bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group II subfamily secretory phospholipase A2enzymes: expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps
Authors: Liu Z. , Lu X. , Wang H. , You X. J. , Gao Q. X. , Cui Y. H. 
Published: June 2007

Background: Group II subfamily secretory phospholipases A2(sPLA2s) are the enzymes that can play a major role in inflammation. However, the presence of group II subfamily sPLA2s in human sinonasal mucosa and their roles in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of group II subfamily sPLA2s in human sinonasal mucosa from controls and CRS patients with and without nasal polyps (NPs) and the regulation of expression by proinflammatory cytokines.Methods: Surgical samples were investigated by means of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for evaluation of group II subfamily sPLA2s mRNA expression, and the presence and location of group II subfamily sPLA2s‐positive cells were analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, nasal explant culture and quantitative RT‐PCR techniques were used to investigate the effect of interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α on group II subfamily sPLA2s mRNA production in sinonasal mucosa.Results: Messenger RNA expression of sPLA2‐IIA, ‐IID, and ‐IIE was significantly upregulated in tissues from CRS patients compared with control tissues. Among CRS patients, patients without NPs showed significantly stronger expression in sinonasal mucosa than patients with NPs of sPLA2‐IIA mRNA, and weaker expression of sPLA2‐IIE mRNA. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced protein expression of type II sPLA2s and specific type IIA sPLA2in epithelial cells and submucosal glands in samples from CRS patients. Stronger type IIA sPLA2protein expression was found in samples from CRS patients without NPs when compared with NPs. Nasal explant culture experiments demonstrated that mRNA expression of sPLA2‐IIA, ‐IID, and ‐IIE was dramatically induced by IL‐1β and TNF‐α.Conclusions: The expression of some members of group II subfamily of sPLA2s is upregulated in CRS and it may result from IL‐1β and TNF‐α overexpression. Different individual group II subfamily sPLA2s may play different roles in the pathogenesis of CRS with and without NPs.
The accuracy of symptom‐based definition of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tahamiler R. , Canakcioglu S. , Ogreden S. , Acioglu E. 
Published: June 2007

Objective: Currently, the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a symptom‐based definition. This study aims to study, verify and evaluate the predictive value of the symptom‐based definition of CRS and compare this with objective tests.Methods: Seven hundred and sixty‐eight adults, who were referred from primary care centers as patients who met the definition of CRS, were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their allergic status. The patients were subjected to nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) on the same day.Results: The results showed 73.15% of the nonallergic patients with symptom‐based diagnosed CRS and 65.34% of the allergic patients with symptom‐based diagnosed CRS had no CT and endoscopic pathology (Endoscopic score 0 + CT score 0). Nasal discharge was the most common major symptom in all patients from both groups who had pathologic endoscopic and/or CT scan scores.Conclusions: It is well established that symptoms are very important in the diagnosis of CRS. However, two major symptoms are insufficient for diagnosis. Therefore, endoscopy and CT have important differential diagnostic roles. Our study showed that in patients with three major symptoms, CT pathology may be sufficient for definitive diagnosis. However, in patients with two major symptoms such as nasal discharge and/or low grade nasal polyposis, endoscopy becomes considerably more important due to inspective findings. If no endoscopic findings are found, the importance of the CT scans is increased.
Allergic patients have more numerous and prolonged respiratory infections than nonallergic subjects
Authors: Cirillo I. , Marseglia G. , Klersy C. , Ciprandi G. 
Published: June 2007

Background: Allergic disorders are characterized by type 2 helper T cell (Th2)‐polarization, thus physiological type 1 helper T cell (Th1)‐dependent mechanisms involved in fighting respiratory infections (RI) may be defective. It has previously been reported that allergic children have more numerous and severe RI than nonallergic ones.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the number and duration of RI in adult allergic and nonallergic subjects.Methods: Six hundred and twenty‐four subjects were studied; 202 of them were allergic (i.e. suffering from allergic rhinitis). The number of RI as well as the duration of the disease were recorded for 2 years.Results: Allergic subjects showed a significantly higher rate of RI episodes [adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.94–2.41, P < 0.001] than subjects without allergy. The number of mild RI episodes was slightly higher in allergic subjects (IRR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.50–1.89, P < 0.001), while the number of severe episodes was markedly higher (IRR = 15.71, 95% CI 10.35–23.84, P < 0.001) when compared with nonallergic subjects. Moreover, allergic patients showed a longer total duration of RI than nonallergic subjects, with a mean difference of 17.4 days (95% CI 15.5–19.4, P < 0.001).Conclusions: This study provides evidence that adult allergic patients have more numerous and prolonged RI than nonallergic subjects.
