bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inducibility of the endogenous antibiotic peptide β-defensin 2 is impaired in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Book Malte , Chen QiXing , Lehmann Lutz E , Klaschik Sven , Weber Stefan , Schewe Jens-Christian , Luepertz Markus , Hoeft Andreas , Stuber Frank 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The potent endogenous antimicrobial peptide human β-defensin 2 (hBD2) is a crucial mediator of innate immunity. In addition to direct antimicrobial properties, different effects on immune cells have been described. In contrast to the well-documented epithelial β-defensin actions in local infections, little is known about the leukocyte-released hBD2 in systemic infectious disorders. This study investigated the basic expression levels and the ex vivo inducibility of hBD2 mRNA in peripheral whole blood cells from patients with severe sepsis in comparison to non-septic critically ill patients and healthy individuals.

Methods
This investigation was a prospective case-control study performed at a surgical intensive care unit at a university hospital. A total of 34 individuals were tested: 16 patients with severe sepsis, 9 critically ill but non-septic patients, and 9 healthy individuals. Serial blood samples were drawn from septic patients, and singular samples were obtained from critically ill non-septic patients and healthy controls. hBD2 mRNA levels in peripheral white blood cells were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction in native peripheral blood cells and following ex vivo endotoxin stimulation. Defensin plasma levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Endotoxin-inducible hBD2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in patients with severe sepsis compared to healthy controls and non-septic critically ill patients (0.02 versus 0.95 versus 0.52, p < 0.05, arbitrary units). hBD2 plasma levels in septic patients were significantly higher compared to healthy controls and critically ill non-septic patients (541 versus 339 versus 295 pg/ml, p < 0.05).

Conclusion
In contrast to healthy individuals and critically ill non-septic patients, ex vivo inducibility of hBD2 in peripheral blood cells from septic patients is reduced. Impaired hBD2 inducibility may contribute to the complex immunological dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis.
Effect of positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume on lung injury induced by alveolar instability
Authors: Halter Jeffrey M , Steinberg Jay M , Gatto Louis A , DiRocco Joseph D , Pavone Lucio A , Schiller Henry J , Albert Scott , Lee Hsi-Ming , Carney David , Nieman Gary F 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Introduction
One potential mechanism of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is due to shear stresses associated with alveolar instability (recruitment/derecruitment). It has been postulated that the optimal combination of tidal volume (Vt) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) stabilizes alveoli, thus diminishing recruitment/derecruitment and reducing VILI. In this study we directly visualized the effect of Vt and PEEP on alveolar mechanics and correlated alveolar stability with lung injury.

Methods
In vivo microscopy was utilized in a surfactant deactivation porcine ARDS model to observe the effects of Vt and PEEP on alveolar mechanics. In phase I (n = 3), nine combinations of Vt and PEEP were evaluated to determine which combination resulted in the most and least alveolar instability. In phase II (n = 6), data from phase I were utilized to separate animals into two groups based on the combination of Vt and PEEP that caused the most alveolar stability (high Vt [15 cc/kg] plus low PEEP [5 cmH2O]) and least alveolar stability (low Vt [6 cc/kg] and plus PEEP [20 cmH2O]). The animals were ventilated for three hours following lung injury, with in vivo alveolar stability measured and VILI assessed by lung function, blood gases, morphometrically, and by changes in inflammatory mediators.

Results
High Vt/low PEEP resulted in the most alveolar instability and lung injury, as indicated by lung function and morphometric analysis of lung tissue. Low Vt/high PEEP stabilized alveoli, improved oxygenation, and reduced lung injury. There were no significant differences between groups in plasma or bronchoalveolar lavage cytokines or proteases.

Conclusion
A ventilatory strategy employing high Vt and low PEEP causes alveolar instability, and to our knowledge this is the first study to confirm this finding by direct visualization. These studies demonstrate that low Vt and high PEEP work synergistically to stabilize alveoli, although increased PEEP is more effective at stabilizing alveoli than reduced Vt. In this animal model of ARDS, alveolar instability results in lung injury (VILI) with minimal changes in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage cytokines and proteases. This suggests that the mechanism of lung injury in the high Vt/low PEEP group was mechanical, not inflammatory in nature.
