bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Toll‐like receptors in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Sato Ken , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Okumura Akihiko , Yamauchi Taeko , Sato Sayaka , Ayada Minoru , Matsumoto Eiji , Hotta Naoki , Oohashi Tomohiko , Fukuzawa Yoshitaka , Kakumu Shinichi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackground:  Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are involved in innate immunity. Certain viruses interact with TLRs and mediate antiviral effects as well as immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TLRs on pathogenesis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients.Methods:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD14+ (monocytes) or CD14– cells from 25 patients with chronic liver disease and 15 healthy subjects were studied for expression of TLRs 2–9 and cytokines of extracted RNA using real‐time PCR. Then TLR expression was examined in HepG2 cells transfected with entire or parts (core–NS3, NS3–NS5B) of the HCV open reading frame. TLR expression was calculated as the relative mRNA levels.Results:  Expression of TLRs 4, 7 and 8 in CD14+ cells of PBMC was increased in patients. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐12 p35 for PBMC were also increased in patients. When PBMC were incubated with HCV core protein, enhancement of TLR2 expression and suppression of TLR4 and TLR7 were noted in patients. Similar alteration of TLRs expression was observed in controls. Among HepG2 transfectants, only TLR3 expression was changed; it was suppressed in entire gene transfectant and enhanced in core–NS3 transfectant. Expression of some proteins related to the TLR signaling pathway was suppressed in the entire gene transfectant.Conclusions:  The results suggest a correlation between expression levels of TLRs and cytokines, and chronic HCV infection. TLR3 recognizes double‐stranded RNA and induces type 1 interferon synthesis. Collectively, suppressed expression of TLR3 in cells transfected with entire HCV may be responsible for continuous HCV infection, although a part of the HCV gene enhances its expression.
INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE GALLBLADDER IN APPLICATION OF THE ENDOSCOPIC NASO‐GALLBLADDER DRAINAGE
Authors: Masuda Daisuke , Arisaka Yoshifumi , Takii Michiaki , Fujiwara Shinya , Miyaji Katsuhiko , Hongo Yasushi , Shimamoto Chikao , Katsu Ken‐ichi 
Published: December 2006

Background:  Although endoscopic naso‐gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) for gallbladder disease is useful, the procedure is difficult and investigations involving many cases are lacking. Furthermore, reports on transpapillary intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) of the gallbladder using a miniature probe are rare.Methods:  A total of 150 patients (119 suspected of having gallbladder carcinoma, 24 with acute cholecystitis (AC), and seven with Mirizzi’s syndrome (MS)) were the subject. (i) ENGBD: We attempted to put ENGBD tube into the GB. (ii) IDUS of the gallbladder: Using the previous ENGBD tube, we attempted to insert the miniature probe into the gallbladder and perform transpapillary IDUS of the gallbladder. In five patients, we attempted three‐dimensional intraductal ultrasonography (3D‐IDUS).Results:  (i) ENGBD: Overall success rate was 74.7% (112/150); the rate for the patients suspected of having gallbladder carcinoma was 75.6% (90/119), and was 71.0% (22/31) for the AC and MS patients. Inflammation and jaundice improved in 20/22 successful patients with AC and MS. Success rate was higher when cystic duct branching was from the lower and middle parts of the common bile duct than from the upper part, and was higher when branching was upwards than downwards. (ii) IDUS of the gallbladder: Success rate for miniature probe insertion into the gallbladder was 96.4% (54/56). Lesions could be visualized in 50/54 patients (92.6%). Of these, detailed evaluation of the locus could be performed in 41. In five patients attempted 3D‐IDUS, the relationship between the lesion and its location was readily grasped.Conclusion:  IDUS of the gallbladder is superior for diagnosing minute images. Improvement on the device will further increase its usefulness.
