bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐dose prednisolone and bolus cyclophosphamide in interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis: a prospective open study
Authors: WANCHU Ajay , SURYANARYANA Bettadpura Shamanna , SHARMA Shefali , SHARMA Aman , BAMBERY Pradeep 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  Currently, therapy for interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis is unsatisfactory. A prospective open label study was conducted in a North Indian tertiary Institute to assess the efficacy of intermittent pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) and high‐dose prednisolone in systemic sclerosis (SSc)‐related interstitial lung disease (ILD).Methods:  Consecutive patients with SSc and ILD, diagnosed on spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan were treated. Pulmonary function tests were carried out at baseline and after 6 months. Patients received oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg body weight initially, with tapering to a dose of 7.5 mg/day was reached. Monthly CYC pulses were given for 6 months followed by 3‐monthly maintenance pulses. CYC was discontinued in patients with declining pulmonary function, adverse effects or static disease after 6 months.Results:  Average disease duration of 36 patients was 59.78 ± 63.22 months. Seven patients improved (forced vital capacity [FVC] increase 10% or DLCO increase 15%), five deteriorated (FVC decline 10% or DLCO decline 15%) and 24 had stable disease. Thus, 31 out of 36 patients either improved or had static lung disease. Mean FVC (% of predicted) improved by 4.16% over 6 months (P = 0.069). Mean DLCO (% of predicted) improved by 5.66% (P = 0.27). Average % of predicted DLCO at baseline was 39%.Conclusion:  High‐dose prednisolone with pulse CYC can either improve or stabilize lung functions in patients with severe systemic sclerosis lung disease irrespective of presence of ground glass appearance on HRCT.
Does prolonged systemic glucocorticoid use increase risk of tophus formation among gouty arthritis patients?
Authors: RASO Anne‐Annette P. , STO.NIÑO Oscar Vic , LI‐YU Julie 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  To determine the relationship of steroid use with tophus formation and other comorbid conditions among male gout patients.Methods:  Review of medical records of Filipino gout patients under the care of rheumatologists was conducted. Univariate analysis (chi‐square, Student’s t‐test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to establish the risk for tophus formation among glucocorticoid users. Bivariate analysis was separately done to determine the confounding effect of steroid use in the association of comorbidities and tophi formation.Results:  There were 295 Filipino men with a mean age of 56 years and a mean duration of 12 years of gouty arthritis who were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed a five times higher likelihood (OR 4.81 95% CI 1.92–12.04, P < 0.001) for tophus formation among prolonged steroid users. Confounders identified were disease duration of gout (≥ 10 years), presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and elevated serum creatinine level (SCr). Bivariate analysis of comorbidities showed that steroid use introduced a considerable bias in the relationship of hypertension, elevated SCr, CKD and dyslipidemia.Conclusion:  Patients with equivalent prednisone intake of at least 15 mg/week for ≥ 3 months is associated with tophi formation. In the presence of hypertension, renal impairment, and elevated serum creatinine level, use of steroids confounds the individual risk that each factor carries.
Destructive arthritis in Behçet’s disease: a report of eight cases and literature review
Authors: FRIKHA F. , MARZOUK S. , KADDOUR N. , FRIGUI M. , BAHLOUL Z. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBehçet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic disease with typically non‐erosive and non‐deforming joint manifestations. The occurrence of destructive arthritis in Behçet’s disease has rarely been reported. Here we attempt to define the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features of this unusual type of osteoarticular manifestation of BD. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 553 patients with Behçet’s disease seen over 25‐year period in our department of Internal Medicine (Sfax‐Tunisia). All the patients fulfilled The International Study Group of Behçet’s Disease criteria. Patients with destructive arthritis (defined by radiological changes: erosions and/or geodes and/or global narrowing of the joint space and/or ankylosis) were included in this study. Rheumatologic manifestations were observed in 71.1% patients. Eight patients (1.4% overall, 2% among patients with rheumatologic manifestations) had presented with destructive arthritis. The joint symptoms involved the knee in two cases, the wrist in one case, the elbow (one case), the sternoclavicular joint in two cases, the foot in one case and the tarsal scaphoïd in one case. There was recurrent arthritis at the same joint in the majority of cases. X‐ray examinations revealed radiological changes: global narrowing of the joint in one case (knee), narrowing of the joint with geodes in three cases (knee, sternoclavicular), isolated geodes in two cases (tarsal scaphoid, foot) and severe lesions with ankylosis in two cases (two elbows, right wrist). Joint manifestations are common in patients with BD, but destructive arthritis is rare.
