bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Hypertension in Lambs Transfused with Stored Blood Is Prevented by Breathing Nitric Oxide
Authors: Baron David M. , Yu Binglan , Lei Chong , Bagchi Aranya , Beloiartsev Arkadi , Stowell Christopher P. , Steinbicker Andrea U. , Malhotra Rajeev , Bloch Kenneth D. , Zapol Warren M. 
Published: January 2012

Background
During extended storage, erythrocytes undergo functional changes. These changes reduce the viability of erythrocytes leading to release of oxyhemoglobin, a potent scavenger of nitric oxide. We hypothesized that transfusion of ovine packed erythrocytes (PRBC) stored for prolonged periods would induce pulmonary vasoconstriction in lambs, and that reduced vascular nitric oxide concentrations would increase this vasoconstrictor effect.

Methods
We developed a model of autologous stored blood transfusion in lambs (n = 36). Leukoreduced blood was stored for either 2 days (fresh PRBC) or 40 days (stored PRBC). Fresh or stored PRBC were transfused into donors instrumented for awake hemodynamic measurements. Hemodynamic effects of PRBC transfusion were also studied after infusion of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (25 mg/kg) or during inhalation of nitric oxide (80 ppm).

Results
Cell-free hemoglobin levels were higher in the supernatant of stored PRBC than in supernatant of fresh PRBC (Mean ± SD, 148 ± 20 vs. 41 ± 13 mg/dl, respectively, P < 0.001). Pulmonary artery pressure during transfusion of stored PRBC transiently increased from 13 ± 1 to 18 ± 1 mmHg (P < 0.001) and was associated with increased plasma hemoglobin concentrations. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester potentiated the increase in pulmonary arterial pressure induced by transfusing stored PRBC, whereas inhalation of nitric oxide prevented the vasoconstrictor response.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that patients with reduced vascular nitric oxide levels because of endothelial dysfunction may be more susceptible to adverse effects of transfusing blood stored for prolonged periods. These patients might benefit from transfusion of fresh PRBC, when available, or inhaled nitric oxide supplementation to prevent the pulmonary hypertension associated with transfusion of stored PRBC.
Choice of Anesthetic Combination Determines Ca2+Leak after Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Working Rat Heart
Authors: Zaugg Michael , Wang Lianguo , Zhang Liyan , Lou Phing-How , Lucchinetti Eliana , Clanachan Alexander S. 
Published: January 2012

Background
There is a lack of studies investigating cardioprotection by common combinations of anesthetics. However, because a general anesthetic consists of a mixture of drugs with potentially interfering effects on signaling and cytoprotection, the most favorable combination should be used.

Methods
Working rat hearts were exposed to 20 min of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion. Periischemic sevoflurane (2 vol-%), propofol (10 μM), or remifentanil (3 nM) (single treatments) and the three combinations thereof (combination treatments) were assessed for their ability to improve postischemic left ventricular work and to prevent intracellular Ca leak and overload. Beat-to-beat oscillations in intracellular [Ca] were measured using indo-1 AM. Phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIδ, ryanodine receptor-2, and phospholamban was determined.

Results
The single treatments with sevoflurane or remifentanil were highly protective with respect to functional recovery and Ca overload, but propofol, even at high concentrations, did not show similar protection. Sevoflurane combined with propofol completely lost its protection in the presence of low sedative propofol concentrations (≥1 μM), whereas remifentanil combined with propofol (10 μM) retained its protection. Propofol antagonism of sevoflurane protection was concentration-dependent and mimicked by the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-2-mercaptopropionyl-glycine. Addition of propofol to sevoflurane activated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IIδ and hyperphosphorylated the ryanodine receptor-2, consistent with causing a postischemic Ca leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Remifentanil did not enhance sevoflurane protection.

