bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness mediated by NMDA receptors in spinal cord motor neurons
Authors: Li Hui‐Fang , Kendig Joan J 
Published: May 2003

Following ethanol (EtOH) exposure, population excitatory postsynaptic potentials (pEPSPs) in isolated spinal cord increase to a level above control (withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness). The present studies were designed to characterize this phenomenon and in particular to test the hypothesis that protein kinases mediate withdrawal.
Patch‐clamp studies were carried out in motor neurons in rat spinal cord slices. Currents were evoked by brief pulses of glutamate, alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) or N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA).
Of 15 EtOH‐sensitive neurons in which currents were evoked by glutamate, four (27%) displayed withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness in the washout period. Mean current area after washout was 129.6±5% of control.
When currents were evoked by AMPA, two of 10 neurons (20%) displayed withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness, with a mean current area 122±8% of control on washout.
Of a group of 11 neurons in which currents were evoked by NMDA, nine (82%) displayed withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness. Mean increase in current area at the end of the washout period was to 133±6% of control (n=9, P<0.001). When NMDA applications were stopped durithe period of EtOH exposure, mean area of NMDA‐evoked responses on washout was only 98.0±5% of control (n=6, P>0.05).
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (10–20 μM) blocked withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness. Of six EtOH‐sensitive neurons, the mean NMDA‐evoked current area after washout was 89±6% of control, P>0.05.
The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp‐cAMP (20–500 μM) did not block withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness. On washout, the mean NMDA‐evoked current area was 124±6% of control (n=5, P<0.05).
Two broad‐spectrum specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, GF‐109203X (0.3 μM) and chelerythrine chloride (0.5–2 nM), blocked withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness. Responses on washout were 108±7%, n=5 and 88±4%, n=4 of control, respectively, P>0.05.
NMDA activation during EtOH exposure is necessary for withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness. Both tyrosine kinase and PKC, but not PKA, appear to be essential for EtOH withdrawal hyper‐responsiveness mediated by postsynaptic NMDA receptors in spinal cord motor neurons.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 73–80. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705198
Effects of the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor thiorphan on cardiovascular and renal function in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Park K S , Li Y , Zhang Y , Gerbes A L , Liu H , Swain M G , Lee S S 
Published: May 2003

Cirrhosis is associated with cardiovascular and renal dysfunction including sodium retention. Many vasoactive peptides such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) are degraded by neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). We investigated the hemodynamic and renal effects of thiorphan, a NEP inhibitor, in a rat cirrhosis model.
Cirrhosis was induced by chronic bile duct ligation, and controls had sham operation. Systemic and renal hemodynamics in conscious, restrained animals were determined using radiolabeled microspheres, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by 3H‐inulin clearance. Plasma ANP and ET‐1, and renal cGMP and Na+ – K+ ATPase activity were assayed. These variables were measured at baseline and after intravenous infusion of thiorphan (0.5 mg kg−1 loading dose followed by 0.1 mg kg−1 min−1 × 30 min).
Thiorphan significantly decreased cardiac output, and increased systemic vascular resistance in controls, whereas in cirrhotic rats these variables were unchanged.
Compared to the controls, cirrhotic rats showed a decreased baseline GFR and urine sodium excretion, and the latter was significantly increased by thiorphan.
Thiorphan increased plasma ET‐1 levels in controls, but not cirrhotic rats. ANP levels were not significantly increased in either group by thiorphan.
Thiorphan significantly increased cGMP concentrations and decreased Na+ – K+ ATPase activity of renal medulla but not cortex in cirrhotic rats; no effect was observed in the control rats.
We conclude that thiorphan induces natriuresis in cirrhotic rats by a direct renal medullary mechanism via cGMP and Na+ – K+ ATPase, without affecting systemic hemodynamics. This may potentially be useful in patients with ascites.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 81–88. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705219
A novel rat lipoxin A4 receptor that is conserved in structure and function
Authors: Chiang Nan , Takano Tomoko , Arita Makoto , Watanabe Shiro , Serhan Charles N 
Published: May 2003

Lipoxin (LX) A4 and aspirin‐triggered‐LX (ATL) are endogenous lipid‐derived mediators that regulate leukocyte trafficking via specific LXA4 receptors (ALX), and are involved in endogenous anti‐inflammation and resolution. Both LXA4 and ATL are produced by rat tissues in vitro as well as in vivo. In rats, LXA4 and ATL exhibit potent physiological and pathophysiological roles. Thus, we set out to determine whether ALX is expressed in rat tissues and its potential role in modulating leukocyte trafficking with LXA4 and ATL.
