bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prednisone Prevents Inducible Atrial Flutter in the Canine Sterile Pericarditis Model
Authors: GOLDSTEIN ROBERT N. , RYU KYUNGMOO , KHRESTIAN CELEEN , VAN WAGONER DAVID R. , WALDO ALBERT L. 
Published: September 2007

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are common following cardiac surgery and are associated with significant morbidity. We tested the hypothesis that suppression of the inflammatory response with steroids would significantly modify the inducibility of postoperative AF/AFL in the canine sterile pericarditis model. Methods: Twenty‐three dogs were studied daily from creation of pericarditis to the fourth postoperative day: 11 dogs were treated with oral prednisone (PRED) starting 2 days preoperatively until the end of the study; 12 dogs were controls (CON). EP testing was performed daily using epicardial electrodes placed at initial surgery. High‐resolution (404 sites) epicardial mapping was performed during the terminal study. Baseline and daily CRP levels were obtained in all dogs. Results: Sustained AFL was absent in PRED (0%) versus CON dogs (91%; P < 0.001); AF induced in the early postoperative course in PRED dogs was of very short CL (mean 66 ms). Tissue inflammation was significantly attenuated in PRED dogs. Thresholds were lower in PRED versus CON dogs, significantly so on postoperative day (POD) 3. There was a trend toward lower ERPs in the PRED group at all CLs. CRP levels were markedly reduced in PRED versus CON dogs (peak CRP 78 ± 7 mg/L vs 231 ± 21 mg/L, P < 0.001), and returned to baseline in PRED dogs by POD 4, correlating with a virtual absence of sustained arrhythmia. During open chest mapping studies on POD 4, PRED dogs showed only nonsustained AF/AFL. Conclusions: Prednisone eliminated postoperative AFL, affected all EP parameters studied, and attenuated the inflammatory response associated with pericarditis.
Effect of sevelamer on aortic pulse wave velocity in patients on hemodialysis: A prospective observational study
Authors: OTHMANE Taha El Hadj , BAKONYI Geza , EGRESITS Jozsef , FEKETE Bertalan Cs. , FODOR Erzsebet , JARAI Zoltan , JEKKEL Csaba , NEMCSIK Janos , SZABO Andras , SZABO Tamas , KISS Istvan , TISLER Andras 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAortic stiffening and aortic calcification are risk factors for cardiovascular events in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and these 2 risk factors are interrelated. Sevelamer decreases aortic calcification but its effect on aortic stiffness has not been investigated previously. Thirteen HD patients commencing sevelamer treatment and 13 matched controls were followed for 11 months. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and levels of inhibitors of vascular calcification (fetuin‐A, matrix‐GLA‐protein, osteoprotegerin/RANKL) were measured at baseline and at the end of follow‐up, and the differences between the groups were compared. Determinants of the changes in PWV during follow‐up were assessed by multivariate linear regression. At baseline, PWV was 9.93 (2.10) m/s in sevelamer‐treated patients and 9.20 (2.84) m/s in control patients (p=0.464). By the end of follow‐up, PWV decreased by 0.83 (2.3) m/s in sevelamer‐treated patients while it increased by 0.93 (1.88) m/s in controls (p=0.042). The direction of changes in AIx were similar, but not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the levels of inhibitors of calcification either at baseline or during follow‐up. In multivariate linear regression sevelamer treatment, diabetes, heart rate, and C‐reactive protein were related to the change in PWV. These data suggest that sevelamer treatment is associated with an improvement in aortic stiffness in HD patients, but it does not seem to affect serum levels of inhibitors of vascular calcification.
