bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF YUNKE (TECHNETIUM‐99 CONJUGATED WITH METHYLENE DIPHOSPHONATE; 99Tc‐MDP) AND/OR COLLOIDAL CHROMIC PHOSPHATE PHOSPHONIUM‐32, ALONE AND IN COMBINATION, IN RATS WITH ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS
Authors: Wang Liming , Gu Qiangrong , Xu Yan , Li Shaohua , Gui Jianchao , Yang Jianping , Yao Qingqiang , Ji Yong 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY

The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of both single and combination treatment with Yunke (technetium‐99 conjugated with methylene diphosphonate; 99Tc‐MDP) and colloidal chromic phosphate 32P (phosphonium‐32) in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA).
Rats were randomly allocated to one of five groups: (i) normal control group (sham operated and treated with normal saline); (ii) AA control group (arthritis induced with adjuvant and treated with normal saline); (iii) 32P colloid group (arthritis induced with adjuvant and treated with a single intra‐articular injection of colloidal chromic phosphate phosphonium‐32 (0.02 mCi) and i.p. injections of normal saline every other day); (iv) Yunke group (arthritis induced with adjuvant and treated with i.p. Yunke (2.5 ¥ 10−3 mg/kg) every other day and single intra‐articular injection of normal saline); and (v) combination group (arthritis induced with adjuvant and treated with a combination of both therapies).
The left‐to‐right diameter (LRD) of the left hind ankle, serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)‐1b and histological sections of the ankle joints were examined at different time points.
The LRD of the left hind ankle was smaller for the combination group compared with 32P colloid alone at Week 4 (7.11 ± 0.28 vs 7.57 ± 0.24 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). The combination treatment was more effective than 32P colloid alone in decreasing serum TNF (1.614 ± 0.368 vs 1.977 ± 0.255 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.002 for Week 4) and IL‐1b (0.271 ± 0.027 vs 0.308 ± 0.020 ng/mL, respectively for Week 4; 0.209 ± 0.023 vs 0.255 ± 0.016 ng/mL, respectively for Week 6; both P = 0.001). Histologically, the combination group exhibited less synovium proliferation compared with Yunke treatment alone and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration compared with 32P colloid alone.
In conclusion, the combination of Yunke and 32P colloid is more effective in the treatment of AA in rats compared with Yunke or 32P colloid alone.
EFFECTS OF DIRECT HAEMOPERFUSION THROUGH FIBRES IMMOBILIZING POLYMYXIN B AND NAFAMOSTAT MESILATE ON ENDOTOXAEMIA IN CONSCIOUS GUINEA‐PIGS
Authors: Nakanowatari Yuichi , Nemoto Kayo , Hara Syunsuke , Ninomiya Norifumi , Yamamoto Yasuhiro 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY

Direct haemoperfusion through a network of fibres immobilizing polymyxin B (PMX‐B) is used for the treatment of septic shock, but the mechanism underlying its clinical benefits remains unclear. The aims of the present study were to assess the actions of direct haemoperfusion through fibres immobilizing PMX‐B (PMX‐DHP) on the effects of exogenously administered endotoxin in conscious guinea‐pigs and to examine the difference in the effects of heparin compared with nafamostat mesilate (NM) used as an anticoagulant. Although nafamostat is widely used in Japan, the agent cannot necessarily be used elsewhere in the world. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate and elucidate the effectiveness of NM compared with heparin.
Colonic motion was monitored continuously via telemetry using a force transducer attached to the taenia caecum, whereas blood pressure was monitored using a carotid artery catheter. To establish a haemoperfusion circuit in each freely moving and conscious guinea‐pig, catheters were implanted in the carotid artery and the jugular vein, tunnelled subcutaneously, exteriorized at the back of the neck in contact with a lightweight tethering spring and attached to a swivel device at the top of the cage. On the day after the operation, lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Escherichia coli, O111:B4; 1 mg/kg) was administered i.v. and PMX‐DHP was conducted for 2 h. Heparin (50 IU/h) or NM (0.4 mg/h) was used as the anticoagulant. Furthermore, guinea‐pigs were administered a lethal dose of LPS (10 mg/kg) and the survival rate was examined for animals undergoing PMX‐DHP compared with control animals.
