bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the PTSD Checklist with older primary care patients
Authors: Cook Joan M. , Elhai Jon D. , Areán Patricia A. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIn this article the authors evaluated the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist's (PCL) psychometric properties in 142 older adult primary care patients screened for several psychiatric disorders. Several established PCL scoring rules were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed a PCL score of 37 achieving optimal sensitivity and specificity, when compared to the PCL's algorithm‐derived PTSD diagnosis (based on whether at least one reexperiencing, three avoidance/numbing, and two hyperarousal symptoms were endorsed with a rating of 3 or higher, indicating at least moderate severity). Among depressed, anxious, and substance abusing older adults, the PCL demonstrated adequate internal consistency. It also revealed similar convergence with the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression scale, found in previous research. Implications for using the PTSD Checklist with community‐dwelling older adults in primary care are discussed.
Preparation of Ready‐to‐use, Stockable and Reconstituted Collagen
Authors: Habermehl Jason , Skopinska Joanna , Boccafoschi Francesca , Sionkowska Alina , Kaczmarek Halina , Laroche Gaétan , Mantovani Diego 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: Collagen is a widely used material in biomedical applications. Although processes that prepare collagen and collagen‐based materials that show suitable properties after extraction exist, a ready‐to‐use, easily stockable, with tailored collagen concentration has not yet been developed. Using rat tail tendons, acid soluble collagen solutions were prepared by two different methods. To improve cell viability of pure collagen films, solutions with physiological pH were also prepared by mixing with NaOH solution. Specimens in the form of thin sheets were then fabricated by solvent evaporation. Next, IR spectroscopy, tensile testing techniques as well as human fibroblast cell morphology and cytotoxicity were used to validate the significant variations in the processes. The results demonstrated that, during the synthesis of collagen stock solution, lyophilization and mechanical blending had little effect on the final properties and therefore offers a method for obtaining solutions with a more homogeneous and modifiable collagen concentration and longer storage time. Neutralizing the stock solution with aqueous NaOH prior to solvent evaporation provided films that had lower mechanical properties but significantly improved biological performance.
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Synthesis and Characterization of Water Soluble Saccharide Functionalized Polysiloxanes and Their Use as Polymer Surfactants for the Stabilization of Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles
Authors: Racles Carmen , Hamaide Thierry 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: Monosaccharide functionalized polysiloxanes bearing either terminal or pendant mannose moieties have been obtained starting from the allyloxyethyl glycoside and appropriate H‐containing siloxane compounds, via hydrosilylation reactions. The starting modified monosaccharide was reacted as trimethylsilyl protected derivative and a convenient method for deprotection of the hydroxyl groups was found in order to avoid the degradation of the polysiloxane chains. The reaction products were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The water solubility of these functionalized polysiloxanes was investigated and critical micelle concentration values were found to be in the range 10−4–10−5 M. Some of the water soluble compounds were used as non ionic surfactants for the elaboration of poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation, and particle sizes of less than 200 nm were observed.
