bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity of psammaplin A from a two-sponge association may correlate with the inhibition of DNA replication
Authors: Jiang Yahong , Ahn Eun-Young , Ryu Seung Hee , Kim Dong-Kyoo , Park Jang-Su , Yoon Hyun Joo , You Song , Lee Burm-Jong , Lee Dong Seok , Jung Jee H 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
SV40 DNA replication system is a very useful tool to understand the mechanism of replication, which is a tightly regulated process. Many environmental and cellular factors can induce cell cycle arrest or apoptosis by inhibiting DNA replication. In the course of our search for bioactive metabolites from the marine sponges, psammaplin A was found to have some anticancer properties, the possible mechanism of which was studied.

Methods
Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) to count living RAW264.7 cells by combining 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (WST-8) and 1-methoxy-phenazine methosulfate (1-methoxy-PMS). The effect of psammaplin A on DNA replication was carried out in SV40 DNA replication system in vitro. The activities of topoisomerase I and polymerase α-primase were measured by the relaxation of superhelical plasmid DNA and the incorporation of [3H]dTTP to the template respectively. The ssDNA binding activity of RPA was assessed by Gel Mobility Shift Assay (GMSA).

Results
We have found that psammaplin A delivers significant cytotoxic activity against the RAW264.7 cell line. It was also found that psammaplin A could substantially inhibit SV40 DNA replication in vitro, in which polymerase α-primase is one of its main targets.

Conclusion
Taken together, we suggest that psammaplin A-induced cytotoxicity may correlate with its inhibition on DNA replication. Psammaplin A has the potential to be developed as an anticancer drug.
Morphine for elective endotracheal intubation in neonates: a randomized trial [ISRCTN43546373]
Authors: Lemyre Brigitte , Doucette Joanne , Kalyn Angela , Gray Shari , Marrin Michael L 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Elective endotracheal intubations are still commonly performed without premedication in many institutions. The hypothesis tested in this study was that morphine given prior to elective intubations in neonates would decrease fluctuations in vital signs, shorten the duration of intubation and reduce the number of attempts.

Methods
From December 1999 to September 2000, infants of all gestations admitted to a level III neonatal intensive care unit and requiring an elective endotracheal intubation were randomly assigned to receive morphine 0.2 mg/kg IV or placebo 5 minutes before intubation. Duration of severe hypoxemia (HR< 90/min and Sp02<85%), duration of procedure, duration of hypoxemia (Sp02<85%), number of attempts and change in mean blood pressure were compared between groups.

Results
34 infants (median 989 g and 28 weeks gestation) were included. The duration of severe hypoxemia was similar between groups. Duration of procedure, duration of hypoxemia, number of attempts and increases in mean blood pressure were also similar between groups. 94% of infants experienced bradycardia during the procedure.

Conclusion
We failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of morphine in reducing the physiological instability or time needed to perform elective intubations. Alternatives, perhaps with more rapid onset of action, should be considered.
The impact of employee level and work stress on mental health and GP service use: an analysis of a sample of Australian government employees
Authors: Parslow Ruth A , Jorm Anthony F , Christensen Helen , Broom Dorothy H , Strazdins Lyndall , D' Souza Rennie M 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
This study sought to identify the extent to which employee level and work stressors were associated with mental health problems experienced by Australian government employees, and with their use of primary care services.

Methods
806 government employees aged between 40 and 44 years were surveyed as part of an epidemiological study conducted in Australia. Data collected from participants included sociodemographic attributes, physical health, psychological measures and work stressors relating to job control, job demands, job security and skills discretion at work. For 88% of these participants, information on visits made to general practitioners (GPs) for the six months before and after their survey interview was obtained from health insurance records.

Results
When work stress and personal factors were taken into account, men at more junior levels reported better mental health, more positive affect and used fewer GP services. Women at middle-management levels obtained less GP care than their more senior counterparts. Both men and women who reported higher levels of work stress were found to have poorer mental health and well-being. The impact of such stressors on GP service use, however, differed for men and women.

