bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of spontaneous pneumothorax: state of the art
Authors: Tschopp J-M. , Rami-Porta R. , Noppen M. , Astoul P. 
Published: August 2006

Spontaneous pneumothorax remains a significant health problem. However, with time, there have been improvements in pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures and both medical and surgical approaches to treatment.Owing to better imaging techniques, it is now clear that there is almost no normal visceral pleura in the case of spontaneous pneumothorax, and that blebs and bullae are not always the cause of pneumothorax. In first episodes of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, observation and simple aspiration are established first-line therapies, as proven by randomised controlled trials. Aspiration should be better promoted in daily medical practice. In the case of recurrent or persistent pneumothorax, simple talc poudrage under thoracoscopy has been shown to be safe, cost-effective and no more painful than a conservative treatment using a chest tube. There are also new experimental data showing that talc poudrage, as used in Europe, does not lead to serious side-effects and is currently the best available pleural sclerosing agent.Alternatively, surgical techniques have considerably improved, and are now less invasive, especially due to the development of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Studies suggest that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be more cost-effective than chest tube drainage in spontaneous pneumothorax requiring chest tube drainage, although it is more expensive than simple thoracoscopy and requires general anaesthesia, double-lumen tube intubation and ventilation.Recommendations are made regarding the treatment of pneumothorax. In secondary or complicated primary pneumothorax,i.e.recurrent or persistent pneumothorax, some diffuse treatment of the visceral pleura should be offered, either by talc poudrage under thoracoscopy or by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Moreover, all of these new techniques should be better standardised to permit comparison in randomised controlled studies.
An unusual case of mediastinal mass due toFonsecaea pedrosoi
Authors: Singh N. , Agarwal R. , Gupta D. , Shivaprakash M. R. , Chakrabarti A. 
Published: August 2006

Phaeohyphomycosis is a disease caused by dematiaceous fungi. Here, the first culture-proven case of mediastinal mass due toFonsecaea pedrosoiis reported.The patient was a 40-yr-old male who had presented with history of dyspnoea and dysphagia.Computed tomography of the chest disclosed a mediastinal mass. Cultures of a specimen from the mediastinum grewFonsecaea pedrosoi. The patient received amphotericin B and itraconazole and showed a remarkable recovery. Repeat computed tomography revealed a reduction in the mediastinal mass.The case highlights the need for a high degree of clinical suspicion and appropriate histopathological and mycological examination of clinical specimens.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 has a limited role in cell cycle regulation of cyclin D1 levels
Authors: Yang Ke , Guo Yang , Stacey William C , Harwalkar Jyoti , Fretthold Jonathan , Hitomi Masahiro , Stacey Dennis W 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
The expression level of cyclin D1 plays a vital role in the control of proliferation. This protein is reported to be degraded following phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) on Thr-286. We recently showed that phosphorylation of Thr-286 is responsible for a decline in cyclin D1 levels during S phase, an event required for efficient DNA synthesis. These studies were undertaken to test the possibility that phosphorylation by GSK3 is responsible for the S phase specific decline in cyclin D1 levels, and that this event is regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway which controls GSK3.

Results
We found, however, that neither PI3K, AKT, GSK3, nor proliferative signaling activity in general is responsible for the S phase decline in cyclin D1 levels. In fact, the activity of these signaling kinases does not vary through the cell cycle of proliferating cells. Moreover, we found that GSK3 activity has little influence over cyclin D1 expression levels during any cell cycle phase. Inhibition of GSK3 activity by siRNA, LiCl, or other chemical inhibitors failed to influence cyclin D1 phosphorylation on Thr-286, even though LiCl efficiently blocked phosphorylation of β-catenin, a known substrate of GSK3. Likewise, the expression of a constitutively active GSK3 mutant protein failed to influence cyclin D1 phosphorylation or total protein expression level.

