bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective, randomized trial of steroid withdrawal in kidney recipients treated with mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine
Authors: Pelletier Ronald P , Akin Baris , Ferguson Ronald M 
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Our transplant centre began a prospective, randomized trial of steroid withdrawal in low risk renal transplant recipients on triple immunosuppression consisting of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), microemulsion cyclosporine (CSA), and prednisone. One hundred and twenty patients were randomized either to discontinue or remain on steroids (60 patients per group). Study design consisted of analyses of 1‐yr outcomes after study entry. This report includes the 1‐yr results plus results at last follow‐up (mean follow‐up 3.7 yr). There were no significant differences in rates of patient and graft survival at 1 yr or at last follow‐up. Additionally, the incidences of acute and chronic rejection as well as graft function were the same at 1 yr and at last follow‐up. Significant improvement was noted in total serum cholesterol and bone density at 1 yr and last follow‐up. Initial improvement in patient weight at 1 yr was not sustained at last follow‐up. No significant impact of steroid withdrawal on serum triglycerides, blood pressure, or post‐transplant diabetes mellitus was observed. To date, we have observed no immunologic risk, and some significant benefit in regards to side effects, of steroid withdrawal between 6 and 36 months after transplantation in low risk renal transplant recipients maintained on prednisone, MMF, and microemulsion CSA.Conclusion: Steroid withdrawal in low risk kidney transplant recipients is safe and ameliorates many of the unwanted sides effects of steroid use.
Long‐term renal function after liver transplantation is related to calcineurin inhibitors blood levels
Authors: Morard Isabelle , Mentha Gilles , Spahr Laurent , Majno Pietro , Hadengue Antoine , Huber Olivier , Morel Philippe , Giostra Emiliano 
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Renal dysfunction is common after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of renal dysfunction 5 yr after LT and to identify risk factors for the development of this complication.Patients and methods:  A total of 134 adult patients underwent LT from 1987 to 1998 and 74.6% of them were alive 5 yr after. Pre‐LT, 1 and 5 yr post‐LT renal function were calculated by Cockroft and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula. Since 1987 glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been measured by radiolabeled tracers clearance (RTC). Risk factors for GFR < 50 mL/min were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.Results:  Mean pre‐LT GFR was 79 and 85 mL/min with Cockroft and MDRD respectively; 11% of the patients had a GFR ≤ 50 mL/min. 5 yr after LT, mean GFR was 63, 61 and 70 mL/min with MDRD, Cockroft and RTC respectively, GFR decreased by 26%, and 25% of the patients had a GFR < 50 mL/min. Independent risk factors associated with impaired renal function were: trough levels of cyclosporin A (CyA) ≥ 150 μg/L or tacrolimus (FK) ≥ 10 μg/L at 1 yr and CyA ≥ 100 μg/L or FK ≥ 8 μg/L at 5 yr.Conclusion:  5 yr after LT, patients have lost 26% of their initial GFR and 25% of them have a GFR < 50 mL/min. This complication is predicted by high levels of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). Therefore CNI levels should be reduced as low as possible and use of alternative drugs should be considered.
In vitro test of virulence in the progeny of a Heterobasidion interspecific cross
Authors: Olson Å. , Lind M. , Stenlid J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryAnnosum root rot, caused by Heterobasidion annosum s.l., is the economically most devastating disease of coniferous forests in the northern hemisphere. We have analysed virulence of the progeny isolates of a H. annosum interspecific cross between one S and one P homokaryotic isolate from North America. Virulence was measured as mortality rate among 29 pine (Pinus sylvestris) or 58 spruce (Picea abies) seedlings per homokaryotic progeny isolate. The assay showed a wide range of virulence among the 97 progeny isolates on pine and segregated as a continuous character. The heritability of virulence on pine was estimated to be 0.088 in this study. A strong correlation between virulence on pine and spruce was also found, although the range of virulence between isolates on spruce was smaller than that on pine. No correlation between high virulence and either fast radial growth rate on malt extract agar or high wood decay capacity was found.
Stump treatment against Heterobasidion with Phlebiopsis gigantea and some chemicals in Picea abies stands in the western Alps
Authors: Nicolotti G. , Gonthier P. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe effectiveness against Heterobasidion natural airborne infections on Norway spruce stumps was tested for six treatments: aqueous suspension of Phlebiopsis gigantea oidiospores, 10%, 20% and 30% aqueous urea solutions, 4% copper oxychloride aqueous solution, and borax powder. The experiment was carried out in four naturally regenerated forests in the western Alps, each characterized by a different airborne inoculum potential. Within each stand, all treatments, with the exception of urea 10%, were effective and resulted in colonized areas of stumps significantly lower than controls. The effect of ambient spore loads on the stump colonization is discussed.
Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas: A radiological–pathological review. Part 1: Stomach, oesophagus and colon
Authors: Mendelson RM , Fermoyle S 
Published: September 2005

