bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐cost, frequency‐domain, fluorescence lifetime confocal microscopy
Authors: Booth M. J. , Wilson T. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryWe describe the theory and implementation of a frequency‐domain fluorescence lifetime confocal microscope using switched diode laser illumination. Standard, communications‐type, radio‐frequency electronics are used to provide inexpensive modulation references and to perform phase‐sensitive detection. This allows the rapid acquisition of fluorescence intensity and lifetime images and their display in real time. We show fluorescence lifetime images of bead objects and fluorescence lifetime images of biological specimens from a single confocal scan.
Antigenic cross‐reactivity between different alleles of the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2
Authors: Felger Ingrid , Steiger Sylvia , Hatz Christoph , Smith Tom , Beck Hans‐Peter 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY The polymorphic domain of the gene encoding Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2) was PCR amplified from blood of malaria patients, genotyped, and 19 distinct fragments were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The reactivity of naturally occurring antibodies against this panel of recombinant MSP2 antigens was tested using 67 homologous or heterologous sera from a serum bank of travel clinic patients. Sera from semi‐immune individuals strongly recognized almost all recombinant antigens. Sera from primary infected patients either did not react at all (9 sera), or reacted weakly against varying numbers of antigens (39 sera). The antigens that showed reactions were mostly of the allelic family corresponding to the infecting clone, but in very few cases also of the alternative allelic family. Single clone infections and repeated samples from the same individual were analysed in greater detail. Thus, we were able to quantify cross‐reactivity induced by a single P. falciparum infection. Within the two allelic families of MSP2, cross‐reactivity was observed between some but not all alleles of the same family, whereas antibodies cross‐reactive between variants belonging to different allelic families were detected in only a few cases.
IL‐4 dependent resistance to the tapeworm Mesocestoides corti (Cestoda) in mice
Authors: Rawat Jagveer , Dixon John B. , Macintyre Andrew R. , McGarry Helen F. , Taylor Mark J. 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY Three‐week Mesocestoides corti infections of C57BL/6 mice showed significantly raised parasite counts in animals with a targeted knockout of the IL‐4 gene. By contrast, antibody neutralization of IL‐5 and inhibition of eosinophilia had no effect on parasite numbers. In SV/129 mice, knockout of the interferon γ receptor and inducible nitric oxide synthase genes had no significant effect on parasite counts. In IL‐4–/–mice the dominant IgG1 antibody response was dramatically reduced, with a concomitant increase in IgG2a/b responses and a partial twofold reduction in IgM and IgE responses. We conclude that murine resistance to M. corti is dependent on IL‐4, but occurs independently of IL‐5 and eosinophils. This provides the first direct evidence for IL‐4 mediated immunity of mice to infection with a tissue‐dwelling platyhelminth.
Consumption of L‐arginine mediated byEntamoeba histolyticaL‐arginase (EhArg) inhibits amoebicidal activity and nitric oxide production by activated macrophages
Authors: Elnekave Keren , Siman‐Tov Rama , Ankri Serge 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARYIn this study we discuss the cloning and expression ofEntamoeba histolyticaarginase (EhArg), an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis ofl‐arginine tol‐ornithine and urea.l‐norvaline, a competitive inhibitor ofE. histolytical‐arginase, inhibits the growth of the parasite, which suggests that the catabolism ofl‐arginine mediated by EhArg is essential. Nitric oxide (NO) is an antimicrobial agent that inhibits some key enzymes in the metabolism ofEntamoeba histolytica. NO is synthesized by activated macrophages froml‐arginine, the substrate of NO synthase (NOS‐II). We show thatE. histolyticainhibits NO mediated amoebicidal activity of activated macrophages by consumingl‐arginine present in the medium.
