bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific CXC but not CC chemokines cause elevated monocyte migration in COPD: a role for CXCR2
Authors: Traves Suzanne L , Smith Susan J , Barnes Peter J , Donnelly Louise E 
Published: May 2004

AbstractLeukocyte migration is critical to maintaining host defense, but uncontrolled cellular infiltration into tissues can lead to chronic inflammation. In the lung, such diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a debilitating, respiratory condition characterized by progressive and largely irreversible airflow limitation for which cigarette smoking is the major risk factor. COPD is associated with an increased inflammatory cell influx including increased macrophage numbers in the airways and tissue. Alveolar macrophages develop from immigrating blood monocytes and have the capacity to cause the pathological changes associated with COPD. This study addressed the hypothesis that increased macrophage numbers in COPD are a result of increased recruitment of monocytes from the circulation. Chemotaxis assays of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)/monocytes from nonsmokers, smokers, and COPD patients demonstrated increased chemotactic responses for cells from COPD patients when compared with controls toward growth-related oncogene (GRO)α and neutrophil-activating peptide (NAP)-2 but not toward monocyte chemoattractant protein, interleukin-8, or epithelial-derived NAP(ENA)-78. The enhanced chemotactic response toward GROα and NAP-2 was not mediated by differences in expression of their cellular receptors, CXCR1 or CXCR2. Receptor expression studies using flow cytometry indicated that in COPD, monocyte expression of CXCR2 is regulated differently from nonsmokers and smokers, which may account for the enhanced migration toward GROα and NAP-2. The results highlight the potential of CXCR2 antagonists as therapy for COPD and demonstrate that an enhanced PBMC/monocyte response to specific CXC chemokines in these patients may contribute to increased recruitment and activation of macrophages in the lungs.
Fludarabine Plus Mitoxantrone With and Without Rituximab Versus CHOP With and Without Rituximab As Front-Line Treatment for Patients With Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Pulsoni Alessandro , Perrotti Alessio , Soverini Simona , Zaja Francesco , De Renzo Amalia , Storti Sergio , Lauta Vito Michele , Guardigni Luciano , Gentilini Patrizia , Tucci Alessandra , Molinari Anna Lia , Gobbi Marco , Falini Brunangelo , Fattori Pier Paolo , Ciccone Fabrizio , Alinari Lapo , Martelli Maurizio , Pileri Stefano , Tura Sante , Baccarani Michele 
Published: May 2004

PurposePromising new therapeutic options for follicular lymphoma (FL) include fludarabine plus mitoxantrone (FM) and the mouse/human anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab. We performed a randomized comparative trial of FM with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) front-line chemotherapy with and without sequential rituximab.Patients and MethodsAll previously untreated CD20+FL patients presenting in 15 Italian cooperative institutions from October 1999 were randomly allocated to FM or CHOP. Following clinical or molecular restaging, patients in complete remission (CR) with bcl-2/IgH negativity (CR−) received no further treatment; those in CR with bcl-2/IgH positivity (CR+) received rituximab, as did those in partial remission (PR) with bcl-2/IgH negativity (PR−) or positivity (PR+); nonresponders (NR subgroup) were off study.ResultsAfter chemotherapy, the FM arm achieved higher rates of CR (68% [49 of 72 patients] v 42% [29 of 68 patients]; P = .003) and CR−(39% [28 of 72 patients] v 13 of 68 patients [19%]; P = .001). Rituximab elicited CR−in 55 of 95 treated patients (58%). The final CR−rate was higher in the FM arm (71% [51 of 72 patients] v 51% [35 of 68 patients]; P = .01). However, with a median follow-up of 19 months (range, 9 to 37 months), no statistically significant difference was found among the various study arms in terms of both progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ConclusionThese results indicate that FM is superior to CHOP for front-line treatment of FL and that rituximab is an effective sequential treatment option. However, they also confirm that this superiority is unlikely to translate into either better PFS or OS.
