bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gingival Overgrowth in Children: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Complications. A Literature Review
Authors: Doufexi Aikaterini , Mina Mina , Ioannidou Effie
Published: March 2005

Gingival overgrowth is the enlargement of the attached gingiva due to an increased number of cells. The most prevalent types of gingival overgrowth in children are drug‐induced gingival overgrowth, hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), and neurofibromatosis I (von Recklinghausen disease). Gingival overgrowth induced by drugs such as phenytoin, nifedipine, and cyclosporin develops due to an increase in the connective tissue extracellular matrix. According to epidemiologic studies, it is more prevalent in male children and adolescents. There is an additive effect of those drugs on the degree of gingival overgrowth. Genetic heterogeneity seems to play an important role in the development of the disease. Functional difficulties, disfigurement, increased caries, and delayed eruption of permanent teeth are the main complications of drug‐induced gingival overgrowth. HGF is the most common syndromic gingival enlargement in children. This autosomal dominant disease usually appears at the time of eruption of permanent dentition. Histologically, it is characterized by highly collagenized connective tissue. The most important complications are drifting of teeth, prolonged retention of primary dentition, diastemata, and poor plaque control. Neurofibromatosis I is an autosomal dominant disease more common in mentally handicapped individuals. Gingival overgrowth is caused by the formation of plexiform neurofi‐ bromas in the connective tissue of the gingiva. Plexiform neurofibromas are pathognomonic of the disease and consist of hypertrophic nerves arranged as lobules in the connective tissue. Complications of the disease are multiple and severe due to neurofibromas and their occasional malignant transformation. J Periodontol 2005;76:3‐10.
Human Gingival Tissue Reactions to Silk and Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Sutures
Authors: Leknes Knut N. , Røynstrand Inghild Tafjord , Selvig Knut A.
Published: March 2005

Background: Wound closure by suturing is a critical and significant event in general as well as in oral surgery. Information regarding tissue reactions to different suture materials appears incomplete and inconsistent, particularly in humans. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinically and histologically tissue reactions to silk and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) suture materials placed in human oral tissues.

Methods: Twelve patients undergoing periodontal treatment, who had bilateral periodontal defects in the maxillary premolar and molar region scheduled for resective surgery, were included. In each patient, one single interrupted ePTFE suture (CV–5) and one single interrupted silk suture (4‐0) were inserted in gingival tissues in contralateral jaw quadrants 10 days prior to scheduled surgery and a second set of sutures was inserted at 7 days prior to surgery. After placement, the length of the suture embedded in the tissue as well as the slack of the suture loop were measured and tabulated. The measurements were repeated on the day of surgery. At this time biopsy specimens, including the suture loop and surrounding tissue, were harvested and processed for histologic analysis. The inflammatory response was evaluated by measuring the thickness of the perisutural epithelium and the diameter of the connective tissue infiltrate, by estimating the proportion of inflammatory cells to epithelial cells, and by recording the presence or absence of bacterial plaque along the suture track.

Results: At 7 days, silk sutures showed a significantly higher degree of slack of the suture loop than did ePTFE sutures (P = 0.02), while the difference was not significant at 10 days (P = 0.21). The mean change of “tissue bite” was greater for silk compared to ePTFE at 7 as well as at 10 days. However, none of the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.43). The thickness of the perisutural epithelium increased significantly from 7 to 10 days for both suture materials, while the difference in proportion of inflammatory cells to epithelial cells was not significant (P = 0.43). An overall significantly greater diameter of connective tissue infiltrate was present around the silk sutures. Bacterial plaque was detected in 10 of 11 silk and four of 11 ePTFE suture channels at 7 days, and eight of 10 and four of 11 suture channels at 10 days.

Conclusions: The results revealed that placement of sutures in gingival tissues elicits an inflammatory reaction and that the magnitude of this reaction may vary with the suture material used. Braided silk sutures apparently cause a more extensive inflammatory tissue reaction in an environment characterized by moisture and infectious potential. J Periodontol 2005;76:34‐42.
No effect of encapsulation on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin
Authors: Johansson Susanne , Ohlsson Lis , Stenhoff Helene , Wåhlander Karin , Cullberg Marie
Published: March 2005

Background. In double‐blind comparator studies with the oral direct thrombin inhibitor (oral DTI) ximelagatran, warfarin (Coumadin®) was administered in encapsulated form in order to maintain patient and investigator blinding. This open, randomized, two‐way crossover study was conducted to determine whether the encapsulated warfarin tablets (Coumadin®) used in the ximelagatran studies are bioequivalent to nonencapsulated, commercially available warfarin (Coumadin®) tablets.

Methods and Results. Eighteen healthy men received two 2.5 mg tablets of encapsulated warfarin and two 2.5 mg tablets of nonencapsulated warfarin as single oral doses, 14 days apart. The 90% confidence intervals for the mean treatment ratio (encapsulated tablet/nonencapsulated tablet) fell within the limits considered to reflect bioequivalence (0.80, 1.25) for total area under the plasma concentration‐versus‐time curve (AUC∞), AUC to the last evaluable concentration (AUCt), and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for both R‐warfarin (AUC∞ [0.93, 1.03], AUCt [0.95, 1.03], Cmax [0.90, 1.04]) and S‐warfarin (AUC∞ [0.93, 1.03], AUCt [0.94, 1.03], Cmax [0.90, 1.06]).

