bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of eicosanoids and surfactant protein D in extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Authors: Higashi A. , Higashi N. , Tsuburai T. , Takeuchi Y. , Taniguchi M. , Mita H. , Saito A. , Takatori K. , Arimura K. , Akiyama K. 
Published: November 2005

The pathophysiology of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) involves oxidative lung damage as well as interstitial and alveolar inflammation. Macrophages and mast cells are inflammatory components of EAA that produce both leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandin D2(PGD2). In addition, PGD2is also produced by the free-radical-catalysed peroxidation of arachidonic acid during oxidative stress. Urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) and serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) are considered appropriate biomarkers of oxidative stress and interstitial lung disease activity, respectively. The present study aimed to assess the association of these biomarkers with the pathophysiology of EAA.Two cases of acute EAA caused by the inhalation of fungi spores were reported. Eight asthmatic patients and six healthy control subjects were also enrolled in the current study.The serum SP-D and urinary eicosanoid (LTE4, PGD2metabolite (9α,11βPGF2), 8-isoPGF2α) concentrations markedly increased during the acute exacerbation phase. These concentrations decreased following corticosteroid therapy in the EAA patients. There was a significant correlation between serum SP-D and urinary 9α,11βPGF2concentrations in the EAA patients.In conclusion, although the present study proposes that serum surfactant protein-D and urinary eicosanoids are new biomarkers involved in the various immunological responses in extrinsic allergic alveolitis, further large-scale studies are needed to investigate the role of these compounds, not just as biomarkers, but also as biological potentiators of extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
Effects of upper airway anaesthesia on respiratory-related evoked potentials in humans
Authors: Redolfi S. , Raux M. , Donzel-Raynaud C. , Morelot-Panzini C. , Zelter M. , Derenne J-P. , Similowski T. , Straus C. 
Published: November 2005

Cortical potentials evoked by mid-inspiratory occlusion arise from numerous receptors, many of which are probably within the upper airway. Their precise nature is not known. The aim of the current study was to improve knowledge of this by studying the effects of topical upper airway anaesthesia on respiratory-related evoked potentials.Respiratory-related evoked potentials were described through the averaging of electroencephalogram (EEG) epochs following mid-inspiratory occlusions (C3–CZ; C4–CZ). A total of 21 healthy volunteers (13 male, aged 22–52 yrs) were studied during mouth breathing, before and after topical upper airway anaesthesia (lidocaine). Moreover, 15 subjects were studied during nose breathing with and without anaesthesia. Six subjects were studied whilst inhaling L-menthol.Typical potentials were present in all the subjects, their components featuring normal amplitudes and latencies. The route of breathing and upper airway anaesthesia did not modify the EEG responses to inspiratory occlusions, qualitatively or quantitatively, during mouth or nose breathing. L-menthol had no effect.Upper airway receptors sensitive to topical anaesthesia are unlikely to contribute significantly to mid-inspiratory occlusion-evoked potentials. On the contrary, deeper receptors, such as joint and muscle receptors, could contribute dominantly to these potentials.
Sentinel-site surveillance ofMycobacterium aviumcomplex pulmonary disease
Authors: Maugein J. , Dailloux M. , Carbonnelle B. , Vincent V. , Grosset J. ,   the French Mycobacteria Study Group
Published: November 2005

