bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on key pattern of coronary restenosis: a cascade of in vitro and ex vivo models
Authors: Voisard Rainer , Viola Sandra , Kaspar Verena , Weber Christian M , von Müller Lutz , Baur Regine , Gastrock-Balitsch Iris , Hombach Vinzenz 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), the prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), is a rationally designed immunosuppressive drug. The current study investigates the effect of MMF on key pattern of restenosis in a cascade of in vitro and ex vivo models.

Methods
Part I of the study investigated in northern blot and cytoflow studies the effect of MMF (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 μg/mL) on TNF-α induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in human coronary endothelial cells (HCAEC) and human coronary medial smooth muscle cells (HCMSMC). Part II of the study applied a human coronary 3D model of leukocyte attack, the 3DLA-model. HCAEC and HCMSMC were cultured on both sides of a polycarbonate filters, mimicking the internal elastic membrane. Leukocyte attack (LA) was carried out by adding human monocytes (MC) on the endothelial side. The effect of MMF (50 μg/mL) on adhesion and chemotaxis (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 24 h after LA) and the effect on proliferation of co-cultured HCMSMC (24 h after LA) was studied. In part III of the study a porcine coronary organ culture model of restenosis (POC-model) was used. After ex vivo ballooning MMF (50 μg/mL) was added to the cultures for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days. The effect on reactive cell proliferation and neointimal thickening was studied at day 7 and day 28 after ballooning.

Results
Expression of ICAM-1 in northern blot and cytoflow studies was neither clearly inhibited nor stimulated after administration of MMF in the clinical relevant concentration of 50 μg/mL. In the 3DLA-model 50 μg/mL of MMF caused a significant antiproliferative effect (p < 0.001) in co-cultured HCMSMC but had no effect on MC-adhesion and MC-chemotaxis. In the ex vivo POC-model neighter reactive cell proliferation at day 7 nor neointimal hyperplasia at day 28 were significantly inhibited by MMF (50 μg/mL).

Conclusion
Thus, the data demonstrate a significant antiproliferative effect of clinical relevant levels of MMF (50 μg/mL) in the 3DLA-model. The antiproliferative effect was a direct antiproliferative effect that was not triggered via reduced expression of ICAM-1 or via an inhibition of MC-adhesion and chemotaxis. Probably due to technical limitations (as e.g. the missing of perfusion) the antiproliferative effect of MMF (50 μg/mL) could not be reproduced in the coronary organ culture model. A cascade of focused in vitro and ex vivo models may help to gather informations on drug effects before large experimental studies are initiated.
GPs' perspectives of type 2 diabetes patients' adherence to treatment: A qualitative analysis of barriers and solutions
Authors: Wens Johan , Vermeire Etienne , Van Royen Paul , Sabbe Bernard , Denekens Joke 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe problem of poor compliance/adherence to prescribed treatments is very complex. Health professionals are rarely being asked how they handle the patient's (poor) therapy compliance/adherence. In this study, we examine explicitly the physicians' expectations of their diabetes patients' compliance/adherence. The objectives of our study were: (1) to elicit problems physicians encounter with type 2 diabetes patients' adherence to treatment recommendations; (2) to search for solutions and (3) to discover escape mechanisms in case of frustration.MethodsIn a descriptive qualitative study, we explored the thoughts and feelings of general practitioners (GPs) on patients' compliance/adherence. Forty interested GPs could be recruited for focus group participation. Five open ended questions were derived on the one hand from a similar qualitative study on compliance/adherence in patients living with type 2 diabetes and on the other hand from the results of a comprehensive review of recent literature on compliance/adherence. A well-trained diabetes nurse guided the GPs through the focus group sessions while an observer was attentive for non-verbal communication and interactions between participants. All focus groups were audio taped and transcribed for content analysis. Two researchers independently performed the initial coding. A first draft with results was sent to all participants for agreement on content and comprehensiveness.ResultsGeneral practitioners experience problems with the patient's deficient knowledge and the fact they minimize the consequences of having and living with diabetes. It appears that great confidence in modern medical science does not stimulate many changes in life style. Doctors tend to be frustrated because their patients do not achieve the common Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) objectives, i.e. on health behavior and metabolic control. Relevant solutions, derived from qualitative studies, for better compliance/adherence seem to be communication, tailored and shared care. GPs felt that a structured consultation and follow-up in a multidisciplinary team might help to increase compliance/adherence. It was recognized that the GP's efforts do not always meet the patients' health expectations. This initiates GPs' frustration and leads to a paternalistic attitude, which may induce anxiety in the patient. GPs often assume that the best methods to increase compliance/adherence are shocking the patients, putting pressure on them and threatening to refer them to hospital.ConclusionGPs identified a number of problems with compliance/adherence and suggested solutions to improve it. GPs need communication skills to cope with patients' expectations and evidence based goals in a tailored approach to diabetes care.
Molecular mapping of periodontal tissues using infrared microspectroscopy
Authors: Hynes Allan , Scott David A , Man Angela , Singer David L , Sowa Michael G , Liu Kan-Zhi 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of the teeth. Infrared microspectroscopy has the potential to simultaneously monitor multiple disease markers, including cellular infiltration and collagen catabolism, and hence differentiate diseased and healthy tissues. Therefore, our aim was to establish an infrared microspectroscopy methodology with which to analyze and interpret molecular maps defining pathogenic processes in periodontal tissues.

