bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EZH2/hSULF1 axis mediates receptor tyrosine kinase signaling to shape cartilage tumor progression
Authors: Lin Zong-Shin , Chung Chiao-Chen , Liu Yu-Chia , Chang Chu-Han , Liu Hui-Chia , Liang Yung-Yi , Huang Teng-Le , Chen Tsung-Ming , Lee Che-Hsin , Tang Chih-Hsin , Hung Mien-Chie , Chen Ya-Huey
Published: January 2023

Chondrosarcomas are primary cancers of cartilaginous tissue and capable of alteration to highly aggressive, metastatic, and treatment-refractory states, leading to a poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate at 11 months for dedifferentiated subtype. At present, the surgical resection of chondrosarcoma is the only effective treatment, and no other treatment options including targeted therapies, conventional chemotherapies, or immunotherapies are available for these patients. Here, we identify a signal pathway way involving EZH2/SULF1/cMET axis that contributes to malignancy of chondrosarcoma and provides a potential therapeutic option for the disease. A non-biased chromatin immunoprecipitation sequence, cDNA microarray analysis, and validation of chondrosarcoma cell lines identified sulfatase 1 (SULF1) as the top EZH2-targeted gene to regulate chondrosarcoma progression. Overexpressed EZH2 resulted in downregulation of SULF1 in chondrosarcoma cell lines, which in turn activated cMET pathway. Pharmaceutical inhibition of cMET or genetically silenced cMET pathway significantly retards the chondrosarcoma growth and extends mice survival. The regulation of EZH2/SULF1/cMET axis were further validated in patient samples with chondrosarcoma. The results not only established a signal pathway promoting malignancy of chondrosarcoma but also provided a therapeutic potential for further development of effective target therapy to treat chondrosarcoma.
Cryo-EM structures of mitochondrial respiratory complex I from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Agip Ahmed-Noor A , Chung Injae , Sanchez-Martinez Alvaro , Whitworth Alexander J , Hirst Judy
Published: January 2023

Respiratory complex I powers ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation, exploiting the energy from NADH oxidation by ubiquinone to drive protons across an energy-transducing membrane. Drosophila melanogaster is a candidate model organism for complex I due to its high evolutionary conservation with the mammalian enzyme, well-developed genetic toolkit, and complex physiology for studies in specific cell types and tissues. Here, we isolate complex I from Drosophila and determine its structure, revealing a 43-subunit assembly with high structural homology to its 45-subunit mammalian counterpart, including a hitherto unknown homologue to subunit NDUFA3. The major conformational state of the Drosophila enzyme is the mammalian-type 'ready-to-go' active resting state, with a fully ordered and enclosed ubiquinone-binding site, but a subtly altered global conformation related to changes in subunit ND6. The mammalian-type 'deactive' pronounced resting state is not observed: in two minor states, the ubiquinone-binding site is unchanged, but a deactive-type π-bulge is present in ND6-TMH3. Our detailed structural knowledge of Drosophila complex I provides a foundation for new approaches to disentangle mechanisms of complex I catalysis and regulation in bioenergetics and physiology.
exploration of phonological jokes in Maryam Apaokagi's selected comedy skits
Authors: Okhuosi Ronke Eunice
Published: January 2023

The majority of studies on Nigerian comedy are discourse- and pragmatics-related, despite the impact of phonology on humour creation as seminal studies have shown. These seminal studies describe phonological jokes to mean ambiguous utterances whose humour lies in their multiple phonological interpretations. However, comedy skits from Nigeria show that there are more dimensions to phonological jokes. Therefore, this study investigated the phonological jokes in comedy skits from Maryam Apaokagi, using Chomsky and Halle’s Distinctive Features and McGraw and Warren’s Benign Violation Theory. Twenty skits were purposively selected from the artist’s YouTube channel. Four strategies were identified in the data: minimal pairs, phonological restructuring, phonological ambiguity, and phonological extension. Four instances each of minimal pairs and phonological restructuring were identified; the former replaced phonemes in words, thus, changing their meanings, while the latter re-arranged phoneme sets and syllables to achieve new structures. There were two instances of phonological ambiguity where strings of sounds had multiple meanings; homophony was engaged to achieve rhythm and humour. Phonological extension had twenty-eight instances; it occurred when one character produced a syllable, and another extended it by providing a longer but partially similar word. Four types of phonological extensions were identified, and these were extension into regular words, popular names, concepts and other languages. The jokes portrayed socio-cultural and economic situations in Nigeria like poverty, promiscuity, high living costs, and burglary. Apaokagi used comedy to teach patience and tolerance. The comprehension of these jokes thrived on shared background knowledge between the artist and the audience.
The impacts of math anxiety, science anxiety, and gender on arts versus sciences choices in Qatari secondary schools
Authors: Megreya Ahmed M. , Al-Emadi Ahmed A.
Published: January 2023

