bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PLASTID DYNAMICS DURING SURVIVAL OF DINOPHYSIS CAUDATA WITHOUT ITS CILIATE PREY1
Authors: Park Myung Gil , Park Jong Soo , Kim Miran , Yih Wonho 
Published: September 2008

To survive, the marine dinoflagellate Dinophysis caudata Saville‐Kent must feed on the plastidic ciliate Myrionecta rubra (=Mesodinium rubrum), itself a consumer of cryptophytes. Whether D. caudata has its own permanent chloroplasts or retains plastids from its ciliate prey, however, remains unresolved. Further, how long D. caudata plastids (or kleptoplastids) persist and remain photosynthetically active in the absence of prey remains unknown. We addressed those issues here, using the first established culture of D. caudata. Phylogenetic analyses of the plastid 16S rRNA and psbA gene sequences directly from the three organisms (D. caudata, M. rubra, and a cryptophyte) revealed that the sequences of both genes from the three organisms are almost identical to each other, supporting that the plastids of D. caudata are kleptoplastids. A 3‐month starvation experiment revealed that D. caudata can remain photosynthetically active for ∼2 months when not supplied with prey. D. caudata cells starved for more than 2 months continued to keep the plastid 16S rRNA gene but lost the photosynthesis‐related genes (i.e., psaA and psbA genes). When the prey was available again, however, D. caudata cells starved for more than 2 months were able to reacquire plastids and slowly resumed photosynthetic activity. Taken all together, the results indicate that the nature of the relationship between D. caudata and its plastids is not that of permanent cellular acquisitions. D. caudata is an intriguing protist that would represent an interesting evolutionary adaptation with regard to photosynthesis as well as help us to better understand plastid evolution in eukaryotes.
EARLY DEVELOPMENT PATTERN OF THE BROWN ALGAECTOCARPUS SILICULOSUS(ECTOCARPALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) SPOROPHYTE1
Authors: Le Bail Aude , Billoud Bernard , Maisonneuve Carole , Peters Akira F. , Mark Cock J. , Charrier Bénédicte 
Published: September 2008

The distant phylogenetic position of brown macroalgae from the other multicellular phyla offers the opportunity to study novel and alternative developmental processes involved in the establishment of multicellularity. At present, however, very little information is available about developmental patterning in this group.Ectocarpus siliculosus(Dillwyn) Lyngb. has uniseriate filaments and displays one of the simplest architectures in the Phaeophyceae. The aim of this study was to decipher the morphogenetic steps that lead to the development of theEctocarpussporophyte. We carried out a detailed morphometric study of the events that occurred between gamete germination and the 100‐cell stage. This analysis was performed on two ecologically distant isolates to assess plasticity in developmental patterning within this species. Cell sizes were measured in both isolates, allowing the definition of two main cell types based on their shape (round and elongated). On average, the filament is composed of about 40% round cells, which are present in the central region of the filament, but different combinations of the two cell types within filaments were observed and quantified. Young sporophytes grew apically, with elongated cells progressively differentiating into round cells. Secondary filaments emerged preferentially on round cells, primarily from the older central cells. Statistical analyses showed that the pattern of branching was regulated to ensure a stereotyped architecture. This description of the developmental patterning during the growth of theE. siliculosussporophyte will serve as a base for more detailed studies of development, in this species and in brown algae in general.
