bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and management of colovesical fistulae; six‐year experience of 90 consecutive cases
Authors: Garcea G. , Majid I. , Sutton C. D. , Pattenden C. J. , Thomas W. M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIntroduction  Colovesical fistulae are well‐recognized but relatively uncommon presentation to colorectal surgery. As a result, few centres have sufficient experience in the investigation and surgical treatment of colovesical fistulae to develop clear protocols in its management.Methods  This study examines the diagnostic and treatment pathways of 90 consecutive patients with colovesical fistulae presenting to a single surgeon, over a six‐year period. Using the findings from this study and previously published data, the authors suggest tentative guidelines for the diagnosis and management of such patients.Results  Pneumaturia and faecaluria were present in 90.1% of all cases. The diagnosis of colovesical fistula is predominately a clinical one, however, cystoscopy was the most accurate test to detect fistulae (46.2%) followed by barium enema (20.1%). Barium enema was the most sensitive test to detect stricture formation (70.6%). Colonic endoscopy was the most reliable means of excluding a colonic malignancy. The most common pathology was diverticular disease (72.2%), colonic carcinoma (15.3%) and Crohn's disease (9.7%). Left sided colonic resections were undertaken in 73.6% of patients, right hemicolectomy in 4.2% and defunctioning loop colostomies in 18.5%. Of the left sided resections, primary anastomosis was achieved in 92% of cases (n = 48) with one postoperative leak and no mortality.Discussion  Resection and primary anastomosis should be the treatment of choice for colovesical fistulae, with an acceptable risk of anastomotic leak and mortality. Barium enema, colonic endoscopy and CT should be routine in the investigation of colovesical fistulae.
Evidences of the gender‐related differences in cardiac repolarization and the underlying mechanisms in different animal species and human
Authors: Cheng Jianhua 
Published: January 2006

AbstractClinical and experimental studies have shown that gender differences exist in cardiac repolarization in various animal species and human, as is evidenced by significantly longer QT, JT intervals and action potential duration in females than in males due to a reduced repolarization reserve in females. The latter is shown by the relatively greater increase in ventricular repolarization and higher incidence of torsades de pointes (TdP) in preparations from females by drugs blocking repolarizing K+currents. These results can be modulated by gonadectomy, suggesting that gonadal steroids are important determinants of gender difference in repolarization. In human subjects, QT and JT intervals are longer in women, whereas QT dispersion and Tp‐e interval (the interval from the peak to the end of T wave) are longer in men. At slow heart rates greater prolongation in QT and increase in transmural repolarization heterogeneity (i.e. increase in Tp‐e) may predispose to TdP tachycardias in women. In healthy postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy with estrogen alone usually produced a prolongation of QT interval, while estrogen plus progesterone had no significant effects on QT interval but reduced QT dispersion. Along with these, there are still conflicting data reported. Further work is needed before the elucidation of the basis of gender differences in ventricular repolarization.
Stem cell factor expression, mast cells and inflammation in asthma
Authors: Da Silva Carla A. , Reber Laurent , Frossard Nelly 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe Kit ligand SCF or stem cell factor (SCF) is a multipotent growth factor, acting as an important growth factor for human mast cells. SCF induces chemotaxis and survival of the mast cell, as well as proliferation and differentiation of immature mast cells from CD34+ progenitors. Additionally, SCF enhances antigen‐induced degranulation of human lung‐derived mast cells, and induces a mast cell hyperplasia after subcutaneous administration. SCF expression increases in the airways of asthmatic patients, and this is reversed after treatment with glucocorticoids. A role for SCF may thus be hypothesized in diseases associated with a local increase in the number and/or activation of mast cells, as occurring in the airways in asthma. SCF will be reviewed as a potential therapeutic target in asthma, to control the regulation of mast cell number and activation. We here report the main pathways of SCF synthesis and signalling, and its potential role on airway function and asthma.
