bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α primes murine neutrophils when triggered via formyl peptide receptor‐related sequence 2, the murine orthologue of human formyl peptide receptor‐like 1, through a process involving the type I TNF receptor and subcellular granule mobilization
Authors: Önnheim Karin , Bylund Johan , Boulay Francois , Dahlgren Claes , Forsman Huamei 
Published: August 2008

SummaryNeutrophil granulocytes play an important role in innate host defence against microbial invasions and they are also the key effector cells in mediating host tissue damage. These functions often rely on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the membrane‐bound NADPH‐oxidase system. The magnitude of ROS production varies depending on the state of the cells, i.e. resting or primed. Many priming agents as well as potent NADPH‐oxidase activators have been identified and characterized for human neutrophils. The cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is one prominent example of a priming agent and the synthetic hexapeptide WKYMVm is an agonist that triggers an activation of the NADPH‐oxidase of human neutrophils through two members of the formyl peptide family of receptors, formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and FPR‐like 1 (FPRL1). This peptide also activates murine neutrophils but the precise receptor involved has not been previously characterized. We show in this study that WKYMVm activates stably transfected HL60 cells expressing murine formyl peptide receptor‐related sequence 2 (Fpr‐rs2) and that activation of murine neutrophils with WKYMVm is blocked by an FPRL1‐specific antagonist. WKYMVm is thus an agonist for Fpr‐rs2 and we suggest that this receptor is in fact the mouse orthologue of FPRL1. In addition, we show that the WKYMVm response in murine neutrophils can be primed by TNF‐α and this priming process involves mobilization of subcellular granules. The results obtained using neutrophils derived from TNF receptor type I (TNFRI)‐deficient animals suggest that TNF‐α exerts its priming effect via the TNFRI.
Alteration of N‐glycosylation in the kidney in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus: relative quantification of N‐glycans using an isotope‐tagging method
Authors: Hashii Noritaka , Kawasaki Nana , Itoh Satsuki , Nakajima Yukari , Kawanishi Toru , Yamaguchi Teruhide 
Published: August 2008

SummaryChanges in the glycan structures of some glycoproteins have been observed in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. A deficiency of α‐mannosidase II, which is associated with branching in N‐glycans, has been found to induce SLE‐like glomerular nephritis in a mouse model. These findings suggest that the alteration of the glycosylation has some link with the development of SLE. An analysis of glycan alteration in the disordered tissues in SLE may lead to the development of improved diagnostic methods and may help to clarify the carbohydrate‐related pathogenic mechanism of inflammation in SLE. In this study, a comprehensive and differential analysis of N‐glycans in kidneys from SLE‐model mice and control mice was performed by using the quantitative glycan profiling method that we have developed previously. In this method, a mixture of deuterium‐labelled N‐glycans from the kidneys of SLE‐model mice and non‐labelled N‐glycans from kidneys of control mice was analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. It was revealed that the low‐molecular‐mass glycans with simple structures, including agalactobiantennary and paucimannose‐type oligosaccharides, markedly increased in the SLE‐model mouse. On the other hand, fucosylated and galactosylated complex type glycans with high branching were decreased in the SLE‐model mouse. These results suggest that the changes occurring in the N‐glycan synthesis pathway may cause the aberrant glycosylations on not only specific glycoproteins but also on most of the glycoproteins in the SLE‐model mouse. The changes in glycosylation might be involved in autoimmune pathogenesis in the model mouse kidney.
Intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ modulate the strength of signal and alter the outcomes of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CD152)–CD80/CD86 interactions in CD4+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Ahmed Asma , Mukherjee Sambuddho , Nandi Dipankar 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe costimulatory receptors CD28 and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)‐4 and their ligands, CD80 and CD86, are expressed on T lymphocytes; however, their functional roles during T cell–T cell interactions are not well known. The consequences of blocking CTLA‐4–CD80/CD86 interactions on purified mouse CD4+ T cells were studied in the context of the strength of signal (SOS). CD4+ T cells were activated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and different concentrations of a Ca2+ ionophore, Ionomycin (I), or a sarcoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor, Thapsigargin (TG). Increasing concentrations of I or TG increased the amount of interleukin (IL)‐2, reflecting the conversion of a low to a high SOS. During activation with PMA and low amounts of I, intracellular concentrations of calcium ([Ca2+]i) were greatly reduced upon CTLA‐4–CD80/CD86 blockade. Further experiments demonstrated that CTLA‐4–CD80/CD86 interactions reduced cell cycling upon activation with PMA and high amounts of I or TG (high SOS) but the opposite occurred with PMA and low amounts of I or TG (low SOS). These results were confirmed by surface T‐cell receptor (TCR)–CD3 signalling using a low SOS, for example soluble anti‐CD3, or a high SOS, for example plate‐bound anti‐CD3. Also, CTLA‐4–CD80/CD86 interactions enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Studies with catalase revealed that H2O2 was required for IL‐2 production and cell cycle progression during activation with a low SOS. However, the high amounts of ROS produced during activation with a high SOS reduced cell cycle progression. Taken together, these results indicate that [Ca2+]i and ROS play important roles in the modulation of T‐cell responses by CTLA‐4–CD80/CD86 interactions.
Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats
Authors: Yakubu M. T. , Afolayan A. J. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe phytochemical constituents of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem and its effect on male rat sexual behaviour were evaluated for 7 days. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycoside, tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. Administration of the extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight resulted in the significant increase (p < 0.05) in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, ejaculation frequency, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, computed indices of sexual behaviour, erection, quick flips, long flips and total penile reflexes whereas the mount latency, intromission latency and post‐ejaculatory interval were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) throughout the experimental period. The 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract produced contrasting pattern to the lower doses of the extract in all the parameters of sexual behaviour monitored throughout the experimental period. The results are indicative of prosexual stimulatory potentials of Bulbine natalensis in male rats. The aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at these doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) may be used in the management of disorders of desire/libido, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.
Semen characteristics and inflammatory mediators in infertile men with different clinical diagnoses
Authors: Moretti E. , Cosci I. , Spreafico A. , Serchi T. , Cuppone A. M. , Collodel G. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThis study was aimed at investigating whether semen characteristics in different clinical diagnoses of infertility are associated with PMN elastase, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNFα levels detected in seminal plasma. Sixty‐eight patients were divided into groups according to their clinical diagnosis: idiopathic infertility (group I), varicocele with infections (group II), varicocele (group III), infections (group IV), controls (group V). Physical examination and scrotal Eco‐color Doppler was used to detect the varicocele. Patients with positive bacteriological semen analysis were considered as having an infection of the male reproductive tract. Samples were examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM data were quantified with a mathematical formula furnishing a fertility index and the percentage of sperm apoptosis, immaturity and necrosis. PMN elastase/α1‐PI complex levels were determined by ELISA and IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, TNFα by Bio‐Plex Cytokine assay. Sperm concentration (I‐II: p < 0.005; III‐IV: p < 0.0001), motility (I‐IV: p < 0.0001) and the fertility index (I: p < 0.005; II‐IV: p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the groups vs. controls, whereas sperm pathologies, except for apoptosis, were significantly higher in group I and apoptosis and necrosis were higher in group III. An increase in immaturity (p < 0.005) with a decrease in necrosis (p < 0.005) were observed in group III vs. group IV. Significantly higher levels of inflammatory mediators were detected in groups III and IV vs. controls. Despite a broad relationship among different inflammatory mediators, no correlation was found among them and the semen parameters, including indices from TEM analysis. In conclusion, patients with idiopathic infertility showed altered semen quality and normal levels of inflammatory mediators. Genitourinary infection and varicocele induced an inflammatory effect which could play a detrimental role in spermatogenesis, revealed by a decrease in sperm motility and the fertility index, concomitant with an increase in immaturity mainly in varicocele and necrosis in infection.
