bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor selectively suppressed an U46619‐induced enhancement of mouse portal vein contraction under high glucose conditions
Authors: Nobe Koji , Miyatake Mari , Nobe Hiromi , Sakai Yasushi , Takashima Junko , Momose Kazutaka 
Published: September 2004

Diacylglycerol kinase (DG kinase) is a key enzyme in vascular contraction; however, alterations of the regulatory mechanisms in vascular dysfunction are poorly understood. In this study, the effect of a novel DG kinase inhibitor, stemphone, on vascular contraction was investigated.
The conventional DG kinase inhibitor, 6‐[2‐(4‐[(4‐fluorophenyl)phenyl‐methylene]‐1‐piperidinyl)ethyl]‐7‐methyl‐5H‐thiazolo [3,2‐α] pyrimidine‐5‐one (R59022) (0.1–30 μM), inhibited thromboxane A2 analogue 9,11‐dideoxy‐11α,9α‐epoxymethanoprostaglandin F2α (U46619)‐induced sustained contractions in mouse aorta and porcine coronary artery in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment with stemphone did not affect contractions in these tissues. However, stemphone significantly inhibited (>0.3 μM) U46619‐induced spontaneous phasic contraction in mouse portal vein. This inhibitory effect was not detected following R59022 treatment in portal vein. Therefore, stemphone demonstrated selectivity in terms of portal vein contraction.
Under high glucose (22.2 mM) conditions, U46619‐induced contraction was enhanced in these three types of vascular tissue. Inhibitory effects of R59022 were attenuated under these conditions; however, effects of stemphone were observed. These results indicated that stemphone could inhibit portal vein contraction under high glucose conditions, for example, diabetes. These data suggested the possibility that DG kinase may be a target of hyperportal pressure.
Total mass of DG was enhanced under high glucose conditions. DG was derived from incorporated glucose via de novo synthesis in the absence of phospholipase C pathway mediation. This enhanced DG under high glucose conditions activated a calcium‐independent protein kinase C (PKC). This PKC was associated with calcium‐independent DG kinase activation. Treatment with stemphone also inhibited calcium‐independent DG kinase. These signal transduction pathways were distinguishable from a DG–PKC pathway under normal glucose conditions.
The present investigation suggested that stemphone selectively inhibited overcontraction of portal vein induced by high glucose levels. This phenomenon was attributable to inhibition of calcium‐independent DG kinase activation that occurred under high glucose conditions mediated by both DG synthesized from glucose and calcium‐independent PKC activation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 166–178. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705910
Phospholipase C activator m‐3M3FBS affects Ca2+ homeostasis independently of phospholipase C activation
Authors: Krjukova Jelena , Holmqvist Tomas , Danis Alexander S , Åkerman Karl E O , Kukkonen Jyrki P 
Published: September 2004

In this study, we have investigated responses to the phospholipase C (PLC) activator m‐3M3FBS in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. As measured using fura‐2, m‐3M3FBS caused a slowly developing − full response was obtained within 4–6 min − Ca2+ elevation both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, putatively from endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. PLC activity was also measured using two methods, the classical ion‐exchange separation and the more novel fluorescent real‐time method. In the time frame in which m‐3M3FBS caused Ca2+ elevation (up to 7 min), no PLC activation was detected. Instead, more than 20 min were required to see any inositol phosphate generation in response to m‐3M3FBS. m‐3M3FBS also interfered with store‐operated Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ extrusion. In conclusion, m‐3M3FBS cannot be considered either potent or specific PLC activator. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 3–7. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705911
Nucleoside transporter subtype expression and function in rat skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Archer Richard G E , Pitelka Václav , Hammond James R 
Published: September 2004

Microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) form a barrier between circulating metabolites, such as adenosine, and the surrounding tissue. We hypothesize that MVECs have a high capacity for the accumulation of nucleosides, such that inhibition of the endothelial nucleoside transporters (NT) would profoundly affect the actions of adenosine in the microvasculature.
