bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic structure and nonhomologous end-joining function of the polymerase component of bacterial DNA ligase D
Authors: Zhu Hui , Nandakumar Jayakrishnan , Aniukwu Jideofor , Wang Li Kai , Glickman Michael S. , Lima Christopher D. , Shuman Stewart
Published: January 2006

DNA ligase D (LigD) is a large polyfunctional protein that participates in a recently discovered pathway of nonhomologous end-joining in bacteria. LigD consists of an ATP-dependent ligase domain fused to a polymerase domain (Pol) and a phosphoesterase module. The Pol activity is remarkable for its dependence on manganese, its ability to perform templated and nontemplated primer extension reactions, and its preference for adding ribonucleotides to blunt DNA ends. Here we report the 1.5-Å crystal structure of the Pol domain of
Pseudomonas
LigD and its complexes with manganese and ATP/dATP substrates, which reveal a minimized polymerase with a two-metal mechanism and a fold similar to that of archaeal DNA primase. Mutational analysis highlights the functionally relevant atomic contacts in the active site. Although distinct nucleoside conformations and contacts for ATP versus dATP are observed in the cocrystals, the functional analysis suggests that the ATP-binding mode is the productive conformation for dNMP and rNMP incorporation. We find that a mutation of
Mycobacterium
LigD that uniquely ablates the polymerase activity results in increased fidelity of blunt-end double-strand break repair
in vivo
by virtue of eliminating nucleotide insertions at the recombination junctions. Thus, LigD Pol is a direct catalyst of mutagenic nonhomologous end-joining
in vivo
. Our studies underscore a previously uncharacterized role for the primase-like polymerase family in DNA repair.
Potent diarrheagenic mechanism mediated by the cooperative action of three enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
-injected effector proteins
Authors: Dean Paul , Maresca Marc , Schüller Stephanie , Phillips Alan D. , Kenny Brendan
Published: January 2006

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) induces a severe watery diarrhea responsible for several hundred thousand infant deaths each year by a process correlated with the loss (effacement) of absorptive microvilli. Effacement is linked to the locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island that encodes an “injection system,” “effector” proteins, and the Intimin outer membrane protein. Here, we reveal that effacement (
i
) is a two-step process, (
ii
) requires the cooperative action of three injected effectors (Map, EspF, and Tir) as well as Intimin, and (
iii
) leads to the retention, not release (into the extracellular milieu), of the detached microvillar material. We also discover that EPEC rapidly inactivates the sodium-
d
-glucose cotransporter (SGLT-1) by multiple mechanisms. Indeed, the finding that one mechanism occurs more rapidly than microvilli effacement provides a plausible explanation for the rapid onset of severe watery diarrhea, given the crucial role of SGLT-1 in the daily uptake of ≈6 liters of fluids from the normal intestine. The importance of SGLT-1 in the disease process is supported by severe EPEC diarrheal cases being refractory to oral rehydration therapy (dependent on SGLT-1 function). Moreover, the identification of effector activities that alter microvilli structure and SGLT-1 function provides new tools for studying the underlying regulatory processes.
Illusory motion in Enigma: A psychophysical investigation
Authors: Kumar T. , Glaser D. A.
Published: January 2006

Experiments to determine the optimum conditions for perceiving illusory motion in Engima-like patterns have also demonstrated that the illusory motion is not the result of unintended motion of the image on the retina due to microsaccades or accommodative changes in the lens of the eye but instead has a cortical origin. The perceived illusory activity is believed to be a consequence of neural signals emanating from high-contrast bars and edges in the image that emit randomly fluctuating signals, as expected from spiking cortical neurons. These fluctuations may induce illusory motion in the channels by a mechanism similar to that responsible for the Omega effect, in which sequences of random patterns of black dots presented in an annular channel produce the perception of illusory rotation of these dots within the annulus.
Calorie restriction induces mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetic efficiency
Authors: López-Lluch G. , Hunt N. , Jones B. , Zhu M. , Jamieson H. , Hilmer S. , Cascajo M. V. , Allard J. , Ingram D. K. , Navas P. , de Cabo R.
Published: January 2006

Age-related accumulation of cellular damage and death has been linked to oxidative stress. Calorie restriction (CR) is the most robust, nongenetic intervention that increases lifespan and reduces the rate of aging in a variety of species. Mechanisms responsible for the antiaging effects of CR remain uncertain, but reduction of oxidative stress within mitochondria remains a major focus of research. CR is hypothesized to decrease mitochondrial electron flow and proton leaks to attenuate damage caused by reactive oxygen species. We have focused our research on a related, but different, antiaging mechanism of CR. Specifically, using both
in vivo
and
in vitro
analyses, we report that CR reduces oxidative stress at the same time that it stimulates the proliferation of mitochondria through a peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor coactivator 1α signaling pathway. Moreover, mitochondria under CR conditions show less oxygen consumption, reduce membrane potential, and generate less reactive oxygen species than controls, but remarkably they are able to maintain their critical ATP production. In effect, CR can induce a peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor coactivator 1α-dependent increase in mitochondria capable of efficient and balanced bioenergetics to reduce oxidative stress and attenuate age-dependent endogenous oxidative damage.
Polyproline II conformation is one of many local conformational states and is not an overall conformation of unfolded peptides and proteins
Authors: Makowska Joanna , Rodziewicz-Motowidło Sylwia , Bagińska Katarzyna , Vila Jorge A. , Liwo Adam , Chmurzyński Lech , Scheraga Harold A.
Published: January 2006

