bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can artificial parthenogenesis sidestep ethical pitfalls in human therapeutic cloning? An historical perspective
Authors: Fangerau H
Published: November 2005

The aim of regenerative medicine is to reconstruct tissue that has been lost or pathologically altered. Therapeutic cloning seems to offer a method of achieving this aim; however, the ethical debate surrounding human therapeutic cloning is highly controversial. Artificial parthenogenesis—obtaining embryos from unfertilised eggs—seems to offer a way to sidestep these ethical pitfalls. Jacques Loeb (1859–1924), the founding father of artificial parthogenesis, faced negative public opinion when he published his research in 1899. His research, the public’s response to his findings, and his ethical foundations serve as an historical argument both for the communication of science and compromise in biological research.
The impact on patient trust of legalising physician aid in dying
Authors: Hall M , Trachtenberg F , Dugan E
Published: November 2005

Objective:Little empirical evidence exists to support either side of the ongoing debate over whether legalising physician aid in dying would undermine patient trust.

Design:A random national sample of 1117 US adults were asked about their level of agreement with a statement that they would trust their doctor less if “euthanasia were legal [and] doctors were allowed to help patients die”.

Results:There was disagreement by 58% of the participants, and agreement by only 20% that legalising euthanasia would cause them to trust their personal physician less. The remainder were neutral. These attitudes were the same in men and women, but older people and black people had more agreement that euthanasia would lower trust. However, overall, only 27% of elderly people (age 65+) and 32% of black people thought that physician aid in dying would lower trust. These views differed with physical and mental health, and also with education and income, with those having more of these attributes tending to view physician aid in dying somewhat more favourably. Again, however, overall views in most of these subgroups were positive. Views about the effect of physician aid in dying on trust were significantly correlated with participants’ underlying trust in their physicians and their satisfaction with care. In a multivariate regression model, trust, satisfaction, age, and white/black race remained independently significant.

Conclusion:Despite the widespread concern that legalising physician aid in dying would seriously threaten or undermine trust in physicians, the weight of the evidence in the USA is to the contrary, although views vary significantly.
The human embryo in the Christian tradition: a reconsideration
Authors: Jones D A
Published: November 2005

Recent claims that the Christian tradition justifies destructive research on human embryos have drawn upon an article by the late Professor Gordon Dunstan which appeared in this journal in 1984. Despite its undoubted influence, this article was flawed and seriously misrepresented the tradition of Christian reflection on the moral status of the human embryo.
Ethics of HIV testing in general practice without informed consent: a case series
Authors: Fraser J
Published: November 2005

This case series presents two general practice cases where HIV testing occurred, or results suggestive of HIV were received, before informed consent was obtained. Bioethical and professional principles are used to explore these dilemmas.
Tobacco use among Swedish schoolchildren
Authors: Rodu B , Nasic S , Cole P
Published: November 2005

Objective:To study the prevalence of snus use and of smoking among Swedish schoolchildren from 1989 to 2003.

Design:Surveys conducted by the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Setting:All of Sweden.

Subjects:84 472 boys and girls age 15–16 years.

Main outcome measures:Subjects are classified as non-smokers, occasional smokers, and regular smokers, and into three similar categories for snus use. Tobacco use is reported as sex specific prevalence.

Results:During the period 1989 to 2003, the prevalence of tobacco use declined both among boys and girls. For boys, regular smoking declined after 1992 from 10% to 4%. Their snus use was about 10% in the 1990s but increased to 13% by 2003. Regular smoking among girls was 20% in early years and declined to 15%. Smoking among girls was always double that among boys. Patterns of occasional tobacco use were similar to those of regular use.

Conclusions:The high prevalence of snus use in Sweden not only reduces smoking rates among Swedish men, but suppresses smoking among boys as well.
HEAVY METALS TOXICITY AFTER ACUTE EXPOSURE OF CULTURED RENAL CELLS: INTRACELLULAR ACCUMULATION AND REPARTITION
Authors: KHODJA HICHAM , CARRIÈRE MARIE , AVOSCAN LAURE , GOUGET BARBARA
Published: November 2005

Lead ( Pb ), cadmium ( Cd ) and uranium ( U ) present no known biological function but are toxic in various concentration ranges. Pb and Cd lead generally to nephrotoxicity consisting in proximal renal tubular dysfunction and accumulation while U has been reported to induce chemical kidney toxicity, functional and histological damages being as well mainly observed in proximal tubule cells. This work address the question of Cd , Pb , and U cytotoxicity, intracellular accumulation and repartition after acute intoxication of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. After cells exposure to different concentrations of metals for various times, morphological changes were observed and intracellular concentrations and distributions of toxic metals were specified by PIXE coupled to RBS. Cell viability, measured by biochemical tests, was used as toxicity indicator. A direct correlation between cytotoxicity and intracellular accumulation in renal epithelial cells have been established. Finally, intracellular Pb and U localizations were detected while Cd was found to be uniformly distributed in renal cells.
LOBE-SPECIFIC CHANGES IN ZINC LEVELS IN THE PROSTATE OF RATS EXPOSED TO TRIBUTYLTIN CHLORIDE
Authors: HOMMA-TAKEDA S. , NISHIMURA Y. , WATANABE Y. , YUKAWA M. , UENO S.
Published: November 2005

