bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
trans‐Complementation assay establishes the role of proregion hydrophobic amino acid residues in the biosynthesis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kex2p endoprotease
Authors: Lesage Guillaume , Guimond Julie , Boileau Guy 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe proregion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae endoprotease Kex2p is essential for the biosynthesis of an active enzyme. It has been suggested that the proregion acts in the endoplasmic reticulum to catalyse folding of the enzyme. To identify amino acid residues important for proregion function, we used an in vivo system in which the Kex2p proregion can act in trans to activate a Kex2p enzyme synthesized without its proregion. Activation of Kex2p by wild‐type and mutated proregions revealed the essential role of hydrophobic residues F37, V39 and F70 in enzyme activation. Further exploration of the role of these residues by in vitro inhibition of Kex2p activity by its proregion indicated that they are essential to form the proregion/enzyme bimolecular complex. In contrast, basic residues K108 and R109, located in the C‐terminus of the proregion, are not involved in complex formation but are necessary for the biosynthesis of an active enzyme. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partial hydatidiform mole with diploid karyotype in a live fetus
Authors: Lembet A , Zorlu C.G , Yalçin H.R , Seçkin B , Ekici E 
Published: April 2003

AbstractEven though most instances of partial mole are triploid, only a few cases of diploid partial moles have been reported. Prognosis of partial mole is usually better than the complete mole as few cases of partial moles progress to persistent trophoblastic disease. However, the nature and the risks of diploid partial moles are not well established and they seem to be a distinct clinical entity. Here we report a case of partial mole presenting with a 22 weeks live fetus and preeclampsia. Fetal blood sampling was performed for cytogenetic analysis which revealed a diploid (46XY) karyotype. No progression to malignant gestational trophoblastic disease occurred.
The effect of maternal fasting on the fetal biophysical profile
Authors: Mirghani H.M , Weerasinghe D.S.L , Ezimokhai M , Smith J.R 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjectives: To determine fetal biophysical profile changes in women observing Ramadan with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy. Methods: In this cross‐sectional observational study healthy women who were observing Ramadan at 30 weeks or more of gestation were recruited as well as a non‐fasting control group matched for age, parity, and gestational age. Ultrasound examination included assessment of amniotic fluid volume, fetal bladder volume, fetal biophysical profile, and umbilical artery Doppler flow. Results: A total of 162 pregnant women were observed. Mean umbilical artery pulsatility index, vertical amniotic pool depth, and fetal bladder volume were similar in the study and control groups. However, there was a significant difference in biophysical scores between the two groups. In the fasting group, 30 of 81 fetuses (37%) had a score of 6/8 compared with 11 of 81 fetuses (13.6%) in the control group (P=0.001). All fetuses in both groups with a biophysical score of 6/8 showed no breathing movements. Conclusions: Fetal breathing movements are reduced during maternal fasting.
HIV infection in critically ill obstetrical patients
Authors: de Groot M.R. , Corporaal L.J. , Cronjé H.S. , Joubert G. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjectives: The effect of HIV‐infection on the clinical course of critically ill obstetrical patients by means of a case–control study was evaluated. Methods: Over one calendar year 440 patients were admitted to a high risk obstetrical unit. All patients were tested for HIV‐infection. HIV‐positive patients were included in the study group and two HIV‐negative patients for every HIV‐positive patient were included in the control group. Results: No differences were found between the two groups regarding demographic data, diagnosis, antibiotic use, mode of delivery, duration of hospital stay and mortality. More complications occurred in the HIV‐negative group. Eclampsia recorded for the HIV‐negative group was 17.1% and 4.7% for the HIV‐positive group (P=0.04; 95% CI: −17.1%; −0.9%) and lung edema was 18.2% and 6.2%, respectively (P=0.01; 95% CI: −19.3%; −3.5%). The median CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly lower in the HIV‐positive group (0.43) than the HIV‐negative group (1.37) (P<0.01; 95% CI: −1.04; −0.79). Conclusions: HIV‐infection did not significantly alter the clinical course of critically ill patients in an obstetrical high care unit.
