bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life questionnaire (RLSQoL) in a trial population
Authors: Abetz Linda , Arbuckle Robert , Allen Richard P , Mavraki Elena , Kirsch Jeffrey 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life questionnaire (RLSQoL) in a clinical trial setting.

Methods
Two matching, placebo-controlled, multinational studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of ropinirole for treating moderate-to-severe Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) formed the basis of this psychometric assessment. Validity and reliability were assessed using baseline data. Responsiveness was determined using longitudinal data collected at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results
A total of 547 subjects formed the baseline validation population; 519 were used for assessing responsiveness (n = 284/263 and 271/248 for both studies, respectively). Construct validity assessment confirmed that an overall life impact score could be calculated. All item-scale correlations were = 0.4, except items 1 (r = 0.36) and 5 (r = 0.35) in one study. Floor and ceiling effects were minimal. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.82 and 0.87, respectively, confirming internal consistency reliability. Correlations with the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group's severity rating scale (International Restless Legs Scale; IRLS) were moderate (r = -0.68 and -0.67, respectively; p < 0.0001). The RLSQoL was able to discriminate between levels of sleep problems (p < 0.0001) and between levels of global health status determined by a Clinical Global Impression of severity (CGI-S) (p < 0.0001). Responsiveness was demonstrated by significant differences in overall life impact change scores between CGI improvement levels after 12 weeks (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
The RLSQoL is a valid, reliable and responsive measure of quality of life for patients with RLS, in a clinical trial setting where group comparisons are anticipated.
Quality of life after acute myocardial infarction: A comparison of diabetic versus non-diabetic acute myocardial infarction patients in Quebec acute care hospitals
Authors: Simpson Ewurabena , Pilote Louise 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have evaluated the individual effects of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and diabetes mellitus on health-related quality of life outcomes (QOL). Due to the rising incidence of these comorbid conditions, it is important to examine the synergistic impact of diabetes mellitus and AMI on QOL.

Methods
In this study, we assessed using several previously validated questionnaires the QOL and functional status of 96 diabetic patients and 491 non-diabetic patients admitted to Quebec hospital sites with AMI between 1997 and 1998. We also conducted multivariate analyses to ascertain whether diabetes mellitus was an independent determinant of SF-36 physical functioning (PCS) and mental health (MCS) component score QOL outcomes after AMI.

Results
Both patient groups had similar baseline clinical characteristics, but diabetic patients had slightly higher rates of cardiac risk factors compared to non-diabetics. Overall, QOL measures were similar between both patient groups at baseline, but diabetic patients reported poorer functional status than non-diabetic patients. Over the study period, there were significant differences between the QOL and functional status of diabetic and non-diabetic populations. By one year, diabetic patients reported poorer QOL outcomes than non-diabetic patients. However, diabetic patients showed greater improvements in their functional status, but were less likely to return to work compared to non-diabetic patients. In contrast with these findings, our multivariate analyses showed that diabetes mellitus was not an independent determinant of QOL and functional status.

Conclusion
Our study findings suggest that diabetes mellitus is not an independent determinant of QOL after AMI.
Cloning and expression of two new prolactin-related proteins, prolactin-related protein-VIII and -IX, in bovine placenta
Authors: Ushizawa Koichi , Takahashi Toru , Hosoe Misa , Kaneyama Kanako , Hashizume Kazuyoshi 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Prolactin-related proteins (PRPs) are specific proteins of the growth hormone/prolactin (GH/PRL) family in bovine placenta. This study reports the identification and sequencing of a full-length cDNA for two new members of bovine PRPs, bPRP-VIII and -IX, and their localization and quantitative expression in bovine placenta.

Methods
New bPRP-VIII and -IX were identified from bovine placentome. Localization and quantitative gene expression in the placenta were respectively investigated by in situ hybridization and real-time RT-PCR methods. Recombinant proteins of these genes were produced by a mammalian HEK293 cell expression system.

Results
Full-length bPRP-VIII and -IX cDNA were respectively cloned with 909 and 910 nucleotide open-reading-frames corresponding to proteins of 236 and 238 amino acids. The predicted bPRP-VIII amino acid sequence shared about 40 to 70% homology with other bPRPs, and bPRP-IX had about 50 to 80 % homology of others. The two new bPRPs were detected only in the placenta by RT-PCR. mRNA was primarily expressed in the cotyledon and intercotyledonary tissues throughout gestation. An in situ hybridization analysis revealed the presence of bPRP-VIII and -IX mRNA in the trophoblastic binucleate and/or trinucleate cells. bPRP-VIII mRNA was observed in the extra-embryonic membrane on Day 27 of gestation, however, no bPRP-IX mRNA was observed in the extra-embryonic membrane in the same stage of pregnancy by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. Both new bPRP genes were possible to translate a mature protein in a mammalian cell expression system with approximately 28 kDa in bPRP-VIII and 38 kDa in bPRP-IX.