The incidence ofMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) pulmonary disease in HIV-negative patients was studied prospectively from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002 through 32 sentinel sites distributed all over France.Among the 275 patients who yielded MAC isolates from respiratory clinical specimens, 101 (36.7%) met the bacteriological, radiographical and clinical criteria established by the American Thoracic Society for nontuberculous mycobacterial respiratory disease. Of these 101 patients, 81 had underlying lung disease, mainly previous tuberculosis, bronchectasis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Among the 20 patients with no underlying lung disease, 12 had a predisposing factor such as leukaemia or immunosuppressive treatment and eight had no predisposing factor. All patients with MAC respiratory disease had clinical symptoms, commonly cough and fatigue, and 52 (51.5%) were sputum smear positive for acid-fast bacillus.The ratio of patients withMycobacterium aviumcomplex pulmonary disease to patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in France was estimated to be 3% and the incidence ofMycobacterium aviumcomplex pulmonary disease in France was 0.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.
An algorithm for the determination and quantification of components of nucleic acid mixtures based on single sequencing reactions
Authors: Pozhitkov Alexander , Stemshorn Kathryn , Tautz Diethard 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
Determination and quantification of nucleic acid components in a mixture is usually accomplished by microarray approaches, where the mixtures are hybridized against specific probes. As an alternative, we propose here that a single sequencing reaction from a mixture of nucleic acids holds enough information to potentially distinguish the different components, provided it is known which components can occur in the mixture.

Results
We describe an algorithm that is based on a set of linear equations which can be solved when the sequencing profiles of the individual components are known and when the number of sequenced nucleotides is larger than the number of components in the mixture. We have implemented the procedure for one type of sequencing approach, pyrosequencing, which produces a stepwise output of peaks that is particularly suitable for the procedure. As an example we use signature sequences from ribosomal RNA to distinguish and quantify several different species in a mixture. Using simulations, we show that the procedure may also be applicable for dideoxy sequencing on capillary sequencers, requiring only some instrument specific adaptations of protocols and software.

Conclusion
The parallel sequencing approach described here may become a simple and cheap alternative to microarray experiments which aim at routine re-determination and quantification of known nucleic acid components from environmental samples or tissue samples.
Development of antibodies to human embryonic stem cell antigens
Authors: Cai Jingli , Olson Judith M , Rao Mahendra S , Stanley Marisa , Taylor Eva , Ni Hsiao-Tzu 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Using antibodies to specific protein antigens is the method of choice to assign and identify cell lineage through simultaneous analysis of surface molecules and intracellular markers. Embryonic stem cell research can be benefited from using antibodies specific to transcriptional factors/markers that contribute to the "stemness" phenotype or critical for cell lineage.

Results
In this report, we have developed and validated antibodies (either monoclonal or polyclonal) specific to human embryonic stem cell antigens and early differentiation transcriptional factors/markers that are critical for cell differentiation into definite lineage.

Conclusion
These antibodies enable stem cell biologists to conveniently identify stem cell characteristics and to quantitatively assess differentiation.
Astrocyte reactivity to Fas activation is attenuated in TIMP-1 deficient mice, an in vitrostudy
Authors: Ogier Crystel , Creidy Rita , Boucraut José , Soloway Paul D , Khrestchatisky Michel , Rivera Santiago 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackgroundTissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is a multifunctional secreted protein with pleiotropic actions, including the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cell death/survival and growth promoting activities. After inflammatory challenge, the levels of TIMP-1 are highly and selectively upregulated in astrocytes among glial cells, but little is know about its role in these neural cells. We investigated the influence of TIMP-1 null mutation in the reactivity of cultured astrocytes to pro-inflammatory stimuli with TNF-α and anti-Fas antibody.ResultsWhen compared to WT, mutant astrocytes displayed an overall increased constitutive gelatinase expression and were less responsive to Fas-mediated upregulation of MMP-9, of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), all markers of astrocyte inflammatory response. In contrast, TNF-α treatment induced all these factors similarly regardless of the astrocyte genotype. The incorporation of3H-thymidin, a marker of cell proliferation, increased in wild-type (WT) astrocytes after treatment with anti-Fas antibody or recombinant TIMP-1 but not in mutant astrocytes. Finally, lymphocyte chemotaxis was differentially regulated by TNF-α in WT and TIMP-1 deficient astrocytes.ConclusionWe provide evidence that the alteration of the MMP/TIMP balance in astrocytes influences their reactivity to pro-inflammatory stimuli and that Fas activation modulates the expression of members of the MMP/TIMP axis. We hypothesise that the Fas/FasL transduction pathway and the MMP/TIMP system interact in astrocytes to modulate their inflammatory response to environmental stimuli.
First-line therapy with gemcitabine and paclitaxel in locally, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer: A phase II study
Authors: Allouache Djelila , Gawande Sulochana R , Tubiana-Hulin Michele , Tubiana-Mathieu Nicole , Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Mefti Fawzia , Bozec Laurence , Genot Jean-Yves 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine (G) plus paclitaxel (T) as first-line therapy in recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

