bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF BRAIN PROSTANOIDS IN GLUCAGON‐LIKE PEPTIDE‐1‐INDUCED CENTRAL ACTIVATION OF SYMPATHO‐ADRENOMEDULLARY OUTFLOW IN RATS
Authors: Arai Junichi , Okada Shoshiro , Yamaguchi‐shima Naoko , Shimizu Takahiro , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Yorimitsu Mieko , Wakiguchi Hiroshi , Yokotani Kunihiko
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to characterize the source of plasma catecholamines induced by centrally administered glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), with regard to brain prostanoids, in urethane‐anaesthetized rats.

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and other compounds were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) and blood samples were collected via a cannula inserted into the femoral artery. Catecholamines were extracted from plasma with activated alumina and were assayed electrochemically using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

At 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 nmol/animal, GLP‐1 dose‐dependently elevated plasma levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline and the 1.0 nmol GLP‐1‐induced response was dose‐dependently reduced by 5 and 10 nmol/animal exendin (5–39), a selective GLP‐1 receptor antagonist. The GLP‐1‐induced elevation of concentrations of both catecholamines was abolished by 1.2 µmol/animal indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclo‐oxygenase, whereas 1.2 µmol/animal baicalein, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, had no effect.

Both furegrelate (1.8 µmol/animal; an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthase) and (+)S‐145 (625 nmol/animal; a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist) attenuated the GLP‐1‐induced increases in plasma adrenaline concentrations, but had no effect on the increases in plasma noradrenaline. The GLP‐1‐induced increase in plasma adrenaline concentrations was abolished by acute bilateral adrenalectomy, but the procedure had no effect on increases in plasma noradrenaline.

These results suggest that, in rats, centrally administered GLP‐1 induces the secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla by brain thromboxane A2‐mediated mechanisms, whereas the peptide evokes the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves by brain prostanoids via mechanisms other than those mediated by thromboxane A2.
EFFECT OF UROTENSIN II ON SKIN MICROVESSEL TONE IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITHOUT HEART FAILURE OR ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Zomer E , De Ridder I , Kompa A , Komesaroff P , Gilbert RE , Krum H
Published: May 2008

Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide. Increased plasma levels and kidney expression of UII and its receptor have been observed in diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the direct effect of exogenous UII on microvascular tone in DM patients compared with healthy controls.

Vasoactive effect of UII (10−12, 10−9 and 10−7 mol/L) on skin microvascular tone was evaluated in 12 controls and 12 DM patients (Type 1 or Type 2) without concomitant heart failure or essential hypertension using the non‐invasive technique of iontophoresis and laser Doppler velocimetry. In addition, responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were evaluated.

Urotensin II dose‐dependently dilated skin microvasculature in control subjects (–51.8 ± 59.4, 138.6 ± 101.5, 204.2 ± 115.7 and 207.5 ± 81.6 arbitrary flux units (AFUs) for MilliQ and 10−12, 10−9 and 10−7 mol/L UII, respectively) and dose‐dependently vasoconstricted the microvasculature in DM patients (100.8 ± 81.2, 46.2 ± 85.1, 35.4 ± 81.4 and 26.6 ± 79.6 AFUs for MilliQ and 10−12, 10−9 and 10−7 mol/L UII, respectively). Blood flow in control subjects and DM patients was differed significantly, with pair‐wise comparisons indicating differences for 10−9 and 10−7 mol/L UII (P = 0.04 and P = 0.003). Results of blood flow in diet‐controlled DM patients (204.7 ± 193.6, 261.2 ± 212.8, 256.1 ± 202.9 and 233.7 ± 115.9 AFUs for MilliQ and 10−12, 10−9 and 10−7 mol/L UII, respectively) were similar to those in control subjects compared with results for DM patients receiving antidiabetic medication (48.8 + 80.0, –61.4 ± 49.1, –75.0 ± 40.0, –91.7 ± 80.0 AFUs for MilliQ and 10−12, 10−9 and 10−7 mol/L UII, respectively). Between‐group significance remained after adjustment for baseline blood pressure values.

Acetylcholine vasodilator responses were attenuated in DM patients compared with those in control subjects (1309.5 ± 488.6 vs 3498.0 ± 912.5 AFUs, respectively), whereas SNP responses were similar in the two groups (1467.9 ± 411.3 vs 1984.4 ± 410.7 AFUs, respectively).

In conclusion, UII causes net vasoconstriction in DM. The UII‐induced increases in peripheral vascular tone may contribute to DM‐related cardiovascular complications.
PERIPHERAL DOPAMINE D2‐LIKE RECEPTORS HAVE A REGULATORY EFFECT ON CARBACHOL‐, HISTAMINE‐ AND PENTAGASTRIN‐STIMULATED GASTRIC ACID SECRETION
Authors: Eliassi Afsaneh , Aleali Fereshteh , Ghasemi Taieb
Published: May 2008

It has been documented that dopamine, an important regulator of gastric function in the brain–gut axis, has an inhibitory effect on the gastric acid secretion. It has also been suggested that dopamine D1, D2 and D5 receptor proteins are present in the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach through to the distal colon. Therefore, we hypothesized that peripheral D2 receptors may be involved in the control of stimulated gastric acid secretion. To address this question, we examined the effect of quinpirole, a selective D2 receptor‐like agonist, and domperidone, a peripheral D2 receptor antagonist, on rat gastric acid secretion.

