bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of radiotherapy on different histopathological types of rectal carcinoma
Authors: Sengul N. , Wexner S. D. , Woodhouse S. , Arrigain S. , Xu M. , Larach J. A. , Ahn B. K. , Weiss E. G. , Nogueras J. J. , Berho M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Down staging by pre‐operative chemoradiotherapy is currently considered part of the standard therapeutic approach to rectal carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the response to chemoradiotherapy of different histopathological types of rectal carcinoma with emphasis on the mucinous variant.Method  Between 1997 and 2002, 71 patients who received pre‐operative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for rectal carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Staging of the rectal carcinoma was performed according to transrectal ultrasound findings (TN score) prior to the chemoradiotherapy. The chemoradiotherapy was followed by radical resection with mesorectal excision. All surgical specimens were examined by a single pathologist (MB). Pathological TN staging was assessed and tumour regression was graded according to a standard method (TRG1, complete response – TRG5 no response). Tumours were classified as mucinous or nonmucinous according to pre‐ and post‐operative biopsy and specimen histopathological types. TN score change and TRG differences between groups were assessed.Results  Tumour regression was seen after chemoradiotherapy in 94.4% of the patients, while in 5.6% of the patients no response was found. The change in TN score and TRG were correlated. Higher TRG was associated with a smaller decrease in TN staging. TRG was significantly lower in the nonmucinous compared to the mucinous group and the decrease in TN grade was significantly larger in the nonmucinous group.Conclusion  Mucinous carcinoma was associated with a lower response to pre‐operative chemo‐radiotherapy in this group of rectal carcinoma patients. Further studies are needed to determine its prognostic value.
Posterior pelvic exenteration for primary rectal cancer
Authors: Bannura G. C. , Barrera A. E. , Cumsille M. A. G. , Contreras J. P. , Melo C. L. , Soto D. C. , Mansilla J. E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Indications for and the prognosis of posterior pelvic exenteration (PPE) in rectal cancer patients are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to analyse the indications, complications and long‐term results of PPE in patients with primary rectal cancer.Methods  A retrospective review included patient demographics, tumour and treatment variables, and morbidity, recurrence, and survival statistics. These results were compared with a group of female patients who underwent standard resection for primary rectal cancer in the same period (non PPE group).Results  The series included 30 women with an average age of 56.7 years (range 22–78). Tumour location was recorded in three cases in the upper rectum, 13 cases in the medium rectum and 14 cases in the lower rectum. A sphincter‐preserving procedure was performed in 70% of the patients. Mean operative time was 4.2 h (range 2–7.5 h). Overall major morbidity rate in this series was 50% and mean hospital stay was 19.7 days (range 9–60 days). There was no hospital mortality. Pathological reports showed direct invasion of uterus, vagina or rectovaginal septum in 19 cases, involvement of perirectal tissue in 25 cases and positive lymph nodes in 18 cases. Comparison between PPE and non PPE groups showed no differences in mean tumour diameter, histological grade and tumour stage, but patients in the first group were younger. Although low tumours were seen more frequently in the PPE group (P = 0.003), the rate of sphincter‐preserving procedure was comparable in both groups. Operative time was longer (P = 0.04) and morbidity was higher (P = 0.0058) in the PPE group. Local recurrence with or without distant metastases for the whole series was 30%. Five‐year survival rate for patients who underwent curative resections (TNM I–III) was 48% in the PPE group vs 62% in the non PPE group (P = 0.09).Conclusions  In the present series, PPE prolonged operative time, increased postoperative complications and showed a trend toward poor prognosis in recurrence and survival. However, PPE offers the only hope for cure to patients with a primary rectal cancer that is adherent or invades reproductive organs.
