bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein kinase G‐induced activation of KATPchannels reduces contractility of human prostate tissue
Authors: Haynes John M. , Cook Anna‐Louise M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackgroundHuman cultured prostatic stromal cells respond to protein kinase G (PKG) activators and the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) by opening ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (KATPchannels) to reduce nifedipine‐sensitive phorbol ester‐induced contractility.MethodsPKG activators, SNP, diazoxide, nifedipine, isoprenaline, forskolin, and Sp‐8‐Br‐cAMP were used to inhibit α1‐adrenoceptor‐induced contractions in tissue from transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP). The selective KATPand large conductance Ca2+activated K+(BKCa) channel inhibitors, glibenclamide and charybdotoxin, respectively were used to inhibit responses to PKG activators. RT‐PCR identified the KATPchannel subunits present in TURP tissue and cultured cells.ResultsThe PKG activators, APT‐cGMP (1 nM–100 µM) and PET‐cGMP (1 nM–100 µM), and also SNP (1 nM–100 µM), forskolin (10 µM), diazoxide (100 µM) and nifedipine (3 µM) inhibited phenylephrine (20 µM)‐induced contractions. The effect of APT‐cGMP (1 nM–100 µM) could be reversed by glibenclamide, but not by charybdotoxin. TURP tissue contained mRNA for PKG Iα, Iβ, and II and the KATPchannel subunits Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2B, and SUR1. Cultured stromal cells contained only Kir6.1 and SUR2B subunit mRNA. SUR1 mRNA was detected in one of five cultured epithelial cell lines.ConclusionsPKG activators reduce α1‐adrenoceptor‐induced contractility in TURP tissue via the activation of KATPchannels. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate cell lines secrete IL‐8 in response to mycoplasma hominis through Toll‐like receptor 2‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Takeyama Koh , Mitsuzawa Hiroaki , Shimizu Takeyuki , Konishi Masanori , Nishitani Chiaki , Sano Hitomi , Kunishima Yasuharu , Matsukawa Masanori , Takahashi Satoshi , Shibata Ken‐ichiro , Tsukamoto Taiji , Kuroki Yoshio 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe roles of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Mycoplasma in prostate inflammation remain unclear. We investigated whether Mycoplasma induced inflammatory cytokine secretion through TLR2‐mediated mechanism in prostate cancer cell line.MethodsCell surface expression of TLR2 on PC‐3 cells were examined by flowcytometry. PC‐3 cells were stimulated with Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis), and IL‐8 secretion and NF‐κB activation were examined.ResultsPC‐3 cells expressed TLR2 mRNA and cell surface TLR2 protein. The membrane fraction of M. hominis induced IL‐8 secretion from PC‐3 cells and NF‐κB activation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Transient transfection of the dominant negative mutant TLR2P681H into PC‐3 cells attenuated M. hominis‐induced IL‐8 secretion and NF‐κB activation. Antibody against the extracellular TLR2 domain significantly suppressed M. homnis‐induced IL‐8 secretion from the prostate cell lines including PC‐3, PrEC, and transformed myofibroblasts.ConclusionsThese results clearly demonstrate that the prostate cell line can secrete inflammatory cytokine in response to M. hominis through a TLR2‐mediated mechanism. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative structure–function analysis of cytolethal distending toxins
Authors: Hu Xin , Nesic Dragana , Stebbins C. Erec 
Published: November 2005

AbstractCytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) constitute a family of bacterial proteins that enter eukaryotic cells with genotoxic activity leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. CDTs are widespread, having been found in a variety of Gram‐negative pathogens with a broad tissue tropism. The recently determined crystal structure of the Haemophilus ducreyi CDT provides a powerful starting point for analysis of the structure and function in this toxin family. In this study, we apply comparative modeling and structural analysis to extend the experimental structural information to multiple CDT toxins from a diverse species. Analysis of structurally and functionally important residues in the active subunit, CdtB, and putative cell delivery elements, CdtA and CdtC, begins to establish the fundamental, mechanistic elements of this unique holotoxin. The results reveal that key structural features with important functional consequences are highly conserved across different CDTs, providing a blueprint for directed examination of functional hypotheses in a variety of pathogenic contexts. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrical barriers in the ZnO varistor grain boundaries
