bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement in Cheyne-Stokes respiration following cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Authors: Gabor J. Y. , Newman D. A. , Barnard-Roberts V. , Korley V. , Mangat I. , Dorian P. , Hanly P. J. 
Published: July 2005

The effect of standard cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) on the severity of Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) in patients with congestive heart failure was studied. It was hypothesised that CRT, through its known beneficial effects on cardiac function, would stabilise the control of breathing and reduce CSR.Twenty-eight patients who were eligible for CRT and receiving optimised medical treatment for congestive heart failure were referred for overnight polysomnography, including monitoring of thoracic and abdominal movements to identify CSR and obstructive sleep apnoea events. Patients underwent repeat polysomnography after 6 months of CRT to re-evaluate sleep quality and sleep-disordered breathing.Twelve of the 28 patients had significant CSR (43%); 10 patients had a successful implantation and underwent repeat polysomnography a mean±sd27±7 weeks after continuous biventricular pacing. Six of the 10 patients experienced a significant decrease in CSR severity following CRT, associated with correction of congestive heart failure-related hyperventilation and hypocapnia. Circulation time, oxygen saturation, frequency of obstructive apnoeas and sleep quality did not change.In conclusion, cardiac resynchronisation therapy is associated with a reduction in Cheyne-Stokes respiration, which may contribute to improved clinical outcome in patients treated with cardiac resynchronisation therapy.
Early gastrostomy reduces the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia in stroke or head injury patients
Authors: Kostadima E. , Kaditis A. G. , Alexopoulos E. I. , Zakynthinos E. , Sfyras D. 
Published: July 2005

Presence of a nasogastric tube is a risk factor for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Alternatively, gastrostomy can be used for administration of enteral feedings.To determine whether early performance of gastrostomy affects frequency of VAP, a randomised, controlled study was carried out in patients mechanically ventilated for stroke or head injury. In the gastrostomy group, patients underwent the procedure within 24 h of intubation. A nasogastric tube was inserted in controls. Individual subjects were studied for 3 weeks.In total, 20 subjects (mean age 48±15.2 yrs) were allocated to the gastrostomy group, and 21 to the control group (46.6±15.4 yrs). Of these groups, two (10%) and eight (38.1%) developed VAP, respectively. Four patients with gastrostomy and three controls did not complete the study (due to weaning from ventilatory support or death). After excluding these subjects, difference in VAP frequency persisted: two out of 16 subjects with gastrostomy had VAP (12.5%)versuseight out of 18 controls (44.4%). There were no differences in duration of hospitalisation or mortality between the two groups.In conclusion, in patients mechanically ventilated for stroke or head injury early gastrostomy is associated with a lower frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia compared with a nasogastric tube.
The dream of a vaccine against tuberculosis; new vaccines improving or replacing BCG?
Authors: Martín C. 
Published: July 2005

In the last 10 yrs, work with experimental laboratory models has developed many new vaccine candidates against tuberculosis (TB). They include subunit vaccines, modified bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and attenuatedMycobacterium tuberculosis. Phase I clinical trials of new TB vaccine candidates have begun for the first time after 80 yrs of use of BCG. Many of these new trials involve recombinant BCG or improve BCG immunity by boosting with vaccines consisting of subunits or attenuated vaccinia virus expressing TB antigens.However, effective vaccination against TB presents diverse and complex challenges. For example, TB infection can become reactivated years later and infection does not guarantee resistance to a subsequent second infection. A truly effective TB vaccine may, therefore, have to elicit an immune response that is greater than that induced by natural infection. In addition, various different populations have to be protected including those vaccinated with BCG and those infected withM. tuberculosisor HIV.The goal is a new generation of vaccines effective against respiratory forms of tuberculosis. As a first step, good candidate vaccines able to boost bacille Calmette-Guérin and thereby improve protection could be a reality in the near future. Tuberculosis vaccine candidates, able to replace the currently used bacille Calmette-Guérin and/or make the eradication of tuberculosis feasible, can only be expected in the long-term, and safe live vaccines could be promising candidates.
Modulation of airway inflammation and resistance in mice by a nicotinic receptor agonist
Authors: Blanchet M-R. , Israël-Assayag E. , Cormier Y. 
Published: July 2005

