bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child Health Care Clinicians' Use of Medications to Help Parents Quit Smoking: A National Parent Survey
Authors: Winickoff Jonathan P. , Tanski Susanne E. , McMillen Robert C. , Klein Jonathan D. , Rigotti Nancy A. , Weitzman Michael
Published: April 2005

Background. Smokers who use cessation medications when they attempt to quit double their likelihood of success. No prior survey has assessed the acceptability to parents of receiving smoking cessation medication prescriptions in the context of their child's primary care visits.

Objective. To assess acceptability to parents of receiving smoking cessation medication prescriptions and to compare that with the reported rate of actually receiving smoking cessation medication prescriptions in the context of the child's health care visit.

Methods. Data were collected through a national random-digit dial telephone survey of households from July to September 2003. The sample was weighted according to race and gender, on the basis of the 2002 US Census, to be representative of the US population.

Results. Of 3990 eligible respondents contacted, 3010 (75%) completed surveys; 1027 (34%) of those were parents. Of those parents, 211 (21%) were self-identified smokers. One half would consider using a smoking cessation medication and, of those, 85% said that it would be acceptable if the child's doctor prescribed or recommended it to them. In contrast, of the 143 smoking parents who accompanied their child to the doctor, only 15% had pharmacotherapy recommended and only 8% received a prescription for a smoking cessation medication. These results did not vary according to parent age, gender, race, or child age.

Conclusions. Child health care clinicians have low rates of recommending and prescribing cessation therapies that have proved effective in other settings. The recommendation or provision of cessation medications would be acceptable to the majority of parents in the context of their child's health care visit.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a Connective Tissue Disorder? A Cross-Sectional Study in Adolescents
Authors: van de Putte E.M. , Uiterwaal C.S.P.M. , Bots M.L. , Kuis W. , Kimpen J.L.L. , Engelbert R.H.H.
Published: April 2005

Objectives. To investigate whether constitutional laxity of the connective tissues is more frequently present in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than in healthy controls. Increased joint hypermobility in patients with CFS has been previously described, as has lower blood pressure in fatigued individuals, which raises the question of whether constitutional laxity is a possible biological predisposing factor for CFS.

Design. Cross-sectional study.

Participants. Thirty-two adolescents with CFS (according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) referred to a tertiary hospital and 167 healthy controls.

Methods. The 32 adolescents with CFS were examined extensively regarding collagen-related parameters: joint mobility, blood pressure, arterial stiffness and arterial wall thickness, skin extensibility, and degradation products of collagen metabolism. Possible confounding factors (age, gender, height, weight, physical activity, muscle strength, diet, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking) were also measured. The results were compared with findings in 167 healthy adolescents who underwent the same examinations.

Results. Joint mobility, Beighton score, and collagen biochemistry, all indicators of connective tissue abnormality, were equal for both groups. Systolic blood pressure, however, was remarkably lower in patients with CFS (117.3 vs. 129.7 mm Hg; adjusted difference: −13.5 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −19.1, −7.0). Skin extensibility was higher in adolescents with CFS (mean z score: 0.5 vs. 0.1 SD; adjusted difference: 0.3 SD; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.5). Arterial stiffness, expressed as common carotid distension, was lower in adolescents with CFS, indicating stiffer arteries (670 vs 820 μm; adjusted difference: −110 μm; 95% CI: −220, −10). All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, and physical activity. Additionally, arterial stiffness was adjusted for lumen diameter and pulse pressure.

Conclusions. These findings do not consistently point in the same direction of an abnormality in connective tissue. Patients with CFS did have lower blood pressure and more extensible skin but lacked the most important parameter indicating constitutional laxity, ie, joint hypermobility. Moreover, the collagen metabolism measured by crosslinks and hydroxyproline in urine, mainly reflecting bone resorption, was not different. The unexpected finding of stiffer arteries in patients with CFS warrants additional investigation.
The Utility of Safety Counseling in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Claudius Ilene A. , Nager Alan L.
Published: April 2005

Objective. Pediatric injuries have a significant impact on the medical system, costing lives and disabling many survivors. Although injury-prevention measures do exist, they are underutilized. A majority of families do not consistently receive counseling by a primary care provider (PCP). We attempted to demonstrate the efficacy of counseling families who presented to a pediatric emergency department with unrelated medical complaints.

Methods. A self-report questionnaire was administered to assess the home safety of patients 2 weeks to 12 years old presenting to the emergency department. Targeted counseling on areas noted to be unsafe was provided, and a 2-week follow-up telephone call was made to assess the effectiveness of the counseling. Information on previous counseling by a PCP was also collected and analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to determine significance and calculate odds ratios.

Results. Thirty-seven percent of caregivers recalled receiving any counseling at a PCP visit. Caregivers who had received prior counseling by a PCP were significantly more likely to have a safe home environment. Patients who were English speaking were significantly more likely to have received safety counseling than their Spanish-speaking counterparts. One hundred fifty families received counseling in the emergency department, and 117 were eligible for follow-up. Of these families, 39% made a positive change in the safety of their child's environment at the 2-week telephone follow-up.

