bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy before and after the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases: Retrospective case–control study
Authors: Bortoli Aurora , Saibeni Simone , Tatarella Maria , Prada Alberto , Beretta Luigi , Rivolta Roberta , Politi Patrizia , Ravelli Paolo , Imperiali Gianni , Colombo Enrico , Pera Angelo , Daperno Marco , Carnovali Marino , De Franchis Roberto , Vecchi Maurizio ,   the Study Group for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (GSMII)
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) commonly affect women during the reproductive years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive histories of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) considering pregnancies occurring before and after the diagnosis.Method:  Case–control study evaluating IBD patients, interviewed by questionnaire about outcome of pregnancy and course of disease.Results:  A total of 502 pregnancies from 199 patients in the prediagnosis group and 121 pregnancies from 90 patients in the post‐diagnosis group were respectively compared with 996 and 204 pregnancies recorded in a control population. In prediagnosis pregnancies, CD was associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (odds ratio [OR] 4.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.77–7.73; P < 0.001 vs controls and OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.75–7.07; P < 0.001 vs UC) and lower birthweight (P < 0.001 vs UC and controls). In post‐diagnosis pregnancies, the rate of live births was lower, but not statistically significant in IBD (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.04–1.25; P = 0.08) and the birthweight was significantly lower in CD than in UC (P < 0.03) and in controls (P < 0.02). In post‐diagnosis pregnancies, a higher incidence of congenital abnormalities was found in IBD patients (5.5% vs 0.0%). The spontaneous abortion rate and therapeutic abortions were significantly higher in post than in prediagnosis pregnancies. Neither disease activity at conception nor treatment appeared to influence the outcome of pregnancy.Conclusions:  CD in the preclinical phase has some influence on pregnancy. In patients with IBD our data suggest that conception should not be discouraged. However, because of a modest increase in mild congenital abnormalities and abortions rates, pregnancy in IBD patients should be closely monitored.
Fungal hydroquinones contribute to brown rot of wood
Authors: Suzuki Melissa R. , Hunt Christopher G. , Houtman Carl J. , Dalebroux Zachary D. , Hammel Kenneth E. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe fungi that cause brown rot of wood initiate lignocellulose breakdown with an extracellular Fenton system in which Fe2+ and H2O2 react to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which then oxidize and cleave the wood holocellulose. One such fungus, Gloeophyllum trabeum, drives Fenton chemistry on defined media by reducing Fe3+ and O2 with two extracellular hydroquinones, 2,5‐dimethoxyhydroquinone (2,5‐DMHQ) and 4,5‐dimethoxycatechol (4,5‐DMC). However, it has never been shown that the hydroquinones contribute to brown rot of wood. We grew G. trabeum on spruce blocks and found that 2,5‐DMHQ and 4,5‐DMC were each present in the aqueous phase at concentrations near 20 μM after 1 week. We determined rate constants for the reactions of 2,5‐DMHQ and 4,5‐DMC with the Fe3+‐oxalate complexes that predominate in wood undergoing brown rot, finding them to be 43 l mol−1 s−1 and 65 l mol−1 s−1 respectively. Using these values, we estimated that the average amount of hydroquinone‐driven ·OH production during the first week of decay was 11.5 μmol g−1 dry weight of wood. Viscometry of the degraded wood holocellulose coupled with computer modelling showed that a number of the same general magnitude, 41.2 μmol oxidations per gram, was required to account for the depolymerization that occurred in the first week. Moreover, the decrease in holocellulose viscosity was correlated with the measured concentrations of hydroquinones. Therefore, hydroquinone‐driven Fenton chemistry is one component of the biodegradative arsenal that G. trabeum expresses on wood.
Marine cyanophages and light
Authors: Clokie Martha R. J. , Mann Nicholas H. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIn contrast to the phages of heterotrophic hosts, light can play a key role in all aspects of the life cycle of phages infecting ecologically important marine unicellular cyanobacteria of the genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus. Phage adsorption, replication, modulation of the host cell metabolism, and survival in the environment following lysis, all exhibit light‐dependent components. The analysis of cyanophage genomes has revealed the acquisition of key photosynthetic genes during the course of evolution, such as those encoding central components of the light harvesting apparatus. These discoveries are beginning to reveal novel features of the interactions between parasite and host that shape the biology of both.
A Reduced Rank Regression Approach to Coincident and Leading Indexes Building*
Authors: Cubadda Gianluca 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper proposes a reduced rank regression framework for constructing a coincident index (CI) and a leading index (LI). Based on a formal definition that requires that the first differences of the LI are the best linear predictor of the first differences of the CI, it is shown that the notion of polynomial serial correlation common features can be used to build these composite variables. Concepts and methods are illustrated by an empirical investigation of the US business cycle indicators.
