bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Donor CD4+ T and B cells in transplants induce chronic graft-versus-host disease with autoimmune manifestations
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Todorov Ivan , Zhang Zhifang , Liu Yinping , Kandeel Fouad , Forman Stephen , Strober Samuel , Zeng Defu 
Published: December 2005

AbstractChronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of long-term survivors of allogeneic hemato-poietic cell transplantation (HCT). Chronic GVHD can have features of an autoimmune collagen vascular disease with clinical manifestations similar to autoimmune scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD is poorly understood. It is unclear how autoreactive T and B cells are generated in chronic GVHD recipients. We have recently developed a new chronic GVHD model by transplantation of donor DBA/2 (H-2d) spleen cells into major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched but minor antigen-mismatched sublethally irradiated BALB/c (H-2d) recipients as well as athymic BALB/cnu/nu and adult-thymectomized BALB/c recipients. Both euthymic and athymic BALB/c recipients developed high levels of serum IgG autoantibodies, sclerodermatous skin damage, and glomerulonephritis. Disease induction required both donor CD25-CD4+ T and B cells in transplants. In contrast, donor CD25+CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) cells prevented the disease induction. These results indicate that host thymus is not required for induction of chronic GVHD and that quiescent autoreactive T and B cells in transplants from nonautoimmune donors may be activated and expanded to cause chronic GVHD with autoimmune manifestations in allogeneic recipients, and donor Treg cells can suppress this process.
SP-A binds alpha1-antitrypsin in vitro and reduces the association rate constant for neutrophil elastase
Authors: Gorrini Marina , Lupi Anna , Iadarola Paolo , Santos Conceição Dos , Rognoni Paola , Dalzoppo Daniele , Carrabino Natalia , Pozzi Ernesto , Baritussio Aldo , Luisetti Maurizio 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundα1-antitrypsin and surfactant protein-A (SP-A) are major lung defense proteins. With the hypothesis that SP-A could bind α1-antitrypsin, we designed a series ofin vitroexperiments aimed at investigating the nature and consequences of such an interaction.Methods and resultsAt an α1-antitrypsin:SP-A molar ratio of 1:1, the interaction resulted in a calcium-dependent decrease of 84.6% in the association rate constant of α1-antitrypsin for neutrophil elastase. The findings were similar when SP-A was coupled with the Z variant of α1-antitrypsin. The carbohydrate recognition domain of SP-A appeared to be a major determinant of the interaction, by recognizing α1-antitrypsin carbohydrate chains. However, binding of SP-A carbohydrate chains to the α1-antitrypsin amino acid backbone and interaction between carbohydrates of both proteins are also possible. Gel filtration chromatography and turnover per inactivation experiments indicated that one part of SP-A binds several molar parts of α1-antitrypsin.ConclusionWe conclude that the binding of SP-A to α1-antitrypsin results in a decrease of the inhibition of neutrophil elastase. This interaction could have potential implications in the physiologic regulation of α1-antitrypsin activity, in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, and in the defense against infectious agents.
Simple technique for evacuation of traumatic subcutaneous haematomas under tension
Authors: Chami George , Chami Belinda , Hatley Edward , Dabis Hossam 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Traumatic subcutaneous haematomas are common cases in the accident and emergency department. Occasionally, urgent evacuation is required to prevent skin necrosis.

Methods
We present a simple and safe technique, based on a principle similar to liposuction to evacuate traumatic subcutaneous haematomas under tension. Instruments readily available in the accident and emergency department are used without the need of general anaesthesia.

Results
The technique was performed in six cases without complication such as infection or re-collection of the haematoma under tension. We present two typical scenarios where urgent evacuation was indicated and the technique performed.

