bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous cellular prion protein regulates contractility of the mouse ileum
Authors: MARTIN G. R. , ALVAREZ A. L. , BASHASHATI M. , KEENAN C. M. , JIRIK F. R. , SHARKEY K. A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is expressed in the enteric nervous system (ENS), however, its physiological role has not been identified. Studies suggest that PrPC can function as a metal‐binding protein, as absence of the protein has been linked to altered copper metabolism and atypical synaptic activity. Because copper is known to modulate smooth muscle relaxation, we tested the hypothesis that PrPC deficiency would alter intestinal contractility.Methods  We examined electrically evoked ileal contractility in Prnp−/− or wild type littermate mice and the effects of copper or copper chelation. PrPC expression was studied in whole mount ileal preparations of mice and guinea pigs by immunohistochemistry.Key Results  Relative to wild type mice, ileal tissues of Prnp−/− mice exhibited reduced electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐evoked contractility. Furthermore, EFS‐induced relaxation, as a percentage of that induced by a nitric oxide donor, was enhanced. Addition of a copper donor to the organ bath increased, whereas the addition of a copper chelator inhibited, nitric oxide donor‐induced ileal relaxation in Prnp−/− mice. PrPC was expressed on nerve fibers or terminals, and some cell bodies in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of wild type mice. PrPC colocalized with a neuron‐specific ectonucleotidase, nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 3 (NTPDase3), but to only a limited extent with GFAP, a marker of enteric glia. Guinea pigs expressed PrPC in nerve fibers or terminals and enteric glia in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses.Conclusions & Inferences  Our findings suggest that PrPC, which is abundant in the ENS, has a role in the regulation of ileal contractility.
Mitochondrial DNA deletions and depletion within paraspinal muscles
Authors: Campbell G. R. , Reeve A. , Ziabreva I. , Polvikoski T. M. , Taylor R. W. , Reynolds R. , Turnbull D. M. , Mahad D. J. 
Published: July 2012

G. R. Campbell, A. Reeve, I. Ziabreva, T. M. Polvikoski, R. W. Taylor, R. Reynolds, D. M. Turnbull and D. J. Mahad (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 377–389Mitochondrial DNA deletions and depletion within paraspinal musclesAims: Although mitochondrial abnormalities have been reported within paraspinal muscles in patients with axial weakness and neuromuscular disease as well as with ageing, the basis of respiratory deficiency in paraspinal muscles is not known. This study aimed to determine the extent and basis of respiratory deficiency in paraspinal muscles from cases undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal disease and post mortem cases without a history of spinal disease, where age‐related histopathological changes were previously reported. Methods: Cervical and lumbar paraspinal muscles were obtained peri‐operatively from 13 patients and from six post mortem control cases (age range 18–82 years) without a neurological disease. Sequential COX/SDH (mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV/complex II) histochemistry was performed to identify respiratory‐deficient muscle fibres (lacking complex IV with intact complex II activity). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, long‐range polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to identify and characterize mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions and determine mtDNA copy number status. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex subunits were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: The density of respiratory‐deficient fibres increased with age. On average, 3.96% of fibres in paraspinal muscles were respiratory‐deficient (range 0–10.26). Respiratory deficiency in 36.8% of paraspinal muscle fibres was due to clonally expanded mtDNA deletions. MtDNA depletion accounted for further 13.5% of respiratory deficiency. The profile of immunohistochemically detected subunits of complexes was similar in respiratory‐deficient fibres with and without mtDNA deletions or mtDNA depletion. Conclusions: Paraspinal muscles appeared to be particularly susceptible to age‐related mitochondrial respiratory chain defects. Clonally expanded mtDNA deletions and focal mtDNA depletion may contribute towards the development of age‐related postural abnormalities.
Interaction of xylem and phloem during exudation and wound occlusion in Cucurbita maxima
Authors: ZIMMERMANN MATTHIAS R. , HAFKE JENS B. , VAN BEL AART J. E. , FURCH ALEXANDRA C. U. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTCollection of cucurbit exudates from cut petioles has been a powerful tool for gaining knowledge on phloem sap composition without full notion of the complex exudation mechanism. Only few publications explicitly mentioned that exudates were collected from the basal side of the cut, which exudes more copiously than the apical side. This is surprising since only exudation from the apical side is supposedly driven by phloem pressure gradients. Composition of carbohydrates and pH values at both wounding sides are equal, whereas protein concentration is higher at the basal side. Apparently, exudation is far more complex than just the delivery of phloem sap. Xylem involvement is indicated by lower protein concentrations after elimination of root pressure. Moreover, dye was sucked into xylem vessels owing to relaxation of negative pressure after cutting. The lateral water efflux from the vessels increases turgor of surrounding cells including sieve elements. Simultaneously, detached parietal proteins (PP1/PP2) induce occlusion of sieve plates and cover wound surface. If root pressure is strong enough, pure xylem sap can be collected after removal of the occlusion plug at the wound surface. The present findings provide a mechanism of sap exudation in Cucurbita maxima, in which the contribution of xylem water is integrated.
