bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of obtaining sputum and cough swab samples following inhaled hypertonic saline in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Ho S.A. , Ball R. , Morrison L.J. , Brownlee K.G. , Conway S.P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPrompt detection and treatment of lower respiratory tract infection are essential in the management of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), who often have signs or symptoms of respiratory infection without any pathogens being isolated from sputum or cough swab specimens. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy and clinical value of obtaining sputum and oropharyngeal cough swab samples following induction with hypertonic saline (HS) in this group of patients. Forty‐three outpatients with CF, mean age 7.2 years (range, 1.8–12.9 years), were recruited over a 2‐year period. Nebulized salbutamol was administered, followed by 6% HS. Sputum was preferentially obtained before and after HS induction if possible. If the patient was not able to expectorate, oropharyngeal cough swabs were taken instead. Four patients were able to expectorate sputum before and 19 after HS induction. The procedure was tolerated in 41 of 43 patients. Pathogens were isolated from 13 patients' HS‐induced samples, but not from their corresponding preinduced specimens, and 4 patients' preinduced specimens cultured organisms which were not identified from their HS‐induced samples. Significant changes were made in the management of 13 (30.2%) patients directly resulting from the positive culture of pathogens only from HS‐induced samples. Cultures from oropharyngeal cough swab or expectorated sputum specimens following inhalation of HS provide additional microbiological information which is of clinical value and may lead to changes in patient management. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:82–87. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal study of oxidative status in 312 cystic fibrosis patients in stable state and during bronchial exacerbation
Authors: Lagrange‐Puget Marie , Durieu Isabelle , Ecochard René , Abbas‐Chorfa Fatima , Drai Jocelyne , Steghens Jean‐Paul , Pacheco Yves , Vital‐Durand Denis , Bellon Gabriel 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn cystic fibrosis (CF), there is an imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant system, leading to oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to assess antioxidant‐scavenger deficiencies and lipid peroxide variations in three clinical situations (stable status, acute exacerbation, and after intravenous antibiotic treatment). The objective was also to correlate oxidative stress with age, nutritional status, and respiratory function. The study included prospectively 312 consecutive patients and 53 controls. Antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenoids, and glutathione) and oxidative markers (malondialdehyde and lipid peroxides) were measured in plasma. Regression analyses were performed. Antioxidant levels were lower in CF patients than in controls. These levels decreased during acute exacerbation and increased after antibiotic treatment. Carotenoid levels were not modified by infection or age. Only vitamin A and carotenoid levels were positively correlated to body mass index. Antioxidant levels were correlated to forced expiratory volume at 1 sec. Lipid peroxidation markers were lower in patients than in controls. Their levels decreased during infection, and increased after antibiotic treatment. Impaired lung function was correlated with elevated malondialdehyde levels. In conclusion, this study demonstrates antioxidant deficiency in a very large cohort of CF patients. Carotenoid and vitamin E deficiencies occur early in the course of the disease. Antioxidants decrease with bronchial infection. By contrast, nutritional disorders did not modify antioxidant levels during acute exacerbations. Thus, pulmonary disorders rather than nutritional disorders seem to be essential in the imbalance of the oxidant/antioxidant system. Results concerning glutathione and oxidative‐marker levels highlighted the fact that their plasma values do not reflect oxidative stress in the respiratory tract. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:43–49. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of DNase on exercise capacity in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Barker Michael , Franke Egbert , Böhle Martin , Pfannenstiel Claus , Heimann Gerhard 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDNase can reduce viscosity and facilitate expectoration of airway secretions in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. We evaluated its effect on exercise performance in relation to resting pulmonary function. Fifteen sputum‐producing CF patients (aged 9–28 years; FEV1 22–83% predicted) performed spirometry, body plethysmography, nitrogen washout, and incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after 8 weeks of first‐time treatment with daily inhaled rhDNase. Most subjects reported increased amounts and fluidity of sputum. The effect on objective parameters was heterogeneous, without statistical significance. Groupwise, FEV1 increased by 6% without correlation to baseline values; individual patients gained up to 40%. Indices of hyperinflation and air trapping were slightly raised. Maximal workload and oxygen uptake (V′O2) increased by up to 20% in a number of patients. The treatment effect on V′O2 was neither related to baseline levels of pulmonary function and exercise capacity nor to the change in FEV1. Ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide during exercise were slightly but insignificantly lower after DNase treatment; minimal O2 saturation was unaffected. We conclude that improvement of exercise performance with DNase is restricted to a subgroup of CF patients and may not be predicted or identified by spirometry and subject report alone. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:70–74. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symptoms, lung function, and β2‐adrenoceptor polymorphisms in a birth cohort followed for 10 years
Authors: Wilson Nicola M. , Lamprill Jane R. , Mak Judith C.W. , Clarke Jane R. , Bush Andrew , Silverman Michael 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAs little is known about the natural history of bronchial responsiveness and the development of wheezing symptoms in early childhood, a cohort of children at risk of allergy, whose lung function and bronchial responsiveness had been measured in the neonatal period, was followed prospectively for 10 (SD, 0.8) years in order to determine the role of neonatal measurements on wheezing history and later lung function. A potential role for beta‐2 adrenoceptor (β2AR) polymorphisms in these relationships was also sought as a secondary objective. Of the original 73 children, wheezing history was available in 65 (89%), and 49 (67%) attended the laboratory for physiological measurements and genotyping of β2AR. Wheezing was categorized as occurring 1) only before the fourth birthday, 2) after the fourth birthday, or 3) never. No relation was seen between neonatal and later lung function. However, neonatal bronchial responsiveness predicted subsequent FEV1 (P = 0.03). Increased neonatal bronchial responsiveness was associated with transient wheeze <4 years but not with later wheeze. Neonatal V′maxFRC was reduced in those possessing Gln27 or Arg16 alleles, but there was no effect of β2AR polymorphisms on FEV1 at 10 years. Wheeze after 4 years of age was typical of classical asthma, as it was strongly related to atopy and bronchial responsiveness at age 10. In conclusion, we confirmed the association of neonatal bronchial responsiveness with both early wheezing and later lung function. We also showed an influence of polymorphisms at both aa16 and aa27 on neonatal lung function. Wheezing beyond 4 years, typical of classical asthma, was unrelated to early measurements of lung function or bronchial responsiveness. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:75–81. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in children
Authors: Rosenzweig Erika Berman , Widlitz Allison C. , Barst Robyn J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension is a serious progressive condition with a poor prognosis if not identified and treated early. Because the symptoms are nonspecific and the physical findings can be subtle, the disease is often diagnosed in its later stages. Remarkable progress has been made in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension over the past several decades. The pathology is now better defined, and significant advances have occurred in understanding the pathobiologic mechanisms. Risk factors have been identified, and the genetics have been characterized. Advances in technology allow earlier diagnosis as well as better assessment of disease severity. Therapeutic modalities such as new drugs, e.g., epoprostenol, treprostinil, and bosentan, and surgical/interventional options, e.g., transplantation and atrial septostomy, which were unavailable several decades ago, have had a significant impact on prognosis and outcome. Thus, despite our inability to cure pulmonary arterial hypertension, advances in medical treatments over the past two decades have resulted in significant improvement in outcomes for children with various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This report is a review the current state of the art for pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2004, with an emphasis on childhood pulmonary arterial hypertension and specific recommendations for current practice and future directions. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 38:2–22. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PCD and RP: X‐linked inheritance of both disorders?
