bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trapping of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae with odour-baited MM-X traps in semi-field conditions in western Kenya
Authors: Njiru Basilio N , Mukabana Wolfgang R , Takken Willem , Knols Bart GJ 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The successful development of odour-baited trapping systems for mosquitoes depends on the identification of behaviourally active semiochemicals, besides the design and operating principles of such devices. A large variety of 'attractants' has been identified in laboratory investigations, yet few of these increase trap catches in the field. A contained system, intermediate between the laboratory and open field, is presented and previous reports that human foot odour induces behavioural responses of Anopheles gambiae confirmed.

Methods
The response of 3–5 day old female An. gambiae towards odour-baited counterflow geometry traps (MM-X model; American Biophysics Corp., RI) was studied in semi-field (screen house) conditions in western Kenya. Traps were baited with human foot odour (collected on socks), carbon dioxide (CO2, 500 ml min-1), ammonia (NH3), 1-octen-3-ol, or various combinations thereof. Trap catches were log (x+1) transformed and subjected to Latin square analysis of variance procedures.

Results
Apart from 1-octen-3-ol, all odour baits caused significant (P < 0.05) increases in trap catches over non-baited traps. Foot odour remained behaviourally active for at least 8 days after collection on nylon or cotton sock fabric. A synergistic response (P < 0.001) was observed towards the combination of foot odour and CO2, which increased catches of these odours alone by 3.8 and 2.7 times, respectively.

Conclusion
These results are the first to report behavioural responses of an African malaria vector to human foot odour outside the laboratory, and further investigation of fractions and/or individual chemical components of this odour complex are called for. Semi-field systems offer the prospect of high-throughput screening of candidate kairomones, which may expedite the development of efficient trap-bait systems for this and other African mosquito species.
A novel method to measure regional muscle blood flow continuously using NIRS kinetics information
Authors: Nioka Shoko , Kime Ryotaro , Sunar Ulas , Im Joohee , Izzetoglu Meltem , Zhang Jun , Alacam Burak , Chance Britton 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
This article introduces a novel method to continuously monitor regional muscle blood flow by using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). We demonstrate the feasibility of the new method in two ways: (1) by applying this new method of determining blood flow to experimental NIRS data during exercise and ischemia; and, (2) by simulating muscle oxygenation and blood flow values using these newly developed equations during recovery from exercise and ischemia.

Methods
Deoxy (Hb) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), located in the blood ofthe skeletal muscle, carry two internal relationships between blood flow and oxygen consumption. One is a mass transfer principle and the other describes a relationship between oxygen consumption and Hb kinetics in a two-compartment model. To monitor blood flow continuously, we transfer these two relationships into two equations and calculate the blood flow with the differential information of HbO2 and Hb. In addition, these equations are used to simulate the relationship between blood flow and reoxygenation kinetics after cuff ischemia and a light exercise. Nine healthy subjects volunteered for the cuff ischemia, light arm exercise and arm exercise with cuff ischemia for the experimental study.

Results
Analysis of experimental data of both cuff ischemia and light exercise using the new equations show greater blood flow (four to six times more than resting values) during recovery, agreeing with previous findings. Further, the simulation and experimental studies of cuff ischemia and light exercise agree with each other.

Conclusion
We demonstrate the accuracy of this new method by showing that the blood flow obtained from the method agrees with previous data as well as with simulated data. We conclude that this novel continuous blood flow monitoring method can provide blood flow information non-invasively with NIRS.
Splenic and portal vein thrombosis in pancreatic metastasis from Renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shrikhande Shailesh V , Büchler Peter , Esposito Irene , Loos Martin , Büchler Markus W , Friess Helmut 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic metastases from previously treated renal cell carcinoma are uncommon. Surgical resection of pancreatic metastasis remains the only worthwhile modality of treatment.

Case presentation
A case where pancreatic metastasis from previously resected right sided renal cell carcinoma was resected with a subtotal left pancreatectomy is described. An unusual feature was the presence of a large splenic vein tumor thrombus extending into the portal vein with associated portal hypertension. The patient underwent an uneventful portal vein resection with primary anastomosis.

Conclusion
This is possibly the first documented case of portal vein renal tumor thrombosis in a case of isolated pancreatic metastasis from previously operated renal cell carcinoma in published world surgical literature.
Identification of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible genes in human amniotic epithelial cells
Authors: Abe Yumiko , Sinozaki Hiromitsu , Takagi Takeshi , Minegishi Takashi , Kokame Koichi , Kangawa Kenji , Uesaka Miki , Miyamoto Kaoru 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Exposure to dioxins results in a broad range of pathophysiological disorders in human fetuses. In order to evaluate the effects of dioxins on the feto-placental tissues, we analyzed the gene expression in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) treated primary cultures of human amniotic epithelial cells.

