bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of asthma in children: a reversing trend
Authors: van Schayck C. P. , Smit H. A. 
Published: October 2005

In several countries it has been observed that there has been no further increase in the prevalence of asthma. This study aimed to look at asthma prevalence in children during the past 15–30 years in The Netherlands.Both general practice registration (Continuous Morbidity Registration, Nijmegen) and surveys of the public health service in Limburg (Southern parts of the Netherlands) were used for this purpose.The general practice registration showed that after a five-fold increase in asthma prevalence during the 1980s and 1990s a downward trend seemed to occur around the turn of the century. The public health service confirms a clear decrease in wheezing and dyspnoea in children during the late 1990s. Thus far, there has been no satisfactory explanation for this observation.
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema: a distinct underrecognised entity
Authors: Cottin V. , Nunes H. , Brillet P-Y. , Delaval P. , Devouassoux G. , Tillie-Leblond I. , Israel-Biet D. , Court-Fortune I. , Valeyre D. , Cordier J-F. 
Published: October 2005

The syndrome resulting from combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema has not been comprehensively described.The current authors conducted a retrospective study of 61 patients with both emphysema of the upper zones and diffuse parenchymal lung disease with fibrosis of the lower zones of the lungs on chest computed tomography.Patients (all smokers) included 60 males and one female, with a mean age of 65 yrs. Dyspnoea on exertion was present in all patients. Basal crackles were found in 87% and finger clubbing in 43%. Pulmonary function tests were as follows (mean±sd): total lung capacity 88%±17, forced vital capacity (FVC) 88%±18, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 80%±21 (% predicted), FEV1/FVC 69%±13, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity of the lung 37%±16 (% predicted), carbon monoxide transfer coefficient 46%±19. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 47% of patients at diagnosis, and 55% during follow-up. Patients were followed for a mean of 2.1±2.8 yrs from diagnosis. Survival was 87.5% at 2 yrs and 54.6% at 5 yrs, with a median of 6.1 yrs. The presence of pulmonary hypertension at diagnosis was a critical determinant of prognosis.The authors hereby individualise the computer tomography-defined syndrome of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema characterised by subnormal spirometry, severe impairment of gas exchange, high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension, and poor survival.
Physiological response to the six-minute walk test in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Deboeck G. , Niset G. , Vachiery J-L. , Moraine J-J. , Naeije R. 
Published: October 2005

The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to evaluate exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, little is known about the corresponding metabolic stress as measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing.The present study, therefore, measured ventilatory variables and heart rate during the 6MWT and symptom-limited incremental maximal exercise testing in 20 patients with PAH.The distance walked in 6 min was 450±22 m (mean±se). During the 6MWT, ventilation, O2consumption, CO2production and heart rate increased during the first 3–4 min, and then remained stable. As compared with the maximum values measured during the cardiopulmonary exercise test, O2consumption tended to be higher (14.2±0.6versus12.9±0.7 mL·kg−1·min−1), while maximum ventilation (46±3versus57±4 L·min−1), respiratory quotient (0.90±0.02versus1.15±0.02) and heart rate (119±4versus135±4 beats·min−1) remained lower.In conclusion, patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension exercise at higher aerobic capacity and lower metabolic stress during the 6MWT than during a cardiopulmonary exercise test.
Pulmonary rehabilitation and the BODE index in COPD
Authors: Cote C. G. , Celli B. R. 
Published: October 2005

