bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmetic effectiveness of topically applied hydrolysed keratin peptides and lipids derived from wool
Authors: Barba C. , Méndez S. , Roddick‐Lanzilotta A. , Kelly R. , Parra J. L. , Coderch L.
Published: July 2007

Background/purpose: Skin moisturisation, elasticity, feel and appearance can all be improved through the topical application of protein hydrolysates. Recent studies suggest that supplementing intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum can enhance the functioning of the skin.

Methods: In this study, a hydrolysed keratin peptide (molecular weight <1000 Da) was prepared from wool and tested on skin in two different formulations: an aqueous solution and an internal wool lipids (IWL) liposome suspension. In vivo long‐term studies were performed to evaluate the water barrier function of the skin after topical application of different formulations. During the treatment period, hydration and elasticity were determined. A sorption–desorption test was also performed to assess the hygroscopic properties and water‐holding capacity of the different treated skin sites.

Results: Significant differences were found between the control and treated sites, with the treated areas showing an increase in hydration and elasticity as a result of keratin peptide application. Measurements also indicated that the keratin formulations reinforce the skin barrier integrity, improving its water‐holding capacity.

Conclusion: A combination of the keratin peptide with the IWL showed beneficial effects, indicating that this combination is suitable for designing new cosmetics products.
Targeting of Sna3p to the Endosomal Pathway Depends on Its Interaction with Rsp5p and Multivesicular Body Sorting on Its Ubiquitylation
Authors: Stawiecka‐Mirota Marta , Pokrzywa Wojciech , Morvan Joelle , Zoladek Teresa , Haguenauer‐Tsapis Rosine , Urban‐Grimal Danièle , Morsomme Pierre
Published: July 2007

Rsp5p is an ubiquitin (Ub)‐protein ligase of the Nedd4 family that carries WW domains involved in interaction with PPXY‐containing proteins. It plays a key role at several stages of intracellular trafficking, such as Ub‐mediated internalization of endocytic cargoes and Ub‐mediated sorting of membrane proteins to internal vesicles of multivesicular bodies (MVBs), a process that is crucial for their subsequent targeting to the vacuolar lumen. Sna3p is a membrane protein previously described as an Ub‐independent MVB cargo, but proteomic studies have since shown it to be an ubiquitylated protein. Sna3p carries a PPXY motif. We observed that this motif mediates its interaction with Rsp5p WW domains. Mutation of either the Sna3p PPXY motif or the Rsp5p WW3 domain or reduction in the amounts of Rsp5 results in the mistargeting of Sna3p to multiple mobile vesicles and prevents its sorting to the endosomal pathway. This sorting defect appears to occur prior to the defect displayed in rsp5 mutants by other MVB cargoes, which are correctly sorted to the endosomal pathway but missorted to the vacuolar membrane instead of the vacuolar lumen. Sna3p is polyubiquitylated on one target lysine, and a mutant Sna3p lacking its target lysine displays defective MVB sorting. Sna3p undergoes Rsp5‐dependent polyubiquitylation, with K63‐linked Ub chains.
Bacteria‐generated PtdIns(3)P Recruits VAMP8 to Facilitate Phagocytosis
Authors: Dai Shipan , Zhang Ying , Weimbs Thomas , Yaffe Michael B , Zhou Daoguo
Published: July 2007

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium invades non‐phagocytic cells by inducing macropinocytosis. SopB is involved in modulating actin dynamics to promote Salmonella‐induced invasion. We report here that SopB‐generated PtdIns(3)P binds VAMP8/endobrevin to promote efficient bacterial phagocytosis. VAMP8 is recruited to Salmonella‐induced macropinosomes in a nocodazole‐dependent, but Brefeldin A‐independent, manner. We found that VAMP8 directly binds to and colocalizes with PtdIns(3)P. The inositol phosphatase activity of SopB is required for PtdIns(3)P and VAMP8 accumulation, while wortmannin, a specific phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor, has no effect. Knockdown of endogenous VAMP8 by small interfering RNA or expression of a truncated VAMP8 (1–79aa) reduces the invasion level of wild‐type Salmonella to that of the phosphatase‐deficient SopBC460S mutant. Our study demonstrates that Salmonella exploit host SNARE proteins and vesicle trafficking to promote bacterial entry.
Kiss‐and‐run, Collapse and ‘Readily Retrievable’ Vesicles
Authors: Rizzoli Silvio O. , Jahn Reinhard
Published: July 2007

Two models of synaptic vesicle recycling have been intensely debated for decades: kiss‐and‐run, in which the vesicle opens and closes transiently, presumably through a small fusion pore, and full fusion, in which the vesicle collapses into the plasma membrane and is retrieved by clathrin‐coat‐dependent processes. Conceptually, it seems that kiss‐and‐run would be faster and would retrieve vesicles with greater fidelity. Is this the case? This review discusses recent evidence for both models. We conclude that both mechanisms allow for high fidelity of vesicle recycling. Also, the presence in the plasma membrane of a depot of previously fused vesicles that are already interacting with the endocytotic machinery (the ‘readily retrievable’ vesicles) allows full fusion to trigger quite fast endocytosis, further blurring the efficiency differences between the two models.
Microbial changes in patients with acute periodontal abscess after treatment detected by PadoTest
Authors: Eguchi T , Koshy G , Umeda M , Iwanami T , Suga J , Nomura Y , Kawanami M , Ishikawa I
Published: July 2007

Aims:  To investigate changes in bacterial counts in subgingival plaque from patients with acute periodontal abscess by IAI‐PadoTest.

