bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lipid profile in psoriasis: a controlled study
Authors: Akhyani M , Ehsani AH , Robati RM , Robati AM 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is an inflammatory dermatosis that is characterized with hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and inflammatory infiltration in the epidermis and dermis. The high prevalence of atherosclerosis has been reported in psoriatic patients. High serum lipid level has been suggested in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. In this study, our purpose was to compare the lipid profile in psoriatic patients with non‐affected persons.Methods  This study was designed and conducted as a case–control assay with 50 cases in the patient and control groups, respectively. The lipid profile, including serum level of triglyceride, cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), were assessed in both groups.Results  The patient and control groups each consisted of 50 cases (39 male and 11 female). The serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL was significantly higher in psoriatic patients (P < 0.05) but not for HDL (P = 0.29).Conclusion  This study, like previous assays, shows that high serum lipid level is significantly more common in psoriasis. This fact may be responsible for higher prevalence of cardiovascular accident in psoriatic patients. It may be useful to do early screening and treatment of hyperlipidaemia in psoriasis to prevent the atherosclerosis and its complications.
Age‐dependent changes in the pigeon bursa of Fabricius vasculature: a comparative study using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of vessel casts
Authors: Abbate Franco , Pfarrer Christiane , Jones Carolyn J. P. , Ciriaco Emilia , Germanà Giovanni , Leiser Rudolf 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe present study was carried out to analyse the vascularization of the pigeon bursa cloacalis of Fabricius and to determine whether it undergoes age‐dependent changes during its functionally most important growth period after hatching of the pigeon. Morphological assessment of vascular corrosion casts, studied qualitatively and quantitatively, was applied for the first time to investigate the vascularization of the pigeon pigeon bursa of Fabricius. This also allowed us to analyse the microvasculature and morphological aspects of the vessel interrelationships as occurring in the natural state. The casts were compared with histological sections stained by haematoxylin‐eosin and by binding of the lectin e‐PHA (Phaseolus vulgaris, erythroagglutinin) to blood vessels. The vascular architecture of the bursa of Fabricius of the pigeon revealed that the organ is irrigated via two pathways, first through the terminal capillary system of lymphoid follicles arising from the internal pudendal artery, and secondly through arteries originating from the cloacal vasculature of the collum of the organ supplying the periluminal capillary system of the pigeon bursa of Fabricius. Both systems are drained by a venous system which is collateral to the system of the internal pudendal artery and clearly functions as a direct link between the lumen and vasculature of the cloaca or gut, respectively, and the bursa fabricii. This could allow the lymphocytes to be confronted with antigens from the contents of the gut, and their subsequent transport into the secondary lymphoid organs of the organism. Our results demonstrate that the blood vessels, as major and supplying part of the lymphoid system of the bursa Fabricii, clearly reflect three different phases of development: the evolution phase from about day 20 until day 50 post‐hatching, the mature phase from days 50 to 90, and the involution phase after day 90. During the evolution phase the density of the vessel system rapidly increases, while in the mature phase the vascular architecture is maintained. The involution phase is dominated by vascular degeneration combined with shrinkage of the whole organ. Therefore, the morphology of the vasculature distinctly reflects the functional status of this primary lymphoid organ during its lifespan.
Splice variation in the cytoplasmic domains of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein affects its cellular localisation and transport1
Authors: Boyle Louise H. , Traherne James A. , Plotnek Gemma , Ward Rosemary , Trowsdale John 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlthough myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein is a candidate autoantigen in multiple sclerosis, its function remains unknown. In humans, mRNA expressed by the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein gene is alternatively spliced resulting in at least nine unique protein isoforms. In this study, we investigated the sub‐cellular localisation and membrane trafficking of six isoforms by cloning them into mammalian expression vectors. Confocal microscopy revealed that these protein products are expressed in different cellular compartments. While two full‐length isoforms (25.6 and 25.1) are expressed at the cell surface, three alternatively spliced forms (22.7, 21.0 and 20.5) have a more intracellular distribution, localising to the endoplasmic reticulum and/or endosomes. Isoform 16.3, which lacks a transmembrane domain, is secreted. A switch in the sub‐cellular localisation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein may have profound effects on receptor:ligand interactions and consequently the function of the protein. The structural features of the alternative isoforms and their differential, sub‐cellular expression patterns could dictate the exposure of major immunogenic determinants within the central nervous system. Our findings highlight myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein splicing as a factor that could be critical to the phenotypic expression of multiple sclerosis.
