bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA Antigens in Malay Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kong N.C.T. , Nasruruddin B.A. , Murad S. , Ong K.J. , Sukumaran K.D. 
Published: June 2008

Many studies have shown an association between human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the various study populations. Although SLE is not an uncommon disease in the Malaysian Archipelago, and appears to affect all three major racial groups equally (i.e. Southern Chinese, Malays and Southern Indians), very little information is available on the HLA profiles in the two latter groups. In phase I of our study of the HLA profiles in Malaysian SLE patients, the HLA phenotypes (class I: A, B, C; Class II: DR, DQ) of Malay patients with confirmed SLE and 91 normal Malay controls were determined using the microcytotoxicity assay. The strong association between DR2 (RR 3.28, P = 0.008) concurs with that reported among Chinese and Japanese populations. Moderate to strong associations with HLA-B 7 (RR 4.99, P = 0.02) and Cw 7 (RR 2.94, P = 0.003) were also found. We believe this is the first report of the association of HLA and SLE in the Malay population.
Effect of Long-Acting Thromboxane Receptor Antagonist (BMS 180,291) on Experimental Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Shoenfeld Yehuda , Blank Miri 
Published: June 2008

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent thromboembolic phenomena, recurrent fetal loss and thrombocytopenia associated with high titers of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant. There is an increased platelet aggregation in these patients and thus aspirin was found to be effective in abrogating some of the clinical findings. The purpose of this study was to employ the experimentally induced APS in mice infused with anticardiolipin antibodies, to study the effect of a thromboxane receptor antagonist (BMS, 180, 291) on the various overt manifestations of APS. Experimental APS was induced in pregnant female mice by iv infusion of a pathogenic anticardiolipin antibody (CAM). The mice were then treated daily with 300 μg/mouse of BMS. The study group and the untreated group were killed on day 17 of pregnancy. Live and absorbed fetuses and the mean weight of the placentae, fetuses and platelet counts were recorded. BMS treated mice had a significant reduction in fetal resorption rate from 45% to 19.8% and an increase in mean placental and embryo weights (182 vs 104, 1043 vs 721 mg, respectively). In parallel, an increase in platelet count (from 597 100 to 1075 000 platelets/mm 3) and decrease in activated thromboplastin time (95 to 44 s) was seen. It seems that thromboxane receptor antagonist may be effective in abrogating the diverse manifestations seen in APLS. Increased platelet aggregation may be one of the pathogenetic mechanisms in APS.
Kikuchi Disease and its Association with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: El-Ramahi Kamal M. , Karrar Ali , Muhammad Ashraf Ali  
Published: June 2008

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis or Kikuchi disease is a rare entity; furthermore, its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was only described in 11 patients in seven reports in the world literature. As the disease affects young women and manifests as a systemic illness associated with lymphadenopathy (usually cervical), the importance of continued follow-up to see whether it remains a self-limiting process or evolves into systemic lupus erythematosus should be emphasized. We present the clinical and histopathological data of eight patients with Kikuchi disease diagnosed in one tertiary care centre, two of whom evolved into SLE. White blood count was normal in all except the two patients who evolved into SLE; erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in all patients tested. Kikuchi disease could be misdiagnosed as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or tuberculous lymphadenitis ; furthermore, awareness of its association with SLE is emphasized.
Evaluation et promotion de la santé
Authors: Pame Patricia 
Published: June 2008

