bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a regulator of cigarette smoke induction of the cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin pathways in human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Martey C. A. , Baglole C. J. , Gasiewicz T. A. , Sime P. J. , Phipps R. P.
Published: April 2005

Cigarette smoking can lead to chronic lung inflammation and lung cancer. Chronic inflammation, associated with expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins, predisposes to malignancy. We recently demonstrated that human lung fibroblasts are activated by cigarette smoke to express COX-2 and prostaglandin E2(PGE2). Little is known about the mechanism whereby smoke activates human lung fibroblasts to produce proinflammatory mediators. Herein, we report the central role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced COX-2, microsomal PGE2synthase (mPGES), and PGE2production in human lung fibroblasts. Western blot analysis revealed that primary strains of human lung fibroblasts express AHR and aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator protein, supporting the possibility that smoke activates lung fibroblasts through this pathway. Experiments were subsequently performed to determine whether the AHR was activated by CSE. Immunocytochemistry and EMSA analysis revealed that CSE induced nuclear translocation of the AHR in human lung fibroblasts. CSE decreased protein levels of the AHR, consistent with AHR ligand-induced proteosome-mediated degradation. CSE also induced mPGES-1 and COX-2 protein and increased PGE2production. Treatment of human fibroblasts with AHR antagonists in the presence of CSE inhibited AHR nuclear translocation as well as COX-2, mPGES-1, and PGE2production. These data indicate that the AHR pathway plays an important role in cigarette smoke-mediated COX-2 and PG production in human lung fibroblasts and may contribute to tobacco-associated inflammation and lung disease.
Type 2 diabetes mouse model TallyHo carries an obesity gene on chromosome 6 that exaggerates dietary obesity
Authors: Kim Jung Han , Stewart Taryn P. , Zhang Weidong , Kim Hyoung Yon , Nishina Patsy M. , Naggert Jürgen K.
Published: May 2005

The TallyHo (TH) mouse strain is a polygenic model for Type 2 diabetes with obesity. Genetic analysis in backcross progeny from a cross between F1 [C57BL/6J (B6) × TH] and TH mice mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) named TH-associated body weight 2 ( tabw2) to chromosome 6. The TH-derived allele is associated with increased body weight. As a first step to identify the molecular basis of this obesity QTL, we constructed a congenic line of mice on the B6 genetic background that carries a genomic region from TH mice containing tabw2. Congenic mice homozygous for tabw2 (B6.TH- tabw2/ tabw2) fed a chow diet exhibited slightly, but significantly, higher body weight and body fat and plasma leptin levels compared with controls (B6.TH-+/+). This difference was exacerbated when the animals were maintained on a high-fat and high-sucrose (HFS) diet. The diet-induced obesity in tabw2 congenic mice is accompanied by hyperleptinemia, mild hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and reduced glucose uptake in adipose tissue in response to insulin administration. Using F2 progeny fed a HFS diet from an intercross of B6.TH- tabw2/+ mice, we were able to refine the map position of the tabw2 obesity susceptibility locus to a 15-cM region (95% confidence interval) extending distally from the marker D6Mit102. In summary, tabw2 congenic mice are a new animal model for diet-induced obesity that will be valuable for the study of gene-diet interactions.
Progress in Head and Neck Cancer Immunotherapy: Can Tolerance and Immune Suppression Be Reversed?
Authors: Ferris Robert L.
Published: May 2005

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is greater than 40,000 cases per year in the United States, and approximately 500,000 cases annually worldwide. Despite significant advances in detection, ablation, and reconstruction, survival has not improved appreciably over the past few decades. Therefore, novel approaches are necessary to provide head and neck oncologists with a more effective armamentarium against this challenging disease. Cancer immunotherapy describes various approaches to expand and activate the immune system to control tumor growth in vivo. So far, immunotherapy appears to have had applicability in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions that treat residual tumor cells after therapy or to reduce the occurrence of second primary tumors. In particular, diseases such as SCCHN are attractive candidates for novel therapeutic approaches, since the standard treatments have not yet successfully controlled this disease with sufficiently high success rates. This article reviews adjuvant immunotherapeutic strategies currently in trials or under development for SCCHN patients, including vaccination or cytokine immunostimulation.
Intracranial Complications following Mastoidectomy
Authors: Migirov Lela , Eyal Ana , Kronenberg Jona
Published: May 2005

Mastoidectomy is a common surgical procedure in otology. However, postoperative complications of various degrees of severity may occur. We present4 children who underwent mastoidectomy for middle ear and mastoid disease and developed postoperative intracranial complications. One child was operated on for brain abscess 1 week after the initial mastoidectomy. Another child appeared with seizures 5 days after the initial mastoidectomy and a subdural empyema was drained during revision surgery. Large bone defects with exposed middle cranial fossa dura were found at revision surgery in both cases and Proteus vulgaris and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the mastoid and abscess cavities in these children. A small epidural collection was diagnosed in the third patient 2 days after initial mastoid surgery and was managed with intravenous antibiotics only. The other child was found to have sigmoid sinus thrombosis the day after mastoidectomy that was performed for nonresponsive acute mastoiditis. This child received both intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulants. Timely revision surgery, combinations of third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins with vancomycin or metronidazole and the addition of anticoagulants in cases of sinus thrombosis can lead to full recovery.
Association of HLA-DR, -DQ Genotype and CTLA-4 Gene Polymorphism with Graves’ Disease in Japanese Children
Authors: Iwama Saika , Ikezaki Ayako , Kikuoka Noriko , Kim Hye-Sook , Matsuoka Hisafumi , Yanagawa Tatsuo , Sato Hirokazu , Hoshi Mari , Sakamaki Tateo , Sugihara Shigetaka
Published: May 2005