Conclusions. Caregivers receiving counseling by a PCP are more likely to provide a safe home environment for their children. Spanish-speaking patients are at particularly high risk of not receiving counseling. Of caregivers reporting unsafe practices during an unrelated emergency-department encounter, targeted counseling made a positive impact on behavior after discharge.
Correlates of Stress Fractures Among Preadolescent and Adolescent Girls
Authors: Loud Keith J. , Gordon Catherine M. , Micheli Lyle J. , Field Alison E.
Published: April 2005

Objective. Although stress fractures are a source of significant morbidity in active populations, particularly among young female athletes, the causes of stress fractures have not been explored among females <17 years of age or in the general population. The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of stress fractures in a large, population-based, national, cohort study of preadolescent and adolescent girls.

Methods. A cross-sectional analysis of data from 5461 girls, 11 to 17 years of age, in the Growing Up Today Study, an ongoing longitudinal study of the children of registered female nurses participating in Nurses' Health Study II, was performed. Mothers self-reported information regarding their children's histories of stress fractures on their 1998 annual questionnaire. Growing Up Today Study participants self-reported their weight and height, menarcheal status, physical activity, dietary intake, and disordered eating habits on annual surveys.

Results. In 1998, the mean age of the participants was 13.9 years. Approximately 2.7% of the girls had a history of stress fracture, 3% engaged in disordered eating (using fasting, diet pills, laxatives, or vomiting to control weight), and 16% participated in ≥16 hours per week of moderate to vigorous activity. Age at menarche, z score of BMI in 1998, calcium intake, vitamin D intake, and daily dairy intake were all unrelated to stress fractures after controlling for age. Independent of age and BMI, girls who participated in ≥16 hours per week of activity in 1998 had 1.88 greater odds of a history of stress fracture than did girls who participated in <4 hours per week (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–3.30). Girls who participated in ≥16 hours per week of activity were also more likely than their peers to engage in disordered eating (4.6% vs 2.8%); however, disordered eating did not have an independent association with stress fractures (odds ratio [OR]: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.61–2.89). Independent of age and BMI, each hour per week of high-impact activity significantly increased the risk of stress fracture (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09). Among the high-impact physical activities, only running (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05–1.22) and cheerleading/gymnastics (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.21) were independently associated with greater odds of stress fracture.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that, although activity can be beneficial for bone health, there is a threshold over which the risk of stress fracture increases significantly among adolescent girls. High-impact activities, particularly running, cheerleading, and gymnastics, appear to be higher risk than other activities. Prospective studies are needed to explore the directionality of these relationships, as well as the role of menstrual history. In the meantime, clinicians should remain vigilant in identifying and treating disordered eating and menstrual irregularities among their highly active, young, female patients.
A Comparison of 2 Influenza Vaccine Schedules in 6- to 23-Month-Old Children
Authors: Englund Janet A. , Walter Emmanuel B. , Fairchok Mary P. , Monto Arnold S. , Neuzil Kathleen M.
Published: April 2005

Background. Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) is recommended for all children ages 6 to 23 months. Delivering 2 doses of TIV at least 4 weeks apart to young children receiving this vaccine for the first time is challenging.

Methods. We compared the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the standard 2-dose regimen of TIV administered in the fall with an early schedule of a single spring dose followed by a fall dose of the same vaccine in healthy toddlers 6 to 23 months of age. Children were recruited in the spring to be randomized into either the standard or early schedule. An additional group was also enrolled in the fall as part of a nonrandomized standard comparison group. The 2002–2003 licensed TIV was administered in the spring; the fall 2003–2004 vaccine contained the same 3 antigenic components. Reactogenicity was assessed by parental diaries and telephone surveillance. Blood was obtained after the second dose of TIV for all children. The primary outcome measure was antibody response to influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B after 2 doses of vaccine, as determined by hemagglutination-inhibition titers ≥1:32 and geometric mean titer (GMT).

Results. Two hundred nineteen children were randomized to receive either the standard or early TIV schedule; 40 additional children were enrolled in the fall in the nonrandomized standard group. Response rates in the combined standard versus early groups were similar overall: 78% (GMT: 48) vs 76% (GMT: 57) to H1N1, 89% (GMT: 115) vs 88% (GMT: 129) to H3N2, and 52% (GMT: 24) vs 60% (GMT: 28) to B. Reactogenicity after TIV in both groups of children was minimal and did not differ by dose, age, or time between doses. Reaction rates were higher in those receiving TIV and concomitant vaccines compared with those receiving TIV alone. Overall rates of fever >38°C axillary and injection-site pain, redness, or swelling were 5.4%, 3.1%, 0.9%, and 1.1%, respectively.

