bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Rate of Early Restenosis After Carotid Eversion Endarterectomy in Homozygous Carriers of the Normal Mannose-Binding Lectin Genotype
Authors: Rugonfalvi-Kiss Szabolcs , Dósa Edit , Madsen Hans O. , Endrész Valéria , Prohászka Zoltán , Laki Judit , Karádi István , Gönczöl Éva , Selmeci László , Romics László , Füst George , Entz László , Garred Peter
Published: March 2005

Background and Purpose—

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is thought to influence the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease by decreasing the risk of advanced atherosclerosis and by contributing to enhanced ischemia reperfusion injury. Thus, we investigated the role of MBL in restenosis after eversion endarterectomy in patients with severe carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods—

In a prospective study, 123 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy were followed-up by carotid duplex scan (CDS) sonography for 14 months. In a retrospective study, we examined 17 patients and 29 patients, respectively, who had or had not at least 50% restenosis 29 months after carotid eversion endarterectomy. MBL genotypes were analyzed by a polymerase chain reaction-based method, and MBL serum concentrations were measured.

Results—

In the prospective study in the patients homozygous for the normal MBL genotype, CDS values were significantly higher after 14 months of follow-up compared with the values measured 6 weeks after surgery (
P
<0.001). In contrast, only a slight increase was registered in patients carrying MBL variant alleles. The differences were much more pronounced in female than in male patients. Similar differences were observed when patients with high and low MBL serum concentrations were compared. In the retrospective study, a significant increase in the frequency of MBL variant genotypes was observed in patients not experiencing restenosis compared with the patients with restenosis (
P
=0.007).

Conclusions—

These results indicate that reoccurrence of stenosis after carotid endarterectomy is partially genetically determined and imply that MBL contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of this condition.
Universal Approximation Capability of Cascade Correlation for Structures
Authors: Hammer Barbara , Micheli Alessio , Sperduti Alessandro
Published: March 2005

Cascade correlation (CC) constitutes a training method for neural networks that determines the weights as well as the neural architecture during training. Various extensions of CC to structured data have been proposed: recurrent cascade correlation (RCC) for sequences, recursive cascade correlation (RecCC) for tree structures with limited fan-out, and contextual recursive cascade correlation (CRecCC) for rooted directed positional acyclic graphs (DPAGs) with limited fan-in and fan-out. We show that these models possess the universal approximation property in the following sense: given a probability measure P on the input set, every measurable function from sequences into a real vector space can be approximated by a sigmoidal RCC up to any desired degree of accuracy up to inputs of arbitrary small probability. Every measurable function from tree structures with limited fan-out into a real vector space can be approximated by a sigmoidal RecCC with multiplicative neurons up to any desired degree of accuracy up to inputs of arbitrary small probability. For sigmoidal CRecCC networks with multiplicative neurons, we show the universal approximation capability for functions on an important subset of all DPAGs with limited fan-in and fan-out for which a specific linear representation yields unique codes. We give one sufficient structural condition for the latter property, which can easily be tested: the enumeration of ingoing and outgoing edges should becom patible. This property can be fulfilled for every DPAG with fan-in and fan-out two via reenumeration of children and parents, and for larger fan-in and fan-out via an expansion of the fan-in and fan-out and reenumeration of children and parents. In addition, the result can be generalized to the case of input-output isomorphic transductions of structures. Thus, CRecCC networks consti-tute the first neural models for which the universal approximation ca-pability of functions involving fairly general acyclic graph structures is proved.
Reflections on Simulation and Experimentation in the Study of Negotiation
Authors: Wilkenfeld Jonathan
Published: March 2005

This article discusses the application of simulation and experimental techniques to the study of international negotiation and mediation. It explores some of the origins of experimental and simulation work in political science, and some of the particular difficulties facing researchers in this area. As an example of such work, the article discusses a specific experimental design in which a human-computer simulation was used to examine hypotheses pertaining to the impact of mediator style on the processes and outcomes of crisis negotiations. The article ends with a discussion of some of the areas in international negotiation study where simulation and experimental techniques can significantly add to the type of knowledge we can develop from more conventional sources, such as case studies and cross-national empirical analysis.
Social Research and the Study of Mediation: Designing and Implementing Systematic Archival Research
Authors: Bercovitch Jacob
Published: March 2005

