bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Akt1 protects against inflammatory microglial activation through maintenance of membrane asymmetry and modulation of cysteine protease activity
Authors: Kang Jing‐Qiong , Chong Zhao Zhong , Maiese Kenneth 
Published: September 2003

AbstractIn several cell systems, protein kinase B (Akt1) can promote cell growth and development, but the “antiapoptotic” pathways of this kinase that may offer protection against cellular inflammatory demise have not been defined. Given that early cellular membrane phosphatidylserine exposure is a critical component of apoptosis, we investigated the role of Akt1 during neuronal apoptotic injury. By employing differentiated SH‐SY5Y neuronal cells that overexpress a constitutively active form of Akt1 (myristoylated Akt1), free radical‐induced cell injury was assessed through trypan blue dye exclusion, DNA fragmentation, membrane phosphatidylserine exposure, protein kinase B phosphorylation, cysteine protease activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Membrane phosphatidylserine exposure was both necessary and sufficient for microglial activation, insofar as cotreatment with an antiphosphatidylserine receptor‐neutralizing antibody could prevent microglial activity following neuronal loss of membrane asymmetry. Furthermore, expression of myristoylated Akt1 not only prevented cell injury through the prevention of membrane phosphatidylserine exposure and genomic DNA fragmentation but also inhibited microglial activation and proliferation that required the inhibition of caspase 9‐, caspase 3‐, and caspase 1‐like activities linked to cytochrome c release. Interestingly, Akt1 modulation of membrane phosphatidylserine exposure was primarily through caspase 1 activity. Removal of Akt1 activity abolished neuronal protection, suggesting that Akt1 functions as a critical pathway for the maintenance of cellular integrity and the prevention of phagocytic cellular removal during neurodegenerative insults. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Planning for stingray tourism at Hamelin Bay, Western Australia: the importance of stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Lewis Anna , Newsome David 
Published: September 2003

AbstractStingray tourism continues to be developed at various locations around the world with the concept being marketed on television travel programmes, documentaries, internet sites and travel brochures. Food provisioned stingray tourism, for example, now attracts some 100 000 visitors a year to ‘tingray city’ in the Caymen Islands. At Hamelin Bay in southwest Western Australia, up to 16 large stingrays (Dasyatis brevicaudata and Dasyatis thetidis) and numerous eaglerays (Myliobatis australis) are fed by visitors from the waters edge. This study reports on stakeholder perspectives relating to tourism development and potential management of the Hamelin Bay site. From the results of this study it is clear that there is sufficient interest in stingray tourism (by all the stakeholders surveyed) to develop Hamelin Bay as a permanent feeding site. Visitors on average gave their experience with the rays a satisfaction value of 8.9 out of 10. Twenty‐five per cent of visitors surveyed did not want commercialisation, tour groups or excessive visitor numbers. Their main concern was that the health and safety of the rays may deteriorate with an increase of visitors if the situation is not managed correctly. Visitors desire to be educated about the rays, and how to best interact with them safely. Visitors also acknowledged that the site needs management through more signs, information and a management plan. Management for the site is therefore likely to be best implemented through the application of signage, development of guidelines/codes of conduct, protection of the rays and zoning the beach according to specific recreational purposes. Management regimes should also use various indicators to monitor the impacts of stingray tourism at Hamelin Bay. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transabdominal antepartum amnioinfusion
Authors: Gramellini D. , Fieni S. , Kaihura C. , Faiola S. , Vadora E. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether transabdominal antepartum amnioinfusion is associated with maternal complications during pregnancy and at childbirth. Methods: Fifty‐three pregnant women, hospitalized for oligohydramnios and submitted to transabdominal antepartum amnioinfusion between 16 and 34 weeks’ gestational age, were compared with a historic group of 42 pregnant women treated conservatively. Results: The study population was divided into two groups of women with ruptured and unruptured membranes (Groups A and B, respectively). The latency period between time of admission and term of pregnancy was more favorable in amnioinfused patients (Group A: 22 vs. 11 days; Group B: 30 vs. 9 days), and none of the maternal adverse events under study was significantly more common in amnioinfused patients. By contrast, maternal temperature over 38 °C was more frequent among controls than among amnioinfused patients with ruptured membranes (23% vs. 4%); so was the number of cesarean sections for fetal distress in Group B (50 vs. 11%). Conclusions: Antepartum amnioinfusion does not appear to induce greater complications than conservative treatment for oligohydramnios, with or without premature rupture of membranes. On the contrary, this procedure seems to offer several benefits to pregnant women.
