bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Band‐like opacity in the corneas of abattoir‐acquired pig eyes
Authors: Chinnery Holly , Kezic Jelena , Yeung Season , McMenamin Paul G 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn the course of an investigation into the distribution of immune cells in the porcine cornea, a band‐like lesion on the cornea of two‐thirds of the eyes acquired from the local abattoir was noted. Histological investigations revealed an area of corneal epithelium debridement with no obvious other pathological changes. Discussions with abattoir staff soon revealed the cause of the lesions to be the scalding process that all pig carcasses undergo immediately post‐mortem that serves to remove unwanted hair and reduce skin‐dwelling bacterial contamination. We concluded that the band‐like opacity was the result of thermal injury to the anterior surface of the cornea between the open eyelids. It is hoped that this short communication will act as a cautionary note to other investigators who currently use or are considering using porcine eyes in research or as a model in surgical training and who may be unaware of the conventional handling procedures in pig abattoirs.
In situ adenocarcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland
Authors: Mensink Hanneke W , Mooy CM , Paridaens Dion 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA case of an in situ adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland that developed in a recurring pleomorphic adenoma is presented. Six years after incomplete resection of a pleomorphic adenoma, the patient complained of a progressive swelling of her right upper eyelid without pain or diplopia. An orbital computerized tomography scan showed an inhomogeneous mass in the right lacrimal gland region without bone involvement. After local excision of the in situ adenocarcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, the tumour has been in control for over 6 years.
Physiological characterization, localization and synaptic inputs of bursting and nonbursting neurons in the trigeminal principal sensory nucleus of the rat
Authors: Athanassiadis T. , Westberg K. ‐G. , Olsson K. Å. , Kolta A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA population of neurons in the trigeminal principal sensory nucleus (NVsnpr) fire rhythmically during fictive mastication induced in the in vivo rabbit. To elucidate whether these neurons form part of the central pattern generator (CPG) for mastication, we performed intracellular recordings in brainstem slices taken from young rats. Two cell types were defined, nonbursting (63%) and bursting (37%). In response to membrane depolarization, bursting cells, which dominated in the dorsal part of the NVsnpr, fired an initial burst followed by single spikes or recurring bursts. Non‐bursting neurons, scattered throughout the nucleus, fired single action potentials. Microstimulation applied to the trigeminal motor nucleus (NVmt), the reticular border zone surrounding the NVmt, the parvocellular reticular formation or the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis (NPontc) elicited a postsynaptic potential in 81% of the neurons tested for synaptic inputs. Responses obtained were predominately excitatory and sensitive to glutamatergic antagonists DNQX and/or APV. Some inhibitory and biphasic responses were also evoked. Bicuculline methiodide or strychnine blocked the IPSPs indicating that they were mediated by GABAA or glycinergic receptors. About one‐third of the stimulations activated both types of neurons antidromically, mostly from the masseteric motoneuron pool of NVmt and dorsal part of NPontc. In conclusion, our new findings show that some neurons in the dorsal NVsnpr display both firing properties and axonal connections which support the hypothesis that they may participate in masticatory pattern generation. Thus, the present data provide an extended basis for further studies on the organization of the masticatory CPG network.
SK channels control the firing pattern of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vivo
Authors: Waroux Olivier , Massotte Laurent , Alleva Livia , Graulich Amaury , Thomas Elizabeth , Liégeois Jean‐François , Scuvée‐Moreau Jacqueline , Seutin Vincent 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA vast body of experimental in vitro work and modelling studies suggests that the firing pattern and/or rate of a majority of midbrain dopaminergic neurons may be controlled in part by Ca2+‐activated K+ channels of the SK type. However, due to the lack of suitable tools, in vivo evidence is lacking. We have taken advantage of the development of the water‐soluble, medium potency SK blocker N‐methyl‐laudanosine (CH3‐L) to test this hypothesis in anaesthetized rats. In the lateral ventral tegmental area, CH3‐L iontophoresis onto dopaminergic neurons significantly increased the coefficient of variation of their interspike intervals and the percentage of spikes generated in bursts as compared to the control condition. The effect of CH3‐L persisted in the presence of a specific GABAA antagonist, suggesting a direct effect. It was robust and reversible, and was also observed in the substantia nigra. Control experiments demonstrated that the effect of CH3‐L could be entirely ascribed to its blockade of SK channels. On the other hand, the firing pattern of noradrenergic neurons was much less affected by CH3‐L. We provide here the first demonstration of a major role of SK channels in the control of the switch between tonic and burst firing of dopaminergic neurons in physiological conditions. This study also suggests a new strategy to develop modulators of the dopaminergic (DA) system, which could be of interest in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and perhaps other diseases in which DA pathways are dysfunctional.
