bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of ultrasound measurements to assess carotid atherosclerosis development in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pollex Rebecca L , Spence David J , House Andrew A , Fenster Aaron , Hanley Anthony JG , Zinman Bernard , Harris Stewart B , Hegele Robert A 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
Subjects with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of vascular complications. The use of carotid ultrasound remains an attractive, non-invasive method to monitor atherosclerotic disease progression and/or response to treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes, with intima-media thickness routinely used as the gold standard to detect pathology. However, alternative measurements, such as plaque area or volume, may represent a potentially more powerful approach. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the traditional intima-media thickness measurement against the novel total plaque volume measurement in analyzing carotid atherosclerosis development in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
The case-control study included 49 Oji-Cree adults with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, aged 21–69, and 49 sex- and age-matched normoglycemic subjects. At baseline, metabolic variables were measured, including body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein ratio, plasma triglycerides, plasma glucose, and serum insulin. Carotid ultrasound measurements, 7 years later, assessed carotid arterial intima-media thickness and total plaque volume.

Results
At baseline, the two groups were well matched for smoking habits, hypertension, body mass index, and waist circumference. Differences were noted in baseline measurements of total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein (P = 0.0006), plasma triglycerides (P < 0.0001) and fasting glucose (P < 0.0001). After seven years, carotid ultrasound scans revealed that total plaque volume measurements (P = 0.037), but not intima-media thickness measurements, were higher in subjects with diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance compared to the normoglycemic controls. Correlation between intima-media thickness and total plaque volume was moderate. Based on our study findings, to achieve power levels >0.70 when comparing intima-media thickness measurements for diabetics versus non-diabetics, thousands of study subjects are required. For comparing total plaque volume measurements, only hundreds of study subjects are required.

Conclusion
The development of atherosclerotic plaque is greater in subjects with diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance. Total plaque volume appears to capture the atherosclerotic disease burden more effectively in subjects with type 2 diabetes, and would be an appropriate outcome measure for studies aimed at changing the diabetic milieu.
Test-retest reliability of a questionnaire to assess physical environmental factors pertaining to physical activity
Authors: Evenson Kelly R , McGinn Aileen P 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
Despite the documented benefits of physical activity, many adults do not obtain the recommended amounts. Barriers to physical activity occur at multiple levels, including at the individual, interpersonal, and environmental levels. Only until more recently has there been a concerted focus on how the physical environment might affect physical activity behavior. With this new area of study, self-report measures should be psychometrically tested before use in research studies. Therefore the objective of this study was to document the test-retest reliability of a questionnaire designed to assess physical environmental factors that might be associated with physical activity in a diverse adult population.

Methods
Test and retest surveys were conducted over the telephone with 106 African American and White women and men living in either Forsyth County, North Carolina or Jackson, Mississippi. Reliability of self-reported environmental factors across four domains (e.g., access to facilities and destinations, functionality and safety, aesthetics, natural environment) was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) overall and separately by gender and race.

Results
Generally items displayed moderate and sometimes substantial reliability (ICC between 0.4 to 0.8), with a few differences by gender or race, across each of the domains.