Early pharmacological preconditioning by erythropoietin mediated by inducible NOS and mitochondrial ATP‐dependent potassium channels in the rat heart
Authors: Joyeux‐Faure M. , Ramond A. , Béguin P.C. , Belaïdi E. , Godin‐Ribuot D. , Ribuot C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAdministration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is known to induce protection against cardiac ischaemia injury improving functional recovery and reducing apoptosis. But the underlying mechanisms are not elucidated. We determined the role of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) as well as ATP‐dependent (KATP) and calcium‐activated (KCa) potassium channels in the early cardioprotection induced by rhEPO. Wistar male rats were divided into two experimental groups treated by rhEPO (5000 IU/kg, i.p.) or saline (control group). One hour later, rats were anaesthetized, hearts isolated, retrogradely perfused and submitted to a 30‐min no‐flow global ischaemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion sequence. Cardiac functional recovery (left ventricular developed pressure, LVDP) was significantly higher in the group treated by rhEPO (LVDP at 30 min reperfusion: 71.7 ± 2.3 mmHg) compared with the control group (57.4 ± 5.8 mmHg). We observed the same significant effect on its derivative (dP/dt). The rhEPO‐induced improvement in ventricular function was abolished by perfusion prior to ischaemia with either N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME, a nonspecific NOS inhibitor) or N‐(3‐(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W, a specific inducible NOS inhibitor) or 5‐hydroxydecanoic acid (5HD, a mitochondrial KATP channel blocker) but not with paxilline (a KCa channel inhibitor). Thus, in vivo rhEPO administration provides early preconditioning against ischaemic injury in the isolated perfused rat heart that is dependent on iNOS and mitochondrial KATP channels.
Initial results from a long‐term, multi‐site field study of the effects on soil fertility and microbial activity of sludge cakes containing heavy metals
Authors: Gibbs P. A. , Chambers B. J. , Chaudri A. M. , McGrath S. P. , Carlton‐Smith C. H. , Bacon J. R. , Campbell C. D. , Aitken M. N. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIn a long‐term study of the effects on soil fertility and microbial activity of heavy metals contained in sewage sludges, metal‐rich sludge cakes each with high Zn, Cu or Cd concentrations were applied annually for 4 years (1994–1997) to nine sites throughout Britain. These sites were selected to represent agricultural soils with a range of physical and chemical properties, typical of those likely to be amended with sewage sludge. The aim was to establish individual total Zn (approx. 60–450 mg kg−1), total Cu (approx. 15–200 mg kg−1) and total Cd (approx. 0.2–4 mg kg−1) metal dose–response treatments at each site. Sludges with low metal concentrations were added to all treatments to achieve as constant an addition of organic matter as possible. Across the nine sites, soil pH was the single most important factor controlling Zn (P < 0.001; r2 = 92%) and Cd extracted with 1 m NH4NO3 (P < 0.001; r2 = 72%), and total iron content the most important factor controlling Cu extracted with 1 m NH4NO3 (P < 0.001; r2 = 64%). There were also positive relationships (P < 0.001) between soil organic carbon (C) concentrations and soil biomass C and respiration rates across the nine sites. Oxidation of sludge C following land application resulted in approximately 45% of the digested sludge cake C and approximately 64% of the ‘raw’ sludge cake C being lost by the end of the 4‐year application period. The sludge cake applications generally increased soil microbial biomass C and soil respiration rates, whilst most probable numbers of clover Rhizobium were generally unchanged. Overall, there was no evidence that the metal applications were damaging soil microbial activity in the short term after the cessation of sludge cake addition.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on cold storage of the liver in rats
Authors: Ijichi Hideki , Taketomi Akinobu , Soejima Yuji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Uchiyama Hideaki , Shimada Mitsuo , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Background: The depletion of biochemical energy stores during prolonged cold storage is one of the most critical events of cold ischemia‐reperfusion (CI/R) injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment on CI/R injury.Methods: Livers were harvested from male Wistar rats and stored for 24 h at 4°C in University of Wisconsin solution (Group 1). Others were additionally treated with HBO during the preservation period (Group 2). At the end of the 24 h cold preservation, the concentrations of hepatic enzymes and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the effluent and the hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured. After preservation, the livers were reperfused for 90 min with an oxygenated Krebs–Henseleit bicarbonate buffer. Perfusate samples were obtained serially, and portal flow rates were also recorded.Results: In group 2, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and LPO into the effluent at the end of preservation were decreased and the depletion of ATP was prevented (P<0.05). After reperfusion, the portal flow was significantly improved in group 2 (P<0.05). The time‐dependent increase of alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) observed in group 1 was suppressed significantly in group 2, and total bile production during 90 min of reperfusion was significantly greater in group 2 (P<0.05). The structure of the livers in group 2 was significantly well maintained, and the liver weight change ratio was significantly greater in group 1 (P<0.05).Conclusions: HBO treatment during cold storage seems to prevent hepatic ischemic injury and have protective effects against CI/R injury by attenuating the depletion of energy stores.
