bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyethyl Starch 6% (130/0.4) Ameliorates Acute Lung Injury in Swine Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Balkamou Xanthippi , Xanthos Theodoros , Stroumpoulis Konstantinos , Moutzouris Dimitrios-Anestis , Rokas Georgios , Agrogiannis Georgios , Demestiha Theano , Patsouris Efstathios , Papadimitriou Lila 
Published: October 2010

Background
Traumatic hemorrhage induces acute lung injury. The aim of this study was to assess whether lactated Ringer's solution or 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 would have different effects on acute lung injury following hemorrhagic shock.

Methods
Twenty healthy pigs (19 ± 2 kg) were subjected to hemorrhage and were randomly allocated to two groups: Group A (10 pigs) who received lactated Ringer's solution and Group B (10 pigs) who received hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4. Hemodynamic response and serum lactate were measured at predetermined phases. Four hours after fluid resuscitation animals were euthanized. Lungs were harvested, and tissue samples were collected. Focal thickening of the alveolar membranes, vascular congestion, number of activated neutrophils, alveolar edema, interstitial neutrophil infiltration, intraalveolar infiltration, and alveolar hemorrhage were assessed. Each feature was given a score from 0 to 3 (0 = absence, 3 = severe). The wet/dry ratio was also calculated, and with the use of Evans blue dye extravasation method, capillary permeability was assessed.

Results
The total histology score of Group A differed significantly from that of Group B, being significantly lower in Group B animals P = 0.048. The wet/dry weight ratio was significantly higher in the lactated Ringer's group (median [range]) (Group A, 5.1 [0.5]; Group B, 4.9 [0.3]; P = 0.009). The Evans blue dye extravasation method was utilized to study the lung capillary permeability. The animals in Group B showed a marked reduction in microvascular capillary permeability compared with the animals in Group A (Group A, 58.5 [21] mg/g; Group B, 51.5 [14] mg/g; P = 0.017).

Conclusions
Our study indicates that resuscitation after hemorrhagic shock with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 led to less lung edema and less microvascular permeability in this swine model.
Effect of Anesthetic Technique on Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C and Transforming Growth Factor β in Women Undergoing Anesthesia and Surgery for Breast Cancer
Authors: Looney Micheal , Doran Peter , Buggy Donal J. 
Published: October 2010

Background
In breast cancer, vascular endothelial growth factor C, transforming growth factor β, placental growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor (acidic and basic) promote angiogenesis and metastases. We tested the hypothesis that a propofol-paravertebral anesthetic (PPA) technique would attenuate postoperative changes in these angiogenic factors to a greater extent than balanced general anesthesia (GA) and morphine analgesia in women undergoing surgery for primary breast cancer.

Method
Forty women with primary breast cancer undergoing surgical excision were randomized to receive either standard GA or PPA technique. Venous blood was sampled before and at 24 h after surgery and serum analyzed. The primary endpoint was a preoperative versus postoperative change in vascular endothelial growth factor C and transforming growth factor β concentrations.

Results
Using a visual analog scale (median [25-75% interquartile range]), PPA patients (1 [0-2]) had less pain at 2 h (P = 0.02) than did GA patients (3 [2-5]). The mean postoperative change in vascular endothelial growth factor C concentrations among GA patients was 733 versus 27 pg/ml for PPA patients (difference, 706 [97.5% CI, 280-1,130] pg/ml, P = 0.001). In contrast, the mean postoperative change in transforming growth factor β concentration among GA patients was -163 versus 146 pg/ml for PPA patients (difference, 309 [97.5% CI, -474 to -143] pg/ml, P = 0.005). Concentrations of placental growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, both acidic and basic, were undetectable in serum.

