bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medroxyprogesterone improves nocturnal breathing in postmenopausal women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Saaresranta Tarja , Aittokallio Tero , Utriainen Karri , Polo Olli 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackgroundProgestins as respiratory stimulants in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been investigated in males and during wakefulness. However, sleep and gender may influence therapeutic responses. We investigated the effects of a 2-week medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) therapy on sleep and nocturnal breathing in postmenopausal women.MethodsA single-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed in 15 postmenopausal women with moderate to severe COPD. A 12-week trial included 2-week treatment periods with placebo and MPA (60 mg/d/14 days). All patients underwent a polysomnography with monitoring of SaO2and transcutaneous PCO2(tcCO2) at baseline, with placebo, with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 60 mg/d/14 days), and three and six weeks after cessation of MPA.ResultsThirteen patients completed the trial. At baseline, the average ± SD of SaO2mean was 90.6 ± 3.2 % and the median of SaO2nadir 84.8 % (interquartile range, IQR 6.1). MPA improved them by 1.7 ± 1.6 %-units (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.56, 2.8) and by 3.9 %-units (IQR 4.9; 95% CI 0.24, 10.2), respectively. The average of tcCO2median was 6.0 ± 0.9 kPa and decreased with MPA by 0.9 ± 0.5 kPa (95% CI -1.3, -0.54). MPA improved SaO2nadir and tcCO2median also during REM sleep. Three weeks after cessation of MPA, the SaO2mean remained 1.4 ± 1.8 %-units higher than at baseline, the difference being not significant (95% CI -0.03, 2.8). SaO2nadir was 2.7 %-units (IQR 4.9; 95% CI 0.06, 18.7) higher than at baseline. Increases in SaO2mean and SaO2nadir during sleep with MPA were inversely associated with baseline SaO2mean (r = -0.70, p = 0.032) and baseline SaO2nadir (r = -0.77, p = 0.008), respectively. Treatment response in SaO2mean, SaO2nadir and tcCO2levels did not associate with pack-years smoked, age, BMI, spirometric results or sleep variables.ConclusionMPA-induced respiratory improvement in postmenopausal women seems to be consistent and prolonged. The improvement was greater in patients with lower baseline SaO2values. Long-term studies in females are warranted.
Expression of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in human lung cells
Authors: Plummer Howard K , Dhar Madhu , Schuller Hildegard M 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
We and others have shown that one of the mechanisms of growth regulation of small cell lung cancer cell lines and cultured pulmonary neuroendocrine cells is by the binding of agonists to the α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In addition, we have shown that the nicotine-derived carcinogenic nitrosamine, 4(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), is a high affinity agonist for the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. In the present study, our goal was to determine the extent of α7 mRNA and protein expression in the human lung.

Methods
Experiments were done using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a nuclease protection assay and western blotting using membrane proteins.

Results
We detected mRNA for the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 receptor in seven small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines, in two pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell lines, in cultured normal human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC), one carcinoid cell line, three squamous cell lines and tissue samples from nine patients with various types of lung cancer. A nuclease protection assay showed prominent levels of α7 in the NCI-H82 SCLC cell line while α7 was not detected in SAEC, suggesting that α7 mRNA levels may be higher in SCLC compared to normal cells. Using a specific antibody to the α7 nicotinic receptor, protein expression of α7 was determined. All SCLC cell lines except NCI-H187 expressed protein for the α7 receptor. In the non-SCLC cells and normal cells that express the α7 nAChR mRNA, only in SAEC, A549 and NCI-H226 was expression of the α7 nicotinic receptor protein shown. When NCI-H69 SCLC cell line was exposed to 100 pm NNK, protein expression of the α7 receptor was increased at 60 and 150 min.

