bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Umbrellas: a Novel Class of Candidate Topical Microbicides To Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Authors: Madan Rebecca Pellett , Mesquita Pedro M. M. , Cheshenko Natalia , Jing Bingwen , Shende Vikas , Guzman Esmeralda , Heald Taylor , Keller Marla J. , Regen Steven L. , Shattock Robin J. , Herold Betsy C. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Molecular umbrella compounds may function as novel topical microbicides to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. In a preliminary structure-activity investigation, one umbrella compound, designated Spm8CHAS, was identified which inhibited both HIV and HSV infections with no cellular toxicity. The objectives of the current studies were to define its spectrum of antiviral activity, characterize its mechanism of action, and explore the possibility of combining Spm8CHAS with HIV-specific reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Spm8CHAS inhibited infections by laboratory and clinical R5 and X4 clade B and clade C HIV strains in cell culture. Ectocervical tissue explants exposed to HIV-1
BaL
in the presence of Spm8CHAS were completely protected (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], 13.6 μg/ml), and transfer of virus to target T cells via migratory cells was abolished (IC
50
, 3.8 μg/ml). Spm8CHAS inhibited HSV-2 infection of epithelial cells 10,000-fold if present throughout the infection. Notably, adding Spm8CHAS to cultures following HSV entry significantly reduced viral infection, indicating that the drug also acts postentry. Subsequent studies indicated that Spm8CHAS blocks cell-to-cell spread of HSV. Confocal microscopy using a fluorescently labeled analog of Spm8CHAS demonstrated that this conjugate crosses the plasma cell membrane and is transported to the nucleus. Combinations of Spm8CHAS with UC-781 or 9-[
R
-2-(phosphonylmethoxy)propyl] adenine monohydrate in vitro exhibited additive anti-HIV activity with preserved anti-HSV activity. The abilities of Spm8CHAS to inhibit primary isolates of HIV, block HSV infection postentry, and cross cell membranes support the development of a combination microbicide containing Spm8CHAS with an HIV-specific reverse transcriptase inhibitor to prevent both HIV and HSV infections by multiple mechanisms.
Strong Convergence Theorems of the CQ Method for Nonexpansive Semigroups
Authors: He Huimin , Chen Rudong 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMotivated by T. Suzuki, we show strong convergence theorems of the CQ method for nonexpansive semigroups in Hilbert spaces by hybrid method in the mathematical programming. The results presented extend and improve the corresponding results of Kazuhide Nakajo and Wataru Takahashi (2003).
A Multiplatform-Merged (MPM) SST Analysis
Authors: Wang Wanqiu , Xie Pingping 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPrevious observational studies indicated that local sea surface temperatures (SSTs) near the west coast of the United States, in the Gulf of California, and in the Gulf of Mexico have strong impacts on the North American monsoon (NAM) system. Simulations of the NAM by numerical models are also found to be sensitive to the specification of SSTs. Accordingly, a reliable SST dataset is essential for improving the understanding, simulation, and prediction of the NAM system. In this study, a new fine-resolution SST analysis is constructed by merging in situ observations from ships and buoys with retrievals from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites (NOAA-16 and NOAA-17), Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI), and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR). Called the multiplatform-merged (MPM) SST analysis, this new product of 3-hourly SST is defined on a 0.25° × 0.25° latitude–longitude grid over the Western Hemisphere (30°S–60°N, 180°–30°W). The analysis for the period of 15 May–30 September 2004 shows that the MPM is capable of capturing small-scale disturbances such as those associated with the tropical instability waves. It also depicts local sharp gradients around Baja California and the Gulf Stream with reasonable accuracy compared with the existing analyses. Experiments have been conducted to examine the impacts of the addition of satellite observations on the quality of the MPM analysis. Results showed that inclusion of observations from more satellites progressively improves the quantitative accuracy, especially for diurnal amplitude of the analysis, indicating the importance of accommodating observations from multiple platforms in depicting critical details in an SST analysis with high temporal and spatial resolutions.
Anti–factor H autoantibodies block C-terminal recognition function of factor H in hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Józsi Mihály , Strobel Stefanie , Dahse Hans-Martin , Liu Wei-shih , Hoyer Peter F. , Oppermann Martin , Skerka Christine , Zipfel Peter F. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The atypical form of the kidney disease hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with defective complement regulation. In addition to mutations in complement regulators, factor H (FH)–specific autoantibodies have been reported for aHUS patients. The aim of the present study was to understand the role of these autoantibodies in aHUS. First, the binding sites of FH autoantibodies from 5 unrelated aHUS patients were mapped using recombinant FH fragments and competitor antibodies. For all 5 autoantibodies, the binding site was localized to the FH C-terminus. In a functional assay, isolated patient IgG inhibited FH binding to C3b. In addition, autoantibody-positive patients' plasma caused enhanced hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes, which was reversed by adding FH in excess. These results suggest that aHUS-associated FH autoantibodies mimic the effect of C-terminal FH mutations, as they inhibit the regulatory function of FH at cell surfaces by blocking its C-terminal recognition region.
Quantitative gene expression assessment identifies appropriate cell line models for individual cervical cancer pathways
Authors: Carlson Mark W , Iyer Vishwanath R , Marcotte Edward M 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Cell lines have been used to study cancer for decades, but truly quantitative assessment of their performance as models is often lacking. We used gene expression profiling to quantitatively assess the gene expression of nine cell line models of cervical cancer.