The alanine-based peptide Ac-XX(A)
7
OO-NH
2
, referred to as XAO (where X, A, and O denote diaminobutyric acid, alanine, and ornithine, respectively), has recently been proposed to possess a well defined polyproline II (P
II
) conformation at low temperatures. Based on the results of extensive NMR and CD investigations combined with theoretical calculations, reported here, we present evidence that, on the contrary, this peptide does not have any significant amount of organized P
II
structure but exists in an ensemble of conformations with a distorted bend in the N- and C-terminal regions. The conformational ensemble was obtained by molecular dynamics/simulated annealing calculations using the
amber
suite of programs with time-averaged distance and dihedral-angle restraints obtained from rotating-frame nuclear Overhauser effect (ROE) volumes and vicinal coupling constants
3
J
HNΗα
, respectively. The computed ensemble-averaged radius of gyration

R
g

(7.4 ± 1.0) Å is in excellent agreement with that measured by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) whereas, if the XAO peptide were in the P
II
conformation,

R
g

would be 11.6 Å. Depending on the pH, peptide concentration, and temperature, the CD spectra of XAO do or do not possess the maximum with positive ellipticity in the 217-nm region, which is characteristic of the P
II
structure, reflecting a shifting conformational equilibrium rather than an all-or-none transition. The “P
II
conformation” should, therefore, be considered as one of the accessible conformational states of individual amino acid residues in peptides and proteins rather than as a structure of most of the chain in the early stage of folding.
Regulation of blood flow in activated human brain by cytosolic NADH/NAD
+
ratio
Authors: Vlassenko Andrei G. , Rundle Melissa M. , Raichle Marcus E. , Mintun Mark A.
Published: January 2006

It has been known for more than a century that increases in neuronal activity in the brain are reliably accompanied by changes in local blood flow. More recently it has been appreciated that these blood flow increases are accompanied by increases in glycolysis that are much greater than the increases in oxidative phosphorylation. It has been proposed by us and others that this activity-induced increase in glycolysis mediates the increase in blood flow by mechanisms linked through the near-equilibrium relationship between cytosolic NADH/NAD
+
and the lactate/pyruvate ratios. Here we show in awake human subjects that by transiently raising blood pyruvate concentration during local increases in functional brain activity, a maneuver designed to reduce the cytosolic NADH/NAD
+
ratio, the expected blood flow response measured with positron-emission tomography is significantly attenuated. This result provides critical additional support for the hypothesis that, like in anesthetized rodents, the cytosolic NADH/NAD
+
ratio of awake human subjects links activity-induced increases in glycolysis to signaling pathways for the regulation of blood flow.
The diacylglycerol-binding protein α1-chimaerin regulates dendritic morphology
Authors: Buttery Philip , Beg Asim A. , Chih Ben , Broder Arkady , Mason Carol A. , Scheiffele Peter
Published: January 2006

The morphological and functional differentiation of neuronal dendrites is controlled through transcriptional programs and cell–cell signaling. Synaptic activity is thought to play an important role in the maturation of dendritic arbors, but the signaling pathways that couple neuronal activity and morphological changes in dendrites are not well understood. We explored the function of α1-chimaerin, a neuronal diacylglycerol-binding protein with a Rho GTPase-activating protein domain that inactivates Rac1. We find that stimulation of phospholipase Cβ-coupled cell surface receptors recruits α1-chimaerin to the plasma membrane of cultured hippocampal neurons. We further show that α1-chimaerin protein levels are controlled by synaptic activity and that increased α1-chimaerin expression results in the pruning of dendritic spines and branches. This pruning activity requires both the diacylglycerol-binding and Rac GTPase-activating protein activity of α1-chimaerin. Suppression of α1-chimaerin expression resulted in increased process growth from the dendritic shaft and from spine heads. Our data suggest that α1-chimaerin is an activity-regulated Rho GTPase regulator that is activated by phospholipase Cβ-coupled cell surface receptors and contributes to pruning of dendritic arbors.
F-box-like domain in the polerovirus protein P0 is required for silencing suppressor function
Authors: Pazhouhandeh Maghsoud , Dieterle Monika , Marrocco Katia , Lechner Esther , Berry Bassam , Brault Véronique , Hemmer Odile , Kretsch Thomas , Richards Kenneth E. , Genschik Pascal , Ziegler-Graff Véronique
Published: January 2006