Transmission of Babesia microti by blood transfusion in Texas
Authors: Cangelosi J. J. , Sarvat B. , Sarria J. C. , Herwaldt B. L. , Indrikovs A. J. 
Published: August 2008

In the USA, seasonal tickborne transmission of Babesia microti occurs in the Northeast and upper Midwest. A resident of Texas became infected through a red blood cell transfusion from an asymptomatic local donor who had summered in Massachusetts. The patient's infection was diagnosed by blood smear examination in January, 7 weeks post‐transfusion. He died 1 week later from variceal haemorrhage complicated by haemolysis. Premortem patient specimens and archived blood from the donor unit tested positive for B. microti antibodies and DNA. Babesiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of post‐transfusion haemolytic anaemia or thrombocytopenia, regardless of the geographical region or season.
Emission of alarm pheromone by non‐preyed aphid colonies
Authors: Almohamad R. , Verheggen F. J. , Francis F. , Lognay G. , Haubruge E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe sesquiterpene (E)‐β‐farnesene (Eβf) is the primary component of the alarm pheromone of most aphid species. It is released in response to physical stress including attack by natural enemies and causes aphids to cease feeding and disperse. Eβf also acts as a kairomonal cue for aphid natural enemies. In this study, we collected the headspace volatiles released by aphid colonies of different sizes. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated the presence of Eβf in the absence of predator attack. A quadratic relationship was found between the released (E)‐β‐farnesene amounts and aphid colony size. Behavioural impact of aphid alarm pheromone towards Episyrphus balteatus female oviposition behaviour was also demonstrated in this work. These results highlight the primary role of the small but continuous release of aphid alarm pheromone in mechanisms of decision‐making by aphid predators during their foraging and egg‐laying behaviour.
IN‐HOSPITAL MORTALITY OF RUPTURED ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM*
Authors: Grant Mark W. , Thomson Ian A. , VanRij Andre M. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  New Zealand, like Australia, has a widely dispersed population in towns at long distances from the main centres. We set out to estimate the in‐hospital mortality rate for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in New Zealand and identify factors associated with mortality.Methods:  Data were gathered prospectively as part of the Vascular Society of New Zealand’s continuous audit programme of all member surgeons. Data collection was validated by random record audit. In‐hospital mortality of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, defined as death during hospital admission irrespective of cause, was determined for the period 1993–2005. Along with other performance indicators, differences in outcomes were assessed to take into account the trend over the time period, hospital size and number of non‐operative admissions.Results:  Of the 740 patients admitted with a mean age of 73.9 ± 8.5 years, 78% were men and 17.8% were declined an operation. The in‐hospital mortality was 48.3% and the operative mortality was 37.8%. With univariate analysis increasing patient age, American Society of Anesthesiology score, hospital size and female sex were predictors of in‐hospital mortality. Only age and American Society of Anesthesiology score were independent predictors of operative mortality. Women were less likely to have surgery.Conclusion:  Over the past 13 years in‐hospital mortality of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in New Zealand remained unchanged. In provincial hospitals the operative outcomes were satisfactory, but the reported number not offered surgery was higher.
