bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blockade of bradykinin B2 receptor suppresses acute pancreatitis induced by obstruction of the pancreaticobiliary duct in rats
Authors: Hirata Mitsuhiro , Hayashi Izumi , Yoshimura Kuniko , Ishii Ken‐ichiro , Soma Kazui , Ohwada Takashi , Kakita Akira , Majima Masataka 
Published: June 2006

The involvement of bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor in acute pancreatitis induced by pancreaticobiliary duct ligation was investigated in rats.
The activities of amylase and lipase in the serum, the water content of the pancreas, and vacuolization of the acinar cells were significantly increased 2 h after obstruction of the duct in Sprague‐Dawley rats.
Elevated serum amylase activity, increased pancreatic oedema, and damage of the pancreatic tissue were significantly less marked in plasma kininogen‐deficient, B/N‐Katholiek rats than in the normal strain, B/N‐Kitasato rats 2 h after the ligation.
Obstruction of the pancreaticobiliary duct augmented the level of (1‐5)‐BK (Arg1‐Pro2‐Pro3‐Gly4‐Phe5), a stable BK metabolite, in the blood from 73.0±21.7 pg ml−1 at 0 h to 149.8±38.0 pg ml−1 at 2 h after the induction of pancreatitis in SD rats.
Administration of a BK B2 receptor antagonist, FR173657 (100 mg kg−1, p.o.) or Hoe140 (100 nmol kg−1, s.c.), reduced the elevation of amylase and lipase activities in the serum and of pancreatic water content in a dose‐dependent manner. The effective attenuation of oedema formation and vacuolization by the antagonists was also confirmed light‐microscopically. In contrast, treatment with gabexate mesilate or indomethacin did not cause significant suppression of the pancreatitis.
These findings suggest a possible involvement of kinin B2 receptor in the present pancreatitis model. Furthermore, they point to the potential usefulness of the B2 receptor in clinical acute pancreatitis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 29–36; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704462
CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A increases capsaicin‐evoked release of Substance P from the adult mouse spinal cord
Authors: Lever I J , Malcangio M 
Published: June 2006

Cannabinoids have an antinociceptive action in many pain models. We have investigated a possible modulatory role for Type 1 Cannabinoid receptors (CB1) on the release of excitatory transmitter Substance P from the adult mouse spinal cord after stimulation of nociceptor terminals by capsaicin. Capsaicin (0.1 – 10 μM) was applied to superfused cord sections and evoked a dose dependent release of SP above basal outflow of (23.36±2.96 fmol 8 ml−1). Maximum evoked SP release was obtained with 5 μM Capsaicin (262.4±20.8 fmol 8 ml−1). Higher capsaicin concentrations (50 – 100 μM) evoked less SP release. Superfusion of CB1 antagonist SR141716A (5 μM) increased evoked SP release with capsaicin (0.1 – 10 μM) and reversed the reducing effect of high dose capsaicin (100 μM). Antagonism of CB1 receptors in the spinal cord during capsaicin stimulation, is evidence of tonic CB1 activity inhibiting the release of excitatory transmitters after activation of nociceptive neurones and is also indicative of endocannabinoid production during noxious stimulation.British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 21–24; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704506
Characterization and selective inhibition of myristoyl-CoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase from Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major
Authors: Panethymitaki Chrysoula , Bowyer Paul W. , Price Helen P. , Leatherbarrow Robin J. , Brown Katherine A. , Smith Deborah F. 
Published: June 2006

The eukaryotic enzyme NMT (myristoyl-CoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase) has been characterized in a range of species from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Homo sapiens. NMT is essential for viability in a number of human pathogens, including the fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and the parasitic protozoa Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei. We have purified the Leishmania and T. brucei NMTs as active recombinant proteins and carried out kinetic analyses with their essential fatty acid donor, myristoyl-CoA and specific peptide substrates. A number of inhibitory compounds that target NMT in fungal species have been tested against the parasite enzymes in vitro and against live parasites in vivo. Two of these compounds inhibit TbNMT with IC50 values of &lt;1 μM and are also active against mammalian parasite stages, with ED50 (the effective dose that allows 50% cell growth) values of 16–66 μM and low toxicity to murine macrophages. These results suggest that targeting NMT could be a valid approach for the development of chemotherapeutic agents against infectious diseases including African sleeping sickness and Nagana.
Thoracic geometry changes during equine locomotion
Authors: Colborne G Robert , Allen Rebecca J , Wilson Rosanna JR , Marlin David J , Franklin Samantha H 
Published: June 2006