Bupropion for Treatment of Interferon-Induced Depression
Authors: Malek-Ahmadi Parviz , Ghandour Elias 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE: To report the effect of bupropion in a patient with interferon (IFN)-induced depression and review the use of antidepressants for treatment of depressive symptoms associated with IFN therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 43-year-old white woman with chronic hepatitis C and severe IFN-induced depression was treated with sustained-release bupropion initiated at 150 mg/day for 7 days and 100 mg twice daily thereafter. The dosage was increased again, to 350 mg/day when depressive symptoms recurred. While receiving that dose and continuing IFN treatment, she reported significant improvement in her depressive symptoms without experiencing any adverse effects. DISCUSSION: There is limited evidence suggesting that IFNs decrease central serotonergic transmission. There are several published reports on the use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of IFN-induced depression. However, controlled studies are needed to assess the efficacy of serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants in IFN-treated patients with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained-release bupropion might be of potential benefit in patients with interferon-induced depression.
Metformin for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hess Aleda M , Sullivan Donald L 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate evidence from the medical literature that metformin is effective in preventing type 2 diabetes. DATA SOURCES: Primary literature was accessed via a MEDLINE search (1966—December 2003) using the terms metformin, type 2 diabetes, and prevention. DATA SYNTHESIS: Two studies evaluated metformin's potential to prevent type 2 diabetes, finding that metformin maintained or reduced fasting blood glucose in non-diabetics. Recently, a large study by the Diabetes Prevention Program showed that metformin may reduce the incidence of diabetes. Researchers compared lifestyle changes, metformin therapy, and placebo groups. They found that both lifestyle changes (58%) and metformin therapy (31%) significantly reduced the occurrence of type 2 diabetes versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide evidence that metformin may reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Because long-term efficacy has not been determined, further studies are needed.
Risk Factors for Community-Acquired Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Escherichia Coli Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Killgore Karla M , March Kristi L , Guglielmo B Joseph 
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND: Fluoroquinolones are recommended for the empiric treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) in communities in which uropathogen resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is ≥10% to 20%. However, recent studies also have demonstrated an increase in the isolation of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli. Identification of outpatients at increased risk for fluoroquinolone resistance would improve the selection of empiric treatment. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for community-acquired UTIs due to ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli (CREC). METHODS: All medical records from the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center from January to December 2001 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with community-acquired UTI due to CREC. Patients with community-acquired UTI due to ciprofloxacin-susceptible E. coli presenting during the same time period were randomly selected as the study group in a 1:2 ratio of case to controls. RESULTS: Independent risk factors for CREC included recurrent UTI (OR 8.13) and prior exposure to fluoroquinolones (OR 30.35). CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroquinolones continue to be appropriate empiric treatment in most patients with uncomplicated UTI. Nitrofurantoin or a cephalosporin may be better choices in patients with recurrent lower UTI and/or previous fluoroquinolone use.
A test of integration of the activation hypothesis and the diathesis‐stress component of the hopelessness theory of depression
Authors: Abela John R. Z. , Brozina Karen , Seligman Martin E. P. 
Published: May 2004

Objectives: This prospective study tested the integration of the diathesis‐stress component of the hopelessness theory of depression (Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989) and Persons and Miranda's (1992) activation hypothesis (i.e. depressogenic inferential styles are typically latent cognitive processes that must be primed in order to be accurately assessed).Design: In order to test the diathesis‐stress component of the hopelessness theory, we used a short‐term longitudinal design. In order to test the activation hypothesis, inferential styles were assessed both before and after a negative cognitive priming questionnaire.Methods: A group of 165 university students completed measures of inferential styles about the self, consequences, and causes before and after completing a negative cognitive priming questionnaire (Time 1). Participants also completed measures of depressive symptoms prior to completing the cognitive priming questionnaire and 5 weeks later (Time 2). Finally, negative events occurring between Time 1 and Time 2 were assessed.Results: Contrary to the diathesis‐stress component of the hopelessness theory, none of the unprimed inferential styles interacted with negative events to predict increases in depressive symptoms. In line with the integration of the hopelessness theory and the activation hypothesis, however, each of the primed inferential styles interacted with negative events to predict increases in depressive symptoms even after controlling for the proportion of variance in depressive symptoms accounted for by the unprimed inferential style stress interactions.Conclusion: Individuals with depressogenic inferential styles are likely to show increases in depressive symptoms following the occurrence of negative events. At the same time, these depressogenic inferential styles are typically latent cognitive processes that must be primed in order to be accurately assessed.
