bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delta opioid receptor ligands modulate anxiety‐like behaviors in the rat
Authors: Perrine Shane A , Hoshaw Brian A , Unterwald Ellen M 
Published: February 2006

The role of the delta opioid receptor in regulating anxiety‐like behavior in male Sprague–Dawley rats was examined.Using an elevated plus maze, the effects of the selective delta opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (1 or 5 mg kg−1) and agonist SNC80 (1, 5 or 20 mg kg−1) on anxiety‐like behavior were measured. Anxiety was also measured following administration of diazepam (3 mg kg−1) and amphetamine (1 mg kg−1) and compared to the effects of SNC80. Locomotor activity following administration of naltrindole, SNC80, diazepam, and amphetamine was measured. Finally, the defensive burying paradigm was used to confirm the findings from the elevated plus maze.Results demonstrated that SNC80 produced dose‐dependent anxiolytic effects similar to that of the classical antianxiety agent, diazepam. Administration of naltrindole caused anxiogenic behavior in rats further supporting the involvement of the delta opioid receptor system in regulating anxiety. Naltrindole also blocked the anxiolytic effects of SNC80. Amphetamine had no effect on anxiety‐like behavior. SNC80 induced hyperactivity similar to amphetamine at the doses tested, while naltrindole and diazepam did not significantly affect locomotor activity.Although SNC80 can increase locomotor activity, control experiments reported herein indicate that hyperlocomotion is not sufficient to produce an anxiolytic response on the elevated plus maze. Together with the results from the defensive burying paradigm, this suggests that the effects of SNC80 on reducing anxiety are independent of its effects on locomotion. Collectively these data show that the delta opioid receptor system can regulate anxiety‐like behavior in an anxiolytic (agonist) and anxiogenic (antagonist) manner.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 864–872. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706686
Effects of MDMA, MDA and MDEA on blood pressure, heart rate, locomotor activity and body temperature in the rat involveα‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Bexis Sotiria , Docherty James R 
Published: February 2006

The effects of injection of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) andN‐ethyl‐3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDEA) (all 20 mg kg−1) on blood pressure, heart rate, core body temperature and locomotor activity in conscious rats were investigated using radiotelemetry.MDMA and MDA produced a prolonged increase in both systolic and diastolic pressures, with MDA causing the most marked rise. MDEA produced a transient but nonsignificant fall in diastolic pressure. The pressor response produced by MDA was accompanied by bradycardia.All three amphetamine derivatives caused an initial hypothermic response; however, MDA also produced a subsequent hyperthermia, and the speed of recovery from hypothermia was MDA>MDMA>MDEA. Theα2A‐adrenoceptor antagonist 2‐((4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1‐methyl‐1H‐isoindole (BRL 44408) (1 mg kg−1) prolonged the hypothermic response to MDMA.Only MDA induced locomotor activity when given alone, but in the presence of BRL 44408, MDMA produced increased locomotor activity.The order of potency for producing isometric contractions of rat aorta (α1D) and vas deferens (α1A) was MDA>MDMA>MDEA, with MDEA acting as anα1‐adrenoceptor antagonist with a pKBof 4.79±0.12 (n=4) in aorta.The order of potency for prejunctional inhibition of stimulation‐evoked contractions in rat vas deferens (α2A‐adrenoceptor mediated) was MDA>MDMA>MDEA.Blood pressure actions of the three amphetamine derivatives may be at least partly due toα1‐adrenoceptor agonism or antagonism. The reversal of the hypothermic actions are at least partly due toα2A‐adrenoceptor agonism since the hypothermic response was more prolonged with MDEA which exhibits lowα2A‐adrenoceptor potency, and effects of MDMA afterα2A‐adrenoceptor antagonism were similar to those of MDEA.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 926–934. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706688
Cholecystokinin 1 receptor modulates the MEKK1‐induced c‐Jun trans‐activation: structural requirements of the receptor
Authors: Ibarz Géraldine , Oiry Catherine , Carnazzi Eric , Crespy Philippe , Escrieut Chantal , Fourmy Daniel , Galleyrand Jean Claude , Gagne Didier , Martinez Jean 
Published: February 2006