The prostate is an accessory sex organ that secretes essential components of semen. High levels of Zn are found both in the prostate and its secretion. In the present study, the effects of environmental stress on zinc levels in the prostate were examined in Wistar male rats exposed to tributyltin chloride (TBTC), an environmental toxicant, by inductively coupled argon plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for determination of Zn concentration in lobe-dissectioned specimens and micro-PIXE analysis for determination of site-specific distribution of Zn in prostatic sections. A single oral administration of TBTC to rats at a dose of 90 μmol/kg resulted 14 days later in a decrease in the Zn level in the dorsolateral prostate but not the ventral prostate. The TBTC did not affect the weight of the prostate tissue. Micro-PIXE imaging found Zn both in the lumen and the epithelium of the lateral prostatic tubules. PIXE spot analysis revealed that the epithelium of the control rat contained levels of Zn 4–fold higher than in the lumen and that Zn in the epithelium decreased selectively after TBTC exposure.
EVIDENCE FOR GIANT KOKOPU MIGRATION BETWEEN FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENTS FROM MICROPIXE MEASUREMENTS OF SR IN OTOLITHS
Authors: BARRY B. , MARKWITZ A. , CLOSS G. , DAVID B. , CHADDERTON L.
Published: November 2005

The giant kokopu, Galaxias argenteus, is a native New Zealand freshwater fish which optionally undergoes a marine larval phase after hatching near a river mouth. The marine phase is indicated by a high Sr : Ca ratio in the core of the otolith of the adult fish. Elemental scanning for Sr and Ca with a proton microprobe is one of the most useful techniques for identifying and quantifying the presence of the marine core. However, many individuals, whether or not they show the marine core, exhibit one or more concentric rings of slightly elevated Sr levels outside the core. Examples of this behaviour are given and quantitative estimates of the degree of elevation of the Sr levels are made from both area and line scans using high efficiency detectors for Sr detection. It is suggested that these Sr variations reflect adult fish migration within a freshwater habitat, perhaps seeking a brackish zone in which to spawn.
CHEMICAL COMPONENTS IN RIME ON MT. MORIYOSHI IN NORTHERN JAPAN
Authors: SAITOH KATSUMI , KODAMA HITOSHI , SERA KOICHIRO , YOSHIMURA KEIJI , NAGAFUCHI OSAMU
Published: November 2005

In order to shed light on the long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants in the Northeast Asian regions, we studied the chemical components in rime and fresh surface snow on Mt. Moriyoshi (altitude: 1454 m), located on the Sea of Japan side of northern Honshu, Japan, near Northwest China and Southwest Russia. Rime and fresh surface snow samples were collected at Juhyou-Daira (near the summit; altitude: 1200 m) in February 2004. The pH range of rime samples was 4.2 – 4.9, and the electric conductivity (EC) range was 52 – 282 μS/cm. On the other hand, the pH range of snow samples was 4.5 – 4.9, and the EC range was 17 – 77 μS/cm. The elemental compositions, ionic species and particle shapes of these samples were determined and/or observed by PIXE, ion chromatography and SEM-EDX analysis. PIXE analysis of the rime and snow samples revealed 24 elements, of which Na , Mg , Al , Si , K , Ca , Ti and Fe were found to be the major components. Comparing the determined values of rime and snow sample elements, rime samples were several times to several dozen times higher than snow samples for almost all the elements. For determined values of ionic species, rime samples were several times to several dozen times higher than snow samples. With the aid of SEM-EDX analysis, many small silicon-rich spherical particles were observed in the rime samples. Small silicon-rich spherical particles were also found in the snow samples. The existent forms of chemical components in rime will be an important factor when we consider the origin of air pollutants transported over long distances in the Northeast Asian regions.
THE TARGET-CHEMOTHERAPY DIRECTED BY THE RADIATION
Authors: HARADA S. , ISHII K. , YAMAZAKI H. , MATSUYAMA S. , MIZUMA K. , HOTTA K. , IZUKAWA T. , ANBE S. , FUKUDA M. , KAMIYA T. , TAKURO S. , SATOH T. , OIKAWA S.
Published: November 2005

The target-chemetherpy directed by the radiation was tested by the two methods; 1) facilitate the carboplatin; and 2) the capsules that is decomposed by irradiation IN VITRO. The human leukemic cell (OCI/M2) cultured in RPMI 1640 was treated by the 0.5 Gy of 60 Co γ ray after the 4μmol of carboplatin administration. The uptake of carboplatin expressed as Pt signal was measured by the micro PIXE camera. The increased uptake of carboplatin was observed in the cell. There was also an increased uptake of Cu . The chelating of Cu resulted in the maximum uptake of carboplatin under the combined treatment of radiation and carboplatin. As for the capsules, it was prepared by polymerizing the alginate by CaCl 2, whose core was carboplatin. The 0.5 Gy irradiation was performed to the capsules. The carboplatin's emission was observed using a micro PIXE camera. As a result, the carboplatin was emitted from capsules, which was almost 10 %. Those two methods (increased uptake of carboplatin by low dose irradiation and the capsules decomposed by irradiation) is considered to be useful for the better therapeutic gain and less adverse effect.
WILL AIR QUALITY IN SYDNEY MEET PROPOSED AUSTRALIAN FINE PARTICLE NEPM GUIDELINES?
Authors: STELCER EDUARD , HAWAS OLGA , COHEN DAVID , SARBUTT ADAM , BUTTON DAVID
Published: November 2005

