bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenobarbital increases monkeyin vivonicotine disposition and induces liver and brain CYP2B6 protein
Authors: Lee Anna M , Miksys Sharon , Tyndale Rachel F 
Published: June 2006

CYP2B6 is a drug‐metabolizing enzyme expressed in the liver and brain that can metabolize bupropion (Zyban®, a smoking cessation drug), activate tobacco‐smoke nitrosamines, and inactivate nicotine. Hepatic CYP2B6 is induced by phenobarbital and induction may affectin vivonicotine disposition, while brain CYP2B6 induction may affect local levels of centrally acting substrates. We investigated the effect of chronic phenobarbital treatment on induction ofin vivonicotine disposition and CYP2B6 expression in the liver and brain of African Green (Vervet) monkeys.Monkeys were split into two groups (n=6 each) and given oral saccharin daily for 22 days; one group was supplemented with 20 mg kg−1phenobarbital. Monkeys were given a 0.1 mg kg−1nicotine dose subcutaneously before and after treatment.Phenobarbital treatment resulted in a significant, 56%, decrease (P=0.04) in the maximum nicotine plasma concentration and a 46% decrease (P=0.003) in the area under the concentration–time curve. Phenobarbital also increased hepatic CYP2B6 protein expression. In monkey brain, significant induction (P<0.05) of CYP2B6 protein levels was observed in all regions tested (caudate, putamen, hippocampus, cerebellum, brain stem and frontal cortex) ranging from 2‐fold to 150‐fold. CYP2B6 expression was induced in specific cells, such as frontal cortical pyramidal cells and thalamic neurons.In conclusion, chronic phenobarbital treatment in monkeys resulted in increasedin vivonicotine disposition, and induced hepatic and brain CYP2B6 protein levels and cellular expression. This induction may alter the metabolism of CYP2B6 substrates including peripherally acting drugs such as cyclophosphamide and centrally acting drugs such as bupropion, ecstasy and phencyclidine.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 786–794. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706787
Lysophosphatidylcholine reduces the organ injury and dysfunction in rodent models of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive shock
Authors: Murch Oliver , Collin Marika , Sepodes Bruno , Foster Simon J , Mota‐Filipe Helder , Thiemermann Christoph 
Published: June 2006

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) modulates the inflammatory response and reduces mortality in animal models of sepsis. Here, we investigate the effects of LPC from synthetic (sLPC) and natural, soy bean derived LPC, (nLPC) sources on the organ injury/dysfunction caused by systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PepG) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA).
Rats were subjected to (i) endotoxaemia (LPS 6 mg kg–1 i.v.) and treated with sLPC (1–100 mg kg−1), (ii) endotoxaemia and treated with nLPC (10 mg kg−1) or (iii) Gram‐positive shock (PepG 10 mg kg–1 and LTA 3 mg kg–1 i.v.) and treated with sLPC (10 mg kg−1).
Endotoxaemia or Gram‐positive shock for 6 h resulted in increases in serum makers of renal dysfunction and liver, pancreatic and neuromuscular injury.
Administration of sLPC, at 1 or 2 h after LPS, dose dependently (1–10 mg kg−1) reduced the organ injury/dysfunction. High doses of sLPC (30 and 100 mg kg−1) were shown to be detrimental in endotoxaemia. sLPC also afforded protection against the organ injury/dysfunction caused by Gram‐positive shock. nLPC was found to be protective in endotoxaemic animals.
The beneficial effects of sLPC were associated with an attenuation in circulating levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β).
In conclusion, LPC dose and time dependently reduces the organ injury and circulating IL‐1β levels caused by Gram‐negative or Gram‐positive shock in the rat. Thus, we speculate that appropriate doses of LPC may be useful in reducing the degree of organ injury and dysfunction associated with shock of various aetiologies.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 769–777. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706788
The orexin system regulates alcohol‐seeking in rats
Authors: Lawrence Andrew J , Cowen Michael S , Yang Hong‐Ju , Chen Feng , Oldfield Brian 
Published: June 2006

Orexin‐containing neurons have been implicated in feeding, sleep–wake cycles and more recently in drug‐seeking behaviour.
