bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interstitial cells and cholinergic signalling in the outer muscle layers of the guinea‐pig bladder
Authors: GILLESPIE JAMES I. , MARKERINK‐VAN ITTERSUM MARJANNE , DE VENTE JAN 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVESTo explore the relationship between cholinergic mechanisms and interstitial cells (ICs) in the outer muscle layer of the bladder.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn bladder tissue from male guinea‐pigs, ICs were identified by their response to nitric oxide (NO) with a rise in cGMP. Sections of the lateral bladder wall were incubated in Krebs’ solution containing 1 mm of the nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutyl‐methyl‐xanthene. Tissues were then exposed to 100 µm of the NO donor NONOate for 10 min, control tissues remained in Krebs’ solution. Tissues were then processed for immunohistochemistry for cGMP, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), neurofilament protein, and the nonspecific neuronal marker protein gene product (PGP) 9.5.RESULTScGMP‐positive ICs were found mainly in the outer muscle layers of the bladder wall. Three types were identified based on location; on the outer surface of the bladder wall, on the surface of the muscle bundles, and within the muscle bundles. Some of the intramuscular ICs stained for ChAT, but they did not stain with PGP 9.5. Nerve fibres were seen in close contact with the ChAT‐positive intramuscular ICs, and these nerves expressed ChAT and neurofilament protein.CONCLUSIONSA subpopulation of intramuscular ICs can synthesise acetylcholine, and might release acetylcholine onto the underlying muscle. These cells are in close contact with nerves, suggesting that they might be activated by neural inputs. Thus there may be a system in the detrusor involving cholinergic nerves acting on ICs which can activate the smooth muscle via a complex cholinergic input.
Urinary retention in women: its causes and management
Authors: KAVIA RAJESH B.C. , DATTA SOUMENDRA N. , DASGUPTA RANAN , ELNEIL SOHIER , FOWLER CLARE J. 
Published: January 2006

Urinary retention in women is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to urologists and to all involved in the treatment of the condition. The patients referred to a single institution with this condition over a 4‐year period were audited and the data are presented. The importance of Fowler's syndrome is described, as is the value of sacral nerve stimulation in this condition. In another paper, authors from France present evidence of occult dysautonomia in Fowler's syndrome.OBJECTIVETo report the experience of the last 4 years from a centre to which women with voiding difficulties and urinary retention were referred nationally, describing what investigations were helpful in making a diagnosis and the management strategies usedPATIENTS AND METHODSWomen with voiding difficulties and urinary retention remain a diagnostic and management challenge, and those with no anatomical or neurological basis for their symptoms may be dismissed, assuming that their retention has a psychogenic basis. The finding of an electromyographic (EMG) abnormality of the striated urethral sphincter explaining their disorder (Fowler's syndrome) has led to the referral of women for consideration of that diagnosis. Thus we audited the referrals to the centre over a 4‐year period of such women.RESULTSIn all, 247 women (mean age 35 years) with complete (42%) or partial retention (58%) were referred; 175 (71%) had urethral pressure profilometry, 141 (57%) had a transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the sphincter volume, and 95 (39%) had sphincter EMG. The mean maximum urethral closure pressure difference between patients with an EMG abnormality (101.5 cmH2O) and the patients with known other causes of voiding dysfunction (66.2 cmH2O) was 35.3 cmH2O (P < 0.05). In patients with complete retention there was a significant difference in sphincter volume between those who were EMG‐positive (2.14 mL) or EMG‐negative (1.64 mL) (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThese investigations helped to classify the cause of retention in two‐thirds of cases. The commonest diagnosis was Fowler's syndrome, in which sacral nerve stimulation is the only intervention that restores voiding.
