bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of Highly Charged Heavy Ions by Means of a Hybrid Source in DC Mode and in Afterglow Mode
Authors: Gammino Santo , Ciavola Giovanni , Torrisi Lorenzo , Celona Luigi , Andò Lucio , Manciagli Sebastiano , Consoli Fabrizio , Galatà Alessio , Picciotto Antonio , Mezzasalma Angela M. , Krása Josef , Láska Leos , Pfeifer Mirek , Rohlena Karel , Wolowski Jerzy , Woryna Eugeniusz , Parys Piotr , Shirkov Grigori D. , Hitz Denis 
Published: July 2005

AbstractSummary: An ECLISSE experiment has been carried out by coupling a laser ion source (based on a Nd:YAG laser (0.9 J/9 ns, laser power densities < 1011 W · cm−2) to the SERSE superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source. Continuous wave beams of highly charged ions from metal samples without the use of ovens or sputtering techniques were obtained under a variety of experimental conditions. The maximum charge states obtained from the ECRIS were 38+ for Ta and 41+ for Au. The peak current was obtained for 25+ and 29+, respectively, and it was in the order of some tens of µA. In this work the analysis of some preliminary results obtained in afterglow mode will also be presented. We employed microwave pulses (length 4 ms) and laser pulses (length 9 ns) with the same frequency (30 Hz) and variable relative phase. For appropriate phase values, a current enhancement of about one order of magnitude was observed.The extraction electrode featuring the traces of deposited tantalum and gold.magnified imageThe extraction electrode featuring the traces of deposited tantalum and gold.
Area of Left Ventricular Regional Conduction Delay and Preserved Myocardium Predict Responses to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: TSE HUNG‐FAT , LEE KATHY LF , WAN SIU‐HONG , YU YINGHONG , HOERSCH WALTER , PASTORE JOSEPH , ZHU QINGSHENG , KENKNIGHT BRUCE , SPINELLI JULIO , LAU CHU‐PAK 
Published: July 2005

Background: A significant proportion of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block (LBBB) do not respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the electromechanical properties of the myocardium would predict acute hemodynamic improvement during left ventricular (LV) pacing. Methods and Results: We studied 10 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB (ejection fraction (EF): 27%± 7%; QRS duration: 166 ± 16 msec) using three‐dimensional electromechanical endocardial mapping technique to assess endocardial activation time (Endo‐AT), unipolar voltage, and local linear shortening during sinus rhythm. LV stimulation was performed in VDD mode at five different sites and three atrioventricular delays within the coronary sinus. LV + dP/dtmax changes from baseline were measured during LV stimulation at each site (%ΔdP/dtmax). There was no significant relationship between maximum %ΔdP/dtmax during LV stimulation at the best coronary sinus site and LV EF, baseline LV + dP/dtmax, total LV Endo‐AT, baseline QRS duration nor changes in QRS duration during LV pacing. However, the maximum %ΔdP/dtmax was significantly positively correlated with percentage area of late Endo‐AT (r = 0.97, P < 0.001) and preserved LV myocardium (r = 0.81, P = 0.005), respectively. Patients with >20% of LV area with late Endo‐AT and >30% of preserved LV myocardium had five times better acute hemodynamic response with LV stimulation. Multivariate analysis showed that only percentage area of late Endo‐AT was independently correlated with %ΔdP/dtmax (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of a larger amount of LV area with late Endo‐AT and preserved LV myocardium measured by electromechanical mapping could identify patients who have better acute improvement in systolic performance during LV stimulation.
