bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of incidence and prognostic factors for ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence and its impact on disease-specific survival of women with node-negative breast cancer: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nottage Michelle K , Kopciuk Karen A , Tzontcheva Anjela , Andrulis Irene L , Bull Shelley B , Blackstein Martin E
Published: July 2006

Introduction

This study had three aims: to establish the incidence of ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR) in a community treatment setting, to evaluate known factors – in particular younger age (< 40 years) – predictive for local recurrence, and to assess the impact of local recurrence on disease-specific survival (DSS).

Methods

A consecutive series of 1,540 women with node-negative breast cancer, diagnosed between the ages of 18–75 years, were prospectively accrued between September 1987 and September 1999. All had undergone a resection of the primary breast cancer with clear margins, an axillary lymph node dissection with a minimum of four sampled nodes, and breast-conserving surgery (of any type).

Results

During the study follow-up period, 98 (6.4%) IBTRs and 117 (7.6%) deaths from or with breast cancer were observed. The median time to IBTR was 3.1 years and to death from or with disease was 4.3 years. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression model for IBTR with adjuvant therapy factors, independent risk factors included age < 40 years (relative risk (RR) = 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.00 – 3.58), presence of intraductal disease (RR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.15–2.85) and histological grade ('G2' or G3 versus G1: RR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.87–2.94). In the multivariate Cox PH regression model for DSS with adjuvant therapy factors, independent risk factors included previous IBTR (RR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.41–4.72), tumor size (1–2 cm versus < 1 cm: RR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.05–3.64, > 2 cm versus < 1 cm: RR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.56–5.56), progesterone receptor status (negative or equivocal versus positive or unknown: RR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.36–3.39), lymphatic invasion (RR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.17–2.72), and histological grade ('G2' or G3 versus G1: RR = 8.59, 95% CI = 2.09–35.36). The effects of competing risks could be ignored.

Conclusion

The Cox PH analyses confirmed the importance of known risk factors for IBTR and DSS in a community treatment setting. This study also revealed that the early occurrence of an IBTR is associated with a relatively poor five-year survival rate.
Association between manganese superoxide dismutase promoter gene polymorphism and breast cancer survival
Authors: Martin Robert CG , Ahn Jiyoung , Nowell Susan A , Hein David W , Doll Mark A , Martini Benjamin D , Ambrosone Christine B
Published: July 2006

Background

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) plays a critical role in the detoxification of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, constituting a major cellular defense mechanism against agents that induce oxidative stress. A genetic polymorphism in the mitochondrial targeting sequence of this gene has been associated with increased cancer risk and survival in breast cancer. This base pair transition (-9 T > C) leads to a valine to alanine amino acid change in the mitochondrial targeting sequence. A polymorphism has also been identified in the proximal region of the promoter (-102 C>T) that alters the recognition sequence of the AP-2 transcription factor, leading to a reduction in transcriptional activity. The aim of our study was to investigate possible associations of the -102 C>T polymorphism with overall and relapse-free breast cancer survival in a hospital-based case-only study.

Materials and methods

The relationship between the MnSOD -102 C>T polymorphism and survival was examined in a cohort of 291 women who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for incident breast cancer. The MnSOD -102 C>T genotype was determined using a TaqMan allele discrimination assay. Patient survival was evaluated according to the MnSOD genotype using Kaplan–Meier survival functions. Hazard ratios were calculated from adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

In an evaluation of all women, there was a borderline significant reduction in recurrence-free survival with either one or both variant alleles (CT + TT) when compared with patients with wild-type alleles (CC) (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–1.01). When the analysis was restricted to patients receiving radiation therapy, there was a significant reduction in relapse-free survival in women who were heterozygous for the MnSOD -102 genotype (relative risk, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.86). Similarly, when the homozygous and heterozygous variant genotypes were combined, there remained a significant reduction in relapse-free survival in this group (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.87).

Conclusion

The MnSOD -102 variant allele appears to be associated with an improved recurrence-free survival in all patients, and more dramatically in subjects who received adjuvant radiation therapy.
Estrogenic microenvironment generated by organochlorine residues in adipose mammary tissue modulates biomarker expression in ERα-positive breast carcinomas
Authors: Muñoz-de-Toro Mónica , Durando Milena , Beldoménico Pablo M , Beldoménico Horacio R , Kass Laura , García Silvia R , Luque Enrique H
Published: July 2006

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant disease in women. Exposure to estrogens throughout a woman's life is a risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Organochlorine compounds (OCCs), such as pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls, are persistent lipophilic chemicals identified as endocrine disruptors, mainly with estrogenic effects. To test the hypothesis that the amount and quality of organochlorine residues in adipose tissue adjacent to breast carcinoma affect the biological behavior of the tumor, we studied biomarker expression in breast carcinoma and the OCC body burden in patients from an urban area adjacent to Paraná fluvial system, Argentina.

Methods

The studied patients were 55 women who had undergone excision biopsies of a breast lesion diagnosed as invasive breast carcinoma. Analysis of OCC residues in breast adipose tissue was conducted by electron-capture gas–liquid chromatography. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and proliferative activity (Ki-67) levels were measured in paraffin-embedded biopsies of breast tumors by immunohistochemistry.