Distribution, levels and phosphorylation of Raf‐1 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mei Matthew , Su Bo , Harrison Kristen , Chao Mark , Siedlak Sandra L. , Previll Laura A. , Jackson LaMia , Cai Dan X. , Zhu Xiongwei 
Published: October 2006

AbstractExtracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway, has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease due to its critical role in brain function. While we previously demonstrated that ERK is activated in Alzheimer's disease, the upstream cascade leading to its activation had not been fully examined. In this study, we focused on Raf‐1, one of the physiological activators of the ERK pathway. Raf‐1 is activated by phosphorylation at Ser338 and Tyr340/341 and inhibited by phosphorylation at Ser259. Interestingly, phosphorylation at all three sites on Raf‐1 was increased as evidenced by both immunocytochemistry and immunoblot analysis in Alzheimer's disease brains compared to age‐matched controls. Both phospho‐Raf‐1 (Ser259) and phospho‐Raf‐1 (Ser338) were localized to intracytoplasmic granular structures, whereas phospho‐Raf‐1 (Tyr340/341) was localized to neurofibrillary tangles and granules in pyramidal neurons in Alzheimer's disease hippocampus. There is extensive overlap between phospho‐Raf‐1 (Ser338) and phospho‐Mek1/2, the downstream effector of Raf‐1, suggestive of a mechanistic link. Additionally, increased levels of Raf‐1 are associated with Ras and MEK1 in Alzheimer's disease as evidenced by its coimmunoprecipitation with Ras and Mek1, respectively. Based on these findings, we speculate that Raf‐1 is activated to effectively mediate Ras‐dependent signals in Alzheimer's disease.
Twelve novel microsatellite markers for the Great Plains toad, Bufo cognatus
Authors: CHAN L. M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHere I report on 12 microsatellite loci designed for populations of the Great Plains toad (Bufo cognatus) in the deserts of the southwestern USA. Diversity at these loci measured for 134 individuals from four breeding aggregations was relatively high with seven to 34 alleles per locus (mean = 17.8). Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.444 to 0.949 and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.597 to 0.951. These markers will be useful for studies of population genetic structure, parentage and relatedness in this explosively breeding amphibian.
Mixing Web and Mail Methods in a Survey of Physicians
Authors: Beebe Timothy J. , Locke G. Richard , Barnes Sunni A. , Davern Michael E. , Anderson Kari J. 
Published: October 2006

Objective. To assess the effects of two different mixed‐mode (mail and web survey) combinations on response rates, response times, and nonresponse bias in a sample of primary care and specialty internal medicine physicians.Data Sources/Study Setting. Primary data were collected from 500 physicians with an appointment in the Mayo Clinic Department of Medicine (DOM) between February and March 2005.Study Design. Physicians were randomly assigned to receive either an initial mailed survey evaluating the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) with a web survey follow‐up to nonrespondents or its converse—an initial web survey followed by a mailed survey to nonrespondents. Response rates for each condition were calculated using standard formula. Response times were determined as well. Nonresponse bias was measured by comparing selected characteristics of survey respondents to similar characteristics in the full sample frame. In addition, the distributions of results on key outcome variables were compared overall and by data collection condition and phase.Principal Findings. Overall response rates were somewhat higher in the mail/web condition (70.5 percent) than in the web/mail condition (62.9 percent); differences were more pronounced before the mode switch prior to the mailing to nonrespondents. Median response time was 2 days faster in the web/mail condition than in the mail/web (median=5 and 7 days, respectively) but there was evidence of under‐representation of specialist physicians and those who used the EMR a half a day or less each day in the web/mail condition before introduction of the mailed component. This did not translate into significant inconsistencies or differences in the distributions of key outcome variables, however.Conclusions. A methodology that uses an initial mailing of a self‐administered form followed by a web survey to nonrespondents provides slightly higher response rates and a more representative sample than one that starts with web and ends with a mailed survey. However, if the length of the data collection period is limited and rapid response is important, perhaps the web survey followed by a mailed questionnaire is to be preferred. Key outcome variables appear to be unaffected by the data collection method.
Anesthetic management of the head trauma patient
Authors: Armitage‐Chan Elizabeth A. , Wetmore Lois A. , Chan Daniel L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:To describe the optimal anesthetic management of patients with brain injury, with emphasis on the support of oxygen delivery to the brain, and the effects of anesthetic agents on cerebral perfusion.Data sources:Clinical and experimental studies from both the human and veterinary neuroanesthesia literature.Summary:The management of patients following primary traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly impacts outcome. Outcome can be improved by strategies that improve oxygen delivery to the brain and prevent cerebral ischemia. Anesthetic agents have widely variable effects on the blood supply to the brain and, therefore, choice of anesthetic agent can influence neurological outcome. Although in the past, anesthetic agents have been selected for their neuroprotective properties, it is increasingly being recognized that the support of cerebral perfusion during anesthesia contributes more significantly to a positive outcome for these patients. Support of cardiorespiratory function is, therefore, highly important when anesthetizing patients with TBI.Conclusion:Choice of anesthetic agent is determined by the extent of brain injury and intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation. Factors that should be considered when anesthetizing head trauma patients include the effects of anesthetic agents on the cardiac and respiratory systems, their effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF), ICP, and possible neuroprotective benefits offered by certain agents.
