bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of human heat shock protein 70 with tumor-associated peptides
Authors: Pandya Maya J. , Bendz Henriette , Manzenrieder Florian , Noessner Elfriede , Kessler Horst , Buchner Johannes , Issels Rolf D. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMolecular chaperones of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family play a crucial role in the presentation of exogenous antigenic peptides by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In a combined biochemical and immunological approach, we characterize the biochemical interaction of tumor-associated peptides with human Hsp70 and show that the strength of this interaction determines the efficacy of immunological cross-presentation of the antigenic sequences by APCs. A fluorescein-labeled cytosolic mammalian Hsc70 binding peptide is shown to interact with human Hsp70 molecules with high affinity (Kd=0.58 μmat 25°C). Competition experiments demonstrate weaker binding by Hsp70 of antigenic peptides derived from the tumor-associated proteins tyrosinase (Kd=32 μm) and melanoma antigen recognized by T cells (MART-1) (Kd=2.4 μm). Adding a peptide sequence (pep70) with high Hsp70 binding affinity (Kd=0.04 μm) to the tumor-associated peptides enables them to strongly interact with Hsp70. Presentation of tumor-associated peptides by B cells resulting in T cell activationin vitrois enhanced by Hsp70 when the tumor-associated peptides contain the Hsp70 binding sequence. This observation has relevance for vaccine design, as augmented transfer of tumor-associated antigens to APCs is closely linked to the vaccine's efficacy of T cell stimulation.
Amidinoanthracyclines – a new group of potential anti-hepatitis C virus compounds
Authors: Krawczyk Mariusz , Wasowska-Lukawska Malgorzata , Oszczapowicz Irena , Boguszewska-Chachulska Anna M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections represent one of the major and still unresolved health problems because current therapy is effective in only 50–80% of cases, depending on viral genotype. A large group of amidinoanthracyclines, with decreased acute toxicity and cardiotoxicity compared to the parent antibiotics, was tested in a high-throughput fluorometric HCV helicase assay. Here, we report the selection of more than 50 potent inhibitors of helicase activity that inhibit the enzyme with IC50 values in the range of 0.03–10 μm; four of these compounds are the most potent inhibitors of helicase activity described in the literature. The activity of these inhibitors is highly dependent on their chemical structure, mainly on the substituent at the amidino carbon atom and on the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the 4′ position of the daunosamine moiety. The most effective compounds act not solely via intercalation into the double-stranded DNA substrate, but also compete with the enzyme for access to the substrate, impeding formation of the active helicase complex. Selected amidinoanthracyclines were tested in the subgenomic HCV replicon system. These experiments confirmed the antiviral activity of two selected inhibitors (EC50 values below 0.2 μm with selectivity indices of 19 and 33) and proved that they may be considered as potential anti-HCV drugs.
Higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations with the Architect PTH assay than with the Elecsys assay in hemodialysis patients, and a simple way to standardize these two methods
Authors: Monge Marie , Jean Guillaume , Bacri Jean-Louis , Lemaitre Vincent , Masy Eric , Joly Dominique , Souberbielle Jean-Claude 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines recommend maintaining serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration between 150 and 300 pg/mL in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5. However, a marked inter-method variability in PTH measurement has been reported recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether harmonization of the results measured with two commercial kits known to produce significantly different serum PTH concentrations could be reasonably achieved by a simple procedure.: The study comprised a total of 216 hemodialyzed patients in whom blood was collected immediately before a dialysis session. The patients were from three dialysis centers, which defined three groups (119, 34, and 63 patients for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). PTH was measured by two automated assays, the Elecsys (Roche Diagnostics) and Architect (Abbott Diagnostics) assays, in three different laboratories and with different lots of reagents. We arbitrarily chose the Roche assay as the reference method, because several studies had previously shown that the concentrations measured with this assay were very close to the Allegro assay used in the studies that defined the K/DOQI thresholds. Data are median (interquartile range).: The median PTH concentrations were higher (p<0.001) in the Architect assay [238 (140–434) pg/mL] when compared to the Elecsys assay [182 (109–338) pg/mL]. Bland-Altman plots in the three groups showed a similar proportional bias between both kits. The Architect PTH/Elecsys PTH ratios were similar in the three groups [1.30 (1.25–1.35), 1.30 (1.19–1.39), and 1.31 (1.25–1.35)], and the ratio was 1.30 (1.25–1.35) in the cohort (pooling the three groups). In the whole population, 53 patients (24.5%) were classified differently by the two kits according to the K/DOQI cut-off values. We divided the Architect values by 1.3 to obtain “corrected” values. These corrected Architect values were not different to the measured Elecsys values, and the Bland-Altman plot comparing the Elecsys and the corrected Artchitect values did not show any systematic proportional bias. Only six patients (2.8%) were still classified differently by the Elecsys and the corrected Architect concentrations.: We propose to divide the PTH values measured with the Architect PTH assay by 1.3 so that the corrected values are almost identical to those measured with the Elecsys assay.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:362–6.