Since 1991 ANSTO's ion beam analysis (IBA) laboratory has been sampling fine atmospheric particles every Wednesday and Sunday at urban and rural sites in New South Wales. Multi-elemental accelerator-based IBA techniques were used to characterise major components and significant trace elements with minimum detectable limits close to 1 ng/m3. Observed mass concentrations will be compared with air quality US EPA standards and proposed Australian fine particle NEPM guidelines. Trace elements strongly associated with source fingerprints responsible for high air pollution will also be discussed in this paper.
IDENTIFICATION OF OXIDATION STATES OF TRACE-LEVEL ARSENIC IN ENVIRONMENTAL WATER SAMPLES USING PIXE
Authors: YAMAZAKI H. , ISHII K. , TAKAHASHI Y. , MATSUYAMA S. , KIKUCHI Y. , AMARTAIVAN Ts. , YAMAGUCHI T. , MOMOSE G. , ABE S. , INOMATA K. , WATANABE Y. , ISHIZAKI A.
Published: November 2005

An enhanced sample preparation method for PIXE analysis is described allowing to separate and concentrate arsenic ions of different oxidation states in water samples. Arsenate ions are separated from arsenite ions by co-precipitating into 10 ppm indium hydroxide colloids that are generated at pH 4.0 in a 25 ml solution containing 1 ppm phosphate ions and 25 ppm sulfate ions. Arsenite ions are oxidized to the pentavalent state with permanganate ions and adsorbed by indium hydroxide colloids generated afterwards in solution. The standard procedure for collecting the colloids adsorbing arsenic ions on Nuclepore filter of 0.2 μm pores is based on an investigation of the pH-dependence of the recovery of dissolved arsenic ions and the obtained standard calibration curve covers the concentration range from 1 to 100 ppb for arsenic ions. The prepared targets were examined for 5 to 10 minutes by 3 MeV proton beam (0.7-4 nA beam currents). The lower detection limit of arsenic in a 25 ml aquatic sample is 0.3 ppb for the arsenic-precipitated targets based on the 3σ error of background counts integrated over the FWHM of arsenic peak in the PIXE spectrum. This sample preparation technique was then applied to analyze concentrations and oxidation states of arsenic in a river basin where hot springs are located upstream being possible sources for releasing arsenic in the river.
MICROBEAM ANALYSIS OF SINGLE AEROSOL PARTICLES AT TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
Authors: MATSUYAMA S. , ISHII K. , YAMAZAKI H. , KIKUCHI Y. , AMARTAIVAN Ts. , ABE S. , INOMATA K. , WATANBE Y. , ISHIZAKI A. , OYAMA R. , KAWAMURA Y. , SUZUKI A. , MOMOSE G. , YAMAGUCHI T. , IMASEKI H.
Published: November 2005

A microbeam system has been developed for the analysis of single aerosol particles. Combination of PIXE, RBS and off-axis STIM methods enabled simultaneous analysis for hydrogen to metal elements. Aerosol particles were collected on thin polycarbonate film (~0.3 μm) resulting in good signal-to-noise ratio. Quantitative elemental correlation was measured for single aerosol particles. A total of 270 particles were analyzed and clustered into 4 groups. The analysis system reveals the chemical composition of aerosol particles and is a powerful tool for source identification.
DEVELOPMENT OF DROPLET-PIXE SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SAMPLES
Authors: IMASEKI H. , ISHII K. , ISHIKAWA T. , ISO H. , SHINOMIYA T. , HAMANO T. , YUKAWA M.
Published: November 2005

PIXE is a trace analytical method. During the sample preparation process for PIXE analysis, there may be loss of element due to sublimation or evaporation that must be considered for quantitative analysis. To avoid such problems, suitable droplet PIXE system has been developed for determination of elemental abundances of liquid samples in atmospheric condition. The system has several dripping modes in order to enhance advantage of dripping method over static liquid target method. The droplet-PIXE system has been applied to a few case studies. Its advantages over other PIXE system will be discussed in this paper.
ANALYSIS OF CROPS GROWN ON COAL-ASH TREATED SOILS
Authors: VIJAYAN VENKATATHRI
Published: November 2005

Coal ash is a major component of solid residue resulting by coal-fired thermal power plants. Trace elements like Mn , Cu , Zn , As , Se , Mo and Pb in fly ash and pond ash samples collected from ten coal-fired thermal power plants in India, and crops (rice, wheat, maize grain and straw and onion bulbs) grown on coal ash treated soils at Angul, Bakreswar and Farakka sites of India have been analysed at Institute of Physics by Particle Induced X-ray Emission and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence techniques. Our analysis shows that the concentrations of trace elements of grains are higher than in straws. Increasing trends in the uptake of micro-nutrients by the crops due to application of coal ash, were recorded, but within permissible limits.
PIXE ANALYSIS OF ARTISTIC BLUE GLAZES AND THE USE OF COBALT PIGMENTS IN CERAMICS DURING THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE
Authors: BOUQUILLON A. , KATONA I. , D'ALESSANDRO A. , ZUCCHIATTI A.
Published: November 2005