Predictors of Appropriate Defibrillator Therapy Among Patients with an Implantable Defibrillator That Delivers Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: DESAI ASEEM D. , BURKE MARTIN C. , HONG THOMAS E. , KIM SUSAN , SALEM YASSER , YONG PATRICK G. , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of appropriate implantable defibrillator (ICD) therapy among patients with heart failure who are treated with a cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D). Methods and Results: Patients enrolled in the Ventak CHF/Contak CD study were treated with a CRT‐D device and were required to have NYHA class II–IV CHF, QRS duration ≥120 msec, and a class I or II indication for an ICD. The study database was retrospectively analyzed during the 6‐month postimplant period to identify predictors of appropriate ICD therapy. Five hundred and one of the 581 patients enrolled in the trial had successful device implantation and were included in this analysis. Patients were mostly male (83%), 66 ± 11 years old, and had coronary artery disease (69%), a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) = 0.22 ± 0.07, and NYHA class II (33%), III (58%), or IV (9%) CHF symptoms. During 6 months of follow‐up, 73 of 501 (14%) patients received an appropriate ICD therapy. Two independent predictors of appropriate therapy were identified: a history of a spontaneous, sustained ventricular arrhythmia (HR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.31–3.20; P = 0.002) and NYHA class IV CHF (HR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.10–2.96; P = 0.019). When patients with NYHA class II were excluded from analysis, a history of a sustained ventricular arrhythmia and the presence of NYHA class IV CHF symptoms remained as independent predictors of appropriate ICD therapy. Conclusions: In a select population of advanced heart failure patients receiving a CRT‐D, NYHA class IV CHF was a powerful independent predictor of appropriate ICD therapy. Approximately one‐quarter of the patients with NYHA class IV CHF who received a CRT‐D device received an appropriate ICD therapy within 3 months after implant. Additional studies are needed to confirm an association between class IV CHF symptoms and an increased frequency of ICD shocks.
A Randomized Comparison of Permanent Septal Versus Apical Right Ventricular Pacing: Short‐Term Results
Authors: VICTOR FREDERIC , MABO PHILIPPE , MANSOUR HASSAN , PAVIN DOMINIQUE , KABALU GUILLAUME , PLACE CHRISTIAN DE , LECLERCQ CHRISTOPHE , DAUBERT J. CLAUDE 
Published: January 2006

Objectives: This study compared chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing at the septum versus apex. Background: Chronic RV apical pacing may be detrimental to ventricular function. This randomized, pilot study examined whether, compared with apical, permanent septal pacing preserves cardiac function. Methods: Ablation of the atrioventricular junction for permanent AF, followed by implantation of a DDDR pacemaker connected to two ventricular leads was performed in 28 patients. One lead screwed into the septum and another placed at the apex were connected to the atrial and ventricular port, respectively. Septum or apex was paced by programming AAIR or VVIR modes, respectively. Patients were randomly assigned, 4 months later, to pacing at one site for 3 months, and crossed over to the other for 3 months. New York Heart Association class, QRS width and axis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), exercise duration, and peak oxygen uptake were measured. Results in patients with LVEF >45% and ≤45% were compared. Results: Septal pacing was associated with shorter QRS (145 ± 4 msec vs 170 ± 4 msec, P < 0.01) and normal axis (40°± 10° vs −71 ± 4°, P < 0.01). At 3 months, among patients with baseline LVEF ≤45%, LVEF was 42 ± 5% after septal pacing versus 37 ± 4% after apical pacing (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In contrast to RV apical pacing, chronic RV septal pacing preserved LVEF in patients with baseline LVEF ≤45%.
