bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advancements in Gibberellic Acid Formulation Techniques and Economics of Use in Agriculture
Authors: Tupe Avinash , Baravkar Atul , Devkate Ganesh
Published: March 2022

Gibberellins comprises of a broader family of plant advancement hormones found during the 1930s, which are synthesized by implies of the terpenes course from the geranylgeranyl diphosphate and incorporate a crucial structure formed by an ent-gibberellane tetracyclic skeleton. Among them Gibberellic acid (GA3 ), which acts as a characteristic plant development controller, especially for stem extending, seed germination, and extended common item degree. It can be gotten from plants, organisms, and microbes. There are as well a couple of reports roughly microalgae GA3 makers. Life forms, especially Gibberella fujikuroi, are favored for GA3 generation through submerged maturing or solid-state development. Various factors may impact its generation, a few of which are related to the control and scale-up of maturing parameters. Particular GA3 items are open on the advertise. They can be found in liquid, powder, tablet, beads and granule dosage forms containing because it were GA3 or a mix of other normal dynamic gibberellins, which can be employed in agriculture, horticulture & floriculture crops.
PRESENÇA DE SINAIS E SINTOMAS OTOLÓGICOS EM PACIENTE COM DISFUNÇÃO TEMPOROMANDIBULAR NA ABO – SEÇÃO BAHIA: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Menezes Costa Camila , Calíope Azevêdo Tharcilla , Sancho Xavier Maria Rita , De Jesus dos Santos Alcylene Carla
Published: March 2022

Introdução: A Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) é um termo utilizado para definir os problemas clínicos articulares, musculares e funcionais do sistema estomatognático. O tratamento para DTM é um desafio, visto que a sua etiologia é considerada multifatorial e complexa. Estudos mostram uma possível relação entre os sintomas de zumbido, otalgia e plenitude auricular com a DTM, mas ainda não estão bem esclarecidas. Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever um caso clínico de indivíduo com diagnóstico de DTM associado a Sintomas Otológicos - SO atendido no ambulatório do Curso de Especialização em DTM e Dor Orofacial (DOF) para Fisioterapeutas na Associação Brasileira de Odontologia – seção Bahia. Descrição do Caso: Paciente VRPL, 51 anos, sexo feminino, casada, professora, diagnosticada em julho de 2019 com DTM associada a sintomas otológicos. Relatou dores nas regiões das Articulações Tempomandibulares (ATM’s), face, pescoço, cervical, cabeça, prevalecendo o lado esquerdo e SO (otalgia, zumbido e plenitude auricular, sendo este último declarado como o principal). Foi submetida a um protocolo de tratamento fisioterapêutico. Conclusões: Houve redução da intensidade da dor e dos sintomas otológicos. A remissão dos sinais e sintomas resultou em melhora no quadro de dor e na percepção do zumbido da paciente.
CONHECIMENTO DOS CIRURGIÕES-DENTISTAS SOBRE ATENÇÃO ODONTOLÓGICA DE PACIENTES COM HIPOMINERALIZAÇÃO MOLARINCISIVO
Authors: Vieira da Silveira Ana Beatriz , Maria da Silva Chiomark Juliana , Araújo Presciliano Letícia , Amanda Fernandes Novais Melissa , De Sousa Gomes Heloisa , Carolina Teixeira Marques Nádia
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento de cirurgiões-dentistas sobre atenção odontológica e cuidados aplicados ao paciente com Hipomineralização Molar-Incisivo (HMI). Materiais e métodos: foram aplicados questionários para cirurgiões-dentistas, que realizam atendimentos na cidade de Alfenas-MG. O questionário, composto por 22 questões, abordou o grau de conhecimento sobre conceitos e protocolos de conduta clínica no atendimento de pacientes com HMI, bem como, informações sobre o preparo e perfil sociodemográfico dos profissionais. Após o período de coleta, os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados de maneira descritiva. Resultados: No total, 55 dentistas responderam o questionário, sendo predominantemente profissionais que atendem em centros urbanos. Grande parte dos cirurgiões-dentistas deste estudo entendem o conceito de HMI e afirmam receber essa condição mensalmente em sua prática clínica. Resina Composta e Cimentos de Ionômero de Vidro são os materiais mais indicados para o tratamento de dentes com HMI.  E a maior dificuldade encontrada no tratamento desses dentes é a obtenção da estética e controle da sensibilidade. Entre as condições que dificultam o diagnóstico de HMI, estão hipoplasia de esmalte e amelogênese imperfeita, consideradas como diagnósticos diferenciais. A maioria dos profissionais avaliados alegam não ter segurança no diagnóstico e tratamento dessa condição e deixam claro a necessidade de atualizações e treinamentos. Conclusão: Embora os profissionais compreendam o conceito de HMI, ainda existem muitas dúvidas e inseguranças acerca deste tema. Assim, a atualização do conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre HMI poderá aprimorar a abordagem clínica frente a este defeito de esmalte e, consequentemente, proporcionar bem estar a estes pacientes
Gynecologic effects of tamoxifen and the association with endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Assikis V.J. , Jordan V.C.
Published: July 2002