Adiponectin induced placental cell apoptosis could be mediated via the ADIPOR1-receptor in pre-eclampsia with IUGR
Authors: Jarvenpaa Jouko , Vuoristo Jussi T. , Santaniemi Merja , Ukkola Olavi , Savolainen Eeva-Riitta , Jääskeläinen Minna , Tapanainen Juha S. , Kesäniemi Antero , Ryynanen Markku 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Aims: Adiponectin and leptin are members of the adipocytokine family. Adiponectin promotes and leptin inhibits apoptosis and both are regulators of angiogenesis. Adipocytokines and their receptors are expressed in the placenta, and in the pre-eclamptic (PE) mother the serum levels of both are higher than in healthy ones. Our aim was to study the expression of adiponectin, leptin, their receptor genes and apoptosis in severely PE and normal placentas.

Methods: The study group comprised 13 PE mothers and their 16 healthy controls. Placental biopsies were taken during cesarean section, the RNA was extracted and micro-array study was performed, followed by PCR and apoptosis studies.

Results: The placental expression level of the leptin and adiponectin receptor 1 genes was significantly higher in PE mothers than in controls. No significant changes were observed in the levels of the adiponectin, adiponectin receptor 2 and Leptin receptor genes. The expression of the Adiponectin gene was low. The rate of apoptosis was higher in the PE placentas.

Conclusions: The activity of placental adipocytokines and their receptor genes in severe PE may suggest an important role in placental angiogenesis. Placental apoptosis induced by adiponectin could be mediated via the ADIPOR1-receptor.
When Metal Meets Ice: Potential for Performance or Injury
Authors: Lockwood K. , Frost G. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Physical conditioning, technical ability, contact, and protective equipment have been identified through research as factors that can potentially contribute to the incidence of injuries in ice hockey players. One safety-related factor often overlooked is the interaction between the skate blade and the ice. Skating is one of the fundamental skills of a successful hockey player, but the effect of skate sharpening on blade characteristics and performance has received limited research attention. The point of contact with the ice is essentially what allows the transition of human motion to skating mechanics, and it may affect both the quality of skating performance and the potential for on-ice injuries. The purpose of this paper is to address the influence of skate blade sharpening characteristics on performance. Experiments performed to examine skate blade sharpening characteristics have identified radius of hollow (ROH), radius of contour (ROC), pitch and levelness of edges as variables that can be manipulated, quantified, and controlled when analyzing blade-ice interaction and the effect of skate sharpening on skating performance. Optimum values for each may produce more effective skating performances. Less than optimum values can result in slower speeds, longer stopping times, instability, body malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially, greater chance of injury. Being able to define blade characteristics and determine the best combination of ROH, ROC, and pitch for a specific player allows some degree of control in an environment which can often be unpredictable. Furthermore, although there are standards for acceptable ice in professional hockey leagues, very often players must skate on a surface which is not only less than ideal, but which can also change over the course of a game or practice. Careful sharpening to accommodate for less than ideal ice conditions and the unpredictable nature of the play may also help to prevent fatigue, and injuries.
