bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intimate Partner Violence and Patient Screening across Medical Specialties
Authors: McCloskey Laura A. , Lichter Erika , Ganz Michael L. , Williams Corrine M. , Gerber Megan R. , Sege Robert , Stair Thomas , Herbert Barbara
Published: August 2005

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) across different medical specialties and health care sites in one metropolitan area, describe demographic characteristics of women with abusive partners, characterize health care provider assessment of IPV, and describe patient characteristics associated with health care assessment for partner violence. Methods: Women (N= 2,465) completed written surveys about partner violence and health care screening for violence in the waiting rooms of five types of health care settings (obstetrician/gynecologist office, emergency department, primary care office, pediatrics, and addiction recovery) across eight different hospitals in the greater Boston area. Results: The overall survey response rate was 62%. The 12‐month prevalence rate of IPV was 14%, with 37% disclosing lifetime prevalence. The highest rates of recent IPV were disclosed in the hospital‐based addiction recovery unit (36%) and in emergency departments (17%). Adjusted demographic risk characteristics for IPV included age (younger than 24 years), low income, and unemployment. Health care providers were more likely to discuss IPV with low‐income women than with middle‐ or high‐income women but were no more likely to assess violence within the youngest age group. Among women who disclosed abuse to their health care provider, 50% reported receiving direct interventions or services as a result. Conclusions: Using the same instrument and protocol, different rates of IPV and detection of IPV were found across medical departments, with the highest rates in emergency departments and an addiction recovery program. It is especially important for assessment of IPV to include young women who present to medical departments.
Initiation and termination of NF-κB signaling by the intracellular protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Shapira Sagi , Harb Omar S. , Margarit Juan , Matrajt Mariana , Han Jerry , Hoffmann Alexander , Freedman Bruce , May Michael J. , Roos David S. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: August 2005

Signaling via the NF-κB cascade is critical for innate recognition of microbial products and immunity to infection. As a consequence, this pathway represents a strong selective pressure on infectious agents and many parasitic, bacterial and viral pathogens have evolved ways to subvert NF-κB signaling to promote their survival. Although the mechanisms utilized by microorganisms to modulate NF-κB signaling are diverse, a common theme is targeting of the steps that lead to IκB degradation, a major regulatory checkpoint of this pathway. The data presented here demonstrate that infection of mammalian cells with Toxoplasma gondii results in the activation of IKK and degradation of IκB. However, despite initiation of these hallmarks of NF-κB signaling, neither nuclear accumulation of NF-κB nor NF-κB-driven gene expression is observed in infected cells. However, this defect was not due to a parasite-mediated block in nuclear import, as general nuclear import and constitutive nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of NF-κB remain intact in infected cells. Rather, in T. gondii-infected cells, the termination of NF-κB signaling is associated with reduced phosphorylation of p65/RelA, an event involved in the ability of NF-κB to translocate to the nucleus and bind DNA. Thus, these studies demonstrate for the first time that the phosphorylation of p65/RelA represents an event downstream of IκB degradation that may be targeted by pathogens to subvert NF-κB signaling.
Regulation of mitosis in response to damaged or incompletely replicated DNA require different levels of Grapes (DrosophilaChk1)
Authors: Purdy Amanda , Uyetake Lyle , Cordeiro Melissa Garner , Su Tin Tin
Published: August 2005

Checkpoints monitor the state of DNA and can delay or arrest the cell cycle at multiple points including G1-S transition, progress through S phase and G2-M transition. Regulation of progress through mitosis, specifically at the metaphase-anaphase transition, occurs after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) in Drosophila and budding yeast, but has not been conclusively demonstrated in mammals. Here we report that regulation of metaphase-anaphase transition in Drosophila depends on the magnitude of radiation dose and time in the cell cycle at which radiation is applied, which may explain the apparent differences among experimental systems and offer an explanation as to why this regulation has not been seen in mammalian cells. We further document that mutants in Drosophila Chk1 (Grapes) that are capable of delaying the progress through mitosis in response to IR are incapable of delaying progress through mitosis when DNA synthesis is blocked by mutations in an essential replication factor encoded by double park (Drosophila Cdt1). We conclude that DNA damage and replication checkpoints operating in the same cell cycle at the same developmental stage in Drosophila can exhibit differential requirements for the Chk1 homolog. The converse situation exists in fission yeast where loss of Chk1 is more detrimental to the DNA damage checkpoint than to the DNA replication checkpoint. It remains to be seen which of these two different uses of Chk1 homologs are conserved in mammals. Finally, our results demonstrate that Drosophila provides a unique opportunity to study the regulation of the entry into, and progress through, mitosis by DNA structure checkpoints in metazoa.
Insights into the molecular basis of the differing susceptibility of varying cell types to the toxicity of amyloid aggregates
Authors: Cecchi Cristina , Baglioni Serena , Fiorillo Claudia , Pensalfini Anna , Liguri Gianfranco , Nosi Daniele , Rigacci Stefania , Bucciantini Monica , Stefani Massimo
Published: August 2005

