bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐specific occurrence of alopecia in neonatal C57BL mice treated with N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea and the therapeutic efficacy of tacrolimus hydrate
Authors: Yoshizawa Katsuhiko , Nambu Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Daigo , Yang Jihong , Kiyozuka Yasuhiko , Shikata Nobuaki , Tsubura Airo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAlopecia was induced in male and female neonatal C57BL mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU). MNU administration was most effective in the 8‐day‐old mice and less effective in the 5‐day‐old mice (at active and early anagen stages of the first hair cycle, respectively). No alopecia was seen in the day 14 MNU‐treated animals (at telogen stage of the first hair cycle). MNU effectively induced hair follicular cell apoptosis at the anagen stage by up‐regulation of Bax protein without down‐modulation of Bcl‐2 protein. In day 8 MNU‐treated mice, the immunosuppressive agent 0.01% tacrolimus hydrate (FK506), when topically applied for 5 days from 1 day after MNU treatment (before the occurrence of alopecia), decreased the severity of alopecia. However, it did not stimulate hair growth when applied for 5 days from 20 days of age (after occurrence of alopecia).
Acute inorganic mercury vapor inhalation poisoning
Authors: Asano Sigeyuki , Eto Komyo , Kurisaki Emiko , Gunji Hirofumi , Hiraiwa Koichi , Sato Masao , Sato Hiroshi , Hasuike Miki , Hagiwara Noboru , Wakasa Haruki 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMercury contamination is a serious environmental problem worldwide. Two primary sources of contamination are dumping of large quantities of inorganic mercury and exposure in the mining industry. Although the actual fatal level of mercury vapor is not known, exposure to more than 1–2 mg/m3 of elemental mercury vapor (Hg0) for a few hours causes acute chemical bronchiolitis and pneumonitis. Two hours after exposure, lung injury appears as hyaline membrane formation, and finally, extensive pulmonary fibrosis occurs. Clinical findings correlate with the duration of exposure, the concentration of mercury, and the survival time after exposure. There is no correlation between pathological findings and the concentration of mercury in the tissues. Necrosis of proximal convoluted tubules may be attributed to the disruption of the enzyme systems of Hg2+‐sulfhydryl compounds. Metallothionein protein (MT), induced by the accumulation of Hg2+ in the kidneys, may play an important role in detoxication after it forms a non‐toxic Hg2+‐MT compound. Despite the deposition of mercury in the brain, compared with organic mercury, inorganic mercury did not seem to damage the neurons. Drugs such as chelating agents and corticosteroids appear to effectively decrease the inflammation and delay pulmonary fibrosis.
Control of the plant pathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina in mung bean by a microalgal extract
Authors: Mahakhant Aparat , Padungwong Patcharee , Arunpairojana Vullapa , Atthasampunna Poonsook 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYAn anti‐fungal antibiotic was characterized from an extract of Calothrix sp. TISTR 8906 with respect to an inhibition effect on plant pathogenic fungi. Optimal medium for anti‐fungal compound production was modified from nitrogen‐free BGA medium by the addition of NaN03 at the concentration of 1.5gL‐1, increasing K2HP04 concentration to 1.5 g L‐1 and decreasing NaCl concentration to 0.03 g L‐1 with an initial pH of 7.0. Algal growth, anti‐fungal activity and anti‐fungal compound production could be increased 2.6‐fold, four‐fold and 10‐fold, respectively. Crude algal extract formulated with surfactant applied to Macrophomina phaseolina at a concentration of 250 μg seed‐1 showed the same efficiency at inhibition as the commercial fungicide, mancozeb, at the recommended dose of 200 μg seed‐1, both in laboratory and pot experiments.