Conclusion
Expression of mRNA for the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 seems to be ubiquitously expressed in all human lung cancer cell lines tested (except for NCI-H441) as well as normal lung cells. The α7 nicotinic receptor protein is expressed in fewer cell lines, and the tobacco carcinogen NNK increases α7 nicotinic receptor protein levels.
Analysis of the CCR3 promoter reveals a regulatory region in exon 1 that binds GATA-1
Authors: Zimmermann Nives , Colyer Jessica L , Koch Laura E , Rothenberg Marc E 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
CC Chemokine Receptor 3 (CCR3), the major chemokine receptor expressed on eosinophils, binds promiscuously to several ligands including eotaxins 1, 2, and 3. Even though the only cells that consistently accumulate following eotaxin administration in vivo are myeloid cells (primarily eosinophils), other cell types have recently been shown to express CCR3. It is therefore important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating receptor expression.

Results
In order to define regions responsible for CCR3 transcription, a DNAse hypersensitive site was identified in the vicinity of exon 1. Coupled with our previous data implicating exon 1 in CCR3 transcription, we hypothesized that transcription factors bind to exon-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis revealed that nuclear proteins in eosinophilic cells bound to exon 1. Furthermore, antibody interference and mutation studies demonstrated GATA-1 binding to exon 1. In order to test the 1.6-kb CCR3 promoter element (that includes exon 1) for in vivo function, this region was used to generate transgenic mice that expressed a reporter protein. Strong transgene expression was achieved, with the pattern of expression suggesting a broad acting promoter.

Conclusion
The transcription factor GATA-1 binds to CCR3 exon 1. The 1.6-kb CCR3 promoter element, that includes exon 1, is a strong promoter in vivo.
Bartonella seropositivity in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Authors: Robinson Joan L , Spady Donald W , Prasad Errol , McColl Dorothy , Artsob Harvey 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
An association between Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and seropositivity for Bartonella henselae (BH) has been described. The objective of this study was to see if such an association exists in northern Alberta.

Methods
Immunofluorescent antibody testing utilizing an antigen prepared from B. henselae was undertaken on sera from six children with current HSP, 22 children with remote HSP, and 28 controls that were matched for age. Blood from the six children with current HSP was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with primers derived from the citrate synthase (gltA) gene for the detection of Bartonella DNA.

Results
The seropositivity rate for BH was 61% in cases versus 21% in controls (p < 0.03). The PCR assay was negative in all six current cases.

Conclusion
There is an increased seropositivity rate for BH in children with HSP. However, it is not clear if infection with B. henselae or a related Bartonella species can result in HSP, or if the increased seropositivity is from non-specific or cross-reacting antibodies.
Clinical practice guideline on the optimal radiotherapeutic management of brain metastases
Authors: Tsao May N , Lloyd Nancy S , Wong Rebecca KS ,   the Supportive Care Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario's Program in Evidence-based Care
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
An evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the optimal radiotherapeutic management of single and multiple brain metastases was developed.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. The Supportive Care Guidelines Group formulated clinical recommendations based on their interpretation of the evidence. External review of the report by Ontario practitioners was obtained through a mailed survey, and final approval was obtained from Cancer Care Ontario's Practice Guidelines Coordinating Committee (PGCC).

Results
One hundred and nine Ontario practitioners responded to the survey (return rate 44%). Ninety-six percent of respondents agreed with the interpretation of the evidence, and 92% agreed that the report should be approved. Minor revisions were made based on feedback from external reviewers and the PGCC. The PGCC approved the final practice guideline report.