PIXE has been used to extract the elemental composition of cobalt blue glazes in 55 dated and undated terracotta sculptures from the Florentine della Robbia school. The data, consistently with previous work, show a rapid change in the composition of blue glazes and locate it just before 1520. The change is marked essentially by the presence of arsenic and bismuth in the glaze and by reduced amounts of iron and nickel after 1520. We speculate that this is due to procedures introduced to industrialise the blue pigments production more than to exploitation of different families of cobalt minerals. We observe in this unique ensemble more variability of products than was known before.
IN-AIR PIXE ANALYSIS OF INDIAN COPPER COINS
Authors: VIJAYAN V. , CHOUDHURY R. K. , PATEL C. B.
Published: November 2005

Coins are important archaeological objects and analysis of metallic compositions of coins can provide valuable information regarding coin minting, methodology, classification, provenance, art, culture and economics of the minting time. In-air Proton Induced X-ray emission (PIXE) is a good scientific method for non-destructive analysis of coins preserved in museum. Selected ten Kushana copper coins (3rd-4th century A. D.) from the Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneswar have been analysed, for the first time as preliminary work, by using an external beam PIXE facility at Institute of Physics. Our study reveals that copper is the main constituent of the Kushana coins, with minor/trace elements like titanium, iron, and nickel, zinc, lead and bismuth.
FLUORINE AND CALCIUM PROFILING BY PIGE/PIXE FOR EXPOSURE AGE DATING IN ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: GASCHEN A. A.-M. , KRÄHENBÜHL U. , DÖBELI M. , MARKWITZ A. , BARRY B.
Published: November 2005

Fossil fragments of bone and teeth that are exposed to a humid environment take up fluorine from the surrounding soil and accumulate it in their mineral phase. In cortical parts of long bone diaphysis a fluorine concentration profile can be observed, which carries information on the exposure duration of the buried object in its shape. The distribution of fluorine in a sample however is strongly influenced by environmentally induced processes of bone diagenesis, i.e. alteration in the structure and composition of bone mineral and degradation of the organic components that may make the time information indistinct.

PIGE (Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission) is a precise and fast analytical technique to determine the quantitative fluorine content and its distribution in cross sections of bone and tooth specimen non-destructively. The simultaneous detection of Ca by PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) provides additional information on the sample topography. Cracks, alteration haloes and the porosity, which is typical for human bone samples, are parameters which have direct influence on the fluorine uptake and transport during burial. This contribution outlines the combined approach of using PIGE and PIXE measurement to understand some aspects of the complex environmental impact that impedes exposure age dating by fluorine diffusion profiling.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE WALL PAINTING PIGMENTS OF BAGHCHEH JOOGH CASTLE BY PIXE
Authors: AHMADI S. , SHOKOUHI F. , OLIAIY P. , LAMEHI-RACHTI M. , RAHIGHI J.
Published: November 2005

Paintings from Baghcheh Joogh castle belonging to the Qajar era have been analyzed using the PIXE method. The pigments of over 16 samples from various parts of castle have been analyzed in the present study. A proton beam of 2 MeV energy generated by a Van de Graaff accelerator was used for the analysis. A Si ( Li ) detector detected the resulting X-ray spectra. The PIXE elemental analysis was expected to determine the details of golden themes of the wall paintings.
Understanding Affirmative Action
Authors: Crosby Faye J. , Iyer Aarti , Sincharoen Sirinda
Published: November 2005

Affirmative action is a controversial and often poorly understood policy. It is also a policy that has been widely studied by social scientists. In this review, we outline how affirmative action operates in employment and education settings and consider the major points of controversy. In addition, we detail the contributions of psychologists and other social scientists in helping to demonstrate why affirmative action is needed; how it can have unintended negative consequences; and how affirmative action programs can be most successful. We also review how psychologists have examined variations in people's attitudes toward affirmative action, in part as a means for testing different theories of social behavior.
Amelioration of oxidant stress by the defensin lysozyme
Authors: Liu Huixian , Zheng Feng , Cao Qi , Ren Bin , Zhu Li , Striker Gary , Vlassara Helen
Published: November 2005

Reactive oxidant species (ROS), products of normal metabolism, cause oxidant injury if they accumulate in pathological amounts. Lysozyme (LZ) contains an 18-amino acid domain that binds agents such as advanced glycation end products (AGE) that generate ROS. We examined whether endogenous LZ affected physiological, or baseline, antioxidant balance and provided protection against both acute and chronic oxidant injury, using paraquat and H2O2as agents of acute injury and AGE for chronic injury. Hen egg LZ-Tg mice had threefold higher serum LZ levels and decreased baseline AGE levels in serum and liver. These findings were linked to an enhanced baseline systemic GSH-to-GSSG ratio. Baseline levels of stress response genes p66Shcand c-Jun were also lower in liver tissue of LZ-Tg mice. Survival from severe oxidant injury induced by paraquat was twofold greater in LZ-Tg mice. In addition, LZ-Tg mice were resistant to chronic exogenous oxidant stress (OS) induced by AGE administration. Preincubation of hepatocytes (Hep G2) with LZ suppressed redox balance at baseline, as well as OS after added paraquat, AGE, or H2O2. LZ also ameliorated paraquat-enhanced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed AGE-induced p66Shcexpression and c-Jun phosphorylation in Hep G2 cells. Thus LZ provides protection against acute and chronic oxidant injury by mechanisms involving suppression of ROS generation and of OS response genes.
The Awake Behaving Worm: Simultaneous Imaging of Neuronal Activity and Behavior in Intact Animals at Millimeter Scale
Authors: Faumont Serge , Lockery Shawn R.
Published: November 2005

