bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of genetic background on nephropathy in diabetic mice
Authors: Gurley Susan B. , Clare Sharon E. , Snow Kamie P. , Hu Ann , Meyer Timothy W. , Coffman Thomas M.
Published: August 2005

With the goal of identifying optimal platforms for developing better models of diabetic nephropathy in mice, we compared renal effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes among five common inbred mouse strains (C57BL/6, MRL/Mp, BALB/c, DBA/2, and 129/SvEv). We also evaluated the renal consequences of chemical and genetic diabetes on the same genetic background (C57BL/6). There was a hierarchical response of blood glucose level to the STZ regimen among the strains (DBA/2 > C57BL/6 > MRL/MP > 129/SvEv > BALB/c). In all five strains, males demonstrated much more robust hyperglycemia with STZ than females. STZ-induced diabetes was associated with modest levels of albuminuria in all of the strains but was greatest in the DBA/2 strain, which also had the most marked hyperglycemia. Renal structural changes on light microscopy were limited to the development of mesangial expansion, and, while there were some apparent differences among strains in susceptibility to renal pathological changes, there was a significant positive correlation between blood glucose and the degree of mesangial expansion, suggesting that most of the variability in renal pathological abnormalities was because of differences in hyperglycemia. Although the general character of renal involvement was similar between chemical and genetic diabetes, Akita mice developed more marked hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressures, and less variability in renal structural responses. Thus, among the strains and models tested, the DBA/2 genetic background and the Akita ( Ins2+/C96Y) model may be the most useful platforms for model development.
Is NMDA Receptor Activation Essential for the Production of Locomotor-Like Activity in the Neonatal Rat Spinal Cord?
Authors: Cowley Kristine C. , Zaporozhets Eugene , MacLean Jason N. , Schmidt Brian J.
Published: August 2005

Previous work has established that in vitro bath application of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) promotes locomotor activity in a variety of vertebrate preparations including the neonatal rat spinal cord. In addition, NMDA receptor activation gives rise to active membrane properties that are postulated to contribute to the generation or stabilization of locomotor rhythm. However, earlier studies yielded conflicting evidence as to whether NMDA receptors are essential in this role. Therefore in this study, we examined the effect of NMDA receptor blockade, using d-2-amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid (AP5), on locomotor-like activity in the in vitro neonatal rat spinal cord. Locomotor-like activity was induced using 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acetylcholine, combined 5-HT and NMDA receptor activation, increased K+ concentration, or electrical stimulation of the brain stem and monitored using suction electrode recordings of left and right lumbar ventral root discharge. We also studied the effect on locomotor capacity of selectively suppressing NMDA receptor–mediated active membrane properties; this was achieved by removing Mg2+ ions from the bath, which in turn abolishes voltage-sensitive blockade of the NMDA receptor channel. The results show that, although NMDA receptor activation may seem essential for locomotor network operation under some experimental conditions, locomotor-like rhythms can nevertheless be generated in the presence of AP5 if spinal cord circuitry is exposed to appropriate levels of non–NMDA receptor–dependent excitation. Therefore neither NMDA receptor–mediated nonlinear membrane properties nor NMDA receptor activation in general is universally essential for locomotor network activation in the in vitro neonatal rat spinal cord.
Intractable Diarrhoea due to Congenital Enterocyte Defects
Authors: Phillips Alan D.
Published: August 2005

Background: Intractable diarrhoea of infancy represents a severe problem with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. These cases demand dedicated care from both parents and medical staff as there are no easy remedies. The rarity of patients indicates that progress in understanding these disorders requires concerted international efforts to pool resources and patients. Regular reviews of publications in the field are required to disseminate advances and to air hypotheses and diagnostic criteria. Methods: This is a review of current and previous literature on congenital enterocyte defects. Results: Discrete diagnoses are possible within this syndrome, and diagnostic criteria are becoming accepted. Cases are being reported on a world-wide basis, and differences in clinical course are becoming apparent with amelioration of severity in some instances. However, a high level of morbidity and mortality remains. Conclusions: There is still a long way to go in determining the underlying basis of the disorders. However, the promise of determining the genetic basis of the diseases is becoming a reality as molecular genetic analyses are performed. This is a priority as it should afford clearer diagnostic criteria, clarify disease relationships and give much need pathogenic information.
Congenital Enteropathy and Intestinal Transplantation
Authors: Goulet Olivier
Published: August 2005