Pathological tumour diameter predicts risk of conventional subtype in small renal cortical tumours
Authors: Laudano Melissa A. , Klafter Farrah E. , Katz Mark , McCann Tara R. , Desai Manisha , Benson Mitchell C. , McKiernan James M. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine whether pathological tumour diameter assists in predicting conventional vs other histological subtypes in renal cortical tumours (RCTs) of ≤4 cm diameter.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 393 patients from Columbia University’s Comprehensive Urologic Oncology Database who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy between 1988 and 2005 and had RCTs of ≤4 cm were analysed. Logistic regression analysis using tumour diameter as a continuous variable was used to determine whether size predicted histological subtype. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to estimate the likelihood of having conventional histology based on diameter.RESULTSThe median patient age at surgery was 64.3 years and median tumour diameter was 3 cm, In all, 256 (65.1%) of the RCTs were conventional subtype and 137 (34.9%) were nonconventional. Logistic regression analysis showed that for every 1 cm increase in diameter up to 4 cm, the RCT was 1.27 times more likely to be conventional (P = 0.020). The ORs showed that a 4‐cm RCT was 2.06 times more likely to be conventional than tumours of 0.6–1.5 cm.CONCLUSIONThere was a positive association between RCT diameter and the risk of having conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Given that RCC histological subtype is a prognostic indicator for outcome, these findings may be applied in the selection of treatment options. Further studies investigating tumour size and other variables predictive of tumour histology will help clinicians better predict the RCC subtype.
Prostate‐specific antigen testing and prostate biopsy: are self‐reported lower urinary tract symptoms and health‐related quality of life associated with the decision to undergo these investigations?
Authors: Avery Kerry N.L. , Metcalfe Chris , Blazeby Jane M. , Lane J. Athene , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Donovan Jenny L. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether men’s self‐reported health‐related quality of life and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are associated with acceptance of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing and subsequent prostate biopsy.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a prospective questionnaire study of men aged 50–69 years, nested within the primary‐care‐based Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment study in nine UK areas, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 12‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) and a self‐reported LUTS measure (ICSmaleSF) were completed immediately before having a PSA test or prostate biopsy, or after not responding to an invitation for a PSA test or refusing a biopsy. Analyses compared 348 men accepting or 232 not responding to invitations for PSA testing and 318 accepting or 48 refusing a prostate biopsy.RESULTSMen accepting or not responding to the invitation for a PSA test had similar HADS, SF‐12 and LUTS scores. Men accepting a biopsy had similar HADS and SF‐12 scores to those refusing biopsy, but significantly more LUTS (P < 0.01 for hesitancy, reduced stream, intermittency, incomplete emptying, frequency during the day).CONCLUSIONDepressed or anxious mood, comorbidity and LUTS were not associated with the decision to respond to invitations for a PSA test. Men agreeing to a biopsy were more likely to have LUTS than those refusing, suggesting that men believe that LUTS are a symptom of prostate cancer. Men needing a prostate biopsy require more information about LUTS so that they can make informed choices about testing for prostate cancer.
The continent, catheterizable abdominal conduit in adult urological practice
Authors: Gowda Basavaraj D.R. , Agrawal Vineet , Harrison Simon C.W. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo report a large, single‐centre experience with a continent, catheterizable abdominal conduit in adult patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the case notes of all 65 patients who had surgery to create a continent catheterizable conduit based on the Mitrofanoff principle. Operations were carried out over a 13‐year period. Data on surgical procedure, complications and final outcome were collected and analysed.RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 38.4 years and mean follow‐up interval was 75.2 months. Patients with neuropathic lower urinary tracts accounted for the largest single indication for reconstruction (36 patients). The appendix was the conduit of choice and was available and suitable for use in 37 patients. There were 57 patients who continued to use their native bladder or had undergone an augmentation or substitution cystoplasty; 24.5% of these 57 individuals had also undergone closure of the bladder neck or urethra. There were postoperative complications requiring laparotomy in five (8%) patients. In all, 30 patients (46%) had catheterization problems, but most of these were easy to treat. Five patients (8%) had an incontinent conduit which was a more difficult problem to deal with. Two patients have died of unrelated cause and five patients have been converted to an ileal conduit. In all, 58 patients (92%) now have a Mitrofanoff conduit, of which 97% are catheterizable and 95% are continent.CONCLUSIONSContinent urinary diversion, based on the Mitrofanoff principle, has similar outcomes in adult urological practice to those described in published paediatric case series. There is good evidence to suggest that Mitrofanoff conduits are durable. However, patients should be aware of complications and the need for long‐term follow‐up.