In cells overexpressing active MEKK1 to enhance c‐Jun trans‐activation, expression of rat cholecystokinin 1 receptor increased the activity of c‐Jun while in the same experimental conditions overexpression of mouse cholecystokinin 1 receptor repressed it.This differential trans‐activation is specific, since it was not observed for either the other overexpressed kinases (MEK, PKA) or for other transcription factors (ATF2, ELK‐1, CREB). This differential behaviour was also detected in a human colon adenocarcinoma cell‐line naturally producing high levels of endogenous MEKK1.This differential behaviour between the two receptors on the MEKK1‐induced c‐Jun trans‐activation was independent of the activation state of JNK, of the phosphorylation level of c‐Jun and of its ability to bind its specific DNA responsive elements.Two amino acids (Val43 and Phe50 in the mouse cholecystokinin 1 receptor, replaced by Leu43 and Ileu50 in the rat cholecystokinin 1 receptor) localized in the first transmembrane domain were found to play a crucial role in this differential behaviour.MEKK1 probably activates a transcriptional partner of c‐Jun whose activity is maintained or increased in the presence of the rat cholecystokinin 1 receptor but repressed in the presence of the mouse cholecystokinin 1 receptor.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 951–958. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706690
L‐β,β‐Dimethylcysteine attenuates the haemodynamic responses elicited by systemic injections of peroxynitrite in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Graves Jonathan E , Kooy Neil W , Lewis Stephen J 
Published: February 2006

There is direct chemical evidence that L‐β,β‐dimethylcysteine (L‐penicillamine (L‐PEN)) is a scavenger of peroxynitrite. The aim of this study was to determine whether L‐PEN attenuates the haemodynamic responses elicited by peroxynitrite in pentobarbital‐anaesthetized rats.
Peroxynitrite (1–20 μmol kg−1, i.v.) elicited dose‐dependent reductions in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and mesenteric and hindquarter vascular resistances.
L‐PEN (2 mmol kg−1, i.v.) elicited relatively minor but significant increases in MAP and vascular resistances. The initial reductions in MAP and vascular resistances elicited by peroxynitrite were not diminished after administration of L‐PEN whereas they were much shorter in duration. As such, the total reductions in MAP and vascular resistances were markedly reduced by L‐PEN.
The finding that L‐PEN (2 mmol kg−1, i.v.) did not affect the hypotensive or vasodilator responses elicited of the ATP‐dependent potassium‐channel agonist, cromakalim (3–18 μg kg−1, i.v.), suggests that this dose of L‐PEN is not a nonselective inhibitor of vasodilation.
These findings suggest that L‐PEN may effectively scavenge peroxynitrite in vivo and/or interfere with the mechanisms by which peroxynitrite elicits its vasodilator responses.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 7–15. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706692
Upregulation of tachykinin NK‐1 and NK‐3 receptor binding sites in the spinal cord of spontaneously hypertensive rat: impact on the autonomic control of blood pressure
Authors: Cloutier Frank , Ongali Brice , Deschamps Kathleen , Brouillette Jonathan , Neugebauer Witold , Couture Réjean 
Published: February 2006

Effects of intrathecally (i.t.) injected tachykinin NK‐1 and ‐3 receptor agonists and antagonists were measured on mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in awake unrestrained spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR,15‐week‐old) and age‐matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Quantitativein vitroautoradiography was also performed on the lower thoracic spinal cord of both strains and Wistar rats using specific radioligands for NK‐1 receptor ([125I]HPP[Arg3,Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP (3–11)) and NK‐3 receptor ([125I]HPP‐Asp‐Asp‐Phe‐N‐MePhe‐Gly‐Leu‐Met‐NH2).The NK‐1 agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP (650 and 6500 pmol) decreased MAP and increased HR in WKY. The fall in MAP was blunted in SHR and substituted by increases in MAP (65–6500 pmol) and more sustained tachycardia. The NK‐3 agonist senktide (6.5–65 pmol) evoked marked increases in MAP and HR (SHR>>>WKY), yet this response was rapidly desensitized. Cardiovascular effects of [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP (650 pmol) and senktide (6.5 pmol) were selectively blocked by the prior i.t. injection of LY303870 (NK‐1 antagonist, 65 nmol) and SB235375 (NK‐3 antagonist, 6.5 nmol), respectively. Antagonists had no direct effect on MAP and HR in both strains.Densities of NK‐1 and ‐3 receptor binding sites were significantly increased in all laminae of the spinal cord in SHR when compared to control WKY and Wistar rats. The dissociation constant was however not affected in SHR for both NK‐1 (Kd=2.5 nM) and NK‐3 (Kd=5 nM) receptors.Data highlight an upregulation of NK‐1 and ‐3 receptor binding sites in the thoracic spinal cord of SHR that may contribute to the hypersensitivity of the pressor response to agonists and to the greater sympathetic activity seen in this model of arterial hypertension.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 25–38. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706694
Nitric oxide‐releasing flurbiprofen reduces formation of proinflammatory hydrogen sulfide in lipopolysaccharide‐treated rat
Authors: Anuar Farhana , Whiteman Matthew , Siau Jia Ling , Kwong Shing Erl , Bhatia Madhav , Moore Philip K 
Published: February 2006

