bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VOLTAGE AND IONIC REGULATION OF HUMAN SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER IN XENOPUS OOCYTES
Authors: Li Cizhen , Zhong Hua , Wang Yiyin , Wang Hongwei , Yang Zhifang , Zheng Yanqian , Liu Kai , Liu Yuanmou 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

The serotoninergic system is known to be involved in the control of multiple behavioural and physiological functions. The serotonin (5‐hydroxtryptamine; 5‐HT) transporter (SERT), which controls the synaptic 5‐HT concentration through re‐uptake of this neurotransmitter into presynaptic terminals, has been a primary therapeutic target for various psychiatric and peripheral disorders. The aim of the present study was to identify the regulatory mechanism(s) of the human SERT (hSERT) in heterologously expressed oocytes.
The hSERT cRNA was transcribed in vitro and injected into Xenopus oocytes. The 5‐HT‐induced transporter currents were measured by voltage clamp. The effects of extracellular sodium or chloride were studied by replacement perfusion with tetramethylammonium‐chloride (96 mmol/L) or sodium acetate (96 mmol/L). In addition, to alter the internal calcium concentration, CaCl2 (50 µmol/L) and inositol triphosphate (IP3; 50 µmol/L), with or without EGTA (2.5 mmol/L), were injected into oocytes. The specificity of 5‐HT‐sensitive currents was determined by the use of the SERT antagonist desipramine and niflumic acid to block background chloride currents.
The hSERT‐expressing oocytes displayed voltage‐dependent, 5‐HT‐induced currents that increased at negative potentials. Replacing extracellular sodium or chloride significantly decreased the hSERT currents by 89 and 45%, respectively (P < 0.05, n = 7 each). Injection of IP3 or CaCl2 increased the hSERT currents by approximately 65% (P < 0.05; n = 10 each) and the effect of IP3 was abolished by preinjection of EGTA.
These results demonstrate that hSERT activity is not only voltage dependent, but is also affected by intracellular calcium and extracellular sodium and chloride.
Best candidates for capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Ge Zhi‐Zheng , Chen Hai‐Ying , Gao Yun‐Jie , Hu Yun‐Biao , Xiao Shu‐Dong 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Capsule endoscopy (CE) has an important role in the diagnosis of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. However, there was still controversy regarding the best candidates for CE. The present retrospective study aimed to access the best candidates for CE.Methods:  There were 91 consecutive patients referred to the present study for 94 CE examinations from May 2002 to January 2005. They were divided into two groups (41 with active bleeding, and 50 with previous bleeding).Results:  The CE findings were positive in 74.7%, suspicious in 11% of cases and negative in 14.3% of cases, respectively. The positive and suspected positive yield of CE were 75.6% and 19.5% in the active bleeding group, 74% and 4% in the previous bleeding group (P = 0.01), 75.7% and 21.6% in the overt bleeding group, 75% and 0% in the occult bleeding group (P = 0.206), 89.7% and 3.4% in patients who bled 2 weeks previously, 52.38% and 4.76% in patients who bled >2 weeks previously (P = 0.003), 75.6% and 19.5% in active bleeding group, 89.7% and 3.4% in patients who bled 2 weeks ago (P = 0.128).Conclusions:  The best candidates for the procedure are those with active bleeding, or active bleeding in the previous 2 weeks.
