bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tau protein is a potential biological marker for normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Kudo Takashi , Mima Tatsuo , Hashimoto Ryouta , Nakao Kazuhisa , Morihara Takashi , Tanimukai Hitoshi , Tsujio Ichiro , Koike Yuko , Tagami Shinji , Mori Hiroshi , Nakamura Yu , Tanaka Toshihisa , Mori Koreaki , Takeda Masatoshi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA biological marker for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is beneficial for evaluation of its severity and of indications for shunt operation. Tau protein was initially considered as a biological marker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from Alzheimer’s patients. Recently, it has been demonstrated that degeneration in the brain causes elevation of tau in CSF. Therefore, the tau level in CSF from NPH patients was evaluated. Tau levels in CSF from NPH patients were significantly higher than that in controls. The tau levels were correlated with the severity of dementia, urinary incontinence, and gait disturbance in NPH. These results suggest that CSF tau may be useful as a biological marker for NPH to determine the level of neuronal degeneration.
Analysis of the human sleep electroencephalogram by the correlation dimension
Authors: Kobayashi Toshio , Madokoro Shigeki , Ota Tadaaki , Ihara Hisataka , Umezawa Yumiko , Murayama Jyunichi , Kosaka Hirotaka , Misaki Kiwamu , Nakagawa Hiroki 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSleep electroencephalograms (EEG) of healthy male subjects were analyzed by the correlation dimension. The mean correlation dimensions significantly decreased from stage ‘awake’ to stages 1, 2 and 3 and increased during rapid eye movement sleep. The mean correlation dimensions of the sleep EEG in the second half of the night were significantly higher than those in the first half of the night. These significant changes were also seen during sleep stage 2.
A case study of temporal change in EEG alpha activity in a multiple sleep latency test
Authors: Hirano Shingo , Hiroshige Yoshiharu 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe appearance of electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha activity in a multiple sleep latency test was quantitatively analysed using percentage time alpha. Two components were extracted from the temporal change in smoothed percentage time alpha: a general level showing a progressive decrease and a cyclic variation with a mean interval of 39.8 s. The cyclic variation of percentage time alpha was evident during the period of the general level below 50%. The arousal cycle in the drowsy state is discussed.
Two nap sleep test: An easy objective sleepiness test
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Moriguchi Kazuhiko , Matsuura Masato , Kojima Takuya , Matsuda Tetsuya , Noda Yuji , Minemura Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Akashiba Tsuneto , Horie Takashi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe two nap sleep test (TNST) was developed and its usefulness for detecting sleepiness in long‐distance drivers has been reported. This study’s authors attempted to apply the TNST as a clinical test of sleepiness. A normal control group (n = 29), an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) group (n = 9), and another sleep disorder group (n = 6) participated. As a result of polysomnography, the sleep latency and sleep time did not differ among the groups. In contrast, the frequency of micro‐arousal and movement arousal was significantly higher in the OSAS group than in the other groups. The TNST is thought to be useful for evaluating disturbance of sleep maintenance.
Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease with weight gain and apnea, and their disturbance on sleep
Authors: Suganuma Nakamori , Shigedo Yoshihisa , Adachi Hiroyoshi , Watanabe Takuya , Kumano‐Go Takayuki , Terashima Kiyoji , Mikami Akira , Sugita Yoshiro , Takeda Masatoshi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObesity is a common predisposition to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). By statistical analysis of the respondents to a questionnaire that was distributed to members of the Kansai Rugby Association, we examined whether weight gain increased the incidence of these diseases and whether GERD alone disturbs sleep. Prevalence distribution of GERD by age differed from another survey, which suggests that predispositions other than age may contribute to GERD. Weight gain tended to increase the incidence of GERD. In our epidemiological study, both GERD (particularly nocturnal reflux) and OSAS significantly contributed to sleep disturbance. Although GERD alone seemed to be one of several independent factors of sleep disturbance, it was not a weak factor.
