bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of alfentanil on intracranial pressure during propofol–fentanyl anesthesia for craniotomy. A randomized prospective dose–response study
Authors: Olsen K. S. , Juul N. , Cold G. E. 
Published: March 2005

Background:   The effect of alfentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with supratentorial cerebral tumors has only been sparsely examined and with somewhat contradictory results.Methods:  Thirty‐one patients were anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl. After removal of the bone flap a bolus‐dose of alfentanil 10 (group 1), 20 (group 2), or 30 µg kg−1 (group 3) was administered followed by an infusion of 10, 20, or 30 µg·kg−1·h−1 to patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A control group received no alfentanil. Subdural ICP, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were monitored and arterial and jugular bulb blood were sampled before and every minute for 5 min after the bolus administration of alfentanil and again after 5 min of hyperventilation to be able to calculate cerebral arterio‐venous oxygen content difference (AVDO2) and carbon dioxide reactivity (CO2‐reactivity).Results:  No changes in subdural ICP or AVDO2 from alfentanil in the study period were observed within the groups. However, alfentanil decreased MAP and CPP. The maximum CPP decrease (mean value of each group) was 4 mmHg, 8 mmHg, and 18 mmHg in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was no difference between groups as regards the CO2‐reactivity.Conclusion:  We conclude that administration of alfentanil to propofol‐fentanyl anesthetized patients with supratentorial cerebral tumors decreases MAP and CPP in a dose‐related way, but does not influence subdural ICP, AVDO2 or the CO2‐reactivity.
Prevalence and clinical implications of HFE gene mutations (C282Y and H63D) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C in Taiwan
Authors: Mah Yone‐Han , Kao Jia‐Horng , Liu Chun‐Jen , Chen Chi‐Ling , Chen Pei‐Jer , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Ding‐Shinn 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: The implication of hemochromatosis (HFE) gene mutations in chronic viral hepatitis remains controversial. We therefore studied the prevalence of HFE mutations and their impact on the progression of chronic viral hepatitis in Taiwan.Patients & methods: H63D and C282Y mutations were screened by using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism in 152 chronic hepatitis B patients with various stages of liver disease, 87 chronic hepatitis C patients with various stages of liver disease, and 49 healthy controls. The distribution of each allele frequency was then compared among different groups of patients and in various stages of liver disease.Results: All three groups of patients were C282Y wild type and the majority of H63D mutations were heterozygotes. Although statistically not significant, allele frequencies of H63D mutation in hepatitis B‐related liver cirrhosis (6%) and hepatitis C‐related liver cirrhosis (9.1%) were higher than those in healthy control (2%). After adjustment for age and sex, hepatitis B patients with H63D heterozygosity had a higher likelihood of cirrhosis than those with H63D wild type (odds ratios (OR): 3.2, confidence interval (CI): 0.49–20.5, P=0.22). Similarly, hepatitis C patients with H63D homozygosity had a higher likelihood of cirrhosis compared with those with H63D wild type (OR: 2.35, CI : 0.19–28.5, P=0.52).Conclusions: Almost all Taiwanese are C282Y wild type. H63D heterozygote and homozygote, occurring in less than 5% of the subjects, tended to be associated with the development of liver cirrhosis, irrespective of viral etiology. Screening for H63D mutation might be considered in patients with chronic viral hepatitis in Taiwan.
Osteoprotegerin and RANKL in alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Fábrega Emilio , Orive Aitor , García‐Suarez Covadonga , García‐Unzueta Maite , Antonio Amado Jose , Pons‐Romero Fernando 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background/aims: The mechanisms leading to osteoporosis in alcoholic liver disease remain poorly understood. Recently identified soluble circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG), is the osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor. It acts as a decoy receptor for osteoclast activating factor, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), and impairs osteoclast function. The aim of our study was to investigate the OPG/RANKL system in alcoholic cirrhotic patients and their correlation with biochemical marker of bone turnover.Patients and methods: Serum OPG, RANKL, osteocalcin (OC), C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX‐I), bone alkaline phosphatase activity (bALP), and urinary hydroxyproline were measured in 30 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, and in 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls.Results: OPG levels were significantly increased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared with healthy subjects (5.9 pmol/l, range 2.7–9.0 vs 4.1 pmol/l, range 1.2–6.6; P<0.001). RANKL levels were significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis (0.48 pmol/l, range 0.01–1.34) than in healthy subjects (0.11 pmol/l, range 0.01–0.90). There was a positive correlation between serum OPG and RANKL (r=0.37; P<0.001), bALP (r=0.66; P<0.001) and urinary hydroxyproline (r=0.51; P<0.05) but not with OC and CTX‐I.Conclusions: OPG might partly represent a compensating mechanism to the negative balance of bone remodelling in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.
