bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term Lamivudine Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Children Unresponsive to Interferon
Authors: Hartman Corina , Berkowitz Drora , Eshach‐Adiv Orly , Hino Bian , Rimon Nurit , Satinger Iehudith , Kra‐Oz Tzipi , Shamir Raanan 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Prolonged lamivudine treatment in adults has been shown to improve hepatitis B e (HBe) seroconversion rates in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This prospective open study reports the results of prolonged lamivudine treatment in a group of children with chronic hepatitis B.Patients and Methods:Twenty‐two children and adolescents age 13.2 years (range, 9.5‐18 years), who have been treated with lamivudine for 1 year, continued treatment with lamivudine (3 mg/kg/day, up to 100 mg/d) as long as there was evidence of continued biochemical and virological benefit compared with baseline. We evaluated virological and biochemical responses, the occurrence of YMDD mutants and adverse effects during 4 years of follow‐up.Results:After 4 years on lamivudine, only 4 patients (18%) underwent HBe seroconversion. In addition, in 3 patients (13%), the treatment was stopped when lamivudine's lack of efficacy became evident. During the 4‐year study period, we recorded a continuing decline in the participants' number, mostly because of lack of compliance with treatment (9/22, 41%). Only 5 children were still receiving lamivudine and showing benefit after 4 years. In 2 children, treatment termination and YMDD mutant emergence were associated with hepatitis flare. Besides subclinical elevation of creatine phosphokinase, no other adverse events were recorded during the study period.Conclusions:Four years after starting lamivudine treatment, most children from this study were off lamivudine, mainly because of lack of compliance and poor HBe seroconversion. These findings suggest that continuing treatment with lamivudine for undefined periods is hard to implement and does not improve HBe seroconversion.
In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Tea Extracts on Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli‐induced Intestinal Fluid Loss in Animal Models
Authors: Bruins M.J. , Cermak R. , Kiers J.L. , van der Meulen J. , van Amelsvoort J.M.M. , van Klinken B.J.W. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is a major cause of dehydrating diarrhoea in infants and early‐weaned piglets living under subhygienic conditions. We studied the effect of different tea types and subfractions on the intestinal fluid and electrolyte losses involved in ETEC diarrhoea.Materials and Methods:Jejunal segments of anaesthetised piglets were infected with ETEC or ETEC heat‐labile toxin (LT) and subsequently perfused for 8 hours with control or tea solutions containing green or black tea extract (BTE) or 3 different BTE subfractions containing small‐size, large‐size or no phenolics. Changes in intestinal fluid and electrolyte net absorption were measured. To assess the antisecretory effects of tea, BTE was incubated before or after administration of the secretagogue forskolin in rat jejunal tissue placed in Ussing chambers and Cl− secretion measured as changes in short‐circuit current (ISC).Results:Enterotoxigenic E. coli infection of piglet jejunal segments significantly reduced net absorption of fluid, Na+ and Cl− and increased net secretion of K+ compared with controls. Perfusion of the ETEC‐infected segments with both 3 g/L green tea extract and BTE significantly inhibited these disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance. The BTE subfraction rich in polymeric phenolics but not the other subfractions improved the fluid and electrolyte balance. Addition of forskolin to rat jejunal tissue induced a significant increase in ISC. Pretreating but not posttreating the jejunal tissue with BTE inhibited the forskolin‐induced increase in ISC.Conclusions:Tea may inhibit net fluid and electrolyte losses involved in secretory diarrhoea from ETEC.
