bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipoxin A4 generation is decreased in aspirin‐sensitive patients in lysine‐aspirin nasal challenge in vivo model
Authors: Kupczyk M. , Antczak A. , Kuprys‐Lipinska I. , Kuna P. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Lipoxins represent a group of lipoxygenase derived eicosanoids which, in contrast to leukotrienes, are potent anti‐inflammatory mediators. The aim of our study was to determine lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) levels in nasal lavages after intranasal challenge with aspirin in aspirin intolerant (AIA) in comparison to aspirin tolerant (ATA) asthmatics and after allergen challenge in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.Methods:  Twelve AIA, 8 ATA and 20 allergic patients were challenged with placebo, 16 mg of lysine‐aspirin (Lys‐ASA) or allergen (grasses). Nasal lavages were collected and eicosanoids’ levels were determined using ELISA.Results:  Clinically positive Lys‐ASA challenge in AIA resulted in influx of leukocytes (eosinophils and basophils) to nasal secretions and increase of LTC4 to 106.82 pg/ml (P < 0.05 vs baseline (26.58 pg/ml)) on first hour after the challenge. We did not observe any differences in LTC4 level before and after ASA challenge in ATA. In AIA group the mean level of LXA4 was 43 ± 21.5 pg/ml after placebo and decreased in 2 h after Lys‐ASA challenge (29 ± 17 pg/ml, P = 0.015). We found an increase in LXA4 in ATA after ASA provocation as compared to placebo (33 ± 16 pg/ml vs 52 ± 31 pg/ml, P = 0.046). In atopic patients baseline level of LXA4 was 33.49 ± 16.95 pg/ml with no difference after the clinically positive allergen challenge (36.22 ± 13.26 pg/ml, P = 0.23).Conclusions:  Results of our study confirm that AIA have diminished LXs’ biosynthesis capacities in vivo after ASA challenge. Taking into consideration anti‐inflammatory properties of lipoxins this phenomenon may be partially responsible for the development of chronic inflammation in AIA patients.
Counter regulation of the high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, on human airway dendritic cells by IL‐4 and IL‐10
Authors: Faith A. , Singh N. , Chevretton E. , Roberts D. , Lee T. , Corrigan C. , Hawrylowicz C. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Immunoglobulin E is a signalling molecule within the environment of the respiratory tract, the high affinity receptor for which, FcεRI, is expressed by dendritic cells (DC). Little is known, however, of the expression and function of FcεRI on DC in the human respiratory tract.Methods:  CD1c+ DC were purified from surgically resected nasal turbinates of 11 atopic and 12 nonatopic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Expression of FcεRI was determined by flow cytometry. Cytokine production by DC was determined by cytometric bead array.Results:  Expression of FcεRI was significantly elevated on respiratory tract dendritic cells (RTDC) from atopic as compared to nonatopic patients. Activation of RTDC through FcεRI induced production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. The production of IL‐6 and TNF‐α was elevated in atopic compared to nonatopic patients studied. Conversely IL‐10 production was elevated in nonatopic patients. Concomitant activation of FcεRI and stimulation of RTDC with IL‐4 inhibited production of IL‐10 by RTDC. Neutralization experiments with anti‐IL‐10 Ab enhanced whereas addition of exogenous IL‐10 to RTDC inhibited FcεRI‐mediated inflammatory cytokine production.Conclusion:  The function of FcεRI on RTDC from patients with rhinosinusitis is susceptible to counter regulation by IL‐4 and IL‐10.
Ecomorphometric variation and sexual dimorphism in the common shrew (Sorex araneus)
Authors: WHITE T. A. , SEARLE J. B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe investigated the evolution of the biomechanics of the mandible in island and mainland populations of the common shrew on the west coast of Scotland. We predicted that climatic differences between populations should cause differences in prey composition leading to changes in the mechanical potential (MP) of the mandible. In females, MP was correlated with climate, with greater MP in warmer and drier habitats. In males, MP was significantly greater than in females but there was no relationship between male MP and climate. This led to increased sexual dimorphism in colder and wetter climates. The same pattern was found after a phylogenetic least squares analysis was conducted to account for shared phylogenetic history. We discuss possible reasons for this pattern, including male–male combat and the greater necessity of females to feed as efficiently as possible to meet their extremely high energy requirements during lactation.
