bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMELIORATION OF CARDIAC FUNCTION IN CHRONIC MYOCARDIAL INFARCTED RATS FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF VECTOR pcDNA3.1AM
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Fang , Shao Ying , Chen Shao‐Wei , Tian De‐Zhi , Huang Guo‐Ying , Huang Yu , Yao Tai , Lu Li‐Min
Published: July 2007

The present study was designed to examine the cardiovascular effects of intravenously administered pcDNA3.1AM, a recombinant non‐virus vector carrying a rat adrenomedullin (AM) gene translation fragment, in rats with chronic cardiac dysfunction induced by ligation of the left descending coronary artery.

Haemodynamic parameters were recorded by intraventricular catheterization. In situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify the distribution of the introduced vector. The concentration of AM was determined by radioimmunoassay.

Progressive cardiac dysfunction was observed following coronary artery ligation, as indicated by a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and increases in both central venous pressure (CVP) and end‐diastolic pressure of the left ventricle (LVEDP; P < 0.01). Administration of pcDNA3.1AM significantly attenuated the progressive cardiac dysfunction and lowered the elevated CVP and LVEDP. The introduced vector was widely distributed in different organs, including the lungs, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and brain. However, intense staining of pcDNA3.1 AM was observed in the lungs and kidneys. The introduced vector was localized mainly in the endothelial cells of blood vessels. Radioimmunoassay showed elevated levels of AM in the plasma and lung and heart after surgery, but there was no significant further increase in the concentration of AM after pcDNA3.1AM delivery.

The present study has provided some novel findings on the potential beneficial effects of AM gene delivery on chronic cardiac function in rats. Expression of AM by a non‐virus vector may also have therapeutic value against cardiac dysfunction in vivo.
Ca2+ SIGNALLING AND EARLY EMBRYONIC PATTERNING DURING ZEBRAFISH DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Webb Sarah E , Miller Andrew L
Published: July 2007

It has been proposed that Ca2+ signalling, in the form of pulses, waves and steady gradients, may play a crucial role in key pattern‐forming events during early vertebrate development.

With reference to the embryo of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), herein we review the Ca2+ transients reported from the cleavage to segmentation periods. This time‐window includes most of the major pattern‐forming events of early development, which transform a single‐cell zygote into a complex multicellular embryo with established primary germ layers and body axes.

Data are presented to support our proposal that intracellular Ca2+ waves are an essential feature of embryonic cytokinesis and that propagating intercellular Ca2+ waves (both long and short range) may play a crucial role in: (i) the establishment of the embryonic periderm and the coordination of cell movements during epiboly, convergence and extension; (ii) the establishment of the basic embryonic axes and germ layers; and (iii) definition of the morphological boundaries of specific tissue domains and embryonic structures, including future organ anlagen.

The potential downstream targets of these Ca2+ transients are also discussed, as well as how they may integrate with other pattern‐forming signalling pathways known to modulate early developmental events.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a chronic liver disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Lee Eun‐Hyun , Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Sung Won , Hahm Ki‐Baik , Kim Hak Yang , Park Jong‐Jae , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Seong Kook , Choi Seok Reyol , Lee Soo Teik , Moon Seong Mi
Published: July 2007

Background and Aims:  There has been no reliable and valid instrument to measure health‐related quality of life for Asian patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a chronic liver disease‐specific quality of life (CLD‐QOL) questionnaire for Korean patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods:  Content‐validated items were evaluated psychometrically in 271 patients with chronic liver disease recruited from seven university hospitals in Korea. The participants were asked to complete a preliminary questionnaire comprising the content‐validated items and the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. The Child–Pugh classification was used to classify the severity of liver cirrhosis.

Results:  Factor analysis extracted a five‐factor solution from 27 preliminary items, which were generated by an expert panel and a pilot study, but factor and a multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that four items were not loaded significantly on any factor, suggesting that the four items might be heterogeneous. After deletion of these four items, a multiscaling analysis strongly supported item convergence and discriminant validity. The CLD‐QOL was associated significantly with the Child–Pugh classification and the type of patient status (inpatient/outpatient) and was moderately correlated with the subscales of the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. The values of Cronbach's alpha for the subscales of the novel CLD‐QOL questionnaire were all greater than 0.70.

Conclusions:  The novel CLD‐QOL questionnaire we developed is an easily applicable tool that exhibits excellent psychometric properties for Korean patients with chronic liver disease. It is recommended for the CLD‐QOL to apply for Asian patients with chronic liver disease.
Ferucarbotran expands area treated by radiofrequency ablation in rabbit livers
Authors: Miyake Tatsuya , Sato Shuichi , Okamoto Eisuke , Ishine Junichi , Oshima Naoki , Azumi Takane , Mishiro Tomoko , Furuta Koichiro , Ishihara Shunji , Adachi Kyoichi , Amano Yuji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: July 2007

Background and Aim:  Several studies have examined the factors involved with expansion of the coagulation volume following radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Ferucarbotran contains superparamagnetic iron oxide that generates heat in a radiofrequency electric field and may have an effect on the area affected by RFA. We attempted to determine whether ferucarbotran administration expands radiofrequency‐ablated volume using a rabbit model.

