bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistically significant dependence of the Xaa-Pro peptide bond conformation on secondary structure and amino acid sequence
Authors: Pahlke Doreen , Freund Christian , Leitner Dietmar , Labudde Dirk 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
A reliable prediction of the Xaa-Pro peptide bond conformation would be a useful tool for many protein structure calculation methods. We have analyzed the Protein Data Bank and show that the combined use of sequential and structural information has a predictive value for the assessment of the cis versus trans peptide bond conformation of Xaa-Pro within proteins. For the analysis of the data sets different statistical methods such as the calculation of the Chou-Fasman parameters and occurrence matrices were used. Furthermore we analyzed the relationship between the relative solvent accessibility and the relative occurrence of prolines in the cis and in the trans conformation.

Results
One of the main results of the statistical investigations is the ranking of the secondary structure and sequence information with respect to the prediction of the Xaa-Pro peptide bond conformation. We observed a significant impact of secondary structure information on the occurrence of the Xaa-Pro peptide bond conformation, while the sequence information of amino acids neighboring proline is of little predictive value for the conformation of this bond.

Conclusion
In this work, we present an extensive analysis of the occurrence of the cis and trans proline conformation in proteins. Based on the data set, we derived patterns and rules for a possible prediction of the proline conformation. Upon adoption of the Chou-Fasman parameters, we are able to derive statistically relevant correlations between the secondary structure of amino acid fragments and the Xaa-Pro peptide bond conformation.
Transient increase of ATP as a response to temperature up-shift in Escherichia coli
Authors: Soini Jaakko , Falschlehner Christina , Mayer Christina , Böhm Daniela , Weinel Stefan , Panula Johanna , Vasala Antti , Neubauer Peter 
Published: April 2005

Summary

Background

Escherichia coli induces the heat shock response to a temperature up-shift which is connected to the synthesis of a characteristic set of proteins, including ATP dependent chaperones and proteases. Therefore the balance of the nucleotide pool is important for the adaptation and continuous function of the cell. Whereas it has been observed in eukaryotic cells, that the ATP level immediately decreased after the temperature shift, no data are available for E. coli about the adenosine nucleotide levels during the narrow time range of minutes after a temperature up-shift.

Results
The current study shows that a temperature up-shift is followed by a very fast significant transient increase of the cellular ATP concentration within the first minutes. This increase is connected to a longer lasting elevation of the cellular respiration and glucose uptake. Also the mRNA level of typical heat shock genes increases within only one minute after the heat-shock.

