bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of peripheral skeletal assessment at the radius in estimating femoral bone density as measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry: a comparative study of single‐photon absorptiometry and computed tomography
Authors: BOONEN S. , CHENG X. , NICHOLSON P. H. F. , VERBEKE G. , BROOS P. , DEQUEKER J. 
Published: November 2003

Boonen S, Cheng X, Nicholson PHF, Verbeke G, Broos P, Dequeker J (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium). The accuracy of peripheral skeletal assessment at the radius in estimating femoral bone density as measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry: a comparative study of single‐photon absorptiometry and computed tomography. J Intern Med 1997; 242: 323–8.ObjectivesOne of the latest developments in bone densitometry is peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), a method which allows the separate determination of cortical and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) in the peripheral skeleton. This study was designed to compare the relative abilities of single‐photon absorptiometry (SPA) and pQCT to reflect BMD of the proximal femur as measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), an established predictor of osteoporotic hip fracture risk.DesignCross‐sectional study.SubjectsA well‐defined community‐based sample of 129 skeletally healthy women aged 70–87 years.MeasurementsRadial BMD by SPA and pQCT and femoral BMD by DXA. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed relating the DXA measurements at the femoral neck and the trochanteric region with the values of SPA and pQCT.ResultsApproximately 38% of the variance in femoral neck BMD could be explained by BMD of the midradius assessed by SPA, in contrast to only 18–27% by pQCT. At the trochanter, 32% of BMD could be predicted by SPA as compared to 19–26% by pQCT. Moreover, according to multiple regression, prediction of femoral BMD by SPA was not enhanced by performing pQCT.ConclusionsRadial pQCT has little value as a screening tool to identify elderly women with low femoral BMD. Additional research is needed to determine whether or not pQCT will enhance fracture prediction beyond that obtainable from a density measurement by SPA.
Visceral fat accumulation as an important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in obese subjects
Authors: SHINOHARA E. , KIHARA S. , YAMASHITA S. , YAMANE M. , NISHIDA M. , ARAI T. , KOTANI K. , NAKAMURA T. , TAKEMURA K. , MATSUZAWA Y. 
Published: November 2003

Objectives. It is well known that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is frequently associated with obesity. In the current study, we investigated the correlation between abdominal visceral fat accumulation and the presence of OSA in obese subjects. Subjects. A consecutive series of 37 patients (17 men and 20 women) with primary obesity who were admitted to the Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Hospital, were investigated. Patients with OSA were designated as those whose apnoea index (number of apnoea h−1 of sleep) was more than 5. Main outcome measures. The distribution of body fat was determined using computed tomographic sections. The upper airway dimensions were evaluated with indices obtained by cephalometry in both inspiratory and expiratory phases. Results. Visceral adipose tissue (AT) area which was measured at the level of the umbilicus, and its ratio to total AT area were both significantly greater in OSA patients as compared with those in non‐OSA patients. All subjects whose visceral AT area measured more than 220 cm2 manifested OSA. These two parameters also closely correlated with an increase in apnoea index. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the visceral AT area significantly correlated to apnoea index when age, AT mass and lean body mass were taken into account. The fluctuations of the upper airway were significantly greater in the large visceral fat group than in the small visceral fat group. Conclusions. These results suggest that visceral fat accumulation is an important risk indicator for OSA in obese subjects.
The treatment of oesophageal varices: a debate and a discussion
Authors: CONN H. O. , LEBREC D. , TERBLANCHE J. 
Published: November 2003

