bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can pulsed ultrasound increase tissue damage during ischemia? A study of the effects of ultrasound on infarcted and non-infarcted myocardium in anesthetized pigs
Authors: Olivecrona Göran K , Härdig Bjarne Madsen , Roijer Anders , Block Mattias , Grins Edgars , Persson Hans W , Johansson Leif , Olsson Bertil 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
The same mechanisms by which ultrasound enhances thrombolysis are described in connection with non-beneficial effects of ultrasound. The present safety study was therefore designed to explore effects of beneficial ultrasound characteristics on the infarcted and non-infarcted myocardium.

Methods
In an open chest porcine model (n = 17), myocardial infarction was induced by ligating a coronary diagonal branch. Pulsed ultrasound of frequency 1 MHz and intensity 0.1 W/cm2 (ISATA) was applied during one hour to both infarcted and non-infarcted myocardial tissue. These ultrasound characteristics are similar to those used in studies of ultrasound enhanced thrombolysis. Using blinded assessment technique, myocardial damage was rated according to histopathological criteria.

Results
Infarcted myocardium exhibited a significant increase in damage score compared to non-infarcted myocardium: 6.2 ± 2.0 vs. 4.3 ± 1.5 (mean ± standard deviation), (p = 0.004). In the infarcted myocardium, ultrasound exposure yielded a further significant increase of damage scores: 8.1 ± 1.7 vs. 6.2 ± 2.0 (p = 0.027).

Conclusion
Our results suggest an instantaneous additive effect on the ischemic damage in myocardial tissue when exposed to ultrasound of stated characteristics. The ultimate damage degree remains to be clarified.
Evaluation of POSSUM scoring system in patients with gastric cancer undergoing D2-gastrectomy
Authors: Bollschweiler Elfriede , Lubke Thomas , Monig Stefan P , Holscher Arnulf H 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Risk adjustment and stratification play an important role in quality assurance and in clinical research. The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) is a patient risk prediction model based on 12 patient characteristics and 6 characteristics of the surgery performed. However, because the POSSUM was developed for quality assessment in general surgical units, its performance within specific subgroups still requires evaluation.
The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of POSSUM in predicting mortality and morbidity in patients with gastric cancer undergoing D2-gastrectomy.

Methods
137 patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy were included in this study. Detailed, standardized risk assessments and thorough documentation of the post-operative courses were performed prospectively, and the POSSUM scores were then calculated.

Results
The 30- and 90- day mortality rates were 3.6% (n = 5) and 5.8% (n = 8), respectively. 65.7% (n = 90) of patients had normal postoperative courses without major complications, 14.6% (n = 20) had moderate and 13.9% (n = 19) had severe complications. The number of mortalities predicted by the POSSUM-Mortality Risk Score (R1) was double the actual number of mortalities occurring in the median and high-risk groups, and was more than eight times the actual number of mortalities occurring in the low-risk group (R1 < 20%). However, the calculated R1 predicted rather well in terms of severe morbidity or post-operative death in each risk group: in predicted low risk patients the actual occurrence rate (AR) of severe morbidity or post-operative death was 14%, for predicted medium risk patients the AR was 23%, and for predicted high risk patients the AR was 50% (p < 0.05). The POSSUM-Morbidity Risk Score (R2) overestimated the risk of morbidity.

