bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reversal of established CD4+ type 2 T helper‐mediated allergic airway inflammation and eosinophilia by therapeutic treatment with DNA vaccines limits progression towards chronic inflammation and remodelling
Authors: Jarman Elizabeth R. , Lamb Jonathan R. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryImmunostimulatory DNA‐based vaccines can prevent the induction of CD4+ type 2 T helper (Th2) cell‐mediated airway inflammation in experimental models, when administered before or at the time of allergen exposure. Here we demonstrate their efficacy in limiting the progression of an established response to chronic pulmonary inflammation and airway remodelling on subsequent allergen challenge. Mice exhibiting Th2‐mediated airway inflammation induced following sensitization and challenge with group 1 allergen derived from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group species (Der p 1), a major allergen of house dust mite, were treated with pDNA vaccines. Their airways were rechallenged and the extent of inflammation assessed. In plasma DNA (pDNA)‐vaccinated mice, infiltration of inflammatory cells, goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus production were reduced and subepithelial fibrosis attenuated. The reduction in eosinophil numbers correlated with a fall in levels of the profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue. In addition to lung epithelial cells and resident alveolar macrophages, infiltrating eosinophils, the principle inflammatory cells recruited following allergen exposure, were a major source of TGF‐β1. Protection, conferred irrespective of the specificity of the pDNA construct, did not correlate with a sustained increase in systemic interferon (IFN)‐γ production but in a reduction in levels of the Th2 pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Notably, there was a reduction in levels of interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐13 produced by systemic Der p 1 reactive CD4+ Th2 cells on in vitro stimulation as well as in IL‐4 and IL‐5 levels in BAL fluid. These data suggest that suppression of CD4+ Th2‐mediated inflammation and eosinophilia were sufficient to attenuate progression towards airway remodelling. Immunostimulatory DNA may therefore have a therapeutic application in treatment of established allergic asthma in patients.
Identification of the Rf gene conferring fertility restoration of the CMS Dian‐type 1 in rice by using simple sequence repeat markers and advanced inbred lines of restorer and maintainer
Authors: Tan X. L. , Tan Y. L. , Zhao Y. H. , Zhang X. M. , Hong R. K. , Jin S. L. , Liu X. R. , Huang D. J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractCytoplasmic male sterility of Dian‐type 1 (CMS‐D1) was developed 30 years ago in Yunnan. A major gene conferring fertility restoration for the CMS‐D1 system was detected by microsatellite markers in advanced inbred lines consisting of 196 maintainers and 62 restorers developed in breeding programmes of hybrid rice involving the CMS‐D1 system. The gene was mapped between two simple sequence repeat markers, OSR33 and RM228, on chromosome 10, and was temporarily designated as Rf‐D1(t). The genetic distances of the gene to the two microsatellite markers were 3.4 and 5.0 cM, respectively. This linkage was confirmed by using an F2 population derived from a cross between a CMS‐D1 line and a restorer. This study also demonstrated that using OSR33 was reliable and efficient for identification of restoring lines in hybrid rice breeding with the CMS‐D1 system.
Risk factors in past histories and familial episodes related to development of testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: KANTO SATORU , HIRAMATSU MASAYOSHI , SUZUKI KENICHI , ISHIDOYA SHIGETO , SAITO HIDEO , YAMADA SHIGEYUKI , SATOH MAKOTO , SAITO SEIICHI , FUKUZAKI ATSUSHI , ARAI YOICHI 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  A retrospective study was conducted to examine the host factors of 240 testicular germ cell tumor patients. This study was performed to address a new theory proposed by Skakkebaek called testicular dysgenesis syndrome which claims that cryptorchism, hypospadias, poor semen quality and testicular germ cell tumors are symptoms of an underlying testicular dysgenesis in uterus.Methods:  The past health histories and familial episodes of 240 testicular germ cell tumor patients were examined. The past health histories included cryptorchism, hypospadias, infertility, atrophic testis and inguinal hernia.Results:  Of the 240 patients, 13 (5.4%) had a history of cryptorchism or orchidopexy. Two (0.8%) showed existence of hypospadias or had experienced urethroplasty. Among 129 married couples, 104 (80.6%) couples were fertile. Three (1.3%) patients developed testicular tumors after they were diagnosed as infertile or came to the hospital with the complaints of infertility. Four (1.7%) had contralateral atrophic testis. 19 (7.9%) had experienced inguinal herniorrhaphy before age 15. Three (1.3%) had testicular germ cell tumor patients among their family or relatives.Conclusions:  The testicular germ cell tumor patients showed a considerable incidence of complications such as cryptorchism, hypospadias and incomplete closure of processus vaginalis. Cryptorchism, perinatal factors and familial factors could be risks for developing testicular germ cell tumors.
