bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case of the hyperkeratotic variant of porokeratosis Mibelli
Authors: YU Hee‐Joon , PARK Kyoung‐Tae , OH Dae‐Heon , KIM Jeong‐Soo , PARK Yong‐Wook 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTHerein, we report a case of the hyperkeratotic variant of porokeratosis Mibelli. A 58‐year‐old woman presented with two brownish verrucous plaques on the buttock for 20 years, and extremely hyperkeratotic verrucous nodules and brownish macules on the right foot for 1 year. Histopathological findings of the buttock were typical of porokeratosis. However, histopathological findings of the right foot were atypical for porokeratosis, including extreme hyperkeratosis and an increased number of and unusual sized cornoid lamellae.
Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus in Caprine Abortions in Tobago: a Sero‐Epidemiological Study
Authors: Borde G. , Lowhar G. , Adesiyun A. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryA sero‐epidemiological study was conducted on a goat farm that experienced an abortion epidemic in the 2005 breeding season in Tobago. Serum samples of goats (aborting and non‐aborting) and cats were collected, in addition to the use of stored sera from the farm sampled in 2003 and 2004. Farm records on the reproductive and mortality rates for year 2003, 2004 and 2005 were also reviewed. The sera were screened for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using the latex agglutination test (LAT), Chlamydophila abortus with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Brucella abortus using the buffered plate agglutination test (BPAT). Farm records revealed that for the period 2003–2005, the average kid per doe rate decreased from 2.1 to 1.5, the mortality rate increased from 6.3% in 2002 to 19.4% in 2004 and the fertility rate decreased from 98–99% (2002–2004) to 89% (2005). There was a dramatic increase in the abortion rate from <1% (2002, 2003 and 2004) to 29.2% (2005). Of a total of 161 sera tested comprising 12 from 2003, 89 from 2004 and 70 from 2005, 0 (0.0%), 21 (23.6%) and 45 (64.3%) were positive for T. gondii agglutinins (i.e. titres ≥1 : 64) and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05; χ2). Of all serum samples tested, only 1 (1.1%) of 89 from 2004 was positive for C. abortus while all the sera tested were negative for B. abortus. Amongst the 24 does which aborted in 2005 and were available for testing in mid‐2005, 15 (62.5%) had reciprocal titres of ≥1 : 2048, three (12.5%) each had titres of 1 : 1024, 1 : 256 and ≤1 : 16 i.e. negative. The seroprevalence and titres of does that aborted, 20 (87.0%) of 23, all with titres ≥1 : 256 suggesting current infection, were statistically significantly (P < 0.05; χ2) higher than was detected amongst does that delivered normal kids, 25 (53.25) of 47 with 22 (48.8%) having titres of ≥1 : 256. One (50.0%) of two cats caught and tested was seropositive with a reciprocal titre of 128. This is considered the first documentation of T. gondii agglutinins in caprine abortion as well the detection of C. abortus antibodies from livestock in Trinidad. It is concluded that of the three zoonotic abortifacient pathogens tested for, T. gondii appeared to have played some aetiological role in the abortion epidemic investigated.
Stability of the EasyOne ultrasonic spirometer for use in general practice
Authors: WALTERS Julia A.E. , WOOD‐BAKER Richard , WALLS Justin , JOHNS David P. 
Published: April 2006

Objective and background:  Spirometry is recommended for the diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory diseases in the community. Spirometer accuracy is critical, but few general practitioners meet the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) recommendation for daily calibration. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and stability of a portable ultrasonic spirometer (EasyOne) that the manufacturer claims does not require regular calibration.Methods:  Six EasyOne spirometers were used in a practice‐based spirometry study. Inspiratory and expiratory accuracy was checked periodically using a certified 3‐L syringe. Paired calibration checks were performed using a dedicated mouthpiece assembly (spirette) and randomly selected spirettes.Results:  The six spirometers were used for up to 26 weeks (mean 23.9 weeks) and a total of 1041 spirometry tests and 75 syringe calibrations were performed. All inspiratory and expiratory calibration checks using a dedicated or randomly selected spirette met the ATS/ERS accuracy criterion (3.00 ± 0.105 L). The mean (range) expiratory volume deviation from target volume (3.00 L) was 0.011 L (−0.06–0.09 L) using a dedicated spirette and 0.046 L (−0.09–0.10 L) using randomly selected spirettes. The deviation from target was not affected by the mean flow generated during the calibration procedure. There was no change in calibration during the study.Conclusions:  This study supports the manufacturer's claim that the EasyOne spirometer maintains its calibration during routine clinical use in general practice and does not require daily calibration as specified in international spirometry guidelines.