Methods:  A total of 15 male Japanese white rabbits (16 weeks old) were used and divided into three groups of five each. A 1‐mL saline solution was given intravenously into a dorsal ear vein in the control group, whereas 1 mL ferucarbotran solution (0.016 mL/kg bodyweight) was given to the common‐dose group and 1 mL of a twofold concentrated ferucarbotran solution (0.032 mL/kg bodyweight) was given to the high‐dose group. RFA was performed with a cool‐tip electrode 4 h after the administration and immediately thereafter the rabbits were killed, and the volume of the ablated area measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Following the MRI analysis, the rabbit's livers were resected, and the maximum short axis diameter of the ablated area in each was measured.

Results:  None of the rabbits died during the RFA procedure. The volume of the ablated area estimated on MR images in the ferucarbotran‐administered groups was larger than that in the control group. Further, our macroscopic assessment showed that the maximum short axis diameter had a tendency to increase with ferucarbotran administration.

Conclusion:  Ferucarbotran may expand the area treated by RFA.
Immunological role of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase in rat liver allograft rejection and tolerance
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chun , Chen Chao‐Long , Nakano Toshiaki , Goto Shigeru , Kao Ying‐Hsien , Hsu Li‐Wen , Lai Chia‐Yun , Jawan Bruno , Cheng Yu‐Fan , Tateno Chise , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: July 2007

Background and Aim:  Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) is expressed in the placenta and plays an essential role in maternal tolerance. Recent data showed that giving IDO inhibitor blocked liver allograft tolerance. However, the immunological role of IDO in rat liver allograft models has not been characterized. In the present study, the time‐course of IDO expression and the localization of IDO were analyzed to address the role of IDO in the induction of tolerance.

Methods:  Rat orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) were performed and IDO gene expression of OLT livers was analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the localization of IDO‐expressed cells in the liver.

Results:  The IDO gene was detected in the allogeneic liver graft at the acute phase but the signal could not be detected when these OLT rats were treated with cyclosporinee A. The time‐course of IDO gene expression in liver grafts of the spontaneous tolerant OLT model revealed that the IDO mRNA was expressed in both the rejection phase and the induction phase of tolerance, but the signal was gradually lowered during the maintenance phase of tolerance. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the IDO protein was detected in antigen‐presenting cells but not in hepatocytes.

Conclusion:  Our results demonstrated that IDO is induced in antigen‐presenting cells of rat liver allografts under drug‐free status, suggesting that indirect or direct recognition of donor antigen and further T‐cell activation may be inhibited. IDO may act as a local immunosuppressive molecule to protect transplanted cells, tissues and organs from immune attack.
Inhaled mannitol changes the sputum properties in asthmatics with mucus hypersecretion*
Authors: DAVISKAS Evangelia , ANDERSON Sandra D. , YOUNG Iven H.
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  Most asthmatics with mucus hypersecretion have difficulty in clearing their secretions so that mucus plugs and airway obstruction are commonly present. Inhaled mannitol facilitates clearance of mucus. This study investigated the changes in the physical properties of sputum in response to mannitol in asthmatics with chronic cough and sputum production.

Method:  Sputum was collected from 12 asthmatics (26–73 year), lifelong non‐smokers, at baseline, after eformoterol (24 μg) and after mannitol on each of four visits. Inhaled mannitol doses were: 635 mg (Visit 1), 240 mg (Visit 2), 360 mg (Visit 3) and 360 mg in the presence of montelukast (Visit 4). Eformoterol was inhaled before mannitol on each visit to prevent bronchoconstiction. Sputum measurements included viscosity, elasticity, surface tension, contact angle‐glass and percentage solids.

Results:  There were no significant differences between the sputum properties at baseline and after eformoterol. Mannitol (360 mg) reduced the baseline (mean ± SEM) elasticity from 29.9 ± 4.5 to 15.1 ± 1.4 Pa (P < 0.0001), viscosity from 18.4 ± 3.2 to 8.1 ± 1.2 Pa (P < 0.0001) at 1 rad/ s, surface tension from 92.1 ± 2.2 to 81.9 ± 2.5 mN/m (P < 0.0001), contact angle‐glass from 57.5 ± 3.2 to 49.6 ± 2.0 degrees (P < 0.0001), and percentage solids from 6.9 ± 0.7 to 5.7 ± 0.4% (P < 0.0001). All doses of mannitol reduced the sputum properties similarly and no property was further reduced by montelukast (P > 0.4).

Conclusion:  Inhaled mannitol reduced the viscoelasticity, surface tension, contact angle and the solids content of sputum in asthmatics with chronic cough and sputum production, consistent with the osmotic effect of mannitol causing water efflux in the airway lumen.
Comparing serum and pleural fluid pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels with pleural‐to‐serum albumin gradient for the identification of cardiac effusions misclassified by Light's criteria
Authors: PORCEL José M. , CHORDA José , CAO Gonzalo , ESQUERDA Aureli , RUIZ‐GONZÁLEZ Agustin , VIVES Manuel
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  To assess the diagnostic performance of the amino‐terminal fragment of pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in pleural fluid and serum for the identification of pleural effusions owing to heart failure, and to determine if these measurements allow better categorization of cardiac effusions that have been misclassified by Light's criteria, than do serum‐pleural fluid albumin and protein gradients.

