bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exonuclease I‐sensitive DNA repair pathway in Deinococcus radiodurans: a major determinant of radiation resistance
Authors: Misra Hari S. , Khairnar Nivedita P. , Kota Swathi , Shrivastava Smriti , Joshi Vasudha P. , Apte Shree K. 
Published: December 2005

Summary Deinococcus radiodurans R1 recovering from acute dose of γ radiation shows a biphasic mechanism of DNA double‐strand break repair. The possible involvement of microsequence homology‐dependent, or non‐homologous end joining type mechanisms during initial period followed by RecA‐dependent homologous recombination pathways has been suggested for the reconstruction of complete genomes in this microbe. We have exploited the known roles of exonuclease I in DNA recombination to elucidate the nature of recombination involved in DNA double‐strand break repair during post‐irradiation recovery of D. radiodurans. Transgenic Deinococcus cells expressing exonuclease I functions of Escherichia coli showed significant reduction in γ radiation radioresistance, while the resistance to far‐UV and hydrogen peroxide remained unaffected. The overexpression of E. coli exonuclease I in Deinococcus inhibited DNA double‐strand break repair. Such cells exhibited normal post‐irradiation expression kinetics of RecA, PprA and single‐stranded DNA‐binding proteins but lacked the divalent cation manganese [(Mn(II)]‐dependent protection from γ radiation. The results strongly suggest that 3′ (ρ) 5′ single‐stranded DNA ends constitute an important component in recombination pathway involved in DNA double‐strand break repair and that absence of sbcB from deinococcal genome may significantly aid its extreme radioresistance phenotype.
Retrospective analysis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) copy DNA numbers in plasma of immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster, of immunocompromised patients with disseminated VZV disease, and of asymptomatic solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Kronenberg A. , Bossart W. , Wuthrich R.P. , Cao C. , Lautenschlager S. , Wiegand N.D. , Mullhaupt B. , Noll G. , Mueller N.J. , Speck R.F. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Background. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Subclinical reactivation has been described in solid organ recipients and has been associated with graft versus host disease in bone marrow transplantation. Newer studies assessing the prevalence and impact of subclinical VZV reactivation in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are lacking.Methods and results. In a first step we developed a highly sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for VZV DNA with a detection limit of ≤20 copies/mL. Using this assay, we retrospectively analyzed plasma samples of different patient groups for VZV DNA. VZV DNA was found in 10/10 plasma samples of immunocompentent patients with herpes zoster (VZV copy numbers/mL: mean±SEM 1710±1018), in 1/1 sample of a human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patient with primary VZV disease (15,192 copies/mL) and in 4/4 plasma samples of immunocompromised patients with visceral VZV disease (mean of first value 214,214±178,572). All 108 plasma samples of asymptomatic SOT recipients off any antiviral therapy, randomly sampled over 1 year, were negative for VZV DNA.Conclusion. Our qPCR assay proved to be highly sensitive (100%) in symptomatic VZV disease. We did not detect subclinical reactivation in asymptomatic SOT recipients during the first post‐transplant year. Thus, subclinical VZV reactivation is either a rare event or does not exist. These data need to be confirmed in larger prospective trials.
Induction of pre‐transplant Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection by donor blood transfusion in EBV–seronegative recipients may reduce risk of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease in adolescent renal transplant patients: report of two cases
Authors: Babel N. , Gabdrakhmanova L. , Hammer M. , Rosenberger C. , Oppert M. , Volk H.‐D. , Reinke P. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Background: Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a life‐threatening complication following organ transplantation. The greatest risk is seen in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐seronegative patients receiving allografts from EBV‐seropositive donors. We demonstrate a new approach of pre‐transplant prophylaxis of EBV‐related PTLD, suggesting that, prior to living‐related renal transplantation, blood transfusion from an EBV‐seropositive donor to an EBV‐seronegative recipient could induce primary EBV infection in the recipient, developing EBV immunity and decreasing risk of PTLD.Methods: Recipients underwent weekly donor‐specific blood transfusion (3 × 100 mL) before transplantation. EBV‐mRNA expression, viral load, serological tests, and clinical signs of EBV infection were assessed following blood transfusion.Results: We explored a new approach in 2 young EBV‐seronegative renal allograft recipients. Both patients developed primary EBV infection following blood transfusion before transplantation and showed symptom‐free seroconversion post‐transplantation without persistent EBV activation. There were no signs of PTLD during 5‐year follow‐up.Conclusions: A new effective and inexpensive approach is suggested for development of EBV immunity and probably for prophylaxis of EBV‐associated PTLD.
