bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gluten sensitivity enteropathy in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Shakeri Ramin , Zamani Farhad , Sotoudehmanesh Rasoul , Amiri Afsaneh , Mohamadnejad Mehdi , Davatchi Fereydoun , Karakani Ali Mohammadi , Malekzadeh Reza , Shahram Farhad 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundGluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE) is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten-containing grains in susceptible individuals. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) may be the sole manifestation of GSE. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gluten sensitivity enteropathy (GSE) in a large group of patients with RAS and assess the efficacy of gluten free diet (GFD) on the improvement of aphthous lesions in those who were diagnosed with GSE.MethodsTwo hundred and forty seven patients with RAS were included. The patients had at least three aphthous attacks per year. Patients were screened by IgA anti-endomysial antibody (EMA), IgA anti tissue transglutaminase (TTG) and serum IgA level. Those with a positive serology underwent endoscopic biopsies of the duodenal mucosa and patients with negative serology were excluded. The diagnosis of GSE was based on a positive serological test and abnormal duodenal histology. For patients with GSE, gluten free diet was recommended.ResultsSix out of 247 RAS patients had positive TTG test alone, and one had positive EMA and TTG. All 7 patients with positive serologic tests underwent duodenal biopsies. Histological findings were compatible with GSE in all of them (Marsh I in four patients, Marsh II in two patients and Marsh IIIB in one another.). The mean age of GSE patients was 27.42 ± 10.56 (range, 13 to 40) years old. They were suffering from RAS for an average duration of 4.5 years. All of the 7 GSE patients had not responded to the routine anti-aphthae medications, including topical corticosteroids, tetracycline and colchicine. Four patients who adhered to a strict gluten-free diet showed noticeable improvement in their aphthous lesions over a period of 6 months.ConclusionA significant minority (e.g. 2.83%) of RAS patients have GSE. This could be compared with the 0.9% prevalence of GSE in the general population of Iran. This study suggests that evaluation for celiac disease is appropriate in patients with RAS. Additionally, the unresponsiveness to conventional anti-aphthae treatment could be an additional risk indicator.
Conjugative IncFI plasmids carrying CTX-M-15 among Escherichia coliESBL producing isolates at a University hospital in Germany
Authors: Mshana Stephen E , Imirzalioglu Can , Hossain Hamid , Hain Torsten , Domann Eugen , Chakraborty Trinad 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Multi-drug-resistant, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, constitute an emerging public-health concern. Little data on the molecular epidemiology of ESBL producing Escherichia coli is available in Germany. Here we describe the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of ESBL producing-Escherichia coli isolates at a German University hospital.

Methods
We analysed 63 non-duplicate clinical ESBL isolates obtained over an 8-month period using PCR and sequence-based ESBL allele typing, plasmid replicon typing, phylogenetic group typing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) based genotyping and plasmid profiling was performed, as well as confirmatory DNA-based hybridization assays.

Results
Examination of the 63 Escherichia coli isolates revealed an almost equal distribution among the E. coli phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2 and D. High prevalence (36/63) of the CTX-M-15 gene was observed and an analysis of PFGE-based patterns revealed the presence of this CTX-M allele in multiple clones. Resistance to cefotaxime was a transferable trait and a commonly occurring 145.5 kb conjugative IncFI plasmid was detected in 65% of E. coli carrying the CTX-M-15 allele. The rate of transferable antibiotic resistances for GM, SXT, TET, GM-SXT-TET, SXT-TET and GM-TET was 33%, 61%, 61%, 27%, 44% and 11%, respectively. The remaining strains did not have a common IncFI plasmid but harboured transferable IncFI plasmids with sizes that ranged from 97 to 242.5 kb.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate the presence of IncFI plasmids within the prevailing E. coli population in a hospital setting and suggest that the dissemination of CTX-M-15 allele is associated to lateral transfer of these well-adapted, conjugative IncFI plasmids among various E. coli genotypes.
Modulation of macrophage cytokine profiles during solid tumor progression: susceptibility to Candida albicansinfection
Authors: Camargo Marcela R , Venturini James , Vilani-Moreno Fátima R , Arruda Maria Sueli P 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundIn order to attain a better understanding of the interactions between opportunist fungi and their hosts, we investigated the cytokine profile associated with the inflammatory response toCandida albicansinfection in mice with solid Ehrlich tumors of different degrees.MethodsGroups of eight animals were inoculated intraperitoneally with 5 × 106C. albicans7, 14 or 21 days after tumor implantation. After 24 or 72 hours, the animals were euthanized and intraperitoneal lavage fluid was collected. Peritoneal macrophages were cultivated and the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10 and IL-4 released into the supernatants were measured by ELISA. Kidney, liver and spleen samples were evaluated for fungal dissemination. Tumor-free animals and animals that had only been subjected toC. albicansinfection were used as control groups.ResultsOur results demonstrated that the mice produced more IFN-γ and TNF-α and less IL-10, and also exhibited fungal clearance, at the beginning of tumor evolution. With the tumor progression, this picture changed: IL-10 production increased and IFN-γ and TNF-α release decreased; furthermore, there was extensive fungal dissemination.ConclusionOur results indicate that solid tumors can affect the production of macrophage cytokines and, in consequence, affect host resistance to opportunistic infections.
A functional polymorphism in the SPINK5 gene is associated with asthma in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liu Qiji , Xia Yu , Zhang Wenjing , Li Jisheng , Wang Pin , Li Huaichen , Wei Chunhua , Gong Yaoqin 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Mutation in SPINK5 causes Netherton syndrome, a rare recessive skin disease that is accompanied by severe atopic manifestations including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, high serum IgE and hypereosinophilia. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the SPINK5 was shown to be significantly associated with atopy, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and total serum IgE. In order to determine the role of the SPINK5 in the development of asthma, a case-control study including 669 asthma patients and 711 healthy controls in Han Chinese was conducted.

