bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Assessment of Serum Copper Status in Children with Thalassemia Major
Authors: Nandy Subir , Morshed A. K. M. Amirul , Chowdhury Tanzina Iveen , Islam Shahnoor , Paul Bijoy K. , Bhowmik Snahasish , Choudhury Tasrina Rabia 
Published: June 2020

Objective: Support of ordinary degrees of copper, has a significant influence in reducing the morbidities related with thalassemia major. Levels of this component has been seen as modified in this incessant transfusion subordinate infection from everywhere throughout the world, however with broadly factor results. Other than rehashed blood transfusions and utilization of chelating operators, the level of copper in thalassemia patients are influenced by hereditary and dietary factors likewise, convincing us to embrace this investigation in our population. The Objectives of this study was to appraise of serum levels of copper in children with beta-thalassemia major.
Methods: In this observational comparative research design, all children between 5 to 15 years affected by beta thalassemia major (30 patients) and 30 normal children were evaluated for serum copper levels in the Department of Pediatrics, DMCH and attended at Thalassemia Center, DSH (Dhaka Shishu Hospital). Serum measurements for copper were performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Varian, AA 240 FS, USA) in Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Results: The minimum, maximum, and the mean concentration of serum copper in patients were 103.50, 239.94, and 147.55 ± 35.17 µg/dl and in control group, those were 58.75, 192.43, and 123.85± 33.19 µg/dl respectively. There was no significant difference in serum copper level in the β thalassemia group and the control group (p=0.54) (P=0.3).
Conclusion: This investigation revealed that there is no copper inadequacy. Further assessment in such manner is suggested.
The effects of antidepressant treatment on sleep disturbances in depression
Authors: Kerkhofs M , Mendlewicz J 
Published: July 2002

SummarySleep problems are classical complaints in depressed patients. Polygraphie recordings performed in drug free depressed patients during an acute episode of the illness have allowed description of sleep continuity, architecture and REM sleep disturbances. While the specificity of these abnormalities is not fully established, these perturbations appear to be core symptoms of the depressive episode. Antidepressants drugs, whatever their pharmacological profile have been shown to suppress or at least to reduce REM sleep. However, the effects of these drugs on sleep continuity and architecture seem to be related to their specific pharmacological action.
Using human rights in maternal mortality programs: from analysis to strategy
Authors: Freedman L.P 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis article describes an approach to maternal mortality reduction that uses human rights not simply to denounce the injustice of death in pregnancy and childbirth, but also to guide the design and implementation of maternal mortality policies and programs. As a first principle, programs and policies need to prioritize measures that promote universal access to high quality emergency obstetric care services, which we know from health research are essential to saving women's lives. With that priority, human rights principles can be integrated into programs at the clinical, facility management, and national policy levels. For example, a human rights ‘audit’ can help identify ways to encourage respectful, non‐discriminatory treatment of patients, providers and staff in the clinical setting. Human rights principles of entitlement and accountability can inform mechanisms of community participation designed to improve responsiveness and functioning of health facilities. Human rights principles can inform analysis of health sector reform and its impact on access to emergency obstetric care. Whether applied to the intricacies of human relationships within a facility or to the impact of international financial institutions on health systems, the ultimate role of human rights is to identify the workings of power that keep unacceptable levels of maternal morality as they are and to use the human rights vision of dignity and social justice to work for the re‐arrangements of power necessary for change.
Prolactin secretion in molar and normal pregnancy
Authors: Carranza‐Lira S , Hernández F , Sánchez M , Murrieta S , Hernández A , Sandoval C 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To describe the relation between PRL and hCG, T3, T4, fT4, TSH, E2 and P4 levels in normal pregnancies and those complicated with GTD. Method: Twenty women, 10 with normal pregnancy and 10 with molar pregnancy were studied. The differences between them and the relation between prolactin (PRL) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estradiol and thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and progesterone, was determined by Mann–Whitney U‐test and Pearson's correlation coefficient, respectively. Results: HCG, estradiol and thyroid hormones were higher in molar pregnancy, but PRL and progesterone were similar and TSH was lower in molar pregnancy. A negative correlation was found between PRL level and all the hormones in normal pregnancy, with the exception of TSH, and in molar pregnancy there was a positive correlation of PRL with all hormones. Conclusion: HCG, E2, T3, T4, fT4 levels were higher in the group with molar pregnancy. Differences in correlation analysis suggest different endocrine regulation mechanisms in molar and normal pregnancies.