BURIED BUMPER SYNDROME AS A COMPLICATION OF PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY IN CANCER PATIENTS: THE BRAZILIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Meine Gilmara , Lukashok Hannah , Mello Gustavo , Mansur Gilberto , Guimarães Denise , Carvalho Roberto 
Published: December 2006

Background:  Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a major complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in which the internal bumper migrates from the gastric lumen into the gastrostomy tract. The aim of the present study was to describe the frequency and characteristics of BBS in cancer patients.Methods:  Retrospective chart review of cancer patients submitted to PEG placement.Results:  Thirteen cases of BBS were diagnosed among 213 PEG procedures, with an incidence of 6.1%. The interval between PEG and BBS varied from 7 to 630 days (mean 217.5 days). All patients were treated on an outpatient basis. There were six partial, four subtotal and three total BBS. Three partial and four subtotal BBS were treated by external traction and replacement with a balloon‐tipped tube. In three cases of partial BBS the PEG tube was not removed, just repositioned. In three cases of total BBS it was necessary to redo the PEG procedure.Conclusion:  BBS is an uncommon and usually late complication of PEG. Most of our cases were detected early, due to instructions provided to patients and caregivers and regular follow up. Early diagnosis permits simple treatment consisting of replacement of the original PEG tube by a balloon‐tube or repositioning the original system.
APPROPRIATE MIXTURE OF HYALURONIC ACID, GLUCOSE AND GLYCERIN FOR A SUBMUCOSAL FLUID CUSHION DURING ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION IN THE DOG STOMACH
Authors: Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kakushima Naomi , Kodashima Shinya , Kashimura Koji , Matsuura Toyokazu , Muraki Yosuke , Tateishi Ayako , Omata Masao 
Published: December 2006

Background:  A mixture of a 1% 1900 KDa hyaluronic acid (HA) preparation (Suvenyl) and a 10% glycerin with 5% fructose and 0.9% saline preparation (Glyceol) to make a 0.125% HA is considered to be the best ready‐made submucosal fluid cushion (SFC). When the concentration of glycerin is changeable, a more appropriate SFC may be created.Methods:  For two beagles, 1 mL of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 50% glycerin per stomach was submucosally injected to investigate mucosal damage. After the results, 1 mL of a mixture of 0.125% 1900 KDa HA, 10% glucose, and glycerin of the recommended concentration was submucosally injected onto each stomach of two additional beagles to investigate mucosal lifting and damage. 10% glucose was added to increase the viscoelasticity of HA. Furthermore, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed using the mixture in the rest of the stomachs and the feasibility was investigated.Results:  20% or more concentration of glycerin showed apparent damage and 10% was considered to be a recommended concentration. The mixture of HA and glucose with 10% glycerin showed sufficient mucosal lifting without damage. ESD was completed successfully and no apparent damage was observed in the ESD specimens and its related ulcers.Conclusion:  Although the mixture of 0.125%1900 KDa HA, 10% glucose, and 10% glycerin may create a more appropriate SFC than ready‐made ones, the fact that 10% is a recommended concentration of glycerin may mean the usefulness of alternative use of a commercially available glycerin solution, Glyceol, as an appropriate mixture with HA.
Enhanced cochlear acoustic sensitivity and susceptibility to endotoxin are induced by adrenalectomy and reversed by corticosterone supplementation in rat
Authors: Siaud Philippe , Maurel Daniel , Lucciano Michel , Kosa Erzebet , Cazals Yves 
Published: December 2006

AbstractGlucocorticoid receptors are widely distributed in the cochlea but their role remains poorly known. Previous studies provided contradictory reports on a possible cochlear acoustic hypersensitivity induced by adrenal insufficiency, while several experiments agree on a significant action of glucocorticoid receptors in adverse conditions such as acoustic trauma and restraint stress. The present experiments confirmed a cochlear acoustic hypersensitivity induced by adrenalectomy and reversed by corticosterone supplementation. These observations point to a significant role of corticosteroids in basal cochlear functioning. The glucocorticoids are known to be essential for limiting and resolving inflammatory processes. The endotoxin Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide is widely used to induce inflammatory reactions. However, in various organs several toxic processes of this endotoxin are not influenced by glucocorticoids. From previous experiments on the cochlea there is no evidence that glucocorticoids are an essential factor against endotoxin cochlear toxicity. In the present experiments it was found that adrenalectomy greatly increased the cochlear susceptibility to endotoxin; the effect was reversed by providing corticosterone supplementation. This shows the essential role of corticosterone in this cochlear inflammation model. In previous studies local administration (at the cochlear base) of endotoxin was used and losses of cochlear acoustic sensitivity were found predominantly at high frequencies; in contrast, the systemic injection used in this study produced a cochlear loss of acoustic sensitivity at all frequencies, indicating a uniform cochlear sensitivity to the toxic effects of endotoxin.
