bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer and Scleroderma
Authors: Alon Scope , Siegal Sadetzki , Yechezkel Sidi , Aviv Barzilai , Henry Trau , Bela Kaufman , Rafael Catane , Michael Ehrenfeld 
Published: February 2007

Introduction. Epidemiologic studies have shown that patients with scleroderma have an increased risk of cancer.
Methods. The authors report eight cases and retrospectively review the published data on the possible association between breast cancer and scleroderma of the cutaneous and systemic forms. The records of all patients with scleroderma and breast cancer who were hospitalized during 1980–2002 in the Chaim Sheba Medical Center were surveyed. A literature search for breast cancer and scleroderma was performed.
Results. The clinical data of 65 women patients with breast cancer and scleroderma, eight of whom were hospitalized in the Chaim Sheba Medical Center and 57 who were reported in the literature, are summarized. In 29 patients (44%), scleroderma appeared before or simultaneously with the diagnosis of breast cancer. While a higher frequency of systemic scleroderma was described in this group, a higher rate of cutaneous scleroderma appeared in the group where scleroderma followed breast cancer diagnosis ( p<0.001).
Conclusions. Large‐scale case‐control studies are needed to substantiate the possible association between scleroderma—both cutaneous and systemic—and breast cancer.
Factors Influencing Success Rate of Leukocyte Immunization and Anti‐paternal Antibodies in Spontaneous Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Chaichian Shahla , Shoaee Shervan , Saremi Abutaleb , Pedar Setareh , Firouzi Farzad 
Published: February 2007

ProblemPaternal leukocyte immunotherapy has been used as treatment for spontaneous recurrent miscarriage, however, controversies have raged against the factors influencing its success.MethodsFive hundred and forty‐nine women with three or more unexplained pregnancy losses were offered immunization. Two weeks after the second immunization, serum was tested for anti‐paternal cytotoxic antibody (APCA) by cross matching and if revealed positive she was advised pregnancy. Meanwhile, decision trees have been developed by Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis package to predict factors influencing APCA production and pregnancy.ResultsOf 549 subjects, 93 (16.9%) revealed to have positive APCA, among whom 49(52.7%) had clinically successful pregnancy (≥28 weeks). Patient's age, consanguinity between couples and previous history of surgery, and infectious, endocrine, immunologic, uterine and cervix disorders were inversely associated with APCA production and clinically successful pregnancy, whilst, number of children was a potent positive predictor.ConclusionLeukocyte immunization could be borne in mind as a therapeutic approach in selected subjects. Younger females with negative past medical history who are not frequent aborters are more likely to take benefit from this therapeutic approach if they do not have any familial relationship with their spouse.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐alpha in Gestation and Puerperium of Women with Gestational Hypertension and Pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Peraçoli José Carlos , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Peraçoli Maria Terezinha Serrão 
Published: February 2007

ProblemHigh plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in pregnant women have been associated with the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia (PE). This study evaluated TNF‐α plasma levels and monocyte production in gestational hypertension (GH) and PE during gestation and at puerperium.Method of studyThis study included 128 women, of whom 20 were non‐pregnant (NP) normotensive (NT), and 108 were pregnant: 36 NT, 27 with GH, and 45 with PE. Peripheral blood plasma was used for TNF‐α and uric acid determination. TNF‐α was determined in plasma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated and non‐stimulated monocyte supernatants by L929 bioassay.ResultsTumor necrosis factor‐alpha and uric acid plasma levels were higher in PE than in GH pregnancies. In both hypertensive groups, these parameters positively correlated and were significantly more elevated than in NT and NP women. TNF‐α plasma levels and monocyte production were higher in hypertensive than in NT women during gestation, and significantly decreased at puerperium. Although decreased, TNF‐α release in LPS‐stimulated PE monocytes, was still significantly higher than in the other pregnant groups.Conclusion In vivo monocyte activation in GH and PE pregnant women was characterized by in vitro TNF‐α production. The fact that higher circulating concentrations of TNF‐α and uric acid were observed in PE than in GH suggests an association with disease severity.
Putative Predictors of Antibodies Against Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone in Female Infertility: A Study Based on In Vitro Fertilization Patients
Authors: Haller Kadri , Salumets Andres , Grigorova Marina , Talja Ija , Salur Liina , Béné Marie Christine , Laan Maris , Uibo Raivo 
Published: February 2007

