bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of intravenous midazolam and clonidine in cyclical vomiting syndrome: a case report
Authors: PALMER GRETA M , CAMERON DONALD JS 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWe report a case of a teenage boy with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) who was referred to the anesthesia‐run postoperative pain service for symptom management. His symptoms were uncontrolled by oral pizotifen prophylaxis and acute therapy with intravenous (IV) hydration and ondansetron. A continuous low dose IV midazolam infusion was added to his treatment regimen (as is instituted for recalcitrant postoperative nausea and vomiting) with benefit, but not total symptom resolution. Recent literature review suggested links between migraine, CVS and adrenergic autonomic dysfunction. Consequently, IV clonidine was administered, in addition, with recovery. This combination was reinstituted successfully on subsequent admissions and emergency department presentations with shortened episode durations from 4–5 days to 16–48 h. It is uncertain if clonidine's sympatholytic effects were significantly beneficial or if associated sedation or natural resolution were contributors. Many agents have been used in CVS therapy but no trials have been done. Neither midazolam nor clonidine has been reported previously as used in the treatment of CVS. The apparent success of this combination raises possibilities both for future trials and research into the pathogenesis of CVS.
Proposed involvement of a soluble methane monooxygenase homologue in the cyclohexane‐dependent growth of a new Brachymonas species
Authors: Brzostowicz Patricia C. , Walters Dana M. , Jackson Raymond E. , Halsey Kimberly H. , Ni Hao , Rouvière Pierre E. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryHigh‐throughput mRNA differential display (DD) was used to identify genes induced by cyclohexane in Brachymonas petroleovorans CHX, a recently isolated β‐proteobacterium that grows on cyclohexane. Two metabolic gene clusters were identified multiple times in independent reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT‐PCR) in the course of this DD experiment. These clusters encode genes believed to be required for cyclohexane metabolism. One gene cluster (8 kb) encodes the subunits of a multicomponent hydroxylase related to the soluble butane of Pseudomonas butanovora and methane monooxygenases (sMMO) of methanotrophs. We propose that this butane monooxygenase homologue carries out the oxidation of cyclohexane into cyclohexanol during growth. A second gene cluster (11 kb) contains almost all the genes required for the oxidation of cyclohexanol to adipic acid. Real‐time PCR experiments confirmed that genes from both clusters are induced by cyclohexane. The role of the Baeyer–Villiger cyclohexanone monooxygenase of the second cluster was confirmed by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli.
Soil macropores and compaction control the leaching potential of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Artz Rebekka R. E. , Townend John , Brown Katie , Towers Willie , Killham Ken 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe influence of soil structure in controlling leaching of Escherichia coli O157:H7 through soil was investigated under controlled conditions using both intact and repacked soil cores. Leaching rates of E. coli O157:H7 decreased with increasing dry bulk density and were significantly increased by the presence of earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) burrows in repacked cores. For intact cores, the percentage of E. coli O157:H7 that leached through replicate cores within 72 h varied from 0.01% to 24%. In contrast, the dry bulk densities of intact cores varied only slightly and were not significantly correlated with leaching. Differences in the numbers of E. coli O157:H7 cells in the leachates were not related to variability in the flow volumes, which were relatively constant as a result of the experimental design, but were strongly correlated with the variations in concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 in the leachates. Relatively small variations in the internal structure of soil cores can therefore significantly affect the pathway that cells can take through soil. Factors such as compaction and the occurrence of pores providing preferential flow are prime determinants in the degree of leaching of E. coli O157:H7 through soil.
