bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating smoking cessation into mental health care for post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: McFall Miles , Saxon Andrew J. , Thaneemit-Chen Surai , Smith Mark W. , Joseph Anne M. , Carmody Timothy P. , Beckham Jean C. , Malte Carol A. , Vertrees Julia E. , Boardman Kathy D. , Lavori Philip W. 
Published: April 2007

Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a high prevalence of smoking, heavy cigarette consumption and low cessation rates. Purpose This manuscript describes the design of a randomized, multisite effectiveness trial to test whether integrating smoking cessation treatment into mental health care (integrated care) improves prolonged abstinence rates among veterans with PTSD, compared with referral to specialized smoking cessation clinics (usual standard of care). Secondary objectives are to assess the cost-effectiveness of integrated care relative to usual standard of care, identify treatment variables that mediate differences between conditions in outcome and determine whether smoking cessation is associated with worsening PTSD and/or depression. Methods Following randomization, subjects (projected n = 1400) from 10 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers complete follow-up assessments every three or six months for up to four years. Endpoints include 1-year prolonged abstinence at 18 months postrandomization, 7- and 30-day point-prevalence abstinence and measures of depression, PTSD and economic outcomes. Results This study is unique in providing the largest scale test of the feasibility and effectiveness of having mental health clinicians implement evidence-based smoking cessation treatment in psychiatric care settings for veterans with PTSD. It incorporates methodological features that are desirable for cessation treatment trials, including: a) assessment of clinically meaningful long-term smoking outcomes; b) a manual guiding delivery of the experimental intervention; c) independent ratings of clinician competence and treatment adherence and d) methods for training clinicians that would enhance implementation of tobacco cessation treatment in large health care systems. Limitations Use of an exclusively VHA sample with few females limits generalizability. Conclusions The process for meeting challenges in designing this study may provide planning of other large-scale clinical effectiveness trials in tobacco control. Findings have potential to initiate system-wide change in clinical practice patterns for tobacco cessation treatment involving patients with mental disorders. Clinical Trials 2007; 4: 178—189. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Expression of ectonucleotidase CD39 by Foxp3+ Treg cells: hydrolysis of extracellular ATP and immune suppression
Authors: Borsellino Giovanna , Kleinewietfeld Markus , Di Mitri Diletta , Sternjak Alexander , Diamantini Adamo , Giometto Raffaella , Höpner Sabine , Centonze Diego , Bernardi Giorgio , Dell'Acqua Maria Luisa , Rossini Paolo Maria , Battistini Luca , Rötzschke Olaf , Falk Kirsten 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn the immune system, extracellular ATP functions as a “natural adjuvant” that exhibits multiple proinflammatory effects. It is released by damaged cells as an indicator of trauma and cell death but can be inactivated by CD39 (nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 [NTPDase 1]), an ectoenzyme that degrades ATP to AMP. Here, we show that CD39 is expressed primarily by immune-suppressive Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. In mice, the enzyme is present on virtually all CD4+CD25+ cells. CD39 expression is driven by the Treg-specific transcription factor Foxp3 and its catalytic activity is strongly enhanced by T-cell receptor (TCR) ligation. Activated Treg cells are therefore able to abrogate ATP-related effects such as P2 receptor-mediated cell toxicity and ATP-driven maturation of dendritic cells. Also, human Treg cells express CD39. In contrast to mice, CD39 expression in man is restricted to a subset of Foxp3+ regulatory effector/memory-like T (TREM) cells. Notably, patients with the remitting/relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (MS) have strikingly reduced numbers of CD39+ Treg cells in the blood. Thus, in humans CD39 is a marker of a Treg subset likely involved in the control of the inflammatory autoimmune disease.
Congestive heart failure is a rare event in patients receiving imatinib therapy
Authors: Atallah Ehab , Durand Jean-Bernard , Kantarjian Hagop , Cortes Jorge 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA recent preclinical study suggested that imatinib may be cardiotoxic in some patients. We reviewed all reported serious adverse events of cardiac adverse events occurring in patients on clinical trials involving imatinib. Among 1276 patients enrolled, 22 (1.7%) were identified as having symptoms that could be attributed to systolic heart failure. The median age was 70 years (range, 49 to 83 years). The median time from start of imatinib therapy was 162 days (range, 2-2045 days). At the time these events were reported, 8 (0.6%) were considered possibly or probably related to imatinib. A total of 18 patients had previous medical conditions predisposing to cardiac failure: congestive heart failure (CHF; 6 [27%] patients), diabetes mellitus (6 [27%] patients), hypertension (10 [45%] patients), coronary artery disease (CAD; 8 [36%] patients), arrhythmia (3 [14%] patients), and cardiomyopathy (1 [5%] patient). Of the 22 patients, 11 continued imatinib therapy with dose adjustments and management for the CHF symptoms without further complications. Imatinib therapy as a causal factor of CHF is uncommon, mainly seen in elderly patients with preexisting cardiac conditions. Patients with previous cardiac history should be monitored closely and treated aggressively with standard medical therapy, including diuretics, if they develop symptoms suggestive of heart failure.
