bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of community appraisals: some lessons from south-west England
Authors: Cole Michael 
Published: December 2005

English
This article evaluates the impact of community appraisals undertaken in 46 predominantly rural communities in south-west England. The analysis is based on responses to a questionnaire and focus groups with representatives of 10 communities. The survey considered the extent to which community concerns were addressed and the impact of the appraisals on community development and the stock of social capital. The study indicated that the impact of the process was limited. Progress in addressing concerns was restricted primarily to the resolution of relatively simple problems. Similarly, the gains for community development and social capital were modest.
Joining up policy discourses and fragmented practices: the precarious contribution of cultural projects to social inclusion?
Authors: Long Jonathan , Bramham Peter 
Published: December 2005

English
This article outlines New Labour's policy discourse about social exclusion and the confusing challenge it poses to local cultural projects. Government now demands hard evidence to measure the impact of cultural projects on performance indicators such as education, employment, crime and health. However, community-based workers are hard pressed to collect valid and reliable data that evaluate projects against clear criteria for social inclusion. This article outlines possible criteria for social inclusion. Then, drawing on data collected from two ‘Arts in Health’ projects, we examine how contributions to social inclusion might have been effected. Considerable energy is required to form new alliances and health partnerships to resolve the dilemmas posed by a confused policy discourse and by fragile funding streams.
Reproducibility and Accuracy of Measurements of Free and Total Prostate-Specific Antigen in Serum vs Plasma after Long-Term Storage at −20 °C
Authors: Ulmert David , Becker Charlotte , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Piironen Timo , Björk Thomas , Hugosson Jonas , Berglund Göran , Lilja Hans 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Long-term frozen storage may alter the results of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements, mainly because of degradation of free PSA (fPSA) in vitro. We compared the effects of long-term storage on fPSA, total PSA (tPSA), and complexed PSA (cPSA) in serum vs EDTA-plasma samples.
Methods: We measured fPSA and tPSA concentrations in matched pairs of archival serum and EDTA-plasma samples (stored frozen at −20 °C for 20 years) from a large population-based cohort in Malmö, Sweden. We also compared concentrations in age-matched men with those in samples not subjected to long-term storage, obtained from participants in a population-based study of prostate cancer screening in Göteborg, Sweden. These contemporary samples were handled according to standardized preanalytical and analytical protocols aimed at minimizing in vitro degradation. tPSA and fPSA measurements were performed with a commercial assay (Prostatus Dual Assay; Perkin-Elmer Life Sciences).
Results: Concentrations of tPSA and fPSA and calculated cPSA (tPSA − fPSA) in archival plasma were not significantly different from those in contemporary serum from age-matched men. In archival serum, however, random variability of fPSA was higher vs plasma than in contemporary samples, whereas systematic error of fPSA analyses was similarly small in archival and contemporary serum and plasma.
Conclusions: Concentrations of tPSA and calculated cPSA were highly stable in plasma and serum samples subjected to long-term storage at −20 °C. Greater random variability, rather than a systematic decrease, may explain differences in fPSA analyses observed in archival serum.
Serum Bioavailable Testosterone: Assayed or Calculated?
Authors: Giton Frank , Fiet Jean , Guéchot Jérôme , Ibrahim Fidaa , Bronsard Françoise , Chopin Dominique , Raynaud Jean-Pierre 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Bioavailable testosterone (BT), circulating testosterone not bound to sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), is thought to easily penetrate cells. We compared BT measurements obtained by assays with those obtained by calculation with different testosterone association constants.
Methods: We obtained sera from 2 groups of hypogonadal men [group 1 (G1), 1421 samples; group 2 (G2), 170 samples] and a group of healthy men [group 3 (G3), 109 samples]. We added minute doses of [3H]testosterone to the sera, precipitated the SHBG-bound fraction of testosterone with ammonium sulfate (50% saturation), and then assayed serum BT (ABT) as %BT × total. Calculated BT (CBT) was determined with theoretical association constants of testosterone for SHBG (Ks = 1 × 109 L/mol) and albumin (Ka = 3.6 × 104 L/mol) and paired optimal Ks and Ka values obtained by use of Microsoft Excel software.
