bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘bio-assay’ quality of life might be a better marker of disease activity in acromegalic patients than serum total IGF-I concentrations
Authors: Bonapart Ingrid E , van Domburg Ron , ten Have Saskia M T H , de Herder Wouter W , Erdman Ruud A M , Janssen Joop A M J L , van der Lely Aart Jan
Published: February 2005

Objectives: To investigate the quality of life (QoL) in acromegalic patients in relation to biochemical parameters.

Design and methods: Single-center, open label study in 14 acromegalic patients (eight woman and six men, age 33–77 years), with normal serum IGF-I levels during long-term treatment with monthly injections of 20 mg of long-acting octreotide. We investigated which biochemical parameter might reflect optimal QoL, using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results: We observed that six patients had a low QoL score at baseline in the same range as observed in cancer patients. The other eight patients had a normal QoL. GH, IGF-I nor free IGF-I could discriminate these two subgroups at baseline. After skipping one monthly injection, all six subjects with the low QoL escaped in their free IGF-I concentrations. Also total IGF-I concentrations escaped in four of these six. In the subjects with normal QoL, free IGF-I levels remained normal in all, while total IGF-I levels only escaped in one.

Conclusions: This study tells us that the currently used biochemical criteria for disease control in acromegaly might be sufficient in assessing long-term mortality and morbidity, but they are insufficient in addressing the most important parameter from the patient’s perspective – QoL.
Effects of metformin and ethinyl estradiol–cyproterone acetate on lipid levels in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Rautio K , Tapanainen J S , Ruokonen A , Morin-Papunen L C
Published: February 2005

Objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Insulin sensitizers, especially metformin, have been shown to improve these metabolic disturbances, but there are only a few studies on their effects on serum lipids in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods: Thirty-five women with PCOS (18 obese and 17 non-obese) were randomized to 6-month treatments with metformin or ethinyl estradiol–cyproterone acetate oral contraceptive pills.

Results: In the whole-study population (non-obese and obese women) serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 1.4±0.2 to 1.6±0.1 mmol/l (means ±s.e. throughout) at 3 and 6 months (P< 0.001), the total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased significantly from 3.8±0.3 to 3.3±0.2 at 6 months (P< 0.001) and a similar trend was observed in serum triglyceride levels during metformin treatment. In the oral contraceptive group, serum levels of total cholesterol increased from 4.9±0.3 to 5.4±0.3 mmol/l (P< 0.05), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 1.2±0.1 to 1.5±0.1 mmol/l (P< 0.001), the total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased from 4.6±0.4 to 3.7±0.2 (P< 0.001) and triglycerides increased from 1.3±0.1 to 1.9±0.2 mmol/l at 6 months of treatment (P< 0.001). Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels remained unchanged during both treatments. Milder but similar changes in the subgroups of obese and non-obese women were observed during both treatments. Moreover, in the whole-study population both systolic (P= 0.02) and diastolic (P= 0.05) blood pressures decreased over the 6 months of metformin treatment.

Conclusion: In women with PCOS, metformin treatment had beneficial effects on lipid profile and blood pressure, and therefore it could be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular complications in these women.
Chronic glucocorticoid treatment alters spontaneous pulsatile parathyroid hormone secretory dynamics in human subjects
Authors: Bonadonna Stefania , Burattin Anna , Nuzzo Monica , Bugari Giovanna , Rosei Enrico Agabiti , Valle Domenico , Iori Nicoletta , Bilezikian John P , Veldhuis Johannes D , Giustina Andrea
Published: February 2005

Objective: Spontaneous parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretory dynamics include tonic and pulsatile components. It is not known how glucocorticoids might alter these secretory dynamics.

Design: The aim of our study was to evaluate spontaneous fluctuations in serum PTH levels in six adult male patients (aged 31–64 years) receiving chronic (>6 months) therapy with glucocorticoids (daily dosage >7.5 mg of prednisone or dose equivalent of other corticosteroid) as compared with a control group of 10 age- and sex-matched normal subjects.

Methods: Peripheral venous blood sampling was performed every 3 min for 6 h from 0900 to 1500 h. Plasma PTH release profiles were subjected to deconvolution analysis, a method that resolves measured hormone concentrations into secretion and clearance components, and to an approximate entropy (ApEn) estimate, that in turn provides an integrated measure of the serial regularity or orderliness of the release process.

Results: In the glucocorticoid-treated group, the PTH tonic secretory rate was reduced (4.3±0.74 vs 8.8±1.4 pg/ml per min in controls, P = 0.017). There was, however, an increase in the fractional pulsatile PTH secretion (42±8.2 vs 18.3±3.9 pg/ml per min, P = 0.006) in glucocorticoid-treated vs normal subjects. Mean overall PTH concentration, as well as mean integrated area, was similar among normal and glucocorticoid-treated subjects.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate, for the first time, that chronic glucocorticoid treatment induces a redistribution of spontaneous PTH secretory dynamics by reducing the amount released in tonic fashion and increasing the amount released as pulses.
Relationship between serum adiponectin concentration, pulse wave velocity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim S G , Kim H Y , Seo J A , Lee K W , Oh J H , Kim N H , Choi K M , Baik S H , Choi D S
Published: February 2005

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), serum adiponectin concentration and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a risk marker for atherosclerosis.

