bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of neutrophil function by the bronchial epithelium stimulated by epidermal growth factor
Authors: Uddin M. , Seumois G. , Lau L. C. , Rytila P. , Davies D. E. , Djukanović R. 
Published: December 2007

The bronchial epithelium is an important physical barrier that regulates physiological processes including leukocyte trafficking. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms whereby the bronchial epithelium, stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) as part of a response to acute or chronic injury, could activate and chemoattract human neutrophils.Subconfluent human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells were stimulated with EGF to mimic thein vivoevents after injury. The effect of the resulting EGF-conditioned media (CM) was compared with that of basal-CM with respect to neutrophil activation and chemotaxis. Such findings were then confirmed using primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) from healthy volunteers.EGF-CM from 16HBE cells caused increased expression of CD11b/CD66b and CD62L loss on neutrophils when compared with basal-CM. EGF-CM contained significant neutrophil chemotactic activity involving granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-8 that was potentiated by leukotriene B4. This was dependent on neutrophil phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activation and Akt phosphorylation, with partial regulation by phospholipase D, but not mammalian target of rapamycin. Consistent with these observations, EGF-CM derived from PBECs displayed increased chemotactic activity.The present results suggest that the enhanced chemotactic activity of the epidermal growth factor-conditioned epithelium can enhance neutrophil-mediated immunity during acute injury, while during continued injury and repair, as in chronic asthma, this could contribute to persistent neutrophilic inflammation.
The plasma ammonia response to cycle exercise in COPD
Authors: Calvert L. D. , Singh S. J. , Greenhaff P. L. , Morgan M. D. , Steiner M. C. 
Published: December 2007

The plasma ammonia response to exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was examined and the relationship between plasma ammonia concentration and muscle adenine nucleotide metabolism was explored.In total, 25 stable COPD patients and 13 similar-aged controls underwent incremental and constant-work rate cycle exercise tests. Arterialised venous blood was sampled at rest, at 1-min intervals during exercise and ≤5 min after exercise for ammonia and lactate concentration.Peak incremental work rate was significantly less in COPD subjects (67±21 W) than similar-aged controls (156±46 W). In COPD and control subjects, plasma ammonia concentration increased during incremental exercise until 2 min post-exercise and then declined by 5 min post-exercise. However, two distinct patterns were seen in COPD subjects. In one group (n = 16), ammonia increased (42.8±3.3 μmol·L−1) by a similar magnitude as the controls (55.5±7.0 μmol·L−1). In the second COPD group (n = 9), no ammonia increase was observed despite a similar lactate increase. Ammonia change with incremental and constant-work rate exercise strongly correlated in COPD subjects. Plasma ammonia increase correlated with muscle inosine-5′–monophosphate formation after constant-work rate exercise.Plasma ammonia concentration increases during incremental and constant-work rate cycle exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects at lower absolute work rates compared with similar-aged controls. The plasma ammonia response may provide useful information about adenine nucleotide metabolism and, therefore, muscle fatigue during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Phase I dose escalation study of vinorelbine and topotecan combination chemotherapy in patients with recurrent lung cancer
Authors: Beldner Matthew A , Sherman Carol A , Green Mark R , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Chaudhary Uzair , Meyer Mario L , Kraft Andrew S , Montero Alberto J 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
A platinum doublet is the current standard treatment for good performance status patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with good performance status. However, platinum-based treatment may be associated with significant toxicities, therefore alternative platinum-free combinations should be investigated. Topotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that exerts its cytotoxic effect through stabilization of the topoisomerase I-DNA complex. Preclinical data suggests synergy between topoisomerase I inhibitors and mitotic spindle poisons. Considerable hematologic toxicities have been reported with topotecan dosed for 5 consecutive days in combination with vinorelbine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal dosage and the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of topotecan and vinorelbine in patients with relapsed or refractory non-small cell or small cell lung cancer administered on an alternate dosing schedule.

Methods
From February, 2004 to March, 2007 eighteen patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC or SCLC previously treated with chemotherapy were enrolled. Patients were heavily pretreated with 22% having received at least 3 prior lines of chemotherapy. Vinorelbine was administered at a fixed dose (20 mg/m2) and topotecan at escalating doses (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 every 21 days.

Results
The MTD was not reached in any of the 5 cohorts, with only one dose limiting toxicity (DLT) occurring in cohort 4. Non-hematological toxicities were manageable. One patient had a partial response with four patients (27%) achieving stable disease. The median progression-free and overall survival for all patients, were 2.7 months (95% CI: 1.6, 9.1) and 10.5 months (95% CI: 4.2, 22.7), respectively.

