bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) infection in thoroughbred horses in Argentina
Authors: Craig María I , Barrandeguy María E , Fernández Fernando M 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackgroundEquine herpesvirus 2 is a gamma-herpesvirus that infects horses worldwide. Although EHV-2 has been implicated in immunosuppression in foals, upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis, general malaise and poor performance, its precise role as a pathogen remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the incidence of EHV-2 in an Argentinean horse population and correlate it with age and clinical status of the animals.ResultsA serological study on 153 thoroughbred racing horses confirmed the presence of EHV-2 in the Argentinean equine population. A virus neutralization test showed a total of 79.7 % animals were sero-positive for EHV-2. An increase in antibodies titre with age as well as infection at earlier ages were observed.EHV-2 was isolated from 2 out of 22 nasal swabs from horses showing respiratory symptoms. The virus grew slowly and showed characteristic cytopathic effect after several blind passages on RK13 cells. The identity of the isolates was confirmed by nested PCR and restriction enzyme assay (REA).ConclusionThis is the first report on the presence of EHV-2 in Argentina and adds new data to the virus distribution map. Though EHV-2 was isolated from foals showing respiratory symptoms, further studies are needed to unequivocally associate this virus with clinical symptoms.
CD16+ monocytes in human cutaneous leishmaniasis: increased ex vivo levels and correlation with clinical data
Authors: Soares George , Barral Aldina , Costa Jackson M , Barral-Netto Manoel , Van Weyenbergh Johan 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Peripheral blood CD16 (Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G III)-positive monocytes have been shown to expand in different pathological conditions, such as cancer, asthma, sepsis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and AIDS progression, but data in leishmaniasis are lacking. We found that cutaneous leishmaniasis patients (n=15) displayed a significant increase in the ercentage (3.5 vs. 10.1) as well as mean fluorescent intensity (13.5 vs. 29.2) of ex vivo CD16 expression in monocytes as compared with healthy controls. We observed a significant positive correlation between the percentage of ex vivo CD16+ monocytes and lesion size (P=0.0052, r=0.75) or active transforming growth factor-β plasma levels (P=0.0017, r=0.78). In addition, two patients with nonhealing lesions during a 3-year follow-up had high (9.1–19.4%) CD16 levels at diagnosis. Our data suggest a deleterious role for CD16 in human leishmaniasis, as well as its possible use as a marker for disease severity and/or adverse disease outcome.
HIV-1 TAT represses transcription of the bone morphogenic protein receptor-2 in U937 monocytic cells
Authors: Caldwell Robert L , Gadipatti Radhika , Lane Kirk B , Shepherd Virginia L 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein receptor-2 (BMPR2) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β receptor family and is expressed on the surface of several cell type including endothelial cells and macrophages. Recently, a cause for familial primary pulmonary hypertension (FPPH) has been identified as mutations in the gene encoding BMPR2. Three forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) exist, including PPH, FPPH, and PH secondary to other etiologies (sporadic PH) such as drug abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is interesting that these subtypes are histologically indistinguishable. The macrophage is a key target cell for HIV-1, significantly altering macrophage cell function upon infection. HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat), an immediate-early product of the HIV-1 lifecycle, plays an important role in mediating HIV-induced modulation of host cell function. Our laboratory has previously shown that Tat represses mannose receptor transcription in macrophages. In the current study, we examined activity from the BMPR2 promoter in the macrophage cell line U937 and potential regulation by Tat. Transfection of U937 cells with BMPR2 promoter-reporter constructs revealed dose-dependent repression of BMPR2 promoter activity in the presence of Tat. Experiments using truncations of the BMPR2 promoter localized Tat-mediated repression to the first 208 bases of the promoter. Decreased BMPR2 transcription resulted in altered downstream signaling. Similar to mothers against decapentaplegics (SMAD) phosphorylation and SMAD6 expression, in response to BMP2 treatment, were down-regulated after Tat treatment. Finally, HIV-1 infection and treatment with Tat protein of the U937 human monocytic cell line resulted in a decreased, endogenous BMPR2 transcript copy number.
Mast cells, which interact with Escherichia coli, up-regulate genes associated with innate immunity and become less responsive to FcεRI-mediated activation
Authors: Kulka Marianna , Fukuishi Nobuyuki , Rottem Menachem , Mekori Yoseph A , Metcalfe Dean D 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Mast cells, which are associated with T helper cell type 2-dependent inflammation, have now been implicated in the innate immune response. To further characterize how mast cells are programmed to respond to infectious organisms, we used expression profiling using DNA microarray analysis of gene expression by human mast cells (huMC) during ingestion of Escherichia coli and examined immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated degranulation. Analysis of data revealed that specific groups of genes were modulated, including genes encoding transcription factors, cell signaling molecules, cell cycle regulators, enzymes, cytokines, novel chemokines of the CC family, adhesion molecules, and costimulatory molecules. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis confirmed the production of tumor necrosis factor and the chemokines CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-1/I-309, CCL-19/macrophage-inflammatory protein-3β (MIP-3β), and CCL-18/MIP-4; flow cytometry confirmed the up-regulation of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1, the integrin CD49d, and CD80. Coincubation with E. coli down-regulated Fc receptor for IgE I (FcεRI) expression and FcεRI-mediated huMC degranulation. These data are consistent with the concept that bacterial exposure directs mast cell responses toward innate immunity and away from IgE-mediated effects.
Comparison of conventional extracorporeal circulation and minimal extracorporeal circulation with respect to microbubbles and microembolic signals
Authors: Perthel M , Kseibi S , Sagebiel F , Alken A , Laas J 
Published: November 2005

