bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of human lung mast cells by monomeric immunoglobulin E
Authors: Cruse G. , Kaur D. , Yang W. , Duffy S. M. , Brightling C. E. , Bradding P. 
Published: April 2005

The mechanism of chronic mast cell activation in asthma is unclear. Monomeric immunoglobulin (Ig)E in the absence of allergen induces mediator release from rodent mast cells, indicating a possible role for IgE in the continued activation of mast cells within the asthmatic bronchial mucosa. In this study it was investigated whether monomeric IgE induces Ca2+influx and mediator release from human lung mast cells (HLMC).Purified HLMC were cultured for 4 weeks and then exposed to monomeric human myeloma IgE. Ratiometric Ca2+imaging was performed on single fura-2-loaded cells. Histamine release was measured by radioenzymatic assay; leukotriene C4(LTC4) and interleukin (IL)-8 were measured by ELISA.At concentrations experiencedin vivo, monomeric IgE induced dose-dependent histamine release, LTC4production and IL-8 synthesis. This was associated with a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+. Enhanced histamine release was still evident 1 week after initial exposure to IgE suggesting that continued exposure maintains enhanced secretion.Monomeric immunoglobulin E alone activates cultured human lung mast cells initiating Ca2+influx, degranulation, arachidonic acid metabolism and cytokine synthesis. These findings support the hypothesis that immunoglobulin E loading of mast cells within the asthmatic airway contributes to the disordered airway physiology of this disease.
Increased serum concentrations of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in COPD patients
Authors: Higashimoto Y. , Yamagata Y. , Iwata T. , Okada M. , Ishiguchi T. , Sato H. , Masuda M. , Itoh H. 
Published: April 2005

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 concentrations are increased in the sputum of asthma and chronic bronchitis patients, and are thought to be related to airflow obstruction. However, serum concentrations of these enzymes have not been clearly evaluated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to examine the serum concentrations of these enzymes in COPD and asthmatic patients in order to determine their relationship with airway obstruction.Serum samples were obtained from 72 patients with COPD: 66 control subjects and 26 patients with asthma. Smoking histories of control subjects were matched with those of COPD patients. Serum concentrations of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 were determined by ELISA.The circulating TIMP-1 concentration was significantly higher in stable COPD patients than in control and asthmatic subjects, and was significantly negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity in COPD patients. The molar ratio between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was significantly lower in COPD patients than in control subjects. In patients with COPD, the serum TIMP-1 concentration was significantly increased during disease exacerbation.In conclusion, the current findings suggest that serum tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 concentration can be used as a serum marker of airway obstruction and exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and patients in retreatment
Authors: Caminero J. A. 
Published: April 2005

Retreatment of tuberculosis involves the management of entities as diverse as relapse, failure, treatment after default, and poor patient adherence to the previous treatment. The emergence of conditions for selection of resistance (failure and partial abandonment) is a matter of great concern.The development of a retreatment regimen for tuberculosis requires consideration of certain basic premises. The importance of a comprehensive and directed history of drugs taken in the past, and the limited reliability of susceptibility tests to many of these drugs, should be kept in mind. Taking this into account, and possessing a thorough knowledge of all anti-tuberculosis medications, it is possible to cure almost all patients with an appropriate retreatment regimen including a minimum of three or four drugs not previously used. Nonetheless, the treatment of these patients is so complex that it should only be carried out by experienced staff.Concern about treating tuberculosis patients with drug resistance varies greatly depending on the available resources. High-income countries should provide individual treatment regimens adapted to each patient; however, in other settings, restricted resources could justify the implementation of standardised therapeutic guidelines with second-line drugs in order to facilitate management and reduce costs.
Activated CD8+ T-lymphocytes in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Dyugovskaya L. , Lavie P. , Hirsh M. , Lavie L. 
Published: April 2005

T-lymphocytes are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether the CD8+ T-lymphocytes of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients undergo phenotypic and functional changes that may exaggerate atherogenic sequelae in OSA.A total of 36 OSA patients, 17 controls and 15 single-night-treated OSA patients were studied. Phenotype and cytotoxicity against K562 target cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was assessed by51Cr release assay.The cytotoxicity of the CD8+ T-lymphocytes of OSA patients against K562 and HUVECs was significantly greater than controls. This increased cytotoxicity directly depended on the presence of perforin and natural killer receptors (CD56, CD16), which were significantly increased in OSA CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Also the percentage of the CD56brightsubset, which mediates initial interactions with vascular endothelium, significantly increased in OSA. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment significantly decreased CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity and CD56 expression, and was positively correlated with natural killer inhibitory NKB1 receptor expression either after a single-night treatment or after a prolonged treatment.In conclusion, the CD8+ T-lymphocytes of obstructive sleep apnoea patients undergo phenotypic and functional changes, rendering them cytotoxic to target cellsviaincreased CD56+/perforin+ expression, which can be ameliorated by nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment. These results are compatible with the current authors' hypothesis of atherogenic sequelae in obstructive sleep apnoea.
Adenosine level in exhaled breath increases during exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Csoma Z. , Huszár É. , Vizi É. , Vass G. , Szabó Z. , Herjavecz I. , Kollai M. , Horváth I. 
Published: April 2005

