bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodixanol Density Gradient Preparation in University of Wisconsin Solution for Porcine Islet Purification
Authors: Van der Burg Michael P.M. , Graham John M.
Published: March 2005

Previously published as Graham, J.M. (2002) Purification of Islets of Langerhans from porcine pancreas. TheScientificWorldJOURNAL 2, 1657–1661. ISSN 1537-744X; DOI 10.1100/tsw.2002.847.Generally, prior to the purification of isolated pancreatic islets, the collagenase-digested tissue is incubated in the University of Wisconsin solution (UWS; ~320 mOsm) for osmotic stabilization to preserve or improve the density differences between islets and acinar fragments. The adverse effects arising from the subsequent pelleting and resuspension of the islets in a second, different (often highly hyperosmotic) purification solution are avoided in the protocol described here; preparation of the purification medium is simply achieved by mixing the UWS preincubated islets with a second UWS containing the inert impermeant iodixanol. Flotation of the islets isolated from juvenile porcine pancreases through this mildly hypertonic (~380 mOsm) gradient of iodixanol-UWS achieves a much higher recovery of islets of an improved viability than the customary method using a Ficoll gradient. The method has been extended to human islet purification.
Amylin in the Periphery
Authors: Wookey Peter J. , Xuereb Loredanna , Tikellis Christos , Cooper Mark E.
Published: March 2005

Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) is a peptide synthesized principally in the b-cells of the pancreatic islets together with insulin and has actions as a hormone, growth factor, and modifier of behavior. As a hormone, amylin acts to modify gastric motility, renal resorption, and has metabolic actions. It is postulated that the principal function of amylin as a hormone is the activation of physiological processes associated with feeding. As a growth factor, amylin acts on bone cells, renal proximal tubular cells, and islet b-cells. Amylin has important targets in the brain that mediate its actions in the modification of behavior, including thirst and satiety. In man, amylin can form islet amyloid deposits, an event linked to the reduction of b-cell mass and loss of signal-secretion coupling. Recent evidence has defined a new role for monomeric amylin as a growth factor and regulator of b-cell mass that is postulated to be a key factor in pathophysiological processes that result in overt diabetes.
Founding Editorial — Child Health and Human Development
Authors: Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The period of life called childhood is of worldwide interest, and is nicely illustrated by numerous stories about childrens life around the globe in a recent series of books published by John Wiley & Sons as part of the Open University course on “Childhood”[1,2]. Adolescence and later adulthood are also important parts of the human development that shape us and our future generations. In addition to genetics, the conditions and environment during our first few years of life will have a binding impact on the development taking place years ahead concerning our achievements in life, our accomplishments, and our health.
A Calorimetric Characterization of Cr(VI)-ReducingArthrobacter oxydansat Different Phases of the Cell Growth Cycle
Authors: Bakradze Nugzar G. , Abuladze Marina K. , Sokhadze Victor M. , Asatiani Nina V. , Sapojnikova Nelly A. , Kartvelishvili Tamara M. , Namchevadze Emma N. , Tsibakhashvili Nelly Y. , Tabatadze Leila V. , Lejava Lia V. , Holman Hoi-Ying
Published: March 2005

This is the first of a series of calorimetric studies designed to characterize and understand survival mechanisms of metal-reducing bacteria isolated from metal-polluted environments. In this paper we introduce a new concept of thermal spectrum of the endothermic melting ofcomplex biological systems (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, ribosomes, membrane structures)in intact cells. Allthermal spectra measured are thermograms that describe the temperature dependence of heat capacity change of the complex systems of biologically active substances in bacterial cells. This new concept of thermal spectrum was applied to investigate spectral features from intact cells of Cr(VI)-reducer Arthrobacter oxydans at different points of their growth conditions and stages. Over the temperature range of 40–105°C, we observed that spectral changes are particularly significant in the 40–90°C interval. This may correspond to the orderly changes in subcellular structural elements: proteins, ribosomes and RNA, membranes, and various structural elements of the cell wall during different points of the growth cycle and growth conditions. Spectral changes in the 90–105°C region are less pronounced, implicating that the structural composition of DNA-Protein (DNP) complexes may change little.
Combination of High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulins and Itraconozole in Treating Chronic Mycotic Demyelinating Optic Neuritis
Authors: Campbell Andrew W. , Anyanwu Ebere C. , Vojdani Aristo
Published: March 2005

Mycotic demyelinating optic neuritis is a neurological disorder of the visual system caused by mycotoxins released by indoor toxic molds. Although the health effect of indoor toxic mold on the population worldwide is now one of the �emerging diseases�, its involvement in chronic demyelinating optic neuritis has not been reported. Most of the neurological and immunologic abnormalities associated with toxic mold mycotoxins are very difficult to treat successfully, especially neural demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This paper presents the case of a 42-year-old white female, in whom chronic demyelinating optic neuritis with persistent visual defects due to chronic exposure to toxic molds was diagnosed at the age of 34 years. In spite of all the therapeutic services given to her for over 8 years, her illness persisted and was difficult to treat. However, we successfully treated her with a combination of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and itraconozole (Sporanox) when all other treatment modalities failed. This is probably the first report where persistent toxic mold-induced neurological and immunologic disorders were successfully treated with a combination of itraconozole and IVIG.
Prevalence of Childhood Illnesses and Care-Seeking Practices in Rural Uganda
Authors: Mbonye Anthony K.
Published: March 2005

