bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 in experimentally infected humans
Authors: Lavstsen Thomas , Magistrado Pamela , Hermsen Cornelus C , Salanti Ali , Jensen Anja TR , Sauerwein Robert , Hviid Lars , Theander Thor G , Staalsoe Trine 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
Parasites causing severe malaria in non-immune patients express a restricted subset of variant surface antigens (VSA), which are better recognized by immune sera than VSA expressed during non-severe disease in semi-immune individuals. The most prominent VSA are the var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family, which is expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes where it mediates binding to endothelial receptors. Thus, severe malaria may be caused by parasites expressing PfEMP1 variants that afford parasites optimal sequestration in immunologically naïve individuals and high effective multiplication rates.

Methods

var gene transcription was analysed using real time PCR and PfEMP1 expression by western blots as well as immune plasma recognition of parasite cultures established from non-immune volunteers shortly after infection with NF54 sporozoites.

Results
In cultures representing the first generation of parasites after hepatic release, all var genes were transcribed, but GroupA var genes were transcribed at the lowest levels. In cultures established from second or third generation blood stage parasites of volunteers with high in vivo parasite multiplication rates, the var gene transcription pattern differed markedly from the transcription pattern of the cultures representing first generation parasites. This indicated that parasites expressing specific var genes, mainly belonging to group A and B, had expanded more effectively in vivo compared to parasites expressing other var genes. The differential expression of PfEMP1 was confirmed at the protein level by immunoblot analysis. In addition, serological typing showed that immune sera more often recognized second and third generation parasites than first generation parasites.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the results presented here support the hypothesis that parasites causing severe malaria express a subset of PfEMP1, which bestows high parasite growth rates in individuals with limited pre-existing immunity.
Reduced coronary flow reserve in Anderson-Fabry disease measured by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Dimitrow Paweł Petkow , Krzanowski Marek , Undas Anetta 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Coronary flow reserve was assessed in a patient with Anderson-Fabry disease complicated by symmetric left ventricular hypertrophy. Coronary flow reserve was measurable in all three major coronary arteries providing an opportunity to compare regional coronary flow reserve from different vascular beds. In this patient all the three vascular beds supplied diffusely hypertrophied myocardium. Coronary flow disturbances in small intramyocardial perforating arteries were visible. The coronary flow reserve was reduced to a similar level (around to 2.0) in all three major arteries. In our patient with Anderson-Fabry disease, the coronary vasodilatation was blunted in a diffuse pattern corresponding to the myocardial hypertrophy distribution. In small intramyocardial arteries coronary flow was also disturbed. Accordingly, retrograde systolic flow and accelerated anterograde diastolic flow were documented.
Psychosocial factors and their role in chronic pain: A brief review of development and current status
Authors: Innes Stanley I 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

The belief that pain is a direct result of tissue damage has dominated medical thinking since the mid 20th Century. Several schools of psychological thought proffered linear causal models to explain non-physical pain observations such as phantom limb pain and the effects of placebo interventions. Psychological research has focused on identifying those people with acute pain who are at risk of transitioning into chronic and disabling pain, in the hope of producing better outcomes.
Several multicausal Cognitive Behavioural models dominate the research landscape in this area. They are gaining wider acceptance and some aspects are being integrated and implemented into a number of health care systems. The most notable of these is the concept of Yellow Flags. The research to validate the veracity of such programs has not yet been established.
In this paper I seek to briefly summarize the development of psychological thought, both past and present, then review current cognitive-behavioural models and the available supporting evidence. I conclude by discussing these factors and identifying those that have been shown to be reliable predictors of chronicity and those that may hold promise for the future.
Lessons for cluster randomized trials in the twenty-first century: a systematic review of trials in primary care
Authors: Eldridge Sandra M , Ashby Deborah , Feder Gene S , Rudnicka Alicja R , Ukoumunne Obioha C 
Published: April 2005