Assessment of eosinophil cationic protein as a possible diagnostic marker for female genital schistosomiasis in women living in a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area
Authors: Midzi N. , Ndhlovu P. D. , Nyanga L. , Kjetland E. F , Reimert C. M. , Vennervald B. J. , Gomo E. , Mudenge G. , Friis H. , Gundersen S. G. , Mduluza T. 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels were measured in vaginal lavage extracts from 518 Zimbabwean reproductive women, age range 15–49 years, to assess the potential use of ECP as a diagnostic marker for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). One hundred and fifty women had confirmed FGS status. These included 77 (cases) women who had ova in genital tissue and 73 (controls) women who had no ova in genital tissue. Participants were examined at baseline, 3 and 15 months post‐treatment with praziquantel. ECP levels were determined using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ECP‐ELISA). ECP levels from 18 Norwegian women were used to calculate the diagnostic values of the test. FGS was diagnosed from the study population using genital biopsy and smears. Women were also diagnosed for urinary schistosomiasis using the urine filtration technique. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 39 % at baseline and this declined to 8% and 6% at 3 and 15 month post‐treatment surveys, respectively. There was a higher mean ECP level in women with FGS, 889·3 ng/mL (95% CI: 457·0–1327·5) compared to the endemic control group, 359·1 ng/mL (95%, CI: 227·3–490·9), P = 0·027. Mean ECP levels declined at 3 months following treatment of infected individuals. There was no correlation between ECP levels and tissue ova density, and urine egg intensity. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the ECP‐ELISA test were 35%, 80%, 65% and 53%, respectively. Our results indicate that FGS causes an inflammatory immune response that increases ECP levels in genital fluid. Treatment of schistosomiasis results in a regression of pathology and a decline in ECP levels. However, other factors such as allergy and microbial infection could also be responsible for increased ECP levels in genital mucosa. These conditions will affect the validity of the test in diagnosis of FGS.
Leishmania mexicana H‐line attenuated under pressure of gentamicin, potentiates a Th1 response and control of cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice
Authors: Daneshvar Hamid , Hagan Paul , Phillips R. Stephen 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY An attenuated line of Leishmania mexicana (the L. mexicana H‐line) has been established by culturing in vitro under gentamicin pressure. BALB/c mice infected with the L. mexicana H‐line developed a CD4+Th1‐like response, indicated by the cytokine profile of their splenocytes stimulated by L. mexicana wild‐type (WT) promastigotes. This profile is sustained after these mice are challenged with L. mexicana WT. Control mice infected with L. mexicana WT alone developed a CD4+Th2‐like cytokine profile.In mice immunized with L. mexicana H‐line and then challenged with WT‐line, were eliminated when immunizing H‐line parasites persisted in the skin and draining popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs). In experiments in which mice were inoculated with attenuated and WT parasites at the same time, either at the same site or on separate sides of the mouse, growth of the WT parasites was significantly contained and controlled, indicating a possible therapeutic role for the attenuated parasites.
Comparison of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) for detection of IgE antibodies to Brugia malayi
Authors: Wahyuni Sitti , Van Ree Ronald , Mangali Andarias , Supali Taniawati , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Sartono Erliyani 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific IgE antibodies to Brugia malayi was compared with the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) for use in immunoepidemiological studies of lymphatic filariasis. Sera used were from individuals (aged 5–82 years) living in an area endemic for lymphatic filariasis in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The percentage of positive IgE ELISA reactions (52·6%) among the population was lower than the percentage of positive RAST (94·5%). Although an overall significant concordance was found between the two assays (P < 0·001), 328 (42·7%) individuals with a positive RAST result were negative in the ELISA, whereas only 6 (0·8%) subjects were positive by ELISA, yet negative by RAST. When the population was divided into those with active infection (positive for anti‐filarial IgG4) and those not infected (mf‐negative and negative for anti‐filarial IgG4), the correlation between the two tests was higher in the IgG4‐positive (rho = 0·70) than in the IgG4‐negative (rho = 0·52) group. These results indicate that in assessment of B. malayi specific IgE antibody, RAST is superior to ELISA. However, given the use of radioactivity in the RAST method and given our results obtained in subjects with high anti‐filarial IgG4, one could consider using the IgE‐ELISA in areas with high endemicity for filariasis. In areas with low endemicity or where control programs are implemented, sera will have to be tested by RAST.