Differential expression of otoferlin in brain, vestibular system, immature and mature cochlea of the rat
Authors: Schug Nicola , Braig Claudia , Zimmermann Ulrike , Engel Jutta , Winter Harald , Ruth Peter , Blin Nikolaus , Pfister Markus , Kalbacher Hubert , Knipper Marlies 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMutations of the human otoferlin gene lead to an autosomal recessive nonsyndromic form of prelingual, sensorineural deafness (deafness autosomal recessive 9, DFNB9). Several studies have demonstrated expression of otoferlin in the inner ear and brain, and suggested a role of otoferlin in Ca2+‐triggered exocytosis. So far, otoferlin expression profiles were solely based on the detection of mRNA. Here, we analysed the expression of otoferlin protein and mRNA using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and RT‐PCR in neonatal and mature Wistar rat tissue. In agreement with previous studies, otoferlin expression was found in the brain and in inner and vestibular hair cells. Otoferlin mRNA and protein was, however, also detected in mature outer hair cells of low‐frequency processing cochlear turns and in auditory nerve fibres. In outer, inner and vestibular hair cells, otoferlin was subcellularly localized at a considerable distance from the presumed active release sites. Double‐staining with the synaptic ribbon marker, C‐terminal binding protein 2 (CtBP2), or the presynaptic Ca2+‐channel, Cav1.3, both assumed to mark the sites of vesicle fusion and transmitter release, did not colocalize with otoferlin expression and thus do not necessarily support a selected role of otoferlin in Ca2+‐triggered exocytosis. The widespread distribution of otoferlin in neurons, nerve fibres and hair cells, and its subcellular distribution extending beyond the regions of synaptic vesicle fusion, i.e. coenrichment with the cytosolic Golgi matrix protein 130 (GM130) in inner hair cells or the early endosomal autoantigen 1 (EEA1) in outer hair cells support instead the idea of a more ubiquitous role of otoferlin in early/recycling endosome trans‐Golgi network dynamics.
Modulation of singing‐related activity in the songbird ventral tegmental area by social context
Authors: Yanagihara Shin , Hessler Neal A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSuccessful reproduction depends critically on social interactions. To understand the neural mechanisms underlying such interactions, the study of courtship singing of songbirds has many advantages. Male zebra finches produce a similar song during courtship of a female and while alone. However, singing‐related neural activity in the anterior forebrain pathway (AFP), a basal ganglia–forebrain circuit, is markedly dependent on the social context in which singing occurs. Thus, the AFP should receive a signal of social context from outside the song system. Here, we have begun to investigate the neural source of such a signal by recording from neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which provides dopaminergic input to Area X, a striatal nucleus of the AFP. The level of activity of most VTA neurons we recorded (32/35) was clearly modulated during singing, especially when males sang to a female bird. Modulation of the level of activity could occur in the presence of a female without singing, but typically was further increased when males sang to the female. In addition, activity of some neurons was patterned in relation to song elements, and appeared related to motor output. These results suggest that VTA activity could carry signals related to motivational aspects of singing, as well as more primary sensory and motor signals.
Cooperative effects of bcl‐2 and AAV‐mediated expression of CNTF on retinal ganglion cell survival and axonal regeneration in adult transgenic mice
Authors: Leaver Simone G. , Cui Qi , Bernard Ora , Harvey Alan R. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe used a gene therapy approach in transgenic mice to assess the cooperative effects of combining anti‐apoptotic and growth‐promoting stimuli on adult retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axonal regeneration following intraorbital optic nerve injury. Bi‐cistronic adeno‐associated viral vectors encoding a secretable form of ciliary neurotrophic factor and green fluorescent protein (AAV‐CNTF‐GFP) were injected into eyes of mice that had been engineered to over‐express the anti‐apoptotic protein bcl‐2. For comparison this vector was also injected into wildtype (wt) mice, and both mouse strains were injected with control AAV encoding GFP. Five weeks after optic nerve injury we confirmed that bcl‐2 over‐expression by itself promoted the survival of axotomized RGCs, but in contrast to previous reports we also saw regeneration of some mature RGC axons beyond the optic nerve crush. AAV‐mediated expression of CNTF in adult retinas significantly increased the survival and axonal regeneration of RGCs following axotomy in wt and bcl‐2 transgenic mice; however, the effects were greatest in the transgenic strain. Compared with AAV‐GFP‐injected bcl‐2 mice, RGC viability was increased by about 50% (mean, 36 738 RGCs per retina), and over 1000 axons per optic nerve regenerated 1–1.5 mm beyond the crush. These findings exemplify the importance of using a multifactorial therapeutic approach that enhances both neuroprotection and regeneration after central nervous system injury.