As the study of negotiation and mediation has grown rapidly over the last three decades, so have the number of approaches to it. Behavioral scientists of all persuasions bring their ideas and methods to bear on the study of mediation. This paper identifies some of the more significant of these approaches, and argues that many of them are predicated on erroneous, even unrealistic, assumptions. It argues that the best way to conduct research on mediation is to study such behavior in the real, not the simulated, world, and choose data that is directly generated by parties or mediators in conflict. The paper argues for a systematic archival research, and presents the broad outlines of such an approach can be organized and conducted. The findings presented suggest the importance and relevance of this method of research into mediation.
The Concept of Forfeit: Basic Principles
Authors:   Grishin
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Rule of Law in the European CIS States
Authors:   Feldbrugge
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Perspectives on Company Law Reform in Central and Eastern Europe: An Introduction
Authors:   Jersild,   Dragneva
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Liability for Violation of the Law on Advertising: Practice of Application of the Law and its Relationship to General Problems of the Formation of the System of Legislation in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Khokhlov
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Nine Lives of the Russo-Chinese Border Problem
Authors: Ginsburgs
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Polish Law Deals with the Communist Past
Authors: Hofmanski  , Czarnota
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Siniavskii-Daniel Trial: A Thirty Year Perspective
Authors: Feofanov  , Barry
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Recent Cases on Bank Guarantees in Croatian Courts
Authors: Slakoper
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The 1995 Russian Family Code: A New Approach to The Regulation of Family Relations
Authors: Antokolskaya
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Draft The Civil Code of the Russian Federation Part Three Section VII. Private International Law
Authors: Murtagh  , Zhiltsov
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Knell, Mark ed., Economics of Transition. Structural Adjustments and Growth Prospects in Eastern Europe
Authors: van Selm
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
New Trends Regarding the Relationship Between International and National Law (With a Special View Towards the States of Eastern Europe)
Authors: Korkelia
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Legal Education in Russia: Present and Future - an Analysis of the State Educational Standards for Higher Professional Instruction and a Comparison with the European Legal Education Reform Experience
Authors: Ajani
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Law of the Republic of Kazakstan "On the Registration of Transactions Involving Securities"
Authors: Simons
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Overview of Public Participation in the Commonwealth of Independent States
Authors: Stec
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Regaining Independence - Constitutional Aspects: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Authors: Loeber
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Law of Trusts in Russia
Authors: Reid
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
S.A. Avak'ian, Grazhdanstvo Rossiiskoi Federatsii
Authors: Ginsburgs
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Victor M. Sergeyev,The Wild East. Crime and Lawlessness in Post-Communist Russia,M.E.
Authors: Oversloot
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Russia's Law and Practice of Territorial Asylum Outside the CIS Framework
Authors: Ginsburgs
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Status of the Islands in the Russian-Chinese Border Waterways
Authors: Ginsburgs
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Labor Relations of Employees and Managers under Russian and Belarussian Law: A Note
Authors: Scharf
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Hungarian Fiscal System in the Light of the Harmonized European Law: An Overview
Authors: deák
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Pension Rights and Repatriation to the Former Yugoslavia: The Application of International Human Rights Law to Social Welfare Protections
Authors: Helton
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Changeover to the Euro and Russian Law
Authors: Micheler
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
On the Greening of Kazak Legislation
Authors: Novikova  , Brinchuk
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Actualités de la Propriété dans les Pays d'Europe Centrale et Orientale et en Chine: Colloque du 6 Décembre 1996
Authors: Skoda
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Introduction
Authors: Reynolds
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Systems of Legal Regulation of Cross-Border Insolvency: Discussion of a Draft Agreement on International Bankruptcy Procedures in the CIS
Authors: Stepanov
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
A Restatement of the Russian Federation's Insolvency Law: A Guide to the Federal Law on Insolvency
Authors: Brooks
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Treaty Law and Practice in Georgia: A Note
Authors: Korkelia
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Contracting Out Local Public Services in a Transition Economy
Authors: Baar
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Offering of Shares, their Listing on Stock Exchanges, and Disclosing Related Information: Eu Directives Viewed from the Perspective of Croatian Legislation
Authors: Slakoper
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Differential Item Functioning in the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire
Authors: Stump Timothy E. , Monahan Patrick , Mchorney Colleen A.
Published: March 2005

This secondary data analysis investigated differential item functioning (DIF) in the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) across demographic subgroups. The study was conducted at an academic primary care group practice on 3,954 patients aged 60 years and older who completed the SPMSQ during routine office visits. After adjusting for overall cognitive ability, women were more likely than men to respond correctly to name-of-this-place andmother's-maiden-name items. African Americans were more likely than Whites to correctly give their correct telephone numbers. Those with 0 to 8 years of education were less likely to name the current president and correctly answer the serial-threes item than those with 12 or more years of education. Those aged 80 or older were less likely to correctly identify the day of the week than those aged 60 to 69. Future studies seeking to develop newcognitive screening measures should perform DIF analyses in the instrument development phase to eliminate DIF items a priori.
Battery Park City
Authors: Low Setha M. , Taplin Dana H. , Lamb Mike
Published: March 2005

