bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and diabetes in children
Authors: Prosperi Sara , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: September 2022

This review describes the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children and adolescents, investigating changes in diabetes presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic, possible links between severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and diabetes, and mechanisms of pancreatic β-cell destruction. Although glycemic control in individuals with already known diabetes mellitus did not worsen during the pandemic, there was a worrying increase in diabetic ketoacidosis in children with new-onset diabetes, probably due to containment measures and delayed access to emergency departments. Moreover, new evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to directly and indirectly induce pancreatic β-cell destruction, and the risk of newly diagnosed diabetes after COVID-19 increased in both children and adults. While long-term studies continue to follow children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, this review discusses available findings on the relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes. It is important to emphasize the need to maintain close links between families of children with chronic conditions and their pediatricians, as well as to promote early access to healthcare services, in order to reduce dangerous delays in diabetes diagnosis and prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.
Digital Agriculture in Viet Nam: Conditions and Prospect of Development
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Loi
Published: September 2022

The real context of climate change and pandemic has emphasized the enormous significance of agriculture to society and paved a path to digitization. Each country's agricultural digitalization strategies must not only focus on the technological aspects of the production system but as well present an overview of how this field of study is establishing and developing. To address this issue, a research was carried out to identify priority research questions concerning digital agriculture in Viet Nam, but with a view to also informing international contexts. The study applied a combination of methods including descriptive statistics, review of related researches reflecting the application of digital technology in agriculture, as well as systematic and institutional approaches to create the conditions for the development of digital agriculture. Concurrently, taking into account the readiness limitation of economic actors' for digital transformation is also presented in this study. Viet Nam is in the early stages of digital transformation in agriculture. Digital readiness is critical to grasping and implementing existing technologies and transforming agriculture. In order for the digital transformation to come into play in a positive way, the institutional decisions of the authorities are crucial to the major challenges facing Viet Nam's agriculture, such as digital inequalities, human resources, financial, and infrastructure constraints and inadequate awareness of existing technologies.
Financing Gap of Agro-food Firms and the Role of Policies
Authors: Pokrivčák Ján , Tóth Marián
Published: September 2022

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the position and financing needs of agri-food industry in Slovakia. There is a growth of agri-food sector which is reflected in growing demand for finance. Despite current favourable conditions on the financial market in Slovakia, some viable firms still face a credit constraint. Financing gap exists due to relatively high interest rates for some firms and due to their lack of sufficient collateral. Based on the survey results and focus group meetings we estimate the financing gap. Results show that there is potential for a further expansion of the financing market, with a financing gap estimated at EUR 36.8 mil. Small firms suffer the most from the financing gap and they constitute 77.4% of the gap. Financing gap and financing needs will be growing in the future. Firms need to increase investment to stay competitive on the market and need to adopt to changes in consumer preferences. This requires further investment into new technology and equipment. Tougher environmental requirements make firms invest into more environmentally friendly production processes. Furthermore, the sector is expected to be growing in the future. Financial instruments in the form of loan guarantees and interest rate subsidies would partly eliminate the existing financing gap. Small firms would benefit from simple and flexible financial instruments serving as guarantees for loans. Large firms would benefit from long-term loans supported by financial instruments. Policy-makers should place special attention on the use of financial instruments in agri-food sub-sectors with potential high value added and high employment.
David Lynch y la reimaginación del Hollywood clásico. Un viaje en el tiempo por una Carretera perdida llamada Mulholland Drive
Authors: Iturregui-Motiloa Víctor
Published: September 2022

Este trabajo consiste en un análisis cruzado de dos filmes de David Lynch (Carretera perdida y Mulholland Drive) con otras tantas películas del Hollywood clásico a las que hacen referencia: Detour, El beso mortal y Sunset Boulevard. Con este díptico, en el que se mezclan el metacine, el noir y el melodrama, el cineasta estadounidense reimagina formas, personajes, temas y estilemas de la fábrica de los sueños para proponer una reescritura crítica y nostálgica de algunas imágenes fundamentales del arte cinematográfico estadounidense.
La relación de Amparo y José Iturbi con Eduardo López-Chavarri: un estudio a través de su correspondencia
Authors: Galbis López Vicente
Published: September 2022

En este artículo se pretende analizar la relación entre el polifacético músico valenciano Eduardo López-Chavarri Marco (1871-1970) y los hermanos Iturbi: Amparo (1898-1969) y José (1895-1980), pianistas valencianos de gran proyección internacional en la primera mitad del siglo XX. El contenido principal de este trabajo se basa en el epistolario de Chavarri, centrando la atención en las cartas enviadas por José y Amparo. Gracias a estos materiales obtenemos la información y, sobre todo, el tipo de relación establecida entre los hermanos Iturbi y Chavarri en la etapa que va de 1911 a 1965. También se utilizan cartas de otros corresponsales de Chavarri y algunos escritos del propio compositor, que amplían la panorámica de dicha interacción. Tras el estudio realizado se observa una relación doble: una influencia positiva de Chavarri hacia los hermanos y, posteriormente, de Amparo y José hacia el compositor valenciano. Además, se trata de una interacción que abarca diversos campos, debido al carácter poliédrico de la figura de Chavarri.
Rafael Martinez Valls: de Els soldats de l’ideal a La cançó d’amor i de guerra
Authors: Penadés Silvestre Rubén
Published: September 2022