Pretreatment of alcohol‐preferring (iP) rats with an orexin1 receptor antagonist (SB‐334867, 20 mg kg−1, intraperitoneally) completely abolished an olfactory cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behaviour, and also attenuated alcohol responding under an operant fixed ratio regimen without affecting water responding.
The mRNA encoding orexin within the hypothalamus was expressed at a similar density in iP and non‐preferring (NP) rats; chronic consumption of ethanol in iP rats did not significantly regulate the density of this expression, but did increase the area of expression within the lateral, but not medial, hypothalamus.
These data indicate that while orexin may not be implicated in the development of an alcohol preference, re‐exposure of cues previously associated with alcohol availability is sufficient and adequate to activate orexin‐containing neurons and drive reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 752–759. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706789
Sequential Analysis of Deterrence Games with a Declining Status Quo
Authors: Carlson Lisa J. , Dacey Raymond 
Published: June 2006

The model developed in this paper provides a formal prospect theory account of Challenger's behavior in the traditional deterrence game played under sequential decision analysis. The model is used to analyze two basic claims commonly made in the international relations literature regarding the importation of prospect theory into the analysis of crisis games. These claims pertain to Challenger's behavior when the valuation of the status quo is positive and Challenger's behavior when the valuation of the status quo is negative. We model the traditional deterrence game between Challenger and Defender as a one-sided incomplete information game where Challenger is uncertain about Defender's preference ordering. We examine the behavior of Challenger under the condition that the status quo is declining, using a von Neumann—Morgenstern decision rule as specified by expected utility theory, and a Kahneman—Tverksy decision rule as specified by prospect theory. The formal results show that these claims do not hold unconditionally and must be stated more precisely. Furthermore, there exist conditions under which the claims are false. We show that in addition to specifying the valuation of the status quo and the value of the probability of loss, as per the claims, a fuller understanding of Challenger's behavior also requires a specification of Challenger's valuation of the status quo vis-à-vis the valuations of other major payoffs in the game. In so doing, we capture many of the details relevant to a more complete analysis of Challenger's behavior in the deterrence game.
Childhood death auditing to improve paediatric care
Authors: Krug Angelika , Patrick Mark , Pattinson Robert C. , Stephen Cindy 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Aim: Field‐testing a paediatric mortality audit system at eight sites in South Africa to assess its feasibility, to collect local data on common causes of death in children under 5 y, and to determine health system failure, missed opportunities of intervention and substandard care (modifiable factors). Methods: The study tested the Under‐5 Healthcare Problem Identification Programme (U5PIP). The sites represent different levels of paediatric healthcare. Study period: 1 September 2003–31 August 2004. Study population: Under‐5 patients admitted to study hospitals. Cases: Under‐5 patients who died in study hospitals. Results: In total, 1532 under‐5 deaths occurred, representing a case‐fatality rate of 7.8%. Main causes of death were lower respiratory tract infections (33%), gastroenteritis (15%) and septicaemia (12%). Sixty per cent of the deaths were HIV/AIDS related. Sixty‐nine per cent of children who died were underweight. Administrative modifiable factors were present in 31% of deaths. Clinical personnel‐related modifiable factors were detected in 26% at the clinic level and in 33–37% at the hospital level. Conclusion: The U5PIP is feasible for ongoing mortality reviews by paediatric teams as part of routine work. Information on common causes of death and modifiable factors in this study focus on the impact of HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and resource allocation, and can be used for interventions to improve paediatric healthcare.
