bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale motor examination: Are ratings of nurses, residents in neurology, and movement disorders specialists interchangeable?
Authors: Post Bart , Merkus Maruschka P. , de Bie Rob M.A. , de Haan Rob J. , Speelman Johannes D. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is widely used for the clinical evaluation of Parkinson's disease (PD). We assessed the rater variability of the UPDRS Motor examination (UPDRS‐ME) of nurse practitioners, residents in neurology, and a movement disorders specialist (MDS) compared to a senior MDS. We assessed the videotaped UPDRS‐ME of 50 PD patients. Inter‐rater and intra‐rater variability were estimated using weighted kappa (κw) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Additionally, inter‐rater agreement was quantified by calculation of the mean difference between 2 raters and its 95% limits of agreement. Intra‐rater agreement was also estimated by calculation of a 95% repeatability limits. The κw and ICC statistics indicated good to very good inter‐rater and intra‐rater reliability for the majority of individual UPDRS items and the sum score of the UPDRS‐ME in all raters. However, for inter‐rater agreement, it appeared that both nurses, residents, and the MDS consistently assigned higher scores than the senior MDS. Mean differences ranged between 1.7 and 5.4 (all differences P < 0.05), with rather wide 95% limits of agreement. The intra‐rater 95% repeatability limits were rather wide. We found considerable rater difference for the whole range of UPDRS‐ME scores between a senior MDS and nurse practitioners, residents in neurology, and the MDS. This finding suggests that the amount by which raters may disagree should be quantified before starting longitudinal studies of disease progression or clinical trials. Finally, evaluation of rater agreement should always include the assessment of the extent of bias between different raters. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
ESR spin‐label study of poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks with controlled hydrogen‐bond interactions
Authors: Qiu Furong , Chen Shiming , Ping Zhenghua , Yin Gongming 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe morphology and miscibility of semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPN) prepared with poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid) [P(S‐co‐MAA)] of different carboxylic acid contents and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) have been studied by ESR spin‐label method. The ESR spectra of spin‐labeled PCL showed one motional component at any specific temperature. It indicated that the spin‐labeled molecules were located in one type of environment. The coexistence of two motional components in the ESR spectra of all semi‐IPN samples was observed over a certain temperature range. This phenomenon suggested that the semi‐IPNs were not compatible systems; they contained two microphases, a PCL‐rich microdomain and a P(S‐co‐MAA)‐rich microdomain. The miscibility could be improved by increasing the carboxylic acid content, which could enhance the hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the ester groups of PCL and carboxylic acid groups in P(S‐co‐MAA). It was also found that the intracomponent cross‐linking of the semi‐IPNs was not in favor of the miscibility. The microphase separation occurred in all semi‐IPNs, even in the samples having strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions. With increasing cross‐linking density, the microphase separation became more remarkable. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sural/radial nerve amplitude ratio: Reference values in healthy subjects
Authors: Overbeek Berno U. H. , van Alfen Nens , Bor Jose A. , Zwarts Machiel J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe sural/radial nerve amplitude ratio (SRAR) has been proposed as a sensitive indicator of early‐stage axonal polyneuropathy. However, previous studies did not take into account the effect of sex differences or different calculating methods. To obtain reference values and information on the variability of the SRAR in daily practice, we measured amplitudes of sural and superficial radial sensory nerve action potentials in 106 healthy adults, correlated them with epidemiological variables, and calculated the SRAR in several ways. Our results show that the SRAR is a robust measure, independent of age, weight, sex, or method of calculation. The use of bilateral measurements is recommended. The cut‐off value (5th percentile) of 0.2 in these healthy subjects is much lower than found previously, especially compared to defining cut‐off values by comparing patients with matched controls. Further study is needed to establish the clinical value of this SRAR in the early detection of axonal polyneuropathies. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Sural sensory action potential identifies diabetic peripheral neuropathy responders to therapy
Authors: Vinik Aaron I. , Bril Vera , Litchy William J. , Price Karen L. , Bastyr Edward J. ,   MBBQ STUDY GROUP
Published: August 2005

AbstractIdentifying patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) amenable to therapy is a challenge. To determine whether the amplitude of the sural sensory nerve action potential (sural SNAP) reflects the severity of DPN, an analysis was performed on 205 patients with DPN, identified by an abnormal vibration detection threshold (VDT), who were enrolled in a multinational clinical trial investigating ruboxistaurin (RBX) mesylate. Nerve conduction velocity and response amplitude and latency were measured and compared. VDT was significantly lower in those with preserved sural SNAPs (n = 128) than in those in whom they were absent (n = 77; 21.5 vs. 22.7 JND units, P = 0.002). Thus, preserved sural SNAP denoted less severe DPN. Logistic regression analyses evaluating baseline characteristics, HbA1c, and baseline symptom scores identified only DPN duration as a factor that might contribute to the presence of sural SNAP (P = 0.004; OR = 0.896). For patients with abnormal VDT, preserved sural SNAP identifies a patient population with less severe DPN who may respond to therapeutic intervention in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Optimal joint preventive maintenance and production policies
Authors: Yao Xiaodong , Xie Xiaolan , Fu Michael C. , Marcus Steven I. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe study joint preventive maintenance (PM) and production policies for an unreliable production‐inventory system in which maintenance/repair times are non‐negligible and stochastic. A joint policy decides (a) whether or not to perform PM and (b) if PM is not performed, then how much to produce. We consider a discrete‐time system, formulating the problem as a Markov decision process (MDP) model. The focus of the work is on the structural properties of optimal joint policies, given the system state comprised of the system's age and the inventory level. Although our analysis indicates that the structure of optimal joint policies is very complex in general, we are able to characterize several properties regarding PM and production, including optimal production/maintenance actions under backlogging and high inventory levels, and conditions under which the PM portion of the joint policy has a control‐limit structure. In further special cases, such as when PM set‐up costs are negligible compared to PM times, we are able to establish some additional structural properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2005.