El principal objetivo del presente trabajo es profundizar en la obra que catapultó la vida artística del compositor de Ontinyent Rafael Martínez Valls (1895-1946): la zarzuela Cançó d’amor i de guerra (1926). No se pretende aportar un trabajo analítico sobre la misma, sino relacionar aquellos datos históricos, musicales y biográficos que nos ayuden a entender, hasta cierto punto, cómo esta obra alcanzó la fama. Para ello, se han examinado tanto el libreto como las partituras de esta zarzuela y, en menor medida de otras –como la Legió d’honor– de temática similar. Así mismo, se han estudiado diferentes entrevistas, críticas y publicaciones a través de la prensa de la época y se ha recopilado información sobre su vida y su trayectoria musical. Finalmente, se ha reflexionado sobre cómo todo esto influyó en la creación de Cançó d’amor i de guerra.
Les tréteaux de Maître Pierre de Manuel de Falla: l’intertextualité comme dialogue narratif
Authors: Sevilla Llisterri Inés
Published: September 2022

Le présent travail s’efforce de montrer le dialogue narratif intersémiotique entre Les tréteaux de Maître Pierre de Manuel de Falla et le Don Quichotte de Cervantès dans une perspective intertextuelle, transmédiale et historiquement déterminée. L’opéra de Falla constitue une adaptation lyrique-scénique d’un épisode du Quichotte. De la même manière que l’on trouve dans le Quichotte de nombreuses allusions et citations d’autres œuvres littéraires, on trouve dans l’opéra de Falla des citations de la tradition musicale espagnole de l’époque du Quichotte, et antérieures également. Ces citations remplissent plusieurs fonctions, parmi lesquelles l’adaptation par Falla non seulement du contenu de l’histoire de Cervantès, mais aussi de son style d’écriture et de ses stratégies littéraires. L’opéra de Falla se présente ainsi comme un objet d’étude privilégié de la réécriture et de l’adaptation narrative d’un média à un autre.
La cara amable del jazz clásico: Louis Armstrong y Alta sociedad (High Society, Charles Walters, 1956)
Authors: Pedro Josep , Gutiérrez-Martínez Begoña
Published: September 2022

Este artículo estudia las formas de representación del jazz en tanto tradición afroamericana. En concreto, se centra en sus implicaciones socioculturales y políticas a partir de la figura de Louis Armstrong como representante de la cara amable del jazz clásico. El jazz es un género musical marginal en sus inicios, que adquiere una destacada presencia mainstream a través de su integración en las industrias culturales, lo cual suscita preguntas sobre las formas en las que representa. En primer lugar, abordamos la naturaleza multidimensional de la música en relación con una noción dinámica de imaginario. Además, indagamos en las políticas de la representación empleadas en la música popular a través del jazz clásico, considerando la identidad étnico-racial y las nociones de pose y corte. Por otra parte, realizamos un análisis sociosemiótico de Alta Sociedad (High Society, Charles Walters, 1956), un musical hollywoodiense en el que el Armstrong se interpreta a sí mismo.
José Iturbi meets Landowska: impresiones de la vida parisina y de los estudios artísticos
Authors: Pascual León Nieves
Published: September 2022

Durante su gira española a principios de 1911, Wanda Landowska ofreció un recital en Valencia, donde también tuvo ocasión de conocer al joven José Iturbi, que se convertiría a partir de entonces en discípulo suyo. El artículo parte de este encuentro pedagógico para, a través de una reflexión basada en los principios teóricos que guiaban la interpretación instrumental a mediados del siglo XVIII y del análisis hemerográfico de algunos de los diarios valencianos de la época, analizar dos propuestas performativas de la Sonata K27 de Domenico Scarlatti a partir de dos registros audiovisuales históricos de ambos artistas.
Frank Zappa: «These European orchestras are a pain in the ass» [Retrato del artista como un genio del siglo XX]
Authors: Silvera Guillén Francisco José
Published: September 2022

Frank Zappa se ha mantenido asomado a la ventana del siglo XX como un gigante de la Historia de la Música, superando escalón a escalón un prejuicio que lo situaba en el ambiente de la mercadotecnia de la música popular. Zappa es un compositor serio y un intelectual que fue capaz de filtrar su época dando una respuesta artística muy elaborada y única. Este artículo pone el foco en las singularidades de su música y su contexto.
Las sendas de la ficción
Authors: Carrera Pilar
Published: September 2022

La pandemia del COVID-19 ha sido una especie de reactivo (en el sentido fotográfico) que, desde el punto de vista de la comunicación, ha positivado la imagen de una naturaleza viral que no es la del coronavirus, sino la de Internet y el sistema de medios digital.
Pilar Carrera, La lógica del fragmento (Arte y subversión)
Authors: Méndez Rubio Antonio
Published: September 2022

Pilar Carrera, La lógica del fragmento (Arte y subversión). Valencia: Pre-Textos, 2022, 105 págs.
DL NFNT N N JNC
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Rosales Andrea
Published: September 2022