ONTOTHEOLOGICAL TURNINGS? MARION, LACOSTE AND LEVINAS ON THE DECENTRING OF MODERN SUBJECTIVITY
Authors: SCHRIJVERS JOERI 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn this article, Schrijvers examines the decentering of the modern subject at issue in the thought of Emmanuel Levinas, Jean‐Luc Marion, and Jean‐Yves Lacoste from the perspective of ontotheology. Schrijvers contends that in both Marion's and Lacoste's phenomenology an unexpected return to the subject‐object distinction occurs, and asks whether a simple reversal of the subject‐object distinction suffices to break out of the ontotheological scheme. In a second move, Levinas’ account of a “relation without relation” is developed as a solution to the problem perceived in the works of Marion and Lacoste. Via a critique of Levinas, Schrijvers suggests that what is at stake in reversing the subject‐object distinction entails less an “overcoming” of ontotheology and more a matter of comporting oneself towards it in an appropriate way.
The role of neutrophils in injury and repair following muscle stretch
Authors: Toumi Hechmi , F’guyer Sleem , Best Thomas M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractStretch injury to the myotendinous junction is a common problem in competitive athletes and those involved in regular physical activity. The major risk factor for recurrent injury appears to be the primary injury itself. Physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and athletes alike continue to search for optimal treatment and prevention strategies. Acute inflammation is regarded as the body's generalized protective response to tissue injury. An especially important and unexplored aspect of inflammation following injury is the role of inflammatory cells in extending injury and possibly directing muscle repair. It has been suggested that the inflammatory reaction, although it typically represents a reaction to damage and necrosis, may even bring about some local damage of its own and therefore increase the possibility for scarring and fibrosis. Limiting certain aspects of inflammation may theoretically reduce muscle damage as well as signals for muscle scarring. Here we focus on the role of neutrophils in injury and repair of stretch‐injured skeletal muscle. A minimally invasive model that generates a reproducible injury to rabbit skeletal muscle is presented. We present a plausible theory that neutrophil‐derived oxidants resulting from the initial stretch injury are responsible for extending the damage. An anti‐CD11b antibody that blocks the neutrophil's respiratory burst is employed to reduce myofibre damage. An intriguing area that is currently being explored in our laboratory and others is the potential role for neutrophils to contribute to muscle growth and repair. It may be possible that neutrophils facilitate muscle repair through removal of tissue debris as well as by activation of satellite cells. Recent and ongoing investigations point to interleukin‐6 as a possible key cytokine in muscle inflammation and repair. Studies to elucidate a clearer understanding of this possibility will be reviewed.
How nutrition and exercise maintain the human musculoskeletal mass
Authors: Wackerhage Henning , Rennie Michael J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn this article we review some of our recent work concerning the effects of nutrition and exercise on protein synthesis and signal transduction in human musculoskeletal tissues. A great deal of new information is being generated by the application of recently refined techniques for measuring protein turnover. The field remains one that is largely descriptive but increasingly we are beginning to discern mechanisms underlying lean tissue maintenance, growth and wasting especially as multidisciplinary tools are applied to its study. Several types of exercise and nutrition are potent stimuli for protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. By contrast, collagen in the extracellular matrix in muscle and tendon appears to be mechanically but not nutritionally sensitive. The rates of collagen turnover in a variety of tissues are sufficiently high to account for a sizeable proportion of whole body protein turnover. One of the most recent surprises is the high turnover rate of human bone collagen and its anabolic response to feeding. As our understanding of the normal physiology of these processes advances, we become better able to construct testable hypotheses concerning the effects of ageing and disease on the musculoskeletal mass. Current evidence suggests that one of the major problems with loss of muscle during ageing is an inability of the tissue to respond adequately to increased availability of nutrients.
