bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporine withdrawal in post‐renal transplant thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Manzoor K , Ahmed E , Akhtar F , Kazi JI , Naqvi SA , Rizvi SAH 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  Introduction:  Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a well known complication of cyclosporine (CsA)‐treated renal transplantation but optimum treatment strategies are not clearly defined.Patients and methods:  All patients transplanted between January 1996 and December 2001 at our center who had biopsy‐proven TMA and in whom CsA was withdrawn were studied retrospectively.Results:  The TMA was found in nine of 688 patients (1.3%). All except one donor were living related. HLA matching was one haplotype in all except one where both haplotypes were different. There were five males and four females and the mean age was 24.9 ± 9 yr. All of them developed TMA within 3 months of transplant. Five of nine had evidence of microangiopathic hemolysis on peripheral film. Serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis of TMA was 3.1 ± 1.3 mg/dL. Cyclosporine was discontinued in all and mycophenolate mofetil was substituted for azathioprine. No episode of acute rejection occurred after CsA withdrawal. Graft function did not improve in four who eventually became dialysis‐dependent after a mean duration of 12.6 ± 8.3 months. Remaining patients showed stabilization or improvement in function and all had serum creatinine below 2 mg/dL after a mean follow up of 24 months.Conclusion:  The CsA withdrawal in cases with TMA at a stage when significant functional deterioration has not taken place can salvage the graft.
Serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone and 25‐OH vitamin D3in cats with urethral obstruction
Authors: Drobatz Kenneth J. , Ward Cynthia , Graham Peter , Hughes Dez 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective:To measure serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3concentrations in cats with urethral obstruction.Design:Prospective single cohort study.Setting:University affiliated veterinary teaching hospital.Animals:Male cats with urethral obstruction.Interventions:Routine blood samples drawn from male cats with urethral obstruction.Measurements and main results:Measured variables included blood gas parameters, plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, and ionized calcium concentrations, as well as serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, PTH, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3concentrations. PTH was inversely correlated with ionized calcium and positively correlated with serum phosphorus. No discernable relationship could be found between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3and any of the measured parameters.Conclusions:Lack of parathyroid response does not appear to be the underlying mechanism for ionized hypocalcemia in cats with urethral obstruction.
A two disulfide bridge Kazal domain from Phytophthora exhibits stable inhibitory activity against serine proteases of the subtilisin family
Authors: Tian Miaoying , Kamoun Sophien 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Kazal-like serine protease inhibitors are defined by a conserved sequence motif. A typical Kazal domain contains six cysteine residues leading to three disulfide bonds with a 1–5/2–4/3–6 pattern. Most Kazal domains described so far belong to this class. However, a novel class of Kazal domains with two disulfide bridges resulting from the absence of the third and sixth cysteines have been found in biologically important molecules, such as human LEKTI, a 15-domain inhibitor associated with the severe congenital disease Netherton syndrome. These domains are referred to as atypical Kazal domains. Previously, EPI1, a Kazal-like protease inhibitor from the oomycete plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans, was shown to be a tight-binding inhibitor of subtilisin A. EPI1 also inhibits and interacts with the pathogenesis-related P69B subtilase of the host plant tomato, suggesting a role in virulence. EPI1 is composed of two Kazal domains, the four-cysteine atypical domain EPI1a and the typical domain EPI1b.

Results
In this study, we predicted the inhibition constants of EPI1a and EPI1b to subtilisin A using the additivity-based sequence to reactivity algorithm (Laskowski algorithm). The atypical domain EPI1a, but not the typical domain EPI1b, was predicted to have strong inhibitory activity against subtilisin A. Inhibition assays and coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that recombinant domain EPI1a exhibited stable inhibitory activity against subilisin A and was solely responsible for inhibition and interaction with tomato P69B subtilase.

Conclusion
The finding that the two disulfide bridge atypical Kazal domain EPI1a is a stable inhibitor indicates that the missing two cysteines and their corresponding disulfide bond are not essential for inhibitor reactivity and stability. This report also suggests that the Laskowski algorithm originally developed and validated with typical Kazal domains might operate accurately for atypical Kazal domains.