Este verano pude finalmente sumergirme en la dulce lectura de un bestseller atípico. El infinito en un junco, de Irene Vallejo, narra la historia de los libros (Vallejo, 2021). Su lectura me permitió reflexionar sobre los avatares del oficio de los escribanos en tiempos de las redes sociales.
Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Prestressed Steel Wires on Vehicle-Bridge Coupling Vibration of Simply Supported Beams on High-Speed Railway
Authors: Chen Daihai , Wan Yanchang , Xu Shizhan , Li Zheng , Fang Yilin
Published: September 2022

By the theory of vehicle-bridge coupled vibration analysis in railways, the dynamic analysis model for space of the train-track-bridge-steel wires coupled system was established. Moreover, a corresponding program was compiled based on the train-track-bridge-steel wires coupling vibration analysis method. Taking a 32 m simple beam which is in high-speed railways as the subject of study, the influence of effective prestress, steel wires eccentricity and vehicle speed on the dynamic response of the vehicle-bridge coupled vibration was analysed. The results show that the bridge dynamic response is remarkably influenced by prestressed steel wires. With the prestress increasing, the crest of the vertical dynamic response at the midspan decreased first, then increased. Moreover, the minimum peak value appeared when the prestress was 1300 MPa. When the steel wires were deflected downward relative to the design position, the vertical displacement of the bridge decreased by more than when the downshift occurred. The extreme values of the bridge lateral dynamic response and the train body acceleration response appeared when the train ran at 300 km/h. Prestressed steel wires had little effect on the dynamic response in the transverse direction of the bridge and train body.
Pioneering Interdisciplinary Academic Field of Digital Humanities in Latvia
Authors: Reinsone Sanita , Platonova Marina , Smirnova Tatjana , Seņko Zane
Published: September 2022

A mainstream tendency for multimediality of information and exponential growth of data have promoted major changes in the academic paradigm, supporting the transition towards interdisciplinary research-based studies, which has affected the development of the emerging field of Digital Humanities (DH). The paper aims at providing insights into the different activities implemented by the DH community in Latvia, which have contributed to the advancement of the field and stimulated the inclusion of digital research-related courses in the Latvian higher education curricula, reflecting on the establishment and implementation of the Master study programme in Digital Humanities at RTU considering it in its wider Latvian, pan-European, and global context.
The Candida albicans virulence factor candidalysin polymerizes in solution to form membrane pores and damage epithelial cells
Authors: Russell Charles M , Schaefer Katherine G , Dixson Andrew , Gray Amber LH , Pyron Robert J , Alves Daiane S , Moore Nicholas , Conley Elizabeth A , Schuck Ryan J , White Tommi A , Do Thanh D , King Gavin M , Barrera Francisco N
Published: September 2022

Candida albicans causes severe invasive candidiasis. C. albicans infection requires the virulence factor candidalysin (CL) which damages target cell membranes. However, the mechanism that CL uses to permeabilize membranes is unclear. We reveal that CL forms membrane pores using a unique mechanism. Unexpectedly, CL readily assembled into polymers in solution. We propose that the basic structural unit in polymer formation is a CL oligomer, which is sequentially added into a string configuration that can close into a loop. CL loops appear to spontaneously insert into the membrane to become pores. A CL mutation (G4W) inhibited the formation of polymers in solution and prevented pore formation in synthetic lipid systems. Epithelial cell studies showed that G4W CL failed to activate the danger response pathway, a hallmark of the pathogenic effect of CL. These results indicate that CL polymerization in solution is a necessary step for the damage of cellular membranes. Analysis of CL pores by atomic force microscopy revealed co-existence of simple depressions and more complex pores, which are likely formed by CL assembled in an alternate oligomer orientation. We propose that this structural rearrangement represents a maturation mechanism that stabilizes pore formation to achieve more robust cellular damage. To summarize, CL uses a previously unknown mechanism to damage membranes, whereby pre-assembly of CL loops in solution leads to formation of membrane pores. Our investigation not only unravels a new paradigm for the formation of membrane pores, but additionally identifies CL polymerization as a novel therapeutic target to treat candidiasis.
Ligand-induced shifts in conformational ensembles that describe transcriptional activation
Authors: Khan Sabab Hasan , Braet Sean M , Koehler Stephen John , Elacqua Elizabeth , Anand Ganesh Srinivasan , Okafor C Denise
Published: September 2022

Nuclear receptors function as ligand-regulated transcription factors whose ability to regulate diverse physiological processes is closely linked with conformational changes induced upon ligand binding. Understanding how conformational populations of nuclear receptors are shifted by various ligands could illuminate strategies for the design of synthetic modulators to regulate specific transcriptional programs. Here, we investigate ligand-induced conformational changes using a reconstructed, ancestral nuclear receptor. By making substitutions at a key position, we engineer receptor variants with altered ligand specificities. We combine cellular and biophysical experiments to characterize transcriptional activity, as well as elucidate mechanisms underlying altered transcription in receptor variants. We then use atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with enhanced sampling to generate ensembles of wildtype and engineered receptors in combination with multiple ligands, followed by conformational analysis and correlation of MD-based predictions with functional ligand profiles. We determine that conformational ensembles accurately describe ligand responses based on observed population shifts. These studies provide a platform which will allow structural characterization of physiologically-relevant conformational ensembles, as well as provide the ability to design and predict transcriptional responses in novel ligands.
Role of Trans-catheter Selective Arterial Embolization in the Management of Renal Angiomyolipomas
Authors: Arakeeb Hossam El-Din Hassan , Ebrahim Abdalla Abdelhamid , Abd-El-Aziz Alsiagy Ali , Dawoud Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: September 2022