Conclusions
For adult patients with a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of brain metastases (single or multiple) we conclude that,
• Surgical excision should be considered for patients with good performance status, minimal or no evidence of extracranial disease, and a surgically accessible single brain metastasis.
• Postoperative whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) should be considered to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence for patients who have undergone resection of a single brain metastasis.
• Radiosurgery boost with WBRT may improve survival in select patients with unresectable single brain metastases.
• The whole brain should be irradiated for multiple brain metastases. Standard dose-fractionation schedules are 3000 cGy in 10 fractions or 2000 cGy in 5 fractions.
• Radiosensitizers are not recommended outside research studies.
• In select patients, radiosurgery may be considered as boost therapy with WBRT to improve local tumour control. Radiosurgery boost may improve survival in select patients.
• Chemotherapy as primary therapy or chemotherapy with WBRT remains experimental.
• Supportive care is an option but there is a lack of Level 1 evidence as to which subsets of patients should be managed with supportive care alone.
Qualifying statements addressing factors to consider when applying these recommendations are provided in the full report. The rigorous development, external review and approval process has resulted in a practice guideline that is strongly endorsed by Ontario practitioners.
A polymorphism at codon 31 of gene p21 is not associated with primary open angle glaucoma in Caucasians
Authors: Ressiniotis Thomas , Griffiths Philip G , Keers Sharon M , Chinnery Patrick F , Birch Michael 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is considered to be a neurodegenerative optic neuropathy, in which cell death occurs by apoptosis. p21, is an important protective component of the apoptotic pathway, regulating cellular arrest in the presence of DNA damage. An unstable or altered p21 protein could modify the cellular response to genomic injury and abolish the effect of p21. A previous study on a Chinese cohort suggested that the p21 codon 31 polymorphism may alter the state of apoptosis in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, failing to protect the ganglion cells. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a p21 codon 31 polymorphism is associated with POAG on a Caucasian cohort.

Methods
140 POAG patients and a control group of 73 healthy individuals were included in the study. All the subjects were of Caucasian origin. Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by enzymatic restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). Patients and controls were genotyped for a single nucleotide polymorphism (C/A transversion) in the third base of codon 31 of p21, which leads to a serine (Ser)/arginine (Arg) substitution.

Results
The distribution of the genotypes in the POAG patients showed 128 (91.4%) Ser homozygotes, 10 (7.1%) Ser/Arg heterozygotes and 2 (1.5%) Arg homozygotes. In the control cohort, there were 61 (83.6%) Ser homozygotes and 12 (16.4%) Ser/Arg heterozygotes. No Arg homozygotes were present amongst the control group. Both the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the Ser or Arg residues at codon 31 were not significantly different between POAG patients and controls (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.20 for alleles and P = 0.0561 for genotypes).

Conclusion
This study suggests that the p21 codon 31 polymorphism does not contribute to the risk of POAG in the Caucasian population.
The relationship between video display terminals (VDTs) usage and dermatologic manifestations : a cross sectional study
Authors: Aminian Omid , Mansoori Parvin , Sharifian Akbar , Rafeemanesh Ehsan , Mazaheri Maria , Iraniha Mohammadreza 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Recently, it has been observed that Video Display Terminals (VDTs) usage for long periods can cause some dermatological manifestations on the face. An analytical cross-sectional study was designed in order to determine this relationship.

Methods
In this study, 600 office workers were chosen randomly from an organization in Tehran (Iran).
The subjects were then divided into two groups based on their exposure to VDTs.
306 workers were considered exposure negative (non VDT user) who worked less than 7 hours a week with VDTs. The remainders 294 were exposure-positive, who worked 7 hours or more with VDTs. The frequency of dermatologic manifestations was compared in these two groups.

Results
In the exposure-positive and exposure-negative groups, the frequency of these dermatologic manifestations were 27 and 5 respectively.
After statistical analysis, a P.value of < 0.05 was obtained indicating a statistically significant difference between these two groups for dermatological manifestations.

Conclusion
According to our study, there is a relationship between dermatologic manifestations on the face and exposure to VDTs.
Mathematical model describing erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Implications for blood viscosity changes in traumatic shock and crush syndrome
Authors: Ismailov Rovshan M , Shevchuk Nikolai A , Khusanov Higmat 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple and inexpensive laboratory test, which is widespread in clinical practice, for assessing the inflammatory or acute response. This work addresses the theoretical and experimental investigation of sedimentation a single and multiple particles in homogeneous and heterogeneous (multiphase) medium, as it relates to their internal structure (aggregation of solid or deformed particles).

Methods
The equation system has been solved numerically. To choose finite analogs of derivatives we used the schemes of directional differences.

