bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic processing of collagen IV by MMP‐2 (gelatinase A) affects neutrophil migration and it is modulated by extracatalytic domains
Authors: Monaco Susanna , Sparano Valentina , Gioia Magda , Sbardella Diego , Di Pierro Donato , Marini Stefano , Coletta Massimo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractProteolytic degradation of basement membrane influences the cell behavior during important processes, such as inflammations, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and allergic diseases. In this study, we have investigated the action of gelatinase A (MMP‐2) on collagen IV, the major constituent of the basement membrane. We have compared quantitatively its action on the soluble forms of collagen IV extracted with or without pepsin (from human placenta and from Engelbreth–Holm–Swarm [EHS] murine sarcoma, respectively). The catalytic efficiency of MMP‐2 is dramatically reduced in the case of the EHS murine sarcoma with respect to the human placenta, probably due to the much tighter packing of the network which renders very slow the speed of the rate‐limiting step. We have also enquired on the role of MMP‐2 domains in processing collagen IV. Addition of the isolated collagen binding domain, corresponding to the fibronectin‐like domain of whole MMP‐2, greatly in hibits the cleavage process, demonstrating that MMP‐2 interacts with collagen type IV preferentially through its fibronectin‐like domain. Conversely, the removal of the hemopexin‐like domain, using only the catalytic domain of MMP‐2, has only a limited effect on the catalytic efficiency toward collagen IV, indicating that the missing domain does not have great relevance for the overall mechanism. Finally, we have investigated the effect of MMP‐2 proteolytic activity ex vivo. MMP‐2 action negatively affects the neutrophils' migration across type IV coated membranes and this is likely related to the production of lower molecular weight fragments that impair the cellular migration.
Dynamics of the SPRY domain–containing SOCS box protein 2: Flexibility of key functional loops
Authors: Yao Shenggen , Liu Ming S. , Masters Seth L. , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Babon Jeffrey J. , Nicola Nicos A. , Nicholson Sandra E. , Norton Raymond S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe SPRY domain was identified originally as a sequence repeat in the dual‐specificity kinase splA and ryanodine receptors and subsequently found in many other distinct proteins, including more than 70 encoded in the human genome. It is a subdomain of the B30.2/SPRY domain and is believed to function as a protein–protein interaction module. Three‐dimensional structures of several B30.2/SPRY domain–containing proteins have been reported recently: murine SSB‐2 in solution by NMR spectroscopy, a Drosophila SSB (GUSTAVUS), and human PRYSPRY protein by X‐ray crystallography. The three structures share a core of two antiparallel β‐sheets for the B30.2/SPRY domain but show differences located mainly at one end of the β‐sandwich. Analysis of SSB‐2 residues required for interactions with its intracellular ligands has provided insights into B30.2/SPRY binding specificity and identified loop residues critical for the function of this domain. We have investigated the backbone dynamics of SSB‐2 by means of Modelfree analysis of its backbone 15N relaxation parameters and carried out coarse‐grained dynamics simulation of B30.2/SPRY domain–containing proteins using normal mode analysis. Translational self‐diffusion coefficients of SSB‐2 measured using pulsed field gradient NMR were used to confirm the monomeric state of SSB‐2 in solution. These results, together with previously reported amide exchange data, highlight the underlying flexibility of the loop regions of B30.2/SPRY domain–containing proteins that have been shown to be important for protein–protein interactions. The underlying flexibility of certain regions of the B30.2/SPRY domain–containing proteins may also contribute to some apparent structural differences observed between GUSTAVUS or PRYSPRY and SSB‐2.
Diabetes mellitus: anaesthetic management*
Authors: Robertshaw H. J. , Hall G. M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAs the incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to increase in the United Kingdom, more diabetic patients will present for both elective and emergency surgery. Whilst the underlying pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes differs, there is much good evidence that controlling the blood glucose to > 10 mmol.l−1 in the peri‐operative period for both types of diabetic patients improves outcome. This should be achieved with a glucose–insulin–potassium regimen in all type 1 diabetics and in type 2 diabetics undergoing moderate or major surgical procedures. After surgery, a decrease in the catabolic hormone response resulting from good analgesia and the avoidance of nausea and vomiting should allow early re‐establishment of normal glycaemic control.