Plants employ small RNA-mediated posttranscriptional gene silencing as a virus defense mechanism. In response, plant viruses encode proteins that can suppress RNA silencing, but the mode of action of most such proteins is poorly understood. Here, we show that the silencing suppressor protein P0 of two
Arabidopsis
-infecting poleroviruses interacts by means of a conserved minimal F-box motif with
Arabidopsis thaliana
orthologs of S-phase kinase-related protein 1 (SKP1), a component of the SCF family of ubiquitin E3 ligases. Point mutations in the F-box-like motif abolished the P0–SKP1 ortholog interaction, diminished virus pathogenicity, and inhibited the silencing suppressor activity of P0. Knockdown of expression of a SKP1 ortholog in
Nicotiana benthamiana
rendered the plants resistant to polerovirus infection. Together, the results support a model in which P0 acts as an F-box protein that targets an essential component of the host posttranscriptional gene silencing machinery.
Activation of anti-hepatitis C virus responses via Toll-like receptor 7
Authors: Lee Jongdae , Wu Christina C. N. , Lee Ki Jeong , Chuang Tsung-Hsien , Katakura Kyoko , Liu Yu-Tsueng , Chan Michael , Tawatao Rommel , Chung Michelle , Shen Carol , Cottam Howard B. , Lai Michael M. C. , Raz Eyal , Carson Dennis A.
Published: January 2006

IFN-α is used to suppress the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in chronically infected patients with partial success. Here we present evidence showing that a ligand of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) can induce anti-HCV immunity not only by IFN induction, but also through an IFN-independent mechanism. Human hepatocyte line Huh-7 carrying an HCV replicon expressed TLR7, and activation of the receptor induced several antiviral genes including IFN regulatory factor-7. Inhibitors of the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase augmented both IFN-dependent and -independent antiviral effect. Prolonged exposure of Huh-7 cells to a TLR7 ligand [SM360320 (9-benzyl-8-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)adenine)], alone or in combination with an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, reduced HCV levels dose dependently. Immunohistochemical analysis of livers shows that TLR7 is expressed in hepatocytes of normal or HCV-infected people. Because TLR7 agonists can impede HCV infection both via type I IFN and independently of IFN, they may be considered as an alternative treatment of chronic HCV infection, especially in IFN-α-resistant patients.
Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling by a mutant thyroid hormone β receptor
Authors: Furuya Fumihiko , Hanover John A. , Cheng Sheue-yann
Published: January 2006

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT/protein kinase B signaling pathway has been associated with multiple human cancers. Recently we showed that AKT is activated in both the thyroid and metastatic lesions of a mouse model of follicular thyroid carcinoma [thyroid hormone β receptor (TRβ)
PV/PV
mice]. This TRβ
PV/PV
mouse harbors a knock-in mutant TRβ gene (TRβPV mutant) that spontaneously develops thyroid cancer and distant metastasis similar to human follicular thyroid cancer. Here we show that in thyroid tumors, PV mutant bound significantly more to the PI3K-regulatory subunit p85α, resulting in a greater increase in the kinase activity than did TRβ1 in wild-type mice. By GST pull-down assays, the ligand-binding domain of TR was identified as the interaction site with p85α. By confocal fluorescence microscopy, p85α was shown to colocalize with TRβ1 or PV mainly in the nuclear compartment of cultured tumor cells from TRβ
PV/PV
mice, but cytoplasmic p85α/PV or p85α/TRβ1 complexes were also detectable. Further biochemical analysis revealed that the activation of the PI3K–AKT–mammalian target of the rapamycin–p70
S6K
pathway was observed in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, whereas the activation of the PI3K–integrin-linked kinase–matrix metalloproteinase 2 pathway was detected mainly in the extranuclear compartments. These results suggest that PV, via the activation of p85α, could act to affect PI3K downstream signaling in both the nuclear and extranuclear compartments, thereby contributing to thyroid carcinogenesis. Importantly, the present study unveils a mechanism by which a mutant TR acts to activate PI3K activity via protein–protein interactions.
Manipulating phospholipids for crystallization of a membrane transport protein
Authors: Guan Lan , Smirnova Irina N. , Verner Gill , Nagamori Shushi , Kaback H. Ronald
Published: January 2006

Crystallization is a major bottleneck to obtaining x-ray structures of membrane proteins. By applying an established crystallization protocol for the lactose permease (LacY) of
Escherichia coli
, a systematic study of the effect of phospholipids (PL) on crystallization of LacY was undertaken. We observe three different crystal forms that diffract to increasingly better resolution in a manner that correlates with the concentration of copurified PL. Consistently, progressive addition of
E. coli
PL to delipidated LacY leads to different crystal forms. Tetragonal crystals are obtained with improved diffraction quality for a stable mutant by carefully adjusting PL content. Furthermore, crystals of good quality from wild-type LacY, a particularly difficult protein, were also obtained by using same approach. Thus, it is likely that manipulation of PL is a good strategy for predominantly hydrophobic membrane proteins like LacY.
The Strange Case of Western Cities: Occult Globalisations and the Making of Urban Modernity
Authors: Pile Steve
Published: January 2006