Transarterial block as an addition to a conventional catheter technique improves the axillary block
Authors: Kjelstrup T. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  We have had favourable experience with a triple injection technique, combining an axillary catheter technique with a transarterial axillary block. This method has been used successfully for routine surgery and re‐implantation of fingers, hand or forearm. We hypothesized that with this technique, block onset time and effectiveness are better than with a conventional catheter technique, and designed a study comparing this new technique with a conventional single injection through a catheter.Methods:  Fifty‐one adult patients were included in a prospective study. In all patients, a short axillary plexus catheter was positioned close to the median nerve. All patients had an injection through the catheter, while 26 of the patients had an additional injection behind, and in front of, the axillary artery. Sensory and motor block were tested continuously every minute for 29 min. Block success was recorded as onset time to analgesia, anaesthesia and complete motor block in the first 29 min. At 30 and 50 min, an analgesia block score was recorded.Results:  The transarterial injection plus catheter method was more effective, with a higher success rate and faster onset, than the catheter method. Readiness for surgery with analgesia in the median, radial and ulnar nerves was achieved in the catheter group in 13 patients (52%) at a mean time of 20.8 min, and in the combined group in 21 patients (81%) at a mean time of 13.3 min (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). At 50 min the situation was 17 (68%) and 24 (92%), respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The combined triple injection is faster and more effective than the catheter method alone.
Oxygenation within the first 120 h following coronary artery bypass grafting. Influence of systemic hypothermia (32 °C) or normothermia (36 °C) during the cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rasmussen B. S. , Sollid J. , Rees S. E. , Kjærgaard S. , Murley D. , Toft E. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  Lung function is often impaired after cardiac surgery performed under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Normothermic CPB has become more common, but it remains unknown whether it reduces post‐operative lung function compared with hypothermic CPB. The aim of this study was to investigate oxygenation within the first 120 h after systemic hypothermia and normothermia under CPB.Methods:  Thirty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomized to either hypothermic (32 °C) or normothermic (36 °C) CPB. Oxygenation was studied by a simple method for the estimation of intrapulmonary shunt and ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) mismatch pre‐operatively and 4, 48 and 120 h post‐operatively by changing Fio2 in four to six steps. V/Q mismatch was described with ΔPo2 (normal values, 0–2.38 kPa).Results:  Shunt and V/Q mismatch (ΔPo2) increased post‐operatively in both groups (P < 0.01), with no differences between the groups, and with the nadir values 48 h after surgery, i.e. shunt of 15% (5.8–25%) and ΔPo2 of 3.0 kPa (0.8–14 kPa) [values given as median (range)].Conclusions:  Impaired oxygenation is prevalent and prolonged following CABG, with equal intensity after hypothermic and normothermic CPB.