Results
(1) Our model takes into account the influence of the vessel wall on group aggregation of particles in tubes as well as the effects of rotation of particles, the constraint coefficient, and viscosity of a mixture as a function of the volume fraction. (2) This model can describe ESR as a function of the velocity of adhesion of erythrocytes; (3) Determination of the ESR is best conducted at certain time intervals, i.e. in a series of periods not exceeding 5 minutes each; (4) Differential diagnosis of various diseases by means of ESR should be performed using the aforementioned timed measurement of ESR; (5) An increase in blood viscosity during trauma results from an increase in rouleaux formation and the time-course method of ESR will be useful in patients with trauma, in particular, with traumatic shock and crush syndrome.

Conclusion
The mathematical model created in this study used the most fundamental differential equations that have ever been derived to estimate ESR. It may further our understanding of its complex mechanism.
Complementary and alternative medicine utilisation in NHS and private clinic settings: a United Kingdom survey of 400 infertility patients
Authors: Coulson Catherine , Jenkins Julian 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Some evidence suggests that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has found increased utilisation among patients seeking infertility treatment, although there is little information available to quantify this phenomenon. This is important information as there is marketing for CAM directed to this group and professionals need to be aware of the treatments their patients are receiving. Patients attending for infertility diagnosis and treatment often ask the physician about CAM; this paper seeks to compare the prevalence of CAM use among infertility patients in National Health Service (NHS) and private clinics. This paper provides results of a survey of couples (n = 400) divided equally between NHS and private settings. Our data suggest a high use of CAM particularly among female private patients, although patients appear sceptical of the efficacy of such treatment which is consistent with the literature.
Local and systemic activity of the polysaccharide chitosan at lymphoid tissues after oral administration
Authors: Porporatto Carina , Bianco Ismael D , Correa Silvia G 
Published: April 2005

AbstractChitosan is a cationic polysaccharide derived from the partial deacetylation of chitin, which exhibits particular properties: interacts with negatively charged sites on the cell surface; changes the permeability of intestinal epithelium, enhancing the uptake of peptides and proteins; and activates leukocytes. Antigens coadministered or encapsulated with the polysaccharide show improved mucosal and systemic humoral immune responses, although the mechanism is poorly understood. Herein, we characterized in Peyer's patches mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen molecular events triggered after oral administration of chitosan in the absence of protein antigen. Sixteen hours after feeding, we studied the uptake and distribution of the polysaccharide, the phenotype of recruited antigen-presenting cells (APC), the induction of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-12, IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and the activation of T lymphocytes. We show here that the uptake of chitosan at inductive mucosal sites involves CD11b/c+ APC and that chitosan feeding increases the percentage of OX62+ dendritic cells, which up-regulate the major histocompatibility complex class II antigens without changing the expression of costimulatory CD80 or CD86 molecules. The polysaccharide elicits the release of IL-10 as well as the expression of IL-4 and TGF-β in mucosa, and in spleen, the activation of CD3+ T cells occurs. Our results demonstrate that chitosan acts by enhancing the T helper cell type 2 (Th2)/Th3 microenvironment in the mucosa. A single dose of this polysaccharide exhibits local and systemic effects, and its activity could be relevant in the maintenance of the intestinal homeostasis.
Maturation requirements for dendritic cells in T cell stimulation leading to tolerance versus immunity
Authors: Tan Jonathan K H , O'Neill Helen C 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe model that dendritic cell (DC) “maturation” describes the change from an immature, antigen-capturing cell to a mature, antigen-presenting cell is well-established. Classification of DCs in terms of function has been problematic previously. It is therefore proposed that mature and not immature DCs are responsible for antigen presentation and stimulation of T cells. Furthermore, DC antigen presentation to T cells can have two outcomes: tolerance or immunity. The particular outcomes appear to be determined by the activation state of the mature DC. DCs can be activated by a range of environmental stimuli or “danger signals”. Here, the hypothesis is advanced that activated, mature DCs induce T cell immunity, and resting, nonactivated but fully differentiated mature antigen-presenting DCs can induce tolerance. This proposal extends to conventional DCs and plasmacytoid DCs. The paper also concentrates on the spleen as a site for DC maturation, in light of evidence from this laboratory for differentiation of DCs from splenic precursors in long-term, stroma-dependent cultures. The hypothesis advanced here serves to simplify many current issues regarding DC maturation and function.
Multicenter, Phase II Study of Cetuximab in Combination With Carboplatin in Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Anthony T.C. , Hsu Mow-Ming , Goh Boon C. , Hui Edwin P. , Liu Tsang-Wu , Millward Michael J. , Hong Ruey-Long , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Ma Brigette B.Y. , To Ka F. , Mueser Matthias , Amellal Nadia , Lin Xiao , Chang Alex Y. 
Published: April 2005

