bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase of interferon-γ inducible α chemokine CXCL10 but not β chemokine CCL2 serum levels in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Rotondi Mario , Fallahi Poupak , Romagnani Paola , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Paolicchi Aldo , Ferrannini Ele , Serio Mario 
Published: February 2005

Objective: To measure serum levels of CXCL10 and CCL2 prototype chemokines of the two major subclass (CXC and CC) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), and relate the findings to the clinical phenotype.Design and methods: Serum CXCL10 and CCL2 were assayed in 70 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed chronic AT, in sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers (n= 37) and in 20 patients with non-toxic multinodular goiter, extracted from a random sample of the general population from the same geographic area.Results: CXCL10 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with thyroiditis than in controls or multinodular goiter patients, while comparable CCL2 levels were found between groups. CXCL10 levels were significantly increased in hypothyroid patients and in those with an hypoechoic pattern (P= 0.0004 andP= 0.0001, respectively) while serum CCL2 levels were significantly increased in patients older than 50 years and in those with hypothyroidism (P= 0.0001 andP= 0.03, respectively). No correlation between CXCL10 and CCL2 serum levels could be demonstrated. CXCL10 and CCL2 were studied separately in relation to clinical features of AT patients. Two separate multiple linear regression models for CXCL10 and CCL2 were performed, including age, thyroid volume, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), FT4, anti-thyroid peroxidase (AbTPO), hypoechoic pattern, and the presence of hypervascularity, demonstrating that ln of serum CXCL10 levels was associated with TSH independently of other possible confounders levels [regression coefficient (R.C.) 0.143 confidence interval (C.I.) (0.042–0.245);P= 0.0059], while serum CCL2 were significantly associated only with age [R.C. 5.412 C.I. (3.838–6.986);P< 0.0001].Conclusion: Our results, obtained in a large cohort of newly diagnosed AT patients demonstrate increased CXCL10 especially in hypothyroid patients with a more aggressive disorder, and normal CCL2 serum levels in AT.
Testosterone does not adversely affect fibrinogen or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in 46 men with chronic stable angina
Authors: Smith A M , English K M , Malkin C J , Jones R D , Jones T H , Channer K S 
Published: February 2005

Objective: In women, sex hormones cause increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and adversely affect the coagulation profile. We have studied the effect of physiological testosterone replacement therapy in men on coagulation factor expression, to determine if there is an increased risk of thrombosis.
Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of testosterone in 46 men with chronic stable angina. Measurements of free, total and bioavailable testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and full blood count were made at 0, 6 and 14 weeks. Results: Bioavailable testosterone levels were: 2.58 ± 0.58 nmol/l at baseline, compared with 3.35 ± 0.31 nmol/l at week 14 (P < 0.001) after treatment compared with 2.6 ± 0.18 nmol/l and 2.44 ± 0.18 nmol/l in the placebo group (P was not significant). There was no change in fibrinogen (3.03 ± 0.18 g/l at baseline and 3.02 ± 0.18 g/l at week 14, P = 0.24), tPA activity (26.77 ± 4.9 Iu/ml and 25.67 ± 4.4 Iu/ml, P = 0.88) or PAI-1 activity (0.49 ± 0.85 Iu/ml and 0.36 ± 0.06 Iu/ml, P = 0.16) with active treatment and no differences between the groups (at week 14, P value 0.98, 0.59 and 0.8 for fibrinogen, PAI-1 and tPA respectively). Haemoglobin concentration did not change over time, in the testosterone group (1.44 ± 0.02 g/l and 1.45 ± 0.02 g/l, P = 0.22).
Conclusion: Physiological testosterone replacement does not adversely affect blood coagulation status.