Results

All patients had high levels of organochlorine pesticides in their breast adipose tissue. The most frequently detected compounds were p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene and β-hexachlorocyclohexane. When the whole sample was analyzed, no correlation between ERα or PR expression and OCC levels were found. In the subgroup of ERα-positive breast carcinoma patients, however, there was a positive correlation between PR expression (an estrogen-induced protein) in the neoplastic cells and OCC levels in adipose tissue surrounding the tumor. More significantly, all the ERα-positive breast carcinomas from postmenopausal women exhibited high proliferation when organochlorine levels in the surrounding adipose tissue reached levels higher than 2600 ppb. No associations were found between the organochlorine body burden and any other marker of tumor aggressiveness, such as node involvement or tumor size.

Conclusion

The present results support the hypothesis that organochlorine residues in adipose tissue adjacent to breast carcinoma generate an estrogenic microenvironment that may influence the biological behavior of the tumor through ERα activation and ERα-dependent proliferation. These findings may have therapeutic implications, since interference between organochlorine compounds and hormonal therapy could be expected to occur.
Effect of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system and Prometheus devices on systemic haemodynamics and vasoactive agents in patients with acute-on-chronic alcoholic liver failure
Authors: Laleman Wim , Wilmer Alexander , Evenepoel Pieter , Elst Ingrid Vander , Zeegers Marcel , Zaman Zahur , Verslype Chris , Fevery Johan , Nevens Frederik
Published: July 2006

Introduction

Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure show an aggravated hyperdynamic circulation. We evaluated, in a controlled manner, potential changes in systemic haemodynamics induced by the molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) and the Prometheus system liver detoxification devices in a group of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Methods

Eighteen patients (51.2 ± 2.3 years old; Child–Pugh score, 12.5 ± 0.2; Maddrey score, 63.1 ± 5.0; hepatic venous pressure gradient, 17.6 ± 0.9 mmHg) with biopsy-proven alcoholic cirrhosis and superimposed alcoholic hepatitis were either treated with standard medical therapy (SMT) combined with MARS (n = 6) or Prometheus (n = 6) or were treated with SMT alone (n = 6) on three consecutive days (6 hours/session). Liver tests, systemic haemodynamics and vasoactive substances were determined before and after each session.

Results

Groups were comparable for baseline haemodynamics and levels of vasoactive substances. Both MARS and Prometheus decreased serum bilirubin levels (P < 0.005 versus SMT), the Prometheus device being more effective than MARS (P = 0.002). Only MARS showed significant improvement in the mean arterial pressure (Δchange, +9 ± 2.4 mmHg versus -0.3 ± 2.4 mmHg with Prometheus and -5.2 ± 2.1 mmHg with SMT, P < 0.05) and in the systemic vascular resistance index (Δchange, +131.5 ± 46.2 dyne.s/cm5/m2 versus -92.8 ± 85.2 dyne.s/cm5/m2with Prometheus and -30.7 ± 32.5 dyne.s/cm5/m2 with SMT; P < 0.05), while the cardiac index and central filling remained constant. This circulatory improvement in the MARS group was paralleled by a decrease in plasma renin activity (P < 0.05), aldosterone (P < 0.03), norepinephrine (P < 0.05), vasopressin (P = 0.005) and nitrate/nitrite levels (P < 0.02).

Conclusion

The MARS device, and not the Prometheus device, significantly attenuates the hyperdynamic circulation in acute-on-chronic liver failure, presumably by a difference in removal rate of certain vasoactive substances. These findings suggest conspicuous conceptual differences among the albumin dialysis devices.
Detecting transcriptionally active regions using genomic tiling arrays
Authors: Halasz Gabor , van Batenburg Marinus F , Perusse Joelle , Hua Sujun , Lu Xiang-Jun , White Kevin P , Bussemaker Harmen J
Published: July 2006

We have developed a method for interpreting genomic tiling array data, implemented as the program TranscriptionDetector. Probed loci expressed above background are identified by combining replicates in a way that makes minimal assumptions about the data. We performed medium-resolution Anopheles gambiae tiling array experiments and found extensive transcription of both coding and non-coding regions. Our method also showed improved detection of transcriptional units when applied to high-density tiling array data for ten human chromosomes.
Co-evolution of transcription factors and their targets depends on mode of regulation
Authors: Hershberg Ruth , Margalit Hanah
Published: July 2006

Background

Differences in the transcription regulation network are at the root of much of the phenotypic variation observed among organisms. These differences may be achieved either by changing the repertoire of regulators and/or their targets, or by rewiring the network. Following these changes and studying their logic is crucial for understanding the evolution of regulatory networks.

