bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal lupus erythematosus: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Vass Géza , Antal Zsuzsanna , Katona Mária , Kárpáti Sarolta , Balogh Lídia
Published: October 2007

A neonatalis lupus erythematosus (NLE) az újszülöttek első néhány hónapjának megbetegedése, melyet az édesanya autoimmun betegségének (SLE, Sjögren, rheumatoid arthritis stb.) kapcsán termelődő, placentán átjutó anti-SSA- és anti-SSB-ellenanyagok okoznak. Ritka megbetegedés. Tünetei érinthetik a bőrt (jellegzetes annuláris, erythemás plakkok), a szívet, a májat és a vérképzést. Legsúlyosabb következménye a 20–30%-os mortalitásért elsősorban felelős III. fokú AV-blokk, mely maradandó károsodás, s pacemaker beültetését teszi szükségessé. A tünetek általában kezelés nélkül megszűnnek az anyai ellenanyagok kiürülésével párhuzamosan a csecsemő 6–9 hónapos korára. Esetünkben a tipikus bőrtünetek az egész testet érintették, már születéskor fennálltak, de szívblokk nem alakult ki. A diagnózist jelentősen nehezítette, hogy az édesanya betegsége nem volt ismert a szülés idején. A jelentős thrombocytopenia, progrediáló bőrtünetek és emelkedett májfunkciós értékek miatt szisztémás szteroid adására kényszerültünk.
Silent myocardial infarction
Authors: Völgyi Zoltán , Szavin Makszim
Published: October 2007

A különböző betegségekben elhaltak szekciójakor nemritkán látható a szívizomban korábban lezajlott szívinfarktus, melyről sem a betegnek, sem kezelőorvosának nem volt tudomása (néma szívinfarktus), és csak mint szekciós melléklelet kerül megállapításra.
Célkitűzés:
a néma szívinfarktus gyakoriságának, az életkilátásokat meghatározó szerepének, felismerhetőségének és prognózisának vizsgálata a lokalizáció függvényében.
Módszer:
10 év alatt végzett 1568 szekció boncolási anyagának retrospektív elemzése, az adatok statisztikai értékelése.
Eredmények:
470 beteg (30%) élete során szívinfarktust szenvedett el. Közülük 177 (37%) volt akut eset, melynek 90%-a élőben felismerhető volt, és a halál oka az infarktus, illetve annak közvetlen szövődménye volt. 293 (63%) esetben találtak idült szívizomelhalást, melyek közül 109 (37%) volt élőben felismert, 184 (63%) pedig néma infarktus, a nők és a férfiak aránya közel azonos (90/94 fő). Idült szívizomelhalásban cardialis okból – döntő többségében szívelégtelenségben – 97 (32%), extracardialis megbetegedésben pedig 196 (68%) beteg hunyt el, többségük stroke következtében, elsősorban inferior infarktusban szenvedők.
Következtetések:
A szívinfarktus gyakoribb betegség, mint azt a szekció nélküli klinikai és epidemiológiai adatokból vélni lehet, prognózisa pedig jobb, mivel a betegek 42%-a extracardialis megbetegedésben hal meg, életkoruk nem rövidebb a szívinfarktus nélküli betegekénél. A néma szívinfarktusok ismerete teszi lehetővé a beteg terhelhetőségének megítélését, kezelését és a recidíva megelőzését.
EuroRotaNet – European rotavirus strain surveillance network has been established
Authors: Bányai Krisztián , Deák Judit , Gray James , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Kovács Julianna , Kónya József , László Brigitta , Martella Vito , Mészner Zsófia , Mihály Ilona , Molnár Péter , Nyúl Zoltán , Pátri László , Schneider Ferenc , Tóth András , Szűcs György
Published: October 2007

Az A-csoportú rotavírusok világszerte a gyermekkori súlyos gasztroenteritiszek leggyakoribb okai. A rotavírusok szero- és genotípusainak különböző földrajzi területeken észlelt megoszlása ugyanabban a szezonban és az egymást követő években egyaránt változik. Jellemző ezenkívül a genetikailag egymástól eltérő törzsek együttes előfordulása, akárcsak az adott típuson belüli variabilitás bármely területen és időben. A rotavírus elleni vakcinák széles körű alkalmazását feltételezve a közeljövőben a természetes rotavírus-fertőzések átfogó surveillance-a alapvető fontosságú lesz. Az EuroRotaNet mindenekelőtt azért jött létre, hogy átfogó információt gyűjtsön az Európában keringő rotavírusok szero- és genotípusairól. A megfogalmazott feladatok közül a legfontosabbak a következők: (i) a rotavírustörzsek hatékony tipizálási és jellemzési módszerének és algoritmusok kifejlesztése; (ii) a rotavírus-fertőzések molekuláris epidemiológiájának részletes leírása Európában; (iii) a jelenlegi genotipizálási módszerek hatékonyságának felmérése és a genetikai sodródás (drift) és váltás (shift) okozta változásokra történő reagálás; és (iv) az új törzsek európai felbukkanásának rögzítése és terjedésük nyomon követése. Mindez megfelelő alapot nyújthat a jövőbeli surveillance-tevékenységekhez, és talán lehetőséget kínál majd olyan alvizsgálatok elvégzésére, amelyekkel értékelni lehet az oltóanyagnak a leggyakoribb rotavírustörzsek által okozott fertőzések számára gyakorolt hatását az általános populációban, ki lehet szűrni azokat a genotípusokat, amelyek a vakcináció hatására létrejött ellenanyagválasz kikerülésével válnak fontossá a populációban, valamint azonosíthatók lesznek azok az új reasszoránsok, amelyek a vakcinatörzsek és a vad típusú törzsek keveredéséből jönnek létre.
Mesh‐free anterior vaginal wall repair: history or best practice?
Authors: McCracken Geoff R , Lefebvre Guylaine
Published: October 2007

