bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tomato pectin methylesterase: Modeling, fluorescence, and inhibitor interaction studies—comparison with the bacterial (Erwinia chrysanthemi) enzyme
Authors: D'Avino Rossana , Camardella Laura , Christensen Tove M.I.E. , Giovane Alfonso , Servillo Luigi 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe molecular model of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) pectin methylesterase (PME) was built by using the X‐ray crystal structure of PME from the phytopathogenic bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi as a template. The overall structure and the position of catalytically important residues (Asp132, Asp 153, and Arg 221, located at the bottom of the active site cleft) are conserved. Instead, loop regions forming the walls of the catalytic site are much shorter and form a less deep cleft, as already revealed by the carrot PME crystal structure. The protein inhibitor of pectin methylesterase (PMEI) isolated from kiwi fruit binds tomato PME with high affinity. Conversely, no complex formation between the inhibitor and PME from E. chrysanthemi is observed, and the activity of this enzyme is unaffected by the presence of the inhibitor. Fluorescence quenching experiments on tomato PME and on PME‐PMEI complex suggest that tryptophanyl residues present in the active site region are involved in the interaction and that the inhibitor interacts with plant PME at the level of the active site. We also suggest that the more open active site cleft of tomato PME allows the interaction with the inhibitor. Conversely, the narrow and deep cleft of the active site of E. chrysanthemi PME hinders this interaction. The pH‐dependent changes in fluorescence emission intensity observed in tomato PME could arise as the result of protonation of an Asp residue with unusually high pKa, thus supporting the hypothesis that Asp132 acts as acid/base in the catalytic cycle. Proteins 2003;53:000–000. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A reduced protein model with accurate native‐structure identification ability
Authors: Betancourt Marcos R. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA protein model that is simple enough to be used in protein‐folding simulations but accurate enough to identify a protein native fold is described. Its geometry consists of describing the residues by one, two, or three pseudoatoms, depending on the residue size. Its energy is given by a pairwise, knowledge‐based potential obtained for all the pseudoatoms as a function of their relative distance. The pseudoatomic potential is also a function of the primary chain separation and residue order. The model is tested by gapless threading on a large, representative set of known protein and decoy structures obtained from the “Decoys ‘R’ Us” database. It is also tested by threading on gapped decoys generated for proteins with many homologs. The gapless threading tests show near 98% native‐structure recognition as the lowest energy structure and almost 100% as one of the three lowest energy structures for over 2200 test proteins. In decoy threading tests, the model recognized the majority of the native structures. It is also able to recognize native structures among gapped decoys, in spite of close structural similarities. The results indicate that the pseudoatomic model has native recognition ability similar to comparable atomic‐based models but much better than equivalent residue‐based models. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequences of alamethicins F30 and F50 reconsidered and reconciled
Authors: Kirschbaum Jochen , Krause Corina , Winzheimer Ruth K. , Brückner Hans 
Published: November 2003

AbstractFrom the culture broth of the mould Trichoderma viride, strain NRRL 3199, a microheterogeneous mixture of the membrane active 20‐residue peptaibol alamethicin (ALM) could be isolated. ALMs were isolated by XAD‐2 column chromatography and separated by silica gel chromatography and trichloromethane/MeOH gradient elution into an acidic and neutral group of peptides, named ALM F30 and ALM F50, respectively, according to their 100 Rf on TLC. Peptides ALM F50 were separated by semi‐preparative and analytical HPLC and subjected to ESI‐MS. Ten sequences of ALM F30 and their relative quantities could be determined. The major peptides ALM F30/3 (46%) and ALM F30/7 (40%), distinguished by Aib/Ala exchange in position 6, correspond to sequences described as ALM I and II occurring in the original alamethicin from Upjohn Company. Analogously, 13 sequences of the neutral peptide mixture named ALM F50 could be determined. The major peptide ALM F50/5 (75%) and the minor peptide ALM F50/7 (10%) are distinguished from ALM F30/3 and ALM F30/7 by having Gln17 in place of Glu17, the latter occurring in the F30 group. Notably, currently commercially available alamethicins (Fluka, Sigma) represent microheterogeneous mixtures of the neutral ALM F50 peptides with trace amounts of acidic ALM F30 peptides. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum chemistry application to H‐bonded ferroelectrics via mean field theory involving proton correlation