Objective: Childhood onset Graves’ disease (GD) has been documented to be clinically distinct from adult onset GD, and an association with the genes encoding HLA and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4) has been reported in both Caucasian and Japanese adult GD patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether HLA-DR, -DQ and CTLA-4 are associated with childhood onset GD in Japanese individuals. Methods: We investigated the genotype of HLA class II (DRB1, DQB1) and the A/G transition polymorphism of CTLA-4 exon 1 position 49 in 43 GD patients and in healthy controls for comparison. The CTLA-4 alleles were identified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of genomic DNA and restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) with Ita1. Results: The frequency of both HLA-DRB1*0405 and DQB1*0401 was increased in the patient group (DRB1*0405: 26.7%, p < 0.001; DQB1*0401: 25.6%, p < 0.005) compared with the controls. Patients with GD had a significantly lower frequency of the AA genotype of CTLA-4 than the controls, but there was no difference in allele frequency between the G and A allele. Conclusions: the association of HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 genotype with susceptibility to childhood onset GD differs from that in adult onset GD, whereas the association between CTLA-4 gene polymorphism and childhood onset GD is similar to that in adult onset GD in Japanese individuals, but the association is weak.
Distinctive Clinical Features of Mild Cognitive Impairment with Subcortical Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Galluzzi Samantha , Sheu Ching-Fan , Zanetti Orazio , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: May 2005

Background and Purpose: Patients with mild cognitive impairment and subcortical cerebrovascular disease (svMCI) can be isolated using criteria modified from those of Erkinjuntti et al. for subcortical vascular dementia and have poorer outcomes (cognitive deterioration, disability, institutionalization, and mortality). The aim of this study was to test which of the core (dysexecutive syndrome with relative sparing of memory, gait disorders and extrapyramidal signs) and supporting (urinary and behavioral symptoms) clinical features are most useful to recognize patients with svMCI and discriminate them from those with amnestic MCI (aMCI). Methods: Twenty-nine svMCI and 14 aMCI patients were seen in a memory clinic. Tests and scales assessing core and supporting features that independently contributed to the discrimination between svMCI and aMCI were identified with stepwise logistic regression analysis. The accuracy of the discrimination was estimated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The most accurate scales were the extrapyramidal sign scale by Richards et al. (0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.89), letter fluency (0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.90), irritability of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and urinary dependence (0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.82 for both), and digit span forward (0.59, 95% CI 0.41–0.77). The overall accuracy of a model compounding information from main and supporting features was 0.98, 95% CI 0.94–1.0. Conclusions: All the domains that are included in the clinical criteria for svMCI independently contribute to the identification of the condition. These criteria can be useful to recognize svMCI patients in clinical settings.
Decreased Whole Body Endogenous Nitric Oxide Production in Patients with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Demoncheaux Eric A.G. , Higenbottam Tim W. , Kiely David G. , Wong Ju-Ming , Wharton Simon , Varcoe Richard , Siddons Tom , Spivey Alan C. , Hall Keith , Gize Andy P.
Published: May 2005

Impaired pulmonary release of nitric oxide (NO) is one of the characteristic phenotypic changes of vascular cells in pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent whole body NO production in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. NOS-dependent whole body NO production was assessed by giving an intravenous infusion of L-[15N]2-arginine (50 µmol/min for 30 min) and measuring isotopic urinary enrichment of 15N-nitrite and 15N-nitrate. Four female patients with no signs of infection were recruited and compared with 6 age-matched control subjects. Mean 12-hour excretion of 15N-nitrite and 15N-nitrate in the total urine over 36 h was smaller in patients than in control subjects (57.2 ± 27.6 vs. 229.1 ± 65.2 nmol/mmol creatinine, p< 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test, respectively). Neither mean 12-hour excretion of 14N-nitrite and 14N-nitrate (51.6 ± 10.0 vs. 72.4 ± 10.0 µmol/mmol creatinine, p = 0.3) nor glomerular filtration rates (84.5 ± 15.8 vs. 129.7 ± 16.0 ml/min, p = 0.1) were different between patients and control subjects. Our results suggest that either basal NOS-dependent whole body NO production is impaired or excess NO metabolism occurs in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.
Primary Hypothyroidism in a Child Mimicking a Pituitary Macroadenoma
Authors: Hopper N.W. , Albanese A.
Published: May 2005