Key content

Surgical correction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse is a common gynaecological procedure, with traditional anterior colporrhaphy changing little over the past 100 years.

Within the literature, terminology is confusing, both on anatomical structures and classification of anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Synthetic meshes have become available but the evidence to support their use is limited and long‐term adverse effects are not clear.

The paravaginal repair is an alternative to consider and can be approached vaginally, abdominally or laparoscopically.

Learning objectives

To revise the relevant anatomy of the anterior vaginal compartment and the classification of anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

To review the evidence for the use of permanent mesh in pelvic floor surgery.

To learn about the surgical options for correction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse without the use of vaginal mesh.

Ethical issues

Should permanent meshes be used for anterior vaginal wall prolapse outside a clinical research setting?

Please cite this article as: McCracken GR, Lefebvre G. Mesh‐free anterior vaginal wall repair: history or best practice? The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:233–242.
Management of early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Nagar Hans , Dobbs Stephen
Published: October 2007

Key content

Approximately 30% of women presenting with epithelial ovarian cancer will have early‐stage (stage I) disease.

The multidisciplinary team is central to deciding the optimal management for these women.

Comprehensive surgical staging is important in determining the need for chemotherapy.

Although the combined ACTION and ICON 1 studies of chemotherapy showed an improved overall survival, both included large numbers of incompletely staged women.

Learning objectives

To understand the problems in diagnosing early‐stage ovarian cancer and the need for referral to a multidisciplinary team in deciding on management.

To understand the importance of correct surgical staging and the possible need for chemotherapy.

To gain an understanding and awareness of the role of minimal access surgery and fertility‐sparing surgery.

Ethical issues

Difficulties in diagnosing early‐stage ovarian cancer can lead to incomplete staging and, ultimately, have a negative effect on prognosis.

Please cite this article as: Nagar H, Dobbs S. Management of early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:243–247.
Management of cornual (interstitial) pregnancy
Authors: Faraj Radwan , Steel Martin
Published: October 2007

Key content

The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health report for 2000–02 stated that cornual pregnancy is a rare but dangerous type of ectopic pregnancy.

Four out of the 11 deaths from ruptured ectopic pregnancy were due to ruptured cornual pregnancy. In all four cases the diagnosis was made only after rupture.

Haemorrhage can be severe because pregnancy is often more developed than extrauterine tubal pregnancy and because of the large blood supply to the uterus.

Clinicians should be aware of the difficulties with both clinical and ultrasound diagnosis.

Many case reports have been written about sporadic cases of intact and ruptured cornual pregnancy and several treatment modalities discussed. There are very few publications collecting all management strategies, including both surgical and medical treatment, for this dangerous type of ectopic pregnancy.

Learning objectives

To understand recent advances in diagnosis and conservative laparoscopic and medical treatment.

To review the most reputable case reports discussing all modalities of treatment, including radical surgical and conservative laparoscopic methods and different types of medical treatment, with critical appraisal of each approach.

Ethical issues

How should a couple be counselled regarding future pregnancy risks and the optimum mode of delivery?

Please cite this article as: Faraj R, Steel M. Management of cornual (interstitial) pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:249–255.
Confidentiality, disclosure and access to medical records
Authors: Nicholas Nick
Published: October 2007

Key content

Patient confidentiality is not absolute and there are situations where disclosure is allowed.

Consent is justification for disclosure.

Disclosure of anonymised information does not generally require patient consent, unless it is possible to identify the patient.

When the public interest in disclosure is greater than the public interest in confidentiality, disclosure is allowed.

Learning objectives

To clarify the legal issues, including General Medical Council (GMC) guidance on patient confidentiality.

To discuss the law relating to access to medical records; in particular, the Data Protection Act 1998.

To clarify when there is justification for disclosure.

Ethical issues

Can confidential information be disclosed where a patient has refused specific consent?

How does the law differ from GMC guidance?

What should a gynaecologist do when a patient informs them that she is planning to inflict serious harm on a specific individual?

Please cite this article as: Nicholas N. Confidentiality, disclosure and access to medical records. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:257–263.
Current practice and new developments in ovarian cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Ali S Nasim , Ledermann Jonathan A
Published: October 2007

Key content

A combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is the most commonly used treatment for advanced ovarian cancer, a chemosensitive disease with a high recurrence rate.

Molecular targeted agents are being investigated as a novel strategy to improve the outcome of systemic therapy.

Learning objectives

To study the optimum timing of chemotherapy in relation to surgery and the role of intraperitoneal therapy.

To be aware of current chemotherapy regimens used in the management of newly diagnosed and relapsed ovarian cancer and the rationale for using them.