Influence of sodium profile in preventing complications during hemodialysis
Authors: MEIRA Fernanda S. , POLI DE FIGUEIREDO Carlos E. , FIGUEIREDO Ana E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAlthough a safe procedure, hemodialysis (HD) can cause numerous complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of complications during dialysis, interdialytic weight gain, and the predialysis and postdialysis blood pressure in HD patients with and without variable sodium. Patients were observed during 12 HD sessions and those presenting with recurrent hypotension were selected for a step‐wise model of variable sodium profiling. A total of 53 patients were evaluated; the mean‐SD age was 53.7±16.3 years and 22 (41.5%) were male. Of these, 18 (34.0%) were selected to receive variable sodium profiling: the mean (SD) age was 59.9±12.6 years, and 10 (55.6%) were female. A significant decline in the occurrence of cramps (p<0.027), in the mean interdialytic weight gain (p<0.009), and a tendency to reduce the number of hypotensive episodes were detected in patients using variable sodium profiling. On the other hand, predialysis systolic blood pressure presented a significant increase (p<0.048). Using variable sodium, there was a statistically significant reduction in cramps and in the mean interdialytic weight gain. There was a significant increase in predialysis systolic pressure. Regarding hypotension episodes, only a tendency toward a reduction in the frequency of hypotension episodes could be detected.
Recent advances in natriuretic peptide research
Authors: Woodard Geoffrey E. , Rosado Juan A. 
Published: September 2007

Introduction
Natriuretic peptides as a ‘biomarker’ of congestive heart failure and acute renal failure/insufficiency
Renoprotective effect of natriuretic peptides after acute renal failure
Nesiritide – current benefits/hazards of drug usage

AbstractThe natriuretic peptides are a family of related hormones that play a crucial role in cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. They have recently emerged as potentially important clinical biomarkers in heart failure. Natriuretic peptides, particularly brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the inactive N‐terminal fragment of BNP, NT‐proBNP, that has an even greater half‐life than BNP, are elevated in heart failure and therefore considered to be excellent predictors of disease outcome. Nesiritide, a recombinant human BNP, has been shown to provide symptomatic and haemodynamic improvement in acute decompensated heart failure, although recent reports have suggested an increased short‐term risk of death with nesiritide use. This review article describes: the current use of BNP and its inactive precursor NT‐proBNP in diagnosis, screening, prognosis and monitoring of therapy for congestive heart failure, the renoprotective actions of natriuretic peptides after renal failure and the controversy around the therapeutic use of the recombinant human BNP nesiritide.
Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma: case series and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Kovarik Carrie L. , Barrett Terry , Auerbach Aaron , Cassarino David S. 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (AMFS) is a rare, low‐grade neoplasm most often occurring on the extremities of adults. It consists of mixed inflammatory infiltrates with nodules of epithelioid, spindled and bizarre‐appearing cells within a fibrosclerotic‐to‐myxoid stroma. AMFS frequently recurs, but only rarely metastasizes.Materials and methods:  A retrospective analysis of all cases of AMFS seen in the past 4 years from the Stanford University Laboratory of Surgical Pathology and collaborating institutions was performed. We sought to better characterize the clinicopathologic characteristics of this rare tumor. Immunohistochemical stains, including CD34, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), CD117, CD163, Ki67 and p53, were also performed.Results:  Eighteen cases were analyzed, and clinical information was available on 13 of them. The mean age at diagnosis was 48 years old, 10/13 (77%) occurred on the distal extremities and diameter of the lesions ranged from 1.0 to 10.0 cm. Treatment included wide local or radical excision and local recurrences were not reported. Many of the lesions were multinodular. Histologic characteristics included the presence of fibrosclerotic and myxoid stroma, sheets of spindled to round epithelioid cells, Reed‐Sternberg or virocyte‐like cells, lipoblast‐like cells and rare mitotic figures. In most cases, CD34, EGFR and CD163 were diffusely positive. EMA and CD117 were weakly positive in some cases. Ki67 labeled < 10% of cells, and staining with P53 was variable.Conclusions:  Because AMFS may be mistaken for lymphoma, infection or tumors with higher metastatic potential, correct diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary procedures and allow for proper clinical management. EGFR positivity suggests possible therapeutic use in aggressive cases.
Irsogladine maleate counters the interleukin‐1β‐induced suppression in gap‐junctional intercellular communication but does not affect the interleukin‐1β‐induced zonula occludens protein‐1 levels in human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Fujita T. , Ashikaga A. , Shiba H. , Kajiya M. , Kishimoto A. , Hirata R. , Tsunekuni N. , Hirono C. , Kawaguchi H. , Shiba Y. , Kurihara H. 