Neue alternative beschleunigte Abnutzungsprüfung für Durchflusssensoren von Messgeräten für ausgetauschte thermische EnergieNew Alternative Accelerated Durability Test for Flow Sensors of Measurement Devices of Thermal Energy
Authors: Rose Jürgen , Fenske Helmut , Gerdes Oda 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Zur Abschätzung der Messbeständigkeit ist das Teilgerät Durchflusssensor von Wärmezählern im Rahmen von EG-Konformitätsuntersuchungen entsprechend den Vorschriften zur nationalen Umsetzung der europäischen Messgeräterichtlinie sowie bei nationalen Baumusterprüfungen von Kältezählern auch Verschleißtests auszusetzen [1;2]. Hierbei gelten die harmonisierte Norm CEN EN 1434 [3], das normative Dokument OIML R 75 [4] und die Technische Richtlinie K 7.2 der PTB [5]. Die gegenwärtigen normativen Vorgaben zur Verschleißprüfung bedeuten wegen der ein Vierteljahr dauernden Lastwechseltests sehr hohe Zeit- und Kostenaufwände. Die Untersuchungen der PTB in Zusammenarbeit mit Herstellern des Verbandes der deutschen Wasser- und Wärmezählerindustrie e. V. (VDDW) ermöglichen den Austausch des gegenwärtigen, aus Herstellersicht aber unwirtschaftlich lang andauernden Abnutzungstests gegen einen nur 600 Stunden beanspruchenden, der zudem zeitlich skalierbar zur prognostizierten Messbeständigkeitsdauer ist. Dies wurde möglich durch die Übertragung der im Betriebsablauf statischer Wärmetauscher-Kreislaufsysteme herrschenden Lastwechselvorgänge in zeitlich gefaltete Prüflast-Wechselzyklen.
Messgerätebau – Entwicklung und Fertigung von Präzisionsmessgeräten und NormalenMeasurements Instruments Engineering – Precision Instruments and Measurement Standards
Authors: Löffler Frank , Jäger Valentin , Lüllmann Heinz , Meeß Rudolf , Hagedorn Daniel 
Published: February 2009

Zusammenfassung
Der steigende Bedarf an immer hochwertigeren Produkten erfordert stets auch Verbesserungen in der Messtechnik. So muss auch die Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt im Rahmen ihrer Aufgaben laufend neue Methoden, Geräte und Normale entwickeln. An dieser Aufgabe beteiligt sich der Fachbereich Wissenschaftlicher Gerätebau, dessen Möglichkeiten hier vorgestellt und realisierte Geräte beschrieben werden.
Effects of Dietary Lipid Concentration, a Dairy–Yeast Prebiotic, and Fish and Nonfish Protein Sources on Growth, Survival, and Nonspecific Immune Response of Golden Shiners in Indoor Tanks and Outdoor Pools
Authors: Lochmann R T , Sink T D , Phillips H 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
We conducted two feeding trials in which golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas were given six practical diets: Two basal diets with 5% fish meal and either 4% or 10% supplemental lipid (poultry fat [PF]); two prebiotic diets with 2% dairy–yeast prebiotic, 5% fish meal, and 4% or 10% PF; and two 4% or 10% PF diets that contained no fish meal or prebiotic. To compare diet effects in the presence or absence of natural foods, one trial was conducted in indoor aquaria and one was conducted in outdoor pools. Diet effects were assessed by measuring growth, survival, feed efficiency, and body composition in both trials and Fulton's condition factor K in the outdoor pool trial. A subset of fish from the outdoor trial was grown to a larger size for analysis of alternative complement activity (ACH50). The prebiotic enhanced growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) slightly in the indoor aquarium trial. Weight gain and FCR did not differ among diet groups in the outdoor trial, reflecting the influence of natural foods. Survival in aquaria was higher in fish fed the 10% PF diets than in fish given the 4% PF diets. The prebiotic slightly reduced survival in outdoor pools, but survival was 96% or higher for all diet groups. The K-value was higher in fish that were given 10% PF diets than in fish fed 4% PF diets. Whole-body proximate composition was similar among treatment groups for the aquarium trial. In the outdoor trial, whole-body lipid was higher in fish fed the diets with 10% PF versus those fed diets with 4% PF, and dry matter followed a similar pattern. The ACH50 was similar between golden shiners that were fed diets with the prebiotic and those given diets without the prebiotic. Fish meal did not enhance any of the performance criteria in golden shiners held in tanks or pools. Although prebiotic addition and lipid concentration significantly affected several aspects of fish performance and body composition, some of the differences were numerically small. Economic analysis should be conducted to determine whether addition of a prebiotic or extra lipid to commercial diets is justified for production and distribution of golden shiners.