Methods: A total of 213 nonalcoholic subjects (67 males, 146 females) participated in this study. Division of subjects into the NAFLD group or the normal group was based on the existence of fatty liver detected by sonography.

Results: Serum adiponectin levels in the NAFLD group were significantly lower than those in the normal group. After adjusting for age, body-mass index (BMI) and the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA), there was a significant negative correlation between NAFLD and serum adiponectin level only in females (r = −0.22, P = 0.008). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a tendency of inverse correlation between NAFLD and serum adiponectin level in females (P = 0.055). After adjustment for age, BMI and HOMA value, serum adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) levels (r = −0.199 (P = 0.004) and r = −0.282 (P < 0.001)). On the other hand, baPWV in the NAFLD group was also significantly higher than that in the normal group in females (P = 0.005). Individual levels of serum ALT, aspatate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and GGT were positively correlated with baPWV after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, HOMA and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Serum adiponectin level and baPWV were significantly associated with NAFLD and various liver enzymes, especially in females.
Is there a gender difference in the associations of birthweight and adult hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity?
Authors: Reynolds Rebecca M , Walker Brian R , Syddall Holly E , Andrew Ruth , Wood Peter J , Phillips David I W
Published: February 2005

Objective: Increased hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity in men of low birthweight may be an important link between early life and the adult metabolic syndrome. In animal models females are more sensitive than males to HPA axis programming, but whether gender influences susceptibility in humans is unknown.

Design: Birth cohort study.

Methods: We studied 106 women aged 67–78 years, from Hertfordshire, UK, in whom birthweight was recorded. Negative feedback sensitivity was assessed by an overnight low-dose (0.25 mg) dexa-methasone suppression test, and adrenal sensitivity by a low-dose (1 μg) ACTH1 – 24 stimulation test. Cortisol and its metabolites were analysed in a 24 h urine collection. Data were compared with previously published identical measurements in 205 men aged 66–77 years from the same cohort.

Results: In women, plasma cortisol levels after dexamethasone were lower (P < 0.0001) and peak cortisol following ACTH1 – 24 were higher (P < 0.0001) than in men, suggesting a more responsive HPA axis. As in men, women with lower birthweight had enhanced plasma cortisol responses to ACTH1 – 24 (P = 0.05 for trend) but no difference in plasma cortisol after dexamethasone or in urinary cortisol metabolite excretion. The strength of the association in women was not different from that in men; a 1 lb decrease in birthweight was associated with an incremental rise in cortisol of 12.6 nmol/l (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4, 23.8) in men, P = 0.03, and 14.8 nmol/l (95% CI −0.4, 29.9) in women, P = 0.05 (P = 0.82 for birthweight × gender interaction). In a combined analysis of men and women adjusted for gender (n = 302), a 1 lb decrease in birthweight was associated with a 13.4 nmol/l (95% CI 4.5, 22.4) greater incremental rise in plasma cortisol, P = 0.003.

Conclusions: Associations between lower birthweight and increased HPA axis activity are similar in men and women, supporting the hypothesis that HPA axis activation is an important mechanism underlying programming of adult disease.
Increase of interferon-γ inducible α chemokine CXCL10 but not β chemokine CCL2 serum levels in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Rotondi Mario , Fallahi Poupak , Romagnani Paola , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Paolicchi Aldo , Ferrannini Ele , Serio Mario
Published: February 2005

Objective: To measure serum levels of CXCL10 and CCL2 prototype chemokines of the two major subclass (CXC and CC) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), and relate the findings to the clinical phenotype.

Design and methods: Serum CXCL10 and CCL2 were assayed in 70 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed chronic AT, in sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers (n= 37) and in 20 patients with non-toxic multinodular goiter, extracted from a random sample of the general population from the same geographic area.

Results: CXCL10 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with thyroiditis than in controls or multinodular goiter patients, while comparable CCL2 levels were found between groups. CXCL10 levels were significantly increased in hypothyroid patients and in those with an hypoechoic pattern (P= 0.0004 andP= 0.0001, respectively) while serum CCL2 levels were significantly increased in patients older than 50 years and in those with hypothyroidism (P= 0.0001 andP= 0.03, respectively). No correlation between CXCL10 and CCL2 serum levels could be demonstrated. CXCL10 and CCL2 were studied separately in relation to clinical features of AT patients. Two separate multiple linear regression models for CXCL10 and CCL2 were performed, including age, thyroid volume, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), FT4, anti-thyroid peroxidase (AbTPO), hypoechoic pattern, and the presence of hypervascularity, demonstrating that ln of serum CXCL10 levels was associated with TSH independently of other possible confounders levels [regression coefficient (R.C.) 0.143 confidence interval (C.I.) (0.042–0.245);P= 0.0059], while serum CCL2 were significantly associated only with age [R.C. 5.412 C.I. (3.838–6.986);P< 0.0001].

