bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NOVEL LOW TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS OF CRYSTALLINE POWDERS OF CADMIUM AND ZINC SELENIDES VIA ELECTRON TRANSFER REACTIONS IN ORGANIC SOLUTION
Authors: O'BRIEN PAUL. , CROUCH DAVID. J.
Published: February 2006

Good quality crystalline powders of the II/VI semiconductors ME ( M = Zn or Cd , E = Se ) have been prepared in a "one-pot" wet synthesis from elemental selenium under "Birch"-type conditions using N -methyloctadecylamine as the solvent/electron transfer reagent. The CdSe and ZnSe materials have been characterised by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and their band gaps.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL FERROMAGNETIC ORDERING IN A METAL–ORGANIC MULTILAYER STRUCTURE
Authors: SANYAL M. K. , MUKHOPADHYAY M. K. , DALGLIESH R. M. , LANGRIDGE S.
Published: February 2006

We demonstrate, using spin polarized neutron reflectivity measurements, that one can form a large stack of magnetically decoupled spin-membranes of Gadolinium ions and reduce the effect of the substrate substantially to study short-range two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic ordering. No spontaneous magnetization was observed in these membranes as the magnetic field was applied along an in-plane direction. The results are consistent with theoretical predictions of 2D in-plane spin systems having strong interplay of exchange, magneto-crystalline anisotropy and dipolar interactions. These metal–organic multilayer films will enable us to verify various theoretical predictions regarding spin-fluctuations in 2D systems using conventional magnetic measurements and neutron scattering studies.
THE ROLE OF ULTRA-SMALL MAGNETIC GRAINS IN DISORDERED GRANULAR FERROMAGNETS
Authors: DOKOW AVRAHAM Y. , BARNESS DORON , FRYDMAN AVIAD
Published: February 2006

We present magnetoresistance (MR) measurements on two unique granular ferromagnetic geometries: nanosized granular systems and magnetic tunnel junctions employing a granular electrode. In both systems the saturation fields of the magnetoresistance as well as the MR magnitudes are much larger than that of usual granular films. We interpret these results as being due to the impact of ultrasmall grains. The presence of such nanograins in a random granular array is usually undetectable since their influence on transport, magnetization and magnetoresistance is negligible. Our samples emphasize the role played by these grains leading to a number of unique effects and potential applications.
PHASE FORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF EMBEDDED ALLOY NANOPARTICLES: CASE OF LEAD INDIUM ALLOY PARTICLES IN ALUMINUM
Authors: BHATTACHARYA P. , CHATTOPADHYAY K.
Published: February 2006

The effect of size on the alloying and transformation behavior of multicomponent metallic systems has received very little attention. The present study reports a preliminary result in this direction involving Pb–In nanosized alloy particles embedded in an aluminum matrix. With the help of various techniques including in situ electron microscopy, we show that at small sizes, the Pb–In alloys particles are single-phase solid solution having fcc structure at the composition range covering both Pb and In rich regions. The results of in situ microscopy also indicate that the melting point and roughening behavior of these particles differ from particle to particle. The results are compared with that available for pure Pb particles.
DIP-PEN NANOLITHOGRAPHY USING COLLOIDAL INKS
Authors: JOHN NEENA SUSAN , GUNDIAH GAUTAM , THOMAS P. JOHN , KULKARNI G. U. , HEUN S.
Published: February 2006

Dip-pen nanolithography has been successfully demonstrated with hydrosols of Pd , Au , magnetic γ- Fe 2 O 3 and luminescent Eu 3+ doped LaPO 4 on various substrates such as silicon and mica. The magnetic nature of γ- Fe 2 O 3 patterns has been studied by MFM measurements. The patterns were independently imaged and characterized by employing LEEM and XPEEM.
USE OF SANS AND SAXS IN STUDY OF NANOPARTICLES
Authors: GOYAL P. S. , ASWAL V. K.
Published: February 2006

Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), anong other available techniques, are the nost sought after techniques for studying the sizes and shapes of nanoparticles. The contrast between particle and its surrounding is different for X-rays and neutrons. Thus a combined SANS and SAXS study, at times, provides information about the core and the shell structure of nanoparticles. This paper gives an introduction to the techniques of SANS and SAXS and shows results of a study of core-shell structure for a micelle (nanaoparticle of organic material).
TRANSPORT AND NOISE FEATURES IN AlGaN/GaN FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR WITH NANOMETER-SCALING GATE LENGTH
Authors: VITUSEVICH S. A. , PETRYCHUK M. V. , DANYLYUK S. V. , KURAKIN A. M. , KLEIN N. , LÜTH H. , BELYAEV A. E.
Published: February 2006

The study of low frequency noise in nanoscale gate HEMT structures (L SD /L G >10) has been carried out. Deviation from 1/f dependence has been observed in extended range of frequency and one becomes more pronounced with increase of gate voltage. It is shown that main contribution to the noise stems from the region under the gate and adjacent parts of source-to-gate and gate-to-drain regions. The features observed in the carrier transport and noise spectra are explained within a model based on dynamic redistribution of the electric field along the conducting channel.
FORMATION OF NOVEL Cu3Au ALLOY PHASE UNDER CONFINEMENT
Authors: SARKAR SUBHENDU , DATTA ALOKMAY , CHAKRABORTY PURUSHOTTAM
Published: February 2006