It has been reported that different tissue or cultured cell types are variously affected by the exposure to toxic protein aggregates, however a substantial lack of information exists about the biochemical basis of cell resistance or susceptibility to the aggregates. We investigated the extent of the cytotoxic effects elicited by supplementing the media of a panel of cultured cell lines with aggregates of HypF-N, a prokaryotic domain not associated with any amyloid disease. The cell types exposed to early, pre-fibrillar aggregates (not mature fibrils) displayed variable susceptibility to damage and to apoptotic death with a significant inverse relation to membrane content in cholesterol. Susceptibility to damage by the aggregates was also found to be significantly related to the ability of cells to counteract early modifications of the intracellular free Ca2+ and redox status. Accordingly, cell resistance appeared related to the efficiency of the biochemical equipment leading any cell line to sustain the activity of Ca2+ pumps while maintaining under control the oxidative stress associated with the increased metabolic rate. Our data depict membrane destabilization and the subsequent early derangement of ion balance and intracellular redox status as key events in targeting exposed cells to apoptotic death.
Invasion of endothelial cells by Neisseria meningitidis requires cortactin recruitment by a phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Rac1 signalling pathway triggered by the lipo-oligosaccharide
Authors: Lambotin Mélanie , Hoffmann Isabelle , Laran-Chich Marie-Pierre , Nassif Xavier , Couraud Pierre Olivier , Bourdoulous Sandrine
Published: August 2005

Type-IV-pilus-mediated adhesion of Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus) to human endothelial cells induces the formation of membrane protrusions leading to bacterial uptake. We have previously shown that these protrusions result from a Rho- and Cdc42-dependent cortical actin polymerization, and from the activation of the ErbB2 tyrosine-kinase receptor and the Src kinase, leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin. We report here that N. meningitidis mutants expressing a deglycosylated lipo-oligosaccharide are poorly invasive. These mutants show structurally altered actin polymerization. Moreover, although they efficiently recruit and activate ErbB2 and Src, these mutants are defective in the recruitment and phosphorylation of cortactin. We demonstrate that phosphorylated cortactin controls the cortical actin polymerization, which leads to membrane protrusion formation. In addition, we show that cortactin recruitment is dependent on the activation of a phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Rac1-GTPase signalling pathway, which is required for actin polymerization and internalization of N. meningitidis, and is not activated by the mutant strains. Altogether, these results define a new role for the lipo-oligosaccharide in triggering a phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Rac1 signalling required to elicit an efficient uptake of N. meningitidis in non-phagocytic cells.
Laying Out Sparse Graphs with Provably Minimum Bandwidth
Authors: Caprara Alberto , Salazar-González Juan-José
Published: August 2005

Finding a linear layout of a graph having minimum bandwidth is a combinatorial optimization problem that has been studied since the 1960s. Unlike other classical problems, the approach based on stating a suitable integer linear program and solving the associated linear-programming relaxation seems to be useless in this case. This makes it nontrivial to design algorithms capable of solving to optimality instances of reasonable size. In this paper, we illustrate a new simple lower bound on the optimal bandwidth and its extension within an enumerative algorithm, leading to integer linear-programming relaxations that can be solved efficiently and provide effective lower bounds if part of the layout is fixed. Keeping the integrality constraints in these relaxations is essential for this purpose. We show that the resulting method can solve to proven optimality 24 out of the 30 instances from the literature with less than 200 nodes, each in less than a minute on a personal computer. The new approach is also analyzed on randomly generated instances with up to 1,000 nodes. Moreover, we propose a method to compute the well-known density lower bound on the optimal bandwidth, which succeeds in finding this bound within minutes for most instances in the literature with up to 250 nodes.
Intelligent Partitioning for Feature Selection
Authors: Ólafsson Sigurdur , Yang Jaekyung
Published: August 2005

This paper develops a new optimization-based feature-selection framework for knowledge discovery in databases. Algorithms following this new framework have attractive theoretical properties such as proven convergence to an optimal set of relevant features and the ability for deriving rigorous statements regarding the quality of the set that is found. Within this framework both wrapper and filter algorithms are derived, and numerical experiments show the new methodology to perform well with respect to accuracy and simplicity of the set of features found to be relevant.
Alvimopan for the Management of Postoperative Ileus
Authors: Leslie John B
Published: August 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosage, and administration of alvimopan, a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist, in the management of postoperative ileus (POI).