Conclusion
The technique is useful as an urgent and safe procedure in the accident and emergency department setting.
The host response to the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917: Specific up-regulation of the proinflammatory chemokine MCP-1
Authors: Ukena Sya N , Westendorf Astrid M , Hansen Wiebke , Rohde Manfred , Geffers Robert , Coldewey Sina , Suerbaum Sebastian , Buer Jan , Gunzer Florian 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe use of live microorganisms to influence positively the course of intestinal disorders such as infectious diarrhea or chronic inflammatory conditions has recently gained increasing interest as a therapeutic alternative.In vitroandin vivoinvestigations have demonstrated that probiotic-host eukaryotic cell interactions evoke a large number of responses potentially responsible for the effects of probiotics. The aim of this study was to improve our understanding of theE. coliNissle 1917-host interaction by analyzing the gene expression pattern initiated by this probiotic in human intestinal epithelial cells.MethodsGene expression profiles of Caco-2 cells treated withE. coliNissle 1917 were analyzed with microarrays. A second human intestinal cell line and also pieces of small intestine from BALB/c mice were used to confirm regulatory data of selected genes by real-time RT-PCR and cytometric bead array (CBA) to detect secretion of corresponding proteins.ResultsWhole genome expression analysis revealed 126 genes specifically regulated after treatment of confluent Caco-2 cells withE. coliNissle 1917. Among others, expression of genes encoding the proinflammatory molecules monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ligand 2 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 alpha (MIP-2α) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 beta (MIP-2β) was increased up to 10 fold. Caco-2 cells cocultured withE. coliNissle 1917 also secreted high amounts of MCP-1 protein. Elevated levels of MCP-1 and MIP-2α mRNA could be confirmed with Lovo cells. MCP-1 gene expression was also up-regulated in mouse intestinal tissue.ConclusionThus, probioticE. coliNissle 1917 specifically upregulates expression of proinflammatory genes and proteins in human and mouse intestinal epithelial cells.
Reproducibility of cervical range of motion in patients with neck pain
Authors: Hoving Jan Lucas , Pool Jan JM , van Mameren Henk , Devillé Walter JLM , Assendelft Willem JJ , de Vet Henrica CW , de Winter Andrea F , Koes Bart W , Bouter Lex M 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundReproducibility measurements of the range of motion are an important prerequisite for the interpretation of study results. The aim of the study is to assess the intra-rater and inter-rater reproducibility of the measurement of active Range of Motion (ROM) in patients with neck pain using the Cybex Electronic Digital Inclinometer-320 (EDI-320).MethodsIn an outpatient clinic in a primary care setting 32 patients with at least 2 weeks of pain and/or stiffness in the neck were randomly assessed, in a test- retest design with blinded raters using a standardized measurement protocol. Cervical flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation were assessed.ResultsReliability expressed by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.93 (lateral flexion) or higher for intra-rater reliability and 0.89 (lateral flexion) or higher for inter-rater reliability. The 95% limits of agreement for intra-rater agreement, expressing the range of the differences between two ratings were -2.5 ± 11.1° for flexion-extension, -0.1 ± 10.4° for lateral flexion and -5.9 ± 13.5° for rotation. For inter-rater agreement the limits of agreement were 3.3 ± 17.0° for flexion-extension, 0.5 ± 17.0° for lateral flexion and -1.3 ± 24.6° for rotation.ConclusionIn general, the intra-rater reproducibility and the inter-rater reproducibility were good. We recommend to compare the reproducibility and clinical applicability of the EDI-320 inclinometer with other cervical ROM measures in symptomatic patients.
Metallothionien 3 expression is frequently down-regulated in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by DNA methylation
Authors: Smith Eric , Drew Paul A , Tian Zi-Qing , De Young Neville J , Liu Jun-Feng , Mayne George C , Ruszkiewicz Andrew R , Watson David I , Jamieson Glyn G 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Metallothionein 3 (MT3) inhibits growth in a variety of cell types. We measured MT3 gene expression by RT-PCR, and DNA methylation in the MT3 promoter by combined bisulphite restriction analysis, in four oesophageal cancer cell lines and the resected oesophagus from 64 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Results