The perception of self‐efficacy in coping with economic risks among young adults: an application of psychological theory and research
Authors: Engelberg Elisabeth 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe present study was prompted by the paucity of research about the perception among young people of their ability to cope with economic risks of contemporary society. The variables used in this exploration were attitudes to money. The variable of emotion management was included on the rationale that stress and negative emotions tend to arise from demands to manage economic aspects of life. The links between a sense of economic self‐efficacy and these variables were examined using a questionnaire filled out by 120 respondents. The findings revealed considerable correspondence between economic self‐efficacy and the notion of adhering to meticulous saving plans as well as firmer self‐control of emotions. Profiles that successfully discriminated between low and high sense of economic self‐efficacy were identified. The results further our understanding of the interplay between psychological factors and the self‐perception of efficacy in dealing with economic change.
An empirical study of the impact of consumer perceived risk on purchase likelihood: a modelling approach
Authors: Yeung Ruth M.W. , Morris Joe 
Published: January 2006

AbstractDrawing on an extensive literature review, a conceptual model incorporating marketing and psychometric paradigms for assessing consumer purchase behaviour is developed in the context of a hazardous and harmful risk associated with potentially contaminated food. An empirical study of 200 respondents was carried out to test this conceptual model. Structural equation modelling using LISREL 8.30 confirmed the link between perceived risk characteristics and risk perception, and that the latter appears to influence purchase behaviour. Concern about potential consequences, long‐term adverse impacts and the involuntariness of exposure were key shapers of risk perception, and risk perception itself was measured by health, money, time, lifestyle and taste losses in this study. These findings can help both the food industry and its regulators as they seek to formulate effective risk management and communication strategies. The model developed in this exploratory study can be extended to all commodities, as well as all services industry.
Differential negative coupling of type 3 metabotropic glutamate receptor to cyclic GMP levels in neurons and astrocytes
Authors: Wroblewska Barbara , Wegorzewska Iga N. , Bzdega Tomasz , Olszewski Rafal T. , Neale Joseph H. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMetabotropic receptors may couple to different G proteins in different cells or perhaps even in different regions of the same cell. To date, direct studies of group II and group III metabotropic glutamate receptors' (mGluRs) relationships to second messenger cascades have reported negative coupling of these receptors to cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in neurons, astrocytes and transfected cells. In the present study, we found that the peptide neurotransmitter N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), an mGluR3‐selective agonist, decreased sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐stimulated cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels in cerebellar granule cells and cerebellar astrocytes. The mGluR3 and group II agonists FN6 and LY354740 had similar effects on cGMP levels. The mGluR3 and group II antagonists β‐NAAG and LY341495 blocked these actions. Treatment with pertussis toxin inhibited the effects of NAAG on SNP‐stimulated cGMP levels in rat cerebellar astrocytes but not in cerebellar neurons. These data support the conclusion that mGluR3 is also coupled to cGMP levels and that this mGluR3‐induced reduction of cGMP levels is mediated by different G proteins in cerebellar astrocytes and neurons. We previously reported that this receptor is coupled to a cAMP cascade via a pertussis toxin‐sensitive G protein in cerebellar neurons, astrocytes and transfected cells. Taken together with the present data, we propose that mGluR3 is coupled to two different G proteins in granule cell neurons. These data greatly expand knowledge of the range of second messenger cascades induced by mGluR3, and have implications for clinical conditions affected by NAAG and other group II mGluR agonists.
Cell death and expression of heat‐shock protein Hsc70 in the hyperthermic rat brain
Authors: Belay Hiwote T. , Brown Ian R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractStressful stimuli induce two distinct cellular reactions, the heat‐shock (stress) response and programmed cell death. This study utilizes a dual procedure involving immunocytochemistry for heat‐shock protein localization and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay for localization of cell death at the cellular level. Whole‐body hyperthermia resulted in cell death in the adult rat thymus and testis with a robust signal seen in the testis. Distinct populations of constitutively expressed Hsc70‐positive cells and TUNEL‐positive cells were apparent. Cellular layers that exhibited high levels of Hsc70 were not triggered into cell death by the thermal stress. High expression of Hsc70 was observed in neuronal populations in the dentate gyrus, CA1 and CA2 region of the hippocampus and Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum. Hyperthermia‐induced cell death was not observed in these neuronal cell types, suggesting that neuronal expression of constitutive Hsc70 may play roles in preprotecting neurons from stressful stimuli.
