bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased catecholamines and heart rate in children with low birth weight: perinatal contributions to sympathoadrenal overactivity
Authors: Johansson S. , Norman M. , Legnevall L. , Dalmaz Y. , Lagercrantz H. , Vanpée M. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.Background.  Low birth weight is associated with cardiovascular disease. The underlying mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that perinatal stress alters autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system. In this study, catecholamines, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured in healthy children with low birth weight.Methods.  This clinical study included 105 children (mean age 9.6 years) in three groups; born at term with normal birth weight (controls, n = 37), born at term but small for gestational age (SGA, n = 29) and born preterm (Preterm, n = 39). Dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline were determined in urine. HR and BP were measured at rest, during an orthostatic test and after a mathematical mental stress test.Results.  Children in the Preterm and SGA groups excreted higher levels of catecholamines when compared with controls. HR (mean [SD] values) were higher at rest and after mental stress in Preterm (at rest 76 [9] and after mental stress 82 [12] min−1) and in SGA (79 [8] and 82 [10]) when compared with controls (70 [9] and 75 [9]). HR correlated with urinary catecholamines (r = 0.24–0.27, P < 0.05). Blood pressures measured at rest, during orthostatic testing and after mental stress did not differ between the groups.Conclusions.  Preterm birth and fetal growth restriction are associated with increased sympathoadrenal activity in childhood, as indicated by stress‐induced increases in HR and urinary catecholamines. These findings suggest that the cardiovascular control is differently programmed in these children with possibly higher risk of developing hypertension in adulthood.
Modulation of environmental responses of plants by circadian clocks
Authors: HOTTA CARLOS T. , GARDNER MICHAEL J. , HUBBARD KATHARINE E. , BAEK SEONG JIN , DALCHAU NEIL , SUHITA DONTAMALA , DODD ANTONY N. , WEBB ALEX A. R. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTCircadian clocks are signalling networks that enhance an organism's relationship with the rhythmic environment. The plant circadian clock modulates a wide range of physiological and biochemical events, such as stomatal and organ movements, photosynthesis and induction of flowering. Environmental signals regulate the phase and period of the plant circadian clock, which results in an approximate synchronization of clock outputs with external events. One of the consequences of circadian control is that stimuli of the same strength applied at different times of the day can result in responses of different intensities. This is known as ‘gating’. Gating of a signal may allow plants to better process and react to the wide range and intensities of environmental signals to which they are constantly subjected. Light signalling, stomatal movements and low‐temperature responses are examples of signalling pathways that are gated by the circadian clock. In this review, we describe the many levels at which the circadian clock interacts with responses to the environment. We discuss how environmental rhythms of temperature and light intensity entrain the circadian clock, how photoperiodism may be regulated by the relationship between environmental rhythms and the phasing of clock outputs, and how gating modulates the sensitivity of the clock and other responses to environmental and physiological signals. Finally, we describe evidence that the circadian clock can increase plant fitness.
Gene Gun‐delivered pGM‐CSF Adjuvant Induces Enhanced Emigration of two Dendritic Cell Subsets from the Skin
Authors: Matthews K. , Bailey S. L. , Gossner A. G. , Watkins C. , Dalziel R. G. , Hopkins J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo subsets of sheep afferent lymph dendritic cells (DC) are defined by the differential expression of CD172a and CD45RA. The majority (∼70%) of CD172a+ subset is CD45RA/CD11c+/CD207+/TLR4+. The CD172a− DC are CD45RA+/CD207− and express low levels of CD11c and CD86. Real‐time RT‐PCR showed that CD172+ DC produce IL‐1β and IL‐10 and high levels of IL‐18 but almost no IL‐12p40; CD172a− DC express IL‐12p40 but no IL‐10 and low levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18. Gene gun‐delivered granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (pGM‐CSF) caused an early rise in the output of CD172a+ DC, changes to DC phenotype and significant increases in the levels of expression cytokine transcripts. However, pGM‐CSF did not affect any qualitative changes to cytokine expression, CD172a+ DC remained IL‐10+/IL‐12p40− and the CD172− DC remained IL‐10−/IL‐12p40+.
