bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nickel, cobalt, chromium, palladium and gold induce a mixed Th1- and Th2-type cytokine responsein vitroin subjects with contact allergy to the respective metals
Authors: Minang J T , Areström I , Troye-Blomberg M , Lundeberg L , Ahlborg N 
Published: October 2006

SummaryNickel (Ni), the main cause of contact allergy to metals, induces in vitro production of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from allergic subjects. Because the knowledge of the cellular immune response to other metals involved in contact allergy has been limited, we investigated the cytokine profile induced by Ni, cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), palladium (Pd) and gold (Au) in PBMC from patients with patch test reactivity to the respective metals. PBMC from patients with patch test reactivity to Ni, Co, Cr, Au and/or Pd (n = 31) and non-allergic controls (n = 5) were stimulated in vitro with corresponding metal salts. Th1- [interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ] and Th2- (IL-4 and IL-13) type cytokine responses were measured by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All metals induced a mixed Th1- and Th2-type cytokine production in PBMC from individual patients with patch test reactivity to the corresponding metal, but not in control PBMC. Significantly higher responses in the patient versus controls were found for Cr (IL-2 and IL-13), Pd (IL-2 and IL-4), Au (IL-13 and IFN-γ) (all P &lt; 0·05) and Ni (all four cytokines; P &lt; 0·01) but not Co. Overall, 71% (37/52) and 89% (81/91) of the positive and negative patch test reactivities to metals, respectively, were matched by the in vitro reactivity. In conclusion, our data suggest that sensitization to Co, Cr, Pd and Au results in a cellular immune response of a character similar to the mixed Th1- and Th2-type cytokine profile shown previously to be induced by Ni.
Determinants of thyroid volume as measured by ultrasonography in healthy adults randomly selected
Authors: Gómez José Manuel , Maravall Francisco Javier , Gómez Núria , Gumà Anna , Soler Juan 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVESThe relationship between thyroid volume and anthropometric characteristics is a matter of controversy. The aim of this study was to investigate thyroid volume and its determinants in healthy adult subjects from a noniodine‐deficient area.DESIGN AND PATIENTSOf the 280 000 inhabitants of the city, served by L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, we randomly selected 880 subjects from the census of the city. The participation rate in the study was 44%; after application of several exclusion criteria, a further 28 subjects were excluded because of previously diagnosed thyroid disease. We finally studied 268 subjects representative of the census of the city: 134 male and 134 female, without thyroid disease. We determined the anthropometric characteristics, body mass index, waist‐hip ratio, body surface area; body composition by bioelectrical impedance analyser; thyroid volume by ultrasonography; basal TSH, antithyroid antibodies and urinary iodine excretion.RESULTSThyroid volume in our population was higher in males (9.19 ml, CI 9.09–10.65) than in females (6.19 ml, CI 6.02–6.92), P = 0.001. Significant correlations were found among thyroid volume and body weight (r = 0.39, P = 0.0001), height (r = 0.44, P = 0.0001), body mass index (r = 0.13, P = 0.02), waist‐hip ratio (r = 0.38, P = 0.0001), body surface area (r = 0.48, P = 0.0001), total body water (r = 0.14, P = 0.02), free fat mass (r = 0.47, P = 0.0001), fat mass (r = 0.37, P = 0.001) and body fat (r = 0.32, P = 0.001). Negative correlation was found between thyroid volume and basal TSH (r = −0.26, P = 0.001). No correlations were found among thyroid volume and iodine excretion, previous pregnacies in women, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. In a multiple regression analysis with thyroid volume as the dependent variable, body surface area was demonstrated to account for the 44% of variation of thyroid volume (P = 0.0001).CONCLUSIONIt is important to know the reference values of the thyroid volume in a population free of iodine deficiency and its determinants. Body surface area accounts for much of the variation of thyroid volume. Age, gender, anthropometric variables, body composition variables and biological variables, do not significantly influence the thyroid volume when considered as possible additions to this baseline model.