Knocking‐down the NMDAR1 subunit in a limited amount of neurons in the rat hippocampus impairs learning
Authors: Cheli V. , Adrover M. , Blanco C. , Ferrari C. , Cornea A. , Pitossi F. , Epstein A. L. , Jerusalinsky D. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAmplicon vectors derived from herpes simplex virus type 1 were built to modify NMDA receptors by expressing antisense RNA for the essential NR1 subunit. Their ability to modify endogenous levels of NR1 was tested in cultures of rat embryo neocortical neurons. We studied behaviour and tested for expression in adult rats injected with those vectors into the dorsal hippocampus to find out which cells and how many appear involved in memory formation. Rats injected with vectors expressing NR1 antisense performed significantly worse than control rats in an inhibitory avoidance task. Immunohistochemistry was performed in brain slices from the same animals. The transduced cells represented 6–7% of pyramidal neurons in CA1, showing that a single gene knockdown of NR1 in a small number of neurons significantly impaired memory formation. Perhaps neurons undergoing synaptic plasticity are more susceptible to NR1 knockdown, and hence NMDAR are particularly required in those neurons undergoing synaptic plasticity during learning, or perhaps, and more likely, there is not a high level of redundancy in the hippocampal circuits involved, leading to the idea that a certain level of NR1 expression/availability appears necessary for memory formation in most of CA1 pyramidal neurons.
Characterization of the REST/NRSF‐interacting LIM domain protein (RILP): localization and interaction with REST/NRSF
Authors: Shimojo Masahito , Hersh Louis B. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe previously identified a nuclear envelope protein repressor element‐1 silencing transcription factor (REST)/neuron‐restrictive silencer factor (NRSF)‐interacting Lin‐11, Isl‐1 and Mec‐3 (LIM) domain protein (RILP) that we proposed functions in the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional repressor REST/NRSF. In this study we assessed the functionality of the prenylation motif, protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation sites and nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) of RILP. [3H]‐mevalonolactone labeled endogenous RILP, showing that RILP is indeed prenylated, while phosphorylation analysis showed that the two PKA sites are phosphorylated. Blocking RILP prenylation, mutating the NLSs or mutating the PKA phosphorylation sites caused RILP to mislocalize to the cytosol. Concurrent with this mislocalization of RILP, REST/NRSF and REST4, which are normally found in the nucleus, co‐localized in the cytosol with the RILP mutants. This provides additional evidence that RILP interacts with REST/NRSF and REST4 in vivo, and is involved in the nuclear localization of REST/NRSF and REST4. Reporter gene analysis using the promoter region of the human cholinergic gene locus revealed that these RILP mutants prevented repression of the reporter gene. By trapping REST/NRSF in the cytosol, the RILP mutants prevented translocation to the nucleus where REST/NRSF binds to an RE‐1/NRSE element to repress gene transcription. These results show that RILP is required for REST/NRSF nuclear targeting and function.
Methamphetamine‐induced spectrin proteolysis in the rat striatum
Authors: Staszewski Robert D. , Yamamoto Bryan K. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMethamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused psychostimulant. Multiple high doses of METH cause long‐term toxicity to dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) nerve terminals in the brain, as evidenced by decreases in DA and 5‐HT content, decreases in tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase activities, decreases in DA and 5‐HT re‐uptake sites, and nerve terminal degeneration. Multiple high doses of METH are known to elicit a rapid increase in DA release and hyperthermia. Although METH also produces a delayed and sustained rise in glutamate, no studies have shown whether METH produces structural evidence of excitotoxicity in striatum, or identified the receptors that mediate this toxicity directly, independent of alterations in METH‐induced hyperthermia. These experiments investigated whether METH can cause excitotoxicity as evidenced by cytoskeletal protein breakdown in a glutamate receptor‐dependent manner. METH increased calpain‐mediated spectrin proteolysis in the rat striatum 5 and 7 days after METH administration without affecting caspase 3‐dependent spectrin breakdown. This effect was completely blocked with the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, GYKI 52466, but not the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK‐801. However, AMPA or NMDA receptor antagonism did not attenuate the METH‐induced depletions of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Independent mechanisms involved in mediating spectrin proteolysis and DAT protein loss are discussed.
