bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocarditis caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae identified by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.
Authors: Das I , DeGiovanni J V , Gray J
Published: June 2007

Haemophilus parainfluenzae, a human commensal, is an infrequent cause of serious disease. A case of endocarditis caused by this organism in a five year old boy with complex congenital heart disease is reported. The course of this disease was very aggressive, leading to heart failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiorgan failure in spite of appropriate antibiotics and surgical intervention. The difficulties in the detection and identification of H parainfluenzae using conventional culture based technology, and the potential role of molecular techniques, are highlighted.
Inflammatory pseudotumour and Rosai-Dorfman disease of soft tissue: a histological continuum?
Authors: Govender D , Chetty R
Published: June 2007

A lesion of the chest wall in a 34 year old woman, which had a combination of histological and immunophenotypic features of inflammatory pseudotumor and Rosai-Dorfman disease of soft tissue, is described. There was considerable overlap in the pathogenesis, histology and immunophenotype of these two lesions. The similarities between these two lesions suggest that there is a temporal sequence and a histological continuum with early histiocyte-rich and late fibroblast- and myofibroblast-rich lesions. Alternatively, the morphological and immunophenotypic features could be because of aberrant cytokine expression in an inflammatory pseudotumour, resulting in transformation of histiocytes to resemble those seen in Rosai-Dorfman disease.
Early diagnosis of signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach: role of the Genta stain.
Authors: el-Zimaity H M , Itani K , Graham D Y
Published: June 2007

Signet ring cell carcinoma is a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in which the tumour cells invade singly or in small groups. Early stages of the disease can be missed easily when using regular haematoxylin and eosin staining. This is a report of a case in which routine screening of gastric biopsies with the Genta stain was responsible for rapid identification of signet ring carcinoma. The patient, a 29 year old woman, had a large portion of the antrum excised surgically for signet ring cell gastric carcinoma. Follow up endoscopy six years later showed no evidence of tumour. Twenty six large cup biopsies were obtained and a single focus of signet ring tumour cells infiltrating the surface mucosa in single files was seen. The diagnosis was missed on haematoxylin and eosin stain by three senior pathologists but owing to the Alcian blue component of the Genta stain the tumour cells were recognised easily. Thus, the Genta stain not only facilitates detection of Helicobacter pylori but also allows for simultaneous visualisation of gastric morphology as well as signet ring carcinoma that can be missed with conventional stains.
Genotypic mapping of HPV and assessment of EBV prevalence in endocervical lesions.
Authors: O'Leary J J , Landers R J , Crowley M , Healy I , Kealy W F , Hogan J , Cullinane C , Kelehan P , Doyle C T
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To examine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in low grade glandular intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, adenocarcinoma with high grade glandular intraepithelial lesions combined, and adenocarcinomas; and to perform a genotyping mapping analysis of endocervical carcinomas to determine the extent of HPV infections in such lesions. MATERIAL: Archival paraffin wax embeded material from the files of the departments of pathology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, and University College Cork, Ireland. METHODS: HPV prevalence was examined using type specific HPV PCR, general primer HPV PCR (pan HPV screen), nonisotopic in situ hybridisation (NISH), and PCR in situ hybridisation (PCR-ISH). In situ hybridisation was performed using fluorescein labelled oligonucleotide cocktail for eber transcripts of EBV. Genotypic analysis was performed, in all cases where possible, using a grid system. RESULTS: HPV 16 and 18 were predominantly identified in low grade glandular intraepithelial lesions, high grade glandular intraepithelial lesions, and adenocarcinomas, with HPV prevalence increasing with grade of dysplasia. EBV was only identified in subepithelial lymphocytes in a minority of cases. No link could be shown between HPV and EBV in endocervical lesions. HPV infection was not clonal in endocervical cancer and coexistent adjacent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, where present, tended to show a similar HPV type. CONCLUSIONS: The restriction of HPV types 16 and 18 to endocervical lesions suggests that their effect is restricted and specific to endocervical mucosa, but the mechanism of interaction is currently unknown.
