bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Normalization of relative peptide ratios derived from in‐gel digests: applications to protein variant analysis at the peptide level
Authors: Bergen H. Robert , Muddiman David C. , O'Brien John F. , Hoyer James D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe ability to detect protein variants and post‐translational modifications by mass spectrometry has become increasingly important. Unfortunately, the ability to detect variants in large intact proteins (>80 000 Da) is limited. Even in the analysis of smaller proteins, algorithms are required to determine the presence of a 2 Da mass shift in an intact 13 kDa protein because the isotopic distribution of the multiply charged ions of the variant overlaps the wild‐type distribution. Fortunately, most modern instruments are capable of detecting variants in tryptic peptides derived from intact proteins. If a single common variant protein is known, the presence of a variant tryptic peptide can be easily demonstrated. A more difficult issue is the case where a multiplicity of peptides with multiple amino acid substitutions can be associated with pathology. In these cases a decrease in the relative amount of a variant peptide relative to other internal tryptic fragments would be diagnostic. However, the variability associated with the analysis of in‐gel or solution digests of proteins, related to efficiencies in digestion, extraction and ionization, confounds variant analysis at the peptide level. A strategy was developed to normalize for this variability by utilizing multiple isotopically labeled internal standards for multiple peptides derived from the same protein. Erythrocyte spectrin from 36 normal and 25 abnormal osmotic fragility samples was analyzed as a test case. Three isotopically labeled target peptides comprising the α/β‐spectrin self‐association sites were added to purified digested α‐spectrin. The utilization of multiple internal standards demonstrates the capability to normalize for sample variability due to ionization efficiency, solvent effects, digestion and extraction efficiency. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal head‐to‐trunk volume ratio in chromosomally abnormal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Falcon O. , Cavoretto P. , Peralta C. F. A. , Csapo B. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the pattern of early growth disturbance in chromosomally abnormal fetuses by comparing the volume of the fetal head to that of the trunk.MethodsThe fetal trunk and head volume was measured using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound in 145 chromosomally abnormal fetuses at a median gestational age of 12 (range, 11 + 0 to 13 + 6) weeks. The head volume was measured separately and then subtracted from the total head and trunk volume to obtain the volume of the fetal trunk. The head‐to‐trunk ratios were then calculated and the Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to determine the significance of differences from 500 chromosomally normal fetuses.ResultsThe fetal head volume for crown–rump length (CRL) was significantly smaller than normal in trisomy 21, trisomy 13 and Turner syndrome (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), whereas no significant differences were found in trisomy 18 and triploidy (P = 0.139 and P = 0.070, respectively). The fetal trunk volume for CRL was significantly smaller in all chromosomal abnormalities (P < 0.001) except Turner syndrome (P = 0.134). The head‐to‐trunk ratio for CRL was significantly larger in trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and triploidy (P < 0.001), but normal in trisomy 21 (P = 0.221) and Turner syndrome (P = 0.768).ConclusionsIn trisomy 21 and Turner syndrome, the growth deficit was symmetrical with the head and trunk being equally affected, whereas in triploidy and trisomies 18 and 13 there was asymmetrical growth restriction with the trunk being more severely compromised than the head. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of presenting symptoms and patient characteristics with endometrial cancer prognosis in Japanese women
Authors: Kodama J. , Seki N. , Ojima Y. , Nakamura K. , Hongo A. , Hiramatsu Y. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether patient characteristics and presenting symptoms could be prognostic indicators for endometrial cancer in Japanese women.MethodsReview of the medical charts, which included presenting symptoms and other patient characteristics, of 242 women who underwent surgical treatment for FIGO stage I–IV endometrial cancer.ResultsFIGO stage, histologic grade, and lower abdominal pain were found to be significant independent factors for progression‐free and overall survival. In contrast, abnormal uterine bleeding, comorbidities, and prior malignancy were not found to be prognostic factors.ConclusionLower abdominal pain was found to be an independent prognostic factor in endometrial cancer among Japanese women.