Background Evidence suggests that cluster randomized trials are often poorly designed and analysed. There is little recent research on the methodologic quality of cluster randomized trials and none focuses on primary health care where these trials are increasingly common. Methods We conducted a systematic review of recent cluster randomized trials in primary health care, searching the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. We also searched for unpublished trials in conference proceedings, and the UK National Research Register. We assess methodologic quality using a checklist, articulate problems facing investigators conducting these trials, and examine the extent to which carrying out a cluster randomized trial (as opposed to an individually randomized trial) in primary care may reduce power. Results We found 367 trial reports. Many trials were reported more than once. We characterize 152 independent cluster randomized trials in primary health care published between 1997 and 2000, and brie‘y describe 47 trials unpublished at December 2000. The quality of design and analysis was variable. Of published trials reporting sample size calculations 20% accounted for clustering in these calculations, 59% of published trials accounted for clustering in analyses. Unpublished trials were more recent and of higher quality. Reporting quality was better in journals reporting more cluster randomized trials. Many trial investigators reported problems with adherence to protocol, recruitment and type of intervention. Conclusions Methodologic quality of cluster randomized trials in primary health care is variable and reporting needs improvement. The use of cluster randomization should be indicated in the title or abstract so these kinds of trials are easier to identify. Communicating appropriate methodology to health care researchers continues to be a challenge. Cluster randomized trials should always be piloted and information from pilots and unsuccessful trials shared more widely. Introduction Cluster randomized trials, in which groups or clusters of individuals rather than the individuals themselves are randomized to intervention and control groups, are increasingly popular and particularly common in primary health care. This is because much current primary health service research centres on interventions to improve practice [1], often involving changes in patient behaviour, health professional behaviour, or organization. Controlled trials randomizing individual
Glucosamine Long-Term Treatment and the Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Poolsup Nalinee , Suthisisang Chutamanee , Channark Patchareeya , Kittikulsuth Wararat 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structural and symptomatic efficacy and safety of glucosamine in knee osteoarthritis (OA). DATA SOURCES: Clinical trials of glucosamine were identified through electronic searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, EMB review, the Cochrane Library) using the key words glucosamine, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis, osteoarthrosis, gonarthrosis, knee, disease progression, and clinical trial. The bibliographic databases were searched from their respective inception dates to August 2004. We also hand-searched reference lists of relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were included if they were double-blind, randomized, controlled trials that evaluated oral glucosamine long-term treatment in knee OA; lasting at least one year; and reporting as outcome measures the symptom severity and disease progression as assessed by joint space narrowing. Two authors interpreted data independently. Disagreements were resolved through discussion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Glucosamine sulfate was more effective than placebo in delaying structural progression in knee OA. The risk of disease progression was reduced by 54% (pooled RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73; p = 0.0011). The number-needed-to-treat was 9 (95% CI 6 to 20). The pooled effect sizes for pain reduction and improvement in physical function were 0.41 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.60; p < 0.0001) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.66; p < 0.0001), respectively, in favor of glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate caused no more adverse effects than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that glucosamine sulfate may be effective and safe in delaying the progression and improving the symptoms of knee OA. Due to the sparse data on structural efficacy and safety, further studies are warranted.
Miller Fisher Variant of Guillain—Barré Syndrome Requiring a Cardiac Pacemaker in a Patient on Tacrolimus after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Cohen Ari J , Zuckerman Steven J , Vatsavai Sundararama R , Pepper Jeremy S , Banda Venkatramana R , Eason James D , Loss George E , Kaushik Richa 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), a variant of Guillain—Barré syndrome (GBS) necessitating the placement of a permanent cardiac pacemaker in a patient on tacrolimus after a cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 46-year-old African American male, who had been receiving tacrolimus 4 mg/day orally for the preceding 6 months, developed a Miller Fisher variant of GBS (severe ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, areflexia). He developed symptomatic sinus pauses requiring a cardiac pacemaker. He improved substantially after cessation of tacrolimus and initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The patient was not rechallenged with tacrolimus due to the clinical/ethical gravity of this probable adverse effect. DISCUSSION: Although different types of neuropathies have been reported with the use of tacrolimus, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a Miller Fisher variant of GBS severe enough to cause dysautonomia requiring a cardiac pacemaker associated with the use of this drug. Causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed the adverse drug event was probable. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus was probably associated with a Miller Fisher variant of GBS necessitating the placement of a permanent cardiac pacemaker in this patient. MFS needs to be considered a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of tacrolimus therapy.
Oxidative cellulose degradation by cellobiose dehydrogenase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium: A model compound study
Authors: Kruså Martin , Henriksson Gunnar , Johansson Gunnar , Reitberger Torbjörn , Lennholm Helena 
Published: April 2005

AbstractCellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is an extracellular enzyme produced by various wood-degrading fungi. It oxidizes cellobiose to cellobionolactone under reduction of molecular oxygen to hydrogen peroxide, and Fe3+to Fe2+. These activated agents can thereafter form highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, which depolymerize wood polymers. In this work, cellulose depolymerization by CDH was studied using a model compound, methyl β-D-glucopyranoside. The formation of glucose, arabinose, gluconic acid, erythrulose and formaldehyde were detected and a mechanism for the reaction is proposed. The biological importance of this enzyme-initiated reaction is discussed.
Chemical composition and antifungal activity of essential oil isolated from Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsum. wood
Authors: Wang Sheng-Yang , Wu Chi-Lin , Chu Fang-Hua , Chien Shih-Chang , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Shyur Lie-Fen , Chang Shang-Tzen 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
The chemical composition of the essential oil of Chamaecyparis formosensis wood has been examined. GC-MS data and retention indices for reference samples were used to identify 32 constituents. α-Eudesmol (18.06%), β-guaiene (8.0%), (–)-β-cadinene (7.89%), γ-costal (7.03%), α-muurolol (6.49%), 4α-hydroxy-4β-methyldihydrocostol (5.52%), σ-selinene (4.78%), santolina triene (4.60%), eremophilene (4.32%), humulene (4.11%), myrtenol (4.11%), and τ-cadinene (3.25%) were the most abundant components. Tests with the typical wood decay fungi, Laetiporus sulphureus and Trametes versicolor, proved the antifungal activity of the oil, as the growth of L. sulphureus and T. versicolor was inhibited at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg ml−1, respectively. The following characteristic volatile compounds were isolated and purified from ethyl acetate fractions: epi-cubenol, chamaecynone, myrtenol, cis-myrtanol, 12-hydroxyisointermedenol and 4α-hydroxy-4β-methyldi-hydrocostol. Chamaecynone possessed the strongest antifungal activity, with an antifungal index of 88.2% and 67.3% for L. sulphureus and T. versicolor at a dose of 50 μg ml−1, respectively.
Characterization of sugar maple wood-polymer composites: Monomer retention and polymer retention
Authors: Zhang Yaolin , Wan Hui , Zhang Shu Yin 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
In this study, sugar maple samples were impregnated with three impregnants by a vacuum and pressure process and in situ polymerized by a catalyst-thermal procedure. The effects of polymeric monomers and their combinations on monomer retention by volume (MRV) and weight (MRW) and polymer retention (PR) were analyzed and the wood was examined by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The three methacrylates chosen as impregnants were methyl methacrylate (MMA), hydroxyethylene methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The formulation combinations were determined by a mixture design. MRV was similar, regardless of formulation combinations, which indicated that these methacrylates show similar permeability into sugar maple. However, MRW was different between formulation combinations due to differences in monomer density. MRV was inversely related to wood density. PR was related to the combination of impregnants and inversely related to wood density. The impregnants resided in the vessel and the lumen. The morphology of polymers in the wood was different for different treatments due to the distinct molecular structures formed from each polymer.
New insights into wood and cement interaction
Authors: Govin Alexandre , Peschard Arnaud , Fredon Emmanuel , Guyonnet René 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis work deals with the influence of poplar extractives and poplar alkaline degradation products on the hydration of cement. The wood chemical composition was characterized to determine the impact of soft alkaline conditions on wood fiber. Some of the constituents were hydrolyzed and converted into carboxylic acids, which were identified and quantified. Monitoring by electrical conductivity clearly showed that wood extractives are less effective than wood alkaline degradation products in inhibiting the hydration of cement.
Properties of chemically and mechanically isolated fibres of spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.). Part 3: Mechanical characterisation
Authors: Burgert Ingo , Eder Michaela , Frühmann Klaus , Keckes Jozef , Fratzl Peter , Stanzl-Tschegg Stefanie 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Microtensile investigations were carried out on chemically and mechanically isolated fibres that had similar dimensions before isolation. The properties calculated for the fibres were nearly identical for the two isolation methods. However, cell wall cross-sections of chemically isolated fibres shrank much more transversely than those of the mechanically isolated fibres.
Efficacy of a copper(II)/oxine copper wood preservative mixture after 69 months of outdoor ground-contact exposure and a proposed mechanism to explain the observed synergism
Authors: Schultz Tor P. , Nicholas Darrel D. , Henry William P. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Ground-contact stakes, made from defect-free southern yellow pine sapwood, were treated with water-borne copper(II) [ammoniacal copper carbonate, ACC, Cu(II)] alone, oil-borne oxine copper (Cu-8) alone, or a dual treatment of ACC followed by drying and then Cu-8. The treated stakes were installed at two locations in Mississippi (Dorman Lake and Saucier) in high- or severe-deterioration hazard zones and inspected after 69 months of exposure. Stakes treated with Cu(II) alone at the highest retention of 5.1 kg m−3 [copper retention is based on the copper oxide (CuO) weight, as is standard in the US] performed moderately well at the Saucier test site, with decay and termite ratings of 8.0 out of 10.0, but unsatisfactory at the Dorman Lake test plot, with decay and termite ratings both below 7.0. Samples treated with Cu-8 alone at the highest retention of 1.92 kg m−3 had poor termite protection, with ratings below 7 at both sites, and only fair decay ratings of 7.0 (Dorman Lake) and 7.6 (Saucier). In contrast, all stakes treated with Cu(II)/Cu-8 combinations, with at least 2.4 kg m−3 Cu(II) and 0.2 kg m−3 Cu-8, performed satisfactorily, with average decay and termite ratings all above 8.0 at both locations. The addition of Cu(II) to Cu-8 likely causes the di-ligand form [bis(8-hydroxyquinolinolate)Cu(II)] to equilibrate principally to the mono form. Thus, the combination of Cu(II) and Cu-8 appears to form a new compound with greater efficacy than either of the two starting “reagents” and, consequently, this mixture is not literally synergistic. Possible advantages of mono Cu-8 include: (1) the mono form may be easier to formulate in a water- or solvent-borne system than the commercial bis-Cu-8 biocide; (2) the preservative would have a relatively low metal content, which may make future disposal of treated wood easier; (3) this system would likely have much fewer metal corrosion problems than preservative systems formulated with uncomplexed copper(II); and (4) the two copper coordination sites that are not complexed with the ligand could bind to the carboxylic or phenolic groups in wood to make the mono form relatively leach-resistant.
The intimacy of state power: Marriage, liberation, and socialist subjects in southeastern China
Authors: Friedman Sara L. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTMarriage is a powerful institution in which state regulation and sexual normalization converge to link personal desires with state goals. In socialist China, marital reforms have been part of the regime's efforts to cultivate liberated socialist subjects. I focus on a coastal region known for its distinctive marriage customs, arguing that the development of socialist state power there was premised on the forging of female subjects committed to new ideals of conjugal intimacy. Although these ideals were introduced in the high socialist Maoist era, they were only realized in the current post‐Mao era, with its coupling of market reforms and societal openness with family planning policies. This outcome suggests that different configurations of state and economy have had different capacities to define subjectivities at once intimate and political. Even when state actors succeed in shaping their citizens' intimate desires and relationships, they do not necessarily produce political subjects committed to the state's original goals.
Anemia e deficiência de ferro em gestantes adolescentes
Authors: FUJIMORI Elizabeth , LAURENTI Daniela , NÚÑEZ DE CASSANA Luz Marina , OLIVEIRA Ida Maria Vianna de , SZARFARC Sophia Cornbluth 
Published: April 2005

