bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Experience is not Necessary for Efficient Survey Spatial Cognition: Evidence from Blindness
Authors: Tinti Carla , Adenzato Mauro , Tamietto Marco , Cornoldi Cesare
Published: December 2005

This study investigated whether the lack of visual experience affects the ability to create spatial inferential representations of the survey type. We compared the performance of persons with congenital blindness and that of blindfolded sighted persons on four survey representation-based tasks (Experiment 1). Results showed that persons with blindness performed better than blindfolded sighted controls. We repeated the same tests introducing a third group of persons with late blindness (Experiment 2). This last group performed better than blindfolded sighted participants, whereas differences between participants with late and congenital blindness were nonsignificant. The present findings are compatible with results of other studies, which found that when visual perception is lacking, skill in gathering environmental spatial information provided by nonvisual modalities may contribute to a proper spatial encoding. It is concluded that, although it cannot be asserted that total lack of visual experience incurs no cost, our findings are further evidence that visual experience is not a necessary condition for the development of spatial inferential complex representations.
Processing the noun phrase versus sentence coordination ambiguity: Thematic information does not completely eliminate processing difficulty
Authors: Hoeks John C. J. , Hendriks Petra , Vonk Wietske , Brown Colin M. , Hagoort Peter
Published: December 2005

When faced with the noun phrase (NP) versus sentence (S) coordination ambiguity as in, for example, The thief shot the jeweller and the cop …, readers prefer the reading with NP-coordination (e.g., “The thief shot the jeweller and the cop yesterday”) over one with two conjoined sentences (e.g., “The thief shot the jeweller and the cop panicked”). A corpus study is presented showing that NP-coordinations are produced far more often than S-coordinations, which in frequency-based accounts of parsing might be taken to explain the NP-coordination preference. In addition, we describe an eye-tracking experiment investigating S-coordinated sentences such as Jasper sanded the board and the carpenter laughed, where the poor thematic fit between carpenter and sanded argues against NP-coordination. Our results indicate that information regarding poor thematic fit was used rapidly, but not without leaving some residual processing difficulty. This is compatible with claims that thematic information can reduce but not completely eliminate garden-path effects.
Tricellulin constitutes a novel barrier at tricellular contacts of epithelial cells
Authors: Ikenouchi Junichi , Furuse Mikio , Furuse Kyoko , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Tsukita Sachiko , Tsukita Shoichiro
Published: December 2005

For epithelia to function as barriers, the intercellular space must be sealed. Sealing two adjacent cells at bicellular tight junctions (bTJs) is well described with the discovery of the claudins. Yet, there are still barrier weak points at tricellular contacts, where three cells join together. In this study, we identify tricellulin, the first integral membrane protein that is concentrated at the vertically oriented TJ strands of tricellular contacts. When tricellulin expression was suppressed with RNA interference, the epithelial barrier was compromised, and tricellular contacts and bTJs were disorganized. These findings indicate the critical function of tricellulin for formation of the epithelial barrier.
A nonclassical non-Vα14Jα18 CD1d-restricted (type II) NKT cell is sufficient for down-regulation of tumor immunosurveillance
Authors: Terabe Masaki , Swann Jeremy , Ambrosino Elena , Sinha Pratima , Takaku Shun , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Godfrey Dale I. , Ostrand-Rosenberg Suzanne , Smyth Mark J. , Berzofsky Jay A.
Published: December 2005

The importance of immunoregulatory T cells has become increasingly apparent. Both CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD1d-restricted NKT cells have been reported to down-regulate tumor immunity in mouse tumor models. However, the relative roles of both T cell populations have rarely been clearly distinguished in the same tumor models. In addition, CD1d-restricted NKT cells have been reported to play a critical role not only in the down-regulation of tumor immunity but also in the promotion of the immunity. However, the explanation for these apparently opposite roles in different tumor models remains unclear. We show that in four mouse tumor models in which CD1d-restricted NKT cells play a role in suppression of tumor immunity, depletion of CD4+CD25+ T cells did not induce enhancement of immunosurveillance. Surprisingly, among the two subpopulations of CD1d-restricted NKT cells, Vα14Jα18+ (type I) and Vα14Jα18− (type II) NKT cells, type I NKT cells were not necessary for the immune suppression. These unexpected results may now resolve the paradox in the role of CD1d-restricted NKT cells in the regulation of tumor immunity, in that type II NKT cells may be sufficient for negative regulation, whereas protection has been found to be mediated by α-galactosylceramide–responsive type I NKT cells.
TLR9 regulates Th1 responses and cooperates with TLR2 in mediating optimal resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bafica Andre , Scanga Charles A. , Feng Carl G. , Leifer Cynthia , Cheever Allen , Sher Alan
Published: December 2005