The BODE index, which integrates body mass index, airflow limitation (forced expiratory volume in one second), dyspnoea and 6-min walk distance, predicts mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves some components of BODE. It was hypothesised that changes in BODE may reflect the effects of PR.To test this, participation in PR was offered to 246 patients (BODE quartiles 2–4). The patients were divided as follows: no PR (130 who declined rehabilitation or who dropped out from PR), and PR (116 who completed PR). BODE was determined at entry, after PR, and at 1 and 2 yrs. Other outcomes were: length of stay (LOS) for respiratory-related hospitalisations and mortality.At entry, the two groups had similar age and comorbidity but different BODE. After PR, the BODE improved by 19% and returned to baseline after 2 yrs. The BODE worsened in the no PR group by 4% at 12 months and 18% at 2 yrs. Respiratory mortality at 2 yrs for PR was 7%, compared with 39% for no PR. LOS at 1 yr for COPD decreased 20% in PR, while it increased 25% in no PR.In conclusion, pulmonary rehabilitation participation improves BODE and is associated with better outcomes. The BODE index change after pulmonary rehabilitation provides valuable prognostic information.
S-carboxymethylcysteine normalises airway responsiveness in sensitised and challenged mice
Authors: Takeda K. , Miyahara N. , Kodama T. , Taube C. , Balhorn A. , Dakhama A. , Kitamura K. , Hirano A. , Tanimoto M. , Gelfand E. W. 
Published: October 2005

S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC) has been used as a mucoregulator in respiratory diseases. However, the mechanism of action ofS-CMC on allergic airway inflammation has not yet been defined.In the present study, BALB/c mice were initially sensitised and challenged to ovalbumin (OVA) and, weeks later, re-challenged with OVA (secondary challenge).S-CMC (5–100 mg·kg−1) was administered from 2 days before the secondary challenge through to the day of assay.Mice developed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) 6 h after the secondary challenge and increased numbers of neutrophils were present in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. At 72 h after secondary challenge, mice again developed AHR, but the BAL fluid contained large numbers of eosinophils.S-CMC treatment was found to reduce AHR and neutrophilia at 6 h, as well as eosinophilia and AHR at 72 h. These effects appeared to be dose dependent. Goblet cell hyperplasia, observed at 72 h, was reduced byS-CMC. In BAL fluid, increased levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-10 and decreased levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were detected.In conclusion, the data indicate thatS-carboxymethylcysteine is effective in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation at two distinct phases of the response to the secondary allergen challenge in sensitised mice.
Occupational asthma due to manual metal-arc welding of special stainless steels
Authors: Hannu T. , Piipari R. , Kasurinen H. , Keskinen H. , Tuppurainen M. , Tuomi T. 
Published: October 2005

Occupational asthma (OA) can be induced by fumes of manual metal-arc welding on stainless steel. In recent years, the use of special stainless steels (SSS) with high chromium content has increased.This study presents two cases of OA caused by manual metal-arc welding on SSS. In both cases, the diagnosis of OA was based on respiratory symptoms, occupational exposure and positive findings in the specific challenge tests.In the first case, a 46-yr-old welder had experienced severe dyspnoea while welding SSS (SMO steel), but not in other situations. Challenge tests with both mild steel and stainless steel using a common electrode were negative. Welding SSS with a special electrode caused a delayed 37% drop in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). In the second case, a 34-yr-old male had started to experience dyspnoea during the past few years, while welding especially SSS (Duplex steel). The workplace peak expiratory flow monitoring was suggestive of OA. Challenge tests with both mild steel and stainless steel using a common electrode did not cause bronchial obstruction. Welding SSS with a special electrode caused a delayed 31% drop in FEV1.In conclusion, exposure to manual metal-arc welding fumes of special stainless steel should be considered as a new cause of occupational asthma.
A possible role for Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of pleural effusion
Authors: Thijsen S. F. T. , Luderer R. , van Gorp J. M. H. , Oudejans S. J. G. , Bossink A. W. J. 
Published: October 2005

