bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-Learning General Chemistry (Organic) Computer-Based Test
Authors: Purba Jamalum , Hutahaean Harvei Desmon , Musa Panggabean Freddy Tua , Sutiani Ani
Published: November 2022

21st century learning is required to be technology-based to balance the demands of the millennial era with the aim that students will become accustomed to 21st century life skills. The 21st century with the rapid development of information and technology also demands changes and adjustments in learning evaluation activities, one of which is based on computer-based tests ( CBT). This study aims to develop e-learning for General Chemistry courses on organic materials based on CBT and developed through the ADDIE model. This study produced a book and e-learning of General Chemistry on organic material based on a computer based test (CBT) and has been declared valid (appropriate) and proven effective to improve student HOTS achievement. The validity is met qualitatively based on the assessment of the expert validator and the effectiveness is met based on the implementation of CBT-based e-learning in organic learning as well as evidenced by the results of statistical hypothesis testing with a probability value of <0.05 with an average value of difference or increase in student HOTS of 40,167±11,099.
Knowledge and Antibiotics Self-medication Behaviours among Students of Non Medical Background: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Vidya KR , Sagar MK , Sowmya S , Lohit K
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Antibiotics are the life saving therapeutic agents used worldwide from neonates to geriatric patients for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Antibiotics Self-medication (ASM) is a major public health problem due to irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics as a routine practice among public. Aim: To assess the knowledge and ASM behaviours among Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree students and also to estimate the prevalence of ASM among students of non medical background. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2017 in Tumakuru, Karnataka, India, using a validated questionnaire. A total of 152 degree students were enrolled in the present study. The questionnaire consisted of 28 questions based on knowledge and behaviour towards self antibiotic medication practice was used to collect data from face to face interaction. Data were entered into MS excel and were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 19.0. Results: Out of 152 students, 93 (61.2%) were treated with antibiotics and among them 64 (42.1%) were self-medicated with antibiotics. Students self-medicated with antibiotics, due to convenience 32 (50%), lack of trust in doctor 9 (14.1%). Selection of antibiotic were maximally from the previous doctor’s prescription 30 (46%), followed by opinion of family members 16 (25%). Around 50% and 22% of the students obtained antibiotics from community pharmacist and from the left over from previous prescription respectively. Conclusion: ASM was practiced among students and was encouraged by the community pharmacists and family members. Even without the proper knowledge, due to convenience the ASM has increased among the students.
Effectiveness of Active Learning Methods as a Supplementary Measure to Routine Didactic Amphibian Experiments in Physiology
Authors: Chatur Dipali Krishnarao , Ghate Jayshri Rambhauji , Bansod Nishant Vitthalrao
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Animal experiments are banned but it is still a part of first year MBBS curriculum and is well assessed in the examination. Most of medical teachers use the traditional chalk and board method for teaching these experiments where students are passive learners and face difficulty in knowledge gain and recall. In this context, Active Learning Methods (ALM) can be a helpful student-centric approach. Aim: To assess the effect of ALM in addition to the traditional chalk and board method on the performance of students and also to assess their perception regarding ALM. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Physiology, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (DU), Rural Medical College, Loni (BK) Maharashtra state on first year medical students of batch 2013- 14 from August 2013 to December 2013. Total of 64 students were included and divided into two batches A and B with 32 students each. Initially, for four Skeletal Muscle (SKM) sessions, ALM was introduced to batch B as revision in the second hour of practical class, following teaching by chalk and board method in the first hour, while batch A had routine tutorial. Thereafter, crossover of batches was done. Student’s performance was assessed by Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) tests at the end of each section of experiments and also the perception for ALM was recorded by Likert’s scale. Unpaired t-test was used to compare between groups. Results: In batch A, there were 14 females and 18 males with mean age 18.06±0.56 years and in batch B, 10 females and 22 males with mean age 18.06±0.24 years. Batch B students with implementation of ALM scored significantly higher (7.62±1.26) compared to batch A (6.41±1.99) without ALM, for SKM section, with p-value of 0.004. After crossover of batches, score of batch A with ALM (8.31±1.17) was significantly higher compared to batch B (5.84±1.56) without ALM with p-value of <0.001 for cardiac muscle experiments. Total of 96.87% of the students strongly agreed that ALM created a safe learning environment as well as they learned with fun. Conclusion: ALM supplementing with the traditional chalk and board method in small groups should be incorporated to improve understanding of amphibian experimental physiology.
Transforming Rural Female Learners’ under-representation in Advanced Level Science Subjects in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikuvadze Pinias
Published: November 2022

