bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperparasitic Stagonospora sp. on Botryosphaeria stevensii
Authors: Vajna L. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAn unknown fungus, Stagonospora sp., has been found on and in stromata of Botryosphaeria stevensii Shoemaker anamorph (Diplodia mutila Fr. & Mont.) and Diatrypella quercina (Persoon) Nitschke. Microscopic investigations indicated that the fungus might be a hyperparasite of some ascomycetous fungi, necrotrophs or weak parasites on sessile oak [Quercus petraea] and turkey oak (Quercus cerris). Dual culture studies carried out with monoconidial isolates of Stagonospora sp. and B. stevensii have demonstrated that Stagonospora sp. is a necrotrophic mycoparasite which might suppress, to some extent, the natural population of B. stevensii. Botryosphaeria stevensii is one of the biotic factors causing oak decline. Morphology of the fungus and symptoms of mycoparasitic interaction are described. Stagonospora sp. found in Hungary is assumed to be identical with hyperparasitic Stagonospora sp. reported from Germany and Austria as parasite of Ascodichaena rugosa and Ascodichaena mexicana in Mexico. This is the first record of hyperparasitic Stagonospora sp. of B. stevensii and D. quercina.
Increases in peritoneal small solute transport in the first month of peritoneal dialysis predict technique survival
Authors: WIGGINS KATHRYN J , BLIZZARD SOPHIE , ARNDT MARY , O'SHEA AMANDA , WATT RHONDA , HAMILTON JAN , COTTINGHAM SHARON , CAMPBELL SCOTT B , ISBEL NICOLE M , JOHNSON DAVID W 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Peritoneal transport of small solutes generally increases during the first month of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the ability of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET), carried out 1 and 4 weeks after the commencement of PD, to predict subsequent technique survival.Methods:  Fifty consecutive patients commencing PD at the Princess Alexandra Hospital between 1 February 2001 and 31 May 2003 participated in the study. Paired 1 week and 1 month PET data were collated and correlated with subsequent technique survival.Results:  A significant increase was observed in the dialysate : plasma creatinine ratio at 4 h (D/P Cr) between 1 and 4 weeks after the onset of PD (0.55 ± 0.12 vs 0.66 ± 0.11, P < 0.001). Mean death‐censored technique survival was superior in patients who experienced ≥20% rise in D/P Cr during the first month of PD compared with those who did not (2.3 ± 0.2 vs 1.6 ± 0.2 years, P < 0.05). Using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis, the significant independent predictors of death‐censored technique survival were an increase in D/P Cr of greater than 20% during the first month (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.75), the absence of diabetes mellitus, the absence of ischaemic heart disease, body mass index and baseline peritoneal creatinine clearance.Conclusions:  A 20% or greater rise in D/P Cr during the first month of commencing PD is independently predictive of PD technique survival. Further investigations of the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are warranted.
QTc interval and QTc dispersion during haemodiafiltration
Authors: FLOCCARI FULVIO , ALOISI EMANUELE , NOSTRO LORENA , CACCAMO CHIARA , CRISAFULLI ALESSANDRA , BARILLÀ ANTONIO , ALOISI CARMELA , ROMEO ADOLFO , CORICA FRANCESCO , IENTILE RICCARDO , FRISINA NICOLA , BUEMI MICHELE 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:Background and Aim:  Our aim was to evaluate QTc interval and QTc dispersion in 27 end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing Acetate Free Biofiltration (AFB) in order to ascertain any correlations between the electrrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, serum Na+, K+, Ca++, Mg++ and intraerythrocytic Mg++ (Mg++e) concentrations. All measures were made at t0 (session beginning), t1 (first hour), t2 (second hour), t3 (third hour), and t4 (session end).Results:  Blood pressure, heart rate, bodyweight and total ultrafiltration in the three dialysis sessions were constant. A significant progressive increase occurred in serum Ca++ during the sessions, while there was a significant diminution in serum K+. The pattern for Mg++ concentrations in serum and erythrocytes differed: in serum it decreased, whereas Mg++e increased. At t4, the QTc interval was reduced to a significant extent with respect to the baseline value. QTc dispersion significantly increased at t1 without there being significant variations at other times with respect to t0. At t2, t3 and t4, values promptly returned to baseline levels. QTc had a negative correlation with serum Ca++ levels at t4. In contrast, an inverse correlation was found between QTc dispersion and serum K+ at t1. No other correlations could be found between any other electrolytes, QTc interval or QTc dispersion.Conclusion:  In conclusion, the decrease observed in the QTc interval at the end of an AFB session was inversely related to serum Ca++ concentrations. Moreover, an increase in QTc dispersion occurred during the first hour of the session, and was negatively correlated with serum K+.