Conclusion
The POSSUM Score may be beneficial and can be used for assessment of the peri- and post-operative courses of patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing D2-gastrectomy. However, none of the scores examined here are useful for preoperative prediction of postoperative course.
CD34+ cells cultured in stem cell factor and interleukin-2 generate CD56+ cells with antiproliferative effects on tumor cell lines
Authors: Sconocchia Giuseppe , Provenzano Maurizio , Rezvani Katayoun , Li Jongming , Melenhorst Jos , Hensel Nancy , Barrett A John 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn vitro stimulation of CD34+ cells with IL-2 induces NK cell differentiation. In order to define the stages of NK cell development, which influence their generation from CD34 cells, we cultured G-CSF mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells in the presence of stem cell factor and IL-2. After three weeks culture we found a diversity of CD56+ subsets which possessed granzyme A, but lacked the cytotoxic apparatus required for classical NK-like cytotoxicity. However, these CD56+ cells had the unusual property of inhibiting proliferation of K562 and P815 cell lines in a cell-contact dependent fashion.
Microtubule plus-ends reveal essential links between intracellular polarization and localized modulation of endocytosis during division-plane establishment in plant cells
Authors: Dhonukshe Pankaj , Mathur Jaideep , Hülskamp Martin , Gadella Theodorus WJ 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background

A key event in plant morphogenesis is the establishment of a division plane. A plant-specific microtubular preprophase band (PPB) accurately predicts the line of cell division, whereas the phragmoplast, another plant-specific array, executes cell division by maintaining this predicted line. Although establishment of these specific arrays apparently involves intracellular repolarization events that focus cellular resources to a division site, it still remains unclear how microtubules position the cell division planes. Here we study GFP-AtEB1 decorated microtubule plus-ends to dissect events at the division plane.

Results

Early mitotic events included guided growth of endoplasmic microtubules (EMTs) towards the PPB site and their coincident localization with endocytic vesicles. Consequently, an endosomal belt lay in close proximity to the microtubular PPB at its maturation and was maintained during spindle formation. During cytokinesis, EMTs radiated from the former spindle poles in a geometrical conformation correlating with cell-plate navigation and tilt-correction. Naphthylphtalamic acid (NPA), an inhibitor of polar auxin efflux, caused abnormal PPBs and shifted division planes.

Conclusion

Our observations reveal a spatio-temporal link between microtubules and intracellular polarization essential for localized endocytosis and precise establishment of the division plane in plants. Additionally, they implicate the growth regulator, auxin, in this important cellular event.
Barriers to coliphage infection of commensal intestinal flora of laboratory mice
Authors: Kasman Laura M 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
Growth characteristics of coliphage viruses indicate that they are adapted to live with their Eschericia coli hosts in the intestinal tract. However, coliphage experimentally introduced by ingestion persist only transiently if at all in the gut of humans and other animals. This study attempted to identify the barriers to long term establishment of exogenous coliphage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of laboratory mice. Intestinal contents were screened for the presence of coliphage and host bacteria, and strains of E. coli bacteria from different segments of the GI tract were tested for susceptibility to six common laboratory coliphages.

Results
Contrary to expectations, coliphage were not evident in the GI tracts of laboratory mice, although they were occasionally detected in feces. Commensal flora showed extreme variability within groups of mice despite identical handling and diet. Less than 20% of 48 mice tested carried E. coli in their gut, and of 22 commensal E. coli strains isolated and tested, 59% were completely resistant to infection by lambda, M13, P1, T4, T7, and PhiX174 coliphage. Lysogeny could not be demonstrated in the commensal strains as mitomycin C failed to induce detectable phage. Pre-existing immunity to phages was not evident as sera and fecal washes did not contain significant antibody titers to six laboratory phage types.

Conclusion
Lack of sufficient susceptible host bacteria seems to be the most likely barrier to establishment of new coliphage infections in the mouse gut.
Characterization of CCL20 secretion by human epithelial vaginal cells: involvement in Langerhans cell precursor attraction
Authors: Cremel Magali , Berlier Willy , Hamzeh Hind , Cognasse Fabrice , Lawrence Philip , Genin Christian , Bernengo Jean-Claude , Lambert Claude , Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline , Delézay Olivier 
Published: April 2005