To investigate the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 in the immune response to mycobacteria as well as its cooperation with TLR2, a receptor known to be triggered by several major mycobacterial ligands, we analyzed the resistance of TLR9−/− as well as TLR2/9 double knockout mice to aerosol infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infected TLR9−/− but not TLR2−/− mice displayed defective mycobacteria-induced interleukin (IL)-12p40 and interferon (IFN)-γ responses in vivo, but in common with TLR2−/− animals, the TLR9−/− mice exhibited only minor reductions in acute resistance to low dose pathogen challenge. When compared with either of the single TLR-deficient animals, TLR2/9−/− mice displayed markedly enhanced susceptibility to infection in association with combined defects in proinflammatory cytokine production in vitro, IFN-γ recall responses ex vivo, and altered pulmonary pathology. Cooperation between TLR9 and TLR2 was also evident at the level of the in vitro response to live M. tuberculosis, where dendritic cells and macrophages from TLR2/9−/− mice exhibited a greater defect in IL-12 response than the equivalent cell populations from single TLR9-deficient animals. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated role for TLR9 in the host response to M. tuberculosis and illustrate TLR collaboration in host resistance to a major human pathogen.
Tuberculosis in children and adults
Authors: Alcaïs Alexandre , Fieschi Claire , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: December 2005

Disseminated disease in children and pulmonary disease in adults constitute two major epidemiological and clinical forms of tuberculosis. Paradoxically, only a small fraction of infected individuals develop clinical tuberculosis, typically one form of the disease or the other. Mendelian and complex genetic predispositions to tuberculosis were reported recently in children and adults, respectively. Here, we argue that tuberculosis and its clinical expression largely reflect the underlying human genetic background.
Ena/VASP Proteins Can Regulate Distinct Modes of Actin Organization at Cadherin-adhesive Contacts
Authors: Scott Jeanie A. , Shewan Annette M. , den Elzen Nicole R. , Loureiro Joseph J. , Gertler Frank B. , Yap Alpha S.
Published: December 2005

Functional interactions between classical cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton involve diverse actin activities, including filament nucleation, cross-linking, and bundling. In this report, we explored the capacity of Ena/VASP proteins to regulate the actin cytoskeleton at cadherin-adhesive contacts. We extended the observation that Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) proteins localize at cell–cell contacts to demonstrate that E-cadherin homophilic ligation is sufficient to recruit Mena to adhesion sites. Ena/VASP activity was necessary both for F-actin accumulation and assembly at cell–cell contacts. Moreover, we identified two distinct pools of Mena within individual homophilic adhesions that cells made when they adhered to cadherin-coated substrata. These Mena pools localized with Arp2/3-driven cellular protrusions as well as at the tips of cadherin-based actin bundles. Importantly, Ena/VASP activity was necessary for both modes of actin activity to be expressed. Moreover, selective depletion of Ena/VASP proteins from the tips of cadherin-based bundles perturbed the bundles without affecting the protrusive F-actin pool. We propose that Ena/VASP proteins may serve as higher order regulators of the cytoskeleton at cadherin contacts through their ability to modulate distinct modes of actin organization at those contacts.
Lorazepam Is an Independent Risk Factor for Transitioning to Delirium in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Pandharipande Pratik , Shintani Ayumi , Peterson Josh , Pun Brenda Truman , Wilkinson Grant R. , Dittus Robert S. , Bernard Gordon R. , Ely E Wesley
Published: December 2005

Background

Delirium has recently been shown as a predictor of death, increased cost, and longer duration of stay in ventilated patients. Sedative and analgesic medications relieve anxiety and pain but may contribute to patients' transitioning into delirium.

Methods

In this cohort study, the authors designed a priori an investigation to determine whether sedative and analgesic medications independently increased the probability of daily transition to delirium. Markov regression modeling (adjusting for 11 covariates) was used in the evaluation of 198 mechanically ventilated patients to determine the probability of daily transition to delirium as a function of sedative and analgesic dose administration during the previous 24 h.

Results

Lorazepam was an independent risk factor for daily transition to delirium (odds ratio, 1.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.4]; P = 0.003), whereas fentanyl, morphine, and propofol were associated with higher but not statistically significant odds ratios. Increasing age and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were also independent predictors of transitioning to delirium (multivariable P values < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lorazepam administration is an important and potentially modifiable risk factor for transitioning into delirium even after adjusting for relevant covariates.
Pharmacokinetics of a Single Bolus of Propofol in Chinese Children of Different Ages
Authors: ShangGuan Wang Ning , Lian QingQuan , Aarons Leon , Matthews Ivan , Wang ZengShou , Chen XiaoLin , Freemantle Nick , Smith Fang Gao
Published: December 2005

Background

There is no information about the pharmacokinetic profile of propofol in Chinese children younger than 3 yr. This study was designed to determine a complete pharmacokinetic profile of a single dose of propofol in Chinese children of different ages.

Methods

Arterial blood samples were obtained from 35 children with an American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status of I or II at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min after a single bolus intravenous injection of propofol (3 mg/kg). The plasma concentrations of propofol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. A population model was used to estimate the pharmacokinetics of propofol.

Results

A three-compartment pharmacokinetic model best described the pharmacokinetics of propofol. Clearance was 0.185 l/min, the volume of distribution of the central compartment was 7.41 l, the peripheral volumes of distribution were 54.6 and 7.2 l, and the intercompartmental clearances were 0.614 and 0.692 l/min for a child of the average weight of 13.7 kg. The half-lives were 2.67, 14.89, and 310.60 min. Covariate models were applied, and weight was found to be significant covariate for the clearance and volume of distribution parameters. No significant age effect could be demonstrated on clearance or volume of distribution parameters after weight was taken into account.