A Novel Route to Prepare ZnO Nanotubes by Using Microwave Irradiation Method
Authors: Kong Xiang-rong , Duan Yueqin , Peng Peng , Qiu Chen , Wu Liyan , Liu Lin , Zheng Wenjun 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Well-crystallized zinc oxide nanoscale tubular structures have been prepared by using the microwave irradiation method which does not need any templates, seeds, and surfactants. The ZnO nanotubes have regular polyhedral shapes, hollow cores with diameters of 100–200 nm, lengths of 1–3 μm and wall thicknesses of 10–40 nm.
Formation of Mesoporous Silica from a Layered Polysilicate Makatite
Authors: Tamura Hiroaki , Mochizuki Dai , Kimura Tatsuo , Kuroda Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Mesoporous silicas with highly ordered and less ordered mesopores were formed through the reaction of a crystalline layered polysilicate makatite with hexadecyltrimethylammonium (C16TMA) chloride. The uniqueness of makatite as a starting material for the formation of mesostructured silica is verified.
Interactions among Three Top-Level Predators in a Polymictic Great Plains Reservoir
Authors: Olson Nathan W. , Guy Christopher S. , Koupal Keith D. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
After the introduction of hybrid striped bass (white bass Morone chrysops × striped bass M. saxatilis) into Harlan County Reservoir, Nebraska, gill-net catch per unit effort (CPUE) of walleyes Sander vitreus appeared to decline while that of white bass remained stable. This result prompted the question of whether these three species can be managed collectively in reservoir ecosystems. However, despite the frequency with which these three popular sport fishes coexist in Great Plains reservoirs, we are unaware of any studies that evaluate resource overlap among them. Therefore, we compared their diets, diet overlap, isotopic composition, vertical distribution, and vertical overlap in Harlan County Reservoir from June to September 2002 and 2003. All three species consumed similar prey (i.e., gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum and Chironomidae), and diet overlap was high (i.e., Pianka's index &gt; 40) during all months. On no occasion did all three predators consume the same sizes of gizzard shad. Hybrid striped bass consumed larger gizzard shad than white bass did in September 2002 and 2003, whereas white bass consumed smaller gizzard shad than walleyes and hybrid striped bass did in August 2002 and 2003. Stable isotope analysis corroborated the diet analysis and indicated that all three species occupied the same trophic level and that each predator derived carbon from a similar prey source. White bass were consistently located within the upper 3 m of water, whereas the vertical distribution of hybrid striped bass and walleyes varied from the surface to 10 m deep. Spatial overlap was therefore not as high as dietary overlap and was variable among species and months. Although diet overlap was high, resource partitioning (i.e., different feeding locations and different sizes of gizzard shad eaten) reduced the negative interactions among the three predators. Therefore, we conclude that concurrent management of these three sport fishes is feasible in highly productive reservoirs similar to the one in this study.
Distinguishing Centrarchid Genera by Use of Lateral Line Scales
Authors: Roberts Nathan M. , Rabeni Charles F. , Stanovick John S. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Predator–prey relations involving fishes are often evaluated using scales remaining in gut contents or feces. While several reliable keys help identify North American freshwater fish scales to the family level, none attempt to separate the family Centrarchidae to the genus level. Centrarchidae is of particular concern in the midwestern United States because it contains several popular sport fishes, such as smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, largemouth bass M. salmoides, and rock bass Ambloplites rupestris, as well as less-sought-after species of sunfishes Lepomis spp. and crappies Pomoxis spp. Differentiating sport fish from non-sport fish has important management implications. Morphological characteristics of lateral line scales (n = 1,581) from known centrarchid fishes were analyzed. The variability of measurements within and between genera was examined to select variables that were the most useful in further classifying unknown centrarchid scales. A linear discriminant analysis model was developed using 10 variables. Based on this model, 84.4% of Ambloplites scales, 81.2% of Lepomis scales, and 86.6% of Micropterus scales were classified correctly using a jackknife procedure.