We assessed the binding of [3H]nitrobenzylmercaptopurine riboside (NBMPR), a specific probe for the inhibitor‐sensitive subtype of equilibrative NT (es), and the uptake of [3H]formycin B (FB), by MVECs isolated from rat skeletal muscle. The cellular expression of equilibrative (ENT1, ENT2, ENT3) and concentrative (CNT1, CNT2, CNT3) NT subtypes was also determined using both qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques.
In the absence of Na+, MVECs accumulated [3H]FB with a Vmax of 21±1 pmol μl−1 s−1. This uptake was mediated equally by es (Km 260±70 μM) and ei (equilibrative inhibitor‐insensitive; Km 130±20 μM) NTs.
A minor component of Na+‐dependent cif (concentrative inhibitor‐insensitive FB transporter)/CNT2‐mediated [3H]FB uptake (Vi 0.008±0.005 pmol μl−1 s−1 at 10 μM) was also observed at room temperature upon inhibition of ENTs with dipyridamole (2,6‐bis(diethanolamino)‐4,8‐dipiperidinopyrimido‐[5,4‐d]pyrimidine)/NBMPR.
MVECs had 122,000 high‐affinity (Kd 0.10 nM) [3H]NBMPR binding sites (representing es transporters) per cell. A lower‐affinity [3H]NBMPR binding component (Kd 4.8 nM) was also observed that may be related to intracellular es‐like proteins.
Rat skeletal muscle MVECs express es/ENT1, ei/ENT2, and cif/CNT2 transporters with characteristics typical of rat tissues. This primary cell culture model will enable future studies on factors influencing NT subtype expression, and the consequent effect on adenosine bioactivity, in the microvasculature.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 202–214. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705921
Loop quantization from a lattice gauge theory perspective
Authors: José A Zapata  
Published: September 2004

We present an interpretation of loop quantization in the framework of lattice gauge theory. Within this context the lack of appropriate notions of effective theories and renormalization group flow exhibit loop quantization as an incomplete framework. This interpretation includes a construction of embedded spin foam models which does not rely on the choice of any auxiliary structure (e.g. triangulation) and has the following straightforward consequences:The values of the coupling constants need to be those of an UV-attractive fixed point.The kinematics of canonical loop quantization and embedded spin foam models are compatible.The weights assigned to embedded spin foams are independent of the 2-polyhedron used to regularize the path integral, |J|x= |J|x′.An area spectrum with edge contributions proportional tolPL2(j+ 1/2) is not compatible with embedded spin foam models and/or canonical loop quantization.
Does High‐Frequency Pseudo‐random Rotational Chair Testing Increase the Diagnostic Yield of the ENG Caloric Test in Detecting Bilateral Vestibular Loss in the Dizzy Patient?
Authors: Kaplan Daniel M. , Marais Joe , Ogawa Teruhiru , Kraus Mordechai , Rutka John A. , Bance Manohar L. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectives To assess the incremental diagnostic yield of testing vestibulo‐ocular (VOR) gain with high‐frequency pseudo‐random rotational chair (PsRRC) over testing with bithermal electronystagmography caloric tests in the dizzy patient, particularly in detecting bilateral vestibular loss.Patients and Methods One hundred ninety‐eight patients presenting with dizziness underwent PsRRC and caloric testing. The VOR gain on PsRRC was measured at 0.32 to 5.0 Hz, with gain categorized as normal or decreased. PsRRC results were compared with caloric responses, also categorized as normal, or into graded categories of unilateral or bilateral vestibular loss.Results Reduced PsRRC gain was found in 29 (15%) patients, and reduced caloric tests responses in 70 (35%), with 25 (13%) having bilateral loss. Of patients with reduced chair gain, 25 of 29 (86%) demonstrated bilateral caloric loss. PsRRC gain was normal in most patients with unilateral caloric weakness, but was decreased in all patients with bilateral caloric weakness. The probability of a patient with completely normal caloric responses having an abnormal rotation chair in this study group was under 1% (1 of 128).Conclusions PsRRC testing does not offer much additional diagnostic benefit when caloric responses are normal. It is useful in specific conditions, such as unilateral caloric loss for which the patient is not compensating, borderline caloric loss when traditional water caloric tests cannot be used, or for monitoring progressive bilateral vestibular loss.
