bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in popcorn production plant workers
Authors: Akpinar-Elci M. , Travis W.D. , Lynch D.A. , Kreiss K. 
Published: July 2004

Following sentinel case recognition, an excess of fixed airways obstruction was found among current workers in a microwave popcorn plant associated with butter flavouring exposures.In order to characterise the clinical presentation of sentinel cases, the medical records of sentinel cases were reviewed, interviews conducted and serial spirometric testing performed.Cases worked in microwave popcorn production, and five of the nine cases had mixed flavourings. Most had never smoked or smoked minimally. Cases showed onset of cough, shortness of breath and wheezing 5 months to 9 yrs after starting work at the popcorn plant. Initial forced expiratory volume in one second ranged 14.0–66.8% of the predicted value. Eight high-resolution computed tomography scans showed marked bronchial wall thickening and mosaic attenuation with air trapping. Open lung biopsy results were consistent with, or diagnostic of, constrictive bronchiolitis in two of three cases. Five cases are on lung transplantation waiting lists. After leaving employment, nearly all cases experienced stabilisation of their lung function within 2 yrs.Astute clinicians can help identify new causes of airways obstruction by alerting public health authorities to unexplained disease cases occurring in groups of workers.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells: role in the diagnosis of lung infections
Authors: Richeldi L. , Mariani M. , Losi M. , Maselli F. , Corbetta L. , Buonsanti C. , Colonna M. , Sinigaglia F. , Panina-Bordignon P. , Fabbri L.M. 
Published: July 2004

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)‐1 is a recently described molecule, which plays an important role in myeloid cell-activated inflammatory responses. TREM‐1 is expressed on blood neutrophils and monocytes, and also on alveolar macrophages, thus suggesting a potential role in lung inflammatory responses against infections.To investigate the differential expression of TREM‐1 in lung infections, its levels were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from patients with community-acquired pneumonia or tuberculosis. TREM‐1 was also investigated in patients with interstitial lung diseases, as a model of noninfectious inflammatory disease of the lung.TREM‐1 expression was significantly increased in lung neutrophils and in lung macrophages of patients with pneumonia (n=7; 387.9±61.4 and 660.5±18.3, respectively) compared with patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (n=7; 59.2±13.1 and 80.6±291.2) and patients with interstitial lung diseases (n=10; 91.8±23.3 and 123.9±22.8). In contrast, TREM‐1 expression on peripheral blood neutrophils was no different among the three groups.In conclusion, these data suggest that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 is selectively expressed in the lungs of patients with pneumonia caused by extracellular bacteria and not in patients with tuberculosis, providing a potential marker for differential diagnosis.
β‐Adrenoceptor stimulation and neutrophil accumulation in mouse airways
Authors: Miyamoto M. , Tomaki M. , Lötvall J. , Lindén A. 
Published: July 2004

This study characterised the effect of β‐adrenoceptor stimulation on endotoxin-induced accumulation of neutrophilic granulocytes in mouse airways, where the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐2 are involved as mediators.The β2‐adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol (0.025–250 fMol) was administered intranasally in mice 24 h prior to administration of endotoxin (10 µg) intranasally. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and venous blood, respectively, was harvested (6 or 24 h) after administration of endotoxin.Salbutamol substantially decreased the number of neutrophils in BAL fluid from endotoxin-exposed (6 and 24 h) mice and this effect was dose dependent (24 h). Pretreatment with the β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol attenuated the inhibitory effect of salbutamol on BAL neutrophils (6 and 24 h), an attenuation that was not due to any unspecific effect of propranolol. Salbutamol also substantially decreased IL‐6, but not MIP‐2 in BAL fluid (6 h). In contrast to BAL fluid, salbutamol caused a moderate increase in blood neutrophils (24 h).In conclusion, as indicated in mouse airwaysin vivo, β‐adrenoceptor stimulation prior to endotoxin exposure inhibits the induced accumulation of neutrophils at a time point much later than that anticipated from its bronchodilatory effect. Even though the detailed molecular mechanisms behind this sustained “anti-inflammatory” effect remain unknown, it seems likely that this effect is in part due to a decrease in the local concentration of interleukin‐6.
Heterogeneity of narrowing in normal and asthmatic airways measured by HRCT
Authors: King G.G. , Carroll J.D. , Müller N.L. , Whittall K.P. , Gao M. , Nakano Y. , Paré P.D. 
Published: July 2004