Background: Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign renal tumour with incidence from 0.2% to 0.6% of the general population, representing about 3% of all kidneys’ tumours with a strong female predilection. The aim of this work was to assess trans-catheter selective arterial embolization (SAE) role in renal AML management (including control of symptoms and tumour size reduction).

Methods: This prospective minimally invasive trial was conducted on 30 cases with renal AMLs who were managed by SAE and diagnosed with renal AML by CT and/ or US. All patients were subjected to laboratory testing (complete blood count (CBC), coagulation profile, renal and liver function test and urine analysis) and radiological imaging (abdominal US, UECT scan, CECT scan and CTA for renal vessels, gadolinium enhanced MRA and diagnostic catheter angiography).

Results: Both lesions’ volume and maximum diameter after SAE showed highly significant reduction (p<0.001). Serum creatinine and Haemoglobin levels before and after SAE showed no significant changes (P=0.069 and P=0.055) respectively.

Conclusions: SAE is a safe and effective technique in the management of renal AMLs either in emergency or preventively with preservation of renal functions and elimination of the potential risk of nephrectomy.
Women in difficult circumstances: war victims and refugees
Authors: Rojnik B. , Andolsek‐Jeras L. , Obersnel‐Kveder D.
Published: July 2002

The majority of problems that women are confronting today originate from a lack of respect for human and reproductive rights. Escalating war crises are producing an enormous number of civilian victims, of whom women and children comprise the major part. Rape used as a war tactic in Bosnia has proven to be a very powerful tool. War in Bosnia has provided a tragic incentive to work on strategies and tactics for reaching the victims in such chaotic and unpredictable circumstances.
Reproductive outcome following abdominal metroplasty
Authors: Khalil A.M. , Azar G.B. , Hannoun A.B. , Sawaya J.T. , Abu‐Musa A.A. , Karam K.S.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcome following uterine unification procedures in patients with uterine anomalies. Methods: A retrospective survey included all abdominal metroplasty procedures performed on 43 patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between January 1, 1974 and December 31, 1991. Age at metroplasty, type of anomaly and surgical procedures, as well as preoperative and postoperative reproductive performance were all recorded. Results: Forty (93%) out of 43 patients who underwent metroplasty had postoperative live births compared with five (12%) prior to surgery. The fetal wastage rate dropped from 93% pre‐ to 16% postoperatively. All seven patients with a history of primary infertility conceived and had live births. Conclusion: Our data suggest a remarkable improvement following abdominal metroplasty in patients with both typical and uncharacteristic preoperative reproductive performance.
Ethnic Schism and the Consolidation of Post-Communist Democracies: The Case of Estonia
Authors: Evans Geoffrey
Published: July 2002

The collapse of the Soviet Empire provides several instances where the presence of Russian-speaking minorities constitute a potential challenge to the consolidation of former Soviet Republics as independent democracies. This paper uses national sample surveys undertaken in 1993 and 1995 to examine ethnic relations in Estonia. Using the framework of exit, voice and loyalty as a basis for interpreting reactions to the choices presented in this context, it is shown that several years after the break-up of the Soviet Union, the two main ethnic groups remained firmly opposed over issues of citizenship and minority rights, an opposition accentuated by their relatively limited degree of internal differentiation. Assimilation of Russian-speaking minorities was not accepted by ethnic Estonians, and was not sort by Russians. For several reasons, however, Russians showed no strong signs of reacting by endorsing either secession or emigration as a solution to the exclusion of many of them from full citizenship. The analysis points to a continuing tension in the position of Russian-speakers within the new state, with the eventual emergence of a mobilized ethnic political voice within Estonia as a likely outcome.
A Multiphasic Hollow Fiber Reactor for the Whole‐Cell Bioconversion of 2‐Methyl‐1,3‐propanediol to (R)‐β‐Hydroxyisobutyric Acid
Authors: León Rosa , Prazeres Duarte M. F. , Fernandes Pedro , Molinari Francesco , Cabral Joaquim M. S.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the bioconversion of 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol to (R)‐β‐hydoxyisobutyric acid (HIBA) by Acetobacter ALEI in a hollow fiber membrane bioreaction system arrangement that allows the integration of three liquid phases: the aqueous bioconversion phase, the organic phase consisting of a solution of trioctyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) in isooctane, and the third phase consisting of a basic stripping solution that allows reextraction of HIBA from the organic phase. A comparison of HIBA mass transfer experiments was carried out in the membrane reactor with two and three phases for different pH and TOPO concentrations. The use of the three‐phase arrangement allows the extraction of high quantities of HIBA from the aqueous medium (higher than 85%) independently of the pH, whereas in the two‐phase system the percentage of HIBA extracted from the aqueous medium was lower, 42% in the best case, and strongly influenced by the pH. The percentage of the extractive agent TOPO in the organic phase influenced on the mass transfer rate in both bi‐ and triphasic arrangements. By simply integrating the re‐extraction phase in the system it was possible to increase the extraction yield by 2‐fold, reduce the amount of TOPO by 4‐fold, and operate at the more favorable pH 4. A bioconversion experiment was done in these conditions (pH = 4, TOPO = 5%) to confirm the advantages of including the third stripping solution. Fed‐batch operation of the triphasic membrane reactor was maintained for more than 20 h, reaching an HIBA concentration in the stripping solution of 29 g L−1.
Rapid Flow‐Induced Responses in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Stamatas Georgios N. , McIntire Larry V.
Published: July 2002

