bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced levels of CD154 (CD40 ligand) on platelets in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Stumpf Christian , Lehner Christoph , Eskafi Saeed , Raaz Dorette , Yilmaz Atilla , Ropers Susanne , Schmeisser Alexander , Ludwig Joseph , Daniel Werner G. , Garlichs Christoph D. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBackground:Inflammation plays a significant contributory role in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF). Previous data have shown enhanced plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines, i.e. TNF‐α and IL‐6, as well as a persistent immune activation in patients with CHF. Furthermore, the immune modulator CD154 has been receiving increased attention, since it plays a key role in the pathophysiology of multicellular vascular events such as thrombosis, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Since CD154 intitiates and maintains the release of proinflammatory cytokines from endothelial cells, its potential role for the development and progression of CHF is of interest.Methods:Fifty patients with CHF (aged 66.9±12.6 years, mean ejection fraction 22.1±9.2%, NYHA II–IV, 39 of ischemic origin, 11 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy) and 15 healthy controls (aged 62.5±9.8 years) were examined. Thirty‐two patients were taking aspirin (100 mg/day). Blood was drawn from a peripheral vein and immediately fixed with 1% paraformaldehyde, incubated with anti‐CD154, anti‐P‐selectin, and anti‐CD61 and thereafter analyzed by flow cytometry.Results:Patients with CHF showed significantly enhanced expression of platelet‐bound CD154 and P‐selectin as compared to controls (CD154: median 35.6 25th percentile: 26.3; 75th percentile: 44.6 vs. 12.8; 25th: 6.8; 75th: 15.6 mean fluorescence intensity [MFI], P<0.001; P‐selectin: median 3.2 25th percentile: 1.9; 75th percentile: 5.9 vs. 1.4; 25th: 1.2; 75th: 1.9, MFI, P<0.001). CD154 expression on platelets positively correlated with increasing NYHA‐class. In contrast, no significant differences in serum levels of soluble CD154 or CD40 expression on monocytes were detected in the study groups. Antiplatelet‐therapy with aspirin did not influence CD154 or P‐selectin expression on platelets.Conclusion:Our pilot study demonstrates significantly enhanced levels of CD154 on platelets in patients with CHF. This suggests that the CD40–CD154 axis may contribute to the proinflammatory milieu, which exists in CHF and thus may play a pathogenic role in the development and progression of CHF.
Mammal invaders on islands: impact, control and control impact
Authors: COURCHAMP FRANCK , CHAPUIS JEAN‐LOUIS , PASCAL MICHEL 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTThe invasion of ecosystems by exotic species is currently viewed as one of the most important sources of biodiversity loss. The largest part of this loss occurs on islands, where indigenous species have often evolved in the absence of strong competition, herbivory, parasitism or predation. As a result, introduced species thrive in those optimal insular ecosystems affecting their plant food, competitors or animal prey. As islands are characterised by a high rate of endemism, the impacted populations often correspond to local subspecies or even unique species. One of the most important taxa concerning biological invasions on islands is mammals. A small number of mammal species is responsible for most of the damage to invaded insular ecosystems: rats, cats, goats, rabbits, pigs and a few others. The effect of alien invasive species may be simple or very complex, especially since a large array of invasive species, mammals and others, can be present simultaneously and interact among themselves as well as with the indigenous species. In most cases, introduced species generally have a strong impact and they often are responsible for the impoverishment of the local flora and fauna. The best response to these effects is almost always to control the alien population, either by regularly reducing their numbers, or better still, by eradicating the population as a whole from the island. Several types of methods are currently used: physical (trapping, shooting), chemical (poisoning) and biological (e.g. directed use of diseases). Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on the mammal species targeted. The best strategy is almost always to combine several methods. Whatever the strategy used, its long‐term success is critically dependent on solid support from several different areas, including financial support, staff commitment, and public support, to name only a few. In many cases, the elimination of the alien invasive species is followed by a rapid and often spectacular recovery of the impacted local populations. However, in other cases, the removal of the alien is not sufficient for the damaged ecosystem to revert to its former state, and complementary actions, such as species re‐introduction, are required. A third situation may be widespread: the sudden removal of the alien species may generate a further disequilibrium, resulting in further or greater damage to the ecosystem. Given the numerous and complex population interactions among island species, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the removal of key species, such as a top predator. This justifies careful pre‐control study and preparation prior to initiating the eradication of an alien species, in order to avoid an ecological catastrophe. In addition, long‐term monitoring of the post‐eradication ecosystem is crucial to assess success and prevent reinvasion.