Asthmatic airway narrowing is heterogeneous and contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness. The present study compared heterogeneity of narrowing during methacholine challenge in asthmatics and normal subjects using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).The current authors defined heterogeneity as variability in narrowing greater than the repeatability of measurement. Airways of <2 mm diameter were compared with larger airways from baseline and postmethacholine HRCT of the right lower lung in 13 normals (seven had repeat baseline scans) and seven asthmatics. The coefficient of repeatability was calculated from repeat scans (RepAi) and was compared with heterogeneity of narrowing measured by the variability in narrowing from preversuspostmethacholine scans (VarΔAi).Forced expiratory volume in one second decreased 27±6% and 24±8% in normals and asthmatics, respectively. Airways >2 mm narrowed more heterogeneously in asthmatics (VarΔAi=±0.85 mm) compared with normals (VarΔAi=±0.67 mm), with both being greater than the measure of repeatability (RepAi=±0.16 mm). Small airway narrowing was not heterogeneous in asthmatics (VarΔAi=±0.59 mm) or normals (VarΔAi=±0.53 mm) compared with repeatability (RepAi=0.51 mm).It is possible to study heterogeneity of airway narrowing in small and large airways using high resolution computed tomography. Airway narrowing is heterogeneous in the large airways of asthmatics and normals, being greater in asthmatics.
Sleep-related breathing disorders: impact on mortality of cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Parra O. , Arboix A. , Montserrat J.M. , Quintó L. , Bechich S. , García-Eroles L. 
Published: July 2004

The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of sleep-related breathing disorders in a 2‐yr survival follow-up of patients with a first ever stroke or transient ischaemic attack.The study followed 161 patients. Complete neurological assessment was performed in order to determine cerebrovascular risk factors, functional disability, and parenchymatous and vascular localisation, as well as stroke subtype categorisation. A sleep study was carried out using a portable respiratory recording device. The entire cohort was followed over a mean period of 22.8 months. The main outcome event was death and time of survival since the neurological event. A multivariate Cox's model was estimated.The patients were ages 72±9 yrs (mean±sd), and had a body mass index of 26.6±3.9 kg·m−2and apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) of 21.2±15.7. Overall, mortality occurred in 22 cases, and the survival rate was 86.3%. Vascular disease accounted for 63.6% of deaths. Multivariate analysis selected four independent variables associated with mortality: 1) age; 2) AHI, with an implied 5% increase in mortality risk for each additional unit of AHI; 3) involvement of the middle cerebral artery; and 4) the presence of coronary disease.In conclusion, the findings suggest that sleep-related breathing disorders are an independent prognostic factor related to mortality after a first episode of stroke.
Automatic CPAP titration with different self-setting devices in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Stammnitz A. , Jerrentrup A. , Penzel T. , Peter J.H. , Vogelmeier C. , Becker H.F. 
Published: July 2004

