bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and Characterization of the Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme from Type 1 human Immunodeficiency Virus Using Different Baculoviral Vector Systems
Authors: Pekrun Katja , Petry Harald , Jentsch Klaus‐Dieter , Moosmayer Dieter , Hunsmann Gerhard , Lüke Wolfgang 
Published: December 2004

To produce the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) reverse transcriptase (RT) in amounts required to study its structure and function, the p66 enzyme subunit was expressed using two different baculovirus vectors in Sf158 insect host cells. Both vectors permitted an efficient HIV‐1 RT expression. The resulting products were purified up to 90% homogeneity, characterized, and investigated for their susceptibility to digestion with various proteases.The recombinant baculoviral RT obtained with the pAc373 expression vector was purified as B p66/p60 heterodimer. The recombinant His‐RT was expressed with the pBlueBacHis vector. Thereby, the protein was tagged with an N‐terminal hexahistidine peptide and it was purified as a p70/p70 homodimer. The two enzymes differed in their specific activity, kinetic properties, and in vitro activation by viral and non‐viral proteases. The recombinant His‐RT exhibited a lower specific activity than the recombinant RT. The latter yielded enzyme activities as high as an Escherichia coli ‐expressed RT. Removal of the hexahistidine tag from the recombinant His‐RT by digestion with enterokinase resulted in a complete loss of enzyme activity. Thus, the hexahistidine tag might be an intrinsic part of the active recombinant His‐RT.
Conidial dispersal of Gremmeniella abietina: climatic and microclimatic factors
Authors: Petäistö R.‐L. , Heinonen J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe conidia dispersal started in Suonenjoki, in central Finland, in 1997–99 by the end of May or beginning of June, and continued occasionally at least to the middle of September. The temperature sum, day degrees (d.d., threshold temperature = 5°C) was between 100 and 165 d.d. at the beginning of dispersal. In years 1997–99, 80, 94 and 82% of the dispersal had occurred by the end of July – beginning of August when the temperature sum reached 800 d.d. All the spore data are coming from the spore traps. Cumulative number of conidia increased linearily with logarithm of temperature sum. A binary logistic regression model with temperature sum and rainfall as explanatory variables predicted accurately the date of the first spores in the spring: the prediction error was at most 3 days. The model classified 69% of all the days in the analysis correctly to the spore‐free days and correspondingly 74% to the days of at least one spore caught. A regression model for the number of spores per day explains 21, 5 and 51% of the within‐season variation in 1997–99 (24, 37 and 62% on a logarithmic scale). The explanatory weather variables in the model were d.d., rain and year. The very low explanatory coefficient of determination in 1998 results from one exceptionally high number of conidia. The between‐differences in the total number of spores were large and could not be explained by the measured weather variables. In the regression model, these differences were taken into account by adding a constant for each year in the model. Rain increased conidia dispersal significantly but conidia were found also in consecutive rainless days.
Periodic limb movement disorder and restless legs syndrome in dialysis patients
Authors: RIJSMAN ROSELYNE M , DE WEERD AL W , STAM CJ , KERKHOF GRARD A , ROSMAN JOHAN B 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Sleep disturbances, in particular restless legs or limb movements, during the night are often reported by uremic patients. However, polysomnography (PSG) studies have never been carried out to confirm the actual occurrence of these disorders and the association with other objective and self‐reported sleep–wake data.Methods:  Forty‐eight participants were subjected to a 2‐day PSG. These data on sleep including periodic limb movements, which are associated with restless legs, were correlated with clinical observations, quality of sleep–wake and life questionnaires, and with biochemical and neurographical measures.Results:  Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was observed in 58.3% of the patients and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) occurred in 70.8% of the patients. PLMD was revealed polysomnographically in almost 90% of the RLS patients. Patients with both PLMD and RLS had significantly poorer sleep quality than those with neither disorder or with PLMD alone, both in terms of self‐reported data and the PSG. Quality of life was significantly worse in patients with RLS and PLMD compared to those patients with neither disorder. PLMD patients also tended to have a lower quality of life. All other metabolic  measures  and  the  results  of  a  nerve  conduction  test  were  not  correlated  with  RLS  and/or PLMD.Conclusion:  There was a high prevalence of severe RLS and PLMD in the present sample of uraemia patients. Nearly all RLS patients had severe PLMD. RLS (in combination with PLMD) in dialysis is associated with poor sleep quality, insomnia complaints, depression and emotional distress. Our results suggest that PLMD per se is also clinically relevant.
