bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term increases in lymphocytes and platelets in human T-lymphotropic virus type II infection
Authors: Bartman Melissa T. , Kaidarova Zhanna , Hirschkorn Dale , Sacher Ronald A. , Fridey Joy , Garratty George , Gibble Joan , Smith James W. , Newman Bruce , Yeo Anthony E. , Murphy Edward L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHuman T-lymphotropic viruses types I and II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II) cause chronic infections of T lymphocytes that may lead to leukemia and myelopathy. However, their long-term effects on blood counts and hematopoiesis are poorly understood. We followed 151 HTLV-I–seropositive, 387 HTLV-II–seropositive, and 799 HTLV-seronegative former blood donors from 5 U.S. blood centers for a median of 14.0 years. Complete blood counts were performed every 2 years. Multivariable repeated measures analyses were conducted to evaluate the independent effect of HTLV infection and potential confounders on 9 hematologic measurements. Participants with HTLV-II had significant (P < .05) increases in their adjusted lymphocyte counts (+126 cells/mm3; approximately +7%), hemoglobin (+2 g/L [+0.2 g/dL]) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV; 1.0 fL) compared with seronegative participants. Participants with HTLV-I and HTLV-II had higher adjusted platelet counts (+16 544 and +21 657 cells/mm3; P < .05) than seronegatives. Among all participants, time led to decreases in platelet count and lymphocyte counts, and to increases in MCV and monocytes. Sex, race, smoking, and alcohol consumption all had significant effects on blood counts. The HTLV-II effect on lymphocytes is novel and may be related to viral transactivation or immune response. HTLV-I and HTLV-II associations with higher platelet counts suggest viral effects on hematopoietic growth factors or cytokines.
15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 enhances platelet production from megakaryocytes
Authors: O'Brien Jamie J. , Spinelli Sherry L. , Tober Joanna , Blumberg Neil , Francis Charles W. , Taubman Mark B. , Palis James , Seweryniak Kathryn E. , Gertz Jacqueline M. , Phipps Richard P. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Thrombocytopenia is a critical problem that occurs in many hematologic diseases, as well as after cancer therapy and radiation exposure. Platelet transfusion is the most commonly used therapy but has limitations of alloimmunization, availability, and expense. Thus, the development of safe, small, molecules to enhance platelet production would be advantageous for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. Herein, we report that an important lipid mediator and a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligand called 15-deoxy-Δ12,14 prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), increases Meg-01 maturation and platelet production. 15d-PGJ2 also promotes platelet formation from culture-derived mouse and human megakaryocytes and accelerates platelet recovery after in vivo radiation-induced bone marrow injury. Interestingly, the platelet-enhancing effects of 15d-PGJ2 in Meg-01 cells are independent of PPARγ, but dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; treatment with antioxidants such as glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-EE); or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuate 15d-PGJ2–induced platelet production. Collectively, these data support the concept that megakaryocyte redox status plays an important role in platelet generation and that small electrophilic molecules may have clinical efficacy for improving platelet numbers in thrombocytopenic patients.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy of a giant mediastinal lymphangioma
Authors: Desir A. , Ghaye B. , Duysinx B. , Dondelinger R. F. 
Published: August 2008

The present study reports a case of percutaneous sclerotherapy of a giant mediastinal cystic lymphangioma using Ethibloc® (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany) and absolute ethanol in a 59-yr-old female.The tumour, situated predominantly in a retrocardiac location, caused dyspnoea and dysphagia by compression and was considered unresectable. Follow-up computed tomography 3 yrs after treatment showed a 90% volume reduction of the tumour. The patient is currently asymptomatic.To the best of the present authors’ knowledge, percutaneous transthoracic sclerotherapy of a mediastinal lymphangioma has not previously been reported in the literature available in English.
Neuroendocrine cells of nasal mucosa are a cellular source of brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Jornot L. , Lacroix J. S. , Rochat T. 
Published: August 2008