In rats, a stable analog of ATL, when given intravenously with two consecutive doses at approximately 60 μg kg−1 each injection, significantly inhibited neutrophil infiltration (∼43%) and protein extravasation (∼42%) in a casein‐induced peritonitis.
The rat orthologue of ALX was cloned from peripheral blood leukocytes encoding a putative G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR). It gave ∼74 and ∼84% homology, respectively to the deduced amino‐acid sequences of the human and mouse ALX.
Tissue distribution analysis by RNase protection revealed that this rat receptor is expressed in tissues/cells, where LXA4 displays physiological and pathophysiological roles, namely, lung, kidney and leukocytes.
The rat orthologue of ALX gave specific radioligand binding with [3H]LXA4 and [125‐Tyr]‐annexin 1‐derived peptide with apparent Kd values of 5 and 820 nM, respectively, that are at levels comparable to those of the human ALX.
Activation of rat ALX inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha‐mediated nuclear factor kappaB activity in a ligand‐dependent manner utilizing a luciferase reporter gene system.
Together, these results are the first demonstration of a rat ALX that is conserved in both structure and function suggesting that ALX plays key roles in regulating effector immune responses from murine to human species.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 89–98. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705220
Iron status in anemic pregnant women
Authors: Thinkhamrop Jadsada , Apiwantanakul Somnuk , Lumbiganon Pisake , Buppasiri Pranom 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAim:  A descriptive study at a tertiary care center was carried out to assess the prevalence of iron status in anemic pregnant women and to determine the appropriate iron supplement.Methods:  Eligible subjects were pregnant women with a hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dL. Pregnant women who received antenatal vitamin and/or iron supplements before blood testing and women with an underlying chronic disease were excluded. Hemoglobinopathy was defined by hemoglobin typing other than HbA2A, percentage of HbA2 >4%, and HbF >1.1%. We diagnosed iron deficiency and iron depletion if their serum ferritin were <12 and 20 ng/mL, respectively, whereas anemia from undetermined causes was defined by hemoglobin typing, namely: A2A, HbA2 <4% and HbF <1.1%, and serum ferritin>20 ng/mL.Results:  Among the 137 anemic pregnant women recruited, 67 (49.8%) had HbA2A, 47 (34.3%) HbEA, 15 (10.9%) HbEE, 3 (2.2%) HbCSA2A, 2 (1.5%) HbCSEA, 1 (0.7%) HbCSA2A Bart’s, 1 (0.7%) HbEA Bart’s, and 1 (0.7%) β‐thalassemia. Among the 67 women with normal hemoglobin (HbA2A), 14 (20.9%) had iron deficiency, and 12 (17.9%) iron depletion. Among the 70 women with hemoglobinopathy, 6 (8.6%) had iron deficiency, and 10 (14.3%) iron depletion.Conclusions:  Anemic pregnant women with hemoglobinopathy could also be iron deficient so will need iron supplementation, as other pregnant women do, and some iron replacement therapy.
Hepatitis Virus Infections in Spouses of Blood Donors
Authors: Zimmermann Robert , Glaser Anke , Eckstein Reinhold 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAn important purpose of the medical history in selecting individuals for blood donation is to protect the recipient against the transmission of viral diseases. Over many years hepatitis was the main cause of transfusion‐associated chronic disease and death. Three steps led to a large reduction of the frequency of transfusion‐associated hepatitis: Systematic exclusion of donors reporting defined risk factors and the introduction of tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) [1]. However, despite the development of sensitive and specific screening tests there is no doubt that a detailed medical history is the basis of all progress in providing safe blood products because any screening test is tainted with the problem of the window period between infection and seroconversion.