Inhibin α-subunit and the inhibin coreceptor betaglycan are downregulated in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Florio Pasquale , Ciarmela Pasquapina , Reis Fernando M , Toti Paolo , Galleri Letizia , Santopietro Rosa , Tiso E , Tosi Piero , Petraglia Felice 
Published: February 2005

Objective: In the present study we evaluated the protein distribution and mRNA levels of inhibin α-subunit and its coreceptor betaglycan in endometrial adenocarcinoma.Design: Two groups of postmenopausal women were studied: the first group had recently diagnosed endometrial adenocarcinoma (n= 16; age range 61–79 years), and the second group (n= 12; age range 64–78 years) had undergone hysterectomy for uterine prolapse and served as control.Methods: Inhibin α-subunit and betaglycan gene expression and tissue distribution were evaluated by semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively.Results: Inhibin α-subunit and betaglycan mRNAs were expressed by both healthy and tumoral endometria, but their expression was significantly lower in endometrial carcinoma (P< 0.001, based on Student’sttest). Inhibin α-subunit expression was much weaker in the glands of tumours than in non-neoplastic specimens. Betaglycan protein was identified in the epithelial cells lining non-tumoral endometrium, and in endothelial cells of both normal and tumoral endometria. Well-differentiated neoplastic cells had a faint and scarce betaglycan staining, and poorly differentiated cells did not express betaglycan at all.Conclusions: The lower inhibin α and betaglycan expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma suggests that the inhibin action may be disrupted. However, the expression of betaglycan in the endothelia of the tumour vasculature suggests that a selective vascular response to inhibin may be possible in these tumours.
The association of plasma adiponectin levels with hypertensive retinopathy
Authors: Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Sonmez Alper , Kilic Selim , Celik Turgay , Bingol Necati , Pinar Murat , Mumcuoglu Tarkan , Ozata Metin 
Published: February 2005

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that low plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with essential hypertension. It has also recently been shown that adiponectin plays an essential role in the modulation of angiogenesis. These data led us to hypothesize that adiponectin might contribute to end-organ damage in hypertension.Methods: In the present study we have evaluated the relationship between plasma adiponectin concentrations and hypertensive retinopathy. One hundred and ten patients newly diagnosed with essential hypertension (EHT) (mean age, 46.79±5.0 years; body mass index (BMI), 26.47±2.23 kg/m2; male/female ratio, 58/52) and 57 healthy normotensive control subjects (NT) (mean age, 46.84±5.4 years; BMI, 26.66±2.65 kg/m2; male/female ratio, 33/24) were enrolled.Results: Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in EHT than in NT (P< 0.001). In addition, adiponectin concentrations were strongly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures in EHT (r= −0.757,P< 0.001;r= −0.761,P< 0.001) while there was no correlation in the NT group. Plasma adiponectin in patients with grade 0 hypertensive retinopathy (n= 52) was significantly higher than that of the patients with grade 1 (n= 30) and 2 (n= 28) hypertensive retinopathy (P< 0.001 for each). Plasma adiponectin in patients with grade 0 hypertensive retinopathy was also significantly lower than that in the NT group (P< 0.001). The estimated threshold of plasma adiponectin concentration for hypertensive retinopathy was 17 μg/ml. This critical adiponectin level served largely to separate patients with retinopathy from those without.Conclusion: Our results have shown that plasma adiponectin concentrations decrease progressively with higher grades of hypertensive retinopathy even after correction for other atherogenic risk factors, suggesting that a critical adiponectin level is needed for the development of retinopathy.