Conclusions

This study supports the case that the pharmacokinetic properties of propofol do not differ substantially across Chinese children of different ages after weight has been accounted for.
Open and Closed-circuit Endotracheal Suctioning in Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Lasocki Sigismond , Lu Qin , Sartorius Alfonso , Fouillat Dominique , Remerand Francis , Rouby Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2005

Background

Closed-circuit endotracheal suctioning (CES) is advocated for preventing hypoxemia caused by the loss of lung volume resulting from open endotracheal suctioning (OES). However, the efficiency of CES and OES on tracheal secretion removal has never been compared in patients with acute lung injury. The authors designed a two-part study aimed at comparing gas exchange and efficiency between OES and CES performed at two levels of negative pressure.

Methods

Among 18 patients with acute lung injury, 9 underwent CES and OES at 3-h intervals in a random order using a negative pressure of -200 mmHg. Nine other patients underwent CES twice using two levels of negative pressure (-200 and -400 mmHg) applied in a random order. After each CES, a recruitment maneuver was performed using 20 consecutive hyperinflations. Tracheal aspirates were weighed after each suctioning procedure. Arterial blood gases were continuously recorded using an intravascular sensor.

Results

Open endotracheal suctioning induced a significant 18% decrease in arterial oxygen tension (Pa(O2)) (range, +13 to -71%) and an 8% increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension (Pa(CO2)) (range, -2 to +16%) that persisted 15 min after the end of the procedure. CES using -200 cm H2O did not change Pa(O2), but tracheal aspirate mass was lower compared with OES (0.6 +/- 1.0 vs. 3.2 +/- 5.1 g; P = 0.03). Increasing negative pressure to -400 cm H2O during CES did not change Pa(O2) but increased the tracheal aspirate mass (1.7 +/- 1.6 vs. 1.0 +/- 1.3 g; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Closed-circuit endotracheal suctioning followed by a recruitment maneuver prevents hypoxemia resulting from OES but decreases secretion removal. Increasing suctioning pressure enhances suctioning efficiency without impairing gas exchange.
Complications of Different Ventilation Strategies in Endoscopic Laryngeal Surgery
Authors: Jaquet Yves , Monnier Philippe , Van Melle Guy , Ravussin Patrick , Spahn Donat R. , Chollet-Rivier Madeleine
Published: December 2005

Background

Spontaneous ventilation, mechanical controlled ventilation, apneic intermittent ventilation, and jet ventilation are commonly used during interventional suspension microlaryngoscopy. The aim of this study was to investigate specific complications of each technique, with special emphasis on transtracheal and transglottal jet ventilation.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective single-institution analysis of a case series of 1,093 microlaryngoscopies performed in 661 patients between January 1994 and January 2004. Data were collected from two separate prospective databases. Feasibility and complications encountered with each technique of ventilation were analyzed as main outcome measures.

Results

During 1,093 suspension microlaryngoscopies, ventilation was supplied by mechanical controlled ventilation via small endotracheal tubes (n = 200), intermittent apneic ventilation (n = 159), transtracheal jet ventilation (n = 265), or transglottal jet ventilation (n = 469). Twenty-nine minor and 4 major complications occurred. Seventy-five percent of the patients with major events had an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of III. Five laryngospasms were observed with apneic intermittent ventilation. All other 24 complications (including 7 barotrauma) occurred during jet ventilation. Transtracheal jet ventilation was associated with a significantly higher complication rate than transglottal jet ventilation (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 4.3 [95% confidence interval, 1.9-10.0]). All severe complications were related to barotraumas resulting from airway outflow obstruction during jet ventilation, most often laryngospasms.

Conclusions

The use of a transtracheal cannula was the major independent risk factor for complications during jet ventilation for interventional microlaryngoscopy. The anesthetist's vigilance in clinically detecting and preventing outflow airway obstruction remains the best prevention of barotrauma during subglottic jet ventilation.
Comparison of Plastic Single-use and Metal Reusable Laryngoscope Blades for Orotracheal Intubation during Rapid Sequence Induction of Anesthesia
Authors: Amour Julien , Marmion Frédéric , Birenbaum Aurélie , Nicolas-Robin Armelle , Coriat Pierre , Riou Bruno , Langeron Olivier
Published: December 2005

Background

Plastic single-use laryngoscope blades are inexpensive and carry a lower risk of infection compared with metal reusable blades, but their efficiency during rapid sequence induction remains a matter of debate. The authors therefore compared plastic and metal blades during rapid sequence induction in a prospective randomized trial.

Methods

Two hundred eighty-four adult patients undergoing general anesthesia requiring rapid sequence induction were randomly assigned on a weekly basis to either plastic single-use or reusable metal blades (cluster randomization). After induction, a 60-s period was allowed to complete intubation. In the case of failed intubation, a second attempt was performed using metal blade. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of failed intubations, and the secondary endpoint was the incidence of complications (oxygen desaturation, lung aspiration, and oropharynx trauma).

