bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of structured RNAs in S. cerevisiaeindicates a multitude of different functions
Authors: Steigele Stephan , Huber Wolfgang , Stocsits Claudia , Stadler Peter F , Nieselt Kay
Published: June 2007

Background

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are an emerging focus for both computational analysis and experimental research, resulting in a growing number of novel, non-protein coding transcripts with often unknown functions. Whole genome screens in higher eukaryotes, for example, provided evidence for a surprisingly large number of ncRNAs. To supplement these searches, we performed a computational analysis of seven yeast species and searched for new ncRNAs and RNA motifs.

Results

A comparative analysis of the genomes of seven yeast species yielded roughly 2800 genomic loci that showed the hallmarks of evolutionary conserved RNA secondary structures. A total of 74% of these regions overlapped with annotated non-coding or coding genes in yeast. Coding sequences that carry predicted structured RNA elements belong to a limited number of groups with common functions, suggesting that these RNA elements are involved in post-transcriptional regulation and/or cellular localization. About 700 conserved RNA structures were found outside annotated coding sequences and known ncRNA genes. Many of these predicted elements overlapped with UTR regions of particular classes of protein coding genes. In addition, a number of RNA elements overlapped with previously characterized antisense transcripts. Transcription of about 120 predicted elements located in promoter regions and other, previously un-annotated, intergenic regions was supported by tiling array experiments, ESTs, or SAGE data.

Conclusion

Our computational predictions strongly suggest that yeasts harbor a substantial pool of several hundred novel ncRNAs. In addition, we describe a large number of RNA structures in coding sequences and also within antisense transcripts that were previously characterized using tiling arrays.
GC- and AT-rich chromatin domains differ in conformation and histone modification status and are differentially modulated by Rpd3p
Authors: Dekker Job
Published: June 2007

Background

Base-composition varies throughout the genome and is related to organization of chromosomes in distinct domains (isochores). Isochore domains differ in gene expression levels, replication timing, levels of meiotic recombination and chromatin structure. The molecular basis for these differences is poorly understood.

Results

We have compared GC- and AT-rich isochores of yeast with respect to chromatin conformation, histone modification status and transcription. Using 3C analysis we show that, along chromosome III, GC-rich isochores have a chromatin structure that is characterized by lower chromatin interaction frequencies compared to AT-rich isochores, which may point to a more extended chromatin conformation. In addition, we find that throughout the genome, GC-rich and AT-rich genes display distinct levels of histone modifications. Interestingly, elimination of the histone deacetylase Rpd3p differentially affects conformation of GC- and AT-rich domains. Further, deletion of RPD3 activates expression of GC-rich genes more strongly than AT-rich genes. Analyses of effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A, global patterns of Rpd3p binding and effects of deletion of RPD3 on histone H4 acetylation confirmed that conformation and activity of GC-rich chromatin are more sensitive to Rpd3p-mediated deacetylation than AT-rich chromatin.

Conclusion

We find that GC-rich and AT-rich chromatin domains display distinct chromatin conformations and are marked by distinct patterns of histone modifications. We identified the histone deacetylase Rpd3p as an attenuator of these base composition-dependent differences in chromatin status. We propose that GC-rich chromatin domains tend to occur in a more active conformation and that Rpd3p activity represses this propensity throughout the genome.
Fast-evolving noncoding sequences in the human genome
Authors: Bird Christine P , Stranger Barbara E , Liu Maureen , Thomas Daryl J , Ingle Catherine E , Beazley Claude , Miller Webb , Hurles Matthew E , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T
Published: June 2007

Background

Gene regulation is considered one of the driving forces of evolution. Although protein-coding DNA sequences and RNA genes have been subject to recent evolutionary events in the human lineage, it has been hypothesized that the large phenotypic divergence between humans and chimpanzees has been driven mainly by changes in gene regulation rather than altered protein-coding gene sequences. Comparative analysis of vertebrate genomes has revealed an abundance of evolutionarily conserved but noncoding sequences. These conserved noncoding (CNC) sequences may well harbor critical regulatory variants that have driven recent human evolution.

Results

Here we identify 1,356 CNC sequences that appear to have undergone dramatic human-specific changes in selective pressures, at least 15% of which have substitution rates significantly above that expected under neutrality. The 1,356 'accelerated CNC' (ANC) sequences are enriched in recent segmental duplications, suggesting a recent change in selective constraint following duplication. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms within ANC sequences have a significant excess of high frequency derived alleles and high F
ST
values relative to controls, indicating that acceleration and positive selection are recent in human populations. Finally, a significant number of single nucleotide polymorphisms within ANC sequences are associated with changes in gene expression. The probability of variation in an ANC sequence being associated with a gene expression phenotype is fivefold higher than variation in a control CNC sequence.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that ANC sequences have until very recently played a role in human evolution, potentially through lineage-specific changes in gene regulation.
Intracellular pools of FcαR (CD89) in human neutrophils are localized in tertiary granules and secretory vesicles, and two FcαR isoforms are found in tertiary granules
Authors: Yin Na , Peng Min , Xing Yukun , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2007

