bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the parameters of cardiac function and of blood volume by arterial thermodilution in an infant animal model
Authors: LÓPEZ‐HERCE JESÚS , RUPÉREZ MARTA , SÁNCHEZ CÉSAR , GARCÍA CRISTINA , GARCÍA ELENA 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground:  Experimental studies in adults and in animals have reported that estimation of the intracardiac volumes by arterial thermodilution is a more reliable method of blood volume estimation than pressure measurement. The objective of this study has been to analyze the values of cardiac function and blood volume in an infant animal model using the arterial thermodilution technique.Methods:  A total of 202 measurements of cardiac output were performed by femoral arterial thermodilution in 38 Maryland piglets weighing between 8 and 16 kg, to determine the normal values of blood volume obtained by arterial thermodilution (PiCCO method) in an infant animal model. The following parameters were measured: blood volume [global end‐diastolic volume index (GEDVI), total intrathoracic blood index (ITBI), extravascular lung water index (ELWI), systolic volume index (SVI)] and parameters of cardiac and vascular function [systolic volume index (SVI), cardiac function index (CFI), left ventricular contractility (Dp/dtmax), and systemic vascular resistance index) (SVRI)].Results:  The cardiac index, 4.3 ± 1.2 l·min−1·m2, was within the normal range. The GEDVI, 198 ± 48.6 ml·m2, and ITBI, 574.1 ± 113.4 ml·m2, were lower than the normal values reported in adults, whereas the ELWI, 16.3 ± 5.2 ml·kg−1, was higher.Conclusions:  Intrathoracic and intracardiac volume values obtained by arterial thermodilution are lower than those considered normal in the adult, whereas the extravascular lung water is higher. These values must be taken into account when the PiCCO method is used in small children.
High‐Resolution Characterization of Linkage Disequilibrium Structure and Selection of Tagging Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms: Application to the Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Gene
Authors: Horne Benjamin D. , Carlquist John F. , Cannon‐Albright Lisa A. , Muhlestein Joseph B. , McKinney Jason T. , Kolek Matthew J. , Clarke Jessica L. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Camp Nicola J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryFull characterization of intragenic variation may improve candidate gene associations. This study selected tagging (t) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to comprehensively represent genetic variability in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene. Nineteen SNPs were identified in 50 unrelated individuals in the SNP discovery phase, and 13 intronic SNPs were added from the literature. These 32 SNPs were genotyped in 339 apparently healthy individuals and 190 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Using phased haplotypes, linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure was characterized and tSNPs selected using a principal component analysis (PCA) method. In healthy individuals, seven LD groups were identified that accounted for 93.4% of the observed genetic variation. These LD groups highlighted a complex LD structure for CETP, including both recombination and mutation, and eleven tSNPs were selected. Among CAD patients the results were essentially the same. Results from PCA using diploid genotype data were reasonably comparable. Finally, the selected tSNPs successfully represented the association evidence discovered for all of the other SNPs studied. This study provides an optimal set of tSNPs for association analyses of CETP. The observed complexity of LD structure highlights the importance of using methods, such as PCA, that allow for multiple dynamics in intragenic LD structure.
FMR1 CGG Repeat Patterns and Flanking Haplotypes in Three Asian Populations and Their Relationship With Repeat Instability
Authors: Zhou Youyou , Tang Kun , Law Hai‐Yang , Ng Ivy S. L. , Lee Caroline G. L. , Chong Samuel S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryHyper‐expansion of a CGG repeat in the 5′ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene followed by methylation and silencing is the predominant cause of Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited mental retardation disorder. Most detailed studies of the FMR1 gene have focused on Caucasian populations and patients. We performed a detailed haplotype and linkage disequilibrium analysis of the FMR1 gene in a total of 454 unselected normal X chromosomes from three Asian populations, Chinese, Malay and Indian. Compared to Caucasians and African Americans, the diversity of normal FMR1 CGG repeat lengths, patterns and flanking haplotypes were lower in Asians. Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed between the CGG repeat and flanking FMR1 markers in all three Asian populations, with strong association between specific CGG repeat alleles and flanking marker alleles observed only in the Chinese and Malays. A test for randomness of distribution between FRAXA CGG repeat patterns and flanking FMR1 marker haplotypes also revealed a highly significant non‐random distribution between CGG repeat patterns and flanking haplotypes in all three ethnic groups (P < 0.001). Extending previous findings in Caucasians and African Americans we present a novel statistical approach, using data from unselected population samples alone, to show an association between absence of at least one AGG interruption in any position (5′, 3′, or middle) and increased CGG repeat instability.
