bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selenium and Mortality in the Elderly: Results from the EVA Study
Authors: Akbaraly N Tasnime , Arnaud Josiane , Hininger-Favier Isabelle , Gourlet Veronique , Roussel Anne-Marie , Berr Claudine 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Background: Inadequate plasma selenium can adversely affect the maintenance of optimal health; therefore, reported decreases in plasma selenium in an aging population are cause for concern. To further examine this hypothesis, we explored the relationships between plasma selenium and mortality in an elderly population: the EVA (Etude du Vieillissement Artériel) study.
Methods: The EVA study was a 9-year longitudinal study with 6 periods of follow-up. During the 2-year period from 1991 to 1993 (EVA0), 1389 men and women born between 1922 and 1932 were recruited. The effects of plasma selenium at baseline on mortality were determined by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, adjusting for the following variables: sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, health, and cognitive factors.
Results: During the 9-year follow-up, 101 study participants died. Baseline plasma selenium was higher in individuals who were alive at the end of follow-up [mean (SD), 1.10 (0.20) μmol/L] than in those who died during the follow-up [1.01 (0.20) μmol/L; P &lt;10−4]. Mortality rates were significantly higher in individuals with low selenium [increments = 0.2 μmol/L; relative risk (RR) = 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.28–1.89)]. After we controlled for various potential confounding factors, this association remained significant [RR = 1.54 (1.25–1.88)]. When the underlying causes of death were considered, we found an association with cancer-related mortality [adjusted RR = 1.79 (1.32–2.44)].
Conclusions: Even if it is premature to present selenium as a longevity indicator in an elderly population, our results are in accordance those of large, interventional, randomized trials with selenium, which suggest that this essential trace element plays a role in health maintenance in aging individuals.
Industrielle Sauerstoffmessung mit einem neuartigen oberflächenemittierenden Laser (Oxygen Measurements by Using a Novel Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser)
Authors: Wöllenstein Jürgen , Braun Marcus , Hartwig Susanne , Lambrecht Armin , Peter Andreas , Ostermann Johannes Michael , Rinaldi Fernando , Michalzik Rainer 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Oberflächenemittierende Halbleiterlaser (VCSEL) werden zur spektroskopischen Sauerstoffmessung im Wellenlängenbereich bei 762 nm eingesetzt. Hierfür wurden besonders polarisationsstabile Laserdioden auf der Basis von AlGaAs entwickelt. Im Vergleich zu kantenemittierenden Lasern lassen sich VCSELs deutlich besser über den Betriebsstrom abstimmen, während sich die Temperaturmodulation in der gleichen Größenordnung bewegt. Bei dem konventionellen Verfahren der Abstimmung über Stromrampen wurde 1 kHz als Messfrequenz gewählt. Weiterhin wurde der Einsatz besonders schneller Peltierelemente für die schnelle Abstimmung durch Temperaturrampen über mehrere Gasabsorptionslinien gezeigt.
Schnelles Infrarot-Laserspektrometer DEGAS für die Abgasmessung am Motorprüfstand – Ergebnisse und Perspektiven (Dynamic Exhaust Gas Analysis for Test Bed Application Using Infrared Laser Spectroscopy – Results and Outlook)
Authors: Sassenscheid Karsten 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Vor dem Hintergrund der weltweit verschärften Abgasvorschriften für Kraftfahrzeuge benötigt die Automobilindustrie innovative Messtechniken, die zugleich eine empfindliche, selektive und zeitlich hochaufgelöste Multikomponentenanalyse des Abgases ermöglichen. Das neuartige Abgasmess system DEGAS IV, das am Fraunhofer Institut für Physikalische Messtechnik in Freiburg (IPM) entwickelt wurde, erlaubt es, die Konzentration verschiedener Abgaskomponenten gleichzeitig zu bestimmen. Dies ist zeitaufgelöst bis in den Bereich eines einzelnen Motortakts möglich. Dadurch lassen sich sowohl Motormanagement als auch Abgasnachbehandlung entscheidend optimieren.
