bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fortschritt in der Pathogenese des Marfan-Syndroms und verwandter Krankheiten
Authors: Callewaert B.L. , De Paepe A.M. 
Published: March 2008

Zusammenfassung
Hereditäre Erkrankungen des Bindegewebes bilden eine heterogene Gruppe von Krankheiten, die auf einer gestörten extrazellulären Matrix beruhen. Ein ausgeprägtes kardiovaskuläres Risiko begleitet viele dieser Krankheiten und führt zu erhöhter Morbidität und Mortalität im Kindes- und im Erwachsenenalter. Marfan-Syndrom und verwandte Erkrankungen gehören zu den wichtigsten Beispielen von Bindegewebskrankheiten mit kardiovaskulären Manifestationen. Insbesondere die fortschreitende Dilatation der Aortenwurzel resultiert in Aortenaneurysma und -dissektion, die oft einen vorzeitigen Tod zur Folge haben. Fortschritte in der klinischen molekularen Forschung während der letzten 10 Jahre haben das vorherrschende Konzept dieser Syndrome als Strukturdefekte des Bindegewebes in Krankheiten mit gestörten Zytokinsignalwegen mit einem breiten Spektrum von Entwicklungsanomalien erweitert. Neue Einsichten haben neue unerwartete Ziele für Ansätze von kausalen Therapien aller Aneurysmasyndrome geschaffen, auch für die häufigen, nicht syndromalen Aneurysmaformen.
Cardiac resynchronisation as a rescue therapy in patients with catecholamine‐dependent overt heart failure: Results from a short and mid‐term study
Authors: Milliez Paul , Thomas Olivier , Haggui Abdeddayem , Schurando Patrick , Squara Pierre , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Mebazaa Alexandre , Leenhardt Antoine 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a validated treatment for heart failure (HF) patients in NYHA class III–IV despite optimal medical therapy. We aimed to assess the beneficial effects of CRT in patients with catecholamine‐dependent overt HF (CDOHF).Methods:We studied 20 CDOHF patients who had undergone CRT implantation. Patients had a mean baseline QRS duration of 174–25 ms and/or echocardiographic asynchrony, and LVEF of 18–3%. Mean follow‐up was 18–12 months. Dependence on catecholamine agents was defined as the inability to stop or reduce drug infusion without re‐occurrence of hypotension, low urine output and hypoxaemia.Results:After CRT implantation, catecholamine agents were mostly withdrawn within 2days and blood pressure, urine output and BNP rapidly improved within 24h. During follow‐up, survival rates were 85% at 3months, 80% at 6months and 55% at 18 months. Among the 9 deaths, 5 were related to overt HF, 3 to sudden cardiac death and 1 to non‐cardiac death. LVEF improved from 18±3% to 21±4% three months after CRT implantation.Conclusion:“Rescue” CRT implantation in CDOHF patients allowed a rapid and successful catecholamine weaning in all studied patients. Furthermore, this immediate beneficial effect is sustained for more than one year in surviving patients.
Anticipated and perceived pain from midtrimester amniocentesis
Authors: Karasahin Emre , Gungor Sadettin , Goktolga Umit , Keskin Ugur , Gezginc Kazim , Baser Iskender 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the anticipated and perceived pain and determine the factors contributing to pain perception in women undergoing midtrimester amniocentesis.MethodsA visual analog scale was used to quantify pain in this prospective study of 64 women undergoing amniocentesis in the same clinical setting. The analysis was done using the paired‐samples t test, analysis of variance, the Kruskal–Wallis test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsThe postprocedural pain scores were significantly less than the preprocedural pain scores (P < 0.01). Parity, a previous amniocentesis, the indication for amniocentesis, and the previous loss of a child were factors contributing to pain scores. No correlations were found between pain score and maternal age, week of pregnancy at the time of the procedure, parity, or having lost a child.ConclusionThe perceived pain was less than the anticipated pain, and the factors contributing to pain should be kept in mind when counseling patients undergoing midtrimester amniocentesis.