Conclusion
We identified the new members of bovine prolactin-related protein, bPRP-VIII and -IX. Localization and quantitative expression were confirmed in bovine placenta by in situ hybridization or real-time PCR. Their different temporal and spatial expressions suggest a different role for these genes in bovine placenta during gestation.
Novel Aβ peptide immunogens modulate plaque pathology and inflammation in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhou Jun , Fonseca Maria I , Kayed Rakez , Hernandez Irma , Webster Scott D , Yazan Ozkan , Cribbs David H , Glabe Charles G , Tenner Andrea J 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer's disease, a common dementia of the elder, is characterized by accumulation of protein amyloid deposits in the brain. Immunization to prevent this accumulation has been proposed as a therapeutic possibility, although adverse inflammatory reactions in human trials indicate the need for novel vaccination strategies.MethodHere vaccination with novel amyloid peptide immunogens was assessed in a transgenic mouse model displaying age-related accumulation of fibrillar plaques.ResultsImmunization with any conformation of the amyloid peptide initiated at 12 months of age (at which time fibrillar amyloid has just begun to accumulate) showed significant decrease in total and fibrillar amyloid deposits and in glial reactivity relative to control transgenic animals. In contrast, there was no significant decrease in amyloid deposition or glial activation in mice in which vaccination was initiated at 16 months of age, despite the presence of similar levels anti-Aβ antibodies in young and old animals vaccinated with a given immunogen. Interestingly, immunization with an oligomeric conformation of Aβ was equally as effective as other amyloid peptides at reducing plaque accumulation. However, the antibodies generated by immunization with the oligomeric conformation of Aβ have more limited epitope reactivity than those generated by fAβ, and the microglial response was significantly less robust.ConclusionThese results suggest that a more specific immunogen such as oligomeric Aβ can be designed that achieves the goal of depleting amyloid while reducing potential detrimental inflammatory reactions. In addition, the data show that active immunization of older Tg2576 mice with any amyloid conformation is not as efficient at reducing amyloid accumulation and related pathology as immunization of younger mice, and that serum anti-amyloid antibody levels are not quantitatively related to reduced amyloid-associated pathology.
The "impact factor" revisited
Authors: Dong Peng , Loh Marie , Mondry Adrian 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The number of scientific journals has become so large that individuals, institutions and institutional libraries cannot completely store their physical content. In order to prioritize the choice of quality information sources, librarians and scientists are in need of reliable decision aids. The "impact factor" (IF) is the most commonly used assessment aid for deciding which journals should receive a scholarly submission or attention from research readership. It is also an often misunderstood tool. This narrative review explains how the IF is calculated, how bias is introduced into the calculation, which questions the IF can or cannot answer, and how different professional groups can benefit from IF use.
Carbon black nanoparticles induce type II epithelial cells to release chemotaxins for alveolar macrophages
Authors: Barlow Peter G , Clouter-Baker Anna , Donaldson Ken , MacCallum Janis , Stone Vicki 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundAlveolar macrophages are a key cell in dealing with particles deposited in the lungs and in determining the subsequent response to that particle exposure. Nanoparticles are considered a potential threat to the lungs and the mechanism of pulmonary response to nanoparticles is currently under intense scrutiny. The type II alveolar epithelial cell has previously been shown to release chemoattractants which can recruit alveolar macrophages to sites of particle deposition. The aim of this study was to assess the responses of a type II epithelial cell line (L-2) to both fine and nanoparticle exposure in terms of secretion of chemotactic substances capable of inducing macrophage migration.ResultsExposure of type II cells to carbon black nanoparticles resulted in significant release of macrophage chemoattractant compared to the negative control and to other dusts tested (fine carbon black and TiO2and nanoparticle TiO2) as measured by macrophage migration towards type II cell conditioned medium. SDS-PAGE analysis of the conditioned medium from particle treated type II cells revealed that a higher number of protein bands were present in the conditioned medium obtained from type II cells treated with nanoparticle carbon black compared to other dusts tested. Size-fractionation of the chemotaxin-rich supernatant determined that the chemoattractants released from the epithelial cells were between 5 and 30 kDa in size.ConclusionThe highly toxic nature and reactive surface chemistry of the carbon black nanoparticles has very likely induced the type II cell line to release pro-inflammatory mediators that can potentially induce migration of macrophages. This could aid in the rapid recruitment of inflammatory cells to sites of particle deposition and the subsequent removal of the particles by phagocytic cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. Future studies in this area could focus on the exact identity of the substance(s) released by the type II cells in response to particle exposure.
Partial protection against collagen antibody-induced arthritis in PARP-1 deficient mice
Authors: García Samuel , Bodaño Ana , González Antonio , Forteza Jerónimo , Gómez-Reino Juan J , Conde Carmen 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPoly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a nuclear DNA-binding protein that participates in the regulation of DNA repair and maintenance of genomic integrity. In addition, PARP-1 has a role in several models of inflammation disease, where its absence or inactivation confers protection. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of selective PARP-1 suppression in collagen antibody-induced arthritis. We show that PARP-1 deficiency partially reduces the severity of arthritis, although the incidence of disease was similar in control and deficient mice. Decreased clinical scores were accompanied by partial reduction of histopathological findings. Interestingly, quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA analysis revealed that the absence of PARP-1 down-regulated IL-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 expression in arthritic joints whereas tumor necrosis factor-α transcription was not impaired. Our results provide evidence of the contribution of PARP-1 to the progression of arthritis and identify this protein as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
A preliminary study on the monitoring of mixed venous oxygen saturation through the left main bronchus
Authors: Wang Xiang-rui , Zheng Yong-jun , Tian Jie , Wang Zheng-hong , Pan Zhi-ying 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Introduction
The study sought to assess the feasibility and accuracy of measuring mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) through the left main bronchus (SpO2trachea)

