bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CARDIAC INVOLVEMENT IN JUVENILE AMAUROTIC IDIOCY ‐ A SPECIFIC HEART MUSCLE DISORDER
Authors: RESKE‐NIELSEN EDITH , BAANDRUP ULRIK , BJERREGAARD PREBEN , BRUUN INGRID
Published: August 2010

Juvenile amaurotic idiocy (JAI) is a rare disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance. It belongs to the socalled ceroid lipofuscinoses and the central nervous system is the target organ. Only very few reports refer to the accumulation of lipopigment in the heart of JAI patients. This study describes the morphology of the heart from all 13 patients with JAI in Denmark who died within a seven year period; electrocardiographic findings are related to structural changes. All compartments of the heart were involved, including the conduction system. Not only very substantial deposition of lipopigment was found in the myocytes, but we have also observed striking amounts of calcium and cholesterol compounds indicating a restrictive type of heart muscle disorder. These structural changes are uniform from case to case. Because of the nature of the disease only rather poor information of the cardiac state is available in JAI patients. 11 patients showed some cardiac enlargement. In 6 patients abnormal P‐waves were recorded in the ECG suggesting increased atrial and ventricular diastolic pressure. 2 patients had bradycardia, probably due to sinus node involvement, and one patient developed complete right bundle branch block. However, in the 4 patients in whom the cardiac conduction system could be examined histologically no evidence of disturbance of cardiac impulse formation and conduction was seen in the few standard ECG strips available in spite of extensive deposition of abnormal material throughout the conduction system. There seems to be a discrepancy between the relatively minor functional disturbances observed and the heavy morphological changes of the entire heart. This aspect, however, may well be altered by an intensified clinical observation and examination of JAI patients.
HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF SMALL‐INTESTINAL BIOPSIES FROM INFANTS WITH LOW RATE OF WEIGHT GAIN
Authors: FÄLLSTRÖM S. P. , KRISTIANSSON B. , RYD W.
Published: August 2010

Eighty‐one children aged 4–18 months with unsatisfactory weight gain were investigated for organic diseases; the investigation included small‐intestinal biopsy. Sixteen had total villous atrophy, in most cases due to gluten intolerance. Transient disease, e.g. cow's milk protein intolerance, was probable in 7 children with subtotal atrophy. In 18 children the only abnormal finding was an increased number of inflammatory cells in the mucosa, a finding which was probably of no clinical significance. Planimetric measurement showed good agreement between the mucosal surface/volume ratio and an ordinary histological grouping of the mucosa. A significant correlation was found between the rate of weight gain during the period preceding investigation and mucosal surface/volume ratio.
MASSIVE PULMONARY DEPOSITION OF RUTILE AFTER TITANIUM DIOXIDE EXPOSURE
Authors: RODE L. E. , OPHUS E. M. , GYLSETH B.
Published: August 2010

Autopsy findings in a 55‐year‐old man known to have been occupationally heavily exposed to titanium dioxide dust showed extensive pulmonary deposition of white pigment. By energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) and electron and X‐ray diffraction, the pigment was identified as rutile. By ordinary transmitted light microscopy, deposits of the white crystalline titanium‐dioxide could not be distinguished from anthracotic pigment present in the lung sections. By transmitted polarized and incident light microscopy, the different nature of the two types of pigment was immediately evident. Absence of inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the lungs in our case lends support to the view that rutile is biochemically inert.
DYSPLASTIC CHANGES IN THE ANAL CANAL EPITHELIUM IN MINOR SURGICAL SPECIMENS
Authors: Fenger Claus , Nielsen Vibeke Thue
Published: August 2010

A ten‐year consecutive material of 306 minor surgical specimens from the anal canal showed squamous dysplasia in 2.3 per cent. None of the patients developed carcinoma during an average observation time of 27 months. The average age was 64 years for dysplasia and 67 years for a corresponding series of 12 cases of anal canal carcinoma. It is concluded that all material from the anal canal should be investigated histologically.
CHOOSE TO HUG, NOT HIT*
Authors: Nicholson Hon. Alastair
Published: August 2010

This article discusses reasonable chastisement of children as a defense by parents to assault charges. It suggests that its continued retention contravenes the rights of children and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It compares developments in various countries, such as the Scandinavian countries and New Zealand, where the defense has been abolished, as compared with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where it has been retained. It suggests that its continued retention encourages bullying and violence in schools and in later adult life.
KEY LINKAGES BETWEEN CHILD WELFARE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT: SOCIAL FUNCTIONING IMPROVEMENTS AND CLIENT SATISFACTION IN A FAMILY DRUG TREATMENT COURT*
Authors: Bryan Valerie , Havens Jennifer
Published: August 2010

This article summarizes early findings regarding social functioning and client satisfaction from a longitudinal study of women receiving treatment in a family drug treatment court located in the Midwestern United States (N = 33). Drug treatment court participants were interviewed at program entry and when they had completed 6 months of treatment. Family drug court participants reported significant improvements in employment status and increases in earned income after 6 months of treatment. Respondents also reported improved social functioning and high overall levels of satisfaction with treatment. Findings and implications for future research are discussed.
TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY PINK OR BLUE: HOW SEX SELECTION TECHNOLOGY FACILITATES GENDERCIDE AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT
Authors: Sharma Monica
Published: August 2010