Waiting for lung transplantation: quality of life, mood, caregiving strain and benefit, and social intimacy of spouses
Authors: Rodrigue James R. , Baz Maher A. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The emotional and physical well‐being of lung transplant patients is enhanced by the availability and stability of a primary caregiver.Methods:  We describe the quality of life (QOL), mood, caregiving strain and benefits, and social intimacy of 73 lung transplant caregivers who completed the QOL Inventory, SF‐36 Health Survey, Profile of Mood States, Caregiver Strain Index, Caregiver Benefit Index, and Miller Social Intimacy Scale.Results:  Clinically low QOL was reported by 17.8–35.6% of spouses. Relative to a normative sample, spouses reported significantly lower physical (z = 4.01, p < 0.001) and emotional (z = 7.01, p < 0.001) QOL. Over half (56.2%) had clinically elevated caregiving strain. Heightened physical strain (80.8%), inconvenience (79.5%), feeling confined (72.6%), feeling upset that patient has changed so much (69.9%) contributed most to caregiver strain, while discovering inner strength (60.3%), support from others (53.4%), and realizing what is important in life (42.5%) were noted caregiving benefits. Higher caregiving strain was associated with more mood disturbance (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), lower emotional QOL (r = −0.39, p < 0.002), lower social intimacy (r = −0.37, p < 0.002), and longer disease duration (r = 0.55, p < 0.001).Conclusion:  Spouses of patients awaiting lung transplantation may experience QOL deficits and high caregiver strain. Interventions to improve QOL and reduce caregiver strain are needed.
Pre‐transplant level of soluble CD30 is associated with infection after heart transplantation
Authors: Nikaein Afzal , Spiridon Camelia , Hunt Judson , Rosenthal Jed , Anderson Allan , Eichhorn Erick , Magee Mitchell , Dewey Todd , Mack Michael 
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Background:  One immunologic element of the immune system is the CD30 molecule which belongs to the TNF‐R superfamily. CD30 can serve as a T‐cell signal transducing molecule and is expressed by a subset of activated T lymphocytes, CD45RO+ memory T cells. Augmentation of soluble CD30 during kidney transplant (Tx) rejection has been reported. Our study was to determine if the level of sCD30 prior to heart transplant (HTx) could categorize the patients (pts) into high or low immunologic risk for post‐Tx outcome.Methods:  Pre‐Tx sera from 100 consecutive HTx recipients were studied. sCD30 was detected by ELISA using the commercially available CD30 monoclonal antibody. Level of sCD30 was correlated with two‐yr Tx outcome.Results:  Significant correlation was seen between the high level of sCD30 and lower incidence of infection. Four of the 35 pts with pre‐Tx high level of sCD30 level (>90 U/mL) developed infection post‐Tx. However, 31/65 pts who had a low level of sCD30 (<90 U/mL) developed infection post‐transplantation (p < 0.0003). No remarkable differences were noted with the other clinical parameters, including mean hospitalization, 3A biopsy rejection or death.Conclusions:  We report for the first time that the high level of sCD30 prior to the HTx may be associated with a higher immunologic ability of the pts and therefore, may have a protective effect in the development of infection post‐Tx.
