bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of age on the performance of a diagnostic strategy based on clinical probability, spiral computed tomography and venous compression ultrasonography
Authors: Couturaud Francis , Parent Florence , Meyer Guy , Girard Philippe , Le Gal Grégoire , Musset Dominique , Simonneau Gérald , Mottier Dominique , Leroyer Christophe 
Published: February 2005

SummaryAs the prevalence of PE increases with age, the effect of age on the diagnostic work-up in front of a clinical suspicion of PE deserves exploration. In this retrospective analysis, we used the data from 1041 consecutive suspected PE patients. The patients were divided into three groups according to tertiles of age: under 54 years, 54 to 73 years and above 73 years. The prevalence of PE in patients with respectively low, intermediate and high pretest clinical probability was expressed within each age group. We studied the effect of age on the results observed in three main groups of patients, after performing CT scan and ultrasonography (CUS): (1) patients with inconclusive results; (2) patients with negative findings on both exams and non high pretest clinical probability;(3) patients with positive findings. The prevalence of PE increased significantly with age, in overall, as well as in patients with low or intermediate pretest clinical probability. An analysis according to the three main diagnostic groups showed that: (1) the distribution of inconclusive spiral CT or CUS examinations was not different between age groups;(2) no thromboembolic event occurred in untreated patients with low or intermediate clinical probability aged under 54 years of age, whereas 7 events were diagnosed in patients aged over 73 years (p< 0.001); (3) a higher proportion of older patients had a positive result at both spiral CT and CUS examinations. The percentage of positive CT scans in the case of negative or inconclusive CUS results was not different between age groups; conversely, in the case of a negative or inconclusive CT scan, the percentage of positive CUS was higher in older patients. In conclusion, management of elderly suspected PE patients appears to be different from both the work-up and the outcome perspectives.
Cost-effectiveness of low-molecular-weight heparin for secondary prophylaxis of cancer-related venous thromboembolism
Authors: Smith Kenneth , Cornuz Jacques , Roberts Mark , Aujesky Drahomir 
Published: February 2005

SummaryAlthough extended secondary prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin was recently shown to be more effective than warfarin for cancer-related venous thromboembolism, its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional prophylaxis with warfarin is uncertain. We built a decision analytic model to evaluate the clinical and economic outcomes of a 6-month course of low-molecular-weight heparin or warfarin therapy in 65-year-old patients with cancer-related venous thromboembolism. We used probability estimates and utilities reported in the literature and published cost data. Using a US societal perspective, we compared strategies based on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and lifetime costs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of low-molecular-weight heparin compared with warfarin was $149, 865/QALY. Low-molecular-weight heparin yielded a quality-adjusted life expectancy of 1.097 QALYs at the cost of $15, 329. Overall, 46% ($7108) of the total costs associated with low-molecular-weight heparin were attributable to pharmacy costs. Although the low-molecular-weigh heparin strategy achieved a higher incremental quality-adjusted life expectancy than the warfarin strategy (difference of 0.051 QALYs), this clinical benefit was offset by a substantial cost increment of $7,609. Cost-effectiveness results were sensitive to variation of the early mortality risks associated with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin and the pharmacy costs for low-molecular-weight heparin. Based on the best available evidence, secondary prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin is more effective than warfarin for cancer-related venous thromboembolism. However, because of the substantial pharmacy costs of extended low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis in the US, this treatment is relatively expensive compared with warfarin.
Clustering the annotation space of proteins
Authors: Kunin Victor , Ouzounis Christos A 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Current protein clustering methods rely on either sequence or functional similarities between proteins, thereby limiting inferences to one of these areas.

