bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidised proteins and superoxide anion production in the diaphragm of severe COPD patients
Authors: Marin-Corral J. , Minguella J. , Ramírez-Sarmiento A. L. , Hussain S. N. A. , Gea J. , Barreiro E. 
Published: February 2009

In the diaphragms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, the nature of oxidatively modified proteins and superoxide anion production were explored.Diaphragm specimens were obtained through thoracotomy because of localised lung lesions in COPD patients (16 severe and eight moderate) and 10 control subjects. Lung and respiratory muscle functions were evaluated. Oxidised proteins were identified using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. Protein and activity levels of the identified proteins were determined using immunoblotting and activity assays. Lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence signals in a luminometer were used to determine superoxide anion levels in muscle compartments (mitochondria, membrane and cytosol) using selective inhibitors.In severe COPD patients compared with controls, respiratory muscle function was impaired; creatine kinase, carbonic anhydrase III, actin and myosin were oxidised; myosin carbonylation levels were increased five-fold; creatine kinase content and activity and myosin protein were reduced; superoxide anion levels were increased in both mitochondria and membrane compartments; and the percentage of superoxide anion inhibition achieved by rotenone was significantly greater.In severe COPD patients, oxidation of diaphragm proteins involved in energy production and contractile performance is likely to partially contribute to the documented respiratory muscle dysfunction. Furthermore, generation of the superoxide anion was increased in the diaphragms of these patients.
Increased T-regulatory cells within lymphocyte follicles in moderate COPD
Authors: Plumb J. , Smyth L. J. C. , Adams H. R. , Vestbo J. , Bentley A. , Singh S. D. 
Published: February 2009