We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with primary autoimmune hypothyroidism causing secondary pituitary enlargement. She presented with headaches and a pituitary mass on MRI thought to be due to a pituitary macroadenoma. Resolution of the pituitary mass and symptoms occurred with thyroxine therapy. It is mandatory to rule out primary hypothyroidism as a cause of pituitary enlargement before surgery is considered.
Delayed Age-Associated Decrease in Growth Hormone Pulsatile Secretion and Increased Orexigenic Peptide Expression in the Lou C/Jall Rat
Authors: Kappeler Laurent , Zizzari Philippe , Alliot Josette , Epelbaum Jacques , Bluet-Pajot Marie-Thérèse
Published: May 2005

Since modifications in the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF-1) axis and/or caloric restriction are involved in the ageing process, GH secretory profiles, total IGF-1, ghrelin, and leptin plasma levels and expression of genes implicated in somatotrope axis and food intake regulation in hypothalamus and pituitary were compared in 3-, 12-, and 24-month-old male Lou C/Jall rats and their parent strain, the Wistar rats. The Lou C/Jall strain may appear as a healthy ageing model, since it does not become obese with age and maintains its caloric intake at 2 years of age. The GH pulsatile secretion decreased from 3 months in Wistar, but only after 12 months in Lou C/Jall rats. The IGF-1 levels were lower in Lou C/Jall rats and decreased more steeply with ageing as compared with Wistar rats. The total ghrelin levels were higher in young Lou C/Jall rats than in Wistar rats, but increased similarly with age in both strains. The leptin concentrations increased with ageing only in Wistar rats. By semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, pituitary GH secretagogue receptors and GH mRNA levels were more abundant in Lou C/Jall rats, and the latter decreased with ageing in Wistar rats only. Hypothalamic growth-hormone-releasing hormone and GH secretagogue receptor mRNA levels were similar in both strains and transiently increased only in middle-aged Wistar rats. Agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, and orexin mRNA levels were more abundant in the Lou C/Jall rat hypothalamus, and the two former tended to further increase with age only in this strain. Conversely, the hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels were higher in old Wistar rats. In conclusion, ageing in Lou C/Jall rats is associated with a delayed decrease in pulsatile GH secretion in the presence of a lower IGF-1 tone and an increase in the expression of orexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus.
Implication of Pituitary Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Dopaminergic Inhibition of Estrogen-Induced Pituitary Hyperplasia and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression
Authors: Gómez Oscar , Balsa José Antonio
Published: May 2005

We have shown that pituitary vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mediates the effects of estrogen on lactotrope hyperplasia, angiogenesis and hyperprolactinemia, and reduces the pituitary content of transforming growth factor beta β1 (TGF-β1, an inhibitor of lactotrope proliferation). Dopamine agonists reverse lactotrope hyperplasia and hyperprolactinemia and also reduce the pituitary VIP content in hyperestrogenized rats. To elucidate the interaction of bromocriptine (BC) and pituitary VIP, a VIP receptor antagonist (VA), BC, or both drugs were administered for 5 days to F344 rats treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES). Both BC and VA similarly blocked the effects of DES on pituitary weight and pituitary content of prolactin (PRL), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and vascular endothelial growth factor, without evidence of synergism. The estrogen effect on pituitary TGF-β1 was completely inhibited by VA, but only partially by BC. On the contrary, serum PRL was close to the normal levels in the BC group 2 h after the first dose, while VA only reduced serum PRL after 5 days. DES increased VIP and VIP mRNA levels specifically at the pituitary, this effect being partially blocked by BC. These data suggest that the dopamine agonists inhibit lactotrope proliferation and angiogenesis by blocking the autocrine/paracrine action of VIP. On the other hand, the dopamine agonists inhibit the estrogen-induced hyperprolactinemia by acting through different pathways than those implicated in the proliferative process.
Calbindin, Calretinin and Parvalbumin Immunoreactivity in the Retina of the Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon)
Authors: Bennis M. , Versaux-Botteri C. , Repérant J. , Armengol J.A.
Published: May 2005

Apart from the pioneering studies of Ramon y Cajal [1893] and Rochon-Duvigneaud [1943], few studies have been devoted to the detailed study of the cytological and biochemical structure of the chameleon retina. In the present study we analyzed the expression of calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactivities in the chameleon retina, and compared their distribution with those found in the retinas of other vertebrate species. CB immunoreactivity is dense in photoreceptors, horizontal and some lower amacrine cells. The most intense immunoreactivity was observed for calretinin; CR-ir amacrine cells are distributed throughout the inner nuclear, inner plexiform, and ganglion cell layers of the retina. Horizontal cells also display immunoreactivity to CR. A few retinal interneurons are weakly PV-ir. Double-labeling shows that all PV-ir or CB-ir cells, except the photoreceptors, are also strongly CR-ir. The distributions of these calcium-binding proteins in the chameleon retina share similarities with those observed in mammalian and avian retinas. In addition, the widespread distribution and co-localization of CB and CR reinforces the idea that these proteins play a general role in buffering the intracellular calcium levels in retinal cells. Furthermore, CB- and CR-immunoreactivities have enabled us to identify for the first time axon-bearing horizontal cells in the peripheral retina of the chameleon, very similar to those described in mammals.
Hand Hygiene Compliance in a Hematology Unit
Authors: Saba Rabin , Inan Dilara , Seyman Derya , Gül Gülcan , Şenol Yeşim Yiğiter , Turhan Özge , Mamıkoğlu Latife
Published: May 2005