Conclusion
This study provides some psychometric evidence for the use of many of these questions in studies examining the effect of self-reported physical environmental measures on physical activity behaviors, among African American and White women and men.
Accelerated development of arthritis in mice lacking endothelial selectins
Authors: Ruth Jeffrey H , Amin M Asif , Woods James M , He Xiaodong , Samuel Sharon , Yi Nengjun , Haas Christian S , Koch Alisa E , Bullard Daniel C 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe selectins, along with very late antigen-4 and CD44, have been implicated in mediating leukocyte rolling interactions that lead to joint recruitment and inflammation during the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Previously, we showed that P-selectin deficiency in mice resulted in accelerated onset of joint inflammation in the murine collagen-immunized arthritis model. Here, we report that mice deficient either in E-selectin or in E-selectin and P-selectin (E/P-selectin mutant) also exhibit accelerated development of arthritis compared with wild type mice in the CIA model, suggesting that these adhesion molecules perform overlapping functions in regulating joint disease. Analyses of cytokine and chemokine expression in joint tissue from E/P-selectin mutant mice before the onset of joint swelling revealed significantly higher joint levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and IL-1β compared to wild-type mice. IL-1β remained significantly increased in E/P-selectin mutant joint tissue during the early and chronic phases of arthritis. Overall, these data illustrate the novel finding that E-selectin and P-selectin expression can significantly influence cytokine and chemokine production in joint tissue, and suggest that these adhesion molecules play important regulatory roles in the development of arthritis in E/P-selectin mutant mice.
Study protocol: The DOse REsponse Multicentre International collaborative initiative (DO-RE-MI)
Authors: Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Journois Didier , Fumagalli Roberto , Vesconi Sergio , Maynar Javier , Marinho Anibal , Bolgan Irene , Brendolan Alessandra , Formica Marco , Livigni Sergio , Maio Mariella , Marchesi Mariano , Mariano Filippo , Monti Gianpaola , Moretti Elena , Silengo Daniela , Ronco Claudio 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Current practices for renal replacement therapy in intensive care units (ICUs) remain poorly defined. The DOse REsponse Multicentre International collaborative initiative (DO-RE-MI) will address the issue of how the different modes of renal replacement therapy are currently chosen and performed. Here, we describe the study protocol, which was approved by the Scientific and Steering Committees.

Methods
DO-RE-MI is an observational, multicentre study conducted in ICUs. The primary end-point will be the delivered dose of dialysis, which will be compared with ICU mortality, 28-day mortality, hospital mortality, ICU length of stay and number of days of mechanical ventilation. The secondary end-point will be the haemodynamic response to renal replacement therapy, expressed as percentage reduction in noradrenaline (norepinephrine) requirement. Based on the the sample analysis calculation, at least 162 patients must be recruited. Anonymized patient data will be entered online in electronic case report forms and uploaded to an internet website. Each participating centre will have 2 months to become acquainted with the electronic case report forms. After this period official recruitment will begin. Patient data belong to the respective centre, which may use the database for its own needs. However, all centres have agreed to participate in a joint effort to achieve the sample size needed for statistical analysis.

Conclusion
The study will hopefully help to collect useful information on the current practice of renal replacement therapy in ICUs. It will also provide a centre-based collection of data that will be useful for monitoring all aspects of extracorporeal support, such as incidence, frequency, and duration.
Introduction of Combined CHOP Plus Rituximab Therapy Dramatically Improved Outcome of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in British Columbia
Authors: Sehn Laurie H. , Donaldson Jane , Chhanabhai Mukesh , Fitzgerald Catherine , Gill Karamjit , Klasa Richard , MacPherson Nicol , O'Reilly Susan , Spinelli John J. , Sutherland Judy , Wilson Kenneth S. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Connors Joseph M. 
Published: June 2005

