bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIK3CA and PTEN Mutations in Uterine Endometrioid Carcinoma and Complex Atypical Hyperplasia
Authors: Hayes Monica Prasad , Wang Hong , Espinal-Witter Rosanny , Douglas Wayne , Solomon Garron J. , Baker Suzanne J. , Ellenson Lora Hedrick
Published: October 2006

Purpose: The tumor suppressor PTEN gene and the PIK3CA oncogene are frequently mutated in uterine endometrioid carcinoma (UEC). PTEN mutations are also common in complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH), the precursor lesion of UEC. The status of PIK3CA has not yet been explored in CAH. In this study, we evaluated both CAH and UEC for PTEN and PIK3CA mutations.

Experimental Design: Neoplastic tissue was microdissected, and DNA was extracted from 29 cases of CAH. DNA was available from 44 UEC cases previously characterized for PTEN mutations. Direct DNA sequencing of exons 9 and 20 of the PIK3CA gene was done on all 73 cases. In addition, CAH cases were analyzed for PTEN mutations. Statistical analyses were done using the Fisher's exact test.

Results: Two (7%) of 29 CAH and 17 (39%) of 44 UEC cases contained a PIK3CA mutation (P = 0.003). Fourteen (48%) of 29 CAH cases had a PTEN mutation, but none contained both a PTEN and PIK3CA mutation. Twenty-five (57%) of 44 UEC cases had a PTEN mutation, and 12 (48%) of these 25 cases also contained a PIK3CA mutation. Coexistent PIK3CA and PTEN mutations were significantly correlated with UEC compared with CAH (P = 0.002), but the association in UEC did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.21).

Conclusions: PIK3CA is the most commonly mutated oncogene in UEC; however, mutations are uncommon in CAH. Thus, mutations in PIK3CA, unlike PTEN mutations, are associated with invasion. These findings suggest that mutations in PIK3CA may serve as a marker of invasion with potential clinical use. Furthermore, PIK3CA and PTEN mutations may play distinct roles in endometrial tumorigenesis.
Influence of Morphine and Dopamine Receptor Sensitization on Locomotor Activity in Mice
Authors: Heidari Parviz , Sahebgharani Mousa , Riazi Gholamhossein , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza
Published: October 2006

In the present study, the influence of morphine- and dopamine receptor antagonists-induced sensitization on morphine-induced locomotion in mice was investigated. Morphine (30, 40 and 50 mg/kg) increased, while lower doses of the opioid (10 and 20 mg/kg) decreased locomotor activity of mice. Subchronic repeated pretreatment of animals with morphine showed an increase in locomotion induced by the opioid. Clozapine reduced locomotor activity induced by morphine in both the naïve and subchronic morphine- treated animals. Subchronic pretreatment of clozapine also caused an increase in the locomotion induced by morphine. Sulpiride also decreased locomotion induced by morphine and its subchronic administration of the drug caused an increase in morphine- or apomorphine-induced locomotion. Co-administration of clozapine with sulpiride did not elicit potentiation in inhibiting the morphine effect. The D2 receptor mRNA expression was also increased by repeated morphine administration. It may be concluded that morphine-induced sensitization may be due to increase in D2 receptor mRNA expression. Sulpiride and clozapine may induce sensitization and also inhibit morphine-induced locomotion through their dopamine receptor blocking properties.
The Impact of New Comorbidities on Nutritional Status in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Dong Jie , Wang Tao , Wang Hai-yan
Published: October 2006

Objective: To study the prevalence and risk factors for malnutrition in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) center with an active PD program. Methods: We assessed the nutritional status in 205 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, including stable and unstable patients, by subjective global assessment (SGA), dietary diaries and biochemistry index. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were examined as inflammatory marker. Fluid status including extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water, and total body water (TBW) was evaluated by multiple-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and brachial blood pressure was measured. New comorbidities included systemic infection, congestive heart failure and trauma that occurred within 1 month or less. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was recorded too. Dialysis adequacy and residual renal function were calculated by a standard technique. Results: Based on SGA, 15.6% of our CAPD patients were malnourished. The malnourished patients had advanced age, higher CRP and ECW/TBW levels than normally nourished patients (age: 68.78 ± 11.92 vs. 59.26 ± 13.46 years, p = 0.001; CRP: 11.98 ± 20.22 vs. 5.56 ± 8.30 mg/l, p = 0.004; ECW/TBW: 0.55 ± 0.16 vs. 0.52 ± 0.04, p = 0.049). Patients with malnutrition were more prone to have CVD (53.13 vs. 31.79%, p = 0.004) and new comorbidities (65.62 vs. 4.62%, p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed new comorbidities, mostly systemic infection, which were associated with nutritional status (p < 0.001). Both ECW/TBW and new comorbidities were associated with serum CRP, CVD and malnutrition (p < 0.001–0.05). In contrast, some traditional factors which were recognized as contributing to malnutrition such as residual renal function, dialysis adequacy, metabolic acidosis, total protein loss, diabetes and Charlson indexes were not different between normally nourished and malnourished patients in the present study. Conclusions: Our results suggest that only 15.6% of patients were malnourished in our PD program. Old age, inflammation, CVD, fluid overload and new comorbidities were all associated with malnutrition, with new comorbidities, mostly systemic infections, being the most significant risk factor. However, many traditional factors such as residual renal function, dialysis adequacy and diabetes were not.
The Effect of Intravenous Iron on Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients at Various Levels of Vitamin C
Authors: Eiselt Jaromír , Racek Jaroslav , Opatrný Jr. Karel , Trefil Ladislav , Stehlík Pavel
Published: October 2006