Results
Here we report a new approach, named CLAN, which clusters proteins according to both annotation and sequence similarity. This approach is extremely fast, clustering the complete SwissProt database within minutes. It is also accurate, recovering consistent protein families agreeing on average in more than 97% with sequence-based protein families from Pfam. Discrepancies between sequence- and annotation-based clusters were scrutinized and the reasons reported. We demonstrate examples for each of these cases, and thoroughly discuss an example of a propagated error in SwissProt: a vacuolar ATPase subunit M9.2 erroneously annotated as vacuolar ATP synthase subunit H. CLAN algorithm is available from the authors and the CLAN database is accessible at http://maine.ebi.ac.uk:8000/cgi-bin/clan/ClanSearch.pl

Conclusions
CLAN creates refined function-and-sequence specific protein families that can be used for identification and annotation of unknown family members. It also allows easy identification of erroneous annotations by spotting inconsistencies between similarities on annotation and sequence levels.
Expression of human dopamine receptor in potato (Solanum tuberosum) results in altered tuber carbon metabolism
Authors: Skirycz Aleksandra , Świędrych Anna , Szopa Jan 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Even though the catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) have been detected in plants their role is poorly documented. Correlations between norepinephrine, soluble sugars and starch concentration have been recently reported for potato plants over-expressing tyrosine decarboxylase, the enzyme mediating the first step of catecholamine synthesis. More recently norepinephrine level was shown to significantly increase after osmotic stress, abscisic acid treatment and wounding. Therefore, it is possible that catecholamines might play a role in plant stress responses by modulating primary carbon metabolism, possibly by a mechanism similar to that in animal cells. Since to date no catecholamine receptor has been identified in plants we transformed potato plants with a cDNA encoding human dopamine receptor (HD1).

Results
Tuber analysis of transgenic plants revealed changes in the activities of key enzymes mediating sucrose to starch conversion (ADP-glucose phosphorylase and sucrose synthase) and sucrose synthesis (sucrose phosphate synthase) leading to altered content of both soluble sugars and starch. Surprisingly the catecholamine level measured in transgenic plants was significantly increased; the reason for this is as yet unknown. However the presence of the receptor affected a broader range of enzyme activities than those affected by the massive accumulation of norepinephrine reported for plants over-expressing tyrosine decarboxylase. Therefore, it is suggested that the presence of the exogenous receptor activates catecholamine cAMP signalling in plants.

Conclusions
Our data support the possible involvement of catecholamines in regulating plant carbon metabolism via cAMP signalling pathway.
Isometric force production parameters during normal and experimental low back pain conditions
Authors: Descarreaux Martin , Blouin Jean-Sébastien , Teasdale Normand 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
The control of force and its between-trial variability are often taken as critical determinants of motor performance. Subjects performed isometric trunk flexion and extension forces without and with experiment pain to examine if pain yields changes in the control of trunk forces. The objective of this study is to determine if experimental low back pain modifies trunk isometric force production.

Methods
Ten control subjects participated in this study. They were required to exert 50 and 75% of their isometric maximal trunk flexion and extension torque. In a learning phase preceding the non painful and painful trials, visual and verbal feedbacks were provided. Then, subjects were asked to perform 10 trials without any feedback. Time to peak torque, time to peak torque variability, peak torque variability as well as constant and absolute error in peak torque were calculated. Time to peak and peak dF/dt were computed to determine if the first peak of dF/dt could predict the peak torque achieved.

Results
Absolute and constant errors were higher in the presence of a painful electrical stimulation. Furthermore, peak torque variability for the higher level of force was increased with in the presence of experimental pain. The linear regressions between peak dF/dt, time to peak dF/dt and peak torque were similar for both conditions. Experimental low back pain yielded increased absolute and constant errors as well as a greater peak torque variability for the higher levels of force. The control strategy, however, remained the same between the non painful and painful condition. Cutaneous pain affects some isometric force production parameters but modifications of motor control strategies are not implemented spontaneously.

Conclusions
It is hypothesized that adaptation of motor strategies to low back pain is implemented gradually over time. This would enable LBP patients to perform their daily tasks with presumably less pain and more accuracy.
Nutritional knowledge, food habits and health attitude of Chinese university students –a cross sectional study–
Authors: Sakamaki Ruka , Toyama Kenji , Amamoto Rie , Liu Chuan-Jun , Shinfuku Naotaka 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
We have previously shown that irregular lifestyle of young Japanese female students are significantly related to their desire to be thinner. In the present study, we examined the nutritional knowledge and food habits of Chinese university students and compared them with those of other Asian populations.