AbstractClassic descriptions of rib motion during ventilation include three-dimensional movements that are tied to the locomotor pattern. It is still not clear how chest wall and diaphragmatic movements contribute to ventilation. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate how gait affects local thoracic geometry in horses. Hemispherical markers were placed on the skin over the ribs and spine to calculate thoracic hemi-diameter. Ventilatory airflows were recorded using an ultrasonic flowmeter system. Airflow and kinematic data were collected synchronously at walk (1.8 m s-1), trot (4 m s-1), canter and gallop (6, 8 and 10 m s-1) on the treadmill. At walk and trot, the changes in right and left hemi-diameter were approximately symmetric. At walk, mean hemi-diameter changes were 40 mm (rib 10) and 47 mm (rib 16). At trot, they were 33 mm (rib 10) and 34 mm (rib 16). Across the three canter and gallop speeds, leading (right) side hemi-diameter change increased from 25 to 30 to 35 mm (rib 10) and from 23 to 37 to 46 mm (rib 16). The trailing (left) side hemi-diameter increased from 50 to 67 to 70 mm (rib 10) and from 36 to 48 to 54 mm (rib 16) (P≪0.01). At canter and gallop, the non-lead side of the thorax is subjected to larger amplitude changes in hemi-diameter than the lead side, which tends to be more compressed overall and demonstrates smaller amplitudes of change in diameter.
Survey on Use of and Attitudes Toward Influenza Vaccination Among Emergency Department Staff in a New York Metropolitan Hospital
Authors: Piccirillo Barbara , Gaeta Theodore 
Published: June 2006

Objective.Recognizing that the potential transmission of influenza virus would be concentrated at a hospital's primary point of entry, we determined rates of staff compliance with the influenza vaccination recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the Emergency Department (ED). We describe the basic knowledge concerning influenza transmission and factors influencing vaccination decisions among ED staff.Design.Cross-sectional study.Setting and Participants.A large urban teaching hospital. Participants included ED staff, visiting professionals from other departments, and emergency medical service personnel transferring patients to the hospital.Results.Of 230 surveys that were distributed, 200 were completed. One hundred one respondents (51%) were female. The overall influenza vaccination rate was 50%. Having had influenza previously was the most instrumental factor in whether or not a respondent chose vaccination (P<.001). Use of the Employees Health Services Free Vaccine Program (FVP) was a very important factor influencing whether ED staff sought influenza vaccination (P<.0001). Prior knowledge of the ACIP recommendations proved to be not statistically important (P = .03). A significant factor for respondents declining vaccination was the concern that illness could be caused by the vaccine (P<.0001). Variables such as sex of the respondents (P = .6714) and type of job (P = .3628) were not associated with vaccination.Conclusion.Despite ACIP recommendations, 50% of respondents did not receive an influenza vaccination. Misconceptions regarding influenza vaccine efficacy, concerns about adverse effects, and fear of contracting illness were significantly associated with noncompliance with vaccination. Variables that were important contributors to compliance with vaccination were prior influenza illness and services rendered by the FVP.
Outbreak ofSalmonella javianaInfection at a Children's Hospital
Authors: Elward Alexis , Grim Autumn , Schroeder Patricia , Kieffer Patricia , Sellenriek Patricia , Ferrett Rhonda , Adams Hilda Chaski , Phillips Virginia , Bartow Rhonda , Mays Debra , Lawrence Steven , Seed Patrick , Holzmann-Pazgal Galit , Polish Louis , Leet Terry , Fraser Victoria 
Published: June 2006