Methods
Twenty hybrid pigs of each sex were studied. After anesthesia, a Robertshaw double-lumen tracheal tube with a single-use pediatric pulse oximeter attached to the left lateral surface was introduced toward the left main bronchus of the pig by means of a fibrobronchoscope. Measurements of SpO2trachea and oxygen saturation from pulmonary artery samples (SvO2blood) were performed with an intracuff pressure of 0 to 60 cmH2O. After equilibration, hemorrhagic shock was induced in these pigs by bleeding to a mean arterial blood pressure of 40 mmHg. With the intracuff pressure maintained at 60 cmH2O, SpO2trachea and SvO2blood were obtained respectively during the pre-shock period, immediately after the onset of shock, 15 and 30 minutes after shock, and 15, 30, and 60 minutes after resuscitation.

Results
SpO2trachea was the same as SvO2blood at an intracuff pressure of 10, 20, 40, and 60 cmH2O, but was reduced when the intracuff pressure was zero (p < 0.001 compared with SvO2blood) in hemodynamically stable states. Changes of SpO2trachea and SvO2blood corresponded with varieties of cardiac output during the hemorrhagic shock period. There was a significant correlation between the two methods at different time points.

Conclusion
Measurement of the left main bronchus SpO2 is feasible and provides similar readings to SvO2blood in hemodynamically stable or in low saturation states. Tracheal oximetry readings are not primarily derived from the tracheal mucosa. The technique merits further evaluation.
The impact of empiric antimicrobial therapy with a β-lactam and fluoroquinolone on mortality for patients hospitalized with severe pneumonia
Authors: Mortensen Eric M , Restrepo Marcos I , Anzueto Antonio , Pugh Jacqueline 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIntroductionNational clinical practice guidelines have recommended specific empiric antimicrobial regimes for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. However, evidence confirming improved mortality with many of these regimes is lacking. Our aim was to determine the association between the empiric use of a β-lactam with fluoroquinolone, compared with other recommended antimicrobial therapies, and mortality in patients hospitalized with severe community-acquired pneumonia.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary teaching hospitals. Eligible subjects were admitted with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia and had a chest X-ray and a discharge ICD-9 diagnosis consistent with this. Subjects were excluded if they received 'comfort measures only' during the admission, had been transferred from another acute care hospital, did not meet criteria for severe pneumonia, or were treated with non-guideline-concordant antibiotics. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association between 30-day mortality and the use of a β-lactam antibiotic with a fluoroquinolone compared with other guideline-concordant therapies, after adjustment for potential confounders including a propensity score.ResultsData were abstracted on 172 subjects at the two hospitals. The mean age was 63.5 years (SD 15.0). The population was 88% male; 91% were admitted through the emergency department and 62% were admitted to the intensive care unit within the first 24 hours after admission. Mortality was 19.8% at 30 days. After adjustment for potential confounders the use of a β-lactam with a fluoroquinolone (odds ratio 2.71, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 6.1) was associated with increased mortality.ConclusionThe use of initial empiric antimicrobial therapy with a β-lactam and a fluoroquinolone was associated with increased short-term mortality for patients with severe pneumonia in comparison with other guideline-concordant antimicrobial regimes. Further research is needed to determine the range of appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapies for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia.
Effect of formaldehyde inhalation on Hsp70 in seminiferous tubules of rat testes: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Özen Oğuz Aslan , Akpolat Nusret , Songur Ahmet , Kuş İlter , Zararsiz İsmail , Özaçmak Veysel Haktan , Sarsilmaz Mustafa 
Published: December 2005