Quinpirole (0.0001–0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered simultaneously with intravenous infusions of histamine, pentagastrin, and carbachol. In some experiments, domperidone (3 and 7 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before quinpirole injection.

We found that intraperitoneal injection of quinpirole (0.0001–0.5 mg/kg) suppressed stimulated gastric acid secretion induced by histamine (0.08 mg/100 g per h), pentagastrin (1 µg/100 g per h) and carbachol (4 µg/100 g per h) in a dose‐dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of quinpirole persisted until the end of the experiments (90–120 min) and was completely suppressed by domperidone (7 mg/kg).

In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that peripheral D2‐like receptors have an inhibitory effect on histaminergic‐, pentagastrin‐ and cholinergic‐stimulated gastric acid secretion. This inhibitory effect may be mediated by enteric dopaminergic neurons and/or non‐neuronal membranes.
INHIBITION OF TOLL‐LIKE RECEPTOR‐4, NUCLEAR FACTOR‐κB AND MITOGEN‐ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE BY LIGNOCAINE MAY INVOLVE VOLTAGE‐SENSITIVE SODIUM CHANNELS
Authors: Lee Ping‐Ying , Tsai Pei‐Shan , Huang Ya‐Hsien , Huang Chun‐Jen
Published: May 2008

We have shown previously that lignocaine inhibits the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a crucial factor that initiates the systemic inflammatory response during sepsis, possibly through voltage‐sensitive sodium channels (VSSC). Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4), nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) participate in the upstream regulation of iNOS expression induced by endotoxin. In the present study, we investigated the effects of lignocaine in the regulation of the expression of these enzymes. The role of VSSC in the effects of lignocaine was also investigated.

Confluent murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) were randomized to receive lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL), LPS + lignocaine (50 µmol/L), LPS + tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 µmol/L; a VSSC inhibitor), LPS + lignocaine + veratridine (Ver; 50 µmol/L; a VSSC activator) or LPS + TTX + Ver. After reacting with LPS for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min, cell cultures were harvested and enzyme expression was evaluated.

We found that LPS significantly increased the concentrations of TLR‐4, NF‐κB and MAPKs, including extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, in activated macrophages. Lignocaine and TTX significantly attenuated the effects of LPS on TLR‐4, NF‐κB, ERK and p38 MAPK expression, but not on JNK. Veratridine mitigated the effects of lignocaine and TTX.

These data demonstrate that lignocaine has significant inhibitory effects on the activation of TLR‐4, NF‐κB and MAPKs in activated macrophages. Moreover, these effects involve VSSC.
EFFECT OF ANAESTHETIC AGENTS ON P‐WAVE DISPERSION ON THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM: COMPARISON OF PROPOFOL AND DESFLURANE
Authors: Owczuk Radoslaw , Wujtewicz Magdalena A , Sawicka Wioletta , Polak‐Krzeminska Agnieszka , Suszynska‐Mosiewicz Aleksandra , Raczynska Krystyna , Wujtewicz Maria
Published: May 2008

Anaesthetics influence cardiac electrical activity by various mechanisms; thus, they may have pro‐arrhythmic or anti‐arrhythmic actions. Increased P‐wave dispersion is associated with a risk of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The aim of the present study was to analyse the impact of propofol and desflurane on changes in P wave dispersion, which may reflect the anti‐arrhythmic effects of these drugs.

Fifty patients undergoing scheduled surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided into two equal groups: a propofol group and a desflurane group. Patients in the propofol group were initially administered 2.5 mg/kg propofol, followed by infusion of 6 mg/kg per h propofol. Anaesthesia in the desflurane group was achieved using inhalation induction, with concentrations up to 8–12.5 vol%. When signs of adequate anaesthesia were observed, the concentration of desflurane was reduced to 6 vol%. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained before induction and then again 1, 3 and 5 min after the initiation of propofol infusion or the induction of anaesthesia in the desflurane group; additional measurements were performed after tracheal intubation. P‐wave dispersion was assessed by differences in maximal and minimal P‐wave duration on a 12‐lead ECG.

P‐wave dispersion did not change over time in the desflurane group. In the propofol group, there was a significant decrease in P‐wave dispersion after 3 and 5 min of anaesthesia. Significant differences were observed between study groups after 1, 3 and 5 min of anaesthesia, and disappeared after tracheal intubation. Mean and maximal P‐wave duration did not change in either group.

In conlcusion, propofol decreases P‐wave dispersion and this seems to be connected with the anti‐arrhythmic properties of the drug.
POTASSIUM CHANNEL CURRENTS IN RAT MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS AND THEIR POSSIBLE ROLES IN CELL PROLIFERATION
Authors: Wang Shao‐Ping , Wang Jian‐An , Luo Rong‐Hua , Cui Wen‐Yu , Wang Hai
Published: May 2008

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have shown considerable promise for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissue. However, the electrophysiological properties of K+channels in MSC are not well established and little is known about the role of K+channels in the regulation of MSC proliferation.

We detected three distinct outward currents in MSC: (i) a delayed rectifier current (IKDR); (ii) a Ca2+‐activated K+current (IKCa); and (iii) a transient outward K+current (Ito). All three were present either alone or in combination in almost all cells (90%) investigated. However, 10% of cells did not express a functional current within physiological potentials.