Lymphoid follicles in the lung parenchyma are a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are reports of altered CD4 T-regulatory cell numbers in COPD lungs, but the location of these cells within COPD lung tissue specific follicles has not been investigated.The presence of CD4+FOXP3+T-regulatory cells was assessed in surgically resected lung tissue from 12 COPD patients, 11 smokers with normal lung function and seven nonsmokers by combined immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.Organised lymphoid follicles were observed in all three groups of patients, as well as lymphoid clusters lacking organisation. The percentage of CD4 cells that were T-regulatory cells were significantly increased (p = 0.02) within COPD (16%) follicles compared with smokers (10%) and nonsmokers (8%). In contrast, there was no change (p>0.05) in the percentage of T-regulatory cells in clusters or the subepithelium between groups.Lymphoid follicles in COPD patients have increased T-regulatory cells. Therefore, T-regulatory activity may be altered within COPD lymphoid follicles.
How to interpret reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity ratio with normal FEV1
Authors: Barisione G. , Crimi E. , Bartolini S. , Saporiti R. , Copello F. , Pellegrino R. , Brusasco V. 
Published: February 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the combination of low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC) ratio with normal FEV1represents a physiological variant or a sign of early airflow obstruction.We studied 40 subjects presenting with low FEV1/VC, but FEV1within the range of normality predicted by European Respiratory Society reference equations, and 10 healthy controls. All subjects completed two questionnaires and underwent comprehensive pulmonary function testing, which included methacholine challenge and single-breath nitrogen wash-out.According to the questionnaires, the subjects were assigned to three groups,i.e.rhinitis (n = 8), bronchial asthma (n = 13) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 12). Subjects with negative responses to questionnaires were assigned to an asymptomatic group (n = 7). Airway hyperresponsiveness was found in four subjects of the rhinitis group, all of the asthma group, and 10 of the COPD group; in the last two groups, it was associated with signs of increased airway closure and gas trapping. Bronchodilator response to salbutamol was positive in only a few individuals across groups. In the asymptomatic group, no significant functional changes were observed, possibly suggesting dysanaptic lung growth.In subjects with low FEV1/VC and normal FEV1, questionnaires on respiratory symptoms together with additional pulmonary function tests may help to clarify the nature of this pattern of lung function.
Identification of genes differentially expressed as result of adenovirus type 5- and adenovirus type 12-transformation
Authors: Strath Janet , Georgopoulos Lindsay J , Kellam Paul , Blair G Eric 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundCells transformed by human adenoviruses (Ad) exhibit differential capacities to induce tumours in immunocompetent rodents; for example, Ad12-transformed rodent cells are oncogenic whereas Ad5-transformed cells are not. The E1A gene determines oncogenic phenotype, is a transcriptional regulator and dysregulates host cell gene expression, a key factor in both cellular transformation and oncogenesis. To reveal differences in gene expression between cells transformed with oncogenic and non-oncogenic adenoviruses we have performed comparative analysis of transcript profiles with the aim of identifying candidate genes involved in the process of neoplastic transformation.ResultsAnalysis of microarray data revealed that a total of 232 genes were differentially expressed in Ad12 E1- or Ad5 E1-transformed BRK cells compared to untransformed baby rat kidney (BRK) cells. Gene information was available for 193 transcripts and using gene ontology (GO) classifications and literature searches it was possible to assign known or suggested functions to 166 of these identified genes. A subset of differentially-expressed genes from the microarray was further examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting using BRK cells immortalised by Ad12 E1A or Ad5 E1A in addition to Ad12 E1- or Ad5 E1-transformed BRK cells. Up-regulation of RelA and significant dysregulation of collagen type I mRNA transcripts and proteins were found in Ad-transformed cells.ConclusionThese results suggest that a complex web of cellular pathways become altered in Ad-transformed cells and that Ad E1A is sufficient for the observed dysregulation. Further work will focus on investigating which splice variant of Ad E1A is responsible for the observed dysregulation at the pathway level, and the mechanisms of E1A-mediated transcriptional regulation.
LRRCE: a leucine-rich repeat cysteine capping motif unique to the chordate lineage
Authors: Park Hosil , Huxley-Jones Julie , Boot-Handford Ray P , Bishop Paul N , Attwood Teresa K , Bella Jordi 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
The small leucine-rich repeat proteins and proteoglycans (SLRPs) form an important family of regulatory molecules that participate in many essential functions. They typically control the correct assembly of collagen fibrils, regulate mineral deposition in bone, and modulate the activity of potent cellular growth factors through many signalling cascades. SLRPs belong to the group of extracellular leucine-rich repeat proteins that are flanked at both ends by disulphide-bonded caps that protect the hydrophobic core of the terminal repeats. A capping motif specific to SLRPs has been recently described in the crystal structures of the core proteins of decorin and biglycan. This motif, designated as LRRCE, differs in both sequence and structure from other, more widespread leucine-rich capping motifs. To investigate if the LRRCE motif is a common structural feature found in other leucine-rich repeat proteins, we have defined characteristic sequence patterns and used them in genome-wide searches.

Results
The LRRCE motif is a structural element exclusive to the main group of SLRPs. It appears to have evolved during early chordate evolution and is not found in protein sequences from non-chordate genomes. Our search has expanded the family of SLRPs to include new predicted protein sequences, mainly in fishes but with intriguing putative orthologs in mammals. The chromosomal locations of the newly predicted SLRP genes would support the large-scale genome or gene duplications that are thought to have occurred during vertebrate evolution. From this expanded list we describe a new class of SLRP sequences that could be representative of an ancestral SLRP gene.

Conclusion
Given its exclusivity the LRRCE motif is a useful annotation tool for the identification and classification of new SLRP sequences in genome databases. The expanded list of members of the SLRP family offers interesting insights into early vertebrate evolution and suggests an early chordate evolutionary origin for the LRRCE capping motif.
Clinical predictors for Legionella in patients presenting with community-acquired pneumonia to the emergency department
Authors: Fiumefreddo Rico , Zaborsky Roya , Haeuptle Jeannine , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Trampuz Andrej , Steffen Ingrid , Frei Reno , Müller Beat , Schuetz Philipp 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Legionella species cause severe forms of pneumonia with high mortality and complication rates. Accurate clinical predictors to assess the likelihood of Legionella community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients presenting to the emergency department are lacking.