DATA SOURCES:

A literature search (1980–October 2004%) applying the terms alvimopan, ADL 8–2698, and LY246736 was conducted using MEDLINE. Information was also obtained from scientific congress abstracts and data on file with the manufacturer.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Studies and abstracts investigating alvimopan and POI were considered for inclusion; however, they were restricted to English-language articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Alvimopan is a novel, peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist that is currently under evaluation for the management of POI. POI presents significant clinical challenges that can delay patient recovery and contribute to increased morbidity and prolonged hospitalization after surgery. Clinical trials have demonstrated that alvimopan, at oral doses of 6 and 12 mg, can accelerate time to recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) function and time to hospital discharge following abdominal surgery. The incidence of adverse events with alvimopan therapy was shown to be similar to that of placebo.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alvimopan is well tolerated and effective at accelerating GI recovery and time to discharge in patients who have undergone bowel resection or hysterectomy when administered prior to surgery and twice daily thereafter until discharge or for up to 7 days. Alvimopan potentially offers significant benefits for patients with POI over currently available treatments.
Microglia Kv1.3 Channels Contribute to Their Ability to Kill Neurons
Authors: Fordyce Christopher B. , Jagasia Ravi , Zhu Xiaoping , Schlichter Lyanne C.
Published: August 2005

Many CNS disorders involve an inflammatory response that is orchestrated by cells of the innate immune system: macrophages, neutrophils, and microglia (the endogenous CNS immune cell). Hence, there is considerable interest in anti-inflammatory strategies that target these cells. Microglia express Kv1.3 (KCNA3) channels, which we showed previously are important for their proliferation and the NADPH-mediated respiratory burst. Here, we demonstrate the potential for targeting Kv1.3 channels to control CNS inflammation. Rat microglia express Kv1.2, Kv1.3, and Kv1.5 transcripts and protein, but only a Kv1.3 current was detected. When microglia were activated with lipopolysaccharide or a phorbol ester, only the Kv1.3 transcript (but not protein) expression changed. Using a Transwell cell-culture system that allows separate drug treatment of microglia or neurons, we found that activated microglia killed postnatal hippocampal neurons through a process that requires Kv1.3 channel activity in microglia but not in neurons. A major neurotoxic molecule in this model was peroxynitrite, which is formed from superoxide and nitric oxide; thus, it is significant that Kv1.3 channel blockers reduced the respiratory burst, but not nitric oxide production, by the activated microglia. In addressing the biochemical pathway affected by Kv1.3 channel activity, we found that Kv1.3 acts via a different cellular mechanism from the broad-spectrum drug minocycline, which is often used in animal models of neuroinflammation. That is, the dose-dependent reduction in neuron killing by minocycline corresponded with a reduction in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in microglia; however, none of the Kv1.3 blockers affected p38 activation.
Decreased Sensory Stimulation Reduces Behavioral Responding, Retards Development, and Alters Neuronal Connectivity inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rose Jacqueline K. , Sangha Susan , Rai Susan , Norman Kenneth R. , Rankin Catharine H.
Published: August 2005

Activity-dependent plasticity is a critical component of nervous systems. We show that inCaenorhabditis elegans, worms raised in isolation made smaller responses to mechanosensory stimulation and were smaller and slower to begin laying eggs than age-matched group-raised worms. The glutamate receptor gene GLR-1 was critical for the observed alterations in behavior but not in size, whereas the cGMP-dependent protein kinase gene EGL-4 was critical for the observed changes in size but not the changes in behavior. Mechanosensory stimulation during development reversed the effects of isolation on behavior and began to reduce the effects of isolation on size. InC. elegans, the six mechanosensory touch neurons synapse onto the four pair of command interneurons for forward and backward movement. Touch (mechanosensory) neurons of worms raised in isolation expressed lower levels of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged synaptobrevin than touch neurons of worms raised in colonies. Command interneurons of worms raised in isolation expressed lower levels of GFP-tagged glutamate receptors than command interneurons of worms raised in groups. Brief mechanical stimulation during larval development rescued the expression of GFP-tagged glutamate receptors but not GFP-tagged synaptobrevin. Together, these results indicate that the level of stimulation experienced byC. elegansduring development profoundly affects the development of neuronal connectivity and has widespread cellular and behavioral consequences.
Homeostatic Scaling of Vesicular Glutamate and GABA Transporter Expression in Rat Neocortical Circuits
Authors: De Gois Stéphanie , Schäfer Martin K.-H. , Defamie Norah , Chen Chu , Ricci Anthony , Weihe Eberhard , Varoqui Hélène , Erickson Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2005