Transmission of pathogens from the hands of health care workers (HCWs) is the main cause of nosocomial infections, and hand hygiene is the single most important procedure to prevent it. At present, little is known about the adherence of HCWs to hand hygiene procedures in hematology units, where the patients are at high risk for acquiring hospital infections. In a prospective observational study, two observers monitored the hand hygiene compliance of HCWs in a hematology unit during 30-min observation periods distributed randomly during the daytime over 2 months. The prevalence of compliance with hand hygiene was 26% on 638 observed occasions. The noncompliance was higher among nurses [odds ratio (OR) 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.85–6.70] and other HCWs (OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.98–3.02) compared to physicians. The compliance rate differed from 4 to 60% depending on the activity. The lowest compliance rate (4%) was observed before patient care and the highest (60%) was after insertion of invasive devices. When we classified the occasions for hand hygiene into ‘before’ and ‘after’ activities, the compliance rates were 9 and 36%, respectively (OR 5.6, 95% CI 3.4–9.0). In conclusion, noncompliance with hand hygiene was high in this hematology unit, especially among nurses and before activities. Variations with the type of HCW and activity suggest that targeted educational programs and feedback control may be useful.
Von Willebrand Factor-Cleaving Protease Activity Remains at the Intermediate Level in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Sugimoto Takeshi , Saigo Katsuyasu , Shin Tomohiro , Kaneda Yohji , Manabe Nobuya , Narita Hiroko , Wakuya Jun , Imoto Shion , Murayama Tohru , Matsumoto Masanori , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Nishimura Ryuichiro , Koizumi Tamio , Kumagai Shunichi
Published: May 2005

A 59-year-old woman, diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (chronic phase) and treated with interferon-α for 13 years, developed renal failure. Renal biopsy showed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, but intensive therapy including plasma exchange and steroid administration was not effective. The activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease was detectable at the intermediate level (15–46%) during the clinical course, suggesting that this case was not compatible with the previously reported pattern of idiopathic or drug-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, but with the pattern associated with malignant disease or immunological disorders. Further studies to determine the effects of interferon-α on endothelial cells in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients are needed.
Pediatric Cortical Dysplasia: Correlations between Neuroimaging, Electrophysiology and Location of Cytomegalic Neurons and Balloon Cells and Glutamate/GABA Synaptic Circuits
Authors: Cepeda C. , André V.M. , Flores-Hernández J. , Nguyen O.K. , Wu N. , Klapstein G.J. , Nguyen S. , Koh S. , Vinters H.V. , Levine M.S. , Mathern G.W.
Published: May 2005

Seizures in cortical dysplasia (CD) could be from cytomegalic neurons and balloon cells acting as epileptic ‘pacemakers’, or abnormal neurotransmission. This study examined these hypotheses using in vitro electrophysiological techniques to determine intrinsic membrane properties and spontaneous glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic activity for normal-pyramidal neurons, cytomegalic neurons and balloon cells from 67 neocortical sites originating from 43 CD patients (ages 0.2–14 years). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and electrocorticography graded cortical sample sites from least to worst CD abnormality. Results found that cytomegalic neurons and balloon cells were observed more frequently in areas of severe CD compared with mild or normal CD regions as assessed by FDG-PET/MRI. Cytomegalic neurons (but not balloon cells) correlated with the worst electrocorticography scores. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that cytomegalic and normal-pyramidal neurons displayed similar firing properties without intrinsic bursting. By contrast, balloon cells were electrically silent. Normal-pyramidal and cytomegalic neurons displayed decreased spontaneous glutamatergic synaptic activity in areas of severe FDG-PET/MRI abnormalities compared with normal regions, while GABAergic activity was unaltered. In CD, these findings indicate that cytomegalic neurons (but not balloon cells) might contribute to epileptogenesis, but are not likely to be ‘pacemaker’ cells capable of spontaneous paroxysmal depolarizations. Furthermore, there was more GABA relative to glutamate synaptic neurotransmission in areas of severe CD. Thus, in CD tissue alternate mechanisms of epileptogenesis should be considered, and we suggest that GABAergic synaptic circuits interacting with cytomegalic and normal-pyramidal neurons with immature receptor properties might contribute to seizure generation.
Osteochondroma of the Sacrum with a Correlative Radiographic and Histological Evaluation
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Dwivedi Sankal P. , Joshi Rajnish , Gangane Nitin
Published: May 2005

Primary benign sacral tumors are rare representing only 1–4% of solitary exostoses and constituting 4% of all solitary spinal tumor. The tumor usually comes to attention in childhood or adolescence. The treatment of symptomatic lesions is resection. We present here a case of a sacral osteochondroma with characteristic histological and radiological features in an adolescent presenting with radicular pain.
Is There Evidence that Amylcinnamic Aldehyde Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
Authors: Hostýnek Juri J.
Published: May 2005