Meso‐dihydroguaiaretic acid and licarin A of Machilus thunbergii protect against glutamate‐induced toxicity in primary cultures of a rat cortical cells
Authors: Ma Choong Je , Kim So Ra , Kim Jinwoong , Kim Young Choong 
Published: September 2005

We previously reported that four lignans isolated from the bark of Machilus thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. (Lauraceae) protected primary cultures of rat cortical neurons from neurotoxicity induced by glutamate.
Among the lignans, meso‐dihydroguaiarectic acid (MDGA) and licarin A significantly attenuated glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity when added prior to or right after the excitotoxic glutamate challenge.
The neuroprotective activities of two lignans appeared to be more effective in protecting neurons against neurotoxicity induced by NMDA than that induced by kainic acid.
MDGA and licarin A diminished the calcium influx that routinely accompanies with the glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity, and inhibited the subsequent overproduction of cellular nitric oxide and peroxide to the level of control cells. They also preserved cellular activities of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase reduced in the glutamate‐injured neuronal cells.
Thus, our results suggest that MDGA and licarin A significantly protect primary cultured neuronal cells against glutamate‐induced oxidative stress, via antioxidative activities.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 752–759. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706380
Reversal of cardiac dysfunction by selective ET‐A receptor antagonism
Authors: Allan Anthony , Fenning Andrew , Levick Scott , Hoey Andrew , Brown Lindsay 
Published: September 2005

The effectiveness of a selective endothelin receptor‐A (ET‐A) antagonist, A‐127722 (approximately 10 mg kg−1 day−1 as 200 mg kg−1 powdered food), to reverse existing cardiac remodelling and prevent further remodelling was tested in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt hypertensive rats.
Uninephrectomised rats (UNX) administered DOCA (25 mg every fourth day s.c.) and 1% NaCl in drinking water for 28 days developed hypertension (systolic blood pressure (BP): UNX 128±6 mmHg, DOCA‐salt 182±5* mmHg; *P<0.05 vs UNX), left ventricular hypertrophy (UNX 1.99±0.06 mg kg−1 body wt, DOCA‐salt 3.30±0.08* mg kg−1 body wt), decreased left ventricular internal diameter (UNX 6.69±0.18 mm, DOCA‐salt 5.51±0.37* mm), an increased left ventricular monocyte/macrophage infiltration together with an increased interstitial collagen from 2.7±0.3 to 11.7±1.3%, increased passive diastolic stiffness (UNX 21.1±0.5, DOCA‐salt 30.1±1.3*), prolongation of the action potential duration at 20 and 90% of repolarisation (APD20–UNX 6.8±1.1, DOCA‐salt 10.1±1.5* ms; APD90–UNX 34.4±3.5 ms, DOCA‐salt 64.3±10.4* ms) and vascular dysfunctions (2.6‐fold decrease in maximal contractile response to noradrenaline, 3.5‐fold decrease in maximal relaxation response to acetylcholine).
Administration of A‐127722 for 14 days starting 14 days after surgery attenuated the increases in systolic BP (150±6** mmHg, **P<0.05 vs DOCA‐salt), left ventricular wet weight (2.65±0.06** mg kg−1 body wt) and internal diameter (6.39±0.31** mm), prevented left ventricular monocyte/macrophage accumulation, attenuated the increased left ventricular interstitial collagen (7.6±1.3%**), reversed the increased passive diastolic stiffness (22.1±1.2**), attenuated the action potential duration prolongation (APD20 – 7.6±1.4**, APD90 – 41.5±6.9** ms) and normalised changes in vascular function.
ET‐A receptor antagonism both reverses and prevents the cardiac and vascular remodelling in DOCA‐salt hypertension and improves cardiovascular function.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 846–853. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706384
Functional characterization and expression of endothelin receptors in rat carotid artery: involvement of nitric oxide, a vasodilator prostanoid and the opening of K+ channels in ETB‐induced relaxation
Authors: Tirapelli Carlos R , Casolari Debora A , Yogi Alvaro , Montezano Augusto C , Tostes Rita C , Legros Eurode , D'Orléans‐Juste Pedro , De Oliveira Ana M 
Published: September 2005

We aimed to functionally characterize endothelin (ET) receptors in the rat carotid artery. mRNA and protein expressions of both ETA and ETB receptors, evaluated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and Western immunoblotting, were detected in carotid segments. Immunohistochemical assays showed that ETB receptors are expressed in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells, while ETA receptors are expressed only in the smooth muscle cells. In endothelium‐denuded vessels, levels of ETB receptor mRNA were reduced.