Results

We use the well characterized transcription regulatory network of Escherichia coli K12 and follow the evolutionary changes in the repertoire of regulators and their targets across a large number of fully sequenced γ-proteobacteria. By focusing on close relatives of E. coli K12, we study the dynamics of the evolution of transcription regulation across a relatively short evolutionary timescale. We show significant differences in the evolution of repressors and activators. Repressors are only lost from a genome once their targets have themselves been lost, or once the network has significantly rewired. In contrast, activators are often lost even when their targets remain in the genome. As a result, E. coli K12 repressors that regulate many targets are rarely absent from organisms that are closely related to E. coli K12, while activators with a similar number of targets are often absent in these organisms.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the mode of regulation exerted by transcription factors has a strong effect on their evolution. Repressors co-evolve tightly with their target genes. In contrast, activators can be lost independently of their targets. In fact, loss of an activator can lead to efficient shutdown of an unnecessary pathway.
Probing the cis interactions of the inhibitory receptor Siglec-7 with α2,8-disialylated ligands on natural killer cells and other leukocytes using glycan-specific antibodies and by analysis of α2,8-sialyltransferase gene expression
Authors: Avril Tony , North Simon J , Haslam Stuart M , Willison Hugh J , Crocker Paul R
Published: July 2006

Siglec-7 is a CD33-related sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin expressed strongly on NK cells, where it can function as an inhibitory receptor. Its sialic acid-binding activity on NK cells is masked by cis interactions with sialylated glycans, which are likely to be important for regulating the inhibitory function of Siglec-7, which exhibits an unusual preference for α2,8-linked disialic acids, a motif found in “b-series” gangliosides and some glycoproteins. To investigate the presence of α2,8-linked disialic acids on NK cells, T cells, monocytes, and B cells, we first analyzed their expression of all known α2,8-sialyltransferase genes by quantitative PCR. Unlike T cells, B cells, and monocytes, NK cells consistently expressed mRNA encoding ST8Sia VI, which creates α2,8-linked disialic acids on O-linked glycans of glycoproteins. All blood leukocytes expressed ST8Sia IV, implicated in polysialic acid synthesis, and NK cells variably expressed high levels of ST8Sia V mRNA required for GT3 expression. Two human IgM antibodies, Ha1 and Pi1, with specificity for the α2,8-disialyl motif reacted strongly with NK cells in a sialic acid-dependent manner and less strongly with T cells and monocytes. Antibody-induced clustering of Siglec-7 on NK cells resulted in partial colocalization with anti-Ha1. Finally, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric analysis of isolated NK cell O-glycans revealed the presence of a peak at mass-to-charge ratio of 1619.4 mass units, corresponding to a putative α2,8-disialylated glycan. Together, these results suggest that NK cells are decorated with α2,8-disialic acid structures implicated in regulation of cellular activation via interactions with Siglec-7.
Antidiabetic Activity of a Highly Potent and Selective Nonpeptide Somatostatin Receptor Subtype-2 Agonist
Authors: Strowski Mathias Z. , Cashen Doreen E. , Birzin Elizabeth T. , Yang Lihu , Singh Vandana , Jacks Thomas M. , Nowak Krzysztof W. , Rohrer Susan P. , Patchett Arthur A. , Smith Roy G. , Schaeffer James M.
Published: July 2006

Somatostatin inhibits both glucagon and insulin secretion. Glucagon significantly contributes to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Despite its function in the inhibition of glucagon secretion, somatostatin fails to reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, due to a parallel suppression of insulin secretion. Five pharmacologically distinct somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst1–sst5) mediate the effects of somatostatin on a cellular level. Pancreatic A cells express sst2, whereas B cells express sst5. In this study, we describe a novel approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes using a highly sst2-selective, nonpeptide agonist (compound 1). Compound 1 effectively inhibited glucagon secretion from pancreatic islets isolated from wild-type mice, whereas glucagon secretion from sst2-deficient islets was not suppressed. Compound 1 did not influence nonfasted insulin concentration. In sst2-deficient mice, compound 1 did not have any effects on glucagon or glucose levels, confirming its sst2 selectivity. In animal models of type 2 diabetes in the nonfasted state, circulating glucagon and glucose levels were decreased after treatment with compound 1. In the fasting state, compound 1 lowered blood glucose by approximately 25%. In summary, small-molecule sst2-selective agonists that suppress glucagon secretion offer a novel approach toward the development of orally bioavailable drugs for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Neonatal Exposure to the Phytoestrogen Genistein Alters Mammary Gland Growth and Developmental Programming of Hormone Receptor Levels
Authors: Padilla-Banks Elizabeth , Jefferson Wendy N. , Newbold Retha R.
Published: July 2006

