bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure‐based discovery of low molecular weight compounds that stimulate neurite outgrowth and substitute for nerve growth factor
Authors: Williams Britney , Dwyer Donard S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOlanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, was previously shown to protect neuronal cells against nutrient deprivation and to enhance neurite outgrowth. In an effort to identify small molecules with greater potency, the structure of olanzapine was used as a template to search commercially available chemical inventories for compounds with similar features. These compounds were evaluated for their ability to protect cells against glutamine deprivation and low‐serum conditions. Positive compounds, ‘hits’ from initial screening, were then tested for stimulation of neurite outgrowth, alone and in combination with suboptimum concentrations of nerve growth factor (NGF). Numerous neuroprotective compounds (mw < 550 Da) were identified that significantly stimulated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. These included 4′, 6′‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, a nuclear stain; staurosporine, an antibiotic and kinase inhibitor; and 2‐phenylamino‐adenosine, an adenosine analog. The small molecules were comparable with NGF, and in fact, replaced NGF in outgrowth assays. Pharmacophore analysis of the hits led to the design and synthesis of an active compound, LSU‐D84, which represented an initial lead for drug discovery efforts.
Effects of pretransfusion warming of platelets to 35°C on posttransfusion platelet viability
Authors: Slichter Sherrill J. , Christoffel Todd , Corson Jill , Jones Mary Kay , Pellham Esther , Bolgiano Doug 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Three of four prior studies suggested that warming platelets (PLTs) to 37°C before transfusion into patients with thrombocytopenia gave improved corrected PLT count increments.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighteen normal subjects had apheresis PLTs collected that were stored at 22°C for 5 days in two storage bags. One bag of PLTs was warmed to 35°C before infusion, and one remained at 22°C. Three different methods of warming the donor's autologous PLTs before reinfusion were evaluated: warming PLTs to 35°C for 10 or 60 minutes followed by radiolabeling or radiolabeling the PLTs followed by warming to 35°C for 60 minutes. In the first two methods, the warmed PLTs would have returned to 22°C before infusion, and in the third, the PLTs would still be warm when injected. The paired test and control PLTs were radiolabeled with either 111In or 51Cr to determine posttransfusion PLT recoveries and survivals. PLT morphology score, pH, hypotonic shock response, extent of shape change, and annexin V binding were determined just before transfusion.RESULTS: There were no differences in posttransfusion autologous radiolabeled PLT recoveries and survivals or in the in vitro measurements for the PLTs maintained at 22°C versus those warmed to 35°C using any of the three methods of PLT warming before infusion.CONCLUSION: Based on these 5‐day‐stored autologous radiolabeled PLT recovery and survival measurements, there is no evidence that warming PLTs to 35°C before infusion improves postinfusion PLT viability.
Blood component therapy in postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: James Andra H. , Paglia Michael J. , Gernsheimer Terry , Grotegut Chad , Thames Betty 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine blood component therapy in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Records were reviewed for subjects who delivered during the 5‐year period between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2004, at Duke University Medical Center and had postpartum hemorrhage coded as International Classification of Diseases Version 9 (ICD‐9) codes 666.0X, 666.1X, and 666.2X. Records were reviewed to determine whether blood components had been transfused. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi‐square test.RESULTS: During the 5‐year period from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2004, there were 12,476 deliveries at Duke University Medical Center. A total of 671 or 5.4% had a diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage. A total of 108 (0.87%) required blood component therapy, 106 received red blood cells (RBCs), and 30 (0.24%) received components other than RBCs. Of these 30, all received fresh‐frozen plasma (1‐20 units); eight received one to two transfusions of cryoprecipitate (each containing 10 units); and five received between one and three transfusions of apheresis or pooled whole blood platelets. None of the women received hemostatic agents such as antifibrinolytic medication, DDAVP, recombinant Factor VIIa, or clotting factor concentrates. None of the women experienced thromboembolic events postpartum. There were no deaths and none of the women developed organ dysfunction as a result of hemorrhage.CONCLUSION: Among 12,476 deliveries at a major United States medical center with a modern blood bank and readily available blood component therapy, there were no deaths or organ dysfunction as a consequence of severe postpartum hemorrhage.