Nicotinic agonists, including 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP), have anti-inflammatory properties and in some instances smooth muscle relaxing effects. Since inflammation and airway smooth muscle contraction are two major components of asthma, the present authors investigated the effects of DMPP on airway inflammation and airway resistance in a mouse model of asthma.Mice were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated either intraperitoneally or intranasally with DMPP. The effect of DMPP was tested on airway inflammation, airway resistance and on the increase of intracellular calcium in bronchial smooth muscle cells.DMPP given either during sensitisation, OVA challenges or throughout the protocol prevented lung inflammation and decreased the serum level of OVA specific immunoglobulin E. DMPP administration reduced the number of total cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Intranasal DMPP administration was as effective as dexamethasone (DEXA) in reducing total cell count and eosinophil counts in BAL fluid. DMPP, but not DEXA, reduced tissue inflammation. Intranasal DMPP, given 10 min before the test, reduced airway responsiveness to metacholine. DMPP also reduced the increase in intracellular calcium in response to bradykinin.In conclusion, these results show that 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium reduces lung inflammation and prevents airway hyperresponsiveness in the mouse model of asthma.
The use of iloprost in early pregnancy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Elliot C. A. , Stewart P. , Webster V. J. , Mills G. H. , Hutchinson S. P. , Howarth E. S. , Bu'Lock F. A. , Lawson R. A. , Armstrong I. J. , Kiely D. G. 
Published: July 2005

In patients with pulmonary hypertension, pregnancy is associated with a high risk of maternal death. Such patients are counselled to avoid pregnancy, or if it occurs, are offered early interruption. Some patients, however, decide to continue with their pregnancy and others may present with symptoms for the first time whilst pregnant. Pulmonary vasodilator therapy provides a treatment option for these high-risk patients.The present study describes three patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension of various aetiologies who were treated with the prostacyclin analogue iloprost during pregnancy, and the post-partum period.Nebulised iloprost commenced as early as 8 weeks of gestation and patients were admitted to hospital between 24–36 weeks of gestation. All pregnancies were completed with a duration of between 25–36 weeks and all deliveries were by caesarean section under local anaesthetic. All patients delivered children free from congenital abnormalities, and there was no post-partum maternal or infant mortality.In conclusion, although pregnancy is strongly advised against in those with pulmonary hypertension, the current authors have achieved a successful outcome for mother and foetus with a multidisciplinary approach and targeted pulmonary vascular therapy.
Pulmonary manifestations of multicentric Castleman's disease in HIV infection: a clinical, biological and radiological study
Authors: Guihot A. , Couderc L-J. , Agbalika F. , Galicier L. , Bossi P. , Rivaud E. , Scherrer A. , Zucman D. , Katlama C. , Oksenhendler E. 
Published: July 2005

The aim of the present study was to report clinical, radiological and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) findings in patients with pulmonary manifestations of HIV-associated multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD).This was a retrospective study of 12 patients with histologically proven MCD.Clinical manifestations were as follows: dyspnoea (nine out of 12 cases), cough (n = 10), bilateral crackles (n = 10), together with high fever, malaise, peripheral lymphadenopathy (n = 12), and hepatosplenomegaly (n = 10). Two patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. Chest radiographs and computed tomography scans showed reticular (n = 7) and/or nodular (n = 7) interstitial patterns, with mediastinal lymphadenopathy (n = 9), and bilateral pleural effusion (n = 3). Fibreoptic endoscopy was normal in all cases. BAL analysis showed hypercellularity (n = 6) and/or lymphocytosis (n = 6), and human herpesvirus-8 DNA was detected in two out of two cases. Specific stains and cultures for pathogens were negative. All patients received etoposide and/or vinblastine, and improved after 2–4 days. Relapses were frequent (50 attacks in 12 patients). Six patients developed a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and five died.In conclusion, the pulmonary manifestation of HIV-related multicentric Castleman's disease is an acute reticulo-nodular interstitial pneumonitis, associated with severe systemic symptoms and peripheral lymphadenopathy. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cellularity is not specific and human herpesvirus-8 DNA is detected. The clinical course is specific due to a rapid onset and regression, frequent relapses and a high occurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Effect of ventilation strategy and surfactant on inflammation in experimental pneumonia
Authors: van Kaam A. H. L. C. , Lutter R. , Lachmann R. A. , Haitsma J. J. , Herting E. , Snoek M. , De Jaegere A. , Kok J. H. , Lachmann B. 
Published: July 2005