Autotitrating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices automatically adjust the pressure according to upper airway obstructions. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment effects of different automatic CPAP devices (AutoSet, Horizon and Virtuoso) with conventional CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea independently of financial manufacturer support.Twelve male patients with obstructive sleep apnoea were submitted to a crossover study protocol with overnight polysomnography for 6 consecutive nights. After diagnostic polysomnography, the CPAP pressure was manually titrated. Over the next 4 nights, the patients were treated with any one of the three automatic CPAP devices or fixed CPAP in random order.The apnoea/hypopnoea index on the diagnostic night was 67.3±21.7 events·h−1, and was significantly reduced to 0.7±1.2, 3.0±2.9, 2.3±2.5 and 12.0±13.6 events·h−1with the fixed CPAP, AutoSet, Horizon and Virtuoso devices respectively. An apnoea/hypopnoea index of <5 events·h−1, an indicator of optimal treatment, was achieved in all patients with fixed CPAP and in 10 patients using the Autoset and Horizon devices, but in only six of the 12 using the Virtuoso. The mean pressure was significantly lower with the AutoSet and Virtuoso devices, but not with the Horizon as compared to fixed CPAP. The maximum pressure was significantly higher with the Horizon.It is concluded that automatic continuous positive airway pressure devices produce a significant reduction in apnoea/hypopnoea index; however, there is considerable difference in the efficacy of the various devices.
Montelukast protects against nasal lysine-aspirin challenge in patients with aspirin-induced asthma
Authors: Lee D.K.C. , Haggart K. , Robb F.M. , Lipworth B.J. 
Published: July 2004

Aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) is associated with increased production of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT). Although leukotriene CysLT1-receptor antagonists improve lower airway outcomes in AIA, their effects and dose-response in the upper airway is less well documented.The present study evaluated the dose-response for montelukast (ML) against nasal lysine-aspirin challenge in patients with AIA.A total of 12 patients with a clear-cut history of AIA were randomised in double-blind cross-over fashion to receive single doses of ML 10 mg, ML 40 mg, or placebo (PL), with nasal lysine-aspirin challenge performed 12 h after dosing. Measurements of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), nasal blockage visual analogue scale (VAS) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were made over 120 min after nasal lysine-aspirin challenge.Prechallenge values for mean±sem PNIF (L·min−1) were not significantly different comparing all groups: ML 10 mg (132±10), ML 40 mg (125±12) and PL (132±11). There was no significant difference comparing the maximum % PNIF fall from baseline between screening (46±6) and PL (45±6). The maximum % PNIF fall from baseline was significantly greater with PL (45±6) compared to either ML 10 mg (34±6) or ML 40 mg (32±5). There was also a significantly greater mean % PNIF response over 120 min after lysine-aspirin challenge for PL (26±7) compared to either ML 10 mg (14±6) or ML 40 mg (17±6). There were no significant differences for the maximum or mean % PNIF fall from baseline comparing ML 10 mg and ML 40 mg. A significant increase in nasal blockage VAS score was observed between baseline and 60 min or 120 min with PL but not with ML 10 mg or ML 40 mg. There were no significant differences for either the maximum or mean % FEV1over 120 min as change from baseline comparing all groups.A single 10 mg dose of montelukast partially protected against the local effects of nasal lysine-aspirin challenge, with no further benefit at 40 mg. Nasal lysine-aspirin challenge appeared to be a reproducible and safe method in assessing patients with aspirin-induced asthma.
The use of SPECT in preoperative assessment of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Piai D.B. , Quagliatto R. , Toro I. , Cunha Neto C. , Etchbehere E. , Camargo E. 
Published: July 2004

Perfusion scintigraphy is the most frequently used method for the regional assessment of pulmonary function in candidates for pulmonary resection with borderline respiratory function. This method provides two-dimensional images, and it considers all the segments of the pulmonary lobes as having the same volume and function, without considering the spatial overlapping of pulmonary areas with different function. As single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides tomographic imaging, this could be a more precise method for regional assessment.In this study, the postoperative predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (FEV1,ppo) was calculated in 26 patients with lung cancer using FEV1, quantitative lung perfusion scan with planar acquisition (PA) and quantitative lung perfusion scan with tomographic imaging (SPECT).The estimated FEV1,ppovalues obtained using both methods were compared with FEV1values measured after surgery (mean: 48±44 days; range: 15–180 days; median: 32 days). The Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was 0.8840 for FEV1,ppoestimated by PA and 0.8791 for FEV1,ppoestimated by SPECT. The linear correlation coefficient for lobectomy was greater than the coefficient for pneumonectomy using both methods.In conclusion, both methods show good correlation for real postoperative pulmonary function without demonstrating single-photon emission computed tomography superiority over planar acquisition, and both methods were more effective for estimating postoperative predicted forced expiratory volume in one second in lobectomies than in pneumonectomies.
Efficacious pleurodesis with OK‐432 and doxorubicin against malignant pleural effusions
Authors: Kishi K. , Homma S. , Sakamoto S. , Kawabata M. , Tsuboi E. , Nakata K. , Yoshimura K. 
Published: July 2004

