bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of montelukast on platelet activating factor- and tachykinin induced mucus secretion in the rat
Authors: Schmidt Rene , Staats Petra , Groneberg David A , Wagner Ulrich
Published: February 2008

Background

Platelet activating factor and tachykinins (substance P, neurokinin A, neurokinin B) are important mediators contributing to increased airway secretion in the context of different types of respiratory diseases including acute and chronic asthma. Leukotriene receptor antagonists are recommended as add-on therapy for this disease. The cys-leukotriene-1 receptor antagonist montelukast has been used in clinical asthma therapy during the last years. Besides its inhibitory action on bronchoconstriction, only little is known about its effects on airway secretions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of montelukast on platelet activating factor- and tachykinin induced tracheal secretory activity.

Methods

The effects of montelukast on platelet activating factor- and tachykinin induced tracheal secretory activity in the rat were assessed by quantification of secreted 35SO4 labelled mucus macromolecules using the modified Ussing chamber technique.

Results

Platelet activating factor potently stimulated airway secretion, which was completely inhibited by the platelet activating factor receptor antagonist WEB 2086 and montelukast. In contrast, montelukast had no effect on tachykinin induced tracheal secretory activity.

Conclusion

Cys-leukotriene-1 receptor antagonism by montelukast reverses the secretagogue properties of platelet activating factor to the same degree as the specific platelet activating factor antagonist WEB 2086 but has no influence on treacheal secretion elicited by tachykinins. These results suggest a role of montelukast in the signal transduction pathway of platelet activating factor induced secretory activity of the airways and may further explain the beneficial properties of cys-leukotriene-1 receptor antagonists.
Acute jejunoileal obstruction due to a pseudopolyp in a child with undiagnosed crohn disease: A case report
Authors: Christianakis Efstratios , Pashalidis Nikolaos , Kokkinou Stavroula , Pitiakoudis Michael , Mplevrakis Evangelos , Chorti Maria , Rizos Spiros , Filippou Dimitrios
Published: February 2008

Introduction

Crohn's disease (CD) can affect any part of the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus, with most common site being the terminal ileum.

Case presentation

A child suffering from undiagnosed Crohn disease (CD), presented with an acute abdominal obstruction due to a large pseudopolyp in the jejunoileal area. At laparotomy, a jejunoileal segment of 45 cm, containing multiple areas of damage to the small intestine, was excised and a primary end – to – end anastomosis was performed.

Conclusion

The coexistence of an intestinal pseudopolyp with undiagnosed Crohn's disease may be the cause of acute abdominal obstruction in children.
The secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and the secondary granule protein lactoferrin are synthesized in myelocytes, colocalize in subcellular fractions of neutrophils, and are coreleased by activated neutrophils
Authors: Jacobsen Lars C , Sørensen Ole E , Cowland Jack B , Borregaard Niels , Theilgaard-Mönch Kim
Published: February 2008

The secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) re-establishes homeostasis at sites of infection by virtue of its ability to exert antimicrobial activity, to suppress LPS-induced cellular immune responses, and to reduce tissue damage through inhibition of serine proteases released by polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs). Microarray analysis of bone marrow (BM) populations highly enriched in promyelocytes, myelocytes/metamyelocytes (MYs), and BM neutrophils demonstrates a transient, high mRNA expression of SLPI and genuine secondary granule proteins (GPs) in MYs. Consistent with this finding, immunostaining of BM cells showed SLPI and the secondary GP lactoferrin (LF) to be present in cells from the myelocyte stage and throughout neutrophil differentiation. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrated the colocalization of SLPI and LF in subcellular fractions highly enriched in secondary granules. Finally, exocytosis studies demonstrated a corelease of SLPI and LF within minutes of activation. Collectively, these findings strongly indicate that SLPI is localized in secondary granules of PMNs. However, the amount of SLPI detected in PMNs is low compared with primary keratinocytes stimulated by growth factors involved in wound healing. This implicates that neutrophil-derived SLPI might not contribute essentially to re-establishment of homeostasis at sites of infection but rather, exert physiologically relevant intracellular activities. These might include the protection of secondary GPs against proteolytic activation and/or degradation by proteases, which might be dislocated to secondary granules at minute amounts as a consequence of spillover.
Nitric oxide protects mast cells from activation-induced cell death: the role of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway
Authors: Inoue Toshio , Suzuki Yoshihiro , Yoshimaru Tetsuro , Ra Chisei
Published: February 2008