At the Biennial Meeting of the International Association for the Study of the Liver, in Cape Town, South Africa, 20–24 February 1996, the treatment of oesophageal varices was selected as a subject for the discussion of controversies in portal hypertension. This review gives a summary of that discussion.Dr Didier LeBrec gave a broad overview of the medical management of oesophageal varices by presenting a list of 52 pharmacological agents that reduce portal venous pressure and presented the advantages and disadvantages of each. He emphasized that recent randomized clinical trials (RCT) have demonstrated that propranolol delays and decreases the occurrence of haemorrhage from varices in patients who have not previously suffered such complications. He also reported that isosorbide‐mononitrate is equally effective and further enhances the effect of propranolol. He also reported that the effects of propranolol plus endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) were more effective than EST alone in preventing haemorrhage, but not in improving survival. Finally he noted that propranolol in high dosage did not prevent the development of large varices in cirrhotic patients with small or undetectable varices.Dr John Terblanche compared the efficacy of EST and endoscopic ligation of varices (ELV) and reported that all four RCTs found ELV to be superior. He discussed portacaval anastomosis (PCA) and concluded that only emergency PCA as reported by Orloff, is thought to be truly beneficial, and suggested that EST, plus ELV may be the treatment of choice.Dr Harold O. Conn, who served as the moderator of this session summarized the presentations and pointed out that liver transplantation is the most effective form of therapy of all, albeit extremely complex and expensive. He discussed transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), the newest form of therapy, and emphasized its virtues (immediate reduction of portal venous pressure) and its limitations (frequent portosystemic encephalopathy and frequent spontaneous stenoses). He presented a brief discussion of the prevention of the development of the varices themselves, currently termed ‘pre‐primary prophylaxis’, a hope for the future. He ended with ‘Predictions’ which if proven correct will give a preview of portal hypertension in the 21st century.
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on maturation of regenerate bone in a rabbit limb lengthening model
Authors: Taylor Kenneth F. , Inoue Nozumu , Rafiee Bahman , Tis John E. , McHale Kathleen A. , Chao Edmund Y.S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTo study the effect of applying pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) during the consolidation phase of limb lengthening, a mid‐tibial osteotomy was performed in 18 adult New Zealand White rabbits and an external fixator was applied anteromedially. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. After a 7‐day latency period, the tibiae were distracted 0.5 mm every 12 h for 10 days. The treatment group received a 20‐day course of PEMF for 60 min daily, coinciding with initiation of the consolidation phase. The control group received sham PEMF. Radiographs were performed weekly after distraction. Animals were euthanized 3 weeks after the end of distraction. Radiographic analysis revealed no significant difference in regenerate callus area between treatment and control tibiae immediately after distraction, at 1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks after distraction ( p = 0.71, 0.22, 0.44, and 0.50, respectively). There was also no significant difference in percent callus mineralization ( p = 0.96, 0.69, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups with respect to structural stiffness ( p = 0.80) or maximal torque to failure ( p = 0.62). However, there was a significant positive difference in mineral apposition rate between groups during the interval 1–2 weeks post‐distraction ( p < 0.05). This difference was no longer evident by the interval 2–3 weeks post‐distraction. While PEMF applied during the consolidation phase of limb lengthening did not appear to have a positive effect on bone regenerate, it increased osteoblastic activity in the cortical bone adjacent to the distraction site. Since the same PEMF signal was reported to be beneficial in the rabbit distraction osteogenesis when applied during distraction phase and consolidation phase, application of PEMF in the early phase may be more effective. Further work is necessary to determine optimal timing of the PEMF stimulation during distraction osteogenesis. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Structural analysis and proteolytic activation of Enterococcus faecalis cytolysin, a novel lantibiotic
Authors: Booth Mary C. , Bogie Charles P. , Sahl Hans‐Georg , Siezen Roland J. , Hatter Kenneth L. , Gilmore Michael S. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryClinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis more commonly produce a cytolysin than do commensal isolates. Epidemiologic evidence and animal‐model studies have established a role for the cytolysin in the pathogenesis of enterococcal disease. The cytolysin consists of two structural subunits, CylLL and CylLs, that are activated by a third component, CylA. Genetic and biochemical characterization of CylA indicate that it is a serine protease, and that activation putatively results from cleavage of one or both cytolysin subunits. Genetic evidence also suggests that the cytolysin subunits are related to the rapidly growing class of bacteriocins termed lantibiotics. However, unlike lantibiotics, the cytolysin is lytic for eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic cells, and it consists of two structural subunits. This report describes the purification and characterization of the cytolysin subunits and detection of lanthionine‐type post‐translational modifications within their structures. Furthermore, the cleavage specificity of the CylA activator is reported and it is shown that proteolytic activation of both subunits is essential for activity.
Replication of minichromosomes in a host in which chromosome replication is random
Authors: Eliasson Åsa , Nordström Kurt 
Published: November 2003

SummaryMinichromosomes are plasmids with the origin of chromosome replication, oriC, as their only origin of replication. In Escherichia coli, minichromosomes are compatible with the chromosome and replicate in a cell‐cycle‐specific manner at the same time as oriC located on the chromosome initiates replication. In int strains, oriC has been inactivated and replaced by a plasmid origin. Because plasmids control their own replication, chromosome replication is uncoupled from the normal cell‐cycle control and is random with respect to the cell cycle in the int strains. We have used an intP1 strain to address the question of whether minicromosome replication is coupled to the replication of the chromosome or is governed by cell‐cycle‐specific signals. Minichromosome replication was analysed by density‐shift experiments and found not to be random in the randomly replicating intP1 host. This suggests that the cell‐cycle‐specific control functions of oriC replication are operating also in the intP1 strain.
Lower postprandial gastric volume response in diabetic patients with vagal neuropathy
Authors: Undeland K. A. , Hausken T. , Aanderud S. , Berstad A. 
Published: November 2003

