bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of nicotine on granulocytic differentiation – Inhibition of the oxidative burst and bacterial killing and increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 release
Authors: Xu Minqi , Scott James E , Liu Kan-Zhi , Bishop Hannah R , Renaud Diane E , Palmer Richard M , Soussi-Gounni Abdel , Scott David A 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Neutrophils leave the bone marrow as terminally differentiated cells, yet little is known of the influence of nicotine or other tobacco smoke components on neutrophil differentiation. Therefore, promyelocytic HL-60 cells were differentiated into neutrophils using dimethylsulfoxide in the presence and absence of nicotine (3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl) pyridine). Differentiation was evaluated over 5 days by monitoring terminal differentiation markers (CD11b expression and formazan deposition); cell viability, growth phase, kinetics, and apoptosis; assessing cellular morphology and ultrastructure; and conformational changes to major cellular components. Key neutrophil effector functions (oxidative burst, bacterial killing, matrix metalloproteinase release) were also examined.

Results
Nicotine increased the percentage of cells in late differentiation phases (metamyelocytes, banded neutrophils and segmented neutrophils) compared to DMSO alone (p < 0.05), but did not affect any other marker of neutrophil differentiation examined. However, nicotine exposure during differentiation suppressed the oxidative burst in HL-60 cells (p < 0.001); inhibited bacterial killing (p < 0.01); and increased the LPS-induced release of MMP-9, but not MMP-2 (p < 0.05). These phenomena may be α-7-acetylcholine nicotinic receptor-dependent. Furthermore, smokers exhibited an increased MMP-9 burden compared to non-smokers in vivo (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
These findings may partially explain the known increase in susceptibility to bacterial infection and neutrophil-associated destructive inflammatory diseases in individuals chronically exposed to nicotine.
Low prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatisinfection in asymptomatic young Swiss men
Authors: Baud David , Jaton Katia , Bertelli Claire , Kulling Jean-Pierre , Greub Gilbert 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection among young men in Switzerland is still unknown. The objective of the present study was to assess prevalence and risk factors for C. trachomatis infection in young Swiss men.

Methods
517 young Swiss men were enrolled in this cross-sectional study during their compulsory military recruitment. Participants completed a questionnaire and gave urine samples which were screened for C. trachomatis DNA by PCR. Genotyping of positive samples was done by amplification and sequencing the ompA gene.

Results
The prevalence of chlamydial infection among young Swiss male was 1.2% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.4–2.5%). C. trachomatis infection was only identified among the 306 men having multiple sexual partner. Although frequent, neither unprotected sex (absence of condom use), nor alcohol and drug abuse were associated with chlamydial infection. Men living in cities were more frequently infected (2.9%, 95%CI 0.8–7.4%) than men living in rural areas (0.5%, 95%CI 0.1–1.9%, p = 0.046). Moreover, naturalised Swiss citizens were more often positive (4.9%, 95%CI 1.3–12.5%) than native-born Swiss men (0.5%, 95%CI 0.1–1.7%, p = 0.003).

Conclusion
In comparison with other countries, the prevalence of chlamydial infection in men is extremely low in Switzerland, despite a significant prevalence of risky sexual behaviour. C. trachomatis infection was especially prevalent in men with multiple sexual partners. Further research is required (i) to define which subgroup of the general population should be routinely screened, and (ii) to test whether such a targeted screening strategy will be effective to reduce the prevalence of chlamydial infection among this population.
A novel c.5308_5311delGAGA mutation in Senataxin in a Cypriot family with an autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Nicolaou Paschalis , Georghiou Anthi , Votsi Christina , Middleton Lefkos T , Zamba-Papanicolaou Eleni , Christodoulou Kyproula 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Senataxin (chromosome 9q34) was recently identified as the causative gene for an autosomal recessive form of Ataxia (ARCA), termed as Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia, type 2 (AOA2) and characterized by generalized incoordination, cerebellar atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, "oculomotor apraxia" and increased alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Here, we report a novel Senataxin mutation in a Cypriot ARCA family.

