bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF CHOLINERGIC NERVES IN THE NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION IN THE CIRCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA‐PIG VAS DEFERENS
Authors: FUKUSHI Y. , WAKUI M. 
Published: September 2010

Effects of various drugs were examined on the mechanical responses of the circular smooth muscle of guinea‐pig vas deferens evoked by field stimulation and ACh.
During field stimulation (0.1 msec, 3–80 Hz) a contraction consisting of two (initial and second) phases occurred. In addition, another contraction (after‐response) occurred after the cessation of the stimulation particularly at higher frequencies (40–80 Hz).
Guanethidine (2–20 μM) suppressed both the initial and second phases of the field stimulation‐evoked responses. Prazosin (0.1‐1 μM) suppressed the second phase but minimally affected the initial phase.
Both phases were suppressed by atropine (0.1‐1 μM.) and potentiated by physostigmine (5 μM).
dTC (0.5–20 μM) did not suppress either phase but potentiated the second phase.
ACh (0.28–280 μM) produced a contraction, which was reduced by atropine but was little affected by either dTC or TTX.
These results suggest that at the postsynaptic site of the neuromuscular junction in this tissue the sympathetic process activates the smooth muscle through two different types of receptor; one is non‐noradrenergic and the other is an α‐adrenoreceptor. In addition, a cholinergic process also activates the smooth muscle through muscarinic receptors.
Impairment of both nitric oxide‐mediated and EDHF‐type relaxation in small mesenteric arteries from rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Leo CH , Hart JL , Woodman OL 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo investigate whether diabetes affects either or both nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)‐type relaxation in endothelium‐dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWire myography was employed to examine endothelial function of mesenteric arteries. Superoxide levels were measured by L‐012 and lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence. Western blotting was used to quantify protein expression levels.KEY RESULTSSuperoxide levels were significantly increased in diabetic mesenteric arteries compared with normal arteries. Diabetes significantly reduced the sensitivity to the endothelium‐dependent relaxant, acetylcholine (ACh) in mesenteric arteries. When the contribution of NO to relaxation was abolished by N‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) + a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), the sensitivity to ACh was significantly decreased in the diabetic arteries compared with normal arteries, indicating an impaired EDHF‐type relaxation despite increased expression of intermediate‐ and small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels. Conversely, when the contribution of EDHF was inhibited with TRAM‐34 + apamin + iberiotoxin, maximum relaxations to ACh were significantly decreased in diabetic compared with normal arteries, suggesting that the contribution of NO was also impaired by diabetes. Basal levels of NO release, indicated by contraction to L‐NNA, were also significantly decreased in diabetic arteries. Western blot analysis demonstrated that diabetic arteries had an increased expression of Nox2, decreased pSer473Akt and a reduced proportion of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expressed as a dimer, indicating uncoupling.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThe contribution of both NO and EDHF‐type relaxations was impaired in diabetes and was caused by increased oxidative stress, decreased pSer473Akt and/or eNOS uncoupling.
Mechanisms of actions of hydrogen sulphide on rat distal colonic epithelium
Authors: Pouokam E , Diener M 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms by which hydrogen sulphide (H2S) affects ion secretion across rat distal colonic epithelium.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in short‐circuit current induced by the H2S‐donor, sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS; 10 mmol·L−1), were measured in Ussing chambers after permeabilization of the apical membrane with nystatin. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and Ca2+ in intracellular stores were measured with fluorescent dyes. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were estimated with rhodamine 123.KEY RESULTS NaHS had a biphasic effect on overall currents across the basolateral membrane: an initial inhibition followed by a secondary stimulation. Both a scilliroside‐sensitive action on the Na+‐K+‐ATPase and modulation of glibenclamide‐sensitive and tetrapentylammonium‐sensitive (i.e. ATP‐sensitive and Ca2+‐dependent) basolateral K+ channels were involved in this action. Experiments with rhodamine 123 revealed that NaHS induced a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. NaHS evoked a biphasic change in [Ca2+]i, an initial decrease followed by a secondary increase, known to be mediated by the release of stored Ca2+. Initial falls in [Ca2+]i were not mediated by a sequestration of Ca2+ in intracellular Ca2+ storing organelles, as the Mag‐Fura‐2 signal was unaffected by NaHS. Falls in [Ca2+]i were inhibited by 2′,4′‐dichlorobenzamil, an inhibitor of the Na+‐Ca2+‐exchanger, and attenuated in Na+‐free buffer, suggesting a transient stimulation of Ca2+ outflow by this transporter, directly demonstrated by Mn2+ quenching experiments.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ATP‐sensitive and Ca2+‐dependent basolateral K+ conductances, the basolateral Na+‐K+‐pump as well as Ca2+ transporters were involved in the action of H2S in regulating colonic ion secretion.