Determinants of compliance with methylphenidate therapy in children
Authors: HUGTENBURG JACQUELINE G. , WITTE IVO , HEERDINK EIBERT R. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Aim: To get more insight into factors that influence compliance with the use of methylphenidate. Methods: 22 pharmacies detected children who used methylphenidate. Their parents were sent a questionnaire on the use of methylphenidate. In a case‐control study, the influence of patient‐ and drug‐related factors on compliance, as reported by parents, was determined. Results: Parents returned 117 (75%) of 157 questionnaires sent out. Of these, 47.8% of the children missed a dose two times a month or more. Forgetting to take the medication (87.9%) was the most important reason. The case‐control study showed that children of 16–18 y were more likely to miss doses. Other patient‐ and drug‐related factors did not influence the missing of doses. Conclusion: A number of known determinants for compliance do not influence the missing of doses of methylphenidate. With about 80% of the parents reporting that their child missed doses of methylphenidate less than 5 times per month, compliance was quite good for the majority of the children.
Analysis of Kawasaki disease showing elevated antibody titres of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: TAHARA MASAHIRO , BABA KIYOSHI , WAKI KENJI , ARAKAKI YOSHIO 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Aim: To elucidate a clinical difference between patients with Kawasaki disease documented with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection and patients with Kawasaki disease without Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection. Patients and methods: From January 1985 to July 2004, 452 patients were diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Forty‐two patients had elevated antibody titres of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and/or positive stool culture (Yersinia‐positive group). Three hundred and thirty patients had no elevated antibody titres (Yersinia‐negative group). We compared the clinical characteristics retrospectively. Results: The age of onset in the Yersinia‐positive group (3.05±2.20 y) was significantly higher than that in the Yersinia‐negative group (2.31±2.05 y) (p=0.03). The age‐adjusted statistical analysis demonstrated that the incidence of coronary artery lesions (dilatations plus aneurysms) in the Yersinia‐positive group (22/42, 52.4%) was significantly higher than in the Yersinia‐negative group (105/330, 31.8%) (p=0.001), and the incidence of additional administration of immunoglobulin in the Yersinia‐positive group (13/36, 36.1%) was significantly higher than in the Yersinia‐negative group (41/256, 16.0%) (p=0.004). Conclusion: Our data suggest that Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection might play a role in the developing mechanism of poor response to therapy and the tendency to develop coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease patients.
Successful management of primary hypomagnesaemia with high‐dose oral magnesium citrate: A case report
Authors: BIRCAN IFFET , TURKKAHRAMAN DOGA , DURSUN OGUZ , KARAGUZEL GULAY 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe report a 40‐d‐old female infant who presented to our clinic with afebrile generalized convulsive episodes due to severe hypomagnesaemia with secondary hypocalcaemia. Laboratory investigations revealed mild hypoparathyroidism, which was to return normal following magnesium (Mg) treatment, and normal fractional renal excretion of Mg (0.8%). After the diagnosis of primary hypomagnesaemia was established, the patient was discharged with oral Mg subcarbonate and intramuscular Mg sulphate. On regular follow‐up until the age of 4 y, the child was asymptomatic. Mean serum calcium levels remained normal, while mean serum Mg levels remained subnormal. During this 4‐y period, oral Mg dose was gradually increased while the doses and frequency of administration of parenteral Mg were decreased. Additionally, oral Mg subcarbonate was switched to Mg citrate because of its side effects. Finally, parenteral Mg was discontinued as the dosage of oral Mg supplementation reached a level of 90 mg/kg/d elemental Mg citrate, without any gastrointestinal side effects. Some screening tests were performed to evaluate the complications of chronic hypomagnesaemia. Bone age, bone densitometry, ECG and renal sonography were all normal. Our patient is now 5 y old and symptom free. Conclusion: Treatment with high doses of oral Mg was successful in keeping our patient symptom free and normocalcaemic, but cannot fully normalize serum Mg concentrations. Thus, during the regular follow‐up of patients with primary hypomagnesaemia, the main target must be to increase oral Mg supplementation to a dosage which can maintain normocalcaemia rather than normomagnesaemia.