Previous studies showed small-to-moderate associations between students’ performances in math and science and math anxiety and science anxiety, respectively. Accordingly, the high prevalence of these two forms of topic anxiety represent severe obstructions to the worldwide demand calling for improving the quality of math and science achievements and, subsequently, increasing career success in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) domains. Therefore, this study examined math anxiety and science anxiety among female and male students who were enrolled in Sciences vs Arts tracks in Grades 11 and 12 in a Middle Eastern Arabic-speaking country (Qatar), and investigated how gender, math anxiety and science anxiety could predict this enrollment. Results showed that students in the Arts track experienced higher levels of math anxiety and science anxiety than those in the Sciences track, regardless of the students’ gender. However, a binary logistic regression analysis showed that science learning anxiety, but not evaluation science anxiety nor math learning or evaluation anxieties, significantly predicts students’ enrollment in Arts and Sciences tracks. Therefore, STEM career success is associated with good knowledge of STEM domains and positive emotions towards math and science.
Differences in histomorphology and expression of key lipid regulated genes of four adipose tissues from Tibetan pigs
Authors: Lin Chenghong , Dong Zexia , Song Jia , Wang Sutian , Yang Ying , Li Hua , Feng Zheng , Pei Yangli
Published: January 2023

Tibetan pigs, an indigenous pig breed in China, have high overall fat deposition and flavorful and tasty meat. They are thus good models for studying adipogenesis. Few studies have been conducted focusing on expression of lipid regulated genes in different adipose tissues of Tibetan pigs. Therefore, we compared the difference of histomorphology and expression level of lipid regulated genes through qPCR and western blot in subcutaneous fat, perirenal fat, omental adipose tissue, and inguinal fat of Tibetan pigs. Our results showed that the area of subcutaneous adipocytes in Tibetan pigs was smaller, while the other three adipose tissues (perirenal fat, greater omentum fat, inguinal fat) had cell areas of similar size. The gene expression of FABP4, FASN, FABP3, and ME1 in subcutaneous fat was significantly higher than that in perirenal fat. Furthermore, the protein expression of FABP4 was significantly lower in subcutaneous fat than in perirenal fat (p < 0.05), and the expression of FASN was higher in greater omentum fat than in subcutaneous fat (p = 0.084). The difference in adipocyte cell size and expression of lipid-regulated genes in adipose tissues from the various parts of the pig body is likely due to the different cellular lipid metabolic processes. Specially, FABP4 and FASN may be involved in the regulation of fat deposition in different adipose tissues of Tibetan pigs.
The effects of soil drought stress on growth characteristics, root system, and tissue anatomy of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica
Authors: Meng Fanjun , Zhang Tianze , Yin Dachuan
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of this study was to study the changes in growth, root system, and tissue anatomical structure of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica under soil drought conditions. In this study, the growth indexes and photosynthesis of P. sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings under soil drought stress were studied by pot cultivation. Continuous pot water control experiment of the indoor culture of P. sylvestris var. mongolica was carried out, ensuring that the soil water content of each treatment reached 80%, 40%, and 20% of the field moisture capacity as control, moderate drought and severe drought, respectively. The submicroscopic structures of the needles and roots were observed using a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. The response of soil roots to drought stress was studied by root scanning. Moderate drought stress increased needle stomatal density, while under severe drought stress, stomatal density decreased. At the same time, the total number of root tips, total root length, root surface area, and root volume of seedlings decreased with the deepening of the drought. Furthermore, moderate drought and severe drought stress significantly reduced the chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content in P. sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings compared to the control group. The needle cells were deformed and damaged, and chloroplasts and mitochondria were damaged, gradually disintegrated, and the number of osmiophiles increased. There was also an increase in nuclear vacuolation.
Different types of plantar vibration affect gait characteristics differently while walking on different inclines
Authors: Xie Haoyu , Liang Haolan , Chien Jung H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Plantar vibration has been widely used to strengthen the sensation of the somatosensory system, further enhancing balance during walking on a level surface in patients with stroke. However, previous studies with plantar vibration only involved the level surface, which neglected the importance of inclined/declined walking in daily life. Thus, combining the plantar vibration and inclined/declined walking might answer a critical research question: whether different types of plantar vibration had different effects on gait characteristics during walking on different inclines.

Methods

Eighteen healthy young adults were recruited. Fifteen walking conditions were assigned randomly to these healthy adults (no, sub-, and supra-threshold plantar vibration × five different inclines: +15%, +8%, 0%, −8%, −15% grade). A motion capture system with eight cameras captured 12 retro-reflective markers and measured the stride time, stride length, step width, and respective variabilities.

Results

A significant interaction between vibration and inclination was observed in the stride time (p < 0.0001) and step width (p = 0.015). Post hoc comparisons found that supra-threshold vibration significantly decreased the stride time (−8%: p < 0.001; −15%: p < 0.001) while the sub-threshold vibration significantly increased the step width (−8%: p = 0.036) in comparison with no plantar vibration.