Intestinal failure (IF) requires the use of parenteral nutrition (PN). Causes of severe protracted IF include short bowel syndrome, severe motility disorders (total or subtotal aganglionosis or chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome) and congenital diseases of enterocyte development. Severe liver disease may develop in patients with IF as a consequence of both underlying digestive disease and unadapted PN. Catheter-related sepsis and/or extensive vascular thrombosis may impede the continuation of safe and efficient PN. Thus management of patients with IF requires early recognition of the condition and the analysis of its risk of irreversibility. Timing of referral for intestinal transplantation remains a crucial issue. As a consequence, management should include therapies adapted to each stage of IF based on a multidisciplinary approach in centers involving pediatric gastroenterology, PN expertise, home-PN program, pediatric surgery, liver-intestinal transplantation program.
Are There Adverse Effects of Herniorrhaphy Techniques on Testicular Perfusion? Evaluation by Color Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: Dilek Osman Nuri , Yucel Aylin , Akbulut Gokhan , Degirmenci Bumin
Published: August 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of prosthetic meshes on testicular perfusion using color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized prospective clinical trial with blind assessment of outcome. A total of 26 patients who underwent elective herniorrhaphy for groin hernia participated in the study. Each patient was randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: totally extraperitoneal preperitoneal hernia repair (TEP; n = 13, mean age 46.7 ± 1.6 years) or Lichtenstein hernia repair (LHR; n = 13, mean age 54.2 ± 2.7 years). Six of the patients had bilateral hernias (n = 3 for each group). Blood flow indexes of the spermatic artery including end diastolic velocity (EDV), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the resistive index (RI) were examined by CDUS. Ultrasound was performed just before the operations and repeated after 3 months. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to evaluate the differences. Results:No statistically significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative measurements which included blood flow parameters (PSV, EDV, and RI) of the testes (p > 0.05). Conclusion:Neither the TEP or LHR technique had any decreasing effect on blood flow.
The Natural History of Radiographically Defined Vertebrobasilar Nonsaccular Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Flemming Kelly D. , Wiebers David O. , Brown Jr. Robert D. , Link Michael J. , Huston, III John , McClelland Robyn L. , Christianson Teresa J.H.
Published: August 2005

Background: Vertebrobasilar nonsaccular intracranial aneurysms (VBNIA) are characterized by dilatation, elongation, and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar system. Methods:The medical records and imaging of patients with vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms or dolichoectasia between 1989 and 2001 were reviewed. Prospective follow-up was obtained. Results: One hundred and fifty-nine patients were identified (74% male) with 719 patient years of follow-up. Presenting events included: hemorrhage (3%), ischemia (28%), and compression (22%). The remainder were incidental. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year risk of cerebral infarction (CI) due toVBNIA is 2.7, 11.3, and 15.9% respectively. The risk of recurrent CI is 6.7% per patient year. Median survival was 7.8 years and death was most commonly due to ischemia. Conclusions:VBNIA are more common in men and typically present in the 6–7th decade. Recurrent CI is more common than hemorrhage risk.
Effects of Unoprostone and Endothelin 1 on L-Type Channel Currents in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Thieme Hagen , Steinhausen Kirsten , Ottlecz Anna , Lambrou George N. , Strauss Olaf , Wiederholt Michael , Rosenthal Rita
Published: August 2005

Background: The trabecular meshwork (TM) is a smooth muscle-like tissue with contractile properties and by this mechanisms involved in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow. Isopropyl unoprostone (Rescula®, Novartis Ophthalmics), a synthetic docosanoid, reduces intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and normal subjects. In isolated TM strips, unoprostone reduces TM contractility in the presence of endothelin 1 (ET-1). However, the signal transduction pathway of unoprostone still remains unclear. Since L-type channel currents are known to influence the contractility of TM, we examined the effects of unoprostone and ET-1 on L-type channel currents of TM cells. Methods: The effects of unoprostone, ET-1 and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A on L-type channel currents of cultured human TM cells were investigated using the perforated patch configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Results: Application of ET-1 had no effect on L-type channel currents. Unoprostone led to a dose-dependent reduction of control currents. The effect of unoprostone is independent of ET-1. After preincubation of cells with herbimycin A, unoprostone had no effect on the L-type channel current amplitude. Human TM cells preincubated with herbimycin A showed a reduced current density compared with control cells. Both substances, unoprostone and herbimycin A, increased the inactivation time constant of L-type channel currents. Conclusion: We conclude that unoprostone reduces the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels. This effect seems to be independent of ET-1. The signal transduction pathway seems to be mediated by tyrosine kinases.
Systemic Nitric Oxide Production Rate during Hemodialysis and Its Relationship with Nitric Oxide-Related Factors
Authors: Mochizuki Seiichi , Ono Jun-ichi , Yada Toyotaka , Ogasawara Yasuo , Miyasaka Takehiro , Kimoto Masumi , Kashihara Naoki , Kajiya Fumihiko
Published: August 2005

Background/Aims:Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in the regulation of vascular tone and controls both local and systemic hemodynamics. Here, we estimated systemic NO production rates of hemodialysis (HD) patients, based on the time course of plasma concentration of nitrate (an oxidative end product of NO) and investigated possible roles of NO-related factors. Methods: We measured plasma concentrations of nitrate, L-arginine (a substrate of NO synthase: NOS), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, an endogenous NOS inhibitor), tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4, a NOS cofactor), dihydrobiopterin (BH2, an oxidized form of BH4) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxyLDL; an index of oxidative stress) before and after 30-min and 4-hour HD (n = 10). Results:The time-averaged NO production rate during HD was estimated by fitting the time course of plasma nitrate concentration with a single-compartment model (4.00 ± 0.82 µmol/min, 4.99 ± 1.08 µmol/kg/h). The L-arginine/ADMA ratio (L-arginine availability) after 30-min HD showed a positive correlation with the NO production rate (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The systemic NO production rate during HD could be estimated by the single-compartment analysis. The L-arginine/ADMA ratio seems to play an important role in the regulation of the NO production during HD.
Hyperglycemia Inhibits the Uptake of Dehydroascorbate in Tubular Epithelial Cell
Authors: Chen Ling , Jia Ru-han , Qiu Chang-jian , Ding Guohua
Published: August 2005

