bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Variability in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean Induced by Decadal Variability of Mixing Coefficient
Authors: Huang Chuan Jiang , Wang Wei , Huang Rui Xin 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The circulation in the equatorial Pacific Ocean is studied in a series of numerical experiments based on an isopycnal coordinate model. The model is subject to monthly mean climatology of wind stress and surface thermohaline forcing. In response to decadal variability in the diapycnal mixing coefficient, sea surface temperature and other properties of the circulation system oscillate periodically. The strongest sea surface temperature anomaly appears in the geographic location of Niño-3 region with the amplitude on the order of 0.5°C, if the model is subject to a 30-yr sinusoidal oscillation in diapycnal mixing coefficient that varies between 0.03 × 10−4 and 0.27 × 10−4 m2 s−1. Changes in diapycnal mixing coefficient of this amplitude are within the bulk range consistent with the external mechanical energy input in the global ocean, especially when considering the great changes of tropical cyclones during the past decades. Thus, time-varying diapycnal mixing associated with changes in wind energy input into the ocean may play a nonnegligible role in decadal climate variability in the equatorial circulation and climate.
Oceanic Isopycnal Slope Spectra. Part II: Turbulence
Authors: Klymak Jody M. , Moum James N. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Isopycnal slope spectra were computed from thermistor data obtained using a microstructure platform towed through turbulence generated by internal tidal motions near the Hawaiian Ridge. The spectra were compared with turbulence dissipation rates ɛ that are estimated using shear probes. The turbulence subrange of isopycnal slope spectra extends to surprisingly large horizontal wavelengths (&gt;100 m). A four-order-of-magnitude range in turbulence dissipation rates at this site reveals that isopycnal slope spectra ∝ ɛ2/3k1/3x. The turbulence spectral subrange (kx &gt; 0.4 cpm) responds to the dissipation rate as predicted by the Batchelor model spectrum, both in amplitude and towed vertical coherence. Scales between 100 and 1000 m are modeled by a linear combination of internal waves and turbulence while at larger scales internal waves dominate. The broad bandwidth of the turbulence subrange means that a fit of spectral amplitude to the Batchelor model yields reasonable estimates of ɛ, even when applied at scales of tens of meters that in vertical profiles would be obscured by other fine structure.
Inhibition of sulfur mustard-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation by the macrolide antibiotic roxithromycin in human respiratory epithelial cells
Authors: Gao Xiugong , Ray Radharaman , Xiao Yan , Barker Peter E , Ray Prabhati 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent chemical vesicant warfare agent that remains a significant military and civilian threat. Inhalation of SM gas causes airway inflammation and injury. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence of the effectiveness of macrolide antibiotics in treating chronic airway inflammatory diseases. In this study, the anti-cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of a representative macrolide antibiotic, roxithromycin, were tested in vitro using SM-exposed normal human small airway epithelial (SAE) cells and bronchial/tracheal epithelial (BTE) cells. Cell viability, expression of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were examined, since these proinflammatory cytokines/mediators are import indicators of tissue inflammatory responses. We suggest that the influence of roxithromycin on SM-induced inflammatory reaction could play an important therapeutic role in the cytotoxicity exerted by this toxicant.

Results
MTS assay and Calcein AM/ethidium homodimer (EthD-1) fluorescence staining showed that roxithromycin decreased SM cytotoxicity in both SAE and BTE cells. Also, roxithromycin inhibited the SM-stimulated overproduction of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF at both the protein level and the mRNA level, as measured by either enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or real-time RT-PCR. In addition, roxithromycin inhibited the SM-induced overexpression of iNOS, as revealed by immunocytochemical analysis using quantum dots as the fluorophore.

Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that roxithromycin has inhibitory effects on the cytotoxicity and inflammation provoked by SM in human respiratory epithelial cells. The decreased cytotoxicity in roxithromycin-treated cells likely depends on the ability of the macrolide to down-regulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and/or mediators. The results obtained in this study suggest that macrolide antibiotics may serve as potential vesicant respiratory therapeutics through mechanisms independent of their antibacterial activity.
