bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of non‐renal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: a review
Authors: FONG Kok‐Yong 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is efficacious in the management of transplantations and lupus nephritis. It is also useful in the treatment of autoimmune conditions as its mechanisms of action target the T‐ and B‐lymphocytes, leading to suppression of the cell‐mediated immune responses and antibody formation. It has been used successfully in immune‐mediated conditions like myasthenia gravis, autoimmune hepatitis and immune cytopenias. However, its optimal use in non‐renal manifestations (haematological, neuropsychiatric, myocardial, pulmonary, curaneous) in lupus patients are unclear and predominantly based on anecdotal reports. There are yet to be randomised controlled trials to guide the optimal doses and durations of MMF in such situations. MMF is relatively well tolerated and safe to use, though there are reports of serious adverse effects like urticaria, myopathy, Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated B‐cell lymphoma, cytomegalovirus infections and disseminated varicella zoster. Another area of concern for patients is the increased cost of using long‐term MMF. A practical approach for rheumatologists would be to use a dosing regimen guided by data from lupus nephritis trials and using MMF mainly in those lupus patients with non‐renal manifestations failing conventional therapy.
A 1‐year study of two doses of steroid in combination with methotrexate and chloroquine in the treatment of patients with mild and moderate systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: LI Ting , CHEN Shun‐Le , FURST Daniel E. , BAO Chun‐De , LI Li , CHEN Sheng 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim:  This is a retrospective study on the efficacy and adverse effects of treating mild or moderate systemic lupus erythematosus without major organ involvement using small dosage prednisone combined with MTX and chloroquine (PMC).Methods:  As a retrospective 1‐year follow‐up study, clinic outpatients (Rheumatology Department, Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China) were divided by predinisone dose (Group A, prednisone ≤ 0.2 mg/kg/d; Group B prednisone 0.5–0.6 mg/kg/d). All patients (N = 30 per group) were also administered methotrexate (7.5–10 mg/week) and chloroquine (250 mg/d). Efficacy and adverse effects of the two protocol drug regimens were compared.Results:  The OUT Score of Group A was reduced from 2.10 ± 1.45 to 0.94 ± 0.73, and Group B from 2.93 ± 2.26 to 1.3 ± 1.29. The treatment was successful and there was no significant difference of efficacy between these two groups. However, the infection rate was much higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.001). Most infections occurred in the lung, while infections of the skin were recorded. There were also three patients who presented with Cushing syndrome in Group B. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head was noted in Group B, but none in Group A.Conclusions:  Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with mild or moderate activity, and without major organ involvement, can be controlled well with PMC. Otherwise, it was noted that higher doses of prednisone leads to more infections.
COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY AND TAXONOMIC STATUS OFGRACILARIOPSIS(GRACILARIALES, RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Fredericq Suzanne , Hommersand Max H. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe vegetative organization and reproductive development ofGracilariopsis lemaneiformis(Bory) Dawson, Acleto et Foldvik [includingGracilaria sjoestedtiiKylin] were investigated. Our observations on spermatangial development and post‐fertilization features establish thatGracilariopsisDawson is distinct at the generic level fromGracilariaGreville, and ice propose the resurrection of Gracilariopsis Dawson as a result.Spermatangial parent cells ofGracilariopsisare superficial, initiated in pairs or groups of three by concavo‐convex longitudinal and transverse divisions. Each spermatangial parent cell cuts off a single, colorless spermatangium distally by a transverse division. The female reproductive apparatus consists of a supporting cell that bears a two‐celled carpogonial branch flanked by two sterile branches, as inGracilaria.Likewise, up to six sterile cells fuse with the carpogonium after fertilization to produce a primary fusion cell that generates the gonimoblasts; however, a secondary fusion cell is absent. Inner gonimoblast cells unite with cytologically modified cells of the inner pericarp by means of secondary pit‐connections. Tubular nutritive cells are absent. The gonimoblast consists of a central sterile tissue interconnected throughout by secondary pit‐connections surmounted by a fertile layer composed of carposporangia aligned in straight chains.The distribution ofGracilariopsisis extended to Western Europe.
