0.01). Although the XAF1 expression in circulation of those with CRC was also lower than in those with benign tumors, there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:  The present results suggest that the low expression of XAF1 in tumor tissue coincides with a similar level in the peripheral circulation, which contributes at least part to the malignant behavior of CRC. Integrating the XAF1 relative expression value with the other three traditional tumor biomarkers created a four‐parameter assay that significantly improved the rate of diagnosis of CRC.
Antinociceptive property of tegaserod in a rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: LIANG Lie Xin , ZHANG Qing , QIAN Wei , HOU Xiao Hua 
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE:  To establish a model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity in rats and to investigate the effect of tegaserod, a partial 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐4 receptor agonist, on visceral hypersensitivity.METHODS:  Neonate Sprague‐Dawley rats at 8–21 days after birth underwent colorectal distension once daily. Adult rats aged 8–10 postnatal weeks underwent colorectal distension and the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) during the distension was determined. The AWR score was recorded before and after intraperitoneal administration of either tegaserod (treatment group: 0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle (control group).RESULTS:  Changes in the AWR score were dependent on the pressure intensity of the colorectal distension (P < 0.01). At pressures of 40, 60 and 80 mmHg, the AWR scores in the model rats with visceral hypersensitivity were significantly higher than those recorded in the control group (1.95 ± 0.16 vs 1.35 ± 0.15, 2.82 ± 0.12 vs 2.17 ± 0.13, 3.20 ± 0.14 vs 2.59 ± 0.14, P < 0.01). Compared with the controls, tegaserod significantly decreased the AWR scores at the distension pressures of 40, 60 and 80 mmHg (1.95 ± 0.50 vs 1.32 ± 0.55, 3.05 ± 0.48 vs 2.32 ± 0.54, 3.25 ± 0.63 vs 2.77 ± 0.51, P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:  Adult rats can develop chronic visceral hypersensitivity after transient colorectal mechanical irritation during their postnatal period. Tegaserod increases the pain threshold to noxious stimuli, suggesting an antinociceptive property in its effect on visceral hypersensitivity.
Comparative analysis of patients with clinically diagnosed colorectal cancer and those detected by mass screening
Authors:   COLORECTAL CANCER COOPERATING GROUP, BEIJING SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE:  To analyze the differences and similarities between patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who had been clinically diagnosed (CD) and those detected by mass screening (MS), and thus clarify the practical significance of CRC screening in China.METHODS:  All the data for the CRC patients in the CD group were collected by registration through a cohort study, and the patients in the MS group were selected from mass screening of a natural population of 19 852 in Beijing Metropolitan area. CRC was confirmed pathologically in both groups.RESULTS:  Patients over the age of 50 years with CRC comprised 81.9% of the CD group and 83.3% of the MS group; the percentage of Dukes A + B was 41.1% and 91.7%, respectively; 0.28% of individuals with risk factors in the MS group were found to have CRC, whereas 0.05% did not (P < 0.05). Endoscopically, 44.7% of the protruding type CRC were Dukes A or B compared with only 10% of the ulcerated type (χ2 = 22.304, P < 0.001). The positivity rate of the fecal occult blood (FOB) test was 79.9% in Dukes A + B and 82.0% in Dukes C + D, showing no difference between the FOB test and Dukes staging in diagnosing CRC (χ2 = 0.087, P = 0.768). The percentage of patients with increased serum concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen in Dukes C + D was significantly higher than that in Dukes A + B (χ2 = 5.547, P = 0.019). Among the moderately and well‐differentiated CRC, 51.8% (159/307) were Dukes A + B, resulting in a significant difference (χ2 = 14.504, P < 0.001). There was a familial history of malignancies in 17.9% of CRC cases and 14.6% of their first‐degree relatives suffered from malignant tumors.CONCLUSIONS:  The incidence of CRC in Beijing Metropolitan area has been rising significantly. The staging and prognosis of CRC involves symptomatology, laboratory tests, endoscopic findings and pathologic characteristics. Mass screening is effective for detecting early CRC in China.
