bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional anaesthesia elastomeric pump performance after a single use and subsequent refill: a laboratory study
Authors: Grant C. R. K. , Fredrickson M. J. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryAmbulatory local anaesthetic delivery systems are often limited by a short effective duration of infusion. Prolonging nerve blockade by substituting a new pump as recommended by the manufacturers, represents a substantial consumable item cost ($US300–500). We therefore evaluated the flow delivery performance of 31 single model elastomeric devices (all with a 2 ml.h−1 background and 5 ml every hour bolus capability) that had been filled, used in clinical practice and then refilled in the laboratory. For the second infusion, there was a pattern of over‐infusion (< 10 ml.h−1) in the first hour; however, all pumps depreciated to < 150% of predicted by the second hour. The subsequent performance of all pumps was not only within safe limits, but also predominantly within the range (background infusion ± 15%, bolus +10/−20%) specified by the manufacturer for primary infusion. We conclude that this elastomeric regional anaesthesia pump design performs satisfactorily after having been refilled following a single previous use.
CERBERUS, a novel U‐box protein containing WD‐40 repeats, is required for formation of the infection thread and nodule development in the legume–Rhizobium symbiosis
Authors: Yano Koji , Shibata Satoshi , Chen Wen‐Li , Sato Shusei , Kaneko Takakazu , Jurkiewicz Anna , Sandal Niels , Banba Mari , Imaizumi‐Anraku Haruko , Kojima Tomoko , Ohtomo Ryo , Szczyglowski Krzysztof , Stougaard Jens , Tabata Satoshi , Hayashi Makoto , Kouchi Hiroshi , Umehara Yosuke 
Published: June 2009

SummaryEndosymbiotic infection of legume plants by Rhizobium bacteria is initiated through infection threads (ITs) which are initiated within and penetrate from root hairs and deliver the endosymbionts into nodule cells. Despite recent progress in understanding the mutual recognition and early symbiotic signaling cascades in host legumes, the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial infection processes and successive nodule organogenesis are still poorly understood. We isolated a novel symbiotic mutant of Lotus japonicus, cerberus, which shows defects in IT formation and nodule organogenesis. Map‐based cloning of the causal gene allowed us to identify the CERBERUS gene, which encodes a novel protein containing a U‐box domain and WD‐40 repeats. CERBERUS expression was detected in the roots and nodules, and was enhanced after inoculation of Mesorhizobium loti. Strong expression was detected in developing nodule primordia and the infected zone of mature nodules. In cerberus mutants, Rhizobium colonized curled root hair tips, but hardly penetrated into root hair cells. The occasional ITs that were formed inside the root hair cells were mostly arrested within the epidermal cell layer. Nodule organogenesis was aborted prematurely, resulting in the formation of a large number of small bumps which contained no endosymbiotic bacteria. These phenotypic and genetic analyses, together with comparisons with other legume mutants with defects in IT formation, indicate that CERBERUS plays a critical role in the very early steps of IT formation as well as in growth and differentiation of nodules.
Identification of cis‐localization elements of the maize 10‐kDa δ‐zein and their use in targeting RNAs to specific cortical endoplasmic reticulum subdomains
Authors: Washida Haruhiko , Sugino Aya , Kaneko Sachiyo , Crofts Naoko , Sakulsingharoj Chotipa , Kim Dongwook , Choi Sang‐Bong , Hamada Shigeki , Ogawa Masahiro , Wang Changlin , Esen Asim , Higgins Thomas J.V. , Okita Thomas W. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryThe RNAs for the storage proteins of rice (Oryza sativa), prolamines and glutelins, which are stored as inclusions in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and storage vacuoles, respectively, are targeted by specific cis‐localization elements to distinct subdomains of the cortical ER. Glutelin RNA has one or more cis‐localization elements (zip codes) at the 3′ end of the RNA, whereas prolamine has two cis‐elements; one located in the 5′ end of the coding sequence and a second residing in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR). We had earlier demonstrated that the RNAs for the maize zeins (‘prolamine’ class) are localized to the spherical protein body ER (PB‐ER) in developing maize endosperm. As the PB‐ER localization of the 10‐kDa δ‐zein RNA is maintained in developing rice seeds, we determined the number and proximate location of their cis‐localization elements by expressing GFP fusions containing various zein RNA sequences in transgenic rice and analyzing their spatial distribution on the cortical ER by in situ RT‐PCR and confocal microscopy. Four putative cis‐localization elements were identified; three in the coding sequences and one in the 3′‐UTR. Two of these zip codes are required for restricted localization to the PB‐ER. Using RNA targeting determinants we show, by mis‐targeting the storage protein RNAs from their normal destination on the cortical ER, that the coded proteins are redirected from their normal site of deposition. Targeting of RNA to distinct cortical ER subdomains may be the underlying basis for the variable use of the ER lumen or storage vacuole as the final storage deposition site of storage proteins among flowering plant species.