OXYGEN‐INDUCED CHANGES IN MORPHOLOGY OF AGGREGATES OF APHANIZOMENON FLOS‐AQUAE (CYANOPHYCEAE): IMPLICATIONS FOR NITROGEN FIXATION POTENTIALS1
Authors: Carlton Richard G. , Paerl Hans W. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe filamentous nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae (L.) Ralfs forms bundle or fake shaped aggregates which can provide buoyancy control, protection against intense illumination, enhancement of phycosphere nutrient regeneration, and which may result from size‐selective herbivory by zooplankton. The dimensions of aggregates can change quickly. In this study, after a period of darkness, illumination caused aggregates to elongate approximately five‐fold over a 10‐15 min period. The metamorphosis was reversible upon cessation of illumination and through successive light‐dark cycles. Manipulations of environmental oxygen concentration and photosystem Ü activity (via DCMU amendment), together with measurements made inside flakes with O2‐sensitive microelectrocles, showed that the metamorphosis was a response to oxygen concentration and operated to enhance diffusive efflux of photosynthetically produced oxygen during illumination. During darkness oxygen concentration within contracted aggregates became severely depleted relative to the environment. We propose that metamorphic minimization of local oxygen concentration is an adaptation that enhances the ability of Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae to fix atmospheric nitrogen via the oxygen‐labile nitrogenase enzyme system.
CHEMICAL CONTROL OF ANDROSPORE MORPHOGENESIS IN OEDOGONIUM DONNELLII (CHLOROPHYTA, OEDOGONIALES)1
Authors: Hill Gerry J. C. , Cunningham Muriel Ft. , Byrne Margaret M. , Ferry Thomas P. , Halvorson Jason S. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTUnder the influence of the pheromone, “circein,” produced by an oogonial mother cell of Oedogonium donnellii Wolle, the androspore of the same species progresses through several behavioral changes and a series of developmental stages which result in the formation of a sperm‐producing dwarf male thallus. When subjected instead to an environment with an increased nitrate or ammonium ion concentration [0.02 M KNO3 or 0.01 M (NH)2SO4], an androspore undergoes a series of developmental changes which result in the formation of a vegetative male thallus indistinguishable from the one which originally released it. If exposed to neither circein nor increased nitrate/ammonium ion concentration, the androspore enters a cycle of swimming androspore: cyst: swimming androspore. Thus, three separate paths are open to the androspore depending on its environment: (1) development into a dwarf male thallus under the influence of female‐produced pheromone, circein, (2) development into a vegetative thallus under the influence of increased nitrate/ammonium ion concentration, and (3) periodic regeneration through an encystment cycle in an unaltered environment. Treatments with transcriptional and translational inhibitors indicate that androspore development into either a dwarf male or a vegetative thallus requires several different phases of de novo synthesis of RXA and protein stimulated by circein or by nitrate ion.
IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL VARIABLES ON THE SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF EPILITHIC ALGAE IN A HIGHLY SHADED CANYON STREAM1
Authors: Duncan Scott W. , Blinn Dean W. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe seasonal abundance of epilithic algae was correlated with major physico‐chemical parameters in a first‐order, heavily shaded stream in northern Arizona. Diatoms made up over 85%, by numerical abundance, of the epilithon community Light energy, water temperature, and stream discharge were most highly correlated with seasonal abundance of epilithic diatom taxa when analyzed with stepwise multiple regression. None of the chemical variables measured in the study (NO3‐N, O‐PO4, SiO2, including PH) was found to be significantly correlated with the seasonal community structure of epilithic diatoms. Total diatom cell densities showed a significant negative correlation to stream bed light energy. Likewise, total diatom cell densities along a transect in the stream bed showed a negative correlation to current velocity during those months when base flow was low and stable, and current velocity was ≤25 cm·sec‐1. Most diatom taxa had highest cell densities at temperatures < 16°C and at daily mean stream bed light levels < 400 μE·m−2·s−1. Highest cell densities of green algae occurred at temperatures between 6–16°C and at daily mean stream bed light levels of > 400 μE·m−2·s−1. Blue‐green algae (cyanobacteria) grew best at the highest recorded water temperatures and daily mean stream bed light energy (16–20°C and 900–1200 μE·m−2·s−1). Abrupt increases in NO3‐N coincided with a brief pulse of Nostoc pruniforme colonies during June, and leaf drop from Alnus oblongifolia during October.