SummaryPrimary gastrointestinal lymphomas are most common in the stomach, followed by small intestine and then colon. The most frequently used pathology classification of lymphomas is the Revised European and American Lymphoma /World Health Organization classification. The correlation of radiological morphology with histology is relatively poor, although characteristic subtypes will be discussed. In the stomach, the majority of primary lymphomas are of B‐cell origin of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. Low‐grade MALT lymphomas are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and often respond to eradication of this organism. Radiological features include thickened folds, nodularity, depressed lesions, ulcers, prominent areae gastricae. High‐grade (large B‐cell) tumour patterns include infiltrative, polypoid, nodular, ulcerated or a combination. Endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and CT are important in diagnosis and staging, although appearances on barium studies should be recognized. Primary colonic lymphomas are rare. Most are of B‐cell origin. Focal and diffuse forms are seen, the former producing polypoid or nodular or cavitating masses and the latter producing ulcerative or nodular (polyposis) patterns on imaging. Even when circumferential, lymphoma rarely causes obstruction. Small bowel lymphomas will be discussed in the forthcoming part 2 of this review.
Tear of the distal biceps branchii tendon: A new method of ultrasound evaluation
Authors: Giuffre BM , Lisle DA 
Published: September 2005

SummaryTear of the distal biceps brachii tendon is an uncommon injury. Ultrasound evaluation of the distal tendon using an anterior approach is often difficult because of technical factors. We describe a new method of ultrasound evaluation of the distal biceps tendon insertion. This involves a posterior approach with the forearm pronated. With pronation of the forearm, the radial tuberosity faces posteriorly, bringing the distal biceps tendon insertion into view. A surgically proven case of distal biceps tendon tear is presented to illustrate our technique.
SAPHO syndrome masquerading as metastatic bone disease
Authors: Theumann NH , So A , Mouhsine E , Spoletini P , Hoesli P , Boubaker E , Duvoisin B , Schnyder P , Pugnale M 
Published: September 2005

SummaryA 46‐year‐old woman who had had a right mastectomy for breast carcinoma a month before underwent bone scintigraphy. The examination revealed multiple pelvic, vertebral and sternal hot spots suggestive of bone metastases. Standard X‐rays and CT confirmed the presence of bony lesions but they were not typical of bone metastases. As the radiographic appearance was reminiscent of SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis), bone biopsies were performed. Histology showed fibrosis and hyperostosis but no tumour cells. On further questioning, the patient revealed she had had palmar pustulosis and sacroiliitis some years earlier. The purpose of the case report is to show that accurate diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome requires careful clinical and radiological examinations.
Magnetic resonance imaging of acute myocardial infarction in dextrocardia with situs solitus (dextroversion)
Authors: Salanitri JC , Welker M , Pereles FS 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe case report of an 88‐year‐old woman with dextroversion and acute anterior wall myocardial infarction is presented. The patient, who had been diagnosed with dextrocardia 3 years prior to this admission, presented with right‐sided chest pain. Coronary angiography demonstrated an 80% proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis which was successfully stented. A cardiac MRI was performed to exclude a left atrial thrombus after an inconclusive echocardiogram. The MRI demonstrated findings consistent with dextroversion, with delayed contrast‐enhanced viability sequences confirming a near transmural anterior wall myocardial infarct. To our knowledge, this is the first report illustrating the cardiac MRI findings in such a case.
Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma: A questionably benign tumour
Authors: Taranath A , Lam A , Wong CKF 
Published: September 2005

SummaryDesmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma is a rare intracranial tumour of childhood that involves the cerebral cortex and the leptomeninges. We report two patients with desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas and multiple cerebrospinal metastases. To our knowledge, only two similar cases have been reported in the published literature. Pathologically, this rare intracranial tumour shows glial and ganglionic differentiation, accompanied by an extreme desmoplastic reaction. These are low‐grade neoplasms that are questionably benign.
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the early diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Halefoglu AM , Yakut S 
Published: September 2005