« La promotion de la santé est le processus qui confère aux populations les moyens d'assurer un plus grand contrôle sur leur propre santé, et d'améliorer celle-ci. Cette démarche relève d'un concept définissant « la santé » comme la mesure dans laquelle un groupe ou un individu peut d'une part, réaliser ses ambitions et satisfaire ses besoins et, d'autre part, évoluer avec le milieu ou s'adapter à celui-ci. La santé est donc perçue comme une ressource de la vie quotidienne, et non comme le but de la vie ; il s'agit d'un concept positif mettant en valeur les ressources sociales et individuelles, ainsi que les capacités physiques. Ainsi donc, la promotion de la santé ne relève pas seulement du secteur sanitaire : elle dépasse les modes de vie sains pour viser le bien-être ». 1
Venous Thromboembolism in Medical Inpatients: Prophylaxis With Low-Weight Heparin in a University Hospital and Prevalence of Thromboembolic Events
Authors: Dhôte Robin , Pellicer-Coeuret Mireille , Belouet-Moreau Caroline , Christoforov Boyan , Vidal-Trecan Gwenaëlle 
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VT) in current prophylactic practice with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) among medical inpatients and to analyze associated risk factors for VT. A cross-sectional survey on five given days was conducted in the medical departments of a university hospital. The prevalence of prophylaxis and confirmed VT was measured. Risk markers for receiving high doses of LMWH and for VT under prophylaxis were assessed by logistic regression models. Of 1194 inpatients, 1.4% suffered VT. The mean proportion of patients with LMWH prophylaxis was 24% (range: 4-64°k). The prevalence of VT was higher among inpatients receiving prophylaxis than among those patients not receiving prophylaxis (3.5% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.002). Under prophylaxis, independent risk markers for thrombosis were history of vein thrombosis (odds ratio [OR]: 4.03; confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.04-15.62) and age (OR: 1.08 ; 95%CI: 1.01-1.15). Two factors were independently associated with the prescription of high doses of LMWH: obesity was positively associated (OR: 7.50; 95%CI: 2.97-18.92; p < 0.0001) and respiratory insufficiency was negatively associated. In medical departments, current prophylaxis practice leads to many patients being given LMWH. LMWH doses and other preventive measures should be adapted in high-risk inpatients.
Plasma Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Levels as a Marker for Postoperative Bleeding After Enoxaparin Use in Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Orthopedics and General Surgery
Authors: Hakki Sam I. , Fareed Jawed , Hoppensteadt Debra A. , Abdullah Hani , Camblin John , Nasseri Andrew F. , Hamadeh Ossama , Wright Terry 
Published: June 2008

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) are widely used as antithrombotic prophylactic pharmaceutical agents in orthopedic and general surgery. Their antithrombotic characteristics are expressed by plasma mediators such as anti-Xa, anti-Ila, and increased release of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) from vascular endothelium. The purpose of this clinical research is to study the relation between plasma levels of these mediators and postoperative bleeding. Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty (n = 36) and colectomy (n = 5) received the standard enoxaparin (a LMWH) dose preoperatively (general surgery) or immediately postoperatively (orthopedic surgery). Major bleeding was defined as a postoperative drop of ≥ 5 g/dL) of hemoglobin. The authors observed that there was a linear relationship between an increase in free/total TFPI ratio levels and postoperative bleeding. When that ratio increased by >60%, the hemoglobin dropped to >5 g/dL (n = 13). This relationship between free/total TFPI ratio increase and postoperative bleeding was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Those who did not bleed (hemoglobin drop was less than 5 g/dL) (n = 28) had a ratio increase (if any) of less than 50%. However, the authors did not observe any statistical relationship between anti-Xa, anti-IIa, or prothrombin time and postoperative bleeding in patients receiving LMWH for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in orthopedic and general surgery patients. The authors recommend a pre- and postoperative ratio level measurement whenever major bleeding is anticipated, as adjustments of LMWH dose or frequency might be necessary.
Making connections through online asthma monitoring
Authors: Langstrup Henriette 
Published: June 2008

Objectives: This was an observational study of an online asthma monitoring system in Danish primary care practices aimed at exploring the reasons why information and communication technologies (ICTs) intended to connect chronic patients with their care provider fail to become a durable part of treatment practices. Methods: An ethnographic case study was performed, including semi-structured interviews conducted with eight Danish general practitioners (GPs) and one nurse, and participant observation of the system in use. Results: The technology never became a durable part of any of the studied practices. Rather, it was used in different ways (as a patient tool, a nurse intervention tool, or a tool associated with doing clinical research), providing different actors with different kinds of agency. Discussion: Rather than challenging the clinical autonomy of the GPs or granting the patient with autonomy, the technology affords — through these different enactments — various constellations of agency for the GPs and other actors involved in asthma treatment. Problems met in relation to implementation of ICT for chronic disease management are better understood as instances of negotiating which connections are valuable in clinical work. Specific, ethnographic accounts of the local co-construction of agency and technology can provide more relevant insights into the changes entailed by the introduction of ICT for chronic disease management.
Teledermatology for chronic disease management: coherence and normalization
Authors: Finch Tracy 
Published: June 2008