EVALUATION OF COMPETITIVE ABILITY OF STAURASTRUM LUETKEMUELLERII (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AND MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA (CYANOPHYCEAE) UNDER P LIMITATION1
Authors: Olsen Yngvar 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe desmid Staurastrum luetkemuellerii Donat et Ruttner and the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa Kütz. showed pronounced differences in chemical composition and ability to maintain P fluxes. The cellular P:C ratio (Qp) and the surplus P:C ratio (Qsp) were higher in M. aeruginosa, indicating a lower yield of biomass C per unit of P. The subsistence quota (Qp) was 1.85 μg P·mg C−1in S. luetkemuellerii and 6.09 μg P·mg C−1in M. aeruginosa, whereas the respective Qp of P saturnted organisms (Qs) were 43 and 63 μg P·mg C−1. These stores could support four divisions in S. luetkemuellerii and three divisions in M. aeruginosa, which suggests that the former exhibited highest storage capacity (Qs/Q0). M. aeruginosa showed a tenfold higher activity of alkaline phosphatase than S. luetkemuellerii when P starved. The optimum N:P ratio (by weight) was 5 in S. luetkemuellerii and 7 in M. aeruginosa.The initial uptake of Pi pulses in the organisms was not inhibited by rapid (<1 h) internal feedback mechanisms and the short term uptake rote could be expressed solely as a function of ambient Pi. The maximum cellular C‐based uptake rate (Vm) in P starved M. aeruginosa was up to 50 times higher than that of S. luetkemuellerii. It decreased with increasing growth rate (P status) in the former species and remained fairly constant in the latter. The corresponding cellular P‐based value (Um= Vm/Qp) decreased with growth rate in both species and was about 10 times higher in P started M. aeruginosa than in S. luetkemuellerii. The average half saturation constant for uptake (Km) was equal for both species (22 μg P·L−1) and varied with the P status. S. luetkemuellerii exhibited shifts in the uptake rate of Pi that were characterized by increased affinity (Um/Km) at low Pi, concentrations (<4 μg P·L−1) compared to that at higher concentrations. The species thus was well adapted to uptake at low ambient Pi, but M. aeruginosa was superior in Pi uptake under steady state and transient conditions when the growth rate was lower than 0.75 d−1. Moreover, M. aeruginosa was favored by pulsed addition of Pi. M. aeruginosa relpased Pi at a higher rate than S. luetkemuellerii. Leakage of Pi from the cells caused C‐shaped μ vs. Pi curves. Therefore, no unique Ks for growth could be estimated. The maximum growth rate (μm) (23° C) was 0.94 d−1for S. luetkemuellerii and 0.81 d−1for M. aeruginosa.The steady state concentration of Pi (P*) was lower in M. aeruginosa than in S. luetkemuellerii at medium growth rates. The concentration of Pi at which the uptake and release of Pi was equal (Pc was, however, lower in S. luetkemuellerii.
Modulation of Ventricular Repolarization in Patients with Transient Left Ventricular Apical Ballooning: A Case Control Study
Authors: BONNEMEIER HENDRIK , ORTAK JASMIN , BODE FRANK , KUROWSKI VOLKHARD , REPPEL MICHAEL , WEITZ GUNTHER , BARANTKE MELANIE , SCHUNKERT HERIBERT , WIEGAND UWE K.H. 