Use of Underwater Visual Distance Sampling for Estimating Habitat-Specific Population Density
Authors: Pink Melissa , Pratt Thomas C. , Fox Michael G. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
We contrasted fish abundance estimates generated from mark–recapture and underwater visual distance sampling to determine whether the latter method is a potentially valuable fisheries assessment tool. We further examined whether altering the detection function or habitat stratification and including lake characteristics such as Secchi depth, temperature, and fish density affected distance sampling estimates. Distance sampling produced estimates that were comparable to those of mark–recapture techniques (r 2 = 0.60), and the relationship improved considerably when two species that were difficult to sample visually were removed from the analysis (r 2 = 0.88). The precision of mark–recapture estimates was significantly better than that of distance sampling. Distance sampling estimates were more similar to mark–recapture estimates when stratified by habitat than when pooled across habitats. The addition of Secchi depth, temperature, fish density, or a combination thereof to a regression equation that included mark–recapture and distance sampling estimates did not improve the strength of the relation. We were able to detect significant among-habitat differences using habitat-specific density estimates provided from distance sampling. Distance sampling is a less-intrusive means to determine fish abundance and microhabitat patterns and provides a way to determine age-0 fish abundance in addition to information (e.g., school size) that is not readily obtained by mark–recapture studies.
Genetic Analyses Provide Insight into the Early Ocean Stock Distribution and Survival of Juvenile Coho Salmon off the Coasts of Washington and Oregon
Authors: Van Doornik Donald M. , Teel David J. , Kuligowski David R. , Morgan Cheryl A. , Casillas Edmundo 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Estimating the stock proportions of mixed-stock fishery samples by means of genetic stock identification has played an important role in the management of salmon fisheries. In addition, stock identification of individual fish has applications for population studies, forensic cases, and management issues. We examined 11 microsatellite DNA loci in 84 populations of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch sampled at 78 locations from southern British Columbia to northern California to construct a database of microsatellite allele frequencies. We then evaluated the applicability of the database for estimating stock proportions in a mixed fishery and assigning individuals to their regions of origin. The loci were highly polymorphic: observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.754 to 0.943. Using genetic distance calculations, we identified six major geographic regions and 15 smaller subregions into which the populations grouped. Computer simulations and a sample of 143 coho salmon with known origins showed that the database was sufficient to make accurate stock proportion estimates to the 15 subregions. For the sample of fish with known origins, individual assignments to region of origin were 82.5% accurate for all samples and 97.8% accurate for those where P was greater than 0.95. We used the database to estimate stock proportions and densities of 2,344 coho salmon sampled over eight summers in a juvenile marine ecology study conducted off the coasts of Washington and Oregon. Columbia River juveniles were caught at higher densities than coastal fish throughout the summer. Fish from Columbia River and coastal sources were captured both north and south of their points of sea entry in early summer and at higher densities than in late summer. September catch of Columbia River juveniles was correlated with adult abundance in the following year, indicating that year-class strength for this stock is largely set during the first summer in the ocean.
Imaging findings and surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in three dogs
Authors: Jeffery Nicholas D. , Smith Peter M. , Talbot Catherine E. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Case Description—3 immature screw-tailed dogs were evaluated because of progressive pelvic limb paraparesis.
Clinical Findings—Each dog had marked ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs and a palpable deformity of the midthoracic portion of the vertebral column. Pain perception in the pelvic limbs was considered normal, and there was no evidence of fecal or urinary incontinence in any of the 3 dogs. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed hemivertebrae with severe dorsoventral stenosis of the vertebral canal resulting in spinal cord compression in 2 dogs and lateral compression in the other.
Treatment and Outcome—Each dog underwent decompressive surgery consisting of dorsal laminectomy or hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilization by use of combinations of Kirschner wires or threaded external fixator pins plus polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. All dogs regained strong locomotor function with minimal residual pelvic limb ataxia.
