bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Testoni Pier Alberto
Published: May 2007

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical imaging modality that performs high-resolution, cross-sectional, subsurface tomographic imaging of the microstructure of tissues. The physical principle of OCT is similar to that of B-mode ultrasound imaging, except that it uses infrared light waves rather than acoustic waves. Thein vivoresolution is 10–25 times better (about 10 µm) than with high-frequency ultrasound imaging, but the depth of penetration is limited to 1–3 mm, depending on tissue structure, depth of focus of the probe used, and pressure applied to the tissue surface. In the last decade, OCT technology has evolved from an experimental laboratory tool to a new diagnostic imaging modality with a wide spectrum of clinical applications in medical practice, including the gastrointestinal tract and pancreatico-biliary ductal system. OCT imaging from the gastrointestinal tract can be done in humans by using narrow-diameter, catheter-based probes that can be inserted through the accessory channel of either a conventional front-view endoscope, for investigating the epithelial structure of the gastrointestinal tract, or a side-view endoscope, inside a standard transparent ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) catheter, for investigating the pancreatico-biliary ductal system. The esophagus and esophagogastric junction have been the most widely investigated organs so far; more recently, duodenum, colon, and the pancreatico-biliary ductal system have also been extensively investigated. OCT imaging of the gastrointestinal wall structure is characterized by a multiple-layer architecture that permits an accurate evaluation of the mucosa, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, and part of the submucosa. The technique may therefore be used to identify preneoplastic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Barrett's epithelium and dysplasia, and evaluate the depth of penetration of early-stage neoplastic lesions. OCT imaging of the pancreatic and biliary ductal system could improve the diagnostic accuracy for ductal epithelial changes, and the differential diagnosis between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.
Impacts of Air Pollution and Climate Change on Forest Ecosystems — Emerging Research Needs
Authors: Paoletti Elena , Bytnerowicz Andrzej , Andersen Chris , Augustaitis Algirdas , Ferretti Marco , Grulke Nancy , Günthardt-Goerg Madeleine S. , Innes John , Johnson Dale , Karnosky Dave , Luangjame Jesada , Matyssek Rainer , McNulty Steven , Müller-Starck Gerhard , Musselman Robert , Percy Kevin
Published: May 2007

Outcomes from the 22ndmeeting for Specialists in Air Pollution Effects on Forest Ecosystems “Forests under Anthropogenic Pressure Effects of Air Pollution, Climate Change and Urban Development”, September 1016, 2006, Riverside, CA, are summarized. Tropospheric or ground-level ozone (O3) is still the phytotoxic air pollutant of major interest. Challenging issues are how to make O3standards or critical levels more biologically based and at the same time practical for wide use; quantification of plant detoxification processes in flux modeling; inclusion of multiple environmental stresses in critical load determinations; new concept development for nitrogen saturation; interactions between air pollution, climate, and forest pests; effects of forest fire on air quality; the capacity of forests to sequester carbon under changing climatic conditions and coexposure to elevated levels of air pollutants; enhanced linkage between molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and morphological traits.
Clinical Holistic Medicine (Mindful,Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Complemented with Bodywork) in the Treatment of Experienced Mental Illness
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Thegler Suzette , Andreasen Tove , Struve Flemming , Enevoldsen Lars , Bassaine Laila , Torp Margrethe , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) complemented with bodywork improved 31 of 54 patients (57.4%, 95% CI: 43.21–70.77%) who rated themselves mentally ill before treatment. Calculated from this we find 1.41 < NNT < 2.31; we estimate NNH > 500. Of the 54 patients, 40% had already had traditional treatment that did not help them. Bodywork helped the patients to confront repressed painful feelings from childhood and this seemingly accelerated and improved the therapy. The patients received in average 20 sessions over 14 months at a cost of 1600 EURO. For the treatment responders, all measured aspects of life (on a five point Likert Scale) improved significantly, simultaneously, and radically: somatic health (from 2.9 to 2.3), self-esteem/relationship to self (from 3.5 to 2.3), relationship to partner (from 4.7 to 2.9 [no partner was rated as “6”]), relationship to friends (from 2.5 to 2.0), ability to love (from 3.8 to 2.4), self-assessed sexual ability (from 3.5 to 2.4), self-assessed social ability (from 3.2 to 2.1), self-assessed working ability (from 3.3 to 2.4), and self-assessed quality of life (from 4.0 to 2.3. Quality of life as measured with QOL5 improved (from 3.6 to 2.3 on a scale from 1 to 5; p < 0.001). This general improvement strongly indicated that the patient had healed existentially, i.e., had experienced what Aaron Antonovsky (1923–1994) called “salutogenesis”, defined as the process exactly the opposite of pathogenesis. For the treatment responders, the treatment provided lasting benefits, without the negative side effects of drugs. A lasting, positive effect might also prevent many different types of problems in the future.
Clinical Holistic Medicine (Mindful, Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Complemented with Bodywork) in the Treatment of Experienced Physical Illness and Chronic Pain
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Thegler Suzette , Andreasen Tove , Struve Flemming , Enevoldsen Lars , Bassaine Laila , Torp Margrethe , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

