bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The critical role of calpain versus caspase activation in excitotoxic injury induced by nitric oxide
Authors: Volbracht Christiane , Chua Boon Tin , Ng Chee Peng , Bahr Ben A. , Hong Wanjin , Li Peng
Published: June 2005

The pathogenesis of various acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders has been linked to excitotoxic processes and excess generation of nitric oxide. We investigated the deleterious effects of calpain activation in nitric oxide‐elicited neuronal apoptosis. In this model, nitric oxide triggers apoptosis of murine cerebellar granule cells by an excitotoxic mechanism requiring glutamate exocytosis and receptor‐mediated intracellular calcium overload. Here, we found that calcium‐dependent cysteine proteases, calpains, were activated early in apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells exposed to nitric oxide. Release of the proapoptogenic factors cytochrome c and apoptosis‐inducing factor from mitochondria preceded neuronal death. However, caspases‐3 was not activated. We observed that procaspase‐9 was cleaved by calpains to proteolytically inactive fragments. Inhibition of calpains by different synthetic calpain inhibitors or by adenovirally mediated expression of the calpastatin inhibitory domain prevented mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and apoptosis‐inducing factor, calpain‐specific proteolysis and neuronal apoptosis. We conclude that (i) signal transduction pathways exist that prevent the entry of neurons into a caspase‐dependent death after mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and (ii) that calpain activation links nitric oxide‐triggered excitotoxic events with the execution of caspase‐independent apoptosis in neurons.
Enhanced expression and shedding of the transmembrane chemokine CXCL16 by reactive astrocytes and glioma cells
Authors: Ludwig Andreas , Schulte Alexander , Schnack Cathrin , Hundhausen Christian , Reiss Karina , Brodway Neil , Held‐Feindt Janka , Mentlein Rolf
Published: June 2005

The transmembrane chemokine CXCL16 is expressed by dendritic and vascular cells and mediates chemotaxis and adhesion of activated T cells via the chemokine receptor CXCR6/Bonzo. Here we describe the expression and shedding of this chemokine by glioma cells in situ and in vitro. By quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, we show that CXCL16 is highly expressed in human gliomas, while expression in normal brain is low and mainly restricted to brain vascular endothelial cells. In cultivated human glioma cells as well as in activated mouse astroglial cells, CXCL16 mRNA and protein is constitutively expressed and further up‐regulated by tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interferon‐γ (IFNγ). CXCL16 is continuously released from glial cells by proteolytic cleavage which is rapidly enhanced by stimulation with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA). As shown by inhibitor studies, two distinct members of the disintegrin‐like metalloproteinase family ADAM10 and 17 are involved in the constitutive and PMA‐induced shedding of glial CXCL16. In addition to the chemokine, its receptor CXCR6 could be detected by quantitative RT‐PCR in human glioma tissue, cultivated murine astrocytes and at a lower level in microglial cells. Functionally, recombinant soluble CXCL16 enhanced proliferation of CXCR6‐positive murine astroglial and microglial cells. Thus, the transmembrane chemokine CXCL16 is expressed in the brain by malignant and inflamed astroglial cells, shed to a soluble form and targets not only activated T cells but also glial cells themselves.
The membrane‐associated progesterone‐binding protein 25‐Dx is expressed in brain regions involved in water homeostasis and is up‐regulated after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Meffre Delphine , Delespierre Brigitte , Gouézou Monique , Leclerc Philippe , Vinson Gavin P. , Schumacher Michael , Stein Donald G. , Guennoun Rachida
Published: June 2005

After traumatic brain injury, progesterone has important neuroprotective effects in the nervous system. There is better functional outcome and less oedema formation in pseudopregnant rat females (high levels of endogenous progesterone) than in males. In addition to intracellular progesterone receptors, membrane binding sites of the hormone such as 25‐Dx may also be involved in neuroprotection. In the present study we investigated the distribution of the membrane‐associated progesterone‐binding protein 25‐Dx in rat brain. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 25‐Dx is particularly abundant in the hypothalamic area, circumventricular organs, and ependymal cells of the lateral walls of the third and lateral ventricles. A strong signal was also detected in the meninges. Double immunofluorescence immunolabelling and confocal microscopy showed that 25‐Dx is co‐expressed with vasopressin in neurones of the paraventricular, supraoptic and retrochiasmatic nuclei. Levels of 25‐Dx expression were higher in pseudopregnant females than in males. After traumatic brain injury, 25‐Dx expression was up‐regulated in neurones and induced in astrocytes, which play an important role in regulating water and ion homeostasis. The expression of 25‐Dx in structures involved in CSF production (choroid plexus) and in osmoregulation (circumventricular organs, hypothalamus and meninges), and its up‐regulation after brain damage, point to a novel and potentially important role of this progesterone‐binding protein in the maintenance of water homeostasis after traumatic brain injury.
Α genetic fusion construct between the tetanus toxin C fragment and the lysosomal acid hydrolase β‐glucuronidase expresses a bifunctional protein with enhanced secretion and neuronal uptake
Authors: Jiang Kanli , Watson Deborah J. , Wolfe John H.
Published: June 2005