Conclusions

When walking downhill, any perceivable (supra-threshold) vibration on the plantar area decreased the stride time. Also, the increase in step width was observed by non-perceivable (sub-threshold) plantar vibration while walking uphill. These observations were crucial as follows: (1) applying sub-threshold plantar vibrations during uphill walking could increase the base of support, and (2) for those who may need challenges in locomotor training, applying supra-threshold vibration during downhill walking could reach this specific training goal.
Dominance of Bacillus species in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere and their plant growth promoting potential under salt stress conditions
Authors: Zahra Syeda Tahseen , Tariq Mohsin , Abdullah Muhammad , Azeem Farrukh , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan
Published: January 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major source of calorific intake in its various forms and is considered one of the most important staple foods. Improved wheat productivity can contribute substantially to addressing food security in the coming decades. Soil salinity is the most serious limiting factor in crop production and fertilizer use efficiency. In this study, 11 bacteria were isolated from wheat rhizosphere and examined for salt tolerance ability. WGT1, WGT2, WGT3, WGT6, WGT8, and WGT11 were able to tolerate NaCl salinity up to 4%. Bacterial isolates were characterized in vitro for plant growth-promoting properties including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, zinc solubilization, biofilm formation, and cellulase-pectinase production. Six isolates, WGT1, WGT3, WGT4, WGT6, WGT8, and WGT9 showed IAA production ability ranging from 0.7–6 µg m/L. WGT8 displayed the highest IAA production. Five isolates, WGT1, WGT2, WGT5, WGT10, and WGT11, demonstrated phosphate solubilization ranging from 1.4–12.3 µg m/L. WGT2 showed the highest phosphate solubilization. Nitrogen fixation was shown by only two isolates, WGT1 and WGT8. Zinc solubilization was shown by WGT1 and WGT11 on minimal media. All isolates showed biofilm formation ability, where WGT4 exhibited maximum potential. Cellulase production ability was noticed in WGT1, WGT2, WGT4, and WGT5, while pectinase production was observed in WGT2 and WGT3. Phylogenetic identification of potential bacteria isolates confirmed their close relationship with various species of the genus Bacillus. WGT1, WGT2, and WGT3 showed the highest similarity with B. cereus, WGT6 with B. tianshenii, WGT8 with B. subtilis, and WGT11 with B. thuringiensis. Biofertilizer characteristics of salt-tolerant potential rhizospheric bacteria were evaluated by inoculating wheat plants under controlled conditions and field experiments. B. cereus WGT1 and B. thuringiensis WGT11 displayed the maximum potential to increase plant growth parameters and enhance grain yield by 37% and 31%, respectively. Potential bacteria of this study can tolerate salt stress, have the ability to produce plant growth promoting substances under salt stress and contribute significantly to enhance wheat grain yield. These bacterial isolates have the potential to be used as biofertilizers for improved wheat production under salinity conditions and contribute to the sustainable agriculture.
Computer-Aided Dynamic Evolution Analysis of Roof Decoration Art in Northern Jiangsu Based on Low-Frequency Remote Sensing Image Technology
Authors: Wenguang Wang
Published: January 2023

In the application of remote sensing image fusion based on wavelet packet, the wavelet packet frequency shifting algorithm used to adjust the frequency sequence of wavelet packet decomposition is introduced to solve the frequency aliasing phenomenon caused by interval sampling. The roofs of ancient residential buildings in northern Jiangsu have a unique art. Features: Discusses the roof decoration art of residential buildings in northern Jiangsu, aiming to provide some references for modern architecture. It shows that the roofs of residential buildings are deeply influenced by the land culture and marine culture, and have both normative, delicate and exaggerated factors. . The roof ridge of the folk houses embodies the uniqueness and rich connotation of Nantong culture, and we need to actively explore the beneficial elements in it. By examining the overall trend of international computer-assisted language testing research, high-yielding countries, authors, institutions and high-cited journals, research hotspots and high-innovation literature.
Diseñar para personas con autismo: cultura digital, etnografía, investigación situada
Authors: Lugo Rodríguez Nohemí
Published: January 2023

El artículo discute la intersección etnografía y diseño como aproximación metodológica en dos estudios cuyo propósito fue diseñar para personas con autismo preverbales y sus madres. Se discuten la influencia y los retos del posicionamiento de la investigadora en las diferentes etapas de la exploración debido a su pertenencia al grupo con quien y para quien se hace investigación. Como hallazgo de la implementación metodológica de estas investigaciones, se propone un marco inicial para realizar etnografía inclusiva. Finalmente, se reflexiona sobre el sentido de la etnografía y el diseño en la relación con la investigación-acción participativa y la investigación situada.
Avances y desafíos en torno a la regulación del hidrógeno verde en Chile
Authors: Eterovic Martí Danitza Montserrat
Published: January 2023

Esta investigación describe el desarrollo de la regulación del hidrógeno verde (H2V) en concordancia con las metas y el plan de acción fijados en la Estrategia Nacional del Hidrógeno Verde. Se revisarán distintos aspectos de la regulación de la cadena de valor del hidrógeno verde y su evolución, para después revisar los desafíos regulatorios a que se enfrenta la industria, como el desarrollo de la certificación del hidrógeno verde, el régimen de responsabilidad de los productores, la regulación de la gobernanza, la posibilidad de una incompetencia sobreviniente del Ministerio de Salud al dejar de considerar el hidrógeno molecular como sustancia peligrosa, y la planificación territorial. Por último, analizaremos cómo el plan de acción fijado en la Estrategia durante el mandato del entonces presidente Sebastián Piñera continúa vigente en el mandato del presidente Gabriel Boric.
Spontaneous Passage of Stensen’s Duct Calculus following Gland Massage: A Case Report
Authors: Chawla Jitendra , Yerragudi Navaneeth , Yadav Shikha , Reddy Prudhvinath , Arumulla Mithilesh
Published: January 2023