MT3 expression was not detected in one of the four oesophageal cell lines. The MT3 promoter was methylated in all of the oesophageal cell lines, but the degree of methylation was greater in the non-expressing cell line. After treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine there was a reduction in the degree of methylation, and an increase in MT3 expression, in each of the cell lines (p < 0.01). Methylation was detected in 52% (33 of 64) of primary SCC and 3% (2 of 62) of histologically normal resection margins. MT3 expression was measured in 29 tumours, 17 of which had methylation of MT3. The expression of MT3 was significantly less in the methylated tumours compared to either the unmethylated tumours (p = 0.03), or the matched margin (p = 0.0005). There was not a significant difference in MT3 expression between the tumour and the margin from patients with unmethylated tumour. No correlations were observed between methylation of MT3 and survival time, patient age, gender, smoking or drinking history, tumour stage, volume, or lymph node involvement.

Conclusion
We conclude that MT3 ex pression is frequently down-regulated in oesophageal SCC, by DNA methylation, but that this is not a prognostic indicator.
Cortex reorganization of Xenopus laeviseggs in strong static magnetic fields
Authors: Mietchen Daniel , Jakobi Jörg W , Richter Hans-Peter 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Observations of magnetic field effects on biological systems have often been contradictory. For amphibian eggs, a review of the available literature suggests that part of the discrepancies might be resolved by considering a previously neglected parameter for morphological alterations induced by magnetic fields – the jelly layers that normally surround the egg and are often removed in laboratory studies for easier cell handling. To experimentally test this hypothesis, we observed the morphology of fertilizable Xenopus laevis eggs with and without jelly coat that were subjected to static magnetic fields of up to 9.4 T for different periods of time. A complex reorganization of cortical pigmentation was found in dejellied eggs as a function of the magnetic field and the field exposure time. Initial pigment rearrangements could be observed at about 0.5 T, and less than 3 T are required for the effects to fully develop within two hours. No effect was observed when the jelly layers of the eggs were left intact. These results suggest that the action of magnetic fields might involve cortical pigments or associated cytoskeletal structures normally held in place by the jelly layers and that the presence of the jelly layer should indeed be included in further studies of magnetic field effects in this system.
Increased synaptic microtubules and altered synapse development in Drosophila sec8 mutants
Authors: Liebl Faith LW , Chen Kaiyun , Karr Julie , Sheng Qi , Featherstone David E 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background

Sec8 is highly expressed in mammalian nervous systems and has been proposed to play a role in several aspects of neural development and function, including neurite outgrowth, calcium-dependent neurotransmitter secretion, trafficking of ionotropic glutamate receptors and regulation of neuronal microtubule assembly. However, these models have never been tested in vivo. Nervous system development and function have not been described after mutation of sec8 in any organism.

Results

We identified lethal sec8 mutants in an unbiased forward genetic screen for mutations causing defects in development of glutamatergic Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). The Drosophila NMJ is genetically malleable and accessible throughout development to electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry, making it ideal for examination of the sec8 mutant synaptic phenotype. We developed antibodies to Drosophila Sec8 and showed that Sec8 is abundant at the NMJ. In our sec8 null mutants, in which the sec8 gene is specifically deleted, Sec8 immunoreactivity at the NMJ is eliminated but immunoblots reveal substantial maternal contribution in the rest of the animal. Contrary to the hypothesis that Sec8 is required for neurite outgrowth or synaptic terminal growth, immunocytochemical examination revealed that sec8 mutant NMJs developed more branches and presynaptic terminals during larval development, compared to controls. Synaptic electrophysiology showed no evidence that Sec8 is required for basal neurotransmission, though glutamate receptor trafficking was mildly disrupted in sec8 mutants. The most dramatic NMJ phenotype in sec8 mutants was an increase in synaptic microtubule density, which was approximately doubled compared to controls.