Modifications of the iron–neuromelanin system in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fasano Mauro , Bergamasco Bruno , Lopiano Leonardo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractParkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a mainly sporadic aetiology, although a number of monogenic familiar forms are known. Most of the motor symptoms are due to selective depletion of dopaminergic, neuromelanin‐containing neurones of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Neuromelanin is the dark insoluble macromolecule that confers the black (substantia nigra) or grey (locus coeruleus) colour to monoaminergic basal ganglia. In particular, nigral neurones are pigmented because of the accumulation of by‐products of oxidative metabolism of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The occurrence of dopamine (and all the enzymatic machinery required for dopamine synthesis, re‐uptake and disposal) and neuromelanin, and a large amount of iron ions that interact with them, makes dopaminergic nigral neurones peculiarly susceptible to oxidative stress conditions that, in turn, may become amplified by the iron–neuromelanin system itself. In this mini‐review we describe biophysical evidence for iron–neuromelanin modifications that support this hypothesis. Furthermore, we discuss the formation of the covalent linkage between α‐synuclein and neuromelanin from the early stages of the disease.
Thermal evolution of the orogenic lower crust during exhumation within a thickened Moldanubian root of the Variscan belt of Central Europe
Authors: TAJČMANOVá L. , KONOPÁSEK J. , SCHULMANN K. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAt the eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif (Variscan belt of Central Europe), large bodies of felsic granulite preserve mineral assemblages and structures developed during the early stages of exhumation of the orogenic lower continental crust within the Moldanubian orogenic root. The development of an early steep fabric is associated with east–west‐oriented compression and vertical extrusion of the high‐grade rocks into higher crustal levels. The high‐pressure mineral assemblage Grt‐Ky‐Kfs‐Pl‐Qtz‐Liq corresponds to metamorphic pressures of ∼18 kbar at ∼850 °C, which are minimum estimates, whereas crystallization of biotite occurred at 13 kbar and ∼790 °C during decompression with slight cooling. The late stages of the granulite exhumation were associated with lateral spreading of associated high‐grade rocks over a middle crustal unit at ∼4 kbar and ∼700 °C, as estimated from accompanying cordierite‐bearing gneisses. The internal structure of a contemporaneously intruded syenite is coherent with late structures developed in felsic granulites and surrounding gneisses, and the magma only locally explored the early subvertical fabric of the felsic granulite during emplacement. Consequently, the emplacement age of the syenite provides an independent constraint on the timing of the final stages of exhumation and allows calculation of exhumation and cooling rates, which for this part of the Variscan orogenic root are 2.9–3.5 mm yr−1 and 7–9.4 °C Myr−1, respectively. The final part of the temperature evolution shows very rapid cooling, which is interpreted as the result of juxtaposition of hot high‐grade rocks with a cold upper‐crustal lid.
Reviews: Diagnosis and Management of Insomnia in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Novak Marta , Shapiro Colin M. , Mendelssohn David , Mucsi Istvan 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTSleep‐related complaints affect 50–80% of patients on dialysis. Sleep disorders impair quality of life significantly. Increasing evidence suggests that sleep disruption has a profound impact both on an individual and on a societal level. The etiology of sleep disorders is often multifactorial: biologicsocialand psychological factors play a role. This is especially true for insomniawhich is the most common sleep disorder in different populationsincluding patients on dialysis. Biochemical and metabolic changeslifestyle factorsdepressionanxietyand other underlying sleep disorders can all have an effect on the development and persistence of sleep disruptionleading to chronic insomnia. Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleepor having nonrestorative sleep. It is also associated with daytime consequencessuch as sleepiness and fatigueand impaired daytime functioning. In most casesthe diagnosis of insomnia is based on the patient's historybut in some patients objective assessment of sleep pattern may be necessary. Optimally the treatment of insomnia involves the combination of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches. In some cases acute insomnia resolves spontaneouslybut if left untreatedit may lead to chronic sleep problems. The treatment of chronic insomnia is often challenging. There are only a few studies specifically addressing the management of this sleep disorder in patients with chronic renal disease. Considering the polypharmacy and altered metabolism in this patient populationtreatment trials are clearly needed. This article reviews the diagnosis of sleep disorders with a focus on insomnia in patients on dialysis.