Leishmania majorinduces distinct neutrophil phenotypes in mice that are resistant or susceptible to infection
Authors: Charmoy Mélanie , Megnekou Rosette , Allenbach Cindy , Zweifel Christine , Perez Cynthia , Monnat Katia , Breton Mélanie , Ronet Catherine , Launois Pascal , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPolymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are key components of the inflammatory response contributing to the development of pathogen-specific immune responses. Following infection with Leishmania major, neutrophils are recruited within hours to the site of parasite inoculation. C57BL/6 mice are resistant to infection, and BALB/c mice are susceptible to infection, developing unhealing, inflammatory lesions. In this report, we investigated the expression of cell surface integrins, TLRs, and the secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines by PMN of both strains of mice, in response to infection with L. major. The parasite was shown to induce CD49d expression in BALB/c-inflammatory PMN, and expression of CD49d remained at basal levels in C57BL/6 PMN. Equally high levels of CD11b were expressed on PMN from both strains. In response to L. major infection, the levels of TLR2, TLR7, and TLR9 mRNA were significantly higher in C57BL/6 than in BALB/c PMN. C57BL/6 PMN secreted biologically active IL-12p70 and IL-10. In contrast, L. major-infected BALB/c PMN transcribed and secreted high levels of IL-12p40 but did not secrete biologically active IL-12p70. Furthermore, IL-12p40 was shown not to associate with IL-23 p19 but formed IL-12p40 homodimers with inhibitory activity. No IL-10 was secreted by BALB/c PMN. Thus, following infection with L. major, in C57BL/6 mice, PMN could constitute one of the earliest sources of IL-12, and in BALB/c mice, secretion of IL-12p40 could contribute to impaired, early IL-12 signaling. These distinct PMN phenotypes may thus influence the development of L. major-specific immune response.
Expression of human GITRL on myeloid dendritic cells enhances their immunostimulatory function but does not abrogate the suppressive effect of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Tuyaerts Sandra , Van Meirvenne Sonja , Bonehill Aude , Heirman Carlo , Corthals Jurgen , Waldmann Herman , Breckpot Karine , Thielemans Kris , Aerts Joeri L 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) have been described as an important hurdle for immunotherapy. Engagement of glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor-related protein (GITR) has emerged recently as an important mechanism to control the suppression of CD4+CD25+ Treg. Furthermore, it has been documented extensively that GITR ligation is costimulatory for naive and activated T cells in the murine setting. However, little is known about the role of the human GITR ligand (huGITRL). We wanted to explore whether huGITRL could enhance antigen-specific T cell priming by dendritic cells (DC). First, we confirmed the endogenous expression of GITRL on HUVEC. We also detected GITRL expression on EBV-B cell lines, whereas no GITRL expression was observed on human monocyte-derived DC. Electroporation of GITRL mRNA in monocyte-derived DC resulted in a strong and long-lasting surface expression of GITRL. In contrast to data obtained in mice, no significant abrogation of Treg suppression by GITRL-expressing human DC was observed. Consistent with our mouse data, we showed that huGITRL is costimulatory for responder T cells. Furthermore, we found that GITRL-expressing DC primed increased numbers of Melan-A-specific CD8+ T cells. We conclude that although huGITRL is not capable of alleviating Treg suppression of responder T cells, huGITRL overexpression on monocyte-derived DC enhances their capacity to induce antigen-specific T cell responses. Thus, GITRL incorporation in DC might improve the antitumor immune response after vaccination.
The Troll in Toll: Mal and Tram as bridges for TLR2 and TLR4 signaling
Authors: Sheedy Frederick J , O’Neill Luke A J 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSignaling by two of the most important bacteria-sensing TLRs, TLR2 and TLR4, involves two adaptor proteins, MyD88 adaptor-like (Mal) and Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (Trif)-related adaptor molecule (TRAM). Recently, new insights into the functioning of these two adapters have emerged. Mal is required by both TLRs to act as a bridge to recruit the adaptor MyD88, leading ultimately to NF-κB activation. Similarly, TRAM acts as a bridge to recruit TRIF to the TLR4 complex, leading to activation of the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3. Consistent with Mal and TRAM being key points of control, recent evidence suggests that they are subject to regulation by phosphorylation. Further, a variant in Mal in humans has been found to protect against multiple infectious diseases. Finally, another TIR domain-containing adaptor, sterile α and HEAT/armadillo motif protein (SARM), has been shown to act as an inhibitor of TRIF-dependent signaling. These recent discoveries add to the complexity of TLR signaling and highlight specific control mechanisms for TLR2 and TLR4 signaling.
Effect of Intravenous Albumin Infusion on Brain Salicylate Concentration
Authors: Curry Steven C. , Pizon Anthony F. , Riley Bradley D. , Gerkin Richard D. , Bikin Dale S. 
Published: April 2007

