bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic studies on Korean serum cis‐AB enzymes reveal diminished A and B transferase activities
Authors: Yazer M. H. , Zheng R. B. , Seto N. O. L. , Rose N. L. , Cho D. , Palcic M. M. 
Published: August 2005

Background  cis‐AB enzymes are rare glycosyltransferases that synthesize both blood group A and B antigens. We have identified a large cohort of Korean cis‐AB blood donors and studied the N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (glycosyltransferase A, GTA) and galactosyltransferase (glycosyltransferase B, GTB) activity of their cis‐AB serum enzymes.Materials and methods  The cis‐AB01 allele was identified by PCR–RFLP (polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism) in 60 donors collected at the Gwangju‐Chonnam Red Cross Blood Center. Enzyme assays of this cis‐AB enzyme were performed on available serum samples from 16 donors with the cis‐AB01/O genotype and three with the cis‐AB01/A genotype.Results  In cis‐AB donors with an O allele, both the GTA and GTB activity of the cis‐AB enzyme were markedly reduced compared to normal A and B controls (29% and 27%, respectively). This is consistent with the behaviour predicted from kinetic studies of a recombinant model of the corresponding AAAB enzyme.Conclusion  Although variable, cis‐AB enzymes feature reduced GTA and GTB activities.Summary  Cis‐AB enzymes feature variable but reduced GTA and GTB activities with relatively weaker GTB activity, consistent with the weak agglutination present on forward typing with anti‐B.
Bull Spermatozoa under Mercury Stress
Authors: Arabi M 
Published: August 2005

ContentsDefective sperm function is the most prevalent cause of male infertility and is difficult to treat. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) at 50–300 μmol/l concentration range, in vitro, on the sperm membrane and DNA integrity, viability, reduced glutathione (GSH) content and acrosomal status of the bull spermatozoa. The samples were processed for sperm analyses using semen‐diluting fluid [phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2]. I recorded a meaningful increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO) rate and a drastic fall in the spermatocrit values under mercury additions, dominantly at 300 μm mercury concentration, indicating a deleterious effect of mercury on the sperm membrane intactness. There was also a strong negative correlation between LPO rate and percentage of viable spermatozoa (r = −0.9, p < 0.001). GSH content was significantly impaired. Data obtained from Comet assay [single‐cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)] technique revealed that mercury is capable of inducing DNA breaks in the sperm nuclei. Interestingly, 90% of DNA breaks were double‐stranded. The correlation between LPO rate and percentage of DNA breaks was found to be 0.9 (p < 0.001). Results of the gelatin test indicate that mercury is capable of altering the integrity of acrosomal membranes, showing an abnormal acrosome reaction. In this regard, a strong correlation was found between LPO rate and percentage of halos (r = −0.9, p < 0.001). In conclusion, mercury proved to be a potential oxidant in the category of ‘environmental factors’ to bull spermatozoa. Hence, considering the widespread use of mercury and its compounds, these metals should be regarded with more concern.
Effect of the Type and Number of Prostaglandin Treatments on Corpus Luteum, the Largest Follicle and Progesterone Concentration in Dairy Cows
Authors: Répási A , Beckers JF , Sulon J , Karen A , Reiczigel J , Szenci O 
Published: August 2005

ContentsLactating dairy cows (n = 72) with a mature corpus luteum (CL) (diameter of ≥17 mm) determined by ultrasonography and having a follicle with a diameter of ≥10 mm were randomly assigned to four groups. Cows were treated with cloprostenol i.m. once or twice, or with dinoprost i.m. once or twice with an 8‐h interval. The ovaries of each cow were scanned daily by transrectal ultrasonography to measure the changes in the areas of CL and the largest follicle and to determine the occurrence of ovulation. Oestrus was verified twice daily. In addition, blood sample was withdrawn from each cow daily for measuring progesterone (P4) concentrations. Significant decreases in the percentage changes relative to areas of CL and P4 concentrations or increases in the percentage changes in the area of the largest follicle on day 0 were detected in each group during the experiment. However, the type of the drug and the number of the treatments had no significant effect on those parameters. Cows ovulated with or without showing oestrus (group A) and cows exhibiting no oestrus and ovulation (group B) were also evaluated. In contrast to the mean area of the CL and the mean concentration of P4 on day 0, the mean area of the largest follicles between the two groups on day 0 differed significantly. Significant decreases in the percentage changes relative to the area of the CL and P4 concentration or increases in the percentage changes relative to the area of the largest follicle during the experiment were detected in both groups; however, there were no group differences. Treatment of dairy cows with two injections of prostaglandins (cloprostenol or dinoprost) at an 8‐h interval resulted in more cows being observed in oestrus within 5 days after treatment and having significantly higher pregnancy rate than those treated with a single prostaglandin injection.
Risk factors for intensive care in children with acute asthma
Authors: LYELL Patricia J. , VILLANUEVA Elmer , BURTON Debbie , FREEZER Nicholas J. , BARDIN Philip G. 
Published: August 2005