The authors report on an ethnographic study of Battery Park City in summer 2002, less than 1 year after 9/11. They sought to understand the impact of the disaster on this affluent residential enclave across the street from Ground Zero. The research team used rapid ethnographic assessment procedures (REAP), a productive yet relatively inexpensive rapid assessment methodology. The methods included participant observation, on-site interviews with a range of residents, and interviews with public officials and community leaders. The authors evaluate their data within a framework of hypothesized alternative “folk models” through which residents interpreted the rapid community change. Some friends and neighbors had left permanently, and many newresidents arrived the following winter and spring in response to strong rent incentives. Findings include a rise in community activism, lingering fear, and a significant fissure in the community between residents who had survived the disaster and the many new residents.
Fluvastatin in the therapy of acute coronary syndrome: Rationale and design of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (The FACS Trial)[ISRCTN81331696]
Authors: Ostadal Petr , Alan David , Hajek Petr , Vejvoda Jiri , Mates Martin , Blasko Peter , Veselka Josef , Kvapil Milan , Kettner Jiri , Wiendl Martin , Aschermann Ondrej , Slaby Josef , Nemecek Eduard , Holm Frantisek , Rac Marek , Macek Milan , Cepova Jana
Published: March 2005

Background

Activation of inflammatory pathways plays an important contributory role in coronary plaque instability and subsequent rupture, which can lead to the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) represent independent risk factors for further cardiovascular events. Recent evidence indicates that in addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins also decrease levels of inflammatory markers. Previous controlled clinical trials reporting the positive effects of statins in participants with ACS were designed for very early secondary prevention. To our knowledge, no controlled trials have evaluated the potential benefits of statin therapy, beginning immediately at the time of hospital admission. A previous pilot study performed by our group focused on early initiation of cerivastatin therapy. We demonstrated a highly significant reduction in levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and interleukin-6). Based on these preliminary findings, we are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of another statin, fluvastatin, as an early intervention in patients with ACS.

Methods

The FACS-trial (Fluvastatin in the therapy of Acute Coronary Syndrome) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of fluvastatin therapy initiated at the time of hospital admission. The study will enroll 1,000 participants admitted to hospital for ACS (both with and without ST elevation). The primary endpoint for the study is the influence of fluvastatin therapy on levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and interleukin-6) and on pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). A combined secondary endpoint is 30-day and one-year occurrence of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, recurrent symptomatic ischemia, urgent revascularization, and cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

The primary objective of the FACS trial is to demonstrate that statin therapy, when started immediately after hospital admission for ACS, results in reduction of inflammation and improvement of prognosis. This study may contribute to new knowledge regarding therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from ACS and may offer additional clinical indications for the use of statins.
Paircomp, FamilyRelationsII and Cartwheel: tools for interspecific sequence comparison
Authors: Brown C Titus , Xie Yuan , Davidson Eric H , Cameron R Andrew
Published: March 2005

Background

Comparative sequence analysis is an effective and increasingly common way to identify cis-regulatory regions in animal genomes.

Results

We describe three tools for comparative analysis of pairs of BAC-sized genomic regions. Paircomp is a tool that does windowed (ungapped) comparisons of two sequences and reports all matches above a set threshold. FamilyRelationsII is a graphical viewer for comparisons that enables interactive exploration of several different kinds of comparisons. Cartwheel is a Web site and compute-cluster management system used to execute and store comparisons for display by FamilyRelationsII. These tools are specialized for the discovery of cis-regulatory regions in animal genomes. All tools and their source code are freely available at http://family.caltech.edu/.

Conclusion

These tools have been shown to effectively identify regulatory regions in echinoderms, mammals, and nematodes.
Prediction of a common structural scaffold for proteasome lid, COP9-signalosome and eIF3 complexes
Authors: Scheel Hartmut , Hofmann Kay
Published: March 2005

Background

The 'lid' subcomplex of the 26S proteasome and the COP9 signalosome (CSN complex) share a common architecture consisting of six subunits harbouring a so-called PCI domain (p roteasome, C SN, eI F3) at their C-terminus, plus two subunits containing MPN domains (M pr1/P ad1 N-terminal). The translation initiation complex eIF3 also contains PCI- and MPN-domain proteins, but seems to deviate from the 6+2 stoichiometry. Initially, the PCI domain was defined as the region of detectable sequence similarity between the components mentioned above.

Results

During an exhaustive bioinformatical analysis of proteasome components, we detected multiple instances of tetratrico-peptide repeats (TPR) in the N-terminal region of most PCI proteins, suggesting that their homology is not restricted to the PCI domain. We also detected a previously unrecognized PCI domain in the eIF3 component eIF3k, a protein whose 3D-structure has been determined recently. By using profile-guided alignment techniques, we show that the structural elements found in eIF3k are most likely conserved in all PCI proteins, resulting in a structural model for the canonical PCI domain.

Conclusion

Our model predicts that the homology domain PCI is not a true domain in the structural sense but rather consists of two subdomains: a C-terminal 'winged helix' domain with a key role in PCI:PCI interaction, preceded by a helical repeat region. The TPR-like repeats detected in the N-terminal region of PCI proteins most likely form an uninterrupted extension of the repeats found within the PCI domain boundaries. This model allows an interpretation of several puzzling experimental results.
Glycogen synthesis correlates with androgen-dependent growth arrest in prostate cancer
Authors: Schnier Joachim B , Nishi Kayoko , Gumerlock Paul H , Gorin Frederic A , Bradbury E Morton
Published: March 2005

Background

Androgen withdrawal in normal prostate or androgen-dependent prostate cancer is associated with the downregulation of several glycolytic enzymes and with reduced glucose uptake. Although glycogen metabolism is known to regulate the intracellular glucose level its involvement in androgen response has not been studied.