Review of the ultrastructure of the nematode body cuticle and its phylogenetic interpretation
Authors: DECRAEMER WILFRIDA , KARANASTASI EIRINI , BROWN DEREK , BACKELJAU THIERRY 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTThe phylogenetic interpretation of the nematode cuticle ultrastructure is reviewed within the framework of recent DNA‐sequence data. In particular, the structure of the median and basal zones is discussed. Several structural elements of the cuticle seem to have arisen independently several times within the Nematoda and thus are highly homoplasious (e.g. the cortical or basal radial striae, spiral fibre layers and a fluid matrix with struts). Moreover, identifying the homology of the nematode cuticle ultrastructures is often very difficult at deep taxonomic levels. Hence, the cuticle appears to be unreliable regarding resolution of deep‐level relationships in the Nematoda. However, at less inclusive taxonomic levels (e.g. families, genera, …) the cuticle seems to be a more reliable phylogenetic marker.
Quantitative steps in symbiogenesis and the evolution of homeostasis
Authors: KOOIJMAN S. A. L. M. , AUGER P. , POGGIALE J. C. , KOOI B. W. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTThe merging of two independent populations of heterotrophs and autotrophs into a single population of mixotrophs has occurred frequently in evolutionary history. It is an example of a wide class of related phenomena, known as symbiogenesis. The physiological basis is almost always (reciprocal) syntrophy, where each species uses the products of the other species. Symbiogenesis can repeat itself after specialization on particular assimilatory substrates. We discuss quantitative aspects and delineate eight steps from two free‐living interacting populations to a single fully integrated endosymbiotic one. The whole process of gradual interlocking of the two populations could be mimicked by incremental changes of particular parameter values. The role of products gradually changes from an ecological to a physiological one. We found conditions where the free‐living, epibiotic and endobiotic populations of symbionts can co‐exist, as well as conditions where the endobiotic symbionts outcompete other symbionts. Our population dynamical analyses give new insights into the evolution of cellular homeostasis. We show how structural biomass with a constant chemical composition can evolve in a chemically varying environment if the parameters for the formation of products satisfy simple constraints. No additional regulation mechanisms are required for homeostasis within the context of the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory for the uptake and use of substrates by organisms. The DEB model appears to be closed under endosymbiosis. This means that when each free‐living partner follows DEB rules for substrate uptake and use, and they become engaged in an endosymbiotic relationship, a gradual transition to a single fully integrated system is possible that again follows DEB rules for substrate uptake and use.
Ophthalmic follow‐up of patients with tyrosinaemia type I on NTBC
Authors: Gissen P. , Preece M. A. , Willshaw H. A. , McKiernan P. J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSummary: NTBC has revolutionized the management of tyrosinaemia type I, although animal experiments have shown that long‐term administration may produce corneal opacities analogous to those in tyrosinaemia type II. We have assessed the prevalence of ocular side‐effects in 11 tyrosinaemia type I patients on NTBC attending the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Despite high plasma tyrosine concentrations in some patients, they did not experience symptoms or signs of ocular toxicity.
