bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postnatal ontogenetic scaling of Nesodontine (Notoungulata, Toxodontidae) cranial morphology
Authors: Cassini Guillermo H. , Flores David A. , Vizcaíno Sergio F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCassini G.H., Flores D.A. and Vizcaíno S.F. 2012. Postnatal ontogenetic scaling of Nesodontine (Notoungulata, Toxodontidae) cranial morphology. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93: 249–259.Toxodontidae is a clade of endemic South American ungulates that comprises medium to very large animals, including strict megammamals, i.e., 1000 kg or more. Adinotherium at approximately 120 kg and Nesodon at 550 kg are, respectively, the smallest and the largest Nesodontinae of Santacrucian age (early Miocene). The large number of specimens recorded and the quality of preservation (including very young animals) permit a morphometric study of cranial ontogeny. We measured 17 cranial variables on an ontogenetic series of 23 specimens of Adinotherium ovinum and 11 of Nesodon imbricatus. Bivariate analysis (standardized major axis) was performed to obtain the coefficients of allometry using skull length as the independent variable. Results indicate that eight of 16 variables show an isometric trend, seven exhibit positive allometry, and only the height of the orbit in N. imbricatus exhibits negative allometry. Contrary to expectation, neurocranial variables are positively allometric or isometric. With respect to the splanchnocranium, most variables related to the rostrum, palate, and masticatory muscles show positive allometry, suggesting a strengthening of masticatory system in adults of both taxa. The splanchnocranial allometric trends fail to support previous inferences of specialized herbivory, suggesting generalized herbivory in nesodontines.
Comparison of the rate, location and size of positive surgical margins after laparoscopic and robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kasraeian Ali , Barret Eric , Chan Jonathan , Sanchez‐Salas Rafael , Validire Pierre , Cathelineau Xavier , Rozet Francois , Galiano Marc , Vallancien Guy 
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVE
To review and compare the rate, location and size of positive surgical margins (PSMs) after pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study comprised 200 patients who underwent RALP and 200 patients who underwent LRP up to January 2008.
We compared patient age, body mass index, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), preoperative stage and grade, prostate size, pathological stage and grade and neurovascular bundle preservation, as well as PSM rate, size and location.
Continuous and categorical data were compared using Student’s t‐test and Pearson’s chi‐squared test.
Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of PSMs.
RESULTS
Although the PSM rate was similar between the two groups (LRP: 12% vs RALP: 13.5%; P= 0.76), location and size were not. PSMs after LRP were mostly at the apex (58.3%; P= 0.038), while most PSMs after RALP were posterolateral ([PL] 48%; P= 0.046).
In addition, the median margin size after RALP was significantly smaller than after LRP (RALP: 2 mm vs LRP: 3.5 mm; P= 0.041).
In univariate and multivariate analyses, tumour‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage and preoperative PSA were the only independent preoperative predictors of PSMs (P= 0.044 and P= 0.01, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The PSM risk is dependent on TNM stage and preoperative PSA and not the surgical technique, when comparing LRP with RALP.
Is there a prostate‐specific antigen upper limit for radical prostatectomy?