Genetically encoded optical probes of neuronal activity offer the prospect of simultaneous recordings of neuronal activity and behavior in intact animals. A central problem in simultaneous imaging is that the field of view of the high-power objective required for imaging the neuron is often too small to allow the experimenter to assess the overall behavioral state of the animal. Here we present a method that solves this problem using a microscope with two objectives focused on the preparation: a high-power lens dedicated to imaging the neuron and low-power lens dedicated to imaging the behavior. Images of activity and behavior are acquired simultaneously but separately using different wavelengths of light. The new approach was tested using the cameleon calcium sensor expressed in Caenorhabditis elegans sensory neurons. We show that simultaneous recordings of neuronal activity and behavior are practical in C. elegans and, moreover, that such recordings can reveal subtle, transient correlations between calcium levels and behavior that may be missed in nonsimultaneous recordings. The new method is likely to be useful whenever it would be desirable to record simultaneously at two different spatial resolutions from a single location, or from two different locations in space.
High-affinity peptide transporter PEPT2 (SLC15A2) of the zebrafishDanio rerio: functional properties, genomic organization, and expression analysis
Authors: Romano Alessandro , Kottra Gabor , Barca Amilcare , Tiso Natascia , Maffia Michele , Argenton Francesco , Daniel Hannelore , Storelli Carlo , Verri Tiziano
Published: November 2005

Solute carrier 15 (SLC15) membrane proteins PEPT1 (SLC15A1) and PEPT2 (SLC15A2) have been described in great detail in mammals. In contrast, information in lower vertebrates is limited. We characterized the functional properties of a novel zebrafish peptide transporter orthologous to mammalian and avian PEPT2, described its gene ( pept2) structure, and determined mRNA tissue distribution. An expressed sequence tag (EST) cDNA (Integrated Molecular Analysis of Gene Expression; IMAGE) corresponding to zebrafish pept2 was completed by inserting a stretch of 75 missing nucleotides in the coding sequence to obtain a 3,238-bp functional clone. The complete open reading frame (ORF) was 2,160 bp and encoded a 719-amino acid protein. Electrophysiological analysis after cRNA injection in Xenopus laevis oocytes suggested that zebrafish PEPT2 is a high-affinity/low-capacity transporter ( K0.5for glycyl-l-glutamine ∼18 μM at −120 mV and pH 7.5). Zebrafish pept2 gene was 19,435 kb, thus being the shortest vertebrate pept2 fully characterized so far. Also, zebrafish pept2 exhibited 23 exons and 22 introns, whereas human and rodent pept2 genes contain 22 exons and 21 introns only. Zebrafish pept2 mRNA was mainly detected in brain, kidney, gut, and, interestingly, otic vesicle, the embryonic structure that develops into the auditory/vestibular organ, homolog to the higher vertebrate inner ear, of the adult fish. Characterization of zebrafish pept2 will contribute to the investigation of peptide transporters using a well-established genetic model and will allow the elucidation of the evolutionary and functional relationships among vertebrate peptide transporters. Moreover, it can represent a useful marker to screen mutations that affect choroid plexus and inner ear development.
Increased Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Abraham Shahnaz , Toutous-Trellu Laurence , Pechère Marc , Hugonnet Stéphane , Liassine Nadia , Yerly Sabine , Rohner Peter , Ninet Béatrice , Hirschel Bernard , Piguet Vincent
Published: November 2005

Background: Focal outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and gonorrhoea have been reported in the large cities of Western Europe over the past few years. The aim of our study was to determine whether a similar trend is observed in Geneva and the situation with regard to HIV infection. Methods: We review the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis and HIV in Geneva from 1999 to 2004. Results: Figures indicate a steady and sustained increase in the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis in Geneva since 1999 that is maintained into 2004. As for HIV, the number of positive testings in Switzerland has stabilised and primary infection figures do not indicate an increase in newly acquired infections in Geneva. Conclusion: The situation in Geneva is similar to that observed elsewhere in Western Europe and indicates the need of public health interventions.
Efficacy of Crisis Intervention Treatment with Topical Corticosteroid Prednicarbat with and without Partial Wet-Wrap Dressing in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Foelster-Holst R. , Nagel F. , Zoellner P. , Spaeth D.
Published: November 2005

Background: The wet-wrap treatment has been reported to be beneficial in acute episodes of atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions. Objective: The efficacy of topical corticosteroid prednicarbat with and without additional wet-wrap dressing was investigated in a prospective, randomized and controlled study. Methods: In the left-right comparison study, 24 adults and children with an acute episode of AD were included. One arm or leg was randomly treated with the topical corticosteroid prednicarbat plus wet-wrap dressing; only prednicarbat was applied on the leg or arm of the other side. Results: After 48–72 h of treatment, in both groups an improvement of the local SCORAD was observed. In comparison to the side of the body treated with corticosteroid alone, the decrease of the local SCORAD in the corticosteroid plus wet-wrap dressing group was significantly better. The severity of AD improved in the wet-wrap group at an average of 4.4 points, in the corticosteroid group 3.0 (p < 0.011). Conclusions: Wet-wrap therapy with a topical corticosteroid is an effective treatment option in patients with exacerbated AD. The treatment is helpful in improving skin conditions, shortening the time of corticosteroid application.
Multiple Adult Xanthogranuloma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Saad Nathalie , Skowron François , Dalle Stéphane , Forestier Jean-Yves , Balme Brigitte , Thomas Luc
Published: November 2005