Iron Ions and Haeme Modulate the Binding Properties of Complement Subcomponent C1q and of Immunoglobulins
Authors: Dimitrov J. D. , Roumenina L. T. , Doltchinkova V. R. , Vassilev T. L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe complement system and circulating antibodies play a major role in the defence against infection. They act at the sites of inflammation, where the harsh microenvironment and the oxidative stress lead to the release of free iron ions and haeme. The aim of this study was to analyse the consequences of the exposure of C1q and immunoglobulins to iron ions or haeme. The changes in target recognition by C1q and in the rheumatoid factor activity of the immunoglobulins were investigated. The exposure of C1q to ferrous ions increased its binding to IgG and to IgM. In contrast, haeme inhibited C1q binding to all studied targets, especially to IgG1 and C‐reactive protein. Thus, the haeme released as a result of tissue damage and oxidative stress may act as a negative feedback regulator of an inappropriate complement triggering as seen in ischaemia‐reperfusion tissue injury. The results also show that iron ions and haeme were able to reveal rheumatoid factor activity of IgG. The modulation of the C1q‐target binding as well as the revealing of rheumatoid factor activity of IgG by exposure to redox‐active agents released at the sites of inflammation may have important consequences for the understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Phenotypic and Functional Differences between Lymphocytes from NALT and Nasal Passages of Mice
Authors: Rodríguez‐Monroy M. A. , Rojas‐Hernández S. , Moreno‐Fierros Leticia 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNasal‐associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and nasal passages (NP) are considered as inductive and effector sites, respectively. The differences among lymphocyte populations of these nasal compartments have not been clearly established. The aim of this work was to contribute to the characterization of NALT and NP lymphocytes in mice. We isolated lymphocytes from both compartments, determined the frequencies of B220+ cells as well as CD8+, CD4+ T cells; and analysed the expression of CD69 and CD25. Besides we analysed the proportion of T cells producing IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. We found differences between NALT and NP. Two populations of B cells, B220+hi and B220+low were clearly distinguished only in NP, but not in NALT. Both hi and low B220+ cells expressed CD19, but only a fraction of the B220+low population, expressed the plasma cell marker CD138+. More B than T lymphocytes, as well as higher frequencies of CD4+ than CD8+ T cells were found in both compartments. A small fraction of NK cells (CD3−DX5+) along with a significant proportion of double negative CD4−CD8−CD3+DX5− T cells was detected in both nasal tissues. Furthermore, as expected for a mucosal effector site, NP contained major proportions of B220+, T CD4+ and T CD8+ cells expressing CD25 and CD69 in comparison to NALT. Likewise, the proportion of T cells spontaneously producing IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐4, was higher in NP than in NALT. These data provide further evidence indicating that distinctive phenotypic and functional features exist in the lymphocyte populations residing at NALT and NP.
Paradoxical worsening of tuberculosis in a heart–lung transplant recipient
Authors: Place S. , Knoop C. , Remmelink M. , Baldassarre S. , Van Vooren J.‐P. , Jacobs F. , Mascart F. , Estenne M. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract: We report on a heart–lung transplant recipient who presented with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) 2.5 months after transplantation and then developed a paradoxical reaction after 4 months of adequate anti‐TB treatment. She eventually recovered with anti‐TB and high‐dose steroid treatments.Methods. Using sequential bronchoalveolar lavages, we assessed the inflammatory response in the lung and investigated the alveolar immune response against a Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen.Results. The paradoxical reaction was characterized by a massive infiltration of the alveolar space by M. tuberculosis antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells and by the presence of a CD4−CD8− T lymphocyte subpopulation bearing phenotypic markers (CD16+/56+) classically associated with NK cells.Conclusion. This case report illustrates that even solid organ transplant recipients receiving intense triple‐drug immune suppression may be able to develop a paradoxical reaction during TB treatment. Transplant physicians should be aware of this phenomenon in order to differentiate it from treatment failure.