Collagen synthesis during pregnancy, vitamin C availability, and risk of premature rupture of fetal membranes
Authors: Tejero E. , Perichart O. , Pfeffer F. , Casanueva E. , Vadillo‐Ortega F. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: To examine the relationship between plasma and leukocyte concentration of ascorbic acid and collagen type I propeptide C during pregnancy and subsequent premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Methods: Fifteen women with PROM and 26 controls were compared for plasma and leukocyte concentration of vitamin C and for Pro‐C during pregnancy. Results: A statistically significant difference in maternal leukocyte ascorbic acid concentration was found between the two groups at week 28 of gestation (P50 was 16.90 for PROM group vs. 21.46 for control group; P>0.05). Increased risk for PROM (odds ratio, 10.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.40–49.91) was found with elevated concentrations of Pro‐C at week 16 of gestation. Conclusions: A higher rate of collagen synthesis early in pregnancy was demonstrated in PROM cases. However, no correlation with ascorbic acid availability was found. This study supports the findings of others that collagen metabolism disturbances are associated with PROM.
Autopsy study of maternal deaths
Authors: Kavatkar A.N , Sahasrabudhe N.S , Jadhav M.V , Deshmukh S.D 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjectives: To obtain an insight into the underlying disorder or pathologies in different organs or systems, and to attempt clinicopathologic correlation in maternal deaths. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 95 maternal autopsies done from 1993 to 2000 in Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, India. External examination, in situ examination, gross and microscopic examination was done in each case. The cause of death was arrived at after reviewing clinical details, available investigations, morphological findings, and clinicopathologic correlation. Results: Ninety‐five (45.02%) out of 211 maternal deaths were autopsied. Out of 95, there were 47 (49.5%) direct obstetric deaths, and 33 (34.7%) indirect obstetric deaths. Fifteen (15.8%) deaths were unrelated to pregnancy, 14 of which were due to infections. Conclusions: Hypertensive disorders associated with pregnancy (24.2%) and anemia (14.7%) were most common. In the hypertensive group, important findings were disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemorrhages in different organs and thromboemboli. Two cases were HIV seropositive. The autopsy helped to elucidate factors contributing to death and pathology in different organ systems.
Confirmation of cervical neoplasia using a hand‐held, lighted magnification device
Authors: Winkler J.L. , Tsu V.D. , Bishop A. , Scott R. , Sellors J.W. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of visual inspection with acetic acid and magnification (VIAM) using the AviScope™ device to confirm high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or carcinoma. Methods: VIAM was performed on 142 women aged 18–50 years referred to three colposcopy clinics because of abnormal cervical cytology. Each woman then had a colposcopic examination with cervical biopsy when indicated. Results: The AviScope™ device identified 24 of the 40 women who had CIN 2, 3, or carcinoma, yielding a sensitivity of 60.0% (95% CI 43.4, 74.7). The AviScope™ correctly identified 60 of 87 women negative for dysplasia or cancer, yielding a specificity of 69.0% (95% CI 58.0, 78.2) compared with colposcopy and cervical histology. Conclusion: VIAM using the AviScope™ device was moderately sensitive and specific for the confirmation of high‐grade cervical lesions in women referred with abnormal cervical cytology.
Laparoscopic surgery in the Cameroon
Authors: Raiga J , Kasia J.M , Bruhat M.A 
Published: April 2003

AbstractA new surgical section of operative laparoscopy was installed in General Hospital of Yaoundé, Cameroon, in April 1992 after many years of collaboration between the University of Clermont–Ferrand and the University of Yaoundé. A total of 735 laparoscopic operations were conducted in the first 5 years. Conditions facilitating such a project are discussed. © 1998 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Cost‐effectiveness of IVF in women 38 years and older
Authors: Suchartwatnachai C , Wongkularb A , Srisombut C , Choktanasiri W , Chinsomboon S , Rojanasakul A 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: To compare the cost per delivery in women younger than 38 years with women equal to or older than 38 years of age attempting IVF. Methods: All couples undergoing IVF treatment between October 1991 and September 1998 were enrolled in this study. A standard protocol of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was employed throughout the study. Four hundred and seven cases were allocated to two groups — group I composed of patients younger than 38 years of age and group II of patient equal to or older than 38 years of age. The total cost of each successful outcome was the goal of our study. Results: A total of 407 women underwent 722 stimulated cycles for IVF of which 122 cycles (16.89%) did not proceed to oocyte retrieval. We found statistically significant differences in the cancellation rate, the number of hMG ampoules, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of oocytes fertilized, the number of embryos transferred, the clinical pregnancy rate, the rate of multiple pregnancy, the delivery per initiated cycle and the cost per delivery between the two groups (P<0.05, significant). The cost per delivery in group II was approximately 3.6 times that of group I. Conclusions: Women age 38 years or more have less chance of a successful outcome from IVF treatment. Couples contemplating IVF should be provided with accurate information about prognosis for the pregnancy and the financial costs.
Quantitative and sensitive in vitro assay for osteoinductive activity of demineralized bone matrix
Authors: Han Bo , Tang Baowei , Nimni Marcel E. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractA sensitive, rapid, reliable and quantitative method to check the bone forming potential of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has been developed. The osteoinductivity of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), present in DBM, can be measured in vitro using a pluripotent myoblast C2C12 cell line. Alkaline phosphatase activity induced by co‐incubation of DBM with C2C12 cells was dose‐responsive and corresponds to the amount of active BMPs in DBM. Bone forming potential was simultaneously tested in vivo by implanting DBM intra‐muscularly in nude rats. ALP activity induced in C2C12 cells, correlated with bone formation in vivo (r= 0.88), determined by alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization density and histomorphology of the DBM explants. Results from DBM batches, originating from five established Bone Banks, showed good consistency between in vitro and in vivo assays. However, DBM activity varied widely from bank to bank as well as from batch to batch within the same bank. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Eligibility for biventricular pacing in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Molhoek S.G. , Bax J.J. , van Erven L. , Steendijk P. , van der Wall E.E. , Schalij M.J. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractImplantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)‐therapy prevents sudden death in patients at high risk, but incidence of death due to heart failure remains unaltered. Recent data suggest that biventricular (BV) pacing is useful in patients with heart failure. It is unclear, how many patients with an ICD indication may have an indication for BV pacing. Therefore all patients who received an ICD were analyzed for eligibility of BV pacing using the following criteria: NYHA class III or IV, QRS duration >120 ms, depressed LVEF. Three hundred and ninety consecutive patients received an ICD from June 1996 to March 2001. Underlying disease was ischemic heart disease in 66%. In the 390 patients the mean LVEF was 36±17%, 20% were in NYHA class III–IV and 16% were in NYHA class II with an LVEF <30%. Of these 140 patients, 79 had a QRS duration >120 ms. Thus, 79 (20%) patients were eligible for BV pacing in addition to ICD‐therapy. Patients who received a BV pacemaker in addition to ICD‐therapy had a superior survival, improved in NYHA class and showed a significantly lower hospitalization rate as compared to patients who received an ICD only. Screening for eligibility of BV pacing may be considered in patients with CHF scheduled for ICD implantation.
