bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations of exhaled nitric oxide in pre-term infants with chronic lung disease
Authors: Roiha H. L. , Kuehni C. E. , Zanolari M. , Zwahlen M. , Baldwin D. N. , Casaulta C. , Nelle M. , Frey U. 
Published: October 2006

Animal models suggest that reduced nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity results in lower values of exhaled NO (eNO) present at birth in those individuals who are going to develop chronic lung disease of infancy (CLDI).Online tidal eNO was measured in 39 unsedated pre-term infants with CLDI (mean gestational age (GA) 27.3 weeks) in comparison with 23 healthy pre-term (31.6 weeks) and 127 term infants (39.9 weeks) at 44 weeks post-conceptional age, thus after the main inflammatory response. NO output (NO output (V′NO) = eNO×flow) was calculated to account for tidal- flow-related changes. Sex, maternal atopic disease and environmental factors (smoking, caffeine) were controlled for.The mean eNO was not different (14.9 ppb in all groups) butV′NOwas lower in CLDI compared with healthy term infants (0.52versus0.63 nL·s-1). Values for healthy pre-term infants were between these two groups (0.58 nL·s-1). Within all pre-term infants (n = 62),V′NOwas reduced in infants with low GA, high clinical risk index for babies scores and longer duration of oxygen therapy but not associated with post-natal factors, such as ventilation or corticosteroid treatment.After accounting for flow, the lower nitric oxide output in premature infants with chronic lung disease of infancy is consistent with the hypothesis of nitric oxide metabolism being involved in chronic lung disease of infancy.
Clarithromycin in the treatment of RSV bronchiolitis: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Tahan F. , Ozcan A. , Koc N. 
Published: October 2006

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infancy. To date, there is no effective therapy for RSV bronchiolitis.In order to investigate the efficacy of clarithromycin in the treatment of RSV bronchiolitis, the present authors conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing clarithromycin with placebo in 21 infants with a diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis. The infants were randomised to receive clarithromycin or placebo daily for 3 weeks. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, eotaxin, and interferon-γ were determined in plasma, before and after treatment, using ELISA. Six months after treatment, parents were surveyed as to whether their child had experienced wheezing within the previous 6 months.Treatment with clarithromycin was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the length of hospital stay, the duration of need for supplemental oxygen and the need for β2-agonist treatment. There were significant decreases in plasma IL-4, IL-8 and eotaxin levels after 3 weeks of treatment with clarithromycin. Readmission to the hospital within 6 months after discharge was significantly lower in the clarithromycin group.In conclusion, clarithromycin has statistically significant effects on the clinical and laboratory findings in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. Therefore, clarithromycin treatment may be helpful in reducing the short-term effects of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.
α1-Antitrypsin inhalation reduces airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Griese M. , Latzin P. , Kappler M. , Weckerle K. , Heinzlmaier T. , Bernhardt T. , Hartl D. 
Published: October 2006

The airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are characterised by neutrophils that release high amounts of elastase overwhelming the local antiprotease shield. Inhalation of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) may restore the protease–antiprotease balance and attenuate airway inflammation in CF airways. The aims of the present study were: 1) to assess the best deposition region for inhaled AAT by two different inhalation strategies; and 2) to examine the effect of 4 weeks of AAT inhalation on lung function, protease–antiprotease balance and airway inflammation in CF patients.In a prospective, randomised study, 52 CF patients received a daily deposition by inhalation of 25 mg AAT for 4 weeks targeting their peripheral or bronchial compartment. The levels of elastase activity, AAT, pro-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophils, immunoglobulin G fragments and the numbers ofPseudomonas aeruginosawere assessed in induced sputum before and after the inhalation period.Inhalation of AAT increased AAT levels and decreased the levels of elastase activity, neutrophils, pro-inflammatory cytokines and the numbers ofP. aeruginosa. However, it had no effect on lung function. No difference was found between the peripheral and bronchial inhalation mode.In conclusion, although no effect on lung function was observed, the clear reduction of airway inflammation after α1-antitrypsin treatment may precede pulmonary structural changes. The α1-antitrypsin deposition region may play a minor role for α1-antitrypsin inhalation in cystic fibrosis patients.
Differences in proteoglycan deposition in the airways of moderate and severe asthmatics
Authors: Pini L. , Hamid Q. , Shannon J. , Lemelin L. , Olivenstein R. , Ernst P. , Lemière C. , Martin J. G. , Ludwig M. S. 
Published: October 2006

