bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The surgical treatment of infective endocarditis
Authors: Mullany Charles J. , McIsaacs Andrew I. , Rowe Michael H. , Hale George S. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractWe have reviewed 108 cases of bacterial endocarditis treated surgically since 1968. The mean age of the patients was 47.7±15.6 years (± SD) (range, 14–79 yr). Seventy‐seven percent were male. The most common causative organisms were staphylococci (46%), streptococci viridans group (25%), and other streptococci (20%). Forty‐five percent, 25%, and 13% of patients had native aortic valve, native mitral valve, or native double valve (AV/MV) involvement, respectively. Eighteen patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis. No patient underwent surgery for tricuspid valve endocarditis. Seventy‐three patients were considered to have active endocarditis (AE) (positive blood or tissue cultures and/or annular abscesses). The 35 remaining patients had healed endocarditis (HE). Preoperative complications in patients with either AE or HE were stroke (11%, 11%), renal failure (33%, 3%;p<0.001), pulmonary edema (83%, 34%;p<0.001), anemia (36%, 8%;p<0.01), and inotrope dependence (22%, 6%;p<0.05). Hospital mortality for native valve AE was 19.6% (11/56), and for healed endocarditis, 5.7% (2/35). Independent predictors of hospital mortality were inotrope dependence (p<0.001), annular abscess (p<0.01), pulmonary edema (p<0.01), and staphylococcal infection (p<0.05). The 5‐year actuarial survival for operative survivors was 68.4±7.5% (AE) and 78.3±9.2% (HE). We conclude that the operative mortality for patients with continuing sepsis is high and that surgery should be undertaken early in staphylococcal endocarditis. If surgery is successful, then the long‐term prognosis is good.
Reductions in insecticide use from adoption of Bt cotton in South Africa: impacts on economic performance and toxic load to the environment
Authors: BENNETT R. , ISMAEL Y. , MORSE S. , SHANKAR B. 
Published: May 2005

The study reported presents the findings relating to commercial growing of genetically-modified Bt cotton in South Africa by a large sample of smallholder farmers over three seasons (1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/01) following adoption. The analysis presents constructs and compares groupwise differences for key variables in Bt v. non-Bt technology and uses regressions to further analyse the production and profit impacts of Bt adoption. Analysis of the distribution of benefits between farmers due to the technology is also presented. In parallel with these socio-economic measures, the toxic loads being presented to the environment following the introduction of Bt cotton are monitored in terms of insecticide active ingredient (ai) and the Biocide Index. The latter adjusts ai to allow for differing persistence and toxicity of insecticides.Results show substantial and significant financial benefits to smallholder cotton growers of adopting Bt cotton over three seasons in terms of increased yields, lower insecticide spray costs and higher gross margins. This includes one particularly wet, poor growing season. In addition, those with the smaller holdings appeared to benefit proportionately more from the technology (in terms of higher gross margins) than those with larger holdings. Analysis using the Gini-coefficient suggests that the Bt technology has helped to reduce inequality amongst smallholder cotton growers in Makhathini compared to what may have been the position if they had grown conventional cotton. However, while Bt growers applied lower amounts of insecticide and had lower Biocide Indices (per ha) than growers of non-Bt cotton, some of this advantage was due to a reduction in non-bollworm insecticide. Indeed, the Biocide Index for all farmers in the population actually increased with the introduction of Bt cotton.The results indicate the complexity of such studies on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of GM varieties in the developing world.
Diseases of the prostate
Authors: Cannon A , Abrams P 
Published: May 2005

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland does not always cause symptoms or obstruction to the flow of urine. Old terminology, for example, ‘prostatism’ can therefore be misleading, and the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), the International consultation on BPH and the International Continence Society accept the definitions given below:Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histological diagnosis. The first pathological signs appear under the age of 40 years, followed by a rapid increase in prevalence with age; 80% of 80-year-olds have evidence of BPH. The onset of BPH is dependent on the presence of functioning testes and increasing age. It is characterized by a combination of atrophy and proliferation in both glandular and stromal tissue. Although BPH is detectable in most elderly men, it does not always cause enlargement of the prostate, symptoms, or obstruction to the flow of urine.
SO‐3, a new O‐superfamily conopeptide derived from Conus striatus, selectively inhibits N‐type calcium currents in cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Wen Lei , Yang Sheng , Qiao Haifa , Liu Zhenwei , Zhou Wenxia , Zhang Yongxiang , Huang Peitang 
Published: May 2005