Conclusion: Our results, obtained in a large cohort of newly diagnosed AT patients demonstrate increased CXCL10 especially in hypothyroid patients with a more aggressive disorder, and normal CCL2 serum levels in AT.
Testosterone does not adversely affect fibrinogen or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in 46 men with chronic stable angina
Authors: Smith A M , English K M , Malkin C J , Jones R D , Jones T H , Channer K S
Published: February 2005

Objective: In women, sex hormones cause increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and adversely affect the coagulation profile. We have studied the effect of physiological testosterone replacement therapy in men on coagulation factor expression, to determine if there is an increased risk of thrombosis.

Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of testosterone in 46 men with chronic stable angina. Measurements of free, total and bioavailable testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and full blood count were made at 0, 6 and 14 weeks. Results: Bioavailable testosterone levels were: 2.58 ± 0.58 nmol/l at baseline, compared with 3.35 ± 0.31 nmol/l at week 14 (P < 0.001) after treatment compared with 2.6 ± 0.18 nmol/l and 2.44 ± 0.18 nmol/l in the placebo group (P was not significant). There was no change in fibrinogen (3.03 ± 0.18 g/l at baseline and 3.02 ± 0.18 g/l at week 14, P = 0.24), tPA activity (26.77 ± 4.9 Iu/ml and 25.67 ± 4.4 Iu/ml, P = 0.88) or PAI-1 activity (0.49 ± 0.85 Iu/ml and 0.36 ± 0.06 Iu/ml, P = 0.16) with active treatment and no differences between the groups (at week 14, P value 0.98, 0.59 and 0.8 for fibrinogen, PAI-1 and tPA respectively). Haemoglobin concentration did not change over time, in the testosterone group (1.44 ± 0.02 g/l and 1.45 ± 0.02 g/l, P = 0.22).

Conclusion: Physiological testosterone replacement does not adversely affect blood coagulation status.
Inhibin α-subunit and the inhibin coreceptor betaglycan are downregulated in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Florio Pasquale , Ciarmela Pasquapina , Reis Fernando M , Toti Paolo , Galleri Letizia , Santopietro Rosa , Tiso E , Tosi Piero , Petraglia Felice
Published: February 2005

Objective: In the present study we evaluated the protein distribution and mRNA levels of inhibin α-subunit and its coreceptor betaglycan in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Design: Two groups of postmenopausal women were studied: the first group had recently diagnosed endometrial adenocarcinoma (n= 16; age range 61–79 years), and the second group (n= 12; age range 64–78 years) had undergone hysterectomy for uterine prolapse and served as control.

Methods: Inhibin α-subunit and betaglycan gene expression and tissue distribution were evaluated by semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively.

Results: Inhibin α-subunit and betaglycan mRNAs were expressed by both healthy and tumoral endometria, but their expression was significantly lower in endometrial carcinoma (P< 0.001, based on Student’sttest). Inhibin α-subunit expression was much weaker in the glands of tumours than in non-neoplastic specimens. Betaglycan protein was identified in the epithelial cells lining non-tumoral endometrium, and in endothelial cells of both normal and tumoral endometria. Well-differentiated neoplastic cells had a faint and scarce betaglycan staining, and poorly differentiated cells did not express betaglycan at all.

Conclusions: The lower inhibin α and betaglycan expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma suggests that the inhibin action may be disrupted. However, the expression of betaglycan in the endothelia of the tumour vasculature suggests that a selective vascular response to inhibin may be possible in these tumours.
The association of plasma adiponectin levels with hypertensive retinopathy
Authors: Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Sonmez Alper , Kilic Selim , Celik Turgay , Bingol Necati , Pinar Murat , Mumcuoglu Tarkan , Ozata Metin
Published: February 2005

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that low plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with essential hypertension. It has also recently been shown that adiponectin plays an essential role in the modulation of angiogenesis. These data led us to hypothesize that adiponectin might contribute to end-organ damage in hypertension.

Methods: In the present study we have evaluated the relationship between plasma adiponectin concentrations and hypertensive retinopathy. One hundred and ten patients newly diagnosed with essential hypertension (EHT) (mean age, 46.79±5.0 years; body mass index (BMI), 26.47±2.23 kg/m2; male/female ratio, 58/52) and 57 healthy normotensive control subjects (NT) (mean age, 46.84±5.4 years; BMI, 26.66±2.65 kg/m2; male/female ratio, 33/24) were enrolled.

Results: Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in EHT than in NT (P< 0.001). In addition, adiponectin concentrations were strongly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures in EHT (r= −0.757,P< 0.001;r= −0.761,P< 0.001) while there was no correlation in the NT group. Plasma adiponectin in patients with grade 0 hypertensive retinopathy (n= 52) was significantly higher than that of the patients with grade 1 (n= 30) and 2 (n= 28) hypertensive retinopathy (P< 0.001 for each). Plasma adiponectin in patients with grade 0 hypertensive retinopathy was also significantly lower than that in the NT group (P< 0.001). The estimated threshold of plasma adiponectin concentration for hypertensive retinopathy was 17 μg/ml. This critical adiponectin level served largely to separate patients with retinopathy from those without.

