bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Short-Term Preoperative Radiotherapy on Health-Related Quality of Life and Sexual Functioning in Primary Rectal Cancer: Report of a Multicenter Randomized Trial
Authors: Marijnen Corrie A.M. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Putter Hein , van den Brink Mandy , Maas Cornelis P. , Martijn Hendrik , Rutten Harm J. , Wiggers Theo , Kranenbarg Elma Klein , Leer Jan-Willem H. , Stiggelbout Anne M. 
Published: March 2005

Background Few prospective studies have been performed about the impact of preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) or total mesorectal excision (TME) on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sexual functioning in patients with resectable rectal cancer. This report describes the HRQL and sexual functioning of 990 patients who underwent TME and were randomly assigned to short-term PRT (5 × 5 Gy). Patients and Methods The Rotterdam Symptom Check List supplemented with additional items was used with questionnaires before treatment and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Patients without a recurrence the first 2 years were analyzed (n = 990). Results Few differences were found in HRQL between patients treated with or without PRT. Daily activities were significantly less for PRT patients 3 months postoperatively. Irradiated patients recovered slower from defecation problems than TME-only patients (P = .006). PRT had a negative effect on sexual functioning in males (P = .004) and females (P < .001). Irradiated males had more ejaculation disorders (P = .002), and erectile functioning deteriorated over time (P < .001). PRT had similar effects in patients who underwent a low anterior resection (LAR) versus an abdominoperineal resection (APR). Patients with an APR scored better on the physical (P = .004) and psychologic dimension (P = .007) than LAR patients, but worse on voiding (P = .0007). Conclusion Short-term PRT leads to more sexual dysfunction, slower recovery of bowel function, and impaired daily activity postoperatively. However, this does not seriously affect HRQL. The comparison between LAR and APR patients demonstrates that the existence of a permanent stoma is not the only determinant of HRQL.
Suicidal and other self‐harming behaviour in offender women: The role of shame, anger and childhood abuse
Authors: Milligan Rhonda‐Jane , Andrews Bernice 
Published: March 2005

Purpose.The main aim of the study was to consider the contributions of childhood physical and sexual abuse (CPA and CSA) and different aspects of shame and anger to self‐harming behaviours in 89 women prisoners. A further aim was to examine the mediating roles of shame and anger in any link between childhood abuse and self‐harm.Method.Standardized shame and anger questionnaires and four items assessing self‐harm modified from an impulsive behaviour questionnaire were verbally administered. Women were interviewed to assess the occurrence of physical and sexual abuse in childhood.Results.Over half (57%) the women reported suicidal and other self‐harming behaviours at some time in their lives, with 50% of these occurring just before or during the current sentence. All shame, anger, and abuse variables were significantly related to self‐harm, but only bodily shame showed an independent relationship when all variables were considered together. Bodily shame was most strongly associated with CSA, and a mediational analysis tested these specific links with self‐harm. Both CSA and bodily shame made significant independent contributions to self‐harm; however, bodily shame demonstrated the strongest effect, partially mediating the effect of CSA.Conclusions.This is the first study to demonstrate a significant statistical relationship between shame and self‐harming behaviours in women. The findings have implications for the assessment of the therapeutic needs of women prisoners. Future research directions are discussed.
Lanthanide complexes of macrocyclic derivatives useful for medical applications
Authors: Delgado Rita , Costa Judite , Guerra Krassimira P. , Lima Luís M. P. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The protonation constants of two series of tetraazamacrocyclic ligands with acetate and methylphosphonate pendant arms, as well as their stability constants with Cu2+, La3+, Sm3+, and Ho3+, were determined. All the values were determined in aqueous solution at 298.0 K and 0.10 mol dm–3 in N(CH3)4NO3. In the first series, the effect of both types of pendant arms was observed by appending them in the same macrocyclic backbone, a 14-membered tetraazamacrocycle containing pyridine (ac3py14, p2py14, and p3py14). In the second series, two effects were taken into account, the increase of the cavity size of the macrocycle, from 12- to 14-membered, and the appending of acetate (dota, trita, and teta) or methylphosphonate (dotp, tritp, and tetp) arms. The ligands containing methylphosphonate arms have higher thermodynamic stability compared to the corresponding ones with acetate arms, especially in the series of compounds containing pyridine, even upon correction of the different basicity values of the ligands. On the other hand, the ligands with smaller macrocyclic cavity size, namely, dota and dotp, exhibit the largest values of stability constants. In contrast, ac3py14 presents low stability constants with lanthanides. An interpretation of these features based on the known adopted arrangement of dota and teta when free or coordinated with lanthanides is evaluated.