To understand current areas of research using novel agents in systemic therapy and different treatment strategies.

Ethical issues

It is important to consider the balance between benefit and side effects of treatment for women with relapsed disease.

Patient choice is an important consideration for the selection of chemotherapy for relapsed ovarian cancer.

Current treatment produces only a modest gain in outcome, therefore, every effort should be made to recruit women to clinical trials.

Please cite this article as: Ali SN, Ledermann JA. Current practice and new developments in ovarian cancer chemotherapy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:265–269.
@ TOG
Authors: Edey Katharine , Barnfield Sonia , Keay Stephen
Published: October 2007

In this issue of @ TOG we turn to urology. There is a significant overlap between urology and gynaecology; exchange of information between specialties is often useful. With regard to obstetrics, knowledge of neonatal and paediatric urology can be useful when counselling women where there is a diagnosis of renal tract abnormality. We review a variety of websites, from those providing information to women to those belonging to urology associations.
Functional Activity of the Carboxyl-Terminally Extended Oxytocin Precursor Peptide During Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Gassanov Natig , Devost Dominic , Danalache Bogdan , Noiseux Nicolas , Jankowski Marek , Zingg Hans H. , Gutkowska Jolanta
Published: October 2007

The hypothalamic post-translational processing of oxytocin (OT)-neurophysin precursor involves the formation of C-terminally extended OT forms (OT-X) that serve as intermediate prohormones. Despite abundant expression of the entire functional OT system in the developing heart, the biosynthesis and implication of OT prohormones in cardiomyogenesis remain unknown. In the present work, we investigated the involvement of OT-X in cardiac differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Functional studies revealed the OT receptor-mediated cardiomyogenic action of OT-Gly-Lys-Arg (OT-GKR). To obtain further insight into the mechanisms of OT-GKR-induced cardiac effects, we generated ES cell lines overexpressing the OT-GKR gene and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The functionality of the OT-GKR/EGFP construct was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, with further confirmation by radioimmunoassay and immunostaining. Increased spontaneously beating activity of OT-GKR/EGFP-expressing embryoid bodies and elevated expression of GATA-4 and myosin light chain 2v cardiac genes indicated an inductive effect of endogenous OT-GKR on ES cell-derived cardiomyogenesis. Furthermore, patch-clamp experiments demonstrated induction of ventricular phenotypes in OT-GKR/EGFP-transfected and in OT-GKR-treated cardiomyocytes. Increased connexin 43 protein in OT-GKR/EGFP-expressing cells further substantiated the evidence that OT-GKR modifies cardiac differentiation toward the ventricular sublineage. In conclusion, this report provides new evidence of the biological activity of OT-X, notably OT-GKR, during cardiomyogenic differentiation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons Reverse Functional Deficit in Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Yang Dali , Zhang Zhi-Jian , Oldenburg Michael , Ayala Melvin , Zhang Su-Chun
Published: October 2007

We show that human embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons survived transplantation to the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat striatum and, in combination with the cells newly differentiated from their progenitors, contributed to locomotive function recovery at 5 months. The animal behavioral improvement was correlated with the dopamine neurons present in the graft. Although the donor cells contained forebrain and midbrain dopamine neurons, the dopamine neurons present in the graft mainly exhibited a midbrain, or nigra, phenotype, suggesting the importance of midbrain dopamine neurons in functional repair. Furthermore, progenies of grafted cells were neurons and glia with greatly diminished mitotic activity by 5 months. Thus, the in vitro-produced human dopamine neurons can functionally engraft in the brain.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Agonists Enhance Cardiomyogenesis of Mouse ES Cells by Utilization of a Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Sharifpanah Fatemeh , Wartenberg Maria , Hannig Madeleine , Piper Hans-Michael , Sauer Heinrich
Published: October 2007

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, -β and -γ) are nuclear receptors involved in transcriptional regulation of lipid and energy metabolism. Since the energy demand increases when cardiac progenitor cells are developing rhythmic contractile activity, PPAR activation may play a critical role during cardiomyogenesis of embryonic stem (ES) cells. It is shown that ES cells express PPARα, -β, and -γ mRNA during differentiation of ES cells towards cardiac cells. Treatment with PPARα agonists (WY14643, GW7647, and ciprofibrate) significantly increased cardiomyogenesis and expression of the cardiac genes MLC2a, ANP, MHC-β, MLC2v, and cardiac α-actin. Furthermore, WY14643 increased PPARα gene expression and the expression of the cardiogenic transcription factors GATA-4, Nkx2.5, DTEF-1, and MEF 2C. In contrast, the PPARα antagonist MK886 decreased cardiomyogenesis, whereas the PPARβ agonist L-165,041 as well as the PPARγ agonist GW1929 were without effects. Treatment with PPARα, but not PPARβ, and PPARγ agonists and MK886, resulted in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was inhibited in the presence of the NADPH oxidase inhibitors diphenylen iodonium (DPI) and apocynin and the free radical scavengers vitamin E and N-(2-mercapto-propionyl)-glycine (NMPG), whereas the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone was without effects. The effect of PPARα agonists on cardiomyogenesis of ES cells was abolished upon preincubation with free radical scavengers and NADPH oxidase inhibitors, indicating involvement of ROS in PPARα, mediated cardiac differentiation. In summary, our data indicate that stimulation of PPARα but not PPARβ and -γ enhances cardiomyogenesis in ES cells using a pathway that involves ROS and NADPH oxidase activity.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Functional specificity of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gonadotropin receptors as assayed in a mammalian cell line
Authors: Sambroni Elisabeth , Le Gac Florence , Breton Bernard , Lareyre Jean-Jacques
Published: October 2007

