bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum lipid and lipoprotein alterations represent recovery of liver function after hepatectomy
Authors: Kawamoto Masaki , Mizuguchi Toru , Nagayama Minoru , Nobuoka Takayuki , Kawasaki Hiroyuki , Sato Taishi , Koito Kazumitsu , Parker Susan , Katsuramaki Tadashi , Hirata Koichi 
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Background: The assessment of liver function during human liver regeneration is necessary to prevent unexpected liver failure and to prepare for further treatment. We selected patients prospectively and measured serum lipid and lipoprotein levels to identify which lipids and lipoproteins could represent recovery of liver function in human liver regeneration.Methods: Thirty selected patients who underwent hepatectomy were divided into three groups depending on the serum hyaluronate (HA) level and the type of liver resection.Results: We found three patterns of lipid and lipoprotein alterations after hepatectomy. Among the lipids and lipoproteins examined, the serum β‐lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly different among the groups at 7 days after hepatectomy. The alteration of the apolipoprotein (Apo) B level was similar to that of LDL. The LDL level was correlated with both β‐lipoprotein and Apo B before hepatectomy (r=0.653 and 0.894, respectively) and at 7 days after hepatectomy (r=0.841 and 0.943, respectively).Conclusion: Serum HA before hepatectomy can reflect postoperative liver function depending on the type of liver resection. Recovery of the β‐lipoprotein and LDL levels can reflect the recovery of liver function in human liver regeneration within the early period in association with the Apo B level.
Ablation of Nonautomatic Focal Atrial Tachycardia in Children and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: SESLAR STEPHEN P. , ALEXANDER MARK E. , BERUL CHARLES I. , CECCHIN FRANK , WALSH EDWARD P. , TRIEDMAN JOHN K. 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: Nonautomatic focal atrial tachycardia (NAFAT) has been characterized in adults with structurally normal hearts. This article characterizes NAFAT in a population of patients with complex congenital heart disease. Methods and Results: Electrophysiologic and electroanatomic mapping data and acute outcomes were reviewed in patients undergoing mapping and ablative procedures for atrial tachycardia at Children's Hospital, Boston, between January 1999 and December 2003. Twenty‐two NAFAT foci were identified in 17 patients out of 216 patients studied. Fourteen of these 17 patients had congenital heart disease. The average age of the patients with a NAFAT mechanism was 27 years and there was no gender predilection. The presumptive diagnosis based on clinical grounds and surface ECG assessment in 11 of 17 patients with NAFAT was atrial flutter. None of the 17 patients were suspected of having a NAFAT mechanism by noninvasive assessment. Four of the 10 patients had both NAFAT and macroreentrant atrial tachycardias. NAFAT cycle lengths varied widely (200–680 ms) between patients. Sixteen of the 22 NAFAT foci were mapped to the anatomic right atrium (RA). Acute ablative success was achieved in 17 out of 22 foci (77%). Conclusion: NAFAT is relatively uncommon in a pediatric tertiary care setting, and in that setting occurs most often in adults with congenital heart disease. NAFAT is indistinguishable from other forms of atrial tachycardia by noninvasive means and can mimic other forms of atrial tachycardia on electrocardiogram. The foci were predominantly found in the RA and were, in most cases, acutely amenable to catheter ablation therapy.
Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
Authors: VASAMREDDY CHANDRASEKHAR R. , DALAL DARSHAN , DONG JUN , CHENG ALAN , SPRAGG DAVID , LAMIY SAMEH Z. , MEININGER GLENN , HENRIKSON CHARLES A. , MARINE JOSEPH E. , BERGER RONALD , CALKINS HUGH 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: The goals of this study were to (i) evaluate the feasibility and results of monitoring patients prior to and following catheter ablation of AF with the mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) system and to (ii) correlate symptoms and the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: A total of 19 consecutive patients (12 men [63%]; age 60 ± 6 years) with highly symptomatic drug refractory AF underwent catheter ablation. Each was provided with a MCOT monitor (CardioNet, USA) and asked to wear it 5 days immediately before the ablation, and 5 days per month starting with the ablation for 6 consecutive months. When patients experienced any symptoms, they were asked to activate the system and to record associated symptoms. A total of 494 days (11,856 hours) were monitored. Out of the total 390 events triggered by patient's symptoms, 40% were confirmed as AF events (156) and 60% were confirmed as non‐AF events (234). Only shortness of breath and chest discomfort were highly associated with AF (P < 0.05). At the end of 6 months of follow‐up, out of 10 patients that completed the study, 7 (70%) patients were free of symptomatic AF recurrences whereas only 5 (50%) patients achieved success when asymptomatic AF recurrences were included in the outcome. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the potential utility of wireless monitoring systems in the follow‐up of AF ablation patients, while also identifying poor patient compliance with an intensive monitoring protocol as an important limitation.