Enhancing Electrical Cardioversion and Preventing Immediate Reinitiation of Hemodynamically Deleterious Atrial Fibrillation with Class III Drug Pretreatment
Authors: HAYASHI MEISO , TANAKA KEIJI , KATO TAKAO , MORITA NORISHIGE , SATO NAOKI , YASUTAKE MASAHIRO , KOBAYASHI YOSHINORI , TAKANO TERUO 
Published: July 2005

Introduction: In severely ill patients, the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) may provoke lethal hemodynamic instability requiring immediate electrical defibrillation, which often is unsuccessful. Using the novel potassium channel blocking agent nifekalant, we prospectively assessed the hypothesis that class III antiarrhythmic drugs facilitate electrical cardioversion and suppress the immediate recurrence of hemodynamically deleterious AF. Methods and Results: Among 1896 adults admitted to the intensive care unit for cardiovascular diseases, hemodynamically destabilizing new‐onset AF (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) resistant to conventional electrical cardioversion occurred in 27 patients, and of these, 24 patients (70 ± 12 years) were enrolled. Twenty‐one patients had congestive heart failure and 11 patients had been mechanically ventilated. After three failed transthoracic cardioversions due to failure of conversion to SR (11 patients) or immediate reinitiation (13 patients), nifekalant (0.25 ± 0.04 mg/kg) was administered intravenously, and electrical defibrillation was reattempted. In 18 patients (75%), sinus rhythm was restored and maintained after nifekalant infusion (6 patients) or subsequent transthoracic cardioversion (12 patients). Nifekalant administration significantly decreased the heart rate and increased systolic blood pressure during AF (P < 0.001), and successful cardioversion rapidly further ameliorated these parameters (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that atrial defibrillation failure (relative risk [RR] 19.34, P = 0.05) and age of >75 years (RR 15.25, P = 0.03) were independent predictors of in‐hospital death. Conclusion: Nifekalant renders electrical defibrillation and the prevention of the early recurrence of hemodynamically unstable AF more successful without deteriorating hemodynamics, and successful defibrillation is associated with a more favorable patient outcome. Pretreatment with other class III drugs, e.g., ibutilide or dofetilide, would also be efficacious in patients with failed urgent electrical cardioversion.
Lacrimal caruncle primary basal cell carcinoma: case report and review
Authors: Mencía‐Gutiérrez Enrique , Gutiérrez‐Díaz Esperanza , Pérez‐Martín María E. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common malignant skin neoplasm. The surface of the caruncle contains sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and lacrimal and sweat gland elements. Consequently, the caruncle may spawn any neoplasm that occurs in the conjunctiva, skin, or lacrimal gland. We report a patient with a primary BCC located on the lacrimal caruncle.Methods:  An 80‐year‐old man with a 5‐month history of a gradually enlarging left caruncular neoplasm was seen. The lesion was nodular and irregularly brown‐black colored, with no involvement of adjacent conjunctiva or skin. He had a history of sun exposure, but no personal or family history of other malignant neoplasms.Results:  The mass was excised completely. Histopathologic examination revealed a BCC originating in the basal layer of the conjunctival epithelium. No tumor recurrence has been noted after 7 years of follow‐up. Primary BCC of the caruncle is unusual, and only four cases have been described in the PubMed. BCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of caruncle and adjacent skin lesions.
Epstein–Barr virus‐associated B‐cell lymphoma in the setting of iatrogenic immune dysregulation presenting initially in the skin
Authors: Verma Shannon , Frambach Gwyn E. , Seilstad Kay H. , Nuovo Gerard , Porcu Pierluigi , Magro Cynthia M. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in B‐cell lymphoma associated with iatrogenic immune dysregulation, primarily in the context of extracutaneous lymphoma.Methods:  We describe six patients, five transplant recipients receiving cyclosporine and one patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate, who developed cutaneous presentations of EBV‐associated B‐cell lymphoma. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and EBV thymidine kinase (vTK) expression were also explored.Results:  The cases comprised plasmablastic lymphoma (one case), plasmacytic marginal zone lymphoma (two cases), and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (three cases). There was a monoclonal gammopathy in one and concurrent extracutaneous disease in two of the six patients. EBV‐associated latent small nuclear RNA was detected in all cases with coexpression of HHV8 in one of the five cases and of vTK in three of the six cases. Three patients responded to a reduction in the immunosuppressive regimen and antiviral therapy. Recurrent disease developed in two, with one patient succumbing to multiorgan dissemination.Conclusions:  EBV‐associated cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma is characterized by a long interval between the initiation of immunosuppression and the development of lymphoma. Although previous reports have reported an indolent clinical course, an aggressive clinical course may occur. HHV8 and lytic phase EBV antigens are detected in some cases, possibly suggesting a pathogenetic role.