Extracellular matrix adaptation of tendon and skeletal muscle to exercise
Authors: Kjær Michael , Magnusson Peter , Krogsgaard Michael , Møller Jens Boysen , Olesen Jens , Heinemeier Katja , Hansen Mette , Haraldsson Bjarki , Koskinen Satu , Esmarck Birgitte , Langberg Henning 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues enables linking to other tissues, and plays a key role in force transmission and tissue structure maintenance in tendons, ligaments, bone and muscle. ECM turnover is influenced by physical activity, and both collagen synthesis and metalloprotease activity increase with mechanical loading. This can be shown by determining propeptide and proteinase activity by microdialysis, as well as by verifying the incorporation of infused stable isotope amino acids in biopsies. Local tissue expression and release of growth factors for ECM such as IGF‐1, TGF‐beta and IL‐6 is enhanced following exercise. For tendons, metabolic activity (e.g. detected by positron emission tomography scanning), circulatory responses (e.g. as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy and dye dilution) and collagen turnover are markedly increased after exercise. Tendon blood flow is regulated by cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)‐mediated pathways, and glucose uptake is regulated by specific pathways in tendons that differ from those in skeletal muscle. Chronic loading in the form of physical training leads both to increased collagen turnover as well as to some degree of net collagen synthesis. These changes modify the mechanical properties and the viscoelastic characteristics of the tissue, decrease its stress‐susceptibility and probably make it more load‐resistant. The mechanical properties of tendon fascicles vary within a given human tendon, and even show gender differences. The latter is supported by findings of gender‐related differences in the activation of collagen synthesis with exercise. These findings may provide the basis for understanding tissue overloading and injury in both tendons and skeletal muscle.
Vitamin C allergy of the delayed type
Authors: Metz J. , Hundertmark U. , Pevny I. 
Published: April 2006

A case of vitamin C allergy of the delayed type is reported. Eczematous skin lesions appeared during normal uptake of the vitamin C contained in food. After a vitamin C‐free diet, the skin lesions disappeared. Patch tests and an oral exposure with vitamin C gave positive reactions.This observation of vitamin C allergy is compared with previous published cases.
Allergic contact dermatitis from methylisothiocyanate in soil disinfectants*
Authors: Richter G. 
Published: April 2006

Observations on nine patients with occupational dermatitis from methylisothiocyanate (MITC) lead to the following conclusions:

MITC causes primarily a toxic dermatitis, but as a strong sensitizer it induces sensitization as well.
Cross reactions between MITC and benzylisothiocyanate, the active agent of Sulbentin antimycotics. were not seen.
In one patient a MITC acid burn on one foot and leg caused systemic poisoning from absorption with reversible damage to the liver parenchyma.
B‐type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency department
Authors: Chircop Robert , Jelinek George A 
Published: April 2006

AbstractB‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increasingly being used as a diagnostic marker in the diagnosis of heart failure. Here we evaluate the evidence base for its utility in the ED. Clinical trials suggest that it is more accurate than clinical acumen especially when emergency physicians have diagnostic problems. BNP appears more accurate than any clinical findings or radiological signs. In conjunction with considered clinical judgement, knowledge of its limitations and variable cut‐off points, BNP can be of considerable utility to the emergency physician.
Gene action for surrogate traits of water‐use efficiency and harvest index in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Lal Chuni , Hariprasanna K. , Rathnakumar A.L. , Gor H.K. , Chikani B.M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryLow peanut productivity in the semi‐arid tropics is attributed mainly to drought caused by low and erratic rainfall. Genetic improvement in water‐use efficiency (WUE) could potentially lead to improved yield under limited moisture availability. In peanut, WUE is correlated with SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), specific leaf area (SLA), and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C). These traits can be used as surrogates for selecting for WUE. Partitioning of assimilates as measured by the harvest index (HI) has the greatest effect on pod yield. To improve these traits for tailoring peanut genotypes well matched for water‐limited conditions, a good knowledge of genetic systems controlling the expression of these traits is essential. This study was undertaken to work out the gene action for the surrogates of WUE and HI in a 6 × 6 full diallel mating design. Two of the studied surrogates (SCMR and Δ13C) for WUE were found to be under the influence of both additive and nonadditive gene effects with preponderance of the former. SLA and HI were controlled by genes that are mainly additive in nature. Selection for these traits can be effective in the early generations. Maternal effects observed for SLA and Δ13C are suggestive of the crucial role of selection of female parent in improvement of these traits. The parental lines, TMV 2 NLM (for SCMR, SLA and Δ13C) and ICGV 86031 (for SCMR and SLA), were found to be good general combiners each for more than one character. TAG 24 and Chico (for HI) and CSMG 84‐1 (for SLA) were the other good general combiners.