Conclusions. When the spring and fall influenza vaccines had the same 3 antigenic components, the early vaccine schedule resulted in similar immunogenicity and reactogenicity compared with the standard schedule. When the vaccine components do not change between years, initiating influenza vaccine in the spring at the time of routine office visits would facilitate full immunization of children against influenza earlier in the season.
The dual effector system for exocytosis in mast cells: Obligatory requirement for both Ca2+ and GTP
Authors: Gomperts B. D. , Cockcroft S. , Howell T. W. , Nüsse O. , Tatham P. E. R.
Published: March 2005

The secretory process is a coordinated cellular response, initiated by occupation of surface receptors and comprising an ordered sequence of biochemical steps subject to multiple controls. Conceptually we can divide the sequence into two main sections comprising early, receptor-mediated events leading to generation of intracellular second messengers, and later events leading to membrane fusion and exocytosis. With the discovery that occupation of Ca2+ mobilising receptors leads to activation of polyphosphoinositide phosphodiesterase (PPI-pde) through the mediation of a G-protein (Gp), all the early events can be ascribed to the plasma membrane. Investigation of the exocytotic stage of secretion has been simplified by the use of permeabilised cells in which the composition of the cytosol can be precisely controlled. We have used streptolysin-O, a bacterial cytolysin which generates protein-sized pores in the plasma membrane, to investigate the exocytotic mechanism of rat mast cells. We find that in addition to the activation of PPI-dpe, GTP also acts in concert with Ca2+ at, or close to, the exocytotic site. Exocytosis can occur after substantial depletion of cytosol lactate dehydrogenase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase indicating that soluble cytosol proteins are unlikely to play any role. There is no absolute requirement for ATP or phosphorylating nucleotide in exocytosis though when present the effective affinities of the two obligatory effectors (i.e. Ca2+ and GTP) are substantially enhanced.
Regulation of exocytosis in electrically permeabilized insulin-secreting cells. Evidence for Ca2+ dependent and independent secretion
Authors: Wollheim Claes B. , Ullrich Susanne , Meda Paolo , Vallar Lucia
Published: March 2005

The regulation of insulin secretion from RINm5F cells exposed to high voltage discharge has been investigated. Electron microscopy revealed that the overall structure of the cells was preserved after permeabilization. In this preparation insulin release was stimulated by Ca2+ (EC50=2.4 μM). The stable GTP analogue GTPγS enhanced secretion both at intermediate (nano- to micromolar) and vanishingly low (<10 pM) Ca2+ concentrations. At optimal Ca2+ (10 μM) the effect of GTPγS was greatly reduced. We investigated whether the secretory response to GTP analogues was mediated by any of three enzyme systems regulated by GTP-binding proteins, i.e. generation of cyclic AMP by adenylate cyclase, of diacylglycerol by phospholipase C and of arachidonic acid by phospholipase A2. The involvement of these messenger systems could be excluded as (i) cyclic AMP only had minor, Ca2+ dependent effects, (ii) phospholipase C was not activated in the absence of Ca2+ and insulin secretion due to the phorbol ester TPA displayed a different Ca2+ dependency, (iii) arachidonic acid did not elicit Ca2+ independent insulin secretion. These results, taken together with the finding that insulin secretion due to Ca2+ or TPA is attenuated by the inhibitory guanine nucleotide GDPβS, suggest the existence of a regulatory site in exocytosis which is sensitive to guanine nucleotides.
Mechanisms Mediating the Biologic Activity of Synthetic Proline, Glycine, and Hydroxyproline Polypeptides in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Weinberger Barry , Hanna Nazeeh , Laskin Jeffrey D. , Heck Diane E. , Gardner Carol R. , Gerecke Donald R. , Laskin Debra L.
Published: March 2005

The accumulation of neutrophils at sites of tissue injury or infection is mediated by chemotactic factors released as part of the inflammatory process. Some of these factors are generated as a direct consequence of tissue injury or infection, including
degradation fragments of connective tissue collagen and bacterial‐ or viral‐derived peptides containing collagen‐related structural motifs. In these studies, we examined biochemical mechanisms mediating the biologic activity of synthetic polypeptides consisting of repeated units of proline (Pro), glycine (Gly), and hydroxyproline (Hyp), major amino acids found within mammalian and bacterial collagens. We found that the
peptides were chemoattractants for neutrophils. Moreover, their chemotactic potency was directly related to their size and composition. Thus, the pentameric peptides (Pro‐Pro‐Gly)5 and (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)5 were more active in inducing chemotaxis than the corresponding decameric peptides (Pro‐Pro‐Gly)10 and (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10. In addition, the presence of Hyp in peptides reduced chemotactic activity. The synthetic peptides were also found to reduce neutrophil apoptosis. In contrast to
chemotaxis, this activity was independent of peptide size or composition. The effects of the peptides on both chemotaxis and apoptosis were blocked by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase.
However, only (Pro‐Pro‐Gly)5 and (Pro‐Pro‐Gly)10 induced expression of PI3‐K and phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase,
suggesting a potential mechanism underlying reduced chemotactic activity of Hyp‐containing peptides. Although none of the synthetic peptides tested had any effect on intracellular calcium mobilization, each induced nuclear binding activity of the
transcription factor NF‐κB. These findings indicate that polymeric polypeptides containing Gly‐X‐Y collagen‐related structural motifs promote inflammation by inducing chemotaxis and
blocking apoptosis. However, distinct calcium‐independent signaling pathways appear to be involved in these activities.
Effect of Fluconazole on Phagocytic Response of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in a Rat Model of Acute Sepsis
Authors: Khan Haseeb Ahmad
Published: March 2005

