bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sibutramineversuscontinuous positive airway pressure in obese obstructive sleep apnoea patients
Authors: Ferland A. , Poirier P. , Sériès F. 
Published: April 2009

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of 1 yr of sibutramine-induced weight lossversuscontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on sleep-disordered breathing, cardiac autonomic function and systemic blood pressure in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.Subjects with a body mass index of ≥30 kg·m−2without previous treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea underwent either sibutramine (n = 22) or CPAP (n = 18) treatment for 1 yr.Sibutramine induced a 5.4±1.4 kg decrease in body weight compared to the CPAP group, in which no changes in anthropometric variables were observed. The CPAP treatment improved all sleep and respiratory variables, whereas sibutramine-induced weight loss improved only nocturnal arterial oxygen saturation profile. Only CPAP treatment improved night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure and 24-h and daytime ambulatory diastolic blood pressure. Sibutramine-induced weight loss had no impact on indices of heart rate variability, whereas CPAP treatment increased daytime time domain indices.CPAP treatment for 1 yr had beneficial impacts on nocturnal breathing disturbances, and improved nocturnal oxygenation, night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and daytime cardiac parasympathetic modulation. Sibutramine did not improve sleep-disordered breathing, systemic blood pressure or heart rate variability. There were no adverse effects, such as increment in blood pressure or arrhythmias, associated with this treatment regimen.
Second-hand smoke exposure in cars and respiratory health effects in children
Authors: Kabir Z. , Manning P. J. , Holohan J. , Keogan S. , Goodman P. G. , Clancy L. 
Published: April 2009

We examined potential associations of ever asthma, and symptoms of wheeze (past 12 months), hay fever, eczema and bronchitis (cough with phlegm) among school children exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in cars, using a modified Irish International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol.2,809 children of 13–14 yrs old and who selected randomly from post-primary schools throughout Ireland completed the 2007 ISAAC self-administered questionnaire. Adjusted OR (adjusted for sex, active smoking status of children interviewed and their SHS exposure at home) were estimated for the associations studied, using multivariable logistic regression techniques.Overall, 14.8% (13.9% in young males, 15.4% in young females) of Irish children aged 13–14 yrs old were exposed to SHS in cars. Although there was a tendency towards increased likelihood of both respiratory and allergic symptoms with SHS exposure in cars, wheeze and hay fever symptoms were significantly higher (adjusted OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.08–1.70) and 1.30 (1.01–1.67), respectively), while bronchitis symptoms and asthma were not significant (1.33 (0.92–1.95) and 1.07 (0.81–1.42), respectively).Approximately one in seven Irish schoolchildren are exposed to SHS in cars and could have adverse respiratory health effects. Further studies are imperative to explore such associations across different population settings.
Identification of distinct SET/TAF-Iβ domains required for core histone binding and quantitative characterisation of the interaction
Authors: Karetsou Zoe , Emmanouilidou Anastasia , Sanidas Ioannis , Liokatis Stamatis , Nikolakaki Eleni , Politou Anastasia S , Papamarcaki Thomais 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
The assembly of nucleosomes to higher-order chromatin structures is finely tuned by the relative affinities of histones for chaperones and nucleosomal binding sites. The myeloid leukaemia protein SET/TAF-Iβ belongs to the NAP1 family of histone chaperones and participates in several chromatin-based mechanisms, such as chromatin assembly, nucleosome reorganisation and transcriptional activation. To better understand the histone chaperone function of SET/TAF-Iβ, we designed several SET/TAF-Iβ truncations, examined their structural integrity by circular Dichroism and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively the histone binding properties of wild-type protein and mutant forms using GST-pull down experiments and fluorescence spectroscopy-based binding assays.

Results
Wild type SET/TAF-Iβ binds to histones H2B and H3 with Kd values of 2.87 and 0.15 μM, respectively. The preferential binding of SET/TAF-Iβ to histone H3 is mediated by its central region and the globular part of H3. On the contrary, the acidic C-terminal tail and the amino-terminal dimerisation domain of SET/TAF-Iβ, as well as the H3 amino-terminal tail, are dispensable for this interaction.