Authors: Gontero Paulo , Spahn Martin , Tombal Bertrand , Bader Pia , Hsu Chao‐Yu , Marchioro Giansilvio , Frea Bruno , Van Der Eeckt Kathy , Kneitz Burkhard , Frohneberg Detlef , Tizzani Alessandro , Van Poppel Hendrik , Joniau Steven 
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (retrospective cohort)Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVE• To assess the feasibility of radical prostatectomy (RP) in a series of patients with prostate cancer with very high prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels by comparing the clinical outcomes of different PSA thresholds (20.1–50 ng/mL, 50.1–100 ng/mL and >100 ng/mL, respectively).PATIENTS AND METHODS• Within a multicentre European retrospective database of 712 RP in patients with a baseline PSA level >20 ng/mL, we identified 48 patients with prostate cancer with a preoperative PSA level >100 ng/mL, 137 with a PSA level between 50.1 and 100 ng/mL and 527 with PSA values between 20.1 and 50 ng/mL.• Comparisons between groups were performed using chi‐square test, analysis of variance and Kaplan–Meier analysis with log‐rank test.RESULTS• Ten‐year projected cancer‐specific survival (79.8% in the PSA >100 ng/mL group vs 85.4% in the PSA 50.1–99 ng/mL group vs 90.9% in the PSA 20.1–50 ng/mL interval; P= 0.037) but not overall survival (59.6% in the PSA >100 ng/mL group vs 71.8% in the PSA 50.1–99 ng/mL group vs 75.3% in the PSA 20.1–50 ng/mL interval; P= 0.087) appeared significantly affected by the different PSA thresholds.• At a median follow‐up of 78.7 months, 25.8%, 6.6% and 8.3% of patients in the PSA level groups for 20.1–50 ng/mL, 50.1–100 ng/mL and >100 ng/mL respectively, were cured by surgery alone.CONCLUSIONS• Ten‐year cancer‐specific survival, while showing significant reduction with increasing PSA values intervals, remain relatively high even for PSA levels >100 ng/mL.• As part of a multimodal treatment strategy, RP may therefore be an option, even in selected patients with prostate cancer whose PSA level is >100 ng/mL.
Induction of fat cell necrosis in human fat tissue after treatment with phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate
Authors: Bechara F.G. , Mannherz H.G. , Jacob M. , Mazur A.J. , Sand M. , Altmeyer P. , Hoffmann K. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Injections with phosphatidylcholine‐ and deoxycholate‐containing substances are used to treat localized fat accumulation and lipomas. It is believed that the injected substances induce fat cell destruction with subsequent acute panniculitis followed by a repair process of the treated fat tissue.Objectives  We investigated whether necrosis or apoptosis of fat cells was induced by the injected substances.Methods  Samples of fat tissue of lipoma were collected at various times after injection and evaluated by light and electron microscopy, by immunostaining for active caspase‐3 and antideoxyribonuclease I, in situ end‐labelling (TUNEL staining), and biochemical caspase‐3 assays.Results  Light and electron microscopy showed fat cell necrosis in all areas of the treated lipomas. Low levels of active caspase‐3 indicated the absence of apoptosis.Conclusions  Injection of the lipolytic substances phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate leads to fat cell necrosis rather than apoptosis. However, additional studies evaluating different dosing and further time points after treatment are necessary.
Roscovitine blocks leukocyte extravasation by inhibition of cyclin‐dependent kinases 5 and 9
Authors: Berberich Nina , Uhl Bernd , Joore Jos , Schmerwitz Ulrike K , Mayer Bettina A , Reichel Christoph A , Krombach Fritz , Zahler Stefan , Vollmar Angelika M , Fürst Robert 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSERoscovitine, a cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor that induces tumour cell death, is under evaluation as an anti‐cancer drug. By triggering leukocyte apoptosis, roscovitine can also enhance the resolution of inflammation. Beyond death‐inducing properties, we tested whether roscovitine affects leukocyte‐endothelial cell interaction, a vital step in the onset of inflammation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHLeukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions were evaluated in venules of mouse cremaster muscle, using intravital microscopy. In primary human endothelial cells, we studied the influence of roscovitine on adhesion molecules and on the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway. A cellular kinome array, in vitro CDK profiling and RNAi methods were used to identify targets of roscovitine.KEY RESULTSIn vivo, roscovitine attenuated the tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced leukocyte adherence to and transmigration through, the endothelium. In vitro, roscovitine strongly inhibited TNF‐α‐evoked expression of endothelial adhesion molecules (E‐selectin, intercellular cell adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule). Roscovitine blocked NF‐κB‐dependent gene transcription, but not the NF‐κB activation cascade [inhibitor of κB (IκB) kinase activity, IκB‐α degradation, p65 translocation]. Using a cellular kinome array and an in vitro CDK panel, we found that roscovitine inhibited protein kinase A, ribosomal S6 kinase and CDKs 2, 5, 7 and 9. Experiments using kinase inhibitors and siRNA showed that the decreased endothelial activation was due solely to blockade of CDK5 and CDK9 by roscovitine.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur study highlights a novel mode of action for roscovitine, preventing endothelial activation and leukocyte‐endothelial cell interaction by inhibition of CDK5 and 9. This might expand its usage as a promising anti‐inflammatory compound.