Mechanism of 6‐hydroxydopamine neurotoxicity: the role of NADPH oxidase and microglial activation in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Rodriguez‐Pallares J. , Parga J. A. , Muñoz A. , Rey P. , Guerra M. J. , Labandeira‐Garcia J. L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCell death induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) is thought to be caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from 6‐OHDA autooxidation and by a possible direct effect of 6‐OHDA on the mitochondrial respiratory chain. However, the process has not been totally clarified. In rat primary mesencephalic cultures, we observed a significant increase in dopaminergic (DA) cell loss 24 h after administration of 6‐OHDA (40 μmol/L) and a significant increase in NADPH subunit expression, microglial activation and superoxide anion/superoxide‐derived ROS in DA cells that were decreased by the NADPH inhibitor apocynin. Low doses of 6‐OHDA (10 μmol/L) did not induce a significant loss of DA cells or a significant increase in NADPH subunit expression, microglial activation or superoxide‐derived ROS. However, treatment with the NADPH complex activator angiotensin II caused a significant increase in all the latter. Forty‐eight hours after intrastriatal 6‐OHDA injection in rats, there was still no loss of DA neurons although there was an increase in NADPH subunit expression and NADPH oxidase activity. The results suggest that in addition to the autooxidation‐derived ROS and the inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, early microglial activation and NADPH oxidase‐derived ROS act synergistically with 6‐OHDA and constitute a relevant and early component of the 6‐OHDA‐induced cell death.
Reduced histamine levels and H3receptor antagonist‐induced histamine release in the amygdala ofApoe−/−mice
Authors: Van Meer Peter , Pfankuch Tim , Raber Jacob 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe histamine H3receptor is a constitutively active G protein‐coupled receptor for the neurotransmitter histamine that serves a negative feedback function. A role for the histamine H3receptor has been suggested in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinsons disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Mice deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE), a protein involved in development, regeneration, neurite outgrowth, and neuroprotection, show increased measures of anxiety and reduced sensitivity to effects of histamine H3receptor antagonists on measures of anxiety. In this study, we tested whether in mice lacking apoE (Apoe−/−) histamine levels and histamine release in brain areas involved in the regulation of anxiety are altered. H3receptor antagonist‐induced histamine release was lower in the amygdala ofApoe−/−than wild‐type mice. In contrast, there were no genotype differences in histamine release in the hypothalamus. Consistent with these data, histamine immunohistochemistry revealed lower total and synaptic histamine levels in the central nucleus of the amygdala ofApoe−/−than wild‐type mice. Such changes were not seen in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, or cortex. InApoe−/−mice, chronically decreased histamine levels and reduced histamine release in the amygdala might contribute to increased measures of anxiety.
Could Selective Mutism be Re‐conceptualised as a Specific Phobia of Expressive Speech? An Exploratory Post‐hoc Study
Authors: Omdal Heidi , Galloway David 
Published: June 2007

Background:  Selective mutism (SM) is now widely seen as a symptom of social anxiety. However, observations of children's interactions in the natural contexts of home and school/kindergarten suggest that this may be in need of review.Method:  Data were available from two sources: first, interviews with six adults who had recovered from SM in childhood and adolescence; second, informal observations of five SM children in home and school/kindergarten, and semi‐structured interviews with their parents and teachers. The research had three stages: (i) Data were examined for the presence of social anxiety and/or determined or stubborn behaviour, but neither provided a satisfactory explanation for the SM. (ii) The data suggested that SM could be reconceptualised as a specific phobia of their own speech. It is argued that if this is the case, SM should respond to intervention at school based broadly on a cognitive behaviour therapy methodology. (iii) A post hoc examination of observation and interview transcripts was used to test this hypothesis.Results:  (i) Apart from two adults, no evidence was found of social anxiety. Determined and stubborn behaviour was observed but was inadequate as an explanation of SM. (ii) Two children recovered when exposed to classroom interactions that could be seen as consistent with the principles of graded in vivo flooding. Three children who were not exposed to similar interactions did not improve.Conclusions:  SM may be understood and treated successfully at school/kindergarten as a specific phobia of expressive speech.