Recently, fluconazole (FLZ) has been shown to improve survival and reduce multiorgan failure in experimental and clinical septic shock. The mechanism by which FLZ affords protection against sepsis remains obscure. This study examines the effect of FLZ on phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in a rat model of septic shock by inducing fecal peritonitis in male Wistar rats using intraperitoneal instillation (1 mL/kg) of fecal suspension in saline (1 : 1 w/v). Sham control rats received sterile fecal suspension and vehicle treatment. FLZ was administered in the doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg by gavage 30 minutes before fecal instillation. The samples of peritoneal fluid were collected 8 hours following fecal
inoculation for the evaluation of phagocytic response of PMNs using zymosan‐induced luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence (CL). Fecal peritonitis caused massive infiltration of PMNs in the peritoneal cavity (ANOVA F4,45 = 6.322, P < .001). Although FLZ reduced the infiltration of PMNs, this effect was neither
significant nor dose dependent. The actual CL response was significantly higher in the peritoneal fluid of rats subjected to peritonitis, which was significantly and dose dependently
attenuated by FLZ treatment (ANOVA F4,45 = 11.048, P < .001). Normalization of CL response for 1000 PMNs revealed that FLZ dose‐dependently albeit insignificantly reduced the activity of PMNs. The high dose of FLZ caused 2.29‐fold decrement in the area under curve (AUC) pertaining to cumulative
CL response. The findings of this study suggest that FLZ protects rats against septic shock by inhibiting PMN‐mediated inflammatory cascade without compromising their phagocytic activity.
Calcium and diacylglycerol control of secretion
Authors: Knight D. E.
Published: March 2005

Measurements of intracellular Ca2+ in adrenal medullary cells suggest that a transient rise in Ca2+ leads to a transient secretory response, the rise in Ca2+ being brought about by an influx through voltage-sensitive Ca channels which subsequently inactivate. The level of Ca2+ observed is much smaller than the Ca2+ needed to trigger secretion when introduced directly into the cell. The discrepancy is removed by the presence of diacylglycerot, which increases the sensitivity of the secretory process to Ca2+. The site of action of Ca2+ and diacylglycerol is probably protein kinase C, and tile different secretory responses to increases of Ca2+ and diacylglycerol can be modelled in terms of a preferential order of binding of these two substrates to the enzyme. ATP is needed for secretion: one role is possibly to confer stability to the secretory apparatus; another may involve phosphorylation of some key protein. The kinetics of secretion suggest that if Ca2+ regulates phosphorylation or dephosphorylation, then it is the rate of change of phosphorylation that controls secretion rather than the extent of phosphorylation or dephosphorylation. Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins may play a role not only at the level of signal transduction coupling, but also at or near the site of exocytosis, and the mechanism by which some Botulinum toxins inhibit secretion may be associated with these proteins.
How calcium may cause exocytosis in sea urchin eggs
Authors: Whitaker Michael
Published: March 2005

The process of secretory granule-plasma membrane fusion can be studied in sea urchin eggs. Micromolar calcium concentrations are all that is required to bring about exocytosis in vitro. I discuss recent experiments with sea urchin eggs that concentrate on the biophysical aspects of granule-membrane fusion. The backbone of biological membranes is the lipid bilayer. Sea urchin egg membrane lipids have negatively charged head groups that give rise to an electrical potential at the bilayer-water interface. We have found that this surface potential can affect the calcium required for exocytosis. Effects on the surface potential may also explain why drugs like trifluoperazine and tetracaine inhibit exocytosis: they absorb to the bilayer and reduce the surface potential. The membrane lipids may also be crucial to the formation of the exocytotic pore through which the secretory granule contents are released. We have measured calcium-induced production of the lipid, diacylglycerol. This lipid can induce a phase transition that will promote fusion of apposed lipid bilayers. The process of exocytosis involves the secretory granule core as well as the lipids of the membrane. The osmotic properties of the granule contents lead to swelling of the granule during exocytosis. Swelling promotes the dispersal of the contents as they are extruded through the exocytotic pore. The movements of water and ions during exocytosis may also stabilize the transient fusion intermediate and consolidate the exocytotic pore as fusion occurs.
In vitro reconstitution of exocytosis from sea urchin egg plasma membrane and isolated cortical vesicles
Authors: Crabb Joseph H. , Modern Paul A. , Jackson Robert C.
Published: March 2005