Norepinephrine stimulates calprotectin expression in human monocytic cells
Authors: Suryono  , Kido Jun‐ichi , Hayashi Noriko , Kataoka Masatoshi , Shinohara Yasuo , Nagata Toshihiko 
Published: January 2006

Background and objective:  Calprotectin is composed of two proteins, S100A8 and S100A9, which are S100 family members, and is detected in gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissue with inflammation. The release and production of calprotectin are regulated by lipopolysaccharides of periodontopathic bacteria and cytokines. Emotional or psychological stress, a risk factor of periodontal disease, is transmitted by stress modulators including norepinephrine and cortisol. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of stress on calprotectin expression using norepinephrine and cortisol.Methods:  U‐937 cells, a human monocytic cell line, were incubated with norepinephrine in the presence or absence of β‐ or α‐adrenergic receptor antagonists, or with cortisol. The expression of S100A8/S100A9 mRNAs was examined by northern blotting and the amount of calprotectin was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The DNA binding activity of C/EBPα (CCAAT enhancing binding protein), a transcription factor, was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Results:  Norepinephrine stimulated the expression of S100A8/S100A9 mRNAs via β‐adrenergic receptors in U‐937 cells and significantly increased calprotectin production to about 3.6‐fold that of the control. However, cortisol had no effect on calprotectin expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Norepinephrine elevated C/EBPα DNA binding activity, but cortisol did not increase the activity.Conclusion:  Norepinephrine, a stress modulator, stimulated calprotectin expression in human monocytic cells. Calprotectin expression may be regulated by stress in addition to inflammatory factors.
Radiotherapie des Basalzellkarzinoms im Gesichts‐/Kopfbereich: Bedeutung einer niedrigen Einzeldosis für das Langzeitsergebnis
Authors: Olschewski Thomas , Bajor Katharina , Lang Birgit , Lang Eugen , Seegenschmiedt Michael H. 
Published: January 2006

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die Radiotherapie spielt eine wichtige Rolle in der Behandlung des Basalzellkarzinoms des Gesichts‐/Kopfbereichs und erreicht Heilungsraten von 92‐96 %. Verschiedene Radiotherapie‐Fraktionierungsschemata sind beschrieben worden. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die Wirksamkeit und (akute und chronische) Nebenwirkungen eines moderat hypofraktionierten Bestrahlungsschemas. Patienten und Methodik: 85 Patienten mit 104 Tumoren erhielten eine Radiotherapie bei einem Basalzellkarzinom des Gesichts‐/Kopfbereiches. In 95 % aller Patienten erfolgte eine Fraktionierung von 5x3 Gray/Woche bis zu einer Gesamtdosis von 57 Gray. Untersucht wurden akute und späte Radiotherapie‐Nebenwirkungen sowie das kosmetische Ergebnis. Ergebnisse: Es wurde kein Lokalrezidiv beobachtet. In 87 % aller Tumoren fanden sich zum Bestrahlungsende nur geringgradige akute Nebenwirkungen. Spätnebenwirkungen waren bei den meisten Patienten ebenfalls geringgradig ausgeprägt. In 94 % aller Tumoren konnte ein “exzellentes” oder “gutes” kosmetisches Ergebnis erreicht werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Das verwendete Bestrahlungsschema erzielt eine sehr hohe lokale Kontrollrate und (“sehr”) “gute” kosmetische (und funktionelle) Ergebnisse. Die verwendete Fraktionierung kann insgesamt als standardisierte Behandlung für ein Basalzellkarzinom des Gesichts‐/Kopfbereiches empfohlen werden.