Results
We find a wide variation in the extent to which different cell culture models mimic late-stage invasive cervical cancer biopsies. The lowest agreement was from monolayer HeLa cells, a common cervical cancer model; the highest agreement was from primary epithelial cells, C4-I, and C4-II cell lines. In addition, HeLa and SiHa cell lines cultured in an organotypic environment increased their correlation to cervical cancer significantly. We also find wide variation in agreement when we considered how well individual biological pathways model cervical cancer. Cell lines with an anti-correlation to cervical cancer were also identified and should be avoided.

Conclusion
Using gene expression profiling and quantitative analysis, we have characterized nine cell lines with respect to how well they serve as models of cervical cancer. Applying this method to individual pathways, we identified the appropriateness of particular cell lines for studying specific pathways in cervical cancer. This study will allow researchers to choose a cell line with the highest correlation to cervical cancer at a pathway level. This method is applicable to other cancers and could be used to identify the appropriate cell line and growth condition to employ when studying other cancers.
Low CD4 count plus coma predicts cryptococcal meningitis in Tanzania
Authors: Kisenge Peter R , Hawkins Alexander T , Maro Venance P , Mchele John PD , Swai Ndealilia S , Mueller Andreas , Houpt Eric R 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Largely due to the lack of diagnostic reagents, the prevalence and clinical presentation of cryptococcal meningitis in Tanzania is poorly understood. This in turn is limiting the impact of increased fluconazole availability.

Methods
We evaluated a cohort of 149 consecutive HIV-infected adult inpatients presenting with headache or altered mental status for clinical features, CD4 count, cryptococcal infection, and outcome. Cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed via India ink and latex agglutination assay of CSF (n = 24 and 40 positive, respectively). Associations between cryptococcal meningitis and clinical features were evaluated by t-test. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of such features were determined.

Results
Cryptococcal meningitis was associated with confusion, social withdrawal, seizures, fever, tachycardia, meningismus, oral candidiasis, and low Glasgow coma scales and CD4 count. CD4 count < 100/μl provided the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis (93%), coma (Glasgow coma scale ≤ 8) provided the highest specificity (84%), and the combination provided the highest positive likelihood ratio (3.8). All cryptococcal meningitis patients were initiated on 800 milligrams of fluconazole daily and 50% survived to discharge, however no clinical or laboratory findings correlated with prognosis.