Conclusions. The encapsulated form of warfarin (Coumadin®) used in comparator studies with the oral DTI ximelagatran is bioequivalent to the nonencapsulated, commercially available form of warfarin (Coumadin®). Thus, the results of ximelagatran clinical trials with encapsulated warfarin can be generalized to the commercially available form. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Modular Approach toward Block Copolymers
Authors: Higley Mary Nell , Pollino Joel M. , Hollembeak Eric , Weck Marcus
Published: March 2005

A novel methodology for the formation of block copolymers has been developed that combines ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with functional chain‐transfer agents (CTAs) and self‐assembly. Telechelic homopolymers of cyclooctene derivatives end‐functionalized with hydrogen‐bonding or metal‐coordination sites are formed through the combination of ROMP with a corresponding functional CTA. These telechelic homopolymers are fashioned with a high control over molecular weight and without the need for post‐polymerization procedures. The homopolymers undergo fast and efficient self‐assembly with their complement homopolymer or small molecule analogue to form block‐copolymer architectures. The block copolymers show equivalent association constants as their small molecule analogues described in the literature, regardless of size or nature of the complementary unit or the polymer side chain.
Prediction of survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma using artificial neural networks
Authors: Sato Fumiaki , Shimada Yutaka , Selaru Florin M. , Shibata David , Maeda Masato , Watanabe Go , Mori Yuriko , Stass Sanford A. , Imamura Masayuki , Meltzer Stephen J.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

Accurate estimation of outcome in patients with malignant disease is an important component of the clinical decision‐making process. To create a comprehensive prognostic model for esophageal carcinoma, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied to the analysis of a range of patient‐related and tumor‐related variables.

METHODS

Clinical and pathologic data were collected from 418 patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent resection with curative intent. A data base that included 199 variables was constructed. Using ANN‐based sensitivity analysis, the optimal combination of variables was determined to allow creation of a survival prediction model. The accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve [AUR]) of this ANN model subsequently was compared with the accuracy of the conventional statistical technique: linear discriminant analysis (LDA).

RESULTS

The optimal ANN models for predicting outcomes at 1 year and 5 years consisted of 65 variables (AUR = 0.883) and 60 variables (AUR = 0.884), respectively. These filtered, optimal data sets were significantly more accurate (P < 0.0001) than the original data set of 199 variables. The majority of ANN models demonstrated improved accuracy compared with corresponding LDA models for 1‐year and 5‐year survival predictions. Furthermore, ANN models based on the optimal data set were superior predictors of survival compared with a model based solely on TNM staging criteria (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

ANNs can be used to construct a highly accurate prognostic model for patients with esophageal carcinoma. Sensitivity analysis based on ANNs is a powerful tool for seeking optimal data sets. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Clinicopathologic significance of dysadherin expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Nishizawa Aya , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Yoshimura Kimio , Sasajima Yuko , Yamazaki Naoya , Yamamoto Akifumi , Hanada Katsumi , Kanai Yae , Hirohashi Setsuo
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

The E‐cadherin–mediated cell adhesion system is frequently inactivated by multiple mechanisms and is involved in tumor progression in many types of cancer. Recently, the authors reported a novel cell membrane glycoprotein, dysadherin, which has an anti–cell‐cell adhesion function and down‐regulates E‐cadherin.

METHODS

Expression of both dysadherin and E‐cadherin was investigated immunohistochemically in 115 patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma to determine the correlation between the 2 molecules and their associations with both patient survival and the clinicopathologic features of the tumors.

RESULTS

Dysadherin and E‐cadherin were expressed at the cell membranes of melanoma cells. Fifty‐two percent of the tumors showed dysadherin immunopositivity, and 91% of the tumors showed reduced E‐cadherin immunopositivity. There was no significant inverse correlation between dysadherin expression and E‐cadherin expression. Increased dysadherin expression was significantly correlated with nodular subtype (P = 0.042), Clark level (P < 0.001), tumor thickness (P < 0.001), ulceration (P = 0.008), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), high TNM classification (P < 0.001), and poor patient survival (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of patient survival revealed that increased dysadherin expression was a significant predictor of poor survival (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, increased expression of dysadherin was a significant indicator of poor prognosis in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic radiation promote early maturation and differentiation in newborn rat cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Lisi A. , Ciotti M.T. , Ledda M. , Pieri M. , Zona C. , Mercanti D. , Rieti S. , Giuliani L. , Grimaldi S.
Published: March 2005

