bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum surfactant protein D is elevated in allergic patients
Authors: Koopmans J. G. , Van Der Zee J. S. , Krop E. J. M. , Lopuhaä C. E. , Jansen H. M. , Batenburg J. J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground
There is evidence that surfactant protein (SP)‐D is important in the innate, as well as in the adaptive pulmonary immune response. Serum concentrations of SP‐D have been proposed as parameter of the integrity of the blood–airspace barrier in interstitial lung diseases. We hypothesized that serum SP‐D concentrations are affected in allergic patients and correlate with changes in allergic airway inflammation.Objective
To determine levels of serum SP‐D in allergic patients compared with non‐allergic controls. Furthermore, to investigate associations between serum SP‐D concentrations on the one hand and changes in commonly used markers of bronchial inflammation in allergic airways disease on the other hand.Materials and methods
Fifty allergic patients were studied and bronchial allergen challenge was used as a model to increase bronchial allergic inflammation in these patients. Serum SP‐D concentrations, inflammatory parameters in induced sputum and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) were determined before and after allergen challenge. Twenty‐five non‐allergic volunteers served as controls.Results
Baseline serum SP‐D was significantly higher in allergic patients as compared with controls (mean serum SP‐D concentration (95% confidence interval): 62.7 (55.5, 70.0) in allergic patients vs. 49.5 (36.7, 62.3) ng/mL in non‐allergic controls, P=0.006). In addition, baseline serum SP‐D appeared to be an independent predictor for the magnitude of the late asthmatic response after allergen challenge. Furthermore, serum SP‐D was predictive for the sputum eosinophil cationic protein concentration after allergen challenge.Conclusion
We propose that serum SP‐D concentrations are associated with allergic bronchial inflammation and may give additional information, beside BHR and sputum eosinophils, about the degree of bronchial inflammation in allergic patients.
Mothers of very low birth weight infants have less atopy than mothers of full‐term infants
Authors: Savilahti E. , Siltanen M. , Pekkanen J. , Kajosaari M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground
Studies on the pregnancy outcome of asthmatic mothers have suggested an increased rate of preterm deliveries. In contrast, our earlier study suggests that mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1500 g) infants less frequently had atopy than did mothers of full‐term infants.Methods
We inquired about symptoms of atopy and doctor‐diagnosed atopy in parents of 370 infants of VLBW (<1500 g) and 544 parents of full‐term infants. Odds ratios for atopic symptoms and diagnosed atopy were calculated, and groups were compared with a trend test.Results
Mothers of preterm infants of birth weight (BW) <1000 g significantly less often had physician‐diagnosed allergic rhinitis (AR) (P=0.02). Among all the mothers, a trend test showed that maternal AR was significantly (P=0.03) higher in parallel with a higher infant BW. Fathers of infants with different BWs showed no differences in prevalence of atopic symptoms.Conclusion
We thus infer that maternal balance between T‐helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells, shifted towards Th2 in those with AR, may have a favourable effect on maintenance of pregnancy before gestational week 30.
Suppressive activity of fexofenadine hydrochloride on metalloproteinase production from nasal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Asano K. , Kanai K.‐I. , Suzaki H. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease characterized by nasal wall remodelling with intense infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells/basophils. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, are the major proteolytic enzymes that induce airway remodelling. These enzymes are also important in the migration of inflammatory cells through basement membrane components.Objective
We evaluated whether fexofenadine hydrochloride (FEX), the carboxylic acid metabolite of terfenadine with selective H1‐receptor antagonist activity, could inhibit MMP production from nasal fibroblasts (NFs) in response to TNF‐α stimulation in vitro.Methods
NFs were established from nasal polyp‐derived fibroblasts (PFs) taken from patients with AR. Nasal mucosal fibroblasts (MFs) were also induced from nasal mucosal tissues from septal deformity patients without allergy. PF and MF (2 × 105 cells/mL, each) were stimulated with TNF‐α in the presence of various concentrations of FEX. After 24 h, culture supernatants were obtained and assayed for MMP‐2, MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and TIMP‐2 levels by ELISA. The influence of FEX on mRNA expression of MMPs and TIMPs in 4 h‐cultured cells was also evaluated by real‐time RT‐PCR. Furthermore, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation in fibroblasts treated with FEX for 4 h was examined by ELISA.Results
FEX at more than 350 ng/mL inhibited the production of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 from both PF and MF in response to TNF‐α stimulation, whereas TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 production was scarcely affected by FEX. FEX also inhibited MMP mRNA expression and NF‐κB activation in PF and MF after TNF‐α stimulation.Conclusion
The present data suggest that the attenuating effect of FEX on MMP‐2 and ‐9 production from NFs induced by inflammatory stimulation may underlie the therapeutic mode of action of the agent on allergic diseases, including AR.