In guinea‐pigs treated with PMX‐DHP, relaxation of colonic longitudinal muscle caused by LPS was significantly suppressed, as were decreases in blood pressure. Of the two anticoagulants used, NM was more effective than heparin. In addition, PMX‐DHP significantly increased the survival rate of guinea‐pigs that received potentially lethal doses of LPS.
In ca onscious and unrestrained guinea‐pig endotoxaemia model, PMX‐DHP significantly improved intestinal paralysis and decreases in blood pressure. These effects were augmented more by NM than by heparin when an anticoagulant was used in the perfusion process. These findings suggest that haemoperfusion using PMX and NM performed in the early stage of endotoxaemia is an effective treatment.
PRESERVATION OF MECHANICAL AND ENERGETIC FUNCTION AFTER ADENOVIRAL GENE TRANSFER IN NORMAL RAT HEARTS
Authors: Sakata Susumu , Liang Lifan , Sakata Naoya , Sakata Yuri , Chemaly Elie R , Lebeche Djamel , Takewa Yoshiaki , Chen Jiqiu , Park Woo Jin , Kawase Yoshiaki , Hajjar Roger J 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute and chronic effects of adenoviral gene transfer on cardiac function in terms of left ventricular (LV) mechanoenergetic function. Recombinant adenoviral vector carrying β‐galactosidase and green fluorescent protein genes (Ad.βgal‐GFP) was used. Cardiac function was examined in cross‐circulated rat heart preparations, where end‐systolic/diastolic pressure–volume relationships (ESPVR/EDPVR), systolic pressure–volume area (PVA), LV relaxation rate, equivalent maximal elastance at mid‐range LV volume (eEmax at mLVV), coronary blood flow, coronary vascular resistance and myocardial oxygen consumption (VO2) were also measured.
To examine the ex vivo acute effects of the adenoviral vector, data were obtained before and 30–90 min after intracoronary infusion of Ad.βgal‐GFP in the excised, cross‐circulated hearts that underwent serotonin pretreatment. To examine the in vivo chronic effects of adenoviral gene transfer, normal rat hearts received Ad.βgal‐GFP or saline by a catheter‐based technique and data were obtained 3 days after the injection of Ad.βgal‐GFP or saline.
The ESPVR, EDPVR, LV relaxation rate, eEmax at mLVV, coronary blood flow and coronary vascular resistance remained unchanged in Ad.βgal‐GFP‐transfected hearts in both ex vivo acute and in vivo chronic experiments. Moreover, the ex vivo and in vivo transfection caused no change in the slope and VO2 intercept of the VO2–PVA relationship, VO2 for basal metabolism and for Ca2+ handling in excitation–contraction coupling and O2 costs of LV contractility.
These results indicate that adenoviral gene transfer has neither acute nor chronic toxic effects on LV mechanical and energetic function. A special combination of in vivo adenoviral gene transfer and a cross‐circulation experimental system may provide a useful novel strategy to explore the functional and mechanoenergetic role of specifically targeted genes in the diseased heart.
Comparative cost‐effectiveness of antiviral therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review of economic evidence
Authors: Sun Xin , Qin Wen‐Xia , Li You‐Ping , Jiang Xu‐Hua 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Economic efficiency of the alternative antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B has not been systematically investigated and their quality remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to systematically overview economic evidence of antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B.Methods:  We searched six databases and eight major journals supplemented with screening references of eligible studies. Full economic evaluations comparing alternative antiviral therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection were included. Two investigators assessed the study quality and transferability, independently. Data were analyzed qualitatively with adjustment when appropriate.Results:  Fourteen studies (six modeling vs eight trials and database analyses) were included. Quality was high in five studies, moderate in one US and five Chinese studies, and low in three Chinese studies. The major problems of quality are costing methods and analysis and the presentation of results. In Australia and Poland, lamivudine‐preferred strategies dominated interferon (IFN)‐α and its related strategy from the health‐care sector perspective. In the US, adefovir salvage produced US$8446 per additional quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) compared with IFN‐α. In Spain, the cost of adefovir was US$34 840 for additional virological response. In Taiwan, the use of pegylated IFN‐α (pegIFN‐α) produced US$11 711.4 per additional QALY, compared with lamivudine. In China, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of combination therapy lamivudine ranged from US$2860 to US$22 160 per additional loss of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and IFN‐α versus lamivudine ranged from US$2490 to US$8890 per additional loss of HBeAg.Conclusion:  The cost‐effectiveness frontiers of treatment alternatives vary and are influenced by the comparators and socioeconomic conditions of countries. Lamivudine‐containing therapy is cost‐effective when newer antiviral agents (e.g. adefovir/pegIFN‐α) were not available. Economic methods should be further improved in studies, particularly in China.