Mild abnormalities in liver histology associated with chronic hepatitis: distinction from normal liver histology.
Authors: Kay E W , O'Dowd J , Thomas R , Alyusuf R , Sachithanandan S , Robinson R , Walsh C B , Fielding J F , Leader M B
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection associated with contaminated anti-D immunoglobulin has become an issue of recent concern. The clinical course of chronic hepatitis C infection is unpredictable and histological assessment is felt to be the most reliable means of assessing disease status. Semiquantitative scoring systems have been devised, which assess degree of necroinflammatory disease activity (grade) and extent of disease progression with fibrosis (stage) in chronic hepatitis. Often, using these systems, biopsies of anti-D associated chronic hepatitis C cases show mild changes only, with low scores. The significance of these low scores is uncertain. AIMS: To evaluate the significance of low scores in chronic hepatitis. METHODS: Liver biopsies were assessed from two groups of patients in whom liver histology would be expected to be normal: 30 cases of Gilbert's syndrome and 13 necropsy cases of young people (< 45 years) with no history or risk factors for liver disease. These biopsies were scored using the histological activity index of Knodell et al and its recent modification (separation of scores for grade and stage) by Ishak et al. RESULTS: Twenty of 30 cases of Gilbert's syndrome and 11 of the 13 necropsy cases had chronic hepatitis scores of 1 or 2, whereas only eight cases of Gilbert's and two necropsy cases had scores of 0. The remaining two Gilbert's cases had scores of 3 and 5. Similar results were found using both the histological activity index of Knodell et al and the method of Ishak et al. CONCLUSION: The finding of low but positive scores using these systems in people with normal liver histology questions the reliability and significance of finding such scores in patients with chronic hepatitis and is of particular concern in the evaluation of chronic hepatitis C infection.
Evaluation of 2-SP transport medium for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by two automated amplification systems and culture for chlamydia.
Authors: Dubuis O , Gorgievski-Hrisoho M , Germann D , Matter L
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To assess the performance of 2-sucrose-phosphate based transport medium (2-SP) for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by an automated commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligase chain reaction (LCR) compared to centrifugation culture on McCoy cells for C trachomatis. Second, to compare both amplification systems for initial diagnostic testing of a low prevalence population for sexually transmitted diseases. METHODS: Four hundred and eighty one consecutive urogenital and conjunctival specimens were examined. All tests were performed on the same specimen collected with a dacron swab and transported in 2-SP medium. Samples that were positive by culture or by both PCR and LCR were considered to be true positives. RESULTS: The prevalences of C trachomatis and of N gonorrhoeae were 2.7% and 0.4%, respectively. PCR had a resolved sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 99.8%, respectively, for C trachomatis, and 100% and 98.9%, respectively, for N gonorrhoeae. LCR was 100% sensitive and specific for both pathogens. The resolved sensitivity of the shell vial assay was 85%. No culture positive sample would have been missed by PCR or LCR. The inhibition rate for PCR was 4.8%. CONCLUSIONS: 2-SP medium proved to be suitable for both PCR and LCR. It is not limited to any one test manufacturer and allows the performance of amplification techniques and viral and chlamydia culture from the same specimen. The LCR was more reliable than PCR on initial testing. However, hands on time is longer, and no amplification control is available for LCR.
Analysis of TH1 and TH2 cytokine production in low grade B cell gastric MALT-type lymphomas stimulated in vitro with Helicobacter pylori.
Authors: Hauer A C , Finn T M , MacDonald T T , Spencer J , Isaacson P G
Published: June 2007

