bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Increase in Intracellular Calcium Concentrations Induced by Low or High Extracellular Glucose Levels in Ependymocytes and Serotonergic Neurons of the Rat Lower Brainstem
Authors: Moriyama Ryutaro , Tsukamura Hiroko , Kinoshita Mika , Okazaki Hirokatsu , Kato Yukio , Maeda Kei-ichiro 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPancreatic glucokinase (GK)-like immunoreactivities are located in ependymocytes and serotonergic neurons of the rat brain. The present study investigated in vitro changes in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in response to low (2 mm) or high (20 mm) extracellular glucose concentrations in isolated cells from the wall of the central canal (CC), raphe obscurus nucleus (ROb), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in male rats. An increase in [Ca2+]i was found in cells from the CC (21.1% or 9.8% of ependymocytes), ROb (10.9% or 14.5% of serotonergic neurons), VMH (7.8% and 25.2% of neurons), and LHA (20% or 15.7% of neurons), when extracellular glucose levels were changed from 10 to either 2 or 20 mm, respectively. Most of the ependymocytes and serotonergic neurons responding to the glucose changes were immunoreactive to the anti-GK in the CC (96.8% for low glucose and 100% for high glucose) and ROb (100% for low and high glucose). The [Ca2+]i increase was blocked with calcium-free medium or L-type calcium channel blocker. Cells with an increase in [Ca2+]i in response to low glucose did not respond to high glucose and vice versa. Inhibition of GK activity with acute alloxan treatment blocked low or high glucose-induced [Ca2+]i increases in most GK-immunoreactive cells from the CC or ROb. The glucose-sensitive [Ca2+]i increase in neurons of the VMH and LHA was also alloxan-sensitive, but no cells taken from the VMH and LHA were immunoreactive to the antibody used. The present study further indicates that ependymocytes of the CC and serotonergic neurons in the ROb are also sensitive to the changes in extracellular glucose in a GK-dependent manner, but that the subtype of GK in these cells could be different from that in the VMH and LHA.
Characterization of the Interactions of Estrogen Receptor and MNAR in the Activation of cSrc
Authors: Barletta Frank , Wong Chi-Wai , McNally Chris , Komm Barry S. , Katzenellenbogen Benita , Cheskis Boris J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn this study, we have evaluated the molecular mechanism of Src activation after its interaction with estrogen receptor α (ERα) and a newly identified scaffold protein, called MNAR (modulator of nongenomic activity of ER). Under basal condition, Src enzymatic activity is inhibited by intramolecular interactions. The enzyme can be activated by interaction between the SH2 domain of Src and phosphotyrosine-containing sequences and/or by interaction between the SH3 domain of Src and proteins containing PXXP motifs. Mutational analysis and functional evaluation of MNAR and the use of ERα and cSrc mutants revealed that MNAR interacts with Src’s SH3 domain via its N-terminal PXXP motif. Mutation of this motif abolished both the MNAR-induced activation of Src and the stimulation of ER transcriptional activity. ER interacts with Src’s SH2 domain using phosphotyrosine 537, and this complex was further stabilized by MNAR-ER interaction. Mapping studies reveal that both the A/B domain and Y537 of ERα are required for MNAR-induced activation of ER transcriptional activity. The region responsible for MNAR interaction with ER maps to two N-terminal LXXLL motifs of MNAR. Mutation of these motifs prevented ER-MNAR complex formation and eliminated activation of the Src/MAPK pathway. These data explicate how the coordinate interactions between MNAR, ER, and Src lead to Src activation. Our findings also demonstrate that MNAR is a scaffold protein that mediates ER-Src interaction and plays an important role in the integration of ER action in Src-mediated signaling.
