bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between tracheotomy and ventilator-associated pneumonia: a case–control study
Authors: Nseir S. , Di Pompeo C. , Jozefowicz E. , Cavestri B. , Brisson H. , Nyunga M. , Soubrier S. , Durocher A. 
Published: July 2006

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between tracheotomy and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).The study used a retrospective case–control study design based on prospective data. All nontrauma immunocompetent patients, intubated and ventilated for >7 days, were eligible for inclusion in the study. A diagnosis of VAP was based on clinical, radiographical and microbiological criteria. Four matching criteria were used, including duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). The indication and timing of tracheotomy were at the discretion of attending physicians. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for VAP in cases (patients with tracheotomy) and controls (patients without tracheotomy).In total, 1,402 patients were eligible for inclusion. Surgical tracheotomy was performed in 226 (16%) patients and matching was successful for 177 (78%). The rate of VAP (22versus14 VAP episodes·1,000 MV-days−1) was significantly higher in controls than in cases. The rate of VAP after tracheotomy in cases, or after the corresponding day of MV in controls, was also significantly higher in control than in case patients (9.2versus4.8 VAP episodes·1,000 MV-days−1). In multivariate analysis, neurological failure (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.7 (1.3–5)), antibiotic treatment (2.1 (1.1–3.2)) and tracheotomy (0.18 (0.1–0.3)) were associated with VAP.In summary, the present study demonstrates that tracheotomy is independently associated with decreased risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Breath condenser coatings affect measurement of biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate
Authors: Rosias P. P. , Robroeks C. M. , Niemarkt H. J. , Kester A. D. , Vernooy J. H. , Suykerbuyk J. , Teunissen J. , Heynens J. , Hendriks H. J. , Jöbsis Q. , Dompeling E. 
Published: July 2006

Exhaled breath condensate collection is not yet standardised and biomarker measurements are often close to lower detection limits. In the current study, it was hypothesised that adhesive properties of different condenser coatings interfere with measurements of eicosanoids and proteins in breath condensate.In vitro,condensate was derived from a collection model using two test solutions (8-isoprostane and albumin) and five condenser coatings (silicone, glass, aluminium, polypropylene and Teflon).In vivo, condensate was collected using these five coatings and the EcoScreen® condenser to measure 8-isoprostane, and three coatings (silicone, glass, EcoScreen®) to measure albumin.In vitro, silicone and glass coatings had significantly higher albumin recovery compared with the other coatings. A similar trend was observed for 8-isoprostane recovery.In vivo,median (interquartile range) 8-isoprostane concentrations were significantly higher using silicone (9.2 (18.8) pg·mL-1) or glass (3.0 (4.5) pg·mL-1) coating, compared with aluminium (0.5 (2.4) pg·mL-1), polypropylene (0.5 (0.5) pg·mL-1), Teflon (0.5 (0.0) pg·mL-1), and EcoScreen® (0.5 (2.0) pg·mL-1). Albuminin vivowas mainly detectable using glass coating.In conclusion, a condenser with silicone or glass coating is more efficient for measurement of 8-isoprostane or albumin in exhaled breath condensate, than EcoScreen®, aluminium, polypropylene or Teflon. Guidelines for exhaled breath condensate standardisation should include the most valid condenser coating to measure a specific biomarker.
Home spirometry and asthma severity in children
Authors: Brouwer A. F. J. , Roorda R. J. , Brand P. L. P. 
Published: July 2006

