bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoallergenic fragment of Par j 2 increases functional expression of Toll‐like receptors in atopic children
Authors: Pace E. , Duro G. , Grutta S. La , Ferraro M. , Bruno A. , Bousquet J. , Bonsignore G. , Gjomarkaj M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Parietaria judaica (Par j) is one of the main causes of allergy in the Mediterranean countries. The activation of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibits nasal inflammation of atopic children.Objective:  To examine, in vivo and in vitro, the effect of recombinant Par j 2 (rPar j 2) and of its fragments (1–55 and 52–102) on atopic children.Methods:  We used skin prick test for in vivo evaluations. We assessed, in vitro, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the effect of rPar j 2 and of the two fragments on neutrophil chemotaxis, on CD45RO, on TLR2 and TLR4 expression, on LPS binding and on interferon (IFN)‐γ release, by a microchemotaxis chamber, by flow cytometry and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.Results:  In vivo while rPar j 2 induced a positive skin reaction, 1–55 and 52–102 fragments did not. In vitro, while rPar j 2 increased both CD45RO expression and neutrophils chemotaxis in PBMC, both Par j 2 fragments did not. 1–55 fragment of Par j 2 upregulated both TLR2 and TLR4 expression and LPS binding, while the rPar j 2 and 52–102 fragment did not. Finally, 1–55 fragment of Par j 2 induced IFNγ release, while the rPar j 2 and 52–102 fragment did not.Conclusions:  Hypoallergenic 1–55 fragment, upregulating innate immunity receptors and increasing IFNγ, might re‐orientate, in atopics, the immune system toward a physiologic balance between Th1 and Th2 responses.
The quantification of ADAMTS expression in an animal model of cerebral ischemia using real‐time PCR
Authors: Tian Y. F. , Zhang P. B. , Xiao X. L. , Zhang J. S. , Zhao J. J. , Kang Q. Y. , Chen X. L. , Qiu F. , Liu Y. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  ADAMTS1 and ADAMTS8 are proteases involved in extracellular matrix proteolysis and antiangiogenesis, but little is known about their expression and function in cerebral ischemia. We investigated the changes in ADAMTS1 and ADAMTS8 in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). The expressions of glyseraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), β‐actin, cyclophilin, and RPL13A were examined in order to validate the appropriate housekeeping genes for a long duration after inducing cerebral ischemia.Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to pMCAO, and ischemic penumbra was collected at 2, 24 h, 3, 7, and 21 days after inducing ischemia, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS8, and the four housekeeping genes were quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:  The expression of β‐actin increased up to 21 days, and that of GAPDH decreased at 24 h after pMCAO, with no statistically significant changes in RPL13A and cyclophilin being detected. ADAMTS1 mRNA increased at 2 h after pMCAO, peaked at 24 h, and remained at a high level until 21 days. The expression of ADAMTS8 mRNA decreased at 2 and 24 h after pMCAO, followed by a slight increase at 3 days, and then decreased again at 7 days.Conclusion:  The results suggest that RPL13A and cyclophilin are two appropriate housekeeping genes for the rat pMCAO model up to 21 days. ADAMTS1 mRNA levels increased, but ADAMTS8 decreased after pMCAO. Our data provide new insight into the mechanism of brain ischemia and self‐repair after injury.