The neurotropic atoxic fragment of tetanus toxin has been used as a carrier for transporting macromolecules into neurons but all studies to date have tested cytosolic proteins. In this study we investigated the effect of a genetic addition of the tetanus toxin C fragment sequence to a lysosomal enzyme which contains a signal sequence for insertion into the membrane‐bound compartment and must be extensively modified in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi to attain functionality. In‐frame fusion constructs between the atoxic C fragment and β‐glucuronidase were compared with the wild‐type enzyme for: (i) enzymatic activity; (ii) heat stability; (iii) pH dependence; (iv) specific activity; (v) apparent molecular mass and (vi) receptor‐mediated uptake by fibroblasts and neurons. The modified proteins had biochemical properties similar to wild‐type enzyme but exhibited different enzyme secretion profiles. Addition of the secreted fusion enzyme to cultures of primary neurons showed significantly increased neuronal uptake of the modified protein compared with the wild‐type, demonstrating the bifunctionality of the chimeric molecule.
Comparison between fundamental and second‐harmonic imaging echocardiography for calculation of left ventricular mass in children
Authors: Dencker M. , Thorsson O. , Wollmer P.
Published: June 2005

In adults, calculation of left ventricular mass (LVM) has been shown to give higher values when based on M‐mode measurements obtained by the second‐harmonic imaging (SHI) technique than with the older fundamental imaging (FI) technique. No information is available in paediatric subjects. This study, therefore, compares LVM calculated from measurements obtained with SHI and FI in 14 children, aged 6·9–13·0 years. M‐mode tracings were obtained in accordance with American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recommendations. Three experienced sonographers performed measurements on each subject with both SHI and FI. The mean value was used in all calculations. LVM was calculated according to ASE convention and indexed by body surface area. LVM mean values were 58·9 ± 9·7 g m−2 for SHI and 57·8 ± 8·2 g m−2 for FI (P = 0·45). This preliminary study in a small group of paediatric subjects demonstrates no systematic differences between FI and SHI modalities in the calculation of LVM. The likely explanation is that the left ventricular endocardial border is usually well visualized with SHI as well as with FI in children.
Psychological Aspects of Weekend Headache Sufferers in Comparison with Migraine Patients
Authors: Nattero Giovanni , De Lorenzo Cristina , Biale Lucia , Allais Gianni , Torre Eugenio , Ancona Mario
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Sometimes the relaxation after stress may trigger a migraine attack. This is the principle that underlies that particular variant of migraine called “weekend headache”.

We hypothesize the presence in weekend headache prone subjects of a particular psychological background, different from that of common migraine sufferers. In order to detect possible differences supporting our hypothesis, we studied 104 new outpatients: 46 patients suffering from headache only on weekends (23 males and 23 females) and 58 matched common migraineurs (26 males and 32 females) with no weekend predilection.

The psychological assessment was performed using the following psychometric tools: MMPI, BDI, STAI X1‐X2 . A clinical assessment of each patient was also carried out. Significant differences were found after statistically analyzing the test results. Most of the MMPI scales were found to be more elevated in both male and female weekend headache sufferers. From a clinical point of view, the weekend headache attacks proved to be similar to those of common migraine, but with a significantly higher incidence of concomitant symptoms.

Our study confirms the important role that psychological factors play in the pathogenesis and clinical development of migraine and leads us to conclude that a psychic tension component is associated with the vascular one in weekend headache.
Treatment of a Cluster Headache Patient in a Hyperbaric Chamber
Authors: Weiss Larry D. , Ramasastry Sai S. , Eidelman Benjamin H.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

A patient with severe cluster headaches was treated in a hyperbaric chamber on two occasions. Her symptoms had been refractory to other treatment modalities including conventional oxygen therapy. On both occasions her pain was promptly relieved while breathing 100% oxygen at two atmospheres of pressure. This is the first known reported case of a cluster headache treated with hyperbaric oxygen. A prospective study is needed to substantiate the efficacy of this treatment modality for cluster headaches.
Low Brain Magnesium in Migraine
Authors: Ramadan N.M. , Halvorson H. , Vande‐Linde A. , Levine Steven R. , Helpern J.A. , Welch K.M.A.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Brain magnesium was measured in migraine patients and control subjects using in vivo 31‐Phosphorus Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. pMg and pH were calculated from the chemical shifts between Pi, PCr and ATP signals. Magnesium levels were low during a migraine attack without changes in pH. We hypothesize that low brain magnesium is an important factor in the mechanism of the migraine attack.
A Controlled Study of Visual Symptoms and Eye Strain Factors in Chronic Headache
Authors: Vincent Arnaud J.P. , Spierings Egilius L.H. , Messinger Harley B.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

In a questionnaire survey we determined the prevalence of visual symptoms and eye strain factors in a group of chronic headache sufferers as compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The visual symptoms studied were those not pecific for headache, i.e., sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Sensitivity to light in the absence of headache was reported by 27.8% of controls and 44.7% of headache sufferers (p<0.05). The latter figure increased to 71.3% when headache was actually present (p<0.001). Blurred vision occurred in 13.5% of controls and 7.4% of headache sufferers (not significant). In the presence of headache, the latter figure increased to 44.7% (p< 0.01).

