bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resolution of sexual dysfunction during double-blind treatment of major depression with reboxetine or paroxetine
Authors: Baldwin David , Bridgman Kevin , Buis Christel 
Published: December 2005

The selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor reboxetine may have advantages over the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors fluoxetine and citalopram, in effects on sexual function and satisfaction. The effects of reboxetine and paroxetine on sexual function were compared by examining data from the UK centres in an international double-blind flexible-dose parallel-group multi-centre randomized controlled trial of acute treatment of patients with DSM-IV major depression. Patients were randomly assigned to receive reboxetine (4mg b.d.) or paroxetine (20mg mane) using a double-dummy technique to preserve the blind. The dosage could be increased at day 28 (to reboxetine 4mg mane, 6mg nocte; or paroxetine 20mg b.d.). Antidepressant efficacy was assessed by the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity (CGI-S) at all study visits, and the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) at each visit after randomization. Sexual function and satisfaction was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) items of the Rush Sexual Inventory completed at baseline and days 28 and 56. There were no significant differences between groups in demographic or clinical features at baseline. There was a gradual reduction in severity of depressive symptoms (reboxetine, 14.3; paroxetine, 12.0: observed case analysis), with no significant differences between groups. There were significant differences ( p 0.05), with advantages for reboxetine, at Week 4 and Week 8 on the VAS item assessing ability to become sexually excited, and non-significant trends with advantages for reboxetine, in frequency of sexual thoughts at Week 4 ( p 0.05) and Week 8 ( p 0.08); and in desire to initiate sexual activity at Week 4 ( p 0.09). Exclusion of patients who had ever experienced sexual dysfunction with any medication prior to participation in this study ( n 10) reduced the statistical significance of the findings, although there were still numerical advantages for reboxetine. Sexual function and satisfaction in depressed patients improves during double-blind acute treatment with reboxetine or paroxetine, but this improvement is greater and more rapid with reboxetine.
An Experimental Study of the Pultrusion of Carbon Fiber-Polyamide 12 Yarn
Authors: Wiedmer S. , Manolesos M. 
Published: December 2005

The present study reports about the pultrusion of a carbon fiber-reinforced PA12 yarn containing discontinuous carbon and polyamide fibers. This is the first attempt to pultrude this material. Rectangular cross sectional profiles have been successfully produced using a self-designed pultrusion line. In a series of experiments, the pultrusion parameters, such as preheating method, die temperature, and especially the pulling speed, which represents a determining factor regarding a potential industrial application, are varied. A complete characterization of each profile is conducted to examine the influence of processing parameters on the profile quality. The mechanical properties are evaluated by performing three-point bending as well as shear tests. The void content is also determined. The pulling speed seems to have the greatest influence on the profile quality. Under certain conditions of speed and temperature, the pultruded profiles exhibit good mechanical performance and a void content below 2%. The shear strength reacts most sensitively to the process parameter variations and can be used as a quality criteria.
Integrated Clustering Approach to Developing Technology for Functional Feature and Engineering Specification-based Reference Design Retrieval
Authors: Chen Yuh-Jen , Chen Yuh-Min , Chu Hui-Chuan , Wang Chin-Bin , Tsaih Der-Chian , Yang Hui-Mei 
Published: December 2005