NO is known to suppress mast cell activation, but the role of NO in mast cell survival is unclear. Ligation of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) resulted in NO production in mast cells within minutes. This NO production was largely dependent on NO synthase (NOS) activity and extracellular Ca2+. The NO production required an aggregation of FcεRI and was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) at Ser1177 and Akt at Ser473. The phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt and the production of NO were abolished by the PI-3K inhibitor wortmannin. Although thapsigargin (TG) induced NO production as well, this response occurred with a considerable lag time (>10 min) and was independent of FcεRI aggregation and PI-3K and NOS activity. Mast cells underwent apoptosis in response to TG but not upon FcεRI ligation. However, when the NOS-dependent NO production was blocked, FcεRI ligation caused sizable apoptosis, substantial mitochondrial cytochrome c release, caspase-3/7 activation, and collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, all of which were inhibited by the caspase-3 inhibitor z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone. The data suggest that the NO produced by the PI-3K-Akt-eNOS pathway is involved in protecting mast cells from cell death.
Analysis of Phase II Studies on Targeted Agents and Subsequent Phase III Trials: What Are the Predictors for Success?
Authors: Chan John K. , Ueda Stefanie M. , Sugiyama Valerie E. , Stave Christopher D. , Shin Jacob Y. , Monk Bradley J. , Sikic Branimir I. , Osann Kathryn , Kapp Daniel S.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To identify the characteristics of phase II studies that predict for subsequent “positive” phase III trials (those that reached the proposed primary end points of study or those wherein the study drug was superior to the standard regimen investigating targeted agents in advanced tumors.

Methods

We identified all phase III clinical trials of targeted therapies against advanced cancers published from 1985 to 2005. Characteristics of the preceding phase II studies were reviewed to identify predictive factors for success of the subsequent phase III trial. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test and logistic regression models.

Results

Of 351 phase II studies, 167 (47.6%) subsequent phase III trials were positive and 184 (52.4%) negative. Phase II studies from multiple rather than single institutions were more likely to precede a successful trial (60.4% v 39.4%; P < .001). Positive phase II results were more likely to lead to a successful phase III trial (50.8% v 22.5%; P = .003). The percentage of successful trials from pharmaceutical companies was significantly higher compared with academic, cooperative groups, and research institutes (89.5% v 44.2%, 45.2%, and 46.3%, respectively; P = .002). On multivariate analysis, these factors and shorter time interval between publication of phase II results and III study publication were independent predictive factors for a positive phase III trial.

Conclusion

In phase II studies of targeted agents, multiple- versus single-institution participation, positive phase II trial, pharmaceutical company-based trials, and shorter time period between publication of phase II to phase III trial were independent predictive factors of success in a phase III trial. Investigators should be cognizant of these factors in phase II studies before designing phase III trials.
Paternal Skeletal Size Predicts Intrauterine Bone Mineral Accrual
Authors: Harvey N. C. , Javaid M. K. , Poole J. R. , Taylor P. , Robinson S. M. , Inskip H. M. , Godfrey K. M. , Cooper C. , Dennison E. M.
Published: February 2008

Background: We have previously demonstrated that maternal body build and lifestyle factors predict neonatal bone mineral accrual. However, the paternal determinants of neonatal bone mass are not known. In this study we explored the relationship between a father’s bone mass and that of his offspring.

Methods: A total of 278 pregnancies (142 male and 136 female neonates) were recruited from the Southampton Women’s Survey, a unique, well-established cohort of women, aged 20–34 yr, who had been assessed before and during pregnancy. The neonates and their fathers underwent whole body dual-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) within 2 wk of birth using a Lunar DPX (General Electric Corp., Madison, WI) and Hologic Discovery instrument (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA), respectively; correlation and regression methods were used to explore the parental determinants of neonatal bone mass.

Results: After adjusting the paternal DXA indices for father’s age and the neonatal for baby’s gestational age and age at DXA scan, there were highly significant positive associations between baby’s whole body bone area, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density and the corresponding indices in the father (P = 0.003, 0.0002, 0.046, respectively) among female infants. These relationships were independent of maternal height and fat stores. The associations for male infants with paternal DXA indices did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions: The father’s skeletal size predicts skeletal size more strongly in female than male offspring, independently of the mother’s body build. These data point toward the importance of considering paternal genotype in studies exploring the developmental origins of osteoporotic fracture and raise intriguing mechanistic questions about the gender specificity of influences on intrauterine bone mineral accrual.
SOX2 Plays a Critical Role in the Pituitary, Forebrain, and Eye during Human Embryonic Development
Authors: Kelberman Daniel , de Castro Sandra C. P. , Huang Shuwen , Crolla John A. , Palmer Rodger , Gregory John W. , Taylor David , Cavallo Luciano , Faienza Maria F. , Fischetto Rita , Achermann John C. , Martinez-Barbera Juan Pedro , Rizzoti Karine , Lovell-Badge Robin , Robinson Iain C. A. F. , Gerrelli Dianne , Dattani Mehul T.
Published: February 2008

Context: Heterozygous, de novo mutations in the transcription factor SOX2 are associated with bilateral anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia and hypopituitarism. Variable additional abnormalities include defects of the corpus callosum and hippocampus.

Objective: We have ascertained a further three patients with severe eye defects and pituitary abnormalities who were screened for mutations in SOX2. To provide further evidence of a direct role for SOX2 in hypothalamo-pituitary development, we have studied the expression of the gene in human embryonic tissues.