Solubility equilibria and geochemical modeling in the field of radioactive waste disposal
Authors: Hummel W. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
If a true thermodynamic equilibrium with a well-known solid is expected to establish, chemical equilibrium thermodynamics allows estimation of the maximum concentration of a given radionuclide in a specified pore fluid of an underground repository. However, in the course of the review process for the Nagra/PSI Chemical Thermodynamic Data Base 01/01, important cases of insufficient chemical knowledge were identified, leading to gaps in the database. First, experimental data for the ThO2–H2O and UO2–H2O systems cannot be interpreted by a unique set of thermodynamic constants. There, a pragmatic approach was chosen by including parameters in the database that are not thermodynamic constants in a strict sense, but that reproduced relevant experimental observations. Second, potentially important thermodynamic constants are missing because of insufficient experimental data. Estimations of these missing constants led to problem-specific database extensions. Especially constants for ternary mixed carbonato-hydroxo complexes of tetravalent actinides have been estimated by the “backdoor approach”, i.e., by adjusting thermodynamic constants to maximum feasible values that are still consistent with all available experimental solubility data.
Disturbed Homocysteine and Methionine Cycle Intermediates S-Adenosylhomocysteine and S-Adenosylmethionine Are Related to Degree of Renal Insufficiency in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang , Schorr Heike , Obeid Rima , Makowski Julia , Fowler Brian , Kuhlmann Martin K 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground: Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication in patients with type 2 diabetes that may increase atherothrombotic risk. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) further increases the risk in those patients. We studied concentrations of total homocysteine (tHcy) and its related metabolites S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) in relation to B-vitamin status and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes who developed diabetic nephropathy.Methods: The study included 93 patients with renal failure and type 2 diabetes. Chronic kidney disease was classified into four subgroups according to the National Kidney Foundation based on glomerular filtration rate plus pathologic abnormalities or markers of kidney damage.Results: Serum or plasma concentrations of the metabolites increased significantly with worsening of renal function, whereas serum concentrations of the B vitamins (folate, vitamins B12 and B6) did not differ appreciably between the groups. Moreover, plasma concentrations of AdoHcy and AdoMet were markedly increased in patients with kidney failure compared with those in stage 2 (median AdoHcy, 112.7 vs 10.5 nmol/L; median AdoMet, 162.0 vs 80.0 nmol/L). The AdoMet/AdoHcy ratio was more than 80% lower in patients with renal failure compared with stage 2. Vitamin B12 was a significant determinant of concentrations of AdoMet, tHcy, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and cystathionine.Conclusions: Increased plasma concentrations of tHcy and methionine cycle intermediates (AdoMet, AdoHcy) are related to disturbed renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin B12 and/or folate are significant predictors of tHcy, cystathionine, MMA, and AdoMet. The effect of therapeutic doses of the B vitamins on AdoMet, AdoHcy, and their ratio should be tested in renal patients.