Extracorporeal magnetic innervation treatment for urinary incontinence
Authors: YOKOYAMA TERUHIKO , FUJITA OSAMU , NISHIGUCHI JUN , NOZAKI KUNIHIRO , NOSE HIROYUKI , INOUE MIYABI , OZAWA HIDEO , KUMON HIROMI 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  Extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) is a new technology used for pelvic muscle strengthening for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. We explored whether this new technology is effective for patients with urge incontinence, as well as those with stress urinary incontinence.Methods:  We studied 20 patients with urge incontinence and 17 patients with stress urinary incontinence. The Neocontrol system (Neotonus Inc., Marietta, GA) was used. Treatment sessions were for 20 min, twice a week for 8 weeks. Evaluations were performed by bladder diaries, one‐hour pad weight testing, quality‐of‐life surveys and urodynamic studies.Results:  Of the urge incontinence cases, five patients were cured (25.0%), 12 patients improved (60.0%) and three patients did not show any improvement (15.0%). Leak episodes per day reduced from 5.6 times to 1.9 times at 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Eight patients with urge incontinence recurred within 24 weeks after the last treatment (47.1%). Of the stress incontinence cases, nine patients were cured (52.9%), seven patients improved (41.1%) and one patient did not show any improvement (6%). In one‐hour pad weight testing, the mean pad weight reduced from 7.9 g to 1.9 g at 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Three patients returned to the baseline values within 24 weeks after the last treatment (17.6%). No side‐effects were experienced by any of the patients.Conclusion:  Although the results for urge incontinence were less effective than for stress urinary incontinence, ExMI therapy offers a new option for urge incontinence as well as stress urinary incontinence.
Basic study on velocity‐flow urodynamics using Doppler sonography: Simultaneous detection of cavitation and Doppler signals in an artificial urethral model
Authors: KUMON HIROMI , OZAWA HIDEO , NOSE HIROYUKI , OHTA HIDEKUNI , NISHIGAKI KAZU 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  We have developed velocity‐flow urodynamics using Doppler sonography based on the hypothesis that microbubbles formed in the urethra are responsible for Doppler signals. In order to confirm this hypothesis derived from Bernoulli's principle, we investigated the simultaneous detection of cavitation noise and Doppler signals in an experimental system.Methods:  An experimental circuit was built in which a stenosis was created using a glass or silicon tube with tap water used as the sample fluid. Doppler signals, pressure before and after the stenosis, flow rate, flow velocity and cavitation noise were measured. Direct detection of cavitation with a high‐speed charged‐coupled device (CCD) camera was conducted in the glass tube. The relationship between cross‐sectional area and flow velocity in terms of the detection of Doppler signals was analyzed in the silicon tube study.Results:  In the glass tube study, a high‐speed CCD camera clearly detected masses of microbubbles associated with cavitation. The range of flow rates creating cavitation completely corresponded with those producing Doppler signals detected by ultrasonography. A similar correlation was observed in the silicon tube study, which showed that a low flow velocity of 41.5 cm/sec through a stenosis with a cross‐sectional area of 20 mm2 created Doppler signals at a flow rate of 8.3 mL/sec.Conclusion:  The results of the present study confirmed that microbubbles created in flowing urine are responsible for Doppler signals. Measurement of velocity‐flow urodynamics has great potential to become a non‐invasive and reliable alternative to conventional pressure‐ flow urodynamic studies.
