bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial ferritin content is closely related to the degree of ischaemia
Authors: Loncar R. , Flesche C. W. , Deussen A. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim:  Ferritin acts as an iron scavanger and thereby may reduce iron catalysed oxygen radical production during reperfusion injury. We tested the hypothesis that the myocardial ferritin concentration is enhanced during ischaemia in proportion to the blood flow reduction.Methods:  In 10 anaesthetized, open chest Beagle dogs (six controls and four with 60 min coronary occlusion) regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF) was measured with the tracer microsphere technique and ferritin was determined in samples with an average mass of 125 mg (124–256 samples per heart).Results:  Under physiological conditions heart rate was 88 ± 12 bpm, mean aortic pressure 98 ± 8 mmHg, and RMBF 0.99 ± 0.33 mL min−1 g−1. Data did not differ between experimental groups, P > 0.05. In the control group regional myocardial ferritin concentration averaged 11.76 ± 3.54 ng mg−1 protein and exhibited a significant blood flow independent heterogeneity (CVbiol = 0.27). However, between low and high flow areas (relative flow <0.5 and >1.5 times the average RMBF, respectively) no significant difference in ferritin was found, P > 0.05. In four experiments, in which regional blood flow was reduced by 40% to 0.60 ± 0.23 mL min−1 g−1, regional ferritin content was significantly higher as compared with the control group 27.95 ± 6.16 vs. 11.76 ± 3.54 ng mg−1 protein, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between ferritin and RMBF, r = −0.61, P < 0.001. Thus, a reduction of RMBF of >80% was associated with a 2.75‐fold increase of the average ferritin content. Between subepicardium and subendocardium no significant difference in ferritin content was observed, neither in the control group nor in the group with induced ischaemia. Regions with control low and high flow responded similarly to the coronary constriction with regard to the local ferritin concentration: 27.88 ± 15.22 vs. 30.10 ± 14.91 ng mg−1, P > 0.05, respectively. A data analysis using Baye's theorem indicated that sensitivities were 0.28 and 0.94 for average flow reductions of 5 and 93%. In additional in vitro measurements (ischaemic incubation at 37 °C) myocardial ferritin content increased almost linearly within the first 60 min of incubation and thereafter remained unchanged.Conclusions:  (1) Local physiological ferritin content in myocardium is heterogeneous and unrelated to control myocardial blood flow. (2) Ischaemia results in an enhanced ferritin content in relation to the degree of ischaemia. (3) The increase of myocardial ferritin requires a severe degree of ischaemia.
Muscle blood flow in response to concentric muscular activity vs. passive venous compression
Authors: Zhang Q. , Andersson G. , Lindberg L. G. , Styf J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim:  To measure muscle blood flow (MBF) using photoplethysmography (PPG) following concentric muscular activity of the leg (active treatment) or passive venous compression (passive treatment) with or without venous obstruction.Methods:  In study A, blood flow in the anterior tibial muscle was measured in 15 healthy subjects with a mean age of 30 years. In study B, blood flow in the gastrocnemius muscle was measured in nine healthy subjects with a mean age of 34 years. Subjects performed concentric muscular activity in one leg. Passive venous compression by a venous foot pump was applied in the contralateral leg.Results:  MBF increased significantly following concentric muscular activity, but not following passive venous compression. MBF decreased in both legs when venous obstruction, induced by a thigh tourniquet, was applied. However, MBF was significantly higher following concentric muscular activity than passive venous compression.Conclusion:  We conclude that concentric muscular activity produces higher MBF values than passive venous compression.