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Lysine carboxylation in proteins: OXA‐10 β‐lactamase
Authors: Li Jie , Cross Jason B. , Vreven Thom , Meroueh Samy O. , Mobashery Shahriar , Schlegel H. Bernhard 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAn increasing number of proteins are being shown to have an Nζ‐carboxylated lysine in their structures, a posttranslational modification of proteins that proceeds without the intervention of a specific enzyme. The role of the carboxylated lysine in these proteins is typically structural (hydrogen bonding or metal coordination). However, carboxylated lysines in the active sites of OXA‐10 and OXA‐1 β‐lactamases and the sensor domain of BlaR signal‐transducer protein serve in proton transfer events required for the functions of these proteins. These examples demonstrate the utility of this unusual amino acid in acid‐base chemistry, in expansion of function beyond those of the 20 standard amino acids. In this study, the ONIOM quantum‐mechanical/molecular‐mechanical (QM/MM) method is used to study the carboxylation of lysine in the OXA‐10 β‐lactamase. Lys‐70 and the active site of the OXA‐10 β‐lactamase were treated with B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) density functional calculations and the remainder of the enzyme with the AMBER molecular mechanics force field. The barriers for unassisted carboxylation of neutral lysine by carbon dioxide or bicarbonate are high. However, when the reaction with CO2 is catalyzed by a molecule of water in the active site, it is exothermic by about 13 kcal/mol, with a barrier of approximately 14 kcal/mol. The calculations show that the carboxylation and decarboxylation of Lys‐70 are likely to be accompanied by deprotonation and protonation of the carbamate, respectively. The analysis may also be relevant for other proteins with carboxylated lysines, a feature that may be more common in nature than previously appreciated. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of functionally phagocyte‐type NAD(P)H oxidase in pericytes: effect of angiotensin II and high glucose
Authors: Manea Adrian , Raicu Monica , Simionescu Maya 
Published: August 2005

Background information. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the involvement of the oxidative stress in the development of vascular complications associated with diabetes, such as hypertension, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms accountable for the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remain uncertain. Among others, the NAD(P)H oxidase is one of the most important sources of superoxide anion (O2−) that induce dysfunction of vascular cells. Pericytes (PCs) have an essential role in the capillary dysfunction in retinopathy and other vascular complications in diabetes. We questioned whether PCs express a functional phagocyte‐type NAD(P)H oxidase, and examined the role of angiotensin II and high glucose on the activity of the oxidase complex and expression of the essential subunit p22phox.Results. The mRNA expression of p22phox, p47phox, p67phox and NOX 1 subunits, and the lack of gp91phox component, were detected in PCs by reverse transcriptase PCR. Western‐blotting analysis demonstrated the protein expression of p22phox, p47phox and p67phox subunits. As compared with the normal condition, stimulation of PCs with angiotensin II or high glucose induced: (i) an increase in ROS production and NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and (ii) an up‐regulation of p22phox mRNA and protein expression.Conclusions. Taken together, the present study provides the first evidence that PCs express a functional phagocyte‐type NAD(P)H oxidase, which is up‐regulated by both angiotensin II and high glucose. Given the importance of ROS in vascular physiology and pathology, the NAD(P)H oxidase complex could be an important therapeutic target in the treatment of microvascular disorders.
Effect of sildenafil and acclimatization on cerebral oxygenation at altitude
Authors: Chan Colin W. M. , Hoar Helen , Pattinson Kyle , Bradwell Arthur R. , Wright Alexander D. , Imray Christopher H. E. ,   Expeditionary Society the Birmingham Medical Research
Published: August 2005

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors decrease hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction under hypobaric hypoxia, but are not known to affect cerebral blood flow or oxygenation. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of sildenafil on cerebral haemodynamics during acute exposure to altitude and after acclimatization. Ten subjects were studied 1 and 3 days after rapid ascent to 3480 m before and for two consecutive hours after taking sildenafil (50 mg). Before acclimatization, HR (heart rate) rose at 1 h (76.3±1.0 beats/min compared with 72.5±1.5 beats/min at baseline; P&lt;0.05) and had returned to baseline at 2 h (71.3±1.1 beats/min; P&gt;0.05). Mean BP (blood pressure) fell from 96.0±2.0 mmHg at baseline to 91.7±2.5 (P&lt;0.001) at 1 h and 89.8±1.8 mmHg (P&lt;0.0001) at 2 h, whereas SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) increased from 83.9±0.5% at baseline to 85.3±0.4% (P&lt;0.0001) at 1 h and 85.0±0.5% (P&lt;0.01) at 2 h. MCAV [MCA (middle cerebral artery) velocity] and PETCO2 (end-tidal partial pressure of CO2) were unchanged, but rSO2 (regional cerebral oxygen saturation) rose progressively at 1 h (62.7±0.8%; P&lt;0.05) and 2 h (65.3±0.9%; P&lt;0.0001) compared with baseline (59.3±1.3%). After 3 days of acclimatization, resting rSO2 and RMCA (MCA resistance) increased and oxygen delivery fell. Changes in HR and mean BP after sildenafil were similar to day 1, but SaO2 did not change. However, rSO2 increased [61.7±0.9% at baseline to 65.0±1.0% (P&lt;0.0001) at 1 h and 64.0±0.9% (P&lt;0.001) at 2h], despite a reduction in MCAV [65.3±1.8 cm/s at baseline to 61.3±1.5 cm/s (P&lt;0.01) at 1 h and 60.9±1.7 cm/s (P&lt;0.0001) at 2 h] and PETCO2 [4.1±0.05 kPa at baseline to 4.0±0.04 kPa at 2 h (P&lt;0.01)]. These observations suggest that sildenafil improves cerebral oxygenation at altitude. Whereas the early changes before acclimatization may be largely pulmonary in origin, the later observations may be a direct cerebral effect which warrants further study.