Anti‐tumor effect in an in vivo model by human‐derived pancreatic RNase with basic fibroblast growth factor insertional fusion protein through antiangiogenic properties
Authors: Yagi Hiroshi , Ueda Masakazu , Jinno Hiromitsu , Aiura Koichi , Mikami Shuji , Tada Hiroko , Seno Masaharu , Yamada Hidenori , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: October 2006

It is thought that the export of angiogenic fibroblast growth factors (FGF) from tumors may be involved in the onset of tumor angiogenesis. To create a new active targeting drug that inhibits the tumor angiogenic process without toxicities to normal cells, human basic FGF (h‐bFGF) was inserted genetically into the Gly89 position of cross‐linked RNase1 (the ribonuclease inhibitor protein [RI] binding site of cross‐linked human pancreatic RNase) to prevent stereospecific binding to RI. The resultant insertional‐fusion protein (CL‐RFN89) was active both as h‐bFGF and as RNase1. Furthermore, it acquired an additional ability of evading RI through steric blockade of RI binding caused by the fused h‐bFGF domain. In the present study, the effect of the resultant protein, CL‐RFN89, on the antitumor response though its antiangiogenic properties was investigated in an in vivo model. Continuous systemic treatment with CL‐RFN89 significantly inhibited the growth of human A431 squamous cell carcinomas in vivo. Seven days of treatment with CL‐RFN89 resulted in a 58.2% inhibition of tumor growth compared with control mice (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry using a rat antimouse CD31 antibody showed that treatment with CL‐RFN89 reduced tumor vascularization. These findings identify CL‐RFN89 as a potent systemic inhibitor of tumor growth as a result of its antiangiogenic properties. This protein appears to be a new systemic antitumor agent. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1315–1320)
Acute lung injury following pancreas ischaemia‐reperfusion: role of xanthine oxidase
Authors: Flaishon R. , Szold O. , Weinbroum A. A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Acute pancreatitis can lead to increased pulmonary vascular permeability and respiratory failure. Oxidants (and their generator, xanthine oxidase (XO)) play an important role in injuring the structural integrity of the pulmonary epithelium and endothelium, but their importance in the induction of acute lung injury following pancreas ischaemia‐reperfusion (IR) has not been defined.Materials and methods  Rats (n = 48) received a regular or a tungsten (oxidoreductase inhibitor)‐enriched diet for 14 days. Their isolated pancreases were then either perfused (controls) or made ischaemic (IR) for 40 min (12 replicates/group). This was followed by in‐series pancreas plus normal isolated lung reperfusion for 15 min. Lungs only were subsequently perfused with the 15‐min accumulated pancreas effluents for 45 min.Results  Injury was induced in all IR pancreases as expressed by reperfusion pressure, wet‐to‐dry ratio and amylase and lipase concentrations. Tissue XO activity was high and reduced glutathione pool was low in the tungsten‐free IR pancreases. Pulmonary plateau pressure increased by 46% and final PO2/FiO2 decreased by 24%. Capillary pressure and weight rose two‐ to fourfold in lungs paired with IR non‐treated pancreases. Twofold increases in bronchoalveolar lavage volume and contents, including XO, were also recorded in this group of lungs. Lungs exposed to tungsten‐treated ischaemic pancreas effluents were minimally damaged and tissue XO content was low compared to controls.Conclusions  Ex‐vivo acute pancreatitis induces acute lung injury via oxidants/antioxidants misbalance, which may be prevented by attenuating pancreas oxidative stress.
Pathogenicity of Edwardsiella tarda to olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel)
Authors: Han H‐J , Kim D‐H , Lee D‐C , Kim S‐M , Park S‐I 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe LD50 and cytotoxic and enzymatic activities of both cells and extracellular products (ECPs) of eight Edwardsiella tarda strains were determined and their bacterial superoxide dismutase gene (sodB) and catalase gene (katB) were sequenced. Strains were also examined for their ability to resist the immune responses of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. LD50 values of strains (FSW910410, KE1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) in olive flounder ranged between 102.5 and 105.3 cfu (colony forming units) per fish. Unlike the avirulent strain SU100 (LD50 ≥ 107), all pathogenic strains were able to survive in flounder serum and head kidney leucocytes (except for KE2). The virulent strains possessed type I sodB and katB, whereas SU100 had type II sodB but not katB. However, there was no difference between avirulent and virulent strains in haemolytic and cytotoxic activities. The results of this study demonstrated that the ability of E. tarda to resist complement activity and phagocytosis is conferred by its superoxide dismutase and catalase, which thus play an essential role in the pathogenicity of this bacterium. In addition genotyping of sodB and kat B proved to be a very useful tool to distinguish virulent from avirulent strains.