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress has been considered to be a common pathogenetic factor of diabetic nephropathy. But the reason why renal cells are susceptible to oxidative injury in diabetes is not clear. Vitamin C plays a central role in the antioxidant defense system and exists in two major forms. The charged form, ascorbate, is taken up into cells via sodium-dependent facilitated transport. The uncharged form, dehydroascorbate, enters cells via glucose transporter and is then converted back to ascorbate within these cells. Because dehydroascorbate and glucose compete for glucose transporters, hyperglycemia will exclude vitamin C from the cell and resulted in a decreased antioxidant capacity in some cell type that is dehydroascorbate dependent. As such, we hypothesized that some renal cells were dehydroascorbate dependent and the susceptibility of renal cells to glucose-induced injury was mediated by hyperglycemic exclusion of dehydroascorbate uptake through competing for glucose transporter. The aims of the present study were to determine whether tubular epithelial cell was dehydroascorbate dependent and the effect of dehydroascorbate on the production of reactive oxygen species in cells incubated by high glucose. Methods: Tubular epithelial cell was cultured in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10% newborn calf serum. Intracellular ascorbate and dehydroascorbate contents were measured with vitamin C assay system. The intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species was detected with the fluorescent probe CM-H2DCFDA by using confocal microscopy. Results: Ascorbate entry into the cells was not significantly different from background noise. In contrast, we observed a significant increase in the uptake of dehydroascorbate in tubular cell. At a dehydroascorbate concentration of 1 mM, increasing concentrations of glucose competitively inhibited dehydroascorbate entry into the cells such that the accumulation of dehydroascorbate was smaller than half maximal at about 22 mM glucose. Cytochalasin B, a kind of hexose transporter inhibitor, inhibited dehydroascorbate entry into the cells. At a glucose concentration of 25 mM, increasing concentrations of dehydroascorbate reduced reactive oxygen species generation in a dose-dependent manner when dehydroascorbate concentration was smaller than 4 mM. However, the inhibitory effect was not observed at 8 mM of dehydroascorbate. Conclusions: Tubular epithelial cells are dehydroascorbate dependent. Vitamin C exclusion from tubular epithelial cells through competition of glucose and dehydroascorbate for common transport mechanism in diabetes will deprive the cells of antioxidant ability and could lead to reactive oxygen species accumulation.
Comparative Overview of Brain Perfusion Imaging Techniques
Authors: Wintermark Max , Sesay Musa , Barbier Emmanuel , Borbély Katalin , Dillon William P. , Eastwood James D. , Glenn Thomas C. , Grandin Cécile B. , Pedraza Salvador , Soustiel Jean-François , Nariai Tadashi , Zaharchuk Greg , Caillé Jean-Marie , Dousset Vincent , Yonas Howard
Published: August 2005

Background and Purpose—

Numerous imaging techniques have been developed and applied to evaluate brain hemodynamics. Among these are positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, Xenon-enhanced computed tomography, dynamic perfusion computed tomography, MRI dynamic susceptibility contrast, arterial spin labeling, and Doppler ultrasound. These techniques give similar information about brain hemodynamics in the form of parameters such as cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood volume. All of them are used to characterize the same types of pathological conditions. However, each technique has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Summary of Review—

This article addresses the main imaging techniques dedicated to brain hemodynamics. It represents a comparative overview established by consensus among specialists of the various techniques.

Conclusions—

For clinicians, this article should offer a clearer picture of the pros and cons of currently available brain perfusion imaging techniques and assist them in choosing the proper method for every specific clinical setting.
Fume formation from spatter oxidation during arc welding
Authors: Jenkins Neil T. , Eagar Thomas W.
Published: August 2005

Spatter and fume formation rates during arc welding both increase and decrease in a similar manner as welding parameters change. Previously, this fume–spatter relationship has been attributed to evaporation of the spatter caused by oxidation. In this work, a simulated spatter oxidation test did not detect significant fume formation, but high speed videography showed fume trails behind large spatter droplets. Heat balance calculations show that only spatter droplets larger than a few millimeters evaporate and produce fume in significant amounts. Since most spatter particles are smaller than 2 mm, it is not likely that evaporation from spatter contributes significantly to fume. It is proposed that the correlation between spatter and welding fume is instead related to how the temperature of the welding surface affects formation rates of both spatter and fume.
Strength estimation of self-piercing rivets using lower bound limit load analysis
Authors: Sun X. , Khaleel M. A.
Published: August 2005