Calibration and deployment of custom‐designed bioreporters for protecting biological remediation consortia from toxic shock
Authors: Wiles Siouxsie , Lilley Andrew K. , Philp Jim C. , Bailey Mark J. , Whiteley Andrew S. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWe have previously described the development of a panel of site‐specific lux‐based bioreporters from an industrial wastewater treatment system remediating coking effluents. The Pseudomonad strains carry a stable chromosomal copy of the luxCDABE operon from Photorhabdus luminescens and display proportional responses in bioluminescence decay with increasing phenol concentration up to 800 mg l−1. In this work we describe their deployment to provide a strategic sensing network for protecting bacterial communities involved in the biological breakdown of coking effluents. This evaluation demonstrated the utility of strategic placement of reporters around heavy industry treatment systems and the reliability of the reporter strains under normal operational conditions. Mono‐phenol or total phenolic variation within the treatment system accounted for > 65–80% of the luminescence response. The reporters exhibited stable luminescence output during normal operations with maximum standard deviations of luminescence over time of c. 5–15% depending on the treatment compartment. Furthermore, deployment of the bioreporters over a 5‐month period allowed the determination of an operational range (OR) for each reporter for effluent samples from each compartment. The OR allowed a convenient measure of toxicity effects between treatment compartments and accurately reflected a specific pollution event occurring within compartments of the treatment system. This work demonstrates the utility of genetic modification to provide ecologically relevant bioreporters, extends the sensing capabilities currently obtained through marine derived biosensors and significantly enhances the potential for in situ deployment of reporting agents.
Disruption of quorum sensing in seawater abolishes attraction of zoospores of the green alga Ulva to bacterial biofilms
Authors: Tait Karen , Joint Ian , Daykin Mavis , Milton Debra L. , Williams Paul , Cámara Miguel 
Published: January 2005

SummaryZoospores of the eukaryotic green seaweed Ulva respond to bacterial N‐acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing signal molecules for the selection of surface sites for permanent attachment. In this study we have investigated the production and destruction of AHLs in biofilms of the AHL‐producing marine bacterium, Vibrio anguillarum and their stability in seawater. While wild type V. anguillarum NB10 was a strong attractor of zoospores, inactivation of AHL production in this strain by either expressing the recombinant Bacillus lactonase coding gene aiiA, or by mutating the AHL biosynthetic genes, resulted in the abolition of zoospore attraction. In seawater, with a pH of 8.2, the degradation of AHL molecules was temperature‐dependent, indicating that the AHLs produced by marine bacterial biofilms have short half‐lives. The Ulva zoospores sensed a range of different AHL molecules and in particular more zoospores settled on surfaces releasing AHLs with longer (>six carbons) N‐linked acyl chains. However, this finding is likely to be influenced by the differential diffusion rates of AHLs from the experimental surface matrix. Molecules with longer N‐acyl chains, such as N‐(3‐oxodecanoyl)‐ l‐homoserine lactone, diffused more slowly than those with shorter N‐acyl chains such as N‐(3‐hydroxy‐hexanoyl)‐ l‐homoserine lactone. Image analysis using GFP‐tagged V. anguillarum biofilms revealed that spores settle directly on bacterial cells and in particular on microcolonies which we show are sites of concentrated AHL production.
The incidence of posterior capsule disruption during phacoemulsification and associated postoperative complication rates in dogs: 244 eyes (1995–2002)
Authors: Johnstone Nancy , Ward Daniel A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjective  The objective of this retrospective study was to report the incidence of posterior capsule disruption during routine phacoemulsification and to document the postoperative outcomes and complications in eyes with posterior capsule disruption compared with eyes with intact posterior capsules.Procedures  Records of 143 dogs (244 eyes) were reviewed. Data collected included whether the posterior capsule was disrupted, whether the disruption was planned or accidental, whether an intraocular lens was implanted, and visual outcome. Records were reviewed for postoperative complications. Intraocular lens implantation rates, complication rates, and visual outcomes were compared between intact and disrupted posterior capsule groups using Chi‐square analyses.Results  The posterior capsule was disrupted in 33/244 eyes (14%). Planned capsulotomies accounted for 36% of the disruptions. Intraocular lenses were implanted in 76% of eyes without a disruption of the posterior capsule and in 31% of eyes with a posterior capsule disruption. Intraocular lenses were more likely to be implanted in eyes with a planned disruption of the posterior capsule (7/12; 58%) than in eyes with an accidental disruption (3/20; 15%). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or visual outcome between eyes with posterior capsule disruption and those without.Conclusions  The most significant complication of posterior capsule disruption during phacoemulsification is the inability to implant an intraocular lens. Intraocular lenses are more likely to be placed in eyes with intentional disruptions of the posterior capsule than those with accidental ruptures.
