bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ImmunoCAPTM Phadiatop® Infant – a new blood test for detecting IgE sensitisation in children at 2 years of age
Authors: Ballardini N. , Nilsson C. , Nilsson M. , Lilja G. 
Published: September 2005

Background:  Correct diagnosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated disease is the prerequisite for secondary allergy prevention during early childhood.Objective:  To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a new blood test, Phadiatop® Infant, in detecting IgE sensitisation to food and inhalant allergens among children at 2 years of age.Methods:  Children (n = 239) were followed prospectively from birth to 2 years of age for the presence of IgE sensitisation and the development of atopic manifestations. Immunoglobulin E sensitisation was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT) and analysis of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in plasma to food and inhalant allergens. The children were classified into three groups: IgE‐sensitised, non‐IgE sensitised and inconclusive, depending on SPT and allergen‐specific IgE results.Results:  Twenty‐six (11%) of the children were classified as IgE‐sensitised, 182 (76%) as non‐IgE sensitised and 31 (13%) as inconclusive. Phadiatop Infant was positive in 50 (21%) of the children. Ten children (4%) with identified IgE antibodies against the selected food and inhalant allergens showed negative Phadiatop Infant. Three children showed positive Phadiatop Infant but were negative in the other tests performed. These results correspond to positive and negative predictive values for Phadiatop Infant of 89 and 99%, respectively. Children with clinical symptoms of atopic diseases had significantly increased levels for Phadiatop Infant (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Phadiatop Infant appears to be a reliable alternative to SPT and the measurement of allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in plasma for detecting clinically important IgE sensitisation among children at 2 years of age.
High‐efficiency vacuum cleaners increase personal mite allergen exposure, but only slightly
Authors: Gore R. B. , Durrell B. , Bishop S. , Curbishley L. , Woodcock A. , Custovic A. 
Published: September 2005

Background:  High‐efficiency particulate‐arrest‐filter vacuum cleaners are recommended to allergy sufferers although their use increases personal cat allergen exposure. We aimed to measure personal mite allergen exposure during vacuum cleaning by nasal air sampling and to compare exposures while vacuuming and emptying the vacuum cleaner bag.Methods:  Five brand new high‐efficiency vacuum cleaners were selected. An old, previously used vacuum cleaner with its original microfilter in situ was used as a control. Nasal air samples were taken prior to and during vacuum cleaning in 10 homes. Samples were processed by HALOgen assay. Personal mite and cat allergen exposure was measured as the dust compartments were emptied.Results:  There was an increase in personal mite allergen exposure with vacuum cleaning, which approached significance (P = 0.058). There was no difference between the high‐efficiency vacuum cleaners and the control vacuum cleaner (P = 0.141). When the dust compartments were emptied, personal mite and cat allergen exposure increased (P < 0.02).Conclusions.  The increase in personal mite allergen exposure while vacuum cleaning in an area with mild to moderate mite allergen exposure is small. High‐efficiency vacuum cleaners confer no benefit and cannot currently be recommended to allergy sufferers as a means of reducing personal mite allergen exposure.
Exotic introductions to the fishery of Lake Victoria: What are the management options?
Authors: Njiru M. , Waithaka E. , Muchiri M. , Van Knaap M. , Cowx I. G. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractLake Victoria is Africa's most important source of inland fishery production, exhibiting annual catches of ≈ 400 000 mt. The predatory Nile perch, Lates niloticus, and the herbivorous tilapiines, Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis leucostictus, Tilapia zillii and Tilapia rendalii, were introduced in Lake Victoria in the 1950s and 1960s. Nile perch were introduced to convert the abundant, but bony, haplochromines to fish flesh, while the tilapiines were introduced to boost the declining fishery. Since that time, the fisheries of Lake Victoria have undergone dramatic social and ecological changes. The catches increased tremendously, changing the fishery from artisanal to commercial, in turn increasing fisher income and employment opportunities. However, there was a decline and, in some cases, the disappearance of many indigenous fish species, especially the haplochromine cichlids. This reduction was attributed to overexploitation, predation, and competition and hybridization with the introduced species. The decline of the native fish species has had impacts on the trophic and ecological status of the lake. Nile perch now dominate the formerly complex food web. The loss of phytoplanktivorous haplochromines has contributed to an increase in algal blooms, reduction in water quality and occasional fish kills. Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, invaded Lake Victoria in 1988, with high rates of infestation in shallow waters and bays, which are breeding and nursery grounds for most fish species. Catches of Nile perch decreased following the infestation, while those of Nile tilapia, lung fish (Protopterus aethiopicus) and mud fish (Clarias gariepinus) increased. Haplochromines species also showed some signs of recovery. In view of all these changes, the future of the Lake Victoria fishery is uncertain.
