bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of the potential role of sulfite radical in morphine-associated histamine release
Authors: Gordon Emma M , Myers Carolyn , Blumer Jeffrey 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Intravenous morphine use is associated with elevated histamine release leading to bronchoconstriction, edema and hemodynamic instability in some patients. This study evaluated the possibility that sulfite, which is present as a preservative in many morphine preparations, might contribute to histamine release in vitro.

Results
The human mast cell line, HMC-1, was exposed to various morphine concentrations, in the absence of sulfite, under cell culture conditions. Clinically attained concentrations of morphine (0.018μg/ml and 0.45μg/ml) did not cause increased histamine release from mast cells. There was a significant increase in histamine release when the morphine concentration was increased by 1184-fold (668μg/ml morphine). Histamine release from mast cells exposed to morphine and/or sulfite required the presence of prostaglandin H synthetase. Histamine release in experiments using sulfite-containing morphine solutions was not statistically different from that observed in morphine-only solutions.

Conclusion
Sulfite in sulfite-containing morphine solutions, at concentrations seen clinically, is not responsible for histamine release in in vitro experiments of the human mast cell line, HMC-1. This does not preclude the fact that sulfite may lead to elevation of histamine levels in vivo.
The fallacy of enrolling only high-risk subjects in cancer prevention trials: Is there a "free lunch"?
Authors: Baker Stuart G , Kramer Barnett S , Corle Donald 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
There is a common belief that most cancer prevention trials should be restricted to high-risk subjects in order to increase statistical power. This strategy is appropriate if the ultimate target population is subjects at the same high-risk. However if the target population is the general population, three assumptions may underlie the decision to enroll high-risk subject instead of average-risk subjects from the general population: higher statistical power for the same sample size, lower costs for the same power and type I error, and a correct ratio of benefits to harms. We critically investigate the plausibility of these assumptions.

Methods
We considered each assumption in the context of a simple example. We investigated statistical power for fixed sample size when the investigators assume that relative risk is invariant over risk group, but when, in reality, risk difference is invariant over risk groups. We investigated possible costs when a trial of high-risk subjects has the same power and type I error as a larger trial of average-risk subjects from the general population. We investigated the ratios of benefit to harms when extrapolating from high-risk to average-risk subjects.

Results
Appearances here are misleading. First, the increase in statistical power with a trial of high-risk subjects rather than the same number of average-risk subjects from the general population assumes that the relative risk is the same for high-risk and average-risk subjects. However, if the absolute risk difference rather than the relative risk were the same, the power can be less with the high-risk subjects. In the analysis of data from a cancer prevention trial, we found that invariance of absolute risk difference over risk groups was nearly as plausible as invariance of relative risk over risk groups. Therefore a priori assumptions of constant relative risk across risk groups are not robust, limiting extrapolation of estimates of benefit to the general population. Second, a trial of high-risk subjects may cost more than a larger trial of average risk subjects with the same power and type I error because of additional recruitment and diagnostic testing to identify high-risk subjects. Third, the ratio of benefits to harms may be more favorable in high-risk persons than in average-risk persons in the general population, which means that extrapolating this ratio to the general population would be misleading. Thus there is no free lunch when using a trial of high-risk subjects to extrapolate results to the general population.

Conclusion
Unless the intervention is targeted to only high-risk subjects, cancer prevention trials should be implemented in the general population.
Identification of hip fracture patients from radiographs using Fourier analysis of the trabecular structure: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gregory Jennifer S , Stewart Alison , Undrill Peter E , Reid David M , Aspden Richard M 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
This study presents an analysis of trabecular bone structure in standard radiographs using Fourier transforms and principal components analysis (PCA) to identify contributions to hip fracture risk.

Methods
Radiographs were obtained from 26 hip fracture patients and 24 controls. They were digitised and five regions of interest (ROI) were identified from the femoral head and neck for analysis. The power spectrum was obtained from the Fourier transform of each region and three profiles were produced; a circular profile and profiles parallel and perpendicular to the preferred orientation of the trabeculae. PCA was used to generate a score from each profile, which we hypothesised could be used to discriminate between the fracture and control groups. The fractal dimension was also calculated for comparison. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A
z
) discriminating the hip fracture cases from controls was calculated for each analysis.

Results
Texture analysis of standard radiographs using the fast Fourier transform yielded variables that were significantly associated with fracture and not significantly correlated with age, body mass index or femoral neck bone mineral density. The anisotropy of the trabecular structure was important; both the perpendicular and circular profiles were significantly better than the parallel-profile (P < 0.05). No significant differences resulted from using the various ROI within the proximal femur. For the best three groupings of profile (circular, parallel or perpendicular), method (PCA or fractal) and ROI (A
z
= 0.84 – 0.93), there were no significant correlations with femoral neck bone mineral density, age, or body mass index. PCA analysis was found to perform better than fractal analysis (P = 0.019).