Extracellular diffusion is fast and isotropic in the stratum radiatum of hippocampal CA1 region in rat brain slices
Authors: Hrabětová Sabina 
Published: February 2005

AbstractMolecular transport in brain extracellular space (ECS) is hindered by the structure of the tissue. Diffusion analysis of small extracellular markers quantifies tissue hindrance, expressed as tortuosity λ = (D/D*)1/2, where D is the free diffusion coefficient and D* is the effective diffusion coefficient in tissue. In healthy brain, λ is ≈1.6, but the nature of this parameter is poorly understood. We report that the stratum radiatum of the hippocampal CA1 region in vitro, previously shown to be anisotropic (i.e., different along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes) in in vivo study, is isotropic like somatosensory neocortex but has a reduced λ. Diffusion of fluorophore‐labeled dextran (f‐dex, Mr 3,000) and tetramethylammonium (TMA+, Mr 74) was measured in rat brain slices (400 μm) using integrative optical imaging (IOI) and real‐time iontophoresis (RTI), respectively. In the stratum radiatum, diffusion of f‐dex was similar along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes (λx, λy; λz were 1.55, 1.53, and 1.55), but the tortuosity was significantly lower than in the neocortex, where λ = 1.81. This finding was confirmed by the RTI method, which measured λ with TMA+, a much smaller molecule, and determined volume fraction α, the proportion of tissue occupied by the ECS. In stratum radiatum, λx, λy, and λz were 1.47, 1.44, and 1.46, while in neocortex, λ was 1.65. The ECS volume fraction was similar (0.24) in both regions. It is proposed that in the hippocampus, low λ reflects a reduced occurrence of concave extracellular microdomains, referred to as dead spaces, which increase tortuosity by transient trapping of markers. Functionally, a low λ may permit structural plasticity and facilitate extrasynaptic communication. It may also enhance the spread of neuroactive substances and thus contribute to the sensitivity of the hippocampal CA1 region to ischemia and epilepsy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of acetic acid productivity in a continuous two‐stage bioreactor with cell recycling
Authors: Nishiwaki Akio , Dunn Irving J 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe performance of a two‐stage system with cell recycling and fresh feed at each stage is studied numerically for continuous acetic acid production. In this system, both filtrate and bleed broth from the first stage are supplied to the second fermenter. At high substrate conversions, this configuration is found to provide higher acetic acid productivities than either a previous configuration where only the first‐stage bleed broth is fed to the second stage or a single recycle chemostat at the same bleed ratios. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrothermal modification of natural zeolites to improve uptake of ammonium ions
Authors: Watanabe Yujiro , Yamada Hirohisa , Tanaka Junzo , Moriyoshi Yusuke 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe modification of natural zeolites was carried out under hydrothermal conditions to improve the effectiveness of the uptake of ammonium ions. Natural zeolites originating in Japan, such as mordenite and clinoptilolite with quartz, feldspar and a trace of layered silicate, were treated with 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 M NaOH solutions at temperatures from 25 to 150 °C under autogenous pressure for 7 days. After the hydrothermal treatment, the transformation of the zeolites to phillipsite, hydroxyl‐sodalite and analcime was observed, depending on the temperature and NaOH concentration. The amounts of ammonium ions taken up into the hydrothermally‐treated zeolites were compared with those of the starting materials. The treated products, containing mainly phillipsite, took up twice the amount of ammonium ions as the starting materials. The maximum uptake of ammonium ions was 1.92 mmol g−1. The number of ammonium ions taken up into phillipsite was equal to the number of Na+ ions released from phillipsite. These results indicate that the uptake of ammonium ions proceeds by an ion‐exchange mechanism with Na+ ions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology and Structure of Hemp Fibre after Bioscouring
Authors: Ouajai Sirisart , Shanks Robert A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSummary: Bioscouring of hemp (Cannabis Sativa L) using pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2), Scourzyme L, was performed at 55 °C and pH 8.5 in a nonagitated system. The enzyme concentration, treatment time and substrate concentration were varied to obtain the kinetic constants, Km and Vm. Greater enzyme concentration and a longer treatment improved the removal of the low methoxy pectin component as indicated by UV spectroscopy. Removal of pectate caused no crystalline transformation in the fibres, except for a slight decline in the crystallinity order index analysed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and wide angle X‐ray diffraction. This corresponded well with the single fibre bundle tensile mechanical properties test. Smooth surfaces and separated fibres observed using SEM images were evidence of successful treatment, supported by weight loss at low temperature of a pectic substance. After treatment, the pectin substance was no longer observed during thermogravimetry. An increase in surface area and pore size after scouring were further evidence of modification.SEM micrograph of Scourzyme‐treated hemp fibres.magnified imageSEM micrograph of Scourzyme‐treated hemp fibres.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) of Microbial Origin: Synthesis and Crystallization
Authors: Fernández Carlos E. , Mancera Manuel , Holler Eggehard , Bou Jordi J. , Galbis Juan A. , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSummary: Low‐molecular‐weight poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) made of approximately 25–30 units was prepared from microbial poly(β,L‐malic acid) by treatment with diazomethane. The thermal characterization of the polymalate methyl ester was carried out and its crystalline structure was preliminary examined. Its ability to crystallize both from solution and from the melt was comparatively evaluated.Poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) spherulitic film cast from CHCl3.magnified imagePoly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) spherulitic film cast from CHCl3.