Efficacy and safety of high‐dose budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®) compared with budesonide administered either concomitantly with formoterol or alone in patients with persistent symptomatic asthma
Authors: JENKINS Christine , KOLARIKOVA Renata , KUNA Piotr , CAILLAUD Denis , SANCHIS Joaquin , POPP Wolfgang , PETTERSSON Eva 
Published: April 2006

Objective and background:  Budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 µg, two inhalations bd, is an effective and well‐tolerated maintenance therapy for patients not controlled on inhaled corticosteroids alone. The authors assessed the efficacy and safety of a higher dose of budesonide/formoterol in patients with persistent symptomatic asthma.Methods:  This was a 24‐week, double‐blind, double‐dummy randomized study. Budesonide/formoterol 320/9 µg, two inhalations bd (1280/36 µg/day), was compared with corresponding doses of budesonide during weeks 1–12 and budesonide plus formoterol via separate inhalers during weeks 1–24. Efficacy was assessed during weeks 1–12; the primary variable was morning PEF. Safety was assessed over weeks 1–24.Results:  Patients (n = 456; aged 12–79 years) had a mean reversibility in FEV1 of 28% and mean pre‐study inhaled corticosteroid dose of 1038 µg/day. Mean morning PEF increased by 37 L/min and 36 L/min with budesonide/formoterol and budesonide plus formoterol, respectively, versus an increase of 5 L/min with budesonide (P < 0.001 for both vs. budesonide). Budesonide/formoterol increased time to first mild exacerbation (P < 0.005) versus budesonide. Budesonide/formoterol and budesonide plus formoterol had similar efficacy. All treatments were well tolerated and the incidence of class‐related adverse events was similarly low in all groups. Changes in serum potassium and plasma cortisol were comparable across treatments.Conclusions:  High‐dose budesonide/formoterol (320/9 µg, two inhalations bd) is effective and well tolerated in patients with persistent symptomatic asthma. The findings also support the safety of regular high‐dose formoterol (36 µg/day).
Intermittent exotropia: comparison of treatments
Authors: Figueira Edwin C , Hing Stephen 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To identify the best treatment option for intermittent exotropia.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of the progress of 150 treated intermittent exotropia patients was performed. Treatment forms considered are: (i) surgery combined with orthoptic/occlusion therapy; (ii) surgery; (iii) orthoptic/occlusion therapy; and (iv) observation. Pearson's χ2‐analysis of association of therapy form with success was performed. Reduction of exodeviation in prism dioptres between groups and subgroups were compared at 6 months, 1, 2 and 5 years follow up and the ‘within group’ variations were compared. Exodeviation reduction in prism dioptres per millimetre of horizontal rectus surgery performed in the ‘surgery with orthoptic/occlusion therapy’ and ‘surgery only’ groups were compared.Results:  χ2‐Analysis revealed a significantly highest (P < 0.001) association with success in the ‘surgery with orthoptic/occlusion therapy’ group at follow up. anova analysis revealed that surgery with orthoptic/occlusion therapy resulted significantly (P < 0.001) in the highest reduction of exodeviation as compared with the other three treatment modalities at each follow up. Reduction of exodeviation in prism dioptres per millimetre of horizontal rectus surgery performed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the surgery with orthoptic/occlusion therapy group as compared with surgery only at all follow ups. χ2‐Test revealed no significant association of success with the magnitude of initial exodeviation (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Surgery with preoperative orthoptic/occlusion therapy had the highest success rates. Surgery with orthoptic/occlusion therapy was more effective in reducing exodeviation (prism dioptres per millimetre of horizontal rectus surgery), compared with surgery only.
The F test for Comparing Two Normal Variances: Correct and Incorrect Calculation of the Two‐Sided p‐value?
Authors: Gallagher James 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis article illustrates that not all statistical software packages are correctly calculating a p‐value for the classical F test comparison of two independent Normal variances. This is illustrated with a simple example, and the reasons why are discussed. Eight different software packages are considered.