Doppler flow and arterial location in ovarian tumors
Authors: Itakura T. , Kikkawa F. , Kajiyama H. , Mitsui T. , Kawai M. , Mizutani S. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectives: This prospective study investigated the clinical evaluation of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Methods: Transvaginal ultrasonography (morphological assessment, DePriest's index) and color Doppler analysis were performed for 31 malignant and 64 benign tumors ovarian tumors. Serum tumor markers such as CA125, CA72‐4, and STN were measured. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were as follows: DePriest's index, 90.3%, 73.4%, 62.2%, 94.0%, 78.9%; CA125, 70.4%, 87.7%, 73.1%, 86.2%, 82.1%; minimum pulsatile index combined with detection of location of arterial blood flow, 83.9%, 98.4%, 96.3%, 92.6%, 93.7%, respectively. In cases where arterial blood flow was recognized, malignant tumors had significantly fewer diastolic notches, while benign tumors had many diastolic notches. The difference in the presence of diastolic notch between malignant and benign tumors was significant (P<0.0004). Conclusions: For diagnosis of ovarian tumors, transvaginal color Doppler analysis combined with detection of arterial location is more useful than other procedures.
A framework for assessing the impact of ionising radiation on non-human species
Authors: Valentin J 
Published: September 2003

In its 1990 Recommendations, the ICRP indicated that it believed that the standards of environmental control needed to protect man to the degree currently thought desirable would ensure that other species are not put at risk. The ICRP considers that its system of radiological protection has provided a fairly good indirect protection of the human habitat. However, no internationally agreed criteria or policies explicitly address protection of the environment from ionising radiation, and it is difficult to determine or demonstrate whether or not the environment is adequately protected from potential impacts of radiation under different circumstances. The present report suggests a framework, based on scientific and ethical-philosophical principles, by which a policy for the protection of non-human species could be achieved. The primary purpose of developing such a framework is to fill a conceptual gap in radiological protection; it does not reflect any particular concern over environmental radiation hazards. The proposed framework is designed to harmonise with the ICRP's approach to the protection of human beings, but does not intend to set regulatory standards. Instead, the proposed framework is intended to be a practical tool to provide high-level advice and guidance for regulators and operators. An agreed set of quantities and units, a set of reference dose models, reference dose-per-unit-intake (or unit exposure), and reference fauna and flora are required to serve as a basis for the more fundamental understanding and interpretation of the relationships between exposure and dose and between dose and certain categories of effect, for a few, clearly defined types of animals and plants. As a first step, a small set of reference fauna and flora with supporting databases will be developed by the ICRP. Others can then develop more area- and situation-specific approaches to assess and manage risks to non-human species.
