bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte subsets in irradiation‐induced sialadenitis of the submandibular gland
Authors: Teymoortash A , Simolka N , Schrader C , Tiemann M , Werner J A 
Published: October 2005

Aims : Irradiation‐induced sialadenitis is a significant cause of morbidity in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Neither the exact aetiopathology of chronic irradiation‐induced sialadenitis nor the mechanisms leading to atrophy of the glandular cells associated with an increase in extracellular matrix are understood. The aim of our study was to determine the phenotype of the inflammatory infiltrate and to study its distribution in the affected submandibular glands.Methods and results : Paraffin‐embedded submandibular glands from a homogeneous group of 19 patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer who received conventional radiotherapy to the primary site and upper neck were analysed. In all patients the radiation dose and field were approximately equal. The submandibular glands were obtained during neck dissection. To characterize the lymphoid infiltrate, all tissue sections were immunostained for T cells (CD3, CD4, CD8), cytotoxic T cells (granzyme B), B cells (CD20), and macrophages (Ki‐M1p). A histopathological classification into four grades was established based on the degree of glandular atrophy, fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltration. Phenotypic analysis of submandibular gland sections revealed that the great majority of lymphocytic infiltrates were cytotoxic T cells associated with acinar cell destruction.Conclusions : The significantly elevated frequencies of cytotoxic cells in the submandibular glands of patients with irradiation‐induced sialadenitis suggest that cell‐mediated immune mechanisms may play a part in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Galanin‐Like Peptide Promotes Feeding Behaviour Via Activation of Orexinergic Neurones in the Rat Lateral Hypothalamus
Authors: Kageyama H. , Kita T. , Toshinai K. , Guan J.‐L. , Date Y. , Takenoya F. , Kato S. , Matsumoto H. , Ohtaki T. , Nakazato M. , Shioda S. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractGalanin‐like peptide (GALP) is produced in neurones in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and is implicated in the neural control of feeding behaviour. Previously, we have reported that GALP immunoreactive fibres were in direct contact with orexin/hypocretin immunoreactive neurones in the rat lateral hypothalamus using double‐immunofluorescence. Centrally administered GALP is known to stimulate feeding behaviour. However, the target neurones of this action have not been clarified. The present study aimed to determine features of the GALP‐mediated neuronal feeding pathway in rat. Accordingly, at the ultrastructural level, GALP‐immunoreactive axon terminals were found to make synapses on orexin/hypocretin immunoreactive cell bodies and dendritic processes in the lateral hypothalamus. c‐Fos immunoreactivity was expressed in orexin/hypocretin‐immunoreactive neurones but not in melanin concentrating hormone‐immunoreactive neurones in the lateral hypothalamus at 90 min after the application of GALP by i.c.v. infusion. Furthermore, to determine whether GALP regulates feeding behaviour via orexin/hypocretin neurones, the feeding behaviour of rats was studied following GALP i.c.v. injection with or without anti‐orexin A and B immunoglobulin (IgG) pretreatment. The anti‐orexin IgGs markedly inhibited GALP‐induced hyperphagia. These results suggest that orexin/hypocretin‐containing neurones in the lateral hypothalamus are targeted by GALP, and that GALP‐induced hyperphagia is mediated via orexin/hypocretin neurones in the rat hypothalamus.