Conclusion: Our results have shown that plasma adiponectin concentrations decrease progressively with higher grades of hypertensive retinopathy even after correction for other atherogenic risk factors, suggesting that a critical adiponectin level is needed for the development of retinopathy.
Novel insertion frameshift mutation of the LH receptor gene: problematic clinical distinction of Leydig cell hypoplasia from enzyme defects primarily affecting testosterone biosynthesis
Authors: Richter-Unruh A , Korsch E , Hiort O , Holterhus P M , Themmen A P , Wudy S A
Published: February 2005

Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) is a rare autosomal recessive condition that interferes with normal development of male external genitalia in 46,XY individuals and is caused by inactivating mutations of the LH receptor gene. The clinical and biochemical diagnostic parameters of LCH are not always specific and may therefore show significant overlap with other causes of insufficient testicular steroid biosynthesis. We have studied a 46,XY newborn with completely female external genitalia and palpable testes. Due to an increased basal serum ratio of androstenedione/testosterone, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD 3) deficiency was initially suspected. DNA analysis of the corresponding HSD17B3 gene, however, showed no abnormalities in the entire coding region. In contrast, direct sequencing of the LH receptor gene revealed a novel homozygous single nucleotide insertion in exon 11 (codon A589fs) producing a frame shift in the open reading frame predicting for premature termination of translation 17 amino acids downstream. From the genetic perspective, this mutation represents the first frame shift mutation in the LH receptor gene ever reported to date. From the clinical standpoint, LCH should always be considered in the differential diagnosis as steroid profiles may not be informative. Therefore, molecular genetic analysis should be warranted for androgen biosynthesis defects in all cases.
Extracellular diffusion is fast and isotropic in the stratum radiatum of hippocampal CA1 region in rat brain slices
Authors: Hrabětová Sabina
Published: February 2005

Molecular transport in brain extracellular space (ECS) is hindered by the structure of the tissue. Diffusion analysis of small extracellular markers quantifies tissue hindrance, expressed as tortuosity λ = (D/D*)1/2, where D is the free diffusion coefficient and D* is the effective diffusion coefficient in tissue. In healthy brain, λ is ≈1.6, but the nature of this parameter is poorly understood. We report that the stratum radiatum of the hippocampal CA1 region in vitro, previously shown to be anisotropic (i.e., different along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes) in in vivo study, is isotropic like somatosensory neocortex but has a reduced λ. Diffusion of fluorophore‐labeled dextran (f‐dex, Mr 3,000) and tetramethylammonium (TMA+, Mr 74) was measured in rat brain slices (400 μm) using integrative optical imaging (IOI) and real‐time iontophoresis (RTI), respectively. In the stratum radiatum, diffusion of f‐dex was similar along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes (λx, λy; λz were 1.55, 1.53, and 1.55), but the tortuosity was significantly lower than in the neocortex, where λ = 1.81. This finding was confirmed by the RTI method, which measured λ with TMA+, a much smaller molecule, and determined volume fraction α, the proportion of tissue occupied by the ECS. In stratum radiatum, λx, λy, and λz were 1.47, 1.44, and 1.46, while in neocortex, λ was 1.65. The ECS volume fraction was similar (0.24) in both regions. It is proposed that in the hippocampus, low λ reflects a reduced occurrence of concave extracellular microdomains, referred to as dead spaces, which increase tortuosity by transient trapping of markers. Functionally, a low λ may permit structural plasticity and facilitate extrasynaptic communication. It may also enhance the spread of neuroactive substances and thus contribute to the sensitivity of the hippocampal CA1 region to ischemia and epilepsy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of acetic acid productivity in a continuous two‐stage bioreactor with cell recycling
Authors: Nishiwaki Akio , Dunn Irving J
Published: February 2005

The performance of a two‐stage system with cell recycling and fresh feed at each stage is studied numerically for continuous acetic acid production. In this system, both filtrate and bleed broth from the first stage are supplied to the second fermenter. At high substrate conversions, this configuration is found to provide higher acetic acid productivities than either a previous configuration where only the first‐stage bleed broth is fed to the second stage or a single recycle chemostat at the same bleed ratios. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrothermal modification of natural zeolites to improve uptake of ammonium ions
Authors: Watanabe Yujiro , Yamada Hirohisa , Tanaka Junzo , Moriyoshi Yusuke
Published: February 2005

The modification of natural zeolites was carried out under hydrothermal conditions to improve the effectiveness of the uptake of ammonium ions. Natural zeolites originating in Japan, such as mordenite and clinoptilolite with quartz, feldspar and a trace of layered silicate, were treated with 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 M NaOH solutions at temperatures from 25 to 150 °C under autogenous pressure for 7 days. After the hydrothermal treatment, the transformation of the zeolites to phillipsite, hydroxyl‐sodalite and analcime was observed, depending on the temperature and NaOH concentration. The amounts of ammonium ions taken up into the hydrothermally‐treated zeolites were compared with those of the starting materials. The treated products, containing mainly phillipsite, took up twice the amount of ammonium ions as the starting materials. The maximum uptake of ammonium ions was 1.92 mmol g−1. The number of ammonium ions taken up into phillipsite was equal to the number of Na+ ions released from phillipsite. These results indicate that the uptake of ammonium ions proceeds by an ion‐exchange mechanism with Na+ ions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology and Structure of Hemp Fibre after Bioscouring
Authors: Ouajai Sirisart , Shanks Robert A.
Published: February 2005

