bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term maintenance treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis with infliximab in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine in a retrospective cohort
Authors: Dalaker M , Bonesrønning JH 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Effective, fast‐acting and safe therapies are needed for long‐term maintenance treatment of psoriasis. In October 2005, infliximab was approved for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, but long‐term data are limited.Objective  To evaluate the effectiveness of infliximab, used in combination with methotrexate or azathioprine, in maintaining clinical benefit in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.Methods  The medical charts of 23 patients treated with infliximab from August 2001 to February 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Most patients received either infliximab 3 mg/kg (17 of 23) or 5 mg/kg (1 of 23) in combination with methotrexate, while 5 of 23 patients received infliximab 5 mg/kg in combination with azathioprine. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score and adverse events were recorded at every infliximab infusion visit at the hospital.Results  Patient data were available for a minimum of 4 weeks and up to 5 years and 5 months. At week 14, 91.3% achieved PASI 50, 69.6% achieved PASI 75, and 39.1% achieved PASI 90. Only two patients discontinued therapy due to loss of response: one after 15 months and one after 3 years. All other patients displayed a good clinical response (≥ PASI 50) and were still receiving this regimen at last observation. Combination regimens of infliximab with methotrexate or azathioprine were well tolerated, and only one patient discontinued therapy because of an adverse event (lung embolism) after two infusions with infliximab.Conclusions  Long‐term (> 1 year) maintenance therapy of infliximab combined with methotrexate or azathioprine is effective and well tolerated for moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis.Conflicts of interestNone declared
Does binocularly perceived depth correlate with reduced stereoacuity?
Authors: Lindstrom Alexandra , Davis Helen , Frisby John P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim:  To assess perceived depth in the Wirt Fly Stereotest for assessing stereoacuity.Methods:  Somers and Hamilton [Ophthalmic Physiol. Opt. 4 (1984) 245] reported a strong correlation for four observers with normal vision, between perceived depth in the Wirt Fly stereotest and degradation of Keystone stereothresholds from induced anisometropia created using a range of monocular plus lenses. Depth was measured with a pointer placed by subjects alongside the tip of the Fly’s wing. Our study replicated that of Somers and Hamilton, but with several methodological refinements (mainly, use of a headrest to control head position) and more subjects.Results:  We confirm Somers and Hamilton’s results for normal observers by finding (1) induced anisometropia causes systematic depth reduction for the Fly and (2) significant correlations between fly depth and stereothresholds (as measured with the Frisby Near and the Randot Circles stereotests). However, the mean values mask considerable between subject variation in responses.Conclusion:  The substantial individual and between‐subject variation in Wirt Fly perceived depth causes us to doubt its value as a proxy for stereoacuity except as a rough estimate.
A relative total cost index for the evaluation of transportation network robustness in the presence of degradable links and alternative travel behavior
Authors: Nagurney Anna , Qiang Qiang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we demonstrate how to capture the robustness of a transportation network in the case of degradable links represented by decreasing capacities. In particular, with the use of Bureau of Public Roads user link travel cost functions, we propose two relative total cost indices to assess transportation network robustness in the case of travel behavior associated with either user optimization or system optimization. We derive upper bounds of the relative total cost index for transportation networks with special structure and congestion parameters under the user optimal flow pattern. We also derive an upper bound for the relative total cost index under the system optimal flow pattern for general transportation networks. Numerical examples are presented for illustration purposes. This research is the first to quantify transportation network robustness in the presence of degradable links and alternative travel behavior. This research has implications for transportation planning and management, for vulnerability analysis, as well as for security issues.
Event Day 0? After‐Hours Earnings Announcements
Authors: BERKMAN HENK , TRUONG CAMERON 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the proportion of after‐hours earnings announcements has increased to more than 40%. For after‐hours announcements, earnings‐related volume and price changes are not observed on the Compustat or I/B/E/S earnings announcement date, but one trading day later. This study demonstrates the importance of accounting for after‐hours announcements for event studies around earnings announcements.