In asthmatic patients, airway obstruction provoked by exercise challenge is accompanied by an increase in plasma adenosine level. In this study, the current authors investigated if exercise-induced bronchoconstriction was associated with local changes of adenosine concentration in the airways.Oral exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection (5-min duration) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) measurements were performed at rest (baseline) and 4–8 times after treadmill exercise challenge in healthy and asthmatic subjects. Adenosine concentration in EBC was determined by HPLC.Observations indicated that physical exercise results in bronchoconstriction together with a significant increase of adenosine level in EBC in asthmatic patients (mean±sdmaximal fall in FEV127±13%; associated increase in adenosine 110±76% as compared to baseline), but not in healthy control subjects. Exercise-induced changes in adenosine concentration correlated significantly with the fall in FEV1values in asthmatic patients.In conclusion, the observed increase in adenosine concentration of oral exhaled breath condensate most probably reflects changes in the airways during exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Due to its known bronchoconstrictor property in asthma, adenosine may contribute to the development of bronchospasm.
Prognostic value of the ECG on admission in patients with acute major pulmonary embolism
Authors: Geibel A. , Zehender M. , Kasper W. , Olschewski M. , Klima C. , Konstantinides S. V. 
Published: April 2005

A number of ECG abnormalities can be observed in the acute phase of pulmonary embolism (PE). Their prognostic value has not yet been systematically studied in large patient populations.In 508 patients with acute major PE derived from a large prospective registry, the current authors assessed, on admission, the impact of specific pathological ECG findings on early (30-day) mortality.Atrial arrhythmias, complete right bundle branch block, peripheral low voltage, pseudoinfarction pattern (Q waves) in leads III and aVF, and ST segment changes (elevation or depression) over the left precordial leads, were all significantly more frequent in patients with a fatal outcome. Overall, 29% of the patients who exhibited at least one of these abnormalities on admission did not survive to hospital discharge, as opposed to only 11% of the patients without a pathological 12-lead ECG. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of at least one of the above ECG findings was, besides haemodynamic instability, syncope and pre-existing chronic pulmonary disease, a significant independent predictor of outcome.In conclusion, ECG may be a useful, simple, non-costly tool for initial risk stratification of patients with acute major pulmonary embolism.
Clade, Country and Region-specific HIV-1 Vaccines: Are they necessary?
Authors: Slobod Karen S , Coleclough Chris , Brown Scott A , Stambas John , Zhan Xiaoyan , Surman Sherri , Jones Bart G , Zirkel Amy , Freiden Pamela J , Brown Brita , Sealy Robert , Bonsignori Mattia , Hurwitz Julia L 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Today, scientists are often encouraged to custom-design vaccines based on a particular country or clade. Here, we review the scientific literature and then suggest that the overwhelming endeavor to produce a unique vaccine for every world region or virus subtype may not be necessary.
Somatic mutations in the mitochondria of rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes
Authors: Da Sylva Tanya R , Connor Alison , Mburu Yvonne , Keystone Edward , Wu Gillian E 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSomatic mutations have a role in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, particularly cancers. Here we present data supporting a role of mitochondrial somatic mutations in an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a complex, multifactorial disease with a number of predisposition traits, including major histocompatibility complex (MHC) type and early bacterial infection in the joint. Somatic mutations in mitochondrial peptides displayed by MHCs may be recognized as non-self, furthering the destructive immune infiltration of the RA joint. Because many bacterial proteins have mitochondrial homologues, the immune system may be primed against these altered peptides if they mimic bacterial homologues. In addition, somatic mutations may be influencing cellular function, aiding in the acquirement of transformed properties of RA synoviocytes. To test the hypothesis that mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with RA, we focused on the MT-ND1 gene for mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 1 (subunit one of complex I – NADH dehydrogenase) of synoviocyte mitochondria from RA patients, using tissue from osteoarthritis (OA) patients for controls. We identified the mutational burden and amino acid changes in potential epitope regions in the two patient groups. RA synoviocyte mtDNA had about twice the number of mutations as the OA group. Furthermore, some of these changes had resulted in potential non-self MHC peptide epitopes. These results provide evidence for a new role for somatic mutations in mtDNA in RA and predict a role in other diseases.
Osteoporosis in experimental postmenopausal polyarthritis: the relative contributions of estrogen deficiency and inflammation
Authors: Jochems Caroline , Islander Ulrika , Erlandsson Malin , Verdrengh Margareta , Ohlsson Claes , Carlsten Hans 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGeneralized osteoporosis in postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused both by estrogen deficiency and by the inflammatory disease. The relative importance of each of these factors is unknown. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of osteoporosis in postmenopausal RA, and to evaluate the relative importance and mechanisms of menopause and arthritis-related osteoporosis. To mimic postmenopausal RA, DBA/1 mice were ovariectomized, followed by the induction of type II collagen-induced arthritis. After the mice had been killed, paws were collected for histology, one femur for bone mineral density (BMD) and sera for analyses of markers of bone resorption (RatLaps; type I collagen cross-links, bone formation (osteocalcin) and cartilage destruction (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein), and for the evaluation of antigen-specific and innate immune responsiveness. Ovariectomized mice displayed more severe arthritis than sham-operated controls. At termination of the experiment, arthritic control mice and non-arthritic ovariectomized mice displayed trabecular bone losses of 26% and 22%, respectively. Ovariectomized mice with arthritis had as much as 58% decrease in trabecular BMD. Interestingly, cortical BMD was decreased by arthritis but was not affected by hormonal status. In addition, markers of bone resorption and cartilage destruction were increased in arthritic mice, whereas markers of bone formation were increased in ovariectomized mice. This study demonstrates that the loss of endogenous estrogen and inflammation contribute additively and equally to osteoporosis in experimental postmenopausal polyarthritis. Markers of bone remodeling and bone marrow lymphocyte phenotypes indicate different mechanisms for the development of osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy and arthritis in this model.
Relations in biomedical ontologies
Authors: Smith Barry , Ceusters Werner , Klagges Bert , Köhler Jacob , Kumar Anand , Lomax Jane , Mungall Chris , Neuhaus Fabian , Rector Alan L , Rosse Cornelius 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTo enhance the treatment of relations in biomedical ontologies we advance a methodology for providing consistent and unambiguous formal definitions of the relational expressions used in such ontologies in a way designed to assist developers and users in avoiding errors in coding and annotation. The resulting Relation Ontology can promote interoperability of ontologies and support new types of automated reasoning about the spatial and temporal dimensions of biological and medical phenomena.
Changing occupational therapy and physiotherapy practice through guidelines and audit in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hammond R , Lennon S , Walker M F , Hoffman A , Irwin P , Lowe D 
Published: April 2005