There is a declining trend of child health indicators in Uganda despite intensified program efforts to improve child care. For example, the infant mortality rate increased from 81/1,000 in 1995 to 88/1,000 in the year 2000. This paper presents results of a study that assessed factors responsible for this trend. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of childhood illnesses and care-seeking practices for children with fever, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in the Sembabule district of Central Uganda. A cross-sectional survey, using a WHO 30 cluster-sampling technique, was used to obtain data from 300 women with children aged less than 2 years. Prevalence of childhood illnesses and care-seeking practices were obtained using a structured questionnaire supplemented by in-depth interviews. The results showed that the 300 women interviewed had 323 children of whom 37.9% had an episode of fever 2 weeks before the survey, 40.3% had diarrhea, 37.4% had URTI, and 26.8% were fully immunized. Most of the women, 82.7%, perceived fever as the most serious health problem to their children. URTI, diarrhea, and measles were perceived as serious by a lower proportion of women. Although this study showed high perceptions of childhood diseases, the proportion of mothers seeking care for sick children was low, indicating that there are barriers to accessing care. For example, 44.7% of women sought care when their children had fever, 35.0% when children had URTI, and 31.3% when children had diarrhea. However, most children with fever, diarrhea, and URTI were treated at home and taken to health units only when they developed life-threatening symptoms. This late referral to health units was complicated by high costs of care, long distances to health units, poor attitude of health workers, lack of drugs at health units, and limited involvement of fathers in care of the children.The results of this study showed that although the perceptions of childhood diseases were high, the care-seeking practices were poor. In order to improve child care in this district, there is a need to address barriers to quality of care and to conduct further research to assess the role of cultural factors and male involvement in child care.
Early Head Specification in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Lake Blue B. , Kao Kenneth R.
Published: March 2005

The head represents the most dorsal and anterior extent of the body axis. InXenopus, the progressive determination of the head is an extremely complex process involving the activation and localized antagonism of a number of interdependent intracellular signaling pathways including the Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and nodal-related pathways. The sequence of events that specify the head are: dorsal-ventral polarization and head organizer specification in the blastula; gastrulation; neural induction; and patterning of the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral neuraxes. Wnt signaling is required for the specification of the dorsal side initially but is then inhibited within the organizer once it has formed. Similarly, Wnt signaling is required along the length of the neural tube, but must be suppressed at its rostral end for normal brain development. Nodal signaling is also necessary for induction of the mesendoderm, but is subsequently suppressed in its dorsal-anterior extreme to specify head organizer. BMP signaling is required for ventral mesoderm and non-neural ectoderm, and must also be suppressed in the head organizer region and for the differentiation of the ventral midline of the neural tube. Thus, development of the head, and indeed the body plan in general, requires precisely timed and spatially restricted activation and repression of these signaling pathways.
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Smoking on Quality of Life. Results from the Copenhagen Perinatal Birth Cohort 1959–61
Authors: Ventegodt SØren , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The Copenhagen Perinatal Birth Cohort 1959–61 is a prospective longitudinal perinatal study that included all deliveries (over 20 weeks gestation, birthweight over 250 g) that took place at the University Hospital (Rigshospitalet) in Copenhagen, Denmark during the period of September 21, 1959 to December 21, 1961 and used in this follow-up study to investigate the connection between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the quality of life of the child 31 to 33 years later. The latest follow-up study from the cohort was performed in 1993 and 7,222 of the surviving children were identified (now aged between 31 and 33 years) and contacted with a nonanonymous questionnaire on several aspects of quality of life issues.There were 4,626 usable responses (f = 2,489, m = 2,131) corresponding to a response rate of 64.1%. The children whose mothers were nonsmokers or smoked less than three cigarettes a day had a quality of life that was 2.7% better than those children whose mothers had smoked over ten cigarettes per day. At first glance these figures seem small; however, when compared with other early life factors we see that mothers smoking more than ten cigarettes per day is one of the most important early predictors in our study for the quality of life (QOL) of the child as an adult. As most people in our study have a QOL rating between 55% and 85%, 2.7% is about 10% of normal variation. It seems that exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy has a small but significant effect on the quality of life in later adult life. However, the underlying causal factor for this reduction in quality of life remains unclear. Nevertheless, pregnant mothers should be made aware of the potential long-term effects smoking can have on their children.
Attention Patterns in Children with Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity
Authors: Zalsman Gil , Pumeranz Orat , Peretz Gabriel , Ben-Dor David H. , Dekel Sharon , Horesh Neta , Fischel Tsvi , Nahshoni Eitan , Goldberg Pablo H. , Sever Jonathan , Apter Alan
Published: March 2005

