julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
High Occurrence Rate of Glaucoma among Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
2002-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to reveal the occurrence rate of glaucoma among patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All 112 patients of four nursing homes in Upper Bavaria, Germany, who met the diagnostic criteria of probable AD, were incorporated into the study. Visual field defects and/or optic disc cupping compatible with the diagnosis of glaucoma were found in 29 out of 112 patients with AD (25.9%). When compared to a control group (5.2%) and to the prevalence of glaucoma in western countries revealed in a number of glaucoma surveys (2.6–4.7%), patients with AD may have a significantly increased occurrence rate of glaucoma. In addition, ocular hypertension with normal visual fields and normal optic nerve heads was not found in patients with AD. The prevalence of ocular hypertension in the control group was 7.8% and parallels previous surveys. Therefore, we assume that the optic nerve seems to be less resistant to elevated intraocular pressure levels in AD patients.
A survey of stent designs
2002-01-01

Over 100 different stent designs are currently being marketed or are in evaluation for vascular and non-vascular indications. This paper attempts to differentiate stent designs by engineering aspects. A stent design pyramid is presented, which breaks the differentiating aspects into materials, raw material forms, fabrication methods, geometrical features, and additions. The primary distinguishing factor in all groups is balloon-expansion versus self-expandability. Typical examples for each category of the pyramid are shown.
Repeated crustal thickening and recycling during the Andean orogeny in north Chile (21°–26°S)
2002-01-01

Understanding Neogene arc crustal thickening in the central Andes requires (1) some estimate of initial pre‐Neogene (prior to 26 Ma) crustal thicknesses and (2) mechanisms that account for the remaining deficit in crustal thickening (10–30%). Mid‐Miocene horizontal crustal shortening can explain most but not all crustal thickening in the modern central Andean arc. Systematic changes in geochemical and Sr, Nd, and selected Pb isotopic data of Late Cretaceous–Eocene (∼78–37 Ma) and older arc magmatic episodes from north Chile provide new constraints on both. First, Andean crust may have been significantly thickened by long‐term underplating of mantle‐derived basalt from Jurassic to present. Second, estimated initial (late Eocene) crustal thicknesses of ∼45 km are consistent with (1) amphibole‐ and garnet‐bearing residual mineralogies for late Eocene syntectonic/posttectonic granitoids, (2) lower crustal P wave velocities of 7.3–7.7 km s −1 compatible with underplated mafic crust, and (3) results from recent experimental petrologic work showing garnet stability in mafic mineralogies ≥12 kbar (≥40 km crustal thickness). Analogous to older Andean magmatic episodes in north Chile, newly underplated basaltic crust may account for the remaining deficit in Neogene crustal thickening. Similar evolutionary patterns in geochemistry and initial Sr and Nd isotopic characteristics of Andean (200 Ma to present) magmatic rocks suggest that the Andean orogeny in this region evolved by a combination of processes of repeated arc migration, tectonic and magmatic crustal thickening, and igneous recycling which was controlled by periodically changing plate convergence rates and obliquity and corresponding changes in the rheologic behavior of the continental crust.
Effects of the Hallucinogen Psilocybin on Covert Orienting of Visual Attention in Humans
2002-01-01

Hallucinogenic drug-induced states are considered as models for acute schizophrenic disorders (experimental psychoses). In a double-blind study with healthy volunteers we investigated the influence of the serotonergic hallucinogen psilocybin, the ecstasy-like drug 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), the stimulant d- methamphetamine and placebo on covert orienting of spatial attention (n = 8 in each group). Reaction times were prolonged after ingestion of psilocybin &gt; MDE, but not after d-methamphetamine. In addition, subjects on psilocybin exhibited particularly slow reaction times in invalid trials at short cue target intervals and failure of response inhibition in valid trials at long cue target intervals for right visual field targets. Despite some methodological limitations, these results are in line with both bilateral impairment of disengagement of attention and a lateralized impairment of inhibition of return (IOR) in productive psychotic states. Additional investigations with larger samples, different hallucinogenic substances (serotonergic agonists vs. NMDA antagonists) and different dose regimens are needed in order to further explore the suggested relationship between visuospatial attentional dysfunction and acute psychotic conditions.
Glitazones: clinical effects and molecular mechanisms
2002-01-01