The Cogeneration Potential of the Sugar Industry in Vietnam
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subhes C. , Thang Dang Ngoc Quoc 
Published: March 2004

AbstractVietnam produces about 15 million tons of sugarcane per year and about five mt of bagasse. There is the potential for cogeneration using bagasse, which can also help overcome power shortages in the country. This paper analyses the potential for cogeneration from the sugar industry in Vietnam under three different scenarios and finds that between 100 and 300 megawatts of power‐generating capacity could be supported by the bagasse generated from sugar mills, depending on the technology considered for sugar mills and cogeneration and the possibility of renovation of the existing mills.The paper also assesses the expense of cogeneration and finds it to be a cost‐effective option for all types of sugar mill. It is found that the cost savings from cogeneration would more than offset the cost of introducing cogeneration in sugar mills with inefficient caneprocessing technologies. Sugar mills with modern technologies would have a significant amount of excess power and most of these plants would break‐even if they sold excess power at around 4.5 cents per kilowatt hour. The break‐even cost and the average production cost are sensitive to the investment cost assumptions. The paper thus suggests that cogeneration from the sugar industry is an attractive option for investors in existing mills or new sugar mills alike.
Current management of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Tome S. , Lucey M. R. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryAlcoholic liver disease, including acute alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Abstinence remains the cornerstone of management of all forms of alcoholic liver disease. Recent research, which has elucidated the mechanisms of alcohol‐induced liver injury, offers the prospect of advances in the management of alcoholic liver disease. We review the most recent data on the efficacy of treatment of acute alcoholic injury, including nutritional support, corticosteroids, anti‐inflammatory agents and antioxidants, and agents that are directed against the progression to fibrosis, such as colchicines, propylthiouracil and antioxidants. Although these therapies offer a tantalizing glimpse into a future that may include therapies that directly alter the process of injury and repair in the liver, none has been shown consistently to improve the course of alcoholic liver damage. Consequently, liver transplantation remains an ultimate option for selected patients with liver failure due to chronic alcoholic liver damage.
The risk of post‐operative complications associated with infliximab therapy for Crohn's disease: a controlled cohort study
Authors: Marchal L. , D'Haens G. , Van Assche G. , Vermeire S. , Noman M. , Ferrante M. , Hiele M. , Bueno De Mesquita M. , D'Hoore A. , Penninckx F. , Rutgeerts P. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : By temporarily suppressing the immune response, the anti‐tumour necrosis factor agent, infliximab, may increase the risk of peri‐operative complications.Aim : To test this hypothesis for intestinal resection in a cohort of 313 Crohn's disease patients treated with infliximab. Forty received one or more infusions prior to intestinal resection (31/40 within 12 weeks).Methods : The post‐operative events of these patients were compared with those of a control group (infliximab naive) of 39 patients adjusted for age, gender and surgical procedure. Early (10 days) and late (3 months) major or minor complications were identified.Results : The incidence of early minor (15.0% vs. 12.8%) and major (12.5% vs. 7.7%) and late minor (2.5% vs. 5.1%) and major (17.5% vs. 12.8%) complications and the mean hospital stay after surgery (10.3 ± 4.0 days vs. 9.9 ± 5.5 days) were similar in both groups. A trend towards an increased early infection rate was found in infliximab pre‐treated patients (6 vs. 1; P = 0.10), but more patients in this group received corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressives (29 vs. 16 patients; P < 0.05).Conclusion : The use of infliximab before intestinal resection does not prolong the hospital stay and does not increase the rate of post‐operative complications.