The objective of this study was to differentiate the attention patterns associated with attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity using continuous performance test (CPT). The diagnoses were based on the DSM-III, III-R, and IV criteria and of the 39 children who participated in the study, 14 had attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH) and 11 had attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADDWO), while 14 normal children served as a control group. Attention patterns were examined according to the performance of subjects on the CPT and parental scores on the ADHD Rating Scale, the Child Attention Profile, and the Conners Rating Scale. CPT performances were assessed before and after administration of 10 mg methylphenidate. We found as hypothesized that the CPT differentiated between the ADDH and ADDWO groups. However, contrary to our expectations, the ADDH children made more omission errors than the ADDWO children; they also showed more hyperactivity and impulsivity. The performance of both groups improved to an equal degree after the administration of methylphenidate. It is conluded that different subtypes of the attention deficit disorders are characterized by different attention profiles and that methylphenidate improves scores on test of continuous performance.
Quality of Life as Medicine III. A Qualitative Analysis of the Effect of a Five-Day Intervention with Existential Holistic Group Therapy or a Quality of Life Course as a Modern Rite of Passage
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Clausen Birgitte , Langhorn Maja , Kromann Maximilian , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

Existential group therapy seems to be a very efficient way of inducing the holistic state of healing, described in the holistic process theory of healing. We have designed a series of four quality of life (QOL) and health courses of 5-days duration called “Philosophy of Life that Heals – Courses in QOL and Personal Development”. The four courses are meant to be taken over four consecutive years. They contain training in philosophy of life and existential theory as well as exercises in holding: awareness, respect, care, acknowledgment, and acceptance. The courses teach the participants respect, love, and intimacy; help them to draw on their seemingly unlimited hidden resources; and inspire them to take more responsibility for their own life. Exercises are accomplished with a partner chosen at the course as: (1) a person you like, (2) a person you do not know already, or (3) a person to whom you want to give help, support, and holding more than you want to get help from him or her. Pilot studies with 5-day quality of life interventions that combine training in quality of life philosophy with psychotherapy and bodywork have proved effective on patients with chronic pain and alcoholism. The present design aims to take this a step further and engage the patients in a process of personal growth that will last for years. The aim is to lead them to a stabile state of quality of life, health, and ability, from where they will not again fall into sickness and unhappiness. The focus of these courses is as much on prevention as is it on healing. The existential group therapy induces spontaneous healing of body, mind, and soul that seems to be highly efficient with hopefully lasting results. Every course is intended to give an immediate improvement in the quality of life, so its efficiency can be measured with the square curve paradigm. We have studied the participant’s accounts from their experience with the courses and have analyzed the remarkably large, qualitative changes in the state of being, quality of life, health, and consciousness, which many participants experience during the course. The long-term and preventative effects of the courses have yet to be documented.
Efficacy of Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of Photosensitive Epilepsy (PSE) and the Probable Reasons for the Persistence of Occipital Spikes
Authors: Anyanwu Ebere C. , Ehiri John E. , Campbell Andrew W.
Published: March 2005

Intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) in patients with photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) leads to EEG abnormalities, which include generalized discharges with spike and wave activity. This paper investigates 33 PSE patients, 14 (42%) males and 19 (58%) females. The age range was between 8 and 45 years. After the treatment of the patients with sodium valproate (VPA), the EEG examinations showed that the generalized discharges disappeared, while the occipital spikes persisted. The mechanism of action of VPA was re-evaluated in order to ascertain whether or not the persistent occipital was due to a failure in inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). It was concluded that the possible causes of VPA's inefficacy in abolishing occipital spikes in PSE was not necessarily due to a failure in IPSP, but rather it could be due to a time-dependent failure of certain cells of the visual system to respond positively to the VPA's modulatory activity, probably involving the ionic channels, neurotransmitters, and the second messenger systems. The relationship between occipital spikes and visual evoked response is discussed. The extent to which metabolic processes and neurotransmitters are involved is also evaluated.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Classic Art of Healingor the Therapeutic Touch
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Morad Mohammed , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

Touching is often a forgotten part of medicine. The manual medicine or therapeutic touch (TT) is much more powerful than many modern, biomedically oriented physicians think. Pain and discomfort can be alleviated just by touching the sick area and in this way help the patient to be in better contact with the tissue and organs of their body. Lack of presence in the body seems to be connected with many symptoms that can be readily reversed simply by sensitive touch. When touch is combined with therapeutic work on mind and feelings, holistic healing seems to be facilitated and many problems can be solved in a direct and easy way in the clinic without drugs. This paper gives examples of the strength of manual medicine or therapeutic touch in its most simple form, and points to the power of physical contact between physician and his patient in the context of the theory and practice of holistic healing. Intimacy seems highly beneficial for the process of healing and it is very important to distinguish clearly between intimacy and sexuality for the physician and his patent to be able to give and receive touch without fear and without holding back emotionally.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Holistic Adolescent Medicine
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Morad Mohammed , Press Joseph , Merrick Joav , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: March 2005

