bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylophenetic properties of metabolic pathway topologies as revealed by global analysis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Shaojuan , Skogerbø Geir , Zhang Zhihua , Zhu Xiaopeng , Zhang Zefeng , Sun Shiwei , Lu Hongchao , Shi Baochen , Chen Runsheng 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
As phenotypic features derived from heritable characters, the topologies of metabolic pathways contain both phylogenetic and phenetic components. In the post-genomic era, it is possible to measure the "phylophenetic" contents of different pathways topologies from a global perspective.

Results
We reconstructed phylophenetic trees for all available metabolic pathways based on topological similarities, and compared them to the corresponding 16S rRNA-based trees. Similarity values for each pair of trees ranged from 0.044 to 0.297. Using the quartet method, single pathways trees were merged into a comprehensive tree containing information from a large part of the entire metabolic networks. This tree showed considerably higher similarity (0.386) to the corresponding 16S rRNA-based tree than any tree based on a single pathway, but was, on the other hand, sufficiently distinct to preserve unique phylogenetic information not reflected by the 16S rRNA tree.

Conclusion
We observed that the topology of different metabolic pathways provided different phylogenetic and phenetic information, depicting the compromise between phylogenetic information and varying evolutionary pressures forming metabolic pathway topologies in different organisms. The phylogenetic information content of the comprehensive tree is substantially higher than that of any tree based on a single pathway, which also gave clues to constraints working on the topology of the global metabolic networks, information that is only partly reflected by the topologies of individual metabolic pathways.
The health of people classified as lesbian, gay and bisexual attending family practitioners in London: a controlled study
Authors: King Michael , Nazareth Irwin 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe morbidity of gay, lesbian or bisexual people attending family practice has not been previously assessed. We compared health measures of family practice attendees classified as lesbian, gay and bisexual.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, controlled study conducted in 13 London family practices and compared the responses of 26 lesbian and 85 bisexual classified women, with that of 934 heterosexual classified women and 38 gay and 23 bisexual classified men with that of 373 heterosexual classified men. Our outcomes of interest were: General health questionnaire; CAGE questionnaire; short form12; smoking status; sexual experiences during childhood; number of sexual partners and sexual function and satisfaction.ResultsIn comparison to people classified as heterosexuals: men classified as gay reported higher levels of psychological symptoms (OR 2.48, CI 1.05–5.90); women classified as bisexual were more likely to misuse alcohol (OR 2.73, 1.70–4.40); women classified as bisexual (OR 2.53, 1.60–4.00) and lesbian (OR 3.13, 1.41–6.97) and men classified as bisexual (OR 2.48, 1,04, 5.86) were more likely to be smokers and women classified as bisexual (OR 3.27, 1.97–5.43) and men classified as gay (OR 4.86, 2.28–10.34) were much more likely to report childhood sexual experiences in childhood. Psychological distress was associated with reporting sexual experiences in childhood in men classified as gay and bisexual and women classified as heterosexual. Men classified as bisexual (OR 5.00, 1.73–14.51) and women classified as bisexual (OR 2.88, 1.24- 6.56) were more likely than heterosexuals to report more than one sexual partner in the preceding four weeks. Lesbian, gay and bisexual classified people encountered no more sexual function problems than heterosexuals but men classified as bisexual (OR 2.74, 1.12–6.70) were more dissatisfied with their sex lives.ConclusionBisexual and lesbian classified people attending London general practices were more likely to be smokers and gay classified men were at increased risk of psychological distress in comparison to heterosexual classified people. Increased awareness of the sexuality of people seen in primary care can provide opportunities for health promotion.
Antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the chloroform extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. seeds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Rao Nalamolu Koteswara , Nammi Srinivas 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background

Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) has been widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diabetes. In the present investigation, the chloroform extract of T. chebula seed powder was investigated for its antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using short term and long term study protocols. The efficacy of the extract was also evaluated for protection of renal functions in diabetic rats.

Methods
The blood glucose lowering activity of the chloroform extract was determined in streptozotocin-induced (75 mg/kg, i.p.; dissolved in 0.1 M acetate buffer; pH 4.5) diabetic rats, after oral administration at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg in short term study. Blood samples were collected from the eye retro-orbital plexus of rats before and also at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after drug administration and the samples were analyzed for blood glucose by using glucose-oxidase/peroxidase method using a visible spectrophotometer. In long term study, the extract (300 mg/kg) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose was measured at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. Urine samples were collected before the induction of diabetes and at the end of 8 weeks of treatments and analyzed for urinary protein, albumin and creatinine levels. The data was compared statistically using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Dunnet's t-test.