Results: CBT calculated with theoretical constants differed from ABT by &gt;30% in 85.7% (G1), 84.1% (G2), and 77.9% (G3) of samples, and the mean CBT/ABT ratios were 1.57 (G1), 1.85 (G2), and 1.50 (G3) in spite of fairly good correlations. CBT calculated with paired optimal Ks and Ka differed from ABT by &lt;30% in 87.4% (G1), 87.5% (G2), and 97.5% (G3) of samples, and mean CBT/ABT ratios were 0.95–1.04.
Conclusions: To obtain CBT values as close as possible to ABT, optimal paired association constants determined for each studied population must be used instead of the theoretical association constants. Considering the uncertainty of calculating BT, however, use of the ammonium sulfate precipitation method for determining BT is advisable.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Intestinal Lactase with 4-Galactosylxylose: Comparison with 3- and 2-Galactosylxylose and Optimization of the Method in Rats
Authors: Hermida Carmen , Corrales Guillermo , Martínez-Costa Oscar H , Fernández-Mayoralas Alfonso , Aragón Juan J 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Urinary excretion of d-xylose by suckling rats after ingestion of a mixture of 4-, 3-, and 2-galactosylxyloses reflects lactase activity in vivo. We aimed to select the most convenient of these disaccharides for detecting changes of the enzyme activity in vivo and to optimize the method.
Methods: 4-, 3-, and 2-Galactosylxyloses were synthesized and purified, then orally administered to suckling rats of different ages. d-Xylose was measured colorimetrically by the phloroglucinol reaction in urine and plasma. Lactase activity was determined in extracts of small intestine mucosa with lactose, galactosylxyloses, and phlorizin as substrates.
Results: d-Xylose appeared in the urine in a dose-dependent manner after ingestion of any of the 3 galactosylxylose disaccharides. Correlation between d-xylose elimination and intestinal lactase activity was highest with 4-galactosylxylose (r = 0.97; n = 24), lower with 2-galactosylxylose (r = 0.89; n = 24), and lowest with 3-galactosylxylose (r = 0.34; n = 23). The kinetic properties of intestinal lactase accounted for these differences. d-Xylose concentration in plasma after administration of 4-galactosylxylose also correlated with lactase activity (r = 0.93; n = 33).
Conclusions: 4-Galactosylxylose is the most suitable compound for the evaluation of lactase activity in vivo. Measurement of the derived d-xylose in either urine or blood gives an estimate of the total lactose digestive capacity of the small intestine. The optimized method holds promise for development of a simple, low-cost, and reliable new test for the noninvasive diagnosis of hypolactasia.
Role of Serum Fetuin-A, a Major Inhibitor of Systemic Calcification, in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Authors: Hendig Doris , Schulz Veronika , Arndt Marius , Szliska Christiane , Kleesiek Knut , Götting Christian 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Background: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a hereditary disorder of the connective tissue affecting the skin, retina, and cardiovascular system and characterized by progressive calcification of abnormal and fragmented elastic fibers in the extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of fetuin-A, a major systemic inhibitor of calcification, with PXE.
Methods: Fetuin-A was measured by quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay in sera from 110 German patients with PXE, 53 unaffected first-degree family members, and 80 healthy blood donors. We determined the distribution of the fetuin-A polymorphisms c.742C&gt;T (p.T248M) and c.766C&gt;G (p.T256S) in these same 3 groups. The occurrences of the frequent ABCC6 gene mutations c.3421C&gt;T (p.R1141X) and c.EX23_EX29del were also assessed.
Results: Serum fetuin-A concentrations in male and female PXE patients were lower than in unaffected first-degree relatives and controls [mean (SD) concentrations, 0.55 (0.11) g/L in patients; 0.70 (0.23) g/L in relatives; and 0.80 (0.23) g/L in controls (P &lt;0.0001)]. Serum fetuin-A was higher in female PXE patients with cardiovascular involvement than in the corresponding male group (P &lt;0.05). The fetuin-A polymorphism frequencies did not differ among PXE patients, family members, and blood donors.
