bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The meaning of lung dose
Authors: Souëf P. Le 
Published: October 2007

For a physician to understand how to prescribe appropriate doses of drugs via aerosol requires a basic understanding of the technical issues involved. Drugs are usually prescribed in terms of “nominal dose” (total dose of drug prescribed). This dose is device‐specific, as recommended doses are different for different devices. The effective component of the nominal dose is the “lung dose”, which is the mass of drug delivered to the lung. A given clinical effect should, in general, be produced by a given lung dose irrespective of the delivery device. However, the effect of a lung dose depends on several factors, including: 1) site of deposition 2) rate of clearance of the drug from airway 3) site of action of the drug.Confirmation that a particular lung dose will produce a desired clinical effect usually requires that a clinical trial be performed. The lung dose should be reflected by data on lung deposition, but interpreting such data requires that the following are considered: 1) Lung deposition figures can be stated in different ways: a) percentage of the nominal dose b) percentage of the mass of drug leaving the aerosolgenerating device c) percentage of the mass of drug entering the mouth or nose. 2) The radiation from an inhaled aerosol is attenuated as it leaves the lung. Approaches vary as to how this correction is done, affecting the quoted data on percent deposition. 3) In children, lung deposition is age‐dependent, but the effect of age on delivery is different for different devices.There are major differences in the efficiency of delivery for different devices with a range of 6–60%. When “adaptive aerosol delivery” nebulizers become available, they should provide an accurate dose of drug to the lung with very low variability. In summary, the concept of lung dose is useful in understanding the related technical aspects, and it has the potential to allow drugs to be prescribed more accurately.
Allergic inflammation: cellular aspects
Authors: Durham S. R. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryTissue eosinophilia and IgE production during allergic inflammation are under the regulation of Th2‐type T cells. In addition, mast cells, basophils, and possibly eosinophils represent alternative sources of these cytokines, particularly UL‐4, which augments Th2 T‐cell development and local IgE production by B cells.Corticosteroids act by downregulating Th2 responses, whereas immunotherapy acts either by inhibiting immune deviation in favour of Th1 responses with augmentation of IgG production by B cells, Tho/Thou by inducing T‐cell anergy with downregulation of Tho/Th2 responses. The role of the antigen‐presenting cell is pivotal in determining T‐cell differentiation. Th2 development is favoured by low‐antigen‐concentration presentation by B cells and/or dendritic cells, in the presence of IL‐4. Novel strategies directed against IL‐4, IL‐5, and IgE are currently under investigation.
Changes in airway inflammation following nasal allergic challenge in patients with seasonal rhinitis
Authors: Bonay M. , Neukirch C. , Grandsaigne M. , Leçon‐Malas V. , Ravaud P. , Dehoux M. , Aubier M. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Seasonal allergic rhinitis could predispose to the development of chronic bronchial inflammation as observed in asthma. However, direct links between nasal inflammation, bronchial inflammation and airway responsiveness in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and without asthma are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the changes induced by allergic nasal challenge outside the pollen season in airway responsiveness and bronchial inflammation of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.Methods:  Nine patients were evaluated after either grass pollens or placebo nasal challenge in a randomized cross‐over double‐blinded trial. Nasal parameters were recorded hourly and airway responsiveness was assessed by methacholine challenge. Cytological examinations and cytokine measurements were performed in nasal lavage and induced sputum. Eosinophil activation was investigated by eosinophil‐cationic protein expression and secretion.Results:  Airway responsiveness was increased after allergic nasal challenge. Total eosinophils and eosinophils expressing eosinophil‐cationic protein were increased in induced sputum after allergic nasal challenge. Both eosinophil number and eosinophil‐cationic protein concentration in induced sputum were correlated to methacholine responsiveness.Conclusions:  These results suggest that eosinophils participate to the bronchial inflammation in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis following allergic nasal challenge outside the pollen season and might explain changes in airway responsiveness.