Gallbladder volume as a biomarker for the motilin effect in healthy volunteers and patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Kamerling I. M. C. , Van Haarst A. D. , De Kam M. L. , Cohen A. F. , Masclee A. A. M. , Burggraaf J. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryAim : To investigate a motilin effect on gallbladder volume in healthy volunteers and patients with functional dyspepsia.Methods : Forty‐three healthy volunteers and 10 patients with functional dyspepsia received motilin (4 pmol.min/kg) or placebo in four separate double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over studies. The gallbladder volume was measured by ultrasonography. Analysis of variance of the combined data of these studies was performed to investigate a motilin effect on gallbladder volume and potential differences between patients and healthy volunteers.Results : The baseline gallbladder volume was similar for placebo and motilin treatment, as well as for patients and healthy volunteers. Motilin, compared with placebo, significantly decreased the gallbladder volume in healthy volunteers (P = 0.003) and patients (P < 0.0001). A linear concentration–response relationship was observed. The decrease in gallbladder volume by motilin was greater in patients (P = 0.03). The motilin effect was consistent between studies.Conclusion : The interdigestive gallbladder volume is a non‐invasive end‐point for motilin activity, displaying a consistent response across studies, a clear response to motilin and a clear concentration–response relationship. However, it is less suitable as a biomarker for future pharmacological studies on motilin agonists or antagonists as the effect is probably indirect, and a relatively large study population of 27 subjects is required to demonstrate a 15% decrease in gallbladder volume. Further investigation is required to confirm altered gallbladder motility as a feature of functional dyspepsia.
Rofecoxib and early relapse of inflammatory bowel disease: an open‐label trial
Authors: Biancone L. , Tosti C. , Geremia A. , Fina D. , Petruzziello C. , Emerenziani S. , Pallone F. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : The safety and efficacy of selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors in inflammatory bowel disease are under investigation.Aim : To assess, in a prospective, open‐label trial, the efficacy and safety of rofecoxib (12.5 mg/day) in inflammatory bowel disease patients and controls.Methods : The inflammatory bowel disease group included 45 inactive patients (25 Crohn's disease; 20 ulcerative colitis) with associated arthralgia. The control group included 30 dyspeptic patients. The efficacy and safety of rofecoxib were assessed in inflammatory bowel disease patients and controls before and after treatment (range, 3 days to 3 months).Results : In inflammatory bowel disease, nine of the 45 patients (20%) required rofecoxib withdrawal due to gastrointestinal symptoms inducing clinical relapse, which subsided on drug discontinuation. The percentage of patients requiring rofecoxib discontinuation was comparable in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (20% vs. 20%), but was higher in inflammatory bowel disease patients than in controls (20% vs. 3%; P < 0.001). In inflammatory bowel disease, arthralgia relief was reported by 32 patients (71%): complete relief by eight patients (18%) and partial relief by 24 (53%). Thirteen patients (29%) reported no benefit. A comparable percentage of inflammatory bowel disease patients and controls reported arthralgia relief (71% vs. 70%).Conclusions : Rofecoxib appears to control arthralgia in almost two‐thirds of inflammatory bowel disease patients. Side‐effects requiring drug discontinuation are observed, however, in almost one‐quarter of patients.
Diverticular disease of the colon: ethnic differences in frequency
Authors: Kang J. Y. , Dhar A. , Pollok R. , Leicester R. J. , Benson M. J. , Kumar D. , Melville D. , Neild P. J. , Tibbs C. J. , Maxwell J. D. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : Colonic diverticular disease is more common in Western populations than in developing countries.Aim : To determine whether the frequency of colonic diverticular disease is different in British patients of Indian‐subcontinent Asian origin compared with other ethnic groups.Methods : All colonoscopies performed over a 3‐year period in a London hospital were studied. Patients of Indian‐subcontinent Asian origin were identified by name.Results : Five of 134 Indian‐subcontinent Asian males (4%) had colonic diverticular disease, compared with 278 of 1268 patients of other ethnic groups (22%; P < 0.001). Five of 91 Indian‐subcontinent Asian females (6%) had colonic diverticular disease, compared with 333 of 1486 patients of other ethnic groups (23%; P < 0.001). Although patients of Indian‐subcontinent Asian origin (54.8 ± 15.8 years) were younger than those of other ethnic groups (60.3 ± 17.8 years; P < 0.0001), the ethnic difference in the frequency of diverticular disease persisted even when age was taken into account.Conclusion : There is a lower frequency of colonic diverticular disease in Indian‐subcontinent Asians presenting for colonoscopy, compared with other ethnic groups. This cannot be explained by sex or age differences. Our findings require confirmation, but may provide opportunities for research into the aetiology of colonic diverticular disease.