This is a positional paper, which endeavours to indispensably provide an emancipatory view of gender disparity, with a particular focus on rural female learners’ progression in Advanced Level science subjects. This discussion was guided by a framework derived from feminist, and social learning standpoint. The methodological approach used to generate and analyse participants' lived experiences comprised of the transformative paradigm, and qualitative approach. The sample for this study comprised of forty-five purposively participants who were doing sciences and other subjects at Advanced Level. Data was generated the through literature method, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. Analysis of the sourced data was narrative in nature buttressed by direct citations. From the rural female learners' experiences, it was revealed that appropriate information propagation augments their consciousness about gender issues in their progression in Advanced Level science subjects. Also, researcher noted that there was a need for an evidence-based policymaking process, which acknowledges participants' socio-cultural backgrounds in crafting gender-related policies to promote their progression in Advanced Level science subjects. Hence the need for a policy transformation that enforces gender-neutral approaches to information promulgation with the belief of empowering rural female learners in their progression in Advanced Level science subjects. The conclusion, therefore, is that transformation of rural female learners' mind-sets towards sciences was of utmost value in bridging the gender disparity gaps in their progression in Advanced Level science subjects. As a recommendation, researcher proposes the need for the inculcation of a gender-neutral, and sensitive approach in a bid to transform rural female learners' under-representation circumstances in Advanced Level science subjects.
Severe Malaria in Adults at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Epidemiological, Clinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects
Authors: Mamoudou Savadogo , Adama Kagoné
Published: November 2022

Aims: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of severe malaria in adults at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital from 2004 to 2021.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection covering the period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2021. Patients with severe malaria diagnosed on the basis of clinical and biological signs, with a positive thick blood drop were included.

Results: During the study period, a total of 217 cases of severe malaria were recorded, representing a hospital prevalence of 2.1%. The mean age of the patients was 40 years ± 20 with extremes ranging from 18 years to 92 years. Females predominated (52.8%) compared to 47.2% for males, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.89. Thirty percent of the patients lived in urban areas, 24% in semi-urban areas and 46% in rural areas. They were mostly housewives, farmers, pupils or students. Clinically, the functional signs of our patients were dominated by neurological signs, digestive signs and respiratory signs. The physical examination noted a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multivisceral failure in the majority of patients. Biological disturbances were dominated by renal failure, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia and metabolic acidosis. Comorbidities were dominated by arterial hypertension, HIV infection and diabetes. Under treatment, the evolution was marked by a case fatality of 29.5%.

Conclusion: In clinical practice, severe malaria in adults is rare but potentially serious. It is frequently responsible for sepsis associated with multivisceral failure. Its prognosis depends on the rapidity of the diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment.
Region Polynomial of a Knot Diagram
Authors: Sombir . , Siwach Vikash
Published: November 2022

We introduce a new polynomial for knot diagrams. The coefficients of this polynomial are dependent on thenumber of the arcs on the regions of the knot diagrams. A relation between the sum of the coefficients andthe number of crossing of the knot diagram is developed. Some other properties of the developed regionbased polynomial are explained. The behaviour of the polynomial against Reidemeister moves is also examined.
Population Dynamics of Castor Insect Pests in Relation to the Weather Parameters of Southern Telangana Zone
Authors: Madhuri G. , Rani V. Divya , Sadaiah K. , Neelima G. , Nalini N. , Sujatha M. , Duraimurugan P.
Published: November 2022

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important oilseed crop of dry land area with huge industrial importance. However, biotic stresses are becoming major bottleneck in yield improvement. In view of change in insect pest status in current agricultural scenario and fluctuations in climatic conditions will influence the incidence and severity of insect pests. Keeping in this point of view studies on pest population in relation to the weather parameters was carried out to assess the population fluctuations of insect pests of castor during kharif, 2020 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem and relationship between pests and weather parameters. Which revealed that leafhoppers have shown positive significant association with maximum temperature (r=0.48) and negative significant with minimum temperature (r=-0.59), evening relative humidity (r=-0.56). and rainfall (r=-0.60). Thrips has negative significant association with rainfall (r=-0.65). Semilooper has a positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.17). Spodoptera litura exhibits positive significant relationship with maximum temperature (r=0.24), Percent capsule damage by capsule borer had a negative significant relation with maximum temperature (r=-0.49) and minimum temperature (r=-0.55).
Development and Ergonomic Assessment of Manually Operated Modified Linseed Crop Thresher
Authors: Patel Naveendra Kumar , Moses Sheen Cline , Aalam Rana Noor
Published: November 2022

Manually operated modified linseed crop thresher was developed from ergonomics considerations. Anthropometric data were taken in selected age subjects 25-40 years for male workers. Anthropometric data regarding body dimensions were obtained for male workers from SHUATS, Prayagraj. During the methods of threshing operation (thresher and traditional method) the working heart rate was recorded with proper technique and oxygen consumption rate, energy expenditure rate and body parts discomfort scoring was obtained. The heart rate, oxygen consumption, energy expenditure rate and BPDS were obtained in the mean value 115.19 beats/min, 0.63 l/min, 9.59 kJ/min and 44.93 for thresher operating whereas 127.56 beats/min, 0.77 l/min, 11.56 kJ/min and 55.43 for traditional method operating.
Review of the Role of Enteral Factor in the Development of Secondary Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Armalovna Artikova Magina , Mirxamidovich Sharipov Alisher , Xiaoxuan Liu , Shiyu Wang , Xixian Fang , Jiao Fuyong
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Discuss the role of the enteric factor in the hyperoxaluria development.