Excess deposition of proteoglycans (PGs) has been described in the subepithelial layer of the asthmatic airway wall. However, less is known about deposition in the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer, and whether the pattern of deposition is altered depending upon disease severity.Endobronchial biopsies were performed in patients with severe or moderate asthma (defined using American Thoracic Society criteria) and in control subjects. Biopsies were immunostained for the PGs biglycan, lumican, versican and decorin. PG deposition was measured in the subepithelial and ASM layers, the former by calculating the area of positive staining, and the latter by determining the percentage area stained using point counting.Immunostaining for PGs was prominent in biopsies from both moderate and severe asthmatics, compared with control subjects. While there was no difference in the amount of PG in the subepithelial layer between the two asthmatic groups, the percentage area of biglycan and lumican staining in the ASM layer was significantly greater in moderateversussevere asthmatics.Differences in the deposition of proteoglycans within the airway smooth muscle layer of moderateversussevere asthmatics potentially impact on the functional behaviour of the airway smooth muscle in these two groups of patients.
Modification of surface antigens in blood CD8+ T-lymphocytes in COPD: effects of smoking
Authors: Koch A. , Gaczkowski M. , Sturton G. , Staib P. , Schinköthe T. , Klein E. , Rubbert A. , Bacon K. , Waβermann K. , Erdmann E. 
Published: October 2006

In contrast to the effects of cigarette smoke on T-lymphocyte subsets in the airways, it has not yet been determined whether smoking has immunomodulatory effects on surface antigens of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes and, if that is the case, whether these effects differ in smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The present authors have, therefore, examined the expression of the surface activation marker CD28, the levels of cytotoxic effector lymphocytes (CD27-/CD45RA+) and the expression of the lung type (Tc)1-specific chemokine receptor CXCR3+ on peripheral blood CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The present authors have also studied the chemotactic activity of CD8+ T-lymphocytes on monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and compared 13 nonsmoking controls, 12 smokers with COPD and 14 smokers without airflow limitation.There was a decrease in the total count of CD8+ T-cells and an increase in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in smokers with COPD compared with smokers without COPD and controls. Expression of the Tc1-specific chemokine receptor CXCR3+ by CD8+ T-cells was increased in smokers with COPD compared with smokers without COPD and controls.The expression of activated and of cytotoxic effector CD8+ T-cells in smokers with and without COPD showed an increase compared with controls. CD8+ T-cells from smokers with and without COPD showed a decrease in chemotactic activity to MCP-1 compared with controls.In conclusion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be a systemic immunomodulatory disease associated with the modification of surface antigens in blood CD8+ T-lymphocytes.
Analysis and functional annotation of expressed sequence tags from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Deng Youping , Dong Yinghua , Thodima Venkata , Clem Rollie J , Passarelli A Lorena 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the genome sequences of lepidopteran insects, although this group of insects has been studied extensively in the fields of endocrinology, development, immunity, and pathogen-host interactions. In addition, cell lines derived from Spodoptera frugiperda and other lepidopteran insects are routinely used for baculovirus foreign gene expression. This study reports the results of an expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing project in cells from the lepidopteran insect S. frugiperda, the fall armyworm.

Results
We have constructed an EST database using two cDNA libraries from the S. frugiperda-derived cell line, SF-21. The database consists of 2,367 ESTs which were assembled into 244 contigs and 951 singlets for a total of 1,195 unique sequences.

Conclusion

S. frugiperda is an agriculturally important pest insect and genomic information will be instrumental for establishing initial transcriptional profiling and gene function studies, and for obtaining information about genes manipulated during infections by insect pathogens such as baculoviruses.
Status of national health research systems in ten countries of the WHO African Region
Authors: Kirigia Joses M , Wambebe Charles 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, in 1998, passed a resolution (AFR/RC48/R4) which urged its Member States in the Region to develop national research policies and strategies and to build national health research capacities, particularly through resource allocation, training of senior officials, strengthening of research institutions and establishment of coordination mechanisms.
The purpose of this study was to take stock of some aspects of national resources for health research in the countries of the Region; identify current constraints facing national health research systems; and propose the way forward.

Methods
A questionnaire was prepared and sent by pouch to all the 46 Member States in the WHO African Region through the WHO Country Representatives for facilitation and follow up. The health research focal person in each of the countries Ministry of Health (in consultation with other relevant health research bodies in the country) bore the responsibility for completing the questionnaire. The data were entered and analysed in Excel spreadsheet.

