bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oestrogen Receptor‐α and ‐β Immunoreactivity in Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones after Ovariectomy and Chronic Exposure to Oestradiol
Authors: Legan S. J. , Tsai H.‐W. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractOestradiol exerts negative‐ and positive‐feedback actions on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion by modulating gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release. Furthermore, a chronic increase in circulating oestradiol in either young ovariectomized (OVX) rats, or in middle‐aged persistent oestrous (PE) rats, causes a gradual attenuation of LH surges until the positive‐feedback action of oestradiol disappears. Based on these findings, and on the equivocal evidence regarding a direct action of oestradiol on GnRH neurones, we tested the hypothesis that chronic oestradiol abolishes LH surges by decreasing the proportion of GnRH neurones containing oestrogen receptor (ER)α or β. Regularly cycling rats were ovariectomized, and half immediately received oestradiol. Three days, or 2 or 4 weeks later, rats were perfused at 18.00 h, and GnRH was colocalized with ERα or ERβ by immunocytochemistry. ERβ was expressed in 76% of GnRH neurones, whereas virtually no GnRH cells were immunopositive for ERα. The proportion of GnRH cells expressing ERα or β in OVX rats was not altered by oestradiol or time after OVX, and this was the case regardless of their medial to lateral, or rostral to caudal location. The results indicate that the mechanisms for the positive‐feedback action of oestradiol, and the loss of LH surges in OVX rats after chronic oestradiol, are not mediated by changes in the proportion of oestrogen‐receptor containing GnRH neurones.
Controls on isoprene emission from trees in a subtropical dry forest
Authors: LERDAU M. , KELLER M. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTIsoprene emission from vegetation is the single most important source of photochemically active reduced compounds to the atmosphere. We present the first controlled‐environment measurements of isoprene emission from leaves of tropical forest trees. Our studies were conducted in the Guanica State Forest in Puerto Rico. We report the effects of temperature and light variations on biogenic isoprene emissions during 1995. Maximum emission rates varied among species from 0 to 268 nmol m−2s−1. Values at the upper end of this range of maximum emission rates are 2–3 times higher than values reported from any temperate taxa. Isoprene emission showed strong sensitivity to light and temperature variations. In contrast to temperate plants, whose emissions tend to saturate at a light intensity of ∼1000 μmol m−2s−1, emissions from the tropical species increased with light intensity up to 2500 μmol m−2s−1. The temperature optima for emissions from these plants were similar to those previously reported for temperate plants: ∼40 °C. The high maximum emission rates and lack of light saturation indicate that estimates of isoprene emission from tropical forests need to be revised upwards.
Internal and external photoprotection in developing leaves of the CAM plant Cotyledon orbiculata
Authors: BARKER D. H. , SEATON G. G. R. , ROBINSON S. A. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTLeaves of the CAM plant Cotyledon orbiculata produced a dense epidermal wax which decreased the absorption of light, possibly functioning as an external photoprotective mechanism (Robinson et al. 1993). However, developing leaves did not accumulate wax until after 21 d with full wax coating not achieved until at least 35 d. In addition, young leaves had lower rates of electron transport than mature leaves. Leaf development therefore occurs at higher incident PFD than that experienced by the mature leaves, and, for young leaves, can lead to an increase in the proportion of light energy which is excess to requirements and must be dissipated non‐photochemically. Changes in the photosynthetic capacity, PSII efficiency, rate of energy dissipation, and the content of chlorophyll (Chi), carotenoids, wax and anthocyanins were followed in developing leaves of C. orbiculata in an attempt to elucidate the relative importance of the various photoprotective mechanisms during leaf ontogeny. The largest pools of xanthophyll cycle pigments (on a Chi basis) were found in the waxless, young leaves and were correlated with greater levels of energy dissipation activity. The importance of xanthophyll cycle‐dependent energy dissipation in young C. orbiculata leaves prior to development of a reflective wax covering, and full photosynthetic capacity which for CAM plants includes appreciable nocturnal acid accumulation, is discussed. Also, we consider the possibility that anthocyanin pigments in the upper and lower epidermis may increase reflectivity and act as external photoprotectants.