Methods:  The study prospectively evaluated NT‐proBNP in serum and pleural fluid from patients with effusions owing to heart failure (n = 53) and other causes (n = 40). Measurements were made of levels of NT‐proBNP by an electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay, and serum‐pleural fluid protein and albumin gradients.

Results:  Using a cut‐off value of 1500 pg/mL for serum and pleural samples, the accuracy of NT‐proBNP for identifying pleural effusions from cardiac causes was 89% and 90%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of pleural effusions from heart failure was similar for pleural fluid (0.931, 95% CI: 0.871–0.991) and serum (0.919, 95% CI: 0.855–0.984) NT‐proBNP. Six (75%) of eight patients with cardiac effusions that were misclassified as exudates by Light's criteria would have been correctly categorized by either NT‐proBNP or the albumin gradient, whereas only four (50%) would have been correctly classified by the protein gradient.

Conclusions:  NT‐proBNP is a useful marker for the diagnosis of pleural effusions from heart failure when measured in either serum or pleural fluid. At a cut‐off of 1500 pg/mL, NT‐proBNP is at least as accurate as the albumin gradient to correctly identify cardiac effusions misclassified as exudates by standard criteria, but at much higher cost.
The new ATS/ERS guidelines for assessing the spirometric severity of restrictive lung disease differ from previous standards
Authors: AGGARWAL Ashutosh N. , AGARWAL Ritesh
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  The ATS/ERS Task Force on Lung Function Testing recently proposed guidelines for the interpretation of pulmonary function tests and suggested that a reduction in FEV1 be used for categorizing both obstructive and restrictive abnormalities. This changes the severity stratification algorithm of restrictive patterns diagnosed by spirometry, that are currently categorized based on reduction in VC. This study examined the level of agreement between these two categorization schemes.

Methods:  Spirometry records of 2527 adult patients evaluated over 1 year were retrieved; 361 of these patients showed a restrictive pattern. Severity of airway restriction was separately assessed in these patients using the indicative schemes provided in the new ATS/ERS and the earlier ATS guidelines.

Results:  There were 212 (58.7%) patients with a restrictive pattern who had identical severity categorization using both guidelines. In most instances of discordance, the severity categorization differed only by a single stratum. Of 149 discordant results, 91 (60.1%) were placed in a better category, and 58 (39.9%) in a worse category, when using the new ATS/ERS recommendations. Overall weighted kappa estimate for agreement between the two schemes of categorization was 0.649.

Conclusion:  Based on spirometry results, the level of severity of restriction cannot be described interchangeably between the old and new guidelines for all patients. The new guidelines tend to give lower severity scores for restrictive lung diseases in up to 25% of patients.
Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Role of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection
Authors: TOMIOKA Hiromi , SAKURAI Toshiyasu , HASHIMOTO Kimio , IWASAKI Hironobu
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may experience acute exacerbations of their illness. The actual trigger(s) of such exacerbations is unknown. Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection can cause exacerbation of asthma and COPD. A prospective study was conducted to investigate the possible role of C. pneumoniae infection in triggering acute exacerbations of IPF.

Methods:  A prospective observational study over 5 years of consecutive IPF patients who fulfilled the criteria for acute exacerbation. Sputum, blood cultures and acute and convalescent serology for C. pneumoniae IgG and IgA (ELISA) were performed.

Results:  Previous infection with C. pneumoniae is common. Of the 27 study patients, 15 had a C. pneumoniae IgG index of 1.10–2.99 (positive) and 3 had a C. pneumoniae IgG index of >2.99 (strongly positive) at the time of presentation with an acute exacerbation. In addition, 15 subjects had a C. pneumoniae IgA index of 1.10–2.99 (positive) and 6 subjects had a C. pneumoniae IgA index of >2.99 (strongly positive). However, only two of the 15 subjects (13%) for whom paired sera were tested exhibited a significant rise in antibody response (change in index of 1.90 for C. pneumoniae IgG and 1.54 for IgA, respectively) indicating either acute or reactivated infection with C. pneumoniae. There were 15 deaths (56%) despite supportive care that included high‐dose corticosteroid therapy and oxygen supplementation.

Conclusions:  Mortality is high with acute exacerbation of IPF. Acute infection with C. pneumoniae is uncommon at the time of presentation with acute exacerbation of IPF.
A teaching hospital's experience applying the Pneumonia Severity Index and antibiotic guidelines in the management of community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: LEE Richard Wai Wing , LINDSTROM Steven Terence
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) was developed to predict mortality in community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). It has been prospectively validated to identify patients who are at low risk of death and thereby aid in the selection of patients for outpatient management. This study assessed the compliance of medical staff at a university teaching hospital with the use of the PSI and the PSI‐based local antibiotic guidelines in admitted patients.