Tamoxifen has been used as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer for nearly two decades. The benefits of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy in prolonging disease‐free and overall survival have been shown in randomized clinical trials. Despite this, some developing evidence suggests that tamoxifen causes a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase in endometrial cancer. This paper reviews the reports of endometrial carcinoma in tamoxifen‐treated patients. Two hundred fifty cases of endometrial carcinoma are reported, but only one case is identified in a premenopausal woman. When documented, 77% (n = 127) of the cases are good‐grade (grade 1 or 2) and 80% (n = 125) are stage‐I disease. Since the distribution of good grade (79%) and stage I (74%) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data are comparable, concerns about more aggressive or late‐stage disease appear to be unwarranted. The modest increase in the incidence of early‐stage, good‐grade endometrial carcinoma described during tamoxifen therapy suggests that it would be unreasonable to institute an aggressive detection strategy of endometrial biopsies. This approach would only lead to further detection bias and would not be cost‐effective. Physicians should ensure that patients do not have pre‐existing endometrial cancer prior to adjuvant tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer and, furthermore, they should educate patients about signs and symptoms of early endometrial carcinoma and when reported these should be followed up with a gynecologic examination.
Clinical application of HPV typing in cervical cancer
Authors: Namkoong S.E.
Published: July 2002

Certain human papaillomavirus (HPV) types are major risk factors for the development of cervical neoplasia. The value of HPV DNA testing in the management of patients with disease and in population screening is a subject of controversy. Since the introduction of molecular biology into the HPV field, there have been rapid advances and improvements in HPV diagnosis. The various molecular diagnostic methods for detection of HPV DNA (dot blot hybridization, Southern blot hybridization, in situ hybridization, Hybrid Capture Test, and polymerase chain reaction; PCR) could be selected by taking into consideration some factors such as characteristics of sample, sensitivity of HPV test and expenses. The HPV DNA testing would be a clinically useful diagnostic method, when used in conjunction with the Pap smear in population screening or in conjunction with cytology and colposcopy to identify the women infected with high‐risk HPVs or women who had equivocal cervical lesions. Despite the confusion, a multitude of reports demonstrate that HPV DNA testing has the clinical utility, and future investigations should be directed at more accurately delineating its role in human health care.
Pain control in abortion
Authors: Wiebe E.R. , Rawling M.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To reduce the pain experienced during abortion. Methods: A four‐phase study was conducted at a free‐standing abortion clinic. Phase 1: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of 600 mg ibuprofen given preoperatively was carried out in 193 women. Pain during the procedure and 30 min postoperatively was compared. Phase 2: a double‐blind, randomized trial compared 1% lidocaine, buffered 1% lidocaine and 0.25% bupivacaine in terms of the pain of the injection and the pain of the procedure in 200 women. Phase 3: waiting times of 0, 3 and 10–20 min between the end of the injection and the beginning of the procedure were compared in terms of pain during the procedure in 139 women. Phase 4: local anesthetic was injected into one side of the cervix slowly and one side quickly and the pain of the injections was compared in 87 women. Results: Phase 1:ibuprofen reduced pain scores more than placebo with the improvement being greatest for the postoperative period. Phase 2: buffered lidocaine was significantly less painful to inject than plain lidocaine or bupivacaine. Phase 3: waiting between the injection and the procedure did not improve pain control. Phase 4: slower injections were found to be less painful than fast injections. Conclusions: Several methods were found to improve pain control during abortions.
Immunolocalization of myoepithelial cells in isolated acini of rat exorbital lacrimal gland: Cellular distribution of muscarinic receptors
Authors: Lemullois Michel , Rossignol Bernard , Mauduit Philippe
Published: July 2002

Summry— The secretion of proteins and fluids from the exorbital lacrymal gland of rat is mainly controlled by muscarinic receptors. In a recent pharmacological study, Mauduit et al (Am J Physiol (1993) 264, C1550—C1560) identified a homogeneous population of M3 muscarinic receptors in preparations of acini from these tissues. In order to define the cellular composition of these acini and localize the muscarinic receptors; we have performed an immunofluorescent labelling study combined with confocal scanning microscopy. Antibodies raised against components of the different cytoskeletal networks (α‐smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin peptide 14 and α‐tubulin) revealed the presence of two different cell types. Cells with a stellate form are identified as myoepithelial cells, whereas rounded cells are secretory acinar cells. Both cell types are reactive with an antibody specifically directed against the muscarinic receptor. However, myoepithelial cells appear more intensely labelled than acinar cells. The roles of myoepithelial cells and secretory cells in the physiological function of the gland are discussed in terms of the distribution of muscarinic receptors.
The C‐A mismatch base pair and the single‐strand terminus in the E. coli initiator tRNAfMet acceptor stem adopt unusual conformations
Authors: Zuleeg Tilman , Vogtherr Martin , Schübel Harald , Limmer Stefan
Published: July 2002

