bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innate Immune Responses to Danger Signals in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Sepsis
Authors: Castellheim A. , Brekke O.‐L. , Espevik T. , Harboe M. , Mollnes T. E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe systemic immune response induced by non‐infectious agents is called systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and infection‐induced systemic immune response is called sepsis. The host inflammatory response in SIRS and sepsis is similar and may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and ultimately death. The mortality and morbidity in SIRS and sepsis (i.e. critical illness) remain high despite advances in diagnostic and organ supporting possibilities in intensive care units. In critical illness, the acute immune response is organized and executed by innate immunity influenced by the neuroendocrine system. This response starts with sensing of danger by pattern‐recognition receptors on the immune competent cells and endothelium. The sensed danger signals, through specific signalling pathways, activate nuclear transcription factor κB and other transcription factors and gene regulatory systems which up‐regulate the expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators. The plasma cascades are also activated which together with the produced pro‐inflammatory mediators stimulate further the production of inflammatory biomarkers. The acute inflammatory response underlies the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of MODS. The inflammatory mediators directly affect organ function and cause a decline in remote organ function by mediating the production of nitric oxide leading to mitochondrial anergy and cytopathic hypoxia, a condition of cellular inability to use oxygen. Understanding the mechanisms of acute immune responses in critical illness is necessary for the development of urgently needed therapeutics. The aim of this review is to provide a description of the key components and mechanisms involved in the immune response in SIRS and sepsis.
In vitro antifungal activity of 2‐(2′‐hydroxy‐5′‐aminophenyl)benzoxazole in Candida spp. strains
Authors: Daboit Tatiane Caroline , Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Carissimi Mariana , Corbellini Valeriano Antonio , Stefani Valter , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe development of azole antifungals has allowed for the treatment of several fungal infections. However, the use of these compounds is restricted because of their hepatotoxicity or because they need to be administered together with other drugs in order to prevent resistance to monotherapy. Benzoxazole derivatives are among the most thriving molecular prototypes for the development of antifungal agents. 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl) benzoxazoles are versatile molecules that emit fluorescence and have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. 2‐(2′‐hydroxy‐5′‐aminophenyl) benzoxazole (HAMBO) was tested against Candida yeast. The inhibition provided by HAMBO was lower than that of fluconazole, showing low antifungal activity against Candida spp., but equivalent to that of benzoxazoles tested in similar studies. HAMBO showed fungistatic activity against all analysed strains. This class of novel benzoxazole compounds may be used as template to produce better antifungal drugs.
Radical retropubic prostatectomy with running vesicourethral anastomosis and early catheter removal: Our experience
Authors: Ozu Choichiro , Hagiuda Jun , Nakagami Yoshihiro , Hamada Riu , Horiguchi Yutaka , Yoshioka Kunihiko , Nakashima Jun , Hatano Tadashi , Tachibana Masaaki 
Published: March 2009

Objectives:  To assess the outcomes of patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with a running vesicourethral anastomosis and catheter removal on postoperative day 3 or 5.Methods:  From February 2006 through December 2007, 55 patients underwent RRP at our institution. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a running suture for the vesicourethral anastomosis. A cystogram was carried out before catheter removal in all patients. The initial 23 of 55 patients (Group 1; n = 23) had the cystogram on postoperative day 5, the other 32 patients (Group 2; n = 32) had the cystogram on postoperative day 3. Removal of the catheter was only carried out if there was no anastomotic extravasation.Results:  The success rate of catheter removal in group 1 and 2 was 100% and 96.9%, respectively. Overall continence rates were 83.3%, 87% and 90.7% at 24, 48 and 72 h after removal of the catheter, respectively. There was no significant difference in terms of continence rate between groups 1 and 2. None of the patients had acute urinary retention and/or anastomotic stricture after catheter removal.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that an advanced running vesicourethral anastomosis during RRP is technically feasible, allowing safe early catheter removal in most patients.