EFFICACY OF PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS FOR LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INACTIVATION AND CONTROL IN HORCHATA
Authors: SELMA M.V. , SALMERÓN M.C. , VALERO M. , FERNÁNDEZ P.S. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Although Listeria monocytogenes is readily destroyed by thermal treatment, the factor that makes it particularly difficult to control in nonpasteurized foods is its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures. In heat‐sensitive products, nonthermal technologies such as pulsed electric fields (PEF) as part of hurdle technology could minimize the presence of foodborne pathogens. The influence of PEF‐treatment conditions, inoculum size and substrate conditions on the inactivation and recovery of L. monocytogenes in a traditional low‐acid, vegetable beverage was investigated. The combined effect of PEF, low temperature (5C) and low inoculum level contributed to slow down the recovery of sublethally injured cells. However, at 12 or 16C, this elongation of the lag phases after PEF treatment observed for low inoculum levels of cells was not achieved. Therefore, to prevent the development of L. monocytogenes in low‐acid products by PEF, it may be necessary to combine it with low refrigeration temperatures during distribution and storage, as well as to achieve a very low initial contamination by pathogens in the raw ingredients.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Contributes to Colitis Development but Not to Host Defense during
Citrobacter rodentium
Infection in Mice
Authors: Khan Mohammed A. , Ma Caixia , Knodler Leigh A. , Valdez Yanet , Rosenberger Carrie M. , Deng Wanyin , Finlay B. Brett , Vallance Bruce A. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) are noninvasive bacterial pathogens that infect their hosts' intestinal epithelium, causing severe diarrheal disease. These infections also cause intestinal inflammation, although the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response, as well as its potential role in host defense, are unclear. Since these bacteria are gram-negative, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the innate receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide may contribute to the host response; however, the role of TLR4 in the gastrointestinal tract is poorly understood, and its impact has yet to be tested against this family of enteric bacterial pathogens. Since EPEC and EHEC are human specific, we infected mice with
Citrobacter rodentium
, a mouse-adapted attaching and effacing (A/E) bacterium that infects colonic epithelial cells, causing colitis and epithelial hyperplasia, using a similar array of virulence proteins as EPEC and EHEC. We demonstrated that
C. rodentium
activates TLR4 and rapidly induced NF-κB nuclear translocation in host cells in a partially TLR4-dependent manner. Infection of TLR4-deficient mice revealed that TLR4-dependent responses mediate much of the inflammation and tissue pathology seen during infection, including the induction of the chemokines MIP-2 and MCP-1, as well as the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils into the infected intestine. Surprisingly, spread of
C. rodentium
through the colon was delayed in TLR4-deficient mice, whereas the duration of the infection was unaffected, indicating that TLR4-mediated responses against this A/E pathogen are not host protective and are ultimately maladaptive to the host, contributing to both the morbidity and the pathology seen during infection.
The
Helicobacter pylori cag
Pathogenicity Island Protein CagN Is a Bacterial Membrane-Associated Protein That Is Processed at Its C Terminus
Authors: Bourzac Kevin M. , Satkamp Laura A. , Guillemin Karen 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
infects nearly half the world's population and is associated with a spectrum of gastric maladies. Infections with cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island (
cag
PAI)-containing strains are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer. The
cag
PAI contains genes encoding a type IV secretion system (T4SS) and a delivered effector, CagA, that becomes tyrosine phosphorylated upon delivery into host cells and initiates changes in cell signaling. Although some
cag
PAI genes have been shown to be required for CagA delivery, a subset of which are homologues of T4SS genes from
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
, the majority have no known function or homologues. We have performed a detailed investigation of one such
cag
PAI protein, CagN, which is encoded by the gene HP0538. Our results show that CagN is not delivered into host cells and instead is associated with the bacterial membrane. We demonstrate that CagN is cleaved at its C terminus by a mechanism that is independent of other
cag
PAI proteins. Finally, we show that a Δ
cagN
mutant is not impaired in its ability to deliver CagA to gastric epithelial cells and initiate cell elongation.
