bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COPD is associated with reduced pulmonary interstitial expression of pentraxin-3
Authors: Van Pottelberge G.R. , Bracke K.R. , Pauwels N.S. , Vermassen F.E. , Joos G.F. , Brusselle G.G. 
Published: September 2011

Pentraxin (PTX)3 is involved in antimicrobial defence, apoptotic cell clearance and extracellular matrix stability. As these processes are altered in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we aimed to investigate PTX3 expression in patients with this disease.PTX3 expression was quantified by immunohistochemical staining of lung tissue from never-smokers, smokers without COPD, and in patients with COPD of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage I, II and III–IV. mRNA expression was examined in total lung tissue by quantitative RT-PCR. PTX3 concentration was measured in induced sputum and plasma by ELISA.PTX3 is mainly localised in the interstitium of the small airways and alveolar walls. There were no significant differences in pulmonary, sputum and plasma PTX3 expression between study groups. However, PTX3 expression in small airways correlated significantly with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r=0.35, p=0.004). In the alveolar walls, PTX3 expression correlated significantly with carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (r=0.28, p=0.04). In sputum, PTX3 levels were highly correlated with the number of neutrophils. Finally, systemic levels of PTX3 tended to be lower in severe COPD compared with mild COPD.In COPD, airflow limitation and reduced transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide are associated with lower pulmonary interstitial expression of PTX3.
Significance of connective tissue disease features in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Corte T.J. , Copley S.J. , Desai S.R. , Zappala C.J. , Hansell D.M. , Nicholson A.G. , Colby T.V. , Renzoni E. , Maher T.M. , Wells A.U. 
Published: September 2011

In idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), the significance of connective tissue disease (CTD) features in the absence of a specific CTD diagnosis remains unclear. We studied the clinical and prognostic utility of a diagnosis of undifferentiated CTD (UCTD) in patients with biopsy-proven IIP.IIP patients undergoing surgical lung biopsy (1979–2005) were studied (nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), n=45; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, n=56). UCTD was considered present when serum autoantibodies were present and symptoms or signs suggested CTD. The relationship between UCTD and NSIP histology was evaluated. A clinical algorithm that best predicted NSIP histology was constructed usinga priorivariables. The prognostic utility of UCTD, and of this algorithm, was evaluated.UCTD was present in 14 (31%) NSIP and seven (13%) IPF patients. UCTD was not associated with a survival benefit. The algorithm predictive of NSIP (OR 10.4, 95% CI 3.21–33.67; p<0.0001) consisted of the absence of typical high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features for IPF and 1) a compatible demographic profile (females aged <50 yrs) or 2) Raynaud’s phenomenon. In patients with an HRCT scan not typical for IPF, this algorithm predicted improved survival (hazard ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.85; p=0.02) independent of IIP severity.UCTD is associated with NSIP histology. However, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of UCTD in IIP patients remains unclear.
Febrile respiratory illnesses in infancy and atopy are risk factors for persistent asthma and wheeze
Authors: Kusel M.M.H. , Kebadze T. , Johnston S.L. , Holt P.G. , Sly P.D. 
Published: September 2011