There is growing evidence for extensive interaction between sensory neurons, immune and mucosal epithelial cells during airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. This neuro-immune cross-talk (neurogenic inflammation) involves different groups of mediators, which include the neurotrophin family (nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 and -4). Neurotrophins modulate airway inflammation by enhancing sensory nerve excitability and production of neuropeptides, and by interaction with different immune cell types.
In the present study, it was questioned whether airway epithelial cells express BDNF, and if proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-a, interleukin-1β and interferon-?) and a glucocorticoid (budesonide) affect this expression. Primary cultures of nasal epithelial cells were used.
It was found that BDNF was stored in chromogranin A-containing secretory granules of specialised epithelial cells,
i.e.
neuroendocrine cells, and was secreted in a polarised manner. Apical secretion appears to be constitutive, whereas basolateral secretion is markedly enhanced upon stimulation with cytokines. This enhanced basolateral secretion was not due to enhanced synthesis and was not affected by inhibitors of the processing enzymes, such as furin and the metalloproteinases involved in the maturation of BDNF, but was considerably diminished by budesonide.
Therefore, airway mucosa might contribute to neurogenic inflammation through increased secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor by neuroendocrine cells under inflammatory conditions.
Sub-acute occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to low-level exposure to diisocyanates in a secretary
Authors: Schreiber J. , Knolle J. , Sennekamp J. , Schulz K. T. , Hahn J. U. , Hering K. G. , Raulf-Heimsoth M. , Merget R. 
Published: August 2008

There is virtually no information in the literature about the exposure levels needed to induce hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) by diisocyanates. The present study reports a case of occupational HP due to diisocyanates after low-level exposure.A 53-yr-old female never-smoker developed progressive shortness of breath on exertion, cough, fatigue and flu-like symptoms shortly after she began work as a secretary of a car body repair shop. A diagnosis of HP was made 2 yrs later, based on a restrictive ventilatory defect, a reticulonodular and discrete ground-glass pattern on high-resolution computed tomography, lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage and specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to diisocyanate human serum albumin conjugates in the patient’s serum.The diagnosis was confirmed by recovery after exposure cessation and deterioration after re-exposure. Ambient monitoring revealed air concentrations of different diisocyanate monomers below the detection limit in both the patient’s work station and in front of the paint spray booths, with the exception of one measurement that showed 4,4-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate concentrations of 3 µg·m−3in front of one booth (corresponding to a total reactive isocyanate group concentration of 1 µg·m−3).The present authors conclude that concentrations of diisocyanates far below current exposure limits may induce hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible subjects.
A new perspective on concepts of asthma severity and control
Authors: Taylor D. R. , Bateman E. D. , Boulet L-P. , Boushey H. A. , Busse W. W. , Casale T. B. , Chanez P. , Enright P. L. , Gibson P. G. , de Jongste J. C. , Kerstjens H. A. M. , Lazarus S. C. , Levy M. L. , O'Byrne P. M. , Partridge M. R. , Pavord I. D. , Sears M. R. , Sterk P. J. , Stoloff S. W. , Szefler S. J. , Sullivan S. D. , Thomas M. D. , Wenzel S. E. , Reddel H. K. 
Published: August 2008

Concepts of asthma severity and control are important in the evaluation of patients and their response to treatment but the terminology is not standardised and the terms are often used interchangeably. This review, arising from the work of an American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Task Force, identifies the need for separate concepts of control and severity, describes their evolution in asthma guidelines and provides a framework for understanding the relationship between current concepts of asthma phenotype, severity and control.“Asthma control” refers to the extent to which the manifestations of asthma have been reduced or removed by treatment. Its assessment should incorporate the dual components of current clinical control (e.g.symptoms, reliever use and lung function) and future risk (e.g.exacerbations and lung function decline).The most clinically useful concept of asthma severity is based on the intensity of treatment required to achieve good asthma control,i.e.severity is assessed during treatment. Severe asthma is defined as the requirement for (not necessarily just prescription or use of) high-intensity treatment. Asthma severity may be influenced by the underlying disease activity and by the patient's phenotype, both of which may be further described using pathological and physiological markers. These markers can also act as surrogate measures for future risk.
Comparison of techniques for obtaining lower airway epithelial cells from children
Authors: McNamara P. S. , Kicic A. , Sutanto E. N. , Stevens P. T. , Stick S. M. 
Published: August 2008