Materials and methods:  Ninety‐one patients were randomly allocated to either test or control groups. In all the patients, pockets with acute periodontal abscess were irrigated with sterilized physiological saline, and in the test group, 2% minocycline hydrochloride ointment was applied once into the pocket in addition. Subgingival plaque samples were collected by paper point before treatment and 7 days after treatment. The total bacterial count was determined and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, andTannerella forsythia, were detected using IAI‐PadoTest, a DNA/RNA probe method.

Results:  The total bacterial count decreased in both groups, with a significant decrease in the test group. The counts and number of sites positive for P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola significantly decreased in the test group after treatment, compared with those in the control group. Pocket depth decreased in the both groups, with a statistically significant decrease in the test group.

Conclusion:  Topical treatment with minocycline in pockets with acute periodontal abscess was effective in reducing the bacterial counts as shown by the microbiological investigation using PadoTest 4.5.
Molecular identification of bacteria on the tongue dorsum of subjects with and without halitosis
Authors: Riggio MP , Lennon A , Rolph HJ , Hodge PJ , Donaldson A , Maxwell AJ , Bagg J
Published: July 2007

Aim:  Compare the microbial profiles on the tongue dorsum in patients with halitosis and control subjects in a UK population using culture‐independent techniques.

Materials and methods:  Halitosis patients were screened according to our recently developed recruitment protocol. Scrapings from the tongue dorsum were obtained for 12 control subjects and 20 halitosis patients. Bacteria were identified by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes.

Results:  The predominant species found in the control samples were Lysobacter‐type species, Streptococcus salivarius, Veillonella dispar, unidentified oral bacterium, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Atopobium parvulum and Veillonella atypica. In the halitosis samples, Lysobacter‐type species, S. salivarius, Prevotella melaninogenica, unidentified oral bacterium, Prevotella veroralis and Prevotella pallens were the most commonly found species. For the control samples, 13–16 (4.7–5.8%) of 276 clones represented uncultured species, whereas in the halitosis samples, this proportion increased to 6.5–9.6% (36–53 of 553 clones). In the control samples, 22 (8.0%) of 276 clones represented potentially novel phylotypes, and in the halitosis samples, this figure was 39 (7.1%) of 553 clones.

Conclusions:  The microflora associated with the tongue dorsum is complex in both the control and halitosis groups, but several key species predominate in both groups.
Clinical oral malodor measurement with a portable sulfide monitor
Authors: Ueno M , Shinada K , Yanagisawa T , Mori C , Yokoyama S , Furukawa S , Takehara S , Kawaguchi Y
Published: July 2007

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical ability of Breathtron® by comparing it with other malodor measurement procedures: the organoleptic test (OT) and gas chromatography (GC).

Subjects and methods:  Patients were 475 patients who visited a fresh breath clinic. Oral malodor was measured with the OT, GC, and Breathtron®. Correlation analysis and two linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship of the Breathtron® values with OT scores and volatile sulfide compound (VSC) concentrations by GC: i.e. the regression of Breathtron® on OT and the regression of Breathtron® on total VSCs by GC. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of Breathtron®.

Results:  The Breathtron® values were significantly correlated with OT and VSCs by GC. In the regression analysis, predicted Breathtron® values were 199.3 and 520.1 ppb for OT scores 1 and 2, and reasonably close to total VSCs by GC between 550 and 750 ppb. The ROC analysis demonstrated that Breathtron® is a useful and valuable adjunct measurement tool.

Conclusions:  Breathtron® is a simple, rapid and reliable appliance for screening oral malodor if an appropriate malodor threshold level is chosen.
Plasma cortisol and norepinephrine in Alzheimer’s disease: opposite relations with recall performance and stage of progression
Authors: Bemelmans Karel J. , Noort Annemarie , de Rijk Roel , Middelkoop Huub A. M. , van Kempen Godfried M. J. , Goekoop Jaap G.
Published: July 2007

Objective:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by effortful retrieval memory impairments, loss of hippocampal neurons and elevated plasma cortisol (CORT) concentrations. The latter could induce further memory decline. AD is also characterized by increased central and peripheral noradrenergic activity. Since noradrenergic function is involved in memory formation, this upregulated function could counteract memory decline. The aim of the present study was to test these hypotheses using plasma norepinephrine (NE) as a noradrenergic parameter, and recall of the prerecency part of neutral valence word lists as a measure of effortful retrieval.

Methods:

Area under the curve (AUC) of morning, midday and afternoon plasma CORT and plasma NE concentrations was related to two measures of recall performance, ie summated recall scores of the prerecency and recency parts of three word lists, and to the stage of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR).