Blood Components – Transfusion Support in Post‐Transfusion Purpura Due to HPA‐1a Immunization
Authors: Win Nay , Matthey Francis , Slater Nicolas G. P. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPost‐transfusion purpura (PTP) is usually a self‐limiting disease. Nevertheless, haemorrhage in these patients may be life‐threatening and hence red cell transfusions may be clinically urgent. It is widely recommended that such blood be from donors who are negative for the HPA‐1a platelet antigen. However, these donors are uncommon and such blood is often in short supply. We report 2 cases of PTP in which either filtered leucodepleted red cells or washed red cells were transfused in combination with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (both cases) and HPA‐1a negative platelets (1 case) to good effect.
Interaction of Platelet Fc and Complement Receptors with Circulating Immune Complexes Involving the AB0 System
Authors: Heal J. M. , Masel D. , Blumberg N. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWhen platelets that are AB0‐nonidentical are transfused, circulating immune complexes (CIC) are formed. In the present study we examined the ability of polyclonal antibodies to two C1q receptors on platelets, cC1q‐R and gC1q‐R, and a monoclonal IgG FcγRII (CD32) antibody directed against the platelet Fc receptor to inhibit the uptake of CIC involving the AB0 blood group system by normal platelets. Four types of immune complexes of varying purity were made in vitro. In addition serum from 5 refractory group A patients who had demonstrable AB0 CIC, 5 patients who had received only AB0‐identical platelets and had no AB0 CIC and 6 normal donors were evaluated. After exposure of normal platelets to serum of patients with demonstrable AB0 CIC there were increased levels of platelet‐associated IgG. This binding was partially inhibited by preincubation of the platelets with either anti‐cC1q‐R (3/5 patients), gC1q‐R (3/5 patients) or IgG FcγRII in 4/5 patients. However, the pattern of inhibition by the three antibodies was variable. Using the artificial immune complexes a more consistent pattern was obtained. The binding of four types of artificial immune complexes to platelets was reduced by 67–99% after preincubation of the platelets with antibodies to the complement and Fc receptors. The present work supports the hypothesis that AB0 CIC bind to Fc and complement receptors on the platelet and if confirmed would suggest a pathophysiological mechanism for the clinical observations of the important role of AB0 in platelet transfusion.
Clumps Present in Platelet Concentrates Are Formed from Fibronectin
Authors: Rácz Z. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAppearance of clumps in stored platelet concentrates (PCs) due to intensive agitation presents a serious practical problem in the quality control of platelet products. It has previously been demonstrated that the appearance of clumps is strongly correlated with the final pH of PCs [1].
Human Parvovirus B19 and Blood Products
Authors: Prowse C. , Ludlam C. A. , Yap P. L. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: Human B19 parvovirus (B19), identified in 1975, was only recognised as the causative agent of fifth disease in 1983. The incidence of viraemia is low, around 1 in 1,000, but is sufficient to ensure that most plasma pools for fractionation contain some virus. While infection usually occurs in childhood and is benign, chronic infection sometimes occurs and may be of concern in certain patient groups. Materials and methods: This review is based on a meeting held in March 1995, and addresses recent concerns regarding the potential transmission of B19 infection by pooled plasma products. Results: Recent data on the pathophysiology and assay of this virus are summarised along with possible approaches to donor screening, product screening, and virus removal. Only five cases of symptomatic infection have been reported in persons with haemophilia, but no technology for virus removal is established, and infection may be of concern in pregnant women, and in patients with enhanced red cell turnover or who are immunosuppressed, including those infected with human immunodeficiency virus, but only rarely in immunocompetent patients. Conclusions: For the future, well‐validated assays relevant to virus infectivity are required if blood donations, plasma pools, or plasma products are to be screened, and an in‐process virus inactivation step for B19 would be highly desirable. In the interim, non‐plasma or recombinant products or a selective transfusion policy might be used in patient groups in which B19 infection is of particular concern. Further clinical data on the prognosis and impact of B19 infection are needed to justify both such policies and the future adoption of new technologies designed to reduce any excess B19 infectivity arising from transfused products.
