bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of corticosteroids and bone‐active medications in clinical practice
Authors: ZOCHLING Jane , NASH Peter , RIORDAN John , SAMBROOK Philip N. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim:  To assess the quality of care of patients beginning corticosteroid therapy with respect to bone protection.Methods:  Practicing rheumatologists in Australia were approached countrywide to recruit patients beginning corticosteroid therapy under their care. Use of bone‐active medications in the ensuing year was recorded prospectively. Baseline and follow‐up bone mineral density and fracture data were collected.Results:  Ninety‐two patients (64% female) were enrolled by 18 rheumatologists. Seven patients reported a medical history of osteoporosis and 14 had already sustained a low‐trauma fracture. The median corticosteroid dose at commencement of therapy was 20 mg of prednisone. Bone‐active medications were commenced in 47% of patients within 3 months of commencing steroid therapy. These included calcium supplements (33%), vitamin D supplements (21%), hormone replacement therapy (11%), selective estrogen receptor antagonists (5%) and bisphosphonates (15%). Calcium and vitamin D supplementation usually accompanied bisphosphonate therapy. Median change in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine was −0.20 SD units over 12 months (range: −1.16–0.70, P = 0.007), and at the hip −0.10 SD units over 12 months (range −1.66–0.93, P = 0.24). There were 21 new fractures in 13 patients over the study period, with a vertebral fracture incidence of 0.16 per patient year. Of those patients taking bisphosphonate therapy, two had incident low‐trauma fractures but there was no significant change in bone mineral density at the hip or spine.Conclusions:  Rheumatologists in Australia appear informed about the need for bone‐active medications in patients who are commencing steroid therapy. However there remains room for improved awareness, as is seen by the low use of bisphosphonates.
Differences in SLE disease activity between patients of Caucasian and South‐East Asian/Chinese background in an Australian hospital
Authors: BOERS Anthony , LI Qiang , WONG Melinda , MILLER Marian , LITTLEJOHN Geoff 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim:  We performed a semiprospective and retrospective review of all admissions to a single institution of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, admitted due to active disease. The aim was to describe differences in disease activity as a cause of hospital admissions between patients originating from South‐East Asia/China (SAC) and Caucasians.Method:  There were 210 patients admitted for active disease, with a total of 567 admissions for active SLE over a 16‐year period. Allowing for patients who had left our database, there was a total of 3415 patient years of observation.Results:  Patients from SAC with a flare requiring admission presented earlier in their disease course and with more active disease than did Caucasians (median SLE Disease Activity Index 13 vs. 8, P= 0.002). They had longer inpatient stays (7 vs. 5 days P = 0.03). There was a trend to higher rates of re‐presentation to hospital for flare (59% in SAC patients vs. 41% in Caucasians, P = 0.09) with more subsequent admissions (3 vs. 2 P = 0.06) despite a shorter period of observation.Conclusions:  South‐East Asian/Chinese were more likely to be diagnosed with class III/IV glomerulonephritis and require cyclophosphamide both at presentation and subsequent admissions. More patients from SAC were readmitted to hospital for severe central nervous system disease after their first hospital admission. In this population, lupus patients had more severe flares and more frequently required admission for these than Caucasians.
Treatment and follow‐up of 18 severe systemic lupus erythematosus patients with stem cell transplantation
Authors: LENG XiaoMei , ZHAO Yan , ZHOU DaoBing , TIAN XinPing , LI TaiSheng , SHEN Ti , ZHAO YongQiang , ZENG XiaoFeng , ZHANG FengChun , DONG Yi , TANG FuLin 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim:  To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of high‐dose immunosuppressive therapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) with CD34+ cell selection in patients with refractory and severe autoimmune diseases.Methods:  Eighteen patients with persistent systemic lupus erythematosus refractory to conventional treatment were enrolled into the study of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1999 to 2005. After mobilization and conditioning, the enriched CD34+ cells were reinfused. Disease activity, adverse effects, haematopoietic and immunologic reconstitution were monitored and followed up for at least 6 months.Results:  Overall treatment‐related mortality was 5.6% with one patient dying of cytomegalovirus infection. The overall remission rate was 95.8% in the first year after PBSCT. Relapse occurred in three patients (17.6%) in 37, 26, and 19 months post‐transplantation, respectively. Disease Activity Index scores of systemic lupus erythematosus survivors were decreased significantly (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Short‐term effect of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is promising although treatment‐related mortality and relapses are observed in a subset of patients. High‐dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with CD34+ cell selection is feasible and relatively safe in the treatment of severe and refractory autoimmune diseases. The long‐term effect needs further evaluation and multicentre study.
Efficacy and safety of diacerein in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, multicenter, double‐dummy, diclofenac‐controlled trial in China
Authors: ZHENG Wen‐Jie , TANG Fu‐Lin , LI Jun , ZHANG Feng‐Chun , LI Zhan‐Guo , SU Yin , WU Dong‐Hai , MA Li , ZHOU Hui‐Qiong , HUANG Feng , ZHANG Jiang‐Lin , LIANG Dong‐Feng , ZHOU Yi‐Xiong , XU Hui 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diacerein in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods:  A total of 223 patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA were enrolled in this 17‐week, randomized, double‐dummy, diclofenac‐controlled trial, with diacerein dosages of 100 mg/day and diclofenac sodium administered at 75 mg/day.Result:  After 12 weeks of treatment, the total efficacy rates of patient/physician global assessment in diacerein and diclofenac groups were 65.4%/61.6% and 61.2%/61.2% respectively (P > 0.05). In the intent‐to‐treat population, the primary criterion (visual analogue scale [VAS] assessment of pain on walking 20 m) was significantly superior (P < 0.05) to baseline in both two groups. Significant improvement (P < 0.05) was also observed for the secondary criteria, which included tenderness on palpation, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC) and Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36). In the follow‐up period, there were no obvious changes in the above parameters in the diacerein group. However, in the diclofenac group, pain on walking 20 m, tenderness on palpation and WOMAC became worse after withdrawing the medications for 4 weeks. Moreover, the consumption of paracetamol was significantly lower in the diacerein group than in the diclofenac group during the follow‐up period. The incidence of related adverse events were 35.7% in diacerein and 45.1% in diclofenac group (P > 0.05). Mild‐to‐moderate gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequent adverse events.Conclusion:  Diacerein was shown to be as effective as diclofenac sodium in treating patients with knee OA, coupled with a carry‐over effect. Diacerein was generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile. No severe adverse events were occurred.
Spontaneous regression of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc
Authors: YILMAZ Nebi , KAYA Arzu , OZGOCMEN Salih , KIRIS Adem , KOCAKOC Ercan 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of this report is to describe the very rare condition, spontaneous regression of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc, and the results of clinical follow‐up and imaging modalities. A 53‐year‐old housewife presented with a 1‐month history of low back and right leg pain. She had severe pain in her right leg radiating from the buttock to the heel and weakness of the right foot plantar flexion (rated 4/5 by manual motor testing), and straight‐leg raising test was positive at 45° on the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large para‐median extruded intervertebral disc at the L5–S1 level. She was followed up with medical treatments and physiotherapy and rehabilitation intervention. Follow‐up MRI after 18 months since initial presentation revealed that extruded intervertebral disc material was completely resolved. In conclusion, the regression of the disc correlated with clinical improvement and was illustrated in follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging. The exact mechanism underlying this condition is still unclear. As in our case, extruded lumbar intervertebral disc herniations may spontaneously regress and non‐surgical conservative treatments may be appropriate.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Sodium Increases in Migraine
Authors: Harrington Michael G. , Fonteh Alfred N. , Cowan Robert P. , Perrine Kathy , Pogoda Janice M. , Biringer Roger G. , Hühmer Andreas F.R. 
Published: May 2006

