bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedagogical conditions for correcting the consequences of child abuse
Authors: Chik Sergey
Published: April 2023

The subject of the study is the pedagogical conditions for the correction of communication disorders in children who have been subjected to abuse in the family. The study was based on the assumption that anxiety and hostility are dominant in the minds of such children. Timely work with the emotional sphere of the child, correction of the sphere of communication can correct negative influences. The author examines in detail the implementation of pedagogical conditions: conducting special classes with children in order to overcome anxiety in the process of communication; involving children in leisure activities aimed at reducing hostility towards adults; participation of children in field events aimed at developing positive emotions. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the pedagogical conditions for correcting communication disorders have been experimentally tested. The author comes to the following conclusions: 1. Conducting special classes with children in order to overcome anxiety in the process of communication helps to express their feelings, activate communication between a child and an adult, form various means of communication, develop dialogic speech. 2. Involving children in leisure activities aimed at reducing hostility towards adults; allows an adult to manifest himself as an assistant and defender, with whom you can communicate without fear, jointly achieving your goals. 3. Participation of children in field events aimed at the development of positive emotions allows to increase the social context of communication of the child, to expand the circle of adults with whom the pupil would interact.
Social and Humanitarian Support for the Professional Development of an Employee of the Internal Affairs Bodies
Authors: Bobkov Aleksandr Ivanovich , Nezhkina Larisa Yur'evna , Gal'tsev Sergei Aleksandrovich
Published: April 2023

The object of research in the article is the process of professional development of an employee of the internal affairs bodies in the system of higher professional education. The subject of the study is the social and humanitarian support of the process of professional development of an employee of the internal affairs bodies. Social and humanitarian support is understood as the process of creating psychological and pedagogical conditions for optimizing the interaction of psychological and pedagogical support for self-actualization of the student's personality as a necessary condition for an in-depth understanding of modern problems of social and humanitarian knowledge and the existential orientation of the teacher's personality. The axiological component of this interaction is the creation of specific situations in the educational activities of the future employee of the internal affairs bodies, which requires him to psychologically move away from the state of learned helplessness, imitation of the understanding of the lack of subjectivity. The novelty of the research lies in the combination of problem-based learning and the student's psychological preparedness for action in extreme situations. This combination is achieved by combining modern psychological knowledge and practices with the social construction of the reality of the educational environment. The interaction of educational psychologists, professional psychologists, consultants and teachers of social and humanitarian disciplines is based on a departure from the existing reality that deforms the personality of the educational environment of higher education institutions of the power profile. The main method here is a philosophical dialogue between the student, the teacher-psychologist and the teacher of social and humanitarian disciplines. The main goal of this dialogue is the creation of groups-meetings aimed at creating a facilitative (helping) environment for self-actualization of the student's self, as a necessary psychological and pedagogical component of his professional maturity.
Poetics and Axiology of S. D. Dovlatov as a Publicist (Based on the Material of Portrait Essays of the Tallinn Period of Creativity)
Authors: Ermolaeva Elizaveta Alekseevna
Published: April 2023

The popularity of Sergey Dovlatov's fiction is unconditional, but his journalistic legacy is a little–studied area. During the study of Sergey Dovlatov's publications published in 1972-1975 in "Soviet Estonia", we came to the conclusion that these texts should be considered not only from the point of view of their thematic and stylistic originality, but also from the perspective of the author's axiology. The article examines an important aspect of Sergey Dovlatov's work – the author's focus is not so much on the formation of new value categories, as on the actualization of existing ones, which presuppose the reader's return to the established generally accepted "norm". The object of the study is the portrait essays of the writer Sergei Dovlatov, published in the newspaper "Soviet Estonia" in the period from 1972 to 1975. The subject of the study is the poetic and axiological features of portrait essays of the Tallinn period. The article pays special attention to the headings "Man and profession" and "Your profession", within which Dovlatov's essays are often published. The content of these essays does not go beyond the ordinary materials of the party periodicals, but a detailed study of the texts allows us to identify some features inherent in all portrait essays of the author. The main conclusions of the article are to define a set of axiological dominants that can be traced in the texts of Sergey Dovlatov, a publicist. In his publications, the writer defines a number of universal values, which include the significance of human life, the possibility of presenting different points of view, empathy and complicity, as well as the harmonious existence of the ordinary and sublime.
Pastoral Traditions in the Sonata for Flute and Piano "Pan's Flute" by J. Mouquet
Authors: Pesnia Liudmila
Published: April 2023

