bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute effects of outdoor air pollution on forced expiratory volume in 1 s: a panel study of schoolchildren with asthma
Authors: Dales R. , Chen L. , Frescura A. M. , Liu L. , Villeneuve P. J. 
Published: February 2009

Urban air pollution has been associated with morbidity but little information exists on how it affects diurnal variation of lung function in children with asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of traffic-related pollution on lung function among children with asthma.We recorded morning and evening forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for 28 consecutive days in 182 elementary schoolchildren with physician-diagnosed asthma, and monitored ambient hourly air pollution concentrations.An interquartile range (IQR) increase (6.0 μg·m−3) in the previous 24-h (20:00 h to 20:00 h) mean concentration of fine particulate matter 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) was associated with a 0.54% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–1.02) decrease in bedtime FEV1(p = 0.027). This association persisted in two-pollutant models with ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. An IQR increase in mean daytime (08:00 h to 20:00 h) PM2.5of 6.5 μg·m−3was associated with a 0.73% (95% CI 0.10–1.37) decrease in FEV1over the course of the day expressed as 100×(FEV1bedtime − FEV1morning)/FEV1morning (p = 0.024).This study suggests that, in children with asthma, relatively low concentrations of urban air pollution worsen lung function over a short period of time, even within a day. Of the pollutants measured, PM2.5appears to be the most important.
Epidemiology and clinical management of XDR-TB: a systematic review by TBNET
Authors: Sotgiu G. , Ferrara G. , Matteelli A. , Richardson M. D. , Centis R. , Ruesch-Gerdes S. , Toungoussova O. , Zellweger J-P. , Spanevello A. , Cirillo D. , Lange C. , Migliori G. B. 
Published: February 2009

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is present in all regions and poses serious challenges for public health and clinical management. Laboratory diagnosis is difficult and little evidence exists to guide clinicians in treating people with XDR-TB effectively. To summarise the available data on diagnosis and treatment, the current authors performed a systematic review on 13 recent studies of the epidemiology and clinical management of XDR-TB.Studies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed, in order to assess methodology, treatment regimens and treatment outcomes.Meta-analysis of currently available data is not possible because of inconsistent definitions and methodologies. Data show that XDR-TB can be successfully treated in up to 65% of patients, particularly those who are not co-infected with HIV. However, treatment duration is longer and outcomes are in general poorer than for non-XDR TB patients.To strengthen the evidence for extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment and prevention, future studies should: 1) be prospective in design; 2) adopt standardised, internationally accepted definitions; 3) use quality-assured laboratory testing for all first- and second-line drugs; and 4) collect data on an agreed-upon set of standard variables, allowing for comparisons across studies. Early diagnosis and aggressive management of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis provide the best chance of positive outcome, but prevention is still paramount.
Second-hand smoke exposure in a sample of European hospitals
Authors: Fernández E. , Martínez C. , Fu M. , Martínez-Sánchez J. M. , López M. J. , Invernizzi G. , Ouranou A. , Dautzenberg B. , Nebot M. 
Published: February 2009

Smoking in hospitals is banned in many European countries; nevertheless, the level of compliance is diverse, and, in some cases, smoking areas remain. The present study describes the levels of second-hand smoke, as derived from respirable suspended particle measurements, in a sample of European hospitals during the year 2007.The present study was a multicentric descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 30 hospitals in seven European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Romania and Spain). Particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) concentration was measured by means of a hand-held laser-operated monitor of particle size and mass concentration in six selected indoor locations. Medians and interquartile ranges of PM2.5concentration were computed in order to describe the data by country and location of measurement.The median PM2.5concentration in all countries and locations was 3.0 μg·m−3, with half of the measurements ranging 2.0–7.0 μg·m−3. PM2.5levels were similar across countries. Eleven (5.5%) measurements were >25.0 μg·m−3, which is the 24-h mean limit recommended by the World Health Organization outdoor air quality guideline.The present results show that exposure to second-hand smoke in this sample of European hospitals is very low, and can be easily monitored in order to ensure smoke-free legislation compliance.
Inhaled iloprost for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Olschewski H. 
Published: February 2009

