bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cat bites of the hand
Authors: Mitnovetski Sergei , Kimble Frank 
Published: September 2004

Background:  Cat bites are the second most common mammalian bites. Cat bites of the hand in particular represent a potentially devastating problem in terms of wound infection and long‐term disability if not treated appropriately. The purpose of the present study is to give an overview of demographics, management and follow up of the patients with cat bite injuries of the hand treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital.Methods:  Retrospective and prospective data of all patients with cat bites of the hand seen at the Royal Hobart Hospital for a period of 3 years (January 2000 to April 2003) were collected. Demographics, anatomical site, presentation, assessment, investigations, management and follow up of the patients with this type of injury were analysed. The accuracy of the obtained data was checked by analysing questionnaires returned by our patients.Results:  Forty‐one patients were treated for cat bites of the hand. Twenty‐six were managed in the department of emergency medicine and 15 were admitted and managed by the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Five of 15 admitted patients required surgery. Compliance was not a major problem in our study as very few patients were lost to follow up. Almost all patients had close follow up and extensive hand physiotherapy achieving overall good long‐term results. Out of 39 patients who were sent questionnaires only one indicated long‐term problems with the hand (response rate 46%).Conclusion:  Appropriate early treatment of cat bites of the hand is the key to success. Treatment with antibiotics, surgical drainage, debridement and copious irrigation, and use of corticosteroids in some cases, proved to be effective. Hand elevation and intensive physiotherapy after a short period of immobilization is critical. We believe that prophylactic antibiotics should be given even in case of a minor infection following cat bites of the hand. Clear guidelines for clinical recognition of infection, hospital admission and management are provided in our study.
Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty for recurrence after open repair
Authors: Lau Hung 
Published: September 2004

Background:  Whether endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) for recurrent inguinal hernia is as safe and efficacious as that for primary inguinal hernia has rarely been examined. The objective of the present study was to compare the early and late outcomes of TEP for primary and recurrent inguinal hernia. The clinical pattern of recurrence after previous open repair of inguinal hernia was also examined.Methods:  Between August 1999 and November 2003, 100 consecutive patients who underwent TEP for recurrent inguinal hernia were recruited. The outcomes of these patients were compared to a randomly selected control group (n = 100) who had TEP for primary inguinal hernia during the same period. All data had been prospectively collected and analysed.Results:  Demographic features were comparable between the two groups. The recurrent group had a significantly higher incidence of direct inguinal hernia than the control group (P < 0.001). Comparison of operative duration, postoperative morbidity, pain score, length of hospital stay and time taken to resume normal activities showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, the incidence of peritoneal tear in the recurrent group (46%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (28%) (P < 0.05). With a mean follow‐up of 1 year, the incidences of recurrence and chronic groin pain were similar for both groups.Conclusion:  Early and late outcomes of TEP for recurrent inguinal hernia were equivalent to those for primary inguinal hernia but a higher incidence of peritoneal tear was encountered during TEP for recurrent inguinal hernia. A predominance of direct hernia was observed in the recurrent group.
Imaging of an enterovaginal fistula with flexible colposcopy, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cannula and radiographic screening
Authors: Nguyen M. H. , Zakon Joseph , Wagner Tim , Lloyd David 
Published: September 2004

The diagnosis of a rectovaginal or enterovaginal fistula is mostly made by a careful historical of a faecal vaginal discharge. When a rectovaginal fistula is low, an examination will demonstrate it with ease. However, when there is a high and small fistula into the vault or the fornix of the vagina, traditional methods of small bowel enema and barium enema may not demonstrate the fistula. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may demonstrate a fistula but not the nature of the bowel involved. Vaginography has been the most successful imaging method to date.Demonstrating an enterovaginal fistula and substantiating whether or not the rectum, the small bowel alone or both are implicated are important for operation planning; a fistulogram through the vagina by endoscopic method is a simple and useful adjunct to the available methods of imaging enterovaginal fistulas.We report a case and discuss a technique of endoscopic fistulography through a small fistulous opening high in the vagina. We believe that this technique is accurate, simple and complementary to vaginography in demonstrating an enterovaginal fistula.