Histological Characterization of the Thyroglossal Tract: Implications for Surgical Management
Authors: Chandra Rakesh K. , Maddalozzo John , Kovarik Paula 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectives In the current report, we characterized the relationship between the central hyoid bone and the thyroglossal tract and determined the prevalence of ectopic thyroid follicles in the adjacent soft tissues.Study Design Retrospective pathological analysis.Methods The resected specimens from 104 patients who underwent a modified Sistrunk procedure with wide‐field dissection were retrospectively analyzed. Under light microscopy, serial sections were examined to determine whether the thyroglossal tract passed anterior to, posterior to, or within the hyoid bone. Specimens were also examined for the presence of thyroid follicles in the periductal and pericystic soft tissues.Results In 50 cases (48%), the tract position in relation to the hyoid bone could not be identified secondary to extensive arborization, marked inflammation, specimen fragmentation or a combination of these. Thyroid follicles were observed in 9 (18%) of these specimens. In the remaining 54 cases (52%) the tract was located anterior to the central arch of the hyoid bone in 39 (72%) and posterior to it in 15 (28%). Thyroid tissue was observed in 46% of specimens (P = .004), regardless of whether the tract was anterior or posterior.Conclusions These results demonstrate that tract position often cannot be defined, but when a portion is dominant, it is likely to be anterior to the hyoid bone. Ectopic thyroid tissue can be found in almost 50% of specimens when the tract position is identifiable. With appropriate surgical management, a recurrence rate of less than 4% can be expected, despite the presence of ductule multiplicity, marked inflammation, tract position posterior to the hyoid bone, and ectopic thyroid follicles.
Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Current Theories and Management Strategies
Authors: Marple Bradley F. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe combination of nasal polyposis, crust formation, and sinus cultures yielding Aspergillus was first noted in 1976 by Safirstein, 1 who observed the clinical similarity that this constellation of findings shared with allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA). Eventually this disease came to be known as allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFS). As clinical evidence of AFS accumulated, controversy regarding its etiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and appropriate treatment naturally emerged. Despite past and current efforts, many of these controversies remain incompletely resolved, but continuing clinical study has illuminated some aspects of the disease and has led to an improved understanding of AFS and its treatment. Fungi associated with the development of AFS are ubiquitous and predominantly of the dematiaceous family. The eosinophilic host response to the presence of these fungi within the nose and paranasal sinuses gives rise to those clinical manifestations of the disease (nasal polyps, expansile mucocele formation, allergic fungal mucin, etc.). Exposure alone to these fungi, however, appears to be insufficient to initiate the disease. At the present time it is likely that initiation of the inflammatory cascade leading to AFS is a multifactorial event, requiring the simultaneous occurrence of such things as IgE‐mediated sensitivity (atopy), specific T‐cell HLA receptor expression, exposure to specific fungi, and aberration of local mucosal defense mechanisms. A variety of treatment plans for AFS have emerged, but the potential for recidivism remains well recognized, ranging from 10% to nearly 100%, suggesting the need for continued study of this disease and fueling present controversy. This article is intended to review current data and theories regarding the pathophysiology of AFS, as well as the role of various surgical and nonsurgical forms of therapy.