The human FcαRΙ (CD89) is expressed on cells of myeloid lineage and plays an important role in host defense. Neutrophils make up the majority of FcαRΙ-positive cells. Previous reports suggested that FcαR was stored in neutrophil intracellular pools, and it could be mobilized quickly once neutrophils were activated. However, the subcellular localization of FcαR in neutrophils has not been defined yet. In this sudy, we identified that FcαR was stored in secretory vesicles and tertiary granules of neutrophils by flow cytometry analysis, ELISA, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting. The molecular mass of FcαR in secretory vesicles was different from that in tertiary granules. FcαR stored in tertiary granules had a molecular mass of 50–70 kDa, whereas FcαR in secretory vesicles and membranes had a molecular mass of 55–75 kDa. After treatment by peptide-N-glycosidase F, an enzyme that removes N-glycosylation, FcαR from secretory vesicles and tertiary granules revealed a core protein of 32 kDa, which was the same as the backbone of full length of FcαR. A smaller FcαR variant with a core protein of 29–30 kDa was found in tertiary granules but not in secretory vesicles. The nature of the small variant is not clear at present and remains to be investigated further.
Pivotal Advance: Macrophages become resistant to cholesterol-induced death after phagocytosis of apoptotic cells
Authors: Cui Dongying , Thorp Edward , Li Yankun , Wang Nan , Yvan-Charvet Laurent , Tall Alan R , Tabas Ira
Published: June 2007

One of the most important functions of macrophages is the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (ACs). ACs deliver large amounts membrane-derived cholesterol to phagocytes, which, if not handled properly, can be cytotoxic. In atherosclerosis, where the ACs are cholesterol-loaded, this situation is exaggerated, because the ACs deliver both endogenous membrane cholesterol and stored lipoprotein-derived cholesterol. To examine how phagocytes handle this very large amount of cholesterol, we incubated macrophage phagocytes with cholesterol-loaded ACs. Our results show that the phagocytes call into play a number of cellular responses to protect them from cholesterol-induced cytotoxicity. First, through efficient trafficking of the internalized AC-derived cholesterol to acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in the endoplasmic reticulum, phagocytes efficiently esterify the cholesterol and thus prevent its toxic effects. However, the phagocytes show no signs of cytotoxicity even when ACAT is rendered dysfunctional, as might occur in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Under these conditions, the phagocytes remain viable through massive efflux of AC-derived cholesterol. Remarkably, these phagocytes still show a survival response even when high cholesterol levels are maintained in the post-phagocytosis period by subsequent incubation with atherogenic lipoproteins, as also may occur in atheromata. In this case, death in phagocytes is prevented by activation of survival pathways involving PI-3 kinase/Akt and NF-κB. Thus, macrophages that have ingested ACs successfully employ three survival mechanisms—cholesterol esterification, massive cholesterol efflux, and cell-survival signaling. These findings have implications for macrophage physiology in both AC clearance and atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Definition, Diagnosis, and Management of Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Proposals and Perspectives From an International Consensus Meeting
Authors: Ponzoni Maurilio , Ferreri Andrés J.M. , Campo Elías , Facchetti Fabio , Mazzucchelli Luca , Yoshino Tadashi , Murase Takuhei , Pileri Stefano A. , Doglioni Claudio , Zucca Emanuele , Cavalli Franco , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: June 2007

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare form of diffuse LBCL characterized by preferential intravascular growth of malignant lymphocytes, aggressive behavior, and an often fatal course. IVLBCL usually affects elderly patients with poor performance status, elevated lactic dehydrogenase serum levels, anemia, and B symptoms. It displays some differences in clinical presentation among diverse geographical areas, mostly between patients diagnosed in Western countries and Japan. In addition, data from the literature suggest that pathologic diagnostic criteria as well as clinical features of this disease may be broader than described in current classification scheme(s). Under the sponsorship of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group, clinicians and pathologists with interest in IVLBCL, coming from Western and Eastern countries, joined to reach a consensus on defining features as well as to focus on the most urgent unresolved issues in IVLBCL. To this end, a representative group of IVLBCL patients coming from both the aforementioned geographical areas were collectively analyzed. Additional features of IVLBCL were proposed both under clinical and pathologic stand points. At the meeting, it emerged that IVLBCL may have additional histopathologic/cytologic definition criteria with respect to those currently recommended, some clinical features are not randomly distributed worldwide, recent therapeutic approaches, such as anti-CD20–containing regimens, may improve outcome, and kidney, spleen, and liver involvement may show peculiar histopathologic features. Finally, a provisional practical diagnostic approach to hemophagocytosis-associated patients and a proposal for the most useful criteria in the settings of differential diagnosis are included.
Phase II Study of Capecitabine Plus Trastuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer Pretreated With Anthracyclines or Taxanes
Authors: Schaller Gerhard , Fuchs Ilka , Gonsch Thomas , Weber Jan , Kleine-Tebbe Anke , Klare Peter , Hindenburg Hans-Joachim , Lakner Volker , Hinke Axel , Bangemann Nikola
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate, capecitabine, is a highly active and well-tolerated treatment for metastatic breast cancer. In patients treated previously with anthracyclines and taxanes, capecitabine is an approved single-agent therapy. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), is also highly active in HER-2–overexpressing breast cancer. We have conducted a phase II study to confirm activity and feasibility of capecitabine and trastuzumab in combination in HER-2–overexpressing advanced/metastatic breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-seven patients with HER-2–overexpressing metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes received oral capecitabine 1,250 mg/m2 bid for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest period combined with intravenous trastuzumab 4 mg/kg body weight on day 1 (loading dose) followed by 2 mg/kg weekly.

