bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A point mutation at the C terminus of the cytoplasmic domain of influenza B virus haemagglutinin inhibits syncytium formation
Authors: Ujike Makoto , Nakajima Katsuhisa , Nobusawa Eri
Published: May 2006

The C-terminal sequence of the cytoplasmic tail (CT) of influenza B haemagglutinin (BHA) consists of strictly conserved, hydrophobic amino acids, and the endmost C-terminal amino acid of the CT is Leu. To elucidate the role of this amino acid in the fusion activity of BHA (B/Kanagawa/73), site-specific mutant HAs were created by replacing Leu at this position with Arg, Lys, Ser, Try, Val or Ile or by the deletion of Leu altogether. All mutants were expressed at the cell surface, bound to red blood cells, were cleaved properly into two subunits and could be acylated like the wild-type (wt) HA. The membrane-fusion ability of these mutants was examined with a lipid (R18) and aqueous (calcein) dye-transfer assay and quantified with a syncytium-formation assay. All mutant HAs showed no measurable effect on lipid mixing or fusion-pore formation. However, mutant HAs with a hydrophobic value of the C-terminal amino acid lower than that of Leu had a reduced ability to form syncytia, whereas mutants with a more hydrophobic amino acid (Val or Ile) promoted fusion to the extent of the wt HA. On the other hand, the mutant HA with the deletion of Leu supported full fusion. These results demonstrate that Leu at the endmost portion of the C terminus of the BHA-CT is not essential for BHA-mediated fusion, but that the hydrophobicity of the single amino acid at this position plays an important role in syncytium formation.
A single administration of lentiviral vectors expressing either full-length human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)HXB2 Rev/Env or codon-optimized HIV-1JR-FL gp120 generates durable immune responses in mice
Authors: Buffa Viviana , Negri Donatella R. M. , Leone Pasqualina , Bona Roberta , Borghi Martina , Bacigalupo Ilaria , Carlei Davide , Sgadari Cecilia , Ensoli Barbara , Cara Andrea
Published: May 2006

Genetic immunization using viral vectors provides an effective means to elicit antigen-specific cellular immune responses. Several viral vectors have proven efficacious in inducing immune responses after direct injection in vivo. Among them, recombinant, self-inactivating lentiviral vectors are very attractive delivery systems, as they are able to efficiently transduce into and express foreign genes in a wide variety of mammalian cells. A self-inactivating lentiviral vector was evaluated for the delivery of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) envelope sequences in mice in order to elicit specific immune responses. With this aim, BALB/c mice were immunized with a single injection of self-inactivating lentiviral vectors carrying either the full-length HIV-1HXB2 Rev/Env (TY2-IIIBEnv) or the codon-optimized HIV-1JR-FL gp120 (TY2-JREnv) coding sequence. Both vectors were able to elicit specific cellular responses efficiently, as measured by gamma interferon ELISPOT and chromium-release assays, upon in vitro stimulation of splenocytes from BALB/c immunized mice. However, only the TY2-JREnv-immunized mice were able to elicit specific humoral responses, measured as anti-gp120 antibody production. These data provide the first evidence that a single, direct, in vivo administration of a lentiviral vector encoding a viral gene might represent a useful strategy for vaccine development.
Vaccinia virus kelch protein A55 is a 64 kDa intracellular factor that affects virus-induced cytopathic effect and the outcome of infection in a murine intradermal model
Authors: Beard Philippa M. , Froggatt Graham C. , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: May 2006

The vaccinia virus (VACV) protein A55 is a BTB/kelch protein with a broad-complex, tramtrack and bric-a-brac (BTB) domain in the N-terminal region and five kelch repeats in the C-terminal half. The BTB/kelch subgroup of the kelch superfamily of proteins has been associated with a wide variety of functions including regulation of the cytoskeleton. VACV contains three genes predicted to encode BTB/kelch proteins: A55R, F3L and C2L. The A55R gene product has been identified as an intracellular protein of 64 kDa that is expressed late in infection. A VACV strain lacking 93.6 % of the A55R open reading frame (vΔA55) was constructed and found to have an unaltered growth rate in vivo but a different plaque morphology and cytopathic effect, as well as reduced development of VACV-induced Ca2+-independent cell/extracellular matrix adhesion. In a murine intradermal model of VACV infection, a virus lacking the A55R gene induced larger lesions than wild-type and revertant control viruses.
Narrow‐band ultraviolet B as monotherapy and in combination with topical calcipotriol in the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: ARCA Ercan , TAŞTAN Halis Bülent , ERBIL Ahmet Hakan , SEZER Engin , KOÇ Erol , KURUMLU Zafer
Published: May 2006