Switchover to generic cyclosporine in stable renal transplant recipients: A single unit experience
Authors: TALAULIKAR GIRISH S , GALLAGHER MARTIN P , CARNEY GAVIN M , JADEER ASAD A , FALK MICHAEL C , HIREMAGALUR BALAJI 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:Background: The introduction of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine has significantly improved renal transplant survival. It is an expensive drug and generic alternatives may offer cost advantages. However, generic alternatives must be shown to provide equivalent therapeutic efficacy and safety. This study reports our experience of a switch from the microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine, Neoral (Novartis), to the generic equivalent, Cysporin (Mayne Pharma).Method: A two‐period, single‐sequence, cross‐over study was done to compare cyclosporine blood levels and the area under the curve (AUC) of Neoral with Cysporin 2 weeks after a 1:1 dose switch. cyclosporine blood levels were measured at time points 0, 2, 4 and 8 h (C0, C2, C4, C8) after the switch. The cyclosporine AUC at 0–4 h and 0–12 h were calculated using the trapezoidal method. The two formulations were considered to result in equivalent blood levels if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the ratio of the two levels was within 0.8–1.25.Results and Conclusion: A total of 38 stable renal transplant patients aged 49.79 ± 11.38 years (mean ± SD), who were 7.84 ± 3.97 years postrenal transplantation, were studied. The Neoral dose at the time of the switch was 2.38 ± 1.21 mg per kg bodyweight. At all measured time points the 95% CI for the cyclosporine drug level ratio was between 0.9 and 1.15. There were no significant adverse events during the period of study. We conclude that the generic formulation of cylosporin, Cysporin, after a 1:1 switch from Neoral results in equivalent blood levels in stable renal transplant recipients. After switchover cyclosporine levels at C0 or C2 can continue to be monitored as per the institution's current monitoring practice.
Better medication management for Aboriginal people with mental health disorders: a survey of providers
Authors: Kowanko Inge , Crespigny Charlotte de , Murray Helen , Groenkjaer Mette , Emden Carolyn 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective:  To explore the experiences and training needs of service providers in relation to medication management for Aboriginal people with mental health disorders. Design:  Survey Setting:  Aboriginal and mainstream health and human service organisations in metropolitan, rural and remote South Australia. Subjects:  Aboriginal health workers, nurses, mental health workers, substance misuse workers, managers, liaison officers, social workers, police, pharmacists, general practitioners, community workers, counsellors, paramedics, educators, family support workers and others. Results:  The major health service issues for Aboriginal people with mental health disorders and their carers are related to access to, and availability and appropriateness of services. Quality use of medications by Aboriginal clients is influenced by drug and alcohol misuse, cost, compliance, feelings about the value of medicines, sharing of medications and unwanted side‐effects. Many workers providing services to Aboriginal people with mental health disorders lack adequate training and/or resources on mental health and safe medication management; yet, are required to provide advice or assistance on these matters. Conclusions:  The survey provides new, reliable evidence relevant to mental health services and medication management for South Australian Aboriginal people. It highlights the major issues impacting on quality of care and service provision, demonstrates the wide range of health and allied workers providing medication advice and assistance to Aboriginal people, and reveals workforce development needs. What is already known:   Statistics show the general health status and life expectancy of Australian Aboriginal people are markedly lower than the non‐Aboriginal population. Mental health disorders are pervasive, especially related to alcohol and other drugs. Despite numerous health‐related studies, very little has been documented about medication management for Aboriginal people with mental health disorders. What this study adds:  Health and social service workers revealed major issues impacting on medication management for Aboriginal people with mental health disorders in urban, rural and remote regions of South Australia. These included racism, problems with alcohol and other drug use, money and transport issues, availability and access to a range of specialist services, and confidentiality and suitability of services. The wide range of backgrounds and occupations of people involved with medicines has been revealed, together with their urgent need for education on cultural safety, mental health, and the safe handling, transport, storage and administration of medicines.