Clinical transplantation: current problems, possible solutions
Authors: Calne Roy 
Published: August 2005

I have attempted to summarize the progress that has been made in organ transplantation in the past 50 years since the first identical twin transplant. For those who have worked long in this area its success has been remarkable. We currently expect patients to survive the operation and more than 90% of the graft to be functioning at a year with the half-life of the graft beyond 10 years, with some patients surviving into the fifth decade after kidney transplantation with grafts from unrelated donors and the fourth decade for liver transplants. Now the main stumbling block is shortage of organ donors and this is unlikely to be solved easily. There has been a considerable increase in donations from living volunteers and also the worry of immoral and illegal practices.
In the future, we can expect considerable advances in immunosuppression with more effective, less toxic drugs and in some patients induction therapy that may approach tolerance so that no maintenance therapy will eventually be needed. Cell transplantation is likely to be developed as treatment for the clinic in the next 5–10 years, but developments of transplantation from animal to man still remains unsolved and unlikely to be successful in the clinic in the near future.
A Limited Sampling Model for Estimating Pharmacokinetics of CPT‐11 and Its Metabolite SN‐38
Authors: Sasaki Yasutsuna , Mizuno Shoichi , Fujii Hirofumi , Ohtsu Tomoko , Wakita Hisashi , Igarashi Tadahiko , Itoh Kuniaki , Sekine Ikuo , Miyata Yoshinori , Saijo Nagahiro 
Published: August 2005

The objective of this study was to develop a limited sampling model (LSM) to estimate the area under the curve (AUC) of 7‐ethyl‐10‐[4‐(1‐piperidino)‐1‐piperidino]carbonyloxycamptothecin (CPT‐11) and that of 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38) as predictive pharmacokinetic variables for leukopenia and episodes of diarrhea induced by CPT‐11 administration. The model was developed with a training set consisting of pharmacokinetic studies in 36 patients who received a 90‐min i.v. infusion of CPT‐11 at a dose of 100 mg/m2. A multiple regression analysis of CPT‐11 or SN‐38 concentrations observed at each time point in the training set was used to predict the AUC of CPT‐11 or SN‐38. The final sampling models using only two time points were:AUCCPT‐11=3.7891★C2.5+14.0479*C13.5+1.5463AUCSN‐38=0.5319★C2.5+19.1468*C13.5+72.7349where C2.5 and C13.5 are the plasma concentration of CPT‐11 (μg/ml) or SN‐38 (ng/ml) at 2.5 and 13.5 h after the initiation of CPT‐11 infusion, respectively. The models were validated prospectively on a separate test data set of 12 patients receiving the same dose of CPT‐11 investigated in a previous study. Validation of the final LSM on the test data set gave values of root mean square error (RMSE) of 12.72% and 5.97% for the AUC of CPT‐11 and that of SN‐38, respectively. The model can be used to monitor the AUCs of both CPT‐11 and SN‐38 for the early prediction of toxicities and to establish a pharmacokinetically based dose modification strategy for safe administration of CPT‐11.