Of the eye strain factors studied, bright light was reported to precipitate headache in 29.3% and to aggravate it in 73.4%. For reading, these figures were 16.0% and 55.3%, respectively; for working at the computer screen, 14.5% and 31.3%; and for watching television, 6.4% and 27.7%. We conclude that visual symptoms are more common in chronic headache and eye strain factors more important than is generally recognized.
Investigation of Environmental Factors in Pediatric Headache
Authors: Budd Karen S. , Kedesdy Jurgen H.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

This study assessed the environmental conditions surrounding headache for a clinical sample of 38pediatric headache patients. A parent rating questionnaire, the Children's Headache Assessment Scale(CHAS), was developed and pilot tested as a means of identifying particular environmental events or situations impacting on children's headaches. CHAS items are organized into six functional categories (Stress Antecedents, Physical Antecedents, Attention Consequences, Escape Consequences, Coping Responses, and Medication Use) potentially related to headache activity. Patents filled out the CHAS at an intake evaluation for behavioral medicine treatment, and parents of children who completed treatment filled out another CHAS after therapy. Results showed that the frequency of specific CHAS items varied widely both within and between functional categories, suggesting that headache is affected by a variety of situational factors, some of which are common across many children and others of which are pertinent only for a small proportion of children. The results further suggest that the environmental conditions of headache are open to change by behavioral medicine treatment. In the present study, items reflecting social attention to headache, interference of headache with school attendance, and use of relaxation procedures changed after treatment. The potential value of the CHAS for treatment planning is discussed.
Large Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Presenting 25 Years After Penetrating Chest Trauma
Authors: MAKARYUS AMGAD N. , MANETTA FRANK , GOLDNER BRUCE , STEPHEN BIBIANA , ROSEN STACEY E. , PARK CHONG H.
Published: June 2005

Penetrating chest wounds leading to damage of thoracic structures are common. A rare sequelae of chest trauma is a contained rupture of the left ventricle of the heart leading to the development of a pseudoaneurysm. This complication needs prompt recognition and repair because of the high likelihood of rupture and death. We report the case of a 47‐year‐old man who underwent repair of a stab wound to the heart 25 years ago and subsequently developed a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and presented with angina.
Leadership and Economic Theories of Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Wallis Joseph , Dollery Brian
Published: June 2005

Economic theories of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have modified standard economic assumptions to explain altruism and nonprofit entrepreneurship but have neglected their dependence on leadership due to the traditional reluctance of economists to consider phenomena associated with preference change. The relevance of Hermalin's (1998) model of leadership by example and Casson's (1991) theory of leadership through moral manipulation are considered within an NPO context where leaders seek to influence stakeholder commitments to the organization's quest. The propositions Elster (1998) advanced with regard to the relationship between the emotions and decision making are then applied in a theory that explains how NPO leaders can develop a culture of hope that maintains the quality control and product differentiation advantages claimed for these organizations. It is argued that policymakers should consider the dependence of NPOs on the quality of leadership when choosing the organizational mechanism for social service delivery.
Beyond Gratz and Grutter: Prospects for Affirmative Action in the Aftermath of the Supreme Court's Michigan Decisions
Authors: Elliott Euel W. , Ewoh Andrew I. E.
Published: June 2005

This article explores the meaning of the Supreme Court's Michigan decisions and their implications for higher education in the judicial, political, and social–cultural context. It concludes that the complex and dynamic interplay of judicial policymaking, politics and public opinion, and demographic changes could have important consequences, including unanticipated ones, in the years ahead.
Comparison of culture and real‐time PCR for detection and quantification of five putative periodontopathogenic bacteria in subgingival plaque samples
Authors: Jervøe‐Storm P.‐M. , Koltzscher M. , Falk W. , Dörfler A. , Jepsen S.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: Bacterial cultivation is a well‐established method for analyzing plaque samples. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a novel rapid method for the identification and quantification of periodontopathogenic bacteria that has been recently introduced. In this study, we compared real‐time PCR with conventional anaerobic cultivation.

Method: A total of 78 subgingival plaque samples were harvested from pockets 5 mm in 22 patients with advanced chronic periodontitis and immediately transferred into transport medium. Aliquots were evaluated with species‐specific probes by real‐time PCR (meridol® Perio Diagnostics, GABA) and anaerobic bacteria culture on selective media for the detection of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Tannerella forsythensis. The analysis was performed by two separate, blinded examiners.

Results: When real‐time PCR was compared with the culture method (golden standard) for the detection of putative periodontopathogenic bacteria, the sensitivity and specificity for A. actinomycetemcomitans were 67% and 100%, respectively (κ: 0.79); for F. nucleatum 73% and 53%, respectively (κ: 0.21); for P. gingivalis 94% and 84%, respectively (κ: 0.77); for P. intermedia 33% and 94%, respectively (κ: 0.26) and for T. forsythensis 92% and 56%, respectively (κ: 0.51). Spearman's correlation coefficients for the quantitative results of both methods were 0.82 for A. actinomycetemcomitans, 0.33 for F. nucleatum, 0.83 for P. gingivalis, 0.38 for P. intermedia and 0.67 for T. forsythensis.