Developmental effects of genistein (Gen) on the mammary gland were investigated using outbred female CD-1 mice treated neonatally on d 1–5 by sc injections at doses of 0.5, 5, or 50 mg/kg·d. Examination of mammary gland whole mounts (no. 4) before puberty (4 wk) revealed no morphological differences in development after Gen treatment. However, mice treated with Gen-50 had stunted development characterized by less branching at 5 wk and decreased numbers of terminal end buds at 5 and 6 wk. Conversely, at 6 wk, Gen-0.5-treated mice exhibited advanced development with increased ductal elongation compared with controls. Measurements of hormone receptor levels showed increased levels of progesterone receptor protein and estrogen receptor-β mRNA in Gen-0.5-treated mice compared with controls; ERα expression was decreased after all doses of Gen treatment. Lactation ability, measured by pup weight gain and survival, was not affected after neonatal Gen-0.5 and Gen-5. Mice treated with Gen-50 did not deliver live pups; therefore, lactation ability could not be determined. Evaluation of mammary glands in aged mice (9 months) showed no differences between Gen-0.5-treated mice and controls but mice treated with Gen-5 and Gen-50 exhibited altered morphology including reduced lobular alveolar development, dilated ducts, and focal areas of “beaded” ducts lined with hyperplastic ductal epithelium. In summary, neonatal Gen exposure altered mammary gland growth and development as well as hormone receptor levels at all doses examined; higher doses of Gen led to permanent long-lasting morphological changes.
Oscillatory Membrane Potential Response to Glucose in Islet β-Cells: A Comparison of Islet-Cell Electrical Activity in Mouse and Rat
Authors: Manning Fox Jocelyn E. , Gyulkhandanyan Armen V. , Satin Leslie S. , Wheeler Michael B.
Published: July 2006

In contrast to mouse, rat islet β-cell membrane potential is reported not to oscillate in response to elevated glucose despite demonstrated oscillations in calcium and insulin secretion. We aim to clarify the electrical activity of rat islet β-cells and characterize and compare the electrical activity of both α- and β-cells in rat and mouse islets. We recorded electrical activity from α- and β-cells within intact islets from both mouse and rat using the perforated whole-cell patch clamp technique. Fifty-six percent of both mouse and rat β-cells exhibited an oscillatory response to 11.1 mm glucose. Responses to both 11.1 mm and 2.8 mm glucose were identical in the two species. Rat β-cells exhibited incremental depolarization in a glucose concentration-dependent manner. We also demonstrated electrical activity in human islets recorded under the same conditions. In both mouse and rat α-cells 11 mm glucose caused hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, whereas 2.8 mm glucose produced action potential firing. No species differences were observed in the response of α-cells to glucose. This paper is the first to demonstrate and characterize oscillatory membrane potential fluctuations in the presence of elevated glucose in rat islet β-cells in comparison with mouse. The findings promote the use of rat islets in future electrophysiological studies, enabling consistency between electrophysiological and insulin secretion studies. An inverse response of α-cell membrane potential to glucose furthers our understanding of the mechanisms underlying glucose sensitive glucagon secretion.
Perceptions of Decline: Inuit Shamanism in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Oosten Jarich , Laugrand Frédéric , Remie Cornelius
Published: July 2006

In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries most explorers, whalers, and ethnographers perceived Inuit traditions, especially shamanism, to be in a state of decline. The assumption that Inuit culture was on the brink of disappearance constituted a classic topos in anthropology obscuring the dynamics of Inuit culture and society. This perspective was enhanced by focusing too much on the person of the shaman and underestimated the importance and strength of the ideological system and values involved. Qallunaat (white people) perspectives of decline contrast with Inuit perspectives valorizing the integration and incorporation of qallunaat culture. We compare classic descriptions of shamanism with recent testimonies of elders and demonstrate that, even today, shamanism is for many Inuit part of a wider cosmology that is dynamic, open to innovation, and marked by strong continuity.
Virginity and Veracity: Rereading Historical Sources in the Mead-Freeman Controversy
Authors: Shankman Paul
Published: July 2006

In the Mead-Freeman controversy, Derek Freeman argued that historical sources support his view that the traditional values of the Samoan system of institutionalized virginity (or taupou system) were preserved and reinforced throughout the colonial era. A closer examination of two sources used by Freeman, authored by Augustin Krämer and Newton A. Rowe, demonstrates that the taupou system, as well as many of the values and practices associated with it, were in decline during this period. This latter interpretation, favored by Margaret Mead, is also supported by Freeman's own postgraduate diploma thesis, a source hitherto unused in the controversy.
For a Dynamic Approach to the Social Organization of the Carib of Inner Eastern Guiana: An Overview of Wayana Ethnosociogenesis
Authors: Chapuis Jean
Published: July 2006

This article shows that a system of social organization based on totemic ancestor clans has long existed among the Carib of eastern Guiana, and more particularly the Wayana. This system so far has been ignored by researchers in spite of its heuristic interest. In addition to its political and historical richness, the approach here, which attempts to capture how social structures have changed since the encounter with Westerners, allows for a better grasp of identity's role as a motivating force in Wayana society. The completion of the project called for here will require well-coordinated involvement by numerous researchers.
Polyborane reactions in ionic liquids
Authors: Li Yuqi , Kusari Upal , Carroll Patrick J. , Bradley Mark G. , Sneddon Larry G.
Published: July 2006

In contrast to reactions that have been observed in traditional organic solvents, decaborane olefin-hydroboration and alkyne-insertion reactions proceed in ionic liquid (IL) solvents without the need of a catalyst. These reactions now provide important new, high-yield synthetic pathways to functionalized decaborane and ortho-carborane clusters. As illustrated by the synthesis of n-B18H22, ILs can also provide an inert reaction medium for carrying out dehydrocondensation reactions leading to higher fused cage compounds.
Iridium-catalyzed borylation of arenes and heteroarenes via C-H activation
Authors: Ishiyama Tatsuo , Miyaura Norio
Published: July 2006

