bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LIMITATION OF INFARCT SIZE BY ERYTHROPOIETIN IS ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSLOCATION OF Akt TO THE MITOCHONDRIA AFTER REPERFUSION
Authors: Kobayashi Hironori , Miura Tetsuji , Ishida Hideyuki , Miki Takayuki , Tanno Masaya , Yano Toshiyuki , Sato Takahiro , Hotta Hiroyuki , Shimamoto Kazuaki 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to determine the critical timing of Akt activation and its interaction with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in the mechanism of infarct size limitation by erythropoietin (Epo).
In an isolated, buffer‐perfused preparation, rabbit hearts were subjected to 30 min ischaemia/2 h reperfusion. Infusion of Epo (1 unit/mL) before ischaemia reduced infarct size from 36.6 ± 2.6% of the risk area to 15.4 ± 3.2%, whereas a 10‐fold higher dose of Epo infused for 65 min commencing 5 min before reperfusion failed to afford significant cardioprotection. The protection afforded by Epo pretreatment was abolished by coinfusion of 5 mmol/L LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) inhibitor. Infusion of Epo induced phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3b and p70s6 kinase before ischaemia and tended to enhance reperfusion‐induced phosphorylation of these protein kinases. Erythropoietin increased phospho‐Akt in the mitochondria and induced complex formation of Akt with adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), a major subunit of mPTP, upon reperfusion.
In another series of experiments, cardiomyocytes were isolated from rat hearts and loaded with Rhod‐2 to determine mitochondrial Ca2+ levels. Increases in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels following exposure to 1 mmol/L ouabain for 30 min were similar in untreated and Epo‐pretreated cells. However, ouabain‐induced hypercontracture was significantly suppressed from 45.1 ± 1.6 to 39.2 ± 1.9% by Epo.
In conclusion, activation of PI3‐K–Akt signalling before ischaemia is crucial for Epo‐induced myocardial protection and this protection may be achieved by complex formation of activated Akt with mPTP components upon reperfusion, leading to elevation of the threshold for opening of mPTP.
Histamine: Correlative studies in nucleus accumbens
Authors: Chronister R. B. , Palmer G. C. , Defrance J. F. , Sikes R. W. , Hubbard J. I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe role of histamine as a neurotransmitter has been the subject of considerable controvery. Recent evidence suggests it to be involved in such complex activities as arousal and affect. The purpose of the present study is to examine the possible source, function, and pharmacology of histamine in the nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain also implicated in complex activities such as affect. The anatomical studies suggest that the most probable source of the histamine in nucleus accumbens is the complex region lateral to the mammillary nuclei. These areas are the intercalated nucleus and the tuberomammillary nucleus (nuclei gemini hypothalami). To a lesser degree, the supramammillary complex may also contribute histamine‐containing axons to the accumbens area. Adenylate cyclase in the rabbit nucleus accumbens displayed activation in response to histamine agonists (histamine, 2‐Me‐histamine, and 4‐Me‐histamine). The action of the H1 antagonist promethazine was greater than the H2 antagonist metiamide in reducing enzyme activation by histamine and 2‐Me‐histamine. In contrast, metiamide was more potent than promethazine toward antagonism of the action of 4‐Me‐histamine. However, no additive effects were noted when agonists were added in combination. Based upon these data, it is suggested that activation of adenylate cyclase in the rabbit nucleus accumbens is mediated in part by mixed H1 and H2 receptors or cellular disruption reflects the loss of receptor specificity. Physiological studies demonstrated that the H2 agonist 4‐Me‐histamine had an inhibitory effect on the activity of neurons driven by stimulation of the fimbria. The magnitude of the effect was frequency dependent. The H1 agonist 2‐Me‐histamine had no significant effect. Iontophoretic application of 4‐Me‐histamine had minimal effect upon low frequency volleys (0.5 Hz) but had a pronounced effect upon higher frequency volleys (6.0 Hz). These effects were antagonized by metiamide. Iontophoretic application of metiamide alone produced an effect only upon the P component of the field response, which is also bicuculline sensitive. Bicuculline coadministration was also effective in antagonizing the 4‐Me‐histamine effect. The physiological data suggest that histamine works through H2 receptors in nucleus accumbens, perhaps by potentiating the effects of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Thus histamine in nucleus accumbens appears to function as a modulatory substance whose effect is dependent upon the activity of other transmitter and afferent systems.