Methods
We studied several Cypriot autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ARCA) families for linkage to known ARCA gene loci. We linked one family (909) to the SETX locus on chromosome 9q34 and screened the proband for mutations by direct sequencing.

Results
Sequence analysis revealed a novel c.5308_5311delGAGA mutation in exon 11 of the SETX gene. The mutation has not been detected in 204 control chromosomes from the Cypriot population, the remaining Cypriot ARCA families and 37 Cypriot sporadic cerebellar ataxia patients.

Conclusion
We identified a novel SETX homozygous c.5308_5311delGAGA mutation that co-segregates with ARCA with cerebellar atrophy and raised AFP.
The influence of multi-morbidity and self-reported socio-economic standing on the prevalence of depression in an elderly Hong Kong population
Authors: Wong Samuel YS , Mercer Stewart W , Woo Jean , Leung Jason 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
There has been an increasing prevalence of both depression and chronic medical conditions globally but the relationship between depression and multi-morbidity is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between depression, multi-morbidity (number of chronic medical conditions, and measures of socioeconomic standing (SES) in an elderly Hong Kong population.

Methods
Cross sectional study. Information on clinically relevant depressive symptoms, measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and demographic and chronic medical conditions were collected using standardized questionnaires. Information collected on SES included educational status (ES), maximum ever income (MEI), and self-perceived social standing in local community (SES-COM) and in Hong Kong generally (SES-HK). Analysis was conducted using multiple logistic regression

Results
Depression rates were similar in men and women (GDS caseness 8.1% vs 8.4%). Multi-morbidity of chronic medical conditions was common (40% of men and 46% of women had three or more). In the overall sample, the prevalence of depression was associated with the number of chronic medical conditions (OR 1.27; CI: 1.16–1.39). In addition, SES-HK and SES-COM were significant independent variables.

Conclusion
In this elderly Hong Kong population, depression prevalence rose markedly with number of chronic medical conditions and SES-HK and SES-COM.
Securing recruitment and obtaining informed consent in minority ethnic groups in the UK
Authors: Lloyd Cathy E , Johnson Mark RD , Mughal Shanaz , Sturt Jackie A , Collins Gary S , Roy Tapash , Bibi Rukhsana , Barnett Anthony H 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Previous health research has often explicitly excluded individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds due to perceived cultural and communication difficulties, including studies where there might be language/literacy problems in obtaining informed consent. This study addressed these difficulties by developing audio-recorded methods of obtaining informed consent and recording data. This report outlines 1) our experiences with securing recruitment to a qualitative study investigating alternative methods of data collection, and 2) the development of a standardised process for obtaining informed consent from individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds whose main language does not have an agreed written form.

Methods
Two researchers from South Asian backgrounds recruited adults with Type 2 diabetes whose main language was spoken and not written, to attend a series of focus groups. A screening tool was used at recruitment in order to assess literacy skills in potential participants. Informed consent was obtained using audio-recordings of the patient information and recording patients' verbal consent. Participants' perceptions of this method of obtaining consent were recorded.

Results
Recruitment rates were improved by using telephone compared to face-to-face methods. The screening tool was found to be acceptable by all potential participants. Audio-recorded methods of obtaining informed consent were easy to implement and accepted by all participants. Attrition rates differed according to ethnic group. Snowballing techniques only partly improved participation rates.