Intraplacental choriocarcinoma with fetomaternal transfusion
Authors: Takai Noriyuki , Miyazaki Tami , Yoshimatsu Jun , Moriuchi Akira , Miyakawa Isao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIntraplacental choriocarcinoma is very rare, and is usually found only after maternal and fetal metastatic disease is identified. The purpose of this case report is to review the incidence and findings of intraplacental choriocarcinoma. A term placenta was investigated because the newborn was born with severe anemia (Hb 3.0 g/dL). A 2 cm nodule was noted on the surface of the amniotic membrane and grossly resembled an infarction. The tumor was examined microscopically with immunohistochemical staining for the alpha‐ and beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (α‐hCG, β‐hCG) subunits, human placental lactogen (hPL) and Ki‐67. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of necrotic areas with proliferation of atypical trophoblastic cells and destruction of the villi and capillaries. The cells were positive for the α‐hCG, β‐hCG subunits, hPL and Ki‐67, consistent with intraplacental choriocarcinoma. The mother and newborn were investigated for the presence of metastatic disease. Computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging of the mother and infant were negative for metastatic disease. Choriocarcinoma, limited only to the placenta with no evidence of metastatic disease is very rare. Primary intraplacental choriocarcinoma may frequently be overlooked or missed, and choriocarcinoma may possibly arise in the placenta more often than in retained or persistent trophoblast following pregnancy.
Phycoerythrin‐containing Microcystis isolated from P.R. China and Thailand
Authors: Otsuka Shigeto , Suda Shoichiro , Li Renhui , Watanabe Masayuki , Oyaizu Hiroshi , Hiroki Mikiya , Mahakhant Aparat , Liu Yongding , Matsumoto Satoshi , Watanabe Makoto M. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYFour strains of the unicellular, colonial cyanobacteria, Microcystis were isolated from P.R. China and Thailand, and showed greyish‐brown to dark brown color of cell mass. Their cells were almost spherical, 3.8–5.5 μm in diameter and had gas vesicles. Their colony forms have some differences among the strains but still have common characteristics including being irregular, reticulate, elongated and lobated. These characteristics are remarkably similar to Microcystis aeruginosa (Kutz.) Kutz. In addition, three of the strains also have the characteristics of Microcystis ichthyoblabe Kutz at times, and another sometimes shows characteristics similar to Microcystis novacekii (Kom.) Comp. The absorption spectra of both intact cells and extracted phy‐cobiliproteins showed an absorption peak at 560–570 nm in wavelength, which is the absorption range of phycoerythrin. Since no species of Microcystis has ever been reported to have phycoerythrin, the existence of phycoerythrin separates these four strains from the known species of Microcystis, and might enable them to be classified as a new species. Phycoerythrin might give these organisms the advantage to live underwater where the light is predominantly green in color.
Morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics of Lyngbya hieronymusii var. hieronymusii (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria)
Authors: Suda Shoichiro , Liu Yongding , He Jiawan , Hu Zhengyu , Hiroki Mikiya , Watanabe Makoto M. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYAn axenic clonal strain, CN4–3, of Lyngbya was obtained from a water sample collected from Lake Dalai, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China. The filaments were solitary, usually straight, sometimes a little bent and twisted. They sometimes made loose bundles. A filament was composed of a clear and film sheath and the trichome had no polarity and false branching. The sheath was approximately 0.5 μm in thickness and had no coloration in standard culture conditions, but the sheath was observed to be yellow in some filaments in seawater medium. The trichome had no constriction at the cross‐walls. Many small gas vacuoles were scattered in the cell. The end cells of the trichomes were broadly rounded and sometimes had calyptra. The presence or absence of granulation at the cross‐walls and calyptra was thought to be variable due to the range of environmental conditions or developmental stages of individual filaments. Trichomes were brownish‐green to olive‐green. Cell dimensions were 12.6–14.0 μm wide and 1.7–2.6 μm long. These characteristics are similar to those of Lyngbya hieronymusii Lemmermann var. hieronymusii. DNA base composition was 49.14 ± 0.34 mol% GC. Fatty acids were composed of four major components, 14:0, 16:0, 18:2 and 18:3α and six minor components, 16:1*, 16:1cis, 16:2, 16:3, 18:0 and 18:1 showing characteristics of group 2 (Kenyon et al. 1972; Murata et al. 1992). More than 20% of fatty acids were 14:0. This kind of fatty acid composition has never been reported in the other filamentous cyanobacteria of group 2. In vivo and phycobilin pigment absorption spectra showed that the strain contained phycoerythrin. Growth at different temperatures showed that the strain could grow from 10 to 40°C with the optimum growth at 20 and 30°C. Growth at different salinities showed that the strain could grow from standard (CT) medium to half strength (1.78%) of seawater medium. Even in the seawater medium (3.58%), the strain survived during experiments. These results suggest that L. hieronymusii var. hieronymusii has a peculiar taxonomic position within the filamentous cyanobacteria belonging to group 2 and inhabits various habitats.
