bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Whole‐Body Fluorine‐18‐FDG Positron Emission Tomography in the Detection of Recurrence in Symptomatic Patients with Stages II and III Breast Cancer
Authors: Wolfort Ryan M. , Li Benjamin D.L. , Johnson Lester W. , Turnage Richard H. , Lilien David , Ampil Fred , Burton Gary , Chu Quyen D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe role of whole‐body fluorine‐18‐FDG positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) as an adjunct localize recurrence in stages II and III breast cancer patients who present with clinical suspicion for recurrence is not well established. We report our experience in such a patient population.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients with stages II and III breast cancer who had a whole‐body FDG‐PET scan was performed.ResultsOf the 23 patients who fit the criteria, 9 had stage II and 14 had stage III breast cancer. Overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 81%, 100%, and 87%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values for stages II and III were 100% and 83%, respectively, and 100% and 50%, respectively. FDG‐PET detected two recurrences that were missed by conventional imagings, but such recurrences were local and amenable for biopsy.ConclusionsIn patients with stages II and III breast cancer who present with a suspicion for recurrent disease, a whole‐body FDG‐PET scan may be a useful adjunct in the evaluation of recurrence. However, its added benefit over conventional imaging should be questioned.
Lack of Association between Microsatellite Instability and Benign Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Namour Fares , Ayav Ahmet , Lu Xiaohong , Klein Marc , Muresan Miahela , Bresler Laurent , Tramoy Denise , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Brunaud Laurent 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe adrenal gland may give rise to pheochromocytomas, which are catecholamine‐producing tumors originating from the adrenal medulla, or to adrenocortical tumors, which derive from the adrenocortical cortex and may be secreting or not. The genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of these tumors include somatic mutations in susceptibility genes, especially in the familial forms, and allelic loss, especially in chromosome 1.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate a third genetic mechanism by evaluating microsatellite instability using the reference markers (Bat25, Bat26, D2S123, D5S346, D17S250) validated by the National Cancer Institute. Microsatellite loci were analyzed in 32 benign tumors, including 11 pheochromocytomas and 21 adrenocortical tumors, in patients with and without familial syndrome.ResultsThe different alleles of microsatellite loci were reliably detected by DNA fragments analysis, whereas data obtained after melting‐point analysis on the Lightcycler were inconsistent. No microsatellite instability was detected in any tumor. One patient with a unilateral pheochromocytoma showed a loss of heterozygosity for D17S250. A second patient with a MEN‐2A syndrome and a two‐sided pheochromocytoma exhibited a loss of heterozygosity for D2S123 in the right tumor only and a retention of heterozygosity for all markers in the left tumor.ConclusionsThese results suggest that microsatellite instability, evaluated by the five reference markers of the National Cancer Institute, is not a feature of benign adrenal tumors.
Feasibility of Primary Inguinal Hernia Repair with a New Mesh
Authors: Fei L. , Filippone G. , Trapani V. , Cuttitta D. , Iannuzzi E. , Iannuzzi M. , Galizia G. , Moccia F. , Signoriello G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of primary inguinal repair with open tension‐free and sutureless technique using a new polypropylene “patch and plug system” (Prolene 3D patch), and the quality of the treatment in terms of reduction of postoperative discomfort.MethodsFifty‐six consecutive patients, mean age 54.5 ± 11.2 years, with primary unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia, were treated in a day‐surgery setting. Collected data included: pain scores at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7, 15, and 30 days after operation, analgesic medications, return to work and to heavy house and/or moderate sporting activities, and quality of life as measured by Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF‐36) before the operation and at 6 months follow‐up.ResultsPostoperative pain was low: the mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 2.8 at 24 h, 1.8 at 72 h, and 0.9, 0.3, and 0.04 at 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively. Analgesic drugs were not used by 66.0% (n = 37) of the patients. The mean global time to return to work and to heavy activities was 9.9 ± 4.6 and 14.6 ± 7.0, days, respectively. Patient satisfaction showed a significant improvement in all SF‐36 domain scores at 6 months follow‐up (P < 0.001). There were no major complications, recurrences, or mortality.ConclusionsThe new mesh seems to satisfy all requirements of a feasible, reliable, and effective device for repairing primary inguinal hernia with high patient comfort.
Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care: Progress in India
Authors: Joshipura Manjul 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe planning and development of trauma care systems in India has yet to gain attention and priority from the government, even though trauma is a major public health problem. Several efforts are under way to improve the delivery of trauma care for the injured. Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care has proved to be an ideal tool with which to begin the process of development for building a national system for the care of the injured in one of the most populous countries in the world, and one with a high burden of trauma deaths and disability. This article focuses on the impact of the Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care in efforts for improvement of the system in India.
Evaluation of Trauma Care Capabilities in Four Countries Using the WHO‐IATSIC Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care
Authors: Mock Charles , Nguyen Son , Quansah Robert , Arreola‐Risa Carlos , Viradia Ramesh , Joshipura Manjul 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to identify affordable and sustainable methods to strengthen trauma care capabilities globally, especially in developing countries, using the Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care. These guidelines were created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Surgery and provide recommendations on elements of trauma care that should be in place at the range of health facilities globally.MethodsThe guidelines were used as a basis for needs assessments in 4 countries selected to represent the world’s range of geographic and economic conditions: Mexico (middle income; Latin America); Vietnam (low income; east Asia); India (low income; south Asia); and Ghana (low income; Africa). One hundred sites were assessed, including rural clinics (n = 51), small hospitals (n = 34), and large hospitals (n = 15). Site visits utilized direct inspection and interviews with administrative and clinical staff.ResultsResources were partly adequate or adequate at most large hospitals, but there were gaps that could be improved, especially in low‐income settings, such as shortages of airway equipment, chest tubes, and trauma‐related medications; and prolonged periods where critical equipment (e.g., X‐ray, laboratory) were unavailable while awaiting repairs. Rural clinics everywhere had difficulties with basic supplies for resuscitation even though some received significant trauma volumes. In all settings, there was a dearth of administrative functions to assure quality trauma care, including trauma registries, trauma‐related quality improvement programs, and regular in‐service training.ConclusionsThis study identified several low‐cost ways in which to strengthen trauma care globally. It also has demonstrated the usefulness of the Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care in providing an internationally applicable, standardized template by which to assess trauma care capabilities.
Niche width and niche overlap: a method based on type‐2 fuzzy sets
Authors: Yimin Li , Xihao Sun , Chongying Gong 
Published: May 2006

AbstractComplicated ecosystems and the high non‐linearity of evolution has made biology more adaptable to a variety of environments. The relationship between life and environment demands a dynamic definition of niche and its measurement. In this paper we propose a model of niche with dynamic character based on the “broad band” effect in type‐2 fuzzy sets. The niche in this definition is an interval in each ecological dimension which is dynamic in character and depends on the actual environment. We also give formulas for niche width and niche overlap. We compute the niche width and overlap for plants and animals and then compare these results with previous results. The results for niche width in this paper reflect the diversity of resources used by species or communities. The results for niche overlap demonstrate overlap under different environmental conditions. The results are, moreover, intervals, which could provide more information. The model in this paper could therefore be used to describe the state of every resource comprehensively, reflecting the interaction between species and environment.
Emergent multiple predator effects in an experimental microbial community
Authors: Jiang Lin , Krumins Jennifer Adams 
Published: May 2006

AbstractStudies on multiple predator effects have typically focused on metazoans. Here we examined the effects of multiple consumers on bacteria. Specifically, we investigated the separate and combined effects of two common bacterivorous ciliates,Colpidium striatumandParamecium caudatum, on a simple bacterial assemblage. Non‐additive multiple predator effects emerged for all bacterial species significantly affected by grazing, where bacterial responses in the two‐consumer treatment cannot be predicted by summing the separate effects of the two consumers. Some species showed risk reduction (observed responses less than expected), whereas others showed risk enhancement (observed responses larger than expected). We attributed risk alteration to the interference between the two consumers. Contradictory to theoretical predictions, total bacterial abundance in the two‐consumer treatment did not differ from single‐consumer treatments and consumer‐free controls, due largely to risk reduction and compensatory responses within the bacterial assemblage. Decomposition of particulate organic matter was greater in the two‐consumer treatment than theParameciumsingle‐consumer treatment, but did not differ among other treatments. These results suggest that the presence of multiple consumers may have unexpected impacts on the structure and functioning of bacterial communities.
