bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to successful care for chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lenz Oliver , Mekala Durga P , Patel Daniel V , Fornoni Alessia , Metz David , Roth David 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
The National Kidney Foundation has formulated clinical practice guidelines for patients with chronic kidney disease (K/DOQI). However, little is know about how many patients actually achieve these goals in a dedicated clinic for chronic kidney disease.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 198 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and determined whether K/DOQI goals were met for calcium, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product, parathyroid hormone, albumin, bicarbonate, hemoglobin, lipids, and blood pressure.

Results
We found that only a small number of patients achieved K/DOQI targets. Recent referral to the nephrologist, failure to attend scheduled clinic appointments, African American ethnicity, diabetes, and advanced renal failure were significant predictors of low achievement of K/DOQI goals.

Conclusion
We conclude that raising awareness of chronic kidney disease and K/DOQI goals among primary care providers, early referral to a nephrologist, the exploration of socioeconomic barriers and cultural differences, and both patient and physician education are critical to improve CKD care in patients with Stage 4 and 5 CKD.
Chance mechanisms affecting the burden of metastases
Authors: Kendal Wayne S 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
The burden of cancer metastases within an individual is commonly used to clinically characterize a tumor's biological behavior. Assessments like these implicitly assume that spurious effects can be discounted. Here the influence of chance on the burden of metastasis is studied to determine whether or not this assumption is valid.

Methods
Monte Carlo simulations were performed to estimate tumor burdens sustained by individuals with cancer, based upon empirically derived and validated models for the number and size distributions of metastases. Factors related to the intrinsic metastatic potential of tumors and their host microenvironments were kept constant, to more clearly demonstrate the contribution from chance.

Results
Under otherwise identical conditions, both the simulated numbers and the sizes of metastases were highly variable. Comparable individuals could sustain anywhere from no metastases to scores of metastases, and the sizes of the metastases ranged from microscopic to macroscopic. Despite the marked variability in the number and sizes of the metastases, their respective growth times were rather more narrowly distributed. In such situations multiple occult metastases could develop into fully overt lesions within a comparatively short time period.

Conclusion
Chance can have a major effect on the burden of metastases. Random variability can be so great as to make individual assessments of tumor biology unreliable, yet constrained enough to lead to the apparently simultaneous appearance of multiple overt metastases.
Age as a determinant of nutritional status: A cross sectional study
Authors: Forster Sarah , Gariballa Salah 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
Undenutrition is known to be prevalent and largely unrecognised in older patients; however, aberrations in indicators of nutritional status may simply reflect effects of age and/or functional disability.

Objective
The aim of this study was to measure the effect, if any of age on nutritional status in older patients.

Design
445 randomly selected hospitalised patients consented to nutritional status assessment derived from anthropometric, haematological, and biochemical data within 72 hours of admission. Nutritional status was compared between those age < 75 years and those aged 75 years or more. Using multiple regression models, we measured the association between age and nutritional assessment variables after adjusting for disability, chronic illness, medications, smoking and tissue inflammation.

Results
Body weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, haemoglobin, serum albumin and plasma ascorbic acid were all significantly lower in people aged ≥ 75 years compared with those < 75 years of age. Although riboflavin (vitamin B2), 25OH VitD3, red-cell folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were lower in those aged ≥ 75 years, differences were not statistically significant. After adjusting for disability and co-morbidity in a multivariate analysis, age alone had a significant and independent effect on important anthropometric and biochemical nutritional assessment variables.

Conclusion
Increasing age is independently associated with poor nutritional status. This may partly explain the poor clinical outcome in older patients.
Dietary inulin intake and age can significantly affect intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium in rats: a stable isotope approach
Authors: Coudray Charles , Rambeau Mathieu , Feillet-Coudray Christine , Tressol Jean Claude , Demigne Christian , Gueux Elyett , Mazur Andrzej , Rayssiguier Yves 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
previous studies have shown that non-digestible inulin-type fructan intake can increase intestinal mineral absorption in both humans and animals. However, this stimulatory effect on intestinal absorption may depend on experimental conditions such as duration of fermentable fiber intake, mineral diet levels and animals' physiological status, in particular their age.

Objectives
the aim of this study was to determine the effect of inulin intake on Ca and Mg absorption in rats at different age stages.

Methods
eighty male Wistar rats of four different ages (2, 5, 10 and 20 months) were randomized into either a control group or a group receiving 3.75% inulin in their diet for 4 days and then 7.5% inulin for three weeks. The animals were fed fresh food and water ad libitum for the duration of the experiment. Intestinal absorption of Ca and Mg was determined by fecal monitoring using stable isotopic tracers. Ca and Mg status was also assessed.