Methods
Patients with locally, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease received G 1200 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and T 175 mg/m2 on day 1 (before G) every 21 days for a maximum of 10 cycles.

Results
Forty patients, 39 metastatic breast cancer and 1 locally-advanced disease, were enrolled. Their median age was 61.5 years, and 85% had a World Health Organization performance status (PS) of 0 or 1. Poor prognostic factors at baseline included visceral involvement (87.5%) and ≥2 metastatic sites (70%). Also, 27 (67.5%) patients had prior adjuvant chemotherapy, 25 of which had prior anthracyclines. A total of 220 cycles (median 6; range, 1–10) were administered. Of the 40 enrolled patients, 2 had complete response and 12 partial response, for an overall response rate of 35.0% for intent-to-treat population. Among 35 patients evaluable for efficacy the response rate was 40%. Additional 14 patients had stable disease, and 7 had progressive disease. The median duration of response was 12 months; median time to progression, 7.2 months; median survival, 25.7 months. Common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia in 17 (42.5%) patients each, grade 3 leukopenia in 19 (47.5%), and grade 3 alopecia in 30 (75.0%) patients; 1 (2.5%) patient had grade 4 thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion
GT exhibited encouraging activity and tolerable toxicity as first-line therapy in metastatic breast cancer. Phase III trials for further evaluation are ongoing.
A liver fibrosis cocktail? Psoriasis, methotrexate and genetic hemochromatosis
Authors: Mathew Joseph , Leong May Y , Morley Nick , Burt Alastair D 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Pathologists are often faced with the dilemma of whether to recommend continuation of methotrexate therapy for psoriasis within the context of an existing pro-fibrogenic risk factor, in this instance, patients with genetic hemochromatosis.

Case presentations
We describe our experience with two male psoriatic patients (A and B) on long term methotrexate therapy (cumulative dose A = 1.56 gms and B = 7.88 gms) with hetero- (A) and homozygous (B) genetic hemochromatosis. These patients liver function were monitored with routine biochemical profiling; apart from mild perivenular fibrosis in one patient (B), significant liver fibrosis was not identified in either patient with multiple interval percutaneous liver biopsies; in the latter instance this patient (B) had an additional risk factor of partiality to alcohol.

Conclusion
We conclude that methotrexate therapy is relatively safe in patients with genetic hemochromatosis, with no other risk factor, but caution that the risk of fibrosis be monitored, preferably by non-invasive techniques, or by liver biopsy.
A cross-sectional study of the association between persistent organochlorine pollutants and diabetes
Authors: Rylander Lars , Rignell-Hydbom Anna , Hagmar Lars 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) may cause type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas there is no fully convincing epidemiological evidence for such an association. In Sweden the most important source of POP exposure is fatty fish. We have assessed the association between serum levels of POPs and prevalence of diabetes in Swedish fishermen and their wives, with high consumption of fatty fish from the Baltic Sea.

Methods
In 196 men (median age 60 years) and 184 women (median age 64 years), we analyzed 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE) in serum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The participants were asked if they had diabetes and, if so, since which year and about medication and diet. The Odds Ratios (OR) for diabetes with respect to continuous exposure variables were analyzed with logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Moreover trends of diabetes prevalence with respect to trichotomized exposure variables were tested with Jonckheere-Terpstra's test.