Survival selection on escape performance and its underlying phenotypic traits: a case of many‐to‐one mapping
Authors: STROBBE F. , MCPEEK M.A. , DE BLOCK M. , DE MEESTER L. , STOKS R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSelection often operates not directly on phenotypic traits but on performance which is important as several traits may contribute to a single performance measure (many‐to‐one mapping). Although largely ignored in the context of selection, this asks for studies that link all relevant phenotypes with performance and fitness. In an enclosure experiment, we studied links between phenotypic traits, swimming performance and survival in two Enallagma damselflies. Predatory dragonflies imposed survival selection for increased swimming propensity and speed only in E. annexum; probably E. aspersum was buffered by the former species’ presence. Accordingly, more circular caudal lamellae, structures involved in generating thrust while swimming, were selected for only in E. annexum. Other phenotypic traits that contributed to swimming speed were apparently not under selection, probably because of many‐to‐one mapping (functional redundancy). Our results indicate that not only the phenotypic distributions of syntopic prey organisms but also many‐to‐one mapping should be considered when documenting phenotype–performance–fitness relationships.
Convergence in trophic morphology and feeding performance among piscivorous natricine snakes
Authors: VINCENT S. E. , BRANDLEY M. C. , HERREL A. , ALFARO M. E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPiscivory has independently evolved numerous times amongst snakes, and therefore these animals provide a powerful opportunity to test for convergent evolution in a vertebrate feeding system. In this study, we integrate performance trials with comparative methods to test the hypothesis that piscivory drives convergence in trophic morphology and feeding performance among natricine snakes. Within and across species, increasing the relative length of the quadrate bone in the skull is positively and strongly linked to a reduction in the time needed to swallow large fish prey. Thus, our feeding experiments suggest that a longer quadrate bone enables snakes to better conform their head shape to the shape of the prey during swallowing. Ancestral diet reconstructions and phylogenetically corrected multiple regression analyses further reveal that evolutionary increases in piscivory are coupled to the evolution of relatively longer quadrates, and hence improved feeding performance on fish prey in these animals. The exploitation of similar dietary niches drives the evolution of convergent trophic morphologies and feeding performances in natricine snakes.
Attenuation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury by treatment with IL‐10
Authors: WU Chieh‐Liang , LIN Liang‐Yi , YANG Jyh‐Shyue , CHAN Ming‐Cheng , HSUEH Chi‐Mei 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of this study was to characterize the changes in neutrophils and cytokines in BAL fluid following acute lung injury (ALI), and to determine the protective effect of post‐injury treatment with IL‐10.Methods:  A rat model of ALI was established by evenly spraying LPS (16 mg/kg) into the lungs followed by observation for 48 h. Histological changes and the kinetics of neutrophil infiltration were evaluated in the injured lungs. The cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 and interferon‐γ) and macrophage‐inflammatory protein (MIP‐2) were measured in BAL fluid by ELISA. The activation of BAL fluid neutrophils was investigated after treatment with IL‐10 in vitro. The protective effect on histology and MIP‐2 levels of intra‐tracheal instillation of IL‐10 12 and 16 h after LPS treatment was studied in vivo.Results:  Intra‐tracheal instillation of LPS caused significant lung injury and the activation of neutrophils. The levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in BAL fluid peaked at 8 and 16 h after LPS instillation respectively. IL‐10 levels reached a maximum at 16–24 h, at the beginning of resolution of tissue injury. IL‐10 inhibited the activation of neutrophils in vitro and MIP‐2 induction in vivo. IL‐10 had a protective effect if it was administered 12 but not 16 h after LPS.Conclusions:  Neutrophils appeared to play an important role in ALI. Time‐dependent treatment with IL‐10 after intra‐tracheal instillation of LPS was effective in protecting rats from ALI, probably by suppressing pulmonary infiltration with activated neutrophils.