In the midst of a genetic revolution in medicine, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has become a well‐established technique to help infertile women achieve pregnancy. But many women are now turning to ART not just to circumvent infertility, but consciously to shape their families by determining the sex of their children. Many patriarchal cultures have a gender preference for males and to date have used technological advances in reproductive medicine to predetermine the sex of the child being born. Women have sought sex‐selective abortions, where the pregnancy was being terminated solely on the basis of the sex of the unborn fetus. The combination of ART advances and gender preference has led to the disappearance of at least 100 million girls from the world's population leading to a mass gendercide. This article examines the societal impact of unbalanced gender ratios and the need to regulate sex selection to avoid nations of bachelors.
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN EUROPEAN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: WHY ARE FAMILY PRACTICES SO DIFFERENT FROM LEGAL THEORIES?
Authors: Rešetar Branka , Emery Robert E.
Published: August 2010

Debates about child custody following parental separation often have been framed in terms of a battle between the competing rights of different family members. In the United States, advocates of mothers’ rights square off against proponents of fathers’ rights, with each side claiming to truly represent children's rights. Of course, not all advocates lay claim to children's rights in contact and custody disputes merely as a tactical maneuver. Some experts believe that children are entitled to (and benefit from) their own, independent legal advocate in custody cases. In theory, at least, the position that children lay claim to a third set of independent rights is strongly held in Europe, more strongly than in many U.S. states, because of the adoption of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Europe, but not in the United States. In this article, we examine children's rights in custody disputes from a European perspective, particularly children's legal right to contact with their parents, as well as the children's right to be heard in custody and contact disputes. We find that, despite differences in legal theory, tradition, and family demographics, European countries ultimately face a familiar reality: Custody and contact disputes are, in reality, more about renegotiating family relationships than they are a matter of a mother's, father's, or child's rights.
Review of the final report of the 1998 Working Party on definition, nomenclature and diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: MULLEN K. D.
Published: August 2010

The heterogeneity and variability of the manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy among patients and in individual patients over time make the condition difficult to diagnose and to categorize with respect to severity.

Recognizing these challenges, the World Congress of Gastroenterology formed a Working Party of hepatologists, neurologists and basic scientists in 1998 to develop consensus recommendations regarding key issues relevant to the diagnosis and grading of hepatic encephalopathy in clinical research and practice.

This paper discusses the Working Party recommendations, which warrant re‐examination in the context of the absolute need for consistency in diagnosis and grading of hepatic encephalopathy and in approaches to its clinical study.

The Working Party recommendations provide a framework for achieving this consistency and can serve as a springboard for further refinements in diagnostic tests and procedures and in clinical‐trial methodology.
Review article: bacterial flora and pathogenesis in hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: WILLIAMS R
Published: August 2010

The aetiology of hepatic encephalopathy has not been conclusively established, but it is widely agreed that ammonia derived primarily from enteric bacterial flora plays a central role.

Recent research on the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy reinforces previous findings, supporting an integral role of bacteria‐derived ammonia and reveals other potential mechanisms by which bacterial flora and pathogens may be pathophysiologically important.

This review discusses this research and considers its implications for the therapeutic management of hepatic encephalopathy.

Besides producing ammonia, the enteric flora generates other neurotoxic products, such as phenols and mercaptans, that may potentiate the effects of ammonia. Bacteria may also constitute a primary source of the benzodiazepine‐like compounds implicated in neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with liver disease. New evidence suggests that acute bacterial infections, long recognized as important precipitants of hepatic encephalopathy, may mediate clinical worsening through effects on systemic inflammatory responses.

Considered together, these data suggest wide‐ranging pathophysiological contributions of bacteria to hepatic encephalopathy and underline the potential for an integral role of antibiotics and other bactericidal agents in its management.
Acute physical activity effects on cardiac gene expression
Authors: Simonsen Michelle L. , Alessio Helaine M. , White Peter , Newsom David L. , Hagerman Ann E.
Published: August 2010

Regular bouts of physical activity may cause changes in gene expression that accumulate over time and ultimately affect phenotypes, such as body weight, blood lipid profile and tumour development. Furthermore, acute activity may affect gene expression and phenotypes differently depending on whether the individual is regularly inactive or active. One‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats (n= 72) were equally divided into SED (standard laboratory cage, n= 24), PA (large activity box, n= 24) and EX groups (exercise wheel inside standard cage, n= 24). At 3 months of age, half the animals from each group were killed at rest and the other half following 30 min of physical activity. The RNA was extracted from cardiac tissue, and microarray analysis was performed on 27,000 genes. Select gene results were validated using quantitative PCR. No gene expression differences occurred when comparing all 3‐month‐old groups at rest. A relatively small percentage of genes (1.9%) were differentially expressed (P < 0.05) following acute swimming activity in all groups, but only 37 unique and identifiable genes reached or exceeded twofold differences in expression. The genes Atf3, Fos, Apold1 and Pxdn were expressed differently among SED, PA and EX following acute activity, with a clear separation of the magnitude in gene expression with SED > PA > EX. Differences in gene expression levels in young physically inactive and active animals following acute activity have different regulatory roles in gene networks that affect health‐related phenotypes.
Degraded but not Dishevelled
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: August 2010