Modulation of murine experimental asthma by Ascaris suum components
Authors: Itami D. M. , Oshiro T. M. , Araujo C. A. , Perini A. , Martins M. A. , Macedo M. S. , Macedo‐Soares M. F. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
We have recently isolated two distinct components from Ascaris suum adult worms with different effects on the immune system: the allergenic protein of A. suum (APAS‐3), which induces IgE antibody production, and suppressive protein of A. suum (PAS‐1), which inhibits humoral and cellular immune responses induced by unrelated antigens. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of PAS‐1 on a murine model of asthma induced by APAS‐3.Methods
BALB/c mice were immunized twice with APAS‐3 or APAS‐3 plus PAS‐1 by the intraperitoneal and subcutaneous route (on days 0 and 7) and challenged twice with the same antigens intranasally (days 14 and 21). Two days after the last challenge, the allergic airway inflammation was evaluated by cellular migration, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity, cytokine and chemokine production and pulmonary mechanical parameters.Results
The allergenic properties of APAS‐3 were confirmed by the stimulation of anaphylactic IgE and IgG1 antibody production and eosinophilic airway inflammation and hyper‐responsiveness. On the other hand, PAS‐1‐treated mice showed a marked suppression of cellular migration and EPO activity that correlated well with a significant reduction in the levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, eotaxin and RANTES in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. In contrast, considerable amounts of IL‐10 were observed in the BAL fluid of PAS‐1‐treated mice. Airway hyper‐responsiveness was obtained in APAS‐3‐immunized mice, but the conductance of the respiratory system was restored to normal values in the presence of PAS‐1.Conclusion
These results indicate that A. suum allergenic protein APAS‐3 induces a T helper 2‐type immune response and, consequently, eosinophilic airway inflammation and hyper‐responsiveness. Moreover, the modulatory protein PAS‐1 has a marked suppressive effect on this response, and the inhibition of cytokine (IL‐4, IL‐5) and chemokine (eotaxin and RANTES) release, probably because of the presence of IL‐10, may contribute to this effect.
Airway generation‐specific differences in the spatial distribution of immune cells and cytokines in allergen‐challenged rhesus monkeys
Authors: Miller L. A. , Hurst S. D. , Coffman R. L. , Tyler N. K. , Stovall M. Y. , Chou D. L. , Putney L. F. , Gershwin L. J. , Schelegle E. S. , Plopper C. G. , Hyde D. M. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Accumulation of immune cell populations and their cytokine products within tracheobronchial airways contributes to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. It has been postulated that peripheral regions of the lung play a more significant role than proximal airways with regard to inflammatory events and airflow obstruction.Objective
To determine whether immune cell populations and associated cytokines are uniformly distributed throughout the conducting airway tree in a non‐human primate model of allergic asthma.Methods
We used a stereologic approach with a stratified sampling scheme to measure the volume density of immune cells within the epithelium and interstitium of trachea and 4–5 intrapulmonary airway generations from house dust mite (HDM) (Dermatophagoides farinae)‐challenged adult monkeys. In conjunction with immune cell distribution profiles, mRNA levels for 21 cytokines/chemokines and three chemokine receptors were evaluated at four different airway generations from microdissected lungs.Results
In HDM‐challenged monkeys, the volume of CD1a+ dendritic cells, CD4+ T helper lymphocytes, CD25+ cells, IgE+ cells, eosinophils, and proliferating cells were significantly increased within airways. All five immune cell types accumulated within airways in unique patterns of distribution, suggesting compartmentalized responses with regard to trafficking. Although cytokine mRNA levels were elevated throughout the conducting airway tree of HDM‐challenged animals, the distal airways (terminal and respiratory bronchioles) exhibited the most pronounced up‐regulation.Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that key effector immune cell populations and cytokines associated with asthma differentially accumulate within distinct regions and compartments of tracheobronchial airways from allergen‐challenged primates.