Methods
Specific key cellular and connective tissue components were identified by infrared microspectroscopy and using a chemical imaging method.

Results
Higher densities of DNA, total protein and lipid were revealed in epithelial tissue, compared to the lower percentage of these components in connective tissue. Collagen-specific tissue mapping by infrared microspectroscopy revealed much higher levels of collagen deposition in the connective tissues compared to that in the epithelium, as would be expected. Thus inflammatory events such as cellular infiltration and collagen deposition and catabolism can be identified by infrared microspectroscopy.

Conclusion
These results suggest that infrared microspectroscopy may represent a simple, reagent-free, multi-dimensional tool with which to examine periodontal disease etiology using entirely unprocessed tissue sections.
Race and satisfaction in general OB/GYN clinics
Authors: Rohrer James E , Lund Jon D , Goldfarb Susan 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that racial differences in satisfaction can be found among OB/GYN patients on a US naval base.

Methods
Cross-sectional surveys assessing satisfaction with services were obtained from 838 patients who were seen in one of the two general OB/GYN clinics (455 in the base hospital clinic and 391 in a satellite clinic). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients who were not very satisfied with care received.

Results
When the patients seen in the base hospital were analyzed separately, Asian respondents had significantly lower odds of being very satisfied relative to non-Hispanic white respondents (AOR = .33, p < .01).