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to identify mRNA associated with functional ionic currents. Kv1.2 and Kv2.1 were associated with IKDR; Slo and KCNN4 were associated with IKCa; and Kv1.4 and Kv4.3 were associated with Ito.

The Kv channel blockers amiodarone, tetraethylammonium and verapamil, as well as increased extracellular K+levels, inhibited proliferation of cultured MSC.

In MSC treated with Kv channel blockers or an increased extracellular concentration of K+, the proportion of cells in the S phase decreased significantly and the proportion of cells in the G0/G1phase tended to increase, indicating that the cells were prevented from entering the S phase of the cell cycle.

Our findings suggest that rat MSC heterogeneously express distinct types of K+current, of which the voltage‐gated IKDR‐like K+current is most common. Kv channel activity modulates the progression of the cell cycle, affecting the proliferation of MSC.
PERIPHERAL PLASMA CORTICOTROPIN‐RELEASING FACTOR CONCENTRATION DOES NOT CORRELATE WITH AUGMENTED COLONIC MOTILITY IN RESPONSE TO RESTRAINT STRESS IN RATS
Authors: Nakade Yukiomi , Pappas Theodore N , Takahashi Toku
Published: May 2008

Corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) alters colonic motor function in response to restraint stress. It remains unclear whether peripheral CRF released by restraint stress correlates with stress‐mediated colonic motility.

One strain gauge transducer was sutured on the serosal surface of the mid colon and a silastic cannula was inserted into the jugular vein. Seven days after surgery, the wires from the transducers were connected to the recording system and colonic motility was recorded. Rats were subjected to restraint stress for 90 min and blood samples were obtained every 30 min.

Immediately after the start of stress loading, phasic contractions were observed that lasted during restraint stress loading. Intracisternal injection of CRF elicited rapid augmentation of colonic motility, similar to that of restraint stress.

The plasma CRF concentration (4 pg/mL) remained unaltered within the first 30 min after stress loading, but increased gradually to 23 pg/mL at 90 min after the beginning of restraint stress. There was no positive correlation observed between plasma CRF concentrations and restraint stress‐stimulated colonic motility.

These findings indicate that central CRF has a predominant role in stress‐induced augmentation of colonic motility. It remains unclear whether a delayed response of plasma CRF concentrations in response to restraint stress is involved in mediating colonic motility.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM ON THE HYPOTHALAMIC–PITUITARY–ADRENAL AXIS
Authors: Lizcano Fernando , Salvador Javier
Published: May 2008

To investigate the effects of iopanoic acid (IA) and carbimazole on increased activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in hyperthyroidism, we studied 14 women with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease (n + 11) or toxic multinodular goitre (n + 3) before and after carbimazole or IA treatment. Seven normal women comprised the control group.

Changes in thyroid‐stimulating hormone, total and free thyroid hormones, arginine vasopressin (AVP), urinary free cortisol, adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and cortisol in response to human corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (hCRH; 100 µg, i.v.) were estimated under basal conditions and after treatment with IA (3 g/day; n + 7) for 7 days or carbimazole (30 mg/day; n + 7) for 1 month.

A higher ACTH response, with normal cortisol secretion, was observed in hyperthyroid patients in response to hCRH compared with the control group. After 7 days treatment, IA induced a significant reduction in total tri‐iodothyronine (T3) and free T3 to normal levels and a stronger ACTH response to hCRH, whereas plasma and urinary cortisol levels remained unchanged. Patients treated with carbimazole showed normalization of thyroid hormone levels, a reduction in basal and stimulated ACTH secretion and higher urinary free cortisol levels compared with pretreatment levels. Neither IA nor carbimazole treatment had any effect on AVP levels in hyperthyroid patients.

In conclusion, hyperthyroid patients showed HPA axis hyperactivity of central origin with reduced cortisol responses, which were reversed by carbimazole treatment. The differential effects of IA and carbimazole on HPA function indicate that thyroid hormones have a role in modulation of the HPA axis.
APPLICATION OF AN ADENOVIRAL VECTOR ENCODING SOLUBLE TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR‐β TYPE II RECEPTOR TO THE TREATMENT OF DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN MICE
Authors: Kondo Takehito , Takemura Genzou , Kosai Ken‐ichiro , Ohno Takamasa , Takahashi Tomoyuki , Esaki Masayasu , Goto Kazuko , Maruyama Rumi , Murata Ichijiro , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi
Published: May 2008

In the present study, we examined the effects of inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy.

An adenovirus harbouring the gene encoding soluble TGF‐β type II receptor (Ad.CAG‐sTβRII), a competitive inhibitor of TGF‐β, was injected into hindlimb muscles (systemic delivery) of mice 5 weeks after the induction of diabetes with streptozotocin. The control group was injected with an adenovirus encoding the LacZ gene (Ad‐LacZ).

Five weeks after administration, anti‐TGF‐β gene therapy was found to have had no effect on renal function, albuminuria or glucose metabolism in mice with diabetic nephropathy. Nonetheless, this gene therapy did significantly reduce fibrosis in both glomeruli and renal tubules. These effects were accompanied by attenuation of the increased expression of α‐smooth muscle actin normally seen in kidneys of diabetic mice and better preservation of glomerular cell numbers, although the thickness of the glomerular capillary basement membrane was unchanged. The plasma concentration of soluble TGF‐β type II receptor peaked on Day 7 after treatment, but was undetectable by Day 14. Moreover, a second treatment with Ad.CAG‐sTβRII failed to prolong the interval of gene product expression in the blood.

