bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐inflammatory effects of phytosteryl ferulates in colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium in mice
Authors: Islam M S , Murata T , Fujisawa M , Nagasaka R , Ushio H , Bari A M , Hori M , Ozaki H 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:We have recently reported that phytosteryl ferulates isolated from rice bran inhibit nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity in macrophages. In the present study, we investigated the effect of γ‐oryzanol (γ‐ORZ), a mixture of phytosteryl ferulates, cycloartenyl ferulate (CAF), one of the components of γ‐ORZ, and ferulic acid (FA), a possible metabolite of γ‐ORZ in vivo, on a model of colitis in mice.Experimental approach:We induced colitis with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in mice and monitored disease activity index (DAI), histopathology score, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, mRNA expressions of cytokines and COX‐2, colon length, antioxidant potency and NF‐κB activity in colitis tissue.Key results:Both DAI and histopathology score revealed that DSS induced a severe mucosal colitis, with a marked increase in the thickness of the muscle layer, distortion and loss of crypts, depletion of goblet cells and infiltration of macrophages, granulocytes and lymphocytes. MPO activity, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and COX‐2 levels, NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation and inhibitory protein of nuclear factor‐κB‐α degradation levels were significantly increased in DSS‐induced colitis tissues. γ‐ORZ (50 mg kg−1 day−1 p.o.) markedly inhibited these inflammatory reactions and CAF had a similar potency. In vitro assay demonstrated that γ‐ORZ and CAF had strong antioxidant effects comparable to those of α‐tocopherol.Conclusions and implications:Phytosteryl ferulates could be new potential therapeutic and/or preventive agents for gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. Their anti‐inflammatory effect could be mediated by inhibition of NF‐κB activity, which was at least partly due to the antioxidant effect of the FA moiety in the structure of phytosteryl ferulates.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 812–824; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.137; published online 21 April 2008
Bovine glycomacropeptide ameliorates experimental rat ileitis by mechanisms involving downregulation of interleukin 17
Authors: Requena P , Daddaoua A , Martínez‐Plata E , González M , Zarzuelo A , Suárez M D , Sánchez de Medina F , Martínez‐Augustin O 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:Bovine glycomacropeptide (BGMP) is an inexpensive, non‐toxic milk peptide with anti‐inflammatory effects in rat experimental colitis but its mechanism of action is unclear. It is also unknown whether BGMP can ameliorate inflammation in proximal regions of the intestine. Our aim was therefore two‐fold: first, to determine the anti‐inflammatory activity of BGMP in the ileum; second, to characterise its mechanism of action.Experimental approach:We used a model of ileitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid in rats. Rats were treated orally with BGMP and its efficacy compared with that of oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid or vehicle, starting 2 days before ileitis induction.Key results:BGMP pretreatment (500 mg kg−1 day−1) resulted in marked reduction of inflammatory injury, as assessed by lower extension of necrosis and damage score, myeloperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin 1β, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 17. These effects were generally comparable to those of 5‐aminosalicylic acid (200 mg kg−1 day−1). Neither compound affected the production of interferon γ, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 2 by mesenteric lymph node cells isolated from animals with ileitis. The expression of Foxp3 was increased in ileitis and not reduced significantly by BGMP or aminosalicylate treatment.Conclusions and implications:These results demonstrate that BGMP has anti‐inflammatory activity in the ileum with similar efficacy to 5‐aminosalicylic acid. The mechanism of action may involve Th17 and regulatory T cells and perhaps macrophages but probably not Th1 lymphocytes. Patients with Crohn's ileitis may benefit from treatment with BGMP.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 825–832; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.138; published online 21 April 2008
Hypercholesterolaemia exacerbates ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction in the rat: role of angiotensin II type 1 receptors