Previous studies have suggested that the dependence of low grade B cell gastric lymphoma on infection of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori results from help provided by H pylori specific tumour infiltrating T cells. ELISPOT analysis was used to characterise functional subpopulations of tumour infiltrating T cells. The production of the TH1 cytokine interferon gamma and TH2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were measured in tumour cell suspensions from two cases of low grade B cell gastric lymphoma, one case of thyroid gland lymphoma, and one case of salivary gland lymphoma. Cells were assayed on day 0 and following 24 hours incubation either in culture medium or with a range of strains of H pylori. There was a dominant TH1-type (pro-inflammatory) response consistent with the TH1 response observed in H pylori gastritis.
Unusual eosinophilia not detected by an automated haematological analyser in a patient with liver cirrhosis.
Authors: Kabutomori O , Iwatani Y
Published: June 2007

The use of automated haematological analysers to differentiate leucocytes has become more widespread. Unusual eosinophilia in a 57 year old man with liver cirrhosis, caused by hepatitis C infection, and abnormal blood counts detected using a manual method (eosinophils, 50%) was not detected by an automated analyser using the electrical impedance method (0.3%) or the optical method (14.1%). It is important to check blood films when cell counts are apparently abnormal, even for automated haematological examination.
Alcohol estimation at necropsy: epidemiology, economics, and the elderly.
Authors: Cox D E , Sadler D W , Pounder D J
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To gather data on blood alcohol concentrations in a forensic necropsy population and to analyse the information on trends that may predict where alcohol testing is going to prove cost-effective. METHODS: Alcohol assays were performed on blood, urine, and vitreous samples in 1620 consecutive medicolegal necropsy examinations. RESULTS: Alcohol was detected in only 7% of natural deaths from all causes and in four of 40 deaths categorised as unknown/obscure. Alcohol concentrations > or = 350 mg/100 ml were found in nine drug/alcohol abuse deaths (range 362-506 mg/100 ml), five accidental deaths (356-504 mg/100 ml), and one homicide victim (400 mg/100 ml). Those categorised as alcohol abusers were represented in all but one category of death (unknown/obscure deaths in males), showing that many true alcoholics die with their alcoholism rather than of it; 39% of males and 34% of females with histories of alcohol abuse had alcohol present in their blood at necropsy at concentrations > or = 50 mg/100 ml, v only 9% (male) and 6% (female) without such history. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the problems of elderly and "hidden" alcoholics and illustrates cases where routine assays would provide additional significant information. Routine alcohol testing is useful in all cases of suspected unnatural death but universal testing of forensic necropsies is not cost-effective.
Non-specifically labelled cells that simulate bone marrow metastases in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer.
Authors: Lagrange M , Ferrero J M , Lagrange J L , Machiavello J C , Monticelli J , Bayle C , Creisson A , Namer M , Thyss A , Bourcier C , Gioanni J , Schneider M
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To determine whether the presence of disseminated bone marrow tumour cells at diagnosis is a prognostic factor for breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence or bone metastasis, and to assess their presence as a criterion for evaluation of the potential benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Multiple bone marrow aspirates from 72 breast cancer patients free from metastasis were obtained during surgery at the time of diagnosis and were tested immunologically by alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase technique with a panel of three antiepithelial monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) KL1, EMA, and HMFG2. RESULTS: In nine of 72 patients, with each MoAb tested, numerous strongly positive cells always isolated were observed. However, it was demonstrated that these cells were non-specifically labelled and could be found in normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of marrow tumour cells in 72 operable breast cancer patients. It is suggested that published results may be greatly overestimated and that non-specific labelling may be undetected. More specific MoAb should be found and a correlation with molecular biology should be performed if this criterion is to be considered as a prognostic factor.
Retrovirus in salivary glands from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
Authors: Yamano S , Renard J N , Mizuno F , Narita Y , Uchida Y , Higashiyama H , Sakurai H , Saito I
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To investigate the possibility of an immune response to retroviral antigens or of detecting retrovirus in Sjögren's syndrome. METHODS: Retroviruses were sought in labial salivary glands and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Sjögren's syndrome by immunoblotting assay, immunohistochemical assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase (RT) activity assay, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Sera from five of 15 patients with Sjögren's syndrome (33%) reacted against p24 group specific antigen (gag) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Labial salivary gland biopsy specimens from seven of the 15 patients with Sjögren's syndrome (47%) contained an epithelial cytoplasmic protein reactive with a monoclonal antibody to p24 of HIV. PCR was performed to detect HIV and human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) genes from salivary gland tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Mn2+ dependent, Mg2+ independent RT activity was detected in the salivary gland tissues in three of 10 patients. A-type-like retroviral particles were observed in epithelial cells of salivary glands by transmission electron microscopy. Target genes for HIV and HTLV-I were not found in any of the salivary gland tissues or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Sjögren's syndrome patients. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest the presence of an unknown retrovirus similar to HIV in the salivary gland which might be involved in the pathogenesis of a subpopulation in Sjögren's syndrome.
Conversion of a traditional image archive into an image resource on compact disc.
Authors: Andrew S M , Benbow E W
Published: June 2007

The conversion of a traditional archive of pathology images was organised on 35 mm slides into a database of images stored on compact disc (CD-ROM), and textual descriptions were added to each image record. Students on a didactic pathology course found this resource useful as an aid to revision, despite relative computer illiteracy, and it is anticipated that students on a new problem based learning course, which incorporates experience with information technology, will benefit even more readily when they use the database as an educational resource. A text and image database on CD-ROM can be updated repeatedly, and the content manipulated to reflect the content and style of the courses it supports.
Numerical chromosomal aberrations in Hodgkin's disease detected by in situ hybridisation on routine paraffin sections.
Authors: Pringle J H , Shaw J A , Gillies A , Lauder I
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To visualise directly numerical chromosomal aberrations and polyploidy in both Hodgkin and Reed Sternberg (HRS) cells and background cells from cases of Hodgkin's disease using in situ hybridisation. METHODS: Non-isotopic DNA in situ hybridisation was applied to interphase cell nuclei of Hodgkin's disease within routine paraffin embedded tissue sections. Two a satellite DNA probes, specific for chromosomes 3 and 12, were used to evaluate the feasibility of this approach. Double labelling with immunocytochemical detection of the CD30 antigen was used to identify HRS cells. Cytogenetic normal diploid and triploid placental tissue served as controls. RESULTS: The eight cases of Hodgkin's disease investigated displayed frequent polysomy, while the majority of background cells showed disomy signals. CONCLUSIONS: Numerical chromosomal aberrations were detected in HRS cells from eight cases of Hodgkin's disease by in situ hybridisation. These data show that in Hodgkin's disease HRS cells frequently display polyploidy compared with background cells and are, therefore, probably the only neoplastic component in this disease. Correlations between polysomy and tumour type or grade could not be made from these data owing to the limited number of cases examined and to problems with interpreting data from truncated nuclei.
Fatal pulmonary embolism in hospitalised medical patients.
Authors: Baglin T P , White K , Charles A
Published: June 2007