Background/Aims: Vitamin C levels decrease during hemodialysis (HD), which deteriorates antioxidant defense. Vitamin C may also act pro-oxidatively, via reduction in Fe(III). We sought to determine whether intravenous iron (Feiv)-induced oxidative stress differs in HD patients with low and physiological vitamin C levels and whether intravenous vitamin C (Civ) administration during HD would change the response to Feiv. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with vitamin C deficiency (median 15.7 µmol/l, range 8.0–22.7) received Feiv (100 mg iron sucrose between 150 and 180 min of HD). After 4 weeks of oral supplementation, the levels of vitamin C were comparable with those of controls (60.1 µmol/l, range 47.4–70.9). Patients were subsequently treated with (1) Feiv, (2) Feiv and continuous 2 mg/min Civ throughout HD, (3) saline (S), and (4) S+Civ. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and vitamin C were assessed before, during and after FEiv(S), and 15, 30 and 60 min after infusion. Results: Feiv induced a comparable rise in TBARS in patients with vitamin C deficiency (before Feiv, 1.9 µmol/l, range 1.4–1.9; after Feiv, 2.6 µmol/l, range 2.3–2.9; p < 0.01) and in those with normal vitamin C (before Feiv, 1.9 µmol/l, range 1.7–2.1; after Feiv, 2.6 µmol/l, range 2.5–2.9; p < 0.01). Feiv+Civ resulted in a greater increase in TBARS (after Feiv, 3.1 µmol/l, range 2.8–3.2) compared with Feiv (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Iron sucrose-induced oxidative stress is comparable in HD patients with vitamin C deficiency and in those with normal vitamin C. We documented a pro-oxidative effect of vitamin C during Feiv+Civ administration.
Uric Acid and the Development of Hypertension
Authors: Perlstein Todd S. , Gumieniak Olga , Williams Gordon H. , Sparrow David , Vokonas Pantel S. , Gaziano Michael , Weiss Scott T. , Litonjua Augusto A.
Published: October 2006

Experimental evidence supports a causative role for uric acid in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Prospective studies have variably adjusted for relevant confounders and have been of relatively limited duration. We prospectively examined the relationship between uric acid level and the development of hypertension in the Normative Aging Study, a longitudinal cohort of healthy adult men. Of the 2280 initial men in the Normative Aging Study, 2062 had available information for inclusion in the analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the relationship between baseline serum uric acid level and the development of hypertension adjusting for age, body mass index, abdominal circumference, smoking, alcohol, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and plasma glucose. A total of 892 men developed hypertension over a mean of 21.5 years of follow-up. Serum uric acid level independently predicted the development of hypertension in age-adjusted (relative risk [RR]: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.15:
P
<0.001) and multivariable (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.10;
P
=0.02) models. Among 1277 men at risk for the development of hypertension at the time of their first serum creatinine measurement, 508 (39.8%) developed hypertension over a mean of 10.3±5.5 years of follow-up. Additionally adjusting for calculated glomerular filtration rate in this subset, serum uric acid remained associated with the development of hypertension (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.12;
P
=0.03). The baseline serum uric acid level is a durable marker of risk for the development of hypertension. The association is independent of elements of the metabolic syndrome, alcohol intake, and renal function.
Activation of Endothelin-A Receptors Contributes to Angiotensin-Induced Suppression of Renal Sensory Nerve Activation
Authors: Kopp Ulla C. , Cicha Michael Z. , Smith Lori A.
Published: October 2006

Activation of renal mechanosensory nerves is enhanced by a high-sodium diet and suppressed by a low-sodium diet. Angiotensin (Ang) II and endothelin (ET)-1 each contributes to the impaired responsiveness of renal mechanosensory nerves in a low-sodium diet. We examined whether stimulation of ETA receptors (Rs) contributes to Ang II-induced suppression of the responsiveness of renal mechanosensory nerves. In anesthetized rats fed a low-sodium diet, renal pelvic administration of the Ang type I receptor (AT1-R) antagonist losartan enhanced the afferent renal nerve activity (ARNA) response to increasing renal pelvic pressure 7.5 mm Hg from 7±2% to 15±2% and the prostaglandin (PG) E
2
–mediated substance P release from 0±1 to 8±1 pg/min. Adding the ETA-R antagonist BQ123 to the renal pelvic perfusate containing losartan did not produce any further enhancement of the ARNA response or PGE
2
-mediated release of substance P (17±3% and 8±1 pg/min). Likewise, renal pelvic administration of BQ123 and BQ123+losartan resulted in similar enhancements of the ARNA responses to increased renal pelvic pressure and PGE
2
-mediated substance P release. In high-sodium-diet rats, pelvic administration of Ang II reduced the ARNA response to increased renal pelvic pressure from 27±4% to 8±3% and the PGE
2
-mediated substance P release from 9±0 to 1±1 pg/min. Adding BQ123 to the renal pelvic perfusate containing Ang II restored the increases in ARNA and the PGE
2
-mediated substance P release toward control (27±6% and 7±1 pg/min). In conclusion, stimulation of ETA-R plays an important contributory role to the Ang II-mediated suppression of the activation of renal mechanosensory nerves in conditions of low-sodium diet.
Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Rajagopalan Sanjay , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Furniss Anna L. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Satayathum Sudtida , Lameire Norbert , Saito Akira , Akiba Takashi , Jadoul Michel , Ginsberg Nancy , Keen Marcia , Port Friedrich K. , Mukherjee Debabrata , Saran Rajiv
Published: October 2006

Background—

Patients with end-stage renal disease are at high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aims of the present study were to describe the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its effects on prognosis and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in an international cohort of patients on hemodialysis.