Vitiligo is a common, idiopathic, acquired, depigmenting disease characterized by loss of normal melanin pigments in the skin. The most interesting treatment methods for extensive vitiligo involve psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy and ultraviolet (UV)‐B phototherapy, particularly narrow‐band UV‐B. In this randomized and comparative study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of narrow band ultraviolet B as monotherapy and in combination with topical calcipotriol in the treatment of generalized vitiligo. Of the 40 vitiligo patients enrolled in the study, 15 were treated with the calcipotriol plus narrow‐band UV‐B (NBUVB) and 25 with narrow band UV‐B alone. The patients were randomized into two NBUVB treatment groups. The first group, consisting of 24 patients (all male), received only NBUVB treatment; the second group, consisting of 13 patients (all male) applied 0.05% topical calcipotriol ointments twice daily. Both groups were irradiated with NBUVB (311 nm). In the NBUVB group, the percentage of the body surface affected was reduced from 27.21 ± 10.41% to 16.25 ± 8.54% after a mean of 30 treatment sessions. The mean repigmentation percentage was 41.6 ± 19.4%. In clinical evaluation (moderate and marked/complete response was accepted as an effective treatment), 19 patients (19/24; 79.17%) had clinically good results. In the NBUVB plus calcipotriol group, the percentage of the body surface affected was reduced from 23.35 ± 6.5% to 13.23 ± 7.05% after a mean of 30 treatment sessions. The mean repigmentation percentage was 45.01 ± 19.15%. In clinical evaluation (moderate and marked/complete response was accepted as an effective treatment), 10 patients (10/13; 76.92%) had clinically good results. Statistically significant intragroup reductions from the baseline percentage of the body surface affected were seen at the endpoint of treatment for the two treatment groups (P < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups at the end of therapy with respect to the reduction of repigmentation rates (P > 0.05). The present study reconfirmed the efficacy of NBUVB phototherapy in vitiligo. It can be a therapeutic option considered in the management of patients with vitiligo. However, addition of topical calcipotriol to NBUVB did not show any advantage.
A 14‐year‐old girl with lichenoid sarcoidosis successfully treated with tacrolimus
Authors: TSUBOI Hiromi , YONEMOTO Kohzoh , KATSUOKA Kensei
Published: May 2006

We report a case of lichenoid sarcoidosis in a young girl treated by oral tacrolimus and methylprednisolone. The patient had had a skin eruption from 1 year of age and had developed uveitis at 2 years of age. Her sight had become affected by the uveitis at 8 years of age. When she was 14, she was admitted to the ophthalmology department of our hospital to start treatment with tacrolimus (FK506). She was referred to the department of dermatology for her skin lesions, which were flat, pinkish or normal skin‐colored papules scattered on her extremities and the backs of her hands. Upon histology, epithelioid granulomas were seen in the upper dermis and around the erector pili muscles. She received tacrolimus (FK506) 6 mg/day for 3 months for her uveitis. The eye lesions subsided somewhat, and the skin lesions were almost healed after the 3‐month course of tacrolimus. However, 4 months after stopping the tacrolimus, her skin and eye lesions relapsed. At that point, she was started on methylprednisolone 16 mg/day for her uveitis. With the methylprednisolone treatment, the inflammation of the eye lesion immediately healed, as did the skin lesions.
Acitretin induced bipedal edema
Authors: TEY Hong Liang , THENG Thiam Seng Colin
Published: May 2006

Generalized edema has been reported to be a rare side effect of systemic retinoids. We report a patient who developed localized bipedal edema from acitretin. Other causes of bipedal edema were excluded and withdrawal of acitretin led to resolution of the edema.
A community action programme for reducing harmful drinking behaviour among adolescents: the Trelleborg Project
Authors: Stafström Martin , Östergren Per‐Olof , Larsson Stig , Lindgren Björn , Lundborg Petter
Published: May 2006

Aims  To evaluate a 3‐year community intervention programme by measuring changes in drinking patterns in a 15–16‐year‐old population.

Design, setting, participants and measurements  The action programme included five demand‐reducing and one supply‐reducing interventions. Cross‐sectional, non‐repeated data were collected from a questionnaire distributed in classrooms from 1999 to 2001 and 2003 (n = 1376, 724 boys and 652 girls; response rate = 92.3%). Stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between different risk factors and excessive drinking, heavy episodic drinking, purchaser of alcohol and alcohol provided by parents. The results from the intervention community were also compared with similar Swedish cross‐sectional data sets.

Findings  The results of our analyses indicated a decrease in harmful drinking behaviour in Trelleborg when comparing baseline with postintervention measurements. The comparison with other studies showed that the changes in these indicators were more rapid and consistent in Trelleborg. Finally, the multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the outcomes were not likely to be attributed to changes in environmental factors.

Conclusions  We concluded that a community action programme based on the systems approach reduced hazardous alcohol consumption effectively among adolescents in Trelleborg.
Systematic review: adipose tissue, obesity and gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: JOHN B. J. , IRUKULLA S. , ABULAFI A. M. , KUMAR D. , MENDALL M. A.
Published: May 2006

Background

Obesity is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for a number of benign and malignant gastrointestinal conditions. However, literature on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is sparse and ambiguous. Insulin resistance is the most widely accepted link between obesity and disease, particularly colorectal cancer. The recognition that intra‐abdominal fat is immunologically active sheds new light not only on the pathogenesis of obesity‐related gastrointestinal conditions, but also on inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease.

Aim

To describe the biology of adipose tissue, its impact on the immune system and explores the possible underlying mechanisms linking obesity to gastrointestinal diseases. It also looks at the role of mesenteric fat in determining severity and course of Crohn's disease.

Methods

Relevant English‐language literature and abstracts cited on MEDLINE database were reviewed.

Results

Our recent finding of an association between obesity and subclinical bowel inflammation suggests that, apart from promoting generalized immune activation, fat also evokes local immune responses. We propose that the proinflammatory milieu promoted by obesity could underlie many of these associations and that the mechanism implicating insulin resistance may merely represent an epiphenomenon. In Crohn's disease, on the other hand, intra‐abdominal fat may provide a protective mechanism.