Safety and efficacy of acellular pertussis vaccine in Japan, evaluated by 23 years of its use for routine immunization
Authors: Kuno‐Sakai Harumi , Kimura Mikio 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Real evaluation of any vaccine can only be done after the vaccine has been in routine use for a substantially long period of time. In Japan, acellular pertussis vaccine was introduced and totally replaced whole cell pertussis vaccine in 1981. From 1982 to 1988 40.3 million doses of acellular pertussis vaccine were given to 2‐year‐olds and from 1989 to 2001 59.3 million doses of acellular pertussis vaccine were given to 3‐month‐olds. It is now time to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acellular pertussis vaccine by the use of national data officially supplied by the Government.
Methods
: Government national surveillance of pertussis, which began in 1981, was used to analyze epidemiology of pertussis. Official Government reports on acceptance rates of pertussis were analyzed. A peer review has been made on all severe neurological illnesses/death occurring after pertussis immunization which have been applied for through the Vaccine Injury Compensation System, Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare, Japan.
Results
: High acceptance rates of acellular pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DTaP) has been maintained and a dramatic decrease in pertussis was noted over the past 23 years. Neurological illnesses temporally associated both with whole cell and with acellular pertussis vaccination has been a rare phenomenon. However, incidences of encephalopathy/encephalitis and status epileptics/frequent convulsions, febrile seizures/provocation of convulsions, and sudden deaths were significantly lower with acellular pertussis vaccination than with whole cell pertussis vaccination.
Conclusion
: With the use of acellular pertussis vaccine which has been accepted by the public, pertussis has been well controlled in Japan.
Tc‐99m‐HMPAO SPECT in the diagnosis of brain death in children
Authors: Okuyaz Çetİn , Gücüyener Kivilcim , Karabacak NeŞe İlgİn , AydIn KürŞad , SerdaroĞlu AyŞe , Cingi Elİf 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: The diagnosis of brain death is based on both clinical and laboratory findings. However, diagnosis of brain death is still contentious and reliable tests are required. Early recognition and declaration of the diagnosis is the main goal, which is important for discontinuation of life support and organ donation for transplantation. In order to achieve this goal, competent diagnostic procedures should be performed. In this paper the authors review the diagnosis of brain death in eight children from different age groups, with an emphasis on factors concerning the reliability, use and appropriate application time of Tc‐99m‐HMPAO single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in early diagnosis in infants and newborns.
Methods
: Eight patients who fulfilled the clinical criteria of brain death underwent Tc‐99m HMPAO SPECT and electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring.
Results
: All patients had electrocerebral silence on EEG recordings. Six patients showed lack of perfusion in cerebrum in their first SPECT, however, newborns needed a second image for a confirmed diagnosis.
Conclusion
: In infants, SPECT has a high reliability for confirmed diagnosis of brain death; however, in newborns the application time is important for an accurate diagnosis.
Patients with benign rolandic epilepsy have a longer duration of somatosensory evoked high‐frequency oscillations
Authors: Kubota Masaya , Tran Tuan Diep , Hirose Hiroyuki , Kimura Ikumi , Sakakihara Yoichi 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: High‐frequency oscillations (HFO) ranging between 300–900 Hz have been shown to be superimposed on an early component of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) to median nerve stimulation in humans. Although the HFO are speculated to be a localized activity of the GABAergic inhibitory interneurons, the significance in the epileptogenicity remains unclear. The authors of this study analyzed HFO using magnetoencephalography in patients with benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) to clarify the neurophysio‐logical basis of rolandic discharges (RD).
Methods
: Nine patients with BRE and six patients with other epileptic syndrome (non‐BRE) participated in the study. Somatosensory evoked fields (SEF) including HFO to median nerve stimulation were measured in a magnetically shielded room with a 37‐channel neuromagnetometer.
