bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in transcriptional regulation of IL‐5 expression by bronchial lymph node cells in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: WADA Kana , OKUYAMA Kaori , OHKAWARA Yuichi , TAKAYANAGI Motoaki , OHNO Isao 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The severity of asthma after puberty is higher in women than in men. Increased numbers of eosinophils in the airways of female mice after antigen challenge was associated with increased levels of T helper (Th)2 cytokines at the site of inflammation, and in human and mouse studies, the profile of cytokines produced by immune cells from women showed greater Th2 predominance. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in the development of Th2 immune responses.Methods:  Male and female C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin. Cells prepared from bronchial lymph nodes were cultured in the absence or presence of ovalbumin. Cytokine concentrations in the culture supernatants were measured, and IL‐5 and GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA‐3) gene expression were evaluated. T‐cell subsets were analysed using specific surface markers.Results:  The concentrations of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐10, but not interferon‐γ or transforming growth factor‐β1, were higher in cell supernatants from female mice than in those from male mice. IL‐5 and GATA‐3 gene expressions were higher in cells from women than in cells from men. The numbers of CD3+CD4+T1/ST2+ cells, but not CD3+CD4+ or CD4+CD25+ cells, were significantly higher in cells from women than in cells from men.Conclusions:  Greater antigen‐induced Th2 cytokine production by bronchial lymph node cells from female mice was associated with enhanced Th2 cell differentiation and increased expression of the Th2‐specific transcription factor, GATA‐3.
Incidence of and predictors for short‐term readmission among preterm low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Tseng Yen‐Hsueh , Chen Chi‐Wen , Huang Hsiu‐Li , Chen Chu‐Chieh , Lee Ming‐Der , Ko Ming‐Chung , Li Chung‐Yi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Readmission temporally close to discharge can best reflect the quality of care received in the last hospitalization, and has been considered a valuable indicator for the quality of care received. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of and predictors for readmission within 31 days after discharge among preterm low‐birthweight (PLBW) infants (ICD‐9‐code: 765.0x) in Taiwan.Methods:  Based on Taiwan's National Health Insurance claim data, a population‐based cohort including a total of 18 421 PLBW infants born and hospitalized in 2000–02, was analyzed. The cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of readmission and the hazard ratio of readmission in relation to potential predictors were calculated.Results:  The total number of participants readmitted within 15 or 31 days after discharge was 1763 and 2484, representing a CIR of 9.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Significant predictors for readmission within 15 or 31 days were essentially similar. Male gender, weight <1000 g, presence of congenital abnormalities, and lung disease were significant risk factors for readmission. Shorter length of hospital stay (<35 days) was associated with a reduced risk of readmission, and there were significant geographic and hospital variations of readmission, with higher rates noted in the most urbanized area and at regional hospitals.Conclusion:  The short‐term readmission rate among Taiwanese PLBW infants is higher than in Western countries. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the causes of apparent geographic and hospital variations of readmission rates in order to make more specific interpretations.
How can we safely use ultrasonic laparoscopic coagulating shears?