Airway epithelial cells (AECs) are important in asthma as they are the first cells to encounter pathogens/allergens. In children, AECs can be obtained using a “blind” nonbronchoscopic technique through an endotracheal tube. However, due to the increasing use of laryngeal masks the number of children in whom this technique is applicable has become limited. Recently, the present authors began to use a portable “bronchoscope-directed” technique to sample AECs. The current study compares both techniques in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic children.A total of 81 children undergoing elective surgery, were grouped according to atopic status and respiratory symptoms. Cellular yield of blind and bronchoscope-directed brushings were compared and immunocytochemistry performed. AECs were cultured and cytokine analysis of culture supernatant undertaken.Both techniques were equally well-tolerated, with the only adverse effect being a cough in 10% of the subjects. The mean±sdcell yield was higher in bronchoscope-directed than blind brushings (5.1±2.4versus3.1±1.4x106 cells). Immunocytochemistry confirmed an epithelial cell lineage. Culture supernatant cytokine concentrations were similar regardless of sampling technique with patterns preserved between asthmatic and healthy nonatopic phenotypes.Compared with blind brushing portable bronchoscope-directed brushing is well-tolerated, yields significantly more cells and is a potentially quick and useful technique for obtaining airway epithelial cells for research into childhood respiratory disease, specifically asthma.
Haplotype block partitioning as a tool for dimensionality reduction in SNP association studies
Authors: Pattaro Cristian , Ruczinski Ingo , Fallin Danièle M , Parmigiani Giovanni 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundIdentification of disease-related genes in association studies is challenged by the large number of SNPs typed. To address the dilution of power caused by high dimensionality, and to generate results that are biologically interpretable, it is critical to take into consideration spatial correlation of SNPs along the genome. With the goal of identifying true genetic associations, partitioning the genome according to spatial correlation can be a powerful and meaningful way to address this dimensionality problem.ResultsWe developed and validated an MCMC Algorithm To Identify blocks of Linkage DisEquilibrium (MATILDE) for clustering contiguous SNPs, and a statistical testing framework to detect association using partitions as units of analysis. We compared its ability to detect true SNP associations to that of the most commonly used algorithm for block partitioning, as implemented in the Haploview and HapBlock software. Simulations were based on artificially assigning phenotypes to individuals with SNPs corresponding to region 14q11 of the HapMap database. When block partitioning is performed using MATILDE, the ability to correctly identify a disease SNP is higher, especially for small effects, than it is with the alternatives considered.Advantages can be both in terms of true positive findings and limiting the number of false discoveries. Finer partitions provided by LD-based methods or by marker-by-marker analysis are efficient only for detecting big effects, or in presence of large sample sizes. The probabilistic approach we propose offers several additional advantages, including: a) adapting the estimation of blocks to the population, technology, and sample size of the study; b) probabilistic assessment of uncertainty about block boundaries and about whether any two SNPs are in the same block; c) user selection of the probability threshold for assigning SNPs to the same block.ConclusionWe demonstrate that, in realistic scenarios, our adaptive, study-specific block partitioning approach is as or more efficient than currently available LD-based approaches in guiding the search for disease loci.
Analysis of dietary interventions. A simple payoff matrix for display of comparative dietary trials
Authors: Feinman Richard D , Fine Eugene J , Volek Jeff S 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Objective
To provide a simple method for presentation of data in comparative dietary trials.

Methods
Individual data from each diet are ranked and all possible paired comparisons are made and displayed in a pay-off matrix which can be color-coded according to the magnitude of the differences between the two diets. Probability of outcome can be calculated from the fraction of matrix elements corresponding to specified conditions. The method has the advantage of emphasizing differences and providing the maximum amount of information.

Results
The method was tested with values from the literature and allows intuitive sense of the comparative effectiveness of the two diets. In a test case in which a cross-over study had been performed the matrix derived from theoretical paired comparisons (treating the data as two parallel studies) was consistent with the results from the actual pairing in the cross-over.

Conclusion
The matrix method is a simple way of providing access to the differences between dietary trials. It exaggerates differences but can be used in combination with group statistics that, conversely, provide reliability at the expense of detailed information.
Effects of Krill Oil on serum lipids of hyperlipidemic rats and human SW480 cells
Authors: Zhu Jia-Jin , Shi Jia-Hui , Qian Wen-Bin , Cai Zhen-Zhen , Li Duo 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colon cancer incidence are known to be closely related to dietary factors. This article evaluated effects of krill oil (KO) on serum lipids of hyperlipidemia rats and human colon cancer cells (SW480). Serum lipids of rats fed with high fat diet (HFD) and different doses of KO were measured by automatic analyzer. Effect of KO on viability of cells was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.

Results
Except for higher dose group, body weights decreased significantly. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) of all dose groups, Triglycerides (TG) of low and mid dose groups descended significantly, while there were no significant differences of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with control group. Treatment of colon cancer cells with KO also resulted in time-dependent inhibition of cell growth.

