julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Subcutaneous and Intravenous Rehydration in Geriatric Patients: A Randomized Trial
2003-01-31

OBJECTIVES: To compare the acceptance, feasibility, and adverse effects of subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) rehydration in dehydrated geriatric patients and clinical changes exhibited by the patients. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, open clinical trial. SETTING: Hospital geriatric wards during a period of 20 months. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety‐six patients with a mean age ± standard deviation of 85.3 ± 6.7 with signs of mild to moderate dehydration needing parenteral fluids. INTERVENTION: Geriatric patients were randomly allocated to receive SC or IV infusions of half‐normal saline‐glucose solutions as long as clinically necessary. MEASUREMENTS: A standardized patient record form was used to document the observed adverse effects. Using a Likert‐like scale based on the German school marks system with scores ranging from 1 = very good to 6 = very bad, patients were asked to score their discomfort; nurses and doctors scored the feasibility of the intervention. Changes in laboratory and clinical findings (including patients' orientation and activities of daily living using the Barthel Index) and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Forty‐eight patients were randomized into each group. Median duration of fluid administration was 6 days (SC and IV, P = .33). Median volume was 750 mL/day (SC) and 1,000 mL/day (IV, P = .002). In 13 patients, the therapy had to be changed from SC to IV (SC/IV subgroup): 11 times because of the exigency of an IV drug application and twice because of poor resorption. In 17 patients, there was a change from IV to SC (IV/SC subgroup), mainly because of impossibility of further peripheral IV punctures (8 times) and permanent removal of the IV cannula (5 times). The patients of the IV/SC subgroup scored their discomfort significantly worse (median 5.5 vs all other groups median 2, P = .017). This corresponded with the scoring of feasibility by the nurses (IV/SC: median 4.25 vs all other groups median 2, P = .009) and by the doctors (IV/SC: median 4 vs all other groups: median 2, P = .001). Both methods of rehydration caused only few systemic adverse reactions; acute cardiac failure occurred twice in the SC group versus four times in the IV group ( P = .68) and hyponatremia once in the SC group versus twice in the IV group ( P = 1.0). Some patients experienced local side effects (SC, n = 29 vs IV, n = 24; P = .41), mainly to a mild extent (SC, n = 25 vs IV, n = 24; P = 1.0). Major local side effects (large edema, phlebitis, cellulitis, erythema and strong pain) occurred in nine SC and eight IV ( P = 1.0) patients. The clinical and laboratory changes during therapy were similar in both trial arms. CONCLUSIONS: Rehydration by hypodermoclysis is equally well accepted by geriatric patients as the IV therapy and offers a similarly easy feasibility. Additionally, in confused patients and in those in whom IV punctures are difficult to achieve, it represents the far superior method. Both techniques are comparably safe and effective.
Short‐term environmental changes in the Cretaceous Tethyan Ocean: micropalaeontological evidence from the Early Albian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1b
2003-01-31

ABSTRACT To better understand the linkage between climate and ocean circulation under greenhouse conditions we have studied calcareous nannofossils, palynomorphs and benthic foraminifera from the Early Albian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1b black shale (OAE 1b) in the Vocontian Basin (SE France). We propose that monsoonal activity resulting from precessional forcing and modulated by eccentricity‐driven temperature changes represents the driving factor of OAE 1b formation in low latitudes. With the onset of OAE 1b, increasingly warm and humid conditions, stronger winds and enhanced terrestrial input led to higher surface water productivity. Therefore, increased productivity is an important factor for OAE 1b formation in the Vocontian Basin. However, monsoonally forced productivity changes are a regional climate signal only. The supraregional occurrence of the OAE 1b is probably due to a reduction of deep water formation in the low latitudes under extremely warm and humid conditions, leading to enhanced preservation of organic matter.
Strange quark matter in a chiral SU(3) quark mean field model
2003-01-31