Background:Salicylate poisoning appears to result in death, despite supportive care, once a critical brain salicylate concentration is reached. The binding of salicylate to albumin is saturable; free plasma salicylate concentrations rise disproportionately to total drug levels. Because unbound salicylate distributes into the brain, the authors questioned whether an intravenous (IV) infusion of albumin would cause a redistribution of salicylate from the brain back into the plasma, which might allow enough time for hemodialysis to be instituted. Objectives:To determine if IV albumin infusion would lower brain salicylate concentrations through redistribution in a porcine model of acute salicylate poisoning. Methods:In a randomized controlled trial, 17 swine under anesthesia and controlled ventilation received 400 mg/kg of sodium salicylate IV over 15 minutes. At 60 minutes, nine animals received 1.25 g/kg albumin (25% solution) IV over 15 minutes, while eight control animals received an equal volume of normal saline (5 mL/kg). Arterial pH was maintained between 7.45 and 7.55. Serial measurements of serum albumin as well as free and total salicylate concentrations were obtained, and urine was collected for measurement of total salicylate excretion. At 180 minutes, animals were killed and brains harvested for measurement of brain salicylate concentrations. Results:Average peak serum total salicylate concentrations of 105.5 and 109 mg/dL were achieved in control and albumin‐treated animals, respectively. Albumin infusion was accompanied by statistically significant increases in serum total salicylate concentrations (median from 79.5 to 86.9 mg/dL at 75 minutes), while levels decreased slightly in control animals. Serum free salicylate concentrations decreased slightly in albumin‐treated animals, but the difference was not statistically significant. Median brain salicylate concentrations were about 14% lower in the albumin treatment group (17.8 mg/100 g brain) compared with controls (20.5 mg/100 g brain); this approached statistical significance (p = 0.075). Median urinary salicylate excretion was higher in the albumin‐treated group (0.83 vs. 0.48 g; p = 0.072), with similar urinary pH and volumes in both groups. Conclusions:In this animal model of salicylate poisoning, IV infusion of 1.25 g/kg albumin was accompanied by a 14% decline in median brain salicylate concentrations, which approached statistical significance.
U.S. Emergency Department Visits for Supraventricular Tachycardia, 1993–2003
Authors: Murman David H. , McDonald Alden J. , Pelletier Andrea J. , Camargo Carlos A. 
Published: April 2007