The wish of this work is the study of the effect of electromagnetic (EMF) radiations at a frequency of 50 Hz on the development of cerebellar granule neurons (CGN). Granule neurons, prepared from newborn rat cerebellum (8 days after birth), were cultured after plate‐seeding in the presence of EMF radiations, with the plan of characterizing their cellular and molecular biochemistry, after exposure to the electromagnetic stimulus. Five days challenge to EMF radiations showed, by the cytotoxic glutamate (Glu) pulse test, a 30% decrease of cells survival, while only 5% of mortality was reported for unexposed sample. Moreover, blocking the glutamate receptor (GluR) with the Glu competitor MK‐801, no toxicity effect after CGN challenge to EMF radiations and Glu was detected. By patch‐clamp recording technique, the Kainate‐induced currents from 6 days old exposed CGN exhibited a significant increase with respect to control cells. Western blot and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses show that EMF exposure of rats CGN, induces a change in both GluRs proteins and mRNAs expression with respect to control. In addition, the use of monoclonal antibody raised against neurofilament protein (NF‐200) reveals an increase in NF‐200 synthesis in the exposed CGN. All these results indicate that exposure to non‐ionizing radiations contribute to a premature expression of GluRs reducing the life span of CGN, leading to a more rapid cell maturation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p75NTR‐mediated signaling promotes the survival of myoblasts and influences muscle strength
Authors: Reddypalli Shailaja , Roll Kristin , Lee Hyung‐Kook , Lundell Martha , Barea‐Rodriguez Edwin , Wheeler Esther F.
Published: March 2005

During muscle development, the p75NTR is expressed transiently on myoblasts. The temporal expression pattern of the receptor raises the possibility that the receptor is influencing muscle development. To test this hypothesis, p75NTR‐deficient mutant mice were tested for muscle strength by using a standard wire gripe strength test and were found to have significantly decreased strength relative to that of normal mice. When normal mybolasts were examined in vivo for expression of NGF receptors, p75NTR was detected on myoblasts but the high affinity NGF receptor, trk A, was not co‐expressed with p75NTR. In vitro, proliferating C2C12 and primary myoblasts co‐expressed the p75NTR and MyoD, but immunofluorescent analysis of primary myoblasts and RT‐PCR analysis of C2C12 mRNA revealed that myoblasts were devoid of trk A. In contrast to the cell death functions that characterize the p75NTR in neurons, p75NTR‐positive primary and C2C12 myoblasts did not differentiate or undergo apoptosis in response to neurotrophins. Rather, myoblasts survived and even proliferated when grown at subconfluent densities in the presence of the neurotrophins. Furthermore, when myoblasts treated with NGF were lysed and immunoprecipitated with antibodies against phosphorylated I‐κB and AKT, the cells contained increased levels of both phospho‐proteins, both of which promote cell survival. By contrast, neurotrophin‐treated myoblasts did not induce phosphorylation of Map Kinase p42/44 or p38, indicating the survival was not mediated by the trk A receptor. Taken together, the data indicate that the p75NTR mediates survival of myoblasts prior to differentiation and that the activity of this receptor during myogenesis is important for developing muscle. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indirect regulation of the intestinal H+‐coupled amino acid transporter hPAT1 (SLC36A1)
Authors: Anderson Catriona M.H. , Thwaites David T.
Published: March 2005

A H+‐coupled amino acid transporter has been characterised functionally at the brush border membrane of the human intestinal cell line Caco‐2. This carrier, hPAT1 (human Proton‐coupled Amino acid Transporter 1) or SLC36A1, has been identified recently at the molecular level and hPAT1 protein is localised to the brush border membrane of human small intestine. hPAT1 transports both amino acids (e.g., β‐alanine) and therapeutic agents (e.g., D‐cycloserine). In human Caco‐2 cells, hPAT1 function (H+/amino acid symport) is associated with a decrease in intracellular pH (pHi), which selectively activates the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3, and thus maintains pHi and the driving force for hPAT1 function (the H+ electrochemical gradient). This study provides the first evidence for regulation of hPAT1 function. Activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in Caco‐2 cell monolayers either using pharmacological tools (forskolin, 8‐br‐cAMP, [11,22,28Ala]VIP) or physiological activators (the neuropeptides VIP and PACAP) inhibited hPAT1 function (β‐alanine uptake) at the apical membrane. Under conditions where NHE3 is inactive (the absence of Na+, apical pH 5.5, the presence of the NHE3 inhibitor S1611) no regulation of β‐alanine uptake is observed. Forskolin and VIP inhibit pHi recovery (NHE3 function) from β‐alanine‐induced intracellular acidification. Immunocytochemistry localises NHERF1 (NHE3 regulatory factor 1) to the apical portion of Caco‐2 cells where it will interact with NHE3 and allow PKA‐mediated phosphorylation of NHE3. In conclusion, we have shown that amino acid uptake via hPAT1 is inhibited by activators of the cAMP pathway indirectly through inhibition of NHE3 activity. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adiabatic pulses in 1H–15N direct and long‐range heteronuclear correlations
Authors: Hadden Chad E.
Published: March 2005