We investigated the treatment effect of psychodynamic short-term therapy complemented with bodywork on patients who presented with physical illness at the Research Clinic for Holistic Medicine in Copenhagen. Psychodynamic short-term therapy was complemented with bodywork (Marion Rosen) to help patients confront old emotional pain from childhood trauma(s). Patients were measured with a five-item quality of life and health questionnaire (QOL5), a one-item questionnaire of self-assessed quality of life (QOL1), and four questions on self-rated ability to love and to function sexually, socially, and at work (ability to sustain a full-time job). Most of the patients had chronic pain that could not be alleviated with drugs. Results showed that 31 patients with the experience of being severely physically ill (mostly from chronic pain), in spite of having consulted their own general practitioner, entered the study. The holistic approach and body therapy accelerated the therapy dramatically and no significant side effects were detected. After the intervention, 38.7% did not feel ill (1.73 < NNT < 4.58) (p = 0.05). Psychodynamic short-term therapy complemented with bodywork can help patients. When the patients responded to the therapy, the self-assessed mental health, relationship with partner, ability to work, self-assessed quality of life, relationships in general, measured QOL (with the validated questionnaire QOL5), and life's total state (mean of health, QOL and ability) were significantly improved, statistically and clinically. Most importantly, all aspects of life were improved simultaneously, due to induction of Antonovsky-salutogenesis. The patients received in average 20 sessions over 14 months at a cost of 1600 EURO. For the treatment responders, the treatment seemingly provided lasting benefits.
Anesthetic Related Advances with Cyclodextrins
Authors: Welliver Mark , McDonough John P.
Published: May 2007

Cyclodextrins encapsulate and electrostatically bind to lipophilic molecules. The exterior of cyclodextrins are water-soluble and maintain aqueous solubility despite encapsulation of non-aqueous soluble molecules. This unique ability to encapsulate lipophilic molecules and maintain water solubility confers numerous pharmacologic advantages for both drug delivery and removal. Cyclodextrins, a component part of supramolecular chemistry, may be in its infancy of anesthetic application but recent advances have been described as novel and revolutionary. A review of current research coupled with an understanding of cyclodextrin properties is necessary to fully appreciate the current uses and future potentials of these unique molecules.
Forest Health Status in North America
Authors: Tkacz Borys , Moody Ben , Villa Castillo Jaime
Published: May 2007

The forests of North America provide a variety of benefits including water, recreation, wildlife habitat, timber, and other forest products. However, they continue to face many biotic and abiotic stressors including fires, native and invasive pests, fragmentation, and air pollution. Forest health specialists have been monitoring the health of forests for many years. This paper highlights some of the most damaging forest stressors affecting North American forests in recent years and provides some projections of future risks.
Self-Reported Low Self-Esteem. Intervention and Follow-Up in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Thegler Suzett , Andreasen Tove , Struve Flemming , Enevoldsen Lars , Bassaine Laila , Torp Margrethe , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

At the Research Clinic for Holistic Medicine in Copenhagen, 43 patients who presented with low or very low self-esteem were treated with psychodynamic short-term therapy complemented with bodywork. They received an average of 20 sessions at a cost of 1,600 EURO. The bodywork helped the patients to confront old emotional pain from childhood trauma repressed to the body-mind. Results showed that 60.5% recovered from low selfesteem (95% CI: 44.41–75.02%). Calculated from this, we have NNT = 1.33–2.25. Almost all aspects of life improved at the same time (p < 0.01): physical health, mental health, quality of life, and ability to function in a number of important areas (partner, friends, sexually, and socially). This indicated that we had successfully induced existential healing (Antonovsky salutogenesis). The strategy of improving self-esteem can be the key to a new life for patients presenting with low quality of life, poor health (physical and/omental), and poor ability to function. The patients were strongly motivated and willing to endure strong emotional pain provoked by the therapy. The rate of recovery is comparable to the most successful interventions with psychological and psychiatric treatment. Clinical holistic treatment has many advantages: efficiency, low cost, lack of negative side effects, lasting results, lack of use of psychopharmacological drugs (often with side effects), and an important preventive dimension.
Modeling of Nitrogen Dynamics in an Austrian Alpine Forest Ecosystem on Calcareous Soils: A Scenario-Based Risk Assessment under Changing Environmental Conditions
Authors: Herman Friedl , Smidt Stefan , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Englisch Michael , Gebetsroither Ernst , Jandl Robert , Katzensteiner Klaus , Lexer Manfred , Strebl Friederike , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie
Published: May 2007

We modeled the behavior of an Austrian alpine forest ecosystem on calcareous soils under changing climate and atmospheric nitrogen deposition scenarios. The change of nitrate leaching, emission rates of nitrogen compounds, and forest productivity were calculated using four process-oriented models for the periods 1998–2002 and 2048–2052. Each model reflects with high detail a segment of the ecosystem: PnET-N-DNDC (photosynthesis-evapotranspiration-nitrification-denitrification-decomposition; shortterm nitrogen cycling), BROOK90 (water balance for small and homogenous forest watersheds), HYDRUS (water flux in complex and heterogenous soils), and PICUS v1.3 (forest productivity). The nitrogen balance model (NBM) combines the individual results into a comprehensive picture and extends the specific values beyond the limits of the individual models. The evaluation of the findings was outlined with TRACE, a model enabling a long-term prognosis of nitrogen cycling in annual time steps.