Methods: Using the Internet and written materials, the relevant factors of enteral factor; hyperoxaluria; oxalotrophia; Oxalobacter formigenes; kidney stones, and with 36 references, were comprehensively analyzed and studied.

Results: Under the condition of excessive intake of oxalate and its precursors, increased intestinal absorption of oxalate and imbalance of intestinal flora, resulting in increased urine oxalate and calcium oxalate crystal, which lead to hematuria, proteinuria, recurrent kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis.

Discussion: Hyperoxaluria is a disease caused by metabolism disorder of oxalic acid and intestinal factors have significant influence on its progression. This disease can occur under the condition of excessive intake of oxalate and its precursors, increased intestinal absorption of oxalate and imbalance of intestinal flora, resulting in increased urine oxalate and calcium oxalate crystal, which lead to hematuria, proteinuria, recurrent kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis. Some patients may further progress to the AKI and CKD. With progressive decline in renal function, oxalate is reduced and deposits in the body can affect other tissues and organs. And adjustment of enteral factors is helpful for the treatment of hyperoxaluria.

In this article we discuss the role of the enteric factor in the hyperoxaluria development. Hyperoxaluria is a metabolic disease characterized by excessive urinary oxalic acid excretion and calcium oxalate crystal deposition, whose intestinal factors affecting its onset includes the increased intake of oxalic acid and its precursors, the increased intestinal absorption of oxalate and the imbalance of intestinal flora, etc. Severe hyperoxaluria can lead to kidney stones. At present, the influence of intestinal factors on hyperoxaluria has become a research focus, this paper will give a comprehensive description of its related research.
Anxiety and Depression among Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Singh H. , Bansal D. , Singh M. , Mahajan B. , Rattan A.
Published: November 2022

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Course of disease and its treatment impacts self-image, and the sexual relationship of patient. Most patients experience Psychological reactions. Patients develop psychiatric morbidities, mainly anxiety and depressive disorders. Anxiety and depressive disorders although being common in breast cancer are ignored and left untreated. These psychiatric disorders worsen course of the disease and outcomes of treatment. Having a better understanding of common psychiatric disorders can help in planning treatment and may lead to better treatment success.

Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences And Research, Sri Amritsar. We enrolled 50 patients of carcinoma breast. Depression and Anxiety were assessed using validated scales as advised by psychiatrist- Hamilton depression rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), respectively. The data was collected and assessed using appropriate statistical tool.

Results: In our research the average age of women was 49.25 years. Of the 50 patients, 72% had depression. 24% of patients with depression had moderately severe to severe depression.90% of patients had anxiety disorder and 24% had moderately severe to severe anxiety disorder.

Conclusion: Depression and anxiety disorders are quiet common among the patients of breast cancer. A public health initiative compromising of social, financial and environmental support that can help in providing better quality of life for breast cancer survivors is required.
A Review of Research into the Interface Properties of Ultra-high Performance Concrete and Normal Concrete
Authors: Yang Hang
Published: November 2022

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an emerging ultra-high performance cementitious fibre reinforcement material that has been widely used in the reinforcement of concrete structures. In this paper, the mechanical properties and durability of the interface between UHPC and ordinary concrete (NC) are compared and analysed in terms of the influencing factors, mechanical properties and durability of the UHPC-NC interface. The results show that the mechanical and durability properties of the UHPC-NC interface are excellent and significantly better than those of the NC-NC interface and that UHPC fibres and interface treatment have a significant impact on the interface bonding performance. The results of the research on the mechanical and durability properties of the UHPC-NC interface are summarised, and the research on the properties of the UHPC-NC interface is presented.
Reported Side-Effects of Using Skin-Lightening Products in Aden-Yemen: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice
Authors: Badulla Wafa F. S. , Alshakka Mohammed , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Background: Skin lightening creams & products (SL) contain certain dangerous chemicals such as mercury, steroids such as; Clobetasol propionate (CP), hydroquinone (HQ), and a host of others that have negative health implications.

Aims: The study focused on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of using these creams, as well as reporting the most common side-effects related to using these products.

Methods: This study design was a cross-sectional study from August to October 2021, conducted in different governmental and private dermatological clinics and community pharmacies in Aden-Yemen. 

Results: A total of 154 women were involved in this study, 58.4% in the age range from 21 to 30 years. About 57% were single and had a high level of education; 61.0% of the participants were university graduates. Nearly half (51.9%) of the participants agreed that they used the SL product due to the climate condition. Around two-thirds (67.5%) of them did not know the ingredients of the SL product. About three-forth (74.7%) knew that SL products might cause unwanted side effects to the skin. Nearly half (53.9%) of participants used SL products to get light skin tone, 23.4% used them for medical purposes, and 23.4% used them for both purposes. Most females had a good practice of stopping using these products during pregnancy (90.9%) and breastfeeding (88.3%). The most reported side effects of using SL products were acne vulgaris (44.2%), followed by pigmentation (26.0%), skin atrophy (22.1%), and the appearance of lines on the skin (striae) (20.1%). 