Our present work deals with the formation and thermal behavior of a nonbulk alloy phase confined within about 8 nm across the interfaces of Au/Cu multilayer systems. These multilayers deposited on silicon and float glass by DC magnetron sputtering have been studied by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM). Along with the highly oriented growth of the Cu and Au layers along [111], Cu 3 Au alloy was found to be present only at the Cu/Au interfaces in the nonbulk tetragonal D023 phase. Co -sputtering of Au and Cu under similar conditions produces only conventional fcc Cu 3 Au alloy phases, suggesting that interfacial confinement plays a significant role in producing the novel Cu 3 Au alloy phase in gold/copper multilayers. This novel phase is found to form only when the interfacial width is less than 10 nm. The D023 alloy phase tends to stabilize, rather than transforming to the bulk L12 phase, when the multilayer is vacuum-annealed at 150°C. As alloy formation spreads out of the interfaces (on vacuum annealing at 200°C), the dominant alloy is CuAu , consistent with the Cu:Au atomic ratio averaged over the multilayer.
GATE LENGTH SCALING AND MICROWAVE PERFORMANCE OF DOUBLE GATE NANOTRANSISTORS
Authors: KRANTI ABHINAV , CHUNG TSUNG MING , RASKIN JEAN-PIERRE
Published: February 2006

A detailed analysis of static and dynamic characteristics of deep submicron double and single gate SOI MOSFETs is presented, based on 2D numerical simulations for high frequency analog applications. Results show that although DG MOSFET offers excellent performance with respect to short channel immunity and higher transconductance, it offers nearly two times the value of gate-to-source capacitance as compared to SG devices, thus limiting the cut-off frequency at higher gate voltages. At ultra short channel lengths and low gate overdrive voltages, DG devices show a significant improvement in cut-off frequency compared to SG devices, thus presenting DG nanotransistors as potential candidates for analog microwave applications.
LONG-RANGE FERROMAGNETIC ORDER IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL MONATOMIC Co-CHAINS
Authors: GAMBARDELLA P. , DALLMEYER A. , MAITI K. , MALAGOLI M. C. , EBERHARDT W. , KERN K. , CARBONE C.
Published: February 2006

Magnetism in low dimensions is a challenging problem for long time. As the dimensionality of the systems reduces, the fluctuations become more important and hence, the magnetic ordering tends to decrease. We find that one-dimensional monatomic chains of Co constructed on a Pt substrate exhibit long-range order below a threshold temperature in contrast to various theoretical results and expectations. The Co -chains have large localized orbital moment compared to that in the two-dimensional films and bulk Co . Therefore, the magnetic anisotropy energy is significantly large in this case. Thus, the observation of long-range ferromagnetic order in Co -chains may be attributed to the presence of anisotropy barriers due to the substrate.
BIOLOGICALLY PROGRAMMED SILICON NANOPARTICLES ASSEMBLY
Authors: SINGH D. P. , SRIVASTAVA O. N.
Published: February 2006

Silicon nanoparticles have been assembled to a large extent ≈ 600 nm using a DNA network template. Nanoparticles have been synthesized by thermal vapor deposition technique in 200 torr helium ambient. Heating effect of DNA mixed silicon nanoparticles has been observed and it was found that heating of the solution made the alignment to a very large extent, i.e., of several micrometers.
OVERVIEW OF AFFINE QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: KLAUDER JOHN R.
Published: February 2006

The basic principles of Affine Quantum Gravity are presented in a pedagogical style with a limited number of equations.
APPLICATIONS OF THE GAUGE PRINCIPLE TO GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS
Authors: CHAMSEDDINE ALI H.
Published: February 2006

The idea of applying the gauge principle to formulate the general theory of relativity started with Utiyama in 1956. In this article, various applications of the gauge principle applied to different aspects of the gravitational interactions, are reviewed.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCAPSULES
Authors: Vinogradova Olga I. , Lebedeva Olga V. , Kim Byoung-Suhk
Published: February 2006

▪ Abstract  In recent years microcapsule systems have found applications in many areas of science and technology. Their use to a large extent depends on how mechanical properties are understood and controlled. Here we review different experimental techniques recently developed to probe microcapsule mechanics and to characterize other physical properties of the shell material and capsule interior. We illustrate the potential of these experimental techniques and theoretical models by using data obtained for polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules, one of the most promising systems that shows extremely rich behavior. Applications and/or extensions of methods to study other capsule systems, including bioengineered composites and even living cells, would be straightforward.
Is there anything “autonomous” in the nervous system?
Authors: Rasia-Filho Alberto A.
Published: February 2006

