bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Biology of Pseudorabies Virus: Impact on Neurovirology and Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Pomeranz Lisa E. , Reynolds Ashley E. , Hengartner Christoph J. 
Published: September 2005

SUMMARYPseudorabies virus (PRV) is a herpesvirus of swine, a member of theAlphaherpesvirinaesubfamily, and the etiological agent of Aujeszky's disease. This review describes the contributions of PRV research to herpesvirus biology, neurobiology, and viral pathogenesis by focusing on (i) the molecular biology of PRV, (ii) model systems to study PRV pathogenesis and neurovirulence, (iii) PRV transsynaptic tracing of neuronal circuits, and (iv) veterinary aspects of pseudorabies disease. The structure of the enveloped infectious particle, the content of the viral DNA genome, and a step-by-step overview of the viral replication cycle are presented. PRV infection is initiated by binding to cellular receptors to allow penetration into the cell. After reaching the nucleus, the viral genome directs a regulated gene expression cascade that culminates with viral DNA replication and production of new virion constituents. Finally, progeny virions self-assemble and exit the host cells. Animal models and neuronal culture systems developed for the study of PRV pathogenesis and neurovirulence are discussed. PRV serves as a self-perpetuating transsynaptic tracer of neuronal circuitry, and we detail the original studies of PRV circuitry mapping, the biology underlying this application, and the development of the next generation of tracer viruses. The basic veterinary aspects of pseudorabies management and disease in swine are discussed. PRV infection progresses from acute infection of the respiratory epithelium to latent infection in the peripheral nervous system. Sporadic reactivation from latency can transmit PRV to new hosts. The successful management of PRV disease has relied on vaccination, prevention, and testing.
Chai-Hu-Gui-Zhi-Gan-Jiang-Tang Regulates Plasma Interleukin-6 and Soluble Interleukin-6 Receptor Concentrations and Improves Depressed Mood in Climacteric Women with Insomnia
Authors: Ushiroyama Takahisa , Ikeda Atsushi , Sakuma Kou , Ueki Minoru 
Published: September 2005

This study was performed to compare the effects of Chai-hu-gui-zhi-gan-jiang-tang (Saiko-keishi-kankyo-to), an herbal medicine, in improving depressed mood and on plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) concentrations with those of anti-depressants in peri- and post-menopausal women. Ninety patients complaining of menopausal symptoms including insomnia who were diagnosed with mood disorder based on DSM-IV were recruited and separated into two groups (Chai-hu-gui-zhi-gan-jiang-tang group was selected on the basis of SHO for 42 cases, while anti-depressants were used for 48 cases), and plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R concentrations were determined before and after three months of the treatment. There were no significant differences in the decrease in both climacteric and Hamilton depression score after treatment between the two groups. Plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R concentrations were significantly lower in the Chai-hu-gui-zhi-gan-jiang-tang group (-34.8 ± 15.5% and -22.4 ± 14.6%, respectively) than in the anti-depressant group (7.5 ± 4.8% and 2.4 ± 3.8%, respectively) after 3 months of treatment. Correlations between rate of decrease in climacteric score and plasma IL-6 ( R = 0.498, P = 0.0056) and sIL-6R ( R = 0.512, P = 0.0045) concentrations were observed. Chai-hu-gui-zhi-gan-jiang-tang reduced plasma IL-6 and sIL-6R concentrations in relation to improvement of depressed mood during treatment. The findings of this study suggest that Chai-hu-gui-zhi-gan-jiang-tang has the potential to decrease morbidity by alleviation of stress reactions in peri- and post-menopausal women.
THE ZONE MODULUS OF A LINK
Authors: LANGEVIN RÉMI , MONIOT GRÉGOIRE-THOMAS 
Published: September 2005

In this paper, we construct a conformally invariant functional for two-component links called the zone modulus of the link. Its main property is to give a sufficient condition for a link to be split. The zone modulus is a positive number, and its lower bound is 1. To construct a link with modulus arbitrarily close to 1, it is sufficient to consider two small disjoint spheres each one far from the other and then to construct a link by taking a circle enclosed in each sphere. Such a link is a split link. The situation is different when the link is non-split: we will prove that the modulus of a non-split link is greater than [Formula: see text]. This value of the modulus is realized by a special configuration of linked circles called the Clifford link. As a corollary, we show that if the thickness of a non-split two-component link embedded in S3 is equal to [Formula: see text], then the link is the standard geometric Hopf link.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS IN THE US: A STUDY OF STATE SULFUR DIOXIDE STANDARDS
Authors: DAVIS MARY E. 
Published: September 2005