Density Measurement of Helium Metastable States by Absorption Spectroscopy in an Inductively Coupled Plasma
Authors: Li Ying , Chen Zhuo , Pu Yi‐Kang 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: The densities of He metastable states 23S1 and 21S0 are measured by absorption spectroscopy. The emission lines 388.9 nm and 501.6 nm from inductively coupled He plasmas doped with 5% of nitrogen are used in order to determine the gas temperature. The operating conditions are the following: gas pressures between 0.4 Pa and 2 Pa; and r.f. powers between 100 and 700 W. The measured values for the metastables densities were found to range from 3.9 × 1015 m−3 to 2.3 × 1016 m−3 for the 23S1 state, and from 9.5 × 1014 m−3 to 6.9 × 1015 m−3 for the 21S0 state, respectively. For a constant r.f. power level, the density first increases and then decreases with rising the pressure. For a fixed value of the pressure, it increases monotonically with increasing the r.f. power. The densities of the metastable states are lower than that of the ground state by four orders of magnitude.Evolution of the metastables density with the pressure for 21S0 → 31P1 transition (501.6 nm).magnified imageEvolution of the metastables density with the pressure for 21S0 → 31P1 transition (501.6 nm).
Antimicrobial activities of Barringtonia acutangula
Authors: Rahman M. Mukhlesur , Polfreman David , MacGeachan Jodie , Gray Alexander I. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractCrude extracts and VLC fractions from the stem bark of Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn (Fam. Lecythidaceae) were screened for their antimicrobial activities against two Gram‐positive bacteria, two Gram‐negative bacteria and two fungi using a microdilution titre assay. Among the crude extracts, petroleum ether extract showed good activity against all test organisms. The VLC fraction PE 16 was found to be very effective against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 25 µg/ml) and Aspergillus niger (MIC = 12.5 µg/ml). The activities were compared to standard antibiotics‐kanamycin and fluconazole. The major compound from PE16 was identified as 12, 20(29)‐lupadien‐3‐ol by NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba on haemostatic factors and inflammation in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Kim Su Hee , Lee Eun Kyoung , Chang Jai Won , Min Won Ki , Chi Hyun Sook , Kim Soon Bae 
Published: August 2005

AbstractGinkgo biloba extract decreased plasma D‐dimer concentration, a marker of intravascular coagulation, in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. Blood levels of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, hs‐CRP, albumin and liver enzyme levels were not significantly changed. No bleeding episode was reported. These results suggest that Ginkgo biloba extract was effective in partially reversing the thrombogenic coagulation profile without increasing the risk of bleeding. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Botanical therapies in sexual dysfunction
Authors: Tharakan Binu , Manyam Bala V. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSexual dysfunction is a serious medical and social symptom that occurs in 10%–52% in men and 25%–63% in women. Numerous central and peripheral neural circuits control sexual activity. Impairment of one or more of these functional circuits may have a significant impact on personal, social and biological relationships. Although several aspects of sexual motivation and performance are known, a complete picture of the various factors that control human sexual activity is still unknown. The available drugs and treatments have limited efficacy, unpleasant side effects and contraindications in certain disease conditions. A variety of botanicals are known to have a potential effect on the sexual functions, supporting older claims and offering newer hopes. This review, while evaluating various factors that control sexual function, identifies a variety of botanicals that may be potentially useful in treating sexual dysfunction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hange‐koboku‐to, a Kampo medicine, modulates cerebral levels of 5‐HT (5‐hydroxytryptamine), NA (noradrenaline) and DA (dopamine) in mice
Authors: Kaneko Akiyo , Cho Shigefumi , Hirai Koichi , Okabe Tetsuro , Iwasaki Koh , Nanba Yoshio , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Cyong Jong‐Chol 
Published: August 2005

AbstractCerebral monoamine systems play important pathogenic roles in various psychiatric and neurologic diseases, such as depression, anxiety and swallowing disturbance. Hange‐koboku‐to, a Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine, has been successfully used for the treatment of these disorders. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying its clinical efficacy for these disorders, the effects of Hange‐koboku‐to (500 mg/kg, p.o.) on the cerebral monoamine systems were examined. Regional levels of 5‐HT (5‐hydroxytryptamine), NA (noradrenaline), DA (dopamine) and their metabolites in mouse brain were measured using a high‐performance liquid chromatography system. Hange‐koboku‐to increased the 5‐HT and NA levels and decreased 5‐HIAA (5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid), thus decreasing 5‐HT and NA turnover (metabolites/monoamine ratio) in the hypothalamus. The levels of DA, DOPAC (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) and HVA (4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐phenylacetic acid) were all increased, resulting in a decreased DA turnover in the striatum. Since decreased 5‐HT turnover has been observed after administration of various antidepressants, Hange‐koboku‐to‐mediated reduction of 5‐HT turnover may be related to the clinical efficacy of this Kampo medicine on certain psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, the beneficial therapeutic effects of Hange‐koboku‐to on swallowing disturbance may be related to the increased cerebral DA level brought about by this Kampo medicine. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Callophyllis japonica
Authors: Kang Kyoung Ah , Bu Hyung Deuk , Park Dal Soo , Go Gyung Min , Jee Youngheun , Shin Taekyun , Hyun Jin Won 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe antioxidant properties of the red seaweed Callophyllis japonica were investigated. An ethanol extract isolated from C. japonica exhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity. The radical scavenging activity of the extract protected the viability of Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79‐4) cells exposed to H2O2. Furthermore, the extract reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells induced by H2O2, as demonstrated by decreased sub‐G1 hypo‐diploid cells and decreased apoptotic body formation. The extract also increased the activities of the cellular antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Together, these findings suggest that C. japonica exhibits antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brazilian phytopharmaceuticals – evaluation against hospital bacteria
Authors: de Barros Machado Thelma , Leal Ivana Correa Ramos , Kuster Ricardo Machado , Amaral Ana Claudia Fernandes , Kokis Valéria , de Silva Marlei G. , dos Santos Kátia Regina Netto 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPharmaceutical companies have demonstrated renewed interest in investigating higher plants as sources for new lead structures and also for the development of standardized phytotherapeutic agents of proven efficacy, safety and quality. This work analysed three commercial phytopharmaceuticals against multi‐resistant bacteria of medical importance, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the Brazilian endemic clone. From the phytopharmaceuticals assayed, plants from the products ‘Astmoflora®’ and ‘Kókolos®’ were considered active, while plants from ‘Uva do Mato®’ were not active in the tested concentrations, which ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL. Among fractions of Aristolochia cymbifera and Myroxylon balsamum, the hexane extracts showed the best results against Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These fractions showed growth inhibition of all methicillin‐sensitive and ‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and the majority of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. Bioassay‐guided fractionation of hexane extracts of Aristolochia cymbifera and Myroxylon balsamum led to the identification of the diterpene 2‐oxo‐populifolic acid and of the chalcone isoliquiritigenin, respectively, as antimicrobial compounds. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 expression in mouse macrophages by 4‐(3‐methyl‐but‐1‐enyl)‐3,5,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene, a resveratrol derivative from peanuts
Authors: Patel Bankim , Patel Sandip , Hoffman Richard 
Published: August 2005

AbstractResveratrol derivatives are of interest as inhibitors of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 and as antiinflammatory agents. The prenylated resveratrol derivative 4‐(3‐methyl‐but‐1‐enyl)‐3,5,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene was purified from fungally infected peanuts by thin layer chromatography and its structure was confirmed by mass spectrometry. 4‐(3‐Methyl‐but‐1‐enyl)‐3,5,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene inhibited lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 protein and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 mRNA in mouse macrophages at concentrations that were non‐cytotoxic. 4‐(3‐Methyl‐but‐1‐enyl)‐3,5,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene warrants further evaluation as an antiinflammatory agent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isopimaric acid from Pinus nigra shows activity against multidrug‐resistant and EMRSA strains of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Smith Eileen , Williamson Elizabeth , Zloh Mire , Gibbons Simon 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe diterpene isopimaric acid was extracted from the immature cones of Pinus nigra (Arnold) using bioassay‐guided fractionation of a crude hexane extract. Isopimaric acid was assayed against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 32–64 µg/mL and compared with a commercially obtained resin acid, abietic acid, with MICs of 64 µg/mL. Resin acids are known to have antibacterial activity and are valued in traditional medicine for their antiseptic properties. These