bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in emphysema phenotype in smokers without airflow obstruction
Authors: Sverzellati N. , Calabrò E. , Randi G. , La Vecchia C. , Marchianò A. , Kuhnigk J-M. , Zompatori M. , Spagnolo P. , Pastorino U. 
Published: January 2009

Data on sex differences in emphysema are limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We aimed to verify whether such differences also exist in smokers without airflow obstruction, weighting their influence on the relationship between emphysema and clinical features.We evaluated both clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) data of 1,011 heavy smokers recruited by a lung cancer screening project. MDCT scans were analysed with software allowing lobar quantification of emphysema features. For these measures, multiple regression models were applied to assess the effect of patients sex, after allowance for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity.The final study cohort consisted of 957 smokers without airflow obstruction. Compared with males, females exhibited an emphysema phenotype less extensive in each pulmonary lobe, characterised by smaller emphysematous areas and less concentrated in the core of the lung. However, in females, the increase of emphysema with age was more pronounced and displayed a more significant relationship with FEV1% decline; conversely, in males there was a stronger association with the decrease in BMI.Males and females respond differently to the type and location of lung damage due to tobacco exposure. In smokers, sex influences the relationship between emphysema and clinical features.
Quality of life measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and spirometry
Authors: Weatherall M. , Marsh S. , Shirtcliffe P. , Williams M. , Travers J. , Beasley R. 
Published: January 2009

The present authors aimed to determine if the criteria for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its classification by severity as recommended by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease are supported by measurements of respiratory health-related quality of life.A community-based sample of adults aged 25–75 yrs had pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and completed the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Loess scatter plot smoothers of the SGRQversuspost-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio and post-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted together with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to determine the relationship between spirometric variables and clinically important differences in the SGRQ score.The scatter plot smoother and ROC curve analyses supported the value of 0.7 for post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio, which was ∼4 units higher than the nadir of the SGRQ. To represent a distance of 8 units on the SGRQ, the cut-off points for post-bronchodilator FEV1that delimit COPD severity stages were 80, 60 and 40% pred for mild, moderate and severe COPD, respectively.To diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the use of post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio of 0.7 is supported by health-related quality of life measurements. There may be advantages in using forced expiratory volume in one second cut-off points of 80, 60 and 40% predicted for the classification of mild, moderate and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respectively, similar to the approach recommended for asthma.
Effect of bronchodilation on expiratory flow limitation and resting lung mechanics in COPD
Authors: Dellacà R. L. , Pompilio P. P. , Walker P. P. , Duffy N. , Pedotti A. , Calverley P. M. A. 
Published: January 2009

Bronchodilator drugs produce variable improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), but larger changes in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which were suggested to be related to the presence of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) at rest.We tested this concept in 42 COPD patients (FEV142.3±13.8% predicted) during spontaneous breathing before and after 5 mg nebulised salbutamol. EFL was detected by within-breath changes in respiratory system reactance measured by a multifrequency forced oscillation method, while changes in EELV were assessed by inspiratory capacity (IC). Bronchodilation (BD) increased IC (from 1.8±0.5 to 2.1±0.6 L, p<0.001) and reduced inspiration resistance (R̄insp) at 5 Hz (from 5.1±1.6 to 4.2±1.5 cmH2O·s·L−1, p<0.001).R̄inspidentified BD responders with a discriminative power of 80.1%.In total, 20 patients were flow-limited before BD. They showed worse spirometry and higher residual volume, but significant improvements in IC were seen in all patients irrespective of flow limitation. Changes inR̄inspwere confined to flow-limited patients, as were reactance changes. BD reduced the degree of heterogeneity in the respiratory system, a change best seen with inspiratory values.BD has complex effects on lung mechanics in COPD, and EFL affects both this and the response of some respiratory variables to treatment. However, changes in EELV are consistently seen, irrespective of the presence of flow limitation at rest.
Exhaled nitric oxide as a marker of asthma control in smoking patients
Authors: Michils A. , Louis R. , Peché R. , Baldassarre S. , Van Muylem A. 
Published: January 2009

Exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO), which is a reliable marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, is partially suppressed by tobacco smoking. Consequently, its potential as a biomarker in asthma management has never been evaluated in smoking patients. In the present study, the authors tested the validity ofFeNOto predict asthma control in this population.FeNOand the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) were recorded at least once in 411 nonsmoking (345 with at least two visits) and 59 smoking (51 with at least two visits) asthma patients.Despite similar mean ACQ scores (1.5versus1.7),FeNOwas reduced in smoking asthmatics (18.1 ppbversus33.7 ppb). A decrease inFeNOof <20% precludes asthma control improvement in nonsmoking (negative predictive value (NPV) 78%) and in smoking patients (NPV 72%). An increase inFeNO<30% is unlikely to be associated with deterioration in asthma control in both groups of patients (NPV = 86% and 84% in nonsmoking and smoking patients, respectively).It is concluded that, even in smokers, sequential changes inFeNOhave a relationship with asthma control. The present study is the first to indicate that cigarette smoking does not obviate the clinical value of measuringFeNOin asthma among smokers.
Predictors of poor treatment outcome in multi- and extensively drug-resistant pulmonary TB
Authors: Kliiman K. , Altraja A. 
Published: January 2009

