bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A critical ‘threshold’ of β2‐integrin engagement regulates augmentation of cytokine‐mediated superoxide anion release
Authors: Walker Trevor R , Ruchaud‐Sparagano Marie‐Helene , McMeekin Sarah R , Dransfield Ian 
Published: April 2004

Neutrophil adhesion regulates a number of processes involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Neutrophil destructive potential can be modulated by adhesion, allowing alteration of inflammatory cell behaviour while preserving antimicrobial defences. β2‐Integrin‐mediated neutrophil adhesion to albumin‐coated latex beads (ACLB) allows modulation of integrin clustering and ligation and analysis of the effects of adhesion on neutrophil responses. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) enhanced neutrophil binding of different diameter ACLB equally, by almost four‐fold, and independently of bead size. Adhesion of neutrophils to ACLB caused a size‐dependent generation and release of O2− and also potentiated TNFα‐induced O2− release.
Binding of ACLB was not affected by disruption of cytoskeletal integrity with nocodazole or cytochalasin D or following blockade of tyrosine kinase activity. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation and an intact cytoskeleton were essential for adhesion‐ and cytokine‐induced O2− release from neutrophils. Inhibition of adhesion‐ and cytokine‐induced O2− release by 4‐amino‐5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐7‐(t‐butyl)pyrazol[3,4‐d]pyrimidine (PP2) indicated that a Src‐family tyrosine kinase was the principal regulatory pathway mediating this response in neutrophils, a distal role for p38 MAPK was revealed by use of SB203580.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of c‐Fgr, a Src‐family tyrosine kinase, occurred following ACLB adhesion and exposure to TNFα, and was susceptible to inhibition by PP2. We suggest that activation of the key regulatory enzyme c‐Fgr is achieved following ligation of a critical threshold of integrins following binding of large (>3 μm) ACLB.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1131–1140. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705715
Role of the epithelium and acetylcholine in mediating the contraction to 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the mouse isolated trachea
Authors: Moffatt James D , Cocks Thomas M , Page Clive P 
Published: April 2004

The 5‐HT receptor subtype that mediates bronchocontraction and the involvement of neuronal and non‐neuronal acetylcholine was assessed in murine isolated tracheae.
Atropine (1–10 nM) caused a rightward shift of the methacholine concentration–effect curves (pA2=9.0) but reduced the maximum response to 5‐HT, suggesting that 5‐HT acts as an indirect agonist. The potency of 5‐HT receptor agonists (α‐methyl‐5‐HT∼5‐HT>5‐carboxamidotryptamine), together with the competitive antagonism of 5‐HT by ketanserin (pA2=9.4), suggests the involvement of the 5‐HT2A receptor.
While cholinergic twitch responses to electrical field stimulation were abolished by the fast sodium channel inhibitor tetrodotoxin (300 nM), as well as by combined blockade of N‐, P‐ and Q‐type voltage‐operated calcium channels by ω‐conotoxin GVIA (30 nM) and agatoxin IVA (100 nM), responses to 5‐HT were unaffected. Similarly, botulinum toxin A (50 nM) inhibited EFS twitch responses, but not contractions to 5‐HT.
Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity was localised to ganglia and nerve fibres as well as approximately half the epithelial cells in the preparation. Removal of the epithelial layer markedly attenuated the contractile response to 5‐HT, but had no effect on contractions to either methacholine or EFS.
These findings suggest that 5‐HT, acting at 5‐HT2A receptors on mouse tracheal epithelial cells, stimulates these cells to release acetylcholine, which then causes contraction of airway smooth muscle. This phenomenon should be borne in mind in when interpreting studies of murine models of airway disease.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 1159–1166. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705720
Synthesis and Properties of a Mesylated ArgoGel Resin
Authors: Sann Christine Le , Abell Andrew D. 
Published: April 2004