Results:

Partial correlation between each hormone AUC value and prerecency recall performance, controlling for the effect of the other hormone, showed opposite relations between recall and either plasma CORT or NE. Similar stronger correlations were found with the CDR score.

Conclusions:

Plasma CORT and NE are oppositely related with effortful retrieval and the stage of progression in AD.
MMPI-2 clusters of alcohol-dependent patients and the relation to Cloninger’s temperament-character inventory
Authors: Egger Jos I. M. , Gringhuis Marian , Breteler Marinus A. , De Mey Hubert R. A. , Wingbermühle Ellen , Derksen Jan J. L. , Hilberink Sander
Published: July 2007

Objective:

Psychometric research in the field of alcohol dependence has concentrated on identifying certain (personality) characteristics (i.e. typologies). This paper is aimed to identify such typologies and studies the relation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and Cloninger’s temperament-character inventory (TCI).

Method:

To find MMPI-2 scales associated with maximization of group differences between 222 DSM-IV alcohol dependent inpatients and a control group of 222 normal subjects, discriminant analysis was used. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed with these scales, and the MMPI-2 mean scale values of the resulting patient clusters were examined for their TCI-correlates.

Results:

The discriminant analyses showed several MMPI-2 scales that could clearly distinguish between alcohol-dependent patients and the normal controls. Cluster analysis resulted in semantically different MMPI-2 profiles implying qualitatively different groups of patients. When related to TCI scales, these differences revealed harm avoidance, self-directedness, and persistence, amongst others, as important elements in the description of the clusters.

Conclusion:

Evidence for the validity of MMPI-2 constructs as well as those of the TCI in the assessment of alcohol-dependent patients was provided.
Ocular prosthesis: a brief review and fabrication of an ocular prosthesis for a geriatric patient
Authors: Patil Sanjayagouda B. , Meshramkar Roseline , Naveen B. H. , Patil N. P.
Published: July 2007

Objective:  A review of literature for ocular prosthesis is presented along with a case report of a geriatric patient.

Review of literature:  The evolution of ocular prosthesis, materials and methods, fabrication techniques for custom and stock eye prosthesis, delivery and after care for the ocular prosthesis are reviewed.

Case report:  A 74‐year‐old female patient who had undergone enucleation of her right eye was restored with a stock ocular prosthesis.

Conclusion:  The use of stock ocular prosthesis of appropriate contour, size and colour can provide an acceptable aesthetic result.
Influence of bite force and tongue pressure on oro‐pharyngeal residue in the elderly
Authors: Ono Takahiro , Kumakura Isami , Arimoto Mayumi , Hori Kazuhiro , Dong Juan , Iwata Hisayuki , Nokubi Takashi , Tsuga Kazuhiro , Akagawa Yasumasa
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To investigate the influence of maximal bite force, maximal tongue pressure, number of mastications and swallowing on the oro‐pharyngeal residue in the elderly.

Background:  Oro‐pharyngeal residue in the elderly is an indication of dysphagia. Pharyngeal residue is especially critical as it may cause aspiration pneumonia, which is one of the major causes of death in elderly.

Materials and methods:  Videofluorographic recordings were performed on 14 elderly volunteers (six males, eight females, age range 65–93 years) without any history or symptoms of dysphagia. The subjects were instructed to consume 9 g of barium containing bread in two manners; free mastication and swallow (FMS: masticate and swallow freely), and limited mastication and swallow (LMS: swallow once after 30 chewing actions). The amount of oral and pharyngeal residue was evaluated using a 4‐point rating scale. Maximal occlusal force was measured by a pressure sensitive sheet, and maximal tongue pressure using a handy probe. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of these items on the amount of oral and pharyngeal residue in FMS and LMS.

Results:  In FMS, age was found to be a factor which increased oral residue (p = 0.053), and the number of swallowing (p = 0.017) and the state of the prosthesis (p = 0.030) reduced the pharyngeal residue. In LMS, tongue pressure was a factor which reduced oral residue (p = 0.015) and increased pharyngeal residue (p = 0.008).

Conclusion:  It is suggested that in the elderly tongue pressure contributed to propulsion of the food bolus from oral cavity into the pharynx, and multiple swallowing contributed to the reduction in the amount of pharyngeal residue.
Distribution of biofilm on internal and external surfaces of upper complete dentures: the effect of hygiene instruction
Authors: Paranhos Helena de Freitas Oliveira , Da Silva Claudia Helena Lovato , Venezian Giovana Cherubini , Macedo Leandro Dorigan , Souza Raphael Freitas de
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate biofilm distribution over internal and external surfaces of upper complete dentures. It was also aimed at assessing the effect of oral hygiene instructions before and after home use of a disclosing solution.

Materials and methods:  The sample consisted of 29 complete denture wearers whose upper prostheses were evaluated. Surface biofilm was disclosed by means of a 1% neutral red solution and quantified with regard to internal and external surfaces. Oral hygiene information was provided on an individual basis. During the second stage, an amount of disclosing solution was given for domestic use.

