bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of silymarin and vitamin E on gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity in dogs
Authors: VARZI H. N. , ESMAILZADEH S. , MOROVVATI H. , AVIZEH R. , SHAHRIARI A. , GIVI M. E. 
Published: September 2007

Drug‐induced nephrotoxicity is an important cause of renal failure in dogs. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin, can produce nephrotoxicity in dogs, due to in part to an imbalance of pro‐ and antioxidants (oxidative stress). Silymarin (the mixture of flavonolignans extracted fromSilybum marianum) has potentially beneficial antioxidant properties. A control group (saline, group 1,n = 5) was compared with dogs that were administrated gentamicin by intramuscular injection, at dosage of 20 mg/kg, once daily for 9 days (groups 2–5,n = 5 per group). The effects of vitamin E (group 3) and silymarin (group 4) alone and in combination (group 5) were compared for induced nephrotoxicity.Renal function was assessed using serum biochemical markers (creatinine and urea). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured as a marker of lipid peroxidation. The activity of total serum antioxidants (TSAO) was assessed as a marker of antioxidant defences.Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were increased significantly and TSAO was decreased significantly in group 2 compared with group 1. Serum creatinine concentrations but not urea concentrations were significantly lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2 (P = 0.001). Serum MDA concentrations was significantly different between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.01), 2 and 4 (P < 0.001) and 4 and 5 (P = 0.01). TSAO activity was significantly in group 4 (silymarin) than in group 2 (P = 0.002). Silymarin and vitamin E decreased gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity in dogs.
Diversity and divergence patterns in regulatory genes suggest differential gene flow in recently derived species of the Hawaiian silversword alliance adaptive radiation (Asteraceae)
Authors: LAWTON‐RAUH A. , ROBICHAUX R. H. , PURUGGANAN M. D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe impact of gene flow and population size fluctuations in shaping genetic variation during adaptive radiation, at both the genome‐wide and gene‐specific levels, is very poorly understood. To examine how historical population size and gene flow patterns within and between loci have influenced lineage divergence in the Hawaiian silversword alliance, we have investigated the nucleotide sequence diversity and divergence patterns of four floral regulatory genes (ASAP1‐A,ASAP1‐B,ASAP3‐A,ASAP3‐B) and a structural gene (ASCAB9). Levels and patterns of molecular divergence across these five nuclear loci were estimated between two recently derived species (Dubautia ciliolataandDubautia arborea) which are presumed to be sibling species. This multilocus analysis of genetic variation, haplotype divergence and historical demography indicates that population expansion and differential gene flow occurred subsequent to the divergence of these two lineages. Moreover, contrasting patterns of allele‐ sharing for regulatory loci vs. a structural locus between these two sibling species indicate alternative histories of genetic variation and partitioning among loci where alleles of the floral regulatory loci are shared primarily fromD. arboreatoD. ciliolataand alleles of the structural locus are shared in both directions. Taken together, these results suggest that adaptively radiating species can exhibit contrasting allele migration rates among loci such that allele movement at specific loci may supersede genetic divergence caused by drift and that lineage divergence during adaptive radiation can be associated with population expansion.
The rolling‐circle plasmid pTN1 from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus nautilus
Authors: Soler Nicolas , Justome Anthony , Quevillon‐Cheruel Sophie , Lorieux Florence , Le Cam Eric , Marguet Evelyne , Forterre Patrick 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus nautilus carries a plasmid, pTN1, which encodes a rolling‐circle (RC) replication initiator protein of 74 kDa (Rep74) and an orphan protein of 24 kDa (p24). The Rep74 protein is homologous to the Rep75 protein encoded by the RC plasmid pGT5 from Pyrococcus abyssi. Comparative analysis of Rep74 and Rep75 sequences shows that these proteins correspond to a new family of RC initiators formed by the fusion of a Rep domain with an N‐terminal domain of unknown function. Surprisingly, the Rep domain of Rep74/75 is more closely related to transposases encoded by IS elements than to Rep proteins of other RC plasmids. The p24 protein contains a hydrophobic segment, a highly charged region and a zinc finger motif. A recombinant p24 protein lacking the hydrophobic segment binds and condenses both single‐ and double‐stranded DNA, and forms DNA aggregates with extreme compaction at high protein to DNA ratio. In addition to encoding proteins of significant interest, pTN1 is remarkable by being the only characterized plasmid isolated from a Thermococcus strain, thus being useful to develop genetic tools in Thermococcus kodakaraensis for which gene disruption methods became recently available.
