bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Unilateral Perinatal Hypoxic‐Ischemic Brain Injury in the Rat on Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptors and Uptake Sites: A Quantitative Autoradiographic Study
Authors: Przedborski Serge , Kostic Vladimir , Jackson‐Lewis Vernice , Cadet Jean Lud , Burke Robert E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of a unilateral perinatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury on dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and uptake sites was investigated in rats by using in vitro quantitative binding autoradiography, 2–3 weeks after the insult. We observed significant decreases in the Bmax and KD for [3H]SCH 23390‐labeled D1 and in the Bmax for [3H]spiperone‐labeled D2 receptors in the lesioned caudate‐putamen in rats with moderate brain injury (visible loss in hemispheric volume ipsilateral to the injury) compared with the nonlesioned contralateral caudate‐putamen or with control rats. Changes in [3H]SCH 23390 and [3H]spiperone binding predominated in the dorsolateral part of the lesioned caudate‐putamen. Pronounced reduction in [3H]SCH 23390 binding was also observed in the substantia nigra pars reticulata on the side of the lesion. In contrast, we did not observe any significant change in Bmax or KD for [3H]mazindol‐labeled dopamine uptake sites. Similarly, no significant changes in the levels of dopamine or its metabolites were found on the side of the lesion. The observed reductions in striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are a reflection of striatal cell loss induced by the hypoxic‐ischemic injury. The absence of changes in [3H]mazindoI binding or dopamine levels in the lesioned caudate‐putamen indicates that the dopaminergic presynaptic structures are preserved.
Influence of Bradykinin on Diacylglycerol and Phosphatidic Acid Accumulation in Cultured Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells
Authors: Owen P. Jane , Boarder Michael R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEarlier studies have shown that bradykinin stimulated release of catecholamines from chromaffin cells by an influx of calcium through dihydropyridine‐insensitive channels, and also that bradykinin stimulated (poly)phos‐ phoinositide hydrolysis. To investigate membrane‐bound second messengers in chromaffin cells, and to elucidate any role these may play in stimulus‐secretion coupling, we have studied the influence of bradykinin on diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid (PA). Using equilibrium labelling of primary cultures of chromaffin cells with [3H]arachidonic acid or [3H]glycerol, we found no influence of bradykinin (10 nM) on labelled diacylglycerol formation, either in the presence or absence of inhibitors of diacylglycerol lipase or kinase. However, when we used cells prelabelled with 32Pi for 2.5 h we found that bradykinin produced a substantial stimulation of label found in PA, with an EC50 value of about 1 nM. This bradykinin stimulation of [32P]PA formation was only partially dependent on extracellular calcium, in contrast to the smaller response to nicotine, which was completely dependent on extracellular calcium. Short (10 min) pretreatment with tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) almost completely eliminated the bradykinin‐stimulated formation of inositol phosphates, but failed to affect bradykinin stimulation of label in PA, suggesting that PA production in response to bradykinin is not downstream of phospholipase C activation. TPA alone failed to stimulate [32P]PA substantially, whereas long‐term (24 or 48 h) treatment with TPA failed to attenuate the response to bradykinin. Diacylglycerol kinase inhibitors were also without effect on the bradykinin stimulation of [32P]PA. These results suggest that bradykinin stimulates PA production by a mechanism independent of the activation of protein kinase C. A preliminary indication that G proteins may be involved was suggested by the observation that AIF4 stimulates [32P]PA accumulation whereas N‐ethylmaleimide inhibits bradykinin‐stimulated [32P]PA accumulation.
Protein Phosphorylation in Bovine Adrenal Medullary Chromaffin Cells: Histamine‐Stimulated Phosphorylation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase
Authors: Bunn S. J. , Harrison S. M. , Dunkley P. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHistamine can cause the release of catechol‐amines from bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells by a mechanism distinct from that of the depolarizing agents nicotine or high K+ buffer. It was the aim of this study to determine the protein phosphorylation responses to histamine in these cells and to compare them with those induced by depolarization. A number of proteins showed increases in phosphorylation in response to histamine especially when analyzed on two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel elec‐trophoresis or by phosphopeptide mapping; one protein of 20,000 daltons was markedly dephosphorylated. Emphasis was given to the effects of histamine on tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH) phosphorylation, because this protein showed the most prominent changes on one‐dimensional gels. Histamine acted via H1 receptors to increase TOH phosphorylation; the response was blocked by the H1 antagonist mepyr‐amine and could be mimicked by the H1 agonist thiazolyl‐ethylamine, but not by the H2 agonist dimaprit. The H3 agonist (R)α‐methylhistamine increased TOH phosphorylation at high concentrations, but the response was blocked entirely by mepyramine. Histamine rapidly increased the phosphorylation of TOH, with a maximum reached within 5s and maintained for at least 30 min. This was in marked contrast to nicotine‐stimulated protein phosphorylation of TOH, which was rapidly desensitized. The initial phosphorylation response to histamine was independent of extracellular Ca2+ for at least 3 min, but the sustained response required extracellular Ca2+. This was in contrast to the situation with both nicotine and high K+ buffer, which under the conditions used here caused a response which was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ at all times investigated. In the presence of histamine, the phosphopeptide profiles for TOH were essentially the same with or without Ca2+, suggesting that the same protein kinases were involved, but at longer times there was evidence of new phosphorylation sites. The mechanism or mechanisms whereby histamine modulates TOH phosphorylation are discussed with emphasis on the differences from depolarizing agents.