Conclusion
Measures of work stress and not employee level affect the mental health and well-being of government employees. For governments with responsibility for funding health care services, reducing work stress experienced by their own employees offers potential benefits by improving the health of their workforce and reducing outlays for such services.
Is nebulized saline a placebo in COPD?
Authors: Khan Shahina Y , O'Driscoll B Ronan 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Many trials of nebulized therapy have used nebulized saline as a "placebo". However, nebulized isotonic saline is sometimes used to assist sputum expectoration and relieve breathlessness in COPD patients. We designed this study to establish if nebulized saline had a placebo effect or a clinical effect.

Methods
40 patients were studied following hospital admission for exacerbated COPD (mean FEV1 30% predicted). Patients were randomised to single-blind administration of either 4 mls of nebulized isotonic saline using an efficient nebulizer (active group n = 20) or an inefficient nebulizer (placebo group n = 20). Spirometry and subjective breathlessness scores (Modified Likert Scale) were measured before nebulized treatment and 10 minutes after treatment.

Results
There was no significant change in FEV1 after active or placebo nebulized saline treatment. Patients reported a 4% improvement in mean breathlessness score following placebo (Wilcoxon test; p = 0.37) compared with 23% improvement following active nebulized saline (p = 0.0001). 65% of patients given active nebulized saline but only 5% of the placebo group reported that mucus expectoration was easier after the treatment.

Conclusions
This study lends support to the current use of nebulized saline to relieve breathlessness (possibly by facilitating sputum clearance) in COPD patients. Lung function was not affected. Nebulized saline can therefore be used as a placebo in bronchodilator studies involving COPD patients but it cannot be used as a placebo in trials assessing symptom relief.
Electroesophagogram in gastroesophageal reflux disease with a new theory on the pathogenesis of its electric changes
Authors: Shafik Ahmed , El-Sibai Olfat , Shafik Ismail , Shafik Ali 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
In view of the disturbed esophageal peristaltic activity and abnormal esophageal motility in gastroesophageal reflux disease, (GERD), we investigated the hypothesis that these changes result from a disordered myoelectric activity of the esophagus.

Methods
The electric activity of the esophagus (electroesophagogram, EEG) was studied in 27 patients with GERD (16 men, 11 women, mean age 42.6 ± 5.2 years) and 10 healthy volunteers as controls (6 men, 4 women, mean age 41.4 ± 4.9 years). According to the Feussner scoring system, 7 patients had a mild (score 1), 10 a moderate (score 2) and 10 a severe (score 3) stage of the disease. One electrode was applied to the upper third and a second to the lower third of the esophagus, and the electric activity was recorded. The test was repeated after the upper electrode had been moved to the mid-esophagus.

Results
The EEG of the healthy volunteers showed slow waves and exhibited the same frequency, amplitude and conduction velocity from the 2 electrodes of the individual subject, regardless of their location in the upper, middle or lower esophagus. Action potentials occurred randomly. In GERD patients, score 1 exhibited electric waves' variables similar to those of the healthy volunteers. In score 2, the waves recorded irregular rhythm and lower variables than the controls. Score 3 showed a "silent" EEG without waves.

Conclusion
The electric activity in GERD exhibited 3 different patterns depending on the stages of GERD. Score 1 exhibited a normal EEG which apparently denotes normal esophageal motility. Score 2 recorded irregular electric waves variables which are presumably indicative of decreased esophageal motility and reflux clearance. In score 3, a "silent" EEG was recorded with probably no acid clearance. It is postulated that the interstitial cells of Cajal which are the electric activity generators, are involved in the inflammatory process of GERD. Destruction of these cells appears to occur in grades that are in accordance with GERD scores. The EEG seems to have the potential to act as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of GERD stages.
Mapping medical careers: Questionnaire assessment of career preferences in medical school applicants and final-year students
Authors: Petrides KV , McManus IC 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
The medical specialities chosen by doctors for their careers play an important part in the workforce planning of health-care services. However, there is little theoretical understanding of how different medical specialities are perceived or how choices are made, despite there being much work in general on this topic in occupational psychology, which is influenced by Holland's RIASEC (Realistic-Investigative-Artistic-Social-Enterprising-Conventional) typology of careers, and Gottfredson's model of circumscription and compromise. In this study, we use three large-scale cohorts of medical students to produce maps of medical careers.