Results: All three patients harbored heterozygous SOX2 mutations: a deletion encompassing the entire gene, an intragenic deletion (c.70_89del), and a novel nonsense mutation (p.Q61X) within the DNA binding domain that results in impaired transactivation. We also show that human SOX2 can inhibit β-catenin-driven reporter gene expression in vitro, whereas mutant SOX2 proteins are unable to repress efficiently this activity. Furthermore, we show that SOX2 is expressed throughout the human brain, including the developing hypothalamus, as well as Rathke’s pouch, the developing anterior pituitary, and the eye.

Conclusions: Patients with SOX2 mutations often manifest the unusual phenotype of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with sparing of other pituitary hormones despite anterior pituitary hypoplasia. SOX2 expression patterns in human embryonic development support a direct involvement of the protein during development of tissues affected in these individuals. Given the critical role of Wnt-signaling in the development of most of these tissues, our data suggest that a failure to repress the Wnt-β-catenin pathway could be one of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms associated with loss-of-function mutations in SOX2.
Cardiometabolic Differences in Children Born After in Vitro Fertilization: Follow-Up Study
Authors: Ceelen Manon , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Vermeiden Jan P. W. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A.
Published: February 2008

Context: Increasing evidence suggests that adverse conditions during early prenatal life are associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction in postnatal life. In vitro fertilization (IVF) conception may be an early prenatal life event with long-term health consequences.

Objective: Our objective was to investigate several cardiometabolic measures in 8- to 18-yr-old IVF singletons and spontaneously conceived controls born from subfertile parents.

Design and Setting: This follow-up study was conducted at the VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Participants: Blood pressure was examined in 225 IVF-conceived children and 225 age- and gender-matched spontaneously conceived control children. Several indicators of insulin resistance were studied in a pubertal subpopulation (131 IVF children and 131 controls).

Main Outcome Measures: Blood pressure, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin were determined.

Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were higher in IVF children than controls (109 ± 11 vs. 105 ± 10 mm Hg, P < 0.001; and 61 ± 7 vs. 59 ± 7 mm Hg, P < 0.001, respectively). Children born after IVF were also more likely to be in the highest systolic and diastolic blood pressure quartiles (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.4, 3.3; odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 3.0, respectively). Furthermore, higher fasting glucose levels were observed in pubertal IVF children (5.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.8 ± 0.4 mmol/liter in controls; P = 0.005). Blood pressure and fasting glucose differences could not be explained by current body size, birth weight, and other early life factors or by parental characteristics, including subfertility cause.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of continued cardiometabolic monitoring of IVF-conceived children and might contribute to current knowledge about periconceptional influences and their consequences in later life.
Stress-induced recruitment of epiplakin to keratin networks increases their resistance to hyperphosphorylation-induced disruption
Authors: Spazierer Daniel , Raberger Julia , Groß Karin , Fuchs Peter , Wiche Gerhard
Published: February 2008

Epiplakin is a large (>725 kDa) cytoskeletal protein exclusively expressed in epithelial tissues. It has a unique structure, consisting entirely of plakin repeat domains (PRDs), one of the hallmarks of spectraplakin protein family members. Previous studies, including the phenotypic analyses of knockout mice, failed to reveal the biological function of epiplakin. Using in vitro binding assays, we show here that all but one of the 16 PRDs of mouse epiplakin bind to keratins of basal keratinocytes. Nevertheless, in primary keratinocyte cell cultures, epiplakin only partially colocalized with keratin intermediate filament networks. However, upon application of cellular stress in the form of keratin hyperphosphorylation, osmotic shock or UV irradiation, the entire cytoplasmic epiplakin pool became associated with keratin. In response to such types of stress, epiplakin initially translocated to the still-intact keratin filament network and remained associated with keratin after its disruption and transformation into granular aggregates. Time-course experiments revealed that serine/threonine (okadaic acid) and tyrosine (orthovanadate) phosphatase inhibitor-induced filament disruption in differentiated keratinocytes proceeded faster in epiplakin-deficient cells compared with wild-type cells. Our data suggest that epiplakin plays a role in keratin filament reorganization in response to stress, probably by protecting keratin filaments against disruption in a chaperone-like fashion.
LRP1 controls biosynthetic and endocytic trafficking of neuronal prion protein
Authors: Parkyn Celia J. , Vermeulen Esmeralda G. M. , Mootoosamy Roy C. , Sunyach Claire , Jacobsen Christian , Oxvig Claus , Moestrup Søren , Liu Qiang , Bu Guojun , Jen Angela , Morris Roger J.
Published: February 2008