Medical follow‐up visits in adults 5–25 years after treatment for childhood acute leukaemia, lymphoma or Wilms’ tumour
Authors: Arvidson Johan , Söderhäll Stefan , Eksborg Staffan , Björk Olle , Kreuger Anders 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Aim: One aspect of organizing medical follow‐up for adult survivors of childhood cancer is to determine to what extent the former patient experiences a need for health services. In the present paper, we studied how the healthcare needs, both subjectively and objectively, were fulfilled for our former patients. Methods: 335 survivors over 18 y of age, with a follow‐up time of more than 5 y after completion of therapy, were sent a questionnaire probing their present use of health services. Results: The response rate was 73%. A majority (60%) of the survivors had no regular follow‐up visits, and 42% of these reported that they missed not having one. More than one third were thus far dissatisfied with the follow‐up programme. Only 3% of those who had regular follow‐ups found them “unnecessary”. Complaints subjectively related to their diseases or treatments were reported by 47%. Out of all responders, 34% did not miss having regular follow‐up visits. Neither perceived disease‐related complaints nor radiation therapy was a predictor for having a scheduled follow‐up visit.Conclusion: In the absence of a long‐term follow‐up programme, many survivors were not receiving proper medical healthcare, whether from their perspective or from a professional one.
Quality of life in neurologically healthy children with urinary incontinence
Authors: GLADH GUNILLA , ELDH MONICA , MATTSSON SVEN 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Aim: To bring forward the arguments for active treatment of urine incontinence in otherwise healthy children, a quality‐of‐life (QoL) study was performed. Subjects and methods: A self‐rating QoL questionnaire, child‐adjusted and validated, was completed by 120 neurologically healthy children, aged 6–16 y, with urinary incontinence. Another 239 age‐matched children made up a control group. The two groups were compared both totally and in age‐related subgroups (6–8, 9–12, >12 y) concerning the index for all questions, for universal parts (without questions dealing with incontinence) as well as for specific key domains. Results: The patient group had a significantly lower index than the control group both with and without items related to incontinence (p <0.0001). Social situation, self‐esteem and self‐confidence were most influenced, particularly in the youngest children. Thirty‐one children (13%) of the control group reported incontinence and did not score their QoL as good as their continent peers but better than the study patients. Conclusion: From the quality‐of‐life aspects, the study supports active treatment of urinary incontinence in children already at younger ages.
Effect of aerosolized rhDNase (Pulmozyme®) on pulmonary colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Frederiksen Birgitte , Pressler Tacjana , Hansen Annelise , Koch Christian , Høiby Niels 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Background: Aerosolized recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase I (Pulmozyme®)) has previously been shown to increase pulmonary function and reduce exacerbations of respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with moderate to severe reduction in pulmonary function. Aim: To analyse whether aerosolized Pulmozyme® could reduce the number of bacterial infections in the lower respiratory airways of CF patients without chronic pulmonary infection. Methods: Patients were randomized either to aerosolized Pulmozyme® 2½ mg once daily or to no rhDNase treatment. The study period was 1 y, and the study was blinded for the Department of Clinical Microbiology. Results: Overall, the number of positive cultures was significantly higher in the untreated group (82%) compared with the treated group (72%) (p<0.05). The most striking difference was found for Staphylococcus aureus, with a prevalence of 30% in the untreated group compared with 16% in the treated group (χ2 test, p<0.0001). Pulmonary function (FEV1) in the treated group showed a significant increase of 7.3% compared to 0.9% in the untreated group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Long‐term DNase treatment was beneficial to CF patients without chronic lower respiratory tract infection, leading to reduced demand for antibiotics and to improved lung function.
The availability and accessibility of basic paediatric resuscitation equipment in primary healthcare centres: Cause for concern?