In situ expression patterns of melanoma inhibitory activity 2 in healthy and diseased livers
Authors: Hellerbrand Claus , Bataille Frauke , Schlegel Jacqueline , Hartmann Arndt , Mühlbauer Marcus , Schölmerich Jürgen , Büttner Reinhard , Hofstädter Ferdinand , Bosserhoff Anja‐Katrin 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Recently we identified a novel gene of the MIA gene family, melanoma inhibitory activity 2 (MIA2) and found that MIA2 mRNA is selectively expressed in hepatocytes. Here, we analyzed the in situ expression of MIA2 protein and mRNA in healthy and diseased livers to get first insights into the function of MIA2.Methods: We analyzed liver tissue of patients with chronic hepatitis C (HepC) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as a human multi‐tissue array, primary human hepatocytes and the hepatoma cell‐lines HepG2, Hep3B and PLC by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative RT‐PCR. In addition to MIA2, the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐sma), a marker for activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblast, was analyzed.Results: Hepatocytes were confirmed as the exclusive cellular source of MIA2 expression, with a granular, cytoplasmatic staining pattern without enhancement at the cell membrane. In contrast, only low MIA2 expression levels were detected in most HCC and hepatoma cell lines. Only in HCC that contained fibrous stroma or thick hyalinized bundles, adjacent atypical hepatocytes revealed strong staining. In accordance, MIA2 expression was also upregulated in non‐tumorous livers of patients with HepC and correlated with the staging of fibrosis. Interestingly, both in HCC and liver tissues of patients with HepC we found a correlation of MIA2 and α‐sma expression.Discussion: We define for the first time in situ expression patterns of MIA2 in healthy and diseased livers. Our data raise the hypothesis that activation of HSCs/myofibroblasts has influence on MIA2 expression in vivo, consistent with our previous in vitro findings. Since the staining pattern and the protein structure highly suggests that MIA2 is a secreted protein, it may possibly serve as a marker of hepatic fibrosis.
A radiographic assessment of progressive loading on bone around single osseointegrated implants in the posterior maxilla
Authors: Appleton Richard S. , Nummikoski Pirkka V. , Pigno Mark A. , Cronin Robert J. , Chung Kwok‐Hung 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this clinical study was to determine the effectiveness of progressive loading procedures on preserving crestal bone height and improving peri‐implant bone density around maxillary implants restored with single premolar crowns by an accurate longitudinal radiographic assessment technique.Materials and methods: Twenty‐three HA‐coated, endosseous dental implants were placed in 20 subjects and permitted to heal for 5 months before surgical uncovering. The implants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Following a conventional healing period, the control group implants were restored with a metal ceramic crown and the experimental group implants underwent a progressive loading protocol. The experimental group was progressively loaded by increasing the height of the occlusal table in increments from a state of infraocclusion to full occlusion by adding acrylic resin to a heat‐processed acrylic crown. The progressively loaded crowns were placed in infraocclusion for the first 2 months, light occlusion for the second 2 months, and full occlusion for the third 2 months. At this point, a metal ceramic crown replaced the acrylic crown. Standardized radiographs of each implant were made at the time of restoration, then after 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of function. Digital image analysis and digital subtraction radiography were used to measure changes in crestal bone height and peri‐implant bone density.Results: The mean values of crestal bone height loss at 12 months were 0.2±0.27 mm for the progressively loaded implants and 0.59±0.27 for the conventionally loaded implants, and when tested with repeated‐measure ANOVA across the time periods, the differences were statistically significant (P≤0.05). The progressively loaded group showed a trend for higher bone density gain in the crestal area than the conventionally loaded group, but the conventionally loaded group showed a trend for higher bone density gain at the apex of the implants.Conclusion: The peri‐implant bone around progressively loaded implants demonstrates less crestal bone loss than the bone around implants placed conventionally into full function. The peri‐implant density measurements of the progressively loaded implants show continuous increase in peri‐implant bone density by time.