Malignant pleural effusion develops frequently in patients with advanced lung cancer. Chemical pleurodesis is the most effective palliative treatment for these patients.The efficacy of pleurodesis using both OK‐432, a preparation ofStreptococcus pyogenes, and doxorubicin for 20 patients with cytology-proven malignant pleural effusion associated with lung cancer was evaluated. After complete removal of pleural effusion, OK‐432 and 30 mg of doxorubicin were injectedviaan inserted chest tube. Treatment was terminated when the volume of daily drainage reached <200 mL. If the daily volume remained >200 mL, an additional OK‐432 was administered every 3 days.In total, 16 patients (80%) revealed a complete response, two patients (10%) revealed a partial response, and no response was seen in two patients. Eighteen patients with complete or partial responses did not show subsequent reaccumulation of pleural effusion after pleurodesis. The chest tube remained in place for an average of 6.4 days, draining a mean of 2,854 mL. The main side-effects were fever and pain that were easily treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Pleurodesis using both OK‐432 and doxorubicin showed high efficacy for controlling malignant pleural effusions caused by lung cancer.
Characterization of yeast histone H3-specific type B histone acetyltransferases identifies an ADA2-independent Gcn5p activity
Authors: Sklenar Amy R , Parthun Mark R 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
The acetylation of the core histone NH2-terminal tails is catalyzed by histone acetyltransferases. Histone acetyltransferases can be classified into two distinct groups (type A and B) on the basis of cellular localization and substrate specificity. Type B histone acetyltransferases, originally defined as cytoplasmic enzymes that acetylate free histones, have been proposed to play a role in the assembly of chromatin through the acetylation of newly synthesized histones H3 and H4. To date, the only type B histone acetyltransferase activities identified are specific for histone H4.

Results
To better understand the role of histone acetylation in the assembly of chromatin structure, we have identified additional type B histone acetyltransferase activities specific for histone H3. One such activity, termed HatB3.1, acetylated histone H3 with a strong preference for free histones relative to chromatin substrates. Deletion of the GCN5 and ADA3 genes resulted in the loss of HatB3.1 activity while deletion of ADA2 had no effect. In addition, Gcn5p and Ada3p co-fractionated with partially purified HatB3.1 activity while Ada2p did not.

Conclusions
Yeast extracts contain several histone acetyltransferase activities that show a strong preference for free histone H3. One such activity, termed HatB3.1, appears to be a novel Gcn5p-containing complex which does not depend on the presence of Ada2p.
Calcineurin activation influences muscle phenotype in a muscle-specific fashion
Authors: Talmadge Robert J , Otis Jeffrey S , Rittler Matthew R , Garcia Nicole D , Spencer Shelly R , Lees Simon J , Naya Francisco J 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
The calcium activated protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin, has been implicated as a cell signaling molecule involved with transduction of physiological signals (free cytosolic Ca2+) into molecular signals that influence the expression of phenotype-specific genes in skeletal muscle. In the present study we address the role of calcineurin in mediating adaptations in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression and muscle mass using 3-month old wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice displaying high-level expression of a constitutively active form of calcineurin (MCK-CN* mice).