Conclusion
The presented data prove the very fast response of E. coli to a heat-shock and that the initial response includes the increase of the ATP pool which is important to fulfil the need of the cell for new syntheses, as well as for the function of chaperones and proteases.
Clinical evaluation of autoantibodies to a novel PM/Scl peptide antigen
Authors: Mahler Michael , Raijmakers Reinout , Dähnrich Cornelia , Blüthner Martin , Fritzler Marvin J 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAnti-PM/Scl antibodies represent a specific serological marker for a subset of patients with scleroderma (Scl) and polymyositis (PM), and especially with the PM/Scl overlap syndrome (PM/Scl). Anti-PM/Scl reactivity is found in 24% of PM/Scl patients and is found in 3–10% of Scl and PM patients. The PM/Scl autoantigen complex comprises 11–16 different polypeptides. Many of those proteins can serve as targets of the anti-PM/Scl B-cell response, but most frequently the PM/Scl-100 and PM/Scl-75 polypeptides are targeted. In the present study we investigated the clinical relevance of a major alpha helical PM/Scl-100 epitope (PM1-α) using a newly developed peptide-based immunoassay and compared the immunological properties of this peptide with native and recombinant PM/Scl antigens. In a technical comparison, we showed that an ELISA based on the PM1-α peptide is more sensitive than common techniques to detect anti-PM/Scl antibodies such as immunoblot, indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells and ELISA with recombinant PM/Scl polypeptides. We found no statistical evidence of a positive association between anti-PM1-α and other antibodies, with the exception of known PM/Scl components. In our cohort a negative correlation could be found with anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I), anti-Jo-1 (histidyl tRNA synthetase) and anti-centromere proteins. In a multicenter evaluation we demonstrated that the PM1-α peptide represents a sensitive and reliable substrate for the detection of a subclass of anti-PM/Scl antibodies. In total, 22/40 (55%) PM/Scl patients, 27/205 (13.2%) Scl patients and 3/40 (7.5%) PM patients, but only 5/288 (1.7%) unrelated controls, tested positive for the anti-PM1-α peptide antibodies. These data indicate that anti-PM1-α antibodies appear to be exclusively present in sera from PM/Scl patients, from Scl patients and, to a lesser extent, from PM patients. The anti-PM1-α ELISA thus offers a new serological marker to diagnose and discriminate different systemic autoimmune disorders.
Dynamic magnetic resonance of the wrist in psoriatic arthritis reveals imaging patterns similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cimmino Marco A , Parodi Massimiliano , Innocenti Stefania , Succio Giulia , Banderali Simone , Silvestri Enzo , Garlaschi Giacomo 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study is concerned with a prospective evaluation of wrist synovitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in comparison with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls. Fifteen consecutive patients with PsA, 49 consecutive patients with RA, 30 RA patients matched for disease severity with those with PsA, and 8 healthy controls were studied. MRI was performed with a low-field (0.2T), extremity-dedicated machine. After an intravenous bolus injection of gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, 20 consecutive fast spin-echo axial images of the wrist were obtained every 18 s. The enhancement ratio was calculated both as rate of early enhancement (REE), which shows the slope of the curve of contrast uptake per second during the first 55 s, and as relative enhancement (RE), which indicates the steady state of enhancement. The REE was 1.0 ± 0.6 in patients with PsA, 1.6 ± 0.7 in consecutive patients with RA, and 0.1 ± 0.1 in controls (p <0.001). The RE was 87.1 ± 39.2 in patients with PsA, 125.8 ± 48.0 in consecutive RA patients, and 15.5 ± 19.2 in controls (p <0.001). However, the same figures in matched RA patients were 1.3 ± 0.7 and 107.3 ± 48.2, respectively (not significant in comparison with PsA). Rheumatoid-like PsA and oligoarticular PsA did not differ from each other in terms of synovial enhancement. Dynamic MRI shows the same pattern of synovitis in patients with PsA and RA when the two groups are matched for disease severity. This technique cannot be used to differentiate PsA from RA. However, REE and RE were significantly higher in PsA than in normal controls, with only one instance of overlap between values found for the two groups.
Continuously assessed right ventricular end-diastolic volume as a marker of cardiac preload and fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Wiesenack Christoph , Fiegl Christoph , Keyser Andreas , Laule Sven , Prasser Christopher , Keyl Cornelius 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Assessing cardiac preload and fluid responsiveness accurately is important when attempting to avoid unnecessary volume replacement in the critically ill patient, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present clinical trial was designed to compare the reliability of continuous right ventricular end-diastolic volume (CEDV) index assessment based on rapid response thermistor technique, cardiac filling pressures (central venous pressure [CVP] and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP]), and transesophageal echocardiographically derived evaluation of left ventricular end-diastolic area (LVEDA) index in predicting the hemodynamic response to volume replacement.

Methods
We studied 21 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. After induction of anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters were measured simultaneously before (T1) and 12 min after volume replacement (T2) by infusion of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 (7 ml/kg) at a rate of 1 ml/kg per min.

Results
The volume-induced increase in thermodilution-derived stroke volume index (SVITD) was 10% or greater in 19 patients and under 10% in two. There was a significant correlation between changes in CEDV index and changes in SVITD (r2 = 0.55; P < 0.01), but there were no significant correlations between changes in CVP, PCWP and LVEDA index, and changes in SVITD. The only variable apparently indicating fluid responsiveness was LVEDA index, the baseline value of which was weakly correlated with percentage change in SVITD (r2 = 0.38; P < 0.01).