What determines the environmental regulatory regime of a country or region? This paper addresses the question in detail, using the US and its widely varying environmental policies as the case study. What factors lead some US states to pass strict environmental regulations, while others are content with the baseline standards required at the national level? This work outlines the state environmental choice as a trade-off between the desires of consumers (who want better environmental quality) and of producers (who want less restrictive environmental standards). A rational state legislator maximises her chances of being re-elected by balancing these two competing forces when setting environmental policy. I test this model by directly analysing the state decision to adopt more restrictive sulfur dioxide regulations than those required by the federal government under the Environmental Protection Agency's "National Ambient Air Quality Standards" program. The statistical results suggest that legislators weigh the relative influence of consumer and producer groups when setting sulfur dioxide standards, in addition to accounting for meteorological influences that affect the cost of compliance with stricter environmental regulations. Limited evidence is also provided to support an inverted-U shaped relationship between income levels and environmental regulations.
Early block to erythromegakaryocytic development conferred by loss of transcription factor GATA-1
Authors: Stachura David L. , Chou Stella T. , Weiss Mitchell J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTranscription factor GATA-1 is essential at multiple stages of hematopoiesis. Murine gene targeting and analysis of naturally occurring human mutations demonstrate that GATA-1 drives the maturation of committed erythroid precursors and megakaryocytes. Prior studies also suggest additional, poorly defined, roles for GATA-1 at earlier stages of erythromegakaryocytic differentiation. To investigate these functions further, we stimulated Gata1- murine embryonic stem-cell-derived hematopoietic cultures with thrombopoietin, a multistage cytokine. Initially, the cultures generated a wave of mutant megakaryocytes. However, these were rapidly overgrown by a unique population of thrombopoietin-dependent blasts that express immature markers and proliferate indefinitely. Importantly, on restoration of GATA-1 function, these cells differentiated into both erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages, suggesting that they represent bipotential progenitors. Identical cells are also present in vivo, as indicated by flow cytometry and culture analysis of fetal livers from Gata1- chimeric mice. Our findings indicate that loss of GATA-1 impairs the maturation of megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors. This defines a new role for GATA-1 at a relatively early stage of hematopoiesis and provides potential insight into recent discoveries that human GATA1 mutations promote acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, a clonal malignancy with features of both erythroid and megakaryocyte maturation.
Drug use and harm reduction in Afghanistan
Authors: Todd Catherine S , Safi Naqibullah , Strathdee Steffanie A 
Published: September 2005

AbstractOpium has been cultivated in Afghanistan since 1100 A.D., although production has steadily increased since 1979. Currently, Afghanistan produces three-quarters of the global opium supply, with injection drug use and HIV currently following the opium trade route through Central Asia. Although systematic studies are lacking, heroin use appears to be on the rise in Afghanistan. The purpose of this paper is to briefly provide historical background and current statistics for drug production and use in Afghanistan, to discuss the new government's policies towards problem drug use and available rehabilitation programs, and to assess Afghan harm reduction needs with consideration of regional trends.
Development and validation of a psychosocial screening instrument for cancer
Authors: Linden Wolfgang , Yi Dahyun , Barroetavena Maria Cristina , MacKenzie Regina , Doll Richard 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
We are reporting on the development of a psychosocial screening tool for cancer patients. The tool was to be brief, at a relatively low reading level, capture psychological variables relevant to distress and health-related quality-of-life in cancer patients, possess good reliability and validity, and be free of copyright protection.

Method
Item derivation is described, data on reliability and validity as well as norms are reported for three samples of cancer patients (n = 1057; n = 570, n = 101).

Results
The resulting 21-item psychological screen for cancer (PSCAN) assesses perceived social support, desired social support, health-related quality-of-life, anxiety and depression. It has good psychometrics including high internal consistency (alpha averaging .83, and acceptable test-retest stability over 2 months (averaging r = .64). Validity has been established for content, construct and concurrent validity.

Conclusion
PSCAN is considered ready for use as a screening tool and also for following changes in patient distress throughout the cancer care trajectory. It is freely available to all interested non-profit users.
Mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas with predominant stroma creating a solid tumor
Authors: Ae Lee Won 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas is basically cystic epithelial neoplasm, unilocular or multilocular, occurring almost exclusively in women.

Case presentation
A 51-year-old female presented with a pancreatic mass incidentally found on the abdominal computed tomography. She underwent distal pancreatectomy. The sectioned surface of the pancreas revealed a circumscribed, whitish gray ovoid firm mass with some cystic spaces. Microscopically, glandular or small cystic structures were scattered in the predominant stroma creating a solid appearance. The subepithelial stromal component was composed of cytologically bland looking spindle cells, which resembled ovarian stroma. The stromal cells were reactive to CD 34, vimentin, progesterone receptor and calretinin. The microscopy was consistent with mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas.