Results
Slow muscles, e.g., soleus, were significantly larger (by ~24%), whereas fast muscles, e.g., medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior were significantly smaller (by ~26 and ~16%, respectively) in MCK-CN* mice compared to WT. The masses of mixed phenotype muscles, such as the plantaris and the extensor digitorum longus, were not significantly changed from WT. The soleus, plantaris, MG and diaphragm displayed shifts toward slower MHC isoforms, e.g., soleus from WT mice contained ~52% MHC-I, ~39% MHC-IIa, and ~9% MHC-IIx, whereas MCK-CN* mice had ~67% MHC-I, ~26% MHC-IIa, and ~7% MHC-IIx. The specific isoforms that were either up or down-regulated were muscle-specific. For instance, the proportion of MHC-IIa was decreased in the soleus and diaphragm, but increased in the plantaris and MG of MCK-CN* mice. Also, the proportion of MHC-IIx was unchanged in the soleus, decreased in the diaphragm and increased in the plantaris and MG of MCK-CN* relative to WT mice. Fast to slow shifts in fiber type proportions were evident for the plantaris, but not the soleus. Fast, but not slow, plantaris fibers of MCK-CN* mice had higher oxidative and lower glycolytic properties than WT.

Conclusion
These data suggest that calcineurin activation can influence muscle phenotype and that the specific influence of calcineurin activation on the phenotypic and mass characteristics of a muscle is dependent upon the original phenotypic state of the muscle.
Identification and characterization of a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae putative toxin-antitoxin locus
Authors: Daines Dayle A , Jarisch Justin , Smith Arnold L 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Certain strains of an obligate parasite of the human upper respiratory tract, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), can cause invasive diseases such as septicemia and meningitis, as well as chronic mucosal infections such as otitis media. To do this, the organism must invade and survive within both epithelial and endothelial cells. We have identified a facilitator of NTHi survival inside human cells, v irulence-a ssociated protein D (vapD
Hi
, encoded by gene HI0450). Both vapD
Hi
and a flanking gene, HI0451, exhibit the genetic and physical characteristics of a toxin/antitoxin (TA) locus, with VapD
Hi
serving as the toxin moiety and HI0451 as the antitoxin. We propose the name VapX
Hi
for the HI0451 antitoxin protein. Originally identified on plasmids, TA loci have been found on the chromosomes of a number of bacterial pathogens, and have been implicated in the control of translation during stressful conditions. Translation arrest would enhance survival within human cells and facilitate persistent or chronic mucosal infections.

Results
Isogenic mutants in vapD
Hi
were attenuated for survival inside human respiratory epithelial cells (NCI-H292) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC), the in vitro models of mucosal infection and the blood-brain barrier, respectively. Transcomplementation with a vapD
Hi
allele restored wild-type NTHi survival within both cell lines. A PCR survey of 59 H. influenzae strains isolated from various anatomical sites determined the presence of a vapD
Hi
allele in 100% of strains. Two isoforms of the gene were identified in this population; one that was 91 residues in length, and another that was truncated to 45 amino acids due to an in-frame deletion. The truncated allele failed to transcomplement the NTHi vapD
Hi
survival defect in HBMEC. Subunits of full-length VapD
Hi
homodimerized, but subunits of the truncated protein did not. However, truncated protein subunits did interact with full-length subunits, and this interaction resulted in a dominant-negative phenotype. Although Escherichia coli does not contain a homologue of either vapD
Hi
or vapX
Hi
, overexpression of the VapD
Hi
toxin in trans resulted in E. coli cell growth arrest. This arrest could be rescued by providing the VapX
Hi
antitoxin on a compatible plasmid.

Conclusion
We conclude that vapD
Hi
and vapX
Hi
may constitute a H. influenzae TA locus that functions to enhance NTHi survival within human epithelial and endothelial cells.
Geographic correlation between deprivation and risk of meningococcal disease: an ecological study
Authors: Williams Christopher J , Willocks Lorna J , Lake Iain R , Hunter Paul R 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a serious infection which is most common in young children and adolescents. This study investigated the relationships between the incidence and age distribution of meningococcal disease, and socioeconomic environment.

Methods
An ecological design was used, including mapping using a Geographical Information System (GIS) at census ward level.

Results
Incidence of meningococcal disease was highest in the most deprived wards, with a relative risk of 1.97 (1.55 – 2.51). Mapping revealed geographical coincidence of deprivation and meningococcal disease, particularly in urban areas. Two-thirds of the increased incidence was due to cases in the under fives.

Conclusions
The results suggest that area deprivation is a risk factor for meningococcal disease, and that its effects are seen most in young children.