Safety and tolerability of nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients receiving fluconazole for cryptococcal prophylaxis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Manosuthi Weerawat , Chumpathat Nopphanath , Chaovavanich Achara , Sungkanuparph Somnuek 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the adverse events after initiation of nevirapine-based ART among HIV-infected patients who did not receive fluconazole (group A), received fluconazole 400 mg/week (group B), and received fluconazole 200 mg/day (group C).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected patients who began NVP-based ART between December 2003 and September 2004. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Clinical hepatitis, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (> 3 times from baseline), and skin rashes were studied.ResultsThere were 686 patients; 225, 392, and 69 patients in group A, B, and C, respectively. Baseline characteristics including age, previous opportunistic infections, use of antituberculous drugs, and baseline aminotransferase levels among the three groups were similar. Group C had a higher proportion of men (p= 0.016). Baseline median (IQR) CD4 cell counts were 85 (21–159), 18 (7–48), and 16 (5–35) cell/mm3in group A, B, and C, respectively (p< 0.001). Of 2/225 (0.9%), 4/392 (1.0%), and 0/69 (0%) patients in group A, B, and C developed clinical hepatitis (p= 0.705). There were no significant difference of elevated AST or ALT among the three groups (p> 0.05). By logistic regression, receiving fluconazole was not predictive of clinical hepatitis, elevated aminotransferase, or skin rashes. At 6 months after initiating NVP, 174 (77.3%) patients in group A, 309 (78.8%) patients in group B, and 58 (84.1%) patients in group C remained on NVP.ConclusionInitiation of NVP-based ART among Thais with advance HIV disease receiving fluconazole is safe and well-tolerated. nevirapine should not be contraindicated for patients receiving fluconazole for treatment or prophylaxis of cryptococcosis.
Chloroquine is a potent inhibitor of SARS coronavirus infection and spread
Authors: Vincent Martin J , Bergeron Eric , Benjannet Suzanne , Erickson Bobbie R , Rollin Pierre E , Ksiazek Thomas G , Seidah Nabil G , Nichol Stuart T 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus (SARS-CoV). No effective prophylactic or post-exposure therapy is currently available.

Results
We report, however, that chloroquine has strong antiviral effects on SARS-CoV infection of primate cells. These inhibitory effects are observed when the cells are treated with the drug either before or after exposure to the virus, suggesting both prophylactic and therapeutic advantage. In addition to the well-known functions of chloroquine such as elevations of endosomal pH, the drug appears to interfere with terminal glycosylation of the cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. This may negatively influence the virus-receptor binding and abrogate the infection, with further ramifications by the elevation of vesicular pH, resulting in the inhibition of infection and spread of SARS CoV at clinically admissible concentrations.

Conclusion
Chloroquine is effective in preventing the spread of SARS CoV in cell culture. Favorable inhibition of virus spread was observed when the cells were either treated with chloroquine prior to or after SARS CoV infection. In addition, the indirect immunofluorescence assay described herein represents a simple and rapid method for screening SARS-CoV antiviral compounds.
Metaproteomic analysis of Chesapeake Bay microbial communities
Authors: Kan Jinjun , Hanson Thomas E , Ginter Joy M , Wang Kui , Chen Feng 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Natural microbial communities are extremely complex and dynamic systems in terms of their population structure and functions. However, little is known about the in situ functions of the microbial communities.

Results
This study describes the application of proteomic approaches (metaproteomics) to observe expressed protein profiles of natural microbial communities (metaproteomes). The technique was validated using a constructed community and subsequently used to analyze Chesapeake Bay microbial community (0.2 to 3.0 μm) metaproteomes. Chesapeake Bay metaproteomes contained proteins from pI 4–8 with apparent molecular masses between 10–80 kDa. Replicated middle Bay metaproteomes shared ~92% of all detected spots, but only shared 30% and 70% of common protein spots with upper and lower Bay metaproteomes. MALDI-TOF analysis of highly expressed proteins produced no significant matches to known proteins. Three Chesapeake Bay proteins were tentatively identified by LC-MS/MS sequencing coupled with MS-BLAST searching. The proteins identified were of marine microbial origin and correlated with abundant Chesapeake Bay microbial lineages, Bacteroides and α-proteobacteria.