Abdominal angiostrongyliasis: what does the rheumatologist must know about it?
Authors: PALOMINOS Penélope Esther , MASSIGNAN Angela , MONTICIELO Odirlei André , BORTOLI Rodrigo , KOHEM Charles , CRUZ Dennis Baroni , KEISERMAN Briele , MUSTAFÁ Yasser , BRENOL João Carlos Tavares , XAVIER Ricardo Machado 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAbdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is a disease caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, a nematode that can infect humans accidentally through the ingestion of larvae. Worms live inside intestinal small vessels and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel necrosis in otherwise healthy patients. Therefore, abdominal angiostrongyliasis may be important in the differential diagnosis with systemic vasculitides and other rheumatic diseases with vascular involvement. We report a case of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in an 18‐year‐old woman presenting with necrosis of the terminal ileum.
Clinical effectiveness of customised sport shoe orthoses for overuse injuries in runners: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Hirschmüller A , Baur H , Müller S , Helwig P , Dickhuth H-H , Mayer F 
Published: August 2009

Background and objectivesTreatment of chronic running-related overuse injuries by orthopaedic shoe orthoses is very common but not evidence-based to date.HypothesisPolyurethane foam orthoses adapted to a participant's barefoot plantar pressure distribution are an effective treatment option for chronic overuse injuries in runners.DesignProspective, randomised, controlled clinical trial.Intervention51 patients with running injuries were treated with custom-made, semirigid running shoe orthoses for 8 weeks. 48 served as a randomised control group that continued regular training activity without any treatment.Main outcomemeasures Evaluation was made by the validated pain questionnaire Subjective Pain Experience Scale, the pain disability index and a comfort index in the orthoses group (ICI).ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between the orthoses and control groups at 8 weeks for the pain disability index (mean difference 3.2; 95% CI 0.9 to 5.5) and the Subjective Pain Experience Scale (6.6; 2.6 to 10.6). The patients with orthoses reported a rising wearing comfort (pre-treatment ICI 69/100; post-treatment ICI 83/100) that was most pronounced in the first 4 weeks (ICI 80.4/100).ConclusionCustomised polyurethane running shoe orthoses are an effective conservative therapy strategy for chronic running injuries with high comfort and acceptance of injured runners.
Indoor concentrations of nicotine in low-income, multi-unit housing: associations with smoking behaviours and housing characteristics
Authors: Kraev T A , Adamkiewicz G , Hammond S K , Spengler J D 
Published: August 2009

Objective:An analysis of airborne nicotine measurements collected in 49 low-income, multi-unit residences across the Greater Boston Area.Methods:Nicotine concentrations were determined using passive monitors placed in homes over a one-week sampling period and air exchange rates (AER) were sampled using the perfluorocarbon tracer technique. Residents were surveyed through a questionnaire about smoking behaviour and a visual inspection was conducted to collect information on housing characteristics contributing to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Using a mass balance model to account for the air exchange rate, volume of the home and sorption and re-emission of nicotine on indoor surfaces, the effective smoking rate (SReff) was determined for each residence.Results:Nicotine levels ranged from the limit of detection to 26.92 μg/m3, with a mean of 2.20 μg/m3and median of 0.13 μg/m3. Nicotine measurements were significantly associated with the number of smokers in the household and the number of cigarettes smoked in the home. The results of this study suggest that questionnaire reports can provide a valid estimate of residential exposure to tobacco smoke. In addition, this study found evidence that tobacco smoke contamination in low-income housing developments is not limited to homes with smokers (either residing in the home or visiting). The frequent report of tobacco smoke odour coming from other apartments or hallways resulted in increased levels of nicotine concentrations and SReffin non-smoking homes, suggestive of SHS infiltration from neighbouring units.Conclusion:These findings have important implications for smoking regulations in multi-unit homes and highlight the need to reduce involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke among low-income housing residents.