Background.—Pharmaceuticals with calcium‐ or sodium‐channel‐blocking activity have proven useful for migraine prophylaxis, and calcium channel, sodium transporter, and sodium channel gene mutations have been found in familial hemiplegic migraine. However, it is not known whether calcium or sodium homeostasis is altered in migraine.Objective.—To compare levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma between migraineurs and controls.Methods.—We recruited 20 migraineurs without aura and 11 controls prospectively, and studied migraineurs in sick (MH+) and well (MH−) states. We collected lumbar CSF and venous blood plasma, quantified elements with ion‐selective electrodes or colorimetry, and determined osmolality by depression of freezing point. We compared levels of Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Mg among and also within subjects who were studied in both MH+ and MH− states.Results.—Mean CSF Na+ levels were increased by 3 mmol/L in MH+ compared with MH− and by 4 mmol/L compared to controls (P < 0.005). In 4 subjects who were sampled in both MH+ and MH− states, mean CSF Na+ concentration increased by 2 mmol/L in the MH+ state compared with the MH− state (P < 0.05). Simultaneous plasma Na+ levels did not differ among the 3 clinical groups, nor did osmolality, total Ca and Ca2+, K+, and total Mg levels in CSF.Conclusions.—Compared to both controls and the MH− state, CSF Na+ concentration increased in MH+ independently from other clinical or pharmacological fluctuations, CSF concentrations of Ca2+, Mg, and K+, and blood plasma Na+ levels. These results implicate a deviation of Na+ homeostasis in migraine. The modestly elevated extracellular Na+ in MH+ may cause the neural changes that underlie clinical features of migraine.
SOME COMPLICATING FACTORS IN THE PHOTOLYSIS OF ACETONE
Authors: Ausloos P. , Steacie E. W. R. 
Published: May 2006

