bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased OX40 and soluble OX40 ligands in children with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura: association with renal involvement
Authors: Qin Wang , Hongya Wu , Yongjing Chen , Fang Xie , Yue Min , Xuekun Zhang , Xiaozhong Li , Xueguang Zhang 
Published: December 2010

To cite this article: Qin W, Hongya W, Yongjing C, Fang X, Yue M, Xuekun Z, Xiaozhong L, Xueguang Z. Increased OX40 and soluble OX40 ligands in children with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura: association with renal involvement. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: 22: 54–59.AbstractHenoch‐Schonlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common types of vasculitis disorders in childhood and is characterized by a rash, arthritis, abdominal pain, and renal involvement. T‐lymphocyte activation is considered to play a critical role in vasculitis. However, the regulation of the T cells in HSP remains poorly understood. In this study, OX40/OX40L (CD134/CD252) costimulatory pathway, which could promote T‐cell activation and long survival, was investigated. Results from 32 HSP patients and 25 healthy donors revealed that the freshly isolated CD4+ T cells from patients with HSP expressed higher OX40 than that of the cells from healthy individuals. The levels of soluble OX40L (sOX40L) in the sera of patients with HSP were also much higher than the controls. Importantly, significantly elevated levels of OX40 on CD4+ T cells and sOX40L in sera were detected in patients with HSP with nephritis compared to patients without nephritis, indicating both OX40 upregulation and sOX40L increase were closely associated with disease activity of the patients. Thus, circulating sOX40L could provide excessive costimulatory signal for CD4+OX40+ T‐cell activation, and OX40/OX40L signal might contribute to the development of HSP disease.
Interaction between tacrolimus and intravenous nicardipine in the treatment of post‐kidney transplant hypertension at pediatric hospitals
Authors: Hooper David K. , Carle Adam C. , Schuchter Joseph , Goebel Jens 
Published: December 2010

Hooper DK, Carle AC, Schuchter J, Goebel J. Interaction between tacrolimus and intravenous nicardipine in the treatment of post‐kidney transplant hypertension at pediatric hospitals. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:88–95. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  TAC is commonly prescribed in KTX recipients, though overexposure can be nephrotoxic. CIVN, used to treat post‐KTX hypertension, may inhibit TAC metabolism resulting in overexposure and potential toxicity. We present two case reports and analysis of 2068 KTXs from the PHIS to characterize post‐KTX intravenous anti‐hypertensive use and to determine whether CIVN in TAC‐treated patients would predict “immunosuppressive drug causing adverse effects in therapeutic use” (E‐code E9331). CIVN was ordered in 11% of KTXs and prescribing increased from 6.2% in 2003 to 10.3% in 2008 (p = 0.003, Mantel–Haenszel chi‐square test). AEI were reported in 7.1% of TAC‐treated patients with CIVN orders compared to 3% of those without (p = 0.003, chi‐square test). In univariate analysis using GEEs, AEI were twofold more likely in patients with CIVN orders than patients without (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.03–4.17) and threefold more likely than patients with orders for other continuous intravenous anti‐hypertensives (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.09–9.08). In multivariate analysis, only CIVN significantly predicted AEI (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.29–6.04). Thus, until clinical studies to fully characterize this interaction are completed, CIVN should be used with caution in TAC‐treated individuals.
Weissella confusa: an unexpected cause of vancomycin‐resistant gram‐positive bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts
Authors: Salimnia H. , Alangaden G.J. , Bharadwaj R. , Painter T.M. , Chandrasekar P.H. , Fairfax M.R. 
Published: December 2010

H. Salimnia, G.J. Alangaden, R. Bharadwaj, T.M. Painter, P.H. Chandrasekar, M.R. Fairfax. Weissella confusa: an unexpected cause of vancomycin‐resistant gram‐positive bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 294–298. All rights reservedAbstract: We report the first case of Weissella confusa bacteremia in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient. After engraftment and discharge, the patient returned with fever and graft failure and was started on an empiric regimen of aztreonam and vancomycin. A blood culture grew an alpha‐hemolytic, gram‐positive coccus forming pairs and chains, originally thought to be a viridans Streptococcus and a skin contaminant. The isolation of the organism from multiple blood cultures, and the presence of vancomycin resistance prompted identification and additional susceptibility testing. The RapID™ Str panel, which has W. confusa in its database, provided multiple incorrect identifications. The MicroScan WalkAway 96 SI, using PC‐20 or ‐29 panels, also did not identify this bacterium, because it is not in their database. The organism was identified as W. confusa by 16S rDNA sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility determination by Etest revealed vancomycin resistance and daptomycin susceptibility. Therapy was changed to daptomycin, and the infection resolved. Additionally, W. confusa sepsis, with multiple positive blood cultures, developed in a patient in the burn unit at our medical center. The patient's blood cultures remained positive until vancomycin was discontinued and daptomycin therapy initiated. Infections with vancomycin‐resistant, gram‐positive cocci are emerging among immuno compromised hosts. Under appropriate circumstances, clinicians need to request that the laboratory perform susceptibility testing and accurate identification, by nucleic acid sequencing if necessary. Sequencing of 16S rDNA is an important tool in the accurate identification of unusual pathogens.
