bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What does the future hold for clinical studies in vasculitis?
Authors: Hoffman G S 
Published: March 2011

Summary
The era prior to 1990 was a time of careful observation of disease presentation, course, outcomes and meticulous pathology studies. These mainly single-centre studies introduced new life-saving therapies for drugs still used effectively today. In the 1970–1980s, cyclophosphamide (CyP) added to glucocorticosteroids (GCS) was shown to be life-saving. The trade-off was often severe adverse events. Some forms of vasculitis were found not as ominous as thought initially. Some could be treated with safer drugs [e.g. methotrexate (MTX)]. However, whether mild or severe, patients were not cured. From 1990 to the present large collaborative networks have provided studies were not possible heretofore. Randomized controlled trials captured and manipulated vast amounts of data, banked biological specimens and shared these resources and intellectual capital, moving the field forward at an extraordinary pace. We now know that even for severe forms of granulomatosis and polyangiitis [granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), Wegener's granulomatosus (WG)], microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS), we do not need to use CyP for extended periods. We have learned recently that rituximab is as effective as CyP for severe WG and MPA. We should never again see the permanent toxicities born from years of chronic CyP use. However, short courses of CyP remain useful and can be life-saving. Step-down therapy from CyP is now a standard of care, perhaps to be replaced by rituximab in the future. If one accepts the premise that there are few cures at present for idiopathic large- and small-vessel vasculitis, we will serve our patients well if we can determine the most effective initial therapy that leads to a maintenance strategy for remission with least risk. Ultimately, we wish to identify causes of vasculitis so they can be used as a wedge to secure cures. Unmet needs and strategies are as follows: (1) to increase the numbers of vasculitis-trained physicians; (2) to define risk–benefit formulae for chronic maintenance therapy versus discontinuation of treatment after remission; (3) to define risk– and cost–benefit formulae for laboratory monitoring; (4) large-scale studies with longer follow-up that explore inhibition of interleukin-5 in CSS; (5) to explore the value of anti-interferon-γ for GCA, Takayasu's and other granulomatous vasculitides; and (6) identification of aetiological factors: cures will probably be linked to knowledge of the antigen driving the disease, plus vulnerabilities of the patient that prepare them to develop an illness phenotype. Improved outcomes using anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents do not rule out infection as a driver for autoimmunity. Techniques that can facilitate pathogen discovery have never been more sophisticated.
Variation in patriline reproductive success during queen production in orphaned colonies of the thelytokous antCataglyphis cursor
Authors: CHÉRON BLANDINE , MONNIN THIBAUD , FÉDÉRICI PIERRE , DOUMS CLAUDIE 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn genetically diverse insect societies (polygynous or polyandrous queens), the production of new queens can set the ground for competition among lineages. This competition can be very intense when workers can reproduce using thelytoky as worker lineages that manage to produce new queens gain a huge benefit. Selection at the individual level might then lead to the evolution of cheating genotypes, i.e. genotypes that reproduce more than their fair share. We studied the variation in reproductive success among worker patrilines in the thelytokous and highly polyandrous antCataglyphis cursor. Workers produce new queens by thelytoky in orphaned colonies. The reproductive success of each patriline was assessed in 13 orphaned colonies using genetic analysis of 433 workers and 326 worker‐produced queens. Our results show that patrilines contributed unequally to queen production in half of the colonies, and the success of patrilines was function of their frequencies in workers. However, over all colonies, we observed a significant difference in the distribution of patrilines between workers and worker‐produced queens, and this difference was significant in three of 13 colonies. In addition, six colonies contained a low percentage of foreign workers (drifters), and in one colony, they produced a disproportionably high number of queens. Hence, we found some evidence for the occurrence of rare cheating genotypes. Nevertheless, cheating appears to be less pronounced than in the Cape Honey bee, a species with a similar reproductive system. We argue that worker reproduction by parthenogenesis might not be common in natural populations ofC. cursor.