The anaesthetist and the cardiac catheterisation laboratory
Authors: Reddy K. , Jaggar S. , Gillbe C. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryInterventional cardiology is an innovative and expanding field. Anaesthetists are increasingly involved in managing complex congenital and acquired heart lesions in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. This article provides an overview of common lesions encountered in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, the anaesthetic management of patients with congenital and acquired heart lesions, the procedures performed and the complications encountered during such procedures.
Continuous cervical plexus block for carotid body tumour excision in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome
Authors: Jones H. G. , Stoneham M. D. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryA patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome presented for removal of a carotid body tumour. Continuous cervical plexus blockade was successfully used to provide peri‐operative and postoperative analgesia. The risks and benefits of regional and general anaesthesia in this high risk patient are discussed.
Expired gas backflow in oxygen delivery tubing
Authors: Coe A. J. , Wilson M. , Maithani N. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryUsing capnography, we investigated the backflow of expired gas into oxygen delivery tubing in 18 sedated patients receiving supplementary oxygen via a disposable facemask during spinal anaesthesia. At 5 cm from the mask, with an oxygen flow of 2 l.min−1, carbon dioxide was detected in the oxygen delivery tubing of three patients (18%) on coughing. With the patient wearing the facemask but the oxygen tubing disconnected from the oxygen source, carbon dioxide was detectable 1 m from the facemask (i.e. at the fresh gas outlet) in 14 patients. In a second group of 20 similar patients, no carbon dioxide was detected sampling at the fresh gas outlet with flows of 2 and 4 l.min−1. Assuming that detection of carbon dioxide indicates at least the possibility of contamination, oxygen tubing should be strictly single‐use in this setting. Our findings suggest that filters are not required to protect gas supply outlets, provided that the patient's facemask is removed when the fresh gas outlet is disconnected.
The effect of additional teaching on medical students' drug administration skills in a simulated emergency scenario
Authors: Degnan B. A. , Murray L. J. , Dunling C. P. , Whittlestone K. D. , Standley T. D. A. , Gupta A. K. , Wheeler D. W. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryMedical students have difficulty calculating drug doses correctly, but better teaching improves their performance in written tests. We conducted a blinded, randomised, controlled trial to assess the benefit of online teaching on students' ability to administer drugs in a simulated critical incident scenario, during which they were scored on their ability to administer drugs in solution presented as a ratio (adrenaline) or percentage (lidocaine). Forty‐eight final year medical students were invited to participate; 44 (92%) attended but only nine of the 20 students (45%) directed to the extra teaching viewed it. Nevertheless, the teaching module significantly improved the students' ability to calculate the correct volume of lidocaine (p = 0.005) and adrenaline (p = 0.0002), and benefited each student's overall performance (p = 0.0007). Drug administration error is a very major problem and few interventions are known to be effective. We show that focusing on better teaching at medical school may benefit patient safety.
Rising to the challenges of achieving day surgery targets
Authors: Smith I. , Cooke T. , Jackson I. , Fitzpatrick R. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryDay surgery provides high quality and efficient care for a wide variety of surgical procedures. Patients appreciate the rapid recovery and effective analgesia, while the health service benefits from a streamlined service with lower costs. Despite the numerous advantages, day surgery practices vary enormously and many patients are still denied this excellent form of care. Fundamental to improving this situation is a change in emphasis, with day surgery becoming the default option for many surgical procedures – rather than being applied selectively – with inpatient care being used only where specifically indicated. Appropriate patient preparation is facilitated by consultant‐led, nurse‐run preassessment using modern selection criteria; only conditions which will still cause problems a few hours beyond the end of the operation should be barriers to day surgery. Preassessment also provides an excellent opportunity to begin patient education and ensures that pre‐existing pathology is optimally treated. Efficient day surgery is best delivered by a specialised, dedicated, multi‐disciplinary team, but consultant anaesthetists have a major role to play in co‐ordinating policies and providing leadership. Individual anaesthetists should develop techniques that allow their patients to undergo day surgery with minimum stress, maximum comfort and the optimal chance of early discharge. Improving day surgery rates is a win–win situation, with both clinical and financial benefits.