Influence of Genetic Variation in the C‐Reactive Protein Gene on the Inflammatory Response During and After Acute Coronary Ischemia
Authors: Suk Danik J. , Chasman D. I. , Cannon C. P. , Miller D. T. , Zee R. Y. L. , Kozlowski P. , Kwiatkowski D. J. , Ridker P. M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe aim of this research was to assess whether common genetic variants within the C‐reactive protein gene (CRP) are related to the degree of acute rise in plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While polymorphisms within CRP are associated with basal CRP levels in healthy men and women, less is known about the relationship of such genetic variants and the degree of CRP rise during and after acute ischemia. Plasma CRP is associated with increased rates of recurrent coronary events. We evaluated seven common genetic variants within CRP and assessed their relationship to the degree of rise in CRP levels immediately following an acute coronary syndrome in 1827 European American patients. Variants in the putative promoter region, −757T > C and −286C > T > A, were associated with the highest CRP elevations after ACS. Patients with two copies of the A allele of SNP −286C > T > A had median CRP values of 76.6 mg/L, compared to 11.1 mg/L in patients with no copies of the rare variant (p‐value <0.0001), post ACS. The lowest CRP values were found for patients with minor alleles of the exonic 1059G > C and the 3′untranslated region 1846G > A SNPs. For example, patients homozygous for the minor allele of 1059G > C had 71% lower median CRP values than those homozygous for the major allele [3.5 vs 12.0 mg/L, p < 0.0001]. These trends persisted in the chronic stable phase after ischemia had resolved, and after adjustment for infarct size by peak creatinine kinase levels and clinical status by Killip class. Assessment of CRP genetic variants identified patients with higher and lower CRP elevation after acute coronary syndrome.
Isolation of microsatellite loci and cross‐species amplifications in three gobiid fish of the genus Pomatoschistus
Authors: BERREBI PATRICK , LASSERRE BERNARD , BARBISAN FEDERICA , ZANE LORENZO 
Published: April 2006

AbstractGobiids of the genus Pomatoschistus are increasingly being investigated as models for adaptation to coastal environments and for mating system studies. Among the dozen currently analysed species, microsatellite primers have been characterized only for Pomatoschistus minutus. This paper describes seven new polymorphic loci isolated from Pomatoschistus marmoratus and Pomatoschistus microps, two species that hybridize. Cross‐species amplification was tested for these new loci, together with seven already published P. minutus loci. Systematic amplification of samples of each of the three species provided a first indication of their polymorphism.
Isolated bilateral blindness as the sole manifestation of transient ischaemic attacks
Authors: Krasnianski Michael , Bau Viktoria , Neudecker Stephan , Lindner Alfred , Zierz Stephan 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To explain the rare phenomenon of acute transient bilateral blindness without additional ophthalmological or neurological symptoms and signs.Methods:  Six patients with isolated bilateral visual loss lasting 1–15 mins and occurring simultaneously in both eyes were evaluated. Clinical observation, neuroimaging (CT, MRI, MR‐angiography), extra‐ and transcranial Doppler and vascular risk factors assessment were performed.Results:  Cortical blindness due to bilateral occipital lobe transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) was established as the most likely cause of acute transient visual loss in all patients.Conclusion:  We suggest that in cases of transient bilateral blindness with sudden onset, appearing simultaneously in both visual fields, a bilateral ischaemia of the visual cortex should be suspected even if other neurological symptoms are lacking. Patients should be managed in the same way as patients with vertebrobasilar TIAs.
Ultraviolet radiation‐B‐induced cataract in albino rats: maximum tolerable dose and ascorbate consumption
Authors: Mody Vino C. , Kakar Manoj , Elfving Åse , Söderberg Per G. , Löfgren Stefan 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) for cataract induced by ultraviolet radiation‐B (UVB) in 7‐week‐old albino rats and to study the effect of UVB eye exposure on lens ascorbate content. Methods:  Fifty 7‐week‐old albino Sprague Dawley rats were unilaterally exposed in vivo to 300‐nm UVB under anaesthesia, receiving 0, 0.25, 3.5, 4.3 and 4.9 kJ/m2. The MTD was estimated based on lens forward light scattering measurements. Lens ascorbate content was determined in the processed lens using high performance liquid chromatography with UVR detection. Results:  Animals exposed to UVB doses ≥3.5 kJ/m2 developed cortical cataracts. The MTD for avoidance of UVB‐induced cataract was estimated to 3.01 kJ/m2. UVB exposure decreased lens ascorbate concentration in the exposed lens in line with UVB dose, He, according to the models: C = CNonCo + CCoe−kHe for exposed lenses; C = CNonCo + CCo for non‐exposed lenses, and Cd = CCo(e−kHe − 1). Parameters for consumable and non‐consumable ascorbate were estimated to CNonCo = 0.04 and CCo = 0.11 µmol/g wet weight of lens. For lens ascorbate difference, τ = 1/k = 0.86 kJ/m2. A total of 63% of UVB consumable ascorbate has been consumed after only τ = 0.86 kJ/m2, while MTD2.3 : 16 = 3.01 kJ/m2, indicating that ascorbate decrease is in the order of 3.5 times more sensitive to detecting UVR damage in the lens than forward light scattering. Conclusions:  The MTD for avoidance of UVB‐induced cataract in the 7‐week‐old albino Sprague Dawley rat was estimated to be 3.01 kJ/m2. In vivo UVB exposure of the rat eye decreases lens ascorbate content following an exponential decline, and suprathreshold doses cause greater effect than subthreshold doses.
