bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotics modulate the stimulated cytokine response to endotoxin in a human ex vivo, in vitro model
Authors: Ziegeler S. , Raddatz A. , Hoff G. , Buchinger H. , Bauer I. , Stockhausen A. , Sasse H. , Sandmann I. , Hörsch S. , Rensing H. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Sepsis may lead to the suppression of stimulated cytokine release after Gram‐negative stimuli, correlating with a fatal outcome. Treatment of sepsis includes adequate therapy with antibiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of antibiotics in the modulation of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated cytokine response of human monocytes.Methods:  In this ex vivo, in vitro study, whole blood samples were taken from 10 healthy volunteers, stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of various antibiotics (penicillin, amoxicillin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem/cilastatin, gentamicin, netilmicin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin) and cultured for 24 h. Thereafter, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) were measured in the supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, CD14 and HLA‐DR expression on monocytes was assessed using flow cytometry.Results:  All cephalosporins decreased LPS‐stimulated IL‐10 release. Cefuroxime and cefotaxime also decreased the expression density of the LPS recognition molecule CD14 on monocytes. An increase in LPS‐stimulated IL‐10 release was observed with vancomycin. A suppression of LPS‐stimulated TNF‐α and IL‐10 release was observed in the presence of ciprofloxacin.Conclusion:  These results indicate a modulation of the expression density of CD14 on monocytes, together with a shift from a balanced to an inflammatory cytokine release pattern, by cefuroxime and cefotaxime. Vancomycin changes the response to an anti‐inflammatory release pattern. After ciprofloxacin, a profound unresponsiveness of immune‐competent cells to LPS stimulation is observed. Because of the critical role of a balanced innate immune response, these data may be of importance for the selection of antibiotics in septic patients.
Stroke volume variation does not predict fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock on pressure support ventilation
Authors: Perner A. , Faber T. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Stroke volume variation (SVV) – as measured by the pulse contour cardiac output (PiCCO®) system – predicts the cardiac output response to a fluid challenge in patients on controlled ventilation. Whether this applies to patients on pressure support ventilation is unknown.Methods:  Thirty consecutive patients with septic shock were included. All were on pressure support ventilation, monitored using the PiCCO® system and receiving 500 ml of colloid on clinical indications. Arterial pulse contour SVV and the transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac index were measured before and after fluid challenge.Results:  Forty‐seven per cent of the patients were defined as fluid responders by an observed increase of > 10% in the cardiac index after fluid. Prior to fluid challenge, the cardiac index was lower in responders compared with non‐responders (mean ± SD, 3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 4.0 ± 1.2 l/min/m2, P < 0.01). In contrast, pre‐infusion values of SVV were similar between subsequent responders and non‐responders (13 ± 5 vs. 16 ± 6%, P =0.26). The mean areas under the ROC curves were 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.94) and 0.52 (0.30–0.73) for pre‐fluid cardiac index and SVV, respectively, indicating a predictive power of only the cardiac index.Conclusions:  SVV did not predict the response in cardiac output to fluid challenge in patients with septic shock on pressure support ventilation.