Thalamic center for the lateral line system in the catfish Ictalurus nebulosus: Evoked potential evidence
Authors: Finger T. E. , Bullock T. H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBy means of evoked potential methods, a lateral line center in the thalamus of the bullhead catfish is here identified. The locus of this lateral line center corresponds to the mechanoreceptive thalamic zone and/or torothalamic tract identified by anatomical means. The thalamic lateral line area responds to acoustic stimuli as well as lateral line nerve shock but fails to respond to electroreceptor inputs that do cause responses in their special part of the midbrain torus semicircularis. The latency of the first peak of response to lateral line nerve shock, which is also the main response peak, is 30 ms for the thalamic zone compared to 15 ms for the earliest peak response in the mechanoreceptive part of the torus semicircularis. The thalamic response fatigues much more quickly than the toral response and has different dynamic properties to closely spaced stimulus pairs as well.
Whole‐blood interferon‐γ assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in an unselected Greek population
Authors: GEROGIANNI Irini , PAPALA Maria , KLAPSA Dimitra , ZINZARAS Elias , PETINAKI Efi , GOURGOULIANIS K. I. 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  Although QuantiFERON‐TB Gold (QFT‐G) has been approved for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), there are limited data regarding its performance in routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare QFT‐G ‘In Tube’ results, based on stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐specific antigens, with tuberculin skin test (TST) results in an unselected hospital‐based Greek population.Methods:  This was a prospective study of inpatients and outpatients in the University Hospital of Larissa, Greece. Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were collected and correlated to the QFT‐G ‘In Tube’ results. Agreement was tested using the Q‐test; kappa coefficient and confounding factors were adjusted for by univariate and multivariable logistic regression.Results:  Among the 191 patients with valid results for both tests, the concordance between the TST and the QFT‐G was 68.5%, with a kappa value of 0.38 (95% CI 0.2–0.5). In 27 (14.1%) patients with active tuberculosis, QFT‐G ‘In Tube’ yielded 85.1% positive results compared with 74% for the TST (P = 0.45).Conclusions:  Overall agreement between the QFT‐G ‘In Tube’ assay and the TST in this unselected hospital population was low, mainly due to discordant TST‐positive/QFT‐negative results.
Evaluation of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for Chlamydophila pneumoniae‐specific immunoglobulin M in acute respiratory tract infection
Authors: MIYASHITA Naoyuki , OUCHI Kazunobu , KAWASAKI Kozo , KOMURA Hayashi , KAWAI Yasuhiro , OBASE Yasushi , KOBASHI Yoshihiro , OKA Mikio 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  The study evaluated a newly developed ELISA (Hitazyme Chlamydophila pneumoniae) for detecting anti‐C. pneumoniae‐specific IgM antibody, by comparing the ELISA assay to a microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test and immunoblotting.Methods:  One hundred patients with acute respiratory tract infections (58 children and 42 adults) were enrolled in the study. Paired sera were obtained from all subjects for serological testing of C. pneumoniae.Results:  C. pneumoniae IgM positivity was observed in 36 (62.0%) children and 11 (26.1%) adults. However, MIF test or immunoblot revealed only four positive reactions in these patients. These four IgM‐positive patients were also positive by ELISA. A significant increase in IgG and/or IgA antibody titres in paired sera was observed in three of the four patients. Of the remaining 96 patients, no significant increase in IgG or IgA antibody titre in the paired sera was observed. To confirm the positive reactivity of ELISA, positive sera were also analysed by recombinant enzyme immunoassay. Forty‐three cases that were IgM‐positive only by ELISA were all negative by recombinant enzyme immunoassay and the ELISA results were considered to be false‐positives.Conclusions:  These results indicate that a newly developed ELISA for detecting anti‐C. pneumoniae‐specific IgM antibody frequently generates false‐positive findings in patients with acute respiratory tract infections, at the current cut‐off level. Further studies are needed to determine an appropriate cut‐off level and the possible causes of the false‐positive results in the ELISA.
Effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on oxidative stress status in pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: SEYEDREZAZADEH Ensiyeh , OSTADRAHIMI Alireza , MAHBOOB Soltanali , ASSADI Yagoob , GHAEMMAGAMI Jamal , POURMOGADDAM Masood 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  Increased production of reactive oxygen species secondary to phagocyte respiratory burst occurs in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The present study evaluated the efficacy of vitamin E–selenium supplementation on oxidative stress in newly diagnosed patients treated for pulmonary TB.Methods:  A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial including patients with newly diagnosed TB was conducted. The intervention group (n = 17) received vitamin E and selenium (vitamin E: 140 mg α‐tocopherol and selenium: 200 μg) and the control group (n = 18) received placebo. Both groups received standard anti‐TB treatment. Assessment of micronutrient levels, oxidative markers and total antioxidant capacity were carried out at baseline and 2 months after the intervention.Results:  Malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced in the intervention group (P = 0.01), while there was minimal reduction in the control group. The mean plasma level of total antioxidants was increased significantly (P = 0.001) in both the intervention and the control groups.Conclusion:  A 2‐month intervention with vitamin E and selenium supplementation reduces oxidative stress and enhances total antioxidant status in patients with pulmonary TB treated with standard chemotherapy.
Symptomatic ocular metastases in lung cancer
Authors: SU Hsuan‐Tsung , CHEN Yuh‐Min , PERNG Reury‐Perng 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  A survey was carried out of ocular manifestations of lung cancer.Methods:  A retrospective analysis was performed of all lung cancer patients diagnosed between 1991 and 2005 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.Results:  Sixteen lung cancer patients with symptomatic ocular metastases were identified. The incidence was less than 1%. The low incidence among these patients contrasts with previous reports of an incidence of about 6–7%, and suggests that most patients with ocular metastasis may be asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed. The most frequent ocular symptoms were changes in visual acuity. Metastases most frequently originated from adenocarcinomas and the choroids were the most common sites of metastases. Ten of the 16 ocular metastases were early events, identified prior to or at the initial diagnosis of the lung cancer. Only three of the 16 ocular metastatic events presented as solitary distant metastases.Conclusion:  Although symptomatic ocular metastases are rare, they should be considered in lung cancer patients presenting with alterations in visual acuity.
Analysis of gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells upon influenza virus infection and regulation by p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase
Authors: HAYASHI Shinichi , JIBIKI Itsuro , ASAI Yasukiyo , GON Yasuhiro , KOBAYASHI Tomoko , ICHIWATA Toshio , SHIMIZU Kazufumi , HASHIMOTO Shu 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  Airway epithelial cells, which are the initial site of influenza virus (IV) infection, participate in the inflammatory process through the expression of various genes. In this process, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) may be associated with the expression of many genes, but its precise role remains unknown.Methods:  A comprehensive analysis was performed of gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells upon IV infection, using an Affymetrix gene chip containing 12 000 genes. Regulation of gene expression by MAPK was also analysed.Results:  A total of 5998 genes were detected. Upon IV infection, 165 genes were upregulated and 49 of these were interferon‐stimulated genes. The functions of 129 genes, including 14 apoptosis‐related genes and 6 antiviral genes, were well characterized; however, those of 36 genes were unknown. The expression of 29 genes was inhibited either by SB 203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, or by CEP‐11004, a specific inhibitor of the c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) cascade, and the percentage inhibition by SB 203580 correlated with that by CEP‐11004, suggesting that p38 and JNK participate in a common downstream pathway involved in the regulation of gene expression. p38 MAPK‐ or JNK‐dependent genes were functionally classified into diverse categories.Conclusions:  Although further studies are needed to obtain a more complete understanding of gene expression and the role of MAPK in gene expression, the present results are important in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the response of bronchial epithelial cells to IV infection.