Conclusions: A significant proportion of respondents in the cross-sectional study had overused and misused bleaching agents regardless of age, income, education, or marital status. Continuous use of these products without control will lead to complicated side effects on the skin and overall body systems.
Roadblocks in the way of passion
Authors: Appel Stephen
Published: November 2022

Free association is the fundamental rule of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. It is through the patient's associations that a glimpse can be had of what has been repressed. But, at least with some patients, this is easier said than done. There appears to be a conundrum in force: the inhibitions which caused the patient's desire to become repressed are precisely those which inhibit "the irruption of copious ideas".
Freud said: "In my opinion the physician has taken upon himself duties not only towards the individual patient but towards science as well" (1905(1901): 8). In its own way this article is both a clinical and a theoretical matter. It considers free association as a therapeutic problem, giving a case to illustrate grappling with the patient's inability to free associate. The article also speculates on free association as an intellectual puzzle, and proposes a model which encompasses both empty and full speech.
Purification of androgen‐binding protein from rat testis using high‐performance liquid chromatography and physicochemical properties of the iodinated molecule
Authors: Gueant Jean-Louis , Khanfri Jamal , Gerard Hubert , Fremont Sophie , Gerard Annie , Grignon Georges , Nicolas Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2002

The androgen‐binding protein (ABP) has been purified 87 500‐fold from rat testis using 4 steps of HPLC, with a yield of 14%. The molecule was 99% pure with a specific activity estimated to 16 600 pmol/mg protein. The iodinated molecule was eluted in 2 peaks in Sephacryl S300 gel filtration with a molecular mass estimated to be 92 600 ± 3300 and 50 300 ± 4000 Da. The column isoelectrofocusing of 125I‐ABP demonstrated 3 isoproteins isoelectric at pH 4.7, 4.9 and 5.3 and the sedimentation coefficient was estimated to be 4.7 S in sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. The 125I‐ABP had similar physicochemical properties to the non‐labelled ABP of epididymis.
Specific arrangement of three amino acid residues for flavin‐binding barrel structures in NADH‐cytochrome b5 reductase and the other flavin‐dependent reductases
Authors: Nishida Hirokazu , Inaka Koji , Miki Kunio
Published: July 2002

The structure of NADH‐cytochrome b
5 reductase from pig liver microsomes has been refined to a crystallographic R factor of 0.223 at 2.4 Å resolution. A structural comparison between the flavin‐binding β barrel domain of NADH‐cytochrome b
5 reductase and those of the other flavin‐dependent reductases, ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase, phthalate dioxygenase reductase and nitrate reductase, indicated that the overall barrel foldings are similar to each other and that the specific arrangement of three amino acid residues (Arg, Tyr and Ser/Thr) is usually necessary for flavin‐binding. These conserved residues overlap each other in their three‐dimensional structures and stabilize the flavin‐binding site in the four flavin‐dependent reductases.
A gene with homology to myogenin is expressed in developing myotomal musculature of the rainbow trout and in vitro during the conversion of myosatellite cells to myotubes
Authors: Rescan Pierre-Yves , Gauvry Laurent , Paboeuf Gilles
Published: July 2002

We report the cloning of a new trout myogenic cDNA which encodes helix‐loop‐helix protein homologous to the myogenic factor myogenin. Northern analyses indicate that trout myogenin (Tmyogenin) transcripts accumulate in large amounts in the myotomal masculature of embryos and frys. In adults, transcripts concentrate within the thin lateral layer of red (slow oxydative) muscle fibres. They are present only in low amounts in white (fast glycolytic) muscle fibres which constitute the major part of the trunk musculature. Using an in vitro myogenesis system, we observed that the trout myogenin encoding gene is not activated until myosatellite cells fuse to generate multinucleated myotubes, indicating that Tmyogenin lies downstream of muscle determination factors. All these observations show that in a major taxinomic group like teleosts, a gene with homology to myogenin exists. Its activation during myogenesis suggests that it acts as a major developmental regulator of muscle differentiation.
Developmentally programmed DNA rearrangement in Tetrahymena thermophila: Isolation and sequence characterization of three new alternative deletion systems
Authors: Chau Miu‐Fun , Orias Eduardo
Published: July 2002

Summry— Extensive developmentally programmed DNA rearrangements, including thousands of internal deletions, occur in the differentiating somatic macronucleus in Tetrahymena thermophila. Some deletion systems involve the use of multiple alternative deletion sites. We report here the cloning and the sequences of three new alternative deletion systems (RR, RP and B) obtained using genomic subtraction. The RP and RR deletion systems are 2 kb apart on chromosome IR, and both involve the removal of < 2 kb of micronuclear sequences. The B deletion system is on chromosome 5 and involves a deletion of > 5 kb. All three deleted regions are very AT rich (∼ 80%) and do not appear to encode any protein. Sequences of the regions flanking the deletion junctions of all three systems revealed no sequence similarity among them nor with any previously reported deletion systems, suggesting that different cis‐acting elements are involved for rearrangement. Unlike other deletion systems in ciliates, the B deletion system lacks short terminal direct repeats. Our results suggest an average of at least one alternative deletion system per 134 kb of micronuclear DNA and lead to an estimate that at least 25% of all deletion systems in Tetrahymena utilize alternative ends. The genomic subtraction method employed in this study could prove useful for the isolation of alternatively deleted DNA in special‐purpose cases in Tetrahymena and other ciliates. The hybridization parameters for genomic subtraction worked out here for highly AT‐rich DNA may have wider usefulness.
Pore mutations affecting tetrameric assembly and functioning of the potassium channel KcsA from Streptomyces lividans
Authors: Splitt Heiner , Meuser Dirk , Borovok Ilya , Betzler Michael , Schrempf Hildgund
Published: July 2002

