bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pivotal role of tumour necrosis factor α in the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia
Authors: Cunha F.Q. , Poole S. , Lorenzetti B.B. , Ferreira S.H. 
Published: July 2012

The hyperalgesic activities in rats of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and carrageenin were investigated.
IL‐6 activated the previously delineated IL‐1/prostaglandin hyperalgesic pathway but not the IL‐8/sympathetic mediated hyperalgesic pathway.
TNFα and carrageenin activated both pathways.
Antiserum neutralizing endogenous TNFα abolished the response to carrageenin whereas antisera neutralizing endogenous IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 each partially inhibited the response.
The combination of antisera neutralizing endogenous IL‐1β + IL‐8 or IL‐6 + IL‐8 abolished the response to carrageenin.
These results show that TNFα has an early and crucial role in the development of inflammatory hyperaglesia.
The delineation of the roles of TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 in the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia taken together with the finding that the production of these cytokines is inhibited by steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs provides a mechanism of action for these drugs in the treatment of inflammatory hyperalgesia.
Characterization of adenosine receptors in brush‐border membranes from pig kidney
Authors: Blanco Julià , Canela Enric I. , Mallol Josefa , Lluís Carmen , Franco Rafael 
Published: July 2012

The adenosine receptors from pig kidney proximal tubules have been studied in membrane vesicle preparations derived from either luminal (brush‐border membranes‐BBM‐) or basolateral (BL) sides. There was a substantial amount of A2‐like NECA binding in both preparations, but the A1 subtype of adenosine receptors was not found in either BBM or BL membranes. The use of [3H]‐CGS21680 which is a more specific ligand for A2a receptors revealed true adenosine receptors in the BBM.
The kinetic parameters for [3H]‐CGS21680 binding to pig renal BBM were: Bmax = 1.48 pmol mg−1 protein and Kd = 150 nm. In the presence of Gpp(NH)p the affinity decreased (Kd = 220 nm), whereas the addition of Mg2+ induced a marked increase in affinity (Kd = 83 nm). These equilibrium constants are higher than those found for the A2a adenosine receptors present in pig brain striatal membranes (Kd = 12 nm), and are close to those found in rat renal BBM (Kd = 90 nm).
The order of potency of agonist and antagonists was not consistent with the presence of either A1 or A2 receptors, but it was very similar to the agonist order of potency for the A3 receptor subtype. Furthermore, the blockade of the [3H]‐CGS21680 binding by both cholera and pertussis toxin further supports the view that the subtypes present in BBM are neither A1 nor A2.
Overall the results suggest the presence in BBM of an A3 receptor, or of a new subtype of adenosine receptor, which is linked to G proteins sensitive to both cholera and pertussis toxins.
A possible role of decreased relaxation mediated by β‐adrenoceptors in bladder outlet obstruction by benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Tsujii Toshihiko , Azuma Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Oshima Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2012

To explore mechanisms of urinary obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the features of contraction and relaxation in human hyperplastic and non‐hyperplastic (control) prostatic tissues were investigated for β‐ and α1‐adrenoceptors by radioligand binding and in vitro isometric tension experiments.
Hyperplastic and control prostatic tissues had a similar number (per mg protein) of prazosin binding sites with similar affinities. Noradrenaline (NA) induced dose‐dependent contraction in both tissues. Contraction induced by either exogenous NA or transmural stimulation was inhibited by prazosin in both tissues, indicating that the same contractile mechanisms mediated by α1‐adrenoceptors exist in hyperplastic and control tissues.
The number of dihydroalprenolol (DHA) binding sites (per mg protein) was less in hyperplastic tissues than in controls, whereas the affinity to the ligand was identical in both tissues. Isoprenaline caused a marked relaxation of the tonic contraction induced by KCl in control tissues, but not in hyperplastic tissues. Propranolol enhanced exogenous NA‐ or transmural stimulation‐induced contraction more in control tissues than in hyperplastic tissues. Both tissues, however, similarly responded to forskolin by relaxation.
These results indicate that decreased β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxation in hyperplastic prostatic tissues, which is attributable at least in part to the decreased number of β‐adrenoceptors, may play a role in the urinary obstruction of BPH in addition to mechanical compression of the urethra by the enlarged prostate.