Results:  Internal and external surfaces presented a similar amount of biofilm, which was concentrated over the area of the posterior teeth area, palatal rugae and the internal vestibular incline of the distobuccal flange. This pattern was maintained during the study. However, overall amounts were reduced following denture hygiene information. The use of disclosing solution by subjects at home resulted in a further reduction.

Conclusions:  It was concluded that biofilm deposits were similar over assessed surfaces, regardless of the type of procedure but irregular areas presented greater amounts. Oral health instruction was effective in reducing the biofilm, in particular when associated with home use of a disclosing agent.
Emergency medicine in India: Why are we unable to ‘walk the talk’?
Authors: David Suresh S , Vasnaik Mabel , TV Ramakrishnan
Published: July 2007

The largest democracy on earth, the second most populous country and one of the most progressive countries in the globe, India, has advanced tremendously in most conventional fields of Medicine. However, emergency medicine (EM) is a nascent specialty and is yet to receive an identity. Today, it is mostly practised by inadequately trained clinicians in poorly equipped emergency departments (EDs), with no networking. Multiple factors such as the size of the population, variation in standards of medical education, lack of pre‐hospital medical systems and non‐availability of health insurance schemes are some of the salient causes for this tardy response. The Indian medical system is governed by a central, regulatory body which is responsible for the introduction and monitoring of all specialties – the Medical Council of India (MCI). This organisation has not recognized EM as a distinct specialty, despite a decade of dogged attempts. Bright young clinicians who once demonstrated a keen interest in EM have eventually migrated to other conventional branches of medicine, due to the lack of MCI recognition and the lack of specialty status. The Government of India has launched a nationwide network of transport vehicles and first aid stations along the national highways to expedite the transfer of patients from a crash site. However, this system cannot be expected to decrease morbidity and mortality, unless there is a concurrent development of EDs. The present article intends to highlight factors that continue to challenge the handful of dedicated, full time emergency physicians who have tenaciously pursued the cause for the past decade. A three‐pronged synchronous development strategy is recommended: (i) recognise the specialty of EM as a distinct and independent basic specialty; (ii) initiate postgraduate training in EM, thus enabling EDs in all hospitals to be staffed by trained Emergency physicians; and (iii) ensure that EMs are staffed by trained ambulance officers. The time is ripe for a paradigm shift, since the country is aware that emergency care is the felt need of the hour and it is the right of the citizen.
Emergency medicine in Japan. A look at a current university hospital and the problems faced
Authors: Ezaki Takahiro , Hashizume Makoto
Published: July 2007

At present, some outstanding problems regarding Japanese emergency medicine are a serious lack of staff for emergency departments and a great demand for emergency medicine specialists. Medical associations relevant to emergency medicine should collaborate with each other to share what information they have, as well as putting in place provisions to help solve problems associated with emergency medicine. This collaboration should occur nationwide with the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine.
Emergency medicine in modern Europe
Authors: Fleischmann Thomas , Fulde Gordian
Published: July 2007

Emergency medicine in the highly advanced world is traditionally performed in two different ways. The first is the well‐known Anglo‐American system with skilled EDs, and a pre‐hospital emergency medical service utilizing paramedics. The second is the so‐called Franco‐German system, with a highly developed pre‐hospital emergency physician service, but only a basic organization of hospital‐based emergency medicine. This gap is now closing fast because of the rapid advancement of hospital‐based emergency medicine in Europe. Four criteria might be used to measure this: the recognition as a specialty, the specialist training programme, the professional organization of emergency physicians and the presence of academic centres in Europe. Eleven of the 27 European countries recognize hospital‐based emergency medicine as a specialty already. These include Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. Other nations are striving to do so, for example Sweden, France, Germany and Greece. There is no doubt that emergency medicine is gaining momentum and other countries will follow. Training for the specialty of emergency medicine is advanced already. Several curricula presently exist in the respective European countries. A task force, governed by the European Society for Emergency Medicine has been working hard to create a model curriculum for all of Europe, which is expected to be published in 2007. This comprises a 5‐year specialty training, with three of them spent in an ED. The curriculum follows a symptom‐oriented approach to emergency medicine, and includes a skilled description of the key competencies of the future trained emergency physicians. Given the century‐long history of the pre‐hospital emergency physician service in some European countries, a number of professional bodies exist representing pre‐hospital emergency doctors. Within the last few years, ED physicians followed suit forming organizations of their own. In some countries, the next step of amalgamation has occurred, with the merger of EMS and ED emergency physician organizations, although no country has abolished the pre‐hospital emergency physician service. The last milestone, the development of academic emergency centres, has only just started. This process will take some time. The present paper describes the present and future of emergency medicine in some European countries using these criteria.
Accuracy of triage nurses in predicting patient disposition
Authors: Holdgate Anna , Morris Jenny , Fry Margaret , Zecevic Milan
Published: July 2007

Objective:  Increasing demand to reduce patient waiting times and improve patient flow has led to the introduction of a number of strategies such as fast track and patient streaming. The triage nurse is primarily responsible for identifying suitable patients, based on prediction of likely admission or discharge. The aim of the present study was to explore the accuracy with which triage nurses predict patient disposition.