The usefulness of peak expiratory flow monitoring is disputed because of the unreliability of written peak flow diaries. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of peak flow and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) variation to other estimates of asthma severity in children, using an electronic home spirometer with automatic data storage.Over a 3-month period, 36 children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma recorded peak flow and FEV1electronically twice daily and noted an asthma severity score in a written diary. Bronchial responsiveness was assessed at the beginning and bronchodilator response and asthma-specific quality of life at the end of the study.Variations in peak flow correlated significantly but weakly to bronchial responsiveness and bronchodilator response, but not to the asthma severity score or quality-of-life scores. Within-individual correlations between asthma severity scores and home spirometry indices and between peak flow and FEV1were highly variable.In conclusion, variations in peak flow and forced expiratory volume in one second, obtained by home spirometry, show poor concordance with other indices of disease activity and with each other. This limits the usefulness of home spirometry in childhood asthma.
Human bronchial fibroblasts express the 5-lipoxygenase pathway
Authors: James Anna J , Penrose John F , Cazaly Angelica M , Holgate Stephen T , Sampson Anthony P 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundFibroblasts are implicated in sub-epithelial fibrosis in remodeled asthmatic airways and contribute to airway inflammation by releasing cytokines and other mediators. Fibroblast activity is influenced by members of the leukotriene family of bronchoconstrictor and inflammatory mediators, but it is not known whether human bronchial fibroblasts can synthesize leukotrienes.MethodsThe expression of leukotriene biosynthetic enzymes and receptors was investigated in primary fibroblasts from the bronchi of normal and asthmatic adult subjects using RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry.ResultsThese techniques revealed that human bronchial fibroblasts from both subject groups constitutively express 5-lipoxygenase, its activating protein FLAP, the terminal enzymes leukotriene A4hydrolase and leukotriene C4synthase, and receptors for leukotriene B4(BLT1) and cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLT1). Human bronchial fibroblasts generated immunoreactive leukotriene B4and cysteinyl-leukotrienes spontaneously and in increased amounts after calcium-dependent activation. Flow cytometry showed that human bronchial fibroblasts transformed to a myofibroblast-like phenotype by culture with transforming growth factor-β1expressed 320–400% more immunofluorescence for leukotriene C4synthase and CysLT1receptors, with 60–80% reductions in leukotriene A4hydrolase and BLT1 receptors.ConclusionThese results indicate that human bronchial fibroblasts may not only respond to exogenous leukotrienes but also generate leukotrienes implicated in narrowing, inflammation and remodeling of the asthmatic airway.
Genomes of Helicobacter pylori from native Peruvians suggest admixture of ancestral and modern lineages and reveal a western type cag-pathogenicity island
Authors: Devi S Manjulata , Ahmed Irshad , Khan Aleem A , Rahman Syed Asad , Alvi Ayesha , Sechi Leonardo A , Ahmed Niyaz 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori is presumed to be co-evolved with its human host and is a highly diverse gastric pathogen at genetic levels. Ancient origins of H. pylori in the New World are still debatable. It is not clear how different waves of human migrations in South America contributed to the evolution of strain diversity of H. pylori. The objective of our 'phylogeographic' study was to gain fresh insights into these issues through mapping genetic origins of H. pylori of native Peruvians (of Amerindian ancestry) and their genomic comparison with isolates from Spain, and Japan.

Results
For this purpose, we attempted to dissect genetic identity of strains by fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) analysis, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the 7 housekeeping genes (atp A, efp, ure I, ppa, mut Y, trp C, yph C) and the sequence analyses of the bab B adhesin and oip A genes. The whole cag pathogenicity-island (cag PAI) from these strains was analyzed using PCR and the geographic type of cag A phosphorylation motif EPIYA was determined by gene sequencing. We observed that while European genotype (hp-Europe) predominates in native Peruvian strains, approximately 20% of these strains represent a sub-population with an Amerindian ancestry (hsp-Amerind). All of these strains however, irrespective of their ancestral affiliation harbored a complete, 'western' type cag PAI and the motifs surrounding it. This indicates a possible acquisition of cag PAI by the hsp-Amerind strains from the European strains, during decades of co-colonization.

Conclusion
Our observations suggest presence of ancestral H. pylori (hsp-Amerind) in Peruvian Amerindians which possibly managed to survive and compete against the Spanish strains that arrived to the New World about 500 years ago. We suggest that this might have happened after native Peruvian H. pylori strains acquired cag PAI sequences, either by new acquisition in cag-negative strains or by recombination in cag positive Amerindian strains.
A comparison of breastfeeding among Han, Uygur and other ethnic groups in Xinjiang, PR China
Authors: Xu Fenglian , Binns Colin , Nazi Guli , Shi Lin , Zhao Yun , Lee Andy 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Breastfeeding is an important factor in infant health and there have been no previous studies of breastfeeding practices in the different ethnic groups of this region of China. We aimed to compare breastfeeding rates and duration between Han, Uygur and other ethnic groups living in Xinjiang, PR China.