Background: Non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses form a heterogeneous group defined by the proliferation of cells with macrophage characteristics. Diagnosis is easy in typical cases but becomes more complex in unusual forms. Case Report: We report the case of a 53-year-old patient who presented multiple brown-to-yellowish papules and nodules of the trunk, neck, and head evolving for 6 months. No visceral involvement was found. Histopathological examination revealed histiocytic proliferation with features of secondary xanthomization with the presence of giant foamy multinucleated Touton cells. One year later, all lesions cleared spontaneously. Based on the clinical presentation and evolution and on the immunohistologic data, we retain the diagnosis of adult xanthogranuloma (AXG) in a diffuse shape. Discussion: Multiple AXG is a rare entity (15 cases reported since 1963) with a stereotypic presentation. It is important to recognize because of its good prognosis and the absence of visceral involvement therefore requiring no investigations or aggressive treatments. This case is interesting because of the complete and spontaneous healing of all the lesions within 20 months.
Study on Cardioactive Effects of Brazilein
Authors: Zhao Yu Nan , Pan Yang , Tao Jia Lin , Xing Dong Ming , Du Li Jun
Published: November 2005

Brazilein (6a,7-dihydro-3,6a,10-trihydroxy-benz[b]indeno[1,2-d]pyran-9(6H)-one) is a compound obtained in a large amount from Caesalpinia sappan ethanol extracts with a high purity of about 98%. In isolated cardiac tissues, we found that brazilein exhibited a positive inotropic action in a concentration-dependent manner with little effect on heart rate and coronary perfusion. To study its possible mode of action, isolated rat hearts were treated with propranolol. This treatment did not alter the cardiotonic effect of brazilein, suggesting that this effect does not involve stimulation of β-adrenoceptors. On the other hand, an analysis of the interaction between Na+,K+-ATPase and brazilein was carried out. Albino guinea pig erythrocytes (mainly α1-Na+,K+-ATPase isoforms) enriched with Na+,K+-ATPase isoforms were utilized to compare the inhibition promoted by brazilein with that of classical inhibitors such as the cardiac glycoside deslanoside. Analysis of inhibition curves revealed that unlike deslanoside, brazilein had a relatively low affinity for erythrocyte isoforms and failed to completely inhibit the Na+,K+-ATPase activity. The extent of the maximum inhibition rate was about 50%. The inhibitory effect of brazilein was not antagonized by 10 mmol/l K+, as observed with deslanoside. Electrocardiogram research in vivo showed that brazilein did not induce the ventricular arrhythmias observed with deslanoside, suggesting that brazilein might have a less adverse effect and higher therapeutic index than cardiac glycosides. In light of all the above-mentioned observations, it can be concluded that brazilein, a molecule with a non-steroidal skeleton, produced its positive inotropic effect through inhibiting Na+,K+-ATPase and could thus serve as a structural paradigm to develop new inotropic drugs.
Effect of the GABAergic System on Memory Formation and State-Dependent Learning Induced by Morphine in Rats
Authors: Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza , Noorbakhshnia Maryam , Motamedi Freshteh , Haeri-Rohani Ali , Rezayof Ameneh
Published: November 2005

In the present study, the effects of intraperitoneal injections of GABAA receptor agonist and antagonist on memory formation and morphine state-dependent learning were investigated in rats. Pre-training administration of morphine (1–15 mg/kg) in a step-down passive avoidance task induced state-dependent learning with impaired memory retrieval on the test day. The impairment of memory was restored after the pre-test administration of the same dose of morphine. The pre-test administration of the GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg), significantly decreased state-dependent retrieval induced by pre-test morphine (5 mg/kg). The state-dependency effect of morphine (1 mg/kg) was significantly potentiated by the pre-test administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg). Furthermore, the pre-training injection of muscimol (0.01 mg/kg) impaired memory retrieval which was restored by pre-test morphine (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg) administration. However, the pre-training administration of bicuculline did not affect retention by itself. In addition, amnesia induced by pre-training morphine (5 mg/kg) was significantly reversed in rats which had received pre-test injections of muscimol (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg). Pre-test injections of bicuculline (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased morphine-induced amnesia. It is concluded that the GABAA receptor mechanisms may be involved in the memory formation and it is postulated that these receptors may play an important role in morphine state-dependent learning.
Chitotriosidase in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sotgiu Stefano , Barone Rita , Zanda Bastianina , Arru Giannina , Fois M. Laura , Arru Antonello , Rosati Giulio , Marchetti Bianca , Musumeci Salvatore
Published: November 2005

Background: Following an acute brain ischemia, local endothelia allow monocyte chemoattraction into the lesion site which contributes to brain damage through a group of neurotoxic factors. A relationship exists between the extent of brain damage and the plasma level of monocyte products, including chitotriosidase, though usually strictly related to preexisting infectious-inflammatory diseases. Purpose: Since chitotriosidase activity is also elevated in pathogen-free conditions, we tested whether chitotriosidase upregulation might be specifically related to stroke and unrelated to clinically relevant infectious diseases. Methods: We studied the plasma level of chitotriosidase activity, TNF-α and IL-6 in 44 consecutive patients with acute brain ischemia without concomitant symptoms or signs of inflammatory-infectious diseases. Results were compared with stroke severity and outcome as detected by brain CT and NIH scale. Blood samples were collected, on average, 11 h after stroke onset. Results: Chitotriosidase activity positively correlates with stroke severity, as measured by NIH scale (r = 0.69, p<0.01), to the extent of brain damage as documented by CT (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.001) and the TNF-α level (r = 0.76, p<0.001); it also inversely correlates with the IL-6 level (r = –0.43, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that chitotriosidase is a specific marker of macrophage activation occurring in stroke which directly correlates with stroke severity independently of preexisting inflammatory or infectious conditions.
Role of Renal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Diabetic Kidney Disease during the Chronic Phase of Diabetes
Authors: Khamaisi Mogher , Keynan Shoshana , Bursztyn Michael , Dahan Rachel , Reinhartz Etti , Ovadia Haim , Raz Itamar
Published: November 2005