Conclusion

The potential of adipose tissue as a therapeutic target is vast and needs exploration.
Meta‐analysis: the adjuvant role of thymopentin on immunological response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in end‐stage renal disease
Authors: FABRIZI F. , DIXIT V. , MARTIN P.
Published: May 2006

Background

It has been calculated that 30–40% of dialysis patients fail to produce antibodies to HBsAg antigen after vaccination towards hepatitis B virus. Several authors have reported on the benefit of thymopentin (TP5) as adjuvant to vaccine against hepatitis B virus in patients receiving regular dialysis. However, consistent information on this issue is still lacking.

Aims

To evaluate efficacy and safety of thymopentin as adjuvant to hepatitis B vaccine in dialysis patients by performing a systematic review with a meta‐analysis of clinical trials.

Methods

We used the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses.

Results

We identified 11 studies involving 272 unique patients with end‐stage renal disease. Only prospective, controlled trials were included. Pooling of study results did not show a significant increase in seroresponse rate among study (thymopentin plus hepatitis B virus vaccine) vs. control (hepatitis B virus vaccine alone) patients; the pooled odds ratio of failure to respond to hepatitis B virus vaccine was 0.677 (95% confidence intervals: 0.285–1.605); no heterogeneity was found (P = 0.0001). Thymopentin significantly improved the seroresponse rate in the subgroup of trials based on greater thymopentin doses (OR: 0.184; 95% CI: 0.085–0.398).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis showed that thymopentin significantly improved the seroresponse rate towards hepatitis B vaccine only in dialysis patients treated with higher thymopentin doses. The limited number of patients precluded definitive conclusions.
Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis
Authors: ZOCCO M. A. , DAL VERME L. ZILERI , CREMONINI F. , PISCAGLIA A. C. , NISTA E. C. , CANDELLI M. , NOVI M. , RIGANTE D. , CAZZATO I. A. , OJETTI V. , ARMUZZI A. , GASBARRINI G. , GASBARRINI A.
Published: May 2006

Background

Aminosalicylates are the mainstay of therapy to prevent relapse of quiescent ulcerative colitis. The rationale for using probiotics is based on the evidence implicating intestinal bacteria in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG alone or in combination with mesalazine vs. mesalazine as maintenance treatment in ulcerative colitis.

Patients and methods

187 ulcerative colitis patients with quiescent disease were randomized to receive Lactobacillus GG 18 × 109 viable bacteria/day (65 patients), mesalazine 2400 mg/day (60 patients) or Lactobacillus GG + mesalazine (62 patients). Disease activity index, endoscopic and histological scores were determined at 0, 6 and 12 months and in case of relapse. The primary end point was to evaluate sustained remission.

Results

Overall analysis showed no difference in relapse rate at 6 (P = 0.44) and 12 months (P = 0.77) among the three treatment groups. However, the treatment with Lactobacillus GG seems to be more effective than standard treatment with mesalazine in prolonging the relapse‐free time (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lactobacillus GG seems to be effective and safe for maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis, and it could represent a good therapeutic option for preventing relapse in this group of patients.
Pilot study of the efficacy of renzapride on gastrointestinal motility and symptoms in patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: TACK J. , MIDDLETON S. J. , HORNE M. C. , PIESSEVAUX H. , BLOOR J. S. , MEYERS N. L. , PALMER R. M. J.
Published: May 2006

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of renzapride, a potent 5‐hydroxytryptamine type‐4 receptor full agonist and 5‐hydroxytryptamine type‐3 receptor antagonist in patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods

In this dose‐escalating pilot study, 17 patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome received placebo, renzapride 2 mg o.d. and renzapride 2 mg b.d. sequentially for 28 days. Response was determined by radio‐opaque marker measurement of overall gastrointestinal and segmental colonic transit and patients’ assessment of their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Results

Renzapride reduced mean overall gastrointestinal transit time (placebo, 2.9 ± 1.6 days; renzapride 2 mg o.d., 2.6 ± 1.4 days; renzapride 2 mg b.d., 1.9 ± 1.6 days) (P = 0.024) and accelerated segmental colonic transit, with statistically significant differences for renzapride 2 mg b.d. over placebo in caecum/ascending colon (P = 0.019) and descending colon (P = 0.022). Renzapride also reduced abdominal pain, increased the number of pain‐free days and improved stool consistency. The frequency of reported adverse events was similar on renzapride and placebo.

Conclusions

Renzapride is well‐tolerated, stimulates gastrointestinal transit and improves symptoms in patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome, particularly at the 2 mg b.d. dose, where improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms were evident over placebo. This study has established proof of concept and supports further investigation of renzapride in patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
An objective assessment of nerve stimulators used for peripheral nerve blockade*
Authors: Jochum D. , Iohom G. , Diarra D. P. , Loughnane F. , Dupré L. J. , Bouaziz H.
Published: May 2006