Cell interactions between human gingival fibroblasts and monocytes stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 in gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Domeij Helena , Yucel‐Lindberg Tülay , Modéer Thomas 
Published: January 2006

Background:  Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) plays an important role in inflammatory diseases including periodontitis, which is characterized by tissue destruction and dense infiltration of mononuclear cells.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cell interactions between human gingival fibroblasts and human monocytes on the production of MMP‐1 in a coculture model.Methods:  The fibroblasts were cultured in either cell‐to‐cell contact with monocytes or in separated cocultures using a microporous membrane to prevent cell‐to‐cell contact. The mRNA expression of MMP‐1 was analyzed using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and the protein levels of MMP‐1 in the cell medium were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  Coculturing gingival fibroblasts with monocytes in cell‐to‐cell contact increased the mRNA expression of MMP‐1 in both fibroblasts and monocytes. The protein levels of MMP‐1 increased in the culture media of the cocultures and correlated to the number of fibroblasts as well as to the number of monocytes. When fibroblasts were cultured with monocytes in separated cocultures, the mRNA expression and protein level of MMP‐1 increased in the fibroblasts. In addition, treatment of fibroblasts with conditioned medium from monocytes also stimulated the production of MMP‐1 in the fibroblasts. Moreover, the levels of the MMP‐1 inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), increased in cocultures with cell‐to‐cell contact, but not in fibroblasts of separated cocultures. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone and the tetracycline doxycycline reduced the enhanced level of MMP‐1 in the cocultures with cell‐to‐cell contact.Conclusion:  The current study demonstrates that monocytes stimulate the production of MMP‐1 in gingival fibroblasts by cell interactions, which may contribute to the maintenance of MMP‐mediated tissue destruction in periodontitis.
The influence of cigarette smoke inhalation and its cessation on the tooth‐supporting alveolar bone: a histometric study in rats
Authors: César‐Neto João Batista , Benatti Bruno Braga , Sallum Enilson Antônio , Casati Márcio Zaffalon , Nociti Francisco Humberto 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  It has been previously shown that smoking may enhance periodontal breakdown and impair bone healing around titanium implants. However, there is a lack of information concerning the effect of smoking on the tooth‐supporting alveolar bone. Thus, the aim of this study was to histometrically evaluate the influence of cigarette smoke inhalation and its cessation on tooth‐supporting alveolar bone.Methods:  Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group 1 – control (n = 15), group 2 – 2 months of cigarette smoke inhalation (n = 13), group 3 – 3 months of cigarette smoke inhalation and 2 months without exposure to cigarette smoke inhalation (n = 16) and group 4 – 5 months of cigarette smoke inhalation (n = 16). Five months after the beginning of cigarette smoke inhalation regime (2 months for group 2), the animals were killed and the mandible was removed and prepared for histological sections. The proportion of mineralized tissue in the furcation area (i.e. a 1000 µm zone under the furcation and between the roots) was obtained.Results:  Data analysis demonstrated that the animals continuously exposed to cigarette smoke inhalation presented a decreased proportion of mineralized tissue (groups 2 and 4), when compared to control and cessation groups (groups 1 and 3) (p < 0.05). Similar levels of proportion of mineralized tissue were observed in groups 1 and 3, showing a beneficial effect of cigarette smoke inhalation cessation on proportion of mineralized tissue.Conclusion:  Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that cigarette smoke inhalation may affect the tooth‐supporting bone as early as 2 months after the initial exposure, and that smoke exposure cessation may revert its negative impact on the alveolar bone.