Prospective comparison of POSSUM and P‐POSSUM with clinical assessment of mortality following emergency surgery
Authors: Hobson S. A. , Sutton C. D. , Garcea G. , Thomas W. M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Tools to accurately estimate the risk of death following emergency surgery are useful adjuncts to informed consent and clinical decisions. This prospective study compared the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth POSSUM (P‐POSSUM) scoring systems with clinical judgement in predicting mortality from emergency surgery.Methods:  Data were collected prospectively from 163 patients. Details of the physiological and operative severity scores were recorded for POSSUM and P‐POSSUM. The estimates of both the surgeon and anaesthetist for 30‐day and in‐hospital mortality were also recorded pre‐operatively. The accuracies of the four predictions were then compared with actual mortalities using linear and exponential analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROC).Results:  P‐POSSUM gave the most accurate prediction of 30‐day mortality using linear analysis [observed to expected ratio (O : E) = 1.0]. POSSUM gave the most accurate prediction using exponential analysis (O : E = 1.15). Clinical judgement of mortality from both operating surgeons and anaesthetists compared favourably with the scoring systems for 30‐day mortality (O : E = 0.83 and O : E = 0.93, respectively). ROC analyses showed both clinical judgement and the POSSUM scores to be good predictors of 30‐day mortality with area under the curve values (AUC) of 0.903, 0.907, 0.946 and 0.940 for surgeons, anaesthetists, POSSUM and P‐POSSUM respectively.Conclusions:  POSSUM and P‐POSSUM appear to be useful indicators for the prediction of mortality. Clinical judgement compares strongly with scoring systems in predicting post‐operative mortality, but may underestimate mortality in very high‐risk patients with more than 90% mortality.
The risk of vertebral canal complications in 2837 cardiac surgery patients with thoracic epidurals*
Authors: Jack E. S. , Scott N. B. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Recent communications in the medical press have suggested that the rate of vertebral canal complications following epidural catheter placement is increasing in frequency, in particular the incidence of epidural abscess (Hearn M. Epidural abscess complicating insertion of epidural catheters. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90 (5): 706–7; Govasi C, Bland D, Poddar R, Horst C. Epidural abscess complicating insertion of epidural catheters. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92 (2): 294–5). We wished to investigate this in our population of cardiac surgical patients.Methods:  We performed a retrospective review of the data from all patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement surgery in our hospital over the past 8 years. This involved a review of computer databases, logbooks, radiology records, admission records, intensive care transfers, pain team ward round data and follow‐up outpatient data referrals.Results:  In total, 2837 patient admissions were examined and reviewed by the authors. No episodes of vertebral canal haematoma or abscess were observed.Conclusions:  Retrospective analysis of our working practice indicates that thoracic epidural anaesthesia and analgesia are safe in patients receiving cardiac surgery. We found no epidural haematoma or abscess in 2837 patients.
Assessing the depth of dexmedetomidine‐induced sedation with electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based spectral entropy
Authors: Maksimow A. , Snapir A. , Särkelä M. , Kentala E. , Koskenvuo J. , Posti J. , Jääskeläinen S. K. , Hinkka‐Yli‐Salomäki S. , Scheinin M. , Scheinin H. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Adequate sedation of critically ill patients improves the outcome of intensive care. Maintaining an optimal level of sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is difficult because of a lack of appropriate monitoring methods to guide drug dosing. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, has recently been introduced for the sedation of ICU patients. This study investigated the utility of electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based spectral entropy monitoring (with M‐ENTROPY™, GE Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland) for the assessment of dexmedetomidine‐induced sedation.Methods:  Eleven healthy, non‐smoking men, aged 23.9 ± 2.5 years (mean ± standard deviation), were recruited. Spectral entropy was recorded before and during low (0.5 ng/ml) and high (5 ng/ml) plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine. At the end of the infusion, subjects were awakened by verbal command and light shaking.Results:  Spectral entropy decreased from 84 ± 5 to 66 ± 16 (P= 0.029) during low dexmedetomidine levels and from 84 ± 5 to 20 ± 12 (P < 0.001) during high dexmedetomidine levels. Transitions during loss and regaining of consciousness were analysed separately. Entropy decreased from 76 ± 8 before to 43 ± 10 (P < 0.001) after loss of consciousness, and increased from 14 ± 4 to 63 ± 13 (P < 0.001) on regaining of consciousness. These changes were consistent across all subjects. Prediction probability and sensitivity values indicated a high predictive performance of the method.Conclusion:  The depth of dexmedetomidine‐induced sedation can be monitored with EEG‐based spectral entropy. These results should be confirmed in a clinical setting.
Sterilization method of platelet storage containers affects in vitro parameters
Authors: Van Der Meer P. F. , Pietersz R. N. I. 