Obstructive parotitis usually occurs as a painful, unilateral swelling of the cheek with a decreased salivary flow and pus discharge, when secondarily infected. The known causes for this condition include commonly, sialoliths, strictures, and/or stenosis of the duct. Imaging in patients with obstructive parotitis has multifactorial benefits ranging from diagnosis to localisation thus, enabling preoperative planning. A 43-year-old female patient presented with features suggestive of obstructive parotitis with secondary infection. The diagnosis was confirmed by Ultrasonography (USG) and a Radiovisiograph (RVG) was performed to localise the sialolith. The patient was admitted and treated with supportive therapy in the form of intravenous antibiotics, milking of the gland, and adequate hydration. Sialolithotomy was scheduled following the resolution of the acute phase of infection. Repeat USG and RVG were performed on the day of surgery to confirm the position of the sialolith but the sialolith could not be located. A panoramic radiograph was performed to confirm the absence of the sialolith. The planned procedure was cancelled, and the patient was continued on systemic antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory medication for three more days. On follow-up, copious serous saliva could be expressed from the duct. This highlights the importance of repeating preoperative imaging in patients who have received supportive therapy including gland massage.
A Study on Socio-Personal Profile of Daesi Input Dealers
Authors: Jhansi B. , Ragini M. , Pawar Jaya Laxmi B. , Sankanagoudar Surekha
Published: January 2023

The present study was conducted in Kolar district of Karnataka during the year 2021. A total of 90 input dealers who have undergone DAESI training programme were purposely selected. Data was collected through pre – tested interview schedule and analyzed through frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, indices and correlation. The results from the study indicated that, majority 63.33 per cent of the input dealers belonged to young age group category (18-30 years), high majority 96.67 per cent of the input dealers were male respondents and 03.33 per cent of them were female. More than half 53.33 per cent of the input dealers educated up to graduations and above. Whereas occupation of the input dealers, about 40.00 per cent of the input dealers primary occupation was agriculture and secondary occupation 26.67 per cent respectively. Annual income of the input dealers, indicted that nearly half of the respondents (46.67%) annual income was 0-1, 00,000. High majority 95.56 per cent of them were retailers, 03.33 per cent of them were wholesalers and 01.11 per cent of them were retailers and wholesalers. The results from the study also concluded that, high majority of the respondents were retailers (95.56%), and 03.33 per cent of them were wholesalers followed by retailers and wholesalers (01.11%). Majority 64.44 per cent the input dealers sold seeds, 46.67 per cent of them sold fertilizers, 41.11 per cent of them sold agriculture implements, 28.89 per cent of them sold pesticides and 10.00 per cent of them bio-fertilizers. More than half of the respondents (53.33%) belonged to medium level of social media participation. Nearly half of the respondents (46.67%) belonged to medium level of source of information. Cent per cent of the respondents belonged to high level of achievement motivation.
Fentanyl Intoxication in an Eight Years Old Child after Application of 75 µg/h Transdermal Patch: A Case Report
Authors: Chlouchi A. , Cherkaoui R. , Lahyani H. , Bentalha A. , Elkoraichi A. , El-Kettani S. Echcherif
Published: January 2023

Opioid intoxication in pediatrics is rare in Morocco. In the children’s hospital of Rabat, it is the third case that has been recorded in recent years. It is about a boy of 8 years old who after a benign trauma at the level of the back, his father attached to him a patch of fentanyl dosed at 75 µg/h given by a friend returning from abroad. After 8 hours, the father found his child unconscious with abnormal breathing, motivating him to bring him back to the emergency room of the hospital. He presented a convulsive seizure before being urgently intubated and transferred to intensive care unit. He received a triple dose a day in addition to a contininious infusion of 0,4 milligram of Naloxone. The patient woke up and was extubated after 24 hours, but he kept a divergent strabismus of the right eye for which he was sent to the ophthalmology department for further management. We highlight through this case report the severity of pediatric opioid intoxication and underscores the importance of primary prevention in combating this scourge.
Nuclear magnetic resonance assignments and secondary structure of bovine S100β protein
Authors: Kilby Peter M. , Van Eldik Linda J. , Roberts Gordon C.K.
Published: July 2002

S100β is a neurite extension factor and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome. It belongs to a group of low molecular weight calcium‐binding proteins containing the helix‐loop‐helix calcium binding motif. The structure of only one S100 protein, calbindin D9k, which has the lowest sequence similarity to the other members of the S100 group has been determined. We report the NMR assignments and secondary structure of calcium‐free S100β. The secondary structure is similar to that of calbindin D9k, determined using NMR, except that there is clear evidence for an additional well ordered 5‐residue α‐helix in S100β.
Localisation of metallothionein isoform mRNAs in rat hepatoma (H4) cells
Authors: Mahon Patrick , Beattie John , Glover L.Anne , Hesketh John
Published: July 2002