Origin and phylogeographical structure of Chinese cattle
Authors: Lei C. Z. , Chen H. , Zhang H. C. , Cai X. , Liu R. Y. , Luo L. Y. , Wang C. F. , Zhang W. , Ge Q. L. , Zhang R. F. , Lan X. Y. , Sun W. B. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryComplete mitochondrial D‐loop sequences of 231 samples were used to explore the origin and genetic diversity of Chinese cattle. Phylogenetical analysis of these sequences revealed both Bos taurus and Bos indicus mitochondrial types in Chinese cattle. Four of the previously identified mitochondrial DNA lineages (T1–T4) were identified in the Bos taurus type, including lineage T1, which was found for the first time in Chinese cattle. Two lineages (I1 and I2) were identified in the Bos indicus type. Our results support the suggestion that the Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau is the domestication site of Chinese zebu. We also found evidence that Tibetan cattle originated from taurine and zebu cattle. The distribution pattern of Chinese cattle breeds was closely related to the geographical and climatic background. It was possible to divide Chinese cattle in this study into two major groups: northern and southern cattle.
Alterations of the ocular surface epithelial mucins 1, 2, 4 and the tear functions in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Dogru M. , Okada N. , Asano‐Kato N. , Igarashi A. , Fukagawa K. , Shimazaki J. , Tsubota K. , Fujishima H. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
An increased understanding of the ocular surface alterations at the cellular level in the conjunctiva and the cornea, may help explain the pathogenesis and the subsequent clinical appearance of atopic ocular allergies, which may be potentially blinding.Purpose
To investigate MUC 1, 2 and 4 alterations, tear function and the ocular surface disorder in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis.Methods
Twenty‐eight eyes of 14 atopic keratoconjunctivitis patients as well as 22 eyes of 11 age‐and sex‐matched normal subjects were studied. The subjects underwent corneal sensitivity measurements, Schirmer's test, tear film break‐up time (BUT), fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining of the ocular surface, conjunctival impression cytology and brush cytology. Impression cytology samples underwent periodic acid‐Schiff and immunohistochemical staining with MUC 1, 2 and 4 antibodies. Brush cytology specimens underwent evaluation for inflammatory cell numbers and quantitative real‐time‐PCR for MUC 1, 2 and 4 mRNA expression. Patient eyes with fluorescein and Rose Bengal scores greater than four points were regarded to have significant epithelial disease in this study.Results
The mean corneal sensitivity and BUT values were significantly lower in atopic patients with significant epithelial disease, compared with patients with insignificant epithelial disease and controls (P<0.01). Brush cytology specimens from patients with significant epithelial disease revealed significantly higher numbers of inflammatory cells (P<0.01). Specimens from patient eyes showed positive staining for MUC 1, 2 and 4. MUC 1, 2 and 4 mRNA expressions were significantly higher in eyes with significant epithelial disease compared with eyes with insignificant epithelial disease and eyes of control subjects.Conclusion
Ocular surface inflammation, decline in corneal sensitivity, tear film instability, changes in conjunctival epithelial MUC 1, 2 and 4 mRNA expressions were thought to be important in the pathogenesis of atopic ocular surface disease.
Reaction pattern to histamine and codeine in a human intradermal skin test model
Authors: Scherer K. , Grize L. , Schindler C. , Surber C. , Bircher A. J. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackgroundSkin prick and intradermal skin tests (IDT) are useful tools in evaluating IgE‐mediated allergic disorders. In the literature, many variations of the techniques used are described. No general agreement exists on test procedures and reading of test results.ObjectiveTo analyse test conditions for IDT to facilitate comparability between different study protocols.MethodsWe tested 24 healthy volunteers with three concentrations of histamine and codeine each on the upper back, lateral upper arm and volar forearm, with/without addition of ethylene diamine tetra‐acetic acid. Reading of the resulting weal was performed by taking a digital image of the weal, later outlining the weal perimeter in triplicate and calculating the weal area using the NIH Image J software version 1.3.ResultsWeal size was dose dependent for both substances, generally larger on the upper back than on the forearm and upper arm, and larger after codeine than after histamine. Addition of the Ca2+‐chelator ethylene diamine tetra‐acetic acid did not significantly affect weal size. Weal size induced by histamine showed better consistency than that induced by codeine.ConclusionsThe results and our technique provide valuable tools for the daily routine as well as for the ability to compare information of intradermal tests from different studies or clinical reports. When assessing skin reactivity, we recommend the use of 1 mg/mL codeine as well as 0.1 mg/mL histamine to reflect aspects of mast‐cell releasability and of vascular reactivity. The involvement of local factors influencing the vascular reactivity or differences in opiate receptor density on mast cells surfaces needs to be addressed in future studies.