Authors: Krawczyński Maciej R. , Witt Michał 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA Caucasian, seven‐generation family of Polish origin with apparently X‐linked inheritance of coexisting retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), with 14 identified males affected with RP and 14 obligate healthy female carriers, is presented. To our knowledge, four of the RP‐affected males were diagnosed with PCD. The cases might imply the presence of one of the PCD loci, influencing neither laterality nor fertility, within the X‐chromosome. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformational study of fragments of envelope proteins (gp120: 254–274 and gp41: 519–541) of HIV‐1 by NMR and MD simulations
Authors: Kanyalkar Meena , Srivastava Sudha , Saran Anil , Coutinho Evans 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe envelope proteins, gp120 and gp41 of HIV‐1, play a crucial role in receptor (CD4+ lymphocytes) binding and membrane fusion. The fragment 254–274 of gp120 is conserved in all strains of HIV and, as a part of the full gp120 protein, behaves as ‘immunosilent’, but as an individual fragment it is ‘immunoreactive’. When this fragment binds to its receptor, it activates the fusion domain of gp41 allowing viral entry into the host CD4+ cells. The conformation of fragment 254–274 of the gp120 domain and fragment 519–541 of the gp41 domain was studied by NMR and MD simulations. The studies were carried out in three varied media—water, DMSO‐d6 and hexafluoroacetone (HFA). The fusogenic nature of the gp41 domain peptide was investigated by 31P NMR experiments with model bilayers prepared from dimyristoyl‐L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine (DMPC). The solvent was seen to exert a major effect on the structure of the two peptides. Fragment (254–274) of gp120 in DMSO‐d6 had a type I β‐turn around the tetrad Val9‐Ser10‐Thr11‐Gln12 while in HFA a helical structure spanning the region Ile5 to Gln12 was seen with the remaining part of the peptide in a random coil structure. It is possible that the β‐turn may constitute an initiation site for the formation of the helix. In water at pH 4.5, the peptide adopted a β‐sheet. The NMR results for fragment 519–541 of gp41 are conclusive of a β‐sheet structure in DMSO‐d6, a conformation which may help in insertion into the membrane, a notion also put forward by others. The 31P NMR studies of DMPC vesicles with this fragment show its fusogenic nature, promoting fusion of unilamellar vesicles to larger agglomerates like multilamellar ones. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational analysis of peptide analogues of silkmoth chorion protein segments using CD, NMR and molecular modelling
Authors: Benaki Dimitra C. , Mikros Emmanuel , Hamodrakas Stavros J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSilkmoth proteins secreted from the follicular cells that surround the oocyte form a large extracellular assembly which is important for protecting and sustaining the structure of the oocyte and the developing embryo. These proteins have been classified into two major families (A and B). Sequence analysis showed conservation of a central domain containing long stretches of six amino acid residue repeats in both families, which have been suggested to be organized in β‐sheet structures. In this work NMR and CD spectra, as well as molecular calculations, have been used to investigate the conformational properties of two synthetic peptides (A and B), analogues of parts of the central domain of silkmoth chorion proteins of the A and B families, respectively. These peptides consist of three tandem repeats of the six‐residue basic motif. Analysis of CD spectra of the two peptides in aqueous solutions and mixtures with organic solvents revealed β‐sheet and turn structural elements with a percentage higher than 40%. NOESY spectra at low temperatures (263–273 K) show sequential nOe connectivities (i, i+1), indicative of a relative flexibility. The presence of H Ni‐HNi+1 cross‐peaks and medium Hαi‐HNi+1 connectivities, chemical shift deviations and temperature coefficient data provide, for the first time, experimental evidence that local folded structures around Gly residues occur in peptide segments of chorion proteins in solution. Simulated annealing calculations were used to examine the conformational space of the peptides and to probe the initial steps of amyloid fibril formation in the case of chorion proteins. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combinatorial approach to the synthesis of cystine based organogelators