Initial Perspectives from Midwestern Neurologists: Epilepsy Patients' Barriers and Motivators for Seeking Treatment
Authors: Hawley Suzanne R. , Paschal Angelia M. , Ablah Elizabeth , St. Romain Theresa , Liow Kore , Molgaard Craig A. 
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological illness that affects 2.7 million people in the United States, but remains poorly understood. Care providers may not recognize their patients' need for epilepsy information, contributing to treatment barriers, such as stigmatization and poor patient‐provider communication. Methods: The current study piloted a survey of epilepsy‐related attitudes and perceptions of 33 Midwestern neurologists. The survey included questions about perceived barriers to and motivators for treatment, thoughts on misperceptions of epilepsy in the community and in the patient population, and potential interventions to address misperceptions. Results: Respondents perceived misinformation and lack of knowledge in patients and the general public that could be contributing to the barriers that exist to treat patients adequately. Respondents suggested potential methods for addressing misperceptions effectively. Discussion: This study of neurologists' perceptions about epilepsy barriers and needs provides an important perspective for the development of interventions to address misperceptions and barriers among patients and the public.
A Cost‐Effectiveness Comparison of Desipramine, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin for Treating Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: O'Connor Alec B. , Noyes Katia , Holloway Robert G. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To compare the net health effects and costs resulting from treatment with different first‐line postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) medications.DESIGN: Cost–utility analysis using published literature.PARTICIPANTS: Hypothetical cohort of patients aged 60 to 80 with PHN.INTERVENTIONS: Desipramine 100 mg/d, gabapentin 1,800 mg/d, and pregabalin 450 mg/d.MEASUREMENTS: A decision model was designed to describe possible treatment outcomes, including different combinations of analgesia and side effects, during the first 3 months of therapy for moderate to severe PHN. The main outcome was cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained. Costs were estimated using the perspective of a third‐party payer. Multivariate, univariate, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed, and the time frame of the model was varied to 1‐month and 6‐month horizons.RESULTS: Desipramine was more effective and less expensive than gabapentin or pregabalin (dominant) under all conditions tested. Gabapentin was more effective than pregabalin but at an incremental cost of $216,000/QALY. Below $140/month, gabapentin became more cost‐effective than pregabalin at a threshold of $50,000/QALY, and below $115/month gabapentin dominated pregabalin.CONCLUSION: Desipramine appears to be more effective and less expensive than gabapentin or pregabalin for the treatment of older patients with PHN in whom it is not contraindicated. After its price falls, generic gabapentin will likely be more cost‐effective than pregabalin.
Frailty in Older Men: Prevalence, Progression, and Relationship with Mortality
Authors: Cawthon Peggy M. , Marshall Lynn M. , Michael Yvonne , Dam Thuy‐Tien , Ensrud Kristine E. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Orwoll Eric S. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Research Group
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To describe the association between frailty and health status, the progression of frailty, and the relationship between frailty and mortality in older men.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional and prospective cohort study.SETTING: Six U.S. clinical centers.PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand nine hundred ninety‐three community‐dwelling men aged 65 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Frailty was defined as three or more of the following: sarcopenia (low appendicular skeletal mass adjusted for height and body fat), weakness (grip strength), self‐reported exhaustion, low activity level, and slow walking speed. Prefrail men met one or two criteria; robust men had none. Follow‐up averaged 4.7 years.RESULTS: At baseline, 240 subjects (4.0%) were frail, 2,395 (40.0%) were prefrail, and 3,358 were robust (56.0%). Frail men were less healthy in most measures of self‐reported health than prefrail or robust men. Frailty was somewhat more common in African Americans (6.6%) and Asians (5.8%) than Caucasians (3.8%). At the second visit, men who were frail at baseline tended to remain frail (24.2%) or die (37.1%) or were unable to complete the follow‐up visit (26.2%); robust men tended to remain robust (54.4%). Frail men were approximately twice as likely to die as robust men (multivariate hazard ratio (MHR)=2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.55–2.72). Mortality risk for frail men was greater in all weight categories than for nonfrail men but was highest for normal‐weight frail men (MHR=2.39, 95% CI=1.51–3.79, P for interaction=.01). The relationship between frailty and mortality was somewhat stronger in younger men than older men (P for interaction=.01).CONCLUSION: Frailty in older men is associated with poorer health and a greater risk of mortality.