Early oral hydration after cesarean delivery performed under regional anesthesia
Authors: Mulayim Baris , Celik Nilufer Y. , Kaya Serdar , Yanik Filiz F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo establish an early, safe, and well‐tolerated time to start oral hydration after cesarean delivery.MethodsA prospective randomized trial of women delivered by cesarean under regional anesthesia at Alanya Research and Medical Center, Turkey, between 2005 and 2006. A clear liquid drink was given to 100 women in the early oral intake (EOI) group 2 hours after surgery, and to 100 women in the delayed oral intake (DOI) group 8 hours after surgery. If the drink was tolerated, solid foods were then given gradually.ResultIn the EOI and DOI groups, respectively, the mean time for the return of bowel movements was 4.4 ± 1.9 h vs 6.3 ± 2.4 h; mean time elapsed until initial passage of flatus was 12.1 ± 5.5 h vs 24.1 ± 6.0 h; and mean duration of hospitalization was 29.6 ± 5.5 h vs 44.6 ± 6.8 h (P < 0.05).ConclusionFollowing cesarean delivery under regional anesthesia, oral hydration given as early as 2 hours after the operation is safe and well tolerated.
Traces of dammed paleolake activity in the main valley relief and fill in the south of the Irkutsk amphitheater
Authors: Arzhannikova A.V. , Arzhannikov S.G. , Akulova V.V. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Thick sand-argillaceous deposits filling the paleorelief roughness are widespread in the south of the Irkutsk amphitheater. The origin of these deposits is still debatable: Some researchers relate them to eolian processes, and others consider them sediments of a dammed paleolake. A series of sand-argillaceous sections was studied in order to refine the genesis of deposits in the area of possible flooding. Results of these studies and laboratory analyses of the deposits argue for their lacustrine genesis and a drastic change in sedimentation conditions during the early formation of the paleolake. The tectonically induced instantaneous Badarma landsliding to the Angara River valley is assumed to have caused the damming of the main rivers in the study area.
Geochemical distinctions between “crustal” and mantle-derived peridotites/pyroxenites in high/ultrahigh pressure metamorphic complexes
Authors: Reverdatto V.V. , Selyatitskiy A.Yu. , Carswell D.A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Basic and ultrabasic rocks in high- and ultrahigh-pressure collision belts can provide important petrological information. Mantle-derived and “crustal” peridotites and pyroxenites are recognized among these rocks in Phanerozoic orogenic zones. The former were emplaced as mantle magma intrusions or tectonically transferred solid fragments of mantle material in the deeply subsided lithosphere, while the latter are shallow complexes of dikes and sills, which were altered and metamorphosed during subduction process. Both rock types were later exhumed at the Earth’s surface. For geochemical comparison of these types, four groups of rocks were chosen: two sample sets of mantle-derived rocks and two sets of crustal rocks. The mantle-derived rocks include a set of spinel and garnet peridotites of alpine-type bodies from the Eastern and Western Alps and the Ronda massif in Spain as well as a set of pyroxenites from the Eastern Alps. The “crustal” rocks include a set of garnet and spinel peridotites from the Kokchetav massif, northern Kazakhstan, and garnet peridotites from the Western Gneiss Region, western Norway, together with a set of pyroxenites from the Kokchetav massif. Geochemical investigation has revealed that mantle-derived peridotites are characterized, as a rule, by high contents of MgO (35–46 wt.%), Cr (1750–12,770 ppm), and Ni (900–2500 ppm), low contents of FeO (5–10 wt.%), TiO2 (0.01–0.3 wt.%), Zr (0.002–1.2 ppm), Nb (0.001–0.3 ppm), Sm (0.003–0.5 ppm), La (0.005–1 ppm), and Yb (0.006–0.54 ppm), and the total content of REE equal to 0.06–5.2 ppm. Mantle-derived pyroxenites contain 27–35 wt.% MgO, 2300–3300 ppm Cr, 5.5–9 wt.% FeO, 0.02–0.08 wt.% TiO2, 0.2–1.4 ppm Zr, 0.007–0.06 ppm Nb, 0–0.13 ppm Sm, 0.007–0.23 ppm La, 0.02–0.2 ppm Yb, and 0.05–1.6 ppm total REE. “Crustal” peridotites are characterized by high contents of FeO (12–25 wt.%), TiO2 (0.64–2.6 wt.%), Zr (33–179 ppm), Nb (3.4–13.8 ppm), Sm (0.7–4 ppm), La (1–8 ppm), Yb (0.8–3.3 ppm), and total REE (11.5–48 ppm) as well as by comparatively low contents of MgO (15–26 wt.%), Cr (79–244 ppm), and Ni (450–730 ppm). “Crustal” pyroxenites contain 6–21.5 wt.% MgO, 90–230 ppm Cr, 11–21 wt.% FeO, 0.7–1.3 wt.% TiO2, 45–493 ppm Zr, 1–8 Nb, 1.6–4.3 ppm Sm, 4.7–14 ppm La, 1.3–7.4 ppm Yb, and 27–80 ppm total REE. These data permit us to develop D. Carswell’s idea of distinctions between the mantle-derived and “crustal” peridotites and suggest some promising geochemical criteria. The criteria are based on distinctions between the contents of MgO, FeO, TiO2, Cr, Ni, Zr, Nb, REE, etc. in peridotites and pyroxenites. Binary MgO–Cr, FeO–TiO2, La–Yb, Lu–Nd, Eu–Gd, and Sm–ΣREE diagrams give an opportunity to discriminate the compositions in detail and are the most appropriate for practical use. The obtained information may be helpful in understanding the nature of protoliths when studying mafic/ultramafic granulites in high-grade metamorphic rocks.