The terms “autonomous” or “vegetative” are currently used to identify one part of the nervous system composed of sympathetic, parasympathetic, and gastrointestinal divisions. However, the concepts that are under the literal meaning of these words can lead to misconceptions about the actual nervous organization. Some clear-cut examples indicate that no element shows “autonomy” in an integrated body. Nor are they solely “passive” or generated “without mental elaboration.” In addition, to be ”not consciously controlled“ is not a unique attribute of these components. Another term that could be proposed is “homeostatic nervous system” for providing conditions to the execution of behaviors and maintenance of the internal milieu within normal ranges. But, not all homeostatic conditions are under the direct influence of these groups of neurons, and some situations clearly impose different ranges for some variables that are adaptative (or hazardous) in the tentative of successfully coping with challenging situations. Finally, the name “nervous system for visceral control” emerges as another possibility. Unfortunately, it is not only “viscera” that represent end targets for this specific innervation. Therefore, it is commented that no quite adequate term for the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and gastrointestinal divisions has already been coined. The basic condition for a new term is that it should clearly imply the whole integrated and collaborative functions that the components have in an indivisible organism, including the neuroendocrine, immunological, and respiratory systems. Until that, we can call these parts simply by their own names and avoid terms that are more “convenient” than appropriate.
Toward meaningful learning in undergraduate medical education using concept maps in a PBL pathophysiology course
Authors: Rendas António B. , Fonseca Marta , Pinto Patrícia Rosado
Published: February 2006

Problem-based learning (PBL) is now an established method in undergraduate medical education that aims to develop reasoning skills based on clinical problems. More recently, the use of concept mapping in medical education aims to improve meaningful learning. At the New University of Lisbon, we have been using PBL as a major educational method in a pathophysiology course. In 2003–2004, we started to use Inspiration, a computer-based concept mapping tool, with a single tutorial PBL group. A total of 36 maps were constructed related to short cases, already used in the PBL course, in which a certain number of key nodes were hidden to allow the students to fill in the gaps. The results obtained appear to indicate that the use of concept maps stimulated meaningful learning within a PBL course.
What does one mean by “arterial blood oxygenation?”
Authors: Prakash E. Sankaranarayanan , Madanmohan
Published: February 2006

We used the following question in a large classroom session attended by undergraduate medical students and doctors with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree (240 in all) to test for conceptual understanding as to what constitutes arterial blood oxygenation. The question read as follows: Which one of the following physiological parameters taken alone tells you that arterial blood oxygenation in a critically ill patient is satisfactory? A. [Formula: see text] B. [Formula: see text] C. [Formula: see text] D. [Formula: see text] Only 25 of 240 students correctly indicated that none of the above parameters taken alone could give us this information. Once students turned in their answers, we presented five examples illustrating how none of the above answers could be used alone to assess arterial blood oxygenation. Students were then asked to provide written feedback on their understanding of this topic. The majority of students indicated that they were satisfied that they got rid of a misconception.
Metformin counters the insulin-induced suppression of fatty acid oxidation and stimulation of triacylglycerol storage in rodent skeletal muscle
Authors: Collier Cheryl A. , Bruce Clinton R. , Smith Angela C. , Lopaschuk Gary , Dyck David J.
Published: February 2006

The present study examined the acute effects of metformin on fatty acid (FA) metabolism in oxidative soleus (SOL) and glycolytic epitrochlearis (EPT) rodent muscle. SOL and EPT were incubated for either 30 or 180 min in the absence or presence of 2 mM metformin and with or without insulin (10 mU/ml). Metformin did not alter basal FA metabolism but countered the effects of insulin on FA oxidation and incorporation into triacylglyerol (TAG). Specifically, metformin prevented the insulin-induced suppression of FA oxidation in SOL but did not alter FA incorporation into lipid pools. In contrast, in EPT metformin blunted the incorporation of FA into TAG when insulin was present but did not alter FA oxidation. In SOL, metformin resulted in a 50% increase in AMP-activated protein kinase α2 activity and prevented the insulin-induced increase in malonyl-CoA content. In both fiber types, basal and insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation were not significantly altered by metformin. All effects were similar regardless of whether they were measured after 30 or 180 min. Because increased muscle lipid storage and impaired FA oxidation have been associated with insulin resistance in this tissue, the ability of metformin to reverse these abnormalities in muscle FA metabolism may be a part of the mechanism by which metformin improves glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity. The present data also suggest that increased glucose clearance is not due to its enhanced subsequent oxidation. Additional studies are warranted to determine whether chronic metformin treatment has similar effects on muscle FA metabolism.
Modulation of muscle protein synthesis by insulin is maintained during neonatal endotoxemia
Authors: Orellana Renan A. , O'Connor Pamela M. J. , Bush Jill A. , Suryawan Agus , Thivierge M. Carole , Nguyen Hanh V. , Fiorotto Marta L. , Davis Teresa A.
Published: February 2006