Conclusion
Vinorelbine and topotecan administered on days 1 and 8 every 21 days is well tolerated without any DLT seen with previously investigated topotecan schedules. This doublet provides a potentially active non-platinum containing doublet for the treatment of patients with advanced SCLC and NSCLC. Vinorelbine and topotecan should therefore be investigated in subsequent phase II studies at a dose of 20 mg/m2 and 4 mg/m2, respectively.

Trial Registration Number
NCT00287963.
Improved isolation of murine hepatocytes for in vitro malaria liver stage studies
Authors: Gonçalves Lígia A , Vigário Ana M , Penha-Gonçalves Carlos 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Primary hepatocyte cultures are a valuable tool for the understanding of cellular and molecular phenomena occurring during malaria liver stage. This paper describes an improved perfusion/dissociation procedure to isolate hepatocytes from mouse liver that is suitable for malaria studies and allows reproducible preparation of primary hepatocytes with consistent cell yields and controlled purity.

Results
This protocol is a detailed description of a technique to isolate and culture mouse hepatocytes and represents an improvement over previous descriptions of hepatocyte isolation for malaria studies, regarding three technical aspects: (1) dissociation reagents choice; (2) cell separation gradient and (3) cell purity control. Cell dissociation was optimized for a specific collagenase digestion media. The cell dissociation step was improved by using a three-layer discontinuous gradient. A cell purity check was introduced to monitor the expression of CD95 on hepatocytes using flow cytometry methods.

Conclusion
The procedure described allows reproducible recovery of one to three million hepatocytes per preparation with cell purity of about 90% as determined by FACS analysis. Completion of the protocol is usually achieved in about four hours per preparation and pooling is suggested for multiple preparations of larger number of cells.
Osteopetrotic (op/op) mice have reduced microglia, no Aβ deposition, and no changes in dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Kondo Yoichi , Lemere Cynthia A , Seabrook Timothy J 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Activation of microglia is a part of the inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases but its role in the pathophysiology of these diseases is still unclear. The osteopetrotic (op/op) mouse lacks colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and thus has a deficiency in microglia and macrophages. Prior reports have demonstrated that op/op mice deposit amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, similar to those found in Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of these studies was to confirm this and to determine if the lack of CSF-1 affects the development of dopaminergic neurons and the expression of CD200, a known microglial inhibitory protein.

Method
We examined the central nervous system of op/op mice at 30 days, 60 days and 7 months of age and wildtype littermates at 30 days using immunohistochemistry and histochemistry.

Results
We found a decrease in the number of microglia in 1 month-old op/op mice compared to wildtype (WT) littermates as measured by CD11b, CD45, CD32/16, CD68, CD204 and F4/80 immunoreactivity. Aβ plaques were not detected, while the number of dopaminergic neurons appeared normal. The expression of CD200 appeared to be normal, but there appeared to be a lower expression in the substantia nigra.

Conclusion
In contrast to a prior report we did not detect Aβ deposition in the central nervous system of op/op mice at 30 days, 60 days or 7 months of age and there was a normal number of dopaminergic neurons. This indicates that op/op mice may be useful to examine the effects of microglia on neurodegenerative disease progression by breeding them to different transgenic mouse models. In addition, the lack of CSF-1 does not appear to affect CD200 expression by neurons but we did note a decrease in the substantia nigra of op/op and WT mice, suggesting that this may be a mechanism by which microglia control may be attenuated in this specific area during Parkinson's disease.
Internal jugular vein thrombosis in a warfarinised patient: a case report
Authors: Ball Elizabeth , Morris-Stiff Gareth , Coxon Mari , Lewis Michael H 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIntroductionInternal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) is a rare but potentially fatal condition. It usually arises following trauma to the internal jugular vein but is also seen in association with coagulopathies and advanced malignancies as part of a para-neoplastic syndrome.Case presentationWe report a case of a 44 year old woman with a strong past medical history and family history of thrombotic disease who presented with abdominal pain and ascites. A stage III ovarian carcinoma was diagnosed and she underwent debulking of the tumour. She sustained a peri-operative haemorrhage and required insertion of a central line into the right internal jugular vein. At one month follow-up she presented as an emergency with a left neck mass and painful swallowing. A duplex ultrasound of her neck identified a left IJVT to the level of the brachiocephalic vein which had occurred despite warfarinisation and an INR of greater than 2. She was commenced on intravenous heparin and the swelling resolved over the course of a week.ConclusionThis case illustrates an unusual presentation of a rare condition. In this case, the precise aetiology is unclear as the IJVT may have been related to a coagulopathy or the presence of advanced malignancy and occurred despite adequate anticoagulation.
Post-translational modifications of histones H3 and H4 associated with the histone methyltransferases Suv39h1 and G9a
Authors: Robin Philippe , Fritsch Lauriane , Philipot Ophélie , Svinarchuk Fedor , Ait-Si-Ali Slimane 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSpecific combinations of post-translational modifications of histones alter chromatin structure, facilitating gene transcription or silencing. Here we have investigated the 'histone code' associated with the histone methyltransferases Suv39h1 and G9a by combining double immunopurification and mass spectrometry. Our results confirm the previously reported histone modifications associated with Suv39h1 and G9a. Moreover, this method allowed us to demonstrate for the first time an association of acetylated histones with the repressor proteins Suv39h1 and G9a.
Differences Between Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime: Microbiological Inconsistencies
Authors: Gums John G , Boatwright D Wesston , Camblin Mark , Halstead Diane C , Jones Mark E , Sanderson Roger 
Published: December 2007