The assessment of suspended sediment inputs to Volta Lake
Authors: Akrasi Sampson Asante 
Published: September 2005

AbstractInformation on a river basin's sediment yield is an important requirement for water resources development and management. In the Volta River basin of Ghana, data on suspended sediment yield are limited due to the lack of logistic support for systematic sediment sampling activities. This paper presents the results of a study using the available measurements of suspended sediment transport for eight monitoring stations in order to develop a simple predictive tool for estimating the suspended sediment yields for catchments for which no sediment measurements had been undertaken. Regression analysis was used to establish a relationship between specific suspended sediment yield and both the mean annual run‐off and the drainage basin area. The prediction model was used to estimate the sediment loads of the Volta River and its main tributaries (Black Volta, White Volta and Oti Rivers) in order to estimate the total suspended sediment input to the reservoir and the equivalent specific suspended sediment yield from the catchment surface. Although these sediment yield values are relatively low by world standards, the results obtained provide a basis for assessing future sedimentation problems in Lake Volta and for underpinning the development of sediment control and management strategies for the reservoir.
An assessment of the purse‐seine (winch‐net) fishery in Lake Volta, Ghana
Authors: Ofori‐Danson P. K. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAn assessment has been made of the stock conditions of five major component fishery species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Chrysichthys auratus, Hemisynodontis membranaceus, Oreochromis niloticus and Schilbe intermedius) exploited with illegal purse‐seine (winch‐net) gear in the Yeji sector of Lake Volta, Ghana. Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus was clearly found to be overexploited, but the others were being exploited near to, or under, optimum harvest levels. All five species were harvested at an inappropriate age‐at‐first‐capture of ≈ 6 months, suggesting overfishing of young fishes. Consequently, the computed Lm:L∞ ratios were > 0.64. For most fish species, such a ratio implies their exploitation when at early maturity and at very small sizes. The estimated range of mesh sizes in the cod‐ends was far lower (5–8 mm) than the legal mesh size of 25 mm, calling for urgent enforcement of rules and regulations. Single‐species yield‐per‐recruit analyses indicated that yields could be improved by the reduction in the current fishing effort. As the fishery of the lake is not segmented to allow fish to be taken by the illegal small‐mesh purse seines, studies on the interactions between the different fishery sectors need to be undertaken, alongside the proposed ban of the gear as enshrined in the Fisheries Law of Ghana.
Seminal plasma inhibin‐B level is a useful predictor of the success of conventional testicular sperm extraction in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Nagata Yuko , Fujita Kazuyuki , Banzai Junichi , Kojima Yumi , Kasima Katsunori , Suzuki Mina , Tanaka Kenichi 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAim: The value of serum inhibin‐B as a predictor of the presence of testicular spermatozoa is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of the seminal plasma inhibin‐B level, which might more directly reflect the secretion by Sertoli cells, and to discriminate between successful and failed testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in non‐obstructive azoospermia.Methods: Sixty‐two patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia were examined at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Niigata University Hospital, Niigata, Japan. The level of inhibin‐B was measured using a two‐site enzyme‐linked immunoassay.Results: Testicular sperm were successfully retrieved in 17 of 62 patients (27.4%). The serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly lower and the serum and seminal inhibin‐B concentrations were significantly higher in the successful TESE group compared with the failed TESE group. According to the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the best discriminating seminal plasma inhibin‐B level was 27.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 93.3%). The best discriminating serum inhibin‐B level was 34.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 95.6%). The area under the ROC curve for seminal plasma inhibin‐B was significantly larger than that for FSH and testicular volume. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, only seminal plasma inhibin‐B was an independent predictor of the presence of spermatozoa on TESE.Conclusion: Seminal plasma inhibin‐B level is a useful predictor of the presence of testicular sperm in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia.
Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary with elevated CA125
Authors: Terauchi Fumitoshi , Onodera Takamoto , Nagashima Takeo , Kobayashi Yukari , Moritake Tetsuya , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Ogura Hisao 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe case is reported herein of an 18‐year‐old woman who developed sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary. Although she was suspected to have a malignant tumor due to magnetic resonance imaging findings and an abnormal blood CA125 value, the tumor was benign. The immunohistochemical staining by CA125 antibody was negative. She had an uneventful postoperative course, with no postoperative recurrence of the tumor.
