bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracranial Vascular Abnormalities in Patients with Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Emerick Karan M , Krantz Ian D , Kamath Binita M , Darling Crystal , Burrowes Delilah M , Spinner Nancy B , Whitington Peter F , Piccoli David A 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTObjectives:To define the spectrum of intracranial events and cerebrovascular lesions in patients with Alagille syndrome using magnetic resonance imaging with angiography of the head and medical histories and to correlate the presence of lesions with the clinical outcome of bleeding or ischemic intracranial events.Methods:26 patients with Alagille syndrome underwent magnetic resonance imaging with angiography of the head; 22 had no symptoms and underwent study for screening purposes and 4 were symptomatic with neurologic changes. The results of studies and the history of ischemic intracranial events were reviewed.Results:Cerebrovascular abnormalities were detected in 10 of 26 (38%) patients (9 by head magnetic resonance imaging with angiography and 1 by necropsy). The findings included stenoses of the internal carotid arteries unilaterally (n = 5) or bilaterally (n = 3), basilar artery aneurysm (n = 1) and middle cerebral artery aneurysm (n = 1). Among the 9 patients with cerebrovascular abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging with angiography, 5 had no symptoms (23%, 5 of 22) and 4 were symptomatic. Thus, 100% of symptomatic patients had detected abnormalities and 23% of screened, asymptomatic patients had detected anomalies. Screening magnetic resonance imaging with angiography failed to detect vascular anomalies in 2 asymptomatic patients who had fatal ischemic intracranial events years later. There was evidence of progression of vascular abnormalities in 4 patients. Ischemic intracranial events occurred in 10 of 26 (38%) patients and were associated with cerebrovascular abnormalities in 6 of 10 patients.Conclusion:The cerebral vasculopathy of Alagille syndrome predominantly involves the internal carotid arteries. It is more prevalent than would be suggested by the number of symptomatic individuals, appears to be progressive and shares many similarities with moyamoya. Magnetic resonance imaging with angiography is useful to detect these lesions and may have a valuable role in screening for treatable lesions such as aneurysms.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Abdominal Symptoms Among Swedish School Children
Authors: Tindberg Ylva , Nyrén Olof , Blennow Margareta , Granström Marta 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTBackground:The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the etiology of abdominal symptoms remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the association between type‐specific H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal symptoms among school children in Stockholm, Sweden.Methods:In a community‐based cross‐sectional study, 695 children aged 10‐12 years participated with a blood sample and a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and gastrointestinal symptoms, including minor abdominal pain not necessitating medical consultation, during the preceding six months. Infection was investigated by an enzyme‐linked immuno‐sorbent assay and confirmed by immunoblot and urea breath test.Results:Abdominal pain was reported by 440 (63%) children and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) by 88 (13%). Of 112 (16%) infected children, 73% had antibodies to CagA and 59% to VacA. There was no positive association between H. pylori status and the occurrence of abdominal pain; in fact, the association with any abdominal pain report was inverse (odds ratio [OR] 0,5; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.3‐0.8), while RAP was unrelated to the infection (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.5‐2.1) when adjusted for gender, age and family background variables. The prevalence of RAP tended to be lower among children harboring CagA+/VacA+ infections than among the uninfected (adjusted OR 0.3; 95%CI 0.1‐1.1). Furthermore, CagA+/VacA+ infected children reported less acid regurgitation (adjusted OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1‐0.5).Conclusions:Taking background factors into account, the presence of H. pylori is not accompanied by an increased occurrence of abdominal symptoms in Swedish 10‐12‐year‐olds. However, unexpected differential associations with strain specific infections may indicate a so far overlooked complex relationship that needs to be further confirmed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Diagnosis‐The Porto Criteria
Authors:   IBD Working Group of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTUlcerative colitis and Crohn disease may present before the age of 20 years in 25% to 30% of all patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Reported incidence figures vary considerably depending on the collection of data. Multicenter, multinational collaboration is needed when studying pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. The essential first step is uniformity in the work‐up and criteria used for diagnosis. The Porto diagnostic criteria presented here provide the tool that is needed. These criteria are the result of consensus reached by the ESPGHAN inflammatory bowel disease working group. Diagnosis of Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, endoscopy and histology and radiology. Every child suspected of inflammatory bowel disease should undergo a complete diagnostic program consisting of colonoscopy with ileal intubation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and (in all cases except in definite ulcerative colitis) radiologic contrast imaging of the small bowel. Multiple biopsies from all segments of the gastrointestinal tract are needed for a complete histologic evaluation. A diagnosis of indeterminate colitis cannot be made unless a full diagnostic program has been performed.