AbstractMucosa represents the main site of pathogen/cell interactions. The two main types of cells forming the epithelial structure [epithelial cells and Langerhans cells (LC)] coordinate the first defense responses to avoid infection. To evaluate the involvement of epithelial cells in the early steps leading to a specific adaptive immune response, we have studied the interactions between vaginal epithelial and LC through the establishment of a human vaginal epithelial mucosa. We demonstrate that normal human vaginal epithelial cells constitutively secrete the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 3α/CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), known to recruit LC precursors (LCps) selectively via its cognate CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6). This secretion is up-regulated by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β through the nuclear factor-κB pathway. Similar results were obtained with the human vaginal epithelial cell line SiHa, which displays numerous homologies with normal vaginal cells. The chemotactic activity of the secreted CCL20 was demonstrated by its ability to attract LCp CCR6+. Moreover, the use of neutralizing polyclonal antibodies directed against the CCL20 molecule abolished this migration completely, suggesting that CCL20 is the main attracting factor for LCps, which is produced by the vaginal cells. These data indicate that vaginal epithelial cells play an important role in the immunological defense by attracting immune cells to the site of epithelial/pathogen contact.
Access and equity in HIV/AIDS palliative care: a review of the evidence and responses
Authors: Harding Richard , Easterbrook Philippa , Higginson Irene J , Karus Dan , Raveis Victoria H , Marconi Katherine 
Published: April 2005

