bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophil Cationic Protein Stimulates Migration of Human Lung Fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Zagai U. , Lundahl J. , Klominek J. , Venge P. , Sköld C. M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAsthma is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation and remodelling of the airways. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a protein released by activated eosinophils and the hypothesis that ECP contributes to the development of structural changes in the airways of asthmatics has been posed. Fibroblast recruitment is an important step in the remodelling process, and we therefore put the question whether ECP stimulates migration of human lung fibroblasts. Human peripheral eosinophils isolated from buffycoats from healthy individuals were cultured and conditioned media (CM) were collected. Native ECP was extracted from human peripheral eosinophils by gel filtration, ion‐exchange and chelating chromatography. The ability of eosinophil CM and ECP to stimulate fibroblast migration was determined using the 48‐well Boyden chamber. ECP concentrations in CM were assayed by ECP‐CAP‐FEIA. Both CM and ECP significantly stimulated fibroblast migration (48.4 ± cells/field versus 33 ± 2 and 36 ± 6 versus 25 ± 4; P < 0.001 and 0.05 respectively) in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Adding neutralizing ECP antibodies attenuated fibroblast migration induced by both ECP as well as CM. ECP stimulates migration of human lung fibroblasts, suggesting a potential mechanism for eosinophils in the fibrotic response. This may be an important mechanism by which ECP promotes remodelling of extracellular matrix leading to airway fibrosis in asthmatics.
Under‐report and underdiagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases in an African country
Authors: Martins P. , Rosado‐Pinto J. , Do Céu Teixeira M. , Neuparth N. , Silva O. , Tavares H. , Spencer J. L. , Mascarenhas D. , Papoila A. L. , Khaltaev N. , Annesi‐Maesano I. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are greatly underestimated. The aim of this study was to assess the burden associated with reported CRD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as defined on the basis of various standardized criteria, by estimating their point prevalence in a sample of individuals attending the Primary Health Care (PHC) level and Emergency Room (ER) Departments in Cape Verde (CV) archipelago. The second aim of the study was to identify factors related to airways obstruction and reported CRD in this population.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in CV during 2 weeks. Outpatients aged more than 20 years seeking care at PHC level and ER answered a standardized questionnaire and were subjected to spirometry, independently of their complaint. Two criteria for airways obstruction were taken into account: forced expiratory volume (FEV1) <80% of the predicted value and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.70.Results:  A total of 274 individuals with a satisfactory spirometry were included. 22% of the individuals had a FEV1 < 80%. Individuals older than 46 years had a higher risk of having airways obstruction. Asthma diagnosis (11%) had a clear association with airways obstruction. Smoking was a risk factor for a lower FEV1. Working in a dust place and cooking using an open fire were both related to chronic bronchitis and asthma diagnosis.Conclusion:  Under‐report and underdiagnosis of chronic respiratory conditions seem to be a reality in CV just as in other parts of the world. To improve diagnosis, our results reinforce the need of performing a spirometry.
The economic impact of severe asthma to low‐income families
Authors: Franco R. , Nascimento H. F. , Cruz A. A. , Santos A. C. , Souza‐Machado C. , Ponte E. V. , Souza‐Machado A. , Rodrigues L. C. , Barreto M. L. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  To estimate the direct and indirect costs of severe asthma and the economic impact of its management to low‐income families in Salvador, Brazil.Methods:  One hundred and ninety‐seven patients with severe asthma and referred to a state‐funded asthma center providing free treatment were evaluated. At registration, they were asked about family cost‐events in the previous year and had a baseline assessment of lung function, symptoms and quality of life. During the subsequent year, they were reassessed prospectively.Results:  One hundred‐eighty patients concluded a 12‐month follow‐up. Eighty‐four percent were female patients, and the median family income was US$ 2955/year. Forty‐seven percent of family members had lost their jobs because of asthma. Total cost of asthma management took 29% of family income. After proper treatment, asthma control scores improved by 50% and quality of life by 74%. The income of the families increased by US$ 711/year, as their members went back to work. The total cost of asthma to the families was reduced by a median US$ 789/family/year. Consequently, an annual surplus of US$ 1500/family became available.Conclusions:  Family costs of severe asthma consumed over one‐fourth of the family income of the underprivileged population in a middle‐income country. Adequate management brings major economic benefit to individuals and families.