Methods:  Over two separate 1‐week periods, triage nurses at two urban tertiary hospitals electronically recorded in real time whether they thought each patient would be admitted or discharged. The patient's ultimate disposition (admission or discharge), age, sex, diagnostic group, triage category and time of arrival were also recorded.

Results:  In total, 1342 patients were included in the study, of which 36.0% were subsequently admitted. Overall, the triage nurse correctly predicted the disposition in 75.7% of patients (95% CI: 73.2–78.0). Nurses were more accurate at predicting discharge than admission (83.3% vs 65.1%, P = 0.04). Triage nurses were most accurate at predicting admission in patients with higher triage categories and most accurate at predicting discharge in patients with injuries and febrile illnesses (89.6%, 95% CI: 85.6–92.6). Predicted discharge was least accurate for patients with cardiovascular disease, with 41.1% (95% CI: 26.4–57.8) of predicted discharges in this category subsequently requiring admission.

Conclusion:  Triage nurses can accurately predict likely discharge in specific subgroups of ED patients. This supports the role of triage nurses in appropriately identifying patients suitable for ‘fast track’ or streaming.
Chronic pancreatitis complicated by pancreaticopericardial fistula
Authors: Ching Siok‐Siong , Rao Milind M. , Ali Ased , Yeluri Sashidhar , Chalmers Alan G. , McMahon Michael J.
Published: July 2007

Pancreaticopericardial fistula is an extremely rare complication of chronic pancreatitis with few reported cases. A 45‐year‐old man with a history of chronic pancreatitis presented with dyspnoea and chest pain. On examination, there were signs of pyrexia, tachycardia, tachypnoea and hypotension. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a fistulous tract arising from the tail of the pancreas and extending through the diaphragmatic hiatus into the posterior mediastinum and the pericardial sac. Initial conservative treatment with antibiotics, octreotide (a somatostatin analogue), and nasojejunal feeding led to resolution of the fistula. The patient subsequently underwent an elective Roux‐en‐Y pancreaticojejunostomy 1 month later. The operation was performed without complication and he has remained symptom free during follow‐up. We present this rare complication of chronic pancreatitis and review the relevant literature.
Rare primary malignant melanoma of the lung
Authors: Lo Cheuk‐Kin , Cheung Stella O.Y. , Zhu Tung , Ma Chan‐Chung , Ko Kai‐Ming , Ho Kwok‐Keung
Published: July 2007

Primary malignant melanoma of the lung is a very rare but very aggressive tumour. We report two patients who had primary malignant melanoma of the lung and underwent surgical resection in our hospital. Both of them had lymph node metastases and received postoperative adjuvant therapy. They died of tumour recurrence in 12 and 37 months. Management of this uncommon tumour is difficult and has not been standardized, but surgical resection is the only treatment option.
Bleeding from the ampulla of Vater in a patient with pancreatitis: Hallmark of haemosuccus pancreaticus
Authors: Mohindra Samir , Kumar Rakesh , Mohindra Namita , Patel Kailash , Kapoor Sorabh , Pruthi Harjeet S.
Published: July 2007

Pseudoaneurysm of peri‐pancreatic vessels is usually associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis. Rupture of these pseudoaneurysms presents with massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Due to the intermittent nature of bleeding, active bleeding from the ampulla of Vater is rarely visible on endoscopy. We report a case of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with acute pancreatitis that presented with massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage. At endoscopy, ongoing bleeding from the ampulla of Vater was visible (haemosuccus pancreaticus). The patient was successfully managed by angioembolization. Hemosuccus pancreaticus due to ruptured peripancreatic aneurysm may complicate the course of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Active bleeding, rarely seen on endoscopy, is characteristic. Most cases can be safely managed with angiography and embolization.
Perigastric lymph node metastasis does not affect the survival of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus treated with two‐field oesophagectomy
Authors: Hon Sok‐Fei , Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan , Mui Wilfred Lik‐Man , Cheung Frances Ka‐Yin , Yung Man‐Yee , Lam Candice Chuen‐Hing , Au Yeung Alex Chi‐Man , Siu Wing‐Tai , Ng Enders Kwok‐Wai
Published: July 2007

Aim:  There are some discrepancies as to the prognostic value of perigastric lymph node (LN) metastasis in the survival of squamous oesophageal carcinoma. The present study aimed to compare survival following standard oesophagectomy in the treatment of squamous oesophageal carcinoma with or without perigastric abdominal LN metastasis.

Methods:  From 1998 to 2003, 17 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mid or lower oesophagus who had abdominal LN metastasis upon pathological examination underwent Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy. They did not receive further adjuvant therapy. The clinical outcomes of this cohort were compared to a control of 34 patients of similar age, gender and T staging who had no perigastric nodal diseases upon oesophagectomy.

Results:  There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the demographics, tumour size, differentiation of the tumour, duration of operation, volume of blood loss, and the type of oesophagectomy. The cumulative 3‐year survival rate was similar between those with abdominal LN metastasis or those without abdominal LN metastasis (52.9% vs 47.1%; log–rank test P = 0.61).There was also no significant difference in the rates of recurrence between the two groups (58.8% vs 58.8%; P = 0.1).

