bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Silver Sulfadiazine 1%, Mupirocin 2%, and Fusidic Acid 2% for Topical Antibacterial Effect in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci-Infected, Full-Skin Thickness Rat Burn Wounds
Authors: Acikel Cengiz , Oncul Oral , Ulkur Ersin , Bayram Ismail , Celikoz Bahattin , Cavuslu Saban 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Silver sulfadiazine 1%, mupirocin 2%, and fusidic acid 2% were compared to assess the antibacterial effect of a once-daily application on experimental rat 15% full-skin thickness burn wounds seeded 24 hours earlier with a 108 standard strain of methicillin-resistant staphylococci. The quantitative counts of seeded organism in burn eschar and subjacent muscle were determined at postburn day 7, beside the cultures of blood and lung biopsies. All tested topical agents were equally effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in reducing local burn wound bacterial count and preventing systemic infection.
Serine Protease Inhibitors: Novel Therapeutic Targets for Stroke?
Authors: Vivien Denis , Buisson Alain 
Published: November 2003

Although the thrombolytic activity of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) may be beneficial in the acute treatment of stroke, recent studies have suggested that this serine protease could also play a critical role in determining the extent of neuronal death after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). This hypothesis is based on several experimental results: t-PA-deficient mice are resistant to excitotoxic neuronal death induced by the intrahippocampal injection of kainate; the infarct volume induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery is reduced in t-PA knockout mice; and the intravenous injection of t-PA can under certain circumstances potentiate the infarct volume in animals subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. In the CNS, the serine proteases have been identified to occur both in neurons and glial cells. Their enzymatic activity regulates the balance between the accumulation and the degradation of the extracellular matrix. They are involved in many physiologic functions, ranging from synaptic outgrowth during perinatal development to plasticity in adults. For instance, thrombin and t-PA are known to modulate neurite outgrowth and tissue remodeling in the early stages of development. In the adult brain, t-PA may contribute to the late phase of long-term potentiation and to the subsequent synaptic growth in the hippocampal mossy fiber pathway. This balance between the degradation and accumulation of the extracellular matrix may also be integral to various pathologic processes involved in acute brain injury. For example, compounds that modulate the activity of serine proteases exhibit neuroprotective activity. Based on the above, numerous studies have focused on the production and modulation of the endogenously produced serine protease inhibitors, termed serpins, such as type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor, neuroserpin, and protease nexin-1. In the present review, we will discuss the need to distinguish between the potentially neurotoxic effects of t-PA and its beneficial effect on reperfusion. We will present data supporting the idea that the modulation of serine protease activity may represent a novel and efficient strategy for the treatment of acute cerebral injury in humans.
Cholesterol and Interkeukin-6 Concentrations Relate to Outcomes in Burn-Injured Patients
Authors: Vanni Holly E. Colwell , Gordon Bruce R. , Levine Daniel M. , Sloan Betty-Jane , Stein David R. , Yurt Roger W. , Saal Stuart D. , Parker Thomas S. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the relationship among lipid concentrations, cytokine concentrations, and clinical outcomes of burn patients. Twenty-eight patients admitted within 24 hours of burn injury, segregated based on burn size, had blood samples drawn 24 and 48 hours after burn injury and then weekly for 3 weeks. Measurements included total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-2 receptor, and soluble necrosis factor p55 and p75 receptors. Infection, length of stay (LOS), and survival were monitored. Cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations decreased by at least 40% in patients with burns &gt;20% total body surface area and inversely correlated with IL-6. Lower cholesterol and higher IL-6 values correlated with higher infection rates and longer LOS. IL-6 was the strongest predictor for LOS. In conclusion, outcomes after burn injury are related to low cholesterol and elevated IL-6 levels.
Successful Placement of an Adult Sternal Intraosseous Line Through Burned Skin
Authors: Frascone Ralph , Kaye Koren , Dries David , Solem Lynn 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Obtaining vascular access can be difficult in the critical adult patient. This can be especially true in a severely burned patient, where the usual insertion site may be involved in the burn injury. We present a case in which a sternal intraosseous line was placed through a full-thickness injury, in a patient in full arrest, who subsequently underwent a succesful cardiac resuscitation.