This study explored, the inflammatory response during experimental pneumonia in surfactant-depleted animals as a function of ventilation strategies and surfactant treatment.Following intratracheal instillation of Group B streptococci (GBS), surfactant-depleted piglets were treated with conventional (positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O, tidal volume 7 mL·kg−1) or open lung ventilation. During the latter, collapsed alveoli were recruited by applying high peak inspiratory pressures for a short period of time, combined with high levels of PEEP and the smallest possible pressure amplitude. Subgroups in both ventilation arms also received exogenous surfactant. Conventionally ventilated healthy animals receiving GBS and surfactant-depleted animals receiving saline served as controls.In contrast with both control groups, surfactant-depleted animals challenged with GBS and conventional ventilation showed high levels of interleukin (IL)-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and myeloperoxidase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after 5 h of ventilation. Open lung ventilation attenuated this inflammatory response, but exogenous surfactant did not. Systemic dissemination of the inflammatory response was minimal, as indicated by low serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α.In conclusion, the current study indicates that the ventilation strategy, but not exogenous surfactant, is an important modulator of the inflammation during Group B streptococci pneumonia in mechanically ventilated surfactant-depleted animals.
Overexpression of cathepsin f, matrix metalloproteinases 11 and 12 in cervical cancer
Authors: Vazquez-Ortiz Guelaguetza , Pina-Sanchez Patricia , Vazquez Karla , Duenas Alfonso , Taja Lucia , Mendoza Patricia , Garcia José A , Salcedo Mauricio 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Cervical carcinoma (CC) is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide and the first cause of death among the Mexican female population. CC progression shows a continuum of neoplastic transitions until invasion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsins play a central role on the enhancement of tumor-induced angiogenesis, cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis and connective tissue degradation. MMPs -2 and -9 expression has been widely studied in cervical cancer. Nevertheless, no other metalloproteinases or cathepsins have been yet related with the progression and/or invasion of this type of cancer.

Methods
Three HPV18 CC cell lines, two HPV16 CC cell lines and three HPV16 tumor CC tissues were compared with three morphologically normal, HPV negative, cervical specimens by cDNA arrays. Overexpression of selected genes was confirmed by end point semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR with densitometry. In situ hybridization and protein expression of selected genes was further studied by means of two tissue microarrays, one consisting of 10 HSIL and 15 CC and the other one of 15 normal cervical and 10 LSIL tissues.

Results

TIMP1, Integrins alpha 1 and 4, cadherin 2 and 11, Cathepsins F, B L2, MMP 9, 10 11 and 12 were upregulated and Cathepsin S, L, H and C, Cadherins 3 and 4, TIMP3, MMP 13, Elastase 2 and Integrin beta 8 were found to be downregulated by cDNA arrays. Endpoint RT-PCR with densitometry gave consistent results with the cDNA array findings for all three genes selected for study (CTSF, MMP11 and MMP12). In situ hybridization of all three genes confirmed overexpression in all the HSIL and CC. Two of the selected proteins were detected in LSIL, HSIL and CC by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion
Novel undetected CC promoting genes have been identified. Increased transcription of these genes may result in overexpression of proteins, such as CTSF, MMP11 and MMP12 which could contribute to the pathogenesis of CC.
Direct microcontact printing of oligonucleotides for biochip applications
Authors: Thibault C , Le Berre V , Casimirius S , Trévisiol E , François J , Vieu C 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
A critical step in the fabrication of biochips is the controlled placement of probes molecules on solid surfaces. This is currently performed by sequential deposition of probes on a target surface with split or solid pins. In this article, we present a cost-effective procedure namely microcontact printing using stamps, for a parallel deposition of probes applicable for manufacturing biochips.