Methods
Using PCR-RFLP assay, we genotyped one promoter SNP, -206G>A, and four nonsynonymous SNPs, 1103A>G (Asn368Ser), 1156G>A (Asp386Asn), 1258G>A (Glu420Lys), and 2475G>T (Glu825Asp). Also, we analyzed the functional significance of -206G>A using the luciferase reporter assay and electrophoresis mobility shift assay.

Results
we found that the G allele at SNP -206G>A was associated with increased asthma susceptibility in our study population (p = 0.002, odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.60). There was no significant association between any of four nonsynonymous SNPs and asthma. The A allele at -206G>A has a significantly higher transcriptional activity than the G allele. Electrophoresis mobility shift assay also showed a significantly higher binding efficiency of nuclear protein to the A allele compared with the G allele.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the -206G>A polymorphism in the SPINK5 is associated with asthma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.
Psychometric properties of a single-item scale to assess sleep quality among individuals with fibromyalgia
Authors: Cappelleri Joseph C , Bushmakin Andrew G , McDermott Anne M , Sadosky Alesia B , Petrie Charles D , Martin Susan 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Sleep disturbances are a common and bothersome symptom of fibromyalgia (FM). This study reports psychometric properties of a single-item scale to assess sleep quality among individuals with FM.

Methods
Analyses were based on data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of pregabalin (studies 1056 and 1077). In a daily diary, patients reported the quality of their sleep on a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 ("best possible sleep") to 10 ("worst possible sleep"). Test re-test reliability of the Sleep Quality Scale was evaluated by computing intraclass correlation coefficients. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed between baseline Sleep Quality scores and baseline pain diary and Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Sleep scores. Responsiveness to treatment was evaluated by standardized effect sizes computed as the difference between least squares mean changes in Sleep Quality scores in the pregabalin and placebo groups divided by the standard deviation of Sleep Quality scores across all patients at baseline.

Results
Studies 1056 and 1077 included 748 and 745 patients, respectively. Most patients were female (study 1056: 94.4%; study 1077: 94.5%) and white (study 1056: 90.2%; study 1077: 91.0%). Mean ages were 48.8 years (study 1056) and 50.1 years (study 1077). Test re-test reliability coefficients of the Sleep Quality Scale were 0.91 and 0.90 in the 1056 and 1077 studies, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients between baseline Sleep Quality scores and baseline pain diary scores were 0.64 (p < 0.001) and 0.58 (p < 0.001) in the 1056 and 1077 studies, respectively. Correlations between the Sleep Quality Scale and the MOS Sleep subscales were statistically significant (p < 0.01), except for the MOS Snoring subscale. Across both studies, standardized effect sizes were generally moderate (0.46 to 0.52) for the 300 mg group and moderate (0.59) or moderate-to-large (0.70) for the 450 mg group. In study 1056, the effect size for the 600 mg group was moderate-to-large (0.73). In study 1077, the effect size for the 600 mg group was large (0.82).