We apply the chiral SU(3) quark mean field model to investigate strange quark\\nmatter. The stability of strange quark matter with different strangeness\\nfraction is studied. The interaction between quarks and vector mesons\\ndestabilizes the strange quark matter. If the strength of the vector coupling\\nis the same as in hadronic matter, strangelets can not be formed. For the case\\nof beta equilibrium, there is no strange quark matter which can be stable\\nagainst hadron emission even without vector meson interactions.\\n
Small epithelial cells in human liver cirrhosis exhibit features of hepatic stem‐like cells: immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and immunoelectron microscopic findings
2003-01-31

Aims: To investigate whether cells with features similar to those of the oval cells of rodents and the small epithelial cells (SEC) recently described in certain human liver diseases, i.e. hepatic progenitor cells, also occur in human liver cirrhosis. Methods and results: Surgical specimens from 35 cases of hepatitis B virus‐positive cirrhosis (30 cases containing hepatocellular carcinoma) were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 7 and albumin. Electron microscopic investigations, and immunoelectron microscopic investigations using the same antibodies and a double‐labelling technique were performed in 15 and seven cases, respectively. SEC were observed in proliferated bile ductules, at the margins of regenerating nodules and in the fibrous septa in all cases of cirrhosis. The SEC were morphologically similar to the SEC described previously, and to the oval cells seen in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. They were characterized by their small size, oval shape, scanty electron‐dense or electron‐lucent cytoplasm, a high nucleo–cytoplasmic ratio, tonofilaments and intercellular junctions. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the SEC co‐expressed cytokeratin 7 and albumin. Both relatively undifferentiated SEC and SEC with morphological and immunophenotypical signs of differentiation towards biliary epithelial cells and hepatocytes were found. Conclusions: SEC that exhibit morphological and immunophenotypical features of the SEC seen in certain other liver diseases are found in cirrhosis. These findings further support the hypothesis that a bipotent hepatic stem cell that may give rise to biliary epithelial cells and hepatocytes exists in the human liver.
Plasma Adiponectin Concentrations Predict Insulin Sensitivity of Both Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
2003-02-01

In animals, the adipocyte-derived hormone adiponectin has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, a key factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In Pima Indians, high plasma adiponectin levels are associated with increased insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. It is unclear whether this is also the case in white individuals and whether an additional beneficial effect on lipid metabolism exists. We therefore analyzed in nondiabetic individuals the associations between plasma adiponectin concentrations and insulin sensitivity measured by a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (n = 262) and estimated by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; n = 636) and serum lipid parameters using correlational analysis. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were positively correlated with insulin sensitivity, both measured with the clamp (r = 0.28, P = 0.0015 in women; r = 0.42, P &amp;lt; 0.0001 in men) and estimated from the OGTT (r = 0.37, P &amp;lt; 0.0001 in women; r = 0.41, P &amp;lt; 0.0001 in men) before and after adjusting for sex and percentage of body fat (all P &amp;lt; 0.001). Fasting triglycerides and the free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations during the OGTT (area under the curve) and at 120 min were negatively correlated in both women and men, whereas HDL was positively correlated with plasma adiponectin concentrations (all P &amp;lt; 0.004). Most notable, these relationships remained significant after adjusting for insulin sensitivity of glucose disposal in addition to sex and percentage of body fat (all P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, high adiponectin predicts increased insulin sensitivity. This relationship is independent of low body fat mass and affects not only insulin-stimulated glucose disposal but also lipoprotein metabolism and insulin-mediated suppression of postprandial FFA release. This suggests pleiotropic insulin sensitizing effects of adiponectin in humans.
The Arabidopsis STICHEL Gene Is a Regulator of Trichome Branch Number and Encodes a Novel Protein
2003-02-01