Results

Both groups were similar in their main characteristics, including risk factors for difficult intubation. On the first attempt, the rate of failed intubation was significantly increased in plastic blade group (17 vs. 3%; P < 0.01). In metal blade group, 50% of failed intubations were still difficult after the second attempt. In plastic blade group, all initial failed intubations were successfully intubated using metal blade, with an improvement in Cormack and Lehane grade. There was a significant increase in the complication rate in plastic group (15 vs. 6%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In rapid sequence induction of anesthesia, the plastic laryngoscope blade is less efficient than a metal blade and thus should not be recommended for use in this clinical setting.
Improving the Identification of Patients at Risk of Postoperative Renal Failure after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Karkouti Keyvan , Beattie W Scott , Rao Vivek , Ivanov Joan
Published: December 2005

Background

Preoperative renal insufficiency is an important predictor of the need for postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT). Serum creatinine (sCr) has a limited ability to identify patients with preoperative renal insufficiency because it varies with age, sex, and muscle mass. Calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) is an alternative measure of renal function that may allow better estimation of renal reserve.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected for consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass at a tertiary care center. The relation between CrCl (Cockcroft-Gault equation) and RRT was initially described using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and receiver operating curve analysis. Based on these analyses, preoperative renal insufficiency was defined as CrCl of 60 ml/min or less. Preoperative renal function was classified as moderate insufficiency (sCr > 133 microM), mild insufficiency (100 microM < sCr < or = 133 microM), occult insufficiency (sCr < or = 100 microM and CrCl < or = 60 ml/min), or normal function (sCr < or = 100 microM and CrCl > 60 ml/min). The independent association of preoperative renal function with RRT was subsequently determined using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Of the 10,751 patients in the sample, 137 (1.2%) required postoperative RRT. Approximately 13% of patients with normal sCr had occult renal insufficiency. Occult renal insufficiency was independently associated with RRT (odds ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-5.33). The magnitude of this risk was similar to patients with mild renal insufficiency (P = 0.73).

Conclusions

The inclusion of a simple CrCl-based criterion in preoperative assessments may improve identification of patients at risk of needing postoperative RRT.
Statistical Prediction of the Type of Gastric Aspiration Lung Injury Based on Early Cytokine/Chemokine Profiles
Authors: Hutson Alan D. , Davidson Bruce A. , Raghavendran Krishnan , Chess Patricia R. , Tait Alan R. , Holm Bruce A. , Notter Robert H. , Knight Paul R.
Published: December 2005

Background

Unwitnessed gastric aspiration can be a diagnostic dilemma, and early discrimination of different forms may help to identify individuals with increased risk of development of severe clinical acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. The authors hypothesized that inflammatory mediator profiles could be used to help diagnose different types of gastric aspiration.

Methods

Diagnostic modeling using a newly modified receiver operator characteristic approach was applied to recently published data from our laboratory on lavaged inflammatory mediators from rodents given intratracheal normal saline, hydrochloric acid, small nonacidified gastric particles, or a combination of acid and small gastric particles. Multiple animal groups and postaspiration times of injury were analyzed to gauge the applicability of the predictive approach: rats (6 and 24 h), C57/BL6 wild-type mice (5 and 24 h), and transgenic mice on the same background deficient in the gene for monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1 [-/-] mice; 5 and 24 h).

Results

Overall, the four types of aspiration were correctly discriminated in 85 of 96 rats (89%), 72 of 78 wild-type mice (92%), and 59 of 73 MCP-1 (-/-) mice (81%) by models that used a maximum of only two mediators. The severe "two-hit" aspirate of the combination of acid and small gastric particles was correctly predicted in 21 of 24 rats, 23 of 23 wild-type mice, and 21 of 21 MCP-1 (-/-) mice. Specific best-fit mediators or mediator pairs varied with aspirate type, animal type, and time of injury. Cytokines and chemokines that best predicted the combination of acid and small gastric particles were cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (6 h) and MCP-1 (24 h) in rats, tumor necrosis factor alpha/macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (5 h) and tumor necrosis factor alpha/MCP-1 (24 h) in wild-type mice, and tumor necrosis factor alpha/macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (5 h) and tumor necrosis factor alpha/keratinocyte-derived cytokine (24 h) in MCP-1 (-/-) mice.

Conclusions

These results support the potential feasibility of developing predictive models that use focused measurements of inflammatory mediators to help diagnose severe clinical forms of unwitnessed gastric aspiration, such as the combination of acid and small gastric particles, that may have a high risk of progression to acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Excitatory and Inhibitory Actions of Isoflurane on the Cholinergic Ascending Arousal System of the Rat
Authors: Dong Hai-long , Fukuda Satoru , Murata Eri , Higuchi Takashi
Published: December 2005

Background

The cholinergic arousal systems are known to critically regulate the state of consciousness. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of isoflurane on the inhibitory or excitatory neurotransmitters efflux in important nuclei within the cholinergic arousal system using in vivo intracerebral microdialysis.

Methods

The efflux of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), or acetylcholine in the posterior hypothalamus (PH), the basal forebrain (BF), and the somatosensory cortex (S1BF) of rats was detected using intracerebral microdialysis under an awake condition and at 0.5-2.0 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane anesthesia. The intrabasalis perfusion of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate on the cortical acetylcholine effluxes was also examined under both conditions.

