bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arterial structural and functional alterations in uraemia
Authors: Guérin A. P. , Marchais S. J. , Metivier F. , London G. M. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractEpidemiological and clinical studies have shown that cardiovascular disease in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is frequently related to damage of large conduit arteries. Arterial disease is responsible for the high incidence of ischaemic heart disease, peripheral artery diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure. The vascular complications in ESRD are ascribed to two different but associated mechanisms, namely atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Whereas the former principally affects the conduit function with ischaemic lesions being the most characteristic consequence, the latter primarily disturbs the dampening function of large arteries. Arteriosclerosis in ESRD patients is characterized by diffuse dilation and wall hypertrophy of large conduit arteries and stiffening of arterial walls. These changes represent a clinical form of an accelerated ageing process. The main clinical characteristics due to arterial stiffening are isolated increase in systolic blood pressure with normal or lower diastolic pressure resulting in an increased pulse pressure. The consequences of these alterations are: (i) an increased left ventricular afterload with development of left ventricular hypertrophy and increased myocardial oxygen demand; and (ii) altered coronary perfusion and subendocardial blood flow distribution. Epidemiological studies have identified arterial remodelling and stiffening as independent predictors of overall and cardiac mortality in ESRD patients.
The National Anaemia Action Council, Inc.: the primary North American resource for anaemia education and research
Authors: Nissenson A. R. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe mission of the National Anaemia Action Council, Inc. (NAAC) is to raise the awareness of health care professionals and the public regarding the prevalence, symptoms, consequences and under‐treatment of anaemia. This editorial illustrates the goals and objectives of NAAC, and depicts past, present and future educational and research projects and findings. NAAC resources in anaemia‐related education and research are described in detail.
Diabetic nephropathy and anaemia
Authors: Ritz E. , Haxsen V. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAnaemia is a frequent complication of diabetic nephropathy. It has only recently been recognised that in diabetic patients anaemia is seen not only in preterminal renal failure, but also frequently in patients with only minor derangement of renal function. At any level of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) anaemia is more frequent and severe in diabetic compared to nondiabetic patients. A major cause of anaemia is an inappropriate response of erythropoietin to anaemia. Additional factors are iron deficiency and iatrogenic factors, e.g. ACE inhibitor treatment. When serum creatinine is still normal, the erythropoietin concentration is predictive of more rapid loss of glomerular function. When serum creatinine is elevated, the haemoglobin values are predictive of the rate of progression. It is currently under investigation whether reversal of anaemia attenuates the rate of progression. Because most of the late complications of diabetes (retinopathy, neuropathy, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease) involve ischaemic tissue damage, it would be intuitively plausible that treatment with human recombinant erythropoietin should be beneficial, but definite evidence for this hypothesis is currently not available.
Combined cord blood stem cells and gene therapy enhances angiogenesis and improves cardiac performance in mouse after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen H. K. , Hung H. F. , Shyu K. G. , Wang B. W. , Sheu J. R. , Liang Y. J. , Chang C. C. , Kuan P. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground  Gene and stem cell therapies hold promise for the treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular disease. However, combined stem cell and angiogenic growth factor gene therapy for acute ischaemic myocardium has not been previously reported. This study hypothesized that combined stem cell and gene therapy would not only augment new vessels formation but also improve myocardial function in acute ischaemic myocardium.Methods  Human angiopoietin‐1 (Ang1) cDNA and VEGF165 cDNA were ligated into AAV vector. The purified CD34+ cells were obtained from human umbilical cord blood samples. Cord blood CD34+ cells were transduced with AAV vector encoding either the human Ang1 (AAV‐Ang1) or VEGF165 (AAV‐VEGF) cDNA alone, or both (AAV‐Ang1 plus VEGF). Immediately after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male SCID mice, culture‐expanded CD34+ cells transduced with AAV‐Ang1, AAV‐VEGF or AAV‐Ang1 plus VEGF were injected intramyocardially at the left anterior free wall.Results  Western blot showed that Ang1 and VEGF protein expressions were enhanced in the CD34+cells transduced with AAV‐Ang1 and AAV‐VEGF, respectively. Infarct size significantly decreased and capillary density significantly increased after treatment with CD34+/AAV‐Ang1 plus VEGF when compared with treatment by CD34+ only. Combined therapy with CD34+ and AAV‐Ang1, CD34+ and AAV‐VEGF, CD34+ and AAV‐Ang1 plus VEGF, all showed significantly higher cardiac performance in echocardiography than the therapy with CD34+ alone 4 weeks after myocardial infarction.Conclusions  Combined therapy with human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells and both Ang1 and VEGF genes reduced infarct size, attenuated the progression of cardiac dysfunction and increased capillary density in acute myocardial infarction in mice.