Abstract Here, we analyze the STICHEL(STI) gene, which plays an important role in the regulation of branch number of the unicellular trichomes in Arabidopsis. We have isolated the STI locus by positional cloning and confirmed the identity by sequencing seven independent sti alleles. The STI gene encodes a protein of 1,218 amino acid residues containing a domain with sequence similarity to the ATP-binding eubacterial DNA-polymerase III γ-subunits. Because endoreduplication was found to be normal insti mutants the molecular function of STIin cell morphogenesis is not linked to DNA replication and, therefore, postulated to represent a novel pathway. Northern-blot analysis shows that STI is expressed in all organs suggesting thatSTI function is not trichome specific. The analysis ofsti alleles and transgenic lines overexpressingSTI suggests that STI regulates branching in a dosage-dependent manner.
Glomerular Hyperfiltration and the Salt Paradox in Early Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
2003-02-01

Diabetes mellitus contributes greatly to morbidity, mortality, and overall health care costs. In major part, these outcomes derive from the high incidence of progressive kidney dysfunction in patients with diabetes making diabetic nephropathy a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. A better understanding of the early dysfunctions observed in the diabetic kidney may permit the development of new strategies to prevent diabetic nephropathy. This review proposes a "tubulo-centric" view of glomerular function in early type I diabetes mellitus. The following are particularly discussed (1) the primary role of an increase in reabsorption by the proximal tubule in early glomerular hyperfiltration, (2) the role of sodium-glucose cotransport and tubular growth under these conditions, and (3) the primary role of reabsorption by the proximal tubule for the paradoxical relationship between dietary salt and glomerular filtration rate. Finally, an outline is presented of potential therapeutic implications for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease.
Formal methods for the validation of automotive product configuration data
2003-02-01

In the automotive industry, the compilation and maintenance of correct product configuration data is a complex task. Our work shows how formal methods can be applied to the validation of such business critical data. Our consistency support tool BIS works on an existing database of Boolean constraints expressing valid configurations and their transformation into manufacturable products. Using a specially modified satisfiability checker with an explanation component, BIS can detect inconsistencies in the constraints set and thus help increase the quality of the product data. BIS also supports manufacturing decisions by calculating the implications of product or production environment changes on the set of required parts. In this paper, we give a comprehensive account of BIS: the formalization of the business processes underlying its construction, the modifications of satisfiability-checking technology we found necessary in this context, and the software technology used to package the product as a client–server information system.
Investigating the Nasal Cycle Using Endoscopy, Rhinoresistometry, and Acoustic Rhinometry
2003-02-01

Abstract Objectives Cyclic congestion and decongestion in the two nasal cavities is seen in connection with the respiratory function of the nose. The turbulent behavior of nasal airflow is a prerequisite for adequate contact of inspired air particles with the mucosa. The aim of this study was to gain insight into this turbulent behavior of nasal airflow during the nasal cycle. Methods The nasal cycle in 10 healthy human subjects was investigated using endoscopic imaging, rhinoresistometry, and acoustic rhinometry every 20 minutes over a time period of up to 15 hours. The following parameters were recorded for each nasal cavity: airflow resistance, hydraulic diameter, friction coefficient λ as an indicator for the wall configuration triggering turbulence, transition from laminar to turbulent flow, and the minimal cross‐sectional areas. Results In addition to the known cyclic change of flow resistance and nasal width, a periodic change in the turbulence behavior was observed. In the resting phase, mainly laminar flow was found. During the working phase, the onset of turbulence occurred already at low flow velocities. The increase of turbulence during the working phase is caused by the increase in cross‐sectional area in the anterior cavum due to decongestion of the mucosa of the head of the inferior turbinate and the septal tuberculum. Conclusions Rhinoresistometry and acoustic rhinometry complement each other. The combination of the two methods provides insight into the functional changes during the nasal cycle and into nasal physiology in general. The authors therefore advocate a combination of the two methods for functional evaluation of the nasal airway.
Efficacy and Short-Term Plasticity at GABAergic Synapses Between Purkinje and Cerebellar Nuclei Neurons
2003-02-01

