bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When to Get Mad: Adaptive Significance of Rage in Animals
Authors: Camperio Ciani Andrea 
Published: April 2003

The wide distribution of rage in animals suggests that rage should have an adaptive significance. In the present work, the function of rage is explored under an evolutionary perspective. I try to assess the selective advantage conferred to the individual presenting rage compared to one that does not. In this work, I considered animals under the ‘strategist’ perspective rather than the ‘stimulus-reactor’ one. I suggest that rage has a highly adaptive significance both as: (1) an emotion to prepare antagonistic actions and (2) as a communicative act. I suggest therefore that, as a communicative act, rage can be explored through the theory of games. In three crucial scenarios, I investigate, using the theory of games framework, when, and how, there is a selective advantage for individuals expressing, bluffing and simulating rage.
Depressive Symptomatology and Short-Term Stability at a Nigerian Psychiatric Care Facility
Authors: Otote David I. , Ohaeri Jude U. 
Published: April 2003

The aims of the study were to examine: the frequency of the subtypes and symptoms of depression, the stability of symptoms in 3 months and to compare the data with previous studies. Ninety-six consecutive patients (31 males, 65 females) fulfilling ICD-10 criteria were assessed. Compared with the WHO study, the core symptoms of depression were similar; pathological guilt and suicidal behaviour were less prevalent, and psychoticism was more prevalent. Overall, 61.5% had severe depression, 64.6% had somatic syndrome, and subjects were in remission at follow-up. The results were similar to those of a report from the hospital 26 years earlier. The purported rarity of guilt, self-depreciation, suicide and psychotic symptoms should not imply rarity of severe depression among Africans; for these are not its commonest symptoms.
Hypoxic Ventilatory Responses and Gas Exchange in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Serebrovskaya T. , Karaban I. , Mankovskaya I. , Bernardi L. , Passino C. , Appenzeller O. 
Published: April 2003

Ventilatory responses to isocapnic, progressive hypoxic rebreathing (HVR), in supine and sitting positions, lung ventilation and gas exchange while breathing air and during 5 min of breathing 11% O<sub>2</sub> in N<sub>2</sub> were studied in 12 healthy young (20–28 years), 5 old (57–73 years) male subjects, and in 7 male patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) aged 55–67 years. The piecewise linear approximation technique was used for evaluation of the ventilatory response curves, which allowed a separate analysis of slopes during minor and severe hypoxia. It has been shown that body position affected HVR. In the range of P<sub>ET</sub>O<sub>2</sub> from 60 to 35 mm Hg, the ventilatory response in the sitting position was higher than supine: in young persons by 43%, in healthy old persons by 76%, and in the PD patients by 211%. No significant differences in HVR to minor hypoxia (P<sub>ET</sub>O<sub>2</sub> from 100 to 60 mm Hg) were found in the 3 groups. During severe hypoxia (P<sub>ET</sub>O<sub>2</sub> from 60 to 35 mm Hg) the slope of minute ventilation versus O<sub>2</sub> was 4.6 (supine) and 2.6 (sitting) times greater in healthy old men than PD patients’ slopes. PD patients compared to old controls had 32% lower alveolar ventilation, 10% lower P<sub>ET</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and 15% elevation of P<sub>ET</sub>CO<sub>2</sub> while breathing air; similar differences were found while the patients were breathing 11% O<sub>2</sub>. The reduced alveolar ventilation under severe hypoxia in patients with PD could not be attributed to mechanical restriction of lung function. We suggest that the discrepancy in HVR under minor and severe hypoxia results from dysfunction in chemoreception associated with Parkinsonism.
Use of Whole-Body Plethysmography to Compare Bronchodilator Inhaler Efficacy
Authors: Morice A.H. , Waterhouse J.C. , Peers E.M. , Parry-Billings M. 
Published: April 2003

