bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remarks on “group velocity, negative and ultra‐high index of refraction in photonic band gap materials”
Authors: Gómez Alvaro , Vegas Angel , Solano Miguel A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn the paper of Ojha et al. (Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42 (2004), 82–87), an erroneous definition of the effective refractive index neff in a photonic band gap (PBG) structure is used. The effective refractive index neff is defined as a function of the group velocity; this suffers from two main errors: firstly, the concept of group velocity is not useful in regions of anomalous dispersion, and this is just the region of interest for the calculus in Ojha et al. (Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42 (2004), 82–87) of neff of the PBG structure, and secondly, in any case the refractive index has to be defined in terms of the phase velocity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 302–303, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20617
Effect of anoxia‐glucopenia and re‐superfusion on intrinsic nerves of mammalian detrusor smooth muscle: Importance of glucose metabolism
Authors: Pessina Federica , Solito Raffaella , Maestrini Debora , Gerli Renato , Sgaragli Giampietro 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAimsTo investigate the effect of anoxia/glucopenia and re‐superfusion on intrinsic nerves in the mammalian urinary bladder.MethodsStrips of detrusor smooth muscle were dissected from monkey and human urinary bladder and mounted for tension recording in organ baths superfused with Krebs solution. Human, monkey, and guinea‐pig urinary bladders were treated to evaluate glycogen contents by a biochemical method.ResultsDetrusor strips from both monkeys and humans had to be exposed to anoxia‐glucopenia for up to 2–2.5 hr to observe a progressive decline in the response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the intrinsic nerves, at variance with guinea‐pig detrusor strips. In contrast, the response to direct activation of the smooth muscle with carbachol remained almost unaltered. Incubation of human and monkey detrusor strips with 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG) during 1 hr anoxia‐glucopenia, however, caused a marked damage to the intrinsic nerves. The glycogen contents of both human detrusor specimens and monkey urinary bladders were 2.0‐ and 1.4‐fold higher, respectively, than that found in guinea‐pig urinary bladder; furthermore, untreated monkey detrusor sections showed a greater number of glycogen granules as compared to those subjected to anoxia‐glucopenia and re‐superfusion. In guinea‐pig and in monkey detrusor sections glycogen granules were found in smooth muscle cells but not in neurons of intramural ganglia.ConclusionsA higher susceptibility of guinea‐pig as compared to monkey and human nerves has been demonstrated; it is suggested that anaerobic glucose metabolism during anoxia‐glucopenia is crucial for the functional recovery of detrusor intrinsic nerves from damage caused by anoxia‐glucopenia and re‐superfusion. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late cardiac evaluation of children with solid tumors after anthracycline chemotherapy
Authors: Güçlü Pınarlı F. , Oğuz Aynur , Sedef Tunaoğlu F. , Karadeniz Ceyda , Gökçora Nahide , Elbeg Şehri 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe therapeutic potential of anthracycline antibiotics is limited by their cardiotoxicity. Electrocardiography, exercise testing, and two‐dimensional echocardiography are non‐invasive techniques used in the follow‐up of children for cardiotoxicity. Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are thought to be useful markers in the early detection of AC induced cardiomyopathy.ProcedureWe evaluated cardiac status of 34 patients with solid tumors treated with anthracycline antibiotics. All of the patients were asymptomatic and had no evidence of residual malignancy. They were evaluated by electrocardiography, exercise testing, echocardiography, and plasma BNP levels measured before and after the exercise testing.ResultsElectrocardiography revealed only minor abnormalities of little clinical significance. All of the patients completed the exercise testing without complication, and the duration of the exercise for each patient was between normal limits. Cardiac output (CO) and wall stress (WS) were significantly increased in patients, than in controls in echocardiographic evaluation of systolic functions (P < 0.001). Diastolic filling patterns showed various abnormalities; M‐E, M‐A, T‐E, T‐A, AT, and IVRT were significantly higher than those of controls. Mean plasma BNP levels of the patients (10.56 ± 10.22 pg/ml) were significantly higher than BNP levels of the healthy controls (4.09 ± 2.26 pg/ml) (P < 0.016), before exercise testing. The mean plasma BNP levels of the patients (15.70 ± 14.06 pg/ml) were higher than resting state after exercise testing, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that echocardiographic and biochemical abnormalities could be found even at low cumulative doses of AC antibiotics. The use of serial echocardiographic studies and plasma BNP determinations to identify high‐risk patients for cardiotoxicity needs to be verified by additional studies. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Barriers to adherence of deferoxamine usage in sickle cell disease