Results

Capecitabine/trastuzumab treatment achieved objective responses in 12 patients (45%), including complete response in four patients (15%) and partial response in eight patients (30%). Disease was stabilized in an additional nine patients (33%). The median overall survival time was 28 months, and the median progression-free survival time was 6.7 months. The safety profile of the combination was favorable and predictable, with a low incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events. The most common adverse events were pain, hand-foot syndrome, and GI toxicities. Severe myelosuppression was rare and severe alopecia did not occur.

Conclusion

These data confirm that the combination of capecitabine and trastuzumab is highly active in patients with HER-2–overexpressing anthracycline- and/or taxane-pretreated breast cancer, with only slight restrictions regarding quality of life.
Phase IIB Multicenter Trial of Vorinostat in Patients With Persistent, Progressive, or Treatment Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Olsen Elise A. , Kim Youn H. , Kuzel Timothy M. , Pacheco Theresa R. , Foss Francine M. , Parker Sareeta , Frankel Stanley R. , Chen Cong , Ricker Justin L. , Arduino Jean Marie , Duvic Madeleine
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the activity and safety of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) in persistent, progressive, or recurrent mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) subtypes.

Patients and Methods

Patients with stage IB-IVA MF/SS were treated with 400 mg of oral vorinostat daily until disease progression or intolerable toxicity in this open-label phase IIb trial ( NCT00091559 ). Patients must have received at least two prior systemic therapies at least one of which included bexarotene unless intolerable. The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR) measured by the modified severity weighted assessment tool and secondary end points were time to response (TTR), time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DOR), and pruritus relief (≥ 3-point improvement on a 10-point visual analog scale). Safety and tolerability were also evaluated.

Results

Seventy-four patients were enrolled, including 61 with at least stage IIB disease. The ORR was 29.7% overall; 29.5% in stage IIB or higher patients. Median TTR in stage IIB or higher patients was 56 days. Median DOR was not reached but estimated to be ≥ 185 days (34+ to 441+). Median TTP was 4.9 months overall, and ≥ 9.8 months for stage IIB or higher responders. Overall, 32% of patients had pruritus relief. The most common drug-related adverse experiences (AE) were diarrhea (49%), fatigue (46%), nausea (43%), and anorexia (26%); most were grade 2 or lower but those grade 3 or higher included fatigue (5%), pulmonary embolism (5%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and nausea (4%). Eleven patients required dose modification and nine discontinued due to AE.

Conclusion

Oral vorinostat was effective in treatment refractory MF/SS with an acceptable safety profile.
Impact of a Higher Radiation Dose on Local Control and Survival in Breast-Conserving Therapy of Early Breast Cancer: 10-Year Results of the Randomized Boost Versus No Boost EORTC 22881-10882 Trial
Authors: Bartelink Harry , Horiot Jean-Claude , Poortmans Philip M. , Struikmans Henk , Van den Bogaert Walter , Fourquet Alain , Jager Jos J. , Hoogenraad Willem J. , Oei S. Bing , Wárlám-Rodenhuis Carla C. , Pierart Marianne , Collette Laurence
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To investigate the long-term impact of a boost radiation dose of 16 Gy on local control, fibrosis, and overall survival for patients with stage I and II breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving therapy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 5,318 patients with microscopically complete excision followed by whole-breast irradiation of 50 Gy were randomly assigned to receive either a boost dose of 16 Gy (2,661 patients) or no boost dose (2,657 patients), with a median follow-up of 10.8 years.

Results

The median age was 55 years. Local recurrence was reported as the first treatment failure in 278 patients with no boost versus 165 patients with boost; at 10 years, the cumulative incidence of local recurrence was 10.2% versus 6.2% for the no boost and the boost group, respectively (P < .0001). The hazard ratio of local recurrence was 0.59 (0.46 to 0.76) in favor of the boost, with no statistically significant interaction per age group. The absolute risk reduction at 10 years per age group was the largest in patients ≤ 40 years of age: 23.9% to 13.5% (P = .0014). As a result, the number of salvage mastectomies has been reduced by 41%. Severe fibrosis was statistically significantly increased (P < .0001) in the boost group, with a 10-year rate of 4.4% versus 1.6% in the no boost group (P < .0001). Survival at 10 years was 82% in both arms.

Conclusion

After a median follow-up period of 10.8 years, a boost dose of 16 Gy led to improved local control in all age groups, but no difference in survival.
Trait emotional intelligence, psychological well‐being and peer‐rated social competence in adolescence
Authors: Mavroveli Stella , Petrides K. V. , Rieffe Carolien , Bakker Femke
Published: June 2007

The trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self‐efficacy) framework provides comprehensive coverage of emotion‐related self‐perceptions and dispositions. In this study, we investigated the relationship between trait EI and four distinct socioemotional criteria on a sample of Dutch adolescents (N= 282; 136 girls, 146 boys; mean age = 13.75 years). As hypothesized, trait EI was positively associated with adaptive coping styles and negatively associated with depressive thoughts and frequency of somatic complaints. It was also negatively associated with maladaptive coping styles, in boys only. Adolescents with high trait EI scores received more nominations from their classmates for being co‐operative and girls gave significantly more nominations to classmates with high trait EI scores for having leadership qualities. The discussion focusses on the operationalization of trait emotional self‐efficacy in adolescents.
Clutching at straws: Is it time to abandon the moral judgment deficit explanation for delinquency?
Authors: Emler Nicholas , Tarry Hammond
Published: June 2007