CXC-chemokine regulation and neutrophil trafficking in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in P-selectin/ICAM-1 deficient mice
Authors: Monson Keith M , Dowlatshahi Shadi , Crockett Elahé T 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil adhesion and migration are critical in hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R). P-selectin and the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 can mediate neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions, neutrophil migration, and the interactions of neutrophils with hepatocytes in the liver. Despite very strong preclinical data, recent clinical trials failed to show a protective effect of anti-adhesion therapy in reperfusion injury, indicating that the length of injury might be a critical factor in neutrophil infiltration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the role of P-selectin and ICAM-1 in neutrophil infiltration and liver injury during early and late phases of liver I/R.MethodsAdult male wild-type and P-selectin/ICAM-1-deficient (P/I null) mice underwent 90 minutes of partial liver ischemia followed by various periods of reperfusion (6, 15 h, and a survival study). Liver injury was assessed by plasma level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histopathology. The plasma cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-2 and KC, were measured by ELISA.ResultsReperfusion caused significant hepatocellular injury in both wild-type and P/I null mice as was determined by plasma ALT levels and liver histopathology. The injury was associated with a marked neutrophil infiltration into the ischemic livers of both wild-type and P/I null mice. Although the levels of ALT and neutrophil infiltration were slightly lower in the P/I null mice compared with the wild-type mice the differences were not statistically significant. The plasma cytokine data of TNF-α and IL-6 followed a similar pattern to ALT data, and no significant difference was found between the wild-type and P/I null groups. In contrast, a significant difference in KC and MIP-2 chemokine levels was observed between the wild-type and P/I null mice. Additionally, the survival study showed a trend towards increased survival in the P/I null group.ConclusionWhile ICAM-1 and P-selectin does not appear to be critical for neutrophil infiltration and I/R injury in the liver, they may regulate CXC-chemokine production. Blockage of these adhesion molecules may improve survival and remote organ injury that often accompanies liver I/R injury, through chemokine regulation.
To Knot or Not to Knot? Sutureless Haemostasis Compared to the Surgeon's Knot
Authors: Rajbabu K , Barber NJ , Choi W , Muir GH 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to carry out an independent evaluation of the efficacy and security of a number of vessel ligation devices and ligatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS A vascular ligation model was devised using fresh, ex vivo porcine internal carotid arteries of varying external diameters. Coloured normal saline was infused via a pressure/monitor device through the artery. The end lumen was occluded by five different techniques: (i) braided suture in a surgeon's knot; (ii) a monofilament suture in a granny knot; (iii) a metallic clip (Ligaclip, Johnson and Johnson); (iv) a bipolar diathermy system (Ligasure, ValleyLab); and (v) an ultrasonically activated scalpel (Harmonic Scalpel, Johnson and Johnson). The vessels were subjected to supraphysiological pressures. Loss of haemostasis was evident by leakage of coloured perfusion fluid. RESULTS Secure haemostasis was obtained with all the techniques in all vessels below 5 mm in diameter. In vessels over 5 mm, secure haemostasis was obtained with all modalities except harmonic scalpel. With the harmonic scalpel, leaks occurred in 3/27 (11%) vessels between 5–6 mm and 3/5 (60%) vessels over 6 mm, confirming the manufacturer's instructions. CONCLUSIONS In this first, independent, randomised study comparing vessel ligation devices and ligatures, the manufacturer's claims for each of the haemostatic methods were accurate. We find that all the modalities tested perform as well as the traditional surgeon's knot in vessels of 5 mm and below.
