bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and heat shock protein 70 in nasal mucosal smears of patients with allergic rhinitis: investigation using a liquid-based method
Authors: Chalastras T , Nicolopoulou-Stamati P , Patsouris E , Eleftheriadou A , Kandiloros D , Yiotakis I , Gonidi M , Athanassiadou P 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to investigate expression of the neuropeptides substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and heat shock protein 70 in the nasal mucosa cells of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, in order to obtain more information on the pathophysiological and immunological role of these markers in allergic rhinitis.Material and methods:Nasal epithelium specimens obtained from 42 patients with allergic rhinitis were studied, using Shandon's Papspin liquid-based cytology method. Smears were immunostained with antibodies against substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and heat shock protein 70, and the results were correlated with the clinical features of seasonal allergic rhinitis.Results:A positive reaction for substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and heat shock protein 70 was observed in 73.8, 66.7 and 69.0 per cent of the allergic rhinitis mucosal smears, respectively. The Pearson chi-square test showed that 40.5 per cent of the immunostained smears had a positive reaction for one or two of the markers studied (i.e. substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide or heat shock protein 70), and that 47.6 per cent of the smears had a positive reaction for all the markers (p < 0.0001).Conclusions:We found a high level of expression of substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the nasal mucosa smears of patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. This indicates a role for these neuropeptides in the neuroregulation of immunity and hypersensivity in this disease. Furthermore, expression of heat shock protein 70 may contribute to the development of allergic rhinitis.
Sensorineural hearing loss in systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and literature review
Authors: Khalidi N A , Rebello R , Robertson D D 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:We present a case of systemic lupus erythematosus with symptomatic sensorineural hearing loss which was successfully treated with azathioprine, as assessed both clinically and radiologically. We also present a review of the relevant literature.Case report:A woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with sensorineural hearing loss, initially on the right and subsequently developing on the left over several months. An audiogram revealed profound neurosensory hearing loss bilaterally. The patient was treated with prednisone 60 mg daily and azathioprine 200 mg daily. An improvement on the left was noted on follow-up audiography as well as on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory canals and surrounding structures.Conclusion:Sensorineural hearing loss has been described in autoimmune disorders but is rare. Aural symptoms have been described, with varying incidences (0–57.5 per cent), in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, symptomatic sensorineural hearing loss is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus. Prednisone appears essential when an immunological or vasculitic cause is found. The use of azathioprine should be considered, as well as follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging to detect improvement.
Rhinosporidiosis of trachea: a clinical cause for concern
Authors: Arora R , Gupta R , Dinda Amit Kumar 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground:Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous infection usually affecting the nasal mucosa and conjunctiva. The disease is widely prevalent in India and Sri Lanka. Tracheo-bronchial involvement is extremely rare and is potentially life threatening. Diagnosis of tracheal involvement is a challenge due to the risk of bleeding during attempted bronchoscopic biopsy.Case:A 73-year-old man was admitted with severe respiratory distress, for which emergency tracheostomy was performed. At tracheostomy, a fleshy mass was seen emerging from the wound. Pathological examination of the mass confirmed rhinosporidiosis involving the trachea. Complete excision of the mass was performed after initial stabilisation of the patient.Conclusion:Tracheo-bronchial rhinosporidiosis, a rare complication of nasopharyngeal infection, should be considered in a known case presenting with severe respiratory distress.
Kinematic models and isotropy analysis of wheeled mobile robots
Authors: Gracia Luis , Tornero Josep 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThis research presents a comprehensive and useful survey of the kinematic models of wheeled mobile robots and their optimal configurations. The kinematic modeling of wheeled mobile robots with no-slip is presented, by considering four common types of wheels: fixed, orientable, castor, and Swedish. Next, the accuracy of the kinematic models is discussed considering their sensitivity or relative error amplification, giving rise to the isotropy concept. As practical application of the previous theory, all types of three-wheeled mobile robots are modeled and their optimal (isotropic) configurations for no error amplification are obtained. Finally, three practical examples of error amplification are developed for several types of wheeled mobile robots in order to illustrate the benefits and limitations of the isotropic configurations.
