bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertilization‐dependent auxin response in ovules triggers fruit development through the modulation of gibberellin metabolism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dorcey Eavan , Urbez Cristina , Blázquez Miguel A. , Carbonell Juan , Perez‐Amador Miguel A. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryFruit development is usually triggered by ovule fertilization, and it requires coordination between seed development and the growth and differentiation of the ovary to host the seeds. Hormones are known to synchronize these two processes, but the role of each hormone, and the mechanism by which they interact, are still unknown. Here we show that auxin and gibberellins (GAs) act in a hierarchical scheme. The synthetic reporter construct DR5:GFP showed that fertilization triggered an increase in auxin response in the ovules, which could be mimicked by blocking polar auxin transport. As the application of GAs did not affect auxin response, the most likely sequence of events after fertilization involves auxin‐mediated activation of GA synthesis. We have confirmed this, and have shown that GA biosynthesis upon fertilization is localized specifically in the fertilized ovules. Furthermore, auxin treatment caused changes in the expression of GA biosynthetic genes similar to those triggered by fertilization, and also restricted to the ovules. Finally, GA signaling was activated in ovules and valves, as shown by the rapid downregulation of the fusion protein RGA‐GFP after pollination and auxin treatment. Taken together, this evidence suggests a model in which fertilization would trigger an auxin‐mediated promotion of GA synthesis specifically in the ovule. The GAs synthesized in the ovules would be then transported to the valves to promote GA signaling and thus coordinate growth of the silique.
Biomechanical properties of ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk in pigs and humans
Authors: Li Wen‐Chun , Yu Ming‐Hua , Zhang Hong‐Mei , Wang Han‐Qin , Xi Gang‐Ming , Yao Bo‐Chun , Deng Zhao‐Hong , Zeng Yan‐Jun 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Background:  This study aims to obtain the biomechanical properties of ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk between healthy humans and pigs of different months, so as to provide necessary biomechanical experimental basis for anastomosing blood vessel in pig‐to‐human heart xenotransplantation.Methods:  Ascending aorta and pulmonary trunks of the six deceased donors (male 4, female 2) and 42 Chinese Hubei white pigs aged 1–7 months were performed biomechanical test. The blood vessel was given periodic permanent loading and unloading, and repeated force‐deformation data were obtained. The elastic properties of the blood vessels were obtained by curve from experimental data.Results:  The biomechanical material constant of ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk of pigs did not increase with the increase of age (F = 14.569, P = 0.126). The biomechanical material constant of humans was basically similar to that of pigs aged 1–7 months (F = 12.264, P = 0.225). The elastic modulus was the biggest in pigs aged 7 months in comparison with that in other ages (F = 27.425, P = 0.032). There was no significant difference of elastic modulus of corresponding blood vessel between humans and pigs of different months (F = 17.328, P = 0.215).Conclusions:  Our present study suggests that there was no significant difference of elastic properties of ascending aorta and pulmonary trunks between humans and pigs. From biomechanical aspects, anastomosis of corresponding ascending aorta and pulmonary trunks in the process of pig‐to‐human heart xenotransplantation may be feasible.
Immunologic analyses of bovine bone treated with a novel tissue sterilization process
Authors: Supronowicz Peter , Zhukauskas Rasa , York‐Ely Amanda , Wicomb Winston , Thula Taili , Fleming Laraine , Cobb Ronald R. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Background:  This study evaluates the efficacy of removal of xeno‐antigens from bovine bone using a patented BioCleanse® process for decellularization of allograft tissues for clinical implantation. BioCleanse® deploys a combination of chemicals and several high pressure rinses to achieve standardized sterility assurance levels. This method produces sterile grafts without reducing allograft bone biomechanical properties and effectively removes cells, lipids, and other sources of antigenic material from human allografts for clinical use.Methods:  In this investigation, BioCleanse® is evaluated for its potential in removing xenograft antigens from bovine bone grafts followed by immunologic evaluation in the subcutaneous pouch of immunocompetent rats. The alpha‐galactosyl (α‐gal) epitope with the structure Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R constitutes a critical component of xenoantigens and its removal using BioCleanse® from bovine bone was compared with tissue levels of unprocessed bone. The relative degree of antigen removal was also determined through measuring the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and through the use of histologic grading of cellular infiltrates into bone.Results:  Compact cortical bone inhibited immune cell migration but cancellous bone demonstrated cellular increase and bone resorption in the untreated control group. The α‐gal xenoantigen level was significantly lower in both cortical (P < 0.001) and cancellous bone (P < 0.001) compared with controls. TNF‐α levels were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced compared with untreated controls when human acute monocytic leukemia cells were exposed to cortical or cancellous bone.Conclusions:  BioCleanse® effectively removed xenoantigens and inflammatory markers justifying a follow up study in primates to determine these benefits in a model that is primed with preformed xeno‐antibodies responsible for hyperacute rejection in hard tissues.