Finite‐element analysis and experimental study on tensile fatigue behaviour of bitumen–stone adhesion
Authors: MO L. T. , HUURMAN M. , WU S. P. , MOLENAAR A. A. A. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTTensile fatigue behaviours of bitumen–stone adhesion were investigated using a dynamic mechanics analyser under stress‐controlled mode at two temperatures of 5 and 25°C and various controlled‐stress levels. Failure characteristics including interfacial failure and cohesive failure were examined using image analysis of fracture surfaces. Finite‐element analysis on stress distributions was conducted under different temperatures, film thickness and interfacial bonding conditions. A Coulomb–Mohr like criterion in combination with shear and normal stresses is proposed to deal with the extreme thin adhesive layer, which can be further simplified into an adhesive zone without significant loss of accuracy for stress analysis.
Experimental and numerical studies on dynamic crack growth in layered slate rock under wedge impact loads: part I—plane strain problem
Authors: ALAM M. R. , SWAMIDAS A. S. J. , MUNASWAMY K. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTThe experimental and numerical investigations presented in this paper were carried out to determine the splitting forces and crack propagation scenarios of naturally bedded layered slate rock. Splitting loads were determined by impact splitting of regular‐sized slate blocks under plane strain test loading conditions, using a hydraulic actuator with a wedge‐shaped indenter. The mechanical properties of slate blocks required for numerical analyses were obtained from detailed experimental testing. The velocity of dynamic crack propagation in slate blocks under indenting wedge impact loading was determined using a series of strain gauge sensors. Numerical studies were carried out using ABAQUS, a general purpose, finite element analysis (FEA) program. Mode I dynamic crack propagation was simulated numerically by the gradual releasing of the restrained node on the symmetric plane of the specimens. Mode I stress intensity factors were computed for different crack lengths and the results were compared with the plane strain material fracture toughness obtained from earlier experiments/FEA. Very good agreement was obtained between analysis results and the measured fracture toughness value of slate, for the applied impact splitting load. Using the equation derived from a parametric study, of results obtained from the numerical analysis of different sizes of slate blocks, the maximum theoretical impact splitting force was determined using the plane strain fracture toughness value obtained from FEA. The difference between the loads obtained from the experimental studies and the derived empirical equation, varied between + 4.96% and −32.34%.
Docosahexaenoic acid stimulates non‐amyloidogenic APP processing resulting in reduced Aβ levels in cellular models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sahlin Charlotte , Pettersson Frida Ekholm , Nilsson Lars N. G. , Lannfelt Lars , Johansson Ann‐Sofi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractEpidemiological studies suggest that a high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we examined the effects of DHA on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in cellular models of Alzheimer's disease by analysing levels of different APP fragments, including amyloid‐β (Aβ). DHA administration stimulated non‐amyloidogenic APP processing and reduced levels of Aβ, providing a mechanism for the reported beneficial effects of DHA in vivo. However, an increased level of APP intracellular domain was also observed, highlighting the need to increase our knowledge about the relevance of this fragment in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. In conclusion, our results suggest that the proposed protective role of DHA in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis might be mediated by altered APP processing and Aβ production.