Influence of the position of the mother at delivery over some maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Bomfim‐Hyppólito S 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: Evaluate possible advantages or disadvantages of the sitting over the horizontal position during the second stage of labor. Design and methods: Clinical trial randomly selecting 127 volunteers for the sitting position and 121 for the horizontal position during the second stage of labor. Duration of the second stage and of expulsion of the placenta, vulvo vaginal and perineal lacerations, blood lost and Apgar score were evaluated. Results: There was a non‐significant decrease of 3.4 min in the duration of the second period in the vertical position in comparison with the horizontal position. There was a similar difference in the duration of delivery of the placenta, but also non‐significant. Blood loss was slightly greater among women delivering in vertical position, but the difference did not reach significance. Breastfeeding did not show any influence on blood loss and on the time for delivering the placenta. The incidence of perineal trauma was 44.1% for vertical position and 47% for horizontal position in the whole group and of 47.8% and 71.2% in the group with history of episiotomy. This last difference was statistically significant. The results of this study are in the line of other studies that suggest some advantages and possible disadvantages of the vertical position. Conclusions: Mothers should be given the choice of the posture to be assumed during parturition. The supine position should not be imposed and episiotomy should not be a routine.
Gonadal function in young women with Down syndrome
Authors: Angelopoulou N. , Souftas V. , Sakadamis A. , Matziari C. , Papameletiou V. , Mandroukas K. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: Investigations suggest an increased incidence of gonadal dysfunction in patients with Down syndrome. New features, Alzheimer disease and osteoporosis emerge in these individuals. Therefore, hormonal investigation in persons with Down syndrome is pursued. Methods: Thirteen females with trisomy 21 (23.65±3.23 years old) participated in the study. Ultrasound studies were performed to explore the internal genitals. Blood samples were taken for the determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S), testosterone (T) and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP). Results: The patients were at stage V of sexual development. Ultrasonography demonstrated normal uterine and ovarian size and endometrial thickness as well. The ovaries of all patients contained follicles of normal distribution and various sizes. The mean concentrations of FSH, DHEA‐S and E2 were normal. The level of PRL was significantly higher than that of the controls, but within the normal lab range. The levels of LH, T and 17‐OHP were significantly elevated, compared to those of the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Our data produce new information on the gonadal function of Down syndrome women. Specific studies on pituitary‐gonadal and pituitary‐adrenal axis function are needed.
Onset of calbindin‐D 28K and parvalbumin expression in the lateral geniculate complex and olivary pretectal nucleus during postnatal development of the rat
Authors: Okoyama Shigeo , Moriizumi Tetsuji 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe onset and distribution of calbindin (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactivity were investigated in the lateral geniculate nuclear complex and the olivary pretectal nucleus (OPT) in developing rats. CB expression occurred early (before eye‐opening) in the relay neurons of the intergeniculate leaflet, parvocellular portion of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and OPT relating to ambient vision mediated by W‐like retinal ganglion cells. On the contrary, PV expression occurred late (after eye‐opening) in the relay neurons of the magnocellular portion of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (VLGMC) and OPT relating to focal vision mediated by Y‐like retinal ganglion cells. A unilateral eye enucleating experiment indicated that the VLGMC and OPT received dense input from PV‐positive Y‐like retinal ganglion cells. The results show the different onsets of CB and PV expressions in the retino‐recipient thalamic and pretectal nuclei receiving inputs from different kinds of retinal ganglion cells.
Developmental expression of phospholipase D2 mRNA in rat brain
Authors: Peng Jeng‐Hsiung F. , Rhodes Philip G. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPhospholipase D (PLD) is a ubiquitous enzyme involved in many important cellular functions. Rat brain PLD isoforms have recently been cloned and characterized, but the expression of this gene has not been well studied. We thus examined the developmental expression of PLD2 in postnatal brains by Northern blotting employing a non‐radioactive RNA probe. Two PLD2 mRNA transcripts of 3.9 and 10.8 kb were detected in different brain regions and various tissues of the rat. In postnatal brains, the level of PLD2 mRNA transcripts are low 1 day after birth, increase progressively during development, and reach the maximum level in the adult brain. We thus conclude that rat brain PLD2 mRNA is developmentally regulated.
Patients on methadone maintenance treatment in Geneva
Authors: Dazord A , Mino A , Page D , Broers B 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of heroin dependent patients before and 1 year after the start of methadone maintenance treatment. Subjects were patients (n = 102) requesting treatment in a public methadone maintenance programme in Geneva (Switzerland). This was a prospective follow-up study using a validated questionnaire (SQLP). The SQLP was well accepted by patients and staff. Validity of the questionnaire was reconfirmed in this population. Compared to previously studied populations, the quality of life of heroin dependent patients before start of treatment was poor. More than half the patients were still in treatment after 1 year and their quality of life had clearly improved, in most domains. Like many of their peers in the psychiatric field, the patients had high initial expectations. Expectations decreased significantly over time. It was found that the higher were the initial expectations, the poorer was the quality of life after 1 year. The quality of life of heroin abusers requesting treatment is mediocre, and improved considerably after 1 year of comprehensive methadone maintenance treatment. Quality of life evaluation is feasible in this population and can offer an additional evaluation of quality of substance abuse treatment.