Do Industry‐Level Analyses Improve Forecasts of Financial Performance?
Authors: FAIRFIELD PATRICIA M. , RAMNATH SUNDARESH , YOHN TERI LOMBARDI 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTPrior research documents mean reversion in firm profitability and growth under the implicit assumption that profitability and growth of all firms revert to a common benchmark at the same rate. However, a large body of academic research suggests that there are systematic interindustry differences (e.g., industry barriers to entry) that differentially affect firm performance based on industry membership. We evaluate the relative forecast accuracy of mean reverting models at the industry and economywide levels and find that industry‐specific models are generally more accurate in predicting firm growth but not profitability.
A randomised controlled trial of uterine exteriorisation and non‐exteriorisation at caesarean section
Authors: ORJI E. O. , OLALEYE A. O. , LOTO O. M. , OGUNNIYI S. O. 
Published: December 2008

Background: There is not enough information to evaluate the routine use of exteriorisation of the uterus for repair of the uterine incision and further studies are needed to examine the value of exteriorisation of the uterus at caesarean section as against non‐exteriorisation.Aims: To assess intraoperative and postoperative morbidity following exteriorisation of the uterus at caesarean section as compared to those with non‐exteriorisation.Methods: A randomised controlled trial at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten women were randomised to either exteriorisation (N = 105) or non‐exteriorisation group (N = 105). Statistical analysis using SPSS compared intraoperative and postoperative outcome. The outcome measures include intraoperative blood loss, number of analgesic dose, difference in operating time, febrile morbidity, intraoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay.Results: There were significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.05), number of analgesic dose (P < 0.05) and duration of hospital stay (P < 0.05) in the uterine exteriorisation group as compared to those in the non‐exteriorisation group. There was no significant difference in operating time, febrile morbidity, intraoperative complications and operating time. The period for return of bowel function was significantly longer in the exteriorisation group.Conclusion: Exteriorisation of uterus at caesarean section is associated with less intraoperative blood loss, less number of analgesic dose and shorter hospital stay.
Effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects in South Australia: A population analysis 1999–2003
Authors: KHOO Nee Scze , VAN ESSEN Phillipa , RICHARDSON Malcolm , ROBERTSON Terry 
Published: December 2008

Aims: To report on the efficiency of fetal echocardiography, outcome after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) and the effectiveness of South Australia's obstetric screening program in detecting CHD.Methods: A retrospective audit of our institutional cardiac database, the South Australia Birth Defects Register and the South Australia Pregnancy Outcome Unit from 1999 to 2003.Results: CHD was present in 10.7 per 1000 births and was potentially detectable in 5.2 per 1000 births. Of these, only 22.5% were referred for fetal echocardiography. Prenatal detection of transposition of the great arteries occurred in four of 27 (14.8%), atrioventricular septal defect in five of 21 (23.8%), tetralogy of Fallot in seven of 28 (25.0%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 20 of 33 (60.6%). Fetal echocardiography had 95.2% sensitivity, 99.5% specificity, 99.0% positive predictive value and 97.6% negative predictive value for CHD. A prenatal diagnosis of CHD resulted in termination in 30.1%, stillbirth in 7.8% and neonatal death in 3.9% of cases.Conclusion: Routine obstetric ultrasound detects CHD infrequently. Outflow tract lesions are most commonly missed. Fetal echocardiography is an accurate tool for prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Pregnancy outcomes after prenatal diagnosis are comparable to other Australasian and western countries, suggesting uniformity in parental counselling and population behaviour. Strategies that improve routine obstetric ultrasound detection of CHD are likely to yield the greatest impact.