Evaluation of 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase deficiency detected by tandem mass spectrometry newborn screening
Authors: Koeberl D. D. , Millington D. S. , Smith W. E. , Weavil S. D. , Muenzer J. , McCandless S. E. , Kishnani P. S. , McDonald M. T. , Chaing S. , Boney A. , Moore E. , Frazier D. M. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSummary: Since the addition of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to the North Carolina Newborn Screening Program, 20 infants with two consecutive elevated 3‐hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5OH) levels have been evaluated for evidence of inborn errors of metabolism associated with this metabolite. Ten of these 20 infants had significant concentrations of both 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid and 3‐methylcrotonylglycine in their urine, suggestive of 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase (3‐MCC) deficiency. Four of these 10 were infants whose abnormal metabolites were found to be of maternal origin. Of 8 patients with probable 3‐MCC deficiency, 7 have been tested and found to have the enzyme deficiency confirmed in lymphoblasts or cultured fibroblasts; one of these 7 infants had only marginally decreased 3‐MCC activity in lymphocytes but deficient 3‐MCC in fibroblasts. We estimate the incidence of 3‐MCC deficiency at 1:64000 live births in North Carolina. We conclude that MS/MS newborn screening will detect additional inborn errors of metabolism, such as 3‐MCC deficiency, not traditionally associated with newborn screening. The evaluation of newborns with two abnormally elevated C5OH levels on MS/MS newborn screening should include, at least, urine organic acid analysis by capillary GC‐MS and a plasma acylcarnitine profile by MS/MS. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to determine the outcome of presymptomatically diagnosed patients with 3‐MCC deficiency by MS/MS newborn screening.
Molecular analyses of the HGO gene mutations in Turkish alkaptonuria patients suggest that the R58fs mutation originated from Central Asia and was spread throughout Europe and Anatolia by human migrations
Authors: Uyguner O. , de Jorge E. Goicoechea , Cefle A. , Baykal T. , Kayserili H. , Cefle K. , Demirkol M. , Yuksel‐Apak M. , de Córdoba S. Rodríguez , Wollnik B. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSummary: Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare metabolic disorder of phenylalanine catabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. AKU is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase (HGO) gene. The deficiency of homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase activity causes homogentisic aciduria, ochronosis and arthritis. We present the first molecular study of the HGO gene in Turkish AKU patients. Seven unrelated AKU families from different regions in Turkey were analysed. Patients in three families were homozygous for the R58fs mutation; another three families were homozygous for the R225H mutation; and one family was homozygous for the G270R mutation. Analysis of nine intragenic HGO polymorphisms showed that the R58fs, R225H and G270R Turkish AKU mutations are associated with specific HGO haplotypes. The comparison with previously reported haplotypes associated with these mutations from other populations revealed that the R225H is a recurrent mutation in Turkey, whereas G270R most likely has a Slovak origin. Most interestingly, these analyses showed that the Turkish R58fs mutation shares an HGO haplotype with the R58fs mutation found in Finland, Slovakia and India, suggesting that R58fs is an old AKU mutation that probably originated in central Asia and spread throughout Europe and Anatolia during human migrations.
3‐Hydroxy‐2‐methylbutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Sutton V. R. , O'Brien W. E. , Clark G. D. , Kim J. , Wanders R. J. A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractSummary: A boy now 8 years old presented at 21 months of age with developmental arrest, followed by regression, cortical blindness and myoclonic seizures. Urine organic acid analysis revealed 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylbutyric acid and tiglyglycine; 3‐ketothiolase enzyme activity was normal and he was subsequently found to have 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylbutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Patient‐controlled regional analgesia (PCRA) with ropivacaine after arthroscopic subacromial decompression†
Authors: Axelsson K. , Nordenson U. , Johanzon E. , Rawal N. , Ekbäck G. , Lidegran G. , Gupta A. 