Treatment of ArgoGel-OH with methanesulfonylchloride and triethylamine gives ArgoGel-OMs to which can be coupled the salt of a hydroxycarboxylic acid (quinates 1c, 3b, or sodium salicylate) and the caesium salt of N-Boc–amino acid. The phenoxide derived from 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol can also be coupled to this new resin to give a Wang linker.
Low umbilical artery vascular flow resistance and fetal outcome
Authors: Olofsson Per , Olofsson Hanna , Molin Johan , Maršál Karel 
Published: April 2004

Background.  An abnormally high [above mean + 2 standard deviations (SD)] umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) indicates impaired fetal outcome, whereas the impact of an “abnormally” low (below mean −2 SD) PI is unknown.Methods.  Perinatal outcome was compared between cases with a UA PI less than mean −2 SD (group A: high‐risk cases selected from a database, n = 330; group B: unselected cases, n = 39) and unselected controls (group C) with a PI within mean ± 2 SD (n = 863) at Doppler velocimetry. Groups B and C were retrieved from a population‐based sample. The unpaired t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, χ2‐test and Fisher's exact probability test were used for statistical comparisons with a two‐tailed p < 0.05 being significant.Results.  No significant differences were found between group A vs. group C and group B vs. group C regarding perinatal mortality, Apgar scores at 1, 5 or 10 min, or arterial or venous cord blood pH. Postterm pregnancy in group A carried no additional risk. For obvious reasons, operative delivery and neonatal intensive care were more common in group A than in group C, but no such differences were found between groups B and C. The mean birthweight was 3.7% higher in group B than in group C (p = 0.049).Conclusions.  Deeming a UA PI below the lower reference limit as “abnormally” low is a statistical definition that was not reflected by a biological imperfection. Instead, a low UA PI promoted fetal growth.
The validity of self‐reported use of hormone replacement therapy among Danish nurses
Authors: Løkkegaard Ellen Leth , Johnsen SØren Påske , Heitmann Berit Lillienthal , Stahlberg Claudia , Pedersen Anette TØnnes , Obel Erik Bernhard , Hundrup Yrsa Andersen , Hallas Jesper , SØrensen Henrik Toft 
Published: April 2004

Background.  Recent findings from randomized clinical trials on the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among postmenopausal women contradict findings from observational studies indicating a protective effect on the development of cardiovascular disease. Most observational studies on HRT are based on self‐reported data, although data on the validity of HRT in postmenopausal women are sparse.Methods.  We examined self‐reported HRT use from questionnaires administered in 1993 (n = 2694) and again in 1999 (n = 2666) to a cohort of Danish nurses living in two Danish counties compared with prescription‐reimbursement data from two administrative databases through the Danish National Health Service.Results.  The sensitivity and specificity of the self‐reported, current HRT use in 1993 were 78.4%[95% confidence interval (95% CI) 75.4–81.4] and 98.4% (95% CI 97.8–98.9), respectively. In 1999, the estimates were 74.8% (95% CI 72.0–77.7) and 98.0% (95% CI 97.3–98.8), respectively. None of the factors examined − including age, alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking, presence of hypertension, and body mass index − was strongly associated with validity. We found a relatively high validity of self‐reported data on HRT use. Furthermore, agreement between self‐reported and registry‐based data was not strongly associated with a range of demographic and lifestyle factors.Conclusion.  These findings suggest that use of self‐reported data is not an important contributor to the apparent discrepancy between observational studies and randomized trials on the cardiovascular effects of HRT use.
Association of −634G/C and 936C/T polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor with spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Papazoglou Dimitrios , Galazios Georgios , Koukourakis Michael I. , Kontomanolis Emmanuel N. , Maltezos Efstratios 
Published: April 2004