Linear programming and optimizing lumber quality composition in secondary hardwood dimension mills
Authors: Buehlmann U , Zuo X , Thomas R E 
Published: February 2004

Linear programming has been widely applied in the secondary hardwood dimension manufacturing industries to solve the least-cost lumber grade mix problem, which refers to the search for minimal raw material costs. Most existing models are based on the assumption of a simple linear relationship between lumber grade mix and yield. However, this crucial assumption has never been verified. In this study, the results from a five-factor mixture design statistically proved that none of the cutting bills tested has a simple linear relationship between yield and different lumber grade mixes. It was observed that cutting bill characteristics and lumber quality affect the relationship between yield and lumber grades. Cutting bills that require wider and/or longer parts tend to behave non-linearly. In addition, the more dissimilar lumber grade qualities that are processed, the more likely is the occurrence of a non-linear response. The inability to predict the relationship between yield and lumber grades, coupled with the high percentage of non-simple linear relationships observed in this study, brings into question the validity of the linearity assumption applied in previous linear programming models. Further efforts are needed to construct a new least-cost lumber grade mix model that does not rely on the assumption of a simple linear relationship between lumber grade mix and yield.
Synthesis of l-Cysteine and l-Cysteic Acid by Paired Electrolysis Method
Authors: Wang Xixin , Zhao Jianling 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
l-Cysteine and l-cysteic acid were synthesized by paired eletrolysis method. A high purity over 98% and high yield over 90% of both products were gained. When current density was 7 A/dm2 and concentration of l-cysteine was 0.6 mol/dm3, the highest current efficiency of anode and cathode was achieved. Total current efficiency was over 180%. The cyclic voltammetry behaviors of hydrobromic acid and cystine showed that a typical EC reaction took place in the anodic cell. The anode reaction and successive chemical reaction accelerated each other to get a high speed and current efficiency.
Growth of Sb2O3 Nanotubes via a Simple Surfactant-assisted Solvothermal Process
Authors: Zhang Yunxia , Li Guanghai , Zhang Lide 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Sb2O3 nanotubes were successfully prepared via a simple surfactant-assisted solvothermal method. The nanotubes have an orthorhombic structure with outer diameter range from 40 to 150 nm, the wall thickness of 10 to 40 nm and a length of up to several micrometers. The formation of nanotubes followed a rolling-up mechanism.
Synthesis of Bamboo-shaped TiO2 Nanotubes in Nanochannels of Porous Aluminum Oxide Membrane
Authors: Peng Tianyou , Yang Huanping , Chang Gang , Dai Ke , Hirao Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
The bamboo-shaped TiO2 nanotubes with diameters of ca. 100 nm have been fabricated in nanochannels of PAO membranes by upright dipping manner. The bamboo-shaped nanotubes consist of many hollow compartments that are separated by TiO2 layers.
Oral Antivirals for the Acute Treatment of Recurrent Herpes Labialis
Authors: Jensen Lori A , Hoehns James D , Squires Cindy L 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use and benefit of oral antivirals in the acute treatment of episodic, recurrent herpes labialis. DATA SOURCES A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (1966—August 2003) using acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir, cold sores, herpes labialis, and HSV-1 as search terms. DATA SYNTHESIS We reviewed 5 placebo-controlled and 2 comparative studies evaluating oral antivirals for acute treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. No studies directly compared different antivirals. Studies discussing the efficacy of antivirals for chronic suppression of herpes simplex virus-1 infection were not included. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with oral antivirals decreases the duration of lesion episodes and pain by approximately one day; however, the antivirals do not abort lesions from developing. Clinical implications of these results appear relatively modest.