The trafficking of normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) is believed to control its conversion to the altered conformation (designated PrPSc) associated with prion disease. Although anchored to the membrane by means of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), PrPC on neurons is rapidly and constitutively endocytosed by means of coated pits, a property dependent upon basic amino acids at its N-terminus. Here, we show that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), which binds to multiple ligands through basic motifs, associates with PrPC during its endocytosis and is functionally required for this process. Moreover, sustained inhibition of LRP1 levels by siRNA leads to the accumulation of PrPC in biosynthetic compartments, with a concomitant lowering of surface PrPC, suggesting that LRP1 expedites the trafficking of PrPC to the neuronal surface. PrPC and LRP1 can be co-immunoprecipitated from the endoplasmic reticulum in normal neurons. The N-terminal domain of PrPC binds to purified human LRP1 with nanomolar affinity, even in the presence of 1 μM of the LRP-specific chaperone, receptor-associated protein (RAP). Taken together, these data argue that LRP1 controls both the surface, and biosynthetic, trafficking of PrPC in neurons.
The PKCδ -Abl complex communicates ER stress to the mitochondria – an essential step in subsequent apoptosis
Authors: Qi Xin , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: February 2008

Conditions that compromise protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR), which either restores proper protein folding or results in cellular demise through apoptosis. In this study, we found that, in response to ER stress in vivo and in vitro, PKCδ translocates to the ER where it binds to the tyrosine kinase Abl. Tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activity of PKCδ are required for PKCδ binding to Abl in the ER. Moreover, we found that inhibition of PKCδ by the PKCδ-specific peptide inhibitor δV1-1 or by silencing of PKCδ reduces ER-stress-induced JNK activation and inhibits ER-stress-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, the inhibitor of PKCδ kinase activity rottlerin blocks the translocation of the PKCδ-Abl complex from the ER to the mitochondria and confers protection against apoptosis. Thus, PKCδ communicates ER stress to the mitochondria by binding to ER-localized Abl. The PKCδ-Abl complex then translocates to the mitochondria, communicating ER stress to this organelle, thereby, triggering apoptosis.
Effect of the interpass temperature on the predicted residual stress distributions in a multipass welded piping branch junction
Authors: Jiang W , Yahiaoui K
Published: February 2008

A sequentially coupled three‐dimensional thermomechanical finite element model has been developed to predict residual stress distributions in a multipass welded piping branch junction. The residual stresses at the branch and run pipe cross‐sections, as well as along the circumferential weldlines on the outer surfaces of both the run and the branch pipes and on the inner surface of the branch pipe, are predicted.

Three levels of interpass temperature have been selected to investigate their effect on the peak residual stresses. It is revealed that the interpass temperature has a significant effect on the residual stresses. As the interpass temperature is increased, both the peak hoop and the axial residual stresses at the run and branch cross‐sections decrease. The peak normal stresses along the circumferential weldline on the outer surface of the run pipes are also reduced. However, increasing the interpass temperature had a negligible effect on the peak tangential residual stresses along the circumferential weld line on the inner surface of the branch pipe.

The results presented and the modelling technique described in the current study can be used towards formulating a recommendation to optimize residual stress profiles in multipass welded complex geometries through better interpass temperature control.
X-ray Microanalysis of Biological Samples by High-resolution Energy Dispersive Microcalorimeter Spectrometer Using a Low-voltage Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Nakai Izumi , Baba Yukari , Tanaka Keiichi , Nakayama Satoshi , Hanashima Minako , Hokura Akiko , Homma Yoshikazu
Published: February 2008

A transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter detector with an energy resolution of 17.3 eV@1.74 keV mounted on an SEM has been newly developed and applied for the first time to reveal the cellular distribution of Cd in a cadmium hyper-accumulating plant. The elemental maps of the light element P as well as the heavy elements Cd and Zn were also successfully obtained. Similarly, the simultaneous analysis of As Lα and Mg Kα in an arsenic-accumulating fern was possible with this system. It is expected that the microcalorimeter EDS system has the potential to open a new area of the X-ray microanalysis of biological samples.
Benzene-thermal Route to InP and InAs Nanocrystals Using Triphenylphosphine and Triphenylarsine as Pnicogen Sources
Authors: Wang Junli , Yang Qing
Published: February 2008

Nanocrystalline InP and InAs were solvothermally synthesized by the reaction of newly reduced indium with triphenylphosphine (PPh3) and triphenylarsine (AsPh3) in benzene. The products were characterized by XRD, TEM, and EDX. PPh3 and AsPh3 with high safety as excellent P and As sources will provide a novelly alternative synthetic route to III–V semiconductor compouds.
Four New Eremophilane Derivatives from Ligularia sagitta
Authors: Li Ping-Lin , Zhang Zhan-Xin , Jia Zhong-Jian
Published: February 2008

Four new compounds (1a and 2–4), a series of uncommon eremophilane derivatives with C19-carbon skeleton, were isolated from the roots of Ligularia sagitta Maxim. Their structures were respectively determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, MS, NMR, and X-ray).
A Lithium Battery Electrolyte Based on a Room-temperature Phosphonium Ionic Liquid
Authors: Tsunashima Katsuhiko , Yonekawa Fumihiro , Sugiya Masashi
Published: February 2008

