bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of interrupter technique in assessment of bronchial responsiveness in normal subjects
Authors: Panagou Panagiotis , Kottakis Ioannis , Tzouvelekis Argyris , Anevlavis Stavros , Bouros Demosthenes 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
A number of subjects, especially the very young and the elderly, are unable to cooperate and to perform forced expiratory manoeuvres in the evaluation of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The objective of our study was to investigate the use of the interrupter technique as a method to measure the response to provocation and to compare it with the conventional PD20 FEV1.

Methods
We studied 170 normal subjects, 100 male and 70 female (mean ± SD age, 38 ± 8.5 and 35 ± 7.5 years, respectively), non-smoking from healthy families. These subjects had no respiratory symptoms, rhinitis or atopic history. A dosimetric cumulative inhalation of methacholine was used and the response was measured by the dose which increases baseline end interruption resistance by 100% (PD100Rint, EI) as well as by percent dose response ratio (DRR).

Results
BHR at a cut-off level of 0.8 mg methacholine exhibited 31 (18%) of the subjects (specificity 81.2%), 21 male and 10 female, while 3% showed a response in the asthmatic range. The method was reproducible and showed good correlation with PD20FEV1 (r = 0.76, p < 0.005), with relatively narrow limits of agreement at -1.39 μmol and 1.27 μmol methacholine, respectively, but the interrupter methodology proved more sensitive than FEV1 in terms of reactivity (DRR).

Conclusions
Interrupter methodology is clinically useful and may be used to evaluate bronchial responsiveness in normal subjects and in situations when forced expirations cannot be performed.
Effects of heparin on the uptake of lipoprotein lipase in rat liver
Authors: Neuger Lucyna , Vilaró Senén , Lopez-Iglesias Carmen , Gupta Jitendra , Olivecrona Thomas , Olivecrona Gunilla 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is anchored at the vascular endothelium through interaction with heparan sulfate. It is not known how this enzyme is turned over but it has been suggested that it is slowly released into blood and then taken up and degraded in the liver. Heparin releases the enzyme into the circulating blood. Several lines of evidence indicate that this leads to accelerated flux of LPL to the liver and a temporary depletion of the enzyme in peripheral tissues.

Results
Rat livers were found to contain substantial amounts of LPL, most of which was catalytically inactive. After injection of heparin, LPL mass in liver increased for at least an hour. LPL activity also increased, but not in proportion to mass, indicating that the lipase soon lost its activity after being bound/taken up in the liver. To further study the uptake, bovine LPL was labeled with 125I and injected. Already two min after injection about 33 % of the injected lipase was in the liver where it initially located along sinusoids. With time the immunostaining shifted to the hepatocytes, became granular and then faded, indicating internalization and degradation. When heparin was injected before the lipase, the initial immunostaining along sinusoids was weaker, whereas staining over Kupffer cells was enhanced. When the lipase was converted to inactive before injection, the fraction taken up in the liver increased and the lipase located mainly to the Kupffer cells.