Degradation of the scaffold protein Dishevelled by autophagy inhibits Wnt signaling.
B Cell Receptor Signaling: Picky About PI3Ks
Authors: Limon Jose J. , Fruman David A.
Published: August 2010

The p110α isoform of class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases has a selective function in tonic B cell receptor signaling.
Trafficking, Acidification, and Growth Factor Signaling
Authors: Niehrs Christof , Boutros Michael
Published: August 2010

Activation of Wnt and Notch pathways requires endocytosis of receptor complexes to an acidified vesicular compartment.
Overexpression of the
adeB
Gene in Clinical Isolates of Tigecycline-Nonsusceptible
Acinetobacter baumannii
without Insertion Mutations in
adeRS
Authors: Sun Jun-Ren , Chan Ming-Chin , Chang Tein-Yao , Wang Wei-Yao , Chiueh Tzong-Shi
Published: August 2010

Thirteen clinical isolates of
m
ultidrug-
r
esistant
Acinetobacter
baumannii
r
esistant to
c
arbapenems (MRAB-C) with tigecycline nonsusceptibility were collected from individual patients in this study. None of the 13 isolates shared the same strain characteristics in molecular typing. All of them showed increased
adeB
transcription, as predicted. However, none of these tigecycline-nonsusceptible MRAB-C isolates were found to possess previously known
adeRS
mutations. Upregulation of
adeB
transcription may result from cross stimulation by other mechanisms.
Activities of High-Dose Daptomycin, Vancomycin, and Moxifloxacin Alone or in Combination with Clarithromycin or Rifampin in a NovelIn VitroModel ofStaphylococcus aureusBiofilm
Authors: Parra-Ruiz Jorge , Vidaillac Celine , Rose Warren E. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: August 2010

Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor that allows bacteria to resist host responses and antibacterial agents. The aim of the study was to assess thein vitroactivities of several antimicrobials alone or in combination against twoStaphylococcus aureusisolates in a novel pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of biofilm for 3 days. One methicillin-susceptibleS. aureusstrain (SH1000) and one methicillin-resistantS. aureusstrain (N315) were evaluated in a modified biofilm reactor with polystyrene coupons. Simulated regimens included vancomycin (VAN) plus rifampin (RIF), moxifloxacin (MOX), and high doses (10 mg/kg of body weight/day) of daptomycin (DAP) alone or combined with RIF or clarithromycin (CLA). Against viable planktonic bacteria (PB) and biofilm-embedded bacteria (BB) of SH1000, neither DAP nor MOX alone was bactericidal. In contrast, the combination of DAP or MOX with CLA significantly increased the activity of the two agents against both PB and BB (P< 0.01), and DAP plus CLA reached the limit of detection at 72 h. Against PB of N315, DAP alone briefly achieved bactericidal activity at 24 h, whereas sustained bactericidal activity was observed at 32 h with VAN plus RIF. Overall, only a minimal reduction was observed with both regimens against BB (<2.8 log10CFU/ml). Finally, the combination of DAP and RIF was bactericidal against both PB and BB, achieving the limit of detection at 72 h. In conclusion, we developed a novelin vitroPK/PD model to assess the activities of antimicrobials against mature bacterial biofilm. Combinations of DAP or MOX with CLA were the most effective regimens and may represent promising options to treat persistent infections caused byS. aureusbiofilms.
Cationic Amphiphiles, a New Generation of Antimicrobials Inspired by the Natural Antimicrobial Peptide Scaffold
Authors: Findlay Brandon , Zhanel George G. , Schweizer Frank
Published: August 2010

Naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their mimics form a diverse class of antibacterial agents currently validated in preclinical and clinical settings for the treatment of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Numerous studies with linear, cyclic, and diastereomeric AMPs have strongly supported the hypothesis that their physicochemical properties, rather than any specific amino acid sequence, are responsible for their microbiological activities. It is generally believed that the amphiphilic topology is essential for insertion into and disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane. In particular, the ability to rapidly kill bacteria and the relative difficulty with which bacteria develop resistance make AMPs and their mimics attractive targets for drug development. However, the therapeutic use of naturally occurring AMPs is hampered by the high manufacturing costs, poor pharmacokinetic properties, and low bacteriological efficacy in animal models. In order to overcome these problems, a variety of novel and structurally diverse cationic amphiphiles that mimic the amphiphilic topology of AMPs have recently appeared. Many of these compounds exhibit superior pharmacokinetic properties and reduced
in vitro
toxicity while retaining potent antibacterial activity against resistant and nonresistant bacteria. In summary, cationic amphiphiles promise to provide a new and rich source of diverse antibacterial lead structures in the years to come.
Maternal-Fetal Pharmacokinetics and Dynamics of a Single Intrapartum Dose of Maraviroc in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Winters Mark A. , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Kashuba Angela D. M. , Shulman Nancy S. , Holodniy Mark
Published: August 2010