The intention of minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC) is to reduce priming volume and minimize contact of blood with polymers and air in a closed system. In contrast to conventional extracorporeal circulation (ECC), a venous reservoir is missing. Thus, air trapping is limited and avoidance of bubble embolism is a major concern. This study investigates microbubbles (MBB) number and size in the venous and arterial lines of ECC and MECC compared to the number of microembolic signals (MES) in the right and left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Twenty patients undergoing coronary surgery were operated either with conventional ECC (cardiotomy reservoir, Rotaflow pump, Quadrox oxygenator, Quart filter) or MECC (Quart filter, Rotaflow pump, Quadrox oxygenator). Number and size of MBB were monitored in the venous and arterial lines with an ultrasound Doppler system. MES in right and left MCAs were measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring. Patients undergoing MECC had additional sealing of the venous cannula by a ligature at the site of its insertion into the right atrium. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age, X-clamping, bypass time and number of distal anastomoses. The number of MES and MBB in the arterial line was comparable between the groups. On the venous side, MECC-perfusion shows a significantly lower number of MBB. This could be explained with the additional sealing of the venous cannula. Furthermore, our data indicate that the MBB-volume reaching the pump will also appear in the arterial outflow and into the patient’s MCA. For this reason, the avoidance of air contamination is a major concern for surgeons, anaesthesiologists and perfusionists.
Acute renal failure following open heart surgery: risk factors and prognosis
Authors: Bahar Ilknur , Akgul Ahmet , Ozatik Mehmet Ali , Vural Kerem M , Demirbag Ali E , Boran Mediha , Tasdemir Oguz 
Published: November 2005