Nerve stimulation is considered by many to be the current ‘gold standard’ for locating peripheral nerves. Thirteen nerve stimulators were subjected to a battery of tests performed by two independent observers under standardised conditions using a digital oscilloscope, a calibrated resistance and a novel scoring system. Individual scores were assigned for the signal waveform, current intensity, impulse duration, maximum load output and functionality of each nerve stimulator; the maximum score achievable was 20. A score of ≥ 15/20 was achieved by six nerve stimulators: Stimuplex HNS 12™(B Braun); MultiStim Vario™ (Pajunk); Plexival™ (Medival, Vygon); MultiStim Sensor™ (Pajunk); Plexygon™ (Aryon, Vygon); Stimuplex HNS 11™ (B Braun). Seven nerve stimulators scored < 15/20. Anaesthetists should be aware of the limitations of the nerve stimulator being used. Standardisation of features is desirable when manufacturing nerve stimulators.
Spinal myoclonus following combined spinal‐epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section
Authors: Menezes F. V. , Venkat N.
Published: May 2006

A nulliparous woman presented with pre‐eclampsia at 39 weeks' gestation. A combined spinal‐epidural anaesthesia was employed for Caesarean section but the spinal component produced no discernible block, so the epidural was topped up with 20 ml ropivacaine 0.75% without problem and surgery was uneventful. A week after delivery she developed twitching of her legs and opisthotonus, that was initially thought to be eclampsia but was subsequently diagnosed as spinal myoclonus. She was treated with oral carbamazepine and diazepam, with improvement over the next 4 days, and discharged home a week later taking oral carbidopa and levodopa. Her symptoms resolved completely 6 months after the initial event.
The effects of brief sevoflurane‐nitrous oxide anaesthesia upon children's postoperative cognition and behaviour
Authors: Millar K. , Asbury A. J. , Bowman A. W. , Hosey M. T. , Musiello T. , Welbury R. R.
Published: May 2006

This study assessed the effects of brief sevoflurane‐nitrous oxide anaesthesia on children's postoperative cognition, behaviour and physical morbidity. Forty‐eight children aged 5–10 years undergoing anaesthesia without premedication for multiple dental extractions, and 48 control children, performed tests of choice reaction time, attention, psychomotor co‐ordination and memory pre‐operatively (baseline), prior to discharge and at 48 h (anaesthesia group only). Physical and psychological morbidity were recorded at 1 week. Mean choice reaction time and psychomotor co‐ordination were significantly impaired postoperatively but had recovered at 48 h. However, measures of performance variability suggested the presence of residual impairment. Profound retrograde amnesia affected postoperative and 48‐h recall of pictorial stimuli presented prior to anaesthesia, but recognition memory was unimpaired. Attention‐seeking, tantrums, crying and nightmares were occurring more frequently in some 8–20% of children 1 week after the procedure.
Modification of allergic inflammation in murine model of rhinitis by different bacterial ligands: involvement of mast cells and dendritic cells
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Kawamura I. , Ito J. , Mitsuyama M.
Published: May 2006

Background
It has been suggested that airway bacterial infections exacerbate allergic disorders, and bacterial components in the air affect allergic inflammation via Toll‐like receptors expressed on mast cells and dendritic cells in the airway mucosa.

Objective
Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a major component of the bacterial cell wall. We investigated the effect of PGN on the effector phase of allergic inflammation, in comparison with the effect of CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG), which is known to be a Th1 adjuvant.

Methods
Ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized mice were challenged intranasally with OVA alone or OVA together with PGN or CpG. Nasal allergic symptoms and eosinophilia were scored, and the OVA‐specific cytokine response was examined in the cells of cervical lymph nodes and nasal mucosa. Bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs) and dendritic cells (BMDCs) were stimulated with PGN or CpG in vitro, and the expression level of cytokines and chemokines was examined by RT‐PCR. In addition, the expression level of chemokines was examined by RT‐PCR in mast cells of OVA‐sensitized mice challenged with OVA alone or OVA together with PGN or CpG.

Results
PGN exposure exacerbated the nasal allergic symptoms and eosinophilia, whereas CpG exposure suppressed them. In addition, PGN exposure increased the OVA‐specific IL‐4 response in the cells, whereas CpG exposure decreased it. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the OVA‐specific IFN‐γ response. PGN but not CpG induced the expression of thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage/monocyte‐derived chemokine (MDC) in both BMMCs and mast cells of mice sensitized and challenged with OVA. CpG but not PGN induced the expression of IFN‐β and interferon‐inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10) in BMDCs, and histamine did not influence this effect.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that PGN exposure exacerbates allergic inflammation mainly via mast cells, whereas CpG exposure suppresses allergic inflammation mainly via dendritic cells.
The impact of nitrogen deposition on carbon sequestration in European forests and forest soils
Authors: DE VRIES WIM , REINDS GERT JAN , GUNDERSEN PER , STERBA HUBERT
Published: May 2006

