bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Anatomical and Radioanatomical Study on the Cervical Spinal Cord for Percutaneous Cordotomy
Authors: Asakura T. , Kawamura H. , Mihara T. , Kitamura K.
Published: May 2007

For the purpose of more accurate and exact percutaneous cordotomy for the relief of pain, the authors studied the radioanatomical relationship between upper cervical spines, spinal cords and the subarachnoid spaces in various postural situations. The subarachnoid space of eight cadavers was fulfilled with water-soluble radiopaque substance (Conray®) and exposed to X-ray. The radiological examinations were made and analysed carefully in each position, such as in neutral, anteflexed and retroflexed positions. Then the upper cervical spine of the cadaver was laminectomized, and the cervical spinal cord was examined histologically in cross-sections. The results could provide more accurate and exact information which will be valuable in the practice of percutaneous cordotomy under X-ray control.
The Place of Surgery in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Falconer M.A.
Published: May 2007

Astudy of 30 children, 15 years of age or younger, who have been submitted to unilateral temporal lobectomy for untumourous epilepsy, will be given. Follow-ups range from 2 to 22 years. Mesial temporal sclerosis (Ammon''s horn) plus amygdalar sclerosis has proved to be the most common pathological substrate, followed by hamartomas and other developmental anomalies. No specific pathology affecting neurons is found in about a quarter to a fifth of cases. The significance of these lesions will be discussed. In particular, mesial temporal sclerosis is an acquired lesion of anoxic origin and one that is most frequently secondary to severe febrile convulsions in infancy. It has also a genetic factor which is probably a tendency for the infant to have a convulsion once a fever arises from any cause. As in adults, the best results of surgery, both as regards seizure relief and improvement to social adaptation, occur whenever this lesion is disclosed at operation. So far the optimal age at which to submit children to operation with temporal lobe epilepsy has been between 10 and 12 years but our recent experiences suggest that the operation should be contemplated at an even earlier period of life.
A New Technique to Achieve Sufficient Mesorectal Excision in Upper Rectal Cancer
Authors: Ohigashi Seiji , Hayashi Naoki , Shimada Gen , Onodera Hisashi
Published: May 2007

Background: Appropriate partial mesorectal excision (PME) is extremely important for prevention of local recurrence even in upper rectal cancer. However, it is not always easy to conduct PME in the narrow pelvic cavity. We devised a new surgical technique that involves a rectal transection followed by PME. Methods: After rectal mobilization in the layer targeted for total mesorectal excision, only the rectal wall was bluntly dissected at an appropriate distance from the tumor. Initial transection of the rectum allows drawing the rectum toward the anal side so that the mesorectum can be confirmed with a good visual field. Excision of the mesorectum was easy, and it could be resected in a short time. Results: This technique was conducted on seven patients with upper rectal cancer and on four patients with rectosigmoid cancer. Separation of the rectal wall was comparatively easy, and we had no incidence of wall injury. The average distance from the rectal stump to the distal mesorectum in the freshly resected specimen was 15 mm, indicating satisfactory PME. Conclusions:This easily performed method is a promising procedure for achieving sufficient PME in upper rectal cancer.
A Prospective Study of Acute Admissions in a Surgical Unit due to Diverticular Disease
Authors: John S.K.P. , Teo N.B. , Forster A.L.
Published: May 2007

Introduction: Considerable controversy exists in the surgical literature on the most appropriate treatment modality for patients with recurrent diverticular disease. We aim to assess the clinical outcome of acute surgical admissions with diverticular disease, and in particular patients with recurrent admissions. Methods: 100 consecutive emergency admissions with suspected diverticular disease were prospectively recruited from November 1, 2002 to May 31, 2004. Results: The majority of the patients were female (64%) and the median age was 74 (45–97) years. The follow-up period was up to 30 months. Four patients with tumour and polyps as definitive diagnosis were excluded from further analysis. Fifty-four patients had a known history of diverticular disease with a median duration of 4 (range 1–40) years; 44 of them had 1–7 previous emergency admissions (median 2). Acute diverticulitis (42%) and acute rectal bleeding (23%) were the commonest presentations. Patients with complicated diverticulitis requiring an emergency operation had a median C-reactive protein of 281 mg/l compared to 58 mg/l in the conservatively treated patients with acute diverticulitis (Mann- Whitney U test, Z –3.943, p < 0.001). Nine of 14 patients operated had at least two previous admissions with complications of diverticular disease. Emergency operative treatment was associated with prolonged hospital stay (21 vs. 5 days; Mann-Whitney U test, Z –4.367, p < 0.001), increased morbidity and postoperative mortality. Conclusions: Symptomatic diverticular disease is associated with recurrent emergency admissions. The majority of patients who required emergency laparotomy had previous recurrent emergency admissions, which was associated with increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stay.
Effect of High-Salt Diet on Vascular Relaxation and Oxidative Stress in Mesenteric Resistance Arteries
Authors: Zhu Jiaxuan , Huang Tianjian , Lombard Julian H.
Published: May 2007