Errors in a Stat Laboratory: Types and Frequencies 10 Years Later
Authors: Carraro Paolo , Plebani Mario 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: In view of increasing attention focused on patient safety and the need to reduce laboratory errors, it is important that clinical laboratories collect statistics on error occurrence rates over the whole testing cycle, including pre-, intra-, and postanalytical phases.Methods: The present study was conducted in 2006 according to the design we previously used in 1996 to monitor the error rates for laboratory testing in 4 different departments (internal medicine, nephrology, surgery, and intensive care). For 3 months, physicians and nurses were asked to pay careful attention to all test results. Any suspected laboratory error was recorded with associated pertinent clinical information. Every day, a laboratory physician visited the 4 departments and a critical appraisal was made of any suspect results.Results: Among a total of 51 746 analyses, clinicians notified us of 393 questionable findings, 160 of which were confirmed as laboratory errors. The overall frequency of errors, 3092 ppm, was significantly lower (P &lt;0.05) than in 1996 (4700 ppm). Of the 160 confirmed errors, 61.9% were preanalytical errors, 15% were analytical, and 23.1% were postanalytical.Conclusions: During the last decade the error rates in our stat laboratory have been reduced significantly. As demonstrated by the distribution pattern, the pre- and postanalytical steps still have the highest error prevalences, but changes have occurred in the types and frequencies of errors in these phases of testing.
A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Motivational Interviewing in Teenagers With Diabetes
Authors: Channon Sue J. , Huws-Thomas Michelle V. , Rollnick Stephen , Hood Kerenza , Cannings-John Rebecca L. , Rogers Carol , Gregory John W. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—We sought to examine the efficacy of motivational interviewing with teenagers aged 14–17 years with type 1 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a randomized controlled trial analyzed by intention to treat, 66 teenagers with type 1 diabetes attending diabetes clinics in South Wales, U.K., were randomly assigned to the intervention group (38) and control group (28). Teenagers in the intervention group received motivational interviewing, and the control group received support visits. All participants received individual sessions over 12 months. The main outcome measures assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months were serum A1C and psychosocial self-report questionnaires including quality of life and well-being measures.
RESULTS—At 12 months, 60 patients had complete data. At the end of the intervention (12 months), the mean A1C in the motivational interviewing group was significantly lower than in the control group (P = 0.04), after adjusting for baseline values. At 24 months (when n = 47), this difference in A1C was maintained (P = 0.003). There were differences in psychosocial variables at 12 months, with the motivational interviewing group indicating more positive well-being, improved quality of life, and differences in their personal models of illness (all P &lt; 0.01). Some of these differences were maintained at 24 months.
CONCLUSIONS—Motivational interviewing can be an effective method of facilitating behavioral changes in teenagers with type 1 diabetes with subsequent improvement in their glycemic control.
Angiotensin II binding and extracellular matrix remodelling in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: El-Sabban Marwan E , Hassan Khaled A , Birbari Adel E , Bitar Khalil M , Bikhazi Anwar B 
Published: May 2007

Clinical evidence points to a role for angiotensin II (Ang II) in the post-infarction remodelling of cardiac hypertrophy. The present study was designed to investigate the remodelling process in an animal model of myocardial infarction (MI) using the following criteria: 1) histological studies to examine the re-vascularisation process and collagen deposition in different regions of the myocardium; 2) histological evidence to investigate the cell type distribution using cell-specific markers; 3) histological and Western blot analysis to localise Ang II receptor subtypes (AT1-receptor and AT2-receptor) and to study their regulation; 4) kinetics of the binding of Ang II to its receptors in a heart perfusion model; and 5) to assess the effect of the Ang II antagonist (losartan) on these parameters. MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery of Sprague-Dawley rats. Four different animal groups were established: 1) sham-operated, non-treated; 2) sham-operated, treated with losartan; 3) myocardial infarct, non-treated; and 4) myocardial infarct, treated with losartan. In infarcted rat hearts, fibroblasts and collagen types I and III increased in the remnant viable region of the left ventricle compared with sham-operated rats. One month of losartan treatment in myocardial infarcted rats revealed insignificant changes in fibroblasts and collagen types I and III compared with sham controls. Also, myocardial infarction increased AT1-receptor protein levels compared with sham-operated controls, as judged by Western blotting. In losartan-treated myocardial infarct animals, no changes were detected at the level of AT1-receptor expression compared with non-treated myocardial infarct rats. Binding studies of Ang II on endothelial cell lining and directly on myocytes in sham-operated and infarcted perfused rat hearts revealed that, in myocardial infarcted-animals, Ang II binding affinity increased both in the endothelium and in myofibres. This may be considered a major putative effect of the peptide in potentiating the pharmacodynamics of hypertrophy. In losartan-treated myocardial infarcted-animals, a marked increase in the binding affinities of Ang II for the AT2-receptor subtype was observed. Hence, potential cardioprotective effects of the AT 1-receptor antagonist are proposed.
