bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of glucagon on amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular toxicity in rats
Authors: Kaplan YC , Hocaoglu N , Oransay K , Kalkan S , Tuncok Y 
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glucagon on cardiovascular parameters in anesthetized rat model of tricyclic antidepressant overdose. Toxicity was induced by infusion of amitriptyline 0.94 mg/kg/min until a 40–45% of reduction in mean arterial pressure was observed. Amitriptyline infusion rats were then randomized into three groups. Control group of rats (group 1) received a bolus of 5% dextrose followed by the continuous infusion of dextrose, whereas treatment groups received 1 mg/kg (group 2) or 2 mg/kg (group 3) bolus doses of glucagon followed by continuous infusion (0.1 mg/kg/min) of glucagons for 60 min. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram were recorded. Amitriptyline caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and a prolongation in QRS, yet it did not change the heart rate. High-bolus dose of glucagon (2 mg/kg) followed by glucagon infusion significantly increased mean arterial pressure at 40, 50, and 60 min ( P < 0.05) and shortened the prolonged QRS at 50 and 60 min ( P < 0.05) when compared with control group. There was also a significant increase in heart rate. In conclusion, bolus doses followed by a continuous infusion of glucagon were found to be effective in reversing the hypotension and QRS prolongation in the rat model of amitriptyline toxicity. Further studies are needed to reveal the exact mechanism of the proposed effect.
Pregnancy outcome after exposure to oral contraceptives during the periconceptional period
Authors: Ahn HK , Choi JS , Han JY , Kim MH , Chung JH , Ryu HM , Kim MY , Yang JH , Koong MK , Nava-Ocampo AA , Koren G 
Published: August 2008

To evaluate whether periconceptional exposure to oral contraceptives (OCs) increased adverse pregnancy outcomes, 136 pregnant women taking OCs within the periconceptional period were identified at the Korean Motherisk Program. Of them, 120 pregnant women accepted to participate in their study and were followed up until completion of the pregnancy. A control group of 240 age- and gravidity-matched pregnant women exposed to non-teratogen drugs for at least 1 month before pregnancy was also included. The median gestational age at delivery was 39.1 (27.0–41.0) weeks in the exposed group and 39.3 (27.4–42.0) weeks in the control group ( P = 0.19). In the exposed group, 7.1% of babies were born with low birth weight versus 2.6% in the control group ( P = 0.068). The number of preterm deliveries or babies born large for gestational age did not differ between the two groups. In the exposed group, the rate of birth defects was 3.2% ( n = 3/99) versus 3.6% ( n = 7/193) in the control group ( P = 1.0). There were 15 women who took high doses of progesterone (emergency contraception) and no adverse fetal outcomes were observed. In conclusion, periconceptional exposure to OCs does not appear to increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Iron-generated hydroxyl radicals kill retinal cells in vivo: effect of ferulic acid
Authors: Chao HM , Chen YH , Liu JH , Lee SM , Lee FL , Chang Y , Yeh PH , Pan WHT , Chi CW , Liu TY , Lui WY , Ho LT , Kuo CD , Lin DE , Chan CC , Yang DM , Lin AMY , Chao FP 
Published: August 2008

Siderosis bulbi is vision threatening. An investigation into its mechanisms and management is crucial. Experimental siderosis was established by intravitreous administration of an iron particle (chronic) or FeSO4 (acute). After siderosis, there was a significant dose-responsive reduction in eletroretinogram (a/b-wave) amplitude, and an increase in •OH level, greater when caused by 24 mM FeSO4 than that by 8 mM FeSO4. Furthermore, the FeSO4-induced oxidative stress was significantly blunted by 100 μM ferulic acid (FA). Siderosis also resulted in an excessive glutamate release, increased [Ca++]i, and enhanced superoxide dismutase immunoreactivity. The latter finding was consistent with the Western blot result. Obvious disorganization including loss of photoreceptor outer segments and cholinergic amacrines together with a wide-spreading ferric distribution across the retina was present, which were related to the eletro-retinographic and pathologic dysfunctions. Furthermore, b-wave reduction and amacrine damage were respectively, significantly, dose-dependently, and clearly ameliorated by FA. Thus, siderosis stimulates oxidative stress, and possibly, subsequent excitotoxicity, and calcium influx, which explains why the retina is impaired electro-physiologically and pathologically. Importantly, FA protects iron toxicity perhaps by acting as a free radical scavenger. This provides an approach to the study and treatment of the iron-related disorders such as retained intraocular iron and Alzheimer disease.
The Value of Charity in a World of Profit Maximization
Authors: Smith Raymond D. 
Published: August 2008