Patterns in current anaesthesiological peri‐operative practice for colonic resections: a survey in five northern‐European countries
Authors: Hannemann P. , Lassen K. , Hausel J. , Nimmo S. , Ljungqvist O. , Nygren J. , Soop M. , Fearon K. , Andersen J. , Revhaug A. , Von Meyenfeldt M. F. , Dejong C. H. C. , Spies C. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  For colorectal surgery, evidence suggests that optimal management includes: no pre‐operative fasting, a thoracic epidural analgesia continued for 2 days post‐operatively, and avoidance of fluid overload. In addition, no long‐acting benzodiazepines on the day of surgery and use of short‐acting anaesthetic medication may be beneficial. We examined whether these strategies have been adopted in five northern‐European countries.Methods:  In 2003, a questionnaire concerning peri‐operative anaesthetic routines in elective, open colonic cancer resection was sent to the chief anaesthesiologist in 258 digestive surgical centres in Scotland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.Results:  The response rate was 74% (n = 191). Although periods of pre‐operative fasting up to 48 h were reported, most (> 85%) responders in all countries declared to adhere to guidelines for pre‐operative fasting and oral clear liquids were permitted until 2–3 h before anaesthesia. Solid food was permitted up to 6–8 h prior to anaesthesia. In all countries more than 85% of the responders indicated that epidural anaesthesia was routinely used. Except for Denmark, long‐acting benzodiazepines were still widely used. Short‐acting anaesthetics were used in all countries except Scotland where isoflurane is the anaesthetic of choice. With the exception of Denmark, intravenous fluids were used unrestrictedly.Conclusion:  In northern Europe, most anaesthesiologists adhere to evidence‐based optimal management strategies on pre‐operative fasting, thoracic epidurals and short‐acting anaesthetics. However, premedication with longer‐acting agents is still common. Avoidance of fluid overload has not yet found its way into daily practice. This may leave patients undergoing elective colonic surgery at risk of oversedation and excessive fluid administration with potential adverse effects on surgical outcome.
Oxidative stress in midpregnancy as a predictor of gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Rogers MS , Wang CCR , Tam WH , Li CY , Chu KO , Chu CY 
Published: August 2006

Objectives  To explore the relationship between the levels of maternal oxidative stress and glycaemia during pregnancy and to compare the predictive values of 8‐epimer of prostaglandin F2alpha (8‐isoPGF2α) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in midpregnancy for the development of hypertensive complications in later pregnancy.Design  Prospective observational study as an ancillary study to the Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study.Setting  Obstetric clinics and wards of a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong.Population  Selected women with singleton pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic.Methods  Pregnant women who met HAPO inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Glucose tolerance was assessed by a 75‐g 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–32 weeks of gestation. Fasting plasma samples for 8‐isoPGF2α estimation and urine samples for 8‐isoPGF2α and 2,3‐dinor 8‐isoPGF2α assays were collected and blood pressures measured during the OGTT visit. Random plasma and urine samples were also obtained at 34–37 weeks. Glucose results were unblinded to the attending obstetrician if limits preset under the HAPO protocol were met.Main outcome measures  Maternal plasma 8‐isoPGF2α and urinary 8‐isoPGF2α and 2,3‐dinor 8‐isoPGF2α both at the time of OGTT (24–32 weeks) and at 34–37 weeks of gestation. Incidence of pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension.Results  Of the 408 women who attended for OGTT at 24–32 weeks, two met the glucose criteria for unblinding and 25 had missing 8‐isoPGF2α values and thus were excluded from analysis. Of the 381 women, 338 (88.7%) attended for random plasma samples at 34–37 weeks. Significant correlations were observed between maternal fasting plasma isoprostane and both fasting (r= 0.20; P < 0.001) and 2‐hour (r= 0.39; P < 0.001) plasma glucose levels at the time of OGTT. Gestational hypertension/pre‐eclampsia occurred in 17 (4.2%) women, and at the time of OGTT, they had significantly higher fasting plasma 8‐isoPGF2α (P < 0.001), urine 8‐isoPGF2α (P < 0.005) and urine 2,3‐dinor 8‐isoPGF2α to creatinine ratios (P < 0.001), as well as higher MAP (P < 0.001) than women who remained normotensive. At 34–37 weeks, only random plasma 8‐isoPGF2α was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among the women with gestational hypertension/pre‐eclampsia.Conclusions  Plasma markers of oxidative stress were positively correlated with plasma glucose at the time of OGTT (24–32 weeks). Women who subsequently developed gestational hypertension/pre‐eclampsia had significantly higher plasma and urine markers of oxidative stress at the time of OGTT but only higher plasma markers at 34–37 weeks. Plasma 8‐isoPGF2α appears to be a very good predictor of subsequent gestational hypertension/pre‐eclampsia when measured at the time of OGTT, but its ability to discriminate deteriorates as pregnancy advances.