Störungen antimikrobieller Lipide bei atopischer Dermatitis
Authors: Melnik Bodo 
Published: January 2006

ZusammenfassungPatienten mit atopischer Dermatitis weisen eine erhöhte Infektanfälligkeit und pathologische Kolonisierung der Haut mit Superantigen sezernierenden Staphylococcus aureus auf. Viel Beachtung fanden in letzter Zeit die antimikrobiellen Peptide, deren Hauptvertreter Cathelicidin und humanes β‐Defensin‐2 bei atopischer Dermatitis vermindert exprimiert werden. Einen wesentlichen Anteil an der Abwehrfunktion der Haut haben aber auch antimikrobiell wirksame Lipide,die vom Stratum corneum ständig bereitgestellt werden. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, ein möglichst umfassendes und aktuelles Gesamtbild zur Biochemie und Wirkung antimikrobieller epidermaler Lipide bei atopischer Dermatitis zu präsentieren. Zu den Stratum‐corneum‐Lipiden mit antimikrobieller Wirkung zählen freie Fettsäuren, Glukosylceramide und freie Sphingosine. Verminderte Konzentrationen antimikrobiell wirksamer freier Sphingosine wurden kürzlich bei atopischer Dermatitis beobachtet und mit der pathologischen Staphylococcus aureus‐Kolonisierung in Verbindung gebracht. Das Superantigen Staphylococcus‐Enterotoxin B hemmt bei Patienten mit atopischer Dermatitis die supprimierende Wirkung regulatorischer T‐Zellen auf die T‐Zellproliferation, was zu einer Verstärkung der T‐Zell‐Aktivierung führt. Somit eröffnet die Abtötung Superantigen sezernierender Bakterienstämme durch topische Applikation antimikrobieller Lipide neue antiseptische und immunmodulatorische Möglichkeiten zur Behandlung und Sekundärprävention der atopischen Dermatitis.
Expression and function of agouti signaling protein in cattle
Authors: GRAPHODATSKAYA Daria , JOERG Hannes , ASAI‐COAKWELL Mika , JANETT Fredi , STRANZINGER Gerald 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTAgouti signaling protein (ASIP) is involved in the regulation of pigmentation in mammals by downregulating melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) activity. In wild type mice, ASIP is expressed in skin and testes. Widespread tissue expression of ASIP has been found in humans and cattle. Reverse transcription with subsequent real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure ASIP expression levels in skin and five additional tissues from four cattle breeds. The expression of each sample was represented as a percentage of the expression of the housekeeping gene b‐actin. No significant difference was found in the expression levels in skin from Red Holstein, Simmental (red), Holstein (black) and Brown Swiss (brown/gray) breeds, which were all in the range of 0.2–0.3%. Expression in other tissues varied greatly between individuals, ranging from 196% in the heart of a Red Holstein animal to 0% in the liver samples of all four breeds. Additionally, we showed that expression of bovine ASIP in cell culture reduces cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in cells expressing MC1R, suggesting that bovine agouti is able to downregulate MC1R signaling.
Analyses of factors affecting dry matter intake of lactating dairy cows
Authors: MAZUMDER Md. Arifur Rahman , KUMAGAI Hajime 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTAn experiment was conducted to analyze feed, climate and animal factors affecting dry matter intake (DMI) in lactating dairy cows. Sixteen lactating Holstein cows, with parity from 1 to 6, were assigned to a feeding trial for 2 years, comprising 31 lactations. The animals were fed Italian ryegrass silage, oat hay, alfalfa hay, beet pulp and three types of concentrate. The data, pooled and classified by stage of lactation, season of lactation and parity were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression to determine the nature and extent of factors affecting DMI. A total of 45 prediction equations for DMI were derived. Energy‐corrected milk yield or milk yield was selected as the primary factor of DMI in all the equations in which the ratio of contribution (R2) varied from 0.26 to 0.67. The dietary concentration of organic cell wall, crude fiber, crude protein, organic b fraction, forage to concentrate ratio, average ambient temperature and temperature–humidity index were selected as the secondary factors affecting DMI for pooled data, late lactation (251–350 days of lactation), summer (June–August), spring (March–May), ≥4th lactation, autumn (September–November) and 3rd lactation, respectively, and improved R2 up to 0.77. Except for an impact of bodyweight in several equations, feed and climatic factors significantly improved prediction equations effectively for data classified in different ways. To estimate DMI accurately in lactating dairy cows, feed and climatic factors should be considered for specific conditions.