Single-dose nevirapine (NVP) is effective in reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV; however, the subsequent development of drug resistance is problematic. The pharmacokinetic profile of the HIV entry inhibitor maraviroc after a single intrapartum dose in rhesus macaques was studied to determine whether maraviroc could serve as an alternative to NVP in a single-dose strategy. Four pregnant macaques received an oral dose of maraviroc 2 h before delivery, and both infant and maternal plasma maraviroc concentrations and CCR5 receptor occupancy on CD4
+
lymphocytes were measured over time. Maximum plasma maraviroc concentrations were found at delivery (2-h-postintrapartum dose) in both the mothers and infants, with median concentrations of 974 ng/ml (range, 86 to 2,830 ng/ml) and 22 ng/ml (range, 4 to 99 ng/ml), respectively. Maraviroc was detected in the plasma of mothers up to 48 h after dosing but only as long as 3.5 h in the infants. The median fetal-maternal area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ratio was 0.009 (range, 0.000 to 0.015). Maraviroc receptor occupancy data showed evidence of unprotected CCR5 receptors on CD4
+
cells in the mothers 24 to 48 h after dosing. Extremely low CCR5 expression on CD4
+
cells of newborn macaques prevented determination of receptor occupancy in the infants. In rhesus macaques, maraviroc was poorly transferred across the placenta and was quickly cleared from the infants’ blood. The low concentrations of fetal maraviroc and short pharmacokinetic profile in infants suggest that a single maternal intrapartum dose of maraviroc would not be effective in reducing the risk of MTCT of HIV.
Effect of
Borrelia burgdorferi
OspC at the Site of Inoculation in Mouse Skin
Authors: Antonara Styliani , Ristow Laura , McCarthy James , Coburn Jenifer
Published: August 2010

The
Borrelia burgdorferi
surface lipoprotein OspC is a critical virulence factor, but its precise role in the establishment of
B. burgdorferi
infection remains unclear. To determine whether OspC affects the host response at the site of inoculation of the bacterium, the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils and the production of cytokines were examined at the site of infection by wild-type,
ospC
mutant, and complemented mutant
B. burgdorferi
strains. Of the 21 cytokines tested, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC, CXCL1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were found at increased levels at the site of inoculation of
B. burgdorferi
, and the levels varied with the production of OspC at one or more time points over the 1-week course of infection. The kinetics of expression and the dependence on OspC production by
B. burgdorferi
varied among the cytokines. The production of KC and MCP-1, and the appearance of monocytic infiltrates, correlated with the presence of the bacteria rather than with OspC specifically. In contrast, VEGF production was not correlated simply to the presence of the bacteria and is influenced by the presence of OspC. In
in vitro
assays, OspC and
B. burgdorferi
expressing OspC stimulated the growth of endothelial cells more than did the controls. These data suggest the possibility of a novel role for OspC in the life of
B. burgdorferi
at the interface of its mammalian and tick hosts.
Platelet Activation and Biofilm Formation by
Aerococcus urinae
, an Endocarditis-Causing Pathogen
Authors: Shannon Oonagh , Mörgelin Matthias , Rasmussen Magnus
Published: August 2010

The Gram-positive bacterium
Aerococcus urinae
can cause infectious endocarditis (IE) in older persons. Biofilm formation and platelet aggregation are believed to contribute to bacterial virulence in IE. Five
A. urinae
isolates from human blood were shown to form biofilms
in vitro
, and biofilm formation was enhanced by the presence of human plasma. Four of the
A. urinae
isolates caused platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma from healthy donors. The Au3 isolate, which induced platelet aggregation in all donors, also activated platelets, as determined by flow cytometry. Platelet aggregation was dependent on bacterial protein structures and on platelet activation since it was sensitive to both trypsin and prostaglandin E
1
. Plasma proteins at the bacterial surface were needed for platelet aggregation; and roles of the complement system, fibrinogen, and immunoglobulin G were demonstrated. Complement-depleted serum was unable to support platelet aggregation by Au3 and complement blockade using compstatin-inhibited platelet activation. Platelet activation by Au3 was inhibited by blocking of the platelet fibrinogen receptor, and this isolate was also shown to bind to radiolabeled fibrinogen. Removal of IgG from platelet-rich plasma by a specific protease inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by
A. urinae
, and blockade of the platelet FcRγIIa hindered platelet activation induced by Au3. Convalescent-phase serum from a patient with
A. urinae
IE transferred the ability of the bacterium to aggregate platelets in an otherwise nonresponsive donor. Our results show that
A. urinae
exhibits virulence strategies of importance for IE.
Characterization of Unique Regions ofBorrelia burgdorferiSurface-Located Membrane Protein 1
Authors: Yang Xiuli , Lenhart Tiffany R. , Kariu Toru , Anguita Juan , Akins Darrin R. , Pal Utpal
Published: August 2010