Coordinated activation of metabolic pathways for antioxidants and defence compounds by jasmonates and their roles in stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sasaki‐Sekimoto Yuko , Taki Nozomi , Obayashi Takeshi , Aono Mitsuko , Matsumoto Fuminori , Sakurai Nozomu , Suzuki Hideyuki , Hirai Masami Yokota , Noji Masaaki , Saito Kazuki , Masuda Tatsuru , Takamiya Ken‐ichiro , Shibata Daisuke , Ohta Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2005

SummaryJasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), collectively termed jasmonates, are ubiquitous plant signalling compounds. Several types of stress conditions, such as wounding and pathogen infection, cause endogenous JA accumulation and the expression of jasmonate‐responsive genes. Although jasmonates are important signalling components for the stress response in plants, the mechanism by which jasmonate signalling contributes to stress tolerance has not been clearly defined. A comprehensive analysis of jasmonate‐regulated metabolic pathways in Arabidopsis was performed using cDNA macroarrays containing 13516 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) covering 8384 loci. The results showed that jasmonates activate the coordinated gene expression of factors involved in nine metabolic pathways belonging to two functionally related groups: (i) ascorbate and glutathione metabolic pathways, which are important in defence responses to oxidative stress, and (ii) biosynthesis of indole glucosinolate, which is a defence compound occurring in the Brassicaceae family. We confirmed that JA induces the accumulation of ascorbate, glutathione and cysteine and increases the activity of dehydroascorbate reductase, an enzyme in the ascorbate recycling pathway. These antioxidant metabolic pathways are known to be activated under oxidative stress conditions. Ozone (O3) exposure, a representative oxidative stress, is known to cause activation of antioxidant metabolism. We showed that O3 exposure caused the induction of several genes involved in antioxidant metabolism in the wild type. However, in jasmonate‐deficient Arabidopsis 12‐oxophytodienoate reductase 3 (opr3) mutants, the induction of antioxidant genes was abolished. Compared with the wild type, opr3 mutants were more sensitive to O3 exposure. These results suggest that the coordinated activation of the metabolic pathways mediated by jasmonates provides resistance to environmental stresses.
Genetic analysis of Arabidopsis GATA transcription factor gene family reveals a nitrate‐inducible member important for chlorophyll synthesis and glucose sensitivity
Authors: Bi Yong‐Mei , Zhang Yu , Signorelli Tara , Zhao Rong , Zhu Tong , Rothstein Steven 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe Arabidopsis GATA transcription factor family has 30 members, the biological function of most of which is poorly understood. Homozygous T‐DNA insertion lines for 23 of the 30 members were identified and analyzed. Genetic screening of the insertion lines in defined growth conditions revealed one line with an altered phenotype, while the other lines showed no obvious change. This line, SALK_001778, has a T‐DNA insertion in the second exon of At5g56860 which prevents the expression of the GATA domain. Genetic analysis of the mutant demonstrated that the phenotypic change is caused by a single gene effect and is recessive to the wild‐type allele. In wild‐type plants, the expression of At5g56860 is shoot‐specific, occurs at an early stage of development and is inducible by nitrate. Loss of expression of At5g56860 in the loss‐of‐function mutant plants resulted in reduced chlorophyll levels. A transcript profiling experiment revealed that a considerable proportion of genes downregulated in the loss‐of‐function mutants are involved in carbon metabolism and At5g56860 is thus designated GNC (GATA, nitrate‐inducible, carbon metabolism‐involved). gnc mutants with no GNC expression are more sensitive to exogenous glucose, and two hexose transporter genes, with a possible connection to glucose signaling, are significantly downregulated, while GNC over‐expressing transgenic plants upregulate their expression and are less sensitive to exogenous glucose. These observations suggest a function for GNC in regulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
COPD: A prevalence estimation model
Authors: PEABODY John W. , SCHAU Brigitte , LOPEZ‐VIDRIERO Maite , VESTBO Jørgen , WADE Sally , IQBAL Ahmar 
Published: October 2005

Objectives: COPD is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Prevalence estimates for COPD are generally unavailable or unreliable. Thus, a simple and valid model for estimating COPD prevalence would provide essential information for policymakers in addressing a major burden of worldwide illness.Methodology: We modelled the relationships among readily available demographic data (e.g. age, gender), smoking prevalence, and COPD prevalence based on a literature review. We also included risks of COPD from environmental pollution and associations with socioeconomic status.Results: The model specifies a minimum of eight input variables to predict COPD prevalence in a given population: population by age, gender, smoking prevalence, prevalence of COPD among smokers, proportion living in rural areas, country by level of development, and exposures to environmental pollution. Actual COPD prevalence data from large population‐based studies in Spain, Norway, Poland and Nepal compared favourably with the model projections (P ≥ 0.10).Conclusion: The model is a simple tool for estimating the prevalence of COPD populations in a given region or country. Further studies are needed to prospectively validate the model and test the assumptions upon which it is based.