Physiological Responses of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) –Aegilops Sharonensis Introgression Lines to Excess Copper
Authors: Nenova V. , Merakchiyska M. , Ganeva G. , Zozikova E. , Landjeva S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTwo wheat lines (TL3 and TL5) derived from selection for Cu tolerance among wheat –Aegilops sharonensis hybrids were compared when grown as hydroponics at zero (control), 10−6 and 10−5 m CuSO4. The morphometric measurements showed that the line TL5 with a more inhibited root system under 10−6 m CuSO4 had a less inhibited shoot growth under 10−5 m CuSO4 as compared to TL3. The decreased maximum efficiency of photosystem II and the more pronounced trend towards increased catalase activity suggested that despite the better shoot growth, the leaves of TL5 were more functionally injured. The increased content of carotenoids at excess Cu and the higher peroxidase and catalase activities of TL3 in control plants might contribute to its better stress tolerance. While no significant changes in enzyme activities were found at 10−6 m Cu, at 10−5 m the activities tended to increase. Although the close values of free phenolics concentrations in control plants, at Cu excess their content was higher in TL5 compared to TL3. The free phenolics content in roots at 10−6 m Cu decreased, and although higher at 10−5 m Cu, it remained below the control in TL3, and above the control in TL5. From the obtained results TL3 emerged to be more tolerant to excess Cu than TL5.
Integration and sensory experience‐dependent survival of newly‐generated neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb of female mice
Authors: Oboti L. , Savalli G. , Giachino C. , De Marchis S. , Panzica G. C. , Fasolo A. , Peretto P. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNewborn neurons generated by proliferative progenitors in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) integrate into the olfactory bulb circuitry of mammals. Survival of these newly‐formed cells is regulated by the olfactory input. The presence of new neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) has already been demonstrated in some mammalian species, albeit their neurochemical profile and functional integration into AOB circuits are still to be investigated. To unravel whether the mouse AOB represents a site of adult constitutive neurogenesis and whether this process can be modulated by extrinsic factors, we have used multiple in vivo approaches. These included fate mapping of bromodeoxyuridine‐labelled cells, lineage tracing of SVZ‐derived enhanced green fluorescent protein‐positive engrafted cells and neurogenesis quantification in the AOB, in both sexes, as well as in females alone after exposure to male‐soiled bedding or its derived volatiles. Here, we show that a subpopulation of SVZ‐derived neuroblasts acquires proper neurochemical profiles of mature AOB interneurons. Moreover, 3D reconstruction of long‐term survived engrafted neuroblasts in the AOB confirms these cells show features of fully integrated neurons. Finally, exposure to male‐soiled bedding, but not to its volatile compounds, significantly increases the number of new neurons in the AOB, but not in the main olfactory bulb of female mice. These data show SVZ‐derived neuroblasts differentiate into new functionally integrated neurons in the AOB of young and adult mice. Survival of these cells seems to be regulated by an experience‐specific mechanism mediated by pheromones.
