bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Titanium in quartz as a record of ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism: the granulites of Karur, southern India
Authors: Sato K. , Santosh M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe occurrence is reported of spectacular oriented needles of rutile within quartz veins and pods in granulite-facies rocks that have undergone partial melting under ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) conditions in the Karur region in southern India. Laser Raman spectroscopy and electron microprobe analysis confirm that (1) the mineral inclusions within quartz are pure rutiles, and (2) a secondcategory of quartz contains pure hematite inclusions. The rutile never coexists with the hematite inside the same quartz specimens. Fluidinclusions in the quartz are characterized as a CO2+ H2O mixture. Application of two geothermometric calibrations utilizing Ti in quartz yields minimum estimates of ~1190ºC, suggesting the formation of the rutile-quartz under UHT metamorphic condition. It is proposed that such Ti-rich quartz segregations couldbe another indicator for extreme crustal metamorphism at very high temperatures.
Serpentine polymorphs andP-Tevolution of metaperidotites and serpentinites in the Takab area, NW Iran
Authors: Hajialioghli R. , Moazzen M. , Droop G. T. R. , Oberhänsli R. , Bousquet R. , Jahangiri A. , Ziemann M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe Takab meta-ultramafic rocks of northwestern Iran crop out in association with a variety of metamorphic rocks and they can be divided into three types on the basis of dominant mineral assemblage and degree of serpentinization: metaperidotites, talc-serpentine rocks and serpentinites. The peridotite protoliths were mainly spinel-harzburgites and -dunites. The talc-serpentine rocks formed under low-grade conditions and their dominant mineral assemblage is lizardite/chrysotile + talc + calcite/dolomite. Pseudomorphic textures after olivine and pyroxene are typical. Later, lower amphibolite-facies metamorphism produced antigorite, clinochlore and tremolite. Late alteration, assisted by local shearing, produced more antigorite and late lizardite in the metaperidotites. The mineral chemistry of the serpentine polymorphs is variable. Compositions of coexisting spinel and olivine point to an ophiolitic origin. Thermometric estimates from co-existing relict olivine, pyroxenes and spinel are in the range 1000–1200ºC; clinopyroxene barometry yields a pressure of 24± 2.7 kbar for the mantle conditions. Exhumation and hydration followed, and the stability of lizardite/chrysotile constrains the T and XCO2to <280ºC and <0.002, respectively. Subsequent prograde regional metamorphism took place in an orogenic setting, reaching peak temperatures in the range 410–540ºC at XCO2>0.1. A Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian age for the Takab protoliths is suggested on the basis of correlations with the Central Iran Zone. The strips of ultramafic rock in the Takab complex can be attributed to lithospheric remnants of the Proto-Tethyan ocean which closed during the Pan-African orogeny.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bulpa P. , Dive A. , Sibille Y. 
Published: September 2007

Aspergillus spp. cultured in specimens from the airways of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are frequently considered as a contaminant. However, growing evidence suggests that severe COPD patients are at higher risk of developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), although IPA incidence in this population is poorly documented. Some data report that COPD is the underlying disease in 1% of patients with IPA.Definitive diagnosis of IPA in COPD patients is often difficult as tissue samples are rarely obtained before death. Diagnosis is therefore usually based on a combination of clinical features, radiological findings (mostly thoracic computed tomography scans), microbiological results and, sometimes, serological information.Of 56 patients with IPA reported in the literature, 43 (77%) were receiving corticosteroids on admission to hospital. Breathlessness was always a feature of disease and excess wheezing was present in 79% of patients. Fever (>38°C) was present in only 38.5%. Chest pain and haemoptysis were uncommon. Six out of 33 (18%) patients had tracheobronchitis observed during bronchoscopy. The median delay between symptoms and diagnosis was 8.5 days. The mortality rate was high: 53 out of 56 (95%) patients died despite invasive ventilation and antifungal treatment in 43 (77%) of them.In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis currently carries a very poor prognosis. Outcome could perhaps be improved by more rapid diagnosis and prompt therapy with voriconazole.
Bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum and exhaled clinically relevant inflammatory markers: values in healthy adults
Authors: Balbi B. , Pignatti P. , Corradi M. , Baiardi P. , Bianchi L. , Brunetti G. , Radaeli A. , Moscato G. , Mutti A. , Spanevello A. , Malerba M. 
Published: September 2007

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), induced sputum and exhaled breath markers (exhaled nitric oxide and exhaled breath condensate) can each provide biological insights into the pathogenesis of respiratory disorders. Some of their biomarkers are also employed in the clinical management of patients with various respiratory diseases. In the clinical context, however, defining normal values and cut-off points is crucial. The aim of the present review is to investigate to what extent the issue of defining normal values in healthy adults has been pursued for the biomarkers with clinical value.The current authors reviewed data from literature that specifically addressed the issue of normal values from healthy adults for the four methodologies.Most studies have been performed for BAL (n = 9), sputum (n = 3) and nitric oxide (n = 3). There are no published studies for breath condensate, none of whose markers yet has clinical value. In healthy adult nonsmokers the cut-off points (mean+2sd) for biomarkers with clinical value were as follows. BAL: 16.7% lymphocytes, 2.3% neutrophils and 1.9% eosinophils; sputum: 7.7×106·mL−1total cell count and 2.2% eosinophils; nitric oxide: 20.2 ppb.The methodologies differ concerning the quantity and characteristics of available reference data. Studies focusing on obtaining reference values from healthy individuals are still required, more evidently for the new, noninvasive methodologies.
A Latent Variable Approach for Meta-Analysis of Gene Expression Data from Multiple Microarray Experiments
Authors: Choi Hyungwon , Shen Ronglai , Chinnaiyan Arul M , Ghosh Debashis 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundWith the explosion in data generated using microarray technology by different investigators working on similar experiments, it is of interest to combine results across multiple studies.ResultsIn this article, we describe a general probabilistic framework for combining high-throughput genomic data from several related microarray experiments using mixture models. A key feature of the model is the use of latent variables that represent quantities that can be combined across diverse platforms. We consider two methods for estimation of an index termed the probability of expression (POE). The first, reported in previous work by the authors, involves Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. The second method is a faster algorithm based on the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. The methods are illustrated with application to a meta-analysis of datasets for metastatic cancer.ConclusionThe statistical methods described in the paper are available as an R package, metaArray 1.8.1, which is at Bioconductor, whose URL ishttp://www.bioconductor.org/.
Flow cytometric probing of mitochondrial function in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Cassart Dominique , Fett Thomas , Sarlet Michaël , Baise Etienne , Coignoul Freddy , Desmecht Daniel 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
The morphopathological picture of a subset of equine myopathies is compatible with a primary mitochondrial disease, but functional confirmation in vivo is still pending. The cationic dye JC-1 exhibits potential-dependent accumulation in mitochondria that is detectable by a fluorescence shift from green to orange. As a consequence, mitochondrial membrane potential can be optically measured by the orange/green fluorescence intensity ratio. A flow cytometric standardized analytic procedure of the mitochondrial function of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells is proposed along with a critical appraisal of the crucial questions of technical aspects, reproducibility, effect of time elapsed between blood sampling and laboratory processing and reference values.

Results
The JC-1-associated fluorescence orange and green values and their ratio were proved to be stable over time, independent of age and sex and hypersensitive to intoxication with a mitochondrial potential dissipator. Unless time elapsed between blood sampling and laboratory processing does not exceed 5 hours, the values retrieved remain stable. Reference values for clinically normal horses are given.

