bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between skin diseases and severe bacterial infections in children: case-control study
Authors: Mohammedamin Robbert SA , van der Wouden Johannes C , Koning Sander , Willemsen Sten P , Bernsen Roos MD , Schellevis François G , van Suijlekom-Smit Lisette WA , Koes Bart W 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Sepsis or bacteraemia, however rare, is a significant cause of high mortality and serious complications in children. In previous studies skin disease or skin infections were reported as risk factor. We hypothesize that children with sepsis or bacteraemia more often presented with skin diseases to the general practitioner (GP) than other children. If our hypothesis is true the GP could reduce the risk of sepsis or bacteraemia by managing skin diseases appropriately.

Methods
We performed a case-control study using data of children aged 0–17 years of the second Dutch national survey of general practice (2001) and the National Medical Registration of all hospital admissions in the Netherlands. Cases were defined as children who were hospitalized for sepsis or bacteraemia. We selected two control groups by matching each case with six controls. The first control group was randomly selected from the GP patient lists irrespective of hospital admission and GP consultation. The second control group was randomly sampled from those children who were hospitalized for other reasons than sepsis or bacteraemia. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A two-sided p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant in all tests.

Results
We found odds ratios for skin related GP consultations of 3.4 (95% CI: [1.1–10.8], p = 0.03) in cases versus GP controls and 1.4 (95% CI: [0.5–3.9], p = 0.44) in cases versus hospital controls. Children younger than three months had an odds ratio (cases/GP controls) of 9.2 (95% CI: [0.81–106.1], p = 0.07) and 4.0 (95% CI: [0.67–23.9], p = 0.12) among cases versus hospital controls. Although cases consulted the GP more often with skin diseases than their controls, the probability of a GP consultation for skin disease was only 5% among cases.

Conclusion
There is evidence that children who were admitted due to sepsis or bacteraemia consulted the GP more often for skin diseases than other children, but the differences are not clinically relevant indicating that there is little opportunity for GPs to reduce the risk of sepsis and/or bacteraemia considerably by managing skin diseases appropriately.
Semi-automated segmentation and quantification of adipose tissue in calf and thigh by MRI: a preliminary study in patients with monogenic metabolic syndrome
Authors: Al-Attar Salam A , Pollex Rebecca L , Robinson John F , Miskie Brooke A , Walcarius Rhonda , Rutt Brian K , Hegele Robert A 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
With the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, reliable quantitative imaging methods for adipose tissue are required. Monogenic forms of the metabolic syndrome include Dunnigan-variety familial partial lipodystrophy subtypes 2 and 3 (FPLD2 and FPLD3), which are characterized by the loss of subcutaneous fat in the extremities. Through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of FPLD patients, we have developed a method of quantifying the core FPLD anthropometric phenotype, namely adipose tissue in the mid-calf and mid-thigh regions.

Methods
Four female subjects, including an FPLD2 subject (LMNA R482Q), an FPLD3 subject (PPARG F388L), and two control subjects were selected for MRI and analysis. MRI scans of subjects were performed on a 1.5T GE MR Medical system, with 17 transaxial slices comprising a 51 mm section obtained in both the mid-calf and mid-thigh regions. Using ImageJ 1.34 n software, analysis of raw MR images involved the creation of a connectedness map of the subcutaneous adipose tissue contours within the lower limb segment from a user-defined seed point. Quantification of the adipose tissue was then obtained after thresholding the connected map and counting the voxels (volumetric pixels) present within the specified region.

Results
MR images revealed significant differences in the amounts of subcutaneous adipose tissue in lower limb segments of FPLD3 and FPLD2 subjects: respectively, mid-calf, 15.5% and 0%, and mid-thigh, 25.0% and 13.3%. In comparison, old and young healthy controls had values, respectively, of mid-calf, 32.5% and 26.2%, and mid-thigh, 52.2% and 36.1%. The FPLD2 patient had significantly reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue compared to FPLD3 patient.