Severe viral respiratory illnesses and atopy are risk factors for childhood wheezing and asthma. The aim of this study was to explore associations between severe respiratory infections and atopy in early childhood with wheeze and asthma persisting into later childhood.147 children at high atopic risk were followed from birth to age 10 yrs. Data on all respiratory infections occurring in infancy were collected prospectively and viral aetiology ascertained. Atopy was measured by skin prick tests at 6 months, and 2 and 5 yrs. History of wheeze and doctor-diagnosed eczema and asthma was collected regularly until 10 yrs of age.At 10 yrs, 60% of the cohort was atopic, 25.9% had current eczema, 18.4% current asthma and 20.4% persistent wheeze. 35.8% experienced at least one lower respiratory infection (LRI) associated with fever and/or wheeze in first year of life. Children who had wheezy or, in particular, febrile LRI in infancy and were atopic by 2 yrs, were significantly more likely to have persistent wheeze (RR 3.51, 95% CI 1.83–6.70; p<0.001) and current asthma (RR 4.92, 95% CI 2.59–9.36; p<0.001) at 10 yrs.Severe viral respiratory infections in infancy and early atopy are risk factors for persistent wheeze and asthma. The strongest marker of the asthmatogenic potential of early life infections was concurrent fever. The occurrence of fever during respiratory illnesses is an important marker of risk for wheeze and asthma later in childhood, suggesting it should be measured in prospective studies of asthma aetiology.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood in swine
Authors: Lu Xin , Liu Jian-Feng , Gong Yuan-Fang , Wang Zhi-Peng , Liu Yang , Zhang Qin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundIncreased disease resistance through improved general immune capacity would be beneficial for the welfare and productivity of farm animals. T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood play an important role in immune capacity and disease resistance in animals. However, very little research to date has focused on quantitative trait loci (QTL) for T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood in swine.ResultsIn the study, experimental animals consist of 446 piglets from three different breed populations. To identify QTL for T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood in swine, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4+CD8-, CD4-CD8+, and CD4-CD8- T cells and the ratio of CD4+:CD8+ T cells were measured for all individuals before and after challenge with modified live CSF (classical swine fever) vaccine. Based on the combined data of individuals from three breed populations, genome-wide scanning of QTL for these traits was performed based on a variance component model, and the genome wide significance level for declaring QTL was determined via permutation tests as well as FDR (false discovery rate) correction. A total of 27 QTL (two for CD4+CD8+, one for CD4+CD8-, three for CD4-CD8+, two for CD4-CD8-, nine for CD4+, two for CD8+, and eight for CD4+:CD8+ ratio) were identified with significance level ofFDR< 0.10, of which 11 were significant at the level ofFDR< 0.05, including the five significant atFDR< 0.01.ConclusionsWithin these QTL regions, a number of known genes having potential relationships with the studied traits may serve as candidate genes for these traits. Our findings herein are helpful for identification of the causal genes underlying these immune-related trait and selection for immune capacity of individuals in swine breeding in the future.
Investigating Interferences of a Whole-Blood Point-of-Care Creatinine Analyzer: Comparison to Plasma Enzymatic and Definitive Creatinine Methods in an Acute-Care Setting
Authors: Straseski Joely A , Lyon Martha E , Clarke William , DuBois Jeffrey A , Phelan Lois A , Lyon Andrew W 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUNDAlthough measurement of whole-blood creatinine at the point of care offers rapid assessment of renal function, agreement of point-of-care (POC) results with central laboratory methods continues to be a concern. We assessed the influence of several potential interferents on POC whole-blood creatinine measurements.METHODSWe compared POC creatinine (Nova StatSensor) measurements with plasma enzymatic (Roche Modular) and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) assays in 119 hospital inpatients. We assessed assay interference by hematocrit, pH, pO2, total and direct bilirubin, creatine, prescribed drugs, diagnosis, red blood cell water fraction, and plasma water fraction.RESULTSCVs for POC creatinine were 1.5- to 6-fold greater than those for plasma methods, in part due to meter-to-meter variation. Regression comparison of POC creatinine to IDMS results gave a standard error (Sy|x) of 0.61 mg/dL (54 μmol/L), whereas regression of plasma enzymatic creatinine to IDMS was Sy|x 0.16 mg/dL (14 μmol/L). By univariate analysis, bilirubin, creatine, drugs, pO2, pH, plasma water fraction, and hematocrit were not found to contribute to method differences. However, multivariate analysis revealed that IDMS creatinine, red blood cell and plasma water fractions, and hematocrit explained 91.8% of variance in POC creatinine results.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that whole-blood POC creatinine measurements should be used with caution. Negative interferences observed with these measurements could erroneously suggest adequate renal function near the decision threshold, particularly if estimated glomerular filtration rate is determined. Disparity between whole-blood and plasma matrices partially explains the discordance between whole-blood and plasma creatinine methods.