The biosynthesis of both nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is increased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐injected mice and rats but their interaction in these models is not known. In this study we examined the effect of the NO donor, nitroflurbiprofen (and the parent molecule flurbiprofen) on NO and H2S metabolism in tissues from LPS‐pretreated rats.
Administration of LPS (10 mg kg−1, i.p.; 6 h) resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in plasma TNF‐α, IL‐1β and nitrate/nitrite (NOx) concentrations, liver H2S synthesis (from added cysteine), CSE mRNA, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (marker for neutrophil infiltration) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation.
Nitroflurbiprofen (3–30 mg kg−1, i.p.) administration resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of the LPS‐mediated increase in plasma TNF‐α, IL‐1β and NOx concentration, liver H2S synthesis (55.00±0.95 nmole mg protein−1, c.f. 62.38±0.47 nmole mg protein−1, n=5, P<0.05), CSE mRNA, iNOS, MPO activity and NF‐κB activation.
Flurbiprofen (21 mg kg−1, i.p.) was without effect.
These results show for the first time that nitroflurbiprofen downregulates the biosynthesis of proinflammatory H2S and suggest that such an effect may contribute to the augmented anti‐inflammatory activity of this compound.
These data also highlight the existence of ‘crosstalk’ between NO and H2S in this model of endotoxic shock.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 966–974. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706696
Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus From a Surgeon to his Patients During High-Risk and Low-Risk Surgical Procedures During 4 Years
Authors: Spijkerman Ingrid J. B. , van Doorn Leen-Jan , Janssen Maria H. W. , Wijkmans Clementine J. , Bilkert-Mooiman Marijke A. J. , Coutinho Roel A. , Weers-Pothoff Gezina 
Published: February 2006

Objective:We investigated cases of acute hepatitis B in The Netherlands that were linked to the same general surgeon who was infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).Design:A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 1,564 patients operated on by the surgeon. Patients were tested for serologic HBV markers. A case–control study was performed to identify risk factors.Results:The surgeon tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) with a high viral load. He was a known nonresponder after HBV vaccination and had apparently been infected for more than 10 years. Forty-nine patients (3.1%) were positive for HBV markers. Transmission of HBV from the surgeon was confirmed in 8 patients, probable in 2, and possible in 18. In the remaining 21 patients, the surgeon was not implicated. Two patients had a chronic HBV infection. One case of secondary transmission from a patient to his wife was identified. HBV DNA sequences from the surgeon were completely identical to sequences from 7 of the 28 patients and from the case of secondary transmission. The duration of the operation and the occurrence of complications during or after surgery were identified as independent risk factors. Although the risk of HBV infection during high-risk procedures was 7 times higher than that during low-risk procedures, at least 8 (28.6%) of the 28 patients were infected during low-risk procedures.Conclusions:Transmission of HBV from surgeons to patients at a low rate can remain unnoticed for a long period of time. Prevention requires a more stringent strategy for vaccination and testing of surgeons and optimization of infectious disease surveillance. Policies allowing HBV-infected surgeons to perform presumably low-risk procedures should be reconsidered.
High Prevalence of Hepatitis C Infection Among Patients Receiving Hemodialysis at an Urban Dialysis Center
Authors: Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Malak Sharp F. , Sullivan John F. , Lorch Jonathan , Sepkowitz Kent A. 
Published: February 2006