Conclusions
The choice of anesthetic combination determines the postischemic Ca leak and intracellular overload. The results from these experiments will help to design studies for optimizing perioperative cardioprotection in high-risk surgical patients.
Continuous Femoral Nerve Blocks
Authors: Bauer Maria , Wang Lu , Onibonoje Olusegun K. , Parrett Chad , Sessler Daniel I. , Mounir-Soliman Loran , Zaky Sherif , Krebs Viktor , Buller Leonard T. , Donohue Michael C. , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E. , Ilfeld Brian M. 
Published: January 2012

Background
Whether decreasing the local anesthetic concentration during a continuous femoral nerve block results in less quadriceps weakness remains unknown.

Methods
Preoperatively, bilateral femoral perineural catheters were inserted in subjects undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty (n = 36) at a single clinical center. Postoperatively, right-sided catheters were randomly assigned to receive perineural ropivacaine of either 0.1% (basal 12 ml/h; bolus 4 ml) or 0.4% (basal 3 ml/h; bolus 1 ml), with the left catheter receiving the alternative concentration/rate in an observer- and subject-masked fashion. The primary endpoint was the maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscles the morning of postoperative day 2. Equivalence of treatments would be concluded if the 95% CI for the difference fell within the interval -20%-20%. Secondary endpoints included active knee extension, passive knee flexion, tolerance to cutaneous electrical current applied over the distal quadriceps tendon, dynamic pain scores, opioid requirements, and ropivacaine consumption.

Results
Quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction for limbs receiving 0.1% ropivacaine was a mean (SD) of 13 (8) N · m, versus 12 (8) N · m for limbs receiving 0.4% [intrasubject difference of 3 (40) percentage points; 95% CI -10-17; P = 0.63]. Because the 95% CI fell within prespecified tolerances, we conclude that the effect of the two concentrations were equivalent. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in secondary endpoints.

Conclusions
For continuous femoral nerve blocks, we found no evidence that local anesthetic concentration and volume influence block characteristics, suggesting that local anesthetic dose (mass) is the primary determinant of perineural infusion effects.
Exceptionally Stable Fluorous Emulsions for the Intravenous Delivery of Volatile General Anesthetics
Authors: Jee Jun-Pil , Parlato Maria C. , Perkins Mark G. , Mecozzi Sandro , Pearce Robert A. 
Published: January 2012

Background
IV delivery of volatile fluorinated anesthetics has a number of potential advantages when compared with the current inhalation method of administration. We reported previously that the IV delivery of sevoflurane can be achieved through an emulsion composed of a linear fluorinated diblock copolymer, a stabilizer, and the anesthetic. However, this original emulsion was subject to particle size growth that would limit its potential clinical utility. We hypothesized that the use of bulkier fluorous groups and smaller polyethylene glycol moieties in the polymer design would result in improved emulsion stability while maintaining anesthetic functionality.

Methods
The authors prepared emulsions incorporating sevoflurane, perfluorooctyl bromide as a stabilizing agent, and combinations of linear fluorinated diblock copolymer and a novel dibranched fluorinated diblock copolymer. Emulsion stability was assessed using dynamic light scattering. The ability of the emulsions to induce anesthesia was tested in vivo by administering them intravenously to 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats and measuring loss of the forepaw righting reflex.

Results
20% (volume/volume) sevoflurane emulsions incorporating mixtures of dibranched and linear diblock copolymers had improved stability, with those containing an excess of the dibranched polymers displaying stability of particle size for more than 1 yr. The ED50s for loss of forepaw-righting reflex were all similar, and ranged between 0.55- 0.60 ml/kg body weight.

Conclusions
Hemifluorinated dibranched polymers can be used to generate exceptionally stable sevoflurane nanoemulsions, as required of formulations intended for clinical use. IV delivery of the emulsion in rats resulted in induction of anesthesia with rapid onset and smooth and rapid recovery.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase from the human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Takashima Yasuhide , Mizohata Eiichi , Tokuoka Keiji , Krungkrai Sudaratana R. , Kusakari Yukiko , Konishi Saki , Satoh Atsuko , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Krungkrai Jerapan , Horii Toshihiro , Inoue Tsuyoshi 
Published: January 2012

Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) catalyzes the Mg2+-dependent condensation of orotic acid (OA) with 5-α-D-phosphorylribose 1-diphosphate (PRPP) to yield diphosphate (PPi) and the nucleotide orotidine 5′-monophosphate. OPRT fromPlasmodium falciparumproduced inEscherichia coliwas crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method in complex with OA and PRPP in the presence of Mg2+. The crystal exhibited tetragonal symmetry, belonging to space groupP41orP43, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 49.15,c = 226.94 Å. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.5 Å resolution at 100 K using a synchrotron-radiation source.
Crystallization and X-ray diffraction analysis of chondroitin lyase from baculovirus: envelope protein ODV-E66
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshirou , Sugiura Nobuo , Onishi Momo , Kimata Koji , Kimura Makoto , Kakuta Yoshimitu 
Published: January 2012

Baculovirus envelope protein ODV-E66 (67–704), in which the N-terminal 66 amino acids are truncated, is a chondroitin lyase. It digests chondroitin and chondroitin 6-sulfate efficiently, but does not digest chondroitin 4-sulfate. This unique characteristic is useful for the preparation of specific chondroitin oligosaccharides and for investigation of the mechanism of baculovirus infection. ODV-E66 (67–704) was crystallized; the crystal diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP62orP64, with unit-cell parametersa = b = 113.5,c= 101.5 Å. One molecule is assumed to be present per asymmetric unit, which gives a Matthews coefficient of 2.54 Å3 Da−1.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of human dipeptidyl peptidase 10 (DPPY), a component of voltage-gated potassium channels
Authors: Bezerra Gustavo Arruda , Dobrovetsky Elena , Seitova Alma , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Gruber Karl 
Published: January 2012

