bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone consolidation is enhanced by rhBMP‐2 in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Li Gang , Bouxsein Mary L. , Luppen Cynthia , Li X. Jian , Wood Martin , Seeherman Howard J. , Wozney John M. , Simpson Hamish 
Published: October 2002

AbstractRecombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) is a differentiation factor which has been shown to induce bone formation and heal bony defects in a variety of animal models. A possible application of rhBMP‐2 is to accelerate bone regeneration during distraction osteogenesis, which clinically is a long procedure, often involving significant complications. In this study we tested the ability of rhBMP‐2 to accelerate the consolidation phase of distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit model of leg lengthening. Tibiae were lengthened 2 cm over a period of ten days. rhBMP‐2 was administered at the end of the lengthening phase. Two modes of rhBMP‐2 application were tested: surgical implantation of rhBMP‐2/ACS (absorbable collagen sponge) into the regenerate (50 μl of 1.5 mg/ml rhBMP‐2, total dose = 75 μg rhBMP‐2), and percutaneous injection of rhBMP‐2/buffer (0.1 ml of 0.75 mg/ml rhBMP‐2, total dose = 75 μg rhBMP‐2) into three sites within the regenerate. Also, there were three groups of control animals: (1) no surgical intervention, (2) surgical implantation of buffer/ACS and (3) percutaneous injection of buffer. Rabbits were sacrificed at 5, 14 and 28 days after the interventions. Radiographic evaluation indicated a significant increase in bony union of the distraction regenerate in the rhBMP‐2 treated groups compared with the untreated groups at 5 and 14 days. At 28 days, formation of a cortex and reestablishment of the medullary canal was evident only in the rhBMP‐2 treated groups. The bone mineral content (BMC) of the regenerate was significantly higher in the rhBMP‐2 treated groups at 5 and 14 days. However, at 28 days, BMC of the regenerate was similar in all groups. The average volumetric density of the regenerate was significantly higher in the rhBMP‐2 injection group at day 14. In summary, both injection of rhBMP‐2/buffer and implantation of rhBMP‐2/ACS enhanced the consolidation stage of distraction osteogenesis in this rabbit model. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Factors influencing changes in articular cartilage following hemiarthroplasty in sheep
Authors: van der Meulen Marjolein C. H. , Beaupré Gary S. , Smith R. Lane , Giddings Virginia L. , Allen William A. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A. , Zhu Chong Fang , Song Yong , Mandell Jay A. , Poser Robert D. , Goodman Stuart B. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between acetabular cartilage properties after hemiarthroplasty surgery and surgical variables including femoral head size and position. Nineteen sheep received unilateral hip arthroplasties and were euthanized one year post‐operatively to harvest the femora and acetabula. Cartilage histology, biochemistry and material properties were determined from samples located in the superior load‐bearing region. Femoral head size mismatch, leg length difference, anterior‐posterior and medial‐lateral offset and anteversion were measured. In the acetabulum, substantial cartilage degradation occurred with widespread fibrillation and significant changes in the biochemical and material properties compared to the intact contralateral joint. Regression analyses on the surgical variables explained 75–80% of the changes in tissue biochemistry but did not explain the material changes. Head size mismatch and leg length difference were the most significant contributors of the five variables examined and therefore may be critical to successful outcome in hemiarthroplasty. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Acute heart failure: a novel approach to its pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Cotter Gad , Moshkovitz Yaron , Milovanov Olga , Salah Ahmed , Blatt Alex , Krakover Ricardo , Vered Zvi , Kaluski Edo 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAcute heart failure (HF) is one of the most common syndromes in emergency medicine, however, its exact pathogenesis has remained largely unknown. Based on clinical and hemodynamic data we have sub‐divided acute HF into four syndromes: cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, hypertensive crisis and exacerbated HF. Cardiogenic shock is caused by a severe reduction in cardiac power which is not met by an adequate increase in peripheral vascular resistance leading to significant decrease in blood pressure and end organ perfusion. Hence the treatment of cardiogenic shock should be directed at improving cardiac performance (by optimizing filling pressure, intra‐aortic balloon pump and immediate revascularization) and administration of peripheral vasoconstrictors. The other acute HF syndromes (pulmonary edema, HTN crisis and exacerbated HF) are caused by a combination of progressive excessive vasoconstriction superimposed on reduced left ventricular functional reserve. The impaired cardiac power and extreme vasoconstriction induce a vicious cycle of afterload mismatch resulting in a dramatic reduction of CO and elevated left ventricular end diastolic pressure, which is transferred backwards to the pulmonary capillaries yielding pulmonary edema. Therefore, the immediate treatment of these acute HF syndromes should be based on the administration of strong, fast‐acting intravenous vasodilators such as nitrates or nitroprusside. After initial stabilization, therapy should be directed at reducing recurrent episodes of acute HF, by prevention of repeated episodes of excessive vasoconstriction along with efforts to optimize cardiac function.