Whole-body plethysmography is not included in guidelines from regulatory authorities for the development of treatments or delivery devices for lung disease, despite its potential advantages compared to spirometry. Two separate studies were undertaken to assess the use of specific airway conductance (sG<sub>aw</sub>) as a pharmacodynamic endpoint for the comparison of two bronchodilator delivery systems (a novel dry powder inhaler and a standard metered dose inhaler). The first pilot study involved delivery of a single dose of salbutamol (200 µg) to 12 healthy volunteers and determination of sG<sub>aw</sub> up to 120 min after treatment. The second study involved delivery of cumulative doses of salbutamol (100, 200 and 400 µg) to 19 healthy volunteers with demonstrated reversibility of sG<sub>aw</sub> to the bronchodilator and measurement of sG<sub>aw</sub> up to 240 min after treatment. In both studies, increases in sG<sub>aw</sub> after treatment were significant compared to placebo and larger than the recorded increases in FEV<sub>1</sub>. Increases in sG<sub>aw</sub> were similar for both delivery devices and support the therapeutic equivalence of the two products. Power calculations indicated that the second study had appropriate statistical power to discriminate between treatments. It is concluded that the assessment of sG<sub>aw</sub> in healthy volunteers may be a useful and sensitive pharmacodynamic endpoint for use in the development of bronchodilators and their delivery devices.
Effectiveness of Ethanolamine Oleate as a Pleural Sclerosing Agent in Rabbits
Authors: Teixeira Lisete R. , Vargas Francisco S. , Carmo Alipio O. , Silva Lea M.M.F. , Marchi Evaldo , Light Richard W. 
Published: April 2003

The ideal pleural sclerosing agent should be easily administered, without significant side effects, inexpensive, and widely available. None of the agents presently used meets all of these criteria. Ethanolamine oleate (ETH) is a sclerosing agent used in the sclerotherapy treatment of varicose veins of the legs and esophagus. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of ETH as a pleural sclerosant in rabbits. An additional objective was to assess if better results were obtained when dextrose 50% (D50) as opposed to saline was used as the diluent. Each group of 10 rabbits received a total volume of 2 ml intrapleurally. The eight treatments were as follows: (1) 2 ml saline; (2) 2 ml D50; (3) 25 mg ETH plus 1.5 ml saline; (4) 25 mg ETH plus 1.5 ml D50; (5) 50 mg ETH plus 1.0 ml saline; (6) 50 mg ETH plus 1 ml D50; (7) 75 mg ETH plus 0.5 ml D50, and (8) 100 mg ETH. The rabbits were sacrificed 28 days after the injection. The intrapleural instillation of ETH resulted in evident pleurodesis, which was dose-dependent; 100 mg ETH induced significantly (p < 0.05) more adhesions than did any other treatment. The selection of the diluent had no effect on the pleurodesis. The microscopic examination of the right visceral pleura showed that the mean degree of fibrosis after 100 mg ETH was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that after the other solutions. The mean degree of pleural inflammation, lung inflammation and lung fibrosis was minimal in all the groups. From this study we conclude that undiluted ETH produces pleurodesis in our experimental model. At the doses used, the pleurodesis was less than that produced after talc, tetracycline derivatives or silver nitrate in the same model.
Decompensated Cor pulmonaleas the First Manifestation of Ad ult-Onset Myopathy
Authors: Kurz David , Aguzzi Adriano , Scherer Thomas A. 
Published: April 2003

A 46-year-old white female was admitted for decompensated cor pulmonale (CP). It had not interfered with her daily activities and she had not experienced shortness of breath, fatigue or muscle weakness prior to the onset of right heart failure. A thorough investigation revealed severe generalized muscle weakness with restrictive chest bellows disease and secondary CP (mean pressure in the pulmonary artery 60 mm Hg). After having refused respiratory support the patient died a few days after admission. The muscle biopsy was consistent with adult-onset acid-maltase deficiency. This is a rare case of metabolic myopathy presenting as decompensated CP without previous symptoms of muscle weakness. This condition can easily be treated with nocturnal ventilatory support, improving the quality and length of life.
Inhalation by Nebulization of Albuterol-Ipratropium Combination (Dey Combination) Is Superior to Either Agent Alone in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Gross Nicholas , Tashkin Donald , Miller Randall , Oren Joseph , Coleman William , Linberg Steven , Dey Combination Solution Study Group D 
Published: April 2003