Functional, morphological and molecular characterization of bladder dysfunction in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice: evidence of a role for L‐type voltage‐operated Ca2+ channels
Authors: Leiria LOS , Mónica FZT , Carvalho FDGF , Claudino MA , Franco‐Penteado CF , Schenka A , Grant AD , De Nucci G , Antunes E 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diabetic cystopathy is one of the most common and incapacitating complications of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the functional, structural and molecular alterations of detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice, focusing on the contribution of Ca2+ influx through L‐type voltage‐operated Ca2+ channels (L‐VOCC).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with streptozotocin (125 mg·kg−1). Four weeks later, contractile responses to carbachol, α,β‐methylene ATP, KCl, extracellular Ca2+ and electrical‐field stimulation were measured in urothelium‐intact DSM strips. Cystometry and histomorphometry were performed, and mRNA expression for muscarinic M2/M3 receptors, purine P2X1 receptors and L‐VOCC in the bladder was determined.KEY RESULTS Diabetic mice exhibited higher bladder capacity, frequency, non‐void contractions and post‐void pressure. Increased bladder weight, wall thickness, bladder volume and neural tissue were observed in diabetic bladders. Carbachol, α,β‐methylene ATP, KCl, extracellular Ca2+ and electrical‐field stimulation all produced greater DSM contractions in diabetic mice. The L‐VOCC blocker nifedipine almost completely reversed the enhanced DSM contractions in bladders from diabetic animals. The Rho‐kinase inhibitor Y27632 had no effect on the enhanced carbachol contractions in the diabetic group. Expression of mRNA for muscarinic M3 receptors and L‐VOCC were greater in the bladders of diabetic mice, whereas levels of M2 and P2X1 receptors remained unchanged.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Diabetic mice exhibit features of urinary bladder dysfunction, as characterized by overactive DSM and decreased voiding efficiency. Functional and molecular data suggest that overactive DSM in diabetes is the result of enhanced extracellular Ca2+ influx through L‐VOCC.
Performance and suitability of polymerase chain reaction for early detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates
Authors: Rood Ineke G.H. , Pettersson Annika , Savelkoul Paul H.M. , de Korte Dirk 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: In this study the applicability of a 16S rRNA real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and a Staphylococcus genus–specific PCR for screening of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) was determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 336 sample bags, from PCs that were routinely tested in the BacT/ALERT (bioMérieux), were collected and frozen until testing by the PCR assays. Based on the BacT/ALERT results, 107 PCs were positive and 229 were negative for bacterial growth.RESULTS: The analytical sensitivity of the 16S rRNA real‐time RT‐PCR ranged from 5 to 40 colony‐forming units (CFUs)/mL. The PCR detected five positive samples, four of which were also positive in the BacT/ALERT. The sensitivity of the test was 3.8%, and the specificity was 99.5%. The analytical sensitivity of the Staphylococcus genus–specific PCR ranged from 5 to 15 CFUs/mL. Thirty‐nine units that were BacT/ALERT positive for staphylococci were tested with this PCR. Six samples were positive with the PCR, five of which were also BacT/ALERT positive. The sensitivity of the Staphylococcus genus–specific PCR was 12.8%, and the specificity was 98.8%.CONCLUSION: Despite the rapid availability of results compared to the BacT/ALERT, the analytical sensitivity of a generic or specific PCR assay is not high enough to be an alternative for the BacT/ALERT when PCs are screened on the day of production.