Methods:  This was a retrospective study of 137 consecutive adults admitted with a primary diagnosis of CAP between July and December 2003. Implementation of the PSI and local antibiotic guidelines occurred 4 months prior to the study period. The data collected included patient demographics, PSI parameters, patient outcomes, adherence and compliance with the PSI scoring process and local antibiotic guidelines.

Results:  Forty per cent of all CAP admissions were patients in PSI Class I to III. The compliance with scoring the PSI was low (45 out of 137 patients; 33%), as was the accuracy of the PSI scoring (26 out of 45 patients; 58%). Compliance with the local antibiotic guidelines was 87% in patients in whom the PSI was performed.

Conclusions:  In admitted patients, non‐adherence with the PSI admission guidelines was common. Compliance with scoring the PSI and its scoring accuracy was low. This may be due to a lack of awareness and its relative complexity. Further studies to identify potential barriers to compliance are warranted.
Association between asthma, asthma symptoms and C‐reactive protein in US adults: Data from the national health and nutrition examination survey, 1999–2002
Authors: ARIF Ahmed A. , DELCLOS George L. , COLMER‐HAMOOD Jane
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  CRP is elevated in several inflammatory diseases; however, little is known about its association with asthma.

Methods:  The study evaluated the associations between CRP, asthma and asthma symptoms using data on 8020 adults ≥20 years of age from the latest US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results:  The prevalence estimates of current asthma, wheezing and nocturnal cough were 3.6% (95% CI: 2.9–4.4), 14.7% (95% CI: 13.7–15.8) and 4.6% (95% CI: 3.8–5.3), respectively. Geometric mean of CRP was 0.20 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.19–0.21). The majority of female (69.5%) respondents were in the fourth (highest) quartile of CRP. Mean CRP levels were significantly higher in non‐Hispanic blacks as compared with non‐Hispanic whites. The adjusted odds of current asthma and past asthma (as compared with no asthma) were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.02–2.53) and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.07–1.91), respectively, greater in the fourth quartile of CRP. The adjusted odds of presence of both wheezing and nocturnal cough were 2.18 and 3.40 in the third and fourth quartile of CRP, respectively.

Conclusions:  This study shows that adults with asthma and asthma symptoms have higher levels of CRP. The potential use of CRP as a clinically useful marker for asthma severity and control should be further explored.
Comparison of Indian reference equations for spirometry interpretation
Authors: AGGARWAL Ashutosh N. , GUPTA Dheeraj , JINDAL Surinder K.
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  It would be desirable in a large country such as India that a single set of reference equations be used to interpret lung function tests performed across the entire country. This study compared north, west and south reference equations in interpreting spirometry results in north Indian patients.

Methods:  Spirometric records of 27383 patients aged 16–65 years were assessed. Spirometric values for FVC, FEV1 and FEV1%FVC values derived from north, west and south Indian reference equations were compared. Differences in the lower limit of normal (LLN) were studied across the age and height range of the study group to determine if there was any clinically significant difference in the three derived values.

Results:  The north and west Indian equations was discordant in 22.1% instances, and the north and south Indian equations in 12.9% instances, with kappa estimates of agreement being 0.626 and 0.781, respectively. Most of the patients with abnormal spirometry using north Indian equations were erroneously interpreted to have normal spirometry using west or south Indian equations. The south Indian equations underpredicted LLN for FVC and FEV1 for most men and women. The west Indian equations underpredicted LLN for FVC and FEV1 in all men, and in younger and short statured women.

Conclusions:  North, west and south Indian reference equations do not yield equivalent results for spirometry interpretation in north Indian patients.
Improved lung function after thoracocentesis in patients with paradoxical movement of a hemidiaphragm secondary to a large pleural effusion
Authors: WANG Lee‐Min , CHERNG Jaw‐Ming , WANG Jeng‐Shing
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  Previous studies have shown little or no improvement in pulmonary function and arterial blood oxygenation after therapeutic thoracocentesis. This study investigated changes in pulmonary function, arterial blood gases and dyspnoea after therapeutic thoracocentesis in patients with paradoxical movement (PM) of a hemidiaphragm due to pleural effusion.

Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with pleural effusion and PM of a hemidiaphragm and 41 patients with pleural effusion but without paradoxical movement (NPM) were studied before and 24 h after thoracocentesis. Lung function measurements included lung mechanics, blood gas exchange and the Borg dyspnoea scale.

Results:  At thoracocentesis a mean of 1220 mL of pleural fluid was removed from the PM group and 1110 mL from the NPM group. Post‐thoracocentesis the PM group showed small but significant improvement (P < 0.05) in FEV1 (63% vs 73%), FVC (67% vs 77%), PaO2 (66 mm Hg vs 73 mm Hg), A‐a O2 gradient (38 mm Hg vs 30 mm Hg), and the Borg scale (5.1 vs 2.1). The NPM group showed no significant change in any parameter.

Conclusions:  Statistically significant improvement in pulmonary function following thoracocentesis was observed in patients with pleural effusion and PM of the hemidiaphragm. Patient selection may therefore explain the different outcomes of thoracocentesis reported in previous studies.
Effects of inflammatory cytokines on the recurrence of liver cancer after an apparently curative operation
Authors: BAI Li , MAO Gao Ping , CAO Chuan Ping
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the effects of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM‐1), on the recurrence of liver cancer after apparently curative surgical resection of the tumor.