Authors: Matteucci Mizio , Bhalay Gurdip , Bradley Mark 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA solid‐phase approach was used to prepare 20 cystine amide derivatives with disulfide bond formation resulting from an intra‐site reaction between neighbouring cysteine residues. Library members were screened as potential organogelators in a range of solvent mixtures and resulted in the identification of a potent gelator able to rigidify water/DMSO mixtures at concentrations as low as 1.3 mM. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptides and multiple antigen peptides from Schistosoma mansoni glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase: preparation, immunogenicity and immunoprotective capacity in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Vepr̆ek Pavel , Jez̆ek Jan , Velek Jir̆í , Tallima Hatem , Montash Mona , Ridi Rashika El 
Published: May 2004

AbstractFour monoepitopic MAPs (MAP A, B, C and E) and one bis‐diepitopic MAP B‐E derived from the primary sequence of Schistosoma mansoni glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, previously tested in BALB/c mice, were examined for their immunogenicity and protective capacity in C57BL/6 mice. Despite multimerization into MAPs, MAP A and MAP C were poorly immunogenic. In contrast to BALB/c mice, MAP E was non‐immunogenic in C57BL/6 mice. Peptide B in the form of MAP B or bis‐diepitopic MAP B‐E elicited immune responses in C57BL/6 mice that were associated with a significant decrease in worm burden.The MAPs were prepared by the stepwise solid‐phase peptide synthesis using Boc/Bzl chemistry, successfully purified on the RP‐HPLC column and characterized by RP‐HPLC, HPCE and MALDI‐TOF MS techniques. A general strategy for MAPs purification is discussed here and the purification of MAP B and MAP E is documented in detail. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a chimeric peptide derived from fasciculin that inhibits acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Falkenstein Roberto J. , Gornalusse Germán G. , Peña Clara 
Published: May 2004

AbstractFasciculins are peptides isolated from mamba (Dendroaspis) venoms which exert their toxic action by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). They contain a characteristic triple stranded antiparallel β‐sheet formed by residues 22–27, 34–39 and 48–53. A chimeric peptide named Fas‐C, encompassing most of these sequences was synthesized using SPPS/Boc‐chemistry and characterized chemically, structurally and functionally. Fas‐C has two disulfide bridges, formed sequentially using dual cysteine protection.SDS‐PAGE patterns, HPLC profiles and MS proved the peptide identity. Circular dichroism indicated the presence of 13.6% and 41.6% of β‐sheet and β‐turn, respectively, comparable to values observed in the native toxin. An inhibitory effect on eel AChE was displayed by the peptide (Ki71.6 ± 18.3 µ M), although not reaching the affinity level of the parent native toxin (Ki 0.3 nM). It is confirmed that the principal binding region of fasciculin to AChE resides within loop II. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐plasmodial activity of some Kenyan medicinal plant extracts singly and in combination with chloroquine
Authors: Muregi F. W. , Chhabra S. C. , Njagi E. N. M. , Lang'at‐Thoruwa C. C. , Njue W. M. , Orago A. S. S. , Omar S. A. , Ndiege I. O. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractSixty organic and aqueous extracts of eleven plants used for the control of malaria by local communities in Kisii District, Kenya were screened for in vitro anti‐plasmodial activity. The plants selection was based on existing ethnobotanical information and interviews with local communities. The extracts were tested against chloroquine sensitive and resistant laboratory adapted strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The study revealed that 63.6% of the plants were active (IC50 ≤ 100 µg/mL). Extracts of four plants, Ekebergia capensis, Stephania abyssinica, Ajuga remota and Clerodendrum myricoides gave IC50 values below 30 µg/mL against both chloroquine sensitive and resistant P. falciparum strains. Combination of extracts of E. capensis and C. myricoides with chloroquine against the multi‐drug resistant P. falciparum isolate (V1/S) revealed synergistic effect. The plants which showed activity may be useful as sources for novel anti‐plasmodial compounds. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of 5,7,3′‐trihydroxy‐3,6,4′‐trimethoxyﬂavone from Brickellia veronicaefolia
