bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the preventative effects exerted by two probiotics,Lactobacillus reuteriandLactobacillus fermentum, in the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid model of rat colitis
Authors: Peran Laura , Sierra Saleta , Comalada Mònica , Lara-Villoslada Federico , Bailón Elvira , Nieto Ana , Concha Ángel , Olivares Mónica , Zarzuelo Antonio , Xaus Jordi , Gálvez Julio 
Published: January 2007

The intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of two probiotics isolated from breast milk,Lactobacillus reuteriandL. fermentum, were evaluated and compared in the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model of rat colitis. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic administration of 10 mg TNBS dissolved in 50 % ethanol (0·25 ml). EitherL. reuteriorL. fermentumwas daily administered orally (5 × 108colony-forming units suspended in 0·5 ml skimmed milk) to each group of rats (n10) for 3 weeks, starting 2 weeks before colitis induction. Colonic damage was evaluated histologically and biochemically, and the colonic luminal contents were used for bacterial studies and for SCFA production. Both probiotics showed intestinal anti-inflammatory effects in this model of experimental colitis, as evidenced histologically and by a significant reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase activity (P < 0·05).L. fermentumsignificantly counteracted the colonic glutathione depletion induced by the inflammatory process. In addition, both probiotics lowered colonic TNFα levels (P < 0·01) and inducible NO synthase expression when compared with non-treated rats; however, the decrease in colonic cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression was only achieved withL. fermentumadministration. Finally, the two probiotics induced the growth of Lactobacilli species in comparison with control colitic rats, but the production of SCFA in colonic contents was only increased whenL. fermentumwas given. In conclusion,L. fermentumcan exert beneficial immunomodulatory properties in inflammatory bowel disease, being more effective thanL. reuteri, a probiotic with reputed efficacy in promoting beneficial effects on human health.
Detection of antibodies to Japanese encephalitis virus in the wild boars in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan
Authors: HAMANO M. , LIM C. K. , TAKAGI H. , SAWABE K. , KUWAYAMA M. , KISHI N. , KURANE I. , TAKASAKI T. 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARYSerum specimens were collected from 25 wild boars in Hiroshima prefecture located in the western region of Japan from November 2004 to February 2005. The sera were tested for antibodies to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) by IgM capture and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test. Seventeen samples (68%) were positive for neutralizing antibody to JEV. All the neutralizing antibody-positive samples were positive for IgG-ELISA. One was also positive for IgM. The results indicate that approximately 70% of the wild boars were positive for anti-JEV antibody, and raises the possibility that wild boars may play a role in the infectious cycle of JEV in this region.
Optimizing typhoid fever case definitions by combining serological tests in a large population study in Hechi City, China
Authors: DONG B. , GALINDO C. M. , SHIN E. , ACOSTA C. J. , PAGE A. L. , WANG M. , KIM D. , OCHIAI R. L. , PARK J. , ALI M. , SEIDLEIN L. V. , XU Z. , YANG J. , CLEMENS J. D. 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARYBlood culture-based diagnosis can only detect a fraction of the total burden ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Typhi. The objective of the study was to detect additional typhoid fever cases through serological tests. A total of 1732 prolonged fever episodes were evaluated using three serological tests, Widal, Tubex®and Typhidot-M®in a typhoid fever endemic area of southern China. A case definition which included a positive Widal test (TO⩾80 & TH>A), a positive Tubex®test (⩾4) and a positive Typhidot-M®test, increased the detection of cases by more than twofold from 13 to 28 cases. The case definition has a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 39%. Case definitions based on combinations of serological tests can detect additional typhoid fever cases with higher specificity than a single serological test. Improved case detection is essential to understand the true disease burden and can help to boost the power of intervention trials.
ProMSED: protein multiple sequence editor for Windows 3.11/95
Authors: Frolov Anatoly S. , Pika Irina S. , Eroshkin Alexey M. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Motivation: Most protein sequence alignment algorithms give similar results on closely related proteins, while manual intervention may be needed for distantly related molecules. To correct the alignment, it is often necessary to repeat calculations on selected parts of the alignments and edit the alignment manually. Software implementing such interactive alignment procedures is of significance.
