bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alveolar macrophages regulate neutrophil recruitment in endotoxin-induced lung injury
Authors: Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Schwendener Reto , Pasch Thomas , Reyes Livia , Booy Christa , Schimmer Ralph C 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
Alveolar macrophages play an important role during the development of acute inflammatory lung injury. In the present study, in vivo alveolar macrophage depletion was performed by intratracheal application of dichloromethylene diphosphonate-liposomes in order to study the role of these effector cells in the early endotoxin-induced lung injury.

Methods
Lipopolysaccharide was applied intratracheally and the inflammatory reaction was assessed 4 hours later. Neutrophil accumulation and expression of inflammatory mediators were determined. To further analyze in vivo observations, in vitro experiments with alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages were performed.

Results
A 320% increase of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was observed in macrophage-depleted compared to macrophage-competent lipopolysaccharide-animals. This neutrophil recruitment was also confirmed in the interstitial space. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was significantly increased in the absence of alveolar macrophages. This phenomenon was underlined by in vitro experiments with alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Neutralizing monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the airways diminished neutrophil accumulation.

Conclusion
These data suggest that alveolar macorphages play an important role in early endotoxin-induced lung injury. They prevent neutrophil influx by controlling monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production through alveolar epithelial cells. Alveolar macrophages might therefore possess robust anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical presentation of abdominal tuberculosis in HIV seronegative adults
Authors: Bolukbas Cengiz , Bolukbas Fusun F , Kendir Tulin , Dalay Remzi A , Akbayir Nihat , Sokmen Mehmet H , Ince Ali T , Guran Mithat , Ceylan Erkan , Kilic Guray , Ovunc Oya 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe accurate diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis usually takes a long time and requires a high index of suspicion in clinic practice. Eighty-eight immune-competent patients with abdominal tuberculosis were grouped according to symptoms at presentation and followed prospectively in order to investigate the effect of symptomatic presentation on clinical diagnosis and prognosis.MethodsBased upon the clinical presentation, the patients were divided into groups such as non-specific abdominal pain & less prominent in bowel habit, ascites, alteration in bowel habit, acute abdomen and others. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features, coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis, diagnostic procedures, definitive diagnostic tests, need for surgical therapy, and response to treatment were assessed in each group.ResultsAccording to clinical presentation, five groups were constituted as non-specific abdominal pain (n = 24), ascites (n = 24), bowel habit alteration (n = 22), acute abdomen (n = 9) and others (n = 9). Patients presenting with acute abdomen had significantly higher white blood cell counts (p = 0.002) and abnormalities in abdominal plain radiographs (p = 0.014). Patients presenting with alteration in bowel habit were younger (p = 0.048). The frequency of colonoscopic abnormalities (7.5%), and need for therapeutic surgery (12.5%) were lower in patients with ascites, (p = 0.04) and (p = 0.001), respectively. There was no difference in gender, disease duration, diagnostic modalities, response to treatment, period to initial response, and mortality between groups (p > 0.05). Gastrointestinal tract alone was the most frequently involved part (38.5%), and this was associated with acid-fast bacteria in the sputum (p = 0.003).ConclusionGastrointestinal tract involvement is frequent in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Although different clinical presentations of patients with abdominal tuberculosis determine diagnostic work up and need for therapeutic surgery, evidence based diagnosis and consequences of the disease does not change.
In vivo effect of interleukin-1beta and interleukin-1RA on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, ovulation, and early embryonic development in the mare
Authors: Caillaud Maud , Duchamp Guy , Gérard Nadine 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that the interleukin-1 system is involved in periovulatory events. Previous work from our lab demonstrated that in the mare, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) increases the ovulatory rate of metaphase II oocytes. The present study was conducted to analyze in vivo the effect of IL-1 on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, ovulation and pregnancy rate. In the present work, IL-1beta (experiment 1, n = 13; experiment 2, n = 25) and interleukin-1RA (IL-1RA; experiment 1, n = 25) were injected intrafollicularly by using the transvaginal ultrasound-guided injection method. Injections were performed on cyclic mares when the diameter of the growing dominant follicle reached 30–34 mm. In experiment 1, mares were inseminated the day of the treatment and all the other day until ovulation. The time of ovulation was determined and a pregnancy diagnosis was performed 14 days after ovulation of the injected follicle. In experiment 2, the cumulus-oocyte complex from each injected follicle was collected by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration 38 h after the intrafollicular injection. Oocyte nuclear stage and oocyte cytoplasmic maturation were assessed by analyzing chromatin configuration, cortical granules migration and mitochondria distribution under a confocal microscope. The results from experiment 1 confirm that an intrafollicular injection of 1 microgram IL-1beta induces ovulation in the mare whereas IL-1RA has no effect at the dose used in the present study. Furthemore, we demonstrated, that in our experimental conditions, IL-1beta and IL-1RA induced a decrease in embryo development. Experiment 2 leads us to observe that IL-1beta is unable to induce cortical granules migration and remodelling of mitochondria, that commonly occurs during oocyte maturation, whereas it acts on nuclear maturation. This result may explain the decrease in embryo development we observed after IL-1beta intrafollicular injection. In conclusion, the present study tends to demonstrate that IL-1beta plays a role in the ovulatory process and may acts on oocyte maturation in the mare, but additional factors are required to complete equine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation to allow embryo development.
Addition of 5-fluorouracil to doxorubicin-paclitaxel sequence increases caspase-dependent apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Zoli Wainer , Ulivi Paola , Tesei Anna , Fabbri Francesco , Rosetti Marco , Maltoni Roberta , Giunchi Donata Casadei , Ricotti Luca , Brigliadori Giovanni , Vannini Ivan , Amadori Dino 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of a combination of doxorubicin (Dox), paclitaxel (Pacl) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), to define the most effective schedule, and to investigate the mechanisms of action in human breast cancer cells.