Acceptor stem variants of tRNAfMet (Escherichia coli) have been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance. The wild type contains a C1‐A72 mismatch pair which is crucial for its biological function. For comparison, the mismatch was replaced by regular pairs U1‐A72 and C1‐G72. Further variants contain an altered discriminator base, G73, or a G1‐C72/U73 combination. The stems of variants U1‐A72/A73 and C1‐G72/A73 have A‐RNA geometry, which extends essentially to the single‐strand terminus. C1‐A72/G73 variant and wild type are structurally almost identical. C1 and A72 adopt peculiar conformations with C1 being largely destacked with respect to G2, while A73 stacks upon C1. The unique arrangement of the mismatch causes a distinctly different orientation of the single‐strand terminus compared to variants with regular 1–72 base pairs, and to formyltransferase‐complexed tRNAfMet.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) directly enhances osteoclastic bone resorption and survival of mature osteoclasts
Authors: Nakagawa Mari , Kaneda Toshio , Arakawa Toshiya , Morita Shuichi , Sato Takuya , Yomada Takeo , Hanada Koji , Kumegawa Masayoshi , Hakeda Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2002

In bone development and regeneration, angiogenesis and bone/cartilage resorption are essential processes and are closely associated with each other, suggesting a common mediator for these two biological events. To address this interrelationship, we examined the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most critical growth factor for angiogenesis, on osteoclastic bone‐resorbing activity in a culture of highly purified rabbit mature osteoclasts. VEGF caused a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in the area of bone resorption pits excavated by the isolated osteoclasts, partially by enhancing the survival of the cells. Two distinct VEGF receptors, KDR/Flk‐1 and Flt‐1, were detectable in osteoclasts at the gene and protein levels, and VEGF induced tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in osteoclasts. Thus, osteoclastic function and angiogenesis are up‐regulated by a common mediator such as VEGF.
Hormonal regulation of organic cation transporter OCT2 expression in rat kidney
Authors: Urakami Yumiko , Okuda Masahiro , Saito Hideyuki , Inui Ken-ichi
Published: July 2002

Rat (r) OCT2 was identified as the second member of the organic cation transporter (OCT) family, and is predominantly expressed in the kidney. We reported previously that rOCT2 was responsible for the gender differences in renal basolateral membrane organic cation transport activity. As renal rOCT2 expression in males is much higher than that in females, we hypothesized that rOCT2 expression may be under the control of sex hormones. Treatment of male and female rats with testosterone significantly increased the expression levels of rOCT2 mRNA and protein in the kidney, whereas estradiol treatment moderately decreased the expression levels of rOCT2. There was no regulation of renal rOCT1 mRNA expression by testosterone or estradiol. Treatment of male and female rats with testosterone significantly stimulated the tetraethylammonium (TEA) accumulation by renal slices, whereas estradiol treatment caused a decrease in the TEA accumulation by slices from male but not female rats. The present findings suggested that testosterone up‐regulates renal rOCT2 expression and estradiol moderately down‐regulates rOCT2.
A new route to peroxynitrite: a role for xanthine oxidoreductase
Authors: Godber Ben L.J , Doel Justin J , Durgan Joanne , Eisenthal Robert , Harrison Roger
Published: July 2002

Peroxynitrite, a potent oxidising, nitrating and hydroxylating agent, results from the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide. We show that peroxynitrite can be produced by the action of a single enzyme, xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), in the presence of inorganic nitrite, molecular oxygen and a reducing agent, such as pterin. The effects of oxygen concentration on peroxynitrite production have been examined. The physiologically predominant dehydrogenase form of the enzyme is more effective than the oxidase form under aerobic conditions. It is proposed that XOR‐derived peroxynitrite fulfils a bactericidal role in milk and in the digestive tract.
Implication of natural killer T cells in atherosclerosis development during a LPS‐induced chronic inflammation
Authors: Ostos Maria A , Recalde Delia , Zakin Mario M , Scott-Algara Daniel
Published: July 2002

Atherosclerosis has many features of a chronic inflammatory disease. To evaluate the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), mimicking a systemic infection, we administered the endotoxin to apolipoprotein E (apoE)‐deficient mice. LPS injections increase the atherosclerotic lesion size and the titer of plasma autoantibodies directed against oxidized low‐density lipoprotein. We found that Th1 and Th2 T cells help the activation of B cells in the autoimmune response. The number of interleukin‐4 producing natural killer T cells is highly increased in peripheral blood, liver, spleen and thymus cells, as well as in the atherosclerotic plaque of the LPS‐treated mice. Finally, an important adventitial infiltrate of activated lymphocytes, sign of an advanced atherosclerosis, is observed only in the LPS‐treated mice. Our results demonstrate that LPS administration aggravates atherosclerosis in apoE‐deficient mice. LPS‐injected apoE‐deficient mice appear to be an excellent animal model to analyze the implementation of new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of atherosclerosis by manipulating immunological effectors.
Ultrasound assessment of fetal biparietal diameter and femur length during normal pregnancy in Iranian women
Authors: Beigi A. , ZarrinKoub F.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To determine the pattern of intrauterine growth and predicted biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL) at point in gestation of Iranian fetuses. Methods: In an extensive and long‐standing prospective study in Tehran, Iran 15 693 BPD and 15 594 FL measurements were obtained from the fetuses of 1324 normal pregnant women. Weekly mean values and the standard deviations (S.D.) were calculated for both BPD and FL from 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Comparison was also made between our results and previous Western studies using t‐test analysis. Results: Iranian fetuses had smaller BPD and shorter FL measurements in comparison with Western studies (P<0.05). There is a lag in BPD growth of our fetuses. The lag in FL growth is even more than BPD. Growth of the BPD and FL showed an asymptotic curve like that of Western studies but both of our values were lower. Conclusion: Ethnicity may influence ultrasonic fetal biometric measurements.
Use of the abdominal wall fat index determined ultrasonographically for assessing the risk of post‐operative pulmonary embolism
Authors: Nishikawa N. , Kurabayashi T. , Tomita M. , Matsushita H. , Aoki Y. , Tanaka K.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To assess the usefulness of the abdominal wall fat index (AFI) for predicting pulmonary embolism (PE) after gynecologic surgery. Method: The subjects were 115 female patients who underwent laparotomy for gynecologic disease. They were divided into low‐dose heparin therapy (n=28) and control, without heparin (n=87) groups. The AFI ratio of the maximum preperitoneal fat thickness to the minimum subcutaneous fat thickness was determined using ultrasonography. Result: Post‐operative PE occurred in four control patients. If the cut‐off value of the AFI for predicting PE development was set at more than or equal to 0.85, the sensitivity was 1.00 and the specificity was 0.60 (P=0.03). If we restricted the criteria, and set the cut‐off value of the AFI to more than or equal to 0.85 in patients with hypertension [systolic blood pressure (BP)≥140 mmHg, diastolic BP≥90 mmHg or patients were taking antihypertensive medication], the sensitivity and specificity were 0.75 and 0.92, respectively (P=0.001). Conclusion: Visceral fat obesity is a risk factor for PE after gynecologic surgery, and the AFI is useful for predicting PE and for whom post‐operative low‐dose heparin therapy may be indicated.
Prenatal detection of a high‐risk group for intrauterine growth restriction based on sonographic fetal biometry
Authors: Yoshida S , Unno N , Kagawa H , Shinozuka N , Kozuma S , Taketani Y
Published: July 2002

Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the significance of sonographic fetal biometry in predicting low birth weight. Method: Five hundred and sixty‐eight single‐term pregnancies were analyzed. They were stratified into seven subgroups by birth weight deviation (BWD). Among the 568 pregnancies, 115 were revealed to be small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) (birth weight less than mean −1.5 S.D.). When IUGR was suspected by routine sonographic fetal biometry, ‘IUGR work‐up’ was carried out. The diagnostic performance of our screening method for the detection of SGA pregnancies in the general population was calculated. Result: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and odds ratio of our screening method for the detection of SGA pregnancies in the general population were 73.0, 96.6, 83.2, 98.0% and 131.0, respectively. Conclusion: These data suggest that sonographic biometry is useful for the prenatal detection of high‐risk cases of fetal growth restriction.
ADOLESCENT EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION: ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF CERTIFIED NURSE‐MIDWIVES
Authors: Kettyle Elizabeth P. , Klima Carrie
Published: July 2002

Teenage pregnancy has reached epidemic proportions in the United States with 1 million pregnancies and more than 500,000 live births occurring each year among women under the age of 20. The safety and efficacy of postcoital administration of oral contraceptives, commonly called “emergency contraception” (EC), have been well documented. However, EC is dramatically underused in the United States. Because low use of EC may be attributable, in part, to both lack of knowledge, as well as misinformation on the part of health care providers, further research in this area is warranted. Because midwives play a significant role in the provision of reproductive health care to adolescents, their attitudes about the use of EC among teens may impact the availability of emergency contraception options to these clients. This article presents results of a survey of certified nurse‐midwives with respect to their attitudes, practices, and policies related to EC and provides recommendations specific to this provider population.
Ubiquitin Fusion Technology: Bioprocessing of Peptides
Authors: Pilon A. , Yost P. , Chase T. E. , Lohnas G. , Burkett T. , Roberts S. , Bentley W. E.
Published: July 2002

Ubiquitin fusion technology represents an emerging method for economically producing peptides and small proteins in the bacterium Escherichia coli. Our focus is on peptide production where the need for cost‐effective, scaleable processes has recently been highlighted by Kelley (1996) . There are two principal features: (1) the expression system consists of a suitable E. coli host strain paired with a plasmid that encodes the ubiquitin fusion and (2) an ubiquitin‐specific protease, UCH‐L3, which cleaves only C‐terminal extensions from ubiquitin. In this work, multigram yields were obtained of four ubiquitin fusions derived from cell paste generated in single 10‐L fermentations. All were expressed intracellularly and remained soluble at extremely high levels of expression. Bacterial freeze−thaw lysates contained over 95% pure ubiquitin fusion protein. All four fusions were efficiently cleaved to ubiquitin and the peptide products. In one case, the final yield of peptide was 1.08 g from 3 L of low cell density bacterial culture. The combination of exceptional overexpression of the ubiqutin−peptide fusion proteins and a robust and specific protease are unique advantages contributing to a cost‐effective, scaleable, and generic bioprocess for peptide production.
Cell‐Microcarrier Adhesion to Gas‐Liquid Interfaces and Foam
Authors: Bauer Patricia , Hancock Lorinda , Rathman Jim , Chalmers Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2002