The holistic medical approach seems to be efficient and can also be used in adolescent medicine. Supporting the teenager to grow and develop is extremely important in order to prevent many of the problems they can carry into adulthood. The simple consciousness-based, holistic medicine — giving love, winning trust, giving holding, and getting permission to help the patient feel, understand, and let go of negative beliefs — is easy for the physician interested in this kind of practice and it requires little previous training for the physician to be able to care for his/her patient. A deeper insight into the principles of holistic treatment and a thorough understanding of our fellow human beings are making it work even better. Holistic medicine is not a miracle cure, but rather a means by which the empathic physician can support the patient in improving his/her future life in respect to quality of life, health, and functional capacity — through coaching the patient to work on him/herself in a hard and disciplined manner. When the patient is young, this work is so much easier. During our lifetime, we have several emotional traumas arranged in the subconscious mind with the smallest at the top, and it is normal for the person to work on a large number of traumatic events that have been processed to varying degrees. Some traumas have been acknowledged, some are still being explored by the person, and yet others are still preconscious, which can be seen for example in the form of muscle tension. Sometimes the young dysfunctional patient carries severe traumas of a violent or sexual nature, but the physician skilled in the holistic medical toolbox can help the patient on his/her way to an excellent quality of life, full self-expression, a love and sex life, and a realization of his/her talents — all that a young patient is typically dreaming about. Biomedicine is not necessary or even recommended when the physical or mental symptoms are caused by disturbances in the personal development that can be corrected with love and understanding. If possible, biomedicine must be avoided, even if this means suffering for the young person, who needs to confront the tough realities of life in order to grow into an able and sound adult.
Bio-Liquid Morphological Analysis
Authors: Shatokhina S.N. , Shabalin V.N. , Buzoverya M.E. , Punin V.T.
Published: March 2005

Information is presented on the new scientific line in medicine and biology: bio-liquid morphology. The interdisciplinary character of the given research area is emphasized. The problems and prospects of bio-liquid morphological analysis development both in applied and fundamental aspects are discussed.
Attitudes of Bedouin and Jewish Physicians Towards the Medical Care for Persons with Intellectual Disability in the Bedouin Negev Community. A Pilot Study
Authors: Morad Mohammed , Morad Tagrid , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

Change in the attitudes of staff or the public towards people with intellectual disability (ID) can impact their life and health, but that change has not been studied among physicians who belong to an ethnic minority undergoing dramatic social and economic transition. The goal of this study was to explore the change of attitudes of Negev Bedouin physicians serving their community and their satisfaction with policy, care, and knowledge in the field of ID. Seventeen community physicians (7 Bedouins and 10 Jewish) were interviewed using a simple questionnaire that consisted of items measuring attitude and satisfaction. The vast majority of the Bedouin and Jewish physicians had positive attitudes toward inclusion of those in the community with ID and were ready to provide the care needed in the community with special assistance. There was a need for further education in ID and more resources. There was a belief that there is discrimination between the Bedouin and Jewish community in the provision of care to people with ID. General dissatisfaction was expressed about the policy, resources, care provision, and expertise offered to Bedouins with ID. More efforts must be directed to empower the physicians with knowledge, expertise, and resources to handle the care of Bedouins with ID in a culturally appropriate way.
In Search of Inner Wisdom: Guided Mindfulness Meditation in the Context of Suicide
Authors: Birnbaum Liora , Birnbaum Aiton
Published: March 2005

Spiritual concerns are highly relevant, but often ignored, in psychotherapy in general and in suicide in particular. This article presents Internet data and clinical case material bearing on the topic, and describes an innovative therapeutic intervention administered in a group-workshop format with suicide survivors and mental health professionals. The technique incorporates relaxation and mindfulness meditation, with the addition of guided meditation in search of inner wisdom. Results of the group intervention are described and illustrated. Many participants reported a significant positive experience including connection to knowledge that was highly relevant to them in their current state of life. Whether such insights were experienced as coming from within (a deeper part of the self) or from an external source (a guiding figure or presence), indications are that guided meditation can be a powerful resource for therapists and their clients, suicidal and otherwise. Possible applications in diverse populations and settings, as well as the need for further research, are discussed.
Spinal Cord Blood Flow after Ischemic Preconditioning in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia
Authors: Zvara David , Zboyovski James M. , Deal Dwight D. , Vernon Jason C. , Colonna David M.
Published: March 2005