We have succeeded in reconstituting an exocytotically active egg cortex fraction by recombining purified cortical vesicles (CVs) with egg plasma membrane (PM). CVs were dislodged from a suspension of egg cortex by gentle homogenization in a dissociative buffer with a pH of 9.1, and purified by two rounds of differential centrifugation. Egg PM was prepared by shearing the cortical vesicles from a cortical lawn preparation with a jet of isotonic buffer. PM lawns produced by this procedure consist of an array of CV-free PM fragments attached via their extracellular surface to a polylysine coated glass slide. When a neutralized suspension of CVs was recombined with a PM lawn, CVs reassociated with the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane to form a reconstituted lawn (RL). RLs undergo a morphological change in response to Ca2+-containing buffers that is similar to the exocytotic release of CV contents from cortical lawns. In both reactions CV contents are vectorially transferred from the cytoplasmic to the extracytoplasmic face of the egg PM. A quantitative binding assay was developed and used to show that adherence of CVs to a heterologous PM lawn prepared from human red blood cells is minimal.
Isolated neurosecretory nerve endings as a tool for studying the mechanism of stimulus-secretion coupling
Authors: Nordmann Jean J. , Dayanithi Govindan , Lemos José R.
Published: March 2005

In the present paper we discuss the properties of a recently developed preparation of isolated neurosecretory nerve endings obtained from the rate neurohypophysis. These nerve terminals release two neurohormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, which are easily assayed by radioimmunoassay. Depolarization-induced secretion is dependent on the same parameters as those regulating release from the whole neural lobe. The isolated nerve endings can be permeabilized by means of digitonin; a treatment which gives direct access to the cytoplasm allowing the study of the minimal requirements for inducing neuropeptide release. Furthermore, some nerve endings are large enough to allow the use of the patch-clamp technique. In the present paper we present evidences which show that the isolated neurohypophysial nerve terminals represent a protent tool for studying the mechanism of stimulus-secretion.
Regulation of membrane turnover by ras proteins
Authors: Bar-Sagi Dafna , Fernandez Anne , Feramisco James R.
Published: March 2005

Because ras oncogenes mediate abnormal cellular growth, ras proteins have been presumed to play a role primarily in growth control. The biological function of ras proteins may, however, prove to be much more diverse: ras proteins may be involved in cellular functions that control endocytosis and/or exocytosis.
Effects of Ozone Oxidative Preconditioning on TNF‐α Release and Antioxidant‐Prooxidant Intracellular Balance in Mice During Endotoxic Shock
Authors: Zamora Zullyt B. , Borrego Aluet , López Orlay Y. , Delgado René , González Ricardo , Menéndez Silvia , Hernández Frank , Schulz Siegfried
Published: March 2005

Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which
favors the antioxidant‐prooxidant balance for preservation of cell redox state by the increase of antioxidant endogenous systems in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Our aim is to analyze the effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning on serum
TNF‐α levels and as a modulator of oxidative stress on hepatic tissue in entodoxic shock model (mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture which was administered intraperitoneally (0.2, 0.4, and 1.2 mg/kg) once daily for five days before LPS (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). TNF‐α was measured by cytotoxicity on L‐929 cells. Biochemical parameters such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), enzymatic activity of catalase,
glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S transferase were measured in hepatic tissue. One hour after LPS injection there was a significant increase in TNF‐α levels in mouse serum. Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture reduced serum TNF‐α levels in a dose‐dependent manner. Statistically significant decreases in
TNF‐α levels after LPS injection were observed in mice pretreated with ozone intraperitoneal applications at 0.2 (78%), 0.4 (98%), and 1.2 (99%). Also a significant increase in TBARS content was observed in the hepatic tissue of LPS‐treated mice, whereas enzymatic activity of glutathion‐S
transferase and glutathione peroxidase was decreased. However in ozone‐treated animals a significant decrease in TBARS content was appreciated as well as an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These results indicate that ozone oxidative preconditioning exerts inhibitory effects on TNF‐α production and on the other hand it exerts influence on the antioxidant‐prooxidant balance for preservation of cell redox state by the increase of endogenous antioxidant systems.
The Differential Diagnostic Values of Cytokine Levels in Pleural Effusions
Authors: Akarsu Saadet , Kurt A. Nese Citak , Dogan Yasar , Yilmaz Erdal , Godekmerdan Ahmet , Aygun A. Denizmen
Published: March 2005

The aim is to examine whether the changes in pleural fluid interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels were significant in differential diagnosis of childhood pleural effusions. IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels in pleural fluids of all 36 patients were measured. The levels of IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in pleural fluids were statistically significantly higher in the transudate group compared with those of the exudate group. The levels of
IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8 were also found to be statistically significantly higher in the empyema group compared with both the parapneumonic and the tuberculous pleural effusion groups. The levels of IL‐2 and IL‐6 were detected to be statistically significantly higher in the tuberculous pleural effusion group in comparison with those of the parapneumonic effusion group. The results showed that pleural fluids IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐8 could be used in pleural fluids exudate and transudate distinction.
Detection of a Tyrosine Phosphatase LAR on Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Intraepithelial Lymphocytes in the Human Duodenum
Authors: Murphy Anne M. , Sheils Orla M. , McDonald George S. A. , Kelleher Dermot P.
Published: March 2005