Isolation, purification and expansion of myelination‐competent, neonatal mouse Schwann cells
Authors: Honkanen Henrika , Lahti Outi , Nissinen Marja , Myllylä Riina M. , Kangas Salla , Päiväläinen Satu , Alanne Maria H. , Peltonen Sirkku , Peltonen Juha , Heape Anthony M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMost studies of peripheral nerve myelination using culture models are performed with dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells pre‐purified from the rat. The potential of this model is severely compromised by the lack of rat myelin mutants and the published protocols work poorly with mouse cells, for which numerous myelin mutants are available. This is partly due to difficulties in obtaining sufficient quantities of myelination‐competent mouse Schwann cells. Here, we describe the isolation, purification and expansion of wild‐type, myelination‐competent Schwann cells from the sciatic nerves of 4‐day‐old mouse pups. The method consistently yields 1.9–3.3 × 106 of ∼95% pure Schwann cells from the sciatic nerves of 12–15 4‐day‐old mouse pups, within 14–20 days. The Schwann cell proliferation rate ranges from 2.7‐ to 4.30‐fold growth/week. Proliferation ceases within 4 weeks, when the cells become quiescent. Growth is reinduced by the presence of neurons; neuregulin is not sufficient for this effect. The Schwann cells isolated by this protocol are able to form compact myelin in culture, as judged by the segregated expression patterns of early (myelin‐associated glycoprotein) and late (myelin basic protein) myelination markers in a three‐dimensional neuron/Schwann cell coculture model. The Schwann cell batch yields are sufficient to perform 100–150 individual myelinating coculture assays. Employing mixed phenotype/genotype mouse neuron/Schwann cell cocultures, it will be possible to analyse the cell specificity of a mutation, and the cumulative effects of different mutations, without having to cross‐breed the animals.
Oxidative stress‐induced phosphorylation, degradation and aggregation of α‐synuclein are linked to upregulated CK2 and cathepsin D
Authors: Takahashi Makio , Ko Li‐wen , Kulathingal Jayanarayan , Jiang Peizhou , Sevlever Daniel , Yen Shu‐Hui C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIntracellular accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) as filamentous aggregates is a pathological feature shared by Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, referred to as synucleinopathies. To understand the mechanisms underlying α‐Syn aggregation, we established a tetracycline‐off inducible transfectant (3D5) of neuronal lineage overexpressing human wild‐type α‐Syn. α‐Syn aggregation was initiated by exposure of 3D5 cells to FeCl2. The exposure led to formation of α‐Syn inclusions and oligomers of 34, 54, 68 kDa and higher molecular weights. The oligomers displayed immunoreactivity with antibodies to the amino‐, but not to the carboxyl(C)‐, terminus of α‐Syn, indicating that C‐terminally truncated α‐Syn is a major component of oligomers. FeCl2 exposure also promoted accumulation of S129 phosphorylated monomeric α‐Syn (Pα‐Syn) and casein kinase 2 (CK2); however, G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 was reduced. Treatment of FeCl2‐exposed cells with CK2 inhibitors (DRB or TBB) led to decreased formation of α‐Syn inclusions, oligomers and Pα‐Syn. FeCl2 exposure also enhanced the activity/level of cathepsin D. Treatment of the FeCl2‐exposed cells with pepstatin A or NH4Cl led to reduced formation of oligomers/inclusions as well as of ∼ 10 and 12 kDa truncated α‐Syn. Our results indicate that α‐Syn phosphorylation caused by FeCl2 is due to CK2 upregulation, and that lysosomal proteases may have a role in producing truncated α‐Syn for oligomer assembly.
Integrated bioinformatic and phenotypic analysis of RpoN‐dependent traits in the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
Authors: Jones Jacob , Studholme David J. , Knight Christopher G. , Preston Gail M. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe alternative sigma factor RpoN is a key regulator in the acclimation of Pseudomonas to complex natural environments. In this study we show that RpoN is required for efficient colonization of sugar beet seedlings by the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, and use phenotypic and bioinformatic approaches to profile the RpoN‐dependent traits and genes of P. fluorescens SBW25. RpoN is required for flagellar biosynthesis and for assimilation of a wide variety of nutrient sources including inorganic nitrogen, amino acids, sugar alcohols and dicarboxylic acids. Chemosensitivity assays indicate that RpoN‐regulated genes contribute to acid tolerance and resistance to some antibiotics, including tetracyclines and aminoglycosides. Gain of function changes associated with loss of RpoN included increased tolerance to hydroxyurea and Guanazole. Bioinformatic predictions of RpoN‐regulated genes show a close correspondence with phenotypic analyses of RpoN‐regulated traits and suggest novel functions for RpoN in P. fluorescens, including regulation of poly(A) polymerase. The reduced plant colonization ability observed for an rpoN mutant of P. fluorescens is therefore likely to be due to defects in multiple traits including nutrient assimilation, protein secretion and stress tolerance.