Neue kristalline Piezoaktoren für die industrielle Messtechnik (New Crystalline Piezo Actuators for Industrial Measurement Applications)
Authors: Hinkov Vladimir , Körber Markus 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Es wurden neuartige monokristalline Piezoaktoren, die für die industrielle Messtechnik besonders gut geeignet sind, entwickelt und untersucht. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt, wie die Herstellungstechnologie der thermischen Domäneninversion optimiert wurde, wobei noch ein relativ großer Spielraum zur Verbesserung dieser Technologie und somit zur Steigerung der Leistungsfähigkeit der neuen Aktoren besteht. Darüber hinaus haben die Untersuchungen der Wandler folgende Eigenschaften gezeigt: hohe Linearität, extrem kleine Hysterese im Bereich von Promille der maximalen Ablenkung, Ermöglichung von Torsionsbewegungen mit hoher Bandbreite (3 kHz), sehr gute Temperaturstabilität und eine sehr große Auflösung beim Einsatz als Laserstrahlablenker.
Expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes 1–5 in pancreatic islets of normoglycaemic and diabetic NOD mice
Authors: Ludvigsen E , Stridsberg M , Janson E T , Sandler S 
Published: August 2005

Objective: Somatostatin acts on five specific receptors (sst1–5) to elicit different biological functions. The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is an experimental model of type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the islet expression of sst1–5 is affected during the development of diabetes in NOD mice, with insulitis accompanied by spontaneous hyperglycaemia.Methods: By immunostaining for sst1–5 the expression and co-expression together with the four major islet hormones in pancreatic islets were investigated in female and male NOD mice at different stages of disease. The NOD related non-diabetic ICR mouse was also examined.Results: The islet cells of diabetic NOD mice showed an increased islet cell expression of sst2–5 compared with normoglycaemic female NOD mice. This correlated to increasing age and extent of insulitis. Major findings from the co-expression investigations were that sst2 was expressed in a majority of β-cells in the normoglycaemic NOD mice, but absent in the β-cells in the diabetic NOD mice. A majority of the α-cells expressed sst2 and 5 in normoglycaemic and diabetic NOD mice. About 60% of δ-cells showed co-expression of sst4 and 5 in both normoglycaemic and diabetic NOD mice. 60% of pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-cells expressed sst4 in both groups. Insulitis was found to be accompanied by a down-regulation of sst in normoglycaemic animals.Conclusions: The difference in sst expression in the islets cells of diabetic mice may suggest either a contributing factor in the process leading to diabetes, or a defence response against ongoing β-cell destruction.
Central administration of resistin promotes short-term satiety in rats
Authors: Tovar Sulay , Nogueiras Rubén , Tung Loraine Y C , Castañeda Tamara R , Vázquez María Jesús , Morris Amanda , Williams Lynda M , Dickson Suzanne L , Diéguez Carlos 
Published: August 2005

Objective: Several hormones expressed in white adipose tissue influence food intake at the central level. We sought to determine whether resistin, a circulating adipose-derived hormone in rodents, has actions on the hypothalamus by determining the effects of central resistin injection on food intake and on hypothalamic Fos protein expression.
Design: As resistin expression in adipose tissue is influenced by altered nutritional status, we studied the effect of central resistin in both fed and pre-fasted rats.
Results: In fasted rats, central injection of resistin decreased food intake acutely and increased the number of cells that express Fos protein in the arcuate nucleus but not in any other hypothalamic structure. The effect on food intake was dose-dependent and did not result in the formation of a conditioned taste aversion.
Conclusions: Taken together, these results provide the first evidence documenting a central action of resistin, which could be involved in a feedback loop targeting the hypothalamus. On the other hand, since we observed resistin mRNA in the arcuate and ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus, it is also possible that brain-derived resistin serves as a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis. However, since resistin-induced satiety was modest and transient, as central administration for several days did not affect body weight, the physiological relevance and therapeutic potential of the observed principal phenomenon may be limited.
Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitors Incorporate into Degenerating Retina and Enhance Survival of Host Photoreceptors
Authors: Meyer Jason S. , Katz Martin L. , Maruniak Joel A. , Kirk Mark D. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiate into all cell types of the body during development, including those of the central nervous system (CNS). After transplantation, stem cells have the potential to replace host cells lost due to injury or disease or to supply host tissues with therapeutic factors and thus provide a functional benefit. In the current study, we assessed whether mouse neuralized ES cells can incorporate into retinal tissue and prevent retinal degeneration in mnd mice. These mice have an inherited lysosomal storage disease characterized by retinal and CNS degeneration. Sixteen weeks after intravitreal transplantation into adult mice, donor cells had incorporated into most layers of the retina, where they resembled retinal neurons in terms of morphology, location in the retina, and expression of cell type–specific marker proteins. Presence of these donor cells was correlated with a reduction in the sizes and numbers of lysosomal storage bodies in host retinal cells. The presence of transplanted donor cells was also accompanied by enhanced survival of host retinal neurons, particularly photoreceptors. These results demonstrate that neuralized ES cells protect host neurons from degeneration and appear to replace at least some types of lost neurons.
Small Peptide Analogue of SDF-1α Supports Survival of Cord Blood CD34+ Cells in Synergy with Other Cytokines and Enhances Their Ex Vivo Expansion and Engraftment into Nonobese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Li Karen , Chuen Carmen Ka Yee , Lee Shuk Man , Law Ping , Fok Tai Fai , Ng Pak Cheung , Li Chi Kong , Wong Donald , Merzouk Ahmed , Salari Hassan , Gu Goldie Jia-Shi , Yuen Patrick Man Pan 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe SDF-1/CXCR4 axis has been implicated in the chemotaxis, homing, mobilization, and expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We studied the effects of a SDF-1 peptide analogue CTCE-0214 on the survival of cord blood CD34+ cells in culture, expansion, and engraftment of expanded cells in the nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mouse model. Our results demonstrated that CTCE-0214 synergized with thrombopoietin (TPO), stem cell factor (SCF), or flt-3 ligand (FL) on the survival of stem and progenitor cells in culture. Adding CTCE-0214 at a low concentration (0.01 ng/ml) for 4 days together with TPO, SCF, and FL significantly enhanced ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cells to subsets of primitive (CD34+CD38− cells, colony-forming unit-mixed [CFU-GEMMs]), erythroid (CFU-Es), myeloid (CFU-GMs), and megakaryocytic (CD61+CD41+ cells, CFU-MKs) progenitors, as well as their multilineage engraftment in NOD/SCID mice. Interestingly, the short exposure of expanded cells to CTCE-0214 (100 and 500 ng/ml) for 4 hours did not increase the quantity of progenitor cells but enhanced their engraftment capacity. The proportion of CD34+ cells expressing surface CXCR4 was decreased, but the overall number of this population increased upon expansion. The small peptide analogue of SDF-1 could be developed for ex vivo expansion and improving engraftment of cord blood transplantation.
Cell Size Correlates with Phenotype and Proliferative Capacity in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Authors: De Paiva Cintia S. , Pflugfelder Stephen C. , Li De-Quan 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
This study investigated whether cell size correlates with phenotype and proliferative capacity in human corneal epithelial cells. Primary cultured human corneal epithelial cells were sorted by flow cytometry based on forward scatter profile in comparison with the profile of beads of known size. Four fractions (A, B, C, and D) of cells ranging in size from 10 to 16, 17 to 23, 24 to 30, and ≥31 μm in diameter, respectively, were collected to evaluate their 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) label retention properties, cell phenotype, and clonal growth capacity on a 3T3 fibroblast feeder layer. Among these four populations, cell size was shown to positively correlate with the expression of the differentiation markers keratin (K) 3, K12, and involucrin and inversely with the levels of stem cell–associated markers ΔNp63 and ABCG2 and with colony-forming efficiency (CFE) and growth capacity. Population A with the smallest size, accounting for 11.0% ± 4.5% of the entire population, contained the greatest number of BrdU label-retaining slow-cycling cells, displayed the highest percentage of cells immunopositive to p63 and ABCG2 and negative to K3 and involucrin, expressed the highest levels of ΔNp63 and ABCG2 mRNA and the lowest levels of K3, K12, and involucrin, and possessed the highest CFE and growth capacity. These findings suggest that cell size correlates with cell differentiation phenotypes and proliferative capacity in human corneal epithelial cells. The smallest cells in population A seem to be enriched for putative stem cells, and small cell size may represent one of the important properties of adult corneal epithelial stem cells.