Homeostatic control of pyramidal neuron firing rate involves a functional balance of feedforward excitation and feedback inhibition in neocortical circuits. Here, we reveal a dynamic scaling in vesicular excitatory (vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2) and inhibitory (vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter VIAAT) transporter mRNA and synaptic protein expression in rat neocortical neuronal cultures, using a well establishedin vitroprotocol to induce homeostatic plasticity. During the second and third week of synaptic differentiation, the predominant vesicular transporters expressed in neocortical neurons, VGLUT1 and VIAAT, are both dramatically upregulated. In mature cultures, VGLUT1 and VIAAT exhibit bidirectional and opposite regulation by prolonged activity changes. Endogenous coregulation during development and homeostatic scaling of the expression of the transporters in functionally differentiated cultures may serve to control vesicular glutamate and GABA filling and adjust functional presynaptic excitatory/inhibitory balance. Unexpectedly, hyperexcitation in differentiated cultures triggers a striking increase in VGLUT2 mRNA and synaptic protein, whereas decreased excitation reduces levels. VGLUT2 mRNA and protein are expressed in subsets of VGLUT1-encoded neocortical neurons that we identify in primary cultures and in neocortexin situandin vivo. After prolonged hyperexcitation, downregulation of VGLUT1/synaptophysin intensity ratios at most synapses is observed, whereas a subset of VGLUT1-containing boutons selectively increase the expression of VGLUT2. Bidirectional and opposite regulation of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 by activity may serve as positive or negative feedback regulators for cortical synaptic transmission. Intracortical VGLUT1/VGLUT2 coexpressing neurons have the capacity to independently modulate the level of expression of either transporter at discrete synapses and therefore may serve as a plastic interface between subcortical thalamic input (VGLUT2) and cortical output (VGLUT1) neurons.
Mechanism of Action of 4‐Hydroxymethyl‐1,6,8‐trimethylfuro[2,3‐h]quinolin‐2(1 H)‐one, a Very Active Angular Furocoumarin‐like Sensitizer
Authors: Marzano Cristina , Bettio Frazia , Chilin Adriana , Caffieri Sergio , Reddi Elena , Bordin Franco
Published: August 2005

The molecular structure of 1,4,6,8‐tetramethylfuro[2,3‐h]quinolin‐2(1H)‐one (FQ), a recent furocoumarin‐like photosensitizer, has been modified with the aim of reducing its strong genotoxicity, by replacing the methyl group at 4 position with a hydroxymethyl one, and so obtaining 4‐hydroxymethyl‐1,6,8‐trimethylfuro[2,3‐h]quinolin‐2(1H)‐one (HOFQ). This modification gave rise to a strong reduction of lipophilicity and dark interaction with DNA. The formation of monoadducts (MA) was deeply affected, whereas the induction of bifunctional adducts between DNA and proteins (DPCL>0) was replaced by an efficient production of DNA–protein cross‐links at zero length (DPCL=0), probably via guanine damage. Because of its angular molecular structure, HOFQ does not form interstrand cross‐links (ISC): therefore, DPCL>0 and MA represent the main lesions induced by HOFQ in DNA. In comparison with FQ (which induces MA and DPCL>0) and 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) (MA, ISC, DPCL>0), HOFQ seems to be a more selective agent. In fact, contrary to FQ and 8‐MOP, HOFQ, together with a noticeable antiproliferative activity, shows low levels of point mutations in bacteria and of clastogenic effects in mammalian cells. HOFQ is also an efficient apoptosis inducer, especially in comparison with 8‐MOP, when tested at equitoxic experimental conditions; this property might be correlated with the complete HOFQ inability of inducing skin erythemas, a well‐known side effect of classic furocoumarin photosensitization.
Vaccines Against Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer: Promises and Challenges
Authors: Mahdavi Ali , Monk Bradley J.
Published: August 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HPV and HPV-associated diseases.Explain the immune mechanisms relevant to the control of HPV infection.Describe vaccine strategies for the prevention and therapy of HPV infection and cervical dysplasia and/or cancer.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Cervical cancer and precancerous lesions of the genital tract are major threats to the health of women worldwide. The introduction of screening tests to detect cervical cancer precursor lesions has reduced cervical cancer rates in the developed world, but not in developing countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiologic agent of cervical cancer and dysplasia. Thus, cervical cancer and other HPV-associated malignancies might be prevented or treated by HPV vaccines. Two vaccine strategies have been developed. First, prevention of HPV infection through induction of capsid-specific neutralizing antibodies has been studied in clinical trials. However, because the capsid proteins are not expressed at detectable levels by infected basal keratinocytes or in HPV-transformed cells, a second approach of developing therapeutic vaccines by targeting nonstructural early viral antigens has also been developed. Because two HPV oncogenic proteins, E6 and E7, are critical to the induction and maintenance of cellular transformation and are coexpressed in the majority of HPV-containing carcinomas, most therapeutic vaccines target one or both of these gene products. A variety of approaches is being tested in therapeutic vaccine clinical trials, whereby E6 and/or E7 are administered in live vectors, as peptides or protein, in nucleic acid form, or in cell-based vaccines. The paradigm of preventing HPV infection through vaccination has been tested, and two vaccines are currently in phase III clinical trials. However, current therapeutic vaccine trials are less mature with respect to disease clearance. A number of approaches have shown significant therapeutic benefit in preclinical papillomavirus models and await testing in patient populations to determine the most effective curative strategy.
Oxyphilic carcinoma of the thyroid gland
Authors: Stankov Karmen , Romeo Giovanni
Published: August 2005