This article addresses the issue of whether the traditional values of charity and philanthropy are ethically recommended, and how they may be reconciled with the sometimes contradictory profit maximization value of the capitalist ‘free market’.1 That is, what place does charity have in the context of the free market where profit maximization is the ruling value? In answering this question, the article contrasts the effects of ‘no mercy’ with that of ‘mercy’ behaviour on overall utility maximization, and argues that what may be best ultimately from an economic efficiency point of view (no charity) may not in fact maximize overall net utility when defined qualitatively to include social capital such as psychological states and other quality of life indicators. The ethical imperative of love for one's fellow humans is also considered in the debate between the two approaches. To address this point, I introduce the concept of ‘loving altruism’, and in this context make the case for charitable acts of mercy that may nonetheless result in a loss of economic utility in a larger sense. The article concludes that there is a valid place for both charity and philanthropy at either the individual or corporate level, and that the efficiency loss may or may not be outweighed by the gains in overall life quality. The ultimate net outcome would be determined by the specifics of each particular case after an explicit consideration of the need for altruism. The article ends by suggesting an application of Aristotle's ‘Golden Mean’ in determining the optimal level of charity.
Procalcitonin in stable and unstable patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Loebinger MR , Shoemark A , Berry M , Kemp M , Wilson R 
Published: August 2008

Presently used markers of infection in bronchiectasis are inadequate to judge stability or make decisions about antibiotic treatment during bacterial exacerbations. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a new marker that has been used in community-acquired pneumonia and promises to allow much more specific and sensitive monitoring of patients with bacterial infections. This is the first study assessing its use in bronchiectasis. Thirty-eight consecutive inpatients and 63 consecutive outpatients were included in the study. All patients had PCT, other inflammatory markers, and a symptom score recorded. Inpatients had these values repeated at day 5 and 10 of their stay, while receiving intravenous antibiotics. Outpatients: PCT levels were generally low in the outpatient group. PCT was significantly correlated to C-reactive protein. Higher levels were associated with increased symptoms ( P = 0.09) and an increased likelihood of antibiotic prescription ( P = 0.007). Inpatients: As a group, inflammatory markers were significantly higher than in the outpatient group ( P = 0.007). There was no correlation between the levels of PCT and the other inflammatory markers. PCT concentrations were generally low (as with other markers), which may reflect mucosal infection. Larger studies are needed, but PCT seems unlikely to be able to guide treatment of an exacerbation in bronchiectasis. PCT may offer more promise as a measure of stability.
The implementation of Restoring Health – a chronic disease model of care to decrease acute health care utilization
Authors: Howard R , Sanders R , Lydall-Smith SM 
Published: August 2008