Incidence and impact of herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus detection in the respiratory tract after lung transplantation
Authors: Engelmann I. , Hesse N. , Fegbeutel C. , Strüber M. , Wehrhane M. , Gottlieb J. , Welte T. , Schulz T.F. , Simon A.R. , Mattner F. 
Published: December 2010

I. Engelmann, N. Hesse, C. Fegbeutel, M. Strüber, M. Wehrhane, J. Gottlieb, T. Welte, T.F. Schulz, A.R. Simon, F. Mattner. Incidence and impact of herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus detection in the respiratory tract after lung transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 259–265. All rights reservedAbstract: Herpesvirus infections cause morbidity in lung transplant recipients. The study was conducted to investigate the incidence and impact of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection in the respiratory tract (RT) of lung and heart–lung transplant recipients (LTR) during the postoperative phase. In a prospective cohort study, 91 LTR having at least 1 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) sent for virus diagnostics were monitored for CMV and HSV detection in NPS during their post‐transplant hospital stay on cardiothoracic surgery wards (median 4 weeks) by direct immunofluorescence testing for HSV, virus culture, and CMV and HSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) were analyzed with the same protocol except that HSV PCR was only performed on request. Risk factor analysis for the outcome ‘90‐day mortality’ was performed. Fifteen LTR had virus detection in NPS (16.5%): 9 had CMV, 5 had HSV, and 1 had both CMV and HSV. Four of 84 LTR had CMV detection in BAL (4.8%). Absence of CMV detection in NPS had a negative predictive value of 98.8% for absence of CMV detection in BAL. HSV DNA detection in NPS, especially if detected within 8 days after transplantation, was associated with 90‐day mortality. In conclusion, detection of herpesviruses in the RT was clinically relevant and frequent, despite antiviral prophylaxis.
Dietary lutein and fish oil interact to alter atherosclerotic lesions in a Japanese quail model of atherosclerosis
Authors: Shanmugasundaram R. , Selvaraj R. K. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryInteractions between concentration of dietary lutein and fish oil in diets on atherosclerosis incidences were studied in a cholesterol‐induced‐atherosclerosis (CIA) model. CIA Japanese quail were fed a basal diet with three amounts of lutein (0, 25 and 50 mg/kg diet) and two amounts of fish oil (3% and 6%) in a 3 × 2 factorial in five replications. Samples were collected at 24 and 27 weeks of age. Atherosclerosis lesions in the dorsal aorta were measured by histochemistry sectioning. At 27 weeks of age, increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% decreased (p < 0.01) the atherosclerotic lesions only in the 0 mg lutein supplemented groups. At 27 weeks of age, increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% increased the atherosclerotic lesion score when lutein was supplemented at either 25 or 50 mg/kg feed. Aorta and liver lutein content increased (p < 0.01) with increasing dietary lutein content at 27 weeks of age. Increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% increased (p < 0.01) the aorta fat content by twofold and decreased (p < 0.01) the liver fat by 26% at 27 weeks of age. Increasing the dietary fish oil content to 6% increased (p = 0.01) the total PUFA and decreased (p = 0.03) the total mono unsaturated fatty acids content of the aorta at 27 weeks of age. At 27 weeks of age, increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% decreased the amount of TBARS (p = 0.01) and IL‐1 mRNA (p < 0.01) only in the 0 mg lutein supplemented groups. Increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% increased the amount of TBARS and IL‐1 mRNA of the aorta when lutein was supplemented at either 25 or 50 mg/kg diet. Dietary lutein supplementation decreased atherosclerosis lesions only at low levels of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids.