Synergistic Interaction of Muscarinic and Opioid Receptors with Gs‐Linked Neurotransmitter Receptors to Stimulate Adenylyl Cyclase Activity of Rat Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Olianas Maria C. , Onali Pierluigi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe reported previously that in homogenates of rat olfactory bulb muscarinic and opioid receptor agonists stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity. In the present study we show that carbachol (CCh) and Leu‐Enkephalin act synergistically with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), but not with /‐isoproterenol, in increasing cyclic AMP formation. The synergistic interaction consists of an increase in the maximal a0denylyl cyclase activation without a significant change in the potency of each agonist. CCh also fails to affect 125ICRH binding to olfactory bulb membranes. The synergism requires micromolar concentrations of GTP. Substitution of the stable GTP analog guanosine 5′‐O‐(3′‐thiotriphosphate) for GTP allows the CRH stimulation, but abolishes the CCh enhancement of both basal and CRH‐stimulated enzyme activities. Moreover, in vivo treatment of olfactory bulbs with pertussis toxin completely prevents the muscarinic and opioid effects. Thus, the synergistic interaction appears to result from opioid‐ and muscarinic‐induced activation of a pertussis toxin‐sensitive GTP‐binding protein which may potentiate the adenylyl cyclase stimulation by the stimulatory GTP‐binding protein activated by either VIP or CRH receptors.
A Review of Children's, Teachers' and Parents' Influences on Children's Drawing Experience
Authors: Rose Sarah E. , Jolley Richard P. , Burkitt Esther 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this article we argue that research into children's drawings should consider the context in which drawing occurs and that it is crucial to investigate the attitudes and practices of teachers, parents and children themselves that shape children's drawing experience and the drawings which they produce. We review the findings of seven empirical studies reporting data collected through direct observations, interviews and questionnaires from the three main players (teachers, parents and children) on the attitudes and practices shaping children's drawing. Issues covered include teachers' perceptions of the purposes and importance of drawing, support offered by teachers, parents and children for children's drawing endeavours, and possible factors that may lead to an age‐related decline in the amount of drawing children choose to do.We end the review by reporting some preliminary findings from our own large‐scale interview and survey study of 270 5–14 year old children, their parents and teachers, that provides a comprehensive assessment of attitudes and practices influencing children's drawing experience at home and at school. The findings provide further insight into the aforementioned issues, particularly children's, teachers' and parent's explanations of why children's drawing behaviour might decline with age. It is hoped that by reporting these preliminary findings some additional understanding of the context in which children produce their drawings can be gained and new areas for debate opened up.
Role of anticyclic citrullinated peptide 2 assay in long‐standing rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: NG Kristine P. , AUSTIN Paul , AMERATUNGA Rohan , McQUEEN Fiona 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground:  The anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibody test is a new serological marker with high specificity for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Aims:  This study evaluated the frequency of anti‐CCP antibodies in comparison to rheumatoid factor (RF) in a group of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis.Methods:  Samples were obtained from 106 patients with established RA and non‐RA inflammatory polyarthritis. Anti‐CCP (second generation assay – INOVA) and RF antibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patient demographics, disease duration and clinical diagnosis were obtained.Results:  Fifty‐five patients had established RA and the remaining 51 had non‐RA inflammatory polyarthritis. The sensitivity of the anti‐CCP2 assay for a diagnosis of RA was 73% compared with 56% for RF. In the RA group, half the RF negative patients (12/24) tested positive for anti‐CCP. The specificity of anti‐CCP was extremely high at 98% compared with RF at 94%. In the non‐RA group, only one patient with lupus tested positive for anti‐CCP compared with three who were RF positive (all of whom also had lupus).Conclusion:  The second generation anti‐CCP assay was more sensitive and specific than RF for a diagnosis of RA in this population. This test may improve accuracy of diagnosis in patients with long‐standing polyarthritis.