Resection of pulmonary metastases following chemotherapy for high stage testicular tumors
Authors: ESKICORAPCI SAADETTIN Y , EKICI SINAN , ATSU M NECMETTIN , DOGAN RIZA , OZEN HALUK 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  Our objective was to analyze retrospectively our experience with 19 patients who had metastatic germ cell testicular tumor and had undergone resection of pulmonary metastases following chemotherapy. We wished to determine the necessity of thoracic surgery on these patients.Methods:  Of 103 patients in need of postchemotherapeutic surgery for metastatic germ cell testicular tumors, 19 patients (mean age 31) underwent surgery for thoracic masses following cis‐platin based chemotherapy. Resection of pulmonary metastases was performed on patients with normal tumor markers after chemotherapy, who did not achieve complete radiological remission. Histopathological findings, correlation with the pathology of abdominal surgery and probable prognostic factors for disease‐free and overall survivals were evaluated.Results:  Disease‐free and overall survival rates were 14/19 (73%) and 16/19 (84%), respectively, within a median follow‐up time of 30 months (15–212 months). Patients with and without viable tumor cells in their thoracic histopathological specimen had 40% and 85% disease‐free survival rates, respectively (P < 0.05). Eight patients had both abdominal and thoracic postchemotherapy surgery. Only two (25%) of these patients had the same histopathological features at both sites.Conclusions:  All patients with residual thoracic masses must be considered candidates for surgery, because there are no predictive factors to determine the thoracic pathology without surgery. With the resection of the pulmonary metastases only, surgery can be performed without significant morbidity and is essential to select patients for further chemotherapy, to remove all visible masses and to provide histopathological confirmation. Patients with viable tumor cells in the thoracic surgical specimen have a poor prognosis.
Minimum effective dose of dexamethasone after tonsillectomy
Authors: Çeliker Varol , Çelebi Nalan , Canbay Özgür , Başgül Elif , Aypar Ülkü 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground : The minimum effective dose of dexamethasone in conjunction with 50 μg·kg−1 ondansetron was evaluated in the treatment for vomiting after elective tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy.Methods : A total of 102 healthy children between 2 and 12 years of age participated in this prospective, randomized, double‐blind study. A single intravenous (i.v.) dose of dexamethasone (50, 100, 150 μg·kg−1, maximum dose 8 mg) with ondansetron (50 μg·kg−1) was administered just before the end of surgery. Equal volumes of normal saline were given to the control group. General anaesthesia was induced and maintained by inhalation of N2O/O2 and sevoflurane. All other preoperative and postoperative medications (including a supplementary dose of antiemetics if necessary), anaesthesia and surgical techniques were standardized.Results : No significant differences were observed between groups in postoperative vomiting on the day of surgery and the next day, or in the need for postoperative pain medication and supplementary doses of antiemetics (P > 0.05).Conclusions : These results indicate that surgical technique and anaesthetic management used in this study could be the cause of the lower incidence of nausea and vomiting. Assessment of nausea and vomiting in a prospective study with larger groups of patients may reflect different results.
The use of recalcified citrated whole blood – a pragmatic approach for thromboelastography in children
Authors: Rajwal Sanjay , Richards Mike , O'Meara Moira 
Published: July 2004

SummaryBackground : Thromboelastography (TEG) is an established way of monitoring the coagulation status of children and adults requiring blood products during surgery. Serial measurements are performed using a nearside machine and blood product prescription may be titrated against changes in TEG. There may also be useful applications when the patient is remote from the TEG machine but these are limited because TEG is usually performed on fresh native whole blood within 6 min of venepuncture. Citrated whole blood can be used for TEG if transport time is more than 6 min. We wished to establish whether TEG parameters for citrated whole blood were comparable with those of native whole blood in healthy children.Methods : Blood was obtained from 14 healthy children undergoing minor surgical procedures, at the time of intravenous cannula insertion for anaesthesia. Each sample was divided: TEG was performed on part of the sample in its fresh native state at 6 min and second portion of the sample was citrated, kept at room temperature and TEG was performed at 30 min after recalcification.Results : There was a significant difference in TEG parameters (r, k, α, MA and LY30) for fresh native whole blood and recalcified citrated whole blood (paired t‐test).Conclusions : The normal range for fresh native whole blood TEG parameters is well established, which is routinely used in practice. There was a significant difference between TEG parameters for fresh native whole blood and citrated whole blood. We recommend that a specific normal range be established for citrated whole blood to enable it to be used in clinical practice.