We respond to the commentary by Brusten, Stams, and Gibbs (2007) on the research by Tarry and Emler (2007), arguing for the appropriateness of key design decisions – studying delinquency as assessed by self‐report in a sample of 12‐ to 15‐year‐old males. We argue that ‘known‐group’ methods for assessing involvement in delinquency, the major alternatives to self‐report, produce divergent results with respect to moral judgment level because these methods are confounded with other influences on moral judgment level, in particular education.
Book Reviews
Authors: Wadman Ruth E.
Published: June 2007

Applied developmental psychology. Theory, practice, and research from Japan Edited by David W. Shwalb, Jun Nakazawa and Barbara J. Shwalb Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, 2005, pp. 353 ISBN 1‐59311‐262‐9
Application of the Six Sigma concept in clinical laboratories: a review
Authors: Gras Jeremie M. , Philippe Marianne
Published: June 2007

Six Sigma is a global management strategy introduced to the industrial world in the 1980s. This methodology has been widely implemented in companies such as Motorola, General Electric, Allied Signal and many others, with tremendous success in terms of customer satisfaction and global profitability. To achieve similar benefits in the healthcare field, Six Sigma is currently being deployed in several laboratories around the world. Despite this situation, few articles have been published in the peer-reviewed literature on this subject. The aim of this article is to clarify the different aspects of Six Sigma and their potential applications in clinical laboratories, as well as to systematically review articles and books discussing Six Sigma strategy implementation in the laboratory field.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:789–96.
Effects of analytic variations in creatinine measurements on the classification of renal disease using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
Authors: Klee George G. , Schryver Patricia G. , Saenger Amy K. , Larson Timothy S.
Published: June 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:737–41.
Errors in laboratory medicine and patient safety: the road ahead
Authors: Plebani Mario
Published: June 2007

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report,

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:700–7.
Process and risk analysis to reduce errors in clinical laboratories
Authors: Signori Chiara , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Sanna Alberto , Plebani Mario , Messeri Gianni , Ottomano Cosimo , Di Serio Francesca , Bonini Pierangelo
Published: June 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:742–8.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reduces Suicidal Ideation in Schizophrenia: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bateman Katy , Hansen Lars , Turkington Douglas , Kingdon David
Published: June 2007

Patients with schizophrenia are at high risk of suicide. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been shown to reduce symptoms in schizophrenia. This study examines whether CBT also changes the level of suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia compared to a control group. Ninety ambulatory patients with symptoms of schizophrenia resistant to conventional antipsychotic medication were randomized to CBT or befriending. They were assessed using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale, including a rating of suicidal ideation at baseline, post intervention, and after 9 months. Post‐hoc analysis revealed that CBT provided significant reductions in suicidal ideation at the end of therapy, and sustained at the follow‐up. Further research is required to substantiate these findings and determine the process and mechanisms through which this reduction is achieved.
Which Helper Behaviors and Intervention Styles are Related to Better Short‐Term Outcomes in Telephone Crisis Intervention? Results from a Silent Monitoring Study of Calls to the U.S. 1–800‐SUICIDE Network
Authors: Mishara Brian L. , Chagnon Fran¸ois , Daigle Marc , Balan Bogdan , Raymond Sylvaine , Marcoux Isabelle , Bardon Cécile , Campbell Julie K. , Berman Alan
Published: June 2007

A total of 2,611 calls to 14 helplines were monitored to observe helper behaviors and caller characteristics and changes during the calls. The relationship between intervention characteristics and call outcomes are reported for 1,431 crisis calls. Empathy and respect, as well as factor‐analytically derived scales of supportive approach and good contact and collaborative problem solving were significantly related to positive outcomes, but not active listening. We recommend recruitment of helpers with these characteristics, development of standardized training in those methods that are empirically shown to be effective, and the need for research relating short‐term outcomes to long‐term effects.
An Evaluation of Crisis Hotline Outcomes Part 2: Suicidal Callers
Authors: Gould Madelyn S. , Kalafat John , HarrisMunfakh Jimmie Lou , Kleinman Marjorie
Published: June 2007

In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of telephone crisis services/hotlines, examining proximal outcomes as measured by changes in callers' suicide state from the beginning to the end of their calls to eight centers in the U.S. and again within 3 weeks of their calls. Between March 2003 and July 2004, 1,085 suicide callers were assessed during their calls and 380 (35.0%) participated in the follow‐up assessment. Several key findings emerged. Seriously suicidal individuals reached out to telephone crisis services. Significant decreases in suicidality were found during the course of the telephone session, with continuing decreases in hopelessness and psychological pain in the following weeks. A caller's intent to die at the end of the call was the most potent predictor of subsequent suicidality. The need to heighten outreach strategies and improve referrals is highlighted.
Establishing Standards for the Assessment of Suicide Risk Among Callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Authors: Joiner Thomas , Kalafat John , Draper John , Stokes Heather , Knudson Marshall , Berman Alan L. , McKeon Richard
Published: June 2007

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched in January 2005. Lifeline, supported by a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, consists of a network of more than 120 crisis centers located in communities across the country that are committed to suicide prevention. Lifeline's Certification and Training Subcommittee conducted an extensive review of research and field practices that yielded the Lifeline's Suicide Risk Assessment Standards. The authors of the current paper provide the background on the need for these standards; describe the process that produced them; summarize the research and rationale supporting the standards; review how these standard assessment principles and their subcomponents can be weighted in relation to one another so as to effectively guide crisis hotline workers in their everyday assessments of callers to Lifeline; and discuss the implementation process that will be provided by Lifeline.
Motor Profile of Children With Developmental Speech and Language Disorders
Authors: Visscher Chris , Houwen Suzanne , Scherder Erik J.A. , Moolenaar Ben , Hartman Esther
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to investigate the motor profile of 125 children with developmental speech and language disorders and to test for differences, if any, in motor profile among subgroups of children with developmental speech and language disorders.

