bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In utero transplantation of human bone marrow‐derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells in mice
Authors: Chou Shiu‐Huey , Kuo Tom K. , Liu Ming , Lee Oscar K. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can be isolated from human bone marrow and possess the potential to differentiate into progenies of embryonic mesoderm. However, current evidence is based predominantly on in vitro experiments. We used a murine model of in utero transplantation (IUT) to study the engraftment capabilities of human MSCs. MSCs were obtained from bone marrow by negative immunoselection and limiting dilution, and were characterized by flow cytometry and by in vitro differentiation into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. MSCs were transplanted into fetal mice at a gestational age of 14 days. Engraftment of human MSCs was determined by flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). MSCs engrafted into tissues originating from all three germ layers and persisted for up to 4 months or more after delivery, as evidenced by the expression of the human‐specific β‐2 microglobulin gene and by FISH for donor‐derived cells. Donor‐derived CD45+ cells were detectable in the peripheral blood of recipients, suggesting the participation of MSCs in hematopoiesis at the fetal stage. This model can further serve to evaluate possible applications of MSCs. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:301–312, 2006
Modelling international tourism demand and volatility in small island tourism economies
Authors: Shareef Riaz , McAleer Michael 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSmall island tourism economies (SITEs) vary in their size, land area, location, narrow resource bases, economic development, overwhelming reliance on tourism and consistent inflow of foreign direct investment for economic growth. Small island tourism economics differ in their ethnic diversity, political systems, economic and environmental vulnerability, ecological fragility and the risks facing investors. Owing to natural disasters, ethnic conflicts, crime and the threat of global terrorism, there have been dramatic changes in the arrivals of international tourists to SITEs. These variations in international tourism demand to SITEs, particularly the conditional variance (or volatility) in international tourist arrivals, have not previously been analysed in the tourism research literature. An examination of the conditional volatility of international tourist arrivals is essential for policy analysis and marketing purposes. This paper models the conditional mean and conditional variance of the logarithm of monthly international tourist arrivals and the growth rate (or log‐difference) in the monthly international tourist arrivals for six SITEs, namely Barbados, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Maldives and Seychelles. Diagnostic checks of the regularity conditions of the logarithm of monthly international tourist arrivals and their growth rates suggest that the estimated univariate models of trends and volatility are statistically adequate. Therefore, the estimated models are appropriate for purposes of public and private sector management of tourism. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capsaicin delays regeneration of the neuromuscular junction of rat extensor digitorum longus muscle after ischemia
Authors: Turchányi Béla , Hamar János , Tömböl Teréz , Siklós László 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTrauma or the tourniquet used in orthopedic surgery is often associated with ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury with a consequent decrease of muscle power. To explore whether components of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are involved in this muscle dysfunction, NMJs were ultrastructurally characterized in the extensor digitorum longus muscle of rats at reperfusion times of 1, 24, 72, and 168 h after a 120‐min arterial occlusion. Disorganization of the presynaptic membrane and mitochondrial injury was noted at 1 h, followed by fragmentation and partial engulfment of nerve terminals by Schwann cells at 24 and 72 h. The magnitude of degenerative changes declined at 168 h, suggesting the commencement of regeneration. The postsynaptic membrane remained intact throughout the whole period. In our previous study, deafferentation with pretreatment of the sciatic nerve with capsaicin, which reduces neurogenic inflammation and has a selective effect on nociceptive fibers, improved functional recovery of the muscle after I/R. The present results document a significantly delayed structural regeneration of the motor nerve terminals after combined capsaicin and I/R treatment. Since capsaicin treatment alone had no discernible effect on the structure of NMJs, the findings point to a possibly indirect effect of capsaicin on the motor nerves, which may predispose them to increased susceptibility unmasked only by a subsequent injury. The mismatch between the enhanced functional improvement of the muscle and delayed regeneration of the nerve after capsaicin pretreatment questions the efficient use of such deafferentation to protect the integrity of neuromuscular junctions in I/R injury. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Repetitive nerve stimulation of facial muscles in musk antibody–positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Oh Shin J. , Hatanaka Yuki , Hemmi Shoji , Young Angela M. , Scheufele Mia L. , Nations Sharon P. , Lu Liang , Claussen Gwen C. , Wolfe Gil I. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTo better define electrophysiological abnormalities in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies (Ab), we compared electrophysiological features of 14 MuSK Ab–positive, 73 acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab)–positive, and 22 MuSK and AChR Ab–negative (seronegative) patients with generalized disease. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) abnormalities were observed in 86% of MuSK Ab–positive and 82% of AChR Ab–positive patients but in only 55% of seronegative patients. RNS decrements in the orbicularis oculi were more common and severe in the MuSK Ab–positive patients than the other two groups. Single‐fiber electromyography (SFEMG) of the extensor digitorum communis was abnormal in 90% of MuSK Ab–positive patients. The high frequency of RNS abnormalities in facial muscles in the MuSK Ab–positive population reflects the propensity for facial muscle involvement in this form of MG and emphasizes the importance of including facial muscles in RNS protocols when evaluating these patients. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Luminescent properties of PP and LDPE films and rods doped with the Eu(III)‐La(III) complex
Authors: Pogreb Roman , Popov Oleg , Lirtsman Vlad , Pyshkin Oleg , Kazachkov Alexander , Musin Albina , Whyman Gene , Finkelshtein Binyamin , Shmukler Yuri , Davidov Dan , Gladkikh Alexander , Bormashenko Edward 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe work is devoted to luminescent properties of trivalent lanthanide complexes dispersed in thermoplastic host matrices. Polyethylene films and polypropylene‐rods, both doped with these complexes, were manufactured using an extrusion technique. Two kinds of dopants were used: Eu(III)‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone‐1,10‐phenanthroline complex (1) and Eu(III)‐La(III)‐1,10‐phenanthroline complex (2). Absorption, excitation, emission spectra and lifetime of luminescence were studied. The impact of the polymer matrix on the emission spectra was investigated. Emission spectra of the films were studied at room and helium temperatures. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) surface mapping showed that in the Eu(III)‐La(III) complex europium forms islands (clusters) with a dimension of 1 µm, whereas lanthanum was dispersed more uniformly in the polymer matrix. Dependence of emission intensity on the excitation was determined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research, audit, practice development and service evaluation: implications for research and clinical governance
Authors: Gerrish Kate , Mawson Susan 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe importance of ensuring a high level of scientific and ethical standards in health and social care research underpins the Department of Health's framework for research governance (DOH, 2001). This paper presents our current thinking regarding some areas of ambiguity. The explanations offered are open to challenge and we see the paper as a contribution to the debates surrounding these different activities rather than providing a template for making decisions about what constitutes research, audit, practice development and service evaluation. However, we also hope that the paper will provide some practical guidance in undertaking these activities. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Design and implementation of an observation chart with an integrated early warning score
Authors: McCormick Joanna 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper details the design and implementation of a physiological observation chart with an integrated early warning score. The observation chart was piloted over a 6‐week period with patients admitted to three acute surgical wards including those admitted from accident and emergency and the post‐operative recovery ward. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Utilizing practice development to implement an integrated care pathway for self‐harm
Authors: Harrison Anthony , Hillier David , Redman Rachael 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the development and implementation of an integrated care pathway for self‐harm across a range of health and social care organizations. The focus of the pathway and the practice development journey was to enable ownership and active collaboration in the assessment and care of people who are either considered at risk of self‐harm, or who have engaged in self‐harming behaviour. The core elements of a practice development methodology were used to plan and manage a significant piece of work aimed at securing lasting changes across a health community by working at individual, team and organizational levels. The value of utilizing a practice development strategy to provide focus for the process, and a collaborative structure for improvements in patient care are illustrated. Practice development has provided a positive and enabling structure that has allowed those involved to enhance practice and care in an area of health care that is often viewed as unpopular and unrewarding. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Incidence of clinically diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus 1992–1998 using the UK General Practice Research Database