Glutathione peroxidase protein expression and activity in human islets isolated for transplantation
Authors: Tonooka Naoko , Oseid Elizabeth , Zhou Huarong , Harmon Jamie S. , Robertson R. Paul 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Overexpression of antioxidant enzymes has been reported to protect rodent beta cells from oxidative stress. However, very little is known about protein expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in human islets.Method/Results:  Human islet protein levels by Western analysis and enzymatic activity for the key antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutases (SODs), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase‐1 (GPx) were examined. Enzyme protein expression and activity were in the order SODs > catalase > GPx. Human islet GPx protein expression was significantly less than that found for catalase (p < 0.0001) and levels of GPx activity were virtually undetectable. As glucose and estrogens have been proposed to alter antioxidant enzyme levels, we examined islet data from male and female donors separately and under varying glucose concentrations. We found significantly less (p < 0.001) GPx protein expression in islets from females compared to males, but no significant regulation by glucose in either gender.Conclusions:  Human islets have very low protein and activity levels for GPx, the essential enzyme for protection against excessive levels of intracellular lipid peroxides. GPx mimetics may be especially valuable in providing human islets with the broadest spectrum of protection against oxidative stress during isolation and transplantation.
Calcineurin inhibitor‐sparing regimens in solid organ transplantation: focus on improving renal function and nephrotoxicity
Authors: Flechner Stuart M , Kobashigawa Jon , Klintmalm Goran 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), cyclosporine and tacrolimus, have had a revolutionary effect on the overall success of renal transplantation through reduction in early immunologic injury and acute rejection rates. However, the CNIs have a significant adverse impact on renal function and cardiovascular disease, and extended long‐term graft survival has not been achieved. The recognition of these effects sparked interest in CNI‐sparing strategies. Strategies to limit CNI exposure include CNI minimization, avoidance, and withdrawal. We sought to review the impact of CNI‐sparing strategies in kidney, liver, and heart transplantation.Materials and methods:  A PubMed search 1966 to August 2006 was conducted to identify relevant research articles, and the references of these articles as well as the authors’ personal files were reviewed.Results:  Calcineurin inhibitor minimization using mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus may be associated with a modest increase in creatinine clearance (CrCl) and a decrease in serum creatinine (SCr) in the short term. Despite improvement in CrCl or SCr, CNI nephrotoxicity and chronic allograft nephrotoxicity are progressive over time when CNI exposure is maintained. In kidney transplantation, the tubulo‐interstitial and glomerular damage are irreversible. Mycophenolate mofetil may improve renal outcomes during CNI minimization more than sirolimus, and antibody induction may be effective to limit CNI exposure, but longer‐term follow‐up data are required. Use of sirolimus with mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine to avoid CNI exposure de novo has improved glomerular filtration rate for at least two yr in most studies in kidney transplantation; however, experience is limited in liver and heart transplantation, and reports of delayed graft function and wound healing with sirolimus may have dampened enthusiasm for de novo use. Late CNI withdrawal has achieved variable results, possibly because withdrawal was attempted after the kidney damage was too extensive. Early CNI withdrawal, prior to significant graft damage, has generally improved CrCl and markers of fibrosis and decreased chronic allograft lesions, a finding also observed with sirolimus in most CNI avoidance studies. Successful withdrawal appears to be more effective than CNI minimization.Conclusions:  Calcineurin inhibitors are associated with significant nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney damage. Minimization is associated with a modest increase in renal function, but persistent damage is observed on biopsies as long as the CNIs are continued. Avoidance is hampered by lack of experience and possible sirolimus‐induced side effects. CNI withdrawal may be the best option by delivering CNIs during the early period of immunologic graft injury and then converting them to less nephrotoxic agents before significant renal damage occurs.
Effects of hyperoncotic or hypertonic–hyperoncotic solutions on polymorphonuclear neutrophil count, elastase‐ and superoxide‐anion production: a randomized controlled clinical trial in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Molter G. P. , Silomon M. , Bauer C. , Ziegeler S. , Soltesz S. 