Objective: To explore the importance of `coherence' in the normalization of treatment interventions by examining teledermatology for skin disease management from the perspectives of patients and their advocates. Methods: Twelve teledermatology services were studied using semi-structured interviews. Participants were patients ( n = 20) and health professionals, managers and patient advocates ( n = 68). Results: Teledermatology lacked coherence for patients and advocates. It was seen to be different from standard dermatology care, but the objectives of it — what it is for — were neither clear nor understandable to participants. Teledermatology `fitting in' with the patient's own lifeworld appeared to be unlikely for patients suffering a range of skin diseases, as features of teledermatology (e.g. absence of talk with consultant, and diagnostic uncertainty) were incongruent with the wide-ranging needs of patients and limited their participation in management. Discussion: Healthcare technology may facilitate greater self-management of chronic disease. However, successful normalization of technology for this purpose will require greater understanding of what it means to patients in the context of their experiences of disease and the parameters of their lives.
Oncogenic Kit controls neoplastic mast cell growth through a Stat5/PI3-kinase signaling cascade
Authors: Harir Noria , Boudot Cédric , Friedbichler Katrin , Sonneck Karoline , Kondo Rudin , Martin-Lannerée Séverine , Kenner Lukas , Kerenyi Marc , Yahiaoui Saliha , Gouilleux-Gruart Valérie , Gondry Jean , Bénit Laurence , Dusanter-Fourt Isabelle , Lassoued Kaïss , Valent Peter , Moriggl Richard , Gouilleux Fabrice 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe D816V-mutated variant of Kit triggers multiple signaling pathways and is considered essential for malignant transformation in mast cell (MC) neoplasms. We here describe that constitutive activation of the Stat5-PI3K-Akt-cascade controls neoplastic MC development. Retrovirally transduced active Stat5 (cS5F) was found to trigger PI3K and Akt activation, and to transform murine bone marrow progenitors into tissue-infiltrating MCs. Primary neoplastic Kit D816V+ MCs in patients with mastocytosis also displayed activated Stat5, which was found to localize to the cytoplasm and to form a signaling complex with PI3K, with consecutive Akt activation. Finally, the knock-down of either Stat5 or Akt activity resulted in growth inhibition of neoplastic Kit D816V+ MCs. These data suggest that a downstream Stat5-PI3K-Akt signaling cascade is essential for Kit D816V-mediated growth and survival of neoplastic MCs.
Rac GTPase isoforms Rac1 and Rac2 play a redundant and crucial role in T-cell development
Authors: Guo Fukun , Cancelas Jose A. , Hildeman David , Williams David A. , Zheng Yi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractRac GTPases have been implicated in the regulation of diverse functions in various blood cell lineages, but their role in T-cell development is not well understood. We have carried out conditional gene targeting to achieve hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)– or T-cell lineage–specific deletion of Rac1 or Rac1/Rac2 by crossbreeding the Mx-Cre or Lck-Cre transgenic mice with Rac1loxp/loxp or Rac1loxp/loxp;Rac2−/− mice. We found that (1) HSC deletion of both Rac1 and Rac2 inhibited production of common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) in bone marrow and suppressed T-cell development in thymus and peripheral organs, whereas deletion of Rac1 moderately affected CLP production and T-cell development. (2) T cell–specific deletion of Rac1 did not affect T-cell development, whereas deletion of both Rac1 and Rac2 reduced immature CD4+CD8+ and mature CD4+ populations in thymus as well as CD4+ and CD8+ populations in spleen. (3) The developmental defects of Rac1/Rac2 knockout T cells were associated with proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration defects. (4) Rac1/Rac2 deletion suppressed T-cell receptor–mediated proliferation, IL-2 production, and Akt activation in thymocytes. Thus, Rac1 and Rac2 have unique roles in CLP production and share a redundant but essential role in later stages of T-cell development by regulating survival and proliferation signals.
Human natural killer cells exposed to IL-2, IL-12, IL-18, or IL-4 differently modulate priming of naive T cells by monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Agaugué Sophie , Marcenaro Emanuela , Ferranti Bruna , Moretta Lorenzo , Moretta Alessandro 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in naive T-cell priming. Recent data suggested that natural killer (NK) cells can influence the capability of DCs to promote Th1 polarization. This regulatory function is primarily mediated by cytokines released in the microenvironment during inflammatory responses involving NK cells. In this study, we show that human NK cells exposed for short time to interleukin (IL)–12, IL-2, or IL-18, promote distinct pathways of Th1 priming. IL-12– or IL-2–conditioned NK cells induce maturation of DCs capable of priming IFN-γ–producing Th1 cells. On the other hand, IL-18–conditioned NK cells induce Th1 polarization only when cocultured with both DCs and T cells. In this case, IL-2 released by T cells and IL-12 derived from DCs during the priming process promote interferon (IFN)–γ production. In contrast, when NK cells are exposed to IL-4, nonpolarized T cells releasing only low levels of IL-2 are generated. Thus, the prevalence of IL-12, IL-2, IL-18, or IL-4 at inflammatory sites may differentially modulate the NK-cell interaction with DCs, leading to different outcomes in naive T-cell polarization.
Prevalence and outcomes of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease in COPD
Authors: Mannino D. M. , Thorn D. , Swensen A. , Holguin F. 
Published: June 2008