The effectiveness of intranasal corticosteroids in combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome
Authors: Taramarcaz P. , Gibson P. G. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma often coexist and may represent two manifestations of the same disease recently named combined AR and asthma syndrome (CARAS).Aim
To review the common pathophysiology of combined AR and asthma and to investigate the efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS).Methods
Medline was used to identify articles relevant to mechanisms. A Cochrane systematic review was performed to assess the efficacy of INCS in CARAS.Results
There is cross‐talk, evidence of a common inflammatory response in both sites, linked by a systemic component. The efficacy of anti‐inflammatory INCS on asthma outcomes was assessed in a systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 425 subjects. After INCS there were non‐significant trends for improvement in asthma symptom score (standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.61; P=0.07), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (SMD of 0.31; P=0.08), and morning peak expiratory flow (weighted mean difference of 36.51; P=0.06). There was no impact on methacholine airways responsiveness (SMD of −0.20; P=0.4). The review identified two promising new treatment options in united airway disease such as INCS as monotherapy in rhinitis and mild asthma, and a combined intranasal and intrabronchial corticosteroid (IBCS) deposition technique.Conclusion
Common mucosal inflammatory responses occur in CARAS. This systematic review shows trends for a benefit of INCS in CARAS, but recognizes that more research is needed. At this stage, the current best practice is to treat asthma conventionally with IBCS with or without β2‐agonist and to add INCS to improve specific rhinitis symptoms.
Effectiveness of different techniques for removing gutta‐percha during retreatment
Authors: Masiero A. V. , Barletta F. B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim  To evaluate the effectiveness of various techniques for removing filling material from root canals in vitro.Methodology  Eighty extracted mandibular premolar teeth were selected for the study. The teeth were root filled using thermomechanical compaction of gutta‐percha. After 8 months, the filling material was removed and canals were reinstrumented using the following techniques: group I – hand instrumentation with K‐type files (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA); group II – K3 Endo System (SybronEndo); group III – M4 system (SybronEndo) with K‐type files (SybronEndo); and group IV – Endo‐gripper system (Moyco Union Broach, York, PA, USA) with K‐type files (SybronEndo). The amount of filling debris remaining on root canal walls was assessed radiographically; the images were digitized and analysed using AutoCAD 2000 software. Total canal area, area of the cervical, middle and apical thirds, and area of remaining filling material were outlined by one operator. The ratios between these areas were calculated as percentages of remaining debris. Thereafter, data were analysed by means of one‐way anova and the post‐hoc Duncan test to identify differences between the four techniques.Results  Multiple comparisons of the percentages of remaining filling material in the entire canal did not reveal any significant differences between the methods of removal. However, when each third was analysed separately, significant differences for remaining debris were present between groups. The apical third had the most remaining material, whilst the cervical and middle thirds were significantly cleaner (P = 0.002). Comparison of the techniques revealed that teeth instrumented with K3 rotary instruments had a lower ratio of remaining filling material in the apical third (P = 0.012).Conclusion  In the apical third, K3 rotary instruments were more efficient in removing gutta‐percha filling material than the other techniques, which were equally effective for the other thirds.