Conclusion
Thus, semi-automated quantification of adipose tissue of the lower extremity can detect differences between individuals of various lipodystrophy genotypes and represents a potentially useful tool for extended quantitative phenotypic analysis of other genetic metabolic disorders.
Phenology of marine turtle nesting revealed by statistical model of the nesting season
Authors: Girondot Marc , Rivalan Philippe , Wongsopawiro Ronald , Briane Jean-Paul , Hulin Vincent , Caut Stéphane , Guirlet Elodie , Godfrey Matthew H 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundMarine turtles deposit their eggs on tropical or subtropical beaches during discrete nesting seasons that span several months. The number and distribution of nests laid during a nesting season provide vital information on various aspects of marine turtle ecology and conservation.ResultsIn the case of leatherback sea turtles nesting in French Guiana, we developed a mathematical model to explore the phenology of their nesting season, derived from an incomplete nest count dataset. We detected 3 primary components in the nest distribution of leatherbacks: an overall shape that corresponds to the arrival and departure of leatherback females in the Guianas region, a sinusoidal pattern with a period of approximately 10 days that is related to physiological constraints of nesting female leatherbacks, and a sinusoidal pattern with a period of approximately 15 days that likely reflects the influence of spring high tides on nesting female turtles.ConclusionThe model proposed here offers a variety of uses for both marine turtles and also other taxa when individuals are observed in a particular location for only part of the year.
Evaluation of ultrasound lung comets by hand-held echocardiography
Authors: Bedetti G , Gargani L , Corbisiero A , Frassi F , Poggianti E , Mottola G 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) are a clinically useful sign of extravascular lung water. They require very limited technology (2 D-echo), and a short learning curve.
The aim of the present study is to compare ULCs information obtained by experienced echocardiologists using a full feature echocardiographic platform and by inexperienced sonographers using a hand-held echocardiography system.

Methods
20 consecutive in-hospital patients underwent, within 15' and in random order, 2 ultrasound examinations for ULCs by 2 observers with different specific expertise and different technology: 1) "high-tech veteran": ULCs assessment with full feature echocardiographic platform (HP Sonos 7500 Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA) by a trained echocardiologist, with ≥2 years expertise in ULCs assessment and accredited by the European Association of Echocardiography; 2) and a "low-tech beginner": ULCs assessment with hand-held echocardiography (Optigo; Philips, Andover, MA) by an echocardiographer with very limited (30') dedicated training on ULCs assessment.
In each patient, ULC score was obtained by summing the number of comets from each of the scanning spaces in the anterior right and left hemithorax, from the second to the fifth intercostal space.

Results
There was a significant, tight correlation (r = .958, p < 0.001) between the 2 observations in the same patient by "high-tech veteran" and "low-tech beginner".

Conclusion
ULCs are equally reliable in the hands of highly experienced echocardiologists using full feature echocardiographic platforms and in the hands of absolute beginners with miniaturized, compact, and battery-equipped echocardiographic systems. From the technological and expertise viewpoint, ULCs are the "kindergarten" of echocardiography, ideally suited for bedside evaluation of patients with both known or suspected heart failure.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide induces apoptosis in the trout ovary
Authors: MacKenzie Simon , Montserrat Nuria , Mas Mario , Acerete Laura , Tort Lluis , Krasnov Aleksei , Goetz Frederick W , Planas Josep V 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
In mammals it is well known that infections can lead to alterations in reproductive function. As part of the innate immune response, a number of cytokines and other immune factors is produced during bacterial infection or after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and acts on the reproductive system. In fish, LPS can also induce an innate immune response but little is known about the activation of the immune system by LPS on reproduction in fish. Therefore, we conducted studies to examine the in vivo and in vitro effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the reproductive function of sexually mature female trout.

Methods
In saline- and LPS -injected brook trout, we measured the concentration of plasma steroids as well as the in vitro steroidogenic response (testosterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone) of ovarian follicles to luteinizing hormone (LH), the ability of 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one to induce germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in vitro, and that of epinephrine to stimulate follicular contraction in vitro. We also examined the direct effects of LPS in vitro on steroid production, GVBD and contraction in brook trout ovarian follicles. The incidence of apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL analysis. Furthermore, we examined the gene expression pattern in the ovary of saline- and LPS-injected rainbow trout by microarray analysis.