SummaryTakayasu arteritis is a non‐specific inflammatory process of unknown aetiology affecting the aorta and its major branches. It may lead to stenosis or occlusion. We have examined eight patients with clinically diagnosed Takayasu arteritis using contrast‐enhanced MRI and also 3‐D MR angiography. All patients were female and their ages varied between 22 and 48 years. We were able to show subtle arteritic changes and stenotic lesions in branch vessels in the early phase of the disease by using this imaging modality. Thus, we can state that contrast‐enhanced MRI with 3‐D MR angiography can be used for the initial diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. It provides a means to evaluate the vascular tree non‐invasively and may replace conventinal angiography.
Breast magnetic resonance imaging: An essential role in malignant axillary lymphadenopathy of unknown origin
Authors: McMahon K , Medoro L , Kennedy D 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe aim of this retrospective case series was to assess the role of breast MRI in the investigation of ‘occult’ malignancy, and the associated potential to influence patient management. Between January 2000 and March 2004, 18 patients, who presented with axillary lymphadenopathy, most likely due to ‘occult’ breast cancer, were examined with MRI of the breast. The results showed 12 true positives, four true negatives, and two false positives. This gave an overall sensitivity of 85.7% and an overall accuracy of 86.7%. In those in whom malignancy was identified on MRI and subsequently proven histologically, 78% of these cancers were identified, and localized by preoperative MRI‐guided sonography. In addition, 55% of these patients were eligible for conservative surgery. As such, MRI of the breast is highly sensitive for the detection of mammographically and clinically occult breast cancer. The use of MRI enables a preoperative diagnosis to be made in a high percentage of patients and may allow retrospective targeted ultrasound localization. Definitive surgical planning, including the option of breast conservation, is made possible with the result of the MRI examination.
Interpreting the improved outcome of patients with central nervous system metastases managed in clinical trials compared with standard hospital practice*
Authors: Tang JI , Back M , Shakespeare T , Lu JJ , Mukherjee R , Wynne C , Liang S 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe aims were to determine the median survival and prognostic factors of patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases managed with whole‐brain radiation therapy (WBRT), and to explore selection criteria in recently published clinical trials using aggressive interventions in CNS metastases. A retrospective audit was performed on patients managed with WBRT for CNS metastases. Potential prognostic factors were recorded and analysed for their association with survival duration. The proportion of patients with these factors was also compared with those of patients managed under three recently reported studies investigating aggressive interventions, such as radiosurgery and chemotherapy for CNS metastases. Seventy‐three patients were treated with WBRT for cerebral metastases over a 12‐month period. The median survival of the population was 3.4 months (95% confidence interval: 2.7–4.1), with 6‐ and 12‐month survival rates of 30 and 18%, respectively. Significant prognostic factors for prolonged median survival were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 0–2 (P = 0.015), Medical Research Council neurological functional status 0–1 (P = 0.006), and Recursive Partitioning Analysis Class 2 versus Class 3 (P = 0.020). On multivariate analysis, younger patient age (P = 0.02) and better performance status (P < 0.01) were associated with improved outcome. When comparing these characteristics with selected published studies, our study cohort demonstrated a higher proportion of patients with poor performance status, a greater number of metastases per patient and a higher incidence of extracranial disease. This reflects the selected nature of patients in these published studies. Central nervous system metastases confer a poor prognosis and, for the majority of patients, aggressive interventions are unlikely to improve survival. The use of potentially toxic and expensive treatments should be reserved for those few in whom these studies have shown a potential benefit.
Radiologically placed temporary hepatic artery catheter for treatment of liver cancer
Authors: Gananadha S , Yan TDB , Zhao J , Clingan P , Glenn D , Morris DL 
Published: September 2005

SummaryHepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is associated with higher response rates compared to systemic chemotherapy in those patients with unresectable liver malignancies. Operative hepatic artery catheter (HAC) insertion has significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with high‐volume disease, some of whom may not respond to HAI chemotherapy. We report our experience in 45 patients with high‐volume liver disease who were initially treated with HAI chemotherapy via a radiologically placed temporary HAC to try to select the responders who then went on to have an operative HAC. In these 45 patients who had 62 radiologically placed HAC, we found very few major complications, and certainly no complications such as cholecystitis, vascular or malperfusion problems.
Integrating environmental and spatial processes in ecological community dynamics
Authors: Cottenie Karl 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe processes controlling the abundances of species across multiple sites form the cornerstone of modern ecology. In these metacommunities, the relative importance of local environmental and regional spatial processes is currently hotly debated, especially in terms of the validity of neutral model. I collected 158 published data sets with information on community structure, environmental and spatial variables. I showed that approximately 50% of the variation in community composition is explained by both environmental and spatial variables. The majority of the data sets were structured by species‐sorting dynamics (SS), followed by a combination of SS and mass‐effect dynamics. While neutral processes were the only structuring process in 8% of the collected natural communities, disregarding neutral dispersal processes would result in missing important patterns in 37% of the studied communities. Moreover, metacommunity characteristics such as dispersal type, habitat type and spatial scale predicted part of the detected variation in metacommunity structure.
Trouble on the reef: the imperative for managing vulnerable and valuable fisheries
Authors: Sadovy Yvonne 
Published: September 2005