Patterns of genetic structure in the endangered aquatic gastropodValvata utahensis(Mollusca: Valvatidae) at small and large spatial scales
Authors: MILLER MARK P. , WEIGEL DANA E. , MOCK KAREN E. 
Published: October 2006

Summary1. The aquatic snailValvata utahensis(Gastropoda: Valvatidae) is a federally endangered aquatic mollusk known only from the Snake River in southern Idaho, U.S.A. The Snake River, like many other large river systems in the western United States, has undergone substantial anthropogenic modifications in recent history that have altered water flows, changed physicochemical attributes of the water and produced an overall spatially fragmented aquatic system.2. Because little is currently known about the basic biology and life history ofV. utahensis, we conducted a detailed genetic analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and mitochondrial DNA sequence variation in this species from six locations along the Snake River. This study was designed to discern (i) levels of within‐location genetic diversity, (ii) patterns of genetic structure at small spatial scales (i.e. within sampling locations) and (iii) patterns of genetic structure at large spatial scales (among sampling locations).3. We show that comparable levels of nuclear genetic variation exist within each of the six locations examined. However, reduced mitochondrial sequence diversity was observed at Thousand Springs compared with the other locations examined.4. We further illustrate thatV. utahensisshows no genetic structure within locations over relatively small physical distances up to approximately 3 km. We suggest that active dispersal of individuals via crawling and passive dispersal because of downstream displacement or floating behaviours may have produced this pattern. However, at large spatial scales genetic structure generally followed an isolation‐by‐distance pattern. This pattern was not directly correlated with the connectivity of locations through the river corridor and suggested the possible role of episodic passive dispersal via avian waterfowl or the effects of historical floods throughout the Snake Riverc.14 000 years ago.
Genetic population structure and contemporary dispersal patterns of a recent European invader, the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: HERBORG LEIF‐MATTHIAS , WEETMAN DAVID , VAN OOSTERHOUT COCK , HÄNFLING BERND 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGenetic studies of recently established populations are challenging because the assumption of equilibrium underlying many analyses is likely to be violated. Using microsatellites, we investigated determinants of genetic structure and migration among invasive European‐Chinese mitten crab populations, applying a combination of traditional population genetic analyses and nonequilibrium Bayesian methods. Consistent with their recent history, invasive populations showed much lower levels of genetic diversity than a native Chinese population, indicative of recent bottlenecks. Population differentiation was generally low but significant and especially pronounced among recently established populations. Significant differentiation among cohorts from the same geographical location (River Thames) suggests the low effective population size and associated strong genetic drift that would be anticipated from a very recent colonization. An isolation‐by‐distance pattern appears to be driven by an underlying correlation between geographical distance and population age, suggesting that cumulative homogenizing gene flow reduces founder bottleneck‐associated genetic differentiation between longer‐established populations. This hypothesis was supported by a coalescent analysis, which supported a drift + gene flow model as more likely than a model excluding gene flow. Furthermore, admixture analysis identified several recent migrants between the UK and Continental European population clusters. Admixture proportions were significantly predicted by the volume of shipping between sites, indicating that human‐mediated transport remains a significant factor for dispersal of mitten crabs after the initial establishment of populations. Our study highlights the value of nonequilibrium methods for the study of invasive species, and also the importance of evaluating nonequilibrium explanations for isolation by distance patterns.