Endothelial cells alter their morphology, growth rate, and metabolism in response to fluid shear stress. To study rapid flow‐induced responses in the 3D endothelial cell morphology and calcium distribution, coupled fluorescence microscopy with optical sectioning, digital imaging, and numerical deconvolution techniques have been utilized. Results demonstrate that within the first minutes of flow application nuclear calcium is increasing. In the same time frame whole cell height and nuclear height are reduced by about 1 μm. Whole cell height changes may facilitate reduction of shear stress gradients on the luminal surface, whereas nuclear structural changes may be important for modulating endothelial growth rate and metabolism. To study the role of the cytoskeleton in these responses, endothelial cells have been treated with specific disrupters (acrylamide, cytochalasin D, and colchicine) of each of the cytoskeleton elements (intermediate filaments, microfilaments, and microtubules, respectively). None of these compounds had any effect on the shear‐induced calcium response. Cytochalasin D and acrylamide did not affect the shear‐induced nuclear morphology changes. Colchicine, however, completely abrogated the response, indicating that microtubules may be implicated in force transmission from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. A pedagogical model based on tensegrity theory principles is presented that is consistent with the results on the 3D endothelial morphology.
Substandard factors in perinatal care in The Netherlands:
Authors: WOLLESWINKEL‐VAN DEN BOSCH JUDITH H. , VREDEVOOGD CORLA B. , BORKENT‐POLET MARION , VAN EYCK JIM , FETTER WILLEM P. F. , LAGRO‐JANSSEN TOINE L. M. , ROSINK IMKE H. , TREFFERS PIETER E. , WIERENGA HENK , AMELINK MARIANNE , RICHARDUS JAN‐HENDRIK , VERLOOVE‐VANHORICK PAULINE , MACKENBACH JOHAN P.
Published: July 2002

Background. To determine: 1) whether substandard factors were present in cases of perinatal death, and to what extent another course of action might have resulted in a better outcome, and 2) whether there were differences in the frequency of substandard factors by level of care, particularly between midwives and gynecologists/obstetricians and between home and hospital births.

Methods. Population‐based perinatal audit, with explicit evidence‐based audit criteria.

Setting. The northern part of the province of South‐Holland in The Netherlands. All levels of perinatal care (primary, secondary and tertiary care, and home and hospital births) were included.

Cases. Three hundred and forty‐two cases of perinatal mortality (24 weeks of pregnancy – 28 days after birth).

Main outcome measures. Scores by a Dutch and a European audit panel. Score 0: no substandard factors identified; score 1, 2 or 3: one or more substandard factors identified, which were unlikely (1), possibly (2) or probably (3) related to the perinatal death.

Results. In 25% of the perinatal deaths (95% Confidence Interval: 20–30%) a substandard factor was identified that according to the Dutch panel was possibly or probably related to the perinatal death. These were mainly maternal/social factors (10% of all perinatal deaths; most frequent substandard factor: smoking during pregnancy), and antenatal care factors (10% of all perinatal deaths; most frequent substandard factor: detection of intra‐uterine growth retardation). We did not find statistically significant differences in scores between midwives and gynecologists/obstetricians or between home and hospital births. The European panel identified more substandard factors, but these were again equally distributed by level of care.

Conclusions. Perinatal deaths might be partly preventable in The Netherlands. There is no evidence that the frequency of substandard factors is related to specific aspects of the perinatal care system in The Netherlands.
Sterol 14α-demethylase activity in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) is associated with an unusual member of the CYP51 gene family
Authors: LAMB David C. , FOWLER Kay , KIESER Tobias , MANNING Nigel , PODUST Larissa M. , WATERMAN Michael R. , KELLY Diane E. , KELLY Steven L.
Published: July 2002