Temperature increase and nitrogen input are influenced by various components and processes of the forest ecosystem. An increase of the temperature of 2.5°C led to an enhancement of the N2O emission rates and affected the mineralization and the nitrification rates with the consequence of increased nitrate leaching into the subsoil. Enhanced nitrogen input also showed notable effects on nitrate leaching.
The Effect of Stand Age on Throughfall Chemistry in Spruce Stands in the Potok Dupniański Catchment in the Silesian Beskid Mountains, Southern Poland
Authors: Malek Stanislaw , Astel Aleksander
Published: May 2007

The chemical composition of throughfall depends on the age of the Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst) stands and season of the year. The pH of throughfall decreased and the amount of hydrogen ion in throughfall deposited to the soil increased with increasing age of spruce stands, especially in the winter season. Concentrations of K+, H+, SO42−, Mn2+, and NH4+in throughfall were higher than bulk precipitation for the whole year and K+, H+, and Mn2+concentrations were higher in throughfall in winter and the growing season. This indicates that these ions were washed out or washed from the surface of needles and/or the bark, and that NO3−, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+were absorbed in the canopy. The effect of high nitrogen deposition, above critical loads, and an increase in the amount of sulfur and in the sum of the strong acids (S-SO42−and N-NO3−) that reached the soil with throughfall may have implications for the vitality of spruce stands, especially in older age classes. The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has led to identification of five factors responsible for the data structure (“mineral dust”, “acidic emissions”, “heavy metals-dust particles”, “ammonium [NH4+]”, and “H+”). They explain more than 60% of the total variance system. The strong positive correlation between stand age class and ionic concentrations in throughfall occurs for all year and the winter period for ions within the following categories: “acidic emissions”, SO42−+ NO3−; “heavy metals-dust particles”, Fe2++ Mn2++ Zn2+; “mineral dust”, Na++ K++ Ca+2+ Mg2+; “NH4+”; and “H+”. The strength of the relationship decreases in the growing period, probably due to processes occurring in the canopy (adsorption, leaching, etc.).
Probing interactions from solvent‐exchangeable protons and monovalent cations with the 1,2‐propanediol‐1‐yl radical intermediate in the reaction of dioldehydrase
Authors: Schwartz Phillip A. , LoBrutto Russell , Reed George H. , Frey Perry A.
Published: May 2007

The reaction of adenosylcobalamin‐dependent dioldehydrase with 1,2‐propanediol gives rise to a radical intermediate observable by EPR spectroscopy. This reaction requires a monovalent cation such as potassium ion. The radical signal arises from the formation of a radical pair comprised of the Co(II) of cob(II)alamin and a substrate‐related radical generated upon hydrogen abstraction by the 5′‐deoxyadenosyl radical. The high‐field asymmetric doublet arising from the organic radical has allowed investigation of its composition and environment through the use of EPR spectroscopic techniques. To characterize the protonation state of the oxygen substituents in the radical intermediate, X‐band EPR spectroscopy was performed in the presence of D2O and compared to the spectrum in H2O. Results indicate that the unpaired electron of the steady‐state radical couples to a proton on the C(1) hydroxyl group. Other spectroscopic experiments were performed, using either potassium or thallous ion as the activating monovalent cation, in an attempt to exploit the magnetic nature of the 205,203Tl nucleus to identify any intimate interaction of the radical intermediate with the activating cation. The radical intermediate in complex with dioldehydrase, cob(II)alamin and one of the activating monovalent cations was observed using EPR, ENDOR, and ESEEM spectroscopy. The spectroscopic evidence did not implicate a direct coordination of the activating cation and the substrate derived radical intermediate.
Prey resources before spawning influence gonadal investment of female, but not male, white crappie
Authors: Bunnell D. B. , Thomas S. E. , Stein R. A.
Published: May 2007

In this study, an outdoor pool experiment was used to evaluate the effect of prey resources during 4 months before spawning on the gonadal investments of male and female white crappie Pomoxis annularis, a popular freshwater sportfish that exhibits erratic recruitment. Fish were assigned one of three feeding treatments: starved, fed once every 5 days (intermediate) or fed daily (high). All measurements of male testes (i.e. wet mass, energy density and spermatocrit) were similar across treatments. Conversely, high‐fed females produced larger ovaries than those of intermediate‐fed and starved fish, and invested more energy in their ovaries than starved fish. Compared to pre‐experiment fish, starved and intermediate‐fed females appeared to increase their ovary size by relying on liver energy stores (‘capital’ spawning). Conversely, high‐fed females increased liver and gonad mass, implying an ‘income’‐spawning strategy (where gonads are built from recently acquired energy). Fecundity did not differ among treatments, but high‐fed fish built larger eggs than those starved. Females rarely ‘skipped’ spawning opportunities when prey resources were low, as only 8% of starved females and 8% of intermediate‐fed females lacked vitellogenic eggs. These results suggest that limited prey resources during the months before spawning can limit ovary production, which, in turn, can limit reproductive success of white crappies.
Introduced bullheads Cottus gobio and infection with plerocercoids of Schistocephalus cotti in the Utsjoki, an Arctic river in Finland
Authors: Seppälä T. , Chubb J. C. , Niemelä E. , Valtonen E. T.
Published: May 2007