International Programme for Resource Use in Critical Care (IPOC) – a methodology and initial results of cost and provision in four European countries
Authors: Negrini D. , Sheppard L. , Mills G. H. , Jacobs P. , Rapoport J. , Bourne R. S. , Guidet B. , Csomos A. , Prien T. , Anderson G. , Edbrooke D. L. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  A standardized top‐down costing method is not currently available internationally. An internally validated method developed in the UK was modified for use in critical care in different countries. Costs could then be compared using the World Health Organization's Purchasing Power Parities (WHO PPPs).Methods:  This was an observational, retrospective, cross‐sectional, multicentre study set in four European countries: France, UK, Germany and Hungary. A total of 329 adult intensive care units (ICUs) participated in the study.Results:  The costs are reported in international dollars ($) derived from the WHO PPP programme. The results show significant differences in resource use and costs of ICUs over the four countries. On the basis of the sum of the means for the major components, the average cost per patient day in UK hospitals was $1512, in French hospitals $934, in German hospitals $726 and in Hungarian hospitals $280.Conclusions:  The reasons for such differences are poorly understood but warrant further investigation. This information will allow us to better adjust our measures of international ICU costs.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED: Early recovery, cognitive function and costs of a desflurane inhalational vs. a total intravenous anaesthesia regimen in long‐term surgery
Authors: Röhm K. D. , Piper S. N. , Suttner S. , Schuler S. , Boldt J. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  The purpose of the study was to compare time of recovery, return of cognitive function, post‐anaesthetic care unit (PACU) stay and costs of a propofol/remifentanil (TIVA) with a desflurane/fentanyl‐based anaesthesia (desflurane group) in surgical procedures lasting more than 150 min.Methods:  Forty‐nine patients undergoing elective abdominal prostatectomy were allocated randomly to receive bispectal index (BIS)‐controlled desflurane/fentanyl (n = 24) or propofol/remifentanil (n = 25). Awakening, clinical recovery, direct drug acquisition and post‐operative pain treatment were documented. Cognitive skills were tested using the Mini‐Mental Status (MMST) test.Results:  Extubation was significantly faster with desflurane (6.9 ± 3.5 min) than with TIVA (11.2 ± 4.0 min) as well as times for stating name and date of birth (desflurane: 6.1 ± 3.9 and 6.6 ± 4.0 min; TIVA: 12.4 ± 11.5 min and 13.4 ± 11.3 min). There were no significant differences in PACU discharge times or MMS scores between the groups. Significantly more patients suffered post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the desflurane (33% vs. 0%) than the TIVA group. Overall costs were significantly higher in the TIVA (58.8 ± 11.6 €) than in the desflurane group (35.0 ± 5.7 €).Conclusion:  Patients undergoing prolonged surgical procedures showed a faster early recovery after desflurane/fentanyl than using TIVA, whereas stay in the PACU and recovery of cognitive function were similar in both groups. Costs of a TIVA regimen were significantly higher than using a desflurane‐based anaesthesia technique.
Gene expression pathways induced by axotomy and decentralization of rat superior cervical ganglion neurons
Authors: Del Signore Arianna , De Sanctis Veronica , Di Mauro Ernesto , Negri Rodolfo , Perrone‐Capano Carla , Paggi Paola 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTo identify genes potentially involved in remodelling synaptic connections, we induced the temporary detachment of pre‐ and post‐synaptic elements by axotomy or denervation of rat superior cervical ganglion neurons. cDNA microarray analysis followed by stringent selection criteria allowed the identification of a panel of genes whose expression was modulated by axotomy at various time points after injury. Among these genes, 11 were validated by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction on independently prepared samples after superior cervical ganglion neuron axotomy (1, 3 and 6 days) and compared with the effect of decentralization (8 h, 1 and 3 days). These genes code for extracellular matrix/space [apolipoprotein D (apoD), decorin, collagen alpha1 type I, collagen alpha1 type III] and intermediate filament (vimentin) proteins, for modulators of neurite outgrowth (thrombin receptor, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, bone morphogenetic protein 4, annexin II and S‐100‐related protein, clone 42C) and for a nerve cell transcription factor (brain finger protein). Eight of these 11 genes showed significant and persistent modulations after both types of injury. Finally, protein levels of apoD were shown to increase in superior cervical ganglion after axotomy. Our results identify hitherto unrecorded genes responsive to axotomy and decentralization of superior cervical ganglion neurons, and probably involved in synapse formation, remodelling and elimination.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the angioarchitecture of the ciliary body of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Authors: Natiello Michelle , Samuelson Don 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  To examine the angioarchitecture of the ciliary body in the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), through the use of three‐dimensional reconstruction.Procedure  Specimens from West Indian manatee were preserved in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, serial sectioned and stained by Masson trichrome for light microscopic three‐dimensional reconstruction and evaluation.Results  The network of blood vessels in the ciliary processes of the West Indian manatee is fed by the major arterial circle that lies mostly near the base of the iris. The branching arterioles give rise to a capillary‐sinusoidal bed that extends internally along each process, emptying into two sets of veins, one being elevated. The elevated and nonelevated veins join posteriorly before emptying into the choroidal venous system.Conclusions  The angioarchitecture of the ciliary body of the West Indian manatee is clearly unique when compared to those previously examined in land mammals. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of paraffin sections is an effective means to evaluate vascular patterns in ocular specimens, especially those unavailable for corrosion casting.