Background.  There is convincing evidence for a central role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in fetal and placental angiogenesis. Our present study was undertaken to examine the possible relationship between two common functional VEGF gene polymorphisms (− 634G/C and 936C/T), linked with altered VEGF gene responsiveness, and spontaneous preterm delivery.Methods.  Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood from 54 women with preterm labor and 79 menopausal women with at least two term spontaneous labors. DNA samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP).Results.  Individuals with 936T/T or 936C/T genotype demonstrated a statistically significant association with preterm delivery compared with those sharing 936C/C genotype [P = 0.0009, risk factor 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–3.06]. There were no significant associations between spontaneous preterm delivery and − 634 genotypes.Conclusion.  An association was demonstrated between the VEGF 936C/T polymorphism and deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation.
Pattern and regulation of cell proliferation during murine ureteric bud development
Authors: Michael Lydia , Davies Jamie A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBranched epithelia determine the anatomy of many mammalian organs; understanding how they develop is therefore an important element of understanding organogenesis as a whole. In recent years, much progress has been made in identifying paracrine factors that regulate branching morphogenesis in many organs, but comparatively little attention has been paid to the mechanisms of morphogenesis that translate these signals into anatomical change. Localized cell proliferation is a potentially powerful mechanism for directing the growth of a developing system to produce a specific final morphology. We have examined the pattern of cell proliferation in the ureteric bud system of the embryonic murine metanephric kidneys developing in culture. We detect a zone of high proliferation at the site of the presumptive ureteric bud even before it emerges from the Wolffian duct and later, as ureteric bud morphogenesis continues, proliferation is localized mainly in the very tips of the branching epithelium. Blocking cell cycling using methotrexate inhibits ureteric bud emergence. The proliferative zone is present at ureteric bud tips only when they are undergoing active morphogenesis; if branching is inhibited either by treatment with natural negative regulators (TGF‐β) or with antagonists of natural positive regulators (GDNF, glycosaminoglycans) then proliferation at the tips falls back to levels characteristic of the stalks behind them. Our results suggest that localized proliferation is an important morphogenetic mechanism in kidney development.
Palpable arciform migratory erythema in an HIV patient, a CD8+ pseudolymphoma
Authors: Muche J. M. , Toppe E. , Sterry W. , Haas N. 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Palpable arciform migratory erythema (PAME) is characterized by large, elevated, reddish annular lesions localized on the upper trunk. As its infiltrate consists predominantly of dense infiltrates of CD4+ lymphocytes with polyclonal T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, it has been grouped as a rare member of the T‐cell pseudolymphomas.Methods:  We performed histology, immunophenotyping, and TCR‐γ gene rearrangement studies in an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patient, CDC stage IIIB, who showed a clinically typical PAME.Results:  While TCR‐γ gene rearrangement studies showed a polyclonal infiltrate confirming a pseudolymphoma, 85% of skin‐infiltrating lymphocytes were CD8+ T cells.Conclusion:  PAME may also occur in HIV‐positive patients with CD4+ deficiency. Our case demonstrates that regular CD4 counts and immunocompetence are not necessary for its pathogenesis.
Is palliative resection of the primary tumour, in the presence of advanced rectal cancer, a safe and useful technique for symptom control?
Authors: Al‐Sanea Nasser , Isbister William H. 
Published: April 2004

