bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible role of the innate immunity in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Van Gassen Koen L.I. , De Wit Marina , Koerkamp Marian J.A. Groot , Rensen Marije G.A. , Van Rijen Peter C. , Holstege Frank C.P. , Lindhout Dick , De Graan Pierre N.E. 
Published: June 2008

Summary
Purpose: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a multifactorial disease often involving the hippocampus. So far the etiology of the disease has remained elusive. In some pharmacoresistant TLE patients the hippocampus is surgically resected as treatment. To investigate the involvement of the immune system in human TLE, we performed large‐scale gene expression profiling on this human hippocampal tissue.
Methods: Microarray analysis was performed on hippocampal specimen from TLE patients with and without hippocampal sclerosis and from autopsy controls (n = 4 per group). We used a common reference pool design to perform an unbiased three‐way comparison between the two patient groups and the autopsy controls. Differentially expressed genes were statistically analyzed for significant overrepresentation of gene ontology (GO) classes.
Results: Three‐way analysis identified 618 differentially expressed genes. GO analysis identified immunity and defense genes as most affected in TLE. Particularly, the chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 were highly (>10‐fold) upregulated. Other highly affected gene classes include neuropeptides, chaperonins (protein protection), and the ubiquitin/proteasome system (protein degradation).
Discussion: The strong upregulation of CCL3 and CCL4 implicates these chemokines in the etiology and pathogenesis of TLE. These chemokines, which are mainly expressed by glia, may directly or indirectly affect neuronal excitability. Genes and gene clusters identified here may provide targets for developing new TLE therapies and candidates for genetic research.
THE IMPACT OF ACCULTURATION AMONG HISPANICS ON DRINKING OUTCOMES FOLLOWING BRIEF INTERVENTION IN THE TRAUMA CARE SETTING
Authors: Field C. , Harris T.R. , Caetano R. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  In a study of brief intervention in the trauma care setting, a significant interaction between treatment and ethnicity was found among Hispanics. Hispanics receiving brief intervention based on motivational interviewing were significantly more likely to reduce their drinking. This study evaluates the unique role of acculturation among Hispanics on drinking outcomes following brief alcohol intervention in the trauma care setting.Methods:  A randomized controlled trial of brief intervention based on motivational interviewing and semi‐structured interview was conducted in an urban level I trauma center. Among the patients recruited for this study were 537 Hispanics including 253 Spanish speaking only participants. Six and 12 month follow ups were completed with a 65% and 53% follow up rate, respectively. A lost to follow up analysis was conducted using logistic regression. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used to evaluate the role of acculturation among Hispanics including place of birth and level of acculturation on drinking outcomes including volume per week, maximum amount consumed in one day, frequency of five or more per occasion, percent days abstinent and percent days heavy drinking. Analyses controlled for age, gender, employment status, marital status, prior alcohol treatment, type of injury and injury severity.Results:  Ethnicity was a significant predictor of loss to follow up at 6 months (p<.01) but not 12 months. Hispanics born in the US were less likely to be lost to follow up at 6 and 12 months (OR=.4, 95% CI=.3‐.7). Acculturation was not significantly associated with loss to follow up at 6 or 12 months. Hispanics born in the US had higher volume per week (β=.7, se=.3, p<.01) and maximum amount consumed in one day (β=.6, se=.2, p<.01). Hispanics with low acculturation, had lower average volume per week (β=‐.9, se=.3, p<.01), maximum amount consumed in one day (β=‐.5,se=.2, p<.05) and frequency of five or more per occasion (β=‐.7, se=.3, o<.05). No significant interactions between treatment and acculturation or place of birth was observed (p>.50)Conclusions:  While brief intervention based on motivational interviewing is effective among Hispanics in the trauma care setting, place of birth and acculturation influence treatment outcome.
Psychiatric morbidity in patients with Parkinson’s disease following bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation: literature review
Authors: Meagher Linton J. , Ilchef Ralf , Silberstein Paul , Cook Raymond J. , Wasson Daniel , Malhi Gin S. 
Published: June 2008