METHODS:  An experimental mouse model of liver cancer metastasis was designed using hepatoma 22(H22) inoculated into the subserous layer of spleen of 615 mice. Partial hepatectomy (PH) or sham operation (SH) was performed at various periods of spleen inoculation and metastasic effects were recorded. The expression of inflammatory cytokines as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and VCAM‐1 were analyzed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

RESULTS:  Compared with SH, a significant augmented metastatic effect was observed in the mice with PH (P < 0.01), and higher mRNA expressions of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and VCAM‐1 were also observed. The peak expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and VCAM‐1 were found at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Among them, TNF‐α expression was found immediately increasing after 4 h and kept at a high level till 96 h after PH. The expression of VCAM‐1 was found to have two peaks at 4 and 72 h after PH, 3–6 times higher than its level prior to the operation. The expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and VCAM‐1 showed a significantly positive correlation with the augmenting effect of liver metastasis in the mice model.

CONCLUSION:  The results indicate that pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and VCAM‐1 might be involved in promoting the enhanced metastasis of liver cancer after surgical operation, especially the PH.
HUITAI rapid urease test: A new ultra‐rapid biopsy urease test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: GOH Khean‐Lee , CHEAH Phaik‐Leng , NAVARATNAM Parasakthi , CHIN Sow‐Chan , XIAO Shu‐Dong
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND:  The gastric biopsy urease test is an accurate and robust diagnostic test for Helicobacter pylori infection. Large endoscopy units use their own homemade unbuffered ultra‐rapid urease test for diagnosis of H. pylori infection but several commercial rapid urease tests are available.

OBJECTIVE:  To compare the accuracy and reaction time of a new biopsy urease test, HUITAI rapid urease test, in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection.

METHODS:  Consecutive patients presenting with dyspepsia to the endoscopy unit, University of Malaya Medical Center were recruited for the study. Patients who were previously treated for H. pylori infection or who had received antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors or bismuth compounds in the preceding 4 weeks were excluded. The H. pylori diagnosis was made based on the homemade rapid urease test, histology and culture of gastric biopsies. Biopsies from the antrum and corpus of the stomach were taken for this purpose. In addition, two antral and corpus biopsies were taken for the HUITAI rapid urease test. A positive diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made when the culture was positive or if both histology and the rapid urease test were positive. A negative diagnosis was made when all tests were negative. The positive reaction time of the HUITAI rapid urease test was carefully timed up to 60 min.

RESULTS:  Two hundred and six patients were recruited in the study. One hundred and twelve were diagnosed as having an H. pylori infection while the other 94 patients were regarded as negative. There were no spoiled tests and no indeterminate results. The sensitivity of the HUITAI rapid urease test was 98.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 93.7%, 99.8%), specificity, 99.0% (95% CI: 94.2%, 100%), positive predictive value, 99.0% (95% CI: 95.1%, 100%), negative predictive value, 97.9% (95% CI: 92.6%, 99.7%). The overall diagnostic accuracy for the HUITAI rapid urease test was 98.5% (95% CI: 96.6, 99.9). The median positive reaction time was 1.0 min (25–75% inter‐quartile range [IQR]: 1.0–3.0 min).

CONCLUSIONS:  The HUITAI rapid urease test is highly accurate for the diagnosis of an H. pylori infection and showed a very rapid positive reaction time.
Experimental radiotherapy‐induced enteritis: A probiotic interventional study
Authors: Seal MG , Naito Y , Barreto R , Lorenzetti A , Safran P , Marotta F
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE:  Acute radiation of the small intestine causes an immediate and potentially reversible effect on the sensitive regenerative epithelium of the intestinal mucosa while markedly altering the overall intestinal ecosystem. The aim of the present study was test a novel probiotic mixture formulation (Microflorana‐F) in an experimental model of acute radiation enteritis with particular interest in endotoxinemia and bacterial translocation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Male Wistar rats allocated to three groups were fed for 7 days with: (A) a standard balanced diet; (B) a standard diet with the addition of 1 mL t.i.d. of Microflorana‐F and (C) the same probiotic but after heat inactivation. Under ketamine anesthesia, abdominal irradiation was performed at a single dose rate of 20 Gy. Sham‐radiated healthy rats served as a control (D). Standard food and active/inactive probiotic supplementation schedule was maintained throughout the study period. When they were killed 14 days later a midline laparotomy and a medium sternotomy was carried out. The mesenteric lymph nodes, whole spleen and liver samples as well as blood, the portal vein and bile samples were cultured. Endotoxinemia was also measured.

RESULTS:  Early deaths (1 week) occurred mostly in rats fed standard food or inactivated probiotic. The endotoxin level significantly increased in irradiated rats fed standard food and inactivated probiotic while supplementation with the active form of the probiotic mixture significantly improved such parameters (P < 0.05). After radiation injury, mesenteric lymph nodes and portal blood were the samples most frequently yielding bacterial growth. Treatment with only the active form of probiotic significantly reduced the incidence of bacterial contamination in all samples.