The Restoring Health Program, a multi-disciplinary model of care for patients with chronic lung diseases, heart failure, and diabetes, was established to improve the quality of life and function for patients with these target chronic diseases, while reducing their disproportionately high demand on acute health care services. Acute health care utilization at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne for all patients recruited between February 2003 and June 2005 ( n = 351) was analyzed using within-subjects paired sample t-tests to compare the 6 months of pre-recruitment with 6 months of post-recruitment. Analysis showed statistically significant decreases in emergency department presentations ( P < 0.001), hospital admissions ( P < 0.001), and length of stay ( P < 0.001). This article describes the current model of care, the program’s enablers, and its impact on health service demand after the first 4 years of implementation.
IFN-γ–mediated inhibition of MAPK phosphatase expression results in prolonged MAPK activity in response to M-CSF and inhibition of proliferation
Authors: Valledor Annabel F. , Arpa Luís , Sánchez-Tilló Ester , Comalada Mònica , Casals Cristina , Xaus Jordi , Caelles Carme , Lloberas Jorge , Celada Antonio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMacrophages have the capacity to proliferate in response to specific growth factors, such as macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). In the presence of several cytokines and activating factors, macrophages undergo growth arrest, become activated, and participate in the development of an immune response. We have previously observed that activation of extracellularly regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK-1/2) is required for macrophage proliferation in response to growth factors. A short and early pattern of ERK activity correlated with the proliferative response. In contrast, slightly prolonged patterns of activity of these kinases were induced by signals that lead to macrophage activation and growth arrest. IFN-γ is the main endogenous Th1-type macrophage activator. Here we report that stimulation with IFN-γ prolongs the pattern of ERK activity induced by M-CSF in macrophages. These effects correlate with IFN-γ–mediated inhibition of the expression of several members of the MAPK phosphatase family, namely MKP-1, -2, and -4. Moreover, inhibition of MKP-1 expression using siRNA technology or synthetic inhibitors also led to elongated ERK activity and significant blockage of M-CSF–dependent proliferation. These data suggest that subtle changes in the time course of activity of members of the MAPK family contribute to the antiproliferative effects of IFN-γ in macrophages.
Dendritic cell and natural killer cell cross-talk: a pivotal role of CX3CL1 in NK cytoskeleton organization and activation
Authors: Pallandre Jean R. , Krzewski Konrad , Bedel Romain , Ryffel Bernhard , Caignard Anne , Rohrlich Pierre Simon , Pivot Xavier , Tiberghien Pierre , Zitvogel Laurence , Strominger Jack L. , Borg Christophe 
Published: August 2008

AbstractInitial molecular events leading to natural killer lymphocyte (NK) and dendritic cell (DC) interactions are largely unknown. Here, the role of CX3CL1 (fractalkine), a chemokine expressed on mature dendritic cells (mDCs) has been investigated. We show that CX3CL1 promotes NK activation by mDCs. After blocking of CX3CL1 by antibody, no activation occurred but major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I neutralization restored DC-mediated NK activation, suggesting an interaction between CX3CL1 signaling and the functioning of inhibitory KIR. Then the YTS NK cell line, in which the inhibitory receptor KIR2DL1 had been introduced, was used. The presence of KIR2DL1 did not decrease YTS activation by HLA-Cw4 DC when CX3CL1 was functional. In contrast, CX3CL1 neutralization led to killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) phosphorylation and SHP-1 recruitment in YTSKIR2DL1 cultured with HLA-Cw4 mDCs. Moreover, CX3CL1 neutralization promoted dispersion of lipid rafts and the formation of a multiprotein complex required for cytoskeletal rearrangements in YTS NK cells. These findings point to a pivotal role of CX3CL1 in the activation of resting NK cells by mature DCs.
NADPH oxidase controls phagosomal pH and antigen cross-presentation in human dendritic cells
Authors: Mantegazza Adriana R. , Savina Ariel , Vermeulen Mónica , Pérez Laura , Geffner Jorge , Hermine Olivier , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Faure Florence , Amigorena Sebastián 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe phagocyte NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is critical for the bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells and plays a major role in innate immunity. We showed recently that NOX2 activity in mouse dendritic cells (DCs) prevents acidification of phagosomes, promoting antigen cross-presentation. Inorder to investigate the role of NOX2 in the regulation of the phagosomal pH in human DCs, we analyzed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phagosomal/endosomal pH in monocyte-derived DCs and macrophages (MØs) from healthy donors or patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). As expected, we found that human MØs acidify their phagosomes more efficiently than human DCs. Accordingly, the expression of the vacuolar proton ATPase (V-H+-ATPase) was higher in MØs than in DCs. Phagosomal ROS production, however, was also higher in MØs than in DCs, due to higher levels of gp91phox expression and recruitment to phagosomes. In contrast, in the absence of active NOX2, the phagosomal and endosomal pH decreased. Both in the presence of a NOX2 inhibitor and in DCs derived from patients with CGD, the cross-presentation of 2 model tumor antigens was impaired. We conclude that NOX2 activity participates in the regulation of the phagosomal and endosomal pH in human DCs, and is required for efficient antigen cross-presentation.
Investigations into Glutamic Acid Metabolism in Schizophrenics
Authors: Astrup Poul , G⊘tzsche Henning , And Bj⊘rn Ibsen , Munkvad Ib 
Published: August 2008