Conclusions:  Perigastric LN metastasis over the lesser curvature, left gastric artery and pericardial regions does not affect the survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus treated by two‐field oesophagectomy.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early neoplasia of foregut: Current development
Authors: Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan , Ng Enders Kwok‐Wai , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: July 2007

In the past, conventional techniques of endoscopic resection, including endoscopic mucosal resection, were limited by the size of the specimen obtained, the obscurity of the resection and the uncertainty of the resection margins in piecemeal resection for early cancer of the foregut. Endoscopic submucosal dissection emerged as a novel technique of mucosal resection which can achieve a curative resection for early cancer of the foregut with a wide margin. The current article focused on a review of the application of endoscopic submucosal dissection in treating early cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Detailed description of developmental growth stages of Diplocarpon rosae in Rosa: a core building block for efficient disease management
Authors: Gachomo E.W. , Kotchoni S.O.
Published: July 2007

Black spot disease of roses caused by the ascomycetous fungus Diplocarpon rosae teleomorph (Marssonina rosae anamorph) is a widespread and devastating disease. Despite considerable progress in the management of black spot disease in the recent years, it is still unclear by which mechanisms this fungus colonises and invades the host system, and without a good knowledge of such infection machineries, it not possible to fully overcome the challenges of D. rosae infection. By exploring research contributions up to date, we highlight in this review the ultrastructure of D. rosae infection cycle in the host cell by emphasising on several aspects related to its in vitro and in vivo germinations, the infection mechanisms of the fungus, the different fungal structures formed in the host cells and the optimum storage conditions for D. rosae to retain its viability and pathogenicity over time. Here, attention is particularly focused on the asexual life cycle of D. rosae, with the sexual cycle being briefly discussed. In addition, a new dimension of research approaches to effectively control black spot disease of roses, that is, how to accurately use the advanced biotechnology tools to speed up the current state of the disease management, is proposed here.
The use of ultraviolet‐blocking films in insect pest management in the UK; effects on naturally occurring arthropod pest and natural enemy populations in a protected cucumber crop
Authors: Doukas D. , Payne C.C.
Published: July 2007

Studies in polytunnels were conducted to investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV)‐blocking films on naturally occurring insect pests and their arthropod natural enemies on a cucumber crop. Within tunnels clad with Antibotrytis (blocks light < 400 nm) and UVI/EVA (UV transmitting), 5.8 and 23.4 times more aphids, respectively, were recorded on traps compared with those on traps within tunnels clad with XL 385 (blocks light < 385 nm). When all plants within the UVI/EVA tunnels had become heavily infested with aphids, half of the plants in XL 385 tunnels were uninfested. More Coleoptera and thrips (approximately two times) were recorded under the UVI/EVA film than under the UV‐blocking films, but for other arthropod pests (e.g. whitefly, leafhoppers), clear conclusions could not be drawn as low numbers were recorded. Substantial numbers of chalcid parasitoids and syrphids were found under the UV‐blocking films, but further research is needed to evaluate fully the effect of such films on biological control of aphids. Higher syrphid numbers and more aphid mummies were recorded under the UVI/EVA film, probably because of the higher numbers of aphids present in tunnels clad with this film. The potential that UV‐blocking films have as an effective component of commercial Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems, for protected horticultural crops, is discussed.
MATHEMATICAL FUNDAMENTALS TO DETERMINE THE KINETIC CONSTANTS OF FIRST‐ORDER CONSECUTIVE REACTIONS
Authors: ERDOĞDU FERRUH , ŞAHMURAT FATMA
Published: July 2007

An accurate mathematical analysis of the trend of experimental data to determine the kinetic constants of consecutive reactions is important for further design and optimization studies. For this purpose, the kinetics of the consecutive reactions was evaluated for different cases, and an unconstrained minimization (optimization) problem was defined to determine the kinetic constants. Minimization of least square analysis was used with the Newton's multivariable optimization procedure. The solution method for the defined optimization problem and the effect of initial guess parameters were discussed in detail. The applied optimization algorithm was then tested with simulated and literature‐reported kinetic data. The algorithm was shown to converge under different situations, and it was concluded that knowing the mathematical fundamentals and using them through different optimization techniques would be a useful tool in the evaluation of experimental data.
APPLICABILITY OF ALGINATE ENTRAPPED YEAST CELLS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LACTOSE‐HYDROLYZED MILK
Authors: PANESAR REEBA , PANESAR PARMJIT S. , SINGH RAM S. , BERA MANAV B.
Published: July 2007

To overcome the problem of enzyme extraction and poor permeability of cell membrane to lactose, permeabilized Kluyveromyces marxianus NCIM 3465 cells as a source of β‐D‐galactosidase were employed for the production of lactose‐hydrolyzed milk. In view of the advantages of an immobilized cell system over a free cell system, the yeast cells were entrapped in alginate gel for their subsequent use in lactose hydrolysis. Different process parameters (alginate concentration, bead size, biomass load, temperature, agitation and incubation time) were monitored to enhance lactose hydrolysis in milk. Maximum lactose hydrolysis (87.9%) was observed with yeast cells immobilized in 2% (w/v) alginate concentration with a bead size of 2.90 mm at 30C under agitation (80 rpm) after 150 min of incubation. The developed system was highly stable and the alginate entrapped yeast cells can be recycled up to the eight cycle without any marked change in their ability to carry out the lactose hydrolysis.
MODEL OF THE CONTINUOUS PREFERMENTATION PROCESS IN CHEESE MANUFACTURE AND STABILITY ANALYSIS OF STEADY STATE
Authors: FUNAHASHI HARUYUKI , NAKAMURA YOSHITOSHI
Published: July 2007