Gamete donors’ and recipients’ evaluation of donor counselling: A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: HAMMARBERG Karin , CARMICHAEL Michele , TINNEY Leesa , MULDER Annegien 
Published: December 2008

Background: Those considering donating or receiving gametes are required to undergo counselling to ensure that they are aware of and consider the psychosocial, emotional and ethical complexities of donor conception before proceeding.Aims:  The aim of this study was to evaluate gamete donors’ and recipients’ views about donor counselling and beliefs about disclosure of the use of donor gametes to conceive, before and after attending counselling.Method: All donors and recipients and their partners who attended donor counselling at Monash IVF, Melbourne, Australia, for the first time between February 2003 and March 2004 were asked to complete self‐report questionnaires. Using seven‐point Likert scales where higher scores indicated more positive views, participants rated the importance of discussing a range of topics before, and the usefulness of discussing these after attending counselling.Results: Pre‐counselling questionnaires were completed by 152 of 184 (83%) individuals and 72 (47%) of those also completed the post‐counselling questionnaire. Donors’ post‐counselling ratings were significantly higher than their pre‐counselling ratings. For recipients the pre‐ to post‐counselling changes were less pronounced. Both donors and recipients rated matters relating to disclosure and the possible future interaction between donor and child the most useful to discuss. More participants favoured disclosure after than before counselling (84% vs 66%, P = 0.01).Conclusions: This study suggests that counselling is beneficial for those contemplating donor procedures, particularly donors, and that most have a positive attitude towards disclosure after counselling.
Diabetes‐Related Risk Factors Across Hispanic Subgroups in the Hispanic Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (1982–1984)
Authors: Aponte Judith 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The Hispanic Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (HHANES) was utilized to examine diabetes‐related risk factor variables between and among 3 Hispanic subgroups.Design: The study design that was conducted was descriptive using the HHANES secondary data set.Sample: The sample included individuals between 20 and 74 years of age, self‐identified as Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and/or Cuban American and had been told by a doctor that they had diabetes.Measurements: The 5 diabetes‐related risk factor variables were obesity measured by body mass index (BMI), hypertension by systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hyperlipidemia by cholesterol and triglyceride levels, renal insufficiency by blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine and fasting plasma glucose.Results: This study demonstrates significant differences between specific subgroups through chi‐square. SBP in Cuban Americans was significantly higher than that of Puerto Ricans (28.39 mmHg) and of Mexican Americans (25.94 mmHg). Cuban Americans also had significantly higher cholesterol values than Mexican Americans (88.49 mg/dL) and Puerto Ricans (84.49 mg/dL). The only significant difference for triglyceride was between Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans (37.25 mg/dL). For BUN, there were significant differences when Cuban Americans (9.06 mg/dL) and Mexican Americans (2.20 mg/dL) were separately compared from Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans had significantly higher creatinine values than Puerto Ricans (0.38 mg/dL) and Mexican Americans (0.25 mg/dL). Through linear regression, significant differences for the association of each diabetes‐related risk factor and the risk for diabetes complications were computed for each subgroup. For Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans there were significant differences in overweight BMI (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥30.0 kg/m2); for Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans in elevated SBP (130–139 mmHg) or elevated DBP (80–89 mmHg), for high SBP (≥140 mmHg) or high DBP (≥90 mmHg), and for high glucose (≥126 mg/dL); and for Mexican Americans in elevated triglyceride (≥150 mg/dL), elevated BUN (≥21 mg/dL), and elevated creatinine (≥1.5 mg/dL).Conclusion: The findings of this study will add to the diabetes and Hispanic literature highlighting the need to evaluate Hispanic subgroups in future health behavior and outcomes research.
The Alcohol Deprivation Effect in C57BL/6J Mice is Observed Using Operant Self‐Administration Procedures and is Modulated by CRF‐1 Receptor Signaling
Authors: Sparta Dennis R. , Ferraro III Frank M. , Fee Jon R. , Knapp Darin J. , Breese George R. , Thiele Todd E. 