Conclusion
Because we were unable to identify any proliferative signaling molecule or pathway which is regulated through the cell cycle, or which is able to influence cyclin D1 levels, we conclude that the suppression of cyclin D1 levels during S phase is regulated by cell cycle position rather than signaling activity. We propose that this mechanism guarantees the decline in cyclin D1 levels during each S phase; and that in so doing it reduces the likelihood that simple over expression of cyclin D1 can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
Familial frontotemporal dementia with neuronal intranuclear inclusions is not a polyglutamine expansion disease
Authors: Mackenzie Ian R , Butland Stefanie L , Devon Rebecca S , Dwosh Emily , Feldman Howard , Lindholm Caroline , Neal Scott J , Ouellette BF Francis , Leavitt Blair R 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Many cases of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are familial, often with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Some are due to a mutation in the tau- encoding gene, on chromosome 17, and show an accumulation of abnormal tau in brain tissue (FTDP-17T). Most of the remaining familial cases do not exhibit tau pathology, but display neuropathology similar to patients with dementia and motor neuron disease, characterized by the presence of ubiquitin-immunoreactive (ub-ir), dystrophic neurites and neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the neocortex and hippocampus (FTLD-U). Recently, we described a subset of patients with familial FTD with autopsy-proven FTLD-U pathology and with the additional finding of ub-ir neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NII). NII are a characteristic feature of several other neurodegenerative conditions for which the genetic basis is abnormal expansion of a polyglutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeat region. The genetic basis of familial FTLD-U is currently not known, however the presence of NII suggests that a subset of cases may represent a polyglutamine expansion disease.

Methods
We studied DNA and post mortem brain tissue from 5 affected members of 4 different families with NII and one affected individual with familial FTLD-U without NII. Patient DNA was screened for CAA/CAG trinucleotide expansion in a set of candidate genes identified using a genome-wide computational approach. Genes containing CAA/CAG trinucleotide repeats encoding at least five glutamines were examined (n = 63), including the nine genes currently known to be associated with human disease. CAA/CAG tract sizes were compared with published normal values (where available) and with those of healthy controls (n = 94). High-resolution agarose gel electrophoresis was used to measure allele size (number of CAA/CAG repeats). For any alleles estimated to be equal to or larger than the maximum measured in the control population, the CAA/CAG tract length was confirmed by capillary electrophoresis. In addition, immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody that recognizes proteins containing expanded polyglutamines (1C2) was performed on sections of post mortem brain tissue from subjects with NII.

Results
No significant polyglutamine-encoding repeat expansions were identified in the DNA from any of our FTLD-U patients. NII in the FTLD-U cases showed no 1C2 immunoreactivity.

Conclusion
We find no evidence to suggest that autosomal dominant FTLD-U with NII is a polyglutamine expansion disease.
Ruptured renal artery aneurysm during pregnancy, a clinical dilemma
Authors: Soliman Khaled B , Shawky Yaser , Abbas Mohamed M , Ammary Mohamed , Shaaban Allaa 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Rupture of a renal artery aneurysm (RAA) during pregnancy is a rare event, with a high mortality rate for both mother and fetus. Increased blood flow and intra-abdominal pressure, and vascular changes secondary to increased steroid production are postulated as contributory to the increased risk of rupture during pregnancy.

Case presentation
We present here a case report of total avulsion of solitary kidney secondary to rupture of RAA in a pregnant patient with congenital absence of the contralateral kidney. The main indication for nephrectomy was severely damaged kidney. Diagnosis was made during operation and both mother and fetus were saved. There are no previous reports of an intact renal artery aneurysm diagnosed either antepartum or postpartum.

Conclusion
The possibility of a ruptured RAA should be considered in pregnant women with evidence of retroperitoneal hemorrhage. This case was unusual because it occurred in a solitary kidney, during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Ethnopharmacological evaluation of radal (leaves of Lomatia hirsuta) and isolation of 2-methoxyjuglone
Authors: Simonsen Henrik T , Adsersen Anne , Berthelsen Louise , Christensen Søren B , Guzmán Alfonso , Mølgaard Per 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Leaves of Lomatia hirsuta are used in traditional medicine in Chile under the common name of "radal". A tea of radal is traditionally used for treatment of cough, bronchial troubles, and asthma. In a preliminary screening, extracts of the leaves revealed antifungal activity, and the present phytochemical study was undertaken to explain this activity and support the traditional use.