Phototactic responses of four marine dinoflagellates with different types of eyespot and chloroplast
Authors: Horiguchi Takeo , Kawai Hiroshi , Kubota Mamoru , Takahashi Tetsuo , Watanabe Masakatsu 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYGreat structural variety is seen in the eyespot of dinoflagellates, a structure involved in phototaxis. Although there are several works on the phototactic responses in some species of dinoflagellates, none of the dinoflagellates used in these studies possessed an eyespot and, therefore, we have no knowledge of the relationship between eyespot type and phototactic response. In this study, we determined wavelength dependency curves for phototaxis in four marine dinoflagellates that possess a different type of either eyespot or chloroplast. These include: (i) a dinoflagellate possessing a peridinin‐containing ohioroplast with an eyespot (Scrippsiella hexapraecingula Horiguchi et Chihara); (ii) a dinoflagellate containing a diatom endosymbiont and with the type B eyespot sensu Dodge (1984; (Peridinium foli‐aceum (Stein) Biecheler); (iii) a dinoflagellate with peri‐dinin‐containing chloroplasts, but lacking an eyespot (Atexandrium hiranoi Kita et Fukuyo); and (iv) a dinoflagellate with fucoxanthin, 19′‐hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin and 19′‐butanoyloxyfucoxanthin, but lacking an eyespot (Gymnodinium mikimotoi Miyabe et Kominami ex Oda), Regardless of the eyespot or the chloroplast type, all four dinoflagellates showed similar wavelength dependency curves for phototaxis, with sensitivity between 380 and 520 nm, the highest peak at approximately 440 or 460 nm and smaller peaks or shoulders at 400–420 nm and 480–500 nm. Substantial peaks have also been noted in the ultraviolet range (260–280 nm). The ultrastructural study of the eye‐spot of Scrippsiella hexapraecingula revealed that the eyespot consists of two layers of lipid globules and probably acts as a quarter‐wave stack antenna.
Salinity tolerances of 62 strains of Pflesteria and Pfiesteria‐like heterotrophic flagellates (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Sullivan Barbara E. , Andersen Robert A. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe salinity tolerance of 62 strains of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria‐like heterotrophic dinoflagellates was measured. All strains were acclimated at 12 psu for at least 1 year before experimentation. Strains isolated from the Chesapeake Bay and Neuse River systems tolerated lower salinities than strains isolated from the Wilmington River system (P< 0.005). Swimming cells were still observed after 5 days at 0.5 psu for one strain, and at 1 psu for most other Chesapeake Bay and Neuse River strains. Swimming cells for the Wilmington River were still observed after 5 days at 3–5 psu, but no swimming cells were observed at ≤ 2 psu. With regard to the upper salinity tolerance, the Wilmington River strains tolerated higher salinities than the Chesapeake Bay and Neuse River systems (P< 0.005). Most Wilmington River strains were swimming after 5 days at salinities ≥ 50 psu, whereas the Chesapeake Bay and Neuse River system strains rarely had swimming cells at salinities exceeding 35–45 psu. For all three water systems and for both lower and higher salinities, cells apparently encysted in many instances. However, when salinities were returned to 12 psu, swimming cells often re‐appeared. Statistically significant geographic differences in salinity tolerance suggest a geographic adaptation has occurred and that salinity tolerance is under genetic control. The results also suggest there is diversity among the strains.
Giant cell interstitial pneumonia in two hard metal workers: The role of bronchoalveolar lavage in diagnosis
Authors: Kinoshita Masaharu , Sueyasu Yoshiko , Watanabe Hisashi , Tanoue Sachiko , Okubo Yo , Koga Takeharu , Kawahara Masao , Nagata Eisuke , Oizumi Kotaro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwo cases of hard metal lung disease and pathological findings of giant cell interstitial pneumonia are reported. The cases worked in different factories manufacturing hard metal parts from tungsten carbide and cobalt. Pathological specimens were obtained by percutaneous thoracoscopy and transbronchial lung biopsy. X‐ray microanalysis detected only tungsten carbide in the lung specimen of one case. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed diagnostic bizarre macrophages in the lavage fluid.