Profile of opportunistic infections among patients on immunosuppressive medication
Authors: REDDY Srinivas , WANCHU Ajay , GUPTA Vaishali , BAMBERY Pradeep 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground:  The widespread use of immunosuppressives in treating systemic autoimmune disorders has resulted in opportunistic infections (OIs) following such therapy. Current data regarding the possibility of infection due to these drugs or from the primary disease, per se, is conflicting.Objectives:  We aimed to analyse the profile of patients requiring hospitalization for OIs among those being treated with glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive agents as part of management of systemic autoimmune disorders and to analyse the host factors in relation to OIs.Method:  In this descriptive analysis, all patients hospitalized the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, under medicinal units for OIs that occurred following and during treatment with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents for treatment of systemic autoimmune disorders from February 2002 to January 2003, were studied. All hospitalized patients received antibiotics according to the nature of infection and sensitivity reports. All relevant clinical details were recorded in a standard pro forma. Descriptive statistics were used. The Institute Ethics Committee's permission was secured prior to study commencement.Results:  Nineteen patients (16 female) were admitted because of OIs. Their mean age (± SD) was 37.32 (± 19.9) years. Ten patients had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), two had SLE with overlap, five had rheumatoid arthritis, and one each had vasculitis and scleroderma with polymyositis. There were 28 infections. One (5.3%) patient had four infections, one (5.3%) had three, six (31.6%) had two, nine (47.4%) had one, and in two (10.5%) patients the infection was not localized. Of the 19 cases, 10 (52.6%) received > 10 mg of prednisolone each day (median = 1130 mg). The remaining nine (47.4%) were on < 10 mg prednisolone each day (median = 880 mg). Methylprednisolone was given to two (6.3%) patients. Bacteria accounted for most of the infections. There were two fungal infections and one patient each with tuberculosis and peritonitis. Infections occurred predominantly in the chest, urine and skin. Septicemia was diagnosed in three patients. There were two deaths, one each with SLE and rheumatoid arthritis.Conclusion:  Since infections can occur at low doses of corticosteroids, we suggest that these disorders may be, per se, responsible for an increased risk of infection.
A refractory case of dermatomyositis complicated with multiple brain abscesses
Authors: MARUOKA Hiroshi , KOGA Takeharu , JINNNOUCHI Yoshikazu , HONDA Seiyo , TAKEO Masaaki , YUGE Kentaro , FUKUDA Takaaki , AIZAWA Hisamichi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe describe a 48‐year‐old woman with dermatomyositis complicated with interstitial pneumonia. The pulmonary lesion was refractory; however, several therapeutic regimens such as steriod pulse therapy or gamma globulin and cyclophosphamide, resolved the situation. Later she developed multiple brain abscesses thought to be responsible for immune depression; prolonged antimycotic therapy brought dramatic improvement. Brain abscess is a rare complication in such immuno‐compromised cases; attention should be given to the possibility of deep mycosis, especially brain abscess.
Intravenous pamidronate in the treatment of sternoclavicular hyperostosis
Authors: LU T. Y.‐T. , KWIATEK R. , LIMAYE Vidya 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) is a rare clinical entity in which osteosclerosis and osteolysis are consistent radiological findings. We present a patient with SAPHO syndrome manifesting as painful sternoclavicular hyperostosis treated successfully with pamidronate. For the first time, a reduction in isotope bone scan activity was documented in parallel to a favourable clinical response. Bisphosphonates have potent antiosteoclastic and anti‐inflammatory effects. By virtue of their dual effects on bone remodelling and inflammation, they seem an appropriate therapy in the management of SAPHO syndrome. This case demonstrates the efficacy of pamidronate, both clinically and radiologically, as first line therapy for patients with isolated hyperostosis.
Resolution of skin fibrosis and joint contractures in aggressive diffuse systemic sclerosis using autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: ANANDACOOMARASAMY Ananthila , MOORE John , MCGILL Neil , MANOLIOS Nicholas , ENGLERT Helen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe use of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has now expanded beyond the domain of haematological diseases. Increasingly, the benefits of intense immunosuppression in the management of severe autoimmune diseases are being recognized. In diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc), there has been increasing evidence of the efficacy of HSCT in improving morbidity and mortality. We present the first Australian patient to undergo autologous HSCT for SSc and review the current literature in the use of HSCT in SSc. Remarkably, the patient had complete resolution of skin disease (modified Rodnan skin score 27/51–0/51), tenosynovitis, synovitis and myositis.