Ultrasonography in the management of exit site infections in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: KWAN TZE‐HOI , TONG MATTHEW KA‐HANG , SIU YUI‐PONG , LEUNG KAY‐TAI , LUK SAU‐HAR , CHEUNG YU‐KEUNG 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:Aim:  To assess the efficacy of using ultrasonography (USG) in monitoring the progress of exit site infection (ESI) in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).Methods:  Twenty‐two cases of newly diagnosed ESI and 20 cases with normal exit sites as controls were assessed by using USG. The exit sites were reassessed by using USG after finishing a course of antibiotic therapy, and the sonographic findings were correlated with the clinical outcome.Results:  Out of the 22 cases of ESI, 21 cases had definite sonolucent zones around the external cuffs, while one case had normal sonographic findings. Of the 20 control cases of normal exit sites, 16 had normal sonographic findings, and four had sonolucent zones around the external cuffs. Exit site infections correlated with positive sonographic findings as compared to normal exits (P < 0.0001). The 21 cases of ultrasonic‐positive ESI were re‐examined after antibiotic therapy, and 10 of these had a post‐treatment sonolucent rim around the distal cuff ≤1 mm thick, while 11 cases were persistently >1 mm thick. The former group was shown to have a more favourable outcome (P = 0.013). And despite variable USG findings, all eight patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐related ESI had an unfavourable clinical outcome.Conclusion:  Ultrasonography of the exit sites in CAPD patients is a useful adjunctive tool in the management of ESI. A sonolucent zone around the external cuff >1 mm thick following a course of antibiotic treatment and the involvement of the proximal cuff are associated with poor clinical outcome. In ESI caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the clinical outcome was uniformly poor irrespective of the sonographic findings.
Efficacy and side‐effect profile of sevelamer hydrochloride used in combination with conventional phosphate binders
Authors: STURTEVANT JOANNA M , HAWLEY CARMEL M , REIGER KYLIE , JOHNSON DAVID W , CAMPBELL SCOTT B , BURKE JOHN R , BOFINGER ANDREW , ISBEL NICOLE M 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Poor phosphate control is common among patients with end‐stage renal disease. Sevelamer hydrochloride has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective phosphate binder when used as a monotherapy. However, cost limits its usefulness in many countries. Data assessing its effectiveness and safety in combination with conventional phosphate binders are lacking.Methods:  Dialysis patients meeting the following inclusion criteria participated in this study: (i) hyperphosphataemia >1.8 mmol/L (5.6 mg/dL); and (ii) an inability to tolerate currently available binders. The trial was conducted in three phases each lasting 3 months: (i) an observation phase (patients continued on their regular phosphate binders); (ii) a titration phase (sevelamer was added at a dose of 403 mg three times daily with meals, titrated to a maximum of 1209 mg three times daily); and (iii) a maintenance phase.Results:  Twenty‐five patients were recruited into the study. Eighteen patients completed all three trial phases. Mean serum phosphate dropped from 2.11 ± 0.06 mmol/L (6.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL) during the observation period to 1.91 ± 0.01 mmol/L (5.9 ± 0.003 mg/dL) during the maintenance phase (P = 0.02). Calcium × phosphate product fell from 5.49 ± 0.17 mmol2/L2 (68.64 ± 2.11 mg2 dL2) to 4.89 ± 0.27 mmol2/L2 (61.36 ± 3.35 mg2 dL2) (P = 0.02). There was no significant change in serum calcium or parathyroid hormone. Total serum cholesterol fell from 3.8 mmol/L (3.4–4.37) 147 mg/dL (131–169) to 3.55 mmol/L (2.97–4.2) 137 mg/dL (115–162) (P = 0.02). Serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol also fell significantly from 1.67 ± 0.10 mmol/L (65 ± 4 mg/dL) to 1.52 ± 0.11 mmol/L (59 ± 4 mg/dL) (P = 0.04). The average prescribed dose of sevelamer was 2.4 g/day. Elemental calcium dropped from 3.4 g/day (1.4 to 4.6) to 1.2 g/day (0.6–2.4) (P = 0.04). Seventy‐two per cent of patients reported mild flatulence, nausea and indigestion. Three patients discontinued treatment because of adverse effects.Conclusions:  Sevelamer in combination with conventional phosphate binders is effective in lowering serum phosphate and calcium‐phosphate product in patients with refractory hyperphosphataemia. Beneficial effects on lipid profile were also observed. Mild gastrointestinal upset is common.