Conclusion
Anesthetic technique influences serum concentrations of factors associated with angiogenesis in primary breast cancer surgery.
A Gain-of-Function Mutation of Arabidopsis CRYPTOCHROME1 Promotes Flowering
Authors: Exner Vivien , Alexandre Cristina , Rosenfeldt Gesa , Alfarano Pietro , Nater Mena , Caflisch Amedeo , Gruissem Wilhelm , Batschauer Alfred , Hennig Lars 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPlants use different classes of photoreceptors to collect information about their light environment. Cryptochromes are blue light photoreceptors that control deetiolation, entrain the circadian clock, and are involved in flowering time control. Here, we describe the cry1-L407F allele of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which encodes a hypersensitive cryptochrome1 (cry1) protein. Plants carrying the cry1-L407F point mutation have elevated expression of CONSTANS and FLOWERING LOCUS T under short-day conditions, leading to very early flowering. These results demonstrate that not only the well-studied cry2, with an unequivocal role in flowering promotion, but also cry1 can function as an activator of the floral transition. The cry1-L407F mutants are also hypersensitive toward blue, red, and far-red light in hypocotyl growth inhibition. In addition, cry1-L407F seeds are hypersensitive to germination-inducing red light pulses, but the far-red reversibility of this response is not compromised. This demonstrates that the cry1-L407F photoreceptor can increase the sensitivity of phytochrome signaling cascades. Molecular dynamics simulation of wild-type and mutant cry1 proteins indicated that the L407F mutation considerably reduces the structural flexibility of two solvent-exposed regions of the protein, suggesting that the hypersensitivity might result from a reduced entropic penalty of binding events during downstream signal transduction. Other nonmutually exclusive potential reasons for the cry1-L407F gain of function are the location of phenylalanine-407 close to three conserved tryptophans, which could change cry1’s photochemical properties, and stabilization of ATP binding, which could extend the lifetime of the signaling state of cry1.
Costs of care for Crohn’s disease following the introduction of infliximab: a single‐centre UK experience
Authors: Sprakes M. B. , Ford A. C. , Suares N. C. , Warren L. , Greer D. , Donnellan C. F. , Jennings J. S. R. , Everett S. M. , Hamlin P. J. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1357–1363SummaryBackground  Infliximab is effective for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with Crohn’s disease. There are few data, however, examining effect of infliximab therapy on management costs of Crohn's disease.Aim  To assess Crohn's disease‐related costs of care and resource use in a single‐centre cohort of patients with Crohn's disease 12 months pre‐ and post‐infliximab therapy.Methods  Data on 100 consecutive patients receiving infliximab were collected. Crohn's disease‐related resource use was collected 12 months pre‐ and post‐infliximab. National Health Service reference costs were applied to these data and the total Crohn's disease‐related health service costs per patient were calculated (£UK). The cost of infliximab therapy was not included in our analysis.Results  Cost savings were demonstrated in all areas of Crohn's disease‐related resource use following infliximab therapy. Mean total Crohn's disease‐related cost reduction, 12 months following commencement of infliximab therapy, was £2750 per patient. Mean costs at 12 months post‐infliximab in responders were lower than in nonresponders (£1656 vs. £3608, P = 0.02). The number of hospitalizations was reduced. Requirements for examination under anaesthesia were also significantly decreased.Conclusion  Infliximab use resulted in Crohn's disease‐related cost savings and hospital resource use, although this was not sufficient to cover the cost of therapy.
Desertification alters the response of vegetation to changes in precipitation
Authors: Verón Santiago R. , Paruelo José M. 
Published: October 2010

Summary 1. Desertification is of critical concern because it may affect 40% of the global land area inhabited by more than 1 billion people. During the process of desertification, defined as land degradation in arid, semi‐arid and dry subhumid areas, drylands shift to a state of reduced biological productivity that may lead to widespread loss of human well‐being. Despite recent advances, we need a better understanding of the response of ecosystems to desertification to improve the assessment and monitoring of desertification. 2. We used a published physiognomic description, MODIS monthly NDVI data for 2000–2005 and rain gauge data to characterize the long‐term effects of degradation for an area of 128 000 ha located in western Patagonia. 3. We focused on three aspects of vegetation dynamics: radiation interception, precipitation use efficiency (PUE) and the sensitivity of vegetation to interannual changes in precipitation (i.e. the slope of the relationship between the above‐ground net primary productivity and precipitation, the precipitation marginal response, PMR). In particular, we analysed the response of PMR and PUE to long‐term changes in vegetation structure due to grazing. 4. On average, NDVI decreased by 28%, ranging between 35% (grass or grass–shrub steppes to semi‐deserts) and 22% (grass or grass‐shrub steppes to low cover grass steppes) suggesting that, in Patagonia, desertification may imply a reduction in the above‐ground net primary productivity. 5. Additionally, PMR and PUE captured the functional modifications associated with vegetation structure caused by desertification. In general, grass and grass‐shrub steppes had the highest average PUE and PMR. Shrub steppes and semi‐deserts had the lowest PMR and PUE. These results support the hypothesis that PUE is more sensitive to changes in total plant cover and PMR to changes in plant functional type composition. 6.
Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that the precipitation marginal response could complement current desertification assessments based only on precipitation use efficiency thereby improving our ability to monitor desertification. Enhanced monitoring programmes could provide an early warning signal for the onset of desertification allowing for timely management action.
Predation intensifies parasite exposure in a salmonid food chain
Authors: Connors Brendan M. , Hargreaves N. Brent , Jones Simon R. M. , Dill Lawrence M. 
Published: October 2010