Response to bronchodilator in infants with bronchiolitis can be predicted from wheeze characteristics
Authors: SÁNCHEZ Ignacio , VIZCAYA Cecilia , GARCÍA Daniela , CAMPOS Eugenia 
Published: October 2005

Objective:  Lung sounds analysis has been used for clinical care. Our objectives were to characterize the spectral pattern of lung sounds and their relation to bronchodilator effects in acute bronchiolitis (AB). We hypothesized that patients with sinusoidal wheezes (SW) would show a more significant bronchodilator response.Methodology:  We studied 22 asleep hospitalized infants (14 boys, eight girls), aged 5.2 ± 1 months, 16 with a positive respiratory syncytial virus test, during their first 3 days after admission. Patients breathed spontaneously through a face mask connected to a pneumotachograph during normal breathing, and only target flows of 0.1 ± 0.02 L/s were analyzed. Sounds were obtained using two contact sensors attached over both posterior lower lobes. For inspiratory and expiratory sounds, we determined the frequencies below which 25% (F25), 50% (F50), 75% (F75) and 99% (SEF99) of the spectral power between 100 and 1000 Hz was contained. We repeated the measurements 20 min after bronchodilator therapy in all patients.Results:  We found classic SW in 11 patients, while the other 11 had complex wheezes (CW). There were positive bronchodilator responses in 9/11 with SW and 3/11 with CW (P < 0.01). Patients who responded to salbutamol showed an increase in power at low frequencies after medication (P < 0.01), and a positive correlation between wheezing and the increase in the power spectra measured by F50 and SEF99 (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  We conclude that sinusoidal and complex wheezes occur in patients with AB, that a positive response to bronchodilator is significantly more common in those with classic SW and that lung sounds analysis is a reproducible, safe and non‐invasive method for assessing wheeze in infants.
Inflammatory activity is still present in the advanced stages of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: MURA Marco , BELMONTE Gelorma , Fanti Stefano , CONTINI Paola , PACILLI Angela Maria Grazia , FASANO Luca , ZOMPATORI Maurizio , SCHIAVINA Mario , FABBRI Mario 
Published: October 2005

Objective:  The role of active inflammation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is controversial. A gallium‐67 citrate (Ga67 scan) is a sensitive indicator of inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to assess the Ga67 uptake and other markers of inflammation at different stages of IPF and to investigate its prognostic role.Methodology:  Twenty‐two patients (aged 66 ± 11 years, 18 males) with IPF were monitored for a period of 6–20 months (mean 13 months). At presentation (T0), high resolution CT (HRCT) scans showed reticular opacities and traction bronchiectasis with bi‐basilar and peripheral distribution in all cases. At both T0 and follow‐up (T1), we measured pulmonary function (PaO2, FVC, DLco), overall radiographic extent of fibrosis (HRCT visual score), Ga67 uptake, serum concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Results:  All parameters showed a significant deterioration during the T0–T1 interval, though the increase in Ga67 uptake and serum markers was not significant. Patients with Ga67 uptake indices graded as normal or mildly increased (group I), and graded as considerably or severely increased (group II) at presentation, were compared. There was no significant difference with respect to lung function or HRCT score between the two groups at T1. Ga67 uptake, LDH, CRP and ESR at presentation did not correlate significantly with the interval change in pulmonary function and disease extent.Conclusions:  Our findings indicate that inflammatory activity in the advanced stage of IPF is still relevant, although a Ga67 scan is not predictive of the clinical course.
