bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simvastatin attenuates experimental small airway remodelling in rats
Authors: OU Xue‐Mei , WEN Fu‐Qiang , UHAL Bruce D. , FENG Yu‐Lin , HUANG Xiang‐Yang , WANG Tao , WANG Ke , LIU Dai‐Shun , WANG Xun , CHEN Lei 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the beneficial effects of simvastatin on cigarette smoke‐induced small airway remodeling in rats.Methods:  Simvastatin was administered at different doses for 16 weeks to rats with cigarette smoke‐induced small airway remodelling. Morphological analyses were performed, and collagen deposition, production of growth factors, inflammatory parameters and RhoA, as well as the Smad signalling pathway in the lungs, were examined.Results:  Simvastatin attenuated small airway wall thickening and prevented the increase in lung hydroxyproline content and collagen deposition induced in airway walls by cigarette smoking. In addition, simvastatin downregulated transforming growth factor‐β1 and connective tissue growth factor protein and gene expression in the lungs. Furthermore, accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils and increases in tumour necrosis factor‐α concentration in BAL fluid were inhibited by simvastatin. Simultaneously, the expression of RhoA and the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in lungs exposed to cigarette smoke were inhibited during simvastatin administration. However, the increased expression of Smad2 and Smad3 proteins and the decreased level of Smad7 protein in remodelled lungs were not affected by simvastatin.Conclusions:  Simvastatin attenuated experimental small airway remodelling, as indicated by decreases in collagen deposition and small airway wall thickening. Simvastatin may inhibit cigarette smoke‐induced small airway remodelling by reducing growth factor expression and inflammation. The mechanism of action of simvastatin on small airway remodelling involved RhoA and the Smad signalling pathway. These findings indicate that simvastatin may have potential beneficial effects in the treatment of COPD.
Spontaneous pneumothorax due to Birt‐Hogg‐Dube syndrome in a Chinese family
Authors: SO Shun‐Yang 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTA Chinese woman presented with a spontaneous pneumothorax and a family history suggestive of the autosomal dominant transmission of pneumothorax. The patient also had skin fibrofolliculomas and folliculin gene deletion, compatible with Birt‐Hogg‐Dube (BHD) syndrome. The importance of BHD syndrome and other familial spontaneous pneumothoraces is discussed.
Pulmonary manifestations of light chain deposition disease
Authors: RHO Lisa , QIU Libo , STRAUCHEN James A. , GORDON Ronald E. , TEIRSTEIN Alvin S. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTLight chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare condition characterized by extracellular light chain deposition in tissues. Patients commonly have an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia, and produce excess levels of monoclonal light chains. Renal involvement is the most common clinical manifestation. Rarely, light chains are deposited in the lung. We present the pathologic and radiographic findings of three patients with biopsy‐proven pulmonary light chain disease and a review of the literature.
Clinical efficacy of erlotinib in patients previously treated for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: ZHOU Songwen , REN Shengxiang , YAN Lianghua , ZHANG Ling , TANG Liang , ZHANG Jie , ZHOU Caicun 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Erlotinib is one of the standard second/third line treatments for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study investigated the efficacy of erlotinib in a Chinese population with advanced NSCLC and compared the predictive value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α for the efficacy of erlotinib.Methods:  Patients with advanced, previously treated NSCLC received 150 mg of erlotinib once daily orally until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Serum levels of VEGF and TGF‐α were measured by ELISA at baseline and 1 month after treatment commenced.Results:  There were 112 patients enrolled during the period October 2005 to February 2008 and followed until July 2008. Serum samples were available in 50 patients. Tumour response to erlotinib was partial in 35.7% of patients and 41.1% of patients had stable disease. The severity of skin rash (P < 0.001) had a significant positive correlation with the response to erlotinib. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 6.3 months and 12.5 months, respectively. After erlotinib treatment, serum VEGF levels did not change significantly, while serum TGF‐α levels increased in patients who had partial response (P = 0.075) or stable disease (P = 0.055), but not in patients with progressive disease (P = 0.155). In patients with measurable serum TGF‐α levels at baseline the PFS and median survival were 5 and 9.9 months respectively, and in patients with no measurable TGF‐α at baseline the PFS and median survival were 11 and 21 months, respectively. Overall survival was significantly longer in patients with negative baseline serum TGF‐α (P = 0.002).Conclusions:  Oral erlotinib was effective as a second/third line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC. Baseline serum TGF‐α levels may be a predictor for the efficacy of erlotinib treatment.