The present anti‐TGF‐β gene therapy showed a significant antifibrotic effect in a model of diabetic nephropathy, but failed to improve renal function. The inadequacy of the observed effect is likely due to the relatively short interval of gene product expression. This problem will have to be overcome if gene therapies for slowly progressing diseases, like diabetic nephropathy, are to be realised.
INVOLVEMENT OF BOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM‐ AND MITOCHONDRIA‐DEPENDENT PATHWAYS IN CARDIOTOXIN III‐INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HL‐60 CELLS
Authors: Chien Ching‐Ming , Yang Sheng‐Huei , Chang Long‐Sen , Lin Shinne‐Ren
Published: May 2008

Cardiotoxin (CTX) III, a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of CTX III in human leukaemia (HL‐60 cells).

Cardiotoxin III activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway of apoptosis in HL‐60 cells, as indicated by increased levels of calcium and glucose‐related protein 78 (Grp78), and triggered the subsequent activation of µ‐calpain and caspase 12.

In addition, CTX III initiated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in HL‐60 cells, as evidenced by an increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9.

In the presence of 50 µmol/L Z‐ATAD‐FMK (a caspase 12 inhibitor) and 100 µmol/L Z‐LEHD‐FMK (a caspase 9 inhibitor), the CTX III‐mediated activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 was significantly reduced. There was no significant effect of the caspase 12 inhibitor Z‐ATAD‐FMK on mitochondrial cytochrome c release.

Cardiotoxin III‐mediated activation of caspase 12 was not abrogated in the presence of the caspase 9 inhibitor Z‐LEHD‐FMK, indicating that caspase 12 activation was not downstream of caspase 9.

These results indicate that CTX III induces cell apoptosis via both ER stress and a mitochondrial death pathway.
COPPER AND ANGIOGENESIS: UNRAVELLING A RELATIONSHIP KEY TO CANCER PROGRESSION
Authors: Finney Lydia , Vogt Stefan , Fukai Tohru , Glesne David
Published: May 2008

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from existing vasculature, is a critical process in normal physiology as well as several physiopathologies. A desire to curb the supportive role angiogenesis plays in the development and metastasis of cancers has driven exploration into anti‐angiogenic strategies as cancer therapeutics. Key to this, angiogenesis additionally displays an exquisite sensitivity to bioavailable copper. Depletion of copper has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in a wide variety of cancer cell and xenograft systems. Several clinical trials using copper chelation as either an adjuvant or primary therapy have been conducted. Yet, the biological basis for the sensitivity of angiogenesis remains unclear. Numerous molecules important to angiogenesis regulation have been shown to be either directly or indirectly influenced by copper, yet a clear probative answer to the connection remains elusive.

Measurements of copper in biological systems have historically relied on techniques that, although demonstrably powerful, provide little or no information as to the spatial distribution of metals in a cellular context. Therefore, several new approaches have been developed to image copper in a biological context. One such approach relies on synchrotron‐derived X‐rays from third‐generation synchrotrons and the technique of high resolution X‐ray fluorescence microprobe (XFM) analysis.

Recent applications of XFM approaches to the role of copper in regulating angiogenesis have provided unique insight into the connection between copper and cellular behaviour. Using XFM, copper has been shown to be highly spatially regulated, as it is translocated from perinuclear areas of the cell towards the tips of extending filopodia and across the cell membrane into the extracellular space during angiogenic processes. Such findings may explain the heightened sensitivity of this cellular process to this transition metal and set a new paradigm for the kinds of regulatory roles that the spatial dynamics of cellular transition metals may play.
DENGUE FEVER ACTIVATES THE l‐ARGININE–NITRIC OXIDE PATHWAY: AN EXPLANATION FOR REDUCED AGGREGATION OF HUMAN PLATELETS
Authors: Mendes‐Ribeiro Antonio C , Moss Monique B , Siqueira Mariana AS , Moraes Thalyta L , Ellory J Clive , Mann Giovanni E , Brunini Tatiana MC
Published: May 2008

In patients with Dengue fever, a viral inflammatory syndrome, haemorrhage is a significant pathological feature, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of platelet function, inhibiting aggregation, recruitment and adhesion to the vascular endothelium.

We have investigated whether changes in the activity of the l‐arginine–NO pathway in human platelets may account for increased bleeding in patients with Dengue fever. A total of 16 patients with Dengue fever and 18 age‐matched healthy volunteers participated in the study.

Collagen induced platelet aggregation in a dose‐dependent manner in both Dengue patients and controls, but the degree of platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in the patient group. Elevated rates of l‐arginine transport in Dengue fever patients were associated with enhanced NO synthase activity and elevated plasma fibrinogen levels.