Correlation of C‐reactive protein with disease severity in CT diagnosed emphysema
Authors: OMORI Hisamitsu , TSUJI Mayumi , SATA Keiko , IYONAGA Cieko , NARIMATSU Akiko , MIHARA Shuichi , MARUBAYASHI Tohru , TOMIGUCHI Seiji , NOMORI Hiroaki , KOHROGI Hirotsugu , KATOH Takahiko 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Recent studies suggest that CRP levels are related to airflow obstruction. However, limited data exist on the relevance of CRP levels in individuals with or without emphysema. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the extent of emphysema, COPD severity and serum CRP levels.Methods:  Lung function tests and high‐sensitivity CRP were examined in 651 males with stable disease who underwent CT screening for lung cancer. CRP levels were examined cross‐sectionally in individuals with various degrees of emphysema and in those without emphysema.Results:  Emphysema was detected in 179 (34.7%) of 516 current smokers. Airflow obstruction was observed in 47 (28.8%) of 163 smokers with mild emphysema, in eight (57.1%) of 14 smokers with moderate emphysema, and in two of two individuals with severe emphysema. CRP levels were not higher in individuals with mild or moderate emphysema compared with individuals without emphysema. Among 98 individuals with airflow obstruction (19.0% of the 516 current smokers), there was a modest correlation between CRP levels and FEV1%.Conclusions:  The severity of COPD varied in individuals with similar degrees of emphysema. CRP levels were not significantly higher in individuals with mild or moderate emphysema compared with individuals without emphysema but CRP levels were modestly correlated with FEV1% among individuals with airflow obstruction.
Predicting the response to air travel in passengers with non‐obstructive lung disease: Are the current guidelines appropriate?
Authors: KELLY Paul T. , SWANNEY Maureen P. , SECCOMBE Leigh M. , FRAMPTON Chris , PETERS Matthew J. , BECKERT Lutz E. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Air travel guidelines recommend using baseline arterial oxygen levels and the hypoxic challenge test (HCT) to predict in‐flight hypoxaemia and the requirement for in‐flight oxygen in patients with lung disease. The purpose of the present study was to (i) quantify the hypoxaemic response to air travel and (ii) identify baseline correlate(s) to predict this response in passengers with non‐obstructed lung disease.Methods:  Fourteen passengers (seven women) with chronic non‐obstructed lung disease volunteered for this study. The study involved three phases: (i) respiratory function testing; (ii) in‐flight measures (SpO2, cabin pressure and dyspnoea); and (iii) a HCT. The in‐flight hypoxaemic response was compared with the baseline arterial oxygen level, respiratory function and the HCT.Results:  All subjects flew without oxygen and no adverse events were recorded in‐flight. Mean cabin pressure was 593 ± 16 mm Hg. Pre‐flight SpO2 was 95 ± 3% and significantly decreased to 85 ± 9% in‐flight, with further significant falls in subjects who walked during the flight (nadir SpO2 78 ± 11%). The pre‐flight SpO2 showed the strongest correlation with in‐flight SpO2 (r = 0.91, P < 0.001). The HCT SpO2 was moderately correlated to the in‐flight SpO2 (r = 0.58, P < 0.05). Spirometry, DL,CO and TLC measurements did not correlate with in‐flight SpO2.Conclusion:  Significant in‐flight desaturation can be expected in passengers with non‐obstructive lung disease. Respiratory function did not predict in‐flight desaturation. We found a good relationship between pre‐flight SpO2 and in‐flight SpO2 which supports the role of pre‐flight oximetry for predicting in‐flight hypoxaemia in passengers with non‐obstructed lung disease.
Airline policy for passengers requiring supplemental in‐flight oxygen
Authors: WALKER Jacqueline , KELLY Paul T. , BECKERT Lutz 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the current Australian/New Zealand airline policy on supplemental in‐flight oxygen for passengers with lung disease.Methods:  Fifty‐four commercial airlines servicing international routes were surveyed. Information was gathered from airline call centres and web sites. The survey documented individual airline policy on in‐flight oxygen delivery, approval schemes, equipment and cost.Results:  Of the 54 airlines contacted, 43 (81%) were able to support passengers requiring in‐flight oxygen. The majority (88%) of airlines provided a cylinder for passengers to use. Airline policy for calculating the cost of in‐flight oxygen differed considerably between carriers. Six (14%) airlines supplied oxygen to passengers free of charge; however, three of these airlines charged for an extra seat. Fifteen airlines (35%) charged on the basis of oxygen supplied, that is, per cylinder. Fourteen airlines (33%) had a flat rate charge per sector.Conclusions:  This study confirmed that most airlines can accommodate passengers requiring supplemental oxygen. However, the findings highlight inconsistencies in airline policies and substantial cost differences for supplemental in‐flight oxygen. We advocate an industry standardization of policy and cost of in‐flight oxygen.