A high percentage of pleural effusions remain unexplained despite an intensive diagnostic workup. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections occur worldwide and affect the majority of the population. The present study investigated the prevalence and clinical relevance of EBV in pleural effusions.A prospective study was performed in which 60 consecutive patients with pleural effusion were enrolled. Real-time quantitative EBV-PCR was performed on pleural fluid and serum. Pleural fluid was further evaluated using standard biochemical, cytological and microbiological procedures. Demographic data, medical history and medication were recorded.A total of 24 (40%), from 60 pleural fluids tested, were positive in the EBV-PCR. Median EBV-DNA levels for positive samples was 454 genome equivalents (geq)·mL−1(range 36–163,446 geq·mL−1). A total of 20 (59%) out of 34 unexplained pleural effusions were EBV-PCR positive. Serological analysis of all patients with a positive PCR revealed a previous infection. Patients with a positive EBV-PCR on pleural fluid were more likely to have a positive EBV-PCR on serum than patients with a negative PCR on pleural fluid.Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in pleural fluid is a frequent event and the absence of an alternative diagnosis to explain the nature of the effusion in the majority of cases suggests an aetiological role for Epstein-Barr virus in the development of pleural effusion.
Use of heated humidification during nasal CPAP titration in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Duong M. , Jayaram L. , Camfferman D. , Catcheside P. , Mykytyn I. , McEvoy R. D. 
Published: October 2005

Nasal symptoms associated with the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can adversely impact on patients' tolerance, acceptance and adherence to nCPAP therapy. Regular use of heated humidification is effective in alleviating these symptoms and improve patient comfort.In a randomised, parallel, double-blinded, controlled study, the present authors examined the use of heated humidification during a single night laboratory nCPAP titration in untreated OSA patients and its effect on nasal symptoms, nasal airway resistance (NAR), effective pressure and treatment tolerability and acceptance.Baseline characteristics of subjects (n = 70) receiving placebo and humidification were (mean±sem): age 51.2±2.2versus50.6±1.6 yrs; body mass index 33.6±0.9versus35.2±0.9 kg·m−2; Epworth Sleepiness Scale 10.8±1.0versus11.3±0.7; and apnoea-hypopnoea index 43.5±4.6versus44.4±4.1 events·h−1. Total inspiratory NAR, before (0.36±0.09 (placebo)versus0.33±0.09 kPa·L−1·s−1) and after nCPAP (0.47±0.11versus0.29±0.04 kPa·L−1·s−1) were not significantly different between the groups. No difference was found in the frequency and severity of nasopharyngeal symptoms, therapeutic pressure and subjective response to nCPAP.In conclusion, heated humidification during the initial nasal continuous positive airway pressure titration offers no additional benefit in nasal physiology, symptoms or subjective response to nasal continuous positive airway pressure, and, therefore, should not be routinely recommended.
Expiratory flow limitation and obstruction in the elderly
Authors: de Bisschop C. , Marty M. L. , Tessier J. F. , Barberger-Gateau P. , Dartigues J. F. , Guénard H. 
Published: October 2005

Elderly people commonly suffer from dyspnoea, which may stem from expiratory flow limitation (EFL). The relationship between EFL, as assessed by the negative expiratory pressure method and spirometric indices, was investigated in an elderly French population. Subjects, aged 66–88 yrs, filled in socio-demographic and standardised questionnaires, which dealt with: medical history, smoking status and respiratory symptoms. EFL measurements and forced expiratory manoeuvres were performed.Validated measurements were obtained in 750 out of 1,318 subjects: 47% were EFL+ (EFL >0), with a higher prevalence in females than in males. EFL and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were correlated with age. A total of 116, from the 750 subjects, with no medical history and no symptoms, served as a healthy group. The prevalence of EFL+ subjects increased with the grade of dyspnoea and was highest in respiratory and cardiac patients when compared with the healthy subjects. EFL did not correlate with FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), the usual index of obstruction. Some elderly subjects (15%) with dyspnoea but with no medical history, mainly females with small FVC and normal FEV1/FVC, had a greater EFL than the healthy subjects.In elderly people, expiratory flow limitation measurements, along with the usual forced expiratory volume in one second/ forced vital capacity ratio, may be of value for the interpretation of dyspnoea.
From muscle disuse to myopathy in COPD: potential contribution of oxidative stress
Authors: Couillard A. , Prefaut C. 
Published: October 2005