Conclusion: Overall, the agreement between both test methods was excellent for A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, fair for T. forsythensis and poor for F. nucleatum and P. intermedia. The discrepancies in the results may be explained by the inability of cultivation methods to distinguish between close related taxa, and the problems of keeping periopathogenic bacteria viable, which is required for standard cultivation.
Inquiry into Meaning1
Authors: Barrs Myra , Spencer Margaret Meek
Published: June 2005

This is the first in what is intended to be a series of essay reviews of seminal texts.
Regular Exercise as a Part of Treatment for Patients With End‐stage Renal Disease
Authors: Knap Bojan , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael , Bren Andrej F
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  Physical inactivity and its negative influence on health and the quality of life is a common problem generally, especially in patients with chronic illness and also in patients with end‐stage renal disease. Motivation for regular physical exercise could be a problem. A supervised outpatient program in a rehabilitation center, a home exercise rehabilitation program and an exercise rehabilitation program during the first hours of the hemodialysis treatment with a bed bicycle ergometer in the renal unit could be carried out. Low intensity aerobic activity has a favorable effect on cardiovascular risk factor, and gymnastics to increase strength, flexibility and coordination, as well as relaxation techniques are very effective exercises in a rehabilitation program. The positive influence of individual regular exercise on health, quality of life, physical exercise capacity, endurance, muscle strength, social, professional and emotional status is also very high in patients. Side effects of exercise are very rare.
Prevention of Early Acute Rejection With Daclizumab and Triple Immunosuppression in Cadaveric Renal Allograft Recipients
Authors: Kandus Aljoša , Grego Katarina , Bren Andrej F
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  We carried out a prospective study of the safety and efficacy of daclizumab combined with triple immunosuppression in adult recipients of at least one HLA‐mismatched cadaveric renal allograft. All studied patients received the same immunosuppression: a daclizumab infusion of 1 mg/kg immediately before transplantation, and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks following the transplantation. Infusion of cyclosporine (CsA) (0.08 mg/kg/h) was started at the time of the operation and continued by CsA microemulsion (CsA‐Neoral), 3 mg/kg twice daily on day 2, methylprednisolone, 0.4 mg/kg intravenously at operation, and mycophenolate mofetil started on day 1. The dose of CsA‐Neoral was adjusted to maintain target blood trough levels. Oral methylprednisolone was tapered by 4 mg per week to achieve a maintenance dose of 0.08 mg/kg/day. Fifty‐five patients, with a mean age of 48 ± 11 years, were studied. Six of them received a second renal allograft. The mean donor age was 38 ± 14 years. Mean cold ischemia time was 19.5 ± 6.5 h, mean value of HLA‐antigen mismatches was 2.7 ± 0.9, mean latest PRA value was 3 ± 7%. Fifteen patients experienced delayed graft function. During a follow‐up period of 3 months three acute rejection episodes occurred. One patient died because of systemic aspergillosis. After 3 months mean serum creatinine was 104 ± 38 µmol/L. Five renal allografts failed, one of them due to rejection. Patient and graft survival was 98.2% and 90.9%, respectively. Daclizumab with this triple therapy represents safe and efficient immunosuppression strategy, demonstrated with low incidence of early acute rejection episodes and an acceptable adverse event profile in cadaveric renal allograft recipients.
QUANTUM DIAGONALIZATION METHOD IN THE TAVIS–CUMMINGS MODEL
Authors: FUJII KAZUYUKI , HIGASHIDA KYOKO , KATO RYOSUKE , SUZUKI TATSUO , WADA YUKAKO
Published: June 2005

To obtain the explicit form of evolution operator in the Tavis–Cummings model we must calculate the term e -itg(S+⊗a+S-⊗ a† explicitly which is very hard. In this paper we try to make the quantum matrix A ≡ S+ ⊗ a +S- ⊗ a† diagonal to calculate e -itgA and, moreover, to know a deep structure of the model.

For the case of one, two and three atoms we give such a diagonalization which is the first nontrivial examples as far as we know, and reproduce the calculations of e -itgA given in quant-ph/0404034. We also give a hint to an application to non-commutative differential geometry.

However, a quantum diagonalization is not unique and is affected by some ambiguity arising from the non-commutativity of operators in quantum physics.