Prenatal isolated mild ventriculomegaly: outcome in 167 cases
Authors: Ouahba J , Luton D , Vuillard E , Garel C , Gressens P , Blanc N , Elmaleh M , Evrard P , Oury JF 
Published: August 2006

Objective  To define the contribution of prenatal investigation and evaluate the prognosis of isolated mild ventriculomegaly (IMV).Design  Retrospective study.Setting  University hospital between January 1992 and December 2002.Population  One hundred and sixty‐seven cases of prenatal unilateral or bilateral IMV without any associated anomaly at the time of initial diagnosis.Methods  Complementary investigations were performed: amniocentesis with karyotyping, screening for viruses and acetylcholinesterase electrophoresis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography every 3–4 weeks.Main outcome measures  Results of prenatal investigations, pregnancy outcome, and postnatal psychomotor development.Results  IMV was diagnosed around 26.5 weeks. Amniocentesis revealed four chromosomal anomalies and two cytomegalovirus infections. MRI diagnosed brain‐associated anomalies in 15 cases and ultrasonographic monitoring highlighted malformations not initially diagnosed in 28 cases. Termination of pregnancy (TOP) was considered in 21 pregnancies (12.6%). Indications were aneuploidy, fetal infectious disease or associated malformations. In women for whom a TOP was considered, consanguinity, fetus of female sex and frontal horn enlargement were statistically more frequent, ventriculomegaly was more often bilateral and asymmetrical, atrial width, and the rate of progressive ventricular enlargement were significantly higher. One hundred and one children with prenatal IMV were assessed between 19 and 127 months (mean age 54.68 ± 2.87 months). Twelve children had neurological disease or psychomotor delay and 89 children had a normal psychomotor development. Poor neurological outcome was more often associated with atrial width greater than or equal to 12 mm, asymmetrical bilateral enlargement, and progression of the ventriculomegaly.Conclusion  The detection of IMV raises the question of the child’s psychomotor development and justifies meticulous prenatal investigation. In addition to associated anomalies, three criteria are often associated with an unfavourable outcome: atrial width greater than 12 mm, progression of the enlargement, and asymmetrical and bilateral ventriculomegaly.
Modulation of the age‐related nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway by hesperetin
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Jung Kyung Jin , Choi Jae Sue , Chung Hae Young 
Published: August 2006

SummaryNuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), a redox‐sensitive transcription factor, plays an important role in the aging process. Thus, developing and identifying specific components that modulate NF‐κB without adverse side‐effects would be of major importance. Hesperetin, a flavanone abundant in citrus fruits, has a variety of pharmacological properties being antioxidant, cholesterol‐lowering, and anti‐inflammatory.In this study, we investigated how hesperetin fed to 6‐ and 24‐month‐old rats modulates NF‐κB in their kidneys. Results showed that hesperetin suppressed NF‐κB activation and related gene expressions. An even more interesting finding is that hesperetin suppressed NF‐κB through four signal transduction pathways, NIK/IKK, ERK, p38, and JNK. Further evidence showed the remarkable efficacy of hesperetin to suppress the translocation of Trx/Ref‐1, indicating its beneficial effect on the redox status. The most significant findings of the current study report new information on the use of hesperetin as a potential anti‐aging agent.
Nicotinamide extends replicative lifespan of human cells
Authors: Kang Hyun Tae , Lee Hyung Il , Hwang Eun Seong 
Published: August 2006

SummaryWe found that an ongoing application of nicotinamide to normal human fibroblasts not only attenuated expression of the aging phenotype but also increased their replicative lifespan, causing a greater than 1.6‐fold increase in the number of population doublings. Although nicotinamide by itself does not act as an antioxidant, the cells cultured in the presence of nicotinamide exhibited reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage products associated with cellular senescence, and a decelerated telomere shortening rate without a detectable increase in telomerase activity. Furthermore, in the treated cells growing beyond the original Hayflick limit, the levels of p53, p21WAF1, and phospho‐Rb proteins were similar to those in actively proliferating cells. The nicotinamide treatment caused a decrease in ATP levels, which was stably maintained until the delayed senescence point. Nicotinamide‐treated cells also maintained high mitochondrial membrane potential but a lower respiration rate and superoxide anion level. Taken together, in contrast to its demonstrated pro‐aging effect in yeast, nicotinamide extends the lifespan of human fibroblasts, possibly through reduction in mitochondrial activity and ROS production.