Sepsis promotes insulin resistance and reduces protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of adults. The effect of sepsis on insulin-stimulated muscle protein synthesis has not been determined in neonates, a highly anabolic population that is uniquely sensitive to insulin. Overnight fasted neonatal pigs were infused for 8 h with endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 0 and 10 μg·kg−1·h−1]. Glucose and amino acids were maintained at fasting levels, insulin was clamped at either fasting or fed (2 or 10 μU/ml) levels, and fractional protein synthesis rates were determined at the end of the infusion. LPS infusion induced a septic-like state, as indicated by a sustained elevation in body temperature, heart rate, and cortisol. At fasting insulin levels, LPS reduced fractional protein synthesis rates in gastrocnemius muscle (−26%) but had no effect on the masseter and heart. By contrast, LPS stimulated liver protein synthesis (+28%). Increasing insulin to fed levels accelerated protein synthesis rates in gastrocnemius (controls by +38%, LPS by +60%), masseter (controls by +50%, LPS by +43%), heart (controls by +34%, LPS by +40%), and diaphragm (controls by +54%, LPS by +29%), and the response to insulin was similar in LPS and controls. Insulin did not alter protein synthesis in liver, kidney, or jejunum in either group. These findings suggest that acute endotoxemia lowers basal fasting muscle protein synthesis in neonates but does not alter the response of protein synthesis to insulin.
Neutrophil elastase-initiated EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling counteracts stabilizing effect of autocrine TGF-β on tropoelastin mRNA in lung fibroblasts
Authors: DiCamillo Sandra J. , Yang Shenghong , Panchenko Maria V. , Toselli Paul A. , Naggar Estee F. , Rich Celeste B. , Stone Phillip J. , Nugent Matthew A. , Panchenko Mikhail P.
Published: February 2006

Neutrophil elastase (NE) plays an important role in emphysema, a pulmonary disease associated with excessive elastolysis and ineffective repair of interstitial elastin. Besides its direct elastolytic activity, NE releases soluble epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands and initiates EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling to downregulate tropoelastin mRNA in neonatal rat lung fibroblasts (DiCamillo SJ, Carreras I, Panchenko MV, Stone PJ, Nugent MA, Foster JA, and Panchenko MP. J Biol Chem 277: 18938–18946, 2002). We now report that NE downregulates tropoelastin mRNA in the rat fetal lung fibroblast line RFL-6. The tropoelastin mRNA downregulation is preceded by release of EGF-like and TGF-α-like polypeptides and requires EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling, because it is prevented by the EGFR inhibitor AG1478 and the MEK/ERK uncoupler U0126. Tropoelastin expression in RFL-6 fibroblasts is governed by autocrine TGF-β signaling, because TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor or TGF-β neutralizing antibody dramatically decreases tropoelastin mRNA and protein levels. Half-life of tropoelastin mRNA in RFL-6 cells is >24 h, but it is decreased to ∼8 h by addition of TGF-β neutralizing antibody, EGF, TGF-α, or NE. Tropoelastin mRNA destabilization by NE, EGF, or TGF-α is abolished by AG1478 or U0126. EGF-dependent tropoelastin mRNA downregulation is reversed upon ligand withdrawal, whereas chronic EGF treatment leads to persistent downregulation of tropoelastin mRNA and protein levels and decreases insoluble elastin deposition. We conclude that NE-initiated EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling cascade overrides the autocrine TGF-β signaling on tropoelastin mRNA stability and, therefore, decreases the elastogenic response in RFL-6 fibroblasts. We hypothesize that persistent EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling could impede the TGF-β-induced elastogenesis/elastin repair in the chronically inflamed, elastase/anti-elastase imbalanced lung in emphysema.
Tempol reduces oxidative stress and restores renal dopamine D1-like receptor- G protein coupling and function in hyperglycemic rats
Authors: Marwaha Aditi , Lokhandwala Mustafa F.
Published: February 2006

Dopamine via activation of renal D1-like receptors inhibits the activities of Na-K-ATPase and Na/H exchanger and subsequently increases sodium excretion. Decreased renal dopamine production and sodium excretion are associated with hyperglycemic conditions. We have earlier reported D1-like receptor-G protein uncoupling and reduced response to D1-like receptor activation in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated hyperglycemic rats (Marwaha A, Banday AA, and Lokhandwala MF. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 286: F451–F457, 2004). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia increases basal D1-like receptor serine phosphorylation via activation of the PKC-G protein receptor kinase (GRK) pathway, resulting in loss of D1-like receptor-G protein coupling and function. We observed that STZ-treated rats exhibited oxidative stress as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, PKC activity and expression of PKC-βI- and -δ-isoforms were increased in STZ-treated rats. In addition, in STZ-treated rats there was increased GRK2 translocation to proximal tubular membrane and increased basal serine D1-like receptor phosphorylation. Supplementation with the antioxidant tempol lowered oxidative stress in STZ-treated rats, led to normalization of PKC activity, and prevented GRK2 translocation. Furthermore, tempol supplementation in STZ-treated rats restored D1-like receptor-G protein coupling and inhibition of Na-K-ATPase activity on D1-like receptor agonist stimulation. The functional consequence was the restoration of the natriuretic response to D1-like receptor activation. We conclude that oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia causes an increase in activity and expression of PKC. This leads to translocation of GRK2, subsequent phosphorylation of the D1-like receptor, its uncoupling from G proteins and loss of responsiveness to agonist stimulation.
Dynamics of mobilization and homing of endothelial progenitor cells after acute renal ischemia: modulation by ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Patschan Daniel , Krupincza Krystina , Patschan Susann , Zhang Zhongtao , Hamby Carl , Goligorsky Michael S.
Published: February 2006