This paper explores the implications for thinking about Western cities of the argument, within post-colonial studies, that Europe (and, therefore, the West) needs to be provincialised. It is argued that Western cities might also be successfully provincialised. The example of the occult is used to show: first, how distinctions between the West and the rest of the world have been drawn; secondly, to reveal how magical beliefs and practices circulate through Western cities, exposing occult globalisations that do not necessarily begin or end in the West; and, thirdly, to unsettle the prevalent assumption that Western cities are untouched by magic. Having tracked the occult globalisations that flow (in time and space) through Western cities, it is concluded that it is vital to provincialise the West both by placing it within older and wider patterns of knowledge and power and, additionally, by paying close attention to the magic of modern city life.
Post-apartheid Public Art in Cape Town: Symbolic Reparations and Public Space
Authors: Minty Zayd
Published: January 2006

This essay considers public art practice in post- apartheid Cape Town within the notion of symbolic reparations-a concept deriving out of South Africa's Trust Reconciliation Commission. The paper situates developments in public arts practice in the context of developments in cultural politics in South Africa and globally. More especially, it discusses new genre arts projects, which focus on a range of issues related to identity, space and place. The projects-the District Six Museum, District Six Sculpture Project, PTO, Y30, BLAC, Returning the Gaze, and the In Touch Poetry Bus Tour-focus on issues such as rethinking monuments, the memorialising of 'hidden histories', engagements with racism and the abuse of power, and the reimagining of the city. The paper asks how these contemporary and often ephemeral projects, critically engage with issues of history, geography, memory and transformation and, in so doing, mark the landscape of Cape Town, making spaces for dialogue and/or standing as poetic symbols and challenges to the inequalities of the city.
Cultural Weapons: Traditions, Inventions and the Transition to Democratic Governance in Metropolitan Durban
Authors: Beall Jo
Published: January 2006

Traditional leaders have a formal role in South Africa's post- apartheid local government and, in some cities in the country-notably in KwaZulu-Natal-their presence has presented some important political challenges. This paper explores the relationship between longstanding institutional arrangements which support chiefdoms and traditional authority control over land and development, and the emerging democratic local government in the municipality of eThekwini, which covers the Greater Durban Region. Partly a response to a situation of entrenched conflict, the inclusion of amakhosi, or traditional leaders, in local governance structures varies across different areas in the city. The potential for competition between elected councillors and amakhosi remains high and there are on-going disputes about their roles. Municipal spending has been directed to encouraging the participation of amakhosi in the formal systems of local government and, in places, the amakhosi themselves have been significant agents of urban development. The continuing popular support for traditional leaders is explored and the consequences of this for both democracy and for development are considered. The paper suggests that hybrid forms of political identity, incorporating both formal democracies and lively traditions, are emerging and suggests that urban political culture and institutions have been transformed not only at the ballot box or through development processes, but through actions, beliefs and practices of residents.
Spaces of Exclusivity or Connection? Linkages between a Gated Community and its Poorer Neighbour in a Cape Town Master Plan Development
Authors: Lemanski Charlotte
Published: January 2006

This paper considers the impact of urban South Africa's new spatial order on its already fragile social dynamics. Analysis considers the relationships between residents of a gated community and their neighbouring (non-gated) area, addressing both the attitudes and perceptions that exist amongst residents of each area towards the 'other' neighbourhood, as well as the nature of any direct contact between residents. The case study for this paper is located in a master plan private development, constructed in 1999 in the heart of Cape Town's wealthy (and predominantly White) 'southern suburbs'. The development hosts two vastly different residential areas that despite spatial proximity are socially and functionally isolated.
Malignant esophageal–tracheobronchial strictures: parallel placement of covered retrievable expandable nitinol stents
Authors: Nam D. H. , Shin J. H. , Song H.-Y. , Jung G.-S. , Han Y.-M.
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To assess the safety and clinical effectiveness of the parallel placement of covered retrievable expandable metallic stents in the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal and tracheobronchial strictures.

Material and Methods: Under fluoroscopic guidance, parallel stents were placed in 12 symptomatic patients with both malignant esophageal and tracheobronchial strictures. Seven of these 12 patients also had an esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) and one patient had an esophagocutaneous fistula. Technical success, clinical improvement, complications, and survival rates were evaluated.

Results: A total of 28 esophageal and airway stents were successfully placed. The grade of dysphagia and dyspnea score significantly decreased after stent placement ( P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). ERF and esophagocutaneous fistula were sealed off in all eight patients after esophageal stent placement; however, the esophagocutaneous fistula reopened 1 month later. Complications included stent migration or expectoration ( n = 3), tracheal compression by the esophageal stent ( n = 3), new fistula development due to covering membrane degradation of the esophageal stent ( n = 1), and symptomatic sputum retention ( n = 1). Stent removal was easily performed for two stents; one migrated stent and the other with covering membrane degradation. All 12 patients died within the mean survival period of 72.50 days (range 7–375 days).

Conclusion: Parallel placement of covered retrievable expandable metallic stents is safe and effective for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal and tracheobronchial strictures.
Ureteroscopic treatment of proximal ureter stones with the aid of an antegrade occlusion balloon catheter
Authors: Dirim A. , Tekin M. I. , Aytekin C. , Peskircioglu L. , Boyvat F. , Ozkardes H.
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To define the role of an antegrade occlusion balloon catheter in preventing migration of proximal ureteral stones to the dilated proximal ureter during endoscopic treatment.