With the thiazolidinediones rosiglitazone and pioglitazone a novel treatment modality for type 2 diabetes has become available in many countries. As monotherapy, fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), on average, can be improved by approximately 40 mg/dl and almost 1%, respectively. In combination with other agents their efficacy is additive. Thiazolidinediones reduce insulin resistance not only in type 2 diabetes but also in non-diabetic conditions associated with insulin resistance such as obesity. The mechanism of action involves binding to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of specific genes especially in fat cells but also in other tissues. It is likely that thiazolidinediones primarily act in adipose tissue where PPARgamma is predominantly expressed. Thiazolidinediones have been shown to interfere with expression and release of mediators of insulin resistance originating in adipose tissue (e.g. free fatty acids, adipocytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, resistin, adiponectin) in a way that results in net improvement of insulin sensitivity (i.e. in muscle and liver). Nevertheless, a direct molecular effect in skeletal muscle cannot be excluded. Interference with transcription entails a potential for side-effect risk, that cannot definitively be assessed yet. For example, the in-vitro stimulation of adipogenic differentiation may underlie the clinical observation of weight gain. Theoretically, this may turn out to be counterproductive in the long run. However, there is not sufficient evidence from humans at the moment, especially no long-term data, to allow a conclusive statement. The hepatotoxicity observed with troglitazone, on the other hand, does not seem to be PPARgamma-mediated but secondary to toxic metabolites. Based on differences in drug metabolism this problem is relatively unlikely to occur with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. Unexplained but not unimportant is the propensity for fluid retention. In summary, with the thiazolidinediones a novel concept for the treatment of insulin resistance is available that in theory could also be used for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Long-term data are indispensable for a final risk-benefit assessment of these substances.
Enhanced Erythrocyte Apoptosis in Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia and Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
2002-01-01

Erythrocyte diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency decrease the erythrocyte life span, an effect contributing to anemia. Most recently, erythro-cytes have been shown to undergo apoptosis upon increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) activity. The present study has been performed to explore whether sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency enhance the sensitivity of erythrocytes to osmotic shock, oxidative stress or energy depletion, all maneuvers known to increase cytosolic Ca(2+) activity. To this end, annexin binding as an indicator of apoptosis has been determined by FACS analysis. Erythrocytes from healthy individuals, from patients with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency all responded to osmotic shock (up to 950 mOsm by addition of sucrose for 24 hours), to oxidative stress (up to 1.0 mM tetra-butyl-hydroxyperoxide tBOOH) and to energy depletion (up to 48 hours glucose deprivation) with enhanced annexin binding. However, the sensitivity of sickle cells and of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient cells to osmotic shock and of sickle cells, thalassemic cells and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient cells to oxidative stress and to glucose depletion was significantly higher than that of control cells. Annexin binding was further stimulated by Ca(2+) ionophore ionomycin with significantly higher sensitivity of sickle cells and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient cells as compared to intact cells. In conclusion, sickle cells, thalassemic cells and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient erythrocytes are more sensitive to osmotic shock, oxidative stress and/or energy depletion, thus leading to enhanced apoptosis of those cells. The accelerated apoptosis then contributes to the shortened life span of the defective erythrocytes.
The role of operant conditioning in chronic pain: an experimental investigation
2002-01-01