Towards a hybrid philosophy of surgical education
Authors: Hall John C. , Crebbin Wendy , Ellison Anne 
Published: September 2004

Background:  Surgical training involves a complex amalgam of skills. This publication seeks to incorporate concepts about higher education into a philosophy of surgical education.Methods:  The core of the present review is derived from a literature search of a computer database (Medline). The notion of competence is used to illustrate the concept of a philosophy of surgical education.Conclusion:  A predefined philosophy of surgical education may serve as a useful reference point when choices arise during the development of surgical training.
Biogeochemistry of a gypsum‐encrusted microbial ecosystem
Authors: CANFIELD D. E. , SØRENSEN K. B. , OREN A. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTGypsum crusts containing multicolored stratified microbial populations grow in the evaporation ponds of a commercial saltern in Eilat, Israel. These crusts contain two prominent cyanobacterial layers, a bright purple layer of anoxygenic phototrophs, and a lower black layer with active sulphate reduction. We explored the diel dynamics of oxygen and sulphide within the crust using specially constructed microelectrodes, and further explored the crust biogeochemistry by measuring rates of sulphate reduction, stable sulphur isotope composition, and oxygen exchange rates across the crust–brine interface. We explored crusts from ponds with two different salinities, and found that the crust in the highest salinity was the less active. Overall, these crusts exhibited much lower rates of oxygen production than typical organic‐rich microbial mats. However, this was mainly due to much lower cell densities within the crusts. Surprisingly, on a per cell‐volume basis, rates of photosynthesis were similar to organic‐rich microbial mats. Due to relatively low rates of oxygen production and deep photic zones extending from 1.5 to 3 cm depth, a large percentage of the oxygen produced during the day accumulated into the crusts. Indeed, only between 16% to 34% of the O2 produced in the crust escaped, and the remainder was internally recycled, used mainly in O2 respiration. We view these crusts as potential homologs to ancient salt‐encrusted microbial ecosystems, and we compared them to the 3.45 billion‐year‐old quartz barite deposits from North Pole, Australia, which originally precipitated gypsum.
A laboratory model of abiotic peloid formation
Authors: BOSAK T. , SOUZA‐EGIPSY V. , NEWMAN D. K. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTPeloids are rounded grains of micritic calcite whose origin has been attributed to various biological and abiotic mechanisms. To constrain abiotic parameters that favour the formation of peloids, we precipitated calcite crusts in the absence of microorganisms. Clotted opaque fabrics that formed during the initial stages of the experiment consisted of ∼10 µm peloids, while compact clear sparitic crusts precipitated in subsequent stages. The increasing supersaturation of the solution in time is responsible for this morphological succession. Initially, peloids form by the radial growth of spar crystals around a small number of nuclei. As the supersaturation increases, more spar crystals nucleate and aggregate nonradially into compact crusts. Rounded clotted precipitates are a consequence of the growth in suspension and geopetal settling, and isopachous crusts grow in the absence of these processes. Although peloids are commonly assumed to have a microbial origin, our results show that very similar morphologies can be created by purely abiotic mechanisms. Thus, the biological origin of rounded micritic calcite grains in the rock record must be verified against the abiotic null‐hypothesis in each specific case.