Expression and function of the K+channelKCNQgenes in human arteries
Authors: Ng Fu Liang , Davis Alison J , Jepps Thomas A , Harhun Maksym I , Yeung Shuk Yin , Wan Andrew , Reddy Marcus , Melville David , Nardi Antonio , Khong Teck K , Greenwood Iain A 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEKCNQ‐encoded voltage‐gated potassium channels (Kv7) have recently been identified as important anti‐constrictor elements in rodent blood vessels but the role of these channels and the effects of their modulation in human arteries remain unknown. Here, we have assessedKCNQgene expression and function in human arteriesex vivo.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHFifty arteries (41 from visceral adipose tissue, 9 mesenteric arteries) were obtained from subjects undergoing elective surgery. Quantitative RT‐PCR experiments using primers specific for all knownKCNQgenes and immunohistochemsitry were used to show Kv7 channel expression. Wire myography and single cell electrophysiology assessed the function of these channels.KEY RESULTSKCNQ4 was expressed in all arteries assessed, with variable contributions fromKCNQ1, 3 and 5.KCNQ2 was not detected. Kv7 channel isoform‐dependent staining was revealed in the smooth muscle layer. In functional studies, the Kv7 channel blockers, XE991 and linopirdine increased isometric tension and inhibited K+currents. In contrast, the Kv7.1‐specific blocker chromanol 293B did not affect vascular tone. Two Kv7 channel activators, retigabine and acrylamide S‐1, relaxed preconstricted arteries, actions reversed by XE991. Kv7 channel activators also suppressed spontaneous contractile activity in seven arteries, reversible by XE991.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThis is the first study to demonstrate not only the presence ofKCNQgene products in human arteries but also their contribution to vascular toneex vivo.LINKED ARTICLEThis article is commented on by Mani and Byron, pp. 38–41 of this issue. To view this commentary visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.01065.x
The subtypes of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors expressed by human podocytes and their role in decreasing podocyte injury
Authors: Miglio Gianluca , Rosa Arianna Carolina , Rattazzi Lorenza , Grange Cristina , Collino Massimo , Camussi Giovanni , Fantozzi Roberto 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand‐activated transcription factors, and three subtypes (α, β and γ) have been identified. PPAR activation has been reported to decrease renal injury and markers of glomerular dysfunction in models of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, both the I/R effects and the effects of PPAR agonists on podocytes, an integral cellular part of the glomerular filtration barrier, remain to be established.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH By using oxygen/glucose deprivation‐reoxygenation as an in vitro model that mimics in vivo I/R, the effects of PPAR agonists on podocyte death were compared. Human immortalized podocytes were treated with gemfibrozil, GW0742, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, as a single or repeated challenge. Cell loss, necrotic and apoptotic cell death were measured.KEY RESULTS Only the repeated treatment with each PPAR agonist significantly prevented cell death, mainly by decreasing apoptosis. In comparison, in a model of serum deprivation‐induced apoptosis, both treatments were effective, although the repeated treatment achieved the more pronounced effect. Finally, our results showed that preservation of Bcl‐2, Bax and nephrin expression accompanied the anti‐apoptotic effects exerted by PPAR agonists in human podocytes.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings contribute to clarification of the pathophysiological role of renal PPARs and suggest that selective PPARα, PPARβ or PPARγ agonists may exert similar protective effects on podocytes by decreasing apoptotic cell death.