The electrolytic properties of a lithium battery electrolyte based on triethyl(2-methoxyethyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide are described. Testing charge–discharge performance of the cell containing the lithium-binary phosphonium ionic liquid electrolyte showed excellent capacity and rechargeability, compared to the cell containing a comparative ammonium ionic liquid electrolyte.
NO Decomposition on Ruddlesden–Popper-Type Oxide, Sr3Fe2O7, Doped with Ba and Zr
Authors: Ishihara Tatsumi , Shinmyo Yusuke , Goto Kazuya , Nishiyama Noriko , Iwakuni Hideharu , Matsumoto Hiroshige
Published: February 2008

Study of the NO decomposition activity of the Ruddlesden–Popper-type oxide Sr3Fe2O7 doped with Ba and Zr revealed that Sr3Fe2O7 exhibits a high NO decomposition activity. Doping Ba and Zr for the Sr and Fe sites, respectively, is highly effective for improving NO decomposition activity. A high N2 yield of 72% is achieved at 1123 K and a N2 yield of 32% is sustained under a 2.5% oxygen cofeeding condition.
Entanglement Effect on Film Retention of Poly(methyl methacrylate) in Methanol
Authors: Fujii Yoshihisa , Atarashi Hironori , Nagamura Toshihiko , Tanaka Keiji
Published: February 2008

Morphology for films of poly(methyl methacrylate) with various molecular weights was observed before and after methanol immersion by using atomic force microscopy so that the effect of chain entanglement on film retention of a polymer in a liquid can be discussed.
Dynamics of Polymer Chains in Porous Thin Films Prepared by Layer-by-layer Assembly of Isotactic Poly(methyl methacrylate) and Syndiotactic Poly(methacrylic acid)
Authors: Kamei Daisuke , Ajiro Hiroharu , Hongo Chizuru , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: February 2008

Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the porous structure of isotactic (it-) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films fabricated with layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of it-PMMA and syndiotactic (st-) poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was observed for the first time. The XRD patterns of crystalline it-PMMA on a substrate changed when the surrounding st-PMAA eluted out and was incorporated. These results indicate that the polymer chains of it-PMMA moved at the solid–liquid interface.
Synthesis and Photolysis of Biphenylenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride in Low-temperature Neon Matrixes
Authors: Sato Tadatake , Narazaki Aiko , Kawaguchi Yoshizo , Niino Hiroyuki
Published: February 2008

Biphenylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride was synthesized by dimerization of benzynedicarboxylic anhydride generated quantitatively by laser photolysis in low-temperature matrixes. Synthesized dianhydride was used as a precursor of matrix photolysis. It was isolated in a neon matrix and photolyzed to form biphenylynedicarboxylic anhydride, a novel aryne species.
Powderization of Wool Keratin by Alkali Hydrolysis in Higher Alcohol/Water Binary Systems
Authors: Hikima Takako , Nonomura Yoshimune
Published: February 2008

We successfully powderized keratin fibers under mild conditions. Wool keratin was hydrolyzed in a binary system, consisting of a higher alcohol phase and an alkali aqueous solution phase.
Successive Fusion of Vesicles Aggregated by DNA Duplex Formation in the Presence of Triton X-100
Authors: Maru Naoto , Shohda Koh-ichiroh , Sugawara Tadashi
Published: February 2008

Two kinds of large vesicles (average diameter: ca. 0.2 μm) bearing complementary DNA strands aggregated to form densely packed clusters. Addition of Triton X-100 (1.2 mM) as a fusogenic reagent to an aqueous suspension of the vesicle-clusters induced successive fusion of vesicles, leading to a giant multilamellar vesicle-like sphere with a diameter of ca. 3 μm.
Letter: Collision-Induced Dissociation of [Metal(L)2]2+Complexes (Metal = Cu, Ca and Mg) of 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine Allows Distinction of the Acyl Groups at the sn1 and sn2 Positions
Authors: James Patrick F. , Perugini Matthew A. , O'Hair Richard A.J.
Published: February 2008

The collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of the divalent metal complexes of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, [MetalII(L)2]2+ (where Metal = Cu2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, L = [16:0/18:1GPCho]), formed by electrospray ionization, reveal interesting metal dependent fragmentation chemistry. Six main classes of reaction are observed corresponding to: two competing carboxylate abstraction pathways (from the sn1 and sn2 positions); phosphate abstraction; competing losses of the two different carboxylic acids from the sn1 and sn2 positions; loss of a protonated ligand, [L + H]+. The relative ratios of the competing carboxylate abstraction reactions are dependent on the metal, with the Cu and Ca complexes favoring the abstraction of the larger carboxylate (18:1) and the Mg complex favoring the abstraction of the smaller carboxylate (16:0).
Response of near Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectra to Blue Stain and Wood Age
Authors: Via Brian K. , So Chi-Leung , Eckhardt Lori G. , Shupe Todd F. , Groom Leslie H. , Stine Michael
Published: February 2008