Resisting Urges to Self-Injure
Authors: Klonsky E. David , Glenn Catherine R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe present study explored whether and how self-injurers attempt to resist urges to harm themselves. Participants were 39 young adults with a history of skin cutting and other non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. A structured interview assessed the prevalence and perceived helpfulness of 48 methods for resisting self-injurious urges. Ninety percent of participants indicated that they had made efforts to resist urges to self-injure. These individuals had used an average of 16 different methods, and reported that they were successful in resisting the urges most of the time. “Keeping busy” and “Being around friends” were the most common methods used to resist self-injurious urges. However, “Doing sports or exercise” and “Removing the means/instruments typically used to self-harm from the home” were rated as being the most helpful for resisting self-injurious urges. Findings have implications for enhancing treatment and guiding future research.
Estimated longevity and changes in spirituality in the context of advanced congestive heart failure
Authors: Park Crystal L. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTObjective:To examine (1) advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) patients' estimates of their longevity and changes in these estimates over time; (2) clinical, functional, and psychological adjustment correlates of these longevity estimates; and (3) correspondence of changes in longevity and changes in multiple dimensions of spirituality over time.Methods:Longitudinal questionnaire-based study of 111 patients diagnosed with severe CHF assessed at two time points separated by 6 months.Results:Nearly half of the participants estimated their longevity as at least 5–10 years, and there was very little change in estimates across the assessment periods. Longevity estimates were minimally related to clinical or functional indicators, but longer estimates were related to fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of life satisfaction. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that shifting longevity estimates toward less time or toward uncertainty was related to increases in religious life meaning and forgiveness and to decreased spiritual struggle over the 6-month interval. No effects were observed for daily spiritual experiences.Significance of results:Because very little is known about how individuals estimate their remaining life span, these results establish information regarding their basis (i.e., not clinical or functional) and stability, at least in the context of advanced heart failure. In addition, the notion that individuals become more spiritual as they perceive the approach of death was borne out in terms of multiple aspects of spirituality.
The surrogate's experience in authorizing a do not resuscitate order
Authors: Handy Catherine M. , Sulmasy Daniel P. , Merkel Cindy K. , Ury Wayne A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTObjective:Little is known about the subjective experience of surrogates who authorize do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. This experience seems especially acute in settings such as New York State, where patients and surrogates generally give written consent for DNR orders. The goal of this study is to investigate the subjective and emotional experience of surrogates who authorize DNR orders in this setting.Methods:A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used. Surrogates of patients on the medical service were approached no earlier than 1 day and no later than 7 days after authorizing a DNR order. The interview guide was open-ended and included general prompts. Interviews were taped and transcribed. Researchers then coded the transcripts and examined the data for clusters of themes. They then met to discuss and recode disagreements.Results:Saturation was met after 10 subjects were interviewed. The following major surrogate themes were found: (1) Signing a DNR order is a process, not an isolated act. (2) The presence or absence of good quality communication and psychological support from health care personnel are among the most important factors in this process. (3) The process of signing a DNR order can raise many negative emotions including guilt, ambivalence, and conflict. (4) Prior discussions, documents such as living wills, and consensus among family members make it easier to determine the patient's wishes and carry them out by signing the DNR. (5) The surrogates believed that signing a DNR order is a prerequisite to obtaining adequate opioid analgesia.Significance of results:The experience of authorizing a DNR order is a complex and emotional decision-making process. Evidence of the patient's prior wishes and support from health care personnel make the process easier. It is disconcerting that surrogates viewed DNR orders as a prerequisite to obtaining relief for a patient's pain or suffering.