Summary 1. Parasites can influence ecosystem structure, function and dynamics by mediating predator–prey interactions. Recurrent infestations of the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis associated with salmon aquaculture may mediate interactions between juvenile salmonids. Louse infection increases pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha susceptibility to predation, resulting in the trophic transmission of lice (with an adult male bias) to coho salmon O. kisutch predators. While experimental evidence is accumulating, the extent to which trophic transmission structures the distribution of lice among juvenile salmon in the wild is unknown. 2. We used a hierarchical modelling approach to examine the abundance and sex ratio of salmon lice on juvenile pink and coho salmon, collected from a region of salmon aquaculture during sea louse infestations, to test the hypothesis that trophic transmission of salmon lice increases infection on coho that feed upon infected pink salmon prey. 3. As predicted, coho had higher adult and pre‐adult louse abundance than their pink salmon prey, and louse abundance was more adult male biased on predators than sympatric prey. We estimate that trophic transmission accounts for 53–67% of pre‐adult and adult louse infection on coho. 4.
Synthesis and applications. These results suggest that, by evading predation, salmon lice can accumulate up juvenile salmon food webs. Predators, such as coho, can experience a two‐ to threefold increase in parasite exposure through predation on infected prey than would otherwise occur through passive exposure to infective larvae. Thus, predation may intensify parasite exposure and undermine the protection to ectoparasites conferred by the larger body size of predators. For larger predatory wild juvenile salmon, the risk of louse transmission from farmed salmon may therefore be greater than previously appreciated. These findings argue for an ecosystem perspective in monitoring and managing the marine environment in areas of intensive salmon aquaculture that includes the productivity and ecological interactions of all salmonid species.
Biological characteristics and pathogenicity of a highly pathogenic Shewanella marisflavi infecting sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Li H , Qiao G , Li Q , Zhou W , Won K M , Xu D‐H , Park S‐I 
Published: October 2010