results show that isopimaric acid is active against MDR and MRSA strains of S. aureus which are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Both compounds were evaluated for modulation activity in combination with antibiotics, but did not potentiate the activity of the antibiotics tested. However, the compounds were also assayed in combination with the efflux pump inhibitor reserpine, to see if inhibition of the TetK or NorA efflux pump increased their activity. Interestingly, rather than a potentiation of activity by a reduction in MIC, a two to four‐fold increase in MIC was seen. It may be that isopimaric acid and abietic acid are not substrates for these efflux pumps, but it is also possible that an antagonistic interaction with reserpine may render the antibiotics inactive. 1H‐NMR of abietic acid and reserpine taken individually and in combination, revealed a shift in resonance of some peaks for both compounds when mixed together compared with the spectra of the compounds on their own. It is proposed that this may be due to complex formation between abietic acid and reserpine and that this complex formation is responsible for a reduction in activity and elevation of MIC. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modified myocardial performance (Tei) index based on the use of valve clicks improves reproducibility of fetal left cardiac function assessment
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E. , López‐Tenorio J. , Figueroa‐Diesel H. , Sanin‐Blair J. , Carreras E. , Cabero L. , Gratacos E. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether a modified myocardial performance index (Mod‐MPI) involving assessment of the movements (clicks) of the mitral valve (MV) and aortic valve (AV), improves intra‐ and interobserver agreement as compared to the previously reported method for MPI estimation.MethodsThe Mod‐MPI was recorded by two experienced operators in the left cardiac chambers of 25 normally grown fetuses using pulsed Doppler ultrasonography. The isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) was measured from the closure of the MV to the opening of the AV, the ejection time (ET) from the opening to the closure of the AV, and the isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) from the closure of the AV to the opening of the MV. The Mod‐MPI was calculated as (ICT + IRT)/ET. In addition, the MPI was estimated without using the valve clicks (F‐MPI) as previously described. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement were then analyzed for both modalities.ResultsThere was a significantly lower intra‐ and inter‐observer variability in the estimation of all time periods with the Mod‐MPI than with the F‐MPI (ICT: intra‐observer, 9.9% vs. 13.9%; interobserver 9.9% vs. 15.6%; IRT: intraobserver, 9.9% vs. 14.8%; interobserver 10.4% vs. 18.3%; and ET: intraobserver, 4.5% vs. 6.1%; interobserver 2.8% vs. 5.2%, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficient (IntraCC) for the Mod‐MPI was 0.8 (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.56–0.9) and for the F‐MPI, the IntraCC was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.26–0.84); P = 0.01. Agreement between observers using the Mod‐MPI showed a mean difference of 0.0 with 95% limits of agreement (LA) −0.09 (95% CI, −0.1 to −0.075) to 0.09 (95% CI, 0.075–0.1) and for the F‐MPI the mean difference was −0.01 with 95% LA −0.26 (95% CI, −0.3 to −0.22) to 0.25 (95% CI, 0.21–0.29).ConclusionCalculation of the Mod‐MPI based on Doppler echoes of the MV and AV clicks is associated with a lower variation and better inter‐ and intraobserver agreement than the previously used method for fetal cardiac evaluation. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ductus venosus shunting in marmoset and baboon fetuses
Authors: Tchirikov M. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N. , Nathanielsz P. W. , Beindorff N. , Schröder H. J. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectivesThe increased shunting of blood through the ductus venosus (DV) during stress situations is an important mechanism that ensures fetal survival. Although primate fetuses may serve to study the function of this important venous shunt, the rate of DV shunting has not been determined in non‐human primates under normal conditions.MethodsDV shunting was measured in 11 marmoset (eight mothers) and eight singleton baboon fetuses in mid and late gestation using Doppler ultrasound.ResultsDV shunting in marmosets was 39 ± 20% (mean ± SD) and 28 ± 8% in baboon fetuses. Umbilical vein (UV) blood volume rate increased significantly in baboons with gestational age (GA) (UV flow volume = −111.8 + 1.6*GA; r = 0.94, P < 0.05) and slightly in marmosets (UV flow volume = −10.37 + 0.13*GA; r = 0.42, P > 0.05). Both UV diameter (r = 0.84) and the time‐averaged mean UV flow velocity in baboons depended on GA (r = 0.8, P < 0.05). Distinct pulsation was found in marmoset fetuses in the UV (pulsatility index (PI) = 1.3 ± 0.9) and the DV (PI = 1.9 ± 1.2) with zero blood flow velocity during atrial contraction.ConclusionsA high level of pulsation is observed in the UV in marmoset fetuses. DV shunting in marmosets is higher than in baboon fetuses. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.