Vaccinations with T‐helper type 1 directing adjuvants have different suppressive effects on the development of allergen‐induced T‐helper type 2 responses
Authors: Trujillo‐Vargas C. M. , Mayer K. D. , Bickert T. , Palmetshofer A. , Grunewald S. , Ramirez‐Pineda J. R. , Polte T. , Hansen G. , Wohlleben G. , Erb K. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryBackground
Allergen‐induced T‐helper type 2 (Th2) responses can be inhibited with Th1 directing vaccines. However, studies comparing the efficacy of the different adjuvants have not been performed in detail.Objective
For this reason we compare the effects of live Bacillus–Calmette–Guerin(BCG), heat‐killed (hk)‐BCG, CpG‐ODN (oligodeoxynucleotide) or PPD on the development of allergen‐induced Th2 responses in mice.Methods
Ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific allergic responses were induced in C57BL/6 mice by two intraperitoneally (i.p.) applications of OVA/alum followed by the intranasal challenge with OVA. The different Th1‐inducing adjuvants were applied to the mice together with OVA/alum i.p. during the OVA‐sensitization period and, subsequently, different parameters of allergic immune responses were evaluated.Results
All the adjuvants were effective in inhibiting the development of allergen‐induced airway eosinophilia, mucous production and, with the exception of PPD, also airway hyper‐reactivity, when they were applied together with OVA/alum. However, allergen‐specific IgG1 and IgE serum levels were only reduced in live BCG‐ and PPD‐treated mice. Suppression of airway eosinophilia was not observed in IFN‐γ‐ or IL‐12‐deficient mice (hk‐BCG, CpG‐ODN and PPD). Interestingly, live BCG was still able to suppress allergen‐induced Th2 responses in the absence of either IFN‐γ or IL‐12. When mice vaccinated with the different adjuvants together with OVA/alum were subjected to a second period of OVA/alum immunization, only live and hk‐BCG were able to efficiently suppress the development of airway inflammation. This effect could be adoptively transferred by splenic CD4+ T cells.Conclusions
Taken together our data suggest that live BCG>hk‐BCG>CpG‐ODN >PPD are effective in suppressing allergen‐induced Th2 responses. The degree of suppression and the component of the Th2 response affected (airway inflammation vs. the production of allergen‐specific IgE and IgG1) were dependent upon the adjuvant used and how it was applied. Our results contribute to the design of novel vaccines protecting humans from developing allergic disorders.
SRD5A2 gene analysis in an Italian population of under‐masculinized 46,XY subjects
Authors: Nicoletti Annalisa , Baldazzi Lilia , Balsamo Antonio , Barp Lorella , Pirazzoli Piero , Gennari Monia , Radetti Giorgio , Cacciari Emanuele , Cicognani Alessandro 
Published: August 2005

SummaryObjective  The differential diagnosis of male under‐masculinization, including a wide spectrum of phenotypes and a heterogeneous genetic basis, is crucial for the correct management of the patients. To characterize an Italian population of under‐masculinized males, we performed the molecular analysis of the SRD5A2 gene (2p23), encoding the 5α‐reductase‐2 enzyme that converts testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and is required for full masculinization of the male foetus.Design and patients  Twenty‐six Italian patients with 46,XY kariotype and various degrees of ambiguous genitalia were retrospectively selected for this study. Twelve of these patients, 10 of whom were referred for partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), were raised as females; 15 were raised as males and all had a severe hypospadias. For most of the patients, the case histories and hormonal findings were incomplete but all could be included in the clinical characteristics of under‐masculinization.Measurement  For hormonal evaluation, T and DHT were measured by means of radioimmunoassay (RIA) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐RIA methods, respectively. Genomic DNA of all patients and relatives was extracted from peripheral blood, the five exons of the SRD5A2 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and submitted to automatic sequencing.Results  Five known mutations affecting the NADPH binding function and one new mutation affecting the enzyme C‐terminus were identified in a total of eight patients (two of whom were sisters). Five families were characterized, and in two patients only one affected allele was observed. The extension of the analysis to the regions flanking exons allowed the identification of a new polymorphism in intron 2, whose frequency was determined.Conclusion  This first report of an Italian population underlines the importance of differential diagnoses in patients with under‐masculinization. The lack of precise genotype–phenotype correlation in some of the mutations highlights the necessity to improve knowledge about the biochemical aspects of steroid 5α‐reductase action and about the interactions of genetic and environmental factors.