The cost‐effectiveness of immunotherapy for respiratory allergy: a review
Authors: Simoens S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article reviews the international literature on the cost‐effectiveness of immunotherapy for respiratory allergy. Included studies conducted an economic evaluation of immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma or allergic rhinitis in combination with asthma. Although there were few economic evaluations and these suffered from methodological shortcomings, the evidence appears to support the cost‐effectiveness of immunotherapy as compared with pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, subcutaneous immunotherapy as compared with pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis and immunotherapy as compared with pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis and asthma. One economic evaluation suggested that immunotherapy as compared with pharmacotherapy is unlikely to be cost‐effective for asthma. The questions of the cost‐effectiveness of sublingualvssubcutaneous immunotherapy and of the cost‐effectiveness of immunotherapy for allergic conjunctivitis have not been resolved to date. The cost‐effectiveness of immunotherapy depends on the duration of the clinical benefit of immunotherapy following treatment cessation, and on the break‐even point of cumulative costs between immunotherapy and pharmacotherapy. There is a need for economic evaluations based on high‐quality prospective and long‐term clinical studies comparing immunotherapy with pharmacotherapy in real‐life practice and comparing sublingual with subcutaneous immunotherapy.
Intensive educational course in allergy and immunology
Authors: Elizalde A. , Perez E. E. , Sriaroon P. , Nguyen D. , Lockey R. F. , Dorsey M. J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA one‐day intensive educational course on allergy and immunology theory and diagnostic procedure significantly increased the competency of allergy and immunology fellows‐in‐training.
Management of acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Mori Francesca , Fiocchi Alessandro , Barni Simona , Beghi Gianfranco , Caddeo Alessandra , Calcinai Elena , Contestabile Simona , de Martino Maurizio , Pucci Neri , Rossi Maria Elisabetta , Terracciano Luigi , Novembre Elio 
Published: July 2012

To cite this article: Mori F, Fiocchi A, Barni S, Beghi G, Caddeo A, Calcinai E, Contestabile S, de Martino M, Pucci N, Rossi M Elisabetta, Terracciano L, Novembre E. Management of acute rhinosinusitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23 (Suppl. 22): 27–31.AbstractAcute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most common reasons for physician visits and for significant school absenteeism, although precise data on its prevalence and incidence are still lacking. RS is defined as acute if there are symptoms lasting <12 wk with complete resolution. Superinfection by bacteria following a viral infection is the most important mechanism of ARS. Diagnosis of ARS should be made on clinical grounds alone. Typically, acute bacterial RS is self‐limited and goes through spontaneous recovery within 4 wk. Recognizing the occurrence of bacterial superinfections of the sinuses during a common viral respiratory infection is fundamental to making the decision to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments such as saline irrigation, nasal decongestants, steroids, antihistamines, and fungicides are all in widespread pediatric use, but analyzing the literature gives poor evidence of efficacy, except for topical steroids. RS is a multifactorial condition that poses a diagnostic and management challenge to infectivologist and ear‐nose‐throat specialists as well as to pediatricians.
Management of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cazzavillan Alessandro , Castelnuovo Paolo , Berlucchi Marco , Baiardini Ilaria , Franzetti Andrea , Nicolai Piero , Gallo Stefania , Passalacqua Giovanni 
Published: July 2012

To cite this article: Cazzavillan A, Castelnuovo P, Berlucchi M, Baiardini I, Franzetti A, Nicolai P, Gallo S, Passalacqua G. Management of chronic rhinosinusitis in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23 (Suppl. 22): 32–44.AbstractChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children is difficult to treat, with resultant frequent recurrences and failures. There are controversies in the treatment, mirroring the debate over the exact etiology of this disorder. The available medical treatments are antibiotics, topical nasal corticosteroids, and nasal lavage with saline solutions; though, there is no general agreement on the efficacy of the latter. The new technique of balloon sinuplasty allows ventilation to the sinuses to be restored with minimal risk and trauma to the tissues, and initial outcome seems promising, being successful in most treated children. Concerning the surgical approach, adenoidectomy is among the most frequent surgical procedures performed on children, but its therapeutic effect is controversial, because randomized studies have failed to prove that adenoidectomy alone is sufficient in curing CRS. Instead, functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive technique which restores the sinus ostia patency and can re‐establish ventilation and drainage through the natural pathways. It is important that the effectiveness of any treatment is also evaluated by patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) that refer to all health‐related reports coming from the patients, without any involvement or interpretations by physician or others. Among PROs, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is the one most widely known and used. HRQL can be measured by means of validated questionnaires, which provide scores proportional to the degree of well‐being perceived by patients. Concerning diseases of the upper airway including RS, there are numerous instruments specifically designed for children and caregivers, which allow to assess the effects of treatments in a more extensive and complete manner.