Radioactive pollution of the Baikal area as a result of nuclear ground tests
Authors: Chernyago B.P. , Nepomnyashchikh A.I. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Results of analyses for 137Cs in soils sampled in more than 800 localities have shown that the Baikal area pollution is much contributed by local radioactive fallout from the Semipalatinsk nuclear ground tests. We studied the effect of the amount of atmospheric precipitation and the types of landscapes and soils on the content of 137Cs in regional soils. Local radioactive fallout is confirmed by the total beta activity of daily atmospheric precipitation measured at regional weather stations.
Cartilage tympanoplasty: literature review
Authors: Yung M 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThere has been renewed interest in the use of cartilage for middle-ear reconstructions. The aim of the present review is to examine the indications, techniques and surgical outcomes of cartilage tympanoplasties reported in the literature. There have been concerns regarding weakening of cartilage struts, from histological studies involving explants; as a result, cartilage struts for ossiculoplasty have not gained popularity. On the other hand, cartilage tympanoplasty is now an established procedure for tympanic membrane and attic reconstruction. The commonest techniques involve cartilage palisades and composite cartilage–perichondrial island grafts. There are many variations on the shape, size and thickness of the cartilage grafts. The perceived benefit of cartilage tympanoplasty is to prevent retraction pockets at the grafted site, even though many otologists accept that this technique may not deal with the causal factors involved in the retraction process. Concerns that the stiffness and mass of cartilage grafts may adversely affect hearing have not been substantiated in clinical reports thus far.
Local and continental correlates of the abundance of a neotropical cat, the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
Authors: Di Bitetti Mario S. , Paviolo Agustín , De Angelo Carlos D. , Di Blanco Yamil E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:As top predators, wild cats play a key ecological role in tropical forests, but little is known about the factors that regulate their abundance. This study looked for correlates of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) abundance at two spatial scales. First, camera-trap surveys conducted in the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina, were used to test the hypothesis that selective logging and poaching affect the local abundance of this cat. Second, published density estimates (N = 21) were used to test the hypothesis that rainfall and latitude are correlated with the abundance of ocelots across their continental range. In Misiones, ocelot densities ranged from 4.96 ± 1.33 individuals per 100 km2in the intensely logged and hunted areas to 17.6 ± 2.25 individuals per 100 km2in areas with low human impact. The frequency of records, number of individuals recorded per station, and density estimates were 2–3 times higher in areas with relatively low levels of logging and poaching. At a continental scale, ocelot densities decrease with latitude and increase with rainfall. Primary productivity seems to determine the abundance of wild cats across their range, but at a local scale their abundance may be affected by logging and poaching or by competition with other species.
Water management reform and the choice of contractual form in China
Authors: HUANG QIUQIONG , ROZELLE SCOTT , MSANGI SIWA , WANG JINXIA , HUANG JIKUN 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper explains the puzzling fact that in organizing the management of surface water, village leaders have provided incentives to canal managers in some areas, but not in all. Our study indicates that the optimal contractual choice depends on the relative abilities of the leader and the manager, the design of the cultivated land, the characteristics of the canal system and the opportunity costs of the leader and the pool of managerial candidates. The unifying mechanism is the relative change in the ability of the leader and manager to perform the unmarketable activities that are needed to provide irrigation services.