Prostacyclin and its analogues (prostanoids) are potent vasodilators, and exhibit antithrombotic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by vasoconstriction, thrombosis and proliferation, and is associated with reduced synthesis of endogenous prostacyclin. This provides a strong rationale for the use of prostanoids to treat PAH, a concept that is now supported by more than two decades of clinical research and experience. Intravenous and subcutaneous prostanoids have clearly demonstrated efficacy in severe PAH, but adverse events related to the drug delivery system, systemic side-effects and tachyphylaxis have driven research into alternative prostanoid treatments.Iloprost is administered by inhalation, and thus avoids most of the systemic side-effects associated withi.v.or subcutaneous prostanoid infusion. Two randomised controlled 12-week trials in patients with PAH have demonstrated efficacy and a favourable safety profile for iloprost as monotherapy (the AIR trial) and in combination with oral bosentan (STEP). Open-label uncontrolled long-term studies of inhaled iloprost therapy indicate that this treatment may improve long-term outcomes in PAH.
Activated mammalian target of rapamycin is associated with T regulatory cell insufficiency in nasal polyps
Authors: Xu Geng , Xia Jiahong , Hua Xiaoyang , Zhou Han , Yu Chuanzhao , Liu Zheng , Cai Kemin , Shi Jianbo , Li Huabin 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Decreased infiltration of Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Treg) is considered to be critical for the Th1/Th2 dysregulation of nasal polyps, while the cellular mechanism underlying Foxp3+ Treg insufficiency is currently not well defined.

Methods
We attempted to investigate the tissue expression of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (pmTOR) and infiltration of Foxp3+ Tregs in 28 nasal polyps and 16 controls by histological staining. We also evaluated the effects of blocking the mTOR signaling pathway with rapamycin on T cell phenotype selection and Foxp3+CD4+ Tregs expansion in a tissue culture system.

Results
Significantly increased infiltration of pmTOR+ inflammatory cells and decreased infiltration of Foxp3+CD4+ Tregs into nasal polyps was observed, with an inverse association. In the tissue culture system, we detected significantly elevated Foxp3 expression and IL-10 production, as well as an increased percentage of Foxp3+ Tregs in nasal polyps after blocking the mTOR signaling pathway with rapamycin.