Estradiol modulates behavioral arousal and induces changes in gene expression profiles in brain regions involved in the control of vigilance
Authors: Ribeiro Ana C. , Pfaff Donald W. , Devidze Nino 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEstrogens reduce lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS) expression in a region‐dependent manner in the mouse preoptic area (POA). This result linked sex hormones with sleep–wake cycle regulation. In turn, the somnogenic effects of prostaglandin D2 have been shown to be mediated via increases in adenosine, and a select group of sleep‐active ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) neurons are directly activated by adenosine 2A (A2A) agonists. We hypothesized that increased arousal after estrogen administration is mediated by a reduction of L‐PGDS and lowered A2A receptor expression in the POA. To test this hypothesis, running wheel activity (RWA) of ovariectomized female mice treated with oil or different doses of estradiol benzoate (EB) was studied, followed by quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to determine mRNA expression of genes related to sleep and arousal in brain region extracts from oil‐treated and EB‐treated mice. RWA was increased in estrogen‐treated mice, and these effects followed an inverted‐U dose–response curve. The most effective dose (1.25 μg EB/capsule) increased RWA more than 2.5‐fold, as compared with control animals, and EB doses that were higher or lower were less effective. Increases in RWA were accompanied by decreased L‐PGDS mRNA in the POA and decreased A2A receptor mRNA in the POA and VLPO. Given that EB‐treated animals have higher motor activity and lower levels of L‐PGDS and A2A receptor mRNAs in sleep‐active areas, these correlational findings support the hypothesis that EB may increase behavioral arousal by decreasing the levels of well‐known sleep‐inducing molecules within the preoptic region.
Effects of stimulus–response compatibility on inhibitory processes in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Beste Christian , Dziobek Isabel , Hielscher Horst , Willemssen Rita , Falkenstein Michael 
Published: February 2009

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative basal ganglia disorder accompanied by deficits in cognitive functions. One important executive function is the inhibition of responses. Due to basal ganglia damage, processes related to the selection of response are also dysfunctional. However, the relevance of deficits in response selection to processes related to response inhibition in PD is not clear. In this study we examined these processes by means of event‐related potentials (ERPs) in two Go/Nogo tasks. In one task the stimulus–response mapping was compatible and in the other task it was incompatible with the meaning of the stimuli. The behavioural results show that PD patients were unaffected in the compatible response inhibition task but encountered problems in the incompatible one. In the ERPs the N2, generally reflecting response selection, was delayed for the PD compared to the control group. This suggests that response selection is delayed in PD. Moreover, the N2 was specifically enhanced in Nogo trials. This indicates that premotor inhibition, which is probably reflected by the Nogo‐N2, is intensified in PD. The P3 was specifically attenuated and delayed after Nogo stimuli in the incompatible condition for PDs. Assuming that the Nogo‐P3 reflects the evaluation of successful motor inhibition, our data show that this process is attenuated and delayed in PD but mainly in the incompatible task. The results suggest that inhibitory deficits in PD are only evident in complex (incompatible) stimulus–response mappings. These effects are probably due to an overstrain of striatal processes.
Paraventricular thalamus mediates context‐induced reinstatement (renewal) of extinguished reward seeking
Authors: Hamlin Adam S. , Clemens Kelly J. , Choi Eun A. , McNally Gavan P. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractParaventricular thalamus (PvTh) is uniquely placed to contribute to reinstatement of drug and reward seeking. It projects extensively to regions implicated in reinstatement including accumbens shell (AcbSh), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA), and receives afferents from other regions important for reinstatement such as lateral hypothalamus. We used complementary neuroanatomical and functional approaches to study the role of PvTh in context‐induced reinstatement (renewal) of extinguished reward‐seeking. Rats were trained to respond for a reward in context A, extinguished in context B and tested in context A or B. We applied the neuronal tracer cholera toxin B subunit (CTb) to AcbSh and examined retrograde‐labelled neurons, c‐Fos immunoreactivity (IR) and dual c‐Fos/CTb labelled neurons in PvTh and other AcbSh afferents. In PvTh there was c‐Fos IR in CTb‐positive neurons associated with renewal showing activation of a PvTh–AcbSh pathway during renewal. In PFC there was little c‐Fos IR in CTb‐positive or negative neurons associated with renewal. In BLA, two distinct patterns of activation and retrograde labelling were observed. In rostral BLA there was significant c‐Fos IR in CTb‐negative neurons associated with renewal. In caudal BLA there was significant c‐Fos IR in CTb‐positive neurons associated with being tested in either the extinction (ABB) or training (ABA) context. We then studied the functional role of PvTh in renewal. Excitotoxic lesions of PvTh prevented renewal. These lesions had no effect on the acquisition of reward seeking. These results show that PvTh mediates context‐induced reinstatement and that this renewal is associated with recruitment of a PvTh–AcbSh pathway.