The localisation of metallothionein isoform mRNAs in rat hepatoma (H4) cells was investigated using two approaches, namely Northern hybridisation of total RNA extracted from free, cytoskeletal‐bound and membrane‐bound polysomes isolated by a sequential detergent/salt extraction procedure and in situ hybridisation. The cytoskeletal‐bound polysomes were enriched in metallothionein‐I (MT‐I) and c‐myc mRNAs but showed a significantly lower enrichment in MT‐II mRNA. These findings indicate that the MT‐I mRNA is localised to the cytoskeleton during translation. In situ hybridisation using a biotin‐labelled oligonucleotide probe revealed a predominantly perinuclear localisation for the MT‐I mRNA.
Myocyte enhancer factor 2C upregulates MASH‐1 expression and induces neurogenesis in P19 cells
Authors: Skerjanc Ilona S , Wilton Sharon
Published: July 2002

MEF2C is a transcription factor expressed in neural lineages. After transient transfection, the MEF2 family of factors can act synergistically with the neural‐specific transcription factor, MASH‐1, and activate exogenous neural‐specific promoters. To determine whether MEF2C is capable of modulating endogenous gene expression, P19 cell lines were analyzed that overexpressed MEF2C, termed P19[MEF2C] cells. Here we show that P19[MEF2C] cells differentiate into neurons when aggregated with ME2SO. MEF2C‐induced neurons expressed neurofilament protein, the nuclear antigen NeuN, as well as MASH‐1. Our results indicate that MEF2C can directly or indirectly activate the expression of MASH‐1, leading to neurogenesis.
Information processing and intracellular ‘neural’ (protein) networks: considerations regarding the diffusion‐based hypothesis of Bray
Authors: Agutter Paul S , Wheatley Denys N
Published: July 2002

The possibility that the disposition of subsets of proteins within the cell can retain memory traces and may act therefore in a computational role has been advanced and more recently refined by Bray (Nature (1995) 376, 307–312). The proposition is not without its merits but inevitably has a number of associated difficulties, some of which are discussed in this article. These relate to the nature of the computational units envisaged (analog vs digital), their limitations in the number of stable patterns they can accommodate, the reliance on diffusion at the molecular level as the ‘governing principle’, and the complication of the turnover of proteins through degradative mechanisms. These issues suggest that certain modifications of the original model are required.
The three subtypes of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors are expressed in the rat adrenal gland
Authors: Grandclément Béatrice , Ronsin Brice , Morel Gérard
Published: July 2002

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) actions are mediated by highly selective and specific receptors. Three subtypes have been characterized and cloned: ANP receptor‐A (or GC‐A), ‐B (or GC‐B) and ‐C (the so‐called clearance receptor). In rat adrenal gland, the mRNA for each subtype was detected using 35S‐dUTP or digoxigenin‐11‐dUTP specific labeled probes, and in situ hybridization at light and electron microscopic levels respectively. The three subtypes were expressed the most abundantly in the zona glomerulosa. The amount of GC‐A mRNA expression, quantified using macroautoradiography and densitometry, was higher than the amounts of GC‐B mRNA and ANPR‐C mRNA both in zona glomerulosa and medullary of adrenal gland. At electron microscopic level, the three subtypes of ANPR were revealed in glomerulosa cells. A noticeable signal was also present in the medullary area, especially for GC‐A mRNA, in adrenaline‐containing chromaffin cells. No signal was detected in noradrenaline‐containing chromaffin cells. The subcellular localization of the three mRNAs is similar: in the cytoplasmic matrix and in the euchromatin of the nucleus in each cell of glomerulosa, and in the same compartments of the adrenaline‐containing chromaffin cells. These data indicate that the adrenal gland is an important target tissue for ANP action both in glomerulosa cells and adrenaline‐containing chromaffin cells. The mRNA expression levels were different for each ANPR subtype.
Left ventricular‐based pacing in patients with chronic heart failure: comparison of acute hemodynamic benefits according to underlying heart disease
Authors: Mansourati Jacques , Etienne Yves , Gilard Martine , Valls‐Bertault Valérie , Boschat Jacques , Benditt David G. , Lurie Keith G. , Blanc Jean‐Jacques
Published: July 2002

Background:

Acute left ventricular‐based pacing has been shown to improve hemodynamics in patients with severe heart failure and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, it is not known whether the cause of the underlying heart disease influences the potential effect of left ventricular‐based pacing.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine whether beneficial hemodynamic effects of acute left ventricular‐based pacing in severe chronic heart failure are dependent on underlying heart disease.

Methods:

After coronary angiography, patients with severe heart failure and LBBB were separated into two groups: dilated (25 patients; 20 male) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (21 patients; 20 male). Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at baseline and during left ventricular‐based pacing.

