bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Number and activity of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood in patients with hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: CHEN Jun Zhu , ZHANG Fu Rong , TAO Qian Min , WANG Xing Xiang , ZHU Jian Hua , ZHU Jun Hui 
Published: August 2004

Hypercholesterolaemia contributes to atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases by inducing endothelial cell injury and dysfunction. Recent studies have provided increasing evidence that EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) participate in ongoing endothelial repair and postnatal neovascularization. However, the changes in EPCs in patients with hypercholesterolaemia have not been elucidated to date. Therefore we investigated the number and functional activity of EPCs in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Total MNCs (mononuclear cells) were isolated from 20 patients with hypercholesterolaemia and 20 matched control subjects. EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double-positive for DiI-LDL (1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanide percholate-labelled low-density lipoprotein) uptake and lectin binding by direct fluorescent staining under a laser scanning confocal microscope, and were characterized further by demonstrating the expression of KDR (kinase insert domain-containing receptor), CD34 and AC133 by flow cytometry. Proliferation, migration and in vitro vasculogenesis activity of EPCs were assayed using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay, modified Boyden chamber assay and an in vitro vasculogenesis kit respectively. EPC adhesion assay was performed by replating cells on fibronectin-coated dishes and then counting the adherent cells. As a result, the number of EPCs was significantly reduced in patients with hypercholes-terolaemia compared with that in control subjects (41.8±8.7 compared with 64.5±16.6 EPCs/×200 field respectively; P&lt;0.05). The number of EPCs was inversely correlated with total cholesterol (r=−0.659, P&lt;0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (r=−0.611, P&lt;0.001) levels. In addition, the functional activities of isolated EPCs, such as proliferative, migratory, adhesive and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity, were also impaired. In conclusion, the results of the present study may state a novel pathophysiological mechanism of hypercholesterolaemia: the reduction of EPCs with decreased functional activity.
Vasoconstrictor products of cyclo-oxygenase activity limit acetylcholine-induced cutaneous vasodilatation in young men
Authors: HENDRY Ross G. , MARSHALL Janice M. 
Published: August 2004

In healthy young men (age, 20–22 years), we tested the role of prostanoids produced by the COX (cyclo-oxygenase) pathway in cutaneous vasodilatation evoked in the finger by ACh (acetylcholine). To this end, changes in cutaneous RCF (red cell flux), recorded by the laser Doppler technique, evoked by a series of iontophoretic pulses of ACh were tested before and after oral aspirin (600 mg). Increases in RCF produced by successive pulses of ACh up to a mean change of 125.5±11.8 PU (perfusion units) were potentiated 30 min after aspirin (160.0±12.4 PU; P&lt;0.05). By contrast, aspirin had no effect on increases in RCF evoked by iontophoretic application of the NO (nitric oxide) donor and endothelium-independent dilator sodium nitroprusside (mean increases in RCF were 73.8±9.8 PU before and 79.1±12.2 PU after aspirin). The ACh-evoked increases in RCF were also potentiated 3 h after oral administration of the antioxidant vitamin C (1000 mg; 139.1±15.4 PU before and 170.5±13.5 PU after vitamin C; P&lt;0.05). We propose that, in healthy young men, cutaneous vasodilatation evoked in the finger by the endothelium-dependent dilator ACh is limited by constrictor products of the COX pathway, including PGH2 (prostaglandin H2), TXA2 (thromboxane A2) and/or superoxide anions. This effect of the COX products may be an early marker of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men compared with women.
N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (N-ANP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) in the prediction of death and heart failure in unselected patients following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: SQUIRE Iain B. , O'BRIEN Russell J. , DEMME Bettina , DAVIES Joan E. , NG Leong L. 