Sensitization to blackgram in patients with bronchial asthma and rhinitis: clinical evaluation and characterization of allergens
Authors: Kumari D. , Kumar R. , Sridhara S. , Arora N. , Gaur S. N. , Singh B. P. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Legumes are important causative agents of type I hypersensitivity in south Asia and Europe but such studies are lacking in Indian population. The present study investigates blackgram sensitization in asthma and rhinitis patients and identifies immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding proteins.Methods:  Respiratory allergy patients were evaluated using standard questionnaire and skin prick tests (SPT) with common foods and aeroallergens. Blackgram‐specific IgE level was estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sensitization was established by a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). The cross‐reactivity of blackgram with other legumes was studied by immunobiochemical methods.Result:  Of 816 patients, 35 gave history of blackgram hypersensitivity. From these, 16 patients were SPT positive and 14 showed elevated specific IgE (three times of negative control) to blackgram. DBPCFC established blackgram sensitivity in four of 14 patients. Immunoblotting with individual patient's sera recognized eight most prevalent allergens of 78, 56, 47, 43, 40, 30, 28 and 16 kDa. Roasted blackgram showed six major allergens whereas 47, 43 and 28 kDa proteins retained IgE reactivity upon boiling. Blackgram extract required 14 ng of self protein for 50% ELISA inhibition whereas roasted and boiled blackgram required 16 and 120 ng protein. ELISA and immunoblot inhibition show partial inhibition to blackgram proteins by lentil, limabean and pea.Conclusion:  Blackgram induces IgE‐mediated reactions in 1.7% of asthma and rhinitis patients and contains eight major IgE‐binding components, of which six retained IgE reactivity after roasting. Blackgram shares allergenicity with lentil and limabean.
The Feline Dorsal Nerve of the Penis Arises from the Deep Perineal Nerve and Not the Sensory Afferent Branch
Authors: Mariano T. Y. , Boger A. S. , Gustafson K. J. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe cat has been used extensively as an animal model for urogenital studies involving the pudendal nerve. However, discrepancies persist in the literature regarding the origin of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP). This study used gross dissections and serial histological cross sections to demonstrate that the DNP arises from the deep perineal nerve and not the sensory afferent branch as previously reported. This finding indicates a better than previously appreciated neuroanatomical homology between the cat and human.
Third Degree Atrioventricular Block and Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm Associated with A Heart Base Chemodectoma in A Syncopal Rottweiler
Authors: Schuller S. , Van Israël N. , Else R. W. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryA 7‐year‐old male intact Rottweiler was presented with a 1‐week history of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and multiple syncopal events. The results of the clinical examination and electrocardiography were consistent with a third degree atrioventricular block and an intermittent accelerated idioventricular rhythm. Haematology, serum biochemistry, serology forBorrelia burgdorferi, blood culture, total T4, thoracic radiography and echocardiography did not reveal the cause of the arrhythmia. Response to medical treatment with isoproterenol was poor. Pacemaker placement was declined by the owners and the dog was euthanized at their request. Histopathological examination of the heart revealed a chemodectoma at the base of the heart. There was no neoplastic infiltration of the conduction tissue. Potential mechanisms explaining the association of the arrhythmias and the tumour, such as vagal stimulation and neuroendocrine factors are discussed.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Porcine Teschovirus Antigen in the Formalin‐fixed Paraffin‐embedded Specimens from Pigs Experimentally Infected with Porcine Teschovirus
Authors: Yamada M. , Kaku Y. , Nakamura K. , Yoshii M. , Yamamoto Y. , Miyazaki A. , Tsunemitsu H. , Narita M. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryPorcine teschovirus (PTV) antigens were detected by a streptavidin‐biotin complex method in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues of 3‐week‐old pigs that had been inoculated intravenously with PTV Talfan strain. PTV antigens were detected in cytoplasm of nerve cells, glial cells and endothelial cells in the cerebellar nuclei, the grey matter of the midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata and the ventral horn of the spinal cord and of ganglion cells in the spinal ganglion corresponding to those lesions characterized as non‐suppurative encephalomyelitis and ganglionitis. The results of this study suggest that nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord and ganglion cells of the spinal ganglion permit PTV replication and represent the main target cell population of PTV. This is the first study to demonstrate PTV antigen by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from pigs infected with PTV.
Insulin‐like Growth Factor I Concentration in Dogs with Inflammatory and Neoplastic Liver Diseases
Authors: Neumann S. , Welling H. , Thuere S. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryLiver diseases are known to influence the serum concentration of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) in humans, but such an effect has rarely been investigated in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate serum IGF‐I concentrations in dogs with primary liver diseases, in comparison with levels in healthy dogs and dogs with non‐hepatic diseases. For this purpose, IGF‐I serum concentrations were measured (DSL‐5600 kit) in 36 dogs with various liver diseases and compared with 22 healthy controls and 20 dogs with non‐hepatic diseases. The results showed that dogs with liver diseases had significantly lower IGF‐I serum concentrations (P < 0.001) than clinical healthy dogs or dogs with non‐hepatic diseases. But the results also indicate that the aetiology of liver disease has no influence on IGF‐I serum concentration.