Authors: Dolin S. P. , Levin A. A. , Mikhailova T. Yu. , Solin M. V. , Strokach N. S. , Kirillova N. I. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA problem of entirely theoretical evaluation of ferroelectric characteristics of H‐bonded crystals is considered based on the quantum chemical calculations of different levels. This consideration employs the Ising‐type pseudospin formalism and treats the “zero‐dimensional” TKHS family crystals M3(H/D)(AO4)2 as convenient examples. Ab initio and post‐Hartree–Fock schemes are applied to calculate the parameters of pseudospin Hamiltonians. The simple mean (molecular) field approximation (MFA) and Bethe clusters approach (BCA), which partly takes into account proton–proton (deuteron–deuteron) correlations, are compared. It is found that both mean field approximations describe the unusual low‐temperature ferroelectric behavior of the TKHS‐like materials qualitatively well. MFA overestimates significantly the critical temperature Tc of the structural phase transition paraelectric phase—antiferroelectric phase. The use of BCA provides the Tc value much closer to the experimental data. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Sleep Disturbance After Burn Injury
Authors: Boeve S. A. , Aaron L. A. , Martin-Herz S. P. , Peterson A. , Cain V. , Heimbach D. M. , Patterson D. R. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
This study describes sleep disturbance and related factors in a group of 74 patients at 1 week after discharge using a sleep problems questionnaire developed by the authors. Results indicated that a significant proportion of patients reported a problem with their sleep (73%). Several items were identified as highly prevalent, including frequent nighttime awakenings (87%), napping during the daytime (65%), sleeping alone (64%), experiencing pain during the night (62%), and difficulties with sleep onset (62%). Results suggest numerous possible interventions to improve patients' sleep quality. The usefulness of a more extensive questionnaire was also indicated.
Educational Preparedness for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in Burn Care
Authors: Keller C. , Ward R. S. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The background of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students in burn care training may be variable during their professional education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether professional programs in PT and OT are meeting the burn care educational needs of their students. PTs and OTs currently practicing in burn care were asked to give their opinion of the most important curricular topics related to burn care, report their perception of their own entry-level preparedness for burn care, recount therapy interns preparation for burn care internships, and recommend topics that should be included in a therapy program burn care curriculum. Therapists felt prepared in basic sciences and somewhat prepared in specific burn care practice topics. Study participants felt more prepared for burn practice if they completed an internship in burn care. Enhancing content on burn-related treatment interventions was the most common suggestion for curricular revision.
Differentiation and Barrier Formation of a Cultured Composite Skin Graft
Authors: Gragnani A. , Morgan J. R. , Ferreira L. M. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The differentiation and barrier formation of cultured composite skin grafts (CSGs) were assessed by histology and measurements of surface electrical capacitance (SEC) in vitro and in vivo. Keratinocytes cultured on the surface of acellular dermis were lifted to the air-liquid interface and analyzed for 30 days in vitro. Initially, SEC measurements of CSGs (n = 11) were high but quickly dropped between days 4 and 6 and remained steady for 30 days, indicating barrier formation by the epidermis. Histology of the CSGs (n = 6) demonstrated stratification of the epidermal cells and partial formation of the stratum corneum by day 3 that was complete by day 7. CSGs (n = 5) were transplanted to athymic mice, where they formed a stratified and differentiated epidermis. SEC measurements of CSGs remained low after transplant, suggesting that exposure to the air-liquid interface improved the maturation of CSGs in vitro prior to transplant.