The present study provides the first evidence that Dengue fever is associated with increased l‐arginine transport and NO generation and reduced platelet aggregation.
Airway stenting for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis secondary to thyroid cancer
Authors: TSUTSUI Hidemitsu , KUBOTA Mitsuhiro , YAMADA Masae , SUZUKI Akihiko , USUDA Jitsuo , SHIBUYA Hiroshi , MIYAJIMA Kuniharu , SUGINO Kiminori , ITO Koichi , FURUKAWA Kinya , KATO Harubumi
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  Airway stenting can be a valuable therapeutic option for symptomatic airway stenosis, but its role in the palliation of advanced thyroid cancers invading the upper airway is unclear. This study examined the hypothesis that durable and replaceable silicone stents would give better results than self‐expanding metallic stents.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis was conducted of consecutive patients stented for laryngotracheal obstruction due to thyroid cancer. Stenting was performed via a rigid bronchoscope when airway patency after dilatation was ≤50% of normal. Symptomatic improvement, Hugh‐Jones (H‐J) classification, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS), and complications were analysed.

Results:  There were 37 stenotic lesions treated in 35 patients. The most common sites for these lesions were in the inclusive area extending from the cricoid cartilage to the first tracheal ring (26/37 lesions, 70%). Forty‐five stents (12 silicone, 20 metallic, 13 T‐tubes) were used in 43 interventions. All patients showed immediate symptomatic relief and significant improvement in both PS and H‐J classifications. Critical complications were supraglottic stenosis (5/43 interventions, 12%) and, of those same five cases, stent migration was seen in all but one (4/45 implantations, 9%). As these complications occurred only in patients in whom the silicone stents had been placed in close proximity to the cricoid cartilage (5/10 patients, 50%), this emphasizes the unsuitability of silicone stents in such cases. The median survival time from stenting was 8 months. The 1‐year survival rate was 40%.

Conclusions:  Airway stenting can achieve significant palliation in patients with thyroid cancer and airway obstruction. The study showed that for the most common lesions, the uncovered Ultraflex stent is associated with fewer critical complications than the silicone stents.
The association of comorbid anxiety and depression with asthma‐related quality of life and symptom perception in adults
Authors: DESHMUKH Vandana M. , TOELLE Brett G. , USHERWOOD Tim , O'GRADY Brian , JENKINS Christine R.
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  There are limited data on the association and interaction between anxiety and depression comorbidity and asthma‐related quality of life (AQOL) and symptom perception. This study evaluated these associations in patients subsequent to an emergency department (ED) visit for asthma.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study of 110 (38 male) adult asthma patients (mean age 42 years), who had visited an ED in the previous 18 months. Participants completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale, measures of AQOL and the asthma symptom checklist.

Results:  Depression symptoms independently showed a significant negative association with AQOL after controlling for depression/anxiety, age, gender, smoking status and ED visits in the previous 12 months (ED‐12). Overall, anxiety and depression symptoms accounted for 28.3% of the variance in AQOL. Greater anxiety was associated with increased perception of asthma‐specific panic‐fear and hyperventilation symptoms during an asthma attack, irrespective of depression status. Categorical analyses of groups of patients, differentiated by psychometric properties on the hospital anxiety and depression scale (anxiety vs normal, anxiety and depression vs normal depression) confirmed most results. However, for the anxiety group there was a significant association with the AQOL domains of emotional functioning and response to environmental stimuli, after controlling for depression symptoms.

Conclusions:  The negative association of depression symptom scores with AQOL and of anxiety with increased panic‐fear and hyperventilation symptoms suggests a potential role for interventions addressing this psychological comorbidity, in order to improve AQOL.
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein: A predicative marker in severe asthma
Authors: QIAN Fen‐Hong , ZHANG Qian , ZHOU Lin‐Fu , LIU Hua , HUANG Mao , ZHANG Xi‐Long , YIN Kai‐Sheng
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  Serum levels of high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) are associated with asthma but the relationship between higher levels of hs‐CRP and the degree of asthma severity remains unclear. This study investigated whether hs‐CRP is associated with asthma severity as well as with other clinical indices of asthma activity (pulmonary function, total serum IgE, and peripheral blood eosinophil counts).

Methods:  Levels of hs‐CRP and clinical indices of asthma were determined among 177 control subjects and 281 asthmatic patients (84 intermittent, 30 mild, 63 moderate and 104 severe).

Results:  The level of hs‐CRP was examined as both a continuous variable and by quartiles (<0.23, 0.23–0.51, 0.51–1.42 and ≥1.42 mg/L) in the five groups. Compared with the first quartile of hs‐CRP, patients with higher levels were at increased risk of severe asthma independently of other clinical indices (adjusted OR 3.49, 95% CI: 1.51–8.12 for the third quartile; adjusted OR 6.46, 95% CI: 2.85–16.62 for fourth quartile, respectively).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that hs‐CRP might be a sensitive marker for severe asthma.
Incidence of iodine deficiency in Turkish patients with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Evliyaoğlu Olcay , Kutlu Alev , Kara Cengiz , Atavci Sevil G.
Published: May 2008

Background: Turkey is located in an area of mild to moderate iodine deficiency. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of iodine deficiency in patients with congenital hypothyroidism.

Methods: Twenty five patients with a median age of 12 days (6 days–6 months) at diagnosis and followed for a median time of 7 months (1–60 months) were enrolled in the study. Thyroid function tests, thyroid scintigraphy, ultrasonography and urine iodine measurements of the patients and mothers were performed.