Conclusion

Sec8 is abundant in the Drosophila NMJ. Sec8 is required in vivo for regulation of synaptic microtubule formation, and (probably secondarily) regulation of synaptic growth and glutamate receptor trafficking. We did not find any evidence that Sec8 is required for basal neurotransmission.
AIDS, conflict and the media in Africa: risks in reporting bad data badly
Authors: Lowicki-Zucca Massimo , Spiegel Paul , Ciantia Filippo 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background
Conflict, poverty and HIV disproportionately affect people in sub-Saharan Africa. The manner in which governments, national and international organisations and the media report on the HIV epidemic in situations of conflict, post-conflict and reconstruction can have unintended and negative consequences for those affected populations. The media in particular has a huge influence on how the world observes and reacts to the HIV epidemic among conflict-affected and displaced populations.

Discussion
Three case studies focused on Sudan, Uganda and Guinea describe what the media reported and why the reports were incomplete, misleading or incorrect. The exploration of possible ways to ensure that the media do not unwittingly inflame delicate and complicated situations of HIV among conflict-affected and displaced populations is then undertaken using epidemiological and journalistic principles. The discussion is divided into four sections: 1) Avoid stigmatising statements and ensure a balanced view; 2) Avoid accurate but misleading statements; 3) Avoid inaccurate statements by clearly stating sources and verifying their credibility; and 4) Do not repeat data and conclusions from other news sources without checking their accuracy. The aim of this manuscript is to stimulate awareness and debate among persons and organisations working on HIV/AIDS as well as the media in order to improve dialogue and ultimately to reduce stigma and discrimination amongst an already vulnerable group – conflict-affected and displaced persons.

Summary
The media and humanitarian organisations have published misleading and inaccurate HIV data and statements on conflict-affected and displaced populations in Sudan, Uganda and Guinea. Given the unique characteristics of the HIV epidemic and conflict-affected and displaced populations, the media have a special obligation to report in a balanced and non-discriminatory manner that may go beyond the accepted standards of journalism. The media may wish to have the HIV data and their interpretation reviewed by technical experts before going to press. Specific training for reporters and editors regarding ethical issues and basic epidemiological methods may help them to better understand the complexity of the situation and report more accurately; similar training for media watch groups and human rights organisations may improve the monitoring of such situations and possibly reduce misreporting and subsequent discrimination. More rigorous HIV biological and behavioural surveillance should be undertaken in situations of conflict and displacement and humanitarian guidelines should be integrated with guidance on media relations and reporting responsibilities of humanitarian agencies. Finally, humanitarian agencies must ensure the data they release are sound and that any biases are clearly stated. Improved communication with the media will help to ensure more accurate reporting and interpretation.
Pharmacists' perceptions regarding their contribution to improving the public's health: a systematic review of the United Kingdom and international literature 1990–2001
Authors: Anderson Claire , Blenkinsopp Alison , Armstrong Miriam 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To systematically review, summarise and evaluate the published evidence from 1990–2001 relating to pharmacists' attitudes towards and perceptions of their role in improving the public's health.

Methods
Electronic databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Hand searches were undertaken of a number of relevant journals and conference abstracts. Studies on pharmacy and health education, health promotion, public health, smoking cessation, diet, body weight, and coronary heart disease were identified. All relevant studies with an English language abstract were included. Two of the authors separately examined the lists of titles and abstracts of papers from the searches and then compared inclusion/ exclusion lists and resolved any differences by discussion. Two approaches were used to assess the quality of the evidence and each study was allocated an evidence grade. Data were abstracted into a matrix and a narrative report constructed to synthesise the evidence.