Prospective randomized trial of transnasal versus peroral endoscopy using an ultrathin videoendoscope in unsedated patients
Authors: Murata Atsuhiko , Akahoshi Kazuya , Sumida Yorinobu , Yamamoto Hidehiko , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Nawata Hajime 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to compare the acceptance and tolerance of transnasal and peroral esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) using an ultrathin videoendoscope in unsedated patients.Methods:  A total of 124 patients referred for diagnostic endoscopy were assigned randomly to have an unsedated transnasal EGD (n = 64) or peroral EGD (n = 60) with local anesthesia. An ultrathin videoendoscope with a diameter of 5.9 mm was used in this study. A questionnaire for tolerance was completed by the patient (a validated 0–10 scale where ‘0’ represents no discomfort/well tolerated and ‘10’ represents severe discomfort/poorly tolerated).Results:  Of the 64 transnasal EGD patients, 60 patients (94%) had a complete examination. Four transnasal EGD examinations failed for anatomical reasons; all four patients were successfully examined when switched to the peroral EGD. All 60 peroral EGD patients had a complete examination. Between the transnasal and peroral groups, there was a statistically significant difference in scores for discomfort during local anesthesia (1.5 ± 0.2 vs 2.6 ± 0.3, P = 0.003), discomfort during insertion (2.3 ± 0.3 vs 4.3 ± 0.3, P = 0.001), and overall tolerance during procedure (1.6 ± 0.2 vs 3.8 ± 0.2, P = 0.001). In all, 95% of transnasal EGD patients and 75% of peroral EGD patients (P = 0.002) were willing to undergo the same procedure in the future. Four patients in the transnasal EGD group experienced mild epistaxis.Conclusion:  For unsedated endoscopy using an ultrathin videoendoscope, transnasal EGD is well tolerated and considerably reduces patient discomfort compared with peroral EGD.
Cloning and expression profile of FLT3 gene during progenitor cell‐dependent liver regeneration
Authors: Aydin Iraz T , Tokcaer Zeynep , Dalgic Aydin , Konu Ozlen , Akcali Kamil C 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The liver has a unique capacity to regenerate upon exposure to viral infections, toxic reactions and cancer formation. Liver regeneration is a complex phenomenon in which several factors participate during its onset. Cellular proliferation is an important component of this process and the factors that regulate this proliferation have a vital role. FLT3, a well‐known hematopoietic stem cell and hepatic lineage surface marker, is involved in proliferative events of hematopoietic stem cells. However, its contribution to liver regeneration is not known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clone and examine the role of FLT3 during liver regeneration in rats.Methods:  Partial cDNA of rat homolog of FLT3 gene was cloned from thymus and the tissue specific expression of this gene at mRNA and protein levels was examined by RT‐PCR and Western blot. After treating with 2‐AAF and performing hepatectomy in rats to induce progenitor‐dependent liver regeneration, the mRNA and protein expression profile of FLT3 was investigated by real‐time PCR and Western blot during liver regeneration. In addition, cellular localization of FLT3 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry.Results:  The results indicated that rat FLT3 cDNA has high homology with mouse and human FLT3 cDNA. It was also found that FLT3 is expressed in most of the rat tissues and during liver regeneration. In addition, its intracellular localization is altered during the late stages of liver regeneration.Conclusion:  The FLT3 receptor is activated at the late stages of liver regeneration and participates in the proliferation response that is observed during progenitor‐dependent liver regeneration.
Comprehensive malnutrition inflammation score as a marker of nutritional status in Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: CHAN JESSIE YING WING , CHE KIT I , LAM KARRY MAU CHU , CHOW KAI‐MING , CHUNG KWOK‐YI , LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO , SZETO CHEUK‐CHUN 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Malnutrition is common among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, the ideal marker of nutritional status in PD patients remained controversial.Methods:  We studied 165 unselected adult PD patients. We compared the comprehensive Malnutrition‐Inflammation Score (MIS) and the 7‐point Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) score.Results:  The mean age was 59.2 ± 11.5 years. Seventy patients were male. MIS significantly correlated with the SGA score (r =−0.667, P < 0.001). Of the 165 patients, 132 (80.0%) had similar classification of nutritional status by SGA and MIS (Group I); 17 (10.3%) were classified as normal by SGA but moderately malnourished by MIS (Group II), while 16 (9.7%) were classified as normal by MIS but moderately malnourished by SGA (Group III). Group II had been dialysed longer than Group I (71.7 ± 50.3 vs 40.7 ± 37.5 months, P = 0.011). As compared with Group I, Group III was more likely to require helper for PD exchange (37.5%vs 9.7%, P = 0.004), marginally more likely to be diabetic (62.5%vs 35.6%, P = 0.085) and had a slightly higher Charlson’s comorbidity score (6.13 ± 1.78 vs 4.98 ± 2.1, P = 0.085), although the latter two were not statistically significant.Conclusion:  MIS has a reasonable correlation with the conventional SGA score in PD patients. Patients with limited self‐care capability, diabetes and multiple comorbidities probably had worse score (i.e. worse nutrition) revealed by SGA than by MIS, while patients who had been dialysed longer had worse score revealed by MIS than by SGA.