Pathophysiology, favoring factors, and associated disorders in otorhinosinusology
Authors: Gelardi Matteo , Marchisio Paola , Caimmi Davide , Incorvaia Cristoforo , Albertario Giada , Bianchini Sonia , Caimmi Silvia , Celani Camilla , Esposito Susanna , Fattizzo Miriam , Fiorella Maria Luisa , Frati Franco , Labò Elena , Leo Gualtiero , Licari Amelia , Marseglia Alessia , Piacentini Elena , Pignataro Lorenzo , Quaranta Nicola , Tenconi Rossana , Torretta Sara , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Principi Nicola 
Published: July 2012

To cite this article: Gelardi M, Marchisio P, Caimmi D, Incorvaia C, Albertario G, Bianchini S, Caimmi S, Celani C, Esposito S, Fattizzo M, Fiorella ML, Frati F, Labò E, Leo G, Licari A, Marseglia A, Piacentini E, Pignataro L, Quaranta N, Tenconi R, Torretta S, Marseglia GL, Principi N. Pathophysiology, favoring factors, and associated disorders in otorhinosinusology. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23 (Suppl. 22): 5–16.AbstractThe pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis (RS) is related to inflammation, caused by infections in the acute form of the disease but also by other agents in the chronic forms. Cytology allows to evaluate the defensive components, such as hair cells and muciparous cells, while the presence in the nasal mucosa of eosinophils, mast cells, bacteria and/or fungal hyphae, or spores indicates the nasal pathology. The anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the otorhinosinusal system account for the frequent concomitant involvement of the different components. The pivotal pathophysiologic sites are the ostiomeatal complex, the spheno‐ethmoidal recess, and the Eustachian tube. The latter is the link with acute otitis media (AOM), which is the most common disease in infants and children and has major medical, social, and economic effects. Moreover, because of the strict relationship between upper and lower airways, nasal sinus disease may contribute to asthma and sinusitis may be considered as an independent factor associated with frequent severe asthma exacerbations. Concerning the role of allergy, the available data do not permit to attribute a central role to atopy in sinusitis and thus allergy testing should not be a routine procedure, while an allergologic evaluation may be indicated in children with OM, especially when they have concomitant rhinitis.
Chromaffin Cells of the Adrenal Gland in the Beagle Dog
Authors: Qiu S. , Du Y. , Wang L. , Hu C. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe distribution of adrenal chromaffin cells in the control beagle dog was investigated. The presence of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, three zones of the adrenal cortex and capsule was identified by staining with H&E, chromium salts and TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) antibody. With H&E stain, there are morphological differences among the chromaffin cells in the medulla, cortex and capsule. In addition, the number of the capsular chromaffin cells was statistically significantly decreased in the 8–9, 11–12 and 15–16 month age groups compared with the 5–6 month age group. Both medullary and extra‐medullary chromaffin cells contained catecholamines, demonstrated via special staining for chromium salts. TH is the first enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis; it is a useful maker for all cells involved with catecholamine biosynthesis including chromaffin cells. TH antibody confirmed that the extra‐medullary cells were chromaffin cells. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay for detecting the apoptotic signalling identified the apoptosis of the chromaffin cells in the capsule.
Assessment Strategies and the Effects of Fighting Experience on Future Contest Performance in the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Garcia Mark J. , Paiva Laura , Lennox Michelle , Sivaraman Boopathy , Wong Stephanie C. , Earley Ryan L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSocial experiences can be useful sources of information for animals charged with making fitness‐related decisions. Fighting experience can alter an animal's perception of its fighting ability possibly leading to changes in future contest decisions, which may increase/decrease their probability of winning future contests. Winner and loser effects have been revealed in a wide array of animals, but studies using reptilian models are rare. This study investigated the impact of fighting experience on future contest performance and outcome in the green anole lizard and investigated the assessment strategies used by anoles during contests of different intensities. To determine whether the green anole expresses winner or loser effects, focal animals engaged in a primary contest with a smaller (larger) opponent to gain a winning (losing) experience; opponent size asymmetries were a significant predictor of contest outcome. Focal individuals were isolated for 2 d before being given a secondary contest with a size‐matched, naïve opponent. We found no evidence of winner or loser effects 2 d following a previous contest. Although previous contest outcome did not dictate future contest success, dynamics of the previous contest did. Highly aggressive primary contest losers won a significant proportion of the secondary contests, while less aggressive losers were more apt to lose the secondary contest. Secondary contest success of prior winners was not influenced by earlier contest performance. Further analyses of contest dynamics reveal that individuals may use different assessment strategies depending on the intensity of the contest. Our results demonstrate that future contest success may be driven more by individual performance in a prior contest and less by prior contest outcome.