Objective: To review data to determine why pneumococcal isolates appear to be increasingly resistant to cefotaxime, historically regarded as having the same in vitro susceptibility to ceftriaxone, and what this observation might imply clinically. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–October 2007) using the MeSH terms cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, susceptibility, microbial sensitivity tests, antibiotics, pneumococcal infections, Streptococcus pneumoniae. resistance, and cephalosporin resistance. Abstracts and surveillance databases were reviewed and unpublished data were provided by state departments of health and institutions. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles published in the English language that were identified from the data sources were evaluated. Data Synthesis: An experimental model of pneumococcal infection in mice conducted 2 decades ago predicted that the delta T minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied less for ceftriaxone than for cefotaxime. Studies of plasma and serum concentrations show that ceftriaxone remains at a concentration above the S. pneumoniae MIC for 100% of the dosing interval al 12 hours. Types of MIC susceptibility test methods for ceftriaxone and cefotaxime used against S pneumoniae respiratory isolates were found to be similar. Data from state and county health departments found microbiological discrepancies between ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. In areas with high rates of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP), isolates were twice as susceptible to ceftriaxone versus cefotaxime. Surveillance databases consistently show differences between susceptibility of S. pneumoniae to cefotaxime versus ceftriaxone over time. MIC and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis studies suggest that phenotypic discrepancies may account for ponicillin resistance. Ongoing studies are examining S. pneumoniae isolates at the molecular level to determine the basis of difference in resistance to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. Conclusions: An increase in rates of PRSP and differences in S. pneumoniae isolate susceptibility between ceftriaxone and cefotaxime emphasize the necessity for hospital laboratories to detect these changes as they occur. Clinicians should select the most appropriate agent for patients with S. pneumoniae.
Methotrexate-Induced Papular Eruption Following Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Mebazaa Amel , Kenani Nesrine , Denguezli Mohamed , Salem Chaker Ben , Ziadi Sonia , Sriha Badreddine , Belajouza Colandane , Nouira Rafiaa 
Published: December 2007

Objective: To report a case of a diffuse papular eruption following treatment of psoriasis with methotrexate injections. Case Report: A 52-year-old woman presented with an extensive flare of psoriasis associated with joint pain, especially in her knees and elbows. She was treated with intramuscular injections of methotrexate 20 mg/wk. Ten hours after the second methotrexate injection, the patient experienced a diffuse pruritic papular eruption located mainly on the limbs. Histology showed foci of dyskeratosis in the mucosal layer and a polymorphic perivascular inflammatory infiltrate of (he papillary dermis, suggesting a drug-induced skin reaction. According to the Naranjo probability scale, the papular eruption was probably caused by methotrexate. The drug was discontinued and papular lesions gradually disappeared. Discussion: Methotrexate-induced papular eruption is rarely reported shortly after beginning methotrexate therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of collagen vascular diseases. Methotrexate-induced papular eruption following treatment of psoriasis has not been previously reported. Conclusions: The pathogenesis of methotrexate-induced papular eruption in collagen vascular diseases may suggest cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis. In our patient, histology showed aspects of drug-Induced skin reaction without vasculitis. Pathogenesis of methotrexate-induced papular eruption in psoriasis may Involve immune mechanisms other than those of methotrexate-induced cutaneous vasculitis in collagen vascular disease.
Monitoring of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Jannazzo Abigail , Hoffman Janet , Lutz Mark 
Published: December 2007