Background: Several studies have suggested that an early increase in renal nitric oxide (NO) production or activity mediates pathophysiologic and morphologic changes in diabetic nephropathy. To evaluate the role of NO in developing diabetic kidney disease, we studied the NO system in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for a period of 8 weeks. Methods: Control rats, STZ-induced diabetic rats, and STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with insulin were monitored and sacrificed at 1, 2, and 8 weeks. Urinary cGMP was measured, and the levels and activity of NO synthase (NOS) isoforms in the kidney cortex were determined at specific times by immunoblotting and diaphorase staining. Results: Diabetic rats had increased kidney weight, urinary volume, glucose, sodium and potassium excretion, which was precluded by insulin treatment. Creatinine clearance was increased in the diabetic group and reversed by insulin treatment. Urinary cGMP decreased by 71, 93, and 92% at 1, 2, and 8 weeks of diabetes, respectively, compared with the control animals. Insulin treatment curtailed the urinary cGMP reduction in diabetic animals. Total NOS activity in the renal cortex was reduced by 65, 52, and 44% after 1, 2, and 8 weeks of diabetes, respectively, and returned to normal levels upon insulin treatment. NADPH diaphorase staining of renal cortical slices showed a 77, 63, and 70% decrease in neuronal NOS isoform activity in the macula densa after 1, 2, and 8 weeks of diabetes, respectively, compared with control non-diabetic animals. This reduction was normalized by insulin treatment. Endothelial NOS protein expression in the kidney cortex tended to increase after 1 week of diabetes and its level was elevated significantly after 2 and 8 weeks of diabetes. However, neuronal NOS protein expression in the kidney cortex was reduced by 52% in 2-week diabetic animals, but this reduction was normalized by insulin treatment. Conclusions: The decreased renal NOS activity during the late phase of diabetes is partially associated with a decrease in neuronal NOS activity and protein expression in kidney macula densa.
The Influence of Premeiotic Clusters of Mutation on Indirect Estimations of Mutation Rate
Authors: Gong Yi , Gu Sheng , Woodruff R.C.
Published: November 2005

Based on the hypothesis that rare alleles are in mutation and random loss equilibrium, mutation rate can be indirectly estimated by measuring the number of rare variants and the average existing time of a mutant allele. This method can be applied to estimate the mutation rate in humans. However, this estimation of mutation rate is affected by the presence of premeiotic clusters of mutation. Mutation clusters change both the number of initial mutants and the average existing time of a mutant allele. As a result, the formula indirectly estimating mutation rate should be modified. The influence of premeiotic clusters is more obvious when the population size is small or the average cluster size is big. For example, if the population size is 3,000 and average cluster size is two, instead of one, the mutation rate is increased by about 9.4%.
Therapeutic Options in the Treatment of Nighttime Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Orr William C.
Published: November 2005

Approximately three quarters of individuals who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience its symptoms at night. Nighttime GERD symptoms disturb sleep and diminish quality of life more so than daytime symptoms. Nighttime gastroesophageal reflux is common in individuals with respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea and asthma, and may affect the severity and the frequency of these disorders. The treatments of choice for nighttime GERD symptoms are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) due to their efficacy in relieving day- and nighttime GERD symptoms and controlling acid secretion. The onset of action, degree of acid suppression, and duration of effect of PPIs have important implications for the use of these therapies in clinical practice. PPIs that exhibit rapid and prolonged control of acid secretion may be particularly useful for treating nighttime GERD symptoms.
The Effect of Meals of Varying Nutritional Composition on Subjective and Physiological Markers of Nausea in Response to Optokinetic Motion
Authors: Williamson M.J. , Levine M.E. , Stern R.M.
Published: November 2005

Background:Protein ingestion has been shown to decrease subjective and physiological markers of nausea. Aim: To elucidate the importance of drink palatability and nutritional composition in preventing subjective symptoms of nausea, decreased normal gastric electrogastrographic activity, and withdrawal of vagal tone in response to optokinetic motion. Methods: Participants received a liquid high protein/low carbohydrate, moderate protein/high carbohydrate, low protein/high carbohydrate or water meal 30 min prior to exposure to an optokinetic drum. Subjective symptoms of nausea, electrogastrograms and cardiac vagal tone were measured during the 30-min post-drink rest period, a 10-min baseline period in the stationary drum, and during a 16-min drum rotation period. Results: Regardless of nutritional composition, a pleasant taste predicted a reduction of the subjective experience of nausea. Subjective symptoms were significantly more severe in the moderate protein/high carbohydrate and water groups compared to the high protein/low carbohydrate and low protein/high carbohydrate groups. Electrogastrographic indicators of nausea were reduced in the high protein/low carbohydrate and low protein/high carbohydrate groups versus water, while cardiac vagal tone was reduced in the high protein/low carbohydrate and moderate protein/high carbohydrate groups versus the low protein/high carbohydrate and water groups. Conclusions: Palatability and high protein meals appear to be important factors in attenuating the nausea associated with exposure to optokinetic motion.
Challenges in the Overall Analysis of Microbial Proteomes
Authors: Scherl Alexander , Sanchez Jean-Charles , Hochstrasser Denis F.
Published: November 2005