Evidence has been accumulating that chronic inactivity leading to muscle disuse is unlikely to be the only explanation for the peripheral muscle dysfunction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.Although a new concept of myopathy was recently proposed, the question of disuse and/or a form of myopathy is still being debated. This review proposes definitions for the terms used in this debate, discusses the relevant studies and concludes that the evidence points to a myopathy associated with muscle disuse in COPD.COPD myopathy implies pharmacological and/or pathophysiological mechanisms that need to be identified in order to optimally orient therapeutic strategies. The literature indicates that corticosteroids, inflammation, hypoxaemia and oxidative stress are among the factors contributing to COPD muscle dysfunction, but their relative contributions have not been fully elucidated.This review presents the advances in understanding each of these mechanisms, especially the data showing that muscle oxidative stress occurs and contributes to muscle dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The current review also reports the studies that have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying this stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by demonstrating alterations in oxidant and/or antioxidant systems. Finally, the review considers how inflammation and hypoxaemia may trigger oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease muscles and presents the therapeutic modalities that should be proposed to prevent it.
A comparison of RNA folding measures
Authors: Freyhult Eva , Gardner Paul P , Moulton Vincent 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Background
In the last few decades there has been a great deal of discussion concerning whether or not noncoding RNA sequences (ncRNAs) fold in a more well-defined manner than random sequences. In this paper, we investigate several existing measures for how well an RNA sequence folds, and compare the behaviour of these measures over a large range of Rfam ncRNA families. Such measures can be useful in, for example, identifying novel ncRNAs, and indicating the presence of alternate RNA foldings.

Results
Our analysis shows that ncRNAs, but not mRNAs, in general have lower minimal free energy (MFE) than random sequences with the same dinucleotide frequency. Moreover, even when the MFE is significant, many ncRNAs appear to not have a unique fold, but rather several alternative folds, at least when folded in silico. Furthermore, we find that the six investigated measures are correlated to varying degrees.

Conclusion
Due to the correlations between the different measures we find that it is sufficient to use only two of them in RNA folding studies, one to test if the sequence in question has lower energy than a random sequence with the same dinucleotide frequency (the Z-score) and the other to see if the sequence has a unique fold (the average base-pair distance, D).
Clustering protein sequences with a novel metric transformed from sequence similarity scores and sequence alignments with neural networks
Authors: Ma Qicheng , Chirn Gung-Wei , Cai Richard , Szustakowski Joseph D , Nirmala NR 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Background
The sequencing of the human genome has enabled us to access a comprehensive list of genes (both experimental and predicted) for further analysis. While a majority of the approximately 30000 known and predicted human coding genes are characterized and have been assigned at least one function, there remains a fair number of genes (about 12000) for which no annotation has been made. The recent sequencing of other genomes has provided us with a huge amount of auxiliary sequence data which could help in the characterization of the human genes. Clustering these sequences into families is one of the first steps to perform comparative studies across several genomes.

Results
Here we report a novel clustering algorithm (CLUGEN) that has been used to cluster sequences of experimentally verified and predicted proteins from all sequenced genomes using a novel distance metric which is a neural network score between a pair of protein sequences. This distance metric is based on the pairwise sequence similarity score and the similarity between their domain structures. The distance metric is the probability that a pair of protein sequences are of the same Interpro family/domain, which facilitates the modelling of transitive homology closure to detect remote homologues. The hierarchical average clustering method is applied with the new distance metric.

Conclusion
Benchmarking studies of our algorithm versus those reported in the literature shows that our algorithm provides clustering results with lower false positive and false negative rates. The clustering algorithm is applied to cluster several eukaryotic genomes and several dozens of prokaryotic genomes.
Nymphal RNAi: systemic RNAi mediated gene knockdown in juvenile grasshopper
Authors: Dong Ying , Friedrich Markus 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
Grasshopper serves as important model system in neuroscience, development and evolution. Representatives of this primitive insect group are also highly relevant targets of pest control efforts. Unfortunately, the lack of genetics or gene specific molecular manipulation imposes major limitations to the study of grasshopper biology.