The role of uninjured nerve in spinal nerve ligated rats points to an improved animal model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Lee Doo H. , Iyengar Smriti , Lodge David 
Published: September 2003

AbstractL5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats leads to behavioral signs of neuropathic pain including mechanical allodynia. The purposes of this study were to investigate the role of the intact L4 spinal nerve in the development of mechanical allodynia following L5 and L6 SNL and, as a result, to develop a modified model of neuropathic pain.As a first set of experiments, in addition to tight ligation of the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves, the intact L4 spinal nerve was manipulated either (1) by gentle repeated stretching of the L4 spinal nerve immediately after L5 and L6 SNL or (2) by intermittent mechanical stimulation to the ipsilateral paw during the first week after SNL. Tactile sensitivity was measured by determining the foot withdrawal threshold before and after SNL. Mild irritation of L4 spinal nerve and application of mechanical stimuli to the ipsilateral paw significantly increased the development of mechanical allodynia after SNL.In a second set of experiments, SNL was produced by tightly ligating only the left L5 spinal nerve with or without a loop of 5‐0 chromic gut placed loosely around the L4 spinal nerve. This additional L4 loop significantly increased long‐lasting tactile sensitivity compared to L5 SNL alone.These results suggest that afferent activity of the intact L4 spinal nerve aids in the development of mechanical allodynia in the SNL model of neuropathic pain. The addition of a chromic gut loop around the intact L4 spinal nerve can augment the development of mechanical allodynia following SNL of L5. We propose this latter as a useful and practical animal model of neuropathic pain.
Are oral cannabinoids safe and effective in refractory neuropathic pain?
Authors: Attal N. , Brasseur L. , Guirimand D. , Clermond‐Gnamien S. , Atlami S. , Bouhassira D. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAlthough cannabinoids have anti‐hyperalgesic effects in animal models of nerve injury, there are currently very few prospective trials of the efficacy of cannabinoids in neuropathic pain in humans. This open label prospective study investigated the safety, tolerability and analgesic benefit of oral Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) titrated to a maximal dosage of 25 mg/day in 8 consecutive patients with chronic refractory neuropathic pain. Spontaneous ongoing and paroxysmal pain, allodynia and paresthesias were assessed. The sensory and affective components of pain using the McGill pain questionnaire, quality of life, mood, anxiety and functionality were also evaluated. Seven patients suffered from side effects necessitating premature arrest of the drug in 5 of them. THC (mean dosage: 16.6 ± 6.5 mg/day) did not induce any significant effects on ongoing and paroxysmal pain, allodynia, quality of life, anxiety/depression scores and functional impact of pain. These results do not support an overall benefit of THC in pain and quality of life in patients with refractory neuropathic pain.
Recurrent vomiting and ethylmalonic aciduria associated with rare mutations of the short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase gene
Authors: Seidel J. , Streck S. , Bellstedt K. , Vianey‐Saban C. , Pedersen C. B. , Vockley J. , Korall H. , Roskos M. , Deufel T. , Trefz K. F. , Sewell A. C. , Kauf K. , Zintl F. , Lehnert W. , Gregersen N. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSummary: We report identification of short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency in a 12‐year‐old boy who suffered from recurrent attacks of vomiting once or twice a year from infancy. Growth and development were normal and there were no muscular symptoms. Metabolic screening was performed during a hospitalization at 8 years of age and revealed an increased excretion of ethylmalonic acid (EMA; 45–80 mmol/mol creatinine, normal 0.2–6.6), suggesting a degradation defect of short‐chain fatty acids. An increased n‐butyrylcarnitine was found in freshly collected serum (0.9 µmol/L; normal <0.4) but not in dry blood spots. Neither of the frequent SCAD gene variants 625G>A and 511C>T was present, but direct sequencing of the promoter and coding regions of the SCAD gene revealed that the patient had mutations on both alleles: 417G>C (Trp115Cys) and 1095G>T (Gln341His). Neither mutation has been described before in compound heterozygosity or homozygosity. Enzymatic investigations subsequently confirmed a defect of SCAD in both fibroblasts and muscle extracts. Furthermore, expression studies of both mutations demonstrated impaired enzyme function or structure. To our knowledge, this case is the first description of a patient with proven SCAD deficiency presenting with recurrent emesis but without other symptoms, and emphasizes the wide clinical phenotype of this disorder.
Two adult galactosaemia females with normal ovarian function and identical GALT mutations (Q188R/R333G)
Authors: Ng W. G. , Xu Y‐K. , Wong L‐J. , Kaufman F. R. , Buist N. R. M. , Donnell G. N. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSummary: We report two unrelated cases of adult galactosaemia females with normal ovarian function and Q188R/R333G mutations. Clinical history has been followed for 40 years. Biochemical finding in one patient are consistent with the presence of small amounts of galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity, which differs from classical galactosaemia.