Family heritage and depression guides: Family and peer views influence adolescent attitudes about depression
Authors: Wisdom Jennifer P. , Agnor Chrystal 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWhile adolescents tend to under‐use professional mental health services for depression, they informally seek health‐related information from parents and peers. In this study, we interviewed 15 adolescents to examine how the views and behaviours of others influence teens’ decisions about seeking care for depression. Using a grounded theory approach, we found that teens’ families, peers, and siblings contributed uniquely to teens’ decisions in seeking care for depression. Families may disclose a “heritage” of depression, and their choices about disclosing family mental health issues, previous treatment, and coping strategies affected teens’ understanding of depression. Peer “depression guides,” who had themselves experienced depression, provided teens with advice on recognizing depression, managing stigma, and seeking care. Siblings bridged the roles of peer and family, influencing teens’ choices about accessing treatment. These findings suggest that family and peers should be included during teens’ depression treatment.
Studying cellular architecture in three dimensions with improved resolution: Ta replicas revisited
Authors: Cabezas Pilar , Risco Cristina 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMetal replicas have been used for surface analysis of biological structures with a variety of spatial resolutions. Platinum (Pt) has been the metal of choice because it provides very stable replicas and images of high contrast. Some other metals, such as tantalum (Ta) have been reported to provide better resolution on isolated macromolecular complexes and cellular structures. Our goal is to study the gain in detail with Ta and to evaluate if it provides enough detail and resolution to assist in the study of complex volumes of intact cellular structures obtained by methods that reach molecular resolution. To this purpose Pt and Ta replicas of cellular structures and viruses have been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Replicas of Ta show new details on the surface of two types of isolated viral particles such as 100 nm bunyaviruses and large, >300 nm, vaccinia virus (VV). Inside cells, the structural pieces that build VV immature particles are visualized only in Ta replicas. Looking for smaller intracellular complexes, new details are also seen in nuclear pores from Ta replicas. Additional masses, most likely representing the cargo during transport, are distinguished in some of the pores. Visualization of proteins in plasma membranes strongly suggests that detail and resolution of Ta replicas are similar to those estimated for 3D maps currently obtained by electron tomography of viruses and cells.
Long‐term effects of levosimendan infusion on inflammatory processes and sFas in patients with severe heart failure
Authors: Trikas Athanasios , Antoniades Charalambos , Latsios Giorgos , Vasiliadou Karmen , Karamitros Ioannis , Tousoulis Dimitris , Tentolouris Costantinos , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe calcium sensitizer levosimendan improves myocardial contractility in patients with heart failure, although its effects on inflammation and apoptosis are unknown.AimTo examine the effects of levosimendan on markers of inflammation and apoptosis, over a period of 30 d following a 24 h infusion, in patients with heart failure.MethodsThirty four patients with severe heart failure were randomised to receive a 24 h infusion of levosimendan or placebo, in a double‐blind trial. Haemodynamic evaluation and blood sampling were performed at baseline, 24 h, 30 h, 48 h, 7 d and 30 d after the end of the infusion.ResultsSeven patients (1 levosimendan, 6 placebo), were excluded during follow‐up. In the remaining 27 patients, levosimendan decreased serum IL‐6 and sFAS, 24 h after the infusion (p<0.01 andp<0.05 vs baseline), an effect sustained for 7–30 d. Serum TNF‐α and sTNF‐R1 were decreased between 48 h (p<0.01 vs baseline for both) and 7 d (p<0.05 vs baseline for sTNF‐R1) after infusion. Serum sTNF‐R2 was decreased at 24 h (p<0.05 vs baseline) and remained lower than baseline for at least 7 d (p<0.05).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that levosimendan decreases the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α receptors and sFAS, immediately after infusion, an effect which persists for 7–30 d.