From lynx spiders to cotton: Behaviourally mediated predator effects over four trophic levels
Authors: WHITEHOUSE M. E. A. , MANSFIELD S. , BARNETT M. C. , BROUGHTON K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractFood web studies often examine density and behaviourally mediated effects of predators on herbivores, but are less likely to assess the plant targeted by the herbivore. We conducted a study that incorporated four trophic levels examining the effect of two generalist predators (damsel bugs, Nabis kinbergii Reuter; and lynx spiders, Oxyopes molarius L. Koch) on damage to cotton bolls caused by green mirids (Creontiades dilutus (Stål)). First we tested whether lynx spiders and damsel bugs could control mirid numbers and cotton boll damage in field cages. We found that in cages containing mirids and only lynx spiders, lynx spiders reduced both mirid numbers and boll damage. However, in cages which contained mirids and both predators (lynx spiders and damsel bugs) only mirid numbers were reduced. To explain the negative effect of damsel bugs on boll damage, we examined the interactions between lynx spiders, damsel bugs and mirids. We found that lynx spiders were better mirid predators than damsel bugs, and that lynx spiders attacked damsel bugs, but not vice versa. Behaviourally, mirids responded to increasing predator pressure regardless of whether the predators were lynx spiders or damsel bugs. However, damsel bugs seemed to alter the behaviour of lynx spiders because in their presence, a higher proportion of lynx spiders moved to the top of the plant, towards the damsel bugs but away from the bolls found lower on the plant. These results suggest that the most likely explanation for the increase in boll damage in the presence of damsel bugs was that lynx spiders moved to the top of the plant in the presence of damsel bugs, which then exposed the bolls lower down on the plant to mirid attack. This work emphasizes the importance of behaviourally mediated effects in food webs extending over four trophic levels.
Unusually intense 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by a mature ovarian teratoma: A pitfall of FDG positron emission tomography
Authors: Miyasaka Naoyuki , Kubota Toshiro 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe present a 32‐year‐old woman with an ovarian tumor. A large ovarian tumor with solid components was detected by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed strong enhancement within the solid component. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography was performed for further evaluation and intense FDG uptake into the solid component was observed with standardized uptake values of 12.8 in the early phase and 14.8 in the delayed phase. Therefore, we could not rule out the possibility of a malignant ovarian tumor, and the patient underwent unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy through laparotomy. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as a mature teratoma with no malignant elements. Histological examination revealed the solid component to be composed mainly of central nervous tissue, which was most likely to be responsible for the intense FDG uptake.
Organized for sex – steroid hormones and the developing hypothalamus
Authors: Lenz Kathryn M. , McCarthy Margaret M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSteroid hormones of gonadal origin act on the neonatal brain, particularly the hypothalamus, to produce sex differences that underlie copulatory behavior. Neuroanatomical sex differences include regional volume, cell number, connectivity, morphology, physiology, neurotransmitter phenotype and molecular signaling, all of which are determined by the action of steroid hormones, particularly by estradiol in males, and are established by diverse downstream effects. Sex differences in distinct hypothalamic regions can be organized by the same steroid hormone, but the direction of a sex difference is often specific to one region or cell type, illustrating the wide range of effects that steroid hormones have on the developing brain. Substantial progress has been made in elucidating the downstream mechanisms through which gonadal hormones sexually differentiate the brain, but gaps remain in establishing the precise relationship between changes in neuronal morphology and behavior. A complete understanding of sexual differentiation will require integrating the diverse mechanisms across multiple brain regions into a functional network that regulates behavioral output.
Osmotic and thermal control of magnocellular neurosecretory neurons – role of an N‐terminal variant of trpv1
Authors: Sudbury Jessica R. , Ciura Sorana , Sharif‐Naeini Reza , Bourque Charles W. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe release of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) plays a key role in the osmoregulatory response of mammals to changes in salt or water intake and in the rate of water loss through evaporation during thermoregulatory cooling. Previous work has shown that the hypothalamus encloses the sensory elements that modulate vasopressin release during systemic changes in fluid osmolality or body temperature. These responses depend in part on a synaptic regulation of vasopressin neurons by afferent inputs arising from osmosensory and thermosensory neurons in the preoptic area. However, recent studies in rats and mice have shown that vasopressin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus also display intrinsic osmosensory and thermosensory properties. Isolated vasopressin neurons exposed to increases in perfusate temperature or osmolality generate increases in non‐selective cation channel activity that cause membrane depolarization and increase neuronal excitability. These channels are calcium‐permeable and can be blocked by ruthenium red. Moreover, intrinsic responses to osmotic and thermal stimuli are absent in magnocellular neurosecretory cells isolated from mice lacking the transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (trpv1) gene, which encodes the capsaicin receptor. Immunostaining of vasopressin‐releasing neurons with anti‐TRPV1 antibodies reveals the presence of amino acids present in the carboxy terminus of the protein, but not those lying in the amino terminal domain. Thus, magnocellular neurosecretory neurons appear to express an N‐terminal variant of trpv1 which lacks sensitivity to capsaicin, but which enables osmosensing and thermosensing.
A synaptocentric view of the neuroendocrine response to stress
Authors: Wamsteeker Jaclyn I. , Bains Jaideep S. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe essential role of parvocellular neuroendocrine cells (PNCs) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is to translate real or perceived challenges into a comprehensive glucocorticoid (GC) hormone response. Synaptic inputs encoding physical and psychological stress engage the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) by increasing PNC activity, and corticotropin‐releasing hormone production and release. Following robust recruitment in response to stress, GCs feedback to dampen PNC responses. Here we review the contributions of glutamate and GABA synapses in PVN to the initiation and termination of the stress response. The reliability of HPA responses to a given stress can vary as a function of prior experience. Within this context, we examine possible synaptic correlates that allow this neuroendocrine system to learn and adapt following stress challenges.