Studies of tyrosine phosphorylation in the human duodenum have indicated that proliferating cells in the middle portion of the duodenal crypt were devoid of this feature, suggesting that tyrosine kinase activation is not a dominant factor in crypt cell
proliferation, and that consequently tyrosine phosphatase activity may be a more critical factor in crypt cell development. We investigated the expression of the leukocyte common
antigen‐related receptor (LAR) family of tyrosine phosphatases. A flow cytometry system was used to examine cells from the surface, mid‐portion, and lower part of the crypt. Individual cell populations were immunostained with anti‐LAR antibodies using
phycoerythrin‐conjugated anti‐CD3 to discriminate between epithelial cells (CD3 −) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (CD3+). Epithelial cells expressed LAR throughout the crypt. Expression of LAR was maximal in the mid‐portion of the crypt with lower expression at the top of the
villi. Intraepithelial lymphocytes expressed low levels of LAR at the tips of the villi with stronger expression extending towards the base of the crypt. These findings were confirmed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin‐fixed sections. Of note, peripheral blood lymphocytes expressed less LAR than IEL. These observations suggest the possibility that tyrosine phosphatase LAR may be of importance in the regulation of crypt cell
proliferation. Moreover, as the extracellular domain of LAR has homology with adhesion molecules, the finding of this molecule on IEL could suggest a possible functional role in homing of this unique lymphocyte.
(1→3)‐β‐D‐Glucan Does Not Induce Acute Inflammation After Nasal Deposition
Authors: Beijer L. , Rylander R.
Published: March 2005

To assess if (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan, a microbial cell wall agent normally present in pollen, has the ability to
produce pollenlike response, sensitive persons received a nasal deposition of two doses of (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan. The percentage of eosinophils and amount of eotaxin were measured
in nasal lavage 30 minutes and 24 hours after challenge. No effect could be demonstrated. The absence of an inflammatory response after (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan application confirms earlier findings in inhalation studies.
Neurotrophin‐3 and FLT3 Tyrosine Kinase Receptor in Perinatal Life
Authors: Malamitsi-Puchner Ariadne , Economou Emmanouel , Boutsikou Theodora , Nikolaou Konstantinos E. , Vrachnis Nikolaos
Published: March 2005

Our aim is to determine—in 30 healthy full‐term infants and their mothers—circulating levels of neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) (important for antenatal and postnatal brain development and implicated in the immune response) and FLT3 tyrosine kinase receptor (FLT3) (controlling hematopoiesis and found in the nervous tissue), in the fetal and neonatal life. NT‐3 levels, in contrast to FLT3 ones, increased significantly on the fourth postnatal day in relation to the low levels found in the mother, fetus, and day 1 neonate (P = .03, respectively). Maternal and umbilical NT3 levels positively correlated with respective FLT3 levels (P = .003 and P = .03). Circulating NT‐3 levels increased in early neonatal life, possibly due to exposure to various stimuli soon after birth. FLT3 levels do not seem to behave accordingly, although these two substances probably synergize.
Control of secretory granule interaction and exocytosis in pancreatic cells
Authors: Matthews E. K. , Rogers Jane , McKay D. B.
Published: March 2005

Application of the laser-based technique of photon correlation spectroscopy to an in vitro study of the ionic stability and interaction kinetics of zymogen granules isolated from rat exocrine pancreas is described here. In addition the separation from pancreatic acinar cell cytosol of a factor which stabilizes isolated zymogen granules and inhibits cation-induced granule aggregation is outlined. The basis of this action and the significance of the cytosolic inhibitory factor in the regulation of granule mobility and exocytosis in vivo is discussed.
Immunomodulatory Effects of the Tityusserrulatus Venom on Murine Macrophage Functions in Vitro
Authors: Petricevich Vera L. , Lebrun Ivo
Published: March 2005

Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (TSV) consists of a very complex mixture of molecules and demonstrates significant immunomodulatory activities capable of stimulating immune functions in vivo. The purpose of this study was to compare the crude TSV with fractionated toxins extracted from
this venom in order to determine which toxin(s) presented immunomodulatory effects on peritoneal macrophages. TSV was fractionated using gel filtration chromatography resulting in 5 heterogeneous fractions. The effects of these different fractions were analysed in vitro using detection by means of cytokines, oxygen intermediate metabolites (H2O2), and nitric oxide (NO) in supernatants of peritoneal macrophages. Several functional bioassays were employed: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity was assayed by measuring its cytotoxic activity in L929 cells, and other cytokines were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas NO levels were detected by Griess colorimetric reactions in culture supernatant of macrophages exposed to different fractions. In vitro studies revealed that all fractions studied here presented an increment in H2O2, NO, and cytokines levels. The more pronounced increments were observed in macrophage cultures exposed to fraction FII which demonstrated that (a) the
highest levels of IL‐1α, IL‐β, and TNF were observed after 12 hours and that (b) the maximum levels of IFN‐γ and NO were observed after 72 hours. Taken together, these data indicate that fractions have a differential immunomodulating effect on macrophage secretion, and that FII is a potent activator of TNF production of macrophages.
Levels of Malondialdehyde and Superoxide Dismutase in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Cetinkaya Ali , Kurutas Ergul Belge , Buyukbese Mehmet Akif , Kantarceken Bulent , Bulbuloglu Ertan
Published: March 2005