Malaria prevalence defined by microscopy, antigen detection, DNA amplification and total nucleic acid amplification in a malaria‐endemic region during the peak malaria transmission season
Authors: Waitumbi John N. , Gerlach Jay , Afonina Irina , Anyona Samuel B. , Koros Joseph N. , Siangla Joram , Ankoudinova Irina , Singhal Mitra , Watts Kate , Polhemus Mark E. , Vermeulen Nicolaas M. , Mahoney Walt , Steele Matt , Domingo Gonzalo J. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryObjectives  To determine the malaria prevalence by microscopy, antigen detection and nucleic acid detection in a defined subpopulation in a Plasmodium falciparum–endemic region during the peak transmission season.Methods  Blood specimens were collected in a cross‐sectional study involving children aged 5–10 years (n = 195) presenting with acute fever to two clinics in Western Kenya. All specimens underwent microscopy, HRP2 and aldolase antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), parasite‐specific DNA and total nucleic acid (RNA and DNA) by real‐time PCR (qPCR) and reverse‐transcriptase PCR (qRT‐PCR).Results  Microscopy detected 65/195 cases of malaria infection [95% confidence interval (CI) 52–78]. HRP2 and aldolase EIA had similar sensitivity levels detecting antigen in 65/195 (95% CI, 52–78) and 57/195 (95% CI, 45–70) cases. Discordants in antigen detection vs. microscopy occurred at <470 parasites/μl and <4900 parasites/μl for HRP2 and aldolase, respectively. Detection of total nucleic acid allowed a 3 log lower limit of detection than just DNA detection by real‐time PCR in vitro. In clinical specimens, 114/195 (95% CI, 100–127) were qPCR positive (DNA), and 187/195 (95% CI, 179–191) were qRT‐PCR positive (DNA plus RNA).Conclusions  The prevalence of submicroscopic malaria infection was significantly higher when detecting total nucleic acid than just DNA in this outpatient population during the high transmission season. Defining standards for submicroscopic infection will be important for control programmes, diagnostics development efforts and molecular epidemiology studies.
A comparison of oxygen saturation measurements obtained from a ‘blue sensor’ with a standard sensor
Authors: Mawson Isabel E , Dawson Jennifer A , Donath Susan M , Davis Peter G 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The study aims to investigate pulse oximetry measurements from a ‘blue’ pulse oximeter sensor against measurements from a ‘standard’ pulse oximeter sensor in newly born infants.Methods:  Immediately after birth, both sensors were attached to the infant, one to each foot. SpO2 measurements were recorded simultaneously from each sensor for 10 min. Agreement between pairs of SpO2 measurements were calculated using Bland–Altman analysis.Results:  Thirty‐one infants were studied. There was good correlation between simultaneous SpO2 measurements from both sensors (r2= 0.75). However, the mean difference between ‘blue’ and ‘standard’ sensors was −1.6%, with wide 95% limits of agreement +18.4 to −21.6%. The range of mean difference between sensors from each infant ranged from −20 to +20.Conclusion:  The mean difference between the blue and standard sensor SpO2 measurements is not clinically important.
Providing PEEP during neonatal resuscitation: Which device is best?
Authors: Dawson Jennifer A , Gerber Angela , Kamlin C Omar F , Davis Peter G , Morley Colin J 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The study aims to compare three commonly used neonatal resuscitation devices, the Laerdal self‐inflating bag with a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, a T‐piece resuscitator (T‐piece) and a flow‐inflating bag to provide peak inflation pressure (PIP) and PEEP.Methods:  Participants were asked to use each device to give positive pressure ventilation to a modified neonatal mannequin via a face mask to achieve 40–60 inflations per minute, aiming for a PIP/PEEP of 30/5 cm H2O. A manometer was visible to participants with each device. PIP, PEEP, percentage leak at the face mask and expired tidal volume were measured using a hot‐wire anemometer. We analysed 20 inflations from each participant for each device.Results:  Fifty participants provided PIP and PEEP with each device. The T‐piece was the most accurate and consistent. The flow‐inflating bag had the most variation. The leak was lowest with the self‐inflating bag and PEEP and highest with the flow‐inflating bag, but all had wide variation.Conclusion:  Each device was able to provide PIP and PEEP when used appropriately. When compared with other resuscitation devices, the T‐piece provided the most accurate and consistent PIP and PEEP.