Influence of Satellite Groups on Telechelic Antimicrobial Functions of Polyoxazolines
Authors: Waschinski Christian J. , Herdes Vera , Schueler Fabian , Tiller Joerg C. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSummary: The antimicrobial activity of poly(alkyloxazoline) telechelics with one quaternary N,N‐dimethyldodecylammonium (DDA) end group was found to be greatly controlled by the non‐bioactive distal end group, the so‐called satellite group. In systematic investigations, the nature of the latter groups was varied to explore the mechanism of the satellite effect. To this end, poly(2‐alkyl‐1,3‐oxazoline)s (alkyl = ethyl, methyl) with a DDA‐group at the terminating end and varying alkyl, aminoalkyl, and polyphenyloxazoline block satellite groups, have been synthesized. Poly(oxazoline) derivatives with polydispersity indices of 1.06–1.20 and molecular weights from 2 200 to 12 800 g · mol−1 could be obtained. The macromolecular structures have been confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS measurements. The polymers were investigated with regard to their antibacterial efficiency towards the Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli. It was found that the introduction of alkyl chain satellites of 4–10 carbon atoms in length afforded antimicrobial activity of the polymers against both microbes that was about 2–3 times higher than that of the well‐known structurally comparable low molecular weight biocide, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC). Based on the antimicrobial effects of the investigated polymers, a mechanism for the satellite effect was proposed.
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Structural Changes in the Fabrication and Ageing of PA66 Textured Yarn
Authors: Popovic Biljana , Jovanovic Radmila , Dzunuzovic Enis , Popovic Ivanka , Jocic Dragan 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSummary: The characterization of textured yarn is of great significance for both producers and final users. The influence of the texturing parameters (draw ratio and heater temperature) on the characteristics of the textured polyamide yarn has been investigated in this study. Textured yarn was characterized by the degree of orientation, degree of crystallinity, breaking characteristics, shrinkage, elasticity characteristics, the contents of the end groups and degree of whiteness. It was observed that the mentioned characteristics changed as a function of time. The influence of yarn ageing on its characteristics was assessed. The parameters of polyamide textured yarn structure were determined by DSC.Reflectance curve changes after ageing of PA 66 yarn.imageReflectance curve changes after ageing of PA 66 yarn.
Alpha‐synuclein mRNA expression in sporadic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tan Eng‐King , Chandran Van R. , Fook‐Chong Stephanie , Shen Hui , Yew Kenneth , Teoh Mei‐Lin , Yuen Yih , Zhao Yi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe expression of α‐synuclein gene can be influenced by the genomic load and/or epigenetic factors. By using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction techniques, we demonstrated that the α‐synuclein gene mRNA expression in sporadic PD did not differ from healthy controls (median [range] 0.110 ]0.012–0.628] vs. 0.120 [0.028–0.447]; P = 0.15). There was no difference in the α‐synuclein gene dosage between PD patients with high and low mRNA expression. Multivariate analysis did not reveal age, gender, or cigarette smoking as confounding variables. Our study suggests that there was no significant alteration of α‐synuclein mRNA expression in our sporadic PD patients compared to controls. However, the role of α‐synuclein mRNA expression in select groups of sporadic PD patients and its interaction with environmental agents need to be further determined. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
A model for the study of the mechanism of a low pH-induced interaction of the virus fusion proteins and cell membranes
Authors: Glushakova S. E. , Ksenofontov A. L. , Fedorova N. V. , Mazhul L. A. , Ageeva O. N. , Margolis L. B. , Baratova L. A. , Shishkov A. V. 