Neurokinin A‐induced contraction of guinea‐pig isolated trachea: potentiation by hepoxilins
Authors: Laneuville Odette , Couture Réjean , Pace‐Asciak Cecil R. 
Published: July 2012

Hepoxilin A3 (8R and 8S isomers) (HxA3), hepoxilin A3‐C (8R and 8S isomers) (HxA3‐C) and trioxilin A3 (8S isomer) (TrXA3, the stable derivative of HxA3) were tested for their effects on helicoidal strips of guinea‐pig isolated tracheae.
None of the compounds (10−9−10−6 m) tested had a direct effect on resting tension of trachea.
HxA3 (8S) and HxA3‐C (8R) (10−8 m) produced a significant leftward shift of the log concentration‐response curves to neurokinin A (NKA) (EC50 (n m), control = 29.0 ± 2.8, HxA3 (8S) = 21.7 ± 3.7, HxA3‐C (8R)= 13.8 ± 3.8, n = 6 for each). Also the maximal response to NKA was significantly increased when the tissues were exposed to these hepoxilins (% of the maximal response to NKA, control = 100, HxA3 (8S) = 114.5 ± 5.3, HxA3‐C (8R) = 139.0 ± 6.2, n = 6 for each). The threshold concentrations for both hepoxilins was 10−8 m and their effects were dose‐related.
Stereochemical specificity was observed. The 8S‐isomer of HxA3 was active in potentiating the NKA‐induced contraction of the trachea while the 8R isomer was inactive. In contrast, the 8R isomer of HxA3‐C was active while the 8S isomer was inactive. The trihydroxy metabolite of the active isomer of HxA3 (8S), i.e. TrXA3 (8S) (10−6 m), was inactive in potentiating the NKA‐induced contraction of the trachea.
It is concluded that hepoxilins sensitize the guinea‐pig isolated trachea to the potent bronchoconstrictor, NKA.
Inhibition of the haemodynamic effects of angiotensin II in conscious rats by AT2‐receptor antagonists given after the AT1‐receptor antagonist, EXP 3174
Authors: Widdop R.E. , Gardiner S.M. , Kemp P.A. , Bennett T. 
Published: July 2012

Conscious, Long Evans rats (n = 10), chronically instrumented for the measurement of regional haemodynamics, were studied on 3 consecutive experimental days to assess responses to angiotensin II (AII) (125 pmol kg−1, i.v.) and noradrenaline (1 nmol kg−1, i.v.) in the absence and presence of the AT2‐receptor antagonist, PD 123319 (10 mg kg−1, i.v.) (day 1), the AT1‐receptor antagonist, EXP 3174 (1 mg kg−1, i.v.) (day 2), and PD 123319 (10 mg kg−1, i.v.) given 24 h after EXP 3174 (day 3).
In naive rats (day 1), PD 123319 did not antagonize the haemodynamic effects of AII or noradrenaline. EXP 3174 (day 2) caused a marked, prolonged blockade of the haemodynamic effects of AII but not those of noradrenaline. Twenty four h after administration of EXP 3174 (day 3) there was still significant attenuation of the haemodynamic effects of AII. However, administration of PD 123319 at this time caused a further inhibition (lasting 1 h) of the effects of AII but not those of noradrenaline.
An identical 3 day protocol was used in a separate group of rats (n = 6) in which the AT2‐receptor antagonist, PD 123177, was given instead of PD 123319, and the results were essentially the same, i.e., PD 123177 significantly attenuated the haemodynamic effects of AII but only when given 24 h after EXP 3174.
In a separate group of rats (n = 4), a low dose of EXP 3174 (60 μg kg−1 i.v.) was given to naive rats in order to simulate the degree of inhibition of the effects of AII seen after administration of AT2‐receptor antagonists in animals pretreated with EXP 3174. This low dose of EXP 3174 did not produce a sustained inhibition of the effects of AII and the time course of recovery of AII responses was similar to that seen with PD 123319 or PD 123177 given after the high dose of EXP 3174.