Treatment outcome in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) is often unsuccessful, but the particular determinants of poor treatment outcome have remained obscure. The present authors therefore analysed treatment effectiveness and predictors of poor treatment outcome in pulmonary MDR-TB and XDR-TB in Estonia, a European country with one of the highest MDR-TB and XDR-TB rates in the world.All culture-confirmed pulmonary MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients who started TB treatment in 2003–2005 were included. Multivariate analysis was performed on two models of predictors: 1) patients' HIV-status, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics; and 2) TB-related data.In the 235 MDR-TB patients, the proportion of overall successful treatment outcome was 60.4%, rising to 72.8% among adherent patients. Among the 54 XDR-TB patients, these proportions were 42.6% and 50.0%, respectively. Risk factors for poor treatment outcome in MDR-TB were HIV infection, previous TB treatment, resistance to ofloxacin and positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear at the start of treatment. Predictors of poor treatment outcome in XDR-TB were urban residence and positive AFB smear.This country-wide study provides evidence that to improve treatment outcome in multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, special care should be taken to treat HIV-infected patients and urban residents, as well as to make efforts to diminish re-treatment cases by increasing patient adherence.
Single-dose desloratadine and montelukast and allergen-induced late airway responses
Authors: Davis B. E. , Illamperuma C. , Gauvreau G. M. , Watson R. M. , O'Byrne P. M. , Deschesnes F. , Boulet L. P. , Cockcroft D. W. 
Published: January 2009

Montelukast and desloratadine synergistically inhibit the allergen-induced early asthmatic response. Montelukast also suppresses the allergen-induced late asthmatic response, but there are no reports on the effect of desloratadine or the combination on the allergen-induced late asthmatic response.Atopic asthmatics (n = 10) completed a multicentric randomised double-blind crossover study comparing single-dose placebo, 5 mg desloratadine, 10 mg montelukast and the combination administered 2 h prior to allergen inhalation challenge. Methacholine challenges were performed 24 h before and after allergen challenge. Exhaled nitric oxide measurements and sputum inflammatory cell counts were also carried out.All active treatments significantly decreased the late asthmatic response area under the curve. Combination therapy provided the greatest inhibition compared to desloratadine and montelukast. Montelukast was nonsignificantly better than desloratadine but not as effective as the combination. There was a trend towards a decrease in airway responsiveness following montelukast and combination. Montelukast, but not desloratadine or the combination, decreased exhaled NO levels 24 h after allergen. The allergen-induced increase in sputum eosinophil numbers was significantly suppressed at 7 h with desloratadine and combination therapy, and at 24 h with montelukast and combination therapy.Single-dose co-administration of desloratadine and montelukast 2 h prior to allergen inhalation clinically abolished the late asthmatic response and eosinophil recruitment.
Phylogeny of the SNARE vesicle fusion machinery yields insights into the conservation of the secretory pathway in fungi
Authors: Kienle Nickias , Kloepper Tobias H , Fasshauer Dirk 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
In eukaryotic cells, directional transport between different compartments of the endomembrane system is mediated by vesicles that bud from a donor organelle and then fuse with an acceptor organelle. A family of integral membrane proteins, termed soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins, constitute the key machineries of these different membrane fusion events. Over the past 30 years, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as a powerful model organism for studying the organization of the secretory and endocytic pathways, and a few years ago, its entire set of SNAREs was compiled.

Results
Here, we make use of the increasing amount of genomic data to investigate the history of the SNARE family during fungi evolution. Moreover, since different SNARE family members are thought to demarcate different organelles and vesicles, this approach allowed us to compare the organization of the endomembrane systems of yeast and animal cells. Our data corroborate the notion that fungi generally encompass a relatively simple set of SNARE proteins, mostly comprising the SNAREs of the proto-eukaryotic cell. However, all fungi contain a novel soluble SNARE protein, Vam7, which carries an N-terminal PX-domain that acts as a phosphoinositide binding module. In addition, the points in fungal evolution, at which lineage-specific duplications and diversifications occurred, could be determined. For instance, the endosomal syntaxins Pep12 and Vam3 arose from a gene duplication that occurred within the Saccharomycotina clade.