Doppler‐echocardiographic indices of diastolic function in heart failure admissions with preserved left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Cahill John M. , Horan Mairead , Quigley Peter , Maurer Brian J. , McDonald Ken 
Published: October 2002

AbstractMany patients admitted to hospital with heart failure have preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function. The incidence of isolated diastolic dysfunction as a cause of such admission remains unclear. We aimed to examine diastolic function in unselected admissions from the community with heart failure using the European Study Group on Diastolic Heart Failure (ESGDHF) Doppler‐echocardiographic indices of diastolic dysfunction. Primary heart failure was confirmed in 210 of 309 sequential admissions with suspected heart failure. Doppler echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular ejection fraction, wall thickness and parameters of diastolic function including E:A ratio, E‐wave deceleration time and isovolumic relaxation time. Of 210 patients studied (118 female), ejection fraction was <45% in 111, leaving a population of 99 with preserved systolic function. We excluded those with significant valvular disease, leaving 56 patients (mean age‐77 years) with an ejection fraction >45% and no other relevant abnormality. Twenty were in atrial fibrillation. E‐wave deceleration time was >280 ms in 42%. E:A was reversed in 30 of 36 patients in sinus rhythm, but only seven met the ESGDHF criterion of E:A<0.5. Isovolumic relaxation time was >105 ms in 38%. Wall thickness was increased in 75% of cases. The ESGDHF Doppler‐echocardiographic criteria for diastolic heart failure were fulfilled in 43%. In clinically confirmed heart failure, 27% of patients had preserved systolic function and no significant valvular disease. Only 43% of this group had confirmed diastolic heart failure by these ESGDHF criteria. The pathophysiological basis of the syndrome in the remaining 57% remains unclear.
Is beta‐blockade useful in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation? An analysis of data from two previously completed prospective trials
Authors: Fung Jeffrey W.H. , Chan Skiva K.W. , Yeung Leata Y.C. , Sanderson John E. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundBeta‐adrenergic blockade is of proven value in chronic heart failure. It is uncertain, however, if beta‐blockade provides a similar degree of clinical benefit for heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as those in sinus rhythm (SR).AimsTo compare the effectiveness of beta blockade in patients with heart failure and AF.MethodsPatients with chronic heart failure were randomized to treatment (double blind) with metoprolol 50 mg twice daily or carvedilol 25 mg twice daily in addition to standard therapy. Response was assessed after 12 weeks by a quality of life questionnaire, New York Heart Association class, exercise capacity (6‐min walk test), radionucleotide ventriculography for LVEF, 2‐D echocardiography measurement of left ventricular (LV) dimensions and diastolic filling and 24‐h electrocardiograph monitoring to assess heart rate changes.ResultsBoth beta‐blockers produced significant improvements in LVEF in both the SR group: (+6±10% at 12‐week, P<0.001) and the AF group: (+11±9% at 12‐week, P<0.05). However, significant improvement in symptoms (P<0.001) and exercise capacity (P<0.001) were observed only in the SR group but not in the AF group despite a significant improvement in LVEF.ConclusionBeta‐blockers were effective in improving LV ejection fraction in chronic heart failure patients in either SR or AF but had less effect on symptoms and exercise capacity in those with AF.