The interaction of microcarriers, both with and without cells attached, with gas bubbles was studied. These studies consisted of qualitative microscopic observations of microcarriers with bubbles, quantitative measurements of microcarrier entrapment in foam, and quantitative measurements of the effect of bubble rupture at gas‐medium interfaces. Ten different “protective additives” were evaluated for their ability to change the dynamic surface tension of the culture media and to prevent microcarrier adhesion to air bubbles during gas sparging and to prevent entrapment in the foam layer. These studies indicate that microcarriers, with and without cells, readily attach to gas‐medium interfaces; yet unlike suspended cells, cells attached to microcarriers are not damaged by bubble ruptures at gas‐medium interfaces. Only one surfactant was found to substantially prevent microcarrier entrapment in the foam layer; however, this surfactant was toxic to cells. No correlation was observed between surface tension and the prevention of microcarrier adhesion to gas‐liquid interfaces. It is suggested that cell damage as a result of sparging in microcarrier cultures is the result of cells, attached to microcarriers, attaching to rising bubbles and then detaching from the microcarrier as this combination rises through the medium. It is further suggested that the hydrodynamic drag force of the rising microcarrier is sufficiently high to remove the bubble‐attached cell from the microcarrier.
Serum eosinophil cationic protein (sECP) in subjects with a history of asthma symptoms with or without rhinitis
Authors: Perfetti L. , Galdi E. , Bramé B. , Speciale L. , Moscato G.
Published: July 2002

Background

Serum eosinophil cationic protein (sECP) has been proposed as a marker of disease activity in bronchial asthma. The study aimed to evaluate the role of sECP in screening asthmatics in a group of subjects with asthma and rhinitis symptoms, and the relationship between sECP and clinical and functional parameters of asthma.

Methods

A total of 185 subjects with asthma symptoms, 149 of them with rhinitis as well, underwent skin tests, spirometry, methacholine (MCH) test, blood sampling for eosinophil percentage (bEOS%) and sECP determination, and nasal secretions smear for eosinophil percentage (nEOS%) determination; PEF values, symptoms, and medication over a period of 4 weeks after sampling for sECP quantitation were recorded on a diary. Results: A total of 99 (53%) subjects received a diagnosis of asthma (asthmatics), and 86 did not (nonasthmatics). In asthmatics, neither sECP nor bEOS% was significantly different from nonasthmatics. In asthmatics, sECP was higher in subjects with increased than in those with normal daily PEF variability (16.4, 6.8‐24.4 vs 5.3, 3.9‐8.4 μg/l; P<0.001). sECP was higher in moderate persistent asthma than in intermittent asthma (24.8, 10.6‐53 vs 8.4, 5.6‐14.1; P<0.05). In nonasthmatics (73 with a history of rhinitis), both sECP and bEOS% correlated with nEOS% (rho=0.35; P<0.01 and rho=0.53; P<0.001).

Conclusions

In adults with asthma symptoms with or without rhinitis, sECP did not distinguish asthmatics from nonasthmatics. In asthmatics, sECP was associated with PEF variability and symptom severity. In subjects with asthma and rhinitis, as well as in subjects with only rhinitis, sECP levels are possibly influenced by nasal inflammation.
Founder mutations in the LDL receptor gene contribute significantly to the familial hypercholesterolemia phenotype in the indigenous South African population of mixed ancestry
Authors: Loubser Odell , Marais A David , Kotze Maritha J , Godenir Nicole , Thiart Rochelle , Scholtz Charlotte L , De Villiers J Nico P , Hillermann Renate , Firth Jean C , Weich Hellmuth Fh , Maritz Frans , Jones Sheena , Van Der Westhuyzen Deneys R
Published: July 2002

The South African population harbors genes that are derived from varying degrees of admixture between indigenous groups and immigrants from Europe and the East. This study represents the first direct mutation‐based attempt to determine the impact of admixture from other gene pools on the familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) phenotype in the recently founded Coloured population of South Africa, a people of mixed ancestry. A cohort of 236 apparently unrelated patients with clinical features of FH was screened for a common mutation causing familial defective apolipoprotein B‐100 (FDB) and seven low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene defects known to be relatively common in South Africans with FH. Six founder‐type ‘South African mutations’ were responsible for FH in ∼20% of the study population, while only 1 patient tested positive for the familial defective apolipoprotein B‐100 mutation R3500Q. The detection of multiple founder‐type LDLR gene mutations originating from European, Indian and Jewish populations provides direct genetic evidence that Caucasoid admixture contributes significantly to the apparently high prevalence of FH in South African patients of mixed ancestry. This study contributes to our knowledge of the biological history of this unique population and illustrates the potential consequences of recent admixture in populations with different disease risks.
A nationwide analysis of complications associated with the tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure
Authors: KUUVA NINA , NILSSON CARL GUSTAF
Published: July 2002

Background. To evaluate the therapy‐associated morbidity of all patients who underwent a TVT operation in Finland by the end of the year 1999.

Methods. Questionnaires on the number of operations and on the number of different complications were sent to 38 hospitals where TVT operations had been independently performed after an obligatory TVT training period. The primary TVT training center and a hospital, which did not use the standard TVT equipment, were excluded.

Results. Among the 38 hospitals there were four university, 13 central and 21 local hospitals. The total number of operations was 1455. The incidence of bladder perforation was 38/1000, that of intra‐operative blood loss over 200 ml 19/1000, of major vessel injury 0.7/1000, of nerve injury 0.7/1000, of vaginal hematoma 0.7/1000 and of urethral lesion 0.7/1000. The incidence of minor voiding difficulty was 76/1000, that of urinary tract infection 41/1000, of complete postoperative urinary retention 23/1000, of retropubic hematoma 19/1000, of wound infection 8/1000 and of vaginal defect healing 7/1000. No case of tape rejection or life threatening complication occurred and the incidence of complications requiring laparotomy was 3.4/1000. The ratio of number of complications to TVT operations performed did not vary significantly between different hospital types (p>0.05).