Long‐term oral branched chain amino acids in patients undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized trial
Authors: Poon R. T.‐P. , Yu W.‐C. , Fan S.‐T. , Wong J. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : Patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma have advanced tumour or severe cirrhosis and frequently have associated protein‐calorie malnutrition. The role of nutritional supplements for such patients is unclear.Aim : To investigate, in a randomized controlled trial, any benefit of the long‐term administration of branched chain amino acids in patients undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods : Forty‐one patients received oral branched chain amino acids for up to four courses of chemoembolization and 43 patients did not receive any nutritional supplement. Morbidity, liver function, nutritional status, quality of life and long‐term survival were compared between the two groups.Results : The administration of branched chain amino acids resulted in a lower morbidity rate compared with the control group (17.1% vs. 37.2%, P = 0.039). In particular, the group given branched chain amino acids showed a significantly lower rate of ascites (7.3% vs. 23.2%, P = 0.043) and peripheral oedema (9.8% vs. 27.9%, P = 0.034). Significantly higher serum albumin, lower bilirubin and a better quality of life were observed after chemoembolization in the group given branched chain amino acids. However, there was no significant difference in survival between the two groups.Conclusions : Nutritional supplementation with oral branched chain amino acids is beneficial in increasing the serum albumin level, reducing the morbidity and improving the quality of life in patients undergoing chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.
‘How come I don’t get asked no questions?’ Researching ‘hard to reach’ children and teenagers
Authors: Curtis Katherine , Roberts Helen , Copperman Jeanette , Downie Anna , Liabo Kristin 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThis article discusses two related areas of research practice with children and young people that have received less attention in the literature than they might. The first is working with children and teenagers for whom the traditional, discursive nature of interview‐based research is less accessible. The second is the disinclination of researchers to report on difficulties in the research process. As researchers, we scanned the literature for assistance for some of the problems we encountered, with little reward. In describing everyday problems  (and  some  of  our  – still  developing  – solutions)  we  hope to encourage more dialogue on the uncomfortable realities of the research process, and how we might improve research practice, making it a more fruitful exercise for researchers, and a more enjoyable one for children and teenagers.
Families on the brink: the effectiveness of family support services
Authors: Statham June , Holtermann Sally 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper presents findings from a study of the costs and effectiveness of family support services offered to 40 families with a high level of need, in two neighbouring local authorities in North Wales. It describes the level and type of services offered by different agencies in each of the authorities, estimates the costs of these services, and assesses outcomes for the families receiving them after three months. Information is also provided about families’ experience of the support they received, and the kind of help they would have liked.Parents’ well‐being and family functioning were found to improve over the intervention period in both authorities, although only to a limited extent. Improvements were greater among those who were living with partners, and less among families identified by social workers as having financial difficulties or problems with drug or alcohol abuse. Respondents who rated their problems as very severe showed less improvement. The pattern of service provision and the costs involved turned out to be similar in both authorities, so it was not possible to reach conclusions about the relationship between services and outcomes. However, a number of themes emerging from the data are discussed, including the role of day care services in supporting families with young children, the impact of poverty and deprivation on parents’ ability to provide good care for their children, and the importance of an interagency response to children's and parents’ needs. The article also includes a discussion of problems encountered in undertaking comparative outcomes‐based research and cost‐effectiveness analyses in the social welfare field.