Our method may open a new point of view in mathematical or quantum physics.
Infinite products of holomorphic mappings
Authors: Budzyńska Monika , Reich Simeon
Published: June 2005

Let X be a complex Banach space, 𝒩 a norming set
for X, and D ⊂ X a bounded, closed, and convex
domain such that its norm closure is compact in σ(X, 𝒩). Let ∅ ≠ C ⊂ D lie strictly inside D. We study convergence properties of infinite
products of those self‐mappings of C which can be extended to
holomorphic self‐mappings of D. Endowing the space of sequences
of such mappings with an appropriate metric, we show that the
subset consisting of all the sequences with divergent infinite
products is σ‐porous.
Generic well‐posedness in minimization problems
Authors: Ioffe A. , Lucchetti R. E.
Published: June 2005

The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of results
concerning, roughly speaking, the following issue: given a
(topologized) class of minimum problems, “how many” of them are
well‐posed? We will consider several ways to define the concept of
“how many,” and also several types of well‐posedness concepts.
We will concentrate our attention on results related to uniform
convergence on bounded sets, or similar convergence notions, as
far as the topology on the class of functions under investigation
is concerned.
Discontinuities in an axisymmetric generalized thermoelastic problem
Authors: Aouadi Moncef
Published: June 2005

This paper deals with discontinuities analysis in the temperature,
displacement, and stress fields of a thick plate whose lower and
upper surfaces are traction‐free and subjected to a given
axisymmetric temperature distribution. The analysis is carried out
under three thermoelastic theories. Potential functions together
with Laplace and Hankel transform techniques are used to derive
the solution in the transformed domain. Exact expressions for the
magnitude of discontinuities are computed by using an exact method
developed by Boley (1962). It is found that there exist two
coupled waves, one of which is elastic and the other is thermal, both
propagating with finite speeds with exponential attenuation, and a
third which is called shear wave, propagating with constant speed but
with no exponential attenuation. The Hankel transforms are
inverted analytically. The inversion of the Laplace transforms is
carried out using the inversion formula of the transform together
with Fourier expansion techniques. Numerical results are
presented graphically along with a comparison of the three
theories of thermoelasticity.
Identities with derivations and automorphisms on semiprime rings
Authors: Vukman Joso
Published: June 2005

The purpose of this paper is to investigate identities with derivations and automorphisms on semiprime rings. A classical result of Posner states that the existence of a nonzero centralizing derivation on a prime ring forces the ring to be commutative. Mayne proved that in case there exists a nontrivial centralizing automorphism on a prime ring, then the ring is commutative. In this paper, some results related to Posner′s theorem as well as to Mayne′s theorem are proved.
Lagrange, central norms, and quadratic Diophantine equations
Authors: Mollin R. A.
Published: June 2005

We consider the Diophantine equation of the form x2 − Dy2 = c, where c = ±1, ±2, and provide a generalization of results of Lagrange with elementary proofs using only basic properties of simple continued fractions. As a consequence, we achieve a completely general, simple, and elegant criterion for the central norm to be 2 in the simple continued fraction expansion of .
The stability of collocation methods for VIDEs of second order
Authors: Rawashdeh Edris , McDowell Dave , Rakesh Leela
Published: June 2005

Simplest results presented here are the stability
criteria of collocation methods for the second‐order Volterra
integro differential equation (VIDE) by polynomial spline
functions. The polynomial spline collocation method is stable if
all eigenvalues of a matrix are in the unit disk and all
eigenvalues with |λ| = 1 belong to a 1 × 1 Jordan block. Also many other conditions are derived depending upon the
choice of collocation parameters used in the solution procedure.
Error bounds for general mixed quasivariational inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: June 2005

It is well known that mixed quasivariational inequalities are
equivalent to the implicit fixed‐point problems. We use this
alternative equivalent formulation to suggest and consider some
merit functions for general mixed quasivariational inequalities.
We use these merit functions to obtain error bounds for the
solution under some mild conditions. Some special cases are also
discussed.
On π‐s‐images of metric spaces
Authors: Li Zhaowen
Published: June 2005

We establish the characterizations of metric spaces under compact‐covering (resp., pseudo‐sequence‐covering, sequence‐covering) π‐s‐maps by means of cfp‐covers (resp., sfp‐covers, cs‐covers) and σ‐strong networks.
Dual series equations involving generalized Laguerre polynomials
Authors: Singh B. M. , Rokne J. , Dhaliwal R. S.
Published: June 2005

An exact solution is obtained for the dual series equations
involving generalized Laguerre polynomials.
A note involving p‐valently Bazilević functions
Authors: Irmak Hüseyin , Piejko Krzysztof , Stankiewicz Jan
Published: June 2005

A theorem involving p‐valently Bazilević functions is
considered and then its certain consequences are given.
Influence of photoperiod and running wheel access on the entrainment of split circadian rhythms in hamsters
Authors: Rosenthal Sheila L , Vakili Martin M , Evans Jennifer A , Elliott Jeffrey A , Gorman Michael R
Published: June 2005

Background

In the laboratory, behavioral and physiological states of nocturnal rodents alternate, with a period near 24 h, between those appropriate for the night (e.g., elevated wheel-running activity and high melatonin secretion) and for the day (e.g., rest and low melatonin secretion). Under appropriate 24 h light:dark:light:dark conditions, however, rodents may be readily induced to express bimodal rest/activity cycles that reflect a global temporal reorganization of the central neural pacemaker in the hypothalamus. We examine here how the relative length of the light and dark phases of the environmental cycle influences this rhythm splitting and the necessity of a running wheel for expression of this entrainment condition.