Background: The National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke (NCGS) were produced and three rounds of the National Sentinel Audit of Stroke conducted to improve the quality of stroke care in the UK. Objective: To compare the results of the occupational therapy and physiotherapy elements of the most recent national sentinel audit with the occupational therapy-and physiotherapy-specific recommendations of the NCGS. Methods: Retrospective case-note audit. Results: Over 95% of hospitals/sites who manage stroke in England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in the most recent round of the sentinel audit. The clinical audit took place from 1 April to 30 June 2001 and incorporated 235 hospitals/sites. The organizational audit took place in January 2002 and incorporated 240 hospitals/sites. Data are presented from the 235 with both clinical and organizational data, under the headings of: approaches to rehabilitation; carers/families; rehabilitation interventions; and transfer to the community. Low rates of compliance with national standards were observed for all domains. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that occupational therapists and physiotherapists are not fully complying with the national standards for stroke care.
Therapy and support services for people with long-term stroke and aphasia and their relatives: a six-month follow-up study
Authors: van der Gaag Anna , Smith Lesley , Davis Stephanie , Moss Becky , Cornelius Victoria , Laing Susan , Mowles Chris 
Published: April 2005

Objective: To evaluate the impact of attending an aphasia therapy centre on quality of life and communication skills in people with stroke and aphasia and their relatives. Design: Before and after study, six months duration. Setting: Community-based aphasia therapy centre in the United Kingdom. Participants: Thirty-eight men and women with aphasia following a stroke, and 22 of their relatives. Mean time since stroke was 33 months (SD 24.1). Interventions: A range of group therapies for people with aphasia and their relatives and counselling for individuals and couples. Outcome measures: Quantitative outcome measures were ratings of quality of life and communication for people with aphasia, and relatives' independent ratings of communication and coping with caring. Qualitative outcomes were perceptions of quality of life and communication skills using semi-structured interviews. Results: Improvement was detected on all outcomes at six months. There were significant changes from baseline on the quality of life measure, mean difference 0.14 (95% confidence interval 0.02, 0.26); and the communication measure assessed by people with aphasia and their relatives, mean difference 12.8 (4.0, 21.5) and 9.7 (3.6, 15.7) respectively. The changes on the coping with caring measure were not significant, though the direction of change was positive. Qualitative interviews revealed a similar pattern of benefit in terms of increased levels of self-confidence and changes in lifestyle and levels of independence. Conclusions: The results suggest that this therapeutic approach has an impact on quality of life and communication for people with aphasia and their relatives.
‘If only I manage to get home I'll get better’-Interviews with stroke patients after emergency stay in hospital on their experiences and needs
Authors: Olofsson A , Andersson S-O , Carlberg B 
Published: April 2005