Results:

Improvement in hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups, during acute left ventricular pacing (changes expressed in percentage): pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, −16 ± 15% vs. −14 ± 10%; V wave amplitude, −25 ± 18% vs. −21 ± 17%; and biventricular pacing, −15 ± 15% vs. −11 ± 11% and −23 ± 18% vs. −16 ± 18%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Underlying heart disease does not influence the response to acute left ventricular‐based pacing in patients with severe heart failure and LBBB. This finding provides support for including all patients with enlarged heart and heart failure in future studies evaluating left ventricular‐based pacing.
Fermentations with New Recombinant Organisms
Authors: Bothast Rodney J. , Nichols Nancy N. , Dien Bruce S.
Published: July 2002

United States fuel ethanol production in 1998 exceeded the record production of 1.4 billion gallons set in 1995. Most of this ethanol was produced from over 550 million bushels of corn. Expanding fuel ethanol production will require developing lower‐cost feedstocks, and only lignocellulosic feedstocks are available in sufficient quantities to substitute for corn starch. Major technical hurdles to converting lignocellulose to ethanol include the lack of low‐cost efficient enzymes for saccharification of biomass to fermentable sugars and the development of microorganisms for the fermentation of these mixed sugars. To date, the most successful research approaches to develop novel biocatalysts that will efficiently ferment mixed sugar syrups include isolation of novel yeasts that ferment xylose, genetic engineering of Escherichia coli and other gram negative bacteria for ethanol production, and genetic engineering of Saccharoymces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis for pentose utilization. We have evaluated the fermentation of corn fiber hydrolyzates by the various strains developed. E. coliK011, E. coli SL40,E. coli FBR3, Zymomonas CP4 (pZB5), and Saccharomyces 1400 (pLNH32) fermented corn fiber hydrolyzates to ethanol in the range of 21–34 g/L with yields ranging from 0.41 to 0.50 g of ethanol per gram of sugar consumed. Progress with new recombinant microorganisms has been rapid and will continue with the eventual development of organisms suitable for commercial ethanol production. Each research approach holds considerable promise, with the possibility existing that different “industrially hardened” strains may find separate applications in the fermentation of specific feedstocks.
The unique sites in SulA protein preferentially cleaved by ATP‐dependent Lon protease from Escherichia coli
Authors: Nishii Wataru , Maruyama Takafumi , Matsuoka Rieko , Muramatsu Tomonari , Takahashi Kenji
Published: July 2002

SulA protein is known to be one of the physiological substrates of Lon protease, an ATP‐dependent protease from Escherichia coli. In this study, we investigated the cleavage specificity of Lon protease toward SulA protein. The enzyme was shown to cleave ≈ 27 peptide bonds in the presence of ATP. Among them, six peptide bonds were cleaved preferentially in the early stage of digestion, which represented an apparently unique cleavage sites with mainly Leu and Ser residues at the P1, and P1′ positions, respectively, and one or two Gln residues in positions P2–P5. They were located in the central region and partly in the C‐terminal region, both of which are known to be important for the function of SulA, such as inhibition of cell growth and interaction with Lon protease, respectively. The other cleavage sites did not represent such consensus sequences, though hydrophobic or noncharged residues appeared to be relatively preferred at the P1 sites. On the other hand, the cleavage in the absence of ATP was very much slower, especially in the central region, than in the presence of ATP. The central region was predicted to be rich in α helix and β sheet structures, suggesting that the enzyme required ATP for disrupting such structures prior to cleavage. Taken together, SulA is thought to contain such unique cleavage sites in its functionally and structurally important regions whose preferential cleavage accelerates the ATP‐dependent degradation of the protein by Lon protease.
Application of a disease‐specific, quality‐of‐life measure (QoL‐AGHDA) in growth hormone‐deficient adults and a random population sample in Sweden: validation of the measure by Rasch analysis
Authors: Wirén L. , Whalley D. , McKenna S. , Wilhelmsen L.
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults has been associated with impaired health status and quality of life (QoL) in several studies using generic measures, and in a few studies using recently developed disease‐specific measures. Theoretically, disease‐specific measures may be more sensitive and succinct than generic measures, and hence prove convenient for general use in clinical practice. The present study sought to validate the scaling properties of the disease‐specific QoL‐AGHDA measure through the implementation of Rasch analysis. The study also sought to compare, by using the QoL‐AGHDA, the QoL of a relatively large Swedish cohort of adults with untreated GHD with that of a reference population also from Sweden.

PATIENTS

The QoL of 111 adults with untreated GHD from Stockholm and Göteborg was compared with that of 1448 adult subjects randomly selected from the population of Göteborg.

MEASUREMENTS

The scaling properties of the QoL‐AGHDA were assessed by investigating its fit to a dichotomous Rasch model. Rasch‐transformed QoL scores from the QoL‐AGHDA questionnaire were stratified by age and gender, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

Rasch analysis of the QoL‐AGHDA indicated the measure to be robust in terms of its unidimensionality and ordering properties, and lack of differential item functioning. The raw scores produced by the QoL‐AGHDA are at the ordinal level. Non‐overlapping 95% confidence intervals of Rasch‐transformed interval scores in most age categories indicated that men and women with GHD had significantly lower QoL than the reference population.