Traffic control in transportation systems
Authors: Dridi Mahjoub , Mesghouni Khaled , Borne Pierre 
Published: July 2005

PurposeThis paper deals with real‐time control of urban traffic with an emphasis on public transportation systems. The main objective is the regulation of traffic after the occurrence of disturbances. In a few words, the problem is to find a feasible schedule for some vehicles of some lines subject to certain constraints in order to design a decision support system (DSS) that detects, analyses and resolves disturbances.Design/methodology/approachThis work is achieved in cooperation with a public transport company called SEMURVAL. It consists of developing a DSS for the future transportation network of Valenciennes (city in the north of France). As a consequence, regulators of traffic have to treat a new lot of information and it becomes necessary to assist them in order to keep up with demands and to come up to passengers' expectations and hopes.FindingsFrom the case study finds that the solution proposed assures that arrival times of vehicles are more regular.Originality/valueThe solution proposed presents a good combination of scheduling decisions permitting the good regulation of traffic.
An aircraft service scheduling model using genetic algorithms
Authors: Cheung Angus , Ip W.H. , Lu Dawei , Lai C.L. 
Published: July 2005

PurposeIn this paper, the authors propose the application of an intelligent engine to develop a set of computational schedules for the maintenance of vehicles to cover all scheduled flights. The aim of the paper is to maximize the utilization of ground support vehicles and enhance the logistics of aircraft maintenance activities.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is formulated and the solution is obtained using genetic algorithms (GA). Simulation is used to verify the method using an Excel GA generator. The model is illustrated with a numerical case study, and the experience of this project is summarized.FindingsThe results indicate that this approach provides an effective and efficient schedule for deploying the maintenance equipment resources of the company, China Aircraft Service Limited.Originality/valueThe proposed model using the GA generator provides an effective and efficient schedule for the aircraft maintenance services industry.
Off balance: T-cells in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides
Authors: Lamprecht P 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThere is substantial evidence that T-cells are off balance in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. Genetic risk factors may influence shaping of the TCR repertoire and regulatory control of T-cells in predisposed individuals. T-cells are found in inflammatory lesions. Vigorous Th1-type responses are seen in Wegener's granulomatosis and microscopic angiitis, whereas a Th2-type response predominates in Churg–Strauss syndrome. Oligoclonality and shortened telomers indicate antigen-driven clonal expansion and replicative senescence of T-cells in ANCA-associated vasculitides. Potent CD28– Th1-type cells displaying an effector-memory/late differentiated, senescent phenotype are expanded in peripheral blood and are found in granulomatous lesions in Wegener's granulomatosis. Differences in proliferative peripheral blood T-cell responses to the autoantigens proteinase 3 (PR3)- and myeloperoxidase (MPO) have not consistently been detected between patients with ANCA-associated vasculitides and healthy controls in vitro. To recognize an autoantigen, break tolerance, and maintain autoimmune disease T- and B-cells require particular triggers and lymphoid structures. There is preliminary evidence of lymphoid-like structures and possible maturation of autoreactive PR3-ANCA-specific B-cells in granulomatous lesions in Wegener's granulomatosis. Alteration of the T-cell response and anomalous autoantigen-presentation in lymphoid-structures could facilitate development of autoimmune disease in ANCA-associated vasculitides.