Sensitivity of Turbutester and Accuhaler tester in asthmatic children and adolescents
Authors: Manuyakorn Wiparat , Direkwattanachai Chalerat , Benjaponpitak Suwat , Kamchaisatian Wasu , Sasisakulporn Cherapat , Teawsomboonkit Wanlapa 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  Dry powder inhalers (DPI) are alternative devices for delivering medication for treatment of asthma. The amount of drug delivery to the lungs is directly influenced by peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR). A minimum PIFR of −30 L/min is needed for the Turbuhaler and Accuhaler.Methods:  In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the Turbutester and Accuhaler tester in detecting the minimum and optimum PIFR for the Turbuhaler and Accuhaler in asthmatic children, PIFR was measured using the In‐Check Dial through the internal resistance of the Turbuhaler and Accuhaler and compared according to the child's ability to make a whistle sound via both testers.Results:  A total of 259 asthmatic children were studied: 20 pre‐school children, aged 5–6 years; 174 school‐age children, aged 7–12 years; and 65 adolescents, aged 13–18 years. The sensitivity of the Turbutester and Accuhaler tester to detect optimum PIFR were 98.40% and 97.2%, respectively. In the comparison among age groups, the sensitivity of the Accuhaler tester to detect optimum or minimum PIFR for the Accuhaler was 95%, 97.7% and 95.4%, respectively. The sensitivity of the Turbutester to detect optimum PIFR for the Turbuhaler was 94.4%, 98.8% and 98.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of the Turbutester to detect minimum PIFR for the Turbuhaler was 94.7%, 100% and 100%, respectively. There were no significant differences in percentage of having optimum or minimum PIFR among asthma severity and current device usage in all age groups.Conclusions:  Most children aged at least 5 years could generate enough PIFR to use dry powder inhaler devices. Both the Turbutester and Accuhaler tester were found to have high sensitivity in detecting optimum and minimum required PIFR.
Tripterine prevents endothelial barrier dysfunction by inhibiting endogenous peroxynitrite formation
Authors: Wu Feng , Han Min , Wilson John X 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  Tripterine is an inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 and an active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., which is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. We hypothesized that tripterine inhibits endogenous peroxynitrite formation and thereby prevents endothelial barrier dysfunction.Experimental approach:  Effects of tripterine were investigated on endothelial barrier function, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phasphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, 3‐nitrotyrosine formation, protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) activity, activation of extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun terminal kinase (JNK) and Janus kinase (Jak2), and degradation of IκB in microvascular endothelial cells exposed to pro‐inflammatory stimulus [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + interferon γ (IFNγ)] and on vascular permeability in air pouches of mice injected with LPS + IFNγ.Key results:  LPS + IFNγ caused an increase in monolayer permeability, induction of iNOS and NADPH oxidase type 1 (Nox1) proteins, formation of superoxide, nitric oxide and 3‐nitrotyrosine, and increase in PP2A activity in endothelial cells. These effects of LPS + IFNγ were diminished by tripterine (50–200 nM). Further, LPS + IFNγ‐induced expression of iNOS and Nox1 was attenuated by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor PD98059, the JNK inhibitor SP600125, the Jak2 inhibitor AG490 and the NFκB inhibitor MG132, but not by the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580. LPS + IFNγ stimulated phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and Jak2, and degradation of IκB, but only Jak2 phosphorylation was sensitive to tripterine (50–200 nM). Further, tripterine diminished the increased vascular permeability in inflamed air pouches.Conclusion and implications:  Our results indicate that, by preventing Jak2‐dependent induction of iNOS and Nox1, tripterine inhibits peroxynitrite precursor synthesis, attenuates the increased activity of PP2A and consequently protects endothelial barrier function.
Rapid Fluid Extraction with the Gambro Ultradiffuser®
Authors: Lynggaard Folmer , Nielsen Bent 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTFour patients were given fourteen treatments with the Gambro Ultradiffuser®. One hour of ultrafiltration without dialysate and with negative pressure on the dialysate side was followed by four hours of dialysis with negligible transmembrane pressure (TMP). Mean fluid removal was 2678 ml per ultrafiltration period and the mean ultrafiltration rate was 37 ml/min. During the dialysis period, TMP was about +30 mmHg giving an ultrafiltration rate of 4 ml/min. Pulse rate was unchanged. Hematocrit increased 3%, plasma protein increased 21% and plasma albumin increased 25%. Plasma values of potassium, sodium, urea, creatinine and osmolality were unchanged.One patient experienced a reversible hearing loss during two ultrafiltration periods and two patients had severe, yet reversible, cardiac arrhythmias. One patient had hypertension during the ultrafiltration period. Rapid extraction of fluid up to 49 ml/min was possible. The mean mean arterial pressure was unchanged though it exhibited great variation and three patients developed side effects.
Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pumping: Theory and Practice Experience with 325 Patients
Authors: Igo Stephen R. , Hibbs C. Wayne , Trono Ruben , Fuqua John M. , Edmonds Charles H. , Leachman Catherine J. , Brewer M. Alan , Holub Daniel A. , Norman John C. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIntra‐aortic balloon pumping to support the failing circulation is now an accepted therapeutic modality. The device is simple. Insertion can be accomplished rapidly and efficiently in emergency rooms, coronary care units, cardiac catheterization suites and operating rooms, preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. The hemodynamic effects are immediate and predictable, and the accruing clinical results show increasing survival and hospital discharge rates. In these institutions, mechanical support of the circulation by this and more advanced methods has been formalized within the responsibility of a Circulatory Support Service.The purpose of this Report is to summarize some observations and analyses which have been made during care of 325 consecutive postcardiotomy and/or postinfarction cardiogenic shock patients. Historical, theoretical, basic, and applied aspects and current results are included. Foremost are the straightforward concepts of considering the heart as a pump, the failing heart as a failing pump and intra‐aortic balloon pumping as a temporary intravascular, auxiliary pump, capable of stabilizing or reversing that failure if utilized early in its evolution.
Bioengineering Aspects of the Artificial Pancreas
Authors: Nałȩcz Maciej , Lewandowski Jan , Weryński Andrzej , Zawicki Ignacy 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper, results of work aimed at the development of artificial β‐cells are presented. An electrolytically driven pump is considered to be a proper device for insulin injection. The transient characteristics of the simplified version of such a pump make it suitable for application in open‐loop devices. Methods for electrical control of the injection rate of this pump for application in closed‐loop artificial β‐cells are given. An essential component of a closed‐loop artificial β‐cell is a glucose sensor. A modified version of the glucose sensor has been developed and its performance is described. Considerations of some control problems related to the artificial pancreas are briefly discussed.
Present Status of the Hemofiltration/Molecular Separation Artificial Kidney
Authors: Dorson William J. , Pizziconi Vincent B. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe hemofiltration/molecular separation (HFMS) artificial kidney concept, first proposed over a decade ago, involves continuous ultrafiltration from the blood stream followed by cleansing of the filtrate, with subsequent return to the body. Thus, the system is completely self‐contained and portable. During recent preclinical trials on nephrectomized canines, HFMS was better than hemodialysis (HD) in several important ways. First, the removal or clearance of middle molecules was better with 0.34 m2 HFMS than with 1 m2 HD. Significant phosphate clearance was achieved, and the removal rate for creatinine was the same as that for urea. This uniform clearance extends to even higher molecular weight solutes and could potentially result in improved patient response. It mimics the real kidney, whereas membrane‐limited dialysis undergoes a logarithmic decrease of clearance with molecular weight., This is due to the fact that solute transport through the membrane involves solution into its matrix followed by diffusion, and solute diffusivity decreases with molecular volume. In order to achieve this potential for hemofiltration‐based systems, however, there are stringent requirements on both the membrane and the plasma proteins allowed to accumulate on the membrane surface.
Dialysis/Hemofiltration in Schizophrenia: A Journey by Night and Cloud
Authors: Stephen Robert L. , Velick Sidney F. , Kablitz Carl , Grosser Bernard I. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTHypotheses for the etiology of schizophrenia are discussed and related to possible treatments utilizing artificial kidney systems. For hemofiltration particularly, a theoretical framework is presented for treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of using rigid diagnostic criteria for patient selection.Results are Reported on two “strict“ schizophrenic patients after a series of hemofiltration treatments. One patient showed no clinical improvement after seventeen treatments and died subsequently in a mountaineering accident. Though clinical improvement was noted in the second patient (22 treatments in four months), it is unjustifiable to attribute this solely to hemofiltration. Increased family and medical staff attention towards the patient is sufficient explanation for all changes noted in the patient's symptomatology. Chemical a‐nalyses so far have failed to detect any endorphins, normal or abnormal, in the hemofiltrates of either the two patients or two normal controls (sensitivity 30 pmol/L).
Biochemical, Hematological and Histological Changes in a Fulminant HeDatic Failure Rat Model for Ahificial Liver Assessment
Authors: Chirito Eduardo , Lister Colin , Chang Thomas M. S. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTGalactosamine‐induced fulminant hepatic failure rats have been used as a model for statistical assessment of liver support systems. The present study Reports in detail the biochemical, hematological and histological changes in these animals. They have been used to study statistically the effects of ACAC charcoal hemoperfusion, cross‐circulation and liver perfusion on long‐term survival in fulminant hepatic failure.