The annotation of the genome sequence of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) revealed a cytochrome P450 (CYP) resembling various sterol 14α-demethylases (CYP51). The putative CYP open reading frame (SC7E4.20) was cloned with a tetrahistidine tag appended to the C-terminus and expressed in Escherichia coli. Protein purified to electrophoretic homogeneity was observed to bind the 14-methylated sterols lanosterol and 24-methylene-24,25-dihydrolanosterol (24-MDL). Reconstitution experiments with E. coli reductase partners confirmed activity in 14α-demethylation for 24-MDL, but not lanosterol. An S. coelicolor A3(2) mutant containing a transposon insertion in the CYP51 gene, which will abolish synthesis of the functional haemoprotein, was isolated as a viable strain, the first time a CYP51 has been identified as non-essential. The role of this CYP in bacteria is intriguing. No sterol product was detected in non-saponifiable cell extracts of the parent S. coelicolor A3(2) strain or of the mutant. S. coelicolor A3(2) CYP51 contains very few of the conserved CYP51 residues and, even though it can catalyse 14α-demethylation, it probably has another function in Streptomyces. We propose that it is a member of a new CYP51 subfamily.
Metabolic control of resistance of human epithelial cells to H2O2 and NO stresses
Authors: GOFFE Claire LE , VALLETTE Geneviève , CHARRIER Laetitia , CANDELON Thierry , BOU-HANNA Chantal , BOUHOURS Jean-François , LABOISSE Christian L.
Published: July 2002

The carbon flux through the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) can be viewed as an integrator of the antioxidant mechanisms via the generation of NADPH. It could therefore be used as a control point of the cellular response to an oxidative stress. Replacement of glucose by galactose sensitized the human epithelial cell line HGT-1 to H2O2 stress. Here we demonstrate that, due to the restricted galactose flux into the PPP, the H2O2 stress led to early cellular blebbing followed by cell necrosis, these changes being associated with a fall in the NADPH/NADP+ ratio and GSH depletion. H2O2 cytotoxicity was prevented by adding 2-deoxyglucose (2dGlc). This protection was associated with an increased flow of 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate into the oxidative branch of the PPP together with the prevention of the NADPH/NADP+ fall and the maintenance of intracellular GSH redox homoeostasis. Inhibitors of enzyme pathways connecting the PPP to GSH recycling abolished the 2dGlc protection. In carbohydrate-free culture conditions, 2dGlc dose-dependent protective effect was paralleled by a dose-dependent influx of 2dGlc into the PPP leading to the maintenance of the intracellular redox status. By contrast, in Glc-fed cells, the PPP was not a control point of the cellular resistance to H2O2 stress as they maintained a high NADPH/NADP+ ratio. Both 2dGlc and Glc inhibited, through the maintenance of GSH redox status, NO cytotoxicity on galactose-containing Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (Gal-DMEM)-fed cells. 2dGlc did not prevent the fall of ATP content in NO-treated Gal-DMEM-fed cells, indicating that NO cytotoxicity was essentially due to the disruption of GSH redox homoeostasis and not to the alteration of ATP production by the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The maintenance of ATP content in NO-treated glucose-fed cells was due to their ability to derive their energy from anaerobic glycolysis. In conclusion, Gal-DMEM and 2dGlc-supplemented Gal-DMEM provide a useful system to decipher and organize into a hierarchy the targets of several stresses at the level of intact barrier epithelial cells.
Size is a major determinant of dissociation and denaturation behaviour of reconstituted high-density lipoproteins
Authors: GIANAZZA Elisabetta , EBERINI Ivano , SIRTORI Cesare R. , FRANCESCHINI Guido , CALABRESI Laura
Published: July 2002

Lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and A-IMilano (A-IM) were compared for their denaturation behaviour by running across transverse gradients of a chaotrope, urea, and of a ionic detergent, SDS. For both apo A-I and monomeric apoA-IM in the presence of increasing concentrations of urea the transition from high to low mobility had a sigmoidal course, whereas for dimeric A-IM/A-IM a non-sigmoidal shape was observed. The co-operativity of the unfolding process was lower for dimeric A-IM/A-IM than for apoA-I or for monomeric apoA-IM. A slightly higher susceptibility to denaturation was observed for dimeric A-IM/A-IM than for monomeric apoA-IM. A similar behaviour of A-IM/A-IM versus apoA-IM was observed in CD experiments. Large- (12.7/12.5nm) and small- (7.8nm) sized reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) containing either apoA-I or A-IM/A-IM were compared with respect to their protein—lipid dissociation behaviour by subjecting them to electrophoresis in the presence of urea, of SDS and of a non-ionic detergent, Nonidet P40. A higher susceptibility to dissociation of small-sized versus large-sized rHDL, regardless of the apolipoprotein component, was observed in all three instances. Our data demonstrate that the differential plasticity of the various classes of rHDL is a function of their size; the higher stability of 12.5/12.7nm rHDL is likely connected to the higher number of protein—lipid and lipid—lipid interactions in larger as compared with smaller rHDL.
One‐week clarithromycin triple therapy regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Pipkin G. A. , Williamson R. , Wood J. R.
Published: July 2002

Background:

One‐week triple therapies have been endorsed as the treatment regimens of choice for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. Those that include clarithromycin appear to be the most effective.

Aim:

To review reports of triple therapies that include clarithromycin.

Methods:

Reports were identified from the literature to May 1998. The variation between study designs prevents a formal meta‐analysis. A measure of the relative efficacies of regimens has, however, been gained by comparison and by pooling of intention‐to‐treat eradication rates.

