bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Anatomy of the Ophthalmic Artery: Its Origin and Proximal Course
Authors: Huynh-Le Phuong , Natori Yoshihiro , Sasaki Tomio 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
We examined the surgical anatomy of the ophthalmic artery (OA) by dissection of cadaver heads, evaluating the anatomic relationships between the origin of the OA and both its proximal course and surrounding structures. In addition, we demonstrated the surgical application of these anatomic features for safe surgical exploration of this region.

METHODS:
Through anatomic dissection, the origin of the OA was examined in both sides of 25 formalin-fixed and 10 fresh cadaver specimens. The following parameters were evaluated: the location of the origin of the OA in relation to the dural rings, the topographic relationship of the paraclinoid region, and the location of the dural penetrating point of the OA in the optic canal.

RESULTS:
The OA originated from the internal carotid artery within the intradural space in 49% of cases, just above the upper dural ring in 37%, at the clinoid segment in 7%, and within the cavernous sinus in 6%. The dural penetrating point of the OA was anterior to the falciform ligament, and thereby in the optic canal, in 74% of cases, ventral to the falciform ligament in 19%, and posterior to the falciform ligament in 7%. The anterior circumference point of the upper dural ring, the point at which the upper dural ring intersects the anterior edge of the internal carotid artery, was more anterior to the falciform ligament in 40% of cases and ventral and posterior to the falciform ligament in 16.4% and 43.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:
Our anatomic findings demonstrate anatomic variation of the OA in terms of its region of origin. Several anatomic points that were noteworthy during surgical exploration of this region are discussed.
Failure of the PAXgene™ Blood RNA System to maintain mRNA stability in whole blood
Authors: Kågedal Bertil , Lindqvist Malin , Farnebäck Malin , Lenner Liselotte , Peterson Curt 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIn multicentre studies of malignant and inflammatory diseases, whole blood, cell or tissue samples are often collected for analyses of gene expression to predict or monitor treatment effects. For correct analysis, sample stability during handling and transport is crucial. In developing the logistics for multicentre studies in malignant melanoma and inflammatory bowel disease, we found poor stability of a number of transcripts using the PAXgene™ Blood RNA System, which was advertised to maintain RNA stability for several days at room temperature. The results indicate that general statements on sample stability are not reliable and have to be verified for the specific transcripts of interest.
Reticulocyte hemoglobin measurement – comparison of two methods in the diagnosis of iron-restricted erythropoiesis
Authors: Thomas Lothar , Franck Susanne , Messinger Maren , Linssen Jo , Thomé Marcus , Thomas Christian 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe aims of this study were to diagnose iron-restricted erythropoiesis (functional iron deficiency) in patients with classic iron deficiency (ID), anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and the combined state of ID/ACD with the use of two hematological methods for the measurement of reticulocyte hemoglobinization. In comparison, the biochemical markers of iron status were determined. We studied 474 anemic patients admitted to hospital with a broad spectrum of diseases. We measured indicators of reticulocyte hemoglobinization. CHr was determined on an Advia 120 hematology analyzer. A Sysmex XE-2100 hematology analyzer was used to determine RET-Y, the forward scatter of fluorescence-labeled reticulocytes, which can also be expressed as the reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-H
Physical analysis of ejaculate to evaluate the secretory activity of the seminal vesicles and prostate
Authors: Tadeu Andrade-Rocha Fernando 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to ascertain whether analysis of the physical properties of ejaculate also has any diagnostic potential for evaluating the function of these accessory sex glands. Diverse normal and abnormal states of coagulation, liquefaction, volume, viscosity and pH were studied with regard to the levels of biochemical markers of the seminal vesicles (fructose and inorganic phosphorus) and prostate (calcium, zinc and acid phosphatase). Fructose and inorganic phosphorus were significantly decreased in samples with absent or poor coagulation (p<0.001), volume <2.0mL (p=0.009 and p<0.001, respectively), hypoviscosity (p=0.013 and p<0.001), hyperviscosity (p=0.006 and p<0.001) and pH ≤7.1 (p=0.018 and p<0.001). Also, fructose and inorganic phosphorus were significantly decreased in samples with liquefaction >120min (p=0.003) and pH >8.0 (p<0.001), respectively. Calcium, zinc and acid phosphatase activity were significantly increased in samples with absent or poor coagulation (p<0.001), and significantly decreased in samples with volume >5.0mL (p=0.007, p=0.034 and p=0.011) and pH >8.0 (p<0.001). Also, calcium and zinc were significantly increased in hypoviscous samples (p=0.012 and p=0.003), whereas the zinc concentration was significantly lower in hyperviscous samples (p=0.026). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, pH showed the highest predictive power to identify prostate dysfunction (83.6%) and simultaneous prostate and seminal vesicle dysfunction (98.8%). Physical analysis of ejaculate was also found to be clinically useful for evaluating the secretory activity of the seminal vesicles and prostate. Abnormal coagulation, liquefaction, volume, viscosity and pH strongly suggest gland dysfunction.