Two therapeutic challenges: periocular and genital vitiligo in children successfully treated with pimecrolimus cream
Authors: Souza Leite Rubens Marcelo , Craveiro Leite Adriana Aragão 
Published: September 2007

AbstractVitiligo is characterized by the selective destruction of melanocytes resulting in patches of skin depigmentation. Vitiligo is a therapeutic challenge. Eyebrows, eyelids and genital vitiligo are a therapeutic dilemma, especially in children. The possible side effects of topical corticosteroids and the difficulties for choosing any other adequate treatment option are a major concern. We present two children, one with vitiligo of the eyelids and the other with genital vitiligo, both treated with pimecrolimus 1% cream with almost full repigmentation of the lesions, showing pimecrolimus could be an adequate option for the treatment of vitiligo for these special vitiligo areas in children.
Efficacy and complications in peripherally inserted central catheter insertion: A study using 4‐Fr non‐valved catheters and a single infusate
Authors: Chu FSK , Cheng VCC , Law MWM , Tso WK 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications associated with the use of 4‐Fr single‐lumen non‐valved peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) for the infusion of long‐term antibiotics. Forty‐four non‐valved PICC were inserted using micropuncture technique by interventional radiologists. Six patients were lost to unrelated death or follow up. The remaining 38 patients (24 men and 14 women; mean age 54.79 years) were analysed. Catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance using micropuncture technique and subsequently advanced over guidewire through peel‐away sheath under fluoroscopic guidance. Doppler ultrasound was used before PICC removal in order to detect possible complications. All non‐valved PICC were flushed with 5 ml of heparinized saline before and after each antibiotic infusion. Efficacy was evaluated and analysed on the average duration of catheter patency and whether any complication was present. Procedural success rate was 100% in our patient population. Seven patients had complications necessitating early PICC removal with the average patency duration of 44 days (95% confidence interval 7.79–80.21 days), whereas an average indwelling patency duration of the remaining 31 patients with no complication was 30.58 days (95% confidence interval 25.74–35.43 days). Total complication rate was calculated to be 5.58 incidences per 1000 catheter days. Complication rate associated with the placement and use of 4‐Fr non‐valved PICC for antibiotic therapy was observed to be low when compared with other studies using valved and non‐valved PICC for various infusates.
Reduced expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Sohda Tetsuro , Iwata Kaoru , Kitamura Yuji , Suzuki Norihisa , Takeyama Yasuaki , Irie Makoto , Anan Akira , Nakane Hidetoshi , Yoshikane Makoto , Watanabe Hiroshi , Sakisaka Shotaro 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia. In familial hypercholesterolemia, genetic mutation of the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene has been recognized as being a pathogenesis of the disease. We investigate the expression of a LDL receptor protein and gene abnormalities of a LDL receptor in HCC cells in cases with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia.Methods:  Eleven patients with HCC associated with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia and seven patients with HCC who did not have hypercholesterolemia were studied. Paraffin‐embedded tissues were obtained at operative resection, autopsy, or biopsy. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a monoclonal antibody against human LDL receptors. Confocal laser–scanning microscopy was used to observe the FITC‐labeled LDL receptor. DNA samples were extracted from paraffin‐embedded tissues. Since a LDL receptor gene is located on chromosome 19p13.2, a microsatellite marker, D19S413, was used to analyze the chromosomes.Results:  Immunoreactive LDL receptors were observed all over the surface of non‐tumorous hepatocytes. However, expression of the LDL receptor was significantly decreased in all HCC cells derived from the 11 patients with hypercholesterolemia. In contrast, the expression was retained in the HCC cells of all patients without hypercholesterolemia. In two patients with hypercholesterolemia, DNA analysis revealed a loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 19p13.2.Conclusion:  We demonstrated reduced expression of the LDL receptor in HCC cases with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia. LDL receptor genes with genomic disorders may cause decreased expression of the LDL receptor protein, leading to feed‐back failure of the cholesterol regulation system, as seen in familial hypercholesterolemia. This is the first report considering the mechanism behind the development of paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia in HCC.