Whole‐cell currents in cultured hippocampal neurons were recorded to investigate the effects of SO‐3, a new O‐superfamily conopeptide derived from Conus striatus, on voltage‐sensitive channels.
SO‐3 had no effect on voltage‐sensitive sodium currents, delayed rectifier potassium currents, and transient outward potassium currents.
Similar to the selective N‐type calcium channel blocker ω‐conotoxin MVIIA (MVIIA), SO‐3 could concentration‐dependently inhibit the high voltage‐activated (HVA) calcium currents (ICa).
MVIIA(3 μM), 10 μM nimodipine, and 0.5 μM ω‐agatoxin IVA (Aga) could selectively block the N‐, L‐, and P/Q‐type ICa, which contributed ∼32, ∼38, and ∼21% of the HVA currents in hippocampal neurons, respectively. About 31% of the total HVA currents were inhibited by 3 μM SO‐3. SO‐3 (3 μM) and 3 μM MVIIA inhibited the overlapping components of HVA currents, whereas no overlapping component was inhibited by 3 μM SO‐3 and 10 μM nimodipine, or by 3 μM SO‐3 and 0.5 μM Aga. Also, 3 μM SO‐3 had no effect on R‐type currents.
SO‐3 had less inhibitory effects on non‐N‐type HVA currents than MVIIA at higher concentrations (30 and 100 μM).
The inhibitory effects of SO‐3 and MVIIA on HVA currents were almost fully reversible. However, the recovery from block by MVIIA was more rapid than recovery from block by SO‐3.
It is concluded that SO‐3 is a new ω‐conotoxin selectively targeting N‐type voltage‐sensitive calcium channels. Considering the significance of N‐type calcium channels for pain transduction, SO‐3 may have therapeutic potential as a novel analgesic agent.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 728–739. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706223
Carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules (CO‐RMs) attenuate the inflammatory response elicited by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 murine macrophages
Authors: Sawle Philip , Foresti Roberta , Mann Brian E , Johnson Tony R , Green Colin J , Motterlini Roberto 
Published: May 2005

The enzyme heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is a cytoprotective and anti‐inflammatory protein that degrades heme to produce biliverdin/bilirubin, ferrous iron and carbon monoxide (CO). The anti‐inflammatory properties of HO‐1 are related to inhibition of adhesion molecule expression and reduction of oxidative stress, while exogenous CO gas treatment decreases the production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and nitric oxide (NO). CO‐releasing molecules (CO‐RMs) are a novel group of substances identified by our group that are capable of modulating physiological functions via the liberation of CO. We aimed in this study to examine the potential anti‐inflammatory characteristics of CORM‐2 and CORM‐3 in an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated murine macrophages.
Stimulation of RAW264.7 macrophages with LPS resulted in increased expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and production of nitrite. CORM‐2 or CORM‐3 (10–100 μM) reduced nitrite generation in a concentration‐dependent manner but did not affect the protein levels of iNOS. CORM‐3 also decreased nitrite levels when added 3 or 6 h after LPS exposure.
CORM‐2 or CORM‐3 did not cause any evident cytotoxicity and produced an increase in HO‐1 expression and heme oxygenase activity; this effect was completely prevented by the thiol donor N‐acetylcysteine.
CORM‐3 also considerably reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, another mediator of the inflammatory response.
The inhibitory effects of CORM‐2 and CORM‐3 were not observed when the inactive compounds, which do not release CO, were coincubated with LPS.
These results indicate that CO liberated by CORM‐2 and CORM‐3 significantly suppresses the inflammatory response elicited by LPS in cultured macrophages and suggest that CO carriers can be used as an effective strategy to modulate inflammation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 800–810. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706241
Substrate‐induced modulation of glutamate uptake in human platelets
Authors: Begni Barbara , Tremolizzo Lucio , D'Orlando Cristina , Bono Maria Serena , Garofolo Rosanna , Longoni Marco , Ferrarese Carlo 
Published: May 2005