Published: August 2004

Elevated plasma natriuretic peptide levels after AMI (acute myocardial infarction) are associated with adverse outcome. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of plasma N-ANP (N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) and N-BNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) with mortality and heart failure following AMI. We studied 403 patients with AMI. Blood was sampled for measurement of N-ANP and N-BNP on a single occasion between 72 and 96 h after symptom onset. Natriuretic peptide levels were related to all-cause mortality and heart failure episodes. During follow up (median, 462 days; range 5–764), 43 (10.7%), 25 (6.2%) and 49 (12.2%) patients suffered death, heart failure hospitalization and outpatient heart failure respectively. Only N-BNP (P&lt;0.0005), N-ANP (P=0.005) and previous AMI (P=0.016) were independently predictive of death. N-BNP, but not N-ANP, predicted 30-day mortality. N-ANP, but not N-BNP, predicted mortality after 30 days. N-BNP was the better predictor of heart failure. N-ANP and N-BNP were above the median in 35 and 38 respectively, of 43 patients who later died. N-ANP, N-BNP, or both were above the median in 41 out of 43 patients. Of 25 patients hospitalized with heart failure, N-ANP and N-BNP was above the median in 20 and 24 respectively, and one or other was elevated in all cases. Above-median N-ANP predicted 36 and N-BNP predicted 41 out of 49 episodes of outpatient heart failure. One or other peptide was above the median in 45 out of 49 patients. Our results indicate that N-BNP predicts 30-day and N-ANP &gt;30-day mortality. We conclude that consideration of both N-ANP and N-BNP identifies a greater number of patients at risk of death or heart failure than either peptide alone.
The Role of Business Networks in Market Development in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Fafchamps Marcel 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis chapter examines the role of business networks in market development and community formation in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is shown that for firms above a minimum size, relational contracting is the rule in markets for agricultural products, and manufacturing inputs and outputs. The important roles of relationships in facilitating market exchange are documented. The role of community affiliation in the membership of business networks is then examined. It is argued that entry into existing networks is biased, and that referral by family and friends is the most likely cause of ethnic concetration.
Effects of Ondansetron in Early‐ Versus Late‐Onset Alcoholics: A Prospective, Open‐Label Study
Authors: Kranzler Henry R. , Pierucci‐Lagha Amira , Feinn Richard , Hernandez‐Avila Carlos 
Published: August 2004

Background: Early‐onset alcoholics (EOAs) have a greater familial loading for alcoholism, more severe progression of the disorder, a greater severity of comorbid psychopathology, and a poorer response to treatment than late‐onset alcoholics (LOAs). Ondansetron, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐3 antagonist, was found to be superior to placebo in the treatment of EOAs, but not of LOAs. This study compared the tolerability and potential efficacy of an oral solution of ondansetron in EOAs versus LOAs.Methods: Forty outpatients with alcohol dependence (67.5% male; 87.5% European American; 20 EOAs; 20 LOAs) received an oral solution of ondansetron at a dosage of 4 μg/kg twice daily for 8 weeks, together with weekly relapse‐prevention therapy.Results: EOAs had a significantly greater decrease in drinks per day, drinks per drinking day, and alcohol‐related problems than LOAs. Changes in the level of carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin were consistent with changes in self‐reported drinking behavior.Conclusions: An oral solution of ondansetron seems suitable for the treatment of alcohol dependence, yielding findings consistent with evidence from a placebo‐controlled trial that ondansetron, at a dosage of 4 μg/kg twice daily, is of value in the treatment of EOAs.
Effect of Acute Ethanol Exposure on the Dermal Inflammatory Response After Burn Injury
Authors: Faunce Douglas E. , Garner Jennifer L. , Llanas Julian N. , Patel Parag J. , Gregory Meredith S. , Duffner Lisa A. , Gamelli Richard L. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. 