Methods

We investigated the effects of androgen on glycogen phosphorylase (GP), glycogen synthase (GS) and on glycogen accumulation in the androgen-receptor (AR) reconstituted PC3 cell line containing either an empty vector (PC3-AR-V) or vector with HPV-E7 (PC3-AR-E7) and the LNCaP cell line.

Results

Androgen addition in PC3 cells expressing the AR mimics androgen ablation in androgen-dependent prostate cells. Incubation of PC3-AR-V or PC3-AR-E7 cells with the androgen R1881 induced G1 cell cycle arrest within 24 hours and resulted in a gradual cell number reduction over 5 days thereafter, which was accompanied by a 2 to 5 fold increase in glycogen content. 24 hours after androgen-treatment the level of Glucose-6-P (G-6-P) had increased threefold and after 48 hours the GS and GP activities increased twofold. Under this condition inhibition of glycogenolysis with the selective GP inhibitor CP-91149 enhanced the increase in glycogen content and further reduced the cell number. The androgen-dependent LNCaP cells that endogenously express AR responded to androgen withdrawal with growth arrest and increased glycogen content. CP-91149 further increased glycogen content and caused a reduction of cell number.

Conclusion

Increased glycogenesis is part of the androgen receptor-mediated cellular response and blockage of glycogenolysis by the GP inhibitor CP-91149 further increased glycogenesis. The combined use of a GP inhibitor with hormone therapy may increase the efficacy of hormone treatment by decreasing the survival of prostate cancer cells and thereby reducing the chance of cancer recurrence.
Exercise responsive genes measured in peripheral blood of women with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and matched control subjects
Authors: Whistler Toni , Jones James F , Unger Elizabeth R , Vernon Suzanne D
Published: March 2005

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined by debilitating fatigue that is exacerbated by physical or mental exertion. To search for markers of CFS-associated post-exertional fatigue, we measured peripheral blood gene expression profiles of women with CFS and matched controls before and after exercise challenge.

Results

Women with CFS and healthy, age-matched, sedentary controls were exercised on a stationary bicycle at 70% of their predicted maximum workload. Blood was obtained before and after the challenge, total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells, and signal intensity of the labeled cDNA hybridized to a 3800-gene oligonucleotide microarray was measured. We identified differences in gene expression among and between subject groups before and after exercise challenge and evaluated differences in terms of Gene Ontology categories.

Exercise-responsive genes differed between CFS patients and controls. These were in genes classified in chromatin and nucleosome assembly, cytoplasmic vesicles, membrane transport, and G protein-coupled receptor ontologies. Differences in ion transport and ion channel activity were evident at baseline and were exaggerated after exercise, as evidenced by greater numbers of differentially expressed genes in these molecular functions.

Conclusion

These results highlight the potential use of an exercise challenge combined with microarray gene expression analysis in identifying gene ontologies associated with CFS.
Muscle oxygenation trends after tapering in trained cyclists
Authors: Neary J Patrick , McKenzie Donald C , Bhambhani Yagesh N
Published: March 2005

Background

This study examined muscle deoxygenation trends before and after a 7-day taper using non-invasive near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Methods

Eleven cyclists performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max = 4.68 ± 0.57 L·min-1) prior to the study, and then completed two or three high intensity (85–90% VO2max) taper protocols after being randomly assigned to a taper group: T30 (n = 5), T50 (n = 5), or T80 (n = 5) [30%, 50%, 80% reduction in training volume, respectively]. Physiological measurements were recorded during a simulated 20 km time trials (20TT) performed on a set of wind-loaded rollers.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the physiological variables of oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide (VCO2) and heart rate (HR) were not significantly different after tapering, except for a decreased ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2) in T50 (p ≤ 0.05). However, during the 20TT muscle deoxygenation measured continuously in the vastus medialis was significantly lower (-749 ± 324 vs. -1140 ± 465 mV) in T50 after tapering, which was concomitant with a 4.53% improvement (p = 0.057) in 20TT performance time, and a 0.18 L·min-1 (4.5%) increase in VO2. Furthermore, when changes in performance time and tissue deoxygenation (post- minus pre-taper) were plotted (n = 11), a moderately high correlation was found (r = 0.82).

Conclusion

It was concluded that changes in simulated 20TT performance appeared to be related, in part, to changes in muscle deoxygenation following tapering, and that NIRS can be used effectively to monitor muscle deoxygenation during a taper period.
Hand-held echocardiography: added value in clinical cardiological assessment
Authors: Giannotti Giovanna , Mondillo Sergio , Galderisi Maurizio , Barbati Riccardo , Zacà Valerio , Ballo Piercarlo , Agricola Eustachio , Guerrini Francesco
Published: March 2005

Background

The ultrasonic industry has recently produced echocardiographic Hand Held Devices (miniaturized, compact and battery-equipped echocardiographic systems). Their potential usefulness has been successfully assessed in a wide range of clinical conditions. The aim of the study was to verify if the routine use of a basic model of echocardiographic Hand Held Device (HHD) could be an important diagnostic tool during outpatient cardiologic consulting or in non-cardiologic hospital sections.