This study tested the hypothesis that superoxide levels are elevated in isolated mesenteric resistance arteries (100–300 µm) from rats fed a short-term high-salt (HS) diet (4% NaCl for 3 days) compared to controls fed a low-salt (LS) diet (0.4% NaCl). Vascular relaxation induced by the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol (4-hydroxytetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl), the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin and the xanthine/xanthine oxidase inhibitor oxypurinol was significantly larger in mesenteric arteries from animals fed HS diet compared to arteries from animals fed LS diet. Basal superoxide levels assessed via dihydroethidine (DHE) fluorescence were significantly elevated in arteries from rats fed HS diet, and were reduced by tempol, apocynin and oxypurinol, but not by L-NAME. Basal and methacholine-induced NO production (assessed by DAF-2T fluorescence) was significantly reduced in arteries from rats fed HS diet versus arteries from rats on LS diet. Impaired methacholine-induced NO release and vascular relaxation were restored by tempol and apocynin, but not by oxypurinol. These data suggest that the elevated production of superoxide by NADPH oxidase and xanthine/xanthine oxidase contribute to elevated basal superoxide levels, reduced NO release and impaired vascular relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries of rats fed HS diet.
Acute Pancreatitis in the Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Bai Yu , Jia Lin , Wang Bingsheng , Yang Bihui , Wang Liping , Shi Xingang , Zhang Wenjun , Liu Yan , Zou Duowu , Li Zhaoshen
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: Many studies have recently been published on acute pancreatitis; however, few large-sample studies have been focused on the risk factors for deaths in severe acute pancreatitis. To address this issue, the present study was intended to assess etiology, severity, and mortality of acute pancreatitis in the Guangdong Province (Guangdong), China, and to analyze the risk factors responsible for deaths in severe acute pancreatitis in this large series of patients. Methods: Four tertiary medical centers located in Guangdong were involved in this retrospective study. Data of 2,342 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to these centers from December 1990 through December 2005 were collected in a standardized form and analyzed. Results: Of the 2,342 patients (1,130 men and 1,212 women, mean age 51±18, range 4–98 years), 1,778 (76.0%) had mild pancreatitis, and 564 (24.0%) had the severe form. Biliary tract disease (47.5%) was the predominant etiology, the overall mortality rate was 5.0%, and the fatality rate in patients with severe acute pancreatitis was 20.0%. Among the deceased patients in the severe acute pancreatitis group, logistic regression analysis of variables showed that the independent risk factor for mortality was shock, while a biliary origin was a protective factor against a poor prognosis. Conclusions: In this case series, the results suggest that biliary tract disease was the main etiologic factor of acute pancreatitis in Guangdong. The majority of deaths in severe acute pancreatitis occurred within the first 14 days of admission; the only independent risk factor for mortality was systematic complication of shock.
Subpopulations of Somatotropes with Differing Intracellular Calcium Concentration Responses to Secretagogues
Authors: Scanes Colin G. , Glavaski-Joksimovic Aleksandra , Johannsen Sara A. , Jeftinija Srdija , Anderson Lloyd L.
Published: May 2007

Multiple secretagogues stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH). The present studies examined the ability of chicken somatotropes to respond to GH secretagogues with increased intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i). It was hypothesized that there are subsets of the somatotrope population with different responsiveness to the various secretagogues. Somatotropes were identified and distinguished from other adenohypophyseal cells, by their unique ability to respond to GH-releasing hormone with increased [Ca2+]i with immunocytochemistry used as a post-hoc confirmatory test. Large increases in [Ca2+]i (222 ± 16 nM) were evoked by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in only 73% of the somatotropes. Similarly, [Ca2+]i was increased by perifusion with pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide in 85% and by leptin but only in 51% of somatotropes. Ghrelin acutely increased [Ca2+]i in only 21% of somatotropes. Perfusion with gonadotropin-releasing hormone elevated [Ca2+]i, but in only 40% of somatotropes. The kinetics of calcium transients and the magnitude of the response differed from those observed in the presumptive gonadotropes. It is concluded that there are subsets of the somatotrope population in the anterior pituitary gland with differences in their ability to respond to various secretagogues.
Overall Brain Size, and Not Encephalization Quotient, Best Predicts Cognitive Ability across Non-Human Primates
Authors: Deaner Robert O. , Isler Karin , Burkart Judith , van Schaik Carel
Published: May 2007

For over a century, various neuroanatomical measures have been employed as assays of cognitive ability in comparative studies. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether these measures actually correspond to cognitive ability. A recent meta-analysis of cognitive performance of a broad set of primate species has made it possible to provide a quantitative estimate of general cognitive ability across primates. We find that this estimate is not strongly correlated with neuroanatomical measures that statistically control for a possible effect of body size, such as encephalization quotient or brain size residuals. Instead, absolute brain size measures were the best predictors of primate cognitive ability. Moreover, there was no indication that neocortex-based measures were superior to measures based on the whole brain. The results of previous comparative studies on the evolution of intelligence must be reviewed with this conclusion in mind.
Prevalence and Determinants of Coronary and Aortic Calcifications Assessed by Chest CT in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Nguyen Pauline T.H. , Coche Emmanuel , Goffin Eric , Beguin Claire , Vlassenbroek Alain , Devuyst Olivier , Robert Annie , Jadoul Michel
Published: May 2007

