bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐IL5 decreases the number of eosinophils but not the severity of dermatitis in Sharpin‐deficient mice
Authors: Renninger Matthew L. , Seymour Rosemarie E. , Whiteley Laurence O. , Sundberg John P. , HogenEsch Harm 
Published: July 2009

Please cite this paper as: Anti‐IL5 decreases the number of eosinophils but not the severity of dermatitis in Sharpin‐deficient mice. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 252–258.Abstract:  Sharpin‐deficient (Sharpincpdm) mutant mice develop a chronic eosinophilic dermatitis. To determine the efficacy of eosinophil‐depletion in chronic inflammation, Sharpincpdm mice were treated with anti‐IL5 antibodies. Mice treated with anti‐IL5 had a 90% reduction of circulating eosinophils and a 50% decrease in cutaneous eosinophils after 10 days compared with sham‐treated littermates. Reducing the number of eosinophils resulted in increased severity of alopecia and erythema and a significant increase in epidermal thickness. Skin homogenates from mice treated with anti‐IL5 had decreased mRNA expression of arylsulfatase B (Arsb), diamine oxidase (amiloride‐binding protein 1, also called histaminase; Abp1) and Il10, which are mediators that eosinophils may release to quench inflammation. Skin homogenates from mice treated with anti‐IL5 also had decreased mRNA expression of Il4, Il5, Ccl11, kit ligand (Kitl) and Tgfa; and increased mRNA expression of Tgfb1, Mmp12 and tenascin C (Tnc). In order to further decrease the accumulation of eosinophils, Sharpincpdm mice were crossed with IL5 null mice. Il5−/−, Sharpincpdm/Sharpincpdm mice had a 98% reduction of circulating eosinophils and a 95% decrease in cutaneous eosinophils compared with IL5‐sufficient Sharpincpdm mice. The severity of the lesions was similar between IL5‐sufficient and IL5‐deficient mice. Double mutant mice had a significant decrease in Abp1, and a significant increase in Tgfb1, Mmp12 and Tnc mRNA compared with controls. These data indicate that eosinophils are not essential for the development of dermatitis in Sharpincpdm mice and suggest that eosinophils have both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory roles in the skin of these mice.
New mutation in the CYLD gene within a family with Brooke‐Spiegler syndrome
Authors: Scholz Ina M. , Nümann Astrid , Froster Ursula G. , Helmbold Peter , Enk Alexander H. , Näher Helmut 
Published: July 2009

SummaryBrooke‐Spiegler syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disease characterized by multiple skin appendage tumors caused by various mutations in the CYLD gene on chromosome 16q12‐q13. We describe a family, in which we performed a molecular‐genetic examination and found a new mutation in exon 19 in the CYLD gene leading to a frameshift. It is important to be aware of this syndrome and its pathogenesis as its phenotypic features can vary so that apparently different diseases are caused by the same genetic defect. In addition, there may be malignant transformation of the generally benign tumors, so that a timely diagnosis is essential for appropriate monitoring and therapy.
Henoch‐Schönlein purpura nephritis in children: risk factors, prevention and treatment
Authors: Bogdanović Radovan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  To identify risk factors for a child with Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) either to develop nephritis (HSPN) or to contract progressive course and to obtain the currently available evidence on the efficacy of treatment options in both preventing and treating the established renal disease.Method:  Review of the literature published over the last two decades.Results:  Persistent or recurrent purpura, severe abdominal symptoms and an older age proved as the most significant risk factors for later HSPN. The risks of long‐term renal impairment are the highest in children having at presentation nephritic/nephrotic syndrome and/or more than 50% of glomeruli occupied by large crescents or sclerosing lesions. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) do not support short course prednisone at presentation of HSP in preventing persistent renal disease. Many uncontrolled studies using various treatment regimens have reported outcomes considered better than expected. However, the data from RCTs are sparse and no treatment options for the established renal disease can be currently recommended based on RCTs.Conclusion:  Severity and/or duration of extrarenal HSP symptoms and an older age are the most significant risk factors for developing HSPN, whereas clinical and histological severity at HSPN onset are in general predictive of a long‐term renal impairment. The existing evidence does not support of short course prednisone in preventing persistent renal disease. A well‐designed RCTs are needed in children with moderately severe or rapidly progressive (crescentic) HSPN.