Dilated Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins in Patients with Calcified Coronary Artery: A Potential Contributor to the Genesis of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: PAN NAN‐HUNG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , CHANG NEN‐CHUNG , LEE CHIH‐MING , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: September 2008

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important etiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Coronary artery calcification is a marker of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary events. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether larger left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) were seen by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans in those patients with higher coronary calcium scores. Methods and Results: A total of 166 patients undergoing MDCT for general check‐up (n = 128, 77%) or suspected CAD (n = 38, 23%) were enrolled and divided into a control (calcium score = 0, n = 60), medium calcium score (calcium score = 100∼400, n = 47), and high calcium score (calcium score >400, n = 59) groups. Diameters and areas of the LA, left atrial appendage (LAA), and PVs were measured by MDCT. The high calcium score group had significantly larger PVs diameters, LAA orifice area (1.9 ± 1.4 cm2, 0.9 ± 0.5 cm2, 0.8 ± 0.4 cm2, P < 0.005), LA anterior‐posterior distance (32.2 ± 6.8 mm, 30.4 ± 6.5 mm, 27.3 ± 6.0 mm, P < 0.05), and transverse distance (52.6 ± 7.3 mm, 50.2 ± 9 mm, 49.5 ± 4.6 mm, P < 0.05) than the medium calcium score and control groups. Six (3.6%) patients with paroxysmal AF had higher calcium scores and larger diameters of LA, LAA, and PVs than those (96.4%) without paroxysmal AF. Two patients in the high calcium score group had calcified PVs localized to the right upper and left upper PVs. The incidence of calcified PVs was 1.2% for the total patients and 3.3% for the high calcium score patients. Conclusion: In the presence of high calcium scores in this patient population, the LA, LAA, and PVs were enlarged.
To Replace or Not to Replace: A Systematic Approach to Respond to Device Advisories
Authors: PRIORI SILVIA G. , AURICCHIO ANGELO , NISAM SEAH , YONG PATRICK 
Published: September 2008

Aim:The decision of whether and when to replace a device in response to an “advisory” letter requires careful consideration, because device replacement carries related risks and is influenced by the clinical characteristics of the patient.Methods and Results:The risk/benefit of device replacement depends on four parameters: expected annual sudden cardiac death rate; residual device life; difference in failure rate between the device listed on the advisory letter and the replacement device; and the replacement procedure mortality risk. Using these four factors, we have developed an equation that provides the “number needed to replace” (NNR) to save one life. Per our model, patients implanted with a device with a failure rate approaching 1% and a probability of requiring device intervention ≥25% per year—in particular, pacemaker‐dependent patients—have an NNR <250. Pacemaker‐dependent patients, with devices having three or more years longevity, but with device failure rates ≥0.5%, have an NNR <100. Patients with arrhythmic risk ≤2.5% per year and those with devices having failure rates <0.1% have a high NNR and stand more risk to be harmed than benefited from device replacement.Conclusions:Pacemaker‐dependent patients and those with high arrhythmic risk (≥25% annually) when having “advisory” devices with high failure rate (≥1%) have an NNR <250 and, hence, could be considered for device replacement. Conversely, patients with arrhythmic risk ≤2.5% per year and those with devices having failure rates ≤0.1% have a high NNR or even risk of “harm” from device replacement. In all the intermediate cases, the NNR will quantify the benefit/risk ratio of replacement, thus helping physicians and patients decide on the preferred approach. The NNR methodology proposed here is also applicable to advisory notices issued to leads, but the high morbidity associated with lead replacement will generally rule out interventions to replace leads.
Cost Comparison of Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs As First‐Line Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: An Economic Evaluation of the RAAFT Pilot Study
Authors: KHAYKIN YAARIV , WANG XIAOYIN , NATALE ANDREA , WAZNI OUSSAMA M. , SKANES ALLAN C. , HUMPHRIES KARIN H. , KERR CHARLES R. , VERMA ATUL , MORILLO CARLOS A. 
Published: September 2008

Introduction:
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become an accepted therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study was to perform an economic evaluation of RFA versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy (AAD) as first‐line treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal AF.
Methods:
To estimate and compare the costs of RFA versus AAD, a decision analytic model was developed using data on AF recurrence, hospitalization rates, AAD use, and treatment crossover rates derived directly from the Randomized Trial of RFA versus AAD as First‐Line Treatment of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation (RAAFT). Resource utilization was modeled to reflect Canadian clinical practice in AF management. Unit costs of healthcare interactions were based on available Canadian government resources and published literature. Costs were assessed based on intention‐to‐treat. Total expected costs were computed to include initial treatment, hospital stay, physician fees, diagnostic tests, and outpatient visits. Sensitivity analyses were performed to account for the uncertainties. The study was conducted from the third party payer's perspective and costs are reported in 2005 Canadian dollars with 3% discount rate used in the analysis.