In vertebrates, gonadotropins (GTHs) (FSH and LH) are two circulating pituitary glycoprotein hormones that play a major role in the regulation of gonadal functions, including gonadal cell proliferation/differentiation and steroidogenesis. In mammals, it is well known that their biological effects are mediated by highly specific membrane-bound receptors expressed preferentially on the somatic cells of the gonads. However, in fish, binding and functional studies have shown that cross-reactivity may occur in GTH receptors depending on the species. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in GTH actions, functional characterization of trout GTH receptors and their gonadal gene expression pattern has been carried out. The present study describes the presence of two distinct GTH receptors in trout showing similarities with those of higher vertebrates but also differences in their structural determinants. In vitro functional studies demonstrate that rtLH specifically activates its cognate receptor (EC50 = 117 ng/ml), whereas purified rainbow trout FSH (rtFSH) activates FSHR but also LHR at supraphysiological doses (EC50 = 38 vs 598 ng/ml for FSHR and LHR respectively). The high doses of rtFSH required to activate LHR put into question the physiological relevance of this interaction. The use of heterologous chinook GTHs confirms the strong preference of each hormone for its cognate receptor. The gonadal expression pattern of the GTH receptor genes suggests that FSH may play an important role in regulating gonadal functions, not only at the early stages but also at the final stages of the male and female reproductive cycles, in addition to the LH pathway.
Expression of type 1 and 2A protein phosphatase subunits in the rat corpus luteum across pregnancy
Authors: Sheth Manish V , Mark Connie J , Eyster Kathleen M
Published: October 2007

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the reduction in protein phosphatase activity that had been observed at mid-pregnancy in the rat corpus luteum (CL) was due to a decrease in expression of one of the catalytic subunits or an increase in one of the B regulatory subunits of the type 2A protein phosphatase (PP2A). Ovaries were collected from rats on days (d) 1, 3, 7, 14, 20, and 21 of pregnancy, and on day 21 after progesterone treatment on day 20 (n = 6). Real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of the α and β isoforms of the catalytic subunit, the structural A subunit, and three B regulatory subunits of PP2A, as well as the catalytic subunit of PP1. Expression of the α and β catalytic subunits of PP2A was progesterone responsive. Expression of the PP1 catalytic subunit correlated with the previously reported protein phosphatase activity, but PP2A subunits did not. The data suggest that the decreased protein phosphatase activity at mid-pregnancy was due to a decline in expression of the catalytic subunits of PP1 rather than changes in expression of PP2A subunits.
Early administration of keratinocyte growth factor improves β-cell regeneration in rat with streptozotocin-induced diabetes
Authors: Movassat Jamileh , Portha Bernard
Published: October 2007

The aim of our study was to investigate the ability of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin) in regulating β-cell growth in normal newborn rats and in rats with neonatal diabetes. Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes on the dayof birth. From days 2 to 6 after birth, animals received a daily s.c. injection of KGF (STZ/KGF group) and at the dose of 3 mg/kg body weight or saline solution (STZ groups). A group of non-diabetic Wistar rats was treated either with saline (Wistar group) or with KGF from days 2 to 6 after birth at the dose of 3 mg/kg body weight (Wistar/KGF group). β-cell mass was measured at day 7 after birth in all groups. β- and ductal cells replication were measured in all groups and apoptosis was assessed in the pancreas of 2-, 4-, and 7-day-old STZ and STZ/KGF rats. The total β-cell mass of the 7-day-old KGF/STZ neonates was significantly increased compared with that of age-matched STZ rats. β-cell replication rate was decreased at day 2 in the STZ/KGF group and was similar in the 4- and 7-day-old rats from STZ and STZ/KGF groups. Duct cell replication was significantly increased in the pancreas of 2- and 4-day-old KGF/STZ neonates when compared with that of age-matched rats from STZ control group. The rate of apoptosis in the neonatal pancreases of STZ and KGF/STZ groups was not significantly different. In non-diabetic Wistar rats, KGF treatment led to a slight but significant increase in duct cell proliferation at day 2 without significant changes in the total β-cell mass in the 7-day-old rats. We provide evidence for a growth-promoting effect of KGF during β-cell regeneration in neonatal diabetic rats. KGF exerts strong mitogenic effect on the pancreatic duct cells, thus expanding the population of precursor cells that subsequently differentiate into insulin-producing β-cells.
Vanadate prevents glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts in vitro and osteocytes in vivo
Authors: Conradie M M , de Wet H , Kotze D D R , Burrin J M , Hough F S , Hulley P A
Published: October 2007