From the bush to the beach: water safety in rural and remote New South Wales
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Haddrill Katrina 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective:  To describe the types of aquatic locations attended by residents of rural and remote New South Wales (NSW), to record self‐reported water safety‐related behaviour, and identify preferred communication mediums for water safety messages. Methods:  A stratified random telephone survey was conducted of 500 NSW residents aged greater than 15 years residing in moderately accessible, remote and very remote locations in NSW. Results:  Results indicate that around two‐thirds of respondents had been in or on the water at a pool, beach, lake, river or dam in the past 6 months. The most common type of aquatic facilities used were rivers, creeks or steams (53.5%), beaches (45.7%), public pools (45.5%), private pools (40.7%), dams (40.6%) and lakes (27.0%). Time spent at each of these locations and time of day each location was visited varied. Overall, the majority of respondents reported practicing water‐related safe behaviour. Preferred communication mediums for water safety messages included television, schools and newspapers. Conclusions:  Water safety education, especially in relation to beach conditions, remains just as important a topic for public health authorities and key water safety agencies in regional and remote NSW as it is in coastal suburbs. Responses from the survey, along with key stakeholder advice, will be used to inform the development of appropriate strategies aimed to reduce drowning deaths in rural and remote locations in NSW.
Complementary findings in clinical and epidemiologic features of mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis in children without mumps vaccination
Authors: Kanra Güler , Isik Pinar , Kara Ates , Cengiz Ali Bülent , Seçmeer Gülten , Ceyhan Mehmet 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Mumps vaccine has not yet been included in the routine vaccination programme, for this reason mumps is still one of the most common infections for children in Turkey. One of the major complication of mumps is meningoencephalitis, which although usually heals spontaneously, it may cause neurologic complications.
Methods
: This study was undertaken to investigate epidemiologic and demographic characteristics in children with mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis and clinical/laboratory findings in children with mumps meningoencephalitis diagnosed over a 11 year period. A total of 2422 mumps and 135 mumps meningoencephalitis cases were covered in this study which constitutes one of the largest series of mumps meningoencephalitis in the literature. The mean age of mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis cases were 6.6 ± 2.7 and 7.6 ± 2.6 years, respectively.
Results
: There was a male predominance both among the cases of mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis. The age and seasonal distributions were similar in the mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis groups. The most common symptoms of mumps meningoencephalitis were fever (97%), vomiting (94%) and headache (88.8%). The mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total cell count and lymphocyte count were 540 ± 460/mm3 and 300 ± 330/mm3, respectively. The mean CSF protein and glucose levels were found to be 56.97 ± 27.94 mg/dL and 53.67 ± 15.46 mg/dL, respectively. The mean of CSF/blood glucose ratio was 0.53 ± 0.16. The mean duration of hospitalization in mumps meningoencephalitis cases was found to be 5.1 ± 2.4 days and this was longer in boys (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
: In patients with mumps meningoencephalitis, higher CSF protein levels and lower CSF glucose/blood glucose ratio were associated with longer hospitalization periods. There was no death.