Breastfeeding peer supporters and a community support group: evaluating their effectiveness
Authors: Ingram Jenny , Rosser Jilly , Jackson Dawn 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPeer support for breastfeeding mothers has often been promoted as a way of increasing rates in communities with low breastfeeding prevalence, where there are few breastfeeding role models and a bottle‐feeding culture predominates. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a peer support initiative, which trained peer supporters who then set up a support group, in an area of social and economic deprivation in South Bristol, UK. The effects of training on 6 local women were explored; the combined effect of peer support and the group on breastfeeding prevalence assessed; and mothers’ views on what they had gained from the breastfeeding support group reported. Focus groups were held with the peer supporters, who also completed questionnaires before and after their training. Questionnaires were sent to all mothers (35) who attended the support group over the first 5 months to ascertain their views. Breastfeeding rates were extracted from routinely collected sources for both the local area and the wider Bristol population (excluding the peer support area). The initial training increased the peer supporters’ knowledge about breastfeeding and their confidence in talking to and supporting mothers. The number of mothers attending the breastfeeding support group increased from 3 per week in May to 10 per week by September 2001. Mothers who attended the group particularly appreciated being able to talk about breastfeeding and getting consistent breastfeeding advice. Breastfeeding rates in the area for 12‐months before and after the start of the peer support initiative showed a significant increase at 8 weeks (7%), which was higher than the overall increase in the wider Bristol area (3%). This evaluation suggests that peer supporters combined with a breastfeeding support group are an effective way of increasing breastfeeding prevalence in areas of low continuation.
Effects on Promoter Activity of Base Substitutions in the
cis
-Acting Regulatory Element of HrpXo Regulons in
Xanthomonas oryzae
pv. oryzae
Authors: Tsuge Seiji , Terashima Shinsaku , Furutani Ayako , Ochiai Hirokazu , Oku Takashi , Tsuno Kazunori , Kaku Hisatoshi , Kubo Yasuyuki 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

In
Xanthomonas oryzae
pv. oryzae, the causal agent of bacterial leaf blight of rice, HrpXo is known to be a transcriptional regulator for the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (
hrp
) genes. Several HrpXo regulons are preceded by a consensus sequence (TTCGC-N
15
-TTCGC), called the plant-inducible promoter (PIP) box, which is required for expression of the gene that follows. Thus, the PIP box can be an effective marker for screening HrpXo regulons from the genome database. It is not known, however, whether mutations in the PIP box cause a complete loss of promoter activity. In this study, we introduced base substitutions at each of the consensus nucleotides in the PIP box of the
hrpC
operon in
X. oryzae
pv. oryzae, and the promoter activity was examined by using a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Although the GUS activity was generally reduced by base substitutions, several mutated PIP boxes conferred considerable promoter activity. In several cases, even imperfect PIP boxes with two base substitutions retained 20% of the promoter activity found in the nonsubstituted PIP box. We screened HrpXo regulon candidates with an imperfect PIP box obtained from the genome database of
X. oryzae
pv. oryzae and found that at least two genes preceded by an imperfect PIP box with two base substitutions were actually expressed in an HrpXo-dependent manner. These results indicate that a base substitution in the PIP box is quite permissible for HrpXo-dependent expression and suggest that
X. oryzae
pv. oryzae may possess more HrpXo regulons than expected.