Effects of candesartan on cardiac and arterial structure and function in hypertensive subjects
Authors: Spratt James CS , Webb David J , Shiels Annette , Williams Bryan 
Published: May 2007

Objectives To study the effect of candesartan cilexetil on left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, arterial structure and function and blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Design and methods Patients (n=35), aged >20 years, with hypertension and average baseline LVMI of 89 g/m2 were treated for 24 weeks with candesartan, 16 mg o.d., following a four-week placebo run-in period. If diastolic BP remained above 95 mmHg, hydrochlorothiazide, 12.5 mg o.d., was added. Left ventricular structure and function were assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Arterial function and structure were assessed using pulse wave analysis to calculate augmentation index (AIx) and forearm plethysmography to calculate minimum vascular resistance. BP was measured in the office and by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Results The mean reduction in LVMI was 4.4 g/m2 (p=0.022). Left ventricular systolic function was not significantly altered from baseline, but diastolic function significantly improved: the mean change in diastolic time was 54 ms (p=0.037), in peak velocity filling 6.3 cm/s (p=0.023); E:A ratio improved by 0.08 (p=0.049). The mean reduction in forearm vascular resistance was 15 units at rest (p=0.001) and 1.3 units after limb ischaemia (p=0.006). AIx decreased significantly, with a mean reduction of 9% (p<0.001). Central BP also significantly reduced (systolic blood pressure/ diastolic blood pressure 31/20 mmHg; p<0.001). BP was significantly reduced, both in the office (22/16 mmHg; p<0.001) and by 24-hour ABPM (18/12 mmHg; p<0.001). Conclusions Treatment with candesartan, 16 mg o.d., with or without hydrochlorothiazide, for 24 weeks, significantly reduced left ventricular mass and arterial hypertrophy in patients with hypertension. In parallel, there were significant improvements in left ventricular diastolic function and arterial function.
The SCOPE Trial
Authors: Sever Peter 
Published: May 2007

The Study on Cognition and Prognosis in the Elderly (SCOPE) was designed to provide outcome data on cardiovascular endpoints and cognitive function in 4500 elderly hypertensive patients randomised to the angiotensin receptor blocker, candesartan, or to placebo and followed up for 4.5 years. The primary endpoint of combined cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke was not significantly reduced by active treatment (relative risk reduction 11%, p=0.19). There was also no significant difference in the decline of cognitive function between the two treatment arms. Active treatment of the placebo group (mainly hydrochlorothiazide) reduced the blood pressure differences between the treatment arms to only 3.2/1.6 mmHg, thus markedly reducing the overall power of the study. In a number of non-prespecified subgroup analyses, advantages of candesartan over placebo were reported.
Mortality benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors after cardiac events in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: McCullough Peter A , Sandberg Keisha R , Yee Jerry , Hudson Michael P 
Published: May 2007

Hypothesis/Introduction The risks and benefits of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after cardiac events are unknown. We sought to determine the independent effect of ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) on long-term mortality in ESRD patients after cardiac events. Materials and methods We analysed a prospective coronary care unit registry and identified 527 ESRD patients, 368 with complete data on medications prescribed, over eight years at a single, tertiary centre. Results The overall mean age was 64.4 13.8 years with 54.9% men, and 59.2% African-American. A total of 143/386 (37.0%) were prescribed ACE-I during the hospital stay for cardiac reasons, including congestive heart failure (CHF) 52.8% and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) 47.2%. There were no significant differences in the rates of hypotension or arrhythmias in those who were treated with ACE-I versus those who were not. Survival analysis over three years, adjusted for known confounders, demonstrated a 37% reduction in all-cause mortality in those who received ACE-I, (p=0.0145). Conclusions In the setting of coronary care unit admission for CHF and ACS, ESRD patients selected for ACE-I, did not have increased rates of adverse haemodynamic or arrhythmic complications. The use of ACE-I conferred an independent mortality reduction over long-term follow-up.