Background: Coronary artery calcifications independently predict cardiovascular events (CVE) in the general population. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of coronary (CAC) and thoracic aorta (AoC) calcifications in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Methods: Consecutive RTR living in Belgium, with an isolated kidney graft functioning for more than 1 year, were asked to participate. They underwent a 16-slice spiral computerized tomography in order to measure calcium mass. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and urinary parameters were recorded. Results: We included 281 patients. CAC and AoC were detected in 81 and 85%, with geometric means (SD) of 52.2 (4.9) and 99.3 (8.2) mg, respectively. By multiple linear regression, independent predictors of both types of calcifications included older age, longer time on dialysis, a history of CVE, of multiple transplantations and of smoking. Other determinants of CAC were male gender, current statin use and history of parathyroidectomy, and other determinants of AoC included higher pulse pressure, shorter time under mycophenolate mofetil and current use of anti-vitamin-K. Conclusion: The prevalence of both CAC and AoC is substantial in RTR. We delineate independent determinants either common to both CAC and AoC or specific to one, and known as classic or chronic kidney disease related risk factors.
Multiple Vascular Thrombosis with Vasculogenic Lesions in the Course of Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Arseni C. , Nereantiu F.
Published: May 2007

The present paper reports the case of a bilateralmultiple vascular thrombosis of the carotid system that appeared in the course of a demyelinating meningoencephalitis, in a 16-year-old patient. The most recent publications concerning vascular thromboses in the young, studied especially by angiography, are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the importance of the infectious factor in the onset of multiple thromboses in the young.
Ophthalmoplegias in Latent Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sharf B. , Pillar T. , Bental E.
Published: May 2007

Fourteen cases of ophthalmoplegia associatedwith pathological diabetic glucose tolerance tests are described. The onset, course and prognosis of these cases are similar to those of ophthalmoplegias in overt diabetes. Atherosclerotic manifestations were found in 10 patients. It is postulated that the cause of the ophthalmoplegia is an ischemic vascular process in the vasa nervorum. The frequency of the diabetic glucose tolerance curves underlines the importance of this investigation in the workup of ophthalmoplegias. It facilitates a diagnostic and prognostic evaluation.
The Contribution of Cingulum and Hippocampal Structures to Memory Mechanisms in Man
Authors: Ommaya A.K. , Fedio P.
Published: May 2007

Immediate memory for verbal material and complex patterns was monitored in neurosurgical patients during electrical stimulation via electrodes implanted in the left and right cingulum or hippocampus. A severe memory disorder for verbal memoranda accompanied left, but not right, cingulum stimulation. The converse was true when nonverbal recognition was evaluated, stimulation of the right but not the left cingulum being associated with a deficit in recognition of random patterns. Comparable stimulation in the region of the left and right hippocampus failed to interfere with patient performance on the identical memory tests. A separate group of patients who had undergone unilateral temporal lobectomy was also evaluated and showed a normal memory span for verbal and nonverbal information. These groups, however, were unable to store or to retain information which exceeded their memory span. The findings support the notion of a dual mechanism for memory, implicating specific limbic structures that regulate ''affective coding'' and ''storage''.
Marketing político y conducta de voto. La influencia de variables psicosociales en la estabilidad del voto
Authors: Bustillos Antonio , Silván-Ferrero Ma del Prado , Huici Carmen
Published: May 2007

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido realizar una evaluación de los factores subyacentes tanto a la ideología política como a nuestras creencias religiosas. Distintas líneas de investigación han puesto de manifiesto las relaciones existentes entre Autoritarismo (Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswick, Levinson y Sandford, 1950; Altemeyer, 1981) y Dominancia Social (Pratto, Sidanius, Stallworth, y Malle, 1994), sin embargo la investigación ha mostrado distintos patrones de relaciones entre muestras norteamericanas y europeas. Nuestros resultados se encuentran en la misma línea que otros estudios europeos, ya que autoritarismo y SDO mostraron una fuerte relación entre sí. Asimismo, encontramos que sólo el autoritarismo guardó relación con las creencias religiosas, mientras que ambas variables se encuentran relacionadas con la ideología política. Finalmente, encontramos que la relación entre autoritarismo, SDO e ideología política es más intensa para aquellos participantes que no han cambiado su voto en los diferentes comicios evaluados, mientras que este patrón de relaciones con la ideología desaparece para aquellos otros participantes que informan de al menos un cambio de opción política elegida.
Alimentación, autoconcepto e imagen corporal
Authors: Esnaola Igor
Published: May 2007

El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido analizar la relación entre la alimentación, el autoconcepto y la imagen corporal. La muestra esta compuesta por 1.147 personas divididas en tres grupos: adolescentes (N = 627), jóvenes (N = 272) y adultos (N = 248). Los resultados indican una clara relación entre la buena percepción de la alimentación, el autoconcepto y la imagen corporal en los tres grupos analizados. Los sujetos que piensan que su alimentación es más sana que la de los demás tienen un mejor autoconcepto e imagen corporal que los sujetos que creen que su alimentación es menos sana que la de los demás. Estos resultados demuestran la gran importancia de la alimentación en la percepción corporal en todas las edades.
The Adoption of Innovations by Provider Organizations in Health Care
Authors: Rye Colleen Beecken , Kimberly John R.
Published: May 2007