Purpose For more than two decades, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) has been the standard therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The addition of rituximab to CHOP has been shown to improve outcome in elderly patients with DLBCL. We conducted a population-based analysis to assess the impact of this combination therapy on adult patients with DLBCL in the province of British Columbia (BC). Methods We compared outcomes during a 3-year period; 18 months before (prerituximab) and 18 months after (postrituximab) institution of a policy recommending the combination of CHOP and rituximab for all patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage (stage III or IV or stage I or II with “B” symptoms or bulky [> 10 cm] disease) DLBCL. Results A total of 292 patients were evaluated; 140 in the prerituximab group (median follow-up, 42 months) and 152 in the postrituximab group (median follow-up, 24 months). Both progression-free survival (risk ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.81; P = .002) and overall survival (risk ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.61, P < .0001) were significantly improved in the postrituximab group. After controlling for age and International Prognostic Index score, era of treatment remained a strong independent predictor of progression-free survival (risk ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.85; P = .005) and overall survival (risk ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.66; P < .001). The benefit of treatment in the postrituximab era was present regardless of age. Conclusion The addition of rituximab to CHOP chemotherapy has resulted in a dramatic improvement in outcome for DLBCL patients of all ages in the province of BC.
Combination Antibody Therapy With Epratuzumab and Rituximab in Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Leonard John P. , Coleman Morton , Ketas Jamie , Ashe Michelle , Fiore Jennifer M. , Furman Richard R. , Niesvizky Ruben , Shore Tsiporah , Chadburn Amy , Horne Heather , Kovacs Jacqueline , Ding Cliff L. , Wegener William A. , Horak Ivan D. , Goldenberg David M. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo explore the safety and therapeutic activity of combination anti–B-cell monoclonal antibody therapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).Patients and MethodsTwenty-three patients with recurrent B-cell lymphoma received anti-CD22 epratuzumab 360 mg/m2and anti-CD20 rituximab 375 mg/m2monoclonal antibodies weekly for four doses each. Sixteen patients had indolent histologies (15 with follicular lymphoma) and seven had aggressive NHL (all diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL]). Indolent patients had received a median of one (range, one to six) prior treatment, with 31% refractory to their last therapy and 81% with high-risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index scores. Patients with DLBCL had a median of three (range, one to eight) prior regimens (14% resistant to last treatment) and 71% had high intermediate–risk or high-risk International Prognostic Index scores. All patients were rituximab naïve.ResultsTreatment was well tolerated, with toxicities principally infusion-related and predominantly grade 1 or 2. Ten (67%) patients with follicular NHL achieved an objective response (OR), including nine of 15 (60%) with complete responses (CRs and unconfirmed CRs). Four of six assessable patients (67%) with DLBCL achieved an OR, including three (50%) CRs. Median time to progression for all indolent NHL patients was 17.8 months.ConclusionThe full-dose combination of epratuzumab with rituximab was well tolerated and had significant clinical activity in NHL, suggesting that this combination should be tested in comparison with single-agent treatment.
ETB receptor agonist, IRL 1620, does not affect paclitaxel plasma pharmacokinetics in breast tumour bearing rats
Authors: Rai Aarati , Rajeshkumar N V , Shord Stacy , Gulati Anil 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Endothelins are potent endogenous vasoactive substances. We have found that intravenous administration of endothelin (ET)B receptor agonist, IRL 1620 (N-suc-[Glu9, Ala11,15]ET-1 (8–21)) to tumour bearing rats increases blood perfusion and enhances delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumour tissue. This study was conducted to determine whether IRL 1620, an (ET)B receptor selective agonist, alters pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel in breast tumour bearing rats. Breast tumours were induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by N-methyl-n-nitrosourea (50 mg kg−1, i.p). Saline (0.3 mL kg−1, i.v.) or IRL 1620 (3 nmol kg−1, i.v.), was administered to the tumour bearing rats via the tail vein. Paclitaxel (3 mg kg−1, i.v.) was administered 15 min after saline or IRL 1620 injection. Serial plasma samples were collected up to 10 h after paclitaxel administration and analysed using an HPLC-UV assay. In a similar study [3H]-paclitaxel (40 μCi, i.v.) was administered after saline or IRL 1620 injection as described above and serial plasma samples were collected until 24 h. Data was fitted to a three-compartment model and pharmacokinetic parameters were generated using WinNonlin software. The AUC0-∞ (9.42 ± 3.18 μg h mL−1), clearance (0.69 ± 0.17 L h−1 kg−1), volume of distribution (10.31 ± 4.54 L kg−1) and half life (1.00 ± 0.32h) of [3H]-paclitaxel in tumour rats were similar in rats treated with IRL 1620 or vehicle. Tumour concentration of [3H]-paclitaxel was determined in rats treated with IRL 1620 or vehicle and there was a significant increase in tumour paclitaxel concentration (308.59 ± 24.42%) in rats treated with IRL 1620 compared with vehicle. It is concluded that IRL 1620, an (ET)B receptor agonist, does not alter paclitaxel pharmacokinetics and can selectively augment the delivery of paclitaxel to the tumour tissue.