Oxyphilic tumors of the thyroid gland are rare tumors characterized by the presence of H?rthle cells - mitochondrion-rich, eosinophilic epithelial cells. H?rthle cell carcinomas (HCC) of the thyroid behave in a more aggressive fashion as compared to other well-differentiated thyroid cancers. Many recent studies have been focused on the further elucidation of pathogenesis and the role of mitochondrial hyperplasia in carcinogenesis of these neoplasms. The importance of combining morphological and genetic approaches in the study of HCC has been emphasized by the difficulties encountered in establishing adequate differential diagnostic criteria between benign and malignant forms, as well as by the resistance of HCC to radio and chemotherapy. It has been well documented that the H?rthle cells are characterized by profound aberrations in the nuclear and mitochondrial genome and by alterations in oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and other key genes involved in energy metabolism, proliferation and apoptosis.
Role of superoxide dismutase in individualization of breast cancer radiation therapy protocols
Authors: Pajovic Snezana , Pejic Snezana , Kasapovic Jelena , Radojcic Marija , Borojevic Nenad , Radosevic-Jelic Ljiljana
Published: August 2005

Background: The goal of this study was to introduce a new predictive biomarker assay that might improve a clinical irradiation treatment of malignant diseases. Methods: Thirty-two peripheral blood samples obtained from breast cancer patients were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) after irradiation with gamma rays (60 Co). SOD was measured in subcellular fractions prepared from unirradiated and irradiated blood samples (McCord and Fridovich). The activity of SOD was measured by the method of Misra and Fridovich and protein concentration by the method of Lowry et al. Results Antioxidant radiation response of patients' blood cells was very variable and specific for each individual. The results indicated that the radiation response during radiotherapy directly depends on the initial state of antioxidant activity in the blood of cancer patients. In the blood samples with high level of SOD activity the irradiation decreased enzymatic activity while in the samples with medium or low level of SOD, the SOD activity was preserved or increased by irradiation with 2 Gy of gamma rays. Conclusion We showed that the modulation of SOD activity in blood cells after irradiation in vitro might be used as predictive biomarker in individualization of therapy protocols.
Presence of Candida albicans in potentially malignant oral mucosal lesions
Authors: Vuckovic Nada , Bokor-Bratic Marija , Vuckovic Dejan , Picuric Ivana
Published: August 2005

Recently, an interest in the study of oral candidiasis has markedly increased mainly because of its association with viral infections due to human immunodeficiency, but also because of its relation with potentially malignant lesions of oral mucosa. These lesions belong to the wide group of leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a clinical term used to describe a range of nonspecific white lesions, whose appearance does not generally correlate well with histopathologic changes; therefore, biopsy should be performed in all cases to determine which are precancerous or potentially malignant ones. In order to study the association of Candida albicans and the types of mucosal lesions, we took 30 consecutive biopsies of oral mucosa and the smears for microbiologic examination from the changed surface of mucosa and from the rest of oral cavity. The study group consisted of 30 patients, 21 women and 9 men, with the average age of 50.23 years (range, 25-77 years). In 6 cases Candida was diagnosed in mucosal biopsy. In the smear from the lesion, it was present in 3 cases, and 2 cases were found in the smear from an unchanged oral mucosa. In 9/30 cases (30%) Candida was positive regardless of the smear area or mode of diagnosis. The most common lesion is leukoplakia, diagnosed in 12/30 cases (40%), in 6 female and 6 male patients. The average age of those patients was 52.42 years. The lesions were located as follows: cheek mucosa - 5 cases; gingival mucosa - 2; lower lip - 2; floor of the mouth - 2; soft palate - 1; Candida was present in 3/12 cases. The lesion with the second highest incidence is lichen planus (9 cases), with positive Candida infection in 4/9 (44.44%). Epithelial dysplasia, although diagnosed in a very small number of cases (1/30 or 3.3%) with leukoplakia, was associated with a Candida infection. Generally, Candida is present in potentially malignant oral mucosal lesions (in 3/12 or 25% of leukoplakia cases, in 4/9 or 44.44% of lichen planus cases, and 1/1 squamous papilloma), with an increasing incidence in lesions with serious dysplastic epithelial changes.
Evaluation of imaging techniques and ca 19-9 in differential diagnosis of carcinoma and other focal lesions of pancreas
Authors: Trifunovic Jasna , Muzikravic Ljubomir , Prvulovic Mladen , Salma Svetlana , Nikolin Borislava , Kukic Biljana
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most important imaging techniques in the diagnostics of pancreatic carcinoma and disease staging; they are also very useful in monitoring and follow-up of treatment efficacy. The problems with imaging diagnostics arise in certain cases of pancreatic focal lesions - for example in the differentiation of focal chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma. Our objectives were the evaluation of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging reliability and determination of the importance of tumor antigen CA 19-9 in the diagnostics of pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS: Our investigation included patients with pancreatic focal mass suspected of malignancy. All patients were examined by ultrasonography, MR, and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy. Cytopathologic examination of biopsied samples was used to diagnose the disease. Oncomarker levels CA 19-9 were assayed in all patients. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography examination made possible the correct diagnosis of carcinoma in case of 17 patients; in three patients with focal chronic pancreatitis the diagnosis was false positive. No case of false-negative diagnosis was found. The tumor antigen CA 19-9 in serum was determined and it was clearly positive (above 45U/ml) in all patients (17) with pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: Imaging techniques gave good results in the evaluation of pancreatic pathology. However, when using imaging techniques differential diagnosis between focal chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma seems to be major problem. Correlation of imaging technique and determination of tumor antigen CA 19-9 has an important role in the diagnostics of pancreatic carcinoma. Imaging techniques and identification of tumor antigen CA 19-9 are complementary methods in the examination and diagnostics of pancreatic carcinoma and they allow better precision of diagnosis of pancreatic focal lesions.
Ultraviolet radiation and melanogenesis
Authors: Stanojevic Milenko , Stanojevic Zorica , Jovanovic Dragan , Stojiljkovic Milena
Published: August 2005