Dipeptidyl peptidase 10 (DPP10, DPPY) is an inactive peptidase associated with voltage-gated potassium channels, acting as a modulator of their electrophysiological properties, cell-surface expression and subcellular localization. Because potassium channels are important disease targets, biochemical and structural characterization of their interaction partners was sought. DPP10 was cloned and expressed using an insect-cell system and the protein was purifiedvia His-tag affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Crystals obtained by the sitting-drop method were orthorhombic, belonging to space groupP212121with unit-cell parametersa= 80.91,b= 143.73,c= 176.25 Å. A single solution with two molecules in the asymmetric unit was found using the structure of DPP6 (also called DPPX; PDB entry 1xfd) as the search model in a molecular replacement protocol.
Exploring the obesity‐asthma link: do all types of adiposity increase the risk of asthma?
Authors: Fenger R. V. , Gonzalez‐Quintela A. , Vidal C. , Gude F. , Husemoen L. L. , Aadahl M. , Berg N. D. , Linneberg A. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundObesity and risk of asthma are linked. Different distributions of adiposity, such as visceral, subcutaneous or ectopic adiposity, may affect asthma risk differently.ObjectiveTo explore the association of different adiposity types with self‐reported asthma, bronchial inflammation and lung function, accounting for possible effect modifiers, such as atopy and gender.MethodsIn a general population sample of 3471 persons aged 19–72, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were measured by ultrasound, and fat percentage by bio‐impedance. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), bronchial inflammation as fractional expiratory nitric oxide (
FeNO
), lung function [FEV
1 and forced vital capacity (FVC)], and atopy (specific IgE) were measured.ResultsAll adiposity measures were associated with a higher risk of asthma. The risk estimates (odds ratios, OR, with 95% confidence interval, CI) of current asthma were of similar magnitude for all six adiposity measures ranging between 1.17, CI = 0.98–1.40 (SAT) and 1.51, CI = 1.17–1.95 (WHR). The adiposity‐asthma associations were significantly stronger in non‐atopics than in atopics. In non‐atopics the risk estimates of current asthma ranged between 1.35 CI = 1.08–1.72 and 1.82 CI = 1.34–2.46 for SAT and WHR respectively. Consistent results were obtained using dichothomized adiposity measures (obese vs. non‐obsese). The FVC and FEV
1 decreased significantly with increasing adiposity in both atopics and non‐atopics, e.g. FVC decreased between 36 mL (CI = 10, 62 mL) and 155 mL (CI = 124, 186 mL) for one unit (standard error) increase of SAT and VAT respectively. Adiposity measures were not associated with atopy and not consistently associated with
FeNO
levels.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe effect of adiposity on asthma was mainly seen in non‐atopics and did not appear to depend on the distribution of adiposity as reflected by the adiposity measures used in the present study. Increasing adiposity was associated with lower lung function independent of atopic status.
Elevated haemocyte number is associated with infection and low fitness potential in wild Daphnia magna
Authors: Auld Stuart K. J. R. , Graham Andrea L. , Wilson Philip J. , Little Tom J. 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Immune activity may be a cause of resistance to parasites, but it can also be a consequence of infection. Thus, the adaptive significance of an immune response is more accurately assessed when it is measured alongside both host fitness and infection status.2. We sought to determine the significance of immune responses in a naturally coevolving host–parasite system in the wild, with support from laboratory experiments. We measured haemocyte numbers in Daphnia magna in relation to an infection that has a clear fitness consequence: infection with the bacterium Pasteuria ramosa causes sterilization.3. Haemocyte number was consistently elevated in infected Daphnia in the field and in parasite exposed or infected hosts in the laboratory. Thus, elevated haemocyte numbers were essentially a symptom of infection, and we found no evidence that haemocytes help hosts exclude the parasite.4. Consequently, these results provide an especially clear example where increased immune activity does not mean increased immunity or fitness: hosts with the highest haemocyte counts have extremely low health and low fitness potential.
Zone of main contribution to the measured signal for a circular current loop source and receiver on the surface of a conductive half‐space
Authors: Machado Marcos Vitor Barbosa , Dias Carlos Alberto 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe electric and magnetic fields generated by an individual horizontal current ring induced inside a homogeneous conductive half‐space, originating from an external large circular loop source of current in the presence of a flat half‐space, are deduced. A check of self‐consistency for these expressions led to the known general functions for these fields due to the same external source in the presence of that medium. The current rings’ mutual coupling related to the magnetic field's radial component is thoroughly analysed and its specific members are presented. The existence of a relatively small zone inside the half‐space responsible for the main contribution for the signal measured at the observation point, with the source and receiver on the ground surface, is made evident. For increasing values of frequency, at a given transmitter‐receiver (T–R) configuration, this zone shrinks and its central point moves away from a maximum depth of about 30% and horizontal distance of nearly 85%, of the T–R separation, to a point very close to the receiver position. The coordinates of the central point of this zone of main contribution are provided as approximated functions in terms of the induction number .
High Wilms’ tumour gene (WT1) expression and low mitotic count are independent predictors of survival in diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma
Authors: Scattone Anna , Serio Gabriella , Marzullo Andrea , Nazzaro Pietro , Corsi Fabrizio , Cocca Maria Pia , Mattoni Marilena , Punzi Alessandra , Gentile Mattia , Buonadonna Antonia Lucia , Pennella Antonio 
Published: January 2012