We analysed 320 increment cores at 10 different growth ring positions for a net total of 2691 ring samples, all taken from breast height. The objective of this research was to (a) detect which wavelengths were sensitive to blue stain and (b) determine which wavelengths were sensitive to age when subjected to chemometric interpretation. It was found that wood chemistry-associated wavelengths 1115–1195 nm were most sensitive to blue stain while those at 1335–1415 nm and 1655–1685 nm were also influenced by blue stain, but to a lesser extent. When blue stained samples are not included in the calibration set, but blue stain then occurs in the field, bias in lignin prediction may be more likely, since wavelengths associated with lignin were more sensitive to blue stain. Alternatively, lignin-associated wavelengths showed clear delineation in absorbance with age while the relationship between cellulose-associated wavelengths and age was apparent, but less clear.
Better Quality Food and Beverages: The Role of near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Woodcock Tony , Downey Gerard , O'Donnell Colm P.
Published: February 2008

Non-destructive food testing is becoming increasingly important due to expanding automation and the incorporation of new and more efficient processes in the food industry. The quality and safety of food are the main points of interest. It is important to have a technology which will allow for a high throughput and a short response time to increase process efficiency and reduce waste. In order for this equipment to be integrated with the existing infrastructure, it should be robust and capable of functioning in varying environments. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides several advantages compared with traditional analytical methods; it is fast and non-destructive, it requires little or no sample preparation, it can provide simultaneous determination of multiple components per measurement, it has a remote sampling capability and it can provide real-time information in a process stream. Thus, NIR spectroscopy provides the ideal technology needed for fast and efficient food analysis. This review reports recently published (in the last 10 years) applications of NIR spectroscopy in both raw and prepared foods. It highlights the ability of NIR spectroscopy to assess food and beverage composition, functional properties, quality attributes, regional and varietal differences and contribute to food safety and consumer confidence.
Qhapa, a pest causing skin irritations in Nor Yungas region of Bolivia, identified as a chigger mite, Eutrombicula batatas
Authors: Tweeten Kathleen A , Muñoz-Bravo Jacqueline
Published: February 2008

Qhapa, a pest associated with skin irritations, was collected from children and adults as well as from underbrush, rain forest highlands, and coffee fields in the Nor Yungas region of Bolivia. The pest was examined by phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy. Morphological features, including number and position of setae on the segmented legs of the mite, were consistent with its identification as the larval form of the chigger mite Eutrombicula batatas. Recommendations are made on ways to decrease incidence of Qhaba bites to minimize the dermatitis and the resultant secondary bacterial infections.
A successful response to an outbreak of cholera in Afghanistan
Authors: Kakar Faizullah , Ahmadzai Abdul Hamid , Habib Najibullah , Taqdeer Asadullah , Hartman A Frederick
Published: February 2008

Although postconflict Afghanistan has some of the worst health indicators in the world, the government is working hard to rebuild the health infrastructure, extend services to underserved areas and improve the quality of health services. An outbreak of cholera El Tor O1 that struck Kabul and spread nationwide in 2005, prompted a collaborative response from the Afghan Ministry of Public Health, partner agencies, and the system established to provide the Basic Package of Health Services, of which diarrhoeal disease control is an essential component. This response illustrates that, with good preparation, it is possible to respond to an outbreak of cholera effectively. The very low mortality rate during the outbreak (0.1%) shows how a resource-poor country can succeed in providing high-quality health services with government commitment, coordinated action by partners, proper case management and treatment and expanded access to services.
Maternal mortality in rural northern Nigeria
Authors: Tukur J , Jido Ta , Awolaja Bs
Published: February 2008

We presented a study of maternal mortality over a 4-year period in a tertiary health facility in northern Nigeria. Increased effort is needed in order to meet the millennium development goals.
Caesarean section as preferred mode of delivery in term breech presentations is not a realistic option in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Van Eygen Luk , Rutgers Sandra
Published: February 2008

We undertook this retrospective cross-sectional study in order to establish the outcome of 510 singleton breech presentations at term in seven district hospitals in rural Matabeleland-North Province, Zimbabwe. We also studied the mortality for 1093 caesarean sections (CS), in order to decide if CS should be the preferred option for breech births.

The perinatal mortality rate in singleton breech presentation (BrPNMR) was very high:166/1000. Between the hospitals the BrPNMR ranged from 66 to 225/1000 ( P = 0.04). Although the outcome was better for CS than for vaginal delivery (odds ratio = 5.4, P = 0.0005), there was no correlation between the BrPNMR and the CS rate. Results indicate that closer monitoring of these high-risk pregnancies by the most senior staff would be more effective than increasing the number of CS performed. An external cephalic version at term could also reduce breech-related mortality.