Profound hypokalemia causing respiratory failure in a cat with hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Haldane Sarah , Graves Thomas K. , Bateman Shane , Lichtensteiger Carol A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective:Description of acute respiratory failure in a cat due to profound hypokalemia associated with primary hyperaldosteronism.Case summary:A cat was presented with weakness and paraparesis that deteriorated rapidly into acute ventilatory failure. The serum potassium concentration declined despite intravenous fluid therapy. Positive pressure ventilation was required to support ventilatory function. A functional adrenocortical adenoma was found at necropsy in conjunction with a serum aldosterone concentration of greater than 3329 pmol/L.New or unique information provided:Respiratory failure secondary to profound hypokalemia is a rare, although recognized, condition. There are few reports that focus on this aspect of respiratory failure in the veterinary literature and primary hyperaldosteronism has not been reported as a cause of respiratory failure in cats.
Refuse dumps of leaf‐cutting ants as a deterrent for ant herbivory: does refuse age matter?
Authors: Ballari S. A. , Farji‐Brener A. G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractLeaf‐cutting ants often avoid contact with their waste because it harbors microorganisms that are dangerous to the ants and their symbiotic fungus. Therefore, the use of ant waste (i.e., refuse dumps) has been proposed as a deterrent method against leafcutter attack. We tested experimentally whether the age of the refuse dump (fresh vs. old) affects the herbivory‐deterrent effect against the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex lobicornis Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Refuse placed around seedlings significantly delayed the initiation attacks of leaf‐cutting ants, and this deterrent effect decreased gradually over a period of 30 days. The initial strength of this decrease was the same for newly‐discarded ( ‘new’) refuse and refuse from the bottom of the ants’ waste pile (‘old’ refuse). However, the loss of deterrent effect over time was more rapid for new than old refuse. A further experimental manipulation, replacement of refuse every 3 days, had no effect on the deterrent effect for old refuse, but increased this effect for new refuse, although the amount of this increase gradually weakened over the course of the 30‐day experiment. We speculate on the possible causes of these effects, their consequences for the hygienic behavior of leaf‐cutting ants, and on the use of ant debris as short‐term control method against leaf‐cutting ants.
Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in intravenous drug users
Authors: Cowan Matthew L , Maxwell James D. 
Published: October 2006

Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among intravenous drug users, and because of the long latent period, HCV liver disease is set to increase.Objectives:We sought to examine practice guidelines regarding treatment of HCV in drug users and to review the evidence for current practices.Methods:A structured search of the Pubmed database, websites of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and national and international expert groups and opinion of independent experts in the field.Results and Conclusions:All those infected with HCV need to be assessed to ascertain whether they have active ongoing viral replication and the extent of liver damage. HCV-infected individuals should be educated about the modes of transmission and means of reducing the risk of infecting others. They should also be advised to avoid cofactors (especially alcohol) that accelerate the progression of liver disease. Specific treatment with antivirals can cause viral clearance and prevent the progression of liver disease. Therapy is effective in those on opiate-replacement treatments and also in motivated individuals who continue to use intravenous drugs. The decision whether to treat drug users should be made jointly by specialists in the management of viral hepatitis and addiction on a case-by-case basis. Current combination drug regimens are expensive but are claimed to be cost-effective, and are certainly much less costly than managing end-stage liver disease. In addition to satisfactory sustained viral response rates, other benefits such as a beneficial effect on drug habit, self-esteem and rehabilitation have been reported. Encouraging suitable drug users to take-up and comply with treatment seems to be more easily achieved in supportive drug dependency unit settings (rather than the more formal surroundings of a hospital clinic).