Authors: Alim Mohammad A. , Li Shengtao , Liu Fuyi , Cheng Pengfei 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIn this paper a detailed nature of the electrical potential barriers in ZnO based varistors are presented. The excellent nonlinear current–voltage (I–V) characteristic of these varistors is attributed to the potential barriers formed between the successive ZnO grains during the processing cycle. These grain boundaries in the microstructure results in a few device‐related parameters such as built‐in‐potential, barrier height, barrier width, grain carrier density, Fermi level position in the grains, etc. Thermal activation energy is determined from the status of the leakage current of this device. Substantial studies conducted to comprehend possible conduction processes in the grain boundary regions under applied bias (electric field). It is understood that electron transport dominate the grain boundary regions based on electrical potential barrier consideration across the grain boundaries. The free electrons overcome potential barrier at elevated temperatures as well as under bias. These carriers fill trap sites (charged defect states) both in the bulk ZnO and in the grain surfaces (surface states). The formation of space charge region within the successive ZnO grains across the grain boundaries is a result of the equilibrium state of the device. Based on the findings an expression of the Schottky potential barrier width is proposed satisfying relevant expression of the current caused by the application of the electric field. It is observed that the potential barrier width is sharply reduced in the temperature range 320 K ≤ T ≤ 350 K. This reduction in the potential barrier width is likely to be associated with the relaxation process of the trap filled (trapped) carriers, usually monitored by the dielectric response (in the form of differential capacitance) of the device. Thus, the results provide an improved understanding of the nonlinear conduction behavior in ZnO varistors. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Haptic interaction in robot‐assisted endoscopic surgery: a sensorized end‐effector
Authors: Tavakoli M , Patel R V , Moallem M 
Published: November 2005

AbstractConventional endoscopic surgery has some drawbacks that can be addressed by using robots. The robotic systems used for surgery are still in their infancy. A major deficiency is the lack of haptic feedback to the surgeon. In this paper, the benefits of haptic feedback in robot‐assisted surgery are discussed. A novel robotic end‐effector is then described that meets the requirements of endoscopic surgery and is sensorized for force/ torque feedback. The endoscopic end‐effector is capable of non‐invasively measuring its interaction with tissue in all the degrees of freedom available during endoscopic manipulation. It is also capable of remotely actuating a tip and measuring its interaction with the environment without using any sensors on the jaws. The sensorized end‐effector can be used as the last arm of a surgical robot to incorporate haptic feedback and/or to evaluate skills and learning curves of residents and surgeons in endoscopic surgery. Copyright © 2005 Robotic Publications Ltd.
Multi‐imager compatible actuation principles in surgical robotics
Authors: Stoianovici D 
Published: November 2005

AbstractToday's most successful surgical robots are perhaps surgeon‐driven systems, such as the daVinci (Intuitive Surgical Inc., USA, www.intuitivesurgical.com). These have already enabled surgery that was unattainable with classic instrumentation; however, at their present level of development, they have limited utility. The drawback of these systems is that they are independent self‐contained units, and as such, they do not directly take advantage of patient data. The potential of these new surgical tools lies much further ahead. Integration with medical imaging and information are needed for these devices to achieve their true potential. Surgical robots and especially their subclass of image‐guided systems require special design, construction and control compared to industrial types, due to the special requirements of the medical and imaging environments. Imager compatibility raises significant engineering challenges for the development of robotic manipulators with respect to imager access, safety, ergonomics, and above all the non‐interference with the functionality of the imager. These apply to all known medical imaging types, but are especially challenging for achieving compatibility with the class of MRI systems. Even though a large majority of robotic components may be redesigned to be constructed of MRI compatible materials, for other components such as the motors used in actuation, prescribing MRI compatible materials alone is not sufficient. The electromagnetic motors most commonly used in robotic actuation, for example, are incompatible by principle. As such, alternate actuation principles using “intervention friendly” energy should be adopted and/or devised for these special surgical and radiological interventions.This paper defines the new concept of Multi‐Imager Compatibility of surgical manipulators and describes its requirements. Subsequently, the paper gives several recommendations and proposes new actuation principles for this concept. Several implementations have been constructed and tested, and the results are presented here. This is the first paper addressing these issues. Copyright © 2005 Robotic Publications Ltd.