Synthesis and applications of silicone oil–soluble fluoroalkyl end‐capped cooligomers
Authors: Sawada Hideo , Horiuchi Hitomi , Kawase Tokuzo , Oharu Kazuya , Nakagawa Hideki , Kaneda Isamu 
Published: March 2005

AbstractFluoroalkyl end‐capped cooligomers containing polydimethylsiloxane and polyoxyethylene segments were prepared under very mild conditions by the cooligomerizations of fluoroalkanoyl peroxides with methacrylate monomers containing the corresponding segments and comonomers such as dimethylacrylamide and acryloylmorpholine. These obtained fluorinated cooligomers exhibited amphipathic characteristics and became soluble in water and common organic solvents. In particular interest, fluoroalkyl end‐capped cooligomers containing polyoxyethylene units were soluble not only in poly(methylphenylsiloxane) (silicone oil) but also in water, including common organic solvents except for hexane. Additionally, these fluorinated cooligomers were able to reduce the surface tension of water and m‐xylene quite effectively, to around 15 and 20 mN/m levels, respectively. In these fluorinated cooligomers, fluoroalkyl end‐capped acryloylmorpholine cooligomers containing polyoxyethylene segments were applicable as a novel emulsifying agent against water and silicone oil. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1467–1476, 2005
Homology Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Mu Opioid Receptor in a Membrane–Aqueous System
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sham Yuk Y. , Rajamani Ramkumar , Gao Jiali , Portoghese Philip S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThree types of opioid receptors—mu, delta, and kappa—belong to the rhodopsin subfamily in the G protein‐coupled receptor superfamily. With the recent characterization of the high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin, considerable attention has been focused on molecular modeling of these transmembrane proteins. In this study, a homology model of the mu opioid receptor was constructed based on the X‐ray crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin. A phospholipid bilayer was built around the receptor, and two water layers were placed on both surfaces of the lipid bilayer. Molecular‐dynamics simulations were carried out by using CHARMM for the entire system, which consisted of 316 amino acid residues, 92 phospholipid molecules, 8327 water molecules, and 11 chloride counter ions—40 931 atoms altogether. The whole system was equilibrated for 250 ps followed by another 2 ns dynamic simulation. The opioid ligand naltrexone was docked into the optimized model, and the critical amino acid residues for binding were identified. The mu opioid receptor homology model optimized in a complete membrane–aqueous system should provide a good starting point for further characterization of the binding modes for opioid ligands. Furthermore, the method developed herein will be applicable to molecular model building to other opioid receptors as well as other GPCRs.
Yttrium and Lanthanide Complexes with Various P,N Ligands in the Coordination Sphere: Synthesis, Structure, and Polymerization Studies
Authors: Gamer Michael T. , Rastätter Marcus , Roesky Peter W. , Steffens Alexandra , Glanz Mario 
Published: March 2005

AbstractYttrium and lanthanide complexes with different P,N ligands in the coordination sphere have been synthesized. First the chloride complexes [{CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2}Ln{(Ph2P)2N}Cl] (Ln=Y (1 a), La (1 b), Nd (1 c), Yb (1 d)) having the bulky [CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2]− and the flexible [(Ph2P)2N]− ligands in the same molecule were prepared by three different synthetic pathways. Compounds 1 a–d can be obtained by reaction of [{[CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2]LnCl2}2] with [K(thf)nN(PPh2)2] (n=1.25, 1.5) or by treatment of [{(Ph2P)2N}LnCl2(thf)3] with K[CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2]. Furthermore, a one‐pot reaction of K[CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2] with LnCl3 and [K(thf)nN(PPh2)2] leads to the same products. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 a–d show that the conformation of the six‐membered metallacycle (N1‐P1‐C1‐P2‐N2‐Ln) which is formed by chelation of the [CH(PPh2NSiMe3)2]− ligand to the lanthanide atom is influenced by the ionic radius of the central metal atom. In solution dynamic behavior of the [(Ph2P)2N]− ligand is observed, which is caused by rapid exchange of the two different phosphorus atoms. Further reaction of 1 b with KNPh2 resulted in [{(Me3SiNPPh2)2CH}La{N(PPh2)2}(NPh2)] (2). Compounds 1 a–d and 2 are active in the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. In some cases high molecular weight polymers with good conversions and narrow polydispersities were obtained. In both polymerizations the catalytic activity depends on the ionic radius of the metal center.