Summary: Bioscouring of hemp (Cannabis Sativa L) using pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2), Scourzyme L, was performed at 55 °C and pH 8.5 in a nonagitated system. The enzyme concentration, treatment time and substrate concentration were varied to obtain the kinetic constants, Km and Vm. Greater enzyme concentration and a longer treatment improved the removal of the low methoxy pectin component as indicated by UV spectroscopy. Removal of pectate caused no crystalline transformation in the fibres, except for a slight decline in the crystallinity order index analysed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and wide angle X‐ray diffraction. This corresponded well with the single fibre bundle tensile mechanical properties test. Smooth surfaces and separated fibres observed using SEM images were evidence of successful treatment, supported by weight loss at low temperature of a pectic substance. After treatment, the pectin substance was no longer observed during thermogravimetry. An increase in surface area and pore size after scouring were further evidence of modification.

SEM micrograph of Scourzyme‐treated hemp fibres.

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SEM micrograph of Scourzyme‐treated hemp fibres.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) of Microbial Origin: Synthesis and Crystallization
Authors: Fernández Carlos E. , Mancera Manuel , Holler Eggehard , Bou Jordi J. , Galbis Juan A. , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: February 2005

Summary: Low‐molecular‐weight poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) made of approximately 25–30 units was prepared from microbial poly(β,L‐malic acid) by treatment with diazomethane. The thermal characterization of the polymalate methyl ester was carried out and its crystalline structure was preliminary examined. Its ability to crystallize both from solution and from the melt was comparatively evaluated.

Poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) spherulitic film cast from CHCl3.

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Poly(α‐methyl β,L‐malate) spherulitic film cast from CHCl3.
Influence of Satellite Groups on Telechelic Antimicrobial Functions of Polyoxazolines
Authors: Waschinski Christian J. , Herdes Vera , Schueler Fabian , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: February 2005

Summary: The antimicrobial activity of poly(alkyloxazoline) telechelics with one quaternary N,N‐dimethyldodecylammonium (DDA) end group was found to be greatly controlled by the non‐bioactive distal end group, the so‐called satellite group. In systematic investigations, the nature of the latter groups was varied to explore the mechanism of the satellite effect. To this end, poly(2‐alkyl‐1,3‐oxazoline)s (alkyl = ethyl, methyl) with a DDA‐group at the terminating end and varying alkyl, aminoalkyl, and polyphenyloxazoline block satellite groups, have been synthesized. Poly(oxazoline) derivatives with polydispersity indices of 1.06–1.20 and molecular weights from 2 200 to 12 800 g · mol−1 could be obtained. The macromolecular structures have been confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS measurements. The polymers were investigated with regard to their antibacterial efficiency towards the Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli. It was found that the introduction of alkyl chain satellites of 4–10 carbon atoms in length afforded antimicrobial activity of the polymers against both microbes that was about 2–3 times higher than that of the well‐known structurally comparable low molecular weight biocide, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC). Based on the antimicrobial effects of the investigated polymers, a mechanism for the satellite effect was proposed.

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Structural Changes in the Fabrication and Ageing of PA66 Textured Yarn
Authors: Popovic Biljana , Jovanovic Radmila , Dzunuzovic Enis , Popovic Ivanka , Jocic Dragan
Published: February 2005

Summary: The characterization of textured yarn is of great significance for both producers and final users. The influence of the texturing parameters (draw ratio and heater temperature) on the characteristics of the textured polyamide yarn has been investigated in this study. Textured yarn was characterized by the degree of orientation, degree of crystallinity, breaking characteristics, shrinkage, elasticity characteristics, the contents of the end groups and degree of whiteness. It was observed that the mentioned characteristics changed as a function of time. The influence of yarn ageing on its characteristics was assessed. The parameters of polyamide textured yarn structure were determined by DSC.

Reflectance curve changes after ageing of PA 66 yarn.

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Reflectance curve changes after ageing of PA 66 yarn.
Alpha‐synuclein mRNA expression in sporadic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tan Eng‐King , Chandran Van R. , Fook‐Chong Stephanie , Shen Hui , Yew Kenneth , Teoh Mei‐Lin , Yuen Yih , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2005

The expression of α‐synuclein gene can be influenced by the genomic load and/or epigenetic factors. By using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction techniques, we demonstrated that the α‐synuclein gene mRNA expression in sporadic PD did not differ from healthy controls (median [range] 0.110 ]0.012–0.628] vs. 0.120 [0.028–0.447]; P = 0.15). There was no difference in the α‐synuclein gene dosage between PD patients with high and low mRNA expression. Multivariate analysis did not reveal age, gender, or cigarette smoking as confounding variables. Our study suggests that there was no significant alteration of α‐synuclein mRNA expression in our sporadic PD patients compared to controls. However, the role of α‐synuclein mRNA expression in select groups of sporadic PD patients and its interaction with environmental agents need to be further determined. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Experimental protocol for tissue discrimination in vitro by n.m.r.
Authors: Mathur-De Vré R. , Grimée R. , Rosa M. P.
Published: February 2005