This study aimed to determine the frequency of fatal pulmonary emboli in hospitalised medical patients by a retrospective necropsy review and prospective non-interventional patient follow up study. The main outcome measure, necropsy proven fatal pulmonary embolism, was determined from 400 consecutive necropsy records and 200 consecutive medical inpatient episodes. Fatal pulmonary embolism was recorded in 29 of 400 necropsies; 17 were medical patients. Thirty one of 200 consecutive medical patients died. Fourteen necropsies were performed and revealed pulmonary embolism as the cause of death in five patients. The incidence of necropsy proven fatal pulmonary embolism was therefore 2.5% (95% confidence intervals 0.8% to 5.7%). Therefore, one in 40 medical patients had pulmonary embolism recorded as the cause of death at necropsy. As the necropsy rate was only 45% the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism may be greater. There is, therefore, a need to perform more large prospective studies to confirm the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism in medical patients and to identify risk factors and effective antithrombotic prophylaxis.
Haemophilus influenzae: an underrated cause of vulvovaginitis in young girls.
Authors: Cox R A
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To establish the common pathogens associated with infective vulvovaginitis in young girls in the local population and to determine current management of this condition. METHODS: A prospective laboratory based survey was carried out over 19 months. A questionnaire was then sent to local general practitioners and hospital doctors. RESULTS: One hundred and six swabs were received during the study period of which 43 (40.5%) yielded organisms recognised as causes of vulvovaginitis. The most common pathogen was group A beta haemolytic streptococcus (19), with Haemophilus influenzae the second most common (11). Candida was isolated on nine occasions. The users' questionnaire had an overall response rate of 52%. Forty one per cent of respondents nominated candida as the most common cause of this condition. Forty six per cent were aware that beta haemolytic streptococci caused juvenile vulvovaginitis, but only four (3.6%) knew that H influenzae was a possible pathogen. The most popular agent for empirical treatment of vulvovaginitis was topical clotrimazole cream, although 24 respondents (22%) prescribed antibiotics that are active against both group A beta haemolytic streptococci and H influenzae. CONCLUSIONS: Although H influenzae is the second most common infective cause of juvenile vulvovaginitis in the local population, most doctors managing these patients were unaware of its importance and may not be prescribing appropriate empirical treatment.
Local INR correction: justification for a simplified approach.
Authors: Craig S , Stevenson K J , Dufty J M , Taberner D A
Published: June 2007

AIMS: Errors in reporting International Normalised Ratios (INR) may be corrected by assignment of a System International Sensitivity Index (System ISI). This 57 centre study tests the validity of several procedures for INR correction. METHODS: Prothrombin times of eight lyophilised coumarin calibrants, a lyophilised normal pool calibrant, and eight frozen coumarin plasmas were determined at each centre. The calibrants were calibrated using international reference preparations. The eight frozen coumarin plasmas were calibrated in a four centre international exercise. The relations tested were: (a) the logarithm of local prothrombin time against the logarithm of reference prothrombin time; (b) reference INR against local prothrombin time; and (c) logarithm of reference INR against logarithm of local prothrombin time. These methods were analysed by both linear and orthogonal regression. RESULTS: All system groups required correction, the mean percentage deviation of the uncorrected data from the calibrated values was 19.0%. There was also considerable variation in INR, with the coefficient of variance (CV) ranging from 11.30 to 17.29%. Correction of INR was possible with all methods (CV reduced to < 7%). However, only when a plot of the logarithm of local prothrombin time against the logarithm of reference prothrombin time was fitted by orthogonal regression, or a plot of logarithm of reference INR against logarithm of local prothrombin time was fitted by either type of regression analysis, did the best fit line through the calibrant plasmas also pass close to the local mean normal prothrombin time. CONCLUSIONS: While INR correction may be achieved by all the above methods, that relating log reference INR to log local prothrombin time by linear regression analysis is the simplest to perform.
Oxygen distribution and consumption in the macaque retina
Authors: Birol Gülnur , Wang Shufan , Budzynski Ewa , Wangsa-Wirawan Norbert D. , Linsenmeier Robert A.
Published: June 2007

The oxygen distribution in the retina of six anesthetized macaques was investigated as a model for retinal oxygenation in the human retina in and adjacent to the fovea. Po2 was measured as a function of retinal depth under normal physiological conditions in light and dark adaptation with O2 microelectrodes. Oxygen consumption (Qo2) of the photoreceptors was extracted by fitting a steady-state diffusion model to Po2 measurements. In the perifovea, the Po2 was 48 ± 13 mmHg (mean and SD) at the choroid and fell to a minimum of 3.8 ± 1.9 mmHg around the photoreceptor inner segments in dark adaptation, rising again toward the inner retina. The Po2 in the inner half of the retina in darkness was 17.9 ± 7.8 mmHg. When averaged over the outer retina, photoreceptor Qo2 (called Qav) was 4.6 ± 2.3 ml O2·100 g−1·min−1 under dark-adapted conditions. Illumination sufficient to saturate the rods reduced Qav to 72 ± 11% of the dark-adapted value. Both perifoveal and foveal photoreceptors received most of their O2 from the choroidal circulation. While foveal photoreceptors have more mitochondria, the Qo2 of photoreceptors in the fovea was 68% of that in the perifovea. Oxygenation in macaque retina was similar to that previously found in cats and other mammals, reinforcing the relevance of nonprimate animal models for the study of retinal oxygenation, but there was a smaller reduction in Qo2 with light than observed in cats, which may have implications for understanding the influence of light under some clinical conditions.
Statins prevent cholinesterase inhibitor blockade of sympathetic α7-nAChR-mediated currents in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons
Authors: Mozayan Mansoor , Lee Tony J. F.
Published: June 2007