High fractional concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled air despite steroid treatment in asthmatic children
Authors: Pijnenburg M. W. H. , Bakker E. M. , Lever S. , Hop W. C. , De Jongste J. C. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
The fractional concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FENO) is elevated in atopic asthma and typically responds to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). However, some patients have persistently high FENO levels despite treatment.Objective
We studied how optimizing the inhalation technique and increasing ICS doses would affect FENO in stable atopic asthmatic children who had elevated FENO while using ICS.Methods
In 41 stable asthmatic children who were treated with ICS (median daily dose 800 μg budesonide equivalent, range 100–1600 μg) and maintained FENO20 p.p.b., we optimized the inhalation technique by thorough instruction and measured FENO 2 weeks later. Then, if FENO remained 20 p.p.b., we increased the ICS dose and reassessed FENO 2 weeks later.Results
Improving the inhalation technique did not reduce FENO. Increasing ICS from a daily median dose of 800 to 1200 μg budesonide had no significant effect on FENO. FENO correlated positively with symptom scores in the following 2 and 4 weeks (P=0.001, 0.002) and β2‐agonist use the 2 and 4 weeks following FENO measurement (P=0.02, 0.004).Conclusion
We conclude that common steps in asthma treatment, i.e. inhalation instruction and increasing ICS dose, were both ineffective in reducing FENO in atopic asthmatic children with elevated FENO values despite treatment with ICS. This implies that FENO cannot simply be incorporated in current treatment guidelines.
Innate mechanisms for Bifidobacterium lactis to activate transient pro‐inflammatory host responses in intestinal epithelial cells after the colonization of germ‐free rats
Authors: Ruiz Pedro A. , Hoffmann Micha , Szcesny Silke , Blaut Michael , Haller Dirk 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBifidobacteria comprise a dominant microbial population group in the human intestinal tract with purported beneficial health effects on the host. In this study, we characterized the molecular mechanisms for the initial interaction of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis strain BB12 with native and intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lines. We showed that B. lactis‐monoassociated Fisher F344 rats transiently induce phosphorylation/activation of the NF‐κB transcriptionally active subunit RelA and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 in native IEC at day 5 after initial bacterial colonization. In addition, Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) gene expression was significantly increased at day 5, demonstrating the physiological relevance of transient transcription factor activation in IEC. In contrast, Bacteroides vulgatus‐monoassociated Fisher rats revealed RelA but not p38 MAPK phosphorylation and failed to trigger significant IL‐6 gene expression in native IEC. Moreover, we demonstrated that B. lactis triggers NF‐κB RelA and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in IEC lines. Adenoviral delivery of mutant IKK‐β (Ad5dnIKKβ) and inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway through the pharmacological inhibitor SB203580 significantly blocked B. lactis‐induced IL‐6 gene expression in IEC, suggesting that B. lactis triggers NF‐κB and MAPK signaling to induce gene expression in the intestinal epithelium. Regarding the mechanisms of bacteria epithelial cell cross‐talk, B. lactis‐induced IL‐6 gene expression was completely inhibited in TLR2 deficient mouse embryogenic fibroblasts (MEF TLR2−/−) as well as TLR2ΔTIR transfected Mode‐K cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that probiotic bacteria transiently trigger innate signal transduction and pro‐inflammatory gene expression in the intestinal epithelium at early stages of bacterial colonization.
Activation of murine dendritic cells and macrophages induced by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Kalupahana Ruwani Sagarika , Mastroeni Pietro , Maskell Duncan , Blacklaws Barbara Ann 
Published: July 2005

SummaryMacrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), and the direct involvement of both cell types in the immune response to Salmonella has been identified. In this study we analysed the phenotypic and functional changes that take place in murine macrophages and DCs in response to live and heat‐killed Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Both types of cell secreted proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in response to live and heat‐killed salmonellae. Bacterial stimulation also resulted in up‐regulation of costimulatory molecules on macrophages and DCs. The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules by macrophages and DCs was differentially regulated by interferon (IFN)‐γ and salmonellae. Live and heat‐killed salmonellae as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibited the up‐regulation of MHC class II expression induced by IFN‐γ on macrophages but not on DCs. Macrophages as well as DCs presented Salmonella‐derived antigen to CD4 T cells, although DCs were much more efficient than macrophages at stimulating CD4 T‐cell cytokine release. Macrophages are effective in the uptake and killing of bacteria whilst DCs specialize in antigen presentation. This study showed that the viability of salmonellae was not essential for activation of APCs but, unlike live bacteria, prolonged contact with heat‐killed bacteria was necessary to obtain maximal expression of the activation markers studied.