T Lymphocyte Migration to Lymph Nodes Is Maintained during Homeostatic Proliferation
Authors: Kodera Masanari , Grailer Jamison J. , Karalewitz Andrew P-A. , Subramanian Hariharan , Steeber Douglas A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe immune system maintains appropriate cell numbers through regulation of cell proliferation and death. Normal tissue distribution of lymphocytes is maintained through expression of specific adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors such as L-selectin and CCR7, respectively. Lymphocyte insufficiency or lymphopenia induces homeostatic proliferation of existing lymphocytes to increase cell numbers. Interestingly, homeostatic proliferation of T lymphocytes induces a phenotypic change from naïve- to memory-type cell. Naïve T cells recirculate between blood and lymphoid tissues whereas memory T cells migrate to nonlymphoid sites such as skin and gut. To assess effects of homeostatic proliferation on migratory ability of T cells, a murine model of lymphopenia-induced homeostatic proliferation was used. Carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester-labeled wild-type splenocytes were adoptively transferred into recombination activation gene-1-deficient mice and analyzed by flow cytometry,in vitrochemotactic andin vivomigration assays, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Homeostatically proliferated T cells acquired a mixed memory-type CD44highL-selectinhighCCR7lowphenotype. Consistent with this, chemotaxis to secondary lymphoid tissue chemokinein vitrowas reduced by 22%–34%. By contrast, no differences were found for migration or entry into lymph nodes duringin vivomigration assays. Therefore, T lymphocytes that have undergone homeostatic proliferation recirculate using mechanisms similar to naïve T cells.
Adenosine receptors and asthma
Authors: Brown R A , Spina D , Page C P 
Published: March 2008

The accumulation of evidence implicating a role for adenosine in the pathogenesis of asthma has led to investigations into all adenosine receptor subtypes as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of asthma. Selective A1receptor antagonists are currently in preclinical development since adenosine has been shown experimentally to mediate various features of asthma through this receptor such as bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion and inflammation. The A2Areceptor is expressed on most inflammatory cells implicated in asthma, and as A2Astimulation activates adenylate cyclase and consequently elevates cAMP, selective A2Areceptor agonists have now reached clinical development. However, initial reports concerning their efficacy are inconclusive. A2Breceptor antagonists are also under investigation based on the rationale that inhibiting the effects of adenosine on mast cells would be beneficial, in addition to other reported pro‐inflammatory effects mediated by the A2Breceptor on cells such as airway smooth muscle, epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Whilst the effects in pre‐clinical models are promising, their efficacy in the clinical setting has also yet to be reported. Finally, adenosine A3receptor stimulation has been demonstrated to mediate inhibitory effects on eosinophils since it also elevates cAMP. However, some experimental reports suggest that A3antagonists mediate anti‐inflammatory effects, thus the rationale for A3receptor ligands as therapeutic agents remains to be determined. In conclusion, establishing the precise role of adenosine in the pathogenesis of asthma and developing appropriate subtype selective agonists/antagonists represents an exciting opportunity for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of asthma.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, S446–S456; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.22
Dose‐dependent protective effect of propofol against mitochondrial dysfunction in ischaemic/reperfused rat heart: role of cardiolipin
Authors: Shao H , Li J , Zhou Y , Ge Z , Fan J , Shao Z , Zeng Y 
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:Ischaemia damages to the cardiac mitochondria by increasing generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxidation of cardiolipin. The inhibited mitochondrial function leads to the cardiac injury during reperfusion. Propofol (2, 6‐diisopropylphenol), an intravenous anaesthetic, has been shown to decrease cardiac ischaemia and reperfusion injury. In the present study, we propose that propofol protects mitochondrial function and decreases cardiac injury by prevention of cardiolipin peroxidation during ischaemia and reperfusion.Experimental approach:After isolation of mitochondria from isolated rat heart perfused on a Langendorff model, various mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters were evaluated such as rates of mitochondrial oxygen consumption, H2O2 production, complex I and III activity as well as the degree of lipid peroxidation and cardiolipin content. The action of propofol was also explored in isolated mitochondria. And the effect of cardiolipin was evaluated by fusing cardiolipin liposome with mitochondria.Key results:Propofol treatment had strong dose‐dependent protection attenuating these parameters alterations in reperfused rat heart and isolated mitochondria. Additionally, cardiolipin treatment had the same protective effect, compared with propofol treatment at high concentration.Conclusions and implications:The protective effect of propofol appears to be due, at least in part, as a chemical uncoupler, to the interruption of the vicious circle of ROS–cardiolipin–complexes of the respiratory chain–ROS through preserving the content and integrity of cardiolipin molecules by ROS attack. These findings may provide an explanation for some of the factors responsible for cardioprotection and one approach exploring an available antioxidant.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1641–1649; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.45; published online 3 March 2008