Epidermal growth factor receptor in colorectal carcinoma: correlation with clinico‐pathological prognostic factors
Authors: Abd El All H. S. , Mishriky A. M. , Mohamed F. A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective  This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) to different clinico‐pathological prognostic factors.Method  Seventy‐nine primary CRC were studied using four scoring systems: 1‐ EGFR pharmDx score, 2‐ score modified from the Hercept test [J Histo cytochem, 52 (2004) 893], 3‐ two additive scores with different cutoff points [Mod Pathol, 11 (1998) 155], 4‐ two multiplicative scores with different cutoff points [Ann Oncol, 16 (2005) 102].Results  More than 10% membranous EGFR reactivity was identified in 46.8% (37/79) of the tumours. The intensity was classified as mild, moderate and strong representing 8.9%, 20.3% and 17.7% respectively. Strong correlation was found between the EGFR pharmDx and the proposed scores, at different cutoff points (P < 0.01). A strong correlation was found between EGFR expression, advanced clinical stage (P < 0.01), nodal involvement (P < 0.01) and lympho‐vascular invasion (LV) (P < 0.05) in category I factors, poorly differentiated tumours in IIA (P < 0.05), infiltrative border configuration in IIB (P < 0.01), perineural invasion (PN) in III (P < 0.01), and larger tumours in IV (P < 0.01). Heterogenous staining was present in 46.3% of tumours and was associated with an increased score, LV and PN invasion and advanced clinical stage (P < 0.05).Conclusion  Using a cut‐off point of 10%, similar results with different scoring systems were obtained, representing standardization for EGFR interpretation. EGFR expression is correlated with conventional clinico‐pathological prognostic factors.
Prospective, case‐matched study of heated and humidified carbon dioxide insufflation in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Yeh C. H. , Kwok S. Y. , Chan M. K. Y. , Tjandra J. J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPurpose  Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is often prolonged and may cause hypothermia. It is uncertain if heated and humidified carbon dioxide (CO2) in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is beneficial. This is a prospective case‐matched study on the use of heated and humidified CO2 in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Method  Twenty consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery with heated (36°C) and humidified (95%) CO2 were compared with 20 consecutive patients using standard CO2 (30.2°C). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon in an institution. The changes in core temperature during surgery, visual quality of images and the short‐term clinical outcome were documented.Results  The core temperature fell during surgery in both groups. Although the fall of core temperature was more in the control group, it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The passage of flatus was more delayed in heated and humidified group (P = 0.004), but it did not affect the hospital discharge. All the other parameters, including the quality of visual images and the postoperative pain, were similar in both groups.Conclusions  Despite better temperature maintenance (nonsignificant), pneumoperitoneum using heated and humidified CO2 gas did not appear to have any clinical benefits in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Laparoscopy in the management of closed loop sigmoid volvulus
Authors: Cartwright‐Terry T. , Phillips S. , Greenslade G. L. , Dixon A. R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective  To investigate the feasibility and surgical outcome of elective laparoscopic surgery for acute closed loop sigmoid volvulus.Method  A prospectively electronic database of colorectal laparoscopic procedures identified nine consecutive patients with sigmoid volvulus managed by colonoscopic decompression followed by same admission laparoscopic recto‐sigmoidectomy.Results  Between January 2001 and February 2007, nine patients, ASA I (one), II (four), III (four) with sigmoid volvulus were treated: seven were women. Their age distribution was 37–87 years (median 64). The volvulus was the first episode in one patient, the second episode for four and the third (or more) for the remainder. The median operation time was 115 min (45–145). No anastomosis was de‐functioned. Postoperative analgesia was parenteral paracetamol (eight) supplemented by 10 mg oral morphine in one case; a ninth patient received patient controlled parenteral morphine for 36 h. Complications included: ileus (one), myocardial infarct (one) and wound infection (one). There was one death on day 32 from a brainstem infarct. Seven had an uncomplicated recovery. The median postoperative stay was 4 days (2–32).Conclusion  Laparoscopic recto‐sigmoidectomy postcolonoscopic decompression is a good option for patients with sigmoid volvulus. Surgical complications are minimal and recovery is quick.