Methods
Along with the traditional tea, extracts of the leaves were screened for antifungal and toxic activities. The profile of secondary constituents was obtained using GC-MS.

Results
2-Methoxyjuglone was isolated from the leaves of Lomatia hirsuta and found to be active against the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans (MIC = 8 μg/mL). Cinnamic acid and vanillic acid were identified as major constituents in the tea by GC-MS. The tea was found not to be toxic against Artemia salina.

Conclusion
The presence of phenolic acids with antimicrobial properties supports the traditional use of Radal, and encourages further studies.
Emergency laparoscopy – current best practice
Authors: Warren Oliver , Kinross James , Paraskeva Paraskevas , Darzi Ara 
Published: August 2006

AbstractEmergency laparoscopic surgery allows both the evaluation of acute abdominal pain and the treatment of many common acute abdominal disorders. This review critically evaluates the current evidence base for the use of laparoscopy, both diagnostic and interventional, in the emergency abdomen, and provides guidance for surgeons as to current best practise. Laparoscopic surgery is firmly established as the best intervention in acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis and most gynaecological emergencies but requires further randomised controlled trials to definitively establish its role in other conditions.
Bovine and human cathelicidin cationic host defense peptides similarly suppress transcriptional responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Mookherjee Neeloffer , Wilson Heather L , Doria Silvana , Popowych Yurij , Falsafi Reza , Yu Jie (Jessie) , Li YueXin , Veatch Sarah , Roche Fiona M , Brown Kelly L , Brinkman Fiona S L , Hokamp Karsten , Potter Andy , Babiuk Lorne A , Griebel Philip J , Hancock Robert E W 
Published: August 2006