Comparison of preference and ease‐of‐use of breath‐actuated inhalation devices in children
Authors: Ng Daniel Kk , Lee Vincent , Ho Jackson Cs 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate children’s and nurses’ preference among the three breath‐actuated devices, TurbuhalerTM (Astra), AutohalerTM (3M) and AccuhalerTM (Glaxo‐Wellcome). This was an open study conducted in the paediatric in‐patient department of Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong. Subjects over 6 years of age who had not previously used any inhalation devices were recruited. The three devices were in random order. The preferences of subjects and nurses were ranked in a three‐point scale. The children had a statistically significant preference for AccuhalerTM, while the nurses preferred to teach both AccuhalerTM and AutohalerTM but not the TurbuhalerTM.
Heat shock response decreases endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury in rats
Authors: Koh Younsuck , Lim Chae‐Man , Kim Mi Jung , Shim Tae Sun , Lee Sang Do , Kim Woo Sung , Kim Dong‐Soon , Kim Won Dong 
Published: March 2003

Objective:Transient whole‐body hyperthermia was reported to reduce lung damage in a rat with intra‐abdominal sepsis produced by caecal perforation. Methodology: In order to determine the effect of heat shock response on acute lung injury induced by endotoxin, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of sepsis, we instilled either saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenously with and without heat pretreatment in rats. The heated rats had their rectal temperature raised to more than 40°C for 13 min 18 h before intravenous administration of saline or LPS. Results: We found that the lung leak was significantly increased among the rats given LPS intravenously with (median, 0.17; range, 0.15–0.22; n = 10) and without heat pretreatment (0.23; 0.17–0.30; n = 10) compared with those of saline‐treated rats (0.13; 0.10–0.14; n = 10) (P < 0.05 in each). However, rats given LPS after heat pretreatment had significantly decreased lung leak index compared with those of LPS‐treated rats without heat pretreatment (P < 0.05). Rats administered LPS intravenously showed increased myeloperoxidase activity without heat pretreatment (19.01; 9.34–28.00 U/g; n = 10) compared with that of saline‐treated rats (7.09; 4.49–10.56 U/g; n = 5) (P < 0.05) (
Fig. 2). Myeloperoxidase activity of the rats treated with LPS with heat pretreatment (5.57; 2.87–8.96 U/g; n = 10) was significantly decreased to the level of normal control compared with that of LPS‐treated rats without heat pretreatment (P < 0.05). The levels of heat shock proteins (HSP72) in lung tissue, which were examined by western blot analysis, were increased over baseline levels at 23 h after hyperthermic stress.Heat pretreatment decreased lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in rats administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 3 mg/kg) intravenously. The number of determinations is shown in parentheses. *P < 0.001 compared with saline‐treated rats. **P > 0.05 compared with saline‐treated rats. Boxplot: Box = 25–75 percentile; bold line, median value; whiskers indicate the minimum and maximum values.image Conclusions: These observations show that brief heat shock response is associated with the induction of HSP72 protein synthesis and attenuated neutrophil recruitment and acute lung leak is induced by endotoxin in rats.