An in vitro evaluation of the ability of ozone to kill a strain of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Hems R. S. , Gulabivala K. , Ng Y.‐L. , Ready D. , Spratt D. A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim  To evaluate the potential of ozone as an antibacterial agent using Enterococcus faecalis as the test species.Methodology  Ozone was produced by a custom‐made bench top generator and its solubility in water determined by ultraviolet (258 nm) spectrophotometric analysis of solutions through which ozone was sparged for various time‐periods. The antibacterial efficacy of ozone was tested against both broth and biofilm cultures. Ozone was sparged for 30, 60, 120 and 240 s, through overnight broth cultures of a strain of E. faecalis (E78.2) and compared with those that were centrifuged, washed and resuspended in water. Enterococcus faecalis (E78.2) biofilms were grown on cellulose nitrate membrane filters for 48 h and suspended in water through which ozone gas was sparged with stirring for 60, 120 and 240 s in a standard fashion. In a separate test, biofilms were also exposed to gaseous ozone. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was used as a positive control. All experiments were repeated four times.Results  There were significant (P < 0.05) reductions of bacteria in the unwashed (2 log10 reductions) and washed (5 log10 reductions) broth cultures following 240 s applications. Biofilms incubated for 240 s with ozonated water showed no significant reduction in cell viability attributable to ozone alone, whereas with NaOCl no viable cells were detected over the same time. Gaseous ozone applied for 300 s had no effect on these biofilms.Conclusions  Ozone had an antibacterial effect on planktonic E. faecalis cells and those suspended in fluid, but little effect when embedded in biofilms. Its antibacterial efficacy was not comparable with that of NaOCl under the test conditions used.
Reference values for clinical chemistry and clinical hematology parameters in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Schuurman Henk‐Jan , Smith Harold T 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  In vivo xenotransplantation modeling in large animal species is often performed in nonhuman primates, including baboons. For proper data interpretation, reference values for clinical chemistry and hematology are required.Methods:  These values are available from baseline levels in animals subjected to tolerability/pharmacokinetic studies. For each individual study two tests for clinical chemistry and hematology were performed before the start of treatment.Results and conclusion:  Baseline levels were determined in 27 males and 15 females, in total 106 determinations (53 in males, and 53 in females). For a number of parameters levels in cynomolgus monkeys show clear differences from those in baboons. These data are reported here to provide baseline values for veterinarians and investigators using nonhuman primates in experimental studies.
Pre‐transplant blood transfusion and cyclosporin A induce long‐term hamster cardiac xenograft survival in immunocompetent rats
Authors: Vriens Patrick W. , Stoot Jan H. , van der Steenhoven Tim J. , Hoyt Grant , Bouwman Eelco , Robbins Robert C. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  In previous studies we have shown that pre‐transplant hamster blood transfusion (HBT) can induce non‐responsiveness in the T cell independent immunecompartment and result in tolerance towards hamster cardiac xenografts (Xgs) in T cell deficient athymic nude rats. In this study we test the combination of pre‐transplant HBT with cyclosporin A (CSA) in immunocompetent Lewis rats.Methods:  Before transplantation of a hamster cardiac Xg, 1 ml hamster blood was administered to nude rats or Lewis rats. CSA dissolved in olive oil was given orally at varying doses. Anti‐hamster antibodies were measured by flowcytometry.Results:  In nude rats HBT 3 days before transplantation resulted in 100% long‐term survival >100 days (n = 9). In Lewis rats, HBT resulted in hyperacute rejection (HAR) (n = 6). Treatment of nude rats with CSA at doses varying from five to 20 mg/kg/day and treatment of Lewis rats with CSA five or 10 mg/kg/day did not effect Xg survival. However, treatment of Lewis rats with CSA 20 mg/kg/day led to long‐term survival of five of nine Xgs (p < 0.01). Combination of HBT with CSA 10 mg/kg/day in Lewis rats resulted in long‐term survival of four of seven Xgs. HBT and CSA 20 mg/kg/day resulted in 100% long‐term survival (n = 9). Immunoglobulin M (IgM) increased after HBT and CSA in these Lewis rats, but decreased after transplantation and remained low over time. When CSA was discontinued, IgM increased and Xgs were rejected (n = 3).Conclusions:  This study confirms that pre‐transplant HBT results in long‐term survival of hamster cardiac Xgs in nude rats. HBT and CSA have strong synergistic effects in immunocompetent Lewis rats. Combination of HBT with CSA treatment leads to long‐term Xg survival in Lewis rats, whereas HBT alone results in HAR. The presence of T cells has a dominant influence on Xg survival after pre‐transplant blood transfusion.