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to participate in tissue repair under diverse physiological and pathological conditions. It is unknown whether EPCs are mobilized in response to acute renal injury. The aim of this study was to characterize EPC mobilization and homing in the course of acute renal ischemia. Mice were subjected to unilateral renal artery clamping (UC) for 25 min. At 10 min, 3, 6, 24 h, and 7 days after UC, the pool of circulating and splenic CD34+/Flk-1+ cells within the monocytic population was detected by flow cytometry. For ischemic preconditioning (IPC), the first UC was performed 7 days before the repeated ischemic episode. For EPC detection in the kidney, cryosections were stained for c-Kit+/Tie-2+ cells. The number of circulating EPCs was not significantly affected at any time after UC compared with sham-operated or control mice. IPC did not significantly change the circulating pool of EPCs. Splenectomy performed before UC resulted in a surge of circulating EPCs. Accordingly, splenic EPCs were significantly increased after UC at 3 and 6 h, but not at later times. EPC homing to the spleen was absent in IPC animals. Immunohistochemical analysis of the kidneys showed a sixfold increase in the number of c-Kit+/Tie-2+ cells localized in the medullopapillary region in mice by day 7 after ischemia. Enriched population of c-Kit+/Tie-2+ cells from the medullopapillary parenchyma of Tie-2green fluorescent protein chimeric mice subjected to IPC was isolated and transplanted to wild-type mice with acute renal ischemia. This procedure resulted in the improvement of renal function in recipients. In conclusion, 1) renal ischemia rapidly (within 3–6 h) mobilizes EPCs, which transiently home to the spleen, acting as a temporary reservoir of mobilized EPCs; 2) the late phase of IPC is associated with the mobilization of the splenic pool and accumulation of EPCs in the renal medullopapillary region; and 3) transplantation of EPC-enriched cells from the medullopapillary parenchyma afforded partial renoprotection after renal ischemia, suggesting the role of the recruited EPCs in the functional rescue.
BN phenome: detailed characterization of the cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary systems of the sequenced rat
Authors: Kwitek Anne E. , Jacob Howard J. , Baker John E. , Dwinell Melinda R. , Forster Hubert V. , Greene Andrew S. , Kunert Mary Pat , Lombard Julian H. , Mattson David L. , Pritchard Kirkwood A. , Roman Richard J. , Tonellato Peter J. , Cowley Allen W.
Published: February 2006

The postgenome era has provided resources to link disease phenotypes to the genomic sequence, i.e., creating a disease “phenome.” Our detailed characterization of the sequenced BN rat strain (BN/NHsdMcwi) provides the first concerted effort in creating a direct link between a sequenced genome and its resulting biology. For the BN sequence to be of broad value to investigators, these measures need to be put into the context of the spectrum of the laboratory rats, so that their physiology can be benchmarked against the sequenced BN. As a major step in generating a comprehensive cardiovascular and pulmonary disease phenome, we measured 281 traits related to diseases of the heart, lung, and blood ( http://pga.mcw.edu ) in the sequenced BN. We compared these data with those of the same traits measured across multiple genetic backgrounds, both genders, and differing environments. We show that no single strain, inbred or outbred, can be considered a physiological control strain; what is normal depends on what trait is being measured and the strains' genome backgrounds. We find vast differences between the genders, also dependent on genome background. By combining the values across all strains studied, we generated a “population” mean and normal range of values for each of these traits, which are more genetically representative than the measured values in any single inbred or outbred strain. These data provide a baseline for physiological comparison of traits related to cardiovascular, lung, blood, and renal function in the sequenced BN rats relative to the major strains of rats studied in biomedical research.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Occupational Voice Disorders in Teachers
Authors: Sliwinska-Kowalska M. , Niebudek-Bogusz E. , Fiszer M. , Los-Spychalska T. , Kotylo P. , Sznurowska-Przygocka B. , Modrzewska M.
Published: February 2006

Objective: Occupational voice disorders in Poland account for over 25% of all occupational diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of voice problems in the general population of Polish teachers, and identify risk factors for developing voice pathology. Patients and Methods: The study group comprised 425 female full-time teachers (most of them primary and secondary school, age ranging from 23 to 61 years) and 83 non-teacher women (control) whose jobs did not involve vocal effort, matched for age to the study group. All participants were subjected to a survey using an extensive questionnaire, and to laryngological, phoniatric and videostroboscopic examinations. Results: The overall lifetime vocal symptoms were more frequent in the teachers than in the non-teachers (69 vs. 36%), and in particular it related to permanent and recurrent hoarseness, and dryness in the throat. Mean number of the voice symptoms was 3.21 in teachers and 1.98 in controls (p < 0.001). Abnormal (non-euphonic) voice, neck muscle hypertension during phonation and incorrect resonator function were also significantly more frequent in the teachers. Mean maximum phonation time was shorter in teachers than in the controls (14.3 vs. 15.9 s, p < 0.01). Occupational voice disorders and hyperfunctional dysphonia (that is thought to predispose to such pathology) were found in 32.7% of teachers and 9.6% of control subjects. The probability of developing incomplete glottal closure (odds ratio 13.2x; 95% CI: 1.8–96.8) and hyperfunctional dysphonia (odds ratio 2.7; 95% CI: 1.14–6.44) were significantly higher in the teacher group versus non-teachers. A significant positive relationship was found in teachers between the prevalence of hyperfunctional dysphonia and strained phonation, neck muscle hypertension, instability of voice, self-assessed hyperarousal, and lifetime vocal effort index (years of employment as a teacher × hours of professional activity/week). The prevalence of vocal nodules and incomplete glottal closure were correlated with incorrect phonation technique parameters, but not with psychological factors. No correlation was found with environmental variables, such as classroom temperature, humidity, airborne dust. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported symptoms and clinical signs of voice disorders is around 2–3 times more frequent in Polish female teachers than in non-teachers. Lifetime vocal effort, incorrect technique of phonation and psychological predisposition seem to constitute major risk factors for developing occupational voice disorders.
Reproducibility of the Dutch Version of the Voice Handicap Index
Authors: Hakkesteegt Marieke M. , Wieringa Marjan H. , Gerritsma Elien J. , Feenstra Louw
Published: February 2006