Results
The chloroform extract of T. chebula seeds produced dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose of diabetic rats and comparable with that of standard drug, glibenclamide in short term study. It also produced significant reduction in blood glucose in long term study. Significant renoprotective activity is observed in T. chebula treated rats. The results indicate a prolonged action in reduction of blood glucose by T. chebula and is probably mediated through enhanced secretion of insulin from the β-cells of Langerhans or through extra pancreatic mechanism. The probable mechanism of potent renoprotective actions of T. chebula has to be evaluated.

Conclusion
The present studies clearly indicated a significant antidiabetic and renoprotective effects with the chloroform extract of T. chebula and lend support for its traditional usage. Further investigations on identification of the active principles and their mode of action are needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in the observed effects.
Costing the distribution of insecticide-treated nets: a review of cost and cost-effectiveness studies to provide guidance on standardization of costing methodology
Authors: Kolaczinski Jan , Hanson Kara 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundInsecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are an effective and cost-effective means of malaria control. Scaling-up coverage of ITNs is challenging. It requires substantial resources and there are a number of strategies to choose from. Information on the cost of different strategies is still scarce. To guide the choice of a delivery strategy (or combination of strategies), reliable and standardized cost information for the different options is required.MethodsThe electronic online database PubMed was used for a systematic search of the published English literature on costing and economic evaluations of ITN distribution programmes. The keywords used were: net, bednet, insecticide, treated, ITN, cost, effectiveness, economic and evaluation. Identified papers were analysed to determine and evaluate the costing methods used. Methods were judged against existing standards of cost analysis to arrive at proposed standards for undertaking and presenting cost analyses.ResultsCost estimates were often not readily comparable or could not be adjusted to a different context. This resulted from the wide range of methods applied and measures of output chosen. Most common shortcomings were the omission of certain costs and failure to adjust financial costs to generate economic costs. Generalisability was hampered by authors not reporting quantities and prices of resources separately and not examining the sensitivity of their results to variations in underlying assumptions.ConclusionThe observed shortcomings have arisen despite the abundance of literature and guidelines on costing of health care interventions. This paper provides ITN specific recommendations in the hope that these will help to standardize future cost estimates.
Interleukin-15 and interferon-γ participate in the cross-talk between natural killer and monocytic cells required for tumour necrosis factor production
Authors: González-Álvaro Isidoro , Domínguez-Jiménez Carmen , Ortiz Ana M , Núñez-González Vanessa , Roda-Navarro Pedro , Fernández-Ruiz Elena , Sancho David , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe have characterized the lymphocyte subset and the receptor molecules involved in inducing the secretion of TNF by monocytic cells in vitro. The TNF secreted by monocytic cells was measured when they were co-cultured with either resting or IL-15-stimulated lymphocytes, T cells, B cells or natural killer (NK) cells isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects and from the synovial fluid from patients with inflammatory arthropathies. Co-culture with IL-15-activated peripheral blood or synovial fluid lymphocytes induced TNF production by monocytic cells within 24 hours, an effect that was mainly mediated by NK cells. In turn, monocytic cells induced CD69 expression and IFN-γ production in NK cells, an effect that was mediated mainly by β2 integrins and membrane-bound IL-15. Furthermore, IFN-γ increased the production of membrane-bound IL-15 in monocytic cells. Blockade of β2 integrins and membrane-bound IL-15 inhibited TNF production, whereas TNF synthesis increased in the presence of anti-CD48 and anti-CD244 (2B4) monoclonal antibodies. All these findings suggest that the cross-talk between NK cells and monocytes results in the sustained stimulation of TNF production. This phenomenon might be important in the pathogenesis of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis in which the synthesis of TNF is enhanced.
Local treatment with the selective IκB kinase β inhibitor NEMO-binding domain peptide ameliorates synovial inflammation
Authors: Tas Sander W , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J , Hajji Najat , May Michael J , Ghosh Sankar , Tak Paul P 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNuclear factor (NF)-κB is a key regulator of synovial inflammation. We investigated the effect of local NF-κB inhibition in rat adjuvant arthritis (AA), using the specific IκB kinase (IKK)-β blocking NF-κB essential modulator-binding domain (NBD) peptide. The effects of the NBD peptide on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and macrophages, as well as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whole-tissue biopsies, were also evaluated. First, we investigated the effects of the NBD peptide on RA FLS in vitro. Subsequently, NBD peptides were administered intra-articularly into the right ankle joint of rats at the onset of disease. The severity of arthritis was monitored over time, rats were sacrificed on day 20, and tissue specimens were collected for routine histology and x-rays of the ankle joints. Human macrophages or RA synovial tissues were cultured ex vivo in the presence or absence of NBD peptides, and cytokine production was measured in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The NBD peptide blocked interleukin (IL)-1-β-induced IκBα phosphorylation and IL-6 production in RA FLS. Intra-articular injection of the NBD peptide led to significantly reduced severity of arthritis (p < 0.0001) and reduced radiological damage (p = 0.04). This was associated with decreased synovial cellularity and reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1-β in the synovium. Incubation of human macrophages with NBD peptides resulted in 50% inhibition of IL-1-β-induced TNF-α production in the supernatant (p < 0.01). In addition, the NBD peptide decreased TNF-α-induced IL-6 production by human RA synovial tissue biopsies by approximately 42% (p < 0.01). Specific NF-κB blockade using a small peptide inhibitor of IKK-β has anti-inflammatory effects in AA and human RA synovial tissue as well as in two important cell types in the pathogenesis of RA: macrophages and FLS. These results indicate that IKK-β-targeted NF-κB blockade using the NBD peptide could offer a new approach for the local treatment of arthritis.
Kinetic bed therapy to prevent nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Delaney Anthony , Gray Hilary , Laupland Kevin B , Zuege Danny J 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Nosocomial pneumonia is the most important infectious complication in patients admitted to intensive care units. Kinetic bed therapy may reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether kinetic bed therapy reduces the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia and improves outcomes in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods
We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and AMED for studies, as well as reviewed abstracts of conference proceedings, bibliographies of included studies and review articles and contacted the manufacturers of medical beds. Studies included were randomized or pseudo-randomized clinical trials of kinetic bed therapy compared to standard manual turning in critically ill mechanically ventilated adult patients. Two reviewers independently applied the study selection criteria and extracted data regarding study validity, type of bed used, intensity of kinetic therapy, and population under investigation. Outcomes assessed included the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, mortality, duration of ventilation, and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.