Designed mutations within the Streptomyces lividans kcsA gene resulted in a set of mutant proteins, which were characterized in respect to their assembly and channel activities. (i) The amino acid residue leucine 81 located at the external side of KcsA was found to be exchangeable by a cysteine residue without affecting the channel characteristics. (ii) Substitution of the first glycine (G77) residue within the GYG motif by an alanine or substitution of the tyrosine (Y) residue 78 by a phenylalanine (F) led to mutant proteins which form tetramers of reduced stability. In contrast to the AYG mutant protein, GFG functions as an active K+ channel whose characteristics correspond to those of the wild‐type KcsA channel. (iii) The investigated mutant proteins, which carry different mutations (T72A, T72C, V76A, V76E, G77E, Y78A, G79A, G79D, G79E) within the signature sequence of the pore region, do not at all or only to a very small degree assemble as tetramers and lack channel activity.
A novel role of alkaline phosphatase in protection from immunological liver injury in mice
Authors: Xu Qiang , Lu Zhaohua , Zhang Xianming
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Aims/Background: Little is known about the role of alkaline phosphatase (AP) in liver diseases, except for its elevation in jaundice or cholestasis. Its substrate, endotoxin, is usually elevated in patients as well as animals with liver damage. This study aimed to provide evidence for its new role as protection against immunological liver damage. Methods: Liver injury was induced in mice by delayed‐type hypersensitivity to picryl chloride. AP activity was measured using a commercial kit. Results: In acute liver injury, a significant decrease in AP activity in serum was observed but there was an increase in liver tissue. Single administration of cyclophosphamide before sensitization with picryl chloride exacerbated the liver injury, with more serious AP changes, while consecutive use after the sensitization alleviated the injury with a recovery from the changes. When liver injury proceeded for 1 week, both serum and liver showed decreased AP activity. Lipopolysaccharide facilitated alanine transaminase release from levamisole‐pretreated but not non‐treated hepatocytes from naive mice. However, the release was confirmed from liver slices of mice with liver injury proceeding for 1 week, even without levamisole pretreatment. Conclusion: The development of liver injury may lead to a dysfunction in AP synthesis and release. Levamisole may make normal hepatocytes, like the hepatocytes from liver‐injured mice, highly sensitive to lipopolysaccharide through inhibiting AP synthesis. The findings obtained in this study suggest that AP may contribute to protection from injury by a mechanism involving neutralization of endotoxin.
Selenium deficiency increases the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in RAW 264.7 macrophages: role of nuclear factor-κB in up-regulation
Authors: PRABHU K. Sandeep , ZAMAMIRI-DAVIS Faith , STEWART Jennifer B. , THOMPSON Jerry T. , SORDILLO Lorraine M. , REDDY C. Channa
Published: July 2002

The inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is implicated in atherosclerosis, malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue and reperfusion injuries. A key determinant of the pro-oxidant versus protective effects of NO is the underlying redox status of the tissue. Selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and thioredoxin reductases, are key components of cellular defence and promote optimal antioxidant/oxidant balance. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between Se status, iNOS expression and NO production in Se-deficient and Se-supplemented RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. The cellular GPx activity, a measure of Se status, was 17-fold lower in Se-deficient RAW 264.7 cells and the total cellular oxidative tone, as assessed by flow cytometry with 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, was higher in the Se-deficient cells than the Se-supplemented cells. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of these cells in culture, we found significantly higher iNOS transcript and protein expression levels with an increase in NO production in Se-deficient RAW 264.7 cells than the Se-supplemented cells. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)—luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analyses indicate that the increased expression of iNOS in Se deficiency could be due to an increased activation and consequent nuclear localization of the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB. These results suggest an inverse relationship between cellular Se status and iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and provide evidence for the beneficial effects of dietary Se supplementation in the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative-stress-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Raloxifene reduces atherosclerosis: studies of optimized raloxifene doses in ovariectomized, cholesterol‐fed rabbits
Authors: Bjarnason Nina Hannover , Haarbo Jens , Byrjalsen Inger , Kauffman Raymond F. , Knadler Mary Pat , Christiansen Claus
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that raloxifene, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, 35 mg/day inhibits atherosclerosis in ovariectomized, cholesterol‐fed rabbits. This effect was only partial as compared to 17β‐oestradiol 4 mg/day; however, plasma raloxifene concentrations were low relative to those obtained in raloxifene‐treated women. We therefore investigate the effects of raloxifene at higher doses.