Spinal cord blood flow after ischemic preconditioning is poorly characterized. This study is designed to evaluate spinal cord blood flow patterns in animals after acute ischemic preconditioning. Experiment 1: After a laminectomy and placement of a laser Doppler probe over the lumbar spinal cord to measure spinal cord blood flow, 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: ischemic preconditioning (IPC, n = 8), and control (CTRL, n = 8). Rats in the CTRL and the IPC groups were subjected to 12 min of ischemia directly followed by 60 min of reperfusion. IPC rats received 3 min of IPC and 30 min of reperfusion prior to the 12-min insult period. Experiment 2: After instrumentation, the rats were randomized into three groups: control (CTRL, n = 7), ischemic preconditioning (IPC, n = 7), and time control (TC, n = 4). Rats in the CTRL and the IPC groups were subjected to the same ischemia and reperfusion protocol as above. The TC group was anesthetized for the same time period as the CTRL and the IPC groups, but had no ischemic intervention. Microspheres were injected at baseline and at 15 and 60 min into the final reperfusion. All rats were euthanized and tissue harvested for spinal cord blood flow analysis. In Experiment 1, there was a slight, significant difference in spinal cord blood flow during the ischemic period; however, this difference soon disappeared during reperfusion. In experiment 2, there was no difference in blood flow at any experimental time. The results of these experiments demonstrate that IPC slightly enhances blood flow to the spinal cord during ischemia; however, this effect is not sustained during the reperfusion period.
Are We Faced with Two Human Species?
Authors: Davidovic Mladen
Published: March 2005

Problems could be found in the fact that we very often look for one deciding, definitive reason for the process of aging. It is a sort of search for a big discovery, like a fountain of youth or such. More and more authors are trying to explain the unknowns in the understanding of these observations about aging by adding the statement that there are two subgroups in the general population. This acknowledgment of two subpopulations explains why there are numerous cases that cannot be explained, defined, or fitted in basic observations about caloric restrictions and the delay of reproduction. The identification of those two groups would allow us to find more realistic results in studies and therefore a more efficient therapy of certain diseases. This hypothesis does not contradict theories of aging that we have accepted (at least not the majority of accepted theories), and this hypothesis also does not contradict the fact that there is a large interindividual variability. This hypothesis doubts, and claims there are exceptions to, the starting assumption of geriatrics and gerontology that: parallel to the aging process the functions of all organs and organ systems lessen.
Organophosphate Nerve Agent Detection with Europium Complexes
Authors: Schwierking Jake R. , Menzel Laird W. , Menzel E. Roland
Published: March 2005

We explore the detection of paraoxon, a model compound for nonvolatile organophosphate nerve agents such as VX. The detection utilizes europium complexes with 1,10 phenanthroline and thenoyltrifluoroacetone as sensitizing ligands. Both europium luminescence quenching and luminescence enhancement modalities are involved in the detection, which is simple, rapid, and sensitive. It is adaptable as well to the more volatile fluorophosphate nerve agents. It involves nothing more than visual luminescence observation under sample illumination by an ordinary hand-held ultraviolet lamp.
Concentrations of Atmospheric Sulfur Compounds in an Extremely Snowy Region, the Hokuriku District, Japan
Authors: Kawakami Tomonori , Murayama Jun
Published: March 2005

The diurnal and seasonal characteristics in gaseous sulfur dioxide and sulfate in aerosol particles, as well as the concentrations of sulfate in rain and snow, were measured in the Hokuriku District, Japan in order to investigate the spatial spread pattern of sulfur compounds and identify the origin of sulfur. The concentration of sulfur dioxide showed a distinct diurnal pattern, while the concentrations of nss-SO42−in precipitation and aerosol particles did not. These results implied that the sulfur dioxide might originate in local emissions and did not affect the concentration of nss-SO42−in precipitation, while nss-SO42−in aerosol particles seemed to be widespread and might result from long-range transportation. The deposition of nss-SO42−in precipitation increased in winter, while the concentration of nss-SO42−in aerosol particles decreased. This could be attributed to the lower cloud base often observed in this district in winter associated with a higher washout ratio.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: A Pilot Study on HIV and Quality of Life and a Suggested Cure for HIV and AIDS
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Morad Mohammed , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