Value choices and considerations when limiting intensive care treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: HALVORSEN K. , FØRDE R. , NORTVEDT P. 
Published: December 2008

Background: To shed light on the values and considerations that affect the decision‐making processes and the decisions to limit intensive care treatment.Method: Qualitative methodology with participant observation and in‐depth interviews, with an emphasis on eliciting the underlying rationale of the clinicians' actions and choices when limiting treatment.Results: Informants perceived over‐treatment in intensive care medicine as a dilemma. One explanation was that the decision‐making base was somewhat uncertain, complex and difficult. The informants claimed that those responsible for taking decisions from the admitting ward prolonged futile treatment because they may bear guilt or responsibility for something that had gone wrong during the course of treatment. The assessments of the patient's situation made by physicians from the admitting ward were often more organ‐oriented and the expectations were less realistic than those of clinicians in the intensive care unit who frequently had a more balanced and overall perspective. Aspects such as the personality and the speciality of those involved, the culture of the unit and the degree of interdisciplinary cooperation were important issues in the decision‐making processes.Conclusion: Under‐communicated considerations jeopardise the principle of equal treatment. If intensive care patients are to be ensured equal treatment, strategies for interdisciplinary, transparent and appropriate decision‐making processes must be developed in which open and hidden values are rendered visible, power structures disclosed, employees respected and the various perspectives of the treatment given their legitimate place.
Technical and non‐technical skills can be reliably assessed during paramedic simulation training
Authors: VON WYL T. , ZUERCHER M. , AMSLER F. , WALTER B. , UMMENHOFER W. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Medical teams depend on technical skills (TS) as well as non‐technical skills (NTS) for successful management of critical events. Simulated scenarios are an opportunity for presentation of similar crisis situations. The aim of this study was to test whether TS and NTS are assessable with satisfactory interrater reliability (IRR) during a regular paramedic training.Methods: Thirty paramedics were rated by two independent observers using video‐recording and previously validated checklists while managing two simulated emergency scenarios as a team of two. The observed items of the team's TS included type, order, and time of adequate medical care. The NTS were restricted to six team‐oriented dimensions. The IRR was quantified by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The z‐transformed values of the TS and NTS were correlated by Pearson's correlation. Internal consistency was controlled using Cronbach's α.Results: The average measures ICC for the IRR was between 0.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–0.99] and 0.98 (95% CI 0.94–0.99) for the TS sum‐score, and was 0.94 (95% CI 0.87–0.97) for the NTS sum‐score; the Cronbach's α of this NTS sum‐score was 0.86. There is a positive correlation between the normalised TS and NTS sum‐scores (r=0.53; P<0.05).Conclusion: Assessment of TS and NTS is feasible and reliable during paramedic training in emergency scenarios. TS can be reliably assessed by one trained observer; for NTS, two trained raters provide a suitable condition for excellent observations. There is a significant positive correlation between TS and NTS.