Results

Isoflurane had no influence on the glutamate and GABA efflux in the PH, whereas in the BF, it dose-dependently increased glutamate efflux and decreased GABA efflux. A transient increase in glutamate efflux at 1.0 MAC and a decrease in GABA at 0.5-1.5 MAC were observed in the S1BF. Isoflurane dose-dependently decreased acetylcholine efflux in the S1BF. Perfusion of the BF with AMPA increased acetylcholine efflux in the S1BF with electroencephalographic activation during 0.75 MAC isoflurane anesthesia, suggesting an inhibitory action of isoflurane on AMPA receptors in the BF. However, N-methyl-D-aspartate had no effect on these parameters.

Conclusion

Isoflurane induces both excitatory and inhibitory actions in the cholinergic arousal system. The predominant inhibitory action of isoflurane over its excitatory action at the BF would result in the decrease in the acetylcholine efflux in the S1BF.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Induction after Oral Surgery Does Not Entirely Account for Analgesia after Selective Blockade of Cyclooxygenase 2 in the Preoperative Period
Authors: Fornai Matteo , Colucci Rocchina , Graziani Filippo , Cei Silvia , Antonioli Luca , Tonelli Matteo , Vassalle Cristina , Blandizzi Corrado , Gabriele Mario , Del Tacca Mario
Published: December 2005

Background

The administration of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors before surgery is regarded as an innovative option to manage postoperative pain. This study was designed to (1) examine the efficacy of preoperative cyclooxygenase-2 blockade on postoperative oral pain and (2) compare pain intensity with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and cyclooxygenase isoform (cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression at the surgical site during the postoperative period.

Methods

Sixty patients with impacted lower third molars were randomly allocated to three single-dose treatment groups--placebo, 50 mg rofecoxib, or 550 mg naproxen--1 h before extraction. Pain intensity was evaluated with categorical and visual analog scales every 30 min from 90 to 240 min after surgery. At these times, PGE2 production in the alveolar socket was also evaluated. Cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression was examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in gingival specimens collected during tooth removal and 240 min after surgery.

Results

Pain intensity and PGE2 production in the placebo group increased throughout the observation period. Naproxen prevented pain and decreased PGE2 release at all time points. Rofecoxib reduced PGE2 production versus placebo from 150 min onward, while inducing analgesia through the whole observation period. mRNA assay in gingival specimens collected at tooth extraction revealed cyclooxygenase-1 expression, whereas cyclooxygenase 2 was undetectable. At the end of observation, cyclooxygenase-1 mRNA expression was unchanged, whereas cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA was significantly induced.

Conclusions

This study indicates that preoperative administration of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor ensures effective control of postoperative pain. It is suggested that the selective blockade of inducible cyclooxygenase 2 at the surgical site does not entirely account for the analgesic action occurring in the postoperative period.
Countercyclical Capital and Currency Dependence
Authors: Daníelsson Jón , Jónsson Ásgeir
Published: December 2005

The introduction of risk sensitive bank capital charges into currency dependent economies exasperates the inherent procyclicality of banking regulations and frustrates the conduct of monetary policy. The authors argue that, by requiring capital charges resulting from foreign currency lending to be denominated in the same foreign currency, the capital charge becomes countercyclical.
Treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in infants and children with a mixture of three Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains – a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: SZYMAŃSKI H. , PEJCZ J. , JAWIEŃ M. , CHMIELARCZYK A. , STRUS M. , HECZKO P. B.
Published: December 2005

Background  Multiple studies document that probiotics are effective in treating infectious diarrhoea in children. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is the most extensively studied but effectiveness of other strains has been poorly examined.

Aim  To determine whether L. rhamnosus strains (573L/1; 573L/2; 573L/3) (Lakcid L, Biomed, Lublin, Poland) would be effective in shortening infectious diarrhoea.

Methods  In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 87 children (age range: 2 months to 6 years) with infectious diarrhoea were administered Lakcid L at a dose 1.2 × 1010 CFU or placebo, twice daily, for 5 days. Primary outcome measure was the duration of diarrhoea. Secondary measures were duration of parenteral rehydration, adverse events, and gastrointestinal tract colonization by administered strains.

Results  In an intention to treat analysis of 87 children, the mean duration of diarrhoea in the treated group: 84 ± 56 h; placebo: 96 ± 72 h (P = 0.36). In rotavirus infection: 76 ± 35 h vs. 115 ± 67 h (P = 0.03), respectively. Duration of parenteral rehydration: 15 ± 14 h vs. 38 ± 33 h (P = 0.006). Gut colonization by administered strains was 80% and 41% at five and 14 days, respectively. No adverse events were noted.

Conclusions  Administration of L. rhamnosus strains shortens the duration of rotaviral diarrhoea in children but not of diarrhoea of any aetiology. Intervention shortens the time of intravenous rehydration.
Review article: drug therapy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: COMAR K. M. , STERLING R. K.
Published: December 2005

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease represents a spectrum of liver diseases, characterized mainly by macrovesicular steatosis in the absence of significant alcohol ingestion. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease includes both non‐alcoholic fatty liver and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis once considered a benign process is now known to lead to progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. Histologically indistinguishable from alcoholic liver disease, the exact aetiology of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease remains unknown, but the fundamental pathophysiological process appears to be insulin resistance and oxidative stress related to the metabolic syndrome.