A high‐positive patch test load correlates with further positive patch test reactions irrespective of their location
Authors: Brasch J. , Geier J. , Schnuch A. , Uter W. ,   [for the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) and the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK)]
Published: October 2006

Background:  Patch testing is the standard clinical procedure to prove contact sensitization. It is a common practice to attach multiple patch tests at the same time. However, synchronous reactions to unrelated allergens may not be completely unassociated. If so, the reaction in a given test field might be influenced by other positive test reactions in a distance‐related degree. This article analyses whether there is a distance‐related effect of synchronous positive patch test reactions on the outcome of a target patch test.Methods:  Data collected from patients patch tested for diagnostic purposes with 15 standard allergens attached in a specific pattern between 1992 and 2004 in 20 centres in a Central European network were retrospectively evaluated. The association between the target patch test result (allergic vs negative reaction to the thiuram mix) and the number and cumulated strength of synchronous positive reactions (positive patch test load) to allergens placed in nearby or distant positions to the target patch was analysed by using logistic regression analysis.Results:  The likelihood of a positive reaction to thiuram mix significantly increased with an increasing synchronous positive patch test load generated by positive reactions to allergens unrelated to thiuram mix. The effect of allergens neighbouring the target allergen was not significantly stronger than that of allergens placed in distant positions.Conclusion:  For the interpretation of patch test results, the potentially enhancing effects of a synchronous positive patch test load should be considered. The local distribution of the patches on the back is, however, not critical.
Release of prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene C4 in response to hyperosmolar stimulation of mast cells
Authors: Gulliksson M. , Palmberg L. , Nilsson G. , Ahlstedt S. , Kumlin M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Mannitol‐induced bronchoconstriction in subjects with exercise‐induced asthma is associated with increased urinary excretion of 9α, 11β‐PGF2, a metabolite of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) serving as a mast cell marker. It has however been questioned whether or not human mast cells release PGD2 and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) after osmotic challenge with mannitol in vitro.Methods:  Cord blood‐derived human mast cells were stimulated osmotically, immunologically or with a combination of both. Supernatants were analysed for PGD2, LTC4 and histamine contents with enzyme immunoassays.Results:  Significant release of de novo synthesized eicosanoids, predominantly PGD2 [12 (8.8, 14) pmol/106cells; median (25th, 75th percentile) but also LTC4 (0.1 (0.08, 0.15) pmol/106 cells] were found in mast cells in vitro in response to 0.7 M mannitol stimulation. A massive release of histamine [70 (5.3)% of total; mean (SEM)] was also found. There were no correlations between the levels of released mediators after mannitol stimulation. In contrast, there was a correlation between release of PGD2 and LTC4, following immunological stimulation.Conclusion:  The findings support that hyperosmolar challenge activates mast cells, but different than antigen stimulation.
Is Preening Behaviour Sexually Selected? An Experimental Approach
Authors: Griggio Matteo , Hoi Herbert 
Published: October 2006

AbstractElaborate or colourful feathers are important traits in female mate choice in birds but little attention has been given to potential costs of maintaining these traits in good condition with preening behaviour. Recent studies indicate that the time and energy required to maintain ornamental plumage in good condition reinforces the honesty of plumage trait. It has been proposed that some behaviours, whose primary function is not to transfer information, can also evolve as signalling components. Here we investigate whether the preening behaviour intensity has a signalling component: we hypothesized that if only high quality males can invest a lot of time in preening, this behaviour may be used by females as a quality signal (attractive preening hypothesis). We tested this hypothesis by using female budgerigars in mate‐choice tests in captivity. We tried to experimentally manipulate the preening behaviour of two groups of budgerigar males (treatment and control group). The proportion of time in which treated males preened in front of females was statistically higher than for control males, however, females spent similar amounts of time with treated males and control males. Moreover, males did not show significant quantitative changes in preening (for both groups) when females were present, suggesting that male budgerigars did not use this behaviour to convey information. These results are inconsistent with the ‘attractive preening’ hypothesis which predicts that preening behaviour itself provides information on condition and is used in female choice.