The fragrance material amylcinnamic aldehyde (ACA) has been cited as a frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). A review of the literature shows that when the underlying clinical and experimental data are analyzed, a clear cause-effect relationship has infrequently or rarely been established. On the basis of the generally weak sensitizing potential of this substance coupled with its generally low exposure conditions, the prevalence of clinical cases would not be expected to be particularly high. This is not to say that ACA is a frequent inducer of low-intensity but subclinical, type IV allergy in members of the public. It remains to be seen however, how often such allergy, once established, is responsible for any of the cases of ACD commonly ascribed in the literature. Indeed, in some cases, patch test conditions may not be optimal for differentiating between clinically relevant and irrelevant allergy to ACA.
Determination of ReQuest™-Based Symptom Thresholds to Define Symptom Relief in GERD Clinical Studies
Authors: Stanghellini Vincenzo , Armstrong David , Mönnikes Hubert , Berghöfer Peter , Gatz Gudrun , Bardhan Karna Dev
Published: May 2005

Background/Aims: The growing importance of symptom assessment is evident from the numerous clinical studies on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) assessing treatment-induced symptom relief. However, to date, the a priori selection of criteria defining symptom relief has been arbitrary. The present study was designed to prospectively identify GERD symptom thresholds for the broad spectrum of GERD-related symptoms assessed by the validated reflux questionnaire (ReQuest™) and its subscales, ReQuest™-GI (gastrointestinal symptoms) and ReQuest™-WSO (general well-being, sleep disturbances, other complaints), in individuals without evidence of GERD. Methods: In this 4-day evaluation in Germany, 385 individuals without evidence of GERD were included. On the first day, participants completed the ReQuest™, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the Psychological General Well-Being scale. On the other days, participants filled in the ReQuest™ only. GERD symptom thresholds were calculated for ReQuest™ and its subscales, based on the respective 90th percentiles. Results: GERD symptom thresholds were 3.37 for ReQuest™, 0.95 for ReQuest™-GI, and 2.46 for ReQuest™-WSO. Conclusion: Even individuals without evidence of GERD may experience some mild symptoms that are commonly ascribed to GERD. GERD symptom thresholds derived in this study can be used to define the global symptom relief in patients with GERD.
Intraoperative Positive Fluid Balance Improves Tissue Diffusion of Ceftizoxime
Authors: Di Filippo A. , Cammelli R. , Novelli A. , Mazzei T. , Tonelli F. , Fallani S. , Cassetta M.I. , Messeri D. , de Gaudio A.R.
Published: May 2005

Aim of Study: To demonstrate that administration of fluids and the consequent improvement of fluid balance during a surgical procedure can modify the tissue diffusion of ceftizoxime. Methods: Twenty-eight patients (30–79 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery of the colon were administered ceftizoxime 30 mg/kg i.v. at induction of anesthesia. A sample of arterial blood was taken before administration of the drug (t₀) and then again at the time of vascular occlusion of the colon segment to be removed (t1). A sample of the segment of removed colon was taken. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the fluid balance between t₀ and t1: group A (n = 17) with a fluid balance <1,000 ml and group B (n = 11) with a fluid balance >1,000 ml. The parameters evaluated in each group were: weight, height and age of the patients, serum and tissue antibiotic concentration, percent ratio of serum and tissue concentration, time elapsed between t₀ and t1, volume of administered fluids between t₀ and t1, diuresis and hourly diuresis between t₀ and t1 and body fluid distribution, obtained using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. The mean results obtained in the two groups were then compared using Student’s t test. Results: The balance of fluids calculated up to t1 was 675 ± 308 ml for group A and 1,411 ± 405 ml for group B (p < 0.01). The means of the recorded values that showed statistically significant differences were: mean percent concentration ratio (43.6 ± 8.4 vs. 84 ± 16%; p < 0.05), concentration in the colonic segment (16.3 ± 7.9 vs. 37.2 ± 25.9 mg/ml; p < 0.05), urinary volume gathered up to t1 (538 ± 557 vs. 169 ± 104 ml; p < 0.05), hourly urinary volume up to t1 (311.1 ± 296 vs. 97.6 ± 77.9 ml/h; p < 0.05), percent variation of resistance (95.1 ± 5.1 vs. 89.7 ± 8.6; p < 0.05). The other means did not show any significant statistical differences. Conclusions: A higher tissue water level seems to facilitate the penetration of the antibiotic into the tissue according to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ceftizoxime: high amount of free drug (not bound to plasma proteins) and high hydrosolubility.
Oral Sildenafil for Treatment of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in an Infant
Authors: Hon Kam-lun Ellis , Cheung Kam-lau , Siu Kiu-lok , Leung Ting-fan , Yam Man-ching , Fok Tai-fai , Ng Pak-cheung
Published: May 2005