Combination is better than monotherapy with ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist at recommended doses
Authors: Segura Julián , Praga Manuel , Campo Carlos , Rodicio José L , Ruilope Luis M 
Published: May 2007

Objective The combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and an angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist (ARB) could provide a higher degree of blockade of the renin-angiotensin system(RAS) than either agent alone. The primary aim of this study was to look at the effect of three therapeutic regimens (titrated ACE inhibitor (ACE-I) versus titrated ARB versus the combination of an ACE-I and an ARB) on the attainment of adequate blood pressure (BP) control and antiproteinuric effect. Both ACE-I and ARB were titrated as monotherapy up to the maximal recommended dose. Methods A pilot randomised, parallel group open-label study was conducted in 36 patients with primary renal disease, proteinuria above 1.5 g/day and BP >140/90 mmHg while on therapy with an ACE-I. Patients were randomly assigned to (1) benazepril, n=12; (2) valsartan, n=12; or (3) benazepril plus valsartan, n=12. Other antihypertensive therapies could also be added to attain goal BP (<140/90 mmHg). The primary endpoint was the change in proteinuria during six months of follow-up. Results In the presence of similar BP decreasesand stable creatinine clearance values, mean proteinuria decreases were 0.5±1.7, 1.2±2.0 and 2.5±1.8 g/day in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. When compared with baseline values, only the fall induced by the combination of ARB and ACE-I attained statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusion The antiproteinuric capacity of monotherapy at recommended doses with either an ACE-I or an ARB is lower than that obtained with the combination of the two drugs.
Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in hypertensive patients
Authors: Tezcan Hakan , Yavuz Dilek , Toprak Ahmet , Akpmar Ihsan , Koç Mehmet , Deyneli Oguzhan , Akalm Sema 
Published: May 2007

Introduction Evidence suggests an association between insulin resistance, hypertension and impaired endothelial function. Studies have shown that insulin resistance precedes the development of hypertension. By improving insulin sensitivity, it may be possible to improve hypertension and the subsequent damage to vessel walls. Some data indicates beneficial effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on insulin sensitivity and endothelial function. We aimed to investigate these effects of ACE inhibition in the same group of patients with essential hypertension. Materials and methods Nine non-smoking, untreated hypertensive patients (38.3 9 years, 4/5 male/female) and 12 age-matched healthy subjects (35.2 6.7 years, 5/7 male/female) were included in the study. Hypertensive patients were given enalapril maleate (5—40 mg/day) for six months. The following parameters were studied at baseline and at the end of treatment period. Whole body insulin sensitivity was measured by a formula derived from an oral glucose tolerance test and named I as the insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Insulin was measured by chemiluminescence and glucose by a glucose oxidase method. Endothelial function was evaluated as flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery by ultrasonography and expressed as a percentage change relative to baseline diameter. Endothelialindependent vasodilatation was measured after sublingual nitroglycerine. Results FMD was impaired in the hypertensive group compared with healthy subjects (7.3 3.1% vs. 15.3 4.8%, p<0.0005), and ISI values were 1.18 0.6 vs. 4.4 0.9 (p<0.0001) respectively. Both insulin sensitivity and FMD improved after the treatment period compared with baseline values, FMD increased from 7.3 3.1% to 16.0 2.9% (p<0.0005) and ISI from 1.18 0.6 to 4.2 1.0 (p<0.0001). FMD and ISI showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.67, p<0.001) in the hypertensive group. Conclusions Patients with essential hypertension have impaired endothelial function and decreased whole body insulin sensitivity compared with healthy subjects. Treatment for six months with enalapril maleate seems to improve both FMD and ISI. This study confirms the beneficial effects of ACE inhibition on both endothelial function and insulin sensitivity tested in the same group of essential hypertensive patients. The mechanism of these favourable effects of ACE inhibition needs to be clarified.