Objective.To determine the source of an outbreak of Salmonella javiana infection.Design.Case-control study.Participants.A total of 101 culture-confirmed cases and 540 epidemiologically linked cases were detected between May 26, 2003, and June 16, 2003, in hospital employees, patients, and visitors. Asymptomatic employees who had eaten in the hospital cafeteria between May 30 and June 4, 2003, and had had no gastroenteritis symptoms after May 1, 2003, were chosen as control subjects.Setting.A 235-bed academic tertiary care children's hospital.Results.Isolates from 100 of 101 culture-confirmed cases had identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. A foodhandler with symptoms of gastroenteritis was the presumed index subject. In multivariate analysis, case subjects were more likely than control subjects to have consumed items from the salad bar (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-12.1) and to have eaten in the cafeteria on May 28 (aOR, 9.4; 95% CI, 1.8-49.5), May 30 (aOR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.0-12.7), and/or June 3 (aOR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.3).Conclusions.Foodhandlers who worked while they had symptoms of gastroenteritis likely contributed to the propagation of the outbreak. This large outbreak was rapidly controlled through the use of an incident command center.
Abnormal lamellar granules in a case of CHILD syndrome
Authors: Ishibashi Masafumi , Matsuda Fumio , Oka Hiroshi , Ishiko Akira 
Published: June 2006

Background:A 32‐year‐old female had cutaneous and musculoskeletal changes consistent with congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects (CHILD) syndrome. She was born with the dysplastic, shortened right‐sided arm and leg. Erythematous, hyperkeratotic lesion occurred on the trunk initially and extended to the right‐sided arm and leg. Almost all area of her right‐side body except the head and neck was covered by the erythematous lesion with yellow waxy scales, and the distal end of the rudimentary leg showed a verrucous appearance.Methods and Results:The histology shared many features with verruciform xanthoma. Electron microscopy revealed vesicular structures in the intercellular spaces of the stratum corneum and vacuoles or vesicular structures in upper prickle cell layer. Some of them can be recognized as abnormal lamellar granules. Within the foamy cells in the papillary dermis, large vacuoles were found.Conclusion:These findings suggested that abnormal lipid metabolism involving lamellar granules may be responsible to the skin lesion of CHILD syndrome.
RARE EARTHS*
Authors: KREIDL NORBERT J. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTCerium oxide in glasses is the strongest oxidizing agent with respect to iron. In combination with neodymium oxide, which compensates the remaining hue, it represents the ideal decolorizer. Cerium oxide absorbs in the ultraviolet without affecting visible transmission. It is used as an enamel opacifier in France, Various other applications of the rare earths are listed, including those which are based on the abrupt division of the visible spectrum by the sharp absorption band of neodymium in the green.
Mass Transport in the Diffusional Creep of Ionic Solids
Authors: GORDON RONALD S. 
Published: June 2006

A mass transport equation which takes into account parallel diffusion paths for both anions and cations was derived and applied to the diffusional creep of polycrystalline ionic solids. From the results of the analysis, several limiting conditions were found for grain‐boundary‐ and lattice‐diffusion‐controlled kinetics. These conditions depend on temperature, grain size, and type and concentration of cation impurities. Examples of these limiting situations are given for the creep of polycrystalline Fe‐doped MgO and transition‐metal‐doped Al2O3.SummaryA mass transport equation which takes into account parallel diffusion paths for anions and cations was derived and applied to the diffusional creep of polycrystalline ionic solids. The effect of grain size and cation impurities of variable valence in solid solution on the relative contributions of lattice and grain‐boundary diffusion of different ionic species in polycrystalline MgO and Al2O3 was examined. Depending on the temperature, grain size, impurity level, and O2 partial pressure, several limiting conditions were found: Limit I: At very small grain sizes and reasonably small cation lattice diffusivities the creep rate will be controlled by the slower‐moving ion in the grain‐boundary regions (i.e. Coble creep). Limit II: For intermediate grain sizes and cation lattice diffusivities the creep rate will be controlled by cation lattice diffusion when anion transport is significantly faster near grain boundaries than in the lattice (i.e. Nabarro‐Herring creep). Limit III: For an appropriate combination of large grain size and high cation lattice diffusivity the creep rate will be controlled by anion boundary diffusion (i.e. Coble creep).Well‐defined examples of limits I and II have been observed in the creep of Fe‐doped polycrystalline MgO, and tentative evidence exists for limit III. Most results of studies of creep in polycrystalline Al2O3 (doped and undoped) fall within limit II, with some overlap with limit III.The model developed in the present work explains much of the data in the literature in which creep rates correspond to cation lattice mobilities. It is concluded that in the creep of polycrystalline ionic solids anion transport near grain boundaries is rapid and can, in some circumstances, be rate‐controlling. It should also be possible to apply this model to sintering and thermal‐grooving data for such systems, particularly for Al2O3, in which cation lattice diffusion is frequently observed to be rate‐controlling.32
Ionic Conductivity and Magnesium Vacancy Mobility in Magnesium Oxide
Authors: SEMPOLINSKI D. R. , KINGERY W. D. 
Published: June 2006