Published: September 2007

Background and Objective:  Irsogladine maleate counters gap junctional intercellular communication reduction induced by interleukin‐8 or Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in cultured human gingival epithelial cells. Interleukin‐1β is involved in periodontal disease. Little is known, however, about the effect of interleukin‐1β on intercellular junctional complexes in human gingival epithelial cells. Furthermore, irsogladine maleate may affect the actions of interleukin‐1β. In this study, we examined how interleukin‐1β affected gap junctional intercellular communication, connexin 43 and zonula occludens protein‐1, and how irsogladine maleate modulated the interleukin‐1β‐induced changes in the intercellular junctional complexes in human gingival epithelial cells.Material and Methods:  Human gingival epithelial cells were exposed to interleukin‐1β, with or without irsogladine maleate. Connexin 43 and zonula occludens protein‐1 were examined at mRNA and protein levels by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Gap junctional intercellular communication was determined using the dye transfer method. The expression of zonula occludens protein‐1 was also confirmed by immunofluorescence.Results:  Interleukin‐1β decreased connexin 43 mRNA levels, but increased zonula occludens protein‐1 mRNA levels. Irsogladine maleate countered the interleukin‐1β‐induced reduction in gap junctional intercellular communication and connexin 43 levels. However, irsogladine maleate did not influence the increased zonula occludens protein‐1 levels.Conclusion:  The effect of interleukin‐1β on gap junctional intercellular communication and tight junctions of human gingival epithelial cells is different. The recovery of gap junctional intercellular communication by irsogladine maleate in the gingival epithelium may be a normal process in gingival epithelial homeostasis.
Brazilian Tapir Density in the Pantanal: A Comparison of Systematic Camera‐Trapping and Line‐Transect Surveys
Authors: Trolle Mogens , Noss Andrew J. , Cordeiro José Luis Passos , Oliveira Luiz Flamarion B. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe density of Brazilian tapirs (Tapirus terrestris)was studied in the northeastern part of the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil using two simultaneous and independent methods: (1) systematic camera trapping combined with capture–recapture analysis, with camera traps spaced 1 km apart and distributed over 54 km2; and (2) line‐transect sampling using an array of 12 linear transects, from 3.8 to 7.2 km long, covering the principal open and forest habitat types across the entire 1063 km2SESC Pantanal Reserve. The two methods yielded conservative density estimates of 0.58 ± 0.11 tapirs/km2(camera trapping) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.30–1.01) tapirs/km2(line transects). The study suggests that certain Pantanal habitats and sites can sustain relatively high population densities of tapirs when these animals are protected from hunting. Further testing of the camera‐trapping methodology as applied to tapirs is required, particularly focusing on extending the survey period. As it represents a relatively rapid method for estimating population density, in comparison to line‐transect surveys, and as it generates information simultaneously on multiple species that are conservation priorities, we recommend that camera‐trapping surveys be applied more widely across a variety of Pantanal habitats and land‐use categories in order to confirm the value of the vast 140,000 km2wilderness region for this vulnerable species.
Amazon Forest Structure from IKONOS Satellite Data and the Automated Characterization of Forest Canopy Properties
Authors: Palace Michael , Keller Michael , Asner Gregory P. , Hagen Stephen , Braswell Bobby 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTWe developed an automated tree crown analysis algorithm using 1‐m panchromatic IKONOS satellite images to examine forest canopy structure in the Brazilian Amazon. The algorithm was calibrated on the landscape level with tree geometry and forest stand data at the Fazenda Cauaxi (3.75° S, 48.37° W) in the eastern Amazon, and then compared with forest stand data at Tapajos National Forest (3.08° S, 54.94° W) in the central Amazon. The average remotely sensed crown width (mean ± SE) was 12.7 ± 0.1 m (range: 2.0–34.0 m) and frequency of trees was 76.6 trees/ha at Cauaxi. At Tapajos, remotely sensed crown width was 13.1 ± 0.1 m (range: 2.0–38.0 m) and frequency of trees was 76.4 trees/ha. At both Cauaxi and Tapajos, the remotely sensed average crown widths were within 3 percent of the crown widths derived from field measurements, although crown distributions showed significant differences between field‐measured and automated methods. We used the remote sensing algorithm to estimate crown dimensions and forest structural properties in 51 forest stands (1 km2) throughout the Brazilian Amazon. The estimated crown widths, tree diameters (dbh), and stem frequencies differed widely among sites, while estimated biomass was similar among most sites. Sources of observed errors included an inability to detect understory crowns and to separate adjacent, intermingled crowns. Nonetheless, our technique can serve to provide information about structural characteristics of large areas of unsurveyed forest throughout Amazonia.