Conclusion
Our results represent the first metaproteomic study of aquatic microbial assemblages and demonstrate the potential of metaproteomic approaches to link metagenomic data, taxonomic diversity, functional diversity and biological processes in natural environments.
A functional variant of Fcγ receptor IIIA is associated with rheumatoid arthritis in individuals who are positive for anti-glucose-6-phosphate isomerase antibodies
Authors: Matsumoto Isao , Zhang Hua , Muraki Yoshifumi , Hayashi Taichi , Yasukochi Takanori , Kori Yuko , Goto Daisuke , Ito Satoshi , Tsutsumi Akito , Sumida Takayuki 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAnti-glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) antibodies are known to be arthritogenic autoantibodies in K/B×N mice, although some groups have reported that few healthy humans retain these antibodies. The expression of Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) is genetically regulated and has strong implications for the development of experimental arthritis. The interaction between immune complexes and FcγRs might therefore be involved in the pathogenesis of some arthritic conditions. To explore the relationship between functional polymorphisms in FcγRs (FCGR3A-158V/F and FCGR2A-131H/R) and arthritis in individuals positive for anti-GPI antibodies, we evaluated these individuals with respect to FCGR genotype. Genotyping for FCGR3A-158V/F and FCGR2A-131H/R was performed by PCR amplification of the polymorphic site, followed by site specific restriction digestion using the genome of 187 Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (including 23 who were anti-GPI antibody positive) and 158 Japanese healthy individuals (including nine who were anti-GPI antibody positive). We report here on the association of FCGR3A-158V/F functional polymorphism with anti-GPI antibody positive status. Eight out of nine healthy individuals who were positive for anti-GPI antibodies possessed the homozygous, low affinity genotype FCGR3A-158F (odds ratio = 0.09, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.89; P = 0.0199), and probably were 'protected' from arthritogenic antibodies. Moreover, among those who were homozygous for the high affinity genotype FCGR3A-158V/V, there were clear differences in anti-human and anti-rabbit GPI titres between patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy subjects (P = 0.0027 and P = 0.0015, respectively). Our findings provide a molecular model of the genetic regulation of autoantibody-induced arthritis by allele-specific affinity of the FcγRs.
The DFG Priority Program “Informatics Methods for the Analysis and Interpretation of Large Genomic Datasets” (DFG Schwerpunktprogramm “Informatikmethoden zur Analyse und Interpretation großer genomischer Datenmengen”)
Authors: Lengauer Thomas 
Published: August 2005

Summury
The priority program “Informatics Methods for the Analysis and Interpretation of Large Genomic Data Sets” addressed the interdisciplinary community of researchers in computer science and mathematics on the one hand and molecular biology and biochemistry on the other hand that has formed in Germany and established itself internationally due to focussed activities in this area. With the sequenced genomes we have data sets at hand that contain all relevant information on the blueprint of a species. The task of the priority programm was the exploration of large genomic data sets with informatics methods. The systematic comparisons of sequence patterns as well predictions and analyses of molecular structures and interactions make it possible to elucidate relationships between structure and function and thus to arrange cellular components in metabolic or regulatory networks.