A new genus,Tenguobythus, and five new species of the Iniocyphine subtribe Natypleurina from Japan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)
Authors: ARAI Shiho , NOMURA Shûhei 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA new pselaphine genus,Tenguobythus,is defined with descriptions of five new species:T. nasalisfrom Honshû, Miyake‐jima Island, Shikoku and Kyûshû,T. rhinocerosfrom Amami‐Ôshima Island,T. pentagonusandT. yamafrom Okinawa‐jima Island andT. decoratusfrom the Yaeyama Islands.
Taxonomic notes on the paper wasps of the genusRopalidiain the Indian subcontinent (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: KOJIMA Jun‐ichi , LAMBERT Kishore , NGUYEN Lien T. P. , SAITO Fuki 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe taxonomy ofRopalidiawasps in the Indian subcontinent is revised, recognizing 26 species in the subcontinent. Their diagnostic characteristics are summarized in a key to species. New synonymies proposed in the present study are:R. bicolorata shivaDas and Gupta, 1989 underR. bicoloratavan der Vecht, 1962;R. colorata sordidavan der Vecht, 1941 underR. coloratavan der Vecht, 1941;R. rodialipaLambert and Narendran, 2005 andR. anupamaLambert and Narendran, 2005, both underR. cyathiformisFabricius, 1804;R. jacobsoni flavoscutellataDas and Gupta, 1989, andR. bangaloricaLambert and Narendran, 2005, both underR. jacobsonidu Buysson, 1908;R. travancoricaLambert and Narendran, 2005, underR. marginataLepeletier, 1836;R. sridharaniLambert and Narendran, 2005, underR. rufocollarisCameron, 1900;Ropalidia rufoplagiata nurseivan der Vecht, 1941 underR. rufoplagiataCameron, 1905;Icaria lugubrisSmith, 1858, underR. sumatraeWeber, 1801; and a revised synonymy isIcaria pendulaSmith, 1857, underR. variegataSmith, 1852. The new replacement nameRopalidia kasaragodensisLambert and Narendran is proposed forR. indicaLambert and Narendran, 2005, non van der Vecht, 1941.
Expression of Helicobacter pylori TonB Protein in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana: Toward Production of Vaccine Antigens in Plants
Authors: Kalbina Irina , Engstrand Lars , Andersson Sören , Strid Åke 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to produce a recombinant version of the highly antigenic Helicobacter pylori TonB (iron‐dependent siderophore transporter protein HP1341) in transgenic plants as a candidate oral vaccine antigen.Materials and Methods:  Using Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transfer, we introduced three different constructs of the tonB gene into the genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We investigated transgene insertion by PCR, produced TonB antibodies for analysis of the production of the recombinant protein in plants, verified the identity of the protein produced by mass spectrometry analysis, and analyzed the number of genetic inserts in the plants by Southern blotting.Results:  Three different constructs of the expression cassette (full‐length tonB, tonB truncated in the 5′ end removing the codons for a transmembrane helix, and the latter construct with codons for the endoplasmic reticulum SEKDEL retention signal added to the 3′ end) were used to find the most effective way to express the TonB antigen. Production of TonB protein was detected in plants transformed with each of the constructs, confirmed by both Western blotting and mass spectrometry analysis. No considerable differences in protein expression from the three different constructs were observed. The protein concentration in the plants was at least 0.05% of the total soluble proteins.Conclusions:  The Helicobacter pylori TonB protein can be produced in Arabidopsis thaliana plants in a form that is recognizable by rabbit anti‐TonB antiserum. These TonB‐expressing plants are highly suitable for animal studies of oral adminstration as a route for immunization against Helicobacter infections.