Published: August 2003

Background:  The aim of the study was to evaluate postoperative analgesia and safety of wound instillation of ropivacaine either by a single dose or a patient‐controlled regional anaesthesia (PCRA) technique.Methods:  In 40 patients undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression the surgeon placed a catheter into the subacromial space at the end of the operation. In Phase I (10 patients), ropivacaine 250 mg was injected twice within 1 h. In Phase II, 30 patients were randomised into three groups: group prilocaine‐ropivacaine (PR) = 20 ml of 1% prilocaine‐epinephrine injected preoperatively into the subacromial bursa + 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine infused in the catheter postoperatively; group saline‐ropivacaine (SR) = saline‐epinephrine (20 ml) preoperatively + 0.5% ropivacaine as in group PR; group saline‐saline (SS) = saline‐epinephrine (20 ml) preoperatively + saline postoperatively. The PCRA pump was filled with local anaesthetic or saline to allow boluses of 10‐ml each, maximum one bolus/h, via the catheter. Pain relief, side‐effects and venous plasma concentration of ropivacaine were evaluated during a 24‐h‐test period.Results:  The free plasma concentration of ropivacaine was 0.12 + 0.041 mg l−1 in Phase I. No adverse effects were seen. In Phase II pain at rest and on movement was lower in group PR than in group SS during the first 30 min postoperatively (P < 0.05). Group PR had the lowest morphine consumption (P < 0.05). Five to seven boluses were administered via the PCRA‐pump, and 20 min after administration of the study solution, pain was lower in groups PR and SR compared with group SS (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Preoperative intrabursal prilocaine with epinephrine + postoperative subacromial administration of ropivacaine by PCRA‐technique provided the most effective analgesia with no major side‐effects. The free plasma concentrations of ropivacaine were far below toxic concentrations.
Differences in cerebral reperfusion and oxidative injury after cardiac arrest in pigs
Authors: Liu X. L. , Wiklund L. , Nozari A. , Rubertsson S. , Basu S. 
Published: August 2003

Background:  An investigation of the free radical scavenger sodium 2‐sulfophenyl‐N‐tert‐butyl nitrone (S‐PBN) and the weak vasodilatator Tris buffer mixture (TBM) on cerebral cortical blood flow (CCBF) and the jugular bulb concentration of two eicosanoids, indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation, was undertaken in 30 anaesthetized piglets during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).Methods:  Thirty animals were subjected to 8 min of untreated circulatory arrest followed by 8 min of closed‐chest CPR. During CPR, the animals were randomized to receive 60 mg/kg S‐PBN, 1 mmol/kg TBM or 2 ml/kg normal saline (n = 10 in each group). Systemic haemodynamic variables, CCBF and jugular bulb plasma concentrations of 8‐iso‐PGF2α and 15‐keto‐dihydro‐PGF2α were measured.Results:  The CCBF during reperfusion after ROSC was greater in the TBM group than in the S‐PBN group, the regression coefficient between CCBF and mean arterial blood pressure being lower in the S‐PBN group than in the TBM group. The jugular bulb plasma concentration of 8‐iso‐PGF2α during the first 30 min after ROSC was greater in the TBM group than in the S‐PBN group. Administration of TBM after vasopressin did not attenuate the pressor effect of vasopressin.Conclusion:  Administration of S‐PBN during CPR results in less cerebral oxidative stress, possibly by promoting normal distribution of cerebral blood flow.
Effects of adding epinephrine plus fentanyl to low‐dose lidocaine for spinal anesthesia in outpatient knee arthroscopy
Authors: Türker G. , UÇkunkaya N. , Yilmazlar A. , Demirag B. , Tokat O. 
Published: August 2003

Background:  This study investigated whether addition of 15 µg epinephrine plus 25 µg fentanyl to lidocaine spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy makes it possible to use a subanesthetic lidocaine dose. The aim was to assess the quality of anesthesia and the suitability of this protocol for outpatient knee arthroscopy.Methods:  Seventy‐five outpatients scheduled for knee arthroscopy were randomly assigned to one of three spinal anesthetic protocols: Group L10F25 received 10 mg of lidocaine plus 25 µg fentanyl; Group L10F25E15 received 10 mg of lidocaine plus 25 µg fentanyl plus 15 µg epinephrine; and Group L20F25 received 20 µg lidocaine plus 25 µg fentanyl. Tourniquet pain and surgical pain were assessed using a visual analog scale. If spinal anesthesia was inadequate despite supplementary intravenous analgesia and sedation, the patient was converted to general anesthesia. Recovery times and side‐effects in the early postoperative period were recorded.Results:  The highest level of sensory block was above the T12 dermatome in all patients. Compared with the other groups, significantly more patients in Group L10F25 converted to general anesthesia. Group L10F25 had a significantly higher mean surgical pain score than the other groups. The mean tourniquet pain score was significantly higher in Group L20F25 than Group L10F25E15. Group L10F25E15 had a significantly shorter time to discharge than the other groups. Post‐operative nausea and vomiting and drowsiness were more frequent in Group L10F25 than in the other groups.Conclusion:  The combination of 10 mg lidocaine and 25 µg fentanyl plus 15 µg epinephrine provides adequate spinal anesthesia and has favorable recovery characteristics for outpatient knee arthroscopy.