Frequent false positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin tests in immunoglobulin A deficiency
Authors: Knight A K , Bingemann T , Cole L , Cunningham-Rundles C 
Published: July 2005

Summary
A patient with IgA deficiency had a series of positive serum pregnancy tests which led to medical and surgical procedures for suspected molar pregnancy. These tests were found to be falsely positive due to heterophile antibody. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of false positive βhCG assays in sera of IgA deficient patients. Sera from a panel of IgA deficient (IgA &lt; 7 mg/dl) patients were tested for the presence of βHCG using three different assays, and also for IgG anti-goat and anti-mouse antibodies. Patients were seen at Mount Sinai Medical Center and included 54 patients (ages 1–80 years, 32 females, 22 males) with IgA deficiency. Thirty percent of 54 IgA deficient patient sera yielded positive pregnancy tests by one or more of the three βhCG assays, however, none of the patients were pregnant. In comparison to sera of normal controls, 39% of the patient sera contained significant amounts of anti-goat antibody and 18% contained significant amounts of anti-mouse antibody. While heterophile antibodies are common in IgA deficient serum, false positive assays for βhCG in IgA deficient serum have not been previously reported. The possibility of false positive test results should be considered prior to invasive procedures in IgA deficient patients.
Salvia miltiorrhizawater-soluble extract, but not its constituent salvianolic acid B, abrogates LPS-induced NF-κB signalling in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Kim J S , Narula A S , Jobin C 
Published: July 2005

AbstractHerbal medicine has become an increasing popular therapeutic alternative among patients suffering from various inflammatory disorders. The Salvia miltiorrhizae water-soluble extract (SME) have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. However, the mechanism of action and impact of SME on LPS-induced gene expression is still unknown. We report that SME significantly abrogated LPS-induced IκB phosphorylation/degradation, NF-κB transcriptional activity and ICAM-1 gene expression in rat IEC-18 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that LPS-induced RelA recruitment to the ICAM-1 gene promoter was inhibited by SME. Moreover, in vitro kinase assay showed that SME directly inhibits LPS induced IκB kinase (IKK) activity in IEC-18 cells. To investigate the physiological relevance of SME inhibitory activity on NF-κB signalling, we used small intestinal explants and primary intestinal epithelial cells derived from a transgenic mouse expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the transcriptional control of NF-κB cis-elements (cis-NF-κBEGFP). SME significantly blocked LPS-induced EGFP expression and IκBα phosphorylation in intestinal explants and primary IECs, respectively. However, salvianolic acid B, an activate component of SME did not inhibit NF-κB transcriptional activity and IκB phosphorylation/degradation in IEC-18 cells. These results indicate that SME blocks LPS-induced NF-κB signalling pathway by targeting the IKK complex in intestinal epithelial cells. Modulation of bacterial product-mediated NF-κB signalling by natural plant extracts may represent an attractive strategy towards the prevention and treatment of intestinal inflammation.