An Interpretation of the Structural Changes Responsible for the Chronicity of Rhinoscleroma
Authors: Canalis Rinaldo F. , Zamboni Luciano 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjective To identify the structural changes of the proliferative phase of rhinoscleroma which could be responsible for the chronicity of the disease.Study Design Observational research.Methods Samples of friable tissue taken from the nasal mucosa of nine untreated patients were processed for light and ultrastructural microscopy.Results The majority of changes contributing to the chronicity of the disease occurred in the subepithelium and followed three closely related but distinct events. In the first (infiltrative), subepithelial invasion by the Klebsiella was followed by its active multiplication and proliferation of capillaries. In the second (neutrophilic), large numbers of neutrophils were delivered into this space. Neutrophils actively phagocytized the Klebsiella but appeared to die at an accelerated rate without completing digestion of the microorganisms. In the third event (histiocytic), histiocytes entered the subepithelium and engaged in unrestrained phagocytosis of decaying neutrophils, Klebsiella, and debris. During this process, the histiocytes' phagosomes underwent massive dilation, thus becoming Mikulicz cells. Mikulicz cells were unable to consistently destroy the Klebsiella and eventually ruptured, releasing them into the interstitium. Evidence was found that an autophagic process might contribute to phagosome distention and to the rupture of the vacuolar membranes and cell wall.Conclusions Several critical changes responsible for the chronicity of rhinoscleroma occur during the proliferative phase of the disease. The majority of these take place in the subepithelium and include: 1) factors leading to the transformation of histiocytes into Mikulicz cells, 2) the inability of these cells to consistently destroy the Klebsiella, 3) their rupture releasing viable Klebsiella, and 4) the intrinsic resistance of the pathogen.
Three‐Dimensional Image for the Middle Fossa Approach and Its Anatomical Considerations
Authors: Tsunoda Atsunobu , Komatsuzaki Atsushi , Kobayashi Mari , Suzuki Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjective To investigate the usefulness and significance of three‐dimensional images in the middle cranial fossa approach.Study Design Retrospective study.Method Three‐dimensional images of 12 patients with acoustic neuromas were made for surgical guidance. An image showing an ideal surgical view was prepared, which showed no overlap between the labyrinthine bone and internal auditory canal (IAC) with a slight gap between them. The IAC was located and opened referring to this image.Results Directions of the images in the ideal surgical view were anterior from lateral position in all cases. Viewing toward the vestibule, angle from lateral plane was 24° ± 12° (mean ± standard deviation). In 11 of 12 patients, the IAC was safely opened; in one patient the IAC could not be opened because of bleeding. Overall hearing preservation rate was 82%.Conclusion Our method facilitated not only in the identification of the IAC but also in avoiding inner ear damage. Our data indicated that the center of craniotomy should be made anterior to the external auditory canal and surgery should be viewed from an anterolateral position for a safe procedure.
An Evaluation of Internet Sites for Burn Scar Management
Authors: Bohacek L. , Gomez M. , Fish J. S. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Patients rely on the Internet for medical information. It is difficult to discern which resources are accurate or appropriate for patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a quality-assessment tool for health Internet Web sites and to apply this tool to assess the quality of burn scar management information on the Internet. Between September and December 2001, we prospectively evaluated all Web sites on the Internet search engine Yahoo!® containing the headings “burn scar management,” “burn scar healing,” “burn scar treatment,” and “burn scar therapy.” The quality of each Web site's medical information was evaluated using our scoring system consisting of the following two components: quality and technical characteristics. The total score for each Web site was converted to a percent grade (eg, ≥80% = excellent, 70 to 79% = very good, 60 to 69% = good, 50 to 59% = fair, and &lt;50% = poor). The Web sites were grouped into three categories: commercial (for profit), academic (university, hospital), and organizational (nonprofit). Of 88 Web sites evaluated, the majority 68 (77%) were commercial, 7 (8%) academic, and 13 (15%) organizational. Burn scar management information on the Internet was poor in the majority (79%) of commercial Web sites and was excellent, very good, or good in the majority of academic (86%) and organizational (77%) Web sites. Using our health information evaluation, we found that the majority of burn scar management information on the internet (77%) was of fair or poor quality. Academic and organizational Web sites had the best quality of burn scar management information. Additional testing of the developed tool will be needed to analyze the reproducibility of the results and their applicability in other medical domains.