Published: August 2004

Background: More than 100,000 people each year are admitted to U.S. hospitals for severe burn injury. Strikingly, ethanol use prior to injury is apparent in nearly 50% of burn patients, rendering them six times more likely to die from infection than patients not exposed to ethanol. We previously reported that the kinetics and magnitude of neutrophil chemokine production and subsequent accumulation of neutrophils in the lung was dramatically altered when ethanol exposure preceded injury. Here, we tested whether burn injury and ethanol exposure combined, altered susceptibility to infection, neutrophil chemoattractant production, and neutrophil accumulation at the site of the burn wound.Methods: Male B6D2F 1 mice were administered a dose of ethanol designed to achieve 90–100 mg/dl circulating levels and 30 min later subjected to a 15% total body surface area dorsal scald injury. Susceptibility to topically applied Pseudomonas aeruginosa was examined. At various times after injury, burn wound and normal tissues were collected for assessments of neutrophil counts, myeloperoxidase quantitation, and neutrophil chemoattractant (KC and MIP‐2) production.Results: Ethanol exposure prior to burn injury enhanced susceptibility to infection after burn and was associated with significantly elevated production of KC, but not MIP‐2, at the wound site. Despite the enhanced elevation of KC, neutrophil accumulation in the wounds of ethanol exposed, burn injured mice did not differ from those that received burn injury alone. TNFα (a potent activator of neutrophils), however, was found to be significantly elevated in the wounds of mice that received only burn injury, but not in those that received injury in combination with prior ethanol exposure.Conclusion: In the presence of ethanol, neutrophils are adequately recruited to the site of burn injury, but their host defense functions are impaired, perhaps due to the lack of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα.
Educational modelling language: modelling reusable, interoperable, rich and personalised units of learning
Authors: Koper Rob , Manderveld Jocelyn 
Published: August 2004

AbstractNowadays there is a huge demand for flexible, independent learning without the constraints of time and place. Various trends in the field of education and training are the bases for the development of new technologies for education. This article describes the development of a learning technology specification, which supports these new demands for learning challenging the new technological possibilities. This specification is named Educational Modelling Language (EML) and is developed by the Open University of the Netherlands.
Subtle intracorneal findings in inflammatory disorders: hyphae or not?
Authors: Szabo Sarolta K. , Jaworsky Christine 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Spongiotic and lichenoid dermatitides are frequently stained with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) stains to check for the presence of dermatophytes. PAS+ structures without a septate morphology are often seen with lichenoid dermatitides, however, their nature has not been previously characterized.Methods:  Fifteen consecutive biopsies of lichenoid and five spongiotic dermatitides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), PAS, and antibodies to CD1a.Results:  Twelve of 15 lichenoid and none of the five spongiotic dermatitis showed PAS+ structures in the stratum corneum. Distinct septation or branching was not identified in these PAS+ structures. Eleven of 15 from the lichenoid group, but none from the spongiotic group, showed CD1a+ structures in the stratum corneum. This staining pattern suggests that the intracorneal structures represent the dendritic processes of Langerhans' cells (LCs) within the stratum corneum.Conclusions:  PAS+ and CD1a+ structures are present in the stratum corneum of lichenoid, but not in spongiotic, dermatitis. This study morphologically confirms extension of LC dendrites into the stratum corneum in lichenoid but not in spongiotic dermatitides.
Human herpesvirus‐8 is not associated with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia
Authors: Bhattacharjee Pradip , Hui Pei , McNiff Jennifer 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is an angioproliferative lesion, typically consisting of single or multiple red papules or nodules in the head and neck region. The etiology of ALHE, whether reactive or neoplastic, is unclear. It has been well documented in the literature that human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) DNA is present in the majority of cases of Kaposi's sarcoma; however, there is contradictory data regarding the association of this virus with ALHE.Methods:  We performed immunohistochemical studies for HHV‐8 on paraffin‐embedded tissue from 23 cases of histologically confirmed ALHE. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for HHV‐8 DNA was performed on 14 of the 23 cases that had adequate remaining tissue for the procedure. The results of the immunohistochemical studies and PCR analysis were compared.Results:  HHV‐8 immunohistochemical studies were negative in all 23 cases of ALHE. PCR‐based analysis on 14 cases failed to identify HHV‐8 DNA.Conclusions:  Combined data from several, small published studies are equivocal for an association between HHV‐8 and ALHE. The results of our large study show no association between HHV‐8 and ALHE.