Published: October 2006

Background and Aim  Four butyryl trihexyl phthalate plasticized polyvinyl chloride (BTHC‐PVC) containers were compared for storage of leukoreduced platelet concentrates (LR‐PC): three ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilized (Gambro, Haemonetics, Fresenius), and one steam‐sterilized (Fresenius).Methods  LR‐PCs were made from 5 buffy coats and 300 ml Composol additive solution, and leukoreduced by filtration. Four LR‐PCs were pooled and subsequently divided over the 4 BTHC‐PVC bags to prevent donor‐dependent differences, and sampled for in vitro analysis on day 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9.Results  The pH values on day 9 were (mean ± SD, n = 10): 7·12 ± 0·03 (Gambro), 7·12 ± 0·04 (Haemonetics), and 7·07 ± 0·09 (Fresenius, EtO‐sterilized) (not significantly different), vs. 6·91 ± 0·12 (Fresenius, steam‐sterilized; P < 0·001 vs. all EtO‐sterilized bags). LR‐PCs stored in the steam‐sterilized bag exhibited significantly higher glucose consumption and lactate production (P < 0·001 vs. all EtO‐sterilized bags).Conclusion  All BTHC‐PVC containers allow storage of LR‐PCs for up to 9 days with good in vitro parameters. However, the method of sterilization affects the storage conditions of the LR‐PCs in these bags.
Spontaneous resolution of corneal oedema following Descemet’s detachment
Authors: Watson Stephanie L , Abiad Gus , Coroneo Minas T 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe report a case of spontaneous resolution of corneal oedema in the presence of a large persistent Descemet’s detachment in a 71‐year‐old woman. Detachment of Descemet’s membrane occurred during phacoemulsification surgery and produced significant corneal oedema. The patient declined surgical repair. Six months later the corneal oedema resolved and in vivo confocal microscopy showed endothelial cells on the posterior stroma in the region of the detachment. Endothelial cell hypertrophy, migration and redistribution were thought to be responsible for reversal of the corneal oedema. Experimental evidence and clinical studies raise the possibility that limited endothelial cell proliferation may occur.
Opaque coating of an intraocular lens and regression of iris neovascularization following injection of triamcinolone acetonide into the anterior chamber
Authors: Chen Simon DM , Chen Fred K , Patel CK 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA pseudophakic patient presented with a vitreous haemorrhage and iris neovascularization associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Vitrectomy with panretinal photocoagulation and intraocular gas tamponade of an iatrogenic break was performed. As an alternative to intravitreal injection into a gas‐filled eye, triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the anterior chamber. Postoperatively, the visual acuity was reduced to light perception by an opaque coating of triamcinolone particles on the intraocular lens and iris which resolved over 2 months. By 4 months, the iris neovascularization had regressed completely. The use of intracameral triamcinolone in pseudophakic eyes may be associated with a transient loss of vision and prevent fundal visualization owing to triamcinolone coating of the intraocular lens.
Ocular coherence tomography in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy
Authors: Lim Lyndell L , Watzke Robert C , Lauer Andreas K , Smith Justine R 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe authors report a case of typical acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in which an ocular coherence tomographic scan was performed through an acute lesion and then repeated through the same lesion 12 months later. The initial ocular coherence tomographic scan showed marked anterior displacement of both neuroretina and outer reflective band. A subsequent ocular coherence tomographic scan revealed resolution of the prior displacement, increased reflectance of the outer reflective band and mild disruption of the outer retinal layers. These findings are consistent with a primary choroiditis.