Background: Acute renal failure (ARF) development after cardiac surgery carries high mortality and morbidity. Methods: Out of 14 437 consecutive patients undergoing open-heart surgery between January 1991 and May 2001, 168 (1.16%) developed postoperative ARF mandating hemodialysis. Possible perioperative risk factors, and the prognosis of this dreadful, often fatal complication were investigated. Results: The mortality rate in this group was 79.7% (134 patients). The risk factors associated with postoperative ARF were advanced age (p-0.000), diabetes mellitus (p-0.000), hypertension (p-0.000), high preoperative serum creatinine levels (p-0.004), impaired left ventricular function (p-0.002), urgent operation (p-0.000) or reoperation (p-0.007), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (p-0.000) and aortic cross-clamp (ACC) (p-0.000) periods, level of hypothermia (p-0.000), concomitant procedures (p-0.000), low cardiac output state (p-0.000), re-exploration for bleeding or pericardial tamponade (p-0.000), and deep sternal or systemic infection (p-0.000). Of those who could be discharged from hospital, renal functions were restored in 21 patients (12.5%); however, eight patients (4.7%) became hemodialysis dependent. The mean follow-up period was 5.79/3.2 years (range: 4 months to 13 years; a total of 195 patient-years), and 10-year survival was 58.69/10.2% in the discharged patients. Conclusions: ARF development after cardiac surgery often results in high morbidity and mortality. Recognizing risk factors permits the timely institution of proper treatment, which is the key to reducing untoward outcomes.
A new practical technique to reduce allogeneic blood exposure and hospital costs while preserving clotting factors after cardiopulmonary bypass: the Hemobag®
Authors: Samolyk Keith A , Beckmann Scott R , Bissinger Randall C 
Published: November 2005

Recent data independently linking allogeneic blood use to increased morbidity and mortality after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) warrants the study of new methods to employ unique and familiar technology to reduce allogeneic blood exposure. The Hemobag® allows the open-heart team to concentrate residual CPB circuit contents and return a high volume of autologous clotting factors and blood cells to the patient. Fifty patients from all candidates were arbitrarily selected to receive the Hemobag® (HB) therapy. A retrospective control group of 50 non-Hemobag® (NHB) patients were matched to the HB group patient-by-patient for comparison according to surgeon, type of procedure, age, body surface area (BSA), body weight and CPB time. Many efforts to conserve blood (Cell Saver® and ANH) were employed in both groups. Post-CPB cell washing of circuit contents was additionally employed in the control group. There were no significant differences between the HB and NHB groups in regard to patient morphology, pre-op cell concentrations, distribution of surgeon or procedures (41% valve, 16% valve/coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), balance CABG), pump and ischemic times and Bayes National Risk scores. The average volume returned to the patient from the HB was 8179/198 mL (1 SD). Average processing time was 11 min. The Hemobag®contained an average platelet count of 2309/80 K/mm3, fibrinogen concentration of 4139/171 mg/dl, total protein of 8.09/2.8 gm/dl, albumin of 4.49/1.2 gm/dl and hematocrit of 439/7%. Factor VII, IX and X levels in three HB contents averaged 259% greater than baseline. Substantial reductions were achieved in both allogeneic blood product avoidance and cost to the hospital with use of the HB. Infusion of the Hemobag® concentrate appears to recover safely substantial proteins, clotting factor and cell concentration for all types of cardiac procedures, maintaining the security of a primed circuit.
A novel method of measuring cardiac output in infants following extracorporeal procedures: preliminary validation in a swine model
Authors: Melchior Richard , Darling Edward , Terry Bryan , Gunst Gordy , Searles Bruce 
Published: November 2005

In infants, technologies for obtaining rapid, quantified measurements of cardiac output (CO) following weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are not readily available. A new technique to measure CO based on ultrasound velocity dilution is described. It utilizes reusable probes placed on the extracorporeal circuit that permits convenient measurement of CO prior to decannulation. This report provides preliminary validation data in an animal model. Three Yorkshire pigs (11-14 kg) were fully heparinized and cannulated via the right common carotid artery (cannula advanced to the aortic arch) and right atrium. Both the venous and arterial lines were instrumented with ultrasonic probes connected to a computer-monitoring system. A ‘stopcock bridge’ between the arterial and venous cannulas provided the access for saline injection and a controlled AV-shunt. For comparison, a vascular flow probe was fitted directly to the pulmonary artery (PA) in both animals and, for the larger animal, a PA catheter was inserted to obtain standard thermodilution measurements. Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation between the CO by ultrasound dilution (CO UD) technique and the vascular probe and PA thermodilution techniques to be R2-0.94 and 0.81. This pilot study demonstrated that the CO UD technique correlates to other benchmarks of CO measurements. This novel technology has specific application in the field of pediatric open heart surgery in that it would allow the surgeon to accurately and inexpensively measure the CO of neonatal and pediatric patients before and after surgical manipulation of the heart without the need for placement of additional catheters or probes.
Leukocyte removal efficiency of cell-washed and unwashed whole blood: an in vitro study
Authors: ten Brinke M J , Weerwind P W , Teerenstra S , Feron J CM , van der Meer W , Brouwer M HJ 
Published: November 2005