The De Barsy syndrome
Authors: Guerra Deanna , Fornieri Claudio , Bacchelli Barbara , Lugli Licia , Torelli Paola , Balli Fiorella , Ferrari Paola 
Published: August 2004

Background:  In 1968, De Barsy reported on a girl exhibiting an aged aspect, ‘dwarfism, oligophrenia, and degeneration of the elastic tissue in cornea and skin’. The disorder was recognized as a subgroup of cutis laxa syndrome and termed De Barsy–Moens–Dierckx syndrome. The pathogenesis of the disorder is unknown.Methods:  To improve the comprehension of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the De Barsy syndrome, we performed an ultrastructural, morphometric, immunocytochemical study on a skin biopsy of a boy with the De Barsy phenotype, who has been clinically followed for 12 years from birth. Moreover, the lysyl oxidase activity was measured on skin fibroblasts cultured in vitro.Results:  Light and electron microscopy, morphometry, and immunocytochemical observations showed a significant reduction of the elastic fibers in the papillary and in the reticular dermis of patient compared to an age‐matched control (p < 0.05). By contrast, the collagen structure, content, and the distribution were normal, as well as lysyl oxidase activity in the medium of in vitro fibroblasts (12,323 DPM/106 cells). The immunoreaction for antibodies recognizing fibrillin‐1, neutrophilic elastase, and tumor necrosis factor‐α was stronger, whereas that for antibodies against transforming growth factor‐β was less pronounced in the dermis of the De Barsy boy compared to control.Conclusions:  Clinical, phenotypic, and structural data were consistent with the diagnosis of De Barsy syndrome. This is the first case described in Italy. Clinical and structural data confirm that the elastic component is mostly affected in this disorder. Moreover, ultrastructural and immunochemical findings suggest that both elastic fiber degradative and very likely synthetic processes are involved.
Wetland Vegetation Response to the Restoration of Sheet Flow at Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas
Authors: Kindscher Kelly , Aschenbach Todd , Ashworth Sharon M. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract The restoration of inland salt‐affected plant communities, including saltflat mixed prairie and playa lakes wetlands, has received little attention despite the importance of these communities for critical wildlife habitat. The salt‐affected communities of Cheyenne Bottoms, located in central Kansas, are a crucial stopover site for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. In 1998, The Nature Conservancy attempted to restore native plant communities to grazed and former cropland at Cheyenne Bottoms by reestablishing sheet flow across these disturbed areas. We collected vegetation cover data along permanent transects established in rangeland, former cropland, and in a shallow basin 3 years (1996–1998) before the hydrological changes and continued to collect vegetation data for 3 years (1999–2001) after the hydrological changes. Vegetation composition changes in response to the restored hydrology were subtle, but the average wetland index along the transects in the basin and the rangeland significantly declined. Significant decreases occurred in the cover of perennials and graminoids in both spring and fall species assemblages of the rangeland area. Changes in the former cropped areas were mixed, indicating the difficulty of restoring these disturbed plant communities to native plant assemblages within a few years.
Monitoring an Arizona Ponderosa Pine Restoration: Sampling Efficiency and Multivariate Analysis of Understory Vegetation
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Covington W. Wallace 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAs monitoring plans for the restoration ofPinus ponderosaforests in the southwestern United States evolve toward examining multifactor ecosystem responses to ecological restoration, designing efficient sampling procedures for understory vegetation will become increasingly important. The objective of this study was to compare understory composition and diversity among thin/burn and control treatments in aP. ponderosarestoration, while simultaneously examining the effects of sampling design and multivariate analyses on which conclusions were based. Using multi‐response permutation procedures (MRPP), we tested the null hypothesis of no difference in understory species composition among treatments using different data matrices (e.g., frequency and cover) for two different sampling methods. Treatment differences were subtle and were detected by an intensive 50, 1‐m2subplot sampling method for all data matrices but were not detected by a less intensive point‐intercept sampling method for any matrix. Sampling methods examined in this study controlled results of multivariate analyses more than the data matrices used to summarize data generated by a sampling method. We partitioned data into plant life form and native/exotic species categories for MRPP, and this partitioning isolated plant groups most responsible for treatment differences. We also examined the effects of number of 1‐m2subplots sampled on mean‐species‐richness/m2estimates and found that estimates based on 10 subplots and based on 50 subplots were highly correlated (r = 0.99). Species–area curves indicated that the 50, 1‐m2subplot sampling method detected the common species of sites but failed to detect the majority of rare species. Additional sampling‐design studies are needed to develop single sampling designs that produce multifactor data on plant composition, diversity, and spatial patterns amenable to multivariate analyses as part of monitoring plans of vegetation responses to ecological restoration.