The photolysis of acetone has been investigated at room temperature using low pressures and high intensities. In addition an investigation was made of the photolysis of azomethane–acetone mixtures. The results indicate that the curvature at low temperatures of Arrhenius plots of[Formula: see text][Acetone] is due to two causes (a) a reaction between methyl radicals and adsorbed acetone and (b) to the occurrence of the disproportionation reaction [Formula: see text]Confirmatory evidence for wall effects was obtained from experiments at low pressures and higher temperatures.
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE OF AN X-RAY IRRADIATED SINGLE CRYSTAL OF DIKETOPIPERAZINE
Authors: Lin W. C. , McDowell C. A. 
Published: May 2006

The electron spin resonance of an X-ray irradiated single crystal of diketopiperazine has been measured at 9 Gc/sec for various orientations of the crystal in the static magnetic field. From an analysis of the hyperfine structure observed we have been able to calculate the components of the hyperfine interaction tensor for the radical produced by the irradiation. The principal values for the hyperfine interaction tensor are similar to those found for the radical produced by the X-ray or γ-ray irradiation of glycylglycine and N-acetylglycine and is therefore attributed to a radical with a C—H fragment. The fine details of the spectrum indicate that the radical responsible for the electron resonance observed probably has the structure [Formula: see text]which is formed from diketopiperazine by the loss of a hydrogen atom from one of the CH2 groups in that molecule.
THE REACTIONS OF ELECTRONICALLY EXCITED NITRIC OXIDE MOLECULES WITH HYDROCARBONS
Authors: Strausz O. P. , Gunning H. E. 
Published: May 2006

The reactions of NO(4II) molecules, generated by Hg 6(3P1) photosensitization, with methane, ethane, propane, neopentane, and benzene have been studied at room temperature in a circulatory system. In the case of ethane the following reaction products were identified: N2, N2O, H2O, NO2, CO, CO2, C2H4, acetaldehyde, nitroethane, ethyl nitrite, ethyl nitrate, nitroethylene, nitromethane, methyl nitrite, methyl nitrate, formaldehyde. For hydrocarbon consumption, under comparable conditions, the following quantum yield values were established: [Formula: see text]. The most probable primary process may be represented by the sequence[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]Alkyl free radicals catalyze the chain disproportionation of nitric oxide at room temperature according to the stoichiometric equation[Formula: see text]A minimal value of 12 was established for the average chain length.
THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF PERACETIC ACID IN AROMATIC SOLVENTS
Authors: Evans F. W. , Sehon A. H. 
Published: May 2006

The thermal decomposition of peracetic acid in toluene, benzene, and p-xylene was studied over the temperature range 75–95°C. The main products of decomposition were found to be CH4, CO2, CH3COOH; small amounts of methanol, phenols, and polymeric compounds were also detected.The rate of the overall decomposition was first order with respect to peracetic acid, and the results could be explained by postulating the participation of the two simultaneous reactions:[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]The rate constant of reaction (1) was independent of the solvent, whereas k2 was dependent on the solvent. The ratio k2/k1 was about 10.
Tobacco education in the primary school: Paradoxes for the teacher
Authors: Spratt Jennifer , Shucksmith Janet 
Published: May 2006

Objective The overall aim of the research was to investigate the approaches taken to tobacco education by primary school teachers. Setting Research was conducted in four diverse areas of Scotland. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with primary 6 and primary 7 teachers. Questions explored the classroom issues perceived by teachers when delivering tobacco education and focused particularly on teachers’ responses to pupils from smoking households. Results Smoking was presented as a matter of personal choice, with teachers claiming impartiality, but this created a paradox as they attempted to deliver a strong anti-smoking message. Commonly, teachers held outdated views of peer pressure as a coercive force, and strove to develop strategies to withstand or avoid such situations. Few understood the active choices that young people make within their social context. A number of problems were identified in delivering tobacco education to children of smoking parents, which often resulted in these children being subject to a diluted health message. A minority of schools took a more proactive approach which is examined here. Conclusion Health educators should work with schools to develop teaching methods and materials which realistically appraise the choices young people face. More ‘honest’ approaches which acknowledge the pleasure, need and social significance of smoking would better equip pupils to examine the issues, and would have more relevance for pupils whose parents and siblings smoked.
Overcoming barriers for older gay men in the use of health services: A qualitative study of growing older, sexuality and health
Authors: Clover David 
Published: May 2006