Early Embryonic Development of the Camel Lumbar Spinal Cord Segment
Authors: Elmonem M. E. A. , Mohamed S. A. , Aly K. H. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe lumbar spinal cord segment of the one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) embryos at 2.4‐ to 28‐cm crown vertebral rump length (CVRL) was examined. Major changes are occurring in the organization of the lumbar spinal cord segment at this early developmental period. At first, the spinal cord is flattened from side to side but with increase in gestational age it becomes flattened dorsoventrally. The size and shape of the lumen changes in indifferent stage of development. These changes may be in relation to the decrease of ependymal layer and increase of the mantel layer during the developmental stages. The lumen of the spinal cord is a wide spindle in shape at 2.4‐cm CVRL, diamond in shape at 5.5‐cm CVRL and narrow oval in shape at 28‐cm CVRL. It occupies about the whole, half and one‐seventh of the total height of the spinal cord at 2.4‐, 5.5‐ and 28‐cm CVRL, respectively. At the 2.4–2.7 CVRL, the spinal cord is formed of six plates: roof, floor, two alar and two basal plates. The present investigation indicates that the distribution of the ependymal, mantle and marginal layers differs in the various developmental stages of the camel embryos. The majority of the cross section of the spinal cord consists at first of ependymal and mantle layers, and a thin outer rim of the marginal layer. With the advancement of age, the ependymal layer diminishes in size, while the mantle and marginal layers increase in size forming the future grey and white matters, respectively.
Immunohistolocalization and Gene Expression of the Secretory Carbonic Anhydrase Isozymes (CA‐VI) in Canine Oral Mucosa, Salivary Glands and Oesophagus
Authors: Kasuya T. , Shibata S. , Kaseda M. , Ichihara N. , Nishita T. , Murakami M. , Asari M. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe immunohistolocalization of secretory carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (CA‐VI) in canine salivary glands, parotid, submandibular, sublingual and zygomatic glands, oral and oesophageal mucosa was studied using a specific antiserum against a canine CA‐VI. In addition, the gene expression of CA‐VI from the same tissue was studied using a real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In all salivary glands and oesophageal gland, immunostaining intensely localized CA‐VI antiserum throughout the cytoplasm of serous acinar cells, including serous demilune and ductal epithelial cells. In contrast, no immunoreaction localized CA‐VI in the mucous acinar cells of the gland. CA‐VI gene transcripts were also detected in the same areas. The physiological significance of secretory CA‐VI in the oral and oesophageal cavity is thought to play a highly specialized role in the maintenance of bicarbonate level in saliva and to protect mucosa from acid injury. It is shown that the major sites of the CA‐VI secretion in dogs were in serous (demilune) secretory cells in all four major salivary glands and oesophageal glands in particular.
Sperm distribution in the reproductive tract of sows after intrauterine insemination
Authors: Sumransap P , Tummaruk P , Kunavongkrit A 
Published: February 2007

ContentsThe purpose of the present study was to compare the number of spermatozoa obtained from different parts of the oviducts and the uterine horns of sows after intrauterine insemination (IUI) and conventional artificial insemination (AI), 24 h after insemination. Twelve crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire) multiparous sows were used in the experiment. The sows were examined for standing oestrus using a back pressure test and were examined every 4 h after standing oestrus by real‐time B‐mode ultrasonography to estimate the time of ovulation. The sows were allocated to two groups, group I sows (n = 6) were inseminated by a conventional AI technique with 3 × 109 motile spermatozoa in 100 ml of extended semen, and group II sows (n = 6) were inseminated by an IUI technique using 1 × 109 motile spermatozoa in 50 ml of extended semen. A single dose of AI or IUI was given using the same boar, 8–10 h before the expected time of ovulation during the second oestrus after weaning. Twenty four hours after insemination, the sows were ovario‐hysterectomized. The oviducts and the uterine horns were removed and divided into seven parts, the cranial, middle and caudal uterine horns, the utero‐tubal junction (UTJ), the cranial and caudal isthmus, and the ampulla. All parts of the reproductive tract were flushed and the spermatozoa were counted using a haemocytometer. The results revealed that the spermatozoa were found in both the oviducts and the uterine horns in all animals. The number of flushed spermatozoa in the UTJ of groups I and II, was 142 500 and 131 167 (p > 0.05), and in the caudal isthmus was 1411 and 1280 (p > 0.05), respectively. The proportion of spermatozoa in different parts of the reproductive tract in relation to the total number of spermatozoa within the tract was not significantly different between groups I and II (p > 0.05). It could be concluded that IUI, with a three‐time reduction in the number of spermatozoa used resulted in the same number of spermatozoa to be deposited in the sperm reservoir around ovulation time.