Endocrinology and Dialysis Jean L. HolleySeries Editor: Lipid Abnormalities Associated with End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Liu Jia , Rosner Mitchell H. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTPatients undergoing chronic renal replacement therapy have a high incidence of dyslipidemia. In generalthere are increased concentrations of triglyceride‐rich apolipoprotein B‐containing particles. These elevations lead to increased levels of non‐high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This pattern is further modified by the method of dialysis (peritoneal versus hemodialysis) and comorbidities such as diabetes. End‐stage renal disease patients also demonstrate increased levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)both of which are highly atherogenic. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of these lipid abnormalities and their role in the atherosclerotic process.
Dialyzer Reuse—Part I: Historical Perspective
Authors: Twardowski Zbylut J. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe first apparatus for hemodialysis in animalsmade painstakingly by Abel et al. in their laboratory at the beginning of 20th centurywas cleaned with acid‐pepsin to digest blooddisinfected with thymoland reused for up to 30 experiments for as long as 8 months. The obvious incentive was saving time. In the early years of hemodialysis in patientsdialyzers and lines were assembled and sterilized immediately before dialysis. Various methods of dry and moist heat sterilization and miscellaneous chemical agents were employed for disinfection. Significant time was required to assemble the dialyzersso there was an incentive to reuse previously assembled dialyzers to save timeespecially for home hemodialysis. Bleach to clean and formaldehyde to disinfect the membranes and lines was used for this purpose. Preassembled dialyzerscommercially introduced in the 1950swere the most expensive components of hemodialysis systemstherefore reprocessing of these dialyzers was the most effective way to save money. Refrigeration of coil dialyzers with bloodintroduced in the mid‐1960swas associated with frequent febrile reactions and was soon abandoned. Preassembled coil and plate dialyzers permitted almost complete return of blood after dialysis and led to the introduction of chemical disinfection for dialyzer reprocessing. A variety of disinfectants have been used. Formaldehyde was the most common disinfectant until the end of the 1970s. Sodium hypochlorite was used to clean the majority of dialyzers and to sterilize dialyzers with polyacrylonitrile membranes. In the early 1980speracetic acid and glutaraldehyde started to compete with formaldehyde. By the 1990sformaldehyde had become less popular than peracetic acid. In the mid‐1990sdisinfection and membrane cleaning with acetic acid and heat was introduced. Manual reprocessing was replaced by early reuse machines in the mid‐1970s and a more sophisticated second generation of automated hemodialyzer reprocessing machines followed in the late 1970s. Recently disinfection of dialyzers with moist heat has resumed. Saving both time for the patient and money for the provider were the main motivations for designing a new machine for daily home hemodialysis. The machinedeveloped in the 1990scleans and moist‐heat disinfects the dialyzer and lines in situ so they do not need to be changed for a month. In contrastthe reuse of dialyzers in home hemodialysis patients treated with other hemodialysis machines has become less popular and is almost extinct.
Leptin and Renal Disease
Authors: Briley Libbie P. , Szczech Lynda A. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTLeptin is a mediator of metabolism and disease in a variety of organ systemsmost notably as an agent of energy stores. Howeverits role in renal disease as an inflammatory agent as well as its potential impact on the cachexia of uremia have sparked new interest in the molecule for nephrologists. This review elucidates the complex uremic statethe historical discovery of leptin and its physiologyand the potential interactions leptin has on both the progression of kidney disease as well as the morbidity and mortality of end‐stage renal disease.