Recombinant human erythropoietin: effects on frataxin expression in vitro
Authors: Sturm B. , Stupphann D. , Kaun C. , Boesch S. , Schranzhofer M. , Wojta J. , Goldenberg H. , Scheiber‐Mojdehkar B. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground  Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by decreased expression of the protein frataxin, recently described to be an iron chaperone for the assembly of iron‐sulphur clusters in the mitochondria, causing iron accumulation in mitochondria, oxidative stress and cell damage. Searching for compounds that could possibly influence frataxin expression, we found that the cytokine recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) significantly increases frataxin expression by a still unknown mechanism.Materials and methods  Isolated lymphocytes from FRDA patients, isolated human cardiac cells (fibroblasts and myocytes) from patients undergoing heart transplantation and P19 mouse cells (neuronal typ), were incubated with different concentrations of rhuEPO, and immunoblot was carried out for the detection of frataxin.Results  We show for the first time that the cytokine recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) can, additionally to its reported neuro‐ and cardioprotective properties, increase frataxin expression in vitro. We show that rhuEPO significantly increases frataxin expression in primary lymphocytes from patients with Friedreich's ataxia. Further we show that rhuEPO can also increase frataxin expression in many other cell types; among them the most affected cell types in FRDA such as neurones and cardiac cells.Conclusions  Our results provide a scientific basis for further studies examining the effectiveness of this agent for the treatment of FRDA patients.
Four peptide hormones’ specific decrease (up to 97%) of human prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Vesely B. A. , Alli A. A. , Song S. J. , Gower W. R. , Sanchez‐Ramos J. , Vesely D. L. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground  Mortality from prostate cancer remains a significant problem with current treatment(s), with an expected 30 350 deaths from prostate cancer in 2005. Long‐acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide have significant anticancer effects in breast and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Whether these effects are specific and whether they have anticancer effects in prostate adenocarcinoma cells has not been determined.Materials and methods  These peptide hormones were evaluated to determine if they have specific anticancer effects in human prostate adenocarcinomas.Results  Dose–response curves revealed a significant (P < 0·05) decrease in human prostate cancer number with each tenfold increase in the concentration from 1 µM to 1000 µM (i.e. 1 mM) of these four peptide hormones. There was a 97·4%, 87%, 88% and 89% (P < 0·001 for each) decrease in prostate cancer cells secondary to vessel dilator, long‐acting natriuretic peptide, kaliuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide, respectively, at their 1‐mM concentrations within 24 h, without any proliferation in the 3 days following this decrease. These same hormones decreased DNA synthesis from 68% to 89% (P < 0·001). When utilized with their respective antibodies their ability to decrease prostate adenocarcinoma cells or inhibit their DNA synthesis was completely blocked. Western blots revealed that for the first time natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR) A‐ and C‐ were present in prostate cancer cells.Conclusions  These results indicate that these peptide hormones’ anticancer effects are specific. Furthermore, they have very potent effects of eliminating up to 97% of prostate cancer cells within 24 h of treatment.