Linking geochemical processes with microbial community analysis: successional dynamics in an arsenic‐rich, acid‐sulphate‐chloride geothermal spring
Authors: MACUR R. E. , LANGNER H. W. , KOCAR B. D. , INSKEEP W. P. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTThe source waters of acid‐sulphate‐chloride (ASC) geothermal springs located in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park contain several reduced chemical species, including H2, H2S, As(III), and Fe(II), which may serve as electron donors driving chemolithotrophic metabolism. Microorganisms thriving in these environments must also cope with high temperatures, low pH (∼3), and high concentrations of sulphide, As(III), and boron. The goal of the current study was to correlate the temporal and spatial distribution of bacterial and archaeal populations with changes in temperature and geochemical energy gradients occurring throughout a newly formed (redirected) outflow channel of an ASC spring. A suite of complimentary analyses including aqueous geochemistry, microscopy, solid phase identification, and 16S rDNA sequence distribution were used to correlate the appearance of specific microbial populations with biogeochemical processes mediating S, Fe, and As cycling and subsequent biomineralization of As(V)‐rich hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) mats. Rapid As(III) oxidation (maximum first order rate constants ranged from 4 to 5 min−1, t1/2 = 0.17 − 0.14 min) was correlated with the appearance of Hydrogenobaculum and Thiomonas–like populations, whereas the biogenesis of As(V)‐rich HFO microbial mats (mole ratios of As:Fe ∼0.7) was correlated with the appearance of Metallosphaera, Acidimicrobium, and Thiomonas–like populations. Several 16S sequences detected near the source were closely related to sequences of chemolithotrophic hyperthermophilic populations including Stygiolobus and Hydrogenobaculum organisms that are known H2 oxidizers. The use of H2, reduced S(–II,0), Fe(II) and perhaps As(III) by different organisms represented throughout the outflow channel was supported by thermodynamic calculations, confirming highly exergonic redox couples with these electron donors. Results from this work demonstrated that chemical energy gradients play an important role in establishing distinct community structure as a function of distance from geothermal spring discharge.
The societal costs and quality of life of patients suffering from bipolar disorder in the Netherlands
Authors: Hakkaart‐van Roijen L. , Hoeijenbos M. B. , Regeer E. J. , Ten Have M. , Nolen W. A. , Veraart C. P. W. M. , Rutten F. F. H. 
Published: September 2004

Objective:  To assess the societal costs and quality of life of patients suffering from bipolar disorder in the Netherlands.Method:  Forty persons with a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder (SCID/DSM‐IV) and representative for the Dutch general population were interviewed to collect data on direct (use of medical resources) and indirect (productivity losses because of absence from work and reduced efficiency at work) costs of illness. Respondents’ quality of life was also assessed. Prevalence (5.2%) of bipolar disorder was used to estimate total costs.Results:  Total costs of bipolar disorder were estimated at $US1.83 billion (total direct costs = $US454 million; total indirect costs = $US1.37 billion). Participants’ quality‐of‐life scores were lower than those of the general population.Conclusion:  The societal costs form patients suffering of bipolar disorder in the Netherlands were high, especially the indirect costs because of absence from work. The quality of life of bipolar patients was lower than the general population.
Regulated interaction of the Fanconi anemia protein, FANCD2, with chromatin
Authors: Montes de Oca Rocio , Andreassen Paul R. , Margossian Steven P. , Gregory Richard C. , Taniguchi Toshiyasu , Wang XiaoZhe , Houghtaling Scott , Grompe Markus , D'Andrea Alan D. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
DNA damage activates the monoubiquitination of the Fanconi anemia (FA) protein, FANCD2, resulting in the assembly of FANCD2 nuclear foci. In the current study, we characterize structural features of FANCD2 required for this intranuclear translocation. We have previously identified 2 normal mRNA splice variants of FANCD2, one containing exon 44 sequence at the 3′ end (FANCD2-44) and one containing exon 43 sequence (FANCD2-43). The 2 predicted FANCD2 proteins differ in their carboxy terminal 24 amino acids. In stably transfected FANCD2—/— fibroblasts, FANCD2-44 and FANCD2-43 proteins were monoubiquitinated on K561. Only FANCD2-44 corrected the mitomycin C (MMC) sensitivity of the transfected cells. We find that monoubiquitinated FANCD2-44 was translocated from the soluble nuclear compartment into chromatin. A mutant form of FANCD2-44 (FANCD2-K561R) was not monoubiquitinated and failed to bind chromatin. A truncated FANCD2 protein (Exon44-T), lacking the carboxy terminal 24 amino acids encoded by exon 44 but retaining K561, and another mutant FANCD2 protein, with a single amino acid substitution at a conserved residue within the C-terminal 24 amino acids (D1428A), were monoubiquitinated. Both mutants were targeted to chromatin but failed to correct MMC sensitivity. Taken together, our results indicate that monoubiquitination of FANCD2 regulates chromatin binding and that D1428 within the carboxy terminal acidic sequence encoded by exon 44 is independently required for functional complementation of FA-D2 cells. We hypothesize that the carboxy terminus of FANCD2-44 plays a critical role in sensing or repairing DNA damage.