Practical prognostic index for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine
Authors: Sawaki Akira , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Mizuno Nobumasa , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Nakamura Tsuneya , Ioka Tatsuya , Tanaka Sachiko , Nakaizumi Akihiko , Salem Ahmed AS , Ueda Ryuzo , Yamao Kenji 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to identify factors that predict treatment outcome in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine, and then to use these factors to develop a practical prognostic index.Methods:  A retrospective study was performed on 66 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma who were treated with gemcitabine. Factors that predicted treatment outcome were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model.Results:  Multivariate analysis identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, primary tumor location, and C‐reactive protein as important independent predictive factors. Prognostic score was calculated using the following formula: score = (1 if performance status is 0 or 1; 2 if performance status is 2; and 5 if performance status is 3) + (1 if primary site is body or tail, 3 if primary site is head) + (1 if C‐reactive protein is <1 mg/dL, 3 if C‐reactive protein is 1–3 mg/dL, 6 if C‐reactive protein is >3 mg/dL). Patients were accordingly divided into three groups: good (prognostic index = 3 or 4), fair (prognostic index = 5–7), and poor (prognostic index = 8). Median survival was 265, 155, and 65 days for each group, respectively (P < 0.0001). The internally validated c‐index (receiver operating characteristics area under the curve) of this model was 0.711. Applied to another data set, the externally validated c‐index was 0.692. Prognosis was favorable in the good prognosis group, patients in the fair prognosis group were likely to benefit from gemcitabine, and those in the poor prognosis group were unlikely to benefit.Conclusion:  This index improved predictive ability in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine, which may be helpful in counseling patients and making first treatment decisions.
Transglutaminase 2 ablation leads to defective function of mitochondrial respiratory complex I affecting neuronal vulnerability in experimental models of extrapyramidal disorders
Authors: Battaglia Giuseppe , Farrace Maria Grazia , Mastroberardino Pier Giorgio , Viti Irene , Fimia Gian Maria , Van Beeumen Jozef , Devreese Bart , Melino Gennaro , Molinaro Gemma , Busceti Carla Letizia , Biagioni Francesca , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Piacentini Mauro 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTransglutaminase 2 (TG2) represents the most ubiquitous isoform belonging to the TG family, and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of basal ganglia disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. We show that ablation of TG2 in knockout mice causes a reduced activity of mitochondrial complex I associated with an increased activity of complex II in the whole forebrain and striatum. Interestingly, TG2–/– mice were protected against nigrostriatal damage induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine, which is convertedin vivointo the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐pyridinium ion. In contrast, TG2–/– mice were more vulnerable to nigrostriatal damage induced by methamphetamine or by the complex II inhibitor, 3‐nitropropionic acid. Proteomic analysis showed that proteins involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, such as prohibitin and the β‐chain of ATP synthase, are substrates for TG2. These data suggest that TG2 is involved in the regulation of the respiratory chain both in physiology and pathology, contributing to set the threshold for neuronal damage in extrapyramidal disorders.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide enhances release of native brain‐derived neurotrophic factor from trigeminal ganglion neurons
Authors: Buldyrev Ilya , Tanner Nathan M. , Hsieh Hui‐ya , Dodd Emily G. , Nguyen Loi T. , Balkowiec Agnieszka 
Published: October 2006

AbstractActivity‐dependent plasticity in nociceptive pathways has been implicated in pathomechanisms of chronic pain syndromes. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), which is expressed by trigeminal nociceptors, has recently been identified as a key player in the mechanism of migraine headaches. Here we show that CGRP is coexpressed with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a large subset of adult rat trigeminal ganglion neurons in vivo. Using ELISA in situ, we show that CGRP (1–1000 nm) potently enhances BDNF release from cultured trigeminal neurons. The effect of CGRP is dose‐dependent and abolished by pretreatment with CGRP receptor antagonist, CGRP(8–37). Intriguingly, CGRP‐mediated BDNF release, unlike BDNF release evoked by physiological patterns of electrical stimulation, is independent of extracellular calcium. Depletion of intracellular calcium stores with thapsigargin blocks the CGRP‐mediated BDNF release. Using transmission electron microscopy, our study also shows that BDNF‐immunoreactivity is present in dense core vesicles of unmyelinated axons and axon terminals in the subnucleus caudalis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, the primary central target of trigeminal nociceptors. Together, these results reveal a previously unknown role for CGRP in regulating BDNF availability, and point to BDNF as a candidate mediator of trigeminal nociceptive plasticity.