A comprehensive update of the sequence and structure classification of kinases
Authors: Cheek Sara , Ginalski Krzysztof , Zhang Hong , Grishin Nick V 
Published: March 2005

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive update of the classification of all available kinases was carried out. This survey presents a complete global picture of this large functional class of proteins and confirms the soundness of our initial kinase classification scheme.

Results
The new survey found the total number of kinase sequences in the protein database has increased more than three-fold (from 17,310 to 59,402), and the number of determined kinase structures increased two-fold (from 359 to 702) in the past three years. However, the framework of the original two-tier classification scheme (in families and fold groups) remains sufficient to describe all available kinases. Overall, the kinase sequences were classified into 25 families of homologous proteins, wherein 22 families (~98.8% of all sequences) for which three-dimensional structures are known fall into 10 fold groups. These fold groups not only include some of the most widely spread proteins folds, such as the Rossmann-like fold, ferredoxin-like fold, TIM-barrel fold, and antiparallel β-barrel fold, but also all major classes (all α, all β, α+β, α/β) of protein structures. Fold predictions are made for remaining kinase families without a close homolog with solved structure. We also highlight two novel kinase structural folds, riboflavin kinase and dihydroxyacetone kinase, which have recently been characterized. Two protein families previously annotated as kinases are removed from the classification based on new experimental data.

Conclusion
Structural annotations of all kinase families are now revealed, including fold descriptions for all globular kinases, making this the first large functional class of proteins with a comprehensive structural annotation. Potential uses for this classification include deduction of protein function, structural fold, or enzymatic mechanism of poorly studied or newly discovered kinases based on proteins in the same family.
Correlates of motivation to prevent weight gain: a cross sectional survey
Authors: Wammes Birgitte , Kremers Stef , Breedveld Boudewijn , Brug Johannes 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
This study is an application of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with additional variables to predict the motivations to prevent weight gain. In addition, variations in measures across individuals classified into Precaution Adoption Process stages (PAPM-stages) of behaviour change were investigated.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey among 979 non-obese Dutch adults aged 25–35 years was conducted. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the associations of Body Mass Index (BMI), demographic factors and psychosocial variables from the TPB with the intention to prevent weight gain. Differences in BMI, demographic and psychosocial factors between PAPM-stages were explored using one-way analysis of variance and chi-square tests.

Results
Eighty-five percent of respondents intended to prevent weight gain. Age, attitudes and risk perceptions related to weight gain were the strongest correlates of intention (age: OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.04–1.20; attitude OR = 7.91, 95%CI: 5.33–11.74; risk perception OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.11–1.38). Significant differences were detected between the PAPM-stages in almost all variables. Notably, perceived behavioural control was lowest among people who had decided to prevent weight gain.

Conclusion
Messages to influence attitudes towards the prevention of weight gain and risk perception may affect people who are not yet motivated to prevent weight gain. Interventions increasing people's perceived behavioural control in overcoming barriers to prevent weight gain may help people to act on their intentions.
Effects of Vacuum Processing on Strength and Surface Hardness Properties of Concrete
Authors: Şimşek O 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
In this experimental study, the effects of vacuum process on mechanical and physical properties of concrete were investigated by comparing mechanical properties of vacuum processed and half vacuum processed concrete specimens with those of control specimens. Vacuum equipment was used to apply vacuum to fresh concrete in order to extract water from floor concrete. Compressive strength and some other test results obtained from both vacuum processed and plain concrete core specimens were evaluated and then compared. Test results have shown that the compressive strength of vacuum processed concrete specimens increased substantially due to the decrease in water/cement ratio by dewatering process. The effects of the process on compressive strength at early ages and on surface placement are much more pronounced. Some of the other properties such as dry density, unit weight, surface hardness, and surface porosity are also improved by vacuum dewatering process.