Results

Rhythm splitting was observed in wheel-running and general locomotion of Siberian and Syrian hamsters. The latter also manifest split rhythms in body temperature. Access to a running wheel was necessary neither for the induction nor maintenance of this entrainment pattern. While rhythms were only transiently split in many animals with two 5 h nights, the incidence of splitting was greater with twice daily nights of shorter duration. Removal of running wheels altered the body temperature rhythm but did not eliminate its clear bimodality.

Conclusion

The expression of entrained, split circadian rhythms exhibits no strict dependence on access to a running wheel, but can be facilitated by manipulation of ambient lighting conditions. These circadian entrainment patterns may be of therapeutic value to human shift-workers and others facing chronobiological challenges.
Prognostic impact of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression on loco-regional recurrence after preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Azria David , Bibeau Frederic , Barbier Nicolas , Zouhair Abderrahim , Lemanski Claire , Rouanet Philippe , Ychou Marc , Senesse Pierre , Ozsahin Mahmut , Pèlegrin André , Dubois Jean-Bernard , Thèzenas Simon
Published: June 2005

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) represents a major target for current radiosensitizing strategies. We wished to ascertain whether a correlation exists between the expression of EGFR and treatment outcome in a group of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who had undergone preoperative radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

Within a six-year period, 138 patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy and curative surgery for rectal cancer (UICC stages II-III) at our institute. Among them, 77 pretherapeutic tumor biopsies were available for semi-quantitative immunohistochemical investigation evaluating the intensity and the number (extent) of tumor stained cells. Statistical analyses included Cox regression for calculating risk ratios of survival endpoints and logistic regression for determining odds ratios for the development of loco-regional recurrences.

Results

Median age was 64 years (range: 30–88). Initial staging showed 75% and 25% stage II and III tumors, respectively. RT consisted of 44-Gy pelvic irradiation in 2-Gy fractions using 18-MV photons. In 25 very low-rectal-cancer patients the primary tumor received a boost dose of up to 16 Gy for a sphincter-preservation approach. Concomitant chemotherapy was used in 17% of the cases. All patients underwent complete total mesorectal resection. Positive staining (EGFR+) was observed in 43 patients (56%). Median follow-up was 36 months (range: 6–86). Locoregional recurrence rates were 7 and 20% for EGFR extent inferior and superior to 25%, respectively. The corresponding locoregional recurrence-free survival rate at two years was 94% (95% confidence interval, CI, 92–98%) and 84% (CI 95%, 58–95%), respectively (P = 0.06). Multivariate analyses showed a significant correlation between the rate of loco-regional recurrence and three parameters: EGFR extent superior to 25% (hazard ratio = 7.18, CI 95%, 1.17–46, P = 0.037), rectal resection with microscopic residue (hazard ratio = 6.92, CI 95%, 1.18–40.41, P = 0.032), and a total dose of 44 Gy (hazard ratio = 5.78, CI 95%, 1.04–32.05, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

EGFR expression impacts on loco-regional recurrence. Knowledge of expression of EGFR in rectal cancer could contribute to the identification of patients with an increased risk of recurrences, and to the prediction of prognosis.
Palm is expressed in both developing and adult mouse lens and retina
Authors: Castellini Meryl , Wolf Louise V , Chauhan Bharesh K , Galileo Deni S , Kilimann Manfred W , Cvekl Ales , Duncan Melinda K
Published: June 2005

Background

Paralemmin (Palm) is a prenyl-palmitoyl anchored membrane protein that can drive membrane and process formation in neurons. Earlier studies have shown brain preferred Palm expression, although this protein is a major water insoluble protein in chicken lens fiber cells and the Palm gene may be regulated by Pax6.

Methods

The expression profile of Palm protein in the embryonic, newborn and adult mouse eye as well as dissociated retinal neurons was determined by confocal immunofluorescence. The relative mRNA levels of Palm, Palmdelphin (PalmD) and paralemmin2 (Palm2) in the lens and retina were determined by real time rt-PCR.

Results

In the lens, Palm is already expressed at 9.5 dpc in the lens placode, and this expression is maintained in the lens vesicle throughout the formation of the adult lens. Palm is largely absent from the optic vesicle but is detectable at 10.5 dpc in the optic cup. In the developing retina, Palm expression transiently upregulates during the formation of optic nerve as well as in the formation of both the inner and outer plexiform layers. In short term dissociated chick retinal cultures, Palm protein is easily detectable, but the levels appear to reduce sharply as the cultures age. Palm mRNA was found at much higher levels relative to Palm2 or PalmD in both the retina and lens.

Conclusion

Palm is the major paralemmin family member expressed in the retina and lens and its expression in the retina transiently upregulates during active neurite outgrowth. The expression pattern of Palm in the eye is consistent with it being a Pax6 responsive gene. Since Palm is known to be able to drive membrane formation in brain neurons, it is possible that this molecule is crucial for the increase in membrane formation during lens fiber cell differentiation.
Online clinical reasoning assessment with the Script Concordance test: a feasibility study
Authors: Sibert Louis , Darmoni Stefan J , Dahamna Badisse , Weber Jacques , Charlin Bernard
Published: June 2005

Background

The script concordance (SC) test is an assessment tool that measures capacity to solve ill-defined problems, that is, reasoning in context of uncertainty. This tool has been used up to now mainly in medicine. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of the test delivered on the Web to French urologists.