Bringing It Back Home: Perspectives on Gender and Family History in Modern Mexico
Authors: Blum Ann S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractLately, study of the family as a special set of historical questions has fallen out of fashion in modern Latin American history. Yet in increasing numbers, gender historians are examining courtship and sexual behavior, marital conflict, reproductive health, women's domestic labor, institutions that intersect with families, like education, medicine, and welfare, and political deployment of family‐based ideologies. Has gender history replaced family history? This essay argues that it has not, but explores some of the ways that gender history has changed not only what we know about past families but also what we ask. Examining recent studies of the working classes in late‐nineteenth‐ and early‐twentieth‐century Mexico, the era punctuated by the revolution of 1910–1917, this essay finds that scholarly assessments of the impact on the gender order of the economic and political restructuring that preceded and followed that upheaval have expanded the frame of how we think about families while at the same time affirmed the centrality of family in the dynamics of social and ideological change.
Native Americans and National Identity in Early North America
Authors: Boulware Tyler 
Published: August 2006

AbstractNation as a concept has been applied to a variety of peoples and societies across time and space, and Native Americans during the colonial era are no exception. This essay offers a brief exploration into the uses and meanings of nation and national identity for the indigenous peoples of North America. It suggests that alternate definitions of collective identity might prove more suitable, which should remind us of the need to both clarify our conceptual framework and take into account the tremendous diversity that existed in early America.
Advanced Suction Detection for an Axial Flow Pump
Authors: Vollkron Michael , Schima Heinrich , Huber Leopold , Benkowski Robert , Morello Gino , Wieselthaler Georg 
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  An automatic detection system for ventricular collapse was developed and tested in a first clinical trial as part of a physiological speed control concept for axial flow pumps. From this clinical experience, and based on the acquired data during this trial, an optimization of the developed system was performed. An already‐existing database of 784 individual cases was extended. For harmonization of this database an additional 412 snap files were extracted from continuous data recordings and classified manually using a standardized procedure. The already‐developed and clinically tested algorithms were supplemented by one additional indicator derived from a preexisting criterion. One threshold value was replaced by application of a numerically optimized nonlinear characteristic curve dependent on heart rate. Finally, in a multidimensional optimization process of the entire suction detection system, 7 individual indicators were adjusted by using 17 independent threshold values. The optimization criteria were applied using a three‐level hierarchical system.Within the final database consisting of 1196 snap shots the overall amount of maldetections could be reduced to 23 cases including 5 false positive events (0.42%) and 18 false negative decisions (1.5%). By application of the clinical experience from the first clinical trial of a physiologic control system it became possible to optimize the sensitivity and specificity of the suction detection system to unprecedented accuracy.
Interictal and Postictal Circadian and Ultradian Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Men with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Quigg Mark , Kiely James M. , Johnson Michael L. , Straume Martin , Bertram Edward H. , Evans William S. 