Engineering design is a complex activity, and is heavily reliant on the know-how of engineering designers. Hence, capturing, storing, and reusing design information, design intent, and underlining design knowledge to support design activities is a key issue in engineering knowledge management. To meet the demand for engineering designers regarding functional feature and engineering specification-based knowledge resources, this study proposes a novel scheme for functional feature and engineering specification-based reference design retrieval using an integrated clustering approach for providing engineering designers with easy access to relevant reference design and associated knowledge. The research objectives can be achieved by performing the following five tasks: (i) designing a functional feature and engineering specificationbased reference design retrieval process, (ii) developing a functional feature and engineering specification representation, (iii) investigating and integrating ART1 (adaptive resonance theory 1) neural network, GA (genetic algorithm), and fuzzy ART (fuzzy adaptive resonance theory) clustering techniques, and (iv) implementing a functional feature and engineering specification-based reference design retrieval mechanism and experimenting with an example. The retrieval process involves three steps: functional feature and engineering specification-based query, similar design case search and retrieval, and similar design case ranking. The techniques involved include: (i) a binary code-based representation for functional feature and an EXPRESS language-based representation for engineering specification, (ii) ART1 neural network and genetic algorithm for functional feature-based similar design case clustering, (iii) fuzzy ART for engineering specification-based similar design case clustering, (iv) similarity calculation for ranking similar design cases, and (v) a case-based representation for designed entities.
Single-agent arsenic trioxide in the treatment of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia: durable remissions with minimal toxicity
Authors: Mathews Vikram , George Biju , Lakshmi Kavitha M. , Viswabandya Auro , Bajel Ashish , Balasubramanian Poonkuzhali , Shaji Ramachandran Velayudhan , Srivastava Vivi M. , Srivastava Alok , Chandy Mammen 
Published: December 2005