Axial Behaviour of Hollow Core Micropiles Under Monotonic and Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Yehia Abd Elaziz Ahmed , El Naggar M. Hesham 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The use of hollow core bars in micropiles has greatly increased over the past ten years. Hollow core construction, also termed self drilled, is becoming a popular option because it allows a faster installation processes and ground improvement at the same time. This paper presents a field study on the behaviour of single hollow core micropiles in stiff silty clay deposit. Four hollow core micropiles were installed using an air flushing technique employing large drilling carbide bits. Ten axial tests were conducted on the four micropiles, including three compression tests, two tension monotonic axial tests, four compression cyclic tests, and one tension cyclic axial tests. The results of the full-scale loading tests are presented and analyzed in terms of load displacement curves. The results of the monotonic testing phase showed that the bond strength values (αbond) suggested by the Federal Highway Administration in 2000 for the silty clay deposits may be underestimated when considering hollow core micropiles as type B micropile grouting. The response of the micropiles to cyclic loading is considered satisfactory. No sign of full debonding occurring at the pile-soil interface was observed after 15 load cycles with cyclic load amplitude of 33 % of the micropile design load. The stiffness of most micropiles remained almost constant after the cyclic loading. However, the pile head movement increased after the cyclic loading due to limited strain softening behaviour of the soil deposit occurs at the grout/ground interface. The results showed that the micopile’s performance in stiff clay is not sensitive to minor changes in cyclic load amplitudes, but sensitive to the magnitude and rate of the total applied load.
The Impossible Dream? Codes of Practice and the International Migration of Skilled Health Workers
Authors: Connell John , Buchan James 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe international migration of skilled health workers has increased significantly from the 1990s. Many source countries have expressed concern over losses of health workers, resulting in regional Codes of Practice and bilateral Memoranda of Understanding being established since 1999 to achieve more effective, equitable and ethical international migration. The finalisation of a Global Code in 2010 drew attention to continued migration concerns. Codes have three key objectives — protecting rights of migrant workers, adequate workplace support for migrant workers and ensuring that migration flows do not disrupt health services in source countries. There is no agreed definition of ethical international recruitment, and no consensus on the significance and location of harmful recruitment practices. Most codes have covered relatively few regions and exhibit a high degree of generality. Several source countries encourage rather than discourage migration. Migration is a right and occurs in contexts that do not necessarily involve health issues. There are no incentives for recipient countries and agencies to be involved in ethical international recruitment. All codes are voluntary which has restricted their impact. Substantial migration and recruitment have occurred outside their scope, and codes have diverted skilled health workers beyond regulation. The private sector is effectively excluded from codes. Bilateral agreements and memoranda have a greater chance of success, enabling managed migration and return migration, but are more geographically limiting. The most effective constraints to the unregulated flow of skilled health workers are the production of adequate numbers in present recipient countries and provision of improved employment conditions in source countries.
Diagnosing Possible Hypertension When Blood Pressure Is High in The Emergency Department
Authors: Niska Richard W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose: Emergency physicians refer to primary care for follow‐up of conditions identified in the emergency department (ED). Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Its detection is key in decreasing morbidity and mortality. We examined factors associated with diagnosing possible hypertension in patients with high blood pressure (BP), as a first step in outpatient referral. Methods: Data from a national ED survey were examined for visits by adults with high BP. The dependent variable was a hypertension diagnosis. Independent variables were BP elevation stage, age, sex, ethnicity, payment, year, pain severity, and urban versus rural location. Bivariate associations were tested between all independent variables and a diagnosis of possible hypertension. Logistic regression models determined significant predictors of a hypertension diagnosis. Results: Only 5.5 percent of ED patients with high BP were diagnosed with hypertension. Predictors included stage 2 BP elevation, age over 30 years old, females, minority ethnic groups, and mild or no pain. Conclusions: This analysis suggests associated factors influencing the diagnosis of hypertension in the ED to facilitate referral, which can have significant benefits in reducing complications of untreated hypertension.
Influenza A/H1N1 Vaccine in Patients Treated by Kidney Transplant or Dialysis
Authors: Broeders Nilufer E. , Hombrouck Anneleen , Lemy Anne , Wissing Karl Martin , Racapé Judith , Gastaldello Karine , Massart Annick , Van Gucht Steven , Weichselbaum Laura , De Mul Aurelie , Brochier Bernard , Thomas Isabelle , Abramowicz Daniel 
Published: September 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
In 2009, the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 accounted for worldwide recommendations about vaccination. There are few data concerning the immunogenicity or the security of the adjuvanted-A/H1N1 vaccine in transplanted and hemodialyzed patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Sera from 21 controls, 53 hemodialyzed (HD) patients, and 111 renal transplant recipients (RT) were sampled before (T0) and 1 month after (T1) a single dose of Pandemrix® vaccine (GSK Biologicals, AS03-adjuvanted). We measured the neutralizing antibodies against A/H1N1/2009, the geometric mean (GM) titers, the GM titer ratios (T1/T0) with 95% confidence intervals, and the seroconversion rate (responders: ≥4-fold increase in titer). The HLA and MICA immunization was determined by Luminex technology.