The pathogen of Lyme disease,Borrelia burgdorferi, produces a putative surface protein termed “surface-located membrane protein 1” (Lmp1). Lmp1 has been shown previously to assist the microbe in evasion of host-acquired immune defenses and in the establishment of persistent infection of mammals. Here, we show that Lmp1 is an integral membrane protein with surface-exposed N-terminal, middle, and C-terminal regions. During murine infection, antibodies recognizing these three protein regions were produced. Separate immunization of mice with each of the discrete regions exerted differential effects on spirochete survival during infection. Notably, antibodies against the C-terminal region primarily interfered withB. burgdorferipersistence in the joints, while antibodies specific to the N-terminal region predominantly affected pathogen levels in the heart, including the development of carditis. Genetic reconstitution oflmp1deletion mutants with thelmp1N-terminal region significantly enhanced its ability to resist the bactericidal effects of immune sera and also was observed to increase pathogen survivalin vivo. Taken together, the combined data suggest that the N-terminal region of Lmp1 plays a distinct role in spirochete survival and other parts of the protein are related to specific functions corresponding to pathogen persistence and tropism during infection that is displayed in an organ-specific manner. The findings reported here underscore the fact that surface-exposed regions of Lmp1 could potentially serve as vaccine targets or antigenic regions that could alter the course of natural Lyme disease.
Invasion and Multiplication of
Helicobacter pylori
in Gastric Epithelial Cells and Implications for Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Chu Yen-Ting , Wang Ya-Hui , Wu Jiunn-Jong , Lei Huan-Yao
Published: August 2010

Helicobacter pylori
is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that infects more than 50% of the human population and can cause gastritis, peptic ulcer, or gastric malignancies. It is generally viewed as an extracellular microorganism. In a gentamicin protection assay on AGS or MKN45 cells,
H. pylori
could invade the epithelial cells and multiply within double-layer vesicles either on the plasma membrane or in the cytoplasm. A 5-fold increase in the number of bacteria was recultured from the infected cells at 12 h, compared with the number of invading cells at 2.5 h postinfection. The autophagic vesicles induced by
H. pylori
are the sites of replication and also of the degradation of the replicating bacteria after fusion with lysosomes. Many
H. pylori
bacteria in coccoid form associated with the plasma membrane can be released into culture. Only cell-penetrating antibiotics can enhance the intracellular killing of the replicating bacteria. The multiplication of
H. pylori
within cells provides a niche for its resistance to antibacterial therapy and has a significant impact on its biological life cycle.
A study of HER2 gene amplification and protein expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Yan Benedict , Yau Ee Xuan , Bte Omar Siti Shyba , Ong Chee Wee , Pang Brendan , Yeoh Khay Guan , Salto-Tellez Manuel
Published: August 2010

Background

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and current treatment outcomes for advanced disease remain poor. HER2 has been identified as a potential candidate for targeted therapy in gastric cancers displaying HER2 gene amplification and protein overexpression.

Aims

To study the prevalence rate of HER2 gene amplification/overexpression in a local population, and determine the concordance rate between the various modalities.

Methods

128 gastric cancer samples were analysed by fluorescence (FISH) and chromogenic (CISH) in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relation between HER2 status and various clinicopathological parameters was also analysed.

Results

11.7% (15/128) and 9.4% (12/128) of gastric cancers displayed HER2 gene amplification and protein overexpression (score 3+), respectively, with a perfect correlation between the FISH and CISH analyses. There was also a significant inverse correlation between overall survival and HER2 protein overexpression in intestinal-type gastric carcinomas (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Results, besides corroborating existing reports that discrepancies exist between HER2 ISH and IHC assays, also suggest the need to rigorously evaluate CISH as an independent reference standard for assessment of HER2 amplification in gastric cancers.
Which staging system to use for gynaecological cancers: a survey with recommendations for practice in the UK
Authors: McCluggage Glenn , Hirschowitz Lynn , Ganesan Raji , Kehoe Sean , Nordin Andrew
Published: August 2010

Aims

There are two commonly used staging systems for gynaecological cancers, namely Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) and TNM. The authors wished to ascertain which staging system is most commonly used in dealing with gynaecological cancers in the UK.

Methods

The authors undertook a survey among participants in the National Gynaecological Pathology EQA scheme to investigate whether gynaecological pathologists in the UK use FIGO or TNM staging in their routine reporting of gynaecological cancers.

Results

There were 105 respondents out of 278 participants (38%). Of the analysed results, a majority of respondents (64%) use FIGO staging, while 32% use both FIGO and TNM. 80% of respondents stated that their multidisciplinary team meeting uses FIGO staging, while 18% use both FIGO and TNM. Only an extremely small minority of pathologists and multidisciplinary team meetings use TNM alone. A survey of members of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society revealed similar findings.