Symphysiotomy is a life-saving emergency intervention when the head is trapped. Increasing the number of CS should be strongly discouraged since the case fatality rate in this rural setting was found to be very high: 18/1093 women died after CS (for any indication) within 42 days after the operation (1, 6%); 15 within 24 h. Haemorrhage was the major cause of death.
Paraphimosis revisited: is chronic paraphimosis a predominantly third world condition?
Authors: Rangarajan M , Jayakar S M
Published: February 2008

Paraphimosis is an acute condition characterized by all the signs of inflammation. Here we describe a ‘chronic’ variant of paraphimosis where patients often present many days after the initial injury. The aim of this study is to identify and possibly classify this new variation of paraphimosis – the chronic condition. We studied 68 patients with this condition between 1997 and 2005. In all, the prepuce was fibrous and bunched up behind the glans penis and, in some cases, with ulcerations. All patients were treated by excision of the fibrous flap and circumcision, under local anaesthesia. Patients were discharged on the same dayon which the excision was done. Follow-up was on the third, seventh and ninetieth days. Long-term follow-up was possible in only 22 patients. This technique of modified circumcision was effective in treating this condition and we think a new classification of paraphimosis is warranted – acute and chronic.
Endometrial tuberculosis in the Nigerian middle belt: an eight-year review
Authors: Ojo B A , Akanbi A A , Odimayo M S , Jimoh A K
Published: February 2008

Endometrial tuberculosis (TB) is a known cause of infertility in women which, because of the global increase in the spread of TB, should always be considered when investigating the cause of infertility. We undertook this review in order to determine its incidence among infertile women in the Nigerian middle belt. This is a retrospective study of all histopathological slides of infertile women seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, between 1997 and 2004 who were evaluated for infertility by endometrial biopsy. The slides were reviewed and, where necessary, new sections were cut from tissue blocks and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Ziehl–Neelsen stain used to demonstrate acid-fast bacilli. Clinical reports were extracted from histopathological request form. A total of 661 patients were included in the study. Primary infertility constituted 30%, secondary 69% and unspecified cases 1%. TB endometritis was seen in 0.45%. Endometrial TB is not a frequent cause of infertility in our set-up. However, with the worldwide resurgence of TB, its possible presence should always be taken into consideration.
Critical care management of eclamptics: challenges in an African setting
Authors: Okafor U V , Efetie R E
Published: February 2008

We conducted a retrospective study of the management and outcome for eclampsia patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) of National hospital, Abuja between November 2001 and April 2005 (42 months). The patients’ case files and ICU records were used to extract the necessary data. During the study period, there were a total of 4857 deliveries, with 5051 total births (including multiple births) and 4854 live births. Forty eclamptics were admitted to the ICU, giving an ICU admission rate of 8.2/1000 live births. The records of two patients were incomplete. The average age of the patients was 28.4 years (range 17–4 years). Six patients (15.8%) were booked and 32 (84.2%) were not. The average duration of stay in ICU was 5 days. Twenty patients (52.6%) had antepartum eclampsia, 12 (31.6%) had postpartum eclampsia and six (15.8%) presented with intrapartum eclampsia. Twenty-nine (76.3%) gave birth via caesarean section and nine (23.7%) delivered per vagina augmented by oxytocin infusion. Seventeen (45%) received mechanical ventilation; 20 (53%) received oxygen via nasal prongs, nasal catheters or variable performance facemask. One patient (2%) did not receive oxygen therapy. All the patients were admitted postpartum. There were 11 maternal deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 29%. There were five (45.4%) deaths due to haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome and two (18.2%) due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. The remaining deaths were due to cerebrovascular accident (9.1%), lobar pneumonia (9.1%), acute renal failure (9.1%) and multiple organ failure (9.1%). All patients were admitted postpartum. This fatality rate is higher than that detailed in the reports reviewed in this study. Early referral of eclamptics or at risk patients to a tertiary care institution may help reduce morbidity and mortality. In addition, early referral to a facility providing basic essential obstetric care or comprehensive essential obstetric care is also important. Another important factor is the correct diagnosis of pre-eclampsia during antenatal and postpartum care by screening, noting blood pressure levels, performing urinalysis for protein and asking about warning signs such as headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, etc.
Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in rural endemic areas in eastern Turkey
Authors: Vancelik Serhat , Guraksin Asuman , Ayyildiz Ahmet
Published: February 2008

In this cross-sectional, community-based study, sera were obtained from 573 subjects. Brucella seropositivity was detected in 5.4% according to the standard tube agglutination test, rising to 11.9% when the Rose-Bengal test was used. Brucellosis is a serious public health problem in eastern Tur key.
Nocardiosis in HIV seropositive clinically suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Rasheed M U , Belay Getachew
Published: February 2008

To determine the frequency of nocardiosis in HIV-positive individuals clinically suspected of having tuberculosis (TB), 140 sputum samples were collected and processed by Gram stain, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and by culture on Lowenstein Jensen medium. Four (2.85%) patients were positive for nocardia by microscopy and five (3.6%) had positive culture for Nocardia asterioides. In areas where HIV-associated TB is common, some patients diagnosed as smear-negative pulmonary TB will actually have nocardiosis. Clinicians should be aware of this entity in HIV/immunocompromised patients with respiratory infections who fail to respond to antituberculous treatment.
Minimally invasive appendicectomy using the cystoscope
Authors: Gnanaraj J
Published: February 2008