Helicobacter pylori Induction of the Gastrin Promoter Through GC‐Rich DNA Elements
Authors: Tucker Tamara P. , Gray Brian M. , Eaton Kathyrn A. , Merchant Juanita L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been linked to the development of chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori‐ infected patients and animal models develop hypergastrinemia, chronic gastritis, and gastric atrophy. Since gastrin is an important regulator of gastric acid secretion and cell growth, H. pylori regulation of this hormone has been implicated in its pathogenesis.Objectives:  To investigate the effect of H. pylori on gastrin gene expression in mice and of human bacterial isolates on gastrin mRNA expressed in a human cell line.Methods:  Gastrin mRNA was measured by qRT‐PCR in H. pylori‐infected mice. H. pylori were co‐cultured with AGS cells to study regulation of human gastrin gene expression. Various MAP kinases were implicated in signal transduction from the bacteria using specific inhibitors. Gastrin reporter constructs and gel shift assays were used to map DNA responsive elements.Results:  In addition to an increase in gastrin mRNA in H. pylori‐infected mice, H. pylori induced the endogenous human gastrin gene through MAP kinase‐dependent signaling but not NFκB‐dependent signaling. Activation of gastrin through MAPK signaling did not require CagA or VacA virulence factors. Transfection studies demonstrated that a GC‐rich motif mediated H. pylori‐induction of the gastrin promoter and that the motif inducibly binds Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors.Conclusions:  Direct contact of live H. pylori bacteria with human cells is sufficient to induce gastrin gene expression.
Global Environmental Change and Human Health:. Impact Assessment, Population Vulnerability, and Research Priorities
Authors: McMichael A.J. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThe scale of environmental hazards to human population health is increasing. For the first time, the human species is perturbing various natural systems at the global level. Over many millennia, humans have often degraded local ecosystems, and their societies then usually suffered or moved. What differs in today’s world is the global, systemic, scale of human impact. This reflects the aggregate impact of rapidly increasing population size and an energy‐intensive high‐throughput linear consumer economy. In consequence, we are now encountering anthropogenic changes in the composition of the world’s lower and middle atmospheres and the worldwide depletion of other natural systems (e.g., soil fertility, aquifers, ocean fisheries, and biological diversity).We have long overlooked the fundamental infrastructural importance to human health of the biosphere’s natural systems. Yet, these are the life‐support systems upon which the sustained health of populations depends. In many respects, the potential health risks from global environmental change are therefore qualitatively different from the well‐known, locally confined environmental risks to health from direct‐acting toxic pollutants. Disruption of natural biophysical systems jeopardizes human health by a range of direct and indirect, immediate and delayed mechanisms. These entail major implications for the longer‐term sustainability of human population health. We therefore must extend our health risk assessment concepts and methods to accommodate scenario‐based forecasting of health impacts. There is need for an expanded transdisciplinary research effort that would include the development of new and better modelling and predictive techniques. These research methods and the communication of research results to public and policymaker must accommodate an unusual mix of complexity, uncertainty, and futurism.The extent and profile of health impacts from global environmental change will vary around the world. In general, poor, restricted, and isolated populations will be the most vulnerable. The combined impacts of climate change, freshwater shortages, and land degradation may impair agricultural productivity most in subtropical and semi‐arid regions where food insecurity is already prevalent. Clearly, there are complex political and ethical challenges that accompany the challenges to science.
Community Health Effects of a Petroleum Refinery
Authors: Taylor S. Martin , Sider Douglas , Hampson Christine , Taylor Stuart J. , Wilson Kelly , Walter Stephen D. , Eyles John D. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA three‐stage study was conducted to investigate the community health impacts of the Petro Canada petroleum refinery in Oakville, Ontario. A feasibility study was the basis for a stage 2 health survey in 1992 designed to examine the association between self‐reported somatic and/or psychosocial symptoms and exposure to odorous refinery emissions in families living near the refinery. In stage 3, a qualitative investigation of residents’ experiences of the refinery was conducted in 1994 by means of depth interviews of a subsample of the survey respondents. The focus of this article is the results of the stage 2 and 3 studies. The survey results (n = 391) showed strong association between zone of residence and odor perception and annoyance, which, in turn, were strongly associated with the reporting of cardinal and general symptoms in adults and children. The strong mediating effect of odors on the refinery exposure–symptom reporting relationship was confirmed by the results of path analyses. The survey findings are consistent with the results of several previous studies of health effects due to environmental odor exposures, which suggest a psychosomatic reaction to the environmental stress associated with odorous emissions. The analysis of the depth interviews (n = 40) revealed the effects of social and community factors on residents’ experiences of the refinery emissions and served to elucidate the relationship between exposure, odor annoyance, and symptom reporting. Ten emergent themes were identified, and these were integrated in terms of three profiles of “typical” resident reactions to the refinery. Follow‐up quantitative and qualitative studies are planned to determine whether the ongoing odor reduction plan at the refinery results in reduced levels of symptom reporting.