Are Androgens Critical for Penile Erections in Humans? Examining the Clinical and Preclinical Evidence
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Guay André T. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT
Androgens are deemed critical for penile-tissue development, growth, and maintenance of erectile function, however, their role in erection, especially in humans, remains controversial. In this review, we summarize information from clinical and animal model studies to provide a comprehensive and rational argument for the role of androgens, or lack thereof, on penile erection ability in humans. The goal of this review is to present the clinical and preclinical evidence available in the literature with regard to testosterone and erectile physiology and engage the reader in this discussion. Ultimately, each reader will have to form his or her own conclusions based on the existing evidence.
In humans, androgen-deficiency manifestations are noted in clinical situations such as: (i) inadequate development of the penis; and (ii) loss of erectile function in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients managed with medical or surgical castration or antiandrogen therapy. Androgen treatment causes: (i) improvement in sexual function in hypogonadal patients treated with androgen supplementation; (ii) improvement in nocturnal penile tumescence in hypogonadal patients treated with androgens; (iii) improvement in erectile function with androgen supplementation in patients who did not respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy initially; and (iv) improvement in the well-being, mood, energy, and sexual function in aging men who have testosterone deficiency treated with androgen therapy. In contrast to animals, especially rodents in which the adrenal cortex does not synthesize androgens, the human adrenal is a source of peripherally circulating androgen precursors, thus, complete androgen insufficiency may not be observed in men at a younger age. Furthermore, in light of the concept that a threshold of androgen levels exists in animals and humans below which sexual function is diminished, further contributes to the complexity of understanding androgens role in erections, especially in humans. Nevertheless, based on the preclinical and clinical data available in the literature, to date, we infer that androgens play a critical role in maintaining erectile physiology in humans.
Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: History and Current Status
Authors: Segraves Robert , Woodard Terri 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a common problem that is often treatment refractory. This refractoriness to treatment is reflective of our lack of knowledge concerning the determinants of sexual libido in women.

Aim
To review the development and current status of information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of HSDD.

Methodology
Literature on HSDD published between 1950 and 2005 was reviewed.

Results
Historically, HSDD was considered to be a psychiatric disorder. Thus, the diagnostic criteria utilized in studies of interventions for this disorder are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. This system was never designed to encompass organic causes of sexual dysfunction and has evolved by expert opinion. If the syndrome is poorly defined by these diagnostic criteria, this could limit progress in this field. Epidemiological studies have found that approximately 24–43% of women complain of low sexual desire in the preceding year. The percentage of the population meeting diagnostic criteria for HSDD is probably much lower. There has been considerable progress in the development of psychometrically sound instruments for the assessment of libido. The development of approaches to treatment was reviewed. Approaches to treatment have evolved in three major areas: psychological, hormonal, and use of psychopharmacological agents. There is some evidence of efficacy utilizing all three approaches. The major evidence of efficacy concerns the use of testosterone therapy. Long-term safety data concerning this treatment are absent.

Conclusion
There is a rapidly expanding knowledge base concerning the diagnosis and treatment of HSDD. However, the contemporary clinician is faced with the absence of an approved treatment for this disorder and the lack of clear guidelines concerning the indications and safety of the use of non-approved agents.
ELISA methods detect HLA antibodies with variable sensitivity
Authors: Monien S. , Salama A. , Schönemann C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe accuracy of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody screening results is dependent on the technique employed. In this study, a total of 612 serum samples from patients awaiting kidney transplantation were tested by two different enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods: LAT‐M® (One Lambda/BMT) and AbScreen® (Biotest). The results of these assays were identical for HLA class I and II antibodies in 524 cases (85.6%), and discrepant in the remaining 88 cases (42 class I, 24 class II, 22 class I and II). More specifically, class I results were in agreement in 26 positive and 522 negative cases and in disagreement in 64 cases. Class II results were the same in 50 positive and 516 negative cases and different in 46 cases. Retesting the samples using LAT 1288 (One Lambda/BMT) and considering previous HLA antibody test results and the history of immunising events, the sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of the two methods were determined as follows: class I: 89.6% and 97.5% (LAT‐M) vs. 70.6% and 96.8% (AbScreen), class II: 96.5% and 98.4% (LAT‐M) vs. 88.3% and 95.5% (AbScreen). These results indicate that a single ELISA does not invariably prove or exclude the presence of HLA antibodies, and that additional testing is required in some cases.