Conclusion
Audio-recorded methods of obtaining informed consent are an acceptable alternative to written consent in study populations where literacy skills are variable. Further exploration of issues relating to attrition is required, and a range of methods may be necessary in order to maximise response and participation rates.
Extracellular heat shock protein 70 inhibits tumour necrosis factor-α induced proinflammatory mediator production in fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Luo Xinjing , Zuo Xiaoxia , Zhou Yaou , Zhang Bing , Shi Yongzhong , Liu Meidong , Wang Kangkai , McMillian D Randy , Xiao Xianzhong 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Introduction
It was recently suggested that heat shock protein (HSP)70, an intracellular protein, is a potential mediator of inflammatory disease when it is released into the extracellular compartment. Although elevated HSP70 levels have been identified in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissues and RA synovial fluid compared with patients with osteoarthritis and healthy individuals, it remains unclear what role extracellular HSP70 plays in the pathogenesis of RA. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of extracellular HSP70 on the production of RA-associated cytokines in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with RA and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

Methods
IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 levels in culture supernatants were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs), c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, was detected using Western blotting. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and degradation of the inhibitory protein IκBα were examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

Results
Human HSP70 downregulated IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 production in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a concentration dependent manner. HSP70 inhibited the activation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK in fibroblast-like synoviocytes stimulated by TNF-α. Furthermore, HSP70 also significantly inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB and degradation of IκBα induced by TNF-α.

Conclusion
Extracellular HSP70 has an anti-inflammatory effect on RA by downregulating production of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which is mediated through inhibited activation of the MAPKs and NF-κB signal pathways.
Genomic degradation of a young Y chromosome in Drosophila miranda
Authors: Bachtrog Doris , Hom Emily , Wong Karen M , Maside Xulio , de Jong Pieter 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Background
Y chromosomes are derived from ordinary autosomes and degenerate because of a lack of recombination. Well-studied Y chromosomes only have few of their original genes left and contain little information about their evolutionary origin. Here, we take advantage of the recently formed neo-Y chromosome of Drosophila miranda to study the processes involved in Y degeneration on a genomic scale.

Results
We obtained sequence information from 14 homologous bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones from the neo-X and neo-Y chromosome of D. miranda, encompassing over 2.5 Mb of neo-sex-linked DNA. A large fraction of neo-Y DNA is composed of repetitive and transposable-element-derived DNA (20% of total DNA) relative to their homologous neo-X linked regions (1%). The overlapping regions of the neo-sex linked BAC clones contain 118 gene pairs, half of which are pseudogenized on the neo-Y. Pseudogenes evolve significantly faster on the neo-Y than functional genes, and both functional and non-functional genes show higher rates of protein evolution on the neo-Y relative to their neo-X homologs. No heterogeneity in levels of degeneration was detected among the regions investigated. Functional genes on the neo-Y are under stronger evolutionary constraint on the neo-X, but genes were found to degenerate randomly on the neo-Y with regards to their function or sex-biased expression patterns.

Conclusion
Patterns of genome evolution in D. miranda demonstrate that degeneration of a recently formed Y chromosome can proceed very rapidly, by both an accumulation of repetitive DNA and degeneration of protein-coding genes. Our data support a random model of Y inactivation, with little heterogeneity in degeneration among genomic regions, or between functional classes of genes or genes with sex-biased expression patterns.
Intensive Chemotherapy Followed by Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Rescue for Refractory and Recurrent Primary CNS and Intraocular Lymphoma: Société Française de Greffe de Moëlle Osseuse-Thérapie Cellulaire
Authors: Soussain Carole , Hoang-Xuan Khê , Taillandier Luc , Fourme Emmanuelle , Choquet Sylvain , Witz Francis , Casasnovas Olivier , Dupriez Brigitte , Souleau Bertrand , Taksin Anne-Laure , Gisselbrecht Christian , Jaccard Arnaud , Omuro Antonio , Sanson Marc , Janvier Maud , Kolb Brigitte , Zini Jean-Marc , Leblond Véronique 
Published: April 2008