Authors: GNANALINGHAM MUHUNTHA G. , HARRIS GAYLE , DIDCOCK ELIZABETH 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Background: Paediatric emergencies in primary healthcare centres are serious events that occur more commonly than envisaged. However, at present, these centres appear to lack the training and equipment to manage common paediatric emergencies. Aim: To determine the availability and accessibility of basic resuscitation equipment in primary healthcare centres. Methods: A questionnaire survey of 27 primary healthcare centres within the Nottingham City region determined the availability and accessibility of basic paediatric resuscitation equipment and algorithms. Results: No practice had all 21 basic resuscitation items, with 59% of practices having ≤10 of these items. Only 11% of practices had all seven basic airway and breathing resuscitation items, with 52% of practices having ≤4 items. No practice had all eight basic items for circulation management, with 82% of practices having ≤4 of these items. Only two practices had all six basic drug items, with 85% of practices having ≤3 of these items. Only 26% of practices had algorithms for paediatric basic life support and common emergencies, and only 30% of practices kept their resuscitation equipment together. In the last 5 y, less than a fifth of general practitioners were trained in paediatric resuscitation. Conclusion: Primary healthcare centres appear to lack the training and equipment to manage common paediatric emergencies. We recommend standardization of equipment and algorithms, training and assessment of key personnel, and critical incident reporting within primary healthcare centres.
Familial idiopathic atrial fibrillation with fetal bradyarrhythmia
Authors: ABURAWI ELHADI , THOMSON JOHN , BLACKBURN MICHAEL 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA woman presented at 28 wk gestation with fetal bradycardia 50 bpm, which persisted until 42 wk when an asymptomatic male baby was delivered. Electrocardiograph at 3 wk of age documented an incessant atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response. He continued to be asymptomatic, but on follow‐up at 16 y of age, 24‐h Holter monitor showed a heart rate of 23 bpm and pauses of up to 6 s when a VVIR programme endocardial pacing system was employed. ECG carried out on his asymptomatic father showed intermittent atrial fibrillation, again with a slow ventricular response. Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation is extremely rare in children with normal cardiac structure. Most instances of fetal bradycardia are caused by congenital complete heart block. Other rare causes such as atrial fibrillation with fetal bradycardia need to be considered. This case might be a familial disorder and looks to have a good prognosis.
Toll‐like receptor signaling and IRF transcription factors
Authors: Honda Kenya , Taniguchi Tadatsugu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractInterferon regulatory factors (IRFs) were originally discovered in the context of type I interferon (IFN‐α/β) gene induction, and subsequent studies on these transcription factors have revealed their remarkable functional diversity in regulating immune systems. Indeed, the critical involvement of IRF members in innate and adaptive immune responses has recently gained much attention, particularly with the recent discovery of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and analyses of their critical functions in linking the innate and adaptive immune responses.
iubmb Life, 58: 290‐295, 2006
Stochastic proton pumping ATPases: From single molecules to diverse physiological roles
Authors: Nakanishi‐Matsui Mayumi , Futai Masamitsu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe discuss the most recent reports on two proton pumps, F‐ATPase (ATP synthase) and V‐ATPase (endomembrane proton pump). They are formed from similar extrinsic (F1 or V1) and intrinsic (Fo or Vo) membrane sectors, and couple chemistry and proton transport through subunit rotation for apparently different physiological roles. Emphasis is placed on the stochastic rotational catalysis of F‐ATPase and isoforms of V‐ATPase.
iubmb Life, 58: 318‐322, 2006
Cytosolic phospholipase A2: Biochemical properties and physiological roles
Authors: Shimizu Takao , Ohto Takayo , Kita Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPhosphatidylcholine (PC) is a major constituent of biological membranes and a component of serum lipoproteins and pulmonary surfactants. The PC and other glycerophospholipid compositions of membranes change dynamically through stimulus‐dependent and independent pathways, principally by the action of two different types of enzymes; phospholipase A2 [EC 3.1.1.4] and acyl‐CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferase [EC 2.3.1.23]. Phospholipase A2 is a key enzyme that catalyzes deacylation of the sn‐2 position of glycerophospholipids. This enzyme is critical in the remodeling of membrane lipids and formation of two subclasses of lipid mediators, fatty acid derivatives and lysophospholipids. Among many different subtypes of phospholipase A2 enzymes, we found that cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) is important in various pathological and physiological responses. Here, we summarize the phenotypes resulting from genetic ablation of cPLA2α, and the properties of newly discovered enzymes in the cPLA2 family. Comprehensive analysis of lipid mediators using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is useful for understanding the roles of individual mediators in physiological and pathological processes.
iubmb Life, 58: 328‐333, 2006