Authors: Kim Jae Sik , Hattori Ryohei , Yamamoto Tokunori , Yoshino Yasushi , Gotoh Momokazu 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:  To investigate changes in temperature of the tissue pad (contrary to active blade) of ultrasonic laparoscopic coagulation shears (LCS) and histological changes of tissue surrounding the pad during activation.Methods:  Three types of ultrasonic LCS were assessed: SonoSurg (SSg) (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), AutoSonix (AS) (Tyco, Pembroke, Bermuda) and Harmonic Scalpel (HS) (Johnson & Johnson, Cincinnati, OH, USA). Vibration amplitudes were 70%/100% (SSg), Level 3/Level 5 (AS) and Level 5 (HS). Durations of vibration were 5 s, 10 s, 15 s and 20 s. Changes in temperature of the tissue pad were evaluated by cutting chicken parts extracorporeally with the three types of LCS. Histological changes around the tissue pad of the SSg were evaluated in a laparoscopic porcine model.Results:  At intermediate power (70% or Level 3), the SSg tissue pad temperatures were 33°C, 42°C, 55°C and 70°C, whereas the AS tissue pad temperatures were 45°C, 72°C, 80°C and 100°C. At maximum power, the temperatures of the SSg tissue pad were 38°C, 45°C, 70°C and 95°C, those of the AS were 50°C, 65°C, 70°C and 90°C and those of the HS were 49°C, 65°C, 75°C and 90°C. Histological changes occurred at 10 s, 15 s and 20 s.Conclusion:  Surgeons should be aware that the temperature of the tissue pad also becomes elevated when using ultrasonic LCS. Thus, they should be concerned with surrounding tissues and organs around both the tissue pad and the active blade during activation. Regardless of the LCS type and power, a short activation time within 5 s is a safe method for using the instrument.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in the urinary tract of men with urethritis
Authors: Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Sasagawa Toshiyuki , Kawaguchi Syohei , Kobori Yoshitomo , Nakashima Takao , Shimamura Masayoshi , Taya Tadashi , Furubayashi Keiichi , Namiki Mikio 
Published: March 2010

Objectives:  To investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the genital and urinary tract of men with urethritis.Methods:  Cell samples were collected from the penis, urethra and urine of 142 men with urethritis. A HPV test was performed on the samples using the modified GP5+/6+ polymerase chain reaction method, and the HPV genotype was determined using a HPV GenoArray test.Results:  Out of 142 urethritis patients, HPV was detected in 48% (68 cases), and high‐risk HPV was found in 32% (46 cases) of patients, on their penis or in the urinary tract (urethra or urine). HPV was detected in 31% in the penis, 20% in the urethra and 24% in the urine, while high‐risk HPV was identified in 23% in the penis, 12% in the urethra and 11% in the urine. Among the HPV‐positive men, 66% had HPV infection in the urinary tract where the most common HPV types were HPV6, HPV16, HPV18 and HPV58. Single HPV‐type infection was more frequently found in the urinary tract (89%) than in the penis (65%) (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Similar to the penis, the urinary tract represents a common HPV infection site in men with urethritis.
Smoking prevalence and perspectives on smoking on campus by employees in Australian teaching hospitals
Authors: Jones T. E. , Williams J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: Cigarette smoking prevalence has been declining over decades in Western countries especially in higher socioeconomic groups. Employees of Australian hospitals span the socioeconomic spectrum, but there are few data on smoking prevalence from these workplaces. Because smoking is a health hazard, some argue that it should be banned on hospital premises, but employees' opinions appear not to have been widely canvassed. Cigarette smoking is a particular problem in hospitals because of the need for prolonged abstinence by immobile patients and the stressors that accompany life‐and‐death events for patients and/or relatives. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has had a Stop Smoking Service for >10 years, but how smoking prevalence has changed and how it compares with similar hospitals is unknown.Aims: The aims of this study were (i) to determine smoking prevalence by employees of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and to compare this with employees of other hospitals and (ii) to ascertain employees' perspectives regarding smoking on hospital grounds.Methods: Single page questionnaires were forwarded to employees of four South Australian/Northern Territory hospitals enquiring about smoking status, employment category, views about smoking on hospital premises, etc. Responses were voluntary.Results: Response rates were 39–59%. Smoking prevalence has steadily declined at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and is now 8.4%. Prevalence at comparator hospitals was approximately double this value. Most staff thought the visibility of smoking was problematic, but support for providing smoking area/s was greater than for a hospital‐wide ban.Conclusions: The ongoing decline in smoking prevalence at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is probably the result of the Staff Stop Smoking Service.