Introduction:  At some time, every general surgeon will be faced with the task of trying to decide what to do with a patient who presents with rectal cancer and unresectable distant metastases. How safe is resectional surgery? What sort of palliation may be expected following resection of the primary tumour? In an attempt to answer these questions, the management and outcomes of all patients with rectal cancer and distant metastases, who were primarily referred to the colorectal unit at King Faisal Specialist Hospital were examined.Methods:  All patients who underwent primary surgery for rectal cancer in the presence of metastatic disease were identified. The charts of these patients were examined and their morbidity, mortality and survival were determined.Results:  Over an 8‐year period 22 patients (average age 54 years) underwent rectal resectional surgery in the presence of metastatic disease. There were 13 men and nine women. The commonest complaint was rectal bleeding. All patients had chest radiographs. Pulmonary metastases were identified in four patients. Nineteen abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scans were performed and eight showed evidence of metastases. Skeletal radiographs in two patients showed evidence of bone metastasis. At operation, intraperitoneal metastases were found in 18 patients. Nine of these were not identified preoperatively. Six patients underwent abdomino‐perineal resection, nine anterior resection and seven a Hartmann's procedure. Eight patients developed a significant postoperative complication and one died 42 days after surgery. The mean length of hospital stay was 18.6 days. Nine patients received preoperative radiotherapy. Four patients had palliative radiotherapy, two for bony, one for liver and one for peritoneal metastases. Patients were followed up for a mean of 1.1 years. During follow up, 11 returned to the emergency room on 24 occasions. Two patients required readmission. No patient had further rectal bleeding. The mean survival was 1.3 years.Conclusion:  Patients with rectal cancer and unresectable distant metastases can be successfully palliated by resection of the primary tumour with low morbidity and mortality. The early involvement of a palliative care team facilitates patient management and helps patients enjoy what remains of the rest of their lives at home, in comfort and with good symptom control.
Ureteric stenting 25 years on: routine or risky?
Authors: Lawrentschuk Nathan , Russell John M. 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Ureteric stents have been used in urological practice for over 25 years and in many cases have become almost routine. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the uses, complications and risk management issues associated with their use.Methods:  An extensive literature review was conducted and knowledge from past experience was accessed to give a summary of past and current ureteric stent use in urology.Results:  Broadly, there are stone and non‐stone indications for stenting. Complications may range from the commonly experienced ‘stent syndrome’ to the medico‐legal dilemma of the forgotten stent. Risk management must be applied to all uses of stenting to minimize complications and achieve best practice.Conclusion:  Although almost routine in many areas of urological practice, the complications and implications for risk management of ureteric stenting cannot be ignored.
Carotid endarterectomy in octogenarians
Authors: Varghese Raphael , Norman Paul 
Published: April 2004

Background:  The role of carotid endarterectomy in octogenarians is unclear as this age group was not included in the major trials of carotid surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine the trends and early outcome of carotid endarterectomy performed in octogenarians at a single institution.Methods:  A retrospective review of all carotid endarterectomies performed between 1990 and 2001 was conducted as part of a clinical audit. Trends in procedure numbers, length of stay, age and early outcome were assessed. The results of octogenarians were analysed separately.Results:  Three hundred and fifty‐nine carotid endarterectomies were performed in 329 patients including 33 octogenarians. The number of cases and the mean age of patients increased and length of stay decreased during the study period. There was a significant increase in the proportion of octogenarians undergoing carotid endarterectomy (P = 0.03) in the second half of the study period. The combined rate of stroke and death was higher in octogenarians compared with patients under 80 years old, but the difference was not statistically significant (8.8%vs 5.8%; P = 0.59).Conclusion:  The mean age of patients and the proportion of octogenarians undergoing carotid endarterectomy has increased over the 12‐year study period.
Zymosan induces nitric oxide production by peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Yao Veronica , McCauley Rosalie , Cooper Deborah , Platell Cameron , Hall John C. 
Published: April 2004

Introduction:  The production of nitric oxide is an important peritoneal defense mechanism. We have evaluated the effect of various putative stimulants on nitric oxide production by peritoneal mesothelial cells.Methods:  Wistar rats were randomized to either a control group or a peritonitis group (5 mg zymosan intraperitoneally). Groups of five animals were sacrificed at 4, 18, 24, 48 and 96 h after the induction of peritonitis and their peritoneal fluid was harvested for assay. Cultures of peritoneal mesothelial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, myeloperoxidase, TNFα, zymosan, peritoneal fluid from a control animal and peritoneal fluid from a peritonitis animal. Supernatants were collected after incubation for 4, 24 and 48 h for assay. The assay for nitric oxide was based upon the nitrite content of the samples.Results:  The intraperitoneal administration of zymosan was associated with an increased production of nitric oxide (NO) when compared with control animals (P < 0.01). In cultures of peritoneal mesothelial cells, zymosan, but not the other putative stimulants, was associated with a marked output of nitric oxide (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Zymosan has a direct effect on peritoneal mesothelial cells, which are able to generate nitric oxide in the absence of co‐stimulatory molecules. This suggests that it may be possible to use some form of external stimulation to up‐regulate the NO response by peritoneal mesothelial cells.
Exploring the paradox of unionised worker dissatisfaction
Authors: Guest David E. , Conway Neil 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the apparent paradox that while unions exist to promote the interests and well‐being of their members, UK survey evidence consistently shows that union members report lower levels of job satisfaction than non‐union workers. A review and further analysis of the evidence confirms that this difference persists after controlling for other factors such as type of work. If union member dissatisfaction reflects a form of voice, then we might expect to see resulting gains. An analysis of data from the 1998 Workplace Employee Relations Survey indicates that any gains are modest. Evidence is presented to suggest that although management has become less hostile to trade unions, a degree of anti‐union sentiment remains, sometimes leading to a muffling of the union voice, and this helps to account for some of the union member dissatisfaction.
Worker representation and health and safety in small enterprises in Europe
Authors: Walters David 
Published: April 2004