Human papillomaviruses: basic mechanisms of pathogenesis and oncogenicity
Authors: Hebner Christy M. , Laimins Laimonis A. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small double‐stranded DNA viruses that infect the cutaneous and mucosal epithelium. Infection by specific HPV types has been linked to the development of cervical carcinoma. HPV infects epithelial cells that undergo terminal differentiation and so encode multiple mechanisms to override the normal regulation of differentiation to produce progeny virions. Two viral proteins, E6 and E7, alter cell cycle control and are the main arbitrators of HPV‐induced oncogenesis. Recent data suggest that E6 and E7 also play a major role in the inhibition of the host cell innate immune response to HPV. The E1 and E2 proteins, in combination with various cellular factors, mediate viral replication. In addition, E2 has been implicated in both viral and cellular transcriptional control. Despite decades of research, the function of other viral proteins still remains unclear. While prophylactic vaccines to block genital HPV infection will soon be available, the widespread nature of HPV infection requires greater understanding of both the HPV life cycle as well as the mechanisms underlying HPV‐induced carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating vaccine effects from studies of outbreaks in household pairs
Authors: Becker Niels G. , Britton Tom , O'Neill Philip D. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe traditional way to measure efficacy of a vaccine, with respect to reduced susceptibility and reduced infectivity once infected, is to look at relative attack rates. Although straightforward to apply, such measures do not take disease transmission into account, with the consequence that they can depend strongly on the community setting, the duration of the study period, the way participants are recruited into the study and the virulence of the infection. Sometimes they give a very misleading assessment of the vaccine, as we illustrate by examples. Here measures of vaccine efficacy are considered that avoid these defects, and estimation procedures are presented for studies based on outbreaks in household pairs. Such studies enable estimation of vaccine effects on susceptibility, infectivity and transmission. We propose that the vaccine efficacy measures be estimated, without making any assumptions about the nature of the vaccine response, by consistent estimates of bounds for the measures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching statistics: efficient computation and a new practical algorithm for the multiple common substring problem
Authors: Maaß Moritz G. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe present new algorithms for computing matching statistics with suffix arrays. We show how the Multiple Common Substring Problem can be solved efficiently in practice with a new approach using matching statistics. This problem consists of finding the common substrings of a set of strings. For the computation of matching statistics we compare seven different methods based on suffix trees and suffix arrays. Most of the suffix array algorithms have an inferior asymptotic worst case running time but a very low memory overhead and small constants in the running time complexity. Our experiments show a good performance in practice. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histological and Molecular Structure Characterization of Annular Collagen after Intradiskal Electrothermal Annuloplasty
Authors: Southern Daniel , Lutz Gregory , Bracilovic Ana , West Paul , Spevak Mila , Camacho Nancy Pleshko , Doty Stephen 
Published: November 2005

The mechanism of pain relief of intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET) in the treatment of lumbar diskogenic pain is uncertain. Theories include sealing of annular fissures via collagen denaturation and contraction. Prior studies offer conflicting qualitative data on the ability of IDET to denature collagen. The objective of the present study is to evaluate IDET treatment effect onannular collagen using quantitative data supplied by Fourier-transform infrared imaging spectroscopy. The posterior annulus of disks ( n = 3) from an intact human cadaveric spine at room temperature were treated with two different radiothermal catheters using standard intradiskal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET) heating protocols. Disks were dissected free with catheters in place and fixed in formalin. Channels created by the catheters were marked and catheters were removed. Tissue samples of treated areas adjacent to the channels and internal control areas from the same disk were stained for light microscopy and placed on barium sulfate windows for Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) analysis. Treated areas showed evidence of disruption in the fibrillar organization of annular collagen by light microscopy compared to intact stroma from control areas. Quantitative FT-IRIS analysis compared ratios of wavenumber regions known to be sensitive to collagen denaturation. Mean values for the ratios amide II/1,338 cm−1 (137.21 ± 25.84 treated, 76.94 ± 16.77 control) and 1,640/1,660 cm−1 (0.98 ± 0.03 treated, 0.89 ± 0.03 control) were significantly different between treated and control samples ( p < 0.001), indicating a breakdown in collagen integrity. Separate analysis by catheter type suggests that catheter design may impact treatment effect.