CLinical Experience Acquired with Raptiva® (CLEAR) trial in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: results from extended treatment in an international, Phase III, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sterry Wolfram , Stingl Georg , Langley Richard G.B. , Zacharie Hugh , Lahfa Morad , Giannetti Alberto , Ferrándiz Carlos , Sinclair Rodney , Saurat Jean‐Hilaire ,   the CLEAR Multinational Study Group
Published: October 2006

Summary Background: The 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, first‐treatment (FT) CLEAR trial period demonstrated the efficacy/safety of efalizumab in moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, including refractory or contraindicated patients unsuitable for other systemic treatments. This study assessed the efficacy/safety of open‐label extended treatment (up to 24 weeks' continuous treatment) in patients not achieving ≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI‐75) at week 12 of the FT period. Time to relapse after treatment cessation, and efficacy/safety of 12 weeks' open‐label re‐treatment in patients achieving PASI‐75 at week 12 FT were also assessed. Patients and methods: Patients with PASI‐75 at week 12 FT were observed without treatment until relapse, then re‐treated with open‐label efalizumab (1.0 mg/kg/week for 12 weeks). Others received open‐label extended treatment without intervening observation. Results: Among efalizumab‐treated patients (n = 308) who had < 75% PASI improvement at week 12 FT, extended treatment led to PASI‐75 in 26.6%. Among patients with between ≥ 50 and < 75% PASI improvement at week 12 FT (n = 118), 47.5% improved to PASI‐75 with extended treatment. Forpatients achieving PASI‐75 at week 12 FT (n = 164), median time to relapse was 58 days. Re‐treatment after relapse led to mean PASI improvement of 62.3% from study baseline (n = 145). Safety results were consistent with pre‐vious studies, with no new safety concerns. Conclusions: These results demonstrate additional benefit of continuing efali‐zumab. Re‐treatment re‐established disease control in patients with PASI‐75 who relapsed following treatment cessation. The safety profile remained consistent with that seen at 12 weeks.
Lupus vulgaris–a case diagnosed more than 20 years after onset
Authors: Sammain Adel , Jocher Andrea , Bruckner‐Tuderman Leena , Schempp Christoph M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA 47‐year‐old Turkish woman developed an erythematous scaly plaque on her thigh over 20 years. Cutaneous sarcoidosis had been diagnosed eight years previously on a skin biopsy. We confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by polymerase chain reaction and cultivation of the causative organism from lesional skin. After several months of antituberculous treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide, the lesion resolved.
Xerosis and callus formation as a key to the diabetic foot syndrome: Dermatologic view of the problem and its management
Authors: Pavicic Tatjana , Korting Hans Christian 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe diabetic foot syndrome is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. The two most important pathophysiologic factors are peripheral arterial occlusion and peripheral neuropathy. The cutaneous lesion is a plantar ulcer, often accompanied by soft tissue and bone infections which can require amputation. Triggers include poorly fitting shoes, poor foot care, or overlooked foreign bodies, often coupled with a structural foot deformity. Increased plantar pressure, especially beneath the metatarsal heads, and the resultant callus play an important role. The patients often already have xerosis of the plantar skin with scales, fissures, erosions and impaired barrier function, complicating the situation. Prompt neurologic and vascular diagnostic studies, coupled with routine examination of the feet and primary prophylactic measures are most important. The most important therapeutic goals are optimal control of the diabetes mellitus, relieving pressure points and avoiding or reducing callus formation.
Solar Energy and Electric Utilities: Should They Be Interfaced?
Authors: Asbury Joseph G. , Mueller Ronald O. 
Published: October 2006

Analyses of the economics of solar collection in the firm- and shifting-peak cases (that is, with off-peak electricity indefinitely available or with a flat load curve) indicate that, for many important applications, solar energy systems that interface with electric utilities can be justified only in terms of the value of the off-peak utility fuels that they displace. In regions where off-peak electricity costs are low, the most economically efficient solar energy systems will be those that use electricity as the auxiliary energy source. This implies extremely low break-even costs for a number of important solar energy applications. In regions where the cost of off-peak electricity is higher than that of competing energy forms, the most economical solar energy systems will utilize auxiliary fuels other than electricity.
The general conclusion is that conventional electric utility systems and most solar energy systems represent a poor technological match. The basic problem is that both technologies are very capital intensive. The electric utility, because of the high fixed costs of generation, transmission, and distribution capacity, represents a poor backup for solar energy systems. On the other hand, the solar collection system, because it represents pure, high-cost capital and because of its outage problems, cannot be considered as a part-load source of auxiliary energy for the electric utility system.
Heterogeneous Catalysis: Some Recent Developments
Authors: Sinfelt John H. 
Published: October 2006

In recent years major progress has been made in the area of heterogeneous catalysis by metals. Much has been learned about the nature of metal catalysts and of catalytic phenomena on metals. Characteristic patterns of catalytic behavior among the metallic elements have been established for certain classes of reactions, and these patterns provide a first step toward a more comprehensive understanding of catalytic specificity. Studies on metal alloys and related bimetallic catalysts have revived interest in a geometric factor in surface catalysis to complement the traditional electronic factor. Closely related to this geometric factor is the discovery that selectivity, rather than activity alone, is a major factor in reactions on bimetallic catalysts.
Concurrent with progress in understanding how catalysts work, advances are also being made in the development of new catalyst systems, examples of which are the bimetallic (or polymetallic) cluster catalysts. Research in this area provides an example of how advances in catalyst technology can be realized within a framework of fundamental research on catalytic phenomena.