Methods
The study was performed on MCF-7 and BRC-230 cell lines. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by sulphorhodamine B assay and the type of drug interaction was assessed by the median effect principle. Cell cycle perturbation and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry, and apoptosis-related marker (p53, bcl-2, bax, p21), caspase and thymidylate synthase (TS) expression were assessed by western blot.

Results
5-FU, used as a single agent, exerted a low cytotoxic activity in both cell lines. The Dox→Pacl sequence produced a synergistic cytocidal effect and enhanced the efficacy of subsequent exposure to 5-FU in both cell lines. Specifically, the Dox→Pacl sequence blocked cells in the G2-M phase, and the addition of 5-FU forced the cells to progress through the cell cycle or killed them. Furthermore, Dox→Pacl pretreatment produced a significant reduction in basal TS expression in both cell lines, probably favoring the increase in 5-FU activity. The sequence Dox→Pacl→48-h washout→5-FU produced a synergistic and highly schedule-dependent interaction (combination index < 1), resulting in an induction of apoptosis in both experimental models regardless of hormonal, p53, bcl-2 or bax status. Apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was induced through caspase-9 activation and anti-apoptosis-inducing factor hyperexpression. In the BRC-230 cell line, the apoptotic process was triggered only by a caspase-dependent mechanism. In particular, at the end of the three-drug treatment, caspase-8 activation triggered downstream executioner caspase-3 and, to a lesser degree, caspase-7.

Conclusion
In our experimental models, characterized by different biomolecular profiles representing the different biology of human breast cancers, the schedule Dox→Pacl→48-h washout→5-FU was highly active and schedule-dependent and has recently been used to plan a phase I/II clinical protocol.
Pneumothorax and mortality in the mechanically ventilated SARS patients: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Kao Hsin-Kuo , Wang Jia-Horng , Sung Chun-Sung , Huang Ying-Che , Lien Te-Cheng 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Pneumothorax often complicates the management of mechanically ventilated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients in the isolation intensive care unit (ICU). We sought to determine whether pneumothoraces are induced by high ventilatory pressure or volume and if they are associated with mortality in mechanically ventilated SARS patients.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, clinical study. Forty-one mechanically ventilated SARS patients were included in our study. All SARS patients were sedated and received mechanical ventilation in the isolation ICU.

Results
The mechanically ventilated SARS patients were divided into two groups either with or without pneumothorax. Their demographic data, clinical characteristics, ventilatory variables such as positive end-expiratory pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, mean airway pressure, tidal volume, tidal volume per kilogram, respiratory rate and minute ventilation and the accumulated mortality rate at 30 days after mechanical ventilation were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in the pressures and volumes between the two groups, and the mortality was also similar between the groups. However, patients developing pneumothorax during mechanical ventilation frequently expressed higher respiratory rates on admission, and a lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio and higher PaCO2 level during hospitalization compared with those without pneumothorax.