Results:

One hundred and ninety‐two studies were identified which included 264 treatment arms of a 1‐week triple therapy composed of clarithromycin with amoxycillin or a nitroimidazole (metronidazole or tinidazole), and either ranitidine bismuth citrate or a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole). From reports of these studies, an intention‐to‐treat H. pylori eradication rate could be determined from 210 treatment arms of 151 studies.

Conclusions:

There is little to choose between the efficacies of 1‐week clarithromycin‐based triple therapy eradication regimens. However, those comprising clarithromycin, a nitroimidazole and either ranitidine bismuth citrate or a high dose of omeprazole are, in general, the most effective. Against antibiotic‐resistant strains of H. pylori, regimens including ranitidine bismuth citrate may be more effective than those including a proton pump inhibitor.
Inadequate cervical smears: results of an educational slide exchange scheme
Authors:   THE TRENT GYNAECOLOGICAL PATHOLOGY QUALITY ASSURANCE GROUP
Published: July 2002

Fifty‐six slides, predominantly inadequate and of varying difficulty, were circulated to 12 laboratories as an educationally based slide exchange scheme. Three slides failed to achieve an agreed majority consensus opinion. Seventy percent of participants agreed with the consensus opinion in 80% of slides. Of the slides originally reported as inadequate, the consensus diagnosis was inadequate in 78%, negative in 12% and abnormal in 10%. The latter included two cases of high‐grade dyskaryosis. There was good agreement for the two most frequent causes of inadequacy in submitted slides (obscured and poor cellularity). There was poor consistency in reporting the presence or absence of endocervical and immature squamous metaplastic cells, to an extent that questions their use in the assessment of smear adequacy. Three inadequate slides on consensus opinion were associated with subsequent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (grade III) or invasive squamous cell carcinoma. In the latter case, the slide had originally been reported as negative by the submitting laboratory.
Diabetes training needs of staff in residential and nursing homes for the elderly
Authors: Green J.
Published: July 2002

Background: Diabetes is a common disorder among elderly people. Previous studies suggest that diabetic care in institutions may be inadequate and fragmented and that staff in residential and nursing homes may require further training.

Aims: To investigate the training needs of staff in residential/nursing homes, using a knowledge‐based questionnaire. To investigate how staff wish training to be structured to meet their needs. To plan a training strategy for diabetic education to meet staff needs.

Method: Questionnaires were completed by 13 trained staff and 24 untrained staff from three nursing homes.

Results: Although trained staff generally had better knowledge than untrained staff, there were still many areas where both groups required further training, particularly in relation to diet. Misunderstandings about the use of ‘diabetic’ products and the need to restrict sugar were widespread. Subjects varied in their preferred approach to training, but the suggestion of a permanent display to remain after a teaching session was favoured by 85% of trained and 71% of untrained staff.

Conclusions: The study identified a need for the development of education about diabetes for trained and untrained staff in residential homes for the elderly. Particular emphasis is required concerning dietary recommendations and their practical application.
Humoral immune response to autologous blood transfusion in hip surgery: whole blood versus packed red cells and plasma
Authors: Tolksdorf B. , Frietsch T. , Quintel M. , Kirschfink M. , Becker P. , Lorentz A.
Published: July 2002

Background and Objectives

The immune response to the transfused autologous buffy coat content in whole blood has, to date, not been studied in detail.

Subjects and Methods

Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty were studied according to whether they received autologous whole blood (WB) (n = 30), autologous fresh‐frozen plasma and buffy coat‐poor red cells (RC) (n = 40), or no transfusion (NT) (n = 27). Plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and complement SC5b‐9 were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 7 days after surgery.

Results

There were no significant between‐group differences regarding the time course of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and complement SC5b‐9 plasma level changes, the infection rate, or the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

In comparison to the impact of surgery on cytokine and complement levels, the transfusion of autologous buffy coat is not relevant.
Imaging diagnosis of abdominal and pelvic sarcomas
Authors: Pui Margaret H , Yu Shen‐Ping , Li Zi‐Ping
Published: July 2002

Sarcomas of the abdomen and pelvis are rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms that often remain undiagnosed until they attain large size. Complete tumour resection is associated with improved patient survival. Detection and delineation of the tumour, its extent and its relationship with surrounding tissues are important for surgical planning. Radiography, barium studies, and intravenous urography are of limited value in the imaging diagnosis of abdominal and pelvic sarcomas. Ultrasound is sensitive for detecting neoplasms larger than 6 cm. Computed tomography is useful for detection, defining extent, and predicting resectability of the primary tumour, evaluation of response to treatment, and detecting recurrence and metastasis. Sarcomas are predominantly large, poorly demarcated, heterogeneous masses of muscle density with haemorrhage or necrosis.
Fetal parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Von Kaisenberg C. S. , Jonat W.
Published: July 2002

Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy causes up to 27% cases of non‐immune hydrops in anatomically normal fetuses. The virus is believed to cause arrest of maturation of red blood cell precursors at the late normoblast stage and also causes a decrease in the number of platelets. Fetal anemia is presently thought to be responsible for the development of skin edema and effusions. Myocarditis leading to heart failure may contribute to the development of fetal hydrops. We reviewed the literature regarding prevalence, transmission rates, clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, current invasive vs. conservative management options, outcome and postmortem findings in a total of 82 studies involving 230 invasively and 435 conservatively managed pregnancies. In this non‐selected population, the proportion of seronegative susceptible mothers ranged from 19 to 65%, seroconversion with an incubation time of up to 20 days occurred in 5.7–12.1%, and 188/230 (82%) who were transfused infected fetuses had a normal outcome as opposed to only 239/435 (55%) in the conservatively managed group. The average time from diagnosis to resolution in both groups was 6 weeks (range, 3–12 and 2–12 weeks, respectively). The most promising diagnostic techniques were PCR of amniotic fluid or fetal blood and electron microscopy. There are some reports of fetal abnormalities occurring (probably coincidentally) in cases of parvovirus, but the majority of postmortem findings were infection‐related, in particular myocarditis and hepatic abnormalities. Although management guidelines cannot be derived from this study due to the variable degree of hydrops in the analyzed studies, the present data suggest a benefit of transfusion therapy over conservative management in infected fetuses. The only study which was corrected for severity of hydrops using ultrasound criteria showed a clear benefit of intrauterine transfusion. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Non‐stereoscopic cues in the Random‐Dot E stereotest: results for adult observers*
Authors: Fricke Tim , Siderov John
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate performance on the Random‐Dot E (ROE) stereotest under binocular and monocular non‐stereoscopic viewing conditions. Sixteen adult observers with normal vision were tested with the RDE stereotest. Four new RDE tests were shown to each observer in varying combinations of monocular viewing, binocular but non‐stereoscopic viewing, and normal binocular viewing conditions. The test conditions were masked (where possible) and were presented in pseudo‐random order. Control experiments were also conducted using the Frisbv stereotest. Fifteen of the sixteen observers could discern some differences between the plates monocularly and therefore satisfied the passing criterion of the RDE test. Under these conditions, no observers could discern the stereoscopic E figure nor did any observer report a sensation of depth. No observer satisfied the passing criterion of the Frisby test monocularly. We conclude that caution should be used when interpreting results from the RDE stereotest, since adult observers could discern some differences between the test plates monocularly.
Paediatric community vision screening—a new model
Authors: Karas Marek P. , Donaldson Lisa , Charles Angela , Silver Janet , Hodes Deborah , Adams G.G.W.
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to establish if a community based model using a Hospital Optometrist and Community Orthoptist can provide a practical secondary vision screening service for children. These professionals working in an Inner London Health Centre, assessed children who had failed primary vision screening. In total 483 new patients were seen between April 1994 and March 1996 with the largest referral source being the school nurse screening programme. The majority were managed by the team with a total onward referral rate to the Hospital Eye Service of 14%. In 78% of these cases the consultant’s diagnosis agreed with the reason for referral. Where the consultant’s diagnosis differed the children were identified as normal or a variant of normal. This model of care provides a ‘one stop service’ where a child identified as having a potential visual problem at primary screening can be assessed, refracted and provided with spectacles in a local setting without hospital referral. Referrals to the Hospital Eye Service are considerably reduced and a convenient service is provided for parents and children.
Bias-controlled chemical vapor deposition of diamond thin films
Authors: Lee Y. H. , Richard P. D. , Bachmann K. J. , Glass J. T.
Published: July 2002

The growth of diamond films on (001) Si substrates by bias-controlled chemical vapor deposition is described. The film quality as judged by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy depends strongly on the biasing conditions. Under low current reverse bias conditions, highly facetted cubo-octahedral diamond growth exhibiting a single sharp Raman line at 1332 cm−1 was obtained, while biasing in high current conditions which created a plasma resulted in multiply twinned, microcrystalline growth incorporating sp2-bonded carbon into the diamond film.
Low-temperature chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial Si and SiGe layers at atmospheric pressure
Authors: de Boer W. B. , Meyer D. J.
Published: July 2002

In an effort to determine the low-temperature limit for the growth of Si and Si1−xGex epitaxial layers in an atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor, good quality material has been obtained at temperatures down to 600 °C, using SiH2Cl2 and GeH4 in H2 ambient. Si/Si1−xGex/Si heteroepitaxial structures are of good crystalline quality as well, showing abrupt interfaces. The Si-growth rate enhancement, caused by the addition of GeH4 to the gas flow at low temperatures, turns into growth-rate inhibition at higher temperatures. In this experiment oxygen and water partial pressures are several orders of magnitude higher than in ultrahigh vacuum CVD, without causing noticeable negative effects.
Empirical fit to band discontinuities and barrier heights in III–V alloy systems
Authors: Tiwari Sandip , Frank David J.
Published: July 2002

We present a figure summarizing the variation of conduction band discontinuity, valence band discontinuity, and gold Schottky barrier height for binary and ternary III–V semiconductors. This figure, which applies to unstrained material, makes use of the property of transitivity in band alignments, and the observed experimental correlation between barrier heights and band gap discontinuities, to consolidate a wide range of data. The figure should be very useful in the design of novel heterostructure electronic and optical devices.