Conclusion
This type of analysis allowed us to assess the relative affinities of SET/TAF-Iβ for different histones and identify the domains of the protein required for effective histone recognition. Our findings are consistent with recent structural studies of SET/TAF-Iβ and can be valuable to understand the role of SET/TAF-Iβ in chromatin function.
PRIMA-1MET induces nucleolar translocation of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded EBNA-5 protein
Authors: Stuber György , Flaberg Emilie , Petranyi Gabor , Ötvös Rita , Rökaeus Nina , Kashuba Elena , Wiman Klas G , Klein George , Szekely Laszlo 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The low molecular weight compound, PRIMA-1MET restores the transcriptional transactivation function of certain p53 mutants in tumor cells. We have previously shown that PRIMA-1MET induces nucleolar translocation of p53, PML, CBP and Hsp70. The Epstein-Barr virus encoded, latency associated antigen EBNA-5 (also known as EBNA-LP) is required for the efficient transformation of human B lymphocytes by EBV. EBNA-5 associates with p53-hMDM2-p14ARF complexes. EBNA-5 is a nuclear protein that translocates to the nucleolus upon heat shock or inhibition of proteasomes along with p53, hMDM2, Hsp70, PML and proteasome subunits. Here we show that PRIMA-1MET induces the nucleolar translocation of EBNA-5 in EBV transformed B lymphoblasts and in transfected tumor cells. The PRIMA-1MET induced translocation of EBNA-5 is not dependent on the presence of mutant p53. It also occurs in p53 null cells or in cells that express wild type p53. Both the native and the EGFP or DSRed conjugated EBNA-5 respond to PRIMA-1MET treatment in the same way. Image analysis of DSRed-EBNA-5 expressing cells, using confocal fluorescence time-lapse microscopy showed that the nucleolar translocation requires several hours to complete. FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) and FLIP (fluorescence loss in photobleaching) measurements on live cells showed that the nucleolar translocation was accompanied by the formation of EBNA-5 aggregates. The process is reversible since the aggregates are dissolved upon removal of PRIMA-1MET. Our results suggest that mutant p53 is not the sole target of PRIMA-1MET. We propose that PRIMA-1MET may reversibly inhibit cellular chaperons that prevent the aggregation of misfolded proteins, and that EBNA-5 may serve as a surrogate drug target for elucidating the precise molecular action of PRIMA-1MET.
ACTH-producing carcinoma of the pituitary with refractory Cushing's Disease and hepatic metastases: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pinchot Scott N , Sippel Rebecca , Chen Herbert 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Pituitary carcinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors affecting the adenohypophysis. The hallmark of these lesions is the demonstration of distant metastatic spread. To date, few well-documented cases have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation
Here, we report the case of a fatal pituitary carcinoma evolving within two years from an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting macroadenoma and review the global literature regarding this rare neuroendocrine tumor.

Conclusion
Pituitary carcinomas are extremely rare neoplasms, representing only 0.1% to 0.2% of all pituitary tumors. To date, little is understood about the molecular basis of malignant transformation. The latency period between initial presentation of a pituitary adenoma and the development of distal metastases marking carcinoma is extremely variable, and some patients may live well over 10 years with pituitary carcinoma.
Cellular localization of kinin B1 receptor in the spinal cord of streptozotocin-diabetic rats with a fluorescent [Nα-Bodipy]-des-Arg9-bradykinin
Authors: Talbot Sébastien , Théberge-Turmel Patrick , Liazoghli Dalinda , Sénécal Jacques , Gaudreau Pierrette , Couture Réjean 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe kinin B1receptor (B1R) is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, bacterial endotoxins and hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress. In animal models of diabetes, it contributes to pain polyneuropathy. This study aims at defining the cellular localization of B1R in thoracic spinal cord of type 1 diabetic rats by confocal microscopy with the use of a fluorescent agonist, [Nα-Bodipy]-des-Arg9-BK (BdABK) and selective antibodies.MethodsDiabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg, i.p.). Four days post-STZ treatment, B1R expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and autoradiography. The B1R selectivity of BdABK was determined by assessing its ability to displace B1R [125I]-HPP-desArg10-Hoe140 and B2R [125I]-HPP-Hoe 140 radioligands. Thein vivoactivity of BdABK was also evaluated on thermal hyperalgesia.ResultsB1R was increased by 18-fold (mRNA) and 2.7-fold (binding sites) in the thoracic spinal cord of STZ-treated rats when compared to control. BdABK failed to displace the B2R radioligand but displaced the B1R radioligand (IC50= 5.3 nM). In comparison, IC50values of B1R selective antagonist R-715 and B1R agonist des-Arg9-BK were 4.3 nM and 19 nM, respectively. Intraperitoneal BdABK and des-Arg9-BK elicited dose-dependent thermal hyperalgesia in STZ-treated rats but not in control rats. The B1R fluorescent agonist was co-localized with immunomarkers of microglia, astrocytes and sensory C fibers in the spinal cord of STZ-treated rats.ConclusionThe induction and up-regulation of B1R in glial and sensory cells of the spinal cord in STZ-diabetic rats reinforce the idea that kinin B1R is an important target for drug development in pain processes.
Supplementary health benefits of soy aglycons of isoflavone by improvement of serum biochemical attributes, enhancement of liver antioxidative capacities and protection of vaginal epithelium of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Lien Tu-Fa , Hsu Yu-Lin , Lo Dan-Yuan , Chiou Robin YY 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
In the literature, supplement of soy aglycons of isoflavone as estrogen agonists in improvement of serum biochemical attributes, liver antioxidative capacities and vaginal epithelium protection has been meagerly investigated. In this study, ovariectomized (OVX) rats were used as an animal model to simulate post-menopausal status. Supplementary health benefits of soy aglycons of isoflavone (SAI) on improvement of growth and serum biochemical attributes, enhancement of liver antioxidation-related capacities and protection of vaginal epithelium of the OVX rats were assessed.

