bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Low‐Intensity Acenocoumarol on Frequency and Severity of Migraine Attacks
Authors: Wammes‐van der Elisabeth A. , PharmD Heijden , Smidt Martijn H. , Tijssen Cees C. , Van‘t Hoff Annelies R. , Lenderink, PharmD Albert W. , Egberts, PharmD Antoine C.G. 
Published: February 2005

Objective.—To investigate the effect of low‐intensity acenocoumarol treatment (target INR 1.5 to 2.0) on the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.Background.—The positive effect of anticoagulation on migraine has been described in case reports and observational studies.Methods.—We conducted a randomized, open, crossover study in migraine patients. After a run‐in period of 8 weeks, all patients received acenocoumarol or propranolol during a period of 12 weeks and, after a washout period of 2 weeks, propranolol or acenocoumarol during a second period of 12 weeks.Results.—Nineteen patients fulfilling the criteria were included. In 12 patients with complete data collection, only one good responder could be noted. In the other patients, treatment with low‐intensity acenocoumarol did not show improvement of migraine symptoms compared with the run‐in period. Treatment with propranolol showed a trend towards improvement compared with the run‐in period. No serious adverse events were observed.Conclusions.—Overall, low‐intensity acenocoumarol treatment has no prophylactic effect in migraine patients.
Nurse Counseling of Patients With an Overconsumption of Alcohol
Authors: Willaing Ingrid , Ladelund Steen 
Published: February 2005

Purpose:

To identify the associations between self‐reported alcohol‐related clinical practice among hospital nurses and their (a) self‐rated qualifications for counseling on alcohol, and (b) attitudes toward care of patients with an overconsumption of alcohol.
Design and Methods:

A survey based on self‐administered questionnaires was undertaken at a Danish University Hospital in the Copenhagen area. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. Variables were self‐reported alcohol‐related counseling, self‐rated qualifications for counseling patients with an overconsumption of alcohol, attitudes toward the priority of counseling on alcohol and other lifestyle issues, and attitudes toward caring for patients with an overconsumption of alcohol.
Findings:

Self‐rated qualifications for counseling and attitudes toward care significantly influenced the self‐reported clinical care of patients with an overconsumption of alcohol. Perceived self‐efficacy was positively associated with frequent counseling and positive attitudes toward prevention. Psychiatric nurses were most active, medical nurses less active, and surgical nurses least active in counseling.
Conclusions:

To promote nurse involvement in alcohol prevention, increasing the capacity for intervention via skill‐based training on assessment of alcohol problems and intervention techniques is necessary. All nurses, but especially surgical nurses, needed updates on alcohol‐related counseling.
High glucose rapidly activates the nitric oxide/cyclic nucleotide pathway in human platelets via an osmotic mechanism
Authors: Massucco Paola , Mattiello Luigi , Russo Isabella , Traversa Monica , Doronzo Gabriella , Anfossi Giovanni , Trovati Mariella 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe aim was to evaluate whether high glucose influences the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic nucleotide pathway in human platelets via osmotic stress and to clarify the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in this phenomenon. The study was carried out on 33 healthy lean male volunteers, aged 28.3±1.3 years. NO synthesis was detected as L-citrulline production after L-arginine incubation in platelets incubated for 6 min with 22.0 mM D-glucose and isoosmolar concentrations of mannitol, L-glucose and fructose. To evaluate the influence of PKC, experiments with D-glucose and mannitol were repeated in the presence of the PKC-beta selective inhibitor LY379196, and NO synthesis was detected after a 6-min incubation with phorbol 12-mirystate 13-acetate (PMA), a non-selective PKC activator. Platelet content of guano-sine-3’, 5’-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine-3’, 5’-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) was measured by radio-immunoassay in platelets incubated with iso-osmolar concentrations of D-glucose, mannitol, L-glucose and fructose. NO-dependence of cyclic nucleotide enhancements was evaluated by inhibiting NO synthase and guanylate cyclase. Platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen was evaluated in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the presence of a 6-min incubation with D-glucose and mannitol, both without and with LY379196 and the guany-late cyclase inhibitor (H-[1, 2, 4]Oxadiazolo [4, 3-a]quinoxaline-1-one)(ODQ). Iso-osmolar concentrations of D-glucose, mannitol, L-glucose and fructose, and PMA increased NO production (p=0.0001). Effects of D-glucose and mannitol were blunted by LY379196. D-glucose and mannitol enhanced platelet cGMP and cAMP (p=0.0001) with a mechanism blunted by NO synthase and guanylate-cyclase inhibition, but did not modify platelet aggregation. In conclusion, glucose activates the NO/cyclic nucleotide pathway in human platelets with an osmotic mechanism mediated by PKC-beta.
Molecular mechanism of dysfunctional factor VII associated with the homozygous missense mutation 331Gly to Ser
Authors: Kimura Shinya , Takamiya Osamu 
Published: February 2005