Different time course of changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum and myosin isoforms in rat soleus muscle at early stage of hyperthyroidism
Authors: Yamada T. , Inashima S. , Matsunaga S. , Nara I. , Kajihara H. , Wada M. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAims and methods:
We studied changes in the expression of myosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) and in Ca2+ uptake and release rates by the SR in rat slow‐twitch soleus muscles treated with thyroid hormone (3,5,3′‐triiodo‐l‐thyronine, T3) for 1, 3, 7 and 21 days.Results:  The content of fast SR Ca2+‐ATPase isoform SERCA1a protein significantly increased as early as 3 days of T3 treatment, while a rise in fast myosin heavy chain isoforms was found only 21 days after the onset of T3 administration. T3‐induced slow‐to‐fast transitions were much less pronounced in myosin light chain than in myosin heavy chain. Moreover, in vitro measurements of SR Ca2+‐handling capacity with indo‐1 indicated that increases in uptake rate preceded those of release rate (7 vs. 21 days).Conclusion:  These data suggest that changes in the myosin and SERCA expressions seem not to occur in a coordinated manner at the early stage of hyperthyroidism and that intervention with T3 may temporarily produce slow‐twitch type I fibres which contain, in addition to slow SERCA2a isoform, the appreciable amounts of fast SERCA1a isoform. Moreover, it is speculated that some fibres in the hyperthyroid soleus muscles may temporarily acquire unique contractile properties distinct from normal fast and slow fibres.
Quantification of α‐subunit isoforms of Na,K‐ATPase in rat resistance vessels
Authors: Hansen O. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim:  Rat mesenteric resistance vessels (RV) were characterized with respect to concentration of individual α‐subunit isoforms of Na,K‐ATPase.Methods:  Total vessel homogenates were used to avoid any loss or subfractionation of membranes. They were applied to sodium dodecyl sulphate gels and, for calibration, in parallel lanes were run purified rat Na,K‐ATPase preparations with known isoform distribution and content. The capacity per mg protein for Na+‐dependent 32P‐phosphorylation of Na,K‐ATPase isolated from rat kidney was used for α1 calibration and that for high‐affinity (3H)ouabain binding of Na,K‐ATPase isolated from rat brain was used for (α2 + α3) calibration. Western blots containing homogenate proteins and reference enzyme were incubated with isoform‐specific antibodies and radiolabelled secondary antibodies. The signals from adjacent α spots were used for qualitative and quantitative characterization of rat vessels.Results:  A concentration of 100.7 ± 14.4 pmol (n = 11) per g wet weight of the α1‐isoform containing Na,K‐ATPase was found in RV from 12–14‐week rats. A much lower and more unreliable content of α2‐ and α3‐isoforms was found. These ouabain‐sensitive isoforms seem to represent a maximum of 5–10% each compared with the ouabain‐insensitive rat α1‐isoform.Conclusions:  The isoform pattern in RV, in which the isoform with high/intermediate Na+‐affinity is the absolutely dominating one representing nearly all sodium pumps in this tissue, is very different from that seen in rat skeletal muscles. Due to the high content of the ouabain‐insensitive α1‐isoform in rat RV this species would seem a less relevant model in studies addressing a role of cardiac glycosides and putative endogenous ouabain‐like factors in hypertension.
Muscle hypertrophy following 5‐week resistance training using a non‐gravity‐dependent exercise system
Authors: Tesch P. A. , Ekberg A. , Lindquist D. M. , Trieschmann J. T. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim:  The efficacy of a mechanical, gravity‐independent resistance exercise (RE) system to induce strength gains and muscle hypertrophy was validated. Designed for space crew in orbit, this technique offers resistance during coupled concentric and eccentric actions by utilizing the inertia of a rotating flywheel(s), set in motion by the trainee.Methods:  Ten middle‐aged (30–53 years) men and women performed four sets of seven maximal, unilateral (left limb) knee extensions two or three times weekly for 5 weeks. Knee extensor force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the three superficial quadriceps muscles were measured before and after this intervention. In addition, with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volume of individual knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor muscles was assessed.Results:  Over the 12 training sessions, the average concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) force generated during exercise increased by 11% (P < 0.05). Likewise, maximal isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) at 90 and 120° knee angle increased by (P < 0.05) 11 and 12% respectively, after training. Neither individual quadriceps muscle showed a change (P > 0.05) in maximal integrated EMG (iEMG) activity. Quadriceps muscle volume increased by 6.1% (P < 0.05). Although the magnitude of response varied, all individual quadriceps muscles showed increased (P < 0.05) volume after training. As expected, ankle plantar flexor volume of the trained limb was unchanged (P > 0.05). Likewise, MVC, CON and ECC force, iEMG and knee extensor and plantar flexor muscle volume were unaltered (P > 0.05) in the right, non‐trained limb.Conclusion:  The results of this study show that the present RE regimen produces marked muscle hypertrophy and important increases in maximal voluntary strength and appears equally effective as RE paradigms using gravity‐dependent weights, in this regard.