Partial Replacement of Fish Meal with Laver Porphyra spp. in Diets for Atlantic Cod
Authors: Walker Abigail B , Fournier Heidi R , Neefus Christopher D , Nardi George C , Berlinsky David L 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (initial mean weight = 15.6 g) were fed three isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets (55% protein, 16% fat; calculated gross energy ≈ 20.5 MJ/kg) containing dried laver (nori) Porphyra spp. (red algae) to replace 0, 15, and 30% of the fish meal in a commercially available marine finfish diet. After 84 d, no differences in survival, growth, or hepatosomatic index were found among the treatment groups. The fish attained an average weight of 41.0 g, a specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.19%, and a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.26. The fatty acid composition of the muscle was similar among treatment groups except that arachidonic acid levels were greater in fish given diets with 30% Porphyra replacement. These results indicate that Porphyra spp. at levels up to 30% provide a suitable fish meal replacement in diets for juvenile Atlantic cod.
A review of potential methods of determining critical effect size for designing environmental monitoring programs
Authors: Munkittrick Kelly R. , Arens Collin J. , Lowell Richard B. , Kaminski Greg P. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The effective design of field studies requires that sample size requirements be estimated for important endpoints before conducting assessments. This a priori calculation of sample size requires initial estimates for the variability of the endpoints of interest, decisions regarding significance levels and the power desired, and identification of an effect size to be detected. Although many programs have called for use of critical effect sizes (CES) in the design of monitoring programs, few attempts have been made to define them. This paper reviews approaches that have been or could be used to set specific CES. The ideal method for setting CES would be to define the level of protection that prevents ecologically relevant impacts and to set a warning level of change that would be more sensitive than that CES level to provide a margin of safety; however, few examples of this approach being applied exist. Program-specific CES could be developed through the use of numbers based on regulatory or detection limits, a number defined through stakeholder negotiation, estimates of the ranges of reference data, or calculation from the distribution of data using frequency plots or multivariate techniques. The CES that have been defined often are consistent with a CES of approximately 25%, or two standard deviations, for many biological or ecological monitoring endpoints, and this value appears to be reasonable for use in a wide variety of monitoring programs and with a wide variety of endpoints.
Lessons Learned From Chicago's Emergency Response to Mass Evacuations Caused by Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Broz Dita , Levin Elise C. , Mucha Amy P. , Pelzel Darlene , Wong William , Persky Victoria W. , Hershow Ronald C. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We analyzed the response of the Chicago Department of Public Health with respect to its effectiveness in providing health care to Hurricane Katrina evacuees arriving in the city. Methods. Between September 12 and October 21, 2005, we conducted a real-time qualitative assessment of a medical unit in Chicago's Hurricane Victim Welcome and Relief Center. A semistructured guide was used to interview 33 emergency responders in an effort to identify key operational successes and failures. Results. The medical unit functioned at a relatively high level, primarily as a result of the flexibility, creativity, and dedication of its staff and the presence of strong leadership. Chronic health care services and prescription refills were the most commonly mentioned services provided, and collaboration with a national pharmacy proved instrumental in reconstructing medication histories. The lack of a comprehensive and well-communicated emergency response plan resulted in several preventable inefficiencies. Conclusions. Our findings highlight the need for improved planning for care of evacuee populations after a major emergency event and the importance of ensuring continuity of care for the most vulnerable. We provide an emergency response preparedness checklist for local public health departments.