Interleukin-15 increases neutrophil adhesion onto human respiratory epithelial A549 cells and attracts neutrophilsin vivo
Authors: Pelletier M , Girard D 
Published: July 2005

SummaryInterleukin-15 (IL-15) is a neutrophil agonist that plays a role in inflammatory disorders, including a variety of pulmonary diseases. Adhesion of neutrophils onto pulmonary cells is a major event leading to development of inflammation. Recently, elevated levels of IL-15 have been associated with different pulmonary diseases. There is no clear evidence that IL-15 modulates cell surface expression of adhesion molecules in neutrophils, or that IL-15 is involved in neutrophil adhesion onto pulmonary cells. Also, it is not clear if IL-15 induces a neutrophilic inflammation in vivo. This study was aimed at elucidation of these issues. Neutrophils were treated with IL-15 and cell surface expression of CD11a, CD11b, CD11c and CD18 was monitored by flow cytometry. The human respiratory epithelial A549 cell line was used as a substrate for the neutrophil adhesion assay and cell surface expression of CD50, CD54 and CD106 was monitored in IL-15-induced A549 cells. The murine air pouch model was used for investigating potential neutrophilic inflammation induced by IL-15 in vivo. IL-15 significantly increased neutrophil cell surface expression of CD11b and CD18 and up-regulated A549 cell surface expression of CD54. Moreover, A549 cells were found to express IL-15R components and adhesion of neutrophils onto A549 cells was increased when neutrophils or A549 cells were treated with IL-15. Finally, IL-15 induced neutrophilic inflammation in vivo and concentrations of IL-6 and CXCL2/MIP-2 were increased in IL-15-induced pouches. IL-15 might participate in inflammatory pulmonary diseases by attracting neutrophils, modulating cell surface expression molecules and increasing neutrophil adhesion onto pulmonary cells.
Pulse pressure vs. total arterial compliance as a marker of arterial health
Authors: Haluska B. A. , Jeffriess L. , Fathi R. B. , Mottram P. M. , Carlier S. G. , Marwick T. H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground  Brachial pulse pressure (BPP) is a predictor of outcome in epidemiologic studies, but brachial and aortic pulse pressure (AoPP) may not correspond and both are influenced by multiple parameters including arterial properties and cardiac output. We sought to what extent pulse pressure (PP) measurements reflected direct measurement of arterial properties, assessed as total arterial compliance (TAC).Methods  We studied 123 patients (76 men; age 55 ± 11); 31 normal controls, 46 patients with coronary artery disease and 46 patients with hypertension. PP was determined from brachial cuff pressure and TAC was measured by simultaneous radial applanation tonometry and pulsed wave Doppler of the LV outflow. AoPP was calculated using a transfer function from the radial waveform.Results  There was a significant difference between BPP and AoPP (57 ± 16 vs. 45 ± 14; P < 0·0001), although TAC correlated with BPP (r = −0·72; P = 0·01) and AoPP (r = −0·66; P = 0·01). In a multiple linear regression, the difference between BPP and AoPP was predicted by cardiac output (CO) (P = 0·002) and gender (P = 0·03). Bland‐Altman analysis showed the best correspondence between BPP and AoPP in the middle tertile (CO 4·7 to 5·7 L min−1) with less correlation in the low and high tertiles. The same analysis by gender showed a higher difference in women than men (14 ± 6 vs. 10 ± 5; P < 0·0001). The difference between BPP and AoPP showed the best correlation in the control group and the worst in the hypertension group.Conclusion  BPP correlates with TAC in men with normal cardiac function. However, in women, in patients at the low and high extremes of function, and in patients with preclinical and overt cardiovascular disease, there appears to be incremental value in measuring TAC.
International conference on the healthy effect of virgin olive oil
Authors: Jaen  
Published: July 2005

Summary

Ageing represents a great concern in developed countries because the number of people involved and the pathologies related with it, like atherosclerosis, morbus Parkinson, Alzheime's disease, vascular dementia, cognitive decline, diabetes and cancer.
Epidemiological studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet (which is rich in virgin olive oil) decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Mediterranean diet, rich in virgin olive oil, improves the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as the lipoprotein profile, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and antithrombotic profile. Endothelial function, inflammation and oxidative stress are also positively modulated. Some of these effects are attributed to minor components of virgin olive oil. Therefore, the definition of the Mediterranean diet should include virgin olive oil.
Different observational studies conducted in humans have shown that the intake of monounsaturated fat may be protective against age‐related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Microconstituents from virgin olive oil are bioavailable in humans and have shown antioxidant properties and capacity to improve endothelial function. Furthermore they are also able to modify the haemostasis, showing antithrombotic properties.
In countries where the populations fulfilled a typical Mediterranean diet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, where virgin olive oil is the principal source of fat, cancer incidence rates are lower than in northern European countries.