Earlier investigations (3, 4) have shown an abnormal glutamic acid metabolism in schizophrenic patients.These changes are, briefly, low glutamic acid level (and high glutamine level) especially in acute cases. Glutamic acid concentrations below 1.2 milli grams per 100 ml. venous blood were ascertained in most of these patients.
Psychoses of Childbearing
Authors: Tetlow C. 
Published: August 2008

It is natural to assume that because a psychosis occurs during the process of childbearing the two events are therefore necessarily associated, but the evidence is conflicting and the relationship between them has not been established with certainty. In fact no immediate dramatic cause has yet been demonstrated that would account for such mental breakdowns, and it would be surprising if it had, for the great majority of psychoses not related to maternity show no simple sequence of cause and effect.Yet it would be wrong to dismiss without further examination an occasion so important in the life of the mother as childbirth as of no aetiological consequence. In the types of psychosis under consideration the clinical onset had often been a sudden and disturbing event, just at that particular time in the patient's life when she was confronted with the responsibility of motherhood. Further examination of the patient's history however often revealed previous evidence of emotional disturbance, or of instability in other members of her family.
A Behavioural Rating Scale for Mental Patients
Authors: Shatin L. , Freed E. X. 
Published: August 2008

In connection with a demonstration programme of comprehensive psychiatric care for hospitalized schizophrenic patients, it was necessary to develop a rapid and effective method for rating patients' ward adjustment and social behaviour. The scale, entitled the Albany Behavioural Rating Scale (ABRS), and its validation, are described in this report. The nature of the problem required that the scale be readable, easily completed and scored, and suitable for use by nursing and rehabilitation personnel (OT, CT, Music Therapist, etc.). Further requirements included adequate scoring reliability and validity, as well as amenability to quantification.Various rating scales have been described in the psychiatric literature, but these did not meet our needs. Some were too cumbersome and time-consuming. Others required individual psychiatric interview. Frequently they demanded high literacy of the rater. Certain scales are indeed useful for special purposes, as for example the MSRPP (Lorr, 1953) which can be employed with confidence as an aid to psychiatric classification. Lucero and Meyer (1951) have discussed the requirements of an adequate rating scale.
Rostral Leucotomy: a Report on 240 Cases Personally Followed Up After ½ to 5 Years
Authors: Pippard John 
Published: August 2008

Cortical undercutting, as an alternative to standard leucotomy and to the major operation of topectomy, was devised by three surgeons independently. Scoville (1949) published his preliminary results soon after McKissock had begun to do rostral leucotomies. Both have continued to use this type of operation (Scovilleet al., 1951; Scoville, 1954) but Ferey (1950), the third to develop a similar technique, was disappointed with the results and soon abandoned it (Ferey, 1953). McKissock (1951) reported the initial impressions of the results in 100 cases and by the end of 1952 had operated on 240 cases. During 1953–54, 1½ to 5 years after operation, I followed up these patients, visiting 175 of them in their homes, and 35 in hospital. Personal follow up was refused or for some reason impracticable in 17 cases, including 4 whose case notes had been destroyed; 13 others had died before the survey was made.Partridge (1950) reported a follow up study of 300 cases operated on by the same surgeon by his “standard” technique (McKissock, 1943); he had the advantage, which I had not, of being able to see his patients before operation. I have had to work retrospectively, and the case notes available, whilst often excellent, had usually not been made with the idea that they would be needed for follow-up purposes. I have not, therefore, thought it right to draw more than broad conclusions from this study.
The Value and Limitations of Chlorpromazine in the Treatment of Anxiety States
Authors: Rees W. Linford , Lambert Carl 
Published: August 2008

Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Largactil) introduced by Laborit (1952) has aroused considerable interest on account of its varied pharmacodynamic actions and clinical reports drawing attention to its possible use in anaesthesia, general medicine and psychiatry.Chemically related to certain antihistamine drugs, it has little antihistaminic activity itself but has diverse effects on the nervous system. It is a neural depressant with central and peripheral action, vagolytic and sympatholytic properties. (Chauchard, 1952; Courvoisier, 1953; Sigwald and Boutier, 1953; Staehelin and Kielholz, 1953; Lehrman and Hanrahan, 1954; Anton-Stephens, 1954; Winkelman, 1954; Garmany, 1954; and Elkes and Elkes, 1954.)Enthusiastic claims have been made regarding the therapeutic value of chlorpromazine in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders; many of these have failed to carry conviction, as most of the reports are based on mixed groups with an insufficient number of patients in each diagnostic category to justify definite conclusions and also because controlled procedures were rarely used.We therefore decided to confine our investigation to one type of psychiatric disorder and chose anxiety states, since the reported pharmacodynamic actions of the drug suggested that it might be of value in the treatment of states of anxiety and tension. The total group studied consists of 150 patients all of whom are treated as out-patients.
The Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Familial Dysautonomia (The Riley-Day Syndrome)
Authors: Forster William , Tyndel Milo 
Published: August 2008

Familial dysautonomia, first described as a distinct entity in 1949 (Rileyet al., 1949), is considered to be a comparatively rare disease, only some 48 cases being so far recorded (Rileyet al., 1954). But as its features become more widely known it is likely to be increasingly recognized. It occurs in children of Jewish parentage, the majority of cases being reported from the U.S.A., with one from South America (Tyndel, 1955), and some from Montreal (Riley, 1955).The constant symptomscomprise: defective lachrymation (“crying without tears”); symmetrical, blotchy erythema following emotional disturbances or eating; excessive sweating; sialorrhoea; emotional lability; poor motor coordination; relative indifference to pain; and hypo- or areflexia.Inconstant symptomsare: intermittent hypertension; periodic vomiting which may threaten life; liability to respiratory diseases; frequent unexplained bouts of pyrexia; attacks of apnoea during the first year of life; corneal ulceration; orthopaedic changes (scoliosis, pes cavus); and epileptiform convulsions (Riley, 1952).The condition is familial, apparently being inherited as a simple recessive trait (Rileyet al., 1954), though an irregular dominant is a possibility (St. Martin, 1953).
The use of Lithium Salts in the Treatment of Manic States
Authors: Rice David 
Published: August 2008

It is often said that the Disorders of Affect are the most commonly encountered psychoses and it is, of course, depressive illness which accounts for the large majority of such disorders; nevertheless Mania and Hypomania present as great a problem. As great because from the medical point of view treatment is less certain and less satisfactory, and socially because the manic, and even more the hypomanic, patient seems capable of doing more harm to his family and home by his ill-judged actions and schemes than almost any other person. He seems, too, to have a singular affinity and attraction for wasters, ne'er-do-wells and psychopaths who assist all too readily in the disposal of goods and money and encourage him in his grandiose and extravagant schemes.For depressive illness we have, in Electro-Convulsant Therapy, a ready, useful and comparatively reliable, safe and effective therapeutic measure. The majority of patients accept such treatment quite readily and respond well to it. Where there is a history of chronic or recurrent illness, leucotomy (often in one of its modified forms) seems to offer a good hope with an excellent prognosis. Depressed patients, moreover, from the very nature of their illness, tend to accept treatment, even if they dislike it, often maybe from poorly concealed masochistic urges and as punishment for what they believe to be their guilt and unworthiness.Manic and hypomanic patients, on the other hand, present a totally different problem. Firstly they rarely, if ever, complain themselves and consequently they resent being referred to the doctor. When they do come it is often unwillingly or merely to demonstrate their well-being; or maybe to show some invention, gadget or discovery they believe they have made. Secondly, such patients, even when they have been seen, are notoriously unreliable over treatment and will rarely accept it. In the majority of patients it is only when under some form of control (which for all practical purposes means certification) that treatment can be carried out satisfactorily.In Mania (and Hypomania) as in depression, convulsion therapy—usually E.C.T.—proves satisfactory in many instances, but the problem of long-term prognosis is not affected and in the case of recurrent manic attacks leucotomy seems to have no benefits to offer and is in fact often liable to make things worse. Any effective method of treatment is therefore to be welcomed, and more especially so if there is any suggestion that it can be continued after the patient leaves hospital, on a maintenance or prophylactic basis.