This paper summarises the authors’ work on strength and failure mode estimation of self-piercing rivets (SPRs) for automotive applications. First, the static cross tension strength of an SPR joint is estimated using a lower bound limit load based strength estimator. Failure mode associated with the predicted failure strength can also be identified. It is shown that the cross tension strength of an SPR joint depends on the material and gage combinations, rivet design, die design and riveting direction. The analytical rivet strength estimator is then validated by experimental rivet strength measurements and failure mode observations from nine SPR joint populations with various material and gage combinations. Next, the estimator is used to optimise rivet strength. Two illustrative examples are presented in which rivet strength is improved by changing rivet length and riveting direction from the original manufacturing parameters.
Allogeneic marrow stromal cells are immune rejected by MHC class I– and class II–mismatched recipient mice
Authors: Eliopoulos Nicoletta , Stagg John , Lejeune Laurence , Pommey Sandra , Galipeau Jacques
Published: August 2005

It has been suggested that marrow stromal cells (MSCs) may be immunoprivileged and can engraft in allogeneic recipients with intact immune systems. We determined if the implantation of murine MSCs engineered to release erythropoietin (Epo) would be feasible in major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched allogeneic mice without immunosuppression, and we monitored hematocrit (Hct) as a reporter of MSC graft survival. MSCs from C57Bl/6 mice were engineered to release murine Epo (Epo+ MSCs) and implanted subcutaneously in either syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice or MHC-mismatched Balb/c mice. In syngeneic recipients, the Hct rapidly rose from baseline level and remained higher than .88 (88%) for more than 200 days. However, in MHC-mismatched recipient Balb/c mice, the Hct rose transiently and rapidly declined to baseline values. Repeat implantations in these same mice were associated with an acquired refractoriness in the Hct response consistent with alloimmunization to donor Epo+ MSCs. Allogeneic MSC implants had an increased proportion of host-derived lymphoid CD8+, natural killer T (NKT), and NK infiltrating cells compared with syngeneic controls, and splenocytes isolated from Balb/c mice that had received implants also displayed a significant interferon-gamma (IFNγ) response to C57Bl/6 MSCs in vitro. These results strongly suggest that MSCs are not intrinsically immunoprivileged and cannot serve as a “universal donor” in immunocompetent MHC-mismatched recipients.
Combination therapy with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (Rev/Dex) for newly diagnosed myeloma
Authors: Rajkumar S. Vincent , Hayman Suzanne R. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Geyer Susan M. , Kabat Brian , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Kumar Shaji , Greipp Philip R. , Fonseca Rafael , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Kyle Robert A. , Witzig Thomas E. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: August 2005

We report the results of a phase 2 trial using lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (Rev/Dex) as initial therapy for myeloma. Thirtyfour patients were enrolled. Lenalidomide was given orally 25 mg daily on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. Dexamethasone was given orally 40 mg daily on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 of each cycle. Objective response was defined as a decrease in serum monoclonal protein level by 50% or greater and a decrease in urine M protein level by at least 90% or to a level less than 200 mg/24 hours, confirmed by 2 consecutive determinations at least 4 weeks apart. Thirty-one of 34 patients achieved an objective response, including 2 (6%) achieving complete response (CR) and 11 (32%) meeting criteria for both very good partial response and near complete response, resulting in an overall objective response rate of 91%. Of the 3 remaining patients not achieving an objective response, 2 had minor response (MR) and one had stable disease. Fortyseven percent of patients experienced grade III or higher nonhematologic toxicity, most commonly fatigue (15%), muscle weakness (6%), anxiety (6%), pneumonitis (6%), and rash (6%). Rev/Dex is a highly active regimen with manageable side effects in the treatment of newly diagnosed myeloma.
The development of common data elements for a multi-institute prostate cancer tissue bank: The Cooperative Prostate Cancer Tissue Resource (CPCTR) experience
Authors: Patel Ashokkumar A , Kajdacsy-Balla André , Berman Jules J , Bosland Maarten , Datta Milton W , Dhir Rajiv , Gilbertson John , Melamed Jonathan , Orenstein Jan , Tai Kuei-Fang , Becich Michael J
Published: August 2005

Background

The Cooperative Prostate Cancer Tissue Resource (CPCTR) is a consortium of four geographically dispersed institutions that are funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide clinically annotated prostate cancer tissue samples to researchers. To facilitate this effort, it was critical to arrive at agreed upon common data elements (CDEs) that could be used to collect demographic, pathologic, treatment and clinical outcome data.

Methods

The CPCTR investigators convened a CDE curation subcommittee to develop and implement CDEs for the annotation of collected prostate tissues. The draft CDEs were refined and progressively annotated to make them ISO 11179 compliant. The CDEs were implemented in the CPCTR database and tested using software query tools developed by the investigators.