ProblemWe have previously demonstrated the presence of naturally occurring antibodies against follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we investigated the parameters associated with anti‐FSH antibodies in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients.Methods of studyThe following parameters were studied in 135 patients: peripheral FSH levels, FSH β‐subunit gene (FSHB) haplotypes, history of previous IVF, and susceptibility to autoimmune reactions in general [seven common autoantibodies (against nuclear antigens on human and rodent substrates, smooth muscle, gastric parietal cells, β2‐glycoprotein I, cardiolipin, and thyroid peroxidase) and HLA‐DQB1 alleles].ResultsAlthough the anti‐FSH levels were higher in patients when compared with controls, those higher levels were not associated with FSHB haplotypes. The anti‐FSH IgM associated with (i) the levels of FSH in women with male and tubal factor infertility; (ii) the history of IVF in patients with PCOS, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility; and (iii) the production of common autoantibodies among all IVF patients. The anti‐FSH IgA associated with HLA‐DQB1*03. The anti‐FSH IgG correlated with the values of anti‐FSH IgA and IgM.ConclusionAnti‐FSH may be naturally occurring antibodies associated with peripheral FSH concentrations, but increased in infertile women with dysregulation of immune reactions and repeatedly performed IVF.
Use of and satisfaction with Community Aged Care Packages in the eastern suburbs of Sydney
Authors: Thomas Marlene , Woodhouse Brian , Rees‐Mackenzie Jenny , Jeon Yun‐Hee 
Published: February 2007

Objective: The pilot study aimed to examine the accessibility and the flexibility of the Community Aged Care Package (CACP) program, and provide recommendations for further improvement. Method: Data were collected using structured interviews with 80 CACP recipients, and mail surveys with nine service coordinators of CACP services. Descriptive statistics and χ2 analysis were used for quantitative information, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: CACPs were utilised more frequently and for longer periods by clients with English‐speaking backgrounds and those living alone. The average level of client satisfaction with CACP was high, over 62% rating extremely satisfied. Participants expressed concerns related to CACPs including inflexibility, lack of communication between service providers and other health services, poor continuity and quality of care, inadequate funding, problems with recruitment, retention and support for staff. Conclusion: While the clients’ overall satisfaction levels were rated high, qualitative information suggested a need for improvement of the current delivery of the CACP program.
IκBα promoter polymorphisms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lin C‐H. , Ou T‐T. , Wu C‐C. , Tsai W‐C. , Liu H‐W. , Yen J‐H. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryTo investigate the role of inhibitor of κBα promoter polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 140 patients with RA and 115 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The IκBα promoter polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphisms method. In comparison with IκBα−826 C/C, the genotype frequency of IκBα−826 C/T was significantly higher in the patients with RA than that of the controls (P = 0.009, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2–3.4). The allele frequency of IκBα−826 T was also significantly increased in patients with RA when compared with that of the controls (P = 0.027, OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.4). In comparison with IκBα−550 A/A, the genotype frequency of IκBα−550 A/T was significantly decreased in patients with RA when compared with that of the controls (P = 0.02, OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.06–0.8). The allele frequency of IκBα−550 A was significantly increased in patients with RA (P = 0.007, OR = 5.1, 95% = 1.4–18.2). This study also revealed that the IκBα−826 T −550 A −519 C haplotype was significantly increased in patients with RA in comparison to that of controls (P = 0.01, OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1–2.8). The IκBα−826 T and −550 A alleles are associated with susceptibility to RA. Moreover, the IκBα−826 T −550 A −519 C haplotype is associated with susceptibility to RA in Taiwan.
Gold Electrodeposition On Silicon
Authors: Huang Qiang , Deligianni Hariklia (Lili) , Romankiw Lubomyr 
Published: February 2007