Burn Centers Should Be Involved in Prevention of Occupational Electrical Injuries
Authors: Brandt Mary-Margaret , McReynolds Michael C. , Ahrns Karla S. , Wahl Wendy L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Electrical injuries are uncommon, comprising 10% of our regional burn center admissions during a 9-year period. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, type, and location of occupation-related electrical injuries in an attempt to focus our injury prevention and outreach efforts. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with electrical injuries admitted to our burn center from January 1992 through March 2000, with focused analysis on those patients admitted with occupation-related electrical injuries. Of the 95 patients admitted for electrical burns, 81% (n = 77) were occupational injuries. This rate of injury suggests that prevention efforts should be directed at work sites and partnerships should be developed between burn centers and businesses to reduce the incidence of injuries.
Treatment of the Exposed Achilles Tendon Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Heugel Judson R. , Parks Kare Sias , Christie Sara S. , Pulito Joseph F. , Zegzula Daniel H. , Kemalyan Nathan A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Exposed tendons after burn injury create a surgical challenge for the treating physician. This is particularly true with regard to the exposed Achilles tendon. This case report reviews the nature of this challenge and traditional solutions, and describes the use of negative pressure wound therapy to facilitate coverage of the Achilles tendon. This therapy may provide a more appropriate therapeutic option for dealing with tendon exposure after severe burns.
The Development, Validation, and Testing of a Health Outcomes Burn Questionnaire for Infants and Children 5 years of Age and Younger: American Burn Association/Shriners Hospitals for Children
Authors: Kazis Lewis E. , Liang Matthew H. , Lee Austin , Ren Xinhua S. , Phillips Charlotte B. , Hinson Michelle , Calvert Catherine , Cullen Marc , Beth Daugherty Mary , Goodwin Cleon W. , Jenkins Marilyn , McCauley Robert L. , Meyer Walter J. , Palmieri Tina , Pidcock Frank , Reilly Debra , Warden Glenn , Wood David , Tompkins Ronald 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The 12-member American Burn Association/Shriners Hospitals for Children Outcomes Task Force was charged with developing a health outcomes questionnaire for use in children 5 years of age and younger that was clinically based and valid. A 55-item form was tested using a cross-sectional design on the basis of a range of 184 infants and children between 0 and 5 years of age at 8 burn centers, nationally. A total of 131 subjects completed a follow-up health outcomes questionnaire 6 months after the baseline assessment. A comparison group of 285 normal nonburn children was also obtained. Internal consistency reliability of the scales ranged from 0.74 to 0.94. Tests of clinical validity were significant in the hypothesized direction for the majority of scales for length of hospital stay, duration since the burn, percent of body surface area burned, overall clinician assessment of severity of burn injury, and number of comorbidities. The criterion validity of the instrument was supported using the Child Developmental Inventories for Burn Children in early childhood and preschool stages of development comparing normal vs abnormal children. The instrument was sensitive to changes over time following a clinical course observed by physicians in practice. The Health Outcomes Burn Questionnaire for Infants and Children 5 years of age and younger is a clinically based reliable and valid assessment tool that is sensitive to change over time for assessing burn outcomes in this age group.
Use of an Improved Watusi Collar to Manage Pediatric Neck Burn Contractures
Authors: Hurlin Foley K. , Doyle B. , Paradise P. , Parry I. , Palmieri T. , Greenhalgh D. G. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Burns to the neck present a serious challenge to the pediatric burn team. Even when full neck range of motion is maintained, scarring may lead to banding and a loss of the neck's natural contour. Conventional thermoplastic neck conformers have been used to maintain neck position and provide pressure to maturing scars, but they are rigid and limit functional mobility. This is of particular concern in the pediatric population where limiting neck mobility can disrupt the development of sensory and motor patterns that are essential to normal developmental progression. The Multi-Ring Watusi collar is a flexible neck orthosis that allows mobility and provides circumferential pressure to the neck. We modified this collar to improve its comfort, cosmetic appearance and ease in donning/doffing. The improved Watusi collar is a flexible splint that supports neck position, provides circumferential pressure, and allows for functional neck mobility.