The subject of the study is the Sonata for flute and piano "Pan's Flute" by J. Mouquet. The purpose of the study is to consider the traditional pastoral techniques that the composer uses in his composition. When writing the article, both general research methods (analytical, deductive, inductive, etc.) and musicological (holistic, intonation, harmonic, genre, structural and compositional) were used. Methodologically important in writing the article were the works of A. G. Korobova. Based on the works of the scientist in the Sonata of J. Muke analyzed the pastoral topic of the composition, and also determined its pastoral model. The culturological approach was carried out on the basis of the research of V. V. Azarova, O. A. Gagarina, V. A. Zakharova. With the help of him, certain French traditions were derived in the article, which influenced the work of J. Flour. In the scientific article, for the first time, an attempt is made to analyze one of the most famous compositions of J. Mouquet – the Sonata "Pan's Flute". In this work, two aspects are considered in detail – verbal and actually musical. In both aspects, there are connections with the French pastoral musical and theatrical tradition, as well as a commonality in the symbolic interpretation of neoanticism and neobucolics with the works of C. Debussy. During the analysis, it was found that J. Muke applied an anti-politicized pastoral model. Pastoral topics are found at different levels of composition – intonation, tonal-harmonic, textural, timbre, formative, dramatic. This article can be used in the field of art criticism for further study of the work of J. Mouquet, French music of the turn of the XIX – XX centuries and in the study of pastoral musical works. Analysis of the Sonata by J. Muke will also be useful in performing practice for a better understanding of the composer's idea and the dramaturgy of the composition.
Metaphysics Analysis of Chinese Traditional Physical Practice: the Case Study of Qi
Authors: Zhou Zhenhua , Tszivei Van , Nikitin Sergei Aleksandrovich , Ali Radar Khamid Ali
Published: April 2023

In recent years there has been a boom in the study of the Yi Jing (the Book of Changes) and ancient Chinese forms of physical exercise in European countries such as Germany, Belgium and France, with research themes focusing on psychotherapeutic and medical clinical experimental studies, such as a study conducted at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Tübingen in Germany that emphasised that moderate general physiological activation, exercise-dependent regulation of the heart rhythm ANS can induce a typical state of calm to regulate Qi. There are few theoretical studies on the metaphysical aspects of the existence of such healthful and beneficial underlying psychophysiological mechanisms of mind-body exercise Florens（2021）, so this paper chooses to use the practice of Qi as a case study, where Qi practice refers to the classical and systematic use in Chinese martial arts’ internal styles and systems such as Taijiquan (Taichi), Qigong and shaolinquan(Shaolin Boxing). A primarily documentary research approach is adopted, this paper using classical theories from the Yi Jing to analyse a metaphysical analysis of the physical exercises associated with Qi. The conclusions of the study show that: Firstly, Chinese traditional methods and practical experience can be drawn upon. Secondly, the classical theory of the Yi Jing, which uses Qi as the core of practice, enriches the ontology of human life perception in the field of philosophy. Thirdly, the ultimate pursuit of life through the practice of Qi is a concrete manifestation of the metaphysical holistic view of life in traditional Chinese physical exercises.
Generating active T1 transitions through mechanochemical feedback
Authors: Sknepnek Rastko , Djafer-Cherif Ilyas , Chuai Manli , Weijer Cornelis , Henkes Silke
Published: April 2023

Convergence–extension in embryos is controlled by chemical and mechanical signalling. A key cellular process is the exchange of neighbours via T1 transitions. We propose and analyse a model with positive feedback between recruitment of myosin motors and mechanical tension in cell junctions. The model produces active T1 events, which act to elongate the tissue perpendicular to the main direction of tissue stress. Using an idealised tissue patch comprising several active cells embedded in a matrix of passive hexagonal cells, we identified an optimal range of mechanical stresses to trigger an active T1 event. We show that directed stresses also generate tension chains in a realistic patch made entirely of active cells of random shapes and leads to convergence–extension over a range of parameters. Our findings show that active intercalations can generate stress that activates T1 events in neighbouring cells, resulting in tension-dependent tissue reorganisation, in qualitative agreement with experiments on gastrulation in chick embryos.
Zinc activation of OTOP proton channels identifies structural elements of the gating apparatus
Authors: Teng Bochuan , Kaplan Joshua P , Liang Ziyu , Chyung Kevin Saejin , Goldschen-Ohm Marcel P , Liman Emily R
Published: April 2023

Otopetrin proteins (OTOPs) form proton-selective ion channels that are expressed in diverse cell types where they mediate detection of acids or regulation of pH. In vertebrates there are three family members: OTOP1 is required for formation of otoconia in the vestibular system and it forms the receptor for sour taste, while the functions of OTOP2 and OTOP3 are not yet known. Importantly, the gating mechanisms of any of the OTOP channels are not well understood. Here, we show that zinc (Zn2+), as well as other transition metals including copper (Cu2+), potently activates murine OTOP3 (mOTOP3). Zn2+ pre-exposure increases the magnitude of mOTOP3 currents to a subsequent acid stimulus by as much as 10-fold. In contrast, mOTOP2 currents are insensitive to activation by Zn2+. Swapping the extracellular tm 11–12 linker between mOTOP3 and mOTOP2 was sufficient to eliminate Zn2+ activation of mOTOP3 and confer Zn2+ activation on mOTOP2. Mutation to alanine of H531 and E535 within the tm 11–12 linker and H234 and E238 within the 5–6 linker reduced or eliminated activation of mOTOP3 by Zn2+, indicating that these residues likely contribute to the Zn2+ activating site. Kinetic modeling of the data is consistent with Zn2+ stabilizing the opn2+en state of the channel, competing with H+ for activation of the channels. These results establish the tm 11–12 and tm 5–6 linkers as part of the gating apparatus of OTOP channels and a target for drug discovery. Zn2+ is an essential micronutrient and its activation of OTOP channels will undoubtedly have important physiological sequelae.
Consumo e produção responsáveis na agenda 2030 e o urgente compromisso em adequá-los às contratações públicas
Authors: Cardoso Silvia Karina Alves Barros , Pederneiras Maria Marcleide Macêdo
Published: April 2023