Treatment with campath‐1H for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation does not abrogate the development of chronic GVHD
Authors: Wolff Daniel , Steiner B. , Stilgenbauer S. , Kahl C. , Leithäuser M. , Junghanss C. , Wilhelm S. , Kleine H. D. , Zimmermann R. , Hartung G. , Casper J. , Freund M. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:The graft vs. leukemia (GVL) effect is one of the most important factors of anti‐tumor activity after allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplants (alloSCT). Its effectiveness depends mainly on the tumor biology as well as the tumor burden. Patients with a high tumor burden may not respond to GVL‐effect despite otherwise sensitive biology. Campath‐1H is known as an effective treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Due to its ability to induce profound immunosuppression, it has also been used as part of conditioning regimens before alloSCT. We report a patient, who received campath‐1H in combination with docetaxel for treatment of chemotherapy and donor lymphocyte infusion resistant CLL after alloSCT, who developed shortly after discontinuation of treatment with campath‐1H severe eosinophilia of the peripheral blood and typical clinical as well as histological signs of cutaneous chronic graft vs. host disease followed by complete clearance of CLL. The clinical course demonstrates the impact of the tumor burden on the GVL‐effect, as well as the effectiveness of campath‐1H in the presence chemo‐resistance in a patient with CLL. Furthermore, the GVL effect was not abrogated by the use of campath‐1H.
Multiplex analysis of the most common mutations related to hereditary haemochromatosis: two methods combining specific amplification with capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Gómez‐Llorente Carolina , Antúnez Adelaida , Blanco Sonia , Suarez Antonio , Gómez‐Capilla Jose Antonio , Farez‐Vidal M. Esther 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:We present the first application of a multiplex multicolour assay for the simultaneous detection of three of the most frequent mutations related to hereditary haemochromatosis (C282Y, H63D and S65C), using fluorescent detection and capillary electrophoresis. We describe two methods: the first is based on a single base extension assay, resulting in a single base difference of the extended products; and the second is a competitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), based on competition between allele‐specific primers. Specificity of the latter primers is enhanced with a mismatch at the antepenultimate nucleotide. Primers are designed to amplify products of different sizes and with different fluorescent dyes in order to accurately distinguish all possible combinations of genotypes (homozygous and heterozygous for each mutation) in a multiplex PCR analysis. An advantage of the present approach is that capillary electrophoresis analysis of the amplified products enables easy, rapid, unambiguous and high resolution discrimination between wild‐type and mutant alleles, although different mutations may be present in the multiplex analysis. This will facilitate automated genotyping for routine molecular diagnostics and large‐scale genetic studies.
Association of pyoderma gangrenosum and sterile osteomyelitis in a patient having myelodysplastic syndrome with der(1;7)(q10;q10)
Authors: Yoshida Chikashi , Kojima Hiroshi , Ishigaki Taro , Katsura Yukitaka , Kaneko Shin , Suzukawa Kazumi , Hasegawa Yuichi , Kawachi Yasuhiro , Otsuka Fujio , Nagasawa Toshiro 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:Neutrophilic dermatoses such as Sweet's disease and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are occasionally associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We present here a 67‐yr‐old male having PG and sterile osteomyelitis in association with underlying MDS (refractory anemia) and Crohn's disease. To establish the diagnosis of MDS, sternal bone marrow puncture was performed, which showed chromosomal abnormality containing der(1;7)(q10;q10). After the puncture, he suffered from gradually progressive skin ulceration, flare, and bone pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sternum showed severe inflammation in the sternum and the overlying subcutaneous tissue. All of the cultures obtained from the wound were negative for both bacteria and fungus. Biopsy was performed from the antero‐sternal skin lesion, which showed epidermal ulceration with prominent infiltration of neutrophils. He was thus diagnosed as having PG and sterile osteomyelitis, and was treated with prednisolone, which completely resolved the symptoms. We consider that the bone marrow aspiration in the present patient provoked PG and sterile osteomyelitis. As was previously reported by others, certain chromosomal abnormalities in MDS may be related with the development of neutrophilic dermatoses.