Elevated levels of interferon γ‐inducible protein‐10 and epithelial neutrophil‐activating peptide‐78 in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: SUGIYAMA Kanako , MUKAE Hiroshi , ISHII Hiroshi , KAKUGAWA Tomoyuki , ISHIMOTO Hiroshi , NAKAYAMA Seiko , SHIRAI Ryo , FUJII Takeshi , MIZUTA Yohei , KOHNO Shigeru 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Interferon γ‐inducible protein (IP)‐10 and epithelial neutrophil‐activating peptide (ENA)‐78 belong to the CXC chemokine family and are important factors in inflammatory lung diseases. In sarcoidosis, the potential role of IP‐10 to regulate the migration and activation of T‐cells towards sites of sarcoid activity has been suggested.Methods:  In this study, the concentrations of IP‐10 and ENA‐78 in the serum and BAL fluid of patients with different stages of active pulmonary sarcoidosis (n = 41) and healthy subjects (n = 12) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the contribution of these CXC chemokines to this disease.Results:  Serum and BAL fluid concentrations of IP‐10 and BAL fluid levels of ENA‐78 in patients with sarcoidosis were significantly higher than those in control subjects. The serum levels of IP‐10 were significantly increased only in patients with stages I and II sarcoidosis, while BAL fluid levels of ENA‐78 were increased only in stage III sarcoidosis. In addition, serum concentrations of IP‐10 were elevated in patients with extrapulmonary lesions compared with those without such lesions. In patients with sarcoidosis, IP‐10 concentrations in BAL fluid correlated with lymphocyte proportions in BAL fluid.Conclusion:  IP‐10 may play an important role in regulating lymphocytes into the lung and that ENA‐78 may be associated with lung parenchymal disease in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO DEVELOP AN ALGORITHM FOR INVESTIGATION BY ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY OR MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY*
Authors: Jenkins John T. , Williamson Barry W. A. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Identifying cost‐efficient and patient‐friendly pathways for those who present with suspected pancreatico‐biliary disease remains a challenge. Algorithms must be tailored to improve decision‐making. We assessed suitable criteria from which an algorithm for selection for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography could be developed.Methods:  Data on clinical, ultrasound and liver function test findings and outcome were recorded for consecutive patients undergoing ERCP and patients were stratified into different indications and a therapeutic ratio (TR) obtained for each (TR = number of therapeutic ERCP/total number of ERCP).Results:  One hundred and twenty ERCP were attempted with 112 cannulations (93.3%). Seventy‐one therapeutic procedures were attempted with 64 (90.1%) successes. Forty‐two (35%) investigations were normal. Seven (6%) patients suffered complications. Thirteen indications were used. The TR varied according to the indication. The TR for jaundice with biliary dilatation was 0.85. In contrast, asymptomatic patients with deranged liver function test and normal gall bladder on USS had a TR of 0.17. Gallstones with cholestatic liver function test yielded a TR of 0.54. A TR of 0.7 was considered an appropriate ‘cut‐off’ for triage to ERCP or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. An algorithm was generated based on these data. From this cohort, 50 (42%) patients would have been more appropriately investigated by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, although 20 (40%) would have required therapy afterwards.Conclusions:  An algorithm that separates indications by TR (TR > 0.7) may provide a cost‐efficient, patient‐friendly pathway for investigation and improve the use of resources.