A Agenda 2030 é um conjunto de 17 objetivos que todos os países do mundo devem implementar, e se assenta sobre três pilares: econômico, social e ambiental. Nas contratações públicas aplica-se mais diretamente o Objetivo Sustentável do Desenvolvimento de Nº 12, que busca assegurar padrões sustentáveis de consumo e de produção. Neste sentido, a Administração Pública deve implementar em seus processos de contratações métodos eficazes que permitam chegar aos resultados condizentes com as expectativas de uma melhor qualidade das políticas públicas. Assim, tais medidas ocorrem por meio de contratações sustentáveis que atrelem uma boa relação qualidade e preço, além de compras que gerem benefícios não somente para a organização, mas também, para o meio ambiente, sociedade e economia. A partir das análises elencadas neste estudo, foi possível constatar que a participação dos gestores públicos é fator primordial no fomento de um novo agir da sociedade, na promoção de uma economia circular e na formulação de ações voltadas para a sustentabilidade de longo prazo.
Anticancer Activity of the AmideImidazole Compound on Cancer Cell Lines: An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Kumar Pramit , Kumar Amresh , Singh Sude Kumar , Sharma Preeti
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world is cancer. Promising anti-cancer compounds include small heterocyclic chemicals. In many malignancies, cancer cells' resistance to therapy leads the recurrence and mortality after treatment. Drug resistance that develops during therapy encourages researchers to create compounds that are more useful and less harmful. Derivatives of amido-imidazole conjugates induce apoptosis in breast cancer cell line. Aim: To investigate the effect of anti-cancer activity of amideimidazole on various signaling and apoptotic protein in cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was designed in the Department of Biochemistry, Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and AIIMS Patna from February 2021 to January 2022. The normal as well as cancer cell lines were cultured and grown in the medium, and the antiproliferative activity of compounds was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while various signaling proteins that regulate the proliferation and migration of cancer cell were assessed using the western blotting method. Statistical analysis of antiproliferative activity was estimated using graphical methods. Results: The results showed that the amide-imidazole compound had variable anti-proliferative potency in a variety of cancer cell lines. When HT-29, MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines were treated with the amide-imidazole compound at different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 µM). Cell proliferation was inhibited, which is measured by MTT {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} assays. The growth in different cancer cells is HT-29 (94.16, 85.19, 77.54, and 77.86), Malondialdehyde (MDA)-MB 231 (100, 91.10, 86.82, and 79.96), and MCF-7 (74.01, 65.26, 60.42, and 36.99) at different concentrations, respectively. The western blot results of the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cell line showed a decrease in the concentration of various signaling pathways such as AKT, Extracellular signalregulated Kinase (ERK), and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT 3) and an increase in the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) and Caspase-8, while also decreasing the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell Leukemia (BCL)-2. Conclusion: In present study, amide-imidazole derivatives triggered the apoptosis and lowered the anti apoptotic cell protein in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). Hence, breast cancer, can be treated with amide-imidazole derivatives.
Influence of Different Levels of NAA and 2, 4, 5-T on Fruit Drop, Fruiting, Fruit Retention, Growth and Yield of Indian Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.)
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Dwivedi A. K. , Tripathi V. K. , Shukla Akash
Published: April 2023

The experiment was carried out at Horticulture Garden, Department of Fruit Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during the November 2020- March 2021 and November 2021- March 2022. Sixteen treatments viz. four levels of NAA (0, 20, 30 and 40 ppm) and 2,4,5-T (0, 10, 20 and 30ppm) were studies in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Spraying was done on eleventh November, 2020 in first year and fifteenth November, 2021 in second year at fruit setting stage (Pea Stage) with fine nozzle sprayer in each treatment to give uniform spray on all over the treatment of ber plant. Application of (NAA@40 ppm and 2,4,5-T@30 ppm) significantly maximized initial fruit set (162.00 and 163.66), maximum fruit retention (20.39 and 20.43 percent) and maximum initial fruit set percentage (79.60 and 79.56 per cent). The length and width of fruit was significantly (5.35 and 4.99 cm) and (4.24 and 4.27 cm) respectively increased by application same concentration mention above. The maximum (36.62 and 36.82 g) fruit weight and physical properties of fruits like volume (36.57 and 36.42 cc) recorded under treatment (NAA@40ppm and 2,4,5-T@30ppm). The minimum stone length (0.88 and 0.87 cm), minimum stone diameter (0.88 and 0.87 cm), minimum stone weight (0.65 and 0.66 gm) and specific gravity (0.94 and 0.94 g cc-1) significantly found under (NAA@40 ppm and 2,4,5-T@30 ppm). The yield of ber was significantly increased (39.53 and 40.49) kg per plant, yield per hectare (121.30 and 121.33quintal) with treatment combination (NAA@40ppm and 2,4,5-T@30ppm) both the years of experiment.
Relationship of Adrenaline Administration to Increased Blood Sugar Levels in Male Rattus norvegicus Rats
Authors: Pangaribuan Achnes , Batubara Frisca Ronauli
Published: April 2023