The protective effect of virgin olive oil can be most important in the first decades of life, which suggests that the dietetic benefit of virgin olive oil intake should be initiated before puberty, and maintained through life.
The more recent studies consistently support that the Mediterranean diet, based in virgin olive oil, is compatible with a healthier ageing and increased longevity. However, despite the significant advances of the recent years, the final proof about the specific mechanisms and contributing role of the different components of virgin olive oil to its beneficial effects requires further investigations.
Genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 in patients with hepatitis C virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: MOCHIZUKI JUNKO , MURAKAMI SHIGETO , SANJO AKIRA , TAKAGI ICHIRO , AKIZUKI SETSUKO , OHNISHI AKIHIRO 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground: The carcinogenic process can be modulated by exposure to endogenous or environmental substance(s) acting as carcinogens or protocarcinogens. Polymorphic enzymes of cytochrome P450 (CYP) that play a role in detoxication/toxication of such substances via metabolization may account for the interpatient variability of clinical course in cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Many CYP genetic polymorphisms, which may change enzyme activity, are known to exist in Japanese. The aim of the present study was to compare the frequencies of CYP polymorphisms between hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related HCC patients and healthy subjects.Methods: Seven mutant alleles and related genotypes of CYP in 44 HCV‐positive HCC patients were chosen as follows: *1C heterozygous, *1C homozygous and *1F homozygous for CYP1A2, *4A homozygous for CYP2A6, *2A or *3 heterozygous, *2A or *3 homozygous and *2A and *3 heterozygous for CYP2C19, and *10/*5 homozygous for CYP2D6. These mutant alleles have been reported to change the CYP enzyme activity in Japanese. The frequencies of the mutant alleles and genotypes were then compared with those reported in healthy Japanese.Results and conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference in genetic mutant alleles between the two groups, except for the genotype of CYP2A6*4A homozygous. The frequency of this genotype in the HCC patients (0.144) is significantly higher than that in healthy Japanese (0.034; P < 0.05; odds ratio 3.36). The clinical significance related to HCC is unknown. Further evaluation of CYP2A6*4A (deletion type) in HCV‐related HCC patients is required.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Diagnosis and genotyping of Helicobacter pylori by polymerase chain reaction of bacterial DNA from gastric juice
Authors: DATTA SIMANTI , CHATTOPADHYAY SANTANU , CHOWDHURY ABHIJIT , SANTRA AMAL , SAHA DHIRA RANI , RAMAMURTHY T , BHATTACHARYA SUJIT KUMAR , BERG DOUGLAS E , NAIR G BALAKRISH , MUKHOPADHYAY ASISH KUMAR 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground: Efficient and accurate detection of Helicobacter pylori infection as well as identification of virulence‐associated alleles are important for the treatment of gastroduodenal diseases caused by this gastric pathogen. The present study was performed to test the efficiency of gastric juice polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the rapid detection of H. pylori infection and to determine the bacterial genotypes without the need for culture, which is often not feasible especially in developing countries.Methods: DNA was extracted from gastric juice samples collected from 45 subjects and was used to amplify urease B gene (ureB) for H. pylori. Results obtained from this method were further confirmed by rapid urease test (RUT), histology and culture. Genotypes of the infected strains predicted from gastric juice PCR were compared to the genotype data obtained from the isolated strains.Results: Among 45 cases, 32 were positive by RUT, 37 by histological examination, 25 by gastric juice PCR method, while culture yielded positive results for 19 samples. Except for one case, all the 19 culture‐positive strains gave the same genotype with the gastric juice PCR result. It was found that the gastric juice PCR is more efficient for detection of multiple‐strain infection as compared to genotype data obtained from strains isolated as pooled culture.Conclusions: This moderately sensitive technique could be employed with good efficiency, particularly in cases where it is difficult to obtain biopsy. Moreover, with this method bacterial genotype could be obtained.