Bullheads Cottus gobio, first found in the River Utsjoki, an Arctic river in Finland, in 1979, were sampled at six sites in August 1991 (two of these sites were also sampled previously in June and July 1991). Mean total length (LT) of C. gobio was 45 mm (n= 1080 fish). Overall, there were slightly more females than males, with males larger than females (mean LT males 52·1 and females 47·6 mm). Prevalence of infection with plerocercoids of Schistocephalus cotti varied from 20·0 to 43·0% over the six sites in August. Juvenile C. gobio had a prevalence of infection of 3·5% whereas in mature fish prevalence was consistently higher in females than in males (38·8 v. 20·1%). There was one plerocercoid per infected juvenile C. gobio. In mature fish the mean number varied between 1·3 and 1·8: 49% had one worm per fish, 38% two or three worms and 13% had four to eight plerocercoids. In juvenile C. gobio, S. cotti were randomly distributed (overdispersion index 1·10), whereas occurrence was slightly aggregated in the LT groups 40–59 and ≥60 mm (overdispersion indices both 1·90). Mean mass of infected fish was higher in all LT groups compared to uninfected C. gobio. After removal of plerocercoids, mean mass of fish tissue remaining was lower compared with uninfected fish for the two LT groups 40–59 and ≥ 60 mm, but higher in C. gobio <40 mm LT. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection over the 3 months did not differ either for the two sites individually or the pooled data. Mean mass of both uninfected and infected fish increased over this period, and were both highest in August as was the mean worm burden. There was, however, no difference in Fulton’s condition factor at any time. Mean mass of plerocercoids in C. gobio of ≥40 mm LT increased significantly comparing June and July with August. Comparison of backcalculated LT of infected and non‐infected bullheads of different age‐groups did not show any significant differences in growth at any age. In each parasite infrapopulation as the number of worms increased so their mean mass decreased significantly but at the same time the total mass of worms in the fish host remained more or less constant in relation to length. Aggregation of parasites in the fish population was low, as the majority were infected by one S. cotti plerocercoid. Gonad development was suppressed in infected C. gobio.
Feeding ecology of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus and flounder Pleuronectes flesus at Gotland, Central Baltic Sea
Authors: Nissling A. , Jacobsson M. , Hallberg N.
Published: May 2007

Food and feeding of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus and flounder Pleuronectes flesus were studied in five nursery areas at Gotland, Central Baltic Sea, ICES SD 27 and SD 28. Ontogeny involved partitioning of available food resources. The food choice of turbot <30 mm standard length (LS) included both planktonic‐hyperbenthic prey (calanoid copepods and mysids) and epibenthic–endobenthic prey (chironomids and amphipods), whereas turbot ≥30 mm LS fed mainly on hyperbenthic species (mysids and fishes). Conversely, for flounder, epibenthic–endobenthic prey were the most abundant prey items throughout development (harpactocoid copepods, oligochaetes and chironomids for fish <40 mm LS and oligochaetes, chironomids and amphipods for flounder ≥40 mm LS). Thus, the highest degree of dietary overlap occurred between turbot <30 mm and flounder ≥40 mm. Food composition for both turbot and flounder varied, however, according to exposure and predominant wind direction in the nursery area. For example, expressed as the ratio between the biomass of mysids and fishes consumed, the relative importance of mysids v. fishes as food source for turbot, varied from <1 in the most sheltered area to 16 and 27 in the more open areas. Considerable differences in feeding incidence were recorded; mean ±s.d. 58 ± 20% for turbot <30 mm LS and 83 ± 8% for turbot ≥30 mm LS, as opposed to ≥85–90% for flounder irrespective of size. The lower feeding success of turbot <30 mm LS was related to mysid abundance, shown to vary spatially and temporally, and to density of flounder, indicating that food availability, and potentially interspecific competition, influence feeding of early juvenile turbot with implications for survival following settlement. Regarding variability in abundance, hyperbenthic prey, as mysids, are considered more variable than epi‐ and endobenthic organisms. Hence, in addition to the ‘nursery size hypothesis’, i.e. the positive relationship between abundance of recruits and extension of nursery areas, variability in food availability may explain the average lower recruitment of turbot as compared to other flatfishes, e.g. flounder.
Olfactory sensitivity to conspecific bile fluid and skin mucus in the European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.)
Authors: Huertas M. , Hubbard P. C. , Canário A. V. M. , Cerdà J.
Published: May 2007

The present study assessed the olfactory potency of conspecific bile fluid and skin mucus in the European eel Anguilla anguilla by the electro‐olfactogram. Immature males showed high olfactory sensitivity to conspecific bile, giving large amplitude responses in a concentration‐dependent manner with estimated thresholds of detection of <1:107 (n= 6). Mucus also proved to contain highly potent odorants with thresholds of detection of c. 1:106 (n= 6). Crude solid‐phase extraction of bile fluid (C‐18 and C‐2/ENV+ cartridges) showed that the majority of olfactory activity in bile fluid was contained in the eluate of C‐18 cartridges (n= 6). There were quantitative differences, however, between the sexes; female bile fluid had a higher proportion of activity in this fraction. Similar solid‐phase extraction of mucus showed that it contains a higher proportion of odorants in the C‐18 filtrate than bile fluid. Mucus from mature eels, however, had a higher proportion of olfactory activity in the eluate than immature fish (n= 6). Cross‐adaptation experiments suggest that there are qualitative differences in the odorants contained in bile and mucus depending on both the sex and state of sexual maturation of the donor (n= 6). These results are consistent with a role for chemical communication in the reproduction of the European eel and suggest that both bile and mucus are potential sources of the odorants involved.
Fixed eruption due to quinine: Report of two cases
Authors: MUSO Yumi , KENTAROU Ozawa , ITAMI Satoshi , YOSHIKAWA Kunihiko
Published: May 2007