Gold electrodeposition on n-Si (100) surface was investigated by performing a detailed study on nucleation and growth. The effects of additives such as thallium, applied potential and current density, and bulk gold concentration were studied. With addition of thallium in the solution, enhancement and inhibition of the gold deposition were observed at low potential and high potential, respectively. The nucleation of gold on Si was found to depend on the Au concentration and applied potential as well as the Tl+ addition.	At low current densities Tl+ increases the Au nuclei size and decreases the density by catalyzing the nuclei growth. At high current densities, an opposite effect was observed. An adsorbed thallium intermediate species is proposed to explain both the catalytic and suppressive effects.
Uses of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Salts in Organic Syntheses
Authors: Billups W E. , Liang Feng , Chattopadhyay Jayanta , Beach Jonathan 
Published: February 2007

Reductive alkylation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using alkali metals and alkyl halides in liquid ammonia yields debundled sidewall-functionalized nanotubes that are soluble in common organic solvents. GC-MS analysis of the byproduct hydrocarbons demonstrates that alkyl radicals are intermediates in the alkylation step. Electron transfer from lithium to the SWNTs was investigated by in-situ monitoring of the Raman spectrum as lithium was added incrementally to a dispersion of the SWNTs in liquid ammonia. The electron/lithium uptake saturation level was determined to be ~C2/Li. This is similar to C2F, which is the limit found previously for direct fluorination of SWNTs.	TGA-FTIR analyses of samples prepared from sodium and potassium revealed radically different thermal behavior during detachment of the alkyl groups. These differences can be observed by analysis of the solid-state 13C NMR spectra of dodecylated SWNTs and may indicate the relative amounts of 1,2- and 1,4-addition products. SWNTs that have been functionalized by carboxylic acid groups can be PEGylated by H2N-mPEG-OMe (MW = 5000) to yield water soluble SWNTs.
Determination of Water in 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Cheek Graham T. , O'Grady William , Lawrence Steven 
Published: February 2007

Determination of water in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate has been carried out using both electrochemical and infrared spectroscopic methods. At platinum electrodes, voltammetric responses for water oxidation and reduction have been used to prepare calibration curves. It has been found that the water oxidation current at +2.4V vs Ag/AgCl is suitable for water determination to at least 40 mM. Infrared spectroscopy of water in quartz cells in the OH stretching region revealed an IR feature at 3550 cm- 1 for water additions to 20 mM, with another feature at 3650 cm-1 appearing at higher water concentrations.	For the low- frequency feature, a calibration curve is linear to 14 mM. Both electrochemical and IR methods provide a lower limit of detection of approximately 1 mM water in this ionic liquid.
Growth and Properties of Oxide Films on Platinum II. pH Dependence in Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Sun Adan , Macdonald Digby D. 
Published: February 2007

The kinetics of growth of the oxide film on platinum has been studied in alkaline solutions as a function of pH. The experimental data confirm the existence of steady states in the current and thickness. Diagnostic criteria for the dependence of the steady state current and thickness on applied potential and pH are derived from the PDM, in which the point defects in the barrier layer are postulated to be cation vacancies, cation interstitials, and oxygen vacancies. The steady state thickness is then predicted to vary linearly with the applied potential and pH. These predictions are in good agreement with the experimental findings.	The kinetic order of the barrier layer dissolution reaction with respect to the hydrogen ion concentration in the alkaline solutions is found to be negative, which indicates that the platinate anion might be formed during film dissolution.
Preparation of LiMn2O4 Micro Sphere for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Kanamura Kiyoshi , Chiba Takeshi , Dokko Kaoru , Kanno H. 
Published: February 2007

Spherical particles of LiMn2O4 were successfully prepared by homogeneous nucleation process. The obtained particles were characterized with Raman and X-ray diffraction methods to confirm its spinel structure. The spherical particles were accumulated on Pt substrate and then sintered.	The discharge and charge behaviors of this electrode were excellent even though binder and conducting materials were not involved in the electrode.	Moreover, the sintered electrode with polymer electrolyte could be charged and discharged even at room temperature.
Oxygen Reduction at the Pt/Recast-Nafion Film Interface. Effect of the Polymer Equivalent Weight.
Authors: Chlistunoff Jerzy , Uribe Francisco , Pivovar Bryan 
Published: February 2007