Major histocompatibility class II expression in the normal canine cornea and in canine chronic superficial keratitis
Authors: Williams D. L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  To compare the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen in the corneas of normal dogs and dogs affected with chronic superficial keratitis (CSK).Methods  MHC class II expression was determined in frozen sections of normal canine cornea and cornea from lesions of CSK by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody directed against the canine MHC class II molecule. Langerhans cell phenotype was determined morphologically and by histochemical determination of ATPase activity. To determine the influence of gamma interferon on expression of MHC class II molecules by corneal cells, corneal explants were cultured with the cytokine and MHC class II expression determined as above.Results  Numerous MHC class II‐expressing cells were demonstrated within the stroma and epithelium of the normal corneal limbus and conjunctival epithelium while very little MHC class II expression was detected in the central region of normal canine cornea. In limbal and conjunctival epithelium, cells expressing MHC class II antigen showed ATPase activity, suggesting that they were Langerhans cells. Corneas from dogs with CSK showed MHC class II expression associated with stromal cells, some of which exhibited a dendritic morphology while most were lymphocytic. Corneal epithelial cells within the lesion also aberrantly expressed MHC class II. Corneal explants expressed MHC class II to varying degrees after differing periods of incubation with the cytokine gamma interferon.Conclusions  While the normal central cornea has little MHC class II expression, aberrant expression occurs in CSK, associated with secretion of gamma interferon by infiltrating CD4‐expressing lymphocytes. Although this change is likely to be a secondary feature of the CSK lesion, increased MHC class II expression may play a part in perpetuating the corneal inflammation seen in the disease.
Detection of cone dysfunction induced by digoxin in dogs by multicolor electroretinography
Authors: Maehara Seiya , Osawa Akiko , Itoh Norihiko , Wakaiki Shinsuke , Tsuzuki Keiko , Seno Takahiro , Kushiro Tokiko , Yamashita Kazuto , Izumisawa Yasuharu , Kotani Tadao 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIt is difficult to detect discrete cone function with the present conventional electroretinography (ERG) examination. In this study, we developed contact electrodes with a built‐in color (red (644 nm), green (525 nm), or blue (470 nm)) light source (color LED‐electrode), and evaluated an experimental model of digoxin in the dog. First, 17 normal Beagle dogs were used to determine which electrode works well for color ERG measurement on dogs. Then, color ERG was performed on seven normal Beagle dogs at various points during a 14‐day period of digoxin administration. A single daily dose of 0.0125 mg/kg/day, which is within the recommended oral maintenance dosage range for dogs, was administered orally for 2 weeks. Ophthalmic examination, measurement of plasma concentration of digoxin, and color ERG examination were performed. On first examination, amplitudes of all responses were significantly (P < 0.01) lower with the red, than with the blue and green electrodes during ERG recording. In ERG using the red electrode, the standard deviation was large. According to these preliminary results, the red electrode was not used in the experimental dog model with digoxin. In the digoxin administrated animals, no significant change was observed in the ophthalmic examination findings. The digoxin level increased steadily throughout the dosing period but was always within the therapeutic range for dogs. In rod ERG, no abnormalities were detected with any electrode. In standard combined ERG, decreased amplitude of the a‐wave was detected with every electrode. In single flash cone ERG, prolongation of implicit time was detected by color ERG with the blue and green electrodes. In 30‐Hz flicker ERG, decreased amplitude was detected only by color ERG with the blue electrode. The decreased amplitude and prolonged implicit time recovered after termination of digoxin administration. Cone dysfunction induced by digoxin in the dog was revealed by multicolor ERG using blue and green LED‐electrodes. Multi‐color ERG was useful for detecting cone type‐specific dysfunction in the dog.