Statins are reported to be beneficial in treating a multitude of disorders including dementia due to Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) with varying, yet-to-be determined mechanisms of actions. Although cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are still recommended as the primary drug of choice for AD and related diseases, their efficacy is frequently questioned. We recently reported that α7-neuronal acetylcholine nicotinic receptor (α7-nAChR)-mediated neurogenic vasodilation of porcine cerebral arteries was blocked by ChEIs, and this blockade was prevented by statin pretreatment. The exact mechanism of interaction between ChEIs and statins remains unclear. Activation of α7-nAChRs located on perivascular postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminals releases norepinephrine, which then acts on presynaptic β2-adrenoceptors located on neighboring nitrergic nerve terminals, resulting in nitric oxide release and vasodilation. The present study, therefore, was designed to determine whether interaction of ChEIs and statins occurs at the α7-nAChR level. We examined effects of concurrent application of ChEIs and statins on α7-nAChR-mediated inward currents in primary neuronal cultures of rat superior cervical ganglion cells, the origin of the perivascular sympathetic innervation to the cerebral arteries. The results indicated that physostigmine, neostigmine, and galantamine inhibited choline- and nicotine-induced whole cell currents in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition, which was noncompetitive in nature, was prevented by concurrent application of mevastatin and lovastatin in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that statins protect α7-nAChR function directly at the receptor level. Since α7-nAChR is neuroprotective, having beneficial effects on memory and cerebral vascular function, its functional inhibition by ChEIs may explain in part the limitation of its effectiveness in AD and VaD therapy. Protection of α7-nAChR function from ChEI inhibition by concurrent administration of statins may provide an alternative strategy in improving the efficacy of AD and VaD therapy.
Effect of chronic IL-6 infusion on acute pressor responses to vasoconstrictors in mice
Authors: Boesen Erika I. , Pollock David M.
Published: June 2007

Interleukin (IL)-6 has been implicated as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension, although the mechanisms involved are unclear. Studies conducted in vitro suggest that IL-6 may have a direct effect on vascular tone and may modulate constrictor responses to agonists. Whether this effect can be observed in vivo is unknown. Therefore, mice were treated with either IL-6 (16 ng/h sc) or vehicle for 14 days, and the acute blood pressure and heart rate responses to endothelin (ET)-1, angiotensin II (ANG II), and phenylephrine (PE) were assessed under isoflurane anesthesia. Blood pressure responses to ET-1 were identical in vehicle- and IL-6-infused mice, both in the presence and the absence of ganglion blockade with chlorisondamine. The fall in heart rate during ET-1 responses was significantly attenuated in IL-6-infused mice with autonomic reflexes intact (vehicle vs. IL-6, P < 0.05 at 1 and 3 nmol/kg of ET-1), but this difference was not observed after ganglionic blockade. Both blood pressure and heart rate responses to ANG II were indistinguishable between IL-6- and vehicle-infused mice, as were responses to PE except for a significant increase in the blood pressure response and decrease in the heart rate response in IL-6-infused mice observed only at the highest dose of PE (300 μg/kg; P < 0.05). These findings show that, despite what might be predicted from studies conducted in vitro, chronic exposure to elevated plasma IL-6 concentrations in itself does not predispose the mouse to enhanced responsiveness to vasoconstrictors in vivo.
Protective effect of long-term angiotensin II inhibition
Authors: Basso Nidia , Cini Rosa , Pietrelli Adriana , Ferder León , Terragno Norberto A. , Inserra Felipe
Published: June 2007