An estimate of net carbon (C) pool changes and long‐term C sequestration in trees and soils was made at more than 100 intensively monitored forest plots (level II plots) and scaled up to Europe based on data for more than 6000 forested plots in a systematic 16 km × 16 km grid (level I plots). C pool changes in trees at the level II plots were based on repeated forest growth surveys At the level I plots, an estimate of the mean annual C pool changes was derived from stand age and available site quality characteristics. C sequestration, being equal to the long‐term C pool changes accounting for CO2 emissions because of harvest and forest fires, was assumed 33% of the overall C pool changes by growth. C sequestration in the soil were based on calculated nitrogen (N) retention (N deposition minus net N uptake minus N leaching) rates in soils, multiplied by the C/N ratio of the forest soils, using measured data only (level II plots) or a combination of measurements and model calculations (level I plots). Net C sequestration by forests in Europe (both trees and soil) was estimated at 0.117 Gton yr−1, with the C sequestration in stem wood being approximately four times as high (0.094 Gton yr−1) as the C sequestration in the soil (0.023 Gton yr−1). The European average impact of an additional N input on the net C sequestration was estimated at approximately 25 kg C kg−1 N for both tree wood and soil. The contribution of an average additional N deposition on European forests of 2.8 kg ha−1 yr−1 in the period 1960–2000 was estimated at 0.0118 Gton yr−1, being equal to 10% of the net C sequestration in both trees and soil in that period (0.117 Gton yr−1). The C sequestration in trees increased from Northern to Central Europe, whereas the C sequestration in soil was high in Central Europe and low in Northern and Southern Europe. The result of this study implies that the impact of forest management on tree growth is most important in explaining the C pool changes in European forests.
Acquired von Willebrand's disease associated with gastrointestinal angiodysplasia: a case report
Authors: GUPTA P. K. , KANNAN M. , CHATTERJEE T. , DIXIT A. , MAHAPATRA M. , CHOUDHRY V. P. , SAXENA R.
Published: May 2006

Summary.  Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare and probably underestimated bleeding disorder which mimics most of the clinical symptoms and laboratory features of hereditary von Willebrand disease (VWD) in patients devoid of both personal and family history of bleeding diathesis. In this study, we present a case of 55 yrs male patient, presented with gastrointestinal bleeds since three years, diagnosed to have AVWS with inhibitors. From this study it is concluded that AVWS is rare and it is important to diagnose this bleeding disorder so that appropriate treatment with plasmapheresis and IV:Ig can effectively correct the haemostatic defect and manage severe bleeding in these patients.
Modulation of dendritic cell differentiation and cytokine secretion by the hydatid cyst fluid of Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Kanan João H. C. , Chain Benjamin M.
Published: May 2006

Chronic infection by Echinococcus granulosus results in establishment of fluid‐filled cysts (hydatid cysts) in liver or lungs of infected hosts, which can escape destruction by the host immune system for long periods. This study explores the modulation by hydatid cyst fluid of the in vitro human monocyte to dendritic cell (DC) transition induced by granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). Addition of the fluid to adherent peripheral blood monocytes cultured in GM‐CSF/IL‐4 stimulates release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and IL‐6. Exposure of differentiating DC to the fluid during the 7‐day culture in GM‐CSF/IL‐4 impairs their subsequent ability to secrete IL‐12, IL‐6 or PGE2 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. This inhibition is not dependent on the initial release of PGE2. The presence of hydatid cyst fluid also modulates the phenotype of the cells generated during culture, resulting in increased CD14 expression and decreased expression of CD1a. Finally, hydatid fluid can stimulate predifferentiated DC to mature, as evidenced by release of IL‐12 and IL‐6, and by up‐regulation of class II major histocompatibility complex and CD86. The possible role of dendritic cell modulation in regulating the host immune response to hydatid cysts is discussed.
Patterns of genetic variation in the adaptive radiation of New World crossbills (Aves:Loxia)
Authors: PARCHMAN THOMAS L. , BENKMAN CRAIG W. , BRITCH SETH C.
Published: May 2006

Incipient species groups or young adaptive radiations such as crossbills (Aves:Loxia) present the opportunity to investigate directly the processes occurring during speciation. New World crossbills include white‐winged crossbills (Loxia leucoptera), Hispaniolan crossbills (Loxia megaplaga), and red crossbills (Loxia curvirostracomplex), the last of which is comprised of at least nine morphologically and vocally differentiated forms (‘call types’) where divergent natural selection for specialization on different conifer resources has been strongly implicated as driving diversification. Here we use amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to investigate patterns of genetic variation across populations, call types, and species of New World crossbills. Tree‐based analyses using 440 AFLP loci reveal strongly supported clustering of the formally recognized species, but did not separate individuals from the eight call types in the red crossbill complex, consistent with recent divergence and ongoing gene flow. Analyses of genetic differentiation based on inferred allele frequency variation however, reveal subtle but significant levels of genetic differentiation among the different call types of the complex and indicate that between call‐type differentiation is greater than that found among different geographic locations within call types. Interpreted in light of evidence of divergent natural selection and strong premating reproductive isolation, the observed genetic differentiation suggests restricted gene flow among sympatric call types consistent with the early stages of ecological speciation.
10 A multi‐component model can predict outcome of restrictive surgery for obesity at baseline and 3 months
Authors: ASLAM N , RASHED H , MADAN AK , TICHANSKY DS , CUTTS T , JOHNSON WD , ABELL TL
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  We previously reported that a multi‐component model of autonomic and enteric factors may correlate with ultimate weight loss or gain after restrictive obesity surgery (NGM 2005; 17:472).

Patients:  We report on 39 patients, 4 male, 35 female, mean age 37.2 years, followed for up to 16 years post‐operatively after vertical banded gastroplasty.

Methods:  Two autonomic measures (adrenergic: PAR and VC and cholinergic: RRI) and one enteric measure (electrogastrogram: EGG) were recorded at baseline as previously described (DDS 44: 74s–78s, 1999). We performed a discriminant function analysis to investigate whether a patient's EGG, PAR, RRI, and VC values could be used to classify that patient as a loser or gainer following weight control surgery. The patients were divided into two categories (10 gainers, 29 losers), depending on the latest weight compared to baseline; discriminant criterion derived from the patient's data was applied to each patient's autonomic and enteric values to determine whether these measurements separated the patients into their true weight category.