Conclusion
These results provide evidence of the reproducibility, convergent validity, and responsiveness to treatment of the Sleep Quality Scale and provide a foundation for its further use and evaluation in FM patients.
Expression and function of the insulin receptor substrate proteins in cancer
Authors: Mardilovich Katerina , Pankratz Shannon L , Shaw Leslie M 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS) proteins are cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that function as essential signaling intermediates downstream of activated cell surface receptors, many of which have been implicated in cancer. The IRS proteins do not contain any intrinsic kinase activity, but rather serve as scaffolds to organize signaling complexes and initiate intracellular signaling pathways. As common intermediates of multiple receptors that can influence tumor progression, the IRS proteins are positioned to play a pivotal role in regulating the response of tumor cells to many different microenvironmental stimuli. Limited studies on IRS expression in human tumors and studies on IRS function in human tumor cell lines and in mouse models have provided clues to the potential function of these adaptor proteins in human cancer. A general theme arises from these studies; IRS-1 and IRS-4 are most often associated with tumor growth and proliferation and IRS-2 is most often associated with tumor motility and invasion. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which IRS expression and function are regulated and how the IRS proteins contribute to tumor initiation and progression.
The role of causal criteria in causal inferences: Bradford Hill's "aspects of association"
Authors: Ward Andrew C 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAs noted by Wesley Salmon and many others, causal concepts are ubiquitous in every branch of theoretical science, in the practical disciplines and in everyday life. In the theoretical and practical sciences especially, people often base claims about causal relations on applications of statistical methods to data. However, the source and type of data place important constraints on the choice of statistical methods as well as on the warrant attributed to the causal claims based on the use of such methods. For example, much of the data used by people interested in making causal claims come from non-experimental, observational studies in which random allocations to treatment and control groups are not present. Thus, one of the most important problems in the social and health sciences concerns making justified causal inferences using non-experimental, observational data. In this paper, I examine one method of justifying such inferences that is especially widespread in epidemiology and the health sciences generally – the use of causal criteria. I argue that while the use of causal criteria is not appropriate for either deductive or inductive inferences, they do have an important role to play in inferences to the best explanation. As such, causal criteria, exemplified by what Bradford Hill referred to as "aspects of [statistical] associations", have an indispensible part to play in the goal of making justified causal claims.
Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate TNFR1 Increase after TRPV1 Activation in Mouse DRG Neurons
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhang Liping , Westlund Karin N 
Published: June 2009

Background Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) is activated by low pH/ protons and is well known to be involved in hyperalgesia during inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine, is involved in nociceptive responses causing hyperalgesia through TNF receptor type 1 (TNFR1) activation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is also prominently increased in inflamed tissue. The present study investigated TNFR1 receptors in primary cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons after TRPV1 activation and the involvement of ROS. C57BL/6 mice, both TRPV1 knockout and wild type, were used for immunofluorescent and live cell imaging. The L4 and L5 DRGs were dissected bilaterally and cultured overnight. TRPV1 was stimulated with capsaicin or its potent analog, resiniferatoxin. ROS production was measured with live cell imaging and TNFR1 was detected with immunofluorescence in DRG primary cultures. The TRPV1 knockout mice, TRPV1 antagonist, capsazepine, and ROS scavenger, N-tert-Butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN), were employed to explore the functional relationship among TRPV1, ROS and TNFR1 in these studies. Results The results demonstrate that TRPV1 activation increases TNFR1 receptors and ROS generation in primary cultures of mouse DRG neurons. Activated increases in TNFR1 receptors and ROS production are absent in TRPV1 deficient mice. The PBN blocks increases in TNFR1 and ROS production induced by capsaicin/resiniferatoxin. Conclusion TRPV1 activation increases TNFR1 in cultured mouse DRG neurons through a ROS signaling pathway, a novel sensitization mechanism in DRG neurons.
Relationship of compartment-specific structural knee status at baseline with change in cartilage morphology: a prospective observational study using data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Eckstein Felix , Wirth Wolfgang , Hudelmaier Martin I , Maschek Susanne , Hitzl Wolfgang , Wyman Bradley T , Nevitt Michael , Hellio Le Graverand Marie-Pierre , Hunter David ,   the OA Initiative Investigator Group
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The aim was to investigate the relationship of cartilage loss (change in medial femorotibial cartilage thickness measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) with compartment-specific baseline radiographic findings and MRI cartilage morphometry features, and to identify which baseline features can be used for stratification of fast progressors.

Methods
An age and gender stratified subsample of the osteoarthritis (OA) initiative progression subcohort (79 women; 77 men; age 60.9 ± 9.9 years; body mass index (BMI) 30.3 ± 4.7) with symptomatic, radiographic OA in at least one knee was studied. Baseline fixed flexion radiographs were read centrally and adjudicated, and cartilage morphometry was performed at baseline and at one year follow-up from coronal FLASH 3 Tesla MR images of the right knee.

Results
Osteophyte status at baseline was not associated with medial cartilage loss. Knees with medial joint space narrowing tended to show higher rates of change than those without, but the relationship was not statistically significant. Knees with medial femoral subchondral bone sclerosis (radiography), medial denuded subchondral bone areas (MRI), and low cartilage thickness (MRI) at baseline displayed significantly higher cartilage loss than those without, both with and without adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. Participants with denuded subchondral bone showed a standardized response mean of up to -0.64 versus -0.33 for the entire subcohort.