Characterisation of the interaction between cryptochromes and phytochromes in blue light‐induced coiling and prehaustoria development of dodder (Cuscuta campestris) seedlings
Authors: HAIDAR M A 
Published: April 2006

SummaryPrevious studies demonstrated that blue, near far‐red and a mixture of red and far‐red light stimulate, while red light inhibits coiling and prehaustoria development in young excised de‐etiolated dodder seedlings. In this study, evidence was obtained for the involvement of cryptochromes in the mediation of coiling and prehaustoria development in response to blue light. The results indicated that coiling and prehaustoria are affected by the addition of red or far‐red light and therefore are dependent on the state of phytochromes. Results also suggest the occurrence of a synergistic interaction between phytochromes (Pr) and cryptochromes and an antagonistic interaction between phytochromes (Pfr) and cryptochromes in mediating coiling and prehaustoria development. Gabaculine significantly reduced coiling and prehaustoria development under far‐red or a mixture of red and far‐red light but not under blue or a mixture of blue and far‐red light, indicating that cryptochromes are involved in blue‐induced coiling and prehaustoria development.
Delayed functional maturation of natural regulatory T cells in the medulla of postnatal thymus: role of TSLP
Authors: Jiang Qi , Su Hua , Knudsen Geoffry , Helms Whitney , Su Lishan 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundGeneration of functional CD4+CD8-CD25+regulatory T cells (Treg) in the murine thymus depends on FoxP3. Removal of the thymus from neonatal mice has been shown to result in a multiple organ autoimmune disease phenotype that can be prevented by introducing the FoxP3+Treg population to the animal. It has therefore, been proposed that functional FoxP3+Treg cells are not made in the neonatal thymus; however, it remains unclear when and where functional FoxP3+CD4+CD8-CD25+thymocytes are generated in postnatal thymus.ResultsWe report that neither FoxP3 mRNA nor protein is expressed in CD4+CD8-CD25+, or CD4+CD8-CD25-thymocytes until 3–4 days post birth, despite the presence of mature CD4+CD8-CD25+/-thymocytes in the thymus by 1–2 days after birth. FoxP3-CD4+CD8-CD25+thymocytes from day 2 newborn mice show no Treg activity. Interestingly, we are able to detect low numbers of FoxP3+thymocytes dispersed throughout the medullary region of the thymus as early as 3–4 days post birth. Expression of FoxP3 is induced in embryonic day 17 fetal thymus organ culture (FTOC) after 4–6 days of in vitro culture. Treatment of FTOCs with thymic stromal derived lymphopoietin (TSLP) enhanced expression of FoxP3, and blocking the TSLP receptor reduces FoxP3 expression in FTOC. Furthermore, TSLP stimulates FoxP3 expression in purified CD4+CD8-thymocytes, but not in CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8+and CD4-CD8-thymocytes.ConclusionExpression of FoxP3 or Treg maturation is ontogenically distinct and kinetically delayed from the generation of CD4+CD8-CD25+or CD4+CD8-CD25-thymocytes in the postnatal thymus. TSLP produced from medullary thymic epithelia cells (mTEC) contributes to the expression of FoxP3 and the maturation of natural regulatory T cells. Overall, these results suggest that the development of Treg cells requires paracrine signaling during late stages of thymocyte maturation that is distinct from signaling during positive or negative selection.
Reversion of the ELISPOT test after treatment in Gambian tuberculosis cases
Authors: Aiken Alexander M , Hill Philip C , Fox Annette , McAdam Keith PWJ , Jackson-Sillah Dolly , Lugos Moses D , Donkor Simon A , Adegbola Richard A , Brookes Roger H 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
New tools are required to improve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment, including enhanced ability to compare new treatment strategies. The ELISPOT assay uses Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens to produce a precise quantitative readout of the immune response to pathogen. We hypothesized that TB patients in The Gambia would have reduced ELISPOT counts after successful treatment.

Methods
We recruited Gambian adults with sputum smear and culture positive tuberculosis for ELISPOT assay and HIV test, and followed them up one year later to repeat testing and document treatment outcome. We used ESAT-6, CFP-10 and Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) as stimulatory antigens. We confirmed the reliability of our assay in 23 volunteers through 2 tests one week apart, comparing within and between subject variation.

Results
We performed an ELISPOT test at diagnosis and 12 months later in 89 patients. At recruitment, 70/85 HIV-negative patients (82%) were ESAT-6 or CFP-10 (EC) ELISPOT positive, 77 (90%) were PPD ELISPOT positive. Eighty-two cases (96%) successfully completed treatment: 44 (55%; p < 0.001) were EC ELISPOT negative at 12 months, 17 (21%; p = 0.051) were PPD ELISPOT negative. Sixty (73%) cured cases had a CFP-10 ELISPOT count decrease, 64 (78%) had an ESAT-6 ELISPOT count decrease, 58 (70%) had a PPD ELISPOT count decrease. There was a mean decline of 25, 44 and 47 SFU/2 × 105 cells for CFP-10, ESAT-6 and PPD respectively (p < 0.001 for all). Three of 4 HIV positive patients were cured, all 3 underwent ELISPOT reversion; all 4 not cured subjects (3 HIV-negative, 1 HIV positive) were ESAT-6, CFP-10 and PPD ELISPOT positive at 12 months.