Authors: Pérez G. R. M. , Vargas S. R. , Martinez M. F. J. , Cordova R. I. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe antioxidant and antiradical activities of 5,7,3′‐trihydroxy‐3,6,4′‐trimethoxyﬂavone or centaureidin isolated and characterized from Brickellia veronicaefolia were elucidated by heat‐induced oxidation in a β‐carotene and linoleic acid system and by the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl decoloration test. The centaureidin (32.1%) exhibited antioxidative activity less than that of BHT (95.5%) and α‐tocopherol (95.9%) on oxidation in a β‐carotene and linoleic acid system. A moderate antiradical effect (47.6%) compared with BHT (96.7%) and α‐tocopherol (94.6%) in DPPH decoloration test was found. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro anti‐mycobacterial activities of three species of Cola plant extracts (Sterculiaceae)
Authors: Adeniyi B. A. , Groves M. J. , Gangadharam P. R. J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractExtracts obtained from three Nigerian Sterculiaceae plants: Cola accuminata, C. nitida and C. milleni were screened for anti‐mycobacterium properties using a slow growing Mycobacterium bovis ATCC 35738 (designated BCG Mexican and known to have some virulence in mouse and guinea pig) at 1000 µg/ml using the radiometric (BACTEC) method. The extracts were also tested against six fast growing ATCC strains of M. vaccae using the broth microdilution method.The methanol extracts from both leaves, stem bark and root bark of Cola accuminata and from the leaves and stem bark of C. nitida and C. milleni were not active at the highest concentration of 1000 µg/ml. Only the methanol extract of root bark for both C. nitida and C . milleni were found to be potent against both M. bovis and strains of M. vaccae. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. nitida against M. bovis is 125 µg/ml while the MIC of C. milleni against M. bovis is 62.5 µg/ml after at least 6 days of inhibition with growth index (GI) units lesser than or equal to the change in GI units inoculated with a 1/100 of the BACTEC inoculum for a control vial.The minimum inhibitory concentration of C. milleni against the six ATCC strain of M. vaccae ranged from 62.5 µg/ml to 250 µg/ml while for C. nitida ranged from 500 µg/ml to above1000 µg/ml. Evidently, C. milleni has the highest inhibitory activity against both M. bovis and strains of M. vaccae used. Rifampicin, the positive control used has strong activity against M. bovis at the tested concentration of 5 µg and 10 µg/ml and 4 to 8 µg/ml against the six strains of M. vaccae. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patented antiinﬂammatory plant drug development from traditional medicine
Authors: Darshan S. , Doreswamy R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPatents secured on antiinﬂammatory plant drugs derived from 38 plants are reviewed. An attempt has been made to compare the modern and traditional use of plant drugs and to establish the relevance of folk claims in developing modern drugs. The role of plant botanicals such as polysaccharides, terpenes, curcuminoids, alkaloids, etc. in alleviating inﬂammatory diseases including arthritis, rheumatism, acne skin allergy and ulcers is highlighted. Chemicals that alleviate swelling are derived from plants including grape, boswellia, turmeric, devil's claw and some essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, mint, myrrh, millefolia and pine have been patented and used as mixed formulations. Plants containing polysaccharides are the most potent in curing inﬂammatory diseases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy Analysis of the Estimated Process Yield Based on Spk
Authors: Pearn W. L. , Chuang C. C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractProcess yield has been the most basic and common criterion used in the manufacturing industry as a base for measuring process performance. Boyles considered a measurement formula called Spk, which establishes the relationship between the manufacturing specification and the actual process performance, providing an exact (rather than approximate) measure of process yield. Unfortunately, the sampling distribution and the associated statistical properties of Spk are analytically intractable. In this paper, we consider the natural estimator of the measure Spk. We investigate the accuracy of the natural estimator of Spk computationally, using a simulation technique to find the relative bias and the relative mean square error for some commonly used quality requirements. Extensive simulation results are provided and analyzed, which are useful to the engineers for factory applications in measuring process performance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.