Conclusion
Although the SNARE repertoire of baker's yeast is highly conserved, our analysis reveals that it is more deviated than the ones of basal fungi. This highlights that the trafficking pathways of baker's yeast are not only different to those in animal cells but also are somewhat different to those of many other fungi.
Identification in milk of a serum amyloid A peptide chemoattractant for B lymphoblasts
Authors: de Jesus Rodriguez Berardo , Chevaleyre Claire , Henry Gwénaële , Mollé Daniel , Virlogeux-Payant Isabelle , Berri Mustapha , Boulay François , Léonil Joëlle , Meurens François , Salmon Henri 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundNormal mammary gland contains an extravascular population of B lymphoblasts, precursors of the immunoglobulin plasma cells that play a key role in the passive protection of neonates by secreting immunoglobulins to colostrum and milk. We investigated the presence of chemoattractants in the milk by analysing the chemoattractant activity of various fractions of this secretion. Milk chemoattractants are potentially involved in the recruitment of lymphocytes from the maternal bloodstream in lactating mammary glands.ResultsThe dilution-related lymphoid cell chemoattraction of whey was associated with a < 10 kDa ultrafiltrate. Active fractions were purified by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Two peptides of 2.7 kDa (DMREANYKNSDKYFHARGNYDAA) and 1 kDa (RPPGLPDKY) were identified as fragments of the SAA protein family, tentatively identified as SAA2. Only the 2.7 kDa synthetic peptide displayed chemotactic activity, at two different optimal concentrations. At the lower concentration (3.7 nM), it attracted B-cell lymphoblasts, whereas at the higher (3.7 μM), it attracted B lymphocytes. Then, the SAA mRNA expression was analysed and we observed more SAA transcripts during lactation than gestation.ConclusionThese data are consistent with the SAA23–45fragment being involved in preplasma B-cell recruitment to the mammary gland and resultant benefit to the neonate.
An investigation of ribosomal protein L10 gene in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Gong Xiaohong , Delorme Richard , Fauchereau Fabien , Durand Christelle M , Chaste Pauline , Betancur Catalina , Goubran-Botros Hany , Nygren Gudrun , Anckarsäter Henrik , Rastam Maria , Gillberg I Carina , Kopp Svenny , Mouren-Simeoni Marie-Christine , Gillberg Christopher , Leboyer Marion , Bourgeron Thomas 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are severe neurodevelopmental disorders with the male:female ratio of 4:1, implying the contribution of X chromosome genetic factors to the susceptibility of ASD. The ribosomal protein L10 (RPL10) gene, located on chromosome Xq28, codes for a key protein in assembling large ribosomal subunit and protein synthesis. Two non-synonymous mutations of RPL10, L206M and H213Q, were identified in four boys with ASD. Moreover, functional studies of mutant RPL10 in yeast exhibited aberrant ribosomal profiles. These results provided a novel aspect of disease mechanisms for autism – aberrant processes of ribosome biosynthesis and translation. To confirm these initial findings, we re-sequenced RPL10 exons and quantified mRNA transcript level of RPL10 in our samples.

Methods
141 individuals with ASD were recruited in this study. All RPL10 exons and flanking junctions were sequenced. Furthermore, mRNA transcript level of RPL10 was quantified in B lymphoblastoid cell lines (BLCL) of 48 patients and 27 controls using the method of SYBR Green quantitative PCR. Two sets of primer pairs were used to quantify the mRNA expression level of RPL10: RPL10-A and RPL10-B.

Results
No non-synonymous mutations were detected in our cohort. Male controls showed similar transcript level of RPL10 compared with female controls (RPL10-A, U = 81, P = 0.7; RPL10-B, U = 61.5, P = 0.2). We did not observe any significant difference in RPL10 transcript levels between cases and controls (RPL10-A, U = 531, P = 0.2; RPL10-B, U = 607.5, P = 0.7).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that RPL10 has no major effect on the susceptibility to ASD.
Certified causes of death in patients with mesothelioma in South East England
Authors: Okello Catherine , Treasure Tom , Nicholson Andrew G , Peto Julian , Møller Henrik 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Mesothelioma is a highly fatal cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. In many populations, the occurrence of mesothelioma is monitored with the use of mortality data from death certification. We examine certified causes of death of patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and assess the validity of death certification data as a proxy for mesothelioma incidence.

Methods
We extracted mesothelioma registrations in the South East of England area between 2000 and 2004 from the Thames Cancer Registry database. We retained for analysis 2200 patients who had died at the time of analysis, after having excluded seven dead cases where the causes of death were not known to the cancer registry. The 2200 deaths were classified hierarchically to identify (1) mesothelioma deaths, (2) deaths certified as lung cancer deaths or (3) deaths from unspecified cancer, and (4) deaths from other causes.