Results
LPS treatment in vivo did not affect plasma testosterone concentration or the basal in vitro production of steroids, although a small but significant potentiation of the effects of LH on testosterone production in vitro was observed in ovarian follicles from LPS-treated fish. In addition, LPS increased the plasma concentration of cortisol. LPS treatment in vitro did not affect the basal or LH-stimulated steroid production in brook trout ovarian follicles. In addition, we did not observe any effects of LPS in vivo or in vitro on GVBD or follicular contraction. Therefore, LPS did not appear to impair ovarian steroid production, oocyte final maturation or follicular contraction under the present experimental conditions. Interestingly, LPS administration in vivo induced apoptosis in follicular cells, an observation that correlated with changes in the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, as evidenced by microarray analysis.

Conclusion
These results indicate that female trout are particularly resistant to an acute administration of LPS in terms of ovarian hormone responsiveness. However, LPS caused a marked increase in apoptosis in follicular cells, suggesting that the trout ovary could be sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effects of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines.
Deformed wing virus is not related to honey bees' aggressiveness
Authors: Rortais Agnès , Tentcheva Diana , Papachristoforou Alexandros , Gauthier Laurent , Arnold Gérard , Colin Marc Edouard , Bergoin Max 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Guards of Cyprian honey bee colonies, Apis mellifera cypria, display a great defensive behaviour against hornets' attacks. The deformed wing virus (DWV) and the kakugo virus (KV) genomes are very similar, but unlike KV, the presence of DWV is not related to honey bees' aggressiveness. This discrepancy is further discussed.
Involvement of intracellular free Ca2+ in enhanced release of herpes simplex virus by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Arimoto Emiko , Iwai Soichi , Sumi Tetsuro , Ogawa Yuzo , Yura Yoshiaki 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
It was reported that elevation of the intracellular concentration of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) by a calcium ionophore increased the release of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Freely diffusible hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is implied to alter Ca2+ homeostasis, which further enhances abnormal cellular activity, causing changes in signal transduction, and cellular dysfunction. Whether H2O2 could affect [Ca2+]i in HSV-1-infected cells had not been investigated.

Results
H2O2 treatment increased the amount of cell-free virus and decreased the proportion of viable cells. After the treatment, an elevation in [Ca2+]i was observed and the increase in [Ca2+]i was suppressed when intracellular and cytosolic Ca2+ were buffered by Ca2+ chelators. In the presence of Ca2+ chelators, H2O2-mediated increases of cell-free virus and cell death were also diminished. Electron microscopic analysis revealed enlarged cell junctions and a focal disintegration of the plasma membrane in H2O2-treated cells.

Conclusion
These results indicate that H2O2 can elevate [Ca2+]i and induces non-apoptotic cell death with membrane lesions, which is responsible for the increased release of HSV-1 from epithelial cells.
Fine mapping of genes within the IDDM8region in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hinks Anne , Barton Anne , John Sally , Shephard Neil , Worthington Jane 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe IDDM8 region on chromosome 6q27, first identified as a susceptibility locus for type 1 diabetes, has previously been linked and associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The region contains a number of potential candidate genes, including programmed cell death 2 (PDCD2), the proteosome subunit beta type 1 (PSMB1), delta-like ligand 1 (DLL-1) and TATA box-binding protein (TBP) amongst others. The aim of this study was to fine map the IDDM8 region on chromosome 6q27, focusing on the genes in the region, to identify polymorphisms that may contribute to susceptibility to RA and potentially to other autoimmune diseases. Validated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n = 65) were selected from public databases from the 330 kb region of IDDM8. These were genotyped using Sequenom MassArray genotyping technology in two datasets; the test dataset comprised 180 RA cases and 180 controls. We tested 50 SNPs for association with RA and any significant associations were genotyped in a second dataset of 174 RA cases and 192 controls, and the datasets were combined before analysis. Association analysis was performed by chi-square test implemented in Stata software and linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis was performed using Helix tree version 4.1. There was initial weak evidence of association, with RA, of a number of SNPs around the loc154449 putative gene and within the KIAA1838 gene; however, these associations were not significant in the combined dataset. Our study has failed to detect evidence of association with any of the known genes mapping to the IDDM8 locus with RA.
S100 proteins expressed in phagocytes: a novel group of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules
Authors: Foell Dirk , Wittkowski Helmut , Vogl Thomas , Roth Johannes 
Published: August 2006