Stress is a condition that causes a steady state in the body to be disrupted. When a stressor hits the body, the hypothalamus will send a signal to the adrenal gland to produce catecholamine. One of the catecholamines is adrenaline. Adrenaline will increase heart muscle contraction, dilatation of blood vessels, and increase glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, increasing blood glucose. This experimental research with research subjects is male Rattus norvegicus, 24 weeks, 250-300 gr, and healthy. The total sample is 24 rats divided into four groups, with two groups of controls not injected with adrenaline and two groups of treatment. Each treatment group will be differentiated between fasting groups (P1) and not fasting groups (P2) and injected with adrenaline 0,6 mg/kgBB via intraperitoneal. This research uses pre-test and post-test methods to measure blood glucose levels. The one-way ANOVA result shows a significant difference (p<0,05) between the pre-test and post-test of blood glucose level.
Tapentadol Nasal Spray is an Effective Way of Pain Management after Tooth Extraction: A Randomized Control Clinical Trial
Authors: Mazhari Md. Khizar Hussain , Chandra Jagadish , Sequeira Joyce P.
Published: April 2023

Background: Tapentadol nasal spray (Tapease NS) application is a novel method of pain management attributable to its action on higher centers for pain management in contrast to non-steroidal analgesics. The study aims to compare the efficacy of post-extraction pain control between Tapentadol nasal spray and oral administration of Diclofenac (50mg tablet).

Methodology: Fifteen subjects (30 sides) between the age group of 18-50 years with bilateral extraction of teeth were randomly selected for the study. Tapentadol nasal spray [22.5mg x 2=45mg] was administered on the right side every 8 hourly. The second extraction was done after 7 days on the left side and administered Diclofenac tablet at eight hourly intervals. Both groups received the therapy drugs for 3 days and the pain was assessed using the pain analog scale in both cases.

Results: The subjects administered with Tapentadol nasal spray did not experience any pain and controlled group receiving the Diclofenac tablet experienced pain and were administered with rescue analgesics.

Conclusion: Tapentadol nasal spray demonstrated a favorable outcome compared to the Diclofenac tablet in managing post-extraction pain. Hence, the proposed Tapentadol nasal spray is an optimal choice of analgesia recommended over other forms of oral analgesia post-extraction determined through thorough evaluations and approved questionnaires received from patients.
Main-Lobe Recognition for Sum-Delta Monopulse of Single-Ring Circular Array Antenna
Authors: Park Hyeongyu , Woo Daewoong , Kim Jaesik
Published: April 2023

The target must be located within the main-lobe of the antenna in order to measure the direction of the target by using sum-delta monopulse technique. The most common way if the target is located within the main-lobe is to compare the amplitude of the sum channel received signal with the delta channel received signal. However, in the case of the single-ring circular array antenna, it is difficult to apply the conventional method due to its structural limitation where antenna elements do not exist in the center of the array. In this paper, we proposed a novel method to identify whether a target is located within the main-lobe by appropriately adjusting the feeding amplitude of each element constituting the single-ring circular array antenna through the particle swarm optimization method. Simulation results showed that the proposed method can determine whether the target is located within the main-lobe of the single-ring circular array antenna.
Cyberattack Tracing System Operational Architecture
Authors: Ahn Jae-hong
Published: April 2023

APT cyber attacks have been a problem for over a past decade, but still remain a challenge today as attackers use more sophisticated techniques and the number of objects to be protected increases. ‘Cyberattack Tracing System’ allows analysts to find undetected attack codes that penetrated and hid in enterprises, and to investigate their lateral movement propagation activities. The enterprise is characterized by multiple networks and mass hosts (PCs/servers). This paper presents a data processing procedure that collects event data, generates a temporally and spatially extended provenance graph and cyberattack tracing paths. In each data process procedure phases, system design considerations are suggested. With reflecting the data processing procedure and the characteristics of enterprise environment, an operational architecture for CyberAttack Tracing System is presented. The operational architecture will be lead to the detailed design of the system.
Paternity on the younger men’s: experiences, changes and possibilities / Paternidade entre homens jovens: vivências, mudanças e possibilidades
Authors: De Assis Veiga Maria Beatriz , Ribeiro Maciel Mayara , Pezzini Souza da Silva Klayn Bianca , Regina Ribeiro Cláudia , Lemos Adriana
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: apresentar as percepções de homens jovens sobre a vivência da paternidade. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado através de entrevista com 12 jovens de idade entre 18 e 24 anos, captados pela técnica de bola de neve e saturação teórica. O tratamento dos dados deu-se pela análise de conteúdo. Resultados: os jovens pais encontravam-se em cenário socioeconômico desfavorecido. A paternidade foi  associada a isolamento e perdas, mas também à renovação e novas perspectivas. O provimento financeiro do filho foi um aspecto relacionado a exigências do modelo de masculinidade e paternidade vigentes, o que pode dificultar a vivência de outras formas de ser pai. Considerações finais: é necessária a implementação de políticas públicas que possibilitem aos rapazes gerenciarem sua vida reprodutiva de forma saudável e responsável, estabelecendo discussões quanto a gênero e masculinidade, para favorecer a vivência de uma paternidade menos calcada nas normas de masculinidade vigentes.
Glucose‐enriched medium enhances cell‐mediated low density lipoprotein peroxidation
Authors: Mazière C. , Auclair M. , Rose-Robert F. , Leflon P. , Mazière J.C.
Published: July 2002