Objective: To find out about the experiences of stroke patients concerning their falling ill, their stay in hospital, discharge and homecoming. Design: Qualitative methods using in-depth interviews. Subjects and setting: Nine strategically chosen patients and in five cases near family members were interviewed in their homes four months post stroke and following care at the Stroke Centre, University Hospital of Northern Sweden, Umea°. Results: Three main categories with subcategories were brought to the fore from the interviews: ‘Responsible and implicated’, ’Depersonalized object for caring measures’ and ‘The striving for repersonalization and autonomy’. The patients got the most important insights and understanding about their state and the consequences when they came home. Conclusion: The three main categories that were found mirror the crisis which becoming ill entails and the process gone through when the individual takes control again of his or her life. The patients saw coming home as an important factor for their recovery and rehabilitation. The health care system needs to develop strategies to make use of the power of this attitude with the patients and to use the patients' own milieu in rehabilitation after stroke.
Reliability and validity of arm function assessment with standardized guidelines for the Fugl-Meyer Test, Action Research Arm Test and Box and Block Test: a multicentre study
Authors: Platz Thomas , Pinkowski Cosima , van Wijck Frederike , Kim In-Ha , di Bella Paolo , Johnson Garth 
Published: April 2005

Objectives: To establish: (1) inter-rater and test–retest reliability of standardized guidelines for the Fugl-Meyer upper limb section, Action Research Arm Test and Box and Block Test in patients with paresis secondary to stroke, multiple sclerosis or traumatic brain injury and (2) correlation between these arm motor scales and more general measures of impairment and activity limitation. Design: Multicentre cohort study. Setting: Three European referral centres for neurorehabilitation. Subjects: Thirty-seven stroke, 14 multiple sclerosis and five traumatic brain injury patients. Main measures: Scores of the Fugl-Meyer Test (arm section), Action Research Arm Test, and Box and Block Test derived from video information. Results: All three motor tests showed very high inter-rater and test–retest reliability (ICC and rho for main variables>0.95). Correlation between the motor scales was very high (rho>0.92). Motor scales correlated moderately highly with the Hemispheric Stroke Scale, a measure of impairment (rho=0.660–0.689), but not with the Modified Barthel Index, a measure of the ability to cope with basic activities of daily living (rho=0.044–0.086). Conclusions: The standardized guidelines assured comparability of test administration and scoring across clinical facilities. The arm motor scales provided information that was not identical to information from the Hemispheric Stroke Scale or the Modified Barthel Index. Address for correspondence: Priv.-Doz. Dr T Platz, Klinik Berlin, Kladower Damm 223, 14089 Berlin, Germany.
A randomized trial evaluation of the Oswestry Standing Frame for patients after stroke
Authors: Bagley Pam , Hudson Mary , Forster Anne , Smith Jane , Young John 
Published: April 2005

Background: Standing is believed to have benefits in addressing motor and sensory impairments after stroke. One device to facilitate standing for severely disabled patients is the Oswestry Standing Frame. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Oswestry Standing Frame for severely disabled stroke patients. Design: A single centre, randomized controlled trial. Setting: An inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit. Subjects: Patients were recruited if they had a clinical diagnosis of stroke, were medically stable and unable to achieve any score on the Trunk Control Test or unable to stand in mid-line without the assistance of two therapists. Intervention: The intervention (n=71) and control (n=69) groups both received usual stroke unit care but the intervention group also received a minimum of 14 consecutive days' treatment using the standing frame. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). Secondary measures included the Barthel Index; the Rivermead Motor Assessment; the balanced sitting and sitting to standing components of the Motor Assessment Scale; the Trunk Control Test and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Blind assessment was undertaken at baseline, six weeks, 12 weeks and six months post stroke. Information on resource use was also collected. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the outcome measures or for resource use. Mann-Whitney U-tests for the RMI change from baseline scores to six weeks, 12 weeks and six months post stroke were p=0.310; p=0.970 and p=0.282, respectively. Conclusion: Use of the Oswestry Standing Frame did not improve clinical outcome or provide resource savings for this severely disabled patient group.