Clinical Relevance—Little detailed information regarding surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in dogs is available; results of treatment in these 3 dogs suggest that spinal cord decompression and stabilization of the vertebral column can achieve a satisfactory, functional outcome.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with administration of etodolac in dogs: 211 cases (1992–2002)
Authors: Klauss Gia , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Moore Cecil P. , Stuhr Charles M. , Martin Stacy L. , Tyler Jeff W. , Fitzgerald Kelsie E. , Crawford Debra A. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Objective—To characterize features and response to treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) associated with oral administration of etodolac in dogs.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Sample Population—65 cases obtained from a survey of veterinary ophthalmologists (group A) and 146 cases reported to Fort Dodge Animal Health (group B).
Procedures—Data analyzed included breed, sex, age, weight, dose and duration of etodolac administration, results of Schirmer tear test at the time of diagnosis and last follow-up, treatments, and response to treatments. Groups A and B were analyzed separately by use of forward stepwise logistic regression models developed to predict probability of complete remission or clinical improvement as a function of several variables.
Results—Most dogs developed severe KCS (84 eyes of 50 dogs [group A]; 111 eyes of 62 dogs [group B]). Resolution of KCS occurred in 7 of 65 (A) and 23 of 146 (B) dogs. No response to treatment was observed in 26 of 65 (A) and 27 of 146 (B) dogs. Fifty-one (A) and 52 (B) dogs had records that were sufficiently complete to use in models. In group B, dogs with etodolac treatment intervals < 6 months prior to the onset of KCS were 4.2 times as likely to have remission as were dogs with treatment intervals ≥ 6 months.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Shorter duration of etodolac administration (< 6 months) was associated with improved outcome in 1 population of dogs. Monitoring of tear production should be considered prior to and during administration of etodolac in dogs.
Bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in a great horned owl
Authors: Carter Renee T. , Murphy Christopher J. , Stuhr Charles M. , Diehl Kathryn A. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Case Description—A great horned owl of estimated age < 1 year that was captured by wildlife rehabilitators was evaluated because of suspected cataracts.
Clinical Findings—Nuclear and incomplete cortical cataracts were evident in both eyes. Ocular ultrasonography revealed no evidence of retinal detachment, and electroretinography revealed normal retinal function.
Treatment and Outcome—For visual rehabilitation, cataract surgery was planned and intraocular lens design was determined on the basis of values obtained from the schematic eye, which is a mathematical model representing a normal eye for a species. Cataract surgery and intraocular lens placement were performed in both eyes. After surgery, refraction was within −0.75 diopters in the right eye and −0.25 diopters in the left eye. Visual rehabilitation was evident on the basis of improved tracking and feeding behavior, and the owl was eventually released into the wild.
Clinical Relevance—In raptors with substantial visual compromise, euthanasia or placement in a teaching facility is a typical outcome because release of such a bird is unacceptable. Successful intraocular lens implantation for visual rehabilitation and successful release into the wild are achievable.