Results:  A discriminate model based on baseline measures successfully predicted ultimate weight gain in 8/10 (80%) of patients who subsequently gained weight and weight loss in 24/29 (83%) of patients who in subsequently lost weight for a total correct classification rate of 32/39 (82%). The same model with data at 3 months post‐operatively predicted weight gain in 9 of 10 (90%) of patients and weight loss in 24 of 29 (83%) of patients, for a total correct classification rate of 34/39 pts (87%) (See table).

Conclusions:  A multi‐component model demonstrates that baseline and 3 months post‐operative measures can predict ultimate weight outcome from restrictive obesity surgery.

Time
Predicted Baseline
Outcome Lose
Total
3 Month Predicted
Outcome Lose
Total

Result
Gain
Lose
Total
Gain
Lose
Total

Gain
8 (80%)
 2
10
9 (90%)
 1
10

Lose
5
24 (83%)
29
5
24 (83%)
29
22 Comparison of multichannel electrogastrograms obtained with the use of three different electrode types
Authors: JONDERKO K , OBROK I , KRUSIEC‐SWIDERGOL B , KASICKA‐JONDERKO A , BLONSKA‐FAJFROWSKA B
Published: May 2006

Background/Aims:  Multichannel recording of the gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) is a promising evolution of electrogastrography. In the study we searched for electrodes the most suitable to obtain high quality multi‐channel electrogastrograms.

Methods:  Twelve young volunteers (9 F, 3 M, aged 24.3 ± 0.6 years) underwent on separate days three four‐channel electrogastrographic recordings of the GMA: 30 min fasted and 90 min after a solid meal stimulation. The electrogastrograms were recorded in randomized order with 3M Red Dot class Ag/AgCl electrodes designed primarily for long‐term electrocardiographic monitoring: type­2222 (conductive area, CA/total area, TA): 2.00/10.24 cm2, type­2271 2.54/29.64 cm2, type­2660 11.64/11.64 cm2 (total surface conductive!) and subsequently analysed with Polygram Net™ EGG 311224 software (Medtronic, USA). Electrical resistance between active electrodes relative to the reference one was measured with a digital ohmmeter before and after the recording session.

Results:  Type­2660 yielded consistently higher electrical resistance than the other electrode types, moreover in the case of type­2271 and type­2660 electrical conductivity significantly improved at the end of the recording relative to the basal measurement. Analysis of variance involving the relative time‐share of normogastria, meal‐induced change in dominant power, as well as a set of parameters unique for the multichannel electrogastrography and intended to characterize the so‐called spatial displacement of the gastric slow waves did not reveal any statistically significant effect of the electrode type on the parameters of the multichannel electrogastrogram. Although, when particular numerical data were inspected, type­2271 was found to perform slightly worse than the other electrode types. Type­2271 was also rated the less handy among the electrodes tested.

Conclusion:  Multichannel surface electrogastrography seems to be technically feasible with any type of high quality Ag/AgCl electrodes available on the market, whereas small dimensions enabling easy placement on the abdomen may be a feature favouring the choice of a particular electrode type for this examination.
24 Electrogastrography EGG in pancreas diabetes
Authors: SCHAFER E , RUSZNYAK K , SCHWAB R , GYOKERES T , FODOR Gy , PAP A
Published: May 2006

Background:  Timing and criteria of testing for gastric dysmotility in pancreatic diabetes is not well established.

Aim:  To investigate the pattern of EGG and autonomic neuropathy (AN) in patients with pancreas diabetes mellitus to clarify the relationship between autonomic neuropathy, alcohol consumption, glucose homeostasis, diabetes duration, and EGG.

Patients and methods:  Thirty patients with pancreas diabetes mellitus were enrolled into the study. Mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 11 (0–25) years, mean blood glucose levels: 8.13 ± 2.7 mmoll−1, HbA1c 8.3 ± 2.96%; 25/30 patients were treated with insulin, the others were on rigorous diet, all of them received high dose pancreatin substitution therapy. Ten matched controls without diabetes and pancreatic insufficiency were also examined. AN was evaluated by the cardiovascular reflex tests according to the Ewing's criteria (Diab. Care 8 (5): 491–497, 1985.), EGG was monitored for 30–30 min in both fasting and in postprandial states, using a Digitrapper EGG (Synectic Med., Stockholm). EGG rhythm disturbances (bradygastria: 0–2 cpm, tachygastria: 4–10 cpm) and meal evoked EGG signal amplitude (power) changes were determined.