Comparison of human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus in children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Paget Simon P , Andresen David N , Kesson Alison M , Egan Jonathan R 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To describe the clinical presentation and course of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection, and compare them with children admitted to the PICU with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.Methods:  hMPV was identified by immunofluorescence in 22 children admitted to the PICU over a 16‐month period. The medical records of these children were reviewed retrospectively, and their clinical and laboratory data were compared with 66 children admitted to the PICU with positive tests for RSV over the same period.Results:  Children admitted to the PICU with hMPV were significantly older than children with RSV (P= 0.003). Children with hMPV presented more commonly with pneumonia or pneumonitis (29% vs. 16%), and less commonly with bronchiolitis (43% vs. 68%) than RSV (P= 0.13). Invasive ventilation was required in 10 patients (48%) with hMPV, and non‐invasive ventilation was required in a further 5 (28%), similar to patients with RSV. Children with hMPV were more likely to have an underlying co‐morbidity (P= 0.11).Conclusions:  Children admitted to the PICU with hMPV have a similar disease presentation and severity as children admitted with RSV, including some with extremely severe disease who require additional ventilatory or cardiovascular support. Children with hMPV are likely to be older than those with RSV, and more likely to present with pneumonia and less likely to present with bronchiolitis.
Emotional, developmental and behavioural co‐morbidities of children with chronic health conditions
Authors: Blackman James A , Gurka Matthew J , Gurka Kelly K , Oliver M Norman 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  This study estimated and compared rates of emotional, developmental and behavioural (EDB) problems among children with chronic health conditions.Methods:  Rates of EDB problems were estimated using data from the 2005–2007 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. The National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2003 was used to provide national estimates as referent values.Results:  The overall rate of EDB problems for children with chronic health conditions was 15%, about three times the rate for children in the general US population. The rate of attention deficit disorder/attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 18%, over twice that for children in the general population. Children with migraine or other types of recurrent headaches had the highest rate of EDB problems (47%), about nine times the rate for the NSCH sample; those with arthritis or other joint problems had nearly 30%, about five times the rate for the NSCH.Conclusions:  Chronic health conditions are associated with high rates of EDB problems. Children with recurrent headaches and arthritis have particularly high rates, possibly related to pain associated with these conditions. Chronic health condition management programmes should address both medical treatment as well as EDB co‐morbid problems through a multidimensional approach to care.
Transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Inoue Yoji , Goto Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Hayashi Mutsuo 
Published: March 2011

Objectives:  To assess the long‐term outcomes of transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for patients with localized prostate cancer.Methods:  From May 2003 to present, 137 consecutive patients with T1‐2 prostate cancer were treated using the Sonablate 500 and then followed for more than 12 months after their last HIFU treatment. A prostate biopsy was routinely carried out at 6 months and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was measured every 3 months after HIFU. Oncological outcomes as well as treatment‐related complications were assessed. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was judged using the Phoenix definition (PSA nadir + 2 ng/mL), negative histological findings and no local or distant metastasis.Results:  The median follow up after HIFU was 36 months (range 12–84 months). No patients received adjuvant therapy during this period. The PSA nadir occurred at 2 months after HIFU and the median level was 0.07 ng/mL (0.01–2.01 ng/mL). Of the 133 patients who underwent prostate biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate at 6 months or later after HIFU, six were positive for cancer cells (4.5%). There were no major postoperative complications, but urge incontinence (16 cases) and dysuria (33 cases) occurred after removal of the urethral catheter. The 5‐year DFS rate was 78% based on these criteria, and 91%, 81% and 62% in the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk group, respectively.Conclusions:  HIFU represents an effective, repeatable and minimally invasive treatment. It is particularly effective for low‐ and intermediate‐risk patients, and it should be considered as an option for localized prostate cancer.