DESIGN

The study on atherosclerosis in ovariectomized, cholesterol‐fed rabbits (n = 80) compared raloxifene 70 mg/day and 210 mg/day to 17β‐oestradiol 4 mg/day and placebo.

RESULTS

After 48 weeks of therapy, the aortic cholesterol content in the 70 mg/day and 210 mg/day raloxifene treatment groups were 471 ± 56 nmol/mg protein and 456 ± 56 nmol/mg protein, respectively. This was significantly less than in the placebo group (654 ± 69 nmol/mg protein; P < 0.05). In the oestrogen‐treated group, the aortic cholesterol content was 357 ± 62 nmol/mg protein (P < 0.01 as compared to placebo). Differences in serum lipids between the treatment groups could only partly explain the effect on aortic cholesterol content, indicating that additional anti‐atherogenic mechanisms may contribute to the decrease in aortic atherosclerosis. This anti‐atherosclerotic activity of raloxifene was observed at plasma concentrations comparable to those in postmenopausal women during raloxifene treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that clinically relevant raloxifene treatment inhibits aortic atherosclerosis in ovariectomized, cholesterol‐fed rabbits.
Changes as the result of ageing in extraocular muscles: a post‐mortem study
Authors: Frcpa P McKelvie , Md R Friling , Frcs K Davey , Fraco L Kowal
Published: July 2002

Background: Extraocular muscles differ from typical skeletal muscle in many respects such as smaller fibre size, high mitochondrial content, unusual contractile/innervation patterns and highly developed microvascular bed. Changes in typical skeletal muscle with ageing have been well documented yet the reports on ageing changes in extraocular muscles is limited. The aim of this study was to examine these changes.

Methods: The right inferior and medial rectus muscles were removed at post‐mortem from patients with no history of prior ocular or neuromuscular disease. These included 25 patients aged between 23 and 88 years (14 male, 11 female). The median age of the patients was 69 years and 72% of patients were aged older than 66 years. The median post‐mortem interval was 28 h.

Results: In young adults between 20 and 30 years of age, the muscle fibres were regular, of fairly uniform size with minimal endomysial connective tissue and no lipofuscin was detected in fibres. In adults between 40 and 50 years of age, a small amount of subsarcolemmal lipofuscin was detected. Between 50 and 60 years of age, a few fibres with reduced density of myofibrils were noted. All patients over 65 years had definite changes of ageing and those between 70 and 80 years of age showed similar features to those between 60 and 80 years of age. These changes included variation in fibre size, increased endomysial fibrous tissue and increased endomysial adipose tissue, and loss of myofibrils with some fibres devoid of fibrils and comprising ‘bags’ of mitochondria. There was increased lipofuscin in a number of fibres; increased ‘degenerative’ changes such as vacuolation of fibres, scattered ‘eosinophilic intracytoplasmic bodies’ and increased numbers of ‘ringbinden’.
Tolterodine, a new antimuscarinic agent: as effective but better tolerated than oxybutynin in patients with an overactive bladder
Authors: Abrams  , Freeman  , AnderstrÖM  , Mattiasson
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine with that of oxybutynin in patients with an overactive bladder.

Patients and methods

 A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group, multinational phase‐III study was conducted in urology and gynaecology clinics in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Sweden. The study enrolled 293 patients with urodynamically confirmed bladder overactivity, increased frequency of micturition (≥8 micturitions/24 h) and symptoms of urgency and/or urge incontinence (≥1 episode/24 h). Patients received either tolterodine (2 mg twice daily) or oxybutynin (5 mg three times daily) or placebo. Doses could be reduced, to prevent withdrawal, to 1 mg or 2.5 mg, respectively. The main outcome measures were the mean change from baseline in frequency of micturition/24 h, the number of incontinent episodes/24 h and volume voided per micturition.

Results

 After 12 weeks’ treatment, the mean frequency of micturition decreased by 21% and 19.5% in those receiving tolterodine (n=118) and oxybutynin (n=118), respectively, and by 10.5% in those on placebo (n=57). Among those with urge incontinence at baseline (75% of patients), the mean number of incontinent episodes decreased by 47%, 71% and 19%, respectively, in those receiving tolterodine, oxybutynin and placebo. The effect of tolterodine and oxybutynin on these two micturition variables was statistically equivalent. There was also a comparable increase in mean volume voided per micturition in the tolterodine (27%) and oxybutynin groups (31%), compared with 7% in the placebo group. Dry mouth was the most common adverse event and was reported with greater frequency and intensity among patients receiving oxybutynin than among those receiving either tolterodine or placebo. In the oxybutynin group, more patients also withdrew because of adverse events and a greater proportion required dose reduction as a result of adverse events. Despite dose reduction, the frequency of adverse events and the intensity of dry mouth remained higher among those receiving oxybutynin (2.5 mg three times daily) than in patients who remained on tolterodine 2 mg twice daily.