Prehospital management of exacerbations of asthma: Relation to patient and disease characteristics
Authors: Marks Guy B. , Heslop Wendy , Yates Deborah H. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:Admission to hospital due to an exacerbation of asthma may represent a failure of prehospital management to prevent an attack or bring about its remission. We aim to describe the steps taken prior to hospital attendance in patients with asthma and to identify patient or disease characteristics that were associated with failure to take appropriate actions. Methodology: Patients aged over 15 years who were discharged from hospital or the Emergency Department with a primary diagnosis of asthma completed a questionnaire about the impact of asthma and its management prior to the onset of the recent exacerbation. The impact of asthma on quality of life was measured using our Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Results: Seventy‐eight subjects completed the questionnaire including 49 who had been in‐patients and 29 who had been discharged from the Emergency Department. They included many subjects with severe asthma: 41% had nocturnal symptoms three or more times per week and 41% had been admitted to hospital with asthma in the 12 months prior to this episode. Their AQLQ scores were high (severe) (mean 4.5 ± 2.2). Most subjects described their presenting exacerbation as slow in onset and moderate or severe in intensity. During this exacerbation and prior to hospital attendance, only 27% of subjects had measured their peak expiratory flow rate, 19% had commenced or increased the dose of inhaled steroids, and 22% had commenced oral steroids. These actions were not related to the self‐perceived speed of onset of the attack. Patients with lower levels of asthma‐related concerns for health and more severe mood disturbance associated with asthma were less likely to take these appropriate self‐management steps. Conclusions: This study shows that the failure of prehospital management to prevent the necessity of hospital attendance in most cases stems from a failure to implement currently recommended actions or treatments for exacerbations. Addressing this problem should result in a reduction in rates of hospitalization for asthma.
Cytokines enhance airway smooth muscle contractility in response to acetylcholine and neurokinin A
Authors: Reynolds Ann M. , Holmes Mark D. , Scicchitano Raffaele D. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: In vivo airway hyperresponsiveness has been demonstrated following inhalation of specific cytokines in normal individuals. Whether this airway hyperresponsiveness results from a direct effect of cytokines on airway smooth muscle contractility, or via changes in airway wall structure is not known. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on airway smooth muscle contractility in vitro. Methodology: Ovine tracheal smooth muscle strips were incubated for 18 h at room temperature in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium, supplemented with antibiotics, with IL‐1β (10 ng/mL) and TNF‐α (100 ng/mL), in an atmosphere of 5%CO2 : 95%O2. Following incubation cumulative concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and neurokinin A (NKA) were obtained. Antagonist affinity studies were performed to determine whether the cytokine‐induced enhanced contractility to ACh and NKA resulted from a functional alteration to specific M3 and NK2 receptors. Cumulative concentration–response curves to NKA were performed in the presence of phosphoramidon to determine if the enhanced contractility to NKA following cytokine exposure was due to a reduction in endogenous neutral endopeptidase activity. To assess the calcium dependence of the hyperresponsiveness, cumulative concentration–responses to ACh were conducted in calcium‐free Krebs’–Henseleit solution. Results: Pre‐incubation with TNF‐α and IL‐1β caused a significant leftward shift, and an increase in the magnitude, of the concentration–response curves to both ACh and NKA. No difference in M3 and NK2 receptor antagonist affinity (pA2) values between the control and cytokine‐treated tissue was observed. Neurokinin A contractility in the presence of phosphoramidon indicated that the enhanced contractility following cytokine exposure was not due to a reduction in endogenous neutral endopeptidase activity. Removal of extracellular calcium ions attenuated the contractile response to low concentrations of ACh in the control and cytokine‐pretreated tissue. However, enhanced contractility following TNF‐α and IL‐1β pretreatment was still present. Conclusion: Pro‐inflammatory cytokines induce in vitro hyperresponsiveness in normal airway smooth muscle via a mechanism involving intracellular calcium mobilization.
Chylothorax occurring 23 years post‐irradiation: Literature review and management strategies
Authors: McWilliams Annette , Gabbay Eli 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Chylothorax is an uncommon condition rarely seen outside the clinical scenario of trauma or malignancy, and management may be difficult. We report the case of a 52‐year‐old man with a right chylothorax occurring 23 years after mantle irradiation for Hodgkin's disease. In addition, a Medline literature search was performed. Chylothorax occurring post‐irradiation is rare and the aetiology is uncertain. Recurrent malignancy must be excluded. There are a number of management options and our patient was successfully treated with a combination of thoracocentesis, medium chain triglyceride diet and thoracoscopy with talc pleurodesis. There was no evidence of recurrent chylothorax at 2 years follow up. Prompt assessment and treatment is required. Surgical measures need to be considered early if medical treatment is unsuccessful.