Anesthetic management of a patient with myotonic dystrophy for a Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy
Authors: Jenkins J.A. , Facer E.K. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryA 16‐month‐old baby with myotonic dystrophy underwent an open Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy insertion under general anesthesia with an epidural. Postoperative care was managed on the pediatric intensive care unit for the first 6 h. She was then discharged to the ward, where she continued to make an uncomplicated recovery. Other anesthetic management that has been used in children with myotonic dystrophy is discussed.
Political Externalities, Nondiscrimination, and a Multilateral World
Authors: Ethier Wilfred J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractDuring the past half century, multilateral trade liberalization has reduced tariffs to historically low levels. The “Received Theory” of multilateral trade agreements, based solely on terms‐of‐trade externalities between national governments, offers an explanation that has become the conventional wisdom. But it is dramatically inconsistent with actual trade agreements. This paper offers an alternative explanation, based on intergovernmental political externalities, consistent with what we actually observe. With remarkably little necessary formal structure—in particular, no formal bargaining model—this framework (chosen to parallel actual experience) gives an immediate and transparent role to the basic characteristics of contemporary trade agreements: gradual liberalization, reciprocity, nondiscrimination, and multilateralism.
Semi‐Nonparametric Estimates of Currency Substitution: the Demand for Sterling in Europe
Authors: Drake Leigh , Fleissig Adrian R. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe paper presents new evidence of significant substitution between European domestic monetary assets and foreign holdings of sterling. The finding of significant cross‐country currency substitution implies reduced costs of transition towards monetary union and easier European policy convergence. Elasticities of substitution, using the Morishima measure, are estimated from the semi‐nonparametric Fourier flexible form.
Pricing in Segmented Markets, Arbitrage Barriers, and the Law of One Price: Evidence from the European Car Market
Authors: Lutz Matthias 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe paper uses micro‐level price data from the European car market to examine why there are deviations from the law of one price. The absolute law of one price is strongly rejected, but there is convergence to its relative version. Two sets of explanations are considered: (i) price‐setting in segmented markets, and (ii) arbitrage barriers. Overall, the determinants of arbitrage costs have more explanatory power. The single most important factor is the distance between markets. Evidence for Belgium and Luxembourg suggests that a single currency lowers price differences significantly.
The Bundesbank's Inflation Policy and Asymmetric Behavior of the German Term Structure
Authors: Bohl Martin T. , Siklos Pierre L. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe paper analyzes the influence of the Bundesbank's inflation targeting policy on the behavior of the spread between long‐term and short‐term German interest rates. The term spread is considered to be a key indicator of future inflation and economic activity. The application of a momentum threshold autoregressive cointegration model enables the authors to study the adjustment process of the spread toward equilibrium in greater detail than heretofore possible, and permits relaxation of the linear and symmetric adjustment assumption underlying conventional cointegration and error correction investigations on the expectations hypothesis. The empirical findings are consistent with the hypothesized asymmetric adjustment behavior of the spread and can be explained by the Bundesbank's inflation targeting policy during the period from 1975 to 1998.
Tariff Wars and Trade Deals with Costly Government
Authors: Burbidge John , Myers Gordon 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe authors study a simple model of tariff wars and trade deals in which government revenue collection and disbursement uses resources. The introduction of costly governments leads to lower non‐cooperative tariffs, the possibility that a less costly government may win a tariff war, and fully cooperative trade deals where countries lower tariffs but do not eliminate them, even with lump‐sum taxes and transfers.