Conclusion

 Tolterodine 2 mg twice daily is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of bladder overactivity. Tolterodine was better tolerated than oxybutynin, particularly with respect to the frequency and intensity of dry mouth, but had comparable clinical efficacy. The superior tolerability of tolterodine therefore allows more patients to remain on effective therapy than the current most commonly prescribed agent for the treatment of the overactive bladder.
Angiographic distribution of lower extremity atherosclerosis in patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Van Der Feen C. , Neijens F. S. , Kanters S. D. J. M. , Mali W. P. Th. M. , Stolk R. P. , Banga J. D.
Published: July 2002

Aims To determine differences in the anatomic site of atherosclerosis in the lower extremity between patients with and patients without diabetes.

Design Cross‐sectional study of patients who underwent angiography of both legs because of symptoms of intermittent claudication, rest and/or night pain, ulceration or gangrene.

Methods The angiographies of 37 patients with diabetes and 37 patients without diabetes, matched for age, sex and smoking behaviour, were evaluated using the Bollinger scoring system.

Results The mean (sd) Bollinger score in the upper leg (from the abdominal aorta to and including the superficial femoral artery) was higher (P = 0.01) for patients without diabetes (35.3 (22.8)) than for patients with diabetes (23.3 (16.1)). In the lower leg (from the popliteal artery to the posterior tibial artery) patients with diabetes tended to have a higher score than patients without diabetes: 47.4 (34.2) and 37.6 (32.9), respectively (P = 0.22).

Conclusion This angiographic study confirms the clinical notion that lower limb atherosclerosis in diabetes is more severe in distal segments of the lower extremity, while the proximal segments remain less attenuated compared with patients without diabetes.

Diabet. Med. 19, 366–370 (2002)
Transvaginal color Doppler studies in gestational trophoblastic disease
Authors: Kawano M. , Masuzaki H. , Ishimaru T.
Published: July 2002

Three women with gestational trophoblastic disease were examined using transvaginal color Doppler at the initial diagnosis and after each course of chemotherapy. In all cases, the examination before chemotherapy revealed hypoechoic areas surrounded by irregular echogenic areas and numerous intramyometrial flow signals. Pulsed Doppler examination revealed a low pulsatility index (PI) in the uterine arteries. After the completion of chemotherapy, a decrease in the vascularity and increase in the PI of the uterine arteries were demonstrated in two cases. These findings were closely consistent with the decrease in serum levels of β‐human chorionic gonadotropin. However, in the patient who developed permanent arteriovenous communication, hypervascularity persisted and the PI of the uterine arteries remained low, even after clinical remission was achieved. The present study indicates that transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography is useful for the evaluation of gestational trophoblastic disease, both at the time of diagnosis and after chemotherapy. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A Critique of Research Measures Used to Assess Inappropriate Psychoactive Drug Use in Older Adults
Authors: Talerico Karen Amann
Published: July 2002

An overview and critique of research measures of inappropriate psychoactive drug use in the treatment of frail older adults is presented. These measures are compared on the basis of six key criteria for the complex determination of inappropriate psychoactive drug use as a research variable. These six instruments/standards are examined also for their advantages and disadvantages as research tools. Based on this review and related literature, recommendations are made that future studies of inappropriate psychoactive drug use include expert clinician assessment, measures of target symptoms and functional status, physiological indicators wherever possible, and drug and dosage classifications according to interdisciplinary consensus‐based criteria.
Broadly tunable optical parametric oscillation in β-BaB2O4
Authors: Cheng L. K. , Bosenberg W. R. , Tang C. L.
Published: July 2002

We report the first successful operation of a β-BaB2O4 optical parametric oscillator (OPO) tunable in the visible and the near infrared. The OPO was pumped at 354.7 nm and was tunable throughout 0.45–1.68 μm. A maximum total energy conversion efficiency of 9.4% was measured from the OPO containing a 10.5 × 10.5 mm2 × 11.5 mm long, 30° cut β-BaB2O4 crystal grown in our laboratory. Using the optical parametric luminescence technique, we have measured the 354.7 nm and 266 nm pumped OPO tuning curves (type I and type II) in β-BaB2O4 throughout the ∼0.3–3.3 μm range. The implication of these results on the validity of the published Sellmeier equations is discussed.
Three-layered organic solar cell with a photoactive interlayer of codeposited pigments
Authors: Hiramoto Masahiro , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Yokoyama Masaaki
Published: July 2002

Three-layered organic solar cell with an interlayer of codeposited pigments of n-type perylene tetracarboxylic derivative (Me-PTC) and p-type metal-free phthalocyanine (H2Pc) in between the respective pigment layers, was fabricated. Two times larger photocurrent compared to the double-layered cell without an interlayer was obtained due to the efficient carrier photogeneration in a codeposited layer. The power conversion efficiency reached 0.7% under the intense white light of 100 mW cm−2.
In-plane aligned YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films deposited on polycrystalline metallic substrates
Authors: Iijima Y. , Tanabe N. , Kohno O. , Ikeno Y.
Published: July 2002