Plasma level of the macrophage‐derived soluble CD163 is increased and positively correlates with severity in Gaucher's disease
Authors: Møller Holger Jon , Fost Maaike de , Aerts Hans , Hollak Carla , Moestrup Søren Kragh 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:Recently, soluble CD163 (sCD163) has been identified as a macrophage/monocyte‐specific plasma protein and increased concentrations have been measured in patients with infection and myeloid leukaemia. In the present study we investigated the levels of sCD163 in patients with Gaucher's disease, an inherited lysosomal storage disorder characterised by hepato‐ and spleno‐megaly due to excessive accumulation of macrophages. The sCD163 plasma levels, median (25–75 percentiles), were far above the levels in normal subjects [7.1 mg/L (4.8–10.3) vs. 1.9 mg/L (1.5–2.4), P < 0.0001]. After initiation of enzyme supplementation therapy, the sCD163 levels were significantly reduced [4.7 mg/L (3.2–6.6), P = 0.0004]. sCD163 correlated with disease severity (rho = 0.43, P < 0.0061) and chitotriosidase activity (rho = 0.71, P > 0.0001). This study further establishes that sCD163 may be a valuable laboratory parameter in monitoring disease with increased macrophage activity.
Monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of autoimmune cytopenias
Authors: Robak Tadeusz 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:In recent years, clinical studies have been undertaken with selected monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) in the treatment of several hematological diseases, especially in malignant disorders. However, some clinical observations indicate that MoAbs may be an important alternative for the conventional therapy of some autoimmune disorders. Two MoAbs directed against CD20 antigen (rituximab, Rituxan, Mabthera) and CD52 antigen (alemtuzumab, Campath‐1H) seem to be especially useful for this purpose. Autoimmune cytopenias have been investigated in the last few years with positive preliminary results. Rituximab seems to be an effective and safe agent for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenias, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cold agglutinin disease and pure red cell aplasia. Although the case series are small, rituximab seems to be an effective and safe agent for the treatment of these diseases. Clinical experience with alemtuzumab in patients with autoimmune cytopenias is even more limited than with rituximab. However, preliminary results indicate that further studies with this MoAb are warranted. A longer follow‐up and the studies on larger number of patients are needed to determine the real value of these new approaches in autoimmune cytopenias. Recent experiences with the use of MoAbs in treatment of these diseases are the subject of this review.
Development and validation of a measure of disease‐specific quality of life in young children with haemophilia
Authors: Manco‐Johnson M. , Morrissey‐Harding G. , Edelman‐Lewis B. , Oster G. , Larson P. 
Published: January 2004

Summary.No disease‐specific tool for measuring health‐related quality of life (HRQL), an important outcome when assessing medical treatment, has been developed for children with haemophilia. The goal of this study was to develop a parent‐administered questionnaire for evaluating quality of life (QOL) in paediatric haemophilia patients between 2 and 6 years of age. After interviewing physicians (5), nurses (5) and parents (10) of children with haemophilia aged between 2 and 6 years, 92 questions were developed and pilot‐tested with parents (44) of children with haemophilia to create a 39‐question instrument that assessed somatic symptoms, physical functioning, sleep disturbance, stigma, social functioning, fear/resentment, mood/behaviour, restrictions, treatment upset, haemophilia concern and energy level. Reliability and validity were evaluated with 103 parents of children with haemophilia and parents of 249 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy children. Estimates of scale reliability (internal consistency) for eight multi‐item scales ranged from 0.73 to 0.94. Results showed construct validity (correlations with age, severity of haemophilia, treatment type, days absent and days confined to bed) and correlated with two general, paediatric quality‐of‐life instruments (Impact on Family Scale and Functional Status II(R). Discriminant validity was demonstrated by comparing scores between patients receiving/not receiving prophylactic therapy and between haemophilia patients and healthy controls. This disease‐specific HRQL measure should be of use in clinical trials and general practice to better understand disease and treatment impacts in young children with haemophilia.