Dopamine and cyclic AMP‐regulated phosphoprotein‐32 phosphorylation pattern in cocaine and morphine‐sensitized rats
Authors: Scheggi S. , Rauggi R. , Gambarana C. , Tagliamonte A. , De Montis M. G. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThis study reports some of the modifications in dopaminergic signalling that accompany cocaine and morphine behavioural sensitization. Cocaine‐sensitized rats showed increased phosphorylation of dopamine‐ and cyclic AMP‐regulated phosphoprotein Mr 32 kDa (DARPP‐32) at threonine‐75 (Thr75) and decreased DARPP‐32 phosphorylation at Thr34, in the caudate–putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) 7 days after sensitization assessment. Conversely, in morphine‐sensitized rats, no apparent modifications in DARPP‐32 phosphorylation pattern were observed. Morphine‐sensitized rats have increased binding and coupling of µ‐opioid receptors and increased dopaminergic transmission in striatal areas and, upon morphine challenge, exhibit dopamine D1 receptor‐dependent stereotypies. Thus, the DARPP‐32 phosphorylation pattern was studied in morphine‐sensitized rats at different times after morphine challenge. Morphine challenge increased levels of phospho‐Thr75 DARPP‐32 and decreased levels of phospho‐Thr34 DARPP‐32 in a time‐dependent manner in the CPu and NAc. In order to assess whether these modifications were related to modified cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity, the phosphorylation levels of two other PKA substrates were examined, the GluR1 and NR1 subunits of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate and NMDA receptors respectively. The phosphorylation levels of GluR1 and NR1 subunits decreased in parallel with those of phospho‐Thr‐34 DARPP‐32, supporting the hypothesis that morphine challenge elicited a decrease in PKA activity in morphine‐sensitized rats.
Activation of AP‐1 and CRE‐dependent gene expression via µ‐opioid receptor
Authors: Bilecki Wiktor , Wawrzczak‐Bargiela Agnieszka , Przewlocki Ryszard 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAddiction to opiates depend on drug‐induced neuroplastic changes and are underlain by alterations of gene expression. Transcription factors Ca2+/cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and activator protein 1 (AP‐1) may constitute a direct link between the opioid‐regulated signal transduction pathways and modulation of gene expression. Acute treatment of Neuro2a MOR neuroblastoma cells with opioids stimulated CREB activity; prolonged treatment normalized it, while withdrawal from the drug again elicited an increase in phosphorylated CREB levels. Protein kinase C was responsible for the activation of transcription following acute opioid administration whereas the cAMP pathway activated similar mechanisms during withdrawal, making CREB a kind of ‘a trigger’ reacting to the presence or withdrawal of the opioid signal. Apart from the elevated CREB phosphorylation, CRE binding activity and expression of luciferase reporter gene regulated by CRE elements were increased after single administration and during withdrawal from the prolonged opioid treatment. Along with CREB, AP‐1 binding activity and AP‐1‐directed transcription were stimulated after single administration and during withdrawal from the opioid. These results provide evidence that both single opioid administration and opioid withdrawal activate CREB and CRE‐dependent transcriptional mechanisms via distinct intracellular signaling pathways.
Focal adhesion kinase mediates endothelin‐induced cyclin D3 expression in rat cultured astrocytes
Authors: Koyama Yutaka , Yoshioka Yasuhiro , Shinde Michiyo , Matsuda Toshio , Baba Akemichi 
Published: July 2004

AbstractFocal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non‐receptor type tyrosine kinase, is involved in the G1/S phase cell cycle transition of astrocytes induced by endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). In this study, the roles of FAK in the expression of cyclin D1 or D3, which are pivotal in G1/S phase transition, were examined in cultured astrocytes. Accompanied with increases in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, ET‐1 (100 nm) increased the numbers of cyclin D1‐ and D3‐positive astrocytes. PD98059 (a MEK inhibitor) and PP‐2 (a Src kinase inhibitor) inhibited ET‐induced cyclin D1 expression and BrdU incorporation without affecting cyclin D3 expression. In contrast, cytochalasin D, lovastatin (a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibitor) and Y‐27632 (a rho‐kinase inhibitor) prevented both cyclin D3 expression and BrdU incorporation. FAK phosphorylation by ET‐1 was inhibited by cytochalasin D, lovastatin and Y‐27632, but not by PD98059 or PP‐2. Transfection with wild‐type FAK increased expression of cyclin D3 in astrocytes, while that of cyclin D1 was not affected. Dominant‐negative FAK mutants prevented an ET‐induced increase in cyclin D3 expression, but not D1. These results suggest that activation of FAK causes cyclin D3 expression in cultured astrocytes, which would underlie the FAK‐mediated astrocytic G1/S phase transition by ET‐1.