Serious Occupational Burn Injuries Treated at a Regional Burn Center
Authors: Taylor Allison J. , McGwin Gerald , Cross James M. , Smith Donald R. , Birmingham Barbara R. , Rue Loring W. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
This article will present the epidemiology of occupational burn injuries among patients admitted to a regional burn center. Patients admitted to University of Alabama at Birmingham University Hospital Burn Center between November 1994 and December 1999 for occupational burn injuries were studied. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic, clinical, and outcome characteristics. Approximately one-quarter of all burn center admissions had sustained occupational burn injuries. The most common burns were flame, electrical, and scald burns. The most heavily represented occupations were “manufacturing” (19.1%), “electrician” (16.2%), and “laborer” (16.2%). Burn type varied with occupation. Over $16 million in hospital charges was accrued by patients sustaining occupational burn injuries. Understanding the epidemiology of serious burn injuries in the workplace is crucial to directing prevention efforts toward worker groups at highest risk.
Differential Effects of Two Different Routes of Immunization on Protection Against Gram-Negative Sepsis by a Detoxified Escherichia coli J5 Lipopolysaccharide Group B Meningococcal Outer Membrane Protein Complex Vaccine in a Burned Mouse Model
Authors: Neely Alice N. , Bhattacharjee Apurba K. , Babcock George F. , Holder Ian A. , Cross Alan S. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Gram-negative sepsis causes morbidity and mortality in burned patients. To determine whether immunization with core endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) via one of two routes could protect burned mice from septic death, mice were immunized either three times subcutaneously (SC) or one time intramuscularly (IM) then two times intraperitoneally (IP) with a core-lipopolysaccharide vaccine. Control mice were immunized with either saline or an irrelevant antigen. Postimmunization, mice were immunocompromised with a 15% TBSA flame burn and challenged subeschar with Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli. Vaccine immunization improved the survival of both E. coli- and K. pneumoniae- challenged mice when given SC but not when given IM, IP. Postimmunization, total immunoglobulin titers were elevated over preimmune titers, but titers in IM, IP-immunized mice were higher than those in SC-immunized mice. Both isotyping and flow cytometry studies indicated that sera from mice immunized via IM, IP opsonized better than sera from mice immunized via SC. Hence, this vaccine provided route-specific protection of burned mice against gram-negative sepsis; its mechanism of action was not solely dependent upon increased immunoglobulin titers or phagocytosis.
National Analgesia Prescribing Patterns in Emergency Department Patients With Burns
Authors: Singer A. J. , Thode H. C. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Previous studies suggest that many patients with burns receive inadequate analgesia. A secondary analysis of the 1992 to 1999 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (a national, weighted sample of emergency department [ED] encounters) was performed to estimate national analgesia prescribing patterns in ED patients with burns. In 1999, there were 21,103 patient encounters sampled from 376 EDs, resulting in an estimated 102.8 million ED visits in 1999. One hundred thirty-eight patients in the sample (0.7%) had burns for an estimated 827,000 annual burns. Patient mean age was 28 years. Forty-three percent were female, 25% were children under 18 years of age, and 81% were white. Pain assessments were performed in about half of the patients, and only half of the patients received analgesics. Analgesia administration did not differ by year, sex, age, race, ethnicity, geographic location, or insurance payment type, yet it was more likely with increased pain. We conclude that many patients with burns do not have documentation of pain assessment or analgesia administration while in the ED.
The Utility of D-Dimer Levels in Screening for Thromboembolic Complications in Burn Patients
Authors: Wahl Wendy L. , Brandt Mary-Margaret , Ahrns Karla , Corpron Cynthia A. , Franklin Glen A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Recent studies confirm that thromboembolic complications in burn patients are higher than previously reported. Swelling, pain, and erythema are not useful indicators of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in burned extremities. We propose that D-dimer levels may be useful in determining which patients would benefit from further screening for DVT. Thirty adult hospitalized burn patients were screened for DVT with duplex ultrasound on admission and then weekly until discharge. D-dimer levels were measured at the same intervals. Seven patients developed 11 cases of DVT. The mean time to DVT diagnosis was 6.7 days. D-dimer levels were elevated in 86% of DVT patients at week 1, with a negative predictive value of 94%. The evaluation of elevated D-dimer levels at week 1 may be a useful screening tool for detecting DVT in the burn population.