Avoiding Sural Nerve Injuries during Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Majewski Martin , Rohrbach Markus , Czaja Stephan , Ochsner Peter 
Published: April 2006

Background Sural nerve injury is a reported risk during percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon. Hypothesis Exposure of the sural nerve during percutaneous repair can minimize the risk of nerve injury. Study Design Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods The authors retrospectively examined the results of 84 patients who were treated for acute Achilles tendon rupture at 2 different hospitals. Both hospitals used the same percutaneous repair technique, except that the sural nerve was exposed in the 38 patients (mean age, 38 years; range, 23-68 years) of one hospital; the nerve was not exposed in the 46 patients (mean age, 42 years; range, 24-71 years) of the other hospital (the nonexposure group). Results All patients recovered and returned to work after 44 days (range, 5-202 days). All patients returned to their previous sports levels within 1 year. On the 100-point Hannover Achilles Tendon Score, the mean score was 81 points (range, 44-100 points). The overall incidence of sural nerve related complications was 18%. All sural nerve lesions occurred in the nonexposure group. In the total study population, there were 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 1 rerupture, and 1 case of infection. Conclusion Sural nerve injuries can be minimized during surgery by carefully placing the stab incisions to expose the nerve so as to avoid it during repair. If the sural nerve is exposed, percutaneous repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon is a safe and reliable method of treating Achilles tendon ruptures.
Inhalation of β2 agonists impairs the clearance of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae from the murine respiratory tract
Authors: Maris Nico A , Florquin Sandrine , van't Veer Cornelis , de Vos Alex F , Buurman Wim , Jansen Henk M , van der Poll Tom 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundNontypableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHi) is a common bacterial pathogen causing human respiratory tract infections under permissive conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inhalation of β2-receptor agonists is a widely used treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inhalation of β2 agonists on the host immune response to respiratory tract infection with NTHi.MethodsMouse alveolar macrophages were stimulated in vitro with NTHi in the presence or absence of the β2 receptor agonists salmeterol or salbutamol. In addition, mice received salmeterol or salbutamol by inhalation and were intranasally infected with NTHi. End points were pulmonary inflammation and bacterial loads.ResultsBoth salmeterol and salbutamol inhibited NTHi induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) release by mouse alveolar macrophages in vitro by a β receptor dependent mechanism. In line, inhalation of either salmeterol or salbutamol was associated with a reduced early TNFα production in lungs of mice infected intranasally with NTHi, an effect that was reversed by concurrent treatment with the β blocker propranolol. The clearance of NTHi from the lungs was impaired in mice treated with salmeterol or salbutamol, an adverse effect that was prevented by propranolol and independent of the reduction in TNFα.ConclusionThese data suggest that inhalation of salmeterol or salbutamol may negatively influence an effective clearance of NTHi from the airways.
Expression of Toll-like receptor 2 is up-regulated in monocytes from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Pons Jaume , Sauleda Jaume , Regueiro Verónica , Santos Carmen , López Meritxell , Ferrer Joana , Agustí Alvar GN , Bengoechea José A 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by pulmonary and systemic inflammation which flare-up during episodes of acute exacerbation (AECOPD). Given the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the induction of inflammatory responses we investigated the involvement of TLRs in COPD pathogenesis.MethodsThe expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and CD14 in monocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. To study the functional responses of these receptors, monocytes were stimulated with peptidoglycan or lipopolysaccharide and the amounts of TNFα and IL-6 secreted were determined by ELISA.ResultsWe found that the expression of TLR-2 was up-regulated in peripheral blood monocytes from COPD patients, either clinically stable or during AECOPD, as compared to never smokers or smokers with normal lung function. Upon stimulation with TLR-2 ligand monocytes from COPD patients secreted increased amounts of cytokines than similarly stimulated monocytes from never smokers and smokers. In contrast, the expressions of TLR-4 and CD14 were not significantly different between groups, and the response to lipopolysaccharide (a TLR-4 ligand) stimulation was not significantly different either. At discharge from hospital TLR-2 expression was down-regulated in peripheral blood monocytes from AECOPD patients. This could be due to the treatment with systemic steroids because,in vitro, steroids down-regulated TLR-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that IL-6, whose plasma levels are elevated in patients, up-regulatedin vitroTLR-2 expression in monocytes from never smokers.ConclusionOur results reveal abnormalities in TLRs expression in COPD patients and highlight its potential relationship with systemic inflammation in these patients.