The Microscopic Characterization of Multinucleated Giant Cells Formed on Polymeric Surfaces Perfused with Blood
Authors: White David C. , Trepman Elly , Kolobow Theodor , Shaffer D. Kent , Reddick Robert L. , Bowman Robert L. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTMultinucleated, foreign body giant cells were formed by the fusion of blood monocytes on polymeric membranes perfused with blood during extended extracorporeal circulation. In the current study, heparinized blood, flowing in an arteriovenous shunt in a sheep, perfused polycarbonate, polypropylene and silicone rubber membranes of a recently developed bioartificial tissue culture system. The multinucleated giant cells were studied by light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy, after membrane perfusion for periods of one to two weeks. The giant cells, which were the predominant cellular components of the blood‐polymer interface layer, contained from a few to more than one hundred nuclei and varied in diameter up to 400 μm. The cellular interaction with the three membrane types was similar, although fewer mono‐nuclear cells were observed adhering to the silicone rubber membrane. The presence or absence of mi‐cropores in the membranes had no effect on the formation of giant cells, nor did the presence of foreign tissue in culture behind the microporous membranes. High blood flow rates and chronic anticoa‐gulation with heparin permitted observation of this foreign body reaction of blood independent of thrombosis.
The Improving Hematologic Picture in Long‐Term Surviving Calves with Total Artificial Hearts
Authors: Kolff Jacob , Hershgold Edward J. , Hadfield Cathie , Olsen Donald B. , Lawson John , Kolff Willem J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTA coagulopathy asSociated with severe hemolysis was a limiting factor in obtaining long‐term survivors among calves with total artificial hearts in 1969. Conversion of design from sac‐type hearts to flexible diaphragm hearts, and from Silastico Dacron‐fibril intimas to smooth polyurethane intimas, resulted in an abatement of the coagulopathy.In the most recent series of animals studied at this laboratory, platelet counts are normal and platelet survivals are half of normal. Plasma hemoglobins are normal. The coagulation system is still activated at specific loci within the total artificial heart, but is best compensated for in calves treated with antiplatelet drugs, having polyurethane hearts.
COMPARISON OF THREE DIFFERENT METHODS FOR THE ISOLATION OF BACTERIOCIN‐LIKE INHIBITORY SUBSTANCES FROMBIFIDOBACTERIUM INFANTISBCRC 14602
Authors: CHEIKHYOUSSEF AHMAD , POGORI NATASCHA , CHEN HAIQIN , ZHAO JIANXIN , TANG JIAN , CHEN WEI , ZHANG HAO 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to compare three different methods for the isolation of bacteriocin‐like inhibitory substances (BLIS) fromBifidobacterium infantisBCRC 14602 (Bioresource Collection and Research Center) for their ease of use and reliability. Ammonium sulfate with 80% saturation of the neutralized cell‐free supernatant resulted in 80% of total activity and a 4.56‐fold increase in specific activity. After dialysis, the specific activity increased 76‐fold, but total activity recovered decreased to 8%. In the second method, adsorption and desorption of the BLIS onto/from the producer cells, the adsorption of the BLIS to the producer cells was strongly affected by the pH of the culture broth whereby 100% adsorption to the killed cells occurred between pH 6.0 and 7.0. Desorption of BLIS from the producer cells was achieved at pH 1.5–2.0. This procedure increased the purification fold 120 times, which was the highest among the three methods studied with a specific activity of 31,605 AU/mg and a yield of 64%. In the adsorption and desorption of BLIS onto/from silicic acid, it was confirmed that the adsorption of the BLIS to silicic acid (5%) was strongly affected by the pH of the broth culture of which 100% adsorption occurred between pH 5.0 and 7.0, whereas at pH values below 5.0 and above 7.0, the adsorption ratio decreased to 67% and 45%, respectively. The best method in terms of purification fold and yield was the adsorption and desorption of BLIS onto/from silicic acid.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSVery low amounts of published data exist on the isolation of bacteriocins or bacteriocin‐like inhibitory substances (BLIS) fromBifidobacteriumsp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a BLIS isolation fromBifidobacterium infantisBCRC 14602 (Bioresource Collection and Research Center) using different methods. The ability of the partially purified BLIS to inhibit the growth of gram‐negative bacteria, which cause food spoilage and foodborne diseases, makes the bacteriocins purified from bifidobacteria very useful in food safety applications. Further studies should focus on the isolation of the bacteriocins or BLIS of the selected bifidobacteria to evaluate their applications and roles in food preservation. The production of bacteriocins and BLIS can contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism used by bifidobacteria in host defense against potentially pathogenic bacteria dominating the gastrointestinal tract and to control the proliferation of harmful and pathogenic bacteria.