Design of a pH‐sensitive pore‐forming peptide with improved performance
Authors: Haas D.H. , Murphy R.M. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract:
GALA is a 30 residue synthetic peptide designed to interact with membranes in a pH‐sensitive manner, with potential applications for intracellular drug and gene delivery. Upon reduction of the pH from neutral to acidic, GALA switches from random coil to α‐helix, inserts into lipid bilayers, and forms oligomeric pores of defined size. Its simple sequence and well‐characterized behavior make the peptide an excellent starting point to explore the effects of sequence on structure, pH sensitivity, and membrane affinity. We describe synthesis and characterization of two derivatives of GALA, termed GALAdel3E and YALA. GALAdel3E has a deletion of three centrally located glutamate residues from GALA, while YALA replaces one glutamate residue with the unusual amino acid 3,5‐diiodotyrosine. Both derived peptides retain pH sensitivity, showing no ability to cause leakage of an encapsulated dye from unilamellar vesicles at pH 7.4 but substantial activity at pH 5. Unlike GALA, neither peptide undergoes a conformational change upon reduction of the pH, remaining α‐helical throughout. Interestingly, the pH at which the peptides activate is shifted, with GALA becoming active at pH ∼5.7, GALAdel3E at pH ∼6.2, and YALA at pH ∼6.7. Furthermore, the peptides GALAdel3E and YALA show improved activity compared with GALA for cholesterol‐containing membranes, with YALA retaining the greatest activity. Improved activity in the presence of cholesterol and onset of activity in the critical range between pH 6 and 7 may make these peptides useful in applications requiring intracellular delivery of macromolecules, such as gene delivery or anti‐cancer treatments.
Differential selection of growth rate-related traits in wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum, in contrasting greenhouse nutrient environments
Authors: Verhoeven K. J. F. , Biere A. , Nevo E. , Van Damme J. M. M. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Across-species comparisons show that inherent variation in relative growth rate (RGR) and its underlying traits are correlated with habitat productivity. In this study, we test the hypothesis that growth rate-related traits confer differential selective effects in contrasting nutrient environments. We specifically test whether high RGR is targeted by selection in nutrient-rich environments whereas low values of traits that underlie RGR [specific leaf area (SLA), leaf mass fraction and leaf area ratio (LAR)] confer a direct fitness advantage in nutrient-poor environments, resulting in selection of low RGR as a correlated response. We measured RGR, its underlying component traits, and estimated fitness in a range of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) accessions grown under high and low nutrient conditions. Selection on component traits differed between the two environments, while total selection of RGR was not significant. Using multiple regression and path analysis to estimate direct fitness effects, a selective advantage of high LAR and SLA was demonstrated only under nutrient-rich conditions. While supporting the view that observed associations between habitat richness and some RGR-component traits reflect adaptation to differing nutrient regimes, our data suggest that direct selection targets component traits rather than RGR itself.
Kin discrimination and sex ratios in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Reece S. E. , Shuker D. M. , Pen I. , Duncan A. B. , Choudhary A. , Batchelor C. M. , West S. A. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Sex ratio theory provides a clear and simple way to test if nonsocial haplodiploid wasps can discriminate between kin and nonkin. Specifically, if females can discriminate siblings from nonrelatives, then they are expected to produce a higher proportion of daughters if they mate with a sibling. This prediction arises because in haplodiploids, inbreeding (sib-mating) causes a mother to be relatively more related to her daughters than her sons. Here we formally model this prediction for when multiple females lay eggs in a patch, and test it with the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis. Our results show that females do not adjust their sex ratio behaviour dependent upon whether they mate with a sibling or nonrelative, in response to either direct genetic or a range of indirect environmental cues. This suggests that females of N. vitripennis cannot discriminate between kin and nonkin. The implications of our results for the understanding of sex ratio and social evolution are discussed.