Results
Six percent of the men and 5% of the women had diabetes. After confounder adjustment CB-153 was significantly associated with diabetes prevalence using both categorized and continuous exposure data (an increase of 100 ng/g lipid corresponded to an OR of 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.32, p = 0.03). Similar associations were observed for p,p'-DDE (an increase of 100 ng/g lipid corresponded to an OR of 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.09, p = 0.006). Gender stratified analyses showed among men consistent positive associations with CB-153, but a more ambiguous pattern with respect to DDE. In contrast, among the women the associations with p,p'-DDE were stronger than with CB-153.

Conclusion
The study provides support that POP exposure might contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Characterization of Toll-like receptors in primary lung epithelial cells: strong impact of the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C) on the regulation of Toll-like receptors, adaptor proteins and inflammatory response
Authors: Ritter Mirko , Mennerich Detlev , Weith Andreas , Seither Peter 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Bacterial and viral exacerbations play a crucial role in a variety of lung diseases including COPD or asthma. Since the lung epithelium is a major source of various inflammatory mediators that affect the immune response, we analyzed the inflammatory reaction of primary lung epithelial cells to different microbial molecules that are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLR).

Methods
The effects of TLR ligands on primary small airway epithelial cells were analyzed in detail with respect to cytokine, chemokine and matrix metalloproteinase secretion. In addition, the regulation of the expression of TLRs and their adaptor proteins in small airway epithelial cells was investigated.

Results
Our data demonstrate that poly(I:C), a synthetic analog of viral dsRNA, mediated the strongest proinflammatory effects among the tested ligands, including an increased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, GM-CSF, GRO-α, TARC, MCP-1, MIP-3α, RANTES, IFN-β, IP-10 and ITAC as well as an increased release of MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10 and MMP-13. Furthermore, our data show that poly(I:C) as well as type-1 and type-2 cytokines have a pronounced effect on the expression of TLRs and molecules involved in TLR signaling in small airway epithelial cells. Poly(I:C) induced an elevated expression of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR3 and increased the gene expression of the general TLR adaptor MyD88 and IRAK-2. Simultaneously, poly(I:C) decreased the expression of TLR5, TLR6 and TOLLIP.

Conclusion
Poly(I:C), an analog of viral dsRNA and a TLR3 ligand, triggers a strong inflammatory response in small airway epithelial cells that is likely to contribute to viral exacerbations of pulmonary diseases like asthma or COPD. The pronounced effects of poly(I:C) on the expression of Toll-like receptors and molecules involved in TLR signaling is assumed to influence the immune response of the lung epithelium to viral and bacterial infections. Likewise, the regulation of TLR expression by type-1 and type-2 cytokines is important considering the impact of exogenous and endogenous TLR ligands on Th1 or Th2 driven pulmonary inflammations like COPD or asthma, respectively.
Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of myocardial infarction in the general population
Authors: García Rodríguez Luis A , González-Pérez Antonio 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Recent data indicate that chronic use of coxibs leads to an increased occurrence of thrombotic cardiovascular events. This raises the question as to whether traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tNSAIDs) might also produce similar hazards. Our aim has been to evaluate the association between the chronic use of tNSAIDs and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients.

Methods
We performed a nested case-control analysis with 4,975 cases of acute MI and 20,000 controls, frequency matched to cases by age, sex, and calendar year.

Results
Overall, current use of tNSAID was not associated with an increased risk of MI (RR:1.07;95%CI: 0.95–1.21). However, we found that the relative risk (RR) of MI for durations of tNSAID treatment of >1 year was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.00–1.48). The corresponding RR was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.06–1.70) for non-fatal MI. The effect was independent from dose. The small risk associated with long-term use of tNSAIDs was observed among patients not taking low-dose aspirin (RR: 1.29; 95% CI, 1.01–1.65). The effect of long-term use for individual tNSAIDs ranged from a RR of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.47–1.62) with naproxen to 1.38 (95% CI, 1.00–1.90) with diclofenac.