AbstractArsenic trioxide, as a single agent, has proven efficacy in inducing molecular remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). There is limited long-term outcome data with single-agent As2O3 in the management of newly diagnosed cases of APL. Between January 1998 to December 2004, 72 newly diagnosed cases of APL were treated with a regimen of single-agent As2O3 at our center. Complete hematologic remission was achieved in 86.1%. At a median follow-up of 25 months (range: 8-92 months), the 3-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of EFS, DFS, and OS was 74.87% ± 5.6%, 87.21% ± 4.93%, and 86.11% ± 4.08%, respectively. Patients presenting with a white blood cell (WBC) count lower than 5 × 109/L and a platelet count higher than 20 × 109/L at diagnosis (n = 22 [30.6%]) have an excellent prognosis with this regimen (EFS, OS, and DFS of 100%). The toxicity profile, in the majority, was mild and reversible. After remission induction, this regimen was administered on an outpatient basis. Single-agent As2O3, as used in this series, in the management of newly diagnosed cases of APL, is associated with responses comparable with conventional chemotherapy regimens. Additionally, this regimen has minimal toxicity and can be administered on an outpatient basis after remission induction.
Arf6 plays an early role in platelet activation by collagen and convulxin
Authors: Choi Wangsun , Karim Zubair A. , Whiteheart Sidney W. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSmall GTPases play critical roles in hemostasis, though the roster of such molecules in platelets is not complete. In this study, we report the presence of Ras-related GTPases of the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) family. Platelets contain Arf1 or 3 and Arf6, with the latter being predominantly membrane associated. Using effector domain pull-down assays, we show, counter to other GTPases, that Arf6-GTP is present in resting platelets and decreases rapidly upon activation with collagen or convulxin. This decrease does not completely rely on secondary agonists (ADP and thromboxane A2) or require integrin signaling. The decrease in free Arf6-GTP temporally precedes activation of Rho family GTPases (RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1). Using a membrane-permeant, myristoylated peptide, which mimics the N-terminus of Arf6, we show that the Arf6-GTP decrease is essential for collagen- and convulxin-induced aggregation, platelet adherence, and spreading on collagen-coated glass. Treatment with this peptide also affects the activation of Rho family GTPases, but has little effect on RalA and Rap1 or on agonist-induced calcium mobilization. These data show that Arf6 is a key element in activation through GPVI, and is required for activation of the Rho family GTPases and the subsequent cytoskeletal rearrangements needed for full platelet function.
Long-term engagement of CD6 and ALCAM is essential for T-cell proliferation induced by dendritic cells
Authors: Zimmerman Aukje W. , Joosten Ben , Torensma Ruurd , Parnes Jane R. , van Leeuwen Frank N. , Figdor Carl G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractInteractions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are the first step in the induction of an adaptive immune response. Here, we show that CD6 and its ligand activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) are actively recruited to the antigen-induced dendritic cell (DC)–T-cell contact zone. Moreover, ALCAM-blocking antibodies interfere with DC–T-cell conjugate formation, demonstrating that CD6-ALCAM binding is essential for stable T-cell–APC contact. We now demonstrate that besides their role in establishing initial contacts, CD6-ALCAM interactions are also required during the proliferative phase of the T-cell response; the presence of CD6-blocking antibodies or recombinant ALCAM-Fc proteins results in a strong and sustained inhibition of T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, simultaneous crosslinking of CD6 and CD3 induces enhanced proliferation and transcriptional activity to a similar level as observed after CD3 and CD28 co-crosslinking, demonstrating that CD6 is an important costimulatory molecule. The stability of ALCAM-CD6 binding, which contrasts with transient homotypic ALCAM-ALCAM interactions, further supports the long-lasting effects observed on T-cell proliferation. Taken together, we demonstrate that CD6 and ALCAM form a key adhesive receptor-ligand pair that is not only involved in early DC-T-cell binding but also in sustaining DC-induced T-cell proliferation long after the initial contact has been established.
Differentiation of naive cord-blood T cells into CD19-specific cytolytic effectors for posttransplantation adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Serrano Lisa Marie , Pfeiffer Timothy , Olivares Simon , Numbenjapon Tontanai , Bennitt Jennifer , Kim Daniel , Smith David , McNamara George , Al-Kadhimi Zaid , Rosenthal Joseph , Forman Stephen J. , Jensen Michael C. , Cooper Laurence J. N. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDisease relapse is a barrier to achieving therapeutic success after unrelated umbilical cord-blood transplantation (UCBT) for B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). While adoptive transfer of donor-derived tumor-specific T cells is a conceptually attractive approach to eliminating residual disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, adoptive immunotherapy after UCBT is constrained by the difficulty of generating antigen-specific T cells from functionally naive umbilical cord-blood (UCB)–derived T cells. Therefore, to generate T cells that recognize B-ALL, we have developed a chimeric immunoreceptor to redirect the specificity of T cells for CD19, a B-lineage antigen, and expressed this transgene in UCB-derived T cells. An ex vivo process, which is compliant with current good manufacturing practice for T-cell trials, has been developed to genetically modify and numerically expand UCB-derived T cells into CD19-specific effector cells. These are capable of CD19-restricted cytokine production and cytolysis in vitro, as well as mediating regression of CD19+ tumor and being selectively eliminated in vivo. Moreover, time-lapse microscopy of the genetically modified T-cell clones revealed an ability to lyse CD19+ tumor cells specifically and repetitively. These data provide the rationale for infusing UCB-derived CD19-specific T cells after UCBT to reduce the incidence of CD19+ B-ALL relapse.
Combining short stent implantation and drug-eluting stenting for routine use yields a low restenosis rate
Authors: Dietz Ulrich , Dauer Cheryl , Lambertz Heinz 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Stent length serves as a predictor of restenosis in use of bare metal stents (BMS). This has been demonstrated in a feasibility study that used a single short BMS implant (<9 mm) in a high proportion of lesions; the study observed a low rate of restenosis.

Methods
We performed a pilot prospective study to investigate in a series of consecutive patients the immediate and long-term effects of implantation of either 1) a single short BMS for all lesions with low probability of restenosis or 2) a drug-eluting stent (DES) for all other lesions.

Results
The 200 patients studied had 236 coronary artery lesions that were treated with short BMS in 168/236 patients (71.2%) and with DES in 68/236 patients (28.8%). Angiographic success was achieved in 230/236 lesions (97.5%) and procedural success in 194/200 patients (97.0%). Restenosis occurred in 15/153 lesions (9.8%) after short BMS, in 3/62 lesions (4.8%) after DES, and in 18/215 of all lesions (8.4%) angiographically controlled after six to eight months. Target vessel revascularization was performed in 16/218 lesion (7.4%).