Vascular reactivity experiments, using standard muscle bath procedures, showed that ET‐1 induces contraction in endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded carotid rings in a concentration‐dependent manner. Endothelial removal enhanced ET‐1‐induced contraction. BQ123 and BQ788, selective antagonists for ETA and ETB receptors, respectively, produced concentration‐dependent rightward displacements of the ET‐1 concentration–response curves.
IRL1620, a selective agonist for ETB receptors, induced a slight vasoconstriction that was abolished by BQ788, but not affected by BQ123. IRL1620‐induced contraction was augmented after endothelium removal.
ET‐1 concentration dependently relaxed phenylephrine‐precontracted rings with intact endothelium. The relaxation was augmented in the presence of BQ123, reduced in the presence of BQ788 and completely abolished after endothelium removal. IRL1620 induced vasorelaxation that was abolished by BQ788 and endothelium removal, but not affected by BQ123.
Preincubation of intact rings with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), indomethacin or tetraethylammonium (TEA) reduced IRL1620‐induced relaxation. The combination of L‐NAME, indomethacin and TEA completely abolished IRL1620‐induced relaxation while sulfaphenazole did not affect this response. 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), but not apamin, glibenclamide or charybdotoxin, reduced IRL1620‐induced relaxation.
The major finding of this work is that it firstly demonstrated functionally the existence of both ETA and ETB vasoconstrictor receptors located on the smooth muscle of rat carotid arteries and endothelial ETB receptors that mediated vasorelaxation via NO–cGMP pathway, vasodilator cyclooxygenase product(s) and the activation of voltage‐dependent K+ channels.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 903–912. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706388
Perspectives on the role of the human gut microbiota and its modulation by pro- and prebiotics
Authors: Steer Toni , Carpenter Hollie , Tuohy Kieran , Gibson Glenn R. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractOne of the most topical areas of human nutrition is the role of the gut in health and disease. Specifically, this involves interactions between the resident microbiota and dietary ingredients that support their activities. Currently, it is accepted that the gut microflora contains pathogenic, benign and beneficial components. Some microbially induced disease states such as acute gastroenteritis and pseudomembranous colitis have a defined aetiological agent(s). Speculation on the role of microbiota components in disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, bowel cancer, neonatal necrotising enterocolitis and ulcerative colitis are less well defined, but many studies are convincing. It is evident that the gut microflora composition can be altered through diet. Because of their perceived health-promoting status, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are the commonest targets. Probiotics involve the use of live micro-organisms in food; prebiotics are carbohydrates selectively metabolized by desirable moieties of the indigenous flora; synbiotics combine the two approaches. Dietary intervention of the human gut microbiota is feasible and has been proven as efficacious in volunteer trials. The health bonuses of such approaches offer the potential to manage many gut disorders prophylactically. However, it is imperative that the best methodologies available are applied to this area of nutritional sciences. This will undoubtedly involve a genomic application to the research and is already under way through molecular tracking of microbiota changes to diet in controlled human trials.
The interactions between selenium and iodine deficiencies in man and animals
Authors: Arthur John R , Beckett Geoffrey J , Mitchell Julie H 
Published: September 2005

AbstractUp to one billion people live in areas where they may be at risk from I deficiency. Many of the debilitating effects of the deficiency may be irreversible, consequently it is essential to understand the mechanisms whereby lack of I can cause disease through decreased thyroxine and 3, 3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) synthesis. Since Se has an essential role in thyroid hormone metabolism, it has the potential to play a major part in the outcome of I deficiency. These effects of Se derive from two aspects of its biological function. First, three Se-containing deiodinases regulate the synthesis and degradation of the biologically active thyroid hormone, T3. Second, selenoperoxidases and possibly thioredoxin reductase (EC1.6.4.5) protect the thyroid gland from H2O2produced during the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The mechanisms whereby Se deficiency exacerbates the hypothyroidism due to I deficiency have been elucidated in animals. In contrast to these adverse effects, concurrent Se deficiency may also cause changes in deiodinase activities which can protect the brain from low T3concentrations in I deficiency. Animals with Se and I deficiency have changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations that are similar to those observed in patients with I deficiency disease. However such animal models show no thyroid involution, a feature which is characteristic of myxoedematous cretinism in man. These observations imply that if Se deficiency is involved in the outcome of I deficiency in human populations it is likely that other interacting factors such as goitrogens are also implicated. Nevertheless the protection of the thyroid gland from H2O2and the regulation of tissue T3levels are the functions of Se that are most likely to underlie the interactions of Se and I.