Fluid therapy and the use of albumin in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: RODLING WAHLSTRÖM M. , OLIVECRONA M. , NYSTRÖM F. , KOSKINEN L.‐O. D. , NAREDI S. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Evidence‐based guidelines for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not include strategies for fluid administration. The protocol used in this study includes albumin administration to maintain normal colloid osmotic pressure and advocates a neutral to slightly negative fluid balance. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of organ failure and the mortality in patients with severe TBI treated by a protocol that includes defined strategies for fluid therapy.Methods: Ninety‐three patients with severe TBI and Glasgow Coma Score≤8 were included during 1998–2001. Medical records of the first 10 days were retrieved. Organ dysfunction was evaluated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Mortality was assessed after 10 and 28 days, 6 and 18 months.Results: The total fluid balance was positive on days 1–3, and negative on days 4–10. The crystalloid balance was negative from day 2. The mean serum albumin was 38±6 g/l. Colloids constituted 40–60% of the total fluids given per day. Furosemide was administered to 94% of all patients. Severe organ failure defined as SOFA≥3 was evident only for respiratory failure, which was observed in 29%. None developed renal failure. After 28 days, mortality was 11% and, after 18 months, it was 14%.Conclusions: A protocol including albumin administration in combination with a neutral to a slightly negative fluid balance was associated with low mortality in patients with severe TBI in spite of a relatively high frequency (29%) of respiratory failure, assessed with the SOFA score.
Intrathecal ropivacaine 5 mg/ml for outpatient knee arthroscopy: a comparison with lidocaine 10 mg/ml
Authors: FANELLI G. , DANELLI G. , ZASA M. , BACIARELLO M. , DI CIANNI S. , LEONE S. 
Published: December 2008

Purpose: The aim of this prospective, randomised, blind study was to compare the evolution of spinal block produced with 50 mg lidocaine 10 mg/ml and 10 mg ropivacaine 5 mg/ml for outpatient knee arthroscopy.Methods: Thirty outpatients undergoing knee arthroscopy received 50 mg of lidocaine 10 mg/ml (n=15) or 10 mg of ropivacaine 5 mg/ml (n=15) intrathecally. The evolution of spinal block was recorded until home discharge, while the occurrence of transient neurologic symptoms (TNS) was evaluated through phone‐call follow‐ups.Results: The median onset time was 15 (10–21) min with lidocaine and 24 (11–37) min with ropivacaine (P=0.109). Spinal lidocaine resulted in a faster resolution of sensory block [148 (130–167) min vs. 188 (146–231) (P=0.022)], unassisted ambulation with crutches [176 (144–208) min vs. 240 (179–302) min (P=0.014)], and voiding [208 (163–254) min vs. 293 (242–343) min (P=0.001)] than ropivacaine. Recovery of motor function required 113 (95–131) min with lidocaine and 135 (87–183) with ropivacaine (P=0.219). Six lidocaine patients reported TNS (40%) as compared with no patient receiving ropivacaine (0%) (P=0.005).Conclusions: Spinal block produced with 10 mg ropivacaine 5 mg/ml is as effective as that produced by 50 mg of lidocaine 10 mg/ml. Recovery of unassisted ambulation and spontaneous voiding occurred earlier with lidocaine, but this was associated with a markedly higher incidence of TNS.
Isoflurane exerts a short‐term but not a long‐term preconditioning effect in neonatal rats exposed to a hypoxic‐ischaemic neuronal injury
Authors: SASAOKA N. , KAWAGUCHI M. , KAWARAGUCHI Y. , NAKAMURA M. , KONISHI N. , PATEL H. , PATEL P. M. , FURUYA H. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Isoflurane has been shown to induce tolerance against ischaemic injury in adult rodents. Although the delayed preconditioning effect of isoflurane has been demonstrated in neonatal rat pups, the acute preconditioning effects of isoflurane remained undetermined. The present study was therefore conducted to evaluate the acute preconditioning efficacy of isoflurane in neonatal rats subjected to a hypoxic‐ischaemic (HI) injury.Methods:Post‐natal day 7 pups were exposed to 1 or 2% isoflurane in oxygen for either 30, 60 or 90 min. Fifteen minutes after isoflurane exposure, the pups were subjected to an HI injury induced by left common carotid artery ligation and exposure to 8% oxygen for 2 h. Pups not exposed to isoflurane or not subjected to HI served as controls. Histopathologic injury to the cortex and hippocampus was evaluated 7 and 49 days after HI.Results:Isoflurane 2% exposure for 60 or 90 min before HI induced tolerance in the hippocampus and the number of normal neurons in the CA1 sector 7 days after HI was significantly greater than in non‐preconditioned animals. This protective efficacy of isoflurane preconditioning was not observed 49 days after HI.Conclusions:Exposure of 2% isoflurane for at least 60 min is required to induce tolerance against HI injury in rat pups. However, this neuroprotective efficacy results in only transient neuroprotection.