Results:  9/30 pts had mild to moderate parasympathetic AN, 1/30 pts had sympathetic AN, 5/30 pts had both parasympathetic and sympathetic AN; 17/30 pts demonstrated myoelectric abnormalities: 5/30 pts had predominant bradygastria, 3/30 tachygastria, and in other 9/30 pts only an absence of increase in the postprandial signal amplitude was found. Overall, 7/30 pts with abnormal EGG did not demonstrated AN. Abnormal EGG showed no correlation with actual blood sugar values or HbA1c, but it was associated with diabetes duration more than 10 years.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that beside neuropathy other factors such as alcohol toxicity, sympathetic and parasympathetic imbalance or long‐term inappropriate glucose metabolism may be involved in the gastric myoelectric abnormalities provoked by pancreas diabetes.
26 Protein and ginger for the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced delayed nausea and gastric dysrhythmia
Authors: LEVINE ME , GILLIS M , YANCHIS S , VOSS AC , STERN RM , KOCH KL
Published: May 2006

Background:  Delayed nausea occurs in many cancer patients during the three days following administration of a cytotoxic agent. Meals high in protein content decrease the nausea of motion sickness and pregnancy, possibly by enhancing normal gastric myoelectrical activity and/or by reducing gastric dysrhythmias. Ginger may also have anti‐nausea properties. The aim of this study was to explore the use of a nutritional intervention consisting of high protein meals and ginger for the management of delayed nausea experienced by chemotherapy‐naïve cancer patients.

Method:  Twenty‐eight cancer patients receiving emetogenic cytotoxic agents were assigned to one of three groups. During the three day study period following their first chemotherapy session, Control Group patients (n = 9) continued with their normal diet, Protein Group patients (n = 9) were provided with a protein drink (ProSure®; 15 g protein) and 1 g of dried ginger root to consume twice daily, and High Protein Group patients (n = 10) were provided with a protein drink with additional protein powder (ProSure® and ProMod®; 31 g protein) and 1 g of dried ginger root to consume twice daily. All patients were asked to complete a symptom diary over the three days to assess the severity, frequency, and bothersomeness of the nausea they experienced, as well as their use of antiemetic medication. Gastric myoelectrical activity was assessed by electrogastrography as five patients ingested a protein meal with ginger on the first morning of the study.

Results:  Reports of nausea, of nausea being experienced often, and of nausea being bothersome were significantly less frequent in the High Protein Group than in the Control and Protein Groups (ps < 0.05); the Control and Protein Groups were not significantly different from each other. Furthermore, significantly fewer patients in the High Protein Group elected to use antiemetic medication than patients in the other two groups (p < 0.05). A significant increase in normal gastric myoelectrical activity, and a significant decrease in gastric tachyarrhythmia, the gastric dysrhythmia that frequently accompanies nausea, occurred with ingestion of the protein meals and ginger (ps < 0.05).

Conclusions:  High protein meals with ginger reduced the delayed nausea of chemotherapy, and reduced the use of antiemetic medications. Anti‐nausea effects of high protein meals with ginger were associated with enhancement of normal gastric myoelectrical activity and decreased gastric dysrhythmias. High protein meals with ginger represent a novel, nutritionally based treatment for the delayed nausea.
27 High dose ondansetron is not effective for reducing motion sickness in highly susceptible subjects
Authors: MUTH ER , ELKINS AN
Published: May 2006

While often effective, drug remedies for motion sickness typically induce undesirable side effects. Ondansetron has been explored as an alternative due to its proven prophylactic effect on the vomiting associated with chemotherapy and relative lack of side effects. Previous research indicates that ondansetron may inhibit tachyarrhythmia, a pattern of stomach electrical activity associated with nausea and motion sickness, which may in turn help prevent the development of some motion sickness symptoms. Sixty‐three participants with positive history of motion sickness and self‐treatment of motion sickness were selected. Participants were divided into three groups: placebo, 100 mg dimenhydrinate, and 24 mg ondansetron. Participants were given one of the three treatments 1 hour before exposure to a rotating chair stimulus. Electrogastrograms were measured during a 20‐min baseline and while participants were rotated in complete darkness for up to 20 minutes at 20 rpm while making timed head movements. There were no statistically significant differences between dimenhydrinate, ondansetron, or placebo in the number of head movements tolerated, the amount of time tolerated in the rotating chair, or on subjective motion sickness symptoms. All groups showed a marginally significant decrease in normal three cycles per minute (cpm) activity (F (1/45) = 3.04, p < 0.10) and a significant increase in gastric tachyarrhythmia (F (1/45) = 9.71, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups and no significant interactions of time (baseline vs. rotation) found in the electrogastrogram data. There were no statistically significant correlations with subjective symptom measures. 3 cpm activity during baseline was positively correlated with rotation duration (r = 0.31) and number of head movements tolerated (r = 0.311), meaning that baseline levels of 3 cpm activity are somewhat predictive of rotation and head movement toleration. This study revealed that ondansetron is not an effective remedy for motion sickness for highly susceptible people. The findings that ondansetron did not affect the GI measures is in direct contrast with previous findings that suggest ondansetron may inhibit tachyarrhythmia (Levine et al., 2000). This study also provides evidence that dimenhydrinate may not be effective for reducing motion sickness in highly susceptible individuals. From both a subjective and objective perspective, all groups developed motion sickness; not even the “gold standard” dimenhydrinate treatment was effective. It appears there is a group of motion sickness sufferers who lack the adequate treatment they need.
28 The alteration of multi‐channel Electrogastrography and autonomic nervous system function in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with test meal
Authors: XU X , DING Z , WANG Z , SONG Z , CHEN X , KE M
Published: May 2006

The aims of this study were to utilize multi‐channel electrogastrography (MEGG) and power spectra analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to investigate the effects of test meal on MEGG and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods:  Sixteen patients with the diagnosis of GERD were enrolled in this study (11 M, 5 F, mean age: 47 yrs) and 16 healthy subjects (HS) matched for age and gender were recruited as control (11 M, 5 F, mean age: 47 yrs). MEGG was recorded simultaneously with the electrocardiogram (ECG) recording for 30 min in the fasting state and 60 min after a standard test meal (450 Kcal). MEGG parameters included dominant frequency (DF), dominant power (DP), the normal percentage of 2–4 cpm gastric slow waves (%N) and the percentage of slow wave coupling (%SWC). ANS parameters included sympathovagal balance LF/HF Ratio, mainly sympathetic activity LF and vagal activity HF.