Therapy has focused on risk factors, weight reduction and pharmacological intervention. Promising pharmacological treatments have been demonstrated with antioxidants, insulin sensitizers, hepatoprotectants and lipid‐lowering agents. However, without larger randomized studies, no pharmacological treatments can be recommended at this time.
A study of 4‐ and 7‐day triple therapy with rabeprazole, high‐dose levofloxacin and tinidazole rescue treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: GIANNINI E. G. , BILARDI C. , DULBECCO P. , MAMONE M. , SANTI M. L. , TESTA R. , MANSI C. , SAVARINO V.
Published: December 2005

Background  Helicobacter pylori treatment failure is becoming an emergent problem in clinical practice. Shorter treatment duration should improve compliance to therapy and keep an acceptable H. pylori eradication rate.

Aims  To evaluate the efficacy of two rabeprazole, high‐dose levofloxacin and tinidazole‐based regimens as ‘rescue’ treatment for H. pylori eradication in an open‐label, randomized, pilot study carried out in a clinical practice setting.

Methods  Eighty‐five consecutive patients who have previously failed at least one H. pylori eradication attempt were randomized to receive rabeprazole (20 mg, b.d.), levofloxacin (500 mg, b.d.) and tinidazole (500 mg, b.d.) either for 4 (4‐day RLT, n = 42) or 7 days (7‐day RLT, n = 43). Cure of H. pylori infection was assessed by means of 13C‐urea breath test.

Results  The 7‐day RLT achieved 84% (95% CI: 69–93%) and 86% (95% CI: 72–95%) eradication rates in intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses respectively. The shorter treatment obtained an 83% (95% CI: 69–93%) eradication rate in both intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analysis. Both regimens were well tolerated, although patients who received the 4‐day RLT reported fewer side‐effects.

Conclusions  In patients who have previously failed at least one H. pylori eradication attempt, both 4‐ and 7‐day rabeprazole, high‐dose levofloxacin, tinidazole‐based regimens are effective in curing the infection in more than 80% of patients.
Effect of desloratadine on epithelial cell granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor secretion and eosinophil survival
Authors: Mullol J. , Roca‐Ferrer J. , Alobid I. , Pujols L. , Valero A. , Xaubet A. , Bernal‐Sprekelsen M. , Picado C.
Published: December 2005

Background
Second‐generation antihistamines are H1 receptor antagonists and may have additional anti‐inflammatory effects.

Objective
The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of desloratadine (DL) on cytokine secretion by epithelial cells from both nasal mucosa (NM) and polyps (NP), and on eosinophil survival primed by epithelial cell secretions.

Methods
Epithelial cells were cultured and stimulated with fetal bovine serum (FBS), IL‐1β or TNF‐α with and without DL for 24 h. Culture supernatant cytokines concentration were measured by ELISA. Peripheral blood eosinophils were incubated with human epithelial cell conditioned media (HECM) and DL. Eosinophil survival was assessed by Trypan blue dye exclusion. Results are expressed as mean±SEM of cytokine concentration (pg/mL) or eosinophil survival index (%).

Results
FBS increased granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL‐6, IL‐8, and TGF‐β1 secretion in epithelial cell cultures from both NM and NP. Only GM‐CSF secretion was significantly (P<0.05) inhibited by a dose‐response of DL compared with positive controls, in both NM (10−5 m: 125±36 pg/mL, 10−6 m: 95±22 pg/mL vs. control: 256±91 pg/mL, n=6) and NP (10−5 m: 80±29 pg/mL, 10−6 m: 109±45 pg/mL vs. control: 333±212 pg/mL, n=6). DL also showed an inhibitory effect on HECM‐induced eosinophil survival from both NM and NP. At 72 h, DL significantly (P<0.01) inhibited eosinophil survival induced by HECM from NM (10−5 m: 19.9±5.5%, n=9; 10−6 m: 28.7±7.7%, n=9) and NP (10−5 m: 6.2±2.8%, n=11) compared with HECM alone (NM: 42.1±7.3%; NP: 45.3±8.1%).

Conclusion
The inhibitory effects of DL on epithelial cell GM‐CSF secretion and on eosinophil survival induced by epithelial cell secretions, suggest that this H1 antagonist may regulate eosinophil inflammation in upper airways.
Adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood is not associated with atopic disease later in life
Authors: van Hattum E. S. , Balemans W. A. F. , Rovers M. M. , Zielhuis G. A. , Schilder A. G. M. , van der Ent C. K.
Published: December 2005

Objective
To investigate the association between adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood and asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and eczema in adolescence.

Methods
Longitudinal birth cohort study of 1328 members born in the city of Nijmegen. Information on ear–nose–throat surgery was documented at 2, 4, and 8 years of age. In 1055 cohort members the incidence of asthma, AR, and eczema at 21 years of age was determined using the International Study of Asthma and Allergic disease in Childhood Core Questionnaire. To analyse the association between adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood and asthma, AR, and eczema at age 21 years, relative risks (RR) were calculated.