Delineation of the cryptic 1qter deletion phenotype
Authors: Merritt J. Lawrence , Zou Ying , Jalal Syed M. , Michels Virginia V. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe 1qter microdeletion is often reported in the literature as a part of a complex chromosome rearrangement. We describe a patient with a normal initial cytogenetic analysis later found by subtelomeric FISH to have a de novo isolated 1qter microdeletion. Further characterization was completed through microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and specific bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to a region of 5.2–5.3 Mbp. Six additional cases were reviewed from a literature search. While no particular feature is specifically unique, the most frequently associated features include short stature, developmental delay and mental retardation, microcephaly, seizures, abnormal corpus callosum, and abnormal ear shape. This further delineates the phenotype and further narrows the chromosomal region responsible for a 1qter microdeletion phenotype. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital arhinia: Molecular‐genetic analysis of five patients
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Shimokawa Osamu , Harada Naoki , Olsen Oystein E. , Hou Jia‐Woei , Muhlbauer Wolfgang , Blinkenberg Ellen , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Kinoshita Akira , Matsumoto Naomichi , Kondo Shinji , Kishino Tatsuya , Miwa Nobutomo , Ariga Tadashi , Niikawa Norio , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCongenital arhinia, complete absence of the nose, is an extremely rare anomaly with unknown cause. To our knowledge, a total of 36 cases have been reported, but there has been no molecular‐genetic study on this anomaly. We encountered a sporadic case of congenital arhinia associated with a de novo chromosomal translocation, t(3;12)(q13.2;p11.2). This led us to analyze the patient by BAC‐based FISH for translocation breakpoints and whole‐genome array CGH for other possible deletions/duplications in the genome. We found in this patient an approximately 19 Mb deletion spanning from 3q11.2 to 3q13.31 but no disruption of any gene(s) at the other breakpoint, 12p11.2. As the deleted segment at 3q was a strong candidate region containing the putative arhinia gene, we also performed the array CGH in four other arhinia patients with normal karyotypes, as well as mutation analysis of two genes, COL8A1 and CPOX, selected among hundreds of genes located to the deleted region, because they are expressed during early stages of human craniofacial development. However, in the four patients, there were no copy number aberrations in the region examined or no mutations in the two genes. Although our study failed to identify the putative arhinia gene, the data may become a clue to unravel the underlying mechanism of arhinia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disruption of a synaptotagmin (SYT14) associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities
Authors: Quintero‐Rivera Fabiola , Chan Alicia , Donovan Diana J. , Gusella James F. , Ligon Azra H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe report cytogenetic and molecular studies of a de novo, apparently balanced t(1;3)(q32.1;q25.1) identified in a 12‐year‐old female (designated DGAP128) with cerebral atrophy, macrocephaly seizures, and developmental delay. A combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Southern blot analysis demonstrated disruption of a synaptotagmin gene (SYT14) at the 1q32 breakpoint. Expression of SYT14 in human brain was confirmed using Northern analysis. Because members of the synaptotagmin family of proteins function as sensors that link changes in calcium levels with a variety of biological processes, including neurotransmission and hormone‐responsiveness, SYT14 is an intriguing candidate gene for the abnormal development in this child. This is the first known constitutional rearrangement of SYT14, and further systematic genetic analysis and clinical studies of DGAP128 may offer unique insights into the role of SYT14 in neurodevelopment. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma obestatin and ghrelin levels in subjects with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Bittel Douglas C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPrader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is an obesity syndrome characterized by rapid weight gain and excessive food intake. Food intake is regulated by the hypothalamus but directly influenced by gastrointestinal peptides responding to the nutritional status and body composition of an individual. Ghrelin, derived from preproghrelin, is secreted by the stomach and increases appetite while obestatin, a recently identified peptide derived post‐translationally from preproghrelin, works in opposition to ghrelin by decreasing appetite. The objective of this study was to measure fasting obestatin and ghrelin levels in peripheral blood of subjects with PWS and compare to age and gender matched control subjects. Plasma obestatin and ghrelin levels were measured in subjects with PWS (n = 16, mean age = 16.0 ± 13.3 years; age range 1–44 years) and age and gender matched control subjects (n = 16). Significantly higher obestatin levels were seen in the 16 PWS subjects (398 ± 102 pg/ml) compared with 16 controls (325 ± 109 pg/ml; matched t‐test, P = 0.04), particularly in 5 young (≤3 years old) PWS subjects (460 ± 49 pg/ml) compared with 5 young controls (369 ± 96 pg/ml; matched t‐test, P = 0.03). No significant difference in ghrelin levels was seen between the PWS and comparison groups. No significant correlation was observed for either peptide when compared with body mass index but a significant negative correlation was seen for ghrelin and age in PWS subjects. Our observations suggest that obestatin may be higher in infants with PWS compared to comparison infants. The possibility that obestatin may contribute to the failure to thrive which is common in infants with PWS warrants further investigation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.