AbstractGenomic approaches can be exploited to expose the complexities and conservation of biological systems such as the immune network across various mammalian species. In this study, temporal transcriptional expression profiles were analyzed in human and bovine monocytic cells in response to the TLR-4 agonist, LPS, in the presence or absence of their respective host defense peptides. The cathelicidin peptides, human LL-37 and bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide-27 (BMAP-27), are homologs, yet they have diverged notably in terms of sequence similarity. In spite of their low sequence similarities, both of these cathelicidin peptides demonstrated potent, antiendotoxin activity in monocytic cells at low, physiologically relevant concentrations. Microarray studies indicated that 10 ng/ml LPS led to the up-regulation of 125 genes in human monocytes, 106 of which were suppressed in the presence of 5 μg/ml of the human peptide LL-37. To confirm and extend these data, temporal transcriptional responses to LPS were assessed in the presence or absence of the species-specific host defense peptides by quantitative real-time PCR. The transcriptional trends of 20 LPS-induced genes were analyzed in bovine and human monocytic cells. These studies demonstrated conserved trends of gene responses in that both peptides were able to profoundly suppress many LPS-induced genes. Consistent with this, the human and bovine peptides suppressed LPS-induced translocation of NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 into the nucleus of monocytic cells. However, there were also distinct differences in responses to LPS and the peptides; for example, treatment with 5 μg/ml BMAP-27 alone tended to influence gene expression (RELA, TNF-α-induced protein 2, MAPK phosphatase 1/dual specificity phosphatase 1, IκBκB, NFκBIL1, TNF receptor-associated factor 2) to a greater extent than did the same amount of human LL-37. We hypothesize that the immunomodulatory effects of the species-specific host defense peptides play a critical role in regulating inflammation and represent an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for maintaining homeostasis, although the sequence divergence of these peptides is substantial.
GRKs and arrestins: regulators of migration and inflammation
Authors: Vroon Anne , Heijnen Cobi J , Kavelaars Annemieke 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn the immune system, signaling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is crucial for the activity of multiple mediators, including chemokines, leukotrienes, and neurotransmitters. GPCR kinases (GRKs) and arrestins control GPCR signaling by mediating desensitization and thus, regulating further signal propagation through G proteins. Recent evidence suggests that the GRK-arrestin desensitization machinery fulfills a vital role in regulating inflammatory processes. First, GRK/arrestin levels in immune cells are dynamically regulated in response to inflammation. Second, in animals with targeted deletion of GRKs or arrestins, the progression of various acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, including autoimmunity and allergy, is profoundly affected. Third, chemokine receptor signaling in vitro is known to be tightly regulated by the GRK/arrestin machinery, and even small changes in GRK/arrestin expression can have a marked effect on cellular responses to chemokines. This review integrates data about the role of GRKs and arrestins in inflammation, with results on the molecular mechanism of action of GRKs/arrestins, and describes the pivotal role of GRKs/arrestins in inflammatory processes, with a special emphasis on regulation of chemokine responsiveness.
Strategies for discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine
use
Authors: Voshaar Richard C. Oude , Couvée Jaap E. , Van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Mulder Paul G. H. , Zitman Frans G. 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundThe prevalence of benzodiazepine consumption in European countries
remains at 2–3% of the general population despite the well-documented
disadvantages of long-term use.AimsTo review systematically the success rates of different benzodiazepine
discontinuation strategies.MethodMeta-analysis of comparable intervention studies.ResultsTwenty-nine articles met inclusion criteria. Two groups of interventions
were identified; minimal intervention (e.g. giving simple advice in the
form of a letter or meeting to a large group of people;
n=3), and systematic discontinuation (defined as
treatment programmes led by a physician or psychologist;
n=26). Both were found to be significantly more
effective than treatment as usual: minimal interventions (pooled OR=2.8,
95% CI 1.6–5.1); systematic discontinuation alone (one study, OR=6.1, 95%
CI 2.0–18.6). Augmentation of systematic discontinuation with imipramine
(two studies, OR=3.1, 95% CI 1.1–9.4) or group cognitive-behavioural
therapy for patients with insomnia (two studies, OR=5.5, 95% CI 2.3–14.2)
was superior to systematic discontinuation alone.ConclusionsEvidence was found for the efficacy of stepped care (minimal intervention
followed by systematic discontinuation alone) in discontinuing long-term
benzodiazepine use.
Relationship between disabling fatigue and depression in children
Authors: Fowler Tom A. , Rice Frances , Thapar Anita , Farmer Anne 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundMedically unexplained disabling fatigue in young people is familial and frequently associated with depressed mood.AimsTo examine the degree of sharing of genetic and environmental influences on the symptoms of depression and fatigue in this age group.MethodThe parents of twins aged 8–17 years, derived from a population-based register, completed a questionnaire regarding lifetime-ever disabling fatigue in both twins. Twins aged 11 years or over completed the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. The genetic and environmental influences on fatigue and the relationship with depression were examined using bivariate genetic analysis.ResultsParent-rated data were obtained for 1468 twin pairs (65%) and self-rated data from 930 older twin pairs (58%). Bivariate analysis of fatigue and depression suggested that genetic and environmental influences on disabling fatigue were mainly specific to fatigue.ConclusionsUnexplained disabling fatigue in childhood is substantially familial and has mainly an independent aetiology from depression.