Dosage regimen of arbekacin for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in newborns and infants
Authors: Yoshida Koichi , Minowa Hideki , Ebisu Reiko , Uchida Yumiko , Takahashi Yukihiro , Yoshioka Akira 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Arbekacin (ABK) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that has a dose‐dependent bactericidal action. Because it inhibits the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 (TSST‐1) by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), it has attracted attention as a therapeutic drug for MRSA infection. In this study, the authors investigated the pharmacokinetics of ABK based on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), in order to establish an effective dosage regimen with minimal adverse reactions in MRSA infected newborns and infants.
Methods
: Arbekacin was administered to nine MRSA infected newborns and infants between October 2000 and March 2002. Following the initial ABK administration, blood was collected and the blood concentration of ABK was measured. The blood concentrations of ABK were analyzed by the two‐compartment model or by a model‐independent method in order to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of ABK. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using WinNonlin Professional V3.1.
Results
: The mean age at initial ABK administration was 24.0 ± 26.0 days (postconceptional age: 39.2 ± 3.9 weeks). The increase in the peak blood concentration of ABK was 2.40 ± 0.20 µg/mL per mg ABK per kg bodyweight, showing great consistency among cases. The elimination half‐life of ABK was 0.22–3.52 h in the α phase (T1/2α) and 2.42–33.44 h in the β phase (T1/2β), showing great variation among cases. The distribution volume was 0.75 ± 0.13 L/kg, and systemic clearance was 0.054 ± 0.012 L/h/kg. ABK alleviated clinical symptoms and inflammations in all cases.
Conclusion
: Nine newborns and infants with MRSA infection and various underlying diseases were successfully treated with TDM‐based administration of ABK with no severe adverse reactions.
Environmental mercury exposure in children: South China's experience
Authors: Ip Patrick , Wong Virginia , Ho Marco , Lee Joseph , Wong Wilfred 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Environmental mercury levels significantly increased in the past decades following its increase in industrial applications. In spite of an increasing concern on the potential harmful effects of mercury on children, there is no reported data for the Chinese population. The relationship between dietary habit and environmental mercury exposure in Chinese children was studied.
Methods
: The hair and blood mercury levels of Chinese children aged above 3 years in 2000 March to September, were studied. Sociodemographic data, dietary habits of the past 6 months, and other risk factors for environmental mercury exposure were collected. Those children with blood mercury levels above the toxic range (i.e. > 45 nmol/L) and their family members were further evaluated and their blood and hair mercury levels were monitored before and after Fishing‐Moratorium period (June to August 2000) in South China Sea.
Results
: Altogether, 137 Chinese children (mean age, 7.2 years) were recruited. The mean hair mercury level was 2.2 p.p.m and the mean blood mercury level was 17.6 nmol/L. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.88) between hair and blood mercury levels in our cohort. Frequency of fish consumption correlated with hair (r = 0.51) and blood (r = 0.54) mercury levels. For those children who consumed fish more than 3 times/week, hair and blood mercury levels were twice as high as those who consumed fish l–3 times/week and threefold of those who never consumed fish. Five children and 12 family members had toxic blood mercury levels. Their blood (P < 0.0001) and hair (P = 0.02) mercury levels dropped significantly after reducing fish consumption during Fishing‐Moratorium period.
Conclusion
: Both blood and hair (i.e. Tissue) mercury levels of children in Hong Kong was elevated and correlated with the frequency of fish consumption.
Improved diabetes control by using ‘close adjustment algorithms’
Authors: Miyako Kenichi , Kuromaru Ryuichi , Kohno Hitoshi , Hara Toshiro 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Intensive insulin therapy increases the frequency of severe hypoglycemia despite markedly improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. To determine the optimal dose of insulin, the authors designed algorithms based on self‐monitored blood glucose levels.