Promoting shorter duration of ventilator treatment decreases the number of painful procedures in preterm infants
Authors: Axelin A , Ojajärvi U , Viitanen J , Lehtonen L 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  To investigate whether promoting shorter ventilator treatment decreases the number of painful procedures and the use of analgesics in preterm infants.Methods:  Retrospective patient chart review of all preterm infants in one Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was carried out in 2000 (n = 240) and 2005 (n = 206). Between these cohorts, early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) application and early extubation policy were introduced.Results:  Fewer infants were intubated (22 vs. 32%, p = 0.03), the duration of ventilator treatment decreased (6.7 SD 11.3 vs. 9.0 SD 11.1 days, p < 0.001) and nCPAP treatment became more common (41 vs. 25%, p < 0.001) in 2005 than in 2000. Similarly, the infants’ exposure to painful procedures did not decrease significantly (61.9 SD 98.5 vs. 67.1 SD 104.3 procedures, p = 0.32) but the procedures related to respiratory support were fewer (45.2 SD 79.5 vs. 68.9 SD 91.1 procedures, p < 0.001) in 2005 than in 2000. In addition, the amount of pain medication used was significantly lower in 2005 than in 2000. One day on a ventilator included more painful procedures than a day on nCPAP (11.2 95% CI: 11.0–11.5 vs. 4.2 95% CI: 4.1–4.4 procedures, p < 0.001) during both study years.Conclusion:  Early nCPAP and early extubation policies were successfully implemented in an NICU resulting in less invasive respiratory support. This was associated with fewer painful procedures and less pain medication in the preterm infants who required respiratory support. Despite this positive effect, the number of painful procedures in all preterm infants stayed at the same level. Our results provide further support for the use of nCPAP in preterm infants.
The Seyfert AGN RX J0136.9–3510 and the spectral state of super Eddington accretion flows
Authors: Jin Chichuan , Done Chris , Ward Martin , Gierliński Marek , Mullaney James 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We have carried out a survey of long 50 ks XMM–Newton observations of a sample of bright, variable active galactic nuclei (AGN). We found a distinctive energy dependence of the variability in RX J0136.9−3510 where the fractional variability increases from 0.3 to 2 keV, and then remains constant. This is in sharp contrast to other AGN where the X-ray variability is either flat or falling with energy, sometimes with a peak at ∼2 keV superimposed on the overall trend. Intriguingly, these unusual characteristics of the variability are shared by one other AGN, namely RE J1034+396, which is so far unique showing a significant X-ray quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO). In addition, the broad-band spectrum of RX J0136.9−3510 is also remarkably similar to that of RE J1034+396, being dominated by a huge soft excess in the Extreme-UV (EUV) to soft X-ray bandpass. The bolometric luminosity of RX J0136.9−3510 gives an Eddington ratio of about 2.7 for a black hole mass (from the H beta line width) of 7.9 × 107 M⊙. This mass is about a factor of 50 higher than that of RE J1034+396, making any QPO undetectable in this length of observation. None the less, its X-ray spectral and variability similarities suggest that RE J1034+396 is simply the closest representative of a new class of AGN spectra, representing the most extreme mass accretion rates.
Climate change policy and practice in regional New Zealand: How are actors negotiating science and policy?
Authors: Greenaway Alison , Carswell Fiona 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRegional governance to address climate change is being constituted in New Zealand through domestic policy measures and international discourses. We examine climate change responses in two regions: Marlborough and Waikato. Informants expressed a desire for more transparent government policy; that planning for climate change makes good business sense for farmers and other businesses; that technology is sought to increase productivity and decrease environmental impact; and research networks build capacity for local action, linking sectors and organisations. Often conflicting, these responses to climate change were informed by a mix of discourses shaping New Zealand, including participatory democracy, the knowledge economy and sustainable development.