A Comparative Study on Cardiac Ganglia in Midday Gerbil, Egyptian Spiny Mouse, Chinchilla Laniger and Pigeon
Authors: Kuder T. , Nowak E. , Szczurkowski A. , Kuchinka J. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryUsing the thiocholine method and histological techniques, the topography and morphology of cardiac ganglia in midday gerbil, Egyptian spiny mouse, chinchilla laniger and pigeon were studied. The results demonstrated that cardiac ganglia in all investigated species are embedded in epicardial fat. They formed plexo‐ganglionic structures. Each of them composed of many ganglia (from seven up to 36) different in size and shape, and interconnected by fascicles of nerve fibres. Comparative analysis showed that the density of neural network and cell aggregations was different in individual species. The richest plexo‐ganglionic structure was in pigeon. It was organized in three plexo‐ganglia with an average of 30 ganglia. The largest one was located along the anterior interventricular sulcus. The cardiac ganglia of investigated mammals were localized mainly on the epicardium of atria; in Egyptian spiny mouse and chinchilla laniger on the ventral surface of right atrium, but in midday gerbil on the dorsal surface of left atrium. Moreover, in midday gerbil and Egyptian spiny mouse the little plexo‐ganglionic structure on the ventricle were noticed. Additionally, in midday gerbil the single nerve cells might be observed between cardiac muscle of atria. It can be said that, the strongly developed cardiac plexus in pigeon is probably connected with his behaviour and functional properties of the heart. The arrangement of neurones in cardiac ganglia of all examined mammals was uniform over the whole surface of the sections, while in the pigeon, neurones were located mainly in the peripheral part of the ganglion.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of the Muscularis Mucosae in the Ruminant Forestomach
Authors: Kitamura N. , Yoshiki A. , Sasaki M. , Baltazar E. T. , Hondo E. , Yamamoto Y. , Agungpriyono S. , Yamada J. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe muscularis mucosae and condensed fibrous layer of the ruminant forestomach were studied by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and γ‐smooth muscle actin (γSMA). The specimens were collected from the rumen, reticulum and omasum of cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goat, Barbary sheep, Japanese serow, sika deer and mouse deer.The muscularis mucosae showed immunoreactivity for both αSMA and γSMA. On the other hand, the condensed fibrous layer appearing between the propria mucosa and tela submucosa was immunoreactive only for αSMA except for that in the goat and Barbary sheep reticulum which is intermingled with γSMA immunoreactivity. The distribution of muscularis mucosae and/or condensed fibrous layer varied among the compartments of forestomach and ruminant species. In the rumen, only the condensed fibrous layer was detected. On the other hand, the omasum contained only the muscularis mucosae. In the reticulum, both were detected. The amount of the condensed fibrous layer in the reticulum varied among different species in the following order of abundance: goat > Barbary sheep > sika deer> sheep > water buffalo > cattle and Japanese serow. Smooth muscle cells of external muscle layer were immunoreactive for αSMA and γSMA whereas those of blood vessels and pericytes were immunoreactive only for αSMA. The present findings on the actin immunoreactivity and distribution profile of muscularis mucosae and the condensed fibrous layer provide additional knowledge to further understand the histophysiological specialization of the different compartments of the ruminant forestomach.
Assessment of the minimum protein requirement of adult ponies
Authors: Olsman A. F. S. , Jansen W. L. , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan M. M. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to determine the minimum protein requirement in adult ponies. Literature data from nitrogen‐balance trials in adult ponies were used. In addition, nitrogen balance was measured in three mature ponies that were fed a low‐ and a high‐protein diet according to a cross‐over design. On the low‐protein ration, which provided 1.1 g digestible crude protein (DCP)/kg0.75 day, plasma albumin and total protein concentrations were non‐significantly decreased by about 6% and group‐mean nitrogen balance was negative. Using data from the present experiment and from six other studies, the sum of endogenous faecal and urinary nitrogen losses was calculated to be 166 ± 37 mg/kg0.75 day (mean ± SE, n = 13). Subsequently, a minimum protein requirement of 1.7 g DCP/kg0.75 day was calculated. The value for minimum protein requirement has low precision, which should be taken into account when setting the protein allowance of adult ponies.