Conclusion
An increased cardiac preload is more reliably reflected by CEDV index than by CVP, PCWP, or LVEDA index in this setting of preoperative cardiac surgery, but CEDV index did not reflect fluid responsiveness. The response of SVITD following fluid administration was better predicted by LVEDA index than by CEDV index, CVP, or PCWP.
Health status and health care of immigrants in Canada: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Newbold Bruce 
Published: April 2005

Objectives: This paper focuses upon health status, need for care, and use of health care from 1994/95 to 2000/01 in the Canadian foreign-born population. Methods: Using Statistics Canada's longitudinal National Population Health Survey, descriptive and survival analyses are used to explore immigrant health status and health care. Results: The health status of immigrants quickly declines after arrival, with a concomitant increase in use of health care services. However, survival analysis of the risk of a change to poor health indicates no difference between immigrants and the native-born. Similarly, there is no difference in the risk of hospital use between the two populations. Conclusions: The health status of recent immigrant arrivals is observed to decline towards that of the native-born population, while health care utilization increases. However, increased use may not be sufficient to offset declines in health, meaning that need for health care within the immigrant population may be unmet.
Glucose metabolism at high density growth of E. coli B and E. coli K: Differences in metabolic pathways are responsible for efficient glucose utilization in E. coli B as determined by microarrays and Northern blot analyses
Authors: Phue Je‐Nie , Noronha Santosh B. , Hattacharyya Ritabrata , Wolfe Alan J. , Shiloach Joseph 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn a series of previous reports it was established by implementing metabolic flux, NMR/MS, and Northern blot analysis that the glyoxylate shunt, the TCA cycle, and acetate uptake by acetyl‐CoA synthetase are more active in Escherichia coli BL21 than in Escherichia coli JM109. These differences were accepted as the reason for the differences in the glucose metabolism and acetate excretion of these two strains. Examination of the bacterial metabolism by microarrays and time course Northern blot showed that in addition to the glyoxylate shunt, the TCA cycle and the acetate uptake, other metabolic pathways are active differently in the two strains. These are gluconeogenesis, sfcA shunt, ppc shunt, glycogen biosynthesis, and fatty acid degradation. It was found that in E. coli JM109, acetate is produced by pyruvate oxidase (poxB) using pyruvate as a substrate rather than by phosphotransacetylase‐acetate kinase (Pta‐AckA) system which uses acetyl‐CoA. The inactivation of the gluconeogenesis enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate synthetase (ppsA), the activation of the anaplerotic sfcA shunt, and low and stable pyruvate dehydrogenase (aceE, aceF) cause pyruvate accumulation which is converted to acetate by pyruvate oxidase B. The behavior of the ppsA, acs, and aceBAK in JM109 was dependent on the glucose supply strategy. When the glucose concentration was high, no transcription of these genes was observed and acetate concentration increased, but at low glucose concentrations these genes were expressed and the acetate concentration decreased. It is possible that there is a major regulatory molecule that controls not only ppsA and aceBAK but also acs. The gluconeogenesis pathway (fbp, pckA, and ppsA) which leads to glycogen accumulation is constitutively active in E. coli BL21 regardless of glucose feeding strategy. Published 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Childbirth in Palestine
Authors: Wick L. , Mikki N. , Giacaman R. , Abdul‐Rahim H. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveThis study describes staffing, caseloads and reported routine practices for normal childbirth in Palestinian West Bank (WB) governmental maternity facilities and compares these practices with evidence‐based care.MethodsData on routine childbirth practices in all eight governmental hospitals were obtained through interviews with head obstetricians and midwives. Data on staffing and monthly number of births were collected by phone or personal interview from all 37 WB hospitals.ResultsForty‐eight percent of WB deliveries took place in crowded and understaffed governmental hospitals. Reported practices were not consistently in line with evidence‐based care. Lack of knowledge and structural barriers were reasons for this gap.ConclusionThe implications of limiting unnecessary interventions in the normal birth process are particularly important in a context of limited access and scarce resources. More skilled birth attendants and a universal commitment to effective care are needed.