We have examined the n.m.r, relaxation times T1 and T2 of water protons for liver (mouse, human) and brain (mouse) at different temperatures and subjected to various conditions of conservation and degeneration. After tissue degeneration, T1 and T2 behave differently and their variations are characteristic of each tissue type. The results show that the initial values at +4°C are consistent when the experimental protocol formulated in this study is followed.
Lipid peroxidation of skeletal muscle: an in vitro study
Authors: Jackson M. J. , Jones D. A. , Edwards R. H. T.
Published: February 2005

The process of lipid peroxidation of skeletal muscle has been examined in vitro by monitoring the autoxidation of skeletal-muscle homogenates. Skeletal-muscle tissue has been shown to have considerable capacity for autoxidation and the process has been found to be initiated by a free-radical-mediated mechanism, critically dependent on the presence of free iron in the homogenate. The initiating radicals have not been firmly identified, but the results suggest that neither superoxide or hydroxyl radicals are involved. An in vitro technique for assessment of the antioxidant capacity of muscle tissue has also been developed which is capable of demonstrating differences between muscle tissues with differing vitamin E contents.
A novel method for measuring intracellular pH and potassium concentration
Authors: Bashford C. L. , Alder G. , Micklem K. J. , Pasternak C. A.
Published: February 2005

The concentration of Na+and K+ and the pH in the cytoplasm of Lettré cells was measured by monitoring the net flux of H+, Na+, or K+ across the plasma membrane which had been rendered permeable to these ions by the action of Sendal virus. Ion flux was measured directly by analysis of cell composition, or indirectly by observing the change in membrane potential of cells treated with a specific ionophore. Cytoplasmic concentrations of cations were obtained by establishing the concentration of the cation in the medium at which addition of Sendai virus causes no change in cytoplasmic cation content. The value of Lettré-cell pH was confirmed by direct measurement employing 3tp nuclear magnetic resonance, and the values of Na+ and K+ concentration were confirmed by analysis of cell cation and water content. Lettré cells suspended at 32°C in Hepes-buffered saline at pH 7.3 maintain a cytosolic pH of 7.0 and contain 30 mM Na+ and 80 mM K+.
Possible interrelationship between gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis in the liver
Authors: Kümmel Ladislav
Published: February 2005

Effeects of various ketogenic substrates on gluconeogenesis from lactate were examined. D,L-3-Hydroxybutyrate (5 mM) stimulated gluconeogenesis by 41%, the effect being the same as that of 5 mM acetate (49%). No stimulating effect of acetoacetate was observed; conversely, acetoacetate (up to 40 mM) partially or completely abolished the observed stimulating effects of acetate, oleate, and 3-hydroxybutyrate. The results suggest that, in intact liver cells, pyruvate is transported into mitochondria in exchange for acetoacetate and that an interrelationship between gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis at the level of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier may exist in the liver.
Analysis of the temperature-dependent temporal pattern of heat-shock-protein synthesis in fish cells
Authors: Gedamu Lashitew , Culham Beverly , Heikkila John J.
Published: February 2005

Continuous exposure of Chinook salmon embryo cells to an elevated incubation temperature of 24°C induces the transient expression of a set of heat-shock or stress proteins whereas maintenance of the cells at a higher incubation temperature of 28°C produces a continuous synthesis of these stress proteins. In vitro translation studies suggest that the temperature-dependent temporal pattern of stress-protein synthesis is correlated with the levels of stress-protein mRNA. This was verified using a recombinant-DNA probe complementary to the 70K heat-shock-protein mRNA. A transient increase in the level of the fish heat-shock 70K mRNA was observed in RNA samples isolated from cells continuously exposed at 24°C However, a constant increase in the level of this specific mRNA was found in RNA preparations obtained from cells maintained at 28°C Therefore, the temperature-dependent pattern of fish heat-shockprotein synthesis appears to be directly related to the level of heat-shock-protein mRNA.
A model for the study of the mechanism of a low pH-induced interaction of the virus fusion proteins and cell membranes
Authors: Glushakova S. E. , Ksenofontov A. L. , Fedorova N. V. , Mazhul L. A. , Ageeva O. N. , Margolis L. B. , Baratova L. A. , Shishkov A. V.
Published: February 2005

A model is proposed for the study of molecular mechanisms of a low pH-induced interaction of fusion proteins of enveloped viruses and cell membranes. The model consists of large monolamellar liposomes containing ionophore nigericin in their membranes and ectodomains of fusion protein in their inner space. The process of interaction of the protein with the lipid bilayer is triggered by acidification of the liposomal constituents to the pH of fusion with the help of nigericin by adding citric acid to the outer medium. To visualize the protein structural reorganization, the tritium planigraphy was used.