Conclusion: A deficiency of multidrug resistance-associated protein 6 leads to alteration of circulating substrates, e.g., inhibitors of calcification as fetuin-A, leading to progressive mineralization of elastic fibers in PXE.
Prevention of Pertussis Among Adolescents: Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: December 2005

This Policy Statement was retired June 2012.
The purpose of this statement is to provide the rationale and recommendations for adolescent use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. Despite universal immunization of children with multiple doses of pediatric diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, pertussis remains endemic with a steady increase in the number of reported cases. Two peaks in the incidence of pertussis occur in pediatric patients: infants younger than 6 months of age who are inadequately protected by the current immunization schedule and adolescents 11 through 18 years of age whose vaccine-induced immunity has waned. Significant medical and public health resources are being consumed in postexposure management of adolescent cases, contacts, and outbreaks with little beneficial effect on individuals or the epidemiology of disease. Two Tdap products were licensed in 2005 for use in people 10 through 18 years of age (Boostrix) and 11 through 64 years of age (Adacel). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
The Hyoid Bone in Malay Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Rajion Zainul A. , Townsend Grant C. , Netherway David J. , Anderson Peter J. , Hughes Toby , Shuaib Ibrahim L. , Halim Ahmad Sukari , Samsudin Abdul Rani , McLean Neil R. , David David J. 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To compare morphological and positional variations of the hyoid bone in unoperated infants with cleft lip and palate (CL/P) with those in noncleft infants. Design: Retrospective, cross sectional. Patients and Methods: Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained from 29 unoperated CL/P infants of Malay origin aged between 0 and 12 months and from 12 noncleft infants in the same age range. Observations were made and measurements were obtained with a software package developed at the Australian Craniofacial Unit. The sizes of the hyoid bones and the position of the hyoid body and epiglottis in relation to the cervical spine were measured. Anatomical anomalies of the hyoid and prevalence of aspiration pneumonia were also documented. Results: The hyoid bones and epiglottis were found to be located more inferiorly in CL/P infants compared with the noncleft infants. Also, 17% (5/29) of the CL/P infants had nonossified hyoid bodies. Conclusion: The results suggest that there are differences in the location and genesis of the hyoid bone in infants with CL/P that warrant further investigation.
Erratum for Osato and Ogawa (2003)
Authors: Osato Eiko , Ogawa Nobuya 
Published: December 2005

Readers' attention is drawn to Table 1 of the paper by Osato and Ogawa (2003, p. 759) wherein analyses of variance for mean heart rates and mean increment from initial resting baseline in interview situations are summarized. An error in alignment of all F ratios for heart rate for the Source of Variance, Parts, is corrected by moving each F ratio down one line, e.g., the F ratio of 57.44 should align with Parts and the F ratio for Classmate/nonclassmate × Parts is 2.02. See the correctly reprinted Table 1 on the following page [Table: see text]
Design of high‐temperature, gas‐phase synthesis of hard or soft TiO2 agglomerates
Authors: Grass Robert N. , Tsantilis Stavros , Pratsinis Sotiris E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractConditions for high temperature, aerosol synthesis of titania (TiO2) with controlled degree of agglomeration are identified. Accounting for simultaneous gas phase and surface reactions, coagulation and sintering during formation and growth of titania by oxidation of Ti‐tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) and TiCl4 vapors, the evolution of the primary particle and agglomerate collision diameters is presented at nonisothermal conditions neglecting the polydispersity of the particle‐size distribution. Hard‐ or soft‐agglomerate formation is identified at the end of full coalescence and sintering, respectively. The role of surface reaction on the evolution of the agglomerate state is examined. Diagrams for the degree of hard‐agglomeration as well as the size of the primary TiO2 particles are developed in terms of maximum process temperature, cooling rate and precursor initial molar fraction and compared with experimental data on synthesis of nonagglomerated TiO2. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
An improved discretized tracer mass distribution of Hounslow et al.