Methods
Information on between 24 and 28 specialities was collected in three UK cohorts of medical students (1981, 1986 and 1991 entry), in applicants (1981 and 1986 cohorts, N = 1135 and 2032) or entrants (1991 cohort, N = 2973) and in final-year students (N = 330, 376, and 1437). Mapping used Individual Differences Scaling (INDSCAL) on sub-groups broken down by age and sex. The method was validated in a population sample using a full range of careers, and demonstrating that the RIASEC structure could be extracted.

Results
Medical specialities in each cohort, at application and in the final-year, were well represented by a two-dimensional space. The representations showed a close similarity to Holland's RIASEC typology, with the main orthogonal dimensions appearing similar to Prediger's derived orthogonal dimensions of 'Things-People' and 'Data-Ideas'.

Conclusions
There are close parallels between Holland's general typology of careers, and the structure we have found in medical careers. Medical specialities typical of Holland's six RIASEC categories are Surgery (Realistic), Hospital Medicine (Investigative), Psychiatry (Artistic), Public Health (Social), Administrative Medicine (Enterprising), and Laboratory Medicine (Conventional). The homology between medical careers and RIASEC may mean that the map can be used as the basis for understanding career choice, and for providing career counselling.
Emphysematous cystitis: An unusual disease of the Genito-Urinary system suspected on imaging
Authors: Bobba Ravi K , Arsura Edward L , Sarna Pawanjit S , Sawh Amar K 
Published: October 2004

AbstractEmphysematous cystitis is a rare disease entity caused by gas fermenting bacterial and fungal pathogens. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific and diagnostic clues often arise from the unanticipated imaging findings. We report a case of 52-year-old male who presented with fever, dysuria and gross hematuria who was found to have emphysematous cystitis.
Extraabdominal fibromatosis in retroperitoneal space
Authors: Kikkawa Akira , Kido Akira , Kumai Tsukasa , Hoshida Toru 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Fibromatosis or desmoid tumor covers a broad spectrum of benign fibrous tissue proliferations. It is characterized by infiltrative growth and a tendency towards recurrence; however, unlike sarcoma, it never metastasizes.

Case presentation
We report on a case of extraabdominal fibromatosis originating from the retroperitoneal space in a 43-year-old woman. Seven years earlier she had undergone ureterolysis and ureteroureterostomy for ureteral obstruction. Computed tomography revealed a tumor between the iliocostalis and the psoas muscle. Histopathological evaluation revealed uniform proliferation of spindle cells, with a moderate amount of collagen fibers, suggesting extraabdominal fibromatosis (desmoid tumor). The tumor was surgically resected, and since then, the patient has remained asymptomatic without any restrictions of daily living activities and without any signs of tumor recurrence during the two-year follow-up.

Conclusions
Complete resection is the treatment of choice. Adjuvant therapy using non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, tamoxifen, interferon, anti-neoplastic agents, and radiotherapy, either alone or in combination finds application for unresectable or recurrent cases.
Metabolic aspects of low carbohydrate diets and exercise
Authors: Peters Sandra J , LeBlanc Paul J 
Published: October 2004