Results: This paper presents a new MS Windows application called ProMSED for both automatic and manual protein sequence alignment. The program reads main sequence formats and has a user-friendly interface. ProMSED performs automatic (ClustalV algorithm) alignments, alignment visualization and editing, and it allows sequences to be aligned interactively leaving previously aligned regions unchanged. Manual alignment and sequence analysis are facilitated by colouring schemes reflecting amino acid similarity of mutational and physicochemical properties. The interactive alignment of a diverged set of reverse transcriptases has located four out of six known conserved motifs.
Availability: ProMSED is available on request from the authors. DEMO is available from ftp://ftp.ebi.ac.uk/pub/software/dos/promsed/ or ftp://iubio.bio.indiana.edu/molbio/ibmpc/.
A preliminary crown biomass table for even-aged Picea abies stands in Switzerland
Authors: Usoltsev V. A. , Hoffmann C. W. 
Published: January 2007

Summary
The assessment of biomass and biomass changes due to environmental influences requires not only stem or merchantable mass, but also branches and needles. They have been of relatively lit-tle importance to forest managers to date, but their inclusion in models can make the resulting predictions more precise. A hybrid method is described to derive regressions for site quality, needle and branch biomass for individual Picea abies trees. By using Swiss stand table data on tree density distributions, a traditional yield table for branch and needle biomass is computed, and from these, regressions are derived which use only age and site quality as independent vari-ables. Three tables for typical site qualities are given. The tabulated regressions include pseudo-probability values, coefficients of determination and estimated standard error for the overall models.
These biomass fractions comprise a varying fraction of the tree, being important at low ages and much less so at later ages.
Kinetics of Tissue Distribution and Elimination of Pyrene and 1-Hydroxypyrene Following Intravenous Administration of [14C]Pyrene in Rats
Authors: Bouchard Michéle , Krishnan Kannan , Viau Claude 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The tissue distribution and elimination of pyrene and 1-hydroxy-pyrene (1-OHP) were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats (210–240 g) following an intravenous injection of 50 μmol/kg of [14C]pyrene. Blood and tissues were removed and urine and feces were collected at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h postdosing. [14C]Pyrene equivalents were measured by liquid scintillation counting, and β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase-treated blood, tissues, and excreta were analyzed for pyrene and 1-OHP by HPLC/fluorescence. At 1 h, the largest fraction of the dose was found in adipose tissue, essentially as pyrene, and its elimination followed first-order monophasic kinetics with a half-life (t½) of 4.9 h. In blood, liver, kidney, lung, muscle, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kinetics of [14C]pyrene equivalents were biphasic and average t½ values for the terminal elimination phase (8 to 24 h) ranged between 6.2 and 8.7 h. Elimination of pyrene in blood and these tissues except the GI tract followed first-order biphasic kinetics with average t½ values of the terminal phase ranging between 3.6 and 5.4 h. In the GI tract, a monophasic elimination kinetics of pyrene was observed with mean t½ value of 3.1 h. Kinetics of 1-OHP in blood and liver showed a monophasic elimination with mean t½ values of 6.7 and 6.2 h, respectively. Kinetics of 1-OHP in the other tissues were biphasic with average t½ values of the terminal elimination phase ranging between 5.2 and 6.2 h. At 24 h, on average, 81.7% of the dose was recovered in the urine (57.2%), feces (18.3%), and GI tract (6.2%) as [14C]pyrene equivalents with 2.7 and 1.9% of dose excreted as total 1-OHP in urine and feces, respectively. At all time points, 1-OHP in urine represented a constant fraction of total 14C in urine and feces. These results indicate that (i) [14C]pyrene was rapidly distributed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body, and (ii) although 1-OHP represents a small percentage of total pyrene eliminated from the body, it remains a reliable indicator of systemic exposure to, and overall elimination of the 14C associated with, this polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Protein binding of cefazolin is saturable in vivo both between and within patients
Authors: Vella‐Brincat Jane W. A. , Begg Evan J. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. J. , Zhang Mei , Chambers Stephen T. , Gallagher Kate 