Conclusions
Both PCA and fractal analysis of the FFT data could discriminate successfully between the fracture and control groups, although PCA was significantly stronger than fractal dimension. This method appears to provide a powerful tool for the assessment of bone structure in vivo with advantages over standard fractal methods.
The validity of the SF-36 in an Australian National Household Survey: demonstrating the applicability of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to examination of health inequalities
Authors: Butterworth Peter , Crosier Timothy 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
The SF-36 is one of the most widely used self-completion measures of health status. The inclusion of the SF-36 in the first Australian national household panel survey, the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, provides an opportunity to investigate health inequalities. In this analysis we establish the psychometric properties and criterion validity of the SF-36 HILDA Survey data and examine scale profiles across a range of measures of socio-economic circumstance.

Methods
Data from 13,055 respondents who completed the first wave of the HILDA Survey were analysed to determine the psychometric properties of the SF-36 and the relationship of the SF-36 scales to other measures of health, disability, social functioning and demographic characteristics.

Results
Results of principle components analysis were similar to previous Australian and international reports. Survey scales demonstrated convergent and divergent validity, and different markers of social status demonstrated unique patterns of outcomes across the scales.

Conclusion
Results demonstrated the validity of the SF-36 data collected during the first wave of the HILDA Survey and support its use in research examining health inequalities and population health characteristics in Australia.
Effectiveness of behavioural graded activity compared with physiotherapy treatment in chronic neck pain: design of a randomised clinical trial [ISRCTN88733332]
Authors: Vonk Frieke , Verhagen Arianne P , Geilen Mario , Vos Cees J , Koes Bart W 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Chronic neck pain is a common complaint in the Netherlands with a point prevalence of 14.3%. Patients with chronic neck pain are often referred to a physiotherapist and, although many treatments are available, it remains unclear which type of treatment is to be preferred.
The objective of this article is to present the design of a randomised clinical trial, Ephysion, which examines the clinical and cost effectiveness of behavioural graded activity compared with a physiotherapy treatment for patients with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Methods
Eligible patients with non-specific neck pain persisting longer than 3 months will be randomly allocated to either the behavioural graded activity programme or to the physiotherapy treatment. The graded activity programme is based on an operant approach, which uses a time-contingent method to increase the patient's activity level. This treatment is compared with physiotherapy treatment using a pain-contingent method.
Primary treatment outcome is the patient's global perceived effect concerning recovery from the complaint. Global perceived effect on daily functioning is also explored as primary outcome to establish the impact of treatment on daily activity. Direct and indirect costs will also be assessed. Secondary outcomes include the patient's main complaints, pain intensity, medical consumption, functional status, quality of life, and psychological variables. Recruitment of patients will take place up to the end of the year 2004 and follow-up measurement will continue until end 2005.
Perceived personal, social and environmental barriers to weight maintenance among young women: A community survey
Authors: Andajani-Sutjahjo Sari , Ball Kylie , Warren Narelle , Inglis Victoria , Crawford David 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Young women are a group at high risk of weight gain. This study examined a range of perceived personal, social and environmental barriers to physical activity and healthy eating for weight maintenance among young women, and how these varied by socioeconomic status (SES), overweight status and domestic situation.

Methods
In October-December 2001, a total of 445 women aged 18–32 years, selected randomly from the Australian electoral roll, completed a mailed self-report survey that included questions on 11 barriers to physical activity and 11 barriers to healthy eating (relating to personal, social and environmental factors). Height, weight and socio-demographic details were also obtained. Statistical analyses were conducted mid-2003.

Results
The most common perceived barriers to physical activity and healthy eating encountered by young women were related to motivation, time and cost. Women with children were particularly likely to report a lack of social support as an important barrier to physical activity, and lack of social support and time as important barriers to healthy eating. Perceived barriers did not differ by SES or overweight status.

Conclusions
Health promotion strategies aimed at preventing weight gain should take into account the specific perceived barriers to physical activity and healthy eating faced by women in this age group, particularly lack of motivation, lack of time, and cost. Strategies targeting perceived lack of time and lack of social support are particularly required for young women with children.
Emerging Themes in Epidemiology: Form and function
Authors: Lopman Ben A 
Published: October 2004