Plasma levels of 7-hydroxymetabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy Central European aging men
Authors: Stárka Luboslav , Hampl Richard , Hanuš Miroslav , Matoušková Michaela , Hill Martin 
Published: October 2005

AbstractEvidence has been accumulating that 7-hydroxyepimers of dehydroepiandrosterone may act as locally active immunomodulatory and immunoprotective agents, counteracting the actions of glucocorticoids. 7α- and 7β-hydroxylated metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone are present in near nanomolar concentrations in human blood. Limited data have been available on its changes during the last decades of human life. We examined 213 healthy Central European males in age groups from 50 to 91years and determined both 7-hydroxyepimers, 7α- and 7β-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone, in sera using specific radioimmunoassays. The age dependence of steroid levels was evaluated using one-way ANOVA. In men, a distinct decline in 7α-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone with age was observed. The curves for age dependence of 7-hydroxy metabolite levels in males resembled those previously determined for unconjugated dehydroepiandrosterone. The levels of both 7-hydroxylated epimers correlated excellently with each other.
Efficacy of three ELISA measurements of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fernández-Suárez Antonio , Reneses Sonsoles , Wichmann Ingeborg , Criado Rita , Núñez Antonio 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody detection in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to compare three commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits used to detect such antibodies. We analysed the presence of anti-CCP antibodies in the sera of 78 patients who had been newly referred from primary healthcare centres to the Early Polyarthritis Unit. We also included in the study a group of 50 healthy controls. None of the patients had previously received treatment for the disease. After 1-year follow-up, the diagnosis of RA was confirmed in 53 of these patients. The ELISA kits under study were IMMUNOSCAN RA (Euro-Diagnostica AB), QUANTA Lite™ CCP IgG ELISA (INOVA Diagnostic) and DIA-STAT™ Anti-CCP (Axis-Shield Diagnostics); the sensitivity obtained was 52.8%, 58.5% and 52.8%, respectively, with 100% specificity for all three kits. Anti-CCP antibodies detected the presence of RA in 26% of patients without positive rheumatoid factor (RF). The sum of anti-CCP antibodies or the presence of RF gave a sensitivity of up to 67%, with specificity ranging between 94 and 97%. Anti-CCP antibodies show high specificity for the diagnosis of RA. The three ELISAs analysed offer the same degree of diagnostic accuracy.