Results
87% of the patients had mesothelioma mentioned on the death certificate. 6% had no mention of mesothelioma but included lung cancer as a cause of death. Another 6% had no mention of mesothelioma or lung cancer, but included an unspecified cancer as a cause of death. Lastly, 2% had other causes of death specified on the death certificate.

Conclusion
This analysis suggests that official mortality data may underestimate the true occurrence of mesothelioma by around 10%.
Development of a screening tool predicting the transition from acute to chronic low back pain for patients in a GP setting: Protocol of a multinational prospective cohort study
Authors: Melloh Markus , Aebli Nikolaus , Elfering Achim , Röder Christoph , Zweig Thomas , Barz Thomas , Herbison Peter , Hendrick Paul , Bajracharya Suraj , Stout Kirsten , Theis Jean-Claude 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is by far the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal problem in our society today. Following the recommendations of the Multinational Musculoskeletal Inception Cohort Study (MMICS) Statement, our study aims to define outcome assessment tools for patients with acute LBP and the time point at which chronic LBP becomes manifest and to identify patient characteristics which increase the risk of chronicity.

Methods
Patients with acute LBP will be recruited from clinics of general practitioners (GPs) in New Zealand (NZ) and Switzerland (CH). They will be assessed by postal survey at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Primary outcome will be disability as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); key secondary endpoints will be general health as measured by the acute SF-12 and pain as measured on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A subgroup analysis of different assessment instruments and baseline characteristics will be performed using multiple linear regression models.
This study aims to examine
1. Which biomedical, psychological, social, and occupational outcome assessment tools are identifiers for the transition from acute to chronic LBP and at which time point this transition becomes manifest
2. Which psychosocial and occupational baseline characteristics like work status and period of work absenteeism influence the course from acute to chronic LBP
3. Differences in outcome assessment tools and baseline characteristics of patients in NZ compared with CH.

Discussion
This study will develop a screening tool for patients with acute LBP to be used in GP clinics to access the risk of developing chronic LBP. In addition, biomedical, psychological, social, and occupational patient characteristics which influence the course from acute to chronic LBP will be identified. Furthermore, an appropriate time point for follow-ups will be given to detect this transition. The generalizability of our findings will be enhanced by the international perspective of this study.

Trial registration
[Clinical Trial Registration Number, ACTRN12608000520336]
Clinical utility of genetic tests for inherited hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies
Authors: Colombo Maria Giovanna , Botto Nicoletta , Vittorini Simona , Paradossi Umberto , Andreassi Maria Grazia 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Genetic testing has become an increasingly important part of medical practice for heritable form of cardiomyopathies. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and about 50% of idiopathic dilatative cardiomyopathy are familial diseases, with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.
Some genotype-phenotype correlations can provide important information to target DNA analyses in specific genes. Genetic testing may clarify diagnosis and help the optimal treatment strategies for more malignant phenotypes. In addition, genetic screening of first-degree relatives can help early identification and diagnosis of individuals at greatest risk for developing cardiomyopathy, allowing to focus clinical resources on high-risk family members.
This paper provides a concise overview of the genetic etiology as well as the clinical utilities and limitations of genetic testing for the heritable cardiomyopathies.
Biopsychosocial approaches to a patient with vomiting of 10 years' duration – a case of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Mutsuura Hiromi , Fukunaga Mikihiko , Kanbara Kenji , Yagyu Takami , Yamamoto Kazumi , Kitamura Kana , Ban Ikumi , Nakai Yoshihide 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundVomiting is commonly encountered in clinical medicine. When organic gastrointestinal, metabolic, and brain diseases are ruled out, many cases are considered to be functional. We experienced an adult patient with epilepsy whose main symptom was vomiting. Biopsychosocial approaches were needed to control the symptoms.Case presentationA 26-year-old female with a 10-year history of persistent vomiting was found to have temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Throughout this time, during which the vomiting had become part of a vicious cycle, her epilepsy was poorly controlled by medication. Biopsychosocial approaches were employed successfully and the patient subsequently undertook training to become a home-helper, started a job, and was able to leave her parents' house and live independently. All of her symptoms resolved after she became self-sufficient.DiscussionVomiting without impaired consciousness is seldom considered to be a manifestation of epilepsy. Difficulty in recording an electroencephalogram (EEG) because of the presence of persistent vomiting delayed the diagnosis. The improvement of symptoms was thought to have been due to the patient's emotional stabilization and physical improvement, which may have stabilized the limbic system.ConclusionWhen an illness persists for many years and conditioning and a vicious cycle occur secondarily, systematic biopsychosocial approaches are needed in addition to general treatment. Also, secondary symptoms make the diagnosis more difficult when efforts at treatment are ineffective.