The value of minimally invasive appendicectomy is widely recognised. We report an alternative, and less invasive, method than the customary laparoscopic method.
Knowledge of the risks associated with skin bleaching among Togolese users
Authors: Kpanake L , Sastre M T Munoz , Sorum P C , Mullet E
Published: February 2008

We examined the extent of Togolese users’ knowledge of the health risks associated with the regular use of bleaching agents. A massive underestimation of some of the main risks was discovered. The more frequent the use of bleaching agents, the higher the underestimation.
A case series of bleeding due to Leech infestation from the Gimbie region, Ethiopia
Authors: Duffy Shane
Published: February 2008

We present a case series of patients who presented to Gimbie Adventist Hospital (GAH), Western Wollege, Ethiopia. GAH is located in the town of Gimbie in the Western Wollega province of Ethiopia, about 450 km west of Addis Ababa. Gimbie zone is 9° north of the equator at 2000 m. There are ‘area’ wells, which supply only a minority of the population. The patients presented with bleeding of unknown aetiology and supportive care was the initial management. Leech infestation was found to be the cause of the bleeding. In Western Ethiopia in a patient presenting with bleeding of unknown aetiology, leech infestation is an important differential diagnosis.
Automated sterile saline dispenser in lieu of an assistant for surgical bone cutting to remove impacted teeth
Authors: Uppal Nakul
Published: February 2008

Surgery for removal of wisdom teeth requires bone cutting under a constant stream of saline to cool the site of surgery. Any interruption in irrigation may predispose to thermal necrosis of bone which delays healing. A gravity-assisted saline irrigation system is easily fabricated from a sterile intravenous drip-set. Economics, availability, ease of use and sterility are its advantages as compared to expensive electromechanical saline dispenser pumps. The system also permits the surgeon's assistant to concentrate on other tasks during the operation.
Assessing the visual status of truck drivers in a developing country
Authors: Onabolu O O , Otulana T O , Awodein O G
Published: February 2008

We undertook an interventional prospective study of truck drivers from a cement factory in Nigeria to assess their visual status after licensing. Out of 149 drivers, 122 (81.9%) were visuallyeligible to drive and 27 (18.1%) were not. Causes for failing the vision test included refractive error, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal leucoma and pterygia.
Medical errors – a hospital in Nepal searches for answers
Authors: Hayes Bruce
Published: February 2008

Medical errors are recognized as a significant issue in medical practice. Ethical and professional guidelines emphasize the responsibility of physicians to disclose errors to patients. However, in practice, even in the developed world this often does not happen. This study which involved 12 focus groups formed from 127 members of staff within Patan Hospital in the Kathmandu Valley sought to understand Nepali staff attitudes to medical errors and suggest how they could be handled. Most agreed, for good reasons of honesty and patient autonomy, that admission of errors is important, but the doctors struggled to decide how it should be done. For most of the staff the educational level was a key decider as to what would be disclosed. Most agreed that the socio-legal climate in Nepal, and the possible financial implications, made it difficult to be completely honest. Other strong fears included patient harm, violence from the patient, damage to the hospital's reputation and to the reputation of the doctors and possible loss of jobs for nurses. We recommend that the hospital initiate a clear hospital policyon dealing with errors and that they should: implement the development of incident reporting forms; set up an error investigation team; provide specific training in communicating about errors for the appropriate staff.
Oral Metoclopramide as an Adjunct to Analgesics for the Outpatient Treatment of Acute Migraine
Authors: Azzopardi Terri D , Brooks Natalie A
Published: February 2008

Objective:

To compare the combination of oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic with oral triptan monotherapy in the treatment of migraine attacks in outpatients.

Data Sources:

A search of PubMed (1966–October 2007), EMBASE (1974–October 2007), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–October 2007) was conducted using the search terms metoclopramide, migraine, and oral. References of articles identified initially were also reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral metoclopramide compared with oral triptans for migraine treatment were included. Studies of non-oral forms of metoclopramide or studies that compared oral metoclopramide with placebo, analgesics, ergotamine, or other migraine therapies were excluded. Studies in which oral metoclopramide was combined with a triptan were also excluded.

Data Synthesis:

In the studies identified, oral metoclopramide was combined with aspirin or a similar analgesic. All of the studies assessed headache severity using a 4-point scale (0 = no pain, 1 = mild pain, 2 = moderate pain, 3 = severe pain). Headache relief was defined as a decrease in headache pain from grade 3 or 2 to grade 1 or 0 and was commonly assessed at 2 hours. For all primary and secondary efficacy outcomes—including migraine-associated nausea and vomiting—oral triptans were similar or superior to oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic. The combination was better tolerated, with no reports of serious metoclopramide adverse events such as extrapyramidal symptoms or tardive dyskinesia.

Conclusions:

Combinations containing oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic may be an option for patients in whom triptans are contraindicated or who experience intolerable adverse effects, or when cost is an issue. However, patients and physicians should be aware that the combination will likely be less effective than oral triptans in treatment of migraine and its associated symptoms. To determine the role of combination therapy that includes oral metoclopramide in mild-to-moderate migraines, further studies are warranted.