Vitamin D Receptor mRNA Measured in Leukocytes with the TaqMan Fluorogenic Detection System: Effect of Calcitriol Administration
Authors: Soldati Laura , Adamo Donatella , Bianchin Cristiana , Arcidiacono Teresa , Terranegra Annalisa , Bianchi Maria Luisa , Mora Stefano , Cusi Daniele , Vezzoli Giuseppe 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present study was to investigate the interactions between the circulating concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and the mRNA concentration of its specific nuclear receptor in human leukocytes.Methods: We measured vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA extracted from leukocytes by use of TaqMan fluorescence analysis applied to the reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technique in 16 volunteers before and after calcitriol administration. VDR mRNA was also measured in leukocytes from calcium-stone-formers (37 hypercalciuric and 34 normocalciuric patients). The relationship between VDR mRNA concentrations and genetic VDR polymorphisms was analyzed in these patients.Results: Imprecision (CV) of RT-PCR was 1.3% within assay (n = 10) and 1.7% between assays (n = 4). Oral 1,25(OH)2D3 increased mean (SE) serum 1,25(OH)2D3 1.6 (0.3)-fold and VDR mRNA 1.6 (0.1)-fold 8 h after administration. The maximum VDR mRNA was reached 3.6 (1.3) h after 1,25(OH)2D3 ingestion. No differences in leukocyte VDR mRNA concentrations were found between normocalciuric and hypercalciuric stone-formers in the absence of stimulation. Finally, no association was found between VDR mRNA concentrations and genetic VDR polymorphisms in stone-formers.Conclusions: The TaqMan RT-PCR assay is a rapid and accurate method to measure VDR mRNA, and leukocytes are a useful model to study VDR and 1,25(OH)2D3 interactions. In humans, VDR mRNA is increased by agonist 1,25(OH)2D3, a finding resembling previously reported results obtained in cellular and animal models.
Effect of Leachate Composition on the Adsorption Properties of Two Soils
Authors: Du YJ , Hayashi S 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe experimental results show that the composition of the contaminant leachate affects the adsorption behavior for the soil tested. However, this conclusion is based on the assumption that the soil adsorption isotherm is linear. To investigate this effect when the adsorption isotherm is nonlinear, a series of batch tests were conducted with a single-salt solution (KCl, CaCl2, and NaCl solution, respectively) and multi-salt solution (aqueous miscible solution containing KCl, CaCl2, and NaCl) for the selected two soils from Japan. A comparison of the test results between these two conditions indicated that for a specified cation of interest, soils adsorbed larger amounts of cations in the case of the single-salt condition relative to the multisalt condition. The Freundlich equation was adopted to fit the experimental data, and the model parameters are presented. The relative cation adsorption of soils is provided and the controlling factors are discussed.
Measuring Soil Electrical Resistivity Using a Resistivity Box and a Resistivity Probe
Authors: Sreedeep S , Reshma AC , Singh DN 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This technical note deals with the fabrication and details of an electrical resistivity box and an electrical resistivity probe, for estimating soil electrical resistivity. Calibration of these setups has been done with the standard KCl and NaCl solutions. Using this calibration, electrical resistivity of a locally available silty soil and commercially available white clay has been determined. Further, efforts have been made to develop relationships between the electrical resistivity of these soils and their saturation. Results available in the literature have been used to validate these relationships.