A Hybrid Multi‐Agent/Spatial Interaction Model System for Petrol Price Setting
Authors: Heppenstall Alison J , Evans Andrew J , Birkin Mark H 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis paper examines the use of multi‐agent simulations (MAS) to model the petrol market. The development of a purely agent based model for petrol prices is presented. Failings within this model are discussed and an alternative strategy for controlling the price of each petrol station based on population of customers is considered. Individual level modelling of customers is too computationally intensive; therefore a spatial interaction model was used to estimate the sales and linked to the agent system to create a hybrid model. To evaluate how effective this hybrid model was, a comparison was made with an existing data set of real petrol prices collected over a two month period. This was achieved both statistically and visually with the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS). Experimentation revealed that the hybrid model outperformed the agent model. Investigation into the behaviour and sensitivity of the system (for example, how prices diffuse spatially) was undertaken by means of idealised simulations.
Geocomputation, Geodemographics and Resource Allocation for Local Policing
Authors: Ashby David I , Longley Paul A 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe field of geodemographics is one of the most fertile applications areas of geocomputation research. Geodemographic profiles of the characteristics of individuals and small areas are pivotal to tactical and strategic resource management in many areas of business, and are becoming similarly central to efficient and effective deployment of resources by public services. In this context, this paper describes research that has been developed in partnership with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and Institute of Criminal Justice Studies (ICJS) at the University of Portsmouth to assess the potential use of geodemographics as a policing tool. Crime, the fear of crime and the efficacy of public services are issues that have moved to the top of the UK political agenda and have long been matters of serious public concern. This paper considers the ways in which police forces might use geodemographics to better deploy resources at a variety of spatial scales in England and Wales.
Topical antifungal drugs for the treatment of onychomycosis: an overview of current strategies for monotherapy and combination therapy
Authors: Baran R , Kaoukhov A 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTBackground  Onychomycosis is a relatively common disease accounting for up to 50% of all nail disorders and its prevalence rises with age. As onychomycosis is an important medical disorder affecting both patient's health and quality of life, it requires prompt and effective treatment.Objective  Topical antifungal nail lacquers have been formulated to provide efficient delivery to the nail unit. As both amorolfine and ciclopirox have proved useful as monotherapy for onychomycosis that does not involve the nail matrix area, the purpose of this article is to check if, when combined with oral agents, the effectiveness and scope of treatment can be improved further.Methods  Combining data for mycological cure with clinical success (nail morphology) provides a more exacting efficacy measure.Results  Clinical investigations have shown that the combination of oral therapies with antifungal nail lacquer can confer considerable advantage over monotherapy with either drug type.Conclusion  The improved effectiveness and economic advantages of combined topical/oral therapies benefit both patients and health providers; these treatment regimens therefore have an important role to play in the modern management of onychomycosis.
Acute exacerbation of systemic scleroderma in Borrelia burgdorferi infection
Authors: Wackernagel A , Bergmann AR , Aberer E 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTIn recent years a possible aetiological connection between skin sclerosis and an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi has been discussed, but this association has not yet been reported for systemic scleroderma. Several treatment modalities are suggested for systemic scleroderma, but no treatment has yet been found to alter the overall course of the disease. This report describes a 61‐year‐old woman with Raynaud's phenomenon, nail‐fold changes and circulating anticentromere antibodies, who showed an abrupt onset of erythemas and doughy swellings involving the face and upper trunk, followed by thickening and induration of the skin mimicking diffuse systemic scleroderma. Laboratory tests including enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot and urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed an infection with B. burgdorferi sensu lato that was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, an antibiotic recommended for Lyme borreliosis. Fourteen days after the end of treatment the skin was no longer stiff and indurated and had returned to its normal predisease state. This case suggests that Lyme disease should be considered in atypical cases of skin sclerosis in patients predisposed to the development of systemic scleroderma.