Conclusion
This case of mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas showed very interesting pathology: It was solid rather than cystic, and accompanied by abundant benign transitional epithelia, which was a very unusual and novel finding in the mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas.
Rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries develop hypertension and increased sympathetic nervous system activity
Authors: Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Ploj Karolina , Larsson Britt-Mari , Holmäng Agneta 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction, abdominal obesity, hyperandrogenism, hypertension, and insulin resistance.

Methods
Our objectives in this study were (1) to estimate sympathetic-adrenal medullary (SAM) activity by measuring mean systolic blood pressure (MSAP) in rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced PCO; (2) to estimate alpha1a and alpha2a adrenoceptor expression in a brain area thought to mediate central effects on MSAP regulation and in the adrenal medulla; (3) to assess hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation by measuring adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels in response to novel-environment stress; and (4) to measure abdominal obesity, sex steroids, and insulin sensitivity.

Results
The PCO rats had significantly higher MSAP than controls, higher levels of alpha1a adrenoceptor mRNA in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and lower levels of alpha2a adrenoceptor mRNA in the PVN and adrenal medulla. After exposure to stress, PCO rats had higher ACTH and CORT levels. Plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in PCO rats, and no differences in insulin sensitivity or in the weight of intraabdominal fat depots were found.

Conclusion
Thus, rats with EV-induced PCO develop hypertension and increased sympathetic and HPA-axis activity without reduced insulin sensitivity, obesity, or hyperandrogenism. These findings may have implications for mechanisms underlying hypertension in PCOS.
Effects of reduced rebreathing time, in spontaneously breathing patients, on respiratory effort and accuracy in cardiac output measurement when using a partial carbon dioxide rebreathing technique: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tachibana Kazuya , Imanaka Hideaki , Takeuchi Muneyuki , Nishida Tomoyo , Takauchi Yuji , Nishimura Masaji 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Introduction
New technology using partial carbon dioxide rebreathing has been developed to measure cardiac output. Because rebreathing increases respiratory effort, we investigated whether a newly developed system with 35 s rebreathing causes a lesser increase in respiratory effort under partial ventilatory support than does the conventional system with 50 s rebreathing. We also investigated whether the shorter rebreathing period affects the accuracy of cardiac output measurement.

Method
Once a total of 13 consecutive post-cardiac-surgery patients had recovered spontaneous breathing under pressure support ventilation, we applied a partial carbon dioxide rebreathing technique with rebreathing of 35 s and 50 s in a random order. We measured minute ventilation, and arterial and mixed venous carbon dioxide tension at the end of the normal breathing period and at the end of the rebreathing periods. We then measured cardiac output using the partial carbon dioxide rebreathing technique with the two rebreathing periods and using thermodilution.

Results
With both rebreathing systems, minute ventilation increased during rebreathing, as did arterial and mixed venous carbon dioxide tensions. The increases in minute ventilation and arterial carbon dioxide tension were less with 35 s rebreathing than with 50 s rebreathing. The cardiac output measures with both systems correlated acceptably with values obtained with thermodilution.

Conclusion
When patients breathe spontaneously the partial carbon dioxide rebreathing technique increases minute ventilation and arterial carbon dioxide tension, but the effect is less with a shorter rebreathing period. The 35 s rebreathing period yielded cardiac output measurements similar in accuracy to those with 50 s rebreathing.
Outcome of Ethnic Minorities With Acute or Chronic Leukemia Treated With Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Baker K. Scott , Loberiza Fausto R. , Yu Hongmei , Cairo Mitchell S. , Bolwell Brian J. , Bujan-Boza Willem A. , Camitta Bruce M. , Garcia Juan Jose , Ho Winston G. , Liesveld Jane L. , Maharaj Dipnarine , Marks David I. , Schultz Kirk R. , Wiernik Peter , Zander Axel R. , Horowitz Mary M. , Keating Armand , Weisdorf Daniel J. 
Published: September 2005