Management of Posttraumatic Vertigo
Authors: Ernst Arne , Basta Dietmar , Seidl Rainer O. , Todt Ingo , Scherer Hans , Clarke Andrew 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate patients after blunt trauma of the head, neck, and craniocervical junction (without fractures) with vertigo and to report the results of treatment after extensive diagnostics.STUDY DESIGN:Prospective study of consecutive new cases with vertigo after trauma at different periods of onset. During 2000–2002, 63 patients were examined and treated.SETTING:Regional trauma medical center for the greater Berlin Area, tertiary referral unit.RESULTS:The primary disorders included labyrinthine concussion (18), rupture of the round window membrane (6), and cervicogenic vertigo (12). The secondary disorders included otolith disorders (5), delayed endolymphatic hydrops (12), and canalolithiasis (9). The patients were free of vertigo symptoms (except cervicogenic and otolith disorder) after treatment, which consisted of habituation training, medical and surgical therapy options. The follow‐up was 1 year.CONCLUSION:Posttraumatic vertigo can be treated with a high success rate once the underlying disorder has been identified. The extent of the neurotological test battery determines the precision and quality of diagnostics. Surgical measures should be an integral part of treatment modalities if conservative treatment is not effective.SIGNIFICANCE:Minor trauma of the head, neck, and craniocervical junction can have major impact on the vestibular system at different sites. Patients need to be carefully diagnosed, even if the onset of vertigo occurs a few weeks or months after the initial trauma.
Use of Mitomycin C for Treatment of Keloid: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Talmi Yoav P. , Orenstein Arie , Wolf Michael , Kronenberg Jona 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVES:Mitomycin C (MC) is an anti‐neoplastic agent with an anti‐proliferative effect on fibroblasts. We set out to evaluate the effect of MC application following keloid excision.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:Patients with keloid in a tertiary referral center were enrolled in a prospective study. The scar was excised and prior to skin closure, a pledget with 1 cc of MC 0.4 mg/mL was applied for 5 minutes. Patient satisfaction and keloid thickness were assessed.RESULTS:All patients were satisfied with the results, although complete disappearance of the keloid was evident only in two. Keloid thickness was measured and ranged from 5 to 26 mm. Following surgery and treatment at 2 months thickness ranged from 0 to 8 mm.CONCLUSIONS:MC application following scar resection appears to be effective in treatment of keloid.SIGNIFICANCE:As no specific effective treatment for keloid is currently available, utilization of this readily available therapeutic agent may improve treatment outcome.
Intratympanic Steroid Perfusion for Refractory Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Herr Brian D. , Marzo Sam J. 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can benefit from systemic steroid therapy. Unfortunately, some patients are not candidates for steroid therapy due to concern over possible complications. Furthermore, not all patients will benefit from steroid administration. This study evaluates the potential benefits and safety of treating patients with SSHL refractory to oral steroids with intratympanic steroid therapy.METHODS:A retrospective case review was performed on all patients who presented with sudden sensorineural hearing loss refractory to oral steroid therapy during the past year. Seventeen patients were identified. All patients underwent intratympanic steroid administration, via MicroWick placement and/or round window catheter placement.RESULTS:Nine patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss showed an improvement with intratympanic steroid therapy, consisting of MicroWick placement with dexamethasone drop (Decadron) administration for 1–2 weeks and/or round window catheter placement with steroid perfusion. Only one of the patients presenting with hearing loss present for greater than 8 weeks benefited from intratympanic therapy. Complications were few and included tympanic membrane perforation, chronic otitis media, dysequilibrium, and dysguesia.CONCLUSIONS:Intratympanic steroid therapy can be beneficial in treating patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss refractory to oral steroid use. EBM rating: C.