Methods and Results—

Data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a prospective, international, observational study of hemodialysis patients (n=29 873), were analyzed. Associations between baseline clinical variables and PAD were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Cox regression models were used to test the association between PAD and risk for all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and hospitalization. PAD was diagnosed in 7411 patients (25.3%) with significant geographic variation. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors including age, male sex, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking were identified, together with the duration of hemodialysis, as significant correlates of PAD. Diagnosis of PAD was associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=1.36;
P
<0.0001), cardiac mortality (HR=1.43;
P
<0.0001), all-cause hospitalization (HR=1.19;
P
<0.0001), and hospitalization for a major adverse cardiovascular event (HR=2.05;
P
<0.0001). HRQOL questionnaires revealed physical health scores that were significantly lower in PAD compared with non-PAD patients (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

PAD is common in hemodialysis patients and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization and reduced HRQOL.
Randomized Study on Simple Versus Complex Stenting of Coronary Artery Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: Steigen Terje K. , Maeng Michael , Wiseth Rune , Erglis Andrejs , Kumsars Indulis , Narbute Inga , Gunnes Pål , Mannsverk Jan , Meyerdierks Oliver , Rotevatn Svein , Niemelä Matti , Kervinen Kari , Jensen Jan S. , Galløe Anders , Nikus Kjell , Vikman Saila , Ravkilde Jan , James Stefan , Aarøe Jens , Ylitalo Antti , Helqvist Steffen , Sjögren Iwar , Thayssen Per , Virtanen Kari , Puhakka Mikko , Airaksinen Juhani , Lassen Jens F. , Thuesen Leif
Published: October 2006

Background—

The optimal stenting strategy in coronary artery bifurcation lesions is unknown. In the present study, a strategy of stenting both the main vessel and the side branch (MV+SB) was compared with a strategy of stenting the main vessel only, with optional stenting of the side branch (MV), with sirolimus-eluting stents.

Methods and Results—

A total of 413 patients with a bifurcation lesion were randomized. The primary end point was a major adverse cardiac event: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization, or stent thrombosis after 6 months. At 6 months, there were no significant differences in rates of major adverse cardiac events between the groups (MV+SB 3.4%, MV 2.9%;
P
=NS). In the MV+SB group, there were significantly longer procedure and fluoroscopy times, higher contrast volumes, and higher rates of procedure-related increases in biomarkers of myocardial injury. A total of 307 patients had a quantitative coronary assessment at the index procedure and after 8 months. The combined angiographic end point of diameter stenosis >50% of main vessel and occlusion of the side branch after 8 months was found in 5.3% in the MV group and 5.1% in the MV+SB group (
P
=NS).

Conclusions—

Independent of stenting strategy, excellent clinical and angiographic results were obtained with percutaneous treatment of de novo coronary artery bifurcation lesions with sirolimus-eluting stents. The simple stenting strategy used in the MV group was associated with reduced procedure and fluoroscopy times and lower rates of procedure-related biomarker elevation. Therefore, this strategy can be recommended as the routine bifurcation stenting technique.
An investigation of extreme silver enrichment at tennantite surfaces exposed to alkaline solutions: an XPS-based study
Authors: Hobson E. L. , Wincott P. , Vaughan D. J. , Pattrick R. A. D.
Published: October 2006

Extreme silver enrichment at the surface of the complex sulphide, tennantite (ideal formula: Cu12As4S13), occurs following exposure to alkaline solutions, and involves the development of an Ag-rich sulphide surface species. The tennantite has a low bulk Ag content of 0.3 at.%, and a percentage surface enrichment of Ag is thirty-six times that of the bulk. The techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and reflection extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy show the new phase to be a Ag sulphide species compositionally similar to cupriferous proustite ((Cu,Ag)3AsS3). Solution experiments and XPS depth profiling show that the surface is most depleted in Cu and Zn, and enriched in Ag compared to the bulk tennantite. Selective dissolution and reprecipitation at the tennantite surface cannot explain the enrichment of Ag relative to the bulk. Migration must have occurred and could have been driven by the leaching out of Cu which produces a metal-depleted surface, coupled to the relative incompatibility of Ag in the tennantite lattice. To account for the extreme enrichment at the surface, Ag must have diffused from depths of up to 9 nm, probably via structural weaknesses and vacancies in the tennantite lattice.
Swiss residents' speciality choices – impact of gender, personality traits, career motivation and life goals
Authors: Buddeberg-Fischer Barbara , Klaghofer Richard , Abel Thomas , Buddeberg Claus
Published: October 2006

Background

The medical specialities chosen by doctors for their careers play an important part in the development of health-care services. This study aimed to investigate the influence of gender, personality traits, career motivation and life goal aspirations on the choice of medical speciality.