Conclusions
This study shows that there are heparin-insensitive binding sites for LPL on both hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. The latter may be the same sites as those that mediate uptake of inactive LPL. The results support the hypothesis that turnover of endothelial LPL occurs in part by transport to and degradation in the liver, and that this transport is accelerated after injection of heparin.
The immunotherapy of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Weksler Marc E 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOnly a small percentage of patients with Alzheimer's disease benefit from current drug therapy and for only a relatively short time. This is not surprising as the goal of these drugs is to enhance existing cerebral function in Alzheimer patients and not to block the progression of cognitive decline. In contrast, immunotherapy is directed at clearing the neurotoxic amyloid beta peptide from the brain that directly or indirectly leads to cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The single trial of active immunization with the amyloid beta peptide provided suggestive evidence of a reduction in cerebral amyloid plaques and of stabilization in cognitive function of half the patients who developed good antibody responses to the amyloid beta peptide. However, 6% of actively immunized Alzheimer patients developed sterile meningoencephalitis that forced the cessation of the clinical trial. Passive immunotherapy in animal models of Alzheimer's disease has provided similar benefits comparable to those seen with active immunotherapy and has the potential of being effective in the half of Alzheimer's disease patients who do not make a significant anti-amyloid beta peptide antibody response and without inducing T-cell-mediated encephalitis. Published studies of 5 patients with sporadic Alzheimer disease treated with intravenous immunoglobulin containing anti-amyloid beta peptide antibodies showed that amyloid beta peptide was mobilized from the brain and cognitive decline was interrupted. Further studies of passive immunotherapy are urgently required to confirm these observations.
Receptor regulatory properties evident in the molecular similarity of serotonin receptor ligands and purine nucleotides
Authors: Williams W R , Pugh W J , Nicholls P J 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Previous computational studies have explored the relative molecular similarity inherent in the ligands of neurotransmitter-regulated cell receptors and purine nucleotides. This study presents the results of an investigation of the major serotonin (5-HT) receptor classes, using molecular superimposition and fitting data. Ligands for 5HT1B/C/D and 5HT4/7 receptors identified pharmacophores in the adenine ring of ATP. 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptor ligands identified pharmacophores in the guanosine nucleotide and cyclic nucleotide, respectively. The described molecular similarity is consistent with the cyclic nucleotide responses observed during signal transduction events initiated by 5-HT, and the reported similarity between ligands of the 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D, 5-HT1A and 5-HT7, and 5-HT4 and 5-HT3 receptors. The results are discussed in terms of current pharmacophoric models and signal transduction events involving interaction between G-protein receptors and catalytic sites.
Whose TPMT activity is it anyway?
Authors: Ford Loretta , Prout Catherine , Gaffney Dairena , Berg Jonathan 
Published: November 2004

Determination of thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) activity prior to starting azathioprine therapy is used to identify individuals with low or deficient TPMT activities who are at risk of severe complications and even death This case describes a patient treated with azathioprine without prior knowledge of TPMT status. Pancytopaenia developed over several months and at this point TPMT activity was determined and found to be low at 16 nmol 6-methyl thioguanine (6-MTG)/g Hb/h, which is within the reference interval associated with heterozygosity for TPMT mutant alleles. On repeating the TPMT measurement 3 months later, the TPMT activity was 2 nmol 6-MTG/g Hb/h, consistent with deficient TPMT activity (homozygosity for TPMT mutant alleles), suggesting the patient is at high risk of myelosuppression if treated with thiopurine drugs. Retrospectively, it was found that the patient had received transfusions of red blood cell and platelets 6 days before TPMT activity was first measured. This case underlines the importance of determining TPMT activity status prior to azathioprine treatment, rather than taking a dose incrementation approach. It also highlights the caution that must be taken in interpreting TPMT activity in patients who have recently been transfused.
Down's syndrome risk estimates demonstrate considerable heterogeneity despite homogeneity of input
Authors: Reynolds Tim , Ellis Andy , Jones Rick 
Published: November 2004

Background: Due to concerns about screening quality, Down's syndrome screening laboratories were surveyed to identify the range of variation in risk-calculation software. Methods: All UK Down's syndrome screening laboratories were sent the confidential survey via the National External Quality Assessment Scheme. This covered the software used, its origin, the risk calculation methodology and the Gaussian population parameters. Laboratories were also given multiples of the median (MoM) data from five representative cases and asked to calculate Down's syndrome risks on their systems. Results: Most parameter sets could be traced to published literature. The range of risk results for identical patient data was wide; the largest differences between lowest and highest risk for a test MoM set were: α-fetoprotein (AFP)+human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), 1:95 to 1:388 = 408%; AFP+hCG+urine estriol (UE3), 1:2011 to 1:7000 = 348%; AFP+free-β-hCG, 1:280 to 1:1681 = 600%; AFP+free-β-hCG+UE3, 1:340 to 1:13000 = 3823%. Two explanations for this variation - the prior age risk result (half-year correction) and the population parameters - are described. Conclusions: (a) All laboratories should apply half-year correction for maternal age risk calculation. (b) Triple-test parameter variations result in huge variation of risk estimates, and a single national risk threshold of 1 in 250 will be unlikely to improve screening equity unless attention is also paid to standardizing population parameters. Down's syndrome screening has been controversial since it was introduced, and the possibility that more central control (including listing acceptable population parameters) may be necessary to ensure comparability of results is certain to ensure that this controversy continues.
2′,5′-Oligoadenylate synthetase activity analysis and human papilloma virus typing as prognostic factors in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Gerein V. , Rastorguev E. , Gerein J. , Lodemann E. , Pfister H. , Draf W. , Desloovere C. 
Published: November 2004