Inhibition of human allergic T‐helper type 2 immune responses by induced regulatory T cells requires the combination of interleukin‐10‐treated dendritic cells and transforming growth factor‐β for their induction
Authors: Bellinghausen I , König B , Böttcher I , Knop J , Saloga J 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
In grass pollen‐allergic individuals, T cell anergy can be induced by IL‐10‐treated dendritic cells (IL‐10‐DC) resulting in the suppression of T helper type 1 (Th1) as well as Th2 cells. This study was performed to analyse whether such IL‐10‐DC‐treated T cells are able to act as regulatory T cells (Treg) suppressing the function of other T cells in the periphery. As transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is also a potential inducer of Treg, we additionally analysed the inhibitory capacity of TGF‐β‐treated T cells in this system.Materials and Methods
Freshly isolated CD4+ or CD4+CD25− T cells from grass pollen‐allergic donors were stimulated with autologous mature monocyte‐derived allergen‐pulsed DC in the presence or absence of T cells previously cultured with IL‐10‐DC‐ and/or TGF‐β.Results
Anergic T cells induced by allergen‐pulsed IL‐10‐treated DC or allergen‐pulsed DC and TGF‐β enhanced IL‐10 production and strongly inhibited IFN‐γ production of freshly prepared peripheral CD4+ or CD4+CD25− T cells while proliferation and Th2 cytokine production were only slightly reduced. The combination of allergen‐pulsed IL‐10‐treated DC and TGF‐β had an additional effect leading to a significant suppression also of Th2 cytokine production and proliferation. Suppression was not antigen‐specific and was mainly mediated by cell‐to‐cell contact and by the molecule‐programmed death‐1 and only partially by CTLA‐4, TGF‐β and IL‐10.Conclusion
These data demonstrate that regulatory T cells that also suppress Th2 cytokine production are induced by two signals: TGF‐β and IL‐10‐DC. This is of importance for the regulation of allergic immune responses and might be exploited for future therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.
Repeated measurements of mite and pet allergen levels in house dust over a time period of 8 years
Authors: Antens C. J. M. , Oldenwening M. , Wolse A. , Gehring U. , Smit H. A. , Aalberse R. C. , Kerkhof M. , Gerritsen J. , De Jongste J. C. , Brunekreef B. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Studies of the association between indoor allergen exposure and the development of allergic diseases have often measured allergen exposure at one point in time.Objective
We investigated the variability of house dust mite (Der p 1, Der f 1) and cat (Fel d 1) allergen in Dutch homes over a period of 8 years.Methods
Data were obtained in the Dutch PIAMA birth cohort study. Dust from the child's mattress, the parents' mattress and the living room floor was collected at four points in time, when the child was 3 months, 4, 6 and 8 years old. Dust samples were analysed for Der p 1, Der f 1 and Fel d 1 by sandwich enzyme immuno assay.Results
Mite allergen concentrations for the child's mattress, the parents' mattress and the living room floor were moderately correlated between time‐points. Agreement was better for cat allergen. For Der p 1 and Der f 1 on the child's mattress, the within‐home variance was close to or smaller than the between‐home variance in most cases. For Fel d 1, the within‐home variance was almost always smaller than the between‐home variance. Results were similar for allergen levels expressed per gram of dust and allergen levels expressed per square metre of the sampled surface. Variance ratios were smaller when samples were taken at shorter time intervals than at longer time intervals.Conclusion
Over a period of 4 years, mite and cat allergens measured in house dust are sufficiently stable to use single measurements with confidence in epidemiological studies. The within‐home variance was larger when samples were taken 8 years apart so that over such long periods, repetition of sampling is recommended.