Purpose The prognosis of relapsing primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is poor. We report the results of a prospective multicenter trial of intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell rescue (IC + HCR) in immunocompetent adult patients with PCNSL or intraocular lymphoma (IOL) after failure of high-dose methotrexate-based treatment. Patients and Methods Salvage treatment consisted of two cycles of high-dose cytarabine and etoposide (CYVE). Intensive chemotherapy combined thiotepa, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide. Forty-three patients (median age, 52 years; range, 23 to 65 years) were included, with relapse (n = 22), refractory disease (n = 17), or a partial response to first-line treatment (n = 4). The response to CYVE was not assessable in three cases because of treatment-related death. Twenty patients (47%) were chemosensitive to CYVE: 15 of them proceeded to IC + HCR. IC + HCR was also administered to 12 patients who did not respond to CYVE. All but one of the 27 patients who underwent IC + HCR entered complete remission. Results With a median follow-up of 36 months, the median overall survival was 18.3 months in the overall population, and 58.6 months among patients who completed IC + HCR. The respective median progression-free survival (PFS) times after IC + HCR were 11.6 and 41.1 months. The 2-year overall survival probability was 45% in the whole population and 69% among the 27 patients who received IC + HCR. The 2-year PFS probability was 43% among all the patients and 58% in the IC + HCR subpopulation. Conclusion IC + HCR is an effective treatment for refractory and recurrent PCNSL.
International Financial Reporting Standards Are Coming: Are You Ready?*/LES NORMES D'INFORMATION FINANCIÈRE INTERNATIONALES ARRIVENT: PRÊTS À LA CONVERSION?
Authors: Martin Peter , Mezon Linda , Forristal Tim , Labelle Réal , Radcliffe Vaughan S. , Gaa James C. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIn June 2006, shortly after the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) announced that Canada would be adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Canadian Academic Accounting Association sponsored a session entitled “International Financial Reporting Standards Are Coming: Are You Ready?” and invited presentations on the topic by representatives of the AcSB, practitioners, and academics with diverse teaching and research perspectives. The session included an overview of the anticipated challenges arising from the AcSB's strategy for the adoption of IFRS in Canada for the business community and the implications for accounting education and research. This paper summarizes the presentations at the forum.RÉSUMÉEn juin 2006, peu après que le Conseil des normes comptables (CNC) ait annoncé l'adoption par le Canada des normes d'information financière internationales (IFRS), l'Association canadienne des professeurs de comptabilité tenait un colloque ayant pour thème le degré de préparation des intéressés aux normes d'information financière internationales et sollicitait des exposés sur le sujet auprès des représentants du CNC, des praticiens et des professeurs, envisageant la question sous les divers angles de l'enseignement et de la recherche. Le colloque comportait un tour d'horizon des défis que supposera pour les entreprises la stratégie d'adoption des IFRS proposée par le CNC au Canada et des conséquences qui en découleront pour la formation et la recherche en comptabilité. Le présent article contient un résumé des exposés présentés à l'occasion de ce forum.
Effect of Low-Dose Naloxone Infusion on Fentanyl Requirements in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Darnell Cindy Maria , Thompson Jennifer , Stromberg Daniel , Roy Lonnie , Sheeran Paul 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE. Sedating critically ill patients often involves prolonged opioid infusions causing opioid tolerance. Naloxone has been hypothesized to limit opioid tolerance by decreasing adenylate cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate activation. The study purpose was to investigate the effect of low-dose naloxone on the maximum cumulative daily fentanyl dose in critically ill children.
METHODS. We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-control trial from December 2002 through July 2004 in a university PICU. We enrolled 82 children age 1 day to 18 years requiring mechanical ventilation and fentanyl infusions anticipated to last for &gt;4 days were eligible for enrollment. Those receiving additional oral analgesia or sedation, having a history of drug dependence or withdrawal, or having significant neurologic, renal, or hepatic disease were excluded. In addition to fentanyl infusions, patients received low-dose naloxone or placebo infusions. Medications were adjusted using the Modified Motor Activity Assessment Scale. Withdrawal was monitored using the Modified Narcotic Withdrawal Scale. Intervention was a low-dose naloxone infusion (0.25 μg/kg per hour) and the main outcome variable was the maximum cumulative daily fentanyl dose (micrograms per kilogram per day).
RESULTS. There was no difference in the maximum cumulative daily fentanyl dose between patients treated with naloxone (N = 37) or those receiving placebo (N = 35). Adjustment for the starting fentanyl dose also failed to reveal group differences. Total fentanyl dose received throughout the study in the naloxone group (360 μg/kg) versus placebo (223 μg/kg) was not statistically different. Placebo patients trended toward fewer rescue midazolam boluses (10.7 vs 17.8), lower total midazolam dose (11.6 mg/kg vs 23.9 mg/kg), and fewer rescue fentanyl boluses (18.5 vs 23.9).
CONCLUSIONS. We conclude that administration of low-dose naloxone (0.25 μg/kg per hour) does not decrease fentanyl requirements in critically ill, mechanically ventilated children.
Onkoplasztikai szemlélet az emlőrák sebészetében – új kihívás a jövő emlősebészeinek?r
Authors: ifj Romics László , Weiler-Mithoff Eva , Cooke Timothy G. , George W. David 
Published: April 2008