Results
: Two kinds of HFO, 300Hz‐ and 600Hz‐HFO, were identified and the duration of the HFO in patients with BRE was significantly longer than that in patients with non‐BRE.
Conclusions
: The results suggest that the longer part of HFO (P30m‐related) is closely related to the pathogenesis of RD and that the longer HFO in patients with BRE might be mediated by altered GABAergic inhibition modulated by the cholinergic system.
Dynamic movement of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol and peripheral circulation in massive hepatic cell injury
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshinori , Mori Masaaki , Naruto Takuya , Kobayashi Naoki , Sugai Toshiyuki , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Yokota Shumpei 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: In the process of apoptosis, it is known that the transition of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol occurs, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is one of the molecules responsible for this event. But in the state of hypercytokine induced by d‐galactosamine (D‐GaIN)/Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the localization of cytochrome c is little known.
Methods
: Rats were administrated with D‐GaIN(700 mg/kg)/LPS(200 µg/kg). Blood and tissue samples were collected and examined for levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, the apoptosis of liver cells, and the localization of cytochrome c.
Result
: Before administration of D‐GaIN/LPS, cytochrome c was definitely localized in the mitochondria. At 2 h after simultaneous administration of D‐GaIN/LPS, cytochrome c had accumulated in the cytosol following abrupt increases of plasma TNF‐α. Massive cell destruction due to apoptosis proved by Terminal deoxynucleo­tidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining was observed in liver tissue 4 h later and markedly increased levels of cytochrome c were detected in the plasma 12 h after D‐GaIN/LPS administration.
Conclusion
: Liver injury induced by simultaneous administration of D‐GaIN/LPS was closely associated with the production of TNF‐α, and also with the dynamic movement of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol, and then into the systemic circulation. The detection of plasma cytochrome c levels may be a useful clinical tool for the detection of apoptosis in vivo.
Celiac disease with various presentations
Authors: Doganci Tumay , Bozkurt Serap 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Celiac disease (CD) has a wide clinical spectrum from malabsorption syndrome to extra intestinal presentations. A total of 45 children with CD presented with mainly chronic diarrhea (n:23), anemia (n: 12), and short stature (n: 10) were evaluated in this study. The aim was to find common parameters of CD with various presentations.Methods: Basic anthropometric, biochemical and hematological parameters in cases with CD with various presentations were compared.Results: It was found that children with CD presenting with chronic diarrhea were younger. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin levels in children with CD presenting with anemia. Children with CD with short stature had significantly lower serum vitamin B12levels and lower levels of height standard deviation scores, bone age delay, and alkaline phosphatase.Conclusions: It was concluded that children, especially infants with chronic diarrhea with CD, may not be affected with generalized malabsorption. Anemia and short stature are frequent findings in cases with CD whether they are main presenting symptoms or not. Children with CD presenting with short stature may have lower levels of vitamin B12than other presentations.
Combined androgen blockade in the management of advanced prostate cancer: A sensible or ostensible approach
Authors: ANSARI MOHD S. , GUPTA NARMADA P. , HEMAL ASHOK K. , DOGRA PREM N. , SETH AMLESH 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Background  To compare the efficacy of orchiectomy alone and orchiectomy plus flutamide in treating patients with advanced carcinoma prostate.Materials and methods  The study was initiated on 1 July 1997 and closed after enrolling 100 patients on 30 June 2000. Patients were prospectively randomized to orchiectomy alone (O) and orchiectomy plus flutamide (OF). A complete response (CR) was defined as the normalization of bone scans and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels returning to normal (<4 ng/mL). A partial response (PR) was defined as a 50% reduction in metastasis mass compared to the initial study or a decrease in the PSA level of 50% of the initial value. Progressive disease (PD) was defined as the development of any new hot spot on bone scan or any increase in previously existing PSA level by 25%.Results  A total of 100 patients were entered in the study. The maximum percentage change in PSA levels in both groups was found in the first 3 months after orchiectomy, that is, 95% and 97% for the O and OF groups, respectively. In more than 80% of the patients this decrease in PSA was maintained for 3 years. The mean percentage change at 3 years in the O and OF groups was 70% and 75% (P = 0.95), respectively, and the overall response rate (CR + PR) was 88.50% and 86.53% in the two groups, respectively (P = 0.85). The follow‐up period ranged between 3 and 5 years (mean, 3.5 years). The mean time to progression was 27 and 29 months in the O and OF groups, respectively. The overall survival rate at 3 and 5 years in two treatment groups was 45.83% and 48.07%, 20.83% and 23.07% in the O and OF groups, respectively (P = 0.75).Conclusions  Maximum percentage decrease in PSA is seen within the first 3 months of therapy. Orchiectomy alone is as effective as combination therapy in decreasing serum PSA. Overall survival at 3 and 5 years in the orchiectomy only group was as good as that of combination therapy. These data suggest that the routine addition of flutamide to orchiectomy is not advisable.