Published: January 2007

AimsThe aims of the study were a) to determine if there is evidence of saturable protein binding of cefazolin in plasma across the range of concentrations achieved clinically (between patient variability) and b) to investigate whether saturable protein binding is also evident from trough and peak concentrations in the same patient (within patient variability).MethodsUnbound and total plasma concentrations were measured in patients who were treated with cefazolin intravenously by continuous infusion or intermittent injection. In study (i) single random samples were taken from one series of patients. In study (ii) paired samples (troughs and peaks) were taken from a second series of patients.ResultsThirty‐one patients were included in study (i). Linear regression analysis of the percentage unbound vs. unbound plasma concentrations revealed a slope significantly different from zero, suggesting saturable protein binding. Mean values for percentage unbound ranged from 9% at low concentrations (8.5 mg l−1) to 51% at high concentrations (140 mg l−1). Twelve patients were investigated in study (ii). Values for protein binding ranged from 85% at low concentrations (2.7 mg l−1) to 52% at high concentrations (200.3 mg l−1). The percentage unbound was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) at high (peak) concentrations than at lower (trough) concentrations, confirming saturable protein binding.ConclusionsThe protein binding of cefazolin is saturable in vivo in humans, both between and within patients.
The haematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index score is predictive of early death and survival in patients over 60 years of age receiving induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia.
Authors: Giles Francis J. , Borthakur Gautam , Ravandi Farhad , Faderl Stefan , Verstovsek Srdan , Thomas Deborah , Wierda William , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Kornblau Steven , Pierce Sherry , Albitar Maher , Cortes Jorge , Kantarjian Hagop 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe haematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCTCI) predicts nonrelapse mortality and overall survival (OS) post‐stem cell transplantation. HCTCI scores were assessed in 177 patients over 60 years of age receiving acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) induction therapy. HCTCI score was 0 in 22% of patients, 1–2 in 30%, and ≥3 in 48%. In patients with scores of 0, 1–2, or ≥3, early death rates were 3%, 11% and 29% (P < 0·001) respectively; median OS was 45, 31 and 19 weeks (P = 0·04) respectively. The HCTCI score is predictive of early death rates and OS in older patients receiving AML induction therapy.
Reduction of high fetal loss rate by anticoagulant treatment during pregnancy in antithrombin, protein C or protein S deficient women
Authors: Folkeringa Nienke , Brouwer Jan Leendert P. , Korteweg Fleurisca J. , Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Erwich Jan Jaap H. M. , Holm Jozien P. , Van Der Meer Jan 
Published: January 2007

SummaryHereditary thrombophilia is associated with an increased risk of fetal loss. Assuming that fetal loss is due to placental thrombosis, anticoagulant treatment might improve pregnancy outcome. In an observational family cohort study, we prospectively assessed the effects of anticoagulant drugs on fetal loss rates in women with hereditary deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C or protein S. The cohort contained 376 women (50 probands and 326 deficient or non‐deficient relatives). Probands were consecutive deficient patients with venous tromboembolism. Thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy was recommended in deficient women, irrespective of prior venous thromboembolism, and in non‐deficient women with prior venous thromboembolism. Outcome of first pregnancy was analysed in 55 eligible women. Of 37 deficient women, 26 (70%) received thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy, compared with three of 18 (17%) non‐deficient women. Fetal loss rates were 0% in deficient women with thromboprophylaxis versus 45% in deficient women without (P = 0·001) and 7% in non‐deficient women without thromboprophylaxis (P = 0·37). The adjusted relative risk of fetal loss in women who received thromboprophylaxis versus women who did not was 0·07 (95% confidence interval 0·001–0·7; P = 0·02). Our data suggest that anticoagulant treatment during pregnancy reduces the high fetal loss rate in women with hereditary deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C or protein S.