Analytical evaluation of the Dade Behring Dimension RxL automated N-Terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) method and comparison with the Roche Elecsys 2010
Authors: Di Serio Francesca , Ruggieri Vincenzo , Varraso Lucia , De Sario Rosalisa , Mastrorilli Angela , Pansini Nicola 
Published: October 2005

AbstractMethods to quantify B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-propeptide (NT-proBNP) in plasma or serum samples are well established. We assessed the analytical performance of the Dimension RxL NT-proBNP method (Dade-Behring). Evaluation of different sample types was carried out. Controls and heparin plasma pools were used to determine the detection limit, precision, and linearity. Sample stability and the effect of interfering substances on the NT-proBNP concentrations were evaluated. Agreement between Dimension RxL and Elecsys 2010 (Roche Diagnostics) NT-proBNP methods was assessed. The influence of age and sex on NT-proBNP concentrations was evaluated in healthy subjects. Heparin plasma should be the matrix of choice. The detection limit was 2.0ng/L. The total imprecision was 2.6–3.6% for concentrations from 231 to 9471ng/L; mean NT-proBNP concentrations of 21 and 15ng/L were associated with coefficients of variation of 9.9% and 14.7%, respectively. The method was linear up to 32,650ng/L. There was no effect of temperature, freeze-thaw cycles and interfering substances. A bias was detected when Dimension RxL and Elecsys 2010 NT-proBNP methods were compared. Age and sex were significantly and independently related to NT-proBNP concentrations. The Dimension RxL NT-proBNP method, like the Elecsys 2010, is suitable for routine use in the diagnosis of heart failure.
A new type of coding problem
Authors: Brightwell G. , Katona Gyula 
Published: October 2005

Let X be an n-element finite set, and 0 Let X be an n-element finite set, and are pairs of disjoint k-element subsets of X (that is, {A1 = B1} = {A2 = B2} = k, A1 \ B1 = A2 \ B2 = Define the distance between these pairs by d(f A1;B1 g; f A2; B2 g)=min fj A1 - A2 j + B1 - B2 j; j A1 - B2 j + j B1 - A2 jg . Itisknown ([2]) that the family of all k-element subsets of X can be paired (with one exception if their number is odd) in such a way that the distance between any two pairs is at least k. Here we answer questions arising for distances larger than k.
Interpreting social science link analysis research: A theoretical framework
Authors: Thelwall Mike 
Published: October 2005

AbstractLink analysis in various forms is now an established technique in many different subjects, reflecting the perceived importance of links and of the Web. A critical but very difficult issue is how to interpret the results of social science link analyses. It is argued that the dynamic nature of the Web, its lack of quality control, and the online proliferation of copying and imitation mean that methodologies operating within a highly positivist, quantitative framework are ineffective. Conversely, the sheer variety of the Web makes application of qualitative methodologies and pure reason very problematic to large‐scale studies. Methodology triangulation is consequently advocated, in combination with a warning that the Web is incapable of giving definitive answers to large‐scale link analysis research questions concerning social factors underlying link creation. Finally, it is claimed that although theoretical frameworks are appropriate for guiding research, a Theory of Link Analysis is not possible.
Solid‐supported and pegylated H–Pro–Pro–Asp–NHR as catalysts for asymmetric aldol reactions
Authors: Revell Jefferson D. , Gantenbein Daniel , Krattiger Philipp , Wennemers Helma 
Published: October 2005

AbstractH–Pro–Pro–Asp–NH2 is a highly active and selective catalyst for asymmetric aldol reactions. Here, the versatility of H–Pro–Pro–Asp–NH2 has been further improved by immobilization on a solid support and functionalization with a short polyethylene glycol linker at the C‐terminus. The development, synthesis, and the catalytic properties in aldol reactions of H–Pro–Pro–Asp–resin and H–Pro–Pro–Asp–Ahx–NH(CH2CH2O)3CH3 are described. For the solid‐supported catalyst, TentaGel with a loading of 0.1–0.2 mmol g–1 proved to be the optimal support. The solid‐supported catalyst can be recycled at least three times without a significant drop in the catalytic activity or selectivity. Using the pegylated catalyst H–Pro–Pro–Asp–Ahx–NH(CH2CH2O)3CH3, only 0.5 mol % are necessary to obtain aldol products in up to 96% yield and 91% enantiomeric excess. In all cases, enantioselectivities are comparable to those obtained with the parent catalyst H–Pro–Pro–Asp–NH2. Thus, immobilization of H–Pro–Pro–Asp–NH2 on Tentagel as well as pegylation led to catalysts with selectivities comparable to the nonmodified catalyst, exhibiting additional distinct advantages such as facile reusability, ease of handling, higher solubility, and thereby greater versatility. handling, higher solubility, and thereby greater versatility. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 84: 105–113, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Structure optimization in a three‐dimensional off‐lattice protein model