Impact of Exogenous ACTH During Pro‐Oestrus on Endocrine Profile and Oestrous Cycle Characteristics in Sows
Authors: Einarsson S , Ljung A , Brandt Y , Häger M , Madej A 
Published: October 2006

ContentsSows housed in freely moving groups have elevated cortisol levels until the rank order is established, which takes place within approximately 48 h. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of repeated administration of synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; Synacthen Depot®), during the follicular phase (pro‐oestrus) on oestrus, ovulation and endocrine parameters. Four multiparous sows were used. Follicular growth and ovulation were recorded by ultrasonography. The first oestrous cycle after weaning was used as control cycle. Onset of oestrus in the sow occurs 3–4 days after the time when plasma progesterone reaches a concentration of 8 nmol/l. The progesterone profile in the control cycle of the individual sow was used for estimation when the ACTH injections should start. In the third pro‐oestrus ACTH (2.5 μg/kg) was given via an indwelling catheter every 2 h for 48 h. The sows were euthanased 4–6 days after onset of the third oestrus and the ovaries were examined. Cortisol levels were elevated during the treatment period (p < 0.05). The second cycle, in which the sows were injected with ACTH, was prolonged with 2.5 days compared with the control cycle (p < 0.05). The oestradiol pattern during oestrus was similar in the control and the treatment cycle in ovulating sows. Three sows had ovulated (fresh corpora lutea), but the ovaries contained additionally one or several luteinized follicles/cysts. In conclusion, ACTH administration during pro‐oestrus caused a prolongation of the oestrous cycle and a disturbed follicular development.
Endo16 is required for gastrulation in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus
Authors: Romano Laura A. , Wray Gregory A. 
Published: October 2006

The Endo16 gene encodes a large extracellular protein with several functional domains that provide some insight into the role of this protein during embryonic development. We isolated the full‐length cDNA sequence from Lytechinus variegatus and utilized morpholinos to further investigate the role of Endo16 during embryonic development in this species. Endo16‐deficient embryos failed to undergo gastrulation and the blastocoele became filled with dissociated cells after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, there was a delay in endoderm differentiation as assayed by staining with an antibody that recognizes Endo1. The differentiation of other cell types including oral ectoderm, primary mesenchymal cells (PMC) and secondary mesenchymal cells (SMC) appeared to be normal, although the patterns of protein expression did not resemble control embryos due to the gross morphological abnormalities elicited by the LvEndo16 morpholino. Microinjection of full‐length EGFP mRNA with the LvEndo16 morpholino‐targeted sequence confirmed that this phenotype can be attributed specifically to the loss of Endo16 protein. Taken together, our data suggest that Endo16 may be required for the cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that are required for endoderm differentiation in the sea urchin embryo.