In the central nervous system (CNS), glutamate rapidly upregulates the activities of different excitatory amino‐acid transporter subtypes (EAATs) in order to help protect neurons from excitotoxicity. Since human platelets display a specific sodium‐dependent glutamate uptake activity, and express the three major glutamate transporters, which may be affected in neurological disorders, we investigated whether platelets are subject to substrate‐induced modulation as described for CNS.
A time‐ and dose‐dependent upregulation of [3H]‐glutamate uptake (up to two‐fold) was observed in platelets preincubated with glutamate. There was an increase in maximal velocity rate without affinity changes. Glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists did not modulate this upregulation and preincubation with glutamate analogues failed to mimic the glutamate effect. Only aspartate preincubation increased the uptake, albeit ∼35% less with respect to glutamate.
The effect of glutamate preincubation on the expression of the three major transporters was studied by Western blotting, showing an increase of ∼70% in EAAT1 immunoreactivity that was completely blocked by cycloheximide (CEM). However, L‐serine‐O‐sulphate, at a concentration (200 μM) known to block EAAT1/3 selectively, did not completely inhibit the effect of glutamate stimulation, indicating the possible involvement of EAAT2.
In fact, glutamate stimulation was completely abolished only when, following CEM pre‐incubation, the experiment was run in the presence of the selective EAAT2 inhibitor dihydrokainic acid. Since surface biotinylation experiments failed to show evidence of EAAT2 translocation, our results suggest the existence of a different way of regulating EAAT2 activity.
These findings indicate that human platelets display a substrate‐dependent modulation of glutamate uptake mediated by different molecular mechanisms and confirm that ex vivo platelets are a reliable model to investigate the dysfunction of glutamate uptake regulation in patients affected by neurological disorders.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 792–799. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706242
Pharmacodynamics of propiverine and three of its main metabolites on detrusor contraction
Authors: Wuest Melinda , Hecht Juliane , Christ Torsten , Braeter Manfred , Schoeberl Christian , Hakenberg Oliver W , Wirth Manfred P , Ravens Ursula 
Published: May 2005

Besides its antimuscarinic effects, propiverine may possess an additional mode of action. We compared the effects of propiverine, three of its metabolites (M‐5, M‐6, M‐14) and atropine in human, pig and mouse urinary bladder preparations in order to elucidate the nature of a possible additional mode of action.
Like the parent compound, M‐5, M‐6 and M‐14 reduced to variable degrees the contractions elicited by electric field stimulation (EFS) of isolated, urothelium‐denuded detrusor strips. In mouse the atropine‐resistant and therefore the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic component of contractile response to EFS was reduced by M‐5, M‐14 and propiverine, but was hardly affected by M‐6.
Atropine, propiverine and M‐6 significantly shifted the cumulative concentration–response curves for carbachol (CCh) to higher concentrations. Atropine and M‐6 did not affect the maximum tension induced by CCh. Propiverine, M‐5 and M‐14 reduced the maximum CCh effect, suggesting at least one additional mode of action. This pattern of response was observed in all the three species, albeit with some differences in sensitivity to the various agents.
In freshly isolated human detrusor smooth muscle cells, propiverine and M‐14 inhibited the nifedipine‐sensitive L‐type calcium current (ICa) in a concentration‐dependent manner. In contrast, the effects of M‐5 and M‐6 on ICa were insignificant in the concentration range examined.
The investigated responses to propiverine and its metabolites suggest that impairment of maximum CCh‐induced contractions is due to strong effect on ICa and that this may be associated with the presence of the aliphatic side chain.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 608–619. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706244
Modulation of Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent miniature endplate potentials by phorbol ester and adenosine in frog
Authors: Searl Timothy J , Silinsky Eugene M 
Published: May 2005

Phorbol esters and adenosine modulate transmitter release from frog motor nerves through actions at separate sites downstream of calcium entry. However, it is not known whether these agents have calcium‐independent sites of action. We therefore characterised calcium independent miniature endplate potentials (mepps) generated in response to 4‐aminoquinaldine (4‐AQA) and then compared the modulation of these mepps by phorbol esters and adenosine with that of normal calcium dependent mepps.
Application of 30 μM 4‐AQA resulted in the appearance of a population of mepps with amplitudes greater than twice the total population mode (mepp>2M). In the presence of 4‐AQA, K+ depolarisation or hypertonicity increased the numbers of normal amplitude mepps (meppN) but had no effect on the frequency of mepp>2M events, suggesting that mepp>2M are not dependent on calcium.
Treatment with the botulinum toxin (Botx) fractions C, D, or E (which selectively cleave syntaxin, synaptobrevin and SNAP‐25, respectively) produced equivalent reductions in both normal and 4‐AQA induced mepps, suggesting that both mepp populations have equal dependence on the intact SNARE proteins.
Phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu, 100 nM) increased the frequencies of both populations of mepps recorded in the presence of 4‐AQA. Adenosine (25 μM) selectively reduced the numbers of meppN with no effect on the frequency of mepp>2M events.
These results suggest that mepp>2M events released in response to 4‐AQA are dependent on intact forms of syntaxin, synaptobrevin and SNAP‐25, but unlike meppN are independent of a functional calcium sensor. The selective action of adenosine, to reduce the numbers of normal amplitude mepps without effecting the frequency of mepp>2M events, suggests that adenosine normally inhibits transmitter release through a mechanism that is dependent on the presence of a functional calcium sensor.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 954–962. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706248
Learning distributed leadership: part 1
Authors: Ross Lisa , Rix Mike , Gold Jeff 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo explore the requirements for learning distributed leadership. drawing on cultural historical activity theory (CHAT).Design/methodology/approachThe background to recent leadership research that distinguishes between leading as a quality of one person, the appointed leader, and leadership as a collective phenomenon, usually referred to as distributed leadership (DL), is provided. Principles for a programme of learning for DL are presented.FindingsProminence is given to the mediation of action through social and cultural tools in the production of an object and leadership as influence unfolds in a reciprocal process around the use of tools. As the unit of analysis changes from individual subjects carrying out actions at a micro level to the activity system, leadership occurs through the exertion of influence that occurs not only in reciprocal interdependence required for the performance of work but also through the mediation of tools, rules, the community and division of labour.Practical implicationsA programme of learning for practitioners is developed.Originality/valueThere are few accounts of how DL is experienced and even fewer which explain how DL can be practised.
Employee ownership + accountability=competitive advantage: Precor drives organizational change
Authors: Takaki Lynn 
Published: May 2005