Investigation of the safety of tenecteplase to the outer retina
Authors: McAllister Ian L , Vijayasekaran Sarojini , Khong Chee Hong , Yu Dao‐Yi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the safety of the thrombolytic agent, tenecteplase to the outer retina in pig eyes.Methods:  Tenecteplase (50 µg) was injected into the subretinal space in one eye while the fellow eye received balanced salt solution. At 24 h, 1 week and 9 weeks the eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy and photographed. Animals were killed at 9 weeks, eyes enucleated and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Three locations within the area of the injection bleb were analysed.Results:  Retinal pigment epithelial defects, which appeared to be iatrogenic and confined to the injection site, were seen in most of the treated and control eyes. There was no significant difference in the degree of retinal damage between the two groups of eyes at the three sites examined (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Fifty micrograms of tenecteplase appears to be a safe dose with no evidence of toxicity to the outer retina and may have a potential role in the treatment of submacular haemorrhage.
Transthyretin oligomers induce calcium influx via voltage‐gated calcium channels
Authors: Hou Xu , Parkington Helena C. , Coleman Harold A. , Mechler Adam , Martin Lisandra L. , Aguilar Marie‐Isabel , Small David H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid in the PNS is a major pathological feature of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. The aim of the present study was to examine whether TTR could disrupt cytoplasmic Ca2+ homeostasis and to determine the role of TTR aggregation in this process. The aggregation of amyloidogenic TTR was examined by solution turbidity, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy. A nucleation‐dependent polymerization process was observed in which TTR formed low molecular weight aggregates (oligomers < 100 nm in diameter) before the appearance of mature fibrils. TTR rapidly induced an increase in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) when applied to SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The greatest effect on [Ca2+]i was induced by a preparation that contained the highest concentration of TTR oligomers. The TTR‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i was due to an influx of extracellular Ca2+, mainly via L‐ and N‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs). These results suggest that increasing [Ca2+]i via VGCCs may be an important early event which contributes to TTR‐induced cytotoxicity, and that TTR oligomers, rather than mature fibrils, may be the major cytotoxic form of TTR.
Brain‐type Natriuretic Peptide Secretion Following Febrile and Afebrile Seizures—A New Marker in Childhood Epilepsy?
Authors: Rauchenzauner Markus , Haberlandt Edda , Foerster Stefanie , Ulmer Hanno , Laimer Markus , Ebenbichler Christoph F. , Joannidis Michael , Zimmerhackl Lothar‐Bernd , Stein Jörg , Luef Gerhard 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Markers for epileptic seizures are rare and their use has not been established in the evaluation of seizures and febrile convulsions (FC). Brain‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a natriuretic, diuretic, and vasodilator compound first discovered in the hypothalamus but mainly synthesized in the myocardium. The aim of this study was to assess whether epileptic seizures or FC are related to increased secretion of the N‐terminal fragment of BNP (NT‐proBNP). Methods: Sixty‐five postictal children (43 boys, 22 girls) and 31 children with epilepsy (20 boys, 11 girls) after a seizure‐free period for at least 2 months serving as controls were enrolled. Postictal NT‐proBNP levels were analyzed and controlled 24–48 h thereafter. Results: Plasma concentration of NT‐proBNP was significantly higher 4 h postictal compared to 24–48 h postictal (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed increased NT‐proBNP levels in children with tonic–clonic seizures and FC compared to children with partial motor seizures (p < 0.001), syncope (SYN; p < 0.01), or control population (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that elevated plasma NT‐proBNP levels are not specific for cardiac dysfunction. Postictal measurement of plasma NT‐proBNP seems to be useful in discriminating different types of epilepsy, FC, and SYN in childhood.