Authors: Mączewski M , Mączewska J , Duda M 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:Diet‐induced hypercholesterolaemia exacerbates post‐myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular remodelling and heart failure, but the mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown. This study examined whether worsening of post‐MI ventricular remodelling induced by dietary hypercholesterolaemia was related to upregulation of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor in the rat heart.Experimental approach:MI was induced surgically in rats fed normal or high cholesterol diet. Both groups of rats were then assigned to control, atorvastatin, losartan or atorvastatin+losartan‐treated subgroups and followed for 8 weeks. Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed with echocardiography. In isolated hearts, LV pressures were measured with a latex balloon and a tip catheter. AT1‐receptor density was assessed in LV membranes with radioligand‐binding assays.Key results:High cholesterol diet exacerbated LV dilation and dysfunction in post‐MI hearts. Atorvastatin or losartan prevented these hypercholesterolaemia‐induced effects, whereas their combination was not more effective than each drug alone. AT1 receptors were upregulated 8 weeks after MI, this was further increased by hypercholesterolaemia and restored to baseline levels by atorvastatin.Conclusions and implications:Hypercholesterolaemia exacerbated LV remodelling and dysfunction in post‐MI rat hearts and upregulated cardiac AT1 receptors. All these effects were effectively prevented by atorvastatin. Thus, the pleiotropic statin effects may include interference with the renin‐angiotensin system through downregulation of AT1 receptors.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 1640–1648; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.218; published online 9 June 2008
Torcetrapib‐induced blood pressure elevation is independent of CETP inhibition and is accompanied by increased circulating levels of aldosterone
Authors: Forrest M J , Bloomfield D , Briscoe R J , Brown P N , Cumiskey A‐M , Ehrhart J , Hershey J C , Keller W J , Ma X , McPherson H E , Messina E , Peterson L B , Sharif‐Rodriguez W , Siegl P K S , Sinclair P J , Sparrow C P , Stevenson A S , Sun S‐Y , Tsai C , Vargas H , Walker M , West S H , White V , Woltmann R F 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) with torcetrapib in humans increases plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels but is associated with increased blood pressure. In a phase 3 clinical study, evaluating the effects of torcetrapib in atherosclerosis, there was an excess of deaths and adverse cardiovascular events in patients taking torcetrapib. The studies reported herein sought to evaluate off‐target effects of torcetrapib.Experimental approach:Cardiovascular effects of the CETP inhibitors torcetrapib and anacetrapib were evaluated in animal models.Key results:Torcetrapib evoked an acute increase in blood pressure in all species evaluated whereas no increase was observed with anacetrapib. The pressor effect of torcetrapib was not diminished in the presence of adrenoceptor, angiotensin II or endothelin receptor antagonists. Torcetrapib did not have a contractile effect on vascular smooth muscle suggesting its effectsin vivoare via the release of a secondary mediator. Treatment with torcetrapib was associated with an increase in plasma levels of aldosterone and corticosterone and,in vitro, was shown to release aldosterone from adrenocortical cells. Increased adrenal steroid levels were not observed with anacetrapib. Inhibition of adrenal steroid synthesis did not inhibit the pressor response to torcetrapib whereas adrenalectomy prevented the ability of torcetrapib to increase blood pressure in rats.Conclusions and implications:Torcetrapib evoked an acute increase in blood pressure and an acute increase in plasma adrenal steroids. The acute pressor response to torcetrapib was not mediated by adrenal steroids but was dependent on intact adrenal glands.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)154, 1465–1473; doi:fn2; published online 9 June 2008
The Gillies anaesthetic machine*
Authors: McKenzie A. G. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe Gillies anaesthetic machine was produced commercially after 1941. It was probably the first British true circle apparatus. Notably it incorporated a vaporiser inside the circle. There were serial modifications culminating in the Mark III apparatus of 1951, which continued in use through the 1960s. From 1955 the superior efficiency in carbon dioxide absorption of a true circle apparatus over the rival Coxeter–Mushin ‘circle’ absorber became realised.
Panton‐valentine leukocidin associated with community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a case report and review of interim guidelines
Authors: Baldwin L. N. , Lowe A. D. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryWe report a case of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. The causative organism was positive for the toxin Panton‐Valentine Leukocidin. This resulted in a severe pneumonia requiring a prolonged stay on our intensive care unit. This infection is becoming more common in the United Kingdom. It can cause a far more aggressive illness than the hospital acquired infection with a high mortality if it becomes an invasive infection. The Department of Health has recently produced interim guidelines for its treatment which we have also reviewed.