Effect of intraurethral Mitomycin‐C on healing and fibrosis in rats with experimentally induced urethral stricture
Authors: AYYILDIZ ALI , NUHOGLU BARIS , GÜLERKAYA BÜLENT , ÇAYDERE MUZAFFER , ÜSTÜN HÜSEYIN , GERMIYANOGLU CANKON , EROL DEMOKAN 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Background:  In the pathogenesis of urethral stricture, fibrosis is associated with an excessive collagen increase. After the recognition that topical application of Mitomycin‐C (MMC) inhibits fibroblast proliferation and is effective in preventing scar formation, many studies have been carried out on this subject outside the scope of urology. The aim of the present study is to observe the intraurethral impact of the employment of low doses of MMC on scar formation and fibrosis in experimental rat model.Methods:  Urethral injuries were made by internal urethrotomy knife. The study was carried out with 35 adult male Wistar albino rats. Five rats were allocated to the control group (group 1), 10 to a group that was administered 2 mg/L MMC (group 2) and 20 to a group that was administered 10 mg/L MMC (group 3). Mitomycin‐C was administered to the injured urethra in the form of irrigation for 5 min. The rats were sacrificed 14 days later in order to evaluate chronic inflammation and fibrosis and their penises were histopathologically examined under light microscopy with hematoxilen eosin and trichrom stains.Results:  When group 2 was compared with control group, the differences in hemosiderin‐laden macrophages (HLM), mononuclear cell infiltration (MCI) and fibrosis were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.005, respectively). When group 3 was compared with control group, the differences in HLM, MCI and fibrosis were also found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.005, respectively). In the comparison of group 2 with group 3, no statistically significant differences were found in terms of the these parameters.Conclusions:  Although MMC is toxic at high doses, the antifibrotic effect of the intraurethral low dose MMC may be useful in combination therapy for internal urethrotomy.
Comparison of two in vivo models for prostate cancer: Orthotopic and intratesticular inoculation of LNCaP or PC‐3 cells
Authors: KOSHIDA KIYOSHI , KONAKA HIROYUKI , IMAO TETSUYA , EGAWA MASAYUKI , MIZOKAMI ATSUSHI , NAMIKI MIKIO 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Background:  The critical events in the clinical course of prostate cancer are the occurrence of metastasis and the induction of the hormone‐refractory status of the disease. In order to investigate the factors responsible for these events, we need appropriate in vivo models.Materials and methods:  Orthotopic and intratesticular models were created by the injection of LNCaP cells or PC‐3 cells into the prostate or testis of severe combined immunodeficient mice.Results:  LNCaP cells in the intratesticular model showed a higher incidence of tumor formation and lymph node metastasis when compared with those in the orthotopic model, while PC‐3 cells were highly tumorigenic and metastastic in both models. A high concentration of androgens might play a role in tumor aggressiveness of LNCaP cells, given that enhanced mRNA expressions of integrin αV and vascular endothelial growth factor was induced by dehydrotestosterone administration in vitro. The high expression of metastasis‐related genes, including the urokinase plasminogen activator system, metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor‐C, might be attributed to the high metastatic potential in both models. Interestingly, testicular xenografts of LNCaP cells were able to survive on the subcutis back of castrated male mice as well female mice.Conclusions:  Intratesticular models of prostate cancer appear to be suitable for studying the mechanisms of metastasis and for evaluating various treatment strategies.