Changes in Anuran Species Richness and Abundance Resulting from Hydroelectric Dam Flooding in Central Brazil
Authors: Brandão Reuber A. , Araújo Alexandre F. B. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTRiver damming causes ecosystem losses and habitat fragmentation. In the Cerrado, the flood affects mainly forested habitats in valleys. In 1996, the Tocantins River (Brazil) was dammed to create the Serra da Mesa hydroelectric plant, and 14 sites were monitored during flooding. Eight hills that formed islands were monitored with pitfall traps. Only one frog species was found on islands 3 yr after complete reservoir formation. Cerrado amphibians showed rapid decline during and after flooding.
Density, Distribution, and Attributes of Tree Cavities in an Old‐Growth Tropical Rain Forest
Authors: Boyle W. Alice , Ganong Carissa N. , Clark David B. , Hast Marisa A. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTTree cavities are a critical resource for many animals, especially as nesting sites for birds. Patterns of cavity distribution in temperate forests are well studied, yet little is known of cavities in tropical forests, despite a hypothesized decrease in cavity availability with decreasing latitude. We studied cavity density and distribution in a wet lowland tropical forest in Costa Rica and compared our results with estimates from forests around the world. Cavities at our site were common, occurred frequently in living trees, and were often formed by damage or decay rather than by woodpeckers. Most cavities had small openings, and woodpecker‐created cavities were nonrandomly oriented. Contrary to prediction, cavity density appears to increase from the poles to the tropics. We suggest potential mechanisms to explain these patterns.
Roost Site Selection and Site Fidelity in the Neotropical KatydidDocidocercus gigliotosi(Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Lang Alexander B. , Römer Heinrich 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTWe investigated the remarkable roosting behavior ofDocidocercus gigliotosi, an understory pseudophylline katydid in the lowland forests of Panama. The insects used a spiny terrestrial bromeliad,Aechmea magdalenae, as a daytime shelter and were significantly more frequently found in those plants, which had been: (1) higher; (2) of better quality; (3) closer to ‘night time walkways’ into the canopy; and (4) showed a better central tube condition. The katydids demonstrated strong site fidelity, returning to the same plants for up to 3 wk. Such a choice may provide sufficient protection against some predators and serve as a suitable shelter for the offspring.
Post‐Fire Population Dynamics of Two Tree Species in High‐Altitude Polylepis Forests of Central Ecuador
Authors: Cierjacks Arne , Salgado Silvia , Wesche Karsten , Hensen Isabell 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTFire is considered the main cause for the patchy distribution of high‐montane tropical forests growing below the upper limit of tree growth, but there are little quantitative data on the impacts of burning on the respective tree populations. This study compares adult tree survival as well as sapling (0.05–1.3 m) and seedling (<0.05 m) recruitment of Polylepis incana, and the coexisting Gynoxis acostae in burned and unburned forest stands in the Páramo de Guamaní, central Ecuador. In P. incana, adult survival after burning was low, whereas all G. acostae individuals survived through resprouting. Two years after fire, the density of P. incana seedlings and saplings was higher than that of G. acostae, but still not sufficient for forest recovery. A sowing experiment revealed a significantly lower seedling emergence of both species in the burned than in the unburned plots. Seedling emergence was comparable to laboratory studies performed under optimal conditions, suggesting there was no evidence for climate constraining emergence at the given altitude. Interactions between seedling survival and burning for P. incana indicate higher seedling survival after burning, which could not be shown for G. acostae. Our data imply that single fire events strongly decrease adult and seedling population sizes in P. incana and thus may be the main reason for the discontinuous forest distribution below the upper distribution limit of the species. In contrast, the high resprouting potential of G. acostae explains its relatively high percentage in the remaining Ecuadorian P. incana stands.