A 1 week preculture of endothelial or smooth muscle cells in glucose‐enriched (11.2 to 44.8 mM) media resulted in a marked enhancement of the subsequent ability of cells to oxidize low density lipoprotein, as assessed by the lipid peroxidation end product and conjugated diene content of the particle, its relative electrophoretic mobility and its degradation by macrophages. This phenomenon is correlated to a marked stimulation of superoxide anion secretion by cells. Such an effect of elevated glucose concentration on cell‐induced LDL oxidative modification could be involved in the increased occurrence of atherosclerotic lesions in diabetes mellitus.
Effect of hypoosmolality on the abundance, poly(A) tail length and axonal targeting of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin mRNAs in rat hypothalamic magnocellular neurons
Authors: Svane Pernille C. , Thorn Niels A. , Richter Dietmar , Mohr Evita
Published: July 2002

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) mRNAs are targeted to the axonal compartment of rat hypothalamic magnocellular neurons. Salt‐loading results in a considerable rise in hypothalamic and axonal AVP mRNA but only a moderate increase for axonal OT mRNA. Here we report that hypoosmolality gives rise to a rapid decrease of axonal AVP encoding transcripts to undetectable levels after 2 weeks. The levels of OT mRNA in the axonal compartment did not change significantly. In the hypothalamus the mRNA for AVP also decreased. The size of the poly(A) tract of AVP encoding transcripts appeared to be strictly correlated with plasma osmolality. In contrast, the amount and size of OT encoding mRNAs were only moderately or not influenced by hypoosmolar stimuli.
The block of the expressed L‐type calcium channel is modulated by the β3 subunit
Authors: Lacinová L. , Ludwig A. , Bosse E. , Flockerzi V. , Hofmann F.
Published: July 2002

The α
1C subunit of the L‐type calcium channel was stable, expressed alone or in combination with the β
3 subunit in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The β
3 subunit enhanced significantly the inactivation of barium currents indicating that both subunits interacted with each other. The β
3 subunit decreased signinicantly the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of the calcium channel blockers (−)‐gallopamil and verapamil, but did not affect significantly the block caused by isradipine and mibefradil at the holding potentials of −80 mV and −40 mV. These results suggest that the β
3 subunit affects distinctly the interaction of the expressed α
1c subunit with different classes of organic calcium channel blockers.
Swyer syndrome: an unusual presentation
Authors: Morsy A.H. , Al‐Fadly A. , Mokhtar S. , El‐Aasar E.M. , Farag T.I.
Published: July 2002

We report a 27‐year‐old XY female who presented with abdominal pain due to hemoperitoneum from a ruptured abdominal mass. Gonadoblastoma overgrown by endodermal sinus tumor and dysgerminoma was detected. The risk of neoplasia in such cases is discussed.
Cultured rat skeletal muscle cells treated with cytochalasin exhibit normal dystrophin expression and intracellular free calcium control
Authors: Constantin Bruno , Imbert Nathalie , Besse Colette , Cognard Christian , Raymond Guy
Published: July 2002

Summary— Many studies performed to elucidate the molecular and cellular processes involved in muscular dystrophies have led to the working hypothesis of a key role for the cytoskeleton elements linking the extracellular matrix to myofibrils. It was recently suggested that cytochalasin B treatment of mouse soleus muscle promoted cell damage mediated by a cytosolic increase in free calcium concentration. Since intracellular calcium overload may be a primary event resulting from the alteration of cytoskeletal structure, this study was intended to evaluate whether or not the integrity of the F‐actin microfilament network is necessary for calcium homeostasis. The developmental establishment of the normal cytoarchitecture was altered by treatment of myoblasts with the actin‐disrupting agents cytochalasin B and D, and the effects were compared with those in myoblasts treated with colchicine. These drugs modified the morphogenesis in that they prevented the formation of elongated myotubes by myoblast fusion, but did not prevent the maturation of contractile myogenic cells. The subcellular organisation of actin filaments visualised by confocal fluorescence microscopy was modified by colchicine and cytochalasins, but appearance of contractile apparatus and mechanical activity were not precluded. Sarcolemmal addressing of dystrophin, the subsarcolemmal protein lacking in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was not prevented by cytochalasin. The evaluation of the basal activity of cytosolic calcium measured with indo‐1 suggested that the disruption of actin or microtubules did not prevent developing muscle cells to maintain a low basal calcium activity. We propose that the global integrity of the cytoskeleton network is not crucial for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis in muscle cells developing in vitro. These results are discussed with regard to current theories attempting to understand the functional consequences of an abnormal expression of the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex interacting with the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton.
Secondary structure of the 5′‐region of PGY1/MDR1 mRNA
Authors: Kostenko Elena V. , Beabealashvilly Robert Sh. , Vlassov Valentin V. , Zenkova Marina A.
Published: July 2002