Molecular mechanisms underlying human β‐defensin‐2 gene expression in a human airway cell line (LC2/ad)
Authors: TOMITA Tetsuji , NAGASE Takahide , OHGA Eijiro , YAMAGUCHI Yasuhiro , YOSHIZUMI Masao , OUCHI Yasuyoshi 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Recently, human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2), an inducible defensin, has been reported to be involved in innate immunity and host defence. To examine the exact roles of hBD‐2 in the respiratory system, we examined the molecular mechanisms of hBD‐2 gene expression in vitro.Methodology: Using a human airway cell line (LC‐2/ad), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced gene expression of hBD‐2 was studied in the absence or the presence of (i) dexamethasone, (ii) inhibition of NF‐κB and AP‐1, (iii) intracellular calcium chelator, and (iv) cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors.Results: Lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene expression of hBD‐2 was down‐regulated by (i) dexamethasone, (ii) inhibition of NF‐κB and AP‐1, and (iii) intracellular calcium chelator. However, COX inhibitors had no effect on LPS‐induced mRNA expression of hBD‐2.Conclusion: These findings suggest that glucocorticoids (GC), but not COX inhibitors, reduce hBD‐2 gene expression, while NF‐κB, AP‐1 and intracellular calcium are essential for hBD‐2 expression. Glucocorticoid‐induced down‐regulation of hBD‐2 might be involved in the GC‐induced suppression of respiratory host defence associated with hBD‐2.
Variations in reproductive traits at inflorescence and flower levels of an arctic legume,Astragalus alpinusL.: Comparisons between a subalpine and an alpine population
Authors: Kudo Gaku , Molau Ulf 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe reproductive traits ofAstragalus alpinusL. between a subalpine and an alpine population in northern Sweden were compared. This species was physiologically self‐incompatible and mainly pollinated by bumblebees. Mean flower size was larger and anthesis was longer in the alpine population than in the subalpine population. There were no significant differences in ovule fertilization rate and seed predation rate per inflorescence between the populations. However, the abortion rate of fertilized ovules was higher in the alpine population, probably because of resource limitation. The difference in seed production per inflorescence was small between the populations. Dense ovule packing within each flower may have compensated for the lower fruit production in the alpine population, where pollinator activity was low. Although the alpine population produced a smaller number of mature seeds per inflorescence, total seed mass per inflorescence did not differ between the populations due to larger seed size in the alpine population. Within an inflorescence, upper flowers had a smaller size, a relatively larger allocation to stamens, lower seed production (for both populations) and higher pollen viability (only for the alpine population) than did lower flowers. Thus, reproductive values through male and female functions may differ among flowers within an inflorescence.
Recent increase in the frequency of infant measles in Japan
Authors: Ohsaki Masaya , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Ryoh , Chiba Kimihira Seki and Shunzo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Because there has been no major outbreak of measles in Japan during the last decade, subclinical boosting of pre‐existing immunity by exposure to epidemic measles is unlikely to have occurred. Consequently, the measles immunity of mothers of this generation is less well developed and they provide less effective passive immunity to their infants. An increase in the frequency of infant measles is therefore probable.
Method and results
: A retrospective review was undertaken of the clinical records of all measles cases that occurred in the last 3 years in eight hospitals and two out‐patient clinics in Hokkaido. Of 541 recorded cases, 96 (17.7%) were infants and of these, 66 patients (68.8%) were over 9 months of age. Only 20 children had received measles vaccination.
Conclusion
: There has been a recent increase in the frequency of infant measles, suggesting an increased population of infants susceptible to measles before the age of 1. Of the older patients, 95% had not been vaccinated against measles. Increasing the rate of measles vaccination may help suppress future measles outbreaks and assist in protecting infants until they pass their first birthday.