Altered Glutamate Receptor—Transporter Expression and Spontaneous Seizures in Rats Exposed to Methylazoxymethanol in Utero
Authors: Harrington Emily P. , Möddel Gabriel , Najm Imad M. , Baraban Scott C. 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Brain malformations are a common cause of intractable epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction in children. Prenatal exposure to the teratogen methylazoxymethanol (MAM) is a rodent model of brain malformation featuring loss of lamination, clusters of displaced hippocampal cells, and pharmaco‐resistance to antiepileptic drugs. In a normotopic hippocampus, expression of postsynaptic glutamate receptors and the transporters regulating neurotransmitter reuptake are critical factors modulating excitation and synaptic communication. Alterations in this system can have profound effects on overall excitability, cognitive function, and seizure thresholds. Methods: Immunohistochemical techniques were used to analyze the expression of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5 methylisoxazole‐4‐proprionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits in rats exposed to MAM in utero (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). We also examined the expression of several glutamate transporters (EAAC1, vGLUT1, and vGLUT2). A video‐electroencephalographic (video‐EEG) system was used for long‐term monitoring of adult MAM‐exposed rats. Results: Heterotopic hippocampal neurons exhibited striking reductions in GluR1 and EAAC1 expression; vGlut2 expression was prominent in these regions. Spontaneous electrographic seizures were verified in two animals. Conclusions: We conclude that glutamate receptor subunit and transporter expression are altered in animals exposed to MAM in utero. Further studies in the MAM model may provide greater insight into the potential disruptions in excitatory synaptic neurotransmission that can occur in a malformed brain.
Inhibition of Glutamate Transporters Results in a “Suppression‐Burst” Pattern and Partial Seizures in the Newborn Rat
Authors: Milh Mathieu , Becq Hélène , Villeneuve Nathalie , Ben‐Ari Yehezkel , Aniksztejn Laurent 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the electrophysiological pattern and propose a clinical relevance of a deficient glutamate transport in the developing brain. Methods: (a) Surface EEG‐video monitoring in freely moving pups; (b) intracortical multiple unit activity (MUA) and local field potential recordings in 5‐ to 7‐day‐old rats after pharmacological inhibition of the glutamate transporters by DL‐TBOA. Results: Glutamate transporters inhibition alters the background cortical electrical activity inducing a dominant and persistent pattern of bilateral recurrent paroxysmal bursts alternating with periods of hypoactivity and also partial seizures. Intracortical local field recordings show that paroxysmal bursts are associated with multiunits and gamma oscillations separated by periods of silence. This cortical activity involves the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors and was not observed after kainate and pilocarpine administration. Conclusions: We show that a dysfunction of glutamate transporters in immature rats leads to a singular cortical activity that is reminiscent of a “suppression‐burst” pattern. We propose that an early deficiency of glutamate transport may underlie some early onset epilepsies.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T‐Polymorphism and Its Association With Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure
Authors: Lutz Ulrich C. , Batra Anil , Kolb Werner , Machicao Fausto , Maurer Sandra , Köhnke Michael D. 
Published: October 2006

Background: Elevated homocysteine plasma levels are considered as a risk factor for the occurrence of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. Homocysteine plasma concentrations seem to be influenced by the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T‐polymorphism. It was investigated whether the T‐allele of the MTHFR C677T‐polymorphism is associated with alcohol dependence, alcohol withdrawal seizure (WS), or the daily amount of alcohol consumption.Methods: A group of 102 healthy controls and 221 alcoholic patients, including 97 patients with a history of mild withdrawal symptoms (MWS) and 70 patients with a history of alcohol WS, were genotyped, and personal data were collected for statistical evaluation in a case–control design.Results: The T‐allele is significantly associated with WS by comparing alcoholic patients with a history of WS (T‐allele frequency: 0.39) and healthy controls (T‐allele frequency: 0.28) (p=0.03). Although there was no significant difference between alcoholic patients with only MWS and alcoholic patients with a history of WS, a trend for the T‐allele frequency among the analyzed subgroups was noticed: T‐allele frequency increased from f(T)=0.28 in healthy controls to f(T)=0.33 in alcoholic patients with MWS up to f(T)=0.40 in alcohol‐dependent men having a WS. Differences between healthy male controls and male alcoholic patients concerning the T‐allele frequency also turned out to be significant [f(T)=0.27 vs f(T)=0.37; p=0.03]. Daily alcohol intake was independent of T‐allele carrier status in alcohol‐dependent patients.Conclusion: The present study suggests an influence of the MTHFR C677T‐polymorphism on the etiology of alcohol WS and alcohol dependence in men in a western European population. An influence of MTHFR C677T on the daily amount of alcohol intake before admission among alcohol‐dependent patients could not be shown.