Conclusions

Since FIGO and TNM are not always equivalent, and there may be confusion when more than one staging system is used, it is recommended that FIGO staging be used for gynaecological cancers. The survey revealed support for the use of TNM, as well as FIGO, only for cervical cancer, since FIGO does not take the lymph node status into account. Given the prevalent practice in the UK, the British Association of Gynaecological Pathologists, British Gynaecological Cancer Society and gynaecological clinical reference group of the National Cancer Intelligence Network recommend that FIGO staging be used for gynaecological cancers with recording of the lymph node status for cervical cancer. This may be done by providing a TNM stage for this cancer type only or by recording the lymph-node status at the multidisciplinary team meeting.
THE AVERAGE STATE COMPLEXITY OF RATIONAL OPERATIONS ON FINITE LANGUAGES
Authors: BASSINO FRÉDÉRIQUE , GIAMBRUNO LAURA , NICAUD CYRIL
Published: August 2010

Considering the uniform distribution on sets of m non-empty words whose sum of lengths is n, we establish that the average state complexities of the rational operations are asymptotically linear.
VARIANTS OF COMPETENCE-BASED DERIVATIONS IN CD GRAMMAR SYSTEMS
Authors: CSUHAJ-VARJÚ ERZSÉBET , DASSOW JÜRGEN , VASZIL GYÖRGY
Published: August 2010

In this paper we introduce and study some new cooperation protocols for cooperating distributed (CD) grammar systems. These derivation modes depend on the number of different nonterminals present in the sentential form obtained when a component finished a derivation phase. This measure describes the competence of the grammar on the string (the competence is high if the number of the different nonterminals is small). It is also a measure of the efficiency of the grammar on the given string (a component is more efficient than another one if it is able to decrease the number of nonterminals in the string to a greater extent). We prove that if the underlying derivation mode is the t-mode derivation, then some variants of these systems determine the class of random context ET0L languages. If these CD grammar systems use the k step limited derivations as underlying derivation mode, then they are able to generate any recursively enumerable language.
FINDING THE GROWTH RATE OF A REGULAR OR CONTEXT-FREE LANGUAGE IN POLYNOMIAL TIME
Authors: GAWRYCHOWSKI PAWEŁ , KRIEGER DALIA , RAMPERSAD NARAD , SHALLIT JEFFREY
Published: August 2010

We give an O(n + t) time algorithm to determine whether an NFA with n states and t transitions accepts a language of polynomial or exponential growth. Given an NFA accepting a language of polynomial growth, we can also determine the order of polynomial growth in O(n+t) time. We also give polynomial time algorithms to solve these problems for context-free grammars.
A TAXONOMY OF DETERMINISTIC FORGETTING AUTOMATA
Authors: GLÖCKLER JENS
Published: August 2010

We investigate deterministic forgetting automata, i.e., deterministic linear bounded automata which can only use the operations 'move', 'erase' (rewrite with a blank symbol) and 'delete' (remove completely). We give a taxonomy of deterministic forgetting automata and draw comparisons to other kinds of automata (namely deterministic one-turn pushdown automata and one-way one-counter automata).
DEVELOPMENT OF A TARGET POSITIONING SYSTEM BASED ON A LASER POSITION SENSOR FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY WAVELENGTH-DISPERSIVE PIXE ANALYSIS
Authors: WONGLEE S. , TADA T. , FUKUDA H. , HASEGAWA J. , OGURI Y.
Published: August 2010

A precise target positioning system based on a laser position sensor was developed for a high-efficiency wavelength dispersive PIXE analysis. The absolute position and the target surface profile were clearly observed using this position sensor, which was rigidly connected to the target vacuum chamber. By using a thin proton beam ( width = 2 mm ) and a small target (width = 1 mm), the optimum target position for the measurement of chlorine ( Cl ) Kβ X-ray could be determined from X-ray detection yields measured at various target positions. We found that the relationship between the X-ray detection yield and the target position can be explained by the target size as well as the incident proton beam width. After precise adjustment of the target position using the above system, target samples with two different Cl compounds, NaCl and NH 4 Cl , were successfully distinguished from the difference in the measured profiles of Kβ X-ray spectra.
EVALUATION OF THE UPTAKE OF CDDP-CONTAINING POLYMERIC MICELLES IN SINGLE PANCREATIC CANCER CELLS
Authors: MIZUNO K. , UESAKA M. , MATSUYAMA S. , ITO Y. , ISHII K. , YAMAZAKI H.
Published: August 2010

Highly functionalized drugs delivered via a drug delivery system are expected to have less side effects and higher accumulation rates compared to conventional anticancer drugs. An understanding of the kinetics of drugs contained within a delivery system is necessary to obtain the maximum therapeutic effect. We performed micro-elemental analysis of human pancreatic cancer cells treated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP)-containing polymeric micelles. The results showed that the platinum signals were distributed inside the cellular nuclei and the cytoplasm indicating that CDDP was delivered into the cells. The results from this study will be useful for designing an optimum carrier for platinum-containing anticancer drugs.
APPLICATION OF MICRO-PIXE ANALYSIS TO INVESTIGATE TRACE ELEMENTS IN DECIDUOUS TEETH ENAMEL
Authors: IGARI K. , TAKAHASHI A. , ANDO H. , ISHII K. , MATSUYAMA S. , KAWAMURA Y. , OHKURA S. , HASHIMOTO Y. , FUJIKAWA M. , ITOU Y. , FUJIKI K. , HATORI Y. , HAMADA N. , YAMAZAKI H.
Published: August 2010