CONCLUSION

The Swedish QoL‐AGHDA has good scaling properties, and hence can be considered a robust measure. It is suitable for assessing quality of life in adults with GH deficiency, and for making comparisons with adults who are not growth hormone deficient. Adult GH deficiency is associated with a significant impairment in QoL.
Hepatitis G virus does not cause significant liver disease after liver transplantation
Authors: Karayiannis P. , Brind A. M. , Pickering J. , Mathew J. , Burt A. D. , Hess G. , Bassendine M. F. , Thomas H. C.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with the newly described hepatitis G virus (HGV) in a liver transplant cohort, and to establish the frequency and nature of hepatitis in those with and without HGV infection. A reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction technique was employed to determine viraemia in the patients, and liver biopsies taken at different times after transplantation were assessed histologically. Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected in 47% of the liver transplant recipients investigated. Those positive for HGV had received significantly more blood or blood products than the HGV‐negative patients. The frequency of abnormal liver function tests was similar in HGV‐positive and HGV‐negative recipients. Bile duct epithelial cell damage was more frequently seen in those with HGV viraemia. This study indicates that almost half of the liver transplant recipients in Northern England are positive for HGV, and that infection is associated with exposure to blood and blood products. It appears that, in the immunosuppressed patient, HGV does not cause clinically significant liver disease, at least up to 2 years after transplantation. If HGV infection is associated with hepatitis outside this clinical setting, it is likely that the liver damage is immunopathologically mediated rather than as a result of direct viral cytotoxicity.
Cephalocele detection in utero: sonographic and clinical features
Authors: Budorick N. E. , Pretorius D. H. , McGahan J. P. , Grafe M. R. , James H. E. , Slivka J.
Published: July 2002

Sonographic and clinical features of 26 fetal cephaloceles were reviewed retrospectively. The most frequent reason for referral was elevated maternal serum α‐fetoprotein levels. The smallest lesion identified was 0.4 × 0.5 cm (frontal, at 20 weeks); the largest was 9.0 × 10.0 cm (frontal, at 27 weeks). Twenty‐four of 26 cephaloceles were detected on prenatal ultrasound examination; in 13 of these, more than 50% of the intracranial contents were exteriorized. Fifteen of 24 cephaloceles detected prenatally had a sulcal pattern (identified between 16 and 36 weeks' gestation); five were solid without a sulcal pattern (identified between 13 and 21 weeks' gestation), three were cystic, and one underwent a change in appearance from solid at 21 weeks to cystic at 26 weeks. Other cranial features were evaluated and included visible skull defect, seen in 23/24 (96%), ventriculomegaly, in 6/26 (23%); microcephaly, in 12/24 (50%); beaked tectal plate, in 6/16 (38%); and flattened basiocciput, in 9/24 (38%). Of the 26 cases, 14 had normal amniotic fluid volume, five had oligohydramnios and seven had polyhydramnios. Fetuses with oligohydramnios had the highest incidence of concurrent fetal abnormalities; four of five fetuses (80%) with oligohydramnios had additional structural abnormalities. In the overall population, a very high incidence of other abnormalities was found; 17/26 (65%) cases showed additional abnormalities, some of which were not detected by ultrasound. Five fetuses had Meckel‐Gruber syndrome and three had amniotic band syndrome. Only one of the 18 karyotypes obtained was abnormal (trisomy 18). Survival was very poor; only two of the eight who survived until birth are currently living. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
The prediction of spherical aberration with schematic eyes
Authors: Liou H. L. , Brennan N. A.
Published: July 2002

Many model eyes have been proposed; they differ in optical characteristics and therefore have different aberrations and image quality. In predicting the visual performance of the eye, we are most concerned with the central foveal vision. Spherical aberration is the only on‐axis monochromatic aberration and can be used as a criterion to assess the degree of resemblance of eye models to the human eye. We reviewed and compiled experimental values of the spherical aberration of the eye, calculated the spherical aberration of several different categories of model eyes and compared the calculated results to the experimental data. Results show an over‐estimation of spherical aberration by all models, the finite schematic eyes predicting values of spherical aberration closest to the experimental data. Current model eyes do not predict the average experimental values of the spherical aberration of the eye. A new model eye satisfying this assessment criterion is required for investigations of the visual performance of the eye.
Spectacle lenses which correct oblique astigmatism at all ocular rotations: investigation of ‘Merté's’ conicoidal surfaces
Authors: Atchison David A. , Smith George , Jalie Mo , Gulley David
Published: July 2002

Merté (1950) described lens forms that correct oblique astigmatism at all ocular rotations. The front surfaces of all lenses were flat, and the back surfaces were made aspherical as conicoids. Merté did not provide a derivation of his formulae for the appropriate conicoidal surfaces. We show that Merté's formula is correct and describe the nature of appropriate conicoidal back surfaces of spectacle lenses.
Mood, pain and the menstrual cycle: potential confounding factors in automated perimetry?
Authors: Guttridge Nancy
Published: July 2002