Objective:  A retrospective case–control study at Monash Medical Centre (MMC), a tertiary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia, was conducted to identify risk factors associated with very severe asthma in paediatric patients.Methodology:  Asthmatics admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU; n = 52) were identified and considered to represent cases of very severe/near fatal asthma (NFA group). This group was compared to asthmatics who had been admitted on one occasion only to the emergency department at MMC (non‐NFA controls, n = 53). Patient files were examined and factors that may be linked to NFA were recorded. Information not on file was obtained from patients/parents during a structured telephone interview. Data for the two groups were compared, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.Results:  Univariate analysis indicated that asthmatics with NFA were more likely to be older (P = 0.01) and have a longer duration of asthma (P = 0.02). They were also more likely to have hay fever (P = 0.002; OR, 7.6), use inhaled corticosteroids (P = 0.001), long acting β2 agonists (P = 0.02), have an asthma management plan (P = 0.006), and see a respiratory specialist (P = 0.001). Parental smoking habits were not different between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified male gender (P = 0.05; OR, 5.7) and use of inhaled corticosteroids (P = 0.07; OR, 7.2) as factors that may be predictive of NFA.Conclusions:  This study identifies a number of factors associated with NFA; many are similar to those reported in adult patients. Asthma severity explains some findings, but the data also suggest that additional independent risk factors such as gender and duration of asthma may operate in children.
Effect of smoking on FEV1 decline in a cross‐sectional and longitudinal study of a large cohort of Japanese males
Authors: OMORI Hisamitsu , NONAMI Yoshio , MORIMOTO Yasuo 
Published: August 2005

Objective:  The effects of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on age‐related pulmonary function decline was assessed in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies.Methodology:  In the cross‐sectional study, pulmonary function data from 11 875 healthy asymptomatic males, aged between 35 and 74, were analysed and correlated with their smoking history and age. In the longitudinal study, changes in pulmonary function were monitored over a 5‐year period in 1888 healthy males.Results:  The cross‐sectional study showed that the difference in FEV1 between male never smokers and current smokers was small at a younger age but increased with age. A beneficial effect on FEV1 decline was observed in those who ceased smoking, even within the previous 12 months. Longitudinally, current smokers showed a more rapid decline in FEV1 over the 5‐year period than non‐smokers. Those who ceased smoking had lower rates of decline in FEV1 than those who continued to smoke.Conclusion:  These results indicate that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduction in pulmonary function, and that smoking cessation has a beneficial effect on FEV1 decline. Provision of a smoking cessation program for all smokers, especially those showing a rapid decline of FEV1, should be considered as an important strategy to prevent progression of COPD.
The impact of dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise on health‐related quality of life in patients with COPD
Authors: KATSURA Hideki , YAMADA Kouichi , WAKABAYASHI Ritsuko , KIDA Kozui 
Published: August 2005

Objective:  COPD patients frequently complain of symptoms such as dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise. However, the impact of these symptoms on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is not known. This study tested whether dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise affects the HRQoL of patients with COPD.Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, 90 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 76.0 ± 0.7 years; FEV1, 1.11 ± 0.04 L) completed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, and a 6‐min walking distance test (6MWD). Dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise were quantitated into 12 grades using the Borg scale (0–10). Correlations between the SGRQ and various variables were determined. In a longitudinal study, 22 patients with COPD (mean age, 71.5 ± 1.1 years; FEV1, 1.31 ± 0.08 L) completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program, for which correlations between changes in the SGRQ as well as changes in both dyspnoea and leg fatigue, during the 6MWD before and 3 months after pulmonary rehabilitation, were examined.Results:  For the cross‐sectional study, the total SGRQ score correlated significantly with the walking distance, dyspnoea and leg fatigue during the 6MWD and FEV1, respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that dyspnoea and leg fatigue during the 6MWD were independent variables for HRQoL measured by the SGRQ. For the longitudinal study, changes in the SGRQ correlated significantly with changes in dyspnoea and leg fatigue, before and 3 months after, pulmonary rehabilitation.Conclusions:  Symptoms, such as the degree of dyspnoea and leg fatigue during exercise, are significant variables which influence the HRQoL of patients with COPD. In addition, the improvement in HRQoL following pulmonary rehabilitation may be due to improvements in dyspnoea and leg fatigue in patients with COPD.
Efficacy and safety of intravenous theophylline administration for treatment of mild acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma
Authors: YAMAUCHI Kohei , KOBAYASHI Hitoshi , TANIFUJI Yukio , YOSHIDA Takumi , PIAN Huan Deng , INOUE Hiroshi 
Published: August 2005