CONCLUSIONS:  These data suggest that the manipulation of gut ecosystem by biologically effective probiotic preparations might be a worthwhile therapeutic and preventive tool in radiation‐induced enteritis.
Effects of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase on rat cultured hepatic stellate cells stimulated by acetaldehyde
Authors: ZHENG Shu Mei , JIANG Ming De , ZENG Wei Zheng , XU Hui , WANG Yun Xia , MA Hong De , XIE Fang Wei , ZHANG Yong , QIN Jian Ping , WU Xiao Ling
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the effects of PD98059 on the cell cycle, cell proliferation, the secretion of type I collagen and expression of transforming growth factor‐β‐1 mRNA in rat hepatic stellate cells stimulated by acetaldehyde.

METHODS:  Rat hepatic stellate cells stimulated by acetaldehyde were incubated with different concentrations of PD98059. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric assay. The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor‐β‐1 was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Type I collagen of the culture medium was detected by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay.

RESULTS:  Twenty, 50 and 100 µmol/L PD98059 could significantly inhibit the proliferation and provoke a G0/G1‐phase arrest of hepatic stellate cells stimulated by acetaldehyde in a dose‐dependent manner. The secretion of type I collagen and transforming growth factor‐β‐1 mRNA expression of acetaldehyde‐induced hepatic stellate cells were markedly inhibited by 50 and 100 µmol/L PD98059, respectively.

CONCLUSION:  Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signal transduction pathway could regulate cell proliferation, the secretion of type I collagen and transforming growth factor‐β‐1 mRNA expression of rat hepatic stellate cells stimulated by acetaldehyde. This is most likely related to its regulative effect on the cell cycle.
Altered cortical visual processing in individuals with a spreading photoparoxysmal EEG response
Authors: Siniatchkin Michael , Moeller Friederike , Shepherd Alex , Siebner Hartwig , Stephani Ulrich
Published: July 2007

Photosensitive individuals respond with epileptiform electroencephalography (EEG) discharges to intermittent photic stimulation. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this photoparoxysmal response (PPR) remain to be clarified. We investigated the involvement of magnocellular and parvocellular pathways in the processing of nonprovocative visual stimuli in healthy subjects with different phenotypic expressions of PPR (15 individuals with a local PPR, i.e. occipital discharges only, and 15 with a PPR propagating to anterior brain regions) and in 17 PPR‐negative healthy controls using pattern‐reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP). Checkerboard stimulation was performed at a low and a high spatial frequency to preferentially activate the magnocellular and parvocellular pathways. VEP habituation was also assessed over 15 blocks (each 100 trials) of recording. PPR‐positive individuals with propagating PPR showed an increase in the N75–P100 and P100–N135 VEP components for both spatial frequencies, whereas individuals with a local PPR had normal VEP amplitudes. Individuals with propagating PPR also showed a stronger VEP habituation and reported more aversive sensations during continuous visual stimulation with the high spatial frequency checkerboard. The selective increase in VEP amplitudes in individuals with propagating PPR corroborates the notion that PPR with propagation is pathophysiologically distinct from local PPR. The increase in VEP amplitudes was independent of the spatial frequency of visual stimulation, indicating an increased neuronal excitability in both the parvocellular and magnocellular pathways. The stronger habituation in these individuals may reflect a compensatory mechanism to stabilize excitability in the visual system.
Immunolabelling of the 5‐HT3B receptor subunit in the central and peripheral nervous systems in rodents
Authors: Doucet Edith , Latrémolière Alban , Darmon Michèle , Hamon Michel , Emerit Michel B.
Published: July 2007

The 5‐HT3 receptor is a member of the superfamily of neurotransmitter‐gated ion channels involved in fast synaptic signalling and in modulation of neurotransmitter release. As for many other channel receptors, the electrophysiological properties and the functions of the 5‐HT3 receptor are determined by subunit composition of the pentameric channel. Because in situ hybridization did not allow the detection of mRNA encoding the 5‐HT3B subunit in the rodent central nervous system, or in nearly half of the neurons expressing the 5‐HT3A subunit in peripheral ganglia, it has been suggested that subunit composition could define at least two 5‐HT3 receptor‐expressing neuronal populations. In order to challenge this hypothesis, we have developed polyclonal antibodies directed against a portion of the second intracytoplasmic loop of the mouse 5‐HT3B subunit. Immunohistochemical analysis in the mouse and the rat revealed that immunolabelling was most prominent in peripheral ganglia, particularly in trigeminal ganglia (TG). In rats, transection or ligature of the infraorbital nerve resulted in a pronounced accumulation of immunoreactive material at the proximal side of the lesioned nerve, and an up‐regulation of both subunits in 5‐HT3 receptor‐expressing TG neurons. Surprisingly, nearly 100% of neurons expressing 5‐HT3A subunits were also labelled by anti‐5‐HT3B antibodies. We also detected 5‐HT3B immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampal CA1 layer and in scattered cortical neurons, indicating that detection of 5‐HT3 subunit mRNA by in situ hybridization might not provide really complete mapping of heteromeric 5‐HT3A/B vs. homomeric 5‐HT3A receptors in the peripheral and central nervous systems in rodents.
Protein kinase C modulates the phase‐delaying effects of light in the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: Lee Boyoung , Almad Akshata , Butcher Greg Q. , Obrietan Karl
Published: July 2007