Material and Methods: An occlusion balloon catheter was used in 8 of 21 patients with proximal ureteral stones who underwent ureterorenoscopy. Five of the eight patients had solitary kidneys admitting with anuria and had percutaneous nephrostomy. In the other three patients, percutaneous nephrostomy and occlusion balloon catheters were placed a day before the procedure, since these patients had total obstruction and massive dilatation of the proximal ureter and renal collecting system. The balloons of occlusion catheters were inflated with 1 ml of sterile saline proximal to the stones just before ureterorenoscopy.

Results: All stones could be reached by ureterorenoscopy and treated successfully with the aid of an ultrasonic lithotripter, and no stone migration to the upper dilated collecting system was observed. Just after the operation, while the patient was still lying on the operation table, the occlusion catheter was removed. The nephrostomy catheter was removed a day later. All patients were totally stone-free after the procedures.

Conclusion: Occlusion balloon catheters increase the ureteroscopic treatment success rate in proximal ureter stones. This should be kept in mind especially when dilatation of the proximal collecting system is prominent and in cases with unsuccessful previous intervention with a retrograde stone cone catheter.
Endovascular therapy for abdominal pseudoaneurysms: analysis from technical and clinical aspects
Authors: Kakizawa H. , Toyota N. , Naito A. , Hieda M. , Hirai N. , Tachikake T. , Ito K.
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To clarify the factors of outcomes by endovascular therapy for abdominal pseudoaneurysm (PSA) from both technical and clinical aspects.

Material and Methods: Sixteen patients with PSAs underwent embolization. Embolic methods were classified into two groups: proximal and distal embolization (PDE) and proximal embolization alone (PE). The patients were classified into four groups by shock index. Pre-embolization hemoglobin (Hb) level and decrease in Hb level were evaluated. Outcomes were classified into two groups: successful recovery and failure despite successful PSA embolization.

Results: There were no statistical differences in success, recurrence, and complication rate, and outcomes between the two embolic methods. There was a statistically significant correlation between the grades of shock indices and outcomes ( P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the Hb levels and outcomes.

Conclusion: Outcomes were not dependent on the embolic methods. Shock index reflecting clinical status may be a simple predictor of outcome. PSA should therefore be treated by optimal embolic methods as quickly as possible to avoid rupture.
Changes in renal dimensions evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography during long-term ciclosporin-a treatment
Authors: Grøn M. C. , Kristensen Hanefelt D. , Cibulskyte D. , Hørlyck A. , Kaalund H. , Hansen H. E. , Madsen M. , Pedersen M. , Mortensen J.
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To investigate changes in renal dimensions during long-term treatment with ciclosporin-A (CsA).

Material and Methods: Five mini-Göttingen pigs were treated with CsA (10 mg kg−1day−1) for 6 months; 3 untreated animals served as controls. Renal length was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US); renal volume by MRI. Examinations were performed at baseline (0 weeks) and after the start of CsA treatment at intervals of 5 weeks (5–25 weeks).

Results: Comparison of baseline and end-point data (0 weeks vs. 25 weeks) revealed a statistically significant increase in renal volume in CsA-treated animals (87.1 cm3 vs. 55.9 cm3, P = 0.002). Renal volume remained unchanged in the control group. A significant increase in renal length was found both in the CsA-treated pigs (MRI: 96 mm vs. 84 mm, P<0.001; US: 94 mm vs. 81 mm, P<0.001) and in the control group (MRI: 97 mm vs. 85 mm, P<0.001; US: 89 mm vs. 81 mm, P = 0.018). No difference was found between MRI and US measurements based on 40 paired units (MRI variance: 2.4–30.3% and US variance: −5.1–40.6%, P = 0.133).

Conclusion: During long-term CsA treatment, renal volume increases in mini-pigs, but there is no correlation between the increase in volume and the increase in length in this pig model.
Primary spinal chondrosarcoma: radiologic findings with pathologic correlation
Authors: Lloret I. , Server A. , Bjerkehagen B.
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To describe the radiologic appearance of the four types of primary spinal chondrosarcoma (CHS) (conventional intramedullary, juxtacortical, clear cell, and mesenchymal) and to correlate with histopathologic findings.

Material and Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of 5 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary spinal CHS; 3 F and 2 M ranging in age between 27 and 66 years (mean 40.2; median 39). Charts, conventional radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. All the patients underwent surgical excision, followed by postoperative chemotherapy (1 patient) and radiotherapy (3 patients). Follow-up was available for all patients but one. The mean follow-up was 42 months (14–120 months). Histopathological specimens for all patients were available for review.

Results: Vertebral column distribution was 3 thoracic (60%), 1 cervical (20%), and 1 lumbar (20%). Neurological deficits were present in 3 (60%) cases. The radiological appearance of the four types of primary spinal CHS varies with specific lesion type. Imaging findings suggest diagnosis of the conventional intramedullary and juxtacortical types. While the clear cell and mesenchymal types show some distinctive features, these do not allow confident radiologic diagnosis.