Methods

As part of a prospective cohort study of Swiss medical school graduates on career development, 522 fourth-year residents were asked in what speciality they wanted to qualify. They also assessed their career motivation and life goal aspirations. Data concerning personality traits such as sense of coherence, self-esteem, and gender role orientation were collected at the first assessment, four years earlier, in their final year of medical school. Data analyses were conducted by univariate and multivariate analyses of variance and covariance.

Results

In their fourth year of residency 439 (84.1%) participants had made their speciality choice. Of these, 45 (8.6%) subjects aspired to primary care, 126 (24.1%) to internal medicine, 68 (13.0%) to surgical specialities, 31 (5.9%) to gynaecology & obstetrics (G&O), 40 (7.7%) to anaesthesiology/intensive care, 44 (8.4%) to paediatrics, 25 (4.8%) to psychiatry and 60 (11.5%) to other specialities. Female residents tended to choose G&O, paediatrics, and anaesthesiology, males more often surgical specialities; the other specialities did not show gender-relevant differences of frequency distribution. Gender had the strongest significant influence on speciality choice, followed by career motivation, personality traits, and life goals. Multivariate analyses of covariance indicated that career motivation and life goals mediated the influence of personality on career choice. Personality traits were no longer significant after controlling for career motivation and life goals as covariates. The effect of gender remained significant after controlling for personality traits, career motivation and life goals.

Conclusion

Gender had the greatest impact on speciality and career choice, but there were also two other relevant influencing factors, namely career motivation and life goals. Senior physicians mentoring junior physicians should pay special attention to these aspects. Motivational guidance throughout medical training should not only focus on the professional career but also consider the personal life goals of those being mentored.
Immunological consequences of using three different clinical/laboratory techniques of emulsifying peptide-based vaccines in incomplete Freund's adjuvant
Authors: Koh Yi T , Higgins Sean A , Weber Jeffrey S , Kast W Martin
Published: October 2006

Incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) serves as a carrier for water-in-oil emulsion (W/O) vaccines. The stability of such emulsions greatly affects vaccine safety and efficacy since continued presence of antigen depots at lymphoid organs releasing low-level antigens is known to stimulate a potent immune response and high-level systemic release of antigens can lead to tolerance. W/O emulsions for the purpose of clinical and laboratory peptide-based vaccinations have been prepared using the techniques of syringe extrusion, vortex or high-speed homogenization. There is no consensus in the field over which technique would be best to use and no immunological data are available that compare the three techniques. In this study, we compared the immune responses induced by a peptide-based vaccine prepared using vortex, syringe-extrusion and homogenization. The vaccination led to tumor rejection by mice vaccinated with the peptide-based vaccine prepared using all three techniques. The immunological data from the in vivo cytotoxicity assay showed a trend for lower responses and a higher variability and greater range in the immune responses induced by a vaccine that was emulsified by the vortex or homogenizer techniques as compared to the syringe-extrusion technique. There were statistically significant lower numbers of IFNγ-secreting cells induced when the mice were vaccinated with a peptide-based vaccine emulsion prepared using the vortex compared to the syringe-extrusion technique. At a suboptimal vaccine dose, the mice vaccinated with a peptide-based vaccine emulsion prepared using the vortex technique had the largest tumors compared to the syringe-extrusion or the homogenizer technique. In the setting of a busy pharmacy that prepares peptide-based vaccine emulsions for clinical studies, the vortex technique can still be used but we urge investigators to take special care in their choice of mixing vessels for the vortex technique as that can influence the stability of the emulsion. However, in instances where the optimal dose is unknown, we caution investigators against using the vortex technique to prepare the peptide-based vaccine emulsions. Overall, we report that all three techniques can be used to prepare peptide-based vaccine emulsions under optimal dose conditions and we discuss important details regarding the proper preparation of the emulsions.
Factors masking HMGB1 in human serum and plasma
Authors: Urbonaviciute Vilma , Fürnrohr Barbara G , Weber Christian , Haslbeck Martin , Wilhelm Sabine , Herrmann Martin , Voll Reinhard E
Published: October 2006

High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a ubiquitously expressed architectural chromosomal protein. Recently, it has become obvious that HMGB1 can also act as a proinflammatory mediator when actively secreted during cell activation or passively released from necrotic cells. HMGB1 appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases, including sepsis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, easy, sensitive, and reliable detection systems are required to investigate the clinical significance of HMGB1 in clinical samples for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. Here, we describe sensitive ELISAs for the detection of HMGB1 in cell culture medium and cell lysates. However, these assays failed to reliably quantitate HMGB1 in serum and plasma when compared with immunoblot analysis. We found that serum/plasma components bind to HMGB1 and interfere with its detection by ELISA systems. In most serum/plasma samples investigated, including those from healthy individuals, we detected IgG antibodies binding to HMGB1. The titers of these antibodies correlated with the capacity of sera to interfere with the detection of recombinant HMGB1 by ELISA. Furthermore, HMGB1 coimmunoprecipitated with several proteins including IgG1, as identified by mass spectrometry. These HMGB1 interacting proteins are currently characterized and may contribute to complex formation, masking, and possibly, modulation of cytokine activity of HMGB1.
Correlation between micro‐otoscopy, micropneumatoscopy and otoadmittance tympanometry
Authors: Buckinghamy R. A. , Farag A. Z. , Patel M. G. , Geick M. R.
Published: October 2006