Odonates as Indicators of Shallow Lake Restoration by Liming: Comparing Adult and Larval Responses
Authors: D'Amico F. , Darblade Stéphanie , Avignon S. , Blanc‐Manel Stéphanie , Ormerod S. J. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Odonate assemblages were compared between replicate sets of shallow lakes that had been created and acidified by open‐cast mining across a large area (2,451 ha) of southwest France (Arjuzanx, Landes); one set of lakes (n = 5) was experimentally restored by liming with calcium carbonate, whereas another group (n = 5) was left as untreated reference lakes. Both odonate adults and exuviae were sampled bimonthly during May–August 1998. Elevated turbidity and conductivity in limed lakes were the only physicochemical measures differing between restored and reference lakes, because deacidification occurred naturally, even in reference lakes during the 17 years after the onset of restoration. Restoration by liming can apparently lead to effects on lake turbidity that might be considered adverse. Twenty‐four and 19 odonate species occurred among adults and exuviae, respectively, but there were no significant differences in richness between restored and reference sites. However, significantly, more exuviae were collected from the reference sites (588 vs. 180), where exuvial diversity and rank abundance indicated more evenly structured assemblages than those in restored lakes. Ordination showed that adult assemblages differed significantly between restored and reference lakes, and varied highly significantly with lake turbidity. This effect occurred because a small group of generally scarce adults were characteristic of reference sites (Chalcolestes viridis, Lestes virens, Cordulia aenae, Leucorrhinia albifrons, and Sympetrum sanguineum). Exuviae of these same species were less abundant at restored sites, but exuvial assemblages overall did not discriminate between restored and reference lakes. We conclude that lake restoration by liming can reduce diversity and larval numbers among odonates and subtly affects adult assemblages. In this case study, adult assemblages discriminated best between the lake types involved in the experiment, but important additional information arose from exuvial abundance and structure. This study indicates that natural recovery processes after acidification in formerly open‐cast areas––rather than chemical intervention through liming––might lead to preferable conservation outcomes.
Effects of Restoration on Plant Species Richness and Composition in Scandinavian Semi‐Natural Grasslands
Authors: Lindborg Regina , Eriksson Ove 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Plant species richness in rural landscapes of northern Europe has been positively influenced by traditional management for millennia. Owing to abandonment of these practices, the number of species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands has decreased, and remaining habitats suffer from deterioration, fragmentation, and plant species decline. To prevent further extinctions, restoration efforts have increased during the last decades, by reintroducing grazing in former semi‐natural grasslands. To assess the ecological factors that might influence the outcome of such restorations, we made a survey of semi‐natural grasslands in Sweden that have been restored during the last decade. We investigated how plant species richness, species density, species composition, and abundance of 10 species that are indicators of grazing are affected by (1) the size of the restored site, (2) the time between abandonment of grazing and restoration, (3) the time elapsed since restoration, and (4) the abundance of trees and shrubs at the restored site. Only two factors, abundance of trees and shrubs and time since restoration, were positively associated with total species richness and species density per meter square at restored sites. Variation in species composition among restored sites was not related to any of the investigated factors. Species composition was relatively similar among sites, except in mesic/wet grasslands. The investigated factors had small effects on the abundance of the grazing‐indicator species. Only Campanula rotundifolia responded to restoration with increasing abundance and may thus be a suitable indicator of improved habitat quality. In conclusion, positive effects on species richness may appear relatively soon after restoration, but rare, short‐lived species are still absent. Therefore, remnant populations in surrounding areas may be important in fully recreating former species richness and composition.