Results:
During the 2‐month blanking period following therapy selection, total average costs for RFA and AAD were $10,465 and $2,556, respectively; at 1‐year follow‐up, these were $12,823 and $6,053; and total 2‐year cumulative total average costs were $15,303 and $14,392. Sensitivity analyses did not alter the results, suggesting the model is robust.
Conclusions:
RFA as first‐line treatment strategy in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF was cost neutral 2 years after the initial procedure compared to AAD.
Right Ventricular Pressure Changes During Induced Ventricular Tachycardias Predict Clinical Symptoms of Cerebral Hypoperfusion: Implications for a Reduction of Unnecessary, Painful ICD Shocks
Authors: PETRUCCI ETTORE , BRAGA SIMONA SARZI , BALIAN VRUYR , PEDRETTI ROBERTO F.E. 
Published: September 2008

Right Ventricular Pressure and VTs Tolerance. Background: ICD shocks occurring in conscious patients (as in the case of well‐tolerated arrhythmias, electromagnetic interference, or oversensing) have a deleterious impact on the quality of life. We evaluated if a hemodynamic parameter, calculated from the right ventricular pressure (RVP) or systemic arterial pressure (AP) signals, could predict early clinical symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion during induced ventricular tachycardias (VTs).
Methods and results:
We analyzed 42 tolerated (no symptoms) and 30 untolerated (syncope or severe symptoms within 30 seconds from the onset) VTs, induced during electrophysiological study. The cycle length (CL) and the hemodynamic data (mean AP and RVP, arterial pulse pressure and RV pulse pressure, and maximum AP and RVP dP/dT) were automatically sampled in two VT epochs: the “detection” window, from beat 24 to 32, and the “preintervention” window, immediately before the first therapeutic attempt. Although the CL and all the hemodynamic parameters (expressed as % change versus pre‐VT values) were significantly lower in untolerated versus tolerated VTs both at detection and preintervention (with the exception of the mean RVP which progressively increased in both groups), ROC analysis demonstrated that only the preintervention RV pulse pressure showed no overlap between groups, providing 100% sensitivity and positive predictive value.
Conclusions:
The reduction of the RV pulse pressure is a better predictor of early cerebral symptoms than CL or other hemodynamic indexes during induced VTs. Since long‐term RVP monitoring is feasible, this parameter could be incorporated into ICDs decisional path, in the perspective of reducing unnecessary, painful shocks. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 20, pp. 299‐306, March 2009)
The Ethical Assignment of Authorship in Scientific Publications: Issues and Guidelines
Authors: Feeser V. Ramana , Simon Jeremy R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractProperly assigning authorship of academic papers is often an ethical challenge. Through a hypothetical case study, the authors examine some of the potential ethical issues involved in determining who should and should not be listed as an author: the problems of honorary authorship, coerced authorship, and ghost authorship, as well as the question of how to order authors. Guidelines for avoiding and negotiating these issues are also discussed.
Vers un respect durable de la législation: résultats des modèles d'inspection du travail au Brésil
Authors: PIRES Roberto 
Published: September 2008

Résumé.Peut‐on concilier les droits des travailleurs et la protection sociale avec la compétitivité et la productivité des entreprises? Se démarquant de la doctrine en vogue, qui prône la déréglementation et la «flexibilisation» de la protection du travail, l'auteur analyse le débat sur les styles réglementaires et suggère que les différentes pratiques d'inspection du travail influent sur les résultats obtenus dans le respect de la législation. Son enquê te permet de constater que les inspecteurs du travail brésiliens ont su élaborer des solutions assurant un respect durable de la réglementation sans nuire à la productivité des entreprises, en utilisant des méthodes faisant appel à la fois aux sanctions et à la pédagogie.