AbstractFollowing a low carbohydrate diet, there is a shift towards more fat and less carbohydrate oxidation to provide energy to skeletal muscle, both at rest and during exercise. This review summarizes recent work on human skeletal muscle carbohydrate and fat metabolic adaptations to a low carbohydrate diet, focusing mainly on pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, and how these changes relate to the capacity for carbohydrate oxidation during exercise.
Detection of Anti-SSA Antibodies by Indirect Immunofluorescence
Authors: Bossuyt Xavier , Frans Johan , Hendrickx Ann , Godefridis Godelieve , Westhovens René , Mariën Godelieve 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground: HEp-2 cells that overexpress the human 60-kDa SSA antigen have been used to improve sensitivity and specificity for the detection of anti-SSA antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence. We describe a survey on the detection of anti-SSA antibodies using a commercial substrate that overexpresses SSA.Methods: The evaluation was done on 18 371 consecutive samples submitted to the laboratory for detection of anti-nuclear antibodies, from which 188 anti-SSA antibody-containing and clinically documented samples were obtained. The presence of anti-SSA antibodies produced a distinct bright speckled pattern with nucleolar staining in 10–20% of interphase cells. The identity of all anti-SSA antibodies was confirmed by dot-blot analysis.Results:Samples containing anti-SSA antibodies were separated into three main groups: group I, distinctive SSA pattern and other nuclear staining (50%); group II, only the distinctive SSA pattern (29%); group III, nuclear staining but without the distinctive SSA pattern (21%). Anti-SSA antibodies with concurrent SSB antibodies were associated with group I, whereas anti-SSA antibodies with concurrent U1-RNP antibodies were associated with group III. Group I included mainly patients with Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas group III included patients with mixed connective tissue disease and SLE. Diseases not classically associated with the presence of anti-SSA antibodies were found in group II in &gt;50% of the cases.Conclusions: SSA-positive individuals were identified in a population selected on the basis of HEp-2000 positivity. Our study highlights diseases associated with anti-SSA antibodies and associations between the presence of the distinctive SSA pattern on HEp-2000 and some clinical conditions.
Serologic Assay Based on Gliadin-Related Nonapeptides as a Highly Sensitive and Specific Diagnostic Aid in Celiac Disease
Authors: Schwertz Elke , Kahlenberg Franka , Sack Ulrich , Richter Thomas , Stern Martin , Conrad Karsten , Zimmer Klaus-Peter , Mothes Thomas 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground: Celiac disease (CD) is induced by wheat gliadins and related cereal proteins. Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGAs) are present in the serum of CD patients, but these antibodies have lower diagnostic specificity and sensitivity than autoantibodies [anti-endomysium antibodies (AEmAs) and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (AtTGAs)]. Recently, AGAs from CD patients were found to recognize deamidated gliadin peptides, probably formed by the action of tissue transglutaminase.Methods: We synthesized several gliadin peptides and their glutamine-glutamic acid-substituted counterparts on cellulose membranes and tested their recognition by IgA in sera of 52 AEmA-positive CD patients and 76 AEmA-negative controls in a luminescence assay. For comparison, we assayed IgA concentrations of AGAs, AtTGAs, and AEmAs. For measurement of AtTGAs, we used the human recombinant antigen.Results: We identified several nonapeptides that were detected with high specificity by IgA in CD patients. Diagnostic accuracy of the peptide antibody assay was highest when peptide PLQPEQPFP was used in combination with peptide PEQLPQFEE within one assay. AGAs were above the cutoff in 14 of the controls, but only 5 of the controls were positive for peptide antibodies. For comparison, 82% and 94% of samples were correctly classified by AGAs and the combination nonapeptide assay, respectively (P = 0.007), and the AtTGAs correctly classified 98%.Conclusion: The peptide antibody assay has higher diagnostic accuracy than AGAs for distinguishing patients with CD from controls, and has diagnostic accuracy similar to that of AtTGAs.
Performance Characteristics of Six Third-Generation Assays for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
Authors: Rawlins Mindy L , Roberts William L 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is used to detect primary hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Current guidelines for TSH assays recommend a functional sensitivity of ≤0.02 mIU/L. The protocol for determining the functional sensitivity of TSH assays specifies analyses of serum samples with two reagent lots over a 6- to 8-week period.Methods: We determined the functional sensitivities of the Access 2, ADVIA Centaur, ARCHITECT i2000, E170, IMMULITE 2000, and Vitros ECi automated methods, using seven serum pools and two reagent lots for each method.Results: The observed functional sensitivities were as follows: Access 2, &lt;0.020 mIU/L; ADVIA Centaur, 0.039 mIU/L; ARCHITECT i2000, &lt;0.005 mIU/L; Elecsys E170, 0.011 mIU/L; IMMULITE 2000, 0.014 mIU/L; Vitros ECi, 0.004 mIU/L. However, there were large differences between some method means for the seven serum pools. For the pool with the lowest TSH concentration, mean results were as follows: Access 2, 0.0203 mIU/L; ADVIA Centaur, 0.0085 mIU/L; ARCHITECT i2000, 0.0049 mIU/L; E170, 0.0098 mIU/L; IMMULITE 2000, 0.0077 mIU/L; Vitros ECi, 0.0014 mIU/L. Method-comparison studies using samples with TSH concentrations &gt;0.2 mIU/L also showed method differences. The ARCHITECT i2000 method was the most precise at low TSH concentrations.Conclusions: TSH methods do not provide comparable results for serum pools with TSH concentrations &lt;0.2 mIU/L or for patient results across the analytic measurement range. Further investigation into the cause of these differences and additional harmonization efforts are required.
Analysis of Subforms of Free Prostate-Specific Antigen in Serum by Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis: Potential to Improve Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Jung Klaus , Reiche Janett , Boehme Axel , Stephan Carsten , Loening Stephan A , Schnorr Dietmar , Hoesel Wolfgang , Sinha Pranav 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to develop a method to separate and quantify subforms of free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) in serum by two-dimensional electrophoresis and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these subforms for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis in comparison with total PSA (tPSA) and the ratio of fPSA to tPSA (%fPSA).
Methods: Sera from 50 patients with and without PCa, respectively, were studied. PSA was isolated by immunoadsorption on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads with biotinylated anti-PSA antibodies and separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. After semidry blotting, the intensities of the fPSA spots were quantified by chemiluminescence using an imager analyzer.
Results: The method detected subforms to a concentration of 0.1 μg/L fPSA with an imprecision (CV) &lt;16%. We detected 15 immunoreactive fPSA spots of different intensities. Spots F2 and F3 were present in all samples. F2 was lower in samples from non-PCa patients (median, 23%) than in samples from PCa patients (49%), whereas F3 behaved inversely (non-PCa, 73%; PCa, 45%). Ratios of F2 to F3 and F2/F3 to %fPSA, respectively, showed improved diagnostic accuracy compared with tPSA and %fPSA. Better differentiation by F2/F3 or by F2/F3 to %fPSA was particularly evident in patients with %fPSA values &gt;15%. There were no associations between the PCa grading scale and fPSA subforms.
Conclusions: fPSA subforms separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis may improve both sensitivity and specificity in prostate cancer diagnostics compared with tPSA and %fPSA. The development of a practicable assay based on the immunologic properties of these different fPSA subforms seems to be promising.
Paraoxonase as a Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Disease: Facts and Hypotheses
Authors: Laplaud P. Michel , Dantoine Thierry , Chapman M. John 
Published: October 2004