Vascular endothelial growth factor reduces Fas‐mediated acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Tanaka Yoichi , Sohda Tetsuro , Matsuo Katsuhiko , Anan Akira , Irie Makoto , Takeyama Yasuaki , Iwata Kaoru , Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Fulminant hepatitis is still a fatal liver disease, and no specific treatment for it has been available. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the focus of attention because of its various actions. We investigated the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on Fas‐induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).Method:  Male Balb/c mice were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of an anti‐Fas antibody (Jo‐2 Ab) with or without premedication with intraperitoneally administered human recombinant VEGF.Results:  The serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was up to 300 times higher that of normal mice following the Jo‐2 Ab injection, and histological analysis revealed hepatic injury and massive hepatocyte apoptosis. The VEGF significantly suppressed an elevation in serum ALT levels and hepatocyte apoptosis. Immunohistochemically, VEGF‐treated mice showed that Bcl‐xL in hepatocytes was strongly expressed.Conclusions:  Since hepatocytes do not express VEGF receptors, we speculated that VEGF acts on sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and promotes production of cytokines such as hepatocyte growth factor in SECs, resulting in reducing apoptosis through an increase expression of Bcl‐xL in hepatocytes. We suggest that VEGF has a potent antiapoptotic effect on hepatocytes through cell–cell interaction between SECs and hepatocytes.
Idiopathic eosinophilic peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: Experience with percutaneous catheter placement
Authors: JO YOUNG‐IL , SONG JONG‐OH , PARK JUNG‐HWAN , LEE JONG‐HO , SHIN SUG KYUN 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARY:Background:  Peritoneal fluid eosinophilia (PFE), which is classically associated with idiopathic eosinophilic peritonitis (EP), has been known as a common event in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). However, our recent retrospective study of CAPD patients following percutaneous catheter placement showed that PFE occurred rarely. The aim of this prospective study was to clarify the incidence and characteristics of idiopathic EP and PFE in patients on CAPD following percutaneous catheter placement.Methods:  Forty‐eight patients on CAPD following percutanous catheter placement were recruited for the present study. Peritoneal dialysis was initiated immediately after catheter insertion without break‐in period. A cytological study of dialysate was performed on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 and 30 after initiation of CAPD, and then monthly for 6 months. In addition, a cytological study was performed also when a patient revealed abdominal pain or cloudy peritoneal effluent.Results:  PFE developed in three (6.3%) patients during the study period. The incidence of idiopathic EP and PFE without any clinical findings suggestive of PD‐related peritonitis was 2.1% and 4.2% respectively. All cases of PFE, including idiopathic EP, developed on a mean of 13 day following initiation of CAPD and resolved spontaneously after a mean of 7 days. There was no significant difference in IgE levels or the occurrence of peripheral blood eosinophilia between patients with PFE and those without.Conclusion:  Idiopathic EP is infrequent among patients on CAPD following percutaneous catheter placement, but should be differentiated from infectious PD‐related peritonitis.