Por meio de dosagem de ferritina sérica, transferrina sérica, hemoglobina e hematócrito, caracterizou-se o estado nutricional de ferro de 79 gestantes adolescentes de primeira consulta pré-natal (<FONT FACE=Symbol>£ </FONT>20 semanas de gestação), atendidas na Rede Básica de Saúde de um Município da Grande São Paulo. Todos os valores hematológicos estudados foram menores entre as gestantes do segundo trimestre gestacional em relação às do primeiro, sendo as diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) apenas para hemoglobina. Verificou-se que 64,3% e 32,1% possuíam, respectivamente, menos de 500 mg e 300 mg de ferro em suas reservas, sendo que 5,4% apresentavam carência grave do mineral. Segundo critério da Organização Mundial da Saúde 19,0% das gestantes eram ferro-deficientes (saturação da transferrina < 16,0 %) e 13,9% eram anêmicas (Hemoglobina < 11 g/dl).
Serum, Saliva, and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Osteocalcin: Their Relation to Periodontal Status and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Bullon Pedro , Goberna Berta , Guerrero Juan M. , Segura Juan J. , Perez‐Cano Ramon , Martinez‐Sahuquillo Angel 
Published: April 2005

Background: Periodontitis and osteoporosis are characterized by the loss of bone mass. Osteocalcin levels have been postulated as a marker of inhibition of bone formation. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of osteocalcin and correlate them with periodontitis and osteoporosis.Methods: Seventy‐three postmenopausal women, over 35 years old, were recruited for the study. Serum, saliva, and GCF osteocalcin were measured. Vertebral bone mineral density was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi‐square test, and non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis test.Results: Thirty‐four (46.6%) were classified in the normal healthy bone group, 11 women (15.1%) in the osteopenic group, and 28 women (38.4%) in the osteoporotic group. No statistically significant differences between these densitometric groups were observed in probing depth (P = 0.24); clinical attachment level (P = 0.11); or mean osteocalcin concentrations in serum, saliva, and GCF. Twenty‐seven (37.0%) of the women were classified without periodontitis (NPG) and 63.0% (N = 46) with periodontal disease (PG). There were no statistical differences in serum and saliva osteocalcin concentrations between these two groups. GCF osteocalcin concentrations were significantly higher in the PG women than in the NPG group (P = 0.008). Mean probing depth correlated significantly with GCF osteocalcin concentrations (r = 0.35; P = 0.002).Conclusion: The results further support the concept that osteocalcin levels in GCF correlates with periodontal but not with osteoporosis status. J Periodontol 2005;76:513‐519.