AbstractDamage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules have been introduced as important proinflammatory factors of innate immunity. One example known for many years to be expressed in cells of myeloid origin are phagocytic S100 proteins, which mediate inflammatory responses and recruit inflammatory cells to sites of tissue damage. An emerging concept of pattern recognition involves the multiligand receptor foradvanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in sensing not only pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) but also endogenous DAMPs, including S100 proteins. S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 are found at high concentrations in inflamed tissue, where neutrophils and monocytes belong to the most abundant cell types. They exhibit proinflammatory effects in vitro at concentrations found at sites of inflammation in vivo. Although S100A12 binds to RAGE, at least part of the proinflammatory effects of the S100A8/S100A9 complex depend upon interaction with other receptors. Because of the divergent expression patterns, the absence of S100A12 in rodents, the different interaction partners described, and the specific intracellular and extracellular effects reported for these proteins, it is important to differentiate between distinct S100 proteins rather than subsuming them with the term “S100/calgranulins.” Analyzing the molecular basis of the specific effects exhibited by these proteins in greater detail bears the potential to elucidate important mechanisms of innate immunity, to establish valid biomarkers of phagocytic inflammation, and eventually to reveal novel targets for innovative anti-inflammatory therapies.
Insight in psychosis and neuropsychological function
Authors: Aleman André , Agrawal Niruj , Morgan Kevin D. , David Anthony S. 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundOne factor contributing to impaired awareness of illness (poor insight) in psychotic disorders may be neurocognitive deficits.MethodA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted after data extraction. Following an overall analysis, in which measures of different cognitive domains were taken together, more finegrained analyses investigated whether there was a specific relation with frontal executive functioning, and whether this was influenced by diagnosis or the insight scales used.ResultsThere was a significant mean correlation between insight ratings and neurocognitive performance (mean weightedr=0.17, 95% CI 0.13–0.21,z=8.3,P< 0.0001), based on 35 studies with a total of 2354 individuals. Further analyses revealed that the effect of general intellectual impairment was smaller than the specific association with executive function. This was only the case for psychosis in general, and not in an analysis limited to schizophrenia, where all cognitive domains were associated with impaired insight to a similar degree.ConclusionsNeuropsychological dysfunction, specifically impairment of set-shifting and error monitoring, contributes to poor insight in psychosis. Specific relations with different dimensions of insight and the putative role of metacognitive functions require further study.
Untreated illness and outcome of psychosis
Authors: Clarke Mary , Whitty Peter , Browne Stephen , McTigue Orfhlaith , Kamali Moayyad , Gervin Maurice , Kinsella Anthony , Waddington John L. , Larkin Conal , O'Callaghan Eadbhard 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundThere has been controversy as to whether early intervention in psychosis
can improve the outcome of the disorder.AimsTo establish if there is an association between duration of untreated
psychosis and the 4-year outcome of persons with a first episode of
psychosis.MethodProspective naturalistic follow-up study of the outcome of consecutive
first presentations with DSM–IV psychosis attending a community-based
psychiatric service.ResultsA longer duration of untreated psychosis was associated with a
significantly poorer functional and symptomatic outcome 4 years later.
For schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, each increment in
duration of untreated psychosis was associated with a 7.8 point decrease
in global functioning and an increase in positive symptoms scores by 1.9
points.ConclusionsThis study extends the findings of short-term follow-up studies by
confirming an association between duration of untreated psychosis and
‘midterm’ outcome.
Grey matter correlates of minor physical anomalies in the ÆSOP
first-episode psychosis study
Authors: Dean K. , Fearon P. , Morgan K. , Hutchinson G. , Orr K. , Chitnis X. , Suckling J. , Mallet R. , Leff J. , Jones P. B. , Murray R. M. , Dazzan P. 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundMinor physical anomalies are more prevalent among people with psychosis.
This supports a neurodevelopmental aetiology for psychotic disorders,
since these anomalies and the brain are both ectodermally derived.
However, little is understood about the brain regions implicated in this
association.AimsTo examine the relationship between minor physical anomalies and grey
matter structure in a sample of patients with first-episode
psychosis.MethodSixty patients underwent assessment of minor physical anomalies with the
Lane scale. High-resolution magnetic resonance images and voxel-based
methods of image analysis were used to investigate brain structure in
these patients.ResultsThe total anomalies score was associated with a grey matter reduction in
the prefrontal cortex and precuneus and with a grey matter excess in the
basal ganglia, thalamus and lingual gyrus.ConclusionsMinor physical anomalies in a sample of patients with first-episode
psychosis are associated with regional grey matter changes. These
regional changes may be important in the pathogenesis of psychotic
disorder.
Cognitive impairment in bipolar II disorder
Authors: Torrent Carla , Martínez-Arán Anabel , Daban Claire , Sánchez-Moreno Jose , Comes Mercè , Goikolea José Manuel , Salamero Manel , Vieta Eduard 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundPersistent impairments in neurocognitive function have been described in
bipolar disorder.AimsTo compare the cognitive performance of patients with bipolar II disorder
with that of patients with bipolar I disorder and a healthy control
group.MethodThe study included 71 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (38 bipolar
I, 33 bipolar II), who were compared on clinical and neuropsychological
variables (e.g. executive function, attention, verbal and visual memory)
and contrasted with 35 healthy controls on cognitive performance.ResultsCompared with controls, both bipolar groups showed significant deficits
in most cognitive tasks including working memory (Digit Span Backwards,
P=0.002) and attention (Digit Span Forwards,
P=0.005; Trail Making Test,
P=0.001). Those with type II disorders had an
intermediate level of performance between the bipolar I group and the
control group in verbal memory (P < 0.005) and
executive functions (Stroop interference task,
P=0.020).ConclusionsCognitive impairment exists in both subtypes of bipolar disorder,
although more so in the bipolar I group. The best predictors of poor
psychosocial functioning in bipolar II disorder were subclinical
depressive symptoms, early onset of illness and poor performance on a
measure related to executive function.
Internet information-seeking in mental health
Authors: Powell John , Clarke Aileen 
Published: August 2006