Conclusion
Whenever a quantitative measurement of mitochondrial function in a horse is desired, blood samples should be taken in sodium citrate tubes and kept at room temperature for a maximum of 5 hours before the laboratory procedure detailed here is started. The hope is that this new test may help in confirming, studying and preventing equine myopathies that are currently imputed to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Outcome of acute psychiatric in-patient care where there are no crisis or home treatment teams
Authors: Shajahan Polash , Taylor Mark 
Published: September 2007

Aims and MethodTo examine the pathways and outcomes of in-patient care in our locality before crisis teams were introduced details of all emergency referrals to psychiatry were recorded and all admissions to hospital were assessed within 24 h of admission and discharge.ResultsOver a 6-month period, 88% (n=1852) of calls to the duty psychiatrist occurred between 09.00 and 01.00 h. Referrals from accident and emergency and general practice represented the majority of calls (80%); 40% of patients were admitted. Highest admission rates were for patients who were psychotic, suicidal or depressed. Admission led to improvement in all symptoms.Clinical ImplicationsIn-patient care is a valuable resource for stabilising patients who are acutely ill. Routine monitoring of unscheduled activity can inform service delivery.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Status Correlates With Lymph Node Involvement in Patients With Estrogen Receptor (ER) –Negative, but With Grade in Those With ER-Positive Early-Stage Breast Cancer Suitable for Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Authors: Bartlett John M.S. , Ellis Ian O. , Dowsett Mitch , Mallon Elizabeth A. , Cameron David A. , Johnston Stephen , Hall Emma , A'Hern Roger , Peckitt Clare , Bliss Judith M. , Johnson Lindsay , Barrett-Lee Peter , Ellis Paul 
Published: September 2007

PurposeHuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression is associated with increased risk of high-grade disease, nodal metastasis, and absence of estrogen receptors (ERs) in early breast cancer. We tested interactions between ER and HER-2 to determine if they may modulate breast cancer nodal metastasis and proliferation.Patients and MethodsTumors from the Cancer Research UK Taxotere as Adjuvant Chemotherapy phase III trial were tested for HER-2 using current diagnostic procedures. ER status, progesterone status, clinicopathologic characteristics, and patient age were included in a logistic regression analysis to identify associations with HER-2 status (positive v negative).ResultsA total of 841 (23.6%) of 3,565 samples were HER-2 positive (3+ by immunohistochemistry or positive by fluorescent in situ hybridization). ER-negative tumors were more likely to be HER-2 positive than were ER-positive tumors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, ER negative v ER positive; P < .001). For ER-positive tumors, risk of HER-2 positivity increased by grade (OR = 7.6, grade 3 v grade 1; P < .001) but not nodal status (OR = 1.3, four or more positive nodes v node negative; P = .08). Conversely, ER negative node-positive tumors were markedly more frequently HER-2 positive than node-negative cases (OR = 3.05, four or more positive nodes v node negative; P < .001) but independent of grade (OR = 0.82, grade 3 v grade 1; P = .76).ConclusionIn early breast cancer patients selected for cytotoxic chemotherapy, we identified significant interactions between HER-2 and ER expression that correlate with tumor pathology. In ER-positive breast cancers, HER-2 expression correlates with grade, not nodal metastasis. In ER-negative breast cancers, HER-2 expression correlates with increased nodal positivity, not grade. ER and HER-2 expression may modify tumor pathology via ER/HER-2–mediated cross talk.
Incidence of Metastatic Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor Outside the Boundaries of a Modified Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Carver Brett S. , Shayegan Bobby , Eggener Scott , Stasi Jason , Motzer Robert J. , Bosl George J. , Sheinfeld Joel 
Published: September 2007

Introduction Modified template retroperitoneal lymph node dissections (RPLND) have become increasing applied in the postchemotherapy (PC) setting. We evaluated our experience with PC-RPLND to determine the incidence of disease extending outside the boundaries of a modified PC-RPLND. Patients and Methods From 1989 through 2003, a total of 532 men underwent PC-RPLND for metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Of these, 269 (51%) had either viable germ cell tumor (GCT) or teratoma present in the RPLND specimen. After Institutional Review Board approval, clinical and pathologic data were obtained from our prospective surgical database. The incidence of retroperitoneal disease outside the boundaries of five modified templates was reported for the presence of viable GCT or teratoma. Results Of the 269 patients with viable GCT or teratoma, 20 to 86 (7% to 32%) patients had evidence of extratemplate retroperitoneal disease, depending on the boundaries of the modified template. There was no difference in the histologic distribution for patients with disease confined to or outside of the modified templates. Despite the absence of preoperative radiographic evidence of disease outside the boundaries of the Testicular Tumor Study Group template, the incidence of extratemplate metastasis for men with residual retroperitoneal masses less than 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 5, and more than 5 cm was two of 24 (8%), seven of 38 (18%), 27 of 92 (29%), and 14 of 55 (25%), respectively. Conclusion Our data suggest a bilateral RPLND is a prudent approach for the management of men with metastatic NSGCT after chemotherapy, given that at least 7% to 32% of men will have teratoma or viable GCT outside the boundaries of a modified template.