Light radiation is a part of the electromagnetic radiation, and it consists of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. UV radiation energy is absorbed in the form of photons in biomolecules (chromophores) and induces various cellular reactions, out of which photochemical and photosensitizing are the most significant. In contact with the skin UV radiation incites protection mechanisms: the most important are stratum corneum thickening and melanin synthesis (melanogenesis). Basic role of melanin is absorption and scattering of UV rays and neutralization of free radicals. In this review physical characteristics of UV radiation, its biological effects, and relation to melanogenesis and carcinogenesis are discussed.
Observational data on Galactic supernova remnants: II. The supernova remnants within l = 90°-270°
Authors: Guseinov O.H. , Ankayand A. , Tagieva S.O.
Published: August 2005

We have collected all the available data on Galactic supernova remnants given in the literature. The data of Galactic supernova remnants located in the Galactic longitude interval l=90? - 270? in all spectral bands are represented in this work. We have adopted distance values for the SNRs by examining these data. The data of various types on neutron stars connected to these supernova remnants are also represented. Remarks of some authors and by ourselves regarding the data and some properties of both the supernova remnants and the point sources are given.
Sensitivity of the MnI 539.47 nm spectral line to solar activity
Authors: Danilovic Sanja , Vince Istvan
Published: August 2005

CCD observations of the MnI 539.47 nm spectral line in the solar flux made at the Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade between 1994 and 2003 have been reduced and certain line parameters, viz. the equivalent width, full width at half maximum and central depth have been derived. The variation of these parameters with the solar activity has been evaluated. The relative variation of the equivalent width from minimum to maximum of solar activity was found to be 1.4%, while the variation of the central depth is 2.3%. The full width at half maximum remains practically constant.
Prediction of initial shape of functionally graded ceramic pre-forms for near-net-shape sintering
Authors: Maximenko A.L. , Biest Der , Olevsky E.A.
Published: August 2005

Sintering of macroscopically inhomogeneous ceramic components is always accompanied by shape distortions due to the difference in shrinkage rates of powder elements. The objective of the present investigation is the theoretical determination of initially distorted shapes of the green bodies needed to provide near-net-shape sintered components. Calculations are based on a finite element implementation of the continuum theory of sintering. In this theory, sintering is considered as a creep under the influence of the compressive ?sintering stress?. To predict the initial shapes of the components the ?inverse? numerical procedure is used when the component is assumed to swell from the final shape to the initial one under the influence of the pressure equal (with the exception of sign) to the sintering stress.
MPTP‐Induced Models of Parkinson's Disease in Mice and Non‐Human Primates
Authors: Visanji Naomi P. , Brotchie Jonathan M.
Published: August 2005

The pro‐toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is widely used to create animal models of Parkinson's disease. This unit describes protocols for the production of stable and substantial lesions in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway of mice and non‐human primates. The models can be employed for assessing the neural mechanisms underlying the development of Parkinson's disease and for screening potential therapies for the treatment of this condition.
CFD simulation of UV photocatalytic reactors for air treatment
Authors: Taghipour Fariborz , Mohseni Madjid
Published: August 2005

A photocatalytic reactor was simulated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with surface reaction for trichloroethylene (TCE) oxidation at various pollutant concentrations, flow rates, and reactor lengths. The results were compared with those from experiments. The experimental work involved using a differential photoreactor for kinetics studies and an annular flow photoreactor for overall removal investigations under various conditions. The modeling predictions agreed closely with the experimental data within the range in which results were examined. The modeling results indicated significant radial TCE concentration gradient and nonuniform flow distributions in the annular photoreactor. CFD was applied to predict the performance of a number of UV photocatalytic reactor design concepts, to study the impacts of some design parameters on the reactor efficiency. The modeling results demonstrated that under similar flow rate conditions, the thickness of the contaminated air layer flowing over the photocatalyst surface could substantially influence the reactor performance. Thinner contaminated air layers provided more uniform radial concentration distribution of TCE and improved the reactor performance. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
The fiber‐coating model of biopharmaceutical depth filtration
Authors: Bolton Glen R. , LaCasse Daniel , Lazzara Matthew J. , Kuriyel Ralf
Published: August 2005