Results
Contrary to a previous work, we showed that the stamps tailored with an elastomeric poly(dimethylsiloxane) material did not require any surface modification to be able to adsorb oligonucleotides or PCR products. The adsorbed DNA molecules are subsequently printed efficiently on a target surface with high sub-micron resolution. Secondly, we showed that successive stamping is characterized by an exponential decay of the amount of transferred DNA molecules to the surface up the 4th print, then followed by a second regime of transfer that was dependent on the contact time and which resulted in reduced quality of the features. Thus, while consecutive stamping was possible, this procedure turned out to be less reproducible and more time consuming than simply re-inking the stamps between each print. Thirdly, we showed that the hybridization signals on arrays made by microcontact printing were 5 to 10-times higher than those made by conventional spotting methods. Finally, we demonstrated the validity of this microcontact printing method in manufacturing oligonucleotides arrays for mutations recognition in a yeast gene.

Conclusion
The microcontact printing can be considered as a new potential technology platform to pattern DNA microarrays that may have significant advantages over the conventional spotting technologies as it is easy to implement, it uses low cost material to make the stamp, and the arrays made by this technology are 10-times more sensitive in term of hybridization signals than those manufactured by conventional spotting technology.
Physical health and depressive symptoms in older Europeans
Authors: Braam A. W. , Prince M. J. , Beekman A. T. F. , Delespaul P. , Dewey M. E. , Geerlings S. W. , Kivelä S.-L. , Lawlor B. A. , Magnússon H. , Meller I. , Pérès K. , Reischies F. M. , Roelands M. , Schoevers R. A. , Saz P. , Skoog I. , Turrina C. , Versporten A. , Copelan J. R. M. 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundAssociations between physical health and depression are consistent across cultures among adults up to 65 years of age. In later life, the impact of physical health on depression is much more substantial and may depend on sociocultural factors.AimsTo examine cross-national differences in the association between physical health and depressive symptoms in elderly people across western Europe.MethodFourteen community-based studies on depression in later life in nine western European countries contributed to a total study sample of 22 570 respondents aged 65 years and older. Measures were harmonised for depressive symptoms (EURO-D scale), functional limitations and chronic physical conditions.ResultsIn the majority of the participating samples, the association of depressive symptoms with functional disability was stronger than with chronic physical conditions. Associations were slightly more pronounced in the UK and Ireland.ConclusionsThe association between physical health and depressive symptoms in later life is consistent across western Europe.
Effectiveness of providing self-help information following acute traumatic injury: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Turpin Graham , Downs Maria , Mason Suzanne 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundPatients attending an accident and emergency department may exhibit psychological disturbances post-injury. Early interventions have been suggested to reduce the risk of post-injury disorder, including psychoeducation.AimsWe assessed the efficacy of providing such self-help information.MethodPatients who had experienced trauma were randomised to two groups: those given (n=75) and not given (n=67) a self-help booklet. Psychological assessments were completed within 2, 10–12 and 24–26 weeks.ResultsPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression decreased (P< 0.05) with time but there were no group differences in PTSD or anxiety. The controls were less depressed (P< 0.05) at follow-up. There was a reductionin PTSD caseness within the control (50%) compared with the intervention (20%) group which was almost significant (P< 0.06).ConclusionsThis trial failed to support the efficacy of providing self-help information as a preventive strategy to ameliorate PTSD.
Schizophrenia and suicide: Systematic review of risk factors
Authors: Hawton Keith , Sutton Lesley , Haw Camilla , Sinclair Julia , Deeks Jonathan J. 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundSuicide risk is greatly increased in schizophrenia. Detection of those at risk is clinically important.AimsTo identify risk factors for suicide in schizophrenia.MethodThe international literature on case-control and cohort studies of patients with schizophrenia or related conditions in which suicide was reported as an outcome was systematically reviewed. Studies were identified through searching electronic databases and reference lists, and by consulting experts.ResultsTwenty-nine eligible studies were identified. Factors with robust evidence of increased risk of suicide were previous depressive disorders (OR=3.03, 95% CI 2.06–4.46), previous suicide attempts (OR=4.09, 95% CI 2.79–6.01), drug misuse (OR=3.21, 95% CI 1.99–5.17), agitation or motor restlessness (OR=2.61, 95% CI 1.54–4.41), fear of mental disintegration (OR=12.1, 95% CI 1.89–81.3), poor adherence to treatment (OR=3.75, 95% CI 2.20–6.37) and recent loss (OR=4.03, 95% CI 1.37–11.8). Reduced risk was associated with hallucinations (OR=0.50, 95% CI 0.35–0.71).ConclusionsPrevention of suicide in schizophrenia is likely to result from treatment of affective symptoms, improving adherence to treatment, and maintaining special vigilance in patients with risk factors, especially after losses.
Outcome of Cancer Patients Considered for Intensive Care Unit Admission: A Hospital-Wide Prospective Study
Authors: Thiéry Guillaume , Azoulay Élie , Darmon Michael , Ciroldi Magali , De Miranda Sandra , Lévy Vincent , Fieux Fabienne , Moreau Delphine , Le Gall Jean Roger , Schlemmer Benoît 
Published: June 2005