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with important chronic comorbid diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.The present study analysed data from 20,296 subjects aged ≥45 yrs at baseline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) and the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). The sample was stratified based on baseline lung function data, according to modified Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Comorbid disease at baseline and death and hospitalisations over a 5-yr follow-up were then searched for.Lung function impairment was found to be associated with more comorbid disease. In logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, body mass index and education, subjects with GOLD stage 3 or 4 COPD had a higher prevalence of diabetes (odds ratio (OR) 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.9), hypertension (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3–1.9) and cardiovascular disease (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.9–3.0). Comorbid disease was associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation and mortality that was worse in people with impaired lung function.Lung function impairment is associated with a higher risk of comorbid disease, which contributes to a higher risk of adverse outcomes of mortality and hospitalisations.
Effect of fudosteine on mucin production
Authors: Rhee C. K. , Kang C. M. , You M. B. , Yoon H. K. , Kim Y. K. , Kim K. H. , Moon H. S. , Park S. H. , Song J. S. 
Published: June 2008

Fudosteine is a novel mucoactive agent, although little is known about how fudosteine decreases mucin production. The present study examined the effects of fudosteine on MUC5AC mucin synthesis and cellular signalling.An animal model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and a bronchial epithelial cell line model of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammation were used. Fudosteine was administered before stimulation with LPS or TNF-α. The MUC5AC mucin levels were assayed and the expression of the MUC5AC gene was measured. Western blotting was carried out for the detection of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (p-EGFR), phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK).MUC5AC mucin synthesis and the expression of the MUC5AC gene were increased by LPS in rats or TNF-α in NCI-H292 cells; these effects were inhibited by fudosteine treatment. After stimulation with LPS or TNF-α, the expression of p-EGFR, p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK were detected. Fudosteine treatment reduced the expression levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-ERKin vivoand of p-ERKin vitro.The present results suggest fudosteine inhibits MUC5AC mucin hypersecretion by reducing MUC5AC gene expression and the effects of fudosteine are associated with the inhibition of extracellular signal-related kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinasein vivoand extracellular signal-related kinasein vitro.
Heritability of upper airway dimensions derived using acoustic pharyngometry
Authors: Patel S. R. , Frame J. M. , Larkin E. K. , Redline S. 
Published: June 2008