Conclusion
Here we demonstrate for the first time that the mTOR signaling pathway is associated with Foxp3+ Tregs insufficiency in nasal polyps. Inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway may be helpful for enhancement of Foxp3+ Treg expansion, as well as modulation of T cell phenotype imbalances in nasal polyps.
Clustering of cancer among families of cases with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), Multiple Myeloma (MM), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) and control subjects
Authors: McDuffie Helen H , Pahwa Punam , Karunanayake Chandima P , Spinelli John J , Dosman James A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundA positive family history of chronic diseases including cancer can be used as an index of genetic and shared environmental influences. The tumours studied have several putative risk factors in common including occupational exposure to certain pesticides and a positive family history of cancer.MethodsWe conducted population-based studies of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), Multiple Myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), and Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) among male incident case and control subjects in six Canadian provinces. The postal questionnaire was used to collect personal demographic data, a medical history, a lifetime occupational history, smoking pattern, and the information on family history of cancer. The family history of cancer was restricted to first degree relatives and included relationship to the index subjects and the types of tumours diagnosed among relatives. The information was collected on 1528 cases (HL (n = 316), MM (n = 342), NHL (n = 513), STS (n = 357)) and 1506 age ± 2 years and province of residence matched control subjects. Conditional logistic regression analyses adjusted for the matching variables were conducted.ResultsWe found that most families were cancer free, and a minority included two or more affected relatives. HL [(ORadj(95% CI)1.79 (1.33, 2.42)], MM(1.38(1.07, 1.78)), NHL(1.43 (1.15, 1.77)), and STS cases(1.30(1.00, 1.68))had higher incidence of cancer if any first degree relative was affected with cancer compared to control families. Constructing mutually exclusive categories combining "family history of cancer" (yes, no) and "pesticide exposure ≥10 hours per year" (yes, no) indicated that a positive family history was important for HL(2.25(1.61, 3.15)), and for the combination of the two exposures increased risk for MM(1.69(1.14,2.51)). Also, a positive family history of cancer both with(1.72 (1.21, 2.45))and without pesticide exposure(1.43(1.12, 1.83))increased risk of NHL.ConclusionHL, MM, NHL, and STS cases had higher incidence of cancer if any first degree relative affected with cancer compared to control families. A positive family history of cancer and/or shared environmental exposure to agricultural chemicals play an important role in the development of cancer.
Overexpression of RRM2 decreases thrombspondin-1 and increases VEGF production in human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo: implication of RRM2 in angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Keqiang , Hu Shuya , Wu Jun , Chen Linling , Lu Jianming , Wang Xiaochen , Liu Xiyong , Zhou Bingsen , Yen Yun 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
In addition to its essential role in ribonucleotide reduction, ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) small subunit, RRM2, has been known to play a critical role in determining tumor malignancy. Overexpression of RRM2 significantly enhances the invasive and metastatic potential of tumor. Angiogenesis is critical to tumor malignancy; it plays an essential role in tumor growth and metastasis. It is important to investigate whether the angiogenic potential of tumor is affected by RRM2.

Results
We examined the expression of antiangiogenic thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in two RRM2-overexpressing KB cells: KB-M2-D and KB-HURs. We found that TSP-1 was significantly decreased in both KB-M2-D and KB-HURs cells compared to the parental KB and mock transfected KB-V. Simultaneously, RRM2-overexpressing KB cells showed increased production of VEGF mRNA and protein. In contrast, attenuating RRM2 expression via siRNA resulted in a significant increased TSP-1 expression in both KB and LNCaP cells; while the expression of VEGF by the two cells was significantly decreased under both normoxia and hypoxia. In comparison with KB-V, overexpression of RRM2 had no significant effect on proliferation in vitro, but it dramatically accelerated in vivo subcutaneous growth of KB-M2-D. KB-M2-D possessed more angiogenic potential than KB-V, as shown in vitro by its increased chemotaxis for endothelial cells and in vivo by the generation of more vascularized tumor xenografts.

Conclusion
These findings suggest a positive role of RRM2 in tumor angiogenesis and growth through regulation of the expression of TSP-1 and VEGF.
Protein evolution on a human signaling network
Authors: Cui Qinghua , Purisima Enrico O , Wang Edwin 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
The architectural structure of cellular networks provides a framework for innovations as well as constraints for protein evolution. This issue has previously been studied extensively by analyzing protein interaction networks. However, it is unclear how signaling networks influence and constrain protein evolution and conversely, how protein evolution modifies and shapes the functional consequences of signaling networks. In this study, we constructed a human signaling network containing more than 1,600 nodes and 5,000 links through manual curation of signaling pathways, and analyzed the d
N/d
S values of human-mouse orthologues on the network.

Results
We revealed that the protein d
N/d
S value decreases along the signal information flow from the extracellular space to nucleus. In the network, neighbor proteins tend to have similar d
N/d
S ratios, indicating neighbor proteins have similar evolutionary rates: co-fast or co-slow. However, different types of relationships (activating, inhibitory and neutral) between proteins have different effects on protein evolutionary rates, i.e., physically interacting protein pairs have the closest evolutionary rates. Furthermore, for directed shortest paths, the more distant two proteins are, the less chance they share similar evolutionary rates. However, such behavior was not observed for neutral shortest paths. Fast evolving signaling proteins have two modes of evolution: immunological proteins evolve more independently, while apoptotic proteins tend to form network components with other signaling proteins and share more similar evolutionary rates, possibly enhancing rapid information exchange between apoptotic and other signaling pathways.