Crystalloid or colloid for partial exchange transfusion in neonatal polycythemia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: DEMPSEY EUGENE M. , BARRINGTON KEITH 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAims: To determine whether crystalloid solutions are as effective as colloid solutions when a partial exchange transfusion is performed in newborns with polycythemia.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register of the Cochrane Library (1966–2004). Keywords used were: polycythemia, partial exchange transfusion, hyperviscosity, and limited to newborn. Randomized studies in newborns with polycythemia were selected for evaluation. Outcomes examined were: long‐term neurodevelopment; short‐term physiological effects; improvement in clinical symptoms; reduction in haematocrit at 4–6 h; haematocrit at 24 h; and frequency of serious complications.Results: Four randomized controlled clinical trials, including 200 patients in total, with evaluable data, which satisfied our criteria, were found. There were no data on long‐term outcomes. There is no reported important difference in short‐term physiologic effects. Use of crystalloid was as effective as colloid in both correction of haematological values and reduction of clinical symptoms following partial exchange transfusion.Conclusion: Crystalloid solutions are as effective as colloid solutions for partial exchange transfusion. When crystalloid solutions are used for this purpose, there is no risk of transmission of blood‐borne diseases, there is no risk of anaphylaxis, they are rapidly and easily available, and are less expensive. The use of crystalloid should become the standard for partial exchange transfusion.
Usefulness of pancreatic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of Shwachman‐Bodian‐Diamond syndrome
Authors: ADACHI MASANORI , TACHIBANA KATSUHIKO , ASAKURA YUMI , AIDA NORIKO 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To evaluate the usefulness of pancreatic ultrasonography in diagnosing Shwachman‐Bodian‐Diamond syndrome (SBDS).Methods: Diagnostic methods in two infants with SBDS were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Patient 1 first presented with hepatic steatosis in the early infantile period, and later developed myelodysplastic syndrome. Patient 2 presented with frequent infections and elevated liver function tests without any haematological alterations. Both patients were considered to have impaired exocrine pancreatic function. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) obtained at 9 mo for patient 1 and at 10 mo for patient 2 showed diffuse high echogenicity, which raised suspicions of SBDS. SBDS gene analysis confirmed SBDS in both patients.Conclusion: Pancreatic US is sensitive in detecting pathological change in SBDS patients. It should be applied to the diagnostic approach for patients who show only minor signs of SBDS.