The early life environment has widespread consequences for later health and disease. To prevent the disease in later life, the assessment of fetal environment is very important. In Japan, birthweight has fallen rapidly during recent two decades. The reduction of birthweight represents reduced fetal nutrition. Deciduous tooth enamel contains pre- and postnatal enamel and its chemical composition reflects the status of metabolism of trace elements during formation period. Deciduous tooth enamel is considered to be a suitable indicator of trace elements exposure in utero. We applied micro-PIXE analysis to investigate the trace elemental content in deciduous tooth enamel. Two deciduous canines from one healthy Japanese boy were used for this study. The enamel section including pre-and postnatal enamel was prepared for micro-PIXE analysis. Five trace elements ( Na , Mg , Cl , Zn , and Sr ) were detected in the scanning area of tooth. The distribution profiles of 5 elements were obtained as X-ray maps. The distribution profiles of zinc and chlorine were specific, and showed higher concentration in surface enamel. No elements showed different profiles of X-ray maps between pre-and postnatal enamel in this sample. The results of this study suggested that micro-PIXE analysis would be able to estimate the trace elements in prenatal and postnatal enamel, respectively.
Issues of Recruitment and Rationale for Conducting Clinical Trials on Mutans Streptococci Suppression in Mothers
Authors: Bretz Walter A. , Rosa Odila P. S. , Silva Salete M. B. , Corby Patricia , Weissfeld Lisa , Loesche Walter J.
Published: August 2010

The aims of this study are (1) to describe issues related to recruitment of mothers participating in a clinical trial of transmission of mutans streptococci (MS) from mother to child in Bauru, Brazil and (2) to perform cross-cultural and temporal comparisons of levels of infection of the MS in mothers of Bauru. A total of 1422 mothers were visited at their domiciles. Cutoff levels for the MS were established at≥105 CFU/mL saliva. The main reason for a mother not enrolling was not being highly infected by the MS, yet 76% of mothers presented with levels≥105 CFU/mL saliva. Recent studies in industrialized countries showed a negative coefficient for linear tests indicating significant decline overtime in the levels of MS in mothers. Intercountry comparisons for mothers' salivary levels of the MS with the Bauru study as the reference revealed significant differences with studies conducted in the last two decades.
Increased Interleukin-6 Activity Associated with Painful Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Starkweather Angela
Published: August 2010

Accumulating evidence suggests that neural-immune interactions are involved in the development of painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, particularly through the increased release of proinflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was used to evaluate levels of interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-6 receptors in women with breast cancer after the conclusion of chemotherapy who either had painful symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN group,N=20) or did not experience CIPN symptoms (Comparison group,N=20). CIPN participants had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) compared to women without CIPN symptoms (P<.001for both). In addition, soluble gp130, which blocks the IL-6/sIL-6R complex from binding to gp130 within the cellular membrane, was significantly lower(P<.01). Circulating concentrations of sIL-6R were inversely correlated with the density of IL-6R on the cell surface of monocytes in the total sample(r=−.614,P=.005). These findings suggest that IL-6 transsignaling may be an important biological mechanism associated with the persistence of painful CIPN symptoms, with potential implications for symptom management and research.
UEP Concepts in Modulation and Coding
Authors: Henkel Werner , Hassan Khaled , von Deetzen Neele , Sandberg Sara , Sassatelli Lucile , Declercq David
Published: August 2010

First unequal error protection (UEP) proposals date back to the 1960's (Masnick and Wolf; 1967), but now with the introduction of scalable video, UEP develops to a key concept for the transport of multimedia data. The paper presents an overview of some new approaches realizing UEP properties in physical transport, especially multicarrier modulation, or with LDPC and Turbo codes. For multicarrier modulation, UEP bit-loading together with hierarchical modulation is described allowing for an arbitrary number of classes, arbitrary SNR margins between the classes, and arbitrary number of bits per class. In Turbo coding, pruning, as a counterpart of puncturing is presented for flexible bit-rate adaptations, including tables with optimized pruning patterns. Bit- and/or check-irregular LDPC codes may be designed to provide UEP to its code bits. However, irregular degree distributions alone do not ensure UEP, and other necessary properties of the parity-check matrix for providing UEP are also pointed out. Pruning is also the means for constructing variable-rate LDPC codes for UEP, especially controlling the check-node profile.
An Evidence-Based Review of Fat Modifying Supplemental Weight Loss Products
Authors: Egras Amy M. , Hamilton William R. , Lenz Thomas L. , Monaghan Michael S.
Published: August 2010

Objective. To review the literature on fat modifying dietary supplements commonly used for weight loss.Methods. Recently published randomized, placebo-controlled trials were identified in PubMed, MEDLINE,International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar using the search terms dietary supplement, herbal, weight loss, obesity, and individual supplement names.Discussion. Data for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA),Garcinia cambogia, chitosan, pyruvate,Irvingia gabonensis, and chia seed for weight loss were identified. CLA, chitosan, pyruvate, andIrvingia gabonensisappeared to be effective in weight loss via fat modifying mechanisms. However, the data on the use of these products is limited.Conclusion. Many obese people use dietary supplements for weight loss. To date, there is little clinical evidence to support their use. More data is necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of these supplements. Healthcare providers should assist patients in weighing the risks and benefits of dietary supplement use for weight loss.
Metabolomics Reveals Relationship between Plasma Inositols and Birth Weight: Possible Markers for Fetal Programming of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nissen Pia Marlene , Nebel Caroline , Oksbjerg Niels , Bertram Hanne Christine
Published: August 2010