Craving control using nicotine replacement therapy in a teaching hospital
Authors: Jones T. E. , Williams J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: A period of hospitalisation is perhaps the longest period of enforced ‘temporary abstinence’ smokers have to endure and hence many crave during their admission. Cravings may result in patients' smoking on hospital premises. Nicotine replacement may reduce cravings, decrease smoking on hospital grounds and increase interest in quitting post‐discharge.Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two nicotine formulations in controlling inpatient cravings and enthusiasm for quitting post‐discharge.Methods: Inpatients who were smokers were randomised to nicotine patch or inhaler on alternating days. Patients selected their preferred formulation, which was then used for the duration of the hospital stay. Craving control and formulation preference were assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS), and interest in quitting on a 3‐point scale. Abstinence was confirmed by exhaled breath CO monitoring.Results: Patches were preferred by 64% of the 367 subjects. Fewer patients went outside to smoke after either formulation (37% before, 5% after enrolment). Cravings were reduced by both nicotine formulations (mean VAS score fell from 7.5 to 1.7). Interest in quitting post‐discharge increased. Estimated mean exposure to nicotine was 5 mg/day (inhaler), 15 mg/day (transdermal patch) compared with 30 mg/day (cigarettes) before hospitalisation.Conclusions: Many smokers crave and some smoke outside during a hospital admission. While the patch was the preferred formulation of nicotine replacement therapy, both were effective in reducing cravings, increasing motivation for quitting post‐discharge and improving Hospital ‘image’ by reducing smoking on campus. Nicotine replacement therapy should be made available to inpatients in all hospitals and other places of enforced prolonged abstinence.
UV hyper‐resistance in Prochlorococcus MED4 results from a single base pair deletion just upstream of an operon encoding nudix hydrolase and photolyase
Authors: Osburne Marcia S. , Holmbeck Brianne M. , Frias‐Lopez Jorge , Steen Robert , Huang Katherine , Kelly Libusha , Coe Allison , Waraska Kristin , Gagne Andrew , Chisholm Sallie W. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryExposure to solar radiation can cause mortality in natural communities of pico‐phytoplankton, both at the surface and to a depth of at least 30 m. DNA damage is a significant cause of death, mainly due to cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation, which can be lethal if not repaired. While developing a UV mutagenesis protocol for the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus, we isolated a UV‐hyper‐resistant variant of high light‐adapted strain MED4. The hyper‐resistant strain was constitutively upregulated for expression of the mutT‐phrB operon, encoding nudix hydrolase and photolyase, both of which are involved in repair of DNA damage that can be caused by UV light. Photolyase (PhrB) breaks pyrimidine dimers typically caused by UV exposure, using energy from visible light in the process known as photoreactivation. Nudix hydrolase (MutT) hydrolyses 8‐oxo‐dGTP, an aberrant form of GTP that results from oxidizing conditions, including UV radiation, thus impeding mispairing and mutagenesis by preventing incorporation of the aberrant form into DNA. These processes are error‐free, in contrast to error‐prone SOS dark repair systems that are widespread in bacteria. The UV‐hyper‐resistant strain contained only a single mutation: a 1 bp deletion in the intergenic region directly upstream of the mutT‐phrB operon. Two subsequent enrichments for MED4 UV‐hyper‐resistant strains from MED4 wild‐type cultures gave rise to strains containing this same 1 bp deletion, affirming its connection to the hyper‐resistant phenotype. These results have implications for Prochlorococcus DNA repair mechanisms, genome stability and possibly lysogeny.
Longitudinal study of the socioeconomic burden of Parkinson’s disease in Germany
Authors: Winter Y. , Balzer‐Geldsetzer M. , Spottke A. , Reese J. P. , Baum E. , Klotsche J. , Rieke J. , Simonow A. , Eggert K. , Oertel W. H. , Dodel R. 