Results and conclusion: Congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed within postnatal day 13, between days 13 and 30, and after 30 days of age in 68%, 20% and 12% of the patients, respectively. At the time of diagnosis mean serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone and total T4 were 85.3 ± 27.6 mIU/L and 3.9 ± 2.8 μg/dL, respectively. Incidence of iodine deficiency was 36% in the patients (median, 110 μg/L) and 88% in the mothers (median, 40 μg/L). Thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound were normal in all of the patients with iodine deficiency. At scintigraphic evaluation, thyroid gland was not visualized in 28% of patients; in the patients whose thyroid glands were not visualized scintigraphically thyroid ultrasonography indicated agenesis in 57%, and hypoplasia in 43%. In all the patients with thyroid agenesis or hypoplasia iodine levels were normal. In 36% of the patients imaging studies of thyroid gland and urine iodine measurements were normal. Despite salt iodization program, incidence of iodine deficiency is still high in patients with congenital hypothyroidism and mothers. National measures are urgently required for correction of iodine deficiency in Turkey.
Acute abdomen in children due to extra‐abdominal causes
Authors: Tsalkidis Aggelos , Gardikis Stefanos , Cassimos Dimitrios , Kambouri Katerina , Tsalkidou Evanthia , Deftereos Savas , Chatzimichael Athanasios
Published: May 2008

Background: Acute abdominal pain in children is a common cause for referral to the emergency room and for subsequent hospitalization to pediatric medical or surgical departments. There are rare occasions when the abdominal pain is derived from extra‐abdominal organs or systems. The aim of the present study was to establish the most common extra‐abdominal causes of acute abdominal pain.

Methods: The notes of all children (1 month–14 years of age) examined for acute abdominal pain in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department of Alexandroupolis District University Hospital in January 2001–December 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings were recorded, as well as the final diagnosis and outcome.

Results: Of a total number of 28 124 children who were brought to the A&E department, in 1731 the main complaint was acute abdominal pain. In 51 children their symptoms had an extra‐abdominal cause, the most frequent being pneumonia (n = 15), tonsillitis (n = 10), otitis media (n = 9), and acute leukemia (n = 5).

Conclusion: Both abdominal and extra‐abdominal causes should be considered by a pediatrician who is confronted with a child with acute abdominal pain.
Smoking trends before, during, and after pregnancy among women and their spouses
Authors: Kaneko Akiyo , Kaneita Yoshitaka , Yokoyama Eise , Miyake Takeo , Harano Satoru , Suzuki Kenshu , Ibuka Eiji , Tamaki Tetsuo , Nakajima Hiromi , Ohida Takashi
Published: May 2008

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth can act as strong factors motivating parents to spontaneously quit smoking. The aim of the present survey was to establish smoking cessation guidelines for this group. The objectives were to clarify the smoking status of parents before, during and after pregnancy, as well as the factors associated with continuous smoking during pregnancy and post‐partum smoking relapse among women who had stopped smoking during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross‐sectional survey with self‐administered questionnaires was conducted for the parents of the 908 infants who participated in the official medical and dental examination for 18‐month‐old infants in Itabashi ward, Tokyo, Japan.

Results: The prevalence of smoking among women before, during pregnancy, and at post‐partum 18 months at 95% confidence intervals was 29.3% (23.3–35.3%), 9.8% (3.0–16.6%), and 23.1 (16.8%–29.4%), and among their spouses it was 64.3% (60.0–68.6%), 58.1% (53.4–62.7%), and 58.2% (53.5–62.8%), respectively. The positive factors associated with smoking among pregnant women were marriage to a smoker, less education, under stress, and part‐time employment rather than unemployment. The positive factors associated with smoking relapse after childbirth among women were breast‐feeding <6 months and age under 30 years.

Conclusion: Compared with Western countries, the rate of smoking cessation during pregnancy was relatively high in Japan. It is necessary that smoking cessation intervention and support for men be initiated at the early stages of their spouses’ pregnancies. These observations could influence the targeting and design of maternal smoking intervention.
PANCREATIC TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS DIAGNOSIS BY ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY: REPORT OF TWO CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Garg Pramod Kumar , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Singhal Amit , Bhatia Vikram , Mathur Sandeep R
Published: May 2008

Mass lesions in the head of the pancreas are generally malignant and it is difficult to diagnose benign lesions preoperatively. We describe two patients with pancreatic tuberculosis, who presented with abdominal pain, jaundice and a pancreatic head mass, mimicking cancer. The correct diagnosis could be made by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in both patients, precluding the need for surgery. Both patients responded well to anti‐tuberculosis treatment. We conclude that EUS with guided FNA is a useful modality to diagnose pancreatic tuberculosis.
COMMENTARY: HOW SURGICAL AUDITS CAN BE USED TO PROMOTE THE UPDATE OF SURGICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Wang Jim , Boult Maggi , Roder David , Babidge Wendy , Kollias James , Maddern Guy
Published: May 2008

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is an important advance in health care. The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures – Surgical (ASERNIP‐S), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, has been at the forefront of promoting EBM in surgery by developing systematic reviews and managing surgical audits. In EBM, uptake of evidence is just as important as establishing the evidence. The prospective, long‐term data collection of surgical audits on treatment processes and outcomes often have a high patient and surgeon coverage and make them extremely valuable as a tool for assessing the uptake of evidence. Surgical audits can be used: (i) to assess practice trends and the impact of systematic reviews or clinical guidelines on treatment practice, (ii) to identify the disparities in the uptake of evidence, and (iii) to promote further research on how to bridge evidence–practice gaps and to overcoming possible barriers for the evidence uptake. The information gathered through the audit data assessment on evidence‐uptake can be used to improve evidence dissemination and identify possible barriers to the uptake of evidence.
DIARRHOEA AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: INCIDENCE AND MAIN DETERMINANTS
Authors: Fisher Mikhail , Spilias Dean C. , Tong Lien K.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Data on the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on bowel function are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of postcholecystectomy diarrhoea (PCD) and to identify patient characteristics that can be used as predictors in daily practice.