Abstract Shewanella marisflavi isolate AP629 is described as a novel pathogen of sea cucumber. The LD50 values (14 days) in sea cucumber, mice and swordtail fish were 3.89 × 106, 6.80 × 104 and 4.85 × 104 CFU g−1 body weight, respectively. Studies on S. marisflavi were conducted, including morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics, haemolysis, whole‐cell protein and 16S rDNA gene sequence. Colonies of S. marisflavi appeared faint red on marine agar and green on thiosulphate–citrate–bile salt–sucrose media. Shewanella marisflavi had polar flagella. The cells were Gram‐negative, oxidase‐ and catalase‐positive and not sensitive to O/129. The bacterium exhibited β‐haemolysis on sheep blood agar and produced H2S. Shewanella marisflavi survived and grew at 4–35 °C, pH 6.0–9.2 and in the presence of 0–8% NaCl. The whole‐cell proteins included 13 discrete bands, and proteins of molecular weight 87, 44 and 39 kDa were found in all five strains of Shewanella spp. The difference in 16S rDNA gene sequences in S. marisflavi was at the 446 bp site: S. marisflavi (KCCM 41822) – G, isolate AP629 – A. This is the first report that Shewanella is pathogenic to sea cucumber.
Lack of evidence for vertical transmission of SAV 3 using gametes of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., exposed by natural and experimental routes
Authors: Kongtorp R T , Stene A , Andreassen P A , Aspehaug V , Graham D A , Lyngstad T M , Olsen A B , Olsen R S , Sandberg M , Santi N , Wallace C , Breck O 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPancreas disease (PD) is an important cause of losses in farmed salmonids in Norway, the United Kingdom and Ireland. As the spread of salmonid alphavirus (SAV), the causal agent, to naïve populations is of major concern to the farming industry, it is important to uncover the transmission routes of the virus. This study was conducted to investigate the potential for vertical transmission of SAV subtype 3. Progeny of broodstock with signs of late‐stage PD and persistent RT‐PCR signals for SAV were followed from fertilization to smoltification in an experimental facility. Fertilized ova were either not disinfected or taken through one of three different disinfection regimes. Also, ova and milt from uninfected broodfish from a different population were exposed to a cell‐cultured strain of SAV 3 immediately before fertilization to simulate a viraemic phase in parent fish. A group of uninfected controls were also included in the study. Fertilized ova from bath exposed and negative control groups were double disinfected. Following fertilization, experimental fish went through a normal freshwater phase. However, fry were stressed at first feeding to enhance replication of possibly latent virus. Smoltification was induced by an artificial light regime, and experimental fish were followed to the late smoltification phase. Selected samples were investigated by real‐time RT‐PCR for SAV, by histology for evidence of PD and by serology for neutralising antibodies against SAV. All analysed samples of progeny were negative. This result shows that SAV 3 is not readily transmitted vertically from parents to offspring. Additional negative PCR results from salmon sampled in commercial hatcheries support these findings. Also, recent studies have shown that risk factors for the horizontal transmission route explain the vast majority of PD outbreaks in Norway. It is concluded that if it happens at all, vertical transmission is of minor importance in the spread of SAV 3.
Evidence of extreme habitat stability in a Southeast Asian biodiversity hotspot based on the evolutionary analysis of neotenic net‐winged beetles
Authors: MALOHLAVA V. , BOCAK L. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe diversification of neotenic beetle lineages has not been studied, despite the potential for defining biodiversity hotspots and elucidating the history of regional faunas. Additionally, neotenics may provide insight into the process of speciation in small populations with extremely low dispersal ability and a limited range. Here, we used two rDNA and three mtDNA markers to investigate the phylogeny of Scarelus, a neotenic lineage endemic to Southeast Asian rainforests. Most genetic differentiation was associated with Palaeogene geographical divisions, which remain distinct despite temporary connections. Dispersal events were rare, with only two inferred for Scarelus: from Borneo to the Philippines 28.3 million years ago (Ma) and from Sumatra to Java 13.9 Ma. We suggest that speciation resulted from allopatric range fragmentation, and Scarelus diversified readily when conditions were favourable; in this case, at different times in the eastern (19.3–39.1 Ma) and western (3.5–13.9 Ma) parts of Sundaland. The observed strong phenotypic similarity was preserved under speciation through complete allopatry. Neotenic Lycidae have survived for a long time in very stable habitats, and extremely low dispersal activity has not limited their persistence; however, the long‐term diversification rate of neotenics is low and diversification is nonexistent under stable conditions. The modern ranges of neotenic lineages are indicative of ancient rainforest refugia and may be used in biodiversity conservation management. Most neotenics are at risk of extinction because of their small ranges and a low dispersal potential.
Claw histopathology and parasitic load in natural cases of canine leishmaniosis associated with Leishmania infantum
Authors: Koutinas Alexander F. , Carlotti Didier N. , Koutinas Christos , Papadogiannakis Emmanouil I. , Spanakos Gregory K. , Saridomichelakis Manolis N. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractHistological lesions and the presence of Leishmania spp. amastigotes in claw tissues were investigated in 40 dogs with leishmaniosis, with (16/40 – group A) or without (24/40 – group B) generalized onychogryphosis. Following euthanasia, the entire third phalanx with intact claw was amputated, formalin fixed, decalcified in a formic acid solution, embedded in paraffin, sectioned longitudinally and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and acid orcein‐Giemsa. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of Leishmania amastigotes. Lichenoid mononuclear infiltration (all dogs in group A, 21 of 24 dogs in group B), basal keratinocyte vacuolation (nine of 16 dogs in group A, 15 of 24 dogs in group B) and dermoepidermal clefting (13 of 16 dogs in group A, 18 of 24 dogs in group B) were the most prominent histopathological findings. There was no difference in the frequency and severity of these lesions between the two groups. Leishmania amastigotes could not be visualized in the dermis of any of the H&E sections, but their presence was demonstrated by nested PCR in three of 16 dogs in group A and two of 24 dogs in group B. However, the frequency of positive nested PCRs was not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, claw histopathology in symptomatic dogs with leishmaniosis, either with or without onychogryphosis is mainly characterized by mononuclear lichenoid dermatitis with or without interface dermatitis and dermoepidermal clefting, and is not accompanied by substantial local parasitism.
Strategies for prevention of scars: what can we learn from fetal skin?
Authors: Namazi Mohammad Reza , Fallahzadeh Mohammad Kazem , Schwartz Robert A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFetal wound healing occurs rapidly and without scar formation early in gestation. Studying the mechanisms of scarless repair can lead to novel scar‐preventive approaches. In fetal wounds, collagen is deposited early and is fine and reticular with less cross‐linking. Several important differences of fetal vs. postgestational wound‐healing response have been determined, such as the presence of less inflammation, higher hyaluronic acid concentration and a greater ratio of collagen type III to type I. Compared with typical wounds, there are also altered ratios of signaling molecules, such as higher ratios of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β3 to TGF‐β1 and ‐β2, and matrix metalloproteinases to tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Furthermore, fetal fibroblasts do not exhibit TGF‐β1‐induced collagen production compared with their mature counterparts. Patterning genes (homeobox genes) involved in organogenesis are more active in the fetal period and are believed to be the “first domino” in the fetal cutaneous wound repair regulatory cascade. The recommended scar‐preventive agents, such as Scarguard MD®, silicone gel and sheet, Seprafilm® Bioresorbable Membrane, topical hyaluronan, onion extract, oral tamoxifen and 585‐nm pulsed dye laser are reviewed in this study. Despite the lack of supporting evidence, there is a widespread false presumption that the acceleration of healing with the widely assumed scar‐preventive commercial agents is associated with decreased scar formation. Humans are erroneously inclined to make a negative correlation between the healing rate and the degree of scar formation, while such a correlation does not exist in reality. Despite the importance of scar prevention, no FDA‐approved therapy for this purpose is available in the 21st century, which reflects the important challenges, such as the presence of redundant pathways, that these approaches are facing.
Human opioid μ‐receptor A118G polymorphism may protect against central pruritus by epidural morphine for post‐cesarean analgesia
Authors: TSAI F.‐F. , FAN S.‐Z. , YANG Y.‐M. , CHIEN K.‐L. , SU Y.‐N. , CHEN L.‐K. 
Published: October 2010