Hereditary sensory neuropathy type I
Authors: OWLIA M. B. , SOLEIMANI H. , HADDAD H. R. , DAVATCHI F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHereditary sensory neuropathy type I (HSN‐I) is a rare genetic disorder that usually begins in childhood, predominantly affecting the peripheral nerves of the lower limbs, and occasionally also those of the upper extremities. Foot deformities such as pes cavus, pes planus, sensory loss, painless injuries or burns, recurrent foot ulceration resulting in osteonecrosis and osteolysis subsequently necessitate amputations. Herein, we describe a 45‐year‐old man with progressive foot ulceration and self‐amputation during previous 20 years. The diagnosis of HSN was made because of a typical clinical pattern and similar occurrence in his brother. Laboratory investigations showed peripheral sensory neuropathy and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Prevalence of Perceived Dysphonia in a Geriatric Population
Authors: Golub Justin S. , Chen Po‐Hung , Otto Kristen J. , Hapner Edie , Johns Michael M. 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVES: To characterize geriatric dysphonia, including its prevalence, quality‐of‐life impairment, and association with overall health status.DESIGN: A validated survey‐based study of geriatric dysphonia.SETTING: An independent living facility for geriatric individuals.PARTICIPANTS: The entire population of residents at the facility was offered the survey. The inclusion criterion was aged 65 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Two survey‐based measures were used to characterize dysphonia: a direct question asking whether participants had problems with their voice and a voice‐related quality‐of‐life (V‐RQOL) measure. In addition, participants were administered the 12‐item Medical Outcomes Study Short Form survey, U.S. version 2.0, a concise survey designed to evaluate overall health status.RESULTS: The prevalence of dysphonia was 20%. More than 50% of patients with voice problems incurred significant quality‐of‐life impairment resulting from their dysphonia as measured using V‐RQOL scores. The mean total V‐RQOL score±standard deviation was 89±20. Finally, general health measures did not reflect V‐RQOL.CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of voice problems in older people, with a large proportion having significantly impaired quality of life related to their dysphonia. General health measures do not reflect V‐RQOL, and many individuals may wrongly attribute dysphonia to age‐related change alone. Administration of validated instruments for assessing dysphonia is encouraged, because direct questions regarding voice difficulties may not be sensitive to the severity of vocal impairment.
Initial Evaluation of a Technique for Complete Cecal Bypass in the Horse
Authors: SYMM WILLIAM A. , NIETO JORGE E. , VAN HOOGMOED LINDA , SNYDER JACK R. 
Published: October 2006

Objective— To describe a novel stapling technique for creation of a complete cecal bypass, without ileal transection in horses.Study Design— Experimental study.Animals— Four adult horses.Methods— Through a ventral median celiotomy, jejunocolostomy was made with an intraluminal anastomosis device (ILA‐100) and oversewn with a Cushing pattern to reinforce the staple line. Immediately distal to the anastomosis, 4 rows of staples were applied using a thoracoabdominal stapling device (TA‐90) to occlude the lumen of the distal jejunum and proximal ileum. Necropsy exams were performed at least 60 days after surgery.Results— No intraoperative complications occurred. Cecal bypass was functional in all horses at necropsy. The most oral staple line across the ileum partially failed in 1 horse; however cecal bypass was functional.Conclusions— Complete cecal bypass without ileal transection is a viable alternative to traditional methods of complete cecal bypass. Two sets of staple lines across the ileum are recommended. Longer term follow‐up is warranted before clinical use of this technique.Clinical Relevance— Cecal bypass without ileal transection is technically simple and effectively bypasses the cecum. It also should intuitively require less time and have a reduced risk of contamination compared with complete cecal bypass with ileal transection.
Achieving targets for bone and mineral metabolism: The impact of cinacalcet HCl in clinical practice
Authors: SPIEGEL David M. , CASEY Lynn , BELL Susan , PARKER Michelle , CHONCHOL Michel 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAchieving the K/DOQI targets for bone and mineral metabolism has proven difficult with the use of vitamin D analogues and phosphate binders. The introduction of cinacalcet HCl provided a new tool with a novel therapeutic mechanism of action. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the introduction of combination algorithm for managing secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) on phosphorus, calcium, and biointact parathyroid hormone (PTH). The 61 patients who dialyzed in the facility from January 2004 (baseline) and who remained in the facility as of April 2005 (follow‐up) were included in the study. In the baseline period, 37 (61%) of the patients received paricalcitol at some time during the 3‐month observation period. In the follow‐up period, 19% or 31% of the patients received cinacalcet HCl. Of those not receiving cinacalcet HCl, 67% had PTH at or below target, 17% were felt to be noncompliant with oral meds, 7% had low calcium, and 10% either could not get the medication or were not switched to the combination pathway. Compared with the baseline period, the percent of patients who met the PTH target increased from 19.7% to 37.7%, p<0.05. The percent of patients meeting all 4 targets increased from 14.8% to 24.6%, although this did not reach statistical significance. The introduction of cinacalcet HCl into a treatment algorithm for management of SHPT resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of patients achieving the PTH target while maintaining the other mineral metabolism targets.