Comparison of the values of specific labelling of the proteins and distribution of radioactivity in individual amino acids in control (at neutral pH) and experimental liposome samples (at the pH of fusion) permits to realise the character of protein-membrane interaction. We have obtained the first results in the study of interaction of the bromelain-released soluble ectodomain of the HAXX molecule (BHA)—with the lipid membrane. The observed increase in the protein specific activity and selective increase in the specific activity of hydrophobic amino acids Ile, Phe and Tyr in experimental liposome samples as compared with the controls did not contradict to the conventional concept, that a hydrophobic N-terminus of HA2 subunit of hemagglutinin is responsible for its interaction with lipid membranes.
Stimulation of insulin release from pancreatic islets by quinones
Authors: MacDonald Michael J.
Published: February 2005

Coenzyme Q (CoQ0) and other quinones were shown to be potent insulin secretagogues in the isolated pancreatic islet. The order of potency was CoQ0≅benzoquinone≅hydroquinonemenadione. CoQ6 and CoQ10 (ubiquinone), duroquinone and durohydroquinone did not stimulate insulin release. CoQ0's insulinotropism was enhanced in calcium-free medium and CoQ0 appeared to stimulate only the second phase of insulin release. CoQ0 inhibited inositol mono-, bis- and trisphosphate formation. Inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration (rotenone, antimycin A, FCCP and cyanide) and the calcium channel blocker verapamil, did not inhibit CoQ0-induced insulin release. Dicumarol, an inhibitor of quinone reductase, did not inhibit CoQ0-induced insulin release, but it did inhibit glucose-induced insulin release suggesting that the enzyme and quinones play a role in glucose-induced insulin release. Quinones may stimulate insulin release by mimicking physiologically-occuring quinones, such as CoQ10, by acting on the plasma membrane or in the cytosol. Exogenous quinones may bypass the quinone reductase reaction, as well as many reactions important for exocytosis.
USCAP Specialty Conference, Case 1: Type I Pleuropulmonary Blastoma
Authors: Hill D. Ashley
Published: February 2005

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) was defined in 1988 by Manivel et al. in a series describing 11 intrathoracic pulmonary neoplasms in young children [1]. The PPB is a unique peripheral pulmonary or pleural-based tumor of childhood that is characterized in its earliest form as a bland-appearing multiloculated cyst with small foci of tumor cells and in later forms as mixed and predominantly primitive, overtly malignant neoplasms [2,3]. Prior to the introduction of the PPB as a distinct entity, this tumor had been reported in the literature as pulmonary blastoma, sarcoma arising in mesenchymal cystic hamartoma, embryonal sarcoma, malignant mesenchymoma, primary pulmonary rhabdomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma arising in congenital adenomatoid malformation or bronchogenic cyst. Over the past 15 years, PPB has come to be recognized in centers around the world. With the establishment of the Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Registry by Jack Priest, MD, and colleagues, there has been improved understanding of this rare pediatric neoplasm. The registry Web site serves as an important resource for physicians and families ( http://www.ppbregistry.org ).
What Does it Mean to Live with a Congenital Heart Disease? A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences of Adult Patients
Authors: Claessens Patricia , Moons Philip , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Cannaerts Nancy , Budts Werner , Gewillig Marc
Published: February 2005

Background: Adults with congenital heart disease constitute a relatively new and continuously growing patient population. In addition to medical problems, patients perceive specific psychosocial concerns that influence their lived experiences and quality of life.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adult congenital heart disease patients.

Methods: Unstructured, in-depth interviews were performed with 12 patients, aged between 25 and 40 years and suffering from moderate or severe heart defect (tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries). Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory procedures.

Results: Feeling different was the central theme of the patients’ lived experience, as they are faced with physical limitations and visible signs due to the heart defect. The experienced discordance between their world and healthy individuals’ world implies that patients struggle constantly with themselves and with their environment to be accepted as normal. The feeling of being different was influenced by attitudes of the environment, health care, and patient's personality. Moreover, it determined the perceived impact of the disease on the patient's daily life.

Conclusion: This study shows that normalisation is the most important process when dealing with patients suffering from a congenital heart disease.
Cardiac nursing: Achieving Competent Practitioners
Authors: Riley Jillian , Brodie Lyndell , Shuldham Caroline
Published: February 2005

This paper describes how competency statements were integrated into an academic framework to provide a transparent yet flexible career pathway for the nurse working in acute cardiac care. Nurses are expanding and developing their roles and use wide ranging skills and knowledge to care for patients. Additionally, models of care delivery are changing and patients are cared for in a variety of settings. Where evidence exists, these models demonstrate improvement in the provision and quality of services and contribute to improved quality of life, maximise medication and therapy and reduce waiting times for investigations. However, whilst many studies have demonstrated benefit, translating these results into routine practice requires skilled nurses who are “fit for purpose”, and to support this, professional competencies can be used to measure competence in practice whilst informing educational initiatives. This paper outlines the development of competency statements that identify the knowledge and skills required for safe, effective and competent care and direct the cardiac nurse acquire skills and knowledge in a focused and coherent way.
The CLDN5 locus may be involved in the vulnerability to schizophrenia
Authors: Sun Z.-Y. , Wei J. , Xie L. , Shen Y. , Liu S.-Z. , Ju G.-Z. , Shi J.-P. , Yu Y.-Q. , Zhang X. , Xu Q. , Hemmings G.P.
Published: February 2005