The dc conductivity and ionic transference number of MgO single crystals doped with Al, Fe, and Sc were measured as a function of temperature (1200° to 1600°C) and oxygen pressure (10−1 to 10−13 MPa). Magnesium oxide is a mixed conductor with its ionic component directly proportional to the trivalent solute concentration. The activation energy for ionic conduction equals 202 kj/mol and is independent of the specific trivalent solute used. This behavior results from a defect structure for a single trivalent solute for which the charge balance condition is 2[VMg'] =[IMg], where [VMg”] is the Mg vacancy concentration and [IMg] the trivalent solute concentration. At lower temperatures and high Sc concentrations, effects attributed to Sc ionvacancy association are observed. Ionic conduction results from Mg vacancy motion with a diffusion coefficient of VMg' given by
image

Deduced values of the Mg‐ion diffusion coefficient lead to the conclusion that the scatter in the published DMg data largely results from differences in impurity content.
Infection induced inflammation is associated with erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes
Authors: Blans M. C. A. , Visseren F. L. J. , Banga J. D. , Hoekstra J. B. L. , Van Der Graaf Y. , Diepersloot R. J. A. , Bouter K. P. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  In diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction is a major underlying cause. Infection‐induced inflammation may be associated with endothelial dysfunction. The goal of this study was to determine whether erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes is associated with infections of Chlamydia pneumoniae or cytomegalovirus and/or with low‐grade inflammation.Materials and methods  Diabetic patients, 57 with and 33 without erectile dysfunction, were enrolled in a case–control study. Both groups of patients consists of type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Serum antibodies against cytomegalovirus and C. pneumoniae and markers of inflammation, including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen, were measured.Results  Adjusted odds ratios for erectile dysfunction in cytomegalovirus IgG, C. pneumoniae IgG and C. pneumoniae IgA seropositive men were 2·4 (95%CI; 1·0–6·0), 3·0 (95%CI; 1·2–8·1) and 1·8 (95%CI; 0·7–4·6), respectively. Odds ratios for the highest tertiles of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen concentrations compared to the lowest tertile were 4·3 (95%CI; 1·4–13·1) and 6·6 (95%CI; 2·1–21·2), respectively.Conclusion  Elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein or fibrinogen serum levels and infection with cytomegalovirus or C. pneumoniae were associated with erectile dysfunction in diabetes. The relation between cytomegalovirus and erectile dysfunction is markedly present in patients with elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, suggesting a modifying effect by the inflammation.
Cardiac troponin I and ventricular arrhythmia in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Liu Z. , Cui L. , Wang Y. , Guo Y. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Both detectable serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and ventricular dysrhythmias are common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and are paralleled with the severity of the CHF. However, the relationship between serum cTnI and ventricular arrhythmia severity in patients with CHF remains unknown; the mechanism of the ventricular arrhythmia in the CHF patients also remains unclear.Materials and methods  The study group included 218 patients with CHF who had cTnI assay drawn at the time of initial presentation. Patients with acute myocardial infarction or myocarditis were excluded from the analysis. The patients were divided into two groups: cTnI‐positive with serum cTnI > 0·5 ng mL−1 (n = 98) and cTnI‐negative with serum cTnI ≤ 0·5 ng mL−1 (n = 120). The severity of ventricular dysrhythmias was assessed by 24‐h Holter monitoring, using prospectively defined measures of ventricular arrhythmic burden.Results  Prevalence of risk factors for ventricular dysrhythmias was equal in both groups. All measures of ventricular ectopy were much higher in patients of the cTnI‐positive groups. Mean hourly ventricular