Lengths of hepatitis B viremia and antigenemia in blood donors: preliminary evidence of occult (hepatitis B surface antigen–negative) infection in the acute stage
Authors: Yoshikawa Akira , Gotanda Yuko , Minegishi Kiyoshi , Taira Rikizo , Hino Satoru , Tadokoro Kenji , Ohnuma Hitoshi , Miyakawa Keiko , Tachibana Katsumi , Mizoguchi Hideaki ,   Japanese Red Cross NAT Screening Research Group
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) implemented a fully automated pooling and nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) system for testing seronegative donations. The JRC sample repository and repeat blood donations allowed for lookback and follow‐up studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA–positive donors, who tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti–hepatitis B core antigen in the JRC screening system.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From February 1, 2000, to March 31, 2003, 17,314,486 units were tested in 50‐sample pools with a semiautomated multiplex assay system (AMPLINAT MPX test, Roche). During this period, 328 HBV DNA–positive donations were found. From 26 of these donors, sequential samples were available at short intervals. This enabled us to examine the dynamics of viral markers in acute HBV infection. The length of detectable periods of plasma viremia and antigenemia were estimated by regression analysis from the results obtained in the quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (JRC) and HBsAg enzyme immunoassay (Auszyme II, AxSYM, Abbott) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (Abbott).RESULTS: The median length of detectable HBV DNA in individual donation and 20‐sample minipool (MP) NAT format was estimated to be 74 and 50 days, respectively, whereas the median length of detectable HBsAg was estimated to be 42 days. Six of the 26 donors were infected with mutant viruses, and 3 of these 6 donors did not develop detectable HBsAg during the entire observation period, despite a moderately high viral load of 104 to 105 HBV DNA copies per mL.CONCLUSION: Transmission of mutant virus may cause occult HBV infection in the acute stage. HBV NAT, even in MP configuration, is more effective than HBsAg testing and capable of interdicting infected donors in the pre‐ and post‐HBsAg window periods.
Prevention of transfusion of platelet components contaminated with low levels of bacteria: a comparison of bacteria culture and pathogen inactivation methods
Authors: Nussbaumer Walter , Allersdorfer Doris , Grabmer Christoph , Rheinschmidt Margaret , Lin Lily , Schönitzer Diether , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: This study compared the efficacy of bacterial detection with inactivation for reducing the risk associated with transfusion of platelet (PLT) components contaminated with low levels of bacteria.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐one double‐dose PLTs were spiked with seven species of bacteria at three levels (0.003‐0.03, 0.03‐0.3, 0.3‐3 colony‐forming units [CFUs]/mL). After split, each PLT unit contained 1 to 10, 10 to 100, and 100 to 1000 CFUs. One unit was photochemically treated (PCT; 150 µmol/L amotosalen and 3 J/cm2 ultraviolet A). The other unit was untreated. All units were stored and sampled on Days 1, 2, and 5 of storage for aerobic and anaerobic culture in the BacT/ALERT system (bioMérieux). PLTs were classified as sterile when no bacterial growth was detected after 120 hours of culture.RESULTS: In all PCT PLTs, no bacteria were detected throughout 5 days of storage regardless of species, level of contamination, and sampling time. In untreated PLTs, Staphylococcus aureus was consistently detected by culturing. Growth of 1 to 10 CFUs per unit Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1 to 100 CFUs per unit of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 1 to 1000 CFUs per unit Propionibacterium acnes was delayed and only detectable after 5, 2, and 5 days of storage, respectively. Low levels of Streptococcus agalactiae (1‐10 CFUs/unit), Escherichia coli (1‐100 CFUs/unit), and Clostridium perfringens (1‐100 CFUs/unit) were not detected during 5 days of storage, although bacterial outgrowth was detected at higher levels of contamination.CONCLUSIONS: For the seven bacterial species examined, contaminated PLTs may be released for transfusion on test‐negative‐to‐date status. In contrast, bacterial inactivation by PCT could reduce the risk associated with transfusion of PLTs contaminated with low levels of these bacteria.