Clinical experience of the modified nurse-assisted screening and psychiatric referral program
Authors: Shimizu Ken , Akizuki Nobuya , Akechi Tatsuo , Okamura Masako , Oba Akira , Shimamoto Masaya , Inagaki Masatoshi , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTObjective:We previously reported that the nurse-assisted screening and psychiatric referral program (NASPRP) facilitated the psychiatric treatment of depressive patients, but the high refusal rate was a problem even though referral was recommended by the nurse to all positively screened patients. We modified the program so that the nurses could judge the final eligibility of referral using the result of the screening. This study assessed if the modified NASPRP led to more psychiatric referral of depressive patients.Method:We retrospectively evaluated the annual change of the psychiatric referral proportion and compared the findings among the usual care term, the NASPRP term, and the modified NASPRP terms.Results:The referral proportions of the modified NASPRP terms were 4.4% and 3.9%. These were not significantly higher than the usual care term (2.5%), and significantly lower than the NASPRP term (11.5%).Significant of results:The modified NASPRP did not facilitate psychiatric treatment of depressive patients and another approach is needed.
A case of respiratory akathisia in a cancer patient: A case report
Authors: Sunakawa Yu , Wada Makoto , Nishida Tomomi , Wada MEI , Araki Kazuhiro , Endo Hisashi , Nagashima Fumio , Ichikawa Wataru , Miya Toshimichi , Onishi Hideki , Narabayashi Masaru , Sasaki Yasutsuna 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTObjective:It has been reported that akathisia is a neurological side effect induced by antiemetic drugs and/or antipsychotics. Akathisia can occur in any area of the body, but respiratory akathisia is an unusual type of akathisia. Cases of respiratory akathisia in cancer patients taking antiemetic drugs have not previously been reported.Methods:We report on a case of a cancer patient taking prochlorperazine as an antiemetic drug who experienced dyspnea accompanied by severe restlessness associated with respiration. By administration of biperiden, his restlessness in respiration and dyspnea promptly disappeared.Results:This finding led us to conclude that this cancer patient was experiencing respiratory akathisia.Significance of results:Respiratory akathisia is uncommon. It is important for cancer patients that dyspnea induced by disease progression be ruled out as a cause of the respiratory restlessness. It is necessary to consider the possibility of akathisia in patients that complain of vague anxiety, chest discomfort, or dyspnea following antipsychotic medication.
Wnt4 inhibits β‐catenin/TCF signalling by redirecting β‐catenin to the cell membrane
Authors: Bernard Pascal , Fleming Alice , Lacombe Arnaud , Harley Vincent R. , Vilain Eric 
Published: February 2008

Background information. During embryonic development, β‐catenin is central both to the transcriptional activation of Wnt [wingless‐type MMTV (murine‐mammary‐tumour virus) integration site family] target genes and as a mediator of cell—cell adhesion. Signals that regulate its levels and subcellular localization are critical. One mechanism of Wnt signalling results in stabilization of β‐catenin protein, which leads to its translocation into the nucleus, where it interacts with TCF (T‐cell factor, HMG box) and activates transcription of target genes. Less well understood are mechanisms of Wnt signalling that do not involve β‐catenin stabilization and result in inhibition of β‐catenin‐mediated transcription.Results. Here, we show that a member of the Wnt protein family, Wnt4 (Wnt, member 4), regulates the subcellular localization of β‐catenin, redirecting it to the cell membrane. Unique among Wnts, this action does not affect the stability of β‐catenin but does prohibit its involvement in TCF gene transactivation.Conclusions. This novel mechanism suggests that Wnt4 acts as a switch between the two modes of β‐catenin function, transcriptional activation and cell—cell adhesion.