Objective: To investigate the reproducibility of the Dutch translation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) by performing a test-retest study. To determine the relationship between the test-retest differences and the VHI scores. Patients and Methods: A group of 104 patients (56 male, 48 female) with voice complaints completed the VHI twice with a mean interval of 13 days. Results: There were no differences in scores between male and female patients. There was a good correlation between the first and the second measurement (r = 0.95). The difference between two VHI scores of any one patient and the total score were not related. We found that a 14-point difference in total score of the Dutch VHI for 1 patient at two points in time is significant. Conclusion: The Dutch version of the VHI has a good reproducibility. When used for clinical evaluation studies of patients with voice complaints, a difference of 14 points between two measurements is significant.
High-resolution organization of mouse centromeric and pericentromeric DNA
Authors: Kuznetsova I. , Podgornaya O. , Ferguson-Smith M.A.
Published: February 2006

We studied the organization of mouse satellite 3 and 4 (MS3 and MS4) in comparison with major (MaSat) and minor (MiSat) DNA sequences, located in the centromeric and pericentromeric regions of mouse telocentric chromosomes by fiber-FISH. The centromeric region consists of a small block of MiSat and MS3 followed by a pericentromeric block of MaSat with MS4. Inside the block of the long-range cluster, MaSat repeats intermingle mostly with MS4, while MiSat intermingle with MS3. The distribution of GC-rich satellite DNA fragments is less strict than that of AT-rich fragments; it is possible to find MS3 fragments in the MaSat array and MS4 fragments in the MiSat array. The methylation pattern does not fully correspond to one of the four families of satellite DNA (satDNA). In each satDNA fragment only part of the DNA is methylated. MS3 and MS4 are heavily methylated being GC-rich. Pericentomeric satellite DNA fragments are more methylated than centromeric ones. Among the four families of satDNA MS4 is the most methylated while MiSat is methylated only to a minimal extent. Estimation of the average fragment length and average distance between fragments shows that the range of the probes used does not cover the whole centromeric region. The existence of unknown sequences in the mouse centromere is likely.
Antiplatelet Therapy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Holmes Jr. David R.
Published: February 2006

There is intense interest in the relationship between inflammation, thrombosis, platelet aggregation, and hyperlipidemia in patients with coronary artery disease. The specific role of inflammation with its linkage to the coagulation cascade has been well studied. A number of inflammatory markers have been identified which can be used for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Patients with acute coronary syndromes at the time of presentation often have an underlying inflammatory state which needs therapy with antiplatelet regimens including now increasingly frequently clopidogrel in addition to the standard of aspirin. In those patients who are treated medically for their acute coronary syndromes, long-term treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy has been documented to be associated with improved outcome. In patients who undergo an invasive approach with placement of intracoronary stents, the importance of dual antiplatelet therapy is increased. Drug-eluting stents are now used in approximately 90% of all interventional procedures. There is evidence to suggest that while these patients have improved outcome in terms of a decreased need for subsequent procedures to treat restenosis, there is the potential for late subacute stent thrombosis. When late subacute stent thrombosis occurs, it results in mortality or infarction in 40–60% of patients. Dual antiplatelet therapy is therefore recommended for an increasingly longer time in this patient group. At the present time, protocols indicate 3 months for one of the drug-eluting stents and 6 months for the other. However, increasingly longer antiplatelet therapy is being used clinically. Assessment of platelet function during follow-up is as yet early. There are issues about which specific test to use and the definition of platelet hyperreactivity. In the future, more individually targeted therapy may be possible if we can more adequately assess the degree of hyperreactivity and underlying inflammation.
Innervation of the Rat Anterior Abdominal Wall as Shown by Modified Sihler’s Stain
Authors: Calguner Engin , Erdogan Deniz , Elmas Cigdem , Bahcelioglu Meltem , Gozil Rabet , Ayhan Mehmet Suhan
Published: February 2006