Published: August 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Hypothalamic regulation of the reproductive axis in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), represented by the ultradian pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), has been shown to be altered interictally and postictally. Our objective is to determine if epilepsy or seizures disrupt normal circadian fluctuations of LH as well as circadian organization of ultradian bursts of LH. Methods: We characterized LH secretion in 10 men with TLE during two 24‐h blocks: an interictal epoch and a postictal epoch initiated by a seizure. Serum LH was measured every 10 min and characterized by circadian and ultradian patterns with cosinor and deconvolution analysis. Results: Mean peak serum concentrations of LH occurred at ∼0400 in controls, were significantly delayed ∼5 h interictally, and were randomly distributed postictally. Burst amplitudes differed significantly by phase among controls, with the largest amplitudes between 0101 and 0700 and the smallest between 1301 and 1900. No phase differences were present in interictal or postictal epochs. Burst frequency weakly but significantly was slowest between 0101 and 0700 in controls, but did not differ significantly by phase in either interictal or postictal epochs. Postictal LH burst frequencies, but not amplitudes, were significantly decreased immediately postictally. Conclusion: The pulsatile secretion of LH in TLE is abnormal both in the circadian as well as the ultradian domain. Interictal effects consist mainly in loss of circadian fluctuations in LH burst amplitude, whereas postictal effects consist of altered burst timing. Altered daily patterns of neuroendocrine signals may underlie other disorders of homeostasis in TLE.
Event‐related fMRI of Myoclonic Jerks Arising from Dysplastic Cortex
Authors: Archer John S. , Waites Anthony B. , Abbott David F. , Federico Paolo , Jackson Graeme D. 
Published: August 2006

Summary: Background:Malformations of cortical development can cause epileptiform activity and myoclonic jerks, yet EEG correlates of jerks can be difficult to obtain.Methods:We studied a woman who had frequent episodes of persistent right‐foot jerking since childhood. Ictal and interictal EEG had shown no localizing epileptiform activity. Functional imaging experiments were performed with concurrent video monitoring to document the timing of foot jerks. These studies mapped brain regions controlling voluntary right‐ and left‐foot movements, and spontaneous right‐foot jerks.Results:High‐resolution structural MR imaging revealed a dysplastic gyrus extending anteriorly off the left central sulcus. Event‐related analysis of spontaneous jerks revealed prominent activation of the left precentral gyrus (right‐foot motor area), bilateral medial frontal regions (supplementary motor area), and the dysplastic gyrus. Hemodynamic response modeling to foot jerks revealed the hemodynamic response peaked earlier in the dysplastic cortex and SMA regions than in the foot area.Discussion:Event‐related fMRI in a patient with spontaneous and induced epileptic foot jerks revealed brain regions active during jerks. The results of this analysis allowed us to tailor subsequent intracerebral recordings. Analysis of the timing of the hemodynamic response showed certain brain regions with an earlier rise in BOLD signal, suggesting a possible initiating role, or different hemodynamic response functions. Hemodynamic response timing should be considered carefully when interpreting event‐related studies of epileptiform activity.
Prolonged Febrile Seizures Are Associated with Hippocampal Vasogenic Edema and Developmental Changes
Authors: Scott Rod C. , King Martin D. , Gadian David G. , Neville Brian G. R. , Connelly Alan 
Published: August 2006

Summary:  Purpose: There is mounting evidence that a prolonged febrile seizure (PFS) can cause acute hippocampal edema although the nature of that edema remains uncertain. The principal aims of the current study were: (1) to use apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements to further characterize the hippocampal edema previously identified within 5 days of a PFS, and (2) to determine whether the age dependency of ADC in the hippocampus is different in patients when compared to a control population following a PFS. Methods: Diffusion weighted imaging was acquired in 23 children within 5 days of a PFS, and in 14 of these children a mean of 5.5 months later. Twenty‐four control children were enrolled. Results: There was a reduction in ADC between the acute and follow‐up investigations [mean reduction = 0.0072 mm2/s/month since PFS (95% confidence interval; 0.0001–0.014 mm2/s/month since PFS), p = 0.048] consistent with early vasogenic edema, followed by recovery in children investigated within 2 days of a PFS. In addition, the behavior of ADC with respect to age was different in patients when compared to control subjects [mean difference in slope =−0.155 mm2/s/log10 age (95% confidence interval; −0.290–0.0203 mm2/s/log10 age), p = 0.029], in that the expected age dependence was observed only in the control subjects. Conclusion: We suggest that these latter findings are most consistent with a preexisting developmental hippocampal abnormality that may predispose individuals to having a PFS.