Effect of Novel A2AAdenosine Receptor Agonist ATL 313 onClostridium difficileToxin A-Induced Murine Ileal Enteritis
Authors: Cavalcante I. C. , Castro M. V. , Barreto A. R. F. , Sullivan G. W. , Vale M. , Almeida P. R. C. , Linden J. , Rieger J. M. , Cunha F. Q. , Guerrant R. L. , Ribeiro R. A. , Brito G. A. C. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTClostridium difficileis a spore-forming, anaerobic, gram-positive bacillus that releases two main virulence factors: toxins A and B. Toxin A plays an important pathogenic role in antibiotic-induced diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, a condition characterized by intense mucosal inflammation and secretion. Agonist activity at A2Aadenosine receptors attenuates inflammation and damage in many tissues. This study evaluated the effects of a new selective A2Aadenosine receptor agonist (ATL 313) on toxin A-induced injury in murine ileal loops. ATL 313 (0.5 to 5 nM) and/or the A2Aadenosine receptor antagonist (ZM241385; 5 nM) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were injected into ileal loops immediately prior to challenge with toxin A (1 to 10 μg/loop) or PBS. Intestinal fluid volume/length and weight/length ratios were calculated 3 h later. Ileal tissues were collected for the measurement of myeloperoxidase, adenosine deaminase activity, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, histopathology, and detection of cell death by the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) method. Toxin A significantly increased volume/length and weight/length ratios in a dose-dependent fashion. ATL 313 treatment significantly (P< 0.05) reduced toxin A-induced secretion and edema, prevented mucosal disruption, and neutrophil infiltration as measured by myeloperoxidase activity. ATL 313 also reduced the toxin A-induced TNF-α production and adenosine deaminase activity and prevented toxin A-induced cell death. These protective effects of ATL 313 were reversed by ZM241385. In conclusion, the A2Aadenosine receptor agonist, ATL 313, reduces tissue injury and inflammation in mice with toxin A-induced enteritis. The finding of increased ileal adenosine deaminase activity following the administration of toxin A is new and might contribute to the pathogenesis of the toxin A-induced enteritis by deaminating endogenous adenosine.
Brucella abortus
Rough Mutants Induce Macrophage Oncosis That Requires Bacterial Protein Synthesis and Direct Interaction with the Macrophage
Authors: Pei Jianwu , Turse Joshua E. , Wu Qingmin , Ficht Thomas A. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

Previous studies suggest that smooth
Brucella
organisms inhibit macrophage apoptosis. In contrast, necrotic cell death of macrophages infected with rough
Brucella
organisms in vitro has been reported, which may in part explain the failure of some rough organisms to thrive. To characterize these potential macrophage killing mechanisms, J774.A1 murine macrophages were infected with
Brucella abortus
S2308-derived rough mutant CA180. Electron microscopic analysis and polyethylene glycol protection assays revealed that the cells were killed as a result of necrosis and oncosis. This killing was shown to be unaffected by treatment with carbenicillin, an inhibitor of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and, indirectly, replication. In contrast, chloramphenicol treatment of macrophages infected at multiplicities of infection exceeding 10,000 prevented cell death, despite internalization of large numbers of bacteria. Similarly, heat-killed and gentamicin-killed CA180 did not induce cytopathic effects in the macrophage. These results suggested that killing of infected host cells requires active bacterial protein synthesis. Cytochalasin D treatment revealed that internalization of the bacteria was necessary to initiate killing. Transwell experiments demonstrated that cell death is not mediated by a diffusible product, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and nitric oxide, but does require direct contact between host and pathogen. Furthermore, macrophages preinfected with
B. abortus
S2308 or pretreated with
B. abortus
O polysaccharide did not prevent rough CA180-induced cell death. In conclusion,
Brucella
rough mutant infection induces necrotic and oncotic macrophage cell death that requires bacterial protein synthesis and direct interaction of bacteria with the target cells.