Scintigraphic findings in synovial sarcoma with structural correlation
Authors: Mackie GC , Schlicht SM 
Published: December 2004

SummarySynovial sarcoma is a relatively rare malignant soft tissue tumour. It is highly aggressive, tends to occur in young adults and has a poor prognosis. The scintigraphic findings in 10 patients with histopathologically proven synovial sarcoma were reviewed. Most of the lesions occurred in the extremities and intense uptake of thallium was observed on 30‐min and 4‐h imaging in almost all cases. Thallium has an important role in the detection of possible metastatic disease and in monitoring response to therapy. The scintigraphic features of synovial sarcoma are presented and correlated with the radiographic findings.
Quality improvement through teleradiology: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Tie M , Koczwara B 
Published: December 2004

SummaryTeleradiology is rapidly establishing its presence as an effective solution to the problem of provision of radiological services in remote locations. Although significant effort has been put into the development and establishment of quality assurance (QA) processes required for the implementation and conduct of this new technology, little attention has been given to the possible use of teleradiology in enhancing quality and safety of radiological practice, and as an alternative to conventional quality improvement (QI) initiatives. This paper critically evaluates teleradiology from the point of view of its potential use in QA/QI and considers its possible advantages as well as limitations. Considering the unique features of teleradiology such as remote access that can be simultaneous at multiple sites, rapid transfer of information and computerized data storage as well as good reproducibility and reliability of data, the authors argue that teleradiology represents an ideal tool which can not only be equivalent to other methods of QA in radiology but in some instances may be superior to them.
Clinical verification of the superiority of the current International Union Against Cancer staging criteria in an Australian population of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Corry J , Fisher R , Rischin D , Porceddu S , Peters LJ 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to assess the prognostic abilities of the fourth and fifth edition International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging systems for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Australian patients. All patients planned for curative treatment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre from April 1985 to December 1999 were included in this study. There were 181 patients eligible for this study. The median follow up was 7.6 years. Histological subgroups were World Health Organization (WHO) 1 (23), WHO 2 (12), and WHO 3 (146). Presentation with stage IV disease was 83% by UICC fourth edition staging and 34% by UICC fifth edition staging. The 5 years failure‐free survival (FFS) rates for stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 disease by the fourth edition was 77, 100, 93, and 49% respectively,and by the fifth edition was 85, 76, 57 and 36%, respectively. The 5 years overall survival (OS) for stage 1, 2, 3, and 4 disease by the fourth edition was 77, 100, 100 and 61%; respectively, and by the fifth edition was 85, 82, 67 and 53%, respectively. Stage 4 patients by the fourth edition were reclassified as stages 2, 3 and 4 by the fifth edition with hazard ratios of 0.77, 1.01 and 1.79, respectively. In multifactor analysis, the fifth edition staging system was significantly related to FFS and OS after allowing for the fourth edition (FFS: P = 0.002; OS: P = 0.005), but the fourth edition was not significantly related to FFS or OS after allowing for the fifth edition (FFS: P = 0.96; OS: P = 0.96). This study confirms the prognostic superiority of the fifth edition UICC staging system over the fourth edition staging system in an Australian NPC population.