Metal‐induced oxidative damage in cultured hepatocytes and hepatic lysosomal fraction: beneficial effect of a curcumin/absinthium compound
Authors: BARRETO R , KAWAKITA S , TSUCHIYA J , MINELLI E , PAVASUTHIPAISIT K , HELMY A , MAROTTA F 
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE:  Metals undergo redox cycling and there is increasing evidence of free radical generation and oxidative injury in the pathogenesis of liver injury and fibrosis in metal storage diseases. The aim of the present study was to test a natural hepatoprotective compound in metal‐induced liver injury.METHODS:  Hepatocytes were isolated from Wistar rats by collagenase perfusion method and cultured as such and also with α‐linolenic acid (LNA)‐bovine serum albumin (BSA). Hepatocytes were then cultured with a graded dilution of PN‐M001 (100 µg/mL and 200 µg/mL), which is a curcuma/absinthium‐containing compound, or sylibin (100 µg/mL) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for 10 min before the addition of metallic salts (iron, copper and vanadium). Lysosomal fractions were prepared for lysosome fragility tests in which β‐galactosidase activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage were measured, as well as oxidative damage tests in the presence of hydrophilic and lipophilic free radical generators. Quenching activity by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was also assessed.RESULTS:  Malonildialdehyde accumulation in the medium showed a direct time‐course increase with incubation time. Both PN‐M001 and sylibin showed a significant protective effect against all challenge metal ions, as expressed by the half inhibition concentration (IC50) against lipid peroxidation. However, on a molar ratio, sylibin seemed to be more effective than PN‐M001 in Fe‐induced peroxidative damage (P < 0.05). Both test compounds, irrespective of the concentration, significantly reduced the LDH and β‐galactosidase concentration in the lysosomal fractions. As compared with untreated lysosomal fractions challenged with the two peroxide radicals generators, either PN‐M001 or sylibin exerted significant protection However, PN‐M001 was significantly better than sylibin in suppressing acid phosphatase enzyme activity. Both compounds showed comparable and significant DPPH radical‐scavenging activity.CONCLUSION:  These data support the potential clinical application of curcumin‐containing compounds.
Modulation of the molecular conformation of a hepatocyte‐targeting gene drug in order to improve its expression efficiency in vitro
Authors: LIU Xiao Wei , LU Fang Gen , WU Xiao Ping , OUYANG Chun Hui , YANG Dong Ye , YOU Yu , LIAN Guang Hui 
Published: January 2005

AIM:  To construct different conformations of a plasmid DNA/vector complex (pcDNA3.1/IFN‐γ‐ASOR‐PLL) and transfect cells of the hepatoma cell line BEL7402 to investigate the optimal conformation of the complex for improved expression efficiency in the target cell.METHODS:  Double‐distilled water and adjuvant were added to the naked pcDNA3.1/IFN‐γ, target vector ASOR‐PLL and the ASOR‐PLL–pcDNA3.1/IFN‐γ complex to create different conformations; molecules that were transfected into BEL7402 cells and the expression efficiency was determined by measuring the IFN‐g concentration in the culture supernatant by ELISA.RESULTS:  Naked pcDNA3.1/IFN‐γ DNA distributed linearly in double‐distilled water and condensed into a mica configuration in adjuvant; ASOR‐PLL had a net‐like distribution without adjuvant and a spider‐like form in the adjuvant‐treated group; the ASOR‐PLL–pcDNA3.1/IFN‐g complex had a divaricate form without adjuvant, but a bead‐like or granular conformation in 0.1 and 0.2 mol/L of adjuvant, a homogeneous bacilliform or chromatoid‐shaped conformation in 0.3 mol/L adjuvant, and varied shapes in 0.4 and 0.5 mol/L adjuvant. The supernatant IFN‐γ expression in the bacilliform/chromatoid conformation complex group was the highest among the different conformation groups and controls. When chloroquine was added the supernatant IFN‐γ concentration increased in the liposome group and decreased in the bacilliform/chromatoid conformation group .CONCLUSIONS:  The two structural molecules and their complex, ASOR‐PLL–pcDNA3.1/IFN‐γ, were adjustable in the liquid mode. The specific bacilliform/chromatoid conformation of complex was lysosome enzyme‐resistant and could play an active role in improving the efficiency of gene expression. The hypothesis that a chromosome‐like conformation of the target gene molecule is involved in enhancing exogenous gene expression is proposed.
Clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis patients with elevated serum triglyceride concentration
Authors: JIANG Chong Yi , HAN Tian Quan , FENG Fei Ling , KONG Lei , CAI Xing Xing , ZHANG Sheng Dao 
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients with elevated serum triglyceride (TG) concentration.METHODS:  Ninety‐nine cases of AP admitted from January 2000 to January 2002 were analyzed: 28 cases comprised the TG‐elevated group (serum TG >1.7 mmol/L) and 71 cases were the TG‐normal group (serum TG ≤1.7 mmol/L).RESULTS:  The AP patients with elevated serum TG accounted for 11.3% (9/80) of all AP cases during the study period. Pulmonary, cardiovascular and renal dysfunction within 72 h of onset of AP were all higher in the TG‐elevated group than in the group with normal TG (25.0% vs 1.4%; 17.9% vs 1.4%; 14.3% vs 1.4%, respectively; P < 0.05). The incidence of pancreatic pseudocyst was 53.6% and 4.2%, respectively, in the group with elevated TG and in the group with normal TG (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:  Patients with AP and elevated serum TG concentration have organ dysfunction at an earlier stage and increased local complications. Non‐surgical therapy was common for the majority of these patients.
Should we eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection in patients receiving nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or low‐dose aspirin?
Authors: CHAN Francis KL 
Published: January 2005

Whether Helicobacter pylori infection alters the risk of ulcer disease in patients receiving nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or low‐dose aspirin is one of the most controversial topics in peptic ulcer research. This is an important management issue, particularly in countries where peptic ulcer disease is common and the prevalence of H. pylori infection is high. Current evidence shows that H. pylori infection increases the ulcer risk associated with NSAIDs or low‐dose aspirin. Eradication of H. pylori reduces the subsequent risk of endoscopic and complicated ulcers in patients who are about to start long‐term NSAIDs. Among patients with H. pylori infection and a history of ulcer bleeding who continue to use low‐dose aspirin, 1 week of eradication therapy prevents recurrent ulcer bleeding. Failure of eradication and concomitant use of NSAIDs, however, account for most cases of recurrent bleeding with low‐dose aspirin. The apparent protective effect of H. pylori in long‐term NSAIDs users reported in some studies was actually the weeding out of susceptible patients who were intolerant to NSAIDs. There is no convincing evidence that eradication of H. pylori has any clinically important adverse effect on the healing and prevention of ulcers in NSAIDs users.
A new statistical approach for assessing similarity of species composition with incidence and abundance data
Authors: Chao Anne , Chazdon Robin L. , Colwell Robert K. , Shen Tsung‐Jen 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe classic Jaccard and Sørensen indices of compositional similarity (and other indices that depend upon the same variables) are notoriously sensitive to sample size, especially for assemblages with numerous rare species. Further, because these indices are based solely on presence–absence data, accurate estimators for them are unattainable. We provide a probabilistic derivation for the classic, incidence‐based forms of these indices and extend this approach to formulate new Jaccard‐type or Sørensen‐type indices based on species abundance data. We then propose estimators for these indices that include the effect of unseen shared species, based on either (replicated) incidence‐ or abundance‐based sample data. In sampling simulations, these new estimators prove to be considerably less biased than classic indices when a substantial proportion of species are missing from samples. Based on species‐rich empirical datasets, we show how incorporating the effect of unseen shared species not only increases accuracy but also can change the interpretation of results.