Objective:  The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenously administered theophylline (IAT) for the treatment of an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. The theophylline was solubilized and not combined with ethylenediamine.Methodology:  The subjects were 22 asthmatic patients with mild acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. All patients had been taking oral sustained‐release theophylline and their serum concentrations of theophylline were measured. The 16 patients whose serum theophylline concentrations were <13 µg/mL were randomly selected and treated with IAT (200 mg theophylline in 200 mL saline) for 2 h. Six patients were randomly selected as controls and received 200 mL of saline. Pulmonary function and asthma severity (Borg scale) before and after treatment were measured.Results:  After IAT, both PEF (before IAT, 313 ± 79 L/min; after IAT, 335 ± 107; P < 0.05) and FEV1 (before IAT, 1.66 ± 0.47 L; after IAT, 1.83 ± 0.44; P < 0.05) increased significantly. Furthermore, their severity of asthma as assessed by the Borg scale (before IAT, 2.5 ± 1.2; after IAT, 1.3 ± 1.0; P < 0.05) improved significantly. In contrast, neither FEV1, PEF, severity of asthma or Borg scale changed significantly in the group who only received saline. None of the patients treated in this study had any adverse effects.Conclusion:  These results suggest that IAT is useful for patients with mild acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and is safe if serum theophylline concentrations are measured.
Fixed and adjustable dose asthma action plans based on combination therapy: A pilot study
Authors: HOLT Shaun , RYDER‐LEWIS Simon , MASOLI Matthew , WEATHERALL Mark , BEASLEY Richard 
Published: August 2005

Objective:  The use of combination inhaled corticosteroid/long‐acting β‐agonist therapy within the framework of a self‐management plan has yet to be investigated.Methodology:  In this randomized open‐label study, 69 adult asthmatic patients taking ≥ 1000 µg per day of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent were treated for 3 months with Symbicort Turbuhaler (200 µg budesonide/6 µg formoterol). Patients were assigned to one of two self‐management plans, based on either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen. The primary outcome variable was episode‐free days.Results:  Both regimens resulted in good asthma control, at least comparable to that obtained with previous high dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy. There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures between the regimens. The mean (± SD) usage of Symbicort was similar for the fixed and adjustable dose regimens (3.8 ± 0.68 vs 3.6 ± 1.54 puffs per day, respectively).Conclusion:  We conclude that Symbicort is effective when administered as either a fixed or adjustable dose regimen as part of a self‐management plan.
The effect of Ramadan fasting on spirometry in healthy subjects
Authors: SIDDIQUI Qamar A. , SABIR Salman , SUBHAN Mirza M. F. 
Published: August 2005

Objectives:  Lung function tests are an important investigative tool in diagnosing respiratory diseases, judging their severity and assessing prognosis. The primary aim of the present study was to assess whether Ramadan fasting affected normal lung function values.Methodology:  Forty‐six non‐smoking healthy males, with a mean age of 24.2 years (SD 6.4 years) were investigated. Spirometry was performed according to the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. Days between the 15th and 25th of three Islamic months (pre‐Ramadan, Ramadan and post‐Ramadan) were selected for spirometry. On all three occasions, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVVindirect), PEF, FEF25−75% and body mass were measured. Pre‐ and post‐Ramadan readings were compared with the readings during Ramadan fasting. The results were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance.Results:  No significant change was seen in lung function during Ramadan as compared to the pre‐Ramadan period. FVC was decreased significantly in the post‐Ramadan period compared to Ramadan and this period was associated with a significant increase in body mass.Conclusion:  Relative to pre‐Ramadan baseline values, there was no change in spirometry during Ramadan fasting in these subjects.
Pseudoclaudication as a manifestation of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Papanas N. , Edmonds M. , Maltezos E. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe present the case of a 64‐year‐old male Type 1 diabetic patient with painful diabetic neuropathy masquerading as intermittent claudication. Examination of the peripheral circulation (both arterial and venous) was normal. An MRI scan excluded lumbar spinal stenosis and nerve root compression as the cause of claudication. The case suggests that, in the absence of other identifiable causes and in the presence of peripheral diabetic neuropathy, ‘intermittent claudication’ may be due to the neuropathy itself.
Ethnic differences in glycaemic control in adult Type 2 diabetic patients in primary care: a 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Ng T.‐P. , Goh L.‐G. , Tan Y. , Tan E. , Leong H. , Tay E.‐G. , Thai A.‐C. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective  To evaluate ethnic differences and characteristics related to glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes in primary care.Research design and methods  Prospective cohort study; 500 adult patients with Type 2 diabetes, who were not on insulin therapy, were followed up annually for 3 years. HbA1c at baseline and 3‐year changes and subsequent insulin therapy were related to baseline characteristics.Results  Malay patients had significantly higher HbA1c (mean 8.7% ± sd 1.66) compared with Chinese (8.2 ± sd 1.67) and Indian (8.2 ± sd 1.55) (P = 0.032) at baseline, and consistently for all years of HbA1c assessment (P = 0.017). At baseline, Malay patients were significantly more obese than Chinese or Indians (P < 0.001); fewer of them received structured shared‐care intervention (P = 0.001), but they had a significantly higher glucose control educational score (P < 0.05). Multivariable analyses showed that HbA1c at baseline was significantly related to age (P = 0.001), BMI (P = 0.031) and ethnicity (P = 0.002). HbA1c declined significantly over 3 years in the whole population and in all ethnic groups. Significantly greater HbA1c declines were associated with higher baseline HbA1c, structured shared‐care intervention and non‐insulin therapy. Correcting for differences on these factors, the decline in HbA1c in Malays was significantly less than in the Chinese. Insulin therapy was associated with higher baseline HbA1c and higher BMI.Conclusions  Malay ethnicity was associated with persistently poor glycaemic control. Sociocultural and behavioural factors should be addressed in improving care for patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
Achieving the Lisbon Goal: the contribution of Vocational Education and Training
Authors: LENEY TOM , GREEN ANDY 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article summarises the main conclusions of the ‘Maastricht study’: Achieving the Lisbon Goal: The Contribution of VET (Leney et al., 2004), which the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), in collaboration with the Institute of Education and other international partners, prepared for the European Commission's DG Education and Culture in 2004. Based on the self‐assessment reports prepared by the Directors‐General for VET (DGVTs) of 31 European countries, and on independent expert reviews of the national and international literature on VET, the report analysed the contribution of VET to achieving the Lisbon goal and influenced the framing of the Maastricht Communiqué which the European education ministers agreed in December 2004. This summary of the findings of the report is organised under the following sections: 1) The potential of VET as an aspect of European cooperation; 2) The current state of play and progress of VET towards achieving the Lisbon goal; 3) Innovation in VET teaching and learning; and 4) Conclusions.
Transparency of Qualifications: are we there yet?
Authors: DEANE CYNTHIA 
Published: August 2005