IL-8 and its CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors participate in the control of megakaryocytic proliferation, differentiation, and ploidy in myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis
Authors: Emadi Sharareh , Clay Denis , Desterke Christophe , Guerton Bernadette , Maquarre Eliane , Charpentier Agnès , Jasmin Claude , Le Bousse-Kerdilès Marie-Caroline ,   for the French INSERM Research Network on MMM
Published: September 2004

AbstractMyeloproliferation, myelofibrosis, and neoangiogenesis are the 3 major intrinsic pathophysiologic features of myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis (MMM). The myeloproliferation is characterized by an increased number of circulating CD34+ progenitors with the prominent amplification of dystrophic megakaryocytic (MK) cells and myeloid metaplasia in the spleen and liver. The various biologic activities of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in hematopoietic progenitor proliferation and mobilization as well as in neoangiogenesis prompted us to analyze its potential role in MMM. We showed that the level of IL-8 chemokine is significantly increased in the serum of patients and that various hematopoietic cells, including platelets, participate in its production. In vitro inhibition of autocrine IL-8 expressed by CD34+ cells with either a neutralizing or an antisense anti–IL-8 treatment increases the proliferation of MMM CD34+-derived cells and stimulates their MK differentiation. Moreover, addition of neutralizing anti–IL-8 receptor (CXC chemokine receptor 1 [CXCR1] or 2 [CXCR2]) antibodies to MMM CD34+ cells cultured under MK liquid culture conditions increases the proliferation and differentiation of MMM CD41+ MK cells and restores their polyploidization. Our results suggest that IL-8 and its receptors participate in the altered MK growth that features MMM and open new therapeutic prospects for this still incurable disease.
Mortality in sickle cell patients on hydroxyurea therapy
Authors: Bakanay Sule M. , Dainer Erin , Clair Betsy , Adekile Adekunle , Daitch Lisa , Wells Leigh , Holley Leslie , Smith David , Kutlar Abdullah 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The efficacy of hydroxyurea (HU) and its role in the reduction in mortality in sickle cell patients has been established. Nevertheless, many patients still die of complications of this disease while on HU. Of the 226 patients treated with HU at our center, 38 died (34 of sickle cell–related causes). Acute chest syndrome (ACS) was the most common (35%) cause of death. Deceased and surviving patients did not differ significantly in average HU dose, baseline fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), or maximum Hb F response. However, the deceased patients were significantly older when HU was instituted, were more anemic, and more likely to have BAN or CAM haplotypes. They also had significantly higher serum blood-urea-nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Sickle cell patients who die while on HU therapy may represent a subgroup of older patients, possibly with more severe disease and more severe organ damage. Such patients need early identification and prompt HU institution.
SPI-CI and SPI-6 cooperate in the protection from effector cell–mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Bots Michael , Kolfschoten Ingrid G. M. , Bres Sandra A. , Rademaker Mirjam T. G. A. , de Roo Guido M. , Krüse Margreet , Franken Kees L. M. C. , Hahne Michael , Froelich Christopher J. , Melief Cornelis J. M. , Offringa Rienk , Medema Jan Paul 
Published: September 2004

AbstractTumors have several mechanisms to escape from the immune system. One of these involves expression of intracellular anticytotoxic proteins that modulate the execution of cell death. Previously, we have shown that the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) SPI-6, which inactivates the cytotoxic protease granzyme B (GrB), is capable of preventing cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)–mediated apoptosis. Despite its potent antiapoptotic activity, SPI-6 does not prevent membranolysis induced by cytotoxic lymphocytes. We now provide evidence that several colon carcinoma cell lines do resist membranolysis and that this protection is dependent on SPI-6 but also requires expression of a closely related serpin called SPI-CI (serine protease inhibitor involved in cytotoxicity inhibition). Expression of SPI-CI is absent from normal colon but observed in placenta, testis, early during embryogenesis, and in cytotoxic lymphocytes. SPI-CI encodes a chymotrypsin-specific inhibitor and irreversibly interacts with purified granzyme M. Moreover, SPI-CI can protect cells from purified perforin/GrM-induced lysis. Our data therefore indicate that SPI-CI is a novel immune escape molecule that acts in concert with SPI-6 to prevent cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated killing of tumor cells.