Results
The key findings were as follows: the response rate was 21.7% (10/46); three countries had a health research policy; one country reported that it had a law relating to health research; two countries had a strategic health research plan; three countries reported that they had a functional national health research system (NHRS); two countries confirmed the existence of a functional national health research management forum (NHRMF); six countries had a functional ethical review committee (ERC); five countries had a scientific review committee (SRC); five countries reported the existence of health institutions with institutional review committees (IRC); two countries had a health research programme; and three countries had a national health research institute (NHRI) and a faculty of health sciences in the national university that conducted health research. Four out of the ten countries reported that they had a budget line for health research in the Ministry of Health budget document.

Conclusion
Governments of countries of the African Region, with the support of development partners, private sector and civil society, urgently need to improve the research policy environment by developing health research policies, strategic plans, legislations, programmes and rolling plans with the involvement of all stakeholders, e.g., relevant sectors, research organizations, communities, industry and donors.
In a nutshell, development of high-performing national health research systems in the countries of the WHO African Region, though optional, is an imperative. It may be the only way of breaking free from the current vicious cycle of ill-health and poverty.
The use of sleep aids among Emergency Medicine residents: a web based survey
Authors: Handel Daniel A , Raja Ali , Lindsell Christopher J 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Sleepiness is a significant problem among residents due to chronic sleep deprivation. Recent studies have highlighted medical errors due to resident sleep deprivation. We hypothesized residents routinely use pharmacologic sleep aids to manage their sleep deprivation and reduce sleepiness.

Methods
A web-based survey of US allopathic Emergency Medicine (EM) residents was conducted during September 2004. All EM residency program directors were asked to invite their residents to participate. E-mail with reminders was used to solicit participation. Direct questions about use of alcohol and medications to facilitate sleep, and questions requesting details of sleep aids were included.

Results
Of 3,971 EM residents, 602 (16%) replied to the survey. Respondents were 71% male, 78% white, and mean (SD) age was 30 (4) years, which is similar to the entire EM resident population reported by the ACGME. There were 32% 1st year, 32% 2nd year, 28% 3rd year, and 8% 4th year residents. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) showed 38% of residents were excessively sleepy (ESS 11–16) and 7% were severely sleepy (ESS>16). 46% (95 CI 42%–50%) regularly used alcohol, antihistamines, sleep adjuncts, benzodiazepines, or muscle relaxants to help them fall or stay asleep. Study limitations include low response and self-report.

Conclusion
Even with a low response rate, sleep aid use among EM residents may be common. How this affects performance, well-being, and health remains unknown.
LitMiner: integration of library services within a bio-informatics application
Authors: Demaine Jeffrey , Martin Joel , Wei Lynn , de Bruijn Berry 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
This paper examines how the adoption of a subject-specific library service has changed the way in which its users interact with a digital library. The LitMiner text-analysis application was developed to enable biologists to explore gene relationships in the published literature. The application features a suite of interfaces that enable users to search PubMed as well as local databases, to view document abstracts, to filter terms, to select gene name aliases, and to visualize the co-occurrences of genes in the literature. At each of these stages, LitMiner offers the functionality of a digital library. Documents that are accessible online are identified by an icon. Users can also order documents from their institution's library collection from within the application. In so doing, LitMiner aims to integrate digital library services into the research process of its users.

Methods
Case study

Results
This integration of digital library services into the research process of biologists results in increased access to the published literature.

Conclusion
In order to make better use of their collections, digital libraries should customize their services to suit the research needs of their patrons.
Vaccinia virus replication is not affected by APOBEC3 family members
Authors: Kremer Melanie , Suezer Yasemin , Martinez-Fernandez Yolanda , Münk Carsten , Sutter Gerd , Schnierle Barbara S 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The APOBEC3G protein represents a novel innate defense mechanism against retroviral infection. It facilitates the deamination of the cytosine residues in the single stranded cDNA intermediate during early steps of retroviral infection. Most poxvirus genomes are relatively A/T-rich, which may indicate APOBEC3G-induced mutational pressure. In addition, poxviruses replicate exclusively in the cytoplasm where APOBEC3G is located. It was therefore tempting to analyze whether vaccinia virus replication is affected by APOBEC3G.

Results
The replication of vaccinia virus, a prototype poxvirus, was not, however, inhibited in APOBEC3G-expressing cells, nor did other members of the APOBEC3 family alter vaccinia virus replication. HIV counteracts APOBEC3G by inducing its degradation. However, Western blot analysis showed that the levels of APOBEC3G protein were not affected by vaccinia virus infection.