Impact of national transfusion indicators on appropriate blood usage in critically ill patients
Authors: Leal‐Noval Santiago Ramón , Arellano‐Orden Victoria , Maestre‐Romero Antonio , Muñoz‐Gómez Manuel , Fernández‐Cisneros Virginia , Ferrándiz‐Millón Carmen , Corcia Yael 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate the impact of three national blood transfusion indicators (NBTIs) specifically designed for critical care regarding the appropriate blood transfusion indications.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective, single‐center study, carried out at a university hospital. A total of 1808 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in 1 year were included.RESULTS: The study consisted of four 90‐day periods (P). P1 was a control period with no intervention. P2 followed the inclusion of NBTIs into the ICU database, aimed at reinforcing NBTI knowledge. After presenting and discussing the results of P1 and P2, the early (P3) and late (P4) impacts of NBTI knowledge were evaluated. All patients who were transfused with at least 1 unit of any blood component (33.3%) were included. Thirteen percent of red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) were given outside of NBTI protocols (13% deviation of NBTIs for RBCTs) without a significant change throughout the duration of the study. Most RBCTs (95%) were prescribed for a hemoglobin threshold of less than 90 g/L. There was a steady and significant improvement in the adherence to NBTI guidelines for platelet concentrate transfusions (PCTs) from 36% (P1) to 52% (P4; p < 0.01). In contrast, the lack of adherence to NBTI guidelines for fresh‐frozen plasma transfusions (FFPTs) remained high (74%) and stable throughout the study period. The most frequent reason for inappropriate use of FFPTs or PCTs was absence of severe bleeding.CONCLUSION: The introduction of NBTI guidelines demonstrated a variable impact on the appropriateness of blood component transfusions in critically ill patients.
Transfusion‐transmitted visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in an immunocompromised patient: a case report
Authors: Mestra Laureano , Lopez Liliana , Robledo Sara M. , Muskus Carlos E. , Nicholls Rubén S. , Vélez Iván Darío 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐transmitted leishmaniasis is an increasing problem in areas where visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases are endemic.CASE REPORT: This article reports a case of transfusion‐transmitted fatal visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in a 42‐year‐old male resident of northwestern Colombia who after developing a terminal renal failure due to lupus nephritis received a renal transplant and multiple transfusions.RESULTS: Multiple intracellular Leishmania amastigotes were demonstrated in both renal biopsy and marrow aspirates. Cultures of the parasite were obtained in NNN medium and the identification of the species was done both by direct immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism.CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a VL case produced by L. (L.) mexicana in Colombia, which usually is a dermotropic species. Our report suggests that although leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies, Leishmania parasite may be transmitted by blood transfusion, complicating the clinical course of organ transplant and being fatal.
Urinary tract infections owing to ESBL‐producing bacteria: microorganisms change – clinical pattern does not
Authors: Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Yalçınkaya Fatoş , Kavaz Aslı , Kadıoğlu Gülsüm , Elhan Atilla H , Aysev Derya , Güriz Haluk , Ekim Mesiha 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended‐spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)‐producing bacteria have become a growing problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological findings in patients with community‐acquired UTIs owing to ESBL‐producing bacteria.Methods:  Files of the patients that had UTI owing to ESBL‐producing bacteria, between January 2008 and December 2009, were retrospectively evaluated.Results:  One hundred and eleven UTI episodes in 94 patients were included. Seventy‐five per cent of the patients had recurrent UTIs. Ultrasound, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were found abnormal in 36%, 46% and 31% of the patients, respectively. Overall, 68% of the patients had ≥1 underlying predisposing factor for UTI. Male patients and acute pyelonephritis (APN) episodes were more frequent at small ages. The rate of female patients and cystitis episodes predominated with increasing age. Ultrasound, DMSA scintigraphy, VSUG and UT abnormalities were more frequent in patients with APN, and lower UT disturbances were more frequent in patients with cystitis.Conclusion:  UTIs owing to ESBL‐producing bacteria begin to replace UTIs owing to non‐ESBL‐producing bacteria. However, the clinical pattern of these infections does not seem to be different. Thus, our aim should be to correct underlying predisposing factors in general in order to prevent infections owing to ESBL‐producing bacteria.