Inhibitory effects of a fermented ginseng extract, BST204, on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated murine macrophages
Authors: Seo Jin Young , Lee Jun Ho , Kim Nam Wook , Kim Yong Jun , Chang Sung Ho , Ko Na Young , Her Erk , Yoo Young Hyo , Kim Jie Wan , Lee Beob Yi , Lee Hoi Young , Kim Young Mi , Choi Wahn Soo 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
In this study, the effects of BST204, a fermented ginseng extract, on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production are looked into. Crude ginseng extract was incubated with ginsenoside-β-glucosidase to prepare BST204. BST204, unlike lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and crude ginseng extract, did not affect the level of iNOS protein and NO production in unstimulated RAW 264.7 cells. However, it suppressed the level of iNOS protein and NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells but did not manifest the same effect on the iNOS mRNA level. An investigation of the activating phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and 4E-BP1, which are important for translation, was conducted to investigate the suppressive mechanism of iNOS protein. LPS increased the phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase, but not 4E-BP1, in a time-dependent manner, and BST204 inhibited it in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of iNOS protein, however, was partially suppressed by rapamycin, an upstream inhibitor of p70 S6 kinase. Therefore, this paper suggests that the suppression of iNOS protein by BST204 was partially correlated with the inhibition of p70 S6 kinase activation.
Tinzaparin in Outpatients with Pulmonary Embolism or Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Dager William E , King Jeff H , Branch Jennifer M , Chow Stacey L , Ferrer Ruby E , Pak Sandy , Togioka Patti Y , White Richard H 
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND The low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have been shown to be effective in the outpatient treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Data regarding outpatient use of any LMWH in pulmonary embolism (PE) or tinzaparin in DVT while transitioning therapy to a vitamin K antagonist are limited. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of tinzaparin in patients with either DVT or PE being transitioned to warfarin during LMWH therapy in the outpatient setting. METHODS All patients who were treated with at least one outpatient dose of tinzaparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) were identified. Charts of all patients followed within the University of California Davis healthcare system were reviewed. The incidence of bleeding and recurrent thromboembolism over a minimum of the first 4 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks after initiating anticoagulation was assessed. RESULTS A total of 178 patients with acute VTE were treated with tinzaparin, and outcomes could be determined in 140 cases. Forty-seven percent of these patients had objectively documented PE. Only one (0.7%) case of recurrent VTE was observed. Major bleeding was documented in 5 (3.6%) and minor bleeding in 8 (5.8%) patients. Two bleeding events, both major, occurred during tinzaparin therapy. CONCLUSIONS Outpatient use of tinzaparin during transition to warfarin therapy in the treatment of VTE, including PE, appears to be feasible in patients who are judged candidates for home therapy.
Effect of the Freezing Conditions and Microwave Thawing Power on the Stability of Cefuroxime in Dextrose 5% Infusion Polyolefin Bags at 4 °C
Authors: Hecq Jean-Daniel , Boitquin Laurence P , Vanbeckbergen Danielle F , Jamart Jacques , Galanti Laurence M 
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND Intravenous cefuroxime sodium solution could be prepared in advance by a centralized hospital pharmacy service to improve safety and time management. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of freezing and microwave thawing on the solution stability of cefuroxime. METHODS Cefuroxime 1.5 g in 100 mL of dextrose 5% in polyolefin bags was frozen individually (group A) or in one package (group B) for 98 days at −20 °C. The solutions were then thawed using microwaves at 270 (light cycle) or 800 watts (hard cycle) and stored at 4 °C. The cefuroxime concentration was measured by HPLC. Visual inspection was performed and pH was measured at that time. Stability of the solution was defined as a concentration remaining superior to 90% of the initial concentration by regression analysis. RESULTS No color change or precipitation in the solutions was observed. In group A, stability was at least 23 and 21 days after light and hard cycle thawing, respectively. In group B, stability was at least 21 and 18 days, respectively, with the pH increasing without affecting chromatographic parameters. CONCLUSIONS The optimal conditions for advance preparation of a solution containing cefuroxime 1.5% in dextrose 5% may be freezing of individual containers followed by a light cycle of microwave thawing.
Optimal Allocation in Designs for Assessing Heterosis From cDNA Gene Expression Data
Authors: Piepho Hans-Peter 
Published: June 2005