Retroperitoneal anomalies in men with testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: Holt Peter J. , Adshead Jim M. , Filiadis Ioannis , Christmas Timothy J. 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVESTo assess whether vascular and other retroperitoneal anomalies are more frequent during retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for metastatic testicular tumours (when retroperitoneal masses persist after chemotherapy) than would be expected, based on the initial observations from one centre with a large experience of RPLND in the UK.PATIENTS AND METHODSA prospective series of 278 consecutive patients treated with RPLND for testicular tumours comprised the sample population. For each patient the presence or absence of four factors from the history was recorded. Each patient then underwent RPLND. During surgery, a template was constructed of the anatomy of the retroperitoneum and the information stored. Eight different retroperitoneal anatomical anomalies were identified in the sample population; the incidence of each was then compared with the largest available study of a normal population, and differences analysed statistically.RESULTSOf the 278 patients who had RPLND, 55 had 59 anomalies (21%), found by history and as retroperitoneal vascular and urological anomalies; cryptorchidism was present in 7.6%, 9.5 times the incidence in the control population (P < 0.01). A left‐sided inferior vena cava was present in 3.6% of patients, 21 times the incidence in the control population (P < 0.001); a retro‐aortic left renal vein in 3.2%, four times that in the control population (P < 0.05); and ipsilateral renal agenesis had an incidence of 1% in the test population, 11 times greater than in the control population (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSThis prospective study of 278 RPLNDs provides evidence that some retroperitoneal anatomical anomalies are associated with testicular germ cell tumours. The link between maldescent and testicular tumours, rather than an isolated association, should be considered as part of a spectrum of retroperitoneal anomalies that occur in these men.
A clinical assessment of the performance of a sensor to detect crystalline biofilm formation on indwelling bladder catheters
Authors: Stickler David J. , Jones Steven M. , Adusei Gabriel O. , Waters Mark G. , Cloete Jenny , Mathur Sunil , Feneley Roger C.L. 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVESTo test the ability of a sensor developed to signal infection by the organisms that generate the crystalline biofilms that encrust catheters, to give an early warning that encrustation was occurring on patients’ catheters, as the care of many patients undergoing long‐term bladder catheterization is complicated by the encrustation and blockage of their cathetersPATIENTS AND METHODSTwenty patients were followed prospectively for the lifetime of one of their catheters. Sensors based on cellulose acetate/bromothymol blue were placed in the urine‐collection bags, which were changed as usual at weekly intervals. The bacteriology was assessed and pH determined weekly on urine samples. Photographic records were made of the sensors twice weekly. On removal, each catheter was examined for encrustation and blockage.RESULTS Proteus mirabilis was not isolated from five patients and in these cases the sensor colour remained golden‐yellow to brown. The catheters drained for the scheduled period and showed no signs of encrustation. By contrast, the sensors turned dark blue/black in the urine of all 15 patients infected with P. mirabilis. All these patients’ catheters were encrusted and in 12 the catheters blocked. The mean interval between the sensor signalling and the catheter blocking was 12 days.CONCLUSIONThe cellulose acetate/bromothymol blue sensors placed in the urine collection bags are capable of signalling infection by P. mirabilis. They also signal the early stages of catheter encrustation and allow catheter replacement in ample time to avoid the clinical crises and emergency referrals caused by catheter blockage.
Mast cell tryptase and microphthalmia transcription factor effectively discriminate cutaneous mast cell disease from myeloid leukemia cutis
Authors: Sundram Uma N. , Natkunam Yasodha 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Cutaneous mast cell disorders are uncommon, but a subset, especially mastocytoma and mast cell leukemia, can histologically mimic myeloid leukemia cutis. Our objective was to employ a panel of cytochemical and immunohistochemical markers to determine which ones would be most useful in separating these two entities.Methods:  We stained 17 cases of cutaneous mast cell disease and 20 cases of myeloid leukemia cutis with Giemsa, toluidine blue, or pinacyanol erythrosinate (PE), as well as with antibodies against mast cell tryptase, microphthalmia transcription factor (MiTF), CD117 (c‐kit), myeloperoxidase, CD43, CD25, CD2, and CD68.Results:  Mast cell tryptase and MiTF emerged as highly sensitive and specific markers for mast cell disease in this context, as both antibodies stained all cases of mast cell diseases but none of myeloid leukemia cutis. Although CD117 stained all cases of mast cell disease, it also stained 2 of 18 cases of myeloid leukemia cutis. PE appeared to be specific for mast cell disease, as 11 of 12 cases stained with this marker, compared with 0 of 18 cases of myeloid leukemia cutis.Conclusions:  Our results show that mast cell tryptase and MiTF are equally effective in distinguishing mast cell disease from myeloid leukemia cutis.