Conclusion
Our findings indicated that the consumption of KO may provide benefits to control serum lipid levels in certain diseases and inhibit growth of colon cancer cells. Therefore, KO may be a good candidate for development as a functional food and nutraceutical.
Developing a competency-based curriculum in HIV for nursing schools in Haiti
Authors: Knebel Elisa , Puttkammer Nancy , Demes Adrien , Devirois Ruth , Prismy Mona 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Preparing health workers to confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic is an urgent challenge in Haiti, where the HIV prevalence rate is 2.2% and approximately 10 100 people are taking antiretroviral treatment. There is a critical shortage of doctors in Haiti, leaving nurses as the primary care providers for much of the population. Haiti's approximately 1000 nurses play a leading role in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. However, nurses do not receive sufficient training at the pre-service level to carry out this important work.

Methods
To address this issue, the Ministry of Health and Population collaborated with the International Training and Education Center on HIV over a period of 12 months to create a competency-based HIV/AIDS curriculum to be integrated into the 4-year baccalaureate programme of the four national schools of nursing.

Results
Using a review of the international health and education literature on HIV/AIDS competencies and various models of curriculum development, a Haiti-based curriculum committee developed expected HIV/AIDS competencies for graduating nurses and then drafted related learning objectives. The committee then mapped these learning objectives to current courses in the nursing curriculum and created an 'HIV/AIDS Teaching Guide' for faculty on how to integrate and achieve these objectives within their current courses. The curriculum committee also created an 'HIV/AIDS Reference Manual' that detailed the relevant HIV/AIDS content that should be taught for each course.

Conclusion
All nursing students will now need to demonstrate competency in HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, skills and attitudes during periodic assessment with direct observation of the student performing authentic tasks. Faculty will have the responsibility of developing exercises to address the required objectives and creating assessment tools to demonstrate that their graduates have met the objectives. This activity brought different administrators, nurse leaders and faculty from four geographically dispersed nursing schools to collaborate on a shared goal using a process that could be easily replicated to integrate any new topic in a resource-constrained pre-service institution. It is hoped that this experience provided stakeholders with the experience, skills and motivation to strengthen other domains of the pre-service nursing curriculum, improve the synchronization of didactic and practical training and develop standardized, competency-based examinations for nursing licensure in Haiti.
Transcriptional responses to biologically relevant doses of UV-B radiation in the model archaeon, Halobacteriumsp. NRC-1
Authors: Boubriak Ivan , Ng Wooi Loon , DasSarma Priya , DasSarma Shiladitya , Crowley David J , McCready Shirley J 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Most studies of the transcriptional response to UV radiation in living cells have used UV doses that are much higher than those encountered in the natural environment, and most focus on short-wave UV (UV-C) at 254 nm, a wavelength that never reaches the Earth's surface. We have studied the transcriptional response of the sunlight-tolerant model archaeon, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1, to low doses of mid-wave UV (UV-B) to assess its response to UV radiation that is likely to be more biologically relevant.

Results

Halobacterium NRC-1 cells were irradiated with UV-B at doses equivalent to 30 J/m2 and 5 J/m2 of UV-C. Transcriptional profiling showed that only 11 genes were up-regulated 1.5-fold or more by both UV-B doses. The most strongly up-regulated gene was radA1 (vng2473), the archaeal homologue of RAD51/recA recombinase. The others included arj1 (vng779) (recJ-like exonuclease), top6A (vng884) and top6B (vng885) (coding for Topoisomerase VI subunits), and nrdJ (vng1644) (which encodes a subunit of ribonucleotide reductase). We have found that four of the consistently UV-B up-regulated genes, radA1 (vng2473), vng17, top6B (vng885) and vng280, share a common 11-base pair motif in their promoter region, TTTCACTTTCA. Similar sequences were found in radA promoters in other halophilic archaea, as well as in the radA promoter of Methanospirillum hungatei. We analysed the transcriptional response of a repair-deficient ΔuvrA (vng2636) ΔuvrC (vng2381) double-deletion mutant and found common themes between it and the response in repair proficient cells.

Conclusion
Our results show a core set of genes is consistently up-regulated after exposure to UV-B light at low, biologically relevant doses. Eleven genes were up-regulated, in wild-type cells, after two UV-B doses (comparable to UV-C doses of 30 J/m2 and 5 J/m2), and only four genes were up-regulated by all doses of UV-B and UV-C that we have used in this work and previously. These results suggest that high doses of UV-C radiation do not necessarily provide a good model for the natural response to environmental UV. We have found an 11-base pair motif upstream of the TATA box in four of the UV-B up-regulated genes and suggest that this motif is the binding site for a transcriptional regulator involved in their response to UV damage in this model archaeon.