Results
We investigated whether juvenile instars of the grasshopper species Schistocerca americana are conducive to gene silencing via the systemic RNAi pathway. Injection of dsRNA corresponding to the eye colour gene vermilion into first instar nymphs triggered suppression of ommochrome formation in the eye lasting through two instars equivalent to 10–14 days in absolute time. QRT-PCR analysis revealed a two fold decrease of target transcript levels in affected animals. Control injections of EGFP dsRNA did not result in detectable phenotypic changes. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization detected ubiquitous expression of the grasshopper homolog of the dsRNA channel protein gene sid-1 in embryos, nymphs and adults.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that systemic dsRNA application elicits specific and long-term gene silencing in juvenile grasshopper instars. The conservation of systemic RNAi in the grasshopper suggests that this pathway can be exploited for gene specific manipulation of juvenile and adult instars in a wide range of primitive insects.
Survey of Australians using cannabis for medical purposes
Authors: Swift Wendy , Gates Peter , Dillon Paul 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
The New South Wales State Government recently proposed a trial of the medical use of cannabis. Australians who currently use cannabis medicinally do so illegally and without assurances of quality control. Given the dearth of local information on this issue, this study explored the experiences of medical cannabis users.

Methods
Australian adults who had used cannabis for medical purposes were recruited using media stories. A total of 147 respondents were screened by phone and anonymous questionnaires were mailed, to be returned by postage paid envelope.

Results
Data were available for 128 participants. Long term and regular medical cannabis use was frequently reported for multiple medical conditions including chronic pain (57%), depression (56%), arthritis (35%), persistent nausea (27%) and weight loss (26%). Cannabis was perceived to provide "great relief" overall (86%), and substantial relief of specific symptoms such as pain, nausea and insomnia. It was also typically perceived as superior to other medications in terms of undesirable effects, and the extent of relief provided. However, nearly one half (41%) experienced conditions or symptoms that were not helped by its use. The most prevalent concerns related to its illegality. Participants reported strong support for their use from clinicians and family. There was almost universal interest (89%) in participating in a clinical trial of medical cannabis, and strong support (79%) for investigating alternative delivery methods.

Conclusion
Australian medical cannabis users are risking legal ramifications, but consistent with users elsewhere, claim moderate to substantial benefits from its use in the management of their medical condition. In addition to strong public support, medical cannabis users show strong interest in clinical cannabis research, including the investigation of alternative delivery methods.
Re-Treatment With I-131 Tositumomab in Patients With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Who Had Previously Responded to I-131 Tositumomab
Authors: Kaminski Mark S. , Radford John A. , Gregory Stephanie A. , Leonard John P. , Knox Susan J. , Kroll Stewart , Wahl Richard L. 
Published: October 2005

Purpose To study efficacy and safety of re-treatment with I-131 tositumomab in patients with low-grade, follicular, or transformed low-grade B-cell lymphoma who relapsed following a response to I-131 tositumomab. Patients and Methods A prior response ≥ 3 months to I-131 tositumomab was required. The single therapeutic dose following a dosimetric dose was adjusted to give the same total body dose (in Gy) as that used for the original dose, or was attenuated if the platelet count was less than 150,000 per mm3 or if the prior treatment resulted in grade 4 cytopenias lasting longer than 7 days. Results Of 32 patients enrolled, 28 completed the therapeutic dose. A median of four therapies were given before re-treatment. Eighteen (56%) of 32 patients had a complete or partial response (median duration, 15.2 months); eight (25%) had a complete response (median duration, 35 months). Five continue in response from 1.8 to 5.7 years, with a median follow-up of 35 months. The overall median response duration was not significantly different for the two treatments, with no clinical factors predicting response or its duration. Ten of 18 re-responders had longer responses with re-treatment, with five having responses ≥ 1.5 years longer. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 50% and 43% of patients, respectively, similar to initial treatment. Antimouse antibodies developed in 10% of patients, and 12% developed elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone. Six patients were diagnosed with second malignancies, including four patients who developed myelodysplastic syndrome (one who had not received the therapeutic dose) and one with acute myelogenous leukemia. Conclusion Re-treatment with I-131 tositumomab following a previous response can produce second responses that can be durable.