Association of vaginal bleeding and electroconvulsive therapy use in pregnancy
Authors: Ghanizadeh Ahmad , Ghanizadeh Mohammad‐Javad , Moini Rozita , Ekramzadeh Sara 
Published: March 2009

AbstractElectro‐convulsive (ECT) therapy is frequently the treatment of choice in pregnant patients. It has been reported that administration of ECT in pregnancy is safe and effective. However, there are few controlled studies of the effects of ECT on pregnancy. The literature is not conclusive regarding ECT‐related complications in pregnancy. We describe here the case of a primigravida with bipolar disorder who underwent nine sessions of ECT during pregnancy. The patient experienced vaginal bleeding after each session of ECT. Thiopental and succinylcholine were administered as an anesthetic (4 mg/kg thiopental) and muscle relaxant (1 mg/kg succinylcholine), respectively. ECT was discontinued and re‐challenged after 20 days. The patient experienced bleeding after ECT again. Our case is somewhat unique because it demonstrates the potential maternal problem of vaginal bleeding as a result of ECT. In our case ECT led to vaginal bleeding and the bleeding stopped when ECT was ceased. Re‐challenge was conducted. Although the safety of ECT administration in pregnancy has been discussed in many previous reports, its safety should be studied further.
A case of advanced ovarian cancer upstaged on the bases of pleural washing cytology
Authors: Kobayashi Yukari , Terauchi Fumitoshi , Nishi Hirotaka , Fujitou Atsuya , Itou Hiroe , Isaka Keiichi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe encountered a case of ovarian cancer that had positive pleural washing cytology diagnosed by thoracoscopy. A 65‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital with a sensation of abdominal fullness. A whole‐body examination revealed a solid tumor of the ovary and accumulation of ascites. Neither pleural effusion nor lung metastasis was found at the time. Laparotomy showed extensive dissemination and we classified the stage as IIIc. As the diaphragm was thickened with dissemination, we tried to strip the diaphragm and used thoracoscopy to identify the thoracic area. No tumor or pleural effusion was detected. We performed pleural biopsy and pleural washing cytology. Finally, malignant cells were found in the pleural washing cytology. Pathological findings showed serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary in this stage IV case. We suggest in this report that thoracoscopy is a useful method for making the correct surgical staging.
The overlap of storage, voiding and postmicturition symptoms and implications for treatment seeking in the USA, UK and Sweden: EpiLUTS
Authors: Sexton Chris C. , Coyne Karin S. , Kopp Zoe S. , Irwin Debra E. , Milsom Ian , Aiyer Lalitha P. , Tubaro Andrea , Chapple Christopher R. , Wein Alan J. ,   the EpiLUTS Team
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the (i) the overlap between voiding, storage, and postmicturition symptoms; and (ii) the relative effect of bother and implications for treatment seeking within these symptom groups, using data from the EpiLUTS study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis cross‐sectional population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the USA, the UK and Sweden. Participants were asked to rate the frequency and symptom‐specific bother of individual LUTS. Descriptive statistics were used to examine differences in International Continence Society LUTS subgroups. Logistc regressions were used with treatment seeking as the dependent variable and the bother of individual symptoms as predictors.RESULTSThe survey response rate was 59%. The sample included 30 000 participants (14 139 men and 15 861 women); 71% of men and 75% of women reported at least one LUTS, and about half reported LUTS from more than one symptom group. Rates of bother were greatest for those who reported multiple storage, voiding and postmicturition LUTS (men 83%, women 89%). Less than a third of participants with LUTS from all three groups reported seeking treatment. Consistent correlates of treatment seeking across genders included bother due to weak stream, incomplete emptying, perceived daytime frequency, nocturia and urgency. There were also significant associations for several types of incontinence, most commonly stress incontinence in women and leaking during sexual activity in men. Despite high rates of symptom overlap and symptom‐specific bother, few participants sought treatment for LUTS.CONCLUSIONCommon conditions such as BPH and OAB are treatable, and clinicians should proactively ask patients about urinary symptoms. Given the many types of LUTS that patients experience, it is imperative that clinicians assess all LUTS to ensure that appropriate treatments are prescribed.
Risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with lower urinary tract symptoms: EpiLUTS
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Kaplan Steven A. , Chapple Christopher R. , Sexton Chris C. , Kopp Zoe S. , Bush Elizabeth N. , Aiyer Lalitha P. ,   the EpiLUTS Team
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with subgroups of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women aged ≥40 years in three countries, using data from the EpiLUTS study, as LUTS are common amongst men and women and increase in prevalence with age.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis cross‐sectional, population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the USA, the UK and Sweden. Participants were asked to rate how often they experienced individual LUTS during the past 4 weeks on a 5‐point Likert scale. Eight LUTS subgroups were created. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions within each LUTS subgroup were used to assess the data.RESULTSThe survey response rate was 59%. The final sample was 30 000 (men and women). The voiding + storage + postmicturition (VSPM) group reported the highest rates of comorbid conditions for both men and women, and the fewest were reported in the no/minimal LUTS and the postmicturition‐only groups. Increasing age was associated with increasing LUTS in men, but not in women. Comorbid conditions significantly associated with the VSPM group were arthritis, asthma, chronic anxiety, depression, diabetes (men only), heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological conditions, recurrent urinary tract infection, and sleep disorders. Risk factors, such as body mass index, exercise level and smoking, played less of a role, except for childhood nocturnal enuresis, which was significantly associated with most LUTS subgroups.CONCLUSIONIn this large population study, many comorbid conditions and risk factors were significantly associated with LUTS among both men and women. Further longitudinal investigations of the associations noted here would help physicians to understand the pathophysiology of LUTS and comorbid conditions, and provide clinical guidelines for patient management of comorbid conditions sharing common pathophysiological pathways.
Categorizing words using ‘frequent frames’: what cross‐linguistic analyses reveal about distributional acquisition strategies
Authors: Chemla Emmanuel , Mintz Toben H. , Bernal Savita , Christophe Anne 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Mintz (2003

) described a distributional environment called a frame, defined as the co‐occurrence of two context words with one intervening target word. Analyses of English child‐directed speech showed that words that fell within any frequently occurring frame consistently belonged to the same grammatical category (e.g. noun, verb, adjective, etc.). In this paper, we first generalize this result to French, a language in which the function word system allows patterns that are potentially detrimental to a frame‐based analysis procedure. Second, we show that the discontinuity of the chosen environments (i.e. the fact that target words are framed by the context words) is crucial for the mechanism to be efficient. This property might be relevant for any computational approach to grammatical categorization. Finally, we investigate a recursive application of the procedure and observe that the categorization is paradoxically worse when context elements are categories rather than actual lexical items. Item‐specificity is thus also a core computational principle for this type of algorithm. Our analysis, along with results from behavioural studies (Gómez, 2002; Gómez and Maye, 2005; Mintz, 2006), provides strong support for frames as a basis for the acquisition of grammatical categories by infants. Discontinuity and item‐specificity appear to be crucial features.
Qualification of a precise and easy‐to‐handle sweat casting imprint method for the prediction and quantification of anti‐perspirant efficacy
Authors: Keyhani R. , Scheede S. , Thielecke I. , Wenck H. , Schmucker R. , Schreiner V. , Ennen J. , Herpens A. 