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients at an urban outpatient hemodialysis center.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study of 227 patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Rogosin Kidney Center on December 15, 1998, with a response rate of 90% (227 of 253). Laboratory records were used to retrieve the total number of blood transfusions received and serologic study results. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship among HCV serostatus, patient demographics, and HCV risk factors (eg, intravenous drug use [IVDU], intranasal cocaine use, multiple sexual partners, comorbidities, length of time receiving hemodialysis, and total number of blood transfusions received).Results:The seroprevalence of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) was 23.3% (53 of 227) in the population. In univariate analysis, factors associated with HCV seropositivity included male gender, younger age, history of IVDU, history of intranasal cocaine use, history of multiple sexual partners, human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, increased time receiving dialysis, history of renal transplant, and positive antibody to hepatitis B core antigen. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that longer duration receiving dialysis and a history of IVDU were the only risk factors that remained independently associated with HCV seropositivity.Conclusions:HCV is markedly more common in our urban cohort of patients receiving hemodialysis compared with patients receiving dialysis nationally and is associated with a longer duration of receiving dialysis and a history of IVDU. Stricter and more frequent enforcement of universal precautions may be required in hemodialysis centers located in areas with a high prevalence of HCV infection or IVDU among the general population.
Occupational Risk of Blood-Borne Viruses in Healthcare Workers: A 5-Year Surveillance Program
Authors: Baldo Vincenzo , Floreani Annarosa , Vecchio Luigino Dal , Cristofoletti Marco , Carletti Maristella , Majori Silvia , Tommaso Angela Di , Trivello Renzo 
Published: February 2006

Objective:This study presents the results of a 5-year surveillance program involving the prospective follow-up of health-care workers (HCWs) in the Veneto region of Italy exposed to blood-borne viruses.Design:All HCWs who reported an occupational exposure to blood-borne infection joined the surveillance program. Both HCWs and patients were tested for viral markers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc], antibody to hepatitis C virus [anti-HCV], HCV RNA, and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) and had these markers plus transaminases assayed at 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. Moreover, a program of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis was offered to those whose anti-HBs levels were less than 10 IU/mL.Participants:Two hundred forty-five HCWs (156 women and 89 men) with a mean age of 37 (± 10) years who reported occupational exposure during the 5-year period.Results:At the time of exposure, 1HCW was positive for HBsAg (0.4%) and 2 were positive for HCV RNA (0.8%). Among the patients involved, 28 (11.4%) were positive for HBsAg, 68 (27.8%) were positive for HCV RNA, 6 (2.4%) were positive for HIV, and 147 (60.0%) were negative for all viral markers (4 patients were positive for both HCV and HIV). During the follow-up period after exposure (mean, 2.7 [± 1.6] years), there was no increase in transaminases or seroconversions to any of the viral markers.Conclusion:Our accurate postexposure follow-up revealed a lack of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV.
Low Rate of False-Positive Results with Use of A Rapid HIV Test
Authors: Salgado Cassandra D. , Flanagan Heidi L. , Haverstick Doris M. , Farr Barry M. 
Published: February 2006

Background:Occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an important threat to healthcare workers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend prompt institution of prophylaxis. This requires (1) immediate prophylaxis after exposure, pending test results that may take more than 24 hours in many hospitals; or (2) performance of a rapid test. The Single Use Diagnostic System (SUDS)® HIV-1 Test is used to screen rapidly for antibodies to HIV type 1 in plasma or serum, with a reported sensitivity of more than 99.9%. We used this test from January 1999 until September 2000, when it was withdrawn from the market following reports claiming a high rate of false-positive results.Methods:We reviewed the results of postexposure HIV testing during 21 months.Results:A total of 884 SUDS tests were performed on source patients after occupational exposures (883 negative results, 1 reactive result). The results of repeat SUDS testing on the reactive specimen were also reactive, but the results of enzyme immunoassay and Western blot testing were negative. A new specimen from the same patient showed a negative result on SUDS testing. This suggested a specificity of 99.9%. In the 4 months after SUDS testing was suspended, there was 1 false-positive result on enzyme immunoassay for 1 of 132 source patients (presumed specificity, 99.2%).Conclusion:Use of the SUDS test facilitated rapid and accurate evaluation of source specimens, obviating unnecessary prophylaxis.
Patient-to-Patient Transmission of Nosocomial Malaria in Italy
Authors: Moro Maria Luisa , Romi Roberto , Severini Carlo , Casadio Gian Paolo , Sarta Giovanni , Tampieri Guido , Scardovi Antonio , Pozzetti Cinzia ,   Malaria Outbreak Group
Published: February 2006