PurposeIt is well recognized that fast‐growing companies can outpace their systems and infrastructure. Similarly, rapidly growing companies can outgrow their corporate culture. This case study aims to address training that replaces an established yet outgrown corporate culture with a dynamic culture suitable for the growing organization.Design/methodology/approachGlobal fitness equipment leader Precor has achieved cultural change through a strategy founded in increasing – and rewarding – personal accountability for results. Through training, Precor established direct connections between each employee and the corporation's financial performance. A system of ongoing communications and rewards supports the change over time. The process included institutionalized and depth delivery of company‐wide communications, performance management processes, and reward‐and‐recognition programs.FindingsThrough training, an organization can successfully transition individuals and departments to embrace a culture of personal ownership, accountability and reward. Financial benefits also accrue: since Precor committed to organizational change, corporate revenues have increased by more than 50 percent, and profitability is up more than 200 percent.Practical implicationsManagement can institutionalize a culture of personal ownership and accountability that generates superior financial results.Originality/valueHuman resources and training executives interested in significantly increasing their organization's business results can gain insight into building employee accountability and individual links and ownership of their company's results.
The post‐war problems of continental libraries
Authors: Danilewicz Maria 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to look at the post‐war problems of continental libraries.Design/methodology/approachPresents the author's own experiences and memories of lost literature in the war years.FindingsIn many countries the whole network of libraries was built up afresh – almost from nothing – with shortage of paper, of books, of library equipment, of building accommodation and library staff.Originality/valueThe author stresses the importance of the resumption of the activities of international librarian organizations to facilitate the exchange of ideas, the discussion of various questions, and the re‐establishment of pre‐war services such as interlibrary loans, photographic services, exchange of publications, etc.
The library rehabilitation programme of the American Library Association
Authors: Miller Lydenberg Harry 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAt the very outbreak of the war official permission was sought to import books and periodicals from war areas. This article seeks to look at the problems that arose for libraries trying to succeed in getting books from abroad and their own books overseas in wartime conditions.Design/methodology/approachA campaign was launched by the Conference of College and University Librarians of Southern California. Its members were responsible for the collecting and storing of books given in their locality.FindingsWith the help of libraries and associations world‐wide, adults and children alike were able to carry on reading.Originality/valueThe article has historical value.
A state secret – dissertations in the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Mertens Lothar 
Published: May 2005

PurposeSince the early 1970s the Communist regime in the German Democratic Republic classified thousands of doctoral dissertations as confidential, thus blocking the dissemination of research in the various disciplines of science. More than 6,800 titles of dissertations have not been listed in the national bibliographies. This article seeks to give a first overview of the different fields of restricted research and the topics which have been treated as state secrets. The study also aims to show the involvement of universities and colleges in the classification and segregation of theses into special depots and non‐public reading rooms.Design/methodology/approachThe author of this article analysed which theses were classified by the Socialist Unity Party, the ruling Communist party in the GDR, and a full bibliography giving all the information of the titles and the names of the authors involved was published in 1994.FindingsDespite the centralist directives from the Ministry for University and Technical College Education regarding the classification of dissertations, actual classification of doctoral theses has been handled very differently by the various institutions.Originality/valueDealing with this legacy, that is, returning the secret dissertations into the general stocks and listing them in the bibliographies and general catalogues, took several years. This article was able to highlight those events through its original source.
Libraries in continental Europe: the 40s and the 90s
Authors: Tax Choldin Marianna 
Published: May 2005

PurposePart of the “JDoc at 60” series, this paper aims to discuss, evaluate and compare writings on the state of libraries in Continental Europe in the 1940s and the 1990s.Design/methodology/approachFour papers published in Journal of Documentation, three from 1945 and one from 1994, are analysed and compared, and their significance discussed.FindingsFinds that there are similarities and differences between the situation facing European libraries at the end of the 1939‐1945 war, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union.Originality/valueBoth historical and current policy perspectives are included.