Ambiguity and Conversion in the Correspondence of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc and Thomas D'Arcos, 1630-1637
Authors: Tolbert Jane 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the summer of 1630, Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc (1580-1637), a magistrate, cleric, and tireless correspondent in the South of France, offered to negotiate the release of Thomas D'Arcos (1573-1637?) from his Moorish captors in Tunis. Peiresc had a pragmatic reason for writing. As an intermediary in the Republic of Letters and collector of curiosities, he needed information from North Africa that D'Arcos could provide. But to Peiresc's dismay, D'Arcos converted following his release from captivity, perhaps the only Frenchman to do so. Many converts published captivity accounts after their return to their country of origin. D'Arcos's letters provide a unique insight into his dual existence both in Tunis, where he gained local prestige as a convert, and in France because of his ability to procure information from North Africa. An examination of 80 published letters exchanged between Peiresc (Aix-en-Provence and Belgentier), D'Arcos (Tunis), and a mutual friend Honoré Aycard (Toulon) in the period 1630-1637 reveals the way in which these correspondents framed the conversion at a time when such an action was considered an “apostasy.” D'Arcos presented a paradox by living in two worlds. He never justified his conversion but instead insisted that his inner convictions (faith) remained unchanged even though his dress, or “habit,” had changed. Peiresc avoided confronting the issue of the conversion and addressed D'Arcos as if nothing had changed, using strategies to lure him back to the Catholic faith. He dissimulated news of the conversion in the Republic of Letters but at the same time shared observations obtained by a source he identified as a “former captive.” The exchanges with the intermediary Aycard were more explicit, and correspondents disclosed their feelings concerning the impact of the conversion on their relations as well as on the broader community. Although D'Arcos expressed a fear that he had lost Peiresc's respect, he did little to comply with the Frenchman's need for specific information, blaming any shortcomings on Barbary and providing only the exotic rather than the noteworthy.
Do Discrimination and Inequality Exist in the Russian Legal System? International Law, National Legislation and Judicial Practice
Authors: Marochkin Sergei Iu. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this article, the author discusses the problem of ensuring equality and non-discrimination in a legal system. Equality and non-discrimination constitute universally recognized standards in the protection of human rights. At the same time, one can hardly assert that the universal community has put an end to discrimination. The author considers the problem as applied to the Russian legal system. The standard is incorporated in the Russian Constitution still remains topical in Russia. Based on his analysis of legislation and judicial practice, the author concludes that the problem reveals itself on the levels of both law-making and law application, the latter including administration of justice. As one of the conclusion, the author raises a question: is legal discrimination inherent in a legal system like other negative phenomena, such as delinquency, incoherencies, lacunas, defects, conflicts of legal norms and breaches of law-making procedural rules?
New Developments of the Intensity-Scale Technique within the Spatial Verification Methods Intercomparison Project
Authors: Casati B. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The intensity-scale verification technique introduced in 2004 by Casati, Ross, and Stephenson is revisited and improved. Recalibration is no longer performed, and the intensity-scale skill score for biased forecasts is evaluated. Energy and its percentages are introduced in order to assess the bias on different scales and to characterize the overall scale structure of the precipitation fields. Aggregation of the intensity-scale statistics for multiple cases is performed, and confidence intervals are provided by bootstrapping. Four different approaches for addressing the dyadic domain constraints are illustrated and critically compared.