Published: March 2009

SynopsisA time‐ and cost‐effective sweat casting method using the forearm as test site to assess the efficacy of several anti‐perspirant formulations with a low number of test subjects has been evaluated and qualified. The imprint sweat casting method is based on a 2‐component silcone‐imprint technique to measure the efficacy of more than eight products in parallel with the same test subject. In studies using aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) formulations as test anti‐perspirants, a clear‐cut correlation could be demonstrated between sweat gland activities measured by the imprint method and gravimetric measurement of sweat gland activities. Concentration‐dependent inhibition of sweat gland activity could be observed with the imprint technique up to an ACH concentration of 15%, and all formulations containing 2% ACH or above resulted in statistically significant reduction of sweat gland activity (P < 0.001) when compared with untreated control areas. Furthermore, the SDs of individual studies using the imprint technique were in a range of ±20% of sweat gland activity, which can be regarded rather low for in vivo measurements of a complex process like sweat secretion. A group‐wise comparison between the measurements of anti‐perspirant activity as determined by the imprint protocol and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guideline compliant gravimetric hot‐room protocol revealed that the test results for anti‐perspirant activity obtained with the imprint protocol are similar to those obtained with the hot‐room protocol. Moreover, the data generated with the imprint protocol have a high predictive value for the outcome of a later guideline‐compliant hot‐room test. As the imprint casting method tends to be a little more sensitive for formulations with low anti‐perspirant activity, and seems to be associated with less interassay variability than the standard gravimetric hot‐room test, the imprint casting method may select products which later fail to pass the standard gravimetric hot‐room test. Meanwhile the imprint sweat casting has proven to be a robust method useful to support efficacy‐oriented product development. Therefore, in later stages of utilization it might even evolve into an efficient claim substantiation tool.
Protection of midbrain dopaminergic neurons by the end‐product of purine metabolism uric acid: potentiation by low‐level depolarization
Authors: Guerreiro Serge , Ponceau Aurélie , Toulorge Damien , Martin Elodie , Alvarez‐Fischer Daniel , Hirsch Etienne C. , Michel Patrick P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHigh plasma levels of the end product of purine metabolism uric acid (UA) predict a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease suggesting that UA may operate as a protective factor for midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Consistent with this view, UA exerted partial but long‐term protection in a culture model in which these neurons die spontaneously. The rescued neurons were functional as they accumulated dopamine, efficiently. The use of the fluorescent probe dihydrorhodamine‐123 revealed that UA operated by an antioxidant mechanism. The iron chelating agent desferrioxamine, the H2O2 scavenger enzyme catalase and the inhibitor of lipid peroxidation Trolox mimicked the effects of UA, suggesting that UA neutralized reactive oxygen species produced via a Fenton‐type chemical reaction. UA was, however, not significantly accumulated into neurons, which indicates that the antioxidant effect occurred probably extracellularly. Structure – activity relationships among purine derivatives revealed that the antioxidant properties of UA resulted from the presence of a 8‐one substituent in its chemical structure. Of interest, the stimulation of L‐type Ca2+ channels by high K+‐induced depolarization and the ensuing activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 strongly improved the neuroprotective effect of UA whereas the depolarizing signal alone had no effect. In summary, our data indicate that UA may interfere directly with the disease’s pathomechanism.
Abnormal production of macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α by microglial cell lines derived from neonatal brains of Sandhoff disease model mice
Authors: Kawashita Eri , Tsuji Daisuke , Kawashima Nagako , Nakayama Ken‐ichi , Matsuno Hiroyuki , Itoh Kohji 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSandhoff disease (SD) is a lysosomal β‐hexosaminidase deficiency involving excessive accumulation of undegraded substrates, including terminal N‐acetylglucosamine‐oligosaccharides and GM2 ganglioside, and progressive neurodegeneration. Our previous study demonstrated remarkable induction of macrophage inflammatory factor‐1α (MIP‐1α) in microglia in the brains of SD model mice as a putative pathogenic factor for SD via microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation. In this study, we established microglial cell lines (WT‐ and SD‐Mg) from wild‐type and SD mice, and first demonstrated the enhanced production of MIP‐1α in SD‐Mg. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and Akt reduced the production of MIP‐1α by SD‐Mg. Elevated activation of Akt and partial translocation of PKC isozymes (α, βI, βII, and δ) from the cytoplasm to the membrane in SD‐Mg were also revealed by means of immunoblotting. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that intracellular extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, and phospholipase C (PLC), but not phosphoinositide 3‐kinase, should contribute to the induction of MIP‐1α in SD‐Mg, and that PLC could independently regulate the activation of both PKC and Akt. We proposed here that the deregulated activation of PLC should cause the enhanced MIP‐1α production via plural signaling pathways mediated by PKC and Akt, followed by extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, in SD‐Mg.