Methods
A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 540 students, ranging in age from 19-24 years. Medical students from Beijing University (135 men and 150 women) in Northern China and Kunming Medical College in southern China (95 men and 160 women) participated in this study. The parametric variables were analyzed using the Student's t-test. Chi-square analyses were conducted for non-parametric variables

Results
Our results showed that 80.5% of students had a normal BMI and 16.6 % of students were underweight with the prevalence of BMI>30 obesity being very low in this study sample. Young Chinese female students had a greater desire to be thinner (62.0%) than males (47.4%). Habits involving regular eating patterns and vegetable intake were reported and represent practices that ought to be encouraged.

Conclusions
The university and college arenas represent the final opportunity for the health and nutritional education of a large number of students from the educator's perspective. Our findings suggest the need for strategies designed to improve competence in the area of nutrition.
Sweet proteins – Potential replacement for artificial low calorie sweeteners
Authors: Kant Ravi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractExponential growth in the number of patients suffering from diseases caused by the consumption of sugar has become a threat to mankind's health. Artificial low calorie sweeteners available in the market may have severe side effects. It takes time to figure out the long term side effects and by the time these are established, they are replaced by a new low calorie sweetener. Saccharine has been used for centuries to sweeten foods and beverages without calories or carbohydrate. It was also used on a large scale during the sugar shortage of the two world wars but was abandoned as soon as it was linked with development of bladder cancer. Naturally occurring sweet and taste modifying proteins are being seen as potential replacements for the currently available artificial low calorie sweeteners. Interaction aspects of sweet proteins and the human sweet taste receptor are being investigated.
Association study with Wegener granulomatosis of the human phospholipase Cγ2 gene
Authors: Jagiello Peter , Wieczorek Stefan , Yu Philipp , Csernok Elena , Gross Wolfgang L , Epplen Joerg T 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Wegener Granulomatosis (WG) is a multifactorial disease of yet unknown aetiology characterized by granulomata of the respiratory tract and systemic necrotizing vasculitis. Analyses of candidate genes revealed several associations, e.g. with α(1)-antitrypsin, proteinase 3 and with the HLA-DPB1 locus. A mutation in the abnormal limb mutant 5 (ALI5) mouse in the region coding for the hydrophobic ridge loop 3 (HRL3) of the phospholipaseCγ2 (PLCγ-2) gene, corresponding to human PLCγ-2 exon 27, leads to acute and chronic inflammation and granulomatosis. For that reason, we screened exons 11, 12 and 13 coding for the hydrophobic ridge loop 1 and 2 (HRL1 and 2, respectively) and exon 27 of the PLCγ-2 protein by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), sequencing and PCR/ restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. In addition, we screened indirectly for disease association via 4 microsatellites with pooled DNA in the PLCγ-2 gene.

Results
Although a few polymorphisms in these distinct exons were observed, significant differences in allele frequencies were not identified between WG patients and respective controls. In addition, the microsatellite analyses did not reveal a significant difference between our patient and control cohort.

Conclusion
This report does not reveal any hints for an involvement of the PLCγ-2 gene in the pathogenesis of WG in our case-control study.
Age dependent association of endometrial polyps with increased risk of cancer involvement
Authors: Hileeto Denise , Fadare Oluwole , Martel Maritza , Zheng Wenxin 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Endometrial polyps (EMPs) are commonly encountered in routine surgical pathology practice, but opinions differ on whether they are intrinsically a marker for concurrent or subsequent malignancy. The objectives of the present study are 1) to investigate the age-group in which EMP are most commonly encountered 2) to document the age-group in which EMP are most commonly associated with malignancies 3) To investigate whether the age of diagnosis of the various carcinoma subtypes in EMPs is congruent with published data on similar malignancies arising in non-polypoid endometrium and 4) To investigate whether the histologic subtype distribution of malignancies associated with EMPs are similar or different from the distribution of malignancies arising from non-polypoid endometrium based on published data.