Conclusion
Successful tuberculosis treatment is accompanied by a significant reduction in the M. tuberculosis-specific antigen ELISPOT count. The ELISPOT has potential as a proxy measure of TB treatment outcome. Further investigation into the decay kinetics of T-cells with treatment is warranted.
Effect of N-arachidonoyl-(2-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) amine (VDM11), an anandamide transporter inhibitor, on capsaicin-induced cough in mice
Authors: Kamei Junzo , Yoshikawa Yuji , Saitoh Akiyoshi 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundSeveral observations have suggested that anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid ligand, plays an important role in the modulation of cough sensitivity. However, it is unknown whether the anandamide membrane transporter plays a role in this modulation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of VDM11, an anandamide membrane transporter inhibitor, on capsaicin- and anandamide-induced cough.MethodsThe effect of VDM11, an anandamide membrane transporter inhibitor, on capsaicin- and anandamide-induced cough in mice was examined.ResultsVDM11, at doses of 3–10 mg/kg subcutaneously, produced a dose-dependent antitussive effect. This antitussive effect was antagonized by pretreatment with either intraperitoneal administration (3 mg/kg) or inhalation (1 mg/ml) of SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist. However, intracerebroventricular injection of SR141716A (0.03 mg/mouse) did not alter the effect of VDM11. Exposure of mice to a nebulized solution of 10% DMSO, a vehicle of anandamide, induced a cough response (7.7 ± 0.6 coughs/3 min; n = 10). Exposure of mice to a nebulized solution of anandamide, at concentrations of 0.03, 0.3 and 3 mg/ml, also produced a cough response in a concentration-dependent manner. The number of coughs induced by low dose (0.03 mg/ml) anandamide was significantly less than that of 10% DMSO. On the other hand, the number of coughs induced by high dose (3 mg/ml) anandamide was significantly greater than that of 10% DMSO. When AM251 (1.8 mM), a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, was given by aerosol for 4 min before inhalation of 0.03 mg/ml of anandamide, the number of coughs was significantly increased to the level observed with 10% DMSO alone. When capsazepine (0.3 mM), a selective TRPV1 receptor antagonist, was given via aerosol for 4 min before inhalation of 3 mg/ml of anandamide, the number of coughs was significantly decreased to the levels observed with 10% DMSO alone. The number of coughs induced by high dose (3 mg/ml) anandamide was significantly and dose-dependently reduced by the pretreatment with VDM11.ConclusionThese results suggest that anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid ligand, may modulate cough sensitivity and that anandamide transporters play an important role in this modulation. Furthermore, these findings indicate that inhibition of the uptake of anandamide produced a potent antitussive effect and suggests that the anandamide transporter may be a potential target for peripherally acting antitussive drugs.
Novel Cyclization Reaction by Tandem Michael Addition -Dieckmann Condensation Using Stannyl Anion Generated from Bu3SnSiMe3 and F−
Authors: Honda Takahiro , Mori Miwako 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
A novel cyclization reaction was developed using stannyl anion generated from Bu3SnSiMe3 and TASF (Et3S+Me3SiF2−). The reaction product was converted to the allylstannane, which was a useful intermediate for the synthesis of biologically active substances.
DNA Intercalators Bearing Metal Chelating Moiety. Ternary Complexes of Polyamine Containing Anthraquinone Derivative-DNA-Cu(II) and Its DNA Cleavage Activity
Authors: Ihara Toshihiro , Inenaga Akiko , Takagi Makoto 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Polyamine-linked DNA-intercalators formed stable ternary complexes with Cu(II) and ds-DNA, some of which induced the chain cleavage of ds-DNA. The reactivity was related to the stereochemical features of the complexes.
Enzyme Electrode for Hydrogen Peroxide Using a New Enzyme-Immobilization “Polymer-Enzyme Aggregate”
Authors: Ohki Akira , Naka Kensuke , Ito Osamu , Maeda Shigeru 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
An enzyme electrode for hydrogen peroxide was developed with the aid of an easy and effective enzyme-immobilization. The enzyme electrode was made by holding an aggregate of a self-assembled amphiphilic block copolymer 1 and catalase on an oxygen electrode by use of microporous acetylcellulose membranes. The response of the electrode was linear between 4 × 10−6 – 4 × 10−4 M of hydrogen peroxide and remained unchanged after 50 days with over 150 measurements.