Analysis of limitations to CO2 assimilation on exposure of leaves of two Brassica napus cultivars to UV‐B
Authors: ALLEN D. J. , MCKEE I. F. , FARAGE P. K. , BAKER N. R. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTApex and Bristol cultivars of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) were irradiated with 0.63 W m−2 of UV‐B over 5 d. Analyses of the response of net leaf carbon assimilation to intercellular CO2 concentration were used to examine the potential limitations imposed by stomata, carboxylation velocity and capacity for regeneration of ribulose 1,5‐bis‐phosphate on leaf photosynthesis. Simultaneous measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence were used to estimate the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry, the quantum efficiency of linear electron transport at steady‐state photosynthesis, and the light and CO2‐saturated rate of linear electron transport. Ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) content and activities were assayed in vitro. In both cultivars the UV‐B treatment resulted in decreases in the light‐saturated rate of CO2 assimilation, which were accompanied by decreases in carboxylation velocity and Rubisco content and activity. No major effects of UV‐B were observed on end‐product inhibition and stomatal limitation of photosynthesis or the rate of photorespiration relative to CO2 assimilation. In the Bristol cultivar, photoinhibition of PSII and loss of linear electron transport activity were observed when CO2 assimilation was severely inhibited. However, the Apex cultivar exhibited no major inhibition of PSII photochemistry or linear electron transport as the rate of CO2 assimilation decreased. It is concluded that loss of Rubisco is a primary factor in UV‐B inhibition of CO2 assimilation.
Endotoxin Tolerance Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide‐Initiated Acute Pulmonary Inflammation and Lung Injury in Rats by the Mechanism of Nuclear Factor‐κB
Authors: Qu J. , Zhang J. , Pan J. , He L. , Ou Z. , Zhang X. , Chen X. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn this study, the effect of endotoxin tolerance on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐initiated pulmonary inflammation, the local production of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the cytokine‐induced neutrophil attractant (CINC), as well as the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and its subunit composition, were examined in vivo. Endotoxin tolerance was reproduced by four consecutive daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.6 mg/kg of Escherichia coli 055:B5 LPS. Compared with control rats, endotoxin‐tolerant rats failed to increase the permeability of pulmonary microvascular or recruit neutrophil to lung tissue upon restimulation with 6 mg/kg of LPSs. Pretreatment with LPSs inhibited the protein level of TNF‐α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and mRNA expression of CINC in lung tissue in response to subsequent LPS stimulation. These changes were accompanied by the suppression of activation of NF‐κB, including the low level of total amount of DNA‐binding activity and high percentage of non‐transactive p50 homodimers. These data demonstrate that endotoxin tolerance can alleviate the LPS‐induced acute neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation in rats and can inhibit the proinflammatory cytokines in lung and suggest that endotoxin tolerance might result from the unresponsiveness of NF‐κB and persistent high percentage of p50 homodimers. Therefore, the phenomenon of endotoxin tolerance might be used as a strategy for the prevention or treatment of LPS‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome in which excessive or dysregulated inflammation leads to acute lung injury.
Phenotypic Features of Peripheral Blood Leucocytes During Early Stages of Human Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Sathler‐Avelar R. , Lemos E. M. , Reis D. D. , Medrano‐Mercado N. , Araújo‐Jorge T. C. , Antas P. R. Z. , Corrêa‐Oliveira R. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Elói‐Santos S. M. , Favato D. , Martins‐Filho O. A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe performed a cross‐sectional flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to evaluate human immunologic status during early stages of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in children. We identified major immunological features corresponding to three proposed phases of disease: early acute (EA) phase, late acute (LA) phase and recent chronic (RC) phase. EA phase was accompanied by expansion of conventional B cells, up‐regulation of CD54 on monocytes and down‐regulation of CD54 on T cells and not associated with monocyte‐activation phenotypes or changes of natural killer (NK) population. LA phase was characterized by a selective increase in a distinct lineage of NK cells (CD16+CD56–), as well as a persistent expansion of B cells and down‐regulation of CD54 on T cells. RC phase showed persistent low levels of CD54 molecule on T cells and an increase of B cells, mainly triggered by expansion of the B1‐cell subset, as well as increased expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA‐DR) by monocytes. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that T. cruzi‐derived antigens are able to activate NK cells before the development of T‐cell‐mediated immunity. Moreover, our data support previous findings of increased levels of B1 lymphocytes during human Chagas' disease and show that this event is already present during initial stages of chronic infection.