On minor black holes in galactic nuclei
Authors: McKernan B. , Ford K. E. S. , Yaqoob T. , Winter L. M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Small- and intermediate-mass black holes should be expected in galactic nuclei as a result of stellar evolution, minor mergers and gravitational dynamical friction. If these minor black holes accrete as X-ray binaries or ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) and are associated with star formation, they could account for observations of many low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGN) or low-ionization nuclear emission regions (LINERs). Accreting and inspiralling intermediate-mass black holes could provide a crucial electromagnetic counterpart to strong gravitational wave signatures, allowing tests of strong gravity. Here we discuss observational signatures of minor black holes in galactic nuclei, and we demonstrate that optical line ratios observed in LINERs or transition-type objects can be produced by an ionizing radiation field from ULXs. We conclude by discussing constraints from existing observations as well as candidates for future study.
Decreased motor unit discharge rate in the potentiated human tibialis anterior muscle
Authors: Inglis J. G. , Howard J. , McIntosh K. , Gabriel D. A. , Vandenboom R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim  The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of post‐activation potentiation (PAP), the transient increase in low‐frequency isometric force observed after muscle activity, on motor unit discharge rates measured during submaximal contractions.Methods  A quadrifilar needle electrode was inserted into the tibialis anterior muscle to determine discharge rate of individual motor units while monopolar electrodes were used to monitor the root‐mean‐square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) of the surface EMG signal. Control (unpotentiated) and experimental (potentiated) measures were obtained during a 5 s voluntary contraction at 50% of maximal. In between these measures, subjects performed a 10 s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to induce PAP.Results  All subjects data are reported as means ± SEM (n = 10). Compared to baseline values measured prior to the MVC, isometric twitch force measured immediately after the MVC was increased by 260 ± 16% (day 3). Motor unit discharge rate in the potentiated tibialis anterior muscle decreased by approx. 10%, from 20.3 ± 0.8 (before) to 18.3 ± 0.99 pps (P = 0.01) (after). Moreover, the MPF was decreased by approx. 9% (from 58.1 ± 2.84 to 53.6 ± 2.85 Hz; P = 0.01) in the potentiated tibialis anterior. On the other hand, consistent with the absence of fatigue during the MVC, the RMS signal was not altered in the potentiated tibialis anterior (0.29 ± 0.03 vs. 0.33 ± 0.04 mV; P = 0.07).Conclusion  Motor unit discharge rates determined during a brief, submaximal contraction were decreased in the potentiated human tibialis anterior muscle.
Incretin physiology beyond glucagon‐like peptide 1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide: cholecystokinin and gastrin peptides
Authors: Rehfeld J. F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractGastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are homologous hormone systems known to regulate gastric acid secretion, gallbladder emptying, and cell growth in the pancreas and stomach. They are, however, also involved in the development and secretory functions of pancreatic islet cells. For instance, foetal and neonatal islets express significant amounts of gastrin, and human as well as porcine islet cells express the gastrin/CCK‐B receptor abundantly. Therefore, exogenous gastrin and CCK peptides stimulate insulin and glucagon secretion in man. Accordingly, endogenous hypergastrinaemia is accompanied by islet cell hyperplasia and increased insulin secretion. Conventionally, the effect of gastrointestinal hormones on insulin secretion (the incretin effect) has been defined and quantified in relation to oral versus intravenous glucose loadings. Under these unphysiological conditions, the release of gastrin and CCK and, hence, their effect on insulin secretion are modest in comparison with the effects of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1). Consequently, the interest of CCK and gastrin in incretin research has for decades been limited. A few years ago, however, it was suggested that gastrin together with epidermal growth factor or later GLP‐1 might stimulate beta cell growth and secretion. Recent studies have shown that the combination of gastrin and GLP‐1 actually restores normoglycaemia in diabetic mice. Therefore, a short review of the incretin system in a broader functional context that includes gastrin and CCK peptides may be timely.