Hormonal, pituitary magnetic resonance, LHX4 and HESX1 evaluation in patients with hypopituitarism and ectopic posterior pituitary lobe
Authors: Melo Maria Edna , Marui Suemi , Carvalho Luciani Renata , Arnhold Ivo Jorge Prado , Leite Claudia Costa , Mendonça Berenice Bilharinho , Knoepfelmacher Mirta 
Published: November 2006

SummaryObjective  LHX4 and HESX1 are important in early stages of pituitary development and their mutations can be associated with an ectopic posterior lobe (EPL) in the pituitary of patients with hypopituitarism. The EPL can be located at the median eminence or at the path of the pituitary stalk. The aim of this study was to analyse LHX4 and HESX1 and characterize the hormonal deficiency profiles, establishing relationships with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in these patients.Patients and design  Sixty‐two patients with hypopituitarism associated with EPL were submitted to evaluation of pituitary function, analysis of MRI with EPL location and molecular analysis of LHX4 and HESX1 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digestion with restriction enzyme and automatic sequencing.Results  Forty‐two patients had a nonvisualized pituitary stalk (NPS), and 20 a visualized pituitary stalk (VPS). Most patients (95%) with NPS had combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), with ACTH deficiency in 85%. In patients with VPS, CPHD was found in 50% and ACTH deficiency occurred in only 20%. The frequency of the location of EPL was similar in patients with VPS and NPS: 35% at median eminence and 65% at the path of the stalk. No mutations in LHX4 and HESX1 were identified. Three new polymorphisms in LHX4 were found.Conclusions  ACTH deficiency is frequent in patients with hypopituitarism and NPS (85%), the location of EPL at the median eminence was not predictive of the hormonal profile [isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) or CPHD], and LHX4 and HESX1 genes mutations remain rare causes of hypopituitarism associated with EPL.
Cortisol secretary pattern and glucocorticoid feedback sensitivity in women from a Mediterranean area: relationship with anthropometric characteristics, dietary intake and plasma fatty acid profile
Authors: García‐Prieto M. D. , Tébar F. J. , Nicolás F. , Larqué E. , Zamora S. , Garaulet M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground  Chronic stress is associated with a dysfunctional hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis consisting on disturbances on the cortisol response and lipid metabolism.Objective  To evaluate the HPA axis activity in women from a Mediterranean area, comparing three different measurements: daily cortisol secretory variability, postprandial cortisol secretion and glucocorticoid feedback sensitivity. In addition, HPA axis disturbance is correlated with dietary habits and plasma fatty acid profiles.Design  The participants were 41 women born during the first 6 months of 1960 and living in a Mediterranean area (Murcia, Spain). They were of normal weight, with a waist circumference of 80·5 ± 9·3 cm. Their salivary cortisol levels, 7‐day dietary record and plasma fatty acid profile were evaluated. Daily cortisol variability and postlunch cortisol secretion were recorded and a dexamethasone suppression test is performed in order to detect possible HPA disturbance.Results  Both the methods used for HPA axis evaluation were positively correlated (r = 0·448, P = 0·004). Subjects with normal diurnal curves (high cortisol variability) showed significantly higher cortisol values in the morning and postprandial cortisol secretion than women with pathological curves (medium and low variability). Cortisol variability was inversely correlated with waist circumference (r = –0·312, P = 0·047), suggesting that a disturbed HPA axis response may lead to an android pattern of body fat distribution. Dietary fat and saturated fatty acid intake were lower in the high cortisol variability group, while monounsaturated fatty acid intake was higher (P < 0·05). No major differences were reported in plasma fatty acid profile.Conclusions  A disturbed HPA axis is associated with abdominal fat distribution and a higher content of fat and saturated fatty acids in the diet. Women who chose a dietary pattern closer to the Mediterranean diet, with high monounsaturated fatty acid intake, showed lower levels on HPA axis disturbance.