Background:Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is often described as a recurrent condition that leads to emergency department (ED) visits. However, the epidemiology of ED visits for SVT is unknown. Objectives:To define the frequency of SVT in U.S. EDs and to analyze patient characteristics, ED management, and disposition for such visits. Methods:The authors analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1993–2003. SVT cases were identified by using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 426.7 or 427.0 in any of the three diagnostic fields. Results:Of the 1.1 billion ED visits over the 11‐year study period, an estimated 555,000 (0.05%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04% to 0.06%) were related to SVT. The annual frequency and population rate appear stable between 1993 and 2003 (p for trend = 0.35). Compared with non‐SVT visits, those with SVT were more likely to be older than 65 years of age (26% vs. 15%, p < 0.01) and female (70% vs. 53%, p < 0.01). Electrocardiograms were documented for most visits (91%; 95% CI = 85% to 96%). Approximately half of the patients (51%; 95% CI = 40% to 61%) received an atrioventricular nodal blocking medication, most frequently adenosine (26%; 95% CI = 17% to 36%). SVT visits ended in hospital admission for 24% (95% CI = 15% to 34%). At the other extreme, 44% (95% CI = 32% to 56%) were discharged without planned follow‐up. Conclusions:Supraventricular tachycardia accounts for approximately 50,000 ED visits each year. Higher visit rates in older adults and female patients are consistent with prior studies of SVT in the general population. This study provides an epidemiologic foundation that will enable future research to assess and improve clinical management strategies of SVT in the ED.
Emergency Department Visits for Pediatric Trampoline‐related Injuries: An Update
Authors: Linakis James G. , Mello Michael J. , Machan Jason , Amanullah Siraj , Palmisciano Lynne M. 
Published: April 2007

Objectives:To describe the epidemiology of emergency department (ED) visits for trampoline‐related injuries among U.S. children from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2005, using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) and to compare recent trampoline injury demographics and injury characteristics with those previously published for 1990–1995 using the same data source. Methods:A stratified probability sample of U.S. hospitals providing emergency services in NEISS was utilized for 2000–2005. Nonfatal trampoline‐related injury visits to the ED were analyzed for patients from 0 to 18 years of age. Results:In 2000–2005, there was a mean of 88,563 ED visits per year for trampoline‐related injuries among 0–18‐year‐olds, 95% of which occurred at home. This represents a significantly increased number of visits compared with 1990–1995, when there was an average of 41,600 visits per year. Primary diagnosis and principal body part affected remained similar between the two study periods. Conclusions:ED visits for trampoline‐related injuries in 2000–2005 increased in frequency by 113% over the number of visits for 1990–1995. Trampoline use at home continues to be a significant source of childhood injury morbidity.
Reply Letters following Orthodontic Consultations: An Audit of Merseyside General Dental Practitioners’ Satisfaction
Authors: Waring David T , Harrison Jayne E 
Published: April 2007

Objectives To assess the opinions of general dental practitioners (GDPs) working within the National Health Service (NHS) in Merseyside regarding the length, format and appropriateness of consultant orthodontists’ letters sent in reply to referral letters. Main outcome measures These were GDPs’ satisfaction with the length, format and content of the reply letters; GDPs’ preferences for the information deemed necessary in such letters; GDPs’ awareness of the status of their patients and the actions they were requested to undertake. Method After piloting, questionnaires were mailed to 330 participating GDPs between August and October 2004. Results Two hundred and fifty-one (76%) questionnaires were returned. With one exception, the length of consultants’ letters was thought to be adequate. Of the responding GDPs 82% stated a preference for summaries of the diagnosis and treatment plan to be presented in a list format rather than as free text. Aspects of the treatment plan were thought to be more important than the information about the examination. Following receipt of the reply letter only 71% of GDPs were aware of what was happening to their patients and 75% knew what actions they were to undertake. Conclusions This audit provides evidence that GDPs consider that a significant portion of the information in consultants’ reply letters is not needed. Relevant information may be poorly communicated.
Obstetric haemorrhage in Gimbie, Ethiopia
Authors: Duffy Shane 
Published: April 2007

Key content

The leading cause of maternal death in developing countries is obstetric haemorrhage.
The developing world has benefited little from the many medical advances of the last century.
Health interventions in developing countries need to involve community as well as health facility interventions (the ‘three delays’ model).

Learning objectives

To understand the challenges of improving maternal health globally, especially in Ethiopia.
To understand how developed countries can take the lead by funding change and by ethical recruitment from developing countries.
To understand how a small charity, Maternity Worldwide, has started to address maternal inequalities in developing countries.

Ethical issues

Safe motherhood is not a charity issue: it is a call for justice.
Developed countries have a responsibility not to actively recruit the scarce numbers of health care staff from developing countries.