Elevated Serum Heat‐Shock Protein 70 Levels in Patients with Acute Infection: Use of an Optimized Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Njemini R. , Lambert M. , Demanet C. , Mets T. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractHeat‐shock proteins (Hsps) are highly conserved throughout evolution and evoke great interest both in basic biology and in medicine. They are expressed in small quantities under normal conditions, and their expression can be strongly induced by several stressors. Although their action is basically intracellular, it is now obvious that these proteins can be released into the extracellular environment from viable cells. In this study, the human Hsp 70 serum concentrations were determined using an optimized, cost‐effective enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The average intra‐assay variation was 6%, whereas the average interassay variation was 9%. The sensitivity of the assay was 10 ng/ml, and spiking experiments showed recoveries between 101 and 109%. As an application of the technique, we have investigated the serum levels of human Hsp 70 in patients with infection and in healthy subjects. Our data show significantly higher levels of Hsp 70 (P  = 0.003) in patients compared to control subjects. Positive correlations were noticed between the serum levels of Hsp 70 and various markers of inflammation (IL‐6; r = 0.579, P = 0.009, TNF‐α; r  = 0.552, P  = 0.012, IL‐10; r  = 0.361, P = 0.002). We conclude that Hsp 70 is involved in inflammation of infectious origin. The interindividual variation in the serum concentration of Hsp 70 precludes the use of serum Hsp 70 levels to distinguish patients from healthy subjects.
Two Doses of Daclizumab in Conjunction with Low‐Dose Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate Mofetil and Steroids Resulted in a Low Incidence of Acute Rejection after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Ekberg H. , Persson N. H. , Källen R. , Gül‐Baykurt N. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractFive doses of daclizumab, given initially after kidney transplantation, reduce the rate of acute rejection (AR). Without cyclosporin A (CsA), a protocol, including daclizumab, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids (CSs), has recently shown efficacy in terms of graft function and survival. The rate of AR was relatively high, however. In this single‐centre study, a CsA low‐dose regimen was combined with two doses of daclizumab (1 mg/kg day 0 and 14), plus MMF (2 g) and CS. Forty‐three cadaver donor renal recipients were included. Following the onset of graft function, target trough levels of CsA were 150–200 ng/ml for 90 days, then 100–150 ng/ml. One year AR rate was 23% (n = 10) and events occurred at a median of 2.9 months (range from 9 days to 9.6 months). Delayed graft function (DGF) (absent spontaneous reduction of serum creatinine day 1) was 51%. Graft survival was 95% and patient survival 98% after 1 year. With respect to our previous experience, we used CsA, azathioprine and CSs (n = 223) from 1988 to 1995, and the rate of AR was 57%. From 1996 to 1998, standard CsA doses, MMF and CS (n = 67) resulted in 31% AR. Median time to AR was 0.8 and 1.0 month, and the rate of DGF was 20 and 22%, respectively. This CsA low‐dose protocol, including two doses of daclizumab, MMF and CS, resulted in a reduction and delay of AR episodes and excellent graft function, graft survival and patient survival, despite an increase in DGF.