The application of adiabatic inversion pulses to the detection of 1H–15N heteronuclear correlations is described. The pulse sequences studied were gHSQC, CRISIS‐gHSQC, gHMBC and CRISIS‐gHMBC. The poor inversion quality of rectangular 180° X pulses can lead to a loss of signal at the peripheries of the spectrum. Replacing these pulses with adiabatic sweeps significantly improves sensitivity across the potentially large 15N spectral window. Satellite spectrum profiles are shown to demonstrate the increase in sensitivity when employing adiabatic pulses on wide spectral widths. Additionally, the active pharmaceutical nizatidine was used as a model compound to demonstrate the improvements in the long‐range correlation data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small G‐protein RhoE is underexpressed in prostate cancer and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Bektic Jasmin , Pfeil Karina , Berger Andreas Paul , Ramoner Reinhold , Pelzer Alexandre , Schäfer Georg , Kofler Kurt , Bartsch Georg , Klocker Helmut
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

RhoE/Rnd3, a recently described novel member of the Rho GTPases family, was discussed as a possible antagonist of the RhoA protein that stimulates cell cycle progression and is overexpressed and/or overactivated in prostate cancer. We investigated the expression of RhoE and its role in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in the human prostate.

METHODS

RhoE expression in cell lines and tissue specimens was assessed by immunoblot analysis, real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR), and immunohistochemistry. To elucidate RhoE effects on the prostate, RhoE was cloned and overexpressed in DU‐145 prostate cancer. Cell cycle modulation and apoptosis was investigated by immunoblot and FACS analysis.

RESULTS

Immunoblot analysis showed a strong RhoE signal in both, benign epithelial and stromal cells. In contrast, almost no protein was detected in various prostate cancer cells. On RT‐PCR and microarray analysis, RhoE mRNA expression was significantly reduced in malignant tissue when compared to benign samples. RhoE immunostaining was strong in benign tissue, especially in prostate epithelial cells, whereas it was minimal or absent in malignant tissue. Forced RhoE overexpression in a prostate cancer cell line inhibits the expression of two proteins essential for G2/M transition, namely CDC2 and cyclin B1, and induces G2/M arrest. In addition, apoptotic cell death as measured by a cleavage product of caspase 3 is significantly increased in RhoE‐overexpressing cells.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings suggest RhoE as a tumor suppressor gene that is downregulatated early in the development of prostate cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgen receptor signaling and vitamin D receptor action in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Murthy Shalini , Agoulnik Irina U. , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells; previous reports suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 actions in LNCaP prostate cancer cells are androgen dependent. This is due in part to the observation that the androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, Casodex, modestly inhibits LNCaP cell growth, but reduces the greater growth inhibition induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 to the level of Casodex alone. Because androgen ablation therapy is used for metastatic prostate cancer, we sought to better characterize this androgen dependence.

METHODS

We have assessed the requirement for endogenous androgens in 1,25(OH)2D3 mediated growth inhibition of AR+ prostate cancer cell lines. We have also sought the mechanism for anti‐androgen mediated reversal of 1,25(OH)2D3 dependent growth inhibition in LNCaP cells.

RESULTS

Although 1,25(OH)2D3 does not inhibit the growth of LNCaP cells grown in medium lacking androgens, we find that growth of androgen independent derivatives of LNCaP cells is inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3. Despite this independence, Casodex treatment reduced the response of these cells to 1,25(OH)2D3 suggesting a unique function for Casodex‐bound AR. Because Casodex does not directly inhibit the transcriptional activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) we sought a common primary target of VDR and AR action whose VDR dependent transcription could be repressed by Casodex. We report that AS3 (APRIN), a novel gene required for androgen dependent growth arrest, is a primary target for 1,25(OH)2D3 and androgens. Moreover, Casodex reduces induction of AS3 by 1,25(OH)2D3 suggesting that it is a candidate for the Casodex effect. Analysis of functional interactions between AR and VDR in other AR containing prostate cancer cells lines (PC‐3 AR, LAPC‐4, and 22Rv1) revealed that Casodex reversal was unique to LNCaP derived cells.

CONCLUSION

Anti‐androgen mediated reversal of 1,25(OH)2D3 dependent growth inhibition is limited to LNCaP derived prostate cancer cell lines. Moreover, the growth of androgen independent derivatives of LNCaP cells in medium depleted of androgens is strongly inhibited by 1,25D. Therefore, most forms of androgen ablation should not eliminate the utility of VDR agonist treatment in most prostate cancers. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gasochromic tungsten oxide‐based film structures
Authors: Nowoczin J. , Shanak H. , Ziebert C. , Schmitt H. , Ehses K. H.
Published: March 2005

Tungsten oxide thin films were produced by reactive sputter deposition which is an advantageous method because of the opportunity to influence the properties of the films by several parameters. This work focuses on the influence of the oxygen content during the sputtering process and on mixed tungsten and molybdenum oxide films. The oxygen content has a great influence on the film growth velocity and leads to significant differences in crystal symmetry as a function of oxygen partial pressure. Additionally an influence of oxygen content on the gasochromic behaviour was observed. The mixed tungsten molybdenum oxide thin films show no change in the velocity of the gasochromic colouration but the fact that the coloured films show high absorption all over the visible region of the optical spectrum is a significant advantage. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intrusion and Confusion—The Impact of Medication and Health Professionals after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Attebring Mona From , Herlitz Johan , Ekman Inger
Published: March 2005

Background: Secondary prevention is important in preventing new cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Aim: To explore patients' experiences of secondary prevention after a first AMI.

Methods: A qualitative approach with hermeneutical analysis of in depth interviews was used.

Results: Twenty patients (12 men and 8 women, aged 34–79 years) were interviewed. None of the patients was previously treated for cardiovascular disease except one that had a history of angina pectoris. Two main themes emerged from the analysis. 1) Impact of medication: patients interpreted bodily sensations as a consequence of being medicated rather than as a result of their heart attack. The medication led to feelings of being intruded upon but also to positive feelings of security. 2) Impact of health professionals: communication with health professionals resulted in confusion about both treatment and the severity of the coronary disease. Patients expressed a need of being reassured by their physician regarding their physical status.

Conclusions: Health professionals need to consider the impact of pharmacological treatment on patients' life, at least in patients who suffer from a first AMI. The point of departure in secondary preventive work must be patients' beliefs about their condition and the treatment they receive. Nurses and physicians must be aware of the information each patient has been given, and from this starting point, they have to be in concordance with one another. From the patients' perspective it is deemed necessary for the physicians to discuss the disease and the consequences it may have, both in the near future and in the long run, as soon as possible.
Nurses' in the multi‐professional pain team: A study of attitudes, beliefs and treatment endorsements
Authors: Brown Cary A. , Richardson Cliff
Published: March 2005

Background and Aim It is widely accepted that chronic pain is best treated by a multidisciplinary team. Team approaches are best facilitated if all members understand their own and each others role. Roles and responsibilities have inherent values and beliefs which need to be understood if the team is going to function optimally. Little is known about the attitudes and beliefs of the pain team or the individual professionals within it. All members of the pain team therefore need to critically examine the values and beliefs they bring to these teams. The aim of this study was to start this process for nurses. This was done uniquely by: finding out what components of pain management nurses endorse as important; investigating their beliefs about pain management; and exploring whether nurses' beliefs differ in relation to other service providers.

Method Data from 103 nurses was extracted from a wider research study of the congruence between what service providers and service users believe to be important treatments for chronic pain. Nurses were surveyed regarding their opinions about which specific treatments or treatment components they would endorse for people with chronic pain. Skevington's Beliefs About Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) was also included. This measured beliefs in three crucial areas; the internal or personal control of pain, beliefs that powerful others (doctors) control pain and beliefs that pain is controlled by chance events. Statistical comparisons were made between nurses who endorsed particular treatments and their belief pattern. Differences between nurses and other professionals and service users were explored.

Results The study showed that nurses were high treatment endorsers. There was universal agreement to the importance of ‘The nurse', ‘The multidisciplinary team', ‘relaxation', and ‘psychological assessment’ for chronic pain management'. Nurses' endorsement patterns were different to the other professionals, because they endorsed more treatments. BPCQ scores were consistently lower than the other professionals and the service users.

Conclusions The findings of this study are congruent with emerging literature highlighting the complexity of health care. The high endorsement patterns seen in this study could be taken as support that nurses are, either tacitly or overtly, aware of this need to approach pain management in an open‐minded and flexible manner.
Treatment of viable cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy with suction curettage
Authors: Arslan M. , Pata O. , Dilek T.U.K. , Aktas A. , Aban M. , Dilek S.
Published: March 2005

Objective

Pregnancy in previous cesarean scar is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy. All reported cases in the literature that were treated with uterine curettage either become unsuccessful or complicated. We aimed to present a case of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy that was successfully treated with suction curettage without any additional therapy.

Case

A 32‐year‐old asymptomatic woman, gravida 2, para 1 was referred to our hospital with the possible diagnosis of cervical ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal and transabdominal sonographic examination revealed the diagnosis of viable ectopic pregnancy in a previous cesarean scar. Suction curettage with carman canulles was performed under transabdominal ultrasonographic guidance. β‐hCG decreased progressively postoperatively.

Conclusion

Suction curettage under ultrasonography guidance can be used in termination of selected cases (early diagnosed, without symptoms that necessitates emergency intervention) of cesarean scar pregnancy.
Training for cervical cancer prevention programs in low‐resource settings: Focus on visual inspection with acetic acid and cryotherapy
Authors: Blumenthal P.D. , Lauterbach M. , Sellors J.W. , Sankaranarayanan R.
Published: March 2005

The modern approach to cervical cancer prevention, characterized by use of cytology and multiple visits for diagnosis and treatment, has frequently proven challenging and unworkable in low‐resource settings. Because of this, the Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention (ACCP) has made it a priority to investigate and assess alternative approaches, particularly the use of visual screening methods, such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI), for precancer and cancer detection and the use of cryotherapy as a precancer treatment method. As a result of ACCP experience in providing training to nurses and doctors in these techniques, it is now widely agreed that training should be competency based, combining both didactic and hands‐on approaches, and should be done in a clinical setting that resembles the service‐delivery conditions at the program site. This article reviews ACCP experiences and perceptions about the essentials of training in visual inspection and cryotherapy and presents some lessons learned with regard to training in these techniques in low‐resource settings.
SHRIMP zircon age of a Proterozoic rapakivi granite batholith in the Gyeonggi massif (South Korea) and its geological implications
Authors: ZHAI MINGGUO , NI ZHIYAO , OH CHANG WHAN , GUO JINGHUI , CHOI SEON GYU
Published: March 2005

A large rapakivi granite batholith in the Neo-Archaean/Palaeoproterozoic Odesan complex, northeastern Gyeonggi massif, South Korea, has been dated at 1839±10 Ma using SHRIMP U–Pb analysis of zircons. The age, petrological and geochemical characteristics of this batholith are similar to those of the rapakivi granite batholiths exposed in the Rangnim massif of North Korea and in the Miyun–Chengde complex of North China. The country rocks of these rapakivi granite batholiths are also comparable; all are composed of granitic gneisses and banded iron formation (BIF)-bearing supracrustal rocks metamorphosed to amphibolite- to granulite-facies. This study provides new evidence for the suggestion that the Gyeonggi and Rangnim massifs may share an affinity with the Precambrian basement of the North China craton. The study provides new insight into the possible eastward extension of the Sulu orogenic belt in the Korean peninsula and further provides evidence to correlate the Korea basement to a possible global 2.1–1.8 Ga supercontinent.
Morphological and molecular characterization of tetraphyllidean merocercoids (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Western Mediterranean
Authors: AGUSTÍ C. , AZNAR F. J. , OLSON P. D. , LITTLEWOOD D. T. J. , KOSTADINOVA A. , RAGA J. A.
Published: March 2005

Two types of tetraphyllidean merocercoids, Phyllobothrium delphini and Monorygma grimaldii, are well known from most cetaceans world-wide. The role of cetaceans in the life-cycle of these merocercoids is unclear because their specific identity is as yet unknown. The problem is compounded by poor descriptions of both merocercoids. We used light and scanning electron microscopy, and histological techniques to provide a thorough description of merocercoids collected from 11 striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, from the Spanish Mediterranean. We also described, for the first time, specimens of P. delphini with immature proglottides. Our merocercoids were morphologically similar to those described previously, except in the structure of the apical organ. Intra- and inter-sample variability in the morphology of the apical organ suggested that it degenerates during larval development. A subsample of 16 specimens of P. delphini and M. grimaldii was characterized for the D2 variable region of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU) and compared with published tetraphyllidean cestode LSU sequences. P. delphini showed 2 unique signatures that differed from one another by a single base, whereas all sequences of M. grimaldii were identical. This suggests that each type may represent a single species, contrary to previous speculations based on morphological data. All merocercoid specimens formed a clade together with Clistobothrium montaukensis. Based on the low degree of divergence, all specimens of this clade are predicted to be congeneric.
Nematode parasites of sheep: extension of a simple model to include host variability
Authors: LOUIE K. , VLASSOFF A. , MACKAY A.
Published: March 2005

We use results from a simulation-based model of nematode infection of sheep to refine the parameters in a simpler generic model of host–parasite population dynamics. These parameters describe the following host–parasite traits: probability of establishment of ingested larvae, mortality rate of adult parasites, and fecundity of adult female parasites. This simple model is then extended by allowing those parameters to vary amongst individual hosts. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine which parameters have most influence on host parasite burden. The establishment parameter has the greatest effect on the peak value of parasite burden whilst the other two parameters have more effect on the duration of the burden. A comparison is made with results from the flock model after discussion of the definition of an average host. By allowing these parameters to vary simultaneously within the individual hosts we are able to reproduce the over-dispersed distribution of adult parasites frequently seen in nematode infections of sheep flocks.
Proliferative Response of Fibroblasts Expressing Internalization‐Deficient Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Receptors Is Altered via Differential EGF Depletion Effect
Authors: Reddy Cartikeya C. , Wells Alan , Lauffenburger Douglas A.
Published: March 2005

We describe experiments comparing the proliferation responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF) by NR6 fibroblasts expressing genetically engineered epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). These cells present either wild‐type (WT) EGFR or a cytoplasmic domain‐truncated (c′973) EGFR that exhibits a decreased ligand‐induced internalization rate constant. In two distinctin vitroproliferation assays, with or without medium replenishment, we measured the specific cell proliferation rate constants and EGF depletion kinetics for both WT and c′973 cells. When EGF depletion is minimized by replenishment, the EGF concentration dependencies of the two cell types are similar, whereas when EGF depletion is not prevented, maximal proliferation of WT cells requires an initial EGF concentration that is approximately 10× that required by c′973 cells. However, when EGF depletion is accounted for, the dependencies of growth rate for the two cell types on the current EGF concentration in both assays are essentially identical. Our results demonstrate that diminished depletion of EGF from the extracellular medium is a major reason for increased mitogenic sensitivity to EGF by cells possessing internalization‐deficient receptors.
Rheology of the Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, inferred from satellite radar interferometry data using an inverse control method
Authors: Larour E. , Rignot E. , Joughin I. , Aubry D.
Published: March 2005

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is surrounded by large floating ice shelves that spread under their own weight into the ocean. Ice shelf rigidity depends on ice temperature and fabrics, and is influenced by ice flow and the delicate balance between bottom and surface accumulation. Here, we use an inverse control method to infer the rigidity of the Ronne Ice Shelf that best matches observations of ice velocity from satellite radar interferometry. Ice rigidity, or flow law parameter B, is shown to vary between 300 and 900 kPa a1/3. Ice is softer along the side margins due to frictional heating, and harder along the outflow of large glaciers, which advect cold continental ice. Melting at the bottom surface of the ice shelf increases its rigidity, while freezing decreases it. Accurate numerical modelling of ice shelf flow must account for this spatial variability in mechanical characteristics.
Comparison between winter precipitation in southeastern South America during each ENSO phase
Authors: Silvestri Gabriel E.
Published: March 2005

Some aspects of winter precipitation over Southeastern South America (SESA) during El Niño (EN) and La Niña (LN) events are analyzed in this paper. In June–July, the precipitation over a vast area in the north of SESA is similar in both ENSO phases and higher than in neutral cases. On the other hand, there is a wide rainfall variability among EN and among LN cases, which is not associated with SST of EN regions. Similar characteristics are observed in the precipitation over the south of SESA. The obtained results describe a nonlineal relationship between the SST of the equatorial Pacific and the precipitation over most of the southeast of South America during austral winter.
Consistency of long sea‐level time series in the northern coast of Spain
Authors: Marcos M. , Gomis D. , Monserrat S. , Álvarez‐Fanjul E. , Pérez B. , García‐Lafuente J.
Published: March 2005

Sea‐level time series recorded at three stations of the northern Spanish coast (Santander, Coruña, and Vigo) are examined with the aim of obtaining reliable interdecadal trends. The records are about 6 decades long, and their consistency is checked by means of an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis. Major benefits of the analysis are the detection of undocumented changes of sea‐level reference and the filling of data gaps. For the last decade, the consistency of the trends is also checked against shorter, collocated and nearby records. Results indicate that during the second half of the twentieth century, sea level has been rising at a rate of 2.12, 2.51, and 2.91 mm/yr in Santander, Coruña, and Vigo, respectively. Meteorologically induced trends are evaluated from the output of a sea‐level numerical model forced by a re‐analysis of 44 years of atmospheric data. Results are −0.44, −0.27, and −0.21 mm/yr, respectively, indicating that in the study region the meteorological forcing acts in the sense of slightly slowing the sea‐level rise. On the other hand, sea‐level records and the North Atlantic mean temperature exhibit a similar interannual evolution, which points to the thermosteric effect as responsible for the positive trends. Regarding the difference between stations, about a third of it can be attributed to spatial differences in the meteorological forcing. The remaining contribution is attributed to spatial differences in the increase of the ocean heat contents, as suggested by the analysis of SST series during the last decade.
Human breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 expresses endogenous A2B adenosine receptors mediating a Ca2+ signal
Authors: Panjehpour Mojtaba , Castro Marián , Klotz Karl‐Norbert
Published: March 2005

Two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231, were screened for the presence of functionally significant adenosine receptor subtypes.

MCF‐7 cells did not contain adenosine receptors as judged by the lack of an effect of nonselective agonists on adenylyl cyclase activity or intracellular Ca2+ levels. MDA‐MB‐231 cells showed both a stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and a PLC‐dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ in response to nonselective adenosine receptor agonists.

Both adenosine‐mediated responses in MDA‐MB‐231 cells were observed with the nonselective agonists 5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and 2‐(3‐hydroxy‐3‐phenyl)propyn‐1‐yladenosine‐5′‐N‐ethyluronamide (PHPNECA), but no responses were observed with agonists selective for A1, A2A or A3 adenosine receptors. The Ca2+ signal was antagonized by 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and the nonselective antagonist 9‐ethyl‐8‐furyladenine (ANR 152), but not by A2A or A3 selective compounds.

In radioligand binding with [2‐3H](4‐(2‐[7‐amino‐2‐(2‐furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3‐a][1,3,5]triazin‐5‐ylamino]ethyl)phenol) ([3H]ZM 241385), a specific binding site with a KD value of 87 nM and a Bmax value of 1600 fmol mg−1 membrane protein was identified in membranes from MDA‐MB‐231 cells.

The pharmacological characteristics provide evidence for the expression of an A2B adenosine receptor in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, which not only mediates a stimulation of adenylyl cyclase but also couples to a PLC‐dependent Ca2+ signal, most likely via Gq/11. The A2B receptor in such cancer cells may serve as a target to control cell growth and proliferation.

The selective expression of high levels of endogenous A2B receptors coupled to two signaling pathways make MDA‐MB‐231 cells a suitable model for this human adenosine receptor subtype.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 211–218. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706180
Spatial Balance of Color Triads in the Abstract Art of Piet Mondrian
Authors: Locher Paul , Overbeeke Kees , Stappers Pieter Jan
Published: March 2005

We examined the interactive contribution of the color and size of the three areas occupied by the primary colors red, yellow, and blue in adaptations of abstract compositions by Mondrian to the perceived weight of the areas and the location of the balance centers of the compositions. Thirty-six art stimuli were created by experimentally changing the colors in the three areas of six original works so that the resulting five variations and the original constituted the six possible spatial arrangements of the three colors in the three locations. In experiment 1, design-trained and untrained participants determined the location of the balance center of each composition seen on a computer screen and rated the apparent weight or heaviness of each color area. In experiment 2, untrained participants determined the location of the balance centers of the compositions when projected to their actual size. It was found that, for both trained and untrained participants, the perceived weight of a color, especially red and yellow, varied as a function of the size of the area it occupied. Furthermore, participants in both experiments perceived shifts in the locations of the balance centers between the originals and their altered versions. Only the trained participants, however, perceived significant shifts in balance centers among the five variations of the compositions, demonstrating their superior sensitivity to the contribution of color to balance structure. Taken together, the findings demonstrate the existence of a color–area–weight relationship among color triads in abstract displays and the influence of this relationship on color balance in abstract compositions.
Speechreading Skill and Visual Movement Sensitivity are Related in Deaf Speechreaders
Authors: Mohammed Tara , Campbell Ruth , MacSweeney Mairéad , Milne Elizabeth , Hansen Peter , Coleman Michael
Published: March 2005

Individual speechreading abilities have been linked with a range of cognitive and language-processing factors. The role of specifically visual abilities in relation to the processing of visible speech is less studied. Here we report that the detection of coherent visible motion in random-dot kinematogram displays is related to speechreading skill in deaf, but not in hearing, speechreaders. A control task requiring the detection of visual form showed no such relationship. Additionally, people born deaf were better speechreaders than hearing people on a new test of silent speechreading.
Modification of Magnitude Estimations in Thermotactile Perception during Self-Generated and Externally Generated Movements
Authors: VanDoorn George H , Richardson Barry L , Wuillemin Dianne B , Symmons Mark A
Published: March 2005

Fourteen participants felt a ‘cold’ stimulus move across a fingertip. When movement was self-controlled, the stimulus was reported as feeling less ‘cold’ than when movement was externally generated.
Lipofuscin accumulation, abnormal electrophysiology, and photoreceptor degeneration in mutant
ELOVL4
transgenic mice: A model for macular degeneration
Authors: Karan G. , Lillo C. , Yang Z. , Cameron D. J. , Locke K. G. , Zhao Y. , Thirumalaichary S. , Li C. , Birch D. G. , Vollmer-Snarr H. R. , Williams D. S. , Zhang K.
Published: March 2005

Macular degeneration is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by photoreceptor degeneration and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the central retina. An autosomal dominant form of Stargardt macular degeneration (STGD) is caused by mutations in
ELOVL4
, which is predicted to encode an enzyme involved in the elongation of long-chain fatty acids. We generated transgenic mice expressing a mutant form of human
ELOVL4
that causes STGD. In these mice, we show that accumulation by the RPE of undigested phagosomes and lipofuscin, including the fluorophore, 2-[2,6-dimethyl-8-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1E,3E,5E,7E-octatetraenyl]-1-(2-hyydroxyethyl)-4-[4-methyl-6-(2,6,6,-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1E,3E,5E-hexatrienyl]-pyridinium (A2E) is followed by RPE atrophy. Subsequently, photoreceptor degeneration occurs in the central retina in a pattern closely resembling that of human STGD and age-related macular degeneration. The
ELOVL4
transgenic mice thus provide a good model for both STGD and dry age-related macular degeneration, and represent a valuable tool for studies on therapeutic intervention in these forms of blindness.
Transcriptional network underlying Caenorhabditis elegans vulval development
Authors: Inoue Takao , Wang Minqin , Ririe Ted O. , Fernandes Jolene S. , Sternberg Paul W.
Published: March 2005

The vulval development of
Caenorhabditis elegans
provides an opportunity to investigate genetic networks that control gene expression during organogenesis. During the fourth larval stage (L4), seven vulval cell types are produced, each of which executes a distinct gene expression program. We analyze how the expression of cell-type-specific genes is regulated. Ras and Wnt signaling pathways play major roles in generating the spatial pattern of cell types and regulate gene expression through a network of transcription factors. One transcription factor (
lin-29
) primarily controls the temporal expression pattern. Other transcription factors (
lin-11
,
cog-1
, and
egl-38
) act in combination to control cell-type-specific gene expression. The complexity of the network arises in part because of the dynamic nature of gene expression, in part because of the presence of seven cell types, and also because there are multiple regulatory paths for gene expression within each cell type.