Lower urinary tract phenotype of experimental autoimmune cystitis in mouse: a potential animal model for interstitial cystitis
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hao , Liu Guiming , Kavran Michael , Altuntas Cengiz Z. , Gasbarro Gregory , Tuohy Vincent K. , Daneshgari Firouz 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine bladder function in a newly developed experimental autoimmune cystitis (EAC) model in female SWXJ strain mice, as a potential animal model for interstitial cystitis (IC).MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 20 SWXJ female mice were divided into two groups: an EAC group immunized with mouse bladder homogenate in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and a control group immunized with CFA alone. At 4 months after injection, the bladder function of some mice (six) was studied with 24‐h micturition habits using metabolic cages and conscious cystometrography (CMG). The bladder and lung were harvested for histological examination and to assess interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) mRNA expression.RESULTSHistology examination showed obviously thickened lamina propria, infiltration of lymphocytes, giant cells, and increased mast cells in the detrusor muscle of the EAC mice. The lungs of EAC mice showed normal histology. The IFN‐γ mRNA expression increased significantly in the bladder, but not in the lung of the EAC mice. The 24‐h micturition habits measurements showed increased frequency of urination in the EAC mice compared with the controls. Similarly, CMG showed decreased intercontraction intervals and voided volumes per micturition in the EAC mice compared with the controls. However, there were no significant differences in peak voiding pressure or total voiding volume between the EAC and control mice.CONCLUSIONSOur murine EAC model has comparable functional and histological alterations to those seen in human IC, and may provide a useful model for the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of IC.
Effect of firing rate on the performance of shock wave lithotriptors
Authors: Pishchalnikov Yuri A. , McAteer James A. , Williams Jr James C. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine the mechanism that underlies the effect of shock wave (SW) rate on the performance of clinical lithotripters.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe effect of firing rate on the pressure characteristics of SWs was assessed using a fibre‐optic probe hydrophone (FOPH 500, RP Acoustics, Leutenbach, Germany). Shock waves were fired at slow (5–27 SW/min) and fast (100–120 SW/min) rates using a conventional high‐pressure lithotriptor (DoLi‐50, Dornier MedTech America, Inc., Kennesaw, GA, USA), and a new low‐pressure lithotriptor (XX‐ES, Xi Xin Medical Instruments Co. Ltd, Suzhou, PRC). A digital camcorder (HDR‐HC3, Sony, Japan) was used to record cavitation fields, and an ultrafast multiframe high‐speed camera (Imacon 200, DRS Data & Imaging Systems, Inc., Oakland, NJ, USA) was used to follow the evolution of bubbles throughout the cavitation cycle.RESULTSFiring rate had little effect on the leading positive‐pressure phase of the SWs with the DoLi lithotriptor. A slight reduction (≈7%) of peak positive pressure (P+) was detected only in the very dense cavitation fields (≈1000 bubbles/cm3) generated at the fastest firing rate (120 SW/min) in nondegassed water. The negative pressure of the SWs, on the other hand, was dramatically affected by firing rate. At 120 SW/min the peak negative pressure was reduced by ≈84%, the duration and area of the negative pressure component was reduced by ≈80% and ≈98%, respectively, and the energy density of negative pressure was reduced by >99%. Whereas cavitation bubbles proliferated at fast firing rates, HS‐camera images showed the bubbles that persisted between SWs were very small (<10 µm). Similar results were obtained with the XX‐ES lithotriptor but only after recognizing a rate‐dependent charging artefact with that machine.CONCLUSIONIncreasing the firing rate of a lithotriptor can dramatically reduce the negative pressure component of the SWs, while the positive pressure remains virtually unaffected. Cavitation increases as the firing rate is increased but as the bubbles collapse, they break into numerous microbubbles that, because of their very small size, do not pose a barrier to the leading positive pressure of the next SW. These findings begin to explain why stone breakage in SWL becomes less efficient as the firing rate is increased.