Cognitive and physiological effects of Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects
Authors: Fontani G. , Corradeschi F. , Felici A. , Alfatti F. , Migliorini S. , Lodi L. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground  It has been reported that Omega‐3 fatty acids may play a role in nervous system activity and that they improve cognitive development and reference memory‐related learning, increase neuroplasticity of nerve membranes, contribute to synaptogenesis and are involved in synaptic transmission. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Omega‐3 supplementation on some cognitive and physiological parameters in healthy subjects.Materials and methods  Subjects were tested at the beginning of the experiment and after 35 days. In this period they were supplemented with Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A group was supplemented with olive oil (placebo). Tests involving different types of attention were used, i.e. Alert, Go/No‐Go, Choice and Sustained Attention. For each test, the reaction time, the event‐related potentials by electroencephalogram (EEG) and the electromyography (EMG) of the forefinger flexor muscle were recorded. The Profile of Mood States test (POMS) was also administered.Results  Blood analyses showed that after Omega‐3 supplementation the arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid ratio (AA/EPA) was strongly reduced. The mood profile was improved after Omega‐3 with increased vigour and reduced anger, anxiety and depression states. This was associated with an effect on reactivity with a reduction of reaction time in the Go/No‐Go and Sustained Attention tests. The latency of EMG activation was concomitantly reduced in the same tests plus Choice. An EEG frequency shift towards the theta and alpha band were recorded in all the tests after Omega‐3.Conclusions  Omega‐3 supplementation is associated with an improvement of attentional and physiological functions, particularly those involving complex cortical processing. These findings are discussed in terms of the influence of Omega‐3 on the central nervous system.
Use of major‐ and trace‐element correlations to assess metal migration in sandy Luvisols irrigated with wastewater
Authors: Lamy I. , Van Oort F. , Dère C. , Baize D. 
Published: October 2005

SummarySoils irrigated with raw wastewater for many years accumulate trace metals, especially in the surface horizon. We do not know, however, to what extent the metals migrate down the profile and whether they accumulate in deeper horizons. We assessed the migration of trace metals in the suburbs of Paris where market gardens had been irrigated with wastewater for more than 100 years. Within a soil series, we compared metals in the polluted soils with those of a reference soil of the same kind. We sampled by horizons three representative Luvisol profiles in the irrigated area and a fourth profile selected as a reference just outside the irrigated area. Large quantities of Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu appeared to have accumulated in the topsoil, at the base of which concentrations diminished markedly. There appeared to be appreciable migration into the subsoil only at the most intensely irrigated site. By relating the total trace metal contents to the total iron contents we could detect anomalous values and identify migration into the subsurface horizons more sensitively. This approach was tested first with the endogenous metal Cr, then with metal pollutants. We showed that Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu migrated downwards in all three irrigated soils.
Comparing and evaluating process‐based ecosystem model predictions of carbon and water fluxes in major European forest biomes
Authors: Morales Pablo , Sykes Martin T. , Prentice I. Colin , Smith Pete , Smith Benjamin , Bugmann Harald , Zierl Bärbel , Friedlingstein Pierre , Viovy Nicolas , Sabaté Santi , Sánchez Anabel , Pla Eduard , Gracia Carlos A. , Sitch Stephen , Arneth Almut , Ogee Jerome 
Published: October 2005

AbstractProcess‐based models can be classified into: (a) terrestrial biogeochemical models (TBMs), which simulate fluxes of carbon, water and nitrogen coupled within terrestrial ecosystems, and (b) dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs), which further couple these processes interactively with changes in slow ecosystem processes depending on resource competition, establishment, growth and mortality of different vegetation types. In this study, four models – RHESSys, GOTILWA+, LPJ‐GUESS and ORCHIDEE – representing both modelling approaches were compared and evaluated against benchmarks provided by eddy‐covariance measurements of carbon and water fluxes at 15 forest sites within the EUROFLUX project. Overall, model‐measurement agreement varied greatly among sites. Both modelling approaches have somewhat different strengths, but there was no model among those tested that universally performed well on the two variables evaluated. Small biases and errors suggest that ORCHIDEE and GOTILWA+ performed better in simulating carbon fluxes while LPJ‐GUESS and RHESSys did a better job in simulating water fluxes. In general, the models can be considered as useful tools for studies of climate change impacts on carbon and water cycling in forests. However, the various sources of variation among models simulations and between models simulations and observed data described in this study place some constraints on the results and to some extent reduce their reliability. For example, at most sites in the Mediterranean region all models generally performed poorly most likely because of problems in the representation of water stress effects on both carbon uptake by photosynthesis and carbon release by heterotrophic respiration (Rh).The use of flux data as a means of assessing key processes in models of this type is an important approach to improving model performance. Our results show that the models have value but that further model development is necessary with regard to the representation of the some of the key ecosystem processes.