Results
absorption of Ca and Mg was significantly lower in the aged rats (10 and 20 mo) than in the young and adult rat groups. As expected, inulin intake increased Ca and Mg absorption in all four rat groups. However, inulin had a numerically greater effect on Ca absorption in aged rats than in younger rats whereas its effect on Mg absorption remained similar across all four rat age groups.

Conclusion
the extent of the stimulatory effect of inulin on absorption of Ca may differ according to animal ages. Further studies are required to explore this effect over longer inulin intake periods, and to confirm these results in humans.
Reliability of old and new ventricular fibrillation detection algorithms for automated external defibrillators
Authors: Amann Anton , Tratnig Robert , Unterkofler Karl 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
A pivotal component in automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is the detection of ventricular fibrillation by means of appropriate detection algorithms. In scientific literature there exists a wide variety of methods and ideas for handling this task. These algorithms should have a high detection quality, be easily implementable, and work in real time in an AED. Testing of these algorithms should be done by using a large amount of annotated data under equal conditions.

Methods
For our investigation we simulated a continuous analysis by selecting the data in steps of one second without any preselection. We used the complete BIH-MIT arrhythmia database, the CU database, and the files 7001 – 8210 of the AHA database. All algorithms were tested under equal conditions.

Results
For 5 well-known standard and 5 new ventricular fibrillation detection algorithms we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under their receiver operating characteristic. In addition, two QRS detection algorithms were included. These results are based on approximately 330 000 decisions (per algorithm).

Conclusion
Our values for sensitivity and specificity differ from earlier investigations since we used no preselection. The best algorithm is a new one, presented here for the first time.
Severe allergic reactions to guinea pig
Authors: Zacharisen Michael C , Levy Michael B , Shaw Jeffrey L , Kurup Viswanath P 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
Allergic sensitization and reactions to guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) have been well documented in laboratory animal handlers, primarily manifesting as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Severe allergic reactions, however, are rare.

Methods
We report two patients with severe allergic reactions following non-occupational exposure to guinea pigs. The first patient, an 11-year-old female, developed ocular, nasal, skin and laryngeal edema symptoms immediately after handling a guinea pig. The second patient, a 24-year-old female, developed symptoms of isolated laryngeal edema after cleaning a guinea pig cage. Percutaneous skin testing, RAST, ELISA and ELISA inhibition testing with guinea pig extract were performed.

Results
Both patients had IgE-mediated allergy to guinea pig confirmed by ELISA and either RAST or skin testing. ELISA inhibition studies confirmed the specificity of the IgE reactivity to guinea pig.

Conclusion
Severe IgE-mediated reactions can occur following non-occupational guinea pig exposure. Physicians should be aware of this possibility.
Dual role of TRBP in HIV replication and RNA interference: viral diversion of a cellular pathway or evasion from antiviral immunity?
Authors: Gatignol Anne , Lainé Sébastien , Clerzius Guerline 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that RNA interference (RNAi) may be used to provide antiviral immunity in mammalian cells. Human micro (mi)RNAs can inhibit the replication of a primate virus, whereas a virally-encoded miRNA from HIV inhibits its own replication. Indirect proof comes from RNAi suppressors encoded by mammalian viruses. Influenza NS1 and Vaccinia E3L proteins can inhibit RNAi in plants, insects and worms. HIV-1 Tat protein and Adenovirus VA RNAs act as RNAi suppressors in mammalian cells. Surprisingly, many RNAi suppressors are also inhibitors of the interferon (IFN)-induced protein kinase R (PKR) but the potential overlap between the RNAi and the IFN pathways remains to be determined. The link between RNAi as an immune response and the IFN pathway may be formed by a cellular protein, TRBP, which has a dual role in HIV replication and RNAi. TRBP has been isolated as an HIV-1 TAR RNA binding protein that increases HIV expression and replication by inhibiting PKR and by increasing translation of structured RNAs. A recent report published in the Journal of Virology shows that the poor replication of HIV in astrocytes is mainly due to a heightened PKR response that can be overcome by supplying TRBP exogenously. In two recent papers published in Nature and EMBO Reports, TRBP is now shown to interact with Dicer and to be required for RNAi mediated by small interfering (si) and micro (mi)RNAs. The apparent discrepancy between TRBP requirement in RNAi and in HIV replication opens the hypotheses that RNAi may be beneficial for HIV-1 replication or that HIV-1 may evade the RNAi restriction by diverting TRBP from Dicer and use it for its own benefit.
Surfactant application during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improves lung volume and pulmonary mechanics in children with respiratory failure
Authors: Hermon Michael , Burda Gudrun , Male Christoph , Boigner Harald , Ponhold Walter , Khoss August , Strohmaier Wolfgang , Trittenwein Gerhard 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Introduction
This study was performed to determine whether surfactant application during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) improves lung volume, pulmonary mechanics, and chest radiographic findings in children with respiratory failure or after cardiac surgery.