Conclusion
This study adds support to the hypothesis that chronic treatment with some tNSAIDs is associated with a small increased risk of non-fatal MI. Our data are consistent with a substantial variability in cardiovascular risks between individual tNSAIDs.
Lifetime risk of depression: restricted to a minority or waiting for most?
Authors: Andrews Gavin , Poulton Richie , Skoog Ingmar 
Published: November 2005

SummaryDepression remits and recurs, but among what proportion of the population? Retrospective surveys report the lifetime risk to be around 10%. A modelling study and two prospective studies concur that close to half the population can expect one or more episodes of depression in their lifetime.
Cannabis-induced psychosis and subsequent schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: follow-up study of 535 incident cases
Authors: Arendt Mikkel , Rosenberg Raben , Foldager Leslie , Perto Gurli , Munk-Jørgensen Povl 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundFew studies have examined samples of people with cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms.AimsTo establish whether cannabis-induced psychotic disorders are followed by development of persistent psychotic conditions, and the timing of their onset.MethodData on patients treated for cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms between 1994 and 1999 were extracted from the Danish Psychiatric Central Register. Those previously treated for any psychotic symptoms were excluded. The remaining 535 patients were followed for at least 3 years. In a separate analysis, the sample was compared with people referred for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders for the first time, but who had no history of cannabis-induced psychosis.ResultsSchizophrenia-spectrum disorders were diagnosed in 44.5% of the sample. New psychotic episodes of any type were diagnosed in 77.2%. Male gender and young age were associated with increased risk. Development of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders was often delayed, and 47.1% of patients received a diagnosis more than a year after seeking treatment for a cannabis-induced psychosis. The patients developed schizophrenia at an earlier age than people in the comparison group (males, 24.6 v. 30.7 years, females, 28.9 v. 33.1 years).ConclusionsCannabis-induced psychotic disorders are of great clinical and prognostic importance.
Perception of facial and vocal affect by people with schizophrenia in early and late stages of illness
Authors: Kucharska-Pietura Katarzyna , David Anthony S. , Masiak Marek , Phillips Mary L. 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundEmotion recognition impairments have been demonstrated in schizophrenia, but few studies have examined whether these reflect generalised or specific perceptual deficits or are associated with illness course.AimsTo examine the nature of emotion recognition abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia at different stages of illness.MethodWe examined the performance of 50 in-patients with early-stage schizophrenia, 50 with chronic schizophrenia and 50 healthy controls on the Benton Facial Recognition Test, Facial Emotion Recognition Test and Voice Emotion Recognition Test.ResultsPatients with chronic schizophrenia were significantly more impaired than other groups on the emotional tasks, even after controlling for impairments in non-emotional stimuli. Individual emotion recognition accuracy for the two sensory modalities was not significantly positively correlated for either group with schizophrenia.ConclusionsEmotion recognition deficits in schizophrenia are trait features of the disorder and increase with illness duration.
Measuring outcome priorities and preferences in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Rosenheck Robert , Stroup Scott , Keefe Richard S. E. , McEvoy Joseph , Swartz Marvin , Perkins Diana , Hsiao John , Shumway Martha , Lieberman Jeffrey 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundMeasures have not taken account of the relative importance patients place on various outcomes.AimsTo construct and evaluate a multidimensional, preference-weighted mental health index.MethodEach of over 1200 patients identified the relative importance of improvement in six domains: social life, energy, work, symptoms, confusion and side-effects. A mental health index was created in which measures of well-being in these six domains were weighted for their personal importance.ResultsThe strongest preference was placed on reducing confusion and the least on reducing side-effects. There was no significant difference between the unweighted and preference-weighted mental health status measures and they had similar correlations with global health status measures. Patients with greater preference for functional activities such as work had less preference for medical model goals such as reducing symptoms and had less symptoms.ConclusionsA preference-weighted mental health index demonstrated no advantage over an unweighted index.