Innovations in health care account for some of the most dramatic improvements in population health outcomes in the developed world as well as for a nontrivial proportion of growth in expenditures. Provider organizations are the adopters of many of these innovations, and understanding the factors that inhibit or facilitate their diffusion to and possible disengagement from these organizations is important in addressing cost, quality, and access issues. Given the importance of these issues, the purpose of this article is to (1) create a comprehensive census of studies examining the adoption of and disengagement from innovations in health care provider organizations; (2) organize these studies into an inductively derived classification scheme; (3) assess the studies' strengths and weaknesses; and (4) reflect on the implications of our review for future research.
Using an Analytic Framework to Identify Potential Targets and Strategies for Ecologically Based Physical Activity Interventions in Middle Schools
Authors: Robertson-Wilson Jennifer , Lévesque Lucie , Richard Lucie
Published: May 2007

The objective was to demonstrate the value of applying an ecological analytic framework to formative data in conjunction with ecological planning frameworks (e.g., intervention mapping) to ensure a high degree of ecological program integration as illustrated through a physical activity program for students in middle school. Eight focus groups were conducted with 38 students in four schools to examine student perceptions of who or what in their school made it easy or difficult for students to be physically active. Qualitative data were used to identify potential intervention targets according to the analytic framework. Frequency analysis revealed that most identified physical activity barriers/facilitators were associated with organization (59.4%) targets. Five different intervention strategies were identified, with organizational modification being most popular. Applying the analytic framework to formative data enabled us to identify potential targets, strategies, and activities for an ecologically based physical-activity-promotion program relevant to the priority population.
Recurrent tuberculosis from 1992 to 2004 in a metropolitan area
Authors: Cacho J. , Pérez Meixeira A. , Cano I. , Soria T. , Ramos Martos A. , Sánchez Concheiro M. , Samper S. , Gavin P. , Martín C.
Published: May 2007

The proportion of recurrent tuberculosis (TB) cases caused by re-infection has varied widely in previous studies. The aim of the present study was to determine the relative frequency of relapse and exogenous re-infection in patients with second episodes of TB, using DNA fingerprinting.

A population-based retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was conducted in Madrid (Spain) during 1992–2004. The study consisted of 645 patients with culture-confirmed TB. Of these, 20 (3.1%) were retained because they presented with a second isolate ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. Finally, 12 of these cases were excluded because they did not complete the full treatment prescribed. All strains were typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and some by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats analysis. The patients with recurrent TB were compared with those without recurrent TB.

For seven out of the eight patients, the restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of theMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains from the episodes of recurrent disease showed identical initial and final genotypes, indicating relapse; the remaining recurrent case showed different genotypes, suggesting exogenous re-infection.

Re-infection is possible among people in developed countries, but the rates are lower than those occurring in high-risk areas. The risk factors for recurrent tuberculosis should be taken into account in the follow-up of treatment and tuberculosis control strategies.
Telomerase activity in bleomycin-induced epithelial cell apoptosis and lung fibrosis
Authors: Fridlender Z. G. , Cohen P. Y. , Golan O. , Arish N. , Wallach-Dayan S. , Breuer R.
Published: May 2007

Epithelial cell injury and apoptosis are recognised as early features in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice. Telomerase is a known apoptosis-alleviating factor.The role of telomerase was studied during bleomycin-induced lung epithelial cell (LEC) apoptosisin vitroin a mouse LEC line, andin vivoin LECs isolated from bleomycin-treated mice.

The current authors evaluated changes in murine telomerase reverse transcriptase (mTERT) mRNA levels and changes in telomerase activity with the TRAPeze Detection Kit, telomeric length with the TeloTTAGGG Telomere Length Kit, and LEC apoptosis with FACScan and 4,6-diamino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride stain.

There was a significant elevation in mTERT mRNA and a transient 41% increase in telomerase activity 24 h afterin vitrobleomycin treatment. At 72 h, telomerase activity had fallen to 26% below levels in untreated cells. Reduction of telomerase activity over time, or by direct inhibition, significantly elevated LEC apoptosis. No change in average telomeric length was noted.In vivo, telomerase activity of LECs from bleomycin-treated mice increased at 7 and 14 days.

In conclusion, telomerase activity may play a protective role against robust bleomycin-induced lung epithelial cell apoptosis. Moreover, stabilising telomerase activity may decrease epithelial cell apoptosis and the resulting lung fibrosis.
Effect of tiotropium on sputum and serum inflammatory markers and exacerbations in COPD
Authors: Powrie D. J. , Wilkinson T. M. A. , Donaldson G. C. , Jones P. , Scrine K. , Viel K. , Kesten S. , Wedzicha J. A.
Published: May 2007

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients experiencing frequent exacerbations demonstrate increased stable-state airway inflammation. Tiotropium has been shown to reduce exacerbation frequency, but its effect on airway inflammation is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of tiotropium on sputum inflammatory markers and exacerbation frequency.