METHODS. The participants were 125 children with developmental speech and language disorders aged 6 to 9 years from 2 special schools for children with communication problems in the northern Netherlands. They were tested with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. The children were classified by the schools' speech and language therapists into 3 subgroups on the basis of language tests, oral motor tests, and clinical examinations: children with speech disorders (n = 14), language disorders (n = 46), or both (n = 65).

RESULTS. Compared with the norms of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, children with developmental speech and language disorders performed significantly less well. Results showed that 51% of the children with developmental speech and language disorders had borderline or definite motor problems. Children with language disorders had significantly lower scores (ie, better performance) on the ball-skills subtest and the total test than children with speech disorders and children with both speech and language disorders. Furthermore, children with language disorders had significantly better performance on the balance subtest than children with both speech and language disorders.

CONCLUSIONS. The findings of this study support the idea that developmental speech and language disorders are frequently associated with motor problems and that the kind of developmental speech and language disorders affects motor performance differently. Speech and language disorders seem to have more impact on motor performance than only language disorders, and it seems that when speech production is affected, motor problems are more pronounced. The findings support the need to give early and more attention to the motor skills of children with developmental speech and language disorders in the educational and home setting, with special attention to children whose speech is affected.
Prolonged Hypocortisolemia in Hydrocortisone Replacement Regimens in Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Maguire Ann M. , Ambler Geoffrey R. , Moore Bin , McLean Mark , Falleti Marina G. , Cowell Christopher T.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES. Studies of adults have shown that thrice-daily hydrocortisone dosing results in more physiologic cortisol profiles than twice-daily dosing. There are no data on thrice-daily dosing and only limited data on twice-daily dosing in children despite the possible adverse effects of glucocorticoid underreplacement or overreplacement.

METHODS. Using 24-hour cortisol and glucose profiles, along with computerized cognitive testing, our aim was to assess prescribed hydrocortisone regimens in children and adolescents with hypopituitarism.

RESULTS. Twenty patients with adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency participated. The hydrocortisone dosing regimen was thrice daily in 9 patients and twice daily in 11 patients (mean total daily dose: 8.3 ± 2.6 and 7.6 ± 2.1 mg/m2 per day, respectively). Those on twice-daily dosing had more waking hours (between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm) below the reference range than those on thrice-daily dosing (5.5 vs 2.1) and more daytime prolonged hypocortisolemia, defined as plasma cortisol level of <50 nmol/L for ≥4 hours (64% vs 0%). Morning doses >4 mg/m2 caused larger postdose peaks than <4 mg/m2 (151 vs 47 nmol/L, above the 97.5th percentile). However, there was no difference in the length of time taken to reach nadir below the 2.5th percentile (5.2 vs 4.8 hours). This was true for evening doses of >2.5 mg/m2 and < 2.5 mg/m2. No hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia was detected in association with low or high cortisol levels. On predose and postdose cognitive testing (34 paired tests), no significant change in reaction speed was detected (453.3 vs 438.8 milliseconds) or in subgroup analysis of those who had symptoms of lethargy, predose cortisol levels of <50 nmol/L, or prolonged hypocortisolemia.

CONCLUSIONS. Thrice-daily dosing resulted in less frequent and prolonged hypocortisolemia than twice-daily regimens, but we were unable to relate either regimen to acute clinical end points of glycemia, lethargy, or cognitive function.
A talaj mikrobiális biomassza meghatározása kloroform fumigációs módszerrel
Authors: Szili-Kovács Tibor , Tóth János Attila
Published: June 2007

A talaj mikrobiális
biomassza mennyiségének ismerete a növényi tápelemek transzformációja, és a
talajállapot minőségének jellemzése miatt fontos. Meghatározását leggyakrabban
kloroform fumigációs módszerrel végzik. A kloroformkezelés hatására bekövetkező
tömeges mikrobapusztulás arányos az összes biomassza mennyiségével, amely a
többlet CO
2
-képződés, vagy a talajból kivonható megnövekedett
szerves anyag alapján mérhető. Tárgyaljuk az inkubációs és extrakciós
módszereket, összehasonlítva más eljárásokkal. A méréseket befolyásoló
tényezőket és a különböző sterilizálási eljárásokat is összehasonlítjuk.
Hét vulkáni kőzeten kialakult talajszelvény morfológiai és diagnosztikai jellemzői a hazai genetikai talajosztályozás és a WRB (World Reference Base for Soil Resources, 1998) szerint
Authors: Fehér Olga , Füleky György , Madarász Balázs , Kertész Ádám
Published: June 2007