AbstractParaoxonase (PON1) is a Ca2+-dependent enzyme whose mechanism of action is incompletely elucidated. PON1 was originally found to be responsible for the hydrolysis of paraoxon, a catabolite of the insecticide parathion, but this enzyme is equally able to hydrolyze other substrates such as phenyl acetate. PON1 exhibits two sequence polymorphisms, Arg →Gln 192 and Met →Leu 55, respectively, of which the former is responsible for the distinct catalytic activity of the two corresponding allozymes against paraoxon. The PON1 gene is a member of a family of at least three related genes. Although the physiologic substrate of PON1 is unknown, a protective role against the oxidative degradation of serum lipoproteins has been attributed to this enzyme. Indeed, PON1 is a component of a spectrum of circulating high density lipoprotein particles and can hydrolyze oxidized phospholipids and cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides. Studies have been conducted to evaluate the possible “protective” role of PON, and especially the influence of the Arg→Gln 192 polymorphism, in coronary artery disease. Results from these investigations are conflicting, and recent data suggest a complex pattern with influences from other polymorphisms in either the PON1 and/or the PON2 and PON3 genes, or even another region of the gene cluster. A number of related factors, which include the heterogeneity of the high density lipoprotein particles incorporating PON(s), the metabolism of associated apolipoproteins such as apoJ/clusterin, the respective roles of PON(s) and other high density lipoprotein-associated enzymes such as platelet-activating-factor acetyl-hydrolase and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, modifications of high density lipoprotein composition and activity under acute-phase conditions, the dietary and environmental regulation of PON(s), and the actualin situavailability of PON in the atherosclerotic artery wall, must equally be taken into account.