Alleviatory effects of calcium on the toxicity of sodium, potassium and magnesium chlorides to seed germination in three non-halophytes
Authors: Tobe Kazuo , Zhang Liping , Omasa Kenji 
Published: April 2003

AbstractSaline soils contain numerous salts with varying impact on seed germination. Seeds of three non-halophytic species found in Chinese sandy deserts (Artemisia ordosica, Aristida adscensionis and Bassia dasyphylla) were incubated in salt solutions (NaCl, KCl or MgCl2, each with or without CaCl2) at 20°C in the dark. The effects of each salt on the percentage of seeds from which visibly detectable radicles emerged, and the percentage of seeds with emerging radicles surviving to a length of at least 4 mm, were examined. NaCl, KCl and MgCl2 were toxic to emerging radicles in all three species, but before radicle emergence these salts reduced seed germinability only in A. ordosica. The toxic effects of each salt on the radicles were alleviated in all three species by the addition of low concentrations of CaCl2. MgCl2 was more toxic than NaCl and KCl, and the concentration of CaCl2 needed to alleviate the toxicity of MgCl2 was several times higher than that required for alleviation of NaCl or KCl toxicity. These results suggest that Ca2+ present in saline soils alleviates the toxic effects of other salt components on seed germination, and that the results of germination experiments with a single salt are not always applicable to field conditions.
Seed size, shape and persistence in soil: a test on Italian flora from Alps to Mediterranean coasts
Authors: Cerabolini Bruno , Ceriani Roberta M. , Caccianiga Marco , Andreis Rossella De , Raimondi Barbara 
Published: April 2003

AbstractSeed size is a good predictor of seed persistence in soil for British, Argentinean, Iranian and – to some extent – New Zealand species. It has been suggested that seed shape should also be linked to the ease of burial and, thus, to seed persistence, even if some studies failed to show this. The relationship between seed size and shape and persistence in soil was analysed for 259 species of the Italian flora, belonging to a wide range of habitats, from alpine pasture to limestone prairies and meadows of the Prealps, and from woodlands to Mediterranean maquis and garigues. Seed size was related to persistence in soil in the same way as in most other floras examined. Furthermore, seed shape was highly related to persistence in soil among the species analysed, when considered both altogether and divided among the different habitats. Our results suggest that not only seed size, but also seed shape, are key factors in determining seed fate and seed persistence in soil.
Seed size, shape and persistence in dry Mediterranean grass and scrublands
Authors: Peco Begoña , Traba Juan , Levassor Catherine , Sánchez Ana M. , Azcárate Francisco M. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractSeed size and shape, measured as the variance of the three main dimensions, have been proposed as good indicators for predicting seed persistence. We tested whether these variables were robust predictors of seed persistence in the soil for 58 abundant herbaceous species, primarily annuals, in grass and scrubland of central Spain. Seed persistence was estimated from data on germinable seed banks, while seed weight and shape were measured using fresh seeds collected in the study area. There was a significant tendency for species with persistent seeds to have smaller seeds than species with transient seeds. Seed shape was not, however, related to persistence and we did not find any clear seed weight/shape threshold for predicting persistence. The binary logistic model of seed bank type as a function of seed weight was significant and explained 67% of total variability. Supplementary information about dormancy, environmental conditions of habitat, predation and attack by pathogens has to be used to elaborate more accurate general predictive models of seed persistence.