Car Seat Heaters: A Potential Hazard for Burns
Authors: Maguiña Pirko , Palmieri Tina L. , Greenhalgh David G. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Car seat heaters have gained popularity in America and worldwide. They offer comfort by heating the sitting surface to a soothing temperature. Several cases of heating-element malfunction resulted in burn injuries and have triggered recalls of thousands of cars by the manufacturers. We present a case of a 48-year-old patient with long-standing paraplegia who sustained third-degree burns on his buttock during the initial drive of a new car with seat heaters. Car seat heaters can cause severe burns. Patients with decreased sensation or immobility are at increased risk and should not use car seat heaters. This case illustrates the need for design modifications and consumer education regarding the risks associated with car seat heaters.
Premorbid Mental Health Status of Adult Burn Patients: Comparison with a Normative Sample
Authors: Patterson David R. , Finch Carmel P. , Wiechman Shelley A. , Bonsack Rhonda , Gibran Nicole , Heimbach David 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The presence of psychiatric problems in burn patients has been found to have an impact on their burn care and long-term adjustment. This study investigated rates of previous mental health symptoms in a sample of 199 hospitalized burn patients screened for previous psychiatric diagnoses. Patients were instructed to fill out a questionnaire about their mental health functioning on the Rand Inventory for the month preceding their burn injury. Scores compared with a national normative sample on the Rand Mental Health Inventory revealed that burn patients scored higher on psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of behavioral and emotional control. These results reflect other studies in the literature, indicating that burn patients are premorbidly more psychologically vulnerable than the general population, a factor that likely contributes to many of them sustaining their injuries.
Management of An Unusual Extreme Extension Contracture of the Wrist
Authors: Saraiya Hemant 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
An extreme extension contracture of wrist with dorsal contracture of fingers 15 years after burn injury is described. Shortening of extensor tendons, secondary lengthening of flexor tendons, contracted wrist joint capsule, unusual dislocation of carpals, dorsal dislocation of metacarpophalangeal joints of fingers, and provision of sufficient amount of good-quality skin were some of the issues that had to be addressed in treatment. The contracture was released, the carpals and metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations were corrected and fixed with K wires, and the resulting defect was covered with a sheet split-thickness skin graft. An exercise program was designed that consisted of isotonic, isokinetic, and isometric resistance exercises and passive, active, and active-assistive range of motion exercises. These exercises were pursued with the intention of increasing dynamic strength, endurance, and overall functional recovery of the flexor muscles by exploiting the immature nature of early scar tissue. The resultant enhanced flexor muscle power from exercises along with the dynamic splint helped in lengthening of extensor tendons, wrist joint capsule, and split-thickness skin graft. It also helped in resisting the recontracting tendency, with further recovery of good range of wrist and fingers movements, obviating the need of tendon-lengthening surgery and flap coverage. One and half years of follow up didn't show any sign of recontracture, and the patient was able to perform his routine activities. Postburn wrist contractures of such magnitude have been seldom described. Emphasis is put on simple contracture release and a postoperative exercise program.
Durability of Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Ecker Robert D. , Pichelmann Mark A. , Meissner Irene , Meyer Fredric B. 
Published: November 2003

Background and Purpose—We sought to determine the incidence of recurrent stenosis after carotid endarterectomy.Methods—One thousand consecutive carotid endarterectomy patients were followed prospectively. The surgery was performed in a standard fashion. Cerebral protection was provided with intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring and selective shunting. All arteriotomies were repaired with a patch graft. Each patient was seen 3 months after surgery and then yearly, with a duplex ultrasound obtained at each visit. Evidence for new ischemic events or recurrent stenosis of ≥70% was recorded.Results—The 30-day combined minor and major stroke and death rate was 1.9%. At 7.1-year follow-up, 0.1% of patients had recurrent stenosis ≥70%, the majority of which were asymptomatic.Conclusions—Carotid endarterectomy is a low-risk procedure for the treatment of carotid occlusive disease, with excellent long-term durability. Although less invasive, carotid angioplasty must demonstrate equal robustness in long-term follow-up before it is considered a routine alternative to surgery.