Frozen section of pleural biopsies at medical thoracoscopy assists in correctly identifying benign disease
Authors: FIELDING David , HOPKINS Peter , SERISIER David 
Published: October 2005

Objectives:  Medical thoracoscopy and thoracoscopic talc poudrage (TTP) are accepted procedures in the management of pleural effusions. The relative merits of TTP compared with pleurodesis via intercostal catheter (ICC) continue to be debated. However, of the two procedures, only medical thoracoscopy allows both tissue diagnosis and pleurodesis to be achieved reliably in one procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of using frozen section analysis of samples taken during medical thoracoscopy to assist the thoracoscopist's decision to complete the procedure with a TTP.Methodology:  Twenty patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions after at least one diagnostic pleurocentesis underwent medical thoracoscopy and biopsy.Results:  Frozen sections were easily performed within the timeframe of medical thoracoscopy. The final diagnosis based on paraffin sections was malignant in 10 cases and benign in 10 cases. Frozen section at the time of thoracoscopy (before TTP) correctly identified nine of 10 cases as being benign and six of 10 cases as malignant. In the malignant group, reasons for incorrect identification as benign were sampling from superficial benign adipose tissue overlying the malignant deposits, difficult access to the most involved parts of the pleura and intense cellular infiltrate initially thought to be benign.Conclusion:  Frozen sections taken during medical thoracoscopy have the potential to facilitate decision‐making prior to pleurodesis, particularly for accurate identification of benign histology on thoracoscopic pleural biopsies, in order that pleurodesis is not performed unnecessarily.
Leptospirosis and its pulmonary complications
Authors: THAMMAKUMPEE Kreetha , SILPAPOJAKUL Khachornsakdi , BORRIRAK Baralee 
Published: October 2005

Objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and factors associated with pulmonary complications of leptospirosis.Methodology:  In a retrospective study, patients with a definite diagnosis of leptospirosis following a 6‐week period of severe flooding in Hadyai city, Thailand, were reviewed. Pulmonary complications of leptospirosis were defined as the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and an abnormal CXR. The clinical and laboratory test results for patients with and without pulmonary complications were compared.Results:  Among the 157 patients with leptospirosis, eight patients had pulmonary complications. Three patients had acute renal failure (ARF) and pulmonary oedema. One patient had ARF and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Two patients had ARF, congestive heart failure and pulmonary oedema. One patient had congestive heart failure and pulmonary oedema. One patient had only ARF. Factors associated with pulmonary complications were delayed antibiotic treatment and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 × 109/L). Three patients developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and one died from respiratory failure.Conclusions:  Pulmonary complications and death occur in a low percentage of patients with leptospirosis. Delayed antibiotic treatment and thrombocytopenia are risk factors for the development of pulmonary involvement in leptospirosis.
Climatic, high tide and vector variables and the transmission of Ross River virus
Authors: Tong S. , Hu W. , Nicholls N. , Dale P. , MacKenzie J. S. , Patz J. , McMichael A. J. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract This report assesses the impact of the variability in environmental and vector factors on the transmission of Ross River virus (RRV) in Brisbane, Australia. Poisson time series regression analyses were conducted using monthly data on the counts of RRV cases, climate variables (Southern Oscillation Index and rainfall), high tides and mosquito density for the period of 1998–2001. The results indicate that increases in the high tide (relative risk (RR): 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–2.26), rainfall (RR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.21–1.73), mosquito density (RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.27), the density of Culex annulirostris (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.13–1.37) and the density of Ochlerotatus vigilax (RR: 2.39; 95% CI: 2.30–2.48), each at a lag of 1 month, were statistically significantly associated with the rise of monthly RRV incidence. The results of the present study might facilitate the development of early warning systems for reducing the incidence of this wide‐spread disease in Australia and other Pacific island nations. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 677–680)
Survey of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians examination candidates: preparation and impact on lifestyle