The novel NMDA receptor antagonist, 2‐hydroxy‐5‐(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐4‐trifluoromethyl‐benzylamino)‐benzoic acid, is a gating modifier in cultured mouse cortical neurons
Authors: Noh Jihyun , Lee Eun‐sung , Chung Jun‐mo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNeu2000 [NEU, 2‐hydroxy‐5‐(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐4‐trifluoromethyl‐benzylamino)‐benzoic acid], a derivative of sulfasalazine, attenuates NMDA‐induced neuronal toxicity. Here we investigated the effects of NEU on the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) using whole‐cell patch clamp technique to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective role. NEU reversibly suppressed NMDA responses in an uncompetitive manner with fast binding kinetics. Its inhibition of NMDAR activity depended on both the concentration and the use of agonist but not on the membrane potential. NEU accelerated NMDA desensitization without affecting the binding affinity of NMDAR for its agonists and stabilized the closed state of NMDAR. Therefore, NEU should effectively alleviate disorders that are a result of glutamate excitoxicity with fewer side effects because it is a low‐affinity gating modifier that antagonizes NMDAR in an uncompetitive manner. Moreover, in the presence of ifenprodil (an NR2B antagonist) but not NVP‐AAM077 [(R)‐[(S)‐1‐(4‐bromo‐phenyl)‐ethylamino]‐(2,3‐dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐quinoxalin‐5‐yl)‐methyl]‐phosphonic acid, an NR2A antagonist], the extent of NEU block was decreased, suggesting that NEU is an NR2B‐specific antagonist.
Neuropsychological assessment of hepatic encephalopathy: ISHEN practice guidelines
Authors: Randolph Christopher , Hilsabeck Robin , Kato Ainobu , Kharbanda Parampreet , Li Yu‐Yuan , Mapelli Daniela , Ravdin Lisa D. , Romero‐Gomez Manuel , Stracciari Andrea , Weissenborn Karin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLow‐grade or minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is characterised by relatively mild neurocognitive impairments, and occurs in a substantial percentage of patients with liver disease. The presence of MHE is associated with a significant compromise of quality of life, is predictive of the onset of overt hepatic encephalopathy and is associated with a poorer prognosis for outcome. Early identification and treatment of MHE can improve quality of life and may prevent the onset of overt encephalopathy, but to date, there has been little agreement regarding the optimum method for detecting MHE. The International Society on Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism convened a group of experts for the purpose of reviewing available data and making recommendations for a standardised approach for neuropsychological assessment of patients with liver disease who are at risk of MHE. Specific recommendations are presented, along with a proposed methodology for further refining these assessment procedures through prospective research.
Maternal periodontal disease and perinatal mortality
Authors: SHUB Alexis , WONG Clement , JENNINGS Belinda , SWAIN Jonathan R. , NEWNHAM John P. 
Published: March 2009

Background: Periodontal disease has been associated with increased perinatal mortality.Aims: To examine the association between maternal periodontal disease and perinatal mortality.Methods: We performed a retrospective and prospective matched case–control study of women with unexplained perinatal mortality at more than 20 weeks gestational age. Women were matched for socioeconomic status, smoking status and time since delivery. All women underwent a detailed periodontal examination and completed a questionnaire describing oral health symptoms. No intervention took place.Results: Fifty‐three women who had experienced a perinatal death and 111 controls completed the study. Thirty‐two women were recruited retrospectively and 21 women were recruited prospectively. Twenty‐three (43.4%) women who had experienced a perinatal death and 27 (24.3%) controls had periodontal disease. There were no differences in oral health behaviours or symptoms between cases and controls. Perinatal death was associated with periodontal disease (odds ratio (OR) 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 5.47). Periodontal disease was more strongly associated with perinatal mortality due to extreme prematurity (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.20, 12.04). Multivariate analysis showed this relationship to be consistent after inclusion of higher parity, country of birth, advanced maternal age and maternal obesity in the model (OR 4.56, 95% CI 1.25, 21.27).Conclusions: Maternal periodontal disease may contribute to perinatal mortality, especially that caused by extreme prematurity.