Sarcoidosis and pyoderma gangrenosum: an exceptional association. The role of trauma and immunosuppressive agents
Authors: Herrero JE , Mascaró JM , Llambrich A , Herrero C 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTThe coexistence of sarcoidosis and pyoderma gangrenosum has rarely been reported. We have found only three cases in our review of the literature. Herein, we report a new case and discuss the role of trauma and immunosuppression in the development of PG, and the efficacy of cyclosporin A in PG and sarcoidosis.
Low serum insulin values in children with multiple lesions of granuloma annulare: a prospective study
Authors: Kakourou T , Psychou F , Voutetakis A , Xaidara A , Stefanaki K , Dacou‐Voutetakis C 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTBackground  The relationship between granuloma annularae (GA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is controversial.Objective  To investigate the relationship between multiple lesions of GA and carbohydrate metabolism in children.Subjects and methods  Fifteen children (seven boys, eight girls, mean age 4.8 years) with five or more lesions of GA were evaluated. A personal and family history of DM or other autoimmune diseases was obtained and the glycaemic and insulin response during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was determined. Thirteen children with a negative personal and family history of DM served as controls for the OGTT and 100 other children as ‘clinical controls’.Results  At the 30‐min sampling of the OGTT the mean insulin values were comparable in GA children and controls (P = 0.1), while the mean glucose values were significantly higher in GA children than in controls (P = 0.005). All other insulin values during the OGTT were significantly lower in GA children than in controls, while all other glucose values were comparable in GA children and controls with all indices applied. Eleven out of 15 GA children had a positive family history of DM (73.3% vs. 16% of the clinical controls; P < 0.0001).Conclusion  Multiple lesions of GA in children are associated with significantly lower serum insulin values than in controls and mildly impaired glucose tolerance.
Persistent unilateral orbital and eyelid oedema as a manifestation of Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome
Authors: Cocuroccia B , Gubinelli E , Annessi G , Zambruno G , Girolomoni G 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTMelkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a complex neuromucocutaneous disorder characterized by localized orofacial oedema and cranial nerve dysfunction, frequently associated with minor signs, including furrowed tongue. Complete forms are rare whereas mono‐ and oligosymptomatic variants are more common. A 71‐year‐old man presented with a 2‐year history of relapsing and progressively persistent oedema of the right eyelids and periorbital region. A fissured tongue and telangiectatic rosacea had been present since the age of 50 and 60 years, respectively. The patient was also affected by essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A skin biopsy showed a marked upper dermal oedema, and small epithelioid cell granulomas arranged in perivascular and perilymphatic location. Collections of small epithelioid cells were occasionally observed within lymphatic spaces. No acid‐fast bacteria, fungi or foreign bodies were detected. Intralesional corticosteroids induced transient improvement, whereas minocycline, clofazimine and dapsone have been ineffective. MRS may present with unilateral eyelid and periorbital swelling. Differential diagnoses of such cases may include a variety of cutaneous, ophthalmic and systemic diseases.
Familial eyebrow diffuse alopecia
Authors: Öztaş P , Çatal F , Dilmen U 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTEyebrows are important structures both cosmetically and functionally. Diffuse alopecia of the eyebrows (sparseness of the eyebrows) may be seen in many acquired or congenital conditions. In this article, a family with diffuse eyebrow alopecia is reported.