Fixed eruption is a characteristic condition with recurrent an erythematous macule in the same location. Because fixed eruption is caused by medical drugs in the majority of cases, it is not so difficult to identify suspicious material by interview. However, it may be difficult in cases in which food additives are responsible. We report two rare cases of fixed eruption due to quinine contained in tonic water. In case 1, a 37‐year‐old man had repeated erythema on the same sites after drinking a variety of cocktails. We suspected tonic water as the causative material. Oral challenge test of tonic water was positive and patch test with quinine sulfate was positive also. In case 2, a 24‐year‐old woman in had noticed that her eruption appeared after drinking liquor, especially cocktails as in case 1. She was also positive upon an oral challenge test of tonic water and in a patch test of quinine sulfate.
Captopril has no significant scavenging antioxidant activity in human plasma in vitro or in vivo
Authors: LAPENNA DOMENICO , DE GIOIA SERGIO , CIOFANI GIULIANO , DANIELE FRANCA , CUCCURULLO FRANCO
Published: May 2007

1Captopril has been reported to possess hydroxyl radical (OH) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) scavenging effects, which could contribute to its therapeutic activity in the clinical setting.

2The objective of the present study was to determine whether therapeutically achievable captopril concentrations could augment antioxidant properties of human plasma and protect it against OH‐ and HOCl‐driven oxidant injury in vitro. Possible drug influences on systemic oxidative stress status in vivo were also investigated in subjects taking 50 mg captopril orally by measuring plasma and red blood cell peroxidation, as well as plasma protein thiols.

3The results show that captopril is incapable of enhancing antioxidant properties of human plasma, of protecting it against specific oxidative attack and of decreasing systemic oxidant load in vivo.

4The present data, therefore, do not support the contention of a beneficial action of captopril through systemic antiradical‐antioxidant effects in human beings.
Self‐medication of a single headache episode with ketoprofen, ibuprofen or placebo, home‐monitored with an electronic patient diary
Authors: VAN GERVEN J. M. A. , SCHOEMAKER R. C. , JACOBS L.‐D. , REINTS A. , OUWERSLOOT‐VAN DER MEIJ M. J. , HOEDEMAKER H. G. J. , COHEN A. F.
Published: May 2007

1The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of home‐medicated non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory (NSAID) analgesics, using an electronic patient diary. Single doses of ketoprofen 25 mg and ketoprofen 50 mg were compared with ibuprofen 200 mg and placebo in the treatment of a single occasion of episodic tension‐type headache, using a double‐blind, randomized, parallel group design.

2A total of 166 patients with headache compatible with episodic tension‐type headache and no refractory headaches or contraindications to NSAIDs were contacted by advertisements and selected by questionnaires. Patients performed the study at home, using an electronic diary for headache assessment, with a form to allow comments and corrections. Visual analogue scales (VAS 10 cm) of headache severity, five‐item headache relief rating (HRR) scales, and time of intake of ‘escape’ analgesics were scored regularly, for 4 h following intake of trial medication.

3VAS‐scores (n=1407) and HRRs (n=452) were returned by 159 patients. Of these scores, 1.5% were inadvertedly omitted from the electronic diary or modified on the comment forms.

4Headache (VAS and HRR) improved more with all three NSAIDs than with placebo, although the effect of ibuprofen was significant for HRR only. After 2 and 4 h respectively, the reduction in VAS‐ratios was 17 and 19% with placebo, 18 and 53% with ibuprofen 200 mg, 41 and 61% with ketoprofen 25 mg, and 47 and 59% with ketoprofen 50 mg. After 4 h, headache improved strongly (highest HRR) in 18% of patients on placebo, 39% on ibuprofen 200 mg, 62% on ketoprofen 25 mg, and 55% on ketoprofen 50 mg. Headache disappeared completely (VAS‐score=0) in one patient (3%) with placebo (after 180 min), 10% with ibuprofen 200 mg (average 211 min), 18% with ketoprofen 25 mg (159 min), and 28% with ketoprofen 50 mg (146 min).

5The effects of ketoprofen 50 mg were more pronounced than those of ibuprofen 200 mg, which seemed to start later. Ketoprofen 25 mg and 50 mg were very similar, suggesting a maximal effect of the lower dose. Mild to moderate adverse events were reported by 9% of the patients, half of which occurred with ketoprofen 50 mg. Treatment of headache with ketoprofen can start with 25 mg, and possibly less.

6Although a direct comparative study would be necessary to determine the relative benefits of the novel electronic patient diaries over traditional paper‐and‐pencil methods, this study has shown the usefulness of this newer technique to detect differences in efficacy between low doses of analgesics under ambulant conditions, with very limited loss of data. Electronic patient diaries appear to be an important new attribute for the efficacy assessment of self‐medicated drugs.
Food intake and dosage level, but not tablet vs solution dosage form, affect the absorption of metformin HC1 in man
Authors: SAMBOL N. C. , BROOKES L. G. , CHIANG J. , GOODMAN A. M. , LIN E. T. , LIU C. Y. , BENET L. Z.
Published: May 2007