We report the use of oral sildenafil in a 5-month-old preterm infant with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension refractory to inhaled nitric oxide treatment, maximal ventilatory support and conventional vasodilator therapy. Sildenafil was prepared as a liquid suspension by the method of trituration and administered via an orogastric tube to the patient. Forty-eight hours after sildenafil treatment, echocardiography revealed that the tricuspid incompetence was substantially diminished and the contractility of both ventricles improved, indicating a marked reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure. Oral sildenafil treatment was continued for 6 months until complete resolution of pulmonary arterial hypertension, and oxygen supplement was weaned off. There was no adverse effect during the treatment period. Oral sildenafil may be useful in reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and can be considered for treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Decreases Restenosis after Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Durand Eric , Al Haj Zen Ayman , Addad Faouzi , Brasselet Camille , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Vinchon François , Lemarchand Patricia , Desnos Michel , Bruneval Patrick , Lafont Antoine
Published: May 2005

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increases after injury and potentially contributes to restenosis after angioplasty. We therefore evaluated the effect of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer (Ad) of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) on ROS production and restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Methods: O2– and H2O2 production was quantified in cultured cells after incubation with either LPS or CuSO4. Angioplasty and gene transfer were performed in rabbit atherosclerotic iliac arteries. One artery was injected with AdSOD and AdCAT, while the contralateral artery was injected with an adenovirus carrying no transgene, and served as control. Results: ROS production was significantly decreased after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of SOD and CAT as compared with control. Treated arteries showed less restenosis (32 ± 27 vs. 63 ± 19%, p = 0.003) and less constrictive remodeling (1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2, p = 0.02) than control arteries. Arteries injected with AdSOD and AdCAT showed better vasoreactivity to acetylcholine (11 ± 4 vs. –1 ± 6%, p < 0.05), lower collagen density (43 ± 16 vs. 53 ± 23%, p = 0.03), and lower inflammatory cell infiltration (22 ± 6 vs. 36 ± 11%, p = 0.04) than control arteries. Conclusions: Our data suggest that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of SOD and CAT reduced oxidative stress, restenosis, collagen accumulation, and inflammation and improved endothelial function after angioplasty.
The Labour Government's Economic Record and Economic Prospects
Authors: Barrell Ray , Kirby Simon , Metz Robert , Weale Martin
Published: April 2005

When the Labour Party came to power in 1997, it had an agenda for reforming the functioning of the UK economy. It planned to introduce a stability-oriented macroeconomic policy that would enhance growth. It was critical of the high level of borrowing that the previous Government had undertaken, and promised to be more prudent. It wanted to increase participation and employment in the economy as a means of both increasing output and reducing poverty. It also aimed to improve the quality of the labour force by enhancing the educational standard of the population and to close the productivity gap between Britain and other European countries.
The Robustness of Self-Control in Relation to Form of Delinquency
Authors: Benda Brent B.
Published: May 2005

This study of a statewide, stratified random sample of 3,335 public high school students is designed to examine the robustness of self-control in predicting alcohol consumption, other drug use, crimes against persons, and property offenses. Comparisons in prediction of these forms of delinquency are made between two measures of self-control, social characteristics, and elements of other theories. An examination also is made of whether self-control accounts for commensurate amounts of variance within categories of social characteristics. A behavioral measure of self-control generally is a stronger predictor of delinquency than a cognitive measure. Inconsistent findings are observed in analyses of whether self-control accounts for commensurate variation in delinquency between and within categories of these social characteristics. Both measures are significant predictors of delinquency when they are simultaneously analyzed with many factors extrapolated from other theories. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of future theory and research.
Comparing Faith-Based and Secular Community Service Corporations in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Authors: Kearns Kevin , Park Chisung , Yankoski Linda
Published: May 2005

Much of the national dialogue regarding the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in social service delivery has focused on congregations that provide various types of services to their communities. Comparatively little attention has been given to FBOs that have incorporated independently as 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations. This survey of 237 community service organizations in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, finds that a substantial amount of service is provided by agencies that consider themselves to be FBOs, which are comparable to their secular counterparts in many respects, such as size, funding, program capacity, and management sophistication. FBOs appear to be substantially different from secular agencies with respect to their extensive use of volunteers, their relatively low reliance on government funding, and their relatively low engagement in policy advocacy and lobbying.
The Caring Approach and Social Issues in Management Education
Authors: Burton Brian K. , Dunn Craig P.
Published: May 2005

Most of the conversation, in both research and teaching circles, regarding stakeholder theory has been conducted in the language of absolute principles, of outcomes, and of responding to stakeholders to achieve organizational outcomes. More recently, conversations have occurred that have a different perspective on social issues in management topics—a caring perspective. Using the case of Merck & Co., Inc., and river blindness as an example, the authors show why they believe that these conversations have great potential to increase the quality of management education in the 21st century.
The Inferior Science and the Dominant Use of English in Knowledge Production
Authors: Hwang Kumju
Published: May 2005