Conclusion
Asian patients may be less satisfied than others when treated at a larger facility. Patients treated at a satellite clinic tended to be more satisfied than patients seen at the base hospital.
Relationship between maternal obesity and infant feeding-interactions
Authors: Rising Russell , Lifshitz Fima 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundThere are no data regarding the relationship between maternal adiposity and interaction and feeding of infants and possible contribution to childhood obesity. In this study we determined the relationship between maternal body weight and composition and infant feeding patterns and maternal-infant interaction during 24-hour metabolic rate measurements in the Enhanced Metabolic Testing Activity Chamber (EMTAC).MethodsThe amount of time four obese (BMI = 33.5 ± 5.3 kg/m2) and three normal weight (BMI = 23.1 ± 0.6 kg/m2) biological mothers, spent feeding and interacting with their infants, along with what they ingested, was recorded during 24-hour metabolic rate measurements in the EMTAC. The seven infants were 4.9 ± 0.7 months, 69 ± 3 cm, 7.5 ± 0.8 kg, 26 ± 3 % fat and 29 ± 25 percentile for weight for length. Energy and macronutrient intake (kcal/kg) were assessed. Maternal body composition was determined by air displacement plethysmorgraphy and that of the infants by skin-fold thicknesses. Pearson correlations and independent t-tests were utilized for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).ResultsInfants born to obese biological mothers consumed more energy (87.6 ± 18.9 vs. 68.1 ± 17.3) and energy as carbohydrate (25 ± 6 vs.16 ± 3; p < 0.05) than their normal weight counterparts. Most of the increased intake was due to complementary feedings. Twenty-four hour infant energy intake increased with both greater maternal body weight (r = 0.73;p < 0.06) and percent body fat. Furthermore, obese biological mothers spent less total time interacting (570 ± 13 vs. 381 ± 30 minutes) and feeding (298 ± 32 vs.176 ± 22 minutes) (p < 0.05) their infants than their normal weight counterparts. Twenty-four hour interaction time negatively correlated with both maternal body weight (r = -0.98; p < 0.01) and percent body fat (r = -0.92; p < 0.01). Moreover, infants of obese mothers slept more (783 ± 38 vs. 682 ± 32 minutes; p < 0.05) than their normal weight counterparts. However, there were no differences in total 24-hour energy expenditure, resting and sleeping metabolic rates (kcal/kg) for infants born to obese and normal weight biological mothers.ConclusionGreater maternal body weight and percent body fat were associated with greater infant energy intakes. These infants were fed less frequently and consumed more carbohydrates in a shorter period of time as compared to infants from normal weight biological mothers. These variations in feeding patterns may predispose certain infants to obesity.
Lifetime environmental tobacco smoke exposure and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Eisner Mark D , Balmes John , Katz Patricia P , Trupin Laura , Yelin Edward H , Blanc Paul D 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundExposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), which contains potent respiratory irritants, may lead to chronic airway inflammation and obstruction. Although ETS exposure appears to cause asthma in children and adults, its role in causing COPD has received limited attention in epidemiologic studies.MethodsUsing data from a population-based sample of 2,113 U.S. adults aged 55 to 75 years, we examined the association between lifetime ETS exposure and the risk of developing COPD.Participants were recruited from all 48 contiguous U.S. states by random digit dialing. Lifetime ETS exposure was ascertained by structured telephone interview. We used a standard epidemiologic approach to define COPD based on a self-reported physician diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD.ResultsHigher cumulative lifetime home and work exposure were associated with a greater risk of COPD. The highest quartile of lifetime home ETS exposure was associated with a greater risk of COPD, controlling for age, sex, race, personal smoking history, educational attainment, marital status, and occupational exposure to vapors, gas, dusts, or fumes during the longest held job (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.21). The highest quartile of lifetime workplace ETS exposure was also related to a greater risk of COPD (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.002 to 1.84). The population attributable fraction was 11% for the highest quartile of home ETS exposure and 7% for work exposure.ConclusionETS exposure may be an important cause of COPD. Consequently, public policies aimed at preventing public smoking may reduce the burden of COPD-related death and disability, both by reducing direct smoking and ETS exposure.
Aquaporins in development – a review
Authors: Liu Huishu , Wintour E Marelyn 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Water homeostasis during fetal development is of crucial physiologic importance. It depends upon maternal fetal fluid exchange at the placenta and fetal membranes, and some exchange between fetus and amniotic fluid can occur across the skin before full keratinization. Lungs only grow and develop normally with fluid secretion, and there is evidence that cerebral spinal fluid formation is important in normal brain development. The aquaporins are a growing family of molecular water channels, the ontogeny of which is starting to be explored. One question that is of particular importance is how well does the rodent (mouse, rat) fetus serve as a model for long-gestation mammals such as sheep and human? This is particularly important for organs such as the lung and the kidney, whose development before birth is very much less in rodents than in the long-gestation species.
Culture of skeletal myoblasts from human donors aged over 40 years: dynamics of cell growth and expression of differentiation markers
Authors: Baj Andreina , Bettaccini Alessia A , Casalone Rosario , Sala Andrea , Cherubino Paolo , Toniolo Antonio Q 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Local myogenesis, neoangiogenesis and homing of progenitor cells from the bone marrow appear to contribute to repair of the infarcted myocardium. Implantation into heart tissues of autologous skeletal myoblasts has been associated with improved contractile function in animal models and in humans with acute myocardial ischemia. Since heart infarction is most prevalent in individuals of over 40 years of age, we tested whether culture methods available in our laboratory were adequate to obtain sufficient numbers of differentiated skeletal myoblasts from muscle biopsy specimens obtained from patients aged 41 to 91.

Methods and results
No matter of donor age, differentiated skeletal muscle cells could be produced in vitro in amounts adequate for cellular therapy (≥300 millions). Using desmin as a cytoplasmic marker, about 50% cultured cells were differentiated along myogenic lineages and expressed proteins proper of skeletal muscle (myosin type I and II, actin, actinin, spectrin and dystrophin). Cytogenetic alterations were not detected in cultured muscle cells that had undergone at least 10 population doublings. Molecular methods employed for the screening of persistent viral infections evidenced that HCV failed to replicate in muscle cells cultured from one patient with chronic HCV infection.

Conclusion
The proposed culture methods appear to hold promise for aged patients not only in the field of cardiovascular medicine, but also in the urologic and orthopedic fields.
VERNE - a five-axis parallel kinematics milling machine
Authors: Terrier M , Giménez M , Hascoët J-Y 
Published: May 2005

Ten years ago a new kind of machine tool was presented in Chicago, based on parallel kinematics architectures. Since then, many of these parallel kinematics machines (PKMs) have been developed around the world. Their main interest lies in their high dynamic characteristics, which could help in going faster in high-speed milling. In order to develop high-speed milling on PKM tools and to highlight their potentialities, the French laboratory IRCCyN is now equipped with the VERNE. This PKM tool has been developed by the Spanish company Fatronik. However, the high-speed milling production process is a complex task, in which a great number of parameters influence the final precision of the part and the productivity of the machine. For example, the NC (numerical control) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) parameters (feed forward, milling strategies, etc.), the piece geometry, the machine structure, the tool, etc., have a direct consequence on the final part. Hence, a method has been developed in order to check the capability of the machine (either serial or parallel) in milling, which relies on two approaches. The first one is an experimental approach (either using a coordinate measuring machine or acquiring the output axis encoders), while the second one is a simulated approach. After introducing the kinematics of the VERNE, the experimental approach performed so far will be presented.
Friction and wear of polytetrafluoroethylene reservoirs embedded into metallurgical coatings
Authors: Tobe S , Yamane M , Stolarski T. A. 
Published: May 2005