Conclusion
Most of the coronary artery lesions in this small group of consecutive patients were treated sufficiently with a single BMS implant. This differential approach of treating suitable lesions in medium- to large-sized vessels with a single short BMS device and treating all other lesions with a DES implant resulted in a low incidence of restenosis.
A method for accurate detection of genomic microdeletions using real-time quantitative PCR
Authors: Weksberg Rosanna , Hughes Simon , Moldovan Laura , Bassett Anne S , Chow Eva WC , Squire Jeremy A 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) is a well-established method for quantifying levels of gene expression, but has not been routinely applied to the detection of constitutional copy number alterations of human genomic DNA. Microdeletions or microduplications of the human genome are associated with a variety of genetic disorders. Although, clinical laboratories routinely use fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to identify such cryptic genomic alterations, there remains a significant number of individuals in which constitutional genomic imbalance is suspected, based on clinical parameters, but cannot be readily detected using current cytogenetic techniques.

Results
In this study, a novel application for real-time qPCR is presented that can be used to reproducibly detect chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications. This approach was applied to DNA from a series of patient samples and controls to validate genomic copy number alteration at cytoband 22q11. The study group comprised 12 patients with clinical symptoms of chromosome 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), 1 patient trisomic for 22q11 and 4 normal controls. 6 of the patients (group 1) had known hemizygous deletions, as detected by standard diagnostic FISH, whilst the remaining 6 patients (group 2) were classified as 22q11DS negative using the clinical FISH assay. Screening of the patients and controls with a set of 10 real time qPCR primers, spanning the 22q11.2-deleted region and flanking sequence, confirmed the FISH assay results for all patients with 100% concordance. Moreover, this qPCR enabled a refinement of the region of deletion at 22q11. Analysis of DNA from chromosome 22 trisomic sample demonstrated genomic duplication within 22q11.

Conclusion
In this paper we present a qPCR approach for the detection of chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications. The strategic use of in silico modelling for qPCR primer design to avoid regions of repetitive DNA, whilst providing a level of genomic resolution greater than standard cytogenetic assays. The implementation of qPCR detection in clinical laboratories will address the need to replace complex, expensive and time consuming FISH screening to detect genomic microdeletions or duplications of clinical importance.
Primary healthcare provision and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a survey of patients' and General Practitioners' beliefs
Authors: Thomas Marie A , Smith Andrew P 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
The current study was conducted as part of a research project into the evaluation and assessment of healthcare provision and education in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). One aim of the study was the development of informative and educational literature for both General Practitioners (GP) and sufferers. Issues such as diagnosis, management and treatment of the syndrome should be included in information booklets written by healthcare professionals. It was important to begin the process by assessing the level of specialist knowledge that existed in typical GP surgeries. This data would then be compared to data from CFS patients.

Method
197 survey booklets were sent to CFS sufferers from an existing research panel. The patients approached for the purpose of the study had been recruited onto the panel following diagnosis of their illness at a specialised CFS outpatient clinic in South Wales. A further 120 booklets were sent to GP surgeries in the Gwent Health Authority region in Wales.

Results
Results from the study indicate that the level of specialist knowledge of CFS in primary care remains low. Only half the GP respondents believed that the condition actually exists.

Conclusion
Steps are recommended to increase the knowledge base by compiling helpful and informative material for GPs and patient groups.
A rare case of disseminated cutaneous zoster in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Gupta S , Jain A , Gardiner C , Tyring SK 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Disseminated cutaneous herpes zoster in healthy persons is uncommon, though it has been described in immunocompromised patients.

Case presentation
We describe a case of disseminated cutaneous herpes zoster in an elderly man with no apparent immunosuppressive condition. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous Acyclovir.