The role of operant conditioning for the development and maintenance of chronic pain was examined in 30 chronic back pain patients (CBP) and 30 matched healthy controls. Half of each group was reinforced for increased, half for decreased pain reports while EEG, EOG, heart rate, skin conductance and muscle tension levels were recorded. Both groups showed similar learning rates, however, the CBP patients displayed slower extinction of both the verbal and the cortical (N150) pain response. In addition, the CBP group displayed prolonged elevated electromyogram levels to the task. These data suggest that CBP patients are more easily influenced by operant conditioning factors than healthy controls and this susceptibility may add to the maintenance of the chronic pain problem.
Arylomycins A and B, New Biaryl-bridged Lipopeptide Antibiotics Produced by Streptomyces sp. Tue 6075. I. Taxonomy, Fermentation, Isolation and Biological Activities.
2002-01-01

New lipopeptide antibiotics, colourless arylomycins A series and yellow arylomycins B series were detected in the culture filtrate and mycelium extracts of Streptomyces sp. Tü 6075 by HPLC-diode-array and HPLC-electrospray-mass-spectrometry screening. Arylomycins are a family of lipohexapeptide antibiotics, which represent the first examples of biaryl-bridged lipopeptides. They show antibiotic activities against Gram-positive bacteria.
Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins: structure, function and relevance for radiation biology
2002-01-01

Although Bcl-2-related proteins are currently the most relevant anti-apoptotic modulators, their relevance for radiation responses in vivo or in vitro remain undefined. Furthermore, their determination in a routine clinical setting does not appear to be justified.
Is Subungual Melanoma Related to Trauma?
2002-01-01

Subungual melanomas represent approximately 20% in dark-skinned and oriental populations compared to about 2% of cutaneous melanomas in white populations. UV exposure seems to be an important risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. However, UV radiation is unlikely to penetrate the nail plate. Another pathogenetic factor of subungual melanoma will be discussed. 406 subungual melanomas of the hands (n = 240) and feet (n = 166) of 74 patients from the melanoma registry of the Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, and of 332 patients from the literature were evaluated. The hypothesis of a uniform distribution of the occurrence of subungual melanoma on the fingers and toes had to be rejected (p &lt; 0.001 using the χ&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;;&lt;sub&gt;4,0.95&lt;/sub&gt; test).There was a considerable predominance of subungual melanoma localized on the thumb (58% of all fingers) and the hallux (86% of all toes). Many patients report direct trauma related to the onset of subungual melanoma. This might be explained by coincidence, increased attention to a dark area under the nail, traumatic bleeding of a subclinical subungual melanoma or mutation of melanocytes during trauma-induced proliferation. Squamous cell carcinoma is known to occur in sites of chronic trauma. Trauma could be an etiologic factor in subungual melanoma as well.
Devonian/Lower Carboniferous stratigraphy, facies patterns and palaeogeography of Iran. Part I. Southeastern Iran
2002-01-01

The mountains N of Kerman in southeastern Iran are a key region for Devonian/Lower Carboniferous stratigraphy of a still poorly known segment on the northern margin of Gondwana and display a great diversity of neritic depositional environments. The hitherto applied subdivision into lithostratigraphic formations has been calibrated by means of conodonts and brachiopods allowing good correlations of 36 sections, the majority of them ranging from the top of the Cambrian or the Silurian into the Lower Permian. Upper Cambrian sandstones or Silurian carbonates are unconformably overlain by red siliciclastics of uncertain Early to early Middle Devonian age (Padeha Formation) which in turn pass into skeletal limestones (upper Middle Devonian to Tournaisian Bahram and Sardar Formations). The latter are erosionally capped by Permian platform carbonates (Jamal Formation). Facies patterns during 5 intervals from the Silurian into the Tournaisian show evolution from a carbonate platform and a siliciclastic shelf during the Silurian and the Early Devonian into shallow open marine embayments during the late Middle and Late Devonian, and a carbonate platform during the Early Carboniferous. Sharp boundaries between Upper Devonian facies belts appear controlled by synsedimentary epeirogenic movements which may have been active since the Early Palaeozoic.
Biosynthetic Capacities of Actinomysetes. No.26. Endophenazines A-D, New Phenazine Antibiotics from the Arthropod Associated Endosymbiont Streptomyces anulatus. I. Taxonomy, Fermentation, Isolation and Biological Activities.
2002-01-01