The high prevalence of pain and other symptoms throughout the HIV disease trajectory, the need for management of side effects related to antiretroviral therapy, the continuing incidence of cancers and new emerging co-morbidities as a result of extended life expectancy under new therapeutic regimes, and the ongoing need for terminal care all prove the curative versus palliative dichotomy to be inappropriate. Although there is evidence for both need and effectiveness of palliative care in HIV patient care, access is often poor and care less than optimal. This review aimed to identify evidence of barriers and inequalities in HIV palliative care in order to inform policy and service development. Biomedical databases were searched using a specific strategy, and evidence extracted into the barrier and inequity categories of patient, clinician, service and disease factors. A model of the barriers and inequalities is presented from the evidence. Recommendations are made from the evidence for promoting access and outcomes through integrated palliative care from diagnosis to end-of-life, alongside antiretroviral therapy when initiated. Service responses that have attempted to increase access to palliative care are presented.
Therapeutic Effects of Tolvaptan, a Potent, Selective Nonpeptide Vasopressin V2 Receptor Antagonist, in Rats with Acute and Chronic Severe Hyponatremia
Authors: Miyazaki Toshiki , Yamamura Yoshitaka , Onogawa Toshiyuki , Nakamura Shigeki , Kinoshita Shizuo , Nakayama Sunao , Fujiki Hiroyuki , Mori Toyoki 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of tolvaptan (OPC-41061), a potent, selective nonpeptide vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, on acute and chronic severe hyponatremia was assessed in rats. Experiments were designed to demonstrate the efficacy of tolvaptan reducing mortality in an acute model, and controlling the extent of serum sodium elevation without causing abnormal animal behavior suggesting neurological symptoms in a chronic model. In the acute model, rats developed rapidly progressive, severe hyponatremia by continuous sc infusion of [deamino-Cys1, d-Arg8]-vasopressin (10 ng/h) and forced water-loading (additional 10% initial body weight per day). By d 6, untreated rats had a 47% mortality rate. However, rats treated with repeated oral administrations of tolvaptan (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent aquaresis (i.e. urine volume increased and urine osmolality decreased) that resulted in a gradual increase in plasma sodium concentration. Consequently, tolvaptan treatment reduced mortality and, at higher doses, resulted in no observed deaths. In the gradual model, rats receiving a continuous sc infusion of [deamino-Cys1, d-Arg8]-vasopressin (1 ng/h) combined with a liquid diet were induced to stable, severe hyponatremia (∼110 mEq/liter), which lead to increased organ weight and water content. Rats receiving dose titrations of tolvaptan (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg) increased plasma sodium to healthy levels without causing abnormal animal behavior suggesting neurological symptoms or death, improved hyponatremia-driven increases in wet weight and water content in the organs. Thus, in animal models, analogous to the hyponatremia forms seen in humans, tolvaptan presents exciting therapeutic implications in the management of patients with severe hyponatremia.
Estrogen Receptor-β Is Critical to Granulosa Cell Differentiation and the Ovulatory Response to Gonadotropins
Authors: Couse John F. , Yates Mariana M. , Deroo Bonnie J. , Korach Kenneth S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe process of granulosa cell differentiation that occurs in preovulatory follicles is dependent on FSH but requires augmentation by estradiol. To determine which estrogen receptor (ER) form mediates the effects of estradiol during gonadotropin-induced follicle growth, differentiation, and rupture, we characterized the response of ERα- and ERβ-null mice to gonadotropin-induced ovulation. Immature mice were treated with an ovulatory regimen of exogenous gonadotropins and tissues were collected at distinct time points for morphological, biochemical, gene expression, and immunohistochemical analyses. Granulosa cells of ERβ knockout (ERKO) preovulatory follicles exhibited an attenuated response to FSH-induced differentiation, as evident by reduced aromatase activity and estradiol synthesis, and insufficient expression of LH receptor. As a result, βERKO ovaries were unable to fully respond to an ovulatory bolus of gonadotropin, leading to a reduced rate of follicle rupture; insufficient induction of prostaglandin-synthase 2 and progesterone receptor; an aberrant increase in aromatase activity and plasma estradiol; and incomplete expansion of the cumulus-oocyte complex. Parallel characterization of αERKO females indicated a minimal role for ERα in granulosa cell differentiation, ovulation, and the concomitant changes in gene expression, although some abnormalities were revealed. These studies demonstrate that ERβ-mediated estradiol actions are vital to FSH-induced granulosa cell differentiation; and in the absence of ERβ, preovulatory follicles are deficient in the necessary cellular organization (i.e. antrum and cumulus oocyte complex), enzymatic activity (i.e. capacity to convert androgen precursor to estradiol), and receptor signaling pathways (i.e. LH receptor) to respond to a gonadotropin surge and expel a healthy oocyte.
A Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α/γ Dual Agonist with a Unique in Vitro Profile and Potent Glucose and Lipid Effects in Rodent Models of Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia
Authors: Reifel-Miller Anne , Otto Keith , Hawkins Eric , Barr Robert , Bensch William R. , Bull Chris , Dana Sharon , Klausing Kay , Martin Jose-Alfredo , Rafaeloff-Phail Ronit , Rafizadeh-Montrose Chahrzad , Rhodes Gary , Robey Roger , Rojo Isabel , Rungta Deepa , Snyder David , Wilbur Kelly , Zhang Tony , Zink Richard , Warshawsky Alan , Brozinick Joseph T. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractLSN862 is a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α/γ dual agonist with a unique in vitro profile that shows improvements on glucose and lipid levels in rodent models of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. Data from in vitro binding, cotransfection, and cofactor recruitment assays characterize LSN862 as a high-affinity PPARγ partial agonist with relatively less but significant PPARα agonist activity. Using these same assays, rosiglitazone was characterized as a high-affinity PPARγ full agonist with no PPARα activity. When administered to Zucker diabetic fatty rats, LSN862 displayed significant glucose and triglyceride lowering and a significantly greater increase in adiponectin levels compared with rosiglitazone. Expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways in the liver and in two fat depots from compound-treated Zucker diabetic fatty rats was evaluated. Only LSN862 significantly elevated mRNA levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 4 and bifunctional enzyme in the liver and lipoprotein lipase in both fat depots. In contrast, both LSN862 and rosiglitazone decreased phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase in the liver and increased malic enzyme mRNA levels in the fat. In addition, LSN862 was examined in a second rodent model of type 2 diabetes, db/db mice. In this study, LSN862 demonstrated statistically better antidiabetic efficacy compared with rosiglitazone with an equivalent side effect profile. LSN862, rosiglitazone, and fenofibrate were each evaluated in the humanized apoA1 transgenic mouse. At the highest dose administered, LSN862 and fenofibrate reduced very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas, rosiglitazone increased very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. LSN862, fenofibrate, and rosiglitazone produced maximal increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 65, 54, and 30%, respectively. These findings show that PPARγ full agonist activity is not necessary to achieve potent and efficacious insulin-sensitizing benefits and demonstrate the therapeutic advantages of a PPARα/γ dual agonist.
Status, Population Dynamics, and Future Prospects of the Endangered Kootenai River White Sturgeon Population with and without Hatchery Intervention
Authors: Paragamian Vaughn L. , Beamesderfer Raymond C. P. , Ireland Susan C. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSynthesis of sampling data from 1977 through 2001, including extensive mark–recapture data, provided a comprehensive and current picture of the status, population dynamics, and future prospects of the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus. Natural recruitment was inconsistent in the 1960s, and with the additional impact of Libby Dam since the 1970s, the wild population now consists of an aging cohort of large, old fish. Jolly– Seber population estimates have declined from approximately 7,000 white sturgeon in the late 1970s to 760 fish in 2000. At the current mortality rate of 9% per year, fewer than 500 adults will remain by 2005 and fewer than 50 by 2030. At current growth and maturity rates, hatchery fish being released since 1992 should begin recruiting to the adult population around 2020. Population projections describe a significant bottleneck in spawner numbers as the wild population declines but hatchery fish have not yet matured. Only 113–203 wild females are projected to contribute to hatchery broodstock over the expected life span of the current population. With current levels of hatchery production, the population is projected to stabilize at about 3,000 adults—although numbers predicted by these population simulations are extremely sensitive to estimates of survival rate. The next generation is expected to be produced primarily from hatchery spawning of wild adults. Habitat restoration measures to improve survival and rearing conditions for the wild component are critical to recovery efforts in the long term; however, recovery measures should also include a balanced consideration of the short‐term and long‐term risks faced by the white sturgeon population. Use of increasing numbers of broodstock in the hatchery will reduce risks of genetic founder effects. Increasing numbers of juveniles produced per family in the hatchery will provide a hedge for uncertainty in broodstock availability as the population declines.
Effects of Flow Velocity on Feeding Behavior and Microhabitat Selection of the Stone Moroko Pseudorasbora parva: A Trade‐Off between Feeding and Swimming Costs
Authors: Asaeda Takashi , Vu Trung Kien , Manatunge Jagath 
Published: April 2005