Methods
We retrospectively compared clinical and laboratory data of 82 consecutive patients with Legionella CAP with 368 consecutive patients with non-Legionella CAP included in two studies at the same institution.

Results
In multivariate logistic regression analysis we identified six parameters, namely high body temperature (OR 1.67, p < 0.0001), absence of sputum production (OR 3.67, p < 0.0001), low serum sodium concentrations (OR 0.89, p = 0.011), high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.003, p = 0.007) and C-reactive protein (OR 1.006, p < 0.0001) and low platelet counts (OR 0.991, p < 0.0001), as independent predictors of Legionella CAP. Using optimal cut off values of these six parameters, we calculated a diagnostic score for Legionella CAP. The median score was significantly higher in Legionella CAP as compared to patients without Legionella (4 (IQR 3–4) vs 2 (IQR 1–2), p < 0.0001) with a respective odds ratio of 3.34 (95%CI 2.57–4.33, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristics showed a high diagnostic accuracy of this diagnostic score (AUC 0.86 (95%CI 0.81–0.90), which was better as compared to each parameter alone. Of the 191 patients (42%) with a score of 0 or 1 point, only 3% had Legionella pneumonia. Conversely, of the 73 patients (16%) with ≥4 points, 66% of patients had Legionella CAP.

Conclusion
Six clinical and laboratory parameters embedded in a simple diagnostic score accurately identified patients with Legionella CAP. If validated in future studies, this score might aid in the management of suspected Legionella CAP.
Initiation of breastfeeding and prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in urban, suburban and rural areas of Zhejiang China
Authors: Qiu Liqian , Zhao Yun , Binns Colin W , Lee Andy H , Xie Xing 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in China are relatively low and below national targets. The aim of this study was to document the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding initiation in Zhejiang, PR China.

Methods
A cohort study of infant feeding practices was undertaken in Zhejiang Province, an eastern coastal region of China. A total of 1520 mothers who delivered in four hospitals located in city, suburb and rural areas during late 2004 to 2005 were enrolled in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors related to exclusive breastfeeding initiation.

Results
On discharge from hospital, 50.3% of the mothers were exclusively breastfeeding their infants out of 96.9% of the mothers who had earlier initiated breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively related to vaginal birth, baby's first feed being breast milk, mother living in the suburbs or rural areas, younger age of mother, lower maternal education level and family income.

Conclusion
The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Zhejiang is only 50.3% on discharge and does not reach Chinese or international targets. A number of behaviours have been identified in the study that could be potentially incorporated into health promotion activities.
Bordetella pertussis, an agent not to forget: a case report
Authors: Melo Natália , Dias Ana Catarina , Isidoro Lara , Duarte Raquel 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Introduction
In the past, pertussis affected particularly children under 6 years of age, but recent trends show that there is a shift toward the older age group. The clinical presentation can be atypical in the adolescent age group, and the disease is often misdiagnosed.

Case presentation
We present a case of an 11-year-old male patient oriented to our unit with anorexia, weight loss and persistent cough with nocturnal paroxysms for 4 weeks. He also reported occasional wheezing and chest tightness. He denied fever, chills, myalgia, sore throat, or rhinorrhea. The patient presented to his primary care physician 1 week prior with the same complaint and was treated with amoxicillin and ebastine. Facing the persistence of the complaints he was oriented to our unit in order to exclude tuberculosis. Further study confirmed Bordetella pertussis infection and he started clarithromycin (15 mg/kg/day for 14 days). The patient's symptoms resolved after two weeks. Two of the patient's family members have developed symptoms of Bordetella pertussis infection and were treated after convenient study.