Japanese production management: An evolution—With mixed success
Authors: Schonberger Richard J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractJapanese production management (JPM) became a dominant influence in the field of operations management when, in the early 1980s, knowledge of its main elements became known beyond Japan. Those elements – quick set‐up, small lots, cells, kanban, and so on – are well known. Rather than explaining them again, this paper's objective is to explore the sequence of events leading to JPM as a competitive force globally, as well as its impact on theory and practices in operations management. JPM's evolution includes shifting terminologies, fusions and adulterations; limited extensions from manufacturing into services and innovative enhancements, largely of Western origin. Longitudinal research data, based on inventory trends, provide insights on JPM's diffusions and its uneven results. Latter‐day puzzling lapses and disappointments, among Japanese as well as Western companies, raise questions about JPM's sustainability, as well as some of its changing manifestations. While the core of Japanese production management, now over three decades old, appears to have become solidly mainstream, its current and future states are problematic.
Alpine lake sediment records of the impact of glaciation and climate change on the biogeochemical cycling of soil nutrients
Authors: Filippelli Gabriel M. , Souch Catherine , Menounos Brian , Slater-Atwater Sara , Timothy Jull A.J. , Slaymaker Olav 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLake sediment cores from the Coast Mountains of British Columbia were analyzed using chemical sequential extractions to partition the dominant geochemical fractions of phosphorus (P). The P fractions include mineral P (the original source of bioavailable P), occluded P (bound to soil oxides), and organic P (remains of organic matter). By comparing P fractions of soil and recent lake sediment samples, these fractions are shown to be a valid proxy for landscape-scale nutrient status. Changes in soil development for an alpine watershed (Lower Joffre Lake) are inferred from the P fractions in the basin's outlet lake sediments. Glacially sourced mineral P dominates at the base of the core, but several rapid shifts in P geochemistry are evident in the first ∼3000 yr of the record. The latter indicates an interval of early and rapid soil nutrient maturation from ∼9600 to 8500 cal yr BP and a significant influx of slope-derived material into Lower Joffre Lake. A substantial increase in mineral P occurs at ca. 8200 cal yr BP, consistent with the cold event in the vicinity of the North Atlantic at that time. The more recent record reveals a continual increase in the proportion of mineral P from glacial sources to the lake, indicating a trend toward cooler conditions in the Coast Mountains.
Grateloupia longifolia polysaccharide inhibits angiogenesis by downregulating tissue factor expression in HMEC‐1 endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yang Fan , Zhang Xiong‐Wen , Wang Shun‐Chun , Li Mei‐Hong , Lin Li‐Ping , Ding Jian 
Published: May 2006

The antiangiogenic and antitumor properties of Grateloupia longifolia polysaccharide (GLP), a new type of polysaccharide isolated from the marine alga, were investigated with several in vitro and in vivo models. Possible mechanisms underlying its antiangiogenic activity were also assessed.
GLP dose‐dependently inhibited proliferation of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), with IC50 values of 0.86 and 0.64 mg ml−1, respectively. In tube formation and cell migration assays using HMEC‐1 cells, noncytotoxic doses of GLP significantly inhibited formation of intact tube networks and reduced the number of migratory cells. Inhibition by GLP was VEGF‐independent.
In the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, GLP (2.5 μg egg−1) reduced new vessel formation compared with the vehicle control. GLP (0.1 mg plug−1) also reduced the vessel density in Matrigel plugs implanted in mice.
The levels of pan and phosphorylated recptors for VEGF, VEGFR‐1 (flt‐1) and VEGFR‐2 (KDR) were not significantly altered by 5 mg ml−1 GLP treatment of HMEC‐1, although tissue factor (TF) showed significant decreases at both mRNA and protein levels following GLP treatment.
In mice bearing sarcoma‐180 cells, intravenous administration of GLP (200 mg kg−1) decreased tumor weight by 52% without obvious toxicity. Vascular density in sections of the tumor was reduced by 64% after GLP treatment.