The apparent inhibition of the effects of AII by the AT2‐receptor antagonists, PD 123319 and PD 123177, when these were administered 24 h after the AT1‐receptor antagonist, EXP 3174, may have been due to the functional activation of AT2‐receptors and/or loss of AT2‐receptor antagonist selectivity, and/or the displacement of nonspecifically bound EXP 3174 by AT2‐receptor antagonists. While the latter explanation seems the most likely, these results raise the possibility that nonpeptide, AII‐receptor antagonists that act at both AT1‐ and AT2‐receptors may have therapeutic advantages over selective AT1‐receptor antagonists.
Muscarinic blockade of β‐adrenoceptor‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase: the role of stimulatory and inhibitory guanine‐nucleotide binding regulatory proteins (Gs and Gi)
Authors: Pyne Nigel J. , Grady Michael W. , Shehnaz Darakhshanda , Stevens Patricia A. , Pyne Susan , Rodger Ian W. 
Published: July 2012

The functional antagonism that exists between muscarinic and β‐adrenoceptor function in guinea‐pig tracheal smooth muscle was investigated by assessing Gs and Gi regulated adenylyl cyclase activity in isolated membranes.
Membranes from guinea‐pig tracheal smooth muscle contain both Giα and Gsα as assessed by Western blots with anti‐G‐protein antibodies.
GppNHp, a non‐hydrolysable analogue of guanosine 5′‐triphosphate (GTP), was shown to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity at high concentrations (10−6−10−4 m). GppNHp also produced a concentration‐dependent reduction in pertussis toxin‐catalysed adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribosylation of Giα.
Pretreatment of tracheal smooth muscle slices with methacholine (10−6 m) provoked a blockade of isoprenaline plus GTP, GppNHp‐ and GTP‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase.
Addition of methacholine to membranes did not trigger inhibition of GTP‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity but did block the isoprenaline‐mediated augmentation of GTP‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity.
Pretreatment of tracheal smooth muscle with methacholine (10−6 m) provoked a blockade of cholera toxin‐catalysed NAD+‐dependent ADP‐ribosylation of Gsα.
Phorbol‐12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)‐treatment of tracheal smooth muscle slices actually enhanced GppNHp‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in subsequently prepared membranes.
We suggest that methacholine in addition to inhibiting adenylyl cyclase via a Gi‐dependent mechanism induces a functional inactivation of Gs activity. These results together may explain the functional antagonism that exists between increased muscarinic tone and the ability of β‐adrenoceptor agonists to provoke excitation‐contraction uncoupling.
Comparison of the Effects of Three Cell Saver Devices on Erythrocyte Function During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Procedure—A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Ji Bingyang , Zhang Yanwan , Zhu Xian , Liu Jinping , Long Cun , Zheng Zhe 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCell salvage devices are routinely used to process red blood cells (RBCs) shed during cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three commercially available cell saver (CS) devices in terms of erythrocyte function and the quality of washed RBCs during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Thirty patients undergoing CPB were randomly allocated to three CS devices: Group C (Cell Saver 5+; Haemonetics, n = 10), Group M (autolog; Medtronic, n = 10), and Group F (CATS; Fresenius HemoCare, n = 10). Blood samples were collected from reservoirs and transfusion bags. Reservoirs and washed RBCs were analyzed for erythrocyte aggregation index, deformation index (DI) and hematocrit viscosity, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), free Hb removal (ΔfHb), glucose (Glu), lactate (Lac), and blood urea nitrogen. After processing, Groups C (P = 0.026) and M (P = 0.032) had relatively higher erythrocyte DI compared with Group F. Group C had lower Δ2,3‐DPG compared with Groups M (P = 0.001) and F (P = 0.001). Group F provided the maximum concentration of Hct (P = 0.021; 0.046) and Hb (P = 0.008; 0.013). In addition, Groups C (P = 0.035) and M (P = 0.038) had a higher removal of fHb (ΔfHb), differing significantly with Group F. In conclusion, CS devices use the same theory of centrifugation; however, based on different designs, the function of the washed erythrocyte and undesirable content removal efficiency differs widely from one device to another.