Authors: Peglow M. , Kumar J. , Warnecke G. , Heinrich S. , Tsotsas E. , Mörl L. , Hounslow M. J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe discretized tracer population balance equations (DTPBE) for aggregation problems is discussed and modified. It is shown that the original version was not entirely consistent with the associated discretized population balance equation (DPBE). These inconsistencies are remedied in a new formulation that retains the advantages of the original DTPBE, such as conservation of total tracer mass, prediction of tracer‐weighted mean particle volume, and so on. Furthermore, the DTBE has been extended to an adjustable discretization. Numerous comparisons are made of the validity of the extended and modified formulation. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Association of the human urate transporter 1 with reduced renal uric acid excretion and hyperuricemia in a German Caucasian population
Authors: Graessler Juergen , Graessler Anett , Unger Susette , Kopprasch Steffi , Tausche Anne‐Kathrin , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Schroeder Hans‐Egbert 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveHuman urate transporter 1 (hURAT1) is a member of the organic anion transporter family (SLC22A12) that mainly regulates tubular urate reabsorption. Loss‐of‐function mutations result in idiopathic hypouricemia. The present case–control study was designed to analyze whether hURAT1 might also be a candidate gene for hyperuricemia with primary reduced renal urate excretion.MethodsDNA samples from 389 individuals with reduced fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) (≤6.5%) and from 263 controls (FEUA >6.5%) were sequenced. Genotype frequencies between groups were compared by Cochran‐Armitage trend test.ResultsSignificantly different genotype distributions could be demonstrated for the −788 T>A (promoter; P = 0.014), the C258T (exon 1; P = 0.006), and the C426T (exon 2; P = 0.0002) polymorphisms, but not for the T1309C (exon 8) and the +18 C>T (intron 9) polymorphisms. The strongest association with reduced FEUA was observed for the C426T polymorphism, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.59 and 2.54 (P = 0.0002) for the CT and TT genotypes, respectively. Adjusted values for FEUA in the C426T genotype, were significantly reduced decreasing to 7.3%, 6.7%, and 6.3% in individuals with the CC, CT, and TT genotypes, respectively (P = 0.004). Haplotypes were constructed from the −788 T>A, C258T, and C426T polymorphisms. Individuals carrying at least 1 ACT haplotype (n = 349) had a significantly higher risk for reduced FEUA than individuals without any ACT haplotype (n = 303) (OR 1.39, P = 0.041).ConclusionThese results indicate that polymorphisms in the N‐terminus of the hURAT1 gene were significantly associated with reduced renal uric acid excretion. The main regulating factor seems to be located close to the C426T polymorphism or is in strong linkage disequilibrium.
Requirement of type I interferon signaling for arthritis triggered by double‐stranded RNA
Authors: Magnusson Mattias , Zare Fariba , Tarkowski Andrej 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveArthralgias and overt arthritides are often associated with viral infections. Viral infections expose the infected host to proinflammatory double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), which can cause joint inflammation and is a potent activator of interferon‐α (IFNα). The aim of this study was to determine the role of IFNα and dsRNA‐related signaling molecules in the onset of joint inflammation induced by viral dsRNA.MethodsIFNα and different forms of RNA were injected into the knee joints of wild‐type mice, mice lacking the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR−/−), and mice deficient in dsRNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR−/−). Histologic evidence of joint damage and the ability of splenocytes to produce cytokines in response to dsRNA or IFNα were assessed.ResultsViral dsRNA, but not short single‐stranded RNA, induced arthritis. The arthritis was aggravated by intracellular delivery of dsRNA. The expression of PKR was not mandatory for dsRNA‐induced joint inflammation. In contrast, IFNα/β signaling was important for dsRNA‐induced joint inflammation because IFNAR−/− mice did not develop arthritis. Furthermore, intraarticular deposition of IFNα induced arthritis in PKR−/− and control mice, whereas IFNAR−/− mice were protected. The arthritogenic effect of IFNα was attenuated by in vivo depletion of monocyte/macrophages.ConclusionArthritis triggered by dsRNA is not dependent on the expression of the dsRNA‐signaling molecule PKR (or Toll‐like receptor 3, as previously shown), but is associated with the ability to produce type I IFN and is critically dependent on type I IFN receptor signaling. The intrinsic arthritogenic properties of IFNα implicate a role of this cytokine in joint manifestations triggered by various interferogenic stimuli.