Results

By collaborative consensus the CPCTR CDE subcommittee developed 145 data elements to annotate the tissue samples collected. These included for each case: 1) demographic data, 2) clinical history, 3) pathology specimen level elements to describe the staging, grading and other characteristics of individual surgical pathology cases, 4) tissue block level annotation critical to managing a virtual inventory of cases and facilitating case selection, and 5) clinical outcome data including treatment, recurrence and vital status. These elements have been used successfully to respond to over 60 requests by end-users for tissue, including paraffin blocks from cases with 5 to 10 years of follow up, tissue microarrays (TMAs), as well as frozen tissue collected prospectively for genomic profiling and genetic studies. The CPCTR CDEs have been fully implemented in two major tissue banks and have been shared with dozens of other tissue banking efforts.

Conclusion

The freely available CDEs developed by the CPCTR are robust, based on "best practices" for tissue resources, and are ISO 11179 compliant. The process for CDE development described in this manuscript provides a framework model for other organ sites and has been used as a model for breast and melanoma tissue banking efforts.
Evaluation of a task-based community oriented teaching model in family medicine for undergraduate medical students in Iraq
Authors: Al-Dabbagh Samim A , Al-Taee Waleed G
Published: August 2005

Background

The inclusion of family medicine in medical school curricula is essential for producing competent general practitioners. The aim of this study is to evaluate a task-based, community oriented teaching model of family medicine for undergraduate students in Iraqi medical schools.

Methods

An innovative training model in family medicine was developed based upon tasks regularly performed by family physicians providing health care services at the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in Mosul, Iraq. Participants were medical students enrolled in their final clinical year. Students were assigned to one of two groups. The implementation group (28 students) was exposed to the experimental model and the control group (56 students) received the standard teaching curriculum. The study took place at the Mosul College of Medicine and at the Al-Hadba PHCC in Mosul, Iraq, during the academic year 1999–2000. Pre- and post-exposure evaluations comparing the intervention group with the control group were conducted using a variety of assessment tools.

Results

The primary endpoints were improvement in knowledge of family medicine and development of essential performance skills. Results showed that the implementation group experienced a significant increase in knowledge and performance skills after exposure to the model and in comparison with the control group. Assessment of the model by participating students revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the planning, organization, and implementation of the intervention activities. Students also highly rated the relevancy of the intervention for future work.

Conclusion

A model on PHCC training in family medicine is essential for all Iraqi medical schools. The model is to be implemented by various relevant departments until Departments of Family medicine are established.
Introduction to Bayesian methods I: measuring the strength of evidence
Authors: Goodman Steven N
Published: August 2005

Bayesian inference is a formal method to combine evidence external to a study, represented by a prior probability curve, with the evidence generated by the study, represented by a likelihood function. Because Bayes theorem provides a proper way to measure and to combine study evidence, Bayesian methods can be viewed as a calculus of evidence, not just belief. In this introduction, we explore the properties and consequences of using the Bayesian measure of evidence, the Bayes factor (in its simplest form, the likelihood ratio). The Bayes factor compares the relative support given to two hypotheses by the data, in contrast to the P-value, which is calculated with reference only to the null hypothesis. This comparative property of the Bayes factor, combined with the need to explicitly predefine the alternative hypothesis, produces a different assessment of the strength of evidence against the null hypothesis than does the P-value, and it gives Bayesian procedures attractive frequency properties. However, the most important contribution of Bayesian methods is the way in which they affect both who participates in a scientific dialogue, and what is discussed. With the emphasis moved from “error rates” to evidence, content experts have an opportunity for their input to be meaningfully incorporated, making it easier for regulatory decisions to be made correctly.
Vasopressin in Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Koshman Sheri L , Zed Peter J , Abu-Laban Riyad B
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To review the efficacy and safety of vasopressin in cardiac arrest.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched (all to June 2005) for full-text English-language publications describing trials in humans. Search terms were vasopressin, epinephrine, adrenaline, heart arrest, cardiac arrest, and clinical trial.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Prospective, randomized, controlled trials that evaluated efficacy or safety endpoints of vasopressin in the management of cardiac arrest were included. Efficacy outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation, successful resuscitation, survival to hospital admission, 2hour survival, and survival to hospital discharge. Safety outcomes were as defined by each trial.

Data Synthesis:

Three prospective trials were identified and included in this review. Vasopressin does not appear to offer any therapeutic advantage compared with epinephrine in the treatment of both in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, regardless of the presenting arrest rhythm. Although there is a suggestion that vasopressin may be effective in treatment of asystole, the evidence for this arises from a subgroup analysis that should be viewed as hypothesis generating. There are limited data describing the safety of vasopressin in cardiac arrest.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current evidence for the use of vasopressin in cardiac arrest is indeterminate. Given the similarly equivocal evidence of efficacy for epinephrine, either drug could be considered the first-line agent in cardiac arrest. Placebo-controlled studies with appropriate statistical power are warranted to evaluate meaningful clinical outcomes, such as survival to hospital discharge. Further evaluation of the role of vasopressin in asystolic cardiac arrest and its use in combination with epinephrine is also justified.
Raman Spectra of Carbon Dioxide and its Isotopic Variants in the Fermi Resonance Region. Part IV: Temperature Dependence on Q-Branch Intensities from 300 K to 650 K
Authors: Wienecke P. , Finsterhölzl H. , Schrötter H. W. , Brandmüller J.
Published: August 2005