Purpose To evaluate the outcome of cancer patients considered for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients and Methods Prospective, one-year hospital-wide study of all cancer and hematology patients, including bone marrow transplantation patients, for whom admission to the ICU was requested. Results Of the 206 patients considered for ICU admission, 105 patients (51%) were admitted. Of the 101 patients who were not admitted, 54 patients (26.2%) were considered too sick to benefit, and 47 patients (22.8%) were considered to be too well to benefit from the ICU. Of these 47 patients, 13 patients were admitted later. Survival rates after 30 and 180 days were significantly associated with admission status (P < .0001). Remission of the malignancy (odds ratio [OR], 3.37; 95% CI, 1.25 to 9.07) was independently associated with ICU admission, whereas poor chronic health status (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.74) and solid tumor (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.78) were associated with ICU refusal. In admitted patients, 30-day and 6-month survival rates were 54.3% and 32.4%, respectively. Of the patients considered too sick to benefit from ICU admission, 26% were alive on day 30 and 16.7% on day 180. Among patients considered too well to benefit, the 30-day survival rate was a worrisome 78.7%. Calibration of the Mortality Probability Model (the only score available at triage) was of limited value for predicting 30-day survival (area under the curve, 0.62). Conclusion Both the excess mortality in too-well patients later admitted to the ICU and the relatively good survival in too-sick patients suggest the need for a broader admission policy.
Effects of 9-cis-Retinoic Acid on the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis in Former Smokers
Authors: Lee Ho-Young , Chang Yoon Soo , Han Ji-Youn , Liu Diane D. , Lee J. Jack , Lotan Reuben , Spitz Margaret R. , Hong Waun Ki 
Published: June 2005

Purpose Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis has been associated with the risk of lung cancer. 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA) has shown potential chemopreventive activities in former smokers. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of 9-cis-RA on IGF axis in former smokers to identify any benefit the retinoid may have in preventing lung cancer. Patients and Methods Serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3, and their molar ratio (IGF-I/IGFBP-3) were measured with radioimmunoassay kits in stored blood samples from the participants of an original chemoprevention trial. The participants had ceased smoking for at least 12 months and were randomly assigned to receive 3 months of daily oral 9-cis-RA (100 mg) or placebo. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results A total of 111 samples from the study's baseline and 84 samples from the 3 months treatment were analyzed. The serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 at baseline were significantly lower in female than in male participants. After 3 months of treatment, the serum level of IGF-I and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 were significantly lower in the 9-cis-RA group than in the placebo group (P = .03 and P < .01, respectively), but the IGFBP-3 level was significantly higher (P = .03). Conclusion 9-cis-RA treatment modulated the IGF axis in former smokers, suggesting that the IGF axis is a potential target for the chemopreventive activities of 9-cis-RA and that the serum concentrations of IGF, IGFBP-3, and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 could serve as surrogate end point biomarkers of 9-cis-RA treatment.