COMPARISON OF BLOCKED THERMOSTABLE DNA POLYMERASES WITH DIFFERENT ACTIVATION PERIODS AT THE DIRECT DETECTION OF ENTEROBACTERIAL CELLS BY REAL‐TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
Authors: KRASCSENICSOVÁ KLÁRA , KACLÍKOVÁ EVA , KUCHTA TOMÁŠ 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT Blocked thermostable DNA polymerases with different activation periods were compared at the direct detection of cells of Salmonella enterica and other enterobacteria by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The lowest threshold cycle values were obtained when polymerases with the activation period of 8 min or longer were used. Best results were obtained when the reaction mixture was supplemented with a nonionic detergent, Triton X‐100.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDirect detection of enterobacterial cells by real‐time polymerase chain reaction may become more sensitive when a blocked thermostable DNA polymerase with the activation period of 8 min or longer is used, and when the reaction buffer is supplemented with a nonionic detergent.
A HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND HIGHLY RELIABLE PROTOCOL FOR TRANSFORMATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI BY ELECTROPORATION
Authors: WANG SHULI , LUO YANFENG , YI XIAO , YU WENWEN , XU ZHIWU , MA XIAOQIAN , HE JIANGUO , LIU QIUYUN 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT Electroporation is widely adopted for highly efficient transformation of Escherichia coli of different purposes, but its efficiency is highly varied in the range of several orders of magnitude. Here we describe a modified and highly reliable electroporation protocol which combines low temperature growth in the presence of sucrose with a postelectroporation heat pulse, which not only gives rise to an over 250‐fold enhancement in transformation compared with conventional protocols, but also alleviates the need for a strict low temperature control at all times of an electroporation‐competent cell preparation experiment and highly pure MilliQ grade water which is not readily available in many laboratories. Transformations for a 6‐kb E. coli and yeast shuttle vector were always higher than 107 transformants/µg, and more than 108 transformants/µg were sometimes recorded in routine experiments.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTransformation efficiency reached up to 8 × 109 transformants/µg DNA with ElectroMAXTM DH10BTMEscherichia coli cells and a 6‐kb pYES2/CT plasmid using our procedure, when combined with reduction of ampicillin concentration from 100 µg/mL to 20 µg/mL in the selection plates. It is highly efficient and highly reliable on DNA library construction of all kinds, especially from minute cell and tissue samples, under routine laboratory conditions. It will find widespread application in molecular manipulations in Escherichia coli, the workhorse of molecular biology.
Levels of autonomy of nurse practitioners in an acute care setting
Authors: Cajulis Corazon B. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J. , Kleinpell Ruth M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the level of autonomy of nurse practitioners (NPs) providing care to an adult patient population in an acute care setting.Data sources: Data were collected from 54 NPs in different specialty areas currently working in a large metropolitan hospital. The Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale was used to measure the autonomy of the NPs.Conclusions: The overall mean autonomy score of 117.37 (SD = 14.55) indicates a high level of autonomy of the NPs in this study. Forty‐one percent of the participants had very high levels of autonomy, 31.5% had extremely high levels of autonomy, and 19% had moderate levels of autonomy. Demographic variables of age; years worked as an NP, as an RN, and at current job; highest educational level; basic nursing preparation; NP certification; and specialty had no statistically significant relationship with autonomy scores.Implications for practice: The results of this study provided preliminary evidence of the level of autonomy of NPs providing inpatient care to adult patients in an acute care setting. The findings could lead to future research on the impact of NP services on patient outcomes and clinical productivity in acute care settings.