Application of Fractional Scaling Analysis to Loss of Coolant Accidents, System Level Scaling for System Depressurization
Authors: Wulff Wolfgang , Zuber Novak , Rohatgi Upendra S. , Catton Ivan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractFractional scaling analysis (FSA) is demonstrated at the system level. The selected example is depressurization of nuclear reactor primary systems undergoing large- and small-break loss of coolant accidents (LOCA), specifically in two integral test facilities of different sizes and shapes, namely, LOFT and Semiscale. The paper demonstrates (1) the relation between pressure and volume displacement rates in analogy to generalized “effort” and “flow” in interdisciplinary analysis of complex systems and (2) using experimental data that a properly scaled depressurization history applies to both large- and small-break LOCA in two different facilities. FSA, when applied at the system, component, and process levels, serves to synthesize the worldwide wealth of results from analyses and experiments into compact form for efficient storage, transfer, and retrieval of information. The demonstration at the system level shows that during LOCAs the break flow dominates for break sizes between 0.1% and 200% of cold-leg flow cross-sectional area, and that FSA ranks processes quantitatively and thereby objectively in the order of their importance. FSA supersedes the hereunto subjectively implemented phenomena identification and ranking table. FSA readily quantifies scale distortions. FSA reduces significantly the need for and current cost of experiments and analyses.
Initial management of suspected transient cerebral ischaemia and stroke in primary care: implications of recent research
Authors: Lasserson D S 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Strategies are required to reduce the personal, societal and healthcare burden caused by cerebrovascular disease. Urgent medical intervention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) can prevent recurrent stroke, and modern healthcare has to respond rapidly to the patient with TIA. The primary care practitioner contributes to stroke prevention by rapidly and accurately diagnosing TIA and arranging urgent specialist assessment. Diagnosis of TIA in primary care is difficult, as transient symptoms are common. Stroke-screening tools are available, but there is no evidence base for diagnostic support tools for TIA in primary care. The ABCD2 scoring system identifies patients after TIA at high early risk, and secondary care assessment within 24 h is reserved for patients with a high predicted risk. General practitioners are advised to give aspirin at the time of diagnosis, although prescribing a full range of vascular risk-reducing therapies may be appropriate. Specialist assessment confirms the diagnosis, usually with cerebral imaging (preferably MRI to detect cerebral injury), and carotid ultrasound will detect patients suitable for endarterectomy. Patients with suspected stroke should be urgently transferred to the nearest stroke centre, for assessment and investigation before potential thrombolysis, which may be effective within a longer timeframe than current practice. Primary care follow-up is essential to ensure adherence to evidence-based therapies. Dual combinations of antiplatelet agents (aspirin and dipyridamole) and antihypertensive agents (ACE inhibitors and thiazides) as well as high-dose statins have proven benefit. For patients in atrial fibrillation, even if very elderly, anticoagulation has a net benefit in preventing stroke.
Potential benefits of statins on morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review of the evidence
Authors: Young R P , Hopkins R , Eaton T E 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Studies show reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important independent predictor of cardiovascular death and is characterised by both pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Evidence shows statins have important anti-inflammatory effects in both the lungs and arteries. Although randomised control trials are yet to be reported, non-randomised studies have consistently shown benefit in COPD patients taking statins compared with those not. These include reductions in both cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity/mortality. Other potential benefits include a reduced decline in FEV1 and reduced risk of lung cancer. It is argued that confounding by a “healthy user effect” is unlikely to explain the observed benefit. Given the undisputed benefit of statins in high risk populations and the growing body of data suggesting statins may benefit patients with COPD, the question arises “Should statins be considered more often in patients with COPD?”.
Point of sale tobacco displays and smoking among 14–15 year olds in New Zealand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Paynter J , Edwards R , Schluter P J , McDuff I 
Published: July 2009

Objective:To examine the association between exposure to tobacco displays at the point of sale and teenage smoking and susceptibility to the uptake of smoking.Design:The sample comprised a national cross-section of 14–15 year olds with two measures of exposure to tobacco displays at the point of sale and three outcome measures. The outcome measures were susceptibility to smoking initiation, experimenting with smoking or current smoking.Results:Compared with visiting stores less often than weekly, a greater frequency of store visits was related to increased odds of being susceptible to smoking (daily visits, adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.2) and experimenting with smoking (daily visits, adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.4 to 3.1). The likelihood of being a current smoker increased with a greater frequency of store visits among students of medium and high socioeconomic status, but not among those of low socioeconomic status.Conclusion:Although these findings are cross-sectional in nature, they are consistent with the notion that greater exposure to tobacco displays at the point of sale increases youth smoking, and suggest display bans are needed.