Conclusion
Major network constraints on protein evolution in protein interaction networks previously described have been found for signaling networks. We further uncovered how network characteristics affect the evolutionary and co-evolutionary behavior of proteins and how protein evolution can modify the existing functionalities of signaling networks. These new insights provide some general principles for understanding protein evolution in the context of signaling networks.
Psychogenic amnesia: when memory complaints are medically unexplained
Authors: McKay Gavin C. M. , Kopelman Michael D. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe focus of this article is the assessment and management of medically unexplained (‘psychogenic’) amnesia, which we classify here as global or situation specific. Other psychiatric causes for memory disorder and neurological conditions that could cause diagnostic confusion are briefly reviewed, as are forensic aspects of memory complaints. Finally, brain and physiological mechanisms potentially associated with psychogenic amnesia are discussed.
Mental health of regular and reserve military veterans
Authors: Iversen Amy C. , Greenberg Neil 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe psychiatric problems of combat returnees are a topical and important issue given the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite the media prominence afforded to post-traumatic stress disorder, the most common disorders in the UK armed forces post-deployment are depression, alcohol misuse and anxiety disorders. Although the majority of service personnel do well after leaving military life, a minority who leave with psychiatric problems appear to be at risk of social exclusion and ongoing ill health. Reserve veterans are at greater risk as they do not have access to the usual support networks of the regular military. Steps to improve the knowledge and expertise of primary care services about veterans' mental health issues and increasing the availability of treatment options are important and are underway.
Depression, cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality
Authors: Seymour Jeremy , Benning Tony B. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryDepression is an illness that kills. The links between depression and medical illness are well established and bi-directional, but evidence is mounting that depression increases mortality as well as morbidity in adults, particularly older adults. We examine the evidence that the increase in mortality in depression applies to all-cause mortality as well as cardiac mortality, and describe plausible physiological theories for the association. We conclude that excess mortality arising from depression is a major public health problem that is largely unrecognised and needs to be addressed by a range of clinicians.
Combining antidepressants: a review of evidence
Authors: Palaniyappan Lena , Insole Lisa , Ferrier Nicol 
Published: February 2009