Methods
As an in vivo study, 30 OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into OVX (positive control), OVX/LSAI (low SAI group – supplemented with 0.0135% SAI being equivalent to 80 mg per day for a 60 Kg-human), and OVX/HSAI (high SAI group – supplemented with 0.027% SAI) and 10 rats with sham operation as negative control fed with basal diet.

Results
The average daily gain (ADG), feed intake and feed/gain ratio were higher for the OVX groups than the sham group (P < 0.05). Serum isoflavone concentrations of the OVX rats were increased by SAI supplementation. In comparison, significantly lower serum cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels were detected for the rats of OVX/HSAI group (P < 0.05). SAI supplementation also increased iron chelating ability and decreased values of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) (P < 0.05) of liver extracts. Liver catalase activity and total antioxidative activity (trolox equivalency) were enhanced by HSAI supplementation (P < 0.05). Decrease of vagina epithelial cellular linings of the OVX rats were noticeably improved by dietary supplementation with SAI.

Conclusion
Diets supplemented with soy aglycons of isoflavone have conferred health benefits to the OVX rats, in comparison to the sham rats fed with basal diet, by detection of higher serum isoflavone concentrations, significantly lower contents of serum cholesterol and LDL, and higher contents of serum HDL, increased iron chelating ability, lower contents of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) and enhanced catalase and total antioxidative (as trolox equivalency) activities of the liver extracts, and protection of the epithelial cellular linings of vagina in the former rather than in the latter. This evidences that estrogen-agonist chemoprevention of menopausal-related cardiovascular diseases, decreased liver antioxidative capacities and epithelial degeneration of vagina could be achieved by dietary supplementation with soy aglycons of isoflavone.
The future of public health: the importance of workforce
Authors: Lin Vivian , Watson Rebecca , Oldenburg Brian 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Health workforce has become a major concern and a significant health policy issue around the world in recent years. With recent international and national initiatives and models being developed and implemented in Australia and other countries, it is timely to understand the need and the rationale for a better trained and educated public health workforce for the future. Much more attention should also be given to evaluation and research in this field.
Through this thematic series on Workforce and Public Health, we have drawn on the diverse nature of public health, workforce implications, education and training and national and international case examples of ongoing improvements and issues in this sector.
How do government health departments in Australia access health economics advice to inform decisions for health? A survey
Authors: Madden Lynne , King Lesley , Shiell Alan 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Government anticipates that health economic analysis will contribute to evidence-based policy development. Early examples in Australia where this expectation has been met include the economic evaluations of breast and cervical screening. However, the level of integration of health economics within health services that require this advice appears uneven. We sought to describe how government health departments in Australia use specialist health economic advice to inform policy and planning and the mechanisms through which they access this advice.

Methods
Information describing the arrangements for gaining health economics input into health decision-making was sought through interviews with a purposeful sample of economists and non-economists employed by all departments of health in Australia (state, territories and national). The survey was undertaken in August 2004. To aid interpretation of the results eight health economic functions were identified. As a comparison, four other government departments in NSW provided information about their access to economic advice.

Results
All health departments except one reported being current users of health economics expertise. A variety of arrangements were described to source this, from building organisational capacity with self-sufficient in-house units to forging links with external sources. However, specialist positions for economists or health economists employed within health were few. A framework mapping these arrangements for sourcing advice with the eight common health economic functions to be met is presented. All other non-health government departments approached accessed economic advice, with three having in-house units.

Discussion
A small health economics capacity in Australia has been established over the past 30 years through a variety of structural and strategic mechanisms. Health departments value health economic advice and use a variety of arrangements to obtain this. These arrangements have strengths and weaknesses depending upon the task to be undertaken. The lack of uniformity of approach suggests that health departments are still seeking the best ways to incorporate this form of specialist advice into mainstream decision-making.