Experimental studies indicate that angiotensin II (ANG II) through its type 1 receptor (AT1) promotes cardiovascular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze whether chronic long-term inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can prevent most of the deleterious effects due to aging in the cardiovascular system of the normal rat. The main objective was to compare two strategies of ANG II blockade: a converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) and an AT1receptor blocker (AT1RB). A control group remained untreated; treatment was initiated 2 wk after weaning. A CEI, enalapril (10 mg·kg−1·day−1), or an AT1RB, losartan (30 mg·kg−1·day−1), was used to inhibit the RAS. Systolic blood pressure, body weight, and water and food intake were recorded over the whole experimental period. Heart, aorta, and mesenteric artery weight as well as histological analysis of cardiovascular structure were performed at 6 and 18 mo. Twenty animals in each of the three experimental groups were allowed to die spontaneously. The results demonstrated a significant protective effect on the function and structure of the cardiovascular system in all treated animals. Changes observed at 18 mo of age in the hearts and aortas were quite significant, but each treatment completely abolished this deterioration. The similarity between the results detected with either enalapril or losartan treatment clearly indicates that most of the effects are exerted through AT1receptors. An outstanding finding was the significant and similar prolongation of life span in both groups of treated animals compared with untreated control animals.
Aging enhances pressure-induced arterial superoxide formation
Authors: Jacobson Azita , Yan Changdong , Gao Qun , Rincon-Skinner Tibisay , Rivera Aracelie , Edwards John , Huang An , Kaley Gabor , Sun Dong
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that regulate superoxide (O2•−) production as a function of an acute elevation of intravascular pressure and age. Mesenteric arteries isolated from young (6 mo) and aged (24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats were used. O2•− production in vessels in response to 80 (normal pressure, NP) and 180 (high pressure, HP) mmHg was determined by the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay. In vessels exposed to NP, O2•− production was significantly higher in aged than in young vessels (32.7 ± 7.0 vs. 15.4 ± 2.4 nmol·mg−1·30 min−1). HP enhanced O2•− production in vessels of both groups, but the enhancement was significantly greater in aged than in young vessels (63.4 ± 6.7 vs. 32.7 ± 4.3 nmol·mg−1·30 min−1). Apocynin (100 μmol/l) attenuated HP-induced increases in O2•− production in both groups, whereas allopurinol (100 μmol/l) and Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100 μmol/l) inhibited the response only in aged vessels. Confocal microscopy showed increases in O2•− in response to HP in endothelial and smooth muscle layers of both groups, with much greater fluorescent staining in aged than in young rats and in the endothelium than in smooth muscle cells. No significant changes in NAD(P)H oxidase gene and protein expressions were observed in vessels of the two groups. Upregulation of protein expression of xanthine oxidase was detected in aged vessels. We conclude that NAD(P)H oxidase contributes importantly to HP-induced enhanced O2•− production in vessels of both young and aged rats, whereas xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide synthase-dependent O2•− production also contribute to the enhancement in mesenteric arteries of aged rats.
Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition improves functional recovery and reduces mortality following acute myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Gomez Ludovic , Thibault Hélène , Gharib Adbdallah , Dumont Jean-Maurice , Vuagniaux Grégoire , Scalfaro Pietro , Derumeaux Geneviève , Ovize Michel
Published: June 2007

Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening by cyclosporin A or ischemic postconditioning attenuates lethal reperfusion injury. Its impact on major post-myocardial infarction events, including worsening of left ventricular (LV) function and death, remains unknown. We sought to determine whether pharmacological or postconditioning-induced inhibition of mPTP opening might improve functional recovery and survival following myocardial infarction in mice. Anesthetized mice underwent 25 min of ischemia and 24 h ( protocol 1) or 30 days ( protocol 2) of reperfusion. At reperfusion, they received no intervention (control), postconditioning (3 cycles of 1 min ischemia-1 min reperfusion), or intravenous injection of the mPTP inhibitor Debio-025 (10 mg/kg). At 24 h of reperfusion, mitochondria were isolated from the region at risk for assessment of the Ca2+retention capacity (CRC). Infarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. At 30 days of reperfusion, mortality and LV contractile function (echocardiography) were evaluated. Postconditioning and Debio-025 significantly improved Ca2+retention capacity (132 ± 13 and 153 ± 31 vs. 53 ± 16 nmol Ca2+/mg protein in control) and reduced infarct size to 35 ± 4 and 32 ± 7% of area at risk vs. 61 ± 6% in control ( P < 0.05). At 30 days, ejection fraction averaged 74 ± 6 and 77 ± 6% in postconditioned and Debio-025 groups, respectively, vs. 62 ± 12% in the control group ( P < 0.05). At 30 days, survival was improved from 58% in the control group to 92 and 89% in postconditioned and Debio-025 groups, respectively. Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition at reperfusion improves functional recovery and mortality in mice.
Adrenomedullin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats
Authors: Itoh Takefumi , Obata Hiroaki , Murakami Shinsuke , Hamada Kaoru , Kangawa Kenji , Kimura Hiroshi , Nagaya Noritoshi
Published: June 2007

Adrenomedullin (AM), an endogenous peptide, has been shown to have a variety of protective effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the effect of AM on acute lung injury remains unknown. Accordingly, we investigated whether AM infusion ameliorates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in rats. Rats were randomized to receive continuous intravenous infusion of AM (0.1 μg·kg−1·min−1) or vehicle through a microosmotic pump. The animals were intratracheally injected with either LPS (1 mg/kg) or saline. At 6 and 18 h after intratracheal instillation, we performed histological examination and bronchoalveolar lavage and assessed the lung wet/dry weight ratio as an index of acute lung injury. Then we measured the numbers of total cells and neutrophils and the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In addition, we evaluated BALF total protein and albumin levels as indexes of lung permeability. LPS instillation caused severe acute lung injury, as indicated by the histological findings and the lung wet/dry weight ratio. However, AM infusion attenuated these LPS-induced abnormalities. AM decreased the numbers of total cells and neutrophils and the levels of TNF-α and CINC in BALF. AM also reduced BALF total protein and albumin levels. In addition, AM significantly suppressed apoptosis of alveolar wall cells as indicated by cleaved caspase-3 staining. In conclusion, continuous infusion of AM ameliorated LPS-induced acute lung injury in rats. This beneficial effect of AM on acute lung injury may be mediated by inhibition of inflammation, hyperpermeability, and alveolar wall cell apoptosis.
Cystic Fibrosis: Lessons from the Sweat Gland
Authors: Quinton Paul M.
Published: June 2007