Replicative aging down‐regulates the myogenic regulatory factors in human myoblasts
Authors: Bigot Anne , Jacquemin Virginie , Debacq‐Chainiaux Florence , Butler‐Browne Gillian S. , Toussaint Olivier , Furling Denis , Mouly Vincent 
Published: February 2008

Background information. Aging of human skeletal muscle results in a decline in muscle mass and force, and excessive turnover of muscle fibres, such as in muscular dystrophies, further increases this decline. Although it has been shown in rodents, by cross‐age transplantation of whole muscles, that the environment plays an important role in this process, the implication of proliferating aging of the muscle progenitors has been poorly investigated, particularly in humans, since the regulation of cell proliferation differs between rodents and humans. The myogenic differentiation of human myoblasts is regulated by the muscle‐specific regulatory factors. Cross‐talk between the muscle‐specific regulatory factors and the cell cycle regulators is essential for differentiation. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of replicative senescence on the myogenic programme of human myoblasts.Results. We showed that senescent myoblasts, which could not re‐enter the cell cycle, are still able to differentiate and form multinucleated myotubes. However, these myotubes are significantly smaller. The expression of muscle‐specific regulatory factors and cell cycle regulators was analysed in proliferating myoblasts and compared with senescent cells. We have observed a delay and a decrease in the muscle‐specific regulatory factors and the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p57 during the early step of differentiation in senescent myoblasts, as well as an increase in the fibroblastic markers.Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that replicative senescence alters the expression of the factors triggering muscle differentiation in human myoblasts and could play a role in the regenerative defects observed in muscular diseases and during normal skeletal‐muscle aging.
Mucolipin 1 channel activity is regulated by protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Vergarajauregui Silvia , Oberdick Ross , Kiselyov Kirill , Puertollano Rosa 
Published: February 2008

Mucolipins constitute a family of cation channels with homology with the transient receptor potential family. Mutations in MCOLN1 (mucolipin 1) have been linked to mucolipidosis type IV, a recessive lysosomal storage disease characterized by severe neurological and ophthalmologic abnormalities. At present, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate MCOLN1 activity. In the present paper, we addressed whether MCOLN1 activity is regulated by phosphorylation. We identified two PKA (protein kinase A) consensus motifs in the C-terminal tail of MCOLN1, containing Ser557 and Ser559. Ser557 was the principal phosphorylation site, as mutation of this residue to alanine caused a greater than 75% reduction in the total levels of phosphorylated MCOLN1 C-terminal tail. Activation of PKA with forskolin promoted MCOLN1 phosphorylation, both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, addition of the PKA inhibitor H89 abolished MCOLN1 phosphorylation. We also found that PKA-mediated phosphorylation regulates MCOLN1 channel activity. Forskolin treatment decreased MCOLN1 channel activity, whereas treatment with H89 increased MCOLN1 channel activity. The stimulatory effect of H89 on MCOLN1 function was not observed when Ser557 and Ser559 were mutated to alanine residues, indicating that these two residues are essential for PKA-mediated negative regulation of MCOLN1. This paper presents the first example of regulation of a member of the mucolipin family by phosphorylation.
Interactions of cubilin with megalin and the product of the amnionless gene (AMN): effect on its stability
Authors: Ahuja Rajiv , Yammani Raghunatha , Bauer Joseph A. , Kalra Seema , Seetharam Shakuntla , Seetharam Bellur 
Published: February 2008

Cubilin, a 456 kDa multipurpose receptor lacking in both transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains is expressed in the apical BBMs (brush border membranes) of polarized epithelia. Cubilin interacts with two transmembrane proteins, AMN, a 45–50 kDa protein product of the amnionless gene, and megalin, a 600 kDa giant endocytic receptor. In vitro, three fragments of cubilin, the 113-residue N-terminus and CUB domains 12–17 and 22–27, demonstrated Ca2+-dependent binding to megalin. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting studies using detergent extracts of rat kidney BBMs revealed that cubilin interacts with both megalin and AMN. Ligand (intrinsic factor–cobalamin)-affinity chromatography showed that in renal BBMs, functional cubilin exists as a complex with both AMN and megalin. Cubilin and AMN levels were reduced by 80% and 55–60% respectively in total membranes and BBMs obtained from kidney of megalin antibody-producing rabbits. Immunohistochemical analysis and turnover studies for cubilin in megalin or AMN gene-silenced opossum kidney cells showed a significant reduction (85–90%) in cubilin staining and a 2-fold decrease in its half-life. Taken together, these results indicate that three distinct regions of cubilin bind to megalin and its interactions with both megalin and AMN are essential for its intracellular stability.