The pharmacokinetics of four single‐dose treatments of the metformin administered orally (as the HCl salt) were compared in 24 healthy subjects: 500 mg and 850 mg tablets and 850 mg solution fasting and 850 mg tablet with food. Solution and tablet formulations are bioequivalent. Bioavailability of a 500 mg tablet is 14% greater than that of an 850 mg tablet. Compared with the fasting state, bioavailability is 24% lower, and the peak concentration delayed about 37 min when an 850 mg tablet is administered with food.
In vivo inhibition of CYP2C19 but not CYP2D6 by fluvoxamine
Authors: XU ZHEN‐HUA , XIE HONG‐GUANG , ZHOU HONG‐HAO
Published: May 2007

Studies were performed in eight healthy extensive metabolizers of mephenytoin and debrisoquine to determine the effect of fluvoxamine on the activities of S‐mephenytoin 4′‐hydroxylase (CYP2C19) and metoprolol α‐hydroxylase (CYP2D6). Therapeutic dosing with fluvoxamine (100 mg day−1) for 2 weeks caused a significant increase in the 0–8 h urinary S/R ratio of mephenytoin from 0.16 to 0.55 (95% confidence interval for difference between means: 0.28–0.50; P<0.01), accompanied by a 54% reduction in the 0–8 h urinary recovery of 4′‐hydroxymephenytoin (95% confidence interval for difference between means: 3.64–16.24 mg; P<0.05). However, this did not alter the assigned phenotype of any of the subjects based on the established antimode of 0.95 (S/R‐mephenytoin ratio). Two weeks after fluvoxamine was discontinued, both metabolic indices returned to their pre‐study values. By contrast, fluvoxamine had no effect on either 0–8 h urinary metoprolol/α‐hydroxymetoprolol ratio (95% confidence interval for difference between means: −0.38–0.46; P >0.05) or the 0–8 h urinary recovery of α‐hydroxymetoprolol (95% confidence interval for difference between means: −0.61–0.70 mg; P >0.05). These results indicated fluvoxamine has a modest inhibitory effect on the activity of CYP2C19, but no effect on that of CYP2D6 in vivo.
Prevalence and predictive factors of post‐traumatic hypopituitarism
Authors: Klose M. , Juul A. , Poulsgaard L. , Kosteljanetz M. , Brennum J. , Feldt‐Rasmussen U.
Published: May 2007

Objective  To estimate the prevalence and predictive factors of hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design  A cross‐sectional cohort study.

Patients  One hundred and four hospitalized TBI patients (26F/78M), median age 41 (range 18–64) years, body mass index (BMI) 25 (17–39) kg/m2; severity: mild [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 13–15) n = 44, moderate (GCS 9–12) n = 20, severe (GCS < 9) n = 40].

Measurements  Patients were evaluated 13 (10–27) months post‐injury, with measurement of baseline (0800–1000 h) and post‐stimulatory hormonal levels during an insulin tolerance test (ITT) (86%) or, if contraindicated, an arginine(arg)‐GHRH test + Synacthen test (14%). Insufficiencies were confirmed by retesting.

Results  Hypopituitarism was found in 16 (15%) patients, affecting one axis in 10, two axes in four and more than two axes in two patients. The GH axis was most frequently affected (15%), followed by secondary hypoadrenalism (5%), hypogonadism (2%), hypothyroidism (2%) and diabetes insipidus (2%). The risk of pituitary insufficiency was increased in patients with severe TBI as opposed to mild TBI [odds ratio (OR) 10·1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·1–48·4, P = 0·004], and in those patients with increased intracerebral pressure [OR 6·5, 95% CI 1·0–42·2, P = 0·03]. Patients with only one affected axis were all GH deficient; 60% (n = 6) of these were overweight or obese.

Conclusion  The prevalence of hypopituitarism was estimated at 16%. Although high, this value was lower than previously reported, and may still be overestimated because of well‐known confounding factors, such as obesity. Indicators of increased TBI severity were predictive of hypopituitarism, with a high negative predictive value. Neuroendocrine evaluation should therefore be considered in patients with severe TBI, and in particular in those with increased intracerebral pressure (ICP).
Circulating sex hormones and gene expression of subcutaneous adipose tissue oestrogen and alpha‐adrenergic receptors in HIV‐lipodystrophy: implications for fat distribution
Authors: Andersen Ove , Pedersen Steen B. , Svenstrup Birgit , Hansen Birgitte R. , Paulsen Søren K. , Rathje Gulla S. , Richelsen Bjørn , Nielsen Jens Ole , Madsbad Sten , Iversen Johan , Haugaard Steen B.
Published: May 2007

Objective  Circulating oestradiol and testosterone, which have been shown to increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), may influence fat distribution and insulin sensitivity. Oestradiol increases subcutaneous adipose tissue in humans possibly through binding to oestrogen‐receptor‐α, which in turn activates anti‐lipolytic α2A‐adrenergic‐receptor.

Design and methods  To address these issues circulating pituitary–gonadal–axis hormones and gene expression of receptors in subcutaneous adipose tissue were determined in 31 nondiabetic HIV‐infected male patients receiving HAART (16 with lipodystrophy), in whom measures of fat distribution (CT and DEXA‐scans) and insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp) were available.