Chronic treatment with high doses of corticosterone decreases cytoskeletal proteins in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Cereseto Marina , Reinés Analía , Ferrero Alejandro , Sifonios Laura , Rubio Modesto , Wikinski Silvia 
Published: December 2006

AbstractHypercortisolism is a common trait of Cushing's disease and depression. These two disorders also share hippocampal volume decrease and cognitive deficits. However, experimentally induced hypercortisolism induces neuronal atrophy, which has been proposed to be the phenomenon underlying the hippocampal shrinkage. We hypothesized that the above‐mentioned atrophy is due to a deleterious effect of high concentrations of glucocorticoids on cytoskeletal proteins. One or two pellets (100 mg each) of corticosterone were subcutaneously implanted in adult rats. Twenty‐one days later, light, medium and heavy subunits of intermediate neurofilaments (NFL, NFM and NFH) and the microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) were quantified by immunohistochemistry in Ammon's horn and dentate gyrus. We also evaluated the in vitro glutamate release in hippocampal slices. Both doses of corticosterone induced a decrement of NFL, NFM and NFH in both hippocampal areas but only 200 mg decreased MAP2. This dose also diminished the potassium‐stimulated glutamate release. All of these changes seemed not to be due to neuron loss, as no decrement in neuron‐specific nuclear protein‐positive cells was found. With the exception of NFL, the above‐mentioned diminution was not observed in the globus pallidus, one of the brain regions with the lowest glucocorticoid receptor density. These results provide a subcellular insight into the trophic changes found in experimental models of hypercortisolism. The coincidence between decrements in MAP2 and glutamate release suggests possible links between high glucocorticoid levels, dendritic atrophy and the cognitive impairment reported in patients suffering from Cushing's disease and depression.
Neurogenic correlates of an olfactory discrimination task in the adult olfactory bulb
Authors: Mandairon Nathalie , Sacquet Joëlle , Garcia Samuel , Ravel Nadine , Jourdan François , Didier Anne 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn the main olfactory bulb, stimuli are coded within the spatio‐temporal pattern of mitral cells' activity. Granule cells are interneurons that shape the mitral cells' activity, and are continuously generated in the adult main olfactory bulb. However, the role of granule cell renewal remains elusive. We show here that an associative olfactory discrimination task reduces the survival of newborn neurons. However, when the olfactory task involves perceptually related odorants, the learning process is slower and does not induce such a reduction in the number of new neurons. Mapping newborn cells within the granule cell layer of the main olfactory bulb reveals a clustered distribution that evolves with learning as a function of odorant similarity and partly overlaps with the immediate‐early gene Zif268 expression pattern. These data provide insight into the functional mechanisms underlying olfactory discrimination learning, and promote the importance of neurogenesis as a cellular basis for the restructuring of odor images in the main olfactory bulb.
Bandwidth determines modulatory effects of centrifugal pathways on cochlear hearing desensitization caused by loud sound
Authors: Rajan R. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractCentrifugal olivocochlear (OC) pathways modulate cochlear hearing losses induced in cats by loud sounds varying in bandwidth from tones to clicks and noise bands, in a variety of conditions. The general effect, always to reduce hearing damage, can be a net effect resulting from complex interactions between OC subcomponents (crossed and uncrossed OC pathways). The interactions between these subcomponents vary with type of loud sound, suggesting that sound bandwidth may be important in determining how OC pathways modulate loud sound‐induced hearing loss. This dependency was examined and here it is reported that OC pathways do not alter cochlear hearing losses caused by loud noise with a 2‐kHz‐wide bandwidth intermediate between the loud sounds of previous studies. Increasing stimulus bandwidth even slightly more, to use a loud 3.5‐kHz‐wide bandwidth noise as the damaging sound, once again revealed OC modulation of cochlear hearing loss. The fact that OC pathways do not modulate cochlear hearing losses induced by loud 2‐kHz‐wide noise was demonstrated in three very different test conditions in which OC pathways modulate hearing losses caused by narrower or broader bandwidth sounds. This confirmed that the absence of centrifugal modulation of hearing loss to this particular sound was a robust phenomenon not related to test condition. The absence of overall centrifugal effects was also true at the level of subcomponent pathways; neither crossed nor uncrossed OC pathways individually modulated cochlear hearing losses to the loud 2‐kHz‐wide noise. This surprising frequency dependency has general implications for centrifugal modulation of cochlear responses.