Differentiation‐dependent regulation of the cyclooxygenase cascade during adipogenesis suggests a complex role for prostaglandins
Authors: Xie Y. , Kang X. , Ackerman W. E. , Belury M. A. , Koster C. , Rovin B. H. , Landon M. B. , Kniss D. A. 
Published: December 2005

Aim:  A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism is important for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity and its complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. A complex role for prostaglandins (PGs) in adipogenesis is suggested. We examined the expression and cellular localization of enzymes in the cyclooxygenase (COX) cascade that synthesize PGs as well as the PG profile as a function of differentiation status in 3T3‐L1 cells.Methods:  Murine 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were used as a model for studies of adipocyte differentiation induced by a hormone cocktail and compared with the parental fibroblastic line NIH 3T3. Both cell lines were incubated in maintenance medium or differentiation medium. Nine days after differentiation, the expression of enzymes in the COX cascade was evaluated by immunoblot analysis, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunocytochemistry, and PG formation was examined using enzyme immunoassay.Results:  A differentiation‐dependent diminution of COX‐1 and COX‐2 mRNA and cognate proteins in 3T3‐L1 cells was observed. PG release, including PGE2, 6‐keto PGF1α, PGD2 and 15d‐PGJ2, significantly decreased following differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells (anova/Tukey, p < 0.05). However, microsomal PGE synthase (mPGES) and lipocalin‐type PGD synthase (L‐PGDS) were selectively upregulated. Immunocytochemistry revealed that COX‐1 and COX‐2 became intracellularly more diffuse upon differentiation, whereas mPGES was redistributed to the nuclear compartment.Conclusions:  Regulation of PG formation and COX‐2 expression in 3T3‐L1 cells is differentiation‐dependent and involves changes in the levels of gene expression of the individual isoforms as well as redistribution of the enzymes within cellular compartments.
General obstetrics: A randomised controlled trial of metronidazole for the prevention of preterm birth in women positive for cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin: the PREMET Study
Authors: Shennan Andrew , Crawshaw Sarah , Briley Annette , Hawken Jenny , Seed Paul , Jones Griff , Poston Lucilla 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To determine whether metronidazole reduces early preterm labour in asymptomatic women with positive vaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) in the second trimester of pregnancy.Design  Randomised placebo‐controlled trial.Setting  Fourteen UK hospitals (three teaching).Population  Pregnacies with at least one previous risk factor, including mid‐trimester loss or preterm delivery, uterine abnormality, cervical surgery or cerclage.Methods  Nine hundred pregnancies were screened for fFN at 24 and 27 weeks of gestation. Positive cases were randomised to a week's course of oral metronidazole or placebo.Main outcome measures  Primary outcome was delivery before 30 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included delivery before 37 weeks.Results  The Trial Steering Committee (TSC) recommended the study be stopped early; 21% of women receiving metronidazole (11/53) delivered before 30 weeks compared with 11% (5/46) taking placebo [risk ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–5.09, P= 0.18]. There were significantly more preterm deliveries (before 37 weeks) in women treated with metronidazole 33/53 (62%) versus placebo 18/46 (39%), risk ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.05–2.4. fFN was a good predictor of early preterm birth in these asymptomatic women; positive and negative predictive values (24 weeks of gestation) for delivery by 30 weeks were 26% and 99%, respectively (positive and negative likelihood ratios 15, 0.35).Conclusion  Metronidazole does not reduce early preterm birth in high risk pregnant women selected by history and a positive vaginal fFN test. Preterm delivery may be increased by metronidazole therapy.