Geriatric Impairments and Disability: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Chaudhry Sarwat I. , McAvay Gail , Ning Yuming , Allore Heather G. , Newman Anne B. , Gill Thomas M. 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relative importance of geriatric impairments (in muscle strength, physical capacity, cognition, vision, hearing, and psychological status) and chronic diseases in predicting subsequent functional disability in longitudinal analyses.DESIGN: Longitudinal data from the Cardiovascular Health Study were analyzed. Multivariable Cox hazards regression modeling was used to analyze associations between time‐dependent predictors and onset of disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) and mobility.SETTING: Four communities across the United States (Sacramento County, CA; Washington County, MD; Forsyth County, NC; and Allegheny County, PA).PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand eight hundred eighty‐eight elderly persons.MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected annually through in‐person examinations.RESULTS: ADL disability developed in 15% of participants and mobility disability in 30%. A single multivariable model was developed that included demographics, marital status, body mass index, and number of impairments and diseases. The hazard ratios (HRs) of having one, two, and three or more geriatric impairments (vs none) for the outcome of ADL disability were 2.12 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.63–2.75), 4.25 (95% CI=3.30–5.48), and 7.87 (95% CI=6.10–10.17), respectively, and for having one, two, and three or more chronic diseases were 1.75 (95% CI=1.41–2.19), 2.45 (95% CI=1.95–3.07), and 3.26 (95% CI=2.53–4.19), respectively. Similarly, the HRs of having one, two, and three or more impairments for the outcome of mobility disability were 1.48 (95% CI=1.27–1.73), 2.08 (95% CI=1.77–2.45), and 3.70 (95% CI=3.09–4.42), respectively, and for having one, two, and three or more diseases were 2.06 (95% CI=1.76–2.40), 2.80 (95% CI=2.36–3.31), and 4.20 (95% CI=3.44–5.14), respectively.CONCLUSION: Number of geriatric impairments was more strongly associated than number of chronic diseases with subsequent ADL disability and nearly as strongly associated with the subsequent mobility disability.
Comparative Effectiveness of White Blood Cell Growth Factors on Neutropenia, Infection, and Survival in Older People with Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treated with Chemotherapy
Authors: Gruschkus Stephen K. , Lairson David , Dunn J. Kay , Risser Jan , Du Xianglin L. 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of colony‐stimulating factor (CSF) on incidence of febrile neutropenia, infection, and survival in older people with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated with chemotherapy.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.SETTING: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database.PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen thousand two hundred twenty‐three people diagnosed with NHL at age 65 and older (mean age 74.9, range 65–102) in 1992 to 2002 who received chemotherapy within 12 months of diagnosis.MEASUREMENTS: Primary prophylaxis was defined as CSF administered at the start of chemotherapy before febrile neutropenia or infection; secondary prophylaxis was defined as CSF use after febrile neutropenia or infection.RESULTS: Participants with five to nine administrations of primary prophylactic CSF had a 42% lower risk of febrile neutropenia (odds ratio (OR)=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.41–0.83), and participants with 10 or more administrations had a 48% lower risk (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.36–0.76) after adjusting for age, stage, histology, and comorbidity. Results did not differ significantly after adjusting for propensity score of receiving CSF. There was no significant association between primary prophylactic CSF and overall survival, but secondary prophylactic CSF was significantly associated with better survival. Four to 10 administrations of secondary prophylactic CSF was associated with 9% lower mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR)=0.91, 95% CI=0.84–0.99), 11 to 23 administrations was associated with 23% lower mortality risk (HR=0.77, 95% CI=0.71–0.84) and 24 or more administrations was associated with 13% lower mortality risk (HR=0.87, 95% CI+0.79–0.95) than in participants not receiving CSF after neutropenia or infection.CONCLUSION: Primary prophylactic CSF was observed to be effective in reducing the incidence of neutropenia and infection. These findings substantiate the clinical guidelines for recommending prophylactic CSF in older people with NHL receiving chemotherapy.