Demonstration of EGFR gene copy loss in colorectal carcinomas by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): a surrogate marker for sensitivity to specific anti‐EGFR therapy?
Authors: Sauer T , Guren M G , Noren T , Dueland S 
Published: October 2005

Aims : To investigate EGFR gene copy number heterogeneity in colorectal carcinomas compared with copy number of chromosome 7 and immunohistochemical expression of the EGFR protein.Methods and results : Fluorescence in situ hybridization of the EGFR gene and CEP7 was carried out on paraffin‐embedded material from 48 rectal carcinomas combined with immunohistochemical detection of EGFR with a polymer detection kit. EGFR gene copy number had a range of 1.4–7.3 with a mean of 2.5. CEP7 copy number had a range of 1.5–6.1 with a mean of 2.5. The EGFR gene/CEP7 ratio ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 with a mean of 0.96. Most cases had a balanced EGFR gene/CEP7 ratio (37 cases = 77%). Copy gain was found in seven cases (15%) with a ratio of up to 1.5, consistent with gain of one EGFR gene copy in one chromosome. Copy loss was found in four cases (8%). All cases with EGFR gene copy loss were immunohistochemically positive.Conclusions : Demonstration of EGFR gene copy loss might be a surrogate marker for EGFR mutation/deletion and could be used in a routine setting in pathology departments. Further studies are needed to determine whether this may be used to select patients that might benefit from specific anti‐EGFR therapy.
The MAPK–AP‐1/–Runx2 signalling axes are implicated in chondrosarcoma pathobiology either independently or via up‐regulation of VEGF
Authors: Papachristou D J , Papachristou G J , Papaefthimiou O A , Agnantis N J , Basdra E K , Papavassiliou A G 
Published: October 2005

Aims : To investigate whether and how the JNK/ERK–AP‐1/–Runx2 signalling pathways and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are engaged in the pathogenesis of cartilaginous tumours. Chondrosarcoma is the third most common primary skeletal malignancy. Nevertheless, the molecular events underlying its pathogenesis remain elusive. JNK/ERK MAPKs and their downstream effectors, c‐Jun and c‐Fos (AP‐1), are involved in chondroblastic differention/proliferation. These proteins interact with the Runx2 transcription factor, which is also implicated in chondroblast biology. VEGF, a key angiogenic factor, is up‐regulated in human chondrosarcomas.Methods and results : Normal cartilage and neoplastic cells from 45 chondrosarcomas and 21 enchondromas were investigated immunohistochemically. We evaluated the cellular levels of JNK2, p‐JNK2 (phosphorylated/activated JNK2), its main substrate, c‐Jun, pc‐Jun (phosphorylated/activated c‐Jun) and c‐Fos. Moreover, the levels of p‐ERK (phosphorylated/activated ERK), Runx2 and VEGF were assessed. Positive immunostaining for all proteins was observed in the majority of the examined chondrosarcomas and in a small fraction of enchondromas. The expression levels of all proteins were positively and significantly correlated with each other. These levels were substantially augmented in high‐grade compared with low‐grade chondrosarcomas and in low‐grade tumours compared with benign enchondromas, implying a potential use as molecular markers for prediction of high‐grade neoplasms.Conclusions : The JNK/ERK–AP‐1/–Runx2 signal transduction ‘network’ is associated with chondroblastic malignant transformation and chondrosarcoma development, either separately or through coordinated induction of VEGF.