General obstetrics: The kinetics of routine antenatal prophylactic intramuscular injections of polyclonal anti‐D immunoglobulin
Authors: MacKenzie IZ , Roseman Fenella , Findlay Janice , Thompson Kay , Jackson Emma , Scott Janet , Reed Margaret 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To observe the pharmacokinetics of intramuscular anti‐D immunoglobulin (IgG) given for routine antenatal prophylaxis.Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  Maternity unit and antenatal serology laboratory in a district teaching hospital.Population  Forty‐five rhesus‐D‐negative pregnant women not sensitised to RhD.Methods  Serial serum quantitations of anti‐D IgG following the intramuscular injections of anti‐D IgG 100 μg (500 IU) at 28 and 34 weeks of gestation. Anti‐D IgG concentrations were assayed with the RFA‐300 continuous flow analyser.Main outcome measures  The kinetic profile and duration of detectable anti‐D IgG in maternal serum following the first and second injections of anti‐D IgG.Results  For the 43 women in whom serial data were collected, there were no detectable differences between pregnancies with an RhD‐positive (26) or ‐negative (17) fetus. Maximum IgG concentrations were detected two to five days following the first anti‐D IgG injection and ranged between 0 and 28 ng/mL. Only 30% of women still undelivered at 40 weeks of gestation had detectable IgG at 2 ng/mL or greater. There was a significant relationship between higher maximum values and low maternal surface body area (R2= 0.204, P= 0.002), but this did not influence duration of persistent IgG.Conclusion  Using previously published data, 70% women are not adequately protected with anti‐D IgG 12 weeks after the first prophylactic injection. Despite this, previous clinical results suggest that the antenatal prophylaxis schedule used provides adequate protection and that the recommendation for the lowest concentration of protective anti‐D IgG antibody levels currently in use is probably overestimated.
Menopause: Scientific evidence changes prescribing practice—a comparison of the management of the climacteric and use of hormone replacement therapy among Swedish gynaecologists in 1996 and 2003
Authors: Thunell Louise , Milsom Ian , Schmidt Johanna , Mattsson Lars‐Åke 
Published: December 2005

Objectives  To study changes in attitudes, knowledge and management strategies concerning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among gynaecologists in Sweden.Design  Comparative questionnaire study.Setting  National survey.Population  Practising gynaecologists.Methods  In 1996, gynaecologists in Sweden (n= 1323) were invited to return a postal questionnaire concerning their attitudes, knowledge and management strategies concerning HRT. They were also asked about their own use of HRT. In 2003, a similar questionnaire was sent to practising gynaecologists (n= 1320) in Sweden.Main outcome measures  Attitudes to and personal use of HRT.Results  The response rate was 76% in 2003 when 11% of the gynaecologists thought that all women without contraindications should be offered HRT compared with 44% in 1996 and 89% found it difficult to evaluate pros and cons with HRT in a clinical situation (74% in 1996). More gynaecologists in 2003 believed that HRT increased the risk for breast cancer (95% vs 71%). Twenty‐five percent in 2003 stated that risk factors for osteoporosis were absolute indications for HRT (60% in 1996). Current ischaemic heart disease was considered to be an indication for HRT by 7% in 2003 (60% in 1996). In 2003, current use of HRT was reported by 71% of female menopausal gynaecologists (88% in 1996).Conclusions  Swedish gynaecologists were more cautious in their management strategies concerning HRT in 2003 compared with 1996, probably influenced by results from the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies. Current use of HRT was still high among female gynaecologists, although it had decreased since 1996.