The present study focused on the continuous prefermentation process affecting curd formation, and the subsequent pH changes in the first stage of cheese manufacture. Two typical continuous prefermentation systems in cheese manufacture were analyzed based on a kinetic model and the process control theory. A previously proposed mathematical model, which considers the effect of pH, adequately simulated the dynamic behavior of pH in the two continuous prefermentation processes. In the stability analysis of steady state using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion, we found that the continuous feed of a cheese starter culture prevented wash‐out and stabilized the system independent of the fraction of seed feed rate. When no cheese starter culture was fed, the stabilities of steady states were dependent on the partial differentials of the maximum specific growth rate to lactic acid concentration. The feeding of cheese starter culture was effective to improve prefermentation process performance.
OPTIMIZATION OF GLYCEROL EFFECT ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND WATER VAPOR PERMEABILITY OF WHEY PROTEIN‐METHYLCELLULOSE FILMS
Authors: TURHAN K. NAZAN , ERDOHAN SANCAK Z. ÖZGE , AYANA BELGIZAR , ERDOĞDU FERRUH
Published: July 2007

Biopolymer films and coatings are generally designed using biological materials such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and their derivatives. The use of plasticizers is also required to improve the mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation) of the films. For application of films to food systems, it is important for the developed films to possess favorable mechanical and permeability characteristics. Therefore, knowledge of optimum conditions where the water vapor permeability (WVP) is minimized while the mechanical properties are enhanced would be significant depending on the application of the edible films. In this study, the effects of glycerol, as a plasticizer, and methylcellulose (MC) ratios on WVP and mechanical properties of the whey protein films were investigated. Optimum properties of edible films were obtained by applying the complex method optimization algorithm to this multiobjective function problem, and glycerol to total polymer ratio (MC and whey protein concentrate [WPC]) of 0.356 and 0.45 was found for the films with MC : WPC ratios of 0.3 and 0.8, respectively. With respect to the results of this study, it might be concluded that optimum conditions for different edible film‐forming agents can be determined via the use of a good experimental design.
Cost‐effectiveness of rituximab in refractory cold agglutinin disease
Authors: PANWAR U. , MATHEWS C. , CULLIS J. O.
Published: July 2007

Cold haemagglutinin disease (CHAD) is an uncommon condition frequently associated with B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders and is refractory to conventional treatments used in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Rituximab has been used in this condition with favourable and lasting responses. Cost has been a major limitation to its use in such indication. We present cost‐effectiveness analysis of the use of rituximab in two patients with CHAD. Rituximab successfully controlled haemolysis in both cases of CHAD and was found to be cost‐effective through reducing transfusion needs.
l‐selectin gene polymorphisms and complications of sickle cell disease
Authors: UGOCHUKWU C. C. , OKPALA I. , PANTELIDIS P. , INUSA B. , IBEGBULAM O. , ONYEKWERE O.
Published: July 2007

We had found high expression of l‐selectin and αMβ2 integrin on leukocytes in patients with complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). In non‐SCD patients, l‐selectin polymorphisms are associated with vasculopathy and nephropathy. Our objective was to determine if l‐selectin gene polymorphisms affect leukocyte expression of the protein, or the development of complications in SCD. By polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers incorporating mismatches at the 3′‐end, we analysed DNA from 142 HbSS patients and 102 healthy, racially matched, HbAA controls; to detect the F206L, T49S, and P213S l‐selectin gene polymorphisms. All patients were assessed for complications of SCD. Steady‐state expression of l‐selectin on leukocytes was measured by flow cytometry in 44 patients. We excluded HbSS patients on hydroxyurea, with any other disease, pregnancy, or HbF ≥ 10%. There were no significant differences in distribution of F206L, T49S or P213S l‐selectin gene polymorphisms between patients and controls (χ2 = 0.1, P > 0.05). There was no association between any of these gene polymorphisms and high expression of l‐selectin by leukocytes, or the development of complications in SCD (χ2 = 2.37, P > 0.05). The findings suggest that these three gene polymorphisms do not predispose to high leukocyte expression of l‐selectin, or development of complications in SCD.
Bolus intraperitoneal iron versus intravenous iron in peritoneal dialysis patients: a prospective study
Authors: MONIEM KHALID A. , BHANDARI SUNIL
Published: July 2007