Molecular evidence supporting the neoplastic nature of odontogenic keratocyst: a laser capture microdissection study of 15 cases
Authors: Henley J , Summerlin D‐J , Tomich C , Zhang S , Cheng L 
Published: October 2005

Aims : The bland histology of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) belies its capacity for aggressive behaviour. Genetic alterations of OKC have not been well studied. We examined the frequency and pattern of allelic imbalance on five different chromosome regions from 15 patients with OKC.Methods and results : Laser‐assisted microdissection was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of extracted DNA targeted five polymorphic DNA markers (D3S1285, D9S161, D11S1316, D13S290, and TP53) representing chromosome regions 3p14, 9p21, 11q23, 13q12.1 and 17p13, respectively. All 15 cases of OKC were informative at a minimum of three of five loci, with 11 informative on all five loci. Twelve of 15 cases (80%) demonstrated loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Seven cases (47%) showed LOH at more than two DNA loci. The frequency of LOH was 5/11 (45%) at D3S1285, 3/15 (20%) at D9S161, 4/14 (29%) at D11S1316, 8/14 (57%) at D13S290 and 3/15 (20%) at TP53.Conclusions : The majority of OKCs harbour chromosomal abnormalities. This finding supports the supposition that OKCs are neoplastic. Furthermore, OKCs harbour allelic loss at some of the same loci identified in squamous cell carcinoma. This may aid in explaining the rare occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma arising in OKC.
Use of novel monoclonal antibodies to determine the expression and distribution of the hypoxia regulatory factors PHD‐1, PHD‐2, PHD‐3 and FIH in normal and neoplastic human tissues
Authors: Soilleux E J , Turley H , Tian Y M , Pugh C W , Gatter K C , Harris A L 
Published: October 2005

Aims : The cellular response to hypoxia includes the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐induced transcription of genes involved in diverse processes such as glycolysis, angiogenesis and the growth of experimental tumours. Regulation of the level of hypoxia inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α) is a primary determinant of HIF activity. Recent biochemical and candidate gene approach studies have led to the discovery of three HIF‐regulatory prolyl hydroxylases, PHD‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 and an asparaginyl hydroxylase, also known as FIH (factor inhibiting HIF). In this study, we raised and characterized monoclonal antibodies against PHD‐1, PHD‐2, PHD‐3 and FIH.Methods and results : Immunohistochemistry of normal tissues with these monoclonal antibodies demonstrated a wide distribution in epithelial cells, stromal cells and leucocytes, with cytoplasmic staining predominating over nuclear staining. A preliminary study of tumours showed variable staining in tumour, stromal and inflammatory cells. While all tumour types showed some positive staining with each antibody, the overall pattern suggested a slight decrease in the amount of staining seen with PHD‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 and an increase in FIH staining in neoplasia compared with corresponding normal tissues.Conclusions : These monoclonal antibodies will allow further larger scale studies to determine the significance of PHD and FIH expression in neoplasia.
Effect of food ingredients and selected lipids on the physical properties of extruded edible films/casings
Authors: Liu Li , Kerry John F. , Kerry Joe P. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryFilms/casings produced using pectin (PN) and gelatin/sodium alginate blends (GSAB) containing 2.5 and 5% added corn oil (CO) or olive oil (OO) and non‐oil containing were manufactured using extrusion technology. Films/casings formed from PN and GSAB had great difference in properties of tensile strength, elongation, Young's modulus and puncture resistance. Quality and stability of films/casings were greatly enhanced on addition of oils. However, an oil addition of 2.5% was identified as optimal while 5% decreased the final films/casings quality. Oil addition increased (P < 0.05) films/casings thicknesses. Oil addition also decreased (P < 0.05) tensile strength, puncture resistance, Young's modulus and tear resistance of films/casings but increased their elongation properties, with the exception of converse effect of 2.5% CO on two films/casings. Olive oil and CO both reduced (P < 0.05) water vapour transfer rate (WVTR) of films/casings. However, no significant difference between films using different concentrations of oil was observed with respect to WVTR.