The intensity-scale verification is applied to the case studies of the Intercomparison of Spatial Forecast Verification Methods Project. The geometric and synthetically perturbed cases show that the intensity-scale verification statistics are sensitive to displacement and bias errors. The intensity-scale skill score assesses the skill for different precipitation intensities and on different spatial scales, separately. The spatial scales of the error are attributed to both the size of the features and their displacement. The energy percentages allow one to objectively analyze the scale structure of the fields and to understand the intensity-scale relationship. Aggregated statistics for the Storm Prediction Center/National Severe Storms Laboratory (SPC/NSSL) 2005 Spring Program case studies show no significant differences among the models’ skill; however, the 4-km simulations of the NCEP version of the Weather Research and Forecast model (WRF4 NCEP) overforecast to a greater extent than the 2- and 4-km simulations of the NCAR version of the WRF (WRF2 and WRF4 NCAR). For the aggregated multiple cases, the different approaches addressing the dyadic domain constraints lead to similar results. On the other hand, for a single case, tiling provides the most robust and reliable approach, since it smoothes the effects of the discrete wavelet support and does not alter the original precipitation fields.
Airway proteins involved in bacterial clearance susceptible to cathepsin G proteolysis
Authors: Farberman M. M. , Akers K. T. , Malone J. P. , Erdman-Gilmore P. , Townsend R. R. , Ferkol T. 
Published: August 2009

Serine proteases released from neutrophils are central to the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis lung disease and are considered to be obvious therapeutic targets. Neutrophil elastase digests key opsonins present in the lung and disrupts phagocytosis, allowing bacteria to persist despite established pulmonary inflammation. We have found that cathepsin G, an abundant serine protease found in human and murine neutrophils, has other roles in the development of suppurative lung diseases. Murine models of endobronchial inflammation indicate that cathepsin G inhibits airway defences and interferes with the host’s ability to clearPseudomonas aeruginosafrom the lung with effects distinct from neutrophil elastase. We hypothesise that differences in bacterial killing are due to defects in innate defences created by proteolysis.Protein profiles of bronchoalveolar lavage of infected wild-type and cathepsin G-deficient mice were compared using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry.Four proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage were cleaved by cathepsin G. Serum amyloid P component leaked into the lung during acute infection and was digested by cathepsin G. Its cleavage products had greater binding to lipopolysaccharide and interfered with phagocytosis.These results indicate that cleaved serum amyloid P component acts as an anti-opsonin and interferes with bacterial clearance from the lung.
Effects of cannabis on lung function: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Hancox R. J. , Poulton R. , Ely M. , Welch D. , Taylor D. R. , McLachlan C. R. , Greene J. M. , Moffitt T. E. , Caspi A. , Sears M. R. 
Published: August 2009

The effects of cannabis on lung function remain unclear and may be different from those of tobacco. We compared the associations between use of these substances and lung function in a population-based cohort (n = 1,037).Cannabis and tobacco use were reported at ages 18, 21, 26 and 32 yrs. Spirometry, plethysmography and carbon monoxide transfer factor were measured at 32 yrs. Associations between lung function and exposure to each substance were adjusted for exposure to the other substance.Cumulative cannabis use was associated with higher forced vital capacity, total lung capacity, functional residual capacity and residual volume. Cannabis was also associated with higher airway resistance but not with forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced expiratory ratio or transfer factor. These findings were similar among those who did not smoke tobacco. In contrast, tobacco use was associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s, lower forced expiratory ratio, lower transfer factor and higher static lung volumes, but not with airway resistance.Cannabis appears to have different effects on lung function from those of tobacco. Cannabis use was associated with higher lung volumes, suggesting hyperinflation and increased large-airways resistance, but there was little evidence for airflow obstruction or impairment of gas transfer.
Community-acquired pneumonia through Enterobacteriaceae andPseudomonas aeruginosa: diagnosis, incidence and predictors
Authors: von Baum H. , Welte T. , Marre R. , Suttorp N. , Ewig S. 