Authors: Nightingale Alison L. , Farmer Richard D. T. , de Vries Corinne S. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPurposeTo determine the age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the population of the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) between 1.1.1992 and 31.12.1998.MethodsWe searched the GPRD for incident cases of clinically diagnosed SLE with supporting evidence of diagnosis in their medical record. Cases must have had at least 3 years of data in their record prior to date of first diagnosis. We calculated the annual and age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates of SLE.ResultsWe identified 390 incident cases of SLE yielding an incidence rate (IR) of 3.02/100 000/year (CI95 2.72, 3.32). There were 41 males (IR 0.65/100 000/year (CI95 0.45, 0.85)) and 349 females (IR 5.30/100 000/year (CI95 4.75, 5.86)). The median age at diagnosis for males and females was 54 and 46 years, respectively, and the peak incidence rates were amongst women aged 30–69 years. The incidence rate ratio for females to males was 8.15 (CI95 5.9, 11.6).ConclusionsThis is the first UK‐wide study of the incidence of SLE. The results of this study are consistent with previous smaller studies conducted in Nottingham and Birmingham. Although recording of symptoms of SLE is not complete in the GPRD, we conclude that incident cases can be successfully identified because generally there is supporting evidence of diagnosis in medical record. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of time‐dependent rate ratios in case‐control studies: comparison of two approaches for exposure assessment
Authors: Lefebvre Geneviève , Angers Jean‐François , Blais Lucie 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPurposeIn pharmacoepidemiology, it is well recognized that the rate of adverse events may vary as a function of the cumulative duration of the drug exposure and/or the time since the end of the exposure. In case‐control studies, two different approaches have been used to estimate temporal effects of drug exposure: the time‐windows (T‐Ws) approach and the duration‐specific (D‐S) approach. We decided to conduct a simulation study to compare the two approaches when the rate ratios (RRs) vary as a function of the cumulative duration of exposure and/or the time since the end of exposure.MethodsWe generated three cohorts of 500 000 individuals in which the rate of the event was varying as a function of the cumulative duration of exposure and the time since the end of exposure. For each cohort, a nested case‐control analysis was performed using both the D‐S and the T‐Ws approaches. In the T‐Ws approach, a RR is estimated within specific periods of time prior to the outcome, while a RR is estimated within periods of cumulative duration of exposure and time since the end of exposure in the D‐S approach.ResultsWe found that the RRs obtained from the D‐S approach exactly corresponded to the RRs obtained from the cohort analyses, while the RRs obtained from the T‐Ws approach generally not. RRs obtained from the T‐Ws approach were difficult to interpret in terms of the effect of the duration and timing of the exposure.ConclusionThe D‐S approach should be used to investigate the duration‐related effects of exposure in case‐control studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteome analysis of glandular parotid and submandibular‐sublingual saliva in comparison to whole human saliva by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Walz Anke , Stühler Kai , Wattenberg Andreas , Hawranke Eva , Meyer Helmut E. , Schmalz Gottfried , Blüggel Martin , Ruhl Stefan 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe secretions of the salivary parotid and submandibular‐sublingual (SMSL) glands constitute the main part of whole human saliva (WS) in which proline‐rich proteins (PRPs) and mucins represent dominant groups. Although proteome analysis had been performed on WS, no identification of PRPs or mucins by 2‐DE and MS was achieved in WS and no comprehensive analysis of both glandular secretions is available so far. The aim of this study was to compare the protein map of WS to parotid and SMSL secretions for the display of PRPs and mucins. WS and glandular secretions were subjected to 2‐DE and spots were analyzed by MALDI‐MS. New components identified in WS were cyclophilin‐B and prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase. Also acidic and basic PRPs as well as the proline‐rich glycoprotein (PRG) could now be mapped in WS. Acidic PRPs were found equally in parotid and SMSL secretions, whereas basic PRPs and PRG were found primarily in parotid secretion. Salivary mucin MUC7 was identified in SMSL secretion. Thus, the more abundant proteins of WS can be explained mainly by mixed contributions of parotid and SMSL secretions with only few components remaining that may be derived from local sources in the oral cavity.