Combination bronchodilator therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) potentially can provide increased benefit over single-agent therapy. The objective of this double-blind, randomized, positive-control trial was to determine the effectiveness of an albuterol-ipratropium solution aerosol combination (Dey combination solution, Dey LP, Napa, Calif., USA) compared with solution aerosols of both component medications administered alone in patients with COPD. The trial consisted of a 6-week, 3-period crossover phase followed by a 6-week parallel phase during which patients self-administered study medications by inhalation from a nebulizer. A total of 863 patients were initially randomized to each of the six possible treatment sequences of the three study medications in the crossover phase and received each study medication in turn for a 2-week period. Patients continued to receive the same treatment administered during the last 2-week period of the crossover phase for an additional 6 weeks in the parallel phase. Assessment of 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV<sub>1</sub>) curves before and after dosing on the last day of each 2-week period indicated that the combination was superior to either single agent in peak effect and area under the curve up to 8 h after dosing (FEV<sub>1</sub>-AUC<sub>0–8</sub>), in both phases of the trial. The use of Dey combination during the crossover phase resulted in 24% more improvement in peak FEV<sub>1</sub> than was seen with albuterol alone (p < 0.001), and 37% more than was seen with ipratropium alone (p < 0.001). Similarly, when examining FEV<sub>1</sub>-AUC<sub>0–8</sub>, Dey combination resulted in 30% more improvement than was seen with albuterol alone (p < 0.001), and 32% more than was seen with ipratropium alone (p < 0.001). The combination affords a convenient dosing regimen and incorporates enhanced benefit without compromising the safety profile of either component agent.
Solitary Bronchioloalveolar Adenoma of the Lung
Authors: Shiota Yutaro , Matsumoto Hitomi , Sasaki Naomi , Taniyama Kiyomi , Hashimoto Shuichi , Sueishi Katsuo 
Published: April 2003

A case of an unusual pulmonary neoplasia, called bronchioloalveolar adenoma of the lung, is reported. The neoplasm presented as a solitary peripheral lesion of the left lung on computed tomography. Examination of the tumor revealed a focal proliferating lesion consisting of cuboidal or peg-shaped epithelial cells with slight nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemical study with anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody, anti-surfactant apoprotein antibody, and anti-Clara cell antibody suggested that this neoplasia has the characteristics of a type II pneumocyte. It is likely that more of these small peripheral lesions, which have potential for evolution to carcinoma, will now be encountered due to the introduction of helical CT of the chest.
Long-Term Remission after Brachytherapy with External Irradiation for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Yokomise H. , Nishimura Y. , Fukuse T. , Hirata T. , Ike O. , Mizuno H. , Wada H. , Hitomi S. 
Published: April 2003

Three cases are reported who received brachytherapy with external irradiation for inoperable lung cancer and have shown long-term remission. The diseases were adenoid cystic carcinoma, recurrent adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The associated symptoms were severe cough and dyspnea in all 3 cases. They received 60 Gy of external irradiation. After an interval of 2 weeks, 6 Gy at a radius of 1 cm from the center of the source was delivered by iridium-192. They received 2–4 fractions at 1-week intervals. On termination of brachytherapy, complete response was observed in all cases. In 1 case, bronchial stenosis due to radiation-induced fibrosis was observed, but was successfully treated by bronchial stent. Cough and dyspnea disappeared, and all patients have been rendered asymptomatic for the last 2 years. Local disease was well controlled in 2 cases; however, minimal local recurrence was observed after a 2-year follow-up in 1 case.
Selection of Reproducible Forced Expirograms: Percentage or Fixed-Volume Criterion
Authors: Pistelli Francesco , DiPede Francesco , Viegi Giovanni , Carrozzi Laura , Pistelli Giuseppe , Giuntini Carlo 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the intrasession reproducibility of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>) depends on height and lung volume. FVC tracings of 740 subjects (350 males) from a general population sample living in North Italy were analyzed. Subjects filled out a standardized questionnaire and performed three acceptable FVC maneuvers following the American Thoracic Society recommendations. The differences between the largest and the second largest FVC and FEV<sub>1</sub> were computed as absolute (ΔFVC, ΔFEV<sub>1</sub>) and as percentage values (ΔFVC%, ΔFEV<sub>1</sub>%). The higher the tertiles of the largest FVC and FEV<sub>1</sub> were, the higher were ΔFVC and ΔFEV<sub>1</sub>. Regarding FVC, borderline differences in both sexes for ΔFVC and in males significant differences for ΔFVC% were found among the tertiles. Regarding FEV<sub>1</sub>, in both sexes ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> significantly differed among the tertiles. ΔFVC and ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> correlated with height and lung volume in both sexes, except for ΔFVC versus the largest FVC in females. When ΔFVC and ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> were analyzed with respect to respiratory symptoms/diseases and smoking habit, no significant differences were observed in both sexes, except for ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> between ever- and never-smoking males. It may be concluded that the intrasession within-subject variability of FVC and FEV<sub>1</sub> is proportional to lung volume and height, regardless of the sex, presence of symptoms and smoking habit. Thus, our results confirm the usefulness of a reproducibility criterion based on a percentage rather than on a fixed volume.
Metastatic Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma with Peculiar Radiographic Features
Authors: Nagata Nobuhiko , Takatsu Hiroyuki , Sato Yoshiya , Yoshimatsu Takashi , Urabe Michita , Kido Masamitsu 
Published: April 2003