Four new members of the phenazine family, endophenazines A-D, and the already known phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (tubermycin B) were detected in the culture broth of various endosymbiotic Streptomyces anulatus strains by chemical screening in a combination of TLC-staining reagents and HPLC-diode array analysis. The endosymbiotic strains were isolated from four different arthropod hosts at various sites. The new phenazine compounds showed antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria and some filamentous fungi, and herbicidal activity against Lemna minor (duckweed).
Arylomycins A and B, New Biaryl-bridged Lipopeptide Antibiotics Produced by Streptomyces sp. Tue 6075. II. Structure Elucidation.
2002-01-01

The structures of new lipopeptide antibiotics, arylomycins A and B, were elucidated by a combination of ESI-FTICR-mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, Edman sequencing, and fatty acid and chiral amino acid analyses. The colourless arylomycins A share the peptide sequence of D-N-methylseryl2(D-MeSer2)-D-alanyl3-glycyl4-N-methyl- 4-hydroxyphenylglycyl5(MeHpg5)-L-alanyl6-tyrosine7 cyclised by a [3,3]biaryl bond between MeHpg5 and Tyr7. The yellow arylomycins B differ from arylomycins A by nitro substitution of Tyr7. The N-termini of arylomycins A and B are acylated with saturated C11-C15 fatty acids (fa1) comprising n, iso, and anteiso isomers. Arylomycins A and B represent the first examples of biaryl-bridged lipopeptides.
Ionizing radiation induces up-regulation of functional β 1-integrin in human lung tumour cell lines in vitro
2002-01-01

Ionizing radiation strongly induced the expression of functional beta1-integrin and ILK in the two lung cancer cell lines, A549 and SKMES1, dependent on different matrices used. Additionally, the subcellular localization of both proteins was altered by irradiation, and the individual cellular radiosensitivity was reduced in the presence of an extracellular matrix. On the one hand, this may result in aggravated therapeutic approaches and on the other hand, cells could adhere more strongly in their environment by the increase in functional surface receptor density preventing metastasis. Concerning intravascular located tumour cells, beta1-integrin up-regulation might enable these cells to adhere to the endothelium, which represents a prerequisite for metastatic disease. Identification of such mechanisms will provide considerable insights into the understanding of tumorigenicity and metastatic phenotypes, possibly leading to new, optimized radiochemotherapeutic regimens.
Famennian chondrichthyans from the shelves of North Gondwana
2002-01-01

Ichthyoliths, mainly shark teeth, from the Famennian of Iran and Northwest Africa are described. Evolution of shallow-water chondrichthyan assemblages on the shelves of Central Iran and the Tafilalt Platform, Morocco, related to time and environmental changes, is discussed. Four new taxa, viz. Deihim mansureae gen. et sp. nov., Protacrodus serra sp. nov., Phoebodus depressus sp. nov., and Ph. gothicus transitans subsp. nov. are erected and provisional reconstructions of heterodonty in dentitions of several Famennian sharks are proposed.
Serum Tryptase Measurements in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes
2002-01-01