SummaryWe have identified a Japanese homozygous FVII deficiency associated with the mutation G331S (c184 [in chymotrypsin numbering]), and have determined the mechanisms responsible for the dysfunctional FVII variant by expressing the mutant recombinant FVII protein. In addition, the recombinant proteins FVIIG331D, G331W and G331F were expressed. The purified recombinant FVII proteins ran as a single chain form on SDS-PAGE having a molecular mass of approximately 50Kda. The recombinant FVIIG331S expressed the level of the recombinant wild type FVII at 2.0%, and this mutant form was also similar to FVII in the patient’s plasma. However, the amidolytic activity of FVIIa using peptidyl substrate S-2288 differed little between the wild type and the four mutant FVII molecules. We suggest that the functional defect found in these mutants is not directly associated with peptidyl substrate recognition or catalysis. The Km values of FX and FIX for the mutant proteins were approximately 7.6– to 15-fold and 13– to 19-fold higher than those for the wild-type protein, respectively. Molecular modelling indicated that the side chain of the S331 mutant is oriented close to the side chain of D338 (c189) at the bottom of the specificity pocket of FVIIa. We show that the replacement of G331 with a serine likely results in a steric hindrance of macromolecular substrate binding, leading to a loss of FVIIa enzymatic activity.
–455 G/A polymorphism and preprocedural plasma levels of fibrinogen show no association with the risk of clinical restenosis in patients with coronary stent placement
Authors: Monraats Pascalle , Rana Jamal , Zwinderman Aeilko , de Maat Moniek , Kastelein John , Agema Willem , Doevendans Pieter , de Winter Robbert , Tio René , Waltenberger Johannes , Frants Rune , van der Laarse Arnoud , van der Wall Ernst , Jukema J. Wouter 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe effect of preprocedural fibrinogen levels on in-stent restenosis is largely unknown. The –455 G/A polymorphism of the fibrinogen β-gene is associated with baseline plasma level or acute phase increase of fibrinogen. Therefore, we hypothesized that there is a relationship between this polymorphism and pre-procedural fibrinogen level and clinical restenosis at follow-up among patients with coronary stent placement. The GENetic DEterminants of Restenosis (GENDER) project is a multicenter follow-up study that enrolled 3,146 consecutive patients after successful percutaneous coronary intervention. A coronary stent was placed in 2,309 patients. Of these, 2,257 (97.7%) patients were successfully genotyped for the –455G/A polymorphism. Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured at baseline in a subpopulation of 623 stented patients with the von Clauss method and patients were grouped into tertiles according to fibrinogen levels. Primary endpoint was target vessel revascularization (TVR); secondary combined endpoint was defined as death presumably from cardiac causes, MI not attributable to another coronary artery than the target vessel, and TVR. No association was observed between the –455G/A polymorphism and TVR or combined endpoint (p=0.99, p=0.97, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the risk of TVR and combined endpoint was not higher for patients in the highest tertile for fibrinogen versus the lowest tertile (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.26–1.37 for TVR, RR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.29–1.44 for combined endpoint). In conclusion, the presence of –455G/A polymorphism in the fibrinogen β-gene and preprocedural fibrinogen level is not associated with an increased risk of TVR or combined endpoint in a patient population with coronary stent placement. Therefore, these parameters are not worthwhile for stratifying patients at risk for restenosis prestenting.
Flow marks in injection molding of polypropylene and ethylene–propylene elastomer blends: Analysis of morphology and rheology
Authors: Patham Bhaskar , Papworth Paul , Jayaraman Krishnamurthy , Shu Chichang , Wolkowicz Michael D. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThis paper reports an investigation of asynchronous flow marks on the surface of injection molded parts and short shots made from two different blends of polypropylene and ethylene–propylene random copolymer elastomers. Flow marks were observed on the surface with both blends; the spatial frequency of flow marks on the surface was greater in the blend B1, which also exhibited a greater contrast between the surface regions. The same blend was distinctly faster in the linear viscoelastic tests of shear creep recovery and shear viscosity growth. The degree of contrast between the flow‐mark regions and the out‐of‐flow‐mark regions was examined with a detailed analysis of SEM micrographs of the surface regions as well as the near wall regions from short shots. This revealed that the dispersed phase was highly stretched to cylindrical strands in the glossy surface regions of both blends and retracted in the dull regions to different extents in the two cases. A comparison of the particle size distributions and aspect ratio distributions in different regions established that rapid retraction of the suspended elastomer phase was the dominant cause of changes in particle shape between surface regions. Nonlinear shear creep and creep recovery curves of the two elastomer components showed that at a time of 1 s, the fractional strain recovery of the elastomer in B1 was much higher than that of the elastomer in B2. Hence, the nonlinear elastic recovery of the elastomer phase at short times is an important factor in flow mark formation with blends of polypropylene and olefinic elastomers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 423–434, 2005
Lipase‐catalyzed production of biodiesel from rice bran oil
Authors: Lai Chao‐Chin , Zullaikah Siti , Vali Shaik Ramjan , Ju Yi‐Hsu 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBiodiesel has attracted considerable attention as an alternative fuel during the past decades. The main hurdle to the commercialization of biodiesel is the cost of the raw material. Use of an inexpensive raw material such as rice bran oil is an attractive option to lower the cost of biodiesel. Two commercially available immobilized lipases, Novozym 435 and IM 60, were employed as catalyst for the reaction of rice bran oil and methanol. Novozym 435 was found to be more effective in catalyzing the methanolysis of rice bran oil. Methanolysis of refined rice bran oil and fatty acids (derived from rice bran oil) catalyzed by Novozym 435 (5% based on oil weight) can reach a conversion of over 98% in 6 h and 1 h, respectively. Methanolysis of rice bran oil with a free fatty acid content higher than 18% resulted in lower conversions (<68%). A two‐step lipase‐catalyzed methanolysis of rice bran oil was developed for the efficient conversion of both free fatty acid and acylglycerides into fatty acid methyl ester. More than 98% conversion can be obtained in 4–6 h depending on the relative proportion of free fatty acid and acylglycerides in the rice bran oil. Inactivation of lipase by phospholipids and other minor components was observed during the methanolysis of crude rice bran oil. Simultaneous dewaxing/degumming proved to be efficient in removing phospholipids and other minor components that inhibit lipase activity from crude rice bran oil. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of the non‐covalent interaction between amyloid‐β‐peptide and melatonin using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Bazoti Fotini N. , Tsarbopoulos Anthony , Markides Karin E. , Bergquist Jonas 
Published: February 2005