Influenza vaccination: Changes in exhaled nitric oxide levels and sputum cytology
Authors: Thomas Paul S , Ng Clifford , Elsing Melissa , Yates Deborah H 
Published: March 2003

Objective:Influenza vaccination is routinely recommended for patients with chronic lung disease, but has been reported to cause a small increase in airway reactivity. The use of simple, non‐invasive methods of assessing changes in airway inflammation could potentially allow improved understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying such changes. Methodology: We studied a group of 44 hospital workers before and after routine influenza vaccination, using spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) as a marker of pulmonary inflammation (Group A). In addition, methacholine challenge and sputum induction were also performed in a subgroup (subgroup B, n = 7) at baseline and at 7 days after vaccination. Results: Spirometry did not change in either group. In Group A there was a small but significant rise in mean peak eNO from 47.32 ± 4.5 (mean NO p.p.b. ± SEM) to 53.2 ± 4.9 between days 0 and 7 (P < 0.05). A non‐significant rise in eNO was seen in subgroup B. In subgroup B, when the differential cell counts in induced sputum were compared between baseline and sampling 1 week later, there was a significant rise in the percentage of lymphocytes, from 3.9 (1.8–9.8: median %total (range)) to 11.9 (6.0–18.5, P < 0.02) and a non‐significant increase in shed respiratory epithelial cells from 3.1 (0.6–5.8) to 13.0 (1–30.3, P = 0.06). There was a corresponding significant fall in the percentage of macrophages. Methacholine challenge in subgroup B showed no change in reactivity in these normal subjects. Conclusion: Influenza vaccination causes a small increase in exhaled NO, and is accompanied by increased sputum lymphocytosis and respiratory epithelial shedding. An influx of inflammatory cells may help to explain the induction of increased airway reactivity that has been described in other studies.
Antigen uptake and subsequent cell kinetics in bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue
Authors: Toyoshima Mikio , Chida Kingo , Sato Atsuhiko 
Published: March 2003

Objective:Bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) plays an important role in the immunological defence of airways. However, the mechanisms of BALT development, antigen sampling, and subsequent cell kinetics remain unclear. To clarify these chronological processes, we used a Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐exposed mouse model. Methodology: In BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, BALT development was induced by inhalation of heat‐killed P. aeruginosa after sensitization with subcutaneous injection of P. aeruginosa in the presence of Freund’s complete adjuvant. Subsequently, we chronologically killed these mice who had inhaled PKH26‐labelled P. aeruginosa and examined bacterial transport using fluorescence microscopy. The distribution of interleukin‐4‐positive cells and interferon‐γ‐positive cells was studied immunohistochemically. Results: The degree of BALT hyperplasia was greater in sensitized mice than in non‐sensitized mice and in BALB/c mice than in C57BL/6 mice. PKH26‐labelled bacteria were found in BALT earlier in sensitized mice than in non‐sensitized mice. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that interleukin‐4‐positive cells predominated over interferon‐γ‐positive cells in the peripheral areas of lymphoid follicles. Conclusion: These results indicate that administered antigens are actively transported into BALT and that sensitized Th2 lymphocytes play an important role in forming and maintaining BALT.
Composition of alveolar surfactant changes with training in humans
Authors: Doyle Ian R. , Morton Sharon , Crockett Alan J. , Barr Heather A. , Davidson Kate G. , Jones Meril J. , Jones Michael E. , Nicholas Terence E. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:We test the hypothesis that the changes we observed previously in the relative amounts of disaturated phospholipids (DSP), cholesterol (CHOL), and surfactant protein‐A (SP‐A) in human alveolar surfactant in response to acute exercise, and which were related to fitness, can be induced by training.Methodology:We examine the effect of 7 weeks' training on these major surfactant components, together with surfactant protein‐B (SP‐B), in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid harvested from 17 males, both at rest and after acute exercise. Fitness was assessed as workload/heart rate achieved during cycling for 30 min at 90% of theoretical maximal heart rate, and was increased in all subjects following training (mean increase 22.2 ± 3.91%; P = 0.001).Results:Training significantly increased the SP‐A/DSP, SP‐B/DSP, SP‐A/CHOL and SP‐A/SP‐B ratios in whole surfactant harvested from subjects both at rest and immediately following exercise. Training also increased the SP‐B/CHOL ratio at rest. Changes were particularly marked at rest in the SP‐A/DSP, SP‐A/CHOL, and SP‐B/CHOL ratios in the tubular myelin‐rich fraction, and after exercise in the SP‐A/DSP, SP‐A/CHOL, and SP‐A/SP‐B ratios in the tubular myelin‐poor fraction.Conclusion:We conclude that training markedly alters the composition of alveolar surfactant both at rest and with exercise; the physiological significance of these changes remains to be determined.