We report a case of a pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule with subsequent systemic spread, including histologically documented gingival metastasis. Chest radiography and computed tomography at initial evaluation showed a solitary 2 cm pulmonary nodule, associated with pleural indentation and vascular convergence. The tumor later spread systemically, including multiple pulmonary nodules, bilateral pleural effusions, and gingival swelling and erosion. A biopsy of the gingival lesion showed histologic features identical to that of the lung biopsy.
Subchronic Exposure to Diisocyanates Increases Guinea Pig Tracheal Smooth Muscle Responses to Acetylcholine
Authors: Marek W. , Potthast J. , Marczynski B. , Mensing T. , Baur X. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> In order to study the threshold concentrations of isocyanates (IC) for induction of lung disorders, constrictive responses of tracheal smooth muscles to acetylcholine (ACH) in guinea pigs with and without diisocyanate [toluene diisocyanate (TDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)] exposure were investigated. <i>Methods:</i> An IC-induced increase in smooth muscle responsiveness was studied by measuring cumulative ACH dose responses (10<sup>–10</sup> to 10<sup>–4</sup> M ACH). Basal ACH dose-response curves, measured twice in intervals of 1 h using tracheal preparations of 11 guinea pigs previously not exposed to IC, were reproducible. <i>Results:</i> Subchronic in vivo exposures to TDI, HDI, and MDI atmospheres of 10 and 20 parts per billion (ppb) on 5 consecutive days led to significantly (p < 0.05) increased ACH responsiveness of tracheal smooth muscle, whereas concentrations of 2.5 and 5 ppb were not effective. Exposure to HDI atmospheres of 10 ppb for 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks resulted in a time-dependent increase in ACH responses (p < 0.05) of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. Increased tracheal muscle responses to ACH were transient since tracheal preparations from animals exposed to 10 and 20 ppb MDI for 4 weeks and with an exposure-free interval of 8 weeks before preparation did not show enlarged ACH responses, which were present in preparations at the end of the exposure period (p < 0.05). Exposure to low IC concentrations as present in workplaces cause increased ACH responsiveness of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. The increased responsiveness of the airways seems to be largely reversible, since normal responses were found after 8 weeks of IC avoidance. <i>Conclusion:</i> Reversibility of IC-induced airway hyperresponsiveness is of great occupational and preventive medical importance. Workers with acquired airway hyperresponsiveness might escape lung damage if the changes are detected in an early stage before alterations in lung function are in a chronic stage.
Severe Muscle Weakness due to Hypokalemia as a Manifestation of Small-Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Konstantinidis Athanasios , Elisaf Moses , Panteli Katerina , Constantopoulos Stavros 
Published: April 2003