Lessons from the sweat gland on cystic fibrosis (CF) began long before modern medicine became a science. In European folklore, the curse that “a child that taste salty when kissed will soon die” (Alonso y de los Ruyzes de Fonteca J. Diez Previlegios para Mugeres Prenadas. Henares, Spain, 1606) has been taken by many as a direct reference to cystic fibrosis [Busch R. Acta Univ Carol Med (Praha) 36: 13–15, 1990]. The high salt concentration in sweat from patients with CF is now accepted as almost pathognomonic with this fatal genetic disease, but the earliest descriptions of cystic fibrosis as a disease entity did not mention sweat or sweat glands (Andersen DH. Am J Dis Child 56: 344–399, 1938; Andersen DH, Hodges RG. Am J Dis Child 72: 62–80, 1946). Nonetheless, defective sweating soon became an inseparable, and major, component of the constellation of symptoms that diagnose “cystic fibrosis” (Davis PB. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 173: 475–482, 2006). The sweat gland has played a foremost role in diagnosing, defining pathophysiology, debunking misconceptions, and increasing our understanding of the effects of the disease on organs, tissues, cells, and molecules. The sweat gland has taught us much.
Incarnation as Awakening: Katsumi Takizawa Reading Karl Barth
Authors: Hennecke Susanne
Published: June 2007

This contribution deals with the thinking of the Buddhist philosopher and Christian theologian Katsumi Takizawa (1909-1984) on incarnation. Firstly, it gives a short biographical and theological introduction to Takizawa, who was influenced not only by the "father" of the so-called dialectical theology, Karl Barth, but also by one of the famous figures of the Kyoto-school, the philosopher Kitaro Nishida.This contribution concentrates, secondly, on Takizawa's the-anthropological re-interpretation of the incarnation. It is argued that for Takizawa incarnation has to be seen as an awakening of the historical Jesus (or other historical phenomena) to what he calls the original fact: the eternal relationship between God and man.Thirdly, this contribution discusses the the-anthropological thinking of Takizawa about incarnation in five short points. Apart from the positive challenges of Takizawa's thinking especially for the theology of Karl Barth, it marks clearly the most thrilling point between Takizawa's thinking on the one side and that of scholars in Barthian theology on the other side. The open question that comes up is if incarnation really can be thought without a historical mediation or mediator, as Takizawa seems to claim.
'And it is Really Thanks to You that We Are Saved …' An African Discourse on Conversion and the Creation of a Modern Myth
Authors: Drønen Tomas Sundnes
Published: June 2007

This article seeks to analyse why young members of the Dii people in Adamawa, Northern Cameroon, in middle decades of the 20th century converted to Christianity, presented to them by Norwegian missionaries. Through the Dii discourse curiosity connected to the new message, importance of the mission schools, the attitude of the missionaries, and the importance of improved social status are presented as reasons behind conversion. In addition, Dii self-narration presents liberation from social oppression, from the Muslim dominant Fulbe and the French colonial administration, as the main reason behind the Dii change of plausibility structure. In order to legitimise the social and religious changes that followed acceptance of Christianity, the Norwegian missionaries were turned into mythic heroes of liberation and used by the new Dii elite to strengthen ethnic boundaries through a Dii 'construction' of recent historical past.
Reforming Church Space: Altarpieces and Their Functions in Early Modern Transylvania
Authors: Crăciun Maria
Published: June 2007

Focused on an analysis of surviving late medieval religious art in Transylvanian Lutheran churches, this study wishes to explore the ways in which these images were presented to and viewed by the congregations after the Reformation of the Saxon community. The article considers the connection between these artifacts and the ritual context that framed them whilst assessing their ability to shape different patterns of piety and a new confessional identity. Drawing mostly on visual evidence, the study also relies on an exploration of the records of the synods of the Transylvanian Lutheran Church in order to understand this newly forged religious culture.
"Each Should Tend His Own Garden": Anna Bijns and the Catholic Polemic against the Reformation
Authors: Pollmann Judith
Published: June 2007

The schoolmistress and best-selling poet Anna Bijns was one of the few laypeople in the sixteenth-century Netherlands who was prepared publicly to fight for the Catholic cause. This article contends that Bijns's work, exceptional as it was, reflects a "moral" understanding of the problem of heresy that was not unique to her, but that exemplified the way in which many clerics responded to the threat of Protestantism. They equated heresy with sin, and argued that this required a penitential response from all in society. Yet by contending that each "order" in society was best left to fight its own sins, and that "each should tend his own garden" their arguments also created the impression that heresy was first and foremost a clerical problem. This may help explain the "passive" way in which Catholics in the Netherlands, as well as in many other parts of Northwestern Europe, responded to the Reformation.
Group-Directed Criticisms and Recommendations for Change: Why Newcomers Arouse More Resistance Than Old-Timers
Authors: Hornsey Matthew J. , Grice Tim , Jetten Jolanda , Paulsen Neil , Callan Victor
Published: June 2007