The capacity of antioxidant protection during modulated ageing of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cotyledons. 1. The antioxidant enzyme activities
Authors: Procházková D. , Wilhelmová N. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractReactive oxygen species are known to increase in plant senescence. We investigated the participation of antioxidative enzymes in initiation of cotyledon senescence. Senescence of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cotyledons was modulated by UV C irradiation and by the decapitation of plant apices. Senescence was accompanied by a decrease of protein content and by a decrease of photochemical efficiency. A drop in activity of antioxidative enzymes preceded the onset of senescence in control plants. In cotyledons with prolonged life span, the decrease of antioxidant activities and the markers of senescence onset appeared at a similar age as in controls. Thus we presumed that the period from senescence initiation to cotyledon abscission was extended. On the other hand, in UV C irradiated plants we did not observe actual senescence initiation, and antioxidant enzymes although elevated, did not effectively play their role. The decrease of antioxidant enzymes activity and the markers of senescence appeared at a similar age both in control and in decapitated (D) plants, so we can presume that we prolonged mainly the period from senescence onset to cotyledon abscission in D plants. In UV C irradiated plants the antioxidative enzymes were probably destroyed before the process of senescence could begin. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assignment of the absolute configuration of [n]‐ladderanes by TD‐DFT optical rotation calculations
Authors: Zuber Gérard , Goldsmith Michael‐Rock , Beratan David N. , Wipf Peter 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIn this study, we report theoretical specific rotation values for a series of cis‐/trans‐alkylated‐[5]‐ladderanes and cis‐/trans‐methylated‐[n]‐ladderanes. Using time‐dependent density functional response theory optical rotation calculations, we can assign (+) and (−) optical rotation signs to trans‐(S)‐alkyl‐[5]‐ladderane and trans‐(R)‐alkyl‐[5]‐ladderane configurations, respectively. In order to qualitatively validate our absolute configuration predictions, we computed optical rotation values at three different levels of theory—B3LYP, RI‐BP86, and Hartree–Fock—using the aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis set. We observe a novel rung–parity‐controlled oscillatory optical rotatory phenomenon in our computations, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported or observed before. Furthermore, this preliminary analysis of optical rotation properties in this class of compounds should facilitate the correct absolute stereochemical assignment of natural and synthetic ladderanes, such as the trans‐isomer of pentacyclic C20‐fatty acid methyl ester (pentacycloanammoxic methyl ester), without the need for derivatization, in particular for cases where NMR or X‐ray crystal structures are not readily available. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:507–510, 2005.
β‐catenin mutations and expression, 249serine p53 tumor suppressor gene mutation, and hepatitis B virus infection in southern African Blacks with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Elmileik Hashim , Paterson Alan C. , Kew Michael C. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo ascertain the prevalence of deregulating mutations of β‐catenin gene, and to correlate this with the occurrence of 249serine p53 gene mutation and hepatitis B virus infection in southern African Blacks with hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsPaired cancer/non‐cancerous liver tissues from 21 and cancer tissues alone from 20 Black Africans with hepatocellular carcinoma were studied. RT‐PCR‐SSCP and sequencing were used to detect mutations in exon 3 of the β‐catenin gene, and PCR, restriction endonuclease analysis, and sequencing to detect the p53 gene mutation. Immunostaining was used to identify β‐catenin protein expression in hepatocytes.ResultsNo mutations in exon 3 of the β‐catenin gene were found in tumor or non‐tumorous tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed β‐catenin protein expression in membranes and cytoplasm of hepatocytes but not in the nuclei. The 249serine p53 gene mutation was detected in 27.2% of the hepatocellular carcinoma tissues but not in non‐cancerous tissues. No correlation was found between β‐catenin mutation and over‐expression and 249serine p53 gene mutations or hepatitis B virus surface antigenemia.ConclusionsUnlike hepatocellular carcinomas in China, Japan, and Europe, deregulating β‐catenin gene mutations do not appear to occur in southern African Blacks with this tumor and do not therefore interact with either the 249serine p53 gene mutation or hepatitis B virus infection in its pathogenesis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:258–263. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinicopathological features, surgical management, and disease outcome of perforated gastric cancer