Published: June 2007

Background:  Hypertonic–hyperoncotic solutions may be an effective treatment for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). With regard to the immunomodulatory effects of these drugs, previous studies demonstrated controversial results. Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of different hyperoncotic and hypertonic–hyperoncotic solutions on polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMNL) count, elastase and superoxide‐anion production in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods:  Fifty patients scheduled for elective CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to five groups: (i) NaCl 0.9%, 750 ml/m2 body surface area (BSA); (ii) hydroxyethylic starch 10%, 250 ml/m2 BSA and NaCl 0.9%, 400 ml/m2 BSA; (iii) dextran 10%, 250 ml/m2 BSA and NaCl 0.9%, 300 ml/m2 BSA; (iv) hypertonic sodium chloride 7.2%/hyperoncotic hydroxyethylic starch 10%, 150 ml/m2 BSA; and (v) hypertonic sodium chloride 7.2%/hyperoncotic dextran 10%, 150 ml/m2 BSA. Blood samples were drawn from arterial, central venous and coronary artery sinus catheters peri‐operatively. PMNL count, superoxide‐anion production and elastase were recorded.Results:  PMNL counts and elastase activity increased in all groups after reperfusion. Superoxide‐anion production showed only minor changes. Between groups, no significant differences were demonstrated.Conclusions:  Infusion of clinically relevant doses of hypertonic–hyperoncotic solution did not affect PMNL count, elastase‐ or superoxide‐anion production during elective CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Cardioprotective effects of cyclosporine A in an in vivo model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Xie J.‐R. , Yu L.‐N. 
Published: June 2007

Background:  Recent evidence indicates that reperfusion of the heart after a period of ischemia leads to the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). The aim of this study was to investigate cardioprotective effects of cyclosporine A (CsA), an inhibitor of the MPTP, in an in vivo model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by 180 min of reperfusion. CsA (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was given 10 min prior to ischemia via the femoral vein. Sham myocardial ischemia–reperfusion rats (sham‐operation group) were used as controls. Infarct size was measured using the staining agent TTC (2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) and myocardial apoptosis by caspase‐3 activity was determined by fluorescent assay. The myocardium mitochondria ultrastructure was observed through a transmission electron microscope.Results:  CsA significantly reduced infarct size (48.8 ± 5.8% of left ventricle in vehicle + I/R group and 30.3 ± 2.7% of left ventricle in CsA + I/R, respectively) and decreased caspase‐3 activity in the myocardium [(0.62 ± 0.17)/μg of protein and (0.42 ± 0.15)/μg of protein, respectively] and relieved the injury of mitochondria.Conclusion:  CsA reduced the cardiac damage associated with ischemia–reperfusion injury of the heart. The cardioprotective effects of CsA might be associated with the protection of mitochondria and the inhibition of caspase‐3 activity. It also suggests that the MPTP might play an important role in cardiomyocytes death after ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Job satisfaction, work ability and life satisfaction among Finnish anaesthesiologists
Authors: Lindfors P. M. , Meretoja O. A. , Töyry S. M. , Luukkonen R. A. , Elovainio M. J. , Leino T. J. 
Published: June 2007

Background:  Organizational changes and relative growth of the ageing population together with related health problems seem to have increased stressfulness in the work of anaesthesiologists. However, little is known about their work‐related well‐being and the factors through which their situation could be improved.Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire study of the level and the determinants of job satisfaction, work ability and life satisfaction among female and male anaesthesiologists involved 258 Finnish anaesthesiologists working full time (53% men).Results:  The respondents had fairly high job satisfaction, work ability and life satisfaction. No gender differences appeared in these well‐being indicators, but their determinants differed by gender. Job satisfaction was only associated with work‐related factors in both genders: with job control in women and with job control and organizational justice in men. Work ability correlated with job control and health in both genders and with family life in women. Life satisfaction correlated with individual‐ and family related factors such as social support and family problems in both genders. Life satisfaction correlated with physical workload in men and health in women. Women had less job control, fewer permanent job contracts and more domestic workload than men.Conclusions:  Job control and organizational justice were the most important determinants in work‐related well‐being. Work‐related factors were slightly more important correlates of well‐being in males, and family life seems to play a larger role in the well‐being of female anaesthesiologists. Organizational and gender issues need to be addressed in order to maintain a high level of well‐being among anaesthesiologists.
THE WAGNER–NELSON METHOD MAKES THE [13C]‐BREATH TEST COMPARABLE TO RADIOSCINTIGRAPHY IN MEASURING GASTRIC EMPTYING OF A SOLID/LIQUID MIXED MEAL IN HUMANS
Authors: Sanaka Masaki , Nakada Koji , Nosaka Chihiro , Kuyama Yasushi 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY

Scintigraphy is the gold standard for measuring gastric emptying, but the use of radioactive isotopes can produce substantial irradiation. The [13C]‐acetate/octanoic acid breath test is widely used as a non‐radioactive alternative.