Prevalence and risk factors for overweight and obesity in Portuguese children
Authors: PADEZ CRISTINA , MOURÃO ISABEL , MOREIRA PEDRO , ROSADO VITOR 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To identify risk factors for overweight and obesity in Portuguese children.Methods: A cross‐sectional study of children 7 to 9.5 y old was performed between October 2002 and June 2003. A total of 2274 girls and 2237 boys were observed. Weight and height were measured, and parents filled out a questionnaire about family characteristics. Overweight and obesity, using age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index (BMI) cut‐off points as defined by the International Obesity Taskforce, were used.Results: After adjustment for age and sex, the odds ratio for childhood obesity increased by television viewing (reference 0–2 h; 2–3 h: 1.51; 3–4 h: 1.72; ≥4 h: 1.63), paternal obesity (reference < 18.5 kg/m2; 25.0–29.9: 3.06; ≥30.0: 7.09), maternal obesity (reference < 18.5 kg/m2; 25.0–29.9: 9.06; ≥30.0: 18.13) and birthweight (reference < 2500 g; 2500–3000 g: 1.55; 3000–3500 g: 1.87; 3500–4000 g:2.13; 5 ≥ 4000 g: 2.74), and decreased by sleeping duration (reference 8 h/d; 9–10 h/d: 0.44; ≥ll h/d: 0.39), paternal education (reference primary school; secondary: 0.91; university: 0.42), maternal education (reference primary school; secondary: 1.13; university: 0.56), being a single child (reference yes; no: 0.56) and family size (reference one child; two children: 0.59; three children: 0.44; more than four children: 0.37).Conclusion: Our data support the perspective that education about energy intake and energy expenditure should be used much earlier in those families with high‐risk children, namely those with high parental BMI or high birthweight. Protective factors were parental education and family size.
Haematological parameters of HIV‐1‐uninfected infants born to HIV‐1‐infected mothers
Authors: BUNDERS MADELEINE J. , BEKKER VINCENT , SCHERPBIER HENRIETTE J. , BOER KEES , GODFRIED MIEKE , KUIJPERS TACO W. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To investigate haematological parameters in infants born to HIV‐1‐infected mothers and exposed to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) used to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT).Methods: A 2‐y single‐centre follow‐up study performed in 109 infants born to HIV‐1‐positive mothers. Exclusion criteria for the infants were HIV‐1 infection, perinatal death, or insufficient information. Haematological parameters of the remainder of 92 infants born to HIV‐1 ‐infected mothers and exposed to ART in utero and neonatally were compared with 75 matched non‐ART‐exposed children.Results: Transmission rate of HIV‐1 was 1.8% and occurred when the mother was not compliant with the treatment. In the HIV‐1/ART‐exposed children there was a long‐lasting reduction in absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) until at least 8 mo of age. According to PACTG toxicity scores, 16 infants were suffering from grade II or more (moderate‐to‐severe) toxicity of ART on ANC. In a multivariable analysis of maternal and neonatal risk factors, pregnancy duration was correlated with moderate‐to‐severe toxicity on ANC. There were no clinical implications detected, e.g. increased infections or antibiotic treatment.Conclusion: ART is successful in preventing MTCT, but alterations in haematological parameters may persist for a long period. The clinical implications remain uncertain. This suggestion increases the importance to continue prospective follow‐up on the haematological parameters in ART/HIV‐exposed children.
Risk factors for delayed discharge home in very‐low‐birthweight infants—A population‐based study
Authors: KLINGER GIL , REICHMAN BRIAN , SIROTA LEA , LUSKY AYALA , UNDER NEHAMA 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: To identify risk factors for delayed discharge home in a population‐based cohort of very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants.Methods: Demographic, pregnancy, perinatal, and neonatal data were collected in a national population‐based database on VLBW infants born from 1995 through 2002. Multivariate analysis determined association with delayed discharge (discharge at a postmenstrual age > 42 completed weeks). Residts: 882 infants with delayed discharge comprised 9.4% of survivors but accounted for 19.8% of total hospital days utilized until discharge home. Infants with delayed discharge compared to those discharged by term were born at an earlier mean gestational age, at a lower mean birthweight, and had a longer mean hospital stay. Delayed discharge was independently associated with decreasing birthweight (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19, 1.31), congenital anomalies (OR 4.80, 95% CI 3.66, 6.28), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 5.88, 95% CI 4.60, 7.57), intraventricular hemorrhage grades 3–4 (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.34, 2.36), sepsis (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.54, 2.26), and surgically treated necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 20.20, 95% CI 12.85, 32.03).Conclusion: VLBW infants with congenital anomalies or severe complications of preterm birth are at increased risk for delayed discharge home. Early identification of these infants may enable interventions aimed at reducing the detrimental effects of prolonged hospitalization and promoting optimal transition from the hospital to the home environment.