This article examines international scientific activities in the context of hierarchical international relations and how English use is related to inequality in core-periphery relationships. However, the author recognizes that the theoretical concept of colonialist discourse is too dichotomous to apply to the multilayered structure of the real world. To some extent, Traweek’s notion of “the acceptance of the Euro-American dominant scientist” can be related to English use in the means of achieving a competent scientist for nonnative English speakers who are located in the periphery. This becomes a social-structural problem of using another language to nonnative English-speaking scientists and engineers. Korean scientists’ and engineers’ international scientific activities are greatly motivated by sociocultural determinants such as cultural prejudice, their peripheral position, reputation and recognition, and English competence. Although English use greatly affects their international activities, especially paper publication in international journals, they tend to disregard the general English problem by separating general English use from scientific English use.
Media Attention and Exposure in Relation to Support for Agricultural Biotechnology
Authors: Besley John C. , Shanahan James
Published: May 2005

This article shows that attention to television news, science television, and entertainment television are all significantly related to a composite measure of agricultural biotechnology support after controlling for demographics as well as self-reported biotechnology awareness, trust in institutions, and perceived role of science. These findings contradict previous commentary that suggested that no measurable relationship exists between communication variables and biotechnology support. It is also hypothesized that some biotechnology support may be an outcome of heuristic processing by survey respondents.
The S1P-analog FTY720 differentially modulates T-cell homing via HEV: T-cell–expressed S1P1 amplifies integrin activation in peripheral lymph nodes but not in Peyer patches
Authors: Halin Cornelia , Scimone M. Lucila , Bonasio Roberto , Gauguet Jean-Marc , Mempel Thorsten R. , Quackenbush Elizabeth , Proia Richard L. , Mandala Suzanne , von Andrian Ulrich H.
Published: May 2005

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its receptor S1P1 control T-cell egress from thymus and secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). To further define the role of S1P1 in lymphocyte trafficking, we performed adoptive transfer experiments and intravital microscopy (IVM) using both S1P1–/– lymphocytes and recipient wild-type (WT) mice treated with FTY720, an immunosuppressant that downmodulates S1P receptors. S1P1 deficiency and FTY720 caused rapid disappearance of T cells from blood, prolonged retention in SLOs, and accumulation in bone marrow, but did not alter interstitial T-cell motility in peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) as assessed by multiphoton IVM. However, S1P1–/– lymphocytes displayed reduced short-term homing to PLNs due to attenuated integrin-mediated firm arrest in high endothelial venules (HEVs). By contrast, S1P1–/– T cells homed normally to Peyer patches (PPs), whereas S1P1–/– B cells had a marked defect in homing to PPs and arrested poorly in PP HEVs. Therefore, S1P1 not only controls lymphocyte egress from SLOs, but also facilitates in a tissue- and subset-specific fashion integrin activation during homing. Interestingly, FTY720 treatment enhanced accumulation of both S1P1 sufficient and S1P1–/– T cells in PPs by enhancing integrin-mediated arrest in HEVs. Thus, FTY720 exerts unique effects on T-cell traffic in PPs that are independent of T-cell–expressed S1P1.
Genetic influences on peripheral blood cell counts: a study in baboons
Authors: Mahaney Michael C. , Brugnara Carlo , Lease Loren R. , Platt Orah S.
Published: May 2005

Interperson differences in peripheral blood cell counts in healthy individuals result from genetic and environmental influences. We used multivariate genetic analyses to assess the relative impact of genes and environment on baseline blood cell counts and indices using a pedigreed colony of baboons, an animal with well-documented analogies to human blood physiology. After accounting for age, sex, and weight, we found that genetic influences explain a significant proportion of the remaining variability, ranging from a low of 13.7% for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) to a high of 72.4% for red blood cell (RBC) number. Genes influence 38.5% of the variation in baseline white blood cell (WBC) count, a characteristic that correlates with mortality in both the general human population and clinically defined subgroups such as individuals with sickle-cell disease. We examined the interaction between pairs of traits and identified those that share common genetic influences (pleiotropy). We unexpectedly observed that the same gene or group of genes influences both WBC count and mean platelet volume (MPV). We anticipate that this approach will ultimately lead to discovery of novel insights into the biology of related traits, and ultimately identify important genes that affect hematopoiesis.
Interferon-γ promotes abortion due to Brucella infection in pregnant mice
Authors: Kim Suk , Lee Dong Soo , Watanabe Kenta , Furuoka Hidefumi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Watarai Masahisa
Published: May 2005

Background

The mechanisms of abortion induced by bacterial infection are largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated abortion induced by Brucella abortus, a causative agent of brucellosis and facultative intracellular pathogen, in a mouse model.

Results

High rates of abortion were observed for bacterial infection on day 4.5 of gestation, but not for other days. Regardless of whether fetuses were aborted or stayed alive, the transmission of bacteria into the fetus and bacterial replication in the placenta were observed. There was a higher degree of bacterial colonization in the placenta than in other organs and many bacteria were detected in trophoblast giant cells in the placenta. Intracellular growth-defective virB4 mutant and attenuated vaccine strain S19 did not induce abortion. In the case of abortion, around day 7.5 of gestation (period of placental development), transient induction of IFN-γ production was observed for infection by the wild type strain, but not by the virB4 mutant and S19. Neutralization of IFN-γ, whose production was induced by infection with B. abortus, served to prevent abortion.