In order to identify the optimal target sites for antisense oligonucleotides in the human multiple drug resistance mRNA, the secondary structure of the 5′‐terminal part of this mRNA (nucleotides 1–678) was investigated. By using results of probing with ribonucleases T1, ONE and V1 and results of computer simulations, a model of the 5′‐region of the PGY1/MDR1 mRNA was built. The molecule is formed by three major domains comprising several hairpins separated by single‐stranded fragments. The predicted single‐stranded regions of the PGY1/MDR1 mRNA efficiently bind complementary oligonucleotides.
Functional identification of the cDNA coding for a wheat endo‐1,4‐β‐D‐xylanase inhibitor1
Authors: Elliott Giles O. , Hughes Richard K. , Juge Nathalie , Kroon Paul A. , Williamson Gary
Published: July 2002

Using expressed sequence tag data, we obtained a full‐length cDNA encoding a wheat protein inhibitor of xylanases (XIP‐I). The 822 bp open reading frame encoded a protein of 274 amino acids with a molecular mass of 30.2 kDa, in excellent agreement with the native protein. Expression in Escherichia coli confirmed that the cDNA encoded a functional endo‐1,4‐β‐D‐xylanase inhibitor. Its deduced amino acid sequence exhibited highest similarity to sequences classified as class III chitinases, but the inhibitor did not exhibit chitinase activity. This is the first full‐length cDNA sequence that encodes a novel class of protein which inhibits the activity of endo‐1,4‐β‐D‐xylanases.
Atomic force microscopy and modeling of natural elastic fibrillin polymers
Authors: Hanssen Eric , Franc Suzanne , Garrone Robert
Published: July 2002

A central issue in the understanding of Marfan syndrome deals with the functional architecture of fibrillin‐containing microfibrils. Fibrillin‐rich microfibrils are long extracellular matrix fibrillar components exhibiting a 50 nm periodic beaded‐structure with a width of around 20–25 nm after rotary shadowing and a 10–12 nm diameter when observed in ultra‐thin sections. They are composed of fibrillin monomers more or less associated with many other components which are, for the most part, poorly characterized up to date. They are known to be elastic but few data have been accumulated to understand their properties. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allowed us to morphologically differentiate fibrillin‐rich microfibrils from other fibrillar components and to investigate the thin structure of these beaded filaments in their native state. They showed, in AFM, a periodic beaded structure ranging from 50 to 60 nm and a width of about 40 nm. The different sizes of fibrillin‐containing microfibrils previously observed after rotary shadowing and in ultra‐thin sections was resolved with our technique and is revealed to be 10 nm in diameter. Each beaded microfibril appears to be composed of heterogeneous beads connected by 2–3 arms. An orientation of the microfibrils has been shown, and allows us to propose a complementary model of microfibrillar monomer association.
Analysis of sputum taken from wheezy and asthmatic infants and children, with special reference to respiratory infections
Authors: Nagayama Yoko , Tsubaki Toshikazu , Toba Tsuyoshi , Nakayama Shigeru , Kiyofumi Ookusu
Published: July 2002

Children who are destined to develop asthma are considered to be susceptible to a variety of respiratory pathogens. To elucidate respiratory inflammation among these children, we measured the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase in sputum taken from three different groups of wheezy infants and young children: those with a first wheeze (n = 15); those with recurrent wheeze (n = 27); and those with recurrent wheeze with respiratory distress, namely asthma (n = 56). The numbers of eosinophils or metachromatic cells determined by microscopic analysis of sputum samples were also evaluated in combination with the ECP and tryptase levels. Although neither sputum ECP nor tryptase was a clear discriminative marker that differentiated the three different types of wheezy disease, ECP levels in sputum from the asthma group were significantly higher (2,269.2 ± 6,216.8 ng/g) than those in the recurrent wheezy group (440.3 ± 1,199.8 ng/g) or in the first‐wheeze group (209.0 ± 172.9 ng/g). A similar trend was observed with tryptase levels in sputum, but there were no significant differences among the three groups. Sputum taken from asthmatic children showed a marked accumulation of eosinophils. However, an accumulation of eosinophils in sputum (even in the presence of an elevated level of sputum ECP) was not identified in the asthmatic infants < 1 year of age. An accumlation of eosinophils in sputum was not evident until children became > 1 year old and thereafter the eosinophils rapidly increased in number until the children reached 5 years of age. It was noteworthy that sputa positive for pathogenic bacteria, taken from the 1‐ and 2‐year‐old asthmatic infants, had a tendency to show high levels of ECP but a reduced number of eosinophils. Along with the wheezy episodes induced by viral infection, primarily and occasionally in combination with secondary bacterial infection, eosinophil activation and infiltration may develop. These predestined immune reactions to various pathogens might be associated with triggering the onset of asthma.
The role of superoxide dismutase activity in response to cold acclimation in potato
Authors: Seppänen M. M. , Fagerstedt K.
Published: July 2002