Abnormalities of chromosome 1p/q are highly associated with chromosome 13/13q deletions and are an adverse prognostic factor for the outcome of high‐dose chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Wu Ka Lung , Beverloo Berna , Lokhorst Henk M. , Segeren Christine M. , Van Der Holt Bronno , Steijaert Monique M. , Westveer Petra H. , Poddighe Pino J. , Verhoef Gregor E. , Sonneveld Pieter ,   for the Dutch‐Belgian Haemato‐Oncology Cooperative Study Group (HOVON) and the Dutch Working Party on Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics (NWCGC)
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe prognostic value of chromosomal abnormalities was studied in untreated multiple myeloma patients who were registered into a prospective randomised multicentre phase 3 study for intensified treatment (HOVON24). A total of 453 patients aged less than 66 years with stage II and III A/B disease were registered in the clinical study. Cytogenetic analysis was introduced as a standard diagnostic assay in 1998. It was performed at diagnosis in 160 patients and was successful in 137/160 patients (86%). An abnormal karyotype was observed in 53/137 (39%) of the patients. Abnormalities of chromosome 1p and 1q were found in 19 (36% of patients with an abnormal karyotype) and 21 patients (40%). There was a strong association between chromosome 1p and/or 1q abnormalities and deletion of chromosome 13 or 13q (n = 27, P < 0·001). Patients with karyotypic abnormalities had a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than patients with normal karyotypes. Complex abnormalities, hypodiploidy, chromosome 1p abnormalities, chromosome 1q abnormalities, and chromosome 13 abnormalities were associated with inferior OS on univariate analysis, as well as after adjustment for other prognostic factors. In conclusion, chromosome 13 abnormalities and chromosome 1p and/or 1q abnormalities were highly associated, and are risk factors for poor outcome after intensive therapy in multiple myeloma.
Epstein–Barr virus T‐cell immunity despite rituximab
Authors: Nehring Angela K. , Dua Ujjwal , Mollee Peter , Gill Devinder , Grimmett Karen , Khanna Rajiv , Moss Denis , Gandhi Maher K. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryImmunosuppression following solid organ transplantation results in impaired T‐cell immunity and risk of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). The B‐cell targeting antibody rituximab has efficacy in PTLD. As B cells are the principle reservoir for EBV, we investigated the effect of rituximab on the persistence of EBV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell immunity. To avoid the confounding factor of concurrent immunosuppression to prevent transplant rejection, immunity was analysed in non‐transplanted lymphoma patients (i.e. a non‐PTLD setting). Cytomegalovirus‐specific T‐cell immunity was assessed as an internal control. Our data demonstrated that circulating B cells were not critical for maintaining EBV‐specific T‐cell immunity.
Cancer‐testis antigens in haematological malignancies
Authors: Meklat Farouk , Li Zhanfei , Wang Zhiqing , Zhang Yana , Zhang Jian , Jewell Andrew , Lim Seah H 
Published: January 2007

SummaryImmunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option for patients with haematological malignancies. Until recently, the progress in the development of tumour vaccines for haematological malignancies had been slow due to the lack of suitable targets. Cancer‐testis (CT) antigens are potentially suitable molecules for tumour vaccines of haematological malignancies because of their high immunogenicity in vivo and their relatively restricted normal tissue distribution. This review evaluates the properties and potential functions of CT antigens. We discuss the expression of CT antigens in patient with haematological malignancies and provide evidence in support of their immunogenicity in vivo in these patients. We also address the role of ‘epigenetic’ regulation of CT antigens in haematological malignancies and how hypomethylating agents could induce the expression of some of these antigens in tumour cells to overcome the problem of heterogeneity of expression of the antigen within individual tumour specimens. Data implicating the interaction of the promoter genes of some of these CT antigens with the MeCP2 protein also suggest the potential role of the histone deacetylase inhibitors in inducing antigen expression in tumour cells. Finally, we discuss the direction of future research in advancing the development of tumour vaccines for haematological malignancies.