Methods

The principle of SC test construction and the development of the Web site are described. A secure Web site was created with two sequential modules: (a) The first one for the reference panel (n = 26) with two sub-tasks: to validate the content of the test and to elaborate the scoring system; (b) The second for candidates with different levels of experience in Urology: Board certified urologists, residents, medical students (5 or 6th year). Minimum expected number of participants is 150 for urologists, 100 for residents and 50 for medical students. Each candidate is provided with an individual access code to this Web site. He/she may complete the Script Concordance test several times during his/her curriculum.

Results

The Web site has been operational since April 2004. The reference panel validated the test in June of the same year during the annual seminar of the French Society of Urology. The Web site is available for the candidates since September 2004. In six months, 80% of the target figure for the urologists, 68% of the target figure for the residents and 20% of the target figure for the student passed the test online. During these six months, no technical problem was encountered.

Conclusion

The feasibility of the web-based SC test is successful as two-thirds of the expected number of participants was included within six months. Psychometric properties (validity, reliability) of the test will be evaluated on a large scale (N = 300). If positive, educational impact of this assessment tool will be useful to help urologists during their curriculum for the acquisition of clinical reasoning skills, which is crucial for professional competence.
An overview of the design and methods for retrieving high-quality studies for clinical care
Authors: Wilczynski Nancy L , Morgan Douglas , Haynes R Brian ,   the Hedges Team
Published: June 2005

Background

With the information explosion, the retrieval of the best clinical evidence from large, general purpose, bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE can be difficult. Both researchers conducting systematic reviews and clinicians faced with a patient care question are confronted with the daunting task of searching for the best medical literature in electronic databases. Many have advocated the use of search filters or "hedges" to assist with the searching process. The purpose of this report is to describe the design and methods of a study that set out to develop optimal search strategies for retrieving sound clinical studies of health disorders in large electronics databases.

Objective

To describe the design and methods of a study that set out to develop optimal search strategies for retrieving sound clinical studies of health disorders in large electronic databases.

Design

An analytic survey comparing hand searches of 170 journals in the year 2000 with retrievals from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for candidate search terms and combinations. The sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy of unique search terms and combinations of search terms were calculated.

Conclusion

A study design modeled after a diagnostic testing procedure with a gold standard (the hand search of the literature) and a test (the search terms) is an effective way of developing, testing, and validating search strategies for use in large electronic databases.
Molecular analysis of two local falciparum malaria outbreaks on the French Guiana coast confirms the msp1 B-K1/varD genotype association with severe malaria
Authors: Legrand Eric , Volney Beatrice , Lavergne Anne , Tournegros Caroline , Florent Loïc , Accrombessi Doris , Guillotte Micheline , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Esterre Philippe
Published: June 2005

Background

Plasmodium falciparum outbreaks can occur in the coastal area of French Guiana, where the population is essentially non-immune. Two sporadic outbreaks were observed, including one with severe malaria cases. To characterize these outbreaks and verify previous observations of specific genotype characteristics in severe malaria in this area, all cases from each outbreak were studied.

Methods

P. falciparum genotypes for six genetic loci were determined by PCR amplification from peripheral blood parasites. The msp1/ block2 and msp2 genotypes were determined by DNA sequencing. Microsatellite and varD genotyping was based on size polymorphism and locus-specific amplification.

Results

The outbreak including severe malaria cases was associated with a single genotype. The other mild malaria outbreak was due to at least five distinct genotypes.

Conclusion

Two distinct types of outbreak occured despite systematic and sustained deployement of malaria control measures, indicating a need for reinforced vigilance. The varD/B-K1 msp1 linkage and its association with severe malaria in this area was confirmed.
Morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma: A risk analysis
Authors: Gockel Ines , Exner Christoph , Junginger Theodor
Published: June 2005

Background

The study was aimed to identify pre- and intraoperative risk factors that potentially influence morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma with particular emphasis on the predominant tumor types.

Patients and methods

Between September 1985 and March 2004, 424 patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma. Of these, 186 (43.9%) patients had a transhiatal, and 231 (54.5%) patients underwent a transthoracic procedure with two-field lymphadenectomy. Pre-, intraoperative risk factors and tumor characteristics were included in the risk analysis to assess their influence on postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

Multivariate analysis (logistic regression model) identified the surgical procedure as the most important risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality with the transthoracic technique associated with a significant higher risk. The comparison of the risk profile between the different histological tumor types, a significantly higher nutritional risk, poorer preoperative lung function and a higher prevalence of hepatopathy was observed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (n = 229) compared to adenocarcinoma (n = 150) (p < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in surgical complications between the two groups, the rate of general complications, length of postoperative intensive care unit-stay and mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present risk analysis shows that the selection and the type of the surgical procedure are crucial factors for both the incidence of postoperative complications and the mortality rate. The higher risk of the transthoracic procedure is justified with a view to a better long term prognosis.
Intracranial tuberculoma – a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Tewary R K , O’Sullivan M G J , Ali T A , O’Sullivan P G
Published: June 2005