Results
Fifteen prospective clinical trials were identified, which included a total of 1,169 participants. No trial met all the validity criteria. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 0.53), but no reduction in mortality (pooled OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.66 to1.14), duration of mechanical ventilation (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.14 days, 95%CI, -0.29 to 0.02), duration of intensive care unit stay (pooled SMD -0.064 days, 95% CI, -0.21 to 0.086) or duration of hospital stay (pooled SMD 0.05 days, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.27).

Conclusion
While kinetic bed therapy has been purported to reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients, the overall body of evidence is insufficient to support this conclusion. There appears to be a reduction in the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, but no effect on mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, or intensive care or hospital length of stay. Given the lack of consistent benefit and the poor methodological quality of the trials included in this analysis, definitive recommendations regarding the use of this therapy cannot be made at this time.
Phase III Study Comparing Oral Topotecan to Intravenous Docetaxel in Patients With Pretreated Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ramlau Rodryg , Gervais Radj , Krzakowski Maciej , von Pawel Joachim , Kaukel Eckhard , Abratt Raymond P. , Dharan Bernie , Grotzinger Kelly M. , Ross Graham , Dane Graham , Shepherd Frances A. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose This open-label, randomized, multicenter, phase III study compared oral topotecan versus intravenous (IV) docetaxel in patients with previously treated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Patients with stage III or IV NSCLC, performance status ≤ 2, who had received only one prior chemotherapy regimen, were randomly assigned to treatment with oral topotecan 2.3 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 5 or IV docetaxel 75 mg/m2 day 1 every 21 days. Results A total of 829 patients were randomly assigned. In intent-to-treat analysis, 1-year survival rates were 25.1% with topotecan and 28.7% with docetaxel. The difference of −3.6% (95% CI, −9.59% to 2.48%) met the predefined criteria for noninferiority of topotecan relative to docetaxel because the lower limit of the 95% CI was above −10%. Median survival was 27.9 weeks with topotecan and 30.7 weeks with docetaxel. Although not statistically significant (log-rank P = .057), the higher survival rate with docetaxel was maintained across the entire treatment period. The median time to progression was 11.3 weeks with topotecan versus 13.1 weeks with docetaxel (log-rank P = .02). The overall response rate was 5% in each group. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred more frequently with docetaxel (60% v 50%). Grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently with topotecan (26% v 10% and 26% v 7%, respectively). Conclusion Oral topotecan provides activity in the treatment of relapsed, locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC. Both regimens were well tolerated with differing safety profiles. Topotecan may provide an option for patients who desire an orally available treatment after relapse.
Diesel Spray Analysis by Means of Planar Laser-Induced Exciplex Fluorescence
Authors: Payri F , Pastor J V , Pastor J M , Juliá J E 
Published: May 2006