Vasculitis of small blood vessels – some riddles about IgA and about the complexity of transmigration
Authors: Sunderkötter Cord 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Research on leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LcV) provides insights into mechanisms of antibody‐mediated immune responses as well as into the complex process of neutrophil transmigration. Clinical observations on immune complex vasculitis have revealed that adult patients with IgA containing immune complexes [Henoch–Schoenlein purpura (HSP)] have a higher rate of severe complications than children with HSP or adult patients with IgG or IgM containing immune complexes. This has direct impact on classification and management of vasculitis and warrants further studies on pathophysiology of IgA and on aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 associated with renal involvement.In order to dissect the pathomechanisms specific for LcV, we have been comparing different mouse models of LcV with a non‐vasculitic, acute inflammation (i.e. irritant contact dermatitis). We found that one characteristic constellation in the vasculitis models encompasses interference with both normal transmigration and activation of neutrophils. Toxic products released by activated neutrophils have the potential to damage endothelial cells. However, one still needs to reveal how exactly they exert such damaging effects during diapedesis in vivo, considering the short contacts between neutrophils and endothelial cells.This review shows that research on LcV is embedded in an exciting context revealing special features of transmigration and antibody‐mediated immune responses.
Distinct Influence of Atypical 1,4‐Dihydropyridine Compounds in Azidothymidine‐Induced Neuro‐ and Cardiotoxicity in Mice Ex Vivo
Authors: Pupure Jolanta , Isajevs Sergejs , Gordjushina Valentina , Taivans Immanuels , Rumaks Juris , Svirskis Simons , Kratovska Aina , Dzirkale Zane , Pilipenko Jelena , Duburs Gunars , Klusa Vija 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  This study demonstrates the effective protection by compounds of atypical 1,4‐dihydropyridine (DHP) series cerebrocrast, glutapyrone and tauropyrone against neuro‐ and cardiotoxicity caused by the model compound azidothymidine, a well‐known mitochondria‐compromising anti‐HIV drug. In previous in vitro experiments, we have demonstrated distinct effects of these DHP compounds to influence mitochondrial functioning. In the present in vivo experiments, DHP compounds were administered intraperitoneally in mice daily for 2 weeks, per se and in combinations with azidothymidine at doses: azidothymidine 50 mg/kg; cerebrocrast 0.1 mg/kg; glutapyrone 1 mg/kg; and tauropyrone 1 mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, mice were killed, heart and brain tissues were removed and examined ex vivo histopathologically and immunohistochemically. NF‐κBp65 and caspase‐3 were used as the markers indicating inflammatory and apoptotic events, respectively. Cerebrocrast (dicyclic structure) was the most potent DHP, which effectively reduced azidothymidine‐induced overexpression of NF‐κBp65 and caspase‐3 in mouse myocardium and brain cortex. Glutapyrone per se increased the number of caspase‐3‐positive cells in the brain, whereas it reduced NF‐κBp65 and caspase‐3 expression in cardiac tissue caused by azidothymidine. Tauropyrone showed dual action: per se it increased caspase‐3 in the brain and NF‐κBp65 expression in the heart, but it considerably reduced these activations in azidothymidine‐treated mice. This study provides the first demonstration of a distinct pharmacological action for atypical DHP compounds in cardiac and brain tissues. The dicyclic structure of cerebrocrast is considered beneficial for neuro‐ and cardioprotection at least in part via mitochondrial targeting and consequent regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic processes.