Objective:To provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the literature pertaining to the psychiatric sequelae of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods:A structured search of the EMBASE, PsychINFO and MEDLINE databases was performed on articles published since the first use of STN DBS in 1993 for PD until March 2007. Non-human studies were excluded, along with studies reporting on unilateral DBS and studies reporting on the use of STN DBS for indications other than idiopathic PD. Ninety-seven articles were selected for inclusion in the review.Results:Patients with advanced PD have a high rate of psychiatric morbidity. STN DBS has been shown to be an effective treatment for the control of motor symptoms in advanced PD. Neurobehavioural side-effects are, however, relatively common following STN DBS. Side-effects include impaired executive function and verbal fluency, depression, hypomania, apathy, postoperative delirium, anxiety disorders and psychotic symptoms, especially hallucinations. The alteration in dopaminergic medication following surgery as well as the direct effect of STN stimulation both appear to contribute to the short-term and long-term postoperative psychiatric complications. Methodological issues that limit the applicability of the current literature in this field are highlighted.Conclusions:STN DBS is an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of advanced PD. However, further research is needed to assess the extent to which STN DBS contributes to or exacerbates psychiatric morbidity over and above that associated with advanced PD. Careful neuropsychiatric evaluation and monitoring are required in this patient group.
Daily energy expenditure and cardiovascular risk in Masai, rural and urban Bantu Tanzanians
Authors: Mbalilaki J A , Masesa Z , Strømme S B , Høstmark A T , Sundquist J , Wändell P , Rosengren A , Hellenius M-L 
Published: June 2008