Outcome of major depression in Ethiopia
Authors: Mogga Souci , Prince Martin , Alem Atalay , Kebede Derege , Stewart Robert , Glozier Nick , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundThe outcome and impact of major depression in developing countries are
not clear.AimsTo describe the outcome of major depression and compare the disability
and patterns of service use among different outcome groups.MethodIn a case cohort study, nested within a population-based survey of 68 000
participants using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview
(CIDI), 300 participants were randomly selected from those with current
major depression and 300 from those with no lifetime history.
Participants were re-interviewed after 18–62 months to ascertain current
diagnosis, psychological symptoms, disability and use of health
services.ResultsOf participants with major depression at baseline 26% also met criteria
for major depression at follow up. Mortality ratio standardised for age
and gender was 3.55 (95% CI 1.97 to 6.39). All indices of measure of
disability were significantly higher in the persistently depressed group
compared with the completely recovered group. Participants who had
recovered partially resembled participants with persistent depression.
Two-thirds of those with persistent depression had not sought any
help.ConclusionsMajor depression was associated with mortality and disability Those with
residual symptoms remained disabled. Help-seeking was unusual.
Cerebral emboli and depressive symptoms in
dementia
Authors: Purandare Nitin , Voshaar Richard C. Oude , Hardicre Jayne , Byrne Jane , McCollum Charles , Burns Alistair 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundThe vascular depression hypothesis and our recent findings of increased
frequency of spontaneous cerebral emboli in dementia suggest that such
emboli may be involved in the causation of depressive symptoms in
dementia.AimsTo evaluate the association between spontaneous cerebral emboli and
depressive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.MethodIn a cohort of 142 patients with dementia (72 with Alzheimer's disease
and 70 with vascular dementia), the association between spontaneous
cerebral emboli and clinically relevant depressive symptoms was examined
using multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsSpontaneous cerebral emboli were significantly more frequent in the
patients with clinically relevant depressive symptoms (66
v. 37%, P=0.03). After adjustment
for age, gender, Mini-Mental State Examination score, type of dementia
and significant cardiovascular risk factors, the relationship remained
significant (OR=3.47, 95% CI 1.10–10.97).ConclusionsSpontaneous cerebral emboli are associated with clinically relevant
depressive symptoms in dementia, and further research is needed to
explore the nature of this relationship.
Substance misuse in first-episode psychosis: 15-month
prospective follow-up study
Authors: Wade D. , Harrigan S. , Edwards J. , Burgess P. M. , Whelan G. , McGorry P. D. 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundWell-designed prospective studies of substance misuse in first-episode
psychosis can improve our understanding of the risks associated with
comorbid substance misuse and psychosis.AimsTo examine the potential effects of substance misuse on in-patient
admission and remission and relapse of positive symptoms in first-episode
psychosis.MethodThe study was a prospective 15-month follow-up investigation of 103
patients with first-episode psychosis recruited from three mental health
services.ResultsSubstance misuse was independently associated with increased risk of
in-patient admission, relapse of positive symptoms and shorter time to
relapse of positive symptoms after controlling for potential confounding
factors. Substance misuse was not associated with remission or time to
remission of positive symptoms. Heavy substance misuse was associated
with increased risk of in-patient admission, relapse and shorter time to
relapse.ConclusionsSubstance misuse is an independent risk factor for a problematic recovery
from first-episode psychosis.
Deaths from pesticide poisoning: a global response
Authors: Bertolote J. M. , Fleischmann A. , Eddleston M. , Gunnell D. 
Published: August 2006

SummarySelf-poisoning with pesticides accounts for about a third of all suicides worldwide. To tackle this problem, the World Health Organization announced a global public health initiative in the second half of 2005. Planned approaches were to range from government regulatory action to the development of new treatments for pesticide poisoning. With broad-based support, this strategy should have a major impact on the global burden of suicide.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a women's crisis house: a prospective observational study
Authors: Meiser-Stedman Caroline , Howard Louise , Cutting Penny 
Published: August 2006

Aims and MethodTo investigate the effectiveness of the Women's Service crisis house in Croydon we performed an observational study prospectively measuring functioning, symptom severity and unmet needs before and after admission. Use of mainstream mental health services was also measured.ResultsWomen using the service had high use of mainstream mental health services, with 137 out of 269 (51%) requiring admission to a mainstream acute ward in the 4 years studied. The service was effective with an improvement in Global Assessment of Functioning scores from a median of 48 on admission to 67 on discharge (P<0.001).Clinical ImplicationsThe women's crisis house was effective in providing for women who required high levels of mainstream mental health services, suggesting that it provides a valuable alternative to standard in-patient care.