Patients (n = 142) were randomised to receive tiotropium or placebo in addition to their usual medication for 1 yr. Sputum and serum cytokines were assayed by ELISA and exacerbation frequency calculated using a symptom-based diary.

There was no difference in the area under the curve for sputum interleukin (IL)-6 or myeloperoxidase between the groups, but sputum IL-8 level was increased in the tiotropium arm. There was no difference between start and end of study in serum IL-6 or C-reactive protein level. Tiotropium was associated with a 52% reduction in exacerbation frequency (1.17versus2.46 exacerbations·yr−1). Of patients on tiotropium, 43% experienced at least one exacerbation, compared with 64% on placebo. The total number of exacerbation days was reduced compared with placebo (17.3versus34.5 days).

Tiotropium reduces exacerbation frequency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but this effect does not appear to be due to a reduction in airway or systemic inflammation.
Nicotinamide abrogates acute lung injury caused by ischaemia/reperfusion
Authors: Su C-F. , Liu D. D. , Kao S. J. , Chen H. I.
Published: May 2007

Poly (ADP-ribose) synthase or polymerase (PARS and PARP, respectively) is a cytotoxic enzyme which causes cellular damage. Nicotinamide, a compound of vitamin B complex, has been reported to exert an inhibitory effect on PARS or PARP. The present study tests the effects of nicotinamide on acute lung injury and associated alterations following ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the isolated perfused rat's lung.

I/R increased the lung weight (LW) to body weight ratio, LW gain, protein and dye tracer leakage, pulmonary arterial pressure and capillary permeability. The insult also increased nitrate/nitrite, methyl guanidine, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in lung perfusate, while it decreased adenosine triphosphate content with an increase in PARP activity in lung tissue.

Most of the I/R-induced changes were abrogated by post-treatment (30 min after I/R) with nicotinamide (100 mg·kg−1body weight). However, the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure was enhanced by nicotinamide post-treatment. Following I/R, the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression was enhanced. Nicotinamide reduced the iNOS expression.

The results suggest that nicotinamide exerted a protective effect on the acute lung injury caused by ischaemia/reperfusion. The mechanisms may be mediated through the inhibition on the poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase activity, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and the subsequent suppression of nitric oxide, free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines with restoration of adenosine triphosphate.
Comparison of incremental and constant load tests of inspiratory muscle endurance in COPD
Authors: Hill K. , Jenkins S. C. , Philippe D. L. , Shepherd K. L. , Hillman D. R. , Eastwood P. R.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present study was to determine the relative value of incremental and constant load tests in detecting changes in inspiratory muscle endurance following high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (H-IMT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In total, 16 subjects (11 males; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 37.4±12.5%) underwent H-IMT. In addition, 17 subjects (11 males; FEV136.5±11.5%) underwent sham inspiratory muscle training (S-IMT). Training took place three times a week for 8 weeks. Baseline and post-training measurements were obtained of maximum threshold pressure sustained during an incremental load test (Pth,max) and time breathing against a constant load (tlim). Breathing pattern was unconstrained.

H-IMT increasedPth,maxandtlimrelative to baseline and to any change seen following S-IMT. The effect size forPth,maxwas greater than fortlim. Post-training tests were accompanied by changes in breathing pattern, including decreased duty cycle, which may have served to decrease inspiratory work and thereby contribute to the increase inPth,maxandtlimin both groups.

When assessing inspiratory muscle function in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseviatests in which the pattern of breathing is unconstrained, the current authors recommend incremental load tests be used in preference to constant load tests. However, to attribute changes in these tests to improvements in inspiratory muscle endurance, breathing pattern should be controlled.
Cost-effectiveness of interferon-γ release assay testing for the treatment of latent tuberculosis
Authors: Diel R. , Wrighton-Smith P. , Zellweger J-P.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the new T-SPOT.TBassayversusthe tuberculin skin test (TST) for screening contacts for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection in Switzerland.

Health and economic outcomes of isoniazid treatment of 20- and 40-yr-old close contacts were compared in a Markov model over a 20-yr period following screening with TST only (at three cut-off values) and T-SPOT.TBalone or in combination with the TST.

T-SPOT.TB-based treatment was cost-effective at \#8342;11,621 and \#8342;23,692 per life-year-gained (LYG) in the younger and older age group, respectively. No TST-based programmes were cost-effective, except at a 15-mm cut-off in the younger group only, where the cost-effectiveness (\#8342;26,451·LYG−1) fell just below the willingness-to-pay threshold. Combination of the TST with T-SPOT.TBslightly reduced the total cost compared with the T-SPOT.TBalone by 4.4 and 5.0% in the younger and older groups respectively. The number of contacts treated to avoid one case of TB decreased from 50 (95% confidence interval 32–106) with the TST (10-mm cut-off) to 18 (95%CI 11–43) if T-SPOT.TBwas used.