Methods
Human amniotic epithelial cells were dispersed by trypsin from amniotic membranes and cultured in DME/Ham's F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS. Two weeks after plating, cells were treated with 50 nM TCDD or DMSO (control), further incubated for 48 hrs, and the gene expression was analyzed by DNA microarray technology and quantitative real-time PCR.

Results
Thirty eight TCDD-inducible genes, including cytochromeP4501A1 and cytochromeP4501B1, were identified. One of the remarkable profiles of the gene expression was the prominent up-regulation of interferon-inducible genes. The genes involved in the interferon gene expression and interferon signaling pathways were also up-regulated. Furthermore, the expression of genes related to collagen synthesis or degradation was enhanced by TCDD.

Conclusion
Using DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses, we identified TCDD-inducible genes, including interferon-inducible genes and genes related to collagen synthesis or degradation, in human amniotic epithelial cells.
Response of spontaneously hypertensive rats to inhalation of fine and ultrafine particles from traffic: experimental controlled study
Authors: Kooter Ingeborg M , Boere A John F , Fokkens Paul HB , Leseman Daan LAC , Dormans Jan AMA , Cassee Flemming R 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Many epidemiological studies have shown that mass concentrations of ambient particulate matter (PM) are associated with adverse health effects in the human population. Since PM is still a very crude measure, this experimental study has explored the role of two distinct size fractions: ultrafine (<0.15 μm) and fine (0.15- 2.5 μm) PM. In a series of 2-day inhalation studies, spontaneously hypersensitive (SH) rats were exposed to fine, concentrated, ambient PM (fCAP) at a city background location or a combination of ultrafine and fine (u+fCAP) PM at a location dominated by traffic. We examined the effect on inflammation and both pathological and haematological indicators as markers of pulmonary and cardiovascular injury. Exposure concentrations ranged from 399 μg/m3 to 3613 μg/m3 for fCAP and from 269μg/m3 to 556 μg/m3 for u+fCAP.

Results
Ammonium, nitrate, and sulphate ions accounted for 56 ± 16% of the total fCAP mass concentrations, but only 17 ± 6% of the u+fCAP mass concentrations. Unambiguous particle uptake in alveolar macrophages was only seen after u+fCAP exposures. Neither fCAP nor u+fCAP induced significant changes of cytotoxicity or inflammation in the lung. However, markers of oxidative stress (heme oxygenase-1 and malondialdehyde) were affected by both fCAP and u+fCAP exposure, although not always significantly. Additional analysis revealed heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels that followed a nonmonotonic function with an optimum at around 600 μg/m3 for fCAP. As a systemic response, exposure to u+fCAP and fCAP resulted in significant decreases of the white blood cell concentrations.

Conclusion
Minor pulmonary and systemic effects are observed after both fine and ultrafine + fine PM exposure. These effects do not linearly correlate with the CAP mass. A greater component of traffic CAP and/or a larger proportion ultrafine PM does not strengthen the absolute effects.
Cortical activation elicited by unrecognized stimuli
Authors: Badgaiyan Rajendra D 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
It is unclear whether a stimulus that cannot be recognized consciously, could elicit a well-processed cognitive response.

Methods
We used functional imaging to examine the pattern of cortical activation elicited by unrecognized stimuli during memory processing. Subjects were given a recognition task using recognizable and non-recognizable subliminal stimuli.

Results
Unrecognized stimuli activated the cortical areas that are associated with retrieval attempt (left prefrontal), and novelty detection (left hippocampus). This indicates that the stimuli that were not consciously recognized, activated neural network associated with aspects of explicit memory processing.