Results:  (1) Compared with fasting state, test meal significantly increased the DF but decreased the %N and %SWC in both GERD patients and HS in the 1st 30 min and 2nd 30 min fed state (P < 0.05). DP was not significantly altered by test meal in both groups in fed state. However, there is no significant difference between 1st 30 min and 2nd 30 min fed state for DF, %N and %SWC. 2) Compared with fasting state, test meal significantly increased the LF/HF ratio and LF but decreased the HF in both groups in the 1st 30 min after meal (P < 0.05), however, the increase of LF/HF ratio and LF but decrease of HF were still present in HS whereas absent in patients with GERD in the 2nd 30 min fed state. There is no significant difference between 1st 30 min and 2nd 30 min fed state for those ANS parameters. (3) There was no significant difference between GERD patients and HS in any of those MEGG and ANS parameters neither in fasting state nor in fed state. (4) There was no significant correlation between MEGG parameters and ANS parameters neither in fasting state nor in fed state in both groups.

Conclusions:  Both patients with GERD and HS may have similar response to test meal in MEGG test. GERD patients could not maintain the response to test meal longer in ANS test suggests that GERD patients may have impaired ANS regulation to test meal.
33 Effect of afferent vagal stimulation through oral exposure to a sour or a salty taste on gastric myoelectrical activity evaluated by means of multi‐channel electrogastrography
Authors: DZIELICKI M , JONDERKO K , DOMOSLAWSKA E , WALUGA M , KASICKA‐JONDERKO A , BLONSKA‐FAJFROWSKA B
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To determine if sensory stimulation with a salty or a sour taste would affect the interdigestive gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) in humans.

Methods:  Eighteen healthy volunteers (10 F, 8 M) were subjected on two separate days to four‐channel electrogastrographic recordings divided into consecutive 35 min periods: (i) basal fasted; (ii) a stimulation epoch while a subject was chewing an agar cube soaked with a taste‐delivering substance (Sodium chloride for the salty taste, citric acid for the sour taste) and (iii) a post‐stimulatory (recovery) epoch. An electrocardiogram was simultaneously registered for the purpose of the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Results:  Exposure to the salty taste increased both the power of the low frequency (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz) band and the low to high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio of the power spectrum‐analysed HRV data. The sour taste did not affect the HRV. During the stimulation and the recovery epoch either in the case of the salty or the sour taste a statistically significant augmentation in the relative time share of tachygastria within the multi‐channel electrogastrogram was observed. Exposure to the salty taste resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the fraction of the coupled gastric slow waves. Moreover, the time‐share of bradygastria rose slightly but statistically significantly in response to the stimulation with the salty taste. On the other hand, the sour taste elicited a significant decline in the dominant power of the gastric slow waves.

Conclusions:  (i) Oral exposure to a salty taste elicits a sympathetic arousal reflected by an increase in the LF power and the LF/HF power ratio, whereas a sour taste does not change the balance between the parasympathetic and the sympathetic constituent of the autonomous nervous system; (ii) the increment in tachygastria appears to be an unspecific phenomenon because it was evoked by stimulation with either the salty or the sour taste and (iii) the inhibitory effect on the GMA of the exposure to the sour taste is reflected by a dumping of the dominant power, whereas the stimulation with the salty taste is followed by an uncoupling of the gastric slow waves and an increase in bradygastria.
35 Electrogastrography in healthy participants: comparison of children and adults
Authors: FRIESEN CA , LIN Z , SCHURMAN JV , ANDRE L , MCCALLUM RW
Published: May 2006

The current study examined whether electrogastrogram (EGG) patterns differ between children/adolescents and adults, including whether EGG recordings obtained from healthy children would be considered normal by standards established for adults. Twenty‐eight healthy children (54% females; ages 8–17, M = 12.4 years) were evaluated and compared to 15 healthy adults. EGGs were recorded for 30 min in the fasting state and for 1 h following a standard meal. For both pediatric and adult participants, there was a significant increase in both the dominant frequency and the dominant power from the pre‐ to the post – prandial period (p < 0.001 for each). There was a significant post‐prandial increase in the %normal slow waves in pediatric participants only (81.5 vs. 89.0% vs. p < 0.001). Children demonstrated a significantly lower mean fasting %normal slow waves (81.5% vs. 94.2%) and a significantly greater fasting % tachygastria (8.9% vs. 2.3%) than did adults. Other parameters did not differ. Using adult standards, the %normal slow waves were ≥70% of recording time in 96% children in the fasting state and in 100% in the postprandial period. A postprandial power increase was seen in 89% of the children. In conclusion, while adults should not be used as controls in pediatric studies of EGG, our data would indicate that American Motility Society (AMS) consensus adult criteria for a normal EGG are appropriate to apply to children and adolescents when utilizing methodology and meal challenge similar to that used to establish the adult norms.