Methods
This was a retrospective chart review study in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Seven patients received surfactant before weaning from ECMO was started (group S). They were compared to six patients treated with ECMO who did not receive surfactant (group C). These control patients were matched based on age, weight, and underlying diagnosis. Demographic data, ventilator settings, tidal volume, compliance of respiratory system (calculated from tidal volume/(peak inspiratory pressure – positive end-expiratory pressure), and ECMO flow were extracted. Chest radiographs were scored by two blinded and independent radiologists. Changes over time were compared between groups by repeated-measures analysis of variance (time*group interaction). Values are given as percentages of baseline values.

Results
The groups did not differ with regard to demographic data, duration of ECMO, ventilator settings, PICU and hospital days. After application of surfactant, mean tidal volume almost doubled in group S (from 100% before to 186.2%; p = 0.0053). No change was found in group C (100% versus 98.7%). Mean compliance increased significantly (p = 0.0067) in group S (from 100% to 176.1%) compared to group C (100% versus 97.6%). Radiographic scores tended to decrease in group S within 48 h following surfactant application. ECMO flow tended to decrease in group S within 10 h following surfactant application but not in group C. Mortality was not affected by treatment.

Conclusion
Surfactant application may be of benefit in children with respiratory failure treated with ECMO, but these findings need confirmation from prospective studies.
Cytokine-regulated expression and inhibitory function of FcγRIIB1 and -B2 receptors in human dendritic cells
Authors: Guriec Nathalie , Daniel Catherine , Le Ster Karine , Hardy Elisabeth , Berthou Christian 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) capture immune complexes (IC) via Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G FcγRII and elicit antigen presentation and protective antitumoral immune response in mice. Two protocols are commonly used to differentiate human monocyte-derived DC in vitro. They associate granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (CM-CSF) with interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13. In this study, we first assessed the ability of the two types of DCto initiate an immune response against an IC-linked antigen. We evidenced that IL-4 and IL-13 DC display comparable lymphocyte stimulatory capacity and similar lifetimes. We next characterized FcγRIIs expressed by pure populations of circulating myeloid DC (BDCA1+DC), IL-4, and IL-13 DC. We highlighted the expression of FcγRIIA, -B1, and -B2 by pure populations of BDCA1 myeloid DCs and IL-4 and IL-13 DC. Moreover, IL-4 and IL-13 DC displayed greater FcγRIIB expression than monocytes but a comparable FcγRIIA. We next investigated the FcγRIIB mechanism of action. We evidenced that deleting FcγRIIB increased the ability of IC-pulsed DC to stimulate autologous lymphocytes. FcγRIIB acted by lowering IC uptake, surface expression of costimulation molecules, and cytokine release. Finally, the balance between activating FcγRIIA/inhibitory FcγRIIB (B1+B2) could be modulated in vitro by inflammation mediators. By lowering FcγRIIB expression without significantly affecting FcγRIIA, prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) appeared to be a major regulator of this balance. IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor α were also found to potentiate PGE-2 action. Altogether, our results evidence an inhibitory role for FcγRIIB in human DC and provide an easy way to possibly improve in vitro the induction of immune response against IC-linked antigen.
Activation of human eosinophils via P2 receptors: novel findings and future perspectives
Authors: Ferrari Davide , la Sala Andrea , Panther Elisabeth , Norgauer Johannes , Di Virgilio Francesco , Idzko Marco 
Published: October 2005