AbstractGreater transparency improves the understanding and interpretation of qualifications and competences. This article asks whether transparency of qualifications has become a reality in Europe. It begins by outlining the three main strategies that were adopted at Community level between 1957 and 1999 to address the problem of transferring qualifications from one country to another. It then describes recent Community action on transparency and recognition of qualifications at both VET and higher education levels. The outcomes of the European Forum on Transparency of Vocational Qualifications are outlined, and in particular the new Europass framework for transparency of qualifications is described, and issues about its implementation are discussed. Some of the main tensions that are observed between the approaches to transparency in VET and in higher education are highlighted. Finally, there is a brief case study on the approaches that have been adopted in recent years to achieve transparency of qualifications in Ireland, against a background of extensive reform of the national qualifications system. In summary, the article is primarily a reflection on the practical aspects of making transparency of qualifications a reality.
Using the Copenhagen Process to Facilitate National Qualification Framework Strategies in South Eastern Europe
Authors: MC BRIDE VINCENT 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article presents and discusses a perspective on the implications of the Lisbon Process for education and training in a selected group of partner countries of the European Union — the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro). It presents the reflections of a member of staff of the European Training Foundation responsible for managing the six country regional project underway since 2003 on developing strategies for national qualification frameworks. The reflection aims to assess the potential contributions of a major strategy of the European Union on the reform processes underway in the social and economic transitions in the Western Balkans. It draws on the broader experience of the Foundation in supporting reforms in vocational education and training systems. Qualification reform is taken as an illustrative example of the use, relevance and constraints of EU ‘processes’ in accompanying education and training reform. Although the Copenhagen process partially provides a broad structure and there is a shared history between the countries of the region, each country is sufficiently different in its local contexts to suggest that the manner and pace of adoption will diverge. The emphasis on further development to suit local circumstances essentially gives partner countries an approach or set of tools with which they can shape and form their own initiatives with some confidence that the result will be in line with general European trends.
Towards Universal Primary Education: investments, incentives, and institutions
Authors: BIRDSALL NANCY , LEVINE RUTH , IBRAHIM AMINA 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe UN Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality, an expert advisory group commissioned by the UN Secretary‐General, was asked to examine how dramatic improvements in education can be achieved in the developing world. The task force investigated the problems of low enrolment, early drop‐out and poor learning outcomes that so profoundly affect many children in the developing world. The experiences of both countries that have achieved important successes in rapidly scaling‐up access to primary education, and countries that have made only slow progress, shed light on the priorities for the leadership in both developing countries and donor agencies. The task force developed specific recommendations about overcoming demand‐ and supply‐side constraints to greater primary school completion; and about how international donors and technical agencies can stimulate and support country‐led progress, with financial resources that are linked to performance.