Quality of care in patients with psoriasis: an initial clinical study of an international disease management programme
Authors: De Korte J , Van Onselen J , Kownacki S , Sprangers MAG , Bos JD 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTBackground  Patients with psoriasis have to cope with their disease for many years or even throughout their entire life. To provide optimal care, a disease management programme was developed. This programme consisted of disease education, disease management training, and psychological support, together with topical treatment.Objective  To test a disease management programme in dermatological practice, to assess patients’ satisfaction with this programme, and adherence to topical treatment. Additionally, disease severity and quality of life were assessed.Methods  An initial clinical investigation was conducted in 10 European treatment centres. A total of 330 patients were included. Patient satisfaction, adherence, disease severity and quality of life were measured with study‐specific and standardized self‐report questionnaires.Results  Patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with the programme, and a high degree of adherence to topical treatment. Disease severity and quality of life significantly improved. The programme was well received by the participating professionals.Conclusions  The disease management programme was found to be a useful tool in the management of psoriasis, providing patients with relief from the burden of psoriasis in everyday life. A full‐scale evaluation is recommended.
Keratosis lichenoides chronica and eruptive keratoacanthoma‐like lesions in a patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Marzano AV , Bellinvia M , Caputo R , Alessi E 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTWe describe a 72‐year‐old woman with a 13‐year history of a lichenoid dermatitis, who developed multiple, papular keratoacanthoma (KA)‐like lesions and few crater‐like nodules on the extremities over a period of 6 months before our observation. Her medical history also recorded multiple myeloma diagnosed a few years before. The long‐standing dermatosis was diagnosed, clinically, as keratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC), although, histologically, a lichenoid tissue reaction pattern was not evident. On the other hand, histology from papular and nodular lesions of recent onset was consistent with a possible early phase of KA and spinocellular carcinoma, respectively. Oral acitretin induced regression of KA‐like lesions and improvement of KLC but had no effects on crater‐like nodules, which required surgical excision. KLC is a chronic disorder of keratinization characterized by lichenoid hyperkeratotic papules arranged in a linear pattern, erythematosquamous plaques and seborrhoea‐like dermatitis. We emphasize in our case the association between KLC and multiple possible KAs, never previously reported, and speculate that these two rare conditions may represent here a ‘continuum’ from a pathogenetic point of view.
No association between serum eosinophil cationic protein and atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis in an unselected population of children
Authors: Selnes A , Dotterud LK 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTBackground  In order to obtain background references when dealing with serum eosinophil cationic protein (s‐ECP) measurements in children with allergic diseases, population‐based studies are important. The objectives of our study were to explore the strength of associations between the s‐ECP level and atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma in an unselected northern Norwegian schoolchildren population.Methods  s‐ECP was sampled from 396 schoolchildren aged 7–12 years from Sør‐Varanger community, northern Norway as a part of a population‐based study of allergy. In advance, anamnestic information concerning a history of AD, AR and asthma were obtained. The children underwent a clinical investigation, including skin prick tests and peak expiratory flow measurements, where the presence of AD, AR and asthma were evaluated. The associations of these diseases to the s‐ECP values were examined in bivariate statistical analysis.Results  No statistical significant associations were detected in bivariate analysis between s‐ECP and AD, AR or asthma: the mean s‐ECP in children without self‐reported AD/AR/asthma was 4.6 µg/L [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.0–5.2]. The mean s‐ECP in children with self‐reported AD or AR or asthma was 5.2 µg/L (95% CI 4.1–6.2), 4.6 µg/L (95% CI 3.5–5.7) and 6.4 µg/L (95% CI 4.4–8.3), respectively. The highest mean s‐ECP level was measured in children with clinically diagnosed asthma; 7.1 µg/L (95% CI 4.0–10.3). Above the 75‐percentile level of s‐ECP, only 17.2% of the children had a history of asthma.Conclusions  In this unselected children population, the occurrence of AD or AR was not reflected by an increase in the s‐ECP level. The s‐ECP was increased in children with asthma, but was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the majority of children with high s‐ECP values were not asthmatics. We conclude that the associations between s‐ECP and allergic diseases are weak in an unselected population of children.