Published: November 2006

Objective: Even though diffuse T wave inversion and prolongation of the QT interval in the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) have been consistently reported in patients with transient stress‐induced left ventricular apical ballooning (AB), ventricular repolarization has not yet been systematically investigated in this clinical entity. Background: AB, an emerging syndrome that mimics acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI), is characterized by reversible left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in the absence of obstructive coronary heart disease and significant QT interval prolongation. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 22 consecutive patients (21 women, median age 65 years) with transient left ventricular AB. A total of 22 age‐, gender‐, body‐mass‐index‐, and left‐ventricular‐function‐matched patients with acute anterior ST‐segment elevation MI undergoing successful direct percutaneous coronary intervention for a proximal occlusion of the LAD, as well as 22 healthy volunteers served as control groups. Beat‐to‐beat QT interval and QT interval dynamicity were determined from 24‐hour Holter ECGs, recorded on the third day after hospital admission. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics, except higher peak enzyme release in MI patients. Compared with MI patients, AB patients exhibited significantly prolonged mean QT intervals and rate‐corrected QT intervals (QT: 418 ± 37 vs 384 ± 33 msec, P < 0.01; QTcBazett: 446 ± 40 vs 424 ± 35 msec, P < 0.05; QTcFridericia: 437 ± 35 vs 412 ± 31 msec, P < 0.05). Mean RR intervals tended to be higher in AB patients, without reaching statistical significance (877 ± 96 vs 831 ± 102 msec, P = NS). The linear regression slope of QT intervals plotted against RR intervals was significantly flatter in AB patients at both day‐ and nighttime (QT/RR slopeday: 0.18 ± 0.04 vs 0.22 ± 0.06, P < 0.01; QT/RR slopenight: 0.12 ± 0.03 vs 0.17 ± 0.05, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The present study is the first to demonstrate significant differences of QT interval modulation in patients with transient left ventricular AB and acute ST‐segment elevation MI. Even though transient AB is associated with a significant QT interval prolongation, rate adaptation of ventricular repolarization (i.e., QT dynamicity) is not significantly altered, suggesting a differential effect of autonomic nervous activity on the ventricular myocardium in transient AB and in acute MI.
Acute Evaluation of Programmer‐Guided AV/PV and VV Delay Optimization Comparing an IEGM Method and Echocardiogram for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure Patients and Dual‐Chamber ICD Implants
Authors: BAKER JAMES H. , MCKENZIE JOHN , BEAU SCOTT , GREER G. STEPHEN , PORTERFIELD JAMES , FEDOR MATTHEW , GREENBERG STEVEN , DAOUD EMILE G. , CORBISIERO RAFFAELE , BAILEY J. RUSSELL , PORTERFIELD LINDA 
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Intracardiac delay optimization of biventricular and dual‐chamber pacing devices currently relies on time‐consuming echocardiographic measurements. A novel intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) method for atrioventricular (AV/PV) and interventricular (VV) delay optimization was developed, which can be performed during routine device follow‐up. Methods and Results: In this prospective, nonrandomized, multi‐center trial, patients previously implanted with St. Jude Medical cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) devices or dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) underwent standard AV/PV and/or VV delay optimization guided by Doppler echocardiogram measurements of the maximum aortic velocity time integral (aortic VTI). Aortic VTI measurements applying the IEGM method recommended delays were then obtained in all patients. Fifty‐eight patients (age: 68 ± 11 years; 81% male; 74% ischemic) and 57 patients (age: 71 ± 10 years; 74% male; 71% ischemic) were enrolled for AV/PV and VV delay evaluation, respectively. An independent core lab determined the maximum aortic VTIs.Data analysis of the AV, PV, and VV delays demonstrated the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between the standard method aortic VTI values and the IEGM method aortic VTI values was 97.5%, 96.1%, and 96.6%, respectively. All analyses demonstrated that the CCC > 90% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The automated programmer‐based IEGM method provides a reliable and simpler alternative to standard techniques for the optimization of AV/PV and VV delay settings in patients with CRT‐D devices and dual‐chamber ICDs.
Magnetic Navigation in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: PATTERSON MARK S. , SCHOTTEN JEROEN , VAN MIEGHEM CARLOS , KIEMENEIJ FERDINAND , SERRUYS PATRICK W. 