Conclusion
In our study, the SARS patients who suffered pneumothorax presented as more tachypnic on admission, and more pronounced hypoxemic and hypercapnic during hospitalization. These variables signaled a deterioration in respiratory function and could be indicators of developing pneumothorax during mechanical ventilation in the SARS patients. Meanwhile, meticulous respiratory therapy and monitoring were mandatory in these patients.
Synthetic Study toward Antitumour Natural Product Pericosine A
Authors: Usami Yoshihide , Ueda Yasuko 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The stereoselective total synthesis of methyl (3R,4S,5S,6R)-6-chloro-3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-cyclohex-1-enecarboxylate (1), which had been reported as the antitumour marine natural product pericosine A, from (−)-quinic acid was achieved. From the total synthesis, it was confirmed that the reported stereostructure of pericosine A was incorrect because the spectroscopic data of the synthetic product were not identical with those of the natural compound.
Correlation between Ancillary Community Services with Adolescent Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcome
Authors: Kaminer Yifrah , Burleson Joseph A. 
Published: June 2005

Objective This study explores whether participation in ancillary out-of-program services predicts outcomes of adolescents treated for substance use disorders. Method Eighty-eight consenting adolescents, 13–18 years of age recruited at an outpatient program, filled the Teen Treatment Services Review (T-TSR) during eight weekly sessions, and at 3-and 9-Month Post-Treatment. Outcome variables included urinalysis and three subscales of the Teen-Addiction Severity Index (T-ASI) During Treatment (DT) and at follow-ups. The predictor variable was the number of reported Out-of-Program Service Contact Days (OD). Results While DT OD did not correlate with DT urinalysis, high DT OD days showed a trend toward predicting negative3-month (3-M) urinalysis. By contrast, high 3-M OD days predicted positive 3-M urinalyses as well as high use on all three T-ASI subscales. Out-of-Program services between 3- and 9-M post-treatment were not correlated with 9-M objective or subjective outcomes. Conclusion The more therapeutic services received during treatment, the better the short-term outcome. The more therapeutic services received post-treatment, however, the poorer the short-term outcome. Use of outside services presented a response rather than a cause of substance use.
Assessing cognitive representations of mental health problems. I. The illness perception questionnaire for schizophrenia
Authors: Lobban Fiona , Barrowclough Christine , Jones Steven 
Published: June 2005

Objective. To design a questionnaire to assess cognitive representations of mental health problems held by people diagnosed with schizophrenia.Background. Personal beliefs about health problems have been reliably associated with emotional and behavioural responses to those health problems and health outcomes. This area has been extensively explored in relation to physical health, but somewhat neglected in mental health. In this study, a questionnaire designed to assess key beliefs about physical illness (the Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised) was modified for use in exploring beliefs about schizophrenia. The new measure was termed the Illness Perception Questionnaire for Schizophrenia (IPQS).Method. Participants were 124 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who completed the IPQS and additional measures to assess symptom severity, emotional state, and attitudes towards medication. The psychometric properties of the IPQS were analysed, including internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and discriminant and concurrent validity.Results. The IPQS subscales were shown to be internally reliable, and reliable over time. Correlations with measures of symptom severity, emotional state, and attitudes towards adherence to medication showed that the subscales were measuring the constructs that they were designed to measure.Conclusions. The IPQS is a reliable and valid measure of cognitive representations of mental health problems held by people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Ecological validity of measures of executive functioning
Authors: Odhuba R. A. , van den Broek M. D. , Johns L. C. 
Published: June 2005

Objectives. This study aimed to ascertain the ecological validity of the Hayling and Brixton tests of executive functioning, by investigating whether cognitive ‘impairment’ detected by these measures was associated with assessment of ‘disability’ and ‘handicap’.Design and method. A correlational design was employed to evaluate the degree of association between the executive test results, and behavioural and community integration measures. Participants were 53 people with brain injuries participants who were selected from neuropsychology patient lists and their ‘significant other’. The brain‐injured participant was given the executive tests, together with behavioural and community integration questionnaires, while their ‘significant other’ was given an equivalent behavioural questionnaire and structured interview.Results. There were moderate relationships between scores on the tests and measures of everyday functioning, suggesting that the tests have modest ecological validity.Conclusions. The tests contribute to understanding the impact of executive impairment on everyday functioning, but they should be interpreted in combination with other measures of executive functioning.
WAIS III UK: An extension of the UK comparability study
Authors: Wycherley Robert , Lavender Anthony , Holttum Sue , Crawford John R. , Mockler Darren 
Published: June 2005