Transcript accumulation and protein activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzymes were studied during cold acclimation in potato genotypes of varying degrees of freezing tolerance. In all genotypes studied, 2 days of cold acclimation led to increased SOD activity in concert with improved freezing tolerance. In freezing‐tolerant Solanum commersonii Dun. (SCMM), the increase was most probably due to enhanced CuZnSOD isoenzyme activity. Compared to freezing sensitive S. tuberosum (SPV11), only slightly higher SOD activity was detected in SCMM. In potato hybrids (S. commersonii×S. tuberosum SPV11) there was no correlation between SOD activity and freezing tolerance. Although freezing tolerance continued to improve up to 7 days during cold acclimation, elevated SOD levels were measured only in two potato hybrids. Thus, the genotype's freezing tolerance or cold acclimation capacity was not related to the level of SOD activity. Mitochondrial MnSOD transcript, accumulated in potato genotypes which were able to cold acclimate although elevated MnSOD isoenzyme activity, was not always detected. The MnSOD transcript accumulation was probably an indicator of mitochondrial activity during cold acclimation. These results suggest that although SOD activity may contribute to the freezing tolerance and acclimation capacity, traits other than SOD activity were more important for the expression of freezing tolerance in potato hybrids.
Isolation of pigment‐binding early light‐inducible proteins from pea
Authors: Adamska Iwona , Roobol‐Bóza Margrit , Lindahl Marika , Andersson Bertil
Published: July 2002

The early light‐inducible proteins (ELIPs) in chloroplasts possess a high sequence homology with the chlorophyll a/b‐binding proteins but differ from those proteins by their substoichiometric and transient appearance. In the present study ELIPs of pea were isolated by a two‐step purification strategy: perfusion chromatography in combination with preparative isoelectric focussing. Two heterogeneous populations of ELIPs were obtained after chromatographic separation of solubilized thylakoid membranes using a weak anion exchange column. One of these populations contained ELIPs in a free form providing the first isolation of these proteins. To prove whether the isolated and pure forms of ELIP bind pigments, spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis were performed. Absorption spectra and TLC revealed the presence of chlorophyll a and lutein. Measurements of steady‐state fluorescence emission spectra at 77 K exhibited a major peak at 674 nm typical for chlorophyll a bound to the protein matrix. The action spectrum of the fluorescence emission measured at 674 nm showed several peaks originating mainly from chlorophyll a. It is proposed that ELIPs are transient chlorophyll‐binding proteins not involved in light‐harvesting but functioning as scavengers for chlorophyll molecules during turnover of pigment‐binding proteins.
An evaluation of quality of life in patients with continent urinary diversions after cystectomy
Authors: Sullivan  , Chow  , KO  , Wright  , Mcloughlin
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To determine the long‐term results and assess the quality of life in patients with continent urinary diversions after cystectomy.

Patients and methods

 Eighty‐six consecutive patients who received a continent urinary diversion from 1988 to 1994 at the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Center were evaluated. The evaluation comprised a review of their hospital charts and clinic visits at 3 months and then yearly. Quality of life issues were assessed using a postal questionnaire pertaining to the patient’s urinary symptoms, activity level and overall well‐being while living with a continent urinary diversion. Two separate questionnaires were sent, addressing heterotopic or orthotopic diversions.

Results

 There was an acceptable rate of complications, with stone formation and urinary tract infection as the most common morbidities. Continence was rated as good in most patients, with no patient reportingcomplete incontinence. Undesirable urinary symptoms occurred less often than 20% of the time in most patients. Although there was a significant effect on sex life, the overall quality of life appeared to be very good, as 70% of the patients had no limitations to their activities.

Conclusions

 The techniques currently evolved for urinary diversion produce good long‐term results and quality of life. These diversions should be considered in a well selected patient population.
The effects of an HIV‐1 immunogen (Remune) on viral load, CD4 cell counts and HIV‐specific immunity in a double‐blind, randomized, adjuvant‐controlled subset study in HIV infected subjects regardless of concomitant antiviral drugs
Authors: Turner JL , Kostman JR , Aquino A , Wright D , Szabo S , Bidwell R , Goodgame J , Daigle A , Kelley E , Jensen F , Duffy C , Carlo D , Moss RB
Published: July 2002

Objective  We examined the activity of an HIV‐1 immunogen (Remune) on viral load, CD4 cells and HIV‐1 specific immunity.

Methods  Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained in a predefined random subset of subjects (n = 252) from a multicentre, double‐blind, adjuvant‐controlled phase III clinical endpoint study.

Results  The subjects treated with the HIV‐1 immunogen had a significantly greater decline in viral load at multiple time points (P < 0.05), a trend towards increased CD4+ T cell counts and significantly enhanced HIV‐1 specific immune responses as measured by HIV‐1 lymphocyte proliferation (P < 0.001) compared to the adjuvant control group. Furthermore, in the HIV‐1 immunogen treated group, enhanced HIV‐1 specific lymphocyte proliferative immune responses were associated with decreased HIV‐1 plasma RNA.