The half [13CO2] excretion time () is closely correlated with the scintigraphic half‐emptying time (). However, is consistently remote from , because the distribution of [13CO2] into the bicarbonate pool delays the respiratory excretion of the [13C] marker, which has already been emptied from the stomach. The time for the distribution process should be adjusted to diminish the discrepancy between the results of the scintigraphic and breath tests.
The Wagner–Nelson method provides an accurate profile of drug absorption. We have recently applied the Wagner–Nelson method to breath testing to adjust the time for [13CO2] distribution. In the present study, the [13C]‐breath test with Wagner–Nelson analysis was compared with scintigraphy.
Six female volunteers simultaneously underwent scintigraphy and the breath test on two occasions, either to measure gastric emptying of the liquid phase (16 kcal) or for that of the solid phase (214 kcal). Time–percentage gastric retention curves were generated by scintigraphy and the breath test with Wagner–Nelson analysis. The half‐emptying times were determined by interpolation from the scintigraphic curve () and the Wagner–Nelson curve (). was calculated by conventional curve‐fitting techniques.
For liquid and solid emptying, the gastric retention curves generated by the Wagner–Nelson method were comparable to the scintigraphic retention curves. For the liquid, was significantly longer than (93.8 ± 7.3 vs 14.2 ± 9.3 min, respectively; P < 0.0001), as was also observed for the solid phase (147.8 ± 34.4 vs 35.3 ± 11.2 min, respectively; P < 0.0001). In contrast, no significant differences were found between and for the liquid (13.5 ± 5.0 vs 14.2 ± 9.3 min, respectively; P = 0.734) and the solid (45.8 ± 10.2 vs 35.3 ± 11.2 min, respectively; P = 0.051) phase.
In conclusion, Wagner–Nelson analysis makes the [13C]‐breath test comparable to scintigraphy.
ATP MODULATES THE RELEASE OF NORADRENALINE THROUGH TWO DIFFERENT PREJUNCTIONAL RECEPTORS ON THE ADRENERGIC NERVES OF RAT PROSTATE
Authors: Morikawa Tsugumi , Tanaka Naoko , Kubota Yoko , Mizuno Hideya , Nakamura Kazuki , Kunitomo Masaru , Shinozuka Kazumasa 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYThe effects of adenosine and ATP receptor agonists on the release of endogenous noradrenaline from electrically stimulated (2 Hz, 0.1 msec) rat prostate were examined in order to clarify the pharmacological properties of prejunctional receptors for adenosine and ATP on the adrenergic nerve varicosities in the prostate. Noradrenaline was quantified by HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection techniques.Both adenosine and ATP receptor agonists (1 µmol/L) inhibited noradrenaline release and the relative order of inhibitory effect wasN6‐cyclopentyl‐adenosine (CPA) > 5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine > 2‐chloroadenosine > adenosine > 2‐methylthio‐ATP (2mSATP) > AMP > ATP.The adenosine receptor agonist CPA (1 nmol/L–1 µmol/L) and the ATP receptor agonist 2mSATP (100 nmol/L–100 µmol/L) inhibited the stimulation‐induced release of noradrenaline in a concentration‐dependent manner. The concentrations of CPA and 2mSATP that produced 50% inhibition of noradrenaline release were 9.6 nmol/L and 1.4 µmol/L, respectively.1,3‐Dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine, an adenosine A1receptor antagonist, significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of not only CPA, but also 2mSATP.Suramin, an ATP receptor antagonist, significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of 2mSATP, but not those of CPA.Pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid, another ATP receptor antagonist, had no effect on the inhibitory action of either agonist.These results suggest that, in the sympathetic nerve terminals of rat prostate, adenosine and ATP induce inhibition of noradrenaline release via the activation of adenosine A1and/or xanthine‐sensitive ATP receptors, which play an inhibitory regulatory role in adrenergic neurotransmission in the prostate.