Published: December 2008

Background: The alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) is characterized by transient excessive alcohol consumption upon reinstatement of ethanol following a period of ethanol deprivation. While this phenomenon has been observed in rats using both bottle drinking (consummatory behavior) and operant self‐administration (consummatory and appetitive “ethanol‐seeking” behavior) procedures, ADE studies in mice have primarily relied on bottle drinking measures. Furthermore, the neurochemical pathways that modulate the ADE are not well understood. Therefore, we determined whether the ADE can be observed in C57BL/6J mice using operant self‐administration procedures and if expression of the ADE is modulated by the corticotropin releasing factor‐1 (CRF‐1) receptor.Methods: C57BL/6J mice were trained in a 2‐hour operant self‐administration paradigm to lever press for 10% ethanol or water on separate response keys. Between operant sessions, mice had access to ethanol in their homecage. Once stable responding occurred, mice were deprived of ethanol for 4 days and were then retested with ethanol in the operant paradigm for 3 consecutive days. Next, to assess the role of the CRF‐1 receptor, mice were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (0, 10, or 20 mg/kg) of the CRF‐1 receptor antagonist CP‐154,526 30 minutes before ADE testing. Additional experiments assessed (i) ADE responding in which the alternate response lever was inactive, (ii) the effects of CP‐154,526 on self‐administration of a 1% sucrose solution following 4 days of deprivation, and (iii) ADE responding in which mice did not received i.p. injections throughout the experiment.Results: Mice exhibited a significant increase in postdeprivation lever responding for ethanol with either a water reinforced or inactive alternate lever. Interestingly, i.p. injection of a 10 mg/kg dose of CP‐154,526 protected against the ADE while not affecting lever responding for a sucrose solution. Finally, baseline and deprivation‐induced increases of ethanol reinforced lever responding were greater in mice not given i.p. injections.Conclusions: The ADE in C57BL/6J mice can be modeled using the operant self‐administration paradigm and increased ethanol self‐administration associated with the ADE is modulated by CRF‐1 receptor signaling.
Increased White Matter Signal Hyperintensities in Long‐Term Abstinent Alcoholics Compared with Nonalcoholic Controls
Authors: Fein George , Shimotsu Ryan , Di Sclafani Victoria , Barakos Jerome , Harper Clive 
Published: December 2008

Background:  The harmful effects of alcohol dependence on brain structure and function have been well documented, with many resolving with sufficient abstinence. White matter signal hyperintensities (WMSH) are thought to most likely be consequences secondary to the vascular (i.e., hypertension and atherosclerosis) effects of AD. We hypothesized that such effects would persist into long‐term abstinence, and evaluated them in middle‐aged long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA) compared with age and gender comparable nonalcoholic controls (NAC).Methods:  Ninety‐seven participants (51 LTAA and 46 NAC) underwent cognitive, psychiatric, and structural brain magnetic resonance image evaluations. WMSH were identified and labeled as deep or periventricular by an automated algorithm developed in‐house. WMSH volumes were compared between groups, and the associations of WMSH measures with demographic, alcohol use, psychiatric, and cognitive measures were examined within group.Results:  Long‐term abstinent alcoholics had more WMSH than NAC. There was a significant group by age interaction, with WMSH increasing with age in LTAA, but not in NAC. Within LTAA, WMSH load was independently positively associated with alcohol burden and with age. No associations were evident between WMSH volumes and abstinence duration, family drinking history, years of education, or psychiatric or cognitive variables.Conclusion:  The magnitude of alcohol abuse was related to increased WMSH volume. The presence of an age effect in the LTAA but not the controls indicates a synergistic effect wherein alcohol advances the onset of aging‐related WMSH formation. The increased WMSH load did not appear to have any significant clinical correlates, indicating that the white matter lesions in our sample may not have been severe enough to manifest as cognitive deficits. A limitation of the study is that we did not have data on the presence or severity of lifetime or current indices of vascular risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, or diabetes.