Three experiments examine the extent to which newcomers are able to influence their groups relative to old-timers. Specifically, how group members respond to criticisms of their group was assessed as a function of the intragroup position of the speaker. When criticizing their workplace (Experiment 1; N = 116), their profession (Experiment 2; N = 106), or an Internet community (Experiment 3; N = 189), newcomers aroused more resistance than old-timers, an effect that was mediated by perceptions of how attached critics were to their group identity. Experiment 3 also showed that newcomers could reduce resistance to their criticisms by distancing themselves from a group of which they were previously members. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Pharmacogenomics of Antidepressant Medications
Authors: Ehret Megan J.
Published: June 2007

With the completion of the human genome project, surges in studies investigating the association of antidepressant responsiveness and select polymorphisms have been conducted. Studies have been completed investigating polymorphisms in the monoaminergic system, including the serotonin transporter gene, the serotonin 1A, 2A, and 6 receptor genes, the G-protein-coupled receptor genes, the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene, the monoamine oxidase gene, the dopamine receptor genes, and the noradrenergic genes. Other genes of potential interest for investigation include the nitric oxide gene, the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, the interleukin-1 beta gene, the stress hormone system, and the phosphodiesterase genes. Many of the studies have provided positive results, but the studies are small and are limited to a specific ethnicity. Further research is needed in the area before an array of genes can be used to predetermine response to antidepressant medication.
Civilian Gas Gangrene: A Clinical Challenge
Authors: Rekha Arcot , Gopalan T.R.
Published: June 2007

Gas gangrene due to clostridia infections is commonly seen in war injuries and is much less commonly seen in civilian life. When such problems do occur, they present a challenge to the surgeon due to the associated high morbidity and mortality associated. A case is presented where a patient developed gas gangrene in a limb consequent to trauma that had been treated surgically. It is vital to make a correct diagnosis at the earliest to limit disease progression and to avoid complications.
Outcomes of Right- Compared With Left-Side Colectomy
Authors: Rana Ankur R. , Cannon Jamie A. , Mostafa Gamal , Carbonell Alfredo M. , Kercher Kent W. , Norton H. James , Heniford B. Todd
Published: June 2007

Right colon resections are perceived as less morbid than left colon resections. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in outcomes between right-and left-side colon resections. We reviewed 420 consecutive open colectomies over 4 years. Patient demographics, surgical indications, intraoperative variables, and outcomes were collected. Two hundred twenty-three right colectomies (RCs) were compared with 197 left colectomies (LCs). RCs were more often required for cancer (111 vs 65, P < .001) and LCs for diverticular disease (10 vs 90, P < .001). LCs were more often performed emergently (36% vs 23%, P = .004) and required longer mean operative times (149 minutes vs 130 minutes, P = .004). Complications and mortality in the two groups were equal statistically. In the emergent colectomy subset, LCs were associated with greater intraoperative blood loss (315 vs 201 mL, P = .02) but fewer complications (11% vs 17%, P = .003).
Modeling the effect of levothyroxine therapy on bone mass density in postmenopausal women: a different approach leads to new inference
Authors: Mohammadi Babak , Haghpanah Vahid , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Larijani Bagher
Published: June 2007

Background

The diagnosis, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis is a national health emergency. Osteoporosis quietly progresses without symptoms until late stage complications occur. Older patients are more commonly at risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. The fracture risk increases when suppressive doses of levothyroxine are administered especially in postmenopausal women. The question is; "When should bone mass density be tested in postmenopausal women after the initiation of suppressive levothyroxine therapy?". Standard guidelines for the prevention of osteoporosis suggest that follow-up be done in 1 to 2 years. We were interested in predicting the level of bone mass density in postmenopausal women after the initiation of suppressive levothyroxine therapy with a novel approach.

Methods

The study used data from the literature on the influence of exogenous thyroid hormones on bone mass density. Four cubic polynomial equations were obtained by curve fitting for Ward's triangle, trochanter, spine and femoral neck. The behaviors of the models were investigated by statistical and mathematical analyses.

Results

There are four points of inflexion on the graphs of the first derivatives of the equations with respect to time at about 6, 5, 7 and 5 months. In other words, there is a maximum speed of bone loss around the 6th month after the start of suppressive L-thyroxine therapy in post-menopausal women.

Conclusion

It seems reasonable to check bone mass density at the 6th month of therapy. More research is needed to explain the cause and to confirm the clinical application of this phenomenon for osteoporosis, but such an approach can be used as a guide to future experimentation. The investigation of change over time may lead to more sophisticated decision making in a wide variety of clinical problems.