Opposite effects of presynaptic 5‐HT3 receptor activation on spontaneous and action potential‐evoked GABA release at hippocampal synapses
Authors: Dorostkar Mario M. , Boehm Stefan 
Published: October 2006

Abstract5‐HT3 (serotonin type 3) receptors are targets of antiemetics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants and are believed to play a role in cognition. Nevertheless, contrasting results have been obtained with respect to their functions in the CNS and in the control of transmitter release. We used rat hippocampal neurons in single‐neuron microcultures to identify the roles of presynaptic 5‐HT3 receptors at central synapses. 5‐HT (10 μm) caused a transient > 10‐fold increase in the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents without affecting amplitudes or kinetics. This effect was abolished by tropisetron (30 nm) and when Ca2+ channels were blocked by 100 μm Cd2+ it was mimicked and occluded when neurons were depolarized by 20 mm, but not 10 mm, K+. Thus, activation of presynaptic 5‐HT3 receptors increased spontaneous GABA release by causing depolarization and opening of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. In microculture neurons, 5‐HT transiently reduced action potential‐evoked inhibitory autaptic currents by > 50%; this effect was blocked by tropisetron and mimicked by 20 mm, but not 10 mm, K+. Miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents were not altered by 5‐HT. Excitatory autaptic currents were tonically reduced, an effect attenuated by 5‐HT1A antagonists. Thus, presynaptic 5‐HT3 receptors control GABA, but not glutamate, release and mediate opposite effects on spontaneous and action potential‐dependent release.
Development of microsatellites for the peat moss Sphagnum capillifolium using ISSR cloning
Authors: PROVAN JIM , WILSON PAMELA J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSphagnum mosses are major components of peat bogs but populations of many species are under threat due to habitat fragmentation resulting from the cutting of peat for fuel. We have used an intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR)‐based cloning method to develop nine polymorphic nuclear microsatellites for the peat moss species Sphagnum capillifolium. Between three and seven alleles per locus were detected in a sample of 48 haploid gametophytes and levels of gene diversity ranged from 0.5391 to 0.7960. These represent the first microsatellite markers developed for this important genus and most also exhibited cross‐species amplification across a range of common Sphagnum species.
Comparison of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in MDR1‐1Δ and MDR1 wildtype dogs
Authors: Mealey Katrina L. , Gay John M. , Martin Linda G. , Waiting Denise K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in MDR1‐1Δ (dogs with the MDR1 mutation associated with ivermectin sensitivity) and MDR1 wildtype dogs.Design:Prospective study.Setting:Institutional vivarium.Animals:Seven healthy Collie dogs.Measurements:MDR1 genotyping was used for allocation of dogs to 1 of 2 groups: dogs homozygous for the wildtype MDR1 allele (MDR1 wildtype) and those homozygous for the MDR1‐1Δ mutation (MDR1 mutant). Blood samples were obtained for determination of cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) concentrations under basal conditions, before and after ACTH administration, and before and after dexamethasone administration.Main results:Significant differences were identified between the MDR1 mutant and MDR1 wildtype groups. Basal plasma cortisol concentrations and cortisol concentrations after ACTH administration were significantly lower in MDR1 mutant dogs as compared with MDR1 wildtype dogs. Plasma ACTH concentrations after dexamethasone administration were significantly lower in MDR1 mutant dogs as compared with MDR1 wildtype dogs.Conclusions:Results suggest that P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) plays a role in regulation of the HPA axis. Furthermore, it appears that the HPA axis in MDR1 mutant dogs that lack P‐gp is suppressed compared with MDR1 wildtype dogs. This finding may explain some clinical observations in breeds known to harbor the MDR1 mutation including Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, and others. There is a clinical impression that many of these dogs have worse outcomes in response to stress and, at times, respond poorly to appropriate therapy. HPA axis suppression, secondary to the MDR1 mutation, could result in a relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) state during times of stress or illness. Further studies are required to determine the relationship between the MDR1 genotype and RAI.