The planar laser-induced exciplex fluorescence (PLIEF) technique has been used to visualize and measure the fuel/air concentration fields in both liquid and vapour phases of direct injection (DI) diesel sprays. Experiments have been performed in a hot rig, which provides a thermodynamic environment realistic for current DI diesel engines, using a blend of 90 per cent hexadecane, 9 per cent α-methyl-naphthalene, and 1 per cent N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl- p-phenylenediamine to separate spectrally the fluorescence signal from the liquid and vapour phases of the diesel. In this paper, measurements have been performed for three injection pressures and three combustion chamber density values. The results on penetration and fuel concentration in liquid and vapour phases are analysed, providing evidence of the similarities between diesel sprays and gaseous turbulent jets.
One-Pot Synthesis of α-Chloro Ketones from Secondary Alcohols Using N,N-Dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide
Authors: Kim Yong Hae , Lee In Sang , Lim Sang Chul 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Various alkyl aryl secondary alcohols reacted with N,N-dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide (N,N-dichloramine-T) in CH3CN at 35 °C to give the corresponding α-chloro ketones in excellent yields under mild and neutral conditions.
In situ Analysis of Products in Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 with Ni-cyclam by Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy during Cyclic Voltammetry on an Amalgamated-Gold Mesh Electrode
Authors: Hirata Yoshiki , Suga Kosaku , Fujihira Masamichi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The products of electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with Ni(II)-cyclam on Hg were analyzed in situ during cyclic voltammetry by Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectroscopy (DEMS) using an amalgamated gold mesh electrode in contact with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inlet membrane.
Oriented Thin Layer Crystalline Films of Poly(1,4-phenylene)
Authors: Yamamoto Takakazu , Kanbara Takaki , Mori Chiaki 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Evaporation of poly(1,4-phenylene) on heated carbon and gold substrates under vacuum affords oriented thin layer crystalline film of the polymer with its c-axis (the polymer chain axis) essentially perpendicular to the surface of the substrates as revealed by electron diffraction method.
Enantioselective Synthesis of (−)-Boschnialactone
Authors: Arai Yoshitsugu , Kawanami Saburo , Koizumi Toru 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
An enantioselective synthesis of (−)-boschnialactone was accomplished starting from a chiral fused bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane lactone readily available via an asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction.
Miltipolone, a New Diterpenoid Tropolone Possessing Cytotoxic Activities from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge
Authors: Haro Ginda , Kakisawa Hiroshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
A potent cytotoxic compound, miltipolone, isolated from the fresh root of Salvia miltiorrhiza has been determined to have a novel tropolonoid norditerpene structure.
Epoxidation of Olefms with Molecular Oxygen and Alcohol Catalyzed by Bis(2-alkyl-1,3-diketonato)oxovanadium(IV)
Authors: Takai Toshihiro , Yamada Tohru , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
By combined use of molecular oxygen (oxidant) and secondary or primary alcohol (reductant) in the presence of a catalytic amount of bis(2-alkyl-1,3-diketonato)oxovanadium(IV) complexes, norbornene analogues are monooxygenated into the corresponding epoxides in good yields.
Synthesis of a New Dibenzobicyclic Stiborane by Way of 10-Sb-4 Hypervalent Intermediate. 1,1-Diaryl-5-aza-2,8-dioxa-1-stibaV-dibenzo[c,f]bicyclo[3,3]octadiene
Authors: Ohkata Katsuo , Yano Tomoyuki , Kuwaki Tetsuo , Akiba Kin-ya 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
New title dibenzobicyclic stiboranes and related phosphoranes were prepared by means of tridentate 2,2′-diphenolamines. Coordination number of the central pnictogen atoms (Sb and P) changed from three into five during the reaction.
On the Role of Silver Salts in Asymmetric Heck-type Reaction. A Greatly Improved Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of cis-Decalin Derivatives
Authors: Sato Yoshihiro , Sodeoka Mikiko , Shibasaki Masakatsu 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
A greatly improved catalytic asymmetric synthesis of the cis-decalin derivatives as well as an important role of silver salts in asymmetric Heck-type reaction is described.
A Convenient Method for Stereoselective Synthesis of β-Aminoesters. Iron(II) Iodide or Trityl Hexachloroantimonate as an Effective Catalyst in the Reaction of Ketene Silyl Acetals with Imines
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Akamatsu Hidekazu , Han Jeong Sik 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
In the presence of a catalytic amount of iron(II) iodide or trityl hexachloroantimonate, ketene silyl acetals smoothly react with imines to afford the corresponding β-aminoesters in good yields with anti-selectivities.
The “Digital Year for Architects” – Experiences with an Integrated Teaching Concept
Authors: Kieferle Joachim B. , Herzberger Erwin 
Published: May 2006

The “digital year for architects” is an integrated course for graduate architecture students that has been running since 1997, at Stuttgart University. Its concept is to link together traditional design teaching and working with computers. Three seminar classes and one design project form the framework of the course. In it the students are taught the design of, for example, image and space composition, typography, video, and using virtual reality. Additionally we cover theoretical basics for the final design project, such as information management or working environments. The course takes in approximately a dozen software packages and ends with a visionary design project. The products have shown the advantage of an integrated course compared to separate courses. The course proves to be more intensive in dealing with the project as well as achieving better skills when learning the associated new digital media. An important feature is that because the project topics are different from conventional architectural schemes, and tend to be more abstract, a key effect is to widen the students' way of thinking about designing.