Objective: Determination of early prognostic factors in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is extremely important, so the major goal of our prospective, multicentre study was to evaluate (1) the feasibility of various factors to determine prognosis of the clinical course,as well as (2) the response to interferon-alpha therapy in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Methods: Forty-two patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were treated with interferon-alpha (3 MU/m2 three times per week; mean therapy duration was 2.7 ± 1.8 years)in 1983–1994 and followed-up until 2003. Human papilloma virus (HPV) type, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis severity and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity were determined by standard methods and analysed for correlation with the results of long-term clinical outcome.Results and conclusion: Patients with HPV type 11, a severity score >4, a high number of surgical procedures prior to interferon-alpha therapy and a high basal 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity should be considered at high risk of an aggressive clinical course, often with spread to lower airway passages, malignant transformation and death. Human papilloma virus type, score for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis severity, number of surgical procedures and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity showed significant association with response to interferon-alpha therapy and the long-term clinical course, so these factors have value in predicting prognosis in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Concha bullosa: reducing middle meatal adhesions by preserving the lateral mucosa as a posterior pedicle flap
Authors: Sigston Elizabeth A.W. , Iseli Claire E. , Iseli Tim A. 
Published: November 2004

Background: Concha bullosa, an extensively pneumatized middle turbinate, may obstruct the paranasal sinuses. Messerklinger’s partial lateral turbinectomy is commonly used to debulk the concha bullosa, leaving a raw surface with the potential for adhesions.Materials and methods: A modified technique of partial lateral turbinectomy is described. A posterior pedicled mucosal flap covers the inferior raw surface of the medial lamella of the middle turbinate. Three-month follow up of a consecutive series is compared with concurrent controls. Results: Two (7 per cent) of 28 posterior pedicled flap and four (21 per cent) of 19 traditional partial lateral turbinectomies developed mild middle meatal adhesions (p = 0.011). Posterior pedicled flap reduced the need for post-operative cleaning of the middle meatus.Conclusion: The posterior pedicled mucosal flap is a simple modification to partial lateral turbinectomy that covers the raw surface facing the lateral nasal wall, significantly reducing adhesions and speeding recovery.
1H NMR Analysis of GHB and GBL: Further Findings on the Interconversion and a Preliminary Report on the Analysis of GHB in Serum and Urine
Authors: Del Signore AG , McGregor M , Cho BP 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
A 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) method for the determination of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and gamma-hydroxybutyrolactone (GBL) in human serum and urine using spiked samples has been developed. The method gives linear responses (correlation coefficients of 0.99 or greater) over the concentration range 0.01 mg/mL to 4.0 mg/mL in urine and 0.3 mg/mL to 2.0 mg/mL in serum. No sample pretreatment is required. Studies of the chemical interconversion of GBL and GHB showed hydrolysis of GBL to be rapid at pH 11.54, slower and less complete (30% hydrolysis) at pH 2.54 and slowest at pH 7.0, reaching 30% hydrolysis in about 40 days. No esterification of GHB was observed at any pH.
Neck Injuries Caused by Automatic Two-point Seat Belts: An Analysis of Four Cases
Authors: Spitz DJ , Prator PC , Stratton JE , Labiste L , Augenstein JS , Mackinnon J , Phillips J , Singer M , Perdeck E , Chimento S 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Although seat belts significantly reduce the extent and severity of injuries sustained by motor vehicle occupants, seat belts are known to be associated with chest and abdominal trauma. Less commonly understood are severe neck injuries caused by the use of two-point automatic shoulder harnesses without concurrent use of a manual lap belt. Such injuries may include cervical spine fractures, craniocervical dislocations and rarely decapitation. Recognizing patterned injuries caused by seat belts and the ability to correlate autopsy findings with the circumstances surrounding the death will allow for correct interpretation of seat-belt related trauma. The four cases described detail fatal neck injuries as a result of improper seat belt use in which an automatic two-point shoulder harness was used without a manual lap restraint. In two of the cases, the victims were decapitated.
The Scope of Anthropological Contributions to Human Rights Investigations