Purpose We previously reported a higher risk of mortality among Hispanics after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). However, it is not known how specific post-transplantation events (acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease [GVHD], treatment-related mortality [TRM], and relapse) may explain mortality differences. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ethnicity and post-transplantation events and determine their net effect on survival. Patients and Methods We identified 3,028 patients with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or chronic myeloid leukemia reported to the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry between 1990 and 2000 who received an HLA-identical sibling HSCT after a myeloablative conditioning regimen in the United States. There were 2,418 white patients (80%) and 610 ethnic minority patients (20%), of whom 251 were black (8%), 122 were Asian (4%), and 237 were Hispanic (8%). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare outcomes between whites and ethnic minorities while adjusting for other significant clinical factors. Results No statistically significant differences in the risk of acute or chronic GVHD, TRM, or relapse were found between whites and any ethnic minority group. However, Hispanics had higher risks of treatment failure (death or relapse; relative risk [RR] = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.54; P = .004) and overall mortality (RR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.47; P = .02). Conclusion The higher risks of treatment failure and mortality among Hispanics may be the net result of modest but not statistically significant increases in both relapse and TRM and cannot be accounted for by any single transplantation-related complication. Further studies should examine the role of social, economic, and cultural factors.
PTPN11 (Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Nonreceptor Type 11) Mutations and Response to Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Noonan Syndrome
Authors: Ferreira Lize V. , Souza Silvia A. L. , Arnhold Ivo J. P. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Jorge Alexander A. L. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Context: The cause of growth impairment in Noonan syndrome (NS) remains unclear. Mutations in PTPN11 (protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 11) that codify constitutively activated Src homology protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 tyrosine phosphatase and may interfere with GH and IGF-I signaling were identified in approximately 40% of patients with NS.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of PTPN11 status on response to human GH (hGH) treatment in NS children with short stature.
Setting: This study was performed at a university hospital.
Design: The study design was to conduct a retrospective analysis of 3 yr of hGH treatment and genotyping of PTPN11 in patients with NS.
Patients: Fourteen NS patients, half of them with PTPN11 mutations in heterozygous state, were studied. At the beginning of treatment, there were no clinical or laboratory differences between groups with and without mutations in the PTPN11 gene.
Intervention: Patients were treated with hGH (47 μg/kg·d).
Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were PTPN11 genotype, change in IGF-I levels, and change in height sd score.
Results: Patients with mutations in PTPN11 presented a significantly smaller increment in IGF-I levels during the treatment compared with patients without mutations (86 ± 67 and 202 ± 93 μg/liter, respectively; P = 0.03). hGH treatment significantly improved growth velocity in both groups, with slightly better results observed in patients without mutations. This was translated into greater gains in height sd score relation to baseline during the 3 yr of treatment in patients without mutations (+1.7 ± 0.1) compared with those with mutations (+0.8 ± 0.4; P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the presence of PTPN11 mutations in patients with NS indicates a reduced growth response to long-term hGH treatment.
Effects of a β-Blocker on Bone Turnover in Normal Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Reid Ian R. , Lucas Jenny , Wattie Diana , Horne Anne , Bolland Mark , Gamble Gregory D. , Davidson James S. , Grey Andrew B. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Introduction: The central nervous system has been demonstrated to regulate bone mass in mice, possibly via the β2-adrenoreceptors on osteoblasts. β-blockers increase bone mass in mice, and some observational studies have suggested a beneficial effect of these drugs on bone in humans
Experimental Subjects: We studied 41 normal postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a randomized, placebo- controlled trial, comparing the effects on bone markers of propranolol 160 mg/d and placebo over 3 months.
Results: Serum osteocalcin declined by almost 20% in the first 2 wk of propranolol treatment, and this effect increased over time (P &lt; 0.0001). Other osteoblast markers, procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide and total alkaline phosphatase activity, were not significantly changed by propranolol. Urine free deoxypyridinoline declined by approximately 10% between 0 and 6 wk (P = 0.019) in the β-blocker group and was stable thereafter. Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen also showed a small decrease, but this was not significantly different between groups. Serum albumin concentrations decreased by more than 2 g/liter in the first 2 wk of propranolol treatment, remaining stable subsequently (P = 0.007). Serum creatinine tended to increase in the propranolol group (P = 0.06), as did weight. Bone densities in the lumbar spine and total proximal femur did not change significantly in either group.
Conclusions: The present study provides no evidence that β-blocker drugs stimulate bone formation; if anything, propranolol reduces osteoblast activity. It also influences renal function and fluid balance, effects that might indirectly affect bone metabolism. Current evidence does not justify the use of β-blockers for treatment of osteoporosis.
Calcium Absorptive Efficiency Is Positively Related to Body Size
Authors: Barger-Lux M. Janet , Heaney Robert P. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Background: Calcium absorption efficiency is a more important determinant of calcium balance than calcium intake itself. The sources of variability in absorptive performance are only partly elucidated.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between body size and calcium absorption efficiency.
Design and Setting: Metabolic studies were performed on an inpatient metabolic unit in an academic health sciences center.
Subjects: One hundred seventy-eight women, with an average age of 50.2 yr, were studied from one to five times and yielded an aggregate data set containing 633 individual studies.
Methods: Calcium absorption fraction was measured by the dual-tracer method. Observed values were expressed as residuals from predicted values for each woman’s actual calcium intake, using the previously published relationship between intake and absorption.
Results: Absorption residuals were significantly positively correlated with height, weight, and surface area, and after adjusting for estrogen status, these body size variables accounted for approximately 4% of the total variability.
Conclusion: The magnitude of the effect is such that a woman 1.8 m in height would absorb 30+% more calcium from a given intake than a woman 1.4 m tall.