Congenital stationary night blindness in a Thoroughbred and a Paso Fino
Authors: Nunnery Catherine , Pickett J. Phillip , Zimmerman Kurt L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis report documents congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in two non‐Appaloosa horse breeds (Thoroughbred and Paso Fino). History of vision impairment since birth, normal ocular structures on ophthalmic examination, and electroretinographic findings were consistent with CSNB. In one horse (Thoroughbred), a 9‐year follow‐up was carried out. In the Paso Fino, severe vision impairment from birth to approximately 1 year of age in both dim and bright light situations led to humane euthanasia and histopathologic confirmation of the disorder.
Intracranial meningioma causing internal ophthalmoparesis in a dog
Authors: Webb Aubrey A. , Cullen Cheryl L. , Rose Patricia , Eisenbart David , Gabor Les , Martinson Shannon 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA 10‐year‐old, spayed female, Irish water spaniel was presented with a 2‐week history of anisocoria characterized by mydriasis of the right eye compared to the left eye in ambient light. Ophthalmic and neurological examinations, combined with pharmacological testing, identified a disease process affecting the right parasympathetic nucleus of cranial nerve 3 (CN III) and/or the parasympathetic component of CN III. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a mass involving the right midbrain and extending caudally to the rostral border of the medulla oblongata. The dog became comatose within 12 h following MRI and was euthanized. Histopathology identified the intracranial mass as a meningioma.
Phylogeny and biogeography of water skinks of the genus Tropidophorus (Reptilia: Scincidae): a molecular approach
Authors: Honda Masanao , Ota Hidetoshi , Murphy Robert W. , Hikida Tsutomu 
Published: December 2005

Phylogenetic relationships of the Oriental semiaquatic lygosomine skinks of the genus Tropidophorus were inferred from 1219 base positions of mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes. Results of the phylogenetic analyses incorporating data for representatives of other lygosomine genera indicated that the basal phylogenetic split within Tropidophorus separated a clade of continental Indochinese species exclusive of T. cocincinensis and T. microlepis from one comprising T. cocincinensis, T. microlepis and species from Borneo, Sulawesi and the Philippines. Of the latter group, the two continental species form the sister taxon to a clade comprising the island species. Diversification among species in Indochina and among Borneo, the Philippines and Sulawesi was likely concentrated in the Miocene, with no apparent dispersal among these regions during the Pleistocene. The body depression recognized in several Indochinese species is likely to have occurred twice in parallel as an adaptation to saxicolous habitats.
Practical CFD Simulations on Programmable Graphics Hardware using SMAC†
Authors: Scheidegger Carlos E. , Comba João L. D. , Da Cunha Rudnei D. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract The explosive growth in integration technology and the parallel nature of rasterization‐based graphics APIs (Application Programming Interface) changed the panorama of consumer‐level graphics: today, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are cheap, fast and ubiquitous. We show how to harness the computational power of GPUs and solve the incompressible Navier‐Stokes fluid equations significantly faster (more than one order of magnitude in average) than on CPU solvers of comparable cost. While past approaches typically used Stam's implicit solver, we use a variation of SMAC (Simplified Marker and Cell). SMAC is widely used in engineering applications, where experimental reproducibility is essential. Thus, we show that the GPU is a viable and affordable processor for scientific applications. Our solver works with general rectangular domains (possibly with obstacles), implements a variety of boundary conditions and incorporates energy transport through the traditional Boussinesq approximation. Finally, we discuss the implications of our solver in light of future GPU features, and possible extensions such as three‐dimensional domains and free‐boundary problems.