The tobacco industry’s thwarting of marketing restrictions and health warnings in Lebanon
Authors: Nakkash R , Lee K 
Published: July 2009

Aims:This article outlines how the tobacco industry has undermined tobacco control efforts in Lebanon since the early 1970s.Methods:An analysis of online and on-site tobacco industry documents, reviews of newspapers, policy and other documents, and interviews with key policy makers were conducted.Results:Findings reveal how the weakness of tobacco control legislation in Lebanon has been the product of an effective tobacco industry strategy to weaken the content and scope of regulation, and delay adoption and implementation.Conclusions:The tobacco industry has built and maintained strong alliances that were and are regularly mobilised to effectively oppose regulation. Despite ratification of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005, Lebanon's tobacco control track remains weak. Public health professionals and the government should work hard to oppose such tobacco industry tactics.
A Randomized Comparison of the Terms Estimated Average Glucose Versus Hemoglobin A1C
Authors: Brick Jessica C. , Derr Rachel L. , Saudek Christopher D. 
Published: July 2009

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that using estimated average glucose (eAG) while instructing patients yields better knowledge retention than using the term hemoglobin A1C (A1C). Methods Patients with diabetes who had poor baseline understanding of A1C (determined by a 4-question survey) were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: A1C or eAG. Depending on randomization, providers discussed patients' current status and personal targets for glycemic control using either the term A1C or estimated average glucose. Patients had a telephone survey 3—4 weeks later, assessing change in knowledge of glycemic control. Results The 80 participants who completed follow-up had similar baseline characteristics, including poor understanding of A1C and poor recall of previous A1C values. At the 3—4 week follow-up, average score for each survey question improved significantly in both groups, with mean composite score increasing in the A1C group by 32% and in the eAG group by 33%. There was no suggestion of a difference in degree of improvement between groups. Conclusions Patients previously unfamiliar with the meaning of A1C, using either term (A1C or eAG) resulted in an equal improvement in knowledge. Within this study, eAG was not a more understandable term, or an easier concept for patients to remember. Further research is needed to test whether use of the term A1C should be replaced by eAG.
Gastroesophageal reflux leads to esophageal cancer in a surgical model with mice
Authors: Hao Jing , Liu Ba , Yang Chung S , Chen Xiaoxin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundEsophago-gastroduodenal anastomosis with rats mimics the development of human Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma by introducing mixed reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. However, use of this rat model for mechanistic and chemopreventive studies is limited due to lack of genetically modified rat strains. Therefore, a mouse model of esophageal adenocarcinoma is needed.MethodsWe performed reflux surgery on wild-type,p53A135Vtransgenic, andINK4a/Arf+/-mice of A/J strain. Some mice were also treated with omeprazole (1,400 ppm in diet), iron (50 mg/kg/m,i.p.), or gastrectomy plus iron. Mouse esophagi were harvested at 20, 40 or 80 weeks after surgery for histopathological analysis.ResultsAt week 20, we observed metaplasia in wild-type mice (5%, 1/20) andp53A135Vmice (5.3%, 1/19). At week 40, metaplasia was found in wild-type mice (16.2%, 6/37),p53A135Vmice (4.8%, 2/42), and wild-type mice also receiving gastrectomy and iron (6.7%, 1/15). Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma developed inINK4a/Arf+/-mice (7.1%, 1/14), and wild-type mice receiving gastrectomy and iron (21.4%, 3/14). Among 13 wild-type mice which were given iron from week 40 to 80, twelve (92.3%) developed squamous cell carcinoma at week 80. None of these mice developed esophageal adenocarcinoma.ConclusionSurgically induced gastroesophageal reflux produced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but not esophageal adenocarcinoma, in mice. Dominant negativep53mutation, heterozygous loss ofINK4a/Arf, antacid treatment, iron supplementation, or gastrectomy failed to promote esophageal adenocarcinoma in these mice. Further studies are needed in order to develop a mouse model of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