Acoustic pharyngometry represents a simple, quick noninvasive method of measuring upper airway dimensions, which are predictive of sleep apnoea risk. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic basis of upper airway size as determined using pharyngometry.Participants in the Cleveland Family Study aged >14 yrs underwent three acoustic pharyngometric measurements. Variance component models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate the heritability of pharyngometry-derived airway measures.A total of 568 out of 655 (87%) subjects provided pharyngometric curves of sufficient quality. Although African-Americans tended to show narrower airways compared with white subjects, heritability patterns were similar in these two groups. The minimum cross-sectional area exhibited a heritability of 0.34 in white subjects and 0.39 in African-Americans, suggesting that 30–40% of the total variance in this measure is explained by shared familial factors. Estimates were unchanged after adjustment for body mass index or neck circumference. In contrast, oropharyngeal length did not show significant heritability in either ethnic group.The minimum cross-sectional area of the oropharynx is a highly heritable trait, suggesting the presence of an underlying genetic basis. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of acoustic pharyngometry in dissecting the genetic basis of sleep apnoea.
The relation between paracetamol use and asthma: a GA2LEN European case–control study
Authors: Shaheen S. , Potts J. , Gnatiuc L. , Makowska J. , Kowalski M. L. , Joos G. , van Zele T. , van Durme Y. , De Rudder I. , Wöhrl S. , Godnic-Cvar J. , Skadhauge L. , Thomsen G. , Zuberbier T. , Bergmann K. C. , Heinzerling L. , Gjomarkaj M. , Bruno A. , Pace E. , Bonini S. , Fokkens W. , Weersink E. J. M. , Loureiro C. , Todo-Bom A. , Villanueva C. M. , Sanjuas C. , Zock J-P. , Janson C. , Burney P. 
Published: June 2008

Studies from the UK and USA suggest that frequent use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) may increase the risk of asthma, but data across Europe are lacking.As part of a multicentric case–control study organised by the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN), it was examined whether or not frequent paracetamol use is associated with adult asthma across Europe. The network compared 521 cases with a diagnosis of asthma and reporting of asthma symptoms within the last 12 months with 507 controls with no diagnosis of asthma and no asthmatic symptoms within the last 12 months across 12 European centres. All cases and controls were selected from the same population, defined by age (20–45 yrs) and place of residence.In a random effects meta-analysis, weekly use of paracetamol, compared with less frequent use, was strongly positively associated with asthma after controlling for confounders. There was no evidence for heterogeneity across centres. No association was seen between use of other analgesics and asthma.These data add to the increasing and consistent epidemiological evidence implicating frequent paracetamol use in asthma in diverse populations.
Impact of home mechanical ventilation on health-related quality of life
Authors: Windisch W. 
Published: June 2008

The present multicentre study was aimed at comparably assessing the benefits and burdens associated with home mechanical ventilation (HMV).Hospitalisation, side-effects and health-related quality of life (HRQL) were assessed 1 month and 1 yr following HMV establishment using the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36; general HRQL) and the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency (SRI) Questionnaire (condition-specific HRQL).In total, 85 (27 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 29 restrictive thoracic, 17 neuromuscular, nine obesity hypoventilation syndrome and three miscellaneous) out of 135 eligible patients completed the study. Mean±sdSRI summary scale (range 0–100) improved significantly and comparatively in all 85 patients from 49±15 at baseline to 61±15 at 1 month and to 61±16 at 1 yr, but improvements of subscale scores differed amongst subgroups. SF-36 scores also improved, but the SRI was superior in detecting HRQL changes. Facial soreness and dry throat were the most commonly reported side-effects. Patients spent a mean±sdof 12±6 days in hospital at baseline and 3±3 days at each follow-up visit. Only four patients required unplanned hospitalisation.Overall general and condition-specific health-related quality of life aspects improved following home mechanical ventilation establishment independent of the underlying disease, which, however, has an impact on changes within specific health-related quality of life domains. The need for hospitalisation is low once home mechanical ventilation is carefully established.