Patients and methods
All cases of EMPs were retrieved from the files of Yale-New Haven Hospital for the period 1986–1995. The patients were divided into 5 age groups: Each group was further subclassified based on an association (or lack thereof) of EMPs with endometrial carcinoma. Chi-square test was used to compare the proportion of malignancy associated EMPs between the age groups.

Results
We identified 513 EMPs, of which 209 (41%) were from biopsy specimens and 304 (59%) from hysterectomy specimens. Sixty six (13%) of all EMPs were malignant. The 66 malignant EMPs included 58 endometrioid, 6 serous, 1 carcinosarcoma, and 1 clear cell carcinoma. In age group >35, only 1(2.5%) of 40 EMPs was associated with endometrial malignancy. In contrast, 37(32%) of 115 EMPs were associated with malignancy in the age group > 65. The frequency of malignant EMPs increased with age and reached statistical significance in the age group >65 (p < 0.001). The most common histologic type of malignancy was endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions
EMPs show statistically significant age dependent association with malignant tumor involvement. Careful search for malignancy, particularly in women with multiple risk factors is advised in daily practice. Additional studies are needed to address the histological features and immunohistochemical profiles in the context of association between endometrioid and high-grade endometrial carcinoma and endometrial polyps.
Critical role of hnRNP A1 in HTLV-1 replication in human transformed T lymphocytes
Authors: Kress Elsa , Baydoun Hicham Hachem , Bex Françoise , Gazzolo Louis , Duc Dodon Madeleine 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
In this study, we have examined the role of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) in viral gene expression in T lymphocytes transformed by HTLV-1.

Results
We have previously observed that hnRNP A1 (A1) down-modulates the post transcriptional activity of Rex protein of HTLV-1. Here, we tested whether the ectopic expression of a dominant negative mutant (NLS-A1-HA) defective in shuttling activity or knockdown of the hnRNPA1 gene using RNA interference could inhibit Rex-mediated export of viral mRNAs in HTLV-1 producing C91PL T-cells. We show that the expression of NLS-A1-HA does not modify the export of Rex-dependent viral mRNAs. Conversely, inhibiting A1 expression in C91PL cells by RNA interference provoked an increase in the Rex-dependent export of unspliced and singly spliced mRNAs. Surprisingly, we also observed a significant increase in proviral transcription and an accumulation of unspliced mRNAs, suggesting that the splicing process was affected. Finally, A1 knockdown in C91PL cells increased viral production by these cells. Thus, hnRNP A1 is implicated in the modulation of the level of HTLV-1 gene expression in T cells transformed by this human retrovirus.