Authors: Huang Wenqi , Liu Jingfa 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe studied a three‐dimensional off‐lattice AB model with two species of monomers, hydrophobic (A) and hydrophilic (B), and present two optimization algorithms: face‐centered‐cubic (FCC)‐lattice pruned‐enriched‐Rosenbluth method (PERM) and subsequent conjugate gradient (PERM++) minimization and heuristic conjugate gradient (HCG) simulation based on “off‐trap” strategy. In PERM++, we apply the PERM to the FCC‐lattice to produce the initial conformation, and conjugate gradient minimization is then used to reach the minimum energy state. Both algorithms have been tested in the three‐dimensional AB model for all sequences with lengths 13 ≤ n ≤ 55. The numerical results show that the proposed methods are very promising for finding the ground states of proteins. In several cases, we renew the putative ground states energy values. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 93–98, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Simple and versatile restraints for the accurate modeling of α‐helical coiled‐coil structures of multiple strandedness, orientation and composition
Authors: Charest Gabriel , Lavigne Pierre 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe present a minimalist approach for the modeling of the three‐dimensional structure of multistranded α‐helical coiled coils. The approach is based on empirical principles introduced by F. H. C. Crick (F. H. C. Crick, Acta Crystallogr, 1953, Vol. 6, pp. 689–697). Crick hypothesized that keeping the distance between the residues at the interacting interface of α‐helices constant would lead to supercoiling or the formation of a coiled coil through the knobs‐into‐holes mode of packing. We have implemented the latter hypothesis in a simulating annealing protocol in the simple form of interhelical distance restraints (two per heptad) between Cα at the interfacial positions a and d. To demonstrate the authenticity of Crick's hypothesis and the precision and accuracy of our approach, we have modeled the crystal structures of six synthetic coiled coils in dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric states. The mean root mean square deviations (RMSDs) between the backbone atoms of the ensemble of structures calculated and those of the corresponding geometric averages is always below 0.76 Å, indicating that our protocol has an excellent degree of convergence and precision. The RMSDs between the backbone atoms of each of the six geometric average structures and the backbone of the corresponding crystal structures all range between 0.43 and 0.95 Å, indicative of excellent accuracy and proving the authenticity of Crick's hypothesis. Moreover, without specifying any dihedral angles, we found that in 81% of the occurrences, the most populated conformer of the side chains at positions a and d in the ensembles calculated were identical to those observed in the crystal structures. This shows that our simple approach, which is the simplest reported so far, can generate accurate results for the backbone and side chains. Finally, as a test case for a wider application of our approach in the field of structural proteomics, we describe the successful modeling of the overall structure of SNARE and the organization of its interfacial ionic layer known to play an important functional role. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 202–214, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Scavenging of reactive oxygen species by some nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and fenofibrate
Authors: Kładna Aleksandra , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Kruk Irena , Lichszteld Krzysztof , Michalska Teresa 
Published: October 2005

AbstractKetoprofen and tolmetin are widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, whereas fenofibrate belongs to a family of hypolipidemic drugs used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to assess effect of these drugs on reactions generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The following generators of ROS were used: 18‐crown‐6/KO2 dissolved in DMSO as a source of superoxide radical (