Objective:To describe nosocomial transmission of malaria from patient to patient via blood exposure.Patients:A 56-year-old man was admitted to an Italian hospital with fever and Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia, but with no risk factors for malaria. Twenty days earlier, he had been admitted for bronchopulmonary disease to the hospital's intensive care unit, where a woman with P. falciparum malaria acquired abroad was present.Methods:We reviewed both patients' medical records and searched for mosquitoes in the hospital and on the grounds. We interviewed the staff about patient care practices potentially involving contact with blood. The genetic identities of strains were determined by genotyping of the DNA extracted from blood.Results:Molecular genotyping showed that the two strains were identical. The only invasive procedures performed on both patients by the same staff on the same shift were capillary blood sampling by finger stick, intravenous drug administration, and substitution of total parenteral nutrition bags and intravenous sets. The flngerstick device used was designed to prevent person-to-person transmission of blood-borne infections, and the staff interviews did not reveal any incorrect use of aseptic techniques. The likely source of infection was identified during a training course 6 months later: a nurse reported that, when collecting blood, she placed patients' fingers directly on the blood glucose meter, a practice she had learned from a poster advertising the device.Conclusions:A nosocomial case of malaria was ascertained, which was likely due to patient-to-patient transmission via a contaminated blood glucose meter. Incomplete instructions for the meter seem to have played a role in this case.
Risk of Hepatitis C After Immunoadsorption
Authors: Kaiser Rolf , Geulen Oliver , Matz Bertfried , Brackmann Hans H. , Spengler Ulrich , Kramer Michael H. , Exner Martin , Nettekoven Wilhelm , Ko You-Dschun , Zeitler Heike , Vetter Hans 
Published: February 2006

Abstract An episode of acute hepatitis in a patient with hemophilia during immunoadsorption therapy initially was misinterpreted as a reactivated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but ultimately was shown to be an exogenous reinfection during cohort treatment with another HCV-positive patient. This incident illustrates that policies for the prevention of nosocomial transmission of blood-borne pathogens, especially in cohort treatment units, may need to be reassessed.
Transmission of Drug-Resistant HIV After an Occupational Exposure Despite Postexposure Prophylaxis With a Combination Drug Regimen
Authors: Beltrami Elise M. , Luo Chi-Cheng , Torre Nicolas de la , Cardo Denise M. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract We documented a case of occupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) despite postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a combination drug regimen after percutaneous injury with a needle from a sharps disposal container in the hospital room of an HIV-infected patient. This failure of PEP with a combination drug regimen may have been related to antiretroviral drug resistance, other factors, or both. This case highlights the importance of preventing injury to prevent occupational transmission of HIV.
Use of Censored Data to Monitor Surgical-Site Infections
Authors: Thibon Pascal , Parienti J. J. , Borgey F. , Le Prieur A. , Bernet C. , Branger B. , Le Coutour X. 
Published: February 2006

Objective:To take into account the proportion of patients lost to follow-up when calculating surgical-site infection (SSI) rates.Design:A multicenter SSI monitoring network in Basse-Normandie, France, using the definitions for SSI of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Patients:Between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 1999, 3,705 patients were operated on in 25 units of 10 institutions.Results:Of the patients, 41.2% (range, 5.1% to 95.5%) were seen 30 days or more after their operation. The global SSI attack rate was 2.19% (95% confidence interval, 1.72% to 2.66%). With the use of the Kaplan–Meier method, the incidence rate was 3.11% (95% confidence interval, 3.06% to 3.16%). The difference between the attack rate and the Kaplan–Meier incidence rate for each unit varied according to the percentage of patients seen on or after day 30 postoperatively and the number of SSIs diagnosed in patients seen on or after day 30.Conclusions:Practice guidelines are needed for the international monitoring for postdischarge SSIs and the calculation of SSI rates. The proportion of patients seen 30 days after their operation is a major quality criterion for SSI monitoring and should be routinely given in monitoring reports, oral communications, and publications to compare results obtained by different teams.