Ceramide inhibition of phospholipase D and its relationship to RhoA and ARF1 translocation in GTPγS-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Mansfield Pamela J. , Carey Shannon S. , Hinkovska-Galcheva Vania , Shayman James A. , Boxer Laurence A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractPhospholipase D (PLD) regulates the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions of phagocytosis, degranulation, and oxidant production. Ceramide inhibition of PLD suppresses PMN function. In streptolysin O–permeabilized PMNs, PLD was directly activated by guanosine 5′-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTPγS) stimulation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)–ribosylation factor (ARF) and Rho, stimulating release of lactoferrin from specific granules of permeabilized PMNs; PLD activation and degranulation were inhibited by C2-ceramide but not dihydro-C2-ceramide. To investigate the mechanism of ceramide's inhibitory effect on PLD, we used a cell-free system to examine PLD activity and translocation from cytosol to plasma membrane of ARF, protein kinase C (PKC)α and β, and RhoA, all of which can activate PLD. GTPγS-activated cytosol stimulated PLD activity and translocation of ARF, PKCα and β, and RhoA when recombined with cell membranes. Prior incubation of PMNs with 10 μM C2-ceramide inhibited PLD activity and RhoA translocation, but not ARF1, ARF6, PKCα, or PKCβ translocation. However, in intact PMNs stimulated with N-formyl-1-methionyl-1-leucyl-1-phenylalamine (FMLP) or permeabilized PMNs stimulated with GTPγS, C2-ceramide did not inhibit RhoA translocation. Exogenous RhoA did not restore ceramide-inhibited PLD activity but bound to membranes despite ceramide treatment. These observations suggest that, although ceramide may affect RhoA in some systems, ceramide inhibits PLD through another mechanism, perhaps related to the ability of ceramide to inhibit phosphatidylinositol-bisphosphate (PIP2) interaction with PLD.
Expression of HbC and HbS, but not HbA, results in activation of K-Cl cotransport activity in transgenic mouse red cells
Authors: Romero Jose R. , Suzuka Sandra M. , Nagel Ronald L. , Fabry Mary E. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractElevation of K-Cl cotransport in patients with homozygous hemoglobin (Hb) S or HbC increases red cell mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and contributes significantly to pathology. Elucidation of the origin of elevated K-Cl cotransport in red cells with mutant hemoglobins has been confounded by the concomitant presence of reticulocytes with high K-Cl cotransport. In red cells of control mice (C57BL), transgenic mice that express only human HbA, and transgenic mice that express both mouse globins and human HbS, volume stimulation is weak and insensitive to NO3- and dihydroindenyl-oxy-alkanoic acid (DIOA). DIOA and NO3- are inhibitors in all other mammalian red cells. In contrast, in knock-out mice expressing exclusively human hemoglobin HbC or HbS+γ, replacement of isotonic Cl- media by hypotonic Cl- resulted in strong volume stimulation and sensitivity to DIOA, okadaic acid, and NO3-. In summary, we find that HbC, under all conditions, and HbS+γ, in the absence of mouse globins, have significant quantitative and qualitative effects on K-Cl cotransport in mouse red cells and activate mouse K-Cl. We conclude that human globins are able to stimulate the activity and/or regulation of K-Cl cotransport in mouse red cells. These observations support the contention that HbS and HbC stimulate K-Cl cotransport in human red cells.