Epidemiological studies in man and with experimental animal models have shown that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) resulting in low birth weight is associated with higher risk of programming welfare diseases in later life. In the pig, severe IUGR occurs naturally and contribute substantially to a large intralitter variation in birth weight and may therefore be a good model for man. In the present paper the natural form of IUGR in pigs was studied close to term by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR‐)based metabolomics. The NMR‐based investigations revealed different metabolic profiles of plasma samples from low‐birth weight (LW) and high‐birth weight (HW) piglets, respectively, and differences were assigned to levels of glucose and myo‐inositol. Further studies by GC‐MS revealed that LW piglets had a significant higher concentration of myoinositol and D‐chiro‐inositol in plasma compared to larger littermates. Myo‐inositol and D‐chiro‐inositol have been coupled with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in adults, and the present paper therefore suggests that IUGR is related to impaired glucose metabolism during fetal development, which may cause type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Comparative Study of Gram Stain, Potassium Hydroxide Smear, Culture and Nested PCR in the Diagnosis of Fungal Keratitis
Authors: Badiee Parisa , Nejabat Mahmood , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Keshavarz Fatemeh , Shakiba Elaheh
Published: August 2010

Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy and practicality of the molecular method, compared to the standard microbiological techniques for diagnosing fungal keratitis (FK). Methods: Patients with eye findings suspected of FK were enrolled for cornea sampling. Scrapings from the affected areas of the infected corneas were obtained and were divided into two parts: one for smears and cultures, and the other for nested PCR analysis. Results: Of the 38 eyes, 28 were judged to have fungal infections based on clinical and positive findings in the culture, smear and responses to antifungal treatment. Potassium hydroxide, Gram staining, culture and nested PCR results (either positive or negative) matched in 76.3, 42.1, 68.4 and 81.6%, respectively. Conclusion: PCR is a sensitive method but due to the lack of sophisticated facilities in routine laboratory procedures, it can serve only complementarily and cannot replace conventional methods.
Retinal and Ocular Toxicity in Ocular Application of Drugs and Chemicals – Part II: Retinal Toxicity of Current and New Drugs
Authors: Penha Fernando Marcondes , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Maia Maurício , Furlani Bruno A. , Regatieri Caio , Melo Gustavo B. , Magalhães, Jr. Octaviano , Manzano Roberta , Farah Michel E.
Published: August 2010

Aims: Retinal pharmacotherapy has gained great importance for the treatment of various retinal diseases. An increasing number of drugs have been constantly released into the market, especially for wet age-related macular disease and diabetic macular edema. In this review, the issues concerning the toxicity of current and new classes of drugs are discussed. Methods: An extensive search of the literature was performed to review various aspects of drug toxicity in retinal pharmacotherapy. The different major classes of drugs, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, antimetabolites, antineoplastic agents, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, enzymes, fibrinolytics, miscellaneous anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic agents, as well as toxicity unrelated to the drug were identified and discussed. Results: Corticosteroids like fluocinolone, dexamethasone or triamcinolone at low dose cause little damage to the retina, but at high doses signs of toxicity have been well documented. Complications like cataract and glaucoma are quite common with corticosteroids. Aminoglycosides showed differences in the type and doses associated with toxic reactions, thereby the following order of toxicity can be described (from most toxic to least toxic): gentamicin > netilmicin = tobramycin > amikacin = kanamycin. Vancomycin at the usual dose of 1 mg is not toxic to the retina, while further studies are necessary in order to clarify the safety of new-generation quinolones. 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to be nontoxic to the retina after an injection of 2.5 mg in animals. mAbs like ranibizumab and bevacizumab were demonstrated to be safe to the retina in cell culture, animals and humans at high doses. The exact biocompatibility of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents like diclofenac needs further evaluation. Preservatives like benzyl alcohol and changes in pH or osmolarity exert an influence on the toxic effects of intravitreally applied drugs. Conclusions: A great number of drugs are now used mainly intravitreally without relevant retinal toxicity.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection Aids with the Outcome of Motion Sickness Adaptation
Authors: Kousoulis Panagiotis , Pantes Athanasios
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Airsickness affects many aviators, especially at the beginning of their flight training. From the symptoms of airsickness, stomach awareness and nausea are among the most common and unpleasant. Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa is a common cause of gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population, although it has seldom been associated with motion sickness in the scientific literature. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted in all cases of pilot trainees taking basic flight training who were referred to the Hellenic Air Force Aeromedical Center due to airsickness and tested for H. pylori, for the time period 1996–2005. We compared the H.-pylori-positive pilots with the uninfected ones according to their responses to the habituation sorties and subsequent completion of the basic flight training as a whole. A statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: The findings of the study suggest that diagnosing H. pylori infection and treating it with eradication therapy increases the possibility of a pilot trainee successfully completing the habituation flights, while it does not affect success in the basic flight training as a whole. Conclusions: Eradication therapy for H. pylori may provide a temporary reduction in reported nausea during flight training. The findings are not conclusive, but highly suggestive of a pathophysiologic link between H. pylori and motion sickness, needing further clarification through targeted studies.