Absence of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 3 Reduces Self-Renewal and Promotes Differentiation in Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Forrai Ariel , Boyle Kristy , Hart Adam H. , Hartley Lynne , Rakar Steven , Willson Tracy A. , Simpson Ken M. , Roberts Andrew W. , Alexander Warren S. , Voss Anne K. , Robb Lorraine 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is required to maintain pluripotency and permit self-renewal of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. LIF binds to a receptor complex of LIFR-β and gp130 and signals via the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway, with signalling attenuated by suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins. Recent in vivo studies have highlighted the role of SOCS-3 in the negative regulation of signalling via gp130. To determine the role of SOCS-3 in ES cell biology, SOCS-3–null ES cell lines were generated. When cultured in LIF levels that sustain self-renewal of wild-type cells, SOCS-3–null ES cell lines exhibited less self-renewal and greater differentiation into primitive endoderm. The absence of SOCS-3 enhanced JAK–STAT and extracellular signal–related kinase 1/2 (ERK-1/2)–mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction via gp130, with higher levels of phosphorylated STAT-1, STAT-3, SH-2 domain–containing cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2), and ERK-1/2 in steady state and in response to LIF stimulation. Attenuation of ERK signalling by the addition of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors to SOCS-3–null ES cell cultures rescued the differentiation phenotype, but did not restore proliferation to wild-type levels. In summary, SOCS-3 plays a crucial role in the regulation of the LIF signalling pathway in murine ES cells. Its absence perturbs the balance between activation of the JAK–STAT and SHP-2–ERK-1/2–MAPK pathways, resulting in less self-renewal and a greater potential for differentiation into the primitive endoderm lineage.
Amino‐Functionalized Silica Membranes for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Permeation
Authors: McCool B. A. , DeSisto W. J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractFunctionalization of silica membranes is important for enhancing surface interactions with specific chemicals in order to enhance separations. It is important to develop synthesis strategies that allow control over the density and the surface chemistry of the functional group in order to tailor the membrane separation properties. In this paper we investigate the ability of amino functionalization to enhance CO2 transport in silica membranes. Specifically, we examine three synthesis techniques for functionalizing silica membranes with amino groups that result in different surface chemistries of the silica membranes. Silica membranes are amino‐functionalized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) with aminopropyldimethylethoxysilane (APDMES), ethylenediamine (EDA)‐assisted APDMES ALD, and direct attachment of aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) from the liquid phase. Three different reaction schemes are presented and verified by using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR measurements were performed on silica powders that were processed using the same reaction conditions as the membranes used in this study. The differences in reaction schemes are correlated with changes in the CO2 facilitation characteristics. It is found that high loadings of amino groups, in which interaction with the silica surface is minimized, promote the highest CO2 transport.
Polyamidoamine Dendrimers Prepared Inside the Channels of Pore‐Expanded Periodic Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Reynhardt J. P. K. , Yang Y. , Sayari A. , Alper H. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPolyamidoamine dendrimers up to the fourth generation have been grown with unprecedentedly high loading within the channels of pore‐expanded (10.6 nm) MCM‐41 silica. In‐depth characterization using nitrogen adsorption, solid‐state NMR, FTIR, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis showed that the dendrimers grow inside the channels with an average yield better than 99 %. The pore size and structure of the support have been found to be determining factors as to how much dendrimer growth can be achieved.