The micro‐otoscopic, audiometric and tympanometric findings were correlated in 204 ears seen in a Veterans Administration Hospital ear clinic. Otoscopy, audiometry and tympanometry were done during the same clinical visits. In most cases pneumo‐otoscopy with the microscope also was performed. Because we were unable to standardize pressures, we found pneumo‐otoscopy of limited value.
Metastases to parotid nodes
Authors: Nichols R. D. , Pinnock L. A. , Szymanowski R. T.
Published: October 2006

The differential diagnosis of masses in the preauricular and retromandibular regions includes a number of diseases in addition to primary tumors of the parotid. The lesions most commonly misdiagnosed as parotid tumors are intraparotid lymph nodes involved with inflammatory or neoplastic disease. Metastatic tumors in parotid nodes are unusual but must be considered. We present 12 patients with isolated metastases to parotid lymph nodes. Nine of the patients had primary tumors in the local afferent lymphatic bed. Three patients had metastases from unknown or distant sites. The majority of tumors that metastasize to the parotid are of cutaneous origin. Six of the patients had squamous cell carcinomas, three had adenocarcinomas, two melanomas and one a small cell carcinoma. The treatment of parotid metastases from local tumors is surgical removal of the parotid and associated regional nodes with postoperative irradiation therapy in certain instances. Management of the facial nerve should follow those principles appropriate for primary parotid tumors.
Malignant melanoma of the oral cavity: Review of 10 cases
Authors: McCaffrey Thomas V. , Neel H. Bryan , Gaffey Thomas A.
Published: October 2006

Oral malignant melanoma is uncommon, comprising less than 1% of all malignant melanomas. Consequently, few cases have been reported from any one institution. We report 10 cases of malignant melanoma of the oral cavity seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1905 and 1979.
Studies in transtracheal ventilation catheters
Authors: Rone Craig A. , Pavlin Edward G. , Cummings Charles W. , Weymuller Ernest A.
Published: October 2006

A study was undertaken to assess the applicability of transtracheal ventilation in the instance of total upper airway obstruction. The effect of transtracheal jet ventilation through a variety of inflow catheters in the dog was studied. Arterial blood gas values, intratracheal pressure and minute ventilation were compared. Deflation of the airway through an array of outflow needles was independently assessed. Hypercapnia, decreased minute ventilation, and prolonged inspiratory and expiratory durations impaired use of the smallest catheters. A dual‐lumen needle, to provide exclusive respiratory access and support was then designed based on the preliminary data. Prolonged transtracheal jet ventilation with a totally obstructed upper airway was successfully conducted in a live canine subject. A review of the literature is presented.
Microbial adherence to and disinfection of laryngoscopes used in office practice
Authors: Abramson Allan L. , Gilberto Eileen , Mullooly Virginia , France Kenneth , Alperstein Phyllis , Isenberg Henry D.
Published: October 2006

This study reports the appropriate disinfection methods for flexible and rigid laryngoscopes when used in an outpatient setting. This investigation presents evidence that an appreciable number of laryngoscopes are contaminated during use. A brief tap water rinse serves to eliminate gross soil of host origin known to interfere with disinfectant efficacy. Disinfection with 3.2% glutaraldehyde (Cidexplus) for 10 minutes effectively eliminated microbial contaminants. Since potentially harmful microorganisms were included among the more than 100 isolates during our baseline experiments, the need to eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa from laryngoscopes is obvious and can be attained readily.
Large-Scale Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis for Loci Linked to BMD at Different Skeletal Sites in Extreme Selected Sibships
Authors: Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Xu Xin , Terwedow Henry A , Niu Tianhua , Hong Xuimei , Wu Di , Wang Lihua , Brain Joseph D , Bouxsein Mary L , Cummings Steve R , Rosen Cliff J , Xu Xiping
Published: October 2006

Few genome-wide linkage studies of osteoporosis have been conducted in the Asian population. We performed a genome-wide scan involving 3093 adult siblings with at least one sib-pair extremely concordant or discordant for hip BMD. Our results indicated four genome-wide significant QTLs for BMD. In comparison with 12 previous reported linkage studies, we reveal novel linkage regions that have reaching global significance.

Introduction: The genetic basis for osteoporosis has been firmly established, but efforts to identify genes associated with this complex trait have been incomplete, especially in Asian populations. The purpose of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for BMD in a Chinese population.

Materials and Methods: We performed a genome-wide scan involving 3093 siblings 25–64 years of age from 941 families, with at least one sib-pair extreme concordant or discordant for total hip BMD from a large community-based cohort (n = 23,327) in Anhui, China. Linkage analysis was performed on BMD residuals adjusted for age, height, weight, occupation, cigarette smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption using the revised Haseman-Elston regression-based linkage model.