REM sleep changes in rats induced by siRNA‐mediated orexin knockdown
Authors: Chen Lichao , Thakkar Mahesh M. , Winston Stuart , Bolortuya Yunren , Basheer Radhika , McCarley Robert W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractShort interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting prepro‐orexin mRNA were microinjected into the rat perifornical hypothalamus. Prepro‐orexin siRNA‐treated rats had a significant (59%) reduction in prepro‐orexin mRNA compared to scrambled siRNA‐treated rats 2 days postinjection, whereas prodynorphin mRNA was unaffected. The number of orexin‐A‐positive neurons on the siRNA‐treated side decreased significantly (23%) as compared to the contralateral control (scrambled siRNA‐treated) side. Neither the colocalized dynorphin nor the neighbouring melanin‐concentrating hormone neurons were affected. The number of orexin‐A‐positive neurons on the siRNA‐treated side did not differ from the number on the control side 4 or 6 days postinjection. Behaviourally, there was a persistent (∼ 60%) increase in the amount of time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep during the dark (active) period for 4 nights postinjection, in rats treated with prepro‐orexin siRNA bilaterally. This increase occurred mainly because of an increased number of REM episodes and decrease in REM‐to‐REM interval. Cataplexy‐like episodes were also observed in some of these animals. Wakefulness and NREM sleep were unaffected. The siRNA‐induced increase in REM sleep during the dark cycle reverted to control values on the 5th day postinjection. In contrast, the scrambled siRNA‐treated animals only had a transient increase in REM sleep for the first postinjection night. Our results indicate that siRNA can be usefully employed in behavioural studies to complement other loss‐of‐function approaches. Moreover, these data suggest that the orexin system plays a role in the diurnal gating of REM sleep.
The neural substrates of amphetamine conditioned place preference: implications for the formation of conditioned stimulus–reward associations
Authors: Rademacher David J. , Kovacs Beatrix , Shen Fei , Napier T. Celeste , Meredith Gloria E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAssociations formed between conditioned stimuli and drug reward are major contributors in human drug addiction. To better understand the brain changes that accompany this process, we used immunohistochemistry for c‐Fos (a neuronal activity marker), synaptophysin (a marker for synaptogenesis) and tyrosine kinase B receptor (a neurotrophic factor receptor that mediates synaptic plasticity) to investigate the neural substrates of amphetamine‐induced conditioned place preference in rats. Conditioned place preference was induced by both 1.0 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg doses of amphetamine. Furthermore, amphetamine conditioning increased the density of c‐Fos‐immunoreactive cells and these cells were fully colocalized with the tyrosine kinase B receptor in the dentate gyrus, CA1 field and basolateral amygdala. Amphetamine conditioning increased the density of synaptophysin‐immunoreactive varicosities in all brain regions studied, except the nucleus accumbens shell and dorsolateral striatum. The degree of conditioned place preference was highly correlated with c‐Fos‐immunoreactive cell density in the basolateral amygdala and with the density of synaptophysin‐immunoreactive varicosities in all mesolimbic regions studied. The latter correlation was particularly impressive for the ventral pallidum and basolateral amygdala. The formation of conditioned stimulus–amphetamine reward associations is accompanied by tyrosine kinase B receptor expression in the basolateral amygdala and dentate gyrus, CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus. These data therefore suggest that the formation of conditioned stimulus–reward associations requires, at least in part, activation of amygdalar–hippocampal circuits.
Transplanted dopamine neurons derived from primate ES cells preferentially innervate DARPP‐32 striatal progenitors within the graft
Authors: Ferrari Daniela , Sanchez‐Pernaute Rosario , Lee Hyojin , Studer Lorenz , Isacson Ole 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe correct identity and functional capacity of transplanted dopamine (DA) neurons derived in vitro from embryonic stem (ES) cells is a critical factor for the development of an ES cell‐based replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. We transplanted primate Cyno‐1 ES cells differentiated in vitro for 4 (progenitor ES cells) or 6 (differentiated ES cells) weeks, or control fetal primate cells into the striatum of hemi‐parkinsonian rats. Partial behavioral recovery in amphetamine‐induced rotation was correlated with the number of ES‐derived tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive (TH +) neurons in the grafts (r = 0.5, P < 0.05). Post mortem analysis of ES‐derived grafts revealed TH + neurons with mature morphology, similar to fetal DA neurons, and expression of midbrain transcription factors, such as Engrailed (En) and Nurr‐1. While the total number of TH + neurons was not different between the two groups, TH/En co‐expression was significantly higher (> 90%) in grafts from differentiated ES cells than in grafts derived from progenitor cells (< 50%), reflecting a more heterogeneous cellular composition. Within the grafts there was an overlap between ES‐derived TH + axonal arbors and clusters of primate ES‐derived striatal neurons expressing brain factor 1 (Bf‐1, Foxg1) and DA and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP‐32). Such overlap was never observed for other regional transcription factors that define neighboring forebrain domains in the developing brain, such as Nkx2.1 (medial ganglionic eminence), Nkx2.2 (pallidal and diencephalic progenitors) or Pax6 (dorsal telencephalic progenitors). Despite the heterogeneity of ES‐derived graft cell composition, these results demonstrate normal phenotypic specification, conserved natural axonal target selectivity and functionality of DA neurons derived from primate ES cells.