Skeletal mass is maintained by a balance between formation and resorption, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In vitro, glucocorticoids (GCs) decrease extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) activation by mitogens, thus inhibiting osteoblast proliferation. Both ERK activity and proliferation are restored by co-treatment with the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate. Since ERK signalling may also be anti-apoptotic, we explored the effects of vanadate on GC-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Apoptosis in MBA-15.4 pre-osteoblasts increased from 6 h and remained up to eightfold higher through 6 days of 10− 6 M dexamethasone (Dex) treatment. Co-incubation with 10− 7 M vanadate markedly reduced apoptosis at all time points. Vanadate also prevented GC-induced poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage. We assessed the transcriptional profiles of seven anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, inhibitors of apoptosis protein-1 (IAP-1), IAP-2, X-linked IAP (XIAP), Fas-associated death-domain-like IL-1β-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein (FLIPLong) and FLIPShort) in osteoblasts subjected to various stimuli using real-time quantitative PCR. Although these anti-apoptotic genes responded to different mitogenic conditions, Dex failed to repress their expression, and in fact significantly up-regulated Bcl-XL, IAP-2 and XIAP. Dex may therefore induce apoptosis by up-regulating pro-apoptotic gene expression. We have previously demonstrated that rats treated with GC develop low formation osteoporosis (bone histomorphometry and DEXA) and skeletal fragility (breaking strength) that were largely prevented by co-treatment with vanadate. We report here that vertebrae from rats treated with 3.5 mg/kg per day methylprednisolone for 9 weeks showed increased incidence of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-dUTP nick end-labelling-positive apoptotic osteocytes, which was reduced by vanadate co-treatment. We conclude that vanadate prevents GC-induced apoptosis of pre-osteoblasts in vitro and osteocytes in vivo, and this may contribute to its bone-sparing effects in vivo.
Caenorhabditis elegans LET-767 is able to metabolize androgens and estrogens and likely shares common ancestor with human types 3 and 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases
Authors: Desnoyers Serge , Blanchard Pierre-Gilles , St-Laurent Jean-François , Gagnon Steve N , Baillie David L , Luu-The Van
Published: October 2007

Mutations that inactivate LET-767 are shown to affect growth, reproduction, and development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sequence analysis indicates that LET-767 shares the highest homology with human types 3 and 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSD3 and 12). Using LET-767 transiently transfected into human embryonic kidney-293 cells, we have found that the enzyme catalyzes the transformation of both 4-androstenedione into testosterone and estrone into estradiol, similar to that of mouse 17β-HSD12 but different from human and primate enzymes that catalyze the transformation of estrone into estradiol. Previously, we have shown that amino acid F234 in human 17β-HSD12 is responsible for the selectivity of the enzyme toward estrogens. To assess whether this amino acid position 234 in LET-767 could play a role in androgen–estrogen selectivity, we have changed the methionine M234 in LET-767 into F. The results show that the M234F change causes the loss of the ability to transform androstenedione into testosterone, while conserving the ability to transform estrone into estradiol, thus confirming the role of amino acid position 234 in substrate selectivity. To further analyze the structure–function relationship of this enzyme, we have changed the three amino acids corresponding to lethal mutations in let-767 gene. The data show that these mutations strongly affect the ability of LET-767 to convert estrone in to estradiol and abolish its ability to transform androstenedione into testosterone. The high conservation of the active site and amino acids responsible for enzymatic activity and substrate selectivity strongly suggests that LET-767 shares a common ancestor with human 17β-HSD3 and 12.
Cold exposure restores the decrease in leptin receptors (OB-Rb) caused by neonatal leptin treatment in 30-day-old rats
Authors: Dutra S C P , Moura E G , Rodrigues A L , Lisboa P C , Bonomo I , Toste F P , Passos M C F
Published: October 2007

We had previously shown that neonatal leptin treatment programs thyroid function in adulthood. As both thyroid hormones (TH) and leptin increased thermogenesis, it was interesting to evaluate the effect of cold exposure on the thyroid function of neonate rats treated with leptin. Pups were divided into two groups: Lep, injected with leptin (8 μg/100 g/BW, s.c.) for the first 10 days of lactation and control (C), injected with saline. When they were 30 days old, the groups were subdivided into two subgroups: LepC and CC, which were exposed to 8 °C for 12 h and compared with C and Lep groups, maintained at 25 ± 1 °C. Serum leptin, TH, and TSH were measured by RIA. Type I liver deiodinase (D1) and mitochondrial α-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD) activities were assayed by the release of 125I from 125I-reverse and colorimetric method respectively. Leptin receptor (OB-Rb) was evaluated by western blot. Lep group had hyperleptinemia (+22%) and lower free tri-iodothyronine (FT3; −33%). Cold exposure increased TH both in LepC and CC groups compared with respective controls free thyroxine (FT4:+63 and +39%; FT3:+75 and +40%). Liver D1 activity was lower in Lep (−22%) and increased with cold exposure (LepC +51% and CC +22%). The mGPD activity was lower in Lep (−34%) and increased (fourfold) when this group is cold exposed. Hypothalamic and thyroidal OB-Rb receptors were lower in Lep group (−47 and −36% respectively) and they were restored to normal levels after cold exposure. Leptin-programmed rats had higher TH response after cold exposure. OB-Rb had a fast response to cold exposure normalizing the lower levels observed in the leptin-programmed animals and may contribute to the higher TH cold responses.
Circadian clocks: regulators of endocrine and metabolic rhythms
Authors: Hastings Michael , O’Neill John S , Maywood Elizabeth S
Published: October 2007