Bradycardia with sevoflurane in siblings with branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome
Authors: TAYLOR MATTHEW H.G. , WILTON NIALL C.T. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryBranchio‐oto‐renal syndrome (BOR, Melnick–Fraser syndrome, MIM#113650) refers to a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by branchial cysts or fistulas, hearing loss, external ear malformation, preauricular pits and renal abnormalities. The authors present three episodes of significant bradycardia in two siblings diagnosed with BOR syndrome during the sevoflurane general anesthesia. There is no published experience of anesthesia with this syndrome. Bradycardia occurred variously at induction, maintenance and immediately prior to emergence and required surgical stimulation, atropine, or epinephrine to treat. We seek to raise awareness of the potential for bradycardia during the procedures in patients with this syndrome requiring volatile anesthesia, especially sevoflurane.
Selective colonization of insoluble substrates by human faecal bacteria
Authors: Leitch E. Carol McWilliam , Walker Alan W. , Duncan Sylvia H. , Holtrop Grietje , Flint Harry J. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryInsoluble plant polysaccharides and endogenous mucin are important energy sources for human colonic microorganisms. The object of this study was to determine whether or not specific communities colonize these substrates. Using faecal samples from four individuals as inocula for an anaerobic in vitro continuous flow system, the colonization of wheat bran, high amylose starch and porcine gastric mucin was examined. Recovered substrates were extensively washed and the remaining tightly attached bacterial communities were identified using polymerase chain reaction‐amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The substrate had a major influence on the species of attached bacteria detected. Sequences retrieved from bran were dominated by clostridial cluster XIVa bacteria, including uncultured relatives of Clostridium hathewayi, Eubacterium rectale and Roseburia species. Bacteroides species were also detected. The most abundant sequences recovered from starch were related to the cultured species Ruminococcus bromii, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium breve and E. rectale. The most commonly recovered sequences from mucin were from Bifidobacterium bifidum and uncultured bacteria related to Ruminococcus lactaris. This study suggests that a specific subset of bacteria is likely to be the primary colonizers of particular insoluble colonic substrates. For a given substrate, however, the primary colonizing species may vary between host individuals.
Detection of bacteria associated with harmful algal blooms from coastal and microcosm environments using electronic microarrays
Authors: Barlaan Edward A. , Furukawa Seiji , Takeuchi Kazuhisa 
Published: December 2006

SummaryWith the global expansion of harmful algal blooms (HABs), several measures, including molecular approaches, have been undertaken to monitor its occurrence. Many reports have indicated the significant roles of bacteria in controlling algal bloom dynamics. Attempts have been made to utilize the bacteria/harmful algae relationship in HAB monitoring. In this study, bacterial assemblages monitored during coastal HABs and bacterial communities in induced microcosm blooms were investigated. Samples were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the 16S rRNA gene. DGGE bands with peculiar patterns before, during, and after algal blooms were isolated and identified. Probes for six ribotypes representing organisms associated with Chatonella spp., Heterocapsa circularisquama, or Heterosigma akashiwo were used for analysis on NanoChip electronic microarray. In addition, a new approach using cultured bacteria species was developed to detect longer (533 bp) polymerase chain reaction‐amplified products on the electronic microarray. The use of fluorescently labelled primers allowed the detection of individual species in single or mixed DNA conditions. The developed approach enabled the detection of the presence or absence and relative abundance of the HAB‐related ribotypes in coastal and microcosm blooms. This study indicates the ability of electronic microarray platform to detect or monitor bacteria in natural and induced environments.