Depth filters are often used in biotechnology processes to remove cell debris from cell culture solutions. A model of filter plugging was developed to allow predictions of required filter area from limited amounts of initial data. The filter microstructure was idealized as an assembly of randomly oriented, straight, cylindrical fibers. It was assumed that filters plug as solids coat the surfaces of fibers, making them thicker and reducing filter porosity and permeability. The Carman–Kozeny equation was used to allow calculation of filter permeability as a function of filter fiber radius, filter solid fraction, and volume filtered. An explicit equation for filtrate volume as a function of time during constant pressure operation was derived, and an explicit equation for pressure as a function of time during constant flow rate operation was derived. A second model that accounted for the combined effects of fiber coating and surface caking was also derived. The models were tested on data from a replica cell culture fluid filtered through a glass fiber based depth filter and data from E. coli lysate filtered through glass fiber and diatomaceous earth based depth filters. The fiber coating model provided good fits of the volume vs. time data and good predictions of filter capacity from limited initial data. The combined cake‐fiber coating model provided improved performance over the fiber coating model. The models are useful tools for sizing of depth filters for fermentation and cell culture applications and may be useful for other liquid and gas filter applications. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Genes encoding catalytic subunits of protein kinase a and risk of spina bifida
Authors: Zhu Huiping , Lu Wei , Laurent Cecile , Shaw Gary M. , Lammer Edward J. , Finnell Richard H.
Published: August 2005

Background

PRKACA and PRKACB are genes encoding the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) catalytic subunits alpha and beta, respectively. PKA is known to be involved in embryonic development, as it downregulates the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is critical to normal pattern formation and morphogenesis. The PKA‐deficient mouse model, which has only a single catalytic subunit, provided intriguing evidence demonstrating a relationship between decreased PKA activity and risk for posterior neural tube defects (NTDs) in the thoracic to sacral regions of gene‐knockout mice. Unlike most other mutant mouse models of NTDs, the PKA‐deficient mice develop spina bifida with 100% penetrance. We hypothesized that sequence variations in human genes encoding the catalytic subunits may alter the PKA activity and similarly increase the risk of spina bifida.

METHODS

We sequenced the coding regions and the exon/intron boundaries of PRKACA and PRKACB. We also examined 3 common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these 2 genes by allele discrimination.

RESULTS

Five sequence variants in coding region and 2 intronic sequence variants proximal to exons were detected. None of the 3 SNPs examined in the association study appeared to be associated with substantially increased risk for spina bifida.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results did not reveal a strong association between these PKA SNPs and spina bifida risk. Nonetheless, it is important to examine the possible gene‐gene interactions between PRKACA and PRKACB when evaluating the risk for NTDs, as well as genes encoding regulatory subunits of PKA. In addition, interactions with other genes such as Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) should also be considered for future investigations. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation on the interaction between dihydroxybenzene and Fe3+–H2O2–Rh6G system based on enhancing chemiluminescence
Authors: He Deyong , Zhang Zhujun , He Chao
Published: August 2005

A highly sensitive flow‐injection chemiluminescence (FI–CL) method has been developed for the determination of dihydroxybenzene, based on the hydroxyl radical reaction. Hydroxyl radical (·OH) produced by the reaction of Fe3+ and H2O2 oxidize rhodamine 6G to produce weak CL. It was observed that catechol and hydroquinone greatly enhanced the weak CL reaction. However, the proposed CL system is not suitable for determination of resorcinol because the enhancement reaction is very slow. The proposed procedure has a linear range of 0.01–2 mg/L for catechol, with a detection limit of 0.006 mg/L, and 0.008–1 mg/L for hydroquinone, with a detection limit of 0.004 mg/L. The possible mechanism of the CL system is discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized clinical trial comparing primary closure with the Limberg flap in the treatment of primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease
Authors: Akca T , Colak T , Ustunsoy B , Kanik A , Aydin S
Published: August 2005

Background

The purpose of the study was to compare the outcome of excision and primary closure with that of rhomboid excision and the Limberg flap procedure in patients with primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD).

Methods

Two hundred consecutive patients with SPD were randomly allocated to undergo either excision and primary closure (group 1, n = 100) or rhomboid excision and the Limberg flap procedure (group 2, n = 100). Duration of operation, postoperative pain, time to first mobilization, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, time to resumption of work, recurrence and time to recurrence were recorded for all patients.

Results

Duration of operation was longer in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0·001). However, postoperative pain was less (P < 0·001), mobilization earlier (P < 0·001), duration of hospital stay shorter (P < 0·001), time to resumption of work shorter (P < 0·001) and postoperative complications fewer (P < 0·001) in group 2. During a median follow-up of 28 months, no recurrence was detected in patients in group 2 versus 11 patients in group 1 (P = 0·001).

Conclusion

Because of its low complication rate and acceptable long-term results, rhomboid excision and the Limberg flap procedure is preferable to simple excision and primary closure in the treatment of SPD.
Analysis of risk factors for the development of gallstones after gastrectomy
Authors: Kobayashi T , Hisanaga M , Kanehiro H , Yamada Y , Ko S , Nakajima Y
Published: August 2005

Background

The incidence of gallstones is higher in people who have undergone gastrectomy than in the general population, but the cause of this is unknown.