Methods

87 consecutive patients were included in this study; they underwent routine physical examination, resting ECG and echocardiographic evaluation using a basic model of HHD performed by trained echocardiographists; the cardiologist, whenever possible, formulated a diagnosis. The percentage of subjects in whom the findings were judged reasonably adequate for final diagnostic and therapeutic conclusions was used to quantify the "conclusiveness" of HHD evaluation. Successively, all patients underwent a second echocardiographic evaluation, by an examiner with similar echocardiographic experience, performed using a Standard Echo Device (SED). The agreement between the first and the second echocardiographic exam was also assessed.

Results

Mean examination time was 6.7 ± 1.5 min. using HHD vs. 13.6 ± 2.4 min. using SED. The echocardiographic examination performed using HHD was considered satisfactory in 74/87 patients (85.1% conclusiveness). Among the 74 patients for whom the examination was conclusive, the diagnosis was concordant with that obtained with the SED examination in 62 cases (83.8% agreement).

Conclusion

HHD may generally allow a reliable cardiologic basic evaluation of outpatient or subjects admitted to non-cardiologic sections, more specifically in particular subgroups of patients, with a gain in terms of time, shortening patient waiting lists and reducing healthy costs.
The French Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale: Methodological review
Authors: Myon Eric , Martin Nicolas , Taïeb Charles
Published: March 2005

Background

The AMS is an internationally used health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scale. The aim of this paper is to provide evidence that the French AMS scale measures HRQoL are as valid as other language versions. We also intend to show whether the application of AMS is really limited to aging males only or not. More generally, we like to demonstrate that the AMS scale is a relevant, validated, sensitive instrument to measure HRQoL and change of symptoms in France.

Methods

We performed a representative survey in France to get data AMS scale data. The French data were compared with existing data from other European countries. Only community-based data were used for this comparison.

Results and Discussion

Reliability (here consistency, Cronbach' s alpha) was found to be good and almost identical with other countries. Validity: the internal structure of the AMS (factorial analysis) was sufficiently comparable with the comparison group of other countries in Europe to conclude that the scale really measures the same phenomenon. The sub-scores and total score correlations (Pearson) were high (r = 0.8–0.9) but only somewhat lower among the sub-scales (r = 0.5–0.7). This suggests that the domains are correlated.

The comparison of the French AMS with the generic quality-of-life scale SF-12 showed a good correlation (Pearson r = 0.48 – 0.51) as reported from other countries. We observed also a good correlation between the AMS scale and the depression scale HAD (Pearson r = 0.62).

The analysis of the AMS structure across age groups showed sufficient similarity to suggest that the AMS is also useful for younger age groups.

Conclusion

The French AMS scale is a standardized HRQoL scale with good psychometric characteristics (reliability, validity) as shown for other international versions. We suggest that the AMS scale could be also used in age groups under 40 years to measure and compare HRQoL in males. Since the application of the AMS in younger age was not investigated before, confirmation in future studies is needed.
Impact of tire debris on in vitro and in vivo systems
Authors: Gualtieri Maurizio , Andrioletti Manuela , Mantecca Paride , Vismara Claudio , Camatini Marina
Published: March 2005

Background

It is estimated that over 80% of respirable particulate matter (PM10) in cities comes from road transport and that tire and brake wear are responsible for the 3–7% emission of it. Data on the indicators of environmental impact of tire debris (TD), originated from the tire abrasion on roads, are extremely scarce, even though TD contains chemicals (zinc and organic compounds) which can be released in the environment.

Methods

TD particle morphology was analysed with SEM, TEM and FIB instruments. TD eluates and TD organic extracts were tested at dilution series on human cell lines and Xenopus laevis embryos. 50 and 100 g/L TD were used for the eluates obtained after 24 h at pH 3 and the quantity of zinc present was measured with a ICP-AES. Eluates diluted to 1%, 10%, 50% in culture media and undiluted were used on X. laevis embryos in the FETAX test. HepG2 cells were exposed for 24 h to 0.05 – 50 μg/ml of zinc salt while A549 cells were exposed for 24, 48 and 72 h to 10, 50, 60, or 75 μg/ml of TD extract. X. laevis embryos were exposed to 50, 80, 100, or 120 μg/ml TD extract.