This study was undertaken to examine the association between the immunological impact of HIV (measured by CD4 count) and global self-assessed quality of life (QOL) (measured with QOL1) for people suffering from HIV, to see if the connection was large and statistically strong enough to support our hypothesis of a strong QOL-immunological connection through the nonspecific, nonreceptor-mediated immune system, and thus to give a rationale for a holistic cure for HIV. This cross-sectional population study in Uganda included 20 HIV infected persons with no symptoms of AIDS and a CD4 count above 200 mill./liter. The main outcome measures were CD4 count, global QOL measured with the validated questionnaire QOL1, translated to Luganda and translated back to English. We found a large, clinically significant correlation between the number of T-helper cells (CD4) and global self-assessed quality of life (QOL1) (r = 0.57, p = 0.021), when controlled for age, gender, and years of infection. Together with other studies and holistic medicine theory, the results have given rationale for a holistic cure for HIV. We suggest, based on our findings and theoretical considerations, that HIV patients who improve their global QOL, also will improve their CD4 counts. Using the technique of holistic medicine based on the life mission theory and the holistic process theory of healing, we hypothesize that the improvement of QOL can have sufficient biological effect on the CD4, which could avoid or postpone the development of AIDS. A holistic HIV/AIDS cure improving the QOL draws on hidden resources in the person and is thus affordable for everybody. Improving global QOL also means a higher consciousness and a more ethical attitude, making it more difficult for the HIV-infected person to pass on the infection.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: the “New Medicine”, the Multiparadigmatic Physician, and the Medical Record
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Morad Mohammed , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The modern physician is often multiparadigmatic as he serves many different types of people in many different existential circumstances. The physician basically often has three, very different sets of technologies or “toolboxes” at his disposal, derived from three different medical paradigms: classical, manual medicine; biomedicine; and holistic or consciousness-oriented medicine. For lack of a better term, we have called the extended medical science — integrating these three different paradigms and their three strands of tools and methods — the “new medicine”. The excellent physician, mastering the “new medicine”, uses the most efficient way to help every patient, giving him or her exactly what is needed under the circumstances. The excellent physician will choose the right paradigm(s) for the person, the illness, or the situation, and will use the case record to keep track of all the subjective and objective factors and events involved in the process of healing through time. The case or medical record has the following purposes:A. Reflection: To keep track of facts, to provide an overview, to encourage causal analysis, to support research and learning, and to reveal mistakes easily.B. Communication: To communicate with the patient with a printout of the case record to create trust and help the patient to remember all assignments and exercises.C. Evidence and safety: To provide evidence and safety for the patient or to be used in case of legal questions.D. Self-discipline: To encourage discipline, as a good case record is basically honest, sober, brief, and sticks to the point. It forces the physician to make an effort to be more diligent and careful than a busy day usually allows.The intention of the case or medical record is ethical: to be sure that you, as a physician, give the best possible treatment to your patient. It helps you to reflect deeply, communicate efficiently, provide evidence and safety, and back your self-discipline, never to be carried away by the high speed of modern-day clinical work to give less than the optimal treatment. The patient's life, now and in the future, is in the palm of your hand, and to assume this huge responsibility, the physician must be anxious and careful about the quality of the medical record. Much too often, the essence of the session is nowhere to be found in the case record, so most of the generated value is lost between consultations.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Use and Limitations of the Biomedical Paradigm
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Morad Mohammed , Hyam Eytan , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The biomedical paradigm is so convincing from a biochemical point of view, and highly efficient in many cases of acute medical problems and emergencies, but unfortunately most patients do not get much better only treated with drugs; they need to do something about their lives themselves. It is highly important for the modern physician to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the modern biomedical paradigm, to understand when and when not to administer drugs to their patients. Often a symptom can be eliminated for a while with drugs, but this is not always good as the patient might need to learn to study the imbalances in life that cause the disturbances and symptoms. For the elderly patient, sometimes life can be extended in spite of the subjective fact that life has come to its end. Sometimes treatment with a drug can teach the patient that quality of life is the responsibility of the physician and not the patient. This learned attitude can give the patient problems later or make them less active in helping themselves (responsibility transfer in the wrong direction).This paper gives a number of examples where medical drugs really are the treatment of choice in general practice and some more doubtful examples of using of the biomedical paradigm.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Persons with Intellectual Disability in a Vegetarian Residential Care Community
Authors: Morad Mohammed , Gringols Mark , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among intellectually disabled persons in a vegetarian remedial community in Israel. In this community, 47 individuals with intellectual disability (ID) live in 7 enlarged families in a kibbutz style agricultural setting. These 47 individuals and 17 of their caregivers were screened for vitamin B12 deficiency. There were 25.5% of the disabled vs. 11.8% of the caregivers found to have levels of vitamin B12 lower than 157 pg/ml. It is concluded that persons with ID in this vegetarian residential care community seemed to be at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
XML DECLARATIVE DESCRIPTION WITH FIRST‐ORDER LOGICAL CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Anutariya Chutiporn , Wuwongse Vilas , Akama Kiyoshi
Published: March 2005

The expressive power of XML Declarative Description (XDD), a unified XML‐based representation language for the Knowledge Grid, is enhanced by a well‐defined mechanism for modeling arbitrary XML first‐order logical constraints (FLCs)—a special kind of constraints comprising XML expressions and logical symbols. The resulting knowledge representation can uniformly express explicit and implicit information, ontologies, axioms as well as integrity, structural and FLCs. It facilitates direct use of ordinary XML elements as its basic language component and semantic units, and formally defines XML clauses for modeling advanced complex statements. It achieves sound, efficient, and flexible computation or inference by means of the Equivalent Transformation (ET) paradigm—a new computational model based on semantic preserving transformations. Basic ET computational rules for reasoning with XDD descriptions with FLCs are also presented. Due to its well‐founded mechanism and expressiveness, employment of the proposed representation and computation framework to model a knowledge grid and its services not only enables direct representation of knowledge bases described by such emerging Semantic Web ontology languages as RDF(S) and OWL, but also offers additional descriptive facilities by allowing expression of and reasoning with rules, relationships, and constraints. Moreover, in order to provide machine‐interpretable descriptions of knowledge grid services, standard service description languages, e.g., WSDL, UDDI, OWL‐S and WSMO are employed and extended with facilities to define additional service relationships, constraints, and composition rules.
cDNA‐AFLP reveals genes differentially expressed during the hypersensitive response of cassava
Authors: KEMP BENJAMIN P. , BEECHING JOHN R. , COOPER RICHARD M.
Published: March 2005