Retinal plasma extravasation in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats mediated by kinin B1and B2receptors
Authors: Abdouh M , Talbot S , Couture R , Hasséssian H M 
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:We investigated whether or not kinin receptors play a role in diabetic blood–retinal barrier breakdown, which is a leading cause of vision loss.Experimental approach:Blood–retinal barrier breakdown was quantified using Evans blue, and expression of kinin B1receptor mRNA was measured using quantitative reverse transcrition‐PCR. Diabetic rats (streptozotocin (STZ), 65 mg kg−1) received a single intraocular injection of bradykinin (BK) or des‐Arg9‐BK, alone, or in combination with antagonists for B1(des‐Arg10‐Hoe140, R‐715) and/or B2(Hoe140) receptors, given intraocularly or intravenously (i.v.).Key results:In control rats, BK (0.1–10 nmol) dose‐dependently increased plasma extravasation, which was inhibited by Hoe140 (0.2 nmol), whereas des‐Arg9‐BK (0.1 and 1 nmol) was without effect. B1receptor mRNA was markedly increased in retinas of diabetic rats, and this was prevented byN‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (1 g kg−1 day−1for 7 days). Plasma extravasation in retinas of STZ‐diabetic rats was higher than in controls and enhanced by des‐Arg9‐BK. Response to des‐Arg9‐BK was inhibited by intraocular or i.v. injection of B1receptor antagonists. Diabetes‐induced plasma extravasation was inhibited only by a combination of des‐Arg10‐Hoe140 and Hoe 140 (100 nmol kg−1, i.v. 15 min earlier) or by R‐715 (1 μmol kg−1, i.v.) injected daily for 7 days.Conclusions and implications:Kinin B1receptors are upregulated in retinas of STZ‐diabetic rats through a mechanism involving oxidative stress. Both kinin B1and B2receptors contribute to increased plasma extravasation in diabetic retinopathy. Chronic inhibition of both kinin receptors, possibly with antioxidant adjuvants, may be a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy.
Streamlined Gene Assembly PCR
Authors: Barnes Wayne M. , Frawley Elaine R. 
Published: March 2008

INTRODUCTIONTo construct genes with artificial, designed sequences, the temperature-cycling steps of the PCR process can be used to assemble whole genes and plasmids from identically sized pieces as small as 40 nucleotides. The original protocol for this process entailed two sequential PCR-like reactions. The first cycling protocol of 55 cycles (called “assembly”) contained no PCR primers per se; instead, the 40-mers all primed on each other, building up the product gene by extension of 20 bp at each extension step. In the second cycling protocol, real PCR primers were supplied, and 1-2 μL from the first PCR served as the template for an additional 23 cycles (for a total of 78 cycles). Finally, the PCR product was digested by restriction enzymes and gel-purified for cloning. The procedure presented here is a streamlined version of the original methodology, requiring only one round of 20-25 cycles to obtain a single or major product band, as detected by agarose gel analysis. This can be followed directly by cloning without gel-purification of the target DNA.
Preparation of Arabidopsis Tissue Sections of Fixed Material
Authors: Baum Stuart 
Published: March 2008

INTRODUCTIONThe best tissue sections are obtained from plastic-embedded material. These sections are more difficult and more expensive to prepare than those from Paraplast-embedded material, but the superior results make the additional effort worthwhile. The procedure starts with a fixative cocktail that includes a quickly penetrating fixative, such as paraformaldehyde, and one that is good for preserving fine structure, such as glutaraldehyde. Next, the samples are stained to facilitate manipulation of embedded tissue. After dehydration and staining, the tissue is infiltrated with resin. Finally, the embedded tissue is mounted and sectioned. The following protocol can be used on roots, leaves, shoot apices, and flowers, but the duration of infiltration must be adjusted for the various tissue types. Roots can be processed within 2 d, whereas leaves and flowers require up to 2 wk infiltration. Because Arabidopsis seedlings are small, whole seedlings (1-2 weeks old) can be fixed (including the root system) without dissection. Similarly, entire inflorescences, including those that have just opened, can be processed. Before embedding, the fixed material should be dissected to isolate organs of interest, such as individual flowers, to allow better orientation. Leaves from plants older than 2 wk should be cut into 1-cm2 pieces and fixed individually.