Prospect for vaginal delivery of growth restricted fetuses with abnormal umbilical artery blood flow
Authors: Li Hui , Gudmundsson Saemundur , Olofsson Per 
Published: August 2003

Background.  The best mode of delivery in cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with umbilical artery blood flow changes is not well elucidated.Objective.  To evaluate outcome in IUGR with umbilical artery blood flow changes planned for vaginal delivery after a negative oxytocin challenge test (OCT).Methods.  In 84 term singleton pregnancies with suspected IUGR and no unanimous indication for abdominal delivery, Doppler velocimetry and OCT were performed. Positive OCT cases were delivered by cesarean section, negative OCT cases planned for vaginal delivery.Results.  Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry was normal in 51 cases (normal group) and abnormal in 33 cases (increased pulsatility index with maintained forward diastolic flow). Gestational age at delivery was shorter (p = 0.008), positive OCT more common (33% vs. 16%; p = 0.06), and vaginal delivery less common (40% vs. 63%; p = 0.04) in the abnormal blood flow group compared with the normal flow group. When in labor, 68% in the abnormal flow group and 76% in the normal flow group delivered vaginally (p = 0.6). One baby had a lethal malformation and another suffered meconium aspiration and pneumothorax, but was discharged home healthy.Conclusions.  The vaginal delivery rate was significantly lower in the abnormal flow group compared with the normal flow group, but in cases finally destined for a trial of labor the vaginal delivery rates were similar. There was no indication that any fetus was exposed to detrimental hypoxia or distress.
Homocysteine‐induced enhancement of spontaneous contractions of myometrium isolated from pregnant women
Authors: Ayar Ahmet , Celik Husnu , Ozcelik Oguz , Kelestimur Haluk 
Published: August 2003

Background.  Although many associations have been demonstrated between hyperhomocysteinemia and pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, preeclampsia and low birthweight, it is still not clear whether hyperhomocysteinemia is the cause or the consequence of these pregnancy complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of homocysteine on the spontaneous contractility of isolated pregnant human myometrium.Methods.  Myometrium samples obtained from women undergoing elective caesarean section were suspended in a jacketed organ bath containing Krebs' solution at 37°C (pH 7.4), continuously gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. After manifestation of spontaneous contractions under 2 g of resting tension, homocysteine was applied to the organ bath, and amplitude and frequency of contractions were evaluated at 20‐min intervals. Statistical analysis of amplitude and frequency of the contractions was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance test.Results.  Application of 0.1 mm homocysteine had no significant effect on either frequency (4.63 ± 0.42 vs. 4.01 ± 0.53 for the control period; p > 0.05) or amplitude (3.20 ± 0.07 g vs. 3.15 ± 0.07 g; p > 0.05) of spontaneous contractions, while 1 and 2 mm homocysteine significantly increased the frequency (8.54 ± 0.62 vs. 3.9 ± 0.44, p < 0.02, and 12.32 ± 0.72 vs. 3.96 ± 0.51, p < 0.001, respectively) of spontaneous contractions but caused only a modest change in amplitude (2.92 ± 0.04 g vs. 2.87 ± 0.05 g, p > 0.05, and 3.02 ± 0.06 g vs. 2.93 ± 0.05 g, p > 0.05, respectively).Conclusion.  Results from this study indicate for the first time that homocysteine causes enhancement of spontaneous contractions of myometrium derived from pregnant women.