Published: February 2005

A model is proposed for the study of molecular mechanisms of a low pH-induced interaction of fusion proteins of enveloped viruses and cell membranes. The model consists of large monolamellar liposomes containing ionophore nigericin in their membranes and ectodomains of fusion protein in their inner space. The process of interaction of the protein with the lipid bilayer is triggered by acidification of the liposomal constituents to the pH of fusion with the help of nigericin by adding citric acid to the outer medium. To visualize the protein structural reorganization, the tritium planigraphy was used.
Comparison of the values of specific labelling of the proteins and distribution of radioactivity in individual amino acids in control (at neutral pH) and experimental liposome samples (at the pH of fusion) permits to realise the character of protein-membrane interaction. We have obtained the first results in the study of interaction of the bromelain-released soluble ectodomain of the HAXX molecule (BHA)—with the lipid membrane. The observed increase in the protein specific activity and selective increase in the specific activity of hydrophobic amino acids Ile, Phe and Tyr in experimental liposome samples as compared with the controls did not contradict to the conventional concept, that a hydrophobic N-terminus of HA2 subunit of hemagglutinin is responsible for its interaction with lipid membranes.
What Does it Mean to Live with a Congenital Heart Disease? A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences of Adult Patients
Authors: Claessens Patricia , Moons Philip , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Cannaerts Nancy , Budts Werner , Gewillig Marc 
Published: February 2005

Background: Adults with congenital heart disease constitute a relatively new and continuously growing patient population. In addition to medical problems, patients perceive specific psychosocial concerns that influence their lived experiences and quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adult congenital heart disease patients. Methods: Unstructured, in-depth interviews were performed with 12 patients, aged between 25 and 40 years and suffering from moderate or severe heart defect (tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries). Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory procedures. Results: Feeling different was the central theme of the patients’ lived experience, as they are faced with physical limitations and visible signs due to the heart defect. The experienced discordance between their world and healthy individuals’ world implies that patients struggle constantly with themselves and with their environment to be accepted as normal. The feeling of being different was influenced by attitudes of the environment, health care, and patient's personality. Moreover, it determined the perceived impact of the disease on the patient's daily life. Conclusion: This study shows that normalisation is the most important process when dealing with patients suffering from a congenital heart disease.
The CLDN5 locus may be involved in the vulnerability to schizophrenia
Authors: Sun Z.-Y. , Wei J. , Xie L. , Shen Y. , Liu S.-Z. , Ju G.-Z. , Shi J.-P. , Yu Y.-Q. , Zhang X. , Xu Q. , Hemmings G.P. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe present study was designed to detect three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on 22q11 that was thought as being of particularly importance for genetic research into schizophrenia. We recruited a total of 176 Chinese family trios of Han descent, consisting of mothers, fathers and affected offspring with schizophrenia for the genetic analysis. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) showed that of three SNPs, rs10314 in the 3′-untranslated region of the CLDN5 locus was associated with schizophrenia (χ2= 4.75,P= 0.029). The other two SNPs, rs1548359 present in the CDC45L locus centromeric of rs10314 and rs739371 in the 5′-flanking region of the CLDN5 locus, did not show such an association. The global chi-square (χ2) test showed that the 3-SNP haplotype system was not associated with schizophrenia although the 1-df test for individual haplotypes showed that the rs1548359(C)-rs10314(G)-rs739371(C) haplotype was excessively non-transmitted (χ2= 5.32,P= 0.02). Because the claudin proteins are a major component for barrier-forming tight junctions that could play a crucial role in response to changing natural, physiological and pathological conditions, the CLDN5 association with schizophrenia may be an important clue leading to look into a meeting point of genetic and environmental factors.