Reactivation of Ca2+‐dependent cytoplasmic contraction in permeabilized cell models of the heliozoon Echinosphaerium akamae
Authors: Arikawa Mikihiko , Suzaki Toshinobu 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPermeabilized cell models of the large heliozoon Echinosphaerium akamae were prepared by treatment with 100 mM EGTA or 1% Triton X‐100. When > 10‐6 M Ca2+ was added to the EGTA‐permeabilized cells, axopodial cytoplasm became contracted and several swellings were formed along the axopodial length. Axonemal microtubules remained intact, while higher concentration of Ca2+ (> 10‐4 M) induced microtubule disassembly and complete breakdown of the axopodia. In Triton‐permeabilized cells, cytoplasmic contraction and relaxation of the cell body were induced repeatedly by successive addition and removal of Ca2+. The contraction did not require ATP, and was not inhibited by cytochalasin B. Electron microscopy showed, in EGTA‐permeabilized axopodia, contractile tubules became granulated by the addition of Ca2+. From these observations, it is strongly suggested that Ca2+‐dependent granulation of the contractile tubules is responsible for the axopodial contraction. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 53:267–272, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trajectorial organisation of cytokeratins within the subapical region of umbrella cells
Authors: Veranič Peter , Jezernik Kristijan 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe subapical region of umbrella cells in the urinary bladder contains a dense cytokeratin (CK) network. Yet, this network should enable a very intensive traffic of specific fusiform vesicles involved in alterations of the surface area of the apical membrane. Therefore, the cytokeratins should be organised in a way to be both mechanically strong and also passable for fusiform vesicles. The supramolecular organisation of the CKs in the subapical region of umbrella cells in mice was studied by conventional fluorescence, confocal laser microscopy, and TEM. It has been found that the first 150 to 300 nm under the apical membrane is filled with fusiform vesicles and only below that the CK network begins. The CK 7 and CK 20 compose a subapical network, which is created as an array of parallel trajectories pointing to the apical plasma membrane. The network is framed by a strong wall of CK, which is parallely aligned in neighbouring cells. The double labelling of the urothelial‐specific membrane proteins, uroplakins, and CKs proved the presence of fusiform vesicles within these trajectories. The measurements proved that the trajectory diameter in the upper half of the network is smaller than in the lower half. The diameters of the trajectories in animals with distended bladders exceeded those in contracted bladders for 70%, which most likely facilitates the transport of fusiform vesicles to the apical membrane. Discovery of the subapical CK network elucidates the until now undescribed supramolecular organisation of CKs in the apical region of urothelial cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 53:317–325, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unravelling the competitiveness debate
Authors: Williams Evan , Macdonald Kenneth , Kind Vanessa 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAs the global marketplace has developed, businesses have become increasingly concerned about their ability to compete. The question of whether environmental regulation may be an influential factor in this respect has been the subject of considerable debate, much of which has focused on the costs associated with regulatory compliance. In a global sense many of the key points in this debate may be academic since it might be argued that companies operating under widely different market conditions should be expected to experience different levels of competitiveness. However, within the setting of the EU, where it is intended that industry should operate on a level playing field, the issue becomes much more important and the debate takes on greater significance. This paper considers the opposing sides of the argument in an attempt to gain a clearer indication of whether differences in regulation might lead to differences in competitiveness. In so doing, the paper examines the Porter hypothesis (Porter and van der Linde, 1995), which suggests that strict environmental regulation may be a spur to increased industrial competitiveness. After exploring the logic underlying the hypothesis, the paper considers various efforts to corroborate or refute the argument. On the surface, the hypothesis should be relatively simple to test with the question ‘does new environmental regulation result in a net increase in costs of production relative to those of a firm's competitors?’. Unfortunately this question has proved virtually insoluble, and in this paper we attempt to explore why this has proved to be such an intractable problem. Copyright © Crown Copyright 2002. Recorded with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of CuInS2/ Zn(Se,O)/ZnO solar cells as a function of Zn(Se,O) buffer deposition kinetics in a chemical bath