Please cite this article as: Duffy S. Obstetric haemorrhage in Gimbie, Ethiopia. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:121–126.
Delayed fluorescence in algal growth inhibition tests
Authors: Berden-Zrimec Maja , Drinovec Luka , Zrimec Alexis , Tišler Tatjana 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA series of 72-hour growth inhibition tests with green alga Desmodesmus (Scenedesmus) subspicatus (ISO 8692) has been performed to test the delayed fluorescence (DF) parameters as possible endpoint measurements. Sensitivity to five toxicants with direct and indirect effects on photosynthesis was tested, and the median effective concentration (EC50) values derived from the cell concentration, absorbance and DF were compared. The sensitivity of DF intensity (DFI) was comparable with the two endpoints suggested in ISO 8692 for all five toxicants: potassium dichromate, 3,5-dichlorophenol (3,5-DCP), DCMU, copper and cadmium. In the case of potassium dichromate and copper, DFI was more sensitive than the other endpoints in this study. The analysis of DF relaxation kinetics showed a specific response to the herbicide DCMU. Additionally, a 24-hour test was performed with the same toxicant concentrations (except copper), where DFI was measured 30 minutes, one hour and 24 hours after the exposure. The influence of toxicants on DFI after a 24-hour exposure was comparable with the effects after 72 hours. Only 3,5-DCP influenced DFI after 30 minutes. DF proved to be a simple, reliable and rapid measurement to assess toxicity in algal tests, which can to some extent differentiate among various toxicants.
[Fe3(HCOO)6]: A Permanent Porous Diamond Framework Displaying H2/N2 Adsorption, Guest Inclusion, and Guest‐Dependent Magnetism
Authors: Wang Z.‐M. , Zhang Y.‐J. , Liu T. , Kurmoo M. , Gao S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe porous magnet [Fe3(HCOO)6], the iron member of the [M3(HCOO)6] family (where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, etc.), based on a diamond framework consisting of Fe‐centered FeFe4 tetrahedral nodes, is prepared successfully by using a solution‐chemistry method. The as‐prepared compound, [Fe3(HCOO)6](CH3OH)1.5(H2O)0.5 (1‐parent), exhibits facile removal of its guests, methanol, and water, to give the desolvated framework [Fe3(HCOO)6] (2‐empty) that displays permanent porosity and thermal stability up to 270 °C. The flexibility of the framework and the amphiphilic nature of the surface of the pores consisting of both C–H and O arrays allows 2‐empty to take up significant H2 and N2 at liquid‐nitrogen temperatures and a wide spectrum of both polar and nonpolar guests of different sizes. A series of guest‐inclusion compounds, [Fe3(HCOO)6](I2)0.84 (3‐iodine), [Fe3(HCOO)6](C4H8O) (4‐THF), [Fe3(HCOO)6](C4H4O) (5‐furan), [Fe3(HCOO)6](C6H6) (6‐benzene), [Fe3(HCOO)6](CH3CN) (7‐acetonitrile), and [Fe3(HCOO)6]((CH3)2CO) (8‐acetone) are successfully prepared by vapor diffusion of the guest into the pores of 2‐empty and their structures are characterized by using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Zigzag molecular arrays of the guest are formed in the confined channels of the host framework, and the weak hydrogen‐bonding provides the main host–guest interaction. All the compounds show 3D long‐range magnetic ordering and guest‐modulated Curie temperatures, coercive fields, and remnant magnetization as a consequence of the subtle rearrangement of the magnetic framework that conforms to the size of the guests and the difference in host–guest interactions. A possible magnetic structure of the framework is proposed to account for magnetic competition and geometrical frustration. The thermal and spectroscopic properties of the compounds are also reported.
Modern Potentiometry
Authors: Bakker Eric , Pretsch Ernö 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFor most chemists, potentiometry with ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) primarily means pH measurements with a glass electrode. Those interested in clinical analysis might know that ISEs, routinely used for the determination of blood electrolytes, have a market size comparable to that of glass electrodes. It is even less well known that potentiometry went through a silent revolution during the past decade. The lower detection limit and the discrimination of interfering ions (the selectivity coefficients) have been improved in many cases by factors up to 106 and 1010, respectively, thus allowing their application in fields such as environmental trace analysis and potentiometric biosensing. The determination of complex formation constants for lipophilic hosts and ionic guests is also covered in this Minireview.