Conclusion
Cough is one of the most common complaints among children and its causes are multiple. Active immunization and early diagnosis are crucial in the management of pertussis.
Differential influence of arterial blood glucose on cerebral metabolism following severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Holbein Monika , Béchir Markus , Ludwig Silke , Sommerfeld Jutta , Cottini Silvia R , Keel Marius , Stocker Reto , Stover John F 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Maintaining arterial blood glucose within tight limits is beneficial in critically ill patients. Upper and lower limits of detrimental blood glucose levels must be determined.

Methods
In 69 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral metabolism was monitored by assessing changes in arterial and jugular venous blood at normocarbia (partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO2) 4.4 to 5.6 kPa), normoxia (partial arterial pressure of oxygen (paO2) 9 to 20 kPa), stable haematocrit (27 to 36%), brain temperature 35 to 38°C, and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) 70 to 90 mmHg. This resulted in a total of 43,896 values for glucose uptake, lactate release, oxygen extraction ratio (OER), carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3) production, jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2), oxygen-glucose index (OGI), lactate-glucose index (LGI) and lactate-oxygen index (LOI). Arterial blood glucose concentration-dependent influence was determined retrospectively by assessing changes in these parameters within pre-defined blood glucose clusters, ranging from less than 4 to more than 9 mmol/l.

Results
Arterial blood glucose significantly influenced signs of cerebral metabolism reflected by increased cerebral glucose uptake, decreased cerebral lactate production, reduced oxygen consumption, negative LGI and decreased cerebral CO2/HCO3 production at arterial blood glucose levels above 6 to 7 mmol/l compared with lower arterial blood glucose concentrations. At blood glucose levels more than 8 mmol/l signs of increased anaerobic glycolysis (OGI less than 6) supervened.

Conclusions
Maintaining arterial blood glucose levels between 6 and 8 mmol/l appears superior compared with lower and higher blood glucose concentrations in terms of stabilised cerebral metabolism. It appears that arterial blood glucose values below 6 and above 8 mmol/l should be avoided. Prospective analysis is required to determine the optimal arterial blood glucose target in patients suffering from severe TBI.
Pivotal Advance: PKCζ is required for migration of macrophages
Authors: Guo Hua , Ma Yongjie , Zhang Baogang , Sun Baocun , Niu Ruifang , Ying Guoguang , Zhang Ning 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe crosstalk, mediated by chemoattractants, between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages, plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Our previous study reported that atypical protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) regulates epidermal growth factor-induced chemotaxis of human breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the role of PKCζ in CSF-1-induced chemotaxis of macrophages. Knockdown of PKCζ by small interference RNA impaired CSF-1-induced chemotaxis of human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1, which was probably a result of a decrease in CSF-1-induced phosphorylation of LIN-11, Is11, and MEC-3 protein domain kinase (LIMK)/cofilin and actin polymerization. Furthermore, silencing PKCζ expression also impaired migration of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Scratch analysis indicated that PKCζ was required for macrophage migration. Therefore, PKCζ is required for CSF-1-induced chemotaxis of macrophages. Blocking activation of PKCζ will be a novel strategy to inhibit cancer metastasis by blocking migration of cancer cells and macrophages.
Psychological distress amongst immigration detainees: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Robjant Katy , Robbins Ian , Senior Victoria 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. To compare levels of depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst immigration detainees with a comparison group of asylum seekers living within the community.Design. A cross‐sectional questionnaire study.Method. Sixty‐seven detained asylum seekers, 30 detainees who had previously been imprisoned within the UK for criminal offences, and 49 asylum seekers living in the community completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and the impact of event scale‐revised (IES‐R). Demographic information was collected.Results. High levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms were reported by all three groups. Detained asylum seekers had higher scores than asylum seekers living within the community for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. There was an interaction between length of detention period and prior exposure to interpersonal trauma (IP trauma) on depression scores.Conclusions. Immigration detainees are highly vulnerable to psychological distress. A review of detention policies is recommended in light of this. Immigration detention may have an independent adverse effect on mental health. It is also possible that individuals with mental health problems may be more likely to be detained. Further research is required to investigate this.
Development and validation of the revised Children's Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale
Authors: McWhinnie Chad M. , Abela John R. Z. , Knäuper Bärbel , Zhang Chenchen 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. The primary goals of the current study were to examine (a) the factor structure and reliability of the Children's Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (CDAS) in a sample of children and early adolescents and (b) the reliability of the factor structure in two additional independent samples at different developmental stages.Design. In Phase 1, we conducted a factor analysis using maximum likelihood factor extraction and promax rotation to explore the underlying structure of the 40‐item CDAS. In Phase 2, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis on the factors obtained in Phase 1.Method. In Phase 1, 140 children (ages 6–14) of affectively ill parents completed the CDAS and measures assessing depressive symptoms, coping strategies, and cognitive‐interpersonal vulnerability factors. In Phase 2, 130 third grade children and 184 seventh grade schoolchildren completed similar measures.Results. In Phase 1, a two‐factor solution was obtained: (1) Self‐critical Perfectionism (SCP) and (2) Personal Standards Perfectionism (PSP). In Phase 2, a two‐factor solution provided a significantly better fit than a one‐factor solution in both grades. The two factors obtained exhibited high internal consistency in both our high‐risk and community samples. Additionally, in both samples, SCP was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms, maladaptive coping strategies, and impaired interpersonal relationships than was PSP.Conclusion. The results of the current study suggest that dysfunctional attitudes cluster into SCP and PSP in children as well as early adolescents. Further, SCP may have a more deleterious impact on children's psychosocial functioning as compared to PSP.
Perceptions about memory reliability and honesty for children of 3 to 18 years old
Authors: Wright Daniel B. , Hanoteau Florence , Parkinson Camilla , Tatham Anna 
Published: February 2009