Authors: Chaparro A. M. , Gutiérrez M. T. , Herrero J. , Klaer J. , Romero M. J. , Al‐Jassim M. M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThin‐film solar cells of CuInS2/Zn(Se,O)/ZnO configuration have been studied from the point of view of their dependence on the Zn(Se,O) chemical bath deposition (CBD) conditions. The kinetics of deposition of the Zn(Se,O) buffer is followed during cell processing with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Two different CBD growth mechanisms yield buffer layers with different properties. Under a predominant electroless deposition reaction, the resulting buffer layer has mixed ZnSe–ZnO composition. The solar cells with this buffer type show higher fill factor (FF) and lower open‐circuit voltage (Voc). Under a chemical growth regime, the buffer layer has higher ZnSe proportion, giving rise to cells with higher VOC, but lower FF and stability. The parameters of this second type of cell also show major dependence on illumination effects (light‐soaking effects). Electron‐beam‐induced current (EBIC) and cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements are carried out to characterise the CuInS2/Zn(Se,O) junctions formed under the two buffer growth regimes. Cross‐sectional EBIC shows a wider space charge region (SCR) than expected for p‐CuInS2 in contact with Zn(Se,O), and the p–n junction is driven within the CuInS2 phase. These results reflect a chemical modification of CuInS2, most probably caused by the ammonia of the bath solution. CL shows more defective interfaces when Zn(Se,O) is deposited under the chemical mechanism (slower deposition rate, hence longer contact time of the CuInS2 with the bath solution) than under the electroless kinetics (faster deposition rate). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design code development for fibre‐reinforced polymer structures and repairs
Authors: Machida Atsuhiko , Maruyama Kyuichi 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis paper presents the issues and solutions in developing design codes and standards for the use of fibre‐reinforced polymer (FRP)‐reinforced concrete structures. First, the codes for new construction, referring mainly to the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) Recommendations for Design and Construction of Concrete Structures using CFRM (Continuous Fibre Reinforcing Materials), the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC), and the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 440 recommendations are outlined. Methods discussed are: structural analysis; determination of design values; examination of flexural and shear capacity; precautions to ensure ductility or deformability; and calculations of deformation and development length. Similarly, design codes developed for strengthening of concrete structures with FRP, namely the recommendations by the JSCE, ACI Committee 440, and the fib code are compared and discussed with respect to the ways in which FRP may contribute to improvement of the performance of structures in flexure, shear and ductility. Test methods for different material properties of FRP and the bond of FRP to concrete are also presented, with reference to the JSCE recommendations.
Hemodynamic Effect of Transdermal Glyceryl Trinitrate on Newly Constructed Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Akin Emin Baris , Topçu Ömer , Özcan Hasan , Ersöz Sadik , Aytaç Suat , Anadol Erdal 
Published: October 2002

Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)
administration may have a beneficial effect in the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) by increasing blood flow through the access and by inhibiting platelet aggregation. We evaluated the hemodynamic effects of transdermal GTN administration on newly constructed arteriovenous fistula. Radiocephalic fistula at the wrist (Brescia fistula) was constructed as the initial vascular access in 31 uremia patients (study = 16, control = 15). The patient demographics and the etiology of chronic renal disease were similar in the two groups. None of the patients had severe vasculitis. The mean duration of chronic renal disease was 8 months (1–24 months). The diameter,
blood flow rate, and blood output at the drainage vein and the subclavian vein were measured by duplex ultrasonography 24 hours after the procedure. The measurements were performed again with transdermal GTN (10 mg/24 hours adhesive patch) administration in the study group and, without any medication, in the control group 4 hours after the initial measurements were taken. In the study group, all of the hemodynamic parameters were significantly increased over the initial measurements (p <0.05) whereas in the control group all hemodynamic parameters were unchanged, except the diameter of the subclavian vein (p <0.05). The actual change in hemodynamic parameters was significant in the study group when compared to the control group (p <0.05). Our data showed that transdermal GTN administration at the forearm increases flow through the Brescia fistula.