Published: November 2006

Magnetic navigation is the use of adjustable magnetic fields to precisely direct wires and equipment for clinical applications. It is a recently developed option that is now available for interventional cardiology. Procedures are based on the production of a three‐dimensional reconstruction of the vessel lumen from standard angiographic images. Knowledge of the positions of the table and image intensifier during angiography allows calculation of the vessel coordinates in real space within the patient's chest. The applied magnetic field can be changed at any time to redirect the wire tip in order to improve navigation through complex and tortuous anatomy. The digital information of the coronary reconstruction can be used in further novel ways. Firstly, the integration of multislice computerized tomography images adds information about the path of the previous lumen of chronic total occlusions. Secondly, the computed center‐line of the reconstructed vessel can be superimposed onto the live fluoroscopy images as a three‐dimensional guide. The combination of improved navigation together with the other available system features may improve time, contrast, and material usage in a range of coronary lesions. Future potential developments include improvements in equipment and software, and potential therapeutic strategies under consideration include the use of equipment to perform remote control procedures, and the integration of the system to improve bone marrow–derived stem cell delivery.
Biocompatibility of different barrier membranes in cultures of human CRL 11372 osteoblast‐like cells: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Bilir Ayhan , Aybar Buket , Tanrikulu Sinasi H. , Issever Halim , Tuna Sevilcan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of two different barrier materials in cultures of human osteoblast‐like cells (CRL 11372) in vitro.Material and methods: Polylactic acid (Epi‐Guide®; EG) and collagen membrane (Bio‐Collagen®, BC) were examined. To analyze the effect of materials on cell proliferation, cell numbers and cell viability, cells were cultured on the barrier membranes for 24 and 72 h. Cells plated on culture dishes (CD) served as positive controls. Cell proliferation rate was assessed by the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemical technique. The cell numbers of each well were counted. Cell viability was estimated by counting the number of cells, which excluded trypan blue solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the interactions between osteoblastic cells and barrier membranes.Results: The highest number of BrdU‐labeled cells were seen on CD after both of the time periods. In comparison with the other two groups, BC showed significantly fewer cells after both time periods. Regarding cell numbers, after 24 and 72 h of incubations CD showed the highest number of cells. The number of viable cells was similar for all the groups. After 72 h for the EG group, SEM view showed flat cells. After 72‐h time periods, the BC group revealed a weak adhesion of cells to the barriers.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that cells were able to proliferate on these materials and EG promoted the proliferation of human osteoblast like cells. We prefer to use the EG membrane.
Influence of the application of platelet‐enriched plasma in oral mucosal wound healing
Authors: Lindeboom Jérôme A. H. , Mathura Keshen R. , Aartman Irene H. A. , Kroon Frans H. M. , Milstein Dan M. J. , Ince Can 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to describe and quantify the therapeutic value of platelet concentrate on the capillary density in oral mucosal wound healing.Material and methods: The subjects included 10 healthy edentulous patients who underwent bilaterally a sinus floor elevation procedure and a buccal onlay graft with autologous iliac crest bone for maxillary reconstruction. During surgery, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was prepared from a blood sample taken from the patient. After randomization in a split‐mouth design, at one side PRP was administered in the wound and at the contralateral side a placebo. At baseline, microvascular capillary density was scored with the orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging technique and repeated measurements were performed postoperatively on a daily basis until the tenth day, after which measurements were continued weekly until the fifth postoperative week.Results: Ten patients, five males and five females, were included in the study with a mean age of 54.2±9.1 years for females and 57.6±6.9 years for males. Donor platelet counts from whole blood had a mean value of 248.5±13.5 × 109/l, while the value of platelet counts in the PRP had a mean of 975.9±97.9 × 109/l. Wound healing was significantly accelerated in the PRP‐treated mucosal wounds during the first 10 postoperative days. After the second week, no obvious differences between the PRP or placebo side could be noted.Conclusion: PRP has a strong stimulant effect on capillary regeneration in wound healing. These effects are mainly noticeable during the early stages of wound healing.