9-aminoacridine Inhibition of HIV-1 Tat Dependent Transcription
Authors: Guendel Irene , Carpio Lawrence , Easley Rebecca , Van Duyne Rachel , Coley William , Agbottah Emmanuel , Dowd Cynthia , Kashanchi Fatah , Kehn-Hall Kylene 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
As part of a continued search for more efficient anti-HIV-1 drugs, we are focusing on the possibility that small molecules could efficiently inhibit HIV-1 replication through the restoration of p53 and p21WAF1 functions, which are inactivated by HIV-1 infection. Here we describe the molecular mechanism of 9-aminoacridine (9AA) mediated HIV-1 inhibition. 9AA treatment resulted in inhibition of HIV LTR transcription in a specific manner that was highly dependent on the presence and location of the amino moiety. Importantly, virus replication was found to be inhibited in HIV-1 infected cell lines by 9AA in a dose-dependent manner without inhibiting cellular proliferation or inducing cell death. 9AA inhibited viral replication in both p53 wildtype and p53 mutant cells, indicating that there is another p53 independent factor that was critical for HIV inhibition. p21WAF1 is an ideal candidate as p21WAF1 levels were increased in both p53 wildtype and p53 mutant cells, and p21WAF1 was found to be phosphorylated at S146, an event previously shown to increase its stability. Furthermore, we observed p21WAF1 in complex with cyclin T1 and cdk9 in vitro, suggesting a direct role of p21WAF1 in HIV transcription inhibition. Finally, 9AA treatment resulted in loss of cdk9 from the viral promoter, providing one possible mechanism of transcriptional inhibition. Thus, 9AA treatment was highly efficient at reactivating the p53 – p21WAF1 pathway and consequently inhibiting HIV replication and transcription.
Gender and ethnic differences in chronic myelogenous leukemia prognosis and treatment response: a single-institution retrospective study
Authors: Lee Justin P , Birnstein Elliott , Masiello David , Yang Dongyun , Yang Allen S 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
In the last decade the importance of ethnicity, socio-economic and gender differences in relation to disease incidence, diagnosis, and prognosis has been realized. Differences in these areas have become a major health policy focus in the United States. Our study was undertaken to examine the demographic and clinical features of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients presenting initially at the LAC+USC Medical Center, which serves an ethnically diverse population.

Results
Patients were evenly split by gender, overwhelmingly Hispanic (60.9%), and quite young (median age 39, range 17–65) compared with previously reported CML patient populations. Previous CML studies identified significant anemia (Hgb <12 g/dl), significant thrombocytosis (platelets >450 × 109/l), and significant leukocytosis (WBC >50 × 109/l) as significant adverse pretreatment prognostic factors. Using these indicators, in addition to the validated Hasford and Sokal scores, patients were stratified and analyzed via gender and ethnicity. A significantly greater proportion of women presented with significant anemia (p = 0.019, Fisher's exact test) and significant thrombocytosis (p = 0.041, Fisher's exact test) compared to men, although no differences were found in risk stratification or treatment response. MCV values for women were significantly (p = 0.02, 2-sample t-test) lower than those for men, suggesting iron deficiency anemia. Focusing on ethnicity, Hispanics as a whole had significantly lower Hasford risk stratification (p = 0.046, Fisher's exact test), and significantly greater likelihood (p = 0.016, Fisher's exact test) of achieving 3-month complete haematological remission (CHR) compared with non-Hispanics at LAC+USC Medical Center, though differences in treatment outcome were no longer significant with analysis limited to patients treated with first-line imatinib.

Conclusion
Female CML patients at LAC+USC Medical Center present with more significant adverse pre-treatment prognostic factors compared to men, but achieve comparable outcomes. Hispanic patients present with lower risk profile CML and achieve better treatment responses compared to non-Hispanic patients as a whole; these ethnic differences are no longer significant when statistical analysis is limited to patients given imatinib as first-line therapy. Our patients achieve response rates inferior to those of large-scale national studies. This constellation of findings has not been reported in previous studies, and is likely reflective of a unique patient population.