Methods:  In 100 consecutive patients who underwent LC, data were obtained from clinical records and telephone survey 6–12 months postoperatively using standardized questionnaire.

Results:  Postoperatively, 19 patients had diarrhoea, including 17 with new onset. Two patients with preoperative and postoperative diarrhoea were excluded from further analysis. Of 98 patients (mean age 58.1 ± 19.4 years; 62 women) 34 were younger than 50 years, 33 were overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/cm2) and 29 were obese (BMI >30 kg/cm2). PCD was significantly associated with younger age (odds ratio (OR) 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–9.96; P = 0.026), higher BMI (OR 1.1; 95%CI 1.01–1.18; P = 0.019) and food intolerance postoperatively (OR 3.4; 95%CI 1.18–10.08; P = 0.025). PCD was most common with combination of two or three of the following factors: age <50 years, male sex, BMI >25 kg/cm2. The highest risk of developing PCD was observed in obese men younger than 50 (OR 26.1), and the lowest in persons aged >50 years with BMI <25 kg/cm2 (OR = 0.8).

Conclusion:  After LC, 17% of patients reported troublesome new‐onset diarrhoea. PCD was independently associated with younger age, especially <50, and postoperative food intolerance. Coexistence of age <50 with high BMI and male sex was predictive for PCD.
CYTOREDUCTIVE SURGERY IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT OF ADVANCED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
Authors: Lai Eric C. H. , Tang Chung‐Ngai , Ha Joe P. Y. , Tsui David K. K. , Li Michael K. W.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Cytoreductive surgery (debulking surgery) as a multidisciplinary treatment approach for inoperable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has been shown to prolong survival and provide symptomatic relief for good surgical risks patients in non‐randomized studies before.

Methods:  A non‐randomized comparative study was performed in a tertiary referral centre between January 2001 and December 2006. The outcome of a consecutive series of patients with inoperable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who received cytoreductive surgery was compared with a control group of patients who received palliative treatment without surgery. Two techniques of cytoreductive surgery were used: (i) partial hepatectomy for the main tumour plus intraoperative local ablative therapy for the smaller tumour nodules in the liver remnant; and (ii) partial hepatectomy for the main tumour plus postoperative transarterial chemoembolization.

Results:  The overall survival of cytoreductive surgery group (n = 18) was significantly better than that of the palliative treatment group (n = 15) (3‐year overall survival, 54% vs 22%; median survival, 18 vs 11 months) (P =0.038). In the cytoreductive surgery group, there was no operative mortality. Postoperative morbidity rate was 16.7%. The mean hospital stay was 8 days.

Conclusion:  Cytoreductive treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma can be considered as one of the options in selected patients with low operative risks and reasonable liver function. Further prospective randomized trials are required to validate this aggressive surgical approach.
Experimental evidence for extreme dispersal limitation in tropical forest birds
Authors: Moore R. P. , Robinson W. D. , Lovette I. J. , Robinson T. R.
Published: May 2008

Movements of organisms between habitat remnants can affect metapopulation structure, community assembly dynamics, gene flow and conservation strategy. In the tropical landscapes that support the majority of global biodiversity and where forest fragmentation is accelerating, there is particular urgency to understand how dispersal across habitats mediates the demography, distribution and differentiation of organisms. By employing unique dispersal challenge experiments coupled with exhaustive inventories of birds in a Panamanian lacustrine archipelago, we show that the ability to fly even short distances (< 100 m) between habitat fragments varies dramatically and consistently among species of forest birds, and that this variation correlates strongly with species’ extinction histories and current distributions across the archipelago. This extreme variation in flight capability indicates that species’ persistence in isolated forest remnants will be differentially mediated by their respective dispersal abilities, and that corridors connecting such fragments will be essential for the maintenance of avian diversity in fragmented tropical landscapes.
GIS and local knowledge in disaster management: a case study of flood risk mapping in Viet Nam
Authors: Tran Phong , Shaw Rajib , Chantry Guillaume , Norton John
Published: May 2008

Linking community knowledge with modern techniques to record and analyse risk related data is one way of engaging and mobilising community capacity. This paper discusses the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) at the local level and the need for integrating modern technology and indigenous knowledge into disaster management. It suggests a way to mobilise available human and technical resources in order to strengthen a good partnership between local communities and local and national institutions. The paper also analyses the current vulnerability of two communes by correlating hazard risk and loss/damage caused by disasters and the contribution that domestic risk maps in the community can make to reduce this risk. The disadvantages, advantages and lessons learned from the GIS flood risk mapping project are presented through the case study of the Quang Tho Commune in Thua Thien Hue province, central Viet Nam.
THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT REFORMS ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN DANISH SCHOOLS
Authors: ANDERSEN SIMON CALMAR
Published: May 2008