Normal Development of the Gut‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue Except Peyer's Patch in MyD88‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Iiyama R. , Kanai T. , Uraushihara K. , Ishikura T. , Makita S. , Totsuka T. , Yamazaki M. , Nakamura T. , Miyata T. , Yoshida H. , Takeuchi O. , Hoshino K. , Takeda K. , Ishikawa H. , Akira S. , Watanabe M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractMyD88 is a key adaptor molecule for signalling via Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and the response to gut commensal microbes. To investigate the role of TLRs/MyD88 pathway in the development of the gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), we examined the development of Peyer's patches (PPs) and cryptopatch (CP), and also one of effector compartment, intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) in MyD88–/–, TLR2–/– and TLR4–/– mice. In MyD88–/– mice, the organogenesis of PPs was not disturbed. However, PPs in 2‐week‐old MyD88–/– mice were significantly smaller than those in MyD88+/– mice. Also, in 2‐week‐old TLR4–/–, but not TLR2–/– mice, PPs did not develop rapidly. The development of PPs in MyD88–/– and TLR4–/– mice was completely recovered in 10 weeks. PP cells from MyD88–/– mice showed significant decrease in proliferation when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The development of CP and IEL was also normal in 10‐week‐old MyD88–/– mice. These results suggest that the TLRs/MyD88 pathway might be involved in the development of PPs only at early postnatal stage, and TLRs/MyD88‐independent signalling is critically involved in the development of GALT in adult mice.
Semiquantitative Evaluation of mRNAs for the Membranous Form of Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain is Useful for Investigating the Etiology in CVID
Authors: Terada T. , Kaneko H. , Fukao T. , Teramoto T. , Asano T. , Li A. L. , Kasahara K. , Kondo N. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody deficiency syndrome characterized by defective B‐cell maturation and antibody formation resulting in low serum antibody levels of all immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes. To investigate the pathogenesis of CVID, we developed a set of competitive polymerase chain reaction for membrane‐bound Ig heavy chain (mHC) mRNAs for IgM, IgG and IgA. Data on three children with CVID in group A of Bryant's classification were analysed. All the three mHC mRNA levels in Patient 1 were almost same as those in healthy controls. In Patient 2, mHC mRNA for IgM was detected at a level similar to that in controls, but mHC mRNAs for IgG and IgA heavy chains were not detected. In Patient 3, all the three mHC mRNAs were undetectable. Our data suggest that a different molecular basis exists in these patients with CVID even though all belong to group A of Bryant's classification. Use of our method facilitates a better understanding of molecular events in CVID patients and may be useful for precise classifications of CVID.
A revisit of sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and the extra transverse digital crease on the fingers
Authors: Ogunbiyi Adebola O. , George Adekunle O. , Daramola Olaniyi O. M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  Alteration in the location and number of palmar creases has been found in association with certain disorders. The extra transverse digital crease (ETDC) has been reported in sickle cell disease. This study was carried out to determine the importance of ETDC as a diagnostic tool for sickle cell disease amongst Nigerians.Methods  Medical students and student nurses with available hemoglobin electrophoresis records were studied. Their palms were examined for the presence of ETDC.Results  An ETDC was present in 80 of 178 (44.9%) cases with genotype AA, 26 of 68 (38.2%) cases with sickle cell trait (AS, 65; AC, 3), and 10 of 22 (45.4%) cases with sickle cell disease (SS).Conclusions  The results from our study show that the ETDC is not a diagnostic sign of sickle cell disease in Nigerians.
Evaluation of clinical types of cutaneous lichen planus in anti‐hepatitis C virus seronegative and seropositive Nigerian patients
Authors: Daramola Olaniyi O. M. , Ogunbiyi Adebola O. , George Adekunle O. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  The presentation of oral lichen planus in anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositive and seronegative patients was previously evaluated, and the keratotic form of oral lichen planus was found to be more prevalent in anti‐HCV seropositive patients. This study evaluated the presentation of cutaneous lichen planus in anti‐HCV seropositive and seronegative Nigerians.Methods  Fifty‐seven Nigerians with cutaneous lichen planus were carefully examined to determine the form of lichen planus present. All were screened for the presence of anti‐HCV by second‐generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and grouped as anti‐HCV seropositive or anti‐HCV seronegative patients.Results  Nine patients were anti‐HCV positive. Seven of these seropositive patients had hypertrophic lichen planus.Conclusion  Hypertrophic lichen planus in Nigerians is more prevalent with HCV infection.