pairs (13·59 ± 10·3 vs. 11·1 ± 6·01, P = 0·027), mean hourly repetitive ventricular beats (26·01 ± 13·67 vs. 22·01 ± 13·56, P = 0·032), and the frequency of ventricular tachycardia episodes per 24 h (12·54 ± 16·68 vs. 7·68 ± 11·54, P = 0·012) were higher in patients with detectable cTnI levels. After inclusion of clinical variables and drug therapies in a multivariate analysis, the positive relationship between cTnI and the frequency of ventricular pairs (P = 0·03), repetitive ventricular beats (P = 0·037), and ventricular tachycardia (P = 0·03) remained independent. In multivariate logistic regression, the risk of developing ventricular tachycardia was higher in patients with detectable cTnI levels with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2·31 (95% CI, 1·22–2·65, P = 0·003).Conclusions  In patients with CHF, serum cTnI is closely related to increased occurrence of ventricular dysrhythmias and could identify a subgroup of patients with ventricular tachycardia. The minimal myocardial injury detected by serum cTnI might be the abnormal substrate for ventricular dysrhythmias.
TGF‐β1 generates a specific multicomponent extracellular matrix in human coronary SMC
Authors: Schmidt A. , Lorkowski S. , Seidler D. , Breithardt G. , Buddecke E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Transforming growth factor (TGF‐β1) is postulated to play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of arterial tissue and protection against development of arteriosclerosis. The TGF‐β1‐induced production of a stable extra‐cellular matrix‐rich plaque phenotype is suggested to be part of the protection against a switch to an unstable rupture‐prone arteriosclerotic plaque.Materials and methods  This study addresses the question of whether the expression profile and the type of extra‐cellular matrix (ECM) generated by TGF‐β1 stimulation have the structural feature of a fibril‐rich stable matrix. Seventeen genes codings for ECM components of human coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) after a 24‐h stimulation by TGF‐β1 have been analyzed.Results  Real‐time RT‐PCR was used to quantify the mRNA of genes under investigation. It was found that after TGF‐β1 stimulation (a) the up‐regulation of COL1A1‐specific mRNA was associated with increased [3H]proline incorporation into the α‐1 and ‐2 chains of collagen type I, (b) the up‐regulation of biglycan‐ and syndecan‐1‐specific mRNA corresponded to an increased [35S]sulphate and [4,5‐3H]leucine incorporation into the biglycan molecule and to an increase of syndecan‐1 protein, (c) the up‐regulated FGF‐2 gene accounted predominantly for the ECM‐bound subfraction of FGF‐2‐protein and (d) fibronectin and thrombospondin exhibited a significantly higher mRNA level. In contrast collagen XIV, a minor collagen type, and the proteoglycan decorin were down‐regulated. The down‐regulated decorin changed its structure by elongation and reduced GlcA to IdoA epimerization of the dermatan sulphate side‐chain as judged by [35S]sulphate metabolic labelling experiments. No significant changes in response to TGF‐β1 were observed for the collagen types III, VI and XVI, for versican, perlecan and the syndecans‐2 and ‐4.Conclusions  It was concluded from the data that the TGF‐β1‐induced formation of a highly specific multicomponent extra‐cellular matrix on coronary arterial SMCs could provide in vivo mechanical strength to the neointima in arteriosclerotic lesions and to the fibrous cap overlying the lipid core.
The immunology of parasite infections in immunocompromised hosts
Authors: EVERING T. , WEISS L. M. 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY Immune compromise can modify the severity and manifestation of some parasitic infections. More widespread use of newer immnosuppressive therapies, the growing population of individuals with immunocompromised states as well as the prolonged survival of these patients have altered the pattern of parasitic infection. This review article discusses the burden and immunology of parasitic infections in patients who are immunocompromised secondary to congenital immunodeficiency, malnutrition, malignancy, and immunosuppressive medications. This review does not address the literature on parasitic infections in the setting of HIV‐1 infection.