Pre‐emptive Novalung‐assisted carbon dioxide removal in a patient with chest, head and abdominal injury
Authors: McKinlay J. , Chapman G. , Elliot S. , Mallick A. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryA young man sustained traumatic lung, head and abdominal injuries. Despite mechanical ventilation, deteriorating respiratory function resulted in severe hypoxia and hypercapnia, with high Paco2 compounding an already raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The Novalung was pre‐emptively used without anticoagulation, prior to laparotomy, to remove carbon dioxide and to allow for cerebral and lung protective strategies. This facilitated control of ICP thereby limited possible secondary brain injury.
A quantitative review and meta‐analysis of performance of non‐standard laryngoscopes and rigid fibreoptic intubation aids
Authors: Mihai R. , Blair E. , Kay H. , Cook T. M. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThis quantitative review summarises studies of rigid fibreoptic laryngoscopy systems. In 6622 ‘normal’ patients only the Bonfils and CTrach had homogenous data and first time intubation success rates above 90%. In 1110 patients predicted or known to be difficult to intubate only the Bonfils, CTrach and Glidescope had homogenous data and first‐time success rates above 90%. In comparative studies with the Macintosh‐3 blade, no device had homogenous data in more than one study. Many devices had higher summed performances, but due to data heterogeneity, interpretation is very difficult, if worthwhile at all. The currently available data do not provide strong evidence that these devices should supersede standard direct laryngoscopy for routine or difficult intubation. Further research needs to be of high quality, studying relevant patients to create such evidence. Multicentre collaborations are likely to be needed studying known difficult patients or creating databases reporting the success/failure rate of these devices.
Epidural morphine injections for prevention of post dural puncture headache
Authors: Al‐metwalli R. R. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryA prospective, randomised, double‐blind trial was conducted to study the effect of epidural morphine in prevention of post dural puncture headache in 25 parturients after inadvertent dural puncture. Women were randomly allocated to receive two epidural injections, 24 h apart, of either 3 mg morphine in 10 ml saline (morphine group) or 10 ml saline (saline group). The incidence of headache and need for therapeutic epidural blood patch were reported. There was a significant difference in the incidence of headache between the two groups: 3/25 (12%) in the morphine group and 12/25 (48%) in the saline group (p = 0.014). Therapeutic epidural blood patches were required in six patients in the saline group and none of the patient in the morphine group (p = 0.022). It was concluded that epidural morphine appears to be a simple and effective technique for prevention of post dural puncture headache after accidental dural puncture in high risk obstetric patients.
The effect of intravenous lidocaine on QT changes during tracheal intubation
Authors: Owczuk R. , Wujtewicz M. A. , Sawicka W. , Piankowski A. , Polak‐Krzeminska A. , Morzuch E. , Wujtewicz M. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryLaryngoscopy and tracheal intubation may provoke changes of cardiac repolarisation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intravenous lidocaine on the ECG changes induced by laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Forty‐three female patients were randomly allocated to receive lidocaine (1.5 mg.kg−1) or placebo immediately after induction of anaesthesia and changes in the ECG and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Correction of QT interval was calculated using Bazett’s formula (QTcb), Fridericia’s correction (QTcf), and Framingham formula (QTcF). Transmural dispersion of repolarisation (TDR) was determined as Tpeak‐Tend time. There were no changes in the QTc value in the lidocaine group. In the placebo group, significant increases in QTcb, QTcf and QTcF values were observed after intubation compared to either control measurements or to comparative measurements in the lidocaine group. There were no significant differences in TDR either between or within the groups. Lidocaine diminishes prolongation of QTc, induced by tracheal intubation but there is no effect of intubation on TDR.
Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review
Authors: Jang Dai‐Ja , Lee Myeong Soo , Shin Byung‐Cheul , Lee Young‐Cheoul , Ernst Edzard 
Published: June 2008

AIMSKorean red ginseng (unskinned Panax ginseng before it is steamed or otherwise heated and subsequently dried) is one of the most widely used herbal remedies. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction.METHODSSystematic searches were conducted on 20 electronic databases without language restrictions. Hand‐searches included conference proceedings and our files. All randomized clinical studies (RCT) of red ginseng as a treatment of erectile dysfunction were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score.RESULTSSeven RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. Their methodological quality was low on average. Six of the included RCTs compared the therapeutic efficacy of red ginseng with placebo. The meta‐analysis of these data showed a significant effect (n = 349, risk ratio, 2.40; 95% CI of 1.65, 3.51, p < 0.00001, heterogeneity: tau2 = 0.05, χ2 = 6.42, p = 0.27, I2 = 22%). Subgroup analyses also showed beneficial effects of red ginseng in psychogenic erectile dysfunction (n = 135, risk ratio, 2.05; 95% CI of 1.33, 3.16, p = 0.001, heterogeneity: χ2 = 0.08, p = 0.96, I2 = 0%).CONCLUSIONSCollectively these RCTs provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, the total number of RCTs included in the analysis, the total sample size and the methodological quality of the primary studies were too low to draw definitive conclusions. Thus more rigorous studies are necessary.
Efavirenz concentrations in HIV‐infected patients with and without viral hepatitis
Authors: Pereira Sofia A. , Caixas Umbelina , Branco Teresa , Germano Isabel , Lampreia Fátima , Papoila Ana L. , Monteiro Emília C. 
Published: June 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• HIV‐1 co‐infection with HBV/HCV is the most important factor determining efavirenz‐induced liver toxicity. Higher efavirenz plasma concentrations have been reported in these patients facilitating concentration drug‐related adverse effects.• It is not known whether changes in efavirenz disposition are due to the hepatitis infection/inflammation or to liver failure. As a consequence, the guidelines for the application of therapeutic drug monitoring of efavirenz in HBV/HCV co‐infected patients have not been established.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• The present study has shown that HBV/HCV infection in itself does not predispose to higher efavirenz plasma concentrations. In the absence of hepatic failure, the risk of efavirenz concentration‐dependent toxicity is not increased.• Thus, therapeutic drug monitoring indications in co‐infected patients with hepatic function within the normal range should be the same as in HIV‐1 mono‐infected patients.AIMSData on efavirenz in HIV/viral hepatitis co‐infected patients is non‐consensual, probably due to liver function heterogeneity in the patients included.METHODSA case control study was performed on 27 HIV‐infected patients, with controlled and homogenous markers of hepatic function, either mono‐infected or co‐infected with HBV/HCV, to ascertain the influence of viral hepatitis on efavirenz concentrations over a 2‐year follow‐up period.RESULTSNo differences were found in efavirenz concentrations between groups both during and at the end of the follow‐up period: control (2.43 ± 1.91 mg l–1)vs.co‐infected individuals (2.37 ± 0.37 mg l–1).CONCLUSIONIt was concluded that HBV/HCV infections in themselves do not predispose to an overexposure to efavirenz.
Effect of metformin, orlistat and pioglitazone treatment on mean insulin resistance and its biological variability in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Cho L. W. , Kilpatrick E. S. , Keevil B. G. , Coady A. M. , Atkin S. L. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryContext  Mean insulin resistance (IR) is greater and it is also more variable in overweight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) compared to weight matched controls. Whilst treatment will reduce the mean IR, it is not known if the IR variability is also reduced.Objective  To compare the change in IR and its variability before and after treatment with insulin sensitization through metformin and pioglitazone, compared to that induced by weight loss with orlistat.Design  Randomized, open labelled parallel study.Setting  Endocrinology outpatient clinic at a referral centre.Patients  Thirty obese PCOS patients [BMI 36·0 ± 1·2 kg/m2 (mean ± SEM)] participated in the study.Intervention  The change in biological variability (BV) was assessed by measuring IR (homeostasis model assessment method) at 4‐day intervals on 10 consecutive occasions before and 12 weeks after randomization to metformin, pioglitazone or orlistat.Outcome measured  The primary end point of the study was a change in BV of IR.Results  Treatment with pioglitazone, orlistat and metformin reduced the overall IR by 41·0 ± 4·1%, 19·7 ± 6·4% and 16·1 ± 6·8% (P = 0·005, P = 0·013, P = 0·17, respectively) and IR variability by 28·5 ± 18·0%, 41·8 ± 11·6% and 23·7 ± 17·0 (P = 0·20, P = 0·015 and P = 0·28, respectively). Free androgen index reduced significantly with all treatments.Conclusion  Only orlistat reduced both IR and its variability significantly, though all three drugs were effective in reducing hyperandrogenism within the 12‐week period of the study.