Daily and seasonal rhythms in the endocrine system are co-ordinated by a hypothalamic pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) that is synchronised to solar time by direct retinal afferents. Individual SCN neurons are circadian clocks, their intrinsic oscillator consisting of a series of interlinked autoregulatory transcriptional/post-translational feedback loops incorporating Period (Per) and Cryptochrome (Cry) genes. Mutations that alter the rate of transcription of Per and Cry genes or the stability of Per and Cry proteins affect clock speed. Molecular timekeeping in SCN neurons is synchronised and sustained by interneuronal neuropeptidergic signals. A molecular clock mechanism comparable to that of the SCN is present in most major organ systems. These tissue clocks are synchronised by endocrine, autonomic and behavioural cues that are dependent on the SCN, and in turn they drive the circadian expression of local transcriptomes, thereby co-ordinating circadian metabolism and physiology. Rhythmic glucocorticoid signalling is a prominent mediator of SCN output and internal synchroniser. The role of local SCN-synchronised clocks in controlling vital processes, including xenobiotic detoxification, cell division and nutrient metabolism, is essential to health, and disturbances to circadian timing arising from modern working schedules are becoming recognised as an increasingly relevant factor in major systemic illness. Moreover, the newly identified molecular components of circadian control systems provide novel avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms in thyroid cancer
Authors: Hsiao Pi-Jung , Lu Ming-Ying , Chiang Feng-Yu , Shin Shyi-Jang , Tai Yu-Da , Juo Suh-Hang Hank
Published: October 2007

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent stimulator for angiogenesis. It has been implicated in growth and metastasis of thyroid cancer. Three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VEGF (−2578C/A, −634G/C, and +936C/T) are known to be related with VEGF expression. We conducted a case–control study to evaluate the genetic effects of these three functional SNPs on the development of thyroid cancer and lymph node metastasis. A total of 332 cases and 261 controls were recruited for this study. The genotypes were determined by the TaqMan 5′-nuclease assay. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested for each SNP, and genetic effects were evaluated by the χ2-test and multiple logistic regression. We used Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing, and a two-tailed P value <0.017 was considered statistically significant. All three SNPs were in HWE. The A allele of −2578C/A (i.e. SNP rs699947) increased a risk for thyroid cancer (adjusted OR=136, 95% CI=1.02–1.81, P=0.039). Haplotype analysis yielded a less significant result (an empirical P value of 0.07). There was a tendency of increasing the frequency of the risk allele from controls, patients without lymph node metastasis to patients with lymph node metastasis (Ptrend=0.019). Further analysis showed that the genetic effect was only in men (adjusted OR=1.97, 95% CI=1.16–3.37, P=0.013) but not in women (adjusted OR=1.15, 95% CI=0.81–1.62, P=0.435). The other two SNPs did not show significant results. The A allele of the SNP rs699947 increased the risk of thyroid cancer development and regional lymph node metastasis in men.
Rural and Urban Caregivers for Older Adults in Poland: Perceptions of Positive and Negative Impact of Caregiving
Authors: Bien̓ Barbara , Wojszel Beata , Sikorska-Simmons Elzbieta
Published: October 2007

This study examines rural-urban differences in informal caregivers' perceptions of caregiving. The study's theoretical framework is based on the two-factor model of caregiving, which views caregiving as having both positive and negative impact. Data were collected in personal interviews with 126 rural and 127 urban caregivers in the Bialystok region. The COPE-Index was used to assess caregivers. Rural caregivers reported a greater negative impact of caregiving than their urban counterparts, controlling for caregiver socio-demographic characteristics and care-recipient disability level. There was no difference in caregivers' perceptions of positive aspects of caregiving. These findings are consistent with previous research, which suggests that rural caregivers experience greater caregiver burden. Better understanding of rural-urban differences in caregiving outcomes can be useful in designing supportive services for informal caregivers in Poland.
Image Theory, Goal Incompatibility, and Retirement Intent
Authors: Brougham Ruby R. , Walsh David A.
Published: October 2007

Identity, as a guiding concept for work and retirement decisions, is explored in the current study. Image theory suggests that actions that “fit” with the goals of the trajectory image are fundamental for maintaining a positive and consistent self-identity (Beach, 1998; Beach & Mitchell, 1987). Incompatibility is the mechanism that evaluates whether retiring or continued work provides sufficient “fit” with the goals one hopes to achieve. In the current study, the “fit” of the trajectory image with retirement and work was measured in 238 full-time employees. Consistent with image theory predictions, individuals' perception of the incompatibility between five personal goals, within the trajectory image, and the choices of working and retiring predicted 25% of their retirement intent. Further support for goal incompatibility as a decision criterion is provided by findings showing it yielded better prediction than an alternative model based on goal facilitation, and equal prediction to an alternative model based on cost/benefit. Overall, the results are consistent with image theory and expand on continuity theory's (Atchley, 1999) concept of identity as fundamental for predicting retirement intent.
Intergenerational Triads in Skipped-Generation Grandfamilies
Authors: Goodman Catherine Chase
Published: October 2007