Results  Total and free oestradiol and testosterone were decreased in lipodystrophic patients compared to nonlipodystrophic patients, whereas luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and prolactin were similar and normal in both study groups. Ratio of subcutaneous to total abdominal fat mass, limb fat, and insulin sensitivity, which were all decreased in lipodystrophic patients, correlated positively with both plasma oestradiol and testosterone (n = 31). Glycerol concentration during clamp (a marker of lipolysis) correlated inversely with expression of α2A‐adrenergic‐receptor, ratio of subcutaneous to total abdominal fat mass, and limb fat, respectively. Expression of α2A‐adrenergic‐receptor correlated positively with expression of oestrogen‐receptor‐α.

Conclusions  The results fit the hypothesis that sex hormones play a role in altered fat distribution and insulin sensitivity of male patients with HIV‐lipodystrophy. The effect of oestradiol on the subcutaneous fat depot and lipolysis may be mediated in part through binding to the oestrogen‐receptor‐α, in turn activating anti‐lipolytic α2A‐adrenergic‐receptor.
DNA content and p53 protein expression in ductal breast cancer
Authors: IOAKIM‐LIOSSI A. , KARAKITSOS P. , MARKOPOULOS CH. , ARONI K. , DELIVELIOTI K. , GOGAS† J. , KYRKOU K.
Published: May 2007

DNA content and p53 protein expression in ductal breast cancer

The DNA content of 85 ductal breast cancers of different histological grades was evaluated using static cytometry and correlated with immunocytochemical expression of p53 protein in tumour cells in cytological material. A statistically significant difference was observed between p53 protein expression and grade of malignancy (P<0.001). The percentage of euploid tumours significantly decreased from grade I through grade II to grade III tumours (P<0.001). Clonal DNA heterogeneity was observed in 26.6% of cases analysed and was correlated with p53 protein expression (P<0.001). These changes probably reflect genomic alterations which may affect potential malignancy of breast cancer.
Evaluating stocking of YOY pike Esox lucius as a tool in the restoration of shallow lakes
Authors: SKOV CHRISTIAN , NILSSON P. ANDERS
Published: May 2007

1. Stocking of piscivores in shallow, eutrophicated lakes to reduce cyprinid densities is a common approach in lake restorations. Young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) pike Esox lucius are frequently used to reduce cyprinid densities, but their effectiveness is equivocal. This study uses a simple model to assess the efficacy of pike stocking as a lake restoration tool.

2. The model evaluates YOY pike consumption in relation to different survival and growth patterns, timing of stocking, degree of piscivory of pike as well as YOY cyprinid growth patterns and productivity. The parameters used in the model are obtained from field surveys in eight study lakes stocked with YOY pike as well as from the literature.

3. Our model showed that all parameters studied were important for predicting the effects of pike stocking on cyprinids. In particular, body size at stocking, cyprinid production and pike survival were good predictors of biomanipulation success.

4. However, our model showed that only under very specific circumstances will stocking of YOY pike result in a reduction of YOY cyprinid densities large enough to affect water quality.

5. The findings of this study question the efficacy of pike stocking as an appropriate and reliable tool for restoration programmes in shallow lakes, and indicate that when used efforts should be made to optimize the timing of stocking in relation to YOY cyprinid production and to increase the stocking body size of the pike.
Extrapancreatic organ impairment during acute pancreatitis induced by bile‐pancreatic duct obstruction. Effect of N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Manso Manuel A. , Ramudo Laura , De Dios Isabel
Published: May 2007

Multiple organ failure is frequently associated with acute pancreatitis (AP). Our aim was to study pulmonary, hepatic and renal complications developed in the course of AP experimentally induced in rats by bile‐pancreatic duct obstruction (BPDO), differentiating the complications caused by AP itself, from those directly caused by bile duct obstruction (BDO), after ligating the choledocus. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) was administered as a therapeutic approach. Myeloperoxidase activity revealed neutrophil infiltration in lungs from 12 h after BDO, even if AP was not triggered. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity indicated hepatocyte death from 48 h after BDO, and from 24 h following BPDO‐induced AP onwards, an effect delayed until 48 h by NAC treatment. Rats with single cholestasis (BDO) and rats with BPDO‐induced AP showed a significant increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin concentration from 12 h onwards, whose values were reduced by NAC treatment at early BPDO. No renal failure was found during 120 h of bile‐pancreatic obstruction. Our results showed lung and liver impairment as a result of BDO, even if AP does not develop. Pancreatic damage and extrapancreatic complications during AP induced by BPDO were palliated by NAC treatment.
Retrieving true images through fine grid steps for enhancing the resolution beyond the classical limits: theory and simulations
Authors: STOYANOV D. , NEDKOV I. , AUSLOOS M.
Published: May 2007

We developed the theory of, and tested by extended simulations, a novel method for retrieving true images in a grid step much finer than both the acquisition and the optical microscope limits. We believe that the method is promising in view of avoiding the limitations on the resolution improvement in direct imaging mode systems. Two basic concepts are involved: (i) random (up to 3D) relative displacements of objects with respect to the receiving matrix and (ii) the use of a reference object firmly fixed to small signal objects for avoiding the displacement measurements. The retrieved images are created by rearranging a set of true images acquired with a lower resolution equal to the matrix pixel size. We demonstrate the good quality of the retrieved images and the possibility to visualize and detect small (convolved) objects not observed into the captured images. The method provides good opportunities for effective applications of different inverse algorithms for improving the resolution requiring, as a rule, more precisely sampled images, but at arbitrary relations between the pixel size and the optical diffraction limit. We further demonstrated the application of some deconvolution procedures for extracting highly resolved images in the object and image planes in the presence of noise. The possibility to resolve small objects beyond the two classical limits is shown by means of simulations. The estimates for the method's limiting resolution, combined with proper deconvolution processing, show that resolution in the lower nano‐dimension scale (below 10 nm) could be achieved. The requirements to the implementation of the novel method are commented as well.
Real‐time image quality assessment with mixed Lagrange time delay estimation autoregressive (MLTDEAR) model
Authors: SIM K. S. , TSO C. P. , TAN Y. Y. , LIM W. K.
Published: May 2007