Using T-SPOT.TBalone or in combination with the tuberculin skin test for screening of close contacts before latent tuberculosis infection treatment is highly cost-effective in reducing the disease burden of tuberculosis.
Increased airway iron as a potential factor in the persistence ofPseudomonas aeruginosainfection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Reid D. W. , Carroll V. , O'May C. , Champion A. , Kirov S. M.
Published: May 2007

Iron availability is critical to many bacteria and increased iron has been described in airway secretions in cystic fibrosis (CF). The main aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between iron in CF sputum and the quantitative bacterial burden.

Iron, ferritin and total cell counts (TCC) were assessed in sputum samples obtained from 15 clinically stable CF patients chronically infected withPseudomonas aeruginosa. Sputum samples were also obtained at the commencement of episodes of acute exacerbation in 10 subjects and analyses were repeated in six of these exacerbation cases afteri.v.antibiotic treatment. The relationship between iron indices and the presence ofP. aeruginosa, as well as total anaerobic bacterial load, was determined. Sputum was also obtained from 10 CF patients with no evidence of infection withP. aeruginosaand 11 normal healthy controls.

Sputum iron, ferritin and TCC were significantly elevated in all CF patients, even in those not infected withP. aeruginosa, compared with healthy controls. There was a strong positive relationship between sputum iron andP. aeruginosain clinically stable patients, but not in samples obtained during an acute exacerbation. There was no relationship between sputum iron and anaerobic bacterial load. Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced sputum TCC and anaerobic bacterial load, but not iron, ferritin or the presence ofP. aeruginosaduring an exacerbation.

In conclusion, the present study suggests that increased airway iron may be important toPseudomonas aeruginosapersistence in cystic fibrosis.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia due to colistin susceptible-only microorganisms
Authors: Rios F. G. , Luna C. M. , Maskin B. , Valiente A. Saenz. , Lloria M. , Gando S. , Sosa C. , Baquero S. , Llerena C. , Petrati C. , Apezteguia C.
Published: May 2007

Acinetobacter spp. andPseudomonas aeruginosaare common pathogens of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The presentation and outcome of VAP due to Acinetobacter spp. andP. aeruginosasusceptible to carbapenems (Carb-S; imipenem and/or meropenem) and to colistin only (Col-S) were compared in the present retrospective study in three intensive care units.

A total of 61 episodes of VAP caused by Acinetobacter spp. orP. aeruginosawere studied, of which 30 isolates were Carb-S and 31 were Col-S.

Demographics, worsening of renal function and mortality were not different. The univariate analysis showed that a later onset and a previous episode of VAP, prior antimicrobial therapy for >10 days and previous therapy with carbapenems during the present admission were more frequent in patients with Col-S strains. On multivariate analysis, prior antimicrobial therapy for >10 days and a previous episode of VAP remained significantly associated with Col-S VAP. Approximately 41% of the infections caused by Col-S isolates, but none of those due to Carb-S isolates, had received prior carbapenem therapy.

Colistin-susceptible ventilator-associated pneumonia episodes can be effectively treated using colistin without significant renal dysfunction. This susceptibility pattern could be suspected in patients with a previous ventilator-associated pneumonia episode or prior antibiotic therapy for >10 days preceding the present ventilator-associated pneumonia episode.
Silencing of core transcription factors in human EC cells highlights the importance of autocrine FGF signaling for self-renewal
Authors: Greber Boris , Lehrach Hans , Adjaye James
Published: May 2007

Background

Despite their distinct origins, human embryonic stem (hES) and embryonic carcinoma (hEC) cells share a number of similarities such as surface antigen expression, growth characteristics, the ability to either self-renew or differentiate, and control of the undifferentiated state by the same core transcription factors. To obtain further insights into the regulation of self-renewal, we have silenced hES/hEC cell-specific genes in NCCIT hEC cells and analysed the downstream effects by means of microarrays.

Results

RNAi-mediated silencing of OCT4 and SOX2 induced differentiation with mesodermal characteristics. Markers of trophoblast induction were only transiently up-regulated in the OCT4 knock-down. Independent knock-downs of NANOG produced a proliferation rather than a differentiation phenotype, which may be due to high NANOG expression levels in the cell line used. Published ChIP-chip data from hES cells were used to identify putative direct targets. RNAi-mediated differentiation was accompanied by direct down-regulation of known hES/hEC cell markers. This included all three core transcription factors in the case of the OCT4 and SOX2 knock-downs, confirming previous findings of reciprocal activation in ES cells. Furthermore, large numbers of histone genes as well as epigenetic regulators were differentially expressed, pointing at chromatin remodeling as an additional regulatory level in the differentiation process. Moreover, loss of self-renewal was accompanied by the down-regulation of genes involved in FGF signaling. FGF receptor inhibition for short and prolonged periods of time revealed that the ERK/MAPK cascade is activated by endogenously expressed fibroblast growth factors and that FGF signaling is cruicial for maintaining the undifferentiated state of hEC cells, like in hES cells.

Conclusion

Control of self-renewal appears to be very similar in hEC and hES cells. This is supported by large numbers of common transcription factor targets and the requirement for autocrine FGF signaling.
A mechanism for the sharp transition of morphogen gradient interpretation in Xenopus
Authors: Saka Yasushi , Smith James C
Published: May 2007

Background

One way in which positional information is established during embryonic development is through the graded distribution of diffusible morphogens. Unfortunately, little is known about how cells interpret different concentrations of morphogen to activate different genes or how thresholds are generated in a morphogen gradient.