Myelodysplastic syndrome treated effectively with testosterone enanthate
Authors: Iijima Masashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Sugimoto Kazuhiro , Kouji Izumi , Fukushima Masato , Maeda Yuji , Konaka Hiroyuki , Mizokami Atsushi , Koh Eitetsu , Namiki Mikio 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe report a case of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treated effectively with testosterone enanthate. A 70‐year‐old man was diagnosed with low‐risk MDS in 1998, and he was first given methenolone acetate orally because of gradual progression of anemia and thrombocytopenia. However, this treatment was not effective, so we changed the treatment to testosterone enanthate because of his symptoms with late‐onset hypogonadism. Three months after testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), anemia and thrombocytopenia had improved, and mean platelet count and hemoglobin had significant increases from 2.36 ± 0.45 × 104 to 3.83 ± 0.78 × 104/µL, and from 11.7 ± 0.81 to 15.2 ± 1.00 g/dL, respectively, which contributed to a decrease in platelet transfusion requirement. Since then, the patient has been on a good clinical course. The present case suggests that testosterone enanthate administration could be an alternative treatment for men with MDS, even in the case where treatment with anabolic‐androgenic steroids is not successful, and suggests another interesting effect of TRT on platelets.
Efficient integrated education for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire
Authors: Wakabayashi Ritsuko , Motegi Takashi , Yamada Kouichi , Ishii Takeo , Jones Rupert CM , Hyland Michael E , Gemma Akihiko , Kida Kozui 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Education is a key issue for the long‐term management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in older patients. We tested the hypothesis that integrated care focusing on patient information needs for self‐management can improve patient information needs and health outcomes.Methods:  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 102) were randomized into integrated care (group I) and usual care (group U) groups. Group I underwent a program of educational sessions for 6 months (integrated education period), and then repeatedly received an individually tailored education according to the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire score. Both groups were followed up monthly for 6 months.Results:  A total of 85 patients (mean age: 71.7 years) were followed up for 12 months. The total Lung Information Needs Questionnaire score was significantly better in group I than in group U at 12 months (P < 0.03). Activities of daily living scores were significantly improved in group I at 6 months (P < 0.03). The dyspnea score and the BODE index (body mass index, dyspnea, airflow obstruction and exercise capacity) were significantly improved in group I at 12 months (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02, respectively). During the integrated education period, the frequency of hospitalization was significantly lower in group I than in group U (P = 0.033).Conclusion:  Integrated education for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease effectively improved patients' information needs, activities of daily living, dyspnea score, BODE index and reduced hospitalizations during the observed period. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 422–430.
Mutations in the F‐box gene LARGER PANICLE improve the panicle architecture and enhance the grain yield in rice
Authors: Li Ming , Tang Ding , Wang Kejian , Wu Xinru , Lu Lili , Yu Hengxiu , Gu Minghong , Yan Changjie , Cheng Zhukuan 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPanicle architecture is one of the most important agronomical traits that directly contribute to grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). We report herein an in‐depth characterization of two allelic larger panicle (lp) mutants that show significantly increased panicle size as well as improved plant architecture. Morphological analyses reveal that panicles of two mutants produced more inflorescence branches, especially the primary branches, and contained more grains. Moreover, mutant plants also display more lodging resistance than the wild type. The grain yield per plant in mutants is also increased, suggesting that mutant plants have useful potential for high grain yield in rice breeding. Map‐based cloning reveals that LARGER PANICLE (LP) encodes a Kelch repeat‐containing F‐box protein. RNA in situ hybridization studies display that LP expression was enriched in the branch primordial region. Subcellular localization analyses demonstrate that LP is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized protein, suggesting that LP might be involved in ER‐associated protein degradation (ERAD). Using yeast two‐hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis, we confirm that LP is an F‐box protein and could interact with rice SKP1‐like protein in an F‐box domain‐dependent manner. Quantitative real‐time PCR results show that OsCKX2, which encodes cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase, is down‐regulated evidently in mutants, implying that LP might be involved in modulating cytokinin level in plant tissues. These results suggest that LP plays an important role in regulating plant architecture, particularly in regulating panicle architecture, thereby representing promising targets for genetic improvement of grain production plants.