Conclusion: The radiologist must be aware of imaging features of these tumors in order to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and prognosis.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of a type 1 omphalomesenteric duct remnant
Authors: Taranath A. , Lam A.
Published: January 2006

The vitelline or omphalomesenteric duct malformations constitute a rare group and are seen in only 2% of people. The malformations can take the form of a patent duct, a cyst, a fistula, or a sinus. They may or may not be symptomatic depending on the type of malformation. We present ultrasonographic features of a patent omphalomesenteric duct remnant in a 3-week-old boy who presented to our hospital with a non-healing umbilical lesion. Ultrasound can prove beneficial in the work-up of such cases.
Dynamic breast magnetic resonance imaging without complications in a patient with dual-chamber demand pacemaker
Authors: Sardanelli F. , Lupo P. , Esseridou A. , Fausto A. , Quarenghi M.
Published: January 2006

Mammography and ultrasound indicated a cancer of the right breast in a 77-year-old woman with a dual-chamber demand pacemaker. The patient was not pacemaker-dependent. She underwent breast 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (dynamic gradient echo sequence with Gd-DOTA 0.1 mmol/kg). Before the patient entered the MR room, the configuration of the device was changed (the response to magnet was switched from asynchronous to off and the rate-responsive algorithm was disabled). No relevant modifications of heart rhythm or rate were observed during the MR examination. No symptom was reported. Immediately after the examination, the pacemaker interrogation showed neither program changes nor alert warnings. MRI detected a bifocal cancer in the right breast which allowed tailored breast-conserving treatment to be initiated. Histopathology confirmed a bifocal invasive ductal carcinoma.
The characteristics of heroin users entering treatment: findings from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS)
Authors: ROSS JOANNE , TEESSON MAREE , DARKE SHANE , LYNSKEY MICHAEL , ALI ROBERT , RITTER ALISON , COOKE RICHARD
Published: January 2006

The current study aimed to describe the characteristics (demographics, drug use, mental and physical health) of entrants to treatment for heroin dependence in three treatment modalities; and to compare these characteristics with heroin users not in or seeking treatment. Participants were 825 current heroin users recruited from Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne: 277 entering methadone/buprenorphine maintenance treatment (MT), 288 entering detoxification (DTX), 180 entering drug‐free residential rehabilitation (RR) and 80 not in treatment (NT). Treatment entrants were generally long‐term heroin users with previous treatment experience. The majority of the sample (55%) were criminally active in the month preceding interview. Injection‐related health problems (74%) and a history of heroin overdose (58%) were commonly reported. There were high degrees of psychiatric co‐morbidity, with 49% reporting severe psychological distress, 28% having current major depression, 37% having attempted suicide and 42% having a lifetime history of post‐traumatic stress disorder. Personality disorders were also prevalent, with 72% meeting criteria for antisocial personality disorder and 47% screening positive for borderline personality disorder. Striking similarities were noted between the non‐treatment and treatment groups in length of heroin use career, drug use and treatment histories.
Heroin treatment demand in South Africa: trends from two large metropolitan sites (January 1997–December 2003)
Authors: PARRY CHARLES D. H. , PLÜDDEMANN ANDREAS , MYERS BRONWYN J.
Published: January 2006

Accurate prevalence data on heroin use, that points to where problems exist and the extent of these problems, is necessary to guide the formulation of effective substance abuse policy and practice. The purpose of this study was to provide surveillance information about the nature and extent of heroin use in South Africa. Data were collected from 41 specialist alcohol and other drug treatment centres in two metropolitan sites (Cape Town and Gauteng Province) between January 1997 and Decenber 2003. Treatment indicators point to a substantial increase in heroin use over time. Most heroin users in treatment tend to be white, male, between the ages of 21 and 24 years and tend to smoke rather than inject the substance. However, this profile is changing. These emerging trends point to the possibility of heroin use becoming a serious health and social issue in South Africa and demonstrate the need for continued monitoring of heroin use patterns in the future and the development of a strategic plan for intervening before the situation deteriorates further.
Inpatient Initiation of Buprenorphine Maintenance vs. Detoxification: Can Retention of Opioid‐Dependent Patients in Outpatient Counseling Be Improved?
Authors: Caldiero Ryan M. , Parran Theodore V. , Adelman Christopher L. , Piche Betty
Published: January 2006

Buprenorphine‐naloxone is an office‐based opioid agonist released in 2003 in the United States for the maintenance of heroin‐ and other opioid‐dependent patients. Concern has been raised that the medication will distract or otherwise inhibit patients from participating in a holistic recovery program or abstinence‐based counseling. Using a retrospective chart review, the first thirty opioid‐dependent patients induced on buprenorphine maintenance therapy in an inpatient detoxification unit were compared to thirty age‐ and gender‐matched patients who underwent detoxification (with a tramadol taper) and referral to intensive outpatient treatment. The clinical outcomes were a comparison of completion rates for an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and retention in treatment after twelve weeks of aftercare therapy. Patients induced on buprenorphine maintenance over three days had similar relief of withdrawal symptoms to patients detoxified from opioids over five days with tramadol. Patients maintained on buprenorphine had a markedly increased initiation of IOP and remained in outpatient treatment longer than patients who were detoxified (8.5 wks vs. 0.4 wks, p<0.001). This study indicates that induction and maintenance on buprenorphine may be more effective than detoxification for engaging and retaining patients in abstinence‐based comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment.
Cannabis Withdrawal Among Non‐Treatment‐Seeking Adult Cannabis Users*
Authors: Copersino Marc L. , Boyd Susan J. , Tashkin Donald P. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Heishman Stephen J. , Dermand John C. , Simmons Michael S. , Gorelick David A.
Published: January 2006