The Utility of Serum PTH Assessment 24 Hours after Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Del Rio Paolo , Arcuri Maria Francesca , Ferreri Giovanni , Sommaruga Lucia , Sianesi Mario 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND:Hypocalcemia is the most frequent complication following total thyroidectomy. This prospective study examines the predictive value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels measured 24 hours after surgery.MATERIAL AND METHODS:A total of 1006 consecutive patients (mean age, 54.8 years; female/male ratio, 4/1) underwent total thyroidectomy for benign or malignant thyroid from January 1995 to November 2003. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH were measured preoperatively and at 24 hours after surgery. All patients underwent preoperative examination to assess cord motility.RESULTS:A total of 253 (25.1%) patients presented with hypocalcemia demonstrated by clinical and laboratory findings. In 101 cases the hypocalcemic syndrome manifested after 24 to 36 hours whereas in 5 of 101 cases, symptom onset was between 48 and 72 hours. Serum calcium levels lower than 7.5 mg/dL were recorded in all the 101 cases. In 239 of 253 cases serum calcium returned to normal values within 7 days following surgery. PTH at 24 hours was below normal levels in 49 of the 101 patients but was within normal limits in 52 cases. The incidence of hypocalcemia was higher in patients undergoing surgery for malignant thyroid (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:We do not consider PTH levels at 24 hours postoperatively as predictive of hypocalcemia.
The Role of Adjustment of Expiratory Effort in the Control of Vocal Intensity: Clinical Assessment of Phonatory Function
Authors: Makiyama Kiyoshi , Yoshihashi Hidetaka , Mogitate Manabu , Kida Akinori 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:To determine the role of the adjustment of expiratory effort in the control of vocal intensity.STUDY DESIGN:An intensity‐loading test was performed by using the airway interruption method. Three groups of subjects were used: a control group thought to resemble normal vocal fold closure, a group of patients with Reinke's edema thought to represent increased mass at the level of the vocal folds, and a group with vocal fold paralysis that was thought to represent a group with lack of adequate vocal fold closure.RESULTS:In the control group, expiratory lung pressure and airway resistance slightly increased. In the patients with Reinke's edema, expiratory lung pressure, and airway resistance significantly increased. In this group, the voice intensity was controlled by laryngeal adjustment, but a greater expiratory effort was needed because of a greater increase in glottal resistance. In the patients with vocal cord paralysis, airway resistance did not increase even with a high‐intensity voice. Vocal intensity was controlled by expiratory effort.CONCLUSIONS:If there is sufficient ability for laryngeal adjustment, vocal intensity is controlled primarily by laryngeal adjustment and by expiratory adjustment in response to increased glottal resistance. However, vocal intensity is controlled by expiratory effort when laryngeal adjustment ability is poor.
Virus Induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 Reflects a General Response to Protein Accumulation in the Plant Cytosol
Authors: Aparicio Frederic , Thomas Carole L. , Lederer Carsten , Niu Yan , Wang Daowen , Maule Andrew J. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Different cytoplasmically replicating RNA viruses were shown to induce a specific subset of heat-inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To identify the inducing principle, a promoter∷reporter system was developed for the facile analysis of differentially responding Arabidopsis HSP70 genes, by infiltration into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Through transient expression of individual viral cistrons or through deletion analysis of a viral replicon, we were unable to identify a unique inducer of HSP70. However, there was a positive correlation between the translatability of the test construct and the differential induction of HSP70. Since these data implied a lack of specificity in the induction process, we also expressed a random series of cytosolically targeted Arabidopsis genes and showed that these also differentially induced HSP70. Through a comparison of different promoter∷reporter constructs and through measurements of the steady-state levels of the individual proteins, it appeared that the HSP70 response reflected the ability of the cytosol to sense individual properties of particular proteins when expressed at high levels. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the unfolded protein response observed when the induced accumulation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum also induces a specific suite of chaperones.