One parameter which might provide an insight into the underlying mechanism of the effect of formaldehyde (FA) inhalation on testicular tissue, is the assessment of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which increases promptly in cells exposed to stress caused by chemical toxicity. Thus, following subchronic exposure at cytotoxic concentrations, we studied the immunohistochemical effect of FA inhalation on changes in Hsp70 content in testicular tissue. We used 18 albino Wistar rats divided into three groups, exposed to 0 (control), 5 and 10 ppm FA gas for a total of 91 days, 8 h/day, five days a week. Serum testosterone levels were determined using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Testicular tissues were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosine and Hsp70 immunohistochemically performed. Diameters of seminiferous tubules and serum testosterone levels in animals inhaling FA were significantly decreased. In seminiferous epithelium stained for Hsp70, compared to those in the control group, the spermatogenetic cells in the experimental groups demonstrated an obvious increase in immunoreaction spermatides in the adluminal region and especially in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes. Immunoreaction of Hsp70 was detected in the spermatogonias of animals exposed to FA inhalation as opposed to those of the control group. Compared to the control, there was a significant increase in the immunoreactions observed not only in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes, but also spermatides in the adluminal region of the seminiferous tubules. In conclusion, FA gas may damage spermatogenetic cells and increase Hsp70 synthesis.
Epoetin Alfa Versus Darbepoetin Alfa in Chemotherapy-Related Anemia
Authors: Cersosimo Robert J , Jacobson Daniel R 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To review and compare the data concerning the clinical activity of epoetin alfa versus darbepoetin alfa when administered to patients with cancer who are experiencing treatment-related anemia. Data Sources: English-language publications from the MEDLINE database (1990–June 2005), published articles, and meeting abstracts were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant data were extracted from published reports and abstracts on studies of humans with cancer who developed treatment-related anemia and were treated with epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa. Data Synthesis: Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa are similar agents with identical indications for treatment of anemia in patients with cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that both agents can significantly improve hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life. Epoetin alfa is approved for administration at a dose of 150 units/kg subcutaneously 3 times per week, and darbepoetin alfa is approved for administration at a dose of 2.25 units/kg once a week. Clinical studies have demonstrated that epoetin alfa may be administered at 40 000 units once a week and that darbepoetin alfa may be administered at 200 μg every 2 weeks without loss of efficacy. Cost analysis, based on the average wholesale price of each drug alone administered for 12 weeks at Food and Drug Administration–approved doses, revealed that epoetin alfa is less expensive than darbepoetin alfa. When they are administered in the extended schedules, the cost of darbepoetin alfa is slightly less than that of epoetin alfa. However, the total expense associated with the extended schedule of either agent is further reduced by a reduction in other costs associated with drug administration. Conclusions: Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa have identical indications for treatment of anemia in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated similar activities with both agents. Darbepoetin alfa, with a longer half-life, can be administered less frequently, saving costs as well as reducing patient office visits.
Aminoglycosides in Intermittent Hemodialysis: Pharmacokinetics with Individual Dosing
Authors: Dager William E , King Jeff H 
Published: December 2005

Background: Data are limited on aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic differences between acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) or infection survival when maintaining peak and pre-hemodialysis serum concentrations between 7 and 10 and 3.5 and 5 mg/L, respectively. Objective: To report aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic observations in a consecutive series of patients receiving intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), including treatment impact of patient-specific dosing regimens. Methods: In this prospective study, all calculated pharmacokinetic parameters used concentrations drawn more than 12 hours after the initial dose and peak concentrations at least 2 hours after the dose. Analysis included pharmacokinetic parameters in stage 5 CKD, ARF, impact of the dialysis prescription, and treatment results of individualized dosing regimens lasting more than 4 days. Results: Consecutive patients with IHD (N = 167) receiving 216 courses of aminoglycosides were evaluated. The mean ± SD volume of distribution was 0.39 ± 0.15 L/kg ideal body weight, and elimination half-life during dialysis was 4.2 ± 2.3 hours. The elimination half-life off IHD was 30% shorter in ARF (31.9 ± 20.8 h) versus 45.7 ± 24.2 hours in CKD (p < 0.001). Mean extrapolated peak concentrations and pre-IHD levels were 7.7 ± 1.6 and 3.9 ± 1.2 mg/L, respectively. A 91% treatment success rate was observed in 117 individualized treatment courses in 100 patients receiving greater than or equal to 5 days of aminoglycoside therapy. Conclusions: A large variability in aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic parameters in IHD exists, with aminoglycoside elimination off IHD significantly faster in ARF. Individualized regimens using serum concentrations drawn in patients requiring treatment (non-synergistic) targeting peak concentrations of 7–10 mg/L and pre-hemodialysis serum concentrations of 3.5–5 mg/L appears successful for eradicating infections.