Fluoride Ion-Promoted Reaction of Polyfluoro-1-propenyl p-Toluenesulfonate with Amines. Highly Efficient and General Access to (Z)-α-Fluoro-β-amino Acrylaldehydes
Authors: Funabiki Kazumasa , Ohtsuki Tetsuya , Ishihara Takashi , Yamanaka Hiroki 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
2,3,3-Trifluoro-1-propenyl p-toluenesulfonate, readily available by dehydrofluorination of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl p-toluenesulfonate, reacted smoothly with various primary or secondary amines in the presence of triethylamine and a catalytic amount of fluoride ion at ambient temperature for 3 h or at 70 °C for 1–2 h to afford the corresponding (Z)-α-fluoro-β-(alkylamino- or -dialkylamino)acrylaldehydes in good to excellent yields, together with the formation of p-toluenesulfonyl fluoride.
Enantioselective Hydrogenation of (E)-α-Phenylcinnamic Acid over Cinchonidine-Modified Palladium Catalysts
Authors: Nitta Yuriko , Ueda Yoshiyuki , Imanaka Toshinobu 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Prochiral (E)-α-phenylcinnamic acid was hydrogenated enantioselectively over alumina- and titania-supported Pd catalysts modified with cinchonidine giving optical yields of 36.9% and 44.4%, respectively, in favor of (S)-(+)-2,3-diphenylpropionic acid. The influence of solvent on the optical yield was significant; a water containing solvent gave the best result.
Reversal of Stereoselectivity in the Aldol Reaction of Boron Enolate Derived from Oppolzer’s Sultam with α,α-Difluoro and α,α,α-Trifluoro Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Iseki Katsuhiko , Oishi Satoshi , Kobayashi Yoshiro 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Hexafluoroacetone causes the complete reversal of stereochemistry in the aldol reaction of boron enolate derived from Oppolzer’s sultam in the absence of Lewis acids such as TiCl4. Trifluoroacetaldehyde and 2,2-difluoro-5-phenyl-1-pentanal cause partial reversal, giving a mixture of syn- and anti-aldols. This finding was extended to reactions of the boron enolate with phenylglyoxal and ethyl glyoxylate.
Relationship between Spectral Hole Burning and Stokes Shift of Organic Dyes in Polymer Systems
Authors: Suzuki Taro , Ikemoto Makoto , Machida Shinjiro , Vacha Martin , Horie Kazuyuki , Yamashita Takashi 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Several organic dyes were studied both by fluorescence spectroscopy and by persistent spectral hole burning spectroscopy. The chromophores realizing spectral hole formation at 20 K have small Stokes shift approximately less than 103 cm−1. It ascertains that the small Stokes shift related to the existence of appreciable zero-phonon line would be a requisite for the spectral hole formation of the chromophore. The realization of hole formation by using poly(vinyl alcohol) or photoreactive matrices for the chromophores which have appreciable zero-phonon line but don’t undergo light-induced chemical or conformational change is also discussed.
Confirmation of Anaerobic Poly(2-oxepanone) Degrading Microorganisms in Environments
Authors: Nishida Haruo , Tokiwa Yutaka 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Anaerobic and ecological biodegradability of poly(2-oxepanone):poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL) in different environments was estimated by the clear-zone method with anaerobic roll tube containing emulsified PCL. It was ascertained that PCL is degraded by anaerobic microorganisms and that anaerobic PCL-degrading microorganisms distribute considerably over natural environments.
Synthesis of a Common Main Skeleton of Thiostrepton Peptide Antibiotics, A10255G and J
Authors: Shin Chung-gi , Okumura Kazuo , Ito Akio , Nakamura Yutaka 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The synthesis of a common main skeleton of thiostrepton peptides, A10255G and J, containing a few kinds of unusual amino acids is described.
Highly Stereocontrolled Construction of 3-Alkoxyazetidin-2-ones Using Ester Enolate-Imine Condensation
Authors: Shimizu Makoto , Ishida Takenori , Fujisawa Tamotsu 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Diastereoselective addition reaction of the enolate of α-alkoxyacetates to a chiral imine possessing (4S,5S)-4,5-dimethoxymethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane ring as a chiral auxiliary could be controlled by the enolate metals, the ester parts, and the alkoxy groups. Addition of the titanium enolate provided (3R,4S)-3-alkoxyazetidin-2-one exclusively, while the corresponding (3R,4R)-isomer was obtained predominantly by the condensation using the zinc enolate of t-butyl α-benzyloxy-, phenoxy-, or t-butoxyacetate with the chiral imine.