New developments in external beam radiotherapy for retinoblastoma: from lens to normal tissue‐sparing techniques
Authors: Munier Francis L , Verwey Jorn , Pica Alessia , Balmer Aubin , Zografos Leonidas , Abouzeid Hana , Timmerman Beate , Goitein Gudrun , Moeckli Raphaël 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHistorically, retinoblastoma was treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBR) and for many years this was the accepted standard of care. With greater knowledge of radiation‐induced morbidity and mortality, the trend over the past decade has shifted towards primary chemotherapy for most globe conservative treatments. Such a radical change in treatment modalities has restrained EBR to second‐line and salvage indications with little consensus regarding dose, timing and techniques. New radiotherapy options now allow for more focused radiation to the globe with further sparing of adjacent structures in such a way that their role in the management of retinoblastoma need to be reappraised. In this perspective paper, first the historical techniques of using EBR primarily with linear accelerated photons are reviewed. Then modern approaches are described, such as stereotactic conformal radiotherapy using a micromultileaf collimator, and proton therapy using a fixed horizontal beam and tantalum localization, or a rotating ganthry with spot scanning. For the first time, to the authors' knowledge, the benefits of these new irradiation modalities over conventional EBR are illustrated with six successfully treated pilot cases. Finally, some guidelines are provided regarding indications to modern radiation therapy in patients requiring second‐line or salvage treatment for intraocular retinoblastoma, as well as adjuvant therapy for orbital involvement.
When Past Reforms Open New Opportunities: Comparing Old‐age Insurance Reforms in Bismarckian Welfare Systems
Authors: Bonoli Giuliano , Palier Bruno 
Published: October 2007

Abstract France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Spain have all gone through several waves of pension reforms both in the 1990s and in the early 2000s. Comparing the politics of these reforms shows some similar trends: reforms were usually postponed until European integration and/or economic recession forced governments to act. Before the first wave of reforms, the main form of ‘action’ had been to increase payroll taxes to finance pensions. In the 1990s, reforms were usually negotiated on the basis of a quid pro quo: benefits were intended progressively to decrease in exchange for non‐contributory pensions being financed from general tax revenues instead of through the insurance schemes. The second wave of reforms (during the 2000s) seems to have brought more innovation, with new goals such as the development of voluntary private pension funds and the need to increase employment rates among the elderly and to stop early retirement. The article aims, first, to trace the political processes leading to these reforms; second, to reveal the commonalities in these processes between the various cases; and third, to highlight the differences between the first and second waves of pension reform. It will emphasize the role of ‘sequencing’ and demonstrate how each pension reform facilitates the adoption of the next one.
Towards Neo‐Bismarckian Health Care States? Comparing Health Insurance Reforms in Bismarckian Welfare Systems
Authors: Hassenteufel Patrick , Palier Bruno 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Germany, France and the Netherlands all have specific ‘Bismarckian’ health insurance systems, which encounter different and specific problems (and solutions) from those of national health systems. Following a relatively similar trajectory, the three systems have gone through important changes: they now combine universalization through the state and marketization based on regulated competition; they associate more state control (directly or through agencies) and more competition and market mechanisms. Competition between insurers has gained importance in Germany and the Netherlands and the state is reinforcing its controlling capacities in France and Germany. Up to now, continental health insurance systems have remained, however, Bismarckian (they are still mainly financed by social contribution, managed by health insurance funds, they deliver public and private health care, and freedom is still higher than in national health systems), but a new ‘regulatory health care state’ is emerging. Those changes are embedded in the existing institutions since the aim of the reforms is more to change the logic of institutions than to change the institutions themselves. Hence, structural changes occur without revolution in the system.
Activation as a Common Framework for Social Policies towards Lone Parents
Authors: Knijn Trudie , Martin Claude , Millar Jane 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis article compares recent social policy reforms in respect of lone‐parent families in three different national contexts: France, the Netherlands and the UK. In all three countries there is an increasing focus on activation policies to promote employment among lone parents. The authors examine whether this common framework of activation has led to a policy convergence across these three countries.
Long‐term Care Policies in Italy, Austria and France: Variations in Cash‐for‐Care Schemes
Authors: Da Roit Barbara , Le Bihan Blanche , Österle August 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCash benefit provisions have been at the core of many recent reforms in the long‐term care sector in Europe. The respective schemes, however, vary widely in terms of the definition of entitlements, the level of benefits, and the ways in which benefits can be used by recipients. This article investigates cash‐for‐care schemes in three European social insurance countries. It asks whether the diversity of these schemes indicates different paths or just differences in the pace with which the respective policies address the risk of dependency. A characterization of the three schemes and a discussion of the implications for care work arrangements lead to the conclusion that the context and timing of long‐term care reform processes are in fact quite variegated. All three countries have histories of cash schemes and of applying the cash approach to support – and to some extent relieve – traditionally strong family obligations. Differences predominate in terms of linking cash to employment, although some convergence is apparent in the effects on qualifications, working conditions and wages in care work.