Authors: Steadman DW , Haglund WD 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper examines the participation of anthropologists in international human rights investigations between 1990 and 1999 by surveying four of the most active organizations, including the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, Physicians for Human Rights and the U.N.-sponsored International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The education level, sex, nationality and primary role of the anthropological members of each team are quantified, as are the types of projects in which they contributed. The results show that 134 anthropologists from 22 nations investigated nearly 1300 sites in 33 countries during the study period. While involvement is not limited to those with advanced degrees and few obstacles are placed before anthropologists who wish to participate, full-time service within these organizations is rare and those interested in a career in forensic anthropology and human rights should understand the employment limitations.
Allele Frequencies for Fifteen STR Loci in Guinea-Bissau Population
Authors: Pereira JV , Serra A , Anjos MJ , Vide MC , Corte-Real F , Vieira DN 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Guinea-Bissau population, ethnical groups: Balanta, Beafada, Cassanga, Fula, Mancanha, Mandinga, Manjaco, Nalú Papel, n=92
Review of: Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence
Authors: Lentini JJ 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence bills itself as “essentiall for forensic scientists, insurance investigators, fire departments, and other specialists involved in the investigation of fire scenes. It also benefits attorneys and judges involved in arson cases.” That may be true of some parts of this book, but it is definitely a mixed bag. When assembling a cast of distinguished authors to put together a volume like this, a light touch by the editors is frequently all that is required, but in this case, the editors' touch seems to be entirely weightless. The title is misleading, as there is very little actual guidance of “interpretation” in the book.
Review of: Fire Investigation
Authors: DeHaan JD 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The newest addition to the fire investigation bookshelf comes from a very different perspective, at least for American readers. Edited by Niamh Nic Daéid, Senior Lecturer in the Forensic Science Unit at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (who herself has considerable expertise in various aspects of fire investigation), the book draws upon first-class subject experts to write about what they know best. In British practice, the laboratory-based forensic scientist is often directly involved in many more aspects of fire investigations than in the U.S. From scene investigation and cause and origin determination to the identification of materials and ignition processes, and testing of materials in both accidental and intentionally set fires, the forensic lab is called upon by public- and private sector investigators. In the U.S. the forensic lab analyst is most often charged only with fire debris analysis, with fire and police investigators doing nearly everything else.
Stimulation of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus viremia during hematopoietic stem cell mobilization with filgrastim
Authors: Neid James M. , Schooley Robert T. , Campbell Thomas B. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe effects of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization on Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) were evaluated in three KSHV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 co‐infected subjects. KSHV DNA was not detected in purified CD34+ cell preparations from the period of filgrastim treatment. However, two of 3 subjects had transiently increased cell‐free plasma KSHV DNA during filgrastim treatment. Peak plasma KSHV DNA (2,600 and 4,300 copies/mL) occurred on day 4 and declined to below the limit of detection by day 7. These findings suggest that, although CD34+ cell preparations do not have evidence of KSHV infection, HSC mobilization may stimulate KSHV replication in other cellular compartments that contribute to KSHV viremia. Am. J. Hematol. 77:410–412, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response of factor V inhibitor to rituximab in a patient who received liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Lian Eric Chun‐Yet , Tzakis Andreas G. , Andrews David 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA 43‐year‐old patient developed factor V inhibitor 6 months after liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis in association with Sjögren's syndrome/systemic lupus erythematosus. She suffered from ecchymoses in the lower extremities. The factor V inhibitor was eradicated after 10 weekly doses of 375–500 mg/m2 rituximab. Am. J. Hematol. 77:363–365, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy of imatinib mesylate (STI571) in chronic neutrophilic leukemia with t(15;19): Case report
Authors: Choi In Keun , Kim Byung‐Soo , Lee Kyung‐A , Ryu Sookwon , Seo Hee Yun , Sul Hyeryoung , Choi Jong Gwon , Sung Hwa Jung , Park Kyong Hwa , Yoon So Young , Oh Sang Cheul , Seo Jae Hong , Choi Chul Won , Shin Sang Won , Yoon Soo‐Young , Cho Yunjung , Kim Young‐Kee , Kim Yeul Hong , Kim Jun Suk 
Published: November 2004

AbstractChronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) is a rare hematologic disorder, for which there is no standard therapy. Recently, STI (imatinib mesylate) has been shown to be effective in treating patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMPD) displaying the translocation of the PDGFβR gene. Here, we present a case of a patient with CNL carrying t(15;19)(q13;p13.3) who achieved a cytogenetic remission following treatment with imatinib, 400 mg daily. After failure of alpha interferon and hydroxyurea therapy, a durable and complete clinical and cytogenic remission was induced by imatinib. To our knowledge, this is the first case with CNL who showed complete response with cytogenic remission after treatment of imatinib. The mechanism of response to this molecule is unknown in our case (other oncogenes than c‐kit, tyrosine kinase, or PDGFR may be involved). The patient remains in complete remission with an excellent performance status after 7 months of therapy. We demonstrate here that imatinib can induce a clinical and cytogenetic response in a case of CNL associated with a novel translocation other than a 5q33 rearrangement. Further studies including the molecular cloning of the t(15;19)(q13;p13.3) will be important in understanding the pathophysiology of CNL with a heterogeneous clinical course and the exploitation of the basic mechanisms of imatinib treatment. Am. J. Hematol. 77:366–369, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial increase in the cryoglobulin level after rituximab therapy for type II cryoglobulinemia secondary to Waldenström macroglobulinemia does not indicate failure of response
Authors: Ghobrial Irene M. , Uslan Daniel Z. , Call Timothy G. , Witzig Thomas E. , Gertz Morie A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractType II (mixed) cryoglobulinemia is a systemic vasculitis that may affect many organs, including the skin, leading to ulcerations secondary to immune complex deposition. We report a patient who presented with a large necrotic ulcerative lesion on the right ankle secondary to type II cryoglobulinemic vasculitis due to Waldenström macroglobulinemia that was resistant to multiple modalities of therapy. Amputation to prevent further necrosis and infections was almost performed. Treatment with rituximab was initiated and the patient had a dramatic response. This case report highlights the effectiveness and prompt response to rituximab when used in patients with small vessel vasculitis and skin ulceration. We describe a rise in the cryoglobulin level that may occur initially after rituximab therapy. Am. J. Hematol. 77:329–330, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemoglobin Titusville, a low oxygen affinity variant hemoglobin, in a family of Northern European background
Authors: Luo Hong‐yuan , Irving Ian , Prior John , Lim Erna , Eung Shawn H. , Skelton Timothy P. , Erber Wendy N. , Steinberg Martin H. , Chui David H.K. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe report the second case of Hb Titusville in a family of Northern European background. This variant hemoglobin caused by an α‐globin gene mutation has decreased oxygen affinity. Correct diagnosis is clinically important to spare affected individuals extensive investigations into other causes of low oxygen saturation in peripheral blood. Am. J. Hematol. 77:384–386, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.