Results: Our results revealed significant QTLs on chromosome 7p21.2 for femoral neck BMD (LOD = 3.68) and on chromosome 2q24.3 for total hip BMD (LOD = 3.65). Suggestive linkage regions were found to overlap among different skeletal sites on chromosomes 2q, 7p, and 16q. Sex-specific linkage analysis further revealed a significant QTL for lumbar spine BMD on chromosome 13q21.1 (LOD = 3.62) in women only. When performing multivariate linkage analysis by combining BMDs at four skeletal sites (i.e., whole body, total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine BMD), an additional significant QTL was found at chromosome 5q21.2 (LOD = 4.56). None of these significant QTLs found in our study overlapped with major QTLs reported by other studies.

Conclusions: This study reveals four novel QTLs in a Chinese population and suggests that BMD at different skeletal sites may also share common genetic determinants.
Large-Scale Population-Based Study Shows No Association Between Common Polymorphisms of the TGFB1 Gene and BMD in Women
Authors: McGuigan Fiona EA , Macdonald Helen M , Bassiti Amelia , Farmer Rosemary , Bear Stuart , Stewart Alison , Black Alison , Fraser William D , Welsh Findlay , Reid David M , Ralston Stuart H
Published: October 2006

The TGFB1 gene is a strong functional candidate for regulating genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis. We studied five common polymorphisms of TGFB1 in relation to osteoporosis-related phenotypes in a population-based cohort of 2975 British women, but found no significant association with bone mass, bone loss, bone markers, or fracture.

Introduction: The gene encoding TGFB1 is a strong functional candidate for genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis. Several polymorphisms have been identified in TGFB1, and previous work has suggested that allelic variants of TGFB1 may regulate BMD and susceptibility to osteoporotic fracture.

Materials and Methods: We studied the relationship between common polymorphisms of TGFB1 and several osteoporosis-related phenotypes including BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, measured by DXA; bone loss over a 6-year period; biochemical markers of bone turnover (urinary free deoxypyridinoline and free pyridinoline/creatinine ratio and serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen), and fractures in a population-based study of 2975 women from the United Kingdom. Participants were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TGFB1 promoter (G-800A; rs1800468; C-509T; rs1800469), exon 1 (T29C; rs1982073 and G74C; rs1982073); and exon 5 (C788T; rs1800471) on PCR-generated fragments of genomic DNA. Haplotypes were constructed from genotype data using the PHASE software program, and genotypes and haplotypes were related to the phenotypes of interest using general linear model ANOVA, with correction for confounding factors including age, height, weight, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, physical activity score, and dietary calcium intake.

Results: The polymorphisms were in strong linkage disequilibrium, and four common haplotypes accounted for >95% of alleles at the locus. There was no association between individual SNPs and BMD, bone loss, or biochemical markers of bone turnover. Haplotype analysis showed a nominally significant association with femoral neck BMD (p = 0.042) and with incident osteoporotic fracture (p = 0.013), but these were not significant after correcting for multiple testing.

Conclusions: Common polymorphic variants of the TGFB1 gene did not influence BMD or bone loss in this population.
Reduced Recombination Rate and Genetic Differentiation Between the M and S Forms ofAnopheles gambiaes.s.
Authors: Slotman Michel A , Reimer Lisa J , Thiemann Tara , Dolo Guimogo , Fondjo Etienne , Lanzaro Gregory C
Published: October 2006

Genetic differentiation between the largely sympatric molecular forms M and S of Anopheles gambiae appears mostly limited to division 6 and part of division 5 of the X chromosome. This region is adjacent to the centromere and includes the rDNA that was used to define these forms. This localized differentiation between populations that experience gene flow strongly suggests that this region contains genes responsible for reproductive isolation. Regions adjacent to centromeres are known to experience less recombination in several species and it has recently been suggested that low recombination rates can facilitate the accumulation and maintenance of isolation genes in partially isolated populations. Therefore, we measured the recombination rate in division 5D/6 directly and estimate that it is at least 16-fold reduced across this region compared to the remainder of the X chromosome. Additionally, sequence data from four loci from field-collected mosquitoes from several West African countries show very strong differentiation between the molecular forms in division 5D/6, whereas none was observed in two loci elsewhere on the X chromosome. Furthermore, genetic variation was substantially lower in division 5D/6 compared to the two reference loci, and the inferred genealogies of the division 5D/6 genes show patterns consistent with selective sweeps. This suggests that the reduced recombination rate has increased the effect of selection on this region and that our data are consistent with the hypothesis that reduced recombination rates can play a role in the accumulation of isolation genes in the face of gene flow.
Identification of Selective Sweeps Using a Dynamically Adjusted Number of Linked Microsatellites
Authors: Wiehe Thomas , Nolte Viola , Zivkovic Daniel , Schlötterer Christian
Published: October 2006