AbstractA growing body of information indicates that release of intracellular nucleotides represents an important way to modulate several cell pathways in physiological or pathological conditions. Nucleotides released as a consequence of cell damage, cell stress, bacterial infection, or other noxious stimuli signal at a class of plasma membrane receptors—P2 receptors—activating diverse intracellular pathways in many tissues and organs. For example, nucleotides secreted in the airway system control chloride/liquid secretion, goblet cell degranulation, and ciliary beat frequency. Several studies indicate that nucleotides play a role in airway diseases through their action on multiple cell types, including mast cells, dendritic cells, neurons, and eosinophils. Recent work by us and other groups led to the identification and characterization of P2 receptors expressed by human eosinophils. In this review, we will summarize recent developments in this field and put forward a hypothesis about the role of P2 receptors in pathophysiological conditions where eosinophils are major players.
The G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR30 Mediates the Proliferative Effects Induced by 17β-Estradiol and Hydroxytamoxifen in Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Vivacqua Adele , Bonofiglio Daniela , Recchia Anna Grazia , Musti Anna Maria , Picard Didier , Andò Sebastiano , Maggiolini Marcello 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe growth of both normal and transformed epithelial cells of the female reproductive system is stimulated by estrogens, mainly through the activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα), which is a ligand-regulated transcription factor. The selective ER modulator tamoxifen (TAM) has been widely used as an ER antagonist in breast tumor; however, long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. To provide new insights into the potential mechanisms involved in the agonistic activity exerted by TAM in the uterus, we evaluated the potential of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT), the active metabolite of TAM, to transactivate wild-type ERα and its splice variant expressed in Ishikawa and HEC1A endometrial tumor cells, respectively. OHT was able to antagonize only the activation of ERα by 17β-estradiol (E2) in Ishikawa cells, whereas it up-regulated c-fos expression in a rapid manner similar to E2 and independently of ERα in both cell lines. This stimulation occurred through the G protein-coupled receptor named GPR30 and required Src-related and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase activities, along with the activation of both ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathways. Most importantly, OHT, like E2, stimulated the proliferation of Ishikawa as well as HEC1A cells. Transfecting a GPR30 antisense expression vector in both endometrial cancer cell lines, OHT was no longer able to induce growth effects, whereas the proliferative response to E2 was completely abrogated only in HEC1A cells. Furthermore, in the presence of the inhibitors of MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways, PD 98059 and wortmannin, respectively, E2 and OHT did not elicit growth stimulation. Our data demonstrate a new mode of action of E2 and OHT in endometrial cancer cells, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in their uterine agonistic activity.
Mitochondrial depolarization following hydrogen sulfide exposure in erythrocytes from a sulfide-tolerant marine invertebrate
Authors: Julian David , April Kelly L. , Patel Shiven , Stein Jenny R. , Wohlgemuth Stephanie E. 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARYSulfide-tolerant marine invertebrates employ a variety of mechanisms to detoxify sulfide once it has entered their bodies, but their integumentary,respiratory epithelium and circulatory cells may still be exposed to toxic sulfide concentrations. To investigate whether sulfide exposure is toxic to mitochondria of a sulfide-tolerant invertebrate, we used the fluorescent dyes JC-1 and TMRM to determine the effect of sulfide exposure on mitochondrial depolarization in erythrocytes from the annelid Glycera dibranchiata. In erythrocytes exposed to 0.11-1.9 mmol l-1 sulfide for 1 h, the dyes showed fluorescence changes consistent with sulfide-induced mitochondrial depolarization. At the highest sulfide concentration, the extent of depolarization was equivalent to that caused by the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Even when induced by as little as 0.3 mmol l-1 sulfide, the depolarization was not reversible over a subsequent 5 h recovery period. The mechanism of toxicity was likely not via inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase (COX),since other COX inhibitors and other mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitors did not produce similar effects. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore failed to prevent sulfide-induced depolarization. Finally, increased oxidation of the free radical indicators H2DCFDA and MitoSOX™ in erythrocytes exposed to sulfide suggests that sulfide oxidation increased oxidative stress and superoxide production, respectively. Together, these results indicate that sulfide exposure causes mitochondrial depolarization in cells of a sulfide-tolerant annelid, and that this effect, which differs from the actions of other COX inhibitors, may be via increased free radical damage.
Interactions of visual odometry and landmark guidance during food search in honeybees
Authors: Vladusich Tony , Hemmi Jan M. , Srinivasan Mandyam V. , Zeil Jochen 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARYHow do honeybees use visual odometry and goal-defining landmarks to guide food search? In one experiment, bees were trained to forage in an optic-flow-rich tunnel with a landmark positioned directly above the feeder. Subsequent food-search tests indicated that bees searched much more accurately when both odometric and landmark cues were available than when only odometry was available. When the two cue sources were set in conflict, by shifting the position of the landmark in the tunnel during test, bees overwhelmingly used landmark cues rather than odometry. In another experiment, odometric cues were removed by training and testing in axially striped tunnels. The data show that bees did not weight landmarks as highly as when odometric cues were available,tending to search in the vicinity of the landmark for shorter periods. A third experiment, in which bees were trained with odometry but without a landmark,showed that a novel landmark placed anywhere in the tunnel during testing prevented bees from searching beyond the landmark location. Two further experiments, involving training bees to relatively longer distances with a goal-defining landmark, produced similar results to the initial experiment. One caveat was that, with the removal of the familiar landmark, bees tended to overshoot the training location, relative to the case where bees were trained without a landmark. Taken together, the results suggest that bees assign appropriate significance to odometric and landmark cues in a more flexible and dynamic way than previously envisaged.