Outcomes of Pregnancy in Patients with Preexisting Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: KANJWAL KHALIL , KARABIN BEVERLY , KANJWAL YOUSUF , GRUBB BLAIR P. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurs more commonly in women than in men and often affects women of childbearing age. Many of these women wish to have children, yet there are little reported data on the outcomes of pregnancy in patients with POTS. To date there has been one report of two patients with POTS who successfully completed pregnancy. We report the outcomes of 22 women with preexisting POTS who became pregnant.
Objective: To assess the outcome of pregnancy in patients with preexisting POTS.
Methods and Results: Twenty‐two patients, age 30 ± 7 years, with POTS became pregnant. Migraine was the common comorbidity found in 40% of patients. Medications used wereβ‐blockers (18%), midiodrine (31%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (31%), fludrocortisone (13%), combination (40%), and none (18%). During pregnancy, symptoms of POTS remained unchanged in three (13%), improved in 12 (55%), and worsened in seven (31%) patients. One patient who had recurrent episodes of syncope without aura was found to have complete heart block and received a cardiac pacemaker. All patients completed pregnancy successfully. There were no stillbirths. One patient developed hyperemesis. Eighteen patients had vaginal delivery and four patients delivered by cesarian section. No other complications of pregnancy were encountered. Congenital abnormalities were encountered in the form of one atrial septal defect, one ventricular septal defect, and one Down's syndrome. Postpartum symptoms of POTS remained stable in 15 (69%) patients and worsened in seven (31%) patients.
Conclusion: Based on our observation, patients with POTS can safely complete pregnancy if they desire to do so. POTS should not be considered a contraindication to pregnancy per se.
Effects of the introduction of the German “Praxisgebühr” on outpatient care and treatment of patients with atopic eczema
Authors: Schmitt Jochen , Kirch Wilhelm , Meurer Michael 
Published: July 2009

Summary Background: The introduction of a co‐payment of 10 Euros per quarter and physician for adults (the so called “Praxisgebühr”) as of January 01, 2004 was a significant health policy measure with unknown effects on medical care of patients with atopic eczema (AE). Methods: Analysis of an administrative healthcare database from Saxony, Germany. Comparison of outpatient care and treatment of 11,036 patients with AE (6,696 adults) in the year before (2003) and after (2004) the introduction of the co‐payment using descriptive statistics and logistic regression modeling. Results: The proportion of adults with AE treated by dermatologists decreased from 52.8% in 2003 to 42.3% in the year after the co‐payment was introduced. Consultations of general practitioners by adults and health services utilization by children/adolescents did not change. Treatment with topical calcineurin inhibitors in 2003 was an independent predictor for re‐consultation in 2004 (p < 0.001). The proportion of adults receiving systemic steroids for AE significantly increased in 2004 (males: 2003: 5.9%, 2004:10.3%, p < 0.001; females: 2003: 5.7%, 2004: 8.2%, p < 0.001). The risk for treatment with systemic steroids increased with the decrease in consulting frequency due to AE relative to 2003 (p = 0.006). Conclusions: After the introduction of the German “Praxisgebühr” fewer patients with AE received dermatological treatment. Simultaneously, an unexpectedly significant increase in the (non evidence‐based) treatment of AE with systemic steroids was observed, of which patients with relatively lower consultation frequency after the introduction of the co‐payment were particularly affected.
Combination of Vacuum Erection Device and PDE5 Inhibitors as Salvage Therapy in PDE5 Inhibitor Nonresponders with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Canguven Onder , Bailen James , Fredriksson William , Bock David , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have improved treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED). In case of unresponsiveness to PDE5i, alternative therapies are considered.

Aim
To evaluate whether combination of vacuum erection device (VED) and PDE5i is effective as salvage therapy in subjects with ED in whom PDE5i alone failed.