Chemokine receptor expression in EBV-associated lymphoproliferation in hu/SCID mice: implications for CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in lymphoma generation
Authors: Piovan Erich , Tosello Valeria , Indraccolo Stefano , Cabrelle Anna , Baesso Ilenia , Trentin Livio , Zamarchi Rita , Tamamura Hirokazu , Fujii Nobutaka , Semenzato Gianpietro , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi , Amadori Alberto 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe mechanisms by which intraperitoneal injection of peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells (PBMCs) from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–seropositive donors into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice gives rise to lymphomas (hu/SCID tumors) are far from clear. This study addressed whether chemokine receptors and their ligands could be implicated in this experimental model. CXCR4 was found to be highly expressed in hu/SCID tumors; surface expression of CXCR4 was prevalently limited to a tumor cell subset poorly expressing CD23, whereas the CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12, was predominantly expressed by the tumor subpopulation expressing CD23. In vitro inhibition of this autocrine/paracrine CXCL12/CXCR4 axis significantly inhibited lymphoma proliferation and survival. Furthermore, CXCL12 was expressed in cells recovered from the mouse peritoneal cavity early after PBMC transfer as well as by EBV-transformed B cells but not by resting or activated B lymphocytes; also, lymphoma development was associated with a dramatic increase in the levels of murine CXCL12 present in the peritoneal cavity. Finally, antagonizing the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in vivo strongly counteracted lymphoma development. These studies demonstrate that CXCL12 expression may be associated with EBV infection and suggest that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis may participate in the EBV-associated lymphomagenesis process in immunodeficient hosts.
Quantitative analysis of nucleoside transporter and metabolism gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): identification of fludarabine-sensitive and -insensitive populations
Authors: Mackey John R. , Galmarini Carlos M. , Graham Kathryn A. , Joy Anil A. , Delmer Alain , Dabbagh Laith , Glubrecht Darryl , Jewell Lawrence D. , Lai Raymond , Lang Thack , Hanson John , Young James D. , Merle-Béral Helene , Binet Jacques L. , Cass Carol E. , Dumontet Charles 
Published: September 2004

AbstractResistance to fludarabine is observed in the clinic, and molecular predictive assays for benefit from chemotherapy are required. Our objective was to determine if expression of nucleoside transport and metabolism genes was associated with response to fludarabine therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL cells from 56 patients were collected prior to treatment with fludarabine. Quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on sample RNA to determine the relative levels of mRNA of 3 nucleoside transporters that mediate fludarabine uptake (human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 [hENT1], human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 [hENT2], and human concentrative nucleoside transporter 3 [hCNT3]), deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), and 3 5′-nucleotidases (ecto-5′nucleotidase [CD73], deoxynucleotidase-1 [dNT-1], and cytoplasmic high-Km 5-nucleotidase [CN-II]). Two-dimensional hierarchical cluster analysis of gene expression identified 2 distinct populations of CLL. Cluster 2 patients experienced a 3.4-fold higher risk of disease progression than cluster 1 patients (P = .0058, log-rank analysis). Furthermore, independent analysis of the individual genes of interest revealed statistically significant differences for risk of disease progression (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs]) with underexpression of dNT-1 (HR = 0.45; P = .042), CD73 (HR = 0.40; P = .022), and dCK (HR = 0.0.48; P = .035), and overexpression of hCNT3 (HR = 4.7; P = .0007) genes. Subjects with elevated hCNT3 expression experienced a lower complete response rate to fludarabine therapy (11% vs 69%; P = .002). No hCNT3-mediated plasma membrane nucleoside transport was detected in CLL samples expressing hCNT3 message, and hCNT3 protein was localized to the cytoplasm with immunohistochemical and confocal microscopy.