This study investigates the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome in 104 adult, non‐treatment‐seeking, primarily cannabis users who reported at least one serious attempt to stop using cannabis. Retrospective self‐report data were obtained on eighteen potential cannabis withdrawal symptoms derived from the literature, including co‐occurrence, time course, and any actions taken to relieve the symptom. Study findings provide evidence for the clinical significance of a cannabis withdrawal syndrome, based on the high prevalence and co‐occurrence of multiple symptoms that follow a consistent time course and that prompt action by the subjects to obtain relief, including serving as negative reinforcement for cannabis use.
Drug Interactions between Opioids and Antiretroviral Medications: Interaction between Methadone, LAAM, and Delavirdine
Authors: McCance‐Katz Elinore F. , Rainey Petrie M. , Smith Patrick , Morse Gene D. , Friedland Gerald , Boyarsky Beth , Gourevitch Marc , Jatlow Peter
Published: January 2006

Understanding the drug interactions between antiretrovirals and opioid therapies may decrease toxicities and enhance adherence with improved HIV outcomes in opioid‐dependent individuals. The authors report the results of a clinical pharmacology study designed to determine whether significant pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interactions occur between the non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, delavirdine (DLV), and either methadone or levoalpha acetyl methadol (LAAM) (n = 40). DLV significantly decreased methadone clearance (p = .018) and increased the methadone elimination half‐life (p < .001) with a resultant increase in AUC of 19% and Cminof 29%. The combined effect of DLV on the total concentration of LAAM and its active metabolites, nor LAAM and dinor LAAM, was to significantly increase AUC by 43% (p < .001), Cmax by 30% (p = .013), and Cmin by 59% (p = .004) while decreasing Tmax (p = .05). Cognitive deficits over the seven‐day study period as measured by the Mini‐Mental State Examination, opioid withdrawal symptoms as measured by the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale, or complaints of adverse symptoms were not observed. Methadone and LAAM did not affect DLV concentrations. The findings from this study show that DLV treatment in methadone‐ or LAAM‐maintained individuals results in altered opioid pharmacokinetics with an increased exposure and potential risk for opioid toxicity with methadone or LAAM treatment and an increased risk of cardiac toxicity with concomitant LAAM and DLV administration.
The Role of Twelve‐Step Approaches in Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Recovery
Authors: Bogenschutz Michael P. , Geppert Cynthia M. A. , George Jennifer
Published: January 2006

The authors reviewed the empirical literature concerning the use of twelve‐step programs and treatments by patients with co‐occurring substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders. Strong evidence was found that dually diagnosed individuals (DDI), with the possible exception of those with psychotic disorders, attend twelve‐step programs at rates comparable to non‐DDI. Twelve‐step involvement is consistently associated with improved substance use outcomes. Although there have been numerous clinical trials involving twelve step‐oriented interventions for DDI, most of the studies suffered from substantial methodological limitations. More work is needed to determine what kinds of twelve‐step treatments and programs are effective for various types of patients and elucidate the mechanisms by which these approaches facilitate recovery.
A Comparison of Two Versions of the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol: The CIWA‐Ar and CIWA‐AD
Authors: Reoux Joseph P. , Oreskovich Michael R.
Published: January 2006

Scores from two versions of the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, the CIWA‐Ar and CIWA‐AD, were compared in 135 alcohol detoxification episodes. The paired mean score for withdrawal severity was statistically higher with the CIWA‐AD (p<0.001), but the mean difference of 0.45 (95% CI: 0.38–0.53, t — 11.74) is not likely to be clinically significant. The difference in the total score between the two scales was 1 point or less 82.6% of the time, and nearly all (97.7%) of the CIWA‐AD scores were within 3 points of the paired CIWA‐Ar score (range — 6 to +6).
Club Drug Use among Youths in Treatment for Substance Abuse
Authors: Hopfer Christian , Mendelson Bruce , Leeuwen James M. Van , Kelly Susan , Hooks Sabrina
Published: January 2006

We describe lifetime rates of club drug use among 782 youths in treatment for substance abuse. Rates (%) for youths under eighteen (N=486) were methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA), 32.3; gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB), 7.0; lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 48.6; ketamine, 18.3; and methamphetamine, 30.2. For youths 18–32 (N = 289) rates (%) were MDMA, 37.0; GHB, 13.1; LSD, 42.9; ketamine, 17.0; and methamphetamine, 31.5. Older youths reported significantly more use of GHB than younger youths (p<.01). Youths reported using club drugs frequently outside of rave settings. Club drug use is common among youths in treatment for substance abuse and has spread beyond the rave culture.
Study of the Efficacy of Fluoxetine and Clomipramine in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation after Opioid Detoxification
Authors: Abdollahian Ebrahim , Javanbakht Arash , Javidi Kamran , Samari Ali Akbar , Shakiba Mansur , Sargolzaee Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2006