Development, repair and fibrosis: What is common and why it matters
Authors: SHI Wei , XU Jun , WARBURTON David 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe complex structure of the lung is developed sequentially, initially by epithelial tube branching and later by septation of terminal air sacs with accompanying coordinated growth of a variety of lung epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Groups of transcriptional factors, peptide growth factors and their intracellular signaling regulators, as well as extracellular matrix proteins are programmed to be expressed at appropriate levels in the right place at the right time to control normal lung formation. Studies of lung development and lung repair/fibrosis to date have discovered that many of the same factors that control normal development are also key players in lung injury repair and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family peptide signaling is a prime example. Lack of TGF‐β signaling results in abnormal lung branching morphogenesis and alveolarization during development, whereas excessive amounts of TGF‐β signaling cause severe hypoplasia in the immature lung and fibrosis in mature lung. This leads us to propose the ‘Goldilocks’ hypothesis of regulatory signaling in lung development and injury repair that everything must be done just right!
Paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction in asthma patients
Authors: YELKEN Kursat , YILMAZ Ayse , GUVEN Mehmet , EYIBILEN Ahmet , ALADAG Ibrahim 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Paradoxical vocal fold motion dysfunction (PVFMD) is a disorder of the larynx characterized by adduction of the vocal cords during the respiratory cycle leading to symptoms of extrathoracic airway obstruction. PVFMD mimics asthma and patients with PVFMD (PVFMD+) are often diagnosed incorrectly as refractory asthma and receive unnecessary treatment. This study determined the prevalence of PVFMD in asthma patients and describedthe relationship between asthma and PVFMD.Methods:  A descriptive study of 94 asthmatic patients and 40 control subjects, all of whom were examined via laryngoscopy and had pulmonary function tests were performed.Results:  The prevalence of PVFMD was 19% (n = 18) in the asthmatic group and 5% (n = 2) in the control group (P < 0.001). No relationship was found between presence of PVFMD, asthma attacks and asthma severity (P > 0.05). Laryngopharyngeal reflux and allergy were significantly more prevalent in the PVFMD+ group than in the group without PVFMD (PVFMD−) (P < 0.05). The most common symptoms in the PVFMD+ patients were difficulty in breathing (88%), inspiratory stridor (66%) and a choking sensation (50%) and the most common symptoms in PVFMD− asthmatic patients were cough (63%), dyspnoea (55%) and wheezing (51%).Conclusions:  Asthma seems to facilitate the formation of the paradoxical dysfunction in the larynx as the prevalence of PVFMD in asthma patients is significantly higher than in patients with out asthma.
Clinical challenges in managing bronchiectasis
Authors: TSANG Kenneth W. , BILTON Diana 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTBronchiectasis is a common disease in the Asia–Pacific and affected patients suffer from chronic sputum production and recurrent exacerbations. Bronchiectasis is largely idiopathic although there is diverse aetiology. The pathogenesis of bronchiectasis comprises infective, inflammatory and emzymetic elements. These interact to perpetuate continued airway damage in bronchiectasis leading to progressive airway and lung damages. Treatment of bronchiectasis is unsatisfactory and there are only very few trials. Existing data suggest some efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, which has been shown recently to clinical and anti‐inflammatory properties in bronchiectasis. Immunomodulating agent such as low‐dose macrolides have also been shown to have some efficacy although more data are needed to advocate their long‐term usage. Antibiotic therapy is complex in bronchiectasis and includes short‐term empirical treatment for acute exacerbation, and consideration of long‐term maintenance of oral, nebulized and i.v. therapy. This long‐neglected illness should receive more research attention in order that we can have better understanding of its aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment.