A critical role for CCR2/MCP-1 interactions in the development of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Duffner Ulrich A. , Olkiewicz Krystyna M. , Corrion Leigh A. , Willmarth Nicole E. , Williams Debra L. , Clouthier Shawn G. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Reddy Pavan R. , Moore Bethany B. , Kuziel William A. , Liu Chen , Yanik Gregory , Cooke Kenneth R. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIdiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) is a major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) and involves the infiltration of donor leukocytes and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that leukocyte recruitment during IPS is dependent in part upon interactions between chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and its primary ligand monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 (MCP-1). To test this hypothesis, IPS was induced in a lethally irradiated parent → F1 mouse BMT model. Compared with syngeneic controls, pulmonary expression of MCP-1 and CCR2 mRNA was significantly increased after allo-BMT. Transplantation of CCR2-deficient (CCR2-/-) donor cells resulted in a significant reduction in IPS severity compared with transplantation of wild-type (CCR2+/+) cells and in reduced bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cellularity and BAL fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) and soluble p55 TNF receptor (sTNFRI). In addition, neutralization of MCP-1 resulted in significantly decreased lung injury compared with control-treated allogeneic recipients. Experimental data correlated with preliminary clinical findings; patients with IPS have elevated levels of MCP-1 in the BAL fluid at the time of diagnosis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CCR2/MCP-1 interactions significantly contribute to the development of experimental IPS and suggest that interventions blocking these receptor-ligand interactions may represent novel strategies to prevent or treat this lethal complication after allo-BMT.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I/IGF-Binding Protein-3 Complex: Therapeutic Efficacy and Mechanism of Protection against Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Chen Wei , Salojin Konstantin V. , Mi Qing-Sheng , Grattan Marsha , Meagher T. Craig , Zucker Peter , Delovitch Terry L. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIGF-I regulates islet β-cell growth, survival, and metabolism and protects against type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the therapeutic efficacy of free IGF-I may be limited by its biological half-life in vivo. We investigated whether prolongation of its half-life as an IGF-I/IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 complex affords increased protection against T1D and whether this occurs by influencing T cell function and/or islet β-cell growth and survival. Administration of IGF-I either alone or as an IGF-I/IGFBP-3 complex reduced the severity of insulitis and delayed the onset of T1D in nonobese diabetic mice, but IGF-I/IGFBP-3 was significantly more effective. Protection from T1D elicited by IGF-I/IGFBP-3 was mediated by up-regulated CCL4 and down-regulated CCL3 gene expression in pancreatic draining lymph nodes, activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt/protein kinase B signaling pathway of β-cells, reduced β-cell apoptosis, and stimulation of β-cell replication. Reduced β-cell apoptosis resulted from elevated Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL activity and diminished caspase-9 activity, indicating a novel role for a mitochondrial-dependent pathway of β-cell death. Thus, IGF-I/IGFBP-3 affords more efficient protection from insulitis, β-cell destruction, and T1D than IGF-I, and this complex may represent an efficacious therapeutic treatment for the prevention of T1D.
Nanoindentation properties of compression-moulded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Ho S P , Riester L , Drews M , Boland T , LaBerge M 
Published: November 2003

This paper investigates the elastic modulus and hardness of untreated and treated compression-moulded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial inserts of a total knee replacement (TKR) prosthesis. Investigations were carried out at a nanoscale using a Nanoindenter™ at penetration depths of 100, 250 and 500 nm. The nanomechanical properties of surface and subsurface layers of the compression-moulded tibial inserts were studied using the untreated UHMWPE. The nanomechanical properties of intermediate and core layers of the compression-moulded tibial insert were studied using the cryoultrasectioned and etched UHMWPE treated samples. The cryoultrasectioning temperature (-150°C) of the samples was below the glass transition temperature, Tg(-122± 2°C), of UHMWPE. The measurement of the mechanical response of crystalline regions within the nanostructure of UHMWPE was accomplished by removing the amorphous regions using a time-varying permanganic-etching technique. The percentage crystallinity of UHMWPE was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the Tg of UHMWPE was determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess the effect of surface preparation on the samples average surface roughness, Ra. In this study, it was demonstrated that the untreated UHMWPE samples had a significantly lower ( p<0.0001) elastic modulus and hardness relative to treated UHMWPE cryoultrasectioned and etched samples at all penetration depths. No significant difference ( p > 0.05) in elastic modulus and hardness between the cryoultrasectioned and etched samples was observed. These results suggest that the surface nanomechanical response of an UHMWPE insert in a total joint replacement (TJR) prosthesis is significantly lower compared with the bulk of the material. Additionally, it was concluded that the nanomechanical response of material with higher percentage crystallinity (67 per cent) was predominantly determined by the crystalline regions within the semi-crystalline UHMWPE nanostructure.