Objective The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of older gay men in relation to health, what gaps existed in health and social care services, and how primary care services could better meet the needs or concerns of older gay men. Design A qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews. Setting Interviews were carried out in Greater London, in the respondents’ own homes. Methods A variety of recruitment methods were used to identify ten gay men aged between 60 and 70. These men were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Each participant was given a pseudonym. Results Analysis of the interviews revealed that older gay men may view health services with caution, having experiences of, or expectations of, discrimination or poorer quality care or treatment. Older gay men may not disclose their sexuality to health providers and may find some needs unmet, particularly around areas of partner and other social relationships. Conclusions Policy makers and practitioners need to address the current silence around ageing and sexualities in health services policy. Services need to consider whether they are best responding to the needs of older gay men in their communities, ensure cultural competence, and make efforts to demonstrate that they are seen as open to or accepting of gay men, and to recognise the particular needs that older gay men may experience.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, inflammation and co-morbidity – a common inflammatory phenotype?
Authors: Sevenoaks Martin J , Stockley Robert A 
Published: May 2006

AbstractChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is and will remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The severity of airflow obstruction is known to relate to overall health status and mortality. However, even allowing for common aetiological factors, a link has been identified between COPD and other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.COPD is known to be an inflammatory condition and neutrophil elastase has long been considered a significant mediator of the disease. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular TNF-α (Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha), may be the driving force behind the disease process. However, the roles of inflammation and these pro-inflammatory cytokines may extend beyond the lungs and play a part in the systemic effects of the disease and associated co-morbidities. This article describes the mechanisms involved and proposes a common inflammatory TNF-α phenotype that may, in part, account for the associations.
Characterizing disease states from topological properties of transcriptional regulatory networks
Authors: Tuck David P , Kluger Harriet M , Kluger Yuval 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
High throughput gene expression experiments yield large amounts of data that can augment our understanding of disease processes, in addition to classifying samples. Here we present new paradigms of data Separation based on construction of transcriptional regulatory networks for normal and abnormal cells using sequence predictions, literature based data and gene expression studies. We analyzed expression datasets from a number of diseased and normal cells, including different types of acute leukemia, and breast cancer with variable clinical outcome.

Results
We constructed sample-specific regulatory networks to identify links between transcription factors (TFs) and regulated genes that differentiate between healthy and diseased states. This approach carries the advantage of identifying key transcription factor-gene pairs with differential activity between healthy and diseased states rather than merely using gene expression profiles, thus alluding to processes that may be involved in gene deregulation. We then generalized this approach by studying simultaneous changes in functionality of multiple regulatory links pointing to a regulated gene or emanating from one TF (or changes in gene centrality defined by its in-degree or out-degree measures, respectively). We found that samples can often be separated based on these measures of gene centrality more robustly than using individual links.
We examined distributions of distances (the number of links needed to traverse the path between each pair of genes) in the transcriptional networks for gene subsets whose collective expression profiles could best separate each dataset into predefined groups. We found that genes that optimally classify samples are concentrated in neighborhoods in the gene regulatory networks. This suggests that genes that are deregulated in diseased states exhibit a remarkable degree of connectivity.

Conclusion
Transcription factor-regulated gene links and centrality of genes on transcriptional networks can be used to differentiate between cell types. Transcriptional network blueprints can be used as a basis for further research into gene deregulation in diseased states.
Development of a serum-free co-culture of human intestinal epithelium cell-lines (Caco-2/HT29-5M21)
Authors: Nollevaux Géraldine , Devillé Christelle , El Moualij Benaïssa , Zorzi Willy , Deloyer Patricia , Schneider Yves-Jacques , Peulen Olivier , Dandrifosse Guy 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The absorptive and goblet cells are the main cellular types encountered in the intestine epithelium. The cell lineage Caco-2 is a model commonly used to reproduce the features of the bowel epithelium. However, there is a strong debate regarding the value of Caco-2 cell culture to mimick in vivo situation. Indeed, some authors report in Caco-2 a low paracellular permeability and an ease of access of highly diffusible small molecules to the microvilli, due to an almost complete lack of mucus. The HT29-5M21 intestinal cell lineage is a mucin-secreting cellular population. A co-culture system carried out in a serum-free medium and comprising both Caco-2 and HT29-5M21 cells was developed. The systematic use of a co-culture system requires the characterization of the monolayer under a given experimental procedure.

Results
In this study, we investigated the activity and localization of the alkaline phosphatase and the expression of IAP and MUC5AC genes to determine a correlation between these markers and the cellular composition of a differentiated monolayer obtained from a mixture of Caco-2 and HT29-5M21 cells. We observed that the culture conditions used (serum-free medium) did not change the phenotype of each cell type, and produced a reproducible model. The alkaline phosphatase expression characterizing Caco-2 cells was influenced by the presence of HT29-5M21 cells.

Conclusion
The culture formed by 75% Caco-2 and 25% HT29-5M21 produce a monolayer containing the two main cell types of human intestinal epithelium and characterized by a reduced permeability to macromolecules.