Differential Bonding Interactions of Inverse Agonists of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor in Stabilizing the Inactive State
Authors: Miura Shin-ichiro , Kiya Yoshihiro , Kanazawa Takanori , Imaizumi Satoshi , Fujino Masahiro , Matsuo Yoshino , Karnik Sadashiva S. , Saku Keijiro 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAlthough the sartan family of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers (ARBs), which includes valsartan, olmesartan, and losartan, have a common pharmacophore structure, their effectiveness in therapy differs. Although their efficacy may be related to their binding strength, this notion has changed with a better understanding of the molecular mechanism. Therefore, we hypothesized that each ARB differs with regard to its molecular interactions with AT1 receptor in inducing inverse agonism. Interactions between valsartan and residues Ser105, Ser109, and Lys199 were important for binding. Valsartan is a strong inverse agonist of constitutive inositol phosphate production by the wild-type and N111G mutant receptors. Substituted cysteine accessibility mapping studies indicated that valsartan, but not losartan, which has only weak inverse agonism, may stabilize the N111G receptor in an inactive state upon binding. In addition, the inverse agonism by valsatan was mostly abolished with S105A/S109A/K199Q substitutions in the N111G background. Molecular modeling suggested that Ser109 and Lys199 bind to phenyl and tetrazole groups of valsartan, respectively. Ser105 is a candidate for binding to the carboxyl group of valsartan. Thus, the most critical interaction for inducing inverse agonism involves transmembrane (TM) V (Lys199) of AT1 receptor although its inverse agonist potency is comparable to olmesartan, which bonds with TM III (Tyr113) and TM VI (His256). These results provide new insights into improving ARBs and development of new G protein-coupled receptor antagonists.
Formulation and in-vivo evaluation of l-cysteine chewing gums for binding carcinogenic acetaldehyde in the saliva during smoking
Authors: Kartal Alma , Hietala Jaana , Laakso Into , Kaihovaara Pertti , Salaspuro Ville , Säkkinen Mia , Salaspuro Mikko , Marvola Martti 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Cigarette smoke contains toxic amounts of acetaldehyde that dissolves in saliva, posing a significant risk of developing oral, laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinomas. l-Cysteine, a non-essential amino acid, can react covalently with carcinogenic acetaldehyde to form a stable, non-toxic 2-methylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. The main aim of this study was to find out whether it is possible to develop a chewing gum formulation that would contain cysteine in amounts sufficient to bind all the acetaldehyde dissolved in saliva during the smoking of one cigarette. The main variables in the development process were: (1) chemical form of cysteine (l-cysteine or l-cysteine hydrochloride), (2) the amount of the active ingredient in a gum and (3) manufacturing procedure (traditional or novel compression method). Saliva samples were taken over 2.5 minutes before smoking and since smoking was started for 2.5 minutes periods for 10 minutes. During a five minutes smoking period with a placebo chewing gum, acetaldehyde levels increased from 0 to 150–185 μm. Once smoking was stopped, the acetaldehyde levels quickly fell to levels clearly below the in-vitro mutagenic level of 50 μm. All chewing gums containing cysteine could bind almost the whole of the acetaldehyde in the saliva during smoking. However, elimination of saliva acetaldehyde during smoking does not make smoking completely harmless. Cysteine as a free base would be somewhat better than cysteine hydrochloride due to its slower dissolution rate. Both traditional and direct compression methods to prepare chewing gums can be utilized and the dose of l-cysteine required is very low (5 mg).