Implications
Summarises ways that governments source specialist services. Demonstrates how to describe an organisation's need for specialist services as a set of functions. This approach could be applied to assessing need for other specialist areas of advice.
Drug monitoring in child and adolescent psychiatry for improved efficacy and safety of psychopharmacotherapy
Authors: Mehler-Wex Claudia , Kölch Michael , Kirchheiner Julia , Antony Gisela , Fegert Jörg M , Gerlach Manfred 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMost psychotropic drugs used in the treatment of children and adolescents are applied "off label" with a direct risk of under- or overdosing and a delayed risk of long-term side effects. The selection of doses in paediatric psychiatric patients requires a consideration of pharmacokinetic parameters and the development of central nervous system, and warrants specific studies in children and adolescents. Because these are lacking for most of the psychotropic drugs applied in the Child and Adolescent and Psychiatry, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a valid tool to optimise pharmacotherapy and to enable to adjust the dosage of drugs according to the characteristics of the individual patient. Multi-centre TDM studies enable the identification of age- and development-dependent therapeutic ranges of blood concentrations and facilitate a highly qualified standardized documentation in the child and adolescent health care system. In addition, they will provide data for future research on psychopharmacological treatment in children and adolescents, as a baseline for example for clinically relevant interactions with various co-medications. Therefore, a German-Austrian-Swiss "Competence Network on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" was founded [1] introducing a comprehensive internet data base for the collection of demographic, safety and efficacy data as well as blood concentrations of psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents.
Multiple sequence-directed possibilities provide a pool of nucleosome position choices in different states of activity of a gene
Authors: Vinayachandran Vinesh , Pusarla Rama-Haritha , Bhargava Purnima 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Genome-wide mappings of nucleosome occupancy in different species have shown presence of well-positioned nucleosomes. While the DNA sequences may help decide their locations, the observed positions in vivo are end-results of chromatin remodeling, the state of gene activity and binding of the sequence-specific factors to the DNA, all of which influence nucleosome positions. Thus, the observed nucleosome locations in vivo do not reflect the true contribution of DNA sequence to the mapped position. Moreover, the naturally occurring nucleosome-positioning sequences are known to guide multiple translational positionings.

Results
We show that yeast SNR6, a gene transcribed by RNA polymerase III, constitutes nucleosome-positioning sequence. In the absence of a chromatin remodeler or any factor binding, the gene sequence confers a unique rotational phase to nucleosomes in the gene region, and directs assembly of several translationally positioned nucleosomes on ~1.2 kb DNA from the gene locus, including the short ~250 bp gene region. Mapping of all these gene sequence-directed nucleosome positions revealed that the array of nucleosomes in the gene upstream region occupy the same positions as those observed in vivo but the nucleosomes on the gene region can be arranged in three distinct registers. Two of these arrangements differ from each other in the position of only one nucleosome, and match with the nucleosome positions on the gene in repressed and active states in vivo, where the gene-specific factor is known to occupy the gene in both the states. The two positions are interchanged by an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler in vivo. The third register represents the positions which block the access of the factor to the gene promoter elements.

Conclusion
On a gene locus, multiple nucleosome positions are directed by a gene sequence to provide a pool of possibilities, out of which the preferred ones are selected by the chromatin remodeler and transcription factor of the gene under different states of activity of the gene.
Type XVIII collagen degradation products in acute lung injury
Authors: Perkins Gavin D , Nathani Nazim , Richter Alex G , Park Daniel , Shyamsundar Murali , Heljasvaara Ritva , Pihlajaniemi Taina , Manji Mav , Tunnicliffe W , McAuley Danny , Gao Fang , Thickett David R 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Introduction
In acute lung injury, repair of the damaged alveolar-capillary barrier is an essential part of recovery. Endostatin is a 20 to 28 kDa proteolytic fragment of the basement membrane collagen XVIII, which has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis via action on endothelial cells. We hypothesised that endostatin may have a role in inhibiting lung repair in patients with lung injury. The aims of the study were to determine if endostatin is elevated in the plasma/bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with acute lung injury and ascertain whether the levels reflect the severity of injury and alveolar inflammation, and to assess if endostatin changes occur early after the injurious lung stimuli of one lung ventilation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.

Methods
Endostatin was measured by ELISA and western blotting.

Results
Endostatin is elevated within the plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with acute lung injury. Lavage endostatin reflected the degree of alveolar neutrophilia and the extent of the loss of protein selectivity of the alveolar-capillary barrier. Plasma levels of endostatin correlated with the severity of physiological derangement. Western blotting confirmed elevated type XVIII collagen precursor levels in the plasma and lavage and multiple endostatin-like fragments in the lavage of patients. One lung ventilation and LPS challenge rapidly induce increases in lung endostatin levels.

Conclusions
Endostatin may adversely affect both alveolar barrier endothelial and epithelial cells, so its presence within both the circulation and the lung may have a pathophysiological role in acute lung injury that warrants further evaluation.