We aimed to determine whether patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism (SH) are subject to oxidative stress. Twenty‐two women and 8 men having endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism for a duration of at least 6 months, and 21 women and 9
men healthy controls were included in this study. We measured the level of plasma malondialdehyde, as one of the lipid peroxidation markers, and the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, which is an antioxidant enzyme. The activity of erythrocyte
superoxide dismutase and plasma malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly higher in subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism than the control group (P < .01). The results of this study suggest that oxidative stress and antioxidative
response could be increased in patients having subclinical hyperthyroidism.
Modification of Interleukin‐15 Serum Levels in Workers Exposed to Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Spatari Giovanna , Fenga Concettina , Minciullo Paola Lucia , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , Cacciola Anna , Ventura-Spagnolo Elvira , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: March 2005

Cytostatic anticancer drugs are known as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risk factors for health care workers occupationally exposed. It has been demonstrated that the administration of interleukin‐15 in rat models of colon carcinoma protects against chemotherapy‐induced gastrointestinal toxicities. We found that occupational exposure to chemotherapeutic antiblastic agents in vivo modified circulating
levels of interleukin‐15 in 17 health care workers exposed to antineoplastic drugs in relation to their jobs and in as many healthy age‐ and sex‐matched subjects. Health care workers
displayed significantly higher circulating interleukin‐15 levels compared to their age‐matched controls. If this increase representing an anticancer response remains to be
established, these findings strengthen the idea of a therapeutic use of interleukin‐15 in the field of cancer.
Using theory and research to improve access and retention in developmental education
Authors: Higbee Jeanne L. , Arendale David R. , Lundell Dana Britt
Published: March 2005

This chapter summarizes theoretical perspectives
and research findings on developmental education, and emphasizes the importance of considering students' voices and experiences in determining how best to facilitate growth and development in college.
Remediation at the community college: Student participation and outcomes
Authors: Bettinger Eric P. , Long Bridget Terry
Published: March 2005

This chapter explores the characteristics and features of remedial education at community colleges, examines participation in these courses, and reviews findings on the effects of remediation on student decisions and outcomes.
Preparing faculty to meet the needs of developmental students
Authors: Kozeracki Carol A.
Published: March 2005

Community college faculty who teach developmental English classes face numerous pedagogical challenges. Graduate programs, in‐service training, and professional association activities help prepare faculty for these challenges, but additional support is needed.
The evolution of developmental education at the City University of New York and Bronx Community College
Authors: Ritze Nancy
Published: March 2005

This chapter explores the evolution of open admissions and developmental education at the City University of New York, and discusses how CUNY and, in particular, Bronx Community College have addressed the challenges presented by underprepared college freshmen.
Using laptops in engineering courses for real‐time data collection and analysis
Authors: Ohland Matthew W. , Stephan Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2005

Teaching first‐year engineering students in a laptop environment requires carefully choosing and then adapting teaching methods. This chapter describes how laptops were used, how the students responded, and what the group of participating faculty learned in the process.
Insulin resistance in spontaneously hypertensive rats is associated with endothelial dysfunction characterized by imbalance between NO and ET-1 production
Authors: Potenza Maria A. , Marasciulo Flora L. , Chieppa Delia Mitolo , Brigiani Giovanni Siro , Formoso Gloria , Quon Michael J. , Montagnani Monica
Published: March 2005

Insulin stimulates production of NO in vascular endothelium via activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase, Akt, and endothelial NO synthase. We hypothesized that insulin resistance may cause imbalance between endothelial vasodilators and vasoconstrictors (e.g., NO and ET-1), leading to hypertension. Twelve-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were hypertensive and insulin resistant compared with control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (systolic blood pressure 202 ± 11 vs. 132 ± 10 mmHg; fasting plasma insulin 5 ± 1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 ng/ml; P < 0.001). In WKY rats, insulin stimulated dose-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries precontracted with norepinephrine (NE) ex vivo. This depended on intact endothelium and was blocked by genistein, wortmannin, or Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, PI3-kinase, and NO synthases, respectively). Vasodilation in response to insulin (but not ACh) was impaired by 20% in SHR (vs. WKY, P < 0.005). Preincubation of arteries with insulin significantly reduced the contractile effect of NE by 20% in WKY but not SHR rats. In SHR, the effect of insulin to reduce NE-mediated vasoconstriction became evident when insulin pretreatment was accompanied by ET-1 receptor blockade (BQ-123, BQ-788). Similar results were observed during treatment with the MEK inhibitor PD-98059. In addition, insulin-stimulated secretion of ET-1 from primary endothelial cells was significantly reduced by pretreatment of cells with PD-98059 (but not wortmannin). We conclude that insulin resistance in SHR is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric vessels with impaired PI3-kinase-dependent NO production and enhanced MAPK-dependent ET-1 secretion. These results may reflect pathophysiology in other vascular beds that directly contribute to elevated peripheral vascular resistance and hypertension.
Analysis of blood flow in the entire coronary arterial tree
Authors: Mittal N. , Zhou Y. , Linares C. , Ung S. , Kaimovitz B. , Molloi S. , Kassab G. S.
Published: March 2005