Playing with Fire: Images of Fire on Toy Packaging
Authors: Curri Terese B. , Palmieri Tina L. , Aoki Traci H. , Kaulkin Camille K. , Lunn Melen E. , Gregory Catherine M. , Greenhalgh David G. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Despite prevention efforts designed to teach children that fire is not a toy, each year hundreds of children, primarily male, are injured while playing with fire. Mass-produced toys and games shape children's behaviors, and the fire images on toy packaging may send the message that fire is fun rather than dangerous. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of male fire-related injuries at our burn center and to investigate the use of fire images in toy packaging. An aisle-by-aisle search was conducted at a national toy store. Toys with fire images on their packaging were identified. Target gender and the setting in which the fire was displayed also were recorded. Only toys with clearly visible flames on their packaging were included. We reviewed our TRACS database from April 1997 to May 1999 for fire-related injuries to children admitted to our institution as a result of playing with fire. Review of toy stores revealed 404 toys with packaging containing fire images. Of these, 97% (393 of 404) were targeted to males. Video games were the leading category of flame-related packaging (208 of 404), followed by toy car/truck displays (84 of 404). Packaging for girls' toys had safe and contained settings, whereas boys' toys used settings that were uncontrolled and associated with speed and weapons. A total of 59 children, 52 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 10 ± 0.6 years and mean TBSA burn of 12.3 ± 2.1% were admitted to our facility with fire-related injuries during the study interval. Children imitate life with toys and use play to experiment with new behavior. Boys are receiving a powerful, consistent message from images of fire on toy packaging. These advertisements may help to contribute to the higher incidence of fire-related injuries in boys.
Transcardiopulmonary Thermal Dye Versus Single Thermodilution Methods for Assessment of Intrathoracic Blood Volume and Extravascular Lung Water in Major Burn Resuscitation
Authors: Küntscher Markus V. , Czermak Christoph , Blome–Eberwein Sigrid , Dacho Andreas , Germann Günter 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the approximated values for intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) and extravascular lung water (EVLW) obtained from a single indicator dilution to the exact data measured by double-indicator dilution. Eighteen patients with an average TBSA of 46.3% (range, 26 to 67%) and an average abbreviated burn severity index of 8.7 (range, 7 to 11) were included into a intraindividual comparative prospective study over a 20-month period. The COLD Z-021 system (Pulsion® Medical Systems, Munich, Germany) was used to obtain both the exact measurements, as well as the estimated values for ITBV and EVLW. Two hundred ninety intraindividually comparative measurements were performed during the first 4 days after the burn injury. A good correlation between both techniques was shown for ITBVI (0.77;P &lt; .01) for the overall measurements. However, the overall bias demonstrated a standard deviation higher than the mean value (−87.4 ± 136 ml/m2), and precision for the estimated values for ITBVI was poor (−491 to 783 ml/m2). Additional analyses demonstrated a poor but significant correlation for low states of ITBV (r = .37;P &lt; .01), but no significant correlations were found between the techniques for normal and high ITBV states. Thus, the approximated ITBV obtained from single thermodilution should not be used to guide volume therapy in major burn resuscitation. Furthermore, the EVLW is neither suitable for diagnostic use nor for therapeutic decisions because it is calculated on the basis of the poorly estimated values for ITBV in single thermodilution. Transcardiopulmonary single thermodilution is not suitable to assess intrathoracic blood volume and extravascular lung water in burn shock. However, the method is suitable to assess cardiac output and its derived parameters in burn resuscitation as shown in previous studies. It still must be proven whether the exactly measured ITBV obtained from transcardiopulmonary double-indicator dilution is superior to the commonly used parameters to guide major burn resuscitation.