Urogynaecology: Quality of life before and after TVT, a prospective multicentre cohort study, results from the Netherlands TVT database
Authors: Schraffordt Koops Steven E , Bisseling Tanya M , Heintz A Peter M , Vervest Harry AM 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To asses the long term outcome of tension‐free vaginal tape procedure in women with isolated stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Design  Prospective cohort study.Setting  Twenty‐eight teaching hospitals and 13 local hospitals, with 54 gynaecologists and urologists performing the surgery.Sample  Eight hundred and nine participants.Methods  The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) were used to measure the results of the TVT procedure (pre‐operative at 2, 6, 12 and 24 months post‐operative). According the recommendation of the International Continence Society (ICS), the question ‘Do you experience urinary leakage during physical activity, coughing or sneezing?’ was selected from the UDI to asses SUI.Main outcome measures  Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6).Results  Both IIQ and UDI mean scores decreased significantly after TVT, indicating an improvement in quality of life. Subjective improvement can improve for up to two years post‐operatively.Conclusions  This is the largest prospective study that used these validated disease‐specific questionnaires to asses the long term outcome of the TVT procedure. This study shows a statistically significant and clinically relevant long term improvement of the quality of life after a TVT for women with SUI.
General gynaecology: Intrauterine lignocaine as an anaesthetic during endometrial sampling: a randomised double‐blind controlled trial
Authors: Hui SK , Lee L , Ong C , Yu V , Ho LC 
Published: December 2005

Objective  To evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine lignocaine as an anaesthetic during endometrial sampling.Design  Prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.Setting  Outpatient gynaecological minor operation unit in a public hospital.Population  Two hundred premenopausal women scheduled for endometrial sampling because of abnormal uterine bleeding.Methods  Transcervical intrauterine instillation of 5 mL of 2% lignocaine or 5 mL of normal saline before performing endometrial sampling with vacuum aspirator.Main outcome measures  Evaluation of pain associated with the procedure using a visual analogue scale.Results  The use of intrauterine lignocaine reduced pain during suction curettage in endometrial sampling.Conclusions  Transcervical instillation of lignocaine reduced pain during endometrial sampling.
Rapid disassembly of dynamic microtubules upon activation of the capsaicin receptor TRPV1
Authors: Goswami C. , Dreger M. , Otto H. , Schwappach B. , Hucho F. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe transmission of pain signalling involves the cytoskeleton, but mechanistically this is poorly understood. We recently demonstrated that the capsaicin receptor TRPV1, a non‐selective cation channel expressed by nociceptors that is capable of detecting multiple pain‐producing stimuli, directly interacts with the tubulin cytoskeleton. We hypothesized that the tubulin cytoskeleton is a downstream effector of TRPV1 activation. Here we show that activation of TRPV1 results in the rapid disassembly of microtubules, but not of the actin or neurofilament cytoskeletons. TRPV1 activation mainly affects dynamic microtubules that contain tyrosinated tubulins, whereas stable microtubules are apparently unaffected. The C‐terminal fragment of TRPV1 exerts a stabilizing effect on microtubules when over‐expressed in F11 cells. These findings suggest that TRPV1 activation may contribute to cytoskeleton remodelling and so influence nociception.
Molecular characterization of mitocalcin, a novel mitochondrial Ca2+‐binding protein with EF‐hand and coiled‐coil domains
Authors: Tominaga Mitsutoshi , Kurihara Hidetake , Honda Shinya , Amakawa Genta , Sakai Tatsuo , Tomooka Yasuhiro 
Published: December 2005

AbstractHere we have identified and characterized a novel mitochondrial Ca2+‐binding protein, mitocalcin. Western blot analysis demonstrated that mitocalcin was widely expressed in mouse tissues. The expression in brain was increased during post‐natal to adult development. Further analyses were carried out in newly established neural cell lines. The protein was expressed specifically in neurons but not in glial cells. Double‐labeling studies revealed that mitocalcin was colocalized with mitochondria in neurons differentiated from 2Y‐3t cells. In addition, mitocalcin was enriched in the mitochondrial fraction purified from the cells. Immunohistochemical studies on mouse cerebellum revealed that the expression pattern of mitocalcin in glomeruli of the internal granular and molecular layers was well overlapped by the distribution pattern of mitochondria. Immunogold electron microscopy showed that mitocalcin was associated with mitochondrial inner membrane. Overexpression of mitocalcin in 2Y‐3t cells resulted in neurite extension. Inhibition of the expression in 2Y‐3t cells caused suppression of neurite outgrowth and then cell death. These findings suggest that mitocalcin may play roles in neuronal differentiation and function through the control of mitochondrial function.