Partial molecular characterization, polymorphism and chromosomal localization of the porcine PSMD4 gene
Authors: Wang Y.F. , Li Y. , Liu B. , Yu M. , Fan B. , Zhu M.J. , Xiong T.A. , Li K. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThe complete coding sequence of porcine PSMD4 gene encoding proteasome 26S non‐ATPase subunit 4 was obtained by the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and deposited in GenBank nucleotide database (AY704418). The nucleotide sequence and the predicted protein sequence shared the high sequence identity with their mammalian counterparts. A G/A single nucleotide polymorphism in intron 9 detected as Hin6I PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) shows allele frequency differences between Meishan, Erhualian, Tibetan, Large White and Duroc breeds. Analyses of somatic cell hybrid panel (SCHP) and radiation hybrid (IMpRH) panel revealed that PSMD4 gene maps to SSC 4q21‐q23 and closely linked the SW512 (14 cR, LOD = 19.47).
Estimation of genetic parameters for the prevalence of osseous fragments in limb joints of Hanoverian Warmblood horses
Authors: Stock K.F. , Hamann H. , Distl O. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryGenetic parameters were estimated for the prevalence of osseous fragments in distal (DIJ) and proximal interphalangeal (PIJ), fetlock (FJ) and hock joints (HJ) of Hanoverian Warmblood horses by using residual maximum likelihood (REML) with linear animal models. The analyses were based on the results of 10 standardized radiographs of all four limbs of 3725 young riding horses selected for sale at auction. Transformation factors onto the underlying liability scale were verified by a simulation study. The heritability estimates of osseous fragments on the liability scale were in the range ofh2 = 0.19–0.60. Further analyses of osseous fragments in FJ and HJ were performed separately in males and females. In both sexes, the heritabilities of osseous fragments in HJ were higher (h2 = 0.41 in males,h2 = 0.25 in females) than those of osseous fragments in FJ (h2 = 0.21 in males,h2 = 0.23 in females). Osseous fragments in the phalangeal joints (DIJ, PIJ, FJ) were genetically correlated moderately positive (rg = 0.19–0.41). The genetic correlations between osseous fragments in the phalangeal joints and in HJ were negative (rg = −0.27 to −0.67). Particularly, this applied to osseous fragments in FJ in both sexes, to those in front FJ in males and to osseous fragments in front and hind FJ of females (up torg = −1). The heritability of height at withers was estimated ath2 = 0.27–0.28. Genetic correlations between height at withers and osseous fragments in equine limb joints were mostly moderately positive (up torg = 0.75). We conclude from our results that osseous fragments in phalangeal and hock joints are genetically different traits but sex‐specific expression of osseous fragments was unlikely.
Renal cell carcinoma with cutaneous metastases
Authors: Lim Cathy , Chan Renee , Regan William 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARYAn 86‐year‐old man presented with multiple papules on his face, neck, lips and ears 4 years after a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Shave biopsies and excisions of the cutaneous lesions revealed findings consistent with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of clear cell type. The patient continued to present to the clinic over the next 3 years with similar eruptions, and biopsies continued to confirm renal cell carcinoma. During this time, metastases to the bone, lung, soft palate and posterior leg were also diagnosed. This case represents an unusual clinical presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. It shows that a high index of suspicion should be maintained as cutaneous metastases can mimic other skin conditions.
Pyoderma gangrenosum complicated by herpes simplex virus infection
Authors: Tai Yee J , Kelly Robert 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARYHigh‐dose immunosuppression used in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum predisposes patients to opportunistic infections. A 66‐year‐old man presented with recalcitrant pyoderma gangrenosum in which the ulcer itself became infected with herpes simplex virus type 1. This patient was immunosuppressed with multiple agents including topical and oral corticosteroids, cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab. However, the patient's ulcer continued to extend despite this. It was not until the presence of this virus was detected using polymerase chain reaction on a viral swab of the lesion and oral aciclovir was commenced that the ulcer began to heal. In addition, a fungal granuloma developed on this patient's left forearm as a complication of the potent immunosuppression, which was resolved following treatment with oral voriconazole.