Conclusions
These observations provide an insight into a new cellular control of HTLV-1 replication and suggest that hnRNP A1 is likely part of the regulatory mechanisms of the life cycle of this human retrovirus in T cells.
Verknoten und Durchfädeln von Molekülen: Chemie und Chiralität molekularer Knoten und ihrer Ensembles
Authors: Lukin Oleg , Vögtle Fritz 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWie und warum durchfädelt, verstrickt oder verknotet man Moleküle? Vom Studium molekularer Knoten (Knotane) erhofft man sich Einblicke in die Mechanismen der Bildung (supra)molekularer Schablonen (Template) und in das Falten von Molekülen mit dem Ziel der Verschlingung. Die topologische Chiralität dieser faszinierenden Moleküle führt zu neuen Typen von Isomerie und weist einen Weg hin zu nanoskaligen molekularen Motoren. Ihre Herstellung und Derivatisierung stellt hohe Ansprüche an moderne Synthesemethoden und analytische Trennverfahren, wobei sich die Ansätze zum molekularen Verknoten durch ein mehr oder weniger geplantes Design von Metallkoordinations‐ oder Wasserstoffbrückenmustern auszeichnen. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt die Entwicklung der Templattechniken für die Synthese von Knotanen über ihre Enantiomerentrennung bis hin zu ihrer selektiven Funktionalisierung und ihrem Einsatz als Bausteine zur Synthese höherer Knotenensembles. Diese können linear verzweigt oder makrocyclisch aufgebaut sein, was einerseits wegen der vielfachen topologisch stereogenen Einheiten zu bisher nicht gefundenen Isomerenzusammensetzungen führt und andererseits neue Typen künstlicher Makromoleküle jenseits der Polymere und dendritischen Moleküle definiert.
Analyzing protein complexes in Drosophila with tandem affinity purification–mass spectrometry
Authors: Veraksa Alexey , Bauer Andreas , Artavanis‐Tsakonas Spyros 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe describe the application of tandem affinity purification–mass spectrometry (TAP‐MS) to the study of protein complexes in Drosophila. We have constructed vectors for inducible expression of TAP‐tagged fusion proteins in Drosophila cultured cells and in vivo. Using these vectors, we tagged, as a paradigm, several components of the Notch signaling pathway, isolated protein complexes containing the baits and associated proteins from cells and embryos, and identified the subunits by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Several known interactions involving Notch pathway elements were confirmed, and many novel potential interactions were uncovered. For some of the novel associations, we validated the interaction genetically and biochemically. We conclude that TAP, in combination with MS, can be used as an effective method for the studies of the Drosophila proteome. Developmental Dynamics 232:827–834, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding the Expression of Molecular Chirality in the Self‐Assembly of a Peptidomimetic Organogelator
Authors: Becerril Jorge , Escuder Beatriu , Miravet Juan F. , Gavara Raquel , Luis Santiago V. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe expression of molecular chirality during the self‐assembly of an amino‐acid‐based macrocyclic organogelator (1) has been studied. The gelation behaviour of enantiopure samples, as well as mixtures of both enantiomers, of this compound have been studied and important differences have been found between them. For example, the enantiopure samples form gels whereas the racemates does not. Electron microscopy reveals the formation of helicoidal fibers of opposite handedness in the gels formed by pure enantiomers, whereas only straight ribbons are found in the racemate and most of the nonenantiopure mixtures. X‐ray powder diffraction shows an enantiospecific self‐assembly in the mixtures that indicates the formation of enantiopure aggregates in all cases. These results are rationalized by considering the influence of the aggregates size on the gelation ability as well as the chirality expression at the supramolecular level. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Capillary liquid chromatography with MS3 for the determination of enkephalins in microdialysis samples from the striatum of anesthetized and freely–moving rats
Authors: Baseski Holly M. , Watson Christopher J. , Cellar Nicholas A. , Shackman Jonathan G. , Kennedy Robert T. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn vivo microdialysis sampling was coupled to capillary liquid chromatography (LC)/electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) to monitor [Met]enkephalin and [Leu]enkephalin in the striatum of anesthetized and freely–moving rats. The LC system utilized a high‐pressure pump to load 2.5 µl samples and desalt the 25 µm i.d. by 2 cm long column in 12 min. Samples were eluted with a separate pump at ∼100 nl min−1. A rapid gradient effectively separated the endogenous neuropeptides in 4 min. A comparison was made for operating the mass spectrometer in the MS2 and MS3 modes for detection of the peptides. In standard solutions, the detection limits were similar at 1–2 pM (2–4 amol injected); however, the reproducibility was improved with MS3 as the relative standard deviation was <5% compared with 20% for MS2 for 60 pM samples. For dialysate solutions, reconstructed ion chromatograms and tandem mass spectra had much higher signal‐to‐noise ratios in the MS3 mode, resulting in more confident detection at in vivo concentrations. The method was successfully used to monitor the peptides under basal conditions and with stimulation of peptide secretion by infusion of elevated K+ concentration. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.