Sleep quality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: MCSHARRY DAVID G. , RYAN SILKE , CALVERLEY PETER , EDWARDS J. COLIN , MCNICHOLAS WALTER T. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Previous reports have shown that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sleep poorly, but the underlying basis remains speculative. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine potential predictors of poor sleep quality in COPD patients.Methods:  This is a secondary analysis of two previously published trials investigating the impact of long‐acting bronchodilators on nocturnal oxygen saturation in moderate to severe COPD patients. One hundred and six patients with established COPD were studied. Each patient underwent overnight polysomnography studies in a dedicated university‐affiliated sleep laboratory. Epworth Sleepiness Scores, spirometry and daytime arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis sought independent predictors of sleep quality from baseline demographic, spirometry and oximetry values.Results:  Patients' age was 66.4 ± 7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 33.4 ± 12.9% predicted and daytime PaO2 64 ± 7.5 mm Hg. In comparison with historical normative populations, the cohort demonstrated impaired sleep quality. Sleep efficiency was 66 ± 17% and sleep stage analysis revealed altered architecture with diminished periods of rapid eye movement sleep (12.7 ± 8.3%). In multivariate analysis, daytime PaO2 correlated independently with sleep efficiency (P = 0.041), whereas FEV1 positively correlated with arousal index, and age correlated negatively with rapid eye movement sleep duration.Conclusions:  Sleep quality is poor in patients with severe COPD compared with normative populations of similar age, and daytime hypoxaemia is independently associated with impaired sleep efficiency.
Ratio of waist circumference to chest circumference is inversely associated with lung function in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: FENG KUI , CHEN LI , HAN SHAO‐MEI , ZHU GUANG‐JIN 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  In White children, waist circumference (WC) is positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Because fat distribution differs among different races, the relationship between WC and lung function in Asian children may differ from that in White children. The present study aimed to examine the effect of WC on ventilatory function in Chinese children.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was performed on 1572 healthy subjects aged 9–18 years. Height, weight, chest circumference (CC), WC and lung function (FVC, FEV1, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF)) were measured. To avoid the problem of colinearity, a model that combined CC and WC as the waist‐to‐chest ratio (WCR) was used. The relative contributions of WCR and body mass index (BMI) to spirometric parameters were determined by linear regression analysis.Results:  WCR was inversely associated with all spirometric parameters. On average, each 0.01 increase in WCR was associated with decreases of 8.14 mL for FVC, 9.36 mL for FEV1, 6.54% for FEV1/FVC, 19.81 mL/s for PEF and 17.25 mL/s for MMEF. BMI was positively associated with all spirometric parameters except FEV1/FVC. These results suggest that WC was inversely associated with lung function parameters.Conclusions:  Inverse associations were identified between WCR, as well as WC, and lung function in a population of Chinese children. The underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.
Peri‐diaphragmatic lung volume assessed by computed tomography correlates with quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: TANABE NAOYA , MURO SHIGEO , FUSEYA YOSHINORI , SATO SUSUMU , OGUMA TSUYOSHI , KIYOKAWA HIROFUMI , TAKAHASHI TAMAKI , KINOSE DAISUKE , HOSHINO YUMA , KUBO TAKESHI , HIRAI TOYOHIRO , MISHIMA MICHIAKI 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is important in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with emphysema, lung hyperinflation identified radiologically as shortening and flattening of the diaphragm is associated with impaired HRQoL. It remains unclear whether shortening of the diaphragm and/or alteration in chest wall shape are associated with reduced pulmonary function and HRQoL.Methods:  Pulmonary function testing and chest computed tomography (CT) were performed, and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was administered to 123 patients with COPD. Using CT images, the ratio of volume of lung region adjacent to the diaphragm dome to total lung volume (DLV%) was evaluated as a novel CT index, and conventional indices, including percent low attenuation volume (LAV%), wall area percent (WA%), total lung volume and diaphragm length (Ldi) were calculated.Results:  DLV% was significantly correlated with Ldi. DLV% and Ldi were inversely correlated with lung hyperinflation, assessed as the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, independent of LAV% and WA%. Unlike Ldi, DLV% was inversely associated with all components and total scores for the SGRQ, independent of the severity of emphysema and airflow limitation.Conclusions:  Reduced lung volume around the diaphragm correlated with lung hyperinflation and HRQoL, independent of emphysema severity. This needs to be verified in additional studies.