Conclusion
We suggest that disseminated zoster can occur in an immunocompetent host and should be promptly recognized and treated to prevent serious complications.
Vitamin status and cognitive function in a long-term care population
Authors: Paulionis Lina , Kane Sheri-Lynn , Meckling Kelly A 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundAgeing can be associated with poor dietary intake, reduced nutrient absorption, and less efficient utilization of nutrients. Loss of memory and related cognitive function are also common among older persons. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of inadequate vitamin status among long-term care patients and determine if an association exists between vitamin status and each of three variables; cognitive function, vitamin supplementation, and medications which alter gastric acid levels.MethodsSeventy-five patients in a long-term care hospital in Guelph, Ontario were recruited to a cross-sectional study. 47 were female and the mean age was 80.7 (+/-11.5) years, ranging from 48 to 100 years. Blood was used to measure levels of vitamins B12 (cobalamin), B6 (pyridoxal-5'-phosphate/PLP), erythrocyte folate, vitamin B3 (niacin) and homocysteine (Hcy). The Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) was administered to measure cognitive function. A list of medications and vitamin supplementation for each patient was provided by the pharmacy.ResultsThe prevalence of low vitamin (B12, B6, erythrocyte folate, niacin) or high metabolite (homocysteine) levels among 75 patients were as follows: B12 <148 pmol/L in 5/75 (6.7%); B12 between 148 and 221 pmol/L in 26/75 (34.7%); B6 ≤30 nmol/L in 4/75 (5.3%); erythrocyte folate <370 nmol/L in 1/75 (1.3%); niacin ratio ≤1 in 20/75 (26.7%); homocysteine >13.3 μmol/L in 31/75 (41.3%). There was no significant difference among residents grouped into marked (n = 44), mild (n = 14), or normal (n = 9) cognitive function when evaluating the effect of vitamin status. There were no significant differences in mean B12 and homocysteine levels between users and non-users of drug therapy (Losec, Zantac, or Axid). Compared to vitamin supplement non-users, supplemented residents had significantly higher mean B12 (p < 0.0001) and erythrocyte folate (p < 0.05) concentrations and significantly lower mean homocysteine (p < 0.01) levels; 229.1 versus 423.6 pmol/L for B12, 882.9 versus 1043.6 nmol/L for erythrocyte folate and 14.4 versus 12.0 μmol/L for homocysteine.ConclusionGiven the prevalence data on vitamin status in this sample population, the possible benefits of vitamin supplementation should be considered in clinical intervention studies using these populations of elderly.
Unhappiness and dissatisfaction in doctors cannot be predicted by selectors from medical school application forms: A prospective, longitudinal study
Authors: McManus IC , Iqbal Sheeraz , Chandrarajan Amuthan , Ferguson E , Leaviss Joanna 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Personal statements and referees' reports are widely used on medical school application forms, particularly in the UK, to assess the suitability of candidates for a career in medicine. However there are few studies which assess the validity of such information for predicting unhappiness or dissatisfaction with a career in medicine. Here we combine data from a long-term prospective study of medical student selection and training, with an experimental approach in which a large number of assessors used a paired comparison technique to predict outcome.

Methods
Data from a large-scale prospective study of students applying to UK medical schools in 1990 were used to identify 40 pairs of doctors, matched by sex, for whom personal statements and referees' reports were available, and who in a 2002/3 follow-up study, one pair member was very satisfied and the other very dissatisfied with medicine as a career. In 2005, 96 assessors, who were experienced medical school selectors, doctors, medical students or psychology students, used information from the doctors' original applications to judge which member of each pair of doctors was the happier, more satisfied doctor.

Results
None of the groups of assessors were significantly different from chance expectations in using applicants' personal statements and the referees' reports to predict actual future satisfaction or dissatisfaction, the distribution being similar to binomial expectations. However judgements of pairs of application forms from pairs of doctors showed a non-binomial distribution, indicating consensus among assessors as to which doctor would be the happy doctor (although the consensus was wrong in half the cases). Assessors taking longer to do the task concurred more. Consensus judgements seem mainly to be based on referees' predictions of academic achievement (even though academic achievement is not actually a valid predictor of happiness or satisfaction).

Conclusion
Although widely used in medical student selection to assess motivation, interest and commitment to a medical career, the personal statement and the referee's report cannot validly be used by assessors, including experienced medical school selectors, to identify doctors who will subsequently be dissatisfied with a medical career.