Purpose. To examine the relationship between perceived memory characteristics and age.Method. Participants rated the reliability and honesty of children's memory for one of two events. The children's ages varied from 3‐ to 18‐years‐old.Results. Participants (N = 612) believed that memory reliability increased with age, but the observed effect was non‐linear. Perceived reliability increased rapidly for children from 3 to 6 years. After this, male participants believed memory reliability increased, but less than in early childhood. Female participants did not think memory reliability increased in middle childhood and adolescence. Further effects involving type of event, age of participant, and the gender of the eyewitness were observed for honesty and the relationship between these attributes and beliefs in guilt.Conclusions. These findings stress the need for more research on development trends of memory in middle childhood and adolescence.
PCR-Based Methods for the Enrichment of Minority Alleles and Mutations
Authors: Milbury Coren A , Li Jin , Makrigiorgos G Mike 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Background: The ability to identify low-level somatic DNA mutations and minority alleles within an excess wild-type sample is becoming essential for characterizing early and posttreatment tumor status in cancer patients. Over the past 2 decades, much research has focused on improving the selectivity of PCR-based technologies for enhancing the detection of minority (mutant) alleles in clinical samples. Routine application in clinical and diagnostic settings requires that these techniques be accurate and cost-effective and require little effort to optimize, perform, and analyze.
Content: Enrichment methods typically segregate by their ability to enrich for, and detect, either known or unknown mutations. Although there are several robust approaches for detecting known mutations within a high background of wild-type DNA, there are few techniques capable of enriching and detecting low-level unknown mutations. One promising development is COLD-PCR (coamplification at lower denaturation temperature), which enables enrichment of PCR amplicons containing unknown mutations at any position, such that they can be subsequently sequenced to identify the exact nucleotide change.
Summary: This review summarizes technologies available for detecting minority DNA mutations, placing an emphasis on newer methods that facilitate the enrichment of unknown low-level DNA variants such that the mutation can subsequently be sequenced. The enrichment of minority alleles is imperative in clinical and diagnostic applications, especially in those related to cancer detection, and continued technology development is warranted.