BackgroundA major use of the internet is for health information-seeking. There has
been little research into its use in relation to mental health.AimsTo investigate the prevalence of internet use for mental health
information-seeking and its relative importance as a mental health
information source.MethodGeneral population survey. Questions covered internet use, past
psychiatric history and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire.ResultsEighteen per cent of all internet users had used the internet for
information related to mental health. The prevalence was higher among
those with a past history of mental health problems and those with
current psychological distress. Only 12% of respondents selected the
internet as one of the three most accurate sources of information,
compared with 24% who responded that it was one of the three sources they
would use.ConclusionsThe internet has a significant role in mental health information-seeking.
The internet is used more than it is trusted.
Physical vulnerability and fatal self-harm in the
elderly
Authors: Eddleston Michael , Dissanayake Mathisha , Sheriff M. H. Rezvi , Warrell David A. , Gunnell David 
Published: August 2006

SummaryAlthough the high rate of suicide in elderly people is conventionally
explained as being due to greater intent to die, we have noted elderly Sri
Lankans dying after relatively mild poisoning. Using data from cases of
yellow oleander poisoning, we investigated the effect of age on outcome in
1697 patients, controlling for gender and amount ingested. In fully adjusted
models, people over 64 years old were 13.8 (95% CI 3.6–53.0) times more
likely to die than those less than 25 years old. The high number of suicides
in elderly people globally is likely to be due, in part, to the difficulty
they face in surviving the effects of both the poisoning and its
treatment.