Carvedilol increases ciclosporin bioavailability by inhibiting P-glycoprotein-mediated transport
Authors: Amioka Katsuo , Kuzuya Takafumi , Kushihara Hideyuki , Ejiri Masayuki , Nitta Atsumi , Nabeshima Toshitaka 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Carvedilol is often used to treat hypertension and for prophylaxis in vascular sclerosis in renal transplant recipients, who require concomitant treatment with ciclosporin. However, there are few reports regarding the pharmacokinetic interactions between carvedilol and ciclosporin. We have investigated the potential effects of carvedilol on the pharmacokinetics of ciclosporin, and examined the inhibitory effects of carvedilol on P-glycoprotein-mediated transcellular transport using Caco2 cells. Ciclosporin alone or with carvedilol was orally or intravenously administered to rats. The oral administration of carvedilol (10 mgkg−1) with ciclosporin (10 mgkg−1) increased the whole blood concentration of ciclosporin. When ciclosporin (3 mgkg−1) was intravenously administered with carvedilol (3 mgkg−1), there was no difference in the whole blood ciclosporin concentration between administration with and without carvedilol. Co-administration with carvedilol increased ciclosporin bioavailability from 33% to 70%. In Caco2 cells, carvedilol caused a concentration-dependent increase in the intracellular accumulation of ciclosporin, and its effect was comparable with that of verapamil. Carvedilol considerably raised the concentration of ciclosporin in the blood and this interaction was associated with the absorption phase of ciclosporin. This interaction was caused by the inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated transport by carvedilol in the intestine.
Gastroprotective activity of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained fromPolygala paniculateL. in rats
Authors: Lapa Fernanda da Rocha , Freitas Cristina Setim , Baggio Cristiane Hatsuko , Missau Fabiana Cristina , Pizzolatti Moacir Geraldo , Santos Adair R S , Marques Maria Consuelo A 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe possible gastroprotective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Polygala paniculata in rats have been evaluated. We have investigated the effects of this hydroalcoholic extract on acute lesions induced by ethanol (70%, p.o.) and indometacin (20 mg kg−1, s.c). Its influence on mucus secretion was investigated, measured as the amount of Alcian blue dye estimated by colorimetry, and antisecretory effects were assessed in the pylorus ligature model. The treatment of rats with a crude hydroalcoholic extract of P. paniculata (HEPP; 30, 100, 300 mg kg−1, p.o., or 3, 10 and 30 mg kg−1, i.p.) decreased the ulcer index, and maintained the gastric mucus production in acute gastric lesions caused by ethanol 70%. In addition, the extract partially protected the mucosa against indometacin-induced lesions. The extract did not change the volume and acidity of gastric secretion in the pylorus-ligated rat. An additional antioxidant activity of the extract and its isolated flavonoid compound rutin, in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, was observed. In conclusion, HEPP exhibited marked gastroprotection; these effects may have involved prostaglandins and be related to cytoprotective factors, such as antioxidant activity and maintenance of mucus production.
Antispasmodic activity of licochalcone A, a species-specific ingredient of Glycyrrhiza inflata roots
Authors: Nagai Hidemasa , He Ju-Xiu , Tani Tadato , Akao Teruaki 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Licochalcone A, a species-specific and characteristic retrochalcone ingredient of Glycyrrhiza inflata root, has been shown to possess multiple bioactive properties. However, its muscle relaxant activity has not been reported previously. Licochalcone A showed a concentration-dependent relaxant effect on the contraction induced by carbachol (50% effective concentration (EC50) = 5.64 ± 1.61 μm). KCl (EC50 5.12 ± 1.68 μm), BaCl2 (EC50 1.97 ± 0.48 μm) and A23187 (EC50 2.63 ± 2.05 μm). Pretreatment with licochalcone A enhanced the relaxant effect of forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, on the contraction in a similar manner to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. Furthermore, the IC50 (22.1 ± 10.9 μm) of licochalcone A against cAMP PDE was similar to that of IBMX (26.2 ± 7.4 μm). These results indicated that licochalcone A may have been responsible for the relaxant activity of G. inflata root and acted through the inhibition of cAMP PDE.