Environmental PCR survey to determine the distribution of a non‐canonical genetic code in uncultivable oxymonads
Authors: De Koning Audrey P. , Noble Geoffrey P. , Heiss Aaron A. , Wong Jensen , Keeling Patrick J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe universal genetic code is conserved throughout most living systems, but a non‐canonical code where TAA and TAG encode glutamine has evolved in several eukaryotes, including oxymonad protists. Most oxymonads are uncultivable, so environmental RT‐PCR and PCR was used to examine the distribution of this rare character. A total of 253 unique isolates of four protein‐coding genes were sampled from the hindgut community of the cockroach, Cryptocercus punctulatus, an environment rich in diversity from two of the five subgroups of oxymonad, saccinobaculids and polymastigids. Four α‐tubulins were found with non‐canonical glutamine codons. Environmental RACE confirmed that these and related genes used only TGA as stop codons, as expected for the non‐canonical code, whereas other genes used TAA or TAG as stop codons, as expected for the universal code. We characterized α‐tubulin from manually isolated Saccinobaculus ambloaxostylus, confirming it uses the universal code and suggesting, by elimination, that the non‐canonical code is used by a polymastigid. HSP90 and EF‐1α phylogenies also showed environmental sequences falling into two distinct groups, and are generally consistent with previous hypotheses that polymastigids and Streblomastix are closely related. Overall, we propose that the non‐canonical genetic code arose once in a common ancestor of Streblomastix and a subgroup of polymastigids.
Latitudinal trends of Crenarchaeota and Bacteria in the meso‐ and bathypelagic water masses of the Eastern North Atlantic
Authors: Varela Marta M. , Van Aken Hendrik M. , Sintes Eva , Herndl Gerhard J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe distribution and activity of the bulk picoplankton community and, using microautoradiography combined with catalysed reported deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (MICRO‐CARD‐FISH), of the major prokaryotic groups (Bacteria, marine Crenarchaeota Group I and marine Euryarchaeota Group II) were determined in the water masses of the subtropical North Atlantic. The bacterial contribution to total picoplankton abundance was fairly constant, comprising ∼50% of DAPI‐stainable cells. Marine Euryarchaeota Group II accounted always for < 5% of DAPI‐stainable cells. The percentage of total picoplankton identified as marine Crenarchaeota Group I was ∼5% in subsurface waters (100 m depth) and between 10% and 20% in the oxygen minimum layer (250–500 m) and deep waters [North East Atlantic Deep Water (NEADW) and Lower Deep Water (LDW), 2750–4800 m depth]. Single‐cell activity, determined via a quantitative MICRO‐CARD‐FISH approach and taking only substrate‐positive cells into account, ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 amol d‐aspartic acid (Asp) cell−1 day−1 and 0.1–2 amol l‐Asp cell−1 day−1, slightly decreasing with depth. In contrast, the d‐Asp:l‐Asp cell‐specific uptake ratio increased with depth. By combining data reported previously using the same method as applied here and data reported here, we found a decreasing relative abundance of marine Crenarchaeota Group I throughout the meso‐ and bathypelagic water column from 65°N to 5°N in the eastern basin of the North Atlantic. Thus, the relative contribution of marine Crenarchaeota Group I to deep‐water prokaryotic communities might be more variable than previous studies have suggested. This apparent variability in the contribution of marine Crenarchaeota Group I to total picoplankton abundance might be related to successions and ageing of deep‐water masses in the large‐scale meridional ocean circulation and possibly, the appearance of crenarchaeotal clusters other than the marine Crenarchaeota Group I in the (sub)tropical North Atlantic.
A phase II trial of gefitinib in patients with non‐metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Small Eric J. , Fontana Joseph , Tannir Nizar , DiPaola Robert S. , Wilding George , Rubin Mark , Iacona Renee Bailey , Kabbinavar Fairooz F. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate, in a phase II trial, the use of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib as monotherapy in patients with non‐metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC), as current treatment options for this disease are limited, and agents which target the EGFR should be assessed because EGFR is highly expressed in prostate cancer and associated with a poor prognosis.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients with histologically or cytologically confirmed cancer of the prostate with no evidence of metastatic disease were enrolled into this open‐label, multicentre study of monotherapy with gefitinib 500 mg/day. The primary endpoint of the study was biochemical response, defined as a ≥50% decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.RESULTSFifty‐eight men were enrolled across 10 centres in the USA; none of the 40 evaluable patients had a PSA response. Gefitinib was generally well tolerated, with diarrhoea being the most common treatment‐ related adverse event, in 71% of patients. There was treatment‐related grade 3 diarrhoea in 5% of patients, with no grade 4 adverse events or deaths during the course of the study.CONCLUSIONSGefitinib has no single‐agent activity in non‐metastatic HRPC, as assessed by decreases in serum PSA level. This phase II study also confirmed the well‐established favourable tolerability profile of gefitinib monotherapy.