Published: August 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine the relevance of the presence of Enterobacteriaceae (EB) andPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and how the true incidence of these pathogens can be assessed.Based on prospective data from 5,130 patients with CAP included in the German Competence Network for Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAPNETZ), the incidence, clinical characteristics, outcome and predictors of patients with CAP due to EB and PA were studied applying strict case definitions.The incidence of EB was 67 (1.3%) out of 5,130, including 27 patients with bacteraemia. PA was found in 22 (0.4%) out of 5,130 patients. These microorganisms were judged to be indeterminate pathogens in an additional 172 and 27 isolates, respectively. Patients with indeterminate pathogens differed considerably from those with definite isolates in terms of clinical presentation, comorbidity, pneumonia severity and outcome. Independent risk factors for EB included cardiac and cerebrovascular disease, and for PA chronic respiratory disease and enteral tube feeding. The 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with definite pathogens.In the present large population, the incidence of CAP due to EB/ PA was low. The risk of the presence of these pathogens can be assessed using several predictors, which may identify those patients in need of an extended diagnostic work-up and initial antimicrobial treatment.
Myeloid RelA regulates pulmonary host defense networks
Authors: Hess C. , Herr C. , Beisswenger C. , Zakharkina T. , Schmid R. M. , Bals R. 
Published: August 2009

The pulmonary innate immune system in the respiratory tract eliminates inhaled pathogens. Several cell types contribute to host defense within a complex network. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of macrophages during pneumonia and in the regulation of the epithelial response to microorganisms.We performed lung infection models in mice lacking myeloid RelA/p65. To study the mechanistic relationships between individual cell types, we applied co-culture models composed of airway epithelial cells (AECs) and macrophages.Mice lacking myeloid RelA/p65 showed significantly decreased bacterial clearance, cytokine expression and neutrophil influx. In addition, the induction of epithelial keratinocyte chemoattractant expression was blunted in these animals.In vitro, AECs were largely insensitive to ligands of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 or TLR5. Exposure to secretory products of macrophages results in an increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and augmented antimicrobial activity. This was associated with increased expression of TLR genes and surface expression of the proteins. Experiments with blocking antibodies showed that the effect of macrophages depends on secreted mediators, including tumour necrosis factor-α.In conclusion, the present data show that myeloid RelA is critical for pulmonary host defense. One important mechanism is that macrophages induce the sensitivity of AEC's to microbial patterns.
TagSNP transferability and relative loss of variability prediction from HapMap to an admixed population
Authors: Lins Tulio C , Abreu Breno S , Pereira Rinaldo W 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe application of a subset of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the tagSNPs, can be useful in capturing untyped SNPs information in a genomic region. TagSNP transferability from the HapMap dataset to admixed populations is of uncertain value due population structure, admixture, drift and recombination effects. In this work an empirical dataset from a Brazilian admixed sample was evaluated against the HapMap population to measure tagSNP transferability and the relative loss of variability prediction.MethodsThe transferability study was carried out using SNPs dispersed over four genomic regions: the PTPN22, HMGCR, VDR and CETP genes. Variability coverage and the prediction accuracy for tagSNPs in the selected genomic regions of HapMap phase II were computed using a prediction accuracy algorithm. Transferability of tagSNPs and relative loss of prediction were evaluated according to the difference between the Brazilian sample and the pooled and single HapMap population estimates.ResultsEach population presented different levels of prediction per gene. On average, the Brazilian (BRA) sample displayed a lower power of prediction when compared to HapMap and the pooled sample. There was a relative loss of prediction for BRA when using single HapMap populations, but a pooled HapMap dataset generated minor loss of variability prediction and lower standard deviations, except at the VDR locus at which loss was minor using CEU tagSNPs.ConclusionStudies that involve tagSNP selection for an admixed population should not be generally correlated with any specific HapMap population and can be better represented with a pooled dataset in most cases.