Clinical and economic impact of Apligraf® for the treatment of nonhealing venous leg ulcers
Authors: Fivenson David , Scherschun Lubomira 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  Controlled studies have shown that Apligraf® (Organogenesis Inc., Canton, USA) is more economical and more effective at healing venous leg ulcers (VLUs) than compression therapy alone. However, the clinical and economic impact of Apligraf on healing VLUs in clinical practice has not been fully examined.Methods  A medical chart review was conducted of patients who were treated with Apligraf for one or more nonhealing VLUs over a 2‐year period at the Henry Ford Hospital. Following Apligraf treatment, patients were followed for up to 9 months. Primary clinical outcome measures were mean change in baseline ulcer size (cm2) per week and percent reduction in baseline ulcer size at final study visit. Economic evaluation of Apligraf treatment was based on VLU‐related medical care costs (US$) in relation to ulcer size (cm2) changes before and after Apligraf therapy.Results  Thirteen patients with 21 chronic VLUs were treated with Apligraf. All had at least one comorbidity, most commonly hypertension (38%). Twelve patients were known to have had a prior history of VLU. At baseline, mean ulcer duration was 23.9 months and median ulcer size was 13.5 cm2; for the 6 months preceding Apligraf treatment, in which patients received conventional compression therapy, mean ulcer size increased +0.72 cm2 per week. During the Apligraf post‐treatment study period, mean ulcer size decreased by −2.37 cm2 per week. At final clinic visit, ulcers exhibited an average 60.5% reduction in baseline size; 21 ulcers (n = 13) showed 75% or greater reduction in size, compared with baseline. Economic data were available for five patients; among these individuals ulcer‐related medical costs per unit change in ulcer size were lower following Apligraf treatment relative to such costs with conventional compression therapy applied during the Apligraf pretreatment period.Conclusions  In a clinical practice setting, Apligraf is more effective and more economical at healing VLUs than conventional therapy alone.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (adenosquamous carcinoma) treated with Mohs micrographic surgery
Authors: Nouri Keyvan , Trent Jennifer T. , Lowell Brooke , Vaitla Rama , Jimenez Gloria P. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), sometimes referred to as adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), is a common malignant tumor of the salivary glands that can also develop from the esophagus, lacrimal passages, lung, upper respiratory tract, pancreas, prostate and thyroid. Rarely, MEC will present primarily in the skin.Case  We present a case of primary MEC of the lower eyelid treated successfully with Mohs micrographic surgery.Results  Mohs micrographic surgery was performed because of the highly aggressive and unpredictable nature of this tumor. The tumor was completely excised using Mohs with negative margins achieved in three stages. The patient has been disease free for 3 years since the surgery.Conclusion  We offer Mohs as an option for treating MEC.
Atrophying tinea versicolor: A clinical and histological study of 12 patients
Authors: Crowson A. N. , Magro C. M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  We describe 12 patients with an atrophying dermatitis in whom the biopsy findings were compatible with tinea versicolor.Design  We encountered 12 skin biopsies from 12 patients in whom a clinically atrophying dermatosis was associated with light microscopic (LM) evidence of atrophy and epidermal colonization by Pityrosporum sp. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections were cut at 5 microns and stained with H&E, alcian blue‐PAS and PAS‐diastase preparations.Results  Five men and seven women aged 17–73 years in whom lesions characterized as atrophic plaques, patches or macules prompted clinical differential diagnoses including parapsoriasis or mycosis fungoides (MF), anetoderma, lupus erythematosus, and steroid atrophy. A LM examination showed epidermal colonization with pityrosporum hyphae and spores accompanied by variable epidermal and dermal atrophy characterized by rete‐ridge effacement, subepidermal fibroplasia, pigment incontinence and elastolysis.Conclusions  Atrophying cutaneous lesions comprise part of the clinical spectrum of tinea versicolor for which we propose the term ‘atrophying tinea versicolor’. The pathogenetic basis is unclear but could be the sequela of delayed type hypersensitivity and the release by T‐helper lymphocytes of leukotrienes which perturb collagen metabolism and/or keratinocyte growth. Lesions may be mistaken clinically for MF or other atrophying dermatoses.