The temperature dependence of the intensities of the Q-branches in the Raman spectrum of gaseous CO2 in the Fermi resonance region was measured in the range from 300 K to 650 K. The intensity contours were reproduced by computer simulation, taking into account energy levels up to ( v1 v21 v3) = (30°0) as final states. Calibration curves are given for the determination of temperatures from the intensity distribution in the hot bands of the Raman spectrum of CO2.
The 13C Dipole-Dipole Relaxation and Pseudorotation of Some Macrocyclic Ethers and a Polyoxalactone
Authors: Erk Çakil
Published: August 2005

The 13C dipole-dipole relaxation times of tetraoxa-, pentaoxa-, hexaoxa-cyclooctadecane, and dioxohexaoxacyclooctadecane were obtained in acetone-d6 by the aid of the inversion recovery method at 15.0 MHz. The dependence of dipolar relaxation time on the molecular size and the conformational aspects of cyclopolyoxa molecules, n, are discussed from the point of view of the cation-binding properties of such compounds. It is concluded that the T1DD values reflect the rate of pseudorotation and therefore the flexible nature of the ring which causes the preference of the cation binding; accordingly, the rigidity determines the degree of stability of ion-molecule complexes.
Potential Sources of Systematic Errors in Tunable-Diode-Laser Absorption Measurements
Authors: Sams Robert , Fried Alan
Published: August 2005

There are various potential sources of systematic error in tunable-diode-laser absorption measurements. In this paper, we discuss two such sources that are associated with multimode lasing. The first is caused by secondary modes which are passed by a monochromator and are absorbed by lines not intentionally being studied. In the second source of error, different spatial modes may appear in different arms of a double-beam system. Both types of errors can give rise to rather dramatic systematic errors in frequency and concentration calibrations.
Direct Detection of Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation through an Optical Sampling Orifice: Spatially Resolved Emission Studies of Argon Resonance Lines from an Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Houk R. S. , Fassel Velmer A. , Lafreniere Bryant R.
Published: August 2005

Optical spectra are observed through a sampling orifice inserted directly into an inductively coupled plasma. The optical system does not use lenses, mirrors, or windows so that vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths as low as the ionization energy of Ar (78.7 nm) can be detected. These lines are readily observed with lateral spatial resolution. The intensity of Ar I 106.67 nm is studied for various plasma operating parameters and observation positions. The number density for the upper state for this line (3P1) is estimated to be of the order of 1011 cm−3 in the axial channel, which is similar in magnitude to the populations of the nearby metastable Ar levels measured previously. The Ar I line at 104.82 nm is self-reversed, indicating that Ar resonant radiation can definitely be trapped in the inductively coupled plasma. The results support the radiation trapping hypothesis but do not quantitatively determine the magnitude of energy transfer from the induction region to the axial channel by this mechanism.
Raman Study of the Diffusion of Triglycine Sulfate in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Morgan S. H. , Silberman E. , Kroes R. L. , Reiss D.
Published: August 2005

Concentrations of sulfate and bisulfate ions, glycine zwitterions, and glycine cations in aqueous solutions (0.01 to 0.5 M) of TGS were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The results were used to establish differences in the diffusion rates of these ions and to suggest possible influences of these differences on TGS crystal growth experiments to be carried out in Spacelab 3.
Infrared Characterization of Nuclei Isolated from Normal and Leukemic (B-CLL) Lymphocytes: Part III
Authors: Benedetti Enzo , Palatresi Maria Pia , Vergamini Piergiorgio , Papineschi Federico , Andreucci Maria Cristina , Spremolla Giuliano
Published: August 2005

Nuclei extracted from lymphocytes coming from normal subjects and from patients affected by chronic lymphatic leukemia (B-CLL) were studied by means of infrared spectroscopy. Substantial spectral differences were found above all in the region of the phosphate-group vibrations of DNA. The ratios of the integrated areas of the bands at 1080 and 1540 cm−1, due to the symmetrical stretching vibrations of PO2− groups and to proteic components, respectively, assume increasing values, which are localized in quite separate ranges, for normal lymphocytes, leukemic lymphocytes, normal nuclei, and leukemic nuclei. These values, indicating a different distribution of DNA and of proteic components between normal and leukemic cells and between normal and leukemic nuclei, may assume a remarkable significance in the precocious diagnosis of leukemia (B-CLL) and in following the course of the disease. In the case of leukemic nuclei, the ratio, in weight, of the two components reaches the value of 1:1.
Placebo Effects Mediated by Endogenous Opioid Activity on μ-Opioid Receptors
Authors: Zubieta Jon-Kar , Bueller Joshua A. , Jackson Lisa R. , Scott David J. , Xu Yanjun , Koeppe Robert A. , Nichols Thomas E. , Stohler Christian S.
Published: August 2005