Results
The GM titer ratio was 38 (19 to 78), 9 (5 to 16), and 5 (3 to 6) for controls, HD patients, and RT patients, respectively (P < 0.001). The proportion of responders was 90%, 57%, and 44%, respectively (P < 0.001). In RT patients, the prevalence of histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class II, and MHC class I-related chain A immunization, was, respectively, 15%, 14%, and 14% before and 14%, 14%, and 11% after vaccination (P = 1, 1, and 0.39).

Conclusions
The influenza A/H1N1-adjuvanted vaccine is of limited efficacy but is safe in renal disease populations. The humoral response is lower in transplanted versus hemodialyzed patients. Further studies are needed to improve the efficacy of vaccination in those populations.
Primary hypertension and neurovascular compression: a meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Boogaarts Hieronymus D. , Menovsky Tomas , de Vries Joost , Verbeek André L. M. , Lenders Jacques W. , Grotenhuis J. André 
Published: September 2011

Object
Several studies have suggested that neurovascular compression (NVC) of the brainstem might be a cause of hypertension. Because this compression syndrome might be demonstrated by MR imaging studies, several authors have tried to assess its prevalence in small series of patients with hypertension. This article presents a meta-analysis of these studies.

Methods
The studies reviewed by the authors were based on MR imaging and included the presence of left-sided NVC of the left rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata (RVLM) and/or the cranial nerves IX and X root entry zone in patients with apparent primary hypertension compared with normotensive patients. Several studies also included patients with secondary hypertension as an additional control group, which is analyzed separately.

Results
Meta-analysis included data from 14 studies (597 patients with primary hypertension and 609 controls). The effect size was OR 2.68 (95% CI 1.51–4.75, p = 0.001) (random effect), which is consistent with the hypothesis that NVC of the left RVLM is more frequent in patients with apparent primary hypertension compared with normotensive individuals. Stratification for the study design revealed an effect size for prospective studies of OR 1.97 (95% CI 0.74–5.30, p = 0.178) and for retrospective studies of OR 3.36 (95% CI 1.66–6.79, p = 0.001).

Conclusions
This meta-analysis indicates a statistically significant effect size for left-sided NVC in apparent primary hypertension. However, this effect is absent if subanalysis is confined to prospective studies.
Improvement in the standard treatment for experimental glioma by fusing antibody Fc domain to endostatin
Authors: Grossman Rachel , Tyler Betty , Hwang Lee , Zadnik Patti , Lal Bachchu , Javaherian Kashi , Brem Henry 
Published: September 2011

Object
Brain tumors pose many unique challenges to treatment. The authors hypothesized that Fc-endostatin may be beneficial. It is a newly synthesized recombinant human endostatin conjugated to the Fc domain of IgG with a long half-life (weeks) and unknown toxicity. The authors examined the efficacy of Fc-endostatin using various delivery methods.

Methods
Efficacy was assessed using the intracranial 9L gliosarcoma rat model treated with Fc-endostatin for use in rodents (mFc-endostatin), which was administered either systemically or locally via different delivery methods. Oral temozolomide (TMZ) was administered in combination with mFc-endostatin to determine if there was a beneficial synergistic effect.