AbstractOxidative stress and unregulated immune response are believed to play a key role in the processes inherent to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The fact that free radicals can result in neurodegeneration suggests that actions against reactive oxygen species may be beneficial in treating and preventing AD. In the light of the suggested link between oxidative stress and AD, it is proposed that antioxidants and, even more, endogenous antioxidants may offer a therapeutic regime for protection against the risk of this disease. For this reason, the formation of non‐covalent complexes between amyloid‐β‐peptide (Aβ) or its oxidized forms and melatonin was studied by quadrupole and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The stability of the non‐covalent complex was examined under several experimental conditions, such as orifice voltage, pH, presence of organic modifier, concentration and time. Two different digestion protocols combined with mass spectrometric analysis of the resulting peptide fragments were employed in order to locate the binding site of melatonin in Aβ. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ink‐Jet Microdispensing for the Formation of Gradients of Immobilised Enzyme Activity
Authors: Turcu Florin , Hartwich Gerhard , Schäfer Dominik , Schuhmann Wolfgang 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSummary: The integration of gradients of enzyme activity in microstructured biosensor arrays enables intrinsic on‐line quality control of biosensor performance. Multiple sensor elements with different compositions and hence varying responses for the same analyte are evaluated as a basis for improving data reliability. The formation of glucose oxidase/polymer microstructures using a piezo microdispenser and their examination by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) are used to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.Optical microscope image of grids obtained by dispensing of 1 mg/mL GOx and 2 mg/mL Vinnapas® mixture.magnified imageOptical microscope image of grids obtained by dispensing of 1 mg/mL GOx and 2 mg/mL Vinnapas® mixture.
Analysis, design, and construction of a broadband balun for coaxial‐to‐planar transmission lines
Authors: Chen Ye , Joines William T. , Chai Mei , Liu Qing H. , Carin Lawrence 
Published: February 2005