ORR at the interface between platinum and recast Nafion® with 1100 and 950 equivalent weights (N1100 and N950) was studied employing smooth Pt and Pt-black-covered ultramicroelectrodes.	At 100% relative humidity, the diffusion coefficient and solubility of oxygen in N950 are correspondingly higher and lower than in N1100, in accordance with the smaller volume fraction occupied by the hydrophobic component in N950. The ionomer surface restructuring, where the hydrophobic component is coming into contact with Pt with an increase in ORR overpotential (1) is more significant for N950. The inhibition of ORR caused by the restructuring is dramatically reduced at Pt-black-covered electrodes, where the complex interfacial geometry obstructs molecular motions, but the higher tendency of N950 to push out the hydrophobic component is reflected in the overall smaller accessible Pt black surface area for this ionomer. The potential consequences of restructuring on PEM fuel cell durability are discussed.
The p21Waf1 pathway is involved in blocking leukemogenesis by the t(8;21) fusion protein AML1-ETO
Authors: Peterson Luke F. , Yan Ming , Zhang Dong-Er 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe 8;21 translocation is a major contributor to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of the M2 classification occurring in approximately 40% of these cases. Multiple mouse models using this fusion protein demonstrate that AML1-ETO requires secondary mutagenic events to promote leukemogenesis. Here, we show that the negative cell cycle regulator p21WAF1 gene is up-regulated by AML1-ETO at the protein, RNA, and promoter levels. Retroviral transduction and hematopoietic cell transplantation experiments with p21WAF1-deficient cells show that AML1-ETO is able to promote leukemogenesis in the absence of p21WAF1. Thus, loss of p21WAF1 facilitates AML1-ETO–induced leukemogenesis, suggesting that mutagenic events in the p21WAF1 pathway to bypass the growth inhibitory effect from AML1-ETO–induced p21WAF1 expression can be a significant factor in AML1-ETO–associated acute myeloid leukemia.
PlnTFDB: an integrative plant transcription factor database
Authors: Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio , Ruzicic Slobodan , Dreyer Ingo , Mueller-Roeber Bernd 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulatory proteins that enhance or repress the transcriptional rate of their target genes by binding to specific promoter regions (i.e. cis-acting elements) upon activation or de-activation of upstream signaling cascades. TFs thus constitute master control elements of dynamic transcriptional networks. TFs have fundamental roles in almost all biological processes (development, growth and response to environmental factors) and it is assumed that they play immensely important functions in the evolution of species. In plants, TFs have been employed to manipulate various types of metabolic, developmental and stress response pathways. Cross-species comparison and identification of regulatory modules and hence TFs is thought to become increasingly important for the rational design of new plant biomass. Up to now, however, no computational repository is available that provides access to the largely complete sets of transcription factors of sequenced plant genomes.

Description
PlnTFDB is an integrative plant transcription factor database that provides a web interface to access large (close to complete) sets of transcription factors of several plant species, currently encompassing Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress), Populus trichocarpa (poplar), Oryza sativa (rice), Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Ostreococcus tauri. It also provides an access point to its daughter databases of a species-centered representation of transcription factors (OstreoTFDB, ChlamyTFDB, ArabTFDB, PoplarTFDB and RiceTFDB). Information including protein sequences, coding regions, genomic sequences, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), domain architecture and scientific literature is provided for each family.