Premature ejaculation is a common symptom that can provoke relapse in formerly opioid‐dependent men after detoxification. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of clomipramine and fluoxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation in formerly opioid‐dependent men after detoxification. Sixty opium‐detoxified men with A & B DSM—IV diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation participated in a prospective two‐week descriptive inferential clinical trial after a two‐week washout period. The subjects did not consume any other medications but naltrexone for maintenance of an opium‐free state. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of thirty subjects, one group received fluoxetine (10 mg/d for the first and 20 mg/d for the second week), and the other received clomipramine (25 mg/d for the first and 50mg/d for the second week). Twenty five subjects did not continue the treatment and were lost to follow‐up. The severity of the premature ejaculation was graded regarding the subjects’ report in weeks 0, 1, and 2. Mann Whitney‐U and Wilcoxon non‐parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Fluoxetine (10 mg/d then 20 mg/d) and clomipramine (25 mg/d then 50mg/d) were both effective in the treatment of premature ejaculation and did not show any difference in efficacy. The severity of premature ejaculation did not show any relation to the subjects’ age, education level, opioid type, or route of abuse. Fluoxetine and clomipramine both can be equally used in the treatment of premature ejaculation following opioid detoxification, depending on their side effects and other symptoms in the subjects.
Can gender differences in psychosocial factors be explained by socioeconomic status?
Authors: Sjögren Elaine , Kristenson Margareta
Published: January 2006

Aims: The aims of this study were to examine (1) if associations between gender and psychosocial factors could be explained by socioeconomic status (SES) and (2) if associations between gender and psychosocial factors are more salient at lower levels of SES. Methods: Psychosocial factors such as decision latitude and social integration were studied in a cross-sectional study in two steps. In a public health survey, 4,086 randomly selected men and women aged 30—64 participated. Of these, 257 men and women also participated in an in-depth study. SES was measured in terms of education and occupation. Linear regression models were used to test associations between gender, SES, and a broad range of psychosocial factors. Results: Women reported lower scale scores on decision latitude, coping, and self-esteem, as well as more job strain, depression, and vital exhaustion, while men reported more cynicism (all p<0.05). Observed gender differences were still significant after control for effect of education, while after control for occupational status the effect of gender was lost for decision latitude and job strain. Significant interaction factors were found between gender and educational status for psychological demands, decision latitude, social integration, coping, and hopelessness. Conclusions: Gender differences, found for a broad range of psychosocial factors, could not be explained by SES. However, associations between gender and psychosocial factors were more salient at lower levels of SES. Psychosocial factors, especially decision latitude and social integration, may help explain why women with low SES experience poorer health.
Refining a probabilistic model for interpreting verbal autopsy data
Authors: Byass Peter , Fottrell Edward , Dao Lan Huong  , Berhane Yemane , Corrah Tumani , Kahn Kathleen , Muhe Lulu , Do Duc Van
Published: January 2006

Objective: To build on the previously reported development of a Bayesian probabilistic model for interpreting verbal autopsy (VA) data, attempting to improve the model's performance in determining cause of death and to reassess it. Design: An expert group of clinicians, coming from a wide range geographically and in terms of specialization, was convened. Over a four-day period the content of the previous probabilistic model was reviewed in detail and adjusted as necessary to reflect the group consensus. The revised model was tested with the same 189 VA cases from Vietnam, assessed by two local clinicians, that were used to test the preliminary model. Results: The revised model contained a total of 104 indicators that could be derived from VA data and 34 possible causes of death. When applied to the 189 Vietnamese cases, 142 (75.1%) achieved concordance between the model's output and the previous clinical consensus. The remaining 47 cases (24.9%) were presented to a further independent clinician for reassessment. As a result, consensus between clinical reassessment and the model's output was achieved in 28 cases (14.8%); clinical reassessment and the original clinical opinion agreed in 8 cases (4.2%), and in the remaining 11 cases (5.8%) clinical reassessment, the model, and the original clinical opinion all differed. Thus overall the model was considered to have performed well in 170 cases (89.9%). Conclusions: This approach to interpreting VA data continues to show promise. The next steps will be to evaluate it against other sources of VA data. The expert group approach to determining the required probability base seems to have been a productive one in improving the performance of the model.
When do auditory/visual differences in duration judgements occur?
Authors: Wearden J. H. , Todd N. P. M. , Jones L. A.
Published: January 2006

Four experiments examined judgements of the duration of auditory and visual stimuli. Two used a bisection method, and two used verbal estimation. Auditory/visual differences were found when durations of auditory and visual stimuli were explicitly compared and when durations from both modalities were mixed in partition bisection. Differences in verbal estimation were also found both when people received a single modality and when they received both. In all cases, the auditory stimuli appeared longer than the visual stimuli, and the effect was greater at longer stimulus durations, consistent with a “pacemaker speed” interpretation of the effect. Results suggested that Penney, Gibbon, and Meck's (2000) “memory mixing” account of auditory/visual differences in duration judgements, while correct in some circumstances, was incomplete, and that in some cases people were basing their judgements on some preexisting temporal standard.