Eugonadal male patients with adrenal incidentalomas and subclinical hypercortisolism have increased rate of vertebral fractures
Authors: Chiodini Iacopo , Viti Raffaella , Coletti Francesca , Guglielmi Giuseppe , Battista Claudia , Ermetici Federica , Morelli Valentina , Salcuni Antonio , Carnevale Vincenzo , Urbano Filomena , Muscarella Silvana , Ambrosi Bruno , Arosio Maura , Beck‐Peccoz Paolo , Scillitani Alfredo 
Published: June 2008

SummaryObjective  Subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) is suggested to exert a deleterious effect on bone. This effect and the role of gonadal status in male subjects are not fully elucidated. We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) and prevalence of vertebral fractures in eugonadal male subjects with adrenal incidentalomas (AI) and without SH.Design  This 12‐month observational multicentre study was performed between January and December 2006 on inpatient basis in three referral Italian centres.Patients  Eighty‐eight consecutive eugonadal male patients with AI and 90 matched control subjects were studied.Measurements  All subjects underwent the determination of BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), and spinal radiograph. In AI patients SH was diagnosed in the presence of two of the following: urinary free cortisol > 193·1 nmol/l, cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test > 82·8 nmol/l, ACTH levels < 2·2 pmol/l.Results  As compared to patients without SH (SH–, n = 66) and controls, patients with SH (SH+, n = 22) had lower BMD at LS (Z‐score: SH+, –1·04 ± 1·84; SH–, 0·19 ± 1·34, Controls 0·20 ± 1·28, P = 0·001 and FN (Z‐score: SH+, –0·63 ± 1·01; SH–, 0·01 ± 1·01, Controls 0·26 ± 1·06, P = 0·002) and higher prevalence of fractures (SH+, 72·7%; SH–, 21·2%, Controls 20·0%, P = 0·0001). Multivariable analyses showed that SH was associated to BMD at LS (β = –0·378, P = 0·0001) and vertebral fractures (OR = 7·81, 95% CI 1·96–31·17, P = 0·004).Conclusion  In eugonadal male patients with AI, SH is associated with low BMD and high prevalence of vertebral fractures.
A DNA adjuvant encoding a fusion protein between anti‐CD3 single‐chain Fv and AIMP1 enhances T helper type 1 cell‐mediated immune responses in antigen‐sensitized mice
Authors: Lee Byeong Cheol , O’Sullivan Insug , Kim Eugene , Park Sang Gyu , Hwang Seung Yong , Cho Daeho , Kim Tae Sung 
Published: June 2008

SummaryT helper type 1 (Th1) cell‐mediated immune responses contribute to host defences against intracellular pathogen infections and cancer. Previously, we found that aminoacyl tRNA synthetase‐interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1) activated macrophages and dendritic cells to enhance Th1 responses. Herein, we manipulated this property to improve Th1 immune responses in vivo by constructing a mammalian expression plasmid (pAnti‐CD3sFv/AIMP1) encoding AIMP1 fused to the anti‐CD3 single‐chain Fv (sFv), the smallest unit of the antibody that interacts with the CD3ε region of the T‐cell receptor. Intramuscular injection of ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized BALB/c mice with pAnti‐CD3sFv/AIMP1 DNA adjuvant increased the OVA‐specific, interferon‐γ production by their CD4+ T cells and the levels of anti‐OVA immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) isotype in their sera. Furthermore, the pAnti‐CD3sFv/AIMP1 DNA adjuvant decreased interleukin‐4 production and anti‐OVA IgE levels in the OVA‐injected mice. Importantly, the pAnti‐CD3sFv/AIMP1 was more efficient than a mixture of pAnti‐CD3sFv and pAIMP1 in inducing OVA‐specific Th1 immune responses and also in inhibiting OVA‐specific Th2 responses during antigen priming. These studies indicated that the pAnti‐CD3sFv/AIMP1 fusion DNA adjuvant enhanced Th1 immune responses in antigen‐sensitized mice.