Shelterin: the protein complex that shapes and safeguards human telomeres
Authors: de Lange Titia 
Published: September 2005

Added by telomerase, arrays of TTAGGG repeats specify the ends of human chromosomes. A complex formed by six telomere-specific proteins associates with this sequence and protects chromosome ends. By analogy to other chromosomal protein complexes such as condensin and cohesin, I will refer to this complex as shelterin. Three shelterin subunits, TRF1, TRF2, and POT1 directly recognize TTAGGG repeats. They are interconnected by three additional shelterin proteins, TIN2, TPP1, and Rap1, forming a complex that allows cells to distinguish telomeres from sites of DNA damage. Without the protective activity of shelterin, telomeres are no longer hidden from the DNA damage surveillance and chromosome ends are inappropriately processed by DNA repair pathways. How does shelterin avert these events? The current data argue that shelterin is not a static structural component of the telomere. Instead, shelterin is emerging as a protein complex with DNA remodeling activity that acts together with several associated DNA repair factors to change the structure of the telomeric DNA, thereby protecting chromosome ends.Six shelterin subunits: TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, Rap1, TPP1, and POT1
A comparative study of the safety of 0.25% levobupivacaine and 0.25% racemic bupivacaine for paracervical block in the first stage of labor
Authors: Palomäki Outi , Huhtala Heini , Kirkinen Pertti 
Published: September 2005

Background.  The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the safety of levobupivacaine and racemic bupivacaine for paracervical block (PCB) in the first stage of labor after uncomplicated pregnancy.Methods.  Forty women in an open pilot study and 397 women in a double‐blind randomized study received PCB for pain relief in the first stage of labor, either with 25 mg of levobupivacaine or with 25 mg of racemic bupivacaine. The incidence of cardiotocographic pathology was compared between the groups using Fisher's exact test. The 95% confidence intervals for the between‐group difference were calculated by Newcombe's method.Results.  In the randomized double‐blind study, the incidence of any pathological result in cardiotocography (CTG) was 10.4% in the levobupivacaine group and 12.8% in the racemic bupivacaine group. The incidence of fetal bradycardia in the groups was 2.6 and 3.8%, respectively. All the cardiotocographic changes were transient, and no operative intervention was indicated because of CTG. No difference in the analgesic effect between the drugs was found. Most of the parturients in the levobupivacaine group (97%) and in the racemic bupivacaine group (96%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery. Neonatal outcome was good in both groups.Conclusions.  No difference in cardiotocographic pathology was found between PCB with levobupivacaine compared with PCB with racemic bupivacaine. The incidence of bradycardia was low. PCB was found to be a safe pain‐relief method for low‐risk parturients.
What determines the analgesic effect of paracervical block?
Authors: Palomäki Outi , Huhtala Heini , Kirkinen Pertti 
Published: September 2005

Background.  The objective of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of paracervical block (PCB) in labor pain relief and to discover the determinants associated with good analgesia.Methods.  In a prospective trial, 341 women received PCB for pain relief in the first stage of labor, with 10 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine or racemic bupivacaine. All these pregnancies were uncomplicated and the progress of labor was normal. The analgesic effect of PCB was measured by using a visual analog scale (VAS). The factors associated with good pain relief (>50% decrease in the VAS score within 30 min) were analyzed statistically by Student's t‐test or the Mann–Whitney test (continuous variables), Fisher's exact test (categorial variables) and after univariate analysis by logistic regression analysis. For pairwise comparisons, Wilcoxon's signed ranks test was used.Results.  Good pain relief was achieved in 47.2% of the cases. 12.3% of the parturients needed subsequent epidural or spinal analgesia. In logistic regression analysis, primiparity, a high pain score before PCB, and PCB given by a specialized obstetrician were found to affect the level of pain relief 30 min after PCB.Conclusions.  The best pain relief after PCB was achieved among primiparas. Good pain relief was connected with a high pain score before PCB and an experienced obstetrician.