Proteomics is widely used to analyze the protein content of bacterial species. Using various technologies, about 25–30% of the predicted proteins are typically identified. The relative abundance of these proteins at different stages, or under different conditions, can also be determined using proteomics approaches. In the first part of this review, a limited number of proteomics studies of bacterial species is summarized. This is not done in an exhaustive way, but to emphasize the complexity of the data which can be generated. Ways to manage and analyze this information are explored in the second part. The need to use standardized data formats, powerful bioinformatics tools and information management systems is discussed.
Management of a Hemidystonic Patient with Thalamotomy, Campotomy and Cervical Dorsal Root Entry Zone Operation
Authors: Kahilogullari Gokmen , Ugur Hasan Caglar , Savas Ali , Dirik Ebru Bilge , Akbostanci M. Cenk , Elibol Bulent , Kanpolat Yucel
Published: November 2005

Several medical and surgical procedures have been presented for treatment of dystonia. Thalamotomy, pallidotomy, and campotomy are some of the surgical choices. This study presents a patient with dystonia who underwent a cervical dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) operation after thalamotomy and campotomy. A 23-year-old man who was resistant to medical treatment presented with left hemidystonia. Thalamotomy and campotomy were performed. The patient remarkably benefited from the procedure but dystonic complaints in his left arm continued. A cervical DREZ operation was performed 5 years after the first operation and the dystonic complaints decreased after the surgery. This article presents a new aspect for the treatment of dystonia. Based on the outcomes of the treatment, DREZ operation may be suggested as an alternative surgical treatment for patients with segmental dystonia located in the extremities.
A Phase I Study of Combination Chemotherapy with Gemcitabine and Oral S-1 for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Okusaka Takuji , Ikeda Masafumi , Ishiguro Yoriko , Morizane Chigusa , Matsubara Junichi , Furuse Junji , Ishii Hiroshi , Nagase Michitaka , Nakachi Kohei
Published: November 2005

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of combination therapy with gemcitabine and S-1 in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: Chemotherapy-naive patients with histologically or cytologically proven unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer were enrolled. The patients received gemcitabine intravenously over 30 min on days 1 and 8 and S-1 orally twice daily from days 1 to 14. Cycles were repeated every 21 days until disease progression. Patients were scheduled to receive gemcitabine (mg/m2/week) and S-1 (mg/m2/day) at four dose levels: 800/60 (level 1), 1,000/60 (level 2), 1,000/70 (level 3) and 1,000/80 (level 4). Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled in this study. The maximum-tolerated dose was not reached even at the highest dose level (level 4) because only 2 of the 6 patients at this level experienced DLT. The DLTs were neutropenia and rash. Six (33%) of the 18 patients achieved a partial response and median overall survival time was 7.6 months. Conclusions: Combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1 was well tolerated and showed good antitumor activity in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We recommend a gemcitabine dose of 1,000 mg/m2/week and an S-1 dose of 80 mg/m2/day in further studies with this schedule.
Elevation of ST6Gal I Activity in Malignant and Transitional Tissue in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Vázquez-Martín Cristina , Gil-Martín Emilio , Fernández-Briera Almudena
Published: November 2005

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of CMP-NeuAc:Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc sialyltransferase (ST6Gal I) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: ST6Gal I activity was determined in healthy, transitional and tumor tissues from the same patient using asialotransferrin and N-acetyllactosamine as acceptors. Results: ST6Gal I activities with asialotransferrin (n = 85) and N-acetyllactosamine (n = 40) as acceptors were statistically significantly enhanced in CRC tissue compared with healthy mucosa from the same patient (p = 0.001). Using transitional tissue (n = 27), enhancement versus healthy tissue was observed (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between ST6Gal I activity with N-acetyllactosamine and asialotransferrin in healthy (n = 32), tumorous (n = 32) and transitional tissue (n = 27), supporting the fact that the same enzyme was detected using both acceptors. Furthermore, we studied the relationship between some patients’ clinicopathological features and ST6Gal I activity. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the levels of ST6Gal I activity in tumorous and transitional tissues varied with the histological grade of the tumor; however, we failed to find a correlation with the AJCC tumor classification. Conclusions: This work reports enhanced ST6Gal I activity in tumor and transitional tissues from CRC patients. However, our overall results suggest that ST6Gal I activity is not indicative of the patient’s outcome.
Homeostasis of the Memory T Cell Pool
Authors: Marsden Vanessa S. , Kappler John W. , Marrack Philippa C.
Published: November 2005

Memory T cells are critical for the establishment of long-term immunity. The number of memory T cells formed at the conclusion of the primary response is strongly influenced by the number of effector T cells generated in the response, but some factors can additionally enhance the efficiency and quality of memory cell recruitment. Homeostasis of the memory T cell pool depends on cytokine-mediated regulation of cell survival and proliferation. This review discusses factors that influence both the development and the maintenance of the memory T cell pool.