A hemodynamic analysis of coronary blood flow must be based on the measured branching pattern and vascular geometry of the coronary vasculature. We recently developed a computer reconstruction of the entire coronary arterial tree of the porcine heart based on previously measured morphometric data. In the present study, we carried out an analysis of blood flow distribution through a network of millions of vessels that includes the entire coronary arterial tree down to the first capillary branch. The pressure and flow are computed throughout the coronary arterial tree based on conservation of mass and momentum and appropriate pressure boundary conditions. We found a power law relationship between the diameter and flow of each vessel branch. The exponent is ∼2.2, which deviates from Murray’s prediction of 3.0. Furthermore, we found the total arterial equivalent resistance to be 0.93, 0.77, and 1.28 mmHg·ml−1·s−1·g−1 for the right coronary artery, left anterior descending coronary artery, and left circumflex artery, respectively. The significance of the present study is that it yields a predictive model that incorporates some of the factors controlling coronary blood flow. The model of normal hearts will serve as a physiological reference state. Pathological states can then be studied in relation to changes in model parameters that alter coronary perfusion.
Mechanisms of superiority of ascending ramp waveforms: new insights into mechanisms of shock-induced vulnerability and defibrillation
Authors: Qu Fujian , Li Li , Nikolski Vladimir P. , Sharma Vinod , Efimov Igor R.
Published: March 2005

Monophasic ascending ramp (AR) and descending ramp (DR) waveforms are known to have significantly different defibrillation thresholds. We hypothesized that this difference arises due to differences in mechanisms of arrhythmia induction for the two waveforms. Rabbit hearts ( n = 10) were Langendorff perfused, and AR and DR waveforms (7, 20, and 40 ms) were randomly delivered from two line electrodes placed 10 mm apart on the anterior ventricular epicardium. We optically mapped cellular responses to shocks of various strengths (5, 10, and 20 V/cm) and coupling intervals (CIs; 120, 180, and 300 ms). Optical mapping revealed that maximum virtual electrode polarization (VEP) was reached at significantly different times for AR and DR of the same duration ( P < 0.05) for all tested CIs. As a result, VEP for AR were stronger than for DR at the end of the shock. Postshock break excitation resulting from AR generated faster propagation and typically could not form reentry. In contrast, partially dissipated VEP resulting from DR generated slower propagation; the wavefront was able to propagate into deexcited tissue and thus formed a shock-induced reentry circuit. Therefore, for the same delivered energy, AR was less proarrhythmic compared with DR. An active bidomain model was used to confirm the electrophysiological results. The VEP hypothesis explains differences in vulnerability associated with monophasic AR and DR waveforms and, by extension, the superior defibrillation efficacy of the AR waveform compared with the DR waveform.
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor increases pulmonary neutrophilia and diminishes host resistance to influenza A virus
Authors: Teske Sabine , Bohn Andrea A. , Regal Jean F. , Neumiller Joshua J. , Lawrence B. Paige
Published: March 2005

Unlike their role in bacterial infection, less is known about the role of neutrophils during pulmonary viral infection. Exposure to pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin) results in excess neutrophils in the lungs of mice infected with influenza A virus. TCDD is the most potent agonist for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and exposure to AhR ligands has been correlated with exacerbated inflammatory lung diseases. However, knowledge of the effects of AhR agonists on neutrophils is limited. Likewise, the factors regulating neutrophil responses during respiratory viral infections are not well characterized. To address these knowledge gaps, we determined the in vivo levels of KC, MIP-1α, MIP-2, LIX, IL-6, and C5a in infected mouse lungs. Our data show that these neutrophil chemoattractants are generally produced transiently in the lung within 12–24 h of infection. We also report that expression of CD11a, CD11b, CD49d, CD31, and CD38 is increased on pulmonary neutrophils in response to influenza virus. Using AhR-deficient mice, we demonstrate that excess neutrophilia in the lung is mediated by activation of the AhR and that this enhanced neutrophilia correlates directly with decreased survival in TCDD-exposed mice. Although AhR activation results in more neutrophils in the lungs, we show that this is not mediated by deregulation in levels of common neutrophil chemoattractants, expression of adhesion molecules on pulmonary neutrophils, or delayed death of neutrophils. Likewise, exposure to TCDD did not enhance pulmonary neutrophil function. This study provides an important first step in elucidating the mechanisms by which AhR agonists exacerbate pulmonary inflammatory responses.
Thoughts on Thirteen Years of Editing CEH
Authors: Barkin Kenneth D.
Published: March 2005

When I assumed the editorship of CEH in 1991 the discipline of history was changing rapidly. Political, diplomatic, and economic history seemed to be fading after a long run, and even the nation state was being challenged as a central focus of research. Given the increasing interest in gender, race, post-colonialism, and memory, I had to consider “whither goeth” CEH. In part that decision is made for the editor by the manuscripts that are submitted to the journal. My own belief is that excellent history can be written based on a variety of theories, and with the employment of a diverse number of methodologies. I also concluded that weak and unconvincing history could equally be based on very different foundations as well.