Az európai vulkáni rendszerek talajerőforrásait
feltérképező COST 622 projekt keretében vizsgáltuk a belső-kárpáti vulkáni
vonulat hazánk területére eső, vulkáni kőzeteken képződött talajait. A vulkáni
kőzetet létrehozó vulkánosság jellege alapján (mészalkáli: savanyú és
intermedier, illetve alkálibazalt vulkánosság) hét mintaterületet jelöltünk ki.
A vizsgált talajok genetikai szintjein részletes makro- és mikromorfológiai,
kémiai és fizikai vizsgálatokat végeztünk. Vizsgálataink célja a diagnosztikai
bélyegek (WRB, 1998) és a részletes morfológiai megfigyelések összehasonlítása
volt. Diagnosztikai tulajdonságok alapján a legváltozatosabb talajnak a fekete
nyirok bizonyult, mely a mintaterületek talajnedvesség-forgalmi és
mikro-klimatikus különbségei alapján Phaeozem-ként (Badacsony, Tihany),
Cambisol-ként (Andornaktálya) és Luvisol-ként (Tolcsva) került besorolásra.
Valamennyi vizsgált mintaterületen morfológiai és kémiai tulajdonságok alapján
aktív és inaktív folyamatokra utaló bélyegeket diagnosztizáltunk. A múltban
végbement folyamatokra utalnak a geliszolflukciós transzport bélyegei és az
igen erős fagyhatásra képződött pszeudohomok-szemcsék. Aktív folyamatoknak
tekinthető: a humuszosodás, intenzív mállás és agyagosodás, kilúgzás és az
agyagvándorlás. Galyatető esetében a periglaciális fagyaprózódásból keletkezett
finom por intenzív kémiai mállását, amorfkolloid képződését sikerült
detektálni.
Kálium-migráció vizsgálata káliföldpáttal kezelt gyökérközegben
Authors: Pártay Géza , Rajkainé Végh Krisztina , Lukács András
Published: June 2007

A talajból és természetes ásványból feltáródó kálium
forgalmát - elsősorban az ásványi összetételre gyakorolt hatásait -
tanulmányoztuk gyökérközegben, valamint gyökérhatás nélkül, azonos feltételek
között kezelt talajban. Megvizsgáltuk a bányatermék ortoklászőrlemény hatását a
talajra, a kukorica gyökérsűrűségére és K-felvételére, valamint az
agyagásványokra. Nagyadagú földpátkezelés hatására a kukorica gyökérsűrűsége
jelentősen csökkent, míg K-felvétele nőtt. A montmorillonit társulásainak
viszonyát tanulmányozva azt tapasztaltuk, hogy a kísérleti talajban
leggyakoribb közberétegződés a montmorillonit-illit formáció. A társulásokban
több a rendezetlen, mint a rendezett illit szerkezet. A rendezetlenség
növekedésének oka lehet a mesterségesen előállított magas káliumszint. Ha az
egyéb feltételek adottak, a K-felesleg részvételével létrejöhetnek olyan ad hoc
szerkezetek, melyeknek szabad töltésfeleslege lehetővé teszi részvételüket
közberétegződés kialakulásában. Az plagioklász (A+A) és ortoklász (O)
mennyiségi viszonyának az ortoklász irányába történő elmozdulásának okát is
ebben látjuk. Mennyiségileg a következő társulás a montmorillonit-csillám és a
montmorillonit-klorit rétegződés. A leírtakon kívül a mintában még
meghatároztunk vas- és nátrium-montmorillonitot is. A kukorica
gyökérkörnyezetéből származó mintában a 25%-os ortoklász-terhelésnél a
röntgenamorf rész mennyisége jelentősen növekedett. Ezt a jelenséget
gyökérhatásnak tulajdonítjuk. A pásztázó
elektronmikroszkóp (PEM) és transzmissziós elektronmikroszkópos (TEM)
vizsgálatokkal, különböző technikák alkalmazásával, az archívumunkból
kiválasztott néhány példán bemutattuk azokat a topográfiai és fizikai
változásokat, mállás és újraképződés egy pillanatát, melyek a különböző
ásvány-alakulatokat létrehozzák.
Ethical and legal problems of informed consent
Authors: Zubek László , Tőkey Balázs , Szabó Léna , Élő Gábor
Published: June 2007