There is currently large interest in distinguishing the signatures of genetic variation produced by demographic events from those produced by natural selection. We propose a simple multilocus statistical test to identify candidate sites of selective sweeps with high power. The test is based on the variability profile measured in an array of linked microsatellites. We also show that the analysis of flanking markers drastically reduces the number of false positives among the candidates that are identified in a genomewide survey of unlinked loci and find that this property is maintained in many population-bottleneck scenarios. However, for a certain range of intermediately severe population bottlenecks we find genomic signatures that are very similar to those produced by a selective sweep. While in these worst-case scenarios the power of the proposed test remains high, the false-positive rate reaches values close to 50%. Hence, selective sweeps may be hard to identify even if multiple linked loci are analyzed. Nevertheless, the integration of information from multiple linked loci always leads to a considerable reduction of the false-positive rate compared to a genome scan of unlinked loci. We discuss the application of this test to experimental data from Drosophila melanogaster.
Two Unlinked Double-Strand Breaks Can Induce Reciprocal Exchanges in Plant Genomes via Homologous Recombination and Nonhomologous End Joining
Authors: Pacher Michael , Schmidt-Puchta Waltraud , Puchta Holger
Published: October 2006

Using the rare-cutting endonuclease I-SceI we were able to demonstrate before that the repair of a single double-strand break (DSB) in a plant genome can be mutagenic due to insertions and deletions. However, during replication or due to irradiation several breaks might be induced simultaneously. To analyze the mutagenic potential of such a situation we established an experimental system in tobacco harboring two unlinked transgenes, each carrying an I-SceI site. After transient expression of I-SceI a kanamycin-resistance marker could be restored by joining two previously unlinked broken ends, either by homologous recombination (HR) or by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Indeed, we were able to recover HR and NHEJ events with similar frequencies. Despite the fact that no selection was applied for joining the two other ends, the respective linkage could be detected in most cases tested, demonstrating that the respective exchanges were reciprocal. The frequencies obtained indicate that DSB-induced translocation is up to two orders of magnitude more frequent in somatic cells than ectopic gene conversion. Thus, DSB-induced reciprocal exchanges might play a significant role in plant genome evolution. The technique applied in this study may also be useful for the controlled exchange of unlinked sequences in plant genomes.
Display daylight ambient contrast measurement methods and daylight readability
Authors: Kelley Edward F. , Lindfors Max , Penczek John
Published: October 2006

Abstract—Two composite metrics to characterize display reflection, contrast, and readability under daylight illumination is proposed. A measurement of the reflection under directed illumination simulating the sun is combined with a measurement of the reflection under uniform diffuse illumination to simulate the sky. The measurements are performed separately in a laboratory, and then the measurement results are combined and scaled to daylight levels with attention to the proper spectra involved for the skylight and sunlight.
High‐transmittance in‐plane‐switching liquid‐crystal displays using a positive‐dielectric‐anisotropy liquid crystal
Authors: Ge Zhibing , Zhu Xinyu , Wu Thomas X. , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: October 2006

Abstract— The in‐plane‐switching (IPS) mode exhibits an inherently wide viewing angle and has been widely used for liquid‐crystal‐display (LCD) TVs. However, its transmittance is limited to ∼76% compared to that of a twisted‐nematic (TN) cell if a positive‐dielectric‐anisotropy LC is employed. A special electrode configuration that fuses the switching mechanism of the conventional IPS and the fringe‐field switching (FFS) to boost the transmittance to ∼90% using a positive LC has been developed. The new mode exhibits an equally wide viewing angle as the IPS and FFS modes.
Taking on motion‐artifacts evaluation in the VESA FPDM
Authors: Miseli Joe
Published: October 2006

Abstract— To date, there are no well‐established and few valid candidate methods to evaluate motion artifacts, although a number of organizations are working to come to agreement on ways to characterize, analyze, and quantify them. The LCD‐TV market has vested interest to improve performance with regard to motion artifacts, since: (1) LCDs are quite susceptible to many types of motion distortions, (2)most of its primary content has motion, and (3) they can be very noticeable and objectionable to even a casual viewer. This paper is an overview of motion artifacts, and the work of the VESA FPDM (flat panel display measurements standard) group both to update FPDM to FPDM3 and to standardize methods to evaluate motion artifacts.
CORRELATES OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN TURKISH COMPLETE DENTURE PATIENTS
Authors: Dirik Gülay , Kiliçarslan Mehmet Ali , Gençöz Tülin , Karanci Nuray
Published: October 2006

Denture wearing is a stressful life event which can cause anxiety and depression. Patients' adaptation to dentures may be hindered by their emotional reactions. The present study examined the variables related to anxiety and depression symptoms among 158 adult complete dental prosthesis
patients. The results showed that the participants had mild to moderate depression and moderate state anxiety symptoms. The results of the regression analyses showed that treatment duration, perceived burden due to teeth loss and expected benefits of new dentures were related to anxiety. Age,
burden of teeth loss and perceived social support from the dentist were related to depression symptoms. Therefore, these variables need to be considered in the management of prosthesis patients.
Topical photodynamic therapy
Authors: Poljacki Mirjana , Jovanovic Marina , Matovic Ljubinka , Lugonja Branislava , Gajic Branislava , Ros Tatjana
Published: October 2006

Topical photodynamic therapy is a therapeutic modality in development, thus arises grate interest among dermatologists worldwide. It is an effective therapy for actinic keratosis, superficial BCC and Bowenos disease. Treatment efficacy, good cosmetics, low risk of skin cancer, low invasiveness, low rate of adverse events, facility for treating multiple or large lesions, especially in poor healing sites and, for penile, digital and facial involvement, low general toxicity and possibility of repeating the treatments with the same efficiency, enable topical photodynamic therapy to become increasingly practiced treatment modality. Researching aimed topical photodynamic therapy to prove as a treatment modality for clinical use in other dermatoses, is in experimental phase. To answer the question when dermatologist should consider using topical photodynamic therapy treatment modatility, we are present available date.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Tiodorovic Jelica , Lazarevic Viktor , Stanojevic Milenko , Jovanovic Dragan , Tiodorovic-Zivkovic Danica
Published: October 2006