$O^{\overline{\bullet}}_2$), the Fenton‐like reaction (Cu/H2O2) for hydroxyl radical (HO•), 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidino‐propane) dichloride (AAPH) as peroxyl radical (ROO•) generator, and a mixture of alkaline aqueous H2O2 and acetonitrile for singlet oxygen (1O2). Measurements were done using chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and spin‐trapping with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine combined with electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR), and a deoxyribose assay based on the spectrophotometry. The results obtained demonstrated that all tested drugs were active against $O^{\overline{\bullet}}_2$. There was a clear ranking of drug inhibition effects on chemiluminescence from the $O^{\overline{\bullet}}_2$
system: ketoprofen > tolmetin > fenofibrate. The examined compounds inhibited the HO•‐dependent deoxyribose degradation and scavenged the ROO• concentration dependently with an order of potencies similar to that of the superoxide radical system. Hence, these results indicate that the studied drugs show broad ROS scavenging property and, as a consequence, might decrease tissue damage due to the ROS and thus to contribute to anti‐inflammatory therapy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 99–105, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Bioleaching of sulfidic tailing samples with a novel, vacuum‐positive pressure driven bioreactor
Authors: Rzhepishevska Olena I. , Lindström E. Börje , Tuovinen Olli H. , Dopson Mark 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThis study presents a design for a novel bioreactor that uses alternating vacuum and positive pressure cycles to transfer acidic leach solution in and out of contact with finely ground sulfidic mine tailings. These tailings constitute an environmental problem that needs experimental data to support the development of management and control strategies. A conventional stirred tank bioreactor was used as a reference system. Both bioreactors were inoculated with mixed cultures of acidophilic iron and sulfur oxidizers. The rate of the bioleaching of tailings was 0.50 ± 0.14 g Fe/L · day in the stirred tank bioreactor and 0.17 ± 0.05 g Fe/L · day in the novel bioreactor. Microbial populations were identified in the two‐bioreactor systems by analysis of 16S rRNA genes involving amplification, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), cloning, and sequencing. The inoculum contained sulfur‐oxidizing Acidithiobacillus caldus and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, iron oxidizers from the genera Leptospirillum and Ferroplasma, and a chemoorganotrophic Alicyclobacillus sp. During bioleaching of the tailings, the microbial populations in both bioreactors were similar to the inoculum culture, except that At. thiooxidans outgrew At. caldus. Sequences consistent with a Sulfobacillus sp. were amplified from both bioreactor samples although this bacterium was initially below the level of detection in the inoculum. After prolonged operation, Ferroplasma acidiphilum and an uncultured bacterium related to the CFB group were also detected in the novel bioreactor, whereas Sulfobacillus sp. was no longer detected. The novel bioreactor has potential uses in other areas of environmental biotechnology that involves periodic contact of liquids with solid substrates. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, inc.
Engineering of osteoinductive grafts by isolation and expansion of ovine bone marrow stromal cells directly on 3D ceramic scaffolds
Authors: Scaglione S. , Braccini A. , Wendt D. , Jaquiery C. , Beltrame F. , Quarto R. , Martin Ivan 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIn this work, we investigated whether osteoinductive constructs can be generated by isolation and expansion of sheep bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) directly within three‐dimensional (3D) ceramic scaffolds, bypassing the typical phase of monolayer (2D) expansion prior to scaffold loading. Nucleated cells from sheep bone marrow aspirate were seeded into 3D ceramic scaffolds either by static loading or under perfusion flow and maintained in culture for up to 14 days. The resulting constructs were exposed to enzymatic treatment to assess the number and lineage of extracted cells, or implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to test their capacity to induce bone formation. As a control, BMSC expanded in monolayer for 14 days were also seeded into the scaffolds and implanted. BMSC could be isolated and expanded directly in the 3D ceramic scaffolds, although they proliferated slower than in 2D. Upon ectopic implantation, the resulting constructs formed a higher amount of bone tissue than constructs loaded with the same number of 2D‐expanded cells. Constructs cultivated for 14 days generated significantly more bone tissue than those cultured for 3 days. No differences in bone formation were found between samples seeded by static loading or under perfusion. In conclusion, the culture of bone marrow nucleated cells directly on 3D ceramic scaffolds represents a promising approach to expand BMSC and streamline the engineering of osteoinductive grafts. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, inc.