The Progressive Wave Pump: Numerical Multiphysics Investigation of a Novel Pump Concept With Potential to Ventricular Assist Device Application
Authors: Perschall Markus , Drevet Jean Baptiste , Schenkel Torsten , Oertel Herbert 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article describes the numerical fluid–structure interaction (FSI) validation of a new pumping concept and the possibility for application of a further developed type, as an implantable ventricular assist device (VAD). The novel principle of the so‐called progressive wave pump is based on the interaction of an elastic membrane actuated by forced excitation with a surrounding fluid and the pump housing. By applying forced vibrations to one end of the membrane, a transversal wave builds up and progresses to the far end generating both a positive pressure gradient and flow rate. Among others, two axisymmetric geometrical configurations are possible, namely the discoidal and the tubular design. The first one has been built as a physical prototype and is experimentally investigated. In addition, a corresponding numerical FSI model is set up and validated against the experimental findings. Based on this validated numerical method, further numerical investigations are conducted focusing on the development of a tubular progressive wave pump concept with regard to its potential for application as a VAD in the future. To address VAD‐relevant issues such as size, hydraulic performance, and blood trauma, corresponding numerical simulations involving macroscopic blood trauma models have been performed. Although being still in an early phase of development, the results are promising and indicate that the wave pump concept in its present state is feasible and can be further developed and investigated as a new type of blood pump.
Nocturnal enuresis in children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Aloni Michel N , Ekila Mathilde B , Ekulu Pépé M , Aloni Muriel L , Magoga Kumbundu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim:  To determine the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children of Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods:  In all, 506 questionnaires were sent to parents of children aged 6–12 years randomly selected from four primary schools in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The questionnaire was designed to collect information about prevalence and factors associated with nocturnal enuresis.Results:  A total of 415 (82.0%) were correctly completed. In this series, 109 children were identified as nocturnal enuresis in which 50 boys and 56 girls (p > 0.05). Factors associated with nocturnal enuresis were deep sleep, young age and familial history of enuresis (p < 0.05). Only 11% of patients have been consulted by doctors. Twelve children (11.0%) were treated by healers traditional. In the other part, 43 children (39.4%) were frequently punished by their parents. The common self‐help strategies were 79 children (72.5%) were submitted to fluid restrictions before going to sleep and 68 (62.4%) were waking the child at night to void.Conclusion:  In Kinshasa, the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was high to those reported in Asian and Western countries. Nocturnal enuresis remains an important clinical problem in children but only a small percentage of parents seek medical help.
Comparison of macular pigment in patients with age‐related macular degeneration and healthy control subjects – a study using spectral fundus reflectance
Authors: Kaya Semira , Weigert Günther , Pemp Berthold , Sacu Stefan , Werkmeister René Marcel , Dragostinoff Nikolaus , Garhöfer Gerhard , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: July 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  Previous studies have reported an age‐dependent decline of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) as well as a relative lack of MPOD in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Results are, however, strongly dependent on the technique used. In this study, we investigated the age dependence of MPOD using spectral fundus reflectance. In addition, we hypothesized that patients with AMD have a reduced MPOD as compared to healthy controls.Methods:  A total of 85 healthy subjects and 96 patients with AMD were included in this study. The healthy control subjects showed a wide range of ages (mean, 51.6 years; range, 21–79 years). Patients with AMD were significantly older (mean, 71.2 years; range, 50–89 years). Spectral fundus reflectance of the fovea was measured in a 2.3° detection field with a custom built fundus reflectometer. Calculation of MPOD was based on a previously published fundus reflectance model.Results:  Patients with AMD showed a reduced MPOD (0.35 ± 0.12) as compared to the healthy control group (0.39 ± 0.12, p = 0.013 between groups). No age dependence of MPOD (r = −0.14, p = 0.19) was found in the healthy control group. In the AMD group, however, MPOD declined with age (r = −0.24, p = 0.019).Conclusions:  This study indicates that MPOD is reduced in patients with AMD. In addition, the data of this study indicate that MPOD is age dependent in AMD patients, but not in healthy controls. Taken together with data indicating that lutein supplementation increases MPOD, this provides a rationale for supplementation of the macular pigments in patients with AMD, although long‐term clinical outcome data are lacking.