Reductions in pain ratings when administered a placebo with expected analgesic properties have been described and hypothesized to be mediated by the pain-suppressive endogenous opioid system. Using molecular imaging techniques, we directly examined the activity of the endogenous opioid system on μ-opioid receptors in humans in sustained pain with and without the administration of a placebo. Significant placebo-induced activation of μ-opioid receptor-mediated neurotransmission was observed in both higher-order and sub-cortical brain regions, which included the pregenual and subgenual rostral anterior cingulate, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the insular cortex, and the nucleus accumbens. Regional activations were paralleled by lower ratings of pain intensity, reductions in its sensory and affective qualities, and in the negative emotional state of the volunteers. These data demonstrate that cognitive factors (e.g., expectation of pain relief) are capable of modulating physical and emotional states through the site-specific activation of μ-opioid receptor signaling in the human brain.
Molecular, Structural, and Functional Characterization of Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence for a Relationship between Default Activity, Amyloid, and Memory
Authors: Buckner Randy L. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Shannon Benjamin J. , LaRossa Gina , Sachs Rimmon , Fotenos Anthony F. , Sheline Yvette I. , Klunk William E. , Mathis Chester A. , Morris John C. , Mintun Mark A.
Published: August 2005

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and antecedent factors associated with AD were explored using amyloid imaging and unbiased measures of longitudinal atrophy in combination with reanalysis of previous metabolic and functional studies. In total, data from 764 participants were compared across fivein vivoimaging methods. Convergence of effects was seen in posterior cortical regions, including posterior cingulate, retrosplenial, and lateral parietal cortex. These regions were active in default states in young adults and also showed amyloid deposition in older adults with AD. At early stages of AD progression, prominent atrophy and metabolic abnormalities emerged in these posterior cortical regions; atrophy in medial temporal regions was also observed. Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging studies further revealed that these cortical regions are active during successful memory retrieval in young adults. One possibility is that lifetime cerebral metabolism associated with regionally specific default activity predisposes cortical regions to AD-related changes, including amyloid deposition, metabolic disruption, and atrophy. These cortical regions may be part of a network with the medial temporal lobe whose disruption contributes to memory impairment.
Thorium reactions in borosilicate-glass/water systems
Authors: Rai Dhanpat , Yui Mikazu , Hess Nancy J. , Felmy Andrew R. , Moore Dean A.
Published: August 2005

Studies were conducted on the dissolution of Th-doped borosilicate glass, a complex assemblage of 24 different elements in various proportions, in a wide range of pH values (0.5 to 12) and carbonate (as high as 6.2 m) and bicarbonate (as high as 1.0 m) concentrations, and as a function of time to determine whether the observed thorium concentrations exhibit an equilibrium phenomenon and to ascertain whether existing thermodynamic data can be used to interpret these results. Measurable Th concentrations were observed in either the very acidic (pH 0.5 to 4) solutions or alkaline solutions containing relatively high carbonate/bicarbonate concentrations. Steady state Th concentrations were reached over time from both the oversaturation and undersaturation directions, indicating that Th concentrations are controlled by an equilibrium solubility phenomenon. The XRD, EXAFS, and thermodynamic analyses of solubility data failed to definitively identify the nature of the solubility-controlling solid in this complex system; however, the data suggests that the solubility-controlling solid most likely involves the Th-silicate phase and that the observed Th concentrations are up to many orders of magnitude lower than in equilibrium with ThO2(am). The solubility study also showed that existing thermodynamic data for carbonato complexes of Th can be used to reliably predict Th concentrations in relatively dilute to concentrated carbonate/bicarbonate solutions.
Perpetual convertible bonds in jump-diffusion models
Authors: Gapeev Pavel V. , Kühn Christoph
Published: August 2005

A convertible (callable) bond is a security that the holder can convert into a specified number of underlying shares. In addition, the issuer can recall the bond, paying some compensation, or force the holder to convert it immediately. We give an explicit solution to the corresponding optimal stopping game in the context of a reduced form model driven by a Brownian motion and a compound Poisson process with exponential jumps. It turns out that the occurrence of jumps leads to optimal stopping strategies whose structure differs from the results for continuous models.
Optimal portfolios with expected loss constraints and shortfall risk optimal martingale measures
Authors: Leitner Johannes
Published: August 2005

We study reward over penalty for risk ratios E[u(V)]/E[ρ(V)], V ∈ V, where V ⊆ L
1(P) describes a linear space of attainable returns in an arbitrage-free market, u is concave and ρ ≥ 0 is convex. It turns out that maximizing such reward over penalty ratios is essentially equivalent to maximizing the ratio α(V) := E[V]/E[V
−] or the expected profit over expected loss ratio E[V
+]/E[V
−]. The lowest upper bound α– := supV ∈ Vα(V) can be determined by solving an appropriate dual problem over the set of bounded equivalent martingale measures for V. This observation leads to the definition of shortfall risk optimal equivalent martingale measures.
Sampling approach for quantitative microscopic investigation of concrete through planar and spatial measurements
Authors: Elzafraney M. , Soroushian P.
Published: August 2005