Two‐dimensional electrophoretic profiling of atopic dermatitis in primary cultured keratinocytes from patients
Authors: Park Yong‐Doo , Jang Hee‐Sun , Kim So‐yeon , Ko Sung‐Kyun , Lyou You‐Jeong , Lee Dong‐Youn , Paik Young‐Ki , Yang Jun‐Mo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractRecently, we reported altered protein expression in primary cultured fibroblasts from atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. As a sequential study, we conducted proteomic analysis of primary keratinocytes derived from AD patients to further identify AD‐related proteins. Three pH ranges, 4–7, 6–9, and 7–11, were used to profile the altered protein expression in AD. We obtained 46 candidate spots from the 2‐D gel image analysis: 18 proteins were up‐regulated and 27 proteins were down‐regulated. Among the several important candidate proteins, NCC27 showed the same profile of a defect in PTM in both AD‐derived keratinocytes and fibroblasts. On the basis of current and previous reports, real‐time PCR was performed on select candidate genes to compare RNA and protein expression levels in AD‐derived keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Our results provide new clues to aid in understanding the mechanism of atopic alterations in keratinocytes and suggest new AD‐associated proteins that are important in AD pathogenesis.
Functional and phenotypic relevance of differentially expressed proteins in calcineurin mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ahn Do‐Hwan , Singaravelu Gunasekaran , Lee Sooung , Ahnn Joohong , Shim Yhong‐Hee 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCalcineurin is a heterodimeric serine/threonine protein phosphatase, important for many cellular processes such as T‐cell regulation, cardiac hypertrophy and kidney development. We previously reported the characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans calcineurin mutants as providing a simple but excellent genetic model system for studying in vivo functions of calcineurin. Calcineurin loss‐of‐function mutants, cnb‐1(lf), and gain‐of‐function mutants, tax‐6(gf), show certain opposite phenotypes as well as some similar phenotypes. In order to explain the phenotypic similarity observed in both loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function mutants, we examined the proteins that followed similar trends in both mutants relative to wild‐type worms by using 2‐DE. Interestingly, VHA‐13, HSP‐6 and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase are down‐regulated in both mutants. A total of 96 differentially regulated proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF/MS. Among these, 42 proteins are up‐regulated and 54 proteins are down‐regulated in calcineurin mutants. Furthermore, knock‐down of about 30% of the genes, which are down‐regulated in calcineurin mutants, showed some of the phenotypes of calcineurin‐null mutants. This analysis suggests the functional relevance of these proteins to calcineurin activity in C. elegans.