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the normal human menstrual cycle on the central visual field as measured with program 24‐2 of the Humphrey Field Analyser. Subject groups comprised 18 normally menstruating women (F), and control groups of eight women taking oral contraceptives (P), and four men (M). Subjects attended 2–3 times weekly for 6‐10 weeks and were unaware of the purpose of the study. Daily self‐report questionnaires were used to aid the study's disguise and to assess mood and physical symptomatology. Overall, there was a large degree of inter‐ and intrasubject variability. Analysis of variance failed to identify repeatable fluctuations in visual field performance across menstrual cycle phase in P or F, or across a randomly allocated 28‐day cycle in M. However, curve‐fitting techniques identified a significant cosine curve in mean sensitivity of the visual field in group F over three cycles as a whole (P = 0.03), suggesting peaks of sensitivity around mid‐cycle with low points paramenstrually. The extent of this fluctuation was 0–0.5 dB and therefore within normal limits and not clinically significant. Physical symptoms of abdominal pain and backache were greater paramenstrually in all women, with no repeatable cyclical pattern in symptoms of mood in either group of women. Overall, men reported higher scores of both mood swings and positive mood, and similar scores of irritability as women. Mean sensitivity and short‐term fluctuation of the visual field were not found to be dependent upon mood and physical symptomatology, or with day of the week. In conclusion, it is unlikely that fluctuations in performance associated with the menstrual cycle, mood and physical symptoms are sufficient to confound interpretation of the results of automated perimetry.
Computer‐assisted corneal topographic screening of contact lens wearers prior to excimer laser PRK
Authors: Steele C. F. , McGhee C. N. J. , Bryce I. G.
Published: July 2002

Corneal videokeratographic mapping is an essential part of the pre‐assessment of prospective photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) patients. Photoablation of a cornea, which exhibits corneal irregularity, associated with contact lens wear, could give rise to highly unpredictable results. TMS topographical maps of 243 eyes were analysed to determine the extent of ‘irregular’ or ‘warped’ corneal topography of 94 prospective PRK patients of which 7 (13 eyes) were PMMA, 35 (71 eyes) RGP and 46 (92 eyes) soft contact lens wearers. These groups were compared to 34 randomly selected controls (60 eyes) with no history of contact lens wear. Each corneal map was classified qualitatively and quantitatively by three experienced observers, using a previously agreed classification system, which included: round/oval; regular WTR and ATR bowtie astigmatism; superior and inferior WTR bowtie asymmetric astigmatism; irregular and warped patterns. There was 100% interobserver agreement for the PMMA and RGP groups, 94.5% for soft and 89.5% for the control group. In the PMMA, RGP, soft and control groups 4 (n = 13), 10 (n = 71), 1 (n = 87) and 2 (n = 60) of cases, respectively, were classified as warped. A further 9, 24, 35 and 17 eyes from the PMMA, RGP, soft and control groups were classified as irregular. The highest proportion of round/oval cases were controls (14 eyes) and the highest proportion WTR bowtie astigmatism was with RGP wearers (19 eyes), with inferior WTR bowtie being more common than superior bowtie asymmetric astigmatism. The differences in mean surface regular indices (SRI) between RGP and soft wearers versus controls were statistically significant (P < 0.01) and also soft versus RGP wearers (P < 0.05). Similarly, the differences in range of SRI and SAI values were, however, still within normal limits. In conclusion, persistent abnormal contact lens‐induced corneal topographical changes are an important consideration in the preassessment of prospective PRK patients, although SRI and SAI values cannot be used as accurate indicators in quantitatively predicting irregular warped corneal topographical changes.
The therapeutic use of disposable contact lenses
Authors: Rubinstein M. P.
Published: July 2002

Introduction: Disposable contact lenses (generally used as part of planned replacement schemes) have become a major part of the general contact lens armamentarium. Because of this widespread acceptance in general optometric practice, it was considered useful to assess their use as therapeutic devices. Several previous studies have considered low water content lenses; the present study reports on the use of a high water contact lens.

Materials and methods: A 74% water content cast‐moulded lens (8.70/14.40 plano) was fitted to 66 eyes of 60 patients over an eight‐month trial period. Indications for lens fitting were wide ranging and the lens was used as a first choice unless there was a definite contraindication to its use. Periods of wear ranged from two days to permanent wear, with exchange every few months.

Results: The lens was found to fit satisfactorily in 56 eyes (85%). With regard to ocular abnormality, there was no consistent reason for poor fitting in the remaining 10 eyes. Lens wear was discontinued in three eyes due to lens‐related complications. The success rate from the use of this lens was, therefore, calculated to be 53 out of 66 eyes (80%).

Conclusion: The relatively successful use of a high water content disposable lens for therapeutic purposes was considered very encouraging and confirms the results of other studies using lower water content lenses. The cost benefits and ready availability of such lenses make them a very useful product for hospital contact lens practice. In the Nottingham Unit they have become the lens of first choice unless there is a specific indication for a different type of lens.

Further details of indications, fitting problems and complications will be given in the poster.