A statistical sampling iterative approach has been developed for selection of sample size in quantitative microscopic analysis of concrete microcracks. The process involves division of the concrete system between different sub-regions, with rather uniform damage condition within each sub-region as well as coring each sub-region. The proposed scheme established the variability of key quantified microcrack characteristics, and employed statistical criteria to develop methodologies for assessing the adequacy of the number of sub-regions across the structure and the number of samples (cylindrical cores) extracted from each sub-region. Criteria were also developed for determining the statistical significance of the differences between measurements of different sub-regions. The quantified characteristics of the concrete microcrack system covered both planar (two-dimensional) and spatial (three-dimensional) features; stereological aspects were employed to derive spatial characteristics using planar measurements.
Behaviour of high- and normal-strength concrete at early ages
Authors: Jin X. , Shen Y. , Li Z.
Published: August 2005

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations on the behaviour of both high (HSC) and normal strength (NSC) concrete at early ages. The mechanical experiments included compression test, splitting tension, and fracture test. The tests were conducted at ages of 12 h, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 28 days. In addition to various strengths, the complete stress–strain curves of concretes under uniaxial compression at different ages were obtained by utilising the circumferential control method. It was found that the strength development rate of HSC was sharper than that of NSC at early ages. To investigate the microstructure development of concrete at early ages, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was used to examine the pore size and accumulated pore volume for both HSC and NSC at ages of 12 h, 1, 3 and 28 days. The results showed that the porosity decreased with the progress of hydration. Accordingly, the strengths of both HSC and NSC increased as the result of progress of microstructure development.
Slender high-strength RC columns under eccentric compression
Authors: Germain O. , Espion B.
Published: August 2005

After a review of all published results concerning the testing of slender high-strength concrete columns under eccentric loading, the results of testing up to failure for 12 large, slender, high-strength reinforced concrete (RC) columns are reported and discussed. The main parameters of this series were the column slenderness and the load eccentricity. Loading was controlled by the transverse deflection of the column, which permitted the smooth capture of the post-peak behaviour. The structural behaviour of the columns is modelled by the Comité Euro-International du Béton (CEB) finite differences method and the CEB column model method. Discussion of the results shows the necessity of taking into account the influence of the accidental eccentricity in the analysis of the behaviour of slender columns with small eccentricity of the load. Both methods are adequate to predict the carrying capacity of slender high-strength concrete columns, but the finite differences method appears more reliable than the column model method to model the post-peak behaviour.
Angiogenic Recruitment of Pericytes from Bone Marrow after Stroke
Authors: Kokovay Erzsebet , Li Lu , Cunningham Lee A
Published: August 2005

Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) contribute to revascularization after ischemia. However, the mechanisms by which BMDCs support vessel remodeling after cerebral ischemia are not clear. Using mouse chimeras that express enhanced green fluorescent protein in reconstituted bone marrow, we investigated the role of BMDCs in revascularization and brain repair after middle cerebral artery occlusion of murine brain. After ischemia, two populations of BMDCs were observed, one in the brain parenchyma and another associated with the vasculature. The number of BMDCs that infiltrated the brain parenchyma peaked at 7 days and persisted through 14 days, the last time point observed. The majority of BMDCs were characterized as microglia, based on cell-type-specific marker expression. We observed a robust angiogenic response after cerebral ischemia. Bone marrow-derived cells associated with remodeling blood vessels were negative for endothelial markers, but were surrounded by basal lamina and expressed desmin and vimentin, identifying these cells as pericytes. Quantification of BMDCs that expressed desmin revealed increasing desmin expression with time. Perivascular associated BMDCs that expressed desmin were immunoreactive for the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor- β. These findings suggest that pericytes are recruited from the periphery and are involved in blood vessel stabilization during ischemiainduced angiogenesis.
Expression of the Multidrug Resistance Gene (MDR1) in Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Abe Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Masato , Ota Eiichiro , Ozeki Yuichi , Tamai Seiichi , Inoue Hiroshi , Ueyama Yoshito , Ogata Toshiro , Tamaoki Norikazu
Published: August 2005

To examine the clinical relevance of P‐glycoprotein, encoded by the human multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), to multidrug resistance in lung cancer, we examined the expression of MDR1 in 107 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and 20 corresponding specimens of normal lung tissues. We also evaluated the relationship between MDR1 expression and the histopathology and pathological staging of NSCLC. The tumors consisted of 60 adenocarcinomas, 38 squamous cell carcinomas, 8 large cell carcinomas, and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma. MDR1 expression was semi‐quantified by use of the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction method. We subclassified the NSCLC into 3 grades according to the MDR1 expression level (‐, +, ++). Sixty‐one of the 107 tumor specimens (57%) and 18 of the normal lung tissue specimens (90%) expressed various levels of the MDR1 gene. Only one tumor specimen showed higher MDR1 expression than the corresponding normal lung tissue. The relationship between pathological stage and MDR1 expression levels was not significant. These results suggest that the level of MDR1 expression in lung cells is decreased as cells progress from the normal to the transformed state.