We describe the case of a 56-year-old man with severe muscle weakness due to heavy hypokalemia (serum potassium 1.44 mmol/l) associated with inappropriate kaliuria and alkalemia. Subsequent investigation revealed the presence of ectopic ACTH hypersecretion due to a small-cell lung carcinoma. A significant clinical/laboratory improvement was achieved following chemotherapy-induced regression of the primary tumor. The profound hypokalemia was probably the result of cortisol hypersecretion, which in concert with the ACTH-induced decreased 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity can exhibit an increased mineralocorticoid activity. In addition, other ACTH-dependent mineralocorticoids may play a contributory role in the development of severe hypokalemia.
Both Inhaled Histamine and Hypertonic Saline Increase Airway Reactivity in Non-Sensitised Rabbits<footref rid="foot01"><sup>1</sup></footref>
Authors: Högman Marieann , Hjoberg Josephine , Almirall José , Hedenstierna Göran 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Asthmatics react with bronchoconstriction upon a variety of stimuli, i.e. exercise and hypertonic aerosol challenge. We have previously shown that hyperventilation with dry gas in a rabbit model resulted in a change of the ion content of the tracheal wall. This was followed by a hyperreactive response to histamine. <i>Objective:</i> We hypothesised that nebulisation with 3.6% hypertonic saline will be accompanied by a hyperreactive response to histamine in a rabbit model. <i>Methods:</i> Anaesthetised rabbits were given histamine after nebulisation with hypertonic saline. In addition, repeat nebulisation with hypertonic saline was given with or without histamine between these nebulisations. <i>Results:</i> There was a different response to histamine 10 mg·ml<sup>–1</sup> whether hypertonic saline had been given or not (p < 0.001). Histamine nebulisation, given after hypertonic saline, caused an increase from baseline in resistance of 65 ± 12 cm H<sub>2</sub>O·litre<sup>–1</sup>·s (mean ± SEM, p < 0.001) and a decrease in compliance of 2.3 ± 0.4 ml·cm H<sub>2</sub>O<sup>–1</sup> (p < 0.001). The corresponding values for the control animals were 10 ± 4 cm H<sub>2</sub>O·litre<sup>–1</sup>·s (n.s.) and 1.7 ± 0.2 ml·cm H<sub>2</sub>O<sup>–1</sup> (p < 0.001). At a second nebulisation with hypertonic saline, with a histamine challenge 30 min before, the resistance increased from baseline by 35 ± 10 cm H<sub>2</sub>O·litre<sup>–1</sup>·s (p < 0.01). This was not observed when no histamine had been given between the hypertonic saline nebulisations. <i>Conclusions:</i> This study in rabbits shows that hypertonic solutions cause an increase in the responsiveness to histamine and that histamine causes an increase in responsiveness to hypertonic saline. This is similar to the response of asthmatics to hypertonic saline.
Effect of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition on Hemoglobin-Oxygen Affinity and Lipid Peroxidation in Rabbits during Fever
Authors: Zinchuk Victor 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important biologic messengers and takes part in the development of fever. It can influence on the body prooxidant-antioxidant balance by different ways including interaction with hemoglobin (Hb). <i>Methods:</i> The effects of nitric oxide synthesis inhibition on the febrile response, hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and parameters of lipid peroxidation were studied in rabbits with fever. The fever was induced by intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide from <i>Salmonella typhi</i> (0.6 μg/kg). Mixed venous blood was taken before the administration and 60, 120 and 180 min after it. The following parameters were measured: half-saturation oxygen pressure (P<sub>50</sub>), concentrations of conjugated dienes, Schiff bases and α-tocopherol in plasma and red blood cells, and activity of catalase in red blood cells. <i>Results:</i> The intravenous administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (N<sup>ω</sup>-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine; 5·10<sup>–3</sup> <i>M</i>) reduced the lipopolysaccharide-induced rise in body temperature. After 180 min the actual P<sub>50</sub> had decreased from 35.0 ± 1.7 to 29.4 ± 1.3 mm Hg. An increase in the lipid peroxidation parameters and a decrease of the antioxidant system indices were observed. The administration of <i>L</i>-arginine to prevent nitric oxide synthase inhibition was accompanied by a shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve rightwards, more marked activation of the free radical processes and a greater elevation of body temperature. The multiple regression analysis showed a close linear correlation between P<sub>50</sub> and conjugated dienes, Schiff bases, α-tocopherol and catalase. <i>Conclusion:</i> These results suggest that the increased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity found after the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis lowers the oxygen flow to tissues and its fraction utilized in free radical oxidations, which finally causes a reduction of the fever response to the lipopolysaccharide.