Poor relaxation in the stomach after a meal may contribute to disturbed gastric emptying and abdominal discomfort in patients with diabetes mellitus. In this study we aimed to compare barostat‐recorded postprandial volume responses in these patients to those in healthy controls, and to study the relationship between the proximal volume responses, antral filling and vagal neuropathy. We compared 14 consecutively recruited patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) to 18 healthy controls (HC) with respect to meal‐induced gastric volume response assessed by a barostat, antral area recorded by ultrasound, and vagal tone assessed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Meal‐induced volume repsponse of the proximal stomach (area under time–volume curve 0–30 min) was significantly (P = 0.04) lower in DM than in HC, 49.4 min.mL ± 60.7 vs. 114.9 min.mL ± 100.8. Antral area was significantly larger in DM than in HC, both fasting (4.3 cm2 ± 1.9 vs. 3.0 cm2 ± 0.9) and 10 min after ingestion of meat soup (11.8 cm2 ± 3.4 vs. 8.8 cm2 ± 2.9), P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively. Vagal tone was significantly (P = 0.01) lower in DM than in HC, 3.7 beats min−1 ± 2.3 vs. 6.1 beats min−1 ± 2.2. No significant correlation was observed between the proximal volume responses and antral widening. Maximal gastric volume response correlated significantly with vagal tone (r = 0.77, P = 0.002). Conclusions: patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 have impaired meal‐induced volume response, possibly as a consequence of reduced vagal tone.
Antibody response of Echinococcus granulosus infected mice: recognition of glucidic and peptidic epitopes and lack of avidity maturation
Authors: Ferragut Gabriela , Nieto Alberto 
Published: November 2003

The antibody response was followed weekly during 68 weeks in 17 Balb/c mice intraperitoneally (i.p.) infected with 2000 Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (PSC) and in three mice i.p. immunized with 2000 dead PSC. Antibodies against hydatid cyst fluid (HCFA) and its peptidic (periodate‐resistant) and carbohydrate (periodate‐sensitive) epitopes were titrated by ELISA. Avidity and the antigen recognition pattern of antibodies were also analysed during infection and immunization by ELISA and immunoblot, respectively. The antibody response of infected mice showed quantitative and qualitative variations during infection, since both titre as well as recognition of peptide and carbohydrate epitopes in HCFA depended on time post infection. No avidity maturation was evident during the course of infection. Sera from infected mice recognized the 38 kDa subunit of Ag5 but did not react with the 8 kDa subunit of AgB. On the contrary, the antibody response of immunized mice showed only one peak of antibodies that recognized both peptidic and carbohydrate epitopes of HCFA. In addition, sera from these mice recognized mainly 60 and 110 kDa bands. Our results suggest that: a) avidity and antigen recognition patterns of antibodies in mice treated with live PSC are different from those treated with dead PSC; b) antibodies against HCFA glucidic or peptidic epitopes appear at different times post infection.
Response of the water status of soybean to changes in soil water potentials controlled by the water pressure in microporous tubes
Authors: STEINBERG S. L. , HENNINGER D. L. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTWater transport through a microporous tube‐soil‐plant system was investigated by measuring the response of soil and plant water status to step change reductions in the water pressure within the tubes. Soybeans were germinated and grown in a porous ceramic ‘soil’ at a porous tube water pressure of –0.5 kPa for 28 d. During this time, the soil matric potential was nearly in equilibrium with tube water pressure. Water pressure in the porous tubes was then reduced to either –1.0, –1.5 or –2.0 kPa. Sap flow rates, leaf conductance and soil, root and leaf water potentials were measured before and after this change. A reduction in porous tube water pressure from –0.5 to –1.0 or –1.5 kPa did not result in any significant change in soil or plant water status. A reduction in porous tube water pressure to –2.0 kPa resulted in significant reductions in sap flow, leaf conductance, and soil, root and leaf water potentials. Hydraulic conductance, calculated as the transpiration rate/ΔΨ between two points in the water transport pathway, was used to analyse water transport through the tube‐soil‐plant continuum. At porous tube water pressures of –0.5 to –1.5 kPa soil moisture was readily available and hydraulic conductance of the plant limited water transport. At –2.0 kPa, hydraulic conductance of the bulk soil was the dominant factor in water movement.
Dermatography with bleomycin as a new treatment for verrucae vulgaris
Authors: van der Velden Eddy M. , IJsselmuiden Otto E. , Drost Brigitte H.I.M. , Baruchin Avraham M. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Common warts are caused by infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Many, largely ineffective, treatment modalities have been tried in the past. The cytostatic drug bleomycin has been found to selectively affect squamous cell and reticuloendothelial tissue, but the method of its delivery directly into affected tissue such as warts has been of little efficacy. This study assessed the efficacy of a new mode of intralesional administration of bleomycin by dermatography. Methods The warts of patients were treated with increasing concentrations of bleomycin using the van der Velden Derma‐injector, a modified tattooing machine, under local or block anesthesia. The effects of the procedure were evaluated 1, 24, and 48 h later and the patients followed for up to 2 years. Results Thirteen patients with warts on the hands and/or feet, resistant to conventional therapy, were entered into the study, and two patients dropped out. Of the 11 remaining patients, seven went into full remission that was maintained for at least 2 years. One patient showed moderate progress and in three patients little progress was noted and dermatography was stopped. The dosage of bleomycin varied between 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL. Conclusions Dermatography proved to be an effective technique for intralesional administration of bleomycin in more than two‐thirds of patients resistant to conventional therapy. Treatment failures in this study could in part be explained by a defective immune system in the patients. Dermatography is a technique that can be learned by any skillful dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Behaviour of children associated with parental participation during induction of general anaesthesia
Authors: KAM PCA , VOSS TJV , GOLD PD , PITKIN J 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To evaluate children’s behaviour during induction of general anaesthesia with parental participation.Methods:A descriptive observational study in which the behaviour of the children was assessed using a Global Mood Scoring system before and during the induction of general anaesthesia, with their parents participating at induction.Results:Parental participation in anaesthetic induction was beneficial in avoiding distress at parental separation without the use of preoperative sedation. Negative effects of parental participation were not encountered.Conclusions:Parental participation in anaesthetic induction of children can reduce distress at parental separation without any negative consequences. With proper preparation and education, parents should be encouraged to be present during the induction of general anaesthesia.
Current approaches to the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis in Australia
Authors: ANTHONY H , CATTO‐SMITH A , PHELAN P , PAXTON S 
Published: November 2003