Authors: Treadwell Marsha J. , Law Amy W. , Sung Jennifer , Hackney‐Stephens Ekua , Quirolo Keith , Murray Eileen , Glendenning G Alastair , Vichinsky Elliott 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackgroundWe hypothesized that child cognitive disability would be a significant risk factor for non‐adherence with home deferoxamine (DFO) administration and that a factor that would contribute to improved adherence would be sharing of responsibilities for chelation between parents and patients. We explored the influences on adherence of behavioral and psychological adjustment; family stress; perceived convenience of and satisfaction with the DFO regimen; and parent and patient knowledge about DFO.ProcedureFifteen pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who had evidence of excessive iron stores, and their parents, were interviewed about adherence and responsibility for chelation therapy. A neuropsychological assessment battery was administered to the patients. Family stress, the child's emotional and behavioral status, knowledge about chelation and iron overload were explored. Adherence was rated objectively using pharmacy refill patterns and observable signs of chelation.ResultsSharing of responsibilities for chelation between parents and children was related to better adherence while neuropsychological status bore a complex relation to adherence. Of the exploratory variables, low family stress were related to better adherence while satisfaction with the home care regimen and convenience ratings were not useful in predicting adherence. No one element of adherence, even objective measures, was capable of classifying adherence, while a multifactorial scheme categorizing adherent, partially adherent and non‐adherent groups demonstrated good face validity.ConclusionsSupporting developmentally appropriate sharing of responsibilities for self‐care is critical, taking patient neurocognitive status into consideration. Clinicians should evaluate adherence using a multifactorial model that highlights the most salient targets for intervention. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavior of polyamidoamine dendrimers as curing agents in bis‐phenol A epoxy resin systems
Authors: Yiyun Cheng , Dazhu Chen , Rongqiang Fu , Pingsheng He 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPolyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with different generations (0–5) were investigated as curing agents in epoxy resin systems. Flory's gelation theory and the Avrami equation were used to predict the cure behavior of epoxy resin/PAMAM/imidazole at various temperatures and PAMAM concentrations. The theoretical prediction is in good agreement with the experimental results obtained from the dynamic torsional vibration method. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Impaired AP‐1 dimers and NFAT complex formation in immature thymocytes during in vivo glucocorticoid‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Wisniewska Marta , Pyrzynska Beata , Kaminska Bozena 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCa(2+)‐regulated nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) family members are transcription factors crucial for the expression of various cytokine and other immunoregulatory genes. Moreover, NFAT transcription factors are involved in the regulation of development, maturation and selection of thymocytes. Typically, the NFAT complex is made up of NFATc (NFATc1‐4) protein and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) transcription factor. AP‐1 is a dimer consisting of two Jun proteins (homodimers) or Jun and Fos proteins (heterodimers). We have previously reported that NFAT DNA‐binding activity significantly decreases in the thymus during glucocorticoid‐induced apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression and phosphorylation status of the NFAT proteins do not change during glucocorticoid‐induced apoptosis. This suggests that glucocorticoids do not disturb a signal transduction pathway leading to the activation of NFATc proteins in thymocytes. Although the levels of particular Jun and Fos proteins do not decrease after glucocorticoid administration, the formation or DNA‐binding activity of some AP‐1 dimers is specifically abolished. Thus, the observed inhibition of NFAT transcription factor activity during glucocorticoid‐induced apoptosis is likely to be a consequence of this perturbation or the lack of a proper AP‐1 component.
Muscular myosin isoforms of Taenia solium (Cestoda)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Malerva Laura , Cruz‐Rivera Mayra , Reynoso‐Ducoing Olivia , Retamal Claudio , Flisser Ana , Ambrosio Javier R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractType II myosin, the primary component of the thick filament of muscle fibers, is organized as a dimeric high molecular weight protein, and is composed of a pair of heavy chains (MHC) and two pairs of light chains. Myosin II transforms ATP energy into mechanical force. All type II myosins are conserved proteins but they have two variable regions that are located in different places of the molecule. Myosin molecules are encoded by a multigene family and many isoforms are generated. The expression of myosins depends on the developmental stage and on the type and degree of contractile activity and tissue, therefore several myosin isoforms are found in the same organism. Here we describe the use of different techniques that allowed demonstrating the presence of isoforms of the heavy chain type II myosin of Taenia solium cysticerci (larvae) and tapeworms (adults), a cestode parasite of importance in public health in many developing countries. Myosin was purified and used in comparative proteolytic fragmentation, ATPase activity, detection of antigenic differences and electrophoretic separation. The results obtained showed biochemical and immunochemical differences among cysticerci and tapeworms, and demonstrate the presence of myosin isoforms in T. solium that are probably associated to physiological requirements of each developmental stage.