Abnormal differentiation and maturation of hemopoietic cells are characteristic features of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Tryptases (alpha- and beta-type) are lineage-restricted serine proteases primarily expressed in mast cells (MC). We have analyzed expression of tryptase in 89 de novo MDS patients (refractory anemia (RA), n = 30; RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), n = 21; RA with excess of blasts (RAEB/RAEB-t), n = 27; chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), n = 11). Serum levels of total tryptase (alpha - protryptase + beta - tryptase) were measured by FIA. The numbers of tryptase+ cells were determined in paraffin-embedded bone marrow (bm) sections by immunohistochemistry and morphometry. In healthy individuals, serum total tryptase levels ranged between < 1 and 15 ng/ml (5.6 +/- 2.8 ng/ml). Tryptase levels of > 20 ng/ml were detected in 5/22 patients with RA (22.7%), 4/17 with RARS (23.5%), 0/16 with RAEB/RAEB-t, and 3/8 with CMML (37.5%). Thus, serum tryptase concentrations were higher in RA (16.6 +/- 14.3 ng/ml), RARS (12.9 +/- 8.2), and CMML (16.5 +/- 7.6) compared to RAEB/-t (8.7 +/- 3.8). By morphometry, elevated numbers of tryptase+ bm cells were detected in all MDS groups (RA: 139 +/- 131; RARS: 118 +/- 98; RAEB/RAEB-t: 80 +/- 79; CMML: 105 +/- 114 cells/mm2) compared to controls (54 +/- 51 cells/mm2). As assessed by Northern blotting and protein analysis, bm cells in MDS primarily produced alpha-(pro)tryptase, but little or no beta-tryptase. Together, our data show that elevated levels of tryptase are detectable in a group of patients with MDS probably because of an increase in neoplastic (mast) cells producing the enzyme(s). In addition, serum tryptase levels appear to correlate with MDS variants. Follow up studies should clarify whether an elevated tryptase concentration in MDS is of prognostic significance.
Detection of Novel CD Antigens on the Surface of Human Mast Cells and Basophils
2002-01-01

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; Mast cells (MC) and basophils are effector cells of allergic reactions. Growth and function of these cells are regulated by a network of cytokines, other ligands, and respective cell surface membrane receptors. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; In the present study, we examined the expression of novel CD antigens on human lung MC, skin MC, blood basophils, the MC line HMC-1, and the basophil cell line KU-812. Expression of surface antigens was analyzed by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and indirect immunofluorescence staining techniques. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; Primary MC were found to react with mAbs against KIT (CD117), the signal regulatory protein SIRP-α (CD172a), and the ectoenzyme E-NPP3 (CD203c). Human basophils were found to express large amounts of E-NPP3 and lower levels of Siglec-5 (CD170), CXCR4 (CD184) and SIRP-α. The HMC-1 cell line was recognized by mAbs against SIRP-α, CXCR4, endothelial protein C receptor (CD201) and E-NPP3. KU-812 cells were found to react with mAbs against E-NPP3, CXCR4 and glycophorin C (CD236R), but did not react with mAb against endothelial protein C receptor. Most of the other CD antigens tested disclosed negative results. &lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt; In summary, our data provide further evidence that MC and basophils express a unique composition of surface antigens. The use of novel CD antibodies may help to isolate MC and basophils and to study their functional properties.
TUMOROUS SHOOT DEVELOPMENT (TSD) genes are required for co‐ordinated plant shoot development
2002-01-01

Summary This report describes the identification of novel plant genes that are required to ensure co‐ordinated post‐embryonic development. After germination the tumorous shoot development mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana develop disorganized tumorous tissue instead of organized leaves and stems. This results in green callus‐like structures, which are capable of unlimited growth in vitro on hormone‐free medium. The tsd mutants are recessive and belong to three complementation groups ( tsd1, tsd2, tsd3 ). The genes were mapped to the bottom of chromosomes 5 and 1, and the top of chromosome 3, respectively. Histological analyses showed that the tsd mutants have different developmental defects. The shoot apical meristem of tsd1 formed only rudimentary leaves and was characterized by a degenerating L1 cell layer. tsd2 mutants had reduced cell adhesion and altered cell division planes in the L2 and L3 cell layers. The tumorous tissue of tsd3 mutants originated from the base of the leaf. Cytokinin levels that are inhibitory to the growth of wild‐type seedlings bring about an enhanced growth response in all the tsd mutants. The steady state transcript levels of the histidine kinase CKI1 gene and the KNAT1 and STM homeobox genes were increased in tsd mutants, while mRNA levels of cell cycle genes were not altered. We hypothesize that the TSD gene products negatively regulate cytokinin‐dependent meristematic activity during vegetative development of Arabidopsis .