A korábbi paternalista orvos–beteg viszony a XX. században jelentősen megváltozott, és átadta a helyét egy mellérendelt, jogi elemekkel jelentősen átszőtt kapcsolatnak. Ennek a folyamatnak szükségszerű velejárója volt a beteg orvosi döntésekbe történő bevonása, melynek előfeltétele a tájékozott beleegyezés. A tájékoztatás és beleegyezés hiánya ezért a „műhibák” mellett fokozatosan az orvosi felelősség másik fontos elemévé vált. Bár hazánk széleskörűen biztosítja a betegek tájékozott beleegyezéséhez szükséges jogszabályi feltételeket, azok gyakorlati alkalmazása jelentős kívánnivalót hagy maga után; ennek egyik bizonyítéka, hogy a jelenlegi kártérítési perek jelentős része a hibás tájékozott beleegyezésen alapul.Célkitűzés:A kutatás célja az aneszteziológiai írásos beleegyező nyilatkozatok tanulmányozásán keresztül a tájékozott beleegyezés első hazai felmérése volt.Módszer:36 budapesti kórház és klinika aneszteziológiai beleegyező nyilatkozatainak részletes formai és tartalmi elemzése történt. A formai elemek között első helyen szerepelt a külön beleegyező nyilatkozat meglétének vizsgálata, valamint az írásbeliség és az aláírások megléte. A tartalmi elemzésben a tájékozott beleegyezés hagyományos elemeinek vizsgálata történt (az információközlés terjedelme, kockázatok, szövődmények, eljárás kiterjesztése, transzfúzió engedélyezése, tájékoztatásról történő lemondás lehetősége).Eredmények:Mindössze a kórházak 61%-ában (22) létezett külön aneszteziológiai beleegyező nyilatkozat. A többi kórházban a műtéti és az aneszteziológiai beleegyezés valamilyen formában együttesen szerepelt. A nyilatkozatokat minden esetben aláírja a beteg, és két esettől eltekintve (5%) az orvos is. Az egészségügyi beavatkozást és annak alternatíváit mindössze a nyomtatványok 39%-a ismerteti (14), ezek előnyeire, illetve hátrányaira pedig csak 25%-ban (9) térnek ki. Konkrét kockázatokat a nyilatkozatok 28%-a (10) említ meg, ezek valószínűségére azonban csak 19% (7) utal. A beavatkozás kiterjesztésének esetleges szükségességére 24 (67%) nyilatkozatban tesznek utalást. A szükség esetén alkalmazott vértranszfúzió engedélyezéséről 25 intézményben (69%) kell a betegeknek nyilatkozni. Két-két kórházban hívják fel a figyelmet az engedély visszavonhatóságára, illetve a tájékoztatásról való lemondás lehetőségére.Következtetés:Bár minden intézményben létezik a törvényi szabályoknak megfelelő írásos beleegyezés, azok formai és tartalmi szempontból jelentősen elmaradnak a kívánatostól. Különösen szembetűnő, hogy a kockázatokat a nyilatkozatok alig több mint egynegyede nevesíti, így azok ismertetése teljes egészében a szóbeli ismertetésre marad, ami a későbbiekben számos vita forrásává válhat. Ajánlott lenne, hogy a szakmai kollégiumok minden invazív beavatkozáshoz megfelelő tájékoztatási és beleegyezési nyilatkozatmintát dolgozzanak ki, melyeket a kórházak egyéni feladataikra szabva alkalmazhatnának egészségügyi tevékenységük során.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in amniotic fluid using quantitative real-time PCR method
Authors: Nagy Bálint , Lázár Levente , Nagy Gyula Richárd , Bán Zoltán , Papp Zoltán
Published: June 2007

Bevezetés:
A
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)
által okozott fertőzés általában tünetmentes, vagy csak enyhe panaszokat okoz. A terhesekre azonban veszélyt jelent a parazita. A
T. gondiiv
al fertőzött anyáról a kórokozó transplacentalisan a magzatot is megfertőzheti és congenitalis toxoplasmosist okozhat, amely súlyos magzati elváltozásokat idézhet elő. A korai diagnózis a kezelés sikerét növeli. A congenitalis toxoplasmosis kimutatható szerológiai és molekuláris biológiai módszerekkel.
Cél:
A
T. gondii
kimutatása a kvantitatív valós idejű PCR-módszerrel magzatvízből.
Módszerek:
A magzatvízből a DNS-t szilika adszorbciós módszerrel izoláltuk. A
T. gondii
kimutatása 74 mintából történt meg kvantitatív valós idejű PCR-módszerrel.
Eredmények:
A szerzők 74 magzatvízmintából hat esetben mutatták ki a parazita jelenlétét.
Konklúzió:
A kvantitatív valós idejű PCR-módszer megnöveli a kimutatás gyorsaságát és érzékenységét, valamint lehetőséget nyújt a kórokozó mennyiségi meghatározására is. Ez új utat nyithat a prognózis megállapítására, valamint a kezelés eredményességének a monitorizálására.
Endoscopy in pregnancy
Authors: Zágoni Tamás , Juhász Eszter Daniella , Sipos Ferenc , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: June 2007

Az endoszkópos vizsgálat indikációjának elbírálása és a vizsgálat elvégzése terhességben különösen nehéz feladat, amely tapasztalt vizsgálót kíván.Bár egyrészt helyes a vizsgálatot halasztani a harmadik trimeszter vagy akár a szülés utáni időszakra, mégis bizonyos klinikai helyzetekben (pl.: akut felső tápcsatornai vérzés vagy biliaris pancreatitis esetén) az endoszkópos beavatkozást ugyanúgy azonnal el kell végezni, mint azokban az esetekben, ahol nem várandós betegről van szó.A szakirodalomban viszonylag kevés a fellelhető adat, amire támaszkodhatunk, s ezek az adatok is mind retrospektívek. A helyes döntést az is nehezíti, hogy egy-egy gasztroenterológus valószínűleg legfeljebb évente egy alkalommal kerül hasonló döntési helyzetbe Magyarországon.Nem választhatjuk a védekező álláspontot ezekben az esetekben, fontos, hogy mindig a magzat és az anya érdekeinek figyelembevételével is döntsünk.
Geographical and Political Predictors of Emotion in the Sounds of Favorite Baby Names
Authors: Whissell Cynthia
Published: June 2007