Chronic Nightmares After Severe Burns: Risk Factors and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Low J. F. Aili , Dyster-Aas Johan , Willebrand Mimmie , Kildal Morten , Gerdin Bengt , Ekselius Lisa 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Although patients frequently experience sleep disturbances and nightmares in the first weeks after a severe burn, information is scarce on the course and prevention of this problem. Prolonged experience of nightmares in adults is one of the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The aim of this work was to determine risk factors for developing chronic nightmares after severe burns. Personality traits and coping strategies were assessed. As part of a follow-up study of patients treated at the Burn Center at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, between 1980 and 1995, the questionnaires of 166 patients (34 females, 132 males, average age 50 years, average burn size 25% TBSA, full-thickness burn size 10% TBSA, average time since burn 11.4 years) were analyzed. The effects of individual personality traits and coping strategies on the frequency of nightmares were evaluated by regression analysis. Nightmares were reported by 43% of the patients, by females more frequently than males. The frequency of nightmares was shown to be associated with the size of the full-thickness burn. The use of Avoidance or Revaluation/Adjustment scales as coping strategies and the presence of Somatic Trait Anxiety as a personality trait were associated with a higher frequency of nightmares after correction for gender. In contrast, persons seeking Emotional Support as a coping strategy reported significantly fewer nightmares. Certain personality traits and coping strategies apparently increase the risk of having nightmares after a severe burn. Helping persons at risk develop different coping strategies may be a possible means of prevention or treatment.
Researchers BEWARE! Attrition and Nonparticipation at Large
Authors: McQuaid Deborah , Barton Joanne , Campbell Elizabeth 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
There are many obstacles in undertaking psychological burns research with children and adolescents, and the more useful longitudinal studies are particularly fraught with difficulty. This work introduces and discusses the problems of attrition and nonparticipation encountered in our attempt to use a rigorous design and methodology to study this population. The aim is to provide the impetus for a more thorough, detailed review of this problem.
Hydrofluoric Acid Burn Resulting From Ignition Of Gas From A Compressed Air Duster
Authors: Foster Kevin N. , Jones LouAnn , Caruso Daniel M. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
A young female suffered burns to her hand after the ignition of gas from a compressed air duster. After debridement and dressing, the patient continued to have pain out of proportion to injury that was refractory to intravenous morphine. The material safety data sheet revealed that the chemical used was 1,1-difluoroethane. High temperatures can cause decompensation to form hydrofluoric acid. Calcium gluconate gel was applied topically to the patient's burns, which caused prompt and complete relief of her pain. A review of different compressed air duster products revealed that the main ingredient in each was a halogenated hydrocarbon. Although not considered flammable, all products have warnings regarding the possibility of ignition under various circumstances. Ignition of the gas in compressed air cleaners not only can cause flame burns, it can also cause chemical damage from exposure to hydrogen and fluoride ions. Prompt recognition and treatment is necessary to prevent severe injury.
A Study of Clinical and Laboratory Features of 14 Indian Patients With Dysferlinopathy
Authors: Khadilkar S V , Singh R K , Kulkarni K S , Chitale A R 
Published: September 2004

Abstract

Aim
The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of Indian patients having dysferlinopathy.

Methods and Material
Patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) were prospectively studied. History, examination, and laboratory evaluation, including creatine kinase, electrophysiology, and muscle biopsy with immunocytochemistry, was carried out.

Results and Conclusions
Fourteen patients (14.58% of patients with LGMD) had dysferlin deficiency. The mean age at onset was 19.9 years. Nine patients had distal presentation and in the remaining 5 patients, it was proximal. Asymmetry of muscle weakness was seen in 6 patients. Three patients experienced initial calf pains with transient hypertrophy. Gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were almost similarly affected. The brunt of proximal weakness was on iliopsoas, hip adductors, hamstrings, and quadriceps muscles. Upper limbs were mildly affected. Biceps lump was seen in 4 patients. The phenotype was mild and ambulation was maintained in all patients, many years into the illness.