Methods
From September 2007 to May 2008, we evaluated 69 men (aged 36–82 years) in whom PDE5i treatment at the highest recommended dose, with at least 4–6 attempts at intercourse during a 3 months period, had failed. The clinical efficacy of combination therapy was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP)-2, SEP-3, and Global Patient Assessment Scale (GPAS).

Main Outcome Measures
Scores on IIEF-5, SEP-2, SEP-3, and GPAS before and after combination therapy were measured.

Results
After 4 weeks of combination therapy, the mean IIEF-5 score increased significantly over baseline from 9.0 to 17.6 (P &lt; 0.001). Of the 34 subjects with a SEP-2 response of “no” at baseline, 27 (79%) responded “yes” after combination therapy (P &lt; 0.001). Of the 50 subjects with a SEP-3 response of “no” at baseline, 35 (70%) responded “yes” after combination therapy (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, of the 42 subjects with a GPAS response of “not at all” or “slightly” improved at baseline, 31 (74%) responded “moderately” or “greatly” improved after combination therapy (P &lt; 0.001). One subject (1.5%) experienced device-related intermittent penile pain, which resolved after 4 days without any action.

Conclusions
Statistically significant improvements over baseline were seen in IIEF-5, SEP-2, SEP-3, and GPAS measures following 4 weeks of combination therapy of PDE5i and VED. This study supports the use of PDE5i with VED in men in whom PDE5i alone failed. This combination therapy may be offered to patients not satisfied with PDE5i alone before being switched to more invasive alternatives.
15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 Inhibits Angiotensin II‐induced Fibronectin Expression via Hepatocyte Growth Factor Induction in Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Yokoyama Yukio , Masaki Takao , Kiribayashi Kei , Nakashima Ayumu , Kokoroishi Keiko , Ogawa Takahiko , Kohno Nobuoki , Yorioka Noriaki 
Published: July 2009

Abstract15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) is an endogenous peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist that suppresses progressive matrix deposition; however, little is known about the effects of 15d‐PGJ2 on human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We investigated the following: (i) the expression of PPARγ; (ii) the effect of 15d‐PGJ2 on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced fibronectin (FN) expression and secretion; (iii) the effect of 15d‐PGJ2 (with or without Ang II and with or without the specific PPARγ antagonist GW9662) and pioglitazone, a synthetic PPARγ agonist, on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression and secretion; (iv) the effect of HGF on Ang II‐induced FN expression and secretion; (v) the expression of c‐Met (a specific HGF receptor) and its phospho‐signal; and (vi) the involvement of HGF in the effect produced by 15d‐PGJ2 using selective c‐Met inhibitor PHA‐665752. The presence of PPARγ was detected by western blot analysis. 15d‐PGJ2 inhibited Ang II‐induced FN expression and increased HGF expression, even in the presence of Ang II. This effect of HGF expression was completely prevented by co‐treatment with GW9662. Additionally, upregulation of HGF secretion induced by 15d‐PGJ2 and HGF production induced by pioglitazone was revealed. We demonstrated the presence of c‐Met, and presented evidence that HGF inhibits Ang II‐induced FN expression and activates phosphorylation of c‐Met, which is blocked by PHA‐665752; 15d‐PGJ2 also activated c‐Met phosphorylation. Furthermore, PHA‐665752 attenuates the inhibitory effects of 15d‐PGJ2 on FN secretion. These findings suggest that 15d‐PGJ2 has a novel and potent antifibrotic effect in HPMC and this action is likely mediated by HGF.