Quinine as a multidrug resistance inhibitor: a phase 3 multicentric randomized study in adult de novo acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Solary Eric , Drenou Bernard , Campos Lydia , de Crémoux Patricia , Mugneret Francine , Moreau Philippe , Lioure Bruno , Falkenrodt Annie , Witz Brigitte , Bernard Marc , Hunault-Berger Mathilde , Delain Martine , Fernandes José , Mounier Christiane , Guilhot François , Garnache Francine , Berthou Christian , Kara-Slimane Fawzi , Harousseau Jean-Luc ,   the Groupe Ouest Est Leucémies Aiguës Myéloblastiques (GOELAMS)
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Based on our previous demonstration that quinine could be used clinically to reverse P-glycoprotein–mediated resistance, we designed a multicenter, randomized trial aiming to determine whether quinine would improve the survival of adult patients (15-60 years old) with de novo acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These patients randomly received (n = 213) or did not receive (n = 212) a 30 mg/kg/day continuous intravenous infusion of quinine in combination with induction chemotherapy combining idarubicine and cytarabine and, depending on bone marrow examination at day 20, an additional course of cytarabine and mitoxantrone. The mean steady-state quinine concentration was 7.8 mg/L and the mean multidrug resistance reversing activity of serum was 1.96. Complete remission (CR) was obtained in 344 patients (80.9%) without significant influence of quinine. Of the patients in complete remission, 82 were assigned to receive HLA-matched bone marrow transplants, whereas 262 were assigned to 2 courses of intensive consolidation chemotherapy, with or without quinine, depending on initial randomization. The 4-year actuarial overall survival (OS) of the 425 eligible patients was 42.0% ± 2.5%, without significant influence of quinine. Of 160 patients who could be studied, 54 demonstrated rhodamine 123 efflux. In these patients, quinine significantly improved the CR rate from 12 of 25 (48.0%) to 24 of 29 (82.8%) (P = .01). However, there was no significant difference in OS. Neither mdr1 gene nor P-glycoprotein expression influenced the outcome. We conclude that quinine does not improve the survival of adult patients with de novo AML, even though it improves CR rate in a small subgroup of patients defined by rhodamine 123 efflux.
Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism and mediator of anemia of inflammation
Authors: Ganz Tomas 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Human hepcidin, a 25–amino acid peptide made by hepatocytes, may be a new mediator of innate immunity and the long-sought iron-regulatory hormone. The synthesis of hepcidin is greatly stimulated by inflammation or by iron overload. Evidence from transgenic mouse models indicates that hepcidin is the predominant negative regulator of iron absorption in the small intestine, iron transport across the placenta, and iron release from macrophages. The key role of hepcidin is confirmed by the presence of nonsense mutations in the hepcidin gene, homozygous in the affected members, in 2 families with severe juvenile hemochromatosis. Recent evidence shows that deficient hepcidin response to iron loading may contribute to iron overload even in the much milder common form of hemochromatosis, from mutations in the HFE gene. In anemia of inflammation, hepcidin production is increased up to 100-fold and this may account for the defining feature of this condition, sequestration of iron in macrophages. The discovery of hepcidin and its role in iron metabolism could lead to new therapies for hemochromatosis and anemia of inflammation.
Substance use and schizophrenia: effects on symptoms, social functioning and service use
Authors: Cantwell Roch 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundStudies examining the effects of substance use in patients with schizophrenia have produced conflicting results.AimsTo examine the effects of comorbid substance use on symptoms, social functioning and service use in patients with schizophrenia.MethodPatients (n=316) with and without substance use problems from three centres participating in the Scottish Comorbidity Study were compared, using research interviews and case note review, on measures of symptoms, social functioning and service use.ResultsPatients with substance use problems were younger, more likely to be male and had shorter duration of illness. They had more police contact and increased self-reported needs, but otherwise showed few differences when compared with those without such problems.ConclusionsThe presence of problem substance use had only modest impact on service use, symptoms or social functioning for this group of patients with schizophrenia. This has important implications for service development to meet the perceived needs of this group.
Development and psychometric properties of the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability
Authors: Cuthill Fiona M. , Espie Colin A. , Cooper Sally-Anne 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThere is no reliable and valid self-report measure of depressive symptoms for people with learning disabilities.AimsTo develop a scale for individuals with learning disability, and a supplementary scale for carers.MethodItems were generated from a range of assessment scales and through focus groups. A draft scale was piloted and field tested using matched groups of people with or without depression, and their carers. The scale was also administered to a group without learning disabilities for criterion validation.ResultsThe Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability (GDS–LD) differentiated depression and non-depression groups, correlated with the Beck Depression Inventory – II (r=0.88), had good test – retest reliability (r=0.97) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.90), and a cut-off score (13) yielded 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The Carer Supplement was also reliable (r=0.98; α=0.88), correlating with the GDS–LD (r=0.93).ConclusionsBoth scales appear useful for screening, monitoring progress and contributing to outcome appraisal.