Authors: Jwo Shyh‐Chuan , Chien Rong‐Nan , Chao Tzu‐Chien , Chen Huang‐Yang , Lin Chin‐Yew 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPerforated gastric cancer is rare and generally not diagnosed preoperatively or intraoperatively, if a frozen section is unavailable. Therefore, the elucidation of its clinicopathological features and disease outcomes will help surgeons manage perforated gastric cancer.Patients and MethodsThe clinicopathological features, surgical management, and disease outcomes of 13 patients with perforated gastric cancer from March 1989 to May 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. Disease outcomes were analyzed in‐depth based on tumor stage, depth of tumor invasion, operative curability, and three treatment groups.ResultsAll 13 patients (median age of 72 years) received emergent laparotomy. Malignant gastric perforation was diagnosed intraoperatively in eight (61.5%) patients. Four patients whose frozen sections exhibited perforated gastric cancer underwent radical surgery with curative intent and were assigned to Group 1. Another four patients with overt distal metastases underwent palliative surgery and were assigned to Group 2. The remaining five patients were misdiagnosed as having benign gastric perforation and underwent local surgery; these patients were assigned to Group 3. All patients received follow‐up for a median of 26 months. The survival rates for Stage I disease (P = 0.0342), T1/T2 tumors (P = 0.0342), and curative resection (P = 0.0012) significantly exceeded those of Stage III/IV, T3/T4 tumors, and non‐curative resection. Additionally, the survival rates of Group 1 (P = 0.0067) and Group 3 (P = 0.0067) significantly exceeded those of Group 2. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed no significant predictor of prognosis.ConclusionsIn resectable cases, one‐stage radical gastrectomy with possible extensive lymphadenectomy should be encouraged if conditions allow. In cases of misdiagnosis, non‐radical local surgery with curative resection is sufficient to treat early‐stage cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:219–225. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer in elderly patients
Authors: Otsuji Eigo , Fujiyama Junshin , Takagi Tsuyoshi , Ito Tadao , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Toma Atsushi , Okamoto Kazuma , Hagiwara Akeo , Yamagishi Hisakazu 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe incidence of gastric cancer, in people over 70 years of age, has increased remarkably. Aggressive lymphadenectomy with gastrectomy has been reported to improve survival in patients with gastric cancer. Because complication rates following gastrectomy increase with advancing age, we sought to determine whether this procedure was merited in elderly patients with gastric cancer.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 202 patients who underwent total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for gastric carcinoma. Postoperative complication rates were compared between patients over and under 70 years of age.ResultsThe 10‐year survival rates of patients under and over 70 years of age following total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy were not significantly different. Although medical comorbidities in each group were similar, pulmonary dysfunction was significantly more common following total gastrectomy in patients over 70 years than in patients under 70 years. Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed that patient's age was the only variable that independently correlated with the presence of postoperative complications.ConclusionsThe prognosis of the gastric cancer patients over 70 years of age was similar to that of younger patients after total gastrectomy with extensive lymphadenectomy. However, pulmonary dysfunction was significantly more common in patients over 70 years old. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:232–236. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective review of lung cancer patients with pleural dissemination after limited operations combined with parietal pleurectomy
Authors: Ohta Yasuhiko , Shimizu Yosuke , Matsumoto Isao , Tamura Masaya , Oda Makoto , Watanabe Go 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe long‐term control of malignant effusion is necessary to achieve long‐term survival in lung cancer patients with carcinomatous pleuritis. This report describes our results of limited operations including parietal pleurectomy (pl) on a hypothesis that the most effective target area for controlling malignant pleural effusion is the parietal pleura.MethodsForty‐two patients with pleural dissemination with/without malignant pleural effusion were analyzed retrospectively. The operative procedures used were partial resection of the primary site with pl in 20 cases, segmentectomy with pl in 2 cases, lobectomy with pl in 19 cases, and pl only in 1 case. Postoperative adjuvant treatment was performed in 31 patients.ResultsAdenocarcinoma was the dominant histology, and the pathological stages were IIIB in 34 cases and IV (intrapulmonary metastasis) in 8 cases. The overall 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates were 30.1%, 17.2%, and 10.3%, respectively. When stratified by the TNM classification, the overall 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates were 56.3%, 32.1%, and 24.1%, respectively, in the T4N0M0 group and 21.1%, 7.0%, and 0%, respectively, in the T4N1‐2M0 group (P = 0.0257). Among the 24 patients whose recurrent patterns could be identified, only 2 patients developed recurrent malignant effusion.ConclusionsWith appropriate patient selection, the use of limited surgery combined with pl followed by intrapleural and systemic chemotherapy appears to be effective in management of the disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:237–242. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.