Surgical repair of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a pregnant dog
Authors: Statz Gretchen D. , Moore Kari E. , Murtaugh Robert J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:To describe the surgical repair and pre‐ and postoperative management of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) in a pregnant dog.Case summary:A pregnant dog was presented for vomiting, lethargy, and pale mucous membranes. Pulsus paradoxus was noted on physical examination. The dog was diagnosed with a PPDH via thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and an echocardiogram. The hernia was surgically repaired and the dog received supportive medical care until the puppies were old enough to be delivered via cesarean section. The mother and all puppies survived.New or unique information provided:This is the first report that describes the surgical repair and postoperative management of a PPDH in a pregnant dog.
Double depression: its morbidity and management in a community setting
Authors: Goldney Robert D. , Bain Marcus A. 
Published: October 2006

Background:Double depression, the combination of major depression and dysthymia, is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased health service utilization.Objective:To determine the prevalence of double depression, its associated morbidity and use of health services and antidepressants.Methods:A random and representative sample of the South Australian general population was interviewed. The mood module of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD), the Short-Form Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) and Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instruments were administered, and data relating to health service utilization, antidepressant use and role functioning were collected.Results:Double depression was present in 3.3% of the population. The use of health services was significantly higher in this group than those with no depression, or dysthymia or major depression alone. Only 15.2% had attended a community health service, 18.2% had seen a psychiatrist, 10.1% a psychologist, 16.2% a social worker and 9.1% any other counsellor in the last month. While 41.4% were currently taking an antidepressant, the average doses of the two most commonly prescribed antidepressants were below the maximum recommended doses, and the use of antidepressant augmentation strategies was also minimal.Conclusions:While double depression is associated with increased morbidity and use of health services, the optimum use of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments is clearly lacking in this community sample.
Structural brain correlates of alcohol and cannabis use in recreational users
Authors: Yücel Murat , Lubman Dan I. , Velakoulis Dennis , Wong Michael T. H. , Wood Stephen J. , Condello Anita , Brewer Warrick J. , Pantelis Christos 
Published: October 2006

Background:Previous studies on substance-dependent populations have shown that age of first use and duration of use are associated with alterations in regional brain volumes. However, it is not clear whether such alterations are factors that predispose young people to use, and so are also present in recreational users, or are a consequence of chronic exposure to substances and/or comorbid psychopathology.Objective:To investigate relationships between key brain structures and parameters of alcohol and cannabis use, in otherwise healthy male recreational users.Method:High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure hippocampal, amygdala, whole-brain and intracranial cavity (ICC) volumes in 22 young men with a history of both alcohol and cannabis use.Results:Linear regression analyses with hippocampal, amygdala and whole-brain volumes as the dependent variables and age and ICC as covariates were performed. Findings showed that use of cannabis and alcohol at an earlier age were independently predictive of larger amygdala volumes, whereas longer duration of cannabis use was predictive of smaller hippocampal volumes.Conclusions:Our findings offer preliminary support for a relationship between patterns of substance use and regional brain volumes in recreational users. It is speculative, but possible that this relationship is an evidence of a neurobiological vulnerability to drug-taking behaviour.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in a case of stroke-related peduncular hallucinosis
Authors: Spengos Konstantinos , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Papadimitriou George N. , Spengos Michail 
Published: October 2006

Background:Peduncular hallucinosis is a rare stroke-related phenomenon that may occur in cases of ischemic lesions localized in the cerebral peduncles, the pons, the upper midbrain or the thalamus and is mostly characterized by transient visual hallucinations.Case presentation:We report the case of an insufficiently treated hypertensive patient who presented with constantly elevated blood pressure values and persistent visual hallucinations, which ceased a few hours later after medically achieved blood pressure normalization. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a symmetric paramedian ischemic lesion of the upper pons, which seems to be the cause of this case of peduncular hallucinosis.Conclusion:Although uncommon, this entity needs to be differential diagnostically considered in cases of transient visual hallucinations in persons with known vascular risk profile. MRI can be a useful diagnostic tool.