A proposal to assess the quality of scanning electron microscope images using mixed Lagrange time delay estimation technique is presented. With optimal scanning electron microscope scan rate information, online images can be quantified and improved. The online quality assessment technique is embedded onto a scanning electron microscope frame grabber card for real‐time image processing. Different images are captured using scanning electron microscope and a database is built to optimally choose filter parameters. An optimum choice of filter parameters is obtained. With the optimum choice of scan rate, noise can be removed from real‐time scanning electron microscope images without causing any sample contamination or increasing scanning time.
Atomic force microscope (AFM) combined with the ultramicrotome: a novel device for the serial section tomography and AFM/TEM complementary structural analysis of biological and polymer samples
Authors: EFIMOV ANTON E. , TONEVITSKY ALEXANDER G , DITTRICH MARIA , MATSKO NADEZDA B.
Published: May 2007

A new device (NTEGRA Tomo) that is based on the integration of the scanning probe microscope (SPM) (NT‐MDT NTEGRA SPM) and the Ultramicrotome (Leica UC6NT) is presented. This integration enables the direct monitoring of a block face surface immediately following each sectioning cycle of ultramicrotome sectioning procedure. Consequently, this device can be applied for a serial section tomography of the wide range of biological and polymer materials. The automation of the sectioning/scanning cycle allows one to acquire up to 10 consecutive sectioned layer images per hour. It also permits to build a 3‐D nanotomography image reconstructed from several tens of layer images within one measurement session. The thickness of the layers can be varied from 20 to 2000 nm, and can be controlled directly by its interference colour in water.

Additionally, the NTEGRA Tomo with its nanometer resolution is a valid instrument narrowing and highlighting an area of special interest within volume of the sample. For embedded biological objects the ultimate resolution of SPM mostly depends on the quality of macromolecular preservation of the biomaterial during sample preparation procedure. For most polymer materials it is comparable to transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

The NTEGRA Tomo can routinely collect complementary AFM and TEM images. The block face of biological or polymer sample is investigated by AFM, whereas the last ultrathin section is analyzed with TEM after a staining procedure. Using the combination of both of these ultrastructural methods for the analysis of the same particular organelle or polymer constituent leads to a breakthrough in AFM/TEM image interpretation. Finally, new complementary aspects of the object's ultrastructure can be revealed.
Routine fluorescence microscopy of single untethered protein molecules confined to a planar zone
Authors: GAI HONGWEI , GRIESS GARY A. , DEMELER BORRIES , WEINTRAUB SUSAN T. , SERWER PHILIP
Published: May 2007

To bypass limitations of ensemble averaging biochemical analysis, microscopy‐based detection and tracking are needed for single protein molecules that are diffusing in aqueous solution. Confining the molecules to a planar zone dramatically assists tracking. Procedures of microscopy should be routine enough so that effort is focused on the biochemistry. Fluorescence microscopy and partial planar confinement of single, untethered, aqueous protein molecules have been achieved here by use of a routine procedure. With this procedure, multiple thermally diffusing Alexa 488‐stained bovine serum albumin molecules were observed during partial confinement to a thin aqueous zone next to a cover slip. The procedure produces confinement by partial re‐swelling of a previously dried agarose gel on the microscope slide. Confinement was confirmed through analysis that revealed thermal motion lower in the third dimension than it was in the plane of observation.
Gross Morphological and Histological Features of Larynx, Trachea and Syrinx in Japanese Quail
Authors: ÇEvik‐Demirkan A. , Haziroğlu R. M. , Kürtül İ.
Published: May 2007

This study aimed at observing gross morphological and histological characteristics of the larynx, trachea and syrinx in Coturnix coturnix japonicum (Japanese quail). Sixteen mature quails were divided into two groups. Eight animals were stained with 0.1% methylene blue for 15 min, followed by 50% and 70% ethyl alcohol solution for gross morphological examination. For the observation of histological characteristics the larynx, trachea and syrinx were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Six‐micron sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. There were three rows of papillae which were located oral (one row) and aboral (two rows) aspects of the mound. The cricoid cartilage was triangular in shape. Only the inlet of the larynx was covered by the olfactory mucosa whereas the rest was covered by the respiratory mucosa. There were 83–91 tracheal rings which were gradually narrowed from the cranial to the caudal direction. No overlapping occurred between the rings. The last few tracheal rings did not fuse dorsally and formed the tympanium. The pessulus possessed connection with the last tracheal ring and the first bronchial ring. Moreover, it was like a semiprism in shape at the region of bifurcation being vertical in direction. The syrinx was formed by the paired, C‐shaped and incomplete bronchial syringeal cartilages. The mucosa of the syrinx was lined with a pseudo‐stratified layer of prism‐shaped epithelium. There were nine or 14 C‐shaped cartilaginous primary bronchi.