Methods
A longitudinal study of infant feeding practices was undertaken using a sample that included different ethnic groups. Mothers were randomly recruited and interviewed in hospitals and after discharge were contacted in person or by telephone at approximately monthly intervals to obtain details of infant feeding practices. Setting: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, PR China. Subjects: A total of1219 mothers (578 Han, 360 Uygur and 281 'other minority' mothers) who delivered babies during 2003 and 2004 were interviewed in five hospitals or institutes located in both urban and rural areas.

Results
'Any breastfeeding' rates in Han, Uygur and 'other minority' groups at discharge were 88.5 %, 94.3 % and 97.1 % respectively, and at six months 76.7 %, 54.7 % and 87.6 % respectively. While 'exclusive breastfeeding' rates in the Han, Uygur and 'other minority' groups at discharge were 78.0 %, 34.5 % and 83.1 % respectively, at six months they had fallen to 4.8 %, 0.4 % and 16.8 % respectively. The median duration of 'Exclusive breastfeeding' of Han, Uygur and 'other minority' babies were 1.5, 0.1 and 2.5 months respectively. The Uygur babies were least likely to be 'exclusive breastfed'.

Conclusion
Uygur babies were least likely to be 'exclusive breastfed' and continued to 'any breastfeed' at six month. The 'any breastfeeding' rates in the Han group were lower in the first four months. An education program focused on breastfeeding continuation and exclusive breastfeeding is necessary in Xinjiang, especially for Uygur and Han ethnic groups.
Is occupational exposure to solvents associated with an increased risk for developing systemic scleroderma?
Authors: Kütting Birgitta , Uter Wolfgang , Drexler Hans 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundOur study was aimed to investigate in a German collective if there are any hints for an increased occupational or environmental risk to develop systemic sclerosis, especially, focussing on work-related exposure to solvents. Moreover, we tried to evaluate the feasibility of a sampling method addressing support groups.MethodsA standardised questionnaire was published in two journals subscribed by members of two different support groups and all members were asked to complete the questionnaire and to return it anonymously. The subjects were not informed on the scientific hypotheses, nor did they know who of them belonged to the case group (scleroderma) or to the control group (multiple sclerosis).Results175 questionnaires could be included in the statistical analysis. As expected, a female predominance was in our collective. In the male subpopulation, the occupational exposure to solvents was higher in the case group than in the control-group (70% versus 45.8%).Based only on the male subgroup, a tendency for an association between occupational exposure to solvents and the risk to develop systemic sclerosis was found.ConclusionAccording to our experience in this case-control-study exposure misclassification, qualitative or quantitative, was an eminent problem. Within such a setting, it is generally very difficult to establish an exact dose-response relationship due to incomplete, imprecise or missing data concerning duration of exposure, frequency of use and kind of solvent. Additionally, a well-known problem in studies based on self-reported questionnaires is the so-called volunteer bias. Unfortunately, but similar to other studies assessing epidemiologic factors in such a rare disease, our study was of limited power, especially in the subgroups defined by gender.
Environmental risk factors differ between rheumatoid arthritis with and without auto-antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides
Authors: Pedersen Merete , Jacobsen Søren , Klarlund Mette , Pedersen Bo V , Wiik Allan , Wohlfahrt Jan , Frisch Morten 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate new and previously hypothesised non-genetic risk factors for serologic subtypes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) defined by the presence or absence of auto-antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP). In a national case-control study, we included 515 patients recently diagnosed with RA according to the American College of Rheumatology 1987 classification criteria and 769 gender- and age-matched population controls. Telephone interviews provided information about non-genetic exposures, and serum samples for patients were tested for anti-CCP-antibodies. Associations between exposure variables and risk of anti-CCP-positive and anti-CCP-negative RA were evaluated using logistic regression. A series of RA subtype-specific risk factors were identified. Tobacco smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–2.64, for >20 versus 0 pack-years) was selectively associated with risk of anti-CCP-positive RA, whereas alcohol consumption exhibited an inverse dose-response association with this RA subtype (OR = 1.98, 1.22–3.19, for 0 versus >0–5 drinks per week). Furthermore, coffee consumption (OR = 2.18; 1.07–4.42, for >10 versus 0 cups per day), ever use of oral contraceptives (OR = 1.65; 1.06–2.57) and having a first-degree relative with schizophrenia (OR = 4.18; 1.54–11.3) appeared more strongly associated with risk of anti-CCP-positive RA. Obesity was selectively associated with risk of anti-CCP-negative RA, with obese individuals being at more than 3-fold increased risk of this subtype compared with normal-weight individuals (OR = 3.45; 1.73–6.87). Age at menarche was the only examined factor that was significantly associated with both serologic subtypes of RA (p-trends = 0.01); women with menarche at age ≥ 15 years had about twice the risk of either RA subtype compared with women with menarche at age ≤ 12 years. Major differences in risk factor profiles suggest distinct etiologies for anti-CCP-positive and anti-CCP-negative RA.
Prostaglandin E2 synthesis in cartilage explants under compression: mPGES-1 is a mechanosensitive gene
Authors: Gosset Marjolaine , Berenbaum Francis , Levy Arlette , Pigenet Audrey , Thirion Sylvie , Saffar Jean-Louis , Jacques Claire 
Published: July 2006