Videolaparoscopic Resection of Insulinomas: Experience in Two Institutions
Authors: Gramática Luis , Herrera Miguel F. , Mercado‐Luna Andrés , Sierra Mauricio , Verasay Guillermo , Brunner Noemí 
Published: October 2002

Abstract
Laparoscopic resection of islet cell tumors has been performed in some selected cases. The aim of the study was to analyze the experience of two institutions in the laparoscopic management of insulinomas. In a 4‐year period, videolaparoscopic resection of sporadic insulinomas was performed in 9 patients. All patients had hypoglycemia/hyperinsulinism and a solitary tumor demonstrated by image studies. Demographics, surgical findings,
results, and complications were analyzed. Mean age of the patients was
43 years. One patient was male and eight were females. One tumor was located in the head of the pancreas, 4 in the body, and 4 in the tail.
Laparoscopic resection was completed in all patients. Procedures included 4 enucleations and 5 distal pancreatectomies. Pancreatic resection with splenic preservation was achieved in 4 cases.
Intraoperative ultrasound was used in 7 patients. Mean size of the tumors was 1.6 cm. All patients became normoglycemic after surgery.
Complications included one pancreatic fistula, one pleural effusion,
and one peripancreatic fluid collection. All resolved spontaneously. In a follow‐up period between 3 and 48 months no evidence of recurrence has been observed. This series supports laparoscopic resection of preoperatively localized benign solitary insulinomas. The operation provides the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and can be safely performed in most cases.
Chemosensitivity of human prostate cancer cells PC3 and LNCaP to genistein isoflavone and β‐lapachone
Authors: Kumi‐Diaka J. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA wide spectrum of anti‐cancer activity of genistein and β‐lapachone in various tumors has been reported in single treatments. In this study the combined effects of genistein and β‐lapachone on the chemosensitivity of LNCaP and PC3 human prostate cancer cells was determined in vitro, using 3‐〚4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl〛‐2‐,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to study treatment‐induced growth inhibition and cytotoxicity and, annexin V‐fluoresceine (FI) and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)–propidium iodide (PI) assays to determine potential treatment‐induced apoptosis and/or necrosis. The results showed: i) that both PC3 and LNCaP are sensitive to single and combination treatments regardless of hormone sensitivity status, ii) that treatment induced dual death pathways (apoptosis and necrosis) in both cell types, iii) that growth inhibition in both cell types correlated positively with cell death via apoptosis at lower drug concentrations and necrosis at higher concentrations, iv) that combination of genistein and β‐lapachone had synergistic inhibitory effects on growth and proliferation in both cell types. The synergistic inhibitory effect was correlated positively with treatment‐induced cell death via apoptosis and necrosis. The overall results indicate that combination treatments with β‐lapachone and genistein are more potent in killing both PC3 and LNCaP cancer cells than treatment with either genistein or β‐lapachone alone. β‐lapachone acts at the G1 and S phase checkpoints in the cell cycle, while genistein induces cell cycle arrest at the G2–M stage. The current results are therefore in agreement with the hypothesis that drug combinations that target cell cycles at different critical checkpoints would be more effective in causing cell death. This result provides a rationale for in vivo studies to determine whether β‐lapachone—genistein combination will provide effective chemotherapy for prostate cancer, regardless of the tumor sensitivity to hormone.
New magnet‐sensitive structures in bacterial and archaeal cells
Authors: Vainshtein M. , Suzina N. , Kudryashova E. , Ariskina E. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe objects of the investigation were: distribution of intracellular magnet‐sensitive structures among different taxonomic groups of prokaryotes, localisation and organisation of the magnet‐sensitive inclusions (MsI) in cells. The MsI were discovered in representatives of both prokaryotic domains (Bacteria and Archaea), 2 kingdoms and 7 orders of bacteria. They were some amorphous or non‐crystalline globules with the electron‐transparent centre surrounded with an electron‐dense homogenous matrix. The magnetic nature of the structures was shown by attraction with an applied magnet both for the cell suspensions and for the MsI isolated and separated from the destroyed cells. The MsI were studied with transparent electron microscopy and with X‐ray analyses. When the cells were grown in the iron‐containing nutrient medium, the matrix was enriched with iron. It was shown also that some bacteria grown with cobalt or with chromium contained the cobalt‐ or chromium‐enriched magnetic inclusions.