Helicobacter pylori eradication is beneficial in the treatment of functional dyspepsia
Authors: Malfertheiner P. , MÖssner J. , Fischbach W. , Layer P. , Leodolter A. , Stolte M. , Demleitner K. , Fuchs W. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryAim : To assess whether the eradication of Helicobacter pylori leads to long‐term relief of symptoms in functional dyspepsia.Methods : Eight hundred patients with functional dyspepsia were randomized to receive double‐blind treatment with twice‐daily 30 mg lansoprazole, 1000 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin for 7 days (L30AC), twice‐daily 15 mg lansoprazole, 1000 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin for 7 days (L15AC), or once‐daily 15 mg lansoprazole for 14 days (LP). Dyspepsia and reflux symptoms were monitored for 12 months.Results : In intention‐to‐treat analysis, the non‐ulcer dyspepsia sum score showed a statistically significant benefit in terms of symptom relief in the L30AC group (P = 0.0068) compared with the LP group, but there was no significant difference between the L15AC and LP groups (P = 0.2). When all patients in the two eradication therapy arms were considered together, successful eradication had a significant benefit with regard to the complete absence of symptoms (P < 0.04). H. pylori eradication did not lead to an increase in reflux symptoms.Conclusion : This study suggests that H. pylori infection causes dyspeptic symptoms in a subset of patients with functional dyspepsia, and that these patients may obtain long‐term symptomatic benefit following H. pylori eradication.
Prevalence, clinical spectrum and health care utilization of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in a Chinese population: a population‐based study
Authors: Wong W. M. , Lai K. C. , Lam K. F. , Hui W. M. , Hu W. H. C. , Lam C. L. K. , Xia H. H. X. , Huang J. Q. , Chan C. K. , Lam S. K. , Wong B. C. Y. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground : Population‐based data on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in Chinese are lacking. The prevalence, clinical spectrum and health care‐seeking behaviour of subjects with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease were studied.Methods : Ethnic Chinese (3605) were invited to participate in a telephone survey using a validated gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results : A total of 2209 subjects (58% female; mean age, 40.3 years) completed the interview. The annual, monthly and weekly prevalence rates of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease were 29.8%, 8.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease symptoms were associated with non‐cardiac chest pain [odds ratio (OR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.7–3.1], dyspepsia (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4–2.5), globus (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.7), acid feeling in the stomach (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 4.5–7.5) and the use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5–3.6), but not with dysphagia, bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness and pneumonia. Patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease had a significantly higher anxiety and depression score and required more days off work when compared with subjects without. The frequency of heartburn (P = 0.032), female gender (P < 0.001), degree of depression (P = 0.004) and social morbidity (P < 0.001) were independent factors associated with health care‐seeking behaviour.Conclusion : The prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease was lower than that in Western populations, but carried a significant socio‐economic burden in the studied Chinese population. The frequency of heartburn, female gender and psychosocial factors were associated with health care utilization in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.
No volume effect on retrograde colonic spread of rectally‐administered ropivacaine gel
Authors: Arlander E. , Cederlund T. , Måre K. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground : Rectal administration of enemas, foams and suppositories is the most efficient way to deliver locally acting drugs to the distal colon. Ropivacaine, a long‐acting local anaesthetic, was chosen as a candidate for a new rectal treatment of ulcerative colitis.Aim : To determine the colonic spread of a rectal ropivacaine formulation.Methods : In this randomized, incomplete cross‐over study, 12 male volunteers were given 200 mg ropivacaine HCl rectally in 20, 40, 60 and 80 mL hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel. The viscosity of the gel was 1.1 Pa s. The spread of the radiolabelled (99mTc‐labelled diethylenetriaminepenta‐acetic acid) formulations was assessed by gamma‐scintigraphy. Plasma was collected and analysed for ropivacaine base.Results : The retrograde spread was limited to the descending colon and the difference between the studied volumes was not statistically significant. Only the 80‐mL volume tended to have a larger distribution, although the 20‐mL volume showed the same maximal distribution in two subjects. No distinct relationship between volume, retrograde colonic spread and plasma concentrations could be found. Ropivacaine was well tolerated.Conclusions : Rectal ropivacaine gel in all volumes between 20 and 80 mL can spread up to the descending colon. There was no relationship between either retrograde colonic spread or the administered volume and the ropivacaine plasma concentrations.