Assessment of tribological performance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reservoirs embedded into two metallurgical coatings [copper-aluminium (Cu-Al) alloy and molybdenum] and arranged in three different patterns was the main aim of studies reported in this paper. PTFE reservoirs were arranged in such a way that the load on the contact, at any given moment, was supported by both PTFE and hard coating. Two different contact configurations were used. Of the two coating materials used, the Cu-Al performed better in terms of friction force magnitude. Performance of the three different shapes of PTFE reservoirs depends on both the coating material and the contact configuration.
The cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 genetic polymorphisms *1F and *1D do not affect clozapine clearance in a group of schizophrenic patients
Authors: Kootstra-Ros Jenny E , Smallegoor Windy , van der Weide Jan 
Published: May 2005

Background: The atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine is metabolized by CYP1A2. The activity of CYP1A2 is highly variable and is among others dependent on smoking habits. Certain genotypes of CYP1A2 have been associated with increased inducibility/activity of CYP1A2. However, the relevance of genotyping for these mutations in a clinical setting has not yet been demonstrated. Methods: In this study, the CYP1A2 * 1F, * 1C and * 1D genotypes of 58 schizophrenic patients on clozapine treatment were correlated with clozapine serum concentrations corrected for dose and weight or concentration/dosage ratios. Results: The allele frequency of * 1F and * 1D was 67% and 6%, respectively. With an allele frequency of 1%, the occurrence of * 1C was very low. Multivariate analysis of variance did not reveal any significant correlations between CYP1A2 genotypes and clozapine clearance in these subjects, although a possible effect of the * 1D allele cannot be excluded in this study. Conclusion: Although this study was performed using samples from a limited number of patients, routine genotyping of CYP1A2 * 1F, * 1C or * 1D polymorphisms for their effect on metabolic capacity is, at least in Caucasians, not yet indicated.
Elevated urinary dopamine in adults and children
Authors: Davidson D Fraser 
Published: May 2005

Background: Information on the significance of an elevated urinary dopamine is limited and can lead to misinterpretation of the cause of such a finding. This laboratory-based study examines the associations with elevated dopamine gathered from a significant number of patients. Methods: The urine catecholamine and metabolite results of specimens (analysed by HPLC-ECD) from 5933 adults and 467 children were examined retrospectively over a 57-month period. Those with elevated dopamine were identified and the explanation for this finding was sought. Results: In adults, the conditions associated with an elevated dopamine were: urine over-collection; drug effects (including those due to intravenous dopamine, L-dopa, methyldopa, clozapine, antidepressants and metoclopramide); clinical effects (including those due to phaeochromocytoma, carcinoid tumour and pregnancy). In children, high urine dopamine was found in cases of neuroblastoma, Costello syndrome, leukaemia, phaeochromocytoma, Menkes disease and rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder. Conclusions: A high urine dopamine was found in <3% of adult urine specimens. It was most commonly associated with: over-collection, probable drug effects and neural crest tumours. Neuroblastoma was the most common cause of elevated dopamine in children's specimens, although other associations are described. Some await explanation.
Effects of menopause and tibolone on antioxidants in postmenopausal women
Authors: Vural Perin , Akgül Cemil , Canbaz Mukaddes 
Published: May 2005

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ageing and menopause, and can arise through the increased production of lipid peroxides and/or a deficiency of antioxidant defence. Aim: To investigate the effects of the menopause and tibolone treatment (2.5 mg/day for six months) on plasma antioxidants and lipid peroxidation. Methods: Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiol groups, caeruloplasmin, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 24 postmenopausal and 24 premenopausal healthy women. Results: Data analysis indicates a significant decrease in plasma ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiol groups, caeruloplasmin, erythrocyte GSH and a significant increase in lipid peroxides (expressed as MDA concentrations) in postmenopausal women. There was no significant difference between control and study groups in the mean plasma caeruloplasmin concentrations. It was found that there is a significant increase in α-tocopherol and significant decrease in lipid peroxide concentrations in postmenopausal after tibolone treatment. Conclusions: The menopause is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease of some antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiols and erythrocyte GSH. Tibolone treatment leads to a decrease in concentrations of plasma lipid peroxide, probably by stimulating direct and indirect mechanisms of tocopherol regeneration and increasing plasma concentrations of vitamin E. However, due to the relatively small numbers involved this study can be regarded as a pilot. Further studies performed on a larger scale are necessary to establish the exact mechanisms of tibolone in inhibiting oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.