AbstractReef fishes are significant socially, nutritionally and economically, yet biologically they are vulnerable to both over‐exploitation and degradation of their habitat. Their importance in the tropics for living conditions, human health, food security and economic development is enormous, with millions of people and hundreds of thousands of communities directly dependent, and many more indirectly so. Reef fish fisheries are also critical safety valves in times of economic or social hardship or disturbance, and are more efficient, less wasteful and support far more livelihoods per tonne produced than industrial scale fisheries. Yet, relative to other fisheries globally, those associated with coral reefs are under‐managed, under‐funded, under‐monitored, and as a consequence, poorly understood or little regarded by national governments. Even among non‐governmental organizations, which are increasingly active in tropical marine issues, there is typically little focus on reef‐associated resources, the interest being more on biodiversityper seor protection of coral reef habitat. This essay explores the background and history to this situation, examines fishery trends over the last 30 years, and charts a possible way forward given the current realities of funding, capacity, development patterns and scientific understanding of coral reef ecosystems. The luxury live reef food‐fish trade is used throughout as a case study because it exemplifies many of the problems and challenges of attaining sustainable use of coral reef‐associated resources. The thesis developed is that sustaining reef fish fisheries and conserving biodiversity can be complementary, rather than contradictory, in terms of yield from reef systems. I identify changes in perspectives needed to move forward, suggest that we must be cautious of ‘fashionable’ solutions or apparent ‘quick fixes’, and argue that fundamental decisions must be made concerning the short and long‐term values of coral reef‐associated resources, particularly fish, for food and cash and regarding alternative sources of protein. Not to address the problems will inevitably lead to growing poverty, hardship and social unrest in many areas.
The implications of increasing variability of fish landings
Authors: Halley John M. , Stergiou Konstantinos I. 
Published: September 2005

Ghoti papers  Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct commentary and opinion that addresses important areas in fish and fisheries science. Ghoti contributions will be innovative and have a perspective that may lead to fresh and productive insight of concepts, issues and research agendas. All Ghoti contributions will be selected by the editors and peer reviewed. Etymology of Ghoti  George Bernard Shaw (1856‐1950), polymath, playwright, Nobel prize winner, and the most prolific letter writer in history, was an advocate of English spelling reform. He was reportedly fond of pointing out its absurdities by proving that ‘fish’ could be spelt ‘ghoti’. That is: ‘gh’ as in ‘rough’, ‘o’ as in ‘women’ and ‘ti’ as in palatial.AbstractIn this paper, we measured the variance of fisheries landings using 344 time series from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations: the series chosen had neither blank records nor zeroes over the period 1950–1996. We compared the results with 431 terrestrial populations from the Global Population Dynamics Database. The logarithm of landings (for fish) and the logarithm of population abundance (for terrestrial organisms) were employed. For both original and detrended time series, the Hurst exponent (a time series autocorrelation index that detects non‐random changes) was used to measure the rate of increase of variance as a function of time span. For most FAO time series, variability increased with series length. A large proportion of fish landings series had very large Hurst exponents, suggesting a greater contribution to the total variance by longer‐period oscillations for marine data relative to terrestrial ones but this difference between the marine and terrestrial data virtually disappeared when the series were detrended. In fish landings and terrestrial series there was no indication of variance stabilizing at a finite value. This growth in variance may extend to longer time scales, as indicated by analysis of two of the longest time series for marine fish. Our findings have major ecological and management implications as continuously increasing variability implies that there can be no long‐term equilibrium yield. This is incompatible with many models currently used for fisheries management that assume bounded equilibrium yields. Models or management strategies looking to the long‐term must account for this phenomenon.
Indicators to support an ecosystem approach to fisheries
Authors: Jennings Simon 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIndicators are needed to support the implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF), by providing information on the state of the ecosystem, the extent and intensity of effort or mortality and the progress of management in relation to objectives. Here, I review recent work on the development, selection and application of indicators and consider how indicators might support an EAF. Indicators should guide the management of fishing activities that have led to, or are most likely to lead to, unsustainable impacts on ecosystem components or attributes. The numbers and types of indicators used to support an EAF will vary among management regions, depending on resources available for monitoring and enforcement, and actual and potential fishing impacts. State indicators provide feedback on the state of ecosystem components or attributes and the extent to which management objectives, which usually relate to state, are met. State can only be managed if the relationships with fishing (pressure) and management (response) are known. Predicting such relationships is fundamental to developing a management system that supports the achievement of objectives. In a management framework supported by pressure, state and response indicators, the relationship between the value of an indicator and a target or limit reference point, reference trajectory or direction provides guidance on the management action to take. Values of pressure, state and response indicators may be affected by measurement, process, model and estimation error and thus different indicators, and the same indicators measured at different scales and in different ways, will detect true trends on different timescales. Managers can use several methods to estimate the effects of error on the probability of detecting true trends and/or to account for error when setting reference points, trajectories and directions. Given the high noise to signal ratio in many state indicators, pressure and response indicators would often guide short‐term management decision making more effectively, with state indicators providing longer‐term policy‐focused feedback on the effects of management action.