Pulmonary and Hepatic Toxicity Due to Nitrofurantoin and Fluconazole Treatment
Authors: Linnebur Sunny A , Parnes Bennett L 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVE To reemphasize potential risks associated with chronic nitrofurantoin use and to report a case of combined pulmonary and hepatic toxicity precipitated from acute use of fluconazole concomitantly with chronic nitrofurantoin. CASE SUMMARY A 73-year-old white man taking nitrofurantoin 50 mg/day for 5 years developed combined hepatic and pulmonary toxicity after taking fluconazole acutely for onychomycosis. Two months after starting fluconazole, the patient's hepatic enzymes showed elevation 5 times the upper limits of normal. In addition, the patient reported fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, pleuritic pain, burning trachea pain, and a cough. Chest X-rays showed bilateral pulmonary disease consistent with nitrofurantoin toxicity. Both drugs were determined to be the cause of the patient's pulmonary and hepatic toxicity, so they were discontinued. Pulmonary function tests measured after discontinuation were abnormal and also consistent with nitrofurantoin toxicity. The patient's hepatic and pulmonary toxicity resolved upon discontinuation of both drugs and use of inhaled corticosteroids. DISCUSSION Changes in hepatic enzyme measurement, pulmonary function measurements, and chest X-rays indicate that our patient developed hepatic and pulmonary toxicity due to his drug therapy. An objective causality assessment revealed that these adverse events were probably due to fluconazole given with nitrofurantoin. Either drug may have caused the hepatic toxicity. However, it is possible that pharmacokinetic changes induced by an interaction with fluconazole precipitated the nitrofurantoin-induced pulmonary toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Our patient developed pulmonary and hepatic toxicity after starting fluconazole in combination with chronic nitrofurantoin. A potential drug interaction of unknown mechanism may have been the cause of the toxicities.
Detoxification from High-Dose Zolpidem Using Diazepam
Authors: Rappa Leonard R , Larose-Pierre Margareth , Payne Deidre R , Eraikhuemen Nathaniel E , Lanes Douglas M , Kearson Margaretta L 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVE To report a rare case of physical and psychological addiction to an excessive dose of zolpidem and subsequent completed detoxification using diazepam. CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old white man with a history of polysubstance abuse received a prescription for zolpidem 2 years prior to his hospital detoxification. During that time, he gradually escalated the total dosage to an amount of 400 mg/day in divided doses. Upon hospitalization, he was detoxified using a standard benzodiazepine 7-day diazepam tapering regimen. DISCUSSION Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine medication approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Its mechanism is a selective benzodiazepine type 1 receptor agonist. The selectivity of the drug for the type 1 receptor may not be absolute and is inversely dose dependent. Compared with the benzodiazepines, zolpidem addiction is rare. However, at higher than recommended doses for extended periods of time, its addictive potential may be similar to that of the benzodiazepines. CONCLUSIONS Given the similarities in receptor binding and pharmacologic activities of zolpidem and the benzodiazepines, we chose to use a standard benzodiazepine detoxification protocol to treat zolpidem withdrawal. Confirmation of this has been evidenced by successful zolpidem detoxification using a standard 7-day benzodiazepine/diazepam taper regimen.
Factors that Influence Prescribing Decisions
Authors: Schumock Glen T , Walton Surrey M , Park Hayley Y , Nutescu Edith A , Blackburn Juan C , Finley Jamie M , Lewis Richard K 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND Strategies to control the quality and cost of medication use are largely dependent on the ability to alter selection of medications. Previous models of prescribing behavior have focused on physicians. In the hospital setting, clinical pharmacists and formulary committee members are also key players in drug therapy decision-making. Differences between physicians, formulary committee members, and clinical pharmacists have not been compared. Knowledge of these differences could have importance in predicting the effectiveness of strategies designed to influence drug use in this setting. OBJECTIVE To describe and compare the opinions of physicians, clinical pharmacists, and formulary committee members with respect to key factors that influence medication prescribing in community hospitals. METHODS Physicians, clinical pharmacists, and formulary committee members were solicited to participate. A trained interviewer administered a standardized questionnaire designed to elicit opinions of participants regarding the importance of factors thought to influence drug prescribing. Responses were described using descriptive statistics, and differences between the groups were determined by post hoc analysis. RESULTS A total of 150 individuals participated in the study. Safety, effectiveness, formulary status, and restrictions on prescribing were considered highly influential by all participants. Physicians rated the availability of drug samples and personal experience higher (more influential on prescribing) than clinical pharmacists and formulary committee members. Clinical pharmacists and formulary committee members rated the influence of recommendations by clinical pharmacists, prescribing guidelines, and cost or cost comparisons higher than physicians. Factors that were drug-related or that involved policy-related programs tended to be more influential than indirect factors. CONCLUSIONS Those who seek to implement programs to alter medication use should recognize and employ factors that are most influential in the decision-making process. Further, it may be important to consider differences that exist between key participants in the medication use process.
Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) Testing: Performance of Clinical Laboratories Assessed by a National Survey Using Lyophilized Affinity-purified Immunoglobulin with LA Activity
Authors: Tripodi Armando , Biasiolo Alessandra , Chantarangkul Veena , Pengo Vittorio 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) screens are frequently ordered in the workup of thrombophilic patients or women with fetal loss. The sensitivity and specificity of LA detection vary depending on the choice of tests, cutoff values, and results interpretation. This variation is detrimental to patient management because persistent LA positivity in patients with a history of thrombosis is a requisite for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Numerous surveys have been performed to assess the state of the art for LA diagnosis. The control plasmas used in these surveys were from LA-positive or -negative patients or were normal plasmas with monoclonal antibodies against human β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) added.
Methods: A large number of laboratories were asked to test a common set of lyophilized plasmas for LA, including three normal plasmas, to which increasing amounts of affinity-purified IgG from a patient positive for anti-β2-GPI had been added, and three LA-negative plasmas: one normal, one with a coagulation deficiency, and one with heparin.
Results: Overall, 69, 68, and 59 of 70 participants were able to detect LA in plasmas with high, intermediate, and low potency (sensitivity, 99%, 97%, and 84%). Conversely, 69, 50, and 53 of 70 were able to rule out LA in the normal, heparinized, and deficient plasma (specificity, 99%, 71%, and 76%).
Conclusions: Sensitivity for LA detection is satisfactory, whereas specificity could be improved. Surveys for LA detection should be carried out on a regular basis because they may help improve performance. Plasmas containing graded amounts of affinity-purified human anti-β2-GPI may be used as a convenient source of well-characterized naturally occurring LA material.
Diagnosis of Huntington Disease
Authors: Margolis Russell L , Ross Christopher A 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: Huntington disease (HD) is a rare, progressive, and fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder, typically of adult onset.Methods: We reviewed the literature concerning the molecular diagnosis of HD.Results: The discovery of the genetic etiology of HD, a trinucleotide expansion mutation on chromosome 4p, has led to the development of increasingly reliable and valid diagnostic tests that can be applied to symptomatic patients, individuals at risk for HD but currently asymptomatic, fetuses, and embryos. However, the unstable nature of the HD mutation, the lack of effective treatments for HD, the mid-adulthood age of disease onset, and the existence of disorders with the same clinical presentation but different etiology all complicates diagnostic testing.Conclusion: Conscientious laboratory work, knowledgeable interpretation of genetic test results, and the availability of pre- and posttest counseling are essential components of HD diagnosis.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Colombo Maria Giovanna , Paradossi Umberto , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Botto Nicoletta , Manfredi Samantha , Masetti Serena , Biagini Andrea , Clerico Aldo 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) could be a candidate gene for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigated the relationship of the eNOS Glu298→Asp and T786→C polymorphisms with the presence and severity of CAD in the Italian population.
Methods: We enrolled 415 unrelated individuals who underwent coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was expressed by means of the Duke score. The eNOS Glu298→Asp and T786→C variants were analyzed by PCR.
Results: There was significant linkage disequilibrium between the two eNOS polymorphisms (P &lt;0.0001). Both variants were significantly associated with the occurrence and severity of CAD (P = 0.01 and 0.004 for Glu298→Asp and T786→C, respectively). The risk of CAD was increased among individuals homozygous for the C allele of the T786→C polymorphism compared with individuals homozygous for the T allele (odds ratio = 2.5; P &lt;0.01) and was independent of the other common risk factors (P = 0.04). Moreover, individuals with both the Asp/Asp genotype of the Glu298→Asp polymorphism and at least one C allele of the T786→C variant in the promoter region of the eNOS gene had an increased risk of CAD (odds ratio = 4.0; P &lt;0.001) and a significantly higher mean Duke score (26.2 ± 2.9 vs 45.2 ± 3.7; P = 0.002) compared with individuals with the TT genotype and the Glu allele.
Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that the Glu298→Asp and T786→C polymorphisms of the eNOS gene are associated with the presence and severity of angiographically defined CAD in the Italian population and that those individuals carrying both eNOS variants simultaneously might have a higher risk of developing CAD.
Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry-based Detection of Microsatellite Instabilities in Coding DNA Sequences: A Novel Approach to Identify DNA-Mismatch Repair-deficient Cancer Cells
Authors: Bonk Thomas , Humeny Andreas , Gebert Johannes , Sutter Christian , Doeberitz Magnus von Knebel , Becker Cord-Michael 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background: Inherited defects in the DNA mismatch repair system lead to increased loss or gain of repeat units in microsatellites, commonly referred to as microsatellite instability (MSI). MSIs in coding regions of critical genes contribute to the pathogenesis of DNA-mismatch repair-deficient cancers, particularly those associated with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC). MSI typing is therefore increasingly used to guide the molecular diagnosis of HNPCC.
Methods: We used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to identify MSIs in mononucleotide repeats within the coding sequences of genes relevant to the pathogenesis of MSI+ neoplastic lesions. After a primer extension reaction of PCR products encompassing the microsatellites, the molecular masses of the extension products were determined by MALDI-TOF-MS.
Results: MSIs were detected by MALDI-TOF-MS in the GART, AC1, TGFBR2, MSH3, and MSH6 genes in neoplastic tissues and MSI+ colorectal cancer cell lines but not in MSI− control tissues. The analysis of peak-integral ratios in a single spectrum of the peaks representing insertions or deletions compared with the full-length microsatellites allowed relative quantification of MSIs. MALDI-TOF-MS-based genotyping results were confirmed by conventional DNA sequencing and electrophoresis.
Conclusions: Because of its reliability, short run times, and low costs, this semiquantitative procedure represents an effective alternative, in particular for diagnostic high-throughput typing of MSIs in neoplastic lesions.
Genotype-specific Influence on Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression, Protein Concentrations, and Enzyme Activity in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Song Junghan , Yoon Yeomin , Park Kyoung Un , Park Junwan , Hong Young Joon , Hong Seung Ho , Kim Jin Q 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: The results of studies on the association of ecNOS polymorphisms and vascular diseases are inconsistent. To explore the nature of this interaction in the absence of confounding factors, such as smoking, we measured ecNOS mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with and without ecNOS polymorphisms.Methods: We identified a T−786→C polymorphism in the promoter region, the intron 4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), the E298A polymorphism in exon 7, and the G10-T polymorphism in intron 23 of the ecNOS gene in the DNA from 43 human umbilical cords. We measured ecNOS and GAPDH mRNA from the cultured HUVECs by reverse transcription-PCR and ecNOS protein and enzyme activity by Western blotting (as ratio to positive control band) and by determining the conversion of [3H]arginine to [3H]citrulline, respectively.Results: The T−786→C polymorphism showed the same allelic distribution as the intron 4 VNTR. Mean (SD) ecNOS protein from the cultured HUVECs was significantly lower in the 4a/4b genotype [0.84 (1.23); n = 9] of the intron 4 VNTR than in the 4b/4b genotype [2.14 (2.26); n = 34; P = 0.0300]. The enzyme activity was also significantly lower in the 4a/4b genotype [0.84 (0.21) pmol · min−1 · mg protein−1; n = 9] than in the 4b/4b genotype [1.07 (0.31) pmol · min−1 · mg protein−1; n = 34; P = 0.0197].Conclusions: ecNOS gene expression, protein concentrations, and enzyme activity are genotype-dependent in HUVECs. The intron 4 VNTR has a consistent influence that may be mediated by the T−786→C polymorphism in the promoter region.