Published: March 2010

Objective:  To determine the health economic burden on patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Germany over a 12‐month observation period and provide a comprehensive analysis of cost‐driving factors.Methods and patients:  Patients with PD (n = 145) were recruited from two clinical departments, two office‐based neurologists and 12 GPs. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Disease severity was measured using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Cost data were assessed based on a patient diary and via personal structured interviews at the respective time‐points. Costs were calculated from the societal perspective (2009 €). Cost‐driving factors were identified by multivariate regression analysis.Results:  Mean annual costs totalled €20 095 per patient. Amongst direct costs, the highest expenditures (€13 158) were for drugs (€3526) and inpatient care including nursing homes (€3789). Indirect costs accounted for 34.5% (€6937) of total costs. Costs of home care provided by family accounted for 20% of direct costs. Cost‐driving factors were identified for total costs (UPDRS, fluctuations, dyskinesia and younger age), direct costs (UPDRS, fluctuations), patient expenditures (UPDRS, depression) and drug costs (younger age).Conclusion:  Parkinson’s disease has a chronic course with growing disability and considerable socioeconomic burden. Disease progression leads to an increasing number of patients who require costly institutionalized care. Home care is a major factor influencing patients’ families. Healthcare programmes aimed at reducing the burden of PD on society and individuals should consider cost‐driving factors of PD.
The geography of climate change: implications for conservation biogeography
Authors: Ackerly D. D. , Loarie S. R. , Cornwell W. K. , Weiss S. B. , Hamilton H. , Branciforte R. , Kraft N. J. B. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, including impacts on species distributions, abundance and ecological interactions. At a landscape scale, these impacts, and biotic responses such as adaptation and migration, will be mediated by spatial heterogeneity in climate and climate change. We examine several aspects of the geography of climate change and their significance for biodiversity conservation.Location California and Nevada, USA.Methods Using current climate surfaces (PRISM) and two scenarios of future climate (A1b, 2070–2099, warmer‐drier and warmer‐wetter), we mapped disappearing, declining, expanding and novel climates, and the velocity and direction of climate change in California and Nevada. We also examined fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity in protected areas of the San Francisco Bay Area in relation to reserve size, topographic complexity and distance from the ocean.Results Under the two climate change scenarios, current climates across most of California and Nevada will shrink greatly in extent, and the climates of the highest peaks will disappear from this region. Expanding and novel climates are projected for the Central Valley. Current temperature isoclines are projected to move up to 4.9 km year−1in flatter regions, but substantially slower in mountainous areas because of steep local topoclimate gradients. In the San Francisco Bay Area, climate diversity within currently protected areas increases with reserve size and proximity to the ocean (the latter because of strong coastal climate gradients). However, by 2100 of almost 500 protected areas (>100 ha), only eight of the largest are projected to experience temperatures within their currently observed range. Topoclimate variability will further increase the range of conditions experienced and needs to be incorporated in future analyses.Main Conclusions Spatial heterogeneity in climate, from mesoclimate to topoclimate scales, represents an important spatial buffer in response to climate change, and merits increased attention in conservation planning.
Gallium modulates osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro without affecting osteoblasts
Authors: Verron Elise , Masson Martial , Khoshniat Solmaz , Duplomb Laurence , Wittrant Yohann , Baud'huin Marc , Badran Zahi , Bujoli Bruno , Janvier Pascal , Scimeca Jean‐Claude , Bouler Jean‐Michel , Guicheux Jérôme 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Gallium (Ga) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of disorders associated with accelerated bone loss, including cancer‐related hypercalcemia and Paget's disease. These clinical applications suggest that Ga could reduce bone resorption. However, few studies have studied the effects of Ga on osteoclastic resorption. Here, we have explored the effects of Ga on bone cells in vitro.Experimental approach:  In different osteoclastic models [osteoclasts isolated from long bones of neonatal rabbits (RBC), murine RAW 264.7 cells and human CD14‐positive cells], we have performed resorption activity tests, staining for tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, viability and apoptotic assays. We also evaluated the effect of Ga on osteoblasts in terms of proliferation, viability and activity by using an osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3‐E1) and primary mouse osteoblasts.Key results:  Gallium dose‐dependently (0–100 µM) inhibited the in vitro resorption activity of RBC and induced a significant decrease in the expression level of transcripts coding for osteoclastic markers in RAW 264.7 cells. Ga also dramatically reduced the formation of TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells. Ga down‐regulated in a dose‐dependant manner the expression of the transcription factor NFATc1. However, Ga did not affect the viability or activity of primary and MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts.Conclusions and implications:  Gallium exhibits a dose‐dependent anti‐osteoclastic effect by reducing in vitro osteoclastic resorption, differentiation and formation without negatively affecting osteoblasts. We provide evidence that this inhibitory mechanism involves down‐regulation of NFATc1 expression, a master regulator of RANK‐induced osteoclastic differentiation.