Leukocyte filtration of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) perfusate after cardiac surgery has evolved as an important technique to prevent effector functions mediated by activated leukocytes. However, little is known about the filtration efficiency. Therefore, an in vitro study was conducted to define the leukocyte removal rate of a transfusion leukocyte-depletion filter, using cell-washed and unwashed whole porcine blood. In addition, the influence of different cell-washing protocols on the elimination rate of blood cells (leukocytes and platelets) was investigated. Fresh, diluted, pooled, heparinized, porcine blood was processed using either a high-flow (HF, n-5) or quality-wash (QW, n-5) protocol on a continuous auto-transfusion system, or was left unprocessed (control n-5). Thereafter, all samples were filtered using a transfusion leukocyte-depletion filter. Blood samples for measurement of hematocrit, white blood cell count, including leukocyte differentiation and platelet count, were taken before and after filtration. To compare the experimental groups, the removal rate was presented as the fraction of leukocytes or platelets removed per plasma volume. Cell washing significantly altered the fraction of leukocytes removed per plasma volume when compared to unprocessed blood (2.07 and 2.36 in the HF and QW groups, respectively, versus 1.34 in the control group, p-0.008 for both). No statistically significant difference in leukocyte removal rate was observed between the different cell-washing protocols. The leukocyte differential count showed that, during all experiments, the neutrophils were removed most efficiently (99.7%). Overall, significantly more platelets were depleted after cell washing compared to the control group (1.47 and 1.60 in the HF and QW groups, respectively, versus 1.12 in the control group, p-0.008 and 0.032, respectively). Furthermore, the amount of blood that could be filtered using a single pass technique did not significantly differ between the experimental groups. However, a larger variation in the total amount of filtered blood was observed in the unprocessed group (5709/398 mL) compared to the cell-washed groups (3609/42 and 4309/97 mL in the HF and QW groups, respectively). In conclusion, blood processing with an auto-transfusion system significantly enhances the leukocyte and platelet removal efficiency of the transfusion leukocyte-depletion filter that was studied. In particular, neutrophils were efficiently removed.
Stress Kinase Signaling Regulates Androgen Receptor Phosphorylation, Transcription, and Localization
Authors: Gioeli Daniel , Black Ben E. , Gordon Vicki , Spencer Adam , Kesler Cristina T. , Eblen Scott T. , Paschal Bryce M. , Weber Michael J. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractActivation of signal transduction kinase cascades is known to alter androgen receptor (AR) activity, but the molecular mechanisms are still poorly defined. Here we show that stress kinase signaling regulates Ser 650 phosphorylation and AR nuclear export. In LNCaP prostate cancer cells, activation of either MAPK kinase (MKK) 4:c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or MKK6:p38 signaling pathways increased Ser 650 phosphorylation, whereas pharmacologic inhibition of JNK or p38 signaling led to a reduction of AR Ser 650 phosphorylation. Both p38α and JNK1 phosphorylated Ser 650 in vitro. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of either MKK4 or MKK6 increased endogenous prostate-specific antigen (PSA) transcript levels, and this increase was blocked by either bicalutamide or AR small interfering RNA. Stress kinase inhibition of PSA transcription is, therefore, dependent on the AR. Similar experiments involving either activation or inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase:ERK signaling had little effect on Ser 650 phosphorylation or PSA mRNA levels. Ser 650 is proximal to the DNA binding domain that contains a nuclear export signal. Mutation of Ser 650 to alanine reduced nuclear export of the AR, whereas mutation of Ser 650 to the phosphomimetic amino acid aspartate restored AR nuclear export. Pharmacologic inhibition of stress kinase signaling reduced wild-type AR nuclear export equivalent to the S650A mutant without affecting nuclear export of the S650D mutant. Our data suggest that stress kinase signaling and nuclear export regulate AR transcriptional activity.
Nausea and Dizziness after Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Multivariate Analysis of Preoperative Symptoms
Authors: Stieglitz Lennart H. , Samii Amir , Kaminsky Jan , Gharabaghi Alireza , Samii Madjid , Lüdemann Wolf O. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
Nausea and dizziness are very discomforting for patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery and they impair recovery.