Results

The solution of undiluted 50 g/L TD produced 80.2% mortality (p < 0.01) in X. laevis embryos and this toxic effect was three times greater than that produced by 100 g/L TD. Zn accumulation in HepG2 cells was evident after 4 h exposure. A549 cells exposed to TD organic extract for 72 h presented a modified morphology, a decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in DNA damage as shown by comet assay. The dose 80 μg/ml of TD extract produced 14.6% mortality in X. laevis embryos and 15.9% mortality at 120 μg/ml. Treatment with 80, 100, or 120 μg/ml TD organic extract increased from 14.8% to 37.8% malformed larvae percentages compared to 5.6% in the control.

Conclusion

Since the amount of Zn leached from TD is related to pH, aggregation of particles and elution process, the quantity of TD present in the environment has to be taken into account. Moreover the atmospheric conditions, which may deeply influence the particle properties, have to be considered. The TD organic fraction was toxic for cells and organisms. Thus, because of its chemical components, TD may have a potential environmental impact and has to be further investigated.
Effects of particulate matter on the pulmonary and vascular system: time course in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Gerlofs-Nijland Miriam E , Boere A John F , Leseman Daan LAC , Dormans Jan AMA , Sandström Thomas , Salonen Raimo O , van Bree Leendert , Cassee Flemming R
Published: March 2005

Background

This study was performed within the scope of two multi-center European Commission-funded projects (HEPMEAP and PAMCHAR) concerning source-composition-toxicity relationship for particulate matter (PM) sampled in Europe. The present study aimed to optimize the design for PM in vivo toxicity screening studies in terms of dose and time between a single exposure and the determination of the biological responses in a rat model mimicking human disease resulting in susceptibility to ambient PM. Dust in thoracic PM size-range (aerodynamic diameter <10 μm) was sampled nearby a road tunnel (RTD) using a high volume cascade impactor. Spontaneously hypertensive rats were exposed to urban dust collected in Ottawa, Canada (EHC-93 10 mg/kg of body weight; reference PM) or different RTD doses (0.3, 1, 3, 10 mg/kg of body weight) by intratracheal instillation. Necropsy was performed at 4, 24, or 48 hr after exposure.

Results

The neutrophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased tremendously after exposure to the highest RTD doses or EHC-93. Furthermore, PM exposure slightly affected blood coagulation since there was a small but significant increase in the plasma fibrinogen levels (factor 1.2). Pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress as well as changes in blood coagulation factors and circulating blood cell populations were observed within the range of 3 to 10 mg PM/kg of body weight without significant pulmonary injury.

Conclusion

The optimal dose for determining the toxicity ranking of ambient derived PM samples in spontaneously hypertensive rats is suggested to be between 3 and 10 mg PM/kg of body weight under the conditions used in the present study. At a lower dose only some inflammatory effects were detected, which will probably be too few to be able to discriminate between PM samples while a completely different response pattern was observed with the highest dose. In addition to the dose, a 24-hr interval from exposure to sacrifice seemed appropriate to assess the relative toxic potency of PM since the majority of the health effects were observed one day after PM exposure compared to the other times examined. The aforementioned considerations provide a good basis for conducting PM toxicity screening studies in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Tolerability and adverse events in clinical trials of celecoxib in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of information from company clinical trial reports
Authors: Moore R Andrew , Derry Sheena , Makinson Geoffrey T , McQuay Henry J
Published: March 2005

The objective was to improve understanding of adverse events occurring with celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Data were extracted from company clinical trial reports of randomised trials of celecoxib in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis lasting 2 weeks or more. Outcomes were discontinuations (all cause, lack of efficacy, adverse event, gastrointestinal adverse event), endoscopically detected ulcers, gastrointestinal or cardio-renal events, and major changes in haematological parameters. The main comparisons were celecoxib (all doses) versus placebo, paracetamol (acetaminophen) 4,000 mg daily, rofecoxib 25 mg daily, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (naproxen, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and loxoprofen). For NSAIDs, celecoxib was compared both at all doses and at licensed doses (200 to 400 mg daily). Thirty-one trials included 39,605 randomised patients. Most patients had osteoarthritis and were women of average age 60 years or above. Most trials lasted 12 weeks or more. Doses of celecoxib were 50 to 800 mg/day. Compared with placebo, celecoxib had fewer discontinuations for any cause or for lack of efficacy, fewer serious adverse events, and less nausea. It had more patients with dyspepsia, diarrhoea, oedema, more adverse events that were gastrointestinal or treatment related, and more patients experiencing an adverse event. There were no differences for hypertension, gastrointestinal tolerability, or discontinuations for adverse events. Compared with paracetamol, celecoxib had fewer discontinuations for any cause, for lack of efficacy, or diarrhoea, but no other differences. Compared with rofecoxib, celecoxib had fewer patients with abdominal pain and oedema, but no other differences. Compared with NSAIDs, celecoxib had fewer symptomatic ulcers and bleeds, endoscopically detected ulcers, and discontinuations for adverse events or gastrointestinal adverse events. Fewer patients had any, or a gastrointestinal, or a treatment-related adverse event, or vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, or reduced haemoglobin or haematocrit. Discontinuations for lack of efficacy were higher. No differences were found for all-cause discontinuations, serious adverse events, hypertension, diarrhoea, nausea, oedema, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, or raised creatinine. Company clinical trial reports present much more information than published papers. Adverse event information is clearly presented in company clinical trial reports, which are an ideal source of information for systematic review and meta-analysis.
Interactions between neutrophil-derived antimicrobial peptides and airway epithelial cells
Authors: van Wetering Sandra , Tjabringa G Sandra , Hiemstra Pieter S
Published: March 2005