Suppression of ipsilateral motor cortex facilitates motor skill learning
Authors: Kobayashi Masahito , Théoret Hugo , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe primary motor cortex (M1) plays a critical role in early aspects of motor skill learning. Given the notion of inter‐hemispheric competition, unilateral disruption of M1 may increase excitability of the unaffected motor cortex and thus improve motor learning with the ipsilateral hand. We applied slow‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) before the initiation of practice of a simple motor skill. Participants were randomly divided into three stimulation groups: (i) ipsilateral M1; (ii) contralateral M1; and (iii) Cz (control site). The mean execution time and error rate were recorded in four sessions distributed over 2 days. Disruption of M1 with rTMS slowed down skill acquisition with the contralateral hand, albeit non significantly, but paradoxically enhanced learning with the ipsilateral hand. This was evidenced by a significant decrease of execution time at the end of day 1 in the group that received rTMS over the ipsilateral M1 compared with both control groups (Cz and contralateral M1 stimulation). This supports the notion of inter‐hemispheric competition and provides novel insights that may be applicable to neurorehabilitation.
Cbln1 binds to specific postsynaptic sites at parallel fiber–Purkinje cell synapses in the cerebellum
Authors: Matsuda Keiko , Kondo Tetsuro , Iijima Takatoshi , Matsuda Shinji , Watanabe Masahiko , Yuzaki Michisuke 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCbln1, which belongs to the C1q/tumor necrosis factor superfamily, is a unique molecule that is not only required for maintaining normal parallel fiber (PF)–Purkinje cell synapses, but is also capable of inducing new PF synapses in adult cerebellum. Although Cbln1 is reportedly released from granule cells, where and how Cbln1 binds in the cerebellum has remained largely unclear, partly because Cbln1 undergoes proteolysis to yield various fragments that are differentially detected by different antibodies. To circumvent this problem, we characterized the Cbln1‐binding site using recombinant Cbln1. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that recombinant Cbln1 preferentially bound to PF–Purkinje cell synapses in primary cultures and acute slice preparations in a saturable and replaceable manner. Specific binding was observed for intact Cbln1 that had formed a hexamer, but not for the N‐terminal or C‐terminal fragments of Cbln1 fused to other proteins. Similarly, mutant Cbln1 that had formed a trimer did not bind to the Purkinje cells. Immunoreactivity for the recombinant Cbln1 was observed in weaver cerebellum (which lacks granule cells) but was absent in pcd cerebellum (which lacks Purkinje cells), suggesting that the binding site was located on the postsynaptic sites of PF–Purkinje cell synapses. Finally, a subcellular fractionation analysis revealed that recombinant Cbln1 bound to the synaptosomal and postsynaptic density fractions. These results indicate that Cbln1, released from granule cells as hexamers, specifically binds to a putative receptor located at the postsynaptic sites of PF–Purkinje cell synapses, where it induces synaptogenesis.
Postanal repair – do the long‐term results justify the procedure?
Authors: Mackey P. , Mackey L. , Kennedy M. L , King D. W. , Newstead G. L. , Douglas P. R. , Lubowski D. Z. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective  Early outcomes after postanal repair (PAR) demonstrated excellent results but subsequent reports showed an ever declining success rate in maintaining continence. The aim of this study was to document long‐term continence after PAR and relate this to patient satisfaction and quality of life.Method  Patients with neurogenic incontinence who underwent PAR from 1986 to 2002 were interviewed by telephone, utilizing a questionnaire which assessed continence, patient satisfaction, overall improvement, and quality of life.Results  One‐hundred one patients from four surgeons were identified. Fifty‐four patients were excluded because of loss to follow‐up. Three had a stoma (two for incontinence), four had undergone a graciloplasty, leaving 57 patients (F = 53), mean duration of follow‐up of 9.1 years (2.2–18.7 years). Mean CCS was 11.7 (SD 7.4). 26% (n = 15) scored none to minimal incontinence (CCS 0–5), 26% moderate (CCS 6–12), and 48% (n = 27) severe incontinence (CCS 13–24). 79% (n = 45) were satisfied with the outcome. A low CCS significantly correlated with good patient satisfaction, and was influenced by high QOL score (P < 0.0001). A high CCS significantly correlated with high bowel frequency (P = 0.0007). A favourable CCS was associated with a good QOL, a shorter duration of follow‐up, and being able to distinguish flatus and stool.Conclusions  In patients with neurogenic faecal incontinence selected following anorectal physiology studies, PAR remains a useful treatment. It is associated with low morbidity and results in a satisfactory long‐term subjective outcome, despite the fact that many patients have a high incontinence score.
Haemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure™vsconventional excisional techniques: meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Milito G. , Cadeddu F. , Muzi M. G. , Nigro C. , Farinon A. M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective To compare the use of LigaSure devices with conventional excisional techniques, circular stapling and use of Harmonic Scalpel in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids and to review literature on LigaSure technology (Valleylab Inc. USA).Method A literature review was performed using the National Library of Medicine’s Pubmed Database using the keywords Ligasure, haemorrhoidectomy, vessel sealing technology. Randomized trials comparing LigaSure with other techniques of excisional haemorrhoidectomy with valid end points were reviewed in the present article and included in a quantitative meta‐analysis.Results There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients cured after Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy or other excisional techniques (P > 0.05). Patients treated with LigaSure had a significantly shorter operative time (P < 0.001), postoperative pain VAS Score (P < 0.001), wound healing time and time‐off from work (P < 0.001), than the patients submitted to excisional techniques. Postoperative bleeding did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.056); however, the surgeons observed a reduction of intra‐ and postoperative bleeding using LigaSure™. In comparison to the circular stapler and Harmonic Scalpel the authors found similar postoperative outcomes and a slightly favourable trend for LigaSure regarding postoperative complications, ease of handling and length of the procedure.Conclusion Our meta‐analysis shows that Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy is a fast procedure characterized by limited postoperative pain, short hospitalization, fast wound healing and convalescence.
What is the real impact of bone pain on survival in patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer treated with docetaxel?
Authors: Oudard Stéphane , Banu Eugeniu , Medioni Jacques , Scotte Florian , Banu Adela , Levy Eric , Wasserman Johana , Kacso Gabriel , Andrieu Jean‐Marie 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVESTo determine the benefit of starting early chemotherapy with docetaxel (the recommended first‐line treatment) for patients with asymptomatic metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).PATIENTS AND METHODSData were analysed from 145 patients with HRPC treated with chemotherapy between February 2000 and June 2002 in one French centre. Eligible patients were categorized into three groups according to the bone pain at baseline, i.e. minimal/no pain, mild, and moderate/severe pain. The primary endpoint was the effect of bone pain on overall survival (OS).RESULTSDocetaxel was administered to 67% of patients. The risk of death was 1.56 and 2.11 times higher for patients with mild or moderate/severe pain than for those with minimal/no pain (P = 0.027). The median (95% confidence interval (CI)) OS was 23.1 (18.5–27.6) and 14.1 (8.9–19.2) months (P = 0.001, log‐rank‐test) for patients with minimal pain or no pain treated with docetaxel‐based chemotherapy compared with mitoxantrone, respectively. The prostate‐specific antigen doubling time (PSA‐DT) had a significant effect on OS in patients with minimal/no pain, with a median of 32.4 and 16.5 months for a PSA‐DT of ≥45 and <45 days, respectively (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that patients with HRPC and minimal or no bone pain could have better survival than those with mild pain or moderate to severe pain, independent of the treatment administered. In addition, patients with HRPC and minimal or no bone pain treated with docetaxel‐based chemotherapy have a significantly better OS than those treated with mitoxantrone. The PSA‐DT can be useful to identify asymptomatic patients who are candidates for early treatment.