Extrasolar planets, stellar winds and chromospheric hotspots
Authors: McIvor T. , Jardine M. , Holzwarth V. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Recent observations have shown what is believed to be planet-induced chromospheric activity on stars with hot Jupiters. We present a model of the magnetic interaction between a planet and a star with a dipolar magnetic field. Reconnection between the fields of the star and planet accelerates electrons along the field lines that connect the star and planet. By determining the locations at which these field lines connect to the stellar surface, we can model the surface pattern of the chromospheric response to the planet–star interaction. We find that the inclination of the rotation axis of the star determines the magnitude of the emission, while a misalignment of the magnetic and rotation axes produces a phase shift between the peak of the observed chromospheric emission and the phase where the planet is directly in front of the star. This phase shift increases as the extent of the stellar corona increases. This model reproduces the cyclic signature of chromospheric enhancement seen in stars with hot Jupiters. It can reproduce the 65° phase lag reported for HD 179949 if the closed corona of the star extends out to the orbital radius of the planet at 8.5R⋆. It cannot, however, reproduce the phase lag of 169° reported for υ And.
Constraints on alternatives to supermassive black holes
Authors: Miller M. Coleman 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Observations of the centres of galaxies continue to evolve, and it is useful to take a fresh look at the constraints that exist on alternatives to supermassive black holes at their centres. We discuss constraints complementary to those of Maoz and demonstrate that an extremely wide range of other possibilities can be excluded. In particular, we present the new argument that for the velocity dispersions inferred for many galactic nuclei, even binaries made of point masses cannot stave off core collapse because hard binaries are so tight that they merge via emission of gravitational radiation before they can engage in three-body or four-body interactions. We also show that under these conditions core collapse leads inevitably to runaway growth of a central black hole with a significant fraction of the initial mass, regardless of the masses of the individual stars. For clusters of non-interacting low-mass objects (from low-mass stars to elementary particles), the relaxation of stars and compact objects that pass inside the dark region will be accelerated by interactions with the dark mass. If the dark region is instead a self-supported object, such as a fermion ball, then if stellar-mass black holes exist they will collide with the object, settle, and consume it. The net result is that the keyhole through which alternatives to supermassive black holes must pass is substantially smaller and more contrived than it was even a few years ago.
Effects of altered nitric oxide availability on rat muscle microvascular oxygenation during contractions
Authors: Ferreira L. F. , Padilla D. J. , Williams J. , Hageman K. S. , Musch T. I. , Poole D. C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  To explore the role of nitric oxide (NO) in controlling microvascular O2 pressure (Po2mv) at rest and during contractions (1 Hz). We hypothesized that at the onset of contractions sodium nitroprusside (SNP) would raise Po2mv and slow the kinetics of Po2mv change whereas l‐nitro arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) would decrease Po2mv and speed its kinetics.Methods:  We superfused the spinotrapezius muscle of female Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 7, body mass = 298 ± 10 g) with SNP (300 μM) and l‐NAME (1.5 mm) and measured Po2mv (phosphorescence quenching) during contractions.Results:  SNP decreased mean arterial pressure (92 ± 5 mmHg) below that of control (CON, 124 ± 4 mmHg) and l‐NAME (120 ± 4 mmHg) conditions. SNP did not raise Po2mv at rest but it did elevate the Po2mv‐to‐MAP ratio (50% increase, P < 0.05) and slow the kinetics by lengthening the time‐delay (TD, 14.0 ± 5.0 s) and time constant (τ, 24.0 ± 10.0 s) of the response compared with CON (TD, 8.4 ± 3.3 s; τ, 16.0 ± 4.5 s, P < 0.05 vs. SNP). l‐NAME decreased Po2mv at rest and tended to speed τ (10.1 ± 3.8 s, P =0.1), while TD (8.1 ± 1.0 s) was not significantly different. l‐NAME also caused Po2mv to fall transiently below steady‐state contracting values.Conclusions:  These results indicate that NO availability can significantly affect Po2mv at rest and during contractions and suggests that Po2mv derangements in ageing and chronic disease conditions may potentially result from impairments in NO availability.