SummarySequenced (stepped) treatment approaches are widely endorsed in the management of depression. Combining antidepressants is a recognised step for those failing to respond to monotherapy. Despite the limited evidence base, this strategy is widely used by clinicians in practice. Not every combination used clinically has a sound neuropharmacological rationale and the use of such combinations may increase the side-effect burden without any additional advantage to the patient. Efficacy of various antidepressant combinations along with the data on side-effect profile and toxicity of such combined treatments are reviewed here. The different combinations are considered by each class of antidepressant available in the UK.
Life after therapy: post-termination boundary violations in psychiatry and psychotherapy
Authors: Sarkar Sameer P. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAlthough recent cases of egregious boundary violations in professional relationships in the UK have led to a concerted and robust government response, the issue of doctors having relationships with former patients is relatively sparsely talked about. Publications by the General Medical Council and the Department of Health deal with this tricky and often contentious matter in some depth. This article discusses the abuse of professional relationships and examines the ethics, law and advances in understanding in the area of doctors' relationships with former patients.
The postgraduate curriculum and assessment programme in psychiatry: the underlying principles
Authors: Holsgrove Gareth , Malik Amit , Bhugra Dinesh 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAssessment is key to the educational process and plays a significant role in looking at the progress trainees make as a result of training and personal development. Recent developments in curricula have led to substantial changes in assessing progress and attainment throughout postgraduate medical education in the UK. This article outlines the framework used to develop the postgraduate curriculum in psychiatry and describes the nature and purpose of the assessment programme that forms part of this new curriculum. The article considers the principles of medical education that are essential for the success of assessments, not only centrally in the development of the assessment system, but also locally in the delivery of these assessments. The overall context of developments in medical education, as well as the relationship between workplace-based assessments (WPBAs) and formal examinations, are described with specific references to developments in psychiatric training, its curriculum and assessments.
Form and mental state: an interpersonal approach to painting
Authors: Green Jonathan 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThis article is based on the idea that paintings carry much of their cultural power by being ways of embodying states of mind in physical material. It follows that the understanding we have of how people infer mental states in others can also be used to address how we respond to visual art: our facility for inferring mental states can help us understand paintings. In pursuing this argument, I discuss first how artists make meaning in paintings by a process that embodies mental states within a formal structure. Second, I support the notion of a link between the formal structure of art and mental states with evidence from my studies of children's drawings. Third, by analogy with the way we relate to another person's mental states, I look in more detail at the process by which we ‘read’ a painting and in consequence develop an aesthetic relationship to it.
Group psychoeducation for stabilised bipolar disorders: 5-year
outcome of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Colom F. , Vieta E. , Sánchez-Moreno J. , Palomino-Otiniano R. , Reinares M. , Goikolea J. M. , Benabarre A. , Martínez-Arán A. 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundThe long-term efficacy of psychological interventions for bipolar
disorders has not been tested.AimsThis study assessed the efficacy of group psychoeducation to prevent
recurrences and to reduce time spent ill for people with bipolar
disorders.MethodA randomised controlled trial with masked outcome assessment comparing
group psychoeducation and non-structured group intervention during 5-year
follow-up. One hundred and twenty people with bipolar disorders were
included in the study and 99 completed 5-year follow-up. Time to any
recurrence, number of recurrences, total number of days spent ill,
frequency and length of hospitalisations were the main outcome
measures.ResultsAt the 5-year follow-up, time to any recurrence was longer for the
psychoeducation group (log rank=9.953, P<0.002). The
psychoeducation group had fewer recurrences (3.86 v.
8.37, F=23.6, P<0.0001) of any type
and they spent less time acutely ill (154 v. 586 days,
F=31.66, P=0.0001). The median
number of days of hospitalisation per hospitalised participant was also
lower for the psychoeducation group (45 v. 30,
F=4.26, P=0.047).ConclusionsSix-month group psychoeducation has long-lasting prophylactic effects in
individuals with bipolar disorders. Group psychoeducation is the first
psychological intervention showing such a long-term maintained efficacy
in people with bipolar disorders.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: treatment
discontinuation in adolescents and young adults
Authors: McCarthy Suzanne , Asherson Philip , Coghill David , Hollis Chris , Murray Macey , Potts Laura , Sayal Kapil , de Soysa Ruwan , Taylor Eric , Williams Tim , Wong Ian C. K. 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundSymptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are known to
persist into adulthood in the majority of cases.AimsTo determine the prevalence of methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and
atomoxetine prescribing and treatment discontinuation in adolescents and
young adults.MethodA descriptive cohort study using the UK General Practice Research
Database included patients aged 15–21 years from 1999 to 2006 with a
prescription for a study drug.ResultsPrevalence of prescribing averaged across all ages increased 6.23-fold
over the study period. Overall, prevalence decreased with age: in 2006,
prevalence in males dropped 95% from 12.77 per 1000 in 15-year-olds to
0.64 per 1000 in 21-year-olds. A longitudinal analysis of a cohort of 44
patients aged 15 years in 1999 demonstrated that no patient received
treatment after the age of 21 years.ConclusionsThe prevalence of prescribing by general practitioners to patients with
ADHD drops significantly from age 15 to age 21 years. The fall in
prescribing is greater than the reported age-related decrease in
symptoms, raising the possibility that treatment is prematurely
discontinued in some young adults in whom symptoms persist.