Acute‐phase serum amyloid A stimulation of angiogenesis, leukocyte recruitment, and matrix degradation in rheumatoid arthritis through an NF‐κB–dependent signal transduction pathway
Authors: Mullan Ronan H. , Bresnihan Barry , Golden‐Mason Lucy , Markham Trevor , O'Hara Rosemary , FitzGerald Oliver , Veale Douglas J. , Fearon Ursula 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the role of the acute‐phase protein serum amyloid A (A‐SAA) in regulating cell adhesion molecule expression, leukocyte recruitment, and angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIntercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) expression was examined in RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) using flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) adhesion to FLS/HMVECs was determined by flow cytometry. Angiogenesis was examined using a Boyden chemotaxis chamber and Matrigel tubule formation. NF‐κB/IκBα mediation of the effects of A‐SAA was investigated using a specific NF‐κB inhibitor and Western blotting.ResultsA‐SAA significantly enhanced the time‐ and dose‐dependent expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 as effectively as interleukin‐1β/tumor necrosis factor α. A‐SAA promoted the adhesion of PBMCs to FLS and HMVECs. In addition, A‐SAA at 10 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml significantly increased endothelial cell tube formation by 69% and 207%, respectively. At 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml, A‐SAA increased HMVEC migration by 188 ± 54% and 296 ± 71%, respectively (mean ± SEM). A‐SAA–induced expression of VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1, and MMP‐1 was down‐regulated by NF‐κB inhibition. Furthermore, A‐SAA induced IκBα degradation and NF‐κB translocation, suggesting that its proinflammatory effects are mediated in part by NF‐κB signaling.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the ability of A‐SAA to induce adhesion molecule expression, angiogenesis, and matrix degradation, mechanisms that are mediated by NF‐κB. Targeting A‐SAA and its signaling pathways may represent a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of RA.
Elevated serum BAFF levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: Enhanced BAFF signaling in systemic sclerosis B lymphocytes
Authors: Matsushita Takashi , Hasegawa Minoru , Yanaba Koichi , Kodera Masanari , Takehara Kazuhiko , Sato Shinichi 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine serum levels of BAFF, a potent B cell survival factor, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and relate the results to the clinical features of SSc.MethodsSerum BAFF levels in 83 patients with SSc were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In a longitudinal study, 131 serum samples obtained from 21 patients with SSc were analyzed. The expression of BAFF messenger RNA (mRNA) in the skin was quantified by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The expression of BAFF receptor (BAFFR) on CD19+ B cells was assessed by flow cytometry. The production of IgG and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) by isolated B cells was examined by ELISA.ResultsSerum BAFF levels were elevated in SSc patients compared with healthy controls and correlated positively with the extent of skin fibrosis. Among the 21 patients with SSc in the longitudinal study, 7 had decreased BAFF levels, 11 had levels that remained unchanged, and 3 patients had increased levels. Decreasing BAFF levels were accompanied by regression of skin sclerosis, whereas increasing levels of BAFF were associated with the new onset or worsening of organ involvement. BAFF mRNA expression was up‐regulated in the affected skin of patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc. BAFFR expression on B cells was increased in SSc patients relative to healthy controls. Furthermore, SSc B cells that were stimulated by BAFF exhibited an enhanced ability to produce IgG and IL‐6.ConclusionThese results suggest that BAFF and its signaling in B cells contribute to B cell abnormalities and disease development in patients with SSc.