Conclusion
Cryptococcal meningitis is common among Tanzanian HIV inpatients presenting with headache or altered mental status. Purely clinical features are insensitive for establishing the diagnosis or prognosis. We advocate expanding laboratory capacity for cryptococcal antigen testing to maximize survival.
Use of over-the-counter malaria medicines in children and adults in three districts in Kenya: implications for private medicine retailer interventions
Authors: Abuya Timothy O , Mutemi Wilfred , Karisa Baya , Ochola Sam A , Fegan Greg , Marsh Vicki 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Global malaria control strategies highlight the need to increase early uptake of effective antimalarials for childhood fevers in endemic settings, based on a presumptive diagnosis of malaria in this age group. Many control programmes identify private medicine sellers as important targets to promote effective early treatment, based on reported widespread inadequate childhood fever treatment practices involving the retail sector. Data on adult use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is limited. This study aimed to assess childhood and adult patterns of OTC medicine use to inform national medicine retailer programmes in Kenya and other similar settings.

Methods
Large-scale cluster randomized surveys of treatment seeking practices and malaria parasite prevalence were conducted for recent fevers in children under five years and recent acute illnesses in adults in three districts in Kenya with differing malaria endemicity.

Results
A total of 12, 445 households were visited and data collected on recent illnesses in 11, 505 children and 19, 914 adults. OTC medicines were the most popular first response to fever in children with fever (47.0%; 95% CI 45.5, 48.5) and adults with acute illnesses (56.8%; 95% CI 55.2, 58.3). 36.9% (95% CI 34.7, 39.2) adults and 22.7% (95% CI 20.9, 24.6) children using OTC medicines purchased antimalarials, with similar proportions in low and high endemicity districts. 1.9% (95% CI 0.8, 4.2) adults and 12.1% (95% CI 16.3,34.2) children used multidose antimalarials appropriately. Although the majority of children and adults sought no further treatment, self-referral to a health facility within 72 hours of illness onset was the commonest pattern amongst those seeking further help.

Conclusion
In these surveys, OTC medicines were popular first treatments for fever in children or acute illnesses in adults. The proportions using OTC antimalarials were similar in areas of high and low malaria endemicity. In all districts, adults were more likely to self-treat with OTC antimalarial medicines than febrile children were to receive them, and less likely to use them in recommended ways. Government health centres were the most common second resort for treatment and were often used within 72 hours. In view of these practices, more research is needed to assess the impact on the popularity of private medicine sellers of strengthened public sector policies on access to malaria treatment and insecticide-treated bed nets. Improved targeting of OTC antimalarials to high risk groups, better communication strategies regarding adult as well as children's dosages, and facilitating more rapid referral to trained health workers where needed are important challenges to private medicine seller programmes.
A survey of Chinese herbal ingredients with liver protection activities
Authors: Wang Rubin , Kong John , Wang Dali , Lien Linda Lin-min , Lien Eric Jung-chi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A literature survey was conducted on herbs, their preparations and ingredients with reported liver protection activities, in which a total of 274 different species and hundreds of active ingredients have been examined. These ingredients can be roughly classified into two categories according to their activities: (1) the main ingredients, such as silybin, osthole, coumarin, glycyrrhizin, saikosaponin A, schisandrin A, flavonoids; and (2) supporting substances, such as sugars, amino acids, resins, tannins and volatile oil. Among them, some active ingredients have hepatoprotective activities (e.g. anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulating and liver cirrhosis-regulating effects). Calculation of physicochemical parameters indicates that the main ingredients with negative and positive Elumo values possibly display their hepatoprotective effects through different mechanisms, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. As the combination of herbs may achieve some treatment effects synergistically and/or additively, it is common in Chinese medicine to use mixtures of various medicinal herbs with pharmacologically active compounds to have synergistic and/or additive effects, or to reduce harmful effects of some pharmacologically active compounds. In particular, the active compounds with Clog P around 2 are suitable for passive transport across membranes and accessible to the target sites. Thus, Elumo and Clog P values are good indicators among the calculated parameters.
Seven different physicochemical parameters (MW, Clog P, CMR, μ, Ehomo, Elumo and Hf) and four major biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral/antitumor and immunomodulating) are discussed in this review. It is hoped that the discussion may provide some leads in the development of new hepatoprotective drugs.
Identification of conserved gene expression features between murine mammary carcinoma models and human breast tumors
Authors: Herschkowitz Jason I , Simin Karl , Weigman Victor J , Mikaelian Igor , Usary Jerry , Hu Zhiyuan , Rasmussen Karen E , Jones Laundette P , Assefnia Shahin , Chandrasekharan Subhashini , Backlund Michael G , Yin Yuzhi , Khramtsov Andrey I , Bastein Roy , Quackenbush John , Glazer Robert I , Brown Powel H , Green Jeffrey E , Kopelovich Levy , Furth Priscilla A , Palazzo Juan P , Olopade Olufunmilayo I , Bernard Philip S , Churchill Gary A , Van Dyke Terry , Perou Charles M 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background
Although numerous mouse models of breast carcinomas have been developed, we do not know the extent to which any faithfully represent clinically significant human phenotypes. To address this need, we characterized mammary tumor gene expression profiles from 13 different murine models using DNA microarrays and compared the resulting data to those from human breast tumors.