Comparison of two doses of breast milk and sucrose during neonatal heel prick
Authors: Ozdogan Tutku , Akman Ipek , Cebeci Dilsad , Bilgen Hulya , Ozek Eren 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to test analgesic effects of double‐ versus single‐dose breast milk and compare this effect with efficacy of double‐ versus single‐dose sucrose in a group of healthy term newborns during heel prick blood sampling.Methods:  Healthy newborns (n= 142) were consecutively allocated to one of the six groups: group 1, single‐dose breast milk; group 2, single‐dose sterile water; group 3, single‐dose 12.5% sucrose; group 4, two doses breast milk; group 5, two doses sterile water; and group 6, two doses 12.5% sucrose before the heel prick. The medians for crying time and the pain scores according to the neonatal facial coding system were recorded.Results:  Crying times were 117 s, 126 s, 82 s, 128 s, 117 s, and 95 s in groups 1–6, respectively (P= 0.053). The mean pain scores were 4.60, 5.82, 3.91, 4.94, 5, and 4.05 in groups 1–6, respectively (P= 0.068). There was a significant difference between the groups for mean pain scores at 1 min and 3 min. There was a significant difference between the single‐dose sucrose group and single‐dose sterile water group at 1 min (P= 0.002). The babies in the sucrose group were active awake, whereas the ones in the breast milk group were asleep before heel prick.Conclusion:  Two doses of sucrose solution were not superior to single‐dose sucrose. Neither single nor double doses of breast milk were effective in relieving pain in neonates. Two milliliters breast milk does not reduce response to pain during minor painful procedures in term neonates even when two doses have been given. Further studies are needed.
An investigation of the cranial evolution of Asian pitvipers (Serpentes: Crotalinae), with comments on the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis
Authors: Guo Peng , Jadin Robert C. , Malhotra Anita , Li Cao 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGuo, P., Jadin, R.C., Malhotra, A. and Li, C. 2009. An investigation of the cranial evolution of Asian pitvipers (Serpentes: Crotalinae), with comments on the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis—Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 402–407.We investigated the evolution of 12 cranial characters of 31 species of Asian pitvipers by examining the character state changes on a consensus tree modified from broadly consistent molecular results. We found that these characters appear stable with only one intraspecific polymorphism. Nine of the 12 characters form useful synapomorphies, whereas three are ambiguous and evolutionarily plastic. Clades that are supported with numerous apomorphies are the Trimeresurus group [consisting of the recently defined genera Trimeresurus sensuMalhotra and Thorpe (2004), Parias, Popeia, Viridovipera, Himalayophis, and Cryptelytrops] and the genera Protobothrops, Parias, and Viridovipera. Two species previously considered as congeners but now known to be distantly related, Ovophis monticola and ‘Ovophis’okinavensis, have nearly identical character states, demonstrating substantial convergence in cranial characters. Finally, we attempt to infer the phylogenetic position of Peltopelor macrolepis by comparing its cranial features with that of other pitvipers.
Survival of patients with nonmetastatic pT3 renal tumours: a matched comparison of laparoscopic vs open radical nephrectomy
Authors: Bensalah Karim , Salomon Laurent , Lang Herve , Zini Laurent , Jacqmin Didier , Manunta Andrea , Crepel Maxime , Ficarra Vincenzo , Cindolo Luca , De La Taille Alexandre , Karakiewicz Pierre , Patard Jean‐Jacques 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVESTo compare the oncological outcome of patients with pT3 renal tumours treated either by laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) or open RN (ORN).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a retrospective review of a multi‐institutional database, we identified 1003 patients with a T3N0M0 renal tumour and with no vena caval invasion. Sixty‐five patients treated by LRN were matched with up to four patients treated by ORN. Exact matches were made for age, gender, tumour size, perirenal fat invasion, renal vein invasion, and histological subtype. Following the matching process there were 44 patients treated by LRN and 135 by ORN. Qualitative and continuous variables were compared using chi‐square and independent‐sample t‐tests, respectively. Differences in survival were compared using the Kaplan‐Meier method. A Cox regression model was used to test the effect of variables on survival.RESULTSThe two groups were comparable for age (P = 0.4), gender, tumour size (P = 0.4), tumour grade (P = 0.25) and histological subtype (P = 0.45). The mean follow‐up was longer in the ORN group (55 vs 28 months, P < 0.001). There was no difference in survival between the ORN and LRN groups in the whole T3 population (P = 0.7), in those with perirenal fat invasion (P = 0.9), or in the subset with renal vein invasion (P = 0.31). In univariate analysis, the only predictor for death from cancer was tumour grade (P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, no variable was significantly associated with cancer survival.CONCLUSIONSLRN has no adverse effect on cancer survival compared to ORN in patients with microscopic T3 renal cancer. Additional prospective evaluation is warranted.