METHODS:
To identify preoperative symptoms and conditions that increase the risk of development of nausea after vestibular schwannoma surgery, a multivariate analysis was performed. One hundred fifteen patients with vestibular schwannoma had a microsurgical tumor removal in a standardized procedure in 2001 and 2002. Eighteen patients were excluded from the study because of previous surgery (recurrent tumors, 7 patients) or bilateral tumor occurrence (neurofibromatosis, 11 patients). Analysis was performed regarding postoperative amount of antiemetic medication, vomiting, and subjective feeling of the patient. Tumor grading, body mass index, sex, previous complaints, examination at admission, and side of the tumor were taken in consideration.

RESULTS:
Women had significant longer postoperative complaints (mean, 3.0 d; standard error, 0.47) and needed longer antiemetic therapy (mean, 3.3 d; standard error, 0.49) than men (mean, 1.72 d; standard error, 0.21). Patients developing no significant postoperative complaints were all in the higher tumor grading group, Grades 3a, 4a, and 4b. There was a significant difference in the duration of antiemetic therapy between tumors graded 1 and tumors graded 3 or 4. Patients with a positive stepping test preoperatively had a tendency to demand less antiemetic medication. Women with small tumors are most likely to develop significant complaints after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

CONCLUSION:
It is possible to identify patients with a higher risk of postoperative nausea and dizziness after vestibular schwannoma surgery. This allows one to inform these patients preoperatively and to initiate an early postoperative drug therapy to ease their symptoms.
Presentation, Natural History, and Management of Carotid Cavernous Aneurysms
Authors: Stiebel-Kalish Hadas , Kalish Yuval , Bar-On Ruth Huna , Setton Avi , Niimi Yasu , Berenstein Alejandro , Kupersmith Mark J. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
We present the largest reported cohort of carotid cavernous aneurysms (CCA), comparing the neuro-ophthalmic presentation, complications, and outcome with and without endovascular treatment.

METHODS:
Retrospective review of 185 patients with 206 CCAs examined between 1980 and 2001 at a tertiary neuro-ophthalmology and neurovascular service. Patients' symptoms and findings at presentation were recorded and compared with those at outcome. The effect of treatment on outcome and on complication rate was analyzed using the χ2 test, multivariate analysis of covariance, model-selection log-linear analysis, and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS:
Long-term follow-up was available for 189 of 206 CCAs. Seventy-four CCAs underwent treatment (endovascular, 67 [91%]; surgical treatment, 6 [9%]), and 115 were followed for an average of 4 years, two of which required later treatment. Treatment reduced the incidence and severity of pain, even after adjusting for the severity of initial pain (F(1,192 = 9.59, P = 0.002). Treatment did not significantly affect the patient's final diplopia after adjusting for their initial diplopia (F(1, 182 = 2.01, P = 0.158). Statistical examination revealed that the treated group had a higher proportion of neurological and visual complications than people who were not treated (2(2). = 25.26, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION:
Endovascular treatment of carotid cavernous aneurysms leads to a significantly higher rate of pain resolution compared with untreated patients, even after adjusting for initial pain severity. Diplopia may not resolve after treatment. The results of this study underscore our approach indicating treatment only in cases of debilitating pain, visual loss from compression, or diplopia in primary gaze or in patients with risk factors for major complications such as pre-existing coagulopathy or sphenoid sinus erosion.