Fibrinolytic activity in multiple myeloma
Authors: Yağcı Münci , Sucak Gülsan Türköz , Haznedar Rauf 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe incidence of thromboembolic events is high as a result of disease, disease‐related complications, and therapy in multiple myeloma (MM). In patients with hematologic tumors, impaired fibrinolysis may be present and may contribute to the development of thrombotic complications. Therefore, we designed a study to investigate fibrinolytic activity in MM. We compared plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), IL‐1β, IL‐11, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) activity, and global fibrinolytic capacity (GFC) in patients with MM (n = 66) and in control subjects (n = 18). The prevalence of venous thromboembolism was 4.5%, with a median follow‐up period of 7 months in our myeloma group. Results are given as mean (median, range). Plasma levels of IL‐6 (8.27 ± 0.74 [9.65, 0.90–13.32] pg/mL versus 2.64 ± 0.66 [1.80, 0.10–11.86] pg/mL, P < 0.001), CRP (45.57 ± 9.92 [21.00, 1.34–330.00] mg/L versus 1.96 ± 0.50 [1.05, 0.19–8.03] mg/L, P < 0.001), PAI‐1 (7.40 ± 0.67 [5.57, 2.40–31.80] IU/mL versus 4.73 ± 0.65 [3.60, 2.32–11.00] IU/mL, P < 0.01), GFC score (1.90 ± 0.02 [2, 1–3] versus 2.50 ± 0.14 [3, 1–3], P < 0.001) were increased compared with controls. In patients with MM, the level of IL‐6 was positively correlated with CRP (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), IL‐1β (r = 0.29, P < 0.05), and PAI‐1 (r = 0.35, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with GFC (r = −0.37, P < 0.01). CRP level was positively correlated with plasma PAI‐1 level (r = 0.40, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with GFC (r = −0.44, P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation between PAI‐1 level and GFC (r = −0.75, P < 0.001) was also detected. IL‐1β levels were negatively correlated with tPA level (r = −0.26, P < 0.05). These results suggest that patients with myeloma have a decreased fibrinolytic activity mainly because of increased PAI‐1 activity. In MM, increased PAI‐1 activity seems to be related with elevated IL‐6 level. MM should be considered as a hypercoagulable state as a result of both increased procoagulant activity and decreased fibrinolytic activity. Achieving a plateau by means of conventional chemotherapies does not improve the decreased fibrinolytic activity. Am. J. Hematol. 74:231–237, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer among women textile workers in Shanghai, China: Overall incidence patterns, 1989–1998
Authors: Wernli Karen J. , Ray Roberta M. , Gao Dao Li , Thomas David B. , Checkoway Harvey 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackgroundCancer incidence in women textile workers has not been adequately studied. The aim of this study was to examine site‐specific cancer incidence patterns in a cohort of 267,400 women textile workers in Shanghai, China.MethodsWomen employed by the Shanghai Textile Industry Bureau (STIB) were followed for cancer incidence from 1989 to 1998. Age‐adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed based on Shanghai Cancer Registry (SCR) rates.ResultsThere was a decrease in cancer incidence for the cohort compared with urban Shanghai women (SIR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.89–0.93). There were small increased risks of other endocrine tumors (SIR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02–1.65). There were decreased risks for esophageal (SIR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.44–0.66), stomach (SIR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.73–0.85), rectal (SIR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78–0.98), lung (SIR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.74–0.86), cervical (SIR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.28–0.50), ovarian (SIR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75–0.96), and bladder cancers (SIR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46–0.85).ConclusionsWomen employed in the textile industry had a lower than expected cancer experience compared with urban Shanghai women. Further research on this cohort will examine associations between site‐specific cancers and occupational exposures to dusts and chemicals. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:595–599, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.