BackgroundSeveral studies have revealed that the Masai, pastoralists in Tanzania, have low rates of coronary heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fat. It has also been suggested that they may be genetically protected. Recent studies detailing other potential protective factors, however, are lacking.MethodsA cross-sectional investigation of 985 Tanzanian men and women (130 Masai, 371 rural Bantu and 484 urban Bantu) with mean age of 46 (9.3) years. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum lipids, and the reported dietary pattern and physical activity level were assessed.Results82% of Masai subjects reported a high fat/low carbohydrate intake, whereas 77% of the rural Bantu subjects reported a low fat/high carbohydrate intake, while a high fat/high carbohydrate intake was the main dietary pattern of the urban Bantu group as, reported by 55%. The most conspicuous finding for the Masai was the extremely high energy expenditure, corresponding to 2565 kcal/day over basal requirements, compared with 1500 kcal/day in the rural and 891 kcal/day for the urban Bantu. Mean body mass index among the Masai was lower than the rural and urban Bantu. Mean systolic blood pressure of the Masai was also lower compared with their rural and urban Bantu counterparts. The Masai revealed a favourable lipid profile.ConclusionThe potentially atherogenic diet among the Masai was not reflected in serum lipids and was offset probably by very high energy expenditure levels and low body weight.
Respiratory symptoms and inflammatory responses to Difflam throat-spray intervention in half-marathon runners: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cox A J , Gleeson M , Pyne D B , Saunders P U , Callister R , Fricker P A 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveIn this study, the effects of Difflam Forte Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray on the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) and inflammatory responses after a half-marathon race were investigated.Design and settingDouble-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial conducted in association with a half-marathon event.Participants45 well-trained half-marathon runners.InterventionsDifflam (n = 25) or placebo (n = 20) throat sprays were self-administered three times daily for 1 week before and 2 weeks after the race.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported respiratory symptoms; plasma prostaglandin E2, myeloperoxidase, interleukin (IL) 6, IL8, IL10 and IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1ra) concentrations; and salivary myeloperoxidase and IL6 concentrations.ResultsAll subjects completed the intervention without reporting any adverse events. The proportion of athletes reporting URS was not substantially different between Difflam (52%) and placebo (56%) groups (p = 0.82). However, symptom severity scores were ∼29% lower during Difflam treatment (4.7 (7.4) vs 6.6 (9.6)) AU). Post-exercise responses in plasma inflammatory markers did not differ substantially between Difflam and placebo groups. Post-race increases in salivary myeloperoxidase (∼63%; trivial to moderate difference; p = 0.13) and salivary IL6 (∼50%; trivial to moderate difference; p = 0.25) were greater in the Difflam group.ConclusionsProphylactic use of the Difflam reduced the severity, but not the frequency, of URS among half-marathon runners. Post-race increases in systemic inflammatory markers were not altered by Difflam use, but markers of local inflammation (salivary myeloperoxidase and IL6) were augmented in the Difflam compared with the placebo group.
Long-term effectiveness of behavioural interventions to prevent smoking among children and youth
Authors: Müller-Riemenschneider F , Bockelbrink A , Reinhold T , Rasch A , Greiner W , Willich S N 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of recent behavioural interventions in the prevention of cigarette use among children and youth and to compare the effectiveness of different school-based, community-based and multisectorial intervention strategies.Methods:A structured search of databases and a manual search of reference lists was conducted. Randomised controlled trials published in English or German between August 2001 and August 2006 targeting youths up to 18 years of age were assessed independently by two researchers according to predefined inclusion criteria and with regard to methodological quality. Data abstraction was performed and crosschecked by two researchers. Where appropriate, pooled effect estimates were calculated and tested in sensitivity analyses.Results:Of 3555 articles, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. The follow-up duration ranged from 12 months to 120 months. Although the overall effectiveness of prevention programs showed considerable heterogeneity, the majority of studies reported some positive long-term effects for behavioural smoking prevention programs. There was evidence that community-based and multisectorial interventions were effective in reducing smoking rates; in contrast, the evidence for school-based programs alone was inconclusive. Regardless of the type of intervention, the reductions observed in smoking rates were only modest.Conclusions:The present work identified moderate evidence for the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to prevent smoking. Although evidence for the effectiveness of school-based interventions was inconclusive, evidence for the effectiveness of community-based and multisectorial interventions was somewhat stronger. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of specific intervention components and the cost-effectiveness of interventions analysed in methodologically high-quality studies.
Finding sequence motifs with Bayesian models incorporating positional information: an application to transcription factor binding sites
Authors: Kim Nak-Kyeong , Tharakaraman Kannan , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Spouge John L 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Biologically active sequence motifs often have positional preferences with respect to a genomic landmark. For example, many known transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) occur within an interval [-300, 0] bases upstream of a transcription start site (TSS). Although some programs for identifying sequence motifs exploit positional information, most of them model it only implicitly and with ad hoc methods, making them unsuitable for general motif searches.

Results
A-GLAM, a user-friendly computer program for identifying sequence motifs, now incorporates a Bayesian model systematically combining sequence and positional information. A-GLAM's predictions with and without positional information were compared on two human TFBS datasets, each containing sequences corresponding to the interval [-2000, 0] bases upstream of a known TSS. A rigorous statistical analysis showed that positional information significantly improved the prediction of sequence motifs, and an extensive cross-validation study showed that A-GLAM's model was robust against mild misspecification of its parameters. As expected, when sequences in the datasets were successively truncated to the intervals [-1000, 0], [-500, 0] and [-250, 0], positional information aided motif prediction less and less, but never hurt it significantly.