Conclusions
The results indicate that radiographic and MRI cartilage morphometry features suggestive of advanced disease appear to be associated with greater cartilage loss. These features may be suited for selecting patients with a higher likelihood of fast progression in studies that attempt to demonstrate the cartilage-preserving effect of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs.
The impact of early hypoglycemia and blood glucose variability on outcome in critical illness
Authors: Bagshaw Sean M , Bellomo Rinaldo , Jacka Michael J , Egi Moritoki , Hart Graeme K , George Carol ,   the ANZICS CORE Management Committee
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Introduction
In critical illness, the association of hypoglycemia, blood glucose (BG) variability and outcome are not well understood. We describe the incidence, clinical factors and outcomes associated with an early hypoglycemia and BG variability in critically ill patients.

Methods
Retrospective interrogation of prospectively collected data from the Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database on 66184 adult admissions to 24 intensive care units (ICUs) from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005. Primary exposure was hypoglycemia (BG < 4.5 mmol/L) and BG variability (BG < 4.5 and ≥ 12.0 mmol/L) within 24 hours of admission. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results
The cumulative incidence of hypoglycemia and BG variability were 13.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 13.5 to 14.0; n = 9122) and 2.9% (95%CI = 2.8 to 3.0, n = 1913), respectively. Several clinical factors were associated with both hypoglycemia and BG variability including: co-morbid disease (P < 0.001), non-elective admissions (P < 0.001), higher illness severity (P < 0.001), and primary septic diagnosis (P < 0.001). Hypoglycemia was associated with greater odds of adjusted ICU (odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.31 to 1.54) and hospital death (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.27 to 1.46). Hypoglycemia severity was associated with 'dose-response' increases in mortality. BG variability was associated with greater odds of adjusted ICU (1.5, 95% CI = 1.4 to 1.6) and hospital (1.4, 95% CI = 1.3 to 1.5) mortality, when compared with either hypoglycemia only or neither.

Conclusions
In critically ill patients, both early hypoglycemia and early variability in BG are relatively common, and independently portend an increased risk for mortality.
Familial Frameshift SRY Mutation Inherited from a Mosaic Father with Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome
Authors: Isidor Bertrand , Capito Carmen , Paris Françoise , Baron Sabine , Corradini Nadège , Cabaret Blandine , Leclair Marc-David , Giraud Mathilde , Martin-Coignard Dominique , David Albert , Sultan Charles , Le Caignec Cédric 
Published: June 2009

Context: The SRY gene encodes a transcription factor responsible for initiating testis differentiation. Mutations in SRY almost always result in XY sex reversal with pure gonadal dysgenesis and an increased risk of gonadal tumor. Most of these mutations are de novo, affecting only one individual in a family. Only a small subset of mutations is shared between a phenotypically normal father and one or more of his affected children. Incomplete penetrance and somatic mosaicism are two hypotheses that may explain a normal phenotype in a father carrying a SRY mutation.
Patients and Results: We describe a family with two sisters with XY sex reversal and pure gonadal dysgenesis and a phenotypically normal brother. A novel constitutional frameshift SRY mutation was identified in both sisters and was absent in the brother. The single base pair deletion (c.71delA) led to a premature stop codon in position 60 of the protein, removing entirely the high-mobility group domain and the DNA-binding domain of SRY. The father of the three children presented with hypospadias; cryptorchidism; testicular seminoma and oligoasthenozoospermia, an association termed testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS); and the SRY mutation in a mosaic state in the peripheral blood and the tumor.
Conclusions: This observation of somatic and germinal mosaicism for a SRY mutation may explain the variable penetrance in some familial gonadal dysgenesis. Importantly, the present report is the first one describing the association of SRY mutation in a male with TDS. This suggests that mutations in a sex-determining gene may contribute to the pathogenesis of TDS.
A fertile man is described with hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular seminoma, and oligoasthenozoospermia, and a mosaic SRY mutation.
Risk factors for fatality in patients with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
Authors: Fisgin Nuriye Tasdelen , Tanyel Esra , Doganci Levent , Tulek Necla 
Published: June 2009

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal viral disease. In this study, the aim was to investigate the prognostic factors affecting the patient's survival and risk factors to fatality. At Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, a tertiary referral centre near the CCHF epidemic region, patients with typical clinical findings and indicative microbiological results for IgM and/or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of CCHF virus were enrolled in the study, from 2004 to 2007. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their survival outcomes; group I ( n = 44) survived patients and group II ( n = 6) consisted of fatal cases. The median platelet count was significantly lower in the fatal group (11000/mm3) when compared to the survived group (49500/mm3). Aspartate transferase and alanine transferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in group II, when compared to group I. Also, the median range of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were much more elevated, and prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were prolonged in fatal cases. There was also a significant difference in median age of these two groups. Advanced age, late admission, low platelet count, increased AST, ALT, CPK and LDH levels, and prolonged PT and aPTT could be an early indicator of poor prognosis in patients with CCHF.