Previous transurethral resection of the prostate is not a contraindication to high‐dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Luo Hao Lun , Fang Fu Min , Chuang Yao Chi , Chiang Po Hui 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVETo analyse retrospectively the morbidity and efficacy of high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in patients who had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).PATIENTS AND METHODSMorbidities documented in the records of 32 patients with previous TURP and 106 with no previous TURP, treated with HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer at our institution, were analysed and compared. All patients received HDR brachytherapy as a boost before conformal external beam radiotherapy. We recorded and analysed genitourinary complications, rectal morbidity, and the biochemical control rate as assessed by the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.RESULTSAll complications of patients who received HDR brachytherapy were recorded during the follow‐up. All gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications were not significantly different in patients with or without previous TURP. There was little incontinence or severe morbidity associated with HDR brachytherapy. The PSA‐based biochemical control rates were similar in patients with or without previous TURP in each risk group.CONCLUSIONSHDR brachytherapy is a reasonable treatment for localized prostate cancer in patients who have had a previous TURP, with the expectation of low morbidity and satisfactory biochemical control.
Haplotypes Encompassing the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 Gene Cluster Confer a Genetic Link for Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Alsmadi Osama , Muiya Paul , Khalak Hanif , Al‐Saud Haya , Meyer Brian F. , Al‐Mohanna Futwan , Alshahid Maie , Dzimiri Nduna 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe role of the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 genes in predisposing individuals to disease is still not fully understood. We evaluated by molecular beacon‐based genotyping assays the roles of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chromosomal region 14q13.2 harbouring the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 gene cluster in coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Saudi population. Two of the studied SNPs rs8008319 (denoted as 1) and rs7157492 (2), reside in the KIAA0391 locus, two others rs1048990 (3) and rs12878391 (4) are components of the PSMA6, while rs4981283 (5) resides downstream of both genes. In a study involving 1071 patients and 929 controls, none of the studied SNPs showed significant association with CAD. In contrast, two haplotypes consisting of 1A‐2G‐3C‐4A‐5A [O.R.(95% C.I.) = 1.49(0.95–2.35); p = 0.022] and 1A‐2G‐3G‐4A‐5A [2.24(0.84–5.98); p = 0.031] conferred risk for both CAD and myocardial infarction (MI) in a five‐SNP locus model, while another comprising 1A‐2G‐3C‐4A‐5G [2.24(0.84–5.98); p = 0.079] showed a borderline association. One haplotype consisting of 1T‐2G‐3C‐4G‐5A [0.79(0.59–1.05); p = 0.015] exhibited protective properties and another, 1T‐2G‐3C‐4A‐5G [0.20(0.03–139); p = 0.073], showed a similar but weaker trend. Our study identified haplotypes in the chromosomal region encompassing the KIAA0391 and PSMA6 genes as a possible genetic link between CAD and MI. These results also suggest that haplotypes may be more informative than individual SNPs in identifying risk factors for disease.
Do men and women really shop differently? An exploration of gender differences in mall shopping in India
Authors: Kuruvilla Shelja J. , Joshi Nishank , Shah Nidhi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract‘Men Buy and Women Shop’ proclaims a new Wharton Research on shopping habits of the American consumer (2007). There is found to be considerable difference in the way men and women shop in the West. Is this true across cultures? Indian retailing is generating considerable interest within the country and abroad. India has been rated as the fifth most attractive emerging retail market and was ranked first in a Global Retail Development Index of 30 developing countries drawn up by A T Kearney. Organized retail, best represented by the mushrooming malls, has come to play a defining role in building and supporting this veritable base of retail consumers. Therefore, it is of utmost interest to retailers and academia alike to understand the consumer dynamics behind the newly evolving consumption culture. This study explores mall‐shopping habits in India and attempts to identify and contrast possible differences between genders using a sample of 2721 mall consumers across seven cities. While the findings suggest that in India there are significant differences in shopping behaviour that can be ascribed to gender, there are fundamental questions about stereotyping of shopping as a feminine activity. To do this, discriminant analysis has been used to study whether shopping orientation and mall‐shopping attitudes can discriminate between male and female shoppers.