Acute presentations of renal artery stenosis in three patients with a solitary functioning kidney
Authors: Pun E , Dowling RJ , Mitchell PJ 
Published: December 2004

SummaryRenal artery stenosis can present uncommonly in the acute state as flash pulmonary oedema and hypertensive encephalopathy. We present three such cases in patients with a solitary functioning kidney, with successful management via renal artery angioplasty and stent insertion.
Ultrasonic fetal size measurements in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Schluter PJ , Pritchard G , Gill MA 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper was to construct population‐specific charts of fetal biometry for 11−41 weeks gestation in relation to known gestational age from a large population of normal Australian pregnancies when examination is performed to a standard protocol by experienced operators. All consenting eligible women attending a large Brisbane clinic between January 1993 and April 2003 were recruited. Menstrual history was taken prior to examination. Measurements were performed to a standard protocol. Prospective assessment was made about the association between gestational age from the last menstrual period and biometry. Exclusion principles were applied. Statistical analyses were performed using polynomial regression models and thorough diagnostic checks were undertaken. Included within the study were separate scans for 20 555 pregnancies from 17 660 women. Equations, means and 95th reference intervals were derived and reported for the following sonographic measurements: biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL). Population‐specific regression equations for BPD, HC, AC and FL have been proposed for Australian pregnancies. Once validated by others, we believe they will warrant consideration for adoption by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine.
‘Social Exclusion’ Discourse and Chronic Poverty: A South African Case Study
Authors: Du Toit Andries 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis article questions the export of ‘social exclusion’ discourse to the field of development and poverty studies. It considers the findings of ongoing research into chronic poverty in the Western Cape district of Ceres, one of the centres of the South African deciduous fruit export industry. It explores the links between the livelihood options of poor people and processes of global integration, agro‐food restructuring and the modernization of paternalist farming styles. In this context the concept of ‘social exclusion’ is of only limited utility, and has significant disadvantages. Although it has the potential to focus attention on the disabling effects of poverty, its most common usage often fails to capture how poverty can flow not only from exclusion but also from processes of integration into broader economic and social networks. The author argues that these are better captured by the notion of ‘adverse incorporation’, and calls for a more cautious approach to the modernizing myths and moralizing narratives that shape policy debates.
COMPARISON OF FEATURE SIGNIFICANCE QUANTILE APPROXIMATIONS
Authors: Salganik M.P. , Wand M.P. , Lange N. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryCurve estimates and surface estimates often contain features such as inclines, bumps or ridges which may signify an underlying structural mechanism. However, spurious features are also a common occurrence and it is important to identify those features that are statistically significant. A method has been developed recently for recognising feature significance based on the derivatives of the function estimate. It requires simultaneous confidence intervals and tests, which in turn require quantiles for the maximal deviation statistics. This paper reviews and compares various approximations to these quantiles. Applying upcrossing‐probability theory to this problem yields better quantile approximations than the use of an independent blocks method.
PERFORMANCE OF A LOCALIZED TREE SPLITTING CRITERION IN TREE AVERAGING
Authors: Bremner Alexandra P. , Taplin Ross H. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis paper explores the performance of the local splitting criterion devised by Bremner & Taplin for classification and regression trees when multiple trees are averaged to improve performance. The criterion is compared with the deviance used by Clark & Pregibon's method, which is a global splitting criterion typically used to grow trees. The paper considers multiple trees generated by randomly selecting splits with probability proportional to the likelihood for the split, and by bagging where bootstrap samples from the data are used to grow trees. The superiority of the localized splitting criterion often persists when multiple trees are grown and averaged for six datasets.Tree averaging is known to be advantageous when the trees being averaged produce different predictions, and this can be achieved by choosing splits where the splitting criterion is locally optimal. The paper shows that use of locally optimal splits gives promising results in conjunction with both local and global splitting criteria, and with and without random selection of splits. The paper also extends the local splitting criterion to accommodate categorical predictors.