Results
Intracranial delivery of mFc-endostatin via a polymer or convection-enhanced delivery 5 days after tumor implantation increased median survival, compared with the control group (p = 0.0048 and 0.003, respectively). Animals treated weekly with subcutaneous mFc-endostatin (started 5 days post–tumor implantation) also had statistically improved survival as compared with controls (p = 0.0008). However, there was no statistical difference in survival between the local and systemic delivery groups. Control animals had a median survival of 13 days. Animals treated either with subcutaneous mFc-endostatin weekly or with polymer had a median survival of 18 and 15 days, respectively, and those treated with oral TMZ for 5 days (Days 5–9) had a median survival of 21 days. Survival was further increased with a combination of oral TMZ and mFc-endostatin polymer, with a median survival of 28 days (p = 0.029, compared with TMZ alone). Subcutaneous mFc-endostatin administered every week starting 18 days before tumor implantation significantly increased median survival when compared with controls (p = 0.0007), with 12.5% of the animals ultimately becoming long-term survivors (that is, survival longer than 120 days). The addition of TMZ to either weekly or daily subcutaneous mFc-endostatin and its administration 18 days before tumor implantation significantly increased survival (p = 0.017 and 0.0001, respectively, compared with TMZ alone). Note that 12.5% of the animals treated with weekly subcutaneous mFc-endostatin and TMZ were long-term survivors.

Conclusions
Systemically or directly (local) delivered mFc-endostatin prolonged the survival of rats implanted with intracranial 9L gliosarcoma. This benefit was further enhanced when mFc-endostatin was combined with the oral chemotherapeutic agent TMZ.
Distraction of facets with intraarticular spacers as treatment for lumbar canal stenosis: report on a preliminary experience with 21 cases
Authors: Goel Atul , Shah Abhidha , Jadhav Madan , Nama Santhosh 
Published: September 2011

Object
The authors report their experience in treating 21 patients by using a novel form of treatment of lumbar degenerative disease that leads to canal stenosis. The surgery involved distraction of the facets using specially designed Goel intraarticular spacers and was aimed at arthrodesis of the spinal segment in a distracted position. The operation is based on the premise that subtle and longstanding facet instability, joint space reduction, and subsequent facet override had a profound and primary influence in the pathogenesis of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis. The surgical technique and the rationale for treatment are discussed.

Methods
Between April 2006 and January 2011, 21 cases of lumbar degenerative disease resulting in characteristic lumbar canal stenosis were treated in the authors' department with the proposed technique. The patients were prospectively analyzed. There were 15 men and 6 women who ranged in age from 48 to 71 years (mean 58 years). Nine patients underwent 1-level and 12 patients underwent 2-level treatment. Surgery involved wide opening of the articular joint, denuding of the articular capsule/endplate cartilage, distraction of the facets, and forced impaction of Goel intraarticular spacers. Bone graft pieces obtained by sectioning the spinous processes were placed within and over the joint and in the midline over the adequately prepared host area of laminae. The Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale were used to clinically assess the patients before and after surgery and at follow-up. The alterations in the physical architecture of spinal canal and intervertebral foramen dimensions were evaluated before and after placement of the intrafacet implant and after at least 6 months of follow-up.

Results
All patients had varying degrees of relief from symptoms of local back pain and radiculopathy. Impaction of spacers within the facet joints resulted in an increase in the spinal canal and intervertebral root canal dimensions (mean 2.33 mm), reduction of buckling of the ligamentum flavum, and reduction of the extent of bulge of the disc into the spinal canal. The procedure resulted in firm stabilization and fixation of the spinal segment and provided a ground for arthrodesis. No patient worsened neurologically after treatment. During the follow-up period, all patients had evidence of segmental bone fusion. No patient underwent reexploration or further surgery of the lumbar spine.

Conclusions
Impaction of the spacers within the articular cavity after facet distraction resulted in reversal of several effects of spine degeneration that had caused spinal and root canal stenosis. The safe, firm, and secure stabilization at the fulcrum of lumbar spinal movements provided a ground for segmental spinal arthrodesis. The immediate postoperative and lasting recovery from symptoms suggests the validity of the procedure.