The energetics and environment of the short-GRB afterglows 050709 and 050724
Authors: Panaitescu A. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
We use the available radio, optical and X-ray measurements for the afterglows of the short bursts 050709 and 050724 to constrain the blast-wave energy, its collimation and the density of the circumburst medium. For GRB 050709 (the duration of which was 0.07 s), we identify two kinds of models: (i) a high-density solution, where the ejecta are collimated in a jet of half-angle θjet &gt; 6° and interact with a medium of particle density 10−4 &lt; n &lt; 0.1 cm−3; and (ii) a low-density solution with θjet &gt; 2° and n &lt; 10−5 cm−3. These density ranges are compatible with those expected in the vicinity of the host galaxy and in the intergalactic medium, lending support to the hypothesis that the progenitor of GRB 050709 is a neutron star–neutron star or neutron star–black hole merger. For GRB 050724 (which lasted 1.5 s), we obtain 0.1 &lt; n &lt; 103 cm−3 and θjet &gt; 8°. The range of allowed densities shows that this burst occurred in the interstellar medium. The dynamical parameters of the high-density model for the GRB afterglow 050709 are similar to those for 050724. If these parameters are representative for short-GRB outflows, then these jets are less collimated and have a lower kinetic energy than those of long bursts, which suggests that GRB jets are not magnetically collimated and are powered by the gravitational energy of the torus. Evidently, the analysis of more short-GRB afterglows is required for a more robust conclusion.
Lack of contribution of P2X receptors to neurally mediated vasoconstriction in the rabbit kidneyin vivo
Authors: Eppel G. A. , Ventura S. , Denton K. M. , Evans R. G. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim: The contribution of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the neural control of regional renal perfusionin vivoremains unknown. We therefore examined whether P2X receptors mediate renal vascular responses to electrical stimulation of the renal nerves (RNS) in pentobarbitone anaesthetized rabbits.Methods: Responses to RNS were tested before and during renal arterial infusion ofα,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐mATP, 7–56 μg kg−1 min−1) to desensitize P2X1receptors. RNS consisted of 3 min trains at graded frequencies and short trains of RNS (4–32 pulses).Results: Three‐minute trains of RNS reduced renal blood flow (RBF), cortical laser Doppler flux (CLDF), and medullary LDF (MLDF) by −90 ± 3%, −89 ± 3% and −31 ± 11%, respectively, at 4 Hz. MLDF was reduced less than CLDF or RBF. During short train RNS, RBF, CLDF and MLDF were reduced by −22 ± 2%, −15 ± 2% and −12 ± 2%, respectively, for 32 s at 1 Hz. CLDF and MLDF were reduced to a similar extent. Infusion ofα,β‐mATP induced transient reductions in RBF, CLDF and MLDF, but within 5 min these variables had recovered to control levels. Vascular responses to RNS were not significantly altered byα,β‐mATP treatment.Conclusions: In the rabbit kidneyin vivo,α,β‐mATP‐sensitive receptors mediate vasoconstriction and reduce perfusion in both cortical and medullary vascular beds. However, these receptors do not mediate neurally induced reductions in renal perfusion.
Similar Ultrastructural Breakdown of Cerebrocortical Capillaries in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Experimental Hypertension: What is the Functional Link?