AbstractEmerging Themes in Epidemiology is a new, online Open Access journal. This editorial – which coincides with the Journal's launch – describes its unique review and publication model. The editorial board and review process of ETE will be managed by research degree students and will therefore be a training ground for students (though final editorial control rests with senior faculty Associate Editors). With our mix of Open Access publishing and the strong involvement of students in editing and reviewing, we believe that Emerging Themes in Epidemiology will be a progressive medium for promoting new ideas in epidemiology.
WWW design code – a new tool for colour estimation in animal studies
Authors: Berggren Åsa , Merilä Juha 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
The colour of animals' skin, fur, feathers or cuticula has been estimated in a large number of studies. The methods used to do so are diverse, with some being costly and not available to all researchers. In a study to measure plumage colour in a bird species, a new method of creating a colour chart was developed. While colour-charts have their own limitations, these can be minimised when they have the following properties: 1) being readily available to the majority of biologists, 2) containing a large array of colours to allow accurate recording and differentiation of subtle colour differences, 3) low cost, 4) adhering to a world-wide standard, and 5) being available in both hard-copy and digital formats to allow for various analytical methods. The method described below satisfies all of these requirements.

Results
Colour charts estimated to fit the range of the species' plumage colours were created on the computer screen using web software that allowed for HTML-coding (in this case Dreamweaver™). The charts were adjusted using feathers from dead specimens until a satisfying range of darker and lighter colours were found. The resulting chart was printed out and was successfully used in the field to determine the plumage colour of hand-held birds.

Conclusion
Access to a computer and printer, and the software to enable the creation of a chart, is within the reach of the vast majority of biologists. The numbers of colours that can be generated should suit most studies, with the advantage of the method being that the chart can be individually tailored to the species under study. HTML colour coding is a worldwide standard, thus the colours used in studies can be described in the methods section of journal articles using the six-digit alphanumeric code. We believe this method is very useful as a low-tech method for future estimation of individual colour.
Resistant starch consumption promotes lipid oxidation
Authors: Higgins Janine A , Higbee Dana R , Donahoo William T , Brown Ian L , Bell Melanie L , Bessesen Daniel H 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Although the effects of resistant starch (RS) on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia have been extensively studied, little is known about the impact of RS on fat metabolism. This study examines the relationship between the RS content of a meal and postprandial/post-absorbative fat oxidation.

Results
12 subjects consumed meals containing 0%, 2.7%, 5.4%, and 10.7% RS (as a percentage of total carbohydrate). Blood samples were taken and analyzed for glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol (TAG) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. Respiratory quotient was measured hourly. The 0%, 5.4%, and 10.7% meals contained 50 μCi [1-14C]-triolein with breath samples collected hourly following the meal, and gluteal fat biopsies obtained at 0 and 24 h. RS, regardless of dose, had no effect on fasting or postprandial insulin, glucose, FFA or TAG concentration, nor on meal fat storage. However, data from indirect calorimetry and oxidation of [1-14C]-triolein to 14CO2 showed that addition of 5.4% RS to the diet significantly increased fat oxidation. In fact, postprandial oxidation of [1-14C]-triolein was 23% greater with the 5.4% RS meal than the 0% meal (p = 0.0062).

Conclusions
These data indicate that replacement of 5.4% of total dietary carbohydrate with RS significantly increased post-prandial lipid oxidation and therefore could decrease fat accumulation in the long-term.
The rules of the game: interprofessional collaboration on the intensive care unit team
Authors: Lingard Lorelei , Espin Sherry , Evans Cathy , Hawryluck Laura 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a nexus for interspecialty and interdisciplinary tensions because of its pivotal role in the care of the hospital's most critically ill patients and in the management of critical care resources. In an environment charged with temporal, financial and professional tensions, learning how to get results collaboratively is a critical aspect of professional competence. This study explored how team members in the ICU interact to achieve daily clinical goals, delineate professional boundaries and negotiate complex systems issues.

Methods
Seven 1-hour focus groups were conducted with ICU team members in two hospitals. Participants consisted of four nursing groups (n = 27), two resident groups (n = 6) and one intensivist group (n = 4). Interviews were audio-recorded, anonymized and transcribed. With the use of a standard qualitative approach, transcripts were analyzed iteratively for recurrent themes by four researchers.

Results
Team members articulated their perceptions of the mechanisms by which team collaboration was achieved or undermined in a complex and high-pressure context. Two mechanisms were recurrently described: the perception of 'ownership' and the process of 'trade'. Analysis of these mechanisms reveals how power is commodified, possessed and exchanged as team members negotiate their daily needs and goals with one another.