Results
Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis showed that six models (TgWAP-Myc, TgMMTV-Neu, TgMMTV-PyMT, TgWAP-Int3, TgWAP-Tag, and TgC3(1)-Tag) yielded tumors with distinctive and homogeneous expression patterns within each strain. However, in each of four other models (TgWAP-T
121
, TgMMTV-Wnt1, Brca1
Co/Co
;TgMMTV-Cre;p53+/- and DMBA-induced), tumors with a variety of histologies and expression profiles developed. In many models, similarities to human breast tumors were recognized, including proliferation and human breast tumor subtype signatures. Significantly, tumors of several models displayed characteristics of human basal-like breast tumors, including two models with induced Brca1 deficiencies. Tumors of other murine models shared features and trended towards significance of gene enrichment with human luminal tumors; however, these murine tumors lacked expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and ER-regulated genes. TgMMTV-Neu tumors did not have a significant gene overlap with the human HER2+/ER- subtype and were more similar to human luminal tumors.

Conclusion
Many of the defining characteristics of human subtypes were conserved among the mouse models. Although no single mouse model recapitulated all the expression features of a given human subtype, these shared expression features provide a common framework for an improved integration of murine mammary tumor models with human breast tumors.
Iterative control in automotive testing
Authors: Hay N. C. , Roberts D. E. 
Published: May 2007