Conclusion. The TVT procedure is a safe method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence provided that appropriate training is offered.
EVI1 expression in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Langabeer S. E. , Rogers J. R. , Harrison G. , Wheatley K. , Walker H. , Bain B. J. , Burnett A. K. , Goldstone A. H. , Linch D. C. , Grimwade D. , On Behalf Of The Mrc Adult Leukaemia Working Party
Published: July 2002

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with 3q26 cytogenetic abnormalities is associated with overexpression of EVI1, dysmegakaryopoiesis and poor prognosis. Screening for EVI1 transcripts was performed in 336 cases of AML, including 139 patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Expression was detected in 7 out of 10 cases with and 23 out of 326 without 3q26 abnormalities including one APL case. Among cases lacking 3q abnormalities, detection of EVI1 transcripts was neither associated with characteristic dysmegakaryopoietic features, nor predictive of a poor outcome, indicating that screening will probably not assist in treatment stratification. This study nevertheless demonstrates that deregulation of EVI1, although rare in APL, is a relatively frequent event in AML.
Congenital lobar emphysema: Antenatal diagnosis and follow up
Authors: Wansaicheong Gervais Khin‐Lin , Ong Chiou Li
Published: July 2002

The case of an echogenic mass in the right lung that apparently resolved spontaneously prior to delivery is reported here. Postnatal investigations revealed congenital lobar emphysema. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first reported case of spontaneous, apparently complete resolution of an echogenic lung mass on antenatal ultrasound due to lobar emphysema. The routine use of ultrasound to screen for foetal anomalies has led to the discovery of a number of incidental findings, such as an echogenic foetal lung mass, that pose a challenge to diagnosis and management. The importance of appropriate counselling and postnatal follow‐up are highlighted.
Fibrinogen, other cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes mellitus in Hong Kong: a community with high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Lam T. H. , Liu L. J. , Janus E. D. , Lam K. S. L. , Hedley A. J. ,   for the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study Steering Committee
Published: July 2002

SUMMARY

Aims  To determine the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and their relationships to fibrinogen and other cardiovascular risk factors in Hong Kong Chinese.

Methods  A probability sample of 1316 men and 1348 women aged 25–74 years were examined in a population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Results  A total of 3.0% (95% confidence interval 2.1–3.9) of men had previously diagnosed (known) and 6.4% (5.0–7.8) newly diagnosed (unknown) diabetes, 14.4% (12.4–16.5) had IGT and 79.2% were normal by 1985 WHO diagnostic criteria; corresponding prevalences in women were 3.7% (2.7–4.7), 5.9% (4.6–7.2), 17% (14.8–19.2) and 73.4%. The age‐standardized prevalence of Type 2 diabetes for the 35–64 age group was 9.5% (7.5–11.6) in men and 10.2% (8.0–12.4) in women. Age‐adjusted mean fibrinogen levels in these four groups (normal/IGT/unknown diabetes/known diabetes) with decreasing degrees of glucose tolerance (diabetes status) were 2.80, 2.57, 2.51 and 2.47 g/l (P = 0.003) in men, and 2.86, 2.72, 2.67, 2.61 g/l (P = 0.005) in women. Age, obesity, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides were significantly associated with diabetes status in both sexes, fibrinogen in men only and high density lipoprotein cholesterol negatively in women.

Conclusions  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus was very high especially in older subjects, and fibrinogen was associated with increasing glucose intolerance in men but not in women. The detection and better control of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension in this developed Chinese community with a high prevalence of diabetes and glucose intolerance, is particularly important.
Spatiotopic cues enhance the dynamic accommodation response profile
Authors: Culhane Helena M. , Winn Barry , Strang Niall C.
Published: July 2002

Purpose: To determine the influence of optically‐induced and real changes in stimulus vergence on the profile of the accommodation response.

Method: Accommodation was measured on 8 visually normal subjects (mean age 25.6±6.0 years) using a dynamic tracking infra‐red optometer. A Badal stimulus optometer was used to induce optical changes in stimulus vergence which eliminated spatiotopic cues. Targets were also located in real space to provide both retinotopic and spatiotopic cues. Step changes in stimulus vergence were modulated over a 2 D (2–4 D) range for both conditions. Data were collected at a sampling rate of 102.4 Hz using a digital storage oscilloscope which was interfaced to an IBM PC.

Results: Mean responses are presented below.

An ANOVA revealed no significant difference between overall response times to optically‐induced and real changes in stimulus vergence although the response profiles were different between conditions.

Conclusions: Spatiotopic cues enhance the accommodation response profile for step changes in stimulus vergence by reducing initial directional error and ensuring the magnitude of the response is appropriate to the stimulus demand. However, overall response times were found to be similar under both viewing conditions.
Clinical evaluation of the retinomax hand‐held autorefractor
Authors: Stewart Catherine E. , Winn Barry
Published: July 2002

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Nikon Retinomax hand‐held autorefractor for use in prescribing and for visual screening of adults and children.