Most antimicrobial peptides have been discovered based on activity-guided purification procedures, which used assays to determine their antimicrobial activity. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that antimicrobial peptides also exert a range of other functions. Based on these observations, antimicrobial peptides are now not only implicated in host defense against infection but also in other immune reactions, inflammation, and wound-repair processes. The activities of neutrophil defensins and the cathelicidin hCAP-18/LL-37, antimicrobial peptides that are abundantly expressed in the human neutrophil, are the subject of an increasing number of studies. Exposure to neutrophil defensins and hCAP-18/LL-37 results in increases in mediator expression and release, chemotaxis, and proliferation of inflammatory and epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and the mechanisms underlying these effects have been partly elucidated. This review is focused on the effects of neutrophil defensins and hCAP-18/LL-37 on airway epithelial cells.
Estrogen and Estrogen Receptor-β (ERβ)-Selective Ligands Induce Galanin Expression within Gonadotropin Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Immunoreactive Neurons in the Female Rat Brain
Authors: Merchenthaler Istvan , Hoffman Gloria E. , Lane Malcolm V.
Published: March 2005

Among the many factors that integrate the activity of the GnRH neuronal system, estrogens play the most important role. In females, estrogen, in addition to the negative feedback, also exhibits a positive feedback influence upon the activity and output of GnRH neurons to generate the preovulatory LH surge and ovulation. Until recently, the belief has been that the GnRH neurons do not contain estrogen receptors (ERs) and that the action of estrogen upon GnRH neurons is indirect involving several, estrogen-sensitive neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems that trans-synaptically regulate the activity of the GnRH neurons. Based on our recent findings that GnRH neurons of the female rat coexpress galanin, that galanin is a potent GnRH-releasing peptide, and that ERβ is present in GnRH neurons, we have evaluated the effect of 17β-estradiol and two ERβ-selective agonists (WAY-200070, WAY-166818) on the expression of galanin within GnRH neurons. By combining immunocytochemistry for GnRH and in situ hybridization histochemistry for galanin, we demonstrate that 17β-estradiol (20 μg/kg, sc) stimulates galanin expression within GnRH-immunoreactive neurons in a time-dependent manner. A significant increase was observed 2 h after its administration to ovariectomized rats. However, a more robust expression required 3-d treatment regimen. Treatment with the β-selective ligands resulted in similar observations, although no statistical analysis is available for the 2 hr survival. These observations strongly suggest that estrogen and the ERβ-selective ligands stimulate galanin expression within GnRH neurons via ERβ, although an indirect mechanism via interneurons still cannot be ruled out.
Crystal Engineering with [Mo36O112(H2O)16]8− Anion as Nanosized Building Block
Authors: Eda Kazuo , Iriki Yuichi
Published: March 2005

Successfully we prepared crystalline compounds of [Mo36O112(H2O)16]8− ({Mo36}) anion with various α,ω-alkanediamines (Cn-DA, n = 3–11) aiming at crystal engineering with nanosized building blocks. 2-, 1-, and 0-D frameworks of {Mo36} were obtained depending on length of alkane moiety of Cn-DA. These frameworks were linked by Cn-DA molecules (or protonated cations) using hydrogen bonds. In the crystalline compounds with Cn-DA cations of n = 3–5 some fraction of the cations were captured in the hollows of {Mo36}, indicating the ability of {Mo36} as receptor.
Determination of itraconazole in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with solid-phase extraction
Authors: Ohkubo Tadashi , Osanai Takako
Published: March 2005

Background: A practical, simple, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is needed for the determination of itraconazole in clinical plasma samples.

Methods: Itraconazole and bifonazole (internal standard) were extracted from plasma using a C8-bonded solid-phase cartridge, separated by C8 reversed-phase HPLC, and quantified by ultraviolet absorption at 263 nm.

Results: This new method enabled the determination of itraconazole in the concentration range of 10.0-500.0 µg/L. The detection limit of itraconazole was 5.0 µg/L. The mean recovery of itraconazole added to plasma was more than 89.1%, with a coefficient of variation of less than 6.9%.

We applied this method for the determination of plasma itraconazole in volunteers treated daily with a 200 mg oral capsule of itraconazole for four days. We monitored the plasma level of itraconazole for the following 24 h and obtained the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24 ) value of 4358.9 ± 1933.4 µg h/L.