Family Policies in Germany and France: The Role of Enterprises and Social Partners
Authors: Klammer Ute , Letablier Marie‐Thérèse 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Although France and Germany are commonly classified as Bismarckian welfare regimes, they differ significantly in terms of family policy. For a long time, social and family policy in (West) Germany was focused on the male‐breadwinner model of married couples. This was based on the expectation that women, in particular married women with children, would withdraw from the labour market permanently, or at least temporarily. Whereas care by mothers was massively subsidized by state family policy, the expansion of the childcare infrastructure was neglected and progressed only very slowly compared to the situation in many other countries of Europe. France, on the contrary, is one of the European countries where childcare services are particularly widespread, giving mothers the option to combine paid work and motherhood. Nevertheless, significant changes are happening in both countries. Concern over the demographic trends and low birth rates (in particular in Germany) have refocused attention on family policy in recent years. In Germany, it has now become a key field of debate and policy, and new actors have appeared on the scene. This article proposes to compare the latest developments in both countries, highlighting the contribution of enterprises and social partners to work–life balance, re‐analysing the different types of familialism characterizing both countries.
Assessment of bronchial wall thickness and lumen diameter in human adults using multi‐detector computed tomography: comparison with theoretical models
Authors: Montaudon M. , Desbarats P. , Berger P. , De Dietrich G. , Marthan R. , Laurent F. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA thickened bronchial wall is the morphological substratum of most diseases of the airway. Theoretical and clinical models of bronchial morphometry have so far focused on bronchial lumen diameter, and bronchial length and angles, mainly assessed from bronchial casts. However, these models do not provide information on bronchial wall thickness. This paper reports in vivo values of cross‐sectional wall area, lumen area, wall thickness and lumen diameter in ten healthy subjects as assessed by multi‐detector computed tomography. A validated dedicated software package was used to measure these morphometric parameters up to the 14th bronchial generation, with respect to Weibel's model of bronchial morphometry, and up to the 12th according to Boyden's classification. Measured lumen diameters and homothety ratios were compared with theoretical values obtained from previously published studies, and no difference was found when considering dichotomic division of the bronchial tree. Mean wall area, lumen area, wall thickness and lumen diameter were then provided according to bronchial generation order, and mean homothety ratios were computed for wall area, lumen area and wall thickness as well as equations giving the mean value of each parameter for a given bronchial generation with respect to its value in generation 0 (trachea). Multi‐detector computed tomography measurements of bronchial morphometric parameters may help to improve our knowledge of bronchial anatomy in vivo, our understanding of the pathophysiology of bronchial diseases and the evaluation of pharmacological effects on the bronchial wall.
Proteomic analysis of the effects and interactions of sleep deprivation and aging in mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Pawlyk Aaron C. , Ferber Megan , Shah Aanal , Pack Allan I. , Naidoo Nirinjini 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe cellular and molecular processes that underlie the drives and functions of sleep have been the topic of many studies in the last few decades. Discovery‐based techniques, such as cDNA microarrays, have increasingly been utilized in conjunction with sleep deprivation paradigms to examine the molecular mechanisms and functions of sleep. These studies have helped to validate and expand existing hypotheses, such as those on the roles of sleep in synaptic plasticity and in energy metabolism. The mechanisms underlying the highly prevalent changes in sleep architecture with age are not known, but likely reflect fundamental changes in the molecular basis of circadian timing and sleep homeostatic processes. We decided to explore the effects and interactions of sleep deprivation and aging utilizing the proteomic technique of difference in gel electrophoresis (DIGE). DIGE, which utilizes cyanine dye labeling of samples, allows for the comparison of multiple experimental groups within and across gels. In this study, we compared cerebral cortex tissue from young (2.5 months) and old (24 months) mice that had been sleep deprived for 6 h to tissue from undisturbed young and old control animals. Following DIGE, automatic image matching and spot identification, and statistical analysis, 43 unique proteins were identified. The proteins were grouped into seven functional classes based on published characteristics: cell signaling, cytoskeletal, energy metabolism, exocytosis, heat shock proteins, mRNA processing/trafficking, and serum proteins. The identity and characteristics of these proteins relevant to sleep and aging are discussed.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the beaver (Castor canadensis)
Authors: CRAWFORD J. , LIU Z. , NELSON T. , NIELSEN C. , BLOOMQUIST C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe have isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the beaver (Castor canadensis). Sixty individuals from southern and central Illinois were screened at each locus. All loci exhibited moderate levels of polymorphism, ranging from five to 13 alleles per locus with average heterozygosity ranging from 0.317 to 0.867. Locus Cca5 deviated significantly from HWE (P < 0.001). The locus pair Cca4/Cca5 was shown to be in linkage disequilibrium in southern Illinois, but not in the central Illinois population. The remaining eight loci will be useful in investigations of mating and kinship patterns in beaver populations in Illinois.