Atroposelective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Biaryl Compounds
Authors: Bringmann Gerhard , Price Mortimer Anne J. , Keller Paul A. , Gresser Mary J. , Garner James , Breuning Matthias 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA rotationally hindered and thus stereogenic biaryl axis is the structurally and stereochemically decisive element of a steadily growing number of natural products, chiral auxiliaries, and catalysts. Thus, it is not surprising that significant advances have been made in the asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral biaryl compounds over the past decade. In addition to the classic approach (direct stereoselective aryl–aryl coupling), innovative concepts have been developed in which the asymmetric information is introduced into a preformed, but achiral—that is, symmetric or configurationally labile—biaryl compound, or in which an arylC single bond is stereoselectively transformed into an axis. This Review classifies these strategies according to their underlying concepts and critically evaluates their scope and limitations with reference to selected model reactions and applications. Furthermore, the preconditions required for the existence of axial chirality in biaryl compounds are discussed.
Characterization of the ultrastructure of gingival mast cells in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Özsoy Nesrin , Gül Nursel 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe morphological changes of gingival mast cells of alloxan‐induced diabetic rats were studied by electron microscopy. The following observations were made. The cell nucleus and cytoplasm degenerated. The electron density of the granules in the cell cytoplasm clearly decreased. Some granules had dense irregular threads and the granules were surrounded by a thin vacuole. A ghost vacuole formed in some mast cells and disorganized materials accumulated in the cytoplasm. The mast cell nuclei were generally irregular and degenerating mast cells had pyknotic nuclei. General destruction of the cell membrane and granule shedding in some samples was noted and mitochondria with atypical cristae in the cytoplasm of the mast cells were seen. We conclude that the characteristics of the ultrastructure of gingival mast cells in diabetics are distinctive and should be used as criteria for pathogenesis of gingival inflammation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide for newly diagnosed patients with myeloma
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Bertola Alessandra , Musto Pellegrino , Caravita Tommaso , Callea Vincenzo , Nunzi Martina , Grasso Mariella , Falco Patrizia , Cangialosi Clotilde , Boccadoro Mario 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug with strong antimyeloma activity. It is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma at disease recurrence and at diagnosis, both as a single agent and in combination with steroids or chemotherapy. No data are available on the association of thalidomide with oral melphalan and prednisone, still considered the standard treatment for elderly patients.METHODSThe feasibility and efficacy of the combination of melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide (MPT) have been valuated in 49 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.RESULTSAccording to European Bone Marrow Transplantation/ International Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry (EBMT/IBMTR) criteria, 18% of patients achieved immunofixation‐negative complete disease remission (CR), 6% achieved immunofixation‐positive near CR, 4% achieved a very good partial response, and 45% achieved a partial response, with a 50–89% reduction in monoclonal paraprotein. Six percent did not respond and 10% showed progressive disease. The median time to maximum response was 4 months. The Kaplan–Meier estimates of event‐free survival and overall survival at 2 years were 64% and 91%, respectively. The major acute adverse events (National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Grade III–IV) included thrombosis (20%), infections (12%), constipation (6%), and hematologic (22%) and neurologic (8%) toxicities. One patient died of pulmonary thromboembolism.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggested that MPT induced rapid and durable tumor responses with CR rates similar to those observed after autologous transplantation. Administration of prophylactic anticoagulant was required to prevent thromboembolism. MPT merits further investigation in randomized clinical trials. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Surgical treatment of bladder carcinoma
Authors: Smith Joseph A. 
Published: August 2005

Unlike many other cancers, the death rate from transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in the U.S. has not undergone a decline in recent years, despite the fact that bladder carcinoma can often be detected early and surgery can cure the majority of patients with tumors confined within the bladder. Unfortunately, as the accompanying article in this issue of Cancer shows, radical cystectomy is too often withheld or delayed in those patients who may benefit from it.See also pages 1559–62 and 1638–47.