The mammalian circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) drives a vast array of biochemical and physiological processes with 24‐h periodicity. The phasing of SCN pacemaker activity is tightly regulated by photic input from the retina. Recent work has implicated protein kinase C (PKC) as a regulator of photic input, although stimulus‐induced PKC activity has not been examined. Here we used a combination of biochemical, immunohistochemical and behavioral techniques to examine both the regulation and role of PKC in light‐induced clock entrainment in mice. We report that photic stimulation during the subjective night, but not during the subjective day, stimulates PKC activity within the SCN. To assess the role of PKC in clock entrainment, we employed an in‐vivo infusion approach to deliver the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I to the SCN. The disruption of PKC activity significantly enhanced the phase‐shifting effects of light, indicating that PKC functions as a negative regulator of light entrainment. Importantly, bisindolylmaleimide I infusion in the absence of light treatment did not phase shift the clock, demonstrating that transient disruption of basal PKC activity does not affect inherent pacemaker activity. The capacity of light to stimulate immediate early gene expression in the SCN was not substantively altered by PKC inhibition, suggesting that PKC does not couple light to rapid transcriptional activation. Rather, a combination of in‐vivo and cell culture assays indicates that PKC functions as an inhibitor of PERIOD1 degradation. Thus, PKC may influence clock entrainment via a post‐translational mechanism that influences clock protein stability.
Cellular correlates of spontaneous periodic events in the medial entorhinal cortex of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain
Authors: Gnatkovsky Vadym , Wendling Fabrice , De Curtis Marco
Published: July 2007

Periodic potentials characterized by fast oscillations superimposed on a slow complex event are typically observed in cortical structures during sleep and anaesthesia. In the entorhinal cortex (EC) similar spontaneus periodic events (SPEs) have been described both in vivo and in vitro. Simultaneous extracellular and intracelluar recordings from superficial neurons of the entorhinal cortex of the isolated Hartley guinea pig brain preparation demonstrated that SPEs recur with a periodicity of 2–10 s and correlate to neuronal firing superimposed on a depolarizing plateau that lasts 0.7–1 s. During SPEs, putative interneurons in all layers discharged high frequency firing (> 100 Hz), whereas no activity was observed in principal neurons of deep entorhinal cortex layers. Linear correlation analysis demonstrated a tight relationship between the fast component of the extracellular SPE and subthreshold oscillatory activity/neuronal firing in both superficial neurons and putative interneurons; firing of deep principal cells was independent from SPEs occurrence. The present study demonstrates that recurrent spontaneous events analogous to periodic activity observed during sleep/anaesthesia are generated in the entorhinal cortex by the interactions between superficial neurons and interneurons.
Object‐based attention is multisensory: co‐activation of an object's representations in ignored sensory modalities
Authors: Molholm Sophie , Martinez Antigona , Shpaner Marina , Foxe John J.
Published: July 2007

Within the visual modality, it has been shown that attention to a single visual feature of an object such as speed of motion, results in an automatic transfer of attention to other task‐irrelevant features (e.g. colour). An extension of this logic might lead one to predict that such mechanisms also operate across sensory systems. But, connectivity patterns between feature modules across sensory systems are thought to be sparser to those within a given sensory system, where interareal connectivity is extensive. It is not clear that transfer of attention between sensory systems will operate as it does within a sensory system. Using high‐density electrical mapping of the event‐related potential (ERP) in humans, we tested whether attending to objects in one sensory modality resulted in the preferential processing of that object's features within another task‐irrelevant sensory modality. Clear evidence for cross‐sensory attention effects was seen, such that for multisensory stimuli responses to ignored task‐irrelevant information in the auditory and visual domains were selectively enhanced when they were features of the explicitly attended object presented in the attended sensory modality. We conclude that attending to an object within one sensory modality results in coactivation of that object's representations in ignored sensory modalities. The data further suggest that transfer of attention from visual‐to‐auditory features operates in a fundamentally different manner than transfer from auditory‐to‐visual features, and indicate that visual‐object representations have a greater influence on their auditory counterparts than vice‐versa. These data are discussed in terms of ‘priming’ vs. ‘spreading’ accounts of attentional transfer.
Genetic evidence for the requirement of adenylyl cyclase 1 in synaptic scaling of forebrain cortical neurons
Authors: Gong Bo , Wang Hansen , Gu Steven , Heximer Scott P. , Zhuo Min
Published: July 2007

Homeostatic plasticity is important to stabilize the activity level of neuronal circuits. Molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal homeostatic plasticity in response to activity deprivation are not completely understood. We found that prolonged alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor blockade by 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) resulted in larger, faster miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) events with enhanced frequency in cultured forebrain cortical neurons. Furthermore, GluR1 protein level and CREB‐dependent transcription were up‐regulated. Blockade of L‐type Ca2+ channels but not kainate receptors produced similar effects to the AMPA receptor blockade. Genetic deletion of AC1 (adenylyl cyclase 1), but not AC8, a key neuronal adenylyl cyclase, significantly reduced inactivity‐induced GluR1 changes. Our results indicate the synthesis of homomeric GluR1 AMPA receptors and their possible insertion into synapses due to synaptic inactivity in the cortex. AC1 plays a subtype selective role in this process by coupling signals from L‐type Ca2+ channels to downstream signalling pathways.
Spike train signatures of retinal ganglion cell types
Authors: Zeck Günther M. , Masland Richard H.
Published: July 2007