Hydathodal leaf teeth of Chloranthus japonicus (Chloranthaceae) prevent guttation‐induced flooding of the mesophyll
Authors: FEILD TAYLOR S. , SAGE TAMMY L. , CZERNIAK CHRISTINE , ILES WILLIAM J. D. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTWhy the leaves of cold temperate deciduous and moisture‐loving angiosperms are so often toothed has long puzzled biologists because the functional consequences of teeth remain poorly understood. Here we provide functional and structural evidence that marginal leaf teeth of Chloranthus japonicus, an understory herb, enable the release of guttation sap during root pressure. When guttation from teeth hydathodes was experimentally blocked, we found that the leaf intercellular airspaces became flooded. Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence revealed that internal flooding resulted in an inhibition of photosynthesis, most likely through the formation of a film of water within the leaf that reduced CO2 diffusion. Comparing a developmental series of leaves with and without teeth experimentally covered with wax, we found that teeth did not affect overall leaf stomatal conductance and CO2 uptake. However, maximal and effective light‐saturation PSII quantum yields of teeth were found to be lower or equal to the surrounding lamina throughout leaf ontogeny. Collectively, our results suggest hydathodes and their development on teeth apices enable the avoidance of mesophyll flooding by root pressure. We discuss how these new findings bear on the potential physiological interpretations of models that apply leaf marginal traits to infer ancient climates.
The role of dietary cations in the blood pressure of renal transplant recipients
Authors: Ramesh Prasad GV , Huang Michael , Nash Michelle M , Zaltzman Jeffrey S 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  Background:  The role of dietary cations in hypertension has been evaluated in the general population and selected subgroups, but its contribution to blood pressure (BP) elevations in patients with functional renal allografts has not been critically examined.Methods:  After counseling based on Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines, we measured timed 24‐h urine excretion rates of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium as a surrogate for their dietary intake, in 244 stable adult single‐organ renal transplant recipients, correlating these with averaged blinded clinic‐measured BP values. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for factors affecting BP in transplant recipients was performed.Results:  There was no correlation between systolic (SBP) or diastolic pressure (DBP) and 24‐h urine excretion rates of each cation. There was no BP difference between patients receiving cyclosporine and tacrolimus (127/77 vs. 129/78 mmHg, p = 0.38), or in cation excretion except for calcium (2.85 ± 2.0 vs. 2.90 ± 2.8, p = 0.002). Protein excretion (p < 0.0001), age (p = 0.002), and weight (p = 0.04) were positively associated with SBP, while only weight (p = 0.01) was associated with DBP by multivariate analysis.Conclusion:  Dietary cation intake is not significantly associated with BP in renal transplant recipients. These data do not support recommendations to alter dietary cation intake as part of the management of post‐transplantation hypertension.
An Industry‐specific Study of Factors Contributing to the Maintenance and Longevity of Quality Circles
Authors: Sheffield Dianna T. , Godkin Lynn , Drapeau Richard 
Published: August 2005

SUMMARYLawler and Mohrman (1987), as others (Griffin, 1988; Marks et al., 1986), have associated a‘honeymoon effect’ (Lawler and Mohrman, 1987) or period of‘initial momentum’ (Solberg, 1985) with quality circle (QC) progress. They have been shown to be successful for about 2 years before there is a decline (Griffin, 1988). Focusing on a single synthetic rubber manufacturing facility, individuals who had participated in QCs at the site were surveyed. Because the QC programme had been in place for 7 years, this study sought to determine what factors contributed to that longevity
Serum sickness in a dog associated with antivenin therapy for snake bite caused by Crotalus adamanteus
Authors: Berdoulay Paul , Schaer Michael , Starr Jessica 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective: This case report describes antivenin‐associated acute and delayed hypersensitivity reactions in a dog envenomated by an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), specifically reviewing the syndrome of antivenin‐associated serum sickness. Clinician awareness of this syndrome is important in order to allow for its recognition and appropriate treatment.Case summary: A Boxer dog was envenomated by an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Shock, echinocytosis, and coagulopathy were manifested, and the dog was given antivenin crotalidae polyvalent therapy and supportive care. The early onset of an anaphylactoid reaction was attributed to antivenin therapy and was managed with diphenhydramine and subcutaneous epinephrine therapy. Fever, chemosis, and limb edema occurred during the 3rd through 6th hospital days following antivenin therapy and were consistent with serum sickness syndrome as described in humans. Further immunoassay support reflecting complement activation and response to treatment were characteristic.New information provided: To our knowledge, this describes the first reported case of antivenin‐associated serum sickness in a dog.