The tropical staple cassava is subject to several major diseases, such as cassava bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis. Disease‐resistant genotypes afford the only practical solution, yet despite the global importance of this crop, little is known about its defence mechanisms. cDNA‐AFLP was used to isolate cassava genes differentially expressed during the hypersensitive reaction (HR) of leaves in response to an incompatible Pseudomonas syringae pathovar. Seventy‐eight transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs) showing differential expression (c. 75% up‐regulated, 25% down‐regulated) were identified. Many encoded putative homologues of known defence‐related genes involved in signalling (e.g. calcium transport and binding, ACC oxidases and a WRKY transcription factor), cell wall strengthening (e.g. cinnamoyl coenzyme A reductase and peroxidase), programmed cell death (e.g. proteases, 26S proteosome), antimicrobial activity (e.g. proteases and β‐1,3‐glucanases) and the production of antimicrobial compounds (e.g. DAHP synthase and cytochrome P450s). Full‐length cDNAs including a probable matrix metalloprotease and a WRKY transcription factor were isolated from six TDFs. RT‐PCR or Northern blot analysis showed HR‐induced TDFs were maximally expressed at 24 h, although some were produced by 6 h; some were induced, albeit more slowly, in response to wounding. This work begins to reveal potential defence‐related genes of this understudied, major crop.
ER retrieval of Avr9 compromises its elicitor activity consistent with perception of Avr9 at the plasma membrane
Authors: WILSON RYAN J. , BAILLIE BRETT K. , JONES DAVID A.
Published: March 2005

The discovery of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrieval motif at the C‐terminus of the predicted Cf‐9 resistance protein suggested that Cf‐9 might function in the ER. To test whether Cf‐9 could detect its cognate avirulence protein, Avr9, from the ER, variants of Avr9 with the ER retrieval motifs KDEL or HDEL were transiently expressed in Cf‐9 tobacco. Cf‐9‐mediated necrosis in response to Avr9 tagged at the C‐terminus with the KDEL motif was substantially delayed compared with unmodified Avr9. Interestingly, necrosis was completely abolished when Avr9 was tagged with the HDEL motif. Introduction of the S5A mutation, which destroys the sole N‐linked glycosylation site of Avr9, ruled out the possibility that an ER‐specific pattern of glycosylation prevented a response to the KDEL or HDEL variants of Avr9. These results suggest that Avr9 is perceived at the plasma membrane. They also suggest that HDEL is a more effective ER retrieval motif than KDEL in tobacco.
Assessing microvessels and angiogenesis in human breast cancer, using VE‐cadherin
Authors: Martin T A , Watkins G , Lane J , Jiang W G
Published: March 2005

Aims : Vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin, also known as cadherin‐5 and CD144, is an adhesion molecule uniquely expressed in endothelial cells. We hypothesized that VE‐cadherin may be a useful marker for assessing microvessels and angiogenesis in human breast cancer and sought to determine whether a correlation exists between levels of VE‐cadherin, angiogenic markers factor VIII and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)‐1 and patient outcome in breast cancer.

Methods and results : Frozen sections from breast cancer primary tumours (tumour n = 114, background n = 30) were immunostained with VE‐cadherin, factor VIII and PECAM‐1 antibodies and microvessel number was assessed. RNA was reverse transcribed and analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR). VE‐cadherin immunostaining showed a significant difference in microvessel number in tumour compared with background. There was no significant difference in the number of microvessels stained with PECAM‐1 or factor VIII; there was increased staining of other structures within the sample and higher general background staining. Q‐PCR revealed elevated levels of VE‐cadherin and PECAM‐1 in tumour samples compared with background tissue and in patients with a poor prognosis, as determined by the Nottingham Prognostic Index. There was no difference in levels with factor VIII. Both VE‐cadherin and PECAM‐1 had significantly reduced expression in lobular compared with ductal carcinomas: there was no difference with factor VIII.