Method: Confidence limits for test‐retest and inter‐ocular differences were determined for the instrument using data from 46 subjects (mean age 28±5.5 yrs). The performance of the Retinomax was assessed against retinoscopy and subjective refraction using 119 subjects who comprised both adults (n = 66; mean age 37±21 yrs) and children (n 53; mean age 5.5±2.2 yrs). The data from both groups were used to assess the efficacy of the instrument for prescribing and for use in visual screening.

Results: Data were converted into the Fourier domain for calculation of confidence limits and for subsequent analysis. The retinomax over‐minused (P > 0.0001) the spherical component compared to retinoscopy (mean difference −0.28 D) and subjective (mean difference −0.36 D) for the adult subjects. However, when applying confidence limits from test‐retest data these differences were not clinically significant. The results obtained from the child subject group indicate that the instrument over‐minuses (mean difference −1.72 D) compared to retinoscopy which is clinically significant (P > 0.0001). Data from the child subject group were used to assess the value of the instrument as a method of refractive screening. The sensitivity and specificity for refraction were 80% and 63% respectively for this population.

Conclusion: The Nikon Retinomax provides refractive data which are comparable to traditional methods of refraction in adult subjects. Results on children were too negative precluding its use for refractive prescribing. However, the instrument provides a reasonable method of refraction for use in visual screening of children.
Response AC/A ratios are elevated in myopic children
Authors: Gwiazda Jane , Grice Kenneth , Thorn Frank
Published: July 2002

In children little is known about the relationship between the AC/A ratio and the development of myopia, although they have been linked in adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between accommodation and convergence and its relationship to refractive errors in children. Accommodation was measured for the right eye using the Canon R‐1 autorefractor, and concomitant changes in vergence were assessed using a Maddox rod and a Risley prism before the left eye. Thirty‐three myopic and 68 emmetropic children were tested wearing best subjective correction while looking at a distant (4.0 m) letter array and a near (0.33 m) one through additional plus and minus lenses. Lens‐induced and distance‐induced response AC/A ratios were calculated from the data. Both types of AC/A ratios are elevated in myopic children, who show reduced accommodation and enhanced accommodative convergence. Myopic children with esophoria underaccommodate at near. This suggests that a child who is esophoric must relax accommodation to reduce accommodative convergence and maintain single binocular vision. The reduction in accommodation could produce blur during near work, which could induce myopia as in animal models.
RESIDUAL DISABILITY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS AFTER GUILLAIN BARRÉ SYNDROME: A 3 TO 5 YEAR FOLLOW‐UP
Authors: Bersano A. , Carpo M. , Citterio A. , Nobile‐Orazio E. ,   Western Lombardia GBS study group
Published: July 2002

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute not‐traumatic neuromuscular paralysis. Even if the disease usually has a good prognosis, recovery is not always complete and residual motor or sensory signs may remain. Little is known on the incidence of disability and long term psychosocial status in GBS. We present the results of a 3 to 5 year follow‐up study of the residual signs, including fatigue, pain and psychosocial status in 75 GBS patients, aged from 20–82 years (mean 56). The functional grading at the onset and at the follow up was performed using the Hughes scale and the data about residual symptoms were obtained at the follow up by phone interview. Among the 56 patients interviewed, 44 (78%) were asymptomatic or had minimal signs of neuropathy (0–1 grade of Hughes scale), 7 (13%) remained moderately disabled (grade 2), 4 (7%) were unable to walk independently (grade 3), and one patient died. 51 (92%) were able to live independently at home while only 3 (5%) needed continuous or partial assistance. 33% of patients (18) reported fatigue in all their activities while 27% (15) had residual pain, which rarely caused restriction in daily living. 23% of patients (13) changed or temporarily or definitively suspended their job. 59% reached the maximum improvement in the first year while 21% continued to improve in the three following years. We observed that patients>40 years old were more severely impaired than the younger ones (76% vs 60% of patients had grade 4 or 5 of Hughes scale) while permanent disability was only observed in those aged>60 years (14% of patients vs none of the younger patients had grade 3). No difference was found in the outcome between patients with or without assisted ventilation. Patients reaching maximal worsening within 10 days achieved maximal improvement more quickly and remained less disabled than the others while those with>10 days plateau duration remained more severely impaired than those with a shorter duration.
Chemical Composition and Recrystallization of Epicuticular Waxes: Coiled Rodlets and Tubules
Authors: Meusel I. , Neinhuis C. , Markstädter C. , Barthlott W.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Coiled rodlets characterize several non‐related taxa within the angiosperms. They often occur together with tubules but sometimes also with platelets or transitional forms between them. The ultrastructure chemistry, and recrystallization of epicuticular waxes of three species were investigated by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Whereas Buxus sempervirens (Buxaceae) and Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) show coiled rodlets in combination with tubules, Leymus arenarius (Poaceae) exhibits tubules but no coiled rodlets. Chemical analyses reveal that the predominating β‐diketones of all species differ completely in their molecular structure. Those of the former two species are mainly substituted in carbon atom positions up to 12. In contrast, the wax of L. arenarius contains only hentriacontane‐14,16‐dione and 25‐hydroxy‐hentriacontane‐14,16‐dione. Standard solutions of the total waxes from B. sempervirens, C. segetum and L. arenarius, the purified β‐diketone fraction from C. segetum and hentriacontane‐14,16‐dione from Secale cereale were taken for recrystallization experiments under different conditions in relation to solvent and crystallization velocity. It was demonstrated that coiled rodlets grew exclusively from total waxes of B. sempervirens and C. segetum, and its β‐diketone fraction but never from L. arenarius wax or pure hentriacontane‐14,16‐dione. The recrystallization experiments pointed out that conditions, such as the chemical environment and physical factors, strongly influence the formation of coiled rodlets and tubules. It is concluded that coiled rodlets are formed by self‐assembly in close dependence on the position of β‐diketo substitution. The future role of β‐diketones in the classification of coiled rodlets within wax crystals is discussed.
Grain size dependence of electromigration-induced failures in narrow interconnects
Authors: Cho J. , Thompson C. V.
Published: July 2002