The role of the nurse in food service: A literature review and recommendations
Authors: Kowanko Inge 
Published: February 2007

Kowanko I. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 73–78 The role of the nurse in food service: A literature review and recommendations In the current economic climate increasing numbers of hospitals are outsourcing arrangements for food preparation and service. There is debate among health professionals about the most appropriate role, if any, of nurses in feeding patients. This paper reports on a comprehensive review of the literature over the last 30 years pertaining to patient nutrition and food service in hospital. It is apparent that many patients are admitted in a malnourished state and that deterioration of nutritional status frequently occurs during hospitalization. At the same time there is evidence that appropriate and prompt attention to patient nutrition by nurses and other health professionals has a positive influence on patient outcome and hospital costs. The implications for nursing are discussed.
Changing handover practices: One private hospital’s experiences
Authors: McKenna Lisa , Walsh Kerryn 
Published: February 2007

McKenna L, Walsh K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 128–132 Changing handover practices: One private hospital’s experiences The handover practice has long been an important component of clinical nursing practice allowing nurses to exchange relevant client information from one shift to the next and ensure continuity of patient care. Traditional approaches have seen nursing handovers taking place in a room away from general ward activity. Oncoming nursing staff receive the information verbally from nurses on the previous shift about all patients within the ward or unit. This practice has been proven over time to present difficulties and consequently, many hospitals are choosing to adopt models that better address current needs. This analysis describes the creative approaches taken by one private hospital in modifying handover practices with the view to reduce time and increase overall efficiency and effectiveness, whilst ensuring that staff and ward requirements are considered. The study highlights how action research principles can be applied to introduce change into the clinical practice environment.
A therapeutic programme for people with dementia
Authors: Gibb Heather , Morris Clare T , Gleisberg Juergen 
Published: February 2007

Gibb H, Morris CT, Gleisberg J. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 191–199 A therapeutic programme for people with dementia A programme involving Tai Chi and structured reminiscence was trialed with nine people suffering from moderately advanced dementia. The analysis reported here aimed to examine stories the people told with a view to understanding the purpose of story telling in their lives. Themes derived from the narrative data had a strong evaluative quality, ranging from simple evocative expressions to more cognitive complex insights or treasures. The study indicated a major aim in story telling as being able to generate life values, both for the enrichment of identification of self, and to pass on or leave for today’s youth. Findings here further substantiate Luke and Freiden’s view that old age has its own cognitive and spiritual goals to achieve. There is strong evidence that people with moderate dementia still aim to participate in that endeavour.
Disaster relief work: Nurses and others in bushfire territory
Authors: M Helen 
Published: February 2007

Cox H M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1997; 3: 218–223 Disaster relief work: Nurses and others in bushfire territory This paper describes one aspect of a study into the experiences in long‐term healing of a community following the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire. Forty participants were interviewed, of whom 26 were residents and 14 disaster relief workers. The paper concentrates on the experiences of the latter, describing how they came to understand the bushfire affected the community and how they managed disaster work. For novices it was a profoundly difficult experience, for which they received little help and had to manage with whatever skill they drew on in their ‘normal’ working lives, mixed with a good deal of intuition. The paper suggests that health workers in vulnerable areas require preparation for a likely disaster; that ‘outsiders’ need to deal through existing community groups and individuals to gain access to those in need of their skills, and that they also require preparation for helping ‘insiders’ who are themselves victims of the catastrophe.
Amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction: indications and outcomes
Authors: Maharajan V Senthil , Shanmuganathan Vijay , Currie Alison , Hopkinson Andrew , Powell‐Richards April , Dua Harminder S 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  The amniotic membrane is a useful tool in the management of several ocular surface diseases. Despite numerous studies, standardization of the use of the membrane and of outcome measures is lacking. Herein, the authors’ results of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in ocular surface reconstruction against defined outcome measures are reported.Methods:  A retrospective case study of 74 consecutive procedures (58 patients) performed against predefined outcome measures. The cases were divided into three groups. Group A AMT in the presence of stem cell loss (32 procedures), Group B AMT without stem cell loss (24 procedures) and Group C AMT for conjunctival reconstruction (18 procedures). The outcomes were evaluated against defined criteria based on the purpose (patch or graft) and objective for use of the membrane. Results were analysed by defining the outcomes as success, partial success or failure.Results:  Unequivocal success of the procedure was observed in 22% in Group A, 62.5% in Group B and 50% in Group C. AMT was significantly more successful in the presence of functioning stem cells (P = 0.01). In Group A acute and subacute cases (less than 3 months) needed more procedures compared with chronic cases (P = 0.02). In Group C, results were comparatively worse when AMT was used in progressive cicatrizing conditions.Conclusion:  Use of AMT can be associated with a significant number of failures. It provides a useful alternative for specific indications where its use should be encouraged. It is important to define criteria for success in order to accurately evaluate efficacy.
Comparison of acute structural and histopathological changes of the porcine ciliary processes after endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation
Authors: Pantcheva Mina B , Kahook Malik Y , Schuman Joel S , Rubin Marc W , Noecker Robert J 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  The objective of this study is to investigate the acute histological effects of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation on the ciliary body and other structures of porcine eyes compared with untreated controls.Methods:  Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation were performed on porcine eyes. Detailed histological evaluations were performed with light and scanning electron microscopy of treated eyes and compared with untreated controls.Results:  Histological changes were observed with both light and scanning electron microscopy for all treated tissues. Tissue treated with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation showed pronounced tissue disruption of the ciliary body muscle and stroma, ciliary processes, and both pigmented and non‐pigmented ciliary epithelium. Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation‐treated tissue exhibited pronounced contraction of the cilliary processes with disruption of the ciliary body epithelium, with less architectural disorginization and sparing of the ciliary body muscle. The sclera was not affected by either laser treatment.Conclusion:  The endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation treatment caused less damage to the ciliary body compared with the transscleral cyclophotocoagulation when evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Compared with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation appears to be a more selective form of cyclophotocoagulation resulting in less tissue disruption while achieving the goal of destroying ciliary body epithelium.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE PARATHYROIDECTOMY: AN AUDIT OF A CHANGE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Yew Ming K. , Thompson Ivan J. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for primary hyperparathyroidism is gaining acceptance as a useful tool in the armamentarium of the endocrine surgeon.Methods:  We undertook an audit of 154 consecutive cases of parathyroidectomy carried out through bilateral neck exploration as well as a minimally invasive approach.Results:  Bilateral neck exploration had a 100% single operation cure rate. MIP had a 90% cure rate. Sestamibi localization had a positive predictive value of 99% for identifying an abnormal parathyroid gland. However, it performed poorly in the presence of multiglandular disease, resulting in these patients being at risk of having persistent hyperparathyroidism and therefore requiring a second operation.Conclusion:  Our results with bilateral neck exploration are favourable compared with other large series. However, we have reported a 10% reoperation rate with MIP. Although not ideal, we are confident that, as a result of improvements based on this audit and with increasing experience, the cure rate will improve to reach international benchmarks. As such we feel that this strategy is a pragmatic way to offer MIP to patients in our region.