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to review the role that representative worker participation can play in contributing to better health and safety performance in small enterprises. The relevance of representative participation to health and safety in small enterprises is addressed and the challenges that the sector poses are discussed. Using a number of examples, including legislative approaches, trade union initiatives and joint trade union employer schemes in various countries, the paper explores some of the ways in which such challenges have been tackled.
Sideroblastic anaemia during fusidic acid treatment
Authors: Vial T. , Grignon M. , Daumont M. , Guy C. , Zenut M. , Germain M. L. , Jaubert J. , Ruivard M. , Guyotat D. , Descotes J. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract:Objectives and Methods:  To describe cases of fusidic acid‐associated sideroblastic anaemia from the French Pharmacovigilance database.Results:  Six cases of sideroblastic anaemia associated with oral fusidic acid treatment were retrieved. Four females and two males (mean age 65.3 yr) developed severe anaemia (mean haemoglobin level: 6.9 g/dL) within 32–190 d (mean: 81 d) of treatment. Bone marrow aspirates showed dyserythropoiesis and ringed sideroblasts in all patients. Four patients required repeated blood transfusions. After fusidic acid discontinuation in five patients, complete recovery was obtained. In one patient, rechallenge with fusidic acid resulted in recurrence of anaemia that resolved after definitive discontinuation of the drug.Conclusion:  Our data indicate that fusidic acid should be added to the list of drugs that can cause sideroblastic anaemia.
Acute cardiorespiratory collapse from heparin: a consequence of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mims Martha P. , Manian Prasad , Rice Lawrence 
Published: April 2004

Abstract:Background:  Heparin has rarely been reported to cause acute cardiorespiratory reactions or collapse. Some reports relate this to underlying heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia.Objective:  To confirm and increase awareness of acute life‐threatening cardiopulmonary events when patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia are re‐exposed to heparin.Design:  Retrospective observational case series.Patients/setting:  Four cardiovascular surgery patients were identified in two adjacent large urban hospitals over a 2‐yr‐period who experienced eight episodes of cardiorespiratory collapse immediately following heparin administration. All had underlying heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia.Results:  Intravenous boluses of unfractionated heparin were given to four patients with known or previously unrecognized heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. Two patients experienced severe respiratory distress within 15 min for which they required endotracheal intubation. Two other patients experienced cardiac arrest or a lethal arrhythmia within minutes of receiving intravenous heparin. Serologic tests for heparin‐induced antibodies were positive in all patients. In three cases, the platelet count was normal or near normal but fell dramatically (71%) immediately following the heparin bolus. Three cases had prior diagnoses of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia, but health care workers administered heparin either unaware of the diagnosis or ignorant of its significance. No patients died, but all required some form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and subsequent intensive care.Conclusions:  Heparin administration to patients with heparin‐induced antibodies can result in life‐threatening pulmonary or cardiac events. Appreciation of this phenomenon can unmask cases of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and strengthens the mandate to avoid any heparin exposure in affected patients. Recognition is crucial to avoiding disastrous outcomes.