Anemia in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is related to impaired erythropoiesis and/or iron deficiency. Oral iron is insufficient to supply adequate accessible iron to patients with end‐stage renal failure. Intermittent intravenous (IV) iron supplementation is effective but inconvenient in PD patients. Intraperitoneal (IP) iron may present a more convenient method of administration. In this study, we examined the efficacy of IP iron dextran in comparison with IV iron. Prospective randomized and crossover studies were carried out. Patients with a serum ferritin less than 200 µg/L, with no contraindications, were randomized to receive either IP or IV iron. Patients randomized to IP iron were subsequently crossed over to receive IV iron. Analysis using the t‐test and Mann–Whitney U test of 16 patients (12 IP and 15 IV) was performed. IP iron did not produce an increase in storage or utilizable iron in PD patients. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and erythropoietin (EPO) dose were unaffected. IV iron produced a significant increase in both circulating and storage iron, with a significant rise in Hb concentrations and no change in EPO requirements. No adverse events occurred after a total of 81 doses of iron therapy. These data suggest that IP iron in this group of patients offers no clinical efficacy in PD patients.
ON THE CYCLICALITY OF SOUTH AFRICAN FISCAL POLICY
Authors: Thornton John
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the cyclicality of government revenue, spending and the key fiscal balances in South Africa during 1972‐2001. The results suggest that while government revenues were largely acyclical, government spending appears to have been predominantly counter‐cyclical, in line with the recommendations of neoclassical analysis. In addition, countercyclical government spending appears to have translated into a countercyclical policy stance overall. This finding contrasts markedly with the results from other empirical studies of South Africa and other emerging market and developing economies, which typically indicate procyclical fiscal policy.
A SMALL‐SCALE DSGE MODEL FOR FORECASTING THE SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMY
Authors: Liu Guangling (dave , Gupta Rangan
Published: July 2007

This paper uses a version of Hansen's (1985) Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model to forecast the South African economy. The calibrated model, based on annual data over the period of 1970‐2000, is used to generate one‐ to eight‐quarters‐ahead out‐of‐sample forecast errors for the period of 2001:1 to 2005:4. The forecast errors are then compared with the unrestricted versions of the Classical and Bayesian VARs. A Bayesian VAR with relatively loose priors outperforms both the classical VAR and the DSGE model.
VALUE‐ADDED TAX IN A BORDERLESS SA‐BLNS REGION
Authors: Steenekamp Tjaart J
Published: July 2007

Market integration and the abolition of border controls increase the mobility of consumers and cross‐border shopping. This makes it difficult to maintain a destination‐based VAT. Because of differences in the size of countries, governments of different sizes may engage in inefficient tax competition. Such externalities result in a call for tax coordination and a review of VAT regimes most suitable to a globalised world. One of the ultimate objectives of an African Union is a single market. This paper introduces the potential VAT policy implications of further economic integration within Southern Africa as a prelude to an African Economic Community, drawing on the experience of the EU in particular. When the critical factors that may impact on VAT policy are viewed together with SACU's long history of customs cooperation, a form of clearing‐house regime seems appropriate. However, this may not be politically appropriate, thus clearing the way for a more conventional approach, such as the transitional EU‐VAT regime.
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CHOICE
Authors: Grobler Christelle , Stuart Ian C.
Published: July 2007

In order to achieve an ‘optimal health system’, health policies should not only be focused on the supply of health care, but also take cognisance of the demand for health care. Studies of health care demand in South Africa are scarce due to considerable data limitations. This analysis attempts to fill this gap by combining two data sets (specifically, the GHS 2004 and IES/LFS 2000) in order to be able to utilize the wealth of information regarding health care utilization in the General Household Survey. The aim is to inform and encourage debate on how to incorporate demand side considerations in order to arrive at improved public health care in South Africa.
DEA APPLIED TO A GAUTENG SAMPLE OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS1
Authors: Kibambe Jacques Ngoie , Koch Steven F.
Published: July 2007

The research presented in this paper provides an analysis of the delivery of a few health care services by the public sector in Gauteng, South Africa. The data for the study was especially difficult to collect, suggesting the need for hospital level data information systems, as well as staff who are trained to analyze the information collected. The empirical results from the analysis suggest that services provided by small‐scale medical facilities waste fewer resources, while medical centres offering more technical services, such as surgeries, also appear to deliver medical services more efficiently.
A Method for Designing and Fabricating Broadband Vibration Absorbers for Structural Noise Control
Authors: Nishida Eiichi , Koopmann G. H.
Published: July 2007

In this paper, a method for designing and fabricating broadband vibration absorbers (BBVAs) for structural noise control is described. The BBVA’s consist of a series of cantilevered masses, closely spaced in frequency and sharing a common hub that attaches to the host structure. To accommodate applications involving shell structures, both translational and rotational degrees of freedom are considered in the analysis. The BBVA is modeled with a simple, three-by-three impedance matrix to facilitate its subsequent incorporation into a larger structural optimization study. In order to validate this modeling method, an experimental impedance identification method was developed. This method was applied to a physical BBVA consisting of 12, cantilevered masses emanating from a common hub and attached to a solid base plate that simulates the degrees of freedom of a shell structure. Analytical and experimental results are in excellent agreement, demonstrating the efficacy of the approach. The proposed modeling and fabrication method provides a simple and straightforward way to incorporate BBVAs in optimization studies applied to the design of quiet structures.