Preferential responses in amygdala and insula during presentation of facial contempt and disgust
Authors: Sambataro Fabio , Dimalta Savino , Di Giorgio Annabella , Taurisano Paolo , Blasi Giuseppe , Scarabino Tommaso , Giannatempo Giuseppe , Nardini Marcello , Bertolino Alessandro 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSome authors consider contempt to be a basic emotion while others consider it a variant of disgust. The neural correlates of contempt have not so far been specifically contrasted with disgust. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated the neural networks involved in the processing of facial contempt and disgust in 24 healthy subjects. Facial recognition of contempt was lower than that of disgust and of neutral faces. The imaging data indicated significant activity in the amygdala and in globus pallidus and putamen during processing of contemptuous faces. Bilateral insula and caudate nuclei and left as well as right inferior frontal gyrus were engaged during processing of disgusted faces. Moreover, direct comparisons of contempt vs. disgust yielded significantly different activations in the amygdala. On the other hand, disgusted faces elicited greater activation than contemptuous faces in the right insula and caudate. Our findings suggest preferential involvement of different neural substrates in the processing of facial emotional expressions of contempt and disgust.
The role of exotic species in homogenizing the North American flora
Authors: Qian Hong , Ricklefs Robert E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractExotic species have begun to homogenize the global biota, yet few data are available to assess the extent of this process or factors that constrain its advance at global or continental scales. We evaluate homogenization of vascular plants across America north of Mexico by comparing similarity in the complete native and exotic floras between states and provinces of the USA and Canada. Compared with native species, exotic plants are distributed haphazardly among areas but spread more widely, producing differentiation of floras among neighbouring areas but homogenization at greater distance. The number of exotic species is more closely associated with the size of the human population than with ecological conditions, as in the case of native species, and their distributions are less influenced by climate than those of native species.
Plasma homocysteine, oxidative stress and endothelial function in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria
Authors: Wotherspoon F. , Laight D. W. , Browne D. L. , Turner C. , Meeking D. R. , Allard S. E. , Munday L. J. , Shaw K. M. , Cummings M. H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAims  The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between endothelial function, plasma homocysteine and oxidative stress in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and microalbuminuria compared with DM patients with normoalbuminuria and non‐diabetic control subjects. We wished to test the hypothesis that increased cardiovascular risk in patients with Type 1 diabetes and microalbuminuria may be in part as a result of hyperhomocysteinaemia‐mediated oxidative stress leading to impaired endothelial function.Methods  We measured forearm blood flow, total plasma homocysteine, total antioxidant status (TAOS) and whole blood glutathione in 31 DM patients, 16 with microalbuminuria and 15 with normoalbuminuria, and 15 non‐diabetic control subjects.Results  Plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the microalbuminuric diabetic patients compared with the normoalbuminuric patients and the control subjects. TAOS was significantly lower in the micoalbuminuric and normoalbuminuric diabetic patients compared with the control subjects, although TAOS levels were similar in both groups of diabetic patients. There was no difference in forearm blood flow between the groups and no association between measured endothelial function and antioxidant defence/oxidative stress and homocysteine in each group. There was no association between plasma total homocysteine and TAOS or whole blood glutathione within the groups.Conclusions  We have found mild hyperhomocysteinaemia in microalbuminuric DM patients compared with normoalbuminuric DM patients and non‐diabetic subjects and some evidence for reduced antioxidant defence in DM patients. These findings add to our understanding of the increased risk of vascular disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes.