bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous hydrogen peroxide as a possible messenger for the stimulation effect of magnetized physiological solution on heart contractility
Authors: Ayrapetyan Gayane , Dadasyan Erna , Hayrapetyan Hovik , Ayrapetyan Sinerik
Published: May 2008

The dual effect of magnetized physiological solution (MPS) on snail heart muscle contractility (muscle relaxation and stimulation of heartbeat) was shown previously. The MPS‐induced relaxation of the heart muscle has been explained by activation of cGMP‐dependent Ca2+ effluxes from the muscle; however, the mechanism of the stimulating effect of MPS on heartbeat remains unclear. As in the presence of paramagnetic oxygen molecules, magnetic fields could generate the exogenous reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), we hypothesize that H2O2 may play a role as the possible messengers through which the activation effect of MPS on heartbeat is realized. To test this hypothesis, the dose‐dependent effects of exogenous H2O2 on heart muscle contractility and 45Ca uptake were studied. Here we compared the obtained data with the previous results of the effects of MPS on heart muscle contractility and 45Ca uptake. We found that exogenous H2O2 and MPS have similar effects on Na+–K+ pump‐induced transient inhibition of muscle contractility and 45Ca uptake. The Na+–K+ pump‐induced depression of H2O2‐sensitivity of muscle contractility is determined by activation of Ca2+ efflux from the cell. On the basis of these data we suggest the exogenous H2O2 as a possible messenger through which the stimulation effect of MPS on heart muscle is realized. Bioelectromagnetics 29:549–558, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a new procedure based on the energy charge measurement using ATP bioluminescence assay for the detection of living mould from graphic documents
Authors: Rakotonirainy Malalanirina Sylvia , Arnold Sylvia
Published: May 2008

Fungal contamination is a major cause of deterioration in libraries and archives. Curators and conservators increasingly need rapid microbiological analyses. This paper presents a rapid detection method for the fungal contaminants on documents. A previous study showed that the calculation of energy charge, using bioluminescence ATP assays, provides a useful indicator to determinate the viability of fungal strains. We argue that this sensitive and time‐saving method is better than traditional culture techniques. However, the procedure needs to be modified to make it usable for lay persons. An improved and simplified protocol is proposed here for the extraction of adenylate nucleotides (AN) from fungal spores and for their measurements. Our new procedure can detect the existence of viable fungal strains on documents, presenting suspect spots within minutes. The extraction is performed by filtration with DMSO–TE solution as extractant. The different step of the measurement of AN content is carried out successively in a single test tube instead of the three tubes necessary in the initial method. The new procedure was tested on 12 strains among those most frequently found in archives and libraries and validated on swab samples from real documents. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo‐induced chemiluminescent method for determination of reducing sugars
Authors: Chen He , Gao Ying , Su Yingying , Lv Yi
Published: May 2008

In the present study, a simple and sensitive photo‐induced chemiluminescence (CL) method for the quantitation of reducing sugars, including fructose, glucose, sucrose and lactose, was developed. This method was based on the on‐line photocatalytic reaction of the reducing sugars, using a home‐made photoreactor consisting of PTEF tube helically coiling around a high‐pressure mercury UV lamp. Reducing sugars were detected by direct CL emission resulting from the reaction between the photoproducts and luminol. To maximize the signal intensity, the effects of irradiation time, flow rate, luminol concentration, buffer pH and concentration were tested. Under optimum conditions, the linear dynamic ranges were all 0.36–18 mg/L and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.8–2.3%, with limits of detection (3σ) of 0.06 mg/L for fructose, glucose, sucrose and lactose. Finally, interference effects from ascorbic acid, amino acids (alanine, glycine, serine, leucine and methionine) and some metal ions and anions were also investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a high‐throughput, indirect antibody immobilization format chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) for the determination of progesterone in human serum
Authors: Ren Shiqi , Wang Xu , Lin Zhen , Li, Zhenjia , Ying, Xitang , Chen Guonan , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: May 2008

A high‐throughput and simple chemiluminescence (CL) enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) for the determination of progesterone (P) in human serum was developed, with the highly sensitive 4‐methoxy‐4‐(3‐phosphatephenyl)‐spiro‐(1,2‐dioxetane‐3,2′‐adamantane) (AMPPD)–alkaline phosphatase (ALP) system as the CL detection system. The results showed that the indirect immobilization of rabbit anti‐progesterone polyclonal antibody (RAPA) through secondary antibody exhibited apparent advantages over direct coating in terms of antibody saving and improvement of the coating stability and uniformity. The direct analysis of P in human serum without extraction was realized by using 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulphonic acid (ANS) to displace P from its binding proteins. The effect of several relevant parameters of the immunoreaction were examined and optimized. Compared with some commercial progesterone kits, the presented CLEIA has higher sensitivity with detection limitation as low as 0.06 ng/mL. The recoveries were 95.9–101%. The coefficient of variation was <8.4% and 9.9% for intra‐ and inter‐assay precision, respectively. This method has been successfully applied to the evaluation of P in human serum. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vascular factors and depression
Authors: Teper Emma , O'Brien John T.
Published: May 2008

Objective

This paper examines possible mechanisms that may explain the bi‐directional relationship between vascular disease and depression.

Design

A literature review was carried out using Medline from 1996 to 2007, using relevant key words including vascular depression, and supplemented by key references to earlier work.

Results

Several mechanisms were considered including: autonomic dysfunction, platelet activation, hypothalamic pituitary axis activation, endothelial dysfunction, cytokines, omega 3 fatty acids, genetics, homocysteine and effects of treatment.

Conclusions

The relationship between vascular disease and depression cannot solely be explained by current established risk factors or the effects of treatment for depression. Other mechanisms must apply, and there is some evidence for common genetic factors. Promising future lines of investigation include homocysteine, cytokines and endothelial dysfunction. More longitudinal studies combined with measurements of these biomarkers are needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of social network characteristics on cognition and functional status with aging
Authors: Green Ariel Frank , Rebok George , Lyketsos Constantine G.
Published: May 2008

Objective

To determine whether more frequent engagement in larger social networks, and more emotional support protect against cognitive and functional decline with aging.

Methods

We examined the influence of social networks on cognition and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) over a median interval of 10.9 years. Data were from the Baltimore follow‐up of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study, a community‐based sample of adults in eastern Baltimore. Eight hundred and seventy‐four participants completed cognitive testing at both the third and fourth study waves (1993–1996 and 2003–2004) on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a delayed word recall task. Functional status at both waves was self‐reported on the Lawton‐Brody IADL scale. Social network characteristics, assessed at the third study wave, included network size, frequency of contact, and emotional support.

Results

In cross‐sectional analyses at wave 3, larger networks were associated with higher MMSE and better delayed recall scores. This association persisted after adjustment for covariates. More emotional support was associated with better functional status, before and after adjustment. By contrast, social networks were not longitudinally associated with cognitive change, with two counter‐intuitive exceptions: more frequent contact and more emotional support were associated with worse delayed recall and IADL scores after adjustment.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of a longitudinal association between social networks and cognition or IADLs, although a clear cross‐sectional association exists. Together, these findings suggest the emergence of social isolation in individuals declining in cognition and functioning, rather than a protective effect of social networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional evidence implicating S100P in prostate cancer progression
Authors: Basu Gargi D. , Azorsa David O. , Kiefer Jeffrey A. , Rojas Angela M. , Tuzmen Sukru , Barrett Michael T. , Trent Jeffrey M. , Kallioniemi Olli , Mousses Spyro
Published: May 2008

S100P protein regulates calcium signal transduction and mediates cytoskeletal interaction, protein phosphorylation and transcriptional control. We have previously shown how elevated S100P levels in prostate cancer strongly correlate with progression to metastatic disease. In our study, we evaluated the functional significance of S100P expression on prostate tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. S100P levels were modulated by overexpressing S100P in PC3 prostate cancer cells and by silencing S100P levels in 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells. Overexpression of S100P in PC3 cells promoted cell growth, increased the percentage of S‐phase cells, decreased basal apoptosis rate and promoted anchorage independent growth in soft agar. Furthermore, prostate cancer cells overexpressing S100P were protected against camptothecin‐induced apoptosis. Conversely, silencing of S100P in 22Rv1 cells using siRNA resulted in a prominent cytostatic effect. The influence of S100P on tumor growth and metastases were assessed in vivo. S100P‐overexpressing PC3 cells had a dramatically increased tumor formation compared to controls. Microarray analysis showed the involvement of growth pathways including increased androgen receptor expression in S100P‐overexpressing cells. These results provide the first functional proof that S100P overexpression can upregulate androgen receptor expression and thereby promote prostate cancer progression by increasing cell growth. Moreover, the results confirm the oncogenic nature of S100P in prostate cancer and suggest that the protein may directly confer resistance to chemotherapy. Hence, S100P could be considered a potential drug target or a chemosensitization target, and could also serve as a biomarker for aggressive, hormone‐refractory and metastatic prostate cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent trends in prostate cancer mortality show a continuous decrease in several countries
Authors: Bouchardy Christine , Fioretta Gerald , Rapiti Elisabetta , Verkooijen Helena Maria , Rapin Charles Henry , Schmidlin France , Miralbell Raymond , Zanetti Roberto
Published: May 2008

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening was introduced to detect prostate cancer at an early stage and to reduce prostate cancer‐specific mortality. Until results from clinical trials are available, the efficacy of PSA screening in reducing prostate cancer mortality can be estimated by surveillance of prostate cancer mortality trends. Our study analyzes recent trends in prostate cancer mortality in 38 countries. We used the IARC‐WHO cancer mortality database and performed joinpoint analysis to examine prostate cancer mortality trends and identified 3 patterns. In USA, and to a lesser extent in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, France, Italy and Spain, prostate cancer‐specific mortality decreased to a level lower than before the introduction of PSA screening. In Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Finland, The Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom, Hungary, Slovakia, Israel, Singapore, Sweden and Portugal, mortality from prostate cancer decreased but rates remain higher than before the introduction of PSA screening. Prostate cancer mortality continued to increase in Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Belarus, Ukraine, Russian Federation, Romania, Poland, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Japan, China Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea. The trends in prostate cancer mortality rates in examined countries suggest that PSA screening may be effective in reducing mortality from prostate cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary human keratinocytes externalize stratifin protein via exosomes
Authors: Chavez‐Muñoz Claudia , Morse Jennifer , Kilani Ruhangiz , Ghahary Aziz
Published: May 2008

Although, stratifin (SFN) is externalized by keratinocytes and stimulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) in fibroblasts, its mechanism of externalization is not known. Here, we hypothesize that keratinocytes have a capacity to release stratifin through externalization of exosomes. To test this hypothesis, exosomes were purified from human keratinocyte conditioned medium (KCM) and analyzed for the presence of SFN by Western blot analysis using lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP‐2) and heat shock cognate 70 (hsc70) as exosomal markers. The results showed the presence of SFN in keratinocyte lysate, concentrated KCM and exosomes, but not in concentrated unconditioned medium. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed the presence of unique “saucer‐like” structures characteristic of exosomes whose diameters were <100 nm. Similar to the recombinant SFN, the exosomes associated proteins stimulated MMP‐1 expression in fibroblasts. Depletion of the exosomes markedly reduced this MMP‐1 stimulatory effect. To further statistically confirm these findings, fibroblasts were treated with three different exosome preparations and the finding showed more than 7.4‐fold increase in the level of MMP‐1 in the treated cells. Furthermore, we found that approximately 1% of the total proteins contained in exosomes correspond to SFN. In conclusion, this study is the first report showing that keratinocytes have the capacity to produce exosomes through which some intracellular proteins such as SFN, with MMP‐1 stimulating activity for fibroblasts, is externalized into keratinocyte microenvironment. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2165–2173, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydration of ionic species studied by the reference interaction site model with a repulsive bridge correction
Authors: Chuev Gennady N. , Fedorov Maxim V. , Chiodo Sandro , Russo Nino , Sicilia Emilia
Published: May 2008

We have tested the reference interaction site model (RISM) for the case of the hypernetted chain (HNC) and the partially linearized hypernetted chain (PLHNC) closures improved by a repulsive bridge correction (RBC) for ionic hydrated species. We have analyzed the efficiency of the RISM/HNC+RBC and RISM/PLHNC+RBC techniques for decomposition of the electrostatic and the nonpolar hydration energies on the energetic and the enthalpic parts for polyatomic ions when the repulsive bridge correction is treated as a thermodynamic perturbation, and investigate the repulsive bridge effect on the electrostatic potential induced by solvent on solute atoms. For a number of univalent and bivalent atomic ions, molecular cations, and anions, the method provides hydration energies deviating only by several percents from the experimental data. In most cases, the enthalpic contributions to the free energies are also close to the experimental results. The above models are able to satisfactory predict the hydration energies as well as the electrostatic potential around the ionic species. For univalent atomic ions, they also provide qualitative estimates of the Samoilov activation energies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
A computational study of the crystal and electronic structure of the room temperature organometallic ferromagnet V(TCNE)2
Authors: Tchougréeff Anderi L. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: May 2008

We study numerically the crystal and electronic structure of the room temperature organometallic ferromagnet of general composition V(TCNE)x × y solvent with x ≈ 2, starting from both the experimental structure of its iron analog which results from the EXAFS experiment as well as the theoretical model structure compatible with magnetic measurements on this type of compounds. The results of the numerical study performed at the density functional level of theory show that the experimentally determined structure complies with the magnetic measurements and thus can serve as a prototype structure for the entire family of the M(TCNE)2 organometallic magnets. Both the results of the numerical study and the magnetic experiments are interpreted using a proposed model Hamiltonian. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Insights into cellular microRNAs and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)
Authors: Kumar Ajit , Jeang Kuan‐Teh
Published: May 2008

Recent findings suggest that mammalian microRNAs (miRNAs) may influence viral replication in host cells. Studies on HIV‐1 infection have contributed in part to the development of this notion. Herein, we review, in brief, some of the evidence supportive of an interplay between human miRNAs and HIV‐1 in cells. Several cellular miRNAs potentially act to restrict HIV‐1 replication, and the virus has countermeasures to evade such restriction. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 327–331, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparable morphometric data of pathological nerve obtained using the three‐window sampling method and total fiber quantification
Authors: Agthong Sithiporn , Chentanez Vilai , Koonam Junjira , Kaewsema Atitaya
Published: May 2008

Morphometric analysis of nerve biopsy provides data of structural changes that are essential for early detection of peripheral neuropathy. Because of the laborious work associated with the total fiber quantification, various sampling methods have been introduced with controversial accuracy. Three‐window sampling technique has been recently proposed to provide the accurate morphometric data of normal human sural nerve. However, its application in the diseased nerve has not been validated. This study, therefore, compared the morphometric data of nerve biopsies from 12 patients with various neuropathies obtained using this sampling method and those obtained by total fiber analysis. Total number, density, and diameter of myelinated fibers including myelin thickness and g ratio were analyzed. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 indicate the high agreement between the data derived from the two methods in these parameters. This finding suggests the accuracy of the three‐window sampling technique in the morphometric study of nerve with pathological alterations. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Odd‐angulated graphs and cancelling factors in box products
Authors: Che Zhongyuan , Collins Karen L. , Tardif Claude
Published: May 2008

Under what conditions is it true that if there is a graph homomorphism G □ H → G □ T, then there is a graph homomorphism H→ T? Let G be a connected graph of odd girth 2k + 1. We say that G is (2k + 1)‐angulated if every two vertices of G are joined by a path each of whose edges lies on some (2k + 1)‐cycle. We call G strongly (2k + 1)‐angulated if every two vertices are connected by a sequence of (2k + 1)‐cycles with consecutive cycles sharing at least one edge. We prove that if G is strongly (2k + 1)‐angulated, H is any graph, S, T are graphs with odd girth at least 2k + 1, and ϕ: G□ H→S□T is a graph homomorphism, then either ϕ maps G□{h} to S□{th} for all h∈V(H) where th∈V(T) depends on h; or ϕ maps G□{h} to {sh}□ T for all h∈V(H) where sh∈V(S) depends on h. This theorem allows us to prove several sufficient conditions for a cancelation law of a graph homomorphism between two box products with a common factor. We conclude the article with some open questions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58:221‐238, 2008
Appling the abdominal aortic‐balloon occluding combine with blood pressure sensor of dorsal artery of foot to control bleeding during the pelvic and sacrum tumors surgery
Authors: Yang Liu , Chong‐qi Tu , Hai‐bo Song , Lan Zhang , Tian‐fu Yang , Hong Duan , Fu‐xing Pei
Published: May 2008

Background and Objectives

To investigate the feasibilities of reducing intraoperative hemorrhage and improving the safety of pelvic and sacrum tumor surgery using sizing balloon occluding abdominal aorta.

Method

From May 2001 to May 2007, 18 patients were diagnosed as sacrum or pelvic tumor and underwent surgery in our institution. Balloon catheters were placed via femoral artery to occlude the abdominal aorta of pelvic tumor and sacrum region undergoing the sacrum resection or half pelvis resection and replacement operation in 12 patients. A sizing balloon was used to occlude the abdominal aorta for 60 min in assisting with resection of pelvic and sacral tumors.

Results

After the abdominal aorta was occluded, much less intraoperative hemorrhage was found, and the average blood loss was only 280 ml (range 200–600 ml). This procedure assisted the surgeon in identifying clearly the surgical margin and neurovascular structure surrounded by the tumors. The blood pressure remained stable during the operation. And the function of the kidney, the pelvis organs and the lower extremities were normal.

Conclusion

Intraoperative abdominal aorta occluding may effectively control intraoperative hemorrhage, thus assisting the surgeon in the complete and safe resection of pelvic and sacrum tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:626–628. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sociodemographic and tumor characteristics associated with pancreatic cancer surgery in the United States
Authors: Gawron Andrew J. , Gapstur Susan M. , Fought Angela J. , Talamonti Mark S. , Skinner Halcyon G.
Published: May 2008

Background and Objectives

Surgical resection is the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. The aim of this project was to compare risk and prognostic factors between pancreatic cancer patients treated with and without surgery.

Methods

Data from 32,318 cases collected from 1988 to 2002 in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program were used to evaluate the odds of having surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations of demographic and tumor characteristics with surgical treatment.

Results

Overall, men were less likely to have surgery than women (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.83, 0.98). Compared to married patients, surgery was significantly less likely among those who were divorced/separated (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.68, 0.89) or widowed (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.67, 0.85). Black patients were less likely to receive surgery than white patients (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.70, 0.91). Patients diagnosed in 1997–2002 were more likely to have surgery then those diagnosed in 1988–1996. Geographic differences also exist in the frequency of surgical treatment reported by different registries.

Conclusions

There are differences in sociodemographic characteristics between surgically and non‐surgically treated pancreatic cancers that are not entirely attributable to age, primary site, or stage at diagnosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:578–582. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical intervention following imatinib treatment in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
Authors: Sym Sun Jin , Ryu Min‐Hee , Lee Jae‐Lyun , Chang Heung Moon , Kim Tae‐Won , Kim Hee Cheol , Kim Ki Hun , Yook Jeong Hwan , Kim Byung Sik , Kang Yoon‐Koo
Published: May 2008

Background

We investigated the role of surgical intervention for advanced GIST after imatinib.

Methods

Among 256 patients treated with imatinib for advanced GIST, the medical records of the 34 patients who underwent surgery of residual tumors after imatinib treatment were reviewed.

Results

Surgery was performed on 24 patients with responsive disease (RD) after imatinib, on 3 with focal progressive disease (FP), and on 7 with generalized progressive disease (GP). All gross tumors were completely resected in 19/24 (79%), 1/3 (33%), and 1/7 (14%) patients, respectively. Disease status at surgery was associated with prognosis after surgery; with a median follow‐up of 25.7 months, the median progression‐free survival of patients resected for RD, FP, and GP were 27.8 months (95% CI, 17.8–37.8 months), 5.1 months (95% CI, 4.7–5.6 months), and 3.3 months (95% CI, 2.7–3.9 months), respectively (P < 0.001). Median overall survival was not reached in patients resected for RD, and was 22.5 months (95% CI, 1.4–43.0 months) and 23.5 months (95% CI, 3.0–43.9) for patients resected for FP and GP, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Surgical resection of tumors responsive to imatinib may be beneficial in patients with advanced GIST. Debulking surgery, however, is not recommended for patients who have already developed imatinib resistance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:27–33. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concentrator multijunction solar cell characteristics under variable intensity and temperature
Authors: Kinsey Geoffrey S. , Hebert Peter , Barbour Kent E. , Krut Dmitri D. , Cotal Hector L. , Sherif Raed A.
Published: May 2008

The performance of multijunction solar cells has been measured over a range of temperatures and illumination intensities. Temperature coefficients have been extracted for three‐junction cell designs that are in production and under development. A simple diode model is applied to the three‐junction performance as a means to predict performance under operating conditions outside the test range. These data may be useful in guiding the future optimization of concentrator solar cells and systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly accurate method for ligand‐binding site prediction in unbound state (apo) protein structures
Authors: Morita Mizuki , Nakamura Shugo , Shimizu Kentaro
Published: May 2008

This article describes a new method for predicting ligand‐binding sites of proteins. The method involves calculating the van der Waals interaction energy between a protein and probes placed on the protein surface, and then clustering the probes with attractive interaction to find the energetically most favorable locus. In 80% (28/35) of the test cases, the ligand‐binding site was successfully predicted on a ligand‐bound protein structure, and in 77% (27/35) was successfully predicted on an unbound structure. Our method was used to successfully predict ligand‐binding sites unaffected by induced‐fit as long as its scales were not very large, and it contributed to a significant improvement in prediction with unbound state protein structures. This represents a significant advance over conventional methods in detecting ligand‐binding sites on uncharacterized proteins. Moreover, our method can predict ligand‐binding sites with a narrower locus than those achieved using conventional methods. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of lipid composition on buforin II structure and membrane entry
Authors: Fleming Eleanor , Maharaj Natalya P. , Chen Jessica L. , Nelson Rachel B. , Elmore Donald E.
Published: May 2008

Buforin II is a 21‐amino acid polycationic antimicrobial peptide derived from a peptide originally isolated from the stomach tissue of the Asian toadBufo bufo gargarizans. It is hypothesized to target a wide range of bacteria by translocating into cells without membrane permeabilization and binding to nucleic acids. Previous research found that the structure and membrane interactions of buforin II are related to lipid composition. In this study, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations along with lipid vesicle experiments to gain insight into how buforin II interacts differently with phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids. Fluorescent spectroscopic measurements agreed with the previous assertion that buforin II does not interact with pure PC vesicles. Nonetheless, the reduced entry of the peptide into anionic PG membranes versus neutral PC membranes during simulations correlates with the experimentally observed reduction in BF2 translocation through pure PG membranes. Simulations showing membrane entry into PC also provide insight into how buforin II may initially penetrate cell membranes. Our MD simulations also allowed us to consider how neutral PE lipids affect the peptide differently than PC. In particular, the peptide had a more helical secondary structure in simulations with PE lipids. A change in structure was also apparent in circular dichroism measurements. PE also reduced membrane entry in simulations, which correlates with decreased translocation in the presence of PE observed in previous studies. Together, these results provide molecular‐level insight into how lipid composition can affect buforin II structure and function and will be useful in efforts to design peptides with desired antimicrobial and cell‐penetrating properties. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syphilis in Pregnancy
Authors: O'Connor Meghan , Kleinman Sarah , Goff Meredith
Published: May 2008

A 28‐year‐old African American woman pregnant with her first child presented for her initial prenatal visit at 16 weeks' gestation. Her routine prenatal labs were within normal limits, except for a reactive venereal research laboratory test (VDRL) with a titer of 1:16. A fluorescent treponemal antibody‐absorption (FTA‐ABS) was requested and found to be positive. She did not have any history of syphilis and had never been tested for syphilis. She was asymptomatic, and her physical exam was within normal limits with no signs of syphilis. Tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B were all negative. A wet mount was negative for trichomonas. Based on her history, physical exam, and laboratory results, her diagnosis was syphilis of unknown duration because she had no documented VDRL in the preceding year, no history of the disease, and no symptoms. The midwife prescribed a course of benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units intramuscularly every week for 3 weeks, instructed her to refer her partner for testing and treatment, and counseled her about the potential effects of syphilis on her body and her baby. She was advised that she needed repeat serology at 6, 12, and 24 months post‐treatment. After treatment, she had a level two ultrasound, which was not suspicious for congenital syphilis. Her VDRL was repeated at 28 weeks' gestation and was nonreactive. At 40 2/7 weeks' gestation, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy with Apgar scores of 9 and 9. Initial exam of the newborn was grossly within normal limits, and his serology was nonreactive for syphilis.
Malaria in Pregnancy: A Literature Review
Authors: Lagerberg Ruth E.
Published: May 2008

Pregnant women are more likely than nonpregnant women to become infected with malaria and to have severe infection. The effects of malaria during pregnancy include spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, congenital infection, and maternal death. Malaria is caused by the four species of the protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheline mosquito, congenitally, or through exposure to infected blood products. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria in pregnant women. Interventions to prevent malaria include intermittent preventive treatment, insecticide‐treated nets, and case management of malaria infection and anemia.
Are autosomal sex-determining factors of the housefly (Musca domestica) spreading north?
Authors: KOZIELSKA MAGDALENA , FELDMEYER BARBARA , PEN IDO , WEISSING FRANZ J. , BEUKEBOOM LEO W.
Published: May 2008

Multiple sex-determining factors have been found in natural populations of the housefly,Musca domestica. Their distribution seems to follow a geographical cline. The ‘standard’ system, with a male-determining factor,M, located on the Y chromosome, prevails at higher latitudes and altitudes. At lower latitudes and altitudesMfactors have also been found on any of the five autosomes. Such populations often also harbour a dominant autosomal factor,FD, which induces female development even in the presence of severalMfactors. AutosomalMfactors were first observed some 50 years ago. It has been hypothesized that following their initial appearance, they are spreading northwards, replacing the standard XY system, but this has never been systematically investigated. To scrutinize this hypothesis, we here compare the current distribution of autosomalMfactors in continental Europe, on a transect running from Germany to southern Italy, with the distribution reported 25 years ago. Additionally, we analysed the frequencies of theFDfactor, which has not been done before for European populations. In contrast to earlier predictions, we do not find a clear change in the distribution of sex-determining factors: as 25 years ago, only the standard XY system is present in the north, while autosomalMfactors and theFDfactor are prevalent in Italy. We discuss possible causes for this apparently stable polymorphism.
A proximal decomposition of inbreeding, coancestry and contributions
Authors: COLLEAU JEAN-JACQUES , SARGOLZAEI MEHDI
Published: May 2008

Wright's (1922) coalescence probabilistic method decomposes the average coancestry or the average inbreeding of the population of interest into contributions of ancestors who are directly responsible for coancestry. These ancestors are less numerous and younger than those given by Caballero & Toro's (2000) method. Then, Wright's method yields a more parsimonious representation of the origin of coancestry or inbreeding. Results of Wright's method, called proximal because ancestors are younger, can be obtained from the latter method using a simple matrix transformation. Detailed algorithms are presented. Both methods can be used for assessing the overall efficiency of a breeding scheme in balancing genetic gain and coancestry rate, yielding very similar results when generations are discrete.
Inheritance and linkage analysis of co-dominant SSR markers on the Z chromosome of the silkworm (Bombyx moriL.)
Authors: MIAO XUE-XIA , LI WEI-HUA , LI MU-WANG , ZHAO YUN-PO , GUO XIAN-RU , HUANG YONG-PING
Published: May 2008

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are co-dominant molecular markers. When we used fluorescent SSR markers to construct a linkage map for the female heterogametic silkworm (Bombyx mori, ZW), we found that some loci did not segregate in a Mendelian ratio of 1:1 in a backcross population. These loci segregated in a 3:1 ratio of single bands compared with double bands. Further examination of band patterns indicated that three types of SSR bands were present: two homozygotes and one heterozygote. In the beginning, we considered to discard these markers. By scoring male and female F1individuals, we confirmed that these loci were located on the Z chromosome. Using the sex-linked visible mutationsch(K05) and its wild-type (C108), we constructed an F1male backcross (BC1M) mapping population. The combination ofschbackcross and SSR data enabled us to map the SSR markers to the Z chromosome. By adjusting input parameters based on these data, we were able to use Mapmaker software to construct a linkage map. This strategy takes advantage of co-dominant markers for positional cloning of genes on the Z chromosome. We localizedschto the Z chromosome relative to six SSR markers and one PCR marker, covering a total of 76·1 cM. Theschmutation is an important sex-linked visible mutation widely used in breeding of commercial silkworms (e.g. male silkworm selection rearing). Localization of theschgene may prove helpful in cloning the gene and developing strains for marker-assisted selection in silkworm breeding.
Bayesian analysis of quantitative traits using skewed distributions
Authors: VARONA L. , IBAÑEZ-ESCRICHE N. , QUINTANILLA R. , NOGUERA J. L. , CASELLAS J.
Published: May 2008

Statistical models for genetic evaluation often make use of Gaussian distributions. However, some new statistical developments allow the use of an asymmetric distribution for the residuals. Within this context, we analysed three different patterns for the residual term on a data set consisting of 63 208 litter-size records, belonging to 19 255 sows, with a pedigree including 27 911 individuals. The three different residual distributions were: (1) Gaussian distribution, (2) asymmetric Gaussian distribution and (3) asymmetric Gaussian distribution with a hierarchical scheme for the asymmetry parameter. The operational model always included order of parity and herd-year-season as systematic effects, and the permanent environmental and infinitesimal genetic effect of each sow as random effects. The most suitable model using the deviance information criterion (DIC) and posterior predictive checking was model 3. This implies systematic, additive genetic and permanent environmental control of both litter size and the asymmetry parameter of the residual distribution. The asymmetry parameter can be understood as a measure of sensitivity to negative (or positive) environmental influences on phenotypes. The posterior mean (standard deviation) of the additive genetic variance was 0·28 (0·06) for litter size and 0·07 (0·01) for the asymmetry parameter. The posterior mean (standard deviation) of the additive genetic correlation between litter size and the asymmetry parameter was 0·21 (0·07).
Chronic sinusitis and bilateral deafness as a presentation of oesophageal stent failure: case report
Authors: Al-Zahid S , Clarke J , Roberts C
Published: May 2008

Objective:

We report an extremely rare upper airway complication of oesophageal stent failure.

Case report:

A 58-year-old woman presented four months after having a covered (anti-reflux valve type) oesophageal stent placed for a benign oesophageal stricture. Abdominal radiography showed a broken fragment at the gastroesophageal junction and another fragment in the rectum. On presentation, the patient had pneumonia with sepsis which required intensive care management. After recovery, she developed sinus symptoms of facial pain, green nasal discharge and bilateral hearing loss. ENT review revealed bilateral otitis media with effusion. Flexible naso-endoscopy found a stent fragment lodged in the nasopharynx. The wire mesh fragment was removed under general anaesthetic and bilateral grommets inserted. The patient's symptoms resolved.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature of a broken and migrated oesophageal stent presenting with chronic sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss. This case highlights the importance of examining the upper airways in such cases, and the need for further, long term studies of the complications of metallic, expandable stents.
Kaiy as traditional therapy for pain: is it helpful or a myth?
Authors: Abou-Elhamd K-E A
Published: May 2008

Objectives:

Two cases of traditional kaiy (Arabic for cauterisation) therapy for pain are reported. This technique is unknown in western countries and should be banned following a review of the topic.

Case reports:

Many patients in developing countries use alternative, complementary or traditional therapies before seeking medical advice. This may be due to social or religious beliefs. Kaiy is one such traditional therapy which should be discouraged. Two cases are reported, the first with aural pain and the second with thyroid pain (with malignancy later diagnosed).

Conclusion:

In these days of modern health care, the practice of kaiy is not science-based and is associated with considerable health risks. Health authorities in the relevant societies should move towards banning this undesirable practice; they should also use multi-media health education to advise of its dangerous outcomes, and enlist the help of community religious leaders to change public opinion and belief.
Oesophageal perforation following ingestion of over-the-counter ibuprofen capsules
Authors: Singh N P , Rizk J G
Published: May 2008

Objective:

We present a rare case of oesophageal perforation following ingestion of over-the-counter ibuprofen capsules.

Method:

Case report and literature review of pill oesophagitis.

Case report:

A previously well, 18-year-old man presented with sudden onset, severe, retrosternal pain, dysphagia and odynophagia following ingestion of over-the-counter ibuprofen capsules. Plain X-ray films and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan indicated the diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with non-operative management.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature concerning oesophageal perforation with ibuprofen. We discuss pill-induced oesophageal injury and its prevention. Manufacturers, clinicians and patients can all take steps to avoid this potentially life-threatening complication.
An inflammation-based prognostic score and its role in the nutrition-based management of patients with cancer
Authors: McMillan Donald C.
Published: May 2008

Progressive involuntary weight loss, in particular the loss of lean tissue, is common in patients with advanced cancer and has long been recognised to result in a deterioration in performance status and quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality. The aetiology of such weight loss or cachexia is complex and involves both tumour and host responses. Thus, identification of patients who are or are likely to become cachectic has been problematic. In addition to a reduction in appetite and increased satiety leading to poor dietary intake, there is now increasing clinical evidence that the activation of a chronic ongoing systemic inflammatory response is one of the earliest and most important contributory factors to cachexia. Such findings help to explain the failure of simple nutritional programmes to reverse weight loss adequately in patients with cancer. In the present paper the development of an inflammation-based score is described, which is derived from the acute-phase proteins C-reactive protein and albumin and is termed the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS). Its value as a predictor of survival, independent of tumour stage, performance status and treatment (active or palliative), has been shown in a variety of advanced common solid tumours. The nature of the relationship between the GPS, appetite, body composition, performance status and quality of life of the patient with advanced cancer will be described. Recently, it has become evident that the systemic inflammatory response is also present in a smaller proportion of patients with primary operable cancer and is also predictive of disease progression and poor survival. The role of GPS in clinical decision making will be discussed.
IS PORNOGRAPHY “SPEECH”?
Authors: Koppelman Andrew
Published: May 2008

Is pornography within the coverage of the First Amendment? A familiar argument claims that it is not. This argument reasons that (1) the free speech principle protects the communication of ideas, which appeal to the reason (the major premise); (2) pornography communicates no ideas and appeals to the passions rather than the reason (the minor premise); (3) therefore pornography is not protected by the free speech principle. This argument has been specified in different ways by different writers. The most prominent and careful of these are Frederick Schauer and John Finnis. Both founder on the attempt to distinguish pornography from art, which both would protect. If art, film, and literature should be protected, then this protection should extend to the pornographic subsets of these genres.
Global models of the magnetic Sun
Authors: Brun Allan Sacha , Jouve Laurène
Published: May 2008

We briefly present recent simulations of the internal magnetism of the Sun with the 3-D ASH code and with the 2-D STELEM code. The intense magnetism of the Sun is linked to local and global dynamo action within our star. We focus our study on how magnetohydrodynamical processes in stable (radiative) or unstable (convective) zones, nonlinearly interact to establish the solar differential rotation, meridional circulation, confine the tachocline, amplify and organise magnetic fields and how magnetic flux emerge to the surface. We also test the robustness of flux transport dynamo models to various profiles of circulation.
On phase relation between toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields in the solar cycle 23
Authors: Zharkov S. I. , Gavryuseva Elena , Zharkova Valentyna V.
Published: May 2008

Phase relations is extracted at different latitudes between the weak background solar magnetic (poloidal) field and strong magnetic field associated with sunspots (toroidal field) by comparing low-resolution images from Wilcox Solar Observatory (WSO) and the high-resolution SOHO/MDI magnetograms. Sunspot areas and excess flux in all latitudinal zones (averaged with a sliding 1 year filter) reveal a strong positive correlation with the absolute and excess solar magnetic fields with a timelag of zero and ∼ 3 years. The residuals of a sunspot magnetic excess flux averaged by one year from those by 4 years are shown to have well defined periodic temporal and spatial structures. The periods of these structures are close to π/4 (π≈ 11 years). The structures have maxima at −40^ and +40^ and reveal spatial drifts with time either towards the equator or the poles depending on a latitude of sunspot occurences.
The nature of seismic sources associated with a proton-reach solar flare
Authors: Zharkova Valentyna V. , Zharkov Serhij I.
Published: May 2008

The momenta and start times measured from the TD diagrams in 3 seismic sources observed in the flare of 28 October 2003 are compared with those delivered to the photosphere by different kinds of high energy particles as well as by the hydrodynamic shocks caused by these particles. The energetic protons with energy power laws combined with quasi-thermal ones are shown to form hydrodynamic shocks deeply in a flaring atmosphere which deliver the required momentum to the photosphere within a measured timescale. The seismic waves observed in two sources associated with γ-rays can be explained by the momenta produced by hydrodynamic shocks caused by mixed proton beams and jets. The seismic wave in the source asociated with HXR only and delayed by 4 and 2 minutes from the first and second HXR bursts is likely to be associated with a hydrodynamic shock occurring from precipitation of a very powerful and hard electron beam possibly mixed with quasi-thermal lower energy protons.
P-mode leakage and Lyman-α intensity
Authors: Finsterle W. , Haberreiter M. , Kosovichev S. , Schmutz W.
Published: May 2008

We present an observational test of the hypothesis that leaking p modes heat the solar chromosphere. The amplitude of the leaking p modes in magneto-acoustic portals is determined using MOTH and MDI data. We simulate the propagation of these modes into the chromosphere to determine the height where the wave energy is dissipated by shock waves. A statistical approach is then used to check if this heating process could account for the observed variability of the intensity in the Lyman-α emission.
Heating and dynamics of the quiet solar chromosphere
Authors: Kalkofen Wolfgang
Published: May 2008

The quiet solar chromosphere in regions with negligible magnetic field is believed to be heated by acoustic waves. But their energy flux, measured in the upper photosphere with the Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE), has been found to be insufficient to account for the radiative emission from the chromosphere. Wedemeyer-Böhm et al. (2007) and Cuntz et al. (2007), employing a 3D hydrodynamical model by Wedemeyer et al. (2004), have proposed that the spatial resolution of TRACE is inadequate to resolve intensity fluctuations that occur on small spatial scales. This paper accepts the principle of spatial averaging by TRACE as a qualitative explanation for the low acoustic flux but finds that the hydrodynamical model is too much simplified in the treatment of radiative energy exchange to provide a quantitative measure of the suppression of the fluctuations. The heating mechanism of the chromosphere thus remains an open question.