Conclusion
Results suggest that conscious recognition of stimuli is not necessary for activation of cognitive processing.
Double blind, randomized controlled trial, to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled nitric oxide releasing patch versus meglumine antimoniate in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis [NCT00317629]
Authors: Silva Sandra Y , Rueda Ligia C , López Marcos , Vélez Iván D , Rueda-Clausen Christian F , Smith Daniel J , Muñoz Gerardo , Mosquera Hernando , Silva Federico A , Buitrago Adriana , Díaz Holger , López-Jaramillo Patricio 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundCutaneous Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease, endemic in 88 countries, that has shown an increasing incidence over the last two decades. So far, pentavalent antimony compounds have been considered the treatment of choice, with a percentage of cure of about 85%. However, the high efficacy of these drugs is counteracted by their many disadvantages and adverse events. Previous studies have shown nitric oxide to be a potential alternative treatment when administered topically with no serious adverse events. However, due to the unstable nitric oxide release, the topical donors needed to be applied frequently, making the adherence to the treatment difficult. The electrospinning technique has allowed the production of a multilayer transdermal patch that produces a continuous and stable nitric oxide release. The main objective of this study is to evaluate this novel nitric oxide topical donor for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.Methods and designA double-blind, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial, including 620 patients from endemic areas for Leishmaniasis in Colombia was designed to investigate whether this patch is as effective as meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis but with less adverse events. Subjects with ulcers characteristic of cutaneous leishmaniasis will be medically evaluated and laboratory tests and parasitological confirmation performed. After checking the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. During 20 days Group 1 will receive simultaneously meglumine antimoniate and placebo of nitric oxide patches while Group 2 will receive placebo of meglumine antimoniate and active nitric oxide patches. During the treatment visits, the medications will be daily administered and the presence of adverse events assessed. During the follow-up, the research group will visit the patients at days 21, 45, 90 and 180. The healing process of the ulcer, the health of the participants, recidivisms and/or reinfection will also be assessed. The evolution of the ulcers will be photographically registered. In case that the effectiveness of the patches is demonstrated, a novel and safe therapeutic alternative for one of the most important public health problems in many countries will be available to patients.
Knee cartilage loss in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis over 4.5 years
Authors: Wluka Anita E , Forbes Andrew , Wang Yuanyuan , Hanna Fahad , Jones Graeme , Cicuttini Flavia M 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to describe the rate of change in knee cartilage volume over 4.5 years in subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine factors associated with cartilage loss. One hundred and five subjects were eligible for this longitudinal study. Subjects' tibial cartilage volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline, at 2 years and at 4.5 years. Of 105 subjects, 78 (74%) completed the study. The annual percentage losses of medial and lateral tibial cartilage over 4.5 years were 3.7 ± 4.7% (mean ± SD; 95% confidence interval 2.7 to 4.8%) and 4.4 ± 4.7% (mean ± SD; 95% confidence interval 3.4 to 5.5%), respectively. Cartilage volume in each individual seemed to track over the study period, relative to other study participants. After multivariate adjustment, annual medial tibial cartilage loss was predicted by lesser severity of baseline knee pain but was independent of age, body mass index and structural factors. No factors specified a priori were associated with lateral cartilage volume rates of change. Tibial cartilage declines at an average rate of 4% per year in subjects with symptomatic knee OA. There was evidence to support the concept that tracking occurs in OA. This may enable the prediction of cartilage change in an individual. The only significant factor affecting the loss of medial tibial cartilage was baseline knee pain, possibly through altered joint loading.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Training and Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ahmed Rehana L. , Thomas William , Yee Douglas , Schmitz Kathryn H. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose Lymphedema is a common condition that breast cancer survivors face. Despite a lack of supporting evidence from prospective observational studies, occupational and leisure time physical activity are feared to be possible risk factors for lymphedema onset or exacerbation. We examined effects of supervised upper- and lower-body weight training on the incidence and symptoms of lymphedema in 45 breast cancer survivors who participated in the Weight Training for Breast Cancer Survivors study. Methods Participants were on average 52 years old, 4 to 36 months post-treatment, and had axillary dissection as part of their treatment. Thirteen women had prevalent lymphedema at baseline. The intervention was twice-a-week weight training over a period of 6 months. Lymphedema was monitored at baseline and 6 months by measuring the circumference of each arm, and by self-report of symptoms and clinical diagnosis. Results None of the intervention-group participants experienced a change in arm circumferences ≥ 2.0 cm after a 6-month exercise intervention. Self-reported incidence of a clinical diagnosis of lymphedema or symptom changes over 6 months did not vary by intervention status (P = .40 and P = .22, respectively). Conclusion This is the largest randomized controlled trial to examine associations between exercise and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. The results of this study support the hypotheses that a 6-month intervention of resistance exercise did not increase the risk for or exacerbate symptoms of lymphedema. These results herald the need to start reevaluating common clinical guidelines that breast cancer survivors avoid upper body resistance activity for fear of increasing risk of lymphedema.
Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy Type and Route of Administration on Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lewandowski K. C. , Komorowski J. , Mikhalidis D. P. , Bienkiewicz M. , Tan B. K. , O’Callaghan C. J. , Lewinski A. , Prelevic G. , Randeva H. S. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in numerous disease states including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because recent studies have shown a detrimental effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, we investigated whether there are any differences in the concentrations of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in women receiving various forms of postmenopausal therapy.Material and Methods: A total of 195 healthy postmenopausal women were assessed: 46 were taking tibolone, 47 were taking transdermal estradiol, 46 were taking conjugated equine estrogens (CEE), and 56 were not taking any menopausal therapy (CTR). Plasma levels of MMP-2 and -9 and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA methods.Results: MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in the CEE group in comparison with healthy women not receiving menopausal therapy (P &lt; 0.05). In contrast, MMP-9 levels in the tibolone group were significantly lower than in any other group (P &lt; 0.01, compared with transdermal estradiol and CTR, and P &lt; 0.001, compared with CEE). MMP-9 to TIMP-1 ratio was also significantly higher in the CEE, compared with CTR (P &lt; 0.05), and lower in the tibolone group (P &lt; 0.01, compared with all groups). MMP-2 levels were higher in the CEE group, compared with healthy women not receiving any menopausal therapy, and women taking tibolone (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: Our study demonstrates differential effects of various forms of postmenopausal therapy on serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2. It remains to be established whether these differences might be associated with differences in risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer in these women.
The N-Terminal Neurotensin Fragment, NT1–11, Inhibits Cortisol Secretion by Human Adrenocortical Cells
Authors: Sicard Flavie , Contesse Vincent , Lefebvre Hervé , Ait-Ali Djida , Gras Marjorie , Cartier Dorthe , Decker Annick , Chartrel Nicolas , Anouar Youssef , Vaudry Hubert , Delarue Catherine 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Context: Neurotensin (NT) modulates corticosteroid secretion from the mammalian adrenal gland.
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of NT in the control of cortisol secretion in the human adrenal gland.
Design: In vitro studies were conducted on cultured human adrenocortical cells.
Setting: This study was conducted in a university research laboratory.
Patients: Adrenal explants from patients undergoing expanded nephrectomy for kidney cancer were studied.
Main Outcome Measure: Cortisol secretion from cultured adrenocortical cells was measured.
Results: NT1–11, the N-terminal fragment of NT, dose-dependently inhibited basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol production by human adrenocortical cells in primary culture. In contrast, NT had no influence on cortisol output at concentrations up to 10−6m. HPLC and RT-PCR analyses failed to detect any significant amounts of NT and NT mRNA, respectively, in adrenal extracts. Molecular and pharmacological studies were performed to determine the type of NT receptor involved in the corticostatic effect of NT1–11. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of NT receptor type (NTR) 3 mRNA but not NTR1 and NTR2 mRNAs in the human adrenal tissue. However, the pharmacological profile of the adrenal NT1–11 receptor was different from that of NTR3, indicating that this receptor type is not involved in the action of NT1–11 on corticosteroidogenesis.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that NT1–11 may act as an endocrine factor to inhibit cortisol secretion through activation of a receptor distinct from the classical NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3.
Unusual Clinical Presentation and Possible Rescue of a Novel Claudin-16 Mutation
Authors: Müller Dominik , Kausalya P. Jaya , Bockenhauer Detlef , Thumfart Julia , Meij Iwan C. , Dillon Michael J. , Hoff William van’t , Hunziker Walter 
Published: May 2006