Repair of recurrent vaginal vault prolapse using sacrospinous ligament fixation with mesh interposition and reinforcement
Authors: Lo Tsia‐Shu , Horng Shang‐Gwo , Huang Huei‐Jean , Lee Shu‐Jane , Liang Ching‐Chung 
Published: September 2005

Objective.  Our goal was to study the efficacy of performing the repeated sacrospinous ligament fixation with mesh interposition and reinforcement in women with recurrent vaginal vault prolapse.Materials and methods.  Fifteen consecutive patients with symptomatic severe vaginal vault or uterus prolapse after previous sacrospinous ligament fixation were enrolled. The sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed with a mesh interposition between sacrospinous ligament complex and vaginal apex. The mesh was extended to anterior and posterior vaginal wall for the repair of concurrent cystocele and rectocele, if indicated. The surgical results and complications were evaluated. The prolapse evaluation was performed according to International Continence Society (ICS) ordinal stages of pelvic organ prolapse.Results.  The mean age was 55 years. The mean follow‐up was 2.9 years (range 1.0–5.5 years). Repeated sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed for all patients. Eleven were performed unilaterally to the right and four to the left. The average time for sacrospinous fixation was 20 min. The average blood loss for sacrospinous fixation was 75 ml. No major complication except one accidental rectotomy was observed. It was repaired intraoperatively without sequel. The concurrent pelvic surgeries included vaginal total hysterectomies, anterior colporrhaphies, posterior colporrhaphies, and tension‐free vaginal tape procedures. No recurrence of apical prolapse was observed. However, two patients developed stage I prolapse on anterior vaginal wall (cystocele) and required no further repair. Minor postoperative complications were observed.Conclusion.  Repeated sacrospinous ligament fixation with mesh interposition and reinforcement is a safe and effective procedure for the correction of recurrent vault prolapse. The extended implanted mesh can be used for the repair of concurrent cystorectocele effectively. A long‐term follow‐up is necessary to detect any late complication.
Smoking cessation intervention in parents of young children: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Abdullah Abu Saleh M. , Mak Yim W. , Loke Alice Y. , Lam Tai‐Hing 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTObjective  To examine whether telephone counselling based on the stages of change component of Transtheoretical model of behaviour change together with educational materials could help non‐motivated smoking parents of young children to cease.Design  Randomised controlled trial.Setting  Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China.Participants  952 smoker fathers and mothers of Chinese children aged 5 years.Intervention  Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention group received printed self‐help materials and three‐session telephone‐based smoking cessation counselling delivered by trained counsellors; the control group received printed self‐help materials only. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 month follow up.Main outcome measures  The main outcome is 7 day point prevalence quit rate at 6 months (defined as not smoking during the 7 days preceding the 6 month follow up) determined by self reports. Other secondary outcomes were self reported 24 h point prevalence quit rate and self‐reported continuous quit rate and bio‐chemically validated quit rate at 6 months.Results  A total of 952 smoker fathers and mothers were randomized to the intervention (n = 467) and control (n = 485) groups. Most were daily smokers (92.4%) and the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 14.5 (SD = 8.9). By using intention‐to‐treat analysis, the 7 day point prevalence quit rate at 6 month follow up was significantly greater in the intervention group (15.3%; 68/444) than the control group (7.4%; 34/459) (P < 0.001). The absolute risk reduction was 7.9% (95% confidence interval: 3.78% to 12.01%). The number needed to treat to get one additional smoker to quit was 13 (95% CI: 8–26). The crude odds ratio of quitting was 2.3(95% CI: 1.5–3.5). The adjusted odds ratio was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.4–3.4) (adjusted for age, number of years smoked, and alcohol dependency).Conclusion  Proactive telephone counselling is an effective aid to promote smoking cessation among parents of young children.