Methods

Between January 1992 and January 2003, 749 patients underwent ultrasonography of the gallbladder after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A total of 2327 examinations were carried out. The incidence of gallstones was compared in subgroups of patients classified according to the type of reconstruction, extent of gastrectomy, whether the duodenum was excluded and type of lymph node dissection.

Results

The incidence of gallstones was significantly higher after total compared with partial gastrectomy (27·9 versus 7·8 per cent at 5 years; P < 0·001). Reconstruction with duodenal exclusion was associated with a significantly higher incidence than non-exclusion (25·1 versus 8·2 per cent at 5 years; P < 0·001). Patients who had lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament had a significantly higher incidence of gallstones than those who did not (28·2 versus 7·5 per cent at 5 years; P < 0·001). In multivariate analysis that included type of reconstruction and lymph node dissection, lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament was identified as the most significant risk factor for gallstone development (odds ratio 3·66 (95 per cent confidence interval 2·16 to 6·22); P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament, total gastrectomy and exclusion of the duodenum are risk factors for gallstones after gastrectomy.
Developing integration in a local industrial ecosystem – an explorative approach
Authors: Wolf Anna , Eklund Mats , Söderström Mats
Published: August 2005

The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate an approach for initiating development of a local industrial symbiosis network. By maintaining the broad perspective of industrial symbiosis, which includes both material and energy flow analysis, and also taking into account the internal energy use and possibilities for energy savings, we aim to achieve a better system view that avoids both sub‐optimizations and unhealthy dependencies. The approach is applied to a case based on the cooperation between the forest industry, municipality and energy service company in a small town in southern Sweden. Several possibilities for improving material and energy use by increasing integration were identified. It was concluded that it is important to have a genuine knowledge of the system studied and close contact with the actors involved, since a simple analysis of energy and material flows is not sufficient to decide which solutions might be more advantageous. It is also important to have a flexible system boundary looking at the system from different perspectives and at different levels to find the best uses for existing energy and material streams. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Structure of the Antimicrobial, Cationic Hexapeptide Cyclo(RRWWRF) and Its Analogues in Solution and Bound to Detergent Micelles
Authors: Appelt Christian , Wessolowski Axel , Söderhäll J. Arvid , Dathe Margitta , Schmieder Peter
Published: August 2005

Antimicrobial, cationic peptides are abundant throughout nature as part of many organisms' defence against microorganisms. They exhibit a large variety of sequences and structural motifs and are thought to act by rupturing the bacterial membrane. Several models based on biophysical experiments have been proposed for their mechanism of action. Here we present the NMR‐determined structure of the cyclic, cationic antimicrobial peptide cyclo(RRWWRF) both free in aqueous solution and bound to detergent micelles. The peptide has a rather flexible but ordered structure in water. A distinct structure is formed when the peptide is bound to a detergent micelle. The structures in neutral and negatively charged micelles are nearly identical but differ from that in aqueous solution. The orientation of the amino acid side chains creates an amphipathic molecule with the peptide backbone forming the hydrophilic part. The orientation of the peptide in the micelle was determined by using NOEs and paramagnetic agents. The peptide is oriented mainly parallel to the micelle surface in both detergents. Substitution of the arginine and tryptophan residues is known to influence the antimicrobial activity. Therefore the structure of the micelle‐bound analogues cyclo(RRYYRF), cyclo(KKWWKF) and cyclo(RRNalNalRF) were also determined. They exhibit remarkable similarities in backbone conformation and side‐chain orientation. The structure of these peptides allows the side‐chain properties to be correlated to biological activity.
Selective Transport of Bismuth Ions through Supported Liquid Membrane
Authors: Madaeni S. S. , Zand H. R. K.
Published: August 2005

A new supported liquid membrane (SLM) system was prepared for the selective transport of bismuth ions from the aqueous feed into the aqueous permeate phase. The support of the SLM was a thin porous polypropylene or polyvinylidene fluoride membrane impregnated with diisooctyldithiophosphinic acid (Cyanex 301) as mobile carrier in 4‐chloroacetophenon as organic solvent. Cyanex 301 acts as a highly selective carrier for the uphill transport of bismuth ions through the SLM. In the presence of HNO3 as a metal ion acceptor in the strip solution, the transport of bismuth ions into the strip side reached 70 % of the initial feed concentration after 3.5 hours. The selectivity and efficiency of bismuth transport from aqueous solutions containing different mixtures of cations were investigated. In the presence of P2O72– ions as suitable masking agent in the feed solution, the interfering effects of other cations were completely eliminated. The selective transport of bismuth through SLM is superior to liquid‐liquid extraction or through bulk liquid membranes. This is due to the high efficiency. The SLM reduces the solvent requirements, combines extraction and stripping operations in a single process and allows the use of highly selective extractants. The system may be applied to samples containing very low bismuth concentrations.