Long‐Term Ethanol Exposure Impairs Neuronal Differentiation of Human Neuroblastoma Cells Involving Neurotrophin‐Mediated Intracellular Signaling and in Particular Protein Kinase C
Authors: Hellmann Julian , Rommelspacher Hans , Wernicke Catrin 
Published: December 2008

Background: Revealing the molecular changes in chronic ethanol‐impaired neuronal differentiation may be of great importance for understanding ethanol‐related pathology in embryonic development but also in the adult brain. In this study, both acute and long‐term effects of ethanol on neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells were investigated. We focused on several aspects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling because BDNF activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) cascade, promoting neuronal differentiation including neurite outgrowth.Methods: The effects of ethanol exposure on morphological differentiation, cellular density, neuronal marker proteins, basal ERK activity, and ERK responsiveness to BDNF were measured over 2 to 4 weeks. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting were performed to investigate the expression of neurotrophin receptor tyrosin kinase B (TrkB), members of the ERK‐cascade, protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and Raf‐Kinase‐Inhibitor‐Protein (RKIP).Results: Chronic ethanol interfered with the development of a neuronal network consisting of cell clusters and neuritic bundles. Furthermore, neuronal and synaptic markers were reduced, indicating impaired neuronal differentiation. BDNF‐mediated activation of the ERK cascade was found to be continuously impaired by ethanol. This could not be explained by expressional changes monitored for TrkB, Raf‐1, MEK, and ERK. However, BDNF also activates PKC signaling which involves RKIP, which finally leads to ERK activation as well. Therefore, we hypothesized that ethanol impairs this branch of BDNF signaling. Indeed, both PKC and RKIP were significantly down‐regulated.Conclusions: Chronic ethanol exposure impaired neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells and BDNF signaling, particularly the PKC‐dependent branch. RKIP, acting as a signaling switch at the merge of the PKC cascade and the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade, was associated with neuronal differentiation and significantly reduced in ethanol treatment. Moreover, PKC expression itself was even more strongly reduced. In contrast, members of the Raf‐1/MEK/ERK cascade were less affected and the observed changes were not associated with impaired differentiation. Thus, reduced RKIP and PKC levels and subsequently reduced positive feedback on ERK activation provide an explanation for the striking effects of long‐term ethanol exposure on BDNF signal transduction and neuronal differentiation, respectively.
PCR as a specific, sensitive and simple method suitable for diagnostics
Authors: Claros M. Gonzalo , Quesada Ana R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPCR technology is a widespread method that has not reached students laboratory in anything else than a typical amplification reaction. We describe a simple application of PCR in pathogen diagnostics that enables students to identify which ampicillin‐resistant organism is present in a cell culture. This experiment has been performed for one year in two “Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” courses with Biological and Chemical undergraduates. Using specific primers from the Escherichia coli β‐lactamase gene, they have been able to selectively amplify a β‐lactamase DNA fragment in E. coli but not in Staphylococcus aureus and, using different annealing temperatures, test the reaction specificity. By solving the “Study Questions”, students understood the specificity and sensitivity of the method, as well as the rationale that should be applied when a molecular weight pattern is used for calculating unknown DNA sizes. © 2000 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Poly‐L‐glutamic acid and poly‐L‐lysine: model substances for studying secondary structures of proteins
Authors: Makovec Tomaz 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPoly‐L‐glutamic acid (PGA) and poly‐L‐lysine (PL) and related polymers have played a central role in investigations of the physical chemistry of chain molecules. PGA and PL are synthetic polypeptides which are especially good models for studying formation and/or disappearance of α‐helix. A theoretical and laboratory practical exercise is proposed in order to illustrate the influence of pH and solvent on conformation of these polypeptides. © 2000 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A case for college molecular biology classes: a right to her genes
Authors: Gal Susannah , Klein Jessie W. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractActive student learning is a lofty goal, but what tools are available for college teaching faculty to create that kind of environment? In this article, we describe one such tool, the case study method using a case we developed to teach molecular biology students the importance of DNA mutations in cancer. Not only does this approach teach concepts, but also applications of the techniques previously discussed in lecture and the ethical dilemmas that may surround that application. The case study method for teaching science, and this case in particular, we feel gives students the kind of classroom problem that can make their learning more active. © 2000 Gal and Klein. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.