Results
Six hundred and ninety‐three (66%) members completed the questionnaire at age 21 years, of whom 104 (15%) had undergone adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and 262 (38%) reported atopic disease. Children who underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy before the age of 8 years were not more likely to develop asthma, AR, or eczema at the age of 21 years than children who did not; RR 0.93 (95% confidence limits (CL) 0.52–1.64), RR 0.94 (CL 0.68–1.30), and RR 1.00 (CL 0.59–1.68), respectively.

Conclusions
Our data show no association between adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in childhood and the incidence of atopic disease in young adults.
Identification ofLeishmania donovaniantigens stimulating cellular immune responses in exposed immune individuals
Authors: Tripathi P , Ray S , Sunder S , Dube A , Naik S
Published: December 2005

Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala azar (KA) in India, is a systemic progressive disease caused by Leishmania donovani. In VL, Th1 responses correlate with recovery from and resistance to disease and resolution of infection results in lifelong immunity against the disease. However, recent data suggest an important role for interleukin (IL)-10 in maintaining the resistant state. We evaluated whole cell extract (WE) and 11 antigenic fractions [F1–F11, molecular weight (MW) range of 139–24·2 kDa] from L. donovani (2001 strain, a fresh field isolate from Bihar), for their ability to induce in vitro T cell proliferation and production of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10 and IL-4 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of exposed immune individuals (14 patients with history of VL, 10 household endemic contacts) and 20 non-endemic healthy controls. Twenty-one of 24 exposed individuals and no healthy controls showed proliferative response to WE. Whole-extract activated IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-10 levels were higher in the exposed group than in controls; IL-4 was not detectable in any of the samples. Among 21 responders to WE, frequent proliferative responses were seen to fractions F1–F4 (MW > 64·2 kDa) and none to fractions F5–F11; fractions F1–F11 stimulated comparable levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 while IL-10 levels were higher in response to F5–F11 compared to F1–F4. These data demonstrate the presence of immunostimulatory antigens in the high MW fractions of whole L. donovani antigen. However, these fractions do not stimulate a Th1 response and produce variable amounts of IFN-γ and the regulatory cytokine, IL-10. Hence, these high MW immunostimulatory fractions need to be evaluated in greater depth for their possible role as protective antigens.
Liste des nématodes phytoparasites (Tylenchida et Dorylaimida) des départements français d’Amérique (Guadeloupe, Martinique et Guyane) et dispositions réglementaires
Authors: Quénéhervé P. , Van den Berg E.
Published: December 2005

Cet article présente les premières listes de nématodes parasites des plantes (Tylenchida et Dorylaimida) des départements français d’Amérique: Guadeloupe, Martinique et Guyane. Ces listes ont étéétablies suite aux nombreuses enquêtes faunistiques en nématologie conduites dans ces départements depuis les premiers résultats d’analyses nématologiques de Scotto La Massèse en 1968. L’inventaire général comporte 171 entrées taxinomiques, réparties en 42 genres et 18 nouvelles espèces. Ainsi, à la Guadeloupe, 82 espèces ont été inventoriées dont 3 espèces nouvelles; à la Martinique, 87 espèces ont été inventoriées dont 7 espèces nouvelles; et en Guyane, 97 espèces ont été inventoriées dont 8 espèces nouvelles. Quelques‐unes de ces espèces sont sur les listes A1 et A2 de l’OEPP (Aphelenchoides besseyi A2/122, Radopholus similis A2/126, Xiphinema americanum sensu lato A1/150 et Xiphinema rivesi A2/262). L’intérêt de telles études en nématologie est discuté ainsi que les dispositions réglementaires quant à la présence d’espèces économiquement importantes ou réglementées, au regard de l’accroissement des échanges inter‐îles ou intercontinentaux et des risques phytosanitaires encourus, que ce soit dans les départements français d’outre‐mer (DOM) ou les pays et territoires d’outre‐mer (PTOM).
A sampling protocol to detect latent infections in potato tubers
Authors: Battilani P. , Sanguineti M.C. , Saccardi A. , Pasqua di Bisceglie D. , Traversa F. , Mazzucchi U.
Published: December 2005

A sampling protocol for detecting latent infections in potato tubers stored in bins, based on the preparation of standard samples of 200 tubers, was tested for reliability. Bins of tubers were manually distributed in windrows and 1% of tubers were replaced with painted tubers, simulating tubers with latent infections. The painted tubers were distributed in windrows with clustered, regular and random distribution. Tubers were harvested and transferred to bins. Each bin was considered to be divided into layers 15 cm in depth, and 20 tubers were collected along an X‐shaped sampling path of each bin layer. A simulated sampling approach was applied to obtain 10 bulk samples (200 tubers) for each kind of tuber distribution. The number of marked tubers, the mean percentage and the standard deviation of the bulk samples of each group was computed. The results confirmed that the sampling design adopted in this study ensured preparation of representative bulk samples. In fact, marked tubers were effectively detected; the observed mean percentages of marked tubers were acceptable in value, even though an overestimate of the true percentage was generally obtained. The percentage of marked tubers was underestimated in 50% of cases when considering a regular distribution of marked tubers. However, it was never underestimated when considering the clustered distribution, which is most representative of the situation for tubers with latent infections.
Biological, serological and molecular characterization of three isolates of Citrus tristeza closterovirus introduced into Morocco
Authors: Lbida B. , Bennani A. , Serrhini M. N. , Zemzami M.
Published: December 2005