Purpose To evaluate efficacy and toxicity of cetuximab plus carboplatin in recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) resistant to platinum treatment. Patients and Methods A multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–expressing NPC who progressed on or within 12 months after termination of platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic disease. Cetuximab was administered at an initial dose of 400 mg/m2 followed by weekly doses of 250 mg/m2. Carboplatin area under the curve 5 was administered every 3 weeks up to a maximum of eight cycles. Results Sixty patients were enrolled (46 males, 14 females; median age, 44.5 years; range, 23 to 64 years), and all patients were included in the intent-to-treat and safety analyses. Of the 59 patients assessable for efficacy, there were seven partial responses (11.7%), 29 patients (48.3%) with stable disease, and 23 patients (38.3%) with progressive disease, giving an overall response rate of 11.7% (95% CI, 4.8% to 22.6%). The median time to progression was 81 days in all patients and was longest in the group of patients with a confirmed response (173 days). The median overall survival time was 233 days in all patients. Six patients (10%) experienced serious treatment-related adverse events. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities occurred in 31 patients (51.7%); of these patients, only 19 (31.7%) were considered to have toxicity related to cetuximab. Conclusion Cetuximab in combination with carboplatin demonstrates clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC who had previously experienced treatment failure with platinum-based therapy.
International Staging System for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Greipp Philip R. , Miguel Jesus San , Durie Brian G.M. , Crowley John J. , Barlogie Bart , Bladé Joan , Boccadoro Mario , Child J. Anthony , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Kyle Robert A. , Lahuerta Juan J. , Ludwig Heinz , Morgan Gareth , Powles Raymond , Shimizu Kazuyuki , Shustik Chaim , Sonneveld Pieter , Tosi Patrizia , Turesson Ingemar , Westin Jan 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThere is a need for a simple, reliable staging system for multiple myeloma that can be applied internationally for patient classification and stratification.Patients and MethodsClinical and laboratory data were gathered on 10,750 previously untreated symptomatic myeloma patients from 17 institutions, including sites in North America, Europe, and Asia. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate techniques. Three modeling approaches were then explored to develop a staging system including two nontree and one tree survival assessment methodologies.ResultsSerum beta2-microglobulin (Sβ2M), serum albumin, platelet count, serum creatinine, and age emerged as powerful predictors of survival and were then used in the tree analysis approach. A combination of Sβ2M and serum albumin provided the simplest, most powerful and reproducible three-stage classification. This new International Staging System (ISS) was validated in the remaining patients and consists of the following stages: stage I, Sβ2M less than 3.5 mg/L plus serum albumin ≥ 3.5 g/dL (median survival, 62 months); stage II, neither stage I nor III (median survival, 44 months); and stage III, Sβ2M ≥ 5.5 mg/L (median survival, 29 months). The ISS system was further validated by demonstrating effectiveness in patients in North America, Europe, and Asia; in patients less than and ≥ 65 years of age; in patients with standard therapy or autotransplantation; and in comparison with the Durie/Salmon staging system.ConclusionThe new ISS is simple, based on easy to use variables (Sβ2M and serum albumin), and recommended for early adoption and widespread use.