Prognostic factors of tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma—15 years experience
Authors: CHIN Chien‐Hung , HUANG Chao‐Cheng , LIN Meng‐Chih , CHAO Tung‐Ying , LIU Shih‐Feng 
Published: March 2008

Background and objectives:  Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the tracheobronchial tree is a rare tumour which displays a variable degree of clinical aggressiveness and malignancy. The relationship between the patient's prognosis and the tumour's histological features and clinical behaviour is uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify the clinicopathological features and analyse the outcomes of patients with this type of cancer.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung between 1991 and 2006 was conducted.Results:  The study comprised 15 patients. Higher histological grade tumours had a higher proportion of squamoid cells (P = 0.019); the tumours of patients with lymph node metastases also had a higher proportion of squamoid cells than did the tumours of patients without lymph node metastases (P = 0.015). Patients with early stage tumours (stage IA, IB, IIB) had better outcomes (10‐year survival rate = 87.5%), than did patients with late‐stage tumours (stage IIIB, IV) (1‐year survival rate = 28.6%; 2‐year survival rate = 0%, P = 0.001). Patients with lower‐grade tumours (grade 1 and grade 2) had better outcomes (1‐year survival rate = 80%; 5‐year survival rate = 57.1%) than did patients with higher‐grade tumours (grade 3) (1‐year survival rate = 20%, P = 0.035). Tumour staging was a significant independent predictor of survival on Cox proportional hazards analysis.Conclusions:  The proportion of squamoid cells on tumour histology may be an indicator of the level of tumour malignancy. Tumour, node, metastasis staging is a significant determinant of prognosis in patients with tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis found in healthy Japanese individuals
Authors: KISHI Kazuma , FUJII Takeshi , TAKAYA Hisashi , MIYAMOTO Atsushi , KUROSAKI Atsuko , KOHNO Tadasu , YOSHIMURA Kunihiko 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the south‐western USA. This study described the clinicopathological features of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis found in otherwise healthy Japanese individuals.Methods:  Four male patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis were assessed by clinical examination, serology, PCR assay, high‐resolution computed tomography and histopathological findings.Results:  All patients had returned to Japan from the USA and all presented with an abnormal CXR during routine assessment; two of the patients were symptomatic. High‐resolution computed tomography showed a well‐defined homogenous nodule or mass adjacent to the pleura. All patients underwent surgical wedge resection. Histopathological examination revealed encapsulated caseating epithelioid cell granulomas containing spherules and endospores. Serum IgG antibody was negative in all patients, but PCR assay using DNA from resected specimens demonstrated the presence of coccidioides‐specific DNA.Conclusions:  Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is very rare in Japan, but it can be found incidentally during routine evaluation. The main high‐resolution computed tomography findings are a well‐defined homogenous nodule adjacent to the pleura, reflecting the histological feature of encapsulated granulomas. PCR assay is useful for confirming the presence of coccidioides.
Effects of independent lung ventilation and lateral position on cytokine markers of inflammation after unilateral lung acid injury in dogs
Authors: BU XiaoNing , WANG Chen , CAO ZhiXin , PANG BaoSen , WANG Shuo 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to compare the effects of conventional ventilation, lateral (non‐injured lung‐dependent) position, asynchronous and synchronous independent lung ventilation on inflammatory markers in an animal model of unilateral lung acid injury.Methods:  Twenty‐eight dogs underwent unilateral endobronchial instillation with hydrochloric acid and randomly received (n = 7 in each group) conventional ventilation in the supine (group I) or lateral position (group II), and independent lung ventilation in asynchronous (group III) or synchronous (group IV) modes. Arterial blood gases and serum cytokine levels were assessed at baseline, and 5 min and 4 h after mechanical ventilation. At the end of the study, cytokine levels were measured in individual lung lavage fluid. In three animals per group, differential lung perfusion was detected using a dual‐head gamma camera.Results:  Unilateral acid injury alone worsened oxygenation as determined by the ratio of PaO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) and increased serum cytokine levels. Mean oxygenation (SD) was significantly preserved in group II, 338 (26); group III, 396 (28); and group IV, 395 (22) compared with group I, 173 (18) (all P < 0.01). Serum IL‐8, left‐lung lavage IL‐8 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels were significantly lower in groups II–IV (all P < 0.05). Only group I showed significantly different left and right lung lavage fluid cytokine levels. Groups III and IV showed slightly decreased left lung perfusion. Cytokine levels and oxygenation were similar in groups III and IV.Conclusions:  In this model of unilateral lung acid injury, lateral position and independent lung ventilation preserved oxygenation and attenuated the inflammatory response in serum and injured lung BAL fluid.