Collectively, these results indicate that GLP has antitumor properties, associated at least, in part, with the antiangiogenesis induced by downregulation of TF.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 741–751. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706741
Adrenomedullin actsvianitric oxide and peroxynitrite to protect against myocardial ischaemia‐induced arrhythmias in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Looi Yee Hoo , Kane Kathleen A , McPhaden Allan R , Wainwright Cherry L 
Published: May 2006

The overall aim of this study was to determine if adrenomedullin (AM) protects against myocardial ischaemia (MI)‐induced arrhythmiasvianitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite.In sham‐operated rats, the effects ofin vivoadministration of a bolus dose of AM (1 nmol kg−1) was assessed on arterial blood pressure (BP),ex vivoleukocyte reactive oxygen species generation and nitrotyrosine deposition (a marker for peroxynitrite formation) in the coronary endothelium.In pentobarbitone‐anaesthetized rats subjected to ligation of the left main coronary artery for 30 min, the effects of a bolus dose of AM (1 nmol kg−1, i.v.;n=19) or saline (n=18) given 5 min pre‐occlusion were assessed on the number and incidence of cardiac arrhythmias. In a further series of experiments, some animals received infusions of the NO synthase inhibitorN(G)‐nitro‐L‐arginine (LNNA) (0.5 mg kg−1 min−1) or the peroxynitrite scavengerN‐mercaptopropionyl‐glycine (MPG) (20 mg kg−1 h−1) before AM.AM treatment significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and increasedex vivochemiluminescence (CL) generation from leukocytes in sham‐operated animals. AM also enhanced the staining for nitrotyrosine in the endothelium of coronary arteries.AM significantly reduced the number of total ventricular ectopic beats that occurred during ischaemia (from 1185±101 to 520±74;P<0.05) and the incidences of ventricular fibrillation (from 61 to 26%;P<0.05). AM also induced a significant fall in MABP prior to occlusion. AM‐induced cardioprotection was abrogated in animals treated with the NO synthase inhibitor LNNA and the peroxynitrite scavenger MPG.This study has shown that AM exhibits an antiarrhythmic effect through a mechanism that may involve generation of NO and peroxynitrite.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 599–609. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706771
Neuropeptide Y2receptors are involved in enhanced neurogenic vasoconstriction in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Gradin Kathryn A , Buus Carsten L , Li Jia‐Yi , Frøbert Ole , Simonsen Ulf 
Published: May 2006

The present study addressed the role of neuropeptide (NPY) Y2receptors in neurogenic contraction of mesenteric resistance arteries from female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Arteries were suspended in microvascular myographs, electrical field stimulation (EFS) was performed, and protein evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.In vasopressin‐activated endothelium‐intact arteries, NPY and fragments with selectivity for Y1receptors, [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, Y2receptors, NPY(13–36), and rat pancreatic polypeptide evoked more pronounced contractions in segments from SHR than in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) arteries, even in the presence of the Y1receptor antagonist, BIBP3226 (0.3 μM, (R)‐N(2)‐(diphenacetyl)‐N‐[(4‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl]D‐arginineamide).In the presence of prazosin and during vasopressin activation, EFS‐evoked contractions were larger in arteries from SHR compared to WKY. EFS contractions were enhanced by the Y2receptor selective antagonist BIIE0246TF (0.5μM, (S)‐N2‐[[1‐[2‐[4‐[(R,S)‐5,11‐dihydro‐6(6h)‐oxodibenz[b,e]azepin‐11‐y1]‐1‐piperazinyl]‐2‐oxoethyl]cyclo‐pentyl‐N‐[2‐[1,2‐dihydro‐3,5 (4H)‐dioxo‐1,2‐diphenyl‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl]ethyl]‐argininamide), reduced by BIBP3226, and abolished by the combination of BIBP3226 and BIIE0246TF.Immunoblotting showed NPY Y1and Y2receptor expression to be similar in arteries from WKY and SHR, although a specific Y2receptor band at 80 kDa was detected only in arteries from WKY.Immunoreaction for NPY was enhanced in arteries from SHR. In contrast to arteries from WKY, BIIE0246TF increased NPY immunoreactivity in EFS‐stimulated arteries from SHR.The present results suggest that postjunctional neuropeptide Y1and Y2receptors contribute to neurogenic contraction of mesenteric small arteries. Moreover, both enhanced NPY content and altered neuropeptide Y1and Y2receptor activation apparently contribute to the enhanced neurogenic contraction of arteries from SHR.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 703–713. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706774