Although the entire output of the cerebellar cortex is conveyed to the deep cerebellar nuclei neurons (DCNs) via the GABAergic synapses established by Purkinje cells (PCs), very little is known about the strength and dynamic properties of PC-DCN connections. Here we show that activation of PC-DCN unitary connections induced large conductance changes (11.7 nS) in DCNs recorded in whole cell patch configuration in acute slices, suggesting that activity of single PCs might significantly affect the output of its target neurons. Based on the large unitary quantal content (18) inferred from calculations of PC-DCN quantal size (0.65 nS) and the near absence of failures in synaptic transmission during control conditions, we conclude that PC-DCN connections are highly multi-sited. The analysis of dynamic properties of PC-DCN synapses demonstrated remarkable paired pulse depression (PPD), maximal at short intervals (paired pulse ratio of 0.15 at 7-ms interval). We provide evidence that PPD is presynaptic in origin and release-independent. In addition, multiple pulse stimulation revealed that PC-DCN synapses exhibited larger sensitivity to dynamic than to steady signals. We postulate that the, otherwise paradoxical, combination of marked short-term depression with strong multi-sited connections is optimal to transfer dynamic information at unitary level by performing spatial average of release probability across the numerous release sites. This feature could enable these synapses to encode presynaptic time-varying signals of single PCs as moment-to-moment changes in synaptic strength, a capacity well suited to the postulated role of cerebellum in control of temporal aspects of motor or cognitive behaviors.
OUTCOME OF COMBINED PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY WITH VITREORETINAL SURGERY FOR MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE OCULAR INJURIES
2003-02-01

Penetrating keratoplasty in severely injured eyes is often complicated by ciliary body malfunction and secondary transplant failure. Although the functional outcome of a combined procedure is limited by primary and secondary tissue destruction, preserving ambulatory vision is possible and thus improves the quality of life, at least in patients with single remaining eyes.
Altered Homeostatic Adaptation of First- and Second-Phase β-Cell Secretion in the Offspring of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
2003-02-01

We adapted a minimal model to assess β-cell function during a hyperglycemic glucose clamp and to uncover peculiar aspects of the relationship among β-cell function, plasma glucose, and insulin sensitivity (IS) in offspring of Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes (OfT2D). We pooled two data sets of OfT2D (n = 69) and control subjects (n = 45) with normal glucose regulation. Plasma C-peptide was measured during a hyperglycemic clamp (∼10 mmol/l) to quantify model-based first-phase secretion and glucose sensitivity of second-phase secretion (β). IS was quantified during the hyperglycemic clamp. In the pooled data, first-phase secretion was linearly and negatively related to fasting plasma glucose, but not IS; OfT2D lay on a distinct line shifted to the left of the control subjects. In contrast, β was negatively related to IS, and OfT2D lay on a distinct line shifted more and more to the left of the control subjects, as IS was worse. Thus, in OfT2D lower β-cell adaptive responses exist between ambient glycemia and first-phase insulin secretion and between IS and second-phase secretion. Under conditions leading to decreased insulin sensitivity, these disturbed relationships may lead to progression to diabetes in OfT2D.
Evidence for a Novel TGF-β1−Independent Mechanism of Fibronectin Production in Mesangial Cells Overexpressing Glucose Transporters
2003-02-01

Recent experimental work indicates that the hyperglycemia-induced increase in mesangial matrix production, which is a hallmark in the development of diabetic nephropathy, is mediated by increased expression of GLUT1. Mesangial cells stably transfected with human GLUT1 mimic the effect of hyperglycemia on the production of the extracellular matrix proteins, particularly fibronectin, when cultured under normoglycemic conditions. Our investigation of the molecular mechanism of this effect has revealed that the enhanced fibronectin production was not mediated by the prosclerotic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. We found markedly increased nuclear content in Jun proteins, leading to enhanced DNA-binding activity of activating protein 1 (AP-1). AP-1 inhibition reduced fibronectin production in a dosage-dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition of classic protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms prevented both the activation of AP-1 and the enhanced fibronectin production. In contrast to mesangial cells exposed to high glucose, no activation of the hexosamine biosynthetic, p38, or extracellular signal–related kinase 1 and 2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways nor any increase in TGF-β1 synthesis could be detected, which could be explained by the absence of oxidative stress in cells transfected with the human GLUT1 gene. Our data indicate that increased glucose uptake and metabolism induce PKC-dependent AP-1 activation that is sufficient for enhanced fibronectin production, but not for increased TGF-β1 expression.
Mesenterico-Left Portal Vein Bypass in Children With Congenital Extrahepatic Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Unique Curative Approach
2003-02-01