Objectives. To correct and augment the sample on which a previous study, assessing the applicability of USA WAIS III norms to the UK population, was based. To repeat this study using the modified sample.Design. The WAIS III UK was administered to a supplementary sample, which was used to enhance and correct the original sample, allowing a better match to UK population demographics.Method. WAIS III UK scores were processed using USA norms.Results. Distributions of UK IQ, Index, and subtest scores were consistent with USA norms. Means were significantly above USA values and did not show a flat profile. Correlational analysis suggested the presence of an age‐related sampling bias, which was then statistically controlled for using analysis of covariance, with age as covariate, to give corrected means. These means, with the exception of two subtests (block design and picture arrangement), did not differ significantly from USA values.Conclusion. With a minor proviso concerning the above subtests, it is probable that USA norms can be safely used with the UK population. Future UK samples need to ensure random sampling within demographic categories if sampling bias is to be avoided.
The short‐form version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21): Construct validity and normative data in a large non‐clinical sample
Authors: Henry Julie D. , Crawford John R. 
Published: June 2005

Objectives. To test the construct validity of the short‐form version of the Depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS‐21), and in particular, to assess whether stress as indexed by this measure is synonymous with negative affectivity (NA) or whether it represents a related, but distinct, construct. To provide normative data for the general adult population.Design. Cross‐sectional, correlational and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).Methods. The DASS‐21 was administered to a non‐clinical sample, broadly representative of the general adult UK population (N=1,794). Competing models of the latent structure of the DASS‐21 were evaluated using CFA.Results. The model with optimal fit (RCFI = 0.94) had a quadripartite structure, and consisted of a general factor of psychological distress plus orthogonal specific factors of depression, anxiety, and stress. This model was a significantly better fit than a competing model that tested the possibility that the Stress scale simply measures NA.Conclusions. The DASS‐21 subscales can validly be used to measure the dimensions of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, each of these subscales also taps a more general dimension of psychological distress or NA. The utility of the measure is enhanced by the provision of normative data based on a large sample.
Minos as a Genetic and Genomic Tool in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Metaxakis Athanasios , Oehler Stefan , Klinakis Apostolos , Savakis Charalambos 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Much of the information about the function of D. melanogaster genes has come from P-element mutagenesis. The major drawback of the P element, however, is its strong bias for insertion into some genes (hotspots) and against insertion into others (coldspots). Within genes, 5′-UTRs are preferential targets. For the successful completion of the Drosophila Genome Disruption Project, the use of transposon vectors other than P will be necessary. We examined here the suitability of the Minos element from Drosophila hydei as a tool for Drosophila genomics. Previous work has shown that Minos, a member of the Tc1/mariner family of transposable elements, is active in diverse organisms and cultured cells; it produces stable integrants in the germ line of several insect species, in the mouse, and in human cells. We generated and analyzed 96 Minos integrations into the Drosophila genome and devised an efficient “jump-starting” scheme for production of single insertions. The ratio of insertions into genes vs. intergenic DNA is consistent with a random distribution. Within genes, there is a statistically significant preference for insertion into introns rather than into exons. About 30% of all insertions were in introns and ∼55% of insertions were into or next to genes that have so far not been hit by the P element. The insertion sites exhibit, in contrast to other transposons, little sequence requirement beyond the TA dinucleotide insertion target. We further demonstrate that induced remobilization of Minos insertions can delete nearby sequences. Our results suggest that Minos is a useful tool complementing the P element for insertional mutagenesis and genomic analysis in Drosophila.
Premating, Not Postmating, Barriers Drive Genetic Dynamics in Experimental Hybrid Populations of the Endangered Sonoran Topminnow
Authors: Hurt C R , Farzin M , Hedrick P W 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The timing and pattern of reproductive barrier formation in allopatric populations has received much less attention than the accumulation of reproductive barriers in sympatry. The theory of allopatric speciation suggests that reproductive barriers evolve simply as by-products of overall genetic divergence. However, observations of enhanced premating barriers in allopatric populations suggest that sexual selection driven by intraspecific competition for mates may enhance species-specific signals and accelerate the speciation process. In a previous series of laboratory trials, we examined the strength of premating and postmating barriers in an allopatric species pair of the endangered Sonoran topminnow, Poeciliopsis occidentalis and P. sonoriensis. Behavioral observations provided evidence of asymmetrical assortative mating, while reduced brood sizes and male-biased F1 sex ratios suggest postmating incompatibilities. Here we examine the combined effects of premating and postmating barriers on the genetic makeup of mixed populations, using cytonuclear genotype frequencies of first- and second-generation offspring. Observed genotype frequencies strongly reflect the directional assortative mating observed in behavioral trials, illustrating how isolating barriers that act earlier in the reproductive cycle will have a greater effect on total reproductive isolation and may be more important to speciation than subsequent postmating reproductive barriers.