Conclusion
Although sequence truncation is a viable strategy when searching for biologically active motifs with a positional preference, a probabilistic model (used reasonably) generally provides a superior and more robust strategy, particularly when the sequence motifs' positional preferences are not well characterized.
Combination of native and denaturing PAGE for the detection of protein binding regions in long fragments of genomic DNA
Authors: Kaer Kristel , Mätlik Kert , Metsis Madis , Speek Mart 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
In a traditional electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) a 32P-labeled double-stranded DNA oligonucleotide or a restriction fragment bound to a protein is separated from the unbound DNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in nondenaturing conditions. An extension of this method uses the large population of fragments derived from long genomic regions (approximately 600 kb) for the identification of fragments containing protein binding regions. With this method, genomic DNA is fragmented by restriction enzymes, fragments are amplified by PCR, radiolabeled, incubated with nuclear proteins and the resulting DNA-protein complexes are separated by two-dimensional PAGE. Shifted DNA fragments containing protein binding sites are identified by using additional procedures, i. e. gel elution, PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing. Although the method allows simultaneous analysis of a large population of fragments, it is relatively laborious and can be used to detect only high affinity protein binding sites. Here we propose an alternative and straightforward strategy which is based on a combination of native and denaturing PAGE. This strategy allows the identification of DNA fragments containing low as well as high affinity protein binding regions, derived from genomic DNA (<10 kb) of known sequence.

Results
We have combined an EMSA-based selection step with subsequent denaturing PAGE for the localization of protein binding regions in long (up to10 kb) fragments of genomic DNA. Our strategy consists of the following steps: digestion of genomic DNA with a 4-cutter restriction enzyme (Alu I, Bsu RI, Tru I, etc), separation of low and high molecular weight fractions of resultant DNA fragments, 32P-labeling with Klenow polymerase, traditional EMSA, gel elution and identification of the shifted bands (or smear) by denaturing PAGE. The identification of DNA fragments containing protein binding sites is carried out by running the gel-eluted fragments alongside with the full "spectrum" of initial restriction fragments of known size. Here the strategy is used for the identification of protein-binding regions in the 5' region of the rat p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) gene.

Conclusion
The developed strategy is based on a combination of traditional EMSA and denaturing PAGE for the identification of protein binding regions in long fragments of genomic DNA. The identification is straightforward and can be applied to shifted bands corresponding to stable DNA-protein complexes as well as unstable complexes, which undergo dissociation during electrophoresis.
In infertile women, cells from Chlamydia trachomatis infected site release higher levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha upon heat shock protein stimulation than fertile women
Authors: Srivastava Pragya , Jha Rajneesh , Bas Sylvette , Salhan Sudha , Mittal Aruna 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe magnitude of reproductive morbidity associated with sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infection is enormous. Association of antibodies to chlamydial heat shock proteins (cHSP) 60 and 10 with various disease sequelae such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy has been reported. Cell-mediated immunity is essential in resolution and in protection to Chlamydia as well as is involved in the immunopathogenesis of chlamydial diseases. To date only peripheral cell mediated immune responses have been evaluated for cHSP60. These studies suggest cHSPs as important factors involved in immunopathological condition associated with infection. Hence study of specific cytokine responses of mononuclear cells from the infectious site to cHSP60 and cHSP10 may elucidate their actual role in the cause of immunopathogenesis and the disease outcome.MethodsFemale patients (n = 368) attending the gynecology out patient department of Safdarjung hospital, New Delhi were enrolled for the study and were clinically characterized into two groups; chlamydia positive fertile women (n = 63) and chlamydia positive infertile women (n = 70). Uninfected healthy women with no infertility problem were enrolled as controls (n = 39). cHSP60 and cHSP10 specific cytokine responses (Interferon (IFN)-gamma, Interleukin (IL)-10, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-13 and IL-4) were assessed by ELISA in stimulated cervical mononuclear cell supernatants.ResultscHSP60 and cHSP10 stimulation results in significant increase in IFN-gamma (P = 0.006 and P = 0.04 respectively) and IL-10 levels (P = 0.04) in infertile group as compared to fertile group. A significant cHSP60 specific increase in TNF-alpha levels (P = 0.0008) was observed in infertile group as compared to fertile group. cHSP60 and cHSP10 specific IFN-gamma and IL-10 levels were significantly correlated (P < 0.0001, r = 0.54 and P = 0.004, r = 0.33 respectively) in infertile group.ConclusionOur results suggest that exposure to chlamydial heat shock proteins (cHSP60 and cHSP10) could significantly affect mucosal immune function by increasing the release of IFN-gamma, IL-10 and TNF-alpha by cervical mononuclear cells.
Gastrojejunocolic fistula after gastrojejunostomy: a case series
Authors: Wu Jin-Ming , Wang Ming-Yang , Lee Po-Huang , Lin Ming-Tsan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Gastrojejunocolic (GJC) fistulae represent a significant post-surgical cause of morbidity and mortality. GJC fistulae represent rare post-surgical complications, and most are associated with gastric surgery. In the past, this complication has been under-recognized because a fistula may form years after surgery.