Synergism and stability of acetamiprid resistance in a laboratory colony of Plutella xylostella
Authors: Ninsin Kodwo D , Tanaka Toshiharu 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe involvement of metabolic enzymes in the resistance of a laboratory colony of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L), to the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid was determined with the synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO), which suppresses the activity of cytochrome P‐450 monooxygenases, and S,S,S‐tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), an inhibitor of esterases, using the leaf‐dipping method. Both PBO and DEF enhanced the insecticidal activity of acetamiprid significantly in the resistant P xylostella strain but not in a reference strain, suggesting that cytochrome P‐450 monooxygenases and esterases play an important role in the resistance of P xylostella to acetamiprid. The resistant P xylostella strain was also reared without further exposure to acetamiprid to determine the stability of resistance. Maintaining the resistant strain for seven generations in the absence of selection pressure resulted in a drop in resistance ratio from 110 to 2.42, indicating that acetamiprid resistance in P xylostella is not stable. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Is It Good to Talk? Information Disclosure and Organizational Performance in the UK
Authors: Peccei Riccardo , Bewley Helen , Gospel Howard , Willman Paul 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe disclosure of information by management to employees varies significantly between workplaces. The effects of this variance on organizational performance are analysed using WERS98 data. The results show that the impact of information disclosure on organizational performance is more complex than is often assumed in the literature. Overall, there is a significant impact, both direct and indirect, and this varies depending on the level of employee organizational commitment, the type of information disclosed and the performance outcome involved. On the whole, the positive effects are less in union settings and in situations where unions are strong.
A randomised controlled trial comparing low dose vaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone vaginal gel for inducing labour at term
Authors: Gregson Sarah , Waterstone Mark , Norman Ian , Murrells Trevor 
Published: March 2005

Objective  To compare the efficacy of low dose vaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone vaginal gel for induction of labour at term.Design  A single‐blind randomised controlled trial.Setting  Antenatal and labour ward of a UK district general hospital.Participants  Two hundred and sixty‐eight women requiring induction of labour at term (>37 weeks of gestation) with no significant fetal or medical condition, no previous uterine surgery and no contraindication to prostaglandin.Methods  Misoprostol 25 μg (one‐quarter of a 100 μg tablet) was inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix every 4 hours (to a maximum of six doses) or dinoprostone vaginal gel 1–2 mg 6 hourly (maximum of 3 mg in 24 hours).Main outcome measure  Induction‐to‐vaginal delivery interval.Secondary outcome measures  Requirements for oxytocin, mode of delivery, number of women delivering <24 hours, incidence of uterine contraction abnormalities, incidence of abnormal cardiotocograph (CTG) recordings, 5‐minute Apgar scores, umbilical cord pH recordings, analgesia requirements, admission to NICU and blood loss at delivery.Results  There were no significant differences between the two groups in induction‐to‐vaginal delivery interval, mode of delivery, number of women delivering within 24 hours and neonatal outcomes. The incidence of uterine contraction abnormalities (tachysystole and hyperstimulation) and the incidence of abnormal CTG recordings were also similar for both groups.Conclusion  Low dose vaginal misoprostol is as effective as dinoprostone gel for inducing labour at term. There would be substantial cost savings, estimated at around £3.9 million per annum, for maternity services if low dose misoprostol became the agent of choice for inducing labour in the UK.
Implications of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial: A Decision Analysis Model of Survival Outcomes
Authors: Lotan Yair , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. , Lee J. Jack , Roehrborn Claus G. , Lippman Scott M. 