AbstractHeterosis is defined as the superiority of a hybrid cross over its two parents. Plant and animals breeders have long been exploiting heterosis, but the causes of this phenomenon are as yet only partly understood. Recently, chip technology has opened up the opportunity to study heterosis at the gene expression level. This article considers the cDNA chip technology, which allows assaying two genotypes simultaneously on the same chip. Heterosis involves the response of at least three genotypes (two parents and their hybrid), so a chip or microarray constitutes an incomplete block, which raises a design problem specific to heterosis studies. The question to be answered is how genotype pairs should be allocated to chips. We address this design problem for two types of heterosis: midparent heterosis and better-parent heterosis. The general picture emerging from our results is that most of the resources should be allocated to parent-hybrid pairs, while chips with parent-parent pairs or hybrid-reciprocal pairs should be used sparingly or not at all.
RecD Plays an Essential Function During Growth at Low Temperature in the Antarctic Bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W
Authors: Regha K , Satapathy Ajit K , Ray Malay K 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The Antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W has been used as a model system to identify genes that are required for growth at low temperature. Transposon mutagenesis was carried out to isolate mutant(s) of the bacterium that are defective for growth at 4° but normal at 22°. In one such cold-sensitive mutant (CS1), the transposon-disrupted gene was identified to be a homolog of the recD gene of several bacteria. Trans-complementation and freshly targeted gene disruption studies reconfirmed that the inactivation of the recD gene leads to a cold-sensitive phenotype. We cloned, sequenced, and analyzed ∼11.2 kbp of DNA from recD and its flanking region from the bacterium. recD was the last gene of a putative recCBD operon. The RecD ORF was 694 amino acids long and 40% identical (52% similar) to the Escherichia coli protein, and it could complement the E. coli recD mutation. The recD gene of E. coli, however, could not complement the cold-sensitive phenotype of the CS1 mutant. Interestingly, the CS1 strain showed greater sensitivity toward the DNA-damaging agents, mitomycin C and UV. The inactivation of recD in P. syringae also led to cell death and accumulation of DNA fragments of ∼25–30 kbp in size at low temperature (4°). We propose that during growth at a very low temperature the Antarctic P. syringae is subjected to DNA damage, which requires direct participation of a unique RecD function. Additional results suggest that a truncated recD encoding the N-terminal segment of (1–576) amino acids is sufficient to support growth of P. syringae at low temperature.
Genetic Regulation of Gene Expression During Shoot Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: DeCook Rhonda , Lall Sonia , Nettleton Dan , Howell Stephen H 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The genetic control of gene expression during shoot development in Arabidopsis thaliana was analyzed by combining quantitative trait loci (QTL) and microarray analysis. Using oligonucleotide array data from 30 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross of Columbia and Landsberg erecta ecotypes, the Arabidopsis genome was scanned for marker-by-gene linkages or so-called expression QTL (eQTL). Single-feature polymorphisms (SFPs) associated with sequence disparities between ecotypes were purged from the data. SFPs may alter the hybridization efficiency between cDNAs from one ecotype with probes of another ecotype. In genome scans, five eQTL hot spots were found with significant marker-by-gene linkages. Two of the hot spots coincided with classical QTL conditioning shoot regeneration, suggesting that some of the heritable gene expression changes observed in this study are related to differences in shoot regeneration efficiency between ecotypes. Some of the most significant eQTL, particularly those at the shoot regeneration QTL sites, tended to show cis-chromosomal linkages in that the target genes were located at or near markers to which their expression was linked. However, many linkages of lesser significance showed expected “trans-effects,” whereby a marker affects the expression of a target gene located elsewhere on the genome. Some of these eQTL were significantly linked to numerous genes throughout the genome, suggesting the occurrence of large groups of coregulated genes controlled by single markers.