Results

Here we show that the concentration-dependent induction of the T-box transcription factor Brachyury (Xbra) and the homeobox-containing gene Goosecoid (Gsc) by activin in Xenopus can be explained by the dynamics of a simple network consisting of three elements with a mutual negative feedback motif that can function to convert a graded signal (activin) into a binary output (Xbra on and Gsc off, or vice versa). Importantly, such a system can display sharp thresholds. Consistent with the predictions of our model, Xenopus ectodermal cells display a binary response at the single cell level after treatment with activin.

Conclusion

This kind of simple network with mutual negative feedback might provide a general mechanism for selective gene activation in response to different levels of a single external signal. It provides a mechanism by which a sharp boundary might be created between domains of different cell types in response to a morphogen gradient.
Transcriptome analysis of the venom gland of the Mexican scorpion Hadrurus gertschi (Arachnida: Scorpiones)
Authors: Schwartz Elisabeth F , Diego-Garcia Elia , Rodríguez de la Vega Ricardo C , Possani Lourival D
Published: May 2007

Background

Scorpions like other venomous animals posses a highly specialized organ that produces, secretes and disposes the venom components. In these animals, the last postabdominal segment, named telson, contains a pair of venomous glands connected to the stinger. The isolation of numerous scorpion toxins, along with cDNA-based gene cloning and, more recently, proteomic analyses have provided us with a large collection of venom components sequences. However, all of them are secreted, or at least are predicted to be secretable gene products. Therefore very little is known about the cellular processes that normally take place inside the glands for production of the venom mixture. To gain insights into the scorpion venom gland biology, we have decided to perform a transcriptomic analysis by constructing a cDNA library and conducting a random sequencing screening of the transcripts.

Results

From the cDNA library prepared from a single venom gland of the scorpion Hadrurus gertschi, 160 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analyzed. These transcripts were further clustered into 68 unique sequences (20 contigs and 48 singlets), with an average length of 919 bp. Half of the ESTs can be confidentially assigned as homologues of annotated gene products. Annotation of these ESTs, with the aid of Gene Ontology terms and homology to eukaryotic orthologous groups, reveals some cellular processes important for venom gland function; including high protein synthesis, tuned posttranslational processing and trafficking. Nonetheless, the main group of the identified gene products includes ESTs similar to known scorpion toxins or other previously characterized scorpion venom components, which account for nearly 60% of the identified proteins.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge this report contains the first transcriptome analysis of genes transcribed by the venomous gland of a scorpion. The data were obtained for the species Hadrurus gertschi, belonging to the family Caraboctonidae. One hundred and sixty ESTs were analyzed, showing enrichment in genes that encode for products similar to known venom components, but also provides the first sketch of cellular components, molecular functions, biological processes and some unique sequences of the scorpion venom gland.
Characterization of hypothetical proteins Cpn0146, 0147, 0284 & 0285 that are predicted to be in the Chlamydia pneumoniae inclusion membrane
Authors: Luo Jianhua , Liu Guangchao , Zhong Youmin , Jia Tianjun , Liu Kaiyang , Chen Ding , Zhong Guangming
Published: May 2007

Background

Although more than 100Chlamydia pneumoniaehypothetical proteins have been predicted to be inclusion membrane proteins, only a few have been experimentally demonstrated to be in the inclusion membrane. Using antibodies raised with fusion proteins, we characterized four such hypothetical proteins encoded by two gene clusters (Cpn0146-147andCpn0284-285) in theC. pneumoniaegenome.

Results

Cpn0146 and 0147 were detected in the inclusion membrane while Cpn0284 and 0285 inside inclusion and mainly associated with reticulate bodies although all four proteins contain an N-terminal bi-lobed hydrophobic region, a signature motif assigned to inclusion membrane proteins. These four hypothetical proteins were only detected in cells infected withC. pneumoniaebut not other chlamydial species, with Cpn0147 at 6 hours and Cpn0146, 0284 & 0285 at 24 hours after infection. Cpn0146 & 147 but not Cpn0284 and 285 co-localized with a host cell endoplasmic reticulum marker, a property known to be possessed by some chlamydial inclusion membrane proteins, when expressed in the host cell cytosol via transgenes. However, the endoplasmic reticulum localization of theC. pneumoniaeinclusion membrane proteins did not result in inhibition of the subsequentC. pneumoniaeinfection.

Conclusion

The hypothetical proteins Cpn0146 & 0147 were localized in theC. pneumoniaeinclusion membrane while Cpn0284 & 0285 within the inclusion although all four were predicted to be Inc proteins, suggesting the need to experimentally characterize the predicted Inc proteins.
The crystal structure of Escherichia coli TdcF, a member of the highly conserved YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family
Authors: Burman Julia D , Stevenson Clare EM , Sawers R Gary , Lawson David M
Published: May 2007

Background

The YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family of proteins is widespread in nature, but has as yet no clearly defined biological role. Members of the family exist as homotrimers and are characterised by intersubunit clefts that are delineated by well-conserved residues; these sites are likely to be of functional significance, yet catalytic activity has never been detected for any member of this family. The gene encoding the TdcF protein of E. coli, a YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family member, resides in an operon that strongly suggests a role in the metabolism of 2-ketobutyrate for this protein.