Onset of improvement under fluoxetine and moclobemide
Authors: Stassen HH , Angst J , Delini-Stula A 
Published: July 2002

SummaryIn a meta-analysis of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (n = 440) and the reversible and selective monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor moclobemide (n = 437) we investigated the time course of improvement over 6 weeks for these two classes of anti-depressants. Two different methods of approach were applied: (1) repeated measurement analysis of variance in combination with regression analysis, and (2) a survival-analytical approach that allowed us to determine onset of improvement for the individual patient, to distinguish between early and late improvers, to assess the predictive value of early improvement, and to adequately process premature withdrawals. The two antidepressants of large biochemical and pharmacological differences yielded virtually identical response- and drop-out rates, and exhibited no difference with respect to the time course of improvement. Onset of improvement occurred in more than half of the patients within the first 2 weeks of treatment, and early improvement was highly predictive of later outcome. In particular, there was no indication for a delayed onset of action of antidepressants. We suggest that future studies should be standardised with respect to washout period and sufficiently dense assessments during the first 2 weeks of trial. Thus, patient samples can be subdivided reproducibly into early-, late-, partial- and non-remitters. This, in turn, may help to identify “true” drug responders, and to discover why in some patients recovery becomes “stuck”. Data already held by the pharmaceutical companies should be reanalysed in this respect.
Are depression and denutrition good predictors of dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in anorexia nervosa?
Authors: Massoubre C , Lang F , Millot L , Pichon M , Estour B , Pellet J 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThis study was conducted to investigate the corticotropic axis in anorexia nervosa. In 93 female inpatients who met DSM-III-R criteria for anorexia nervosa, subsample (n = 64) with DSM-III criteria was also considered. Using stepwise regression analysis, this study examined the relationship between independent variables ie, age, body mass index, scores on depression scales and postdexamethasone serum cortisol, considered as a dependent variable. In patients who met DSM-III criteria, 16.7% of the variance of serum cortisol can be explained. The main predictors are depressive retardation, emaciation and age. Using stepwise logistic regression the main categorical predictors of the test suppression vs non suppression are of the same nature. The condition of realisation of DST are discussed.
Serum erythropoietin in heart failure patients treated with ACE‐inhibitors or AT1 antagonists
Authors: Chatterjee Bidisha , Nydegger Urs E. , Mohacsi Paul 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackgroundErythropoietin (Epo), a growth factor produced by the kidney, is important in heart failure patients to promote oxygen delivery to tissues. Seventy‐two chronic heart failure (CHF) patients at our outpatient clinic were subjected to morning serum Epo‐level measurements and classified according to NYHA criteria.ResultsForty‐eight patients of classes III and IV had a significantly elevated serum Epo‐level of 42.9±40.3 mIU/ml (mean±1 S.D.) when compared to the mean level of 24 patients of classes I and II who had a normal range mean value of 13.4±6.2 mIU/ml (P<0.05). Patients on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors showed a trend towards lower serum Epo‐levels compared to patients treated with angiotensin‐II type‐1 receptor antagonists (AT1 antagonists) (levels: 33.3±35.6 mIU/ml and 43.6±38.1 mIU/ml). This trend did not, however, reach statistical significance (P=0.36).ConclusionWe suggest that a desirable Epo increase in class III and IV CHF patients could be achieved by either recombinant human Epo administration or, possibly, by appropriate selection of the concomitant medical therapy. A large prospective study shall investigate the possible advantage of AT1 antagonists over ACE‐inhibitors with regard to Epo effect.
Torsades de pointes caused by Mibefradil
Authors: Gläser Sven , Steinbach Michaela , Opitz Christian , Wruck Ullrich , Kleber Franz X. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWe report a case of symptomatic Torsades de pointes due to QTc prolongation by Mibefradil, which potentially explains unexpected deaths related to this drug. Multiple episodes of Torsades de pointes were documented in a 76‐year‐old woman with significant QTc prolongation of 0.53 s. After discontinuation of Mibefradil QTc intervals normalized and no further ventricular tachyarrythmias were observed. We conclude that Mibefradil can cause QTc prolongation and life threatening ventricular dysrhythmias.