Cardioprotective Effects of Nigella sativa Oil on Cyclosporine A‐Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Ebru Uz , Burak Uz , Yusuf Selcoki , Reyhan Bayrak , Arif Kaya , Faruk Turgut H. , Emin Mete , Aydın Karanfil , Lhan Atilla İ , Semsettin Sahin , Kemal Erdemli 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Cyclosporine A is a well‐known immunosuppressor agent universally used in allotransplantation. However, it has been demonstrated that this drug produces side‐effects in several organs, particularly in the kidney and in the heart. Nigella sativa oil has long been used in folk medicine for a wide range of illnesses. One of the potential properties of N. sativa oil is the ability of one or more of its constituents to reduce toxicity due to its antioxidant activities. The antioxidant effects of N. sativa oil have been examined using different hepatic and kidney toxicity in in vivo murine models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N. sativa oil in the antioxidant enzyme status and myocardium of cyclosporine‐A‐treated rats. This study included 24 male Wistar albino young healthy rats (8–12 weeks) weighing 150–200 g. The control group received sunflower oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg/day, orally) without any treatment. The second group received only N. sativa oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg, orally) (N. sativa oil group). The animals in the third group received only cyclosporine A (21 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) (cyclosporine A group). The animals in the fourth group were treated with cyclosporine A (21 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) and starting one day before cyclosporine A administration were treated with N. sativa oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg, orally) (cyclosporine A +N. sativa oil group). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities in the heart tissues were significantly reduced in the cyclosporine A group compared to control values. Nigella sativa oil treatment caused an increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were increased in the cyclosporine A‐treated group in comparison with the control and N. sativa groups. Co‐administration of N. sativa oil and cyclosporine A abrogated the cyclosporine A‐induced MDA, N. sativa oil and PC increase compared to the cyclosporine A group. The results of our study show that pre‐treatment with N. sativa oil reduced the subsequent cyclosporine A injury in rat heart, demonstrated by normalized cardiac histopathology, decrease in lipid peroxidation, improvement in antioxidant enzyme status and cellular protein oxidation.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of the Aqueous Extract of Acacia karroo Stem Bark in Experimental Animals
Authors: Adedapo Adeolu A. , Sofidiya Margaret O. , Masika Patrick J. , Afolayan Anthony J. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  The aqueous extract of the stem bark of Acacia karroo Hayne was investigated for its anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid‐induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by a significant reduction in the number of writhes with two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) used when compared to the untreated control group. In the tail immersion test, the extract at the doses used (100 and 200 mg/kg) increased reaction time to pain after 30 min. of oral administration of the extract. Indomethacin at 10 mg/kg served as reference drug in all these tests. The results gave a scientific basis to the traditional uses of Acacia karroo mainly for wound poultices, eye treatments and cold remedies.
A breakthrough in lupin biotechnology: prolific protocolonisation in recalcitrant white lupin (Lupinus albus) triggered by bovine serum albumin
Authors: Sinha A. , Caligari P.D.S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSix nutrient formulations were studied for their efficacy in inducing mitosis in white lupin seedling cotyledon protoplasts of which the formulations of Schäfer‐Menuhr & Stürmer (AS) and Kao (K8p) were found to be superior over the other four when supplemented with 6‐benzylaminopurine and α‐naphthaleneacetic acid (α‐NAA). An ultrafiltration treatment of K8p increased mitotic frequency by 130% when compared with the untreated control. Medium enrichment with 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) brought about a dramatic 1341% rise in protoplast division in comparison with BSA‐free medium but only when the enrichment was carried out in Kao and Michayluk (KM8p) background containing 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, α‐NAA and zeatin. A higher number of protocolonies (each proliferating from single protoplast following multiple divisions) were seen in 0.4% BSA. With this breakthrough in white lupin protoplast research, it is now possible to reproducibly obtain protocolonies that was hitherto not possible.
Using Nitrate to Quantify Quick Flow in a Karst Aquifer
Authors: Mahler Barbara J. , Garner Bradley D. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn karst aquifers, contaminated recharge can degrade spring water quality, but quantifying the rapid recharge (quick flow) component of spring flow is challenging because of its temporal variability. Here, we investigate the use of nitrate in a two‐endmember mixing model to quantify quick flow in Barton Springs, Austin, Texas. Historical nitrate data from recharging creeks and Barton Springs were evaluated to determine a representative nitrate concentration for the aquifer water endmember (1.5 mg/L) and the quick flow endmember (0.17 mg/L for nonstormflow conditions and 0.25 mg/L for stormflow conditions). Under nonstormflow conditions for 1990 to 2005, model results indicated that quick flow contributed from 0% to 55% of spring flow. The nitrate‐based two‐endmember model was applied to the response of Barton Springs to a storm and results compared to those produced using the same model with δ18O and specific conductance (SC) as tracers. Additionally, the mixing model was modified to allow endmember quick flow values to vary over time. Of the three tracers, nitrate appears to be the most advantageous because it is conservative and because the difference between the concentrations in the two endmembers is large relative to their variance. The δ18O‐based model was very sensitive to variability within the quick flow endmember, and SC was not conservative over the timescale of the storm response. We conclude that a nitrate‐based two‐endmember mixing model might provide a useful approach for quantifying the temporally variable quick flow component of spring flow in some karst systems.