Objective: The purpose of this study was to use the modified Sihler’s staining technique to demonstrate detailed distribution of the rat anterior abdominal wall nerves and test the value of Sihler’s technique in demonstrating such a complex muscle-nerve relationship. Materials and Methods: The anterior abdominal walls of 5 Wistar rats were isolated by making a deep incision from the costal arches on each side down to the inguinal region and processed using a modified Sihler’s stain technique. Results: This technique was successfully applied to visualize the innervation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles of the rat. The segmental nerves of T6–L1 and their terminal branches were shown and possible motor and sensory fibers identified. Conclusions: This technique is valuable in understanding the complex nature of final branching of the nerve endings, and it may be useful for studying experimental nerve models.
Early Catheter Removal following Transurethral Prostatectomy: A Study of 431 Patients
Authors: Nakagawa Tatsuo , Toguri Allan G.
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To assess and review catheter removal on the first day after transurethral prostatectomy. Subjects and Methods: The study included 431 consecutive patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy between 2000 and 2003 at a Scarborough General Hospital, Toronto, Canada. The equipment used was a standard resectoscope with a regular loop. No roller ball or other gadget was used. The cutting and coagulation electrical variables were standard at 160 and 60 W for the generator used. The decision to remove the catheters was based on normal vital signs, adequate urine output, absence of clots and acceptable color of the catheter effluent. Results: Catheters were removed in 415 (96.3%) patients on postoperative day 1. Of the 415 patients 332 (80.0%) were discharged on the same day. The criteria for catheter removal on postoperative day 1 were not met in 16 (3.7%) patients and the mean indwelling catheter time was 4.8 ± 2.4 days and the mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 6.2 ± 3.3 days. For the entire group, the mean indwelling catheter time was 1.1 ± 0.8 days and the mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 1.6 ± 1.5 days. Risk factors which predicted delayed removal were age, postoperative bleeding and several comorbidities, that is coronary heart disease, renal insufficiency and Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: Removal of the catheter on the first postoperative day after transurethral prostatectomy seems to be feasible, safe and cost-effective without increasing significant morbidity in selected patients.
Identification of Transcriptionally Active Open Reading Frames within the RD1 Genomic Segment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Amoudy Hanady A. , Al-Turab Mariam B. , Mustafa Abu S.
Published: February 2006

Objective: To identify transcriptionally active open reading frames (ORFs), predicted by bioinformatics, within RD1 genomic segment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods:M. tuberculosis H37Rv was grown in Middlebrook 7H9 medium for 8 weeks and total RNA was isolated using standard procedures. The cDNA was synthesized using first-strand cDNA synthesis kit and general primers provided in the kit [pd (N)6, and/or Not I-d(T)18] as well as forward primers specific for each predicted RD1 ORF. Specific forward and reverse primers in PCR were used to amplify ORF-specific cDNA. The amplified products were identified on the basis of size using agarose gel electrophoresis, and their identity was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: RT-PCR demonstrated expression of 13 of the 14 bioinformatics-predicted ORFs within RD1 genomic segment of M. tuberculosis. However, cDNA synthesis and PCR amplifications of specific products varied with respect to primer requirement and reaction conditions, respectively. All ORFs of <1.5 kb were amplified in standard RT-PCR, whereas several large-size ORFs (>1.5 kb) required internal primers for amplification in semi-nested RT-PCR. The sequencing of RT-PCR-amplified products of ORFs confirmed their identity. Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis of DNA can accurately predict ORFs within M. tuberculosis-specific genomic regions, and RT-PCR is a suitable technique to confirm their expression in bacteria.
Choroidal Metastasis from Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Asproudis Ioannis , Gorezis Spiridon , Stefaniotou Maria , Peschos Dimitrios , Psilas Konstantinos
Published: February 2006

Objective: To report a case of intraocular metastasis from breast carcinoma. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with multifocal ductal adenocarcinoma, grade III, of the left breast presented with blurred vision of the left eye. Funduscopy under pupil dilation in the left eye revealed a plateau-shaped, yellow choroidal focus measuring 4 optic disc diameters and located 3 optic disc diameters below the fovea. The patient was treated with two cycles of docetaxel and capecitabine. One month later the patient’s visual acuity improved. Funduscopy confirmed reduction of oedema. Conclusion: This case shows that impaired vision can be an alarming symptom in a breast cancer patient and a description is given of the morphological features that could help in recognizing the smallest detectable breast cancer metastasis.
Transbronchial Needle Injection: A Systematic Review of a New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Paradigm
Authors: Seymour Christopher W. , Krimsky William S. , Sager Jeffrey , Kruklitis Robert J. , Lund Mark E. , Musani Ali I. , Sterman Daniel H.
Published: February 2006

Background and Objective: Transbronchial needle catheters are commonly used during flexible and rigid bronchoscopy for needle aspiration. The use of these catheters can be expanded by employing the technique of transbronchial needle injection. Methods and Results: By injecting lesions in the airways, peribronchial structures, mediastinum, or lung parenchyma, transbronchial needle injection has been applied to the treatment of lung cancer, inflammatory disorders of the airways, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, as well as bronchopleural fistulas. Diagnostic applications have included the localization of peripheral lung nodules as well as sentinel lymph nodes. Conclusions: Our review defines this bronchoscopic technique and summarizes its various reported applications.
Practical Use of MESNA in Atelectatic Ears and Adhesive Otitis Media
Authors: Yilmaz Metin , Goksu Nebil , Bayramoglu Ismet , Bayazit Yildirim A.
Published: February 2006