Explaining the Adjustment of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Malik Jamil A. , Koot Hans M. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explain adjustment (diabetes-related quality of life, general well-being, and psychopathology) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes by testing the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of diabetes-specific and psychosocial factors, using an adapted version of the Disability-Stress-Coping model of Wallander and Varni.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 437 adolescents (54.5% girls; age range 11–19 years) with type 1 diabetes (mean ± SD diabetes duration 6.13 ± 3.78 years) were recruited from 25 hospitals in the Netherlands. Questionnaires were completed by the adolescents and their family members. Metabolic control was assessed by measuring A1C in all participants in one laboratory.

RESULTS
Diabetes stress mediated between A1C and adjustment, after controlling for protective factors, and explained an additional 16% variance in quality of life and a 15% variance in general well-being, whereas a 19% additional variance in psychopathology was explained by both diabetes-related and general stress. No moderating effects were identified after controlling for the main effects of all risk and protective factors in the model.

CONCLUSIONS
Both diabetes-related and general stress are critical predictors of the adjustment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Protective factors such as self-worth and social support may mediate the effects of generic stress and thus should be encouraged. Diabetes-related stress has the potential to displace the effects of protective factors and thus may play a critical role in the development of maladjustment in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Renal Hyperfiltration and the Development of Microalbuminuria in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ficociello Linda H. , Perkins Bruce A. , Roshan Bijan , Weinberg Janice M. , Aschengrau Ann , Warram James H. , Krolewski Andrzej S. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine prospectively whether renal hyperfiltration is associated with the development of microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes, after taking into account known risk factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The study group comprised 426 participants with normoalbuminuria from the First Joslin Kidney Study, followed for 15 years. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by serum cystatin C, and hyperfiltration was defined as exceeding the 97.5th percentile of the sex-specific distribution of a similarly aged, nondiabetic population (134 and 149 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for men and women, respectively). The outcome was time to microalbuminuria development (multiple albumin excretion rate &gt;30 μg/min). Hazard ratios (HRs) for microalbuminuria were calculated at 5, 10, and 15 years.

RESULTS
Renal hyperfiltration was present in 24% of the study group and did not increase the risk of developing microalbuminuria. The unadjusted HR for microalbuminuria comparing those with and without hyperfiltration at baseline was 0.8 (95% CI 0.4–1.7) during the first 5 years, 1.0 (0.6–1.7) during the first 10 years, and 0.8 (0.5–1.4) during 15 years of follow-up. The model adjusted for baseline known risk factors including A1C, age at diagnosis of diabetes, diabetes duration, and cigarette smoking resulted in similar HRs. In addition, incorporating changes in hyperfiltration status during follow-up had minimal impact on the HRs for microalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS
Renal hyperfiltration does not have an impact on the development of microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes during 5, 10, or 15 years of follow-up.
Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes Using Alternate Anthropometric Measures in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort
Authors: MacKay Meredith F. , Haffner Steven M. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Hanley Anthony J.G. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE
To compare different anthropometric measures in terms of their ability to predict type 2 diabetes and to determine whether predictive ability was modified by ethnicity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Anthropometry was measured at baseline for 1,073 non-Hispanic white (nHW), African American (AA), and Hispanic (HA) subjects, of whom 146 developed type 2 diabetes after 5.2 years. Logistic regression models were used with areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AROCs) comparing the prediction of models.

RESULTS
Waist-to-height ratio (AROC 0.678) was the most predictive measure, followed by BMI (AROC 0.674). Results were similar in nHW and HA subjects, although in AA subjects, central adiposity measures appeared to best predict type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS
Measures of central and overall adiposity predicted type 2 diabetes to a similar degree, except in AA subjects, for whom results suggested that central measures were more predictive.