Conclusion: Our new method will be clinically useful for accurately monitoring the plasma concentration of itraconazole in patients under treatment.
Correction and reporting of potassium results in haemolysed samples
Authors: Dimeski Goce , Clague Alan E , Hickman Peter E
Published: March 2005

Background: Potassium is usually the most important analyte affected by in vitro haemolysis and the result obtained may falsely indicate or disguise a life-threatening abnormality and so give rise to inappropriate treatment. The purpose of the study was to provide a solution to the problem of reporting potassium on haemolysed samples, taking into account both clinical needs and analytical concerns (inter-individual and inter-sample variability).

Methods: Using a new procedure that mimics the collection process in an actual clinical setting, haemolysed samples were prepared from 41 volunteers with a range of inter-individual factors - haemoglobin 80-173 g/L, red blood cells 2.42-6.77 x 1012/L, leucocytes 3.0-306 x 109 /L and platelets 31-710 x 109/L - in order to develop a more accurate correction equation using a haemolytic index (HI) corresponding to g Hb/L in plasma.

Results: The mean (range) potassium increase was 0.0036 mmol/L (0.0029-0.0053 mmol/L) per unit HI. The following equation was developed to estimate potassium increase per HI, in order to compensate approximately for potassium leakage in haemolysed samples: Corrected K+=Measured K+ -(HI x 0.004).

Conclusion: The balanced solution is this: instead of reporting the post-haemolysis corrected potassium result a qualitative comment is given, indicating the likely range of the potassium concentration. If the potassium result is in a critically low or high range, it is communicated promptly to the requesting clinician.
An innovation in insert visual reinforcement audiometry in children
Authors: Jayarajan V , Nandi R , Caldicott B
Published: March 2005

Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is an important behavioural test of hearing in young children. The use of insert earphones during VRA provides a reliable method of obtaining ear- and frequency-specific data. Two testers are usually required for this procedure. The first tester operates the audiometer and other controls while the second tester distracts the child with various toys. The paper describes a technique of providing a visual cue to the second tester when a sound stimulus is introduced through the insert earphones.
Triplate fixation
Authors: Cobb J. P. , Ashwood N. , Robbins G. , Witt J. D. , Unwin P. S. , Blunn G.
Published: March 2005

Massive endoprostheses using a cemented intramedullary stem are widely used to allow early resumption of activity after surgery for tumours. The survival of the prosthesis varies with the anatomical site, the type of prosthesis and the mode of fixation. Revision surgery is required in many cases because of aseptic loosening. Insertion of a second cemented endoprosthesis may be difficult because of the poor quality of the remaining bone, and loosening recurs quickly.

We describe a series of 14 patients with triplate fixation in difficult revision or joint-sparing tumour surgery with a minimum follow-up of four years. The triplate design incorporated well within a remodelled cortex to achieve osseomechanical integration with all patients regaining their original level of function within five months.

Our preliminary results suggest that this technique may provide an easy, biomechanically friendly alternative to insertion of a further device with an intramedullary stem, which has a shorter lifespan in revision or joint-sparing tumour surgery. A short segment of bone remaining after resection of a tumour will not accept an intramedullary stem, but may be soundly fixed using this method.
Ulnar focal cortical indentation
Authors: Kazuki K. , Hiroshima K. , Kawahara K.
Published: March 2005

Deformity of the forearm due to growth disturbance of the ulna occurs in a number of conditions such as ulnar deficiency, multiple exostoses, and neurofibromatosis. We report a previously unrecognised form, caused by focal cortical indentation.

We have treated five children with this condition, three girls and two boys; the mean age at presentation was 5 years (2 to 8). The deformity was first recognised about the age of two years, and progressed gradually. The radiological findings were the same in all cases. The focal cortical indentation was seen at the distal end of the ulna with anteromedial bowing and dysplasia. The radial head was dislocated posterolaterally. In one patient the histological findings at the site of indentation were of a fold of tissue resembling periosteum, which interfered with enchondral ossification. Treatment by ulnar lengthening using an external fixator and osteotomy which corrected both the ulnar deformity and reduced the dislocated radial head in two cases gave the best results.
Crystal arthropathy of the lumbar spine
Authors: Mahmud T. , Basu D. , Dyson P. H. P.
Published: March 2005

There have been very few reports in the literature of gout and pseudogout of the spine. We describe six patients who presented with acute sciatica attributable to spinal stenosis with cyst formation in the facet joints. Cytopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of crystal arthropathy in each case.

Specific formation of a synovial cyst was identified pre-operatively by MRI in five patients. In the sixth, the diagnosis was made incidentally during decompressive surgery. Surgical decompression alone was undertaken in four patients. In one with an associated degenerative spondylolisthesis, an additional intertransverse fusion was performed. Another patient had previously undergone a spinal fusion adjacent to the involved spinal segment, and spinal stabilisation was undertaken as well as a decompression.

In addition to standard histological examination material was sent for examination under polarised light which revealed deposition of urate or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in all cases.

It is not possible to diagnose gout and pseudogout of the spine by standard examination of a fixed specimen. However, examining dry specimens under polarised light suggests that crystal arthropathy is a significant aetiological factor in the development of symptomatic spinal stenosis associated with cyst formation in a facet joint.