Direct C-H borylation of aromatic compounds catalyzed by a transition-metal complex was studied as an economical protocol for the synthesis of aromatic boron derivatives. Iridium complexes generated from Ir(I) precursors and 2,2'-bipyridine ligands efficiently catalyzed the reactions of arenes and heteroarenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron or pinacolborane to produce a variety of aryl- and heteroarylboron compounds. The catalytic cycle involves the formation of a tris(boryl)iridium(III) species and its oxidative addition to an aromatic C-H bond.
Boron as a key component for new π-electron materials
Authors: Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: July 2006

For the molecular design of new π-electron materials, the incorporation of main group elements into the π-conjugated frameworks is a powerful approach to modifying the nature of the parent π-conjugated systems. In particular, the group 13 boron is of interest, since the boron element has several characteristic features, such as an effective orbital interaction with the π-conjugated frameworks through the vacant p-orbital (i.e., pπ-π* conjugation), high Lewis acidity, and trigonal planar geometry. By exploiting these features of the boron atom, we have designed and synthesized several types of new π-electron materials, including trianthrylborane- or dibenzoborole-based π-conjugated systems as a new fluoride ion sensor, boryl-substituted thienylthiazole as a new building unit for electron-transporting materials, and B,B',B''-trianthrylborazine (B3N3)-based materials as a model of the bundled system of π-conjugated frameworks.
Carotenoid oxidation products: From villain to saviour?
Authors: Carail Michel , Caris-Veyrat Catherine
Published: July 2006

Carotenoid oxidation products have various structures, among which epoxides and apo- or seco-carotenoids are the two main families. Although both these compound types are widely found in the natural world, the sensitivity of carotenoids to oxidation means they can also be an unwanted presence in in vitro assays. On the other hand, carotenoid oxidation products have also provided chemists with useful chemical tools for the structural identification of carotenoids, and in the natural world they are important biological mediators for plants and animals. In vitro, carotenoid oxidation products have been found to exert various effects which are either potentially beneficial or, on the contrary, detrimental to human health. However, to date, few carotenoid oxidation products have been found in humans.

In order to isolate and characterize carotenoid oxidation products and identify their mechanism of formation, we set up two chemical oxidation systems. Lycopene was oxidized with potassium permanganate in a biphasic system to produce the fullest possible range of apo-lycopenals and some diapocarotene-dials. Biomimetic chemical systems of a heminic enzyme center were shown to oxidize lycopene and β-carotene into different families of molecules. Analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array-UV/vis detector and a mass spectrometry detector (HPLC-DAD-MS) was used to gain insight into the possible mechanisms of formation of the carotenoid oxidation products formed by these biomimetic systems.
Solvent conformation and ion solvation: From molecular to ionic liquids
Authors: Ishiguro Shin-ichi , Umebayashi Yasuhiro , Fujii Kenta , Kanzaki Ryo
Published: July 2006

Metal ions are solvated in solution, and, in a sterically congested organic solvent, those solvent molecules that are simultaneously bound to the metal ion will be subject to consequential steric interactions through space. The molecular structure of a solvent, particularly that of any functional groups in the vicinity of the coordinating atom to the metal ion, plays a key role in the solvation steric effect. Weak solvation steric effects lead to a distorted octahedral structure for six-coordinate transition-metal(II) ions, whereas strong steric effects lead to a decreased solvation number. In particular cases, the conformation of a solvent may undergo a change in response to coordination to the metal ion. Solvation steric effects play a decisive role in reaction thermodynamics and kinetics of the metal ion. Here, we show our recent results on solvation steric effects in terms of structure and thermodynamics, particularly, the conformational change of solvent and its effect on the metal-ion complexation.
Specific ion effects in liquids, in biological systems, and at interfaces
Authors: Kunz Werner
Published: July 2006

A short review is given of current knowledge of ion effects in solutions, at interfaces, and in complex colloidal systems. Further to some key experiments, recent and new theoretical approaches are discussed and references of most important papers are given. Finally, an example of a dissipative, self-organizing system involving electrolyte solutions is mentioned.
Lack of Comparability of Intact Parathyroid Hormone Measurements among Commercial Assays for End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: Implication for Treatment Decisions
Authors: Cantor Tom , Yang Zan , Caraiani Nicolae , Ilamathi Ekambaram
Published: July 2006

Background: Variability among assays used to measure intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) is of particular concern because of the routine use of iPTH assay results to guide management of osteodystrophy and calcium metabolism in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which results from commercially available iPTH assays diverge from results obtained with the Nichols Allegro® Intact PTH immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), which was used as evidence in the development of the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Methods: We divided EDTA plasma from 46 dialysis patients with ESRD and measured iPTH values with the following commercially available iPTH assays: Nichols’ Allegro iPTH IRMA, Nichols Advantage® iPTH immunochemiluminescent assay (ICMA), Scantibodies’ Total Intact PTH™ IRMA, DiaSorin’s N-tact® iPTH IRMA, DPC’s Coat-A-Count® iPTH IRMA, Roche’s Elecsys® iPTH ICMA, and DSL’s Active® iPTH IRMA.