Prevalence of behavioral problems and related family functioning among middle school students in an eastern city of China
Authors: Ma Xiquan , Yao Yuhong , Zhao Xudong 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionThis study was carried out to explore the prevalence of behavioral problems among adolescents in junior high school as well as their families' levels of function or dysfunction that contribute to children's behavioral problems in Mainland China.MethodsOne thousand, four hundred and seventy‐six adolescents (ages 12–17 years) and their families participated in the study. Parents completed a self‐administered questionnaire consisting of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Family Assessment Device (FAD) and a number of demographic questions. Student's t‐tests, chi‐square tests and stepwise multiple regression models were performed to examine the variables.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of behavioral problems was 10.5% based on the cutoff point for behavioral problems according to the CBCL. Behavioral problems identified by the CBCL occurred differently at various developmental stages (F = 10.06, P = 0.007). The study showed that inappropriate affective responsiveness, poor affective involvement and low ability of problem solving in the family were significantly associated with increased risk for externalizing behavior problems and total behavior problems of boys. Inappropriate affective responsiveness and poor communication in the family were significantly associated with increased risk for internalizing problems for boys. Poorly established patterns of family behavior were important factors contributing to the development of externalizing behavior problems, internalizing behavior problems and total behavior problems for girls'.DiscussionThe present findings suggest that functional levels of family are associated with the adolescent's mental health, and that specific family dynamics may influence the development of behavioral problems among adolescents in China.
Taxonomic revision of the Symplocos nakaharae complex (Symplocaceae) with special reference to fruit morphology
Authors: LIU Bo , QIN Hai‐Ning 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOver 70 species and infraspecific taxa have been described in the Symplocos nakaharae (Hayata) Masam. complex (Symplocaceae), and the taxonomy of this complex has been controversial. To provide a rational taxonomic revision of the complex, extensive field observations were carried out and approximately 800 herbarium specimens, covering the whole distribution range, were examined to evaluate the taxonomic importance of morphological characteristics. Our studies recognized 13 species and one subspecies, including S. boninensis, S. henryi, S. kawakamii, S. lucida, S. nakaharae, S. migoi, S. multipes, S. pergracilis, S. setchuensis, S. shilanensis, S. tanakae, S. tetragona, S. theifolia, and S. lucida subsp. howii comb. nov. One new combination is made and two new synonyms, S. ernestii Dunn var. pubicalyx C. Chen syn. nov. and S. kuroki Nagam. syn. nov., are recognized. Two identification keys are provided, based primarily on flower and fruit characters. Detailed morphological descriptions and geographical distribution information of the 14 taxa are given.
The Histidine Kinase PdhS Controls Cell Cycle Progression of the Pathogenic Alphaproteobacterium Brucella abortus
Authors: Van der Henst Charles , Beaufay François , Mignolet Johann , Didembourg Christian , Colinet Julien , Hallet Bernard , Letesson Jean-Jacques , De Bolle Xavier 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Bacterial differentiation is often associated with the asymmetric localization of regulatory proteins, such as histidine kinases. PdhS is an essential and polarly localized histidine kinase in the pathogenic alphaproteobacterium
Brucella abortus
. After cell division, PdhS is asymmetrically segregated between the two sibling cells, highlighting a differentiation event. However, the function(s) of PdhS in the
B. abortus
cell cycle remains unknown. We used an original approach, the pentapeptide scanning mutagenesis method, to generate a thermosensitive allele of
pdhS
. We report that a
B. abortus
strain carrying this
pdhS
allele displays growth arrest and an altered DivK-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) polar localization at the restrictive temperature. Moreover, the production of a nonphosphorylatable PdhS protein or truncated PdhS proteins leads to dominant-negative effects by generating morphological defects consistent with the inhibition of cell division. In addition, we have used a domain mapping approach combined with yeast two-hybrid and fluorescence microscopy methods to better characterize the unusual PdhS sensory domain. We have identified a fragment of the PdhS sensory domain required for protein-protein interaction (amino acids [aa] 210 to 434), a fragment sufficient for polar localization (aa 1 to 434), and a fragment (aa 527 to 661) whose production in
B. abortus
correlates with the generation of cell shape alterations. The data support a model in which PdhS acts as an essential regulator of cell cycle progression in
B. abortus
and contribute to a better understanding of the differentiation program inherited by the two sibling cells.