β‐Adrenoceptor stimulation potentiates insulin‐stimulated PKB phosphorylation in rat cardiomyocytes via cAMP and PKA
Authors: Stuenæs Jorid T , Bolling Astrid , Ingvaldsen Ada , Rommundstad Camilla , Sudar Emina , Lin Fang‐Chin , Lai Yu‐Chiang , Jensen Jørgen 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Genetic approaches have documented protein kinase B (PKB) as a pivotal regulator of heart function. Insulin strongly activates PKB, whereas adrenaline is not considered a major physiological regulator of PKB in heart. In skeletal muscles, however, adrenaline potentiates insulin‐stimulated PKB activation without having effect in the absence of insulin. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interaction between insulin and β‐adrenergic stimulation in regulation of PKB phosphorylation.Experimental approach:  Cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult rats by collagenase, and incubated with insulin, isoprenaline, and other compounds. Protein phosphorylation was evaluated by Western blot and phospho‐specific antibodies.Key results:  Isoprenaline increased insulin‐stimulated PKB Ser473 and Thr308 phosphorylation more than threefold in cardiomyocytes. Isoprenaline alone did not increase PKB phosphorylation. Isoprenaline also increased insulin‐stimulated GSK‐3β Ser9 phosphorylation approximately twofold, supporting that PKB phosphorylation increased kinase activity. Dobutamine (β1‐agonist) increased insulin‐stimulated PKB phosphorylation as effectively as isoprenaline (more than threefold), whereas salbutamol (β2‐agonist) only potentiated insulin‐stimulated PKB phosphorylation by approximately 80%. Dobutamine, but not salbutamol, increased phospholamban Ser16 phosphorylation and glycogen phosphorylase activation (PKA‐mediated effects). Furthermore, the cAMP analogue that activates PKA (dibutyryl‐cAMP and N6‐benzoyl‐cAMP) increased insulin‐stimulated PKB phosphorylation by more than threefold without effect alone. The Epac‐specific activator 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyl‐cAMP (007) increased insulin‐stimulated PKB phosphorylation by approximately 50%. Db‐cAMP and N6‐benzoyl‐cAMP, but not 007, increased phospholamban Ser16 phosphorylation.Conclusions and implications:  β‐adrenoceptors are strong regulators of PKB phosphorylation via cAMP and PKA when insulin is present. We hypothesize that PKB mediates important signalling in the heart during β‐adrenergic receptors stimulation.
Amitriptyline does not block the action of ATP at human P2X4 receptor
Authors: Sim JA , North RA 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is also widely used to treat neuropathic pain in humans, but the mechanism of this anti‐hyperalgesic effect is unknown. Microglia in the mouse spinal cord become activated in neuropathic pain, and expression of P2X4 receptors by these microglia is increased. Antisense RNA targeting P2X4 receptors suppresses the development of tactile allodynia in rats. This suggests that blockade of P2X4 receptors might be the mechanism by which amitriptyline relieves neuropathic pain.Experimental approach: We expressed human, rat and mouse P2X receptors (P2X2, P2X4, P2X7) in human embryonic kidney cells and evoked inward currents by applying ATP. We compared the action of ATP on control cells and cells treated with amitriptyline.Key results: Amitriptyline (10 µM), either applied acutely or by pre‐incubation for 2–6 h, had no effect on inward currents evoked by ATP (0.3–100 µM) at human P2X4 receptors. At rat and mouse receptors, amitriptyline (10 µM) caused a modest reduction in the maximum responses to ATP, without changes in EC50values, but it had no effect at 1 µM. Amitriptyline also had no effects on currents evoked by ATP at rat P2X2 receptors, or at rat or human P2X7 receptors.Conclusion and implications: The results do not support the view that amitriptyline owes its pain‐relieving actions in man to the direct blockade of P2X4 receptors.