AbstractWe conducted a series of experiments in a flume with a cavity that provided refuge from the current to assess the feeding behavior of the stone moroko Pseudorasbora parva. Feeding behavior on commercial food pellets was quantified by assigning fish activity to one of the components of their predation cycle: pause, moving, pursuit (i.e., approach, chase, and attack), coasting, and resting within the cavity. Swimming speed was highest during attack, followed by that during chase, moving, approach, and coasting. As flow velocity increased, the approach and moving distances decreased while swimming speed increased. The body angle of a fish in pursuit relative to the flow generally increased in the latter stages of approach, chase, and attack and markedly decreased as flow increased. When flow velocity increased, the percentage of lateral captures decreased and fish rested in the cavity longer. Thus, the average energy cost of a feeding fish did not increase in higher flow velocities as much as was expected from estimations made at low flow velocity. The processes of approach, chase, and attack were defined as the unsteady swimming motions of linear or centripetal acceleration. Energy expenditure in the unsteady swimming mode was estimated using the theory of hydrodynamics. The main energy expenditure of the feeding cycle shifted from moving in slow flow to chase in fast flow because search time was shorter in fast flow. The net energy gain from feeding and swimming implied that the fish used in this experiment tended to express specific behaviors based on the trade‐off between food uptake and energy expenditure up to a flow velocity of 7 cm/s. However, in faster flows, fish seemingly avoided a large drag force from the flowing water even if the net energy gain was positive.