Isoflurane‐induced depolarization of neural mitochondria increases with age
Authors: BAINS RAVI , MOE M. C. , VINJE M. L. , BERG‐JOHNSEN J. 
Published: December 2008

Background and objectives: The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) drives the three fundamental functions of mitochondria, namely adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, Ca2+ uptake/storage, and generation/detoxification of ROS. Isoflurane depolarizes neural mitochondria. The sensitivity for general anesthetics increases with age, but the mechanism for this age‐related sensitivity is still unknown. We compared the effect of isoflurane on [Ca2+]i and ΔΨm in isolated pre‐synaptic terminals (synaptosomes) from neonatal, adolescent, and adult rats and the influence of interventions in the respiratory chain was assessed.Methods: Synaptosomes were loaded with the fluorescent probes fura‐2 ([Ca2+]i) and JC‐1 (ΔΨm) and exposed to isoflurane 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). The effect on the electron transport chain was investigated by blocking complexes I and V.Results: In neonatal rats isoflurane had no significant effect on ΔΨm. In adolescent and adult synaptosomes, however, isoflurane 1 and 2 MAC decreased ΔΨm. Isoflurane 2 MAC increased [Ca2+]i in neonatal and adolescent rats, but not in adult synaptosomes. In Ca2+‐depleted medium, isoflurane still decreased ΔΨm, while [Ca2+]i remained unaltered. By blocking complex V of the respiratory chain, the isoflurane‐induced mitochondrial depolarization was enhanced in all age groups. Blocking complex I depolarized the mitochondria to the same extent as isoflurane 2 MAC, but without any additive effect.Conclusions: The depolarizing effect of isoflurane on neural mitochondria is more pronounced in the adolescent and adult than in neonatal synaptosomes. The increased mitochondrial sensitivity with age seems to be related to the reversed function of the ATP synthase of the electron transport chain.
Accuracy of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scoring in clinical practice
Authors: TALLGREN M. , BÄCKLUND M. , HYNNINEN M. 
Published: December 2008

Background: The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is used to quantify the severity of illness daily during intensive care. Our aim was to evaluate how accurately SOFA is recorded in clinical practice, and whether this can be improved by a refresher course in scoring rules.Methods: The scores recorded by physicians in a university hospital intensive care unit (ICU) were compared with the gold standard determined by two expert assessors. Data concerning all consecutive patients during two 6‐week‐long observation periods (baseline and after the refresher course) were compared.Results: SOFA was accurate on 75/158 (48%) patient days at baseline. The cardiovascular, coagulation, liver, and renal component scores showed excellent accuracy (≥82%, weighted κ≥0.92), while the neurological score showed only moderate (70%, weighted κ 0.51) and the respiration score showed good accuracy (75%, weighted κ 0.79). After the refresher course, the number of ≥2 point errors decreased (P<0.01). Sedation precluded neurological evaluation on 135/311 (43%) days. The accuracy of the assumed neurological scores was lower than those based on timely data: 89/135 (66%, weighted κ 0.55) vs. 125/176 (71%, weighted κ 0.81) (P<0.01).Conclusion: Only half of the SOFA scores were accurate. In most cases, they were accurate enough to allow the recognition of organ failure and detection of change. The component scores showed good to excellent accuracy, except the neurological score. After the refresher course, the results improved slightly. The moderate accuracy of the neurological score was not amended. A simpler neurological classification tool than the Glasgow Coma Scale is needed in the ICU.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED: Whole‐blood aggregometry: are there any limits with regard to platelet counts?