Impact of Renal Survival on the Course and Outcome of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Treated With Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Liang Chih‐Chia , Huang Chiu‐Ching , Wang I‐Kuan , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Chen Kuan‐Hsing , Weng Cheng‐Hao , Lin Ja‐Liang , Hung Cheng‐Chieh , Yang Chih‐Wei , Yen Tzung‐Hai 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis longitudinal study investigated whether renal survival can affect the course and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD). Thirty‐five SLE patients, out of 1115 end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with chronic PD, were seen between 1990 and 2007 at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Patients were followed up for a mean of 38.8 ± 22.9 months. There were no significant differences between patients with short renal survival (<3 years) and long renal survival (>3 years) for the various demographic variables such as age, sex, PD duration, immunosuppressive drug administration, or exchange system (P > 0.05). Interestingly, before PD, patients with short renal survival had lower serum complement levels than patients with long renal survival (C3, 40.2 ± 14.4 vs 76.3 ± 18.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001; and C4, 14.8 ± 4.7 vs 22.4 ± 8.1 mg/dL, P < 0.05). However, the differences in complement levels between the groups disappeared after PD (C3, 76.5 ± 27.3 vs 84.2 ± 27.8 mg/dL; and C4, 26.7 ± 11.3 vs 22.6 ± 10.8 mg/dL, both P > 0.05). Patients with short renal survival were more likely to have a high peritoneal solute transporter rate (PSTR) than their long renal survival counterparts (χ2‐test, P = 0.02, and AUROC = 0.744 and P = 0.040); however, there were no significant differences for other variables such as cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), Kt/V, residual renal function, exit site infection, and peritonitis (P > 0.05). Finally, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the two groups did not differ in patient and technical survival (P > 0.05). Therefore it was concluded that renal survival might be associated with PSTR, but not with patient and technical survival in SLE patients treated with PD.
Differential stellar population models: how to reliably measure [Fe/H] and [α/Fe] in galaxies
Authors: Walcher C. J. , Coelho P. , Gallazzi A. , Charlot S. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
We present differential stellar population models, which allow improved determinations of the ages, iron and α-element abundances of old stellar populations from spectral fitting. These new models are calibrated at solar abundances using the predictions from classical, semi-empirical stellar population models. We then use the predictive power of fully synthetic models to compute predictions for different [Fe/H] and [α/Fe]. We show that these new differential models provide remarkably accurate fits to the integrated optical spectra of the bulge globular clusters NGC 6528 and 6553, and that the inferred [Fe/H] and [α/Fe] agree with values derived elsewhere from stellar photometry and spectroscopy. The analysis of a small sample of Sloan Digital Sky Survey early-type galaxies further confirms that our α-enhanced models provide a better fit to the spectra of massive ellipticals than the solar-scaled ones. Our approach opens new opportunities for precision measurements of abundance ratios in galaxies.
EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON OF NATURAL CONVECTION AND CONDUCTION HEAT TRANSFER
Authors: ERDOĞDU FERRUH , UYAR RAHMI , PALAZOĞLU T. KORAY 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Magnitude of fluid motion is significant in convective heat transfer (the faster the fluid motion, the greater the heat transfer), while in conductive heat transfer, there is no physical movement of objects undergoing heat transfer. Due to this statement, it is a real fact that convection can be many times faster than conduction. The objective of this research was to compare natural convection and conduction by creating both heat transfer mechanisms in the same product. For this purpose, canned water and 1% agar‐gelled water were used in the experimental and further computational fluid dynamics studies. Experiments were conducted at 70C and in boiling water, and ANSYS V.10 (Ansys Inc., Canonsburg, PA) was used in the numerical simulations. The results showed that addition of agar prevented the natural convection phenomena in the gels resulting in pure conduction while the effect of natural convection, which occurred due to thermal buoyancy effects in the given gravitational force field, was obvious in the case of water. Creation of both natural convection and conduction heat transfer mechanisms in the same medium is an important contribution as the effect of natural convection over the conduction heat transfer can directly be emphasized. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCreation of both natural convection and conduction heat transfer mechanisms in the same medium would be an important contribution as the effect of natural convection over the conduction heat transfer can experimentally be emphasized. The results of this study are significant to show the significant difference between these heat transfer modes as both mechanisms were created in the same medium, and these results will be useful especially for teaching heat transfer purposes.