The Louisiana Plane Strain Apparatus for Soil Testing
Authors: Alshibli KA , Godbold DL , Hoffman K 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The mechanical description of a new plane strain (biaxial) apparatus for soil testing is presented. The design took into consideration flexibility in accomodating different specimen sizes, easy assembly procedure, and well-controlled boundary conditions. The apparatus is well instrumented with load, displacement, and pressure sensors and has the capabilities to capture localization and shear band development. A comparison between two experiments that were conducted on F-75 Ottawa sand is presented and the effect of inhibiting lateral movement of bottom end platen is presented and discussed. It has been found that restraining lateral movement of bottom end platen has resulted in higher peak and residual load values.
Analysis of Dyes in Illicit Pills (Amphetamine and Derivatives)
Authors: Goldmann T , Taroni F , Margot P 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The determination of dyes present in illicit pills is shown to be useful and easy-to-get information in strategic and tactical drug intelligence. An analytical strategy including solid-phase extraction (SPE) thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and capillary zone electrophoresis equipped with a diode array detector (CZE-DAD) was developed to identify and quantify 14 hydrosoluble, acidic, synthetic food dyes allowed in the European Community. Indeed, these may be the most susceptible dyes to be found in illicit pills through their availability and easiness of use. The results show (1) that this analytical method is well adapted to small samples such as illicit pills, (2) that most dyes actually found belong to hydrosoluble, acidic, synthetic food dyes allowed in the European Community, and (3) that this evidence turns out to be important in drug intelligence and may be assessed into a Bayesian framework.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Stages of Adipocere Formation
Authors: Forbes SL , Stuart BH , Dadour IR , Dent BB 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Adipocere is a postmortem decomposition product which forms from a body's adipose tissue. This study aimed to chemically demonstrate the process of conversion from adipose tissue to adipocere. Samples of adipocere were collected from pig cadavers that were allowed to decompose for varying intervals. Samples of soil were collected from beneath the cadavers and analyzed to determine the leaching effect of adipocere. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to quantify the fatty acid composition of pig adipocere. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used as a confirmatory test and to identify other components such as triglycerides and calcium salts of fatty acids. The study demonstrates the process of adipocere formation and the stages of formation through which the process passes using chemical techniques.
SWGDAM Developmental Validation of a 19-Locus Y-STR System for Forensic Casework
Authors: Daniels DL , Hall AM , Ballantyne J 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) developmental validation study was carried out on two Y- STR multiplex systems (MPI and MPII) that collectively permit the co-amplification of 19 Y-STR markers, including DYS393, DYS392, DYS391, DYS389I, DYS389II, Y-GATA-A7.2 (DYS461), DYS438, DYS385a and DYS385b (MPI); DYS425, DYS388, DYS390, DYS439, DYS434, DYS437, Y-GATA-C.4, Y-GATA-A7.1 (DYS460), Y-GATA-H.4, and DYS19 (MPII). Performance checks subsequent to PCR parameter optimization indicated that MPI and MPII were suitably reproducible, precise and accurate for forensic use. The sensitivity of the systems was such that a full 19-locus Y-STR profile was obtainable with 150–200 pg of male DNA, and some loci were detectable even with as little as 20–30 pg of input DNA. Primate specificity was demonstrated by the lack of cross-reactivity with a variety of commonly encountered bacterial and animal species, with the single exception of a monomorphic canine product that was outside of the size range of human alleles from any of the 19 loci. Not surprisingly, cross-reactivity was observed with a number of male and female nonhuman primates. Environmentally compromised samples produced full or partial Y-STR profiles. For example, a semen stain exposed to the outdoor elements for six months still gave a 13-locus Y-STR profile. Although a limited number of female DNA artifacts were observed in mixed stains in which the male DNA comprised 1/300 of the total, the full 19-locus male profile was easily discernible. Even at a 1500-to-2000-fold dilution of male DNA with female DNA partial Y-STR profiles were obtained. Furthermore, the potential utility of MPI and MPII for forensic casework is exemplified by their ability to dissect out the male haplotype in a variety of case-type samples, including, inter alia, post-coital vaginal swabs, admixed male and female bloodstains, the nonsperm fraction from a differentially extracted semen stain, and determination of the number of male donors in mixed semen stains.