Persistence of the synaptosomal‐associated protein‐25 cleavage product after intradetrusor botulinum toxin A injections in patients with myelomeningocele showing an inadequate response to treatment
Authors: Schulte‐Baukloh Heinrich , Zurawski Tomas H. , Knispel Helmut H. , Miller Kurt , Haferkamp Axel , Dolly J. Oliver 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo monitor the presence and cleavage of synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP‐25) by botulinum toxin type A (botox‐A), in human detrusor muscle, as the effects of botox‐A in the urinary bladder last significantly longer than when applied for disorders of striated muscles.PATIENTS AND METHODSTissue samples were obtained from eight patients with end‐stage neurogenic bladder at different times after injection with botox‐A. The resected bladder domes were examined using biochemical and immunohistological techniques.RESULTSThe presence of intact SNAP‐25 in human bladder was detected, for the first time, in all samples by both Western blotting and immunofluorescence. By contrast, detection of a band potentially representing toxin‐cleaved SNAP‐25A required its enrichment by precipitation with a specific antibody. This putative product was present in four of six patients treated with botox‐A 5 weeks to 11 months previously, but could not be detected in one patient 30 months after botox injection, and in an untreated control. Fluorescence microscopy showed no obvious effects of the toxin treatment on the presence and pattern of SNAP‐25‐positive neurones.CONCLUSIONSA limited amount of SNAP‐25 appears to be cleaved in nerves that innervate the smooth detrusor muscle in most patients who had been injected with botox‐A; its absolute identification was precluded by the sensitivity of the detection. This protein was detectable much longer after toxin treatment than published for rodent striated muscle, and thus could contribute to the clinically reported longer duration of the effectiveness of botox‐A.
Shocks, Policy Reforms and Pro‐Poor Growth in Bolivia: A Simulation Analysis
Authors: Lay Jann , Thiele Rainer , Wiebelt Manfred 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper analyzes how major external shocks and policy reforms affect Bolivia’s ability to achieve pro‐poor growth. Employing a recursive‐dynamic CGE model, it considers three different scenarios: an optimistic baseline scenario; a more realistic scenario that accounts for two important negative external shocks (declining capital inflows and El Niño); and a scenario that captures the combined effect of the shocks and two major reform projects (development of the gas sector and deregulation of the urban labor market). It turns out that the shocks are likely to impair Bolivia’s medium‐term development prospects, leading to marked increases in both urban and rural poverty. If the reform projects were implemented, the poverty increase caused by the shocks would be more than offset for urban households, but reinforced for rural households.
Arthur Schnitzler's Critical Reception in Vienna: The Liberal Press and the Question of Jewish Identity
Authors: Sayer Holly 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates Schnitzler's critical reception in the Viennese press throughout his lifetime, and is based on the articles contained in his press cuttings collection, which is housed at the University of Exeter. It shows that, contrary to the conclusions of much existing scholarship, the liberal press failed to offer an effective defence of Schnitzler's works in the face of anti‐Semitic attacks from the right‐wing press, and that it was indirectly responsible for the negative reception of Schnitzler's early works. This paper challenges the suggestion that Schnitzler's works received an overwhelmingly positive reception in the liberal press, and demonstrates how the Jewish identity of many liberal critics negatively influenced the reception of Schnitzler's works. This is achieved by focusing on the critical reception of Leutnant Gustl, Der Weg ins Freie and Professor Bernhardi. It also suggests reasons why the liberal press behaved in this way, and assesses the significance of the question of Jewish identity in offering an explanation for that behaviour.