Authors: FARKAS ESZTER , DE JONG GINEKE I. , APRÓ ETELKA , DE VOS ROB A.I. , JANSEN STEUR ERNST N.H. , LUITEN PAUL G.M. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract: The brain, as an intensely active organ, is highly dependent on a sufficient nutrient and oxygen availability in order to reach its optimal working capacity. It is well known that the vital supply of energy substrates is provided by the circulatory system, which splits up into a fine, terminal capillary network in target tissues. These capillaries are considered as important sites, since the actual nutrient trafficking takes place through their walls. That is why an intact, preserved structure of the microvessels is crucial to fulfill their function. Since the brain is known to be particularly vulnerable to suboptimal oxygen and glucose delivery, the intact morphology of capillaries is of paramount importance.Several observations have indicated that the cerebral capillary ultrastructure is damaged in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Curiously, the regional cerebral blood flow of AD patients is also significantly lower than in age‐matched control individuals. Based on these data, it has been suggested that the decreased blood supply and the cerebrovascular alterations contribute to the development of dementia. However, we have observed similar capillary damage in Parkinson's disease patients and chronically hypertensive rats in addition to AD cases, as presented here. These findings indicate that cerebral capillary damage is not exclusive for AD but occurs under other neurodegenerative disorders and hypertension, as well. We hypothesize that ultrastructural abnormalities of cerebral capillaries are causally related to decreased cerebral blood flow and create a condition that favors neurodegenerative mechanisms including the development of dementia.
Long-Duration Drought Variability and Impacts on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study from Glacier National Park, Montana
Authors: Pederson Gregory T. , Gray Stephen T. , Fagre Daniel B. , Graumlich Lisa J. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Instrumental climate records suggest that summer precipitation and winter snowpack in Glacier National Park (Glacier NP), Montana, vary significantly over decadal to multidecadal time scales. Because instrumental records for the region are limited to the twentieth century, knowledge of the range of variability associated with these moisture anomalies and their impacts on ecosystems and physical processes are limited. The authors developed a reconstruction of summer (June–August) moisture variability spanning a.d. 1540–2000 from a multispecies network of tree-ring chronologies in Glacier NP. Decadal-scale drought and pluvial regimes were defined as any event lasting 10 yr or greater, and the significance of each potential regime was assessed using intervention analysis. Intervention analysis prevents single intervening years of average or opposing moisture conditions from ending what was otherwise a sustained moisture regime. The reconstruction shows numerous decadal-scale shifts between persistent drought and wet events prior to the instrumental period (before a.d. 1900). Notable wet events include a series of three long-duration, high-magnitude pluvial regimes spanning the end of the Little Ice Age (a.d. 1770–1840). Though the late-nineteenth century was marked by a series of &gt;10 yr droughts, the single most severe dry event occurred in the early-twentieth century (a.d. 1917–41). These decadal-scale dry and wet events, in conjunction with periods of high and low snowpack, have served as a driver of ecosystem processes such as forest fires and glacial dynamics in the Glacier NP region.
Using a suite of paleoproxy reconstructions and information from previous studies examining the relationship between climate variability and natural processes, the authors explore how such persistent moisture anomalies affect the delivery of vital goods and services provided by Glacier NP and surrounding areas. These analyses show that regional water resources and tourism are particularly vulnerable to persistent moisture anomalies in the Glacier NP area. Many of these same decadal-scale wet and dry events were also seen among a wider network of hydroclimatic reconstructions along a north–south transect of the Rocky Mountains. Such natural climate variability can, in turn, have enormous impacts on the sustainable provision of natural resources over wide areas. Overall, these results highlight the susceptibility of goods and services provided by protected areas like Glacier NP to natural climate variability, and show that this susceptibility will likely be compounded by the effects of future human-induced climate change.
A Photograph of a Wavenumber-2 Asymmetry in the Eye of Hurricane Erin
Authors: Aberson Sim D. , Dunion Jason P. , Marks Frank D. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
A photograph of a wavenumber-2 asymmetry in the eye of Hurricane Erin taken during a NOAA WP-3D research flight during the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4) field program on 10 September 2001 is described. The photograph of the cloud structure within the eye is evaluated using airborne and satellite remote sensing observations, and a possible explanation for the asymmetry is presented.