Conclusion

These results indicate that abortion induced by B. abortus infection is a result of transient IFN-γ production during the period of placental development.
The effects of amisulpride on five dimensions of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia: a prospective open- label study
Authors: Herrera-Estrella Miguel , Apiquian Rogelio , Fresan Ana , Sanchez-Torres Isabel
Published: May 2005

Background

The efficacy of antipsychotics can be evaluated using the dimensional models of schizophrenic symptoms. The D2/D3-selective antagonist amisulpride has shown similar efficacy and tolerability to other atypical antipsychotics. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of amisulpride on the dimensional model of schizophrenic symptoms and tolerability in latin schizophrenic patients.

Method

Eighty schizophrenic patients were enrolled and 70 completed a prospective open-label 3-month study with amisulpride. The schizophrenic symptoms, psychosocial functioning and side-effects were evaluated with standardized scales.

Results

The patients showed significant improvement in the five dimensions evaluated. Amisulpride (median final dose 357.1 mg/d) was well-tolerated without treatment-emergent extrapyramidal side-effects.

Conclusion

Amisulpride showed efficacy on different psychopathological dimensions and was well tolerated, leading to consider this drug a first line choice for the treatment of schizophrenia.
The factor validity of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index
Authors: Wessel Jean , Razmjou Helen , Mewa Yasmin , Holtby Richard
Published: May 2005

Background

The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is a self-report questionnaire developed specifically to evaluate disability in persons with pathology of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. The authors created items in 5 categories based on a model of quality of life, but never validated this structure. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the original 5-domain model of the WORC by performing factor analysis.

Methods

Three hundred twenty nine subjects (age, mean: 52, SD: 12) were tested prior to undergoing surgery for rotator cuff pathologies. They completed the WORC, a self-report questionnaire, which has 21 items on the effect of the rotator cuff problem on symptoms, activities and emotions. Statistical calculations included correlations between items, Cronbach's alpha of the total scale and subscales, and principal component factor analysis with oblique rotation.

Results

Correlations ranged from .09 to .70 between all the items, from .29 to .70 between items within a subscale, and from .53 to .72 between subscale scores. Cronbach's alpha was .93 for the total scale, and .72 to .82 for the subscales. The factor analysis produced 3 factors that explained 57% of the variance. The first factor included symptoms and emotional items, the second included strength items and the third included daily activities.

Conclusion

The results of this study did not support the 5-domain model of the WORC.
Functional expression cloning reveals a central role for the receptor for activated protein kinase C 1 (RACK1) in T cell apoptosis
Authors: Mourtada-Maarabouni Mirna , Kirkham Lucy , Farzaneh Farzin , Williams Gwyn T
Published: May 2005

Mammalian cDNA expression cloning was used to identify novel genes that regulate apoptosis. Using a functional screen, we identified a partial cDNA for the receptor for activated protein kinase C 1 (RACK1) through selection for resistance to phytohemagglutinin and γ-irradiation. Expression of this partial cDNA in T cell lines using a mammalian expression vector produced an increase in RACK1 expression and resulted in resistance to dexamethasone- and ultraviolet-induced apoptosis. Down-regulation of RACK1 using RNA interference abolished the resistance of the transfected cells to apoptosis. Overexpression of full-length RACK1 also resulted in the suppression of apoptosis mediated by several apoptotic stimuli, and this effect was quantitatively consistent with the effects of the original cDNA isolated on endogenous RACK1 levels. Together, these findings suggest that RACK1 plays an important role in the intracellular signaling pathways that lead to apoptosis in T cells.
Two separate motifs cooperate to target stathmin-related proteins to the Golgi complex
Authors: Charbaut Elodie , Chauvin Stéphanie , Enslen Hervé , Zamaroczy Sophie , Sobel André
Published: May 2005

The appropriate targeting of membrane-associated proteins involves a diversity of motifs including post-translational modifications and specific protein sequences. Phosphoproteins of the stathmin family are important regulators of microtubule dynamics, in particular in the developing and mature nervous system. Whereas stathmin is cytosolic, SCG10, SCLIP and the splice variants RB3/RB3′/RB3″ are associated with Golgi and vesicular membranes, through their palmitoylated N-terminal A domains. In order to identify essential motifs involved in this specific targeting, we examined the subcellular distribution of various subdomains derived from domain A of SCG10 fused with GFP. We show that the Golgi localization of SCG10 results from the cooperation of two motifs: a membrane-anchoring palmitoylation motif and a newly identified Golgi-specifying sequence. The latter displayed no targeting activity by itself, but retained a Golgi-specifying activity when associated with another membrane-anchoring palmitoylation motif derived from the protein GAP-43. We further identified critical residues for the specific Golgi targeting of domain A. Altogether, our results give new insight into the regulation of the subcellular localization of stathmin family proteins, an important feature of their physiological functions in differentiating and mature neural cells. More generally we provide new information on essential mechanisms of functional protein subcellular targeting.