Results: Method comparison showed considerable interassay differences in the measurement of iPTH in ESRD patients. IPTH values assessed by other methods ranged, on average, from 60% to 152% of the Nichols Allegro IRMA values. Of the 6 iPTH assays tested, only the Scantibodies Total Intact PT IRMA (P = 0.7554) and the Roche Elecsys iPTH ICMA (P = 0.1327) resulted in iPTH values not statistically different from those obtained with the Nichols Allegro iPTH IRMA.

Conclusions: Noncomparability among iPTH assays remains a distinct problem for the management of ESRD patients. These results should be taken into consideration when determining the course of medical treatment based on measured iPTH concentrations
The Role of Avoidance Coping in the Disclosure of Trauma
Authors: Kenardy Justin , Tan Li-Jen
Published: July 2006

Little research has been undertaken to examine the empirical basis of commonly applied methods of posttrauma intervention. We propose that Pennebaker's work on structured disclosure of trauma provides a suitable analogue to explore questions of interest. The present study asks whether avoidance coping is likely to interfere with abbreviated disclosure of traumatic experiences. Subjects were 118 college students randomly allocated to either a one-session or four-session written trauma-disclosure condition. At 2 months postdisclosure, subjects with high avoidance coping within the one-session condition exhibited significantly more trauma-specific and physical symptoms than all other subjects. Avoidance coping significantly predicted trauma-specific symptoms at 2 months. These findings suggest that single session traumatic disclosure may not be useful for individuals with an avoidance style of coping.
One- or Two-Stage Palate Closure in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Comparing Cephalometric and Occlusal Outcomes
Authors: Stein Silke , Dunsche Anton , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Härle Franz , Jonas Irmtrud
Published: July 2006

Objective:

To assess facial growth and dentoalveolar development in two groups of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Primary surgical treatment differed in the timing of hard palate closure.

Design:

Forty-three patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were examined. Twenty-two patients underwent early one-stage closure of the hard and soft palate cleft (mean age 23.0 ± 4.7 months); in 21 patients, the hard palate closure was delayed to 86.3 ± 39.2 months of age. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were consecutively analyzed at four stages between 6 and 18 years of age.

Results:

Lateral cephalometric analysis revealed no significant intergroup differences in the sagittal and vertical craniofacial dimensions at any time. Dental cast analysis showed constriction of the upper anterior arch width at the ages of 6 and 10 years in patients with one-stage surgical palate closure, but a difference could no longer be verified at the ages of 15 and 18 years.

Conclusions:

The transverse distances in the upper jaw developed initially more positively in the group with delayed hard palate closure, but it became apparent later that the transverse deficiency after one-stage palate closure could be compensated for. When considering surgical treatment in general, the advantages of the delayed hard palate closure must be weighed against criteria favoring the early one-stage closure of the hard and soft palate.
Stabilization of α-glucosidase in organic solvents by immobilization on macroporous poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) with different surface characteristics
Authors: Prodanovic Radivoje , Milosavic Nenad , Jovanovic Slobodan , Cirkovic-Velickovic Tanja , Vujcic Zoran , Jankov Ratko
Published: July 2006

?-Glucosidase from baker?s yeast was immobilized on macroporous copolymers of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate, poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) with various surface characteristics and pore sizes ranging from 44 nm to 270 nm. Immobilization was done by glutaraldehyde on the copolymer previously modified with 1,2-diaminoethane. The specific activity of the obtained immobilized enzyme varied from 27 to 81 U/g, depending on the employed copolymer. The half lives of the immobilized enzyme in cosolvents were influenced by the surface characteristics of the copolymer, ranging from 60 to 150 min in 35% methanol and from 10 to 44 min in 45% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). The best stabilities were obtained when the enzyme was immobilized onto a copolymer having a pore size of 48 nm in methanol and 270 nm in DMSO.
UV-induced reaction kinetics in dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers with incorporated photosensitizers
Authors: Markovic Dejan
Published: July 2006

Mixed insoluble monolayers (Langmuir films) of 1,2-di-O-linoleoyl-3-sn-phosphatidylcholine (1,2-DLPC) and incorporated benzophenone-type photosensitizers at an air-water interface were exposed to prolonged UV-irradiation. The irradiation was initiated at a particular fixed molecular packing value. Changes of the surface pressure during the UV-induced photolysis of the sensitizers were plotted against the irradiation time and the results were interpreted in terms of the molecular lipid/sensitizer ratios inside the monolayers.
Voltammetric albumin quantification based on its interaction with carminic acid
Authors: Sun Wei , Han Yunying , Jiao Kui
Published: July 2006