Case presentation
We describe two cases of gastrojejunocolic fistula in men aged 67 and 60 who both initially presented with watery diarrhea and weight loss. Upper GI studies with small bowel follow-through or barium contrast enema studies allowed a conclusive diagnosis to be made. Both patients underwent one-stage en bloc resection, and their postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion
With surgery, this condition is entirely correctable. Pre-operative nutritional status should be evaluated in patients undergoing corrective surgery, and total parenteral nutrition plays a major role in the provision of bowel rest to allow recovery in malnourished patients.
A positive fluid balance is associated with a worse outcome in patients with acute renal failure
Authors: Payen Didier , de Pont Anne Cornélie , Sakr Yasser , Spies Claudia , Reinhart Konrad , Vincent Jean Louis 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Despite significant improvements in intensive care medicine, the prognosis of acute renal failure (ARF) remains poor, with mortality ranging from 40% to 65%. The aim of the present observational study was to analyze the influence of patient characteristics and fluid balance on the outcome of ARF in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods
The data were extracted from the Sepsis Occurrence in Acutely Ill Patients (SOAP) study, a multicenter observational cohort study to which 198 ICUs from 24 European countries contributed. All adult patients admitted to a participating ICU between 1 and 15 May 2002, except those admitted for uncomplicated postoperative surveillance, were eligible for the study. For the purposes of this substudy, patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had ARF. The groups were compared with respect to patient characteristics, fluid balance, and outcome.

Results
Of the 3,147 patients included in the SOAP study, 1,120 (36%) had ARF at some point during their ICU stay. Sixty-day mortality rates were 36% in patients with ARF and 16% in patients without ARF (P < 0.01). Oliguric patients and patients treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) had higher 60-day mortality rates than patients without oliguria or the need for RRT (41% versus 33% and 52% versus 32%, respectively; P < 0.01). Independent risk factors for 60-day mortality in the patients with ARF were age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), heart failure, liver cirrhosis, medical admission, mean fluid balance, and need for mechanical ventilation. Among patients treated with RRT, length of stay and mortality were lower when RRT was started early in the course of the ICU stay.

Conclusion
In this large European multicenter study, a positive fluid balance was an important factor associated with increased 60-day mortality. Outcome among patients treated with RRT was better when RRT was started early in the course of the ICU stay.
Sialyl lewisx antigen-expressing human CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells as initial immune responders in memory phenotype subsets
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ohkuri Takayuki , Wakita Daiko , Narita Yoshinori , Chamoto Kenji , Kitamura Hidemitsu , Nishimura Takashi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCytokine production by memory T cells in secondary immune responses has a critical role in host defenses. Previously, we had demonstrated that a unique antigen composed of sialyl lewisx (sLex) was expressed on CD45RO+ memory-phenotype subsets of human T cells. Here, we found that the sLex antigen was up-regulated on CD45RA+ naïve human CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells by TCR stimulation. In addition, sLex antigen-expressing CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in human PBMCs were activated immediately by cytokine stimulations composed of IL-2 plus IL-12 or IL-15 in an antigen-independent manner. Moreover, the sLex-positive human CD8+ T cells significantly enhanced reverse antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity compared with a sLex-negative population. These findings clearly indicate that sLex antigen-expressing memory phenotype CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells contribute to early-stage immunity by providing a source of IFN-γ and cytotoxicity, suggesting that they would be a key immunomodulator in host defenses.