Tachykinin‐induced bronchoconstriction in sheep is NK‐1 receptor mediated and exhibits tachyphylaxis
Authors: Rice Anthony J. , Reynolds Paul N. , Reynolds Ann M. , Holmes Mark D. , Scicchitano Raffaele 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Tachykinins are mediators of airway hyper‐reactivity and inflammation. There is in vitro evidence that ovine responses to tachykinins correlate closely to human responses. This study was designed to characterize the effect of intravenously administered tachykinins on sheep lung resistance in vivo to determine the effect of dose timing on reproducibility of responses and the induction of tachyphylaxis. We then used this information to help further characterize the response with several pharmacological agents.Methodology: Substance P (SP) was administered by infusion to conscious merino ewes and lung resistance (RL) was measured. Infusions were given at 30, 60, 120 min and 24 h intervals. The effect of various agents on the response to SP was then assessed.Results: Substance P led to a transient increase in RL, mean (± SEM) 754.8 (± 139)% of baseline, with marked tachyphylaxis at 30, 60 and 120 min. Phosphoramidon increased the peak response to 1151.5 ± 196%. Atropine and CP 96 345 abolished the response to SP, while indomethacin, sodium cromoglycate and pyrilamine had no significant effect. Substance P had a greater effect on RL than did neurokinin A.Conclusions: Substance P increases RL in sheep via a cholinergic mechanism which is mediated by NK‐1 receptors, and is subject to tachyphylaxis. These findings have implications for the design of studies using the ovine model in the evaluation of tachykinin antagonists as potential therapeutic agents.
Worldwide guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A comparison of diagnosis and treatment recommendations
Authors: IQBAL Ahmar , SCHLOSS Stella , GEORGE Dorothy , ISONAKA Sharon 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of worldwide burden of disease, but is underdiagnosed and undertreated. We performed a systematic review of worldwide COPD clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to determine the degree of international consensus on major guideline recommendations.Methods: The COPD CPG were identified from the medical literature and through contact with respiratory experts and organizations. An abstraction form was developed to collect information related to COPD diagnosis and management.Results: Locally developed COPD CPG are based upon expert consensus, but do not explicitly rate the strength of the evidence for recommendations. The detail and clarity of the 41 CPG varied regarding the diagnosis and management of COPD. Key differences included the lung function parameters that define a diagnosis and severity assignment of COPD. The use of anticholinergics, alone or in combination, was listed as a consideration for first‐line therapy for persistent COPD in all 41 CPG. There was consensus regarding reserving corticosteroids for selected patients.Conclusions: There is variation and ambiguity within COPD CPG regarding specific recommendations that can be applied by clinicians at a patient‐specific level. The variation in CPG for COPD may contribute to the underdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment of COPD. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) workshop report may help resolve some of the variation surrounding COPD diagnosis and treatment. However, local guideline implementation efforts must assist physicians in applying guideline recommendations to support patient‐specific management.
Some thoughts on the evolution and ecology of recalcitrant seeds
Authors: Pammenter N. W. , Berjak Patricia 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThere are substantial scientific reports on the basic physiology and desiccation sensitivity of recalcitrant seeds, but ecological and evolutionary aspects of their biology have received scant attention. Recalcitrant seeds are shed hydrated, are desiccation sensitive and have a short lifespan. In vegetative tissue, desiccation sensitivity is probably the ancestral state, but tolerance is thought to have evolved early and a number of times independently. It is difficult to see evolutionary relationships among species producing recalcitrant seeds. However, it is suggested that early evolved seeds were desiccation sensitive and that desiccation tolerance is a derived characteristic. Desiccation sensitivity and short lifespan of recalcitrant seeds places constraints on the range of environmental conditions in which reproductive success can occur. Species producing recalcitrant seeds are common in humid tropical forests, where the seeds of climax species germinate and form a seedling bank, rather than contributing to the soil seed bank. However, there is a wide range in post‐shedding physiology among recalcitrant seed species, and recalcitrant seeds do occur in habitats with seasonal climates. Here, regeneration strategies may be more specialized.