Objective: MESNA is a synthetic sulfur compound that produces mucolysis by disrupting disulfide bonds. This study aimed to address indications and technique of MESNA application in otologic surgery, especially in retraction pockets and adhesive otitis media. Methods: MESNA application was performed in 42 ears of 39 patients. The diagnoses were retraction pockets fixed to incudostapedial joint, stapes or promontorium, and adhesive otitis media in 24 and 17 ears, respectively. Calculations were performed according to 24 ears of 23 patients with follow-up data. Results: One or more of the following surgical interventions were performed: MESNA application alone and ventilation tube insertion, reinforcement or mastoidectomy in addition to MESNA application. Sensorineural hearing loss was not encountered after MESNA application. The operation was successful in 79.2%. Overall revision surgery was needed in 20.8% of the ears. In 71.4% of the ears treated with MESNA alone, revision surgery was needed. Conclusion: In the light of our experience, we advocate the use of MESNA in atelectatic ears, because it makes the operation easy and safe by allowing elevation of the tympanic membrane by its mechanical and chemical actions.
Phagocytosis of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Evidence of a Diurnal Rhythm, Involvement of the Cytoskeleton and Interference of Antiviral Drugs
Authors: Irschick Eveline U. , Haas Gertrud , Geiger Markus , Singer Wolfgang , Ritsch-Marte Monika , Konwalinka Günther , Frick Manfred , Göttinger Wolfgang , Huemer Hartwig P.
Published: February 2006

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells provide crucial functions for the maintenance of the retinal environment. We investigated the phagocytotic mechanisms of RPE cells evaluating the question whether particle uptake underlies a diurnal rhythm. Additionally, a possible connection of volume regulation and the phagocytotic function of RPE cells was studied. As antiviral nucleoside analogues influence cell-volume-regulating mechanisms, we tested several antiviral drugs. Cultured primary RPE cells and a permanent cell line (ARPE-19) were tested for uptake of europium-labeled microspheres quantified by time-resolved fluorometry. Cells were also exposed to cyclic illumination or continuous light and dark culture conditions. Inhibitors of cytoskeleton (microtubuli, actin) and osmotic swelling were also tested. Ingested FITC-labeled microparticles were found in phagosomes strongly associated which the cytoskeleton as they could not be easily moved by laser tweezer microscopy. Phagocytosis was observed predominately during dark intervals and was reduced by continuous light exposure. The diurnal rhythm of unsynchronized RPE cultures was abolished by microtubule inhibitors although no inhibition of overall particle uptake by cytoskeletal blockers was observed. Hypoosmotic swelling of RPE also decreased phagocytosis. Acyclovir was found inhibitory in ARPE-19 cells, whereas azidothymidine showed a protracted inhibiting activity on primary RPE cells and ganciclovir was inactive in both cell types. The presence of a diurnal rhythm also in culture indicates genetic determination of light-regulated particle uptake. This mechanism appears to be influenced by the regulation of cell volume and microtubule function. Inhibition of RPE function by antiviral drugs is a novel finding and in accordance with interferences of the tested drugs with cellular chloride channels described earlier. It may give a hint towards possible ocular side effects in the long-term use of nucleoside-analogous substances.
Does Pharmaconutrition with L-Arginine and/or α-Tocopherol Improve the Gut Barrier in Bile Duct Ligated Rats?
Authors: Tuncyurek P. , Sari M. , Firat O. , Mutaf I. , Gulter C. , Tünger A. , Yuce G. , Yilmaz M. , Makay O. , Dayangac M. , Ersin S.
Published: February 2006

Background/Aim: Nitric oxide supplementation and antioxidant therapy modulate gut barrier function, but the relationships between enhanced nitric oxide production, antioxidant administration, and biliary obstruction remain unclear. We evaluated the role of nitric oxide and α-tocopherol supplementation in bile duct ligated rats. Methods: Fifty male Wistar albino rats underwent sham operation (group I; control animals) or bile duct ligation (groups II, III, IV, and V). The ligation groups received the following regimens: standard pellet diet (group II), pellet diet plus intramuscularly administerd α-tocopherol (group III), and L-arginine-enriched pellet diet without (group IV) or with (group V) α-tocopherol. Nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and α-tocopherol concentrations were assessed at the end of 3 weeks. Liver and intestinal samples were scored histologically. Mesenteric lymph node and liver cultures were assessed for bacterial translocation. Results: The liver malondialdehyde concentration was highest in group III. The nitric oxide content in the liver was higher in groups III and V, as were the blood α-tocopherol levels. Bacterial translocation was evident following bile duct ligation, but did not differ among the treatment groups. Intestinal histology revealed that group III had the lowest villus height, that group V had the least villus count, and that group II had the highest mucous cell count. The fibrosis scores were higher in groups IV and V. Conclusions: An obvious effect of α-tocopherol (with or without L-arginine) on the gut barrier could not be demonstrated. Moreover, the L-arginine-enriched diet promoted fibrosis in the liver. Thus, while biliary duct obstruction triggers bacterial translocation, nitric oxide and/or α-tocopherol supplementation did not seem to improve the gut barrier in our model.