Conclusion
The data indicate that APOBEC3G is not a restriction factor for vaccinia virus replication nor is vaccinia virus able to degrade APOBEC3G.
Nerve Injury Induces Robust Allodynia and Ectopic Discharges in Nav1.3 Null Mutant Mice
Authors: Nassar Mohammed A , Baker Mark D , Levato Alessandra , Ingram Rachel , Mallucci Giovanna , McMahon Stephen B , Wood John N 
Published: October 2006

Changes in sodium channel activity and neuronal hyperexcitability contribute to neuropathic pain, a major clinical problem. There is strong evidence that the re-expression of the embryonic voltage-gated sodium channel subunit Nav1.3 underlies neuronal hyperexcitability and neuropathic pain. Here we show that acute and inflammatory pain behaviour is unchanged in global Nav1.3 mutant mice. Surprisingly, neuropathic pain also developed normally in the Nav1.3 mutant mouse. To rule out any genetic compensation mechanisms that may have masked the phenotype, we investigated neuropathic pain in two conditional Nav1.3 mutant mouse lines. We used Nav1.8-Cre mice to delete Nav1.3 in nociceptors at E14 and NFH-Cre mice to delete Nav1.3 throughout the nervous system postnatally. Again normal levels of neuropathic pain developed after nerve injury in both lines. Furthermore, ectopic discharges from damaged nerves were unaffected by the absence of Nav1.3 in global knock-out mice. Our data demonstrate that Nav1.3 is neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of nerve-injury related pain.
The sensitivity of syphilis assays in detecting different stages of early syphilis
Authors: Manavi K , Young H , McMillan A 
Published: October 2006

Our aim was to determine the sensitivity of the Murex ICE enzyme immunoassay (EIA) as a screening test for early syphilis and to determine how many additional cases of infection were detected by performing additional tests when requested on clinical grounds. This was an observational study on consecutive patients diagnosed with syphilis in the Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Edinburgh between January 1st 2004 and April 1st 2005. Additional tests were performed on sera that gave a positive or equivocal EIA on screening as well as by clinical request on sera from contacts of syphilis, and those with clinical signs of syphilis. Additional tests included a Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (VDRL) carbon antigen test, a Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test, INNO-LIA line immunoblot assay, and an EIA specific for anti-treponemal IgM. A total of 105 patients were diagnosed with syphilis: primary (50), secondary (26), early latent (8), and of unknown duration (21). The TPPA was the most sensitive test in primary syphilis and had a sensitivity of 96% (48/50), which was significantly higher ( P <0.05) than the sensitivity of 84% (42/50) for the screening EIA: seven of the EIA negatives were detected by EIA–IgM, six by TPPA, five by immunoblot, and two by VDRL. EIA–IgM was negative in six primaries; all were positive by TPPA and immunoblot. We conclude that, in order to maximize the serological detection of primary syphilis a specific EIA–IgM test and a TPPA test should be performed whenever there is a clinical suspicion of primary infection. This is particularly important when an EIA such as Murex ICE is used as a single screening test as it is less sensitive than the TPPA in primary infection.
An evolution of therapy for mucocutaneous candidiasis
Authors: Kornblut Alan David 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a relatively uncommon form of candida infection, and can be found in patients with primary deficiencies of their immune systems. When such infection occurs in patients with non‐lethal immune deficiences, defects of chemotaxis or cellular immunity can be found. In addition, significant endocrinopathies may occur, particularly involving the parathyroid and adrenal glands.A number of therapies have been devised for the treatment of chronic candidiasis, and have included both local and systemic medications. The most useful of these in the past have included the polyene antibiotics — most notably, nystatin and amphotericin B. Antifungal activity has also been demonstrated clinically with the use of 5‐fluorocytosine (a fluorinated pyramidine) and clotrimazole (a synthetic imidazole derivative). However, long‐term therapy with medication has been required, and re‐emergence of symptomatic infection has occurred when medications have been stopped. More recently, immune reconstitution with transfer factor has been employed in the treatment of patients who have been found to be anergic to candida. Such treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy has indicated that effective patient remissions can be obtained in those patients who develop and maintain cell‐mediated immunity to candida.Twelve patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis are profiled. Sites of involvement in the head and neck included the skin and hair (9), ears (9), nose (4) and throat (12). One patient had candida laryngitis, while five patients had evidence for esophageal disease. Of this latter group, one (a 5‐year old boy) developed esophageal stenosis which required gastrostomy and retrograde esophageal dilatations. Nine patients were found to be anergic to candida. In these patients, systemic chemotherapy (as amphotericin B or 5‐fluorocytosine) was used to induce remissions of disease and transfer factor was given to induce reactivity to candida. By so doing, topical or oral medications (utilizing miconazole, clotrimazole and nystatin) were found to suffice in maintaining effective local control of infection.