Many resources have been invested in reforming the public sectors of most countries in the world during the last 20 years. Greater focus on evaluation and performance is one of the most central aspects of these reforms, but despite much academic research virtually no systematic evaluations of the outcome of the reforms themselves are found. This paper presents a study of the effect of performance management reforms of Danish public schools on the achievements of more than 80,000 lower secondary students. The study finds no or very small effects on performance measured as average exam scores, but highly significant effects on inequity in the sense that students with low socioeconomic status perform worse at reforming schools than at similar non‐reforming schools. These results, as well as the methodological challenges involved in estimating reform impact, emphasize the need for more empirical scrutiny of what effects the reforms have.
The Trade Effects of Indian Antidumping Actions
Authors: Ganguli Bodhisattva
Published: May 2008

Antidumping (AD) has emerged as the most widespread policy impediment to trade in the last 25 years. One of the surprise proliferators of AD in the lesser developed world has been India, which has filed an outstanding number of 285 cases between 1992 and 2002. In this paper, I study empirically the effect of Indian AD cases on trade flows from other countries. I also look at the effect of AD cases on trade diversion from countries subject to or “named” in AD investigations to non‐subject or “non‐named” countries and conclude that Indian AD policy is effective. I use a unique dataset combining AD data from the World Trade Organization with trade data from Comtrade. The empirical model is estimated via the Arellano–Bond procedure.
Moral Reasoning in Violent Contexts: Displaced and Non‐displaced Colombian Children's Evaluations of Moral Transgressions, Retaliation, and Reconciliation
Authors: Ardila‐Rey Alicia , Killen Melanie , Brenick Alaina
Published: May 2008

In order to assess the effects of displacement and exposure to violence on children's moral reasoning, Colombian children exposed to minimal violence (non‐displaced or low risk; N = 99) and to extreme violence (displaced or high risk; N = 94), evenly divided by gender at 6, 9, and 12 years of age, were interviewed regarding their evaluation of peer‐oriented moral transgressions (hitting and not sharing toys). The vast majority of children evaluated moral transgressions as wrong. Group and age differences were revealed, however, regarding provocation and retaliation. Children who were exposed to violence, in contrast to those with minimum exposure, judged it more legitimate to inflict harm or deny resources when provoked and judged it more reasonable to retaliate for reasons of retribution. Surprisingly, and somewhat hopefully, all children viewed reconciliation as feasible. The results are informative regarding theories of morality, culture, and the effects of violence on children's social development.
Peer Groups, Social Identity, and Children's Bullying Behavior
Authors: Duffy Amanda L , Nesdale Drew
Published: May 2008

Drawing on social identity theory, this study explored the impact of the peer group on childhood bullying. Participants were 351 students, aged 8 to 13 years. Involvement in bullying, friendship group membership, norms of particular groups, and intra‐group positions (prototypical vs. peripheral) were determined using peer reports. Results revealed within‐group similarities in bullying behaviors. In addition, bullying was found to be greater when it was endorsed by group norms and when children were prototypical vs. peripheral members of bullying groups. The implications of the findings for the conceptualization of childhood bullying are discussed.
Children's and Adolescents’ Decisions about Sharing Money with Others
Authors: Leman Patrick J. , Keller Monika , Takezawa Masanori , Gummerum Michaela
Published: May 2008

Two hundred and ninety‐four participants aged between 7 and 17 years of age were asked to share out money between themselves and another, imaginary group. Individual responses were recorded as well as responses after discussion in a group with two other participants. The distribution task took place in two different experimental conditions that either gave participants a free choice about how much to offer to the other group or involved making a strategic offer to avoid the other group rejecting an offer and losing all the money. From 10 years of age onwards, when allowed to choose freely how much to share, boys made progressively less generous offers than girls whereas girls’ offers remained the same with age. However, when inter‐group strategic constraints were present, there were few gender differences from 10 years of age. The order in which games were presented was a powerful influence on the offers that participants made.
METANEXUS 2007: THE CHALLENGE AHEAD
Authors: Grassie William
Published: May 2008

This essay is William Grassie's valedictory remarks at the Metanexus Institute's 2007 Annual Conference. Grassie asks what is wrong with religion, what is wrong with science, and why the constructive engagement of the two holds the key to setting things right. He cites Sir John Templeton and others to make his case and proposes a new curriculum for general science education that uses the history of nature as a mnemonic and context for promoting better science literacy and the incorporation of science into our cultural traditions.
CONSCIOUSNESS AND QUANTUM MECHANICS: OPTING FROM ALTERNATIVES
Authors: Klemm David E. , Klink William H.
Published: May 2008

We present a model of a fundamental property of consciousness as the capacity of a system to opt among presented alternatives. Any system possessing this capacity is “conscious” in some degree, whether or not it has the higher capacity of reflecting on its opting. We argue that quantum systems, composed of microphysical particles, as studied by quantum mechanics, possess this quality in a protomental form. That is, such particles display the capacity to opt among alternatives, even though they lack the ability to experience or communicate their experiences. Human consciousness stands at the opposite end of the hierarchy of conscious life forms as the most sophisticated system of which we have direct acquaintance. We contend that it shares the common characteristic of a system capable of opting among alternatives. Because the fundamental property of consciousness is shared by human beings and the constituents of elementary matter in the universe, our model of consciousness can be considered as a modified form of panpsychism.