The past decades have seen growth in numbers of children raised by grandparents without their parent at home, called skipped-generation grandfamilies. This mixed methods study examined statements made by 459 grandmothers about core family relationships between grandmother and child, grandmother and parent, and parent and child. Families were grouped into intergenerational triad types based on patterns of closeness: all close relationships (triple-bonded), two close relationships (double-bonded), one close relationship (single-bonded), or weak relationships between all three family members (not-bonded). Well-being declined steadily for grandmothers from highest in triple-bonded, to lowest in not-bonded families, reflecting their high stake in all three core relationships. For grandchildren, well-being was low when the child failed to bond firmly to either grandmother or parent. On the other hand, children did well if they were close to their grandmother, even when substance abusing parents were emotionally isolated in the family, suggesting resilient children overcome parental neglect when provided with good grandparent care.
Cognitive Aging: Activity Patterns and Maintenance Intentions
Authors: Gilhooly K. J. , Gilhooly M. L. , Phillips L. H. , Harvey D. , Murray A. , Hanlon P.
Published: October 2007

This study examined relationships between cognitive functioning in older people and 1) levels of mental, physical and social activities, and 2) intentions regarding maintenance of cognitive functioning. Participants ( N = 145) were 70–91 years of age, varied in health status and socio-economic backgrounds. Current cognitive functioning was assessed by psychometric tests and real world problem solving tasks. Crystallized ability was indexed by the National Adult Reading Test (NART). Degree of involvement in mentally demanding activities was positively related to a fluid cognitive factor after effects of age, prior functioning, gender, health, and socio-economic status were accounted for. Social and physical activities were not related to the cognitive measures. Age effects on cognitive functioning were reduced among participants who reported undertaking activities intentionally to maintain cognitive functioning.
A Principal Components Analysis and Validation of the Coping with the College Environment Scale (CWCES)
Authors: Ackermann Margot Elise , Morrow Jennifer Ann
Published: October 2007

The present study describes the development and initial validation of the Coping with the College Environment Scale (CWCES). Participants included 433 college students who took an online survey. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) revealed six coping strategies: planning and self-management, seeking support from institutional resources, escaping through substance (pills, alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana) use, seeking support from friends, spirituality, and seeking support from family. Together, these components accounted for 57.12% of the variance. Validation of the CWCES included examining gender differences on the components and correlations between the six components and sense of belonging measures. College students experience considerable stress. Colleges can use information from the CWCES to help students cope with stress more effectively and possibly improve student retention.
The Relationship among Parenting Styles Experienced during Childhood, Anxiety, Motivation, and Academic Success in College Students
Authors: Silva Marc , Dorso Erin , Azhar Aisha , Renk Kimberly
Published: October 2007

The current study examined the relationships among parenting styles experienced in childhood, anxiety, motivation, and academic success in college students. Results suggested that fathers' authoritative parenting was related to decreases, whereas mothers' authoritarian parenting was related to increases, in college students' anxiety. Further, mothers' and fathers' authoritative parenting, mothers' authoritarian parenting, and college students' anxiety and motivation were related to college students' grade point averages. In addition, college students' motivation served a mediational role in the relationship between their anxiety and grade point averages. Results suggested that college students may be more likely to experience improvements in their academic performance with interventions that address college students' perceptions of the parenting that they received during their childhood, their anxiety, and their motivation to do well academically. The role of such interventions deserves to be studied further.
Allied Health Students' Learning-Styles Identified with Two Different Assessments
Authors: Morton-Rias Dawn , Dunn Rita , Terregrossa Ralph , Geisert Gene , Mangione Robert , Ortiz Samuel , Honigsfeld Andrea
Published: October 2007

This research identified and compared the learning styles of 154 ethnically diverse, upper division undergraduate and graduate students in Allied Health utilizing the Building Excellence (BE) (Rundle & Dunn, 2000) and the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (PEPS) (Dunn, Dunn, & Price, 1996). Relationships among age, class standing, ethnicity, gender, and learning style also were examined. Correlation analyses indicated relationships between students' learning-style elements ( p < .001), with large effect sizes for Sound, Light, Temperature, Seating Design, Intake, Time-of-day and Mobility, Auditory, Tactile, and Kinesthetic preferences. Gender related learning-style characteristics revealed female preferences for learning by listening and male preferences for cooler temperatures, frequent movement, and learning in a pair or team during instruction. Analyses of variance and follow-up post hoc tests revealed significant age-related learning-style differences for Structure, Intake, Mobility, Early-Morning and Afternoon, and Auditory preferences.
The scanning electron microscopic study of the infection and conidial development of Aspergillus tamarii Kita on its host, the silkworm, Bombyx mori Linn.
Authors: Kumar Vineet
Published: October 2007