Prevention of allergic asthma by vaccination with transgenic rice seed expressing mite allergen: induction of allergen‐specific oral tolerance without bystander suppression
Authors: Suzuki Kazuya , Kaminuma Osamu , Yang Lijun , Takai Toshiro , Mori Akio , Umezu‐Goto Makiko , Ohtomo Takayuki , Ohmachi Yasushi , Noda Yuko , Hirose Sakiko , Okumura Ko , Ogawa Hideoki , Takada Kazuko , Hirasawa Masatomo , Hiroi Takachika , Takaiwa Fumio 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThis study tested the feasibility of oral immunotherapy for bronchial asthma using a newly developed subunit vaccine in which a fragment (p45–145) of mite allergen (Der p 1) containing immunodominant human and mouse T cell epitopes was encapsulated in endoplasmic reticulum‐derived protein bodies of transgenic (Tg) rice seed. Allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin responses, T cell proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine production, airway inflammatory cell infiltration, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) and lung histology were investigated in allergen‐immunized and ‐challenged mice. Prophylactic oral vaccination with the Tg rice seeds clearly reduced the serum levels of allergen‐specific IgE and IgG. Allergen‐induced CD4+ T cell proliferation and production of Th2 cytokines in vitro, infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils and mononuclear cells into the airways and BHR were also inhibited by oral vaccination. The effects of the vaccine were antigen‐specific immune response because the levels of specific IgE and IgG in mice immunized with Der f 2 or ovalbumin were not significantly suppressed by oral vaccination with the Der p 1 expressing Tg rice. Thus, the vaccine does not induce nonspecific bystander suppression, which has been a problem with many oral tolerance regimens. These results suggest that our novel vaccine strategy is a promising approach for allergen‐specific oral immunotherapy against allergic diseases including bronchial asthma.
Animal models of schizophrenia
Authors: Jones CA , Watson DJG , Fone KCF 
Published: March 2011

Developing reliable, predictive animal models for complex psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, is essential to increase our understanding of the neurobiological basis of the disorder and for the development of novel drugs with improved therapeutic efficacy. All available animal models of schizophrenia fit into four different induction categories: developmental, drug‐induced, lesion or genetic manipulation, and the best characterized examples of each type are reviewed herein. Most rodent models have behavioural phenotype changes that resemble ‘positive‐like’ symptoms of schizophrenia, probably reflecting altered mesolimbic dopamine function, but fewer models also show altered social interaction, and learning and memory impairment, analogous to negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia respectively. The negative and cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are resistant to treatment with current antipsychotics, even after remission of the psychosis, which limits their therapeutic efficacy. The MATRICS initiative developed a consensus on the core cognitive deficits of schizophrenic patients, and recommended a standardized test battery to evaluate them. More recently, work has begun to identify specific rodent behavioural tasks with translational relevance to specific cognitive domains affected in schizophrenia, and where available this review focuses on reporting the effect of current and potential antipsychotics on these tasks. The review also highlights the need to develop more comprehensive animal models that more adequately replicate deficits in negative and cognitive symptoms. Increasing information on the neurochemical and structural CNS changes accompanying each model will also help assess treatments that prevent the development of schizophrenia rather than treating the symptoms, another pivotal change required to enable new more effective therapeutic strategies to be developed.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4