In a weak acidic Britton-Robinson (B-R) buffer of pH 4.0, human serum albumin (HSA) can react rapidly with carminic acid (CAA) to form a supramolecular complex. Microelectrostatic fields in the molecular structure of HSA cause the electrostatic binding reaction of the positively charged CAA with the negatively charged HSA. CAA has a sensitive, second order derivative linear sweep voltammetric reductive peak at - 0.54 V (vs. SCE) on a dropping mercury electrode (DME). After the addition of HSA to a CAA solution, the reductive peak current of CAA decreased without a shift of the peak potential. Based on the decrease of the peak current, a sensitive voltammetric method for the determination of microamounts of the protein is proposed. The conditions for the binding reaction and the voltammetric detection were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the decrease of the voltammetric detection were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the decrease of the voltammetric peak current was in proportion to the quantity of HSA in the range of 2.0 to 70.0 mg l-1, with a linear regression equation ?Ip"(nA)=11.74 C (mg l-1)-12.33 and a detection limit of 2.0 mg l-1 (3?). The method was further applied to the detection of different kinds of proteins, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), oval albunim (OVA), lipase, etc. The established method was further applied to the determination of the albumin content in human serum samples and the results obtained by this method were in good agreement with the traditional Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 (CBB G-250) spectrophotometric method. The binding mechanism is discussed and the binding ratio was calculated from the voltammetric data.
Prediction of the particle circulation rate in a draft tube spouted bed suspension dryer
Authors: Arsenijevic Zorana , Grbavcic Zeljko , Garic-Grulovic Radmila
Published: July 2006

A model for predicting the particle circulation rate in a draft tube spouted bed dryer with inert particles is proposed and verified. The calculation algorithm requires three input values: the gas velocity in the draft tube one data point for the static pressure in the draft tube, and the pressure gradient in the annulus. The particle circulation rate can be estimated by solving the continuity and momentum equations for turbulent accelerating two-phase flow. The numerical solution is based on an iterative procedure until the assumed value of the particle circulation rate produces the prescribed value of the fluid static pressure at a certain axial position. Experiments were performed in a cylindrical column of 215 mm diameter with a draft tube of 70 mm diameter and length of 900 mm. Polyetylene pellets were used as the inert particles with a diameter of 3.3 mm, a density of 921 kg/m3 and a sphericity of 0.873. The model predictions of the particle circulation rate are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Pulmonary thromboembolism associated with renal insufficiency due to renal artery thrombosis
Authors: Vucicevic-Trobok Jadranka , Trifkovic Miroslava , Bogdanov Biljana , Klem Istvan
Published: July 2006

Pulmonary thromboembolism is a clinical and pathophysiological condition caused by occlusion of pulmonary arteries by thrombotic embolus. Deep venous thrombosis needn't necessarily be evident. Acute renal insufficiency is a syndrome manifested by rapid decrease or even complete urinary retention which may be due to obturation of renal arteries by a thrombus. The condition is clinically manifested by hematuria, oliguria, anuria and death due to uremia. Case Report The patient had a history of disease and a chest X-ray finding both irrelevant for establishing the working diagnosis. Blood gas analysis presented prominent hypoxemia with hyperventilation and ECG finding exhibited right heart overload, pointing to pulmonary thromboembolism. On the third day of treatment with heparin, the patient developed hematuria, oliguria and excessive elevation of nitrogen in blood as a sign of acute renal insufficiency, leading to fatal outcome. Autopsy revealed deep venous thrombosis of the left femoral vein, with massive pulmonary thromboembolism and thrombosis of both femoral arteries, inducing acute renal failure. Discussion Although the patient had a typical radiologic presentation of pulmonary thromboembolism, treatment with heparin was initiated on the basis of his blood gas analysis and ECG findings. Deep venous thrombosis was not clinically evident and acute renal failure could not be explained during patient's lifetime. Conclusion This is a rare case of acute renal failure due to a rare occurrence of bilateral acute thrombosis of renal arteries.
Kyrle's disease
Authors: Golusin Zoran , Poljacki Mirjana , Matovic Ljubinka , Tasic Sinisa , Vuckovic Nada
Published: July 2006

Hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis in cuten penetrans known as Kyrle's disease is a recessive hereditary genodermatosis. Generally, Kyrle's disease appears between 30 to 50 years of age and women are affected more than men. Case report We report a case of a 40-year-old man, a worker in a cement factory, who noticed the first skin lesions six years ago. Those were follicular papules on the left leg. He had been in good health beforehand although an alcoholic for many years. Based on laboratory and other findings, chronic hepatitis was diagnosed. Histopathological analysis of skin lesions showed presence of hyperkeratosis and partial parakeratosis with acanthosis of the epidermis. Discussion Kyrle's disease is classified among the perforating dermatoses with perforating folliculitis, perforating serpiginous elastosis and perforating reactive collagenosis. Kyrle's disease is often associated with hepatic, renal or diabetic disorders, and may be a paraneoplastic disease. Conclusion The course of this disease is chronic. If the associated diseases are treated, patients may have a better prognosis.
Distribution and density of conjunctival goblet cells
Authors: Vujkovic Vesna , Mikac Gostimir , Kozomara Risto
Published: July 2006