Echo‐Doppler and clinical evaluations to define hemodynamic profile in patients with chronic heart failure: accuracy and influence on therapeutic management
Authors: Capomolla Soccorso , Ceresa Monica , Pinna GianDomenico , Maestri Roberto , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Febo Oreste , Rossi Angelo , Paganini Vincenzo , Caporotondi Angelo , Guazzotti Giampaolo , Gnemmi Marco , Mortara Andrea , Cobelli Franco 
Published: December 2004

BackgroundCorrect classification of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients by dual evidence of congestion and adequate perfusion is the primary clinical focus for management.ObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of echo‐Doppler compared with clinical evaluation in determining the hemodynamic profile of patients with CHF; and to compare therapeutic changes based on hemodynamic or echo‐Doppler findings.MethodsThree hundred and sixty‐six consecutive CHF patients (ejection fraction 25±7%) in sinus rhythm, undergoing evaluation for cardiac transplantation, underwent physical examination prior to right heart catheterization and echo‐Doppler studies. Subsequently, patients were randomized to therapeutic optimization using either right heart catheterization or echo‐Doppler data. The end‐points were: identification of low cardiac output (cardiac index <2.2 l/min/m2); high pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP >18 mm Hg); high right atrial pressure (RAP >5 mm Hg) and analysis of therapeutic changes made in response to the right heart catheterization and echo‐Doppler studies.ResultsEcho‐Doppler showed better accuracy in estimating abnormal hemodynamic indices than clinical variables (cardiac index <2.2 l/min/m2: echo positive predictive accuracy (PPA) 98% vs. clinical PPA 52% p<0.00001; PWP >18 mm Hg: echo PPA 85% vs. clinical PPA 76% p=0.0011; RAP >5 mm Hg: echo PPA 82% vs. clinical PPA 57% p<0.00001). When applied to individual patients, the echo‐Doppler assessment was more accurate than clinical evaluation in defining the different hemodynamic profiles: wet/cold (89% vs. 13%, p<0.0001); wet/warm (73% vs. 30%, p<0.0001); dry/cold (68% vs. 12%, p<0.0001); dry/warm (88% vs. 51%, p<0.0001). Therapeutic decision‐making based on echo‐Doppler findings was similar to that based on hemodynamics.ConclusionEcho‐Doppler hemodynamic monitoring proved accurate in estimating hemodynamic profiles and influenced therapeutic management.
Effect of valsartan added to background ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with heart failure: results from Val‐HeFT
Authors: Krum Henry , Carson Peter , Farsang Csaba , Maggioni Aldo P. , Glazer Robert D. , Aknay Nora , Chiang Yann‐Tong , Cohn Jay N. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAimsTo investigate the effect of valsartan in the Valsartan‐Heart Failure Trial (Val‐HeFT) when added to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) alone in patients with heart failure (HF).MethodsSubjects in Val‐HeFT receiving ACEi but not beta‐blocker at baseline were analysed; 1532 were assigned to valsartan and 1502 assigned to placebo. Primary outcome events (all‐cause mortality, hospitalisation for adjudicated heart failure, sudden death with resuscitation and need for >4 h of parenteral therapy for worsening heart failure) were monitored.ResultsMortality was not affected by valsartan but morbidity endpoints were significantly reduced (36.3% in placebo, 31.0% in valsartan, p=0.002) in patients receiving an ACEi but no beta‐blocker. Quality of life (QOL) was significantly improved, ejection fraction (EF) significantly increased, left ventricular (LV) diameter significantly reduced and plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine and aldosterone levels significantly reduced with valsartan compared to placebo. The morbidity benefit was significant in patients on ACEi doses below the median (22% reduction, p=0.003) and not statistically significant in those receiving ACEi doses above the median (14% reduction, p=0.143).ConclusionValsartan reduces heart failure hospitalisations and slows LV remodelling in patients treated with an ACEi in the absence of beta‐blockade, particularly in those on lower doses of ACEi.
Predictability of a favorable outcome in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Deter HC , Schellberg D. , Köpp W. , Friederich HC , Herzog W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectiveIn a long-term follow-up of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, somatic, psychological and social variables at clinical presentation should be investigated using a multilevel approach.MethodsThis study isolated predictors known from the literature over longer time periods and carried out a separate investigation of predictors in a sample of 81 AN patients of the Heidelberg–Mannheim study over a mean period of 12 years (range 9–19 years). Separate hierarchic regression analyses on the basis of the course of the Morgan–Russell categories were calculated for four individually recorded areas: anamnestic, psychological, somatic and social data sets.ResultsAge at the onset of the disease, purging behavior, low serum albumin, high glutamic-oxalo acetic transaminase (GOT) psychopathology (ANSS) and social pathology had the highest predictive value qualities. In survival analysis overall assessment of all six main predictors at clinical presentation could differentiate all patients who recovered from those who remained ill (log-rank test P = 0.019).ConclusionsA small number of variables were important for detecting a good or poor long-term course of AN. At onset of the disease, it seems necessary to evaluate these psychological, somatic and social predictors.