Age‐dependent expression of abdominal symptoms in patients with Yersinia enterocolitica infection
Authors: Ehara Akira , Egawa Kiyoshi , Kuroki Fumiko , Okawa Osamu Itakura and Masahito 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the expression of abdominal symptoms and the age of patients with Yersinia enterocolitica infections.
Methods
: Twenty‐four patients with positive fecal cultures of Yersinia enterocolitica participated in the present study. The abdominal symptoms were taken from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann–Whitney U‐test.
Results
: Patients with diarrhea were younger than those without diarrhea (P=0.014). Older children had abdominal pain or irritability more frequently than younger children (P=0.004).
Conclusions
: In Yersinia enterocolitica infections, younger children are predisposed to diarrhea and older children are predisposed to abdominal pain.
Efficacy of interferon‐α2b treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B who have previously undergone therapy for cancer
Authors: Kasirga Erhun , Isenlik Sitki , Aksoylar Serap , Yaprak Işin , Kansoy Savaş , Yüce Gül 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with recombinant interferon (IFN)‐α2b in 12 children with chronic hepatitis B who had previously undergone therapy for cancer.
Methods
: Nine children had acute leukemias and the other three children had solid tumors. The mean (±SD) age of the children was 8.4~3.8 years (range 4–16 years). All cases were hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA positive and 11 were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive. One was anti‐HBe positive (mutant strain). Four cases were anti‐delta IgG positive. Liver biopsy revealed chronic hepatitis B in 11 patients and cirrhosis in one patient. Interferon‐α2b was given at a dose of 5 MU/m
2 three times a week, subcutaneously, for 12 months.
Results
: Elimination of serum HBV‐DNA was obtained in three cases, but a further three patients demonstrated a marked decrease in HBV‐DNA levels after therapy. Three of 11 patients seroconverted from HBeAg to anti‐HBe. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels returned to normal in three of nine cases in whom the ALT levels were high before treatment. At the end of therapy, the mean histologic activity index score was significantly diminished (P=0.0039).
Conclusions
: In conclusion, a 12 month course of IFN‐α2b induces some beneficial effects on virologic, biochemical and histologic indices in children with chronic hepatitis B who have previously undergone therapy for cancer.
Interferon‐alpha therapy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Dikici Bunyamin , Bosnak Mehmet , Kara Ismail H , Dogru Omer , Alkaya Asuman , Hasolat Kenan 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: Acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) represents the most frequent hemorrhagic diathesis in childhood. Up to 30% of patients with ITP are regarded as refractory to standard therapy. The rare mortality from acute ITP in childhood is almost exclusively due to intracranial hemorrhage. This complication occurs in less than 1% of ITP patients. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of α‐interferon (IFN‐α) in eight patients whom did not respond to conventional therapy.
Method
: In spite of conventional therapies, the patient whose platelet count could not be increased to 50`109/L were accepted as refractory ITP. Eight of these patients whose platelet count lower than 20`109/L were included in the prospective cohort study. Interferon alpha 2b 5 MU/m2 was administered subcutaneously three times a week, totalling 12 times in a month. According to the platelet count on the 28th day of therapy, we grouped the patients into three categories. After 60 days, the survey was re‐evaluated according to the platelet count.
Results
: The mean age of children was 3.5±2.5 (ranged between 3.5 and 9) years. Six of them were boys and two were girls. There was no response in one patient, partial response in one, and good response in six patients on the 28th day of therapy. The maximum rise in platelet count was observed from 7 to 14 days after the initiation of interferon. The median platelet count which was 15±5`109/L before therapy, raised to 60±12`109/L after therapy. However, on the 60th day of therapy, there were only two patients who had a platelet count over 100`109/L.
Conclusion
: In our study, we did not observe the long‐term benefit of IFN‐α therapy in refractor ITP in childhood. However, in good responding patients, platelet levels were increased in a short time. Alpha‐interferon may be alternative therapy for patients whom had a platelet count below 20`109/L and not responding to standard therapy, or for patients whom immunosuppressive therapy is contraindicated.