AbstractKnee osteoarthritis (OA) results, at least in part, from overloading and inflammation leading to cartilage degradation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of the main catabolic factors involved in OA. Its synthesis is the result of cyclooxygenase (COX) and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) activities whereas NAD+-dependent 15 hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is the key enzyme implicated in the catabolism of PGE2. For both COX and PGES, three isoforms have been described: in cartilage, COX-1 and cytosolic PGES are constitutively expressed whereas COX-2 and microsomal PGES type 1 (mPGES-1) are inducible in an inflammatory context. COX-3 (a variant of COX-1) and mPGES-2 have been recently cloned but little is known about their expression and regulation in cartilage, as is also the case for 15-PGDH. We investigated the regulation of the genes encoding COX and PGES isoforms during mechanical stress applied to cartilage explants. Mouse cartilage explants were subjected to compression (0.5 Hz, 1 MPa) for 2 to 24 hours. After determination of the amount of PGE2 released in the media (enzyme immunoassay), mRNA and proteins were extracted directly from the cartilage explants and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting respectively. Mechanical compression of cartilage explants significantly increased PGE2 production in a time-dependent manner. This was not due to the synthesis of IL-1, since pretreatment with interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra) did not alter the PGE2 synthesis. Interestingly, COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA expression significantly increased after 2 hours, in parallel with protein expression, whereas COX-3 and mPGES-2 mRNA expression was not modified. Moreover, we observed a delayed overexpression of 15-PGDH just before the decline of PGE2 synthesis after 18 hours, suggesting that PGE2 synthesis could be altered by the induction of 15-PGDH expression. We conclude that, along with COX-2, dynamic compression induces mPGES-1 mRNA and protein expression in cartilage explants. Thus, the mechanosensitive mPGES-1 enzyme represents a potential therapeutic target in osteoarthritis.
Rapid Brain Natriuretic Peptide Test and Doppler Echocardiography for Early Diagnosis of Mild Heart Failure
Authors: Aspromonte Nadia , Ceci Vincenzo , Chiera Antonella , Coletta Claudio , D’Eri Alessandra , Feola Mauro , Giovinazzo Prospero , Milani Loredano , Noventa Federica , Scardovi Angela Beatrice , Sestili Augusto , Valle Roberto 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Background: The early identification of patients at risk for the development of clinical heart failure (HF) is a new challenge in an effort to improve outcomes.
Methods: We prospectively evaluated whether the combination of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements (Triage BNP test, Biosite Diagnostics) and echocardiography would effectively stratify patients with new symptoms in a cost-effective HF program aimed at early diagnosis of mild HF. A total of 252 patients were referred by 100 general practitioners.
Results: Among the study population, the median BNP value was 78 ng/L (range, 5–1491 ng/L). BNP concentrations were lower among patients without heart disease [median 15 ng/L (range, 5–167 ng/L); n = 96] than among patients with confirmed HF [median, 165 ng/L (22–1491 ng/L); n = 157; Mann–Whitney U-test, 12.3; P &lt;0.001]. Patients were grouped into diastolic dysfunction [BNP, 195 (223) ng/L], systolic dysfunction [BNP, 290 (394) ng/L], and both systolic and diastolic dysfunction [BNP, 776 (506) ng/L]. In this model, a cutoff value of 50 ng/L BNP increases the diagnostic accuracy in predicting mild HF, avoiding 41 echocardiograms per 100 patients studied, with a net saving of 14% of total costs.
Conclusions: Blood BNP concentrations, in a costeffective targeted screening, can play an important role in diagnosing mild HF and stratifying patients into risk groups of cardiac dysfunction.