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine current Australian practice for the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis (CF) and compare it to USA and UK guidelines.Methodology:A structured questionnaire was completed by dietitians from 15 major CF centres. It was estimated that these centres manage or co‐manage 84% of Australians with CF.Results:There was close agreement between UK and USA guidelines and Australian practice for dietary intervention strategies, nutritional monitoring and surveillance, and electrolyte replacement. Infant feeding practices were more closely aligned with the UK. There were some differences in the areas of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, vitamin requirements in CF and dietary management of CF‐related diabetes.Conclusions:Despite the lack of formal agreement, nutritional management practices of most Australian centres are closely aligned with current published international recommendations. However, there is need for consensus in the area of enzyme replacement therapy, management of CF‐related diabetes and vitamin supplementation based on optimal clinical outcomes.
Personal Viewpoint Education for children with disabilities: The rationale for inclusion
Authors: GRAVES P , TRACY J 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To discuss issues in the education of children with disabilities, particularly with respect to inclusion in mainstream classes.Methodology:Review of the literature on education for children with disabilities, focusing on the inclusion versus segregation debate.Results:The literature provides no support for segregation and some support for the view that segregated children are disadvantaged. What seems to be important is the way the child is educated rather than where the education takes place. In addition, there are ethical, sociological, and legal arguments in favour of an inclusive educational system.Conclusions:There are good arguments to encourage inclusive education for children with disabilities. In advising parents, doctors should focus on how rather than where the child with a disability should be educated.
Paediatric nephrotic syndrome in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: SIMPSON AK , WONG W , MORRIS MC 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To review children with nephrotic syndrome in Auckland, New Zealand.Methods:All children admitted to Auckland Children’s Hospital between January 1984 and December 1994 with nephrotic syndrome and a renal biopsy had their charts retrospectively reviewed and the appropriate information summarised.Results:Fifty‐seven children biopsied with nephrotic syndrome were available for review. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.4 years, standard deviation (SD) 3.9 years, with mean follow‐up of 5.7 years. The histologies of the renal biopsies were: minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) in 37%, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 19%, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in 23% and other causes in 21%. Maori children were most likely to have MPGN. Steroid resistance was present in 66% of children. End stage renal failure developed in 26% of patients and chronic renal failure in 4% of patients.Conclusion:In this series the proportion of children with MCNS is low and significant numbers of children with nephrotic syndrome progressed to chronic renal failure and end stage renal failure.
Ozbug: an email mailing list for physicians that works
Authors: Watson D. A. R. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Very few studies of the quality of electronic mailing lists have been published. Ozbug was established in 1997 as a moderated and closed mailing list for infectious diseases physicians in Australia and New Zealand. A broad range of clinical and professional issues is discussed by ­subscribers. An email survey of subscribers in 2002 indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the service. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 532−534)