Road simulator test rigs investigate both the durability and the squeak and rattle characteristics of vehicle structures. The test specimens are the whole vehicle or a sub-structure taken from the vehicle. In laboratory simulation tests, random time series of strain, displacement, or acceleration, which represent service conditions, are reproduced at specified locations within the structure. These responses are formulated from measurements made on the road or at a specialized proving ground. The premise is that reproducing these responses recreates service strain throughout the structure. The test rigs are normally driven by hydraulics and form multiple channel non-linear dynamic systems. Time series drive files that reproduce the strain are generated to excite the test rig. These are determined using an iterative procedure that overcomes the deficiencies of the hydraulics, channel interaction, and non-linearity in the system. The current paper outlines a new iterative algorithm with better convergence than the commonly used iterative algorithm which does not always converge. This new iterative algorithm is demonstrated in numerical simulations that represent typical automotive engineering systems.
Quantification of Alkylresorcinol Metabolites in Urine by HPLC with Coulometric Electrode Array Detection
Authors: Koskela Anja , Linko-Parvinen Anna-Maria , Hiisivuori Perttu , Samaletdin Adile , Kamal-Eldin Afaf , Tikkanen Matti J , Adlercreutz Herman 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background: Whole-grain rye and wheat cereals contain high amounts of alkylresorcinols (ARs), phenolic lipids. ARs can be quantified in plasma. Two recently identified urinary AR metabolites, 3,5-dihydroxyphenylbenzoic acid (DHBA) and 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanoic acid (DHPPA), may be useful as biomarkers of intake of whole-grain rye and wheat.
Methods: We evaluated 4 pretreatment protocols for quantifying urinary DHBA and DHPPA using HPLC coupled with a coulometric electrode array detector. Syringic acid was used as the internal calibrator.
Results: Measured urinary concentrations of DHBA and DHPPA were 0.8–115 μmol/L. The mean recoveries of all added concentrations were 85%–104% for DHBA and 86%–99% for DHPPA, depending on the degree of the purification. The protocol versions with less purification correlated well with the protocol including highest purification. The correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.9699–0.8153 for DHBA and 0.9854–0.8371 for DHPPA.
Conclusion: Although the protocol with the most purification steps was most specific, all protocols were suitable for measuring DHBA and DHPPA in urine. The rapid protocol with simple hydrolysis could be used in large-scale clinical studies. Additional investigation is needed to clarify whether these metabolites are useful biomarkers of whole-grain intake and helpful in the exploration of its association with human diseases.
Intraindividual Stability of Human Erythrocyte Cholinesterase Activity
Authors: Lefkowitz Lee J , Kupina Joseph M , Hirth Nigel L , Henry Rachel M , Noland Georgia Y , Barbee John Y , Zhou Joey Y , Weese Coleen B 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background: Erythrocyte cholinesterase (RBC-ChE) activities serve as useful and sensitive biomarkers to monitor exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting substances, such as chemical warfare nerve agents and pesticides. Although the interindividual variation of RBC-ChE is well characterized, the magnitude of intraindividual variation for RBC-ChE remains controversial. An accurate measure of intraindividual variation is critical for establishing the appropriate frequency of RBC-ChE testing.
Methods: We retrospectively tracked the intraindividual variation of RBC-ChE activities among 46 male nerve agent workers from a single US Army depot that participated in a medical surveillance program requiring periodic RBC-ChE monitoring. All RBC-ChE analysis was performed by the same medical laboratory technician by the delta pH method.
Results: A mean of 38 and a median of 37 RBC-ChE measurements were available for each worker. The mean duration of employment for these workers was 20 years (median, 21 years). The mean CV for RBC-ChE in this set of 46 workers was 3.9%. Linear regression analysis of the data for each worker resulted in a mean slope of 0.0010 delta pH units/h per year.
Conclusions: RBC-ChE activities increased in each person by a mean of 0.01 delta pH units/h every 10 years, which is a negligible rate. These findings highlight the stability of RBC-ChE activities over time in a given individual and may have important policy implications regarding the appropriate frequency of RBC-ChE testing.
A Model for an Uncertainty Budget for Preanalytical Variables in Clinical Chemistry Analyses
Authors: Rynning Marit , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Bolann Bjørn J 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background: We sought a practical method to calculate preanalytical uncertainties. In clinical chemistry measurements, the combined preanalytical uncertainty is a function of the magnitude and probability distribution of the different uncertainty sources and the number of such sources.
Methods: Results from an optimal practice for handling of the blood samples (termed the standard method) were compared with alternative methods that deviate from the standard method but are used in current practice. For categorically distributed uncertainty sources (e.g., use of different kinds of blood tubes), alternative treatments were modeled discretely using a known probability distribution for each alternative. For continuously distributed sources (e.g., clotting time), we assumed a rectangular distribution. We calculated the expectation, variance, and SD of differences between results from current practice and the standard method. We tabulated uncertainty budgets for the differences between current practice and the standard method for each uncertainty source. The expected individual biases and variances were summed to obtain the combined expected bias and variance.
Results: The combined expected bias (SD) for glucose was −0.15 (0.130) mmol/L, with prolonged clotting time giving the greatest contribution. The combined expected bias (SD) for calcium was −0.011 (0.0182) mmol/L, for magnesium 0.006 (0.026) mmol/L, and for creatinine 0.5 (1.81) μmol/L.
Conclusion: By comparing a standard method for preanalytical sample handling to alternative methods used in current practice, and considering the distribution of alternative methods, our modeling approach allows the development of an uncertainty budget for preanalytical variables in clinical chemistry analyses.