The top 5 favorite boys' and girls' names from each state of the USA in 2000 and 2003 were analyzed in terms of the emotional associations of their component sounds and sound pronounceability. These were significantly and variously correlated with a historical factor (year), geographic factors (compass directions), and a political factor (percentage of the popular vote cast for President Bush in 2004). The expected stereotypical sex differences were observed: girls' names were longer, more pleasant, less active, and easier to pronounce ( p < .01). It was possible to predict emotional associations and pronounceability ( R2 = .27-.48, p < .01) on the basis of historical, geographical, and political variables.
Comprehensive Analysis of Golf Performance on the Pga Tour: 1990–2004
Authors: Wiseman Frederick , Chatterjee Sangit
Published: June 2007

Researchers have investigated the relationship between different shot-making measures and performance on the PGA Tour. Prior studies have typically focused on a short period of time or used a restricted sample so long-term trends were not discernible. To remedy this situation, the present study looked at the longitudinal performance of professional golfers from 1990–2004. The findings indicated a remarkable stability in terms of the relative importance of Greens In Regulation and Putting Average in explaining the variability in Scoring Average. The findings also indicated a declining importance of driving in recent years due, in part, to a strengthening of the negative relationship between Driving Distance and Driving Accuracy.
Sex Differences in the Poggendorff Illusion: Identifying the Locus of the Effect
Authors: Ling Jonathan , Hamilton Colin , Heffernan Thomas M.
Published: June 2007

Extensive research has identified individual differences associated with sex in a range of visual task performances, including susceptibility to visual illusions. The aim of this study was to identify the locus of sex differences within the context of the Poggendorf illusion. 79 women and 79 men participated within a mixed factorial design. Analyses indicated that sex differences were only present in the stimulus context with the full inducing element present. This finding replicates recent research and provides qualifying evidence as to the locus of the effect. The findings are discussed within the functional framework of perceptual processes involved in extrapolating 3-dimensional characteristics from 2-dimensional visual stimuli
Dream Recall and the Full Moon
Authors: Schredl Michael , Fulda Stephany , Reinhard Iris
Published: June 2007

There is ongoing debate on whether the full moon is associated with sleep and dreaming. The analysis of diaries kept by the participants ( N = 196) over 28 to 111 nights showed no association of a full moon and dream recall. Psychological factors might explain why some persons associate a full moon with increased dream recall.
Collegiate Year of Eligibility, Sex, and Sports Achievement Motivation
Authors: Heitman Robert J. , Vicory James R. , Kovaleski John E. , Pugh Steven F. , Norell Phillip M.
Published: June 2007

The relations among year of eligibility, sex, and achievement motivation were investigated with 88 athletes representing three levels of collegiate eligibility (Year 1, Year 2/3, and Year 4) by sex. Participants were given Achievement Motivation subscales for Sporting Environments (approach-success practice, approach-success competition, failure-avoidance practice, failure-avoidance competition). A 3×2 analysis of variance showed significant main effects for year of eligibility and sex, and an interaction for age × sex for the failure-avoidance competition scores. Mean approach-success and failure-avoidance practice scores were not significantly different. Fear of failure may be less for male athletes in Year 4 of eligibility.
Wais–III Task Perception and Performance as a Function of Stopwatch Display
Authors: Knight Tracy A.
Published: June 2007

Examiner's instructions for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition indicate that stopwatch display is optional. Since verbal instructions do not consistently inform examinees whether a subtest is timed, examinees may rely upon the visual cue of the stopwatch. Furthermore, examinees' understanding of the actual subtest demands may affect their performances. In the present study, 58 volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups, one in which the examiner displayed the stopwatch and one in which the stopwatch was concealed. Participants were administered the first five subtests. Predictions were that (1) participants to whom the stopwatch was displayed would more accurately perceive whether the subtests were timed, and (2) participants who accurately understood the demands of subtests would score higher than those who did not. Results supported the first hypothesis for three subtests out of five, one remaining inconclusive due to a ceiling effect. The second hypothesis was not supported. Both the implications and limitations of the present study are discussed.
Lack of Impairment in Patients with Parkinson's Disease on an Object-Based Negative Priming Task
Authors: Possin Katherine L. , Cagigas Xavier E. , Strayer David L. , Filoteo J. Vincent
Published: June 2007

12 nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease ( M age = 67.3) and 12 normal control participants were administered an object-based attention task that enabled examination of both negative and positive priming. Unlike previous studies in which spatial-based attention tasks were used, results of the present study indicated that the patients displayed negative and positive priming not different from those shown by controls. These results suggest that certain object-based attentional processes may not be impaired in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Laboratory Strength Measures of Talented and Less Talented Greek Children Ages 9 to 10 Years
Authors: Papadopoulos Christos , Kalapotharakos Vasilios I. , Gantiraga Evaggelia , Noussios George , Gissis Ioannis
Published: June 2007

The purpose was twofold: (1) to assess whether laboratory tests can distinguish talented groups and less talented groups of children identified by their total scores in a battery of field tests and (2) to evaluate whether scores in field and laboratory tests are correlated. 36 children (ages 9 to 10 years) were divided into groups of higher and lower total scores on standing long jump, medicine ball throw, and sprint. Both groups were tested for maximum isometric force, force produced at the initial 100 msec, reactive force index, drop jump height, squat jump height, and maximum pedaling rate. Analysis showed the talented group had significantly ( p ≤ .05) higher scores on maximum isometric force, force produced in the initial 100 msec., and drop jump height than less talented children. Moderate to high correlations were found among scores for field performance tests with maximum pedaling rate. In conclusion, the laboratory tests distinguished the talented and less talented children in maximal isometric force, the force produced at the initial 100 msec, the reactive force index, and the drop jump height.