There is a regional variation in conjunctival goblet cell distribution and density per unit of measurement. By secreting mucin goblet cells are involved in formation of tear film. Tear film instability is the basic sign of dry eye syndrome. Although dry eye syndrome can be a side effect of a disease, the most common cause is normal aging. The objective of the research was to determine goblet cell density in bulbar and lower forniceal conjunctiva and possible changes in goblet cell density related to age and sex. The research was conducted on 30 conjunctival samples of patients with no clinical changes of the conjunctiva. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin eosin (HE), periodic acid-schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB)/PAS Giemsa methods. Goblet cell density was 1.24?1.62 in bulbar conjunctiva and 30.21?14.32 in lower forniceal conjunctiva. Goblet cell distribution in the conjunctiva was unequal. A correlation between goblet cell density and age was not determined. Goblet cell density doesn't decrease with aging. No significant difference in goblet cell density between men and women was established.
Lyme disease: New knowledge regarding its physiopathology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention
Authors: Vukadinov Jovan , Sevic Sinisa , Canak Grozdana , Madle-Samardzija Nadezda , Turkulov Vesna , Doder Radoslava
Published: July 2006

Introduction Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by a spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which manifests as a multisystem disease of the skin nervous system, heart and joints. Recently it is the most common vector-borne disease in Yugoslavia. New epidemiological studies New epidemiological studies revealed that ticks can occasionally be infected not only by Borrelia burgdorferi, but also by some other microbes that can cause diseases in humans. Recently discovered the variable major protein-like sequence, antigenic variation of B. burgdorferi B 31 partly explains the ability of this organism to evade an active immune response. A key role in development of clinical symptoms associated with lyme disease belongs to the connection with ability of B. burgdorferi to induce and activate metallopeptidases and fibrinolytic enzymes, leading to extracellular matrix destruction. Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is made on the basis of clinical picture, exposure to ticks in endemic areas and serologic confirmation. It seems that polymerase chain reaction has little role in detection of B. burgdorferi in urine, blood, and spinal fluid samples, but it is most useful in evaluating the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy of Lyme arthritis. Infectious Diseases Society of America had prepared new guidelines for selective treatment of Lyme disease. Vaccination is still the best way of prevention for people living in high-risk areas.
Bacteriological examination of gallbladder contents
Authors: Petakovic Goran , Korica Milan , Gavrilovic Sava
Published: July 2006

Introduction Acute calculous (obstructive) cholecystitis develops as a consequence of cystic obstruction and obstruction of bile flow into choledochus. Most often it is a result of impacted gallstones in Hartman's pouch or the cystic duct. Their direct pressure on gallbladder mucosa causes ischemia, necrosis and ulceration with consequential wall edema and obstructed venous flow. This mechanism is further increasing and spreading the inflammatory process. Ulcerations may be that extensive, that mucosa is highly recognizable on the microscopic preparation. Leukocyte infiltration of all segments occurs. Results of necrosis are as follows: perforation with pericholecystic abscess formation, fistulization or biliary peritonitis. Aim The aim of this investigation was to use microbial sensitivity tests in order to establish possibilities of antibiotic therapy in patients with acute cholecystitis. Material and methods Using random sampling a total of 240 patients with acute cholecystitis were included in the investigation. They were all treated at the Clinic of Abdominal and Endocrine Surgery of the Clinical Center Novi Sad in the period 1997-1999. All patients underwent bacteriological examination and were coherent in regard to sex and age. Microbial sensitivity tests analyzed two groups of bacteria: Group I Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus and Group II: other isolated bacteria (Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas Serratia and Streptococcus). Results In our material Escherichia coli was isolated in most patients - 32 (55.17%), Klebsiella and Staphylococcus in 6 (10.34%) patients and Streptococcus in 4 (6.90%), whereas other bacteria were infrequent (Citrobacter and Serratia in 3.45%, Enterobacter, Proteus and Pseudomonas in 1.75%). Thus, E. coli, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus were established in 75.85% of bacteriologic findings, and all the rest in 24.15%. Assessment regarding premedication with antibiotics started with an assumption that cholecystitis was caused by one of the bacteria isolated in 75% of cases. That is why antibiotics should be given prior to surgery primarily those to which these bacteria are susceptible in more than 95% of cases. Conclusions E. coli, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus participate with 75.85% of all bacteriologic findings, whereas all the others make 24.15% Amikacin, Cefalexin, Ceftriaxone, Ofloxacin and Pefloxacin are recommended in premedication; considering the fact that new generation antibiotics have not been tested yet, they were not taken into consideration for this study.
Decreased serum prolactin levels accompanied by infection in patients with symptomatology of spontaneous miscarriage
Authors: Mitreski Anita , Radeka Gordana
Published: July 2006

Introduction Previous research indicates that intraovular infections result in dramatic decrease of prolactin serum levels during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess biochemical aspects of pregnancy, including determination of serum prolactin levels in patients with infection. Material and methods The evaluation included patients with symptoms of imminent miscarriage and present, or absent signs of vaginal infection, as well as patients with uncompromised pregnancies, as controls. Results Serum estradiol levels, progesterone and prolactin were decreased in patients with bacterial infections. Discussion The role of prolactin in regulation of pregnancy was discussed, as well as its interactions with other regulatory hormones of pregnancy. Conclusion Serum prolactin levels were decreased (17.68%) in patients with symptoms of imminent miscarriage and current lower genital infection.