Short‐term responses of phenology, shoot growth and leaf traits of four alpine shrubs in a timberline ecotone to simulated global warming, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: XU ZHEN‐FENG , HU TING‐XING , WANG KAI‐YUN , ZHANG YUAN‐BIN , XIAN JUN‐REN 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe short‐term effects of artificial warming on phenology, growth and leaf traits were investigated in four alpine shrubs using the open‐top chamber (OTC) method in a timberline ecotone (3240 m a.s.l.) on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. The OTC enhanced the mean air temperature by 2.9°C throughout the growing season. In contrast, only a slight difference (0.4°C) in the mean soil temperature was observed in the OTC compared with the control plots (CP). Spiraea mongolica, Potentilla fruticosa, Conicera hispida (deciduous shrubs) and Daphne retusa (evergreen shrub) showed earlier bud break, flowering and fruit coloring as well as longer flower longevity in the OTC than in the CP. All deciduous shrubs in the OTC had a longer leaf lifespan. Daphne retusa had higher leaf survival rates in the OTC. No significant differences in the total number of flowers and fruits were noticed for most species between the two treatments. Warming stimulated the shoot and leaf growth for most species. The specific leaf area tended to increase for many species in the OTC. However, the leaf nitrogen concentration tended to decrease in P. fruticosa and S. mongolica. The results obtained in the present study indicate that warming conditions can have strong impacts on alpine shrubs in a timberline ecotone.
Population viability analysis for Guarianthe aurantiaca, an ornamental epiphytic orchid harvested in Southeast México
Authors: MONDRAGÓN DEMETRIA 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe trade of wild epiphytic orchids has put many populations at risk of extinction; however, little is known about the impact of repeated harvesting of individuals on population dynamics. A population viability analysis (PVA) was developed to simulate the impact of harvesting on the risk of extinction of a population of an epiphytic orchid that is sold in Mexican markets. In January 2004, 388 individuals of Guarianthe aurantiaca were labeled and measured. The same individuals were measured again in December 2005 and December 2006. Capsule production and mortality were also recorded. Deterministic (d) and stochastic (s) matrix models were developed to estimate the population growth rate (λ). A PVA was developed to evaluate the probability of extinction over a 100‐year period, given a threshold of 5% of the initial population and different harvest intensities of G. aurantiaca. The λd values were statistically indistinguishable from unity (0.989 ± 0.103 for 2004–2005; 0.990 ± 0.087 for 2005–2006); the λs values were below unity (0.988 ± 0.001). The reproductive stages had the highest elasticity values, whereas the persistence of individuals in their category was the demographic process with the highest elasticity. A life table response experiment showed that the difference in the λd values was accounted for by the positive contribution of the stasis of individuals in category j and the retrogression of individuals in category r1 to category j. The extinction risk was 100% when more than 5% of the reproductive individuals were harvested. The results suggest that this G. aurantiaca population is in a precarious equilibrium and harvesting should be controlled and restricted to immature individuals.
Role of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility
Authors: Kefer John C , Agarwal Ashok , Sabanegh Edmund 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMale infertility continues to be a clinical challenge of increasing significance. While male factors such as decreased semen quality are responsible for 25% of all infertility issues, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood. Many physiological, environmental, and genetic factors have been implicated, including oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, and although ROS are required for critical aspects of sperm function, excessive levels of ROS can negatively impact sperm quality. The origin of ROS generation, and the etiologies of increased ROS in men with suboptimal sperm quality have only recently been elucidated, offering multiple targets for potential therapy. Here, we present a critical review of the literature describing the role of oxidative stress on decreased sperm function, as well as the role of antioxidants in the treatment of male factor infertility.
Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children
Authors: Kojima Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Shoichi , Mizuno Kentaro , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro 
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To present our initial experience with laparoscopic pyeloplasty and to evaluate the safety and short‐term outcome of this technique in children.Methods:  Thirteen kidney units in twelve children underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) at our institution between 2005 and 2008. Patient age at surgery was 18–177 months (mean 89.8 months). There were six boys and six girls. Ten had unilateral UPJO with a normal contralateral kidney, one had bilateral UPJO and one had UPJO of a solitary kidney. We used 3‐ and 5‐mm instruments for grasping, blunt dissection, incising and suturing to facilitate safe and precise surgery. The outcome was measured by the operative time and resolution of obstruction and symptoms.Results:  Median operative time was 275 min (range 154–420). There was a slight relationship between age and operative time. No major perioperative complications occurred in any cases. Median renal pelvic anterior–posterior diameter at ultrasonography significantly decreased from 8.6 cm (range 3.8–22.0) preoperatively to 3.9 cm (1.0–8.9) postoperatively (P < 0.05). The median pre‐ and postoperative split renal function on diuretic renography in unilateral cases was 37.3% (range 29.7–46.4) and 39.5% (27.8–48.0), respectively. Overall, successful resolution of UPJO was observed in 12 of 13 kidneys (92.3%).Conclusions:  Laparoscopic pyeloplasty represents a safe and effective option in the surgical treatment of children with UPJO.
Submacular haemorrhage after intravitreal bevacizumab compared with intravitreal ranibizumab in large occult choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Krishnan Radhika , Goverdhan Srinivas , Lochhead Jonathan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  Submacular haemorrhage may occur following intravitreal bevacizumab injection for large occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We report the occurrence of submacular haemorrhage following intravitreal ranibizumab compared with intravitreal bevacizumab for large occult CNV in AMD.Methods:  Retrospective, comparative evaluation of two interventional case series. Evaluation of consecutive patients with occult CNV ≥ 15 mm2 treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (n = 14) and intravitreal ranibizumab (n = 22) over a 2‐year period within a single institution. Postoperative submacular haemorrhage, Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study‐derived visual acuity, preoperative blood pressure and anticoagulant use were noted. The two groups were compared using Fisher's exact test.Results:  The mean surface area of occult CNV at presentation was 20.9 ± 5.4 mm2 in the bevacizumab group and 24.0 ± 11.0 mm2 in the ranibizumab group. Fresh submacular haemorrhage was seen in 4 out of 14 patients following bevacizumab compared with 0 out of 22 patients following ranibizumab (P = 0.017, odds ratio = 19.29). Mean preoperative blood pressures were very similar between the groups. 28.6% of patients in the bevacizumab group were on oral anticoagulants compared with 31.8% in the ranibizumab group. None of the patients who developed postoperative haemorrhage were on anticoagulants.Conclusions:  Acute submacular haemorrhages appear to be a significant adverse event following intravitreal bevacizumab in occult CNV ≥ 15 mm2. Intravitreal ranibizumab appears to have a significantly lower incidence of postoperative submacular haemorrhage in occult CNV ≥ 15 mm2. Larger studies are required to identify the most appropriate agent for the treatment of large occult CNV.
To investigate the prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in presumed age‐related peripapillary subretinal neovascular membranes
Authors: Squirrell David M , Bacon James F , Brand Christopher S 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  To investigate the prevalence and angiographic appearances of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) masquerading as age‐related peripapillary subretinal neovascular membranes (PSRNVM).Methods:  A consecutive case series of all patients investigated for presumed age‐related PSRNVM in our tertiary referral centre over the period September 2006–2007. The presenting clinical features and fundus fluorescein angiographic (FFA) characteristics of each patient's lesion were identified. Any accompanying Indocyanine Green Angiogram (ICGA) was also reviewed, and on the basis of this investigation patients were classified into one of three groups: proven PCV, probable PCV and PSRNVM.Results:  Thirty patients with presumed age‐related PSRNVM were identified. The FFA leakage pattern was occult in 21 patients and classic in nine patients. Sixteen patients also had ICGA performed. In 14 of these patients the original FFA leakage pattern was occult, and in two it was classic. Of the 14 patients with occult leakage on FFA who subsequently underwent ICGA all were found to have PCV.Conclusions:  PCV is important and underrecognized in presumed age‐related PSRNVMs. In such cases, particularly when the pattern of leakage on the fluorescein angiogram is occult, ICGA should be performed to identify the site of the polyps and if required to direct treatment.