AbstractContext: Familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is caused by a dysfunction of Claudin-16 (CLDN16) and characterized by renal wasting of Mg2+ and Ca2+.Objective: The objectives of this study were to study the clinical parameters in suspected FHHNC patients, identify mutations in the CLDN16 gene, and analyze molecular defects associated with the mutant protein.Design, Setting, and Participants: CLDN16 genes from two siblings diagnosed with FHHNC were sequenced. Expression and characterization of the mutant protein in renal MDCK cells were studied.Outcome Measures: Standard urine and serum parameters to diagnose FHHNC were determined. Mutations in the CLDN16 gene were identified. The subcellular distribution of the mutant protein was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy.Results: Urine and blood analysis showed signs typical for FHHNC. One patient, in addition, presented with hypocalcemic tetany, a phenomenon so far not described for FHHNC. Both siblings carry a novel mutation in CLDN16, Y207X. The review of medical records showed that hypocalcemia is not uncommon in the early childhood of FHHNC patients. Expressed in MDCK cells, the Y207X mutant is not detected at tight junctions but instead is found in lysosomes and, to a lesser extent, the endoplasmic reticulum. Surface expression can be rescued by inhibiting clathrin-mediated internalization.Conclusions: We propose that mutations in CLDN16 are considered in childhood hypocalcemia. CLDN16 Y207X is transiently delivered to the plasma membrane but not retained and is rapidly retrieved by internalization. Inhibitors of endocytosis may provide novel therapeutic strategies.