Nutrition studies on protein and energy in domestic cats
Authors: Riond J.‐L. , Stiefel M. , Wenk C. , Wanner M. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe effects of three diets varying in their protein, fat and carbohydrate contents and of physical activity on energy and protein metabolism were investigated in eight domestic cats. The diets were based on canned food with addition either of minced cattle heart, melted swine fat or polenta. The activity‐induced heat production was measured in a respiration chamber using the Doppler effect of radio‐waves reflected from moving bodies. In the group receiving the high‐protein diet, urinary nitrogen concentration was higher which was reflected in higher urinary loss of energy without affecting the amount of energy retained. Nitrogen utilization was not significantly influenced by nitrogen intake. Mean daily total heat production ranged between 163 and 187 kJ/kg BW/day or 215 and 270 kJ/kg BW0.75/day. The daily crude protein requirement of adult cats was determined to be 2.7 g/kg BW/day. The daily requirement of metabolizable energy for maintenance was estimated to be 153 kJ/kg BW/day or 226 kJ/kg BW0.75/day. The activity‐induced heat production was 25.1 kJ/kg BW/day which corresponded to 13.5% of the total daily heat production. The daily requirement for metabolizable energy was thus reduced by 20.9 kJ/kg BW/day or 13.7%. The activity pattern of the cats was not characterized by a circadian rhythm.
In vivo spectroscopy in dermatology: methods and new fields of application
Authors: Liebold K , Faßler D , Schmidt W‐D , Kühn T , Wollina U 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background The human skin is an easily accessible organ on which non‐invasive examination methods can be applied. Remittance spectroscopy uses registration of the proportion of reflected light from the skin surface. Optical characteristics of skin are determined by scattering, reflection and absorption. The remittance is influenced by various test conditions and topography. Spectroscopic methods are applied for determination of microcirculation, measuring of erythema and pigmentation and in pharmacology and toxicology of applied drugs. Conclusion The standardization of spectroscopic measurement of human skin is essential to reduce error sources. In future a better investigation of skin structures and molecules, which are responsible for optical characteristics of skin and a more precise evaluation of spectroscopic signals are necessary to get more information about the state of skin and to develop new fields of applications, such as early diagnosis of skin diseases or monitoring of metabolic processes.
Extensive and deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. Interdigitalis in an HIV‐1 positive patient
Authors: Muñoz‐Pèrez Ma , Rodriguez‐Pichardo A , Camacho F , Ríos Jj 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background Cutaneous infections are common in HIV‐1 positive patients and are usually severe, recurrent, and caused by microorganisms that are unusual in immunocompetent patients. Objective We report a case of an HIV‐1‐positive 23‐year‐old male, with a history of intravenous drug use, in stage C‐II (CDC ‘86), with a CD4 lymphocyte count of 335 cells/mm3. He had multiple, large erythematous, circinate and pustular plaques on his abdomen, back, arms and legs. Results We isolated Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis from the lesions. The biopsy showed suppurative deep dermatophytosis and folliculitis. The patient satisfactorily responded to itraconazole (100 mg/d for 14 days). Conclusion This is the first reported case of deep dermatophytosis caused by T. mentagrophytes in an HIV‐positive patient.
Overexpression of a Knotted-Like Homeobox Gene of Potato Alters Vegetative Development by Decreasing Gibberellin Accumulation
Authors: Rosin Faye M. , Hart Jennifer K. , Horner Harry T. , Davies Peter J. , Hannapel David J. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) homeobox 1 (POTH1) is a class I homeobox gene isolated from an early-stage tuber cDNA library. The RNA expression pattern ofPOTH1, unlike that of most other class Iknotted-like homeobox genes, is widespread in the cells of both indeterminate and differentiated tissues. Using in situ hybridization, POTH1 transcripts were detected in meristematic cells, leaf primordia, and the vascular procambium of the young stem. Overexpression of POTH1 produced dwarf plants with altered leaf morphology. Leaves were reduced in size and displayed a “mouse-ear” phenotype. The mid-vein was less prominent, resulting in a palmate venation pattern. The overall plant height of overexpression lines was reduced due to a decrease in internode length. Levels of intermediates in the gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic pathway were altered, and the bioactive GA, GA1, was reduced by one-half in sense mutants. Accumulation of mRNA for GA 20-oxidase1, a key biosynthetic enzyme, decreased in overexpression lines. In vitro tuberization was enhanced under both short- and long-day photoperiods in several POTH1 overexpression lines. Sense lines produced more tubers at a faster rate than controls. These results imply that POTH1 mediates the development of potato by acting as a negative regulator of GA biosynthesis.