Peroxiredoxins play a major role in protectingTrypanosoma cruziagainst macrophage- and endogenously-derived peroxynitrite
Authors: Piacenza Lucía , Peluffo Gonzalo , Alvarez María Noel , Kelly John M. , Wilkinson Shane R. , Radi Rafael 
Published: February 2008

There is increasing evidence that Trypanosoma cruzi antioxidant enzymes play a key immune evasion role by protecting the parasite against macrophage-derived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Using T. cruzi transformed to overexpress the peroxiredoxins TcCPX (T. cruzi cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase) and TcMPX (T. cruzi mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidase), we found that both cell lines readily detoxify cytotoxic and diffusible reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated in vitro or released by activated macrophages. Parasites transformed to overexpress TcAPX (T. cruzi ascorbate-dependent haemoperoxidase) were also more resistant to H2O2 challenge, but unlike TcMPX and TcCPX overexpressing lines, the TcAPX overexpressing parasites were not resistant to peroxynitrite. Whereas isolated tryparedoxin peroxidases react rapidly (k=7.2×105 M−1·s−1) and reduce peroxynitrite to nitrite, our results demonstrate that both TcMPX and TcCPX peroxiredoxins also efficiently decompose exogenous- and endogenously-generated peroxynitrite in intact cells. The degree of protection provided by TcCPX against peroxynitrite challenge results in higher parasite proliferation rates, and is demonstrated by inhibition of intracellular redox-sensitive fluorescence probe oxidation, protein 3-nitrotyrosine and protein–DMPO (5,5-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide) adduct formation. Additionally, peroxynitrite-mediated over-oxidation of the peroxidatic cysteine residue of peroxiredoxins was greatly decreased in TcCPX overexpressing cells. The protective effects generated by TcCPX and TcMPX after oxidant challenge were lost by mutation of the peroxidatic cysteine residue in both enzymes. We also observed that there is less peroxynitrite-dependent 3-nitrotyrosine formation in infective metacyclic trypomastigotes than in non-infective epimastigotes. Together with recent reports of up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes during metacyclogenesis, our results identify components of the antioxidant enzyme network of T. cruzi as virulence factors of emerging importance.
A lipoxygenase with linoleate diol synthase activity from Nostoc sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Lang Imke , Göbel Cornelia , Porzel Andrea , Heilmann Ingo , Feussner Ivo 
Published: February 2008

The dioxygenation of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in plants is mainly catalysed by members of the LOX (lipoxygenase) enzyme family. LOX products may be further metabolized, and are known as signalling substances in plant development and in responses to wounding and pathogen attack. In contrast with the situation in eukaryotes, information on the relevance of lipid peroxide metabolism in prokaryotic organisms is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to analyse LOXs and oxylipin patterns of cyanobacterial origin. A search of the genomic sequence of the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 suggested an open reading frame encoding a putative LOX named NspLOX that harboured an N-terminal extension. Individual analysis of recombinant C-terminal domain revealed enzymatic activity as a linoleate (9R)-LOX. Analysis of the full-length NspLOX protein, however, revealed linoleate diol synthase activity, generating (10E,12E)-9,14-dihydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid as the main product from LA (linoleic acid) and (10E,12E,14E)-9,16-dihydroxy-10,12,14-octadecatrienoic acid as the main product from ALA (α-LA) substrates respectively, with ALA as preferred substrate. The enzyme exhibited a broad pH optimum between pH 7 and pH 10. Soluble extracts of Nostoc sp. contain more 9-LOX-derived hydroperoxides in sonified than in non-sonified cells, but products of full-length NspLOX were not detectable under the conditions used. As no other LOX-like sequence was identified in the genome of Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, the results presented suggest that (9R)-LOX-derived oxylipins may represent the endogenous products of NspLOX. Based on the biochemical results of NspLOX, we suggest that this bifunctional enzyme may represent a more ancient way to control the intracellular amount of oxylipins in this cyanobacterium.