Conclusion
We have created lists of putatively complete sets of transcription factors and other transcriptional regulators for five plant genomes. They are publicly available through http://plntfdb.bio.uni-potsdam.de. Further data will be included in the future when the sequences of other plant genomes become available.
Effective healthcare teams require effective team members: defining teamwork competencies
Authors: Leggat Sandra G 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundAlthough effective teamwork has been consistently identified as a requirement for enhanced clinical outcomes in the provision of healthcare, there is limited knowledge of what makes health professionals effective team members, and even less information on how to develop skills for teamwork. This study identified critical teamwork competencies for health service managers.MethodsMembers of a state branch of the professional association of Australian health service managers participated in a teamwork survey.ResultsThe 37% response rate enabled identification of a management teamwork competency set comprising leadership, knowledge of organizational goals and strategies and organizational commitment, respect for others, commitment to working collaboratively and to achieving a quality outcome.ConclusionAlthough not part of the research question the data suggested that the competencies for effective teamwork are perceived to be different for management and clinical teams, and there are differences in the perceptions of effective teamwork competencies between male and female health service managers. This study adds to the growing evidence that the focus on individual skill development and individual accountability and achievement that results from existing models of health professional training, and which is continually reinforced by human resource management practices within healthcare systems, is not consistent with the competencies required for effective teamwork.
A Critical Region in the Mineralocorticoid Receptor for Aldosterone Binding and Activation by Cortisol: Evidence for a Common Mechanism Governing Ligand Binding Specificity in Steroid Hormone Receptors
Authors: Rogerson Fraser M. , Yao Yi-Zhou , Elsass Romi E. , Dimopoulos Nektaria , Smith Brian J. , Fuller Peter J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe amino acids that confer aldosterone binding specificity to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) remain to be determined. We had previously analyzed a panel of chimeras created between the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor and determined that amino acids 804–874 of the MR ligand binding domain are critical for aldosterone binding. In the present study a further series of chimeras was created within this region. The chimeras were analyzed by a transactivation assay and [3H]aldosterone binding, and the critical region was narrowed down to amino acids 820–844. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to create single and multiple amino acid substitutions in this region. These studies identified 12 of the 16 amino acids that differ in the MR and the glucocorticoid receptor in this region as being critical to conferring aldosterone responsivity. The amino acids that differ in the region 820–844 lie on the surface of the molecule and, therefore, it appears that MR ligand binding selectivity is conferred by residues that do not form part of the ligand binding pocket. Other studies have found that the corresponding regions of the androgen and glucocorticoid receptors are critical for the binding of natural and synthetic ligands, suggesting a common mechanism governing ligand binding specificity. The new chimeras also displayed, as previously reported, a dissociation between cortisol binding and transactivation and, intriguingly, only those that bound aldosterone with high affinity were activated by cortisol, suggesting a common mechanism that underlies specificity of aldosterone binding and the ability of cortisol to activate the MR.
Obesity: Implementation of a Weight Management Pharmaceutical Care Service
Authors: Lloyd Kimberly Braxton , Thrower Margaret Ryman , Walters Natasha Boutwell , Krueger Kem P , Stamm Pamela L , Evans R Lee 
Published: February 2007

Background: Obesity, a national epidemic, is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the US. Pharmacists can play an integral role in weight management. Offering weight management services provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of pharmaceutical care and attract patients to pharmacy programs. Objective: To describe the implementation and evaluate outcomes of a weight management pharmaceutical care service in a stand alone pharmaceutical care center on a college campus. Methods: A retrospective review of data was conducted on 289 patient charts to evaluate the change in weight, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, and weight-related health conditions in patients who participated in the Healthy Habits program. Results: The net change (change in values observed from first to last appointment) in weight was a loss of 1021.8 kg. The maximum weight change (change seen from the first appointment to the lowest value obtained during the program) was a loss of 1530.5 kg. These values correspond to a net mean weight loss of 3.6 kg per patient (10% of baseline weight) and a maximum mean weight loss per patient of 5.5 kg (15% of baseline weight). Eighty-three patients were able to decrease their BMI category and 76 patients had a decrease in risk status from baseline. Conclusions: The Auburn University Pharmaceutical Care Center's Healthy Habits program has been successful in helping patients decrease total body weight, BMI, and risk of weight-related complications. In addition, the program has increased the opportunity to identify other pharmaceutical care needs of patients and help establish the role of pharmacists in the management of obesity.