Objective: To review the literature regarding the appropriate monitoring for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search of the literature was performed (1966–August 2007). Search terms included anthracycline, cardiotoxicity, and monitoring. Additional references were identified through bibliographic reviews. Data Synthesis: Anthracycline medications are effective in the treatment of many malignancies but their use is limited by their associated cardiotoxicity. The focus of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity prevention has been on monitoring cardiac function during treatment; however, a consensus on the most appropriate way to monitor patients is not available. Most guidelines lack specific details on the appropriate methods of cardiac evaluation and schedule. One guideline that does provide specific recommendations on both the method of evaluation and schedule has been criticized for being too restrictive, costly, and tacking in evidentiary support. The literature is insufficient in evaluation of the predictive value of cardiac function monitoring by echocardiography or radionuclide angiography during anthracycline therapy and the future development of cardiotoxicity, the necessity of baseline cardiac function monitoring, the optimal follow-up cardiac evaluation schedule, and the addition of risk stratification to monitoring schemes. Conclusions: Although guidelines are Inadequate to predict and prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, until further research is available, following one of the existing guidelines to monitor for this adverse effect is a practical solution.
Employing Rhodobacter sphaeroides to functionally express and purify human G protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Roy Ankita , Shukla Arun Kumar , Haase Winfried , Michel Hartmut 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest class of cell surface receptors and play crucial roles in many cellular and physiological processes. Functional production of recombinant GPCRs is one of the main bottlenecks to obtaining structural information. Here, we report the use of a novel bacterial expression system based on the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides for the production of human recombinant GPCRs. The advantage of employing R. sphaeroides as a host lies in the fact that it provides much more membrane surface per cell compared to other typical expression hosts. The system was tailored to overexpress recombinant receptors under the control of the moderately strong and highly regulated superoperonic photosynthetic promoter pufQ. We tested this system for the expression of some class A GPCRs, namely, the human adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR), the human angiotensin AT1a receptor (AT1aR) and the human bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R). Several different constructs were examined and functional production of the recombinant receptors was achieved. The best-expressed receptor, AT1aR, was solubilized and affinity-purified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of successful use of a bacterial host – R. sphaeroides – to produce functional recombinant GPCRs under the control of a photosynthetic gene promoter.
Geotechnical-Acoustical Analysis of Marine Sediments: A Review on the State of The Technology
Authors: Ingram Wayne B. , McMonagle Robert D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The requirement for sub-sea soils data is paramount for the siting of gravity structures, pile founded structures, mobi1 drill rigs, selection of pipeline routes and depths of burial, anchoring of vessels, running of preconductors and a myriad of other associated problems.
Properties of soils that are highly important in a design process are shear strength, water content, grain size distribution, consolidation characteristics and density. A number of investigations have attempted to relate these soil properties to acoustic properties such as compression wave velocity and reflectivity coefficients as part of the ongoing efforts to determine soil foundation properties indirectly.
This paper: a) reviews soil data gathering efforts from conventional boring programs as a demonstration of how ground truth measurements are obtained; b) discusses in-situ tests which develop direct information; and c) present some of the more meaningful efforts at acoustic methods for determining soil parameters including correlations where they exist. The resulting stratigraphic correlations are useful in siting of platforms, routing of pipelines and in determining approximate settlement of structures.
Micellar-Polymer Flooding Projects in the Bradford Field
Authors: Guckert Larry G. , Paynter Warren T. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Beginning in 1968 Pennzoil installed and operated two field tests of the Maraflood™ oil recovery process in the Bradford field of Pennsylvania. The oil reservoir tested was the oil-wet, watered-out Bradford Third sand at a depth of 1850 ft.
The initial 3/4-acre inverted five-spot pilot, operated from 1968 to 1970, proved that residual waterflood oil could be mobilized and produced by micellar-polymer flooding. The outgrowth of the technically successful pilot test was a 46.2-acre expanded project adjacent to the pilot. The expansion, Special Project No. 7, was developed in 1970 and placed on injection in 1971. Through July 1981, the project has recovered 208,000 bbl of oil, equivalent to 4500 bbl per acre or 300 bbl per acre-ft. Ultimate oil recovery is projected at 218,000 bbl or 52% of the oil in-place following waterflood.
Because of the encouraging results of the previous field tests, Pennzoil started work in 1979 on a 220-acre development in the same area. This development, Special Project No. 8, was self-certified under the DOE front-end incentive program in March 1980. A staggered line drive pattern containing 126 production wells and 57 injection wells was developed in 1980 and 1981. Injection of micellar solution will begin in January 1982, and will be followed by three years of polymer injection. Fluid injection will be concluded by 1990. Oil recovery from the 220-acres is estimated at one million bbl. The cost to develop and produce a barrel of oil (1981 $) by the Maraflood process in the current project is estimated at $27 before taxes (local, federal income and excise tax) and royalty.