Botulinum toxin in dermatology – beyond wrinkles and sweat
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Konrad Helga , Petersen Sven 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBotulinum toxin (BTX) types A and B have been used with success in cosmetic dermatology and hyperhidrosis treatment.The present review focuses on other uses of BTX in dermatology. Discussed in particular are the available data on BTX in inflammatory diseases, proctology, and some other indications. From studies in various types of eczema, it seems that BTX‐A not only acts as a potent inhibitor of acetylcholine but also as an inhibitor of substance P and of glutamate as well. By those mechanisms, BTX‐A may be antipruritic, which may help explain the benefits of BTX‐A in lichen simplex and dyshidrotic hand eczema. In Hailey–Hailey disease, facial eccrine hidrocystomas, salivary fistulas, and intrinsic rhinitis, BTX‐A blocks the secretion of sweat/saliva/mucus. BTX‐A has important applications in proctology where it has become the most powerful nonsurgical therapy for anal fissures. In proctalgia fugax and after hemorrhoidectomy, BTX‐A is analgesic.Current treatment applications of BTX‐A and its limitations are reviewed in this paper.
Pathogenic aspects of cutaneous photoaging
Authors: Watson Rachel E B , Griffiths Christopher E M 
Published: December 2005

SummaryChronic exposure to solar ultraviolet irradiation can result in wrinkle formation in many individuals. Wrinkling appears to be the conclusion of mechanisms that result in decreased synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules within the dermis, accompanied by increased remodeling of the matrix by specific endopeptidases (matrix metalloproteinases) and proteases (originating from infiltrating cells of the immune system). In this review, we discuss the changes that occur in the extracellular matrix of photoaged skin and the mechanisms by which they are modulated.
Investigation of the topical application of procyanidin oligomers from apples to identify their potential use as a hair‐growing agent
Authors: Takahashi Tomoya , Kamimura Ayako , Kagoura Masayori , Toyoda Masahiko , Morohashi Masaaki 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  Procyanidins are a family of condensed tannins, which have been shown to possess hair‐growing activity in both the in vitro and in vivo murine models.Aims  We report a 12‐month clinical study aimed at treating male pattern baldness by external application of 0.7% apple procyanidin oligomers.Patients/methods  A double‐blind clinical test involving a total of 43 subjects was performed. Twenty‐one men in the procyanidin group and 22 men in the placebo control group were subjected to analysis. In the first 6 months, we compared the procyanidin and the placebo groups to assess the medicinal effects of procyanidin oligomers. The application time of the procyanidin group was subsequently extended to 12 months, and the time course of its remedial value was examined.Results  The increase in total number of hairs in a designated scalp area of the procyanidin group subjects after the 6‐month trial was significantly greater than that of the placebo control group subjects (procyanidin, 3.3 ± 13.0 (mean ± SD)/0.50 cm2; placebo, −3.6 ± 8.1/0.50 cm2; P < 0.001, two‐sample t‐test). Time course‐dependent improvement in hair density was observed in the procyanidin subjects. No adverse side effects were observed in any of the subjects. Procyanidin therapy thus shows potential hair‐growing activity.
A double‐blind controlled study of a nonhydroquinone bleaching cream in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Levy Jean Luc , Pons Fredéric , Agopian Lise , Besson Regis 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis predominantly affecting the face of women. It is often recalcitrant to treatment with hypopigmenting agents.Objective  To assess the efficacy of a nonhydroquinone cream (Amelan M®) vs. another (Mela‐D®) as treatment for melasma.Methods  Twenty‐two French women with bilateral epidermal and/or mixed melasma were enrolled in a split‐faced prospective trial lasting 4 months during summer season weeks. Twelve patients applied once‐daily Amelan M® to one side of the face with sun‐protective factor 60 UVA sunscreen each morning and Mela‐D® once‐daily to the other side of the face. Pigmentation was measured objectively using a mexameter and the melasma area and severity index (MASI) were measured subjectively.Results  The mean decrease of pigmentation was statistically significant on the MASI with both cream and only with Amelan M with the mexameter. Some adverse side effects were observed.Conclusions  Amelan M® is really more effective than Mela D® cream on melasma. Even though some side effects were observed patients preferred the Amelan M‐treated side.