C-axis oriented YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films are conventionally obtained on polycrystalline substrates, but a- and b-axes are randomly distributed. Due to the weak links at the high-angle grain boundaries in the a–b plane, the critical current density (Jc) are comparatively low, from 103 to 104 A/cm2 (77 K, 0 T), and the Jc decreases in magnetic field in a manner similar to bulk YBa2Cu3 O7−x samples. To reduce weak links at the high-angle grain boundaries, biaxially oriented buffer layers of yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were formed on polycrystalline, Ni-based alloy by ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD), and subsequently the a–b plane aligned YBa2Cu3 O7−x film was deposited by laser ablation. Jc of 2.5×105 A/cm2 (77 K, 0 T) and 2.2×104 A/cm2 (77 K, 8.0 T) were obtained. A new method to prevent intergranular weak links has been developed for potential applications using practical polycrystalline substrates.
Preparation of YbBa2Cu3O7−x films on Si(100) substrates using SrTiO3 buffer layers
Authors: Ishiwara Hiroshi , Tsuji Naoki , Mori Hiroyuki , Nohira Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

We report that superconducting YbBa2Cu3O7−x films are formed on Si(100) substrates using SrTiO3 films as buffer layers. SrTiO3 buffer layers are prepared on Si using a focused electron beam evaporation method, while YbBa2Cu3O7−x films are prepared using a dc arc discharge evaporation method. It has been shown that the SrTiO3 thin film is effective to transmit the crystalline information of a Si(100) substrate to the YbBa2Cu3O7−x film and to block the diffusion of Si atoms into the film. The highest Tc (zero) of the film was 73 K.
Microwave apparatus for phase transition studies of corrosive fluids to 1.7 kbar and 588 K
Authors: Rogers W. J. , Holste J. C. , Eubank P. T. , Hall K. R.
Published: July 2002

A microwave apparatus for phase boundary determinations of corrosive fluid mixtures to 1.7 kbar and 588 K is described. The apparatus measures shifts in a static microwave energy field caused by changes in sample dielectric properties. The measured interactions involve the entire sample cell; sample volumes are small (∼25 cm3); phase transitions are measured directly. Details of the microwave apparatus and the microwave technique are discussed. Data are presented for pure fluids and for an acid-gas/heavy oil mixture that demonstrate the performance of the apparatus.
Use of positrons to study transport in tokamak plasmas (invited)
Authors: Surko C. M. , Leventhal M. , Crane W. S. , Passner A. , Wysocki F. , Murphy T. J. , Strachan J. , Rowan W. L.
Published: July 2002

It now appears feasible to deposit positrons (e+) in a tokamak plasma by injecting bursts of neutral positronium atoms (e+e−), which are then ionized by the plasma. The annihilation time of these positrons in the plasma is long compared with typical particle containment times. Thus the subsequent transport of the positrons can be studied by monitoring the time dependence of the annihilation, gamma radiation produced when the positrons strike a limiter. This paper discusses the design of such an experiment, the kinds of data which can be obtained, and the physics questions which this experiment might address. This diagnostic technique could also be useful in studying transport in other magnetic confinement devices such as reversed-field pinches and magnetic mirrors.
Mechanical quality factors of fused silica resonators
Authors: Startin William J. , Beilby Mark A. , Saulson Peter R.
Published: July 2002

We have measured the room temperature resonant quality factors Q for a large set of resonant modes for each of several fused silica blocks and one fused silica cylinder. The modal frequencies ranged from 7.8 to 50 kHz. Our best results were obtained when the samples were suspended in a single loop of fine wire. For every sample tested we have measured at least one mode with Q⩾107. Our highest Q for any sample measured was (1.86±0.06)×107 for a block resonating at 26.4 kHz. Our tests included several different types of high purity fused silica, but could not detect any significant differences in mechanical loss. We believe our Q measurements are limited by losses due to our suspensions, as Q depends strongly on the shape of each resonant mode and the proximity of each mode’s nodal regions to the wire suspension points.
Improvements on a particle feeder for experiments requiring low feed rates
Authors: Tang Lin , Chen Wei-Yin
Published: July 2002

The center piece of a particle feeder for steady feeding of fine particles at low rates has been modified by sweeping the particles upward into a concentric tube which also serves as the piston support. The new design has demonstrated superior short and long term stabilities of particle feeding rate; moreover, it has significantly extended the operating ranges of the carrier-gas flow rate, particle feeding rate, and particle size and type.
Infrared filters using metallic photonic band gap structures on flexible substrates
Authors: Gupta Sandhya , Tuttle Gary , Sigalas Mihail , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: July 2002

Metallic photonic band gap (MPBG) filter structures operating at far infrared wavelengths have been designed, fabricated, and characterized. The MPBGs are multilayer metallic meshes imbedded in a flexible polyimide dielectric. Depending on the periodic pattern of the metal grids, the filters have either simple high-pass or more complex transmission characteristics. The critical frequencies of the filters depend on the spatial periodicity of the metal grids and the interlayer separation. Optical transmission measurements on a high-pass structure show cutoff frequency of 3 THz and attenuation of more than 35 dB in the cutoff region, in good agreement with predicted results. Band-reject filters show similarly good attenuation and large fractional bandwidths. The filters maintain their optical characteristics after repeated bending, demonstrating mechanical robustness of the MPBG structure.