Effect of a Suicide Prevention Centre for young people with suicidal behaviour in Copenhagen
Authors: Nordentoft M. , Branner J. , Drejer K. , Mejsholm B. , Hansen H. , Petersson B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackgroundIn the 1980s, suicide rates in Denmark were among the highest in the world. In 1992, a Suicide Prevention Centre was opened in Copenhagen with a 2-week programme of social and psychological treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the Suicide Prevention Centre.MethodsIn a quasi-experimental study, 362 patients in the Suicide Prevention Centre and a parallel comparison group of 39 patients were interviewed with European Parasuicide Study Interviewer Schedule I (EPSIS I), which is a comprehensive interview including several validated scales. All patients were invited to follow-up interviews with EPSIS II and followed in the National Patients Register and the Cause of Death Register.ResultsAt the 1-year follow-up, 59% of patients in the intervention group and 53% of patients in the comparison groups were interviewed with EPSIS II. The intervention group obtained a significantly greater improvement in Beck’s Depression Inventory, Hopelessness Scale, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and CAGE-score and a significantly lower repetition rate.DiscussionsAlthough the design cannot exclude selection bias, it seems likely that the improvement in the intervention group was facilitated by the treatment.
An association study between polymorphisms in five genes in glutamate and GABA pathway and paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Yuan Yanbo , Jia Yanbin , Yu Xin , Xu Qi , Shen Yucun , Shen Yan 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDysfunctions of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission are two important hypotheses for the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Thus, genes in the pathway are candidates for schizophrenia susceptibility. Phosphate-activated glutaminase (GLS), glutamine synthetase (GLUL), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), GABA transaminase (ABAT) and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH5A1) are five primary enzymes in glutamate and GABA synthetic and degradative pathway. In order to investigate the possible involvement of these genes in the development of paranoid schizophrenia, we genotyped 80 paranoid schizophrenics from northern China and 108 matched controls by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) methods or directly sequencing of PCR product. Seven SNPs were found to be polymorphic in the population investigated. No significant differences in the genotype distributions or allele frequencies between patients and controls were found. Therefore, we conclude the polymorphisms studied in the five genes do not play major roles in pathogenesis of paranoid schizophrenia in the population investigated.
Effects of Yoku-kan-san on undifferentiated somatoform disorder with tinnitus
Authors: Okamoto Hideki , Okami Toshihiko , Ikeda Masatoshi , Takeuchi Tatsuo 
Published: December 2004

AbstractUp to the present, there have been few strategies that are completely effective in treating undifferentiated somatoform disorder with tinnitus. We herein report that Yoku-kan-san (TJ-54), one of Japan's traditional herbal medicines, is an effective treatment for tinnitus in undifferentiated somatoform disorder complicated with headache and insomnia. TJ-54 has been also used as an effective treatment for insomnia and irritability in recent centuries and is considered to have some effects on the excitability of nerves. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacies of Japanese herbal medicines.
Old versus new: weighing the evidence between the first- and second-generation antipsychotics
Authors: Davis John M. , Chen Nancy 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn our opinion the best guide to prescribing antipsychotics is the clinician’s experience with his patients and in particular the patient being treated. If treatment works, stick with it. We feel it is also important for the clinician to consider the evidence from well-controlled double-blind random-assignment studies because in “evidence-based medicine,” biases both known and unknown are controlled by blinding and randomization. The purpose of this paper is to summarize and discuss the evidence on efficacy. Choice of antipsychotic, in our opinion, is probably the most important decision that the clinician makes for the psychotic patient. This involves the choice of drug, its dose, balancing efficacy, side-effects and cost.
Age and individual growth of Mesodesma mactroides (Bivalvia) in the southernmost range of its distribution
Authors: Fiori Sandra M. , Morsán Enrique M. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The yellow clam, Mesodesma mactroides, is an intertidal bivalve typical from sandy beaches of the South American Atlantic coast. Growth parameters of southernmost populations of M. mactroides were studied and compared with other populations. Thin shell sections were examined to describe internal shell layers and to contrast with external shell transparency. Periodicity of deposition of external growth increments was studied recording the degree of transparency of the shell border. Growth patterns were determined using modal progression analysis from size frequency distributions, analysis of external shell increments, and size-at-age data derived from inner shell layers. Growth parameters were described using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Both internal and external patterns were coincident and exhibited a succession of one translucent and one opaque region. The transparent region was deposited during summer. Growth differences found between populations may be related to unequal size of first ring in both beaches. This feature may originate from asynchrony in spawning and recruitment. The monthly analysis of shell length size frequency distribution shows that growth of M. mactroides is seasonal. Estimations of asymptotic size of studied populations and others located at the southern (coldest) half of the geographical range of distribution suggest a negative relation with latitude.