A Method for Impregnating Nylon Transfer Membranes with Leucocrystal Violet for Enhancing and Lifting Bloody Impressions
Authors: Michaud AL , Brun-Conti L 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The objective of this research project was to demonstrate a quick and easy method for impregnating nylon transfer membranes with leucocrystal violet (LCV) for the purpose of lifting and enhancing impressions made in blood. A stamp that would simulate fine detail found in fingerprints or footwear was used to create impressions on a variety of substrates. Four different LCV formulations were tested to determine the effectiveness of the prepared membranes in lifting and enhancing the impressions. Further investigation involved the feasibility of using the LCV membranes in the field by studying the shelf life and storage of the impregnated membranes and the longevity of the lifted impressions. One of the formulations studied demonstrated superior lifting and enhancing capabilities, as well as a prolonged shelf life and a resilience of the lifted impressions, thus proving LCV to be an extremely valuable technique.
Sex Differences and Aging of the Vertebral Column
Authors: Snodgrass JJ 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Morphological changes in the adult human skeleton have been recognized as useful for estimating the age at death. In the vertebral column, the development of osteophytes has been shown to be a general indicator of age, although substantial variation has been documented. The technique used for estimating age from osteophyte development is based exclusively on males and it is unknown whether patterns of osteophyte development are comparable between the sexes. This study examines sex differences in osteophyte development in the thoracic and lumbar regions of 384 individuals from the Terry Collection. Males and females in this sample show remarkably similar patterns of age-related changes in osteophyte development; however, females show greater variability in osteophyte stage for a given age. This was confirmed with age-matching a subsample of 128 individuals. Therefore, slightly larger confidence intervals should be used when assessing age from the vertebral column in females.
A Second Survey of High Explosives Traces in Public Places
Authors: Cullum HE , McGavigan C , Uttley CZ , Stroud MAM , Warren DC 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This survey was carried out as a follow-up to a 1994 survey carried out by this laboratory (1) in order to determine the background levels of explosives traces in public places. The first survey concentrated on transport areas and police stations in and around London. This second study examines levels in four of the United Kingdom's major cities: Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Manchester. Samples were taken at various transport sites and from hotels, private houses, private vehicles, and clothing. The survey showed that traces of the high explosives nitroglycerine (NG), trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) are rare within the general public environment. Only one low-level trace of RDX was detected. NG, possibly associated with the use of firearms, was detected at low levels in two samples and 2, 4-DNT was detected in a separate sample. No PETN was detected in any of the samples. The results of the survey indicate that it is unlikely that persons visiting public areas could become significantly contaminated with explosives. The analytical procedures employed would also have detected ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) if present at levels greater than 2 ng, nitrobenzene (NB) if present at levels greater than 50 ng, mononitrotoluenes if present at levels greater than 50 ng, and the other common isomers of dinitrotoluene if these had been present at levels in excess of 10 ng. None of these were detected. The relatively high volatility of EGDN, NB, and the mononitrotoluenes would, however, cause traces of these compounds to disperse rapidly. A proportion of the samples (approximately 7%) were analyzed for the presence of HMX. No HMX was detected.
Thermogravimetric Analysis as a Polymer Identification Technique in Forensic Applications
Authors: Ihms EC , Brinkman D 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
This paper investigates the potential of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as a tool for determination of different species of polymers. Materials analyzed include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polystyrene, polypropylene, nitriles, and nylon. Analyses showed excellent discriminating results even when samples were contaminated with silicates, organics, moisture, and char. The techniques developed were designed with a forensic-type analysis in mind, such as analysis of blast fragments and arson debris. Techniques were developed that gave satisfactory results even when sample sizes were less than five milligrams.