Bacterial infections associated with blood transfusion: experience and perspective of infectious diseases consultants
Authors: Rao Preethi L. , Strausbaugh Larry J. , Liedtke Laura A. , Srinivasan Arjun , Kuehnert Matthew J. ,   the Infectious Diseases Society of America Emerging Infections Network
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: On March 1, 2004, the AABB adopted a new standard that requires member blood banks and transfusion services to implement measures to limit and detect bacterial contamination in all platelet (PLT) components. The AABB has since developed several guidelines to assist blood transfusion services and blood banks in this area, some of which are relevant to clinical practice. Knowledge and experience among clinicians (including infectious disease consultants, who can play an important role in managing patients with sepsis) concerning risk of bacterial infections associated with transfusion, however, are unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Experience concerning management and prevention of transfusion‐associated bacterial infection, including knowledge of the AABB standard requiring bacterial screening of PLTs, was assessed through an Infectious Diseases Society of America Emerging Infections Network (IDSA/EIN) survey.RESULTS: Overall, 405 (47%) EIN members responded to the survey; of those responding, 12 percent of respondents had encountered transfusion reactions potentially due to bacterial contamination in the prior 10 years, 36 percent were aware of the transmission risk of bacteria through blood transfusion, and 20 percent were aware of the new AABB standard for bacterial screening of PLTs.CONCLUSIONS: Understanding by EIN infectious disease consultants of the significance of transfusion‐associated bacterial infection and associated AABB standards and guidelines may indicate lack of other clinicians' awareness on these issues. Improving awareness of the risk of bacterial contamination of PLTs appears warranted to improve clinical management of infected blood donors or recipients, particularly when follow‐up for transfusion of a culture‐positive PLT unit is needed.
IKs Block by HMR 1556 Lowers Ventricular Defibrillation Threshold and Reverses the Repolarization Shortening by Isoproterenol Without Rate‐Dependence in Rabbits
Authors: SO PETSY PUI‐SZE , BACKX PETER H. , HU XU‐DONG , DORIAN PAUL 
Published: June 2007

Introduction: The slow delayed rectifier K+ current (IKs) contributes little to ventricular repolarization at rest. It is unclear whether IKs plays a role during ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular repolarization at rapid rates during β‐adrenergic stimulation. Methods and Results: In an in vivo rabbit model, we evaluated the effects of HMR 1556 (1 mg Kg−1+ 1 mg kg −1 hr −1 i.v.), a selective IKs blocker, on monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization (MAPD90), ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), and defibrillation threshold (DFT). In perfused rabbit hearts, the effects of HMR 1556 (10 and 100 nM) in the presence of isoproterenol (5 nM) on MAPD90 and VERP were studied at cycle lengths (CLs) 200–500 msec. In vivo, HMR 1556 prolonged MAPD90 by 6 ± 1 msec at CL 200 msec (P < 0.01, n = 6), lowered DFT from 558 ± 46 V to 417 ± 31 V (P < 0.01), and decreased the coefficient of variation in the VF inter‐beat deflection intervals from 8.9 ± 0.6% to 6.5 ± 0.4% (P < 0.05) compared with control. In perfused rabbit hearts, isoproterenol shortened MAPD90 by 5 ± 1 msec at CL 200 msec and 11 ± 4 msec at CL 500 msec (P < 0.05, n = 7). This shortening was reversed by HMR 1556 (P < 0.05), and both effects were rate‐independent. Conclusion: IKs block increases VF temporal organization and lowers DFT, and IKs that is activated following β‐adrenergic stimulation contributes to ventricular repolarization without rate dependence.