The characteristics of intracranial tuberculoma on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not well known. The authors present a patient with an intracranial tuberculoma in whom the diagnosis was confirmed only after surgical excision.
"Stop This Overwhelming Torment of Destiny": Negotiating Financial Aid at Times of Sickness under the English Old Poor Law, 1800-1840
Authors: King Steven
Published: June 2005

The issue of entitlement under the English Poor Law (1601–1834) is a complex question, and nowhere more so than in the context of the sick poor. Using the example of communities in one of England's most parsimonious Poor Law counties, Lancashire, this article will show that the sick poor faced uncertain and uneven entitlement to relief and medical intervention. Faced with such uncertainty, they adopted three core linguistic and posturing strategies when attempting to establish their eligibility for relief in the eyes of Poor Law officials. Pauper letters and the correspondence of overseers of the poor and vestries are used to unpick the process of obtaining poor relief and to highlight the subtle strategization of pauper applicants. The article concludes by suggesting that there may have been a regional patterning in access to medical relief in England in the last decades of the Old Poor Law.
Selskar Gunn and China: The Rockefeller Foundation's "Other" Approach to Public Health
Authors: Litsios Socrates
Published: June 2005

The Rockefeller Foundation's program for rural development in China was developed by Selskar Gunn during the period 1932–34 and was initiated in 1935. It was multidisciplinary in nature, and its aim was to raise the educational, social, and economic standards of rural China. It was recognized by some at the time as an alternative to the International Health Division's approach to public health. This paper describes the program, what led Gunn to develop it in China, and the internal tensions that it created. Also addressed is the question of why this program had such limited impact on subsequent developments in the field of international health.
Anglos Abroad: Memoirs of Immersion in a Foreign Language
Authors: Besemeres Mary
Published: June 2005

This paper compares recent narratives of immersion in a foreign language and culture by authors from Australia, Britain, and the United States. These writers occupy an ambiguous position at a time when English has acquired the status of a global language. In one sense, they are representatives of the dominant language and culture of contemporary experience. Yet in another, they can be seen as part of a wider resistance to the ascendancy of English, traversing its borders to explore other ways of being-in-the-world.
Living Autobiographically
Authors: Eakin Paul John
Published: June 2005

Linking autobiography and the homeostatic activity of the body, which regulates the stability of the human organism as it moves into the future, this essay stresses the future orientation of memoryÕs recovery of the past. Andr� Aciman's sketch "Arbitrage" captures this forward movement of memory work, embedded in our lives even as we live them.
The Bonds of Civility Cut Asunder: Arnold Zable as a Post-Holocaust Life Writer
Authors: Freadman Richard
Published: June 2005

This article explores how the work of Australian Jewish author Arnold Zable, a second generation Holocaust survivor, calls forth a global moral community, by imagining community in a way that honors the specificities of local culture and the insider's intimacy of belonging, while respecting the multicultural citizen's ability to participate in other cultural worlds.
Other Modernities: National Autobiography and Globalization
Authors: Holden Philip
Published: June 2005

A series of "national autobiographies," written by political leaders testifying to the struggle of anticolonial nationalism to form an independent nation, achieved popularity with a global reading public in the twentieth century. These texts are both amenable to reading through the critical frameworks of contemporary auto/biography studies, and also offer useful challenges to contemporary critical common sense about the relationships between globalization and autobiography.
Inhabiting Multiple Worlds: Auto/Biography in an (Anti-)Global Age
Authors: Parker David
Published: June 2005

While globalization is often associated with provisional identities ever in the flux of reinvention, the papers in this special issue seem on the whole skeptical of such postmodernist theorizing. They tend instead to show the importance of relationality as a paradigm in auto/biography studies, with its renewed interest in the ethical dimensions of life narrative. Many of the papers can be seen as ethical and political explorations of the extended relations between self and other in a newly "compressed" world.
Thoroughly Modern Mulatta: Rethinking "Old World" Stereotypes in a "New World" Setting
Authors: Perkins Maureen
Published: June 2005

This paper examines the role of racial stereotypes in the life narratives of several women of color living in Australia. While coming from very different parts of the world, all show an awareness of popular images of the mixed race woman. Their sensitivity on this issue points to the continuing effects of past racism and the globalization of colonial discourse, as well as hints at a sense of community based on color which crosses established "ethnic" boundaries.
Self-Publishing in the Global and Local: Situating Life Writing in Zines
Authors: Poletti Anna
Published: June 2005

This paper will examine zines and zine culture as a unique medium of life writing. Using Australian zines as the primary focus, I will analyze two narrative strategies common to zine writing, and present zines as one of the few sites where life writing by young people is performed and circulated.
Sim Koh-Wei, My Jewish Grandmother
Authors: Prosser Jay
Published: June 2005

Global currents bring with them stories of translation. This reflection tells of how my Chinese grandmother, born in the last days of imperial China, emigrated to Singapore on the wave of another empire, that of the British. Here she met another migrant, a Baghdadi Jew who had come via India; here they loved and traded worlds.