In accordance with the limited experience published by others, the authors' data confirmed the mesenterico-portal Rex shunt as the therapy of choice for children with EPVT. Furthermore, this report is the first to show that a hepatopulmonary syndrome can be abolished by mesenterico-portal Rex shunt.
A Truncated Form of KlLsm4p and the Absence of Factors Involved in mRNA Decapping Trigger Apoptosis in Yeast
2003-02-01

The LSM4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae codes for an essential protein involved in pre-mRNA splicing and also in mRNA decapping, a crucial step for mRNA degradation. We previously demonstrated that the first 72 amino acids of the Kluyveromyces lactis Lsm4p (KlLsm4p), which contain the Sm-like domains, can restore cell viability in bothK. lactis and S. cerevisiae cells not expressing the endogenous protein. However, the absence of the carboxy-terminal region resulted in a remarkable loss of viability in stationary phase cells ( Mazzoni and Falcone, 2001 ). Herein, we demonstrate that S. cerevisiae cells expressing the truncated LSM4 protein of K. lactisshowed the phenotypic markers of yeast apoptosis such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The study of deletion mutants revealed that apoptotic markers were clearly evident also in strains lacking genes involved in mRNA decapping, such as LSM1, DCP1, andDCP2, whereas a slight effect was observed in strains lacking the genes DHH1 and PAT1. This is the first time that a connection between mRNA stability and apoptosis is reported in yeast, pointing to mRNA decapping as the crucial step responsible of the observed apoptotic phenotypes.
Evaluation of Stress Responses to Interval Training at Low and Moderate Altitudes
2003-02-01

In spite of a matched accumulation pattern of LA between ALT and N, stress responses, such as sympathetic activation and hepatic glucose release, still appear to be greater at ALT. This additional impact of moderate ALT on the stress response to IT should be taken into account if repeated training sessions are performed within a short period of time.
Effects of local all-trans-retinoic acid delivery on experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit carotid artery
2003-02-01

Local delivery of atRA led to limitation of restenosis formation in this animal model. The concept of a local atRA therapy might be a promising way to exploit the potential of atRA for vascular indications while minimizing the severe side effects of systemic retinoid therapy.
Catalepsy intensifies context-dependently irrespective of whether it is induced by intermittent or chronic dopamine deficiency
2003-02-01

It is well known that neuroleptic-induced catalepsy in rats intensifies upon repeated testing. Here, the question is addressed whether intensification of catalepsy results from intermittent drug administration or from intermittent context exposure. In experiment 1, rats were treated with intermittent haloperidol injections (0.25 mg/kg) followed by the catalepsy test (descent latency from the horizontal bar). In experiment 2, rats were lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine injections into the striatum, resulting in a 45% reduction of dopamine concentration. Catalepsy was tested intermittently for several weeks. In both experiments we found a very stable intensification of catalepsy over 9 (haloperidol rats) and 11 (lesioned rats) days, showing that intensification is not due to intermittent dopamine depletion. In both experiments, intensification of catalepsy was very stable and was observed 18 days later in haloperidol-treated rats and 101 days later in lesioned animals. However, a change of the environmental context abolished the intensified catalepsy in both experiments. It is concluded that intensification of catalepsy is due to intermittent context exposure rather than intermittent drug administration. It is generally accepted that 6-hydroxydopamine lesions represent an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Given the results above, context-dependent intensification of parkinsonian symptoms might also occur in Parkinson's disease, and its prevention should be taken into consideration for future therapy of the disease.