Authors: MENGISTU A. M. , MAYER J. , BOLDT J. , RÖHM K. D. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Whole‐blood aggregometry (WBA) is a promising tool to assess platelet function in its physiological environment. Dilution of whole blood in WBA disregards platelet concentrations that may impact the results, especially in the case of low platelet counts. In a blinded, prospective in vitro study, the influence of platelet concentrations on WBA was assessed.Methods: Aggregation studies were carried out using whole blood from 10 healthy volunteers adjusted to platelet concentrations of 150, 100, 75, 50 and 25/nl using a plasma‐balanced crystalloid solution. Platelet aggregation was measured by a new near‐side whole blood aggregometer, activated by adenosin‐diphosphate, collagen and thrombin‐receptor activating protein. Three different approaches were applied: P1: whole blood diluted by an isotonic saline solution before activation, P2: undiluted whole blood with the single and P3: with the twofold concentration of the stimulating agent.Results: Aggregometry in diluted whole blood (P1) decreased significantly from a platelet concentration of 100/nl (P<0.01). In undiluted whole blood, aggregation declined significantly from concentrations of 75 and 50/nl for P2 and P3 (P<0.01). No correlation to platelet count occurred in the undiluted approaches until a platelet concentration of 75/nl, whereas correlation in the diluted test run was detected starting from 100/nl.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that WBA depends on the platelet count and sensitivity towards low platelet concentrations may be improved by abdication of further dilution and the use of undiluted whole blood.
Development and use of chloroplast microsatellites in Phaseolus spp. and other legumes
Authors: Angioi S. A. , Desiderio F. , Rau D. , Bitocchi E. , Attene G. , Papa R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractChloroplast microsatellites (cpSSRs) provide a powerful tool to study the genetic variation and evolution of plants. We have investigated the usefulness of 39 primer pairs tagging cpSSR loci on a set of eight different genera of Leguminosae (Papilionoideae subfamily) and five species belonging to the genus Phaseolus. Thirty‐six ‘universal’ primer pairs were retrieved from the literature, one was re‐designed and a further two were designed de novo. The cpSSR loci analysed were highly polymorphic across the individuals examined. Twenty‐seven primer pairs were polymorphic in the overall sample, 18 within Phaseolus, and 16 in both P. vulgaris and P. coccineus. Analysis of the plastome sequences of four Leguminosae species (obtained from GenBank) showed that in the loci targeted by universal primer pairs: (i) the originally tagged cpSSRs can be lost; (ii) other cpSSRs can be present; and (iii) polymorphism arises not only from differences in the numbers of cpSSR repeats, but often from other insertion/deletion events. Multilocus linkage disequilibrium analysis suggests that homoplasy is not a major problem in our dataset, and principal component analysis indicates intelligible relationships among the species considered. Our study demonstrates that this set of chloroplast markers provides a useful tool to study the diversity and the evolution of several legumes, and particularly P. vulgaris and P. coccineus.
Experimentally Constrained Virulence is Costly for Common Cuckoo Chicks
Authors: Grim Tomáš , Rutila Jarkko , Cassey Phillip , Hauber Mark E. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractChicks of some avian brood parasites show high virulence by eliminating all host progeny in the nest whereas others develop in the presence of host nestmates. Common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) chicks are typically highly virulent parasites as they attempt to evict all host eggs and chicks soon after hatching. However, several features of nest design, including steep walls and/or cavity nests, may effectively prevent cuckoo hatchlings from evicting nestmates. A previous observational study showed low success of cuckoo chicks in evicting progeny of a cavity nester host, the redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) but cuckoo chicks showed low survival both when reared alone or in mixed broods with host nestmates. Whether poor cuckoo performance was caused by eviction costs and/or by the effect of presence of host chicks per se remains unclear. We experimentally cancelled any potential eviction costs by removing host eggs immediately after the cuckoo hatched and creating mixed broods 5 days later when the eviction instinct of the cuckoo already ceased. Cuckoos that were forced to compete with host nestlings experienced lower provisioning rates, poorer growth, and lower fledging success than control lone cuckoos. Cuckoos in mixed broods that survived until fledging fledged later, and at lower masses, than those in the sole cuckoo group. Thus, the cuckoo gens specializing on redstarts is similar to other cuckoo gentes, whose chicks are more successful in evicting host nestmates, and it does not benefit from the presence of host brood. Cohabitation with host nestlings then should be viewed as a maladaptive by‐product of host cavity nest design.