Respiratory muscle strength and muscle endurance are not affected by acute metabolic acidemia
Authors: Nizet Tessa A. C. , Heijdra Yvonne F. , Van Den Elshout Frank J. J. , Van De Ven Marjo J. T. , Bosch Frank H. , Mulder Paul H. , Folgering Hans Th. M. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryRespiratory muscle fatigue in asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) contributes to respiratory failure with hypercapnia, and subsequent respiratory acidosis. Therapeutic induction of acute metabolic acidosis further increases the respiratory drive and, therefore, may diminish ventilatory failure and hypercapnia. On the other hand, it is known that acute metabolic acidosis can also negatively affect (respiratory) muscle function and, therefore, could lead to a deterioration of respiratory failure. Moreover, we reasoned that the impact of metabolic acidosis on respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance could be more pronounced in COPD patients as compared to asthma patients and healthy subjects, due to already impaired respiratory muscle function. In this study, the effect of metabolic acidosis was studied on peripheral muscle strength, peripheral muscle endurance, airway resistance, and on arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). Acute metabolic acidosis was induced by administration of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). The effect of metabolic acidosis was studied on inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and on respiratory muscle endurance. Effects were studied in a randomized, placebo‐controlled cross‐over design in 15 healthy subjects (4 male; age 33·2 ± 11·5 years; FEV1 108·3 ± 16·2% predicted), 14 asthma patients (5 male; age 48·1 ± 16·1 years; FEV1 101·6 ± 15·3% predicted), and 15 moderate to severe COPD patients (9 male; age 62·8 ± 6·8 years; FEV1 50·0 ± 11·8% predicted). An acute metabolic acidemia of BE –3·1 mmol.L−1 was induced. Acute metabolic acidemia did not significantly affect strength or endurance of respiratory and peripheral muscles, respectively. In all subjects airway resistance was significantly decreased after induction of metabolic acidemia (mean difference –0·1 kPa.sec.L−1 [95%‐CI: −0·1 –−0·02]. In COPD patients PaCO2 was significantly lowered during metabolic acidemia (mean difference –1·73 mmHg [−3·0 –−0·08]. In healthy subjects and in asthma patients no such effect was found. Acute metabolic acidemia did not significantly decrease respiratory or peripheral muscle strength, respectively muscle endurance in nomal subjects, asthma, or COPD patients. Metabolic acidemia significantly decreased airway resistance in asthma and COPD patients, as well as in healthy subjects. Moreover, acute metabolic acidemia slightly improved blood gas values in COPD patients. The results suggest that stimulation of ventilation in respiratory failure, by induction of metabolic acidemia will not lead to deterioration of the respiratory failure.
THE EXTRAORDINARY TRILOBITEFENESTRASPIS(DALMANITIDAE, SYNPHORIINAE) FROM THE LOWER DEVONIAN OF BOLIVIA
Authors: HOLLOWAY DAVID J. , DE CARVALHO MARIA DA GLORIA PIRES 
Published: July 2009

Abstract: The hitherto poorly known, monotypic trilobite genusFenestraspisfrom the Lower Devonian of Bolivia is revised and its original assignment to the Synphoriinae supported. The thoracic morphology of the genus remains very poorly known.Fenestraspisis morphologically unusual because of the development of extensive fenestrae in the pleural region of the pygidium and apparently of the thorax; the presence of upwardly directed spines on the cephalon, thorax and pygidium; and the exceptionally large and highly elevated eyes with the palpebral rim projecting outwards above the visual surface. The function of the fenestrae remains uncertain. If they formed openings in the body of the trilobite in life they may have allowed circulation of oxygenated water to the limb exites so that respiration could have been maintained while the trilobite was enrolled. If they were covered with a flexible membrane, they may have been secondary respiratory structures or had a sensory function. The Synphoriinae is regarded as a subfamily of the Dalmanitidae rather than as an independent family of the Dalmanitoidea as proposed by some authors. The type species of the poorly known monotypic genusDalmanitoidesfrom the Lower Devonian of Argentina is illustrated photographically for the first time and compared withFenestraspis.