Overseeding cool‐season annual grasses into dormant lowland switchgrass stands
Authors: Watcharaanantapong Pattarawan , Keyser Patrick D. , McIntosh David W. , Griffith Andrew P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractImproved use of the land resource used to grow switchgrass (SG; Panicum virgatum L.), whether for biomass or forage production, could be achieved by dormant‐season overseeding with cool‐season annual grasses (CAGs). Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were overseeded into an established, mature stand of lowland (‘Alamo’) SG for two consecutive years (2010–2011) at a study site located near Greeneville, TN. Three harvest timings were imposed on CAG (15 April, 1 May, and 15 May). Yield of CAG differed (p = 0.001) by year, species (rye = 6.8, ryegrass = 5.0, wheat = 5.1 Mg ha−1), and harvest time (15 April = 2.7, 1 May = 6.5, 15 May = 7.7 Mg ha−1), but these factors did not interact. Switchgrass yield the summer following establishment of CAGs differed (p = .001) by year (11.1 and 14.7 Mg ha−1, in 2011 and 2012, respectively) but not by CAG species or harvest date. Tiller density of SG followed the same pattern as yield (2011 = 75 m−2; 2012 = 147 m−2). Thus, this study provided no evidence that any of the three CAGs, when planted for two consecutive years into dormant SG, regardless of harvest date, had a negative effect on SG yield or stand vigor; therefore, overseeding CAGs may be a practical way for producers to improve land resource use when growing SG. However, evaluation of production costs for CAGs indicated that May harvests would be required for overseeding to be cost‐effective.
Immobilization of lipase onto metal–organic frameworks for enantioselective hydrolysis and transesterification
Authors: Yuan Xin , Liu Yu , Cao Fan , Zhang Panliang , Ou Jian , Tang Kewen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEnzyme immobilization enhances the catalytic activity and stability of the enzyme, and also improves reusability. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which possess diversified structures and porosity, have been used as excellent carriers for enzyme immobilization. Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase (PFL) has been successfully immobilized onto MOFs by covalent cross‐linking to obtain a series of immobilized lipase (PFL@MOFs). PFL@MOFs are used for catalytic enantioselective hydrolysis of 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid ethyl ester enantiomers (2‐HPPAEE) in aqueous medium and transesterification of 4‐methoxymandelic acid enantiomers (4‐MMA) in organic medium. The experimental results indicated that PFL@Uio‐66(Zr) exhibits excellent enzymatic catalysis performances and high enantioselectives. In addition, to improve catalytic activity and reusability, PFL is modified by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) to prepare PEG‐modified lipase (PFL‐PEG), then PFL‐PEG is immobilized onto Uio‐66(Zr) to prepare PFL‐PEG@Uio‐66(Zr), demonstrating better reusability and catalytic activity compared with PFL@Uio‐66(Zr).
O/N Co‐Doped, Layered Porous Carbon with Mesoporosity up to 99 % for Ultrahigh‐Rate Capability Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Bei , Wen Jikai , Chen Hongbiao , Yang Mei , Liu Yijang , Li Huaming 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUltrahigh‐rate capability supercapacitors that can tolerate charging/discharging at ultrahigh current density are particularly attractive for high‐power applications. At present, mesopore‐engineering and heteroatom‐doping have been proven to be the effective ways for concurrently enhancing energy density and rate capability. Herein, we report the fabrication of O/N‐co‐doped mesoporous carbons with ultrahigh mesoporosity and well‐defined mesopores by one‐step Na2CO3‐activation of covalent triazine‐based frameworks that derive from 2,4,6‐tris(4‐cyanophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine monomer (CTFO) at 800–1000 °C. The as‐obtained O/N‐co‐doped carbon (CTFC‐900) with up to 99 % mesoporosity possesses a layered structure together with a high specific surface area (2425 m2 g−1) and a high N/O content (6.98 at% N and 10.32 at% O). Owing to these merits, the supercapacitor based on CTFC‐900 electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance of 287 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 and an ultrahigh rate capability of 66.1 % at 1–1000 A g−1 in alkaline electrolyte. Moreover, the CTFC‐900‐based supercapacitor in neutral electrolyte achieved both high energy density (32.2 Wh kg−1) and high power density (187 kW kg−1).
Systematic characterization of the chemical constituents in vitro and prototypes in vivo of Dingkun Dan using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with the UNIFI™ software
Authors: Dou Xiu‐xiu , Lin Shan , Tian Xin‐hui , Zhang Yu‐hao , Guo Xin , Ye Ji , Zhang Wei‐dong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDingkun Dan (DKD), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of irregular menstruation, leucorrhea abnormality, and postpartum gynecological diseases since Qing dynasty (1739). It comprises 30 flavors of Chinese medicinal materials, which results in its complex chemical composition. In this study, an integrative method was developed to rapidly characterize the chemical components of DKD using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with the UNIFI™ software. A total of 234 compounds, including 47 triterpenoid saponins, 55 flavonoids, and 38 alkaloids, were identified. Of them, 170 compounds were characterized initially and 61 compounds were identified unambiguously using reference standards. Under the same analysis conditions, 43 prototypical components, which were tentatively assigned as triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and others, were absorbed in rat by serum pharmacochemistry analysis. DKD exhibited diverse pharmacological activities through the combined effect of these components. This study was the first systematic study of chemical components in vitro originating from 30 medicinal materials and prototypes in vivo of DKD, which could provide scientific evidence for explaining its therapeutic effect.