Conclusion
Our data provide a non-idealized depiction of how health care professionals function on a team so as to meet both individual and collective goals. We contend that the concept of 'team' must move beyond the rhetoric of 'cooperation' and towards a more authentic depiction of the skills and strategies required to function in the competitive setting of the interprofessional health care team.
Prostaglandin Deficiency Promotes Sensitization of Adenylyl Cyclase
Authors: Weber S. , Lemoine H. , Wasner H.K. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractInhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by the drug indomethacin suppresses the synthesis of the cyclic AMP antagonist, prostaglandylinositol cyclic phosphate (cyclic PIP), and leads to a metabolic state comparable to type II diabetes. It was of interest whether prostaglandindeficiency likewise causes sensitization of adenylyl cyclase, as this has been reported for the diabetic state. In liver plasma membranes of indomethacintreated male rats, basal and forskolinstimulated cyclic AMP synthesis remained unchanged when compared to untreated control rats. In control rats, stimulation of cyclic AMP synthesis by fluoride (2.2-fold) or glucagon (3.5-fold) was much lower than stimulation by forskolin (6.6-fold). In contrast, in indomethacin treated rats, stimulation of cAMP synthesis by fluoride (4.6-fold) or glucagon (5.2-fold) nearly matched the stimulation by forskolin (6.4-fold). The level of α[1]adrenergic receptors was slightly reduced, from 450 to 320 fmol/mg protein, by the indomethacin treatment. Independent of the treatment by indomethacin, stimulation of cyclic AMP synthesis by adrenaline failed, in agreement with the low density of adrenergic βreceptors. In conclusion, PGE deficiency sensitizes adenylyl cyclase in rat liver for G proteincoupled receptors (glucagon) and also for fluoride.
The Eukaryotic Gene Transcription Machinery
Authors: Kornberg Roger D. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractSeven purified proteins may be combined to reconstitute regulated, promoterdependent RNA polymerase II transcription: five general transcription factors, Mediator, and RNA polymerase II. The entire system has been conserved across species from yeast to humans. The structure of RNA polymerase II, consisting of 10 polypeptides with a mass of about 500 kDa, has been determined at atomic resolution. On the basis of this structure, that of an actively transcribing RNA polymerase II complex has been determined as well.
Binding of IRE-BP to Its Cognate RNA Sequence: SFM Studies on a Universal RNA Backbone for the Analysis of RNA-Protein Interaction
Authors: Bonin Michael , Oberstrass Jürgen , Vogt Ulrike , Wassenegger Michael , Nellen Wolfgang 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We have used an RNA consisting of the potato spindle
tuber viroid (PSTVd) and 240 bp of doublestranded RNA derived from the GUS gene
as a backbone for scanning force microscope (SFM) studies on RNA binding
proteins. The in vitro transcribed RNA forms a rodlike structure of apparent
130 nm in length with a completely base paired central part flanked by the
incompletely paired viroid helix with bulges on both sides. The termini of the
molecule consist of loops such that no blunt or staggered RNA ends are exposed.
Suitable, asymmetrical restriction sites in the construct allow for the
insertion of sequences of interest, e. g. protein binding sites. We have
inserted the IRE (iron responsive element) sequence into the construct and have
used in vitro transcripts to study binding of IREBP. Relative binding
frequencies show that 70% of the protein binds to the expected site in the
molecule while only a slightly enhanced binding is observed at the termini. In
the GUSPSTVdIRE backbone, the orientation of the molecule is easily determined
by IREBP binding. It thus provides a versatile tool to study specific as well
as preferential interaction of other proteins with sequences or structures
inserted into a different part of the molecule.
Development of Capillary Electrophoresis as An Alternative to High Resolution Agarose Electrophoresis for the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sanders Elizabeth , Katzmann Jerry A. , Clark Raynell , Oda Robert P. , Shihabi Zak , Landers James P. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The presence of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used as a diagnostic indicator of multiple sclerosis (MS). These bands, γ-globulins thought to result from a restricted antibody response directed against autoantigens or viral antigens, are consistent with CSF-specific immunoglobulin synthesis when observed in the spinal fluid and not in the serum. Current methodology commonly involves electrophoresing concentrated CSF with high-resolution agarose gel electrophoresis (HRAGE) followed by protein staining in order to visualize the oligoclonal bands. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was evaluated as an alternative method. Separation of CSF and serum proteins from 54 patients in a bare silica capillary containing a high pH borate buffer allowed for resolution of the five major zones including the γ-region and showed a 90% concordance with the results from HRAGE banding studies. Since a simple borate buffer did not provide adequate resolution of the oligoclonal bands in the γ-region, the separation buffer was augmented with polyethylene glycol (PEG) which provided a significant enhancement in resolution of proteins in this region (24 patient study). In addition to obtaining banding information from electropherograms obtained with these separation conditions, it was feasible to calculate a CSF Index which compared favorably with the results from nephelometry. Finally, we show that zwitterionic additives such as O-phosphorylethanolamine may further enhance resolution and that capallary electrophoresis (CE) may allow oligoclonal banding information to be obtained directly from CSF without concentration.