The mammalian retina deconstructs the visual world using parallel neural channels, embodied in the morphological and physiological types of ganglion cells. We sought distinguishing features of each cell type in the temporal pattern of their spikes. As a first step, conventional physiological properties were used to cluster cells in eight types by a statistical analysis. We then adapted a method of P. Reinagelet al.(1999:J. Neurophysiol.,81, 2558–2569) to define epochs within the spike train of each cell. The spike trains of many cells were found to contain robust patterns that are defined by the (averaged) timing of successive interspike intervals in brief activity epochs. The patterns were robust across four different types of visual stimulus. Although the patterns are conserved in different visual environments, they do not prevent the cell from signaling the strength of its response to a particular stimulus, which is expressed in the number of spikes contained in each coding epoch. Clustering based on the spike train patterns alone showed that the spike train patterns correspond, in most but not all cases, to cell types pre‐defined by traditional criteria. That the congruence is less than perfect suggests that the typing of rabbit ganglion cells may need further refinement. Analysis of the spike train patterns may be useful in this regard and for distinguishing the many unidentified ganglion cell types that exist in other mammalian retinas.
Interactions of the basolateral amygdala with the dorsal hippocampus and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex regulate drug context‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking in rats
Authors: Fuchs Rita A. , Eaddy Jessica L. , Su Zu‐In , Bell Guinevere H.
Published: July 2007

The basolateral amygdala (BLA), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and dorsal hippocampus (DH) are critical elements of the neurocircuitry of drug context‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking; however, little is known about functional interactions between these brain regions. The present study tested the hypothesis that serial information processing by the BLA and dmPFC mediates drug context‐induced cocaine‐seeking, whereas the BLA and DH independently control this behaviour. Rats were trained to self‐administer cocaine in a distinct environment (cocaine‐paired context) followed by extinction training in a different environment (extinction context). On the test days, rats received unilateral microinfusions of baclofen + muscimol or of vehicle into the BLA and either the contralateral or ipsilateral dmPFC or DH. Cocaine‐seeking behaviour (i.e. nonreinforced presses on the cocaine‐associated lever) was then assessed in the cocaine‐paired and extinction contexts. Following vehicle pretreatment, exposure to the cocaine‐paired context reinstated extinguished cocaine‐seeking behaviour. BLA–dmPFC asymmetrical inactivation attenuated cocaine‐seeking behaviour relative to vehicle treatment; however, this impairment equaled that produced by ipsilateral BLA–dmPFC inactivation. Furthermore, unilateral inactivation of the BLA or dmPFC did not alter this behaviour. BLA–DH asymmetrical inactivation selectively attenuated cocaine‐seeking behaviour relative to vehicle treatment whereas ipsilateral or unilateral inactivation of the BLA and DH did not alter this behaviour. These findings indicate that the BLA and DH exhibit sequential information processing within the relapse circuitry. In contrast, interactions between the BLA and dmPFC are more complex and include parallel loops of information processing and/or necessary interhemispheric input from the dmPFC to the BLA, probably in addition to direct intrahemispheric interactions.
Deafness alters auditory nerve fibre responses to cochlear implant stimulation
Authors: Sly David J. , Heffer Leon F. , White Mark W. , Shepherd Robert K. , Birch Michael G. J. , Minter Ricki L. , Nelson Niles E. , Wise Andrew K. , O'Leary Stephen J.
Published: July 2007

Here we characterized the relationship between duration of sensorineural hearing loss and the response of the auditory nerve to electrical stimulus rate. Electrophysiological recordings were made from undeafened guinea pigs and those ototoxically deafened for either 5 weeks or 6 months. Auditory neuron survival decreased significantly with the duration of deafness. Extracellular recordings were made from auditory nerve fibres responding to biphasic, charge‐balanced current pulses delivered at rates of 20 and 200 pulses/s via a monopolar scala tympani stimulating electrode. The response to 20 pulses/s electrical stimulation of the deafened cochlea exhibited a decrease in spike latency, unaltered temporal jitter and unaltered dynamic range (of nerve firing rate against stimulus current), and a reduction in threshold after 6 months of deafness. The response to a 200‐pulse/s stimulus was similar except that the dynamic range was greater than with 20 pulses/s and was also greater in deafened animals than in undeafened animals. Deafness and pulse rate are related; in deaf animals spike recovery appears to be complete between successive stimulus pulses at a low rate (20 pulses/s), but incomplete between pulses at a moderate pulse rate (200 pulses/s). These results suggest that changes in the function of individual auditory nerve fibres after deafness may affect clinical responses during high‐rate stimulation such as that used in contemporary speech processing strategies, but not during lower rate stimulation such as that used to record evoked potentials.