MODELLING OF HIGH‐PRESSURE PHASE EQUILIBRIUM IN SYSTEMS OF INTEREST IN THE FOOD ENGINEERING FIELD USING THE PENG‐ROBINSON EQUATION OF STATE WITH TWO DIFFERENT MIXING RULES
Authors: OLIVEIRA ALESSANDRA L. , MELO VANDERSON L.S. , GUIMARÃES AHRON R. , CABRAL FERNANDO A. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT In this work, thermodynamic models for fitting the phase equilibrium of binary systems were applied, aiming to predict the high pressure phase equilibrium of multicomponent systems of interest in the food engineering field, comparing the results generated by the models with new experimental data and with those from the literature. Two mixing rules were used with the Peng‐Robinson equation of state, one with the mixing rule of van der Waals and the other with the composition‐dependent mixing rule of Mathias et al. The systems chosen are of fundamental importance in food industries, such as the binary systems CO2‐limonene, CO2‐citral and CO2‐linalool, and the ternary systems CO2‐Limonene‐Citral and CO2‐Limonene‐Linalool, where high pressure phase equilibrium knowledge is important to extract and fractionate citrus fruit essential oils. For the CO2‐limonene system, some experimental data were also measured in this work. The results showed the high capability of the model using the composition‐dependent mixing rule to model the phase equilibrium behavior of these systems.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe use of the Peng–Robinson equation of state (PR‐EOS) in description of phase equilibrium of systems at high pressure has been largely reported in the scientific literature. On the other hand, the low prediction capability of the PR‐EOS to thermodynamic properties of polar multicomponent systems has been provided with the development and application of new mixing rules. The main purpose of the present work was to study a thermodynamic model to correlate systems of interest in the food engineering field, applying the PR‐EOS to a composition‐dependent mixing rule, by comparing the results with those represented by the classical mixing rule of van Der Waals (PR‐EOS). In spite of the large interest in applying supercritical technology in obtaining highly purified extracts from food, available data from systems at high pressure related to food process, and passable to be modeled, are scarce in the literature. Therefore, the investigation of simple and effective models on the description of these systems is of great importance and is a valuable tool in the study of the high‐pressure systems behavior in the food processing field.
USE OF MIXTURE DESIGN AND FLOW CHARACTERISTICS TO FORMULATE ICE CREAM COMPOUND COATINGS
Authors: GHORBEL DORRA , DOUIRI IMEN , ATTIA HAMADI , TRIGUI MOEZ 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Flow properties of three industrial formulas of ice cream compound coatings were studied in the steady state regime with the coaxial geometry. Flow curves showed shear‐thinning thixotropic behavior. As for molten chocolate, the Casson–Steiner equation was used to fit the compound coating rheograms in the shear rate range 380–1,000 s
−1
. The effects of agitation rate and time applied during coating preparation were studied. A new formula of coating was realized using a mixture design and, as dependent variables, the apparent viscosities at different shear rates. Results showed that the flow properties of molten compound coatings could be reproduced by this statistical method, but subsequent research on the influence of fat content and nature, and on the rheological parameters controlling the solidification of coatings, should be carried out to improve their formulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFormulation of food materials using the scientific (and not the traditional) method is essential in predicting the quality of the final product and reducing the period and cost of developing. This method is based on the use of statistical experimental design and needs the understanding of the techno‐functional properties of the food materials (such as physicochemical properties and rheological behavior). The aim of this research was to use this scientific method in developing a new coating formula. This work illustrates the importance of the mixture design and the rheological properties of molten compound coatings in their formulation. In practice, we showed that the dependent variables used in the mixture design would be chosen with great attention, with respect to the fat contained in coatings. The fat nature and content has a great influence on the functional properties of the coatings used in ice cream manufacture, which is the subject of a forthcoming paper.
Behçet's disease – a delay in diagnosis: why look in the mouth?
Authors: Dalghous A.M. , Elkhabuli J.O. , Fortune F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA rare case of severe Behçet's disease in a young patient is presented. The patient unnecessarily suffered from the devastating effects of the disease as a result of a delay in diagnosis, and consequently, initiation of the appropriate treatment. However, once a diagnosis was made, he was successfully treated with large doses of corticosteroids together with azathioprine, warfarin and aspirin. We highlight the importance of oral examination in diagnosing systemic diseases.