Predator effects on herbivore and plant stability
Authors: Halpern Benjamin S. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Seabloom Eric W. , Shurin Jonathan B. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractHumans are rapidly altering the diversity and composition of ecological communities by accelerating rates of species extinctions and introductions. These changes in diversity are not random and disproportionately involve the addition or extinction of predators. Theoretical and microcosm studies suggest predator removal may either increase or decrease ecosystem stability. Here we test whether the addition or removal of predators affects aggregate biomass stability in 40 experiments carried out in six different ecosystems. Predators did not alter the temporal variability of autotroph biomass, but significantly destabilized herbivore biomass. The effects of predators on herbivore biomass stability varied significantly among ecosystems, with benthic and pelagic lake systems showing the greatest shifts. Consequently, the addition of predators to communities, as occurs in many conservation efforts, biological control programmes and species introductions, may lead to more variable system dynamics.
Effects of a belowground mutualism on an aboveground mutualism
Authors: Wolfe Benjamin E. , Husband Brian C. , Klironomos John N. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractStudies of multitrophic interactions between below‐ and aboveground communities have generally focused on soil organisms and antagonists of plant shoots and leaves (herbivores). Despite the widespread occurrence of plant mutualists below‐ and aboveground which can occur on the same host plant, the potential for interactions between them has not been considered. Here we demonstrate that aboveground plant mutualists, insect pollinators, are strongly influenced by belowground plant mutualists, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the roots ofChamerion angustifoliumincreased pollinator visitation and per cent seed set of this plant in the field by up to two times compared with non‐mycorrhizal plants. We propose that interactions between belowground and aboveground mutualisms are widespread and may play important functional roles in populations and communities.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Individual versus Group Psychotherapy for Sexually Abused Girls
Authors: McCrone Paul , Weeramanthri Tara , Knapp Martin , Rushton Alan , Trowell Judith , Miles Gillian , Kolvin Israel 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Children who have been sexually abused may suffer from emotional and behavioural difficulties. Recent research found that individual and group psychotherapy have similar outcomes. In this study we compare the costs and cost‐effectiveness of the two therapies and support for carers.Methods:  Subjects were recruited to two clinics in London and randomly allocated to the two treatments. The different components of each intervention were identified and costed.Results:  Total mean costs of individual therapy were found to be £1246 greater than for group therapy. Costs as they would apply in routine practice were relatively unchanged. Group therapy was thus more cost‐effective than individual therapy.Discussion:  Carefully considering the impact of different therapies could allow more treatment to be offered from available staff resources and budgets. However, this is a single small study and further work is required to strengthen the evidence‐base before change in practice is readily undertaken.
Initial Home Health Outcomes under Prospective Payment
Authors: Schlenker Robert E. , Powell Martha C. , Goodrich Glenn K. 
Published: January 2005

Objective. To assess initial changes in home health patient outcomes under Medicare's home health Prospective Payment System (PPS), implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in October 2000.Data Sources/Study Setting. Pre‐PPS and early PPS data were obtained from CMS Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and Medicare claims files.Study Design. Regression analysis was applied to national random samples (n=164,810) to estimate pre‐PPS/PPS outcome and visit‐per‐episode changes.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Outcome episodes were constructed from OASIS data and linked with Medicare claims data on visits.Principal Findings. Outcome changes (risk adjusted) were mixed and generally modest. Favorable changes included higher improvement rates under PPS for functioning and dyspnea, higher community discharge rates, and lower hospitalization and emergent care rates. Most stabilization (nonworsening) outcome rates also increased. However, improvement rates were lower under PPS for wounds, incontinence, and cognitive and emotional/behavioral outcomes. Total visits per episode (case‐mix adjusted) declined 16.6 percent although therapy visits increased by 8.4 percent.Conclusions. The outcome and visit results suggest improved system efficiency under PPS (fewer visits, similar outcomes). However, declines in several improvement rates merit ongoing monitoring, as do subsequent (posthome health) hospitalization and emergent care use. Since only the early PPS period was examined, longer‐term analyses are needed.