Effect of myeloablative bone marrow transplantation on growth in children with sickle cell anaemia: results of the multicenter study of haematopoietic cell transplantation for sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Eggleston B. , Patience M. , Edwards S. , Adamkiewicz T. , Buchanan G. R. , Davies S. C. , Dickerhoff R. , Donfield S. , Feig S. A. , Giller R. H. , Haight A. , Horan J. , Hsu L. L. , Kamani N. , Lane P. , Levine J. E. , Margolis D. , Moore T. B. , Ohene‐Frempong K. , Redding‐Lallinger R. , Roberts I. A. G. , Rogers Z. R. , Sanders J. E. , Scott J. P. , Sleight B. , Thompson A. A. , Sullivan K. M. , Walters M. C. ,   for the Multicenter Study of HCT for SCA*
Published: January 2007

SummaryAlthough haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative for sickle cell anaemia (SCA), concerns about its short‐ and long‐term toxicities limit its application. A potential toxicity is an adverse effect on growth. To identify an HCT growth effect, serial height and weight measurements from 53 children and adolescents with SCA after receiving a transplant were compared to historical controls. Hierarchical Linear Models for longitudinal data were used for analysis. In general growth was not impaired by HCT for SCA in young children; however, diminished growth may occur if HCT is carried out near or during the adolescent growth spurt.
Validation of a measure of maternal perception of the child’s health status
Authors: Monette S. , Séguin L. , Gauvin L. , Nikiéma B. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  The main objective of this population‐based and cross‐sectional study was to determine the validity of maternal perception as an indicator of the 17‐month‐old child’s health status.Methods  Data from this study came from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD, Round 1999) which was based on a representative sample of babies born in Québec in 1997 and 1998. The analyses were based on the 2045 children aged 17 months who participated in the survey in 1999. Maternal perception of the child’s health status was examined as a function of a series of children’s health indicators, namely the presence of acute health problems (last 3 months), asthma attacks since birth, presence of chronic problem and hospitalizations during the previous 12 months. Confounding influences of both maternal and child‐related characteristics were controlled in the analyses.Results  Sequential logistic regressions indicated that maternal perception was strongly associated with the different health indicators even after controlling for confounding variables. However, a significant interaction between the child’s gender and the presence of chronic health problems was observed. The association between maternal perception of the child’s health and the presence of chronic health problems was stronger for boys than for girls.Conclusions  The analyses confirm that the mother’s perception of the health status of her 17‐month‐old child corresponds with the actual health status of the child as reflected by the presence or absence of selected health problems.
Continuity of care and general wellbeing of patients with comorbidities requiring joint replacement
Authors: Williams Allison , Dunning Trisha , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: January 2007

Abstract Title. Continuity of care and general wellbeing of patients with comorbidities requiring joint replacement Aim.  The aim of this paper is to examine the continuity of care and general wellbeing of patients with comorbidities undergoing elective total hip or knee joint replacement.Background.  Advances in medical science and improved lifestyles have reduced mortality rates in most Western countries. As a result, there is an ageing population with a concomitant growth in the number of people who are living with multiple chronic illnesses, commonly referred to as comorbidities. These patients often require acute care services, creating a blend of acute and chronic illness needs. For example, joint replacement surgery is frequently performed to improve impaired mobility associated with osteoarthritis.Method.  A purposive sample of twenty participants with multiple comorbidities who required joint replacement surgery was recruited to obtain survey, interview and medical record audit data. Data were collected during 2004 and 2005.Findings.  Comorbidity care was poorly co‐ordinated prior to having surgery, during the acute care stay and following surgery and primarily entailed prescribed medicines. The main focus in acute care was patient throughput following joint replacement surgery according to a prescribed clinical pathway. General wellbeing was less than optimal: participants reported pain, fatigue, insomnia and alterations in urinary elimination as the chief sources of discomfort during the course of the study.Conclusion.  Continuity of care of comorbidities was lacking. Comorbidities affected patient general wellbeing and delayed recovery from surgery. Acute care, clinical pathways and the specialisation of medicine and nursing subordinated the general problem of patients with comorbidities. Systems designed to integrate and co‐ordinate chronic illness care had limited application in the acute care setting. A multidisciplinary, holistic approach is required. Recommendations for further research conclude this paper.