The biological, serological and genomic diversity of three Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates from various geographical regions was studied: isolate P1 from lemon cv. ‘Meyer’ in a field near Marrakech (MA) in 1983, and isolates P2 and R1 detected in imported Spanish clementine germplasm by the Moroccan NPPO in 1998 and 2000. P1 induced severe vein clearing on Mexican lime and grapefruit, mild stem pitting on Mexican lime and moderate stem pitting on grapefruit. P2 and R1 only induced mild vein clearing on Mexican lime and caused no stem pitting or other symptoms on indicator plants used as controls. Only isolate P1 reacted with monoclonal antibody MCA‐13, whereas all isolates reacted positively with the 3DF1+3CA5 mixture. The Moroccan clones P1–3 and P1–5, and all other severe isolates obtained from GenBank, showed a phenylalanine at amino acid position 124 of their coat protein sequences. This epitope confers MCA13 reactivity. The Spanish clones had tyrosine instead at this position. The deduced amino‐acid sequence of coat protein of P1 clones clusters close to severe strains CB3–104 and FL7, respectively from Brazil and USA (Florida) (Group 5), whereas the sequences from P2 and R1 cluster close to typical strains from Portugal 25–120 and USA (Florida) T30 (Group M). The three techniques for distinguishing CTV isolates were clearly correlated.
Arterial stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy in a new rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chang K.‐C. , Tseng C.‐D. , Chou T.‐F. , Cho Y.‐L. , Chi T.‐C. , Su M.‐J. , Tseng Y.‐Z.
Published: December 2005

Background  We determined the effects of NIDDM on haemodynamic parameters describing arterial wall elasticity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats administered streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA), using the aortic impedance analysis.

Methods  Male Wistar rats at 2 months were administered intraperitoneally 180 mg kg−1 of NA, 30 min before an intravenous injection of 50 mg kg−1 STZ, to induce type 2 diabetes. The STZ‐NA rats were divided into two groups, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after induction of diabetes, and compared with untreated age‐matched controls. Pulsatile aortic pressure and flow signals were measured by a high‐fidelity pressure sensor and electromagnetic flow probe, respectively, and were then subjected to Fourier transformation for the analysis of aortic input impedance.

Results  In each diabetic group, the experimental syndrome was characterized by a moderate and stable hyperglycaemia and a relative deficiency of insulin secretion. However, the 8‐week but not the 4‐week STZ‐NA diabetic rats showed a decrease in cardiac output in the absence of any significant changes in mean aortic pressure, having increased total peripheral resistance. The diabetic syndrome at 8 weeks also contributed to an increase in aortic characteristic impedance, from 1·49 ± 0·33 (mean ± SD) to 1·95 ± 0·28 mmHg s mL−1 (P < 0·05), suggesting a detriment to the aortic distensibility in NIDDM. Meanwhile, the STZ‐NA diabetic animals after 8 weeks had an increased wave reflection factor (0·46 ± 0·09 vs. 0·61 ± 0·13, P < 0·05) and decreased wave transit time (25·8 ± 3·8 vs. 20·6 ± 2·8 ms, P < 0·05). Ratio of the left ventricular weight to body weight was also enhanced in the 8‐week STZ‐NA diabetic rats.

Conclusion  The heavy intensity with early return of the pulse wave reflection may augment systolic load of the left ventricle coupled to the arterial system, leading to cardiac hypertrophy in the rats at 8 weeks after following STZ and NA administration.
Menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with changes in low‐grade inflammation
Authors: Puder J. J. , Blum C. A. , Mueller B. , De Geyter Ch. , Dye L. , Keller U.
Published: December 2005

Background  A close link between mood, low‐grade inflammation and obesity has been demonstrated even in healthy subjects. We investigated the relationship between changes in physical and psychological symptoms and inflammatory markers during the menstrual cycle both in normal weight and in overweight women.

Materials and methods  Eight healthy normal weight (body mass index 21·6 ± 1·9 kg m−2) and seven overweight (body mass index 30 ± 2·4 kg m−2) young women with normal ovarian function and with no premenstrual syndrome were assessed 15 times throughout their menstrual cycle. At each time point fasting blood was drawn and symptoms were recorded using the Freeman Daily Symptom Record.

Results  Independent of weight status, the serum concentrations of highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and the total scores, in addition to the individual four factors (mood, behaviour, pain and physical symptoms), of the Daily Symptom Record varied significantly during the menstrual cycle (all P ≤ 0·04) and paralleled each other. During the menstrual cycle, repeated hs‐CRP serum concentrations correlated to the corresponding total symptom score and the factors mood, behaviour and physical symptoms, independent of both weight status and changes in circulating gonadal steroids (all P ≤ 0·04). These associations were not observed for tumour necrosis factor‐α serum levels. The mean hs‐CRP concentrations were associated with the mean total symptom score, independent of weight status (r = 0·56, P = 0·04).

Conclusion  Healthy young women showed psychological and physical symptoms during the menstrual cycle which changed in association with alterations in low‐grade inflammation and which were independent of body weight or plasma levels of gonadal steroids.