Authors: Perrin K. , Prasad S. , Robinson G. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract Candidates currently view the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ written examination as a major undertaking, knowing that approximately one‐third fail on their first attempt. We anonymously surveyed New Zealand registrars who sat the written examination in 2004. We found that the majority of candidates spend long hours preparing over a several months, and that the examination had a detrimental impact on their personal lives. The results of this survey have important implications in the context of efforts to reduce the stress of doctors, and should lead to a change in either the examination itself or an increase in support provided to registrars preparing for it. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 680–682)
Paracetamol overdose and hepatotoxicity at a regional Australian hospital: a 4‐year experience
Authors: Ayonrinde O. T. , Phelps G. J. , Hurley J. C. , Ayonrinde O. A. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract Background: Paracetamol is a component of a number of drugs taken in overdose (OD). The influence of alcohol use (acute or chronic) on the presentation and clinical course of paracetamol OD is contentious. This study explores the relationship between paracetamol OD, alcohol consumption and clinical outcomes at a regional Australian hospital.Aims: To determine the frequency, circumstances and outcomes of paracetamol OD presentations to a regional Australian general hospital over a 4‐year period.Methods: Medical records of patients admitted to the Ballarat Health Services (BHS) as a result of paracetamol OD between January 2000 and December 2003 were reviewed. Patient demographics, amount of paracetamol ingested, other drug coingestions, alcohol history, previous medication OD, clinical course and outcomes were recorded.Results: Annual admissions resulting from paracetamol OD almost doubled during the 4 years studied. The risk of a repeat paracetamol OD was highest within 4 weeks of the initial OD. Alcohol, benzodiazepines and antidepressants were commonly coingested. The strongest predictor of severe hepatotoxicity was delayed or no N‐acetyl cysteine treatment in patients consuming greater than 10 g of paracetamol or with toxic serum paracetamol levels. A history of alcohol consumption did not appear to worsen outcomes. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 655–660)
Are humans infected by Hantaviruses in Australia?
Authors: Bi P. , Cameron S. , Higgins G. , Burrell C. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract Hantavirus antibody‐positive rodents have been found across Australia although, to date, there are no reports of infections in humans. This could be due to misdiagnosis clinically and/or inadequate laboratory technique/skills. There are close trading ties between Australia and Asian countries as well as our geographical neighbours where both human and rodent infections are found, so importation is a continuing threat. We consider that further sero‐epidemiological surveys are warranted among rodents (especially those captured from ports in Australia), in patients from renal and respiratory wards of hospitals, and in residents and employees close to harbours using more specific and sensitive laboratory techniques than have been available in the past. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 672–674)
Sputum bacteriology in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and concomitant pneumonia in Hong Kong
Authors: Ko F. W. S. , Lam R. K. Y. , Li T. S. T. , Fok J. P. C. , Chan M. C. H. , Ng T. K. C. , Chan D. P. S. , Hui D. S. C. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract Aim:  To study the sputum microbiology of patients admitted to a teaching hospital with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with concomitant pneumonia.Methods:  This was a retrospective study in a tertiary university hospital in Hong Kong. All episodes of AECOPD with pneumonia, patient demographics, length of stay, sputum culture and radiological results admitted in the first half of the year 2000 were retrieved from hospital records.Results:  There were 118 patients (91 male) with 150 episodes of AECOPD with concomitant pneumonia. The age of the patients was 74.8 ± 10.0 years. Positive routine sputum culture was detected in 45.6% of the patients. Among these hospital admissions, 8.7, 4.0 and 12.0%, respectively, required intensive care unit admissions, mechanical ventilation and non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation. Haemophilus influenzae was the commonest organism found in sputum (26.0%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.4%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (3.4%). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in 1.5% of the admissions. The presence of P. aeruginosa in sputum was associated with a longer hospital length of stay (9.1 ± 3.1 vs. 7.1 ± 4.2 days, P = 0.03).Conclusion:  In contrast to most other studies reporting S. pneumoniae as the most likely bacterial pathogen, H. influenzae was the commonest bacterium isolated in sputum in our patients with AECOPD and concomitant pneumonia. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 661–667)