Relationship between body mass index and the risk of ovarian cancer in the Japanese population: Findings from the Japanese Collaborate Cohort (JACC) study
Authors: Niwa Yoshimitsu , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Tamakoshi Koji , Nishio Kazuko , Kondo Takaaki , Lin Yingsong , Suzuki Sadao , Wakai Kenji , Tokudome Shinkan , Yamamoto Akio , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Toyoshima Hideaki , Tamakoshi Akiko ,   JACC Study Group
Published: September 2005

AbstractAim:The incidence of ovarian cancer in Japan has increased since the 1970s. The many studies that have assessed the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of ovarian cancer have produced contradictory results. Here we investigated this relation using data from the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for the Evaluation of Cancer Risk, which was initiated in 1988.Methods:A self‐administered questionnaire on dietary habits and other risk factors for cancer was completed by 36 456 Japanese women. After 7.6 years of follow up, 38 cases of ovarian cancer were available for analysis. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to compute relative risks and to adjust for confounders.Results:Compared to women with BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, the relative risk of ovarian cancer was 2.24 (95% CI = 1.10–4.21) for BMI of 25.0–29.9 and 1.78 (95% CI = 0.24–13.34) for BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2. A test for trend revealed that this finding was statistically significant (P = 0.014).Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that being overweight is independently associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer in the Japanese population.
Incisional endometriosis after cesarean section, episiotomy and other gynecologic procedures
Authors: Gunes Muzeyyen , Kayikcioglu Fulya , Ozturkoglu Esmen , Haberal Ali 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAim: To report 11 cases of incisional endometriosis after cesarean section, episiotomy and other gynecologic procedures. The diagnostic approaches and therapies for incisional endometriosis are also evaluated.Methods: Eleven patients who presented with a painful nodule that was increasing in size during menstruation on the scar of a previous gynecologic procedure were examined retrospectively.Results: All patients presented with a palpable painful lesion, located on the cesarean section incision, perineal episiotomy incision or the vaginal cuff after hysterectomy. All masses were increasing during menstruation and all patients had been having cyclical pain that worsened during menstrual periods. The mean age of the patients was 28.2 years. The onset of symptoms was referred at variable intervals after surgery ranging between 2 and 11 years (mean: 5.72 years). Ultrasound examination confirmed hypoechoic mass septated with cystic and solid components in the abdomin without intra‐abdominal communications. All endometriotic masses were completely excised under general anesthesia. The excised masses were sent for microscopic examination which confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis.Conclusion: Incisional endometriosis seems to be common in women who have had a cesarean section, although it does occur after other procedures and de novo. It is suggested that caution is exercised during gynecologic procedures to avoid transplantation of endometrium to the anterior abdominal wall. The preferred management is to excise the lesion completely even if this necessitates fascial excision.
J‐integral analysis of cord‐rubber serpentine belt using neural‐network‐based material modelling
Authors: SONG G. , CHANDRASHEKHARA K. , BREIG W. F. , KLEIN D. L. , OLIVER L. R. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTA known factor that limits the performance of automotive front‐end accessory serpentine belt drive is cracking of the elastomer located in the rib tip. In this paper, fracture experiments were conducted using single‐edge notched tension (SENT) specimens to study the fracture behaviour of a belt rib compound. A finite‐element modelling method utilizing singular elements for crack in rubber solid was proposed and implemented in both plane‐stress and 3D solid models using ABAQUS. A newly developed neural‐network‐based model was used to represent a nonlinear elastic belt rib rubber compound. The crack finite‐element model, along with the neural‐network‐based material model, was verified with analytical and experimental results. A global–local finite‐element procedure was developed to evaluate the J‐integral for mode‐I through‐the‐thickness crack in V‐ribbed belt rib. Effects of pre‐crack length, pulley pre‐load and backside pulley displacement were investigated.
Knowledge gained by pediatric residents after neonatal resuscitation program courses
Authors: TREVISANUTO DANIELE , FERRARESE PAOLA , CAVICCHIOLI PAOLA , FASSON ALESSANDRA , ZANARDO VINCENZO , ZACCHELLO FRANCO 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground:  The efficacy of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) courses was previously evaluated, demonstrating good retention of knowledge in the participants. However, there is a lack of information regarding the participants’ performance in relation to the different steps of neonatal resuscitation. We aimed to assess the knowledge gained and retained by pediatric residents who participated in a NRP course in relation to the different steps.Methods:  An 80‐item questionnaire derived from the standard test contained in the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Manual was given to 25 pediatric residents before, immediately after and 6 months after the course.Results:  The percentages of correct answers significantly improved from before (37.6 ± 3.1%) to immediately after the course (94.1 ± 0.9%) (P < 0.001). The percentages at the 6 months follow‐up test (62.7 ± 2.2%) significantly decreased from posttest (P < 0.001), but remained significantly higher with respect to pretest performance (P < 0.001). The percentages of correct answers were different among the four neonatal resuscitation steps during the entire study (pretest, posttest and follow‐up test).Conclusions:  The knowledge gained by pediatric residents participating in the NRP course was very high, but was only partially retained over time. In particular, it was different among the four steps of neonatal resuscitation suggesting further studies on teaching resuscitation.
Hyponatremic seizures after suprapubic catheter placement in 7‐year‐old child
Authors: SZOLNOKI J.M. , PUSKAS F. , SWEENEY D.M. , CAMPORESI E.M. , UPADHYAY J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe report a case of hyponatremic seizures in a 7‐year old boy with spina bifida following cystoscopy and suprapubic catheter placement. Immediate postoperative cystogram and pelvic computed tomogram (CT) after the development of seizures demonstrated a fluid collection from the suprapubic catheter site into the anterior abdominal wall. The subsequent reabsorption of free water from the fluid collection, with the contribution of postoperative hypotonic intravenous fluid administration and possible transient inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion resulted in acute dilutional hyponatremia and consequent seizures. Strategies to prevent hyponatremia in children during urological procedures, with emphasis on the importance of reserving free water as the irrigation fluid are discussed.
Anesthetic management of the neonate with congenital complete heart block: a 16‐year review
Authors: KUSSMAN BARRY D. , MADRIL DANIELLE R. , THIAGARAJAN RAVI R. , WALSH EDWARD P. , LAUSSEN PETER C. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground:  Anesthesia for patients with complete heart block can be associated with significant hemodynamic instability. The aim of this study is to review our anesthetic experience of neonates with congenital complete heart block (CCHB) who underwent placement of either a temporary epicardial pacing system or a permanent epicardial pacemaker.Methods:  The anesthetic management of neonates with CCHB who underwent pacemaker placement at a single institution over a 16‐year period was reviewed.Results:  Twenty‐four neonates were identified, 17 with a structurally normal heart (NL) and seven with associated congenital heart defects (CHD). Median (range) gestational age was 36.9 (26–41) weeks, birth weight 2.9 (1.0–4.1) kg, and baseline heart rate 47 (38–80) b·min−1. A temporary epicardial pacing system was placed in six patients (four CHD, two NL; P = 0.003) following institution of mechanical ventilation and inotropic support for a low cardiac output state, and a permanent epicardial pacemaker was placed in 18 patients. Atropine 0.02 mg·kg−1 IV prior to induction (n = 5) increased heart rate less than 20%. Intraoperative hypotension was documented in nine neonates, five of seven with CHD and four of 17 with NL (P = 0.02). In four patients (44%) hypotension occurred despite concurrent inotropic support. Intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in one neonate, necessitating institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Two patients (8.3%) died in hospital from complex CHD and complications of prematurity.Conclusions:  Early institution of mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and pacing are necessary in the neonate with CCHB and poor hemodynamic function, particularly with coexisting CHD or prematurity.
Remifentanil for sedation and analgesia in a preterm neonate with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: PEREIRA E SILVA YERKES , GOMEZ RENATO SANTIAGO , BARBOSA ROSILU FERREIRA , SILVA ANA CRISTINA SIMÕES E 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe present the efficacy and safety of the use of remifentanil for intubation, sedation and analgesia in a preterm infant during mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome. A 34‐week‐old baby, born by cesarean delivery that developed respiratory distress, required intubation and ventilatory support. For intubation, the baby was given midazolam (0.2 mg·kg−1) and remifentanil (1 μg·kg−1). The intubation conditions were assessed and classified as excellent. The remifentanil infusion was started at dose 0.75 μg·kg−1·min−1 and the dose adjustments were made depending on the neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS), hemodynamic and respiratory changes or the presence of spontaneous movements. Pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, ECG and invasive blood pressure were continuously monitored. He was given surfactant within 2.5 h of life after which ventilator parameters could be progressively decreased. Three hours later, the remifentanil infusion was decreased to 0.5 μg·kg−1·min−1, and he remained sedated (NIPS < 2). Six hour after surfactant administration, blood gases and chest X ray were normal. The remifentanil infusion was then discontinued and 30 min later the baby was awake and extubated with success. There were no side effects after intubation or during the continuous infusion. The profile of remifentanil allowing a rapid recovery, the absence of side effects and a good level of sedation and analgesia support the choice of this opioid for sedation in the NICU.
LET‐60 RAS modulates effects of insulin/IGF‐1 signaling on development and aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nanji Manoj , Hopper Neil A. , Gems David 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe DAF‐2 insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) receptor signals via a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway to control dauer larva formation and adult longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Yet epistasis analysis suggests signal bifurcation downstream of DAF‐2. We have used epistasis analysis to test whether the Ras pathway (which plays a role in signaling from mammalian insulin receptors) acts downstream of DAF‐2. We find that an activated Ras mutation, let‐60(n1046gf), weakly suppresses constitutive dauer diapause in daf‐2 and age‐1 (PI3K) mutants. Moreover, increased Ras pathway signaling partially suppresses the daf‐2 mutant feeding defect, while reduced Ras pathway signaling enhances it. By contrast, activated Ras extends the longevity induced by mutation of daf‐2, while reduced Ras pathway signaling partially suppresses it. Thus, Ras pathway signaling appears to act with insulin/IGF‐1 signaling during larval development, but against it during aging.