Winter Sports in an Indoor Facility—Accident and Injury Trends
Authors: Richter S , Jendrusch G , Henke H , Hermichen HG , Heck H 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Along with the increasing popularity of indoor winter sport activities, the need for specific investigations with respect to injury prevention is growing. This statement was the background for a one-year study in which all sports injuries/accidents reported at the indoor artificial ski slope in Neuss (Germany) were documented and evaluated by way of an accident protocol. Injuries requiring medical attention or treatment were documented in the casualty department and injured persons were interviewed by a telephone survey regarding cause, type, degree, and possible consequences of their injury. A total of 372 skiing accidents were reported, 64.5% concerning men, 35.5% women. While the majority of ski hall visitors are skiers (57.9%) compared to snowboarders (40.1%, tire-tubing or others: 2.0%), more accidents happened to snowboarders (55.6%) than to skiers (33.3%; tubing: 3.8%, others: 1.1%, not known 6.2%). Winter sport beginners account for the largest group of accidents victims (&gt; 40 %). Snowboarders seem to suffer a particular risk since they prefer to use the very challenging funpark section of the indoor facility, which is provoking more dangerous situations leading to accidents as a consequence.
Evaluating the Physiological Performance of a Liquid Cooling Garment Used to Control Heat Stress in Hazmat Protective Ensembles
Authors: Semeniuk KM , Dionne J-P , Makris A , Bernard TE , Ashley CD , Medina T 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of a liquid cooling garment in controlling heat stress in individuals wearing Hazmat protective ensembles. Five heat-acclimated male subjects completed three trials each: standard work clothing (WC), Hazmat suit (H), and a Hazmat suit with torso cooling (HC). All testing took place in an environmental chamber (35°C and 50 % relative humidity) with subjects walking on a treadmill at a metabolic rate of 300 W. Trials were performed until subjects completed the maximum 90 min, achieved the predetermined endpoints in core temperature (38.5°C) or heart rate (95 % of age predicted maximum), or symptoms of fatigue, disorientation, and discomfort forced the participant to discontinue or the researchers to end the test. A significant difference (P&lt;0.05) between HC and H was found in final heart rate and core temperature (Tre), rate of change in heart rate and Tre, and exposure time. As well, HC was similar to WC in all measured physiological variables. It was concluded that a liquid cooling vest was beneficial in alleviating the heat stress caused by Hazmat protective ensembles.
Influence of Long Service Exposures on the Thermal-Mechanical Behavior of Zy-4 and M5™ Alloys in LOCA Conditions
Authors: Portier L , Bredel T , Brachet J-C , Maillot V , Mardon J-P , Lesbros A 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to describe the effects of a long service exposure of the PWR fuel cladding tubes on their thermal-mechanical properties during and after a hypothetical LOCA transient. Within this prospect, specific studies have been performed: on one hand, thermal ramp tests under uniaxial stress loading on as-received, pre-hydrided and irradiated samples of Zy-4 and M5™, and on the other hand, mechanical tests after high temperature oxidation and quench on as-received and prehydrided Zy-4 and M5™. The main conclusions are:
(1) In service, hydrogen pick-up impacts the thermal ramp behavior under uniaxial stress loading of cladding tubes upon the first phase of LOCA transient, and the effect of the irradiation defects can be ignored for the conditions tested.
(2) As-received Zy-4 and M5™ achieve comparable post-quench mechanical behavior at 1000, 1100, and 1200°C for representative times of LOCA transient (1800 s).
(3) Oxygen has the most important effect in embrittlement of as-received Zr alloys at 1100 and 1200°C.
(4) Hydriding has no effect on the oxidation kinetics at 1200°C, but after quenching the hydrided materials become brittle at a lower weight gain than as-received materials; this embrittlement is due both to an intrinsic hydrogen-embrittlement effect and to the oxygen content increase resulting from the effect of hydrogen on its solubility in prior-Beta phase.
Differentiation of Damage and Failure Mechanisms of Co-Cured Fiber-Reinforced Composite Joints Using Acoustic Emission
Authors: Cao C , Stefan Dancila D 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Through feature-based acoustic emission (AE) analysis and supervised clustering, data acquired during monotonic loading can reveal damage initiation, development, and accumulation within a specimen. In this work, AE analysis using a supervised pattern recognition method is carried out on specimens with co-cured composite joints of single lap and single nested overlap configurations. Correlation with physical observations from other techniques suggests that the resulting clusters may be associated with specific damage modes and failure mechanisms.