AbstractFor microwave signals within the 0.5 to 10.5 GHz range, we present an integrated broadband balun that carries signals from coaxial cable to microstrip to parallel‐plate line. We use this arrangement as the feed line for a broadband double‐sided antenna, and this antenna feed is presented as an application of the integrated balun. In addition, we devise a testing method for the balun, which is demonstrated. Through this testing method, the transmission, reflection, and radiation losses associated with the balun are readily determined. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 501–504, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20679
Power pattern synthesis for antenna arrays with null constraints in the near‐field region
Authors: Vescovo Roberto 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe describe an iterative procedure that, for a given antenna array, allows to determine a radiation pattern belonging to a prescribed mask while the radiated field vanishes in assigned points located in the near‐field region and close each other, so as to reduce the field in a neighborhood of them. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 542–545, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20692
Estimation of the repeatability and reproducibility of three diagnostic tests for infectious salmon anaemia virus
Authors: Nérette P , Dohoo I , Hammell L , Gagné N , Barbash P , MacLean S , Yason C 
Published: February 2005

AbstractReverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), virus isolation (VI) and indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT) are three assays currently used by the salmon industry to identify fish infected with infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). However, no data are available on the repeatability (within‐laboratory consistency) and reproducibility (between‐laboratory consistency) of these assays and very limited information is available on the effect of freezing samples on test results. In order to evaluate these assays, five laboratories participated in a blinded study of 400 kidney samples representing four populations of farmed Atlantic salmon with different prevalence of ISAV. Each laboratory used its own testing protocols. Repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated using kappa as the measure of agreement. The effect of freezing was evaluated using the McNemar test. Freezing did not affect VI but improved the sensitivity of RT‐PCR. The repeatability and reproducibility of VI was almost perfect. There was a substantial difference in repeatability of RT‐PCR among the three laboratories with kappa ranging from 0.5 to 0.96. The repeatability for RT‐PCR was generally low. The repeatability of IFAT was moderate when the results were analysed using 1+ and above as a positive result. The results of the study show the need to standardize the protocol and interpretation of RT‐PCR.
Prevalence and treatment of cardiovascular disease and traditional risk factors in Australian adults with renal insufficiency
Authors: BRIGANTI ESTHER M , KERR PETER G , SHAW JONATHAN E , ZIMMET PAUL Z , ATKINS ROBERT C 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY:Aim:  To evaluate the prevalence and treatment of cardiovascular disease and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors in Australian adults with renal insufficiency.Methods:  The Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study was a cross‐sectional survey of Australian adults undertaken in 1999–2000. Participants were categorized based on the Cockcroft–Gault estimated glomerular filtration rate in terms of normal renal function (<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and renal insufficiency (<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Outcome measures were the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, estimated risk of cardiovascular disease (20% over 10 years) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and frequency of pharmacological treatment of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.Results:  Among adults with renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease was present in 29.4 (95% CI: 25.1–33.6) per 100, with an additional 47.9 (95% CI: 44.9–50.9) per 100 having an estimated risk of cardiovascular disease (20% over 10 years). At least one cardiovascular risk factor was present in 90.1%. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were three times more frequent, while hyperlipidaemia was nearly twice as frequent in those participants with renal insufficiency. Of those with renal insufficiency, 58.2% with hypertension were treated, with only 14.5% of this group being treated to current recommended target levels of blood pressure, while only 32.5% with hyperlipidaemia were treated, with 7.4% of this group being treated to target lipid levels.Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates significant scope to reduce the high burden of cardiovascular risk factors in Australian adults with renal insufficiency in the general community, through treatment of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Economic evaluation of centre haemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in Ministry of Health hospitals, Malaysia
Authors: HOOI LAI SEONG , LIM TECK ONN , GOH ADRIAN , WONG HIN SENG , TAN CHWEE CHOON , AHMAD GHAZALI , MORAD ZAKI 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY:Background: This is a multi‐centre study to determine cost efficiency and cost effectiveness of the Ministry of Health centre haemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) programme.Methods: Forty‐four haemodialysis and 11 CAPD centres were enrolled in this study in 2001. Sixty patients, 30 from each modality, were evaluated. Micro‐costing was used to determine costs.Results: The number of haemodialyses conducted ranged from 402 to 23 000 procedures per year, while for CAPD, output ranged from 70 to 2300 patient months/year. Cost ranged from RM79.61 to RM475.79 per haemodialysis treatment, with a mean cost of RM169 per HD (USD 1 = RM 3.80). The cost of CAPD treatment ranged from RM1400 to RM3200 per patient month, with a mean of RM2186. Both modalities incurred similar outpatient costs. The cost of erythropoeitin per year is RM4500 and RM2500 for haemodialysis and CAPD, respectively. The number of life years saved is 10.96 years for haemodialysis and 5.21 years for CAPD. Cost per life year saved is RM33 642 for haemodialysis and RM31 635 for CAPD. The cost for land, building, equipment, overheads, and staff were higher for haemodialysis, while consumables and hospitalization cost more for CAPD. Sensitivity analysis was performed for two discount rates (3 and 5%), varying erythropoietin doses and maximum and minimum overheads. Relative cost effectiveness of haemodialysis and CAPD was unchanged in all sensitivity scenarios, except for overhead costs, which influenced the cost effectiveness of HD.Conclusion: It is economically viable to promote the use of both CAPD and haemodialysis because the cost effectiveness of both are nearly equal.
Describing Use of Nursing Interventions for Three Groups of Patients
Authors: Dochterman Joanne , Titler Marita , Wang Jenny , Reed David , Pettit Debra , Mathew‐Wilson Mary , Budreau Ginette , Bulechek Gloria , Kraus Vicki , Kanak Mary 
Published: February 2005

Purpose:

To describe the nursing interventions used most frequently during an acute hospital stay for three patient groups.
Methods:

Analysis of nursing interventions documented by use of the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) contained in an electronic clinical database obtained from 33 general inpatient units in one large health care facility from July 1, 1998, to June 30, 2002. The numbers of hospitalizations for each sample in the analyses were: 1,435 in the heart failure group, 567 in the hip fracture procedures group, and 11,756 in the fall prevention group.
Findings:

The mean number of interventions done at least once during a single hospitalization ranged from 18 to 22 for the three samples. For the total number of patient hospitalizations for each group, the number of interventions ranged from 94 for the hip fracture procedures sample to 182 for the fall prevention sample. Seven interventions were done twice or more a day in at least 20% of the sample in all three groups. Patterns of interventions during the first 6 days of care differed by intervention and sample, indicating that nursing care was individualized.
Conclusions:

The results indicate the types of information that can result from analysis of actual clinical nursing data documented with standardized language (Nursing Interventions Classification) in a nursing information system. The knowledge of nursing interventions used in clinical practice has major implications for staff development and nursing education. The information is also useful in making staffing decisions for different types of patient populations.