Heat Sensitivity in a Bentgrass Variant. Failure to Accumulate a Chloroplast Heat Shock Protein Isoform Implicated in Heat Tolerance
Authors: Wang Dongfang , Luthe Dawn S. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Two variants of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera cv palustris), developed using tissue culture, have been used to determine the roles of chloroplast-localized small heat shock proteins (CP-sHSPs) in heat tolerance. Results from previous research indicate that the heat-tolerant variant expressed two additional CP-sHSP isoforms not expressed in the heat-sensitive variant, that accumulation of the additional CP-sHSP isoforms was genetically linked to thermotolerance, and that the presence of the additional isoforms in the heat-tolerant variant provided greater protection to photosystem II during heat stress. To determine the basis of the differential expression, we isolated the genes encoding the CP-sHSPs from both variants and characterized their structure and expression. Two genes, ApHsp26.2 and ApHsp26.7a, were isolated from the heat-tolerant variant, and three genes, ApHsp26.2m, ApHsp26.8, and ApHsp26.7b, were isolated from the heat-sensitive variant. The sequence of ApHsp26.2m from the heat-sensitive variant was identical to ApHsp26.2, except for a point mutation that generated a premature stop codon. Therefore, the protein product of ApHsp26.2m did not accumulate in the heat-sensitive line. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that ApHsp26.2 encoded for the CP-sHSP isoforms unique to the heat-tolerant variant. An identical mutation was detected in one of the three parental lines used to develop the creeping bentgrass variants. This suggests that ApHsp26.2m was inherited from this parent and did not arise from a mutation that occurred during tissue culture. The presence of two isoforms encoded by the same gene might be due to differential processing of the N-terminal amino acids during or after import into the chloroplast.
Persistence of Unselected Transgenic DNA during a Plastid Transformation and Segregation Approach to Herbicide Resistance
Authors: Ye Guang-Ning , Colburn Susan M. , Xu Charles W. , Hajdukiewicz Peter T. J. , Staub Jeffrey M. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
The use of a nonlethal selection scheme, most often using the aadA gene that confers resistance to spectinomycin and streptomycin, has been considered critical for recovery of plastid transformation events. In this study, the plastid-lethal markers, glyphosate or phosphinothricin herbicides, were used to develop a selection scheme for plastids that circumvents the need for integration of an antibiotic resistance marker. The effect of selective agents on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) mesophyll chloroplasts was first examined by transmission electron microscopy. We found that at concentrations typically used for selection of nuclear transformants, herbicides caused rapid disintegration of plastid membranes, whereas antibiotics had no apparent effect. To overcome this apparent herbicide lethality to plastids, a “transformation segregation” scheme was developed that used two independent transformation vectors for a cotransformation approach and two different selective agents in a phased selection scheme. One transformation vector carried an antibiotic resistance (aadA) marker used for early nonlethal selection, and the other transformation vector carried the herbicide (CP4 or bar) resistance marker for use in a subsequent lethal selection phase. Because the two markers were carried on separate plasmids and were targeted to different locations on the plastid genome, we reasoned that segregation of the two markers in some transplastomic lines could occur. We report here a plastid cotransformation frequency of 50% to 64%, with a high frequency (20%) of these giving rise to transformation segregants containing exclusively the initially nonselected herbicide resistance marker. Our studies indicate a high degree of persistence of unselected transforming DNA, providing useful insights into plastid chromosome dynamics.