Morphological plasticity of the rat supraoptic nucleus – cellular consequences
Authors: Oliet Stéphane H. R. , Bonfardin Valérie D. J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus display a remarkable anatomical plasticity during lactation, parturition and chronic dehydration, conditions associated with massive neurohypophysial hormone secretion. This structural remodeling is characterized by a pronounced reduction of the astrocytic coverage of oxytocin neurons, resulting in an increase in the number and extent of directly juxtaposed neuronal surfaces. Although the exact role played by such an anatomical remodeling in the physiology of the hypothalamo–neurohypophysial system is still unknown, several findings obtained over the last decade indicate that synaptic and extrasynaptic transmissions are impacted by these structural changes. We review these data and try to extrapolate how such changes at the cellular level might affect the overall activity of the system. One repercussion of the retraction of glial processes is the accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular space. This build‐up of glutamate causes an increased activation of pre‐synaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors, which are negatively coupled to neurotransmitter release, and a switch in the mode of action of pre‐synaptic kainate receptors that control GABA release. Finally, the range of action of substances released from astrocytes and acting on adjacent magnocellular neurons is also affected during the anatomical remodeling. It thus appears that the structural plasticity of the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei strongly affects neuron–glial interactions and, as a consequence, induces significant changes in synaptic and extrasynaptic transmission.
Neuroglial and synaptic rearrangements associated with photic entrainment of the circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Girardet Clémence , Becquet Denis , Blanchard Marie‐Pierre , François‐Bellan Anne‐Marie , Bosler Olivier 
Published: December 2010

AbstractRhythmic biological functions in mammals are orchestrated by a circadian timekeeper in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) which precisely adjusts clock outputs to solar time through the process of photic synchronization. Entrainment to the 24‐h light–dark cycle is known to act on the molecular loops which trigger circadian oscillations but is also thought to involve day–night adjustments in the intercellular phasing of the multiple component SCN oscillators. This view is supported by data showing that the SCN undergoes important rearrangements of its neuroglial architecture throughout the 24‐h cycle. The present paper highlights our data showing in rat that the two main sources of SCN efferents, composed of neurons synthesizing either vasopressin (AVP) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), are diffentially involved in day–night SCN neuroglial plasticity. We found that the synaptic inputs received by the VIP neurons, which are major integrators of photic signals in the retinorecipient SCN subregion, increased during the day while those received by the AVP neurons remained unchanged at day and night. Glutamatergic axons, known to convey photic information from the retina, together with nonglutamatergic axons, contribute to the synaptic remodellings on VIP neurons. Experimental data providing strong indication that these plastic events may subserve synchronization of the clock to the light–dark cycle and that the daily fluctuations of plasma glucocorticoid hormones may act as temporal endocrine signals that may modulate SCN neuroglial plasticity through the rhythmic release of serotonin are also reviewed.
Adult pituitary progenitors/stem cells: from in vitro characterization to in vivo function
Authors: Rizzoti Karine 
Published: December 2010

AbstractStem cells/progenitors are being discovered in a growing number of adult tissues. They have been hypothesized for a long time to exist in the pituitary, especially because this gland is characterized by its plasticity as it constantly adapts its hormonal response to evolving needs, under the control of the hypothalamus. Recently, five labs have reported the presence of adult progenitors in the gland and shown their endocrine differentiation potential, using different in vitro assays, selection methods and markers to purify and characterize these similar cell populations. These will be discussed here, highlighting common points, and also differences. Thanks to these recent developments it is now possible to integrate progenitors into the physiology of the gland, and uncover their participation in normal but also pathological situations. Moreover, experimental situations inducing generation of new endocrine cells can now be re‐visited in light of the involvement of progenitors, and also used to better understand their role. Some of these aspects will also be developed in this review.
Plasticity of melanotrope cell regulations in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Roubos Eric W. , Van Wijk Diane C. W. A. , Kozicz Tamás , Scheenen Wim J. J. M. , Jenks Bruce G. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis review focuses on the plasticity of the regulation of a particular neuroendocrine transducer cell, the melanotrope cell in the pituitary pars intermedia of the amphibian Xenopus laevis. This cell type is a suitable model to study the relationship between various external regulatory inputs and the secretion of an adaptive endocrine message, in this case the release of α‐melanophore‐stimulating hormone, which activates skin melanophores to darken when the animal is placed on a dark background. Information about the environmental conditions is processed by various brain centres, in the hypothalamus and elsewhere, that eventually control the activity of the melanotrope cell regarding hormone production and secretion. The review discusses the roles of these hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic nuclei, their neurochemical messengers acting on the melanotrope, and the external stimuli they mediate to control melanotrope cell functioning.