Published: March 2005

Purpose To assess the estimated effect of finasteride prevention of prostate cancer on overall survival. Methods Data for our decision tree model came from men in the two arms (finasteride or placebo) of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) and from clinically localized prostate cancer patients studied for long-term survival outcomes. Our model compared survival outcomes for men treated with finasteride or placebo. Prostate cancer rates were based on the 7-year period prevalence of prostate cancer detected in the PCPT; survival probabilities were abstracted from the long-term outcome studies. We assessed variability in the PCPT and long-term survival studies to test the variability of our model. Results Survival advantages for a finasteride-treated (v those not treated with finasteride) population include gains of 1.7 months in 15-year cause-specific survival (assuming finasteride-altered Gleason scores and prostate cancer prevalence rates in the PCPT), of up to 3 months for cancers treated conservatively or surgically (assuming finasteride does not alter Gleason scores), and of 0.35 months (assuming the rate of cancers detected by for-cause biopsies in the PCPT), which increased to 1.7 months when assuming a 30% rate of biopsy-detected cancer in the PCPT placebo group. Model-variability analyses support several survival benefits associated with finasteride (eg, the uniform benefits assuming finasteride does not alter Gleason scores) but question certain others (eg, in 15-year recurrence-free survivals assuming finasteride does alter Gleason scores). Conclusion Finasteride can impart survival benefits according to our model, especially when we assume that finasteride does not alter Gleason scores.
Molecular Forms of Hypothalamic Ghrelin and Its Regulation by Fasting and 2-Deoxy-d-Glucose Administration
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Fukue Yoshihiko , Teranishi Hitoshi , Yoshida Yayoi , Kojima Masayasu 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor, is a hormone expressed in stomach and other tissues, such as hypothalamus, testis, and placenta. This hormone acts at a central level to stimulate GH secretion and food intake. Little is known, however, about the molecular forms and physiological roles of ghrelin within the hypothalamus. In this report, we detail the molecular forms, mRNA expression patterns, and peptide contents of ghrelin within the rat hypothalamus. Using the combination of reverse-phase HPLC and ghrelin-specific RIA, we determined that the rat hypothalamus contains both n-octanoyl-modified and des-acyl ghrelins. Fasting for 24 and 48 h significantly decreased ghrelin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus to 24% and 28% of control values, respectively. Both n-octanoyl-modified and des-acyl ghrelin content in the hypothalamus decreased after 24 and 48 h of fasting. These results contrast the changes in gastric ghrelin after fasting, which decreased in content despite increased mRNA expression. Two hours after injection of 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), a selective blocker of carbohydrate metabolism, ghrelin peptide levels also decreased. Thus, induction of glucoprivic states, such as fasting and 2-DG treatment, decreased ghrelin gene expression and peptide content within the hypothalamus.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Activates p70 Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase by Protein Kinase A-Mediated Dephosphorylation of Thr 421/Ser 424 in Primary Sertoli Cells
Authors: Lécureuil Charlotte , Tesseraud Sophie , Kara Elodie , Martinat Nadine , Sow Amina , Fontaine Isabelle , Gauthier Christophe , Reiter Eric , Guillou Florian , Crépieux Pascale 
Published: March 2005

AbstractFSH is a major hormonal input that drives Sertoli cells to their fully differentiated function in male reproduction. It is a physiologically important issue to define how FSH mediates its effects at the cellular level to regulate gene expression. FSH biological activities are transduced via a seven-spanned transmembrane receptor, the FSH-R, primarily leading to cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activation and cAMP response element binding protein-mediated transcriptional responses. Nevertheless, the intracellular mechanisms interacting with PKA to control Sertoli cell differentiation by FSH are still incompletely defined. Here, we report that, in primary cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from prepubertal rats, FSH enhanced p70S6K enzymatic activity, in a PKA-dependent manner. p70S6K was constitutively phosphorylated on Thr 389, in a manner sensitive to inhibitors of phosphatidyl-inositide-3 kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin. But FSH could not enhance p70S6K phosphorylation on Thr 389. Rather, the hormone induced the dephosphorylation of Thr 421/Ser 424, located in the autoinhibitory domain of p70S6K, in a PKA-dependent manner. Consistently, FSH-induced phosphorylation of the S6 ribosomal protein, a cellular substrate of p70S6K, required PKA activity. In conclusion, these results show that FSH triggers unexpected regulations of p70S6K by dephosphorylation of Thr 421/Ser 424 mediated by PKA, and stimulates S6 phosphorylation, in Sertoli cells.