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is defined by a proliferation of large pleomorphic blasts and a constant expression of the CD30 molecule on all neoplastic cells, and has been clinically subdivided into a primary form and a secondary form. We are presenting a case of 14-year-old boy with reddish-livid papules on the skin of right half of trunk that were confluent in the lower end into solid plaque with diameter 20 x 15 cm, and enlarged lymph nodes in axilla and on neck. Lesioned skin biopsy, biopsy of lymph node and bone marrow showed pleomorphic cells, strongly CD30, and ALK positive. In our patient diagnosis was reached on the basis of morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics.
Clinical trials of statins and fibrates: A meta-analysis
Authors: Stanulovic Vid , Djeric Mirjana , Popovic Jovan
Published: October 2006

Introduction. Several clinical trials of hypolipidemics showed a decrease in mortality by 30-40%, while others showed detrimental or no effects. The question remains: which trial should be the basis of clinical decision making in the choice of hypolipidemic therapy? Material and methods. Meta-analysis is a method for combining research results of several studies. Effects of statins and fibrates with respect to placebo, were assessed by systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Medline and CENTRAL databases were searched using the following keywords: hyperlipoproteinemia, hypolipidemic agents and individual drug names. The main inclusion criteria were as follows: statin or fibrate, placebo controlled randomized trial, at least one year treatment on average, at least 100 patients per study arm and reported mortality. Results. Fibrates showed almost complete absence of treatment effects on mortality with odds ratio of 0.99 and 95% confidence interval 0.80-1.11. The odds f or statins were 0.87, 0.80-0.9 5. Discussion. Despite the absence of treatment effects of fibrates, it is note?worthy that inclusion criteria of early fibrate trials focused mainly on cholesterol with recent identification of elevated triglycerides as an independent risk factor. As fibrates exert the most pronounced effect on triglycerides, they still may show effect in target populations. Effects of statins are confirmed, but they are noticeably lower than in individual trials which are given most publicity. Conclusion. Even after several decades of fibrate use, conclusive evidence of their beneficial effects still needs to be elucidated in appropriately designed trials. However, a beneficial effect of statins on mortality decrease has been proven. Meta-analysis has an important role in estimating true treatment effects and in the practice of evidence-based medicine. .
Minimal intervention: How to treat the advanced lesions
Authors: Hien Ngo
Published: October 2006

 Jedno od glavnih nastojanja u konzervativnoj stomatologiji je da se pronadje materijal za zamenu izgubljenih i ostecenih zubnih tkiva, koji fizicki i hemijski usko prijanja za zubno tkivo i istovremeno smanjuje rizik daljeg ostecenja. Razvoj glasjonomera znacajan je korak u tom nastojanju. Da bi ova tehnika bila efikasna neophodno je da se omoguci potpuna adhezija tako da se bakterijama preostalim u dnu kaviteta prekine spoljasnji izvor hrane. Kroz klinicku primenu filozofije minimalne intervencije dolazi se do saznanja da invazivna stomatoloska terapija kao sto su ispuni nije efikasan nacin lecenja zubnog karijesa. Neophodno je da se otkrije karijesna lezija u ranom stadijumu jer onda moze da se primeni tehnika hemijske remineralizacije. Kod lezije sa kavitetima potrebno je odstranjivanje, ali cak i u slucaju potpuno otvorenih lezija jos uvek mogu da se primene nacela minimalne intervencije i ocuva maksimalna kolicina prirodnog zubnog tkiva odstranjivanjem samo zarazenog sloja i pokusajem remineralizacije zahvacenog sloja pomocu glasjonomera.
The cubic period-distance relation for the Kate reversible pendulum
Authors: Rossi Michele , Zaninetti Lorenzo
Published: October 2006

We describe the correct cubic relation between the mass configuration of a Kater reversible pendulum and its period of oscillation. From an analysis of its solutions we conclude that there could be as many as three distinct mass configurations for which the periods of small oscillations about the two pivots of the pendulum have the same value. We also discuss a real compound Kater pendulum that realizes this property.
Titelbild: Hydrocarbon Uptake in the Alkylated Micropores of a Columnar Supramolecular Solid (Angew. Chem. 42/2006)
Authors: Taylor Thomas J. , Bakhmutov Vladimir I. , Gabbaï François P.
Published: October 2006

Die Speicherung von Alkanen ist generell problematisch. Daher werden Gase wie Ethan, Propan oder Butan in Ölquellen und Raffinerien oft abgefackelt. Mit einem neuen Festkörper aus hexagonal angeordneten Säulen und Kanälen gelingt es nun, kurzkettige Alkane reversibel in alkylierten Mikroporen zu adsorbieren. Über die Synthese und die Sorptionseigenschaften dieser Struktur aus (HgC6F4)3 und 1,3,5‐(Me3SiCC)3C6H3 berichten F. P. Gabbaï und Mitarbeiter in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 7188 ff.