AbsztraktAz összefoglaló értekezésben a szerzők ismertetik az emlősebészet új irányzatának, az onkoplasztikai emlősebészetnek a jelenlegi lehetőségeit és leggyakrabban alkalmazott műtéti technikáit. A medline és pubmed rendszerbeni keresés a következő kulcsszavakkal és keresztreferenciákkal történt: “oncoplastic breast surgery”, “breast reconstruction”, “breast conserving surgery” és “reduction mammoplasty”. Csak az angol nyelvű összefoglaló, valamint eredeti közleményeket és hivatkozásaikat dolgoztuk fel. Az irodalomban meglepően heterogének az onkoplasztikai emlősebészet műtéti módszerei. A lokális lebenyekkel történő parciális emlőrekonstrukció megfelelő indikációs körrel történő alkalmazása jelentősen javítja az emlőmegtartó műtetek esztétikai eredményét. A más testtájról származó lebenyekkel történő parciális és teljes emlőrekonstrukciós beavatkozások az előzőknél jóval bonyolultabbak, elvégzésük a lehetőségekhez képest legjobb esztétikai eredmény elérése érdekében jelentős emlő-onkoplasztikai képzés nélkül nem ajánlott. A szabad lebenyekkel történő emlőpótlás a plasztikai sebész szakorvos, nem pedig az onkológiai emlősebész feladata. Következtetésként megállapítható, hogy az emlőrák sebészi kezelésében az onkoplasztikai szemlélet elsajátítása kulcsfontosságú lesz a jövő emlősebészei számára. Az onkoplasztikai emlősebészek képzése interdiszciplináris feladat, melynek lényege az emlő sebészeti onkológiai alapelveinek és az esztétikai/rekonstruktív emlősebészet lényegének ötvözése.
Silurian Gastropoda from southeastern and west-central Alaska
Authors: Rohr David M. , Blodgett Robert B. , Frýda Jiří 
Published: April 2008

Additional Silurian (Ludlovian) gastropods are described from the Heceta Formation in the Alexander terrane on Prince of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska. Species includeSpinicharybdis krizin. sp.,Spinicharybdis boucotin. sp.,Morania wagnerin. sp.,Haplospira craigin. sp.,Australonemasp.,Pachystrophiacf.gotlandica(Lindström, 1884), andMedfrazyga gilmullin. sp. An additional new Silurian species,Morania nixonforkensisn. sp., is described from the Nixon Fork subterrane of the Farewell terrane of west-central Alaska.The spine-bearingSpinicharybdisis placed into a new subfamily Spinicharybdiinae together withHystricocerasJahn, 1894. Joint occurrences of generaBeraunia, Coelocaulus, andMorania, as well as members of subfamily Spinicharybdiinae in the gastropod fauna from the Heceta Formation, support its close relationship with gastropod fauna of Bohemia. Additionally, the occurrence of the genusMedfrazygasuggests a faunal link between the Alexander and Farewell terranes of Alaska.Medfrazyga gilmullin. sp. is the oldest known and the only early Paleozoic member of the family Palaeozygopleuridae.