Conclusion : Higher levels of angiogenic marker molecules in breast cancer may have an association with poor prognosis in patients. Moreover, VE‐cadherin appears to be a preferable marker for such analysis.
Real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization are complementary to understand the mechanisms involved in HER‐2/neu overexpression in human breast carcinomas
Authors: Vanden Bempt I , Vanhentenrijk V , Drijkoningen M , Wlodarska I , Vandenberghe P , De Wolf‐Peeters C
Published: March 2005

Aims : To evaluate the HER‐2/neu status at the mRNA and DNA level of breast carcinomas and to compare it with HER‐2/neu receptor overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Methods and results : In 32 invasive breast carcinomas, frozen tissue was available for real‐time detection of HER‐2/neu mRNA levels by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Corresponding paraffin sections were examined by IHC and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH). Thereby, different IHC and FISH procedures were compared. Using microwave epitope retrieval, all 32 cases scored 3+ on IHC, whereas only 28 out of 32 cases scored IHC 3+ using water bath epitope retrieval. All of these 28 cases showed increased levels of HER‐2/neu mRNA. Dual‐colour FISH analysis showed corresponding gene amplification in all 28 cases, with two cases showing a peculiar amplification pattern. In the remaining four cases, scoring IHC 2+ using water bath epitope retrieval, mRNA levels were not elevated. Three cases did not have gene amplification and one case showed low‐level HER‐2/neu gene amplification. All four carcinomas showed chromosome 17 polysomy.

Conclusions : Real‐time RT‐PCR is accurate in selecting breast carcinoma cases scoring 3+ by IHC with high‐level gene amplification. Results obtained by dual‐colour FISH suggest that mechanisms leading to HER‐2/neu receptor overexpression may be different between carcinomas scoring 2+ and 3+ on IHC, with polysomy 17 found in the former and gene amplification in the latter.
Low prevalence of latex sensitivity in South African spina bifida children in Cape Town
Authors: Johar Asmah , Lim Dawn L , Arif Siti Arija Mad , Hawarden Di , Toit George Du , Weinberg Eugene G , Motala Cas , Fieggen G. , Yeang Hoong Yeet , Potter Paul C
Published: March 2005

Spina bifida children have a high prevalence of latex allergy in studies reported from Europe and the USA. This study investigated the prevalence of latex allergy in a cohort of 24 spina bifida children at the Red Cross Children's Hospital from Cape Town, South Africa. The children were investigated using a detailed questionnaire, skin prick tests (ALK‐Abello), ImmunoCap RASTs, Western blotting and ELISA, using the purified latex proteins Hev b1 and Hev b3 and whole latex preparation. A low overall prevalence of latex sensitization of 16.7% was found in the children. Children who were sensitive reacted to water insoluble to Hev b1 and Hev b3 proteins. The low prevalence of latex sensitization in the South African children may not be entirely explained by stringent latex avoidance. The children were from a low socioeconomic social status and ‘hygiene’ and other factors should be considered.
The ATP‐dependent Clp protease in chloroplasts of higher plants
Authors: Clarke Adrian K. , MacDonald Tara M. , Sjögren Lars L. E.
Published: March 2005

The best‐known proteases in plastids are those that belong to families common to eubacteria. One of the first identified was the ATP‐dependent caseinolytic protease (Clp), whose structure and function have been well characterized in Escherichia coli. Plastid Clp proteins in higher plants are surprisingly numerous and diverse, with at least 16 distinct Clp proteins in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Multiple paralogues exist for several of the different types of plastid Clp protein, with the most extreme being five for the proteolytic subunit ClpP. Both biochemical and genetic studies have recently begun to reveal the intricate structural interactions between the various Clp proteins, and their importance for chloroplast function and plant development. Much of the recent data suggests that the function of many of the Clp proteins probably affects more specific processes within chloroplasts, in addition to the more general ‘housekeeping’ role previously assumed.
Seasonal changes in leaf antioxidant systems and xanthophyll cycle characteristics in Taxus x media growing in sun and shade environments
Authors: Verhoeven Amy S. , Swanberg Annie , Thao Mai , Whiteman John
Published: March 2005

We examined differences between summer and winter in xanthophyll cycle‐dependent energy dissipation and leaf antioxidant systems in needles of the overwintering evergreen Taxus x media cv. Tauntonii (Taunton yew) growing in both sun and shade environments in Saint Paul, Minnesota. During the winter, both sun and shade plants exhibited increases in the capacity for, and utilization of, xanthophyll cycle‐dependent thermal energy dissipation. Winter needles showed decreases (sun needles) or no change (shade needles) in superoxide dismutase activity (EC 1.15.1.1), no change in ascorbate peroxidase activity (EC 1.11.1.11) and no change (sun needles) or increases (shade needles) in reduced ascorbate levels. Both sun and shade needles showed large increases in glutathione reductase activity (EC 1.6.4.2) and total glutathione levels during the winter, in addition to increases in levels of α‐tocopherol. These results suggest an important photoprotective role during the winter for xanthophyll cycle‐dependent energy dissipation and for the antioxidants glutathione and α‐tocopherol. They suggest a less important photoprotective function of the enzyme‐based water–water cycle in winter acclimation in the seasonally very cold environment of Minnesota.