Development of Aspergillosis on the integument of the silkworm, Bombyx mori Linn., was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by an insect mycopathogen Aspergillus tamarii Kita, which infects the silkworms in countries where sericulture (the rearing of silkworms)is prevalent. The present study showed the course of infection and the conidial development of A. tamarii on the integument of B. mori. Five different strains (KA, NB18, NB4 D2, NB7 and PM) of B. mori were inoculated on their body surface with ca. 1 × 106 conidia/ml. Among the five breeds tested, the conidial germination was greatest on the larval surface of KA breed, and least on PM. Most of the conidia germinated on the cuticle approximately 8–12 hours after inoculation, forming a suctorial appressorium within 24 hours. The hyphae reached the hemocoel, where they grew and multiplied extensively, forming a mycelial complex and causing death of the host larva in about 5–6 days. The death of the host was followed by growth of the fungus through mesodermal and epidermal tissues, leading to larval mummification about 6–7 days post-inoculation. Extensive aerial outgrowths of the fungus followed, mostly through the intersegmental regions of larvae. Abundant branched conidiophores developed, forming a confluent yellow brown mat over the entire host body 7 days after inoculation. Each conidiophore had an apical vesicle bearing numerous phialides from which conidia were developed in long chains.
Perioperative hypertension in phaeochromocytoma patients undergoing adrenalectomy
Authors: Šakić Kata , Kvolik Slavica , Grljušić Marijana , Vrbanović Vilena , Prlić Lidija
Published: October 2007

This study was designed to compare perioperative blood pressure (BP) management in hypertensive patients with phaeochromocytoma undergoing preoperative α-blockade and in patients with other suprarenal gland tumors. Perioperative hemodynamic data and immediate postoperative outcome in two groups undergoing adrenalectomy were compared. 483 medical charts from urologic patients with tumors were analyzed. In the hypertensive (n = 168) group, 20 patients with suprarenal gland tumors were identified (phaeochromocytoma n = 11, other tumors n = 9). Demographic data, intraoperative consumption of fentanyl and phentolamine, preoperative hospital stay and postoperative ICU stay were compared. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was registered on the day before surgery, before anesthetic induction, during surgery, and upon admission in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although BP values did not differ significantly on the day before anesthesia, before induction and during operation, significantly more antihypertensive drugs were used for BP regulation in phaeochromocytoma patients versus the other tumor group. The phaeochromocytoma group required significantly more fentanyl during surgery (370±87 vs. 242±35 µg; p = 0.04). MAP upon ICU admission was significantly lower (85.1 vs. 97.4, p = 0.02) after adrenalectomy in phaeochromocytoma patients versus the other tumor group. The postoperative MAP decreased significantly in the phaeochromocytoma group (21.51 mmHg, p = 0.005), whereas significant differences according to preoperative values were not observed in the other tumor group (5.5 mmHg, p = 0.416). Prolonged preoperative hospital stay (24.6 vs. 10.0 days, p = 0.005) and ICU stay were registered in the phaeochromocytoma group. Pheochromocytoma patients had more pronounced perioperative BP oscillations, needed more antihypertensive drugs, analgesics and required prolonged hospital stay than patients with other adrenal tumors. Prolonged α-blockade may have contributed to these effects.
Cholecystitis caused by hemocholecyst: An unusual complication of Hemophilia A
Authors: Karatepe Oguzhan , Tukenmez Mustafa , Adas Gökhan , Çitlak Gamze , Hunerli Kemal , Battal Muharrem , Gülçiçek Osman , Karahan Servet , Özcan Deniz
Published: October 2007

Hemocholecyst is a rare disorder that has been reported in patients with gallstones. Previous reports describe cholecystitis resulting from hemocholecyst after iatrogenic trauma. We report the first case of acute cholecystitis secondary to hemocholecyst in a patient with Hemophilia A.
The cultural history of wine - theoretical background to wine therapy
Authors: Fehér János , Lengyel Gabriella , Lugasi Andrea
Published: October 2007

The knowledge of grape and wine is as old as the cultural history of mankind. Moderate consumption of wine can be beneficial in healthy individuals. It is also known from ancient times that it can cause acute and chronic damage when consumed in great quantities. The disinfectant effect of its use in ointments has been observed already in the antiquity. Polyphenols, among them resveratrol, have generated a great amount of scientific research due to their in vivo and in vitro antioxidant capabilities. For decades, red wine was thought to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. This relation was clearly established in the French Paradox phenomenon as well as in the Mediterranean diet. The French Paradox is defined as a low incidence of coronary heart disease, while consuming a diet rich in saturated fat. The cause of this phenomenon is the usually wine drinking in small quantity, supposingly in the consequence of polypenols in red wine. The use of ointments containing polyphenols of wine and the cosmetic treatments with them can be advantageous in the treatment and prevention of some diseases of the skin and the joints, due to its free radical scavenging effect. In healthy individuals the consumption of a moderate amount of 1 to 2 dl wine a day may reduce the mortality of cardiovascular diseases. However, also this quantity can be associated with detrimental effects in pregnant women, in children and in patients with various organic, particularly hepatic, diseases as well as in case of regular administration of certain medicines.
Light induced angular steering via Floquet-Bloch band-tunnelling in one-dimensional liquid crystalline photonic lattices
Authors: Fratalocchi A. , Rutkowska K. , Karpierz M. , Assanto G.
Published: October 2007

We investigate all-optical Zener tunnelling in electro-optically tunable arrays of identical channel waveguides in undoped nematic liquid crystals. By all-optically inducing a refractive acceleration, we demonstrate a novel technique for band-to-band tunnelling, as well as a novel approach to light controlled steering and readdressing.