Key findings
The search identified 12 studies (nine from the UK and three from other countries), all of which involved community pharmacists. Pharmacists attach a high degree of importance to health improvement activities. They are more comfortable with activities that are related to medicines and need support to extend their range of health-related work. Pharmacists' advice is more likely to be reactive than proactive; their concerns about being “intrusive” in offering potentially unwelcome health advice predisposes to a reactive stance. While dispensing duties were widely reported by pharmacists as a key barrier to greater involvement in activities that improve the public's health, the review of the evidence showed that perceptions and attitudes are also key to pharmacists' behaviour in relation to these activities.

Conclusion
Community pharmacists' activities in improving the public's health centre around medicines. This is unsurprising, as dispensing and sale of medicines constitute a pharmacist's core business, and are the areas that they are perceived to be expert in and in which they have received the most training. If pharmacists are to contribute to wider public health activities, ways need to be found of extending their sphere of activity. The review findings have implications for those involved in education and training of pharmacists at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Views and practices of community pharmacists regarding services for people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Abduelkarem Abduelmula R , Sackville Mike A , Morgan Rae M , Sackville Margaret P , Hildreth Anthony J 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To describe the views and practices of community pharmacists regarding services for people with type 2 diabetes.

Method
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of a convenience sample of 317 community pharmacists in the North East of England. The 26-item questionnaire covered the setting of the pharmacy, dispensing medication, and the pharmacist's role in the primary prevention of diabetes, detecting undiagnosed diabetes and prevention of complications.

Key findings
There was a 51% response rate. More than 80% of respondents reported that they saw patients with diabetes “very often” or “often” when they collected their prescriptions, but three-quarters reported that they “never/rarely” or only “sometimes” advised patients what to expect from their medication and gave information to help them have a better understanding of their disease. More than 90% of the pharmacists believed that a healthy lifestyle is important, but the majority were “never/rarely” or only “sometimes” involved in its promotion. Around 10 per cent of the respondents reported that they “often” or “very often” promoted regular eye examinations. Home blood glucose monitoring was promoted by 50% of the respondents. The majority reported that they checked prescriptions for drug interactions.

Conclusion
This study found that community pharmacists' advice and services to people with type 2 diabetes fell short of the standards and objectives set out in the National Service Framework for Diabetes. Our findings can be used to promote discussion in the profession and with stakeholders about the future role of the community pharmacist in diabetes care.
Community pharmacists' identification of natural health product/drug interactions in older persons
Authors: Grymonpre Ruby E , McKechnie Meghan , Briggs Colin 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To document the prevalence and significance of potential natural health products (NHPs)/prescribed drug interactions in a sample of older adults; to determine whether community pharmacists detected these drug interactions; and to characterise users and non-users of NHPs.

Setting
The project involved 15 community pharmacists providing pharmaceutical care to 213 non-institutionalised older adults.

Method
The study was a subanalysis of a prospective, non-randomised, before-and-after trial of the provision of pharmaceutical care. Pharmacists documented each time medication-specific information or advice was provided to subjects. The numbers and types of NHPs that clients reported taking and the number of potentially significant NHP/prescribed drug interactions were determined. Whether pharmacists identified such drug interactions and made the necessary interventions were also documented.

Results
Forty-two NHPs were reported 96 times by 49 (23%) clients, most commonly glucosamine (n = 10), garlic (n = 10), prune juice (n = 9), and Ginkgo biloba (n = 6). There was a total of 446 possible NHP/prescribed drug combinations in the 49 clients, of which 53 (12%) were considered to be of potential clinical significance. Of these 53 combinations, three pharmacists identified four (8%) potential interactions in three different patients. Although gender, mean age and number of reported medical conditions did not differ between users and non-users of NHPs, users reported taking fewer prescribed drugs compared with non-users (5.0 ± 3.2 vs 6.0 ± 2.9, respectively, P = 0.043) and more non-prescribed drugs (4.2 ± 2.5 vs 2.1 ± 2.0, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
The reported prevalence of NHP and the potential for NHP/prescribed drug interactions in our sample of older adults were high. Pharmacists providing pharmaceutical care did not commonly identify potentially significant NHP/prescribed drug interactions.