Methods
: Each dose of insulin was composed of two components: a basal dose determined on the basis of blood glucose levels over the previous two days and an additional dose determined on the basis of blood glucose level just before insulin injection. The patients were instructed to adjust each dose according to the algorithms. The authors investigated the effects of using algorithms on glycemic control, anthropometric data, body composition, and lipid profile in seven females with type 1 diabetes 12–20 years old.
Results
: After 3 months, the daily dose of insulin increased significantly from 0.93 ± 0.18 to 1.16 ± 0.26 units/kg of body weight, and haemoglobin A1C decreased significantly from 8.27 ± 1.33 to 6.50 ± 0.64%. Severe hypoglycemia, however, did not occur. Body mass index increased significantly from 21.7 ± 2.7 to 22.7 ± 2.9 kg/m2 with no increase in the percentage of body fat. All lipid‐profile data showed a decreasing trend.
Conclusions
: Algorithms developed on the basis of self‐monitored blood glucose levels are useful in determining the optimal dose of insulin and can improve glycemic control and lipid metabolism.
Leptin and the metabolic syndrome in Korean adolescents: Factor analysis
Authors: Park Hye Soon , Lee Myoung Sook , Park Jung Yul 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships of leptin with the metabolic syndrome and to examine leptin's role in clustering of the metabolic components among Korean adolescents.
Methods
: A cross sectional study was carried out in 68 male and 80 female adolescents aged 13−18 years in an urban area of South Korea. Anthropometric variables were measured and blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum leptin were obtained.
Results
: As more metabolic components were clustered, body mass index, body fat, waist circumference, and serum leptin levels were significantly increased. Principal components factor analysis revealed three factors in males and females that explained 70% and 65%, respectively, of the observed variance of the 10 measured variables. These were obesity‐leptin‐lipid factor, blood pressure factor, and glucose‐cholesterol factor in males and obesity‐leptin‐glucose factor, blood pressure factor, and cholesterol factor in females. Leptin loaded on only one factor in both genders.
Conclusion
: Leptin did not appear to have a major role linking various components of the metabolic syndrome, even though it was strongly associated with obesity indices. Gender difference of linking of leptin with glucose or lipid was observed. There seems to be more than one pathophysiological mechanism which might underlie full expression of the metabolic syndrome among Korean adolescents.
Clinical application of prognostic factors for patients with organic causes of erectile dysfunction on 100 mg of sildenafil citrate
Authors: CHIA SING JOO , RAMESH KAMALAKANNAN , EARNEST ARUL 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Objectives  There are still no clinical predictive factors to determine the response rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients to sildenefil citrate. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and stratify the risk factors and attempted to determine the prognostic factors in clinical practice to predict the response rate. This is important in improving cost effectiveness and avoiding side‐effects.Material and methods  This is an open label prospective study including patients attending the andrology clinic in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, over 2 years. The patients were evaluated and investigated for possible underlying causes and ED severity was assessed by five‐items of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF‐5), together with the duration, degree and rigidity of erection. Psychogenic causes were excluded with a minimal follow up of 6 months. All patients were placed on 100 mg of sildenafil citrate and were reassessed at the end of 6 months. Logistic regression with univariate and multivariate was used as the method of statistical analysis.Results  A total of 232 patients were in the cohort. The overall response rate was 43%, with the best response rate in veno‐occlusive cases and the worst responses from neurogenic causes. Age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pretreatment IIEF‐5 score, interval to achieve erection and duration of erection were significant in univariate analysis, but only age, smoking and IIEF‐5 score were significant in multivariate analysis. With a combination of these factors, a table was formed to determine the possible response rate in clinical practice. This will assist physicians in selecting patients with potentially favorable responses and avoid side‐effects and an unnecessary wastage of time and cost.Conclusion  Possible factors could be determined and used clinically to predict the response rate to sildenafil citrate.