Conclusion  These results suggest that, in a predefined, random subset of subjects, a beneficial effect of the HIV‐1 immunogen was observed on viral load, CD4+ T cells, and HIV‐specific immunity. These differences were observed in a background of multiple drug therapies. Ongoing trials are evaluating the effect of the combination of this HIV‐1 specific, immune‐based therapy with potent antiviral drug therapy on virological outcomes.
The role of scleral contact lenses in modern hospital practice
Authors: Kempster A. Jayne
Published: July 2002

Examination of the contact lens records at Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital reveals that, despite the introduction of hydrogel and gas permeable contact lenses, there are still 4% of hospital patients who require fitting with scleral poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) contact lenses. This percentage has changed considerably since 1963 when 100% of patients were supplied with these lenses. However, the proportion has remained constant over the last ten years, although the actual number of contact lens patients has increased considerably. The same number of contact lenses were supplied in 1963 and 1993. The patient categories show an interesting distribution: the keratoconics and postcorneal grafts account for 62%, cosmetic shells for 13%, high myopes 10%, and despite the seat‐belt legislation there are still 8% traumatic aphakics. The miscellaneous group essentially represent lens handling problems often due to poor desterity because of arthritic hands.

These statistics would indicate that there is still a role for scleral lenses and they are likely to be needed in the future. It is, therefore, disheartening to realize that this is a skill that may be lost to the next generation of contact lens practitioners because scleral fitting is no longer a compulsory aspect of the undergraduate optometric courses.
Determination of the total attenuation coefficient for six contact lens materials using the Beer–Lambert law
Authors: Hull Christopher C. , Crofts Neil C.
Published: July 2002

The Beer–Lambert law has been used to determine the total attenuation coefficient, μt, of three hard and three soft contact lens materials. The three hard contact lens materials were PMMA, Polycon II and Boston IV whereas the 3 soft materials were chosen with differing water contents of 38, 55 and 70%, respectively. The total attenuation coefficients of all six materials were obtained from measurements of the axial transmission at 632.8 nm of a series of plano powered lenses varying in axial thickness from 0.5 to 3.5 mm. The value of the total attenuation coefficient depends on both scattering and absorption and hence PMMA and Boston IV, which both incorporated a handling tint, showed significantly higher values (P < 0.0001) of μt (0.562 ± 0.010 mm−1 and 0.820 ± 0.008 mm−1, respectively) than Polycon II (μt = 0.025 ± 0.005 mm−1). A comparison between Polycon II and the three hydrated soft contact lens materials showed a significant increase (P < 0.02) in the total attenuation coefficients for the 38% and 55% water content materials, and a weakly significant increase for the 70% water content soft lens material (P < 0.1). On the assumption that the absorption coefficients of these four materials are approximately constant, then this change would be due to an increase in the scattering coefficient of the material and could contribute to an increase in intraocular scatter. No significant difference (P > 0.5) was found between any of the hydrated soft contact lens materials tested.
Pressure Ulcer Prevalence in Long‐Term Nursing Home Residents Since the Implementation of OBRA '87
Authors: Coleman Eric A. , Martau James M. , Lin Michael K. , Kramer Andrew M.
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate change in pressure ulcer prevalence in long‐term nursing home residents since the implementation of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87).

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional comparison of two time periods.

SETTING: Ninety‐two nursing homes scheduled for a quality‐of‐care survey randomly selected from 22 representative states.

PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand six hundred seventy‐nine residents who had resided in the facility for at least 100 days were evaluated: 2,336 during 1992–1994 and 2,343 during 1997–1998.

MEASUREMENTS: Trained registered nurses collected data on pressure ulcer prevalence, stage, and risk factors from medical record review during on‐site evaluations. Risk‐adjusted differences were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Unadjusted prevalence rates for all stages of pressure ulcers (8.52% vs 8.54%, P = .983) and those rated stage 2 or greater (5.31% vs 5.63%, P = .624) did not differ between the two time periods. After adjustment for urinary incontinence, immobility, poor nutrition, and history of previous pressure ulcers, the relative odds of having a pressure ulcer in 1992/4 versus 1997/8 was 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.84–1.34) for all stages and 1.21 (95% CI = 0.92–1.60) for stages 2 and greater.

CONCLUSIONS: No change in pressure ulcer prevalence was demonstrated since implementation of OBRA '87 in this nationally derived sample of long‐term nursing home residents.
Pollination and Breeding System of Putoria calabrica (Rubiaceae), a Mediterranean Dwarf Shrub
Authors: Ortiz P. L. , Arista M. , Talavera S.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: The pollinator spectrum and the reproductive system of Putoria calabrica, a Mediterranean chamaephyte, were studied. Its flowers are markedly protandrous and the situation of the style with respect to the stamens can be described as approach herkogamy. In the male phase, the 4 lobes of the corolla are completely extended, but in the female, they are curved back, significantly decreasing the size of the corolla. The volume and sugar content of the nectar were similar between phases, with the concentration being slightly higher in the female phase (41.9 % versus 34.5 %). Putoria calabrica is totally self‐compatible; the pollen, both the plant's own and from outside, emitted pollen tubes that reached the ovules within 48 h, and the percentages of fruit set from both types of pollination were high and similar. Diurnal and nocturnal pollinators originated 48.95 % and 15.2 % of fruit set, respectively, while fruit set from free pollination was similar to the sum of the former two. Diptera (mainly Bombyliidae) and Lepidoptera were the most important pollinators, visiting a high number of flowers per plant. The role of protandry and morphological changes of the corolla of Putoria calabrica in its reproductive success are discussed.