Association of β2‐adrenoreceptor genotypes with bronchodilatory effect of tiotropium in COPD
Authors: UMEDA Nobuaki , YOSHIKAWA Takahiro , KANAZAWA Hiroshi , HIRATA Kazuto , FUJIMOTO Shigeo 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective: Recently, there has been interest in interactions of β2adrenergic receptors (β2‐AR) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR), which share intracellular signal transduction systems. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether bronchodilator response to tiotropium is influenced by β2‐AR genotype in patients with COPD who show poor responsiveness to inhaled β2‐agonists.Methods: After a 4‐week run‐in period, patients with COPD were treated with inhaled tiotropium bromide (18 μg once daily) for 8 weeks. Spirometric measurements and reversibility testing with inhaled β2‐AR agonists were performed and health‐related quality of life was assessed using the St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) before and after treatment. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood and individual genotypes at amino acid 16 of the β2‐AR were examined.Results: Forty‐four patients with COPD completed the study. COPD patients with the Arg/Arg genotype (n = 22) had a significant increase in FEV1during treatment compared with those without the Arg/Arg genotype (n = 22) (FEV1,P = 0.009; FEV1%,P = 0.006). While all component and total scores on the SGRQ improved significantly in both genetic groups, changes in impact and total scores were significantly greater in patients with Arg/Arg compared with those without (total scores,P = 0.005; impact scores,P < 0.001).Conclusions: These findings indicate that the homozygous Arg/Arg genotype at amino acid 16 of the β2‐AR could affect bronchodilator response to tiotropium in patients with COPD with significant effects on health‐related quality of life.
Feasibility of functional magnetic resonance lung imaging in Australia with long distance transport of hyperpolarized helium from Germany
Authors: THIEN Francis , FRIESE Marlies , COWIN Gary , MAILLET Donald , WANG Deming , GALLOWAY Graham , BRERETON Ian , ROBINSON Philip J. , HEIL Werner , THOMPSON Bruce 
Published: March 2008

Background and objective:  MRI of the lung using hyperpolarized helium as an inhaled contrast agent has important research applications and clinical potential. Owing to the limited availability of hyperpolarized helium, this type of imaging has not been performed in the human lung outside of North America or Europe. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of imaging human lungs in Australia using hyperpolarized helium gas imported from Germany.Methods:  A Bruker 2‐Tesla whole‐body magnetic resonance scanner located in Brisbane, Australia was adapted with a helium‐3 radiofrequency transceiver coil. Helium‐3 was hyperpolarized to 72% in Mainz, Germany and airfreighted to Brisbane. The time taken for the journey was 32 h and scanning was performed 36–40 h after departure from Mainz, with an estimated polarization level of 44%. Procedures were developed to transfer 300 mL of the hyperpolarized helium to Tedlar bags filled with 700 mL of nitrogen. Healthy volunteers inhaled the 1 L helium/nitrogen mixture from FRC, and imaging was performed with a 10 s breathhold.Results:  Imaging showed very detailed and even ventilation of all regions of the lung with a good signal‐to‐noise ratio. No adverse effects of inhaling the gas mixture were noted.Conclusions:  This report of MRI of the human lung using hyperpolarized helium demonstrates the feasibility of long distance gas transport from Germany to Australia. This will help to facilitate research and clinical application of this innovative functional lung imaging technique.