Rapid Screening of 4000 Individuals for Germ-line Variations in the BRAF Gene
Authors: James Michael R , Dumeni Troy , Stark Mitchell S , Duffy David L , Montgomery Grant W , Martin Nicholas G , Hayward Nicholas K 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Background: The BRAF gene is frequently somatically altered in malignant melanoma. A majority of variations are at the valine 600 residue leading to a V600E substitution that constitutively activates the kinase. We screened 4000 patient and control DNAs for germ-line variations at the valine 600 residue.
Methods: We developed a novel assay by adapting single-base variation assays and software for MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry to screen for all 5 reported variants at codon 600 of the BRAF gene. We screened a case-control collection comprising samples from 1082 melanoma patients and 154 of their unaffected relatives from 1278 families and from 2744 individuals from 659 unselected twin families with no history of melanoma. A panel of 66 melanoma cell lines was used for variation-positive controls.
Results: All melanoma cell lines that we had found previously to carry a codon 600 variation were verified in this study. Three of the 4 possible variants (V600E n = 47, V600K n = 2, V600R n = 1) were detected, but no case of V600D was available. No germ-line variants were found in the samples from the 3980 melanoma patients or from the control individuals.
Conclusions: This new assay is a high-throughput, automated alternative to standard sequencing and can be used as a rapid initial screen for somatic variants associated with melanoma. Germ-line variants at valine 600 are unlikely to exist and do not contribute to the reported role of the BRAF gene in melanoma predisposition.
Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, and Inflammation in Older Individuals
Authors: de Rekeneire Nathalie , Peila Rita , Ding Jingzhong , Colbert Lisa H. , Visser Marjolein , Shorr Ronald I. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Kuller Lewis H. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Schwartz Ann V. , Vellas Bruno , Harris Tamara B. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE—The objective of this study was to assess the association of inflammation with hyperglycemia (impaired fasting glucose [IFG]/impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]) and diabetes in older individuals.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Baseline data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition study included 3,075 well-functioning black and white participants, aged 70–79 years.
RESULTS—Of the participants, 24% had diabetes and 29% had IFG/IGT at baseline. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (P &lt; 0.001) were significantly higher among diabetic participants and those with IFG/IGT. Odds of elevated IL-6 and TNF-α (&gt;75th percentile) were, respectively, 1.95 (95% CI 1.56–2.44) and 1.88 (1.51–2.35) for diabetic participants and 1.51 (1.21–1.87) and 1.14 (0.92–1.42) for those with IFG/IGT after adjustment for age, sex, race, smoking, alcohol intake, education, and study site. Odds ratios for elevated CRP were 2.90 (2.13–3.95) and 1.45 (1.03–2.04) for diabetic women and men and 1.33 (1.07–1.69) for those with IFG/IGT regardless of sex. After adjustment for obesity, fat distribution, and inflammation-related conditions, IL-6 remained significantly related to both diabetes and IFG/IGT. CRP in women and TNF-α in both sexes were significantly related to diabetes, respectively, whereas risk estimates for IFG/IGT were decreased by adjustment for adiposity. Among diabetic participants, higher levels of HbA1c were associated with higher levels of all three markers of inflammation, but only CRP remained significant after full adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS—Our findings show that dysglycemia is associated with inflammation, and this relationship, although consistent in diabetic individuals, also extends to those with IFG/IGT.