The present study was designed to detect three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on 22q11 that was thought as being of particularly importance for genetic research into schizophrenia. We recruited a total of 176 Chinese family trios of Han descent, consisting of mothers, fathers and affected offspring with schizophrenia for the genetic analysis. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) showed that of three SNPs, rs10314 in the 3′-untranslated region of the CLDN5 locus was associated with schizophrenia (χ2= 4.75,P= 0.029). The other two SNPs, rs1548359 present in the CDC45L locus centromeric of rs10314 and rs739371 in the 5′-flanking region of the CLDN5 locus, did not show such an association. The global chi-square (χ2) test showed that the 3-SNP haplotype system was not associated with schizophrenia although the 1-df test for individual haplotypes showed that the rs1548359(C)-rs10314(G)-rs739371(C) haplotype was excessively non-transmitted (χ2= 5.32,P= 0.02). Because the claudin proteins are a major component for barrier-forming tight junctions that could play a crucial role in response to changing natural, physiological and pathological conditions, the CLDN5 association with schizophrenia may be an important clue leading to look into a meeting point of genetic and environmental factors.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and psychiatric co-morbidity: symptoms in a random sample of female Bosnian refugees
Authors: Sundquist Kristina , Johansson Leena-Maria , DeMarinis Valeri , Johansson Sven-Erik , Sundquist Jan
Published: February 2005

Objectives

This study investigated psychological symptoms in Bosnian women 3–4 years after their arrival in Sweden.

Methods

A simple random sample of 163 Bosnian women aged 19–59 was drawn from the Swedish populations register in 1996. The control group consisted of 392 Swedish-born women. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 (HSCL-25) and the Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10) were used to measure psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for psychological symptoms after adjustment for age, country of birth, education, marital status, economic difficulties, social network, and feeling secure.

Results

The prevalence of symptoms of PTSD was 28.3% among the Bosnian women. Bosnian women had significantly higher risks of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress than Swedish-born women. For depression the odds ratio was 9.50 among Bosnian women.

Conclusions

Psychiatric community interventions need to target Bosnian refugee women. Awareness among health-care workers who encounter these women in a clinical setting should be improved.
Antecedents and self‐induction of active‐break south Asian monsoon unraveled by satellites
Authors: Wang Bin , Webster Peter J. , Teng Haiyan
Published: February 2005

Understanding the origin and perpetuation of the monsoon cycle has eluded scientists for decades. Using a suite of unprecedented satellite measurements, we show that the antecedents of the active/break monsoon emerge in the western equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO). The initiation of a new rainy phase in the western EIO is preceded by in situ surface wind convergence and central EIO warming, both are induced by the subdued condition over the eastern EIO set up in the previous cycle. Thus, a self‐induction mechanism appears to be operating in maintenance of the Indian monsoon intraseasonal oscillation. The finding here offers a focus for prediction of the active/break Indian monsoon with potential predictability about four weeks in advance.
Mutual information between geomagnetic indices and the solar wind as seen by WIND: Implications for propagation time estimates
Authors: March T. K. , Chapman S. C. , Dendy R. O.
Published: February 2005

The determination of delay times of solar wind conditions at the sunward libration point to effects on Earth is investigated using mutual information. This measures the amount of information shared between two timeseries. We consider the mutual information content of solar wind observations, from WIND, and the geomagnetic indices. The success of five commonly used schemes for estimating interplanetary propagation times is examined. Propagation assuming a fixed plane normal at 45 degrees to the GSE x‐axis (i.e. the Parker Spiral estimate) is found to give optimal mutual information. The mutual information depends on the point in space chosen as the target for the propagation estimate, and we find that it is maximized by choosing a point in the nightside rather than dayside magnetosphere. In addition, we employ recurrence plot analysis to visualize contributions to the mutual information, this suggests that it appears on timescales of hours rather than minutes.
Heat and salt inhibition of gas hydrate formation in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ruppel C. , Dickens G. R. , Castellini D. G. , Gilhooly W. , Lizarralde D.
Published: February 2005

High‐resolution geophysical and geochemical data collected at two focused flux sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico reveal significant heterogeneity in salinities, thermal regimes, and fluid flow. Upward advection beneath mud mounds carries large amounts of gas, along with heat and dissolved ions, to shallow levels. Despite the ample gas supply, gas hydrate formation is inhibited by local thermal and salinity regimes. Published estimates of gas hydrate abundance in this region should be revised sharply downward in the vicinity of focused flux features.
Himalayan rainfall and vorticity generation within the Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Kennett E. J. , Toumi R.
Published: February 2005

The Himalayas are an integral part of the Indian monsoon dynamics. In this paper we examine the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts 40‐year Reanalysis (ERA40) data set in order to quantify the importance of Himalayan rainfall in terms of vorticity generation. We find that Himalayan rainfall is a powerful source of vorticity due to the multiplicative effect of steep vertical gradients in latent heating combined with a large Coriolis parameter. ERA40 shows a maximum in column‐integrated and near‐surface vorticity generation in the monsoon region over the southern slopes of the Himalayas. We estimate that the total generation of vorticity over the Himalayan region as a whole is at least half that over the Bay of Bengal. Thus Himalayan rainfall is likely to play a central role in amplifying the circulation of the monsoon.