A proteomic approach for unraveling the oncogenic H‐Ras protein networks in NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells
Authors: Park Jung Wook , Kim Seyoon , Lim Kook Jin , Simpson Richard J. , Kim Yu Sam , Bahk Young Yil 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTo elucidate the oncogenic H‐Ras network, we have established various stable and inducible oncogenic H‐Ras‐expressing NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell clones, which express G12V H‐Ras and G12R H‐Ras proteins under the influence of a strong cytomegalovirus promoter and under the tight control of expression by an antibiotic, doxycycline, respectively. Here we provide a catalogue of proteome profiles in total cell lysates derived from oncogenic H‐Ras‐expressing NIH/3T3 cells. In this biological context, we compared total proteome changes by the combined methods of 2‐DE, quantitative image analysis and MALDI‐TOF MS analysis using both a stable expression system as well as an inducible expression system. There were a large number of common targets for oncogenic H‐Ras, which were identified in both cell lines and consisted of 64 proteins (36 up‐regulated and 28 down‐regulated). Differentially regulated expression was further confirmed for some subsets of candidates by Western blot analysis using specific antibodies. Taken together, the results presented here show that comparative analysis of the proteome from the oncogenic H‐Ras‐expressing cells yielded interpretable data to elucidate protein networks directly and/or indirectly.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reactions of polyallylamine with aryl acetates and aryl methyl carbonates
Authors: Castro Enrique A. , Echevarría Gerardo R. , Opazo Alejandra , Robert Paz S. , Santos José G. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe reactions of polyallylamine (PAA) with 4‐nitrophenyl acetate (NPA), 2,4‐dinitrophenyl acetate (DNPA), 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl acetate (TNPA), 4‐nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (NPC), 2,4‐dinitrophenyl methyl carbonate (DNPC) and 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl methyl carbonate (TNPC) at pH 7.0–11.5 were subjected to a kinetic investigation in aqueous solution at 25.0 °C and an ionic strength of 0.1 M (KCl). Potentiometric titration curves were obtained at different polymer concentrations under the same conditions as for the kinetic measurements. The degree of dissociation (α) and pKapp values for PAA at each pH were found from the titration curves. The shape of these curves shows a conformational change of the polymer at α > 0.7. Similar behavior was observed through the dependence of logkN on either pH or α, where kN is the second‐order rate constant for the title reactions. The kN value is influenced by the electrostatic interactions in the polymer chain and the conformational changes that PAA undergoes in solution. The Brønsted‐type plots (logkN vs pKapp) are linear with slopes (β values) of 0.5, 0.4, 0.5, 0.7, 0.6 and 0.7 for the reactions of PAA with NPA, DNPA, TNPA, NPC, DNPC and TNPC, respectively. These data are consistent with concerted mechanisms. The kN values increase in the sequence TNPA > DNPA > NPA and TNPC > DNPC > NPC. These results are in accordance with those found for the reactions with monomeric amines, which are due to the increasing nucleofugality of the leaving groups, and also the increasing electrophilic character of the carbonyl carbon, as more nitro groups are added to the substrate. Acetates are more reactive than the corresponding methyl carbonates, which can be explained by the larger electron‐releasing effect exerted by MeO relative to Me. PAA destabilizes the putative tetrahedral intermediate relative to the monomeric amines and the stability of tetrahedral intermediates would decrease in the sequence pyridines > anilines > secondary alicyclic amines > quinuclidines > PAA. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, characterization, and polymerization of maleimidobenzoxazine monomers as a novel class of thermosetting resins
Authors: Agag Tarek , Takeichi Tsutomu 
Published: January 2006

AbstractNew series of benzoxazine‐based monomers, namely maleimidobenzoxazines, were prepared with hydroxyphenylmaleimide, formalin, and various amines (e.g., aniline, allylamine, and aminophenyl propargyl ether). The structure of the novel monomers was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The monomers were easily dissolved in many common organic solvents. Differential scanning calorimetry of the novel monomers showed exotherms at different temperature ranges that corresponded to the polymerization regime of benzoxazine and maleimide along with other functionalities such as allyl or propargyl, if any. IR was studied to follow the progress of the curing reaction of maleimidobenzoxazine after various thermal treatments. The thermal cure of the monomers at 250 °C afforded a novel network structure that combined polybenzoxazine and polymaleimide. The dynamic mechanical analyses showed that the storage moduli of the thermosets derived from maleimidobenzoxazine were kept constant up to high temperatures. The glass‐transition temperatures were as high as 241–335 °C. Moreover, thermogravimetric analyses revealed that the thermosets did not show any weight loss up to about 350 °C, with char yields ranging from 62 to 70% at 800 °C. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1424–1435, 2006