Measurements of the median time to failure (MTTF) and deviation in the time to electromigration-induced failure (DTTF) of Al alloy thin-film lines are reported. As the ratio of the linewidth to the grain size decreases, MTTF decreases to a minimum and then increases exponentially. DTTF continuously increases. We show that serial and parallel failure unit models can be used to explain the grain size and linewidth dependence of the MTTF and DTTF for interconnects. We further note that extrapolation to low cumulative failures based on serial failure models must be based on knowledge of the failure statistics of individual units.
Mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas in AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures at low electron densities
Authors: Gold A.
Published: July 2002

We present theoretical results on the mobility of a two-dimensional electron gas in AlxGa1−xAs/GaAs heterostructures for remote impurity doping and homogeneous background doping. The threshold transport, recently found experimentally by C. Jiang, D. C. Tsui, and G. Weimann [Appl. Phys. Lett. 53, 1533 (1988)], is interpreted as a metal–insulator transition due to multiple scattering effects.
Wiggler focused relativistic sheet beam propagation in a planar free-electron laser configuration
Authors: Radack D. J. , Booske J. H. , Carmel Y. , Destler W. W.
Published: July 2002

The propagation of a relativistic sheet electron beam through a spatially periodic magnetic field (wiggler) has been studied experimentally. The wiggler serves two purposes; it provides beam focusing as well as the magnetostatic pump for the free-electron laser (FEL) interaction. Experiments conducted to study sheet beam generation and propagation in a short-period (1 cm) planar wiggler are presented. A 500 keV, 7 A sheet electron beam was propagated through a 3.2 mm waveguide with negligible losses due to intercepted current. In addition, the first observation of wiggler-induced radiation was obtained from the sheet beam FEL in a short-period wiggler oscillator configuration.
Imaging of ferroelectric domain walls by force microscopy
Authors: Saurenbach F. , Terris B. D.
Published: July 2002

We have imaged ferroelectric domain walls in the ferroelectric-ferroelastic material Gd2(Mo)3 using force microscopy. By using a mode of imaging developed for the detection of static surface charge, the force gradient due to the polarization charge at the sample surface was imaged. The signal was seen to change sign at the domain wall, consistent with the reversal in sign of the polarization across a wall. By modeling the wall as a step function in the electric potential, the general features of the force microscope domain wall image could be explained.
Si dopant migration and the AlGaAs/GaAs inverted interface
Authors: Pfeiffer Loren , Schubert E. F. , West K. W. , Magee C. W.
Published: July 2002

Electron transport in quantum well modulation δ doped on either the normal or the inverted side has revealed the major cause of the long-puzzling inferior transport characteristics of the inverted interface. For growth conditions optimized for best transport with normal-side doping, we find migration of the Si dopant toward the inverted interface during growth to be the primary reason for the reduced inverted well mobility. This new understanding has allowed us to grow modulation-doped inverted quantum wells of unprecedented quality having electron mobilities as high as 2.4×106 cm2/V s at 4.2 K and 3.0×106 cm2/V s at 1.0 K.
Photo-assisted structural transition and oxygen diffusion in solid C60 films
Authors: Zhou Ping , Rao A. M. , Wang Kai-An , Robertson J. D. , Eloi C. , Meier Mark S. , Ren S. L. , Bi Xiang-Xin , Eklund P. C. , Dresselhaus M. S.
Published: July 2002

Using Raman scattering we have observed a phototransformation of C60 films on Si(100) from a face-centered-cubic (fcc) phase to a second solid phase leaving the C60 molecules intact. Furthermore, photoassisted oxygen diffusion into the deep bulk is detected using alpha resonance scattering. The Raman spectrum for oxygen-doped C60 is found to be similar to the result for oxygen-free fcc C60, and oxygen is found to harden the film against phototransformation.
Baseband integrated acousto-optic frequency shifter
Authors: Cheng Z. Y. , Tsai C. S.
Published: July 2002

A novel baseband integrated acousto-optic frequency shifter with a −3 dB tunable bandwidth of 121 MHz (from −61 to 60 MHz) at the optical wavelength of 0.6328 μm has been constructed in a Y-cut LiNbO3 waveguide, 0.2×1.0×2.0 cm3 in size. Suppression of the various unwanted components by as much as 50 dB has been accomplished. Since the frequency-shifted light propagates in a fixed direction, irrespective of the magnitude of frequency shift, this baseband acousto-optic frequency shifter can be readily used in fiber-optic systems.