Scattone A, Serio G, Marzullo A, Nazzaro P, Corsi F, Cocca M P, Mattoni M, Punzi A, Gentile M, Buonadonna A L & Pennella A  (2012) Histopathology60, 472–481  High Wilms’ tumour gene (WT1) expression and low mitotic count are independent predictors of survival in diffuse peritoneal mesotheliomaAims:  To evaluate the use of the Wilms’ tumour gene (WT1) marker and histomorphological parameters as indicators of prognosis in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM).Methods and results:  Histological samples of 31 MPM were stained immunohistochemically for the WT1 protein. The results were quantified by recording the number of stained nuclei, and then correlated with patient survival. Statistical correlation was evaluated for tumour histotype, mitotic count (MC), nuclear grade (NG), necrosis, lymphoid response (grade of inflammation) and desmoplasia with regard to survival. High‐grade histology (solid epithelioid, pure sarcomatoid or biphasic tumours), high NG, MC more than five per 10 per high‐power field (HPF), necrosis and desmoplasia were associated with a significantly worse prognosis. Patients with MPM with low WT1 expression (≤25% of positive cells) survived for a significantly shorter time compared to those with high WT1 expression (>25% of positive cells) (P = 0.0001). The 50% survival time of subjects with low WT1 expression was 2.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.05–3.71] versus 31.5 months (95% CI: 20.4–42.5) for those with high WT1 expression. On multivariate analysis, WT1 and MC were found to be associated independently with survival (P = 0.002; P = 0.005, respectively).Conclusions:  Our study suggests that low WT1 expression and high MC may be indicative of an unfavourable prognosis in patients with advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Evaluation of table olive by‐product as a source of natural antioxidants
Authors: González‐Hidalgo Inés , Bañón Sancho , Ros José María 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe main by‐product from the table olive canning industry is the stone with some residual olive flesh. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the composition – phenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein) and tocopherol – and the antioxidant activity in different fractions (flesh, stone and seed) from the table olive by‐product and the whole by‐product. The highest amounts of phenolic compounds (1710.0 ± 33.8 mg kg−1) as well as the highest antioxidant activity (8226.9 ± 9.9 hydroxytyrosol equivalents mg kg−1) were obtained in the seed. The highest amounts of hydroxytyrosol (854.8 ± 66.0 mg kg−1) and tyrosol (423.6 ± 56.9 mg kg−1) were found in the whole by‐product from the pepper stuffed olives, while the stone without seed had the maximum oleuropein content (750.2 ± 85.3 mg kg−1). α‐Tocopherol values were between 79.8 ± 20.8 mg kg−1 in the seed of the olive stone and 6.2 ± 1.2 mg kg−1 in the whole by‐product from the anchovy‐stuffed olives. In light of the results obtained, it would seem possible to use table olive by‐product as a source of natural antioxidants in foods, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products, thus contributing to diminishing the environmental impact of table olive by‐product and to its revalorisation.
The effect of the high pressure homogenisation on the activity and stability of a commercial neutral protease from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Tribst Alline A. L. , Augusto Pedro E. D. , Cristianini Marcelo 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe activity of a commercial neutral protease from Bacillus subtilis after high pressure homogenisation (HPH) was investigated. The enzyme was processed up to 2000 bar, and the residual activity was measured from 20 to 70 °C during refrigerated storage. Moreover, the effect of HPH at high temperatures was evaluated. No improvement in the activities at 55–70 °C were observed after HPH, while an increase of approximately 30% in the 20 °C‐activity was reached after 2000 bar processing. Thus, HPH shifted the optimum temperature from 55 to 20 °C. The high temperature homogenisation caused no changes in 55 °C‐activity, but reduced 20 °C‐activity three times. It suggests that HPH modifies the protease configuration, changing enzyme performance (maximum activity condition), as the efficacy of lock‐and‐key mechanism is strictly dependent on enzyme spatial structure. The changes can be permanent or not, depending on homogenisation pressure, inlet temperature and enzyme storage conditions. Therefore, the HPH is a promising method to change protease characteristics.
Impact of caries onset on number and distribution of new lesions in preschool children
Authors: LEROY ROOS , DECLERCK DOMINIQUE 
Published: January 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 39–47
Background.  Caries in preschool children remains an important public health issue.Aim.  To determine (i) which teeth and tooth surfaces are most susceptible to dental caries by age 3, (ii) where do caries lesions develop during 2‐year follow‐up, and (iii) to evaluate the impact of caries onset on the distribution of new caries experience.Design.  One thousand and fifty seven consecutively born children were recruited in Flanders (Belgium). Parents completed validated questionnaires on oral health‐related behaviour and trained dentists examined the children at ages 3 and 5.Results.  Children with visible caries experience at age 3 were significantly more vulnerable in developing additional caries during follow‐up. In this group, new caries experience developed primarily in the occlusal and distal surfaces of the mandibular first molars and the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary second and first molars, whereas in the caries‐free group, the occlusal surfaces of both mandibular and maxillary second molars ranked first.Conclusions.  This paper confirms the higher vulnerability for further caries development in those children with caries experience at age 3. Visible caries develops most frequently in the occlusal surfaces of the second molars: in high‐risk children already by age 3 and in children who were caries free at baseline by age 5.