Background:Intrathecal or epidural morphine used for post‐operative analgesia frequently induces central type pruritus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the severity of central type pruritus induced by epidural morphine for post‐cesarean analgesia and the A118G polymorphism of the human μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1).Methods:Pregnant women (212) received pure epidural morphine (2 mg) twice per day for post‐cesarean analgesia. Blood samples were collected and sequenced with high‐resolution melting analysis to detect three different genotypes ofOPRM1(AA, AG and GG). We interviewed all candidates 24 h post‐operatively to record the clinical phenotype with subjective complaints and objective observations.Results:The genotyping revealed that 99 women (46.7%) were AA, 88 (41.5%) were AG and 25 (11.8%) were GG. Sixty‐two of 212 women suffered from significant pruritus (29.2%), and 150 of 212 women had non‐significant pruritus (70.8%). In genotype AA, 33 patients (53.2%) experienced significant pruritus, 26 (41.9%) in genotype AG and 3 (4.8%) in genotype GG. The G allele was a statistically independent protective factor for individuals developing pruritus, and the multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio was 0.27. There was a trend for progressively decreasing severity scores among the three groups, with the lowest severity score (0.72) for pruritus in the GG group.Conclusions:The incidence of significant pruritus in the recessive type (GG) was significantly lower compared with the dominant types (AA+AG). The recessive G allele in the A118G polymorphism may have protective effects against significant pruritus after epidural morphine for post‐cesarean analgesia.