Results

We have determined the crystal structure of E. coli TdcF by molecular replacement to a maximum resolution of 1.6 Å. Structures are also presented of TdcF complexed with a variety of ligands.

Conclusion

The TdcF structure closely resembles those of all YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family members determined thus far. It has the trimeric quaternary structure and intersubunit cavities characteristic of this family of proteins. We show that TdcF is capable of binding several low molecular weight metabolites bearing a carboxylate group, although the interaction with 2-ketobutyrate appears to be the most well defined. These observations may be indicative of a role for TdcF in sensing this potentially toxic metabolite.
Experimental and analytical validation of a modular acetabular prosthesis in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Romero Francisco , Amirouche Farid , Aram Luke , Gonzalez Mark H
Published: May 2007

A finite element model has been developed to predict in vivo micro motion between a modular acetabular cup and liner after cement less total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to experimentally validate the model. Six LVDT sensors were used to monitor the micromotion of the liner when subjected to loading conditions ranging from 250 N to 5000 N. Deformations at points of interest for both the experiment and FEM were compared. Results of the FEM with different coefficient of friction between the liner and the cup were investigated to correlate with the experimental results.
Induction of a distinct CD8 Tnc17 subset by transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-6
Authors: Liu Shih-Jen , Tsai Jy-Ping , Shen Chia-Rui , Sher Yuh-Pyng , Hsieh Chia-Ling , Yeh Yu-Ching , Chou Ai-Hsiang , Chang Shu-Rung , Hsiao Kuang-Nan , Yu Feng-Wei , Chen Hsin-Wei
Published: May 2007

Cross-talk between TGF-β and IL-6 has been shown to direct the differentiation of CD4+ cells into special IL-17-secreting cells, which are termed Th17 cells. In this study, we demonstrated that TGF-β and IL-6 could stimulate CD8+ cells to differentiate into noncytotoxic, IL-17-producing cells in MLC. These IL-17-producing CD8+ cells exhibit a unique granzyme B−IFN-γ−IL-10− phenotype. The mRNA level of Th2/T cytotoxic 2 (Tc2) transcription factors GATA3 and Th1/Tc1 transcription factors T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet) as well as its target H2·O-like homeobox (Hlx) is decreased in CD8+ cells from TGF-β- and IL-6-treated MLC. In addition, these CD8+ cells display a marked up-regulation of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt, a key IL-17 transcription factor. These results demonstrate that the existence of an IL-17-producing CD8+ subset belongs to neither the Tc1 nor the Tc2 subset and can be categorized as a T noncytotoxic 17 (Tnc17) subset.
Progressive Reduction in Body Weight after Treatment with the Amylin Analog Pramlintide in Obese Subjects: A Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Escalation Study
Authors: Aronne Louis , Fujioka Ken , Aroda Vanita , Chen Kim , Halseth Amy , Kesty Nicole C. , Burns Colleen , Lush Cameron W. , Weyer Christian
Published: May 2007

Context: In previous 1-yr trials, treatment with pramlintide (120 μg), an analog of the β-cell hormone amylin, induced sustained reductions in A1C and body weight in insulin-using subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To assess the potential of pramlintide as an antiobesity agent, we assessed the weight effect, safety, and tolerability of pramlintide in non-insulin-treated obese subjects with and without type 2 diabetes at doses greater than previously studied.

Design/Setting: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

Patients: A total of 204 obese subjects [80/20% female/male, age 48 ± 10 yr, and body mass index 37.8 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (mean ± sd)] participated in the study.

Intervention: For 16 wk, without concomitant lifestyle intervention, subjects self-administered pramlintide (nonforced dose escalation ≤ 240 μg) or placebo via sc injection three times a day before meals.

Main Outcome Measures: Weight, waist circumference, tolerability, and safety were the main outcome measures.

Results: Pramlintide was generally well tolerated, with 88% of subjects able to escalate to the maximum dose of 240 μg. Withdrawal rates were similar between placebo (25%) and pramlintide-treated subjects (29%). Subjects completing 16 wk of pramlintide treatment experienced placebo-corrected reductions in body weight of 3.7 ± 0.5% (3.6 ± 0.6 kg; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (3.6 ± 1.1 cm; P < 0.01). Approximately 31% of pramlintide-treated subjects achieved ≥5% weight loss (vs. 2% placebo; P < 0.001). More pramlintide than